cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An In-House Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Workflow for Maxillofacial Free Flap Reconstruction is Associated With a Low Cost and High Accuracy.

Purpose In-house computer-aided surgical design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) can be used in oral and maxillofacial surgery for virtual surgical planning and 3-dimensional printing of patient-specific models. The purpose of this study was to measure the cost and accuracy of an in-house CAD/CAM workflow for maxillofacial free flap reconstruction. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing mandibular resection and free flap reconstruction was performed between July 2017 and March 2018 in which in-house CAD/CAM was used. The predictor variable was the in-house CAD/CAM workflow. The outcome variables were in-house workflow cost, as measured by the material expenses, and accuracy, as measured by comparative distance, osteotomy angle, and surfaced overlay measurements and the root mean square (RMS) between the preoperative virtual reconstructive plan and the postoperative computed tomography scan. Additional variables evaluated were time required for in-house CAD/CAM workflow, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. Results In-house CAD/CAM was used for 26 patients undergoing mandibular resection for benign or malignant disease and free flap reconstruction with fibula (n = 24) or scapula free flap (n = 2). Overall flap success rate was 95%. The mean in-house workflow cost per case was $3.87 USD. There were no significant differences between the mean comparative distance and osteotomy angle measurements between the planned and actual mandibular reconstructions with an RMS ranging from 5.11 to 9.00 mm for distance measurements and 17.41° for the osteotomy angle measurements. The mean surface overlay difference was 1.90 mm with an RMS of 3.72 mm. Conclusions The in-house CAD/CAM workflow is a low cost and accurate option for maxillofacial free flap reconstruction. The in-house workflow should be considered as an alternative to current practices using proprietary systems in select cases.
What Is the Nature of Jesus’ Oneness with the Father?

This chapter contends that the Fourth Gospel presents Jesus as ontologically equal but functionally subordinate to God the Father. According to John, Jesus shares the divine nature with God the Father while remaining a distinct person from God the Father. The relational, though not ontological, unity between Father and Son is extended by Jesus to all who pledge their allegiance to him and his Kingdom movement. I conclude by explaining the value of my theses for stimulating Johannine scholars, in an interdisciplinary vein, to consider how the application of philosophical categories regarding being, role, and unity might shed new light on the Fourth Gospel.
Therapeutic Opportunities for Repair GPCRs during Intestinal Mucosal Wound Healing

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial for establishing the resolution phase following an intestinal inflammatory episode. Because current treatments for intestinal inflammation have a high percentage of failure and lead to immunosuppression, repair GPCRs have promising therapeutic potential because they trigger resolution pathways without compromising the immune response.
On the Reflectivity of 128 nm Photons Off Stainless Steel.

This investigation presents a new experimental determination of the reflectivity of 128 nm scintillation photons off stainless steel. The experiment took place in the TallBo dewar facility at Fermilab. The data were obtained using a detector that is sensitive to photons falling on its front face but is insensitive to photons falling on its back face or its sides. By comparing the ratio of photons per track from tracks that illuminate the front face of the detector to those that cross the back side with a simulation of the experiment where the reflectivity can be varied, a value of the reflectivity was determined. The reflectivity for the SA-240-304L stainless steel alloy off which the scintillation photons reflect in the TallBo dewar as found by this experiment is R = 0.674 +/- 0.038. The experiment is not sensitive to the differences between specular and diffuse reflections.
Single-Stage Prediction Models Do Not Explain the Magnitude of Syntactic Disambiguation Difficulty.

The disambiguation of a syntactically ambiguous sentence in favor of a less preferred parse can lead to slower reading at the disambiguation point. This phenomenon, referred to as a garden-path effect, has motivated models in which readers initially maintain only a subset of the possible parses of the sentence, and subsequently require time-consuming reanalysis to reconstruct a discarded parse. A more recent proposal argues that the garden-path effect can be reduced to surprisal arising in a fully parallel parser: words consistent with the initially dispreferred but ultimately correct parse are simply less predictable than those consistent with the incorrect parse. Since predictability has pervasive effects in reading far beyond garden-path sentences, this account, which dispenses with reanalysis mechanisms, is more parsimonious. Crucially, it predicts a linear effect of surprisal: the garden-path effect is expected to be proportional to the difference in word surprisal between the ultimately correct and ultimately incorrect interpretations. To test this prediction, we used recurrent neural network language models to estimate word-by-word surprisal for three temporarily ambiguous constructions. We then estimated the slowdown attributed to each bit of surprisal from human self-paced reading times, and used that quantity to predict syntactic disambiguation difficulty. Surprisal successfully predicted the existence of garden-path effects, but drastically underpredicted their magnitude, and failed to predict their relative severity across constructions. We conclude that a full explanation of syntactic disambiguation difficulty may require recovery mechanisms beyond predictability.
“Just Over Here Floating Around”: Geographically Bound Professionals in Student Affairs

This study examined the phenomenon of being geographically bound as a student affairs professional. Participants described challenges in career advancement, tension between personal and professiona...
Deformations of asymptotically conical Spin(7)-manifolds

We consider the moduli space $\mathcal{M}_{\nu}$ of torsion-free, asymptotically conical (AC) Spin(7)-structures which are defined on the same manifold and asymptotic to the same Spin(7)-cone with decay rate $\nu<0$. We show that $\mathcal{M}_{\nu}$ is an orbifold if $\nu$ is a generic rate in the non-$L^2$ regime $(-4,0)$. Infinitesimal deformations are given by topological data and solutions to a non-elliptic first-order PDE system on the compact link of the asymptotic cone. As an application, we show that the classical Bryant-Salamon metric on the bundle of positive spinors on $S^4$ has no continuous deformations as an AC Spin(7)-metric.
Long-term voice changes after thyroidectomy: Results from a validated survey.

Abstract Background Long-term dysphonia may persist after thyroid surgery even in the absence of overt nerve injury. Therefore, we evaluated long-term dysphonia after thyroidectomy using a validated survey. Methods Patients undergoing thyroidectomy at a single institution from 1990 to 2018 were surveyed via telephone to complete the Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey. Individuals with documented nerve injury were excluded. Results In total, 308 patients completed the survey (mean age 51 ± 14 years, 78% female). Median time since surgery was 10.7 (interquartile range 2.3–17.5) years. The mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 2.6 ± 5.2. Of the 113 (37%) patients who reported subjective dysphonia, the mean Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score was 7.1 ± 6.5. Twenty-two (7.1%) patients had a Voice Handicap Index-10 Survey score above the empiric normative cutoff of 11, with a mean score of 17.6 ± 6.8. The most frequent complaints included “The clarity of my voice is unpredictable” (N = 71, 23%), “People have difficulty understanding me in a noisy room” (N = 70, 23%), and “I feel as though I have to strain to produce voice” (N = 65, 21%). Conclusion Long-term follow-up of patients after thyroidectomy suggests that more than 30% without nerve injury report dysphonia. Research to further assess the etiology and impact of these changes on quality of life is needed.
Differences in Nutrient Intake with Homemade versus Chef-Prepared Specific Carbohydrate Diet Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights into Dietary Research.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutrient content consumed by children and adolescents on home-prepared versus chef-prepared specific carbohydrate diets (SCD) as therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Dietary intake of two cohorts with active IBD initiating the SCD over 12 weeks was assessed. The home-prepared cohort received detailed guidance from dietitians on implementation of the SCD. The chef in the other cohort was knowledgeable in the SCD and prepared meals from a fixed set of recipes. Data from 3-day diet diaries at 4 different time points were collected. US Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) were calculated for macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Results Eight participants on the homemade SCD and 5 participants on the chef-prepared SCD were included in analysis. Mean % RDA for energy intake was 115% and 87% for homemade and chef-prepared groups (p<0.01). Mean % RDA for protein intake was 337% for homemade SCD and 216% for chef-prepared SCD (p<0.01). The homemade SCD group had higher mean % RDA values for vitamin A and iron, while the chef-prepared SCD group had higher intake of vitamins B1, B2, D, phosphorus and zinc (p<0.01 for all). Conclusion The SCD implemented homemade versus chef-prepared can result in significantly different intake of nutrients and this may influence efficacy of this dietary therapy. Meal preparation dynamics and the motivation of families who pursue dietary treatment may play an important role on the foods consumed and the outcomes on dietary therapy with the SCD.
An Efficient Control-oriented Modeling Approach for Vibration-prone Delta 3D printers using Receptance Coupling

Delta 3D printers have the potential to significantly increase throughput in additive manufacturing because they enable faster and more precise motion when compared to traditional serial-axis 3D printers. Further improvements in motion speed and part quality can be realized through model-based feedforward vibration control, as demonstrated on several serial-axis 3D printers. However, delta 3D printers have not benefited from model-based controllers due to their coupled nonlinear dynamics which vary as a function of position. In this paper, we propose a framework to obtain linear models of delta 3D printers as functions of position. We decompose the dynamics into two sub-models: (1) an experimentally-identified sub-model containing decoupled vibration dynamics; and (2) an analytically-derived sub-model containing coupled rigid-body dynamics. These two sub-models are combined into one using receptance coupling. Employing the proposed approach, experiments are used to demonstrate reasonably accurate predictions of the position-dependent vibration dynamics of a delta 3D printer across its workspace using only two frequency response measurements at one location.
Who Makes the Call --- and How?

Recently we proposed that mission statements incorporating the concept of reducing uncertainty could provide a framework for learning the bread and depth of information that exists about health and safety. We briefly explained the definition of uncertainty in the context of health and safety, with the unifying principle being that everything you learn about safety is about exerting greater control. Acquiring more knowledge about an experiment, using equipment appropriately, designing experiments well, executing procedures well, and obtaining appropriate training are all mechanisms for increasing control.Both researchers and their institutions can be the actors exerting control. But who should make the risk-based decisions related to the design of an experiment? Insecurity about the consequences of our own decisions frequently makes us want to have someone else decide a matter about safety, especially when that matter involves a gray area. Here we explain why researchers should be the main decision-makers about the safety of their experiments, with the researchers striving to thoroughly and creatively reduce the uncertainty of the well-being of themselves, their colleagues, and the environment. Even more, after comprehending the unifying principle outlined above for learning information about safety, researchers should make their primary goal in safety to be conceiving mechanisms for exerting greater control over their experiments that go beyond the mechanisms that health and safety practitioners teach. The essay ends by discussing how decision-making by researchers can improve the culture of safety.
Pan-Phylum Genome-Wide Identification of Sodium Calcium Exchangers Reveal Heterogeneous Expansions and Possible Roles in Nematode Parasitism

Calcium signaling is ubiquitous in nematode development from fertilization to cell specification to apoptosis. Calcium also regulates dauer entry in Caenorhabditis elegans, which corresponds to the infective stage of parasitic nematodes. In diverse parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii calcium has been shown to regulate host cell entry and egress, and perturbing calcium signaling represents a possible route to inhibit infection and parasitism in these species. Sodium calcium exchangers are considered the most important mechanism of calcium efflux, and our lab has previously characterized the sodium calcium exchanger gene family in C. elegans and studied the diversity of this family across a subset of specific nematode species. Here we build upon these data and explore sodium calcium exchangers across 108 species of nematodes. Our data reveal substantial differences in sodium calcium exchanger counts across the Phylum and detail expansions and contractions of specific exchanger subtypes within certain nematode clades. Finally, we also provide evidence for a role of sodium calcium exchangers in parasite activation by examining differentially expressed genes in non-activated versus activated infective stage larvae. Taken together our findings paint a heterogeneous picture of sodium calcium exchanger evolution across the Phylum Nematoda that may reflect unique adaptations to free-living and parasitic lifestyles.
Neurologic Sequelae Associated with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) contribute to adverse gene-environment interactions prior to conception and continue throughout pregnancy. Embryonic/fetal brain disorders occur from interactions between genetic susceptibilities interacting with acquired diseases or conditions affecting the maternal/placental fetal (MPF) triad. Trimester-specific pathophysiological mechanisms, such as maternal immune activation and ischemic placental syndrome, contribute to adverse peripartum, neonatal and childhood outcomes. Two diagnostic approaches provide timelier diagnoses over the first 1000 days from conception until two years of age. Horizontal analyses assess the maturation of the triad, neonate and child. Vertical analyses consider systems-biology from genetic, molecular, cellular, tissue through organ networks during each developmental niche. Disease expressions associated with HDP have cumulative adverse effects across the lifespan when subjected to subsequent adverse events. Critical/sensitive periods of developmental neuroplasticity over the first 1000 days are more likely to result in permanent sequelae. Novel diagnostic approaches, beginning during pre-conception, will facilitate the development of effective preventive, rescue and reparative neurotherapeutic strategies in response to HDP-related trimester-specific disease pathways. Public health policies require the inclusion of women’s health advocacy during and beyond their reproductive years to reduce sequelae experienced by mothers and their offspring. A lower global burden of neurologic disease from HDP will benefit future generations.
Cost-Quality Tradeoff in Healthcare: Does it Affect Patient Experience?

This paper investigates the effect of cost and average length of stay on experiential quality in healthcare. Supporting the cost-quality tradeoff theory, results show hospitals do have a tradeoff between cost efficiency and experiential quality.
Stroke and microcirculation: J. Cervos-Navarro and R. Ferszt, Eds.Raven, 1987; NY, NY; ISBN 0-88167-313-7; $125.50; pp. 551

Cervos-Navarro and Ferszt have assembled 85 scientific articles, under the broad heading of cerebral microcirculation, which are of interest primarily to those working in experimental cerebral ischemia. The articles are divided into six main sections: ischemia; edema; hydrocephalus; intracranial pressure; subarachnoid hemorrhage; and diffuse cerebrovascular disease. A brief summary of each article is provided grouped by sections. The vast majority of articles deal with experimental work although the sections on subarachnoid hemorrhage and diffuse cerebrovascular disease include clinical papers as well. The book is not intended nor is it a comprehensive review of the topics comprising the main sections. The book does cover a wide range of issues, including ischemic thresholds, the influence of rheologic factors and hyperglycemia on ischemia, the role of inflammatory response in cerebral edema, cerebral vasospasm and its response to calcium antagonists, and vascular dementia. This broad approach obviously precludes dealing with a particular topic in any degree of depth. Nonetheless, many current areas of investigation in cerebrovascular disease are addressed. In their preface, the editors ask whether recent experimental research has anything to offer patients with cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising that treatment is not a major emphasis in any section. This deficiency is all the more surprising given the recent work being done both experimentally and clinically with thrombolytic agents, calcium antagonists, and N-methyl -D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists in cerebral ischemia. Nonetheless, by focusing on understanding basic mechanisms of processes, such as ischemia and edema, the authors are taking a necessary step in the development of treatment regimens.
SAP Is Required for Th Cell Function and for Immunity to Influenza

Ab is a crucial component of protective immunity to infection, but Ab responses do not proceed normally when defects occur in a protein called signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP). To explain this Ab defect, we analyzed B cell and plasma cell responses under conditions of SAP deficiency. Our results demonstrate that SAP-deficient (SAP knockout (KO)) mice have a profound CD4 T cell-intrinsic defect in generating Ag-specific plasma cells following challenge with model Ags or influenza virus, resulting in low Ag-specific Ab titers. We also show that SAP is required in CD4 T cells for normal division and expansion of B cells. These B cell and plasma cell defects were observed during the expansion phase of the primary immune response, indicating early defects in Th cell activity. In fact, additional experiments revealed a nearly complete lack of T cell help for B cells in SAP KO mice. Our work suggests that the ability of SAP to promote T-dependent humoral immune responses is important for antiviral immunity because mice lacking SAP are unable to prevent high dose secondary influenza infection, and because passive transfer of IgG in immune serum from wild-type, but not SAP KO mice can protect mice from an otherwise lethal influenza infection. Overall, our results demonstrate that SAP is required in CD4 T cells for their ability to help B cell responses and promote influenza-specific immunity.
Something lost - something gained: from COBOL to Java to C# in intermediate programming courses

The decision as to which programming language to use in intermediate business programming courses has become increasingly challenging. For many years COBOL has been the language used, but recently Java has become the language of choice. This has come with the benefit of the use of a language that is fully object-oriented, but has also come with some costs. Among the costs is a more awkward Graphical User Interface, but the primary cost is the loss of the scope of data file processing that existed with COBOL. The use of C# in intermediate programming courses provides all of the benefits of Java, as far as object-orientation, and also provides the data file processing available in COBOL, but with a much more intuitive Graphical User Interface. What was lost by going from COBOL to Java has been regained by going from Java to C#.
Is the export-led growth hypothesis valid for Canada?

Empirical evidence linking exports to economic growth has been mixed and inconclusive. This study re-examines the export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis for Canada by testing for Granger causality from exports to national output growth using vector error correction models (VECM) and the augmented vector autoregressive (VAR) methodology developed in Toda and Yamamoto (1995). Application of recent developments in time series modelling and the inclusion of relevant variables omitted in previous studies help to clarify the contradictory results from prior studies on the Canadian economy. The empirical results suggest that a long-run steady state exists among the model's six variables and that Granger causal flow is unidirectional from real exports to real GDP. JEL Classification: F43, C32 Est-ce que l’hypothese de la croissance engendree par les exportations est valide pour le Canada? Les resultats empiriques des etudes tentant de montrer le lien entre les exportations et la croissance economique sont mixtes et ne contiennent pas de resultats concluants. Cet article re-examine l’hypothese dans le cas du Canada en testant la causalitea la Granger pour les exportations et la croissance du produit national, en utilisant les modeles VECM et la methodologie VAR developpes par Toda et Yamamoto (1995). L’application de certains developpements recents dans l’analyse des series chronologiques et l’inclusion de variables pertinentes omises dans les etudes anterieures aident a mettre de l’ordre dans les resultats contradictoires des etudes anterieures portant sur l’economie canadienne. Les resultats empiriques suggerent qu’un regime permanent existe entre les six variables du modele et que la causalitea la Granger est unidirectionnelle des exportations reelles vers le PIB reel.
A seconds range component of the reoxidation of the primary Photosystem II acceptor, Q. Effects of bicarbonate depletion in chloroplasts

Abstract Broken chloroplasts depleted of bicarbonate (HCO − 3 ) show 30–50% inhibition of the Hill reaction in low-intensity light. Also, photoreactions excited by repetitive flashes measured by oxygen evolution, ESR signal IIvf, and absorption changes at 680 and 334 nm show inhibition of 30–50%. An effect of HCO − 3 was sought to explain these phenomena. The decay of chlorophyll a fluorescence yield in the millisecond and seconds range, following a single flash, was observed to be multiphasic with a very slow component of 1–2 s half-time. In HCO − 3 -depleted samples this component is enhanced 2- or 3-fold. Since this occurs even after one flash, it is suggested that HCO − 3 affects the Q − B → QB − reaction. In this work it is shown that 40% inhibition of oxygen flash yield is relieved to a great extent if the excitation flash rate is decreased from 2 to 0.33 Hz. A measurement of 520 nm absorption change in the presence of ferricyanide, which is proportional to Photosystem II charge separation, shows a similar inhibition that is dependent on flash rate. The maximum amplitude of variable fluorescence yield and 520 nm absorption change after a single flash are unaffected by HCO − 3 depletion. The dark distribution of oxygen-evolution S-states is found to be shifted to a more reduced configuration in depleted samples. It is concluded that normal charge separation occurs in HCO − 3 -depleted Photosystem II reaction centers but that a large fraction of Q − decays so slowly that not all Q − is reoxidized between flashes given at a rate of 1 or 2 Hz. Thus, a portion of the Photosystem II centers would be closed to photochemistry. There is a reversible effect of HCO − 3 depletion on the oxygen-evolution system that is observed as a shift in the dark distribution of S-states.
A comparison of two embedded programming techniques for high rep rate coherent Doppler lidars

Two FPGA embedded programming approaches are considered and compared for a 20 kHz pulse repetition rate coherent Doppler lidar system which acquires return signals at 400 Msamples/second and operates with signal to noise ratios as low as -20 dB. In the first approach, the acquired return signal is gated in time and the square modulus of the fast Fourier transform is accumulated for each of the range gates, producing a series of power spectra as a function of range. Wind speed decisions based on numerical estimators can then be made after transferring the range gated accumulated power spectra to a host computer, enabling the line of sight wind speed as a function of range gate to be calculated and stored for additional processing. In the second FPGA approach, a digital IQ demodulator and down sampler reduces the data flow requirements so that an autocorrelation matrix representing a pre-selected number of lags can be accumulated, allowing for the process of range gating to be explored on the host computer. The added feature of the second approach is that it allows for an additional capability to adjust the range gate period dynamically as the state of the atmospheric boundary layer (e.g. backscatter coefficient and stability condition) changes. A simple manual beam scanning technique is used to calculate the wind field vector which is graphically displayed on time-height cross section plots. A comparison to other observed and modeled information is presented suggesting the usefulness for the characterization of microscale meteorology.
Isopiestic determination of the osmotic and activity coefficients of {(1 − y)H2SO4 + yNa2SO4}(aq) at 298.15 K I. Results for y = 0.5 (NaHSO4) and y = 0.55595, 0.70189, and 0.84920

Abstract Isopiestic vapor-pressure measurements were made for {(1 − y )H 2 SO 4 + y Na 2 SO 4 }(aq) with y = 0.5 (NaHSO 4 ) from 0.23 mol · kg −1 and with y = 0.55595, 0.70189, and 0.84920 from 0.16 mol · kg −1 up to the crystallization limits of the mixtures (4.6057 to 10.681 mol · kg −1 ) at 298.15 K. Experimental water activities are much higher than predicted by Zdanovskii's empirical rule; this difference is consistent with extensive HSO 4 − (aq) formation. If osmotic coefficients are calculated by using the stoichiometric molalities of Na 2 SO 4 and H 2 SO 4 and assuming that they behave as 1–2 electrolytes, then osmotic coefficients for the mixtures fall considerably below values predicted from the Scatchard neutral-electrolyte binary-solution mixing approximation. In fact, for ionic-strength fractions of Na 2 SO 4 greater than 0.7, the experimental osmotic coefficients fall below those of both limiting binary solutions over most of the molality range. However, if these values are recalculated by treating NaHSO 4 as a 1-1 electrolyte that does not dissociate with changes in molality, then deviations of experimental results from the Scatchard neutral-electrolyte binary-mixing approximation are much smaller and usually negative for osmotic coefficients. The limited number of previous isopiestic values for {(1 − y )H 2 SO 4 + y Na 2 SO 4 } are critically compared with our new experimental results.
Gut Microbiota is Not Modified by Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of VSL#3 in Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that negatively impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The exact etiology of this disorder is largely unknown; however, emerging studies suggest that the gut microbiota is a contributing factor. Several clinical trials show that probiotics, such as VSL#3, can have a favorable effect on IBS. This double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study has been conducted in diarrhea-predominant IBS subjects in order to investigate the effect of VSL#3 on the fecal microbiota. The bacterial composition of the fecal microbiota was investigated using high-throughput microarray technology to detect 16S RNA. Twenty-four subjects were randomized to receive VSL#3 or placebo for 8 weeks. IBS symptoms were monitored using GSRS and quality-of-life questionnaires. A favorable change in Satiety subscale was noted in the VSL #3 groups. However, the consumption of the probiotic did not change the gut microbiota. There were no adverse events or any safety concerns encountered during this study. To summarize, the use of VSL#3 in this pilot study was safe and showed improvement in specific GSRS-IBS scores in diarrhea-predominant IBS subjects. The gut microbiota was not affected by VSL#3 consumption, suggesting that the mechanism of action is not directly linked to the microbiota.
Single-step electroelution of proteins from SDS-polyacrylamide gels and immobilization on diisothiocyanate-glass beads in prepacked capillary columns for solid-phase microsequencing

Abstract A new method for immobilization of proteins purified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) prior to sequencing is described. It utilizes a simple apparatus that permits the simultaneous electroelution of proteins from gel slices and attachment to diisothiocyanate-activated glass beads prepacked in capillary tubes [S-P. Liang and R. A. Laursen, Anal. Biochem. 188, 366–373 (1990)]. Transfer/attachment yields of >80% within 90 min were observed for several 125I-labeled proteins with a range of molecular weights using 0.2 m sodium phosphate (pH 8.9) buffer containing 0.1% SDS. The method has the advantage of high capacity, relative simplicity, and insensivity to the presence of SDS and Coomassie blue stain. The highest transfer yields were obtained when proteins were run on gels which had been aged for at least 12 h. For 100- to 1000-pmol samples, the sequenceable amount of protein, including transfer, was generally 30–60%, with an average repetitive yield of 95%. Factors which influence sample recovery and sequencing yield are discussed.
The combinatorial distance geometry method for the calculation of molecular conformation II. Sample problems and computational statistics

The performance of a branch and bound algorithm for molecular energy minimization is evaluated on a variety of test problems. Although not at present efficient enough for use in most practical situations, we show that it has distinct advantages over more conventional methods of global minimization. In addition, this study illustrates the technique on which the present algorithm is based, and the problems which must be overcome in developing an efficient algorithm based on similar principles.
Uncertainty and the Second Space: Modern Birth Timing and the Dilemma of Education

This paper focuses on the relationship between experiential and statistical uncertainties in the timing of births in Cameroon (Central Africa). Most theories of fertility level and change emphasize the emergence of parity-specific control, treating desired family size as both central, and stable across the life course. By contrast, this paper argues for a theory of reproduction that emphasizes process, social context, and contingency. The paper concentrates on the second birth interval, showing that it is longer and more variable among educated than among uneducated women. The paper argues that this difference is due to the specific forms of uncertainty associated with education in contemporary Cameroon.
Phenotypic characteristics of the nucleus pulposus: expression of hypoxia inducing factor-1, glucose transporter-1 and MMP-2.

Attempts to study the biology of the nucleus pulposus have been limited in scope due to the low rates of cell proliferation, difficulties in maintaining viable disc cells in culture and the absence of a clearly defined phenotype. The major objective of this communication is to construct a phenotypic signature for cells of the nucleus pulposus that is based on the hypothesis that in response to restriction on oxygen and nutrient flux, there is expression of HIF-1, GLUT-1 and MMP-2. Nucleus pulposus, as well as annulus fibrosus and cartilage of the vertebral end plates, was collected from rat spinal units. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry clearly showed that there was a significant level of expression of the HIF-1β isoform in the nucleus pulposus; HIF-1β was present at lower levels in cells of the annulus and the end plate. In contrast to HIF-1β, HIF-1α was expressed only in the nucleus pulposus. This isoform was absent from both the cartilage end plate and annulus. We detected HIF-1α immunohistochemically in the nucleus pulposus; however, the staining was light and diffuse. Cells of the nucleus pulposus expressed GLUT-1; in contrast, when probed by Western blot analysis the annulus and cartilage were negative for this protein. Western blot analysis also showed that in the nucleus pulposus the level of MMP-2 was high when compared to the adjacent tissues. We suggest that the differential expression of the two HIF isoforms, and GLUT-1 and MMP-2, provides a phenotypic signature that permits cells of the nucleus pulposus to be distinguished from neighboring tissues. Moreover, the presence of these isoforms provides evidence that cells of the disc respond to hypoxia and nutrient stress by upregulating stress-responsive genes.
U snRNP assembly in yeast involves the La protein

In all eukaryotic nuclei, the La autoantigen binds nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts, stabilizing these RNAs against exonucleases. Here we report that the La protein also functions in the assembly of certain RNA polymerase II‐transcribed RNAs into RNPs. A mutation in a core protein of the spliceosomal snRNPs, Smd1p, causes yeast cells to require the La protein Lhp1p for growth at low temperatures. Precursors to U1, U2, U4 and U5 RNAs are bound by Lhp1p in both wild‐type and mutant cells. At the permissive temperature, smd1‐1 cells contain higher levels of stable U1 and U5 snRNPs when Lhp1p is present. At low temperatures, Lhp1p becomes essential for the accumulation of U4/U6 snRNPs and for cell viability. When U4 RNA is added to extracts, the pre‐U4 RNA, but not the mature RNA, is bound by Smd1p. These results suggest that, by stabilizing a 3′‐extended form of U4 RNA, Lhp1p facilitates efficient Sm protein binding, thus assisting formation of the U4/U6 snRNP.
Localized Fiber Waviness and Implications for Failure in Unidirectional Composites

Finite element models with wavy material-orientation are used to represent periodic wavy fiber defects in composites. The homogenized material parameters in material coordinates (straight fiber properties) are determined originally by micromechanics modeling at the constituent level based on hexagonal fiber packing. To study the effects of local waviness, wavy material-orientation regions of material with different amplitude/wavelength ratios are embedded within regions of straight fiber material. A failure study has been performed for various types of localized fiber waviness. The modeling approach provides a systematic procedure to investigate the effects of fiber waviness defects on properties of unidirectional fiber composites.
Cathode Ray Oscillograph Study Of Artificial Lightning Surges on the Turners Falls Transmission Line

A portable impulse generator delivering 400 kv. has been constructed. A cathode ray oscillograph of the cold cathode type has been so connected that impulses incoming over the transmission line to which it is connected will initiate the oscillograph. The results of studies on a 5.77-mi. section of a 66-kv. line of the Turners Falls Power Company are given. Impulses of definite forms are applied to the line. The theory of traveling waves is being checked experimentally, demonstrating the existence and magnitude of reflections, both for open ended lines and for lines closed through gaps or a combination of inductance and capacity. A simple description of the theory is given. Some preliminary results are given for attenuation obtained by successive reflections from either end of the line. The reduction of the incoming waves by an oxide film lightning arrester is given, the affected wave in one case having a front of six microseconds and in another case a front of 0.5 microseconds. Further work to be done includes the effect of traveling waves on choke coils, transformers, and ground wires. Additional work is to be done to determine the laws governing attenuation.
A numerical model to describe the layer behavior in salt-gradient solar ponds

A numerical model has been developed to describe the time-dependent behavior of the interfaces between the convecting and nonconvecting regions of a salt-gradient solar pond. Salinity and temperature profiles, as a function of time, are also determined by the model. The model utilizes empirical correlations from the oceanographic literature that describe the heat and salt fluxes across the interfaces. The model also contains a treatment of entrainment caused by wind-generated turbulence. Agreement was found of the calculated behavior with observations made on laboratory-scale solar pond simulation experiments. The model is used to determine pond performance under various operating conditions.
C-terminal domains of Escherichia coli topoisomerase I belong to the zinc-ribbon superfamily.

Detection of remote evolutionary connections is increasingly difficult with sequence and structural divergence. A combination of sequence and structural analysis, in which statistically supported sequence similarity had a crucial impact, revealed that Escherichia coli topoisomerase I C-terminal fragment is evolutionarily related to the three tetracysteine zinc-binding domains of the enzyme. Spatial structure analysis of this C-terminal fragment indicates that it consists of two structurally similar domains and suggests homology between them. Sequence similarity between the zinc-binding domains of type Ia topoisomerases and transcription regulators of known spatial structure helps to conclude that E. coli topo I contains five copies of a zinc ribbon domain at the C terminus. Two of these domains, corresponding to the C-terminal fragment, lost their cysteine residues and are probably not able to bind zinc. Present analyses lead to the classification of the C-terminal fragment of E. coli topoisomerase I as a member of zinc ribbon superfamily, despite the absence of zinc-binding sites.
The240Pu239Pu ratio, a potential geochronometer

Abstract The Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets maintain records of the atmospheric fallout in their datable strata. The 240Pu239Pu ratios in these polar reservoirs uniquely distinguish particulate fallout from the pre-moratorium nuclear atmospheric weapons tests, dominated by the U.S., and the post-moratorium atmospheric weapons tests, dominated by the U.S.S.R. Thus, they offer the possibility of use as a geochronological tool for some marine, glacial, lacustrine and soil systems.
EPR and ENDOR studies of dimeric paracyclophane radical cations and dications containing tri- and pentamethylene-bridged p-phenylene diamine units.

Solution EPR and ENDOR studies on the radical cations of three dimeric p-phenylene diamine (PD)-based compounds, the tetraisopropyl-substituted bis-trimethylene-bridged [5,5]paracyclophane 1(iPr)+ and its tetramethyl- and tetraisopropyl-substituted bis-pentamethylene-bridged [7,7]paracyclophane analogues 3(Me)+ and 3(iPr)+, showed that charge is localized on one PD+ unit on the EPR time scale in all three compounds and determined the nitrogen splitting constants and several of the hydrogen splitting constants for these complex spectra. Rigid glass studies of the diradical dications of 1(iPr)2+, 3(iPr)2+, and its tetramethylene-bridged [6,6]paracyclophane analogue 2(iPr)2+, all of which show significant amounts of thermally excited triplet at low temperature, demonstrated that 1(iPr)2+ has a singlet ground state but the triplet lies only 0.07 kcal/mol higher in energy, and 3(iPr)2+ has its triplet lying 0.05 kcal/mol higher in energy than its singlet.
Reef and Nonreef Aquifers—A Comparison of Hydrogeology and Geochemistry, Northwestern Indiana

The principal bedrock aquifer system across much of Indiana consists of carbonate rocks of Silurian and Devonian age. The Silurian-Devonian aquifer system is used extensively for irrigation in northwestern Indiana and is approximately 170 m thick. Reef and nonreef carbonate aquifers in northwestern Indiana were assessed using hydrogeology (lithology, geophysical logs, aquifer tests) and geochemistry (major ions and stable isotopes). The study showed differences in water quantity and quality between the reef and nonreef aquifers. The reef aquifer had few shales, abundant fossiliferous material (up to 100 m thick), and high porosities (10 to 15%). The nonreef aquifer had abundant shales, less fossiliferous material (a few meters thick), and low porosities. Total transmissivities at the reef sites were 697 m2/d, (meters squared per day) and 4831 m2/d, compared to 46 m2/d at the nonreef site. Flowpaths in the nonreef aquifer were associated with fractures and poorly connected moldic porosity with larger fractures and better connected vuggy porosity in the reef aquifer. Water chemistry data for the nonreef aquifer showed mean concentrations of sodium (235 mg/L [milligrams per liter]), sulfate (160 mg/L), sul-fide (13 mg/L), fluoride (2.7 mg/L), and dissolved solids (635 mg/L) approximately two to five times larger when compared to mean concentrations in the reef aquifer. Ground water at the nonreef site was classified as a sodium-bicarbonate type while that at the reef sites was calcium-magnesium bicarbonate. The oxygen/deuterium isotope data indicates recharge from modern precipitation and not Pleistocene-age recharge.
THE EFFECT OF ENDURANCE TRAINING ON DIETARY SELF-SELECTION IN ADOLESCENT FEMALES. † 735

It is now well recognized that young women, particularly those engaged in competitive sports, are at risk for endocrine and bone mineralization abnormalities when high energy expenditure is combined with self-induced low dietary intake. We wondered what the effect of training would be on the dietary habits of female adolescents who were not necessarily involved in competitive athletics. Thirty four subjects (mean age 16 yr) were randomized into control (n=17) and training groups as part of a 5 week summer school course in anatomy at Torrance High School. Daily training consisted of about 2 hours of aerobic activities. Diet was assessed in control and training groups by standard 3-day food record before and after the program, and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System software package. Muscle mass and maximal oxygen uptake increased significantly in the training group but not the control group. There was no change in body weight or total caloric intake in either group. However, diet composition was affected as demonstrated in thefigure showing the change in fat and protein intake over the 5 week period. Exercise training was associated with spontaneous increases in protein and fat intake in this group of healthy adolescent girls.
Spatial perturbations of one-dimensional spin systems

Abstract We consider nearest-neighbor, additive, spin systems on Z + , and show that changing the flip rates at a finite number of sites does not affect survival of the process. We also extend this result to the case of the biased voter model on Z .
CORR Insights®: Modified Dunn Procedure is Superior to In Situ Pinning for Short-term Clinical and Radiographic Improvement in Severe Stable SCFE

T he surgical treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) treatment has evolved in important ways over the past 30 years. Before the advent of fluoroscopically controlled in-situ pinning, treatment methods such as open epiphysiodesis and spica cast application had been difficult and morbid. Indeed, in-situ pinning was a major advance that at once led to improved outcomes. However, in-situ treatment does not address any residual deformity in the proximal femur. It is now accepted that residual proximal femoral deformity does cause femoroacetabular impingement, which may lead to limited hip ROM, gait disturbance, and osteoarthritis. The problem that remains is how best to treat this residual deformity, when to treat it, and through which surgical technique. Where Do We Need To Go?
Gender and risk: women, risk taking and risk aversion

– Labeling women as risk‐averse limits the positive benefits both women and organizations can gain from their risk taking. The purpose of this paper is to explore women's risk taking and reasons for stereotype persistence in order to inform human resource practice and women's career development., – The paper draws on literature about gender and organizations to identify reasons for the persisting stereotype of women's risk aversion. Utilizing literature and concepts about risk appetite and decision making, the paper evaluates results of the Simmons Gender and Risk Survey database of 661 female managers., – The paper finds evidence of gender neutrality in risk propensity and decision making in specific managerial contexts other than portfolio allocation., – More in‐depth research is needed to explore the gender‐neutral motivators of risk decision making and to explore risk taking in a more diverse sample population., – The paper explores why women's risk taking remains invisible even as they take risks and offers suggestions on how women and organizations may benefit from their risk‐taking activities., – The paper synthesizes evidence on risk taking and gender, and the evidence of female risk taking is an important antidote to persisting stereotypes. The paper outlines reasons for this stereotype persistence and implications for human resource development.
A reconnaissance of Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar: The status of the forest, avifauna, lemurs and fruit bats

Abstract Between 26 March and 3 April 1991 a reconnaissance of Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar, was conducted to determine the condition of the remaining forests and the species of birds occurring on the island. Specific information was sought on the snail-eating coua Coua delalandei, a species known only from Ile Sainte Maire, but which had not been reported for over 150 years. Sight observations and interviews with local people were used in this investigation. The only remaining forest on laterite soil, Foret de Kalalao, has been severely degraded and is now a series of small disjunct blocks. One area of littoral forest, Foret d'Ambohidena, is relatively intact. A single obligate forest bird is known still to occur on the island. There is a high correlation between the species of birds observed during the reconnaissance and those recognized from pictures by local inhabitants of the island. On the basis of the extent of habitat destruction, the condition of the remaining forest, and information from local people, the snail-eating coua is presumed to be extinct. Incidental information was also obtained about lemurs and fruit bats occurring on the island.