cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Tool for an Awareness Plan Concerning Critical Issues, Needs and Attitudes of Citizens on the Use of Medicines.

This article describes a pilot study to test the adequacy of a newly developed tool for an awareness plan on the importance of properly using pharmaceuticals. The new tool consists of face-to-face interviews with adult citizens on their approach to the use of medicines and of the following data analysis with a dedicated software application. The pilot study was carried out in a sample area of Sardinia, in Italy. The data from the interviews collected anonymously and analysed in aggregate actually emphasised the critical issues and needs in the use of pharmaceuticals in the sample area involved, also encouraging communication among different actors. The pilot study revealed that the designed tool could represent a novel strategy to stimulate interchanges of information on the proper use of pharmaceuticals with a potential impact on people’s health.
Clean Option: An Alternative Strategy for Hanford Tank Waste Remediation; Detailed Description of First Example Flowsheet

Disposal of high-level tank wastes at the Hanford Site is currently envisioned* to divide the waste between two principal waste forms: glass for the high-level waste (HLW) and grout for the low-level waste (LLW). Several approaches have been proposed to accomplish this division; these approaches lead to a range of volumes of both the HLW and LLW fractions and a range of long-term risks associated with the disposed LLW. These approaches do not include emphasis on the waste minimization issues that are involved in the “clean option” discussed in this paper.
On the Mass-Flux Representation of Vertical Transport in Moist Convection

AbstractThis study investigates to what extent the convective fluxes formulated within the mass-flux framework can represent the total vertical transport of heat and moisture in the cloud layer and whether the same approach can be extended to represent the vertical momentum transport using large-eddy simulations (LESs) of six well-documented cloud cases, including both deep and shallow convection. Two methods are used to decompose the LES-resolved vertical fluxes: decompositions based on the coherent convective features using the mass-flux top-hat profile and by two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D-FFT) in terms of wavenumbers. The analyses show that the convective fluxes computed using the mass-flux formula can account for most of the total fluxes of conservative thermodynamic variables in the cloud layer of both deep and shallow convection for an appropriately defined convective updraft fraction, a result consistent with the mass-flux dynamic view of moist convection and previous studies. However,...
The Acceptability of Online and For-Profit Nursing Degrees: A Study of Hiring Gatekeeper Perceptions

A national survey of health care recruiters was used to compare their attitudes toward four different RN-to-BSN degree options based on the method of instruction (classroom, online) and the type of college (traditional, forprofit). The analysis was based on the data received from 116 respondents who completed the questionnaire. The study findings revealed significant differences among the four degree options, with respect to the perceived advantages of the hiring process, credibility, concerns about credentials, and likelihood to recommend hiring. More specifically, the study participants favored degrees from traditional colleges and classroom instruction over those earned at for-profit colleges and through online instruction.
Contextualized Behavioral Support in Early Intervention for Children with Autism and Their Families

Parent education programs have become an effective mode of treatment delivery for teaching families effective behavioral strategies to manage challenging behavior in young children with autism. Functional assessment and functional communication training (FCT) are empirically validated procedures that have recently been introduced into parent education programming to help resolve challenging behaviors. The success of these procedures, however, is contingent on family members' ability to integrate them into the specific contexts in which challenging behaviors occur. Consequently, the application of these procedures in home settings necessitates consideration of the family context in the assessment and treatment planning process. A study is presented that investigated the use of information on family context (i.e., caregiving demands, family support, patterns of social interaction) to direct the assessment and intervention planning process. More specifically, information on family context was used to individualize behavioral support plans designed to support family use of functional communication training within important family routines. Through parent-investigator collaboration we individualized the manner in which functional communication training procedures were taught and implemented so they were contextually relevant. Utilizing a multiple baseline design, the challenging behaviors and functional communication of three children with autism were monitored across baseline, intervention (i.e., FCT, and contextulized FCT), and follow-up phases. Multiple routines for each participant were selected and monitored across all phases to evaluate changes in the dependent measures within training and generalization routines. A self-report questionnaire was administered intermittently to parents to determine if consideration of family context improved the “goodness of fit” of the functional communication training treatment packages across FCT and contextualized FCT intervention phases. Results from the study indicate that consideration of family context in the assessment and intervention planning process does not jeopardize and may contribute to the stability and durability of reductions in challenging behavior achieved with functional assessment and functional communication training procedures.
Antigone, Interrupted: Sacrifice, sorority, integrity: Antigone's conspiracy with Ismene

Ismene: Such wretched straits. Oedipus: Hers [Antigone’s] and mine? Ismene: And mine too, my pain the third. Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus The scenes looked at in this chapter come earlier in the play than Antigone’s dirge, the scene we just examined in detail in Chapter 5. If the ordering of these chapters violates the play’s chronology, that is for two reasons. First, having established the context of burial politics in Chapter 4, it made sense to move immediately in Chapter 5 to discuss Antigone’s dirge. Second, the earlier scenes I look at now here, in Chapter 6, include one in which Antigone conspires with Ismene, or so I will claim. That claim is easier to establish if we have in place some appreciation of Antigone’s capacity to conspire with language and it with her, and this appreciation postulates the close reading of her dirge that was the focus of Chapter 5. Thus, the non-chronological ordering is necessary to undo several settled elements of interpretation and reception and to make room for a more agonistic engagement with the play.
Social Networks and Household Welfare in Tanzania: Working Together to Get Out of Poverty

This paper examines empirically the effect of social capital, measured by household membership in community-based organizations and participation in village life, on the welfare of rural households in Tanzania. Using a database that combines standard information on household welfare with multidimensional measures of social capital, the paper attempts to address three challenges in the empirical estimation of the effect of social capital on household welfare: 1) the differential effects of household and village-level social capital; 2) the omitted variable bias associated with models of household expenditures; 3) and the joint endogeneity problem. Our main conclusion is that, controlling for omitted variables and joint endogeneity, household-level social capital is associated with a percentage increase in household per capita expenditures, and that this finding is robust to a variety of specifications and instruments. Preliminary results also suggest that social capital and human capital act as complements: as people acquire more education, the usefulness of these associations and networks for household expenditures is increased. Finally, we find that household-level social capital appears to be associated with a significant decrease in a household's probability of being poor, indicating that social capital could be a valid investment for the rural poor in Tanzania.
Esophageal Microsomal Metabolism of N-Nitrosomethylbenzylamine in the Zinc-deficient Rat

Epidemiological studies in China suggest that dietary zinc deficiency and environmental exposure to N -nitrosamine carcinogens, such as N -nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA), are among the factors associated with an increased incidence of esophageal carcinoma in humans. NMBA belongs to a class of nitrosamines which require activation by the cytochrome P-450-dependent mixed-function oxidases in order to be mutagenic. Rats maintained on a zinc-deficient diet exhibited an increased incidence of NMBA-induced esophageal carcinoma when compared to rats on a control diet. The increased tumor formation was associated with an alteration of the microsomal metabolism of NMBA. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were raised on egg protein diets containing 2.3 ppm zinc (low zinc) or 50 ppm zinc (control zinc). Analysis of tissues revealed a rapid decline in the levels of zinc in serum and esophagi of the animals fed the low-zinc diet. Gastric and hepatic zinc content did not differ significantly between the animals fed the low-zinc diet and the animals fed the control zinc diet, even after 6 weeks. Microsomes were prepared from esophageal mucosa, livers, and forestomachs from weanling animals fed these diets for 3 weeks. The rate of formation of benzaldehyde from NMBA by esophageal mucosal microsomes prepared from the rats fed the low-zinc diet was nearly 10-fold higher than that of the rats fed the control zinc diet [0.230 ± 0.047 (S.E.) versus 0.024 ± 0.008 nmol/min/mg microsomal protein; p < 0.001]. The rate of benzaldehyde formation by hepatic microsomes was 0.062 ± 0.005 nmol/min/mg microsomal protein in the rats fed the low-zinc diet and 0.042 ± 0.002 nmol/min/mg microsomal protein in the rats fed the control zinc diet ( p < 0.01). The rate of benzaldehyde formation by forestomach microsomes was not detectable in tissue from rats on either diet. This increased rate of NMBA metabolism by esophageal mucosal microsomes from the zinc-deficient rats may explain the increased incidence of esophageal carcinoma in these animals.
Power engineering laboratory facilities at the University of Missouri-Rolla

One of the significant niche areas at UMR is the area of electric power. For this reason UMR has invested in its power program over the years. The extent of this program ranges from power systems, motor drives, high-frequency effects in electric machines, acoustic noise of electric machines, FACTS device for electric utility applications, and naval propulsion power systems. The various laboratory facilities at UMR which supports these activities have been described in detail in this paper.
A STRESS‐INDUCED PROTEIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE GIRDLE BAND REGION OF THE DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA (BACILLARIOPHYTA)1

We report the characterization of a cell-surface protein isolated from the centric diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle and Heimdal. This protein has an apparent molecular weight of 150 kDa, is highly acidic, and is intimately associated with the cell wall. Although originally identified in cells experiencing copper toxicity, it is also induced by silicon and iron limitation but not by phosphate or nitrate limitation. Using immunofluorescence techniques, the 150-kDa protein was localized to the girdle band region and covered the elongated girdle band region of morphologically aberrant cells suffering from copper toxicity. Although having biochemical similarities to girdle band associated proteins identified in pennate diatoms known as pleuralins, the 150-kDa protein is not a sequence homolog and is predicted to have a number of unique features, such as chitin binding domains and a possible RGD cell attachment motif. Results presented here suggest that this protein is normally cell cycle regulated and may be involved in stabilizing cells during the division process.
Connecting with Texts: Teacher Candidates Reading Young Adult Literature.

Preparing teachers to understand their students' reading processes so that they can guide their students toward connecting with texts in meaningful and personal ways are goals that can be met through the study of young adult literature. Twenty-first century learners live in an increasingly interconnected world and have access to countless texts thanks to continual improvements in technologies. Being able to connect with these texts meaningfully will enable readers to think critically and creatively, both inside and outside the classroom. Teacher candidates can show their prospective students how to construct understandings through close analysis, association, and extension. This article provides a rationale for the teaching of young adult literature as a vehicle through which students can create meaningful connections with texts. The article offers implications for informed instructional practices involving young adult literature.
Luminescence of molecular and block copolymeric 2,7-Bis(phenylethenyl)-fluorenones; identifying green-band emitter sites in a fluorene-based luminophore

2,7-Bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylethenyl)fluorenone (OFOPV) and a segmented oligomer analogue linking OFOPV units with polymethylene flexible spacersalt-poly(2,6-dimethoxylphenylene-4-vinylene-[9-fluorenone-2-yl-7-vinylene]3,5-dimethoxyphenylene-4-[1,6-hexanedioxyl]) (pFOPV)were synthesized and their luminescence properties studied. Solution-phase photoluminescence (PL) of OFOPV and pFOPV shows concentration-dependent relative intensities of a fine-structured higher energy band and a featureless lower energy band, consistent with solution excimer formation. Neat film PL and electroluminescence (EL) spectra using 100% OFOPV and pFOPV emitter layers show red emission bands (λmax ∼ 610 nm). Solid film PL spectra of OFOPV diluted in PMMA or Zeonex are significantly blue-shifted relative to the neat film spectra. PL and EL spectra of 2,7-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenylethenyl)-9,9-diethylfluorene (OFPV) blended with <1% by weight of OFOPV gives significant green region (g-band) emission in addition to the normal blue ...
Microscopic theory of aperiodic crystals: Approaches for the hard sphere glass transition

Abstract Techniques from liquid state theory, such as free energy functionals for inhomogeneous systems, along with self-consistent phonon theories allow one to relate the stability of glasses to their underlying structure and to the intermolecular forces. Recent work along these lines for the hard sphere glass is reviewed.
Empathetic identification and punitiveness A middle-range theory of individual differences

Studies reveal that some Americans are more willing than others to endorse harsh measures to control crime. We advance this literature by presenting a model that offers an integrated explanation of why some Americans are more punitive than others. Scholars have found that people construct images of offenders that reflect those disseminated by elites, the media, and popular culture. These images can vary across types of crime and can change over time. We posit that individual differences in punitiveness are related to whether people empathize with the images they construct of ‘typical’ stereotyped offenders. We conclude by offering a systematic model that summarizes the proposed theoretical perspective and helps to illuminate both implications for macro-level theories and future avenues of investigation.
Cervical spine spondylodiscitis mimicking teardrop fracture

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis can have nonspecific clinical and imaging presentations. In this report, we describe a case of pyogenic spondylodisicits of cervical spine mimicking teardrop fracture on radiography. Subsequent CT-guided biopsy helped identify the correct diagnosis and the responsible pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus.
Characterizing pivotal teaching moments in beginning mathematics teachers' practice

Although skilled mathematics teachers and teacher educators often “know” when interruptions in the flow of a lesson provide an opportunity to modify instruction to improve students’ mathematical understanding, others, particularly novice teachers, often fail to recognize or act on such moments. These pivotal teaching moments (PTMs), however, are key to instruction that builds on student thinking about mathematics. Video of beginning secondary school mathematics teachers’ instruction was analyzed to identify and characterize PTMs in mathematics lessons and to examine the relationships among the PTMs, the teachers’ decisions in response to them, and the likely impacts on student learning. These data were used to develop a preliminary framework for helping teachers learn to identify and respond to PTMs that occur during their instruction. The results of this exploratory study highlight the importance of teacher education preparing teachers to (a) understand the mathematical terrain their students are traversing, (b) notice high-leverage student mathematical thinking, and (c) productively act on that thinking. This preparation would improve beginning teachers’ abilities to act in ways that would increase their students’ mathematical understanding.
Adsorption of Helium and Other Gases to Carbon Nanotubes and Nanotube Bundles

There is considerable interest in the adsorption of helium and other gases to unconventional substrates. Carbon nanotubes and bundles of such tubes provide a relatively unique and interesting substrate opportunity. We describe recent experimental and theoretical work from a number of groups that sheds light on the behavior of various gases adsorbed to these unusual substrates.
A temperature-programmed reaction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of coprecipitated Na-Mn-Ni catalysts

Abstract Temperature-programmed reaction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies have been employed to investigate coprecipitated Na-Mn-Ni catalysts which are active for higher oxygenate synthesis from syngas. The results were compared to N'/SiO 2 , a good methanation catalyst. XPS results revealed that the reduction of the air-exposed coprecipitated catalysts at 673 K led to the migration of Na 2 CO 3 to the catalyst surface; CO hydrogenation at 573 K induced the migration of the Ni and Mn back to the catalyst surface. The changes in surface composition with reduction and reaction condtions gives rise to uncertainty in the estimation of the turnover frequency calculated from the number of Ni surface atoms determined by Hz chemisorption. It was observed by TPR experiments that oxygen from absorbed CO readily associates with the surface of the coprecipitated catalysts, possibly oxidizing the surface and causing the surface to restructure. Two pools of carbon are present on the surface of the catalyst during TPR experiments as evidenced by two methane peaks. The methanation peak temperatures for the coprecipitated Na-Mn-Ni catalysts were higher than that of Ni/SiO,; the CO dissociation activity of the coprecipitated catalysts is lower than that of Ni/SiO,. Lower CO dissociation and methanation activities results in a high selectivity for C 2+ -Oxygenates.
Nonlinear Dynamics of a Flexible Spinning Disc Coupled to a Precompressed Spring

This paper analyses the nonlinear transverse vibrations of a rotating, clamped-free, flexible disc coupled to a precompressed spring. This is representative of a large class of loadings in rotating disc systems such as air jet and electromagnetic excitation commonly used in experiments. Such a loading induces a simultaneous critical speed resonance and parametric instability. The disc is modelled as a Von Karman plate, and the equations of motion are discretised by a Galerkin projection onto a pair of 1:1 internally resonant modes. The large amplitude wave motions and their stabilities are studied using the averaging method and via numerical continuation techniques. The analysis is carried out in a co-rotating as well as a ground-fixed frame. Numerical simulations are used to verify the above analyses. The response predicted by these analyses is substantially different from that arising from a critical speed resonance or of a parametric instability alone. As many as five equilibrium solutions can coexist at supercritical speed. Two distinct regimes of large amplitude response appear to exist depending on the relationship between the strength of the parametric excitation and the damping. The existence of these regimes underscores the subtle competition between critical speed resonance and parametric instability that is likely to be observed in experiments near critical speed in such systems.
Lithium-oxygen donor in germanium: A dynamic tunneling system

High-resolution spectra of the lithium-oxygen donor in pure germanium under uniaxial stress are reported for the first time. They can be unambiguously interpreted in terms of a molecular-complex donor with -type symmetry and tunneling between all four possible orientations.
Stimulus control treatment of insomia

Abstract In a study designed to assess the effectiveness of procedures based upon principles of stimulus control in the treatment of insomia, four subjects were trained in the modification of the stimulus properties of their bedroom within an own-control A-B-A-B design. Following a 2-week baseline period, they were instructed to modify their sleep habits to conform with stimulus control principles. A reversal phase was initiated on stabilization of the dependent measures for each subject, and was followed by a second stimulus control phase. Improvement in sleep behavior resulted for all, but two of them demonstrated a failure to reverse during that phase of the program. A 9-month follow-up indicated maintained improvement in all subjects.
Genomics, proteomics: what's next?

The Genome: DNA, the genomic material of all life’s forms, is the archival information of life, the blue print for the architecture and the engines of the cell. The Proteome: Proteins, the gene products defined within the cell’s blueprint, are the cell’s architecture and engines. The Metabolome: Small, usually monomeric, molecular metabolites of the cell that comprise the fundamental materials for macromolecular assemblage, energy exchange and signal transduction. Within this set of molecules reside the system controls of the cell and the foundations of cellular homeostasis; ‘The cell’s Software.’
Entomological Historical Resources in the North Central Branch Area

As a part of the ESA Archives Committee activities a questionnaire was circulated in 1978 to entomology departments and a few other organizations within the North Central Branch area. The purpose of the survey was to locate materials of potential historical value and to determine if such items were being preserved in established archives, in departmental files or in the hands of private individuals (Burke et al. 1979). The response was reasonably good but the information obtained undoubtedly is incomplete. However, the publishing of a preliminary report at this time seems justified. Hopefully, this listing will encourage efforts to preserve the still available old records and to establish archives and stimulate development of definite archival procedures were they do not now exist. Furthermore, it is hoped some historians may be moved to make use of the resource materials in scholarly studies.
In Search of a "Benevolent Despot": John T. Emlen and the Establishment of the First Colored Boys' Club, 1903-1913.

This article examines the establishment and early history of the first Boys’ Club for African American boys—the Wissahickon Boys’ Club—through the thoughts and actions of its Quaker founder, John Thompson Emlen. The purpose of this article is not only to document the founding of this historic organization but also to describe Emlen's conception of racial advancement through the implementation of vocational education programs within the context of a “colored” Boys’ Club. In examining Emlen's thesis and subsequent work, the article analyzes the similarities of his ideas to W. E. B. DuBois's charge to White Americans in The Philadelphia Negro.
FTY720 (s)-phosphonate preserves sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 expression and exhibits superior barrier protection to FTY720 in acute lung injury.

Objective:Effective therapies are needed to reverse the increased vascular permeability that characterizes acute inflammatory diseases such as acute lung injury. FTY720 is a pharmaceutical analog of the potent barrier-enhancing phospholipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate. Because both FTY720 and sphingosi
Value of communication in agencies

Abstract Focusing on an agency model in which the agent receives private information prior to contracting, we analyze whether the principal benefits from offering the agent a menu of contracts. We show that, under certain conditions, the constraints imposed by the self-selection requirement are so restrictive that a menu of contracts has no value, i.e., the principal might as well offer a single contract based only on some jointly observed outcome. Conversely, we identify cases where a menu of contracts is valuable because it allows the principal to implement a more efficient incentive structure.
Improved perfusion and contractile reserve after transmyocardial laser revascularization in a model of hibernating myocardium.

Abstract Background . Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) has been demonstrated effective for relieving angina, although prior studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding postoperative myocardial perfusion and function. This study evaluated long-term changes in myocardial perfusion and contractile reserve after TMR in a model of hibernating myocardium. Methods . Miniswine had subtotal left circumflex coronary artery occlusion to reduce resting blood flow to 10% of baseline. After 2 weeks in the low-flow state, positron emission tomography and dobutamine stress echocardiography were performed to document ischemic, viable (hibernating) myocardium in the left circumflex distribution. Animals then had sham redo thoracotomy ( n = 4) or TMR ( n = 6). Six months later the positron emission tomography and dobutamine stress echocardiography studies were repeated. Results . Myocardial blood flow in the left circumflex distribution as measured by positron emission tomography was significantly reduced in all animals after 2 weeks in the low-flow state. In animals that had TMR, there was significant improvement in myocardial blood flow to the lased regions 6 months postoperatively. No significant change in myocardial blood flow was seen in sham animals at 6 months. Dobutamine stress echocardiography after 2 weeks of low-flow demonstrated severe hypocontractility at rest in the left circumflex region of all animals, with a biphasic response to dobutamine consistent with hibernating myocardium. In animals that had TMR, there was a trend toward improved resting function and significantly improved regional stress function in the lased segments 6 months postoperatively, consistent with a reduction in ischemia. Global left ventricular wall motion at peak stress improved significantly as well. There was no change in wall motion 6 months postoperatively in sham-operated animals. Conclusions . This study found improvements in myocardial perfusion and regional and global contractile reserve 6 months after TMR in a porcine model of hibernating myocardium. This improved perfusion and function likely accounts for the clinical benefits of the procedure.
Proteomic Analysis of Bladder Smooth Muscle Cell Response to Cyclic Hydrostatic Pressure

We and other laboratories previously demonstrated that multiple signaling pathways are at work in SMC responses to applied mechanical stimuli, indicating the need for a high-throughput approach to study the complex mechanotransduction mechanism. In the present study, the feasibility of proteomic techniques to examine the mechanotransduction of bladder smooth muscle cells (SMC) was tested for the first time. Specifically, two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and image analyses were employed to separate and identify protein profiles in control and in cells exposed to cyclic pressure (0.1 Hz, 40 cmH2O) for 1 h. The results provide evidence that 20 (out of 155) spots exhibited changes (up- or down-regulation) in intensity between control and cyclic pressure groups. The mass spectrometry analysis provided sequences for 118 tryptic peptides from these 20 spots, and peptide mapping provided a positive match of peptide sequences to 24 distinct proteins. Moreover, the results of Western analysis independently confirmed up-regulation of nuclear matrix protein, lamin A/C in SMC exposed to cyclic pressure. Since the protein samples were predominantly of the cytosolic fraction, we concluded that the observed up-regulation was due to the translocation of either membrane-bound or nuclear localized proteins into the cytosol. Based on these observations, the present study demonstrated that the proteomic approach can be a powerful analytical tool for mechanobiology research that allows analysis of a large number of variables, thereby supporting development of new hypotheses to guide future investigation.
ON COUPLED LONGITUDINAL AND LATERAL VIBRATIONS OF ELASTIC RODS

Abstract In this paper, the coupled longitudinal and lateral vibrations of a rectangular parallelepiped composed of a uniform, isotropic, elastic body are examined. The one-dimensional model for the body was developed by Green, Naghdi and several of their co-workers. It is based on a Cosserat or directed rod theory. The frequency spectrum is found to divide naturally into three regions which are separated by degenerate cases. When the cross-section of the body is square, a natural splitting of the modes occurs. One-half of this split involves motions coupling the axial extension and symmetric lateral deformation of the body. The other half involves asymmetric lateral deformations. The cases of a free–free rod and a cantilevered rod are discussed and the results compared to existing works in the literature which use the three-dimensional theory of elasticity to model the vibrations.
Intergovernmental Complexity in Nuclear Waste Disposal Policy: The Indeterminate Role of Local Government

Local governments play a critical, albeit often overlooked, role in nuclear waste disposal policymaking. The centrality of local governments in the policymaking process rests on the simple fact that impacts will be borne disproportionately by local jurisdictions hosting and immediately adjacent to waste disposal sites. This article focuses on the capacity of local jurisdictions in Southern and rural Nevada to absorb and support an undertaking as large and technically complex as the proposed high-level nuclear waste repository. The article also examines the perceptions of local government officials concerning a number of management and policy issues related to the construction and operation of the proposed waste repository.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Following Dengue Fever in Adult Patient

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a post infectious ascending, usually demyelinationg polyradiculoneuropathy. Dengue fever as an antecedent infection in GBS is uncommon. A 39-year-old female presented with acute flaccid weakness of both upper and lower limbs which developed in ascending and progressive fashion following a febrile illness of three days. During work-up IgM for dengue virus was found positive. Diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome was made based on neurologic manifestations, the typical CSF findings and pattern of electrophysiological study and exclusion of other pathologies. Patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins. During the course of illness, she developed lower motor neuron type trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, vagus and hypoglossal nerve palsy and autonomic involvement. She had significant recovery and was able to talk, eat and walk six weeks later. Dengue is endemic in Bangladesh. Post dengue Guillain- Barre syndrome in adult, as shown in previous reports, should now be considered in the part of spectrum of neurological complications of this infection . DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v13i2.12772 J Medicine 2012; 13 : 246-249
The separation of meta- and para-xylene by pervaporation in the presence of CBr4, a selective feed-complexing agent

Abstract Carbon-tetrabromide selectively forms a solid molecular complex with p -xylene; at temperatures below about 5°C, the presence of 24 mol% CBr 4 in the feed results in a pervaporation process very selective for m -xylene. This occurs even though the polypropylene membrane is selective for p -xylene. At higher temperatures, the process is selective for p -xylene when CBr 4 is present. Separation factors (α P/M ) varied from about 1.2 to 0.05 depending upon (1) temperature, (2) p -xylene concentration, and (3) the amount of CBr 4 present.
CONCORDANT ANENCEPHALY IN MONOAMNIOTIC TWINS AND AN ANALYSIS OF MATERNAL SERUM MARKERS

Anomalies occur with greater frequency in twin gestations than in singleton pregnancies. Anencephaly is not an uncommon defect, but because of its multifactorial inheritance pattern, twins are usually discordant for this anomaly. We present a case of monoamniotic twins concordant for anencephaly. Monoamniotic anencephalic twins were diagnosed at 15 weeks' gestation. Normal interval growth occurred until intrauterine demise of both fetuses at 28 weeks. Maternal serum obtained at 16.5 weeks demonstrated low unconjugated oestriol (uE3) levels and elevated values of alpha-fetoprotein, although this result was lower than expected. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were significantly elevated. Monoamniotic twins concordant for anencephaly occur with extreme rarity. To our knowledge, maternal serum uE3 and hCG levels in fetuses concordant for neural tube defects have not been previously reported.
Use of signature‐tagged transposon mutagenesis to identify Vibrio cholerae genes critical for colonization

The pathogenesis of cholera begins with colonization of the host intestine by Vibrio cholerae. The toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP), a fimbrial structure produced by V. cholerae, is absolutely required for colonization (i.e. the persistence, survival and growth of V. cholerae in the upper intestinal milieu), but many other aspects of the colonization process are not well understood. In this study, we use signature-tagged transposon mutagenesis (STM) to conduct a screen for random insertion mutations that affect colonization in the suckling mouse model for cholera. Of approximately 1100 mutants screened, five mutants (approximately 0.5%) with transposon insertions in TCP biogenesis genes were isolated, validating the use of STM to identify attenuated mutants. Insertions in lipopolysaccharide, biotin and purine biosynthetic genes were also found to cause colonization defects. Similar results were observed for mutations in homologues of pta and ptfA, two genes involved in phosphate transfer. Finally, our screen identified several novel genes, disruption of which also caused colonization defects in the mouse model. These results demonstrate that STM is a powerful method for isolating colonization-defective mutants of V. cholerae.
Experimental Evaluation of a Control Strategy for Real-Time Optimization of Low Temperature PEM Fuel Cell Stack

A robust control strategy which ensures optimum performance is crucial to proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell development. In a PEM fuel cell stack, the primary control variables are the reactant’s stochiometric ratio, membrane’s relative humidity and operating pressure of the anode and cathode. In this study, a 5 kW (25-cell) PEM fuel cell stack is experimentally evaluated under various operating conditions. Using the extensive experimental data of voltage-current characteristics, a feed forward control strategy based on a 3D surface map of cathode pressure, current density and membrane humidity at different operating voltages is developed. The effectiveness of the feed forward control strategy is tested on the Green-light testing facility. To reduce the dependence on predetermined system parameters, real-time optimization based on extremum seeking algorithm is proposed to control the air flow rate into the cathode of the PEM fuel cell stack. The quantitative results obtained from the experiments show good potential towards achieving effective control of PEM fuel cell stack.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Discriminator laser Doppler velocimetry for measurement of liquid and particle velocities in sediment-laden flows

An accurate non-intrusive method of measurement of liquid and sediment velocities, called Discriminator Laser Doppler Velocimetry (DLDV) is described. The DLDV arrangement consists of a LDV, and a discriminator system that utilizes near on-axis diffraction from sediment particles passing through or grazing the LDV measurement volume to result in strong voltage signals. For liquid velocity statistics, velocity measurements associated with a discriminator voltage above a threshold are discarded; the discriminator signal is used to validate that only particle velocities are recorded during particle velocity measurement. Possible error sources in the use of DLDV are discussed. Measurements using DLDV in an open-channel alluvial sand-laden flow indicate differences between liquid and particle velocities even for dilute sand concentrations.
Development of mRNAs for glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in rat hippocampus.

Abstract The hippocampus plays an important role in mediating glucocorticoid effects on the brain. Glucocorticoids are also implicated in neurogenesis and aged-related neuronal death in the hippocampus. The effects of glucocorticoids in the hippocampus are elicited through two receptors with high-affinity for corticosterone, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). In this study, we used a sensitive RNase protection assay to quantify the ontogeny of GR mRNA and MR mRNA in hippocampus from embryonic day 18 (E18) to postnatal day 60 (P60). GR mRNA and MR mRNA are expressed at approximately equal levels in the E18 hippocampus. However, by birth, the level of MR mRNA is three-fold that of GR mRNA and remains elevated up to P60. The levels of both mRNAs increase gradually during the period of postnatal neurogenesis after which they markedly increase to adult levels. In addition, the levels of hippocampal MR mRNA are the same in male and female rats, whereas the levels of GR mRNA are significantly higher in the P60 female rat hippocampus, but not in younger female rats. Our data on the development of mRNA levels do not parallel the levels of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors as reported in a number of binding studies. Therefore, our studies, when considered together with previous reports, suggest that posttranscriptional mechanisms play a major role in regulating the levels of glucocorticoid-binding sites in the hippocampus.
Stimulating engineering design through the Junior Solar Sprint at Citizen Schools extended learning time apprenticeship

Connecting middle school students with opportunities for “learning by doing” is a cornerstone of the Citizen Schools' apprenticeships that bring professionals to teach a weekly apprenticeships during extended learning time. In Citizen Schools apprenticeships, a volunteer STEM expert works with 12-15 students one afternoon a week for 11 weeks to explore a new field and to create a high-quality product or presentation to share at a community event. Citizen Schools recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to lead apprenticeships on topics that range from solar car engineering to stock market investing to electronic textiles. Over half of Citizen Schools' current apprenticeships focus on topics in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields with 21st-Century Skills for students working on directed projects. The Junior Solar Sprint challenges students to design and build a model car using solar power to drive an electric motor. Through this experience students learn and apply introductory principles of design and gain a first-hand experience in engineering and STEM fields.
Comment on “A Keystone Mutualism Drives Pattern in a Power Function”

Vandermeer and Perfecto (Reports, 17 February 2006, p. 1000) reported a general power law pattern in the distribution of a common agricultural pest. However, there is an exact analytical solution for the expected cluster distribution under the proposed null model of density-independent growth in a patchy landscape. Reanalysis of the data shows that the system is not in a critical state but confirms the importance of a mutualism.
Treatment of xerostomia: a systematic review of therapeutic trials

The results of the present systematic review of randomized controlled trials published in peer-reviewed journals demonstrate the presence of a wide variety of biases and the weakness of the existing literature of xerostomia treatment. The report of statistically significant efficacy on an outcome measure is only meaningful in the setting of a well-controlled, appropriately designed clinical trial. This points to the importance of evaluating the quality of the clinical trial closely when deciding if study results are applicable to a specific patient population. Future studies in the management of xerostomia will require an increased effort on the part of investigators to eliminate easily recognized flaws during the planning stages of a clinical trial. Minimizing bias in clinical studies will allow for easier interpretation and comparisons of different studies. Better clinical trial design is vital to provide maximal confidence in the efficacy of xerostomia interventions.
A leukemia fusion protein attenuates the spindle checkpoint and promotes aneuploidy

The 8;21 chromosomal translocation occurs in 15% to 40% of patients with the FAB M2 subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This chromosomal abnormality fuses part of the AML1/RUNX1 gene to the ETO/MTG8 gene and generates the AML1-ETO protein. We previously identified a C-terminal truncated AML1-ETO protein (AEtr) in a mouse leukemia model. AEtr is almost identical to the AML1-ETO exon 9a isoform expressed in leukemia patients. Here, we describe a novel function of AEtr in the development of aneuploidy through spindle checkpoint attenuation. AEtr cells had a reduced mitotic index following nocodazole treatment, suggesting a failure in a subset of cells to arrest in mitosis with a functional spindle checkpoint. Additionally, primary leukemia cells and cell lines expressing AEtr were aneuploid. Moreover, AEtr cells had reduced levels of several spindle checkpoint proteins including BubR1 and securin following treatment with the spindle poison nocodazole. These results suggest that inactivation of the spindle checkpoint may contribute to the development of aneuploidy described in t(8;21) leukemia patients.
Imaging neuronal biochemistry by emission computed tomography: focus on neuroreceptors

Abstract The ability to non-invasively measure neurotransmitter receptors in man by emission computed tomography has the potential to (1) improve understanding of the biochemical basis of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders; (2) monitor drug action by directly measuring changes in receptor occupancy; and (3) lead to improved knowledge of the physiology of neurotransmitter systems by monitoring changes in receptor occupancy as a result of altered neurotransmitter release. James Frost describes selective ligands currenly available to image neuroreceptors and their subtypes and their use in elucidating biochemical events in health and disease.
Delamination Analysis for Laminated Composites. I: Fundamentals

Analytical models for the delamination of a class of composite laminates are developed. Two approaches are used in deriving the governing equations. The first approach follows a refined engineering bending theory that stems from the premise that the statically equivalent stresses obtained from classical theory can be used to estimate the strains ignored in the classical theory. The second follows a modified Donnell approach in which the stresses obtained from the classical engineering theory are improved by adding a series of corrections. These corrections are determined by satisfying the stress equilibrium and compatibility conditions of two‐dimensional elasticity theory. A comparison of the derived governing equations is provided in order to assess the consistency and accuracy of the engineering approach. The deformation modes associated with each model are identified. Interlaminar stresses predicted by the developed models for a quasi‐isotropic double cracked‐lap‐shear laminate are compared with finite...
Tailoring Health Education to Meet the Needs of Latina Women in a Community Setting

Women’s Health Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program To have undergraduate nursing students in a women’s health course complete a community engagement project based on identified health concerns of Latina women from a poor, underserved area. This project will focus on expanding the student’s knowledge base regarding health care issues of Latina women and increase their ability to identify, support, and care for populationspecific health care needs in the future.
POSITIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF FATTY ACIDS ON TRIACYLGLYCEROLS OF MENHADEN (BREVOORTIA TYRANNIS) AND SALMON (SALMO SALAR) OILS

Pure triacylglycerols of both menhaden and salmon oils were separated on Florisil columns. The triacylglycerols were subjected to positional distribution analysis using a modified procedure involving reductive cleavage with a Grignard reagent. Cleaved fractions were separated on thin layer chromatography (TLC) plates using hexane-diethyl ether-formic acid (80:20:1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. Separated fractions were derivatized and analyzed by gas chromatographic method to determine the component fatty acids. Results showed that salmon oil contained a greater percentage of PUFA at the Sn-2 position of the triacylglycerol as compared to menhaden oil. The PUFA of menhaden oil were randomly distributed in the triacylglycerol. In salmon oil, a greater percentage of 18:3 (n-3), 20:4 (n-3), 20:5 (n-3), 22:5 (n-3), and 22:6 (n-3) was in the Sn-2 position as compared to menhaden oil. However, a greater percentage of 16:4 (n-1), 20:4 (n-6) and 18:4 (n-3) was located in the Sn-2 position of menhaden oil compared to salmon oil.
Shade tolerance plasticity in response to neutral vs green shade cues in Polygonum species of contrasting ecological breadth.

Summary • Here we examined species differences in perception and response to two distinct types of shade cue, reduced photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) with and without reduced red : far red ratio (R : FR), in Polygonum persicaria and Polygonum hydropiper, two closely related annuals of contrasting ecological breadth. • We compared plasticity data for light-gathering traits from glasshouse experiments at equivalently reduced PAR under neutral shade (R : FR 1.03) and green shade (R : FR 0.702). • Species shared the ability to distinguish between the two types of shade, as shown by the ability of each to respond differently to neutral vs green shade for one or more traits. However, the species’ responses to these cues differed significantly. Polygonum persicaria expressed stronger shade-tolerance responses (increased leaf allocation and leaf area ratio) to reduced PAR alone than to green shade. By contrast, P. hydropiper expressed slightly less plasticity for these traits in neutral than in green shade. • The pronounced plastic response of P. persicaria to neutral shade may contribute to the range of habitats this widespread species can occupy, which includes neutral-shade environments such as urban settings.