cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Anesthetic Developmental Neurotoxicity Using Human Stem Cells

Mounting preclinical evidence in rodents and nonhuman primates has demonstrated that prolonged exposure of developing animals to general anesthetics can induce widespread neuronal cell death followed by long-term memory and learning disabilities. In vitro experimental evidence from cultured neonatal animal neurons confirmed the in vivo findings. However, there is no direct clinical evidence of the detrimental effects of anesthetics in human fetuses, infants, or children. Development of an in vitro neurogenesis system using human stem cells has opened up avenues of research for advancing our understanding of human brain development and the issues relevant to anesthetic-induced developmental toxicity in human neuronal lineages. Recent studies from our group, as well as other groups, showed that isoflurane influences human neural stem cell proliferation and neurogenesis, whereas ketamine induces neuroapoptosis. Application of this high throughput in vitro stem cell neurogenesis approach is a major stride toward ensuring the safety of anesthetic agents in young children. This in vitro human model allows us to (1) screen the toxic effects of various anesthetics under controlled conditions during intense neuronal growth, (2) find the trigger for the anesthetic-induced catastrophic chain of toxic events, and (3) develop prevention strategies to avoid this toxic effect. In this article, we reviewed the current findings in anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity studies, specifically focusing on the in vitro human stem cell model.
Prepartum grain feeding effects on milk production, mammary edema, and incidence of diseases.

Abstract The influences of feeding grain before calving on milk production, mammary edema, and disease were determined in 98 heifers and 50 cows. Half of them were fed grain to appetite starting 21 days prepartum while the others received no grain until after calving. All animals received grain to appetite after calving through 45 days postpartum. The 220kg of grain fed per heifer before calving resulted in an extra 54kg of milk during the 45-day milking period and the 295kg of grain per cow resulted in an increase of 36kg of milk. Thus, the practice was uneconomical in this trial where the animals entered late pregnancy in good condition. Prepartum grain feeding also increased the severity of edema in heifers, but not in cows. Although a number of diseases such as metritis, retained placenta, and indigestion were not significantly affected by prepartum grain feeding, the incidence of milk fever was significantly increased and the incidence of mastitis was increased twofold in heifers and somewhat less in cows.
Laboratory study of two-dimensional starting plumes

Abstract This paper reports a detailed laboratory study of two-dimensional starting plumes. From dimensional analysis, equations in a parametric form for the motion of two-dimensional starting plumes are derived. The governing equations are also obtained from an approximate inviscid flow approach and this gives some physical meaning to the constant in the governing equations derived from dimensional analysis. Systematic experiments were performed with each parameter under careful control. It was found from the experiments that a buoyant starting plume has a typical tadpole shape. Some time after its release, a buoyant starting plume will advance with a constant rate. This advancing velocity increases as the rate of buoyancy inflow is increased. The inflow momentum affects the motion of a buoyant two dimensional starting plume to a certain extent, but this effect is short-lived and may be neglected after a short time. The shape of a buoyant starting plume depends on the initial density difference. The tail of the plume increases as the initial density difference is increased. The initial density difference also affects the plume advancing velocity. If the rate of buoyancy inflow is the same, plumes having a larger initial density difference will advance faster. Detailed flow patterns of two-dimensional starting plumes under different parametric conditions are obtained from the experiments. The detailed flow patterns quantitatively support an inviscid ambient flow model proposed earlier by Tsang and Wood (1968). From the detailed flow patterns, the distribution of velocity components, vorticity and velocity gradients in the flow field of a two-dimensional starting plume is also obtained. The integration of the vorticity in the flow field supports the approximate inviscid flow approach in obtaining the governing equations.
An 8-ns 256K ECL SRAM with CMOS memory array and battery backup capability

The authors describe the first high-performance, high-density ECL SRAM (emitter-coupled-logic static random-access memory) compatible with battery backup techniques. The 256K device has a measured access time of 8 ns. Fabricated in a 0.8- mu m BiCMOS process, the chip uses 117- mu m/sup 2/, full-CMOS, six-transistor memory cells and measures 6.5*8.15 mm/sup 2/. The design methodology described here illustrates the extent to which bipolar devices can be integrated into the periphery of a CMOS memory array. This integration was achieved through the use of a novel sensing scheme which provided three stages of bipolar differential sensing, with the first stage of sensing taking place directly on the bit lines. >
Collective modes of an Ultracold 6li-40k mixture in an optical lattice

A low-energy theory of the Nambu-Goldstone excitation spectrum and the corresponding speed of sound of an interacting Fermi mixture of Lithium-6 and Potassium-40 atoms in a two-dimensional optical lattice at finite temperatures with the Fulde-Ferrell order parameter has been formulated. It is assumed that the two-species interacting Fermi gas is described by the one-band Hubbard Hamiltonian with an attractive on-site interaction. The discussion is restricted to the BCS side of the Feshbach resonance where the Fermi atoms exhibit superfluidity. The quartic on-site interaction is decoupled via a Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation by introducing a four-component boson field which mediates the Hubbard interaction. A functional integral technique and a Legendre transform are used to give a systematic derivation of the Schwinger-Dyson equations for the generalized single-particle Green’s function and the Bethe-Salpeter equation for the two-particle Green’s function and the associated collective modes. The numerical solution of the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the generalized random phase approximation shows that there exist two distinct sound velocities in the long-wavelength limit. In addition to low-energy (Goldstone) mode, the two-species Fermi gas has a superfluid phase revealed by two roton-like minima in the asymmetric collective-mode energy.
THE HEMODYNAMICS OF STEAL SYNDROME AND ITS TREATMENT

A 61-year-old man developed steal syndrome after creation of a transposed basilic vein arteriovenous fistula (AVF) resulting in rest pain and ischemic ulcers in the fingertips. Our initial surgically created stenosis reduced the diameter by 32% and the area by 56%, and increased the radial artery pressure from 52 to 78 mmHg, with relief of symptoms. Within 3 weeks his symptoms reappeared. Repeat measurements did not explain his return of symptoms. A second area of stenosis was created in the AVF, with a diameter reduction of 75%, and an area reduction of 94%. His symptoms resolved, and his ulcers healed. The hemodynamics of the AVF and the steal syndrome were evaluated by duplex imaging and Doppler pressure assessment. A greater stenosis increased the radial artery pressure from 78 to 140 mmHg while maintaining flow through the AVF. Rather than increasing the degree of stenosis at the first site, we created a second area of stenosis. Hemodynamically, this would be additive to the first without the risk of creating a high-grade stenosis that could thrombose the AVF. Increasing the resistance in the AVF will decrease flow in the AVF and, ultimately, increase flow to the hand.
Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of cis-cis-cis [ (C6H5)4Si4O4(OH)4]

The hydrolytic condensation of PhSiCl3 (H2O/acetone, 0–5 C, 18 h) precipitates cis-cis-cis-[(C6H5)4Si4O4(OH)4] (5a) as the sole crystalline product in approximately 40% yield. The all-cis structure, which was originally assigned by J. F. Brown on the basis of IR spectroscopy and derivatization studies, was confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The ether solvate of 5a crystallizes from Et2O/C6H6 as a hydrogen-bonded, dimeric structure, which kinetically stabilizes the molecule toward self-condensation reactions. In solution, particularly in the presence of weak amine bases, 5a rapidly self-condenses to form “T-resins”; self-condensation also occurs in the solid-state (25° C) over several months. Tetrasilanol 5a can be exhaustively silylated with Me3SiCl to afford excellent yields of cis-cis-cis-[(C6H5)4Si4O4(OSiMe3)4] (10), but all attempts to effect clean partial silylation produced complex mixtures of partially silylated T-resins. Attempts to effect catalytic hydrogenation of 5a to cis-c...
Prescription opioid analgesics rapidly change the human brain

Chronic opioid exposure is known to produce neuroplastic changes in animals; however, it is not known if opioids used over short periods of time and at analgesic dosages can similarly change brain structure in humans. In this longitudinal, magnetic resonance imaging study, 10 individuals with chronic low back pain were administered oral morphine daily for 1 month. High-resolution anatomical images of the brain were acquired immediately before and after the morphine administration period. Regional changes in gray matter volume were assessed on the whole brain using tensor-based morphometry, and those significant regional changes were then independently tested for correlation with morphine dosage. Thirteen regions evidenced significant volumetric change, and degree of change in several of the regions was correlated with morphine dosage. Dosage-correlated volumetric decrease was observed primarily in the right amygdala. Dosage-correlated volumetric increase was seen in the right hypothalamus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right ventral posterior cingulate, and right caudal pons. Follow-up scans that were conducted an average of 4.7 months after cessation of opioids demonstrated many of the morphine-induced changes to be persistent. In a separate study, 9 individuals consuming blinded placebo capsules for 6 weeks evidenced no significant morphologic changes over time. The results add to a growing body of literature showing that opioid exposure causes structural and functional changes in reward- and affect-processing circuitry. Morphologic changes occur rapidly in humans during new exposure to prescription opioid analgesics. Further research is needed to determine the clinical impact of those opioid-induced gray matter changes.
Energy-transfer-assisted lasing from microdroplets seeded with fluorescent sol.

We report observations of lasing emission from liquid microdroplets of Fluorescein 548 dye in ethanol, seeded with submicrometer-sized fluorescent sol. An incident pump laser excites fluorescein dye molecules, which in turn couple energy to sol–dye molecules, generating lasing in the sol. The pump laser can also generate fluorescein lasing in the droplets, which may excite lasing in the sol. Other noteworthy findings include the absence of sol emission for larger sol and the presence of sol emission, even without any observable fluorescein emission, for smaller sol. All emissions are at wavelengths corresponding to morphology-dependent resonances of the droplet. Studies of the dependence of these emissions on pump laser intensity and sol concentration suggest that they are driven either by Forster energy transfer between fluorescein dye molecules and dye within the sol or by enhanced radiative transfer that occurs when fluorescein emission couples to morphology-dependent resonances of the droplet microcavity.
Transfer functions of constrained/combined one-dimensional continuous dynamic systems

Abstract Transfer functions of constrained/combined dynamic systems contain all of the information required to determine the system response and stability. This paper presents an exact closed form method for evaluating transfer functions of a class of constrained/combined vibrating continua. In the analysis, the type of the continuous system, boundary conditions, constraints and combined subsystems are treated in a unified manner. The method is valid for both self-adjoint and non-self-adjoint systems, and is convenient for computer coding.
Attenuation of ozone-induced airway permeability in rats by pretreatment with cyclophosphamide, FPL 55712, and indomethacin.

Exposure of rats to ozone (O3) produces an increase in airway permeability and a concomitant influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the lung. These observations raise the possibility that the inflammatory cells play a role in the cellular injury and increased airway permeability after O3 exposure. This study was therefore designed to determine if the inflammatory cells or their products are essential for the 03 effect. In a series of experiments, rats were rendered leukopenic with cyclophosphamide, treated with leukotriene B4 (LTB4), or with the inhibitors of lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase products of arachidonic acid, followed by exposure to O3. A 2-h exposure to 0.8 ppm O3 caused a significant increase in the flux of proteins and albumin in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and elevated the transport of 99mTcdiethylenetriaminepentaacetate (99mTc-DTPA) from trachea to blood. The treatment with cyclophosphamide caused a significant reduction in the circulating and pulmonary leukocytes and prevented an incre...
Cor triatriatum. Successful correction in 4 patients including 2 less than 1 year of age.

Abstract Cor triatriatum is a rare disease that is often lethal in children if not correctly identified and properly treated. Characteristically, a membrane divides the left atrium into two chambers, one located posterosuperiorly which is connected to the common pulmonary trunk and one anteroinferiorly which is connected to the left atrial appendage and the mitral valve. Experience with 4 patients is reviewed and an illustrative case is presented. Emphasis is placed on the prerequisites of success: awareness of the possible presence of the anomaly, proper catheterization technique, urgent operation, and careful postoperative management. Cor triatriatum is a correctable disease if managed appropriately.
Comparative effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine on plasma glucose and hematocrit levels in the american bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

Adrenal chromaffin tissue of the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) treated by the formaldehyde-induced fluorescence method demonstrated approximately equal numbers of norepinephrine- and epinephrine-containing cells. The effects of a single intra-arterial injection of epinephrine or norepinephrine on plasma glucose and hematocrit levels were compared. Blood was collected from the cannulated sciatic artery. Plasma glucose was estimated by the glucose oxidase method. Plasma glucose levels of starved, untreated bullfrogs were elevated following surgery for the insertion of the cannula, but declined to relatively stable levels from the third (7.0 ± 0.4 mg/100 ml) through the fifth (6.5 ± 0.5 mg/100 ml) postoperative day. Similarly, the postsurgical hematocrit values declined to relatively stable values from the third (13.1 ± 0.5%) through the fifth (11.9 ± 0.5%) postoperative day. Hormones were injected on the fourth or fifth postoperative day. Plasma glucose and hematocrit levels increased within 15 min at all epinephrine doses tested (3, 10, 30, 100, and 300 μg/kg). The magnitude and duration of the responses were related to the dose of epinephrine administered. In contrast, norepinephrine at a dose of 3 μg/kg was ineffective, while at the presumed pharmacologic doses of 300 and 500 μg/kg, norepinephrine resulted in increases in plasma glucose and hematocrit levels that were of lower magnitude and shorter duration than those obtained with 300 μg/kg of epinephrine. Although the physiologic role(s) of norepinephrine in the bullfrog remains unknown, the rapid, dose-dependent, and parallel elevations of plasma glucose and hematocrit levels that followed the injection of epinephrine suggest that this hormone is important in the adaptation of the bullfrog to stressful changes in the environment.
The time-space relationships among data points from multispectral spatial scanners

Multispectral scanner and thematic mapper (TM) data from Landsat satellites are discussed in terms of the perceived 'simultaineity' of the images, which are obtained by scanning techniques. Scanning the scenes ensures that the data points of the images are actually sequential, even if the scan is performed at rates that are fast relative to the motion of the spacecraft. The last datum gathered by the MSS is, in fact, taken 29 sec after the first, witih a 56 m distance being present between pixels. The spacing in uneven from band to band on the TM and analyses of the data to produce an image requires consideration of nonfixed time relationships for different locations on the scan within and among the bands. Additionally, corrective measures must be taken to compensate for instrument jitter and attitude changes.
Outage probability with transmit and receive diversity in a shadowing environment

We study the effects of lognormal shadowing on systems employing transmit and receive diversity. We derive a closed form formula for the average outage probability of a cellular system with M transmit antennas and N receive antennas. Two cases are considered: (i) all M /spl times/ N channels are affected by the same shadowing environment, and (ii) all channels face independent shadowing. We validate the formulas that are derived by Monte-Carlo simulations. The results show that the outage probability of the independent-shadowing channels is less than the case in which all channels face the same shadowing.
On test generation by input cube avoidance

Test generation procedures attempt to assign values to the inputs of a circuit so as to detect target faults. We study a complementary view whereby the goal is to identify values that should not be assigned to inputs in order not to prevent faults from being detected. We describe a procedure for computing input cubes (or incompletely specified input vectors) that should be avoided during test generation for target faults. We demonstrate that avoiding such input cubes leads to the detection of target faults after the application of limited numbers of random input vectors. This indicates that explicit test generation is not necessary once certain input values are precluded. Potential uses of the computed input cubes are in a test generation procedure to reduce the search space, and during built-in test generation to preclude input vectors that will not lead to the detection of target faults.
AN IMPROVED PREPARATION OF DIETHYL 1,4-DIHYDROXY-CYCLOHEXA-1,4-DIENE-2,5-DICARBOXYLATE

(1972). AN IMPROVED PREPARATION OF DIETHYL 1,4-DIHYDROXY-CYCLOHEXA-1,4-DIENE-2,5-DICARBOXYLATE. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 31-34.
Localization of adenosine triphosphatase activity on the chloroplast envelope in tendrils of Pisum sativum.

When samples of pea tendril tissue were incubated in the Wachstein-Meisel medium for the demonstration of adenosine triphosphatases, deposits of lead reaction product were localized between the membranes of the chloroplast envelope. The presence of Mg2+ was necessary for adenosine triphosphatase activity, and Ca2+ could not substitute for this requirement. Varying the pH of incubation to 5.5 or 9.4 inhibited enzyme activity, as did the addition of p-chloromercuribenzoic acid or N-ethylmaleimide. The adenosine triphosphatase was apparently inactivated or degraded when the plants were grown in the dark for 24 hours prior to incubation. The enzyme was substrate-specific for adenosine triphosphate; no reaction was obtained with adenosine diphosphate, uridine triphosphate, inosine triphosphate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate, and sodium β-glycerophosphate. Sites of nonspecific depositions of lead are described. The adenosine triphosphatase on the chloroplast envelope may be involved in the light-induced contraction of this organelle.
Downlink throughput statistics in interference-limited cellular systems with multi-element antennas

In this study, we first quantify cell-wide mean throughputs in interference-limited single-input-single-output (SISO) and multi-element antenna (MEA) cellular systems along various system-level design dimensions, including: MEA array size; frequency-reuse factor; antenna pattern (omni-directional or sectorized); degree of coding; allowable constellation size; and transmitor receive-adaptation. Next, we examine the validity of a noise-model for co-channel interference present in MEA links. Using system simulations, we show that this model is valid under all conditions, with varying levels of accuracy.
Cholinephosphotransferase and Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase (Substrate Specificities at a Key Branch Point in Seed Lipid Metabolism)

Many oilseed plants accumulate triacylglycerols that contain unusual fatty acyl structures rather than the common 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids found in membrane lipids of these plants. In vitro experiments demonstrate that triacylglycerols are synthesized via diacylglycerols in microsomal preparations and that this same sub-cellular fraction is the site for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, which in seeds is synthesized from diacylglycerol by CDP-choline: diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase. In microsomes from Cuphea lanceolata, a plant that accumulates fatty acids with 10 carbons and no double bonds (10:0) in its oil, the diacylglycerol acyltransferase exhibited 4-fold higher activity with 10:0/10:0 molecular species of diacylglycerol than with molecular species containing 18-carbon fatty acids. In castor bean (Ricinus communis), which accumulates oil containing ricinoleic acid, diricinoleoyldiacylglycerol was the favored substrate for triacylglycerol synthesis. In contrast to these modest specificities of the diacylglycerol acyltransferases, the cholinephosphotransferases from these plants and from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) showed little or no specificity across a range of different diacylglycerol substrates. Consideration of these results and other data suggests that the targeting of unusual fatty acids to triacylglycerol synthesis and their exclusion from membrane lipids are not achieved on the basis of the diacylglycerol substrate specificities of the enzymes involved and may instead require the spatial separation of two different diacylglycerol pools.
An experimental note on finite-amplitude standing gravity waves

In a recent paper Tadjbakhsh & Keller (1960) have predicted that two-dimensional finite standing gravity waves in a rectangular container will have lower frequency than infinitesimal standing waves in deep water but have higher frequency below a certain mean depth to wavelength ratio. This is in strong contrast to the frequency results for finite progressive waves obtained by many investigators. Experimental confirmation of this prediction is reported together with estimates of the magnitude of the frequency effects at several depths. The frequency effect reversal appears to occur at a depth ratio of 0·14, somewhat less than the predicted ratio of 0·17.
Energy efficient Phase Change Memory based main memory for future high performance systems

Phase Change Memory (PCM) has recently attracted a lot of attention as a scalable alternative to DRAM for main memory systems. As the need for high-density memory increases, DRAM has proven to be less attractive from the point of view of scaling and energy consumption. PCM-only memories suffer from latency issues, high write energy, and the problem of limited write endurance. Research in this domain has focused mainly on using various hybrid memory configurations to address these shortcomings. A commodity DRAM module as a cache for PCM memory has emerged as a potential solution. But this method requires use of a separate memory controller and is unable to achieve better performance than a DRAM-only based memory at low energy. We propose a PCM based main memory system design using a small, embedded DRAM (eDRAM) cache to replace the row buffers in the PCM memory chip. This reduces the high latencies of PCM and the energy consumption of the main memory system. Our methodology also eliminates the need for separate memory controllers. Through simulation results, we show competitive performance by reducing average memory access time of a slow PCM based memory and significant energy reductions against a DDR3 commodity DRAM memory system of similar storage size. Our proposed system is highly energy efficient and provides 35.02%improvement in EDP over a DRAM-only system. Our system consumes less energy than the state-of-the-art PCM hybrid system using a commodity DRAM cache.
Isotopic and elemental characterization of colloidal organic matter from the Chesapeake Bay and Galveston Bay

In order to investigate sources and turnover rates of dissolved organic matter from Chesapeake Bay and Galveston Bay, colloidal organic matter (COM) was isolated using cross-flow ultrafiltration and subsequently characterized for its elemental (C, N, and S) and isotopic (13C and 14C) composition. Distributions of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in Chesapeake Bay showed a non-systematic variation, while in Galveston Bay, a non-conservative behavior of DOC with source inputs in the low salinity region was observed. Results of size fractionation of total organic carbon (TOC) revealed that, on average, paniculate organic carbon (POC) comprised ~ 12% and 39% of the TOC pool in Galveston Bay and the Chesapeake Bay, respectively. Colloidal organic carbon (COC) between 1 kDa and 0.2 μm (COC1) constituted ~ 53% and 35%, respectively, with 6–7% of TOC in the HMW fraction (10 kDa to 0.2 μm, COC10), and only ~ 34% and 25%, respectively, of the TOC in the < 1 kDa dissolved fraction. Values of Δ14C and CN ratios of COM, in general, decreased from river to coastal seawater whereas δ13C values increased with increasing salinity, indicating that organic carbon sources changed from more terrestrial components to phytoplankton-derived sources during estuarine mixing. The distinct isotopic signature and elemental composition of riverine and estuarine COM also suggest that most riverine HMW COM could be removed or decomposed rapidly within the estuary. The fact that values of CN ratios increased from particulate to HMW to medium MW COM suggest that reactivities of organic matter decrease with reducing size. While Δ14C values of COM1 were generally equivalent to contemporary ages, they were consistently lower for the COM10. Lower Δ14C values and lower CN ratios in the COM10 than in the COM1 suggest that most of the estuarine HMW COM is from older and more proteinaceous sources within the estuaries. We hypothesize that resuspended sedimentary organic matter or recycled older DOM is likely the source for COM10.
The virtual linkage: a model for internal forces in multi-grasp manipulation

A model for characterizing internal forces and moments during multigrasp manipulation is proposed. The approach is based on construction of a physical model, called the virtual linkage, which is a closed-chain mechanism that represents the object being manipulated. Forces and moments applied at the grasp points of this linkage cause joint forces and torques at its actuators. When these actuators are subjected to the opposing forces and torques, the virtual linkage becomes a locked structure. Internal forces in the object are then characterized by these forces and torques. This approach was used in a multiarm robot system to manipulate objects while performing accurate control of internal forces. >
Tracheotomy tube placement in children following cardiothoracic surgery: indications and outcomes.

Purpose: To review the indications for and outcomes of children requiring tracheotomy tube placement following cardiothoracic surgery, charts were reviewed retrospectively at a tertiary care center for fifteen children who had undergone tracheotomy tube placement following cardiothoracic surgery between 1994 and 2000. Outcomes Measure: Morbidity and/or mortality associated with tracheotomy tube placement in this patient population, duration of tracheotomy tube, and rate of decannulation. Results: Fifteen out of approximately 3000 children undergoing cardiothoracic surgery required tracheotomy tube placement over a 6-year period. Indications included diaphragmatic paresis (DP) (7 patients), vocal cord paresis (VP) alone (3 patients), DP and VP (2 patients), subglottic stenosis (SS) and DP (1 patient), VP and SS (2 patients), and cerebrovascular infarct (1 patient). The mean age at the time of tracheotomy tube placement was 36.5 months (range, 0.75-108 months). The mean duration of intubation between cardiothoracic procedure and tracheotomy was 31.6 days (range, 0-72 days). Six patients were successfully decannulated following a mean of 7.4 months of tracheotomy tube dependence. All 6 decannulated patients had DP necessitating tracheotomy and ventilatory support. Eight patients continue to be tracheotomy tube– dependent, and one patient died of unrelated causes. There was no short-term or long-term morbidity or mortality associated with tracheotomy tube placement. Conclusion: Tracheotomy tube placement is rarely indicated following cardiothoracic surgery in children. The most common indication is DP, which is usually transient. Most children will eventually be candidates for decannulation.
Inactivation of Monocarboxylate Transporter MCT3 by DNA Methylation in Atherosclerosis

Background— Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) mediate lactate transport across the plasma membrane of cells. The molecular mechanisms regulating monocarboxylate transport in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DNA methylation on MCT expression and lactate transport in SMCs in relation to atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— MCT expression was determined by real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in SMCs isolated from human aortas and coronary arteries. Bisulfite sequencing and confocal microscopic analysis were used to study DNA methylation and lactate transport in SMCs, respectively. Downregulation of MCT3 and impaired lactate transport were detected in proliferating/synthetic SMCs, relative to the contractile phenotype. A passage number– and atherosclerotic lesion–dependent methylation pattern of MCT3 was demonstrated in the CpG island located in exon 2. Treatment ...
A power and performance model for network-on-chip architectures

Networks-on-chip (NoC) has been proposed as a solution for addressing the design challenges of future high-performance nanoscale architectures. Innovative system-level performance models are required for designing NoC based architectures. This paper presents a VHDL based cycle accurate register transfer level model for evaluating the latency, throughput, dynamic, and leakage power consumption of NoC based interconnection architectures. We implemented a parameterized register transfer level design of the NoC architecture elements. The design is parameterized on (i) size of packets, (ii) length and width of physical links, (iii) number, and depth of virtual channels, and (iv) switching technique. The paper discusses in detail the architecture and characterization of the various NoC components. The paper presents results obtained by application of the model towards design space exploration, and power versus performance trade-off analysis of 4/spl times/4 mesh based NoC architecture.
Hybrid Graphene Nanoribbon-CMOS tunneling volatile memory fabric

Graphene exhibits extraordinary electrical properties and is therefore often envisioned to be the candidate material for post-silicon era as Silicon technology approaches fundamental scaling limits. Various Graphene based electronic devices and interconnects have been proposed in the past. In this paper, we explore the possibility of a hybrid fabric between CMOS and Graphene by implementing a novel Graphene Nanoribbon crossbar (xGNR) based volatile Tunneling RAM (GNT RAM) and integrating it with the 3D CMOS stack and layout. Detailed evaluation of GNT RAM circuits proposed show that they have considerable advantages in terms of power, area and write performance over 16nm CMOS SRAM. This work opens up other possibilities including multi-state memory fabrics and even an all-graphene fabric can be envisioned on the long term.
The proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α induce the expression of Synoviolin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in mouse synovial fibroblasts via the Erk1/2-ETS1 pathway

The overgrowth of synovial tissues is critical in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The expression of Synoviolin (SYN), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is upregulated in arthritic synovial fibroblasts and is involved in the overgrowth of synovial cells during RA. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the elevated SYN expression are not known. Here, we found that SYN expression is elevated in the synovial fibroblasts from mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induce SYN expression in mouse synovial fibroblasts. Cultivation of mouse synovial fibroblasts with IL-1β activates mitogen-activated protein kinases, including extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38, while only Erk-specific inhibitor blocks IL-1β-induced SYN expression. Expression of transcription factor ETS1 further enhances IL-1β-induced SYN expression. The dominant negative ETS1 mutant lacking the transcription activation domain inhibits SYN expression in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of both Erk1/2 and ETS1 is increased in the CIA synovial fibroblasts. Inhibition of Erk activation reduces ETS1 phosphorylation and SYN expression. Our data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α induce the overgrowth of synovial cells by upregulating SYN expression via the Erk1/-ETS1 pathway. These molecules or pathways could therefore be potential targets for the treatment of RA.
Association of maternal vitamin D and placenta growth factor with the diagnosis of early onset severe preeclampsia.

Objective Decreased maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) and placenta growth factor (PlGF) have both been associated with the diagnosis of early onset severe preeclampsia (EOSPE). This investigation aimed to define the association of these biomarkers with EOSPE. Study Design Patients with EOSPE (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 40) were recruited and information on demographics, outcomes, and plasma was collected at diagnosis of EOSPE or gestational age-matched controls. 25-OH-D was assessed by radioimmunoassay and reported in nanogram per milliliter. PlGF was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reported in picogram per milliliter. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare biomarkers between groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between 25-OH-D or PlGF and the diagnosis of EOSPE. Results In EOSPE, both 25-OH-D and PlGF were decreased significantly compared with controls. After controlling for age, race, body mass index, and gestational age at sample collection, both 25-OH-D (adjusted odds ratio 0.14 [0.05, 0.36]) and PlGF (adjusted odds ratio 0.03 [0.01, 0.24] were significantly associated with diagnosis of ESOPE (p Conclusion PlGF and 25-OH-D are both associated with the diagnosis of EOSPE. These biomarkers may be helpful in development of novel rapid diagnostic tests for preeclampsia.
Voltinism, Egg Structure, and Descriptions of Immature Stages of Cryphocricos hungerfordi (Hemiptera: Naucoridae)

Cryphocricos hungerfordi Usinger occurs from the southern side of the mountain spine in Chiapas, Mexico, north through eastern Mexico to central Texas. The voltinism of C. hungerfordi was studied in the South Llano River in central Texas in 1988 and 1989. This species overwinters as third through fifth instars and adults among large rocks in fast water and is bivoltine in central Texas. All instars are present from early June through late October. Two peaks of abundance of first and second instars (i.e., non-overwintering stages) occur in mid-May to early June and in late August to early September. A portion of the second generation develops only to the late instars before overwintering. A maximum likelihood G test suggests that the second generation begins with oviposition in mid- to late July. Eggs have a pedunculate micropylar plug which contains three to five micropyles. The chorionic outer layer is perforated by pore canals which extend obliquely to the imperforate chorionic inner layer. Additional eggs and all instars were examined with light and scanning electron microscopy and are illustrated and described. Although direct evidence is lacking, morphological evidence suggests that nymphs use cutaneous respiration.
Rules for rulers : the politics of advice

In this witty and contemporaneous essay, Arnold J. Meltsner, as a modern-day Machiavelli, offers advice to government and corporate leaders on the human pitfalls of seeking, evaluating, and using advice. Drawing examples mainly from the Oval Office and recent history, he examines the factors that affect decision making and proposes rules to help rulers maintain vigilance over their advisers and remain sensitive to the politics of personal influence and persuasion. Meltsner sees the advisory situation as dramatic, so he uses the metaphor of a play with four key scenes to describe the psychological and social context. Presenting numerous situations that arise during these scenes, Meltsner extrapolates about a half-dozen rules from each scene in this play. Specific, practical advice shapes his commentary: for example, 'Keep the inner circle small ...Be careful about revealing your own preferences ...Recognize partial views including your own ...Avoid public protest resignations'.In addition to the ruler-adviser relationship, the author discusses secrecy and leaks, the structure within which rulers make decisions, and the various ways of calibrating advice. Using sometimes humorous and sometimes painful examples, Meltsner demonstrates that rulers' reactions to advice are often based on such factors as expertise, trust, prior performance, predilections, and consensus. 'Rulers should temper their notion of the loyal adviser as an extension of themselves and not assume that they and their advisers are one'. Local and national leaders, military generals, industrial managers, and CEOs rulers of all kinds can surely benefit from this advice. Author note: Arnold J. Meltsner is Professor of Public Policy Emeritus at the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley.
Local Government Collaboration for a New Decade: Risk, Trust, and Effectiveness:

Local government collaboration, in which efforts and responsibility are shared across organizations, is an increasingly pervasive approach to addressing community challenges. It has evolved from in...
Effects of photoperiod on the growth,flowering and chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics of forced Paeonia lactiflora

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of photoperiods on the growth,flowering and photosynthetic mechanisms of forced Paeonia lactiflora. Two forced P. lactiflora cultivars ‘Da Fu Gui'( DFG) and ‘Tao Hua Fei Xue'( THFX) were treated with 3 different photoperiods: 14 h /d,18 h /d and 9 h / d as control( CK). The results showed that: Compared with CK,14 h / d photoperiod promoted the growth,chlorophyll accumulation and flowering of both cultivars,gradually increased maximum quantum efficiency of PSⅡ( Fv/ Fm) and electron supply of PSⅡ to PSⅠ,and a new equilibrium of electron transport between PSⅡ-PSⅠ-carbon assimilation could be quickly reached. In comparison with CK,18 h / d photoperiod was disadvantageous for the shoot elongation and significantly inhibited the flowering of DFG. In addition,18 h / d photoperiod negatively affected electron transport chain at PSI,and broke the balance between PSI-carbon assimilation for both cultivars. The photosynthetic electron transport chain of two P. lactiflora cultivars responded differently to photoperiods. DFG had higher electron transport activity than THFX,and under 14 h / d photoperiod,dynamic changes of PS Ⅱ-PSI-carbon assimilation of DFG could reach a new dynamic equilibrium faster than THFX and keep the balance,therefore,DFG had a stronger photoperiod adaptability than THFX.
Physical Rehabilitation Interventions for Post-mTBI Symptoms Lasting Greater Than 2 Weeks: Systematic Review.

Background Heightened awareness of the lasting effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has amplified interest in interventions that facilitate recovery from persistent post-mTBI symptoms. Purpose The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify potential physical rehabilitation interventions that are safe, feasible, and appropriate for physical therapists to utilize with patients with persistent mTBI-related symptoms. Data Sources The electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception until June 2015. Study Selection Studies were included if they utilized physical rehabilitation interventions and the study's participants had a diagnosis of mTBI, a mean age of 8 years or older, and symptoms persisting an average of 2 weeks or longer. Exclusion criteria included blast injuries, diagnosis of moderate or severe TBI, or psychosis. Data Extraction Data extraction and methodological risk of bias assessments were performed for each study. Data Synthesis Eight studies with a range of study designs, intervention types, and outcome measures were included. The interventions investigated by the included studies were categorized into 3 types: physiological, vestibulo-ocular, and cervicogenic. Limitations The identified studies had several significant limitations including: small sample sizes and low-level study designs. Conclusions The results of this systematic review indicate that several physical rehabilitation options with minimal risk for negative outcomes are available for treating patients experiencing persistent post-mTBI symptoms. These options include: vestibular, manual, and progressive exercise interventions. Conclusions surrounding efficacy and ideal dosing parameters for these interventions are limited at this time due to the small number of studies, the range of interventional protocols, and lower levels of study design.
A practical guide to French Harki literature

Professor Keith Moser presents a welcomed interdisciplinary collection regarding the Harkis, native Muslim military auxiliaries who fought on the side of the French during the Algerian War of Indep...
High-resolution PET/CT development

The main clinical application of positron emission tomography (PET) is in oncology, where it is used to diagnose malignant tumors, cancer staging, treatment response, follow-ups, and recurrence of diseases. The PET camera can detect therapeutic changes earlier than anatomical imaging modalities, because the structure being studied must significantly change in size and shape before it is detectable by the latter devices. Such important features of PET in oncology are, however, reduced by the image resolution and quality (noise) of clinical PET/CT systems, thereby limiting its effectiveness to diagnose lesions under a centimeter in size. Improving the PET image resolution and quality would enhance the oncologic efficacy of PET/CT by detecting smaller lesions with more accuracy of tracer uptake. It would also lead to earlier cancer detection, more accurate cancer staging, and more sensitive monitoring of treatment responses.
Meaning, Medicine, and the “Placebo Effect”: Doctors and patients

The standard explanation for why people respond to placebos is a psychological one: people are suggestible, or they are neurotic, or something like that. But consider an interesting experiment described by Richard Gracely, one of the leading pain researchers in the United States. It shows clearly that clinicians - doctors, dentists, nurses, and so on - play a very important role in this response. What the doctor knows makes a difference Sixty people who were having their wisdom teeth removed participated in an experiment designed by Dr. Gracely. They were told they would receive either placebo (which might reduce the pain of having the tooth removed, or might do nothing), naloxone (which might increase their pain, or do nothing), fentanyl (which might reduce their pain, or do nothing), or no treatment at all. Subjects were all recruited from the same patient stream, with consistent selection criteria by the same staff. The tricky part of the experiment is this: What Gracely was actually studying was not so much patients as clinicians. In the first phase of the study, the clinicians (the dentists and nurses) - but not the patients - were told fentanyl was not yet a possibility because of administrative problems with the study protocol, yielding the PN group. In the second phase, a week later, clinicians were told that the problems had been resolved, and now patients might indeed receive fentanyl, yielding the PNF group. Figure 4.1 shows the effects of placebo treatment in the two groups.
Echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessment for predicting early clinical events in severe acute mitral regurgitation

The diagnostic role of echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessment in acute mitral regurgitation (AMR) remains unclear. The central question of this study was to determine if echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters can predict early clinical events in AMR. AMR was induced by percutaneously severing the mitral valve chordae tendineae in 39 Yorkshire pigs. Immediately after AMR induction, echocardiographic and hemodynamic exams were performed, and compared between those who died and those who survived within 30-days of the procedure. Echocardiographic indices of MR severity as well as the left atrial pressure showed significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in univariate analysis. Multi-variate logistic regression analysis revealed that echocardiography-derived regurgitant fraction and vena contracta as well as mean left atrial pressure could be used to segment the cohort into survivors and non-survivors. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessment of AMR provides predictive information on early clinical events in a clinically relevant animal model of AMR.