cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Computational Multi-scale Approach to Investigate Mechanically-induced Changes in Tricuspid Valve Anterior Leaflet Microstructure

Abstract The tricuspid valve is an atrioventricular valve that prevents blood backflow from the right ventricle into the right atrium during ventricular contractions. It is important to study mechanically induced microstructural alterations in the tricuspid valve leaflets, as this aids both in understanding valvular diseases and in the development of new engineered tissue replacements. Th structure and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) fiber networks are closely tied to an overall biomechanical function of the tricuspid valve. In this study, we conducted experiments and implemented a multiscale modeling approach to predict ECM microstructural changes to tissue-level mechanical responses in a controlled loading environment. In particular, we characterized a sample of a porcine anterior leaflet at a macroscale using a biaxial mechanical testing method. We then generated a three-dimensional finite element model, to which computational representations of corresponding fiber networks were incorporated based on properties of the microstructural architecture obtained from small angle light scattering. Using five different biaxial boundary conditions, we performed iterative simulations to obtain model parameters with an overall R 2 value of 0.93. We observed that mechanical loading could markedly alter the underlying ECM architecture. For example, a relatively isotropic fiber network (with an anisotropy index value α of 28 % ) became noticeably more anisotropic (with an α of 40 % ) when it underwent mechanical loading. We also observed that the mechanical strain was distributed in a different manner at the ECM/fiber level as compared to the tissue level. The approach presented in this study has the potential to be implemented in pathophysiologically altered biomechanical and structural conditions and to bring insights into the mechanobiology of the tricuspid valve. Statement of Significance Quantifying abnormal cellar/ECM-level deformation of tricuspid valve leaflets subjected to a modified loading environment is of great importance, as it is believed to be linked to valvular remodeling responses. For example, developing surgical procedures or engineered tissue replacements that maintain/mimic ECM-level mechanical homeostasis could lead to more durable outcomes. To quantify leaflet deformation, we built a multiscale framework encompassing the contributions of disorganized ECM components and organized fibers, which can predict the behavior of the tricuspid valve leaflets under physiological loading conditions both at the tissue level and at the ECM level. In addition to future in-depth studies of tricuspid valve pathologies, our model can be used to characterize tissues in other valves of the heart.
Molecular dynamics investigation on n-alkane-air/water interfaces

Abstract Alkanes are the important molecules in crude oil that have applications in different fields. In this project, molecular dynamics simulations have been applied to investigate the n-alkane-air and n-alkane-water interfaces. The surface tension, diffusion coefficients, order parameters, radial distribution function, density profiles and radius of gyration of alkanes in the bulk and on the interfaces with air/water were calculated and compared. It was found that with the n-alkane chain length increasing, the surface tension of the interface system increases. However, with the temperature increasing, the surface tension of the alkanes decreases. The alkanes on the interface can diffuse faster than in the bulk in both kinds of interface systems. While n-alkane diffusion rate in the bulk of interface systems is faster than in the pure alkane systems, the radius of gyration of alkanes in the bulk, on the interface and in the pure alkane systems is consistent. Decomposing the diffusion coefficients into the lateral direction and z-direction, the lateral diffusion rate of alkanes on the interface is about 2–10 times faster than in the z-direction in both kinds of interface systems. Although molecules prefer to pack randomly in the bulk, they are more orderly packed on the interface. The result can help to explain the interface effect in water/air-alkane interface systems. The project also demonstrates that using NAMD program and CHARMM forcfield can predict reasonable structure and properties of n-alkane-air/water systems.
In vitro fertilization as an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum.

Background Placenta accreta spectrum is well known for its association with catastrophic maternal outcomes. However, its pathophysiology is not well defined. There have been emerging data that in vitro fertilization may be a risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum. Objective We investigated the hypothesis that in vitro fertilization is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum. Study Design A retrospective analysis of all deliveries in a prospective, population-based cohort (2012–2019) was performed in a tertiary academic center. Primary outcome variable was placenta accreta spectrum. Univariate analysis was performed on potential risk factors for predicting placenta accreta spectrum, and a multivariate model was designed to best fit the prediction of placenta accreta spectrum adjusted for risk factors such as cesarean delivery, placenta previa, age, and parity. History of previous cesarean delivery was known as a risk factor for both placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum; hence, the interaction between “placenta previa” and “previous cesarean delivery” was included in the final model. Odds ratios were calculated as exponential of beta coefficients from the multivariate regression analysis. Results A total of 37,461 deliveries were included in this analysis, 5464 (15%) of which had a history of cesarean delivery, 281 (0.7%) had placenta previa in their index pregnancy, and 571 (1.5%) had in vitro fertilization pregnancy. The frequency of placenta accreta spectrum was 230 (0.6%). Independent risk factors for placenta accreta spectrum were in vitro fertilization pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.8–20.3), history of previous cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 21.1; 95% confidence interval, 11.4–39.2), and presence of placenta previa (adjusted odds ratio, 94.6; 95% confidence interval, 29.3–305.1). After adjustment for number of previous cesarean deliveries, the correlation persisted for in vitro fertilization (adjusted odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9–15.6). Conclusion Our data suggested that in vitro fertilization is an independent risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum, although its relative clinical importance compared with that of the presence of placenta previa and history of cesarean delivery is small. The pathophysiology behind this relationship remains to be investigated.
Outcomes of 1- Versus 2-Stage Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a common orthopaedic sports medicine procedure, but graft failure is not uncommon and often leads to revision ACLR. Revision surgery c...
Obstetric Hemorrhage Risk Associated with Novel COVID-19 Diagnosis from a Single-Institution Cohort in the United States.

Objective The study aimed to compare the quantitative blood loss (QBL) and hemorrhage-related outcomes of pregnant women with and without a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. Study Design This retrospective cohort study of all live deliveries at Boston Medical Center between April 1, 2020 and July 22, 2020 compares the outcomes of pregnant women with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive diagnosis and pregnant women without COVID-19. The primary outcomes are QBL and obstetric hemorrhage. The secondary outcomes analyzed were a maternal composite outcome that consisted of obstetric hemorrhage, telemetry-level (intermediate care unit) or intensive care unit, transfusion, length of stay greater than 5 days, or intraamniotic infection, and individual components of the maternal composite outcome. Groups were compared using Student's t-test, Chi-squared tests, or Fisher's exact. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables. Results Of 813 women who delivered a live infant between April 1 and July 22, 2020, 53 women were diagnosed with COVID-19 on admission to the hospital. Women with a COVID-19 diagnosis at their time of delivery were significantly more likely to identify as a race other than white (p = 0.01), to deliver preterm (p = 0.05), to be diagnosed with preeclampsia with severe features (p Conclusion Pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosis do not have increased risk for obstetric hemorrhage, increased QBL or risk of maternal morbidity compared with pregnant women without a COVID-19 diagnosis. Further research is needed to describe the impact of a COVID-19 diagnosis on maternal hematologic physiology and pregnancy outcomes. Key Points
Effect of high-intensity ultrasound on superconducting properties of polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7-x

High intensity ultrasonic irradiation (sonication) of alkane slurries of polycrystalline YBa2Cu3O7_x leads to a significant modification of the grain morphology and, if performed with enforced oxygen flow, results in the increase of the superconducting transition temperature. Sonication with added Fe(CO)5 produces magnetic Fe2O3 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of YBa2Cu3O7-x (YBCO) granules. Upon sintering these nanoparticles should act as efficient pinning centers utilizing both condensation and magnetic contributions to the free energy. The developed method could become a major technique to produce practically useful high-pinning nanocomposite materials based on YBa2Cu3O7-x superconductor.
Fat Quantification Techniques

Abstract Biomedical applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) mainly study the signals originating from proton spins (1H). In the human body, the proton MR signals arise predominantly from water-based aqueous tissues and fat-based adipose tissues. Owing to differences in their local chemical environments, proton signals from water-based and fat-based tissues exhibit different MR properties, including for example T1 relaxation, T2 (and T 2 * ) relaxation, chemical shift, and diffusion rates. As a result, fat often appears bright and can cause chemical-shift artifacts in MRI, and thus fat suppression has been an extensively studied topic in conventional qualitative MRI. At the same time, these differences in MR properties between water and fat make it possible to identify and quantify the amount of fat versus water in vivo, which provides a host of unique quantitative MRI parameters to measure the fat distribution and study the progression of metabolic diseases. In particular, the proton-density fat fraction measured by MRS or chemical-shift-encoded MRI is now an accepted imaging biomarker of fat content. This chapter provides an overview of the MR techniques used to quantify fat in the human body, spanning from the basic concepts for distinguishing fat from water to advanced state-of-the-art methods for quantifying fat. The MRS and MRI pulse sequences, acquisition strategies, and signal models for fat quantification will be presented.
Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers and Neurofilament Light Chain Predict Phenoconversion of Pure Autonomic Failure.

Objective To explore the role of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) oligomers and neurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with pure autonomic failure (PAF) as markers of future phenoconversion to multiple system atrophy (MSA). Methods Well-characterized patients with PAF (n = 32) were enrolled between June 2016 and February 2019 at Mayo Clinic Rochester and followed prospectively with annual visits to determine future phenoconversion to MSA, Parkinson's disease (PD), or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). ELISA was utilized to measure NfL and protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA) to detect αSyn oligomers in CSF collected at baseline. Results Patients were followed for a median of 3.9 years. Five patients converted to MSA, 2 to PD, and 2 to DLB. NfL at baseline was elevated only in patients who later developed MSA, perfectly separating those from future PD and DLB converters as well as non-converters. ASyn-PMCA was positive in all but two cases (94%). The PMCA reaction was markedly different in five samples with maximum fluorescence and reaction kinetics previously described in MSA patients; all of these patients later developed MSA. Interpretation αSyn-PMCA is almost invariably positive in the CSF of patients with PAF establishing this condition as α-synucleinopathy. Both NfL and the magnitude and reaction kinetics of αSyn PMCA faithfully predict which PAF patients will eventually phenoconvert to MSA. This finding has important implications not only for prognostication, but also for future trials of disease modifying therapies, allowing for differentiation of MSA from Lewy body synucleinopathies before motor symptoms develop. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1212-1220.
Improving careers science: Ten recommendations to enhance the credibility of vocational behavior research

Abstract With the 50th anniversary of the Journal of Vocational Behavior, careers science has “come of age.” From time-to-time, as a science matures, it is important to take stock of its approach to answering empirical questions—to ask whether or not “how we know what we know” is well founded and would lead one to conclude a firm grounding in rigorous, robust, and reproducible science. Over the past ten years, the field of psychology as a whole has experienced what some have called a “credibility revolution.” That is, there is an increased focus on the way in which psychological research is conceptualized, conducted, reported, and applied. In the present article, I lay the groundwork for extending this credibility revolution to careers science. To inspire such a revolution, I provide ten recommendations, which serve as a means toward increasing the credibility of careers science and vocational behavior research. These ten recommendations reflect features of the research process which, if adopted universally, would bolster the credibility of careers science. The aim of this work is to offer guidance for moving the next 50 years of vocational behavior research forward in a way that inspires greater confidence in what our science offers, both theoretically and practically, to careers researchers and practitioners, and to the impact that this field has on society as a whole.
Shifting to Remote Learning During COVID-19: Differences for Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education Teachers.

This study explored similarities and differences in how early childhood education (ECE) teachers (n = 947) and early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers (n = 160) provided remote learning to young children and their families following COVID-19 shelter in place orders in the spring of 2020. The most utilized remote learning activities for both ECE and ECSE teachers were the provision of activities for families to use at home, communication with families, online lessons, and singing songs and reading books. Both types of professionals spent more time planning and communicating with families than providing instruction to children. Results of chi-square tests of independence revealed differences in activities provided, how time was spent, and training received by professional role. Open-ended responses revealed particular challenges for ECE and ECSE teachers. Findings are discussed in the context of how the early childhood field adapted quickly to remote learning during COVID-19 and the implications for ongoing technology support for early childhood personnel based on their professional role.
Hot or not: defining trophoblast PD-L1 expression and lymphohistiocytic density in gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Objectives: PD-L1 is an important axis of immunotolerance in normal pregnancy and this may be perpetuated as a mechanism of immune evasion in the pathobiologic development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). There are early efficacy signals for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in chemoresistant GTN, however response rates are variable. The characteristics of predictive biomarkers used for triaging anti-PD-1 immunotherapy are not well-known in GTN. The aim of this study was to quantify trophoblast PD-L1 expression in GTN using the FDA approved PD-L1 22C3 immunohistochemical (IHC) companion assay and to profile GTN-infiltrating immune cells. Methods: Choriocarcinoma (CC), epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) cases with available tissue blocks in the Johns Hopkins GTN library were used for this investigation. IHC staining for PD-L1 and each immune marker (CD68, CD8, CD4, FOXP3) was performed on paired, fresh cut 4 micrometer tissue sections. Tumor proportion scores (TPS, percentage of viable tumor cells with any PD-L1 membrane staining) were assigned by 2 independent gynecologic pathologists. Discrepancies in scoring were adjudicated by a third gynecologic pathologist. Digital image analyses using QuPath v0.2.3 to average CD68, CD8, CD4 and FOXP3 immune cell density in three 40x hotspots per case was performed. Hotspots were targeted to the tumor-immune cell interface. Descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test were performed for analysis. Results: A large proportion of PSTT (n=6/8,75%) and CC (n=22/32, 69%) and approximately half of ETT (n=9/19, 47%) cases have highpositive PD-L1 expression defined as the clinically relevant TPS cutoff of >50%. These exceed the rates of high PD-L1 positivity observed in all other solid tumor sites, which ranges from 2-31%. PSTT and CC have significantly higher trophoblast PD-L1 expression than ETT; the median TPS for PSTT and CC is 90% and 85%, compared to 35% for ETT (p=0.02). CD68 monocytes were more abundant in CC and PSTT compared to ETT. However, CD8 cytotoxic T (p 5% (Table). Conclusions: PD-L1 expression in GTN is heterogeneous, yet disproportionately high compared to other primary tumor sites. Of the 3 GTN subtypes, ETT has the lowest and broadest range of PD-L1 expression; this is associated with lower CD68 monocyte infiltration and correlates with degree of lymphocytic infiltration. How these expression patterns predict response to anti-PD-L1/PD-1 agents in GTN will be need to be explored. In a tumor type with such lineage inherent PD-L1 expression, characterization of tumor cell PD-L1 expression in conjunction with the tumor immune-microenvironment may provide a unique opportunity to study mechanisms of immune escape.Funding was provided by the Bruce Patsner Research Grant for Innovative Research and Technology through the Foundation for Women's Cancer.
New targets in triple-negative breast cancer.

In this Journal Club, Robert L. Copeland and Yasmine Kanaan discuss a paper that reports how ERβ and IGF2 signalling may contribute to the heterogeneity of triple-negative breast cancer observed in patients with different ancestries in the USA.
Regulation of Phosphorus Metabolism

This chapter focuses on the genes that are expressed in response to phosphate starvation, i.e., genes of the phosphate stimulon. Special emphasis is given to genes of the PHO regulon, which are dependent on the PhoP-PhoR two-component regulators. The study of the regulation of phosphate metabolism in Bacillus species in general and in B. subtilis specifically has been complicated by a feature that increases the potential importance of this process: alkaline phosphatases (APases) are encoded by multiple structural genes. Secreted APases and APases from different cell fractions have similar physical and chemical properties. Genes regulated by the PHO regulon show overlapping regulation with other global regulatory systems outside of the phosphate stimulon. All genes that are known to require PhoP and PhoR for expression are also controlled b y SpoOA. This is consistent with the thought that phosphorylated SpoOA controls genes needed for various stationary-phase phenomena and not only those needed for sporulation, since phosphate-starved cultures enter postexponential growth because of limited phosphate availability. Further analysis of promoters controlled by phosphate starvation and a two-component system other than PhoPPhoR, such as gsiA, which requires ComP-ComA, may reveal additional network circuitry between the two component systems.
Interferometric Optical Fiber Measurements of Internal Strain in Adhesive Joints

Strain inside adhesive lap joints has been measured using imbedded optical fiber sensors. Cylindrical glass-on-glass optical fibers with 125-micron outer diameters and an 0.85-micron single mode cutoff wavelength have been imbedded within expoxy lap joints between metal substrates. Strain integrated along the length of one imbedded fiber has been determined by interierometrically measuring the strain-induced phase modulation of multiple optical modes supported within the optical guide for 0.633-micron transmission. Differential measurements of the strains integrated along two fibers imbedded in different orientations within the lap joints have also been obtained using differential interferometric techniques modified due to the multimode nature of the waveguides. Results are compared with analytical predictions. Limitations of the imbedded fiber technique are considered. Extensions of the technique to local measurements of strain along the length of the imbedded fiber and measurements of the internal local strain tensor are discussed.
Mechanisms of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening syndrome resulting from the sudden release of mast cell- and basophil-derived mediators into the circulation. Foods and medications cause most anaphylaxis for which a cause can be identified, but virtually any agent capable of directly or indirectly activating mast cells or basophils can cause this syndrome. This review discusses the pathophysiologic mechanisms of anaphylaxis.
Modular isolated DC-DC converter with multi-limb transformer for interfacing of renewable energy sources

This paper presents a modular isolated scalable three phase dual active bridge(DAB) DC-DC converter configuration using three multi limb high frequency transformers. The proposed converter has the advantage of having multiple low and high voltage dc links, which can be used at different power levels. The converter has three high voltage dc links which can be used for cascaded inverters or can be connected in series to provide a high dc link voltage for medium voltage grid-tie inverter. Multiple number of renewable energy sources(RES) can be connected to the low voltage side dc links to feed power to the grid. The paper work contains converter configuration, equivalent circuit of multi limb transformer, control of converter for a single renewable energy source and multiple renewable energy sources.
NetTomo: A tomographic approach towards network diagnosis

Network diagnosis is a vital aspect in ensuring an efficient and robust functioning of any kind of mesh network. In this paper we present a network diagnosis method which determines the delay map of a mesh network using only end-to-end delay measurements without having the knowledge of the path taken. We model the problem of network diagnosis as an inverse problem and using a concept of ray tracing, solve for the delay in the network. With the help of simulations we show that our algorithm is able to detect nodes in the network based on their delays with reasonable accuracy using only O(n) probes for obtaining measurements. We further demonstrate a real world application of our algorithm in the domain of internet backbone networks by using data pertaining to a major US based network provider.
Expanding the Scope of Writing in Chemical Education

Writing has a role of increasing importance in the teaching of chemistry. Analysis of the use of this writing can be aided by classifying writing by types such as expressive, poetic, transactional, empiricist and contingent. The status of chemistry teaching within the writing across the curriculum movement indicates that writing is important in teaching chemistry and that a range of writing including not only transactional but also expressive writing should be applied. Transactional writing such as laboratory reports and formal term papers has been used in chemistry teaching for a long time and its importance is unquestioned. Part of the value of expressive writing is that it can provide communication within the classroom and involve the students in the course. In-class writing is an example of this. In-class writing is described in some detail along with suggestions for its successful use.
Lemierre Syndrome: Postanginal Sepsis

Background: Lemierre syndrome, or postanginal sepsis, was first described in the early part of this century and is characterized by pharyngitis, followed by high fever and rigors, cervical adenopathy, thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein, distant abscess formation, and icterus, associated with isolation of Fusobacterium necropborum from blood. Metbods: This report describes a case of postanginal sepsis and reviews the medical literature on postanginal sepsis obtained through the MEDLINE data base using Fusobacterium as the key search word. Results: The features of Lemierre syndrome have changed little since the original description, though the prognosis has improved dramatically since the development of antibiotics. Appropriate management includes prompt administration of an antibiotic with good anaerobic coverage, drainage of persistent abscesses, and continued antibiotic therapy until radiographic resolution of abscess is achieved. Conclusions: Although Lemierre syndrome is a relatively uncommon disease, the primary care physician needs to be aware of the clinical features and management to treat appropriately.
The effect of the visual characteristics of obstacles on risk of tripping and gait parameters during locomotion

Purpose: Injuries from falls are a serious health issue. Approaches to preventing falls should consider increasing relevant visual information of an obstacle. Obstacle parameters, such as position and height, may be specified by the visible structure of an obstacle. The present study examined the relationship between visible structure of an obstacle and locomotor behaviour. This relationship may be modified as a function of experience with navigating obstacles. Since workers at construction sites must navigate through cluttered environments with varied obstacles, these workers may have superior skills at avoiding obstacles. Therefore, the effect of work experience was also examined. Methods: Nine construction workers and 10 age- and gender-matched control subjects participated. Subjects stepped over obstacles in an 8 m walkway. Three different obstacles were examined, arranged according to a hierarchy ranging from most to least visible structure: a solid obstacle, a three-edge outline obstacle and a top-edge obstacle. The obstacles were 10, 20 or 30 cm high. In addition, visual information was decreased with goggles which obstructed the lower visual field, removing information of the obstacle and foot-relative-to-obstacle in the two steps before the obstacle. All conditions were presented randomly. Results: Higher risk of contact and higher lead and trail toe clearance variability were observed for the top-edge obstacle. Higher risk of contact was observed when the lower visual field was obstructed and for the 30 cm obstacle. Work experience did not influence risk of contact. Construction workers had lower trail toe clearances and lower trail toe clearance variability for the 10 cm obstacle, but were not different from controls for the 30 cm obstacle. Conclusions: Decreased visible structure of an obstacle resulted in increased gait variability and increased risk of contact. The changes are consistent with decreased accuracy of the sensory-to-motor transformation used to control the lead and trail limb during obstacle crossing when only the top-edge was visible. There is some evidence that construction workers were better able to transform the visual information to motor actions, as reflected by decreased gait variability, but these findings were not supported by decreased risk of obstacle contact.
Consummatory Versus Justificatory Crisis Rhetoric.

The question posed in this study is: Are there differences in rhetorical strategy and tactic between discourse initially constituting the sole response of our government to states of emergency and discourse accompanying, justifying, and rationalizing specific military moves undertaken in response to crises? To provide a partial answer to this question, five presidential messages were analyzed and placed into two categories: consummatory rhetoric‐where presidential discourse initially constituted the only official reply made by the American government; and justificatory rhetoric‐where presidential discourse was part of a larger, military retaliation taken by the government. Differences and similarities between these two kinds of talk are detailed, and implications for crisis rhetoric are presented.
Next generation signature-based hyperspectral detection: a challenge to atmospheric modelers

Recent successes in detecting specific materials with hyperspectral sensing systems belie the challenging problems that loom. Easy targets, spectrally distinct from clutter, challenge neither detection algorithms, nor the methods used to translate laboratory signatures into field spectra. The full promise of wide area autonomous detection with hyperspectral systems will not be met using rudimentary algorithms, such as the linear matched filter or the ACE algorithm. Nor will signature translation methods that produce a single radiance estimate suffice. This paper suggests a new methodology for addressing future challenges, along with signature characterization protocols that would enable advanced detection capabilities.
Constitutive relations and fatigue life prediction for anisotropic Al-6061-T6 rods under biaxial proportional loadings

Abstract Cyclic stress-strain curves (CSSCs) and fatigue lives were obtained from fully reversed fatigue tests in strain control on two anisotropic Al-6061-T6 rods. The experiments were conducted at room temperature under three types of loading conditions: tension-compression, torsion and combined proportional tension-torsion. Based on the CSSC data, the anisotropic constitutive relations of the rods were obtained by using Hill's anisotropic plasticity theory. Yield loci and flow behaviour were determined and compared with the theoretical predictions. Two anisotropic effective-stress-effective-strain criteria were evaluated. During the fatigue tests the fatigue cracking behaviour of the rods was observed and found to be shear dominated. Four multiaxial fatigue life prediction models representing three different concepts were used to correlate the fatigue life data. A shear cracking model incorporated with a material anisotropy constant correlated with the test data very well. The other models, however, gave poor correlations.
Hormonal stimulation and embryo collection in the domestic cat ()

Abstract Sexually mature domestic cats ( Felis catus ) were treated with one of eight hormone regimens to induce estrus, follicular development and superovulation. Queens were allowed to breed naturally following hormonal stimulation, and laparotomy was utilized to observe ovarian response and to perform uterine flushes for embryo recovery. The results indicate that it is possible to perform successful repeated surgical collections of transferable quality embryos with the domestic cat. The regimen which evoked the most desirable results in terms of ovarian response and embryo recovery was a subcutaneous injection of follicle stimulating hormone-pituitary (FSH-P) once every 24 h for 6 d in the amount of 0.75 mg/d for the first 5 d and 0.25 mg on the 6 d, followed by two 375 IU intramuscular injections of human chorionic gonadotropin-(hCG) 24 h apart, beginning on the same day as the sixth injection of FSH-P.
Taxonomic Status and Relationships of Peromyscus boylii from El Salvador

The status and affinities of Permoyscus boylii cordillerae and P. b. sacarensis , both described from El Salvador, are evaluated using principal components analysis. Representative examples of P. aztecus, P. boylii levipes, P. evides, P. hylocetes, P. oaxacensis , and P. spicilegus are included for comparative purposes. It is concluded that sacarensis is a subspecies of P. boylii , while cordillerae is related to aztecus, evides, hylocetes , and oaxacensis . Because many traits that separate the latter five taxa vary significantly with elevation, it is hypothesized that they represent segments of a once continuous montane species.
A subpopulation of cultured avian neural crest cells has transient neurogenic potential

Neural crest cells of vertebrate embryos produce neurons, glia, pigment cells, and connective tissue in vivo and in vitro. To test the developmental potential of apparently undifferentiated crest cells, we have used the monoclonal antibody A2B5, which recognizes a cell surface glycolipid characteristic of neurons, to identify and immunoablate a subpopulation of cultured avian neural crest cells with a neuronal phenotype. Our results indicate that a limited neurogenic precursor subpopulation is present in cultures of avian neural crest cells and that the fate of this subpopulation can be influenced by environmental conditions arising when dispersal of neural crest cells is delayed.
Brainstem Encephalitis (Rhombencephalitis) Due to Listeria monocytogenes: Case Report and Review

Listerial brainstem encephalitis is a rare disease. Only 62 cases have been reported previously; all were in adults, only 8% of whom were immunosuppressed. The disease has a characteristic biphasic course: a nonspecific prodrome of headache, nausea or vomiting, and fever lasting for several days is followed by progressive asymmetrical cranial-nerve palsies, cerebellar signs, hemiparesis or hypesthesia, and impairment of consciousness. Neck stiffness was initially present in only 55% of the cases described thus far. Studies of cerebrospinal fluid often revealed only mild abnormalities. Cultures of cerebrospinal fluid and blood were positive in 41% and 61% of cases, respectively. Respiratory failure occurred in 41% of cases. Initial computed tomography of the brain often gave normal results; magnetic resonance imaging better demonstrated brainstem abnormalities. Overall mortality was 51%. All untreated patients died. When treatment with ampicillin or penicillin was initiated early, the rate of survival was > 70%; however, neurological sequelae developed in 61% of survivors.
Human well-being differs by community type: Toward reference points in a human well-being indicator useful for decision support

Abstract Human activity has growing impacts on the natural capital humans depend on for existence. While many of these impacts are regional, national, or international in scope, it is increasingly evident that decisions made at the local community level are also important. Yet, understanding the impacts of local decisions, as well as how to correct or mitigate these impacts, can be problematic, as communities differ in resources, priorities, dependencies on natural capital, and even opinions about whether these impacts actually affect quality of life. Every community has unique characteristics, however effective decision support at the community level requires common reference points in measures of human well-being upon which to base decision support. We have developed a community classification system that is intended to find such common ground in community characteristics and tie these common elements to measures of human well-being. This community classification system was developed in the USA with publically available data on resource dependence, socio-economic composition, and existence of natural capital. The resulting classification was applied to coastal communities at the county level and then used to predict human well-being based on an existing human well-being index. Coastal communities were separated into eight characteristics groups based on Bayesian cluster analysis. Classification groups were found to be associated with significant differences in human well-being. More importantly, significant differences in specific elements of well-being were associated with key community characteristics, such as population density and economic dependence on local natural resources. In particular, social cohesion and the leisure time were strong elements of well-being in low density communities with high natural resource dependence but this association weakened as population densities and economically diversity increased. These sorts of commonalities in community type that can be tied to differences in human well-being are important because they provide clear ties to environmental service flows, as well as a meaningful reference point from which to measure the local impacts of decisions as changes in community-specific human well-being.
Intermolecular Enol Ether−Alkyne Metathesis

A new intermolecular metathesis between a variety of alkynes and alkyl enol ethers is described. The best results were obtained with the second generation Grubbs' precatalysts. The reaction occurred with a high degree of regioselectivity and provided electron-rich dienes, which underwent a variety of [4 + 2] cycloadditions.
Laparoscopic surgery without pneumoperitoneum. A preliminary report.

Laparoscopic surgery using pneumoperitoneum to create an operating field is known to have cardiopulmonary side effects. Conventional laparoscopic techniques require operating in a sealed environment. In July 1992, we initiated an investigation of the use of an electric-powered abdominal-wall lifter to expose an operating field. In our preliminary study, we have sucessfully completed 16 of 20 cases (80%) using this method of exposure. One trocar-related small-bowel injury was recognized immediately and repaired uneventfully. Two patients with dense adhesions made laparoscopic cholecystectomy impossible. One case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed by conversion to pneumoperitoneum. Conventional instruments can be used through small incisions. Digital examination of abdominal contents can be achieved through the periumbilical incision or through other small incisions with the guidance of this retractor; this is superior to pneumoperitoneum since the surgeon can use more than just visual examination of intraabdominal pathology in laparoscopic surgery.
An RF spectrum observatory database based on a Hybrid Storage System

In 2007, the Wireless Network and Communications (WiNCom) Research Center at the Illinois Institute of Technology initiated a continuous RF spectrum measurement program in the frequency range 30 MHz to 6 GHz. The data measurement collection, now multiple Terabytes, was historically stored in a flat file format on multiple hard drives which was efficient and easy to deal with from a data collection perspective, but not very effective from an analysis and sharing perspective. This paper describes the data capture structure, the new database and data storage approach that has been created to enable large scale, “safe storage”, and to facilitate data queries and RF measurement analysis by researchers both inside and outside of IIT's network, and some of the application that have been implemented using this new structure.
3DNA: a software package for the analysis, rebuilding and visualization of three‐dimensional nucleic acid structures

We present a comprehensive software package, 3DNA, for the analysis, reconstruction and visualization of three-dimensional nucleic acid structures. Starting from a coordinate file in Protein Data Bank (PDB) format, 3DNA can handle antiparallel and parallel double helices, single-stranded structures, triplexes, quadruplexes and other complex tertiary folding motifs found in both DNA and RNA structures. The analysis routines identify and categorize all base interactions and classify the double helical character of appropriate base pair steps. The program makes use of a recently recommended reference frame for the description of nucleic acid base pair geometry and a rigorous matrix-based scheme to calculate local conformational parameters and rebuild the structure from these parameters. The rebuilding routines produce rectangular block representations of nucleic acids as well as full atomic models with the sugar-phosphate backbone and publication quality 'standardized' base stacking diagrams. Utilities are provided to locate the base pairs and helical regions in a structure and to reorient structures for effective visualization. Regular helical models based on X-ray diffraction measurements of various repeating sequences can also be generated within the program.
The Timing of Sales

This paper presents a model of intertemporal price discrimination. A fixed number of sellers produce a homogeneous good. Consumers with different preferences enter the market in each period and leave when they make a purchase. The sellers typically vary their prices over time, charging a high price in most periods, but occasionally cutting the price to sell to a large group of customers with a low reservation price. In some equilibria, all stores lower their price at the same time and to the same level.
Psychometric assessment of the Primary Care Behavioral Health Provider Adherence Questionnaire (PPAQ)

Adherence to protocol among behavioral health providers working in co-located, collaborative care or Primary Care Behavioral Health settings has rarely been assessed due to limited measurement options. Development of psychometrically sound measures of provider fidelity may improve the translation of these service delivery models into every day practice. One hundred seventy-three integrated behavioral health providers in VA primary care clinics responded to an online questionnaire to assess the reliability and validity of the Primary Care Behavioral Health Provider Adherence Questionnaire (PPAQ). Psychometric assessment resulted in a reliable 48-item measure with two subscales that specified essential and prohibited provider behaviors. The PPAQ demonstrated strong convergent and divergent validity when compared to another measure of health care integration. Known-group comparisons provided partial support for criterion validity. The PPAQ is a reliable and valid self-report of behavioral health provider fidelity with implications for improving provider training, program monitoring, and clinical research.
Oral Health Surveillance: Past, Present, and Future Challenges

We reviewed and summarized the efforts in the United States to collect data on oral diseases, conditions, and behaviors implemented at the national and state level. The main characteristics of these efforts were: (1) systematic collection of data from representative samples, mostly at the national level; (2) one-time or sporadic experiences when data are collected at state and local levels; (3) use of visual-tactile protocols implemented at the tooth-surface or tooth-site level for data collection; (4) focus mainly on dental caries and periodontal diseases; and (5) leap-time from data collection to publication of results. Using the definition of surveillance in public health (the ongoing and systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of outcome-specific data for use in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health practice), we show there is an impending need to develop new techniques to build up surveillance systems for oral diseases, conditions, and behaviors at the national, state, and local levels. In the second part of this review, we presented a number of alternative techniques developed in the last 10 years to collect timely data for oral health. The main characteristics of these efforts include: (1) focusing on data collection at state and local level; (2) integration into existing and ongoing surveillance systems; (3) using visual-only protocols to collect data on oral disease status; (4) focusing on a variety of diseases, conditions, and behaviors; and (5) analyzing the data in a timely matter. Many of these efforts have been integrated into the National Oral Health Surveillance System, which has developed eight indicators in response to national health objectives. Finally, we envision the future of visual-tactile protocols in data collection of representative samples to monitor oral health status at the national level and as a research tool. At the state and local level, however, we envision an integrated system of data collection as a constantly evolving process as new techniques are developed in response to new demands.
Organizational decision support systems: the design and implementation of a data extraction scheme to facilitate model-database communication

Abstract The concept of organizational decision support and the criteria for designing such support systems (ODSS) have recently received a great deal of attention. In spite of major differences among the decision processes at the organizational, group, and individual levels, the requirements for securing data from the corporate database in an ODSS still remains a significant issue. In addition, the computer and communication technologies that integrate the subsystems of knowledge, data, and models assume increased relevance in the ODSS. Indeed, the richness of problems of making the most of such technologies becomes even more important in the ODSS environment. In the present work, the issues of integrating models and databases through the use of a data extraction scheme are examined. In particular, certain aspects of the query generation algorithms that allow the user or model to view the database as a single relation are described. The generated query is then translated into TQUEL, resulting in a temporal query reflecting the historical nature of the corporate database.
Food passage time and daily ration of bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis, kept in cages

The food passage time of bighead carp weighing 13 to 2850 g was 7.1 to 12.8 h and the daily food ration was 5.7 to 2% of body weight at water temperatures ranging from 21 to 28.5°C. Food passage time tended to be shorter for larger fish because the speed of passage was substantially higher for the larger fish: 323 mm h−1 for the larger fish and 67 mm h−1 for smaller fish. Gut length increased with increased body length. Relative gut length showed great variability. It increased with increasing fish body length up to about 250 mm and remained similar for larger fish.
Immunocytochemical analysis of proteolysis in germinating soybean

Abstract Proteolysis of the soybean storage proteins, glycinin and β-conglycinin, and the principal Kunitz and Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitors of soybean were observed by Toluidine Blue staining and also by immunogold labelling of cotyledon sections. All four proteins are sequestered in protein bodies. As germination and early growth progress, protein body numbers decreased while their average areas increased, indicating coalescence of these organelles. Changes in protein body morphology occurred as early as one day after seed imbibition, in the cells immediately adjacent to the vascular bundles, followed by the next layer of cells surrounding the vascular tissue. These changes were also observed in cells below the epidermal layer at the abaxial side of the cotyledon; but the changes were not evident until four days after imbibition of the seed. In the cells immediately adjacent to the vascular bundles, clearing of the protein reserves was evident in the decline of immunogold particle marking density both in the protein bodies and in the cytosol. Although proteolysis of the four different proteins is triggered by different enzymes, the onset and rates of proteolysis of these proteins in the cells adjacent to the vascular bundles were very similar, suggesting the occurrence of a common signal for the start of protein reserve mobilization in these cells.