cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A stochastic model based on fiber breakage and matrix creep for the stress-rupture failure of unidirectional continuous fiber composites

Stress rupture is a time-dependent failure mode occurring in unidirectional fiber composites under sustained tensile loads, resulting in highly variable lifetimes. Stress-rupture is of particular concern in composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) since it is unpredictable, and has catastrophic consequences. At the micromechanical level, stress rupture begins with the breakdown of individual fibers at random flaws, followed by local load-transfer to intact neighbors through shear stress in the matrix. Over time, the matrix creeps in shear causing lengthening overload zones around fiber breaks, resulting in even more fiber breaks, and eventually, formation of a catastrophically unstable break cluster. Current reliability models are direct extensions of classic stochastic breakdown models for a single fiber, and do not reflect such micromechanical activity. These models are adequate for modeling composite stress rupture under a constant load, however, they may be unrealistic under more complex loading profiles, such as a constant load that follows a brief ‘proof test’ at a load level up to 1.5 times this constant load. For carbon fiber/epoxy COPVs, current models predict a reliability, conditioned on survival of a proof test, that is always higher than the reliability without such a proof test. Concern exists that this is incorrect, and that a proof test may result in reduced reliability over time. While the failure probability during a proof test may be very low, overwrap damage occurs nonetheless in the form of a large number of fibers breaks that would not occur otherwise based on fiber Weibull strength statistics. This phenomenon of increased fiber breakage during a proof test is captured in the model we develop and that specifically builds on the micromechanical failure process described above. For typical proof-test load ratios, the model predicts conditional reliabilities for lifetime that are typically much lower than those calculated in the absence of a proof test.
PETS PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT SUPPORT TO OLDER ADULTS LIVING ALONE: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL POLL ON HEALTHY AGING

Human-animal interaction has been linked to health and social benefits for older adults. While pets can play a positive role in healthy aging, not all pet owners experience the same benefits. The present study uses data on how pets impact the well-being of older adults, including those living alone from the National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a nationally representative household survey conducted in October 2018. A randomly selected, stratified sample of adults age 50 to 80 (n=2,051) completed the survey online. Over half reported having a pet; the majority had dogs (70%) and cats (50%). Companionship was the main reason for getting a pet (52%); the majority believed their pets helped them enjoy life, reduce stress, and connect with others. Pet owners living alone were significantly more likely than pet owners living with others to report that their pet helps them cope with physical or emotional symptoms (72% vs. 58%), feel loved (94% vs. 85%), stick to a routine (76% vs. 60%), take their mind off pain (43% vs. 32%), and have a sense of purpose (82% vs. 72%; all p<.05). Respondents living alone were also more likely to report that pet care strains their budget (26% vs. 17%) and that their pet’s needs take priority over their own (22% vs. 14%; p<.05). Given the important role that pets play in the lives of older adults, efforts to support this relationship (e.g., pet-friendly housing policies, low-cost and mobile veterinary clinics, pet walking and pet sitting services) are warranted.
Patterns of inpatient care for prostate cancer in men with spina bifida.

Abstract Background Advances in medical care have increased the long-term survival of patients with spina bifida. Despite this growing population, limited knowledge is available on age-related illnesses in adults with spina bifida, particularly prostate cancer for which there is no published data. Objective Our aim was to describe inpatient care for prostate cancer in men with spina bifida in the United States. Methods We performed a descriptive, retrospective study utilizing the 1998 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Weights were applied to the sample to make national level inferences. We identified all adult encounters (≥18 years old) with prostate cancer and spina bifida. Results We identified 253 encounters (mean age 64.9 years). Most were Caucasian (67.5%) and had public insurance (61.6%). 44% of encounters included a major urologic procedure. 38.4% of encounters included prostatectomies, 28.3% included lymph node dissections, and 7.8% included cystectomies. Robotic surgery was performed in 9.4%. Mean length of stay was 5.6 days (95% CI: 3.7, 7.5). The average total cost was $14,074 (95% CI: $8990.3, $19,158.6). Conclusions In this first-ever exploration of inpatient care for prostate cancer in men with spina bifida, we found that length of stay and total costs were higher in men with spina bifida. Almost half of encounters included a prostatectomy, cystectomy, and/or lymph node dissection. More detailed investigations are necessary to assess comparative treatment outcomes and complications, including prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer among adult men with SB.
Tools of Engagement: Practical Considerations for Utilizing Technology-Based Tools in CBT Practice

Abstract Treatment engagement in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is associated with positive outcomes. Technology-based tools present an opportunity to facilitate engagement in CBT. This paper will first review specific CBT engagement-related constructs, modalities/formats for applying technology in treatment delivery, specific engagement features available in CBT-based apps, and the relationship between CBT engagement and outcome. The Fogg Behavior Model may inform a process for enhancing CBT engagement, specifically utilizing technology towards achieving perceived simplicity and activating behaviors. Two vignettes are presented that apply the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM) and Persuasive Design framework to illustrate CBT engagement related constructs and practical considerations in applying technology-based tools to support CBT engagement. The vignettes focus on homework adherence with a thought record as well as activity scheduling. This paper concludes with a brief discussion of clinician engagement with technology applying the FBM, considerations of cultural responsiveness and inclusiveness, and additional implications for future research.
Psychological symptom screening in an adult sickle cell disease clinic and predictors of treatment follow up

Absence of formal and systematic screening for mood and anxiety disorders among patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) can result in under-recognized psychological problems. This study examined the prevalence of psychological symptoms using a systematic screening process. Patients with SCD completed four self-report screening tools for measurement of depressive and anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy, and pain. The goal was to detect patients with psychological symptoms and identify predictors of follow-up treatment attendance. A total of 336 adult patients (57% female, mean age 33 years) completed validated screening instruments for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Patients recommended for mental health follow-up included higher proportions of women. Patients who accepted the mental health follow up had higher levels of education compared to groups that did not accept nor attend the follow-up appointment. Overall, 34% of patients who endorsed elevated distress scores and were referred for mental health care attended the follow-up appointment. Findings suggest patients with SCD and elevated psychological distress are likely to use mental health treatment resources, which notes this program's success in identifying needs and responding to them. However, further research is needed to understand ways to engage this population in mental health care.
Dual-energy CT and coronary imaging

Dual-energy computed tomography has been proposed for enhancing the evaluation of coronary artery disease in many fronts. However, the clinical translation of such applications has followed a slower pace of clinical translation. This paper will review the evidence supporting the use of dual-energy computed tomography in coronary artery disease (CAD) and provide some practical illustrations, while underscoring the challenges and gaps in knowledge that have contributed to this phenomenon.
Kinetic condensation of metals in the early solar system: Unveiling the cooling history of solar nebula by refractory metal nuggets

Abstract Refractory Metal Nuggets (RMNs; submicrometer highly siderophile element rich metal alloys) are observed in Ca, Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) and other components of primitive meteorites, and some RMNs could have condensed from the Solar Nebula. In order to study the condensation of RMNs in the Solar Nebula, NUCON – a kinetic condensation model – has been developed to simulate the nucleation and condensation of refractory siderophile metal phases. NUCON treats RMNs as solid solutions where multiple elements can accrete onto one RMN. To achieve this goal, the homogeneous nucleation theory is modified to compute the nucleation of solid solutions. Also, a numerical method is developed to compute the integration of condensation and evaporation rates of an RMN. Equilibrium among gaseous phases is also considered, including monatomic gases and oxides. The oxygen fugacity of the simulated Solar Nebula can also be modified by adjusting carbon abundance. NUCON shows that the nucleation of RMNs was inhibited even when the cooling rate of the Solar Nebula was below 0.1 K/year, and RMNs experienced kinetic condensation largely deviated from the equilibrium condensation. This study modeled the condensation of RMNs in the RMN-forming regions with different cooling rates, total pressures, and oxygen fugacities, and explored how these parameters affect the radii and Ni/Fe ratios of RMNs. To reproduce the RMNs reported in literature, most of which have radii from 100 to 1000 nm, the cooling rate during the accretion of refractory siderophile metals in RMN-forming regions should be in the order of 1 K/year. The timescale of refractory-metal condensation is in the order of 102 years. In addition, RMNs have been measured to have Ni/Fe ratios from almost zero to over unity, and NUCON shows that the cooling rate during Fe Ni accretion in RMN-forming regions should be in the order of 10 K/h so that the observed Ni/Fe ratios of RMNs can be reproduced. The timescale of Fe Ni condensation is in the order of 10 h. Thus, NUCON predicts a transition from slow cooling to rapid cooling that is likely to have occurred during RMN condensation.
Lessons From the 1918 Flu Pandemic: A Novel Etiologic Subtype of ADHD?

In 2009, Dr. Anthony Fauci stated, "The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic was a defining event in the history of public health."1 In 2020, a popular medical website suggested that the 1918 pandemic may offer "lasting lessons for the world in the grip of COVID-19."2 One lesson from the 1918 pandemic relates to residual long-term effects. In his influential book published in 1971, Minimal Brain Dysfunction in Children, Wender3 reviewed historical accounts of the 1918 pandemic and suggested that viral infection had selective brain effects on catecholamine nuclei, and behavioral sequelae in some children emerged and overlapped with symptoms that now define attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and behavioral sequelae emerged in some adults that overlapped with symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Based on this and several excitotoxic models of behavioral disorders (ie, Volpe, Altman, Amsel, Benveniste, and Lou) related to arterial architecture and patterns of blood flow to the brain, previously our group4 proposed etiologic subtypes of ADHD based on a dopamine-deficit hypothesis and assumption that dopamine neurons might be particularly sensitive to a variety of environmental insults. We speculate that residual effects of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may selectively affect brain regions underlying attention and motivation deficits associated with ADHD, as documented by positron emission tomography imaging studies of adults (see Volkow et al.5), which could increase risk for an infection-triggered etiologic subtype of ADHD.
Effects of mechanical ventilation and portable air cleaner on aerosol removal from dental treatment rooms.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the mechanical ventilation rates of dental treatment rooms and assess the effectiveness of aerosol removal by mechanical ventilation and a portable air cleaner (PAC) with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Methods Volumetric airflow were measured to assess air change rate per hour by ventilation (ACHvent). Equivalent ventilation provided by the PAC (ACHpac) was calculated based on its clean air delivery rate. Concentrations of 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 μm aerosol particles were measured in 10 dental treatment rooms with various ventilation rates at baseline, after 5-min of incense burn, and after 30-min of observation with and without the PAC or ventilation system in operation. Velocities of aerosol removal were assessed by concentration decay constants for the 0.3 μm particles with ventilation alone (Kn) and with ventilation and PAC (Kn+pac), and by times needed to reach 95 % and 100 % removal of accumulated aerosol particles. Results ACHvent varied from 3 to 45. Kn and Kn+pac were correlated with ACHvent (r = 0.90) and combined ACHtotal (r = 0.81), respectively. Accumulated aerosol particles could not be removed by ventilation alone within 30-min in rooms with ACHvent Conclusions Aerosol accumulation may occur in dental treatment rooms with poor ventilation. Addition of PAC with a HEPA filter significantly reduced aerosol accumulation and accelerated aerosol removal. Clinical significance Addition of PAC with a HEPA filter improves aerosol removal in rooms with low ventilation rates.
Stem Cell-Based Clinical Trials for Diabetes Mellitus

Since its introduction more than twenty years ago, intraportal allogeneic cadaveric islet transplantation has been shown to be a promising therapy for patients with Type I Diabetes (T1D). Despite its positive outcome, the impact of islet transplantation has been limited due to a number of confounding issues, including the limited availability of cadaveric islets, the typically lifelong dependence of immunosuppressive drugs, and the lack of coverage of transplant costs by health insurance companies in some countries. Despite improvements in the immunosuppressive regimen, the number of required islets remains high, with two or more donors per patient often needed. Insulin independence is typically achieved upon islet transplantation, but on average just 25% of patients do not require exogenous insulin injections five years after. For these reasons, implementation of islet transplantation has been restricted almost exclusively to patients with brittle T1D who cannot avoid hypoglycemic events despite optimized insulin therapy. To improve C-peptide levels in patients with both T1 and T2 Diabetes, numerous clinical trials have explored the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), both as supporting cells to protect existing β cells, and as source for newly generated β cells. Transplantation of MSCs is found to be effective for T2D patients, but its efficacy in T1D is controversial, as the ability of MSCs to differentiate into functional β cells in vitro is poor, and transdifferentiation in vivo does not seem to occur. Instead, to address limitations related to supply, human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived β cells are being explored as surrogates for cadaveric islets. Transplantation of allogeneic hESC-derived insulin-producing organoids has recently entered Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. Stem cell replacement therapies overcome the barrier of finite availability, but they still face immune rejection. Immune protective strategies, including coupling hESC-derived insulin-producing organoids with macroencapsulation devices and microencapsulation technologies, are being tested to balance the necessity of immune protection with the need for vascularization. Here, we compare the diverse human stem cell approaches and outcomes of recently completed and ongoing clinical trials, and discuss innovative strategies developed to overcome the most significant challenges remaining for transplanting stem cell-derived β cells.
Financial Stress in Emerging Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To describe the relationships among financial stress factors (perceived stress, financial stress, and financial independence) and psychological factors (depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and diabetes distress) on self-management outcomes (HbA1c and diabetes-related quality of life) in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study examined 413 emerging adults, ages 18-25, from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Clinic Registry. Data were collected via REDCap surveys using the Personal Financial Well-Being Scale, Willingness to Pay Scale, Financial Independence Visual Analog Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, The Type 1 Diabetes Distress Scale, and Diabetes Quality of Life Measure. Hierarchical Multiple Regression analyses explored significant barriers to self-management outcomes. RESULTS Hierarchical Multiple Regression analyses revealed that 20.6% of variance in HbA1c (F = 15.555, p < 0.001) was explained by greater financial stress (β = -0.197, p < 0.001), willingness to pay (β = -0.220, p < 0.001), disease duration (β = 0.119, p = 0.014), and diabetes distress (β = 0.181, p < 0.001); 64.5% of the variance in diabetes-related quality of life (F = 148.469, p < 0.001) was significantly explained by greater financial stress (β = -0.112, p = 0.002), diabetes distress (β = 0.512, p < 0.001), trait anxiety (β = 0.183, p = 0.001) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.162, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Greater financial stress and psychological factors have detrimental impacts on self-management outcomes during emerging adulthood. Diabetes providers need to identify and address these factors in routine care and advocate for policy changes to support improved self-management outcomes.
Telehealth for Cancer Care During COVID-19: Patient Satisfaction Trends Over Time

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) COVID-19 has dramatically increased telehealth utilization for cancer care delivery. We hypothesized that patient satisfaction scores following virtual visits may improve over time as patients and physicians become more accustomed to a virtual platform. To evaluate this, we compared virtual visit patient satisfaction scores between early and late pandemic visits at a comprehensive cancer center. MATERIALS/METHODS Anonymized patient surveys from all virtual visit (VV) and in-person visits (IP) collected between April 2020 through January 2021 were included. Surveys consisted of 12 questions assessing the following aspects of the patient experience: connection quality, patient-physician communication, and overall provider quality. Open-ended questions (2/12) were excluded. Qualitative responses were given on a 1-3 Likert-type scale ranging from no, yes (somewhat), and yes (definitely). Surveys were grouped into early-pandemic (April 2020 - July 2020) and late-pandemic (August 2020 - January 2021). Responses were binned into satisfied (yes, [definitely] responses) and not satisfied (no and yes [somewhat] responses). Patient characteristics and survey responses for early and late pandemic were compared using a chi-square or independent t-test with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS In total, 1,688 VV (45% early and 55% late pandemic) and 5,279 IP (39% early and 61% late pandemic) surveys were assessed. VV surveys were from the following specialties: 69% medical oncology, 13% surgical oncology, 12% radiation oncology, and 6% gynecologic oncology. The age distribution of VV patients was ≤49 (16%), 50-64 (28%), and ≥65 (56%) years compared to ≤49 (16%), 50-64 (32%), and ≥65 (52%) for IP patients. Survey response rates were 41% and 42% for VV and IP patients, respectively. Compared to early pandemic VV patients, late pandemic VV patients were more satisfied with regard to quality of explanation (91% vs 80%, P < .001), provider preparedness (89% vs 81%, P < 0.001), patient-provider trust (93% vs 87%, P < 0.001), provider listening (94% vs 86%, P < 0.001), follow-up instructions (85% vs 76%, P < 0.001), connection ease (83% vs 71%, P < 0.001), connection quality (85% vs 72%, P < 0.001), and appointment timing (84% vs 66%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between early and late pandemic for overall provider rating (mean [SD], 1-10 scale: 9.52 [1.45] vs. 9.58 [1.29], P = 0.36) or whether the patient would recommend the provider (94.6% vs. 92.3%, P = 0.10). In contrast, no significant differences were observed in patient survey scores between early and late pandemic for IP visits. CONCLUSION Patients who had virtual visits were significantly more satisfied on multiple aspects of their encounter later in the pandemic compared with earlier while no significant differences were observed for in-person visits. Understanding the underlying reasons will be important for optimizing the virtual patient experience, which is likely to remain a common way of "seeing" patients.
Unraveling a Bacterial Starvation Response Through the Direct Targets of a Starvation-Induced Transcriptional Activator

Organisms frequently encounter environments with nutrient shortages and their survival depends on changes in physiology and the ability to conserve resources. In bacteria, many physiological changes associated with starvation have been identified, but the underlying genetic components and regulatory networks that direct these physiological changes are often poorly defined. Here, we aimed to better define the gene regulatory networks that mediate the starvation response in Myxococcus xanthus, a bacterium that copes with starvation by producing fruiting bodies filled with dormant and stress-resistant spores. We focused on the direct promoter/gene targets of Nla28, a transcriptional activator/enhancer binding protein (EBP) that is important for early rounds of gene expression following starvation. Using expression profiling to identify genes that are downregulated in nla28 mutant cells and bioinformatics to identify the putative promoters of these genes, 12 potential promoter targets (37 genes) of Nla28 were identified. The results of in vitro promoter binding assays, coupled with in vitro and in vivo mutational analyses, suggested that the 12 promoters are in vivo targets of Nla28 and that Nla28 dimers use tandem, imperfect repeats of an 8-bp sequence for binding. Interestingly, nine of the Nla28 target promoters are intragenic, located in the protein coding sequence of an upstream gene or in the protein coding sequence of one gene within an operon (internal promoters). Based on mutational analyses, we concluded that the 12 Nla28 target loci contain at least one gene important for production of stress-resistant spores following starvation. Most of these loci contain genes predicted to be involved in regulatory or defense-related functions. Using the consensus Nla28 binding sequence, followed by bioinformatics and expression profiling, 58 additional promoters and 102 genes were tagged as potential Nla28 targets. Among these putative Nla28 targets, functions such as regulatory, metabolic and cell envelope biogenesis were commonly assigned to genes.
Using a stochastic model to examine the ecological, economic and ethical consequences of population control in a charismatic invasive species: mute swans in North America

Summary 1 Although invasive species are widely recognized as a threat to native ecosystems, control or eradication plans can create controversy, particularly when target species are considered attractive or desirable by members of the public. Detailed consideration of both biological and non-biological criteria when evaluating management proposals can better inform managers working with controversial species. 2 In this study, alternative strategies for controlling introduced populations of mute swans Cygnus olor during the first few decades of population growth were compared in terms of ecological, economic and ethical considerations using a simple population model. 3 By quantifying parameter uncertainty with a stochastic model, we identified, in quantitative terms, management strategies that were predicted to have a high certainty of succeeding. Survival rates should be reduced by more than 17% to be 90% certain of a decline; reproductive rates would need to decline by more than 72% to achieve the same goal. Populations in which density dependence occurs are expected to need even greater effort for management to work. 4 Reducing survival rates was also more efficient economically; reducing population growth via reduced reproduction required three to four times more person-days within the first year across a range of simulated growth rates. 5 Prolonging timelines for implementing management increased the number of swans that would have to be killed and the costs that would be required for reaching target population sizes. 6 Synthesis and applications. Because of controversy surrounding swan management, various considerations must be addressed when weighing control options. Our modelling suggests that, if a population is to be controlled, a period of intensive culling of adults will be the most efficient option in terms of biological effectiveness, economic costs and minimizing the total number of swans that ultimately are killed.
Parasites and their heterophagic appetite for disease.

Heterophagy (literally meaning “other eat”) is the process of a cell consuming material from its environment. Heterophagy involves vesicular uptake and thus is distinct from cellular acquisition of small metabolites by solute transport, which typically occurs via membrane channels or transporters in a way that is akin to sipping or siphoning from the environment. Endocytosis, macropinocytosis, trogocytosis, and phagocytosis are forms of heterophagy that contribute distinctly to ingestion of substances ranging from soluble macromolecules to insoluble substances, including other cells. Ingestion is typically coupled with digestion by hydrolytic enzymes in the endolysosomal system of the cell. Although less commonly used than its counterpart autophagy (“self eat”), the term heterophagy describes a distinct process that is rarely discussed in a cohesive manner and yet is often crucial for cell survival. Because heterophagy encompasses vesicular transport, this process is largely confined to eukaryotes. Consistent with the scope of PLOS Pathogens, this article will focus principally on eukaryotic pathogens, especially protozoan parasites.
Transatlantic Stories and the History of Reading, 1720–1810: Migrant Fictions

Introduction: transatlantic stories and transatlantic readers Part I. 'Poor Man's Country': 1. Strange adventures 2. Captivity and antislavery 3. The parallel Atlantic economy 4. Fortune's footballs Part II. The Servant's Tale: 5. The bonds of servitude 6. Bond and free: contemporary readings of Gronniosaw's Life 7. Samson Occom's itinerancies Part III. Printscapes: 8. Robert Bell's theaters of war: the war on politeness 9. Robert Bell's theaters of war: the war upon war Afterword.
p-adic heights of heegner points and Λ-adic regulators

Let E be an elliptic curve defined over Q. The aim of this paper is to make it possible to compute Heegner L-functions and anticyclotomic Λ-adic regulators of E, which were studied by Mazur-Rubin and Howard. We generalize results of Cohen and Watkins and thereby compute Heegner points of nonfundamental discriminant. We then prove a relationship between the denominator of a point of E defined over a number field and the leading coefficient of the minimal polynomial of its xcoordinate. Using this relationship, we recast earlier work of Mazur, Stein, and Tate to produce effective algorithms to compute p-adic heights of points of E defined over number fields. These methods enable us to give the first explicit examples of Heegner L-functions and anticyclotomic Λ-adic regulators.
Reduction of Plasma and Hepatic Triacylglycerides with Whole Milk—Containing Diets in Rats

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of diets containing milk on plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerides, apolipoproteins, and lipoprotein composition and hepatic lipid levels in rats. In the first study four groups were fed either a diet containing skim milk (SM) powder or whole milk (WM) powder or one of two control diets with casein as the protein source. The SM diet and one casein diet (SM control) each contained 5% fat by weight as corn oil. The WM diet contained 20% fat by weight, derived from the milk powder, and the second casein diet (WM control) contained 20% fat by weight from corn oil and lard. The SM group had similar plasma and hepatic lipids, as did the SM control group; plasma apolipoprotein AI, AIV and B did not differ between the groups, but the apo E level was lower in the control group. The WM group had lower plasma triacylglycerides and apo B and lower hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerides than did the WM control group. In the second study the WM diet was fed again, and the two control diets contained casein as the protein source, 20% butter oil (so that the level of dietary fat was comparable to that of the WM diet), and either lactose or sucrose was added. The plasma apo B and triacylglycerides and the hepatic cholesterol and triacylglycerides were significantly lower in the WM group than in the casein/lactose or casein/sucrose groups. The amount of protein, cholesterol and triacylglycerides in the VLDL fraction of the plasma was lower in the WM group than in the casein/lactose or casein/sucrose groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Strategies for Resolution Method in Non-classical Logics (Abstract)

We present a general method for construction and completeness proof of the resolution-type calculi for non-classical systems including linear logic. This is an extension of the method introduced by Maslov [1] for classical predicate logic, which can be summarized as follows: A resolution derivation of the goal clause g from a list F of input clauses can be obtained as the result of deleting F from the Gentzen-type cut-free derivation of the sequent F =~ g. Immediate extension of resolution to non-classical predicate logics is difficult because skolemization is usually non-available. We use ideas of the author [2] and Zamov [3] that allow one to avoid skolemization. We describe and prove completeness of resolution strategies corresponding to Gentzen-type derivability, and of the structure-preserving transformation GR from Gentzen-type system into the corresponding resolution system. This allows to incorporate strategies known for Gentzen-type (tableau) system G into the resolution framework: first some strategy is proved to be complete for G, then operation GR transfers this result to resolution.
A Daubert Testing of Hypnotically Refreshed Testimony in the Criminal Courts

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the reliability of hypnotically refreshed testimony in the criminal courts. It reviews how the common law has responded to the questions raised by hypnotically refreshed testimony. The chapter considers the impact that the U. S. Supreme Court case of Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993) may have on this evidence. The chapter also discusses Daubert and the more recent case of Kumho Tire Co., Ltd. v. Carmichael (1999) in an effort to detail the construct that the Supreme Court has created to test the reliability of scientific evidence. The chapter employs this construct as a means of investigating whether the behavioral science literature can support the forensic application of hypnotically refreshed testimony in criminal prosecutions. Generally, the psychological defense mechanisms of repression, suppression, and dissociation are invoked as the explanations that justify the use of hypnosis to extract unavailable memories.
Frequency-converted, polarization insensitive, and dispersion immune photonic link with Brillouin amplification

We have demonstrated a technique called Brillouin selective sideband amplification (BSSA) for photonic RF signal amplification and signal processing. In this paper, we describe a simple and elegant scheme that utilizes BSSA to eliminate many practical problems and make multi-functional photonic links feasible. In particular, we demonstrate a frequency down/up conversion photonic link that has no polarization sensitivity, no need for biasing the modulators, no fiber dispersion induced signal fading, increased optical power handling capability, built-in optical amplification and increased signal conversion efficiency.
Gene identification using exon amplification on human chromosome 18q21: Implications for bipolar disorder

We previously reported linkage between bipolar disorder and a region on human chromosome (HC) 18q21. To identify genes in this region, exon trapping was performed on cosmids isolated from an HC18-specific cosmid library (LL18NC02) using 47 sequence tagged site (STS) markers from 18q21 as hybridization probes. A total of 285 unique sequences (exons) were obtained from 850 sequenced clones. Homology searching of the databases using NCBI's BLAST algorithms revealed that 31 exons have identity to known genes and/or ESTs, seven are identical to regions of finished genomic sequences in the 18q21 region, 20 have significant similarity (>30% sequence identity) to genes from human and/or other species, 19 were repetitive sequences, and 208 sequences (72%) are novel. Seventy per cent of the trapped sequences were predicted to be derived from genes using library screening and RT-PCR analyses. This represents an initial stage in characterizing genes in a susceptibility region for further study in bipolar disorder or other diseases that map to this region.
Non-identity of the triggering of activation of lymphocytes by anti-immunoglobulin and by antigen.

Abstract Goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulins trigger DNA synthesis in lymph node cell populations. Premature removal of anti-immunoglobulin at three hours or even as late as the 31st hour of a 48 hour culture period resulted in a markedly diminished response. In contrast, within three hours after addition of antigen to cells its removal was without effect on the extent of activation. Similar results were obtained by using the delayed addition of competing ligands. More importantly, removal of anti-immunoglobulin from purified B cells at three hours resulted in virtually complete inhibition of activation whereas removal of antigen at three hours was without effect. Possible mechanisms to account for the difference in triggering of B cells are discussed.
Automatic synthesis of microfluidic large scale integration chips from a domain-specific language

BioCoder is a domain-specific language by which chemists and biologists can express experimental protocols in a manner that is unambiguous and clearly repeatable. This paper presents a software toolchain that converts a protocol specified in a restricted subset of BioCoder to a technology-specific description of the protocol, targeting flow-based microfluidic large-scale integration (mLSI) chips. The technology-specific description can then be used to either: (1) execute the protocol on a capable chip; or (2) to derive the architecture of a new mLSI chip that can execute the protocol.
Cortical Correlates of Auditory Localization

Responses were recorded simultaneously from a number of electrodes on the auditory cortex of one hemisphere of cats. Response amplitudes at different electrodes reached maxima and minima at different real or apparent locations of a click stimulus.
Three-dimensional display of the heart, aorta, lungs, and airway using CT

In previous studies of human anatomy, three-dimensional display of CT data has required laborious manual boundary tracking, except for high-contrast structures such as the spine. Automated boundary tracking techniques have been extended so that they can function well for both high-contrast and soft-tissue interfaces. These methods have been applied to the in vivo study of human lungs, heart, aorta, and larynx in this paper.
Understanding the role of stromal fibroblasts in cancer progression

The major cellular components of tumor microenvironment, referred to as the cancer stroma, are composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts that support tumor epithelial growth, invasion and therapeutic resistance. Thus when we speak of developing therapies that address tumor heterogeneity it is not only a matter of different mutations within the tumor epithelia. While individual mutations in the stromal compartment are controversial, the heterogeneity in fibroblastic population in a single tumor is not up for debate. Cooperative interaction among heterotypic fibroblasts and tumor cells contribute to cancer progression. Therefore to tackle solid tumors, we need to understand its complex microenvironment. Here we review some seminal developments in the field of tumor microenvironment, mainly focusing on cancer-associated fibroblast.
Correction to Data and Conclusions

Investigators included among the authors of an article entitled "Comparisons of Adopted and Nonadopted Adolescents in a Large, Nationally Representative Sample," published in Child Development (Miller, Fan, Christensen, Grotevant, & Van Dulmen, 2000, Vol. 71, 1458-1473), have discovered that a group of the self-identified "adoptees" in the Add Health project sample used in that work were not actually adopted. Those respondents' extreme responses exaggerated the apparent differences between adopted and nonadopted adolescents. Data describing the origins, detection, and implications of what they have termed "jokester" respondents for the data reported in Miller et al. (2000) may be found in a forthcoming article, "Questionnaire and Interview Inconsistencies Exaggerated Differences Between Adopted and Nonadopted Adolescents in a National Sample" by Fan et al. (in press, Adoption Quarterly). Additional information may be requested from Xitao Fan at xfan@virginia.edu.
Line narrowing in the dye solution with scattering centers

Abstract As was shown by Markushev et al. [1], laser-like emission without cavity can be obtained from a scattering gain medium, such as powder of Nd doped laser crystals. In the recent work by Lawandy et al. [2] a close phenomenon was observed in a concentrated rhodamine 640 dye solution in the presence of scatterers. The work in Ref. [2] is the first where gain and scattering are separate. In this case lasing evidently is not initiated within the particles, in contrast to the Markushev et al. case, where the gain is in the particles, which supports morphology-dependent resonances. The work by Sha et al. [3] showed similar results in concentrated dye, but it also showed that introduction of a low density of scatterers raises the threshold required for the laser-like effects in the low-concentrated dye. We carried out our own experiments in rhodamine 6G laser dye and observed the laser-like effects both in dilute and concentrated dye with and without scatterers. In our experiment the wavelength of stimulated emission was strongly dependent on the scatterers' concentration. Our observations and some results of Refs. [2,3] are explained with a simple ASE (amplified spontaneous emission) model.
Network analysis of team communication in a busy emergency department

The Emergency Department (ED) is consistently described as a high-risk environment for patients and clinicians that demands colleagues quickly work together as a cohesive group. Communication between nurses, physicians, and other ED clinicians is complex and difficult to track. A clear understanding of communications in the ED is lacking, which has a potentially negative impact on the design and effectiveness of interventions to improve communications. We sought to use Social Network Analysis (SNA) to characterize communication between clinicians in the ED. Over three-months, we surveyed to solicit the communication relationships between clinicians at one urban academic ED across all shifts. We abstracted survey responses into matrices, calculated three standard SNA measures (network density, network centralization, and in-degree centrality), and presented findings stratified by night/day shift and over time. We received surveys from 82% of eligible participants and identified wide variation in the magnitude of communication cohesion (density) and concentration of communication between clinicians (centralization) by day/night shift and over time. We also identified variation in in-degree centrality (a measure of power/influence) by day/night shift and over time. We show that SNA measurement techniques provide a comprehensive view of ED communication patterns. Our use of SNA revealed that frequency of communication as a measure of interdependencies between ED clinicians varies by day/night shift and over time.
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 reduces islet amyloid formation by degrading islet amyloid polypeptide

Deposition of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) as amyloid is a pathological hallmark of the islet in type 2 diabetes, which is toxic to β-cells. We previously showed that the enzyme neprilysin reduces islet amyloid deposition and thereby reduces β-cell apoptosis, by inhibiting fibril formation. Two other enzymes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, are extracellular gelatinases capable of degrading another amyloidogenic peptide, Aβ, the constituent of amyloid deposits in Alzheimer disease. We therefore investigated whether MMP-2 and MMP-9 play a role in reducing islet amyloid deposition. MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were present in mouse islets but only MMP-9 activity was detectable. In an islet culture model where human IAPP (hIAPP) transgenic mouse islets develop amyloid but nontransgenic islets do not, a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM6001) and an MMP-2/9 inhibitor increased amyloid formation and the resultant β-cell apoptosis. In contrast, a specific MMP-2 inhibitor had no effect on either amyloid deposition or β-cell apoptosis. Mass spectrometry demonstrated that MMP-9 degraded amyloidogenic hIAPP but not nonamyloidogenic mouse IAPP. Thus, MMP-9 constitutes an endogenous islet protease that limits islet amyloid deposition and its toxic effects via degradation of hIAPP. Because islet MMP-9 mRNA levels are decreased in type 2 diabetic subjects, islet MMP-9 activity may also be decreased in human type 2 diabetes, thereby contributing to increased islet amyloid deposition and β-cell loss. Approaches to increase islet MMP-9 activity could reduce or prevent amyloid deposition and its toxic effects in type 2 diabetes.
Segment-based proxy caching of multimedia streams

As streaming video and audio over the Internet becomes popular, proper proxy caching of large multimedia objects has become increasingly important. For a large media object, such as a 2-hour video, treating the whole video as a single web object for caching is not appropriate. In this paper, we present and evaluate a segment-based bu er management approach to proxy caching of large media streams. Blocks of a media stream received by a proxy server are grouped into variable-sized segments. The cache admission and replacement policies then attach di erent caching values to di erent segments, taking into account the segment distance from the start of the media. These caching policies give preferential treatments to the beginning segments. As such, users can quickly play back the media objects without much delay. Event-driven simulations are conducted to evaluate this segment-based proxy caching approach. The results show that (1) segment-based caching is e ective not only in increasing byte-hit ratio (or reducing total traAEc) but also in lowering the number of requests that require delayed starts; (2) segment-based caching is especially advantageous when the cache size is limited, when the set of hot media objects changes over time, when the media le size is large, and when many users may stop playing the media after only a few initial blocks.
The development of procedural knowledge: An alternative explanation for chronometric trends of mental arithmetic

Abstract In a review of the Chronometrie literature, M. H. Ashcraft ( Developmental Review , 1982 , 2 , 213–236) concluded that the development of number fact efficiency is due to a shift from relying on procedural knowledge such as counting to relying on declarative knowledge (a stored network of facts). This model assumes that all procedural processes are slow or remain slow, which is probably not the case. An alternative account posits that the key change in number fact efficiency involves a shift from slow counting procedures to principled procedural knowledge. As rules, heuristics, and principles become more familiar and interconnected, their use, for example, in producing the number facts becomes more automatic. The use of such procedural knowledge would be cognitively more economical than storing individual facts in long-term memory. Finally, existing Chronometric data can readily be interpreted in terms of this alternative model.
Molecular dynamics study of disordering, roughening, and premelting of the Pb(110) surface

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations incorporating a many-body (glue) potential have been used to investigate the atomic structure and dynamics of the Pb(110) surface in the range from room temperature up to the bulk melting point. The surface region of Pb(110) begins to disorder approximately at 320 K, via the generation of vacancies and the formation of an adlayer. At about 400 K, adatoms begin to form so-called ‘local steps’ (small clusters of 2–3 atoms). The proliferation of atomic steps is observed above 400 K. Above 450 K, adatoms begin to collect in ‘large’ clusters (10–20 atoms), that can be associated with the beginning of the roughening transition. The anisotropic six-vertex model has been used to calculate a roughening transition temperature of T R 6V ≈ 436 K. The onset of a quasiliquid surface region is observed around a wetting temperature of T 0 ≈ 520 K. The calculated values of the roughening transition temperature as well as the wetting temperature are in a good agreement with recent high-resolution low-energy diffraction measurements.
Multi-robot caravanning

We study multi-robot caravanning, which is loosely defined as the problem of a heterogeneous team of robots visiting specific areas of an environment (waypoints) as a group. After formally defining this problem, we propose a novel solution that requires minimal communication and scales with the number of waypoints and robots. Our approach restricts explicit communication and coordination to occur only when robots reach waypoints, and relies on implicit coordination when moving between a given pair of waypoints. At the heart of our algorithm is the use of leader election to efficiently exploit the unique environmental knowledge available to each robot in order to plan paths for the group, which makes it general enough to work with robots that have heterogeneous representations of the environment. We implement our approach both in simulation and on a physical platform, and characterize the performance of the approach under various scenarios. We demonstrate that our approach can successfully be used to combine the planning capabilities of different agents.