cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Indications, Findings, and Outcomes of Pars Plana Vitrectomy after Open Globe Injury.

Purpose To determine the indications, findings, and outcomes of patients with open globe injury (OGI) requiring pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Design Retrospective, single-vitreoretinal surgeon case series. Participants Sixty-one consecutive eyes with OGI that required PPV. Methods Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent PPV after OGI between March 1, 2011, and August 1, 2017, at Massachusetts Eye and Ear by 1 surgeon. Main Outcome Measures Final visual acuity and rates of recurrent retinal detachment (RD) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Results Sixty-one eyes of 61 consecutive patients underwent PPV after sustaining OGI. Mean follow-up was 12.8±12.1 months (range, 0.5–65 months). At the time of presentation after OGI, 64% of eyes showed light perception or worse vision. The indications for PPV, which was performed on average of 15 days after injury, included RD without retinal incarceration (39%), RD with retinal incarceration in the scleral or corneal wound or both (13%), media opacity without RD (28%), vitreous traction without RD (11%), intraocular foreign body (5%), and endophthalmitis (3%). At the time of PPV, substantial comorbidities were noted, including corneal trauma (20%), hyphema (41%), iris trauma (62%), lens expulsion (54%), subretinal hemorrhage (51%), and choroidal hemorrhage (30%). Using multivariate analysis, factors associated with RD after initial PPV were preoperative subretinal hemorrhage (odds ratio [OR], 5.73; P = 0.03), PVR found at initial PPV (OR, 11.94; P = 0.021), and retinectomy (OR, 17.88; P = 0.003). No patients were inoperable, because all patients left the operating room with complete retinal reattachment. Of 35 eyes that showed RD, 19 (54%) redetached as a result of PVR. In 80% of eyes with RD at initial presentation (28/35 eyes), the retina remained completely attached at last follow-up, and 5 additional eyes remained partially attached (33/35 [94%]). Of 61 total eyes included in this study, 89% remained completely attached, and 42 (69%) achieved visual acuity of 20/200 or better at last follow-up. Conclusions Despite substantial ocular comorbidities, PPV can result in retinal reattachment in even the most severe cases. Good visual outcomes can be achieved for most patients who undergo vitreoretinal surgery after open globe trauma.
High contrast thermal deflectometry using long-wave infrared time modulated integrating cavity source

We introduce a scalable temporally modulated long-wave infrared source design. The design makes use of an array of resistive blackbody heating elements which radiate into a custom aluminum integrating cavity. The output of the box is a rectangular slit, built to match the traditional tungsten ribbon profile for an infrared deflectometry source. Temporal modulation allows for signal isolation and improved resilience to background fluctuations in an infrared deflectometry source. Infrared deflectometry measurements using the new source design and a traditional tungsten ribbon, both with similar radiant flux, were compared for a ground glass surface, an aluminum blank, and an aluminum blank under thermal load (150 °C). Signal-to-noise ratio was ∼4 times higher for the new design and demonstrated improved source temporal stability and geometry. Further, the new design successfully measured the previously untestable hot aluminum flat. The new design improves infrared deflectometry and allows for high contrast thermal deflectometry measurements of optics under thermal load.
Heme-regulated eIF2α kinase in erythropoiesis and hemoglobinopathies

As essential components of hemoglobin, iron and heme play central roles in terminal erythropoiesis. The impairment of this process in iron/heme deficiency results in microcytic hypochromic anemia, the most prevalent anemia globally. Heme-regulated eIF2α kinase, also known as heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI), is a key heme-binding protein that senses intracellular heme concentrations to balance globin protein synthesis with the amount of heme available for hemoglobin production. HRI is activated during heme deficiency to phosphorylate eIF2α (eIF2αP), which simultaneously inhibits the translation of globin messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and selectively enhances the translation of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) mRNA to induce stress response genes. This coordinated translational regulation is a universal hallmark across the eIF2α kinase family under various stress conditions and is termed the integrated stress response (ISR). Inhibition of general protein synthesis by HRI-eIF2αP in erythroblasts is necessary to prevent proteotoxicity and maintain protein homeostasis in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. Additionally, the HRI-eIF2αP-ATF4 pathway represses mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, specifically in the erythroid lineage as a feedback mechanism of erythropoietin-stimulated erythropoiesis during iron/heme deficiency. Furthermore, ATF4 target genes are most highly activated during iron deficiency to maintain mitochondrial function and redox homeostasis, as well as to enable erythroid differentiation. Thus, heme and translation regulate erythropoiesis through 2 key signaling pathways, ISR and mTORC1, which are coordinated by HRI to circumvent ineffective erythropoiesis (IE). HRI-ISR is also activated to reduce the severity of β-thalassemia intermedia in the Hbbth1/th1 murine model. Recently, HRI has been implicated in the regulation of human fetal hemoglobin production. Therefore, HRI-ISR has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for hemoglobinopathies.
The interplay between hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and cholesterol sulfotransferase (SULT2B1b) in hepatic energy homeostasis

Abstract The nuclear receptor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4α) plays a critical role in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis, including glucose homeostasis. Sulfotransferases (SULTs) catalyze the transfer of a sulfate group from 3-phosphoadenosine 5-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to an acceptor molecule. Sulfonation plays an essential role in regulating the chemical and functional homeostasis of endogenous and exogenous molecules. Among SULTs, the cholesterol sulfotransferase 2B1b (SULT2B1b) preferentially catalyzes the sulfoconjugation of cholesterol and oxysterols to form cholesterol sulfate and oxysterol sulfates. Hepatic gluconeogenesis represents a critical component of energy metabolism. Although there have been reviews on the regulation of glucose homeostasis by HNF4α, the interplay between HNF4α and SULT2B1b in hepatic glucose homeostasis remains scattered. In this review, we intend to provide an overview on how HNF4α functionally cross-talks with SULT2B1b to regulate hepatic glucose homeostasis and whether the HNF4α-SULT2B1b axis represents a novel therapeutic target for the management of metabolic liver disease and metabolic syndrome.
Directly-modulated lasers for 100-Gbaud Nyquist PAM4 transmission (Conference Presentation)

We have demonstrated an operation and 65-GHz bandwidth simultaneously for three different designs of high-speed directly modulated lasers (DMLs), including distributed reflector (DR) laser, modified-grating DBR laser, and DFB laser with a reflection from an integrated passive waveguide. The DMLs maintained a RIN lower than -155 dBc/Hz under an optical reflection of as high as < -8 dB. The device physics behind the operation relates to the cavity design which has a strongly wavelength-dependent mirror loss. Modified-grating DBR laser was used to demonstrate an error-free 100 GBd PAM2 transmission, and also PAM4 transmission. This is the record fast data rate realized by DML as of today.
Hydrophobically Associating Hydrogels with Microphase-Separated Morphologies

Hydrophobically associating hydrogels based on copolymers of a water-soluble monomer with a fluoroacrylate or fluoromethacrylate possess microphase-separated morphologies that provide unique properties. Physical crosslinks in these hydrogels involve hydrophobic bonds between fluoro(meth)acrylate groups that associate into 2–6-nm-diameter core–shell nanodomains that represent multifunctional crosslinks. These hydrogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and fracture toughness values approaching 104 J/m2, are extrudable, and show self-healing behavior of the microstructure. This chapter reviews the characteristics of these microphase-separated, hydrophobically associating hydrogels and discusses potential applications of these materials as injectable in situ forming hydrogels, electrospun fiber mats suitable for tissue scaffolds, controlled drug release, antifreeze materials, and shape memory hydrogels.
Management of Opioid Misuse and Opioid Use Disorders Among Youth

In response to the growing impact of the current opioid public health crisis in the United States on adolescents and young adults, pediatricians have an expanding role in identifying opioid use early, preventing escalation of risky use, reducing opioid-related harms, and delivering effective therapies. Research and expert consensus suggest the use of brief interventions focused on reducing risks associated with ongoing opioid use and using motivational interviewing strategies to engage youth in treatment. Because fatal opioid overdose remains a major cause of opioid-related mortality among youth, delivering overdose education as part of any visit in which a youth endorses opioid use is one evidence-based strategy to decrease the burden of opioid-related mortality. For youth that are injecting opioids, safe injection practices and linkage to needle or syringe exchanges should be considered to reduce complications from injection drug use. It is crucial that youth be offered treatment at the time of diagnosis of an opioid use disorder (OUD), including medications, behavioral interventions, and/or referral to mutual support groups. The 2 medications commonly used for office-based OUD treatment in adolescents are extended-release naltrexone (opioid antagonist) and buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist), although there is a significant treatment gap in prescribing these medications to youth, especially adolescents <18 years of age. Addiction is a pediatric disease that pediatricians and adolescent medicine physicians are uniquely poised to manage, given their expertise in longitudinal, preventive, and family- and patient-centered care. Growing evidence supports the need for integration of OUD treatment into primary care.
Tryptamine trauma: N,N-dipropyltryptamine-associated trauma and rhabdomyolysis

Abstract A 17-year-old male was noted by family to be agitated and hallucinating. He fell and struck his head and then began having seizures. The seizures stopped after he was given midazolam, but he required endotracheal intubation. He was found to be in rhabdomyolysis (max creatine kinase of 83,000 U/L) and remained delirious over the next 4 days without any further seizures. Laboratory analysis of his serum and urine by liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry detected N,N-dipropyltryptamine at concentrations of 1740 and 971 ng/mL, respectively. He was discharged after a 6-day hospitalization with a normal mental status and resolving rhabdomyolysis.
Inactivation of foodborne pathogens (Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes) on locally processed spinaches by three-step wash with antimicrobials

Abstract Three-step wash with commercial antimicrobials including a H2O2-peroxyacetic-acid mixer, chlorine water and a lactic/citric acid blend was conducted to inactivate foodborne pathogens on spinaches. Fresh spinaches from West Virginia small growers were artificially contaminated with a 4-strain mixture of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Inoculated spinaches were three-step washed in water, antimicrobial, and water (WAW) or in water, water, and antimicrobial (WWA) with 10 s of each step. Antimicrobial treatments are sodium hypochlorite (SH; 100 ppm, pH-6.8), lactic/citric acid blend (LCA; 2.5%), and a H2O2-peroxyacetic-acid mixer (SaniDate-5.0, 0.0064, 0.25 and 0.50%). Microbial populations were analyzed on XLT-4 (Salmonella) and MOX agars (L. monocytogenes) with a total of 9 samples (3 replicates) followed by analyzed using SAS (Mixed Model Procedure, P = 0.05). Unwashed spinaches recovered 4.57–5.10 and 6.68–6.73 log10 CFU/g of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, respectively. WWA procedure obtained additional reductions of the pathogens by 0.35–1.07 log10 CFU/g (LsMeans) than the WAW procedure. Three-step wash in 0.25% and 0.50% of SaniDate-5.0 solution showed at least similar or even greater (P
Checkpoint Inhibitor Colitis Shows Drug-Specific Differences in Immune Cell Reaction That Overlap With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Predict Response to Colitis Therapy.

Objectives Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-associated colitis can limit therapy and has resemblance to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies exploring mechanistic similarities between these colitides are limited, yet therapeutic targets for either disorder could emerge from shared pathophysiology. Methods The morphology and inflammatory content of colonic biopsy specimens from anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibody-treated patients with CPI colitis were compared with initial biopsy specimens from patients with IBD. Predictors of the need for infliximab were sought in CPI patients. Results Biopsy specimens from CPI patients showed significantly lower chronicity scores and similar activity scores compared with patients with IBD. Anti-CTLA-4 and IBD groups showed equivalent CD8, CD4, PD-1, and PD-L1 expression, while FoxP3 scores were lower and CD68 scores were higher in anti-CTLA-4 compared with IBD biopsy specimens. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 group had lower scores for CD8, CD4, and PD-1 and equivalent scores for FoxP3, PD-L1, and CD68 compared with IBD. Anti-CTLA-4 biopsy specimens had higher scores for CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, and CD68 than anti-PD-1/PD-L1 biopsy specimens. CD8/FoxP3 ratios and CD68 scores were higher among CPI patients requiring infliximab therapy for colitis compared with those responding to steroids. Conclusions The proinflammatory immune phenotype of anti-CTLA-4-associated colitis has significant overlap with IBD. CD8/FoxP3 ratios may predict therapeutic response in CPI-associated colitis.
Economic Competition and Police-caused Killings:

Blacks, Latinx, and American Indians are killed by police at a disproportionately higher rate than Whites and Asians, but whether racial discrimination accounts for these killings remains disputed....
Predicting drug court graduation: Examining the role of individual and programmatic characteristics

Abstract Introduction Although existing research suggests drug courts reduce recidivism and substance use, a large portion of drug court participants do not graduate. According to a conceptual framework, severity of need and program intensity may help to explain variation in drug court effectiveness. Understanding variation in drug court graduation can help to identify high risk participants and effective programmatic elements. Methods Our sample included 247 drug court participants from an adult felony-level drug court located in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United States that either graduated (n = 113) or were terminated (n = 134) from the program. We used participant and program characteristics from drug court program records to predict drug court graduation. Results In bivariate analyses, several participant and program characteristics were significantly associated with drug court graduation. In the final multivariate model, only one participant-level characteristic was significantly related to graduation: emotional/personal risk and needs (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.33, 0.93). Alternatively, three program characteristics remained statistically significant predictors of drug court graduation in the final multivariate model. Receiving more individual counseling sessions was positively associated with drug court graduation (aOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.41), while jail and monetary fine sanctions were negatively associated with drug court graduation (aOR jail: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.68; aOR fine: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.78). Conclusions Our findings suggest that drug court programs may benefit by tailoring services for individuals with high emotional/personal risk and participants who receive certain types of sanctions. More rigorous research should explore the causal relationship between individual counseling and drug court graduation to determine if wide-scale programmatic changes are warranted.
Continuous Refrigeration between 4.2 and 1°K

Refrigeration between 4.2 and 1°K is commonly produced by the evaporation of liquid He4 from a thermally isolated bath maintained at the appropriate pressure by means of a vacuum pump. In the majority of experimental assemblies, a bath temperature of 1.25°K can be produced without difficulty at which temperature the saturation vapor pressure is slightly less than 1 mm Hg. When the liquid in the bath reaches a certain minimum volume, the experiment must be discontinued, at least temporarily, while the bath is returned to atmospheric pressure and a further supply of liquid at 4.2°K is added. Thereafter, there is an additional loss of liquid while the bath is again pumped down to the operating pressure.
The Anmlite Language and Logic for Specifying Planning Problems

We present the basic concepts of the ANMLite planning language. We discuss various aspects of specifying a plan in terms of constraints and checking the existence of a solution with the help of a model checker. The constructs of the ANMLite language have been kept as simple as possible in order to reduce complexity and simplify the verification problem. We illustrate the language with a specification of the space shuttle crew activity model that was constructed under the Spacecraft Autonomy for Vehicles and Habitats (SAVH) project. The main purpose of this study was to explore the implications of choosing a robust logic behind the specification of constraints, rather than simply proposing a new planning language.
Lost in the Weeds of Pot Law: The Role of Ethics in the Movement to Legalize Marijuana

Every day attorneys face ethical dilemmas in trying to meet client needs while complying with professional rules of conduct. Perhaps nowhere is the risk of violating ethics rules more apparent than in states that have diverged from federal drug policy on marijuana. Attorneys currently engaged in marijuana-related counseling may violate federal law even where their actions are otherwise legal under state law. Changes in public opinion regarding the legality of marijuana that are driving some states to legalize or decriminalize certain marijuana-related activities provide no basis for attorneys to breach the covenant they have made with the public to uphold the rule of law. This article argues that attorneys should refrain from counseling clients on the use, possession, and distribution of marijuana until doing so does not violate federal law. Attorneys who favor marijuana legalization should utilize their specialized training and advocacy skills to change the existing law. Current state action to relax ethics standards applicable to marijuana related activities to insulate attorneys from ethics violations could produce the anomalous result of having an attorney criminally prosecuted under federal law for an action that does not violate state ethics rules. Such a result creates internal inconsistency within the state, confuses the public, and could lead to questions regarding the integrity of the profession.Part I of this article will provide a brief overview of the historical role of marijuana use in America and the basis for its subsequent ban. Part II will address the emergence of state action to legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use and examines the federal response. Then, Parts III and IV will examine the American Bar Association (ABA) model rules and select, state-specific attorney ethics rules applicable to counseling clients on marijuana-related issues and will argue that an attorney's ethical obligations to the profession militate against counseling clients in this area except under certain narrowly defined circumstances. Part V of the article will provide recommendations for competing interests of adhering to the rule of law with those proponents that want to legalize marijuana along with any economic benefits of its legalization.
The introduction of tobacco mosaic virus into single hair cells of Nicotiana langsdorffii leaves. II. The effect of ribonuclease.

Abstract The enzyme, pancreatic ribonuclease, was used as inhibitor in experiments in which it and the green aucuba strain of tobacco mosaic virus were introduced into the same or neighboring cells of an epidermal hair of Nicotiana langsdorffii leaves. The enzyme inhibited lesion formation if introduced into the inoculated cell before or shortly after the virus, and when introduced in a mixture of virus and inhibitor. The enzyme also prevented lesion formation when introduced into a cell through which the virus must pass to reach the leaf from the inoculated cell.
Evolutionary Perspectives on Animal and Human Personality

Among many nonhuman animals, individuals differ consistently in their response tendencies (e.g., shy vs bold) across multiple contexts. Researchers have tested evolutionary hypotheses accounting for these phenomena, and have also begun exploring evolutionary explanations for human personality variation. For evolutionary biologists, a trait's significance lies in its effects on fitness, that is, the lifetime reproductive success of individuals who bear the trait, including indirect effects through the reproductive success of genetic relatives. Recent evolutionary personality research has pursued several alternative theoretical lines of inquiry: balancing selection models explore whether optimal levels of personality traits vary across time, space, or trait frequency distribution; mutation-selection balance models propose that selection for a single optimum personality configuration is undermined by mutations at multiple genetic loci; and facultative calibration models hold that personality trait levels are adjusted, during individual development, to other characteristics that affect social bargaining power. A promising general approach links personality variation to variation in life history strategy, that is, the allocation of effort among the competing demands of growth, somatic maintenance, mate acquisition, and parental investment. Emerging areas of research include relationships between personality variation and biological fitness in humans and other primates; the extent to which personality trait levels are adjusted based on individual condition; the degree to which situational flexibility varies among individuals; and whether proposed structural models of personality, such as the human five-factor model (extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience) are species-typical or are affected by variable ecological and social conditions. Keywords: personality; evolution; animal behavior; evolutionary psychology; comparative psychology; behavioral syndrome; life history
Sharecropping, interlinkage, and price variation

This paper proposes a theory of sharecropping and interlinkage on the basis of seasonal variation of price and imperfectly competitive nature of rural product markets. First, a benchmark model is considered to show the optimality of sharecropping in the presence of price variation. This model is extended by allowing interlinked contracts to show that there are multiple equilibria and both forms of contractsi?½fixed rental and sharecroppingi?½can be sustained in equilibrium. Finally, incorporating the possibility of competition in the product market, an equilibrium refinement is proposed and it is shown that the unique equilibrium that is robust to this refinement results in a contract that involves sharecropping as well as interlinkage. This theory also sheds light on several related issues like observed uniformity of share contracts, technological stagnation and the notion of power in a rural context.
China, the US and the Power-Transition Theory: A Critique

1. Introduction: The Basic Arguments 2. Power Scores and the Identity of Central Contenders 3. Revisionist Impulse and the Incumbent's Strategic Selection 4. Imperial Overstretch and Loss Aversion as Sources of War 5. Preventive War and Alternative Responses to Decline 6. Appeasement and the Distribution of Benefits 7. Conundra of Containment and Engagement 8. Managing the Hegemon: In Lieu of Frontal Confrontation 9. Extended Deterrence and the Logic of Selection 10. Conclusion: Theoretical and Policy Implications
Rotation-mediated histogenetic aggregation of dissociated cells. A quantifiable approach to cell interactions in vitro.

Abstract 1. 1. This report examines the possibility of compounding cells in suspension into histoformative aggregates, under controllable, replicable and potentially quantitative conditions. 2. 2. A cell aggregation procedure based on readily standardizable manipulations is described, whereby cells dissociated enzymatically from embryonic tissues may be aggregated in various combinations and concentrations into developmentally effective multicellular structures; it is suitable for analyzing mutual reactions of cells and their responses to diverse environmental conditions. 3. 3. The characteristics of aggregates produced by cells of different types or origins varied markedly under otherwise identical conditions. The number, size distribution, shape and internal structure of aggregates formed in 24 hours by cells of a given type or by a cell population of a known composition was termed the aggregation pattern of the cells in testing (cell type-dependent aggregation pattern) for the specified set of conditions. 4. 4. Aggregation patterns of the two types of cells studied were not noticeably affected by gross variations in cell concentrations. It is suggested that they represent a typical, reproducible and measurable expression of cell behavior, providing useful “baselines” for further analysis. For comparative purposes, they may be conveniently expressed as the ratio between average diameter and number of aggregates, which provides an index of aggregation for the given culture and conditions. 5. 5. The histoformative effectiveness of this procedure was established by studying the differentiation of aggregates. In all experiments the re-assembled cells resumed development in accordance with their pre-established directions. 6. 6. Type-specific grouping of cells in heterotypic cell aggregates, compounded by the present procedure, was examined in combinations of embryonic chick and mouse cells. In spite of their initial random bunching and irrespective of species origin, the aggregated cells became sorted out and associated in accordance with their histogenetic identities and compatibilities, thus confirming prior findings on “self-assembled” aggregates. 7. 7. The size distribution of aggregates could be effectively controlled by varying the frequency of rotation of cultures. The possibility of a measurable relationship between the forces applied to cells and cell cohesiveness is discussed. 8. 8. The rate and effectiveness of aggregation processes in this system was found to decrease at suboptimal temperatures. At 15 °C, the two types of cells examined showed no aggregation; transferred to 38 °, these cells aggregated readily. The possibility is considered that normal bonding and formative association of cells depend on thermo-sensitive synthetic activities, related, perhaps, to elaboration of surface products, and that their rate is slowed down or otherwise modified at suboptimal temperatures.
Solvent configuration-interaction calculations of intermolecular states in molecule-(atom)N clusters: application to Br2-4HeN.

We describe variational calculations of J=0 intermolecular states in Br2–HeN4 clusters. The method employed is analogous to configuration-interaction calculations in electronic-structure work and relies on the ability to express the intermolecular Hamiltonian Hv as a sum of one- and two-body terms. A basis set is built up from solutions to the Schrodinger equation in which only the one-body terms of Hv are included. These configurations are products of N=1 eigenstates. The matrix of Hv in a symmetry-adapted configuration basis is then computed, the two-body terms of Hv serving to couple different configurations. This computation involves integrals of dimension five or less. Filter diagonalization is then used to obtain energies and eigenfunctions within a selected energy range. Results on clusters having N=2–5 are reported.
The Ambiguities of Working with Third-Party Recruiters

International student mobility is big business. Approximately, 2.8 million students study abroad, distributing at least US$50 billion around the globe annually. Most international students come from developing or middle-income countries, the majority from East and South Asia, and most are self-financed.
Globalization of and "Guiding Principles" for environmental legislation and public policy development

This paper outlines: (1) governments' increasing use of "market-driven" environmental policies directed at the entire product "life-cycle" and their much more far-reaching, worldwide business effects, (2) why, as a result, multinational companies like Hewlett-Packard need to contribute to the shaping of environmental public policy in their major worldwide markets, and, (3) some suggested guiding principles for assuring the effectiveness of these emerging policies from the perspectives of all stakeholders, including government, environmental advocacy groups and affected businesses.
Effects of Changes in Inspiration Volume and Flow Rate on Respiratory Activity

Changes in inspired volume and inspiratory flow rate alter the activity of vagal receptors in animals and this, in turn, causes reflex changes in respiratory neural activity (Bartoli et al., 1975). However, little is known about the effects of such changes on respiratory activity in humans. The present study, in normal subjects, examined the effects of mechanically controlled changes in inspired volume and inspiratory flow rate on the level and pattern of respiratory motor output.
The sweet side of urea transporters.

UREA IS PRODUCED AS AN END product of protein catabolism in the liver and is ultimately excreted by the kidney. However, this unique small molecule of only 60 daltons is also used by the kidney to control water balance by a complex process that involves both secretion and reabsorption of urea throughout the entire renal tubule (11). Disturbance of these processes can cause a toxic buildup of urea in the blood termed uremia. Clearly, urea transporters (UT) are key players in this important process, and understanding UT activity, synthesis, turnover, and membrane trafficking has been a focus of researchers since the first gene was cloned in 1993 (17).
Experimental spectral distribution versus Kramers' law for quantitative X-ray fluorescence by the fundamental parameters method

Quantitative X-ray fluorescence analysis by the fundamental parameters method and the LAMA Program shows that the experimentally determined spectral distribution leads to accurate results whereas the continuous spectrum calculated from Kramers' Law often leads to relatively large errors. The primary characteristic line spectrum of a W tube at 45 kV may cause most of the fluorescent intensity, e.g. nearly all the Ni K and about 60% of Cr K.
The effect of cigarette taxes on smoking among men and women.

The literature contains numerous studies that estimate the effect of cigarette taxes on smoking across various population groups. Although the conclusions are split, most US studies find that men are more responsive to cigarette taxes than women. This paper shows that these results are due to the failure to control for state-specific gender gaps in smoking rates that are correlated with cigarette taxes. When gender-specific state fixed effects are included to control for these gaps, the results indicate that women are nearly twice as responsive to cigarette taxes as are men. Since the econometric specification controls for variation in the tax response by household income, it is unlikely to be responsible for the difference. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eikonal approximation for charge transfer from a multielectron atom to fast projectiles

The eikonal approach developed previously for calculating electron-capture cross sections for bare projectiles colliding with hydrogenic targets is extended here to allow for multielectron targets. Both the impact and wave pictures are employed and their equivalence is discussed. As a first approximation, each atomic orbital is specified by the three hydrogenic quantum numbers, an effective nuclear charge Z sub t, and an energy eigenvalue in the impact picture, or ionization potential in the wave picture. The Z sub t prime appearing in the eikonal phase factor is left undetermined because of incomplete information on the many-body target. However, analytic expressions are derived for the theoretical cross sections, and numerical values are calculated for simple choices of Z sub t prime. Those results are compared with existing experimental data for C, Ne, Ar, N2, O2, and He targets.
SuperDARN observations of the Harang discontinuity during steady magnetospheric convection

[1] We present a study of ionospheric convection patterns observed by the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) during two recent steady magnetospheric convection (SMC) events. Our analyses focus on the region near the electrically defined Harang discontinuity (HDE) and indicate, for the first time, that the HDE is often present during SMC events. In comparison with observations made during a typical substorm growth phase, the HDE during the two SMC events studied here is a less pronounced convection feature and often occurs at relatively high geomagnetic latitudes (>70°). In addition the behavior of the HDE during the substorms bounding the SMC events appears to differ from the classic signatures observed during isolated substorms.
Energetics of Cobalt(II) Oxide with the Zinc‐Blende Structure

Cobalt(II) oxide (CoO) has been prepared in the zincblende structure by the decomposition of cobalt(II) acetate under vacuum at 290°C. Calorimetric experiments have shown that the zinc-blende structure is energetically 37 ± 10 kJ/mol less stable than the common rock-salt form of CoO. This value is in good agreement with the value recently reported by Grimes and Lagerlof of 38 kJ/mol found by a lattice energy calculation
Exploring Race Based Differences in Patterns of Life-Course Criminality

A persistent issue facing criminologists is the challenge of developing theoretical models that provide comprehensive explanations of the onset and persistence of criminality. One promising theory to develop over the last 30 years has been life-course theory. Using multivariate analysis of variance the main question posed in this research, do elements of social development shape the trajectory of persistent offending in a race-neutral fashion, or are the dynamics shaping life-course criminality unique for people of color, was examined. The results provide a number of useful insights into the relationship between race, life-course transition factors, and longitudinal patterns of criminality.
Observed Orbital Eccentricities. II. Late-Type Stars

The distribution of individual eccentricities for binaries shows a large scatter between zero (circular orbits) and nearly 1 (highly elliptical), but mean eccentricities show systematic effects. For 296 F0-M5 IV or V primaries with known spectroscopic orbital elements and 482 similar primaries with known visual orbital elements, I collected mean eccentricities as a function of orbital periods. The results show complete circularization for periods up to 1.4 days for B dwarfs, 1.6-2.2 days for A dwarfs, 2.0 days for F dwarfs, and 4.3 days for G-M dwarfs. However, the evidence of maximum circularization periods of 4.3 to 18 days for late-type stars with increasing age suggests that these limiting periods depend primarily on age, rather than on primary mass. The mean eccentricities as a function of period approach e = 0.52 ± 0.02 asymptotically for the longest periods and for all types of stars. For long periods the distribution of eccentricities is statistically flat, indicating that for wide binaries, all eccentricities are equally probable, as was found previously for BA dwarfs in binaries. For intermediate periods the higher eccentricities disappear, and for short periods all eccentricities are zero. Double-lined spectroscopic binaries have statistically larger eccentricities than single-lined ones of the same periods, consistent with Kepler's third law. Late-type giants follow similar distributions, with complete circularization occurring below 70 days.
The timing of adverse events with Foley catheter preinduction cervical ripening; implications for outpatient use.

Objective We sought to determine the rate and timing of adverse events that occur during preinduction cervical ripening using the Foley catheter before extrusion of the balloon and institution of oxytocin. Study Design Using electronic medical records, we identified all women who presented for preinduction cervical ripening using a Foley catheter with a term (≥37 weeks) singleton vertex live fetus from January 1, 2006, to June 14, 2009. Women were excluded if they had had a previous cesarean delivery, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, pregestational diabetes, rupture of membranes before induction, fetal anomaly, or antepartum stillbirth. Outcomes were cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal tracing, vaginal bleeding, placental abruption, or intrapartum stillbirth occurring between 2 hours after Foley catheter placement and 6 am . Results Among 2,514 women, 1,905 met the inclusion criteria. No adverse outcomes were noted among term, singleton uncomplicated pregnancies receiving a Foley catheter for preinduction cervical ripening who met inclusion criteria (relative risk, 0.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.0–0.002). Conclusions In a low-risk population, the use of the Foley catheter for preinduction cervical ripening was associated with no adverse outcomes. It appears to be a safe mechanism for cervical ripening and has the potential for use in the outpatient setting in a selected subset of women.
Capillary endothelial-cell mitogenic activity in experimental branch vein occlusion.

Since the 1940s, the major hypothesis regarding the stimulus for neovascularization occurring in diabetic retinopathy and other “ischemic” retinopathies has involved the release of a soluble angiogenic factor from the ischemic retina. We sought to test this by measuring the endothelial mitogenic activity that could be extracted from an ischemic retina caused by branch vein occlusion in the cat. We found that the extracable endothelial-cell mitogenic activity from normal retinal areas was similar to that in ischemic areas at 1, 2, and 7 days after the occlusion. In the area of occluded veins, the oxygen partial pressure was low (7 ± 7 mm Hg) compared with the normal value (23 ± 8 mm Hg). The data did not show any increase in soluble mitogenic factor release from the ischemic retina versus normal retinal areas under the conditions of this experiment.
Inteins as Enzyme

Abstract The term “self-catalyzed” as applied to protein processing reactions might be considered a contradiction, since catalysis implies that the catalyst is regenerated without change. However, as our understanding of protein autoprocessing reactions such as protein splicing advances, it is becoming clear that they have many of the hallmarks of enzymatic reactions. In this review, we will examine the properties of protein splicing elements, or inteins, and show how these can be understood in terms of enzyme catalysis, both with respect to substrate specificity and the stabilization of reactive intermediates.
Assessment of Body Mass Index, Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake and Time Spent in Physical Activity of American Indian Children in Oklahoma

American Indian (AI) children have a combined overweight and obesity prevalence of 53%. Behaviors that contribute to obesity, such as sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and time spent in physical activity (PA), have been poorly explored in this population. The purpose of this study is to report body mass index (BMI), SSB intake, and time spent in PA of 7-to-13-year-old AI children who reside in rural and urban areas in Oklahoma. Cross-sectional survey study. Self-reported SSB intake in the last month, and time spent in PA were collected via questionnaires. Height and weight were professionally measured. The sample included 124 7-to-13-year-old AI children who attended a diabetes prevention summer camp in 2013. BMI percentile, overweight and obesity prevalence, SSB intake, time spent in PA, and number of participants meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Descriptive characteristics for BMI percentile, overweight and obesity, SSB intake, time spent in PA, and meeting PA recommendations were calculated using means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Independent t test and Chi square analyses were used to test for gender differences. Participants were 10.2 ± 1.5 years old and 57% female. Sixty-three percent were overweight or obese. Children consumed 309 ± 309 kcal/day of SSB and spent 4.4 ± 3.8 h per week in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Approximately 32% met the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. No gender differences were observed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher than previously reported in a similar population, and higher than that of US children in the general population. SSB intake and physical activity levels were also found to be higher in this group than in the general population.
The contribution of parenting to ethnic and racial gaps in school readiness.

Summary The authors describe various parenting behaviors, such as nurturance, discipline, teaching, and language use, and explain how researchers measure them. They note racial and ethnic variations in several behaviors. Most striking are differences in language use. Black and Hispanic mothers talk less with their young children than do white mothers and are less likely to read to them daily. They also note some differences in harshness. When researchers measuring school readiness gaps control for parenting differences, the racial and ethnic gaps narrow by 25–50 percent. And it is possible to alter parenting behavior to improve readiness. The authors examine programs that serve poor families—and thus disproportionately serve minority families—and find that home- and center-based programs with a parenting component improve parental nurturance and discipline. Programs that target families with children with behavior problems improve parents’ skills in dealing with such children. And certain family literacy programs improve parents’ skills in talking with their children. Several interventions have significantly reduced gaps in the parenting behavior of black and white mothers.
Surgical management of left coronary artery ostial atresia and supravalvar aortic stenosis

Congenital atresia of the left main coronary artery ostium is a rare lesion, particularly when found in association with supravalvar aortic stenosis. This report describes the preoperative evaluation and surgical management of this lesion found in conjunction with a quadricuspid aortic valve in a 5-year-old child. Patch aortoplasty and left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending coronary artery bypass were performed to correct this lesion.
Application of Trichoderma and Gliocladium in alginate pellets for control of Rhizoctonia damping-off

Alginate pellets were prepared from wet fermentor biomass of 11 isolates of Trichoderma spp. and Gliocladium virens, with wheat bran as a food base carrier. Pellets with eight of the isolates reduced survival (34-78%) of Rhizoctonia solani in infested beet seed in soil. Pellets containing a T. harzianum isolate (Th-58) and a T. hamatum isolate (TRI-4) were the most effective. All isolates significantly reduced growth of the pathogen from infested beet seed into natural soil. Populations of isolates proliferated in soil to 106−1011 colony-forming units/g (cfu) from propagules within the pellets. Pellets with TRI-4 reduced pathogen survival and growth (>70%) in six different soils and were effective against six R. solani isolates in a natural loamy sand. Survival of R. solani in infested beet seed was not reduced when TRI-4 pellets were added to soil 1-6 weeks before the pathogen; however, saprophytic growth was prevented. Small amounts of biomass (3.0–7.5 g wet weight) in pellets were as effective as a large amount (300 g) in suppressing the pathogen. The storage of pellets for more than 6 weeks at 5 or 25C reduced their effectiveness against R. solani. Pellets prepared with four and three of the 11 isolates prevented damping-off of cotton and sugar beet in the greenhouse, respectively.
Putting the biosphere reserve concept into practice: some evidence of impacts in rural communities in the United States

This paper examines some of the impacts of Biosphere Reserve planning on the socio-economic conditions of rural communities in the United States. Through a review of the literature, it is argued that three broad types of problems can develop when Biosphere Reserve plans are put into effect. These include unexpected development shifts, shifts in the distribution of benefits and costs of economic development, and a loss of local governments' ability to provide public services. Though Biosphere Reserve planning has been cast as a strategy for experimentation in community and ecological sustainability, the planning and management process itself causes paradoxical local impacts.
Computer simulation and perturbation theory of fluids modelled using three- and six-site Lennard-Jones potentials

Systematic NVT molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for pure fluids of nonspherical molecules modelled using a triangular three-site and a hexagonal six-site Lennard-Jones (12:6) potential in order to obtain thermodynamic properties of these fluids, particularly the residual Helmholtz free energy. Molecular geometries, shown earlier to work well for propane and benzene, have been utilized in this study. Free energy values obtained from these simulations have been compared with predictions from the reference fluid simulations in a Weeks-Chandler-Andersen type site-frame perturbation expansion to the first order. Comparisons clearly show this site-frame expansion to work well at high densities and no significant effect of molecular anisotropy has been found on the deviations of these predictions, from the exact simulation values, vis-a-vis the WCA theory for the Lennard-Jones (12 : 6) fluid.
Quantitative analysis of bone marrow CD34 cells in aplastic anemia and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndromes

Aplastic anemia (AA) and hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndromes (hMDS) are often difficult to distinguish. However, an accurate diagnosis is important because the prognosis and treatment of these diseases may differ. CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors are central to the pathogenesis of both disorders; they are the targets of the autoimmune attack in AA and neoplastic transformation in MDS. The aim of this study was to assess whether bone marrow CD34+ cell numbers could be used in differentiating between AA and hMDS. The percentage of bone marrow CD34+ cells was normal or increased (mean -3.5+0.5%, range 1-7%) in 15 of 35 patients studied, and low (mean -0.13 +/- 0.02%, range 0.02-0.36%) in 20 of 35 patients. All patients with a normal or increased percentage of CD34+ cells were ultimately diagnosed with hMDS based on the detection of clonal cytogenetic abnormalities or progression to refractory anemia with excess blasts/acute myeloid leukemia. All patients with low marrow CD34+ cell numbers met standard clinical criteria for AA and have not demonstrated neoplastic transformation with follow-up. Quantification of marrow CD34+ cells may serve as an important tool for distinguishing between AA and hMDS.