cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive correction of craniofacial defects in pre-metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles involves thyroid hormone-independent tissue remodeling.

ABSTRACT Although it is well established that some organisms can regenerate lost structures, the ability to remodel existing malformed structures has been less well studied. Therefore, in this study we examined the ability of pre-metamorphic Xenopus laevis tadpoles to self-correct malformed craniofacial tissues. We found that tadpoles can adaptively improve and normalize abnormal craniofacial morphology caused by numerous developmental perturbations. We then investigated the tissue-level and molecular mechanisms that mediate the self-correction of craniofacial defects in pre-metamorphic X. laevis tadpoles. Our studies revealed that this adaptive response involves morphological changes and the remodeling of cartilage tissue, prior to metamorphosis. RT-qPCR and RNA-seq analysis of gene expression suggests a thyroid hormone-independent endocrine signaling pathway as the potential mechanism responsible for triggering the adaptive and corrective remodeling response in these larvae that involves mmp1 and mmp13 upregulation. Thus, investigating how malformed craniofacial tissues are naturally corrected in X. laevis tadpoles has provided valuable insights into the maintenance and manipulation of craniofacial morphology in a vertebrate system. These insights may help in the development of novel therapies for developmental craniofacial anomalies in humans.
Resolution of an exposed pars plana Baerveldt shunt in a patient with a Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 without surgery.

Patients with a keratoprosthesis often develop complications including glaucoma, requiring glaucoma drainage devices. In most of these patients, glaucoma drainage devices have been shown to be safe...
Galvanizing-Induced Distortion in Steel Plate Girders. II: Effects of Welding and Galvanizing Practices

AbstractThis paper, the second of a two-part series, presents a parametric study investigating the influence of welding and galvanizing practices on the susceptibility of welded plate girders to di...
Psychosocial Aspects of Growth

This discussion of psychosocial factors in development will be restricted to human studies relating to physical and cognitive growth. We will further restrict the consideration of psychosocial factors to a limited group of variables relating to family structure and functioning.
Resuscitation From Hemorrhagic Shock With Fresh and Stored Blood and Polymerized Hemoglobin.

BACKGROUND Hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been proposed as alternatives to blood for decades. Previous studies demonstrated that large molecular diameter HBOCs based on polymerized bovine Hb (PolybHb) attenuate Hb side-effects and toxicity. The objective of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of tense state PolybHb after long-term storage. METHODS AND RESULTS PolybHb was subjected to diafiltration to remove low molecular weight (< 500 kDa) species and stored for 2 years. PolybHb was studied in parallel with blood, collected from rats and stored leukodepleted under blood bank conditions for 3 weeks. Rats were hemorrhaged and resuscitated to 90% of the blood pressure before the hemorrhage with fresh blood, stored blood, fresh PolybHb, or 2-year-stored PolybHb. Hemorrhagic shock impaired oxygen delivery and cardiac function. Resuscitation restored blood pressure and cardiac function, but stored blood required a significantly larger transfusion volume to recover from shock compared with fresh blood and PolybHb (fresh and stored). Stored blood transfusion elevated markers of organ damage compared with all other groups. CONCLUSIONS These studies indicate that large molecular diameter PolybHb is as efficacious as fresh blood in restoring cardiac function and confirm the lack of degradation of PolybHb's safety or efficacy during long-term storage.
Rethinking informal labor in peripheral capitalism: the dynamics of surplus, market, and spatiality

The paper presents a critique of the discourse of precarity that assumes that regulated era labor relations in advanced capitalist economies represent the norm, while ‘irregular work’ represents a ...
Tranexamic Acid Reduces the Rate of Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Aseptic Revision Arthroplasty.

Background Revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has a higher rate of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared with primary TJA, possibly as the result of increased allogeneic blood transfusion. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is gaining popularity in revision TJA to minimize blood loss and the need for transfusion; however, its effect on PJI reduction has yet to be investigated. The hypothesis of this study was that the administration of TXA during revision arthroplasty is protective against subsequent PJI. Methods A prospectively maintained institutional database was used to identify patients who underwent revision TJA for aseptic failure from 2009 to 2018 and had a minimum follow-up of 90 days. Patients who developed PJI following revision arthroplasty were identified. All patients with PJI met Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables independently associated with PJI after aseptic revision TJA. Results Overall, 1,731 patients who underwent aseptic revision were identified; of these patients, 83 (4.8%) developed PJI. Patients who received TXA had significantly lower rates (p = 0.029) of PJI postoperatively at 3.30% compared with those who did not receive TXA at 5.73%. After controlling for relevant confounding variables, TXA remained a significant independent factor that protected against PJI (odds ratio [OR], 0.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23 to 0.90]; p = 0.030). Female sex was also identified as a significant independent factor that protected against PJI (OR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.88]; p = 0.016). However, preoperative anemia was independently associated with an increased risk of subsequent PJI (OR, 2.37 [95% CI, 1.34 to 4.16]; p = 0.003). Conclusions Based on this study conducted at a single institution, the use of TXA during aseptic revision arthroplasty was independently associated with a reduced risk of subsequent acute PJI after adjusting for multiple patient characteristics and surgical factors. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Orofacial Somatosensory System Is Modulated During Speech Planning and Production

Purpose In our previous studies, we showed that the brain modulates the auditory system, and the modulation starts during speech planning. However, it remained unknown whether the brain uses similar mechanisms to modulate the orofacial somatosensory system. Here, we developed a novel behavioral paradigm to (a) examine whether the somatosensory system is modulated during speech planning and (b) determine the somatosensory modulation's time course during planning and production. Method Participants (N = 20) completed two experiments in which we applied electrical current stimulation to the lower lip to induce somatosensory sensation. In the first experiment, we used a staircase method (one-up, four-down) to determine each participant's perceptual threshold at rest (i.e., the stimulus that the participant detected on 85% of trials). In the second experiment, we estimated each participant's detection ratio of electrical stimuli (with a magnitude equivalent of their perceptual threshold) delivered at various time points before speaking and during a control condition (silent reading). Results We found that the overall detection ratio in the silent reading condition remained unchanged relative to the detection ratio at rest. Approximately 536 ms before speech onset, the detection ratio in the speaking condition was similar to that in the silent reading condition; however, the detection ratio in the speaking condition gradually started to decrease and reached its lowest level at 58 ms before speech onset. Conclusions Overall, we provided compelling behavioral evidence that, as the speech motor system prepares speech movements, it also modulates the orofacial somatosensory system in a temporally specific manner.
Physics-informed machine learning for composition – process – property design: Shape memory alloy demonstration

Abstract Machine learning (ML) is shown to predict new alloys and their performances in a high dimensional, multiple-target-property design space that considers chemistry, multi-step processing routes, and characterization methodology variations. A physics-informed featured engineering approach is shown to enable otherwise poorly performing ML models to perform well with the same data. Specifically, previously engineered elemental features based on alloy chemistries are combined with newly engineered heat treatment process features. The new features result from first transforming the heat treatment parameter data as it was previously recorded using nonlinear mathematical relationships known to describe the thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations in alloys. The ability of the ML model to be used for predictive design is validated using blind predictions. Composition - process - property relationships for thermal hysteresis of shape memory alloys (SMAs) with complex microstructures created via multiple melting-homogenization-solutionization-precipitation processing stage variations are captured, in addition to the mean transformation temperatures of the SMAs. The quantitative models of hysteresis exhibited by such highly processed alloys demonstrate the ability for ML models to design for physical complexities that have challenged physics-based modeling approaches for decades.
Development of customized finite element models of medial column fixation using an intramedullary beam: A computational sensitivity analysis.

Abstract Intramedullary beaming is commonly used for medial column arthrodesis to prevent or correct rocker-bottom deformities; however, the biomechanics of these reconstructions have not been rigorously studied. Customized FE models of intramedullary beaming of the medial column were developed and compared to a previous cadaveric study, which resulted in a strong correlation in medial column stiffness (ρ = 0.83, p = .079) and implant failure locations. A design of experiments was performed to quantify the models’ sensitivities to varying cortical shell and cartilage thicknesses, cancellous bone and cartilage elastic moduli, and surgical medial column compression distance. Cartilage thickness and cartilage elastic modulus had the largest impact on medial column stiffness and compression distance had the greatest effect on cartilage contact area. Cortical shell thickness and cancellous bone properties did not have a significant effect on the measured parameters for the values tested. Overall, the FE models exhibited behavior that is consistent with known mechanical principles related to bending and composite structures as well as the experimental results. This study elucidates the effects of varying commonly assumed model parameters that can aid future studies aimed at screening implant designs.
Trauma-Informed Children’s Ministry: a Qualitative Descriptive Study

Over half of American children will experience at least one traumatic event, and nearly one in six will experience four or more events. These traumatic events affect children's physical and mental health throughout their lives. Consequently, organizations which serve children, including local religious congregations, are urged to adopt the principles of trauma-informed care. The purpose of this study was to describe specific ways in which trauma-informed principles are applied by church children's ministries. We gathered interview, focus group, and observational data from nine different children's ministries that were previously identified as being exceptionally inclusive and supportive. Interview participants included nine children's pastors, 17 children's ministry volunteers, and 38 individuals across 14 families. Focus group participants included 20 children ages 7 to 13. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methodology using both a deductive and inductive approach. Drawing from prior literature, we deductively categorized the values (preparation, awareness, collaboration, and transparency) and goals (that children feel safe, regulated, connected, and valued) of trauma-informed children's ministries. Results. Results inductively identify and describe specific ways in which each of these values and goals were applied in the children's ministry context. Our results reveal that churches have the potential to be places of healing for children who have experienced trauma. Moreover, although many of these trauma-informed practices in a children's ministry context are similar to a school context, there are important differences that make children's church a unique context for care. We highlight the implications for children's ministries.
Modulation of Mechanical Stress Mitigates Anti-Dsg3 Antibody-Induced Dissociation of Cell–Cell Adhesion

It is becoming increasingly clear that mechanical stress in adhesive junctions plays a significant role in dictating the fate of cell-cell attachment under physiological conditions. Targeted disruption of cell-cell junctions leads to multiple pathological conditions, among them the life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The dissociation of cell-cell junctions by autoantibodies is the hallmark of PV, however, the detailed mechanisms that result in tissue destruction remain unclear. Thus far, research and therapy in PV have focused primarily on immune mechanisms upstream of autoantibody binding, while the biophysical aspects of the cell-cell dissociation process leading to acantholysis are less well studied. In work aimed at illuminating the cellular consequences of autoantibody attachment, it is reported that externally applied mechanical stress mitigates antibody-induced monolayer fragmentation and inhibits p38 MAPK phosphorylation activated by anti-Dsg3 antibody. Further, it is demonstrated that mechanical stress applied externally to cell monolayers enhances cell contractility via RhoA activation and promotes the strengthening of cortical actin, which ultimately mitigates antibody-induced cell-cell dissociation. The study elevates understanding of the mechanism of acantholysis in PV and shifts the paradigm of PV disease development from a focus solely on immune pathways to highlight the key role of physical transformations at the target cell.
The Impact of the U.S. Shale Boom on Agriculture: Evidence from North Dakota

Shale energy exploitation often occurs in rural areas. While agriculture dominates surface land use in these regions, energy development competes for inputs such as water and labor, and localized congestion externalities can create bottlenecks in transporting agricultural output. Additionally, well spacing, rights-of-way and chemical spillage potentially decrease the returns to surface land as greater numbers of oil wells are drilled. This study examines the impact of shale drilling on agriculture by estimating parcel rent differences as a function of energy industry activity for over 17,000 land rental transactions using State Trust Lands data from North Dakota. I find that, despite anecdotal evidence that the above-mentioned processes threaten farm profitability, surface renters in North Dakota do not significantly decrease their willingness to pay for parcels with nearby oil activity relative to parcels with no activity in the vicinity.
Data-Driven Operator Theoretic Methods for Phase Space Learning and Analysis.

This paper uses data-driven operator theoretic approaches to explore the global phase space of a dynamical system. We defined conditions for discovering new invariant subspaces in the state space of a dynamical system starting from an invariant subspace based on the spectral properties of the Koopman operator. When the system evolution is known locally in several invariant subspaces in the state space of a dynamical system, a phase space stitching result is derived that yields the global Koopman operator. Additionally, in the case of equivariant systems, a phase space stitching result is developed to identify the global Koopman operator using the symmetry properties between the invariant subspaces of the dynamical system and time-series data from any one of the invariant subspaces. Finally, these results are extended to topologically conjugate dynamical systems; in particular, the relation between the Koopman tuple of topologically conjugate systems is established. The proposed results are demonstrated on several second-order nonlinear dynamical systems including a bistable toggle switch. Our method elucidates a strategy for designing discovery experiments: experiment execution can be done in many steps, and models from different invariant subspaces can be combined to approximate the global Koopman operator.
Wideband Acousto-Optical Modulation on Suspended Thin-Film Lithium Niobate

We present a wideband acousto-optic modulator on a suspended thin-film lithium niobate where both light and acoustic waves are guided simultaneously. The modulator has a center frequency of 1.9 GHz and bandwidth of 70 MHz.
Novel, unusual and new videos and pictures in pneumatic conveying

Abstract This review will present a number of novel, unusual and new videos and picture that have been observed over the last four decades in our solids processing laboratory and others. The regimes of flow will cover both the dilute phase and dense phase pneumatic transport regions. The phenomena discussed are in general non-obvious ones. The non-obvious statement comes into play when competing physical processes interact in a non linear manner so that one's experience in solids processing of experimental observations is challenged.
San Andreas fault zone velocity structure at SAFOD at core, log, and seismic scales

The San Andreas Fault (SAF), like other mature brittle faults, exhibits a zone of low seismic velocity hypothesized to result from fluid pressure effects and/or development of a damage zone. To address the relative contributions of these mechanisms in developing low-velocity zones, we measured P and S wave velocities ultrasonically at elevated confining and pore pressures on core samples from the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD). We compared those data to wireline and seismic-scale velocities to examine the scale dependence of acoustic properties of the fault core and damage zone. Average laboratory P and S wave velocities of the fault gouge at estimated in situ conditions are 3.1 and 1.5 km/s, respectively, consistent with the sonic log from the same intervals. These data show that fault core has intrinsically low velocity, even if no anomalous pore pressure is assumed, due to alteration and mechanical damage. In contrast, laboratory average P and S wave velocities for the damage zone are 4.7 and 2.5 km/s, up to 41% greater than the sonic log in the damage zone. This scale dependence indicates that stress conditions or macroscale features dominate the damage zone's acoustic properties, although velocity dispersion could play a role. Because no pressure anomaly was detected while drilling the SAFOD borehole, we infer that damage at a scale larger than core samples controls the elastic properties of the broader damage zone. This result bolsters other independent lines of evidence that the SAF does not contain major pore fluid overpressure at SAFOD.
Persuasions and Exhortations: Acknowledging Internet Governance and Human Dignity for All

The title of the article sums up the author’s desire to communicate and advocate on the importance of Internet governance. Internet governance is concerned with the laws and regulations related to the management of the Domain Name System (DNS), all Top Level Domains (TLDs), the Internet’s Root Zone, and other related subjects. The article provides background information on the subject before considering its importance to freedom of expression, corporate responsibility abroad, state responsibility and the rule of law under international law. The subject stands to identify Internet operations and the forces that manage those operations. The Internet, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has created a juncture that potentially equalizes governments, businesses, and civil society at the discussion table. The first part of the article considers that if Internet governance is to be understood, then it must be explored and studied by all academics in the legal field. The second part of the article presents a tribute to the efforts of those individuals that have participated on the common goal to discuss and discover international internet management standards that would be influential in the promotion of democracy, education, and ultimately human development.
Foucault Among the Classicists, Again

Foucault’s posthumously-published late work on epimeleia heautou might inaugurate a new partnership between classicists and Foucault. This work, however, has been misconstrued in recent classical scholarship, an important instance of which I consider here. I remedy the errors of one of Foucault’s classical interpreters; diagnose the reasons for the errors; and briefly suggest the transformative potential of Foucault’s work for students of antiquity.
Carotid chemoreceptor modulation of sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow during exercise in healthy humans

Recently, we have shown that specific, transient carotid chemoreceptor (CC) inhibition in exercising dogs causes vasodilatation in limb muscle. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if CC suppression reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in exercising humans. Healthy subjects (N = 7) breathed hyperoxic gas (F(IO(2)) approximately 1.0) for 60 s at rest and during rhythmic handgrip exercise (50% maximal voluntary contraction, 20 r.p.m.). Microneurography was used to record MSNA in the peroneal nerve. End-tidal P(CO(2)) was maintained at resting eupnoeic levels throughout and breathing rate was voluntarily fixed. Exercise increased heart rate (67 versus 77 beats min(-1)), mean blood pressure (81 versus 97 mmHg), MSNA burst frequency (28 versus 37 bursts min(-1)) and MSNA total minute activity (5.7 versus 9.3 units), but did not change blood lactate (0.7 versus 0.7 mm). Transient hyperoxia had no significant effect on MSNA at rest. In contrast, during exercise both MSNA burst frequency and total minute activity were significantly reduced with hyperoxia. MSNA burst frequency was reduced within 9-23 s of end-tidal P(O(2)) exceeding 250 mmHg. The average nadir in MSNA burst frequency and total minute activity was -28 +/- 2% and -39 +/- 7%, respectively, below steady state normoxic values. Blood pressure was unchanged with hyperoxia at rest or during exercise. CC stimulation with transient hypoxia increased MSNA with a similar time delay to that obtained with CC inhibition via hyperoxia. Consistent with previous animal work, these data indicate that the CC contributes to exercise-induced increases in sympathetic vasoconstrictor outflow.
Purification on Renografin Density Gradients of Chlamydia trachomatis Grown in the Yolk Sac of Eggs

Chlamydia trachomatis grown in the yolk sac of embryonated eggs was purified by centrifugation on continuous isopycnic Renografin density gradients. A band of chlamydial particles with a buoyant density of 1.20 contained 70% of the starting particles, and electron microscopy revealed the virtual absence of contaminating egg material. Centrifugation on Renografin gradients caused only a moderate decrease in infectivity. For large-scale purification, infected yolk sac was centrifuged through Renografin solutions, resulting in greater than 60% recovery of starting chlamydial particles, but less than 1% recovery of the dry weight and protein.
BioCentury Research Farm Update

The BCRF had another year of diverse users. Iowa State University (ISU) faculty and staff from the Departments of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE); Agronomy; Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE); Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE); Mechanical Engineering (ME); and Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), as well as the Bioeconomy Institute (BEI), Center for Crops Utilization Research (CCUR), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), and Extension and Outreach conducted research, teaching, and outreach at the BCRF. Private industry users included ARGO, Chevron, Deere and Company, DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol, and many others. By the end of 2018, the BCRF had more than 80 full- and part-time users with projects in all available spaces. The BCRF separated from CCUR July 1 to become an independent unit under the CALS administrative umbrella with Matt Darr as the administrative leader.
Molecular Mimicry in Multiple Sclerosis: Role of MHC-Altered Peptide Ligands (MAPL)

Molecular mimicry is an attractive hypothesis to explain the initiation and maintenance of multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Epidemiological and immunological studies support this theory. Several microbial peptides that cross-react with self myelin proteins have been identified. In addition, more microbial peptides will be identified in the near future if the MAPL concept is considered during screening for cross-reacting antigens. However, not all the available data can be taken as direct evidence that this molecular mechanism is at work in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). If genetically predisposed individuals suffer from infections, they may develop MS because of molecular mimicry. Recently, there has been a conceptual movement in the MS field that MS is not a single disease entity but rather a syndrome composed of different disorders with different causes. In addition, major pathogenic mechanisms might differ depending on the disease stage. Therefore, the molecular mimicry hypothesis should be re-evaluated according to the new concept of the complexity of T cell cross-reactivity as well as the disease entity.
Laboratories for introductory circuits and electronics

A set of design oriented experiments is being developed for the introductory circuits and electronics laboratories which have several goals: to strengthen the study of frequency domain concepts, to connect the circuits and electronics laboratory experiences into a cohesive whole, and to motivate the study of traditional transistor amplifier configurations. A thematic approach is used based upon the use of op-amp circuits and the design of operational amplifiers. Modeling is also central to the students' thought process since SPICE and/or MATLAB simulations are compared closely to both observed circuit behavior and analytical predictions. We describe the experiments under development and present some of our current experiences.
Retinal Thy-1 expression during development.

Purpose. To evaluate the developmental expression of Thy-1 in the retina. Thy-1, the most abundant mammalian neuronal surface glycoprotein, is likely to play a significant role in retinal development. In the mammalian retina, it is found predominantly, if not exclusively, on retinal ganglion cells. Methods. Rat retinae of various ages were stained immunohistochemically for Thy-1 with 2G12, a monoclonal Thy-1 antibody. Sections were analyzed digitally to quantify bound antibody. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the expression of Thy-1 protein was compared with the levels of mRNA detected. Results. Thy-1-dependent fluorescence was detected in rat retinae from birth, albeit at low levels. Thy-1 labeling was localized predominantly to the ganglion cell layer. Minimal, fine patterns of linear and reticular fluorescence were noted in the inner nuclear layer. Thy-1 levels reached a maximal level at approximately postnatal day 14. RT-PCR measurements showed a similar time course for the increase in Thy-1 expression. Conclusions. The Thy-1 antigen is present in the inner retina at birth. Its level increases steadily after birth and peaks during the second week of life. Thy-1 expression is approximately coterminous with synaptogenesis of the inner plexiform layer and may play a role in synaptogenesis of the inner retina or in other developmental milestones in the formation of the visual system.
Transtracheal approach to repair of a tracheo-colonic fistula 44 years after colonic interposition.

Background We present a case report of a trachea-colonic fistula and demonstrate our unique approach to repair, which was efficient and effective. Methods The patient was a 50-year-old man who had a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula repair with colonic interposition as a child who now developed a fistula between his colon and trachea. Results We performed a transtracheal approach, with primary closure of redundant colon mucosa as well as direct repair of the trachea. An inferiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle flap was interposed between these 2 layers to augment the repair. The patient had an uneventful recovery with an effective reconstitution of the alimentary tract and the airway. Conclusion Tracheo-colonic fistula is an extremely rare pathology, and the scarring that develops after a prior esophagectomy makes a traditional lateral approach very difficult. The transtracheal approach is an effective method to obtain needed exposure in order to carry out the repair. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E117–E120, 2014
Impact of vessel curvature on the accuracy of three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound: Validation by phantoms and coronary segments

Abstract Background: Three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is used for volumetric assessment of arteriosclerotic plaque burden and restenotic tissue at follow-up after coronary interventions. However, the accuracy of these measurements, especially in tortuous vessels, is unclear. Methods: A commercially available electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated 3-dimensional-IVUS system was tested in volume-validated straight and curved hydrocolloid phantoms and in volume-validated coronary specimens. Catheter withdrawal (30 MHz, 3.2F) was triggered using standardized ECG source with 0.2-mm step intervals per cardiac cycle simulation. Results: On the basis of automated phantom volume measurements, IVUS overestimated true phantom volume (relative error=[measured V − true V]/true V × 100) by a median of 0.9%, 0.25%, and 1.96% for straight, mildly curved, and severely curved segments, respectively. The true volume of the coronary specimens was overestimated by a median of 5.79%. Conclusion: A median percentage deviation of 3-dimensional-IVUS-measured volumes from the true volumes of less than 10% in phantoms and coronary artery segments can be achieved. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:823-30.)
Broadband Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Polymer Thin Films:

Broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is demonstrated as an effective probe of polymer thin film materials. A simple modification to a 1 kHz broad bandwidth sum frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer permits acquisition of CARS spectra for polymer thin films less than 100 nm thick, a dimension relevant to organic electronic device applications. CARS spectra are compared to the conventional Raman spectra of polystyrene and the resonance-enhanced Raman spectra of poly(3-hexylthiophene). The CARS spectra obtained under these conditions consistently demonstrate enhanced signal-to-noise ratio compared to the spontaneous Raman scattering. The sensitivity of the CARS measurement is limited by the damage threshold of the samples. The dielectic properties of the substrate have a dramatic effect on the detected signal intensity. For ultrathin films, the strongest signals are obtained from fused silica surfaces. Similar to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), Au also gives a large signal, but contrary to SERS, no surface roughening is necessary.
Dynamic modeling of a solid oxide fuel cell combined heat and power system with thermal storage for commercial building applications

A dynamic model of an integrated solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) combined heat and power (CHP) system has been developed. The model was developed by modifying a previously developed generic 5 kW simple-cycle SOFC system. Fuel cell model modifications include changes in methods and constants for estimating over-potentials to better simulate a modern anode-supported planar SOFC. In addition to scaling up and modifying the fuel cell model, a thermal energy storage (TES) tank, exhaust gas duct burner and hot water exhaust gas recuperator model were integrated into the system model. The fully integrated system model can effectively simulate an SOFC-CHP system and evaluate the system performance and efficiency in meeting building electricity and heating demand profiles. For the present effort, dynamic building electricity and heating data from a hotel operated in Orange County, southern California during the months of July and August 2008 were analyzed. Specifically, tradeoffs between SOFC performance and thermal energy storage have been investigated. The simulation results show that the SOFC-CHP system has the ability to follow the dynamic electrical load with appropriate system design and controls. Due to thermal power mismatch during electricity load-following operation, supplementary exhaust gas duct burner heat and/or a TES is required to independently dispatch the fuel cell power and meet the hotel heating demand. However, if the fuel cell is sufficiently sized, the system can achieve greater than 70% efficiency with only a small TES tank and without the need to fire the duct burner. The dynamic model and integrated SOFC-TES concept are shown to be useful for developing integrated CHP systems and to evaluate performance. Copyright © 2009 by ASME.
Modification of calibration curve for measurement of molecular weight of small polymers by gel permeation chromatography

Abstract When the molecular weight of a polymer is so small (M 1 [η] = − A 2 + A 1 M 1 2 ([η] = intrinsic viscosity; A1, A2 = constants), with polystyrene and polybutadiene used as the polymer samples. It is shown that the modification is adoptable for M
Enabling technologies in discovery: the 2009 Nobel Prize and its implications in antibiotic design.

Every year in early October the announcement of the winners of the Nobel Prize in different disciplines, including those awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, is greeted with expectation and often surprise by the scientific community. Despite its many detractors claiming unjust and even political choices of the awardees, the Nobel Prize still carries an aura of scientific glamour that no other prized award in science or medicine does. The 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognized three researchers for elucidation of the structure and function of the ribosome, the protein production machinery that translates the DNA blueprint of life into life itself. The laureates, Venkatraman Ramakrishnan (MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK), Thomas A. Steitz (Yale University, CT, USA), and Ada E. Yonath (Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel) exemplify the spirit of scientific devotion that has long resulted in breakthrough discoveries. The road leading to the atomic resolution structure of the ribosome was a long journey. Ribosomes are large RNA-protein complexes. Obtaining the ribosomes at high purity and in large enough amounts to perform meaningful studies was, in itself, already a formidable task. The pinnacle of many years of tenacious work by Yonath and colleagues was the crystallization of the ribosomal 50S subunit from the thermophilic bacterium Geobacill stearothermophilus [1]; this was the first true breakthrough leading to the elucidation of the structure of the ribosomes. In the next two years a few other ribosomal subunits were crystallized, but most of them did not render enough diffraction resolution (i.e., only 10 A) to build a structure model with high fidelity. It took Yonath and colleagues ten full years to reach the second milestone in the revelation of ribosome structure when they finally obtained crystals from the 50S subunit from H. marismortui with a diffraction resolution of 3 A [2]. Strikingly, while it took almost two decades to advance from the first crystal to the low resolution structure, it took merely three years to move the resolution of the 50S subunit structure from low [3], via intermediate [4–7], to high [8–11]. This fast progress is largely because of improvement of other analytical methods that aided in the task, such as the employment of CCD area-detectors for precise and automated analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns.
Stress-rest Myocardial Perfusion Tomography Value 7 Cases Coronary Artery Abnormalities of Atypical Kawasaki Disease

Objective: All-round comprehend coronary artery abnormalities of Atypical Kawasaki Disease. Method: Stress-rest Myocardial Perfusion Tomography (SPECT) value 7 cases atypical Kawasaki Disease after echocardiography and fever gone. Result: 6 in 7 cases had coronary artery stinosis and ischmia. 5 cases were left coronary artery, 1 cases was right. Conclusion: Found coronary artery ectasia was easy by echocardiography. It was difficulty to know coronary artery stinosis ischmia. If get SPECT early, special after echocardiograph had known coronary artery ectasia, Stinosis and ischmia arise rate is high, about 86%.This diagnosis is complete. It direct acute therapy and long time follow—up.
Kinetic Addition of Nucleophiles to η3-Propargyl Rhenium Complexes Occurs at the Central Carbon to Produce Rhenacyclobutenes

Kinetic addition of nucleophiles occurs at the center carbon of η3-propargyl rhenium complexes to produce rhenacyclobutenes. Reaction of P(CH3)3 with C5Me5(CO)2Re[η3-CH2C⋮CC(CH3)3]+BF4- (3a) gave the metallacyclobutene C5Me5(CO)2ReCH2C(PMe3)CC(CH3)3+BF4- (4a), which was characterized by X-ray crystallography. Malonate and acetylide nucleophiles reacted with C5Me5(CO)2Re[η3-CH2C⋮CCH3]+PF6- (3b) to give metallacyclobutene complexes. Pyridine added to the central propargyl carbon of 3b at low temperature to produce the metastable metallacyclobutene C5Me5(CO)2ReCH2C(NC5H5)CCH3+PF6- (14b) which rearranged to the η2-allene complex C5Me5(CO)2Re[η2-H2CCC(NC5H5)CH3]+PF6- (15K) at room temperature. 4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) added to the central carbon of the tert-butyl-substituted η3-propargyl complex 3a below −38 °C to give the rhenacyclobutene complex C5Me5(CO)2ReCH2C(NC5H4NMe2)CC(CH3)3+BF4- (22a) which rearranged to the η2-alkyne complex C5Me5(CO)2Re[η2-(CH3)3CC⋮CCH2NC5H4NMe2]+BF4- (23) at room temperatur...
Comparison of alarms, desmopressin, and combined therapy in Chinese children with nocturnal enuresis

Comparison of alarms, desmopressin, and combined therapy in Chinese children with nocturnal enuresis
Management of work disability. resources for vocational rehabilitation

Objective. To review the state–federal vocational rehabilitation (SF-VR) system and its utilization by persons with rheumatic conditions. Methods. SF-VR system instruction manuals, and literature on rheumatology rehabilitation, work disability, and rehabilitation counseling were reviewed. National and Massachusetts state SF-VR system data on persons with “arthritis and rheumatism” were analyzed. Results. The SF-VR system is used by a small proportion of persons with rheumatic diseases. Fifty-two percent of clients with arthritis are employed after receiving services. Conclusion. Although evidence indicates that VR services for persons with rheumatic conditions improves their chances for reemployment, the SF-VR system is underutilized.
Microseisms Observations in the Santa Clara Valley, California

We have investigated ground-motion amplification in the Santa Clara Valley (scv) using microseisms observed during the 1998 deployment of 41 short-period seismometers. The Santa Clara Valley Seismic Experiment (scvse) (Lindh et al. , 1999; Fletcher et al. , 2003) recorded many local, regional, and teleseismic events. In our previous work we investigated the 3D velocity structure of the scv by modeling the teleseismic P waves recorded during the scvse(Dolenc et al. , 2005). To complement these results, we now focus on the microseisms that were recorded during the same period and relate these observations to local earthquake wave amplification. It is found that the seismic noise is related to the ocean wave heights measured on the weather buoy west of Half Moon Bay, California. The spectral ratio of the horizontal to vertical (h/v) microseisms at each scvse site is stable with time, and the period of the dominant peak in the h/v ratio is related to the basin depth. The results of this study show that seismic noise can be used in the assessment of the effects of deep sediments on long-period earthquake ground motions.
In vivo expansion of trinucleotide repeats yields plasmid and YAC constructs for targeting and transgenesis

Production of mouse models of inherited neurodegenerative diseases is an important step towards understanding the mechanism of neurotoxicity and for testing potential therapies. We are interested in creating a mouse model for X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neuromuscular disorder caused by expansion of a CAG repeat within the androgen receptor (AR) gene. To permit generation of mice that will show a SBMA phenotype within their life span, we decided to obtain a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) carrying the AR gene and introduce CAG repeat mutations numbering 100 or more triplets. SBMA patients with more than 70 CAGs have never been observed; therefore, we chose to expand a 59 CAG repeat tract in vivo in Escherichia coli. Although we set out to expand this repeat tract using a recombination paradigm involving two plasmid co-propagation, we did not observe large expansions. We were instead able to incrementally generate repeat tracts from 100 to 200 CAGs in a yeast integrating plasmid vector by taking advantage of replication instability. In the course of our experiments that yielded these CAG repeat tracts, we evaluated the role of repeat orientation, vector co-propagation, and recA function on the expansion process. We then used one of the yeast integrating vectors to successfully produce an AR YAC construct carrying 100 CAG repeats. AR YAC CAG100 will serve as a valuable reagent for the production of a SBMA mouse.
THE EFFECT OF AN ALKALINE EXTRACT OF THE ANTERIOR HYPOPHYSIS UPON THE WEIGHT OF THE SPLEEN AND ADRENAL GLANDS AND UPON THE BLOOD CALCIUM LEVEL1

Among the many ‘hormones’ which have been attributed to the anterior hypophysis is one endowed with specific adrenotropic properties. Collip, Anderson and Thomson have reported that the adrenal cortical atrophy which results from hypophysectomy in rats can be obviated completely by daily injections of an anterior pituitary extract which is without similar protective qualities against the expected thyroid atrophy (1). In 1929, Putnam, Benedict and Teel (2) found cortical adenomas of the adrenals in dogs which were injected over a relatively long interval with an alkaline extract of the anterior hypophysis. In June, 1933 (3), and later in January, 1934 (4), the present writer reported that a definite enlargement of the adrenal gland, due to hypertrophy of its cortex, occurred in guinea pigs during the period of hyperthyroidism evoked by daily injections of a partially purified alkaline extract of the anterior hypophysis. Shortly after the first (3) of these reports, Houssay and his collaborators (5) showed ...
Optic neuropathy, myelopathy, anemia, and neutropenia caused by acquired copper deficiency after gastric bypass surgery

Malabsorptive bariatric surgery is rapidly becoming a major cause of copper deficiency given the increasing prevalence of these procedures for morbid obesity. Acquired copper deficiency can present with clinically significant hematologic and neurological manifestations. Although hematologic manifestations of copper deficiency are rapidly reversible, significant neurological improvement after copper supplementation therapy is unusual and many patients remain debilitated and may only experience, at best, stabilization of the neurological manifestations. Here we present a case of an undiagnosed copper deficiency several years after bariatric gastric bypass surgery, in a patient who concomitantly used zinc-containing denture cream for several years, associated with anemia, neutropenia, myelopathy, respiratory failure, and bilateral optic neuropathy, which caused major vision loss. This patient was also a heterozygote carrier of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C gene polymorphism, which may affect copper metabolism. Intravenous copper repletion resulted in rapid correction of hematologic indices. However, neurological manifestations, including vision loss responded only modestly to copper supplementation, despite achieving normal blood copper concentrations. Clinicians should consider copper deficiency in patients at risk, as in this case, as a delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible disability due to neurological manifestations.
Planar imaging of the mixing characteristics of a multi-element triplet injector

Planar light scattering has been used to investigate the turbulent mixing in a multi-element triplet injector at mixture ratio conditions typical of liquid rocket engine gas generators. Experiments were conducted at atmospheric pressure using air seeded with smoke particles to simulate the oxidizer flow and unseeded air to simulate the fuel. Data sets of 200 images (containing 122,000 simultaneous measurements each) of the instantaneous distribution of the scattered light were acquired at several positions throughout the flow. These images have been processed digitally to produce local distributions of the average and rms fluctuation of the mixture fraction. In addition, the spatial autocorrelation of the images has been calculated and analyzed to determine a mean length scale related to the large scale structures in the flow.
Effect of age on postmyocardial infarction ventricular arrhythmias (Holter Registry data from CAST I and CAST II)

Abstract In summary, Holter data from the 17,609 postmyocardial infarction patients in the CAST Registry were analyzed to study the effect of age on VPC and VT incidence and frequency. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that age is an important independent predictor of increased ventricular ectopy, with the median rate of VPCs/hour increasing from 0.4 (patients aged
Laboratory projects for promoting hands-on learning in a computer security course

This paper describes two laboratory projects which were developed for use in a computer security course. The first project requires that students examine and analyze an existing computer network environment in order to find security flaws. A sample network environment containing numerous flaws was developed for this purpose. The second project requires students to analyze the security needs of a hypothetical college with respect to its academic computing network and establish a secure computing environment which meets those needs. The environment for both projects consisted of a network of IBM compatible computers running Artisoft's LANtastic Network Operating System for DOS.
The effects of butylated hydroxytoluene on the in vitro metabolism, DNA-binding and mutagenicity of aflatoxin B1 in the rat

Abstract Butylated hydroxytoluene pretreatment in the rat enhanced the total in vitro metabolism of aflatoxin B 1 by the hepatic postmitochondrial fraction (S-9) and increased the formation of aflation M 1 , aflatoxin Q 1 and a metabolite tentatively identified as the aflatoxin-glutathione conjugate, the latter being the major metabolite produced. Addition of diethyl maleate, a glutathione deplethione depletor, to the incubation mix reduced formation of the conjugate. No significant difference between treated and control animals was observed in the S-9-mediated binding of aflatoxin B 1 to calf thymus DNA. However, the mutagenicity of aflatoxin B 1 in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 was significantly lower in the presence of S-9 from BHT-treated rats than with S-9 from controls.