cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback approach to design for assembly by evaluation of assembly plan

Abstract One of the questions that intrigues many researchers is that of how a product can be designed that is good for assembly. A product which is assembly-oriented is easier and less costly to assemble. The benefits are many, but the ways of achieving it are certainly not unique. One way is the concurrent-engineering/design-for-assembly approach. In this approach, all the lifecycle issues are taken into consideration during the design phase. A different but complementary approach is that of allowing redesign as soon as specific information is made available during a later stage of the lifecycle, such as the planning stage. The paper adopts the second approach. It examines how information available from the planning stage can aid in identifying areas for redesign. Evaluation criteria are formulated that provide enough information to allow redesign suggestions to be generated. The effects of these redesign suggestions are simulated on screen via suitable geometric manipulation. Suggestions that cause the failure of some existing functions of the product are discarded. When all the suggestions have been processed, the simulated resultant product is shown to the designer. This allows the designer to view the redesigned product rather than having to imagine what it looks like.
A case series: Bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy secondary to large volume fluid resuscitation in critically ill burn patients

Ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) in the trauma setting is a rare and devastating condition associated with systemic hypotension, massive volume resuscitation, and sepsis. The objective of this case series is to highlight a potential correlation between severe burn and ischemic optic neuropathy. We present three patients with total body surface area (TBSA) thermal injury burns ranging from 57 to 68% treated at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center that developed bilateral ischemic optic neuropathy during their hospital stay. Each patient required greater than 25 L of crystalloid fluid within 24 h after admission, suffered multiple bouts of sepsis, and required extended pressor support. We postulate that ischemic optic neuropathy develops as a result of the interplay between the patient's systemic pathophysiology, i.e. shock, sepsis and the continued need for large volume fluid resuscitation. Current treatments of ION have not proven to be effective, except for possibly limiting fluid resuscitation. In the few cases of refractory burn shock, the incidence of this condition is unlikely to be readily improved. However, it is important for clinicians to be aware of this devastating complication and consider early ophthalmology involvement in the care of severely burned patients.
Structure-energy relationship of biological halogen bonds: development of anisotropic force fields

Halogen bonds (X-bonds) result from electrostatic attractive interaction between the electropositive crown of a polarized halogen, X, and an electron-rich Lewis base or accepting atom, A, resulting in an X_A distance closer than the sum of traditional van der Waals radii. X-bonds have been shown to direct protein ligand recognition and binding as well as the conformation of biological molecules. We have demonstrated via x-ray crystallography the ability of X-bonds to direct isomeric conformation of DNA Holliday Junctions. The stacked-X junctions can isomerize between two conformations; an X-isomer stabilized by X-bonding at the junction crossover, or the H-isomer stabilized by hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) at the junction crossover. The structures of DNA Holliday junctions incorporating fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), or iodine (I) halogenated uracil were determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction from 1.6 to 2.2 A resolution. Stabilizing X-bonds between the halogenated uracil and phosphate oxygen demonstrate a near linear angle of approach of the oxygen towards the halogen, consistent with current halogen polarization and sigma hole theory. The ratio of each isomer observed in the crystal structure was determined via occupancy refinement calculations. We have shown that this ratio is correlated with the isomeric concentrations present in solution and therefore an indication of stabilization energy provided by either the X- or H-bonding, a conclusion supported by differential scanning calorimetry. We observe that halogen polarization affects both the X-bond structure and strength. The resulting structure and energy relationships of observed X-bonding interactions will be employed in development and parameterization of an anisotropic force field to accurately model the electrostatic and geometric treatment of halogens in current modeling programs. This will facilitate the applications of X-bonding interactions as a tool for biomolecular design and engineering.
Teacher value beliefs associated with using technology: Addressing professional and student needs

Studies have indicated that when teachers believe technology uses are valuable, they are more likely to incorporate those uses into their practices. This hermeneutical phenomenology study investigated the value beliefs that underlie teachers' uses of technology. To measure value beliefs, teachers' uses (and reasons for those uses) of technology for teaching and learning were examined. Data were collected from eight award-winning teachers through an interview, observation, and electronic portfolio. Findings indicated that teachers used technology to address professional (e.g., creating customized classroom materials, improving classroom management by engaging students) and student needs (e.g., enhancing student comprehension, equipping students with technology skills), all of which related to the underlying value belief of promoting student learning. Based on these findings, professional development activities should emphasize the potential impact of specific technology uses on student learning.
Instrumented Static Load Test on Rock-Socketed Micropile

AbstractRock-socketed piles are often used to transfer heavy loads from a superstructure to competent underlying rock layers. The loads are transferred by the pile to the surrounding rock mass through shaft and base resistance. Several researchers have investigated the behavior of rock-socketed drilled shafts and related the uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock to pile-shaft resistance. However, the load-transfer behavior and load-settlement response of micropiles are different from those of drilled shafts because of the large slenderness ratio (pile length/pile diameter) of micropiles. This study presents results from a fully instrumented field-scale load test on a 0.2-m-diameter micropile socketed 4.2 m into limestone layers (2.7 m into weathered limestone and 1.5 m into hard limestone). The results show that practically no base resistance is mobilized until the pile-head settlement reaches approximately 7% of the diameter of the test micropile. The measured limit shaft resistance values are com...
Novel Murine Model of Chronic Granulomatous Lung Inflammation Elicited by Carbon Nanotubes

Lung granulomas are associated with numerous conditions, including inflammatory disorders, exposure to environmental pollutants, and infection. Osteopontin is a chemotactic cytokine produced by macrophages, and is implicated in extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, osteopontin is up-regulated in granulomatous disease, and osteopontin null mice exhibit reduced granuloma formation. Animal models currently used to investigate chronic lung granulomatous inflammation bear a pathological resemblance, but lack the chronic nature of human granulomatous disease. Carbon nanoparticles are generated as byproducts of combustion. Interestingly, experimental exposures to carbon nanoparticles induce pulmonary granuloma-like lesions. However, the recruited cellular populations and extracellular matrix gene expression profiles within these lesions have not been explored. Because of the rapid resolution of granulomas in current animal models, the mechanisms responsible for persistence have been elusive. To overcome ...
Compliant alkali silicate sealing glass for solid oxide fuel cell applications: The effect of protective YSZ coating on electrical stability in dual environment

Abstract Recently, compliant sealing glass has been proposed as a potential candidate sealant for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. In a previous paper, the thermal stability and chemical compatibility were reported for a compliant alkali-containing silicate glass sealed between anode supported YSZ bi-layer and YSZ-coated stainless steel interconnect. In this paper, we will report the electrical stability of the compliant glass under a DC load and dual environment at 700–800 °C. Apparent electrical resistivity was measured with a 4-ponit method for the glass sealed between two plain SS441 metal coupons or YSZ-coated aluminized substrates. The results showed instability with plain SS441 at 800 °C, but stable behavior of increasing resistivity with time was observed with the YSZ coated SS441. In addition, results of interfacial microstructure analysis with scanning electron microscopy will be correlated with the measured resistivity results. Overall, the YSZ coating demonstrated chemically stability with the alkali-containing compliant silicate sealing glass under electrical field and dual environments.
Effect of Short-term Regression of Atherosclerosis on Reactivity of Carotid and Retinal Arteries

Background and Purpose This study tested the hypothesis that functional abnormalities of carotid and ocular arteries may improve after short-term regression of atherosclerosis, before regression of structural abnormalities. Methods We examined effects of short-term dietary treatment of atherosclerosis on carotid and ocular vascular responses to serotonin and to platelet activation by collagen in vivo. Three groups of monkeys were studied: normal cynomolgus monkeys, monkeys fed an atherogenic diet for 34 months, and atherosclerotic monkeys that were fed a regression diet for 8.6±1.1 months (mean±SE). We measured changes in carotid blood flow (using a Doppler probe), retinal blood flow (using microspheres), and diameter of the internal carotid artery (using quantitative angiography). Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was studied in rings of internal carotid artery in vitro. Results Carotid blood flow increased in response to both serotonin and collagen in normal monkeys, decreased in response to both agents in atherosclerotic monkeys, and was restored toward normal after regression. Serotonin had little effect on retinal blood flow in normal monkeys and produced a marked decrease in retinal blood flow in atherosclerotic monkeys; the vasoconstrictor response to serotonin was reduced after regression. Activation of platelets by collagen increased blood flow in normal monkeys, decreased blood flow in atherosclerotic monkeys, and had little effect after regression. Alterations in responses of the internal carotid artery were consistent with changes in carotid and ocular blood flow. Endothelium-dependent relaxation in vitro was impaired by atherosclerosis and was restored toward normal by regression. There was no reduction in intimal area of the atherosclerotic lesion in common carotid and ophthalmic arteries from regression monkeys, despite a marked reduction in cholesteryl ester. Conclusions Within a few months of regression of atherosclerosis, endothelial function and hyperresponsiveness of carotid and ocular arteries to serotonin and platelet activation return toward normal. Functional improvement is associated with resorption of lipid from atherosclerotic lesions, but with little reduction in size of intimal lesions.
Evidence for ion—neutral complexes in C3H7O+ decompositions from CAD spectra of labeled daughter ions

Abstract Collisionally activated dissociation of C(H,D)3O+ products is used to characterize better C3(H,D)7O+ decompositions. The results relate positions of labels in the products to their locations in the initial ions. CH3CHO+ CH3 (1) isomerizes to CH3CH2+ OCH2 (2) and then loses ethene following random transfer of H from ethyl to formaldehyde. We suggest that 1 → 2 is followed by formation of the ion—neutral complex [CH3CH2+ OCH2] (5) and that hydrogens randomize in the ethyl in this complex. We further postulate that there is enough energy following 1 → 2 to dissociate very rapidly the incipient ethene and protonated formaldehyde. The dynamics of dissociation of directly formed 2 are surprisingly different from those of 2 formed by 1 → 2. Directly formed 2 preferentially transfers a β-hydrogen to formaldehyde to form the complex [CH2CH2 CH2OH+] (6). Dissociation competes with CC bond formation in 6. Similarities between the isomerizations of CH3CH2CHOH+ and C3H6O+ isomers with the same skeletal structure are noted. The present study demonstrates the utility of collisionally activated dissociations of labeled daughter ions in characterizing rearrangements in the mass spectrometer.
Proper treatment of massless fields in Euclidean de Sitter space

We analyze infrared divergences arising in calculations involving light and massless fields in de Sitter space. We show that these arise from an incorrect treatment of the constant mode of the field and that a correct quantization leads to a well-defined and calculable perturbation expansion. We illustrate this by computing the first nontrivial loop correction in a theory of a massless scalar field with a quartic interaction.
Paper chromatography of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones of saturated aliphatic aldehydes

A rapid method of separating the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones of C1 to C9 aldehydes by descending chromatographic system has been described. Whatman No. 1 filter paper was impregnated with ethylene glycol-methanol (1∶4, v/v), and n-heptane saturated with methanol was used as a developing solvent. Complete separation was achieved in 3 hrs. It has been shown that the method can also be used for the separation of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivatives of ketones.
Birth Order and Creativity in Young Children

The relationship between birth order and assessed creative ability was investigated giving specific attention to characteristics of the measures used. Subjects were 68 elementary school children ranging in age from 6–9 to 9–10. Assessment of creativity was obtained from the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking, the Penguin Picture Story Task, and the Singer Fantasy Questionnaire. No ordinal differences were found on the creativity measures for these elementary school children in Grades 1 through 4.
Aeroelastic tailoring of aft-swept high-aspect-ratio composite wings

The integrating matrix method is used to study the aeroelastic performance of aft-swept high-aspect-ratio wings. Aeroelastic stability boundaries are shown as a function of fiber angle and dimensionless modulus parameters for straight wings of aspect ratio 14. Certain laminates show divergence for wings with low sweep angles, but for most laminates and wing sweeps, flutter was the instability. The bending-torsion coupling that is beneficial for forward-swept wings is shown to be of no advantage for aft-swept wings, for which torsional stiffness is much more significant. Both symmetric and nonsymmetric ply orientations were studied, and it is demonstrated that there need not be a severe penalty for using general laminates.
Interfacial effects in polymer LEDs

Abstract A polymer LED in which the emitter layer was a blend of an alternating block copolymer and poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) was fabricated with intermediate hole transporting layers of polyphenylene vinylene (PPV). It was found that this provided greatly enhanced quantum efficiency, as expected, but also that the photoluminescent and electroluminescent spectral properties of the system were functions of the thickness of the PPV, which in certain cases contributed to the overall emission. From a detailed study of this effect it was concluded that radiative decay of surface or interfacially located excitons in PPV displayed a vibronic structure which differed from that produced by decay of excitons in the bulk.
β-Adrenergic receptor agonists increase apoptosis of adipose tissue in mice

Abstract β-Adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonists increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in rodents and livestock. With oral administration, however, the effects of β1-AR and β2-AR can be different, depending on the species tested. We tested the effects of clenbuterol, a β2-AR agonist, and ractopamine, a β1/β2-AR agonist, on growth, adiposity and adipose tissue apoptosis in male and female mice by feeding diets containing control, 200ppm clenbuterol, or 200 or 800ppm ractopamine. Food intake (FI) was measured daily; body weight (BW) and temperatures (BT) were measured on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 20. On day 21 mice were sacrificed, body composition was determined using PIXImus densitometry, and muscle and adipose tissues were collected. There were no treatment effects on BT, FI, BW, feed efficiency or body composition. Retroperitoneal (Rp) and epididymal/parametrial (Epi/Par) fat pad masses were reduced in both 800ppm ractopamine (40±3mg and 207±20mg, respectively) and clenbuterol (35±7mg and 211±22mg) treated mice compared to control (66±8mg and 319±30mg, P P P
Pseudo-Outbreak of Ventriculitis in a Neurosurgical ICU

Abstract BACKGROUND: Infection is a potentially life-threatening complication of ventriculostomy placement. Placement of ventricular catheters frequently occurs outside the setting of the operating room. We typically detect METHODS: An outbreak investigation was performed, including review of the patients' clinical course, laboratory data, ventriculostomy catheter insertion, site care, CSF specimen collection practices, and interviews with all involved staff. RESULTS: Investigation revealed ventriculostomy CSF specimens were collected by a single neurosurgical resident each month. Five (50%) of the patients were determined to have infection. CNS was found in all (10) contaminated cultures. Of 66 cultures obtained in August, 17 (26%) were culture positive, and 9 (14%) of these were contaminated. One resident obtained all cultures in August. Meetings were held between epidemiology department, neurosurgery faculty, and nursing staff. Practice changes were implemented to emphasize hand hygiene, aseptic collection techniques, and exit site care. Inservices were held for nursing staff and neurosurgery residents. Subsequent review of CSF cultures has revealed no further contamination. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing education of medical and nursing staff is required to prevent poor collection technique to prevent contamination of CSF obtained from ventriculostomy catheters. When investigating a potential outbreak, it is important to review all laboratory and clinical data to ensure that positive culture results represent true infection.
Genetic and Environmental Factors in the Development of the American Red Danish Cattle

Summary Genetic and environmental factors in the development of the American Red Danish cattle were investigated. The intrasire regression of production on inbreeding was −23.1lb. milk and −0.3lb. butterfat for each additional 1% of inbreeding. Two lethal defects, paralyzed hind quarters and ankylosis, appeared in the second cross to Red Danish sires. Calf mortality and cow sterility apparently increased with successive crosses. Heritability of butterfat production was estimated as 0.39±0.11, repeatability as 0.43. Average adjusted butterfat production in the foundation, first-cross, second-cross, and third-cross generations was 351, 379, 377, and 389lb., respectively. Butterfat yield did not vary significantly with month of calving but increased 2.0lb. (P
HOW TO BE AN ELEATIC MONIST

For convenience, I will use the label ‘Eleatic monism’ to refer to the conjunction of a–d. Eleatic monism flies in the face of common sense. Scholars of pre Socratic thought rarely have anything to say in its defense beyond what the Eleatic philosophers said themselves, and virtually no one treats it as a serious option in metaphysics today. Jonathan Barnes declares that a by itself (never mind the remaining doctrines) is “at best absurd and at worst unintelligible.” (1979a, p. 2) It is not hard to see why. How could anyone possibly look at a sandy beach, witness the birth of a child or the death of a loved one, or gaze into the far reaches of space and believe that there exists exactly one thing that is neither generated nor destroyed, unchanging, and undivided? The problem is not just that Eleatic monism seems to be false. Rather, the problem is that it seems to be so incredibly wide of the mark, so vastly out of touch with the truth, that it is hard to see what sorts of considerations could have led someone even to take it seriously, much less embrace it. What I offer in this paper is a way into the monist’s frame of mind—a model, if you will, for understanding this otherwise apparently unintelligible world view. I will not argue that we should find Eleatic monism plausible; but I will show that, contrary to what many of us might initially have expected, the doctrine does have a legitimate place on the landscape of contemporary metaphysics. I will argue that the doctrines of Eleatic monism ought to be accepted by anyone who accepts the following four theses: PHIL 15-7
Growth regulation by nerve growth factor.

Although a great deal of descriptive information has been obtained about the actions of nerve growth factor on its target tissues, its structure, its receptors, and even its biosynthesis, there is no clear understanding, as yet, of the intracellular events mediating its transcriptional involvements. Work in this laboratory over the past five years has uncovered a number of nerve growth factor-initiated intracellular changes in sympathetic neurons and other nerve growth factor-sensitive systems, and has provided a framework into which they might fit. This article is written in an attempt to collect the data in a single communication and to suggest at least one mechanism by which the nerve growth factor may work
Calculations of Combined Radiation and Convection Heat Transfer in Rod Bundles Under Emergency Cooling Conditions

A model has been developed to calculate the heat transfer coefficients from the fuel rods to the steam-droplet mixture typical of Boiling Water Reactors under Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) operation conditions during a postulated loss-of-coolant accident. The model includes the heat transfer by convection to the vapor, the radiation from the surfaces to both the water droplets and the vapor, and the effects of droplet evaporation. The combined convection and radiation heat transfer coefficient can be evaluated with respect to the characteristic droplet size. Calculations of the heat transfer coefficient based on the droplet sizes obtained from the existing literature are consistent with those determined empirically from the Full-Length-Emergency-Cooling-Heat-Transfer (FLECHT) program. The present model can also be used to assess the effects of geometrical distortions (or deviations from nominal dimensions) on the heat transfer to the cooling medium in a rod bundle.
SIMULATION AND COMPUTER AIDED GEOMETRIC DESIGN

SIMULATION AND COMPUTER AIDED GEOMETRIC DESIGN*Richard F. RiesenfeldUniversity of UtahSalt Lake City, Utah 84112AbstractThis paper discusses the traditional design process as it often applies to geometric design, and thenit examines a new organization of the design process in which computer simulation plays a central role.Some future developments in computer aided geometric design are anticipated.While the term computer simulation has had a rather strong statistical connotation in the past, it iscoming into more common use as a broader term that refers to a procedure that invokes a computer model, notnecessarily a statistical computer model. Computer graphics, or more precisely, image synthesis, hasdeveloped to the degree that it is now possible to generate relatively complex scenes in real -time with aconvincing semblance to "reality." This is to say, computer generated pictures are approaching the"reality" that one would see on a television monitor or on a photograph that reproduces a real life scene.We might say that in certain cases computer graphics has already passed the visual Turing test of synthe-sizing images which are indistinguishable to an observer from a corresponding nonsynthesized image.The advancement of computer graphics has also brought on a wide acceptance and preponderance of inex-pensive basic line drawing computer graphics equipment and techniques. A modern computing facility isexpected to offer some line drawing graphical devices like a storage tube terminal and a plotter for hard
Improved polyester wax embedding for histology.

Polyester waxes are fatty add esters of polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol 400 distearate melts at 35°C, infiltrates tissues well, and sections readily at 2 μ to more than 30 μ. Sections 2 μ to 6 μ are more easily cut when a kitchen strainer full of solid CO2 (dry ice) is mounted above the microtome to cool the block and the knife, and when the knife crosses the block very slowly. Ribbons are flattened in water at room temperature and are mounted conventionally. Polyester ribbons are somewhat stickier than paraffin ribbons. Polyethylene glycol 400 distearate is slightly hydrophilic; immediately after microtomy and before the ribbon is affixed to the microscope slide, sections in the wax ribbon may conveniently be stained with 0.05% toluidine blue in aqueous benzoate buffer, pH 4.4. Tissue structure is better preserved in polyester than in paraffin wax, probably because structural lipids are better retained and localized. However, this difference between waxes is slight if tissues are well fixed and ...
The time-harried shopper: Exploring the differences between maximizers and satisficers

Schwartz and his colleagues have proposed individual differences in consumer decision goals. Maximizers are those who always strive to make the best possible decision, whereas satisficers are those who are usually willing to settle for a “good enough” option. In this study, we explore the influence of the maximizing trait in situations where consumers have to make quick purchase decisions. The context for our empirical study is online gift purchases made under a time constraint. The results support our predictions that maximizers (vs. satisficers) engage in more prepurchase browsing behavior and also perceive more decision time pressure. Furthermore, these effects are moderated by the size of the available choice assortment. The results also show that maximizers are more likely to change their initial time-constrained choices if given the opportunity to do so. We discuss the implications of the research for the study of individual differences in consumer behavior and also for customizing retail sales and Internet marketing tactics based on buyer segmentation.
In vivo assessment of a novel dacron surface with covalently bound recombinant hirudin.

Abstract Prosthetic arterial graft surfaces are relatively thrombogenic and fail to heal with a cellular neointima. The goal of this study was to characterize the in vivo antithrombin properties of a novel Dacron surface with covalently linked recombinant hirudin (rHir) implanted in a canine thoracic aorta with high flow and shear rates. rHir was bound to a knitted Dacron patch using crosslinker-modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a basecoat protein. BSA was first reacted with the heterobifunctional crosslinker, sulfo-SMCC. This BSA–SMCC complex was then bound to the carboxylic acid groups of hydrolyzed Dacron patches using the carbodiimide crosslinker, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride. Iodinated, Traut’s-modified rHir ( 125 I-rHir-SH) was then reacted with the Dacron–BSA–SMCC surface, thereby covalently binding 125 I-rHir. Graft segments were washed and sonicated to remove any nonspecifically bound 125 I-rHir. Dacron–BSA–SMCC–S- 125 I-rHir patches ( n = 5) and control Dacron-BSA patches ( n = 5) were implanted in series in the thoracic aortas of canines. These patches were exposed to nonheparinized, arterial blood flow for 2 hours. Patches were explanted and assessed for 125 I-rHir loss. Antithrombin activity of explanted 1-cm 2 patch segments was evaluated using a chromogenic assay with 1, 5, 10, 15 units of added thrombin. Light microscopy was performed to qualitatively examine the pseudointima. Two animals were excluded from the study owing to excessive bleeding through the knitted 125 I-rHir patch. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative 125 I-rHir γ counts revealed an overall decrease of 20 ± 5.4% over the period studied. Explanted 125 I-rHir patch segments were able to inhibit 1, 5, and 7 NIHU of thrombin, demonstrating retained antithrombin activity. Gross and microscopic examination of the control and test Dacron surfaces showed marked differences. Dacron surfaces with covalently bound 125 I-rHir had no gross thrombus and a thin pseudointima of platelets and plasma proteins. In contrast, the control patches had a thick pseudointima composed of fibrin-rich thrombus. rHir, covalently bound to Dacron patches, maintains its biologic activity as well as prevents thrombus formation on the graft surface. This novel antithrombin coating, by modifying the blood/graft interface, may improve both short- and long-term patency in small-diameter prosthetic arterial grafts and has applications with respect to other implantable or indwelling biomaterials.
GABAA Receptors in the Pontine Reticular Formation of C57BL/6J Mouse Modulate Neurochemical, Electrographic, and Behavioral Phenotypes of Wakefulness

Drugs that potentiate transmission at GABA(A) receptors are widely used to enhance sleep and to cause general anesthesia. The mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that GABA(A) receptors in the pontine reticular nucleus, oral part (PnO) of mouse modulate five phenotypes of arousal: sleep and wakefulness, cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, acetylcholine (ACh) release in the PnO, breathing, and recovery time from general anesthesia. Microinjections into the PnO of saline (vehicle control), the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol, muscimol with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline, and bicuculline alone were performed in male C57BL/6J mice (n = 33) implanted with EEG recording electrodes. Muscimol caused a significant increase in wakefulness and decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep. These effects were reversed by coadministration of bicuculline. Bicuculline administered alone caused a significant decrease in wakefulness and increase in NREM sleep and REM sleep. Muscimol significantly increased EEG power in the delta range (0.5-4 Hz) during wakefulness and in the theta range (4-9 Hz) during REM sleep. Dialysis delivery of bicuculline to the PnO of male mice (n = 18) anesthetized with isoflurane significantly increased ACh release in the PnO, decreased breathing rate, and increased anesthesia recovery time. All drug effects were concentration dependent. The effects on phenotypes of arousal support the conclusion that GABA(A) receptors in the PnO promote wakefulness and suggest that increasing GABAergic transmission in the PnO may be one mechanism underlying the phenomenon of paradoxical behavioral activation by some benzodiazepines.
Winter cover crops for local ecosystems: linking plant traits and ecosystem function

Winter cover crops are capable of supplying multiple economic and environmental benefits in temperate environments of North America, but the lack of adapted populations for specific environmental and agricultural contexts has resulted in cover crops that are unreliable and perform ecosystem functions unevenly. To maximize the benefits provided by winter cover crops, we argue for trait selection by crop scientists that is cognizant of desired ecosystem functions, with the goal of providing commercially available populations that have variable functions. We illustrate this approach through a case study of a promising winter annual legume cover crop, hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). Six key traits and associated functions are considered within specific agroecological contexts. We discuss tradeoffs that may occur among desired plant traits and illustrate how over-selection for a particular trait could negatively affect performance and overall benefits from a cover crop. Intraspecific combinations of complementary cover crops are suggested as means to achieve multiple agroecosystem functions. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimal Control Algorithm for Multi-Input Binary-Segmented SMA Actuators Applied to a Multi-DOF Robot Manipulator

In this paper, we present an optimal design and control algorithm for multi-input binary-segmented Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator arrays applied to a multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robot manipulator as it tracks a desired trajectory. The multi-DOF manipulator used for this paper is a 3-DOF-robot finger. A multi-input binary-segmented SMA actuator drives each DOF. SMA wires are embedded into a compliant vessel, such that both electric and fluidic (hot/cold) input can be applied to the actuators. By segmenting the SMA actuators, each segment can be controlled in a binary fashion (fully contracted/extended) to create a set of discrete displacements for each joint of the manipulator. To design the number of segments and length of each segment, an algorithm is developed to optimize the workspace. To optimize the workspace, it is desired to have a uniform distribution of reachable points in Cartesian space. Moreover, the number of neighbors (points that can be reached just by one control command from the current configuration) and the computational cost are important in workspace optimization. Graph theory search techniques based on the A* algorithm are employed to develop the control algorithm. A path-cost function is proposed to optimize the cost, which is a combination of actuation time, energy usage, and kinematic error. The kinematic error is estimated as the deviation between the actual and desired trajectory. The performance of the search algorithm and cost function are validated through simulation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
In Vitro Biodegradation of Designed Tubular Scaffolds of Electrospun Protein/Polyglyconate Blend Fibers

Electrospun polyglyconate (Maxon®) and its blends with proteins such as gelatin and elastin, with a spatially designed layer structure, were prepared as potential scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering. In vitro biodegradation of the electrospun tubular protein/Maxon scaffolds in phosphate buffered saline (pH = 7.3) was studied for the first time. The biodegradation is manifested by uptake of the PBS medium by the hydrophilic proteins and also by the mass loss due to the removal of degraded fragments and uncrosslinked proteins from the matrices. The effect of degradation on the structure–property relations was evaluated by IR, XRD, and DSC analyses of the aged scaffolds. The degradation of amorphous phase of Maxon in the early stages of aging has resulted in an increase in the crystallinity of the polymer. SEM analysis indicated a significant change in nanofiber morphology and fiber-breaking. The mass loss and fiber breaking have negatively impacted the mechanical properties and the effect was maximum at 15–20 days of aging. The scaffold containing low molecular weight buffer soluble elastin revealed relatively better degradation properties compared to that containing high molecular weight buffer insoluble elastin. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
The cytoplasmic tail of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor contains four binding sites for AP-1☆

Abstract The trafficking of the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor between the trans -Golgi network and endosomes requires binding of sorting determinants in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor to adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1). Using a GST pull-down binding assay, four binding motifs were identified in the cytoplasmic tail: a tyrosine-based motif ( 26 YSKV 29 ), an internal dileucine-based motif ( 39 ETEWLM 44 ), and two casein kinase 2 sites ( 84 DSEDE 88 and 154 DDSDED 159 ). The YSKV motif mediated the strongest interaction with AP-1 and the two CK2 motifs bound AP-1 only when they were phosphorylated. The COOH-terminal dileucines were not required for interaction with AP-1.
A Broken Heart

A 69-year-old woman underwent a coronary artery bypass procedure (allegedly on Valentine’s Day). A portable chest film obtained on the second postoperative day showed a striking radiolucent line …
Differential toxicity of amorphous silica nanoparticles toward phagocytic and epithelial cells

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of size and surface functionality of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SNPs) on their interaction with cultured cells. The intracellular uptake, phagocytic activity, and possible mechanisms of toxicity induced by SNPs were studied on murine alveolar macrophages and two epithelial cancer cell lines. It was found that phagocytic cells are more susceptible to amorphous SNPs than epithelial cells. SNPs with functionalized surfaces were capable to induce the formation of apoptotic cells to a higher extent than plain particles. Plain SNPs induced plasma membrane damage in phagocytic cells to a higher extent and caused cell death in a shorter period of time than surface-functionalized SNPs. The prevalence of necrotic mode of cell death was observed after treatment with plain SNPs. In the range studied surface functionality played an important role in SNPs toxicity.
Stimulatory effects of LH, FSH and prostaglandins upon cyclic 3',5'-AMP levels in porcine granulosa cells.

Incubation of porcine granulosa cells with 2 μg/ml FSH or LH resulted in a three- to five-fold augmentation of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP content. When gonadotropins were added in the presence of 3 HIM aminophylline a ten-fold stimulation of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP was found. The stimulatory effect of LH was greater than that of FSH. The effect of maximal doses of LH and FSH were not additive, whereas, the effects of submaximal doses were additive. LH stimulated cyclic 3′,5′-AMP within 5 min and the levels remained elevated for 3 hr. No increase in progestin secretion was found until after 3 hr. After this time the content of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP in cells dropped and secretion of progestin increased further. The addition of prostaglandin E1 and E2 stimulated the formation of cyclic 3′,5′-AMP in granulosa cells. The stimulatory effect of prostaglandin together with gonadotropins was more than additive and was not inhibited in the presence of 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid or inhibitors of protein synthesis. These results strongly su...
Understanding gender-based violence perpetration to create a safer future for women and girls.

Worldwide, one in three women experience gender-based violence, which imparts physical, mental, and sexual health morbidities. It also causes mortality--more than a third of homicides of women are attributable to male partners. These data justifiably create global outrage, accentuated by horrific recent high-profile cases, including the brutal gang rape of a student in New Delhi, and the attempted assassination of Pakistani student and education activist Malala Yousafzai. However, mounting of an effective, evidence-based, sustainable response to gender-based violence has proven elusive, partly because of the paucity of data for the population that we need to understand the most: the perpetrators of gender-based violence. Most research into such violence focuses on victimisation, which provides invaluable insight into survivors' experiences, risk factors, and needs for support. However, to put a stop to this global pandemic demands a fundamental understanding, and modification, of the behaviour of gender-based violence perpetrators. Population-based data for men's violence perpetration and its root causes are scarce and are mostly limited to Africa. Analyses of the UN Multi-country Cross-sectional Study on Men and Violence in Asia and the Pacific presented in The Lancet Global Health represent a major advancement in that they describe the epidemiology of perpetration of the main forms of gender-based violence--intimate partner violence and non-partner rape--in a large and generalisable sample from the world's most populous region. Such violence perpetration, including rape by multiple perpetrators, was prevalent, with 25-80% of the men studied perpetrating physical, sexual, or both types of intimate partner violence, and 3-27% committing single perpetrator non-partner rape. The findings offer much-needed direction for prevention and intervention. Targeting of interventions is essential.... Language: en
Nonlinear transient thermoelastic analysis of functionally graded ceramic-metal plates

Abstract The response of functionally graded ceramic metal plates is investigated using a plate finite element that accounts for the transverse shear strains, rotary inertia and moderately large rotations in the von Karman sense. The static and dynamic response of the functionally graded material (fgm) plates are investigated by varying the volume fraction of the ceramic and metallic constituents using a simple power law distribution. Numerical results for the deflection and stresses are presented. The effect of the imposed temperature field on the response of the fgm plate is discussed. It is found that in general, the response of the plates with material properties between those of the ceramic and metal is not intermediate to the responses of the ceramic and metal plates.
Analysis of Three-Dimensional Flow Birefringence Models, with a Note on the Effects of Catheters and Needles on Vessel Flow

Flow birefringence is a convenient and useful technique for studying the initiation and propagation of fluid disturbances in transparent models of the cardiovascular system. Prior quantitative work has been restricted to analysis of two-dimensional systems using shallow channels. The theory of flow birefringence is discussed and a technique for analysis of three-dimensional models is proposed.
Magnetotransport behavior of heavy fermion thin films

Abstract Heavy fermion compounds such as CeAl3, CeCu6, UBe13, and CePb3 show a crossover from negative to positive transverse magnetoresistance as temperature is lowered. We have prepared high quality thin films of these materials in order to investigate their magnetoresistance. For the noncubic systems CeAl3 and CeCu6, positive magnetoresistance occurs only for certain field orientations relative to the crystal axes. For CeAl3 and CePb3, a temperature-dependent resistivity maximum occurs at fields Hm(T), above which dϱ/dH is negative for all field orientations. The maxima obey the relation H m (T) = H 0 [1-( T T x 2 ] , where Tx is the crossover temperature from negative to positive initial magnetorestivity. Scaling of the magnetoresistance as a function of H T is observed in separate high- and low-temperature regimes. A two-band model can be invoked to explain these and other experimental data.
Additional Developments in Atmosphere Revitalization Modeling and Simulation

NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) program is developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities, and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. These forays beyond the confines of earth's gravity will place unprecedented demands on launch systems. They must launch the supplies needed to sustain a crew over longer periods for exploration missions beyond earth's moon. Thus all spacecraft systems, including those for the separation of metabolic carbon dioxide and water from a crewed vehicle, must be minimized with respect to mass, power, and volume. Emphasis is also placed on system robustness both to minimize replacement parts and ensure crew safety when a quick return to earth is not possible. Current efforts are focused on improving the current state-of-the-art systems utilizing fixed beds of sorbent pellets by evaluating structured sorbents, seeking more robust pelletized sorbents, and examining alternate bed configurations to improve system efficiency and reliability. These development efforts combine testing of sub-scale systems and multi-physics computer simulations to evaluate candidate approaches, select the best performing options, and optimize the configuration of the selected approach. This paper describes the continuing development of atmosphere revitalization models and simulations in support of the Atmosphere Revitalization Recovery and Environmental Monitoring (ARREM) project within the AES program.
Laser-induced fluorescence measurements of mixed fluid concentration in a liquid plane shear layer

The processes of entrainment and mixing are investigated in a nonreacting, uniform density, liquid mixing layer. Laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics and high-speed, real-time digital image acquisitions techniques are combined to measure the probability density function of the composition field. Results show that the vortical structures in the mixing layer initially roll up with a large excess of high-speed fluid in the cores. It is found that the mixed fluid composition, above the mixing transition, is essentially uniform across the entire transverse extent of the layer and is asymmetric with a bias in favor of the high-speed fluid. Preliminary observations indicate that the composition of the mixed fluid is more uniform across a liquid shear layer than that in the gaseous layer. The important effect of the resolution capability of the measurement apparatus on the results are discussed and comparisons with recent theoretical calculations are presented.
Does the method of management of papillary thyroid carcinoma make a difference in outcome

We have analyzed data on a group of 269 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma followed on average for 12 years to determine (1) if a prognostic classification scheme can be used to predict an appropriate surgical approach; (2) the effect of treatment on prognosis; and (3) if patients with a “excellent” prognosis benefit from more extensive surgical resection and 131I ablation. Prognostic classification schemes developed by the American Joint Commission, Cady et al., Hay et al., the European Thyroid Association, and our own clinical class scheme each appropriately divided patients into risk category groups. With each system, some patients classified in the low risk group eventually died of the tumor. Considering the excellent but not perfect precision of the prognostic schemes, the need for detailed pathologic analysis, and ideally postoperative thyroid scanning, we conclude that the prognostic classification schemes do not allow the decision at the operating table regarding the appropriate extent of surgery. Patients followed at our institution, operated on by one of three experienced surgeons, and usually given 131I ablation were compared to other patients in the follow-up group operated on by other surgeons and not routinely ablated. There were significantly fewer deaths and recurrences among the patients managed by our method. However, when the groups were restricted to those considering only patients who had more extensive surgery, postoperative 131I ablation, or both, the differences between the groups became insignificant. This finding indicates that the difference in prognosis, comparing patients treated at our institution and those initially treated elsewhere, was primarily due to the routine use of more extensive surgery and postoperative radioactive iodide ablation. Patients under age 45 with intrathyroidal disease or positive neck nodes and tumors less than 2.5 cm in diameter had an excellent prognosis, as shown by the absence of deaths due to tumor during the follow-up period. However, extensive surgery and 131I ablation was associated with a significant reduction in recurrences. These data support the use of lobectomy plus contralateral subtotal lobectomy or near-total thyroidectomy as the primary operative procedures for thyroid cancers larger than 1 cm in size and in patients beyond age 45; they also support the use of 131I ablation postoperatively to provide the best prognosis with reduction in deaths and recurrences.