cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active drug substance impurity profiling: Part II. LC/MS/MS fingerprinting

Drug substance impurities are routinely monitored using HPLC. Because HPLC retention times can vary, uncertainty can arise as to whether a peak at a new retention time is a new impurity. When impurity standards are not available some method is needed to characterize the impurities on-line. This work sought to assess the ability of LC/MS/MS to generate characteristic impurity 'fingerprints', comprised of a precursor ion mass plus at least three product ion masses. MS/MS fingerprints of a drug substance, DuP 941, and three of its impurities were first generated using available standards. Experiments varying collision cell parameters showed that collision energy must be specified in order to reproducibly generate characteristic MS/MS fingerprints. MS/MS fingerprints were also generated on-line for seven impurities in the earliest safety lot of DuP 941. Several subsequent lots of DuP 941 were examined to see how well their impurity fingerprints matched those from the earlier lot. Fingerprint reproducibility was very good for all impurities examined, even down to 0.01 UV area percent for some impurities. MS/MS fingerprinting was able to distinguish two impurities from one another which were known to be positional isomers. It also permitted assignment of tentative structures to the drug impurities.
Statistics in the Two-Year Curriculum

As we have been discussing what should constitute a new sequence of courses for the first two-year curriculum, several questions arise as to the placing of topics from the areas of Introductory Probability/Statistics. 1. Should some topics from these areas be included in this new curriculum? 2. if so, the effectiveness as to how well they are taught is highly dependent on what topics outside of Probability/Statistics are included. Hence what are these topics? 3. if no topics from Probability/Statistics are included in this two-year curriculum, then what topics should be covered in the two-year curriculum to adequately prepare students to take a course in their third or fourth years.
First Principles: Designing Services for First-Generation Students

For many first-generation college students, traditional academic culture and structures can create barriers to their engagement on campus and academic success. To ensure that academic libraries are not also presenting unnecessary challenges to these students, first-generation needs and expectations should be important considerations in library service and facility design initiatives. Drawing on a multidisciplinary literature review and a survey of high school counselors’ experiences advising first-generation students, the current study identifies common needs and challenges of first-generation students and provides correlated recommendations for how libraries can best equip themselves to meet those needs.
Structured Noise Detection: Application on Well Test Pressure Derivative Data

Real-valued data sequences are often affected by structured noise in addition to random noise. For example, in pressure transient analysis (PTA), semi-log derivatives of log-log diagnostic plots show such contamination of structured noise; especially under multiphase flow condition. In PTA data, structured noise refers to the response to some physical phenomena which is not originated at the reservoir, such as fluid segregation in wellbore or pressure leak due to a brief opening of a valve. Such noisy responses commonly appear to mix up with flow regimes, hindering further reservoir flow analysis. In this paper, we use the Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) to decompose PTA data into additive components; subsequently we use the eigenvalues associated with the decomposed components to identify the components that contain most of the structured noise information. We develop a semisupervised process that requires minimal expert supervision in tuning the solitary parameter of our algorithm using only one pressure buildup scenario. An empirical evaluation using real pressure data from oil and gas wells shows that our approach can detect a multitude of structured noise with 74.25% accuracy.
Developmental trajectories of deviant peer affiliation in adolescence: Associations with types of child maltreatment and substance use

Abstract Deviant peer affiliation has long been recognized as a risk factor in determining adolescent further development, but scarce research has examined the developmental trajectories of deviant peer affiliation in at-risk youth. Guided by developmental psychopathology perspectives and differential association theory, this study aimed to: 1) identify heterogeneity in growth trajectories of adolescent deviant peer affiliation; 2) examine whether the growth trajectories differ by types of child abuse; and 3) investigate how the growth trajectories were associated with adolescent substance use. Drawing from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), youth who completed at least one of the age 12, 14, and 16 assessments were examined. Latent class growth analyses indicated three distinctive developmental trajectories of deviant peer affiliation from age 12 to 16: a slightly ascending trajectory class (82.9%); a steep ascending trajectory class (12.9%), and a declining trajectory class (4.2%). Youth who had been emotionally abused were more likely to be in the steep ascending trajectory class, while sexual abuse predicted membership in the declining trajectory class. Additionally, the patterns of deviant peer affiliation trajectories predicted later adolescent substance use: youth who were in the steep ascending trajectory class were more likely to use alcohol and marijuana compared to youth in the other classes. However, tobacco use indicated a slightly different pattern: youth in both the steep ascending and the declining classes had higher likelihoods of tobacco use, compared to those in the slightly ascending trajectory class. Results suggest preventive interventions to improve positive peer relationships.
Sacroiliitis in cancer patients: a review of current literature

The sacroiliac (SI) joint can be directly jeopardized by malignancy and indirectly by ergonomic changes of pelvic obliquity that introduces uneven weight distribution. Cancer treatment can exacerbate preexisting arthritis and cause diffuse arthropathies, but these are unlikely to be isolated to the SI joint. The cancer population is exposed to unique stressors that might facilitate development of SI joint pain that includes cancer itself and therapy-related complications. Like the general population, cancer patients are subject to aging and BMI and musculoskeletal structural changes that affect symmetric body functioning and posturing. No frank association between sacroiliitis and cancer has been identified. Therefore, we believe there is a need to characterize any relationship between cancer and SI joint dysfunction and pain.
Revision Carpal Tunnel Surgical Options

Recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome is an infrequent occurrence. It is characterized by a period of relief following the index procedure. Recurrence typically occurs 7–10 years after the initial surgery. The history of symptoms is the best diagnostic tool, however there is value in documenting the response to provocative maneuvers, either two-point discrimination or Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing and nerve conduction studies.
Complex bursting dynamics in an embryonic respiratory neuron model

Pre-Botzinger complex (pre-BotC) network activity within the mammalian brainstem controls the inspiratory phase of the respiratory rhythm. While bursting in pre-BotC neurons during the postnatal period has been extensively studied, less is known regarding inspiratory pacemaker neuron behavior at embryonic stages. Recent data in mouse embryo brainstem slices have revealed the existence of a variety of bursting activity patterns depending on distinct combinations of burst-generating INaP and ICAN conductances. In this work, we consider a model of an isolated embryonic pre-BotC neuron featuring two distinct bursting mechanisms. We use methods of dynamical systems theory, such as phase plane analysis, fast-slow decomposition, and bifurcation analysis, to uncover mechanisms underlying several different types of intrinsic bursting dynamics observed experimentally including several forms of plateau bursts, bursts involving depolarization block, and various combinations of these patterns. Our analysis also yields predictions about how changes in the balance of the two bursting mechanisms contribute to alterations in an inspiratory pacemaker neuron activity during prenatal development.
Synaptic Specificity, Recognition Molecules, and Assembly of Neural Circuits

Developing neurons connect in specific and stereotyped ways to form the complex circuits that underlie brain function. By comparison to earlier steps in neural development, progress has been slow in identifying the cell surface recognition molecules that mediate these synaptic choices, but new high-throughput imaging, genetic, and molecular methods are accelerating progress. Over the past decade, numerous large and small gene families have been implicated in target recognition, including members of the immunoglobulin, cadherin, and leucine-rich repeat superfamilies. We review these advances and propose ways in which combinatorial use of multifunctional recognition molecules enables the complex neuron-neuron interactions that underlie synaptic specificity.
SiC-Enabled Medium Voltage Isolated DC-DC Converter based Power Optimizer for Large Photovoltaic Parks

Reduction in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) can drive the widespread adoption of the PV and can contribute to sustainable development. Large scale PV parks are gaining popularity, thanks to its low LCOE compared to the commercial and residential scale PV. Further, LCOE reduction can be achieved by migrating from the low voltage AC to the Medium Voltage (MV) DC collection network. A re-configurable Two-stage boost LLC resonant converter is proposed for the MVDC integration of large PV parks. Detailed analytical loss models of the semiconductor devices and magnetic components have been developed, and multi-objective optimization has been performed to obtain losses and volume optimized design. A 7kV, 25kW converter is developed to validate the analysis.
Germ cell tumors and associated hematologic malignancies evolve from a common shared precursor

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 40. Although most patients are cured, those with disease arising in the mediastinum have distinctly poor outcomes. One in every 17 patients with primary mediastinal nonseminomatous GCTs develop an incurable hematologic malignancy and prior data intriguingly suggest a clonal relationship exists between hematologic malignancies and GCTs in these cases. To date, however, the precise clonal relationship between GCTs and the diverse additional somatic malignancies arising in such individuals have not been determined. Here, we traced the clonal evolution and characterized the genetic features of each neoplasm from a cohort of 15 patients with GCTs and associated hematologic malignancies. We discovered that GCTs and hematologic malignancies developing in such individuals evolved from a common shared precursor, nearly all of which harbored allelically imbalanced p53 and/or RAS pathway mutations. Hematologic malignancies arising in this setting genetically resembled mediastinal GCTs rather than de novo myeloid neoplasms. Our findings argue that this scenario represents a unique clinical syndrome, distinct from de novo GCTs or hematologic malignancies, initiated by an ancestral precursor that gives rise to the parallel evolution of GCTs and blood cancers in these patients.
Transient CFD Heat Transfer Simulation Model of Air-Cooled Battery Packs

Battery packs can be used to provide emergency during power outages to allow ride-through until restoration of backup power or alternatively, provide sufficient uptime allow the system to backup or save data and records and a safe shutdown. Using battery packs also contributes to more robust power design and higher immunity to power disturbance. Heat transfer in each battery cell as well battery packs remains a challenge because of the complex multi-physics phenomenon and heat transfer paths. temperatures rise with heat generated during both charging and discharging processes. A validated transient heat model can enable real-time temperature monitoring as well achieve better battery thermal management. A full flow and thermal transient simulation was built to investigate the heat transfer phenomenon during the discharging of forced air-cooled battery packs. This transient model is verified with experimental testing and could provide temperature predictions of air-cooled battery packs various battery powers and working conditions.
Cryotherapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review.

ObjectiveChemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse effect of certain chemotherapy agents that can result in dose reductions, permanent nerve damage, and chronic pain. Although...
Methods and timing of curricular integration in U.S. dental education in preparation for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination.

Purpose To characterize methods, timing, faculty training, and barriers pertaining to curricular integration in preparation for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) at U.S. dental schools METHODS: Academic deans at 67 U.S. dental schools were emailed an online survey consisting of questions on the time frame and methods of curricular integration, faculty training, and barriers to curricular integration RESULTS: Approximately 86% of schools have implemented (∼39%) or will implement (∼61%) changes in curriculum in preparation for the INBDE. Curricular integration was completed in 3-4 years in most schools, with those schools with larger class sizes taking longer. While 56% of respondents reported avoiding a complete curricular overhaul, 79% reported course sequencing changes, adding, subtracting, or combining courses, and making some changes in existing courses. Curriculum committees had the most input in curricular changes, while individual instructors had the least influence. Sixty seven percent of respondents reported faculty being trained to teach in an integrated curriculum. Problem/case-based learning and clinical case presentations are being used more for incorporation of biomedical sciences in clinical curriculum; use of clinical examples was the most used mechanism to integrate clinical information in biomedical sciences curriculum. Eighty two percent of respondents indicated that lack of faculty time to prepare courses as the primary barrier for implementing an integrated curriculum. Conclusions Our results show that most U.S. dental schools are implementing integrated teaching models to prepare their students for the INBDE. However, lack of faculty time and training need to be addressed for more successful curricular integration.
Longitudinal Perspectives on Mother-Child Separation Resulting from Incarceration

Drawing on two phases of a longitudinal qualitative study, this chapter explores the immediate and longer-term implications of maternal incarceration for children. Following an overview of the familial and societal context in which children experience maternal incarceration, the chapter reviews key findings from Siegel’s (Disrupted childhoods: Children of women in prison. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 2011) Disrupted Childhoods: Children of Women in Prison, a study of 67 children with criminal justice-involved mothers. Then, drawing from follow-up interviews with 13 of the original child participants, the chapter examines the adult children’s views of the long-term effects of maternal incarceration. Now young adults ranging in age from 19 to 28, participants reflect back on the ways that maternal incarceration and reentry affected them as children, and they discuss how maternal incarceration, as well as other familial stressors, continues to shape their transition to adulthood.
Sport Participation Associations With Child Friend Selection and Physical Activity While at Summer Care Programs.

Child physical activity (PA) declines during summer reducing PA-related health benefits. Summer care programs (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs) can promote active play while providing opportunities for friendships. Sport participation is a positive influence on PA and social development. Purpose: This article investigates the role of sport participation in PA attainment, perceived skill competency, and social connection at a summer care program. Methods: Children self-reported PA, sport participation, and the names of up to five peers whom they played with most at the program at the start (T1; n = 100; M age = 9.94 years; SD = 1.34; 47% male) and end (T2; n = 77; M age = 9.83 years; SD = 1.46; 51% male) of summer. Network autocorrelation models were used to determine if child sport participation was significantly associated with those they played with at the program. Results:Children who reported sport participation reported significantly more PA than those who did not at T1, but not T2. Child sport participation was significantly related to that of the peers they said they spent time with while at the program for T1 (β = 0.07, p < .01), but not T2 (β = 0.06, p = .10). Additionally, PA (β = 0.08, p < .01; β = 0.07, p = .01) and skill competency (β = 0.11, p = .02; β = 0.15, p < .01) were significantly associated with sport participation at both time points. While sports participation was a key factor in child friendships at the start of summer, the program allowed children, regardless of sport participation, to become friends outside of sports. Conclusions: These results suggest summer care programs promote PA through play and provide opportunities for children to facilitate friendships regardless of sport participation.
Crombie’s Galileo’s Natural Philosophy: Disputation vs. Demonstration vs. Argumentation

In the context of a critical examination of Alistair C. Crombie’s unpublished typescript Galileo’s Natural Philosophy, I explore several themes that are intrinsically important and widely present in Galileo’s scientific practice and methodological reflections. Crombie’s typescript is impressive for its erudition. Moreover, it is valuable for drawing attention to several documents that suggest some promising research projects. However, the typescript displays mostly what must be regarded as ill-digested syncretism. More importantly, its key interpretation of Galileo’s scientific methodology is deeply flawed for failing to understand and appreciate several Galilean distinctions: critical vs. a-critical disputation, necessary vs. contingent truth, mathematics vs. physics, and necessary demonstration vs. sense experience.
“Research Methods: Who Am I and Why Am I Here?”

Students question the necessity and relevance of research methods and enroll in it because it is a required course. Relatedly, instructors tend not to like teaching methods because of perceived student attitudes. Additionally, because of the course’s technical nature, instructors can often have their own angst regarding their level of content expertise. That is especially true at teaching‑oriented institutions where instructors are required to be generalists and do not have the opportunity to specialize. In this chapter, I examine how I have navigated my own angst as well as how I have demonstrated the importance and relevance of research methods to my students’ lives.
AN EXPERIMENTAL METHOD FOR MEASURING THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF HIGH TEMPERATURE GASES

Abstract : The feasibility of utilizing the effect of a conducting medium on the impedance of a small coil for the measurement of the conductivity of high temperature gases is first investigated theoretically and then developed experimentally. The method described is well suited for measuring the electrical conductivity of gases at high densities. Data which have been obtained for air in the range of 5 mhos/meter to 250 mhos/meter at atmospheric density are included to illustrate the use and feasibility of the experimental technique.
Source separation based on binaural cues and source model constraints

We describe a system for separating multiple sources from a two-channel recording based on interaural cues and known characteristics of the source signals. We combine a probabilistic model of the observed interaural level and phase differences with a prior model of the source statistics and derive an EM algorithm for finding the maximum likelihood parameters of the joint model. The system is able to separate more sound sources than there are observed channels. In simulated reverberant mixtures of three speakers the proposed algorithm gives a signalto-noise ratio improvement of 2.1 dB over a baseline algorithm using only interaural cues.
Prerendered user interfaces for higher-assurance electronic voting

We propose an electronic voting machine architecture in which the voting user interface is prerendered and published before election day. The prerendered user interface is a verifiable artifact-an electronic sample ballot-enabling public participation in the review, verification, usability testing, and accessibility testing of the ballot. Preparing the user interface outside of the voting machine dramatically reduces the amount and difficulty of software verification required to assure the correctness of the election result. We present a design for a high-assurance touchscreen voting machine that supports a wide range of user interface styles and demonstrate its feasibility by implementing it in less than 300 lines of Python code.
R11, a novel cell-permeable peptide, as an intravesical delivery vehicle.

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Efficient transfer of macromolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids or small molecules with charged or hydrophilic properties across cellular membranes is one of the major problems in cell biology and drug delivery. A cell-permeable peptide, a short peptide with 9–12 amino acids, appears to be a potential carrier for delivering macro- or small molecules. Our study unveils a unique cell permeable peptide for developing intravesical therapy of new agent. OBJECTIVE • To test the uptake efficiency of R11, a cell-permeable peptide (CPP), administered intravesically for effective drug delivery. METHODS • We used an approved in vivo model (an athymic nude mouse model) to test synthetic R11 conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) at concentrations of 1 nM and 5 nM. Controls received FITC without CPP conjugation. • The mice were instilled with R11 for 30 min and killed 3 or 24 h later to harvest bladders for the measurement of CPP uptake and tissue localization using frozen sections. • Bladder uptake specificity was determined using the mean values of relative FITC intensity with each tissue weight. RESULTS • Although the uptake of R11 varied among the mice, a 2- to 6-fold higher amount of R11 was detected in the bladder at 3 and 24 h after intravesical instillation at 1-nM or 5-nM concentrations than was detected in the bladders of each mouse control group or in other organs. • Examination of tissue sections further confirmed the localization of R11 in the lamina propria of the bladder wall. CONCLUSION • Because of its high affinity for the bladder, both systemically as reported in previous studies and after intravesical instillation as reported in the present study, R11 should be further tested in animal models as a delivery vector for agents used in treating bladder diseases.
Abstract 117: Hypertension Modulates Sexual Dimorphism of Aortic Aneurysm in TGF-ß--Deficient Mice via ERK Activation

INTRO: Hypertension and gender are established risk factors for aortic aneurysm (AA) development, yet recent evidence suggests that alterations in TGF-beta signaling is one of the key initiators of AA. We have previously shown that loss of the Alk5 TGF-B type 1 receptor in male but not female mice leads to AA (100% penetrance). Here, we explore the interaction of gender, biomechanical forces, and TGF-B biology. We hypothesize that the female Alk-5 deficient mice are a subclinical phenotype that can be unmasked by the biologic alterations that accompany systemic hypertension. METHODS: SMC specific Alk5 deletion (Alk5-/-) was achieved via an inducible Cre-loxP system. Wild-type (Alk5f/f) and Alk5-/- females received continuous infusion of Norepinephrine (NE) to increase blood pressure. Non-infused Alk5f/f and Alk5-/- females were included as controls. Aortic pathology was examined grossly and histologically at 4 wks. Production of p-Erk, an index for activation of the non-canonical TGF-B signaling pathway, was quantified on aortic tissue before and after 2wks of treatment. RESULTS: NE elevated SBP in both groups by 35 mmHg. The combination of Alk5-/- and HTN (Alk5-/-/HTN) in female mice increased the penetrance of AA from zero to 57% (p CONCLUSION: Hypertension breaks the sex-protective effects on AA formation induced by SMC specific Alk5 deletion in females. The combination of hypertension and Alk5 deficiency is required to intensify an early Erk signaling and subsequently induce aortic pathology. This strong association suggests Erk serves as the biological mediator for hemodynamic stress modulated sexual dimorphism during AA development.
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical entity first described by William Hunter in 1757 in a patient with saccular aortic aneurysm. The SVCS is due to progressive obstruction of the superior vena cava by extrinsic compression or intrinsic thrombosis. This is a serious problem in clinical practice because it causes severe discomfort, is life-threatening to the patient, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by the physician.
Beneficial Regulation of Elastase Activity and Expression of Tissue Inhibitors of Matrixmetalloproteinases, Fibrillin, Transforming Growth Factor-, and Heat Shock Proteins by P. leucotomos in Nonirradiated or Ultraviolet-Radiated Epidermal Keratinocytes

There is loss of the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with intrinsic aging as well as photoaging, largely due to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The structural ECM proteins include the microfibrils that are composed of fibrillin. The structural ECM proteins are primarily degraded by the matrixmetalloproteinases (MMPs) and elastase enzymes. The MMPs are inhibited by the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). A primary regulator of the ECM proteins is transforming growth factor- (TGF-), and the chaperone proteins important for its formation are the heat shock proteins (HSP). P. leucotomos extract beneficially regulates of MMPs, TIMPs, and TGF- in nonirradiated or ultraviolet (UV) radiated fibroblasts and melanoma cells. The hypothesis of this research was that the antioxidant activity or chemistry of P. leucotomos extract would also directly inhibit elastase activity, stimulate the cellular expression of TIMPs, fibrillins, and TGF-, and regulate HSPs in nonirradiated and UVA or UVB radiated epidermal keratinocytes. P. leucotomos directly inhibited elastase activity, stimulated the cellular expression of TIMPs, fibrillins, and TGF-, and differentially regulated HSPs in nonirradiated and UVA or UVB radiated epidermal keratinocytes. We infer that the P. leucotomos extract strengthens the ECM and is effective in the prevention or treatment of intrinsic and photoaging of skin.
Aging and Ovarian Steroidogenesis in the Rat

Ovaries obtained from rats of 4 and 18 mo of age were incubated in vitro with 3H-pregnenolone as the added precursor. Incorporation of radioactivity into progesterone (P), 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone (20alpha-P), 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17alpha-OHP), androstenedione, and testosterone were studied by serial paper and thin-layer chromatography. Significantly more P, 17alpha-OHP and androgen was produced by the older ovaries. Addition of hCG (100 I.U.) to the incubate increased 20alpha-P production in the ovaries of both age groups, depressed 17alpha-OHP and androgen formation in the ovaries of older rats, and had no effect on progesterone synthesis in either age group. Serum progesterone in 4-mo-old rats was 13.5 +/- 1.91 ng/ml at estrus and 3.69 +/- 0.9 ng/ml at diestrus, whereas serum progesterone in 18-mo-old rats was 0.85 +/- 0.15 ng/ml at constant estrus and 1.23 +/- 0.54 ng/ml at constant diestrus. Treatment with hCG for 20 days increased serum progesterone to 29.6 ng/ml in young rats and to 4.21 +/- 2.0 ng/ml in older rats. Shorter treatments were less effective. These data reveal a definite change in steroidogenic competence in older rat ovaries.
Simultaneous Measurements of Velocity and Deformation in Flows Through Compliant Orifices Used as Heart Valve Analogues

Both hemodynamic and structural performance are important considerations in designing replacement heart valves. In this study, silicone diaphragms of prescribed orifice and material properties are used as simplified heart valve analogues. Diaphragm deformation is quantified simultaneously with flow characteristics including pressure drop, mean flow rate and instantaneous velocity fields. The combined flow and structural data can be used to validate fluid-structure interaction codes suitable for biomedical applications, including studies of flow through heart valves.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Qualitative versus quantitative caloric intake: Are they equivalent paths to successful aging?

With the increasing demands placed on our society to perform better for longer, in addition to the large increase in the old segment of our population, a race has begun to forestall or reverse the ubiquitous declines that emerge from growing old. Currently, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the neuronal degeneration seen during both normal aging and neurodegenerative disease; however, among the prime candidates responsible for producing these effects are free radicals. It has been hypothesized that brain aging results from a progressive inability to cope with such insults as oxidative stress and inflammation. As a result, this inability provides a fertile environment for the subsequent development of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, if the preservation of neuronal function and associated cognitive and motor performance during aging will enhance the probability of aging successfully, then it is of crucial importance to find ways to preserve or decrease the responsiveness of the brain to these insults. The purpose of this review is to discuss two strategies, caloric restriction and antioxidant supplementation (through foods and supplements), both proven to be successful at protecting the brain from age-related oxidative insults. The two interventions will be compared and contrasted in terms of their effectiveness, safety, and generalization capacity for human treatment.
Variability of bregma in 300 gram Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract Bregma is used as an anatomical reference point for most freehand and some stereotaxic injections into the rat brain. The variability of bregma with respect to the intraaural line has been examined previously for rats of a wide range of weights. We examined this variability in 282–326 gram male rats of the Long-Evans and Sprague-Dawley strains. In both strains, mean bregma was less than that stated in a widely used stereotaxic atlas. Furthermore, the mean bregma of the Sprague-Dawley rats was significantly greater than that for the Long-Evans strain. The results suggest that bregma is inadequate as an anatomical reference for intraventricular injections in rats unless the volume injected is a substantial fraction of ventricular volume.
Evaluation of Serum Visceral Protein Levels as Indicators of Nitrogen Balance in Thermally Injured Patients

The use of serum visceral protein concentrations as predictors of nitrogen balance was assessed during the first 4 weeks following thermal injury. The correlation between nitrogen balance and serum albumin was not significant. Statistically significant correlations were found between nitrogen balance and serum prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, and transferrin. However, even the best correlation (retinol-binding protein, r = 0.388) was too weak to permit prediction of nitrogen balance on the basis of the visceral protein concentration. The correlation between change in direction of nitrogen balance and change in direction of protein concentration over time showed all four visceral proteins to be poor predictors of change in nitrogen balance. The efficiency was less than 50% for each visceral protein. Stepwise multiple regression analysis performed to determine which indices were most closely correlated with nitrogen balance showed that a calculation using readily available information (nitrogen intake, postburn day, percent total body surface burned, and age) provided better prediction of nitrogen balance (r = 0.765) than any of the visceral protein concentrations. In view of these findings, measurement of serum visceral protein concentrations to monitor adequacy of nutritional support seems an unwarranted expense in patients with thermal injury.
An Alignment Interferometer for Precision Straightness-Measurements and Control Even of Rapidly Moving Carriages

A new, easily adjusted and very stable interferometer, defining a semistatic fringe field by reflection on two mirrors, has permitted a simple solution to the problem of rapid and accurate alignment of moving carriages, of fixed reference beams, and of carriage-ways in the interferometric domain. Precisions in the 0.1-sec-of-arc range are easily obtained in visual work in rotations up to minutes of arc, without the usual limitations of slow fringe counting and of loss of fringe-contrast at large path differences in particular. In fact, the fringe-contrast is independent of the distance from the reference-support to the moving mirrors in this interferometer, and permits measurements and alignments over traverses and distances of many feet if required. Precisions in the 0.01-sec-of-arc range and better can be obtained with the help of electronic location of interference fringes. Experiments with carriages moving at rates up to 1-foot/sec and over distances of the order of 112 ft have demonstrated the versatility of the alignment interferometer in various applications, in particular in the alignment of ways on a velocity-of-light apparatus and on ruling engines.
Synthesis and characterization of DNA duplexes containing an N4C-ethyl-N4C interstrand cross-link

Short DNA duplexes containing an N(4)C-ethyl-N(4)C interstrand cross-link, C-C, were synthesized on controlled pore glass supports. Duplexes having two, three, or four A/T base pairs on either side of the C-C cross-link and terminating with a C(4) overhang at their 5'-ends were prepared. The cross-link was introduced using a convertible nucleoside approach. Thus, an oligonucleotide terminating at its 5'-end with O(4)-triazoyl-2'-deoxyuridine was first prepared on the support. The triazole group of support-bound oligomer was displaced by the aminoethyl group of 5'-dimethoxytrityl-3'-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N(4)-(2-aminoethyl)deoxycytidine to give the cross-link. The dimethoxytrityl group was removed, and the upper and lower strands of the duplex were extended from two 5'-hydroxyl groups of the cross-link using protected nucleoside 3'-phosphoramidites. The tert-butyldimethylsilyl group of the resulting partial duplex was then removed, and the chain was extended in the 3'-direction from the resulting 3'-hydroxyl of the cross-link using protected nucleoside 5'-phosphoramidites. The cross-linked duplexes were purified by HPLC and characterized by enzymatic digestion and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Duplexes with three or four A/T base pairs on either side of the C-C cross-link gave sigmoidal shaped A(260) profiles when heated, a behavior consistent with cooperative denaturation of the A/T base pairs. Each cross-linked duplex could be ligated to an acceptor duplex using T4 DNA ligase, a result that suggests that the C-C cross-link does not interfere with the ligation reaction, even when it is located only two base pairs from the site of ligation. The ability to synthesize duplexes with a defined interstrand cross-link and to incorporate these duplexes into longer pieces of DNA should enable preparation of substrates that can be used for a variety of biophysical and biochemical experiments, including studies of DNA repair.
Engineering innovative Mobile Computing curriculum

The emergence of a new generation of highly-capable mobile devices and platforms such as the Google Android and Apple iPhone have opened up multiple new opportunities for computing, computer networks and software systems developers. Mobile Computing (MC) provides users with the ability to work in mobile computer environments using mobile software systems and/or mobile applications, mobile hardware (laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, iPads" smartphones, etc.), mobile infrastructure and mobile/wireless networks, and mobile communications. The performed analysis of the current status of Mobile Computing-related industry clearly shows that it will soon need a significant number of well educated and highly skilled specialists in this area - researchers, engineers, designers, analysts, developers and programmers. The findings and outcomes of performed analysis motivated the authors to work collaboratively, propose and engineer innovative academic programs and courseware in Mobile Computing. This paper presents the main findings and outcomes of analysis, design and development phases of innovative Mobile Computing curriculum engineering at Bradley University (Peoria, IL, U.S.A.).
Motion of Particles in Gases: Average Velocity and Pressure Loss

A simplified physical model is developed for the motion of solid particles in gaseous streams confined by walls (channel or pipe flow). The equations of motion for the particle are solved and expressions for the average slip and pressure loss are developed. The pressure loss expression is supplemented with a statistically derived constant from a bank of approximately 1600 data. This pressure loss expression was compared with others, used by designers and was observed that it shows the lowest average error; the resulting standard deviation also compared favorably with that of other expressions used in the past.
Slowly produced microRNAs control protein levels

Proteins are the primary agents of function in biological systems, and their levels are critical control elements, reflecting the interplay between transcription, translation, and protein degradation. Here, we consider the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the post-transcriptional regulation of protein synthesis. To determine their impact on protein concentration, we constructed a mechanistic model consisting of four state variables and nine kinetic parameters that account for transcript sequestration and degradation via miRNA-mRNA complex formation. Our dynamical model predicts that, even when present in low copy number, miRNAs can exert potent effects on protein concentration. Sensitivity analysis of the steady-state solution indicates that miRNA synthesis commonly acts to fine-tune protein concentrations. However, the same analysis shows that for a small subset of miRNA-mRNA pairs characterized by slowly produced miRNAs, the miRNA synthesis rate is the dominant control element. Our model equations provide a tool to evaluate the importance of particular miRNAs on their target proteins and promote the development of miRNA-based therapies that target proteins associated with cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
Magnetic tweezers microscope for cellular manipulation

We present the design of a magnetic tweezers microscope for cellular manipulation. Our design allows versatile and significant 3D stress application over a large sample region. For linear force application, forces up to 250 pN per 4.5 micrometers magnetic bead can be applied. Finite element analysis shows that variance in force level is around 10 percent within an area of 300 X 300 micrometers 2. Our eight-pole design potentially allows 3D liner force application and exertion of torsional stress. Furthermore, our design allows high resolution imaging using high numerical aperture objective. Both finite element analysis of magnetic field distribution and force calibration of our design are presented. As a feasibility study, we incubated fibronectin coated 4.5 micrometers polystyrene beads with Swiss 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. Under application around 250 pN of force per magnetic particle, we observed relative movement between attached magnetic and polystyrene beads to be on the order of 1 micrometers . Elastic, viscoelastic, and creeping responses of cell surfaces were observed. Our results are consistent with previous observations using similar magnetic techniques.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reducing methotrexate errors.

Between November 1997 and December 2001, therewere 106methotrexatemedication errors reported to the Food and Drug Administration involving prescribing (37%), patient consumption (20%), dispensing (19%), and administration (17%). Twenty-four percent (25/106) of the methotrexate medication errors resulted in death, and 45% (48/106) resulted in serious nonfatal outcomes. The incidence of methotrexate events increased with age. The greatest proportion of
Defective mitophagy in human Niemann-Pick Type C1 neurons is due to abnormal autophagy activation

Although traditionally regarded as a cellular adaptive process triggered by nutrient deprivation, autophagy in neurons appears to provide an important neuroprotective mechanism. Neurons in the brain are protected from starvation, and neuronal autophagy serves a critical role in the turnover of abnormal proteins and damaged organelles. As post-mitotic, highly polarized cells with active protein trafficking, neurons rely heavily on an efficient autophagic pathway. Using human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons engineered to mimic the cholesterol lysosomal storage disease Niemann Pick type C1 (NPC1), we have shown that excessive activation and impaired progression of the autophagic pathway conspire to cause abnormal mitochondrial clearance. Defective mitophagy is exceptionally severe in human NPC1 neurons, as compared with patient fibroblasts, and may explain the selective neuronal failure observed in NPC1 and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Practice Guidelines for the Management of Infectious Diarrhea

One to two times a year every person in the United States has an episodic increase in the water content of their normal bowel movement, which then leads to an increase in the volume, frequency, or liquidity of their stools. It has been estimated that in the United States people have these diarrheal episodes up to 375 million times each year, resulting in 73 million physician consultations, 1.8 million hospitalizations, and 3100 deaths. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveyed a population about their diarrheal illness, an estimated 31% used an antidiarrheal medication, 12% telephoned the physician or provider’s office, 8% visited a physician’s or other provider’s office, 5% used an antimicrobial agent, and 0.6% were hospitalized. In addition to the acute morbidity and mortality of diarrhea, some causes of infectious diarrhea result in serious long-term sequelae such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) with renal failure, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and malnutrition.
An interaction between appetitive Pavlovian CSs and instrumental avoidance responding

Abstract Three groups of dogs were first trained to avoid shock by responding during a visual signal. Second, these groups underwent appetitive Pavlovian conditioning operations in a different environment. Later when compounded with the cue for avoidance in transfer tests, a CS+ which had reliably signaled food presentations during Pavlovian conditioning produced marked decreases in rates of avoidance responding, while a CS 0 which had been presented randomly with respect to food, and a CS− which had been contrasted with food, produced no effect. This class of Pavlovian conditioning → instrumental responding interaction experiments has been the subject of theoretical controversy. These results suggest that appetitive and aversive conditioned motivational states interact subtractively.
Calculating males? An empirical and theoretical examination of the duration of paternal care in burying beetles

Male and female burying beetles (Nicrophorus orbicollis) bury and preserve small carcasses which become food for their young. Typically, females remain with the brood until after larval development is complete, but males leave about 3 days after larvae hatch. In the absence of competitors, the effect of male presence throughout larval development is to reduce the size and weight of the brood on small carcasses, but not on larger ones. However, male assistance greatly reduces the probability that a conspecific competitor will usurp the carcass and kill the brood. A dynamic optimization model of the duration of paternal care is developed and the daily probabilities of discovery by conspecific competitors and of finding a new reproductive opportunity are varied. The model predicts that the duration of care should not be very sensitive to either the intensity of competition or the probability of finding another carcass. For a given probability of discovery by an intruder, the probability of finding a new carcass affects the duration of care in a stepwise fashion such that males should either provide no care or remain 10 days on large carcasses and 9 days on small ones (3 days after larvae hatch, in each case). The model also suggests that by providing an average of 9.5 days of care in nature, males act as if there is a negligible chance of having another brood, i.e. they are maximizing their reproductive success with their current brood.
Platelet aggregation: effects of cardiopulmonary bypass.

This study was designed to determine whether reduction in platelet aggregate microembolization during the first 30 minutes of cardiopulmonary bypass is due to thrombocytopenia or to decreased ability of platelets to aggregate. The total volume of platelet aggregates induced in blood by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was measured with a Coulter counter. The volume of platelets in blood was calculated by multiplying hemocytometry platelet counts by the mean platelet volume. Immediately before cardiopulmonary bypass, the total volume of aggregates induced in blood by ADP (2 μ M) was reduced when compared to normal donors because of (1) a slight fall in the volume of platelets, and (2) reduction in the percentage by volume of platelets which aggregated. After 30 minutes on bypass, the volume of both platelets and aggregates fell, but a greater percentage of platelets aggregated. This indicates that reduction of platelet aggregate formation during cardiopulmonary bypass is due to thrombocytopenia. It also suggests that anesthesia, surgical trauma and heparinization alter platelet reactivity more than cardiopulmonary bypass.
Indigenizing visualized knowledge: translating Western science illustrations in China, 1870–1910

This article discusses how the translation of science illustrations operated interculturally in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century China. I examine three categories of translated images: those with transformation in core information, those with alterations in peripheral information and those without any changes. In order to understand the differences between Western images and their Chinese translations, I analyze the nature of science illustrations, the problem of “visual literacy” and the goals of the translators involved. I contend that illustrators' personal understanding of science and artistic training played a significant role in adapting Western images to Chinese visual conventions and thus potentially aiding Chinese readers' access to Western science. Examining the different divisions of labor required by different printing techniques, I argue that even in the face of electrotypography's challenge to human intervention, translators still made some aesthetic choices and balanced them wit...