cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of water avoidance stress on peripheral and central responses during bladder filling in the rat: A multidisciplinary approach to the study of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (MAPP) research network study

Stress plays a role in the exacerbation and possibly the development of functional lower urinary tract disorders. Chronic water avoidance stress (WAS) in rodents is a model with high construct and face validity to bladder hypersensitive syndromes, such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), characterized by urinary frequency and bladder hyperalgesia and heightened stress responsiveness. Given the overlap of the brain circuits involved in stress, anxiety, and micturition, we evaluated the effects chronic stress has on bladder function, as well as its effects on regional brain activation during bladder filling. Female Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to WAS (10 days) or sham paradigms. One day thereafter, cystometrograms were obtained during titrated bladder dilation, with visceromotor responses (VMR) recorded simultaneously. Cerebral perfusion was assessed during passive bladder distension (20-cmH2O) following intravenous administration of [14C]-iodoantipyrine. Regional cerebral blood flow was quantified by autoradiography and analyzed in 3-dimensionally reconstructed brains with statistical parametric mapping. WAS animals compared to controls demonstrated a decreased pressure threshold and visceromotor threshold triggering the voiding phase. At 20-cmH2O, VMR was significantly greater in WAS animals compared to controls. WAS animals showed greater activation in cortical regions of the central micturition circuit, including the posterior cingulate, anterior retrosplenial, somatosensory, posterior insula, orbital, and anterior secondary ("supplementary") motor cortices, as well as in the thalamus, anterior hypothalamus, parabrachial and Barrington nuclei, and striatum. Seed analysis showed increased functional connectivity of WAS compared to control animals of the posterior cingulate cortex to the pontine parabrachial nucleus; of the Barrington nucleus to the anterior dorsal midline and ventrobasilar thalamus and somatosensory and retrosplenial cortices; and of the posterior insula to anterior secondary motor cortex. Our findings show a visceral hypersensitivity during bladder filling in WAS animals, as well as increased engagement of portions of the micturition circuit responsive to urgency, viscerosensory perception and its relay to motor regions coordinating imminent bladder contraction. Results are consistent with recent findings in patients with interstitial cystitis, suggesting that WAS may serve as an animal model to elucidate the mechanisms leading to viscerosensitive brain phenotypes in humans with IC/BPS.
Surgical loupe usage among oculoplastic surgeons in North America.

Abstract Objective To study the patterns of usage and perception among U.S. oculoplastic surgeons regarding surgical loupes. Methods An anonymous 20-question survey was emailed out to the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery listserv. Data were compiled in Google Forms. SPSS was used for statistical analyses. This study was approved by the institutional review board. Results Of the 609 members contacted, 239 (39%) completed the survey; 95% of respondents owned loupes and 78% regularly used them. No association was observed between frequency of loupe usage and sex or years in practice. The most common magnification and brand were 2.5× and Designs for Vision, respectively. The most common problems associated with loupes were limited vision (33%) and lack of comfort (24%), with 11% citing neck and cervical spinal disorders. The most common benefits were magnification (93%) and increased visual accuracy (68%). Of the respondents, 56% believed improved patient care to be a benefit and 76% believed that loupes enhance surgical outcome. With regard to training, 67% supported incorporating loupes into residency, 35% believed in mandating loupe purchase, and 25% wanted residencies to provide loupes at no cost. Respondent support for the use of loupes in practice and training was directly correlated with how frequently they used loupes. Conclusions The vast majority of respondents owned loupes. Although most loupe owners used loupes regularly, a sizable proportion operated with limited vision and lack of comfort. Overall, just over half of respondents believed that loupes improve patient care and should be integrated into residency.
Cyber Mercenaries: The State, Hackers, and Power

Cyber Mercenaries explores the secretive relationships between states and hackers. As cyberspace has emerged as the new frontier for geopolitics, states have become entrepreneurial in their sponsorship, deployment, and exploitation of hackers as proxies to project power. Such modern-day mercenaries and privateers can impose significant harm undermining global security, stability, and human rights. These state-hacker relationships therefore raise important questions about the control, authority, and use of offensive cyber capabilities. While different countries pursue different models for their proxy relationships, they face the common challenge of balancing the benefits of these relationships with their costs and the potential risks of escalation. This book examines case studies in the United States, Iran, Syria, Russia, and China for the purpose of establishing a framework to better understand and manage the impact and risks of cyber proxies on global politics.
A docked state conformational dynamics model to explain the ionic strength dependence of FMN - heme electron transfer in nitric oxide synthase.

Abstract The FMN−heme interdomain electron transfer (IET) in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is a key stage of the electron transport chain, which supplies the catalytic heme site(s) with the NADPH-derived electrons. While there is a recognition that this IET depends on both the electron tunneling and the conformational dynamics, the detailed mechanism remains unclear. In this work, the IET kinetics were measured by laser flash photolysis for a bidomain oxygenase/FMN (oxyFMN) construct of human inducible NOS (iNOS) over the ionic strength range from 0.1 to 0.5 M. The forward (heme → FMN, k ETf ) and backward (FMN → heme, k ETb ) intrinsic IET rate constants were determined from the analysis of the observed IET rates using the additional information regarding the conformational dynamics obtained from the FMN fluorescence lifetime measurements and theoretical estimates. Both k ETf and k ETb exhibit a bell-shaped dependence on the ionic strength, I , with the maximum rates corresponding to I ~ 0.2 M. This dependence was explained using a new model, which considers the effect of formation of pairs between the protein surface charged residues and solution ions on the docked state dynamics. The trial simulations of the intrinsic IET rate dependences using this model show that the data can be reproduced using reasonable energetic, structural, and chemical parameters. The suggested model can explain both the monophasic and biphasic ionic strength dependences and can be used to rationalize the interprotein/interdomain electron transfer rates for other types of protein systems where the docked state is sufficiently long-lived.
Rational Design Strategies for Developing Synthetic Inhibitors of Helical Protein Interfaces

Cellular function depends on highly specific interactions between biomolecules (proteins, RNA, DNA, and carbohydrates). A basic limitation of drug development is the inability of traditional “small-molecule” pharmaceuticals to specifically target large protein interfaces, many of which are desirable drug targets. α-Helices, ubiquitous elements of protein structures, play fundamental roles in many protein-protein interactions. Stable mimics of α-helices that can predictably disrupt these interactions would be invaluable as tools in molecular biology, and as leads in drug discovery. The past decade has seen exciting progress in the molecular design of these protein domain mimetics and their remarkable potential to inhibit challenging interactions. Key challenges in the field include identification of suitable targets and bioavailability of medium-sized molecules, which do not conform to empirical rules followed in traditional drug design. Stabilized α-helices bypass some of the strict limitations that have been placed on drug discovery. When designing potential drug candidates, medicinal chemists often adhere to the Lipinski rules, which stipulate that the molecular mass of a drug should not exceed 500 Da. Recent findings suggest that large synthetic α-helices can traffic into the cell and efficiently compete with cellular protein-protein interactions, contrary to predictions based on the Lipinski rules. Although these molecules have undoubtedly proven their value as probes for decoding biological complexity, the next big question is whether these molecules can become therapeutics. This chapter discusses the properties of protein-protein interactions, emerging rules for identifying protein targets and design criteria guiding construction of helix mimetics.
Flavylium Polymethine Fluorophores for Near- and Shortwave Infrared Imaging.

Bright fluorophores in the near-infrared and shortwave infrared (SWIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum are essential for optical imaging in vivo. In this work, we utilized a 7-dimethylamino flavylium heterocycle to construct a panel of novel red-shifted polymethine dyes, with emission wavelengths from 680 to 1045 nm. Photophysical characterization revealed that the 1- and 3-methine dyes display enhanced photostability and the 5- and 7-methine dyes exhibit exceptional brightness for their respective spectral regions. A micelle formulation of the 7-methine facilitated SWIR imaging in mice. This report presents the first polymethine dye designed and synthesized for SWIR in vivo imaging.
The Detector Systems of the Keck Observatory: UV to 25 Microns

We provide an overview of the Keck Observatory, its instrumentation, detector systems, and plans for new instruments and detector upgrades. Even though the Keck instrumentation is older than that of the new 8 meter telescopes, in several cases the Keck detector systems are leaders in their class. However, in winning the race for the first very large telescope, the Keck Observatory has paid a price in terms of performance, lack of standardization and difficulty in maintenance. We discuss these challenges and our plans and dreams for ensuring that the Keck Observatory has the detector systems needed to stay at the forefront of astronomy.
Liver Function Tests and Interpretation

The commonly performed liver function tests include serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl-transferase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time. Aging by itself is not associated with any abnormality in these tests, but abnormal results are frequently recognized in older adults. Abnormal tests should be interpreted in the context of the patient’s risk factors for liver disease, local epidemiology, and other clinical characteristics. Magnitude of the abnormality, temporal profile of the abnormality, and associated findings should also be considered. Finally, extrahepatic factors may influence test results. Common causes of liver function abnormalities in older adults include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis B, viral hepatitis C, drug-induced liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, hemochromatosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Applications of the Myhill–Nerode Theorem

This chapter is devoted to justifying our praise for the Myhill–Nerode theorem, by developing a few of its applications. We strive to display both the usefulness of the theorem and its versatility.
Comparison of male agonistic behavior in five species of cockroaches

Five species of cockroaches were analyzed with respect to their agonistic behavior. Agonistic acts were analyzed using four criteria: characteristics of agonistic acts, intensity, frequency and information transferred. Diagrams were constructed to illustrate the most common sequences of agonistic acts and to compare the types of behavior which characterize the social behavior of different species.
Poland's syndrome.

Poland's syndrome is characterized by hypoplasia or absence of the breast or nipple, hypoplasia of subcutaneous tissue, absence of the costosternal portion of the pectoralis major muscle, absence of the pectoralis minor muscle, and absence of costal cartilages or ribs 2, 3, and 4 or 3, 4, and 5. Clinical manifestations of Poland's syndrome are extremely variable and rarely are all the features recognized in one individual. Depending on the physician's specialty and the referral pattern, a variable incidence of the anomalous defects is recognized. Syndactyly or bony abnormalities of the forearm are seldom treated by thoracic surgeons.
Technetium-99m pyrophosphate cardiac SPECT in endomyocardial biopsy negative cardiac amyloidosis.

Abstract Cardiac amyloidosis is an under-appreciated cause of heart failure. Establishing a diagnosis is important because traditional heart failure treatment regimens can worsen left ventricular failure in this disease. Endomyocardial biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis; however, scintigraphy with radiolabeled phosphate derivatives and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have been shown to have high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis. Furthermore, cardiac scintigraphy can reliably differentiate amyloid subtypes. We present a case of transthyretin-related cardiac amyloidosis with a negative endomyocardial biopsy but positive 99m-technetium pyrophosphate single photon emission computed tomography scan and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. We discuss the utility of 99m-technetium pyrophosphate imaging in cardiac amyloidosis and the role of single photon emission computed tomography. Finally, we review the several forms of cardiac amyloidosis and how they pertain to cardiac scintigraphy.
The Contribution of Dew to the Summer Water Budget of Northern Idaho

Duration and amount of dew under a variety of topographic and vegetative-cover conditions were studied on the Priest River Experimental Forest in northern Idaho during the summer of 1958. Dew was m...
Use of mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of a pre-professional health humanities honors course on developing interpersonal skills.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to use a mixed-methods approach to provide evidence for growth in empathy, respect for patient autonomy, ability to relate to others, and self-awareness as a result of participating in a health humanities course. Methods The mixed-methods approach gathered quantitative data using a quasi-experimental design of a pre/post course survey and qualitative data from reflective writings and student papers. The reflective writings and student papers were evaluated using an adapted rubric to assess the quality of the reflections on measures of empathy, respect for patient autonomy, ability to relate to others, and self-awareness. Results Twenty-five students were enrolled in the course. Matched pair data was available from 22 students (88% response rate) for the quantitative survey data. Qualitative data was available from all 25 participants. The pre- and post-course surveys revealed a statistically significant increase in empathy (p Conclusions The evaluation of development of interpersonal skills through use of health humanities resources may be reproduced by using a mixed-methods assessment approach. The quantitative and qualitative data presented provide some evidence for enhancing awareness and understanding of empathy, particularly by utilizing health humanities resources in an undergraduate interdisciplinary seminar course.
Early Colonoscopy for Diverticular Bleeding Does Not Reduce Risk of Postdischarge Recurrent Bleeding: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Background & Aims Colonoscopy within 24 hours (early colonoscopy) is recommended for patients with colonic diverticular bleeding, but it is unclear if this strategy improves postdischarge outcomes. We aimed to determine whether early colonoscopy is associated with decreased risk of rebleeding and hospital re-admission within 30 days. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using Marketscan (Truven Health Analytics, Inc, Ann Arbor, MI), a nationwide insurance claims database. From January 2004 through September 2015, patients with a primary diagnosis of diverticular bleeding who underwent inpatient colonoscopy were included. We used propensity score matching to account for differences between recipients of early vs delayed colonoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between early colonoscopy and rebleeding or hospital re-admission within 30 days of discharge. Results In total, 20,010 patients underwent colonoscopy for diverticular bleeding; 11,690 underwent early colonoscopy. After propensity matching, 8320 pairs of patients were analyzed. In the matched analysis, higher proportions of patients who received early colonoscopy underwent additional colonoscopies (73%), compared with patients who did not receive early colonoscopy (4%) (P Conclusions In a propensity-matched analysis, we associated early colonoscopy with increased risk of rebleeding events and hospital re-admissions. However, these observations might be due to confounding factors.
Commonality between executive functioning and effortful control related to adjustment

This study examined the association between executive functioning (EF) and effortful control (EC), and tested whether cognitive control as the commonality of EF and EC, predicted competence and internalizing and externalizing symptomatology in children (N = 218, 6-8 years) and adolescents (N = 157, 13-14 years). Confirmatory factor analyses suggested cognitive control-inhibitory control and attentional control-as a significant overlap between EF and EC. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that the cognitive control latent factor was associated with competence and internalizing and externalizing symptomatology among children and externalizing symptomatology among adolescents. The results provide evidence that inhibitory control and attentional control are the commonality between EF and EC and highlight that they are linked with positive and negative adjustment outcomes.
What are the Risk Factors for One-Year Mortality in Older Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease? An Analysis of the Cleveland Clinic CKD Registry.

Background Prognostic factors after dialysis initiation among older chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are not well studied. In this study, we examined the risk factors associated with 1-year mortality after dialysis initiation among older CKD patients. Methods In this retrospective study, we included 621 CKD patients from an electronic medical record based CKD registry that was linked to the United States Renal Data System data. In terms of age, they were all ≥65. We examined the associations of various demographic factors, comorbid conditions, relevant laboratory parameters, the presence of arteriovenous fistula, and inability to take care of oneself with 1-year mortality after dialysis initiation using Cox proportional hazards model. Results In our study cohort, 224 older patients died during the first year of dialysis initiation and the estimated survival at 1 year was 65% (95% CI 62-69). After adjusting for covariates, increasing age by each year (Hazard ratio 1.04 [95% CI 1.02-1.06]), congestive heart failure (CHF; 1.57 [1.13-2.18]), an absence of AVF (3.0 [1.7-5.1]) and lack of nephrology care prior to dialysis initiation (1.93 [1.39-2.70]) were associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality. Nearly 60% of deaths were due to non-cardiovascular (CV) causes including cancer. Conclusion Risk factors portending high 1-year mortality in older CKD patients are increasing age, CHF, an absence of AVF, and lack of pre-dialysis nephrology care. Clinicians need to be aware of non-CV risks of high mortality in these patients.
Performance of wetland environmental quality assessment indicators at evaluating palustrine wetlands in northeastern New York State

Abstract The United States Environmental Protection Agency delegates to States and Tribes primary responsibility for monitoring the condition of wetlands under their jurisdiction, and suggests that wetland assessment be performed in a buildable process deemed the 1-2-3 framework. Level One assessment uses remotely-sensed data, Level Two uses a checklist of site attributes during a single visit, and Level Three includes effortful field surveys of biotic and water quality indicators. We used 16 accepted wetland assessment metrics that varied in levels of effort to evaluate the ecological integrity of 71 palustrine wetlands in New York State, including wetlands with a broad range of disturbance histories. We detected significant correlations across multiple levels and within levels, which indicates that these metrics, regardless of effort, are measuring similar attributes of wetlands. Most metrics also successfully distinguished between three wetland disturbance groups: natural, restored, and Area of Concern. The implication of this finding is that the landscape setting (as assessed by Level One) is linked to the biotic wetland community (as assessed by Level Three), and can be used to predict the ecological condition of a wetland using less complex methods. The relationships did have limits, however, indicating that some metrics either cannot be substituted or may not be as effective as previously thought at evaluating ecological condition of palustrine wetlands. The positive associations among the Levels indicate that it is possible to efficiently and validly evaluate and monitor wetlands using the 1-2-3 framework with appropriately selected indicator metrics.
Fault localization in a 3D test assembly using voltage contrast imaging

Abstract As 3D-integration continues its acceptance as a next generation advanced packaging technology, characterization techniques regarding fault identification and localization require adaptation for the various geometries utilized. A particular challenge for 3D-stacked integrated circuit (IC) structures is the difficulty in cross-sectional fault localization using common techniques such as cleaving and focused ion beam (FIB) milling that are routinely used for planar IC failure analysis but are incompatible with the material removal challenges associated with multi-tier 3D-IC structures. The work presented here demonstrates the use of voltage contrast imaging in conjunction with backside chip thinning to gain access to and precisely identify inter-layer faults within a three-dimensional (3D) bonded, electrically testable stack structure. Subsequent cross-sectional TEM analysis performed on identified electrical continuity faults confirmed the lack of contact at fault locations between opposing Cu bonding structures which was attributed to particle contamination from the fabrication process. Several test samples did however exhibit sufficient contact and bonding which was evident by the self-diffusion of Cu across the bonding interface.
The Emperor's Mirror: Understanding Cultures through Primary Sources

Russell J. Barber and Frances F. Berdan have created the ultimate guide for anyone doing cross-cultural and/or document-driven research. Presenting the essentials of primary-source methodology, The Emperor's Mirror includes nine chapters on paleography, calendrics, source and quantitative analysis, and the visual interpretation of artifacts such as pictographs, illustrations, and maps. As an introduction to ethnohistory, this book clearly defines terminology and provides practical and accessible examples, effectively integrating the concerns of historians and anthropologists as well as addressing the needs of anyone using primary sources for research in any academic field. A leading theme throughout the book is the importance of a researcher's awareness of the inherent biases of documents while doing research on another culture. Documents are the result of people interpreting reality through the filter of their own experience, personality, and culture. Barber and Berdan's reality mediation model shows students how to analyze documents to detect the implicit biases or subtexts inherent in primary-source materials. Students and scholars working with primary sources will particularly appreciate the case studies that Barber and Berdan use to illustrate the practical implications of using each methodology. These case studies not only apply method to actual research but also are fascinating in their own right: they range from a discussion of the debate over Tupinamba cannibalism to the illustration of Nahuatl, Spanish, and hybrid place names of Tlaxcala, Mexico.
On Residual Stress Development, Prevention, and Compensation in Metal Additive Manufacturing

One of the most appealing qualities of additive manufacturing (AM) is the ability to produce complex geometries faster than most traditional methods. The trade-off for this advantage is that AM parts are extremely vulnerable to residual stresses (RSs), which may lead to geometrical distortions and quality inspection failures. Additionally, tensile RSs negatively impact the fatigue life and other mechanical performance characteristics of the parts in service. Therefore, in order for AM to cross the borders of prototyping toward a viable manufacturing process, the major challenge of RS development must be addressed. Different AM technologies contain many unique features and parameters, which influence the temperature gradients in the part and lead to development of RSs. The stresses formed in AM parts are typically observed to be compressive in the center of the part and tensile on the top layers. To mitigate these stresses, process parameters must be optimized, which requires exhaustive and costly experimentations. Alternative to experiments, holistic computational frameworks which can capture much of the physics while balancing computational costs are introduced for rapid and inexpensive investigation into development and prevention of RSs in AM. In this review, the focus is on metal additive manufacturing, referred to simply as “AM”, and, after a brief introduction to various AM technologies and thermoelastic mechanics, prior works on sources of RSs in AM are discussed. Furthermore, the state-of-the-art knowledge on RS measurement techniques, the influence of AM process parameters, current modeling approaches, and distortion prevention approaches are reported.
Susceptibility of lilacs to mycoplasmalike organisms

Abstract The cause of lilac witches'-broom has been identified as a mycoplasmalike organism (MLO). From field symptoms and the detection of MLO in the phloem by fluorescence microscopy, Syringa vul...
Bidirectional scattering distribution function of random antireflective nano-roughened surfaces

Randomly nano-roughened interfaces between optical media can result in polarization-insensitive, angle-of-incidence independent, broadband anti-reflective (AR) performance. The on-axis AR effect correlates with the nano-roughness longitudinal scale (depth), whereas feature transverse dimension distributions (average feature diameters) cause selective scatter. Subwavelength, random AR structured surfaces (rARSS) can forward scatter light in the transmission direction, suppress specular Fresnel reflectivity, and enhance overall axial transmission throughput. In cases where the random nanoroughness average value approaches that of the incident radiation wavelength, the induced scatter can be detrimental to imaging applications due to uniformly distributing light from the specular into wider angles, reducing image contrast and broadening (blurring) the axial image spot. Using a polarized-laser scatterometer, we measured the bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) of nano-roughened fused silica (FS) windows and compared them to an optical-quality FS flat and two different flat mirrors. The fabricated rARSS windows were optimized to have a broadband, anti-reflective specular response (R 400 nm). The BSDF was measured at 633-nm-wavelength, over the equatorial plane of the unit sphere, and at selected incidence angles below Brewster’s value. Granulometry of the roughened surfaces is correlated with the scattering data, for assessment of roughness-induced scattering effect. Using the BSDF data, single-surface and double-surface rARSS-treated windows were evaluated to determine any surface-to-surface scatter cascading effects.
Crystal structures of β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2: structural basis for inherited muscular dystrophies

The canonical O-mannosylation pathway in humans is essential for the functional glycosylation of α-dystroglycan. Disruption of this post-translational modification pathway leads to congenital muscular dystrophies. The first committed step in the construction of a functional matriglycan structure involves the post-translational modification of α-dystroglycan. This is essential for binding extracellular matrix proteins and arenaviruses, and is catalyzed by β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 2 (POMGNT2). While another glycosyl transferase, β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 (POMGNT1), has been shown to be promiscuous in extending O-mannosylated sites, POMGNT2 has been shown to display significant primary amino-acid selectivity near the site of O-mannosylation. Moreover, several single point mutations in POMGNT2 have been identified in patients with assorted dystroglycanopathies such as Walker–Warburg syndrome and limb girdle muscular dystrophy. To gain insight into POMGNT2 function in humans, the enzyme was expressed as a soluble, secreted fusion protein by transient infection of HEK293 suspension cultures. Here, crystal structures of POMGNT2 (amino-acid residues 25–580) with and without UDP bound are reported. Consistent with a novel fold and a unique domain organization, no molecular-replacement model was available and phases were obtained through crystallization of a selenomethionine variant of the enzyme in the same space group. Tetragonal (space group P4212; unit-cell parameters a = b = 129.8, c = 81.6 A, α = γ = β = 90°) crystals with UDP bound diffracted to 1.98 A resolution and contained a single monomer in the asymmetric unit. Orthorhombic (space group P212121; unit-cell parameters a = 142.3, b = 153.9, c = 187.4 A, α = γ = β = 90°) crystals were also obtained; they diffracted to 2.57 A resolution and contained four monomers with differential glycosylation patterns and conformations. These structures provide the first rational basis for an explanation of the loss-of-function mutations and offer significant insights into the mechanics of this important human enzyme.
Novel in vivo and ex vivo hybrid in vivo imaging system (IVIS) imaging offers a convenient and precise way to measure the glomerular filtration rate in conscious mice

Abstract Introduction In pharmacology and toxicology studies, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard for the assessment of renal function, and the renal clearance of inulin in blood measured by photometers is known as a filtration marker for the determination of GFR. Preclinically, a non-invasive GFR measurement method was recently developed in which near-infrared fluorescently labelled inulin (GFR-Vivo 680) was scanned with fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). However, measurement of GFR using FMT has major disadvantages and technical challenges, such as requiring experienced skills in animal handling and rapid and precise time management. Additionally, fur and skin pigmentation may severely compromise imaging due to tissue fluorescence absorption. To overcome these drawbacks of FMT imaging, we have developed an in- and ex vivo hybrid method for measuring GFR using the in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Methods An IVIS-based imaging method was tested to determine the clearance kinetics of plasma GFR-Vivo 680 after a single bolus injection in conscious C57BL/6 mice administered vehicle or cyclosporine A (CsA, 80 mg/kg) for 14 days. Results Based on a two-compartment model fitting, the estimated GFR was 235 ± 53 and 189 ± 19 μL/min in vehicle-treated and CsA-treated male mice, respectively (p Discussion These studies demonstrate the feasibility of IVIS imaging measurement of inulin clearance in untreated, vehicle-treated and cyclosporine A-treated mice. We propose this new method as an alternative, simple, and versatile way to measure GFR in vivo and ex vivo in pharmacological and toxicological studies.
Data-Driven Identification of Pedagogical and Curricular Factors Conducive to Student Satisfaction

In this paper, we apply machine learning methods to the problem of identifying key pedagogical and curricular factors that play a critical role in determining student satisfaction. Using standard end-of-semester course evaluations, we employ two different approaches to address this problem, namely, training a variety of regression models of overall satisfaction based on specific characteristics of teaching style and course contents, and computing correlations between overall satisfaction metrics and these specific characteristics. To validate our approach, we present a case study using data from a public institution of higher education. Based on empirical evidence, we identify a key subset of the questions included in course evaluations that are the biggest determinants of student satisfaction.
CPT- AND B-VIOLATION: THE $p -\bar p$ SECTOR

The CPT symmetry of relativistic quantum field theory requires the total lifetimes of particles and antiparticles to be equal. Detection of lifetime shorter than yr would signal the breakdown of CPT invariance, in combination with B-violation. The best current limit on , inferred from cosmic ray measurements, is about one Myr, placing lower limits on CPT-violating scales that depend on the exact mechanism. Paths to CPT breakdown within and outside ordinary quantum mechanics are sketched. Many of the limiting CPT-violating scales in decay lie within the weak-to-Planck range.
“Early results after initiation of a rib fixation programme: A propensity score matched analysis”

Abstract Introduction Chest wall injuries are very common in blunt trauma and development of treatment protocols can significantly improve outcomes. Surgical stabilisation of rib fractures (SSRF) is an adjunct for the most severe chest injuries and can be used as a part of a comprehensive approach to chest injuries care. We hypothesized that implementation of a SSRF programme program would result in improved short-term outcomes. Materials and methods The characteristics of the initial group of SSRF patients (Early-SSRF) were used to identify matching factors. Patients prior to SSRF protocol underwent a propensity score match, followed by screening for operative indications and contraindications. After exclusions, a non-operative (Non-Op) cohort was defined (n=36) resulting in an approximately 1:1 match. An overall operative cohort, inclusive of Early-SSRF and all subsequent operative patients, was defined (All- SSRF). A before-and-after analysis using chi-squared, Students T-tests, and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to assess significance at the level of 0.05. Results Early-SSRF (n=22) and All-SSRF (n=45) were compared to Non-Op (n=36). The selection process resulted in well matched groups, and equally well-balanced operative indications between the groups. The Early-SSRF group demonstrated shortened duration of mechanical ventilation and a decreased frequency of being discharged a long-term acute care hospital. The All-SSRF group again demonstrated markedly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation compared to Non-Op (median 6 days vs 16 days, p Conclusion The introduction of an operative rib fixation to a comprehensive chest wall injury protocol can produce improvements in clinical outcomes that decrease time on the ventilator and tracheostomy rates, and result in more patients being discharged to home. Creation and implementation of a chest wall injury protocol to include SSRF requires a multidisciplinary approach and thoughtful patient selection.
Variational asymptotic analysis for plates of variable thickness

Abstract It is a common assumption in plate theory that the effect of varying thickness on plate elastic constants can be simply accounted for by incorporating the thickness distribution in the formulae obtained for a plate of uniform thickness. For plates whose thickness varies linearly in the global directions, the variation described by a set of taper parameters, a plate theory has been developed using the variational-asymptotic method. In a first of its kind development, both the 8 × 8 stiffness matrix and the 3D stress and strain recovery are shown to contain these taper parameters explicitly, as opposed to their merely being present by virtue of the varying plate thickness. Furthermore, terms such as bending-shear and twist-shear coupling are shown to be present, which are typically disregarded in published works on tapered plates. It is later clearly demonstrated using the full 3D finite-element solutions from a test case that an analysis of this kind is needed to accurately determine the complete stress distribution. In conclusion, merely changing the thickness distributions in results for uniform plates may work for some problems but it is clearly not sufficient in general, nor can it guarantee good agreement with all aspects of plate analysis. This is because these kinds of approximations are not in tune with the mechanics of such a problem, as they disregard the tilt of the outward-directed normals in the boundary conditions for top and bottom surfaces. Furthermore, as always, a theory developed using the variational-asymptotic method does not make any assumptions regarding the deformation and is generally well suited for capturing such effects without fundamental changes in the procedure.
An Amino-terminal Peptide of β-Galactosidase ITS DETECTION IN CRUDE EXTRACTS OF WILD TYPE AND NONSENSE MUTANTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI

Abstract Analysis by the Sanger procedure of cyanogen bromide (BrCN)-treated β-galactosidase and reduced carboxymethylated β-galactosidase indicated the presence of 23 peptides with 11 different NH2-terminal amino acids. Of two peptides containing NH2-terminal threonine, one obtained after gel filtration was found to be threonylhomoserine. Threonylmethionine was shown to be the NH2-terminal sequence of β-galactosidase by BrCN treatment of the dinitrophenylated protein and isolation of dinitrophenyl-threonylhomoserine. Because the dinitrophenyl dipeptide was ether-soluble and could be separated readily, the isolation procedure was applied to crude extracts of Escherichia coli grown in the presence of 14C-methionine or 14C-threonine. Higher levels of radioactivity were found in the dipeptide obtained from a wild type strain induced for β-galactosidase compared to a noninduced control. Nonsense mutants in which the β-galactosidase chain is expected to be prematurely terminated were tested by the same procedure to obtain evidence for the formation of such chains. For two of these mutants, one which maps close to the operator site and the second which maps near the center of the gene, the same amount of radioactivity was found in the dipeptide from the induced cultures compared to the noninduced. However, for a third mutant, which maps close to the permease gene, clear evidence for higher levels of radioactivity from the induced compared to the noninduced cultures was obtained when growth was carried out at 30° rather than 37°. These results suggest that β-galactosidase is oriented to its gene in such a manner that the NH2 terminus and the COOH terminus of the protein correspond to the operator and permease ends of the gene, respectively.
A Transient Water Analog of a Dual-Intake-Valve Engine for Intake Flow Visualization and Full-Field Velocity Measurements

It has been recognized that the fluid motion during the engine induction process has a significant effect on combustion in terms of efficiency and emissions. To understand the intake process, a transient water analog visualization engine has been developed. This model, which simulates a single cylinder engine, has a transparent dual-intake-valve cylinder head and a transparent cylinder and is used to study the in-cylinder and port flows both qualitatively and quantitatively during the induction process
Adoption Of ASL Classifiers As Delivered By Head-Mounted Displays In A Planetarium Show

Accommodating the planetarium experience to members of the deaf or hard-of-hearing community has often created situations that are either disruptive to the rest of the audience or provide an insufficient accommodation. To address this issue, we examined the use of head-mounted displays to deliver an American Sign Language sound track to learners in the planetarium Here we present results from a feasibility study to see if an ASL sound track delivered through a head-mount display can be understood by deaf junior to senior high aged students who are fluent in ASL. We examined the adoption of ASL classifiers that were used as part of the sound track for a full dome planetarium show. We found that about 90% of all students in our sample adopted at least one classifier from the show. In addition, those who viewed the sound track in a head-mounted display did at least as well as those who saw the sound track projected directly on the dome. These results suggest that ASL transmitted through head-mounted displays is a promising method to help improve learning for those whose primary language is ASL and merits further investigation.
Studies in Astronomical Time Series Analysis. V. Bayesian Blocks, a New Method to Analyze Structure in Photon Counting Data*

I describe a new time-domain algorithm for detecting localized structures (bursts), revealing pulse shapes, and generally characterizing intensity variations. The input is raw counting data, in any of three forms: time-tagged photon events (TTE), binned counts, or time-to-spill (TTS) data. The output is the most probable segmentation of the observation into time intervals during which the photon arrival rate is perceptibly constant, i.e., has no statistically significant variations. The idea is not that the source is deemed to have this discontinuous, piecewise constant form, rather that such an approximate and generic model is often useful. Since the analysis is based on Bayesian statistics, I call the resulting structures Bayesian blocks. Unlike most, this method does not stipulate time bins—instead the data determine a piecewise constant representation. Therefore the analysis procedure itself does not impose a lower limit to the timescale on which variability can be detected. Locations, amplitudes, and rise and decay times of pulses within a time series can be estimated independent of any pulse-shape model—but only if they do not overlap too much, as deconvolution is not incorporated. The Bayesian blocks method is demonstrated by analyzing pulse structure in BATSE γ-ray data.
Chemical instabilities and applications of biological interest

There are many chemical systems which, far from equi l ibr ium, have mul t ip le stat ionary states. An example is the reaction $206F 2 = 2SO3F i r radiated by l i gh t with wavelength chosen to be absorbed by SO3F only.3 Light is absorbed and turned into heat; the temperature increases and the monomer concentration is thereby increased. This positive feedback loop leads to multiple stationary states: on increasing the l ight intensity and subsequently decreasing i t , chemical hysteresis is predicted 4 and observed 3. The unstable branch of stationary states can be stabilized by means of an external feedback loop which does not affect the location of those states in the phase space of the variables (concentration and temperature} ; this procedure allows the experimental determination of the unstable branch, relaxation studies, and an estimate of the influence of fluctuations.
Competitive antagonism of glycine at the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor

Le recepteur NDMA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) implique dans les cas d'epilepsie, d'ischemie et de maladies neurodegeneratives possede plusieurs cibles qui sont des sites de fixation au niveau desquels il est possible de moduler son action. Dans cet article est presente la modulation de ce recepteur par la glycine par antagonisme competitif
Women In Roman Baths

In 177 CE Christians in Lugdunum and Vienna in Gaul were persecuted, and some were martyred. The survivors sent a letter by Irenaeus to the churches in Asia and Phrygia describing what happened. Among other things, they complained that they were excluded from the baths (βαλανeῖα). Later in his Adversus haereses (ca. 190 CE) Irenaeus referred to a story he claimed stemmed from Polycarp of Smyrna, who died ca. 156 CE, about John the disciple going to the public baths (βαλανeῖον) in Ephesus where he saw Cerinthus. Tertullian of Carthage in his Apologeticum (197 CE) claimed that the Christians were no different from other people: they went to the forum, the food market, and the baths (balneia). These three passages, among the earliest references to Roman baths by Christians, suggest no ethical reservations about going to the baths. An interesting question arises: Were there women in these baths?
COPD diagnosis: genome first

The US Institute of Medicine has just released a Report documenting the problems in the US relating to the frequency with which physicians make incorrect diagnoses of their patients’ illnesses (1). The Report included the calculation that on average all Americans could expect to receive an incorrect diagnosis from a physician at least once in their life. It explained that this error could be of minor concern or it could lead to unnecessary surgery or a lifetime of expensive, unneeded medical care. Patients who receive this information are very concerned about what misdiagnosis they may have received.
Effects of cyanoacrylates on die stone

An evaluation was made of the effects of the application of an increasing number of coats of cyanoacrylate on die stone. The application of one coat of cyanoacrylate adhesive on the surface of trimmed and marked dies increases the surface hardness, increases the scratch resistance, will not change the dimensions of the die appreciably, and renders the margin marking more permanent. Excess resin should be removed immediately by compressed air. The use of hardener instead of water is recommended for mixing Type IV dental stone. Use of the cyanoacrylate method will aid the dentist and the technician in achieving an accurate crown fit.
On the Estimation of Planetary Boundary Layer Variables in Mature Hurricanes

Abstract Using data from Hurricanes Daisy 1958 and Inez 1966, we have applied Deardorff's (1972b) planetary boundary layer parameterization scheme to compute the surface exchange coefficients for these storms. The drag coefficients compare quite well with previous budget study estimates provided we assume that Charnock's (1955) or Cardone's (1969) relation for the roughness length is valid.
Environmental scanning implications in the governance of complex systems

Complex systems are comprised of subsystems that operate together for a common goal that is not achievable by each subsystem. Governance of complex systems is defined as design, execution, and evolution of the metasystem functions necessary to provide control, communication, coordination, and integration of a complex system. A key governance evolution function is the ability to scan the environment for information that guides the system's operations for goal achieving in the future. While experiencing a significant increase in environmental complexity, the governance function must be capable of increasing its ability to achieve a future state. This paper provides a perspective, grounded in systems theory principles, on the environmental scanning function. This perspective suggests an approach to improving complex system viability.