cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic variations in the oviductal ciliated cells during the menstrual cycle and after estrogen treatment in the pig‐tailed monkey, Macaca nemestrina

The epithelium of the oviduct of the pig-tailed monkey, Macaca nemestrina was studied 1) to determine whether quantitative changes in the number of ciliated, deciliated, reciliating and nonciliated cells occur during the menstrual cycle and under certain experimental conditions and 2) to describe the ultrastructure of the ciliated and ciliogenic cells. The mean percentage of ciliated cells decreased from 48.2 in the fimbriae and 48.3 in the ampullae in the postovulatory stage to 7.7 and 18.8, respectively in the late luteal phase; these changes are significant as determined by Duncan's multiple range test. In the early follicular phase 3.9% of the cells in the fimbriae and 11.2% in the ampullae are ciliated, and the number of ciliogenic (deciliated and reciliating) cells is the highest of any time in the cycle in both the fimbrial (6.3%) and ampullar (8.4%) epithelium. In contrast, although the percentage of ciliated cells in the isthmus varies from 44.4 in the preovulatory phase to 34.3 in the early follicular phase, the differences between the various times in the cycle are not significant. However, in the late luteal phase, the values for the fimbriae and ampullae are significantly different from that of the isthmi. Ciliated cells constitute less than 1% of both the fimbrial and ampullar epithelium 2 3/4 years after ovariectomy, but 16.7 in the isthmic tissue. In ovariectomized monkeys treated for 7 or 12 days with estradiol benzoate reciliation occurs, but to a significantly lesser extent in the fimbriae and ampullae than in the pre- or postovulatory animals; the degree of reciliation in the isthmus is not different from the values noted during the cycle. The ultrastructure of ciliated, deciliated and reciliating cells is described. Of much interest is the finding of cytoplasmic protrusions containing variable numbers of ciliary axonemal complexes. It is postulated that such internalization of ciliary micotubules may represent one way in which deciliation may be accomplished.
Resilient modulus for unsaturated unbound materials

ABSTRACT The suitability of the current resilient modulus test protocol (NCHRP 1-28A) for its application to unsaturated soils was assessed. Modifications to the stress state conditions of the protocol are necessary due to the axis-translation needed during the test when measuring matrix suction. This study presents the modulus of unbound materials resulting from tests performed under unsaturated soil conditions. Two different materials were tested. The base material was tested under drained and undrained boundary conditions, while the subgrade was tested under drained boundary condition. The results allowed for the enhancement of the Universal Model for resilient modulus prediction by incorporating suction as a stress state. This model predicts the resilient response of unbound materials as a function of external stress state and matrix suction levels and therefore, it is independent of moisture variation.
Computer-assisted instruction and the library: a case study—in disappointment

A project was undertaken to determine the appropriateness of providing subject‐based courseware in an academic library's software center or microcomputer lab. The courseware was intended to provide remedial instructional support to re‐entry students in selected subjects. For this project, college algebra became the chosen subject because there appeared to be widespread local agreement that a number of adult students needed remedial instruction in college algebra. The question of the appropriateness of CAI in the library remains open. This service seems to be a viable one for academic libraries to offer. Success would be dependent on wide ranging cooperation involving the library, teaching faculty, computing staff, and instructional technologists.
Enhanced Memory Responses to Seasonal H1N1 Influenza Vaccination of the Skin with the Use of Vaccine-Coated Microneedles

Background. Morbidity and mortality due to influenza could be reduced by improved vaccination. Methods. To develop a novel skin delivery method that is simple and allows for easy self-administration, we prepared microneedle patches with stabilized influenza vaccine and investigated their protective immuneresponses. Results. Mice vaccinated with a single microneedle dose of trehalose-stabilized influenza vaccine developed strong antibody responses that were long-lived. Compared with traditional intramuscular vaccination, stabilized microneedle vaccination was superior in inducing protective immunity, as was evidenced by efficient clearance of virus from the lung and enhanced humoral and antibody-secreting cell immune responses after 100% survival from lethal challenge. Vaccine stabilization was found to be important, because mice vaccinatedwithanunstabilized microneedle vaccine elicited a weaker immunoglobulin G 2a antibody response, compared with the stabilized microneedle vaccine, and were only partially protected against viral challenge. Improved trafficking of dendritic cells to regional lymph nodes as a result of microneedle delivery to the skin might play a role in contributing to improved protective immunity. Conclusions. These findings suggest that vaccination of the skin using a microneedle patch can improve protective efficacy and induce long-term sustained immunogenicity and may also provide a simple method of administration to improve influenza vaccination coverage.
Coherent-mode representation of Gaussian Schell-model sources and of their radiation fields

A recently formulated theory of partial coherence in the space-frequency domain is used to determine the mode structure of an important class of partially coherent sources and of the radiation fields generated by them. The effective number of modes is found to depend in a fundamental way on the ratio of the coherence length to the effective size of the source. The contribution of the effective modes to the far-field intensity is also analyzed.
Available evidence suggests women with false-positive mammograms less likely to return for screening.

Commentary on: Bond M, Pavey T, Welch K, et al. Systematic review of the psychological consequences of false-positive screening mammograms. Health Technol Assess 2013;17:1–170.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and mammograms are offered to women aged between 47 and 73 years every 3 years to screen for breast cancer. Women with abnormal mammograms are recalled for further assessment. When a woman is recalled but no breast cancer is discovered, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DHealth%2BTechnol%2BAssess%26rft.volume%253D17%26rft.spage%253D1%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.3310%252Fhta17370%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23972041%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.3310/hta17370&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23972041&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febnurs%2F17%2F3%2F73.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000317180500001&link_type=ISI
Systematic Review of Educational Interventions for Improving Advance Directive Completion

Purpose: To systematically analyze evidence about the outcome and percent of newly completed ADs, focusing on the effectiveness of (a) types of educational interventions versus controls and (b) one educational intervention over another. Design: Systematic review of literature based on Cochrane review criteria. Methods: Twelve randomized and four nonrandomized studies were selected from the nursing, medical, and social work literature that met the following criteria: described educational interventions, provided information to calculate the percent of newly completed ADs as an outcome, and published between 1991 and 2009. The review focused primarily on randomized studies. Reviewers calculated the percent of newly completed ADs by determining the number of subjects per group without an AD at baseline and the percentage of those who then completed one by the end of the studies. Findings: Findings were inconsistent regarding all types of educational interventions studied versus controls. Sufficient evidence exists to conclude that combined written and verbal educational interventions were more effective than single written interventions in increasing the percent of newly completed ADs in adult clinic outpatients and hospitalized elderly. Conclusions: Calculating the percent of newly completed ADs was successful in allowing for study result comparisons. Overall, the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of single or combined educational interventions in increasing AD completion is weak. Randomized studies with diverse samples should be conducted against controls before more studies comparing interventions are undertaken. Clinical Relevance: This article provides nurses with a summary of research related to educational interventions and AD completion and identifies where future study is needed.
Von Willebrand Disease: Elucidating the Clinical Picture Through the Use of Molecular Methods

Von Willebrand disease is the most common congenital bleeding disorder in humans. This bleeding disorder affects men and women equally and has a prevalence of approximately 1% to 2%. It results from a quantitative or qualitative abnormality in von Willebrand factor. Clinical presentation of this disease includes bleeding from mucous membranes and easy bruising. The gene for von Willebrand factor is located on chromosome 12 and a pseudogene is located on chromosome 22. Von Willebrand disease is currently classified into different types based on abnormalities in von Willebrand factor that include types 1, 2, and 3. Within the last half century, many aspects of the disease have been thoroughly researched and, as a result, individuals affected with the condition can manage the disease in an effective manner. After reading this paper, readers should be able to discuss the history, molecular biology, and diagnosis of von Willebrand disease; compare and contrast the clinical presentation and testing used in hemophilia A versus von Willebrand disease; outline the process of diagnosis of von Willebrand disease using molecular methods; discuss the various treatments for patients diagnosed with von Willebrand disease; and differentiate types 1, 2, and 3 von Willebrand disease from one another. Molecular Diagnostics 80802 exam and corresponding answer form are located after this CE Update article on page 749.
Effects of a School for Pregnant Students on the Incidence of Low‐Birthweight Deliveries

To evaluate effects of an alternative public school for pregnant teenagers in New Haven, CT, medical and school records were reviewed for a 1-year birth cohort of 230 adolescent mothers. Nearly three-quarters of all school-aged primiparas who were enrolled in the city's public schools when they became pregnant attended the alternative school. Because of summer vacation, however, students who conceived in January through April began attending later in pregnancy than did those who conceived in May through December; these mothers were significantly more likely to deliver a preterm, low-birthweight infant. No such seasonal effects were found for other teenagers in the city who were not enrolled in public school at conception. Positive birth outcomes for early program attenders are similar to those reported for a nurse-home-visitation program. The results suggest that school programs have considerable potential to be an effective service delivery model for providing prenatal intervention to adolescents.
Nanos is the localized posterior determinant in Drosophila

Abstract Segmental pattern in the Drosophila embryo is established by two maternal factors localized to the anterior and posterior poles of the egg cell. Here we provide molecular evidence that the locallzed posterior factor is the RNA of the nanos (nos) gene. nos RNA is localized to the posterior pole of early embryos, and nos protein acts at a distance to direct abdomen formation. Synthetic nos RNA has biological activity identical to that of the posterior pole plasm. Injection of nos RNA rescues the segmentation defect of embryos derived from females mutant for all nine known posterior group genes. Injection of nos RNA Into the anterior is able to direct formation of ectopic posterior structures. Our results demonstrate that a localized source of nos RNA is sufficient to specify abdominal segmentation and imply that other posterior group genes are required for localization, stabilization, or distribution of the nos gene product.
Wireless power transfer optimization for nonlinear passive backscatter devices

We present a method for enhancing far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) to nonlinear, passive UHF RFID backscatter transponders using a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) base station. The proposed method does not require on-tag power measurements or on-tag channel estimation, either of which would add significant complexity and power consumption for microwatt-class wirelessly powered devices such as passive UHF RFID tags. We show in a measurement-based proof of concept that WPT optimization to nonlinear backscatter transponders is possible solely based on the backscatter signal, without knowledge of the incident power level at the tag or prior knowledge of the tag's characteristics. Using an 8×8 MIMO transceiver array to optimize power delivery, we observed an average WPT enhancement of 8.9 dB relative to an un-optimized 8-transmitter configuration across a 50m3 volume in an office/lab environment. We also show that power to a given tag can be selectively denied, with a notch depth of -106.4 dB (noise floor of the presented measurements). These results are comparable to values previously observed for linear backscatter transponders, and suggest that the use of MIMO interrogators could lead to improved forward-link performance and thus efficiently provide power for sensors or other new power-hungry functions on passive transponders.
Effects of Density and Loading on Coho Salmon during Hatchery Rearing and after Release

Abstract Two broods of coho salmon fingerlings (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were reared at three densities (25,000, 50,000, and 75,000 fish/raceway) and at three levels of water inflow (757, 1,514, and 2,271 L/min per raceway) at a year-round coldwater hatchery. All nine density–inflow combinations were tested (2 raceways/treatment). During the rearing phase of the study, various physiological and disease status indicators were tested for differences from rearing density (kg of fish/ m3 of rearing space) and loading (kg offish/[L of water flow-min]). After release from the hatchery, survival, adult contribution, and fishery catch data were also examined for treatment effects. Fingerlings reared at the lowest density were smaller at release than fish reared at the two higher densities. Gill ATPase at release was reduced in fish reared at the highest density and also in fish reared at the lowest water inflow rate. Increased rearing density produced small but significant reductions in percent survival of smolts af...
Chirurgische Behandlung des M. Crohn

Beim M. Crohn handelt es sich um eine entzundliche Darmerkrankung, die den gesamten Gastrointestinaltrakt befallen kann. Die Erkrankung ist chronisch und unheilbar, und die Hauptsaule der Behandlung besteht aus der medikamentosen Einstellung – mit chirurgischer Intervention, wenn Komplikationen auftreten. Bei annahernd 70% der Patienten mit M. Crohn ist eine Operation erforderlich. Da haufig wiederholte Eingriffe notwendig sind, sind fur diese Patienten moglicherweise darmerhaltende Techniken und minimalinvasive Ansatze von Vorteil. Verschiedene darmerhaltende Techniken einschlieslich der Strikturoplastik konnen eingesetzt werden, um das Risiko eines Kurzdarmsyndroms zu senken. Es erfolgte eine Sichtung der verfugbaren Literatur mithilfe der PubMed-Suchmaschine, um Daten zur chirurgischen Behandlung des M. Crohn zusammenzustellen. Die Daten sprechen fur den Einsatz der Laparoskopie bei der Behandlung des M. Crohn, obgleich die potenziellen technischen Herausforderungen eine entsprechende chirurgische Erfahrung als Bedingung voraussetzen.
FRA-1 Proto-Oncogene Induces Lung Epithelial Cell Invasion and Anchorage-Independent Growth In vitro, but Is Insufficient to Promote Tumor Growth In vivo

FRA-1 forms activator protein-1 complexes in association with members of the JUN family and drives gene transcription. FRA-1 has been implicated in the development of airway squamous metaplasia and is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus and stomach. We and others have shown a high level of persistent induction of FRA-1 by lung carcinogens, such as cigarette smoke and asbestos, in pulmonary epithelial cells. However, the exact roles of FRA-1 in regulating lung epithelial cell growth and invasion are poorly understood. To examine this aspect, we have stably overexpressed FRA-1 in human type-II-like alveolar malignant cell line (A549) and a nonmalignant bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B). FRA-1 greatly enhanced the rate of proliferation, motility, and invasion of A549 and BEAS-2B cells. In athymic nude mice, FRA-1, but not the control vector, rapidly enhanced tumor formation and metastasis by A549 cells. In contrast, FRA-1 failed to promote tumor formation by BEAS-2B. We suggest that FRA-1 can promote motility, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth of lung epithelial cells in vitro, but is insufficient for tumor formation.
Religion and Politics in the United States: Persistence, Limitations and the Prophetic Voice:

EnglishThe author provides an overview of religious politics in the contemporary United States. Possible answers are proposed to three questions: Why are Americans more religious than citizens of other Western democracies?; Why does religiously-motivated political activity seem such a frequent feature of politics in the United States?; Why is the effect of religiously-based political activity on public policy in the United States so limited? The answers given to these three questions suggest that American political religion plays a “prophetic” role of social critic in the United States.FrenchL'auteur donne un apercu des interactions entre la religion et la politique dans la societe americaine contemporaine. Il propose des reponses possibles a trois questions: pourquoi les Americains sont-ils plus pratiquants que les citoyens des autres democraties occidentales? Pourquoi les activites politiques fondees sur des motivations religieuses sont-elles une caracteristique si frequente de la politique americaine? ...
Relationships Among Eddy Fluxes of Heat, Eddy Temperature Variances and Basic-State Temperature Parameters in Thermally Driven Rotating Fluids

Abstract Relationships are examined among radial eddy fluxes of heat, eddy temperature variances and basic-state temperature parameters (e.g., radial gradients and variances of the azimuthally averaged temperature) over a broad range of dimensionless parameters in thermally driven rotating annuli of fluid. We consider, first, changes of the time-averaged eddy heat flux and of the time and azimuthally averaged radial temperature gradient which take place when we conduct experiments at different imposed temperature differences With the rotation rate held fixed, or at different rotation rates with the imposed temperature difference held fixed. It is found that the observed changes of these variables cannot be described by a positive proportionality between the eddy heat flux and some positive power of the radial temperature gradient, except perhaps over limited ranges of dimensionless-parameter space. Within the regular wave regime, not too far from marginal stability, the eddy heat flux increases and the az...
Sequence comparisons of non-human primate HIV-1 coreceptor homologues.

Abstract Infection of non-human primate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro with primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates is extremely inefficient and often unattainable. The mechanism of resistance to infection by primary HIV-1 isolates in chimpanzee and baboon PBMCs is unknown. In this study, two HIV-1 coreceptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, were sequenced from chimpanzee and baboon PBMCs to determine if any sequence variations or mutations in these genes could be responsible for resistance to HIV infection. Primers were designed from the human coreceptor sequences and were able to amplify the CCR5 and CXCR4 genes from these non-human primate cells. No 32 base pair deletion (Δ32)mutations were found in any of the non-human primate samples tested. CXCR4 sequence analysis showed chimpanzee and baboon share 99.7 and 98% nucleotide sequence homology and 100 and 98.9% amino acid sequence homology, respectively, compared to the human sequence. CCR5 sequence analysis demonstrated that chimpanzee and baboon share 99.6 and 98% nucleotide homology and 100 and 98% amino acid homology, respectively, with the human sequence. These data indicate that no variations in these coreceptor gene sequences exist that can explain the lack of susceptibility to infection with primary HIV-1 isolates in non-human primate PBMCs.
Genomic Views of Transcriptional Enhancers: Essential Determinants of Cellular Identity and Activity-Dependent Responses in the CNS

Sprinkled throughout the genome are a million regulatory sequences called transcriptional enhancers that activate gene promoters in the right cells, at the right time. Enhancers endow the brain with its incredible diversity of cell types and also translate neural activity into gene induction. Thanks to rapid advances in genomic technologies, it is now possible to identify thousands of enhancers rapidly, test their transcriptional function en masse, and address their neurobiological functions via genome editing. Enhancers also promise to be a great technological opportunity for neuroscience, offering the potential for cell-type-specific genetic labeling and manipulation without the need for transgenesis. The objective of this review and the accompanying 2015 SfN mini-symposium is to highlight the use of new and emerging genomic technologies to probe enhancer function in the nervous system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Transcriptional enhancers turn on genes in the right cells, at the right time. Enhancers are also the genomic sequences that encode the incredible diversity of cell types in the brain and enable the brain to turn genes on in response to new experiences. New technology enables enhancers to be found and manipulated. The study of enhancers promises to inform our understanding of brain development and function. The application of enhancer technology holds promise in accelerating basic neuroscience research and enabling gene therapies to be targeted to specific cell types in the brain.
Synthetic Biomaterials from Metabolically Derived Synthons

The utility of metabolic synthons as the building blocks for new biomaterials is based on the early application and success of hydroxy acid based polyesters as degradable sutures and controlled drug delivery matrices. The sheer number of potential monomers derived from the metabolome (e.g., lactic acid, dihydroxyacetone, glycerol, fumarate) gives rise to almost limitless biomaterial structural possibilities, functionality, and performance characteristics, as well as opportunities for the synthesis of new polymers. This review describes recent advances in new chemistries, as well as the inventive use of traditional chemistries, toward the design and synthesis of new polymers. Specific polymeric biomaterials can be prepared for use in varied medical applications (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound repair, etc.) through judicious selection of the monomer and backbone linkage.
Metformin-induced mitochondrial function and ABCD2 up-regulation in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy involves AMP-activated protein kinase

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a progressive neurometabolic disease caused by mutations/deletions in the Abcd1 gene. Similar mutations/deletions in the Abcd1 gene often result in diagonally opposing phenotypes of mild adrenomyeloneuropathy and severe neuroinflammatory cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which suggests involvement of downstream modifier genes. We recently documented the first evidence of loss of AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) in ALD patient-derived cells. Here, we report the novel loss of AMPKα1 in postmortem brain white matter of patients with ALD phenotype. Pharmacological activation of AMPK can rescue the mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibit the pro-inflammatory response. The FDA approved anti-diabetic drug Metformin, a well-known AMPK activator, induces mitochondrial biogenesis and is documented for its anti-inflammatory role. We observed a dose-dependent activation of AMPKα1 in metformin-treated X-ALD patient-derived fibroblasts. Metformin also induced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and ATP levels in X-ALD patient-derived fibroblasts. Metformin treatment decreased very long chain fatty acid levels and pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions in X-ALD patient-derived cells. Abcd2 [adrenoleukodystrophy protein-related protein] levels were increased in metformin-treated X-ALD patient-derived fibroblasts and Abcd1-KO mice primary mixed glial cells. Abcd2 induction was AMPKα1-dependent since metformin failed to induce Abcd2 levels in AMPKα1-KO mice-derived primary mixed glial cells. In vivo metformin (100 mg/Kg) in drinking water for 60 days induced Abcd2 levels and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation protein levels in the brain and spinal cord of Abcd1-KO mice. Taken together, these results provide proof-of-principle for therapeutic potential of metformin as a useful strategy for correcting the metabolic and inflammatory derangements in X-ALD by targeting AMPK. There is no effective therapy for inherited peroxisomal disorder X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD). We document the therapeutic potential of FDA approved drug, Metformin, for X-ALD by targeting AMPK. Metformin induced peroxisomal Abcd2 levels in vitro and in vivo. Metformin lowered VLCFA levels, improved mitochondrial function and ameliorated inflammatory gene expression in X-ALD patient-derived cells. Metformin-induced Abcd2 levels were dependent on AMPKα1, a metabolic and anti-inflammatory gene, recently documented by our laboratory to play a putative role in X-ALD pathology. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 10.
Relating Temperature Trends to Urban Change and NDVI in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has grown rapidly during the last decade resulting in significant change in its landcover. These changes impact the local thermal processes. In this research, we study the relation between temperature trends and vegetation change in Las Vegas. Trends in temperature are analyzed using air temperature time series measured by Weather Underground project. The temperature rate of change is estimated using sinusoidal and anomaly models. Spatial trends of temperature and vegetation change are analyzed using LandSat Thematic Mapper data. The change in vegetation cover is estimated using summer average normalized vegetation index (NDVI). The results show that anomaly method is a better representation of temperature time series. The model reveals a general trend of decreasing temperature in Las Vegas from 2000-2010. This decrease is less than 0.2 Kelvin per year (K/yr) in the older developments whereas the areas developed during last decade (North Las Vegas and Southern Highlands) exhibit a decrease of greater than 0.2 K/yr. These trends are related to the vegetation change. Average summer temperature and NDVI during the last two decades are linearly related with a negative correlation of 0.7. The results reveal that new developments in an arid region have a cooling affect on the temperature due to increased vegetation landcover.
Aircraft Open Rotor Technology: Analysis from an Operational Perspective

Open rotor technology is currently a major topic of research in civil aviation as the need for more fuel efficient aircraft in the future becomes increasingly urgent. Increase in fuel cost and a concern for aviation’s impact on the environment has re-ignited the interest in open rotor engines. Open rotor engines have the capability of providing civil transport with greater fuel efficiency which could potentially help reduce the cost of flying. However, with this increase in fuel efficiency comes a penalty of higher noise levels for the vehicle when compared to modern turbofan aircraft. The objective of this study was to develop and utilize an open rotor model that is grounded in physics and can be used in parametric studies. This model was then used to assess open rotor fuel burn and noise generated from the counter rotating propellers. The results from this model were then used to optimize an open rotor enabled aircraft to determine the costs and benefits of the technology on an aircraft basis. The optimized aircraft was then introduced to different notional fleets and run through an assortment of different daily operations to assess the impact of open rotor technology on fleet-level fuel burn and airport noise levels. The results of this study provide an insight on the performance of the open rotor technology and how to potentially mitigate an increase in noise on an operational basis.
Changes in composition and molecular structure of asphalt in mixing with crumb rubber modifier

In the asphalt industry, interaction between crumb rubber modifier (CRM) and asphalt is conducted at different interaction conditions, which leads to various mechanisms of interactions and consequently different physical properties of final product. Several studies explained different mechanisms of interaction at macro level (changes in CRM particle size and morphology) and the exchange of components between CRM and asphalt. In this study, we are investigating the mechanism of interaction between the CRM and asphalt at molecular level using analytical techniques such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in combination with thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA shows the type of the material being released from CRM particles into the asphalt matrix. The GPC shows that the components of CRM released at certain mixing temperature (i.e. 190°C) have higher molecular weight than the ones released at higher mixing temperature (i.e. 220°C). Also, temperature sweep viscoelastic analysis on the CRM binder an...
Urine Properties of Captive Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)

Abstract A total of 15 healthy captive black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) of both sexes were studied to determine urine properties of this species as part of an overall clinical health evaluation performed under general isoflurane anesthesia. Each animal underwent a complete physical examination, complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, whole-body radiology, and cardiographic examination. Urine samples were collected via ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Each urine sample was evaluated biochemically for the presence of glucose, bilirubin, ketones, pH, proteins, hemoglobin, specific gravity, creatinine, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT); macroscopically or microscopically for color, clarity, erythrocytes, leukocytes, casts, epithelial cells, and crystals; and for pathogenic leptospires by polymerase chain reaction testing. Urinary GGT to creatinine and protein to creatinine ratios were also calculated. Cloudy urine was common but not as a result of calciuria as observed in other rodents. The primary urine properties identified in this study are presented (median: minimum to maximum) and include the specific gravity (1.25: 1.005 to 1.059), GGT (883: 12 to 5833U/L), creatinine (6064: 1485 to 15,939µmol/L or 68.6: 16.8 to 180.3mg/dL), protein (19: 6 to 124mg/dL), GGT to creatinine ratio (0.112: 0.008 to 0.606), and protein to creatinine ratio (0.3: 0.2 to 1.0), which was higher in males when compared with females. Urine pH as determined by the urine dipstick was 8 to 8.5. New data presented in this report can promote better physiological understanding and improve clinical management of this rodent species.
Recognition of severe acute respiratory syndrome: the significance of the chest radiographs and high-resolution CT combined with clinical manifestations in diagnosing early SARS

Objective: To assess the early chest radiographic and high-resolutio n CT(HRCT) findings as well as corresponding clinical manifestations in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) occurred in 2004 and compare with those in 2003. Method: The clinical presentation, laboratory tests, chest radiogr aphic and HRCT findings in 7 cases of patients with SARS were retrospectively an alyzed. Result: Six patients had acute fever (38℃) without upper respiratory sy mptoms. in the first week of fever, they all had opacities on HRCT. Round, groun d-glass opacification associated with mild thickening of the interlobular septa or consolidation was the predominant HRCT feature, no necrosis or cavities lymph adenopathy (hilar and mediastina) and pleural effusions were found. The WBC coun t was normal, and the lymphocytes and platelets usually were reduced in early st age. Conclusion: The patients with acute fever, normal WBC count, ground-glass o p acification associated with mild thickening of the interlobular septa or consoli dation in HRCT, and resistant antibiotics may suffer from SARS.
Job Burnout from a Communication Perspective

(1983). Job Burnout from a Communication Perspective. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 7, Communication Yearbook 7, pp. 738-755.
Increasing Atmospheric CO2 Concentration, Water Use, and Water Stress: Scaling Up from the Plant to the Landscape

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the potential effects of atmospheric CO 2 concentration ([CO 2 ]a) increase on ecosystem water use, WUE, and water stress. Environmental stress is defined as an environmental limitation on ecosystem net primary production (NPP). This large divergence in NPP in different ecosystems is primarily because of differences in availability of soil water and therefore degree of water stress, although other environmental differences may also be important. Water stress can be reduced by an increase in precipitation or irrigation, increased access to existing soil water that would otherwise be unavailable to plants, or reduced evapotranspiration. The amount of NPP or plant growth per unit environmental resource used is an important measurement of the relationship between plants and their environment. Efficiency is used to denote phytomass produced per unit resource used, and common examples are radiation-use efficiency, which is plant growth per unit solar radiation absorbed by the plants in an ecosystem and water use efficiency (WUE), which is the amount of growth per unit water evaporated. Thus, if WUE increases, an increase in productivity per unit water added to an ecosystem in precipitation and irrigation can occur.
Validation of Protein Knockout in Mutant Zebrafish Lines Using In Vitro Translation Assays

Advances in genome-editing technology have made creation of zebrafish mutant lines accessible to the community. Experimental validation of protein knockout is a critical step in verifying null mutants, but this can be a difficult task. Absence of protein can be confirmed by Western blotting; however, this approach requires target-specific antibodies that are generally not available for zebrafish proteins. We address this issue using in vitro translation assays, a fast and standard procedure that can be easily implemented.
Engineering Status of the Fusion Ignition Research Experiment (FIRE)

FIRE is a compact, high field tokamak being studied as an option for the next step in the US magnetic fusion energy program. FIRE's programmatic mission is to attain, explore, understand, and optimize alpha-dominated plasmas to provide the knowledge necessary for the design of attractive magnetic fusion energy systems. This study began in 1999 with broad participation of the US fusion community, including several industrial participants. The design under development has a major radius of 2 m, a minor radius of 0.525 m, a field on axis of 10T and capability to operate at 12T with upgrades to power supplies. Toroidal and poloidal field magnets are inertially cooled with liquid nitrogen. An important goal for FIRE is a total project cost in the $1B range. This paper presents an overview of the engineering details which were developed during the FIRE preconceptual design study in FY99 and 00.
Shareholder Litigation Risk and Its Effect on a Firm's Cash, Investment, and Debt

Shareholder litigation risk varies across time and across firms. When shareholder litigation risk is high, it can increase (decrease) a firm’s cash and investment before (after) a lawsuit filing. When shareholder litigation risk is low, little to no impact occurs. A quasi-natural experiment using two legal shocks, In re IPO and CAFA, supports a causal interpretation. Shareholder litigation risk can also impact a firm’s debt around the time of a lawsuit filing, but the results are less clear-cut.
Article selection and anaphora in the German relative clause

German definite articles are able to contract with prepositions under certain conditions. When a noun phrase is discourse anaphoric, contraction is blocked. In the current paper we present a puzzle: restrictive relative clauses require the use of the non-contracted (strong) article form, despite their apparent lack of anaphoricity; both the determiner of the head noun and the relative pronoun (which is, in most cases, syncretic with the definite article) surface with the strong form. We provide a uniform analysis of discourse anaphoric and relative clause uses that makes use of contexts, as defined in the dynamic framework of de Groote (2006). We argue that a lexical item, which we call “anaph”, whose purpose is to make reference to an individual provided by the context, intervenes between the noun and the article in the strong form. anaph makes reference to an individual provided by the global context in cases of anaphora, and to an individual provided by an updated local context in the case of relative clauses.
Human Rights-Based and Good Governance Approaches to Social Development

This chapter argues that social development should pay more attention to human rights and good governance. In order to make this case, the lack of attention to rights and governance in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is reviewed. It also discusses the way that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have attempted to update and revise the social development agenda for the next 15 years with more attention to human rights and good governance. Drawing on the MDGs and SDGs as flashpoints, it discusses trends within social development from the perspective of human rights and good governance. This chapter contends that social development can only be effectively realized in societies where governments represent their citizens and act on their behalf to bring about social improvements. In many countries, corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and violations of human rights have severely impeded implementation efforts. Ways of addressing this challenge and ensuring the achievement of human rights and good governance are discussed in the final section.
Police legitimacy in Africa: a multilevel multinational analysis

Using data obtained from multiple sources, with more than 40,000 individuals nested in 29 countries, a multilevel analysis was conducted to predict the effects of country-level variables on police legitimacy. Results from the unconditional analysis suggest that a significant variation in police legitimacy was at country level. Of the individual predictors included, being employed, being satisfied with democracy, and being an urban dweller showed positive relations with legitimacy. Police illegitimacy was high among the old, people with prior victimisation experience, and those who were fearful of crime. Among the country-level predictors, countries’ level of democracy and peacefulness had significant relationship with legitimacy, whereas institutional corruption, impact of terrorism and rate of victimisation did not. Policy implications of the findings are discussed.
A Humanized Cooley's Anemia Mouse Model.

Abstract Cooley's Anemia (CA) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders all marked by the complete absence of adult β-globin chains in red blood cells (RBCs). Newborns with CA are healthy because of the high level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) present at birth. As HbF levels decline during the first year of life, the absence of functional adult β-globin genes results in a severe anemia that necessitates the initiation of regular blood transfusions for the remainder of life. CA has been difficult to study in murine models due to the lack of a human fetal hemoglobin equivalent in the mouse. This study reports a novel preclinical animal model of CA that survives solely on human fetal hemoglobin at birth and is blood transfusion dependent for life upon completion of the hemoglobin switch after birth. These humanized CA mice were generated by targeted gene replacement in embryonic stem cells of the adult mouse α-globin genes with human α-globin and the adult mouse β-globin genes with a delayed switching γδβ0-globin gene cassette. The nonfunctional human β0-globin knock-in allele contains a single G to A nucleotide mutation in the first base of intervening sequence 1. Both wild-type and hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) promoter mutations were tested in the human γ-globin knock-in allele. Heterozygous knock-in mice exhibit β thalassemia intermedia. Newborn homozygous knock-in mice express 100% human hemoglobin in their RBCs, suffer from ineffective erythropoiesis, survive from one to ten days after birth, and are blood transfusion dependent for adult life. This is the first CA mouse model that recapitulates the temporal onset of the disease in human patients. This CA disease model is useful for the study of the regulation of globin gene expression, synthesis, and switching; development of transfusion and iron chelation therapies; induction of fetal hemoglobin synthesis; and the testing of novel genetic and cell-based therapies for the correction of thalassemia.
Development in Failed and Fragile States

Failed states and states in conflict are special cases in terms of health and development in that the national government, the main party responsible for directing policy to improve national well-being, may lack the resources, will or legitimacy to provide health infrastructure or opportunities for economic development . Although NGOs can fill the power and resource vacuum in these states in the short term, they may not contribute to sustainable health care delivery or development. A main policy challenge in failed and conflict-ridden states is how best to scale up programs offered by diverse actors targeting health and/or development. A second challenge is building resources and capacity to transform fragility into stability and achieving an adequate level of sectoral development in order to be able to respond to extraordinary threats to national and human security . The first two case studies examined in this chapter are Partners-in-Health/Zanmi LaSante in Haiti , which serves as a model for up-scaling, and the Government of Rwanda , which worked to consolidate and direct the resources of disparate non-governmental actors in order to meet national development and health goals. The final case study explores the Ebola outbreak in Western Africa, which took hold in three fragile states where it grew to unprecedented levels.
Dislocation of a primary total hip arthroplasty is more common in patients with a lumbar spinal fusion.

Aims Lumbar fusion is known to reduce the variation in pelvic tilt between standing and sitting. A flexible lumbo-pelvic unit increases the stability of total hip arthroplasty (THA) when seated by increasing anterior clearance and acetabular anteversion, thereby preventing impingement of the prosthesis. Lumbar fusion may eliminate this protective pelvic movement. The effect of lumbar fusion on the stability of total hip arthroplasty has not previously been investigated. Patients and Methods The Medicare database was searched for patients who had undergone THA and spinal fusion between 2005 and 2012. PearlDiver software was used to query the database by the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedural code for primary THA and lumbar spinal fusion. Patients who had undergone both lumbar fusion and THA were then divided into three groups: 1 to 2 levels, 3 to 7 levels and 8+ levels of fusion. The rate of dislocation in each group was established using ICD-9-CM codes. Patients who underwent THA without spinal fusion were used as a control group. Statistical significant difference between groups was tested using the chi-squared test, and significance set at p < 0.05. Results At one-year follow-up, 14 747 patients were found to have had a THA after lumbar spinal fusion (12 079 1 to 2 levels, 2594 3 to 7 levels, 74 8+ levels). The control group consisted of 839 004 patients. The dislocation rate in the control group was 1.55%. A higher rate of dislocation was found in patients with a spinal fusion of 1 to 2 levels (2.96%, p < 0.0001) and 3 to 7 levels (4.12%, p < 0.0001). Patients with 3 to 7 levels of fusion had a higher rate of dislocation than patients with 1 to 2 levels of fusion (odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, p < 0.0001). When groups were matched for age and gender to the unfused cohort, patients with 1 to 2 levels of fusion had an OR of 1.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42 to 2.32, p < 0.001), and those with 3 to 7 levels of fusion an OR of 2.77 (CI 2.04 to 4.80, p < 0.001) for dislocation. Conclusion Patients with a previous history of lumbar spinal fusion have a significantly higher rate of dislocation of their THA than age- and gender-matched patients without a lumbar spinal fusion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:585–91.
Cementitious materials modified with hematite nanoparticles for enhanced cement hydration and uranium immobilization

The leakage of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes from cementitious barriers at disposal sites can pose long-term environmental threats. In this study, cementitious materials were modified with hematite nanoparticles at 1.0%, 3.0%, and 5.0% by mass to enhance uranium immobilization for the first time. After curing the specimens for 28 days, leaching experiments were carried out at 90 °C up to 28 days. The leached uranium and sodium ions in solutions were quantified, and the effects of hematite nanoparticles on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of cementitious materials were studied. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 1.0%, 3.0% and 5.0% hematite nanoparticles all significantly reduced uranium leaching, which is partially due to uranium adsorption onto hematite nanoparticles. Interestingly, the slowest uranium leaching was found in the specimens with 1.0% hematite nanoparticles. The leaching results were complemented by isothermal calorimetry measurements, mercury intrusion porosimetry, chemical analysis, and compression tests, which showed that hematite nanoparticles increased the cement hydration rate and degree, affected cementitious material pore structure development, decreased leachability, and increased compressive strength. These effects were found to be the strongest in specimens containing 1.0% hematite nanoparticles. This study provides new insights into the modification of cementitious materials with hematite nanoparticles for enhanced cement hydration and uranium immobilization. It suggests an economical strategy for the long-term disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive wastes.