cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Environmental Exposures in Atopic Dermatitis.

Although genetic factors clearly play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), the recent dramatic increase in the prevalence of AD in low- and middle-income countries is not consistent with only a role of genetic factors. These findings strongly suggest that environmental factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. We reviewed the role of gene-environment studies; in utero exposures including tobacco smoke, alcohol, maternal stress, various digestive supplements, and gestational diabetes; early-life exposures including diet, gut microbiota, antibiotics, and breastfeeding; climate including temperature, ultraviolet radiation exposure, and air pollution; and household products, indoor allergens, water hardness, pH, and skin microbiota and their effects on AD. Environmental factors definitely play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, identifying definitive factors continues to be difficult in the setting of conflicting evidence and the complex interactions between genotypes and the environment resulting in a multitude of AD phenotypes. All of the different environmental interactions discussed highlight the importance of intervening on multiple levels in a patient’s environment to improve or even prevent AD symptoms. Further, the importance of modifying environmental factors early on in a person’s life is demonstrated. When possible, all of these environmental factors should be considered in treating a patient with AD and the appropriate modifications should be made at population and individual levels.
Arm Inductance Quantification for Y-Matrix Modulated Modular Multilevel Converter

Y-Matrix Modulated (YMM) Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) was proposed recently. This modulation utilizes the self-voltage balancing capability of an MMC so that the conventional voltage balancing algorithm of MMC can be eliminated. YMM demonstrates that MMC has inherent self-voltage balancing capability. However, YMM assumes the voltage drop on the arm inductor to be zero to achieve MMC self-voltage balancing. This paper quantitatively justifies the zero voltage drop assumption for YMM based MMC and derives the general state-space model for MMC. Based on the general state-space model, the time-domain state variable dynamics are derived. The arm inductor assumption is justified by using the state variable dynamics. A criterion to determine the arm inductance value is given in this paper to quantify the zero voltage drop assumption. Simulation studies are provided to verify the state-space model derivation and the quantification of arm inductors.
Blood Transfusion and Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acquired sudden injury secondary to blunt or penetrating mechanisms to the brain that disrupts its normal functioning. TBI can cause serious physical, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities for the patient and cost for families and the health care system; the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 2010, 2.5 million suffered from TBI and accounted for 87% of visits to the emergency department, 11% of hospitalizations and 2% of deaths. Estimates show that 3.2–5.3 million persons have a TBI-related disability in the United States [1]. TBI is such complex health public issue that the US government has created the constitutional tools to be confronted. The Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2008 authorized research and public health activities associated to TBI [2]. Studies performed in the United States before 2006 showed an incidence of TBI around 140/100,000 persons [3]. In 2003, Rutland-Brown et al. reported a mortality of 17.5/100,000 per year secondary to TBI [4]. During the period 1997–2007 approximately 580,000 persons died due to TBI in the United States [5]. All age groups are affected. TBI is a major cause of disability and death especially in the young adult population [6]. Mortality is higher in patients older than 65 years, in whom TBI is mostly related to falls [7, 8]. Men are more frequently affected than women. The majority of deaths are caused by motor vehicle accidents, suicides and falls [5]. TBI can occur as an isolated injury or associated with trauma to other areas of the body. It is classified as mild, moderate and severe depending on the mechanism of injury, clinical signs and symptoms. The clinical assessment of TBI patients includes the Glasgow Coma Score and radiographic data. The scale assigns values 1–5 according to clinical responses including eye opening, motor response and verbal response. Scores 13–15 points correlate to mild, 9–12 points moderate and <8 points severe brain injury [9].
Method for Isolation and Identification of Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis)

Abstract A method for the clinical isolation and recognition of Corynebacterium vaginale (Haemophilus vaginalis) is presented. Wet mount and stained characteristics of genital tract discharges, cellular and colonial morphology of the bacilli, inhibition by H2O2, lack of a catalase, and fermentation of particular carbohydrates are the determinant factors. The method enables differentiation of the species from unclassified diphtheroids common to the genitourinary tract.
Accidental insertion of a percutaneous venovenous cannula into the persistent left superior vena cava of a patient undergoing liver transplantation.

Purpose Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare congenital vascular abnormality found in 0.3% of the general population. We report herein a rare complication involving the accidental insertion of a large bore cannula into the PLSVC during liver transplantation (LT).
Effect of Processing Parameters on the Microstructure of Mechanically Alloyed Nanostructured Al‐Mn Alloys

High-energy mechanical alloying was utilized to study the alloy formation between Al and Mn. A modified SPEX mill was designed to investigate the role of milling energy and milling power on enhancing the solubility of Mn in Al. Despite having a large influence on alloying kinetics (an increased rate of 3.25×) no further grain refinement or degree of alloying was observed with increasing milling energy. It is hypothesized that alloying in this particular binary system takes place and is controlled by the increasing interfacial surface area created between the Mn particles and the Al matrix. However, extensive comminution eventually likely leads to an autocatalytic exothermic reaction between the Mn particles and Al matrix, leading to the formation of the equilibrium phase Al6Mn. This reaction reduces the degree of and, in turn, frustrates further alloying, highlighting the practical limits of creating solid solutions in this system through mechanical alloying.
On the complexity of conditional logics

Abstract Conditional logics , introduced by Lewis and Stalnaker, have been utilized in artificial intelligence to capture a broad range of phenomena. In this paper we examine the complexity of several variants discussed in the literature. We show that, in general, deciding satisfiability is PSPACE-complete for formulas with arbitrary conditional nesting and NP-complete for formulas with bounded nesting of conditionals. However, we provide several exceptions to this rule. Of particular note are results showing that (a) when assuming uniformity (i.e., that all worlds agree on what worlds are possible), the decision problem becomes EXPTIME-complete even for formulas with bounded nesting, and (b) when assuming absoluteness (i.e., that all worlds agree on all conditional statements), the decision problem is NP-complete for formulas with arbitrary nesting.
The running percutaneous set-back dermal suture.

SOLUTION The running percutaneous set-back dermal technique, a running percutaneous variation of the set-back dermal suture that permits placement of running buried everting sutures even in tight spaces, may be useful. It is executed as follows: the needle is inserted from inside the wound directly through the undersurface of the undermined dermis, exiting through the surface of the intact skin just lateral to the cut wound edge. The needle is then reloaded on the needle driver and reinserted, using a backhand technique if desired, just medial to the exit point of the suture material, directly through the epidermis, exiting on the undersurface of the dermis in the undermined space between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. On the contralateral side, the needle is again inserted from the undersurface of the dermis directly through the skin. The needle is reloaded and inserted just lateral to its exit point perpendicularly through the skin, exiting the underside of the dermis in the undermined space. The suture material is then tied, allowing the knot to remain buried beneath the dermis, completing the placement of the anchoring percutaneous set-back suture. The suture throws are then sequentially repeated in parallel sets moving proximally towards the surgeon for the desired number of throws. The suture material is then tied off once the end of the wound is reached (Fig 1). Because knots are tied only at the beginning and the end of the entire line of sutures, this technique is faster than using standard interrupted percutaneous set-back dermal sutures.
Deformation induced phase rearrangement in near eutectic tin–lead alloy

Abstract Deformation induced microstructural changes in the near eutectic tin (Sn)–lead (Pb) alloy are investigated. This study is motivated by the thermomechanical reliability of solder materials used in microelectronic packages, with the primary objective of gaining fundamental understandings of pure mechanical effects without the influence of diffusion related phenomena. Bulk specimens, having an initial microstructure of equiaxed Pb-rich particles within the Sn-rich matrix, are subject to relatively fast deformations of tension, compression and bending. Microhardness indentation is employed to characterize the sliding behavior along grain boundaries and interphase boundaries. It is observed that phase rearrangement induced by boundary sliding commences when the overall strain is still relatively small, giving rise to the gradual development of aligned regions free of the Pb-rich phase. These Pb-free zones, or equivalently Sn grain clusters, are aligned in the direction of macroscopic normal stresses. A micromechanical model, supported by further experimental evidences, is proposed to explain the observed microstructural changes. This study also illustrates the possibility of mechanically induced phase coarsening in Sn–Pb solder alloys.
Influence of sodium homeostasis on dopaminergic modulation of aldosterone, renin, and prolactin secretion in man.

This study examines the effect of sodium homeostasis on the plasma aldosterone, renin, and PRL responses to the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide in normal individuals. Responses to metoclopramide were evaluated after receiving a 10-meq sodium, 80-meq potassium diet for 5 days and after receiving a 200-meq sodium, 80-meq diet for 5 days. On both occasions, the subjects had reached sodium equilibrium states, as determined by urinary sodium measurements, at the time that they received metoclopramide. Maximum absolute incremental aldosterone responses to metoclopramide were considerably greater (P < 0.001) in the subjects after 5 days on a 10- meq sodium intake (23.2 ± 2.0 ng/dl) than after 5 days on a 200-meq sodium intake (6.6 ± 0.9 ng/dl). Greater PRL and PRA responses (P < 0.05) were also noted with low (10 meq) daily sodium intake, although the influence of sodium intake was less than that observed on the aldosterone response to metoclopramide. PRA responses to metoclopramide occur late (45 min) compar...
Analysis of the antimalarial drug resistance protein Pfcrt expressed in yeast.

Mutations in the novel membrane protein Pfcrt were recently found to be essential for chloroquine resistance (CQR) in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for most lethal human malaria (Fidock, D. A., Nomura, T., Talley, A. K., Cooper, R. A., Dzekunov, S. M., Ferdig, M. T., Ursos, L. M., Sidhu, A. B., Naude, B., Deitsch, K. W., Su, X. Z., Wootton, J. C., Roepe, P. D., and Wellems, T. E. (2000) Mol. Cell6, 861–871). Pfcrt is localized to the digestive vacuolar membrane of the intraerythrocytic parasite and may function as a transporter. Study of this putative transport function would be greatly assisted by overexpression in yeast followed by characterization of membrane vesicles. Unfortunately, the very high AT content of malarial genes precludes efficient heterologous expression. Thus, we back-translated Pfcrt to design idealized genes with preferred yeast codons, no long poly(A) sequences, and minimal stem-loop structure. We synthesized a designed gene with a two-step PCR method, fused this to N- and C-terminal sequences to aid membrane insertion and purification, and now report efficient expression of wild type and mutant Pfcrt proteins in the plasma membrane of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeand Pichia pastoris yeast. To our knowledge, this is the first successful expression of a full-length malarial parasite integral membrane protein in yeast. Purified membranes and inside-out plasma membrane vesicle preparations were used to analyze wild typeversus CQR-conferring mutant Pfcrt function, which may include effects on H+ transport (Dzekunov, S., Ursos, L. M. B., and Roepe, P. D. (2000) Mol. Biochem. Parasitol. 110, 107–124), and to perfect a rapid purification of biotinylated Pfcrt. These data expand on the role of Pfcrt in conferring CQR and define a productive route for analysis of importantP. falciparum transport proteins and membrane associated vaccine candidates.
In vitro platelet responsiveness to adenosine-mediated "preconditioning" is age-dependent.

Background: Brief preconditioning (PC) ischemia, in addition to its well-described cardioprotective effects, has been shown in some studies to act on circulating platelets and attenuate platelet adhesion and aggregation in models of unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. This ‘anti-platelet’ effect of PC may be triggered by release of adenosine from ischemic/reperfused myocardium and activation of adenosine A2 receptors on the platelets’ surface. However: (1) all current data on the platelet inhibitory effects of PC ischemia and A2 receptor stimulation have been obtained in adult populations; and (2) there is evidence of age-associated alterations in myocardial adenosine release, receptor responsiveness and post-receptor signaling. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate, using an established in vitro model of platelet aggregation and exogenous administration of an adenosine A2 agonist, whether the favorable effects of adenosine A2 receptor stimulation on platelet responsiveness are compromised in aging populations. Methods: Arterial blood samples were obtained from young adult versus old rabbits (6 months versus 4 years of age) and young adult versus senescent rats (4 months versus 2 years of age). Matched aliquots from each animal were randomly assigned to receive exogenous treatment with either the A2 agonist CGS 21680 or vehicle. Maximum platelet aggregation was quantified by whole blood impedance aggregometry, using collagen as the aggregatory stimulus. Results: In young adult rabbits, maximum platelet aggregation was, as expected, reduced by 30 ± 4% in CGS-treated aliquots versus vehicle-controls. In contrast, blood samples from 4 year old rabbits were refractory to A2 receptor stimulation: in the old cohort, treatment with CGS evoked no change in platelet aggregation (decrease of 2 ± 3% versus age-matched vehicle controls; p < .01 versus the decrease of 30% seen in young adults). Data obtained in the rat model were analogous to those seen in the rabbit: maximum platelet aggregation decreased by 18 ± 5% versus 1 ± 7% with CGS treatment in young adult versus senescent animals. Conclusion: Our results provide novel in vitro evidence of an age-associated loss in platelet responsiveness to adenosine-mediated ‘preconditioning’.
The Black Fly Simulium vittatum Trypsin Gene: Characterization of the 5′-Upstream Region and Induction by the Blood Meal

The events leading to blood digestion in hematophagous insects are not well understood at the molecular level. Here we report on the characterization of a trypsin gene from the black fly Simulium vittatum. Southern blot analysis indicated that the S. vittatum genome contains at least two trypsin genes. Primer extension experiments identified two closely spaced transcription initiation sites, 3 bp apart. A genomic clone containing the trypsin gene was restriction mapped and the nucleotide sequence of the 5'-upstream region was determined. Several sequence elements were identified, including a consensus TATA box 35 nucleotides upstream from the transcription initiation site, a consensus arthropod initiator site at position -7, and two conserved sequence elements, 5'GGATTAA (position -77) and 5'TGTTTCCT (position -148). The latter two elements are present at comparable distances from the transcription initiation sites in black fly and mosquito trypsin genes. Significant amounts of trypsin mRNA were detected in guts of sugar-fed flies. Upon blood feeding, trypsin mRNA levels gradually increased to reach twice the initial abundance at 8 hr after blood ingestion. In contrast to other hematophagous insects, the induced mRNA level persists for a prolonged period of time (at least 48 hr) after blood ingestion. The results of this study provide information that may be useful for the expression of transgenes in insects of medical importance.
New Risk-Adjustment System Was Associated With Reduced Favorable Selection in Medicare Advantage

Health plans participating in the Medicare managed care program, called Medicare Advantage since 2003, have historically attracted healthier enrollees than has the traditional fee-for-service program. Medicare Advantage plans have gained financially from this favorable risk selection since their payments have traditionally been adjusted only minimally for clinical characteristics of enrollees, causing overpayment for healthier enrollees and underpayment for sicker ones. As a result, a new risk-adjustment system was phased in from 2004 to 2007, and a lock-in provision instituted to limit midyear disenrollment by enrollees experiencing health declines whose exodus could benefit plans financially. To determine whether these reforms were associated with intended reductions in risk selection, we compared differences in self-reported health care use and health between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare beneficiaries before versus after these reforms were implemented. We similarly compared differences b...
Numerical Investigation of Thermal Fields Around Subsea Buried Pipelines

Subsea pipelines transporting hydrocarbons from very deepwater wells or at arctic sites for long distances present some challenging technical problems. The ambient temperature at the seafloor in deepwater may be about 5°C (∼ 41°F or 278 K) and can be even lower in the arctic regions, while the wellhead hydrocarbon temperatures can be in excess of 149°C (∼ 300°F or 422 K). Insulation of these buried pipelines to mitigate this large temperature gradient can be only part of the solution as temperature losses over long distance may require heating systems to avoid deposition of impurities and clogging of the pipeline. The near field thermal gradient in surrounding soil is investigated using complementary 2-D numerical simulations of finite element and boundary element numerical models. A finite element hydraulic-thermal code designed for porous media was used to investigate the time evolution of the natural convection effects due to pipeline heating of the seawater in soil. For a seabed of clay under these conditions, it was determined that the boundary element model could be directed at steady state heat transfer about the pipeline in layered soil conditions addressing trenching and backfill consistent with the burial of the pipeline by a remotely operated vehicle. Parameters that may affect the thermal field around the subsea buried pipeline such as burial depth, thermal power loss and thermal properties of backfilling soils were investigated. It was shown that the thermal conductivity of the backfill has a critical influence on temperature distribution at the pipe wall, and that the pipe burial depth significantly affects temperature distribution on the seabed right above the pipe in deepwater.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Automated Design of DC-Coupled Broad-Band Amplifiers Monolithic

A design automation program has been written to optimize the design of dc-coupled monolithic broad-band amplifiers. This program adjusts dc conditions, device geometry, and all passive elements to obtain the maximum small-signal bandwidth consistent with specified low-frequency gain and quiescent power dissipation. The principal features of the program are a frequency-response analysis subroutine based on a nodal admittance matrix formulation, a precise response sensitivity analysis using the adjoint network, and an optimization subroutine based on the Fletcher-Powell algorithm. Two complete design examples, based on the series-series feedback triple and series-shunt feedback pair, are presented. For typical integrated-circuit processing, a maximum bandwidth on the order of 100 MHz is obtained for these designs with a voltage gain of 34 dB and 96-mW power dissipation.
Historical perspectives on tumor necrosis factor and its superfamily: 25 years later, a golden journey

Although activity that induced tumor regression was observed and termed tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as early as the 1960s, the true identity of TNF was not clear until 1984, when Aggarwal and coworkers reported, for the first time, the isolation of 2 cytotoxic factors: one, derived from macrophages (molecular mass 17 kDa), was named TNF, and the second, derived from lymphocytes (20 kDa), was named lymphotoxin. Because the 2 cytotoxic factors exhibited 50% amino acid sequence homology and bound to the same receptor, they came to be called TNF-α and TNF-β. Identification of the protein sequences led to cloning of their cDNA. Based on sequence homology to TNF-α, now a total of 19 members of the TNF superfamily have been identified, along with 29 interacting receptors, and several molecules that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of these receptors. The roles of the TNF superfamily in inflammation, apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and morphogenesis have been documented. Their roles in immunologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases are becoming apparent. TNF superfamily members are active targets for drug development, as indicated by the recent approval and expanding market of TNF blockers used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohns disease, and osteoporosis, with a total market of more than US $20 billion. As we learn more about this family, more therapeutics will probably emerge. In this review, we summarize the initial discovery of TNF-α, and the insights gained regarding the roles of this molecule and its related family members in normal physiology and disease.
Dieldrin (HEOD) metabolism in cockroaches and house flies.

When carbon-14-labeled HEOD (dieldrin) is injected into the American cockroach, German cockroach, and house fly, metabolism takes place forming radioactive metabolites which have been isolated and identified by thin-layer chromatographic methods. The major metabolite of dieldrin in the American cockroach iscis-aldrindiol. This is the first report ofcis-aldrindiol being formed as a dieldrin metabolite and possible mechanisms for its formation are given. Other dieldrin metabolites identified or characterized indicate that both hydrolytic and oxidative systems are important in the metabolism of dieldrin by the three insect species studied. Thein vitro metabolism of HEOD-14C by the fat body from the American cockroach also supports the above conclusion.
Mixed ionic-electronic conduction in a number of fluorite and pyrochlore compounds

Abstract While all compounds exhibit mixed ionic and electronic conduction to some degree, the relative ratio of these partial conductivities becomes particularly important when considering solids for use in solid-state electrochemical devices as electrolytes or electrodes. In this review, we focus on several oxide systems with fluorite and pyrochlore structures which hold particular promise in solid oxide fuel cell systems. Solid electrolytes should exhibit high ionic and low electronic conductivities to minimize internal cell resistance and short-circuiting of the cell EMF, respectively. The oxygen ion conductivity is most commonly optimized by doping as in stabilized zirconia. More recently, interest has focused on systems which exhibit high intrisic disorder. Current work on the Gd 2 (Zr x Ti 1− x ) 2 O 7 (GZT) and related systems, which allow control of the relative degree of intrinsic and extrinsic disorder by control of composition, is summarized. Mixed conducting electrodes are believed to catalyze the redox reactions at the gas-solid interface most effectively. Methods for introducing enhanced electronic conductivity into fluorite and pyrochlore oxides including solid-solution formation with variable valent ions, and/or shallow dopants are discussed. Examples are drawn from work on U: CeO 2 , Ce:ThO 2 and GZT. Defects models, which possess improved predictive abilities regarding the doping temperature, and atmosphere dependence of the ionic and electronic transference numbers, are presented.
Making Meaningful: Intention in Children's Art Making

Children's art work has often been the subject of study by researchers seeking to gain insight into the role of art making in children's learning and development. However, rarely are children's own explanations of their art making used to inform these studies. Children's perceptions of their own art making are important for research and practice in art education, because their artistic experiences and motivations determine how they will engage in and respond to art making activities. This study used ethnographic methods to learn about the art making that took place over the course of one year in an elementary school art room, and to gain insight into the students' experiences and perceptions of art-making activity. Data were analysed using a socio-cultural framework. By asking children why they made art and exploring children's own explanations of their art making, this study reveals some of the important intentions that children bring to their artistic activity, and some of the ways that children make meaning through art making.
Effect of chlorinated hydrocarbons on reproductive performance of adult White Leghorn male chickens.

Two experiments of 20 and 40 weeks duration were conducted to determine the effects of feeding dieldrin or PCB (Aroclor 1254) on the reproductive performance of adult White Leghorn males. Dieldrin at the levels used (0, 25, and 50 ppm) produced no significant changes in semen volume, semen concentration, fertility, and hatchability of fertile eggs. Mortality increased with increased levels of dieldrin and appeared related to duration of exposure to the pesticide. A significant reduction (P less than .05) in feed consumption was observed at the 25 ppm level. No significant differences in body weights were observed except shortly before death when marked reductions in both feed consumption and body weight were noted. PCB at the levels used (0, 10, 20, and 40 ppm) produced no differences in fertiluty, hatchability of fertile eggs, body weights, feed consumption, or mortality. However, over a period of 40 weeks, PCB significantly (P less than .05) reduced semen volume, semen concentrations, and testes weights,
Nanosecond Photography of Shock-Induced Elastic Ripples

When electronic circuitry is exposed to a shock wave of nuclear origin, intense acoustic agitation occurs within each of the components. Obviously, each component must be exceedingly strong mechanically in order to withstand such conditions. Our work primarily concerns survival of transistors and integrated circuits. In these devices there is a tendency for elastic or plastic surface ripples to develop on the headers or flatpacks. These ripples previously were quite difficult to record, although they were known to be the primary cause for cracking of transistor chips or microcapacitors from their substrates. However, we now have a system for photographing such motions on polished surfaces. This system is based on incoherent (or geometrical) optics, and thus does not require the use of a massive optically stable bench. Up to 130 frames may be taken in 6.5 ?sec at a rate of 50 nsec/frame. It is possible to observe disturbances as small as 100 ?m wide by .1 ?m high, and group velocity may be as fast as 5 x 109 ?m/sec. For illustration, in this article we present photographs of ripples on a transistor header which has been subjected to a shock wave generated by a pulsed electron beam.
Six-coordinate aluminium phosphinate

Unique models of solid state aluminophosphate materials containing, for the first time, six-coordinate aluminium atoms, may be achieved in chelated phosphinate derivatives; the degree of aggregation of these species, specifically the remarkable transition from a dimeric molecule to a polymeric material, depends on just one methylene unit; thus, [(But4salpen)Al{O2P(H)Ph}] 2 1 is dimeric while [(But4salen)Al{O2P(H)Ph}] ∞ 2, with one fewer methylene unit in the connection between the two nitrogens, is a polymeric material with the polymers aligned to form pores containing thf molecules.
Evaluation of rehabilitation for the long term ill and disabled patient: Some persistent research problems

Abstract This discussion has reviewed some continuing problems of conception and method present in current efforts designed to assess the effectiveness of medical rehabilitation for chronically ill and disabled patients. The clinical adequacy of present efforts is determined by the extent to which: 1. (a)The validity of present definitions of rehabilitation and of assumptions of program benefit for individual patients can be entertained; and 2. (b) The degree or extent to which traditional and accepted criteria of program effectiveness are reflective of individual treatment goals. Also illustrated were some gaps between levels of knowledge methodologically required for purposes of controlled studies, and levels of knowledge presently available. The achievement of more clinically adequate research assessments depends upon efforts designed to: 1. (a) Enlarge the base of knowledge of the underlying disease conditions, the processes or components of treatment, and the life course of ill patients; and 2. (b) Upon the development of a more relevant conceptual framework of chronic disease patient care, including rehabilitation, embodying appropriate standards and measures of quality of care.
Applications of strained layer superlattices

Because of different band-edge lineups, strain conditions, and growth orientations, various strained-layer superlattice (SLS) materials can exhibit qualitatively new physical behavior in their optical properties. We describe two examples of new physical behavior in SLS: strain-generated electric fields in polar growth axis superlattices and strained type II superlattices. In SLS, large electric fields can be generated by the piezoelectric effect. The fields are largest for SLS with a [111] growth axis; they vanish for SLS with a [100] growth axis. The strain-generated electric fields strongly modify the optical properties of the superlattice. Photogenerated electron-hole pairs screen the fields leading to a large nonlinear optical response. Application of an external electric field leads to a large linear electrooptical response. The absorption edge can be either red or blue shifted. Optical studies of [100], [111], and [211] oriented GaInAs/GaAs superlattices confirm the existence of the strain-generated electric fields. Small band-gap semiconductors are useful for making intrinsic long wavelength infrared detectors. Arbitrarily small band gaps can be reached in the type II superlattice InAs/GaSb. However, for band gaps less than 0.1 eV, the layer thicknesses are large and the overlap of electron and hole wavefunctions are small. Thus, the absorption coefficient is too small for useful infrared (IR) detection. Including In in the GaSb introduces strain in the InAs/GaInSb superlattice, which shifts the band edges so that small band gaps can be reached in thin-layer superlattices. Good absorption at long IR wavelengths is thus achieved.
A New Approach Using Homogenization of Cream in the Manufacture of Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese. 1. Manufacture, Composition, and Yield

Abstract Five replicates of skim milk used to manufacture reduced fat Cheddar cheese were standardized to 1.65% fat with cream homogenized at first and second stage pressures of 176 and 35kg/cm 2 , respectively. Four treatments (159kg of milk each) were employed: homogenized cream, low moisture; control, low moisture; homogenized cream, high moisture; and control, high moisture. Curd shattering was not observed in any treatment. The two low moisture treatments received 50min of cooking at 36 to 37°C and the two high moisture treatments received 50min of cooking and one 15-min washing at 33 to 34°C. Cheese moisture (45.7, 44.2, 47.7, and 46.0%, respectively) and yield adjusted to 45% moisture and 1.5% salt (8.33, 8.08, 8.21, and 7.98%, respectively) were higher in cheeses made with homogenized cream. Yield, corrected for moisture and salt, was lower for the high moisture cheeses because of curd washing. Acid-soluble protein and VFA were normal in all treatments at 1, 13, and 26 wk of ripening. Body and texture of reduced fat Cheddar cheeses made from homogenized cream were improved over those for the control cheeses, which were rubbery and curdy. Homogenization of cream decreased the hardness of reduced fat cheese over control cheeses.
Application of activation analysis to forensic science—I. Physical evidence

Abstract Neutron activation analysis has been applied to the comparison and identification of a number of physical evidence samples. Specimens of automobile paints, soot, soil, writing ink, and carbon and typewriter print have been irradiated with neutrons and studied nondestructively by use of γ-ray spectrometry. Positive comparison and identification has been possible in all cases except that of writing ink.
Dual Fate of Subplate Neurons in a Rodent

While subplate neurons are lost in the development of the cerebral cortex of other mammalian species that have so far been investigated, in rodents the subplate (alternately termed layer VIb or VII) persists to adulthood, at least in part. We traced the developmental course of the subplate in the golden hamster, using two methods. We first used tritiated thymidine labeling to trace relative changes in the numbers of identified cohorts of cells in the subplate, layer VI, and the LGN. We also estimated the total number of cells in the subplate versus layer VI of the cortex from early in development to adulthood. These methods showed a high rate of cell loss in the subplate, between 50% and 80%, but with the clear retention of a substantial fraction of this early-generated population as a recognizable layer in adulthood. Species variations in the timing of cortical neurogenesis and the relative amount of cell loss in the subplate can be used to better describe the developmental function of this region.
Properties of a mutant Cre protein that alters the topological linkage of recombination products

Abstract The bacteriophage P1 Cre- lox P site-specific recombination system consists of two components: the Cre recombinase protein and the lox P DNA sequence where recombination takes place. We report here on the analysis of a mutation in the cre structural gene that produces a mutant protein with altered recombination properties. The mutant protein, Cre111, carries out recombination at a much slower rate than the wild-type Cre protein. To determine why the reaction is slow, we have examined a number of activities associated with Cre-mediated recombination. Our results indicate that the binding of Cre111 to the lox P site is comparable to wild-type Cre. Furthermore, the rate at which Cre111 resolves Holliday structures, an intermediate in this recombination reaction, is also comparable to wild-type Cre. Thus, DNA binding and resolution of the intermediate are not affected, suggesting that either synapsis, the process of bringing two lox sites together, or the first strand exchange event, could be affected in the mutant protein. The types of DNA products formed following recombination of a supercoiled substrate can reflect mechanisms of synapsis. Wild-type Cre generates mainly topologically unlinked and unknotted circular products. This suggests that the wild-type protein brings two lox sites together in a way that excludes the entanglement of supercoils present in the substrate DNA. In contrast, when Cre111 recombines a supercoiled molecule it generates many complicated catenanes and knotted DNA products. Presumably, the supercoils present in the DNA substrate are being trapped in the reaction products. The types of recombination products generated in a wild-type Cre reaction can also be affected by mutations in the lox P site itself. Altered sites have been identified that are recombined by wild-type Cre to produce many topologically complex products. These altered sites cannot be recombined by Cre111. These observations are consistent with the idea that the Cre111 mutant is altered in synapsis. Whether this accounts for the slow rate of recombination is not clear at present.
Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene transfer inhibits neointima formation via increased production of nitric oxide in rat artery.

Tissue kallikrein cleaves kininogen substrate to produce vasoactive kinin peptides that have been implicated to play a role in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In order to explore potential roles of the kallikrein-kinin system in vascular biology, we evaluated the effects of adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery on neointima formation in balloon-injured rat artery. Infection of isolated rat aortic segments with adenovirus containing the human tissue kallikrein gene resulted in a time-dependent secretion of recombinant human tissue kallikrein, and significant increases in nitric oxide (NOx) and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels post gene transfer. Human tissue kallikrein gene was delivered locally via adenoviral vectors into left common carotid artery after balloon angioplasty. Two weeks following gene transfer, we observed a 39% reduction in intima/media ratio at the injured vessel as compared to that of rats receiving control virus (n = 8, P <.01). Delivery of N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a NOx synthase inhibitor via minipump for 2 weeks, blocked the protective effect and reversed the intima/media ratio to that of control rats (n = 5, P <.01). These results indicated that human tissue kallikrein gene delivery inhibits neointima formation via NO-cGMP signaling pathway. This study provides new insights into the role of the vascular kallikrein-kinin system and may have significant implications for gene therapy in treating occlusive vascular diseases.
Caterpillar herbivory and salivary enzymes decrease transcript levels of Medicago truncatula genes encoding early enzymes in terpenoid biosynthesis.

In response to caterpillar herbivory, alfalfa and related plant species defend themselves through the induction of saponin and volatile terpenoid biosynthesis. Both these types of defensive compounds are derived from the metabolic intermediate, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP). In plants, two distinct biosynthetic pathways can generate IPP; the cytosolic mevalonate pathway and the plastid-associated 2C-methyl erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway. In Medicago truncatula, transcript levels of key regulatory genes active in the early steps of these biosynthetic pathways were measured in response to larval herbivory by the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Transcripts encoding enzymes at early steps of both terpenoid pathways were lower in caterpillar-damaged leaves. Higher degrees of herbivore damage accentuated the decrease in transcript levels; however, transcript amounts were not affected by insect larval stage. Insect larvae, manipulated to reduce labial gland salivary secretions, were used to examine the role of the salivary elicitors in modulating gene expression. Results suggest that an insect salivary factor, possibly glucose oxidase (GOX), may be involved in reduction of transcript levels following herbivory. Addition of GOX or hydrogen peroxide to mechanically wounded leaves confirm these findings. In comparison, transcript levels of a gene encoding a putative terpene synthase are induced in mechanically- or insect-damaged leaves. These data show that insect salivary factors can act to suppress transcript levels of genes involved in plant defense pathways. Findings also suggest that in response to stress such as insect herbivory, regulation occurs at the early steps of the MEP pathway.
Cytoprotection by electromagnetic field-induced hsp70: a model for clinical application.

A unique approach to clinical application of cytoprotection is offered by electromagnetic (EM) field induction of stress proteins. EM fields are noninvasive and easily applied, as compared with the current hyperthermia protocols. Fertilized dipteran eggs and cultured rodent cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) were used as models to test EM fields for their ability to induce increased hsp70 levels for effective cytoprotection. Eggs preconditioned with an 8μT 60Hz EM field for 30 min had 114% increase in hsp70 levels, and an average 82% increase in survival, following a lethal temperature of 36.5°C. Thermal preconditioning at 32°C was not nearly as effective in dipteran eggs, inducing only a 44% increase in survival. Preconditioning of cultured murine cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) with an 8μT 60 Hz field induced a 77% average increase in hsp70 levels. J. Cell. Biochem. 79:453–459, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
RASCor: Realtime Associative Stereo Correspondence

This paper presents a hardware implementation solution to a real time stereo matching problem using system of associative relations (SOAR) computational model. SOAR makes use of pair-wise pixel interactions captured as direction of derivatives to determine the underlying structure of associations within an analysis token. SOAR also offers a similarity measure to assess similarity of two such structures of associations. This paper presents a suitable hardware implementation for real-time stereo correspondence using SOAR structural analysis tokens and similarity measure. The cost of hardware implementation using FPGA is presented along with performance improvements from frequency scaling, unit multiplicity and search depth for stereo matching. Real time stereo matching is achieved through hardware unit multiplicity and frequency scaling.
A System for Generating Electricity Using the Passage of Train Wheels for Improving Railroad Track Safety

The dangerous nature and history of railroad grade crossings (especially unprotected crossings in remote areas lacking costly electrical infrastructure) motivates engineering efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries. Several approaches and devices have been investigated and developed to harvest energy, mostly from vertical deflection of railroad track to power automated warning systems and track health monitoring sensors. While most of this previous work relied on harvesting energy from the vertical deflection of the railroad track, this paper proposes a mechanism for generating electricity from the passage of each train wheel. A cam-follower mechanism was designed initially to meet the requirements of low noise, shock and wear, and was subsequently used and improved to design a system capable of generating electricity efficiently from the motion of trains traveling in either direction. The development of the device as well as analysis of its predicted power production capability is presented in this paper.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
The First Century of the New Brunswick Stage, Part 1

This article concludes Coad three part series on the first century of the New Brunswick Stage.
The subcellular localization of noradrenaline and dopamine in bovine superior cervical ganglion.

Abstract The distributions of noradrenaline and dopamine in subcellular fractions of bovine superior cervical ganglia were measured fluorimetrically and were compared with that of acetylcholine. Results indicate that the crude synaptosomal pellet ( P 2), which contained the bulk of the bound acetylcholine, was not seriously contaminated with catecholamines. The microsomal fraction showed the highest concentration of noradrenaline relative to protein content, while dopamine was richest in P 2, possibly due to formation of synaptosomes from nerve endings of the dopaminergic interneurones which have been described in this tissue.
Utilization of dehydroascorbic acid and some related compounds by the aphid Myzus persicae feeding on an improved diet

Abstract Modifications are described in the formulation of an artificial diet for rearing Myzus persicae. Using this aphid species and the dietary improvements, we determined the relative growth of larvae, derived from ascorbic acid-deprived apterous mothers, on diets containing ascorbic acid or related compounds at various concentrations. l -Dehydroascorbic acid (the oxidized form of l -ascorbic acid) is utilizable, but only about 50 per cent as efficiently as equivalent amounts of l -ascorbic acid. d -Araboascorbic acid (an epimer of l -ascorbic acid about C5) is almost equivalent to l -ascorbic acid. d -Glucurono-γ-lactone and l -gulono-γ-lactone (intermediates in the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid in some mammals) are not utilized to any extent, nor was reduced glutathione (an unrelated reducing substance). The results are discussed in relation to the enzyme specificity and biosynthetic capabilities of other insects and animals.
Rapid Production of Metal−Organic Frameworks via Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis

This paper describes a very rapid technique for the production of metal−organic frameworks (MOF). The method uses a conventional microwave to nucleate crystal growth. A MOF synthesis that used to take hours or days can now be completed in 30 s to 2 min. The yield goes from ∼30% to over 90%. Novel MOFs can be made, since the growth process is no longer dependent on the walls or dust particles for nucleation. Particle sizes have a narrower distribution. Further, the particle size can be controlled by varying the precursor concentration.
Existence of certain extremal self-dual codes

Two new singly-even extremal self-dual codes are given. These are a (42, 21, 8)-code and a (58, 29, 10)-code. >
Making Partnerships Matter

![Figure][1] High-functioning, high-performance teams are cohesive. They are united. They get things done. To accomplish the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC’s) mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health, we must use the concept of high-functioning teams as we
A simple dye-coupling assay for evaluating gap junctional communication: The importance of transcription and translation on the establishment of dye-coupling

A simple dye-coupling assay has been developed to study gap junctional communication using a uterine cell line. The new dye-coupling assay was found to be of comparable sensitivity to an autoradiographic assay for transfer of radiolabelled nucleotide. To investigate the importance of protein synthesis in the establishment of dye-coupling under the conditions of this assay, cultures were treated with actinomycin-D and cycloheximide to inhibit transcription and translation, respectively. Inhibition of transcription had no significant effect on dye-coupling. The protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, also had no significant effect on dye-coupling at concentrations up to 1 uM, even though protein synthesis was inhibited to 19% of control.