cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lithography Technique for Topographical Micropatterning of Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Membranes for Tissue Engineering Applications

BACKGROUND: An adaptable technique for micropatterning biomaterial scaffolds has enormous implications in controlling cell function and in the development of tissue-engineered (TE) microvasculature. In this paper, we report a technique to embed microscale patterns onto a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) membrane as a first step towards the creation of TE constructs with built-in microvasculature. METHOD OF APPROACH: The CG membranes were fabricated by homogenizing a solution of Type I bovine collagen and chondroitin 6-sulfate in acetic acid and vacuum filtering the solution subsequently. The micropatterning technique consisted of three steps: surface dissolution of base matrix using acetic acid solution, feature resolution by application of uniform pressure and feature stability by glutaraldehyde crosslinking. RESULTS: Application of the new technique yielded patterns in CG membranes with a spatial resolution in the order of 2-3 microns. We show that such a patterned matrix is conducive to the attachment of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC's). CONCLUSIONS: The patterned membranes can be used for the development of complex three-dimensional TE products with built-in flow channels, as templates for topographically directed cell growth, or as a model system to study various microvascular disorders where feature scales are important. The new technique is versatile; topographical patterns can be custom-made for any predetermined design with high spatial resolution and the technique itself can be adapted for use with other scaffold materials.
School Context and the Problem Behavior and Social Skills of Students with Emotional Disturbance

Variability in the social and behavioral characteristics of students with emotional disturbance (ED) in the public schools may impact special education effectiveness; yet very little evidence exists on how such variability may express itself from school to school. One place to begin such investigation involves school context as expressed by income level and academic performance. In this study, we selected 140 children (grades kindergarten through 6) receiving special education services for ED in schools in a large east-coast urban area. We gathered school-wide test results from state achievement testing and school poverty levels from eligibility for free or reduced lunch on each school. For each child, we collected teacher ratings of problem behavior and social skills. Findings from regression analyses revealed significant relationships between school context and children’s externalizing and internalizing behavior. We discuss the implications of these findings for the concept of ED as a unitary disability category in special education research and practice.
Predictors of plasma triglyceride elevation in patients participating in a coronary atherosclerosis treatment program.

Purpose Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets have been used successfully to prevent and treat coronary heart disease, although these diets have been shown to cause elevations in fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations. The present study investigated metabolic factors (glucose, insulin, body weight) associated with changes in plasma triglyceride concentrations in patients participating in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program, which included the use of a very low-fat diet designed to regress atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Methods Thirty-six patients were entered into the study and placed on a 10% fat diet. Body mass index and fasting plasma insulin, glucose, lipids, and apolipoproteins were assessed at entrance into and after 3 months of participation in the program. Statistical analysis (discriminant function analysis) was used to identify factors that predicted elevations in plasma triglyceride that occurred during therapy. Results For the entire group, significant reductions in body weight (-2.4%), fasting glucose (-6%), total cholesterol (-8%), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-11%) were observed, while insulin and triglycerides showed no significant changes. Twenty-one of the patients experienced an increase in fasting triglyceride concentration of 10% or greater. Conclusions Three variables (baseline body mass index and fasting triglyceride and insulin concentrations) accurately classified 90% of those who would experience a > or = 10% elevation in triglycerides (P = 0.0002) and 67% of those who experienced no change. The present analysis provides a practical algorithm for clinicians to predict which patients will experience significant elevations in plasma triglyceride concentration when undergoing risk factor reduction that includes the consumption of a very low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet.
High precision automatic scheduling of periodic task sets for microcontrollers

In low-end microcontroller systems task scheduling is often not done, or using very ad-hoc methods, or using a high-overhead RTOS. In this paper we offer an alternative: the design-time generation of high-precision schedules which are then executed using a minimal scheduler on a microcontroller. The schedules are derived from a simple task modeling language that allows the specification of properties of tasks, constraints on task execution, as well as worst-case interrupt rates and interrupt service execution times. An off-line scheduling algorithm then computes a schedule for the tasks specified which is then compiled and linked with a simple execution kernel that performs the scheduling. The paper describes the modeling language, the schedule computation approach used, the run-time kernel, as well as experimental results.
Channel length scaling of 1/f noise in 0.18 μm technology MDD n-MOSFETs

Abstract Low-frequency (LF) noise (1 Hz–100 KHz) measurements have been performed on 12 n-channel MOSFETs with 5 μm width and 0.23–10 μm varying lengths. The MOSFETs were fabricated using a 0.18 μm, medium-doped-drain (MDD) technology. Interface state density and oxide trap density were extracted from the sub-threshold slope characteristics of I–VGS measurements, and from 1/f noise measurements, respectively. The McWhorter theory based on long-channel MOSFETs was found to break down for MOSFETs with L S V d ∝L −1 for L≥1 μm as expected from the McWhorter theory, but showed a stronger dependence on channel length for smaller devices. Following the Tsai and Ma formulation, a modified McWhorter model has been used, based on threshold voltage variations across the channel. The new model more accurately predicts the Si–SiO2 interface trap density and the channel length dependence of 1/f noise magnitude in sub-micron MDD MOSFETs. Three HSPICE 1/f noise models were evaluated. Although the highest level model provided a good fit to the data for L≥1 μm, for shorter channel devices all three levels underestimate the noise magnitude.
Conjugation of haloalkanes by bacterial and mammalian glutathione transferases: mono- and dihalomethanes.

A primary route of metabolism of dihalomethanes occurs via glutathione (GSH) transferase-catalyzed conjugation. Mammalian theta class GSH transferases and a group of bacterial dichloromethane dehalogenases are able to catalyze the hydrolytic dehalogenation of dihalomethanes via GSH conjugation and subsequent formation of HCHO. Dihalomethanes have been shown to induce revertants in Salmonella typhimurium TA 1535 expressing theta class GSH transferases. Two mammalian theta class GSH transferases (rat GST 5-5 and human GST T1) and the bacterial dehalogenase DM11 were compared in the in vitro conjugation of CH3Cl and using in vitro assays (HCHO formation) and the S. typhimurium mutagenesis assay with the dihalomethanes CH2Cl2, CH2Br2, CH2BrCl, CH2ICl, CH2I2, and CH2ClF. GSTs 5-5 and TI had similar characteristics and exhibited first-order rather than Michaelis-Menten kinetics for HCHO formation over the range of dihalomethane concentrations tested. In contrast, the DM11 enzyme displayed typical hyperbolic Michaelis-Menten kinetics for all of the compounds tested. A similar pattern was observed for the conjugation of CH3Cl The reversion tests with S. typhimurium expressing DM11 or GST 5-5 showed a concentration-dependent increase in revertants for most of the dihalomethanes, and DM11 produced revertants at dihalomethane concentrations lower than GST 5-5. Collectively, the results indicate that rates of conversion of dihalomethanes to HCHO are not correlated with mutagenicity and that GSH conjugates are genotoxic. The results are compared with the conjugation and genotoxicity of haloethanes in the preceding paper in this issue [Wheeler, J. B., Stourman, N. V., Armstrong, R. N., and Guengerich, F. P. (2001) Chem. Res. Toxicol. 14, 1107-1117]. The halide order appears most important in the dihalomethane conjugation reactions catalyzed by GST 5-5 and less so in GST T1 and DM11, probably due to changes in the rate-limiting steps.
Activity and school attendance monitoring system for adolescents with Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease, the most common hemoglobin disorder, affects major organ systems with symptoms of pain, anemia and a multitude of chronic conditions. For adolescents, the disease adversely affects school attendance, academic progress and social activity. To effectively study the relationship among school attendance and other factors like demographics and academic performance, studies have relied on self-reporting and school records, all of which have some bias. In this study we design and prototype a system, called SickleSAM (Sickle cell School attendance and Activity Monitoring system), for automatically monitoring school attendance and daily activity of adolescents with sickle cell disease. SickleSAM intends to remove human bias and inaccuracies. The system uses built-in GPS to collect data which will be recorded into a cloud database using Short Messaging Service technology. SickleSAM is developed by Georgia Institute of Technology in conjunction with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). System effectiveness is being evaluated using a trial of 10 adolescents with the disease.
Synthesis of and Insulin Release from Erodible, Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-Phospholipid Composites

Erodible, gel-like, polymer-lipid composites were prepared by employing a ther mally reversible polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPA Am) that has a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Composites were synthesized by dissolving N-hydroxysuccinimidyl active-ester-group activated polyNIPAAm and lipids including dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol in chloroform; hydrating with an aqueous drug solu tion ; and then sonicating the aqueous mixture to a temperature above the LCST of polyNIPAAm. Insulin was suspended in the aqueous solution and was then incorporated within the polymer-lipid composites during formation of the composites. These composites erode away in aqueous solution, gradually releasing the insulin. Increasing frequency of phospholipid (PL) along the polyNIPAAm chain decreases the rates of erosion and drug release The freeze-dried composite has a faster ero sion rate and drug release rate than air-dried composite. The composite eroded and...
WAVEGUIDE-COUPLED TWO-DIMENSIONAL PHOTONIC CRYSTALS AS ULTRASENSITIVE OPTICAL VIRUS SENSORS

We report the design, fabrication, and use of a nanocavity-coupled w1 PhC waveguide biosensor for label-free, high sensitivity optical detection of viruses. The device is a promising candidate for lab-on-a-chip analysis of human serum.
South Dakota Continuing Dental Education Using Open-Circuit Television: Two-Year Report

In this report, participation of South Dakota dentists in a two-year series of continuing dental education courses, with educational television as the dissemination medium, is described. The administrative framework, communication system established with dentists, viewing percentages tabulated for the series of nine courses, and dentists’ reactions to the televised courses are reported. The results of the viewing survey conducted for the two-year period indicate that a majority of dentists in the state viewed the televised continuing dental education courses. The survey also indicates that educational television can be used for continuing dental education courses by outstanding clinicians at a relatively low cost per dentist at a convenient time and place.
A Review of Why and How We May Use β-Blockers in Congestive Heart Failure

The history of the use of β-blockers for congestive heart failure, beginning with the innovative seminal study by the Swedish group in 1975 to studies in 1995, is reviewed and shows that almost all trials favored the use of β-blockers. They tended to demonstrate an increase in ejection fraction, a decrease in left ventricular mass, and in some studies, even a decrease in mortality. Even after the introduction of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, additional improvement in function and mortality was observed. Patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy derived more benefit from β-blockers than did patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Least likely to benefit were patients treated for
Thermal oxidation of extruded poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)

Abstract The oxidation of extruded polyphenylene ether resin at moderate temperatures has been shown to obey Arrhenius kinetics with first-order dependence on the hydroxyl endgroups and half-order dependence on oxygen. In blends, the oxidation is overall second order in uncapped resin. The phenolic endgroup catalyzes the oxidation of the benzylic methyl groups, so capping the resin leads to a much reduced oxidation rate. The rate of oxidation of the capped commercial resin is approximately the same as that of pure capped model compounds, showing that other factors such as residual catalyst or structural irregularities play only a minor role in promoting the oxidation. A mechanism involving attack of the endgroup phenoxyl radical on the benzylic methyl group is suggested as the first step in the oxidation of the uncapped polymer.
Critical reading of words and phrases in aphasia.

Abstract To assess ability to read critically at the word and phrase level, four tests were administered to aphasic patients blocked on site of lesion and severity of auditory comprehension defect. Overall, site of lesion did not affect the quantitative scores or the patterns of errors in the four tests; this result suggests that there is a fixed order of difficulty in reading comprehension irrespective of the locus of the aphasic deficit. In contrast, profiles of performance differed significantly, depending on severity of comprehension difficulty. Patients with significant comprehension defect proved relatively superior at recognizing misspelled words; relatively poor at matching written nouns with their depicted referents; less likely to display improved comprehension when an additional substantive was included in a written phrase; relatively better at recognizing which words were the same parts of speech than at recognizing which words share salient semantic features; and relatively better at matching words which belonged together than at choosing the word which does not belong to a set. Taken together, the results suggest that strategies of reading may change in the presence of a severe aphasia, with such impaired patients relying less on semantic considerations and consequently more on orthographic information and on the distributional and sequential properties of words in sentences.
Definition and properties of a particular notion of convexity

In an attempt to develop a general theory of nonlinear equations with exactly three solutions in general Hilbert spaces, we have noticed that a particular notion of convexity plays a key role. This paper is devoted to the study of some of its basic properties and we show how it generalizes homogeneous convex functionals on the one hand and some special convex functions of one real variable on the other hand. The important case of functionals associated with Nemytskii's operators is treated as an example.
Chemical vapor deposition of highly conductive boron-doped graphite from triphenyl boron

Abstract Thermal decomposition of triphenyl boron vapor at 800°C produced boron-carbon thin films of composition C16–18B. The room-temperature resistivity of this material was 1.8 × 10 −4 Ω· cm , considerably lower than pyrolytic carbons produced at similar temperatures. This resistivity remained unchanged as the temperature was lowered to 5 K, indicating fine-grain, metallic-like conductivity. Material composition was determined using Auger electron spectroscopy. X-ray and electron diffraction studies show that the films had a layered structure similar to turbostatic graphite and ESCA experiments indicate that the boron is bonded to carbon and is not present as a second phase.
Determination of the shape of a potential barrier from the tunneling transmission coefficient

Given the shape of a potential barrier $V(x)$, there is an explicit expression in the WKB approximation for the transmission coefficient for penetration of the barrier. The problem considered in this paper is to find the inverse relation, determining $V(x)$ from the transmission coefficient. It is shown that the width of the barrier at energy $E$ can be determined if the transmission coefficient is known for energies between $E$ and ${V}_{max}$, the barrier maximum. Other properties of the turning points can be deduced for potentials which can be written in terms of a parameter $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ as $V(x)={V}_{0}(x)\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\varphi}(x)$, if the dependence of transmission coefficient on $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is known. For the specific case of field emission, one can find the potential $V(x)$ from the energy and field dependence of the transmission coefficient.
Family support for first-time mothers in the Aleutians

Objective. This paper examines changes in the support first-time mothers receive from parents and other relatives in Aleutian communities. Study Design. Data were collected as part of the Social Transitions in the North study. Data used in this study came from the Aleutian communities of St. Paul, Akutan, Unalaska and Sand Point, Alaska. Methods. The STN study data using a combination of background ethnographies, a detailed survey instrument, open-ended interviews, Kleinman focus groups and genealogies. These were meant to complement and build upon each other. Result. While it appears that teenage pregnancies still occur while the unmarried mother lives with her parents, the social context of such situations has changed considerably since the 1970s. Many respondents indicated that although families are more fragmented than previously, the responsibility for raising children continues to be shared throughout the extended family. Nuclear family households have become more prevalent. Government transfers and housing have become more readily available for young single mothers. Conclusions. The extended family is still a viable social and economic unit in Aleutian villages. People may live in nuclear family households, but parents, grandparents and other relatives are still a strong support for young mothers. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2004; 63 suppl 1:39-42) Keywords: Alaska and Russian Indigenous communities, critical life event, family, health surveys, motherhood
Riding the plane: bimanual, desktop 3D manipulation

A bimanual 7 Degree of Freedom (DOF) manipulation technique based on a hybrid 3D cursor driven by the combination of mouse and trackball is presented. This technique allows the user to move the cursor to the target location in 3D scene by following a conceived straight or curved path. In the pilot study, participants could learn the technique in a short time and perform the docking task steadily without physical fatigue.
Dos-based exercises that demonstrate classic studies in human memory

Ten exercises are described that demonstrate some classic experiments in human memory and cognition. The studies, prepared in MEL Professional V1.0, have been incorporated in an undergraduate class taught by the author for a number of years. Survey data from students completing the course indicate that the exercises promote understanding of class material. Availability of the programs is described.
Liquid density measurements using the falling needle viscometer

Abstract The falling needle density meter/viscometer (FNDV) consists of a vertical cylinder which is filled with the test sample. Using a needle launcher at the top of the cylinder, the first needle having a known density is allowed to fall through the liquid in the cylinder. The time that the needle falls between two marks, or transducers, spaced on the cylinder with a known distance apart is measured and the velocity of the needle through the liquid is calculated. Then a second needle having the same dimensions as the first and a known density different from that of the first needle is allowed to fall through the liquid. The time that the second needle falls between the two marks on the cylinder or transducers is measured and the velocity of the second needle through the liquid is calculated. Using the densities of the two needles and the velocities through the Newtonian liquid the density and viscosity of the liquid can be determined simultaneously. Two Newtonian fluids were used for density and/or viscosity measurements. In addition, density and apparent viscosity measurements were made using a power law non-Newtonian fluid for which three needles must be dropped. Results are presented showing that the Newtonian density measurements agreed within 0.27% with the standard values and the non-Newtonian fluid within 0.44% of independent density measurements.
Ventilatory and metabolic demands during aggressive physical restraint in healthy adults

We investigated ventilatory and metabolic demands in healthy adults when placed in the prone maximal restraint position (PMRP), i.e., hogtie restraint. Maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) was measured in seated subjects (n=30), in the PMRP, and when prone with up to 90.1 or 102.3 kg of weight on the back. MVV with the heaviest weight was 70% of the seated MVV (122+/-28 and 156+/-38 L/min, respectively; p<0.001). Also, subjects (n=27) were placed in the PMRP and struggled vigorously for 60 sec. During the restrained struggle, ventilatory function (V(E)/ MVV) was 44% of MVV in the resting PMRP. While prone with up to 90.1 or 102.3 kg on the back, the decrease in MVV was of no clinical importance in these subjects. Also, while maximally struggling in the PMRP, V(E) was still adequate to supply the ventilatory needs.
EFFECTS OF NITROGEN NUTRITION AND DAY TEMPERATURE ON COMPOSITION, COLOR AND NITRATE IN TOMATO FRUIT

The effects of nitrogen nutrition and day temperature on composition, color and nitrate in VF–145 tomatoes were investigated in growth chambers kept at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C respectively during the days for 14 hr, and at 20° C during the nights for 10 hr. Nitrogen fertilizer application was altered in half the pots in each chamber by supplying them with half-strength −N Hoagland's #1 solution during the fruit growth period. Tomatoes from fertilized plants (+N) were slightly higher in titratable acidity but lower in solids content than those from the −N plants. Fruits ripening at high day temperature were poor in color while those ripening at below 30°C were more attractive in color. The total, amino, ammonium and nitrate nitrogen contents of the tomato fruits were higher in the +N series than those of –N series. Tomatoes from plants receiving +N treatments contained more nitrate than those receiving −N treatments. Day temperature greatly affected the nitrate content in the tomatoes. In the +N series the nitrate content of the tomatoes decreased from 72.9 ppm to 0.37 ppm as the day temperature increased from 20: to 35°C. In the −N series, the nitrate content ranged from 0.35–1.15 ppm. Accumulation of nitrates in tomatoes appears to be related to the level of nitrate in the nutrient solution and the day temperature. Low day temperature results in accumulation of nitrate because of the low nitrate reductase activity.
Surface complexation models: An evaluation of model parameter estimation using FITEQL and oxide mineral titration data

Abstract The ability of surface complexation models (SCMs) to fit sets of titration data as a function of changes in model parameters was evaluated using FITEQL and acid-base titration data of α-FeOOH, α-Al2O3, and TiO2. Three SCMs were evaluated: the triple-layer model (TLM), the constant capacitance model (CCM), and the diffuse-layer model (DLM). For all models evaluated, increasing the model input value for the total number of surface sites caused a decrease in the best-fit Log K values of the surface protolysis constants. In the case of the CCM, the best-fit surface protolysis constants were relatively insensitive to changes in the value of the capacitance fitting parameter, C1, particularly for values of C1 greater than 1.2 F/m2. Similarly, the best-fit values of TLM surface electrolyte binding constants were less influenced by changes in the value of C1 when C1 was greater than 1.2 F/m2. For a given C1 value, the best-fit TLM values of the electrolyte binding constants were sensitive to changes in ΔpKa up to ΔpKa values of 3. For ΔpKa values above 3, no changes in the best-fit electrolyte binding constants were observed. Effects of the quality and extent of titration data on the best-fit values for surface constants are discussed for each model. A method is suggested for choosing a unique set of parameter values for each of the models.
Radiation Damage to Scintillator in the DØ Luminosity Monitor

We report the result of evaluating radiation damage to Bicron BC408 plastic scintillator used in the DOslash Luminosity Monitor during Run IIa. The Luminosity Monitor provides pseudo-rapidity coverage over the range 2.7 < |eta| < 4.4, with the radiation dose in Run IIa estimated to be 0.5 MRad for the region closest to the beams. We find the light yield is degraded by 10-15 % due to radiation damage by comparing new and old scintillator in four observables: (i) visual inspection, (ii) optical transmittance, (iii) response to the radioactive source of 90Sr and (iv) light yield for cosmic rays.
Likelihood of total resolution in liquid chromatography: Evaluation of one-dimensional, comprehensive two-dimensional, and selective comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Computer simulations of three methods of liquid chromatography (LC) are developed to understand better the conditions under which each method is superior to the others. The methods are one-dimensional LC (1D-LC), comprehensive two-dimensional LC (LC×LC), and selective comprehensive two-dimensional LC (sLC×LC). The criterion by which superiority is measured in this case is the probability that all peaks in a given sample are separated by a resolution equaling or exceeding unity. A point-process model is developed for the simulation of sLC×LC to complement existing models for 1D-LC and LC×LC. In the sLC×LC model, first-dimension singlet peaks remain in that dimension, and first-dimension multiplets, or clusters of overlapping peaks, are transferred to the second dimension for further separation during the interval of time between successive multiplets. Criteria are developed for the success or failure of multiplet transfer. The three LC methods are simulated for peak numbers ranging from 2 to 50 and analysis times ranging from 10 to 1200s, using peak capacities that reflect the performance of modern instrumentation. The probability computations predict the experimental finding that LC×LC is superior to 1D-LC at long times (over 210 or so seconds) but is inferior at shorter times due to the broadening of first-dimension peaks by sampling. In general, sLC×LC is predicted to be superior to LC×LC for samples with less than 40 peaks separated using three samples or less per multiplet. Conversely, LC×LC is predicted to be superior to sLC×LC for samples containing more than 40 peaks and when sLC×LC separations are carried out with six samples per multiplet. We find that the analysis time required to attain a 50% probability of total resolution is always predicted to be shorter for sLC×LC than for 1D-LC, and 30-75% shorter than for LC×LC when 20 or so peaks are separated. Finally, in light of the substantial predicted time savings for sLC×LC analyses the computations are interpreted relative to practical concerns, e.g., retention-time shifts, to establish good working conditions (e.g., the number of samples per multiplet) for future experimental studies of sLC×LC.
Large Effects of Small Water Deficits on Chlorophyll Accumulation and Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Etiolated Leaves of Jack Bean (Canavalia ensiformis [L.] DC.)

In the course of investigating RNA metabolism in greening plastids of unexpanded leaves of jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis [L.] DC.) seedlings, it was found that relative humidity had to be controlled in order to obtain reproducible rates of chlorophyll accumulation and 3H-uracil incorporation into newly synthesized RNA. Under high relative humidity conditions, chlorophyll accumulation occurred rapidly in the light while low relative humidity conditions were associated with slow accumulation and much reduced incorporation of radioactive uracil into RNA.
Active blobs: region-based, deformable appearance models

A region-based approach to nonrigid motion tracking is described. Shape is defined in terms of a deformable triangular mesh that captures object shape plus a color texture map that captures object appearance. Photometric variations are also modeled. Nonrigid shape registration and motion tracking are achieved by posing the problem as an energy-based, robust minimization procedure. The approach provides robustness to occlusions, wrinkles, shadows, and specular highlights. The formulation is tailored to take advantage of texture mapping hard-ware available in many workstations, PCs, and game consoles. This enables nonrigid tracking at speeds approaching video rate.
Effect of stream mixing on RO energy cost minimization.

Abstract Various mixing operations between the feed, retentate and permeate streams are studied in this work to determine their effectiveness in decreasing the specific energy consumption (SEC) of single-stage (single-pass), two-pass and two-stage reverse osmosis (RO) processes operated at the limit of the thermodynamic restriction. The results show that in a single-stage RO process, partial retentate recycling to the feed stream does not change the SEC, while partial permeate recycling to the feed stream increases the SEC if targeting the same overall water recovery. Energy optimization of two-pass membrane desalination, with second-pass retentate recycling to the first-pass feed stream and operated at the limit imposed by the thermodynamic restriction, revealed the existence of a critical water recovery. When desalting is accomplished at recoveries above the critical water recovery, two-pass desalination with recycling is always less efficient than single-pass desalination. When desalting is accomplished at recoveries below the critical water recovery, an operational sub-domain exists in which the SEC for a two-pass process with recycling can be lower than for a single-pass counterpart, when the latter is not operated at its globally optimal state. For the two-stage RO process, diverting part of the raw feed to the second stage, in order to dilute the feed to the second-stage RO, does not decrease the minimal achievable SEC of a two-stage RO process. The various mixing approaches, while may provide certain operational or system design advantages (e.g., with respect to achieving target salt rejection for certain solutes or flux balancing), do not provide an advantage from an energy usage perspective.
Patterns of Coexisting Lesions Detected on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Relationship to Incident Knee Osteoarthritis: The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study.

Objective To identify patterns of coexisting lesions seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in knees that are free of radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine the relationship of these MRI-detected lesions to incident OA. Methods Study subjects were individuals enrolled in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, a prospective cohort study. In each subject, 1 knee in which radiographic OA was absent in both the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints at baseline was selected for study, with followup for 84 months. We used a novel approach, latent class analysis, to group the constellation of MRI lesions in each joint, i.e., cartilage damage, bone marrow lesion, meniscal tear, meniscal extrusion, synovitis, and effusion, into a manageable number of subgroups. The association of these subgroups with incident radiographic OA in the same joint was assessed using logistic regression. Results Among 885 eligible knees (203 with incident disease in the tibiofemoral joint, 64 with incident disease in the patellofemoral joint), 4 latent subgroups in the tibiofemoral joint were identified (described briefly as minimal lesions, mild lesions, moderate lesions [but limited meniscal lesions], and severe lesions). The odds ratios of incident tibiofemoral joint OA in the latter 3 subgroups (compared to the knees with minimal lesions as the referent) were 5.6, 1.8, and 5.0, respectively. A similar set of 4 subgroups in the patellofemoral joint was identified, except that the fourth subgroup had limited meniscal lesions. The odds ratios of incident disease in the patellofemoral joint were 3.8, 5.1, and 13.7 in the subgroups with mild lesions, moderate lesions, and severe lesions, respectively. Conclusion Different patterns of coexisting MRI lesions, which have different implications with regard to risk of knee OA, were identified. Meniscal damage seemed to play a different role in the development of incident disease in tibiofemoral versus patellofemoral joints.
Fluorescent Multivalent Opsonophagocytic Assay for Measurement of Functional Antibodies to Streptococcus Pneumoniae

We developed fluorescent mono- and multivalent opsonophagocytic assays (fOPA and fmOPA, respectively) specific for seven Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F). Bacterial survival was quantitated with alamar blue, a fluorescent metabolic indicator. Both fOPA and fmOPA allow for determination of viability endpoints for up to seven serotypes with high levels of agreement to the reference method. The fmOPA eliminates colony counting, reduces serum volume, and produces results in 1 day.
Cell replacement therapy in neurological disease

Diseases of the brain and spinal cord represent especially daunting challenges for cell-based strategies of repair, given the multiplicity of cell types within the adult central nervous system, and the precision with which they must interact in both space and time. Nonetheless, a number of diseases are especially appropriate for cell-based therapy, in particular those in which single phenotypes are lost, and in which the re-establishment of vectorially specific connections is not entirely requisite for therapeutic benefit. We review here a set of potential therapeutic indications that meet these criteria as potentially benefiting from the transplantation of neural stem and progenitor cells. These include: (i) transplantation of phenotypically restricted neuronal progenitor cells into diseases of a single neuronal phenotype, such as Parkinson's disease; (ii) implantation of mixed progenitor pools into diseases characterized by the loss of a limited number of discrete phenotypes, such as spinal cord injury and the motor neuronopathies; (iii) transplantation of glial and nominally oligodendrocytic progenitor cells as a means of treating disorders of myelin; and (iv) transplantation of neural stem cells as a means of treating lysosomal storage disorders and other diseases of enzymatic deficiency. Among the diseases potentially approachable by these strategies, the myelin disorders, including the paediatric leucodystrophies as well as adult traumatic and inflammatory demyelinations, may present the most compelling targets for cell-based neurological therapy.
Resveratrol and para-coumarate serve as ring precursors for coenzyme Q biosynthesis.

Coenzyme Q (Q or ubiquinone) is a redox-active polyisoprenylated benzoquinone lipid essential for electron and proton transport in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. The aromatic ring 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4HB) is commonly depicted as the sole aromatic ring precursor in Q biosynthesis despite the recent finding that para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) also serves as a ring precursor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Q biosynthesis. In this study, we employed aromatic 13C6-ring-labeled compounds including 13C6-4HB, 13C6-pABA, 13C6-resveratrol, and 13C6-coumarate to investigate the role of these small molecules as aromatic ring precursors in Q biosynthesis in Escherichia coli, S. cerevisiae, and human and mouse cells. In contrast to S. cerevisiae, neither E. coli nor the mammalian cells tested were able to form 13C6-Q when cultured in the presence of 13C6-pABA. However, E. coli cells treated with 13C6-pABA generated 13C6-ring-labeled forms of 3-octaprenyl-4-aminobenzoic acid, 2-octaprenyl-aniline, and 3-octaprenyl-2-aminophenol, suggesting UbiA, UbiD, UbiX, and UbiI are capable of using pABA or pABA-derived intermediates as substrates. E. coli, S. cerevisiae, and human and mouse cells cultured in the presence of 13C6-resveratrol or 13C6-coumarate were able to synthesize 13C6-Q. Future evaluation of the physiological and pharmacological responses to dietary polyphenols should consider their metabolism to Q.
A model of suppression of the antigen-specific CD4 T cell response by regulatory CD25+CD4 T cells in vivo

Despite intense recent interest, the suppressive mechanisms of regulatory CD25+CD4 T cells remain poorly understood. One deficiency in the field is the lack of in vivo models where the effects of regulatory CD25+CD4 T cells on antigen-specific responder T cells can be measured quantitatively. We describe one such model here. We compared responses of adoptively transferred naive wild-type antigen-specific CD4 T cells in syngeneic CD28-/- and wild-type recipient mice toward a nominal antigen. The cells exhibited a greater degree of proliferation and differentiation in CD28-/- mice and could not be rendered functionally hyporesponsive by systemic exposure to adjuvant-free antigen. The only reason we were able to find to explain this difference was the deficiency of regulatory CD25+CD4 T cells in the CD28-/- mice. Use of CD28-/- mice as adoptive transfer recipients provides a simple model that reveals the contribution of regulatory CD25+CD4 T cells in controlling antigen-driven responses in vivo.
The Babesia bovis Merozoite Surface Antigen 2 Locus Contains Four Tandemly Arranged and Expressed Genes Encoding Immunologically Distinct Proteins

Members of the variable merozoite surface antigen (vmsa) gene family of Babesia bovis encode membrane proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion. In this study, we have identified and sequenced the complete 8.3-kb genomic locus containing msa-2, a member of the vmsa family, in the biologically cloned Mexico Mo7 strain. Four tandemly arranged copies of msa-2-related genes were found in the locus. The four genes, designated msa-2a1 (which corresponds to the originally described msa-2 gene), msa-2a2, msa-2b, and msa-2c, were shown to be transcribed and expressed and encode proteins with open reading frames ranging in size from 266 (MSA-2c) to 317 (MSA-2a1) amino acids. MSA-2a1 and -2a2 are the most closely related of the four proteins (90% identity), differing by (i) the number of 24-amino-acid repeats that comprise a surface-exposed B-cell epitope and (ii) the presence of a 32-amino-acid area of recombination between MSA-2a2 and -2b. In contrast, msa-2c is most closely related to the previously described babr 0.8 gene in Australia strains of B. bovis. Comparison of MSA-2 proteins in the Argentina R1A strain of B. bovis with the Mexico Mo7 clone revealed a relatively high degree of conservation (83.6, 69.4, 79.1, and 88.7% amino acid identity for MSA-2a1, -2a2, -2b, and -2c, respectively), in contrast to the extensive MSA-1 sequence variation (52% identity) between the same two strains. Postinfection bovine immune serum contains antibodies that bound to each of the recombinant MSA-2 proteins. Blocking assays demonstrated the presence of unique B-cell epitopes in MSA-2a1, -2b, and -2c. The results support the evolution of the msa-2 locus through at least two gene duplications, with selection for multiple related but antigenically distinct merozoite surface proteins.
Breeding and nest site characteristics of the Black-casqued Hornbill Ceratogymna atrata and White-thighed Hornbill Ceratogymna cylindricus in south-central Cameroon

The reproductive biology of two species of African hornbill, the Black-casqued Hornbill, Ceratogymna atrata, and the Whitethighed Hornbill, Ceratogymna cylindricus, was investigated over a four-year period (1994–1997) on a 25km 2 site in lowland rainforest in south-central Cameroon. Nesting attempts varied considerably among years, with the percentage of successful nests highest in 1995, with 64% and 54% of Black-casqued and White-thighed Hornbill fledging offspring, respectively. There were no nesting attempts in 1994, despite the fact that hornbills were present in the study area. Large differences in fruit availability were also noted across years, suggesting that reproductive activity and success are related to fruit availability. Data collected from 38 nests, over four breeding seasons (1994–1997), showed a preference for nest cavities in larger trees within areas of the forest containing larger trees. Hornbills did not show preferences for particular tree species, with the possible exception of Pete...
Growth factor-dependent induction of p21CIP1 by the green tea polyphenol, epigallocatechin gallate

Tea polyphenols inhibit tumorigenesis and cell proliferation in rodent models, but their effects on cell signaling and cell cycle control pathways are undefined. Here, we show that the major polyphenol in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits S phase entry in epidermal growth factor (EGF) - stimulated MCF10A breast epithelial cells when provided in G0 or mid G1, but not when provided after the late G1 restriction point. EGCG induced p21(CIP1/WAF1/SDI1), inhibited cyclin D1-associated pRB kinase activity, and impaired pRB phosphorylation. The ability of EGCG to induce p21 depended upon the addition of EGF, indicating that EGCG synergizes with growth factor-dependent signals to induce p21 and impair cell cycle progression.
A flat heat pipe for use as a cold side heat sink

Heat pipe technology can effectively meet the demand for an isothermal emitter in a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion system as it utilizes near isobaric phase changes to transfer heat at a uniform temperature. A flat heat pipe offers many advantages over the conventional cylindrical design, such as increased surface area to volume ratio and the ability to stack or layer the energy conversion system on both sides of the flat heat pipe to utilize available energy. Flat heat pipes present unique engineering demands and are also difficult to construct. This paper details the design, construction and partial analysis of a low temperature flat heat pipe as part of the thermal sink in order to determine the feasibility of implementing flat heat pipes into TPV energy conversion systems.
Development and runtime support for situation-aware application software in ubiquitous computing environments

Due to the dynamic and ephemeral nature of ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) environments, it is necessary that application software in ubicomp environments is situation-aware (SA) and should be adaptable to both users' situation changes and the requirement changes. Reconfigurable context-sensitive middleware (RCSM) has been developed to provide development and runtime support for SA software in ubicomp environments, but do not provide runtime support for on-demand context acquisition, action scheduling and dynamic reconfiguration of SA software, and development support that maximize the reusability. In this work, the development and runtime support provided by RCSM have been substantially expanded to greatly simplify the development of situation-aware application software, and to achieve reusability and runtime reconfigurability simultaneously.
The sky is falling II: Impact of deposition produced during the static testing of solid rocket motors on corn and alfalfa

Tests of horizontally restrained rocket motors at the ATK facility in Promontory, Utah, USA result in the deposition of an estimated 1.5million kg of entrained soil and combustion products (mainly aluminum oxide, gaseous hydrogen chloride and water) on the surrounding area. The deposition is referred to as test fire soil (TFS). Farmers observing TFS deposited on their crops expressed concerns regarding the impact of this material. To address these concerns, we exposed corn and alfalfa to TFS collected during a September 2009 test. The impact was evaluated by comparing the growth and tissue composition of controls relative to the treatments. Exposure to TFS, containing elevated levels of chloride (1000 times) and aluminum (2 times) relative to native soils, affected the germination, growth and tissue concentrations of various elements, depending on the type and level of exposure. Germination was inhibited by high concentrations of TFS in soil, but the impact was reduced if the TFS was pre-leached with water. Biomass production was reduced in the TFS amended soils and corn grown in TFS amended soils did not develop kernels. Chloride concentrations in corn and alfalfa grown in TFS amended soils were two orders of magnitude greater than controls. TFS exposed plants contained higher concentrations of several cations, although the concentrations were well below livestock feed recommendations. Foliar applications of TFS had no impact on biomass, but some differences in the elemental composition of leaves relative to controls were observed. Washing the TFS off the leaves lessened the impact. Results indicate that the TFS deposition could have an effect, depending on the amount and growth stage of the crops, but the impact could be mitigated with rainfall or the application of additional irrigation water. The high level of chloride associated with the TFS is the main cause of the observed impacts.
Protein kinase A changes calcium sensitivity but not crossbridge kinetics in human cardiac myofibrils.

We investigated the effect of PKA treatment (1 U/ml) on the mechanical properties of isolated human cardiac myofibrils. PKA treatment was associated with significant incorporation of radiolabeled phosphate into several sarcomeric proteins including troponin I and myosin binding protein C and was also associated with a right shift in the tension-pCa relation (ΔpCa50 = 0.2 ± 0.1). PKA treatment also caused right shifts in the pCa dependence of the rate of tension development, tension redevelopment, and the linear and exponential phases of myofibril relaxation. However, there was no change in the same measures of crossbridge turnover when expressed as a function of tension. We conclude that the changes in crossbridge kinetics as a function of calcium concentration reflect a reduced tension due to a lower calcium sensitivity and that the relationship between crossbridge kinetics and tension was unchanged, indicating no direct effect of PKA treatment on crossbridge cycling.
H∞ control via measurement feedback for affine nonlinear systems

This paper summarizes some recent results on the problem of disturbance attenuation via measurement feedback, with internal stability, for an affine nonlinear system. The solution of the problem is shown to be related to the existence of solutions of a pair of Hamilton-Jacobi inequalities in n independent variables, associated with state feedback and, respectively, output-injection design.