cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Universal Grammar and critical periods: A most amusing paradox

Epstein et al. take as given that, (1) a hypothetical Universal Grammar (UG) exists that allows children effortlessly to acquire their first language; they then argue (2) that critical or sensitive periods do not block the UG from second language acquisition. Therefore, why can't we all effortlessly “acquire” Tibetan in six months or so? Data concerning the neural bases of language are also noted.
A Novel Deployable Array Architecture for Micro to Full Sized Satellites

This paper provides an overview of several techniques that can be used on spacecraft of various sizes to increase the longevity of onboard solar power generation capability and – in some cases – via this, overall mission life. Three designs that shield solar panels until they are needed for use and which can, prospectively, provide other benefits are presented. A conventional design is also discussed, for purposes of comparison. Mass and volume analysis is used to demonstrate the cost (in terms of mass and volume) for the proposed solutions and compare this to the benefit provided by the extension in mission lifespan (and the value produced by this). A qualitative analysis is also performed, discussing other prospective benefits of the three proposed designs. A discussion of appropriate times to use the designs is also included.
ANTISYMMETRIZED DISTORTED-WAVE APPROXIMATION FOR NUCLEON--NUCLEUS SCATTERING.

Abstract Inelastic reactions between nucleons and nuclei are discussed using quasi-three-body matrix elements computed in the distorted-wave t-matrix approximation. In this approximation the reaction amplitude is the matrix is the matrix element of the two-nucleon t-matrix in a distorted-wave representation. Antisymmetry between the nucleons in the entrance and exit channels is taken into account, and a local, spin-dependent model is used for the t-matrix. Single-particle matrix elements are computed as examples. It is shown that space-exchange matrix elements and direct matrix elements are comparable in magnitude and are approximately in phase. Properties of each are discussed in detail. Comparison of the theory with an 89Y(p, p′) experiment shows that cross sections of roughly correct magnitude are obtained with no free parameters.
On the performance of kinematic hardening rules in predicting a class of biaxial ratcheting histories

It is well known that strain-symmetric axial cycling of thin-walled metal tubes in the presence of pressure results in a progressive accumulation (ratcheting) of circumferential strain. It was previously demonstrated that the prediction of the rate of ratcheting under constant internal pressure, by nonlinear kinematic hardening models, is very sensitive to the hardening rule adopted. It was shown that the Armstrong-Frederick hardening suitably calibrated and used in a class of models can yield reasonably good predictions of the rate of ratcheting for a range of cycle parameters. In this paper, the subject is revisited in the light of further experimental results involving simultaneous cycling of the internal pressure and the axial strain. Experiments and analyses were performed for a family of five such biaxial loading histories. A similar sensitivity to the kinematic hardening rule used in the models was observed in all the new loading histories. Furthermore the hardening rule calibrated in the constant pressure experiments was found to yield accurate predictions for three of the loading histories considered and poor predictions for the other two. The reasons for this varied performance are analyzed and some recommendations for implementation of such models in structural applications are made.
On the discrepancy in long wave scaling

Scaling in long wave theory is quite complex. In the present paper, the problems associated with scaling in long waves are described and characteristic length scales for the dynamical variables are developed. The vertical length scale over which the horizontal velocity varies is shown to be different from the vertical length scale over which the vertical velocity varies and are consistent with the properties of long wave theory.
Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence in Polyelectrolyte Multilayers: Efficiency and Mechanism

The presence of an ultrathin film of polyelectrolyte complex, formed by the multilayering method, on an electrode was shown to enhance the intensity of electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) from the tris(2,2')bipyridylruthenium(II)/tripropylamine system. Platinum electrodes coated with up to 17 layers of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) or poly(vinylmethylpyridine), alternately layered with poly(styrenesulfonate), revealed significant differences in enhancement of ECL, depending on the identity of the multilayer. ECL following deposition of each layer showed an oscillating intensity of light emission, which alludes to the importance of surface and bulk charge. This effect, along with others, such as increased output with increasing tripropylamine concentration, was used to suggest a mechanism for enhanced ECL intensity at multilayer-coated electrodes.
Intact EAV-HP Endogenous Retrovirus in Sonnerat's Jungle Fowl

The EAV-HP group of chicken endogenous retrovirus elements was previously shown to be defective, with large deletions of the pol gene. In this report, we demonstrate that genomes of other Gallus species also maintain EAV-HP elements with similar deletions. The chicken EAV-HP1 locus was detected in both red (Gallus gallus gallus) and Sonnerat's (Gallus sonneratii) jungle fowl with identical integration sites, indicating that these elements had integrated before separation of the Gallus species. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that the G. sonneratii genome carries EAV-HP elements with intact pol regions.
Mechanically evoked perioral reflexes in premature and term human infants

Neurophysiological assessment of the preterm human neonatal oromotor system has been limited due to their fragile medical state, and methodological limitations. A new, noninvasive technology known as the actifier was developed and used to evoke perioral motor unit activity during non-nutritive suck in preterm infants. A significant ontologic trend for the early component of the perioral reflex (R1) was discovered in the context of spontaneous, centrally-patterned oromotor behavior.
Extending helicity—capturing the helical character of longer ortho-phenylene ethynylene oligomers

New ortho-phenylene ethynylene oligomers are shown to fold into helices of up to two full turns. Evidence of folding is shown by both 1D NMR, where π–π stacking is explored through both solvent and temperature titrations, as well as by 2D ROESY NMR which confirmed folding but also showed the dynamic nature of these helices through the flipping of the terminal TMS group into and out of a hydrophobic pocket created when the helix forms.
A Nationwide Survey of Patient Centered Medical Home Demonstration Projects

Background The patient centered medical home has received considerable attention as a potential way to improve primary care quality and limit cost growth. Little information exists that systematically compares PCMH pilot projects across the country.
Numerical Analysis of Tool Performance in Up Milling of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Ti-6Al-4V is widely used in industry because of its high strength-to-weight ratio at elevated temperatures, its excellent resistance to fracture and corrosion, and biological properties. However, Ti-6Al-4V is classified as hard-to-cut material because of its high chemical reactivity with most tool materials and its low thermal conductivity that causes high temperature on the tool face. Consequently, prediction of the tool temperature distribution has great significance in predicting tool wear pattern. In this research, Finite Element Method (FEM) is employed to conduct numerical investigation of the effects of cutting conditions (cutting speed, feed/tooth, and axial depth of cut) in corner up milling on temperature of the tool rake face. The tool material used is general carbide and the behavior of the workpiece Ti-6Al-4V is described by using Johnson-Cook plastic model. Because of the computational expense, a separate heat transfer model is built to analyze the heat transfer process after the tooth disengages the workpiece and before it engages the workpiece again to predict change of temperature distribution during this cooling process. This research provides helpful guidance for selecting tool cooling strategies in up milling Ti-6Al-4V alloy.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Hybrid Thin Film Lithium Ion-Graphite Composite Battery Laminates: An Experimental Quasi-static Characterization

The concept of a multifunctional laminated composite airframe material for load bearing and electrical energy storage is proposed. The laminated structure is comprised of integrated solid state thin film lithium-ion batteries and carbon fiber/epoxy laminae. Mechanical and electromechanical tests were conducted in order to characterize the stress-strain field and determine the operational envelope of the hybrid laminate featuring the current thin film battery technology. The limits of applicability of classical analysis methods in mechanics of composite materials were assessed and several critical failure modes were determined to support the design of the next generation of airborne structural thin film batteries.
Phase-transfer catalysis applied to the oxidation of nonaqueous phase trichloroethylene by potassium permanganate

The use of potassium permanganate to oxidize chlorinated solvents has been demonstrated as an effective process for treating nonaqueous phase liquids in ground-water systems. This study evaluates the effectiveness of phase-transfer catalysts (PTCs) in enhancing the degradation rate. PTCs work by transferring permanganate ion into the nonaqueous phase where it initiates oxidative decomposition. We studied the oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) by potassium permanganate, conducting kinetic batch experiments in conjunction with three PTCs that varied in terms of their extraction constants and molecular structures. Using the same batch technique, we examined whether PTCs could enhance the aqueous solubility of TCE. Solubilization could also increase oxidation rates in the aqueous phase. Rates of TCE oxidation in solutions containing the PTCs and a blank were estimated separately by measuring chloride concentration and UV-Vis absorbance in the aqueous phase. The enhanced rate of TCE destruction by the PTCs was reflected by an increase in the rate of consumption of permanganate ion and production of chloride ion. There was no tendency for the PTCs, however, to solubilize TCE in the aqueous phase. Therefore, the PTCs increased the rate of TCE decomposition by catalyzing permanganate oxidation in the organic phase. This study suggests that there ismore » significant potential for testing this scheme under field conditions.« less
Determination of mechanical properties of Al–Mg alloys dissimilar friction stir welded interface by indentation methods

A series of friction stir welds was produced between heat treated Al–Mg–Si and strain hardened Mg–Al–Zn alloy sheets. Weld evaluation by transverse tensile testing showed a wide range of strengths and all the failures occurred along the weld interface. The formation of intermetallic compounds in the weld joints was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy imaging, and elemental analysis techniques. Micro and nanoindentation characterization methods were used to evaluate the mechanical properties at the interface, including the fracture toughness. The fracture toughness measurements by a Vickers indenter introduced Palmqvist type cracks at all four corners of the indents and cube corner indenter resulted in the intermetallic chipping. The fracture toughness (K IC) calculation by both the micro and nanoindentation methods showed very low values, which is the primary reason for the brittle failure of the dissimilar weld joints and concomitant low tensile strengths.
EUVL: transition from research to commercialization

The Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) technology is transitioning from the basic research and technology demonstration phase into commercialization. All key EUVL system modules have been demonstrated with an Engineering Test Stand (ETS) and the system has been used to provide the basic learning for developing commercial EUVL tools. Full field scanned printing has been demonstrated. Full field masks have been produced and methods have been demonstrated for defect repair for both mask blanks and for patterned masks. Major European, Japanese, and US consortia in partnership with over 100 industrial companies are supporting the establishment of the EUVL infrastructure. The remaining challenges have been identified and laboratory and industrial support are continuing to reduce the risks for developing beta and production tools. Production tools are expected to be introduced in the 2007 time frame to support aggressively implementation of 45 nm node geometries with volume production support for the 32 nm node in 2009.
Occipital pial synangiosis

Indirect revascularization techniques for posterior circulation moyamoya are infrequently described in the literature given the relative rarity of the disease process, particularly in the best candidates for indirect approaches-children. We present a detailed, illustrated video demonstration of the occipital pial synangiosis procedure performed in a 5-year-old child. The specific advantages of the pial synangiosis technique—suturing the donor vessel to the pia and a wide arachnoidal opening—can be successfully applied to posterior circulation indirect revascularization. • Perioperative hydration and aspirin limit the risk of perioperative stroke. • Pain control and maintained normocapnea limit the risk of perioperative ischemic events. • The posterior auricular artery may be an alternative donor vessel. • The donor vessel is dissected from distal to proximal; forceps protect it during skin incision. • The donor vessel is dissected along a generous length to minimize tension. • Coagulation of the dura is limited as meningeal vessels may serve as synergistic collaterals. • A wide arachnoidal opening facilitates the ingrowth of collateral vessels. • Suturing the donor vessel to the pia ensures it remains well apposed to the brain surface. • The dura is left open to encourage ingrowth of collateral vessels and limit tension on the donor vessel. • EEG monitoring is a crucial adjunct.
Fish bones, cut marks, and burial: implications for taphonomy and faunal analysis

Willis et al. (2008) demonstrated that butchering fish can result in upwards of 500 cut marks per fish skeleton. However, despite various ethnographic studies that describe fish butchering techniques for consumption and drying, cut marks are rarely observed or described for fish bone from archaeological sites. To test the discrepancy between the experimental results and archaeological observations, we buried 13 butchered fish skeletons for 27 months to observe whether the cut marks are still visible after exposure to post-depositional taphonomic processes. After burial, we observed a general decrease – up to 76%, depending on the species of fish – in the number of cut marks visible on fish bone, accompanied by a shift from cut marks on identifiable elements to cut marks on unidentifiable bones and bone fragments. These results impact the methods for analyzing archaeological fish bone, and contribute to our understanding and interpretation of taphonomy, aquatic faunal assemblages, and prehistoric butchering practices.
Iron-containing proteins in Chromatium I. Solubilization of membrane-bound cytochrome

Abstract Variations in the nature of the iron-containing proteins in Chromatium sp. strain D, grown under varying conditions of substrate and as a function of growth phase, are investigated. The results obtained show no significant changes induced by manipulation of these parameters. At least 80% of the heme protein present is membrane-bound and can be released only by detergent treatment. All but a small fraction is of c type, a minor protoheme component (cytochrome b′) being present. The membrane-bound cytochrome cannot be identified with those which are freely soluble.
Discovery of novel selective hypotensive vasopressin peptides that exhibit little or no functional interactions with known oxytocin/vasopressin receptors

1 Arginine-vasopressin (VP) has both vasoconstricting and vasodilating action. We report here the discovery of four novel selective hypotensive VP analogues: d(CH2)5[D-Tyr(Et)2,Arg3,Val4]AVP; d(CH2)5[D-Tyr(Et)2,Lys3,Val4]AVP and their iodinatable Tyr-NH29 analogues. 2 Bioassays in rats for activities characteristic of neurohypophysial peptides showed that the four VP peptides possessed little or no V1a, V2 or oxytocin (OT) receptor agonistic or antagonistic activities. 3 In anaesthetized rats, these peptides (0.05–0.10 mg kg−1 i.v.) elicited a marked fall in arterial blood pressure. 4 Blockade of cholinoceptors, adrenoceptors and bradykinin B2 receptors, and inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis had little effect on their vasodepressor action. 5 Classical V1a, V2 and OT receptor antagonists did not block the vasodepressor response. 6 L-NAME, 0.2 mg kg−1 min−1, markedly suppressed the hypotensive response to ACh but not the vasodepressor response to the hypotensive VP peptides. However, the duration of the vasodepressor response was shortened. Very high doses of L-NAME attenuated both the vasodepressor response and the duration of action. 7 These findings indicate that the vasodepressor action of these VP peptides is independent of the peripheral autonomic, bradykinin and PG systems and is not mediated by the known classical OT/VP receptors. NO does not appear to have an important role in their vasodepressor action. 8 The discovery of these novel VP peptides could lead to the development of new tools for the investigation of the complex cardiovascular actions of VP and the introduction of a new class of hypotensive agents. The two iodinatable hypotensive VP peptides could be radiolabelled as potential markers for the localization of the receptor system involved. British Journal of Pharmacology (1998) 125, 803–811; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702114
Environmental monitoring for sustainable use of the planet.

This article discusses ecosystem services the importance of rapid information systems to inform human society of needed changes and the need for a monitoring system for warning of hazardous changes in ecosystems. Society must adopt and appreciate the conception of human systems coevolving with natural systems in mutually dependent ways. Natural systems adjust automatically to human society but not necessarily in ways humans intend. Mans relationship to nature is a partnership based on exchanges of benefits and deficits. Human society depends upon the capture of solar energy and conversion into biomass which is used for food building materials and fuel. Other ecosystem services include the decomposition of wastes nitrogen fixation and other processes of plant growth storage and distribution of water generation and maintenance of soils control of pests by species a genetic library for development of new products from Mendelian genetics and bioengineering maintenance of breathable air control of micro- and macro-climate regenerative capacity after natural disasters pollination of plants and aesthetics in nature. Disruptions in ecosystem services are not very obvious when changes are small in scale or improved by technology. The cost of replacing ecosystem services by technology may be an estimated $9 million/person yearly. Human society has five options: 1) continue environmental degradation and population growth; 2) develop a no-net-loss of ecosystem services policy; 3) exceed the standard no-net-loss of ecosystem services and continue population and affluence increases; 4) stabilize human population with a no-net-loss of ecosystem policy; or 5) stabilize human population and its demand on resources and exceed a no-net-loss of ecosystem services. All options will require monitoring. The author suggests three changes in monitoring practices.
The costs, clinical benefits, and cost-effectiveness of screening for cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.

Women with HIV infection have a higher risk for cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions than do women without HIV infection. In HIV-infected women, cervical cancer screening with annual Papanicol...
Does slacktivism hurt activism?: the effects of moral balancing and consistency in online activism

In this paper we explore how the decision of partaking in low-cost, low-risk online activism - slacktivism - \'14may affect subsequent civic action. Based on moral balancing and consistency effects, we designed an online experiment to test if signing or not signing an online petition increased or decreased subsequent contribution to a charity. We found that participants who signed the online petition were significantly more likely to donate money to a related charity, demonstrating a consistency effect. We also found that participants who did not sign the petition donated significantly more money to an unrelated charity, demonstrating a moral balancing effect. The results suggest that exposure to an online activism influences individual decision on subsequent civic actions.
Comparison of total protein and phospholipase A2 levels in individual coralsnake venoms

Studies of differences or changes in venom protein levels or enzymatic activities have significance only if contrasted to the normal variations between individual snakes. This study involves the analysis and comparison of venom from 13 individual Texas coralsnakes (Micrurus tener tener) in order to detect differences in the volume, total protein concentration, electrophoretic profile, and PLA2 enzyme activity. A significant inverse correlation between venom volume and total protein concentration was found. Although the 13 venoms were indistinguishable from their electrophoretic protein profiles, phospholipase A2 enzymatic activities varied considerably.
Bioconversion of estradiol esters in hairless mouse skin in vitro

Abstract The bioconversion of estradiol esters, estradiol-3,17-diacetate and estradiol-17-acetate to estradiol in hairless mouse skin was demonstrated using an in vitro skin permeation apparatus. The experimental results were well described by a first-order enzymatic reaction in which the enzyme activity decays following the first-order decay law.
Enzyme/crystallins: Gene sharing as an evolutionary strategy

Les proteines appelees cristallines, ubiquitaires ou au contraire, specifiques a une espece jouent un role dans la focalisation de la lumiere sur la retine, chez les Vertebres. Elles sont tres conservees au cours de l'evolution. Leur gene, leur expression en fonction des tissus, leur sequence et leur structure sont etudies et montrent pour la plupart une grande analogie avec certaines enzymes
Partial charges by multipole constraint. Application to the amino acids

Atom-centered partial charges which exactly reproduce the lowest several multipoles of a molecule's charge distribution can be obtained in a straightforward and convenient manner from the output of existing electronic structure calculations. The multipole constraint method is demonstrated by a computation of partial charges for the twenty common amino acids. The electron density employed here, derived from a semiempirical MNDO calculation, incorporates Slater-type orbitals which imbue it with the exponential fall-off vital to electronic tunneling calculations. In addition, a procedure based on these charges is described which divides the original electron density into two components, a large component with a simple electrostatic potential, and a much smaller residual whose several lowest multipoles vanish.
The Etiology and Reversibility of Muscle Dysfunction in the Aged

Muscle weakness in the elderly is prevalent and morbid, closely linked to the frailty, functional decline, immobility, falls, and injuries in this population. The marked decrease in skeletal muscle strength and size with aging is a multifactorial syndrome which may be attributable in part to: (a) biological changes of aging itself; (b) the accumulation of acute and chronic diseases; (c) the assumption of a sedentary life style, and (d) selective or generalized nutritional inadequacies. Inactivity and undernutrition are potentially at least partially reversible with appropriate interventions, and therefore the delineation of the attributable risk of these two factors to the muscle weakness of aging is a critical research goal. Similarly, identification of appropriate modalities of physical activity and nutrition which have positive effects on muscle physiology in the aged is the focus of major investigations currently.
Decentralized Discrete-Time Neural Network Controller for a Class of Nonlinear Systems with Unknown Interconnections

A novel decentralized neural network (NN) controller in discrete-time is designed for a class of uncertain nonlinear discrete-time systems with unknown interconnections. Neural networks are used to approximate both the uncertain dynamics of the nonlinear systems and the unknown interconnections. Only local signals are needed for the decentralized controller design and the stability of the overall system can be guaranteed using the Lyapunov analysis. Further, controller redesign for the original subsystems is not required when additional subsystems are appended. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The NN does not require an offline learning phase and the weights can be initialized at zero or randomly. Simulation results verify the theoretical conclusions
Remodeling of Endothelial Adherens Junctions by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) connects neighboring endothelial cells (ECs) via interendothelial junctions and regulates EC proliferation and adhesion during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. The cytoplasmic domain of VE-cadherin recruits alpha- and beta-catenins and gamma-catenin, which interact with the actin cytoskeleton, thus modulating cell morphology. Dysregulation of the adherens junction/cytoskeletal axis is a hallmark of invasive tumors. We now demonstrate that the transmembrane ubiquitin ligase K5/MIR-2 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus targets VE-cadherin for ubiquitin-mediated destruction, thus disturbing EC adhesion. In contrast, N-cadherin levels in K5-expressing cells were increased compared to those in control cells. Steady-state levels of alpha- and beta-catenins and gamma-catenin in K5-expressing ECs were drastically reduced due to proteasomal destruction. Moreover, the actin cytoskeleton was rearranged, resulting in the dysregulation of EC barrier function as measured by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing. Our data represent the first example of a viral protein targeting adherens junction proteins and suggest that K5 contributes to EC proliferation, vascular leakage, and the reprogramming of the EC proteome during Kaposi's sarcoma tumorigenesis.
Set-on-demand concrete

Abstract The ability to control the fresh-state properties of concrete in real-time provides the user greater control over processing and placing of concrete. Based on the principles of magnetorheology, a smart cement-based material system has been developed wherein magnetic particles are added and an external magnetic field is applied to control the fresh-state properties of concrete. Rheological tests were conducted on paste mixtures containing magnetic particles and when a magnetic field was applied, it was determined that the shear resistance of the paste could be altered significantly. The response of the paste was found to be dependent on the magnetic field strength and the concentration of the magnetic particles. Furthermore the magnetic particles used did not have any effect on cement hydration products or on compressive strength results. Such a material can be useful in applications in which controlling the fresh-state behavior of concrete is critical.
Outcome of Patients With Small-Vessel Vasculitis Admitted to a Medical ICU

Purpose This study aims to describe the clinical course and prognostic factors of patients with small-vessel vasculitis admitted to a medical ICU. Methods We reviewed the clinical records of 38 patients with small-vessel vasculitis admitted consecutively to the ICU between January 1997 and May 2004. The APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) III prognostic system was used to determine the severity of illness on the first ICU day; the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was used to measure organ dysfunction, and the Birmingham vasculitis activity score for Wegener granulomatosis (BVAS/WG) was used to assess vasculitis activity. Outcome measures were the 28-day mortality and ICU length of stay. Results Nineteen patients (50%) had Wegener granulomatosis, 16 patients (42%) had microscopic polyangiitis, 2 patients had CNS vasculitis, and 1 patient had Churg-Strauss syndrome. Reasons for ICU admission included alveolar hemorrhage in 14 patients (37%), sepsis in 5 patients (13%), seizures in 3 patients (8%), and pneumonia in 2 patients (5%). The median ICU length of stay was 4.0 days (interquartile range, 2.0 to 6.0 days). The APACHE III score was lower in survivors than nonsurvivors (p = 0.010). The predicted hospital mortality was 54% for nonsurvivors and 21% for survivors (p = 0.0038). The mean SOFA score was 11.6 (SD, 2.6) in nonsurvivors, compared to 6.9 (SD, 2.4) in survivors (p = 0.0004). Mean BVAS/WG scores were 8.6 (SD, 3.6) in nonsurvivors and 4.7 (SD, 4.6) in survivors (p = 0.0889). Twenty-six percent of the patients received invasive mechanical ventilation, and 33% underwent dialysis. The 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were 11% and 29%, respectively. Conclusions The mortality of patients with small-vessel vasculitis admitted to the ICU is lower than predicted, and alveolar hemorrhage is the most common reason for ICU admission.
Heterogeneity of 5 α-Reductase Gene Expression in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

ABSTRACTPurpose: The search for molecular markers of benign prostatic hyperplasia in general is based on an analysis of a limited number of biopsy samples. Little is known about the homogeneity of the expression of key genes in different zones of the prostate. We studied the intraprostatic (that is within the same gland) and inter-prostatic (that is between glands) variability of 5 α-reductase 2 (5aR2) gene expression.Materials and Methods: Ten tissue samples removed by open prostatectomy were the source of tissue specimens. Two frozen sections were generated from each of several random biopsies taken from each adenoma immediately after enucleation, 1 of which was used for 5aR2 gene expression analysis and 1 for morphometric analysis. Results among biopsies were compared using the 5 α-reductase index (ratio of 5 α-reductase expression to an internal standard measured as electrophoretic band intensity). Morphometric composition was determined for smooth muscle, collagen, epithelium and glandular lumens. St...
Cryogenically cooled solid-state lasers: Recent developments and future prospects

The properties of solid-state laser materials at cryogenic temperature are attractive for high-power operation and efficiency. In recent experiments, the power scalability and high efficiency have been demonstrated in simple laser architectures.
Shared Decision Making

Thisis not coincidence. The frequency of SDM-related research,policy, and affirmation increases annually, and some say it isreaching a tipping point.Shared decision making in the modern era began as in-formeddecisionmaking,areversereificationofinformedcon-sent promulgated in President Reagan’s Commission for theStudyofEthicalProblemsinMedicineandBiomedicalandBe-havioralResearch.Runbyleadinglawyers,theybasedtheirrec-ommendationsforinformeddecisionmakingonautonomyandbeneficenceandmainlinedthemintomedicine.Compellingearlyclinicalevidencetosupportinformedde-cision making came from Greenfield et al,
Initial route of antigen administration alters the T-cell cytokine profile produced in response to the mouse pneumonitis biovar of Chlamydia trachomatis following genital infection

A Th1-type response develops following vaginal infection with the mouse pneumonitis biovar of Chlamydia trachomatis (MoPn). Since the type of response, i.e., Th1 versus Th2, can be influenced by factors present during T-cell activation, we examined the effects of different routes of MoPn administration on the cytokine profile and resistance against infection following a MoPn vaginal challenge. A dominant Th1-type cytokine profile developed in mice given live MoPn via the intranasal, oral, and vaginal routes with ratios of gamma interferon-secreting cells to interleukin 4-secreting cells greater than 10. In contrast, mice injected subcutaneously produced a Th2-type profile with a gamma interferon/interleukin 4 ratio of only 0.7. These mice also had significantly higher anti-MoPn immunoglobulin G1 serum titers, confirming a Th2-type cytokine profile. Exposure of mice to live MoPn, by any route prior to vaginal challenge, resulted in a shortened course of infection. However, the subcutaneous group resolved the vaginal infection more slowly, with 60% (6 of 10 mice) of the mice still isolation positive 12 days after challenge compared with only 20% of mice given live MoPn by other routes. Administration of UV-inactivated MoPn did not provide protection against a vaginal challenge. The decreased ability to clear infection was not associated with a shift in the cytokine profile, since intranasal and oral administration of UV-inactivated MoPn resulted in a predominant Th1-type response. Taken together, these data indicate that the initial route of MoPn administration can direct the type of response produced after a local MoPn infection and thus influence the ability of the immune response to protect against subsequent infection.
Prospectively Surveying Health-Related Quality of Life and Symptom Relief in a Lot-Based Sample of Medical Cannabis-Using Patients in Urban Washington State Reveals Managed Chronic Illness and Debility

Objectives: To characterize health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in medical cannabis patients.Methods: Short Form 36 (SF-36) Physical Health Component Score and Mental Health Component Score (MCS...
EFFECTS OF QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS AND CLIMATE/WEATHER INFORMATION ON THE MANAGEMENT AND PROFITABILITY OF COTTON PRODUCTION IN THE TEXAS HIGH PLAINS

Production fu~iction rilodels for cotton lint yields, seed yields, turno~~t, and lint quality characteristics are developed for the Texas High Plains. They arc ~~sed to evaluate the impacts of quality considerations and of clirnateJweather information on the rnanagernent decisions and on the profitability and risk oE irrigated cotton procluction systems. It is concluded that both q11ality conside~.ntions and improved climaticlweather information could have substantial effects on expected profitability and risk. These effects mainly occur because of changes in optirnal var-iety selection and irrigation water use levels. Q~r;~lity consideration5 in particular result in significantly lower irrigation water use levels regardless of the cliniatcJweiither inlbrrnution assumption. which has inlportant scarce-reso~lrce use implications for the Texas High Plains. Kc,?. Wor.tl.~: cliniaticlweather information, cotton cluality. ground water resource use. risk and ~lncertainty. Texas High Plains
Contribution of impaired Nrf2-Keap1 pathway to oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic renal failure

Oxidative stress and inflammation are constant features and major mediators of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) confers protection against tissue injury by orchestrating antioxidant and detoxification responses to oxidative and electrophilic stress. While sources of oxidative stress and inflammation in the remnant kidney have been extensively characterized, the effect of CKD on Nrf2 activation and expression of its downstream gene products is unknown and was investigated. Subgroups of male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy or sham operation and observed for 6 or 12 wk. Kidneys were then harvested, and Nrf2 activity and its downstream target gene products (antioxidant and phase II enzymes) were assessed. In addition, key factors involved in promoting inflammation and oxidative stress were studied. In confirmation of earlier studies, rats with chronic renal failure exhibited increased lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, NF-κB activation, mononuclear cell infiltration, and upregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, NAD(P)H oxidase, cyclooxygenase-2, and 12-lipoxygenase in the remnant kidney pointing to oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite severe oxidative stress and inflammation, remnant kidney tissue Nrf2 activity (nuclear translocation) was mildly reduced at 6 wk and markedly reduced at 12 wk, whereas the Nrf2 repressor Keap1 was upregulated and the products of Nrf2 target genes [catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase, and glutamate-cysteine ligase] were reduced or unchanged at 6 wk and significantly diminished at 12 wk. Thus oxidative stress and inflammation in the remnant kidney are compounded by conspicuous impairment of Nrf2 activation and consequent downregulation of the antioxidant enzymes.
Differential effects of replacing Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L27 with its homologue from Aquifex aeolicus.

The rpmA gene, which encodes 50S ribosomal subunit protein L27, was cloned from the extreme thermophile Aquifex aeolicus, and the protein was overexpressed and purified. Comparison of the A. aeolicus protein with its homologue from Escherichia coli by circular dichroism analysis and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that it readily adopts some structure in solution that is very stable, whereas the E. coli protein is unstructured under the same conditions. A mutant of E. coli that lacks L27 was found earlier to be impaired in the assembly and function of the 50S subunit; both defects could be corrected by expression of E. coli L27 from an extrachromosomal copy of the rpmA gene. When A. aeolicus L27 was expressed in the same mutant, an increase in the growth rate occurred and the “foreign” L27 protein was incorporated into E. coli ribosomes. However, the presence of A. aeolicus L27 did not promote 50S subunit assembly. Thus, while the A. aeolicus protein can apparently replace its E. coli homologue functionally in completed ribosomes, it does not assist in the assembly of E. coli ribosomes that otherwise lack L27. Possible explanations for this paradoxical behavior are discussed.
Listening for the norm: adaptive coding in speech categorization.

Perceptual aftereffects have been referred to as “the psychologist’s microelectrode” because they can expose dimensions of representation through the residual effect of a context stimulus upon perception of a subsequent target. The present study uses such context dependence to examine the dimensions of representation involved in a classic demonstration of “talker normalization” in speech perception. Whereas most accounts of talker normalization have emphasized talker-, speech- or articulatory-specific dimensions’ significance, the present work tests an alternative hypothesis: that the long-term average spectrum of speech context is responsible for patterns of context-dependent perception considered to be evidence for talker normalization. In support of this hypothesis, listeners’ vowel categorization was equivalently influenced by speech contexts manipulated to sound as though they were spoken by different talkers and nonspeech analogs matched in LTAS to the speech contexts. Since the nonspeech contexts did not possess talker, speech or articulatory information, general perceptual mechanisms are implicated. Results are described in terms of adaptive perceptual coding.
Psychiatry, cinema, and urban youth in early-twentieth-century Germany.

At least since the middle of the nineteenth century, modern Western societies have been repeatedly convulsed by moral panics concerning the reading and filmgoing habits of working-class adolescents...
Effects of Adjacent Agricultural Activities and Watershed Characteristics on Stream Macroinvertebrate Communities

: Benthic macroinvertebrate communities in streams adjacent to cornfields, streams where cows had unrestricted access, and reference locations without agriculture were compared to examine the effects of local land use and land use/land cover in the watershed. At each local site, macroinvertebrates and a variety of habitat parameters were measured upstream, adjacent, downstream, and farther downstream of the local land use. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to calculate drainage basin area, land use/land cover percentages in each basin, and the distance from sample sites to the stream source. Three-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests with date, site type, and sampling location as main effects were used to explore differences in macroinvertebrate metrics using median substrate size, percent hay/pasture area, and stream depth as covariates. The covariates significantly improved model fit and showed that multiple contributing factors influence community composition. Local impacts were greatest at sites where cows had access, probably because of sedimentation and embeddedness in the substrate. Differences between the upstream and the adjacent and downstream locations were not as great as expected, perhaps because upstream recolonization was reduced by agricultural impacts or because of differences in the intensity or proximity of agriculture to riparian areas in the watershed. The results underscore the importance of both local and watershed factors in controlling stream community composition.
Spin-Polarized Electron Transport in GaAs: Role of Holes

Spin-polarized electron transport in GaAs is studied with emphasis on the role of holes. Sub-picosecond ac spin current pulses are produced and ambipolar spin diffusion are studied, both dominated by space charge field of holes.
3D On-Demand Bioprinting for the Creation of Engineered Tissues

Three-dimensional freeform fabrication, a technique which capitalizes on the ability to print various biological materials and cells along with various tissue scaffold materials, is gaining popularity in tissue engineering due to its potential role in the creation of biomimetic tissues and organs. The flexibility to design and create various 3D cell-scaffold composites gives direct bioprinting a significant advantage over conventional lithography-based approaches in tissue engineering. In this chapter, we present our computer-assisted 3D biological printer, which allows dispensing of various types of hydrogel-based scaffold materials and cells, as well as the techniques to construct multi-layered cell-hydrogel composites. The strategies to generate hydrogel channels and to embed hydrogel matrix to time-release water-soluble factors are introduced together with several production examples using adult mammalian cells and stem cells for the on-demand composition of artificial tissues.
Sickle Cell Disease Pain Management in Adolescents: A Literature Review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain continues to emerge in adolescents. More than 98,000 individuals are believed to have SCD in the United States. In fact, 1 in 500 Black infants will be affected by SCD. Identifying standards of care for this unique population can improve pain management and treatment. A significant effect of vaso-occlusive crisis is a decrease in the quality of life in children. Therefore, pain management is multidimensional and includes pharmacologic, physical, and psychological strategies. A review of the literature was conducted to identify best practices regarding pain management in adolescents with sickle cell anemia. Key words such as pain, pain management, adolescent sickle cell anemia, and acute sickle cell pain were entered into databases to reveal qualitative and quantitative studies from 2009 to the present. Many of the research articles identified poor SCD pain management. Studies showed that acute SCD pain management is essential and should be evaluated and robustly managed to achieve optimum pain relief for patients. Acute SCD pain usually occurs as a result of vaso-occlusive crisis. Untreated acute SCD pain can result in morbidity and mortality in adolescents. Nursing knowledge is critical to reducing the stigma and improving management of SCD pain. Nurses play a vital role in the introduction of evidence-based practice within the clinical setting. In an effort to educate nurses and other health care professionals about SCD, this article is a literature review of studies concerning SCD and pain management in emergency rooms.
A non-lethal method to estimate CYP1A expression in laboratory and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).

Abstract Expression of cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) has been used as a biomarker for possible exposure to contaminants such as PCBs and dioxins in teleost fish. Using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (Q-RT-PCR) and a non-lethal gill biopsy, we estimated levels of CYP1A mRNA expression in Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Groups of ten Atlantic salmon juveniles (48–76 g) received an intraperitoneal injection of 50 μg g − 1 β-naphthoflavone (BNF) or vehicle. Their gill tissues were repeatedly sampled by non-lethal biopsies on day 0, 1, 2 and 7. Control fish expressed basal levels of CYP1A over the duration of sampling. BNF-treated salmon demonstrated similar levels of CYP1A to control fish at day 0 and higher levels over the course of each additional sampling point. Gill biopsies from wild salmon sampled from Millers River (South Royalston, Worcester County, MA, USA), known to contain PCBs, showed significantly higher CYP1A levels over an uncontaminated reference stream, Fourmile Brook (Northfield, Franklin County, MA, USA). We conclude that gill biopsies coupled with Q-RT-PCR analysis is a valuable tool in environmental assessment of wild Atlantic salmon populations and has the potential to be applied to other populations of fish as well.