cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Mechanical Behavior of Membrane in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Subject to Dynamic Load Changes

One of the major barriers for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells to be commercially viable for stationary and transportation applications is the durability of membranes undergoing chemical and mechanical degradation over the period of operation. Toward understanding the effects of operating parameters on membrane durability, this paper presents numerical simulations for a single channel PEM fuel cell undergoing changes in load, by subjecting a unit cell to step changes in voltage. The objective is to elucidate the mechanical response of the membrane, which is subjected to hygral (water) loading and unloading cycles at constant temperature. Detailed three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are conducted, taking into account the complex interactions of water transport dynamics and load changes, to accurately capture the water content in the membrane with changes in cell voltage. The water content obtained through CFD simulations is, in turn, used to carry out two-dimensional (2D) finite element (FE) analysis to predict the mechanical response of the membrane undergoing cyclic change in water content, as the operating voltage is cycled. The effects of cyclic changes in cell potential on the stresses induced, amount of plastic strain, and its localization are analyzed for various inlet cathode humidity values for two sections along the length of the fuel cell.
Genetic alteration of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase subunit expression affects calcium currents and beta-endorphin release in AtT-20 clonal pituitary cells.

The role of the cAMP-dependent kinase (AK) in neurotransmission was investigated by genetic alteration of AK subunit expression in AtT-20 clonal pituitary cells. We characterized and compared wild-type [AK(wt)] cells and two clones with different AK activities. The first stably expresses a gene for a mutant AK regulatory subunit (RI) that does not bind cAMP [AK(-)]; the second stably expresses a gene for the catalytic subunit (C) of AK [AK(+)]. Western blot analysis of RI and C subunit expression showed increased expression of both subunits in AK(+) and AK(-) cells relative to AK(wt), with the transfection-induced expression of one subunit producing a compensatory increase in the expression of the other. The basal AK activities varied among the cell types, with AK(+) cells possessing 3-fold higher basal AK activity than AK(wt) cells, and AK(-) cells possessing half the AK activity of AK(wt) cells. Preincubation of cultures with 300 microM 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP increased AK activity approximately 4-f...
Vascular permeability of the middle ear mucosa in otitis media with effusion

Vascular permeability (VP) of the middle ear mucosa (MEM) in chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) was estimated in both pediatric and adult patients by calculating the middle ear effusion (MEE) to serum concentration ratios of albumin and of four protease inhibitors: α1-antitrypsin (α1-AT), α1-antichymotrypsin (α1-X), inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (I-α-I) and α2-macroglobulin (α2-M). The levels of albumin and α1-AT in MEE were higher while those of I-α-I and α2-M were lower than their serum levels in both adult serous and pediatric mucoid groups. There was a negative correlation between molecular weight and the mean value of the ratio (MEE/serum) of the four inhibitors in both serous (r=−0.989) and mucoid (r=−0.924) groups. Vascular permeability of the MEM seems to be variable in both serous and mucoid groups during middle ear inflammation. Selective leakage of proteins by molecular weight appears to occur in MEM. Our findings further indicate that a high level of the high-molecular-weight inhibitor α2-M in MEE may be a significant index reflecting the remarkably enhanced VP of the MEM.
Determination of Poisson’s Ratios of Bovine Articular Cartilage in Tension and Compression Using Osmotic and Mechanical Loading

The existence of osmotic pressure inside cartilage gives the tissue a propensity to swell. This swelling pressure is balanced by the tensile stresses generated within the solid matrix at free-swelling [1, 2]. Recent studies have shown that cartilage exhibits significant strain-softening when compressed relative to its free-swelling state [3–5]. Such strain-softening behavior has been physically interpreted within the context of osmotic swelling pressure and tension-compression nonlinearity [4, 9]. This has provided the rationale for extracting both the tensile and compressive Young’s moduli from uniaxial compression tests on the same specimen [4, 5]. The goal of the current study is to optically determine another important elastic property, i.e. the equilibrium Poisson’s ratio of young bovine articular cartilage when uniaxially compressed along its three characteristic directions: parallel and perpendicular to the split-line direction (1- and 2-direction, respectively), and in a direction normal to the articular surface (3-direction). Furthermore, the external bath concentration effects on the Poisson’s ratios will be explored at various strain levels.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The relationship of masculinity, femininity, and well-being in Taiwan college graduates

The relationship of sex role orientation and psychological well-being was assessed in a group of 214 Taiwan male and female college graduates. The 32-item Femininity scale of the California Psychological Inventory was empirically divided into two independent subscales: the Femininity (consisting of items more frequently endorsed by women) and the Masculinity subscales (consisting of items more frequently endorsed by men). Well-being is assessed by absence of depressive symptomatology and level of self-actualization. For women, lower levels of femininity significantly predicted to decrease in depressive levels and higher actualization. For men, low femininity and moderately high masculinity scores predicted to low depressive symptomatology, while low femininity and low masculinity levels predicted to high actualization. The findings were discussed in the context of modern day Taiwan culture.
Spectral analysis of reported crime data

This paper applies spectral analysis to data on reported crimes for a medium-sized city. The objective is to examine certain aspects of the statistical properties of crime data, as well as to illustrate the utility of the spectral-analytic method for criminal justice research. A discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the spectral analysis technique is provided through analogy with familiar least squares regression methods. Both spectral and cross-spectral analysis are then employed to test selected hypotheses concerning the data.
Induction of Tax i expression in MT-4 cells by 5-azacytidine leads to protein binding in the HTLV-1 LTR in vivo.

The Tax I trans-activator protein of the human T-cell leukemia virus I (HTLV-I) enhances viral gene expression through enhancer sequences in the viral LTR. These sequences consist of three imperfect 21-bp repeats (TRE-1) and a region between the promoter central and promoter proximal TRE-1 (known as TRE-2). We have previously described the in vivo footprint of the HTLV-I TRE-1s and TRE-2 in two HTLV-I-infected cell lines, MT-2 and MT-4. MT-2 is a high-level producer of virus and shows significant DNA-protein interactions within the TRE-1s and TRE-2. In contrast, the proviral DNA in MT-4 cells is heavily methylated and produces no detectable virus. In this report, we describe the footprints of the TRE-1s and TRE-2 in MT-4 cells that were induced to express high levels of viral proteins by treatment with 5-azacytidine, a potent inhibitor of methylation. The footprints of the TRE-1s in 5-azacytidine-treated MT-4 cells were virtually identical to those observed in MT-2 cells. In contrast, the footprints within the TRE-2 region of 5-azacytidine-treated MT-4 cells did not resemble those in either MT-2 or MT-4 cells.
Histidine 197 in release factor 1 is essential for a site binding and peptide release.

Class I peptide release factors 1 and 2 (RF1 and RF2) recognize the stop codons in the ribosomal decoding center and catalyze peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis. High-fidelity stop codon recognition by these release factors is essential for accurate peptide synthesis and ribosome recycling. X-ray crystal structures of RF1 and RF2 bound to the ribosome have identified residues in the mRNA-protein interface that appear critical for stop codon recognition. Especially interesting is a conserved histidine in all bacterial class I release factors that forms a stacking interaction with the second base of the stop codon. Here we analyzed the functional significance of this conserved histidine (197 in E. coli) of RF1 by point mutagenesis to alanine. Equilibrium binding studies and transient-state kinetic analysis have shown that the histidine is essential for binding with high affinity to the ribosome. Furthermore, analysis of the binding data indicates a conformational change within the RF1•ribosome complex that results in a more tightly bound state. The rate of peptidyl-tRNA hydrolysis was also reduced significantly, more than the binding data would suggest, implying a defect in the orientation of the GGQ domain without the histidine residue.
Ignition bifurcations in a stirred tank PEM fuel cell

A mathematical model of ignition dynamics and bistable operation of a Stirred Tank Reactor (STR) Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is developed. In dry inlet gas operation the positive feedback between current, water production, and membrane resistance within the model leads to two stable “ignited” states. Within the framework of the model these correspond to a uniform current distribution or a partially extinguished cell with localized current production. The switching between the two regimes is accompanied by hysteresis and transient behavior on the order of 2–4 hours in a small 1 cm2 cell. We compare the numerical results to experimental data gathered by Jay Benziger and show that the steady-state distribution of membrane water is very sensitive to several parameters and is an excellent diagnostic for determining material parameters.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Support Shape Effect in Metal Oxide Catalysis: Ceria-Nanoshape-Supported Vanadia Catalysts for Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Isobutane

The support effect has long been an intriguing topic in catalysis research. With the advancement of nanomaterial synthesis, the availability of faceted oxide nanocrystals provides the opportunity to gain unprecedented insights into the support effect by employing these well-structured nanocrystals. In this Letter, we show by utilizing ceria nanoshapes as supports for vanadium oxide that the shape of the support poses a profound effect on the catalytic performance of metal oxide catalysts. Specifically, the activation energy of VOx/CeO2 catalysts in oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutane was found to be dependent on the shape of ceria support, rods < octahedra, closely related to the surface oxygen vacancy formation energy and the numbe of defects of the two ceria supports with different crystallographic surface planes.
"A Twisted Rope Binds My Waist": Locating Constraints on Meaning in a Tij Songfest

This article explores the songfests involved in a Nepali women's festival called Tij. Presenting a practice theory of meaning constraint, I argue that any attempt to constrain interpretive indeterminacy in discursive events like Tij songfests must be firmly situated along sociospatial, temporal, textual, and intertextual dimensions. Choosing one song to analyze in detail, I propose an explanation for why potentially oppositional lyrics have not thus far challenged prevailing gender relations in the village of junigau.
Stress Magnification due to Stretching and Bending of Thin Ligaments between Voids

Stress magnification in thin ligaments between small and large cylindrical voids is obtained by matching the inner field approximation by beam theory to the outer rigid-body field in the bulk of the material. A void between two larger voids is modeled as a large hole within a strip of straight edges (boundaries of the holes with infinite radii of curvature). Both stretching and bending types of loading are applied to the strip. Comparison of different orders of stress magnification for different geometries and loading conditions is made. It is shown that the order of stress magnification in thin ligaments is (R/δ) n ,w heren = 1/2 in the ligament between one small and one large void, n = 1 in the ligament between one small void and two large voids, or between two small and two large voids, and n = 2 in the ligament between a large void and a small void coalescing with another large void. The relevance of these results for the study of material failure by void growth and coalescence is discussed. Large amount of research has been devoted during past several decades to the analysis of material failure by ductile void growth and coalescence. Continuum elastoplastic theories, dislocation based models, and atomistic simulations were all used to address the problem. Representative recent references include (1-8). In this paper we present an analytical determination of the maximum stress in thin ligaments or narrow regions between close cylindrical voids. We consider ligaments between a small void and two nearby large voids, and ligaments associated with two small voids positioned in-between two large voids (Fig. 1). In addition, we consider liga- ments between a small void and a nearby large void, and the ligaments between a large void and a small void coalescing with another large void (Fig. 2). The analysis is based on modeling small voids as large holes in a rectangular strip whose straight edges are the boundaries of large outer voids of infinite radii of curvature. Both stretching and bending types of loading are applied to the bulk. Stress magnification is obtained by matching the inner field approximation, which is obtained by beam theory approximation within the ligament, to the outer rigid-body field in the bulk of the material, away from the holes. The utilized approach is in an extension of the early work by Koiter (9), who constructed an elementary solution for the stress magnification in the neighborhood of a large hole symmetrically positioned within a rectangular strip under remote tension. The
Effects of in utero ethanol exposure on the development of LHRH neurons in the mouse.

Prenatal ethanol exposure has been shown to result in craniofacial malformations as well as alterations of central nervous system morphology and function. Previous studies have demonstrated that acute ethanol exposure on gestational day 7 in the developing C57BL/6J mouse resulted in craniofacial abnormalities similar to that of children with fetal alcohol syndrome. We investigated the effect of ethanol on the migration and number of immunoreactive LHRH (irLHRH) neurons in this strain of mouse. Pregnant mice were intubated with 2 doses of a 25% solution of ethanol 4 h apart on gestational day 7 (G7). Control animals were intubated with water. Animals were sacrificed on G14 or G18 and immunocytochemistry was used to identify irLHRH neurons that were visualized by light microscopy. Fetal ethanol administration did not substantially affect the migration of the LHRH neurons from the medial nasal placode into the forebrain on G14 or G18. The total number of irLHRH neurons was not significantly different on G14 in ethanol-exposed animals as compared to the number in control animals. However, the total number of irLHRH neurons on G18 was significantly less (P < 0.03) in 4 neuroanatomical regions in fetal ethanol-exposed mice compared to those in control mice; the nasal septum, the traverse area superior to the cribriform plate and ventromedial to the olfactory bulbs, the arch area which included the olfactory tubercle, medial septal nuclei and anterior hypothalamus in G18 fetuses, and preoptic area of the brain. Coronal investigation of the number of irLHRH neurons on G18 indicates that the loss of irLHRH neurons occurred predominantly in the medial region of the rostrum and brain.
Identification of FleQ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a c-di-GMP-responsive transcription factor

Summary High levels of the intracellular signalling molecule cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) supress motility and activate exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in a variety of bacterial species. In many bacteria part of the effect of c-di-GMP is on gene expression, but the mechanism involved is not known for any species. We have identified the protein FleQ as a c-di-GMP-responsive transcriptional regulator in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FleQ is known to activate expression of flagella biosynthesis genes. Here we show that it also represses transcription of genes including the pel operon involved in EPS biosynthesis, and that this repression is relieved by c-di-GMP. Our in vivo data indicate that FleQ represses pel transcription and that pel transcription is not repressed when intracellular c-di-GMP levels are high. FleN, a known antiactivator of FleQ also participates in control of pel expression. In in vitro experiments we found that FleQ binds to pel promoter DNA and that this binding is inhibited by c-di-GMP. FleQ binds radiolabelled c-di-GMP in vitro. FleQ does not have amino acid motifs that resemble previously defined c-di-GMP binding domains. Our results show that FleQ is a new type of c-di-GMP binding protein that controls the transcriptional regulation of EPS biosynthesis genes in P. aeruginosa.
Impact of genetic background on neonatal lethality of Gga2 gene-trap mice.

The functional redundancy of the three mammalian Golgi-localized, γ-ear–containing, ADP-ribosylation factor-binding proteins (GGAs) was addressed in a previous study. Using insertional mutagenesis, we found that Gga1 or Gga3 homozygous knockout mice were for the most part normal, whereas mice homozygous for two different Gga2 gene-trap alleles exhibited either embryonic or neonatal lethality in the C57BL/6 background, depending on the source of the vector utilized (Byg vs. Tigm, respectively). We now show that the Byg strain harbors a disrupted Gga2 allele that is hypomorphic, indicating that the Byg lethality is attributable to a mechanism independent of GGA2. This is in contrast to the Tigm Gga2 allele, which is a true knockout and establishes a role for GGA2 during the neonatal period. Placement of the Tigm Gga2 allele into the C57BL6/Ola129Sv mixed background results in a lower incidence of neonatal lethality, showing the importance of genetic background in determining the requirement for GGA2 during this period. The Gga2−/− mice that survive have reduced body weight at birth and this runted phenotype is maintained through adulthood.
Economic effects of Pfiesteria

Pfiesteria is a single-celled microorganism that is a toxic predator of a number of fish species. We measure the effects of information about Pfiesteria on three related decision processes of the consumer: risk perceptions, seafood demand, and willingness to pay for a mandatory seafood inspection program. Using responses to a survey on seafood consumption and hypothetical Pfiesteria-related fish kills, we find that announcement of a fish kill increases the perceived risks of seafood and decreases the demand for seafood. Information policies that assure the safety of seafood have little effect in restoring consumer confidence in seafood. Perceived negative information tends to decrease welfare by more than the counter effects of perceived positive information. Welfare losses are recovered through a mandatory seafood inspection program rather than safety announcements.
Intra-Arterial Fibrinolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke The Message of Melt

See related article, pages 2633–2639. For nearly a decade, intra-arterial fibrinolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke has stood poised on the threshold of a definitive evidential basis and widespread acceptance. The positive result of the phase 3 PROACT II trial in 1999 appeared to validate the pathophysiologically eminently reasonable strategy of endovascular recanalization in acute ischemic stroke.1 Endovascular therapy delivers lytic agent at high concentration directly to the clot, increasing lysis rates compared with intravenous therapy, while minimizing systemic exposure and extracerebral bleeding complications.2 Leading stroke centers adopted endovascular recanalization therapies as a common off-label treatment option for patients beyond the 3-hour window.3 However, proponents of evidence-based medicine noted that a single, small phase 3 clinical trial was insufficient to provide definitive proof of efficacy. The US Food and Drug Administration and international regulatory agencies did not approve a stroke label for pro-urokinase. The expense of a confirmatory phase 3 trial of pro-urokinase proved daunting to pharma and none was undertaken. In US national practice guidelines, intra-arterial fibrinolysis occupied a gray zone, receiving a Level B recommendation, indicating the incomplete foundation of a single dose-ranging and single positive phase 3 trial.4 The limitations of this evidential base have prevented regional emergency medical systems from organizing delivery of patients directly to endovascular hospitals. The results of the MELT trial, reported in this issue of Stroke , are therefore very welcome, providing additional information regarding intra-arterial fibrinolytic therapy that complements and supports previous studies. …
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Amputation and Revascularization: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample Study

This study investigates whether ethnic minorities presenting with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are more likely to undergo major limb amputation compared to white patients. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify all patients admitted with CLI; lower extremity revascularization; and major lower extremity amputation from 1998 to 2005. The NIS identified 240 139 patients presenting with CLI--68.2% white, 19.5% black, 9.0% Hispanic, and 1.24% Asian. In all, 83 328 patients underwent revascularization--73.7% white, 15.9% black, 7.4% Hispanic, and 1.1% Asian. The majority of the interventions were open. In all, 111 548 patients underwent a major lower extremity amputation--61% white, 25.4% black, 10.1% Hispanic, and 1.1% Asian. The mean Charlson comorbidity scores for amputation were 2.1 for whites, 2.0 for blacks, 2.3 for Hispanics, and 2.5 for Asians (for all data, P < .05). Blacks make up a disproportionately higher proportion of patients admitted for CLI and undergoing amputation, with a lower proportion undergoing revascularization.
Inverse Numerator Relationship Matrix Approximation

Abstract Genetic evaluation by BLUP requires knowledge of the inverse numerator relationship matrix among breeding values. When pedigree information is complete, the true relationship matrix can be determined and an exact inverse found. When pedigree information is incomplete, an exact inverse of an approximate relationship matrix is obtainable. The usual algorithm for the inverse numerator relationship matrix may be derived assuming each unidentified parent to be a different base population animal.
Benchmarking nanotechnology for high-performance and low-power logic transistor applications

Recently there has been tremendous progress made in the research of novel nanotechnology for future nanoelectronic applications. In particular, several emerging nanoelectronic devices such as carbon-nanotube field-effect transistors (FETs), Si nanowire FETs, and planar III-V compound semiconductor (e.g., InSb, InAs) FETs, all hold promise as potential device candidates to be integrated onto the silicon platform for enhancing circuit functionality and also for extending Moore's Law. For high-performance and low-power logic transistor applications, it is important that these research devices are frequently benchmarked against the existing Si logic transistor data in order to gauge the progress of research. In this paper, we use four key device metrics to compare these emerging nanoelectronic devices to the state-of-the-art planar and nonplanar Si logic transistors. These four metrics include: 1) CV/I or intrinsic gate delay versus physical gate length L/sub g/; 2) energy-delay product versus L/sub g/; 3) subthreshold slope versus L/sub g/; and 4) CV/I versus on-to-off-state current ratio I/sub ON//I/sub OFF/. The results of this benchmarking exercise indicate that while these novel nanoelectronic devices show promise and opportunities for future logic applications, there still remain shortcomings in the device characteristics and electrostatics that need to be overcome. We believe that benchmarking is a key element in accelerating the progress of nanotechnology research for logic transistor applications.
Economic returns to cowpea research, extension, and input distribution in Senegal

Abstract This paper calculates the rate of return to a set of cowpea research, extension and distribution projects in Senegal to be between 31% and 92%. The results show that a modestly funded program on a secondary crop can be successful. They also indicate that programs may increase their effectiveness by addressing specific household needs - in this case, by focusing on short-cycle varieties that provide food during the hunger season prior to the traditional harvest.
A global invader at home: population structure of the green crab, Carcinus maenas, in Europe

The European green crab, Carcinus maenas , has a native distribution that extends from Norway to Mauritania. It has attracted attention because of its recent invasions of Australia, Tasmania, South Africa, Japan and both coasts of North America. To examine the population structure of this global invader in its native range, we analysed a 502-base-pair fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene from 217 crabs collected in the North Atlantic and 13 specimens from the Mediterranean. A clear genetic break (11% sequence divergence) occurs between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, supporting the species-level status of these two forms. Populations in the Faeroe Islands and Iceland were genetically distinct from continental populations ( F ST = 0.264–0.678), with Iceland represented by a single lineage also found in the Faeroes. This break is consistent with a deep-water barrier to dispersal in green crabs. Although there are relatively high levels of gene flow along the Atlantic coast of Europe, slight population structure was found between the central North Sea and populations to the south. Analysis of variance, multidimensional scaling, and the distribution of private haplotypes support this break, located between Bremerhaven, Germany, and Hoek van Holland. Similar biogeographical and genetic associations for other species, such as benthic algae and freshwater eels, suggest that the marine fauna of Europe may be generally subdivided into the areas of Mediterranean, western Europe and northern Europe.
Computer assisted guidance of an underground mine truck

This paper describes component installation and testing of computer assisted control of an underground, diesel-powered, articulated haul truck. The sensing components are four ultrasonic transducers, four wheel encoders and two steering-cylinder linear potentiometers. On-board, 68030-processor based computing hardware controls engine idle, fuel shutoff transmission direction and speed selector, engine starter, parking and driving brakes, and steering. Control algorithms are encoded in C using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Real-time Control System (RCS) architecture. A 480 kHz transmitter and receiver enables remote manual control. The truck successfully negotiated a simulated mine corridor located on the Colorado School of Mines campus 17 times in first and second gear without collisions. >
How Good Is the Quality of Health Care in the United States

Studies over the past decade show that some people are receiving more care than they need, and some are receiving less. Simple averages from a number of studies indicate that 50 percent of people received recommended preventive care; 70 percent, recommended acute care; 30 percent, contraindicated acute care; 60 percent, recommended chronic care; and 20 percent, contraindicated chronic care. These studies strongly suggest that the care delivered in the United States often does not meet professional standards. Efforts to measure quality and report routinely on the results to the public at large would allow more definitive assessments of the status of the nation's health care and would enable us to single out the areas in need of improvement.
Rates and risk factors for drug resistance tuberculosis in Northeastern China

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) has emerged as a major challenge toward TB control and prevention. In Lianyungang city, the extent and trend of drug resistant TB is not well known. The objective of the survey was to assess drug resistance pattern of MTB and risk factors for drug resistant TB, including multidrug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in this area. We performed drug susceptibility testing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates with first- and second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs of 1012 culture positive TB cases by using the proportion method, who were consecutively enrolled from January 2011 to December 2012 in Lianyungang city, China. The patterns of drug resistance in MTB were investigated and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for drug resistant TB. Among the 1012 strains tested, 308 (30.4%) strains were resistant to at least one first-line drug; the prevalence of MDR-TB was 88 (8.7%), 5 (0.5%) strains were found to be extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Female gender was a risk factor for MDR-TB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.763, 95% CI (1.060-2.934). The aged 28–54 years was significantly associated with the risk of MDR-TB with an aOR: 2.224, 95% CI (1.158-4.273) when compared with those 65 years or older. Patients with previous treatment history had a more than 7-fold increased risk of MDR-TB, compared with those never previously treated. The burden of drug resistant TB cases is sizeable, which highlights an urgent need to reinforce control, detection and treatment strategies for drug resistant TB.
A woman with back pain.

The Editorial Board of JNMA is proud to launch yet another reader-oriented monthly column entitled "Radiology Rounds," which will be orchestrated by Dr James Collins, longtime NMA member and professor of radiology at UCLA. Dr Collins and his colleagues across the country will endeavor to bring us a variety of interesting cases with both an educational and clinical message that will undoubtedly prove useful to our primary care physicians and many specialists as well. It is anticipated that this will evolve into a continuing medical education initiative going forward. We would like for this to be an interactive column, so please feel free to forward your views and opinions of the cases being presented to Dr Collins for follow-up in JNMA. If you have an interesting case with excellent radiologic images, please feel free to contact Dr Collins directly so that we can share your experience with all of our NMA colleagues and friends.
Introduction to hydromechanical well tests in fractured rock aquifers.

This article introduces hydromechanical well tests as a viable field method for characterizing fractured rock aquifers. These tests involve measuring and analyzing small displacements along with pressure transients. Recent developments in equipment and analyses have simplified hydromechanical well tests, and this article describes initial field results and interpretations during slug and constant-rate pumping tests conducted at a site underlain by fractured biotite gneiss in South Carolina. The field data are characterized by displacements of 0.3 lm to more than 10 lm during head changes up to 10 m. Displacements are a hysteretic function of hydraulic head in the wellbore, with displacements late in a well test always exceeding those at similar wellbore pressures early in the test. Displacement measurements show that hydraulic aperture changes during well tests, and both scaling analyses and field data suggest that T changed by a few percent per meter of drawdown during slug and pumping tests at our field site. Preliminary analyses suggest that displacement data can be used to improve estimates of storativity and to reduce nonuniqueness during hydraulic well tests involving single wells.
A Roadmap For Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) has become yet another bandwagon in the crowded caravans towards strategic information systems nirvana. In this paper, we contend that beyond serving as a buzzword and a passing fad to acquire an Information Technology (IT) solution from clamoring vendors, managements enthusiasm for CRM can effectively be cultivated to develop the organizations strategic plan for making the customer the focal point of all activities. To that end, we examine CRM technologies by considering what they offer for managing each stage of the Customer Resource Life Cycle (CRLC).
FACTORS CORRELATED WITH FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF WOLVES IN AND NEAR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA

Abstract We examined prey selection, search distance (measured as km traveled/kill), and spatial use of recolonizing wolves (Canis lupus) in a multi-prey system in northwestern Montana, USA, and southeastern British Columbia, Canada, from 1986 to 1996. Our objective was to explore factors affecting these parameters to better understand wolf–prey relationships of recolonizing wolves. Within white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) winter ranges, wolves selectively killed elk (Cervus elaphus) over deer. Number of wolves (r = 0.67, P = 0.03), year (r = 0.68, P = 0.02), and possibly human hunter-days/elk harvested (r = 0.55, P = 0.08) were positively correlated with variation in proportion of deer killed by wolves annually. Outside of severe winters, white-tailed deer, elk, and moose (Alces alces) appeared to be equally vulnerable to wolf predation. Search distance of wolves varied by up to 12 times annually. Snow depth (r = 0.73, P = 0.03) and proportion of total kills by wolves that were deer (r = 0.66, P...
Parallel variation among populations in the shell morphology between sympatric native and invasive aquatic snails

A phenotypic response, either plastic or evolved, is often required for successful invasion of novel environments. Populations of the invasive snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum have colonized a wide range of environments in the western U. S. since 1985, but the extent of plastic adjustment and evolved adaptation to local environments is largely unknown. We examined variation in shell morphology among four sites in the Snake River, Idaho, including both still-water and free-flowing river habitats and compared the variation to that of a native snail (Pyrgulopsis robusta) using geometric morphometric techniques. Using Generalized Procrustes analysis, we tested for phenotypic responses by determining (1) whether Po. antipodarum from the four locations differed in shell morphology, and (2) whether these snails exhibited corresponding shell shape variation with sympatric populations of a native snail. Both native and invasive snails exhibited similar variation in shell morphology across three of the four sites. The Canonical Variate assignment test grouped 85 % of both snail species to their rightful sample site. In addition, the Principal Component Analysis displayed similar patterns of shell variation across the four sites, indicating parallel variation in shell shape. For three of the four sites, both the native and invasive snails exhibited differences in shell shape consistent with water flow variation (still-water versus fast free-flowing river). Taken together, these results suggest that the shell shape of the invasive snail has changed either through plasticity or evolution, and that both native and invasive snail populations responded to local environmental conditions in a similar manner.
An assessment architecture for competency-based learning: Version 1.0

The U.S. Department of Education (DoE) asserts that one way to improve student achievement is to consider competency-based learning. The DoE describes competency-based learning as “a structure that creates flexibility, allows students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic content, regardless of time, place, or pace of learning.” Competency-based learning focuses on outcomes and skill-sets. Students are encouraged to learn in a way that allows them to employ reproducible skills sets to generate tangible outcomes. Our group is early in an initiative to provide alternative learning environments in STEM higher education. The group consists of faculty from several academic units including liberal arts, libraries, and technology. One of the learning experiences currently being tested involves the tight coupling of all forms of communication and information literacy with technological skills and concepts. We develop an integrated learning experience that cultivates learner's capacities of interpersonal communication and social and cultural awareness in a seminar environment. We will describe our process of generating competencies from AAC&U inspired rubrics and how these were mapped to learning outcomes and learning activities in the seminar environment. The institutional (and in some cases legal) constraints associated with the spirit of competency-based learning will be discussed.
BOOK REVIEW ESSAY Analyzing Contemporary Introductory Textbooks on Correctional Administration/ Management/Organization: A Content Analysis

This book review essay discusses and analyzes how introductory textbooks on correctional administration, written primarily for the American university market, frame the discourse on this subject matter. The writer presents both quantitative and qualitative empirical evidence of coverage given to prison administration. In addition to traditional content analysis methods, the authors of these books were contacted and asked to explain the decision-making processes they used for content inclusion, exclusion and/or minimization. The paper concludes with a handful of recommendations on improving texts in this subdiscipline.
Paracellular solute uptake by the freshwater zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha

A hyperosmotic solution of mannitol or glucose (100 mM) in pond water caused an increase in paracellular solute movement between the bathing medium and body fluids of Dreissena polymorpha. Small molecules (< 5,000 Da) in the bath entered the mussel, and 80-85% of the sodium and chloride in the blood was lost within 12 h. Blood total solute was elevated within 4 h of exposure to hyperosmotic conditions, but the rise was attributed to the gain of glucose or mannitol from the bath and not to an elevation of ion concentration as a result of the osmotic loss of water. Lanthanum in the bathing solution was able to penetrate the paracellular junctional complex between gill epithelial cells in mussels exposed to hyperosmotic conditions but was rarely observed in pond water-acclimated animals. Colloidal gold (6 nm diam) was unable to penetrate the paracellular space but was accumulated in endocytotic vesicles in many epithelial cells. The "leakiness" of the epithelial tissue may be a critical factor in the low blood solute concentrations in freshwater mussels despite high rates of ion transport in these animals.
Nanoparticle PET imaging of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor in a rabbit atherosclerosis model

1789 Objectives The goal of this study was to utilize C-type atrial natriuretic factor (CANF) conjugated Comb-like nanoparticle to image the natriuretic peptide clearance receptor (NPR-C) up-regulated in a rabbit atherosclerosis model and demonstrate the superiority of nanoparticle in molecular imaging. Methods CANF peptide was conjugated to Comb-like nanoparticle to target the NPR-C receptor expressed at atherosclerotic plaque in a double-injured rabbit model with the non-CANF conjugated Comb-like nanoparticle as control. The CANF-Comb and Comb were radiolabeled with 64Cu in 0.1M pH 5.5 NH4OAc buffer and purified with size exclusion spin columns. PET imaging were performed at 1h, 4h and 24h after injection of 64Cu labeled nanoparticles. The expression of NPR-C receptor was characterized with Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Competitive PET and IHC receptor blocking studies were also performed. Results PET imaging illustrated significantly (p Conclusions The developed 64Cu-CANF-Comb nanoparticle provided sensitive and targeted molecular imaging for NPR-C receptor in vivo and is a candidate probe in for atherosclerosis PET imaging. Research Support This work is supported by the NHLBI Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology (HHSN268201000046C)
Oidaematophorus monodactylus: Oviposition and Development on Sweet Potato and Inundative Releases on Hedge Bindweed

The impact of Oidaematophorus monodactylus (L.) on hedge bindweed ( Convolvulus sepium L .) was evaluated in controlled cage experiments. Inundative releases of 3 and 5 larvae/leaf in the greenhouse caused a 90 and 100% reduction of leaves, respectively. A similar test conducted in field cages during July showed decreases in total plant length, leaf, and shoot production of hedge bindweed infested with 3 larvae/leaf. The experiment indicated that sufficiently large releases of late instars at bud formation in early June could limit growth of hedge bindweed. Although ovipositional tests showed that this plume moth had a distinct preference for hedge bindweed over sweet potato, its ability to complete development on 9 sweet potato varieties confirms that it should not be used as a control agent in areas where this crop is grown commercially.
Solar System Exploration Augmented by In-Situ Resource Utilization: Mercury and Saturn Propulsion Investigations

Human and robotic missions to Mercury and Saturn are presented and analyzed with a range of propulsion options. Historical studies of space exploration, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and industrialization all point to the vastness of natural resources in the solar system. Advanced propulsion benefitted from these resources in many ways. While advanced propulsion systems were proposed in these historical studies, further investigation of nuclear options using high power nuclear thermal and nuclear pulse propulsion as well as advanced chemical propulsion can significantly enhance these scenarios. Updated analyses based on these historical visions will be presented. Nuclear thermal propulsion and ISRU enhanced chemical propulsion landers are assessed for Mercury missions. At Saturn, nuclear pulse propulsion with alternate propellant feed systems and Titan exploration with chemical propulsion options are discussed. In-situ resource utilization was found to be critical in making Mercury missions more amenable for human visits. At Saturn, refueling using local atmospheric mining was found to be difficult to impractical, while refueling the Saturn missions from Uranus was more practical and less complex.
An Update of a Dynamic Model of Ruminant Digestion

The progressive development of a dynamic model of ruminant digestion for evaluation of factors affecting nutritive value of feedstuffs is outlined. Significant changes have been introduced in many of the interactive subunits that accommodate the digestion of 12 chemical constituents (soluble carbohydrate, organic acids, starch, pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, lipids, soluble protein, insoluble protein, nonprotein N, lignin and ash), microbial growth, animal interactions and summary computations. Explicit consideration of soluble carbohydrates, organic acids and pectins has been replaced by an aggregate fraction. A section has been added to follow dynamic aspects of volatile fatty acid metabolism in the rumen. Evaluations of the model were made by comparing its behavior with that observed experimentally for sheep fed a number of diets. These included an alfalfa diet fed at two intake levels either hourly or once daily, a dried subterranean clover diet fed hourly, a forage oat diet fed every 3 h and an 80% concentrate diet fed twice daily. For frequently fed diets, model estimates, in general, agreed very well with experimental estimates. Although changes in representations of protein metabolism were helpful, the pool size of ruminal ammonia N was not simulated well. Digestion and passage in the model occurred more rapidly than was observed when animals were fed high-quality forages once daily and rates of particle size reduction, fermentation and passage were lower than observed when low-quality diets were fed. It was concluded that the model can serve as a useful and adaptable tool for analyzing factors affecting nutritive value. Particle size reduction and passage from the rumen, dynamics of protein metabolism and utilization, and water dynamics were identified as areas requiring further research.
Patents, Standards and Borders: Addressing National Disparities among Holders of Standard-Essential Patents

Today’s technology product markets are inherently international. The global character of technology markets underscores the importance of technical interoperability standards in global supply chains and commerce. This paper considers the impact of patents on international technical standardization activities. In particular, it assesses the impact that patents have on individual firm behavior and intra-firm dynamics in the context of international standard-setting and evaluates available options to reduce disparities between large patent holders and firms from less-developed economies.
Determination of Trace Fluoride in Plant Material by Ion Chromatography

A method was developed for the determination of trace fluoride in plant materials using alkali fusion for sample preparation and ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detector samples were fused in nickel crucibles with sodium hydroxide at 500 ℃.The ash was dissolved and filtered for analysis.The fluoride ion was detected by suppressed conductivity detector after separating on an anion-exchange column(Metrosep A Supp 5).The linear range of the calibration curve for fluoride was 0.005-50 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg.The relative standard deviation of the method was 5.3%.The accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing two standard reference materials,namely GBW 07605 and GBW 07604.The results obtained agreed quite well with those of reference values.
Increasing the tolerance of filamentous cyanobacteria to next-generation biofuels via directed evolution

Abstract Renewable biofuels can lessen our reliance on fossil fuels. Cyanobacteria are being investigated for the production of biofuels directly from carbon dioxide, thus eliminating the steps of biomass production, harvest, logistics, and conversion required for 1st and 2nd generation biofuels. This study determined the initial tolerance of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413, and Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133 to four potential biofuels: farnesene, myrcene, linalool, and limonene. These cyanobacteria were then subjected to three rounds of directed evolution where the strains were exposed to increasing titers of each chemical. This led to a library of 12 putative mutants with higher tolerance to individual chemicals. These mutants were assessed for growth performance at chemical titers higher than the wildtype strains could tolerate. Power analysis was used to determine the necessary sample size to achieve statistical power of ≥ 0.95. Student's t-tests were performed to determine if the putative mutants had significantly improved growth parameters compared to the wildtype, thereby establishing whether an inheritable genetic change or possibly an epigenetic change had occurred. Three mutants were confirmed as having higher tolerance to individual chemicals. This work serves as proof-of-concept that directed evolution is a valid methodology to increase the tolerance of filamentous cyanobacteria to biofuels.