cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary and Sexual Outcomes Following Bulbar Urethroplasty-An Analysis of 2 Common Approaches.

OBJECTIVE To report success and patient reported urinary and sexual outcomes of patients who underwent anastomotic urethroplasty and dorsal buccal onlay urethroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who underwent primary transecting anastomotic or dorsal buccal onlay urethroplasty for bulbar strictures at our institution between 1998 and 2015 were analyzed. Patients who had a prior urethroplasty, involvement of a different portion of the urethra, or a diagnosis of lichen sclerosis (LS) or hypospadias were excluded. Outcomes were assessed by cystoscopy at 4 months, validated questionnaires assessing urinary, erectile, and ejaculatory function at the time of their most recent assessment. RESULTS A total of 40 and 139 patients were included in the dorsal buccal and anastomotic groups, respectively. Wide patency at 4-month cystoscopy was 97.5% and 100% (P= .06) and the long-term success was 95% and 99.3% (P= .06) with a mean follow-up of 51.4 and 63.3 months. Patient reported outcomes were similar with 2 exceptions: postvoid dribbling was reported more often in the onlay group (28.1% vs 8.3%, P< .0001), and tethering with erections in the anastomotic group (23.4% vs 3.1%, P= .008). Ninety-eight percent of patients in the anastomotic group and 91% in the dorsal buccal onlay group would choose their surgery again (P= .07). CONCLUSION Both anastomotic urethroplasty and dorsal onlay graft are associated with high success with comparable satisfaction. Patient reported outcome measures were similar regardless of approach, despite inherent differences in stricture length. Our data indicates that anastomotic urethroplasty should not be avoided due to concerns of sexual side effects.
Student Heart Failure Intervention Pilot (SHIP): A Study of Risk Factor Analytics and Population Outreach

Background: Heart failure (HF), the leading cause of hospitalization in adults over the age of 65, is a difficult-to-treat syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality. Home-monitoring programs may help reduce HF-associated morbidity, but can be difficult to establish in smaller clinical settings. In this quality improvement project, we identified local patients at high risk of HF-related morbidity and hospitalizations, then implemented a medical student-based constant-contact program to encourage their follow-through on self-care. Methods: Between June 2012 and September 2014, our clinic treated 197 patients for systolic or diastolic HF. These patients’ baseline characteristics were evaluated for trends that increased their risk for hospitalization. Of the high-risk patients identified (n=80), 12 (15%) were enrolled in the project. An 8-week constant-contact intervention was initiated through weekly calls. Patients’ health statuses were recorded and the importance of self-care was reiterated. Results: High-risk HF patients were identified based on >10 clinic visits during the study period; 3 were lost to follow-up. Each patient completed two questionnaires at the study’s beginning and conclusion, with response rates of 67% (6/9) and 56% (5/9). Most participants reported symptom improvement and increased knowledge about their conditions. Conclusion: Our preliminary population-guided, medical-student initiated intervention in a small clinical setting was designed to increase patient understanding and compliance and to improve HF symptoms. Although the study was limited by its low participation rate, drastic improvements in self-reported outcomes were noted among participants. A larger study with similar positive outcomes could ultimately influence follow-up methods.
Population-based cohort of prostate cancer patients on active surveillance (AS): guideline adherence, conversion to treatment and decisional regret.

6512Background: AS is recommended for early-stage prostate cancer, for which over-treatment has been widely described. In published studies from large academic institutions and/or controlled clinic...
Atomic deuteration of epitaxial many-layer graphene on 4H-SiC(0001)

From studies of single-layer graphene, the authors find that atomic deuteration indeed does lead to reversible chemisorption. However, they find that atomic deuterium treatment of many-layer epitaxially grown graphene on C-face 4H-SiC only affects the surface graphene layer and the buried graphene/SiC interface. Raman and x-ray diffraction experiments reveal that only a small portion of the graphene is affected, showing no interlayer incorporation of deuterium. However, x-ray reflectivity and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy demonstrate a change of the buried graphene/SiC interface, which resembles a delamination of graphene from the substrate. In some cases, multiple atomic treatments lead to complete delamination of the graphene film.From studies of single-layer graphene, the authors find that atomic deuteration indeed does lead to reversible chemisorption. However, they find that atomic deuterium treatment of many-layer epitaxially grown graphene on C-face 4H-SiC only affects the surface graphene layer and the buried graphene/SiC interface. Raman and x-ray diffraction experiments reveal that only a small portion of the graphene is affected, showing no interlayer incorporation of deuterium. However, x-ray reflectivity and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy demonstrate a change of the buried graphene/SiC interface, which resembles a delamination of graphene from the substrate. In some cases, multiple atomic treatments lead to complete delamination of the graphene film.
Nurturing the Intersubjective Capacities of Social Work Students

ABSTRACTWhile navigating numerous pressures as they work with vulnerable clients and communities, social workers are expected to use their emotional responses intentionally rather than to be ruled ...
Measuring the Score Advantage on Asynchronous Exams in an Undergraduate CS Course

This paper presents the results of a controlled crossover experiment designed to measure the score advantage that students have when taking exams asynchronously (i.e., the students can select a time to take the exam in a multi-day window) compared to synchronous exams (i.e., all students take the exam at the same time). The study was performed in an upper-division undergraduate computer science course with 321 students. Stratified sampling was used to randomly assign the students to two groups that alternated between the two treatments (synchronous versus asynchronous exams) across a series of four exams during the semester. These non-programming exams consisted of a mix of multiple choice, checkbox, and numeric input questions. For some questions, the parameters were randomized so that students received different versions of the question and some questions were identical for all students. In our results, students taking the exams asynchronously had scores that were on average only 3% higher (0.2 of a standard deviation). Furthermore, we found that the score advantage was decreased by the use of randomized questions, and it did not significantly differ based on the type of question. Thus, our results suggest that asynchronous exams can be a compelling alternative to synchronous exams.
Dynamic behavior of thermoelastic solid continua using mathematical model derived based on non-classical continuum mechanics with internal rotations

This paper considers dynamic behavior of non-classical thermoelastic solid continua. The mathematical model consists of the conservation and balance laws of non-classical continuum mechanics that incorporates additional physics of internal rotations arising due to deformation gradient tensor. We consider plane stress behavior with small deformation, small strain physics only. Galerkin Method with Weak Form (GM/WF) in space is considered to construct a space–time decoupled finite element formulation giving rise to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in time containing mass matrix, stiffness matrix due to classical as well as non-classical physics and acceleration and displacement associated with nodal degrees of freedom. This formulation is utilized to: (1) study natural undamped modes of vibration (2) study transient dynamic response by time integrating the ODEs in time (3) study the transient dynamic response by transforming the ODEs in time to modal basis using eigenvectors of the undamped natural modes. The ODEs in modal basis are used to construct transient dynamic response by time integrating them as well as by considering their analytical solutions. The solutions of the model problem obtained using the mathematical model based on non-classical continuum mechanics with internal rotations are presented and are compared with those obtained using the mathematical model based on classical continuum mechanics to demonstrate the influence of new physics due to internal rotations on the dynamic response of solid continua.
Analysis of Predictors of Myocardial Infarction in Trauma With Development of a Trauma Cardiac Risk Index.

Study objective Trauma has historically been considered a disorder of the young and healthy, with a low risk of cardiac ischemia; hence most research on myocardial infarction in trauma has focused on direct cardiac damage from blunt chest trauma. However, the age and comorbidity of trauma patients are increasing, making the trauma population more vulnerable to myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac risk assessment has emphasized morbidity and mortality in an elective surgical setting, but it is also important in acute trauma. Our study analyzes the risk factors for MI in a trauma population to create a scoring system to predict the risk of MI. Design Retrospective cohort analysis of a national trauma registry over a five-year period. Potential predictors of MI in trauma patients were identified and tested with univariate and multivariate statistics. A numerical score was created to predict the risk of MI based on these criteria. Setting The National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) is a large registry of selected trauma centers in the United States. Data include demographic, injury, treatment, and outcome variables pertaining to the index admission of each patient. The institutions range from community hospitals through level 1 trauma centers. The time period is the entire inpatient hospital admission from arrival from the field, through the emergency department, ICU, and floor up to discharge. Patients 3,437,959 trauma patients aged 18 years and older from various US trauma centers. 62.8% were male. The median age is 50 years with a standard deviation of 21.25. The median Injury Severity Score is 9 with a standard deviation of 9.04. Measurements Demographic, traumatic, and comorbidity variables were collected from the NTDB. The primary outcome was MI during the initial trauma admission. Multivariate analysis was performed with logistic regression. Main results Over 8010 (0.23%) suffered an MI. The strongest risk factors for MI were a history of MI with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 7.0, and angina with an OR of 3.4. A procedure under general anesthesia (GA) conferred an OR of 2.3. Minor risk factors included torso injury and 10-year age interval over 50, both with an OR of 1.7, a 20-point interval of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) with OR 1.6, male gender with OR of 1.5, and various chronic disease comorbidities with OR ranging from 1.4 to 1.9. A Trauma Cardiac Risk Index (TCRI) was derived from these risk factors. The model showed good discrimination with a C statistic of 0.85. Conclusions Overall the trauma population has a low risk of MI. However, the risk is much higher for older patients with chronic comorbidity. The TCRI can be used to assess cardiac risk in trauma patients to help direct monitoring, testing, and risk reduction measures to those at the highest risk.
Modelling distributive computation by selective machines

In this paper, classes of automata that perform distributed computations with unconventional interaction are described and studied. These automata are called selective machines and they are more po...
Repeated pupillary capture and pigmentary glaucoma after implantation of reversed three-piece sulcus intraocular lens

A 58-year-old man underwent phacoemulsification, anterior vitrectomy, and areversed three-piece intraocular lens placement in the sulcus. He developed pseudophakic pupillaryblock with optic capture of the intraocular lens four months later and underwent intraocularlens repositioning combined with surgical iridectomy. After 18 months, he had elevated intraocularpressure that was thought to be secondary to complicated cataract surgery, and he wasprescribed topical glaucoma medications. He had poor adherence and follow-up attendance.After another six months, he presented to the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA, withan intraocular pressure of 30 mmHg and advanced pigmentary glaucoma. The intraocular lensoptic was captured by the pupil after dilation. A trabeculectomy and intraocular lens exchangewas performed. Reversed intraocular lens in the sulcus may present as repeated intraocular lenspupillary capture and result in the development of pigmentary glaucoma.
Clinical and laboratory studies on severe abruptio placentae.

Abstract Presented are clinical observations and laboratory studies made on 141 cases of abruptio placentae so severe that the fetus died. In 38 per cent the fibrinogen concentration was below 150 mg. and in 28 per cent below 100 mg. per 100 ml. When hypofibrinogenemia developed it did so within 8 hours from the onset of symptoms of abruption. Intravascular coagulation best accounted for the coagulation defects. Fibrinogen was administered prior to laparotomy but most often was not necessary with vaginal delivery. Oxytocin to stimulate labor did not contribute to hypofibrino genemia but sometimes was followed by gross disruption of the uterus. Hypovolemia and renal ischemia caused oliguria but serious renal failure could be circumvented by appropriate administration of blood and other fluids. Continuous monitoring of urine flow served as an excellent indicator of the adequacy of the circulation. Shock was not out of proportion to total blood loss. “Obstetric shock” due to intravascular coagulation and vascular obstruction was not identified.
Phage lambda repressor revertants. Amino acid substitutions that restore activity to mutant proteins.

Abstract We have isolated same-site and second-site revertants that restore partial activity, wild-type activity, or greater than wild-type activity, to λ repressor proteins bearing different mutations in the DNA binding domain. In some cases the revertant repressors contain same-site substitutions that are similar to the wild-type side-chain (e.g. Tyr22 → Phe, Ser77 → Thr). The activity of these revertants makes it possible to assess the role of specific hydrogen bonds and/or packing interactions in repressor structure and function. In other same-site revertants, a very different type of residue is introduced (e.g. Ser35 → Leu, Gly48 → Asn). This indicates that the chemical and steric requirements at these side-chain positions are relaxed. Two of the second-site revertants, Glu34 → Lys and Gly48 → Ser, restore activity to more than one primary mutant. Both substitutions apparently increase the affinity of the repressor-operator interaction by introducing new contacts with operator DNA. These results suggest that reversion may be a generally applicable method for identifying sequence changes that increase the activity of a protein to greater than wild-type levels.
Assimilation of seasonal chlorophyll and nutrient data into an adjoint three-dimensional ocean carbon cycle model : Sensitivity analysis and ecosystem parameter optimization

[1] An adjoint method is applied to a three-dimensional global ocean biogeochemical cycle model to optimize the ecosystem parameters on the basis of SeaWiFS surface chlorophyll observation. We showed with identical twin experiments that the model simulated chlorophyll concentration is sensitive to perturbation of phytoplankton and zooplankton exudation, herbivore egestion as fecal pellets, zooplankton grazing, and the assimilation efficiency parameters. The assimilation of SeaWiFS chlorophyll data significantly improved the prediction of chlorophyll concentration, especially in the high-latitude regions. Experiments that considered regional variations of parameters yielded a high seasonal variance of ecosystem parameters in the high latitudes, but a low variance in the tropical regions. These experiments indicate that the adjoint model is, despite the many uncertainties, generally capable to optimize sensitive parameters and carbon fluxes in the euphotic zone. The best fit regional parameters predict a global net primary production of 36 Pg C yr -1 , which lies within the range suggested by Antoine et al. (1996). Additional constraints of nutrient data from the World Ocean Atlas showed further reduction in the model-data misfit and that assimilation with extensive data sets is necessary.
the controversial history of the crystal skulls: a case study in interpretive drift

AbstractIn the nineteenth century, several skulls carved from rock crystal appeared in the holdings of European collectors. The provenance of the skulls was unknown and experts regarded them as pre-Columbian artifacts. In the twentieth century, two very different histories formed about these objects. Through testing and archival research, forensic experts and curators concluded that the skulls were created in the nineteenth century using European technology. Conversely, a community of skull enthusiasts believes the skulls are thousands of years old and function as a sort of esoteric computer. They believe that by communing with crystal skulls, it is possible to access records of ancient civilizations. The skull enthusiasts have strongly resisted the findings of experts. This article applies Tanya Luhrmann’s theory of “interpretive drift” to examine how the skull enthusiasts were able to construct and invest in a mythology surrounding these objects in only a few decades. This case study suggests that mater...
Structure of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer by light scattering..†‡

The phase structure of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (mol. wt. 21 000–98 0000– 21 000) film cast from tetrahydrofuran/methyl ethyl ketone is studied by light scattering. The scattered intensity I corresponding to Vv, Hv, Vh, and Hh polarization directions is measured as a function of scattering angle. From the In I vs sin2 (θ/2) plots the domain sizes are found to be about 0.4 and 1.0 μ. The a values are independent of polarization directions. This proves that the domains are geometrically isotropic. The two sizes correspond to two correlation distances; the smaller value represents the extent of heterogeneity within a spherical domain and the larger valued the inter-domain separation distance.
Relation of Porosity and Permeability to the Origin of Diaspore Clay

The apparent porosity of flint, boehmite and diaspore clays bears no direct, consistent relation to the permeability of the same type of clay or to the alumina content of each type. The coefficient of permeability varies with the type and the structure of each flint clay. Diaspore clays have high permeability compared to flint clays, and the boehmite clays measured generally have a permeability intermediate between that of diaspore and that of flint clays. The apparent increase in permeability with increase in alumina content suggests that permeability has increased as silica was removed from flint clay to form boehmite and diaspore clays. A vertical pipe of diaspore clay 1½ inches in diameter was collected by Fred Mertens of the Laclede Christy Company at the Shockley-Thompson diaspore pit at Belle, Missouri. The pipe contains 69.16 percent alumina compared with 55.30 percent alumina for the average of the walls a few inches from the pipe. Diaspore in the pipe has vertical banding indicating it was deposited along a vertical crack. The formation of cracks in brittle flint clay is an important process in increasing the permeability and providing openings along which ground water can migrate. A restudy of boehmite and diaspore clays emphasizes not only a replacement of the colloform and oolitic structures of flint clays by diaspore and boehmite, a gradual alteration of flint clay to diaspore clay along fractures, and second-generation diaspore cutting early diaspore, but also the importance of secondary processes in the origin of diaspore and boehmite clays.
Tracking Keystrokes Using Wireless Signals

We implement a passive remote keystroke detection mechanism using only changes in the wireless channel. The detection algorithm does not require the user to wear any active devices nor does it require a change in the user's wireless transmission technique. The receiver system is implemented with five antennas. We cancel the signals received on multiple antennas. The key insight to realizing a fine-grained localization system is to exploit the extremely high sensitivity of cancellation performance (interference cancellation in full-duplex for example) to exact amplitude and phase matching. The receiver design introduces a delay mismatch between the received signal streams to guarantee imperfect cancellation across the transmission bandwidth except at one in-band frequency resulting in a trough in the cancellation spectrum. We detect keystrokes by forming an array of observed trough frequency across different antenna pairs. We implement our receiver system on the NI-based SDR platform. With full-training the receiver detects a keystroke within one key offset with an accuracy of 91.8%. With a short ≈ 10 character training input, this accuracy drops to 85%.
Purification of fluorescein-labeled specific anti-hemoglobin antibody using cross-linked immunoabsorbent

Abstract Fluorescein-labeled monospecific anti-hemoglobin antibodies are useful tools for studying hemoglobin expression and somatic point mutation. The yield of monospecific antibodies is extremely low and the purification of these antibodies using hemoglobin immunoabsorbents is further complicated by the fact that hemoglobin ‘leaks’ out from the immunoabsorbent during elution of the antibody with acid medium contaminating the eluted antibody. Two improvements are reported in this paper for the purification of fluorescein-labeled goat anti-mouse hemoglobin antibody specific for DBA/2J hemoglobin that does not react with C57BL/6J mouse hemoglobin: (1) The entire gamma globulin fraction of anti-hemoglobin antiserum was labeled with the fluorochrome before proceeding for the absorption and purification steps (in contrast to the conventional methods where the antibody is first purified followed by the fluorochrome labeling). This modification was expected to yield only the functionally active labeled antibody preparation devoid of molecules that may have undergone denaturation during the labeling procedure. Also, this modification eliminated the need of carrying out the labeling procedure with a small amount of the precious purified antibody thus decreasing the antibody loss. (2) Instead of conventional immunoabsorbents (hemoglobin coupled to CNBr-Sepharose), immunoabsorbents cross-linked with glutaraldehyde were used. The eluted antibody was free of any hemoglobin contamination. The antibody thus purified was found to specifically react with fixed red blood cells from DBA/2J mice but not cells from C57BL/6J mice. The method described in this paper should be of general applicability in the preparation of monospecific antibodies.
A thermodynamic scale for the helix-forming tendencies of the commonly occurring amino acids

Amino acids have distinct conformational preferences that influence the stabilities of protein secondary and tertiary structures. The relative thermodynamic stabilities of each of the 20 commonly occurring amino acids in the alpha-helical versus random coil states have been determined through the design of a peptide that forms a noncovalent alpha-helical dimer, which is in equilibrium with a randomly coiled monomeric state. The alpha helices in the dimer contain a single solvent-exposed site that is surrounded by small, neutral amino acid side chains. Each of the commonly occurring amino acids was substituted into this guest site, and the resulting equilibrium constants for the monomer-dimer equilibrium were determined to provide a list of free energy difference (delta delta G degree) values.
Treatment considerations in advanced endometrial cancer

An estimated 39,080 new cases of endometrial cancer will occur in the United States in 2007, along with 7400 deaths associated with this disease. Fortunately, with surgical staging, the majority of women are diagnosed with disease at an early stage and are often completely treated with a hysterectomy alone. However, 13% of women who are surgically staged have stage III disease, and 3% to 13% have stage IV disease identified at that time. Over the past 10 years, the role of cytoreductive surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in endometrial cancer have been actively investigated. This review outlines and summarizes some of these important developments and findings.
Charachterizing Structure and Dynamics of Calcium-Induced Clusters of Phosphatidylserine in Mixed Lipid Bilayers

The cellular membrane plays a key role in the regulation and activation of peripheral membrane proteins. For instance, the enzymatic activity of several coagulation factors and signaling proteins is regulated by their specific binding to negatively charged regions of the cellular membrane that are rich in anionic lipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS). The lipid composition of the membrane and the ionic content of the immediate solution significantly modify structural properties of the bilayer surface. In particular, calcium-induced clustering of PS lipids has been suggested to modulate membrane-protein interactions. We employ our novel highly mobile membrane mimetic (HMMM) model combined with molecular dynamics simulations to investigate structural and dynamic properties determining these interactions. The HMMM model, while preserving full representation of the lipid head groups that are required for detailed characterization of specific interactions, provides 1-2 orders of magnitude speed up in lipid mobility. Extended simulations with HMMM systems including anionic (POPS), zwitterionic phosphatydilcholine (POPC), or POPS/POPC binary mixtures provide a detailed view of structural changes that occur due to lipid-lipid and lipid-ion interactions, specifically those that drive PS clustering. Simulations revealed a diverse set of PC-PS-Ca2+ microdomains of consistent geometry. In particular, we observed 2PC:2PS:Ca2+:water and 2PS:Ca2+:3water stoichiometries. Ca2+ ions interact with phosphate groups of PC and PS as well as with the carboxy groups of PS. Interestingly, unimolecular chelation of Ca2+ by the same PS head group is often observed within the clusters. In contrast to monovalent Na+, the presence of divalent Ca2+ shows its long-lived coordination with lipid head groups that modulates their orientation and leads to formation of PS clusters. Prior to the development of the HMMM method these observations were out of reach of atomistic simulations.
Steady state enzyme kinetics: Experimental design and data analysis by microcomputer☆

Abstract One of the most time-consuming, yet essential, operations involved in the steady state kinetic study of enzymes is the design and optimization of experimental conditions. A computer program was developed for the Sinclair ZX-81 (or TS-1000, 1500) microcomputer which will optimize substrate concentration for preliminary and subsequently more refined kinetic analysis of one, two or three substrate systems. This program also analyzes the data collected from these studies by linear regression, weighted linear regression of weighted non-linear regression. In addition to the above program several of the enzyme kinetic statistical analysis programs of Cleland (1979) have been translated from FORTRAN into BASIC and implemented on the ZX-81 and the TRS-80 model II. Inexpensive commercially available software was used to overcome the inability of the ZX-81 to read data files from magnetic tape making the data analysis programs easier to use.
The Influence of Sulfidity in Kraft Pulping on the Nature of Residual Lignin

Abstract The influence of sulfidity in kraft pulping of Norway spruce chips on the characteristics of residual lignin has been examined at two levels 25 and 40%. Comparing with the reference kraft cook at similar kappa number, the high sulfidity pulp lignin displayed a significantly lower phenolic hydroxyl group content, and a lower response to O2 delignification, but it gave a slightly higher yield of nitrobenzene oxidation products, and was more responsive to a neutral sulfite treatment.
Computation of the transport coefficients of dense fluid neon, argon, krypton and xenon by molecular dynamics

Molecular dynamics is used to compute the transport properties of neon, argon, krypton, and xenon modelled as dense fluids. The transport properties are self diffusion, D; shear viscosity, η; bulk viscosity, κ; and thermal conductivity, λ. The dense fluids are monoatomic, composed of Lennard-Jones 12–6 particles. Thermodynamic state points are chosen to correspond closely to the triple point of the fluid and three state points along the liquid vapour saturation curves for each monoatomic fluid. The Kubo correlation functions are integrated to determine the transport properties. The transport properties for argon at the triple point agree well with previous equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics results. Where available neon, krypton and xenon experimental transport data are compared to molecular dynamics simulation data. The thermal conductivity of each monoatomic fluid compares well with experimental results. The shear viscosity correlation functions and their integrals are given for the four...
The muon model of the hadrons

A brief account is given of some motivations, principles, and results of a new model of the hadrons. The main distinction between this model and previously studied models is that the new model is constructed according to an extremely simple procedure without making use of the formalism of isotopic spin or the associated complicated scheme of unitary symmetry. A basic assumption of this model is that the muons are the fundamental particles that account for the masses of all the hadrons and for the entire set of observed properties of these particles, including their ability to undergo electromagnetic and weak interactions and their instability with respect to weak decays. Thus, these decays can be regarded as a “genetic” indication of the pressence of muons in the structures of all the hadrons. The muon model provides a convenient basis for a quantitative description of the mass spectrum of the hadrons, their lifetimes, decay probabilities, and interaction strengths, starting from the assumption that the interactions are electromagnetic in character. The model predicts that most of the hadronic multiplets contain large classes of isotopes in the form of particles with somewhat different structures and decays but with identical charge properties; this accounts for the great diversity of kaon and hyperon decays, and in particular for the existence of the two-pion and three-pion decays of the kaons.
Models for amplitude statistics

Modelling of amplitude statistics in coherent image systems has been a popular and growing research area in the recent decades. Many interesting statistical distributions have been used for the modelling. In this note, a review of the known and new models is provided–six of the known models and six new models are discussed. It is hoped that this review will serve as an important reference, help to provide better modelling and encourage further research activities in this area.
Design and fabrication of long DMD maximally flattened two-mode optical fibres suitable for MIMO processing

We design and fabricate a long DMD compensation transmission line composed of two-mode optical fibres (TMFs) with maximally flattened DMD in the C+L band. It is confirmed that the fabricated TMFs have low DMD slopes of 10.151 ps/km/nm and 102.6 km long line has DMD within 14.01 ps/km in the C+L band and attenuation loss of 0.20 d6/km at 1550nm.
R-prime plasmids from Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Rhizobium fredii

The formation of R-prime plasmids was selected in crosses involving soybean microsymbionts with genomic Tn5 insertions and carrying plasmid pJB3JI (with one IS2) copy as donors and Escherichia coli HB101 as recipient. Whereas the parent plasmid was 60 kb, recombinant plasmids between 76 kb and 121 kb were obtained. Restriction and Southern analyses confirmed the mobilization of Tn5 on four R-primes from Bradyrhizobium japonicum I-110 and on an R-prime plasmid from Rhizobium fredii HH303. The largest R-prime plasmid was obtained from the rescue of two symbiotically defective R. fredii mutant strains that required adenosine.
Influence of ionomer content on the proton conduction and oxygen transport in the carbon-supported catalyst layers in DMFC

Abstract Proton conduction and oxygen transport in the cathodes of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) are affected by the loading and distribution of Nafion ionomer. These effects of ionomer in the catalyst layer with carbon-supported catalysts on the cathode performance were investigated by electrochemical techniques and single cell testing in order to improve the power output of DMFC. It is found that varying the Nafion content has minimal effect on the electrochemical surface area (ESA) and catalyst utilization, but has significant effect on pore structure, proton conduction, and oxygen transport in the catalyst layer. A higher content of Nafion ionomer is needed in DMFC cathodes to achieve the same specific conductivity as in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) due to the higher catalyst loading in DMFCs. Optimal cell performance is achieved with a balance among catalytic activity, proton conductivity, and oxygen transport. These findings could provide guidelines for electrode design, fabrication, and prediction of cell performance.
Interstitial carbon and the carbon-carbon pair in silicon: Semiempirical electronic-structure calculations.

We report the results of semiempirical electronic-structure calculations for interstitial carbon and the carbon-carbon pair defects in silicon. We use the modified intermediate neglect of differential overlap version 3 (MINDO/3), the parametric method version 3, and modified neglect of diatomic overlap semiempirical methods in a finite-cluster framework to determine total energies with respect to atomic displacements, and predict defect stable and metastable geometries and vibrational frequencies. The MINDO/3 method correctly predicts the observed 〈100〉 split-interstitial geometry of the interstitial carbon and the bistability of the carbon-carbon pair. Other computational results suggest the possibility of additional metastable geometries and perhaps precursor geometries for both defect systems.
Comment on the Howy Jacobs' Editorial "Yes we can, but do we?".

Howy Jacobs' recent Editorial on the decline, actual and potential, of US academia as the chief recruiter and trainer of scientists worldwide was right on target [1]. I raise here an additional aspect of a complex situation. For many years, China has been allowing very …
Diet and nutrition in psoriasis: analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States

Background There is limited research examining the association between psoriasis, dietary intake and nutritional status in the general U.S. population. Objective This study aimed to compare levels of vitamins and carotenoids as well as intake of protein, fats, sugar, carbohydrates and total calories between individuals with and without psoriasis. Methods We used data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the U.S. Demographic information, physical examination, serum laboratory values and questionnaires on past medical history and dietary intake were used to determine the relationship between psoriasis and nutritional status and diet. Results The cohort consisted of 6260 participants who provided responses to their psoriasis status. Prior psoriasis diagnosis was reported in 156 (2.49%) of the respondents. Based on multivariate regression analysis, psoriasis was significantly associated with increased vitamin A level (OR: 1.01; CI: 1.00–1.02; P = 0.03), increased α-carotene level (OR: 1.02; CI: 1.01–1.04; P = 0.01), lower sugar intake (OR: 0.998; CI: 0.996–1; P = 0.04), increased body mass index (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.07; P = 0.0003) and arthritis (OR: 2.31; CI: 1.37–3.90; P = 0.002). Non-Hispanic black (OR: 0.56; CI: 0.34–0.96; P = 0.03) and Hispanic race (OR: 0.37; CI: 0.19–0.75; P = 0.005) were inversely associated with a diagnosis of psoriasis compared with non-Hispanic white race. Conclusion Psoriasis is significantly associated with elevated serum levels of vitamin A and α-carotene and reduced intake of sugar. Longitudinal monitoring of nutritional status in psoriasis patients is necessary to determine the effect of nutrition on psoriasis progression and the modifying role of treatments.
Velocity-Gradient Dynamics in Turbulence: Effect of Viscosity and Forcing

The restricted Euler equation is a promising but incomplete model for velocity-gradient dynamics in turbulent flows. While it captures many of the geometric features of the vorticity vector and the strain rate tensor, viscous and anisotropic pressure Hessian effects are not accounted for satisfactorily. Inadequate viscous-effect modeling causes velocity gradients to diverge in finite time, rendering the restricted Euler model unsuitable for practical applications. We perform a Lagrangian frame analysis to comprehend fully the physics of the viscous relaxation time scale and propose a variable time-scale model that can adequately account for deformation history. Most importantly, the finite-time singularity (divergence of velocity gradients) problem is fully resolved with the present model. We also model the effects of forcing that is used in numerical simulations to sustain stationary isotropic turbulence. Detailed comparison of the new model with DNS data reveals good agreement.
Adult stem cells and tissue engineering strategies for salivary gland regeneration: a review

Saliva is an important compound produced by the salivary glands and performs numerous functions. Hyposalivation (dry mouth syndrome) is a deleterious condition often resulting from radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer, Sjogren’s Syndrome, or as a side effect of certain medications. Hyposalivation negatively affects speaking, mastication, and swallowing in afflicted patients, greatly reducing their quality of life. Current treatments for this pathology include modifying lifestyle, synthetic saliva supplementation, and the utilization of salivary gland stimulants and sialagogues. However, many of these treatments do not address the underlying issues and others are pervaded by numerous side effects. In order to address the shortcomings related to current treatment modalities, many groups have diverted their attention to utilizing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches. Tissue engineering is defined as the application of life sciences and materials engineering toward the development of tissue substitutes that are capable of mimicking the structure and function of their natural analogues within the body. The general underlying strategy behind the development of tissue engineered organ substitutes is the utilization of a combination of cells, biomaterials, and biochemical cues intended to recreate the natural organ environment. The purpose of this review is to highlight current bioengineering approaches for salivary gland tissue engineering and the adult stem cell sources used for this purpose. Additionally, future considerations in regard to salivary gland tissue engineering strategies are discussed.
AN ECONOMIC THEORY OF WORKAHOLICS AND ALCOHOLICS

This paper considers the role of alcohol in agency problems in order to provide an economic rationale for alcoholics and workaholics. In our model, alcohol reduces productivity, but also can make imbibers blurt private information. We show that in the optimal contract, low-productivity workers are compelled to over-indulge in alcohol, while high-productivity workers overproduce output. Thus, workers are made into “alcoholics” and “workaholics” depending on their productivity. We conclude that excessive drinking (working) may be the result, not the cause, of low (high) productivity of workers. (JEL D82, VSOP)
Enhancement in leaf photosynthesis and upregulation of Rubisco in the C4 sorghum plant at elevated growth carbon dioxide and temperature occur at early stages of leaf ontogeny

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and temperature will influence photosynthesis, growth and yield of agronomic crops. To investigate effects of elevated CO2 and high temperature on leaf gas exchanges, activities of Rubisco and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) and growth of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), plants were grown in controlled environments at day-time maximum/night-time minimum temperatures of 30/20°C or 36/26°C at ambient (350 µmol mol–1) or elevated (700 µmol mol–1) CO2. Gas-exchange rates, activities of Rubisco and PEPC and growth parameters (leaf, stem and total dry weights) were determined at different stages of leaf development. Between 6 and 25 days after leaf tip emergence, leaf carbon exchange rate (CER) of elevated CO2 plants was greater at 30/20°C and 36/26°C than that of ambient CO2 plants at the same temperatures. The positive response of CER to elevated CO2 was greater in young leaves than in old leaves. In young leaves, elevated CO2 enhanced Rubisco activity at 30/20°C and 36/26°C, whereas PEPC activity was not affected by elevated CO2 at 30/20°C but was marginally enhanced at 36/26°C. At 30/20°C, growth parameters were not affected by elevated CO2 until 50 days after sowing (DAS); at 36/26°C, they were progressively enhanced by elevated CO2 to as high as 49 to 62% by 50 DAS. Leaf CER and Rubisco activity were enhanced by elevated CO2 at early stages of leaf ontogeny for the C4 grain sorghum. Such enhancement should have a significant role in dry matter production under elevated CO2.
A Greek Source on the Origin of the First Crusade

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Transport through multicomponent dual frequency plasma sheaths

Abstract We used Monte Carlo simulations (MCS) to study the transport of ions through single and dual frequency, multicomponent plasma sheaths during plasma enhanced deposition of silicon dioxide from TEOS and oxygen mixtures (PETEOS). First, we used our dual frequency plasma sheath model (DFPSM) to predict the potential as a function of position and time and the sheath thickness as a function of time. We then performed the Monte Carlo simulations to determine the angular and energy distribution functions for a selected species striking the substrate, taking into account a variety of collision types. Our DFPSM predictions as well as our distribution function predictions are in reasonable agreement with most available experimental data. These is little experimental information available with which to compare our multicomponent and dual frequency predictions; however, the trends observed are consistent with explanations often used to interpret trends in film properties.
Hydrodynamic screening in sedimenting suspensions of non-Brownian spheres.

It has been suggested [D. L. Koch and E. S. G. Shaqfeh, J. Fluid Mech. {bold 224}, 275 (1991)] that the long-range hydrodynamic interactions in sedimenting suspensions of non-Brownian spheres are screened by changes in the pair correlation function. However, a large-scale numerical simulation, using more than 32000 spheres with full many-body hydrodynamic interactions, has found no evidence of the predicted changes in suspension microstructure. The absence of hydrodynamic screening in the simulations is shown to lead to divergent velocity fluctuations, in disagreement with recent experimental results [H. Nicolai and E. Guazzelli, Phys. Fluids {bold 7}, 3 (1995)]. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Controlling electroosmotic flow in poly(dimethylsiloxane) separation channels by means of prepolymer additives.

The electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) separation channel can be altered and controlled by adding a carboxylic acid to the prepolymer prior to curing. When the prepolymer is doped with 0.5 wt % undecylenic acid (UDA), the electroosmotic mobility in a modified PDMS channel rises to (7.6 ± 0.2) × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 (in HEPES buffer at pH 8.5), which is nearly twice that in the native PDMS channel. Because this modification does not significantly change the hydrophobicity of the PDMS surface, it is possible to combine the modified PDMS with a dynamic coating of n-dodecyl β-d-maltoside (DDM), which prevents protein sticking (see Huang, B.; Wu, H. K.; Kim, S.; Zare, R. N. Lab Chip 2005, 5, 1005−1007). The modified PDMS channel with a dynamic coating of DDM generates an electroosmotic mobility of (5.01 ± 0.09) × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1, which shows excellent reproducibility both in successive runs and during storage in water. Combining this surface modification and the dynamic coating of DDM is...
Metamaterial based lenses with distinctive imaging properties in forward and backward directions

We propose the first Jenus lenses that have focusing and diverging behaviors in opposite illumination directions. New imaging equation is formulated and extraordinary imaging properties of the Jenus lenses are analyzed and summarized.