Plasma Carnitine of the Premature Infant

Premature infants have been shown to exhibit fat intolerance with the administration of exogenous lipid, especially intravenous lipid. Carnitine is required for the efficient oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. Since infants have been reported to be unable to synthesize carnitine, the carnitine and lipid status was investigated in a series of premature infants throughout the entire period of hospitalization. At birth, the plasma carnitine of three groups of appropriate for gestational (AGA) premature infants (n=36), was compared with full term infants (n=10), and with maternal and umbilical cord plasma carnitine levels. The plasma concentrations of carnitine, triglyceride, and in some cases free fatty acids, were determined on each of the premature infants on days 0-5, 7, and then weekly until discharge. The plasma concentration of carnitine and lipid were also determined prior to, and after, the initiation of various types of infant feedings. The feedings consisted of both carnitine-free and carnitine-containing formula/infusates. The relationship of the levels of carnitine and lipid were analyzed between groups to determine if lipid intolerance was associated with a depressed carnitine concentration. The plasma levels of carnitine and lipid were also analyzed to determine their relationship with carnitine, fat, and in the case of triglyceride, with calorie intake. Results showed that infant plasma carnitine levels at birth were directly related to the maternal plasma carnitine concentration. The infant plasma carnitine level was higher in the younger infants when compared with the older prematures and full term infants. All groups exhibited a decrease of the ratio of non-esterified carnitine to acid-soluble acylcarnitines soon after birth, which indicated metabolism of lipid by B-oxidation. Most of the infants required an exogenous source of carnitine for the maintenance of the plasma carnitine level. However two infants showed a slight elevation of plasma carnitine while on a carnitine-free diet. This may have been due to either an active biosynthesis of carnitine, a release of carnitine from red blood cells, or a release of tissue carnitine. All infants responded to dietary carnitine intake with an elevation of the plasma carnitine level. The plasma triglyceride level was directly related to calorie intake, but correlated to fat intake only in the the older premature infants. A significant negative relationship between the plasma levels of carnitine and triglyceride did not exist in any group. However at the time of peak depression of plasma carnitine, the intake of intravenous lipid and long-chain fatty acids was relatively low. During this time most infants received medium-chain triglycerides as the primary source of exogenous fat, which might explain this unexpected result. Therefore it appears that premature infants tolerate intravenous lipid doses of at least 1.0 - 1.5 g/kg/day and diets which contain a high percentage of total fat from medium-chain triglycerides without evidence of fat intolerance even when they are maintained on a carnitine-free diet

STEM CELLS AND SOCIETY

The purpose of this project was to examine the effects of technology on society, using stem cell research as an example. Stem cell research is far more complex than most believe, so in this project the first two chapters discuss the many different types and variations of stem cells that exist as well as their applications. The latter two chapters deal with the ethical issues that surround this ground breaking research, and the laws various countries have enacted to help control the technology. By the end of this IQP, both authors concluded that stem cell research has tremendous potential, but must be performed in an ethical manner to minimize controversial issues. The progression of this science has the capability to improve the lives of millions which simply cannot be ignored

Space spider crane

A space spider crane for the movement, placement, and or assembly of various components on or in the vicinity of a space structure is described. As permanent space structures are utilized by the space program, a means will be required to transport cargo and perform various repair tasks. A space spider crane comprising a small central body with attached manipulators and legs fulfills this requirement. The manipulators may be equipped with constant pressure gripping end effectors or tools to accomplish various repair tasks. The legs are also equipped with constant pressure gripping end effectors to grip the space structure. Control of the space spider crane may be achieved either by computer software or a remotely situated human operator, who maintains visual contact via television cameras mounted on the space spider crane. One possible walking program consists of a parallel motion walking program whereby the small central body alternatively leans forward and backward relative to end effectors

Acquiring, Preserving, and Exhibiting a Comprehensive Collection of Vocal Music Recordings from Early- to Mid-Twentieth Century

The Stratton-Clarke collection consists of approximately 200 linear feet of 78 and 33 1/3 rpm records, and thousands of digitized recordings that represents a comprehensive history of early twentieth century recorded Western sound, specifically opera -- its artists, roles, and early legacy from 78 rpm to early long play records. Along with someephemera and several pieces of historic playback equipment, a large financial gift will offset the costs of processing, preserving and providing access to the various formats represented in the collection.  As the largest music research collection in Canada, the University of Toronto Music Library is fortunate to have the capacity to manage a donation of this magnitude. Each of our four authors has an important role to play to make the project a success.  In this article we present a history and background of John Stratton, Stephen Clarke, and the collection itself, and document the many facets of a library taking on a donation of this size: donor relations and collaboration with the University’s advancement team and other stakeholders; the project management involved in making space and designing workflow for cataloguing, processing, and storage; archival description of the 78s and ephemera; preservation of the digital objects and digitization strategies for the analog recordings; the challenges and opportunities of working with large financial gifts; teamwork and managing students; and future plans for physical and online exhibitions of the collection

Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B differentially affects thyroid cancer cell growth, apoptosis, and invasion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is constitutively activated in many cancers and plays a key role in promoting cell proliferation, survival, and invasion. Our understanding of NF-κB signaling in thyroid cancer, however, is limited. In this study, we have investigated the role of NF-κB signaling in thyroid cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis using selective genetic inhibition of NF-κB in advanced thyroid cancer cell lines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Three pharmacologic inhibitors of NF-κB differentially inhibited growth in a panel of advanced thyroid cancer cell lines, suggesting that these NF-κB inhibitors may have off-target effects. We therefore used a selective genetic approach to inhibit NF-κB signaling by overexpression of a dominant-negative IκBα (mIκBα). These studies revealed decreased cell growth in only one of five thyroid cancer cell lines (8505C), which occurred through a block in the S-G2/M transition. Resistance to TNFα-induced apoptosis was observed in all cell lines, likely through an NF-κB-dependent mechanism. Inhibition of NF-κB by mIκBα sensitized a subset of cell lines to TNFα-induced apoptosis. Sensitive cell lines displayed sustained activation of the stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) pathway, defining a potential mechanism of response. Finally, NF-κB inhibition by mIκBα expression differentially reduced thyroid cancer cell invasion in these thyroid cancer cell lines. Sensitive cell lines demonstrated approximately a two-fold decrease in invasion, which was associated with differential expression of MMP-13. MMP-9 was reduced by mIκBα expression in all cell lines tested.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These data indicate that selective inhibition of NF-κB represents an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced thyroid. However, it is apparent that global regulation of thyroid cancer cell growth and invasion is not achieved by NF-κB signaling alone. Instead, our findings suggest that other important molecular processes play a critical role in defining the extent of NF-κB function within cancer cells.</p

The Intertwined Renewable Energy–Water–Environment (REWE) Nexus Challenges and Opportunities: A Case Study of California

In our built environment, societal production of energy and clean water is inextricably linked to the natural resources from which they are derived. Acknowledgement and consideration of the coupling of energy, water, and the environment (the energy–water–environment nexus) will be critical to a sustainable future. This is particularly true as we transition away from historical energy sources (e.g., coal, petroleum, natural gas) and into the widespread adaptation of renewable energy (RE) sources (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, bioenergy) as a strategy to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and consequently slow global climate change. This transition is fraught with both challenges and opportunities at the county, state, national, and international levels, as addressing future societal needs with respect to energy and water, and the environment requires recognition of their interdependence and development of new technologies and societal practices. In this study, the focus is on the RE–water–environment (REWE) nexus. In California, the REWE nexus is becoming increasingly important in achieving 100% clean electricity from eligible RE and zero-carbon resources by 2045 and in the face of climate change and population and economic growth. In this context, California’s RE deployment and renewable electrical generation, its RE legislative information, REWE nexus, and intertwined REWE nexus challenges and opportunities in California (e.g., administrative–legal, technology development, digitalization, and end-of-life RE waste) are comprehensively discussed to identify the knowledge gaps in this nexus and solutions

The role of the paraeducator in the general physical education environment

The use of paraeducators has increased as a main mechanism to include more students with disabilities in multiple settings in the public schools in the U.S. Research has examined the use of paraeducators in typical classroom settings but little is known about their role in physical education. Although the utilization of paraeducators is intended to be a supportive service delivery option, many concerns and challenges have resulted. The purpose of this study was to explore the particular realities of paraeducators in general physical education as experienced by the teachers and the paraeducators. The paraeducator role in physical education, standards surrounding the role, supervision, and training were all examined. Data were collected from questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Results indicate concern about the clarity of the role, the supervision and training of both paraeducators and teachers in physical education

Drug Resistance and Molecular Cancer Therapy: Apoptosis Versus Autophagy

This is the published version, also available electronically from http://www.intechopen.com/books/apoptosis/drug-resistance-and-molecular-cancer-therapy-apoptosis-versus-autophag