cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vacation as a Public Health Resource: Toward a Wellness-Centered Tourism Design Approach:

In today’s technology-driven configuration of work and life systems, wellness imbalances underscore the need for time away from sources of stress in the workplace, school, and other living scenario...
Disorder Suppresses Chaos in Viscoelastic Flows.

Viscoelastic flows through microstructured geometries transition from steady to time dependent and chaotic dynamics under critical flow conditions. However, the implications of geometric disorder for flow stability are unknown. We measure the onset of spatiotemporal velocity fluctuations for a viscoelastic flow through microfluidic pillar arrays, having controlled variations of geometric disorder. Introducing a small perturbation into the pillar array ($\ensuremath{\sim}10%$ of the lattice constant) delays the onset of the instability to higher flow speed, and yet larger disorders ($\ensuremath{\ge}25%$) suppress the transition to chaos. We show that disorder introduces preferential flow paths that promote shear over extensional deformation and enhance flow stability by locally reducing polymer stretching.
6-Nitro-2,3-bis­(thio­phen-2-yl)quinoxaline

The title compound, C16H9N3O2S2, was synthesized via a condensation reaction in refluxing acetic acid. One thienyl ring is nearly coplanar with the quinoxaline unit [dihedral angle = 3.29 (9)°], the other makes an angle of 83.96 (4)°.
Rancher perceptions of and attitudes toward Mexican gray wolves: An exploration of community dialogue

Many socio-political issues arise when predators, like the endangered Mexican gray wolf, are reintroduced into areas that are concurrently used by ranchers. There is a gap in understanding of how p...
Poly(anhydride-ester) gemcitabine: Synthesis and particle engineering of a high payload hydrolysable polymeric drug for cancer therapy

Abstract Gemcitabine (GMT) is a nucleoside analog used in the treatment of a variety of solid tumors. GMT was chemically modified with a hydrolysable linker, and subsequently incorporated into a poly(anhydride-ester) backbone via melt-polymerization, with the active antimetabolite GMT, thus, becoming the repeat unit that makes up this new material, a biodegradable polymer. Characterization of the structure of polymeric GMT (polyGMT) revealed the incorporation of an average 26 molecules of GMT per polymer chain, which corresponds to a drug loading of 58%w/w. The glass transition temperature of the formed polyGMT was determined to be 123 °C. PolyGMT was engineered into nanoparticles (NPs) using a dialysis-based method, with a resulting geometric diameter of 206 ± 38 nm. The particles are easily dispersible and stable in aqueous-based media, with a hydrodynamic diameter of 229 ± 28 nm. The prepared hydrolysable polyGMT NPs demonstrate ultra-long release profile due to the hydrophobic nature of the linker, and as per characteristic erosion behavior of polymers with anhydride-ester bonds. Accelerated in vitro release studies demonstrate the recovery of free GMT upon hydrolysis, with biological activity as assessed by cytotoxicity assays performed in adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) and highly metastatic murine osteosarcoma (K7M2) cells lines. The characteristics of polyGMT, including its thermal properties and built in hydrolysable structure, are thus conducive for use in the preparation of drug delivery systems. Engineered structures prepared with polyGMT can maintain their morphology at ambient and physiologically relevant conditions, and free GMT is recovered as the anhydride and ester bonds are hydrolyzed. This work is innovative as for the first time we demonstrate the ability to polymerize GMT in a hydrolysable polymer structure, and engineer NPs of this polymeric chemotherapy. The synthetic strategy allows for tuning of the polymer hydrophobicity and thus potentialize its behavior, including degradation profile, by varying the linker chemistry. Such controlled release hydrolysable polymers with very high drug loading and controlled erosion profiles are relevant as they may offer new opportunities in drug delivery applications for the treatment of malignant neoplasms.
Frequency Stabilization Of CO 2 Lasers: Some Applications

AbstractThis paper reviews the frequency stabilization and selected applications of CO2 lasers atM.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory. Unsurpassed spectral purity and short -term stability was achiev- ed. A long -term stabilization technique, which was used to line- center lock any regular orhot -band CO2 isotope laser transition, is also described.*IntroductionThis paper reviews some of the work carried out at M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory on frequencystabilization of CO2 lasers and on some of their applications.Theoretical and practical limitations of spectral purity and short -term stability arediscussed. Typical results achieved with stable CO2 lasers are also described.The inherently high spectral purity and short term stability of well -designed CO2 laserswas used to great advantage in high performance optical radars. For example, the velocityof an orbiting satellite was determined with a precision of about 0.5 mm /sec from CO2 radarreturns.A long -term stabilization technique is described which was used to frequency -lock CO2isotope lasers to the center of any preselected (00 °1) regular or (01'1) "hot" -band trans-
Using a Large Aperture, Phase Insensitive Array Transducer to Improve Ultrasonic Detection of Disbonds at a Rough Interface

The determination of whether two surfaces are bonded or unbonded is commonly evaluated using conventional ultrasonic transducers which are phase sensitive and are, therefore, very sensitive to surface irregularities. More often than not, interfaces are not flat, but irregular and uneven. Thus, another technique is required to test those interfaces.
A variational justification of the assumed natural strain formulation of finite elements. I - Variational principles. II - The C(0) four-node plate element

The assumed natural strain formulation of finite elements is interpreted from a variational standpoint. The approach is based on hybrid extensions of the Reissner-type functional which uses the strains and displacements as independent fields. Consideration is restricted to linear elasticity. The four-node C(0) plate-bending quadrilateral is used as a specific example to illustrate the application of the present interpretation. A key finding is that any change in the strain-displacement interpolation from the variationally consistent interpolation must be associated in some way to the addition of incompatible displacement modes.
Developmental expression of mucin genes ASGP (rMuc4) and rMuc5ac by the rat ocular surface epithelium.

PURPOSE To determine site and time of initiation of expression of the membrane-spanning mucin ASGP (rMuc4) and the goblet cell-specific, gel-forming mucin rMuc5AC by the developing rat ocular surface epithelium. METHODS Newborn Sprague-Dawley rat pups were killed at 1, 7, and 14 days after birth. Adult rats (weight, 200 g) were used as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect ASGP mRNA using beta-actin as an internal control. Competitive RT-PCR was performed to quantitate rMuc5AC mRNA using an rMuc5AC-competitive reference standard (CRS) as an internal control. In situ hybridization was performed to localize ASGP and rMuc5AC mRNA. Goblet cells were detected by staining with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reagent. RESULTS ASGP mRNA was detected by RT-PCR at 1 day after birth. Compared with beta-actin, the amount of ASGP mRNA showed a progressive increase from 1 to 14 days of postnatal development. By in situ hybridization, the expression of ASGP was first clearly detected at 14 days after birth at the lid margin, where the most stratification of epithelium was seen, and along the adjacent palpebral conjunctiva. This pattern was seen in rat eyelids that were not yet open but appeared about to open. In rat eyelids already open at 14 days after birth, ASGP mRNA was diffusely spread in the apical cell layer of both conjunctival and corneal epithelia. The expression of rMuc5AC was detected by RT-PCR in ocular surface epithelium in rat pups 1 day after birth. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a low level of rMuc5AC RNA expression in conjunctiva of 1-, 7-, and 14-day-old rats followed by a large increase in expression between 14 days and adulthood. The expression of rMuc5AC was first detected by in situ hybridization in a few goblet cells at 7 days after birth. One or two labeled cells were present in the fornical area; some were on the palpebral side of the fornix; others were present on the bulbar side. The distribution and time of appearance of rMuc5AC correlated with that of PAS staining of goblet cells. CONCLUSIONS The developmental expression of the membrane-spanning mucin ASGP (rMuc4) and the gel-forming mucin rMuc5AC are regionally and temporally separated. Expression of the gel-forming mucin begins at the fornix at 7 days after birth and is correlated with the appearance of goblet cells, whereas, expression of the membrane-spanning mucin begins later at the lid margin at day 14. Expression of the membrane-spanning mucin correlates to eyelid opening.
Relation of Catalase to Substrate Utilization by Mycoplasma pneumoniae

No catalase activity was detected in four strains of glucose-grown Mycoplasma pneumoniae at any time during the replication of the organism. Exogenous catalase dramatically increased the O2 uptake with glycerol, presumably by releasing inhibition caused by hydrogen peroxide. The effect of added catalase on the O2 uptake of washed organisms with glucose as substrate was moderate and variable in degree. The production of hydrogen peroxide was demonstrated by the quantitative enzymatic assay for inorganic peroxide and by the fact that added pyruvate, which is non-enzymatically oxidized by H2O2 to acetic acid and CO2 could mimic the action of catalase.
Embedded Software: Challenges and Opportunities

This paper discusses challenges and opportunities in embedded system and software design. The key thesis of the paper is that embedded computing applications create fundamentally new challenges for software technology that require new ideas and approaches. The paper reviews two of the new challenges, physicality and its effects on change management. The discussion on the impacts of these challenges focuses on key components of integrated development environments, representation, synthesis and analysis, and generator technology.
Dynamic policy discovery with remote attestation

Remote attestation allows programs running on trusted hardware to prove their identity (and that of their environment) to programs on other hosts. Remote attestation can be used to address security concerns if programs agree on the meaning of data in attestations. This paper studies the enforcement of code-identity based access control policies in a hostile distributed environment, using a combination of remote attestation, dynamic types, and typechecking. This ensures that programs agree on the meaning of data and cannot violate the access control policy, even in the presence of opponent processes. The formal setting is a π-calculus with secure channels, process identity, and remote attestation. Our approach allows executables to be typechecked and deployed independently, without the need for secure initial key and policy distribution beyond the trusted hardware itself.
Assessing urban water use and the role of water conservation measures under climate uncertainty

There has been substantial analysis of the possible impact of climate change on water supply, especially with respect to runoff and river flows. Less attention has been given to urban water use. Little is known of the suitability of various water use forecasting models for predicting climate impacts or of the best procedures for assessing this issue. This paper will: (1) demonstrate the feasibility of a scenario approach to describing possible changes in climate, (2) evaluate the IWR-MAIN model as a source of plausible water use forecasts given uncertain future climate, (3) test the effectiveness of conservation and pricing interventions in reversing the postulated effects of climate change, and (4) assess the significance of climate change for future urban water management. Other possible responses to climate change, such as supply augmentation, are not explicitly considered. Using data for the Washington (DC) metropolitan area, the study reveals problems with IWR-MAIN version 5.1 when used for this purpose, but results in a reasonable assessment of the possible water use consequences of climate change. Variation in future water use due to climate uncertainty was found to be moderate compared to other uncertain influences, and well within reach of feasible policy interventions.
Respiratory Gas Exchange in the Placenta

The sections in this article are: 1 The Placenta 1.1 Placental Exchange and Fetal Oxygenation 1.2 Questions to Consider 2 Maternal Blood O2 Affinity and Capacity 2.1 Hemoglobin 2.2 Blood O2 Affinity and HbO2 Saturation Curve 2.3 Blood O2 Capacity 3 Fetal Blood O2 Affinity and Capacity 3.1 Fetal Hb 3.2 Blood O2 Affinity 3.3 Blood O2 Capacity 4 Interrelations of Maternal and Fetal Blood O2 Affinity and Capacity 4.1 General Considerations 4.2 Species Differences 5 Transplacental Diffusion 5.1 Mean Maternal-to-Fetal O2 Tension Differences 5.2 Placental Diffusing Capacity 5.3 Role of Hb Reaction Rates 5.4 Possible Facilitated O2 Transport 5.5 Alterations in Placental Diffusing Capacity 5.6 Placental O2 Consumption 5.7 Summary 6 Variations in Maternal and Fetal O2 Tensions 6.1 Theoretical Considerations 6.2 Experimental Studies 6.3 Clinical Implications 7 Variations in Maternal and Fetal O2 Affinity 7.1 Theoretical Considerations 7.2 Decrease in Fetal Blood O2 Affinity by Intrauterine Transfusion 7.3 Changes in O2 Affinity Due to Hemoglobinopathies 7.4 Maternal Hyperventilation 7.5 Carbon Monoxide Effects 8 Placental CO2 Exchange 8.1 Forms of CO2 8.2 Carbon Dioxide Dissociation Curves 8.3 Transplacental CO2 Exchange 8.4 Haldane and Bohr Effects 8.5 Importance of Various Factors on CO2 Exchange 8.6 Umbilical-to- Uterine Venous CO2 Tension Differences 8.7 Interrelations of Placental CO2 and H2O Exchange 8.8 Conclusions 9 Variations in Rate of Maternal and Fetal Placental HB and O2 Flows 9.1 General Considerations 9.2 Theoretical Considerations 9.3 Experimental Studies 9.4 Clinical Implications of Altered Placental Flows 10 Interrelations of Maternal and Fetal Placental Flows and O2 Exchange 10.1 Distribution of Maternal and Fetal Placental Flows 10.2 “Sluice” or “Waterfall” Flow in Placental Vessels 10.3 Uterine Contractions and O2 Exchange 10.4 Importance of Various Parameters in O2 Transfer 10.5 Summary Equations 10.6 Graphical Analysis of Placental O2 and CO2 Exchange 11 Some Comparisons of Blood Flow and Gas Exchange in the Placenta and Lung 12 Conclusions
Three-dimensional structure of a sugar N-formyltransferase from Francisella tularensis.

N-formylated sugars have been observed on the O-antigens of such pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria as Campylobacter jejuni and Francisella tularensis. Until recently, however, little was known regarding the overall molecular architectures of the N-formyltransferases that are required for the biosynthesis of these unusual sugars. Here we demonstrate that the protein encoded by the wbtj gene from F. tularensis is an N-formyltransferase that functions on dTDP-4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-d-glucose as its substrate. The enzyme, hereafter referred to as WbtJ, demonstrates a strict requirement for N10-formyltetrahydrofolate as its carbon source. In addition to the kinetic analysis, the three-dimensional structure of the enzyme was solved in the presence of dTDP-sugar ligands to a nominal resolution of 2.1 A. Each subunit of the dimeric enzyme is dominated by a “core” domain defined by Met 1 to Ser 185. This core motif harbors the active site residues. Following the core domain, the last 56 residues fold into two α-helices and a β-hairpin motif. The hairpin motif is responsible primarily for the subunit:subunit interface, which is characterized by a rather hydrophobic pocket. From the study presented here, it is now known that WbtJ functions on C-4′ amino sugars. Another enzyme recently investigated in the laboratory, WlaRD, formylates only C-3′ amino sugars. Strikingly, the quaternary structures of WbtJ and WlaRD are remarkably different. In addition, there are several significant variations in the side chains that line their active site pockets, which may be important for substrate specificity. Details concerning the kinetic and structural properties of WbtJ are presented.
Muscle activation varies with contraction mode in human spinal cord injury.

Introduction: To better understand volitional force generation after chronic incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI), we examined muscle activation during single and repeated isometric, concentric, and eccentric knee extensor (KE) maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs). Methods: Torque and electromyographic (EMG) activity were recorded during single and repeated isometric and dynamic KE MVCs in 11 SCI subjects. Central activation ratios (CARs) were calculated for all contraction modes in SCI subjects and 11 healthy controls. Results: SCI subjects generated greater torque, KE EMG, and CARs during single eccentric vs. isometric and concentric MVCs (all P 25%) and concentric (>30%) MVCs. Conclusions: SCI subjects demonstrated greater muscle activation during eccentric MVCs vs. isometric and concentric MVCs. This pattern of activation contrasts with the decreased eccentric activation demonstrated by healthy controls. Such information may aid development of novel rehabilitation interventions. Muscle Nerve 51: 235–245, 2015
TAXONOMY AND MORPHOLOGY OF CYMBELLA STUXBERGII FROM LAKES IN THE BAIKAL RIFT ZONE

The morphology and ultrastracture of Cymbella stuxbergii (Cleve in Cleve & Grunow) Cleve were investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Cymbella stuxbergii is one characteristic component of a species complex within the nearshore periphyton in large lakes in the Baikal Rift Zone. Its distribution also includes northern mid-Asian continental rivers. Ultrastructure of C. stuxbergii supports the maintenance of this taxon within Cymbella sensu stricto because it has a single bilobed chloroplast, a ventral nucleus, dorsi-ventral valve shape, many ventral stigmata, dorsally deflected distal raphe ends, well-differentiated apical pore fields, and lacks an intermissio. Within Cymbella, C. stuxbergii appears closely allied with C. proxima Reimer because these taxa share similar raphe, stigmatal opening, and areolae configurations.
Militant architecture: Destabilising architecture's disciplinarity

Do not think that one has to be sad in order to be militant.1 The American architectural discourse has been in a special sort of turmoil for the last few years, one which bluntly challenges the acc...
A rehearsal deficit in retardates’ continuous short-term memory: Keeping track of variables that have few or many states

Mildly retarded children (CA = 16, MA = 9) were tested on a continuous short-term memory task that required them to keep the current state of a number of variables updated. Performance was dependent on the number of states of the probed variables, and there was a marked recency but no primacy effect in the serial position curves. These data are similar to those obtained with preschool children but quite different from those typically found with adults. It is suggested that the developmentally young perform poorly on such tasks because they fail to rehearse the current state of the to-be-remembered variables.
Differentiating Pedophilia from Ephebophilia in Cleric Offenders

John Jay College of Criminal Justice was commissioned by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to conduct a national survey to determine the nature and extent of child sexual abuse by clergy. Using data collected in this survey, this study examined factors that differentiated between pedophile and ephebophile offenders. Significant differences were found between these groups in regard to their personal history and offending behaviors.
Mechanisms of antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of α-lipoic acid in the diabetic and nondiabetic kidney

Mechanisms of antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of a-lipoic acid in the diabetic and nondiabetic kidney. Background. a-Lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant that im- proves renal function in diabetes by lowering glycemia, how- ever, the mechanisms by which a-lipoic acid exerts its antioxi- dant effects are not completely understood. Methods. Metabolic parameters, renal function, and morphology, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and subunit expression were ana- lyzed in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed normal rat chow (control) with or without a-lipoic acid (30 mg/kg body weight) for 12 weeks. Results. Blood glucose was increased with diabetes (nondi-
Electrocardiographic abnormalities in alcoholic cardiomyopathy. A study of 65 patients.

Electrocardiograms of 65 patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy seen over a five-year period were reviewed. ST segment and T wave abnormalities, left ventricular hypertrophy, biatrial enlargement, left atrial enlargement, premature ventricular contractions, prolonged PR interval, and left anterior hemiblock are the most frequently encountered abnormalities. A combination of left ventricular hypertrophy and biatrial enlargement with or without left anterior hemiblock is most specific. Atrial flutter or fibrillation, pathologic Q waves, and bifascicular block are not uncommon findings, while isolated right atrial or right ventricular abnormalities, and isolated posterior hemiblock or right bundle branch block are rare. Electrocardiographic changes are in general similar to those seen in any diffuse cardiomyopathy and reflect biventricular involvement
The Development and Validation of the Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness

ABSTRACT Traditional student evaluations of teaching do not adequately assess the essential constructivist-based practices that have been recommended for effective online instruction. There is a need for student evaluation of teaching instruments that are specifically designed to provide online instructors with valid feedback about the effectiveness of their online teaching practices. The studies described in this article were undertaken to develop and validate the Student Evaluation of Online Teaching Effectiveness (SEOTE). Items for the SEOTE were written to assess constructivist-based online teaching practices represented by Chickering and Gamson's (1987) Seven Principles of Effective Teaching. The first validation study was conducted by analyzing SEOTE responses from 498 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in online courses. Results from an exploratory factor analysis of SEOTE responses yielded four interpretable factors: Student–faculty interaction, active learning, time on task, and coopera...
Ministrokes in Rat Barrel Cortex

Background and Purpose Many stroke models in rats are based on occlusion of the middle cerebral artery, which supplies a significant portion of multifunctional cortical and deep structures in the c...
Application of group theory concepts to fibre-based composites

Abstract The many diverse types of known composites may be classified according to overall composition, morphology, or topology. First, a simple chart is presented which organises the several types of composites according to phase continuity and geometrical shape and configuration. Filled porous systems and reinforced polymers are emphasised. The concepts of group theory are then applied to fibrous composites. Twenty possible translation types are distinguished. Not all of the twenty possible fibrous composites have been made, and attention is drawn to two possible fibre composite structures previously uninvestigated.
Dynamic Triaxial Test Research of Stage Change of Cohesive Soil

With the STX-50 pneumatic-typed dynamic triaxial system, the undrained dynamic triaxial tests on the saturated cohesive soil are performed to study the dynamic strength properties. The changing process of the dynamic strength, backbone curve and the soil deformation of the cohesive soil under dynamic load are zoom analysis by stages to get their regularity. It is found that the stage change of the dynamic strength, backbone curve and the soil deformation all exist, which the stage I of the soil deformation has little damage, the stage III is not allowed, the stage II is determined by the importance of the concrete and the sensitive degree to the deformation. In order to analysis the deformation stability and stress stability of the formation in the effect of the dynamic load, provide qualitative and quantitative basis for the soil dynamic study.
Fingerbombing, or “Touching is Good”: The Cultural Construction of Technologized Touch

ABSTRACTThe development of new interface technologies involves reimagining perceptual processes. Grounded in histories of perception, this paper examines the discursive framing of touch in the advertisements for Nintendo's Dual Screen portable gaming system, explaining the way that the ads posit the DS as a means of reconnecting with a lost and repressed mode of perception. In the process of technologizing touch, the ads paradoxically assert a nostalgic memory of a pretechnological sensorium that can be restored using technology. However, in doing so, they displace older models of touch and attempt to redefine what it means to touch. I argue that the DS ads, in addition to demanding new body habits, call for a reconfiguration of perception that brings it into accord with the limits of the present technology. The DS interface serves as sensory armor that allows the subject to touch without feeling, to manipulate without sensation.
Novel dinoflagellate 4α-methylated sterols from four caribbean gorgonians

Abstract Fourteen 4α-methyl sterols have been isolated from the gorgonians Briareum asbestinum , Gorgonia mariae , Muriceopsis flavida and Pseudoplexaura wagenaari , including the following five new sterols: 4α-methyl-24-methylene-5α-cholestan-3β-ol, (24 R )-4α, 24-dimethyl-5α-cholesta-7,22-dien-3,β-ol, 4α,24 S (or 23ξ)-dimethyl-5α-cholest-7-en-3β-ol, (22 E , 24 R )-4α,23,24-trimethyl-5α-cholesta-7,22-dien-3β-ol and (24 R )-4α,24-dimethyl-5α-cholesta-8(14),22-dien-3β-ol. There is strong evidence that these 4α-methyl sterols are synthesized by the algal (dinoflagellate) symbionts (zooxanthellae) of the gorgonians. It is suggested that analysis of 4Δ-methyl sterol mixtures isolated from a zooxanthellae-bearing invertebrate, collected in several different geographic locations, might give information on the specificity of the symbiotic association between a given animal species and a particular strain of zooxanthellae.
Purification and characterization of catalytically active precursor of rat liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase expressed in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The cDNA coding for the precursor (p-ALDH) or mature (m-ALDH) rat liver mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase was cloned in an expression vector pT7-7 and expressed in Escherichia coli strain BL21 (DE3)/plysS. The p-ALDH expressed in E. coli was a soluble tetrameric protein. It exhibited virtually the same specific activity and Kms for substrates as m-ALDH. N-terminal sequencing of isolated p-ALDH provided the evidence that the catalytic activity was not derived from a partially processed mature-like enzyme. The assembly states of both p-ALDH and m-ALDH synthesized in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate were also determined. Both of them were monomers and could not bind to a 5′-AMP-Sepharose column, showing that the monomeric form of the enzyme is inactive. The stabilities in vivo and in vitro were compared between p-ALDH and m-ALDH expressed in E. coli. p-ALDH was less stable than was m-ALDH both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, although the conformations of p-ALDH and m-ALDH are similar, the presence of signal peptide is a destabilizing factor to the p-ALDH. p-ALDH expressed in E. coli could bind to and be translocated into rat liver mitochondria, however, with lower efficiency when compared to the import of p-ALDH synthesized in reticulocyte lysate.
Repair of obstetric vesicovaginal fistulas in Africa

Objective The purpose of this study was to show the outcomes of primary surgical repair of obstetric vesicovaginal fistula repairs in Niger, Africa. Study design From October 2003 to April 2005, 90 patients were examined with vesicovaginal fistulas and no previous repair. Fistulas were variable in location and degree of scarring and ranged up to 7 cm in size. All patients were offered surgical repair. Primary repair was performed in 73 women. Results Successful primary closure was achieved in 41 patients (56%); 19 patients were lost to follow up, and 13 patients had a persistent fistula. Incontinence, despite fistula closure, was present in 9 patients. Common features of failure and/or incontinence included larger size, involvement of the urethrovesical junction, and scarring. Conclusion The initial repair of vesicovaginal fistulas has the highest probability of success. The successful closure is dependent on size, site, and associated scarring.
Shape Dependent Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics of CdSe Nanocrystals: Nanorods vs Nanodots

Femtosecond pump−probe transient spectroscopy is used to compare the time dependence of the bleach recovery of CdSe nanorods with that of nanodots. In the quantum dots the bleach spectrum evolved rapidly to its characteristic shape, while in the nanorods, the higher energy exciton states are first populated within the laser pulse width (100 fs) and then relax to lower states. This behavior is explained by the larger number of exciton states in the rods due to splitting of the degeneracy of the states in the dots as a result of the decrease in symmetry as predicted from existing theories.
Aspects of Dislocation Behavior in SiC

A review is presented of the current understanding of the dislocation configurations observed in PVT-grown 4H- and 6H-SiC boules and CVD-grown 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers. In both PVT-grown boules and CVD-grown epilayers, dislocation configurations are classified according to whether they are growth dislocations, i.e., formed during growth via the replication of dislocations which thread the moving crystal growth front, or result from deformation processes (under either mechanical or electrical stress) immediately following growth, during post growth cooling, i.e., behind the crystal growth front or during device operation. Possible formation mechanisms of growth defects in the PVT grown boules, such as axial screw dislocations and threading edge dislocation walls are proposed. Similarly, possible origins of growth defect configurations in CVD-grown epilayers, such as Frank faults bounded by Frank partials, BPDs and TEDs, are also discussed. In a similar way, the origins of BPD configurations resulting from relaxation of thermal stresses during post-growth cooling of the PVT boules are discussed. Finally, the susceptibility of BPD configurations replicated into CVD grown epilayers from the substrate towards Recombination Enhanced Dislocation Glide (REDG) is discussed.
Projected impact of climate change on the freshwater and salt budgets of the Arctic Ocean by a global climate model

The annual flux of freshwater into the Arctic Ocean by the atmosphere and rivers is balanced by the export of sea ice and oceanic freshwater. Two 150-year simulations of a global climate model are used to examine how this balance might change if atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs) increase. Relative to the control, the last 50-year period of the GHG experiment indicates that the total inflow of water from the atmosphere and rivers increases by 10% primarily due to an increase in river discharge, the annual sea-ice export decreases by about half, the oceanic liquid water export increases, salinity decreases, sea-ice cover decreases, and the total mass and sea-surface height of the Arctic Ocean increase. The closed, compact, and multi-phased nature of the hydrologic cycle in the Arctic Ocean makes it an ideal test of water budgets that could be included in model intercomparisons.
Prostate cancer: An update

As noted at the beginning, a discussion of prostate cancer yields as many questions as answers. Yet, as this review has suggested, major advances in our understanding of the nature and treatment of prostate cancer have been made in recent years. As more unified and rational approaches to treatment emerge, some of the marked diversity in attitudes toward prostate cancer may lessen, and the controversies about management that characterize our present state of knowledge may abate. Carefully designed studies involving larger numbers of accurately staged and stratified patients are necessary to determine preferred treatment approaches for a disease that has such a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of so many.
Modular expression and secretion vectors for Bacillus subtilis

A modular vector system has been developed for the extracellular production of heterologous proteins in Bacillus subtilis. This modular vector system consists of four secretion vectors which are based upon the genes encoding the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens extracellular alkaline protease, neutral protease, barnase and levansucrase. The modular vectors contain compatible restriction sites downstream from the signal peptide-coding region. Three reporter proteins (staphylococcal protein A, levansucrase and Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase) that offer complementary advantages for cloning, genetic manipulations and media optimization have been fused to the various signal peptides. These secretion vectors function in E. coli and hence can be used to compare the mechanisms of protein secretion in E. coli and B. subtilis.
Climate change policy, market structure, and carbon leakage

Abstract The 1997 Kyoto Protocol on climate change obliges the industrialized countries to initiate the international effort of abating anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. If such an initiative is to be taken, the associated competitive effects may lead to significant relocation of developed countries' energy-intensive production. This paper examines this issue. I adopt an oligopolistic structure combined with increasing returns to scale production technologies to represent the strategic interaction among the firms producing energy-intensive products. This representation is then embedded within a multi-regional computable general equilibrium model, which in turn is used for quantifying these relocational effects. The results suggest that significant relocation of energy-intensive industries away from the OECD may occur, depending on the type of market structure, with leakage rates as high as 130%, in which case GHG control policies in the industrialized countries actually lead to higher global emissions.
Multiple object tracking in sensor networks using distributed clique finding

The tracking of objects is an important practical application of sensor networks. A key challenge in this domain is to track multiple targets accurately and to disambiguate them correctly in case of temporary interference. In our work, we present a novel object tracking mechanism for binary proximity sensors, where sensors are grouped into cliques based on the objects they are tracking. The use of cliques allows for effective disambiguation in case of target interference since overlaps in cliques can be separated as long as each clique has at least one unique sensor. While prior work has made use of clique-based object tracking techniques, our work is the first to perform such object tracking in a fully distributed fashion. Using distributed approach makes our solution simpler, more robust to sensor failure, and less energy-consuming due to lower communication overhead. In addition, our simulations show that tracking accuracy and multiple-target location disambiguation accuracy is higher than in other approaches.
Syphilis screening in adolescents

Routine screening for syphilis among sexually active adolescents is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, but there are few data about clinical application of these recommendations. We examined the yield of a syphilis screening program in one ambulatory adolescent medicine clinic. A rapid plasma reagin (RPR) has been recommended for all sexually active adolescents. Of 630 patients screened for syphilis by RPR, ten patients had reactive syphilis serologies and 4 had active syphilis. Of these, 2 patients had signs or symptoms consistent with primary or secondary syphilis, and 2 patients with active syphilis had clinical evidence of another sexually transmitted disease but no clinical manifestations of syphilis. Of the 10 reactive serologies, 6 represented previously treated cases or a false positive. We conclude that screening should be done for those at high risk for syphilis or those adolescents with sexually transmitted diseases.
Is HIV infection a risk factor for multi-drug resistant tuberculosis? A systematic review.

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of human suffering and death. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB), and extensive drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) have emerged as threats to TB control. The association between MDR-TB and HIV infection has not yet been fully investigated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence on the association between HIV infection and MDR-TB. Methods and Results Original studies providing Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistance data stratified by HIV status were identified using MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science. Crude MDR-TB prevalence ratios were calculated and analyzed by type of TB (primary or acquired), region and study period. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed, and pooled prevalence ratios were generated if appropriate. No clear association was found between MDR-TB and HIV infection across time and geographic locations. MDR-TB prevalence ratios in the 32 eligible studies, comparing MDR-TB prevalence by HIV status, ranged from 0.21 to 41.45. Assessment by geographical region or study period did not reveal noticeable patterns. The summary prevalence ratios for acquired and primary MDR-TB were 1.17 (95% CI 0.86, 1.6) and 2.72 (95% CI 2.03, 3.66), respectively. Studies eligible for review were few considering the size of the epidemics. Most studies were not adjusted for confounders and the heterogeneity across studies precluded the calculation of a meaningful overall summary measure. Conclusions We could not demonstrate an overall association between MDR-TB and HIV or acquired MDR-TB and HIV, but our results suggest that HIV infection is associated with primary MDR-TB. Future well-designed studies and surveillance in all regions of the world are needed to better clarify the relationship between HIV infection and MDR-TB.
A study of near-field entrainment in gas jets and sprays under Diesel conditions

This paper presents a computational study of entrainment characteristics in the near-field of gas jets under atmospheric and Diesel conditions and sprays under Diesel conditions. Computed flowfield information is used to estimate the rate of mass entrainment in the jet and derive the entrainment rate constant, The value of the entrainment rate constant is compared to experimental results in the literature. It is found that the computed values of the constant in the near-field are less than the values in the self-similar region of the jet with the values increasing monotonically from the orifice to the self-similar region. These results are consistent with experimental results. In the case of sprays, it is found that it is difficult to arrive at firm conclusions because the results are sensitive to several parameters that are not well known and to the numerics. The computed results for sprays are also discussed relative to measurements in sprays quoted in the literature.
Heavy-Ion Excitation of Autoionization States in Helium

The autoionization spectrum of He produced by 3.0-MeV ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{2+}$ ions is compared with results from other heavy-ion collisions to indicate the relative importance of collision velocity and projectile nuclear charge on the double excitation mechanism.
Variational approach to inhomogeneous electron liquids: Application to metallic hydrogen

A variational approach is developed to treat inhomogeneous electron liquids at metallic densities using a correlated wave function. The single-particle part of the wave function is obtained by band calculation with the aid of a suitable effective one-particle potential. Many-body correlations are accounted for by a correlation factor of the Jastrow form. The Chakravarty-Woo hierarchy of integral equations is derived and solved for the one-particle distribution (density function) and pair correlation function. The results are used to evaluate the energy. The method is applied to a static lattice model of metallic hydrogen. Calculations are performed for different densities using the variational formalism and density-functional methods. Comparison is also made to calculations performed with different techniques.
Comparing the socioeconomic status--health gradient among adults 50 and older across rural and urban areas of Thailand in 1994 and 2007.

Abstract This paper examines associations between three indicators of socioeconomic status, education, income and bank savings, as well as one composite of these three measures, and self-assessed health for adults aged 50+ across rural and urban Thailand, comparing 1994 and 2007. Between 1994 and 2007 Thailand experienced rapid social changes that could impact on health overall and across groups, including population aging, socioeconomic development and changes in health policy. This led us to test whether overall health has improved as a result and whether the SES health gradient has changed. The data come from comparable survey sources from over seventy-thousand respondents, collected by Thailand's National Statistical Office. Generalized proportional ordered logit models were run that include up to three-way interactions of SES by year by rural versus urban location of residence are run. The three-way interactions allow for testing and of whether changes over time are due to complex intertwined effects. Results indicate that a) there has been improvement in health among the population aged 50 years and older in Thailand; b) there has been a flattening in the SES – health gradient in rural areas, and c) there has been little change in the gradient in urban areas, and if anything, there has been a widening of the relationship between income and health in urban Thailand. Divergence in the way the gradient has changed across rural and urban Thailand may point to the impact of social policy that has been aimed at poorer rural residents.
Active conformation of an insect neuropeptide family.

Abstract To understand the structural and chemical basis for insect neuropeptide activity, we have designed, synthesized, and determined the conformation of a biologically active cyclic analog of the pyrokinins, an insect neuropeptide family that mediates myotropic (visceral muscle contractile) activity. Members of this insect neuropeptide family share the common C-terminal pentapeptide sequence Phe-Xaa-Pro-Arg-Leu-NH2 (Xaa = Ser, Thr, or Val). Circular dichroic, nuclear magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics analyses of the conformationally restricted cyclic pyrokinin analog cyclo(-Asn-Thr-Ser-Phe-Thr-Pro-Arg-Leu-) indicated the presence of a beta-turn in the active core region encompassing residues Thr-Pro-Arg-Leu. The rigid cyclic analog retains biological activity, suggesting that its C-terminal beta-turn is the active pyrokinin conformation recognized by the myotropic receptor. As individual pyrokinins and pyrokinin-like neuropeptides demonstrate both oviduct-contractile and pheromone-biosynthesis activities in various insects, the biologically active beta-turn structure reported here holds broad significance for many biological processes.
Decomposition of time-frequency distribution kernels

Cohen's class of time-frequency distributions has been recognized to have significant potential for the analysis of complicated signals. The spectrogram, though it offers comparatively lower time-frequency resolution than other, more recently investigated members of Cohen's class, is still the most broadly used TFD today. Packages are available which perform SP evaluation and offer signal synthesis from the closely related short-time Fourier transform. These packages allow the SP to be the widely accessible signal processing tool that it is. In this paper, we introduce two decompositions of TFDs, the SP decomposition and the weighted reversal correlator decomposition. The decompositions are useful for TFD interpretation, fast implementations using SP building blocks and related high-resolution, linear signal synthesis method using STFT signal synthesis building blocks. It is hoped that these decompositions will facilitate the development of TFD signal analysis/synthesis packages (using existing SP analysis/synthesis packages), and that these packages will make TFDs other than the SP accessible to a broad audience.
The central circadian timing system

It has been known since the 1970s that the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the brain's main biological clock, and since the 1990s that it uses a genetic clock based on transcriptional-translational loops to tell time. However, the recent demonstration that many other cells in the brain and the body also make use of the same genetic clock raises the question of how the SCN synchronizes all of the other clocks to arrive at a coherent circadian profile of physiology and behavior. In this review, we re-examine the evidence that the SCN clock is necessary for bringing order to the body's biological rhythms, and the circuitry of the circadian timing system by which it accomplishes this goal. Finally, we review the evidence that under conditions of restricted food availability, other clocks may be able to take over from the SCN to determine rhythms of behavior and physiology.
Theory of intrinsic defects in III–V semiconductors

Abstract The electronic states associated with anion antisite defects (an anion on a cation site) and also with the corresponding ideal cation vacancies have been calculated for the III–V semiconductors GaAs, GaP, A l As, InP, and InAs. The calculations are based on tight binding Hamiltonians, and a novel recursion method is used to obtain the local densities of states. The nature of the localized states is discussed, and the results are compared to recent experimental data.
THE REGULATION OF THYROTROPIC FUNCTION BY THYROXIN AFTER PITUITARY STALK SECTION

THIS PAPER reports part of a series of experiments designed to clarify the mechanisms regulating the secretion of thyrotropin. More specifically, it seeks to J L answer the question as to whether fluctuations in an animal's thyroxin level affect the secretion of thyrotropin by direct humoral access or through the mediation of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system. When considering the regulation of thyrotropic function, at least three possible mechanisms must be taken into account. These possibilities are: (a) nervous influences through the cervical sympathetics; (b) impulses passing through the hypothalamo' hypophyseal stalk and (c)direct humoral influences. Evidence has previously been presented indicating that cervical sympathectomy can slightly and temporarily decrease thyrotropic function, although the sympathetics are not necessary for continued normal thyroid function (1). Subsequently the r6le of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal pathways was studied in reference to the regulation of thyrotropic function. ...