cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Elastic Properties of a Poly(styrene−butadiene−styrene) Copolymer Using a Mixed Finite Element Approach

Despite several decades of research, the nature of linear elasticity in microphase-separated copolymers with chemically connected glass−rubber phases is still not fully understood. In this paper we investigate the linear elastic properties of a poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) triblock copolymer using a mixed finite element approach. The technique permits phases of full incompressibility as well as phases of near incompressibility as they occur in this two-component system to be dealt with. Strikingly and contrary to the common belief, we find that the continuum description is accurate and that no additional detailed molecular information is needed to reproduce the available linear elastic experimental data. Our investigation indicates that the anomalous Poisson ratio of the polybutadiene phase of 0.37, determined by previous authors and attributed to molecular characteristics of the polybutadiene phase, might be related to sample end effects arising in their tensile and torsional experiments. We also test...
The Varieties of Human Experience

The basic unit of study for psychiatric investigation is the individual human being in interaction with the environment. The psychological understanding of human biography provided by psychodynamic observation is now being supplemented by knowledge derived from phenomenological and neurobiological research. Phenomenology and neurobiology are at present primarily concerned with detecting correlations between clinical syndromes and pathological brain states; they are static rather than dynamic in approach. However, currently emerging techniques of brain imaging aimed at elucidating neurophysiological processes provide the basis for going beyond structural neuropathology to neuropathophysiology. It is suggested that the observations derived from the psychodynamic study of patients constitute markers of underlying brain function, and that the future investigation of psychiatric illness must include a correlative study of both psychodynamic and neurobiological processes.
The role of anxiety sensitivity in eating pathology

In past research, anxiety sensitivity (AS) has been identified as a risk factor for anxiety, mood, and alcohol problems. Little work, however, has examined the relationship between AS and eating pathology. We predicted that individuals high in AS would have elevated rates of eating disorder symptoms as measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Participants in two studies—one undergraduate sample (N = 88) and one clinical sample (N = 96)—were assessed for anxiety sensitivity and eating disorder symptoms. In both samples, AS was significantly related to EDI-Bulimia scores, controlling for depressive symptoms, trait anxiety symptoms, and impulsivity. In the clinical sample, AS was also significantly related to EDI-Drive for Thinness, controlling for the same covariates. A follow-up analysis suggested that the relationship between AS and EDI eating disorder symptoms was mediated by EDI-Interoceptive Awareness. Both studies were cross-sectional, which prohibits causal interpretations. The follow-up mediational analysis must be interpreted with caution due to overlap between the measures of AS and interoceptive awareness. Because of a small sample size and significant comorbidity, the exploratory results analyzing diagnostic categories in Study 2 must be interpreted with caution. AS has a statistically significant relationship to certain eating disorder symptoms measured by the EDI. Future research should investigate whether high AS individuals utilize certain eating behaviors in an effort to regulate somatic symptoms of anxiety.
Nano-Bio Quantum Technology for Device-Specific Materials

The areas discussed are still under development: I. Nano structured materials for TE applications a) SiGe and Be.Te; b) Nano particles and nanoshells. II. Quantum technology for optical devices: a) Quantum apertures; b) Smart optical materials; c) Micro spectrometer. III. Bio-template oriented materials: a) Bionanobattery; b) Bio-fuel cells; c) Energetic materials.
Two-Photon Imaging of Cortical Microvascular Blood Flow in Response to Single Vessel Occlusion

We induce clotting in targeted cerebral microvessels in rat using optical techniques, and measure blood flow in downstream vessels. We find that clots in arterioles supplying sub-surface capillaries lead to substantial reductions in blood flow.
Evaluation of an Oil-in-Water Emulsion for Cleaning Eggs

Abstract INTRODUCTION THE PERCENTAGE of eggs marketed on a graded basis has been increasing in recent years. Soiled eggs, even though they may be of the highest interior quality (AA), are generally sold as B grade or are diverted for breaking purposes and sold at 10 to 15 cents less per dozen than that received for the highest grades (Winter et al., 1952). This price incentive has resulted in an increase in the practice of cleaning eggs on the farm. The practice of washing eggs was discouraged for many years. Inadequate washing procedures and the lack of a suitable sanitizer resulted in considerable egg spoilage in market channels, especially when eggs were stored for future use. Davidson et al. (1950) obtained eggs from a number of farms on which different egg cleaning methods were used. After storage for 7 months, the incidence of souring was highest in lots of washed eggs, …
Managing for ocean biodiversity to sustain marine ecosystem services

Managing a complex ecosystem to balance delivery of all of its services is at the heart of ecosystem-based management. But how can this balance be accomplished amidst the conflicting demands of stakeholders, managers, and policy makers? In marine ecosystems, several common ecological mechanisms link biodiversity to ecosystem functioning and to a complex of essential services. As a result, the effects of preserving diversity can be broadly beneficial to a wide spectrum of important ecosystem processes and services, including fisheries, water quality, recreation, and shoreline protection. A management system that conserves diversity will help to accrue more “ecoservice capital” for human use and will maintain a hedge against unanticipated ecosystem changes from natural or anthropogenic causes. Although maintenance of biodiversity cannot be the only goal for ecosystem-based management, it could provide a common currency for evaluating the impacts of different human activities on ecosystem functioning and can...
Subsets in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In recent years, evidence from several laboratories has indicated that various subsets of systemic lupus erythematosus exist. Some of these subsets have distinctive mucocutaneous features but more importantly they have different prevalence of renal disease—thus different prognosis. These subsets are defined by the specificity of the serum antibodies the SLE patient possesses.
Chemoenzymatic Approaches for Streamlined Detection of Active Site Modifications on Thiotemplate Assembly Lines Using Mass Spectrometry

For the direct interrogation of peptides harboring covalently modified serines in nonribosomal peptide synthetases, streamlined methodologies described here employ proteolysis and reporter−coenzyme A analogues of four types. The chromophoric and fluorescent coenzyme A analogues pyrene-maleimidyl-S-CoA and BODIPY-FL-N-(2-aminoethyl)maleimidyl-S-CoA were enzymatically loaded onto the active site serines harbored in the ArCP, PCP1, and PCP2 thiolation domains of PchE and PchF, the nonribosomal peptide synthetases responsible for the biosynthesis of the siderophore pyochelin. During the chromatographic separation of cyanogen bromide digests, observation of the absorbance (at 338 and 504 nm) or fluorescence (after irradiation at 365 nm) enabled the selective detection of peptides containing each active site serine. This resulted in quick detection of each active site peptide by Fourier transform mass spectrometry in the fully reconstituted pyochelin system. The loading of short acyl chain reporters in equimola...
The glutamine transaminase-omega-amidase system in rat and human brain.

— Glutamine transaminase from rat brain was shown to occur in the mitochondrial fraction, whereas the ω-amidase was shown to occur in the soluble fraction. Both enzymes were also found to be widely distributed throughout human brain tissue. Specific activities for the glutamine transaminase and ω-amidase in the parietal cortex of one individual at 5 h post mortem were 8 and 53 μmol per hour per gram of tissue, respectively. Rat brain glutamine transaminase was shown to be identical to that of the liver mitochondrial enzyme. Improved assays for glutamine transaminase and ω-amidase activities in crude tissue homogenates are described. The possible physiological importance of glutamine transaminase and its potential role in the encephalopathy of hepatic disease are discussed.
Expression of LHX3 and SOX2 during mouse inner ear development

A cascade of transcription factors is believed to regulate the coordinate differentiation of primordial inner ear cells into the subtypes of hair cells and supporting cells. While candidate genes involved in this process have been identified, the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of many of these have not been carefully described during the extended period of inner ear development and functional maturation. We systematically examined the expression of two such transcription factors, LHX3 and SOX2, from the time of hair cell terminal mitoses into adulthood. We show that LHX3 is expressed specifically in auditory and vestibular hair cells soon after terminal mitoses and persists into the adult in vestibular hair cells. While SOX2 expression is widespread in the inner ear sensory epithelia prior to hair cell differentiation, it has a unique pattern of expression in the mature auditory and vestibular organs.
Pattern of dendritic branching in occipital cortex of rats reared in complex environments.

Abstract The branching pattern of dendrites of neurons in occipital cortex was studied in rats reared in complex, social, or isolated environments. In stellate neurons and in small, medium-sized, and giant pyramidal neurons, when branching was analyzed in terms of the intersections between dendrites and concentric rings at 20-μm intervals from the cell body, roughly half of the variance was accounted for by the litter from which the subjects came, the experimental environments (up to 18% of the variance loaded on this factor alone), and their interaction. This analysis also indicated that the increased branching occurred within the same volume as that occupied by less highly arborized neurons in the deprived animals, supporting the notion that a specific “domain” exists for the neuron. When the number and length of segments of dendrites at each bifurcation away from the cell body were examined, the differences in numbers of branches were generally restricted to the basal portion of the pyramidal cell dendritic tree. Animals reared in complex environments tended to have many more basal branches beyond the third and fourth bifurcations. No consistent differences in branch length were seen in either pyramidal or stellate cells. The results suggest that the differences in dendritic branching seen after rearing in complex environments are a function of this complexity, rather than of visual deprivation, and indicate a mechanism whereby the effects of the early environment may be expressed in later behavior.
A temperature-regulated iso-hyperbaric spectrophotometer: construction and performance characteristics.

Abstract The position of an equilibrium is a function of pressure and temperature. Generally, only temperature effects are discussed for biochemical systems; however, pressure perturbations can offer interesting insights into the role of hydration in a reaction. We describe the construction and characteristics of an instrument that allows computer control of the temperature and pressure throughout the range −40 to +140°C and 0.1 to 250 MPa, as well as automatic data acquisition from either a spectrophotometer or a spectrofluorimeter. To test the performance of the system the effect of pressure on the thermal denaturation of poly[d(A-T)] and poly(dA) · poly(dT) has been investigated. In 20 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.9, the ΔV° for poly[d(A-T)] equals +0.30 ± 0.09 cm3/mol (base pairs), and for poly(dA) · poly(dT) ΔV° equals +3.05 ± 0.15 cm3/mol (base pairs). Although we focus on the use of this instrument to measure thermal denaturation curves, it can be employed to study the equilibrium of any reaction that can be followed optically in the ultraviolet or visible.
Combinatorial fabrication and screening of organic light-emitting device arrays

Abstract The combinatorial fabrication and screening of 2-dimensional (2-d) small molecular UV-violet organic light-emitting device (OLED) arrays, 1-d blue-to-red arrays, 1-d intense white OLED libraries, 1-d arrays to study Forster energy transfer in guest–host OLEDs, and 2-d arrays to study exciplex emission from OLEDs is described. The results demonstrate the power of combinatorial approaches for screening OLED materials and configurations, and for studying their basic properties.
Metabolism of manganese in calves as affected by dietary manganese and intravenous or duodenal manganese-54 dosing.

Abstract Fifteen intact male Holstein calves averaging 101 d of age were utilized to determine the effects of dietary Mn concentration and routes of administration on its metabolism. They were fed a practical grain diet containing 23ppm Mn with 0, 100, or 1000ppm supplemental Mn (MnSO 4 ·H 2 O) for 7 d prior to intravenous or duodenal dosing with 54 Mn. Animals were killed 4h later. With added Mn there was a significant decrease in 54 Mn content of some small intestine parts. However, in most tissue, including organs, bones, intestinal tract tissues, and blood, added Mn did not have a significant effect on 54 Mn concentrations. Concentrations of 54 Mn in tissues, except in small intestine, were far higher following intravenous dosing than with duodenal dosing. This further confirms that absorption of Mn is very low. Dosing method had a sizable effect on the relative amounts of 54 Mn in different tissues. This suggests that intravenously administered Mn, at least initially, is not metabolized in the same way as that absorbed. In most tissues, unlabeled Mn was not affected greatly by supplemental Mn. This is in contrast to earlier results with very young calves and indicates that Mn metabolism changes sharply before 3 to 4 mo of calf age.
A general model of information transfer: Theme paper 1968 annual convention

A general model of information transfer establishes a conceptual framework for contributed papers for the 1968 ADI Convention in Columbus, Ohio, October 20–24, 1968. The general model is an elaboration on the classic sender/channel/receiver model and presents a variety of alternative channels for information transfer including direct transfer, primary recorded media, archives, secondary recorded media, and information centers. Suggested areas for response in the form of contributed papers include costs, performance, benefits, functions, application of scientific and technical disciplines, research, vocabulary control, and language processing associated with information systems, science, and technology. A call for papers for the 1968 ADI Convention is included.
Cytogenetic effects of caffeine during in vivo mouse oocyte maturation

Numerous investigators have studied the reproductive and genetic toxicity of caffeine. Caffeine has also been reported to retard meiotic progression and induce aneuploidy in hamster oocytes in vitro. However, the ability of caffeine to induce aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes in vivo has not been reported. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that chemical-induced perturbations during in vivo oocyte meiotic maturation (OM) predispose oocytes to chromosome missegregation. Caffeine inhibits cAMP phosphodiesterase, which is needed for dephosphorylating p34 cdc2 kinase and initiating OM. Following superovulation, a dose of 150 mg/kg caffeine was administered to Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) female mice at various times prior to metaphase I (MI). Ovulated oocytes were collected from the oviducts and processed for cytogenetic analysis. Statistical analyses of the frequencies of hyperploid, MI, diploid, premature centromere separation and single chromatids revealed nonsignificant (P > 0.05) differences between the controls and each of the caffeine groups. Structural chromosome aberrations were not found. Under our experimental conditions, we rejected the hypothesis and concluded that caffeine neither retarded the rate of OM nor increased the incidence of aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. The factors responsible for the different in vivo and in vitro responses require investigation.
Jet-Injection Technique Applied to Preventive Dentistry:

A method developed to demonstrate desirable dispersion patterns of jet-injected solutions is presented.
Technical tip: Radial head subluxation.

1. Garth D. Meckler, MD, MS* 2. David M. Spiro, MD, MPH* 1. *Departments of Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Ore A previously healthy 6-year-old girl presents with an inability to move her left upper extremity for 24 hours. There is no history of trauma or evidence of injury on physical examination. The parent denies the presence of fever. The child slept well the night before, and her appetite has been normal . Reduction of a radial head subluxation is a gratifying procedure for both clinicians and parents. With a simple maneuver, a child can be restored to full function in minutes, without the need for costly or time-consuming studies. Radial head subluxation also is referred to as nursemaid's elbow, pulled elbow, or annular ligament displacement. Clinicians working in the office, urgent care center, or emergency department should be familiar with this common diagnosis. Radial head subluxation has been identified as the most common orthopedic injury among children younger than 6 years of age. It has been described in infants as young as 2 months of age, but has a peak incidence among toddlers, with a mean age of 27 months. Girls are affected more often than boys, and the left arm is involved more often than the right, likely due to most parents being right-handed. Much debate has surrounded the exact anatomic, developmental, and mechanistic explanations for …
Towards a real-time UWB MIMO testbed for sensing and communications

This paper reports a research testbed of real-time ultra-wideband (UWB) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radio. In the receiver design, the UWB MIMO receiver supports up to eight channels, where each channel is equipped with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with 8-bit resolution and sampling rate up to 3 Giga samples per second (Gsps). The transmitter is able to transmit two independent arbitrary waveforms with bandwidth up to 500 MHz. Multiple high performance Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) chips are utilized as realtime processors at both transmitter and receiver to handle huge amount of high speed data. As part of the whole system, the UWB MIMO receiver baseband is developed and tested using pulse based UWB signals. Experiment setup and results are presented and discussed. To the authors' best knowledge, this radio testbed built at Tennessee Technological University is the first UWB MIMO testbed ever reported.
Analytical model for rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers

An analytical model for two-, three-, and four-level system rare-earth-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers is presented. The theory is applicable to dopants such as erbium, neodymium, thulium; praseodymium, and ytterbium. Fiber-amplifier gain is expressed in terms of attenuation coefficients, intrinsic saturation powers, and cross-saturation powers at the pump and signal wavelengths. These parameters can be directly determined from one- and two-beam fiber-transmission measurements. System-independent formulas are given for the slopes and thresholds of ring and linear fiber lasers. Good agreement between theory and experiment has been shown for erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and lasers and thulium-doped fiber lasers. Because of the finite-pump-level lifetime, three- and four-level models predict a flattening of the fiber laser slope at higher pumping powers when the fiber is shorter than the optimum length. Approximate system-independent solutions are also given for fiber amplifiers with excited-state absorption at either the pump or signal wavelengths. A novel technique, requiring only one tunable light source, is proposed for finding the best pump wavelength when pump ESA is present. The two-level analytical model recently developed for erbium-doped fibers is a special case of this theory. >
The Role of Sonography and CT in Urosepsis

Both computerized tomography (CT) and sonography are important imaging techniques in patients with major renal infections. Sonography should be performed as the initial screening examination to exclude pyonephrosis or a large renal or perirenal abscess. In patients who continue to have persistent sepsis without adequate explanation by sonography, CT should be performed to characterize the nature of the renal inflammatory process.
Efficient algorithm for solution of the unsteady transonic small-disturbance equation

A time accurate approximation factorization (AF) algorithm is formulated for solution of the three-dimensional unsteady transonic small-disturbance equation. The AF algorithm consists of a time linearization procedure coupled with a Newton iteration technique. Superior stability characteristics of the new algorithm are demonstrated through applications to steady and oscillatory flows at subsonic and supersonic freestream conditions for an F-5 fighter wing. For steady flow calculations, the size of the time step is cycled to achieve rapid convergence. For unsteady flow calculations, the AF algorithm is sufficiently robust to allow the step size to be selected based on accuracy rather than on stability considerations. Therefore, accurate solutions are obtained in only several hundred time steps yielding a significant computational cost savings when compared to alternative methods.
Optimization of Ce Content in CexLa1-xF3 Colloidal Nanocrystals for Gamma Radiation Detection

We report on experimental investigations of CexLa1-xF3 colloidal nanocrystals (CNCs) and their properties in function of Ce content. The CNCs were characterized by TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), steady-state UV-VIS optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and by PL lifetime measurements. We also report on observations of scintillation from the cerium-doped lanthanum fluoride CNC material in experiments on radiation detection.
Adolescents validly report their exposure to secondhand smoke.

Abstract Objective This study examined the validity of child-reported exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) and investigated factors, such as child's age, which might affect accuracy of recall. Study Design and Setting Participants were drawn from a nonprobability sample of 380 families who completed baseline assessment as part of a randomized trial of an SHS reduction intervention conducted in an urban setting in Southern California. Parents and children (aged 8–13 years) retrospectively reported child's exposure to SHS using timeline followback methodology; reports were compared with child's urine cotinine. Results Validity coefficients for parents and children were comparable ( r =0.58 vs. r =0.53), but parents recalled three times more exposure than children (2.2 vs. 0.8 cigarettes per day; P Conclusion When there is a choice, parent reports are preferable over child reports because of decreased underreporting. However, child-reported SHS exposure had adequate validity ( r >0.50) and might be appropriate in some situations. Researchers might consider collecting both parent and child reports because each made a unique contribution to the prediction of cotinine.
Graphical visualization of reflectarray reflection phase response

This paper provides an insightful graphical visualization of the reflectarray performance. Variable patch size approach is used for the element design. The phase response of the reflectarray elements is studied in the actual reflectarray environment. It is shown that this visualization can be used to validate if the designed reflectarray elements provide the pres-designed phase shifts. In order to better appreciate the performance of the reflectarray, its performance is compared to a ground plane. The ground plane scatters a spherical wavefront and the reflectarray scatters a planar wavefront and this is confirmed through the incident, scattered and total fields analyses.
A multi channel chopper modulated neural recording system

Presented herein is a fully integrated low-noise CMOS multi-channel amplifier for neural recording applications. The circuit employs the chopper modulation technique to reduce the effect of flicker noise and DC offset. A reduced area design implementation is achieved by trading off the increased noise margin performance of the chopper modulator for minimal amplifier area and analog multiplexing of the recording sites. A fully differential topology is used for the signal path to improve noise immunity. The analog amplifier exhibits 56 dB of gain with a 115 kHz bandwidth and a common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of 80 dB. Simulation results show a total input referred noise less than 16 nV//spl radic/Hz. The system power consumption is approximately 750 /spl mu/Watts. The fully integrated system was designed in ABN 1.6-/spl mu/m single poly n-well CMOS process.
Non-reciprocal radiation using magnetic photonic crystals

Magnetic photonic crystals (MPCs) were previously shown to support novel modes exhibiting spectral non-reciprocity and stationary inflection points (SIP) within their band diagram [1]. The latter implies a unidirectional frozen mode exhibiting wave slowdown and concurrent amplitude growth [3]. In [4], it was demonstrated that the frozen mode can be realized using available materials yielding highly directive radiation from small dipoles embedded within the MPC layers. However, only the receiving pattern was presented without emphasis on the non-reciprocal radiation characteristics. In this paper, we analyze the receiving and transmitting patterns of Hertzian dipoles embedded within MPC unit cell ensemble. We demonstrate that a rather thin MPC assembly achieves unidirectional radiation with non-reciprocal receiving/transmitting patterns. We also propose a simpler unit cell structure to realize the aforementioned phenomena.
Congenital laryngeal atresia

Laryngeal atresia is a rare congenital anomaly requiring immediate tracheotomy as a lifesaving measure. A case of subglottic laryngeal atresia is reported and correlated with laryngeal embryogenesis. Three types of laryngeal atresia are described. Although tracheoesophageal fistula is commonly associated with laryngeal atresia, one must be careful not to confuse a pharyngotracheal duct with a tracheoesophageal fistula. A disproportionate number of reported TE fistulas associated with laryngeal atresia may result if an accurate distinction between pharyngotracheal duct and TE fistula is not made.
Transient Brownian Motion in Response to a Sudden Change of Temperature

A path integral formulation is developed for the transient Brownian motion in response to a sudden change in temperature. Formulae are derived for the time-dependent probability distribution function and for the transient current, employing the negative friction Langevin equation. Numerical implementation of the theory for a double-well system gives a clear illustration of the transient of the transient behaviors of the system.
Daylight time and energy: Evidence from an Australian experiment

Several countries are considering using daylight saving time (DST) as a tool for energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the United States extended DST in 2007 with the goal of reducing electricity consumption. This paper assesses DST’s impact on electricity demand by examining a quasi-experiment in which parts of Australia extended DST in 2000 to facilitate the Sydney Olympics. Using detailed panel data and a difference-in-difference-in-difference framework, we show that the extension did not reduce overall electricity consumption, but did cause a substantial intraday shift in demand consistent with activity patterns that are tied to the clock rather than sunrise and sunset.
Clathrin-Dependent Targeting of Receptors to the Flagellar Pocket of Procyclic-Form Trypanosoma brucei

In trypanosomatids, endocytosis and exocytosis occur exclusively at the flagellar pocket, which represents about 0.43% of the pellicle membrane and is a deep invagination of the plasma membrane where the flagellum extends from the cell. Receptor molecules are selectively retained at the flagellar pocket. We studied the function of clathrin heavy chain (TbCLH) in the trafficking of the flagellar pocket receptors in Trypanosoma brucei by using the double-stranded RNA interference approach. It appears that TbCLH is essential for the survival of both the procyclic form and the bloodstream form of T. brucei, even though structures resembling large coated endocytic vesicles are absent in procyclic-form trypanosomes. Down-regulation of TbCLH by RNA interference (RNAi) for 24 h rapidly and drastically reduced the uptake of macromolecules via receptor-mediated endocytosis in procyclic-form trypanosomes. This result suggested the importance of TbCLH in receptor-mediated endocytosis of the procyclic-form trypanosome, in which the formation of large coated endocytic vesicles may not be required. Surprisingly, induction of TbCLH RNAi in the procyclic T. brucei for a period of 48 h prohibited the export of the flagellar pocket-associated transmembrane receptor CRAM from the endoplasmic reticulum to the flagellar pocket, while trafficking of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored procyclin coat was not significantly affected. After 72 h of induction of TbCLH RNAi, procyclics exhibited morphological changes to an apolar round shape without a distinct structure of the flagellar pocket and flagellum. Although trypanosomes, like other eukaryotes, use similar organelles and machinery for protein sorting and transport, our studies reveal a novel role for clathrin in the secretory pathway of trypanosomes. We speculate that the clathrin-dependent trafficking of proteins to the flagellar pocket may be essential for the biogenesis and maintenance of the flagellar pocket in trypanosomes.
Betel quid use and mortality in Bangladesh: a cohort study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the potential effects of betel quid chewing on mortality. (A quid consists of betel nut, wrapped in betel leaves; tobacco is added to the quid by some users). Methods Prospective data were available on 20 033 individuals aged 18-75 years, living in Araihazar, Bangladesh. Demographic and exposure data were collected at baseline using a standardized questionnaire. Cause of death was defined by verbal autopsy questionnaires administered to next of kin. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between betel use and mortality from all causes and from specific causes, using Cox proportional hazards models. We adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, educational attainment and tobacco smoking history. Findings There were 1072 deaths during an average of 10 years of follow-up. Participants who had ever used betel were significantly more likely to die from all causes (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.09-1.44) and cancer (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09-2.22); but not cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.93-1.43). These findings were robust to adjustment for potential confounders. There was a dose-response relationship between mortality from all causes and both the duration and the intensity of betel use. The population attributable fraction for betel use was 14.1% for deaths from all causes and 24.2% for cancer. Conclusion Betel quid use was associated with mortality from all causes and from cancer in this cohort.
Economic development and diabetes prevalence in MENA countries: Egypt and Saudi Arabia comparison

Diabetes is increasing in epidemic proportions globally, exhibiting the most striking increase in third world countries with emerging economies. This phenomena is particularly evident in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has the highest prevalence of diabetes in adults. The most concerning indirect cost of diabetes is the missed work by the adult population coupled with the economic burden of loss of productivity. The major drivers of this epidemic are the demographic changes with increased life expectancy and lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Our focus is to compare MENA region countries, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in terms of their economic development, labor force diversity and the prevalence of diabetes.
A multiunit model of solute and water removal by inner medullary vasa recta

A recent model of volume and solute microcirculatory exchange in the renal medulla based on a single descending vasa rectum (DVR) was extended to account for the varying number of vessels along the corticomedullary axis. The assumption that concentration polarization at the walls of ascending vasa recta (AVR) during volume uptake eliminates transmural oncotic pressure gradients was examined. In this limiting case, small hydrostatic pressure gradients can drive AVR volume uptake if the pressure in the interstitium exceeds that in the AVR lumen. The calculated hydraulic pressure difference across AVR yielding agreement between predicted and measured values of AVR-to-DVR blood flow rate ratios was found to be smaller than the reported maximum pressure difference AVR can sustain. Simulations also confirmed previous conclusions suggesting that the presence of urea transporters in DVR counterbalances that of water channels that would otherwise decrease the efficiency of small solute trapping in the renal medulla.
The Coase Theorem and Western U.S. Appropriative Water Rights

The Article analyzes the prior appropriation system in the Western U.S. as a compelling application of the Coase Theorem. In the overall prior appropriation system, few statutory transfers occur, but there are thriving transfer markets in the smaller-scale context of water districts. This suggests that the system at large is not at Coase Equilibrium, but that Equilibrium does prevail inside the water institutions. Institutions facilitate low transaction costs and secure property rights, and catalyze an iterative process that tends toward Coase Equilibrium. The Article makes policy recommendations regarding the formation of larger-scale water institutions to reduce deadweight losses by expanding the scope of Coase Equilibrium within the prior appropriation system.
Risk for cognitive impairment across 22 measures of cognitive ability in early-stage chronic kidney disease.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment. Previous studies have examined differences in cognitive impairment between persons with and without CKD using multiple cognitive outcomes, but few have done this for an extensive battery of cognitive tests. We relate early-stage CKD to two indices of impairment for 22 measures of cognitive ability. Methods The study was community-based and cross-sectional with 898 individuals free from dementia and end-stage renal disease. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equation and classified as <60 or ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, based on consensus definitions of Stage 3 or greater CKD. The eGFR classifications were related to modest [≥1 standard deviation (SD) below the mean] and severe (≥1.5 SD below the mean) impairment on each measure using logistic regression analyses adjusting for potential risk factors. Results A total of 146 individuals (16.3%) had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (mean 51.6 ± 10.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). These participants had significantly greater risk for modestly impaired abilities in the scanning and tracking and visual-spatial organization/memory (VSOM) domains after accounting for comorbidity-related risk factors [odds ratios (ORs) between 1.68 and 2.16], as well as greater risk for severely impaired functioning in the language domain (OR = 2.65). Conclusions Participants with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were at higher risk for cognitive impairment than those with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 on the majority of cognitive abilities, specifically those within the VSOM, Language, and scanning and tracking domains. Targeted screening for cognitive deficits in kidney disease patients early in their disease course may be warranted.
Solution Processable Conducting Polymer: Polyaniline-Polyelectrolyte Complexes

Conducting polymers have novel electrical and optical properties that are potentially useful for applications in electroluminescence display, rechargeable batteries, electrochromic windows, chemical sensors, electromagnetic shielding and anti-electrostatic films. However, these new materials are less adaptable to industrial processes than the traditional synthetic polymers. One of the problems is that conducting polymers are difficult to be solubilized in any solvent, thus lacking solution processability during a manufacturing process. In this article we discuss a new molecular complex of polyaniline that is soluble in water and in polar organic solvents.
Minimizing the Cost of Stand Level Management for Older Forest Structure in Western Oregon

The area of old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest is estimated to have declined dramatically from historical levels. Active management involving repeated thinning that leaves substantially fewer trees than a typical commercial thin has been proposed as a way to speed the development of older forest structure in the region.Thisstudyusesarandomsearchheuristicandanindividualtreesimulationmodel,ORGANON,tosearch for cost-effective old forest management regimes for a wide range of stand types that occur on private land in western Oregon. The regimes were designed to meet older forest structural criteria, as defined by the Oregon Department of Forestry, for 30 years prior to clearcut harvest. The opportunity cost of managing for older forest structurewasestimatedforeachstandtypeasthevalueofforgonetimberproductionundermaximumnetpresent value management. Opportunity cost was found to be positively correlated with site quality, stand age, and stocking. Cost-effective management for older forest structure is important because the lower the cost of conservation, the more likely it will occur. West. J. Appl. For. 19(4):221-231.
Micturitional Static Urethral Pressure Profile: A Method of Recording Urethral Pressure Profile During Voiding and the Implications

AbstractUsing a tri-lumen graduated 10F catheter we attempted to record static (lateral) pressures at successive points in the urethra, synchronous with intravesical pressure recorded during voiding. Based on our understanding of the essential physical principles described by many earlier investigators we attempted numerous studies in a predominantly male population, which included normal male and female subjects, and male subjects with bladder outlet obstruction of varied etiology. We also attempted to evaluate the effects of the Valsalva maneuver, augmenting the detrusor contraction and artificial distal obstruction (penile compression) on the micturitional static urethral pressure profiles. Studies also were performed to compare the static urethral pressure profiles obtained with the anterograde (catheter withdrawal) and with the retrograde (catheter insertion during voiding) techniques. All of these studies have helped in understanding the various factors, such as double obstructions, artifactual cath...
Open-angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is a common cause of blindness and visual impairment, and is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve degeneration and visual field loss. Risk factors include increasing age, black race, positive family history and diabetes. Since many high risk individuals are seen periodically by primary care physicians, the office or clinic is a logical site for screening for open angle glaucoma. Tonometry is a useful screening maneuver, but is little used in the primary care setting. If primary care physicians can acquire the necessary skills, ophthalmoscopy may be a simple, safe and inexpensive alternative to tonometry.
Clinical and Radiological Risk Factors Predicting Open Surgical Repair in Pediatric Patients With Dilating Vesicoureteral Reflux

Objective To study the individual patient-related risk factors in those undergoing open corrective vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) surgery in a contemporary series. The management of VUR remains controversial, and the indications for open surgery has evolved from that of surgeon and patient preference to criteria involving breakthrough urinary tract infections and grade of VUR. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was performed, and patients undergoing open surgical repair for dilating VUR (grade III-V) from 2005 to 2014 were included. Characteristics of patients were determined to identify predictors of operative intervention. Statistical analysis including Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression of patient demographics and independent predictors of surgery was performed using the Stata (College Station, TX) version 13 software package. Results Of the 469 patients, 351 (74.8%) underwent open intravesical ureteroneocystostomy and 118 (25.2%) were managed conservatively. Based on the multivariable analysis, age, female sex, number of febrile urinary tract infections, maximum grade of reflux, prenatal hydronephrosis, ureteral dilatation, and persistence of VUR on voiding phase of voiding cystourethrogram were strong predictors of eventual surgery. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 19.8), ureteral dilatation (OR: 6.2), and persistence of VUR on voiding phase (OR: 5.03) were among the strongest predictors of surgical intervention. Conclusion Female sex and higher grades of VUR were the strongest predictors of eventual surgical intervention. VCUG characteristics of ureteral dilatation >7 mm and persistence of VUR on the voiding phase were also very strong predictors of eventual surgical intervention.
Acetaminophen Attenuates House Dust Mite–Induced Allergic Airway Disease in Mice

Epidemiologic evidence suggests that N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP) may play a role in the pathogenesis of asthma, likely through pro-oxidant mechanisms. However, no studies have investigated the direct effects of APAP on the development of allergic inflammation. To determine the likelihood of a causal relationship between APAP and asthma pathogenesis, we explored the effects of APAP on inflammatory responses in a murine house dust mite (HDM) model of allergic airway disease. We hypothesized that APAP would enhance the development of HDM-induced allergic inflammation. The HDM model consisted of once daily intranasal instillations for up to 2 weeks with APAP or vehicle administration 1 hour prior to HDM during either week 1 or 2. Primary assessment of inflammation included bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), cytokine expression in lung tissue, and histopathology. Contrary to our hypothesis, the effects of HDM treatment were substantially diminished in APAP-treated groups compared with controls. APAP-treated groups had markedly reduced airway inflammation: including decreased inflammatory cells in the BAL fluid, lower cytokine expression in lung tissue, and less perivascular and peribronchiolar immune cell infiltration. The anti-inflammatory effect of APAP was not abrogated by an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (P450) metabolism, suggesting that the effect was due to the parent compound or a non-P450 generated metabolite. Taken together, our studies do not support the biologic plausibility of the APAP hypothesis that APAP use may contribute to the causation of asthma. Importantly, we suggest the mechanism by which APAP modulates airway inflammation may provide novel therapeutic targets for asthma.
Sounds into Speech: the Two-Part Prelude of 1799 as Dialogic Dramatic Monologue

Wordsworth’s two-part Prelude of 1799 is a poem about sounds and voices, about what sounds echo the voice of authority, and about how a number of voices contribute to the poetic making of a self-reflexive speaker who writes primarily for the sake of other people. The fact that the poem had its desired effect by 1805 — Coleridge wrote back to the author of the ‘poem to Coleridge’ with a poem entitled ‘To William Wordsworth’ — suggests that voices in dialogue are essential to our understanding of this earliest ‘complete’ version of Wordsworth’s poem on his own life. Bakhtin claims that the ‘fragments’ of a life can mingle dialogically with the ‘stories told by others’ to produce an aesthetic object in which ‘the hero of a life may become the narrator of it’.1 In Wordsworth’s case, this process is complicated by the fact that the stories contributing to the unified ‘I-for-myself’ narrative (the phrase is also Bakhtin’s) do not always originate in human language, but in a series of human and nonhuman voices that create a dialogue within which the poet speaks by responding to other sounds and voices. A regularly sequential pattern (silence — sound — voice — speaker — poet speaking) provides a recurring model for the way this poetic voice claims to have gained the authority necessary for speech. The two-part Prelude of 1799 reveals how an apparently single-voiced point-of-view can emerge out of conflicting voices that vie for authority when any ‘I’ begins to speak.
Fatigue Damage Precursor Identification Using Nondestructive Evaluation Coupled with Electron Microscopy

Several fatigue failure modes originate at the microstructural level by the activation, interactions and development of what are referred to as “damage precursors” long before the formation of dominant cracks that grow as a function of loading and crystallographic parameters. In this context, this work presents new developments of an in-house developed experimental mechanics approach to evaluate aspects of microstructure evolution and identify validated damage precursors that are active during fatigue loading by combining Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) methods with ex situ and in situ Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The used NDE methods include real time Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring from inside the SEM chamber and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for strain evolution directly at the grain scale. The coupling between quasi in situ microscopy with actual in situ nondestructive evaluation falls into the ICME framework and the idea of quantitative data-driven and multiscale characterization of material behavior. To demonstrate this approach, Aluminum 2024-T3 specimens were tested using a SEM mechanical testing stage under low cycle fatigue to identify and validate the presence of damage precursors, while correlating their presence with specific parameters extracted by the available NDE data. The reported results show how load information could be correlated with both AE activity, DIC strain maps, and microscopic observations of precipitate fracture and microcracks.