From Indigenous Land Rights to the UN: Making a Meaningful Contribution

Latin American Studie

Tonal Expectations Defining Narrative Archetypes

This thesis examines the contributions of tonal analysis to narrative readings of three nineteenth-century pieces. The method used originates from the work of two theorists, Byron Almén and Fred Lerdahl. Almén’s 2008 book, A Theory of Musical Narrative, outlines narrative archetypes. Lerdahl’s 2004 book, Tonal Pitch Space, provides a sophisticated approach to tonal analysis. These methods are combined to analyze striking modulations in Robert Schumann’s “Dein Angesicht” Op. 127, no. 2, tonal ambiguity in Johannes Brahms’s “Der Kranz” Op. 84, no. 2, and the lack of tonal closure in Gabriel Fauré’s “Hymne” Op. 7, no. 2. These striking features and their changes are tracked over the course of each piece. This creates the narrative analysis and allows a narrative archetype to be applied to the piece

Role of Membrane Contact Sites in the Neuropathogenesis of GM1-Gangliosidosis

Background. GM1-ganglisidosis is a rare neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-GAL, resulting in the accumulation of its target substrate GM1. GM1, a glycosphingolipid found primarily in the PM of neurons, is known to modulate Ca2+ flux through its interactions with Ca2+ channels and Ca2+ binding proteins. GM1 is also known to promote neuritogenesis through the activation of phosphorylated TRKs, receptors for neurotrophic factors. Under disease conditions, GM1 accumulates not only in the PM but also in the intracellular membranes of organelles, altering their membrane composition and functions. Organelles are dynamic, constantly interacting with each other and the PM through specialized membrane microdomains, known as membrane contact sites (MCS). MCS have distinct protein and lipid composition and facilitate the transfer of lipids, proteins, metabolites and ions, such as Ca2+, between the organelles via non-vesicular transport. The two most studied MCS are those formed between the ER and mitochondria, known as mitochondrial-associated ER microdomains, or MAM, and those between the ER and PM, known as ER-PM junctions. These MCS are important for controlling Ca2+ homeostasis, through Ca2+ transporters and channels, and have been extensively studied for their role in phospholipid and cholesterol transport. These two lipids, along with glycosphingolipids, are the major lipid constituents of membranes; however, very little is known about the role of glycosphingolipids in MCS dynamics. Using a mouse model deficient for the lysosomal enzyme β-Gal, we have been able to study the role of GM1 in MCS formation and functions. GM1 accumulation was shown to increase the number of MAM tethering events. We have also shown that GM1 accumulates at the MAM triggering a phosphorylated IP3R-mediated ER Ca2+ depletion, resulting in the activation of the unfolded protein response. This efflux of Ca2+ is then buffered by the mitochondria, through the MAM, resulting in mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, activation of the caspase cascade and neuronal apoptosis. Purpose. Given the similar functions between the MAM and ER-PM junctions in Ca2+ dynamics and lipid transport, we sought to determine if GM1 accumulation at the respective membranes of β-Gal KO neurons would facilitate the formation of these MCS and alter the functions of the ER-PM junctions with respect to changes in Ca2+ regulated processes. We also aimed to test the efficacy of an ERT approach for ameliorating some of the neurodegenerative aspects of the GM1-gangliosidosis mice, using an RTB-conjugated recombinant β-Gal that has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. Results. In the first set of results, we used TEM to demonstrate that β-Gal KO neurons have a significantly higher number of ER-PM junctions than WT neurons. This GM1-mediated phenomenon was also apparent in β-Gal KO primary neurons as well as GM1-

Space shuttle main engine: Certification for manned space flight

SSME requirements were identified in NASA approved documents. Design verification specifications (DVS) are used to define requirements and method of verification. Detailed and complete plans provide for verification of each requirement by lab tests, component tests, and engine tests. These tests are planned to expose problems early. The culmination of the development process is engine certification. The certification consists of two certification cycles on each of two engines. The certification cycle is made up of 10 tests and 5000 seconds

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Association with Congenital Heart Disease

The clinical course of 19 infants with severe respiratory symptoms associated with the pres ence of both congenital heart disease and gastroesophageal reflux is described. Down Syndrome or central nervous system disease was present in 12 of the 19 infants. The identification of reflux as a major or additional cause of the respiratory complications was often overlooked. Medical therapy alone was successful in only one of the 19 patients. Early repair or palliation of the cardiac malformation with or without subsequent antireflux surgical procedure was as sociated with relief of the symptoms in 13 patients.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67259/2/10.1177_000992288302200606.pd

Post-Disaster and Related Low-Cost Housing

A summary of issues and linkages presented at the U.N. Conference on Human Settlements, Vancouver, 1976 (Habitat Forum). Housing, Building & Construction. (300)The digital Cuny Archive was made available in part through funding assistance from USAID

Use of Balloon-Tipped Catheters in the Critically Ill Child

A retrospective study of our experience in the placement of 19 consecutive balloon-tipped catheters in the pulmonary artery of 18 children disclosed that the procedure can be performed with relative ease in the intensive care unit without the aid of fluoroscopy. Insertion of the catheters was not associated with any serious complications. Catheter malfunction, however, occurred in 9 of 18 patients: balloon rupture in 6 and clot formation in 3. Comparison of pulmonary capillary pressure through a balloon-tipped catheter and venous pressure through a central venous line indicates that, in the absence of significant pulmonary disease requiring high positive end expiratory pressure, or significant left heart dysfunction, a central venous pressure line is frequently adequate for monitoring right heart pressures and as a guidance to fluid therapy.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/67256/2/10.1177_000992288202100302.pd

Left ventricular aneurysms associated with intraoperative venting of the cardiac apex in children

Left ventricular (LV) apical aneurysms were observed in 16 of 50 (32%) children (average age 8 years) consecutively catheterized after surgical repair of congenital heart disease. The LV apex was vented by a sump during cardiopulmonary bypass in each. The aneurysms varied in size, but were generally small. Average dimensions were 7.5 x 6.8 mm in the anteroposterior projection and 8.9 x 5.7 mm in the left anterior oblique projection. The LV apex wall was thinner in patients with aneurysms than in age- and lesion-matched controls. All of the LV aneurysm patients were asymptomatic during average follow-up of 4 years. Nevertheless, such aneurysms are anticipated to represent a potential source of cardiovascular complications and, when possible, alternate methods for venting the left ventricle are recommended.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24571/1/0000853.pd