cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional flash diffusivity measurements of orthotropic materials

A generalization of the radial flash technique is presented whereby the thermal diffusivity of an orthotropic solid is measured in directions parallel and perpendicular to the flash source. The theoretical formulation is based on a Green's function approach which assumes a general orthotropic solid with three mutually orthogonal thermal diffusivities (or conductivities). Using this approach, a solution to this problem is presented which can be used to develop solutions for arbitrary pulse waveforms and incident geometries. Analytical and numerical results are presented for two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases of finite and semiinfinite solids. Characteristic equations which describe the ratio of the temperatures at two points along a principal axis are given. The equations show excellent agreement with numerical predictions as well as experimental results. A parameter estimation approach is given which improves on the accuracy of the radial flash technique in the determination of thermal diffusivity from experimental data.
Varicosities of the Lower Extremity

The veins of the lower extremity may be divided into three groups: superficial, perforating, and deep (Fig. 18.1). Here, we will describe the deep veins only briefly, and concentrate on the superficial and perforating vessels.
Roles of the fission yeast UNC-13/Munc13 protein Ync13 in late stages of cytokinesis.

Fission yeast UNC-13/Munc13 protein Ync13 is involved in the septum formation and daughter-cell separation during cytokinesis. Ync13 regulates exocytosis and endocytosis to maintain the normal dist...
TCT-634 Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Drug-Eluting Stents for the Treatment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy and the Impact of Intravascular Ultrasound and Stent Characteristics on Lesion Patency: 4-Year Outcomes

PCI for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is associated with high revascularization rates but acceptable stent and lesion patency and clinical outcomes. The impact of stent characteristics and the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to optimize lesion patency is not established. Pts who
Optimal taxation and insurance using machine learning — Sufficient statistics and beyond

Abstract How should one use (quasi-)experimental evidence when choosing policies such as tax rates, health insurance copay, unemployment benefit levels, and class sizes in schools? This paper suggests an approach based on maximizing posterior expected social welfare, combining insights from (i) optimal policy theory as developed in the field of public finance, and (ii) machine learning using Gaussian process priors. We provide explicit formulas for posterior expected social welfare and optimal policies in a wide class of policy problems. The proposed methods are applied to the choice of coinsurance rates in health insurance, using data from the RAND health insurance experiment. The key trade-off in this setting is between transfers toward the sick and insurance costs. The key empirical relationship the policy maker needs to learn about is the response of health care expenditures to coinsurance rates. Holding the economic model and distributive preferences constant, we obtain much smaller point estimates of the optimal coinsurance rate (18% vs. 50%) when applying our estimation method instead of the conventional “sufficient statistic” approach.
Study on Measures to Improve the PV Hosting Capacity of Tibet Power Grid

Measures to improve the solar PV hosting capacity of Tibet power grid are studied. The industrial foundation of Tibet autonomous region is less developed, its load level is rather low, the power grid structure is relatively weak, and the power source mainly includes hydropower and photovoltaic, the peak regulating capacity is very limited. Therefore, its PV hosting capacity is inadequate and solar light discard rate is somewhat high (more than 30 percent often). How to improve the PV hosting capacity of Tibet power grid is an urgent problem. The main characteristics of Tibet power grid include: large capacity generator within small power system, strong DC coexists with weak AC, grid structure is rather weak. Most of the power sources in Tibet are hydropower. The proportion of PV installed is large, and the proportion of thermal power is very small and only used for peak load regulation, and they are cold standby generators. The daily peak load in Tibet appears at night, and the yearly maximum load is in winter. Therefore, Tibet power grid needs a lot of incoming power in winter while the solar light discard rate is rather high in summer. In normal operation mode, the PV outputs are limited seriously, but the capability of PV power generation to participate in frequency adjustment, to support the transient stability and voltage stability of the power grid has not been developed. According to the characteristics of Tibet power grid, three measures to improve the PV hosting capacity of Tibet power grid are studied, includes:1)Improving the active power control of the PV power station.2)Realizing globally reactive power optimized coordination control by coordinated control of reactive power compensation equipment.3)Improving the generator-grid coordination performance by changing the related parameter settings. Related control models are built, the simulation calculations results show that the above three kinds of measures can effectively improve the PV hosting capacity of Tibet power grid, the three measures have their application value respectively and can be used in combination.
Cerianthus vogti Danielssen, 1890 (Anthozoa: Ceriantharia). A species inhabiting an extended tube system deeply buried in deep-sea sediments off Norway

Abstract Box core sampling, dredging and photographic records of sea floor structures at 1244–2926 m depth in the Norwegian Sea show the presence of the tube-dwelling anthozoan Cerianthus vogti Danielssen, 1890 in an abundance of up to 3.5 specimens per m2. This species has not been reported since the original description. C. vogti builds an extended, branched, horizontal tube system, probably several metres long, below the oxic-anoxic boundary layer. This tube system is considered to be a kind of ‘gas pipeline’ through which CH4 and H2S might accumulate and pass to supply chemoautolithotrophic bacteria living in body tissue as symbionts or in the tube itself, i.e. a bacterial gardening system. Through each of these two processes C. vogti may satisfy its food requirements in the oligotrophic deep-sea environment.
Analysis of the therapeutic effect of transesophageal echocardiography-guided percutaneous device closure of atrial septal defects via the right internal jugular vein in children.

Background Traditional X-ray-guided transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) via the right femoral vein carries a risk of radiation damage, which is greatly exacerbated by age and vascular conditions. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance for the closure procedure not only broadens the indications of interventional therapy for ASDs but also avoids radiation exposure. Purpose To assess the value of TEE-guided ASD device closure via the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) in children. Methods Nineteen pediatric patients with secondary ASD underwent TEE-guided ASD device closure via the RIJV from July 22, 2015 to July 19, 2017. After the RIJV was successfully accessed, one Fustar curve-adjustable delivery sheath was inserted. The implant depth was adjusted, and the tip of the sheath was curved to facilitate passage through the ASD for the delivery and release of the occluder. TEE was used to guide the entire procedure. Results In all 19 patients, the ASDs were successfully closed and the occluder was confirmed to have a stable position and good shape, with no residual shunt. During the follow-up period (2 months to 2 years), no pericardial effusion, thrombosis, tachyarrhythmia, atrioventricular block, or other complications were observed. Conclusions An adjustable delivery sheath can be used to treat ASD via the RIJV. This procedure has varied indications, and its advantages include a short operation path, procedural accuracy, minimal trauma, and quick recovery, especially for young patients with large ASDs and cases in which a femoral vein approach is difficult. The procedure has great clinical significance and merits attention.
Advanced Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging and Future Directions

Intracranial vessel wall imaging is a rapidly evolving method for identifying and characterizing neurovascular disease and is complementary to conventional angiographic imaging techniques such as catheter angiography, CT angiography, and MR angiography. It can diagnose etiologies underlying intracranial stenosis, identify culprit plaques in the setting of ischemic stroke, and characterize ruptured aneurysm in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage or unstable/at-risk aneurysms. In this chapter, we review the current literature and potential future directions.
Analysis of Cleaning Efficacy and Clearance of Silicone-Based Pickering-Type Emulsions Used in the Cleaning of Water-Miscible Oil Paints

Water-miscible oil paints are complex chemical mixtures that may include pigments, modified drying oils, fillers, thickeners, extenders, and surfactants. Many of these paints are surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions that remain sensitive to water upon drying. Although water miscibility is a benefit to artists wishing to avoid the use of organic solvents as diluents, this continued water sensitivity poses a challenge for conservators attempting to remove soiling from the surface of artworks made with these paint systems. The extraction of surfactants, low-molecular-weight, and water-soluble components during aqueous cleaning can contribute to the swelling and disruption of the paint film.
Spiritual-Material Noninterventionism: Reformed Influences on Bodin's Political Theology

Jean Bodin's political philosophy drew on a key Reformed principle: the necessary separation between the spiritual and material realms. This principle, as Bodin understood it, required that the sov...
Data-Driven Identification of Skills for the Future: 21st-Century Skills for the 21st-Century Workforce:

The world is rapidly changing, and the systemic shifts have the potential to affect the nature of work. To prepare the workforce, it is crucial to develop the skills that will be necessary for the ...
A modification of γ-encoded RN symmetry pulses for increasing the scaling factor and more accurate measurements of the strong heteronuclear dipolar couplings

Abstract Symmetry based γ-encoded RNnν elements are broadly used in magic-angle spinning solid-state NMR experiments to achieve selective recoupling of the heteronuclear dipolar interactions. The recoupled dipolar couplings in such experiments are scaled by a factor, Ksc, which theoretically depends on the chosen symmetry numbers N, n, and ν. However, the maximum theoretical value of Ksc for γ-encoded RNnν pulses is limited to ~0.25, resulting in long RNnν experiment times. Also, the dependence of Ksc on the experimental parameters can result in systematic errors in the experimental determination of the dipolar couplings, especially at low and moderate MAS rates. In this manuscript, we investigate the use of MODifiEd RNnν symmetry (MODERNnν(ϕM)) pulses that increase the dipolar scaling factor by at least 1.45 fold compared to γ-encoded RNnν. The second advantage of MODERNnν(ϕM) pulses with respect to traditional RNnν pulses is the reduced influence of experimental parameters on Ksc, which allows for more accurate measurement of short-range distances. The robustness of MODERNnν(ϕM) is compared with γ-encoded R1423 symmetry pulses. The enhanced performance is demonstrated on two uniformly-13C-enriched samples, N-acetyl valine and the microcrystalline protein GB1, at a 31.111 kHz MAS rate.
Access barriers to healthcare for people living with disabilities

This study elucidated healthcare access barriers to receiving adequate services among adults with disabilities. In particular, we utilized community focus groups to contrast urban and rural communities and target improvement in educational services, healthcare policy reform, and outreach programs for this underserved patient population. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with adults living with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities in 12 counties in the Mid-Michigan area. Data were analyzed using narrative coding and conceptualization techniques to identify emergent themes grounded in the data. Three major themes emerged from the data: (1) a lack of patient-centeredness that impedes the quality of care; (2) inadequate communication that marginalizes patients within the clinical encounter; (3) accessibility barriers that interfere with navigating the healthcare system. Access to healthcare for people living with disabilities represents a significant challenge, especially in a rural setting. Although improved technology may make healthcare more efficient, the majority of patients with disabilities faced access barriers and implicated deficits in “patient-centered care” as a factor in poor health care experiences.
Evaluating In-Vehicle Sound and Vibration during Incursions on Sinusoidal Rumble Strips:

Rumble strips (RS) are a countermeasure used to reduce roadway-departure crashes by providing audible and haptic alerts to the driver when a vehicle is departing the roadway. This study evaluated t...
Disease-induced immunomodulation at biomaterial scaffolds detects early pancreatic cancer in a spontaneous model.

Abstract Pancreatic cancer has the worst prognosis of all cancers due to disease aggressiveness and paucity of early detection platforms. We developed biomaterial scaffolds that recruit metastatic tumor cells and reflect the immune dysregulation of native metastatic sites. While this platform has shown promise in orthotopic breast cancer models, its potential in other models is untested. Herein, we demonstrate that scaffolds recruit disseminated pancreatic cells in the KPCY model of spontaneous pancreatic cancer prior to adenocarcinoma formation (3-fold increase in scaffold YFP + cells). Furthermore, immune cells at the scaffolds differentiate early- and late-stage disease with greater accuracy (0.83) than the natural metastatic site (liver, 0.50). Early disease was identified by an approximately 2-fold increase in monocytes. Late-stage disease was marked by a 1.5-2-fold increase in T cells and natural killer cells. The differential immune response indicated that the scaffolds could distinguish spontaneous pancreatic cancer from spontaneous breast cancer. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the utility of scaffolds to reflect immunomodulation in two spontaneous models of tumorigenesis, and their particular utility for identifying early disease stages in the aggressive KPCY pancreatic cancer model. Such scaffolds may serve as a platform for early detection of pancreatic cancer to improve treatment and prognosis.
Hard Work, Sensitivity, Knowledge, Understanding

(1961). Hard Work, Sensitivity, Knowledge, Understanding. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 32, No. 4, pp. 21-22.
The Importance of Geometry, Field, and Temperature on Tunneling and Rectification Behavior in Infrared Point-Contact Diodes of Identical and Disimilar Metals

In this talk we present some recent theoretical results on the study of tunneling and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of metallic cat whisker point-contact diodes. These point-contact devices, which currently have the fastest response times (∼< 2 orders of magnitude) of all infrared and optical detectors (e.g., Josephson tunneling devices, Schottky barrier diodes, etc.) [1], have applications to precision frequency measurements [1-3] as well as in quantum electronics and solid-state physics [4], including infrared studies of superconductivity [5]. The structure is made of an ultra-fine metal tip, comparable to those used in field emission (i.e., ∼10− 2 - 1 μm radius) in contact with a flat metal anode. A fundamental application of these devices has been the most precise and accurate determination of the velocity of light [1-3,6,7].
Image-guided lymph node fine-needle aspiration: the Johns Hopkins Hospital experience.

Introduction Although the diagnostic utility of lymph node fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is well established in the evaluation of metastatic malignancy, its value in the diagnosis of lymphoma is more controversial; yet, there is a growing trend among practitioners towards less-invasive procedures such as FNA and core needle biopsy (CNB). The guidelines recently published by the American Society for Clinical Pathology/College of American Pathology (CAP) regarding the workup of lymphoma include recommendations on the value and limitations of FNA. Materials and methods We reviewed 1237 image-guided lymph node aspirates from 695 procedures (410 nodes from 360 ultrasound [US]-guided cases, 799 from 309 endobronchial ultrasound [EBUS], 25 from 23 endoscopic ultrasound [EUS], and 3 from 3 computed tomography [CT]). Results The majority (40 of 46, 87%) of lymph nodes suspected of lymphomatous involvement were aspirated under ultrasound. Core needle biopsy [CNB] was obtained for 41 (89%) lymph nodes, including all 40 US specimens. Flow cytometry (FC) was performed on 37 (80%) aspirates; aspirates without FC were from patients who had a history of Hodgkin lymphoma, or showed granulomata or non-hematologic malignancy onsite. Thirty-one (67%) lymph nodes were sent for review by hematopathology. Forty-two (91%) lymph node FNA/CNB yielded actionable diagnoses. Seventeen of 241(7%) cases aspirated for other indications (14 US, 3 EBUS) were involved by a lymphoproliferative process. All were reviewed by hematopathology. All 14 US cases had FC and CNB. Conclusion Our institutional approach towards lymph node cytopathology for lymphoma workup appears to be in accordance with the new CAP guidelines, and demonstrates a potential triage and workflow model for lymph node FNA specimens that allows for accurate diagnosis in cases where lymphoma is a consideration.
The Impact of Hemoglobin A1c on Post-operative Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

INTRODUCTION Pre-operative hemoglobin (Hb) A1c levels ≥ 8% can lead to increased post-operative complications. In bariatric surgery patients, attaining a pre-operative HbA1c < 8% can be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of pre-operative HbA1c on post-operative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted on diabetic patients (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) who underwent primary bariatric surgery at a single institution between the years 2013 and 2019. Patients were divided into two groups based on their pre-operative HbA1c levels of < 8% and ≥ 8%. Univariate analyses were performed to determine an association between pre-operative HbA1c levels and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS There were 351 primary diabetic bariatric surgery patients, 270 HbA1c <8%, and 81 HbA1c ≥ 8%. Procedure selection was significantly different between the HbA1c < 8% and HbA1c ≥ 8% group (49.3% sleeve, 50.4% bypass and 0.4% band versus 43.2% sleeve, 53.1% bypass and 3.7% band respectively, P < 0.04). There was no statistically significant difference in any 30-day post-operative outcome between the two groups. Post-operative HbA1c was significantly less in the HbA1c < 8% group at 3-6 month (6.0% ± 0.9 versus 7.4% ± 1.4, P <0.001) and 6-12 month (6.0% ± 1.1 versus 7.2% ± 1.4, P <0.001) follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated no difference in post-operative outcomes of primary bariatric surgery patients based on a HbA1c cut-off of 8%. This highlights that bariatric surgery can be considered and safely performed in patients with a pre-operative HbA1c ≥ 8%.
Learning from historical structures under compression for concrete 3D printing construction

Abstract This paper reviews and extracts lessons from historic buildings, whose stability relies mainly on compression to resist gravity loads, that can inform the construction of affordable housing and shelters using 3D printed concrete without reinforcement and formwork. The first part consists of a literature survey of historic constructions with systems relying on compression considering four vectors of analysis: (1) form; (2) structural principle; (3) materials; and (4) construction process . The survey starts by identifying forms whose structural principle may be adequate for 3D printing of concrete applications. Then, historic structures displaying similar forms are analyzed in terms of structural behavior, the types of materials employed, and the construction process used to obtain foundations, walls, and roofs. A series of historically inspired shapes for printing is thus obtained from this survey. To address the printability of the structures identified after the survey, the second part of the paper provides a brief description of existing processes for construction scale printing considering material aspects, such as fresh state behavior, and printing system configurations. Addressing the fresh state properties of concrete is crucial as it determines whether the structure fails during printing. Finally, a set of strategies including potential toolpaths and intermediate states are defined to print the identified forms, considering issues concerning material requirements and printing process.
Modulation of smooth muscle tonus in the lower urinary tract: interplay of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and MLC phosphatase (MLCP).

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? MLCK and MLCP play key roles in regulating muscle tones in the bladder and urethra. Bladder has higher MLCK and lower MLCP activities relative to the urethra, providing evidence at the molecular level for the concept of the bladder being phasic while the urethra being tonic at their respective default states. OBJECTIVE • To assess and compare the expression and activity of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) and MLC phosphatase (MLCP) in rat bladder and urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS • Bladder and urethral smooth muscles were obtained from 2-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats. They were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction for the mRNA expression of MLCK and myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit of protein phosphatase type 1 (MYPT1, a subunit of MLCP). • Levels of MLCK and MYPT1 mRNA expression were determined as a ratio to the expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). • The tissues were also analysed by Western blotting for MLCK and MYPT1 protein expression as a ratio to the expression of β-actin. • A two-step enzymatic activity assay using phosphorylated and dephosphorylated smooth muscle myosin was used to assess MLCK and MLCP activity. RESULTS • MLCK mRNA expression was higher in the bladder than in the urethra [mean (sd) ratio to GAPDH: 0.26 (0.17) vs 0.14 (0.12); P= 0.09]. • MYPT1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the bladder than in the urethra [mean (sd) ratio to GAPDH: 2.31 (1.04) vs 0.56 (0.36); P= 0.001]. • Expression of both MLCK and MYPT1 protein was significantly higher in the bladder compared with the urethra [mean (sd) ratio to β-actin: 1.63 (0.25) vs 0.91 (0.29) and 0.97 (0.10) vs 0.37 (0.29), respectively; both P < 0.001]. • Enzymatic assay identified significantly greater MLCK activity in the bladder than in the urethra. While, MLCP activity was lower in the bladder than in the urethra. CONCLUSION • In healthy young female rats, MLCK activity is higher and MLCP activity is lower in the bladder relative to the urethra. These differences probably play a role in modulating the functional differences between bladder and urethral smooth muscle tone.
Labor Economics from an Austrian Perspective

The compelling case offered by Austrians regarding the recent economic downturn has no doubt encouraged many to take a closer look at the broader Austrian perspective. Similarly, the jobless recovery has prompted some soul searching in labor economics. We briefly review the history and methodology of the Austrian school and describe major contributions to labor economics from those working in the Austrian tradition. Then, we offer a sketch of the Austrian theory of labor markets and discuss its implications. In doing so, we hope to have helped the interested reader along both lines.
Issues in the design of operator composition systems

Abstract Many learning problem solvers operate by composing operator sequences, so that a learned sequence can be applied as a unit during subsequent problem solving. In this paper we will describe an abstract model of the operator composition and problem solving processes, and use the model to analyze severed design issues that affect the utility of the learning method. We will focus primarily on design issues that arose during the implementation of the PRODIGY system[16; 18] and two of its predecessors[17; 15]. The purpose of this paper is to consider these issues from the common perspective offered by our model, and to summarize the relevant research in the field.
Bullous lichen ruber planus

Abstract Six cases of lichen ruber planus undergoing a bullous or erosive phase have been described. Clinically, the signs and symptoms were consistent with the characteristic manifestations of this disease, in addition to which the patients had various subjective symptoms due to the bullous formations. The histologic changes were those of lichen ruber planus in addition to which vesicle formations or ulcers were present.
A case study in configuration management tool deployment

While configuration management systems are generally regarded as useful, their deployment process is not well understood or documented. In this paper, we present a case study in configuration management tool deployment. We describe the motivating factors and both the technical considerations and the social issues involved in this process. Our discussion includes an analysis of the overall effect on the system management model and the tasks performed by administrators.
Robotic Intracorporeal Orthotopic Neobladder: Urodynamic Outcomes, Urinary Function, and Health-related Quality of Life

Abstract Background Intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder (iONB) creation following robotic radical cystectomy is an emerging procedure and robust functional data are required. Objective To evaluate urodynamic features of iONB and bladder cancer–specific and general health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes. Design, setting, and participants We retrospectively assessed 28 men who underwent iONB creation (January 2012 to October 2013) and compared results to a previously characterized cohort of 79 of open ONB procedures. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis iONB pressure-volume properties were characterized using multichannel urodynamics (UDS). The Bladder Cancer Index (BCI) questionnaire, modified with mucus- and pad-related questions, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate urinary function and HRQOL. ONB cohorts were compared for functional outcomes and BCI score. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess predictors of BCI score. Results and limitations The median follow-up was 9.4 mo for the iONB and 62.1 mo for the open ONB group ( p p 3 (range 339–1001). BCI mean scores for urinary function ( p =0.58) and urinary bother ( p =0.31) were comparable between the groups. The surgical approach was not associated with the BCI score on multivariable analysis. Rates of 24-h pad use were comparable between iONB and open ONB groups (pad-free 17% vs 19%; ≤2 pads 84% vs 79%), as reflected by total pad usage ( p =0.1); pad size and daytime wetness were worse in the iONB group. The clean intermittent catheterization rate was 10.7% in the iONB and 6.3% in the open ONB group. Limitations include the retrospective comparison, small number of patients and short follow-up for the iONB group. Conclusions iONB had adequate UDS characteristics and comparable bladder cancer–specific HRQOL scores to open ONB. However, pad size and daytime wetness were worse for iONB, albeit over significantly shorter follow-up. Patient summary We demonstrate that the volumetric and pressure characteristics are acceptable for a neobladder created using an entirely robot-assisted laparoscopic technique after bladder removal for cancer. Urinary function and quality-of-life outcomes related to the robotic technique were compared to those for neobladders created via an open surgical technique. We found that urinary function and bother indices were comparable; however, the robotic group required larger incontinence pads that were wetter during the daytime. This may be explained by the significantly shorter duration of recovery after surgery in the robotic group.
A Contemporary Reading of Advice and Consent

This essay revisits deLeon's argument describing the development of the policy sciences. The authors propose two “new” phenomena that have affected the mission and shape of the policy sciences, one—the rise in importance of the non-profit sector—being exogenous in nature, the second—the adoption of the concept of governance—being endogenous. It ends with an illustration.
Heterogeneity in patch quality buffers metapopulations from pathogen impacts

Many wildlife species persist on a network of ephemerally occupied habitat patches connected by dispersal. Provisioning of food and other resources for conservation management or recreation is frequently used to improve local habitat quality and attract wildlife. Resource improvement can also facilitate local pathogen transmission, but the landscape-level consequences of provisioning for pathogen spread and habitat occupancy are poorly understood. Here, we develop a simple metapopulation model to investigate how heterogeneity in patch quality resulting from resource improvement influences long-term metapopulation occupancy in the presence of a virulent pathogen. We derive expressions for equilibrium host–pathogen outcomes in terms of provisioning effects on individual patches (through decreased patch extinction rates) and at the landscape level (the fraction of high-quality, provisioned patches), and highlight two cases of practical concern. First, if occupancy in the unprovisioned metapopulation is sufficiently low, a local maximum in occupancy occurs for mixtures of high- and low-quality patches, such that further increasing the number of high-quality patches both lowers occupancy and allows pathogen invasion. Second, if the pathogen persists in the unprovisioned metapopulation, further provisioning can result in all patches becoming infected and in a global minimum in occupancy. This work highlights the need for more empirical research on landscape-level impacts of local resource provisioning on pathogen dynamics.
Embryologic innervation of the rat laryngeal musculature--a model for investigation of recurrent laryngeal nerve reinnervation.

Objectives/Hypothesis Optimal management of vocal fold paralysis would entail recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) reinnervation resulting in normal vocal fold motion. Unfortunately, RLN reinnervation currently results in a nonfunctional vocal fold due to synkinetic reinnervation. Therapeutic interventions that guide regenerating axons back to the appropriate muscle would prevent synkinesis and restore vocal fold and glottal function. The initial step toward developing these therapies is the elucidation of the embryologic innervation of the larynx. This study aimed to identify the age of occurrence, timing, and pattern of embryologic innervation of the rat larynx, hypothesizing that differences in these parameters exist between distinct laryngeal muscles. Study Design Descriptive anatomic study. Methods The larynx of rats aged embryologic day (E) 15, 16, 17, 19, and 21 were harvested and then sectioned. Two rats were used for each age. Sections were colabeled with neuronal class III β-tubulin polyclonal antibody to identify the presence of axons and alexa 488 conjugate α-bungarotoxin to identify the presence of motor endplates. The age at which axons and motor endplates were first present was noted. The position and pattern of the axons and motor endplates was recorded in relation to each other as well as the musculoskeletal anatomy of the larynx. The time at which axons appeared to innervate the medial thyroarytenoid (MTA) muscle, lateral thyroarytenoid (LTA) muscle, and the posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle was documented. Results Findings in the rat suggest the RLN reaches the larynx and begins branching by E15. Axons branch dorsally first and reach the PCA muscle before the other muscles. Branching toward the MTA muscle occurs only after axons have reached the LTA muscle. By E19, RLN axons have been guided to and selected their respective muscles with formation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the PCA, LTA and MTA muscles, though the formation of NMJs in the MTA muscle was comparatively delayed. Conclusions This study describes the embryologic innervation of the rat larynx and suggests that there are distinct differences in the age of occurrence, timing, and pattern of innervation of the PCA, LTA, and MTA muscles of the rat. These findings lay the foundation for studies investigating the role of guidance cues in RLN axon guidance and the utility of these cues in the treatment of RLN injury via the stimulation of functional, nonsynkinetic reinnervation. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:3117–3126, 2013
1013 PREVALENCE OF ANTI-SSA AND OTHER ANTINUCLEAR ANTIBODIES (FANA) IN HEALTHY PREGNANT WOMEN: RISK MARKERS FOR CONGENITAL HEART BLOCK

Isolated congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is associated with SSA (Ro) antibodies (abs) from mothers with or without symptoms of rheumatic disease (RD). The frequency of SSA abs in pregnancy is not known. Also, obstetric care rarely includes an RD history. The purpose of this prospective study was to measure the prevalence of FANA and SSA abs in normal pregnancy, and to determine if maternal SSA abs, or RD history, define a group at risk to bear infants with CCHB. Sera from 190 pregnant women, collected by trimester, and after delivery, were tested by immunofluorescence (mouse kidney and Hep-2 cell substrates), and for anti-Sm, RNP, SSA, SSB, Scl-70, and PM-1 abs by immunodiffusion. 139 women were interviewed for personal or family RD histories, obstetric complications, and fetal outcome. 12/190 women had FANA on mouse kidney and 28 on Hep-2 cells; together, 34/190 sera had FANA (≥1:20);(15/34 1:80). In the 1st and 2nd trimesters, 17/105 sera had FANA, while the 3rd trimester exhibited 17/85 with FANA. Only 2/190 sera had SSA abs; mothers and infants were asymptomatic. Interview revealed RD in 6 mothers. RD family histories were found in 10/26 women with FANA, but only in 10/113 without FANA. There was no difference in the complication rate from prior pregnancies, in women with and without FANA. In summary, FANA is frequent in pregnancy, but is not associated with personal or familial occurrence of RD, or obstetric complications. The rarity of anti-SSA (2/190) in normal pregnancy contrasts with its specific association for infants with CCHB.
The quantized O ( 1 , 2 ) O ( 2 ) × Z 2 sigma model has no continuum limit in four dimensions. II. Lattice simulation

A lattice formulation of the $\frac{\mathrm{O}(1,2)}{\mathrm{O}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{Z}_{2}}$ sigma model is developed, based on the continuum theory presented in the preceding paper. Special attention is given to choosing a lattice action (the "geodesic" action) that is appropriate for fields having noncompact curved configuration spaces. A consistent continuum limit of the model exists only if the renormalized scale constant ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{R}$ vanishes for some value of the bare scale constant $\ensuremath{\beta}$. The geodesic action has a special form that allows direct access to the small-$\ensuremath{\beta}$ limit. In this limit half of the degrees of freedom can be integrated out exactly. The remaining degrees of freedom are those of a compact model having a $\ensuremath{\beta}$-independent action which is noteworthy in being unbounded from below yet yielding integrable averages. Both the exact action and the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-independent action are used to obtain ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{R}$ from Monte Carlo computations of field-field averages (two-point functions) and current-current averages. Many consistency cross-checks are performed. It is found that there is no value of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ for which ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{R}$ vanishes. This means that as the lattice cutoff is removed the theory becomes that of a pair of massless free fields. Because these fields have neither the geometry nor the symmetries of the original model we conclude that the $\frac{\mathrm{O}(1,2)}{\mathrm{O}(2)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{Z}_{2}}$ model has no continuum limit.
Attitudes and Beliefs of Raw Milk Consumers in Northern Colorado

By exploring the attitudes and beliefs of northern Colorado raw cow milk consumers, this study seeks to improve understanding of factors motivating raw milk consumption. We recruited 20 adult participants who recently participated in a cow-share program. Major factors motivating consumer preference for raw milk were alternative dairy cow maintenance practices; the belief that raw milk is a more natural or unprocessed product; perception of greater healthfulness of raw milk, including improved digestion and nutrition; desire for a closer connection to food; and preferred sensory characteristics. Despite recognized health risks, consumers considered their raw milk safe and disagreed with government information on raw milk.
Maternal and Fetal Antibrain Antibodies in Development and Disease

Recent evidence has emerged indicating that the maternal immune response can have a substantial deleterious impact on prenatal development (Croen et al., [2008]: Biol Psychiatry 64:583-588). The maternal immune response is largely sequestered from the fetus. Maternal antibodies, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG), are passed to the fetus to provide passive immunity throughout much of pregnancy. However, both protective and pathogenic autoantibodies have equal access to the fetus (Goines and Van de Water [2010]: Curr Opin Neurol 23:111-117). If the mother has an underlying autoimmune disease or has reactivity to fetal antigens, autoantibodies produced before or during pregnancy can target tissues in the developing fetus. One such tissue is the fetal brain. The blood brainbarrier (BBB) is developing during the fetal period allowing maternal antibodies to have direct access to the brain during gestation (Diamond et al. [2009]: Nat Rev Immunol; Braunschweig et al. [2011]; Neurotoxicology 29:226-231). It has been proposed that brain injury by circulating brain–specific maternal autoantibodies might underlie multiple congenital, developmental disorders (Lee et al. [2009]: Nat Med 15:91-96). In this review, we will discuss the current state of research in the area of maternal autoantibodies and the development of autism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Effects of a Reduced Fall Drawdown on Benthos Abundance in Lake Francis Case

Abstract Lake Francis Case, a 356-km2 Missouri River reservoir, is drawn down each fall to hold water released from upstream for winter power generation. The customary drawdown of 10-12 m in 1953-70 was reduced to 6-7 m in 1971-73. Benthos samples collected from 1966 to 1973 indicated that abundance of benthic organisms in May along two transects (to depths of 10.5 and 15 m) increased more than threefold after the drawdown was reduced; abundance in September did not increase. May increases were most evident for five burrowing forms: chironomids, Hexagenia, Caenis, oligochaetes, and ceratopogonids.
Medulloblastoma at the joint center for radiation therapy between 1968 and 1984. The influence of radiation dose on the patterns of failure and survival

In order to assess the efficacy of high-dose irradiation to the posterior fossa and low-dose irradiation to the spinal axis, we reviewed the results of 60 patients with biopsy-proven medulloblastoma treated at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy (JCRT) between 1968 and 1984. The 5- and 10-year actuarial survival rates for all patients were 68% and 44%, respectively. The median time to recurrence was 19 months. Extent of surgery, age, and radiation dose to the posterior fossa all were of prognostic value. Complete or subtotal gross resection appeared to be a favorable prognostic indicator compared with biopsy only (P less than 0.05), with a 69% versus 40% actuarial survival rate at 5 years, respectively. Infants 2 years of age or less had a diminished 5-year actuarial survival rate of 48% (P less than 0.05) compared with older age groups. The posterior fossa was the predominant site of recurrence and accounted for 78% of all failures. Local control in the posterior fossa was dose dependent. Seventy-nine percent of the tumors that received 5000 cGy or greater were controlled versus only 33% of the tumors that received less than 5000 cGy (P less than 0.02). There were no supratentorial failures, and there was only one isolated spinal cord failure. There were no solitary spinal failures in 24 patients who received a median dose of only 2400 cGy to the spinal axis. We concluded that low-dose irradiation to the spine and whole brain may be indicated with maintenance of a posterior fossa dose of greater than 5000 cGy.
Sparsity enhanced spatial resolution and depth localization in diffuse optical tomography.

Abstract: In diffuse optical tomography (DOT), researchers often face challenges to accurately recover the depth and size of the reconstructed objects. Recent development of the Depth Compensation Algorithm (DCA) solves the depth localization problem, but the reconstructed images commonly exhibit over-smoothed boundaries, leading to fuzzy images with low spatial resolution. While conventional DOT solves a linear inverse model by minimizing least squares errors using L2 norm regularization, L1 regularization promotes sparse solutions. The latter may be used to reduce the over-smoothing effect on reconstructed images. In this study, we combined DCA with L1 regularization, and also with L2 regularization, to examine which combined approach provided us with an improved spatial resolution and depth localization for DOT. Laboratory tissue phantoms were utilized for the measurement with a fiber-based and a camera-based DOT imaging system. The results from both systems showed that L1 regularization clearly outperformed L2 regularization in both spatial resolution and depth localization of DOT. An example of functional brain imaging taken from human in vivo measurements was further obtained to support the conclusion of the study.
Response of oddly-stiffened circular cylindrical shells

Abstract The dynamic response of an oddly-stiffened cylindrical shell structure is analyzed. In the formulation, the shell is allowed to have any prescribed thickness variation, any number of stiffening rings of arbitrary non-uniform cross-section and spacing, and, in addition, to have any number of concentrated masses, attached either to the shell or to the stiffening rings. The method of solution is a modified variational method. First, the displacement is assumed to be representable by a series of the product of the normal modes of a simple uniform shell and unknown functions which are dependent only on time. The effects of non-uniformity of the shell, the presence of stiffening rings and attached masses are taken into account by the generalized forces resulting from strain energy and inertia. The minimization of the virtual work resulting from these forces and the prescribed external loads yields an infinite system of coupled, second-order, ordinary differential equations. The truncated system can then be integrated by standard methods. Finally, we explain how the resulting formulation can be used to solve the related problems including static response, natural frequencies determination, elastic stability, vibrations and structure-fluid interaction problems.
Cytoskeletal injury induced by hexavalent chromate

Abstract To understand the mechanisms of toxicity of hexavalent chromate (K 2 CrO 4 , Cr 6+ ), the effects of this metal ion on the organization of microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments (MFs), DNA synthesis, cytoskeletal protein synthesis, cytoskeletal protein sulphhydryls (-SH groups), and cellular glutathione (GSH) levels in 3T3 cells were examined. Exposure of cells to Cr 6+ for 16 hr resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis with 50% inhibition occurring at 16.6 μ m . Treatment of cells with 3.13 μ m -Cr 6+ for 16 hr resulted in a slight cell retraction and, in some cells, MT bundling, without much effect on the morphology of dense MFs. At 25 μ m , Cr 6+ caused disruption of the cell sheet, depolymerization of MTs, particularly those in the peripheral areas, and redistribution of MFs, which assumed a smearing morphology. Exposure to 100 μ m -Cr 6+ induced severe thinning of MTs and loss of MFs. Although doses of 3.13 μ m -Cr 6+ or less slightly enhanced the level of cytoskeletal protein synthesis (e.g. 38% increase at 3.13 μ m -Cr 6+ ), Cr 6+ at 6.25 μ m or more produced a dose-dependent inhibition of cytoskeletal protein synthesis (50% inhibition at 11.25 μ m ). Exposure of cells to Cr 6+ for 16 hr resulted in a dose- and time-dependent increase of cellular GSH level. Furthermore, the elevated cellular GSH induced by Cr 6+ was diminished by treatment with buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), a potent inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis. In addition, depletion of GSH by BSO increased cell sensitivity to Cr 6+ insult and aggravated Cr 6+ -induced cytoskeletal perturbation. However, Cr 6+ treatment of cells did not significantly affect the amount of cytoskeletal protein sulphhydryls. These results suggest that cytoskeletal injury may be an important part of the mechanism for Cr 6+ toxicity. The cytoskeletal damage may result directly from the inhibition of cytoskeletal protein synthesis rather than from the interaction between Cr 6+ and cytoskeletal protein sulphhydryls.
An optical faraday rotation technique for the determination of magnetic relaxation times

A technique is described for the measurement of macroscopic magnetic relaxation times in crystals using the optical Faraday rotation as a monitor of the magnetization. The method is applied to the paramagnetic Eu2+ion in CaF 2 :Eu2+at cryogenic temperatures. In this experiment the crystal is placed between a crossed polarizer and analyzer and subjected to a pulsed magnetic field. The transmitted light from a CW argon-ion laser gives a direct indication of the relaxation time.
Coalescence/Dispersion Modeling of High-Intensity Combustion

In certain high-intensity continuous combustors, such as p re mixed, prevaporized gas turbine combustors, flame stability and pollutant formation are both controlled by finite-rate complex chemistry and turbulent mixing. The coalescence/dispersion or "Monte Carlo'1 stochastic model of zero-dimensional continuous combustion developed by Curl and by Spielman and Levenspiel has been extended to include complex finite-rate chemistry, by means of a new higher-order single-step batch reaction kinetics algorithm. Results are presented for premixed and non-premixed H2-air combustion, which demonstrate the effects of local temperature inhomogeneities on the mean rates of heat- and pollutant-producing reactions.
Effects of group environment on the mother-infant relationship in pigtailed monkeys (Macaca nemestrina).

Behavior of sixMacaca nemestrina mother-infant pairs was observed in two different environments; three pairs were part of a large group in a compound and three pairs were housed in individual laboratory cages. At weeks 14–15 of the infants' lives, group mothers were more retentive of their infants than caged mothers; group infants spent more time in ventral contact with mother and nursed more than did caged infants. The authors conclude that the greater dependence of an infant raised in a potentially dangerous group setting is due to a more protective mother rather than to a more fearful infant.