cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charge-Shift Corrected Electronegativities and the Effect of Bond Polarity and Substituents on Covalent-Ionic Resonance Energy

Bond dissociation energies and resonance energies for HnA–BHm molecules (A, B = H, C, N, O, F, Cl, Li, and Na) have been determined in order to re-evaluate the concept of electronegativity in the context of modern valence bond theory. Following Pauling’s original scheme and using the rigorous definition of the covalent–ionic resonance energy provided by the breathing orbital valence bond method, we have derived a charge-shift corrected electronegativity scale for H, C, N, O, F, Cl, Li, and Na. Atomic charge shift character is defined using a similar approach resulting in values of 0.42, 1.06, 1.43, 1.62, 1.64, 1.44, 0.46, and 0.34 for H, C, N, O, F, Cl, Li, and Na, respectively. The charge-shift corrected electronegativity values presented herein follow the same general trends as Pauling’s original values with the exception of Li having a smaller value than Na (1.57 and 1.91 for Li and Na respectively). The resonance energy is then broken down into components derived from the atomic charge shift character...
“Modern” Is as Modern Does: Modern Family and the Disruption of Gender Binaries

Bruce E. Drushel opens our eyes to the possibility of a growing complexity in the representation of queer characters in media by examining Mitch and Cam from the popular sitcom Modern Family. Even before commercial television series began regularly to feature openly gay and lesbian characters in the 1970s, writers suggested them through character behaviors that were violations of conventional gender norms. The current ABC situation comedy Modern Family distinguishes itself through its willingness to develop characters, most notably the gay male couple Mitch and Cam, that freely depart from these binaries. While a surface-level view of the pair suggests the continuation of at least an approximation of traditional couple gender roles—Mitch as the masculine breadwinner, complete with beard and conventional masculine appearance and background, and Cam as the feminine stay-at-home nurturer and domestic problem-solver—episodes reveal more sophisticated and multidimensional types. Drushel analyzes the gender behaviors of the Mitch and Cam characters, contrasting theirs with those of characters represented as lesbian or gay among both recent and past US television sitcoms. Among the questions Drushel addresses is whether the Mitch and Cam characters are part of a revolution in representations of gender and sexuality, a pioneering example of gender parody, or merely encouraging anomalies.
Biomechanical Aspects of Head Injury

With the advent of high speed air and land transportation, engineers have become increasingly aware of the mechanical frangibility of the human body. Thus, we have seen the evolution of various isolating and load distributing devices ranging from seat belts and padded sun visors, to ejection seats, crash helmets, and acceleration couches. While there is a large amount of information available regarding the response of inanimate systems to vibration and impact, there is a comparable dearth of knowledge pertaining to the mechanical responses of biological systems. Therefore, the design of much supporting and protective equipment is often based on intuition because of the lack of information available about the mechanical behavior of the human body. In addition, such knowledge would be helpful in the treatment of injury by serving to identify the mechanism of trauma. Thus, both a rational design procedure for impact protection and a rational therapy for treatment of trauma cannot be developed until a quantitive description of the mechanical responses of the human body is obtained.
Cancers of the Major Salivary Gland.

Salivary gland malignancies are rare tumors that comprise multiple histologic entities with diverse clinical behavior. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most frequent primary salivary malignancy, followed by adenoid cystic and acinic cell carcinoma. Although most salivary malignancies are asymptomatic, presentation with a rapidly enlarging mass may be accompanied by pain, functional neurologic deficits, soft-tissue invasion, or nodal enlargement. Assessment of clinical behavior and physical exam greatly contributes to diagnostic workup. Preoperative imaging, to include ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, may assist with surgical planning. Limitations of preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology mean that, in some cases, definitive histologic diagnosis may not be established until therapeutic surgery is undertaken. Treatment strategies rely on oncologic resection of the primary site with negative margins as well as adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with high-risk features, such...
Creutzfeldt astrocytes may be seen in IDH‐wildtype glioblastoma and retain expression of DNA repair and chromatin binding proteins

Astrocytes with multiple micronuclei ("Creutzfeldt cells") in a brain biopsy are classically associated with demyelinating disease. However, glioblastoma may also have prominent Creutzfeldt astrocytes, along with granular mitoses. Therefore, Creutzfeldt cells may raise the diagnostic dilemma of high-grade glioma vs tumefactive demyelination. While cases of glioblastoma (GBM) with Creutzfeldt astrocytes have been reported, their clinicopathologic spectrum and genetic features are not understood. Studies have proposed that micronuclei in Creutzfeldt cells are a consequence of DNA damage, or may be susceptible to DNA damage and chromothripsis, but their biology in the context of glioblastoma remains unclear. Based on a challenging index case of GBM with mild hypercellularity, Creutzfeldt astrocytes, and granular mitoses on biopsy, we searched our archives for additional cases with similar histopathologic features. We identified 13 cases, reviewed their clinico-radiologic and pathologic features, and examined them for recurrent genetic alterations via NGS (9 cases) and for evidence of DNA damage by immunohistochemistry for DNA repair and chromatin remodeling proteins. We found that Creutzfeldt cell-rich GBMs were IDH-wildtype with no recurring genetic alterations. To test our hypothesis that micronuclei demonstrate loss of DNA repair or chromatin remodeling proteins, we examined the expression of various proteins (MDM2, p53, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6, ATRX, INI1, SATB2, Ki67, pHH3) in Creutzfeldt cell rich-GBM. There was intact expression of DNA repair and chromatin remodeling proteins, with accumulation of p53 and reduced MDM2 expression within micronuclei. In contrast, granular mitoses showed pHH3 expression, confirming these cells are undergoing mitotic division, with no accumulation of p53 and reduced expression of DNA repair proteins. Our results emphasize that Creutzfeldt cells are part of the morphologic spectrum of IDH-wildtype glioblastoma. We did not find a role for DNA damage in the generation of Creutzfeldt cells, as both DNA repair and chromatin remodeling protein expression was retained in these cells.
THE STATE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY: THE PARADOX OF HOW FAMILIES AND FAMILY VALUES ARE CHANGING WHILE STAYING THE SAME

How is the American family doing today? The answer depends upon whom you are talking with and the social/political/cultural lens you are looking through. This article is written by an American professor emeritus of family studies who has studied and taught about families for more than forty years. The author has been married to his wife Nikki for fifty years and they have raised three daughters and are now active in an extended family which included four grandchildren and three sons-in-law. In this article, the author avoids talking about families from a political perspective because in America this kind of talk usually generates more heat than light. Even though the American media tends to focus only on problems and give all of us the impression that families in particular and life on the planet in general are in grave danger, after studying strong families in the U.S. and around the world for more than forty years, the author personally believes that the majority of families in America are doing well and are satisfied with their life together. Some families are just doing okay. And some, of course, are in deep trouble. Truth be told, all American families have problems, just as all families around the world have problems. And, as it is true from a global perspective, not all families in the U.S. are strong families. But all families in the U.S. have strengths and they use these strengths in their efforts to meet the challenges their family inevitably faces. In this article, the author begins looking at American families today from the top-down perspective - the macro-level - and follows that with a discussion from the bottom-up perspective - the micro-level. These two perspectives complement each other and give us a reasonably good answer to the question of how the American family is doing today. And these two perspectives give us a better understanding of the paradox that families and family values are changing in some ways while we stay, deep-down, basically the same in our families.
“It’s all about the start” classifying eyes-free mobile authentication techniques

Abstract Mobile device users avoiding observational attacks and coping with situational impairments may employ techniques for eyes-free mobile unlock authentication, where a user enters his/her passcode without looking at the device. This study supplies an initial description of user accuracy in performing this authentication behavior with PIN and pattern passcodes, with varying lengths and visual characteristics. Additionally, we inquire if tactile-only feedback can provide assistive spatialization, finding that orientation cues prior to unlocking do not help. Measurements of edit distance and dynamic time warping accuracy were collected, using a within-group, randomized study of 26 participants. 1021 passcode entry gestures were collected and classified, identifying six user strategies for using the pre-entry tactile feedback, and ten codes for types of events and errors that occurred during entry. We found that users who focused on orienting themselves to position the first digit of the passcode using the tactile feedback performed better in the task. These results could be applied to better define eyes-free behavior in further research, and to design better and more secure methods for eyes-free authentication.
The influence of active learning practices on student anxiety in large-enrollment college science classrooms

Over the past decade, the prevalence of anxiety has increased among college-aged students and college counseling centers have become increasingly concerned about the negative impact of anxiety on students. While college in general can be stressful, college science classrooms have the potential to be especially anxiety-inducing because of the sometimes chilly and competitive environment of the class. Further, college science courses are increasingly being transitioned from traditional lecture to active learning where students take an active role in their learning, often through participating in activities such as clicker questions and group work. There is emerging evidence that suggests active learning activities may cause students to feel anxious, but no studies have thoroughly explored why active learning activities in science courses may increase students’ anxiety. Further, no studies have explored whether active learning activities can reduce students’ anxiety. In this exploratory interview study of 52 students enrolled in large-enrollment active learning college science courses, we investigate how three active learning practices, clicker questions, group work, and cold call/random call, increase and decrease students’ anxiety. Students reported that clicker questions and group work had the potential to both increase and decrease their anxiety. The way the active learning activity is implemented and the extent to which students perceive they benefit from the activity seems to influence the effect of the activity on students’ anxiety. Conversely, students reported that cold call and random call only increased their anxiety. From our interviews, we identified the fear of negative evaluation, or the sense of dread associated with being unfavorably evaluated while participating in a social situation, as the primary construct underlying students’ high levels of anxiety associated with speaking out in front of the whole class when they do not volunteer. This study illustrates that active learning can both increase and decrease students’ anxiety depending on the way active learning is implemented. We hope that this study encourages instructors to create more inclusive active learning science courses by implementing active learning in ways that minimize students’ anxiety.
Neurohormonal control of male sexual behavior.

Testosterone not only sustains male sexual behavior in castrated male rats and induces male sexual responses in the female but also increases female responses (Whalen and Hardy, 1970; Pfaff, 1970). Similarly, estrogen facilitates sexual receptivity in both males and females and increases male sexual behavior in the gonadectomized rat (Pfaff, 1970).
Multifactorial Regulation of Granulosa Cell (GC) Proliferation: Interactions Among Polypeptide Growth Factors

Proliferation of the mural granulosa cells is a requisite component of the folliculogenic process. Our understanding of the regulation of this process at the level of the cell is limited. Although FSH and estradiol stimulate granulosa cell proliferation in vivo, they have a limited effect in vitro which suggests that they may act indirectly by stimulating the production of local, intraovarian mitogens, i.e., growth factors. Indeed, the ovary may be a site for the production of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I,1,2), epidermal growth factor (EGF, 3,4), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF β, 5). Studies by Gospodarowicz and colleagues suggested that EGF and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were mitogens for many but not all granulosa cells (6–8). The actions of these growth factors could be enhanced markedly by serum which suggested that other factors, perhaps other growth factors, could synergize with EGF and FGF to promote granulosa cell proliferation. Accordingly, studies were initiated in this laboratory to investigate interactions among growth factors with respect to the regulation of granulosa cell proliferation.
Effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds to stocker Angus steers on retail quality attributes of beef strip steaks.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds to Angus steers during the stocker phase on the quality attributes of beef strip steaks during retail display. Endophyte-infected tall fescue seeds had no effect on steak surface lean color, myoglobin forms, proximate composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, aerobic plate count, pH, activity of superoxide dismutase and metmyoglobin reductase, shear force, and sensory attributes (P ≥ 0.087). However, lightness, redness, oxymyoglobin percentage, and MRA decreased from 45.01, 32.60, 67.61%, and 9.54 μM/min/g, respectively, on d 0 to 40.11, 21.83, 48.95%, and 2.30 μM/min/g, respectively, on d 7 (P ≤ 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were increased by 30% by d 5 (P = 0.015) and APC was increased by 0.5 log CFU/g by d 7 (P ≤ 0.012).
Building Community Social Capital

This chapter synthesizes relevant research from sociology, social epidemiology, psychology, and public health to explicate the relationship between social capital and population health. Social capital theory provides a framework for the ways in which social interactions can facilitate the exchange of information, increase resources for individuals, and provide support between networks. The resulting relationships and resources enhance trust and reciprocity, affect community participation, and consequently impact individual health and social outcomes. Worldwide research has shown that positive social and emotional health outcomes can be attained through building and sustaining social capital in communities. The development of this capital is especially important in poor, deprived, and/or segregated communities because of the need to connect to resources and social networks that are not available within their own community. Interactions between place, space, socioeconomic factors, group health behaviors, individual health, and the role of health professionals in creating effective social networks are discussed. Research-based strategies for the development of social capital in communities are presented. Practical recommendations for healthcare professionals are offered for improvement to social infrastructures, community capacity, and inclusion of local governance.
CHEMISTRY OF THE ATMOSPHERE | Volcanoes: Composition of Emissions

The principal gaseous components of volcanic emissions are water, carbon dioxide, and sulfur (as SO 2 , H 2 S, and OCS). Only the sulfur gases are significant on a global scale when compared with other natural and anthropogenic sources and represent less than 10% of the input. However, sulfur compounds that reach the stratosphere, when combined with volcanic or meteoric dust particles, are the main precursors of stratospheric aerosols. Those aerosols play a critical role in the regulation of incoming solar radiation and consequently global warming.
Jamming and tiling in fragmentation of rectangles

We investigate a stochastic process where a rectangle breaks into smaller rectangles through a series of horizontal and vertical fragmentation events. We focus on the case where both the vertical size and the horizontal size of a rectangle are discrete variables. Because of this constraint, the system reaches a jammed state where all rectangles are sticks, that is, rectangles with minimal width. Sticks are frozen as they cannot break any further. The average number of sticks in the jammed state, S, grows as S≃A/sqrt[2πlnA] with rectangle area A in the large-area limit, and remarkably, this behavior is independent of the aspect ratio. The distribution of stick length has a power-law tail, and further, its moments are characterized by a nonlinear spectrum of scaling exponents. We also study an asymmetric breakage process where vertical and horizontal fragmentation events are realized with different probabilities. In this case, there is a phase transition between a weakly asymmetric phase where the length distribution is independent of system size and a strongly asymmetric phase where this distribution depends on system size.
Using a Latent Class Forest to Identify At-Risk Students in Higher Education

Higher education institutions often examine performance discrepancies of specific subgroups, such as students from underrepresented minority and first-generation backgrounds. An increase in educational technology and computational power has promoted research interest in using data mining tools to help identify groups of students who are academically at-risk. Institutions can then implement data-informed decisions to help promote student access, increase retention and graduation rates, and guide intervention programs. We introduce a latent class forest, a latent class analysis and a random forest ensemble that will recursively partition observations into groups to help identify at-risk students. The procedure is a form of model-based hierarchical clustering that relies on latent class trees to optimally identify subgroups. We motivate and apply our latent class forest method to identify key demographic and academic characteristics of at-risk students in a large enrollment, bottleneck introductory psychology course at San Diego State University (SDSU). A post hoc analysis is conducted to measure the efficacy of Supplemental Instruction (SI) across these groups. SI is a peer-led academic intervention that targets historically challenging courses and aims to increase student performance. In doing so, we are able to identify populations that benefit most from SI to guide program recruitment and help increase the introductory psychology course success rate.
Hope Springs: Moderating the Link Between Racial Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms for African American Emerging Adults:

To better understand the moderating effect of coping mechanisms (distraction and rumination) and internal assets (hope) on the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms,...
Gender and microcredit in Sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Mozambican smallholder households

Among countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mozambique ranks among the highest with respect to gender inequality. As genderized access to microcredit can be a driver of gender inequality in general, this paper considers how gender conditions access to microcredit and macrocredit in Mozambique. With diary data on financial activities among individuals in Mozambican smallholder households, we estimate the quantile treatment effect of being a woman on the receipt of microcredit. Methodologically, our quantile treatment framework enables an analysis of loan size based upon the actual size distribution of monetary loans among smallholder households in Mozambique. Parameter estimates reveal that being a woman in Mozambique has a positive treatment effect on two types of informal loans in the top quantiles of the loan size distribution. This suggests that in Mozambique, to the extent that loans in the top quantiles are made to entereprenuers, microcredit can potentially catalyse gender-inclusive economic growth and development.
Refining the indications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with HER2+ breast cancer: A single institution experience.

Background We aim to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Methods Patients with non-metastatic HER2+ breast cancer treated from 2009 to 2018 at our institution comprised our study cohort (n = 1254). Pathologic complete response (pCR) was defined as the absence of invasive disease in the breast and axilla after NAC. Log-rank, Kaplan-Meier, and inverse probability of treatment weighting were used to assess differences in disease-free and overall survival between groups stratified by AC vs. NAC and pCR vs. non-pCR. Results The majority received AC (n = 787 or 62.8%) while 467 (37.2%) patients received NAC. Median follow up for AC and NAC groups was 46 and 28 months, respectively. The crude disease-free survival and overall survival of our study cohort were 92.2% and 89.1% for AC, 89.1% and 82.2% for NAC pCR, and 68.1% and 60.0% for NAC non-pCR, respectively. For clinical stage ≥IIB patients, NAC conferred a positive but statistically nonsignificant treatment effect over AC in multivariate analysis. Conclusions After adjusting for imbalances in our subgroups, we found that, regardless of the sequence of chemotherapy (AC vs. NAC), patients with early-stage HER2+ breast cancer had excellent outcomes.
Viewing sports online together? Psychological consequences on social live streaming service usage

Abstract Social live streaming services (SLSSs) have recently been introduced as a new type of synchronous social networking services for sport fans. Given the popularity of these innovations, the authors examined how the use of SLSSs can augment users’ social well-being and mitigate loneliness through the mechanisms of team identification, flow experiences, and satisfaction with SLSSs. To this end, the researchers collected data from 231 SLSS users who watched sport events over the SLSS platforms during the past 12 months. Results indicated that four types of gratification expectations positively influenced the users’ flow states. Among highly identified users with their preferred teams, affective gratification exerted the greater impact on the flow, predicting satisfaction with SLSSs. Such satisfaction enabled the users to enhance their social well-being and ease their feelings of loneliness. This study provides empirical evidence and new insights that elevate our understanding of SLSSs for sports content.
A new form of the Saint-Venant equations for variable topography

Abstract. The solution stability of river models using the one-dimensional (1D) Saint–Venant equations can be easily undermined when source terms in the discrete equations do not satisfy the Lipschitz smoothness condition for partial differential equations. Although instability issues have been previously noted, they are typically treated as model implementation issues rather than as underlying problems associated with the form of the governing equations. This study proposes a new reference slope form of the Saint–Venant equations to ensure smooth source terms and eliminate potential numerical oscillations. It is shown that a simple algebraic transformation of channel geometry provides a smooth reference slope while preserving the correct cross-sectional flow area and the total Piezometric pressure gradient that drives the flow. The reference slope method ensures the slope source term in the governing equations is Lipschitz-continuous while maintaining all the underlying complexity of the real-world geometry. The validity of the mathematical concept is demonstrated with the open-source SPRNT model in a series of artificial test cases and simulation of a small urban creek. Validation comparisons are made with analytical solutions and the HEC-RAS model. The new method reduces numerical oscillations and instabilities without requiring ad hoc smoothing algorithms.
Expanding our views of science education to address sustainable development, empowerment, and social transformation

On 25 September 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, which took effect 1 January 2016, to transform the world to better meet human needs and the requirements of economic transformation, while protecting the environment, ensuring peace and realizing human rights. Since 1987, there have been several global initiatives oriented toward sustainable development, yet science educators have often remained silent with respect to ensuring the goals of science education are linked intrinsically to the central tenets of sustainable development. Why such silence? Where are the voices of science educators? In this position statement, I offer a rationale for expanding our views of science education to address sustainable development, empowerment, and social transformation. Science education ought to be a primary vehicle for addressing the current and emerging global challenges facing humanity. All too often, science educators merely focus upon fostering awareness and concern for global challenges. Such an orientation falls short of the education discourse that ought to be oriented toward addressing the goals, aspirations, desires, and needs of youth, who presently number 1.8 billion and represent the largest segment of the global population being underserved. The active engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is imperative to achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Youth are not mere beneficiaries of the 2030 Agenda; they have a critical role in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I offer a rationale for why science educators ought to become active agents in facilitating the engagement of youth in addressing global challenges facing humanity. Youth are demanding action; science educators ought to enable learners and communities to transform and reinvent the world they are inheriting.
Sex estimation using pelvis morphology

Abstract The pelvis has long been considered the best indicator of sex due to sexual dimorphism in morphology related to parturition. Over 20 different traits have been described for their utility in sex estimation in the literature; however, many of these traits currently used for sex estimation from the pelvis have not been adequately tested for validity and reliability. Despite the multitude of morphological pelvic traits and methods developed for sex estimation, the three traits originally described by Phenice (1969) continue to be the most utilized and most accurate morphological traits for pelvic sex estimation: ventral arc, subpubic contour, and the medial aspect of the ischiopubic ramus. Other pelvic traits to be consistently utilized in sex estimation include parturition markers, the greater sciatic notch, the obturator foreman shape, pelvic inlet/outlet, and sacral morphology. Several of these popular morphological traits have been tested and shown to be more objective with metric analyses or geometric morphometric approaches. A brief history of each trait and recommendations for its use or disuse for pelvic sex estimation are presented within.
Hydrodynamic friction of fakir-like superhydrophobic surfaces

A fluid droplet located on a superhydrophobic surface makes contact with the surface only at small isolated regions, and is mostly in contact with the surrounding air. As a result, a fluid in motion near such a surface experiences very low friction, and superhydrophobic surfaces display strong drag reduction in the laminar regime. Here we consider theoretically a superhydrophobic surface composed of circular posts (so-called fakir geometry) located on a planar rectangular lattice. Using a superposition of point forces with suitably spatially dependent strength, we derive the effective surface-slip length for a planar shear flow on such a fakir-like surface as the solution to an infinite series of linear equations. In the asymptotic limit of small surface coverage by the posts, the series can be interpreted as Riemann sums, and the slip length can be obtained analytically. For posts on a square lattice, our analytical prediction of the dimensionless slip length, in the low surface coverage limit, is in excellent quantitative agreement with previous numerical computations.
Proteomic analysis of bladder biopsies from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients with and without Hunner’s lesions reveals differences in expression of inflammatory and structural proteins

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a bladder disease usually characterized by pain, urgency, and frequency. Interstitial cystitis is currently classified into two subtypes, with and without Hunner’s lesions. However, the underlying etiology of interstitial cystitis and its subtypes are largely unknown. To better understand the biological changes in the bladder of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients, we directly analyzed bladder tissue of interstitial cystitis patients, both those with Hunner’s lesions and those without. Proteins in the bladder biopsies were analyzed using nanoscale high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Disease subgroups were compared and significantly expressed proteins were mapped using STRING to determine protein associations and functions. We found that patients with Hunner’s lesions had significant increases in inflammatory and endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins, with a decrease in cellular adhesive proteins, compared to patients without Hunner’s lesions. These patients also exhibited a decrease in proteins associated with the Rap1 signaling pathway, which regulates cell proliferation and wound healing. When comparing diseased and non-disease-apparent tissue in patients with Hunner’s lesions, diseased tissue exhibited a decrease in ubiquitination proteins. In summary, there are significant differences in protein expression found in the bladders of interstitial cystitis patients with and without Hunner’s lesions, indicating a disturbance in proteins associated with cellular adhesion, proliferation, protein processing, and wound healing.
Patterns of Interaction Between Diffuse Low-Grade Glioma and Pregnancy: An Institutional Case Series.

Background The occurrence of pregnancy in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG) constitutes a unique therapeutic challenge. Owing to the rarity of cases, there is a dearth of information in existing literature. Methods We retrospectively identified all patients with a diagnosis of LGG and pregnancy at some point during their illness. Clinical course and obstetrical outcomes were reviewed. A volumetric analysis of tumor growth rate in association with pregnancy was performed. Results Of 15 women identified, 13 (86.7%) had a prepregnancy LGG diagnosis. Of the 2 patients in whom LGG was diagnosed during pregnancy, one underwent upfront surgery, and the other had watchful waiting with resection after 60 weeks. Nine patients (60.0%) remained asymptomatic during pregnancy, while 5 (33.3%) experienced recurrence of seizures. There was one case of transformation of an astrocytoma to glioblastoma during the third trimester, which was resected emergently. In 10 cases, progression occurred after pregnancy at a median interval of 24.2 months (interquartile range 6.6–37.5 months), with progression within 6 months of delivery in 2 cases. Mean (SD) growth rate during pregnancy was 7.8 (22.2) mm/year compared with 0.62 (1.12) mm/year before pregnancy and 0.29 (1.18) mm/year after pregnancy; the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.306). Conclusions Pregnancy was associated with clinical deterioration in one third of patients. No significant change in growth rate was identified. Time to progression and malignant dedifferentiation were unaffected. Patients with LGG wishing to pursue pregnancy should be counseled regarding the risk of complications, and if pregnancy is pursued, close neurological and obstetrical follow-up is recommended.
80. Vaginal healing research: from bench to bedside and beyond

Background Adolescents undergoing vaginal surgery are often left with scaring and lifelong sequelae that can interfere with their daily lives, including retained menstruation and painful vaginal exams and dyspareunia. While vaginal stents are known to aid in healing, there are no current stents available for young patients and furthermore, we do not fully understand why some girls scar while others do not. It is our goal to understand vaginal healing at the mechanistic level in order to prevent scaring while at the same time provide solutions in the clinic. Methods To elucidate fundamental mechanisms of vaginal healing, both in vitro and in vivo methods were developed. Using primary murine fibroblasts, the expression of hyaluronan (HA) related genes and cell migration in response to estrogen and mechanical stretch were evaluated. To model the interplay between vaginal layers, a vagina-on-a-chip is being designed. Murine models, including full thickness wounds and bleomycin instillation plus vaginal trauma, were developed to study regenerative vaginal healing and fibrosis, respectively. In combination with oophorectomy, histologic and gene expression changes were evaluated at various time points after insults. Clinically, vaginal stents were designed and validated in a porcine model and review panels. Virtual reality (VR) technology and 3D imaging is being used for pre-operative training. Results We have successfully isolated and rapidly expanded murine primary vaginal fibroblasts, and our ongoing in vitro work suggests that estrogen influences HA via upregulation of HA synthesis genes. Full thickness murine vaginal wounds result in complete epithelial layer closure and resolution of inflammatory changes by 72 hours, which is altered in oopherectomized mice. Bleomycin instillation alone did not lead to fibrosis, but in combination with wire brush trauma led to disrupted collagen organization. The design criteria for a vagina-on-a-chip has been established including sustaining 3D cell culture and matching biomechanical properties. Physical vaginal stent designs to improve retention and patient comfort were validated and two designs were chosen for further benchtop testing in a novel pressurized 3D-printed model and a funded Phase I clinical trial. Resorbable stents were designed with polycaprolactone-based shape memory foams to provide sufficient radial force to maintain vaginal caliber over a target healing time of 4 weeks. Lastly, we are improving clinical training with 3D imaging and VR modeling. Conclusions We are advancing vaginal healing research by translating clinical problems into basic science questions and closing the loop ultimately back to bedside improvements.
A numerical scheme with divergence free H-div triangular finite element for the Stokes equations

Abstract In this short paper, we introduce an efficient finite element method for solving the Stokes equations based on a divergence free H ( div ) element. The strong curl of C 0 - P k + 1 basis functions forms a basis of the divergence-free subspace of the P k - H ( div ) (i.e. B D M k ) finite element space. The [ P k + 1 ] 2 × 2 weak gradients are employed on these non- H 1 functions to obtain a conforming weak formulation. A strength of this approach is that the saddle point problem is replaced by a symmetric positive definite system with much less unknowns, which can be solved efficiently. Numerical examples are investigated to test accuracy and robustness of the method.
Vision guided autonomous robotic assembly and as-built scanning on unstructured construction sites

Abstract Unlike robotics in the manufacturing industry, on-site construction robotics has to consider and address two unique challenges: 1) the rugged, evolving, and unstructured environment of typical work sites; and 2) the reversed spatial relationship between the product and the manipulator, i.e., the manipulator has to travel to and localize itself at the work face, rather than a partially complete product arriving at an anchored manipulator. The presented research designed and implemented algorithms that address these challenges and enable autonomous robotic assembly of freeform modular structures on construction sites. Building on the authors' previous work in computer-vision-based pose estimation, the designed algorithms enable a mobile robotic manipulator to: 1) autonomously identify and grasp prismatic building components (e.g., bricks, blocks) that are typically non-unique and arbitrarily stored on-site; and 2) assemble these components into pre-designed modular structures. The algorithms use a single camera and a visual marker-based metrology to rapidly establish local reference frames and to detect staged building components. Based on the design of the structure being assembled, the algorithms automatically determine the assembly sequence. Furthermore, if a 3D camera is mounted on the manipulator, 3D point clouds can be readily captured and registered into a same reference frame through our marker-based metrology and the manipulator's internal encoders, either after construction to facilitate as-built Building Information Model (BIM) generation, or during construction to document details of the progress. Implemented using a 7-axis KUKA KR100 robotic manipulator, the presented robotic system has successfully assembled various structures and created as-built 3D point cloud models autonomously, demonstrating the designed algorithms' effectiveness in autonomous on-site construction robotics applications.
Some Functions of Memory in Probability Learning and Choice Behavior1

Publisher Summary The chapter examines scale properties of human choice behavior. A little is known about the psychological process that gives rise to the scale properties. Scales involved in most choice and decision behavior of adult human beings must be generated by some as yet unidentified learning processes. The studies presented in this chapter represent a first step toward illuminating the problem. This chapter focuses on two types of data, one having to do with subjective probability of events, and the other with utility or reward value. In each case the first step demonstrates the orderly patterns of behavior reflecting scale properties that can be generated in controlled learning situations. The next step analyzes each situation from the standpoint of current theories of memory and attempt to bring out experimentally some specific aspects of storage and retrieval that are responsible for the development and maintenance of the orderly patterns of choice behavior associated with psychological scales.
Digitized Fossil Brains: Neocorticalization

This report is based on 3D digital scans of endocasts of 110 species of fossil mammals and 35 species of living mammals. It presents direct evidence of the last 60 million years of brain evolution. Endocasts are casts of the cranial cavity. They are brainlike in size and shape, and their surface features can be named as if they were brain structures. Although endocast data are restricted to outer surfaces of brains, a few inferences about inner structure are possible. Neocortex in the forebrain, for example, is identifiable and measurable as cerebral forebrain on the endocast dorsal to the rhinal fissure. An important result in this report is that surface area of neocortex as identified on endocasts appears to have reached a maximum of about 80% of the total endocast surface area in anthropoid primates including humans. This may be a fundamental limitation in brain size. The average neocorticalization percentage for mammals as a whole rose from about 20% to about 50% of the surface area during the 60 million years covered by this analysis. Neocorticalization is associated with the evolution of higher mental processes, including the evolution of language as a hominin specialization. The limitation of the increase in relative amount of neocortex is similar in all anthropoids. Neocortex is greater in absolute area in living humans because the total size of the hominin brain is so much larger than in other primates.
Intracavity-frequency-doubled picosecond optical parametric oscillator based on noncritically phase-matched LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/

Summary form only given. The Ti:sapphire-pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on noncritically phase-matched LiB/sub 3/O/sub 5/ (LBO) is a versatile source of high-repetition-rate picosecond pulses for the near-infrared. It is capable of providing signal and idler output pulses with durations of 1-2 ps over the continuous wavelength range 1-2.5 /spl mu/m at hundreds of milliwatts of average power. We have now extended the spectral coverage of the device to the visible region by intracavity frequency-doubling the OPO signal pulses to provide transform-limited 840-fs pulses in the 584-771-nm range, with average powers as high as 320 mW.
Large molecules and chemical control of feeding behavior in the starfish Asterias forbesi

1. An echinoderm, the starfishAsterias forbesi, is described as possessing a chemically mediated behavioral response which is suitable for use as a bioassay in studies on chemoreception. 2. UsingA. forbesi for bioassays, it was discovered that protein extracts from the clamMercenaria mercenaria and the oysterCrassostrea virginica chemically induced the humping reflex in this animal. 3. In every case, the protein extracts from clam were more active (lower ED50) than any from oyster. The highest molecular weight-range fraction from clam (100 000 and up) was the most active and had an ED50 of 0.34×10−6 mg protein/ml seawater in the test solution. 4. In laboratory and field tests, the higher molecular weight fractions obtained from ultrafiltration techniques exhibited a pronounced activity as a search-inducing stimulant. The starfish were induced to search at speeds of up to 8 cm/min.
The Relationship of Lateral Osteotomies in Rhinoplasty to the Lacrimal Drainage System

Damage to the lacrimal drainage system is a potentially complicating factor in rhinoplasty utilizing lateral osteotomies. The authors present data from osteotomies performed on a series of fresh ca...
Chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol treatment in rhesus monkeys: differential tolerance and cross-tolerance among cannabinoids

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The extent to which behavioural effects vary as a function of CB 1 receptor agonist efficacy is not clear. These studies tested the hypothesis that cannabinoid tolerance and cross-tolerance depend upon the CB 1 agonist efficacy of drugs to which tolerance/cross-tolerance develops. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sensitivity to cannabinoids, including the cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant, low efficacy agonist Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ 9 -THC), and high efficacy agonists CP 55940 and WIN 55212-2, was determined before and after chronic Δ 9 -THC treatment in rhesus monkeys. Two measures of behavioural effect were assessed: effects of drugs to decrease fixed ratio responding for food presentation and stimulus-shock termination and discriminative stimulus effects in monkeys discriminating Δ 9 -THC (0.1 mg·kg ―1 , i.v.). KEY RESULTS Δ 9 -THC decreased responding for both food presentation and stimulus-shock termination; these effects were antagonized by the CB 1 antagonist rimonabant. Chronic Δ 9 -THC (1 mg·kg ―1 per 12 h, s.c.) resulted in tolerance to the rate-decreasing effects of Δ 9 -THC and cross-tolerance to CP 55940 and WIN 55212-2; however, cross-tolerance was less than tolerance. Chronic Δ 9 -THC increased sensitivity to rimonabant without changing sensitivity to the non-cannabinoids midazolam and ketamine. In monkeys discriminating Δ 9 -THC (0.1 mg·kg ―1 , i.v.), both CP 55940 and WIN 55212-2 produced high levels of drug-lever responding. Chronic Δ 9 -THC (1 mg·kg ―1 per day, s.c.) decreased sensitivity to Δ 9 -THC without producing cross-tolerance to CP 55940 or WIN 55212-2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In Δ 9 -THC-treated monkeys, the magnitude of tolerance and cross-tolerance to other CB 1 receptor agonists varied inversely with agonist efficacy, suggesting that CB 1 agonist efficacy is an important determinant of behavioural effects.
Lung Stem and Progenitor Cells in Tissue Homeostasis and Disease

The mammalian lung is a complex organ containing numerous putative stem/progenitor cell populations that contribute to region-specific tissue homeostasis and repair. In this review, we discuss recent advances in identifying and studying these cell populations in the context of lung homeostasis and disease. Genetically engineered mice now allow for lineage tracing of several lung stem and progenitor cell populations in vivo during different types of lung injury repair. Using specific sets of cell surface markers, these cells can also be isolated from murine and human lung and tested in 3D culture systems and in vivo transplant assays. The pathology of devastating lung diseases, including lung cancers, is likely in part due to dysregulation and dysfunction of lung stem cells. More precise characterization of stem cells with identification of new, unique markers; improvement in isolation and transplant techniques; and further development of functional assays will ultimately lead to new therapies for a host of human lung diseases. In particular, lung cancer biology may be greatly informed by findings in normal lung stem cell biology as evidence suggests that lung cancer is a disease that begins in, and may be driven by, neoplastic lung stem cells.
Independent Neuropsychological Evaluations

Unlike clinical practice, entering the realm of independent neuropsychological evaluations and similar types of nonclinical evaluations is an area of professional practice for which most neuropsychologists have little to no training. Many ethical and professional issues and challenges arise with such frequency in this type of work that it would be difficult to justify not being prepared for them. For the practitioner looking for guidance and standards of professional conduct in this arena, there are few comprehensive resources that address the range of issues raised by these types of evaluations and/or a clear standard by which to assess their competence. The purpose of this article is to provide a primer (and/or refresher) to acquaint the practitioner with some of the more salient issues associated with conducting these types of assessments and to review the pertinent literature that is evolving in relation to best practices in this area.