cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Articular cartilage degeneration following anterior cruciate ligament injury: a comparison of surgical transection and noninvasive rupture as preclinical models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis

Summary Objective Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is commonly studied using animal models. Surgical ACL transection is an established model, but noninvasive models may mimic human injury more closely. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare changes in 3D articular cartilage (AC) morphology following noninvasive ACL rupture and surgical ACL transection. Methods Thirty-six rats were randomized to uninjured control, noninvasive ACL rupture (Rupture), and surgical ACL transection (Transection), and 4 and 10 week time points ( n = 6 per group). Contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (CE-μCT) was employed for AC imaging. Femoral and tibial AC were segmented and converted into thickness maps. Compartmental and sub-compartmental AC thickness and surface roughness (S a ) were computed. OARSI histologic scoring was performed. Results In both injury groups, zones of adjacent thickening and thinning were evident on the medial femoral condyle, along with general thickening and roughening of femoral and tibial AC. The posterior tibia exhibited drastic thickening and surface degeneration, and this was worse in Transection. Both injury groups had increased AC thickness and S a compared to Control at both time points, and Transection exhibited significantly higher S a in every tibial compartment compared to Rupture. Histologic score was elevated in both groups, and the medial femur exhibited the most severe histologic degeneration. Conclusions This is the first 3D quantification of preclinical AC remodeling after ACL injury. Both injury models induced similar changes in AC morphology, but Transection exhibited higher tibial S a and a greater degree of posterior tibial degeneration. We conclude that AC degeneration is a time-, compartment-, and injury-dependent cascade.
The functional extinction of Andean megafauna

Controversy exists over the cause and timing of the extinction of the Pleistocene megafauna. In the tropical Andes, deglaciation and associated rapid climate change began ~8,000 years before human arrival, providing an opportunity to separate the effects of climate change from human hunting on megafaunal extinction. We present a paleoecological record spanning the last 25,000 years from Lake Pacucha, Peru (3,100 m elevation). Fossil pollen, charcoal, diatoms, and the dung fungus Sporormiella, chronicle a two-stage megaherbivore population collapse. Sporormiella abundance, the proxy for megafaunal presence, fell sharply at ~21,000 years ago, but rebounded prior to a permanent decline between ~16,800 and 15,800 years ago. This two-stage decline in megaherbivores resulted in a functional extinction by ~15,800 years ago, 3,000 years earlier than known human occupation of the high Andes. Declining megaherbivore populations coincided with warm, wet intervals. Climatic instability and megafaunal population collapse triggered an ecological cascade that resulted in novel floral assemblages, and increases in woody species, fire frequency, and plant species that were sensitive to trampling. Our data revealed that Andean megafaunal populations collapsed due to positive feedbacks between habitat quality and climate change rather than human activity.
Abstract 2887: Autonomous nucleolar mechanism of colon cancer cell survival through induction of perinuclear ribosomal protein translation

Hypertrophic and irregularly shaped nucleoli are characteristic of gastroitinal cancers with poor prognosis. The role of nucleolar hypertrophy in cancer cell survival has not been studied well. By suppressing several cellular pathways we observed a common cellular response mechanism that involves acceleration of perinuclear ribosomal protein synthesis and multifocal nucleoli hypertrophy. Paradoxically, the induction of perinuclear ribosomal protein biosynthesis was observed by inhibition of protein translation, suppression of protein degradation and mitochondrial activity. Acceleration of perinuclear protein translation in combination of nuclear hypertrophy was detected not only in actively dividing cells but also in quiescent, cell cycle arrested cells, and when cytotoxic effects were manifested. Intensification of perinuclear ribosomal protein translation and nucleolar hypertrophy by Rotenone-mediated damage of mitochondria supported a century long Otto Warburg observation that most cancer cells predominantly produce energy by high rate of glycolysis. Cell fractionation permitted detection of a perinuclear wall that provides a structural basis for the perinuclear protein translation. We found that that rapid- and slow-growing colon cancer cells significantly differ by abundance of ribosomes in the perinuclear region. Therefore, the perinuclear set of protein translation is an important mechanism of cancer cell survival that rescues ribosome biogenesis and leads to the drug resistance through nuclear transformation. Citation Format: Tattym E. Shaiken, Antone R. Opekun. Autonomous nucleolar mechanism of colon cancer cell survival through induction of perinuclear ribosomal protein translation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2887.
The Sexually Active Adolescent

Sexual activity among teenagers is a major area of concern for parents, teachers, and physicians. There is no segment of society that is not touched by this emotionally charged topic. Physicians who provide health care to adolescents must be prepared to face issues related to sexual development, sexual identity, and sexual problems. The purpose of this chapter is (1) to review the facts concerning the extent of sexual activity among American teenagers; (2) to present those factors which contribute to early initiation of sexual activity; (3) to discuss the importance of obtaining the sexual history in adolescents; (4) to examine some of the common sexual problems of adolescents; and (5) to suggest the appropriate clinical approach to the sexually active teenager.
Control of Poststall Airfoil Using Leading-Edge Pulsed Jets

The performance of active flow control on a NACA 643-618 laminar airfoil at a poststall angle of attack of 20 deg is evaluated using discrete, wall-normal pulsed jets. The chord Reynolds number is 64,000, and actuation is implemented near the leading edge of the airfoil. For actuation periods equal to one convective period and two convective periods, the average lift coefficient increases monotonically as the actuation duty cycle is reduced, for a given blowing ratio. Flow reattachment is achieved following the termination of a short duration pulse, and the reattachment point propagates toward the trailing edge at a rate three times slower than the convective period of the flow. Extended jet off times can cause full separation to reoccur, should the reattachment point reach the trailing edge; however, optimal jet off times can cause suction pressure to extend over much of the airfoil chord. Higher duty cycle actuation results in a phase shift of the dynamics that appears to be commensurate with the durati...
Proposed cut scores for tests of the Brief International Cognitive Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS).

Abstract Objective Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS). An international consensus committee developed the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS) to screen for CI commonly seen in MS. BICAMS cut scores would allow clinicians to, efficiently and effectively, identify patients with possible CI and could aid in clinical decision-making. The aim of this study was to establish cut scores for the neuropsychological tests of the BICAMS. Methods This study utilized data collected from MS Centers in the United States. ROC curve analysis identified cut scores yielding the best balance of sensitivity and specificity. We tested two definitions of impairment: 1.5 and 2 standard deviations (SD) below the normative mean. Results All cut scores yielded excellent or good sensitivity and specificity for identifying impaired cognitive performance. The following cut scores yielded the best balance between sensitivity and specificity: On the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, 44 for 1.5 SD below the mean and 38 for 2 SD below the mean; on the California Verbal Learning Test – II learning trials, 39 (1.5 SD) and 35 (2 SD); and on the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised learning trials, 17 (1.5 SD) and 16 (2 SD). Conclusions Cut scores can accurately identify cognitive impairment on all subtests of the BICAMS. Use of cut scores may improve the efficiency of screening for cognitive impairment by reducing administrative burden and simplifying interpretation.
Nuclear Medicine Applications in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Diseases: The Added Value of Hybrid Imaging

The introduction of diphosphonates in the 1970s revolutionized not only nuclear medicine but musculoskeletal imaging as well, providing functional assessment of entities such as osteomyelitis, trauma, and osseous metastatic disease. Although rarely the first-line imaging modality used today, nuclear medicine procedures continue to play a pivotal role in the evaluation of musculoskeletal diseases in children, providing whole-body assessment of disease involvement. More recently, the introduction of technologies such as single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT), as well as newer positron-emitting tracers such as 18fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose and sodium 18F-fluorine, particularly when combined with CT (positron emission tomography/CT), have injected new life into the older established techniques and expanded the application of nuclear medicine imaging into new arenas. This article discusses the utility of standard nuclear medicine procedures as they apply to children with musculoskeletal disorders, focusing on the added value of and indications for SPECT/CT. Subsequently, we discuss the expanding role of positron-emitting agents in infection, trauma, and for the diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic response monitoring of children with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors. Differences between disease processes encountered in children as compared with adults are discussed; developmental variants that can, but should not, be confused with disease are illustrated. The need for pediatric-specific protocols is addressed.
Peripheral µ-opioid receptors attenuate the responses of group III and IV afferents to contraction in rats with simulated peripheral artery disease.

In an animal model of peripheral artery disease, we show that the µ-opioid agonist, DAMGO reduces the afferent response rate resulting from stimulated static contraction. These results suggest that...
Classifying variable-structures: a general framework

In this work, we unify recent variable-clustering techniques within a common geometric framework which allows to extend clustering to variable-structures, i.e. variable-subsets within which links between variables are taken into consideration in a given way. All variables being measured on the same n statistical units, we first represent every variable-structure with a unit-norm operator in $\mathbb{R}^{n\times n}$. We consider either the euclidean chord-distance or the geodesic distance on the unit-sphere of $\mathbb{R}^{n\times n}$. Then, we introduce the notion of rank-H average of such operators as the rank-H solution of a compound distance-minimisation program. Finally, we propose a K-means-type algorithm using the rank-H average as centroid to perform variable-structure clustering. The method is tested on simulated data and applied to wine data.
Characteristics of overweighed and obese adults attended Nutritional clinic in Dewaniyah governorate,Iraq,2014

over all world,thecommunity is undergoing a rapid epidemiological and nutritional transition characterized by persistent nutritional deficiencies or increasing overweight and obesity rate which is one of important challenge that need to change in food habit and life style toward healthy diet and regular physical exercise. In Iraq this problem is not fixed,but according to Stepwise Surveillance of Chronic NCD Risk Factor 2006 the overweight and obesity rate was 67% (34 % overweight,32 % obesity). This study aimed to estimate the describe BMI status andcharacteristics factor that associated with overweight and obesity.A file base descriptive cross sectional study conducted in 2016. Files of adults aged >18 years attended the Nutritional clinic during 2014 were reviewed. Demographics characteristics and BMI status considered and presented as percentage. Mean of age computed and some variables crosstab with BMI classification recommended by WHO. Statistical significant considered when p value ≤ 0.05.A total study sample were 722,Male to female ratio was 1:6,and the mean of age was 32.8 ± 9.9. About 20.5% was normal BMI while the overweight and obesity was 79.5%. The study showed that the overweight and obesity rate was higher in female than male (88.2 % vs. 21.8%,p value > 0.001).it is also higher in married status than single (81.7% vs. 18.3%,p > 0.001). Basic educational level had high overweight and obesity rate which was 46.1% with statistical significant association (p value = 0.05). We conclude that the overweight and obesity rate was high among female, married and persons have basic educational level in Iraqi community.
Near-Optimal Time and Sample Complexities for Solving Discounted Markov Decision Process with a Generative Model

Author(s): Sidford, Aaron; Wang, Mengdi; Wu, Xian; Yang, Lin F; Ye, Yinyu | Abstract: In this paper we consider the problem of computing an $\epsilon$-optimal policy of a discounted Markov Decision Process (DMDP) provided we can only access its transition function through a generative sampling model that given any state-action pair samples from the transition function in $O(1)$ time. Given such a DMDP with states $S$, actions $A$, discount factor $\gamma\in(0,1)$, and rewards in range $[0, 1]$ we provide an algorithm which computes an $\epsilon$-optimal policy with probability $1 - \delta$ where \emph{both} the time spent and number of sample taken are upper bounded by \[ O\left[\frac{|S||A|}{(1-\gamma)^3 \epsilon^2} \log \left(\frac{|S||A|}{(1-\gamma)\delta \epsilon} \right) \log\left(\frac{1}{(1-\gamma)\epsilon}\right)\right] ~. \] For fixed values of $\epsilon$, this improves upon the previous best known bounds by a factor of $(1 - \gamma)^{-1}$ and matches the sample complexity lower bounds proved in Azar et al. (2013) up to logarithmic factors. We also extend our method to computing $\epsilon$-optimal policies for finite-horizon MDP with a generative model and provide a nearly matching sample complexity lower bound.
Multi-Analyte Profiling of Post-Myocardial Infarction Plasma Samples

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of the development of congestive heart failure, which results from progressive remodeling of the left ventricle (LV). Understanding the transition from...
The Economy, Economics and the Environment

The unifying theme of this book is the explicit recognition that the economic system is a subset of the biophysical world. The human species lives as other species do, by taking low entropy from the natural environment and discharging it back into that environment as high entropy waste. In the chapters that follow the theory and methods of modern evolutionary biology are used to illuminate economic history and economic processes. Using modern evolutionary theory as a heuristic device lets us emphasize the importance of history, scale, hierarchy, and ecological context to human activity. The economy, society, and the environment are linked together in a coevolutionary relationship. To understand the various attributes of this relationship, a variety of theoretical approaches are needed. Unfortunately, the field of economics is dominated by only one approach, the neoclassical model of allocation.
Cerebral blood flow changes with acute cocaine intoxication: clinical correlations with SPECT, CT, and MRI.

In summary, these data suggest that widespread primary or secondary cerebral vasoconstriction is common in patients with neurological complications from cocaine. In most patients, SPECT showed wide-spread hypoperfusion in regions that had no clear clinical significance (e.g., the periventricular area). In many, the SPECT was performed more than 24 hours after the onset of neurological symptomatology. These findings raise several questions. It has been assumed that these SPECT changes in patients with acute neurological symptoms are temporary, although it will be important to determine whether these areas of hypoperfusion persist after symptoms have abated. Recently, Holman and colleagues (1991) found multifocal and deep areas of hypoperfusion with SPECT in 16 of 18 patients with a history of chronic cocaine abuse. Although most of the subjects tested positive for cocaine, several had abstained from cocaine use for weeks prior to the study. All 18 subjects had neuropsychological deficits, 13 mild and 5 moderate. Similarly, Pascual-Leone and colleagues (1991) have shown that CT scan atrophy strongly correlates with the duration of cocaine abuse, suggesting that brain injury may occur with continued use of cocaine. It is the authors' concern that cocaine abuse might produce permanent changes in cerebral perfusion. In conclusion, brain SPECT was found to be a useful procedure in the evaluation of acute cocaine intoxication. Brain SPECT revealed focal cortical lesions not seen on head CT or MRI, which corresponded to clinical deficits. In addition, [99mTc]HMPAO brain SPECT had a characteristic scalloped appearance, and this may be a marker for acute intoxication with cocaine. This study further supports the contention that cocaine causes neurological disease by its vasoconstrictive action.
Cost optimization of a symbiotic system to harvest uranium from seawater via an offshore wind turbine

Abstract The recovery of uranium from seawater has the potential to transform the perceived sustainability of energy generated by uranium intensive nuclear fuel cycles, while providing environmental benefits as compared to land-based mining. Combining a seawater uranium harvester with an existing offshore wind turbine allows for denser energy recovery per unit ecosystem, as well as lowering the uranium production cost. The analysis presented in this paper focuses on the economic impacts on uranium recovered by adsorbing material deployed with such a symbiotic system as compared to a reference kelp-field like deployment. The Wind and Uranium from Seawater Acquisition symBiotic Infrastructure (WUSABI) was subjected to an independent economic analysis and design optimizations in an effort to reduce the seawater uranium cost. In addition to providing greater transparency to previous economic analyses of this system, this work alters chemical tank materials and establishes a novel means of calculating and optimizing the interval in which symbiotic systems are serviced. The perturbations proposed in this work could achieve a cost savings of 30% as compared to uranium produced from the reference kelp-field like deployment system. Additional design sensitivities are also explored to identify major cost drivers and guide future work regarding deployment location of the turbine field.
Comparison of arthrodesis and metallic hemiarthroplasty of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint. Surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Currently, arthrodesis is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the treatment of severe arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The objective of this study was to compare the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a metallic hemiarthroplasty with those of arthrodesis for the treatment of this condition. METHODS: A series of patients with osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were treated with either a metallic hemiarthroplasty or an arthrodesis between 1999 and 2005. Postoperative satisfaction and function were graded with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal (AOFAS-HMI) scoring system, and pain was scored with use of a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Twenty-one hemiarthroplasties and twenty-seven arthrodeses were performed in forty-six patients. Five (24%) of the hemiarthroplasties failed; one of them was revised, and four were converted to an arthrodesis. Eight of the feet in which the hemiprosthesis had survived had evidence of plantar cutout of the prosthetic stem on the final follow-up radiographs. At the time of final follow-up (at a mean of 79.4 months), the satisfaction ratings in the hemiarthroplasty group were good or excellent for twelve feet, fair for two, and poor or a failure for seven. The mean pain score was 2.4 of 10. All twenty-seven of the arthrodeses achieved fusion, and no revisions were required. At the time of final follow-up (at a mean of thirty months), the satisfaction ratings in this group were good or excellent for twenty-two feet, fair for four, and poor for one. The mean pain score was 0.7 of 10. Two patients required hardware removal, which was performed as an office procedure with the use of local anesthesia. The AOFAS-HMI and visual analogue pain scores and satisfaction were significantly better in the arthrodesis group. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrodesis is more predictable than a metallic hemiarthroplasty for alleviating symptoms and restoring function in patients with severe osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. ORIGINAL ABSTRACT CITATION: “Comparison of Arthrodesis and Metallic Hemiarthroplasty of the Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Joint” (2007;89:1979-85).
Australopithecine Endocasts, Brain Evolution in the Hominoidea, and a Model of Hominid Evolution

It is important that the cortex of the australopithecine brain was apparently organized toward the modern human condition; knowing the precise amount of increase in relative size of temporal or parietal cortex would not add anything essential to understanding of the fact. The chapter describes some concrete evidence for brain reorganization resulting from studies on the early hominid endocasts from South Africa. It also describes an admittedly speculative model of early hominid evolution. There are three ways by which one may approach the evolution of the human brain: the study of the only empirical evidence of brain evolution, paleoneurology, or the study of endocasts; neurological study of an extant comparative series; study of neurological parameters and behavior, which can include neurophysiology, neurochemistry, inbred strains, and neurological genetics. Data on the non-neural contributions to cranial capacity are needed for all hominoids to provide better estimates of neural contents.
Physical and Chemical Morphology of Passively Sampled Environmental Films

This work presents spatially resolved physical and chemical surface characterization of passively sampled environmental films developed in urban, suburban, and metropolitan locations. Environmental surface films are important mediators of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) fate and transport. The films are developed via dry deposition onto silicon wafer substrates for time scales ranging from 1 to 52 weeks. Spatial and chemical morphologies of the films are analyzed by bright-field, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopies. Surface feature sizes span 6 orders of magnitude, from the millimeter to nanometer regimes, indicative of super- and sub-micrometer PM as well as conformal films of nanoscale PM and semivolatile molecules. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) imaging data are analyzed to report the films’ chemical morphology and speciation which include a range of organic and inorganic species. Increases in surface coverages (ca. 5%...
Tailoring Nanoscale Surface Topography of Hydrogel for Efficient Solar Vapor Generation.

Solar vapor generation, which can separate the soluble or dispersing contaminants from water, is particularly desirable owing to its green energy utilization for water purification technology. Here, we present a concept of enhancing solar vapor generation by tailoring surface topography of the hydrogel-based solar evaporator. Via nanotexture-enhanced heat flux at the evaporation front, the obtained solar evaporator achieves a water evaporation rate of ∼2.6 kg m–2 h–1 at ∼91% energy efficiency under one sun (1 kW m–2). An easy-to-install solar still based on this solar evaporator consisting of cost-effective poly(vinyl alcohol) and activated carbon is deployed to demonstrate the potential for domestic or urgent water purification purposes. Such new design principles of hydrogel-based solar evaporators provides a useful means for surface-enhanced water evaporation to inspire scalable and processable solar evaporators from accessible raw materials.
Hierarchical Network Exploration using Gaussian Mixture Models

Abstract We present a framework based on optimal mass transport to construct, for a given network, a reduction hierarchy which can be used for interactive data exploration and community detection. Given a network and a set of numerical data samples for each node, we calculate a new computationally-efficient comparison metric between Gaussian Mixture Models, the Gaussian Mixture Transport distance, to determine a series of merge simplifications of the network. If only a network is given, numerical samples are synthesized from the network topology. The method has its basis in the local connection structure of the network, as well as the joint distribution of the data associated with neighboring nodes. The analysis is benchmarked on networks with known community structures. We also analyze gene regulatory networks, including the PANTHER curated database and networks inferred from the GTEx lung and breast tissue RNA profiles. Gene Ontology annotations from the EBI GOA database are ranked and superimposed to explain the salient gene modules. We find that several gene modules related to highly specific biological processes are well-coordinated in such tissues. We also find that 18 of the 50 genes of the PAM50 breast-tumor prognostic signature appear among the highly coordinated genes in a single gene module, in both the breast and lung samples. Moreover these 18 are precisely the subset of the PAM50 recently identified as the basal-like markers.
Radiological Evaluation of the Lumbar Spine

Imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of the lumbar spine. The cornerstones of the radiological evaluation of the spine are radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each of these modalities provides different and often complementary information about lumbar spine pathology. An understanding of these differences and a familiarity with the normal and abnormal imaging appearance of the lumbar spine are critical for appropriate diagnosis.
Chapter 1 – Cell Signaling: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Publisher Summary The central importance of the general phenomenon of sensing of external stimuli by cells has been appreciated for a long time, but has truly become a dominant part of cell and molecular biology research in the past two decades, in part because a description of the dynamic responses of cells to external stimuli is in essence a description of the life process itself. This approach lies at the core of the developing fields of proteomics and metabolomics, and its importance to human and animal health is already plainly evident. This chapter briefly considers the origins of cell signaling, broadly summarizes the current state of the art, and speculates on future directions focusing on questions that must be answered and which ones likely will be answered in the near future. The signaling proteome contains a vast number of variants arising from message splicing and post-translational modification. System biology has already provided much insight into signaling processes. In the coming years, particularly through the clever applications of continued advances in separations methodology, mass spectrometry, and hybridization, the complex protein interactions that form the cellular signaling networks will become clear. It will be the future integration of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data that will provide the complete picture of signaling mechanisms and their responses.
Introduction: “Erotic ‘Victorians’: Women, Neo-Victorian Fiction, and Creative Eros”

In this chapter, Renk lays out the theoretical and conceptual framework of her interdisciplinary study, arguing from a postfeminist position that contemporary women writers of the neo-Victorian novel, such as A.S. Byatt, Emma Donoghue, Sarah Waters, Helen Humphreys, Margaret Atwood, and Adhaf Soueif, among others, define the erotic in a distinctive way. In their re-envisioning of the Victorian novel, these women writers draw on various conceptions of the erotic from classical to contemporary, but, in addition, they gravitate toward the way Audre Lorde defines the erotic, not as pornography, but as “the lifeforce of women, [it is] creative energy empowered.” These writers invent female characters who demonstrate a “will to possess” themselves and thereby embolden and energize themselves as artists, writers, rogues/gender outlaws, spiritualists, and travelers/adventurers.
Comparative pathology study of Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses in non-human primates

Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV) are mosquito-borne viruses in the Americas that cause central nervous system (CNS) disease in humans and equids. In this study, we directly characterized the pathogenesis of VEEV, EEEV, and WEEV in cynomolgus macaques following subcutaneous exposure because this route more closely mimics natural infection via mosquito transmission or by an accidental needle stick. Our results highlight how EEEV is significantly more pathogenic compared to VEEV similarly to what is observed in humans. Interestingly, EEEV appears to be just as neuropathogenic by subcutaneous exposure as it was in previously completed aerosol exposure studies. In contrast, subcutaneous exposure of cynomolgus macaques with WEEV caused limited disease and is contradictory to what has been reported for aerosol exposure. Several differences in viremia, hematology, or tissue tropism were noted when animals were exposed subcutaneously compared to prior aerosol exposure studies. This study provides a more complete picture of the pathogenesis of the encephalitic alphaviruses and highlights how further defining the neuropathology of these viruses could have important implications for the development of medical countermeasures for the neurovirulent alphaviruses.
Processing advances in liquid crystal elastomers provide a path to biomedical applications

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of stimuli-responsive polymers that undergo reversible shape-change in response to environmental changes. The shape change of LCEs can be programmed during processing by orienting the liquid crystal phase prior to crosslinking. The suite of processing techniques that has been developed has resulted in a myriad of LCEs with different shape-changing behavior and mechanical properties. Aligning LCEs via mechanical straining yields large uniaxial actuators capable of a moderate force output. Magnetic fields are utilized to control the alignment within LCE microstructures. The generation of out-of-plane deformations such as bending, twisting, and coning is enabled by surface alignment techniques within thin films. 4D printing processes have emerged that enable the fabrication of centimeter-scale, 3D LCE structures with a complex alignment. The processing technique also determines, to a large extent, the potential applications of the LCE. For example, 4D printing enables the fabrication of LCE actuators capable of replicating the forces generated by human muscles. Employing surface alignment techniques, LCE films can be designed for use as coatings or as substrates for stretchable electronics. The growth of new processes and strategies opens and strengthens the path for LCEs to be applicable within biomedical device designs.
Signaling Under Threat: Evidence of Voluntary Disclosure in Contested Takeovers:

We investigate voluntary disclosure strategies in contested takeovers and the associated economic consequences. Using a difference-in-differences research design and propensity score matching, we f...
Relative role of electricity and gas in a carbon-neutral future: insights from an energy system optimization model

An effective decision regarding the future energy mix must be based on multi-sectorial optimization that considers the key energy supply, carrier, conversion and storage options in an endogenous way, with high temporal resolution where positive and negative emissions are both internalized. The existing literature fails to meet all these conditions, leaving several open questions. To address the relative role of electricity and non-fossil gas in a cost-effective decarbonized energy system, we develop an integrated model including optimization of dispatch and investment for the whole energy sector, meeting all the necessary conditions. We apply this model to the French energy system for a wide range of social cost of carbon scenarios in 2050. Unlike most energy scenarios, which are nearly fully electrified, we find that renewable gas provides at least 22% of the energy supply in a carbon neutral energy system, where this carbon-neutrality can be achieved with a social cost of carbon of €200/tCO2. In such an energy system, renewables become the main component of the primary energy supply (up to 80%). A fully electrified heat sector and a highly gas-dependent transport sector fueled with renewable gas help to achieve carbon-neutrality at lowest cost.
Enfleshing the Spirit through Avatar Performance: Objecthood as Resistance in Women Preachers—Rachel Baker, Jarena Lee, and Florence Spearing Randolph

In this article, I take up Uri McMillan’s work in Embodied Avatars to rethink the subject–object relationship in women’s preaching. In performance art, the subject (the artist) fashions herself int...
Identification of Rhizopus arrhizus (Fisher) causing root rot in sugar beet in North Dakota and Minnesota, USA

North Dakota (ND) and Minnesota (MN) are two leading sugar beet producing states in the US jointly contributing 57% of domestic production, which results in over $5 billion in total economic activities. Sugar beet plant samples that had typical wilting and root rot symptoms were collected from Hickson, ND and Foxhome, MN in 2020. A fungus was isolated from diseased roots in potato dextrose agar media and was identified as Rhizopus arrhizus (synonym: R. oryzae) based on morphological features, microscopic visualizations, and the ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer DNA sequence identity. The pathogenicity of the R. arrhizus isolates was checked by seed and root inoculation in the laboratory and greenhouse. In vitro inoculation of sugar beet seeds with mycelial agar plugs in PDA plates showed reduced seedling growth and emergence. In the greenhouse, seeds inoculated with young growing mycelial agar plugs showed seedling rot, wilting and abnormal growth of cotyledons when evaluated at 10 days post inoculation (dpi). Sugar beet plants at four weeks old were inoculated with fungal spore suspension by the dipping method. At 21-dpi, inoculated roots showed characteristics root rot and wilting symptoms. Re-isolated fungus from inoculated seedlings with root rot symptom was found to be identical to pure culture of the isolates retrieved from the field samples. These findings added a new insight on and better understanding of the fungus causing seedlings and root rot of sugar beet; the information generated will direct further plan of action for its management to prevent crop loss.
Theoretical investigation of interaction and coalescence of large scale structures in the turbulent mixing layer

The dynamics of the interaction of the large scale eddies in the temporally-developing homogeneous turbulent mixing layer are investigated using two different models for the fine scale Reynolds stresses. The results indicate the growth, inter action and coalescence of an eddy pair.Detailed quantitative comparison with experimental data is provided at a particular stage in the eddy pairing.
Sedentarismos y complejidad prehispánicos en América del Sur

El concepto de sedentarismo ha sido ampliamente utilizado para el estudio del surgimiento de sociedades complejas, tanto en Sudamerica como en otras partes del mundo. Tambien ha sido la fuente de desacuerdos ocasionales sobre como deberiamos identificar la complejidad temprana en el registro arqueologico de la region. Sin embargo, a pesar del amplio uso del concepto de sedentarismo, un problema importante ha sido que los arqueologos que han trabajado en Sudamerica casi nunca han definido esta categoria y, cuando lo hacen, los criterios arqueologicos para identificarla no siempre son presentados ni analizados. Otra problematica a la cual nos enfrentamos para entender el sedentarismo cabalmente reside en su alta variabilidad a lo largo del continente. Las evidencias procedentes de diversas regiones, como las tierras bajas orientales o las cordilleras andinas, indican distintos tipos de modos de vida sedentarios. En este articulo presentamos una definicion amplia de sedentarismo, asi como las diversas manifestaciones y variables registradas en distintos sitios a lo largo del continente.
Computer Models of Hysteresis in Mechanical and Magnetic Components

Abstract There is a strong analogy between mechanical structural elements and magnetic circuit components which can be extended to include hysteretic energy losses associated with yielding in mechanical systems and saturation in magnetic components. Procedures for developing finite state models of hysteretic components are presented using a small number of basic elements. Using bond graph techniques, it is shown that, when dual structural models are used, elements may be assembled in arbitrary numbers to achieve any desired accuracy without problems of derivative causality. The reason for the dual structure can be seen from physical reasoning. The shape of the hysteresis curve for magnetic materials generally requires more elements for a given degree of approximation than the shape of the typical mechanical hysteresis curve.
The interrelation of the digestive and skeletal systems as determinants of tooth position

In spite of the many differences between teeth and bone in their phylogenetic and embryologic origins, modes of growth, disease and repair processes, the two continue to be equated together in most matters relating to their functioning positions. On the basis of a variety of studies by others and recent quantitative longitudinal investigations by himself the author seeks to demonstrate that the positions of the teeth are under the control of different body systems, viz., the skeletal and the digestive. The first controls the root apices, the second the crowns.
STATISTICAL MECHANICS OF OPEN SYSTEMS

We have generalized Kubo's treatment of isolated nonequilibrium systems to open systems in contact with thermal reservoirs. When the system is in contact with one reservoir and is subject to a weak external field, the deviation of the average of any quantity from its equilibrium value is related to a time-correlation function which incorporates the effect of the reservoir. A corollary is an isothermal fluctuation-dissipation theorem, which gives an explicit expression in terms of a time-correlation function for the rate at which energy flows from the driving field into the reservoir via the system. As an application, we compute the complex conductivity of a Lorentz gas. We also obtain an expression for the stationary nonequilibrium distribution of a system in contact with several reservoirs at slightly differing temperatures and chemical potentials. The Onsager coefficients, which relate the heat and particle fluxes to the differences among the reservoir parameters, are then explicitly expressed in terms of suitable time-correlation functions and their symmetry is exhibited. The validity of perturbation theory in finding the linear deviation from equilibrium of the $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$-space ensemble density is also discussed.
Visual stabilization of the eyes in primates

Abstract Observers moving through a texture three-dimensional world experience potentially confusing patterns of optic flow. Recent experiments on monkeys and humans have revealed the existence of rapid, yet cortically mediated, reflex eye movements that automatically single out images in the plane of fixation for stabilization and ignore images that are nearer or further.
An integrated model for the latency and steady-state throughput of TCP connections

Abstract Most TCP connections in today’s Internet transfer data on the order of only a few kilobytes. Such TCP transfers are very short and spend most of their time in the slow start phase. Thus the underlying assumptions made by steady-state models cease to hold, making them unsuitable for modeling finite flows. In this paper, we propose an accurate model for estimating the transfer times of TCP flows of arbitrary size. Our model gives a more accurate estimation of the transfer times than those predicted by Cardwell et al. [Proceedings of the IEEE INFOCOM, Tel Aviv, Israel, March 2000, pp. 1742–1751], which extends the steady-state analysis of Padhye et al. [IEEE/ACM Trans. Networking 8 (2) (2000) 133] to model finite flows. The main features of our work are the modeling of timeouts and slow start phases which occur anywhere during the transfer and a more accurate model for the evolution of the cwnd in the slow start phase. Additionally, the proposed model can also model the steady-state throughput of TCP connections. The model is verified using web based measurements of real life TCP connections. We also introduce an empirical model which allows a better “feel” of TCP latency and the nature of its dependence on loss probabilities and window limitation. Finally, the paper investigates the effect on window limitation and packet size on TCP latency.
Relating Motivation to Read and Emergent Reading Skills: A Measurement Validation Study

Two studies examined the construct validity of emergent readers' motivation measures. Both studies directly assessed reading skills. Motivation was measured via self-report inventories, including existing and new items derived from the Preschool Reading Attitudes Survey (PRAS), the Motivated Reading Questionnaire (MRQ), and the Motivated Reading Profile (MRP). Parent and teacher measures of emergent readers' motivation were also administered. Study 1 findings indicated significant correlations within readers' self ratings and between teachers' and parents' ratings of children's motivation, but little consistency between these ratings and children's self-ratings. Study 2 replicated many Study 1 findings and indicated stability in children's motivation measures.
Artifactual Signal Splitting in the Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis of Organic Acids in Wine

An artifactual signal splitting was observed for acetic acid during the capillary zone electrophoresis of wine acids. Further study revealed that other comparably weak acids, propionic and butyric, show a similar split. Stronger carboxylic acids, formic, tartaric, malic, citric, and lactic acids showed no artifactual signal splits under the analysis conditions. Succinic acid showed intermediate behavior. The signal splitting could be eliminated by reducing the sample size and/or by employing the background electrolyte as the diluant.
Proteins of cytochrome oxidase in fractions prepared with deoxycholate from bovine heart submitochondrial particles.

The hemea content of cytochrome oxidase-containing fractions of varying purity obtained from bovine heart submitochondrial particles with deoxycholate was correlated with the intensity of protein bands obtained on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the preparations dissolved in phenol: acetic acid: water. It is concluded that cytochrome oxidase contains two noncovalently associated proteins. Neither of these proteins is electrophoretically identifiable with the noncatalytic protein of Greenet al. [12].
Preparation of 252Cf neutron and fission-fragment sources

Abstract Several techinques, including electroplating, self-transfer, vacuum evaporation, and drying of stock solutions, are described for preparing 252 Cf sources. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique for preparing either fission-fragment or neutron sources are discussed. Fission-fragment energy spectra for typical sources prepared by each technique are shown.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Major dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as well as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils containing α-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids, especially those derived from marine sources, may be a useful tool for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3s exert their cardioprotective effects through multiple mechanisms, including reducing arrhythmias and altering production of prostaglandins, which reduces inflammation and improves platelet and endothelial function. To date, no serious adverse effects of omega-3s have been identified, despite extensive study. In adults, any potential harm from mercury exposure from consuming fish rich in omega-3s is outweighed by the proven cardiovascular benefits of eating fish. Concerns over increased bleeding complications have not materialized despite the increased concomitant use of aspirin and clopidogrel. We recommend one serving (200–400 g) of fatty fish two times per week and a diet that includes foods rich in ALA for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We recommend one serving (200–400 g) of fatty fish or a fish oil supplement containing 900 mg of EPA + DHA every day and a diet rich in ALA for patients with known cardiovascular disease or congestive heart failure.
DETERMINATION OF CESIUM AND POTASSIUM IN MARINE SPECIES BY NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

Cesium and potassium were determined in muscle-tissues of squid, dover sole, albacore, and bocaccio by NAA. Potassium was measured instrumentally, while cesium was radio-chemically separated. For the separation of cesium, hydrated antimony pentoxide (HAP) was used to retain24Na, and ammonium molybdophosphate (AMP) was used to absorb quantitatively the radiocesium,134mCs. The cesium and potassium contents were based on measuring the short-lived radionuclide of cesium, 2.90 h-134mCs, and 12.4 h-42K. The mean concentrations of cesium found, based on 3–4 replicate measurements for each fish, were: 4.18±0.32 ng/g squid, 11.51±0.30 ng/g dover sole, 43.64±1.03 ng/g albacore, and 56.85±3.61 ng/g bocaccio. The mean concentrations of potassium found were: 1.28±0.10 mg/g squid, 2.78±0.29 mg/g dover sole, 3.69±0.06 mg/g albacore, and 4.18±0.10 mg/g bocaccio.
Robust discrete controllers guaranteeing l/sub 2/ and l/sub infinity / performances

An algorithm is given for designing discrete-time controllers which are robust with respect to parameter variations and which also guarantee specified l/sub 2/ performance constraints for stochastic inputs and l/sub infinity / performance constraints for deterministic inputs. This is not an analysis but a design method guaranteeing the specified robust performances. Also an upper bound on the covariance matrix is provided. >