cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Protective Role of Multifunctional Dopamine Agonist D-512 Against Oxidative Stress Produced by Depletion of Glutathione in PC12 Cells: Implication in Neuroprotective Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Depletion of cytoplasmic glutathione levels is one of the indications of oxidative stress, which occur in the substantia nigra of PD patients at an early stage of the disease process. It has been shown that glutathione depletion causes the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, thus affecting mitochondrial function leading to oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species. Studies were carried out to investigate the role of D-512, a potent multifunctional neuroprotective D2/D3 receptor agonist, in protecting dopaminergic PC12 cells treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of key enzyme in glutathione synthesis and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a widely used neurotoxin. D-512 was able to restore level of glutathione against BSO/6-OHDA-mediated glutathione depletion. D-512 also showed significant neuroprotection in PC12 cells against toxicity induced by combined treatment of BSO and 6-OHDA. Furthermore, D-512 was able to restore both phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phospho-Jun N-terminal kinase levels upon treatment with 6-OHDA providing an evidence on the possible mechanism of action for neuroprotection by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinases. We have further demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of D-512 against oxidative insult produced by BSO and 6-OHDA in PC12 cells.
Rotavirus vaccine administered parenterally induces protective immunity

We performed experiments to determine whether parenteral immunization with SA11 rotavirus can induce active protective immunity in a rabbit model of rotavirus infection. After one or two intramuscular injections of 1 ml of live or formalin-inactivated SA11 virus, we evaluated the mucosal and serologic immune response and protection from challenge with a high dose of live, virulent rabbit (Ala) rotavirus. Inactivated SA11 virus preparations, evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a panel of VP4- and VP7-specific neutralizing and nonneutralizing monoclonal antibodies, did not show a loss of epitopes from the inactivation procedure compared with live virus. Administration of two doses of vaccine, one at zero days postvaccination (DPV) and a booster shot at 49 DPV, followed by challenge at 71 DPV with 3.5 x 10(5) PFU of Ala virus resulted in protection from challenge. None of the two-dose virus-vaccinated rabbits shed virus after challenge, while virus shedding was detected in all control rabbits (P = 0.001, Fisher's exact two-tailed test). Differences in total serum immunoglobulin (Ig) antirotavirus ELISA titers (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon's rank sum test) were observed between groups vaccinated with virus in aluminum phosphate or Freund's adjuvant but not between groups vaccinated with live or inactivated virus in either adjuvant. All rabbits given two doses of vaccine had detectable antirotavirus intestinal antibody of the IgG, but not IgA, isotype. After challenge, fourfold or greater increases in intestinal IgG antibody responses were observed in three rabbits, whereas all controls and all but one virus-vaccinated rabbit had an intestinal IgA antibody response. In contrast, vaccination of rabbits with one dose of SA11 followed by challenge at 21 DPV did not protect from challenge; no difference in the mean number of days of virus shedding between any of the vaccinated groups and controls was observed. A serologic, but not a mucosal, antibody response was observed after the one-dose vaccination regimen. Differences in serologic antibody titers were not observed between any of the one-dose virus-vaccinated groups. These data indicate that parenteral vaccination with two, but not one, doses of rotavirus in either Freund's adjuvant or aluminum phosphate can induce active protection from challenge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Future temperature in southwest Asia projected to exceed a threshold for human adaptability

Regional climate models for the Persian (Arabian) Gulf indicate that extremes of wet-bulb temperature—a measure of temperature and humidity—may exceed a critical threshold for human tolerance with implications for the future human habitability of the region.
Validated Model for Predicting Field Performance of Aggregate Base Courses

The International Center for Aggregates Research Project 502 focused on pavement layers of unbound aggregate proper representation in mechanistic pavement models. The research team developed models for resilient and permanent deformation behavior from the results of triaxial tests conducted at the Texas Transportation Institute and the University of Illinois. The studies indicate that the unbound aggregate base (UAB) material should be modeled as nonlinear and cross-anisotropic to account for stress sensitivity and the significant differences between vertical and horizontal moduli and Poisson's ratios. Field validation data were collected from a full-scale pavement test study conducted at Georgia Tech. The validation of the anisotropic modeling approach was accomplished by analyzing conventional flexible pavement test sections using the GT-PAVE finite element program to predict responses to load in the UAB layer and comparing these predicted responses to the measured values. Laboratory testing of the aggregate samples was conducted at the University of Illinois, and characterization models were developed for the stress-sensitive, cross-anisotropic aggregate behavior. With nonlinear anisotropic modeling of the UAB, the resilient behavior of pavement test sections was successfully predicted for a number of response variables. In addition, the stress-sensitive, cross-anisotropic representation of the base was shown to greatly reduce the horizontal tension computed in the granular base compared with a linear isotropic representation.
Temperature Measurement of an Isolated, Isochoric Dewar

The time limit of operation per liquid helium charge of the FM-1 dewar is determined by its thermal characteristics and the maximum allowable internal pressure. Efficient machine operation demands that as much operating time be obtained per helium charge as practical. It is, therefore, desirable to measure accurately the dewar temperature in order to cease operating shortly before the dewar's burstdiaphragm operates to flood the vacuum system. This paper describes a telemeter system designed to monitor the temperature of an isolated dewar. The output frequency of the transmitter is made proportional to temperature via a current-controlled oscillator. Input is from the same temperature-dependent composition resistor sensors that are employed to determine dewar temperature in the nonisolated mode. Power is supplied to the dewar electronics via the inductively coupled telemeter link.
Direct Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy

Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy is a method of placing a jejunal feeding tube directly into the small bowel in a manner similar to placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. The advantages over other endoscopic methods of jejunal feeding include anchoring of the tube into the small bowel and large luminal diameter. Successful placement is achieved in approximately 85% of patients and the procedure is more technically challenging to perform than for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. This chapter reviews the method of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube placement and outcome following attempted placement.
Characterization of mitochondrial DNA from Paramecium aurelia with EcoRI and Hae II restriction endonucleases.

Abstract The mitochondrial DNA from several species of Paramecium aurelia was characterized by its buoyant density, contour length, and cleavage pattern with the restriction endonucleases Eco RI and Hae II. The density and length were the same for all species while the cleavage pattern was unique to each species. In one species the fragments generated by Eco RI were not in equal molar ratios and the amount of an additional fragment appeared to be dependent on the replication stage of the mitochondrial DNA. The uniqueness of each fragmentation pattern was used to identify the mitochondrial DNA in interspecies hybrids.
Design of a Weld Overlay for a Large Bore Pipe Nozzle to Optimize Residual Stress

Full Structural Weld Overlays (FSWOL) have been used successfully in the nuclear power industry for a number of years to mitigate and repair small (4″ ) to medium (10″ ) bore welded piping components susceptible to primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC). Mitigation is provided by the creation of compressive residual stress on the inside surface of the pipe as layers of weld overlay are deposited over the outside surface of the pipe. ASME Code Case N-740-2 requires that these overlay designs provide adequate structural integrity considering the growth of postulated 75% through-wall inside surface flaws by PWSCC and cyclic fatigue. Application of this repair procedure to larger diameters components such as 30 inch reactor vessel nozzles is not practical due to the large amount of weld metal (overlay thickness) which would be required to satisfy the design requirements of a FSWOL and the associated demands on implementation schedule and exposure to radiation. An alternate procedure is currently being considered for these larger components which utilizes an Optimized Weld Overlay (OWOL) design based on a reduced thickness and smaller postulated flaw. In particular, ASME Code Case 754 specifies, in part, that 50% through-wall inside surface flaws be shown to be acceptable. Furthermore, an OWOL would continue to provide mitigation of materials susceptible to PWSCC by requiring that the thickness of the overlay be sufficient to induce compressive residual stress on the inside surface. This paper presents results of finite element analysis for an optimized weld overlay on a large bore (30″ ) reactor vessel coolant nozzle dissimilar metal weld, with particular attention to the incremental development of residual stress with each layer of weld metal. Through numerical simulation of the complete fabrication history, including repair of the original dissimilar metal weld, hydrostatic testing, and completion of the nozzle safe end-to-pipe joint prior to implementation of the overlay, the pre-overlay state of stress is defined for use as the basis for evaluating the stress improvement provisions of the weld overlay process. Results are obtained for both kinematic and isotropic hardening rules to study the effect of these two extreme measures of material characterization on the development of residual stress. Additional results are presented to study the sensitivity of the welding simulations to material yield strength and mesh refinement. Predicted stresses are also compared to measured data from a full scale mockup of a large bore reactor vessel nozzle with an optimized weld overlay.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Radiographic assessment and therapeutic decisions at RECIST progression in EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Purpose Advanced NSCLC harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) typically progresses after initial response due to acquired resistance. TKIs are often continued beyond progressive disease by RECIST. We investigated the practice of continuing EGFR-TKIs after RECIST-PD via CT findings.
Quantifying the effect of slope on extensive green roof stormwater retention

Abstract Impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, parking lots, and roads, increase runoff and the potential for flooding. Green roof technologies, which entail growing plants on rooftops, are increasingly being used to alleviate stormwater runoff problems. To quantify the effect that roof slope has on green roof stormwater retention, runoff was analyzed from 12 extensive green roof platforms constructed at four slopes (2%, 7%, 15%, and 25%). Rain events were categorized as light ( 10.0 mm) (>0.39 in.). Data demonstrated an average retention value of 80.8%. Mean retention was least at the 25% slope (76.4%) and greatest at the 2% slope (85.6%). In addition, runoff that did occur was delayed and distributed over a long period of time for all slopes. Curve numbers, a common method used by engineers to estimate stormwater runoff for an area, ranged from 84 to 90, and are all lower than a conventional roof curve number of 98, indicating that these greened slopes reduced runoff compared to traditional roofs.
A pregnant patient with a positive hepatitis B surface antigen

Hepatitis B is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. The highest rates of chronic infection occur in subjects who are infected early in life and these patients are also at the greatest risk of developing complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis from the disease. There has been a concerted worldwide effort to immunise newborns that are at the highest risk of acquiring infection. In 1992, when WHO recommended global vaccination against hepatitis B, only 31 countries elected to participate in the programme. By 2009, 177 countries were part of WHO national infant immunisation programme. Consequently, maternal screening and infant immunoprophylaxis have significantly reduced vertical transmission of hepatitis B. In this paper, we will review the management of hepatitis B in the pregnant population and identify some of the challenges that are encountered in this specialised population.
Proposing Ethical Practice Standards for Community-Engaged Research in Health Education.

The Belmont Report was written in 1979 to address the abuse of human participants in biomedical research.1 In the report, 3 ethical principles were described: (1) beneficence, which describes an ac...
Performance of an OR-parallel logic programming system

The research focus in parallel logic programming is shifting rapidly from theoretical considerations and simulation on uniprocessors to implementation on true multiprocessors. This report presents performance figures from such a system,Boplog, for OR-parallel Horn clause logic programs on the BBN Butterfly Parallel Processor. Boplog is designed expressly for a large scale shared memory multiprocessor with an Omega interconnect. The target machine and underlying execution model are described briefly. The primary focus of the paper is on detailed statistics taken from the execution of benchmark programs to assess the performance of the model and clarify the impact of design and architecture decisions. They show that while speedup of this implementation on highly OR-parallel problems is very good, overall performance is poor. Despite its speed drawback, many aspcts of the implementation and its performance can prove useful in designing future systems for similar machines. A binding model that prohibits constant time access to bindings, and the inability of the machine to support an ambitious use of machine memory appear to be most damaging factors.
The wall of reconnection-driven magnetohydrodynamic turbulence in a large solar flare

LaRosa and Moore (1993) recently proposed that the bulk dissipation of magnetic field that is required for the electron energization in the explosive phase of solar flares occurs in a 'fat current sheet', a wall of cascading magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence sustained by highly disordered driven reconnection of opposing magnetic fields impacting at a turbulent boundary layer. Here, we use the well-observed great two-ribbon eruptive flare of 1984 April 24/25 to assess the feasibility of both (1) the standard model for the overall three-dimensional form and action of the magnetic field and (2) the turbulent reconnection wall within it. We find (1) that the morphology of this flare closely matched that of the standard model; (2) the preflare sheared core field had enough nonpotential magnetic energy to power the flare; (3) the model turbulent wall required to achieve the flare's peak dissipative power easily fit within the overall span of the flaring magnetic field; (4) this wall was thick enough to have turbulent eddies large enough (diameters approximately 10(exp 8 cm) to produce the approximately ergs energy release fragments typically observed in the explosive phase of flares; (5) the aspect ratio (thickness/vertical extent) of the turbulent reconnection wall was in the 0.1-1 range expected by (Parker 1973). We therefore conclude that the viability of our version of the standard model (i.e., having the magnetic field dissipation occur in our turbulent reconnection wall) is well confirmed by this typical great two-ribbon eruptive flare.
STAT1:DNA sequence-dependent binding modulation by phosphorylation, protein:protein interactions and small-molecule inhibition

The DNA-binding specificity and affinity of the dimeric human transcription factor (TF) STAT1, were assessed by total internal reflectance fluorescence protein-binding microarrays (TIRF-PBM) to evaluate the effects of protein phosphorylation, higher-order polymerization and small-molecule inhibition. Active, phosphorylated STAT1 showed binding preferences consistent with prior characterization, whereas unphosphorylated STAT1 showed a weak-binding preference for one-half of the GAS consensus site, consistent with recent models of STAT1 structure and function in response to phosphorylation. This altered-binding preference was further tested by use of the inhibitor LLL3, which we show to disrupt STAT1 binding in a sequence-dependent fashion. To determine if this sequence-dependence is specific to STAT1 and not a general feature of human TF biology, the TF Myc/Max was analysed and tested with the inhibitor Mycro3. Myc/Max inhibition by Mycro3 is sequence independent, suggesting that the sequence-dependent inhibition of STAT1 may be specific to this system and a useful target for future inhibitor design.
Lithography application of a novel photoresist for patterning of cells.

Abstract Photolithography is the current workhorse for the microelectronic industry. It has been used extensively for the creation of patterns on two-dimensional surfaces. Various research groups have studied the use of photolithography to pattern surfaces for the alignment of cells. So far, these applications have been limited due to the use of organic solvents in the pattern developing process, which can denature biomacromolecules that would be attached to the material. To address this problem, a novel bioactive photoresist (bioresist) based on the copolymer of methyl methacrylate and 3-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (MMA:TBNVP) was prepared and in vitro fibroblast cell growth on this resist was studied. Results demonstrated that the resist is non-adhesive to the fibroblast cells. By deprotecting the t-BOC groups into carboxyl groups (MMA:D-TBNVP), the material became cell adhesive. Furthermore, cells were able to proliferate on the MMA:D-TBNVP surface. By culturing cells on the MMA:D-TBNVP surface in serum versus serum-free medium, we reached the conclusion that the chemistry of the deprotected copolymer indirectly promoted cell attachment through its absorbance of serum proteins on the material. Patterns of 25 μm×25 μm lines were obtained by chemically manipulating the surface of the photoresist using UV lithography without any solvent development. Fibroblast cells were observed to align on the patterned surface. This resist could be a suitable candidate to improve the application of conventional lithography in direct protein patterning for the guided growth of cells.
Substitution of NS5 N-terminal Domain of Dengue Virus Type 2 RNA with Type 4 Domain Caused Impaired Replication and Emergence of Adaptive Mutants with Enhanced Fitness *

Flavivirus NS3 and NS5 are required in viral replication and 5′-capping. NS3 has NS2B-dependent protease, RNA helicase, and 5′-RNA triphosphatase activities. NS5 has 5′-RNA methyltransferase (MT)/guanylyltransferase (GT) activities within the N-terminal 270 amino acids and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (POL) activity within amino acids 271–900. A chimeric NS5 containing the D4MT/D4GT and the D2POL domains in the context of wild-type (WT) D2 RNA was constructed. RNAs synthesized in vitro were transfected into baby hamster kidney cells. The viral replication was analyzed by an indirect immunofluorescence assay to monitor NS1 expression and by quantitative real-time PCR. WT D2 RNA-transfected cells were NS1- positive by day 5, whereas the chimeric RNA-transfected cells became NS1-positive ∼30 days post-transfection in three independent experiments. Sequence analysis covering the entire genome revealed the appearance of a single K74I mutation within the D4MT domain ∼16 days post-transfection in two experiments. In the third, D290N mutation in the conserved NS3 Walker B motif appeared ≥16 days post-transfection. A time course study of serial passages revealed that the 30-day supernatant had gradually evolved to gain replication fitness. Trans-complementation by co-expression of WT D2 NS5 accelerated viral replication of chimeric RNA without changing the K74I mutation. However, the MT and POL activities of NS5 WT D2 and the chimeric NS5 proteins with or without the K74I mutation are similar. Taken together, our results suggest that evolution of the functional interactions involving the chimeric NS5 protein encoded by the viral genome species is essential for gain of viral replication fitness.
Calculations on voltage unbalance for 3-phase synchronous systems

THE steady-state behavior in regulated systems which become unbalanced has been treated in an earlier paper.1 The treatment there was concerned principally with fault-type unbalances, though general unbalance was considered and amplified with an example. A need was felt for an extension in the direction of further quantitative evaluation of the degree of unbalance in voltage experienced as a function of load impedance unbalance in typical synchronous systems. The fact that in smaller systems the infinite bus concept no longer is tenable also calls for a simultaneous consideration of generator and load in affecting the final net bus line voltages. The work described here is a step in that direction, taking up general unbalance in wye-wye neutral-connected systems with illustrations for typical load conditions.
Measuring the Diversity Awareness of Social Work Students: The Dual Perspective Inventory

The Dual Perspective Inventory was implemented to measure the diversity awareness of first‐year MSW students at a university in the western U.S. Data were collected at the beginning of the first semester from students who enrolled in a course on diversity, and again at the end of the semester when the students were about to complete the course. The mean scores of both the before and after surveys indicated that the average MSW student had an acceptable level of diversity awareness and that their awareness increased during the semester. Findings also showed that students who were racial minorities, GLBT, disabled, and/or of non‐U.S. origin had a higher level of awareness than students from the dominant culture (white heterosexual nondisabled and U.S. native) in the after survey, as well as a greater increase in awareness level over the course of the semester.
Differences in skeletal microarchitecture and strength in African-American and white women.

African-American women have a lower risk of fracture than white women, and this difference is only partially explained by differences in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Little is known about racial differences in skeletal microarchitecture and the consequences for bone strength. To evaluate potential factors underlying this racial difference in fracture rates, we used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to assess cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimate bone strength using micro–finite element analysis (µFEA) in African-American (n = 100) and white (n = 173) women participating in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). African-American women had larger and denser bones than whites, with greater total area, aBMD, and total volumetric BMD (vBMD) at the radius and tibia metaphysis (p < 0.05 for all). African-Americans had greater trabecular vBMD at the radius, but higher cortical vBMD at the tibia. Cortical microarchitecture tended to show the most pronounced racial differences, with higher cortical area, thickness, and volumes in African-Americans at both skeletal sites (p < 0.05 for all), and lower cortical porosity in African-Americans at the tibia (p < 0.05). African-American women also had greater estimated bone stiffness and failure load at both the radius and tibia. Differences in skeletal microarchitecture and estimated stiffness and failure load persisted even after adjustment for DXA aBMD. The densitometric and microarchitectural predictors of failure load at the radius and tibia were the same in African-American and white women. In conclusion, differences in bone microarchitecture and density contribute to greater estimated bone strength in African-Americans and probably explain, at least in part, the lower fracture risk of African-American women. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Refined solution structure of the dimeric quadruplex formed from the Oxytricha telomeric oligonucleotide d(GGGGTTTTGGGG)

Abstract Background Telomeres, the structures at the ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes, are essential for chromosome replication and stability. The telomeres of the unicellular ciliate Oxytricha contain a 3′ single strand overhang composed of two repeats of the telomere repeat sequence d(TTTTGGGG). It has been proposed that oligonucleotides containing this repeat can form DNA quadruplexes via hydrogen bonding of the guanines into quartets. Such structures may be relevant to the biological function of the telomere, and in G-rich sequences elsewhere in the genome. Results We have previously determined from solution NMR data that the Oxy-1.5 Oxytricha repeat oligonucleotide d(GGGGTTTTGGGG) dimerizes to form an intermolecular quadruplex composed of four guanine quartets and with the thymines in loops across the diagonal at opposite ends of the quadruplex. We report here the refined solution structure of Oxy-1.5. This structure is compared with the previously published crystal structure of the same oligonucleotide. Conclusions Oxy-1.5 forms a well-defined, symmetrical structure with ordered thymine loops. Both the solution and crystal structures of Oxy-1.5 are quadruplexes with alternating syn and anti glycosyl conformation of guanines along each strand of the helix and have thymine loops at opposite ends. However, the topology of the two structures is fundamentally different, leading to significant structural differences. A topological pathway for the formation and interconversion of the two structures is proposed.
Predicting the effects of gas diffusivity on photosynthesis and transpiration of plants grown under hypobaria

Abstract As part of a Bio-regenerative Life Support System (BLSS) for long-term space missions, plants will likely be grown at reduced pressure. This low pressure will minimize structural requirements for growth chambers on missions to the Moon or Mars. However, at reduced pressures the diffusivity of gases increases. This will affect the rates at which CO 2 is assimilated and water is transpired through stomata. To understand quantitatively the possible effects of reduced pressure on plant growth, CO 2 and H 2 O transport were calculated for atmospheres of various total pressures (101, 66, 33, 22, 11 kPa) and CO 2 concentrations (0.04, 0.1 and 0.18 kPa). The diffusivity of a gas is inversely proportional to total pressure and shows dramatic increases at pressures below 33 kPa (1/3 atm). A mathematical relationship based on the principle of thermodynamics was applied to low pressure conditions and can be used for calculating the transpiration and photosynthesis of plants grown in hypobaria. At 33 kPa total pressure, the stomatal conductance increases by a factor of three with the boundary layer conductance increasing by a factor of ∼1.7, since the leaf conductance is a function of both stomatal and the boundary layer conductance, the overall conductance will increase resulting in significantly higher levels of transpiration as the pressure drops. The conductance of gases is also regulated by stomatal aperture in an inverse relationship. The higher CO 2 concentration inside the leaf air space during low pressure treatments may result in higher CO 2 assimilation and partial stomata closure, resulting in a decrease in transpiration rate. The results of this analysis offer guidelines for experiments in pressure and high CO 2 environments to establish ideal conditions for minimizing transpiration and maximizing the plant biomass yield in BLSS.
Tracheal ring-graft reinforcement in lieu of tracheostomy for tracheomalacia.

Three children with tracheomalacia had tracheal reinforcement with free three-quarter circumference ring grafts of autologous cartilage taken from the costal margin. A low cervical manubrium-splitting approach gave excellent access to the anterior mediastinum and the intrathoracic trachea in two children. The first child, a neonate with oesophageal atresia (OA) and tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF), had 11 grafts to support the whole of the trachea from the cricoid to the carina and never required a tracheostomy. For the first 5 years she had frequent pneumonic episodes and on one occasion bilateral pneumothoraces. These episodes and radiographic lung hyperinflation, attributed to distal bronchomalacia, have reduced spontaneously in frequency and severity. At 9 years of age she has a well-supported trachea with palpable cartilage rings in the cervical segment. The trachea has grown to approximately 75% of expected normal size for her age. Another child with tracheomalacia related to innominate-artery compression and who presented with `dying episodes' was completely relieved and resumed a normal life without a tracheostomy following insertion of four grafts to the intrathoracic trachea. He remains well and symptom-free 8 months postoperatively. A third child had cartilage-graft reinforcement of the lower cervical trachea, including the tracheostomy site, to achieve tracheostomy closure at 16 months of age. Five years later he continues to have a well-supported trachea showing acceptable growth. However, he has ongoing evidence of tracheo-bronchomalacia presenting as expiratory wheezing, lung hyperinflation, and pneumonic episodes that are diminishing spontaneously with growth. Our experience, limited to three children, recommends primary tracheal reinforcement with autologous free costal-cartilage grafts for tracheomalacia in the neonate and young infant. This procedure and the anterior mediastinal approach are well-tolerated, providing instant tracheal support, removing the need for a tracheostomy, and allowing the child's rapid return to the family. Long-term follow-up, presently 9 and 5 years in two children originally presenting with OA and TOF, indicates adequate tracheal growth and an aesthetically acceptable appearance. It is relevant to prognosis that relief of the life-threatening tracheal component exposed the full extent of the bronchial cartilaginous weakness, which has significantly detracted from the quality of life for these two children with OA and TOF-related tracheomalacia.
Bilayers as phase transfer agents for nanocrystals prepared in nonpolar solvents.

The effective water dispersion of highly uniform nanoparticles synthesized in organic solvents is a major issue for their broad applications. In an effort to overcome this problem, iron oxide and cadmium selenide nanocrystals were surrounded by lipid bilayers to create stable, aqueous dispersions. The core inorganic particles were originally generated in oleic acid and 1-octadecene. When these organic solutions were mixed with water and a sparing amount of excess fatty acid, up to 70% of the nanoparticles transferred into the aqueous phase. This simple approach was applied to two different nanocrystal types, and nanocrystal diameters ranging from 5 to 15 nm. In all cases, the resulting materials were stable, nonaggregated suspensions that retained their original magnetic and optical properties. The phase transfer efficiency is maximum when very little oleic acid is added (e.g. 0.2 w/w %). At higher concentrations, above the critical micelle concentration, the formation of micelles begins to compete with b...
Ontogenetic alterations in the gross tooth morphology of Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton (amphibia, urodela, and dicamptodontidae).

During ontogeny, the apical and basal components of dicamptodontid teeth exhibit three major developmental stages: nonpedicellate, subpedicellate, and pedicellate. Premetamorphic larvae tend to have nonpedicellate teeth, incompletely or recently metamorphosed individuals tend to have subpedicellate teeth, and fully transformed adults usually have pedicellate teeth. In concert with this transition, cusp morphology is modified from a larval monocuspid, to an incipiently bicuspid, to definitive adult bicuspid, and finally to an adult monocuspid condition. Thus, the larval and adult monocuspid conditions are ontogenetically distinct. The morphology of the larval monocuspid, adult bicuspid, and adult monocuspid conditions differs between Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton. However, the incipient bicuspid condition in these two genera is very similar in appearance, suggesting that Dicamptodon and Rhyacotriton may be more closely related to each other than to the family Ambystomatidae in which they both sometimes are placed. The method of establishing ontogenetic trajectories seems to be preferable to comparisons based on adult structure, since similarities in the morphology of adults often is owing to convergent or parallel evolution.
Hormones restore biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues after surgical menopause in young rats

Objective The objective of the study was to determine the impact of hormones on the biomechanical properties of the vagina and its supportive tissues following surgical menopause in young vs middle-aged rats. Study Design Long-Evans rats (4-month virgin [n = 34], 4-month parous [n = 36], and 9-month parous [n = 34]), underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham surgery. OVX animals received hormones (estrogen [E2] or estrogen plus progesterone [E2 plus P4]), placebo, or a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (chemically modified tetracycline-8 [CMT-8]). Animals were euthanized after 8 weeks and the biomechanical properties of the vagina and supportive tissues determined. Data were analyzed using a 1-way analysis of variance and posthoc tests. Results OVX induced a rapid decline in the biomechanical properties of pelvic tissues in young but not middle-aged rats. Supplementation with E2, E2 plus P4, or CMT-8 restored tissues of young rats to control levels with no effect on middle-aged tissues. Parity did not have an impact on tissue behavior. Conclusion OVX has a differential effect on the tissues of young vs middle-aged rats.
Use of life-cycle inventory as a screening tool for environmental performance: Supercritical carbon dioxide in the semiconductor industry

Supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is attractive as a green solvent because it has environmental benefits and attractive physical properties for many applications. In addition, removal of supercritical conditions after use can allow perfect separation and recycle of the solvent. In this work, we investigate using scCO2 as a rinsing agent to replace ultrapure water in semiconductor manufacturing. By conducting a gate-to-gate life-cycle inventory (LCI) of scCO2 usage, we begin to evaluate the overall environmental impact the process may incur. After conducting the LCI of a particular scCO2 rinsing process we find the process requires 1 kg of new CO2 and 0.27 kg of new propylene carbonate per wafer cleaning cycle because of the need for start-up, purging, and separation processes. The total pumping requirements are 88 kJ/cycle, whereas cooling requirements are 249 kJ/cycle and require cooling to 10° C. Heating requirements are 616 kJ/cycle and require reaching temperatures of 65° C for cleaning or 25.5° C for separations. Refrigeration cycle requirements add an additional 298 kJ/cycle to the energy requirements so the total energy inputs to the process, including the refrigeration, are 1002 kJ/cycle. These material and energy needs are much lower than the requirements of the ultrapure water technologies currently in use for wafer rinsing. Companies now have baseline data to evaluate whether this new technology will be suitable for their needs. Finally, throughout any LCI, there are many key assumptions and barriers to obtaining high quality data, which the chemical and environmental engineering communities should begin addressing as more life-cycle inventories and assessments are completed. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
Using confirmatory factor analysis to identify newborn behavior structure with the NBAS

Abstract The Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS) (Brazelton, 1973, 1984) is a 27-item scale representing individual differences in the newborn infants' behavioral repertoire. The NBAS items are typically collapsed into six clusters (Lester, 1984). Although the NBAS has been examined using exploratory factor analysis methods, no confirmatory factor analysis study has been published in which the behavior structure of full-term, healthy infants is examined. In the current research, competing models assessing variations of the Lester behavior clusters were performed using confirmatory factor analysis. Models comparing six independent factors, six correlated factors, and models estimating a general adaptiveness factor plus six factors were assessed. Examination of the results suggests continued investigations of neonatal behaviors are needed.
Study of local natural convection heat transfer in an inclined enclosure

Abstract The effect of inclination on the steady natural convection local heat transfer characteristics in an air-filled differentially heated enclosure with cross-sectional aspect ratio one is studied experimentally and numerically. Measurements of local and mean Nusselt numbers are obtained at various inclination angles, ranging between 0° (heated from above) and 180° (heated from below), for Rayleigh numbers between 10 4 and 10 6 and are compared with the numerical predictions. The heat flux at the hot and cold boundaries show strong dependence on the angle of inclination and the Rayleigh number. In addition, new results and details are made available concerning the local heat transfer distributions as a function of the inclination angle and Rayleigh number. Flow patterns, stream functions and isotherms at different inclination angles are shown in order to give new insight and greater understanding of the flow and heat transfer behavior.
Ergonomics of Learning in a Very Descriptive Applied Human Factors Course

Teaching profession continues to hold its status as a noble profession and university faculty are held with high esteem by the general population. Some faculty teaching in engineering and technical programs have begun to address the pedagogy of learning in recent years. This is supported by a number of initiatives at the national level. Besides funding of such activities by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, engineering professional societies have created forums and awards to recognize and promote teaching and learning of engineering subject matter. This paper addresses an experiment in improved learning by students of a subject matter that is very descriptive and non-traditional as compared to most engineering subjects. The applied human factors course is an elective course for engineering technology (ET) students and a required course for the (non-technical) industrial design students from the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts (CFPCA) at Wayne State University (WSU). Technical students are more comfortable with equations and formulas where as the non-technical students have practically no exposure to such things. Setting for this course was a multi-media distance learning laboratory and the teacher had an important task of not just covering the material, but to increase student interest to optimize their learning. Although all the teaching material for the course was prepared for presentation in power point, after a discussion with the class, it was decided to make the learning process different from the traditional teaching. The class was divided in three groups and each group was given a reading assignment covering one third of the material to be covered in each class session. Each group met on a regular basis going over its assignment and breaking up the task for each team member to lead presentation and discussion for the next class. Learning objectives addressed in the course included team work, effective communication, system design and implementation, continued student participation, and effective learning for long term retention besides the contents of the subject matter. Overall, students really felt they were learning a lot and achieving unexpected new presentation skills. This paper would summarize a very positive experience of all dealing with learning pedagogy.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes: current controversies and changing practices.

Hypoglycemia is well-recognized to limit the degree of glycemic control possible for many individuals for diabetes. Although the likelihood of hypoglycemia increases as A1c levels decrease in type 1 diabetes, insulin-treated type 2 diabetic persons with higher A1c appear paradoxically to have more hypoglycemia; this may in part explain the adverse outcome reported in the ACCORD study. Approaches to glucose-lowering causing lesser degrees of hypoglycemia, technologies to better ascertain hypoglycemic events, and better understanding of patient characteristics associated with greater likelihood of hypoglycemia will all be required to reduce this limiting factor in optimizing glycemic treatment.
An Engineering Approach to Deterministic Modeling of Mixed-Film Contacts

This paper presents the base model of an engineering approach to deterministic modeling of mixed-film contacts. Various modeling techniques are employed to achieve a proper balance among model robustness, solution accuracy and computational efficiency. The EHL variables of the contact are approximated to enhance the model robustness while asperity contact pressures are numerically calculated to provide deterministic results at the asperity level. Each asperity junction is modeled as a Hertzian contact, resulting in a small number of deterministic variables to allow efficient numerical analyses of transient contact/lubrication problems. The base model presented in this paper provides a platform on which more complete models can be developed to study transient asperity pressures, temperatures and lubricant additive effects. It may also be further developed into a computer-aided engineering design-analysis tool of machine components with lubricated concentrated contacts. Presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting ...
Efficient Access Protocols for High Storage RFID

In this work, we introduce the problem of reading and writing to a system of high storage passive RFID tags. We consider design goals, based on motivating applications. We consider access protocols and provide preliminary performance results. Future work includes defining more detailed access protocols (and in which scenarios they are applicable). We also plan to evaluate these protocols more extensively through simulations and experiments using RFID hardware.
Extraterrestrial spectroscopy: Foreign-gas broadening of propane as it applies to the atmosphere of Titan

Abstract Propane spectra in the ν 21 band near 748 cm −1 were observed with an instrumental resolution of 0.0025 cm −1 . These data were obtained at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Tucson, AZ using the FTS spectrometer at the National Solar Observatory McMath telescope facility. The spectra included foreign-gas broadening due to He, H 2 and N 2 . All of these measurements were carried out at a temperature of 175 K. The following broadening coefficients (in cm −1 atm −1 ) are obtained at 175 K: 0.128(19) for C 3 H 8 He, 0.146(15) for C 3 H 8 N 2 , and 0.241(19) for C 3 H 8 H 2 . These results are consistent with previous room-temperature measurements when a T − 1 2 scaling law is invoked.
Characterization of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13 acetate mediated ACTH release.

Activation of calcium-activated, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C by phorbol esters such as 12–0–tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13–acetate (TPA) has been shown to mediate release of hormones in many systems. To investigate the role of protein kinase C in the mechanism of pituitarv ACTH release, we studied the effect of the following conditions on TPA mediated ACTH release in primary rat pituitary cultures; corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), different concentrations of extracellular calcium (Ca+2), nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker), PGE2 and cortisol (regulators of ACTH secretions). TPA induced ACTH release in a dose dependent fashion with an ED50 of 4.2 × 10–10M. The maximal amount of ACTH release individually induced by TPA (10–8M) and CRH (10–8) were identical. TPA (10–8) potentiated the amount of ACTH release from cells already maximally stimulated with CRH (4 × 10–8M). TPA mediated ACTH release was dependent on extracellular calcium and inhibited by nifedipine, to a maximum of 35%. Cortisol dec...
A trichotomy result for non-autonomous rational difference equations

We study non-autonomous rational difference equations. Under the assumption of a periodic non-autonomous parameter, we show that a well known trichotomy result in the autonomous case is preserved in a certain sense which is made precise in the body of the text. In addition we discuss some questions regarding whether periodicity preserves or destroys boundedness.
Effects of Alcohols on Murine Preimplantation Development: Relationship to Relative Membrane Disordering Potency

During in vitro culture of murine preimplantation embryos, we have observed that exposure to 0.1% ethanol induces an immediate increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequently accelerates embryogenesis. If the observed effects of ethanol on developing embryos is mediated by its membrane disordering potency, we hypothesized that the relative membrane disordering potencies of related alcohols would correspondingly effect embryonic intracellular calcium levels and developmental rates. Two-cell embryos were exposed to 0.1% ethanol or 0.05 to 1.0% (w/v) n-butanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, 1,2-propanediol, glycerol, or methanol for 24 hr at 37 degrees C, and development to the blastocyst stage was monitored after 5 days. n-Butanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, and methanol treatment caused a dose-dependent inhibition (p 0.05). In a third experiment, morulae were exposed to 0.1% or 1.0% of each alcohol and were monitored for changes in intracellular calcium levels using the fluorescent indicator, fluo-3-acetoxymethyl ester. There was an immediate increase in intracellular calcium levels when morulae were treated with 1.0% ethanol or n-butanol, but only ethanol induced an increase (p < 0.05) in the level of intracellular calcium at 0.1%. These data suggest that ethanol is unique in its ability to accelerate embryogenesis and that the membrane disordering potency of ethanol does not directly underlie its effects on intracellular calcium release and the acceleration of preimplantation development.
Positive and Negative Reinforcement, A Distinction That Is No Longer Necessary; Or A Better Way to Talk About Bad Things

(2005). Positive and Negative Reinforcement, A Distinction That Is No Longer Necessary; Or A Better Way to Talk About Bad Things. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management: Vol. 24, No. 1-2, pp. 207-222.