cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of reactivation of telomerase in breast core biopsy specimens.

Abstract Background Telomerase is not expressed in most somatic tissues, but activity has been shown in breast carcinoma and up to 90% of solid tumors. We sought to determine whether activation of telomerase, as shown by immunohistochemical staining for human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), held prognostic significance in core breast biopsy specimens. Methods We identified women with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) on core biopsy who either had underlying cancer or ADH. Immunohistochemistry with anti-hTERT antibody was performed on biopsy specimens, and staining was evaluated. Results Core biopsy specimens stained strongly with the hTERT antibody in 7 (70%) specimens with ADH on open biopsy and 6 (86%) with underlying cancer. The difference was not statistically significant ( P = .43). Conclusions Our study suggests telomerase may be activated early in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The immunohistochemical evaluating expression of hTERT does not reliably identify those patients with ADH on core biopsy who are likely to have cancer.
Scriptural Substitutions and Anonymous Citations: Judaization as Rhetorical Strategy in a Jewish Sufi Text1

In this article, I take the theme of other people’s scriptures in a slightly different direction by highlighting a case in which an instance of scriptural engagement is characterized by a notable absence rather than explicit presence. I examine the work of David ben Joshua Maimonides, a medieval Jewish author who engaged with and quoted from Muslim Sufi texts. However, in the process of writing David systematically removed references to the Qurʾān and obscured the identity of his Sufi interlocutors, a process which scholars often describe as “judaization.” However, this descriptive use of judaization often functions to obscure the complicated negotiations between an author and his or her sources. In this case, I pose judaization as an analytical problem. I argue that David left his knowing readers clues in the text that hint at the Sufi provenance of many of his ideas. The removal of qurʾānic material and the obfuscation of his Sufi sources were actually part of a clear and deliberate rhetorical strategy meant both to subvert his Sufi texts and to bolster his claims about the relationship between Sufism, biblical Judaism, and the revivification of prophecy among the Jews.
Single-molecule chemo-mechanical unfolding reveals multiple transition state barriers in a small single-domain protein

A fundamental question in protein folding is whether proteins fold through one or multiple trajectories. While most experiments indicate a single pathway, simulations suggest proteins can fold through many parallel pathways. Here, we use a combination of chemical denaturant, mechanical force and site-directed mutations to demonstrate the presence of multiple unfolding pathways in a simple, two-state folding protein. We show that these multiple pathways have structurally different transition states, and that seemingly small changes in protein sequence and environment can strongly modulate the flux between the pathways. These results suggest that in vivo, the crowded cellular environment could strongly influence the mechanisms of protein folding and unfolding. Our study resolves the apparent dichotomy between experimental and theoretical studies, and highlights the advantage of using a multipronged approach to reveal the complexities of a protein’s free-energy landscape.
Glycosylated haemoglobin and red blood cells in diabetes

Glycosylated haemoglobin has an increased affinity for oxygen [1], and in diabetics the number of red blood cells has been found to correlate with glycohaemoglobin (GHb) level [2]. If confirmed, this could indicate compensatory polycythaemia resulting from chronic hypoxaemia. We have reviewed in this respect our data relating to 79 adult diabetic males and 48 postmenopausal women, all of them living in the coastal area, non-smokers and suffering from no known heart, lung or blood diseases. No differences were found between patients treated by diet alone, oral drugs or insulin. Blood count was done in the Coulter counter, and GHb was determined by the Biorex 70 column method [3]. Results are presented in the table and show statistically significant but very weak correlation for GHb positively with of red blood cells (p = 0.04), and negatively with mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.034) in males only. Table. Red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and glycohaemoglobin (GHb) in diabetics (M + SD) Males Females
Production of Leukemia and Stomach Neoplasms in Swiss, RF, BALB/c, and C3H Female Mice by Feeding N-[4-(5-Nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide

Summary N -[4-(5-Nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]acetamide was fed to female 5-week-old Swiss mice at a dose of 0.1% by weight of diet for 13 weeks, with a cumulative dose of 490 mg/mouse/13 weeks. The mice were observed for an additional 14-week period while being fed control diet. Because of the sudden appearance of leukemia during the 13th week and cannibalization of moribund mice by other mice, only 16 mice survived at least 17 weeks to be grossly and microscopically evaluated. Of these, 15 had generalized lymphocytic leukemia and 3 had squamous cell tumors of the stomach. In the control group of 56 mice, no cancers were detected during the 27-week period of observation. For determination of the effect of dosage, groups of 30 female 5-week-old Swiss mice were fed NFTA at dietary levels of 0.1, 0.05, 0.025, and 0.01% for 14 weeks. The respective leukemia incidences were 8/9, 9/13, 8/16, and 7/14. The latent period was 12 weeks for the 0.1 and 0.05% groups and 18 weeks for the 0.025 and 0.01% groups. Stomach tumors were present in 12/52 mice. In the control group of 35 mice, 1 mouse developed a pulmonary adenoma. RF, BALB/c, and C3H female mice, regarded as having a low incidence of spontaneous leukemia, were as susceptible to the leukemogenic effect of NFTA as were Swiss mice. The following incidences of leukemia were observed after 14 weeks of feeding a diet composed of 0.1% NFTA: RF, 12/16 (controls, 3/16); BALB/c, 21/29; C3H, 12/24; and Swiss, 22/22. A low incidence of stomach tumors was found in all NFTA-treated groups.
Microlenses on the end of single-mode optical fibers for laser applications

Various microlenses are fabricated on the end of single-mode fibers using a photolithographic technique. The radii of these lenses are in the 2.6–20-μm range. The beam waist and beam waist position of these lenses are measured and compared to theoretical values derived for Gaussian beams under a paraxial ray approximation. Beam spot sizes of <0.75 μm have been achieved at 830 nm.
Tolerance of tomato varieties to lespedeza dodder

Abstract Dodder (Cuscuta) species are obligate shoot parasites that attach to stems and leaves of plants belonging to diverse families, diverting water, minerals, and metabolites, resulting in suppression of crop plants and yield reduction. Lespedeza dodder has the most diverse and numerous host range among the Cuscuta genus and is a major weed problem in tomato production in certain parts of the world, including California. At present, few resistant varieties of normally susceptible plant species have been developed or identified, and none are available in California. In this study, greenhouse and field studies were conducted to test and characterize the tolerance of commercial hybrid tomato varieties to lespedeza dodder. In greenhouse studies, Heinz varieties ‘9492’, ‘9553’, and ‘9992’ exhibited tolerance to the parasite, compared to the susceptible variety, ‘Halley 3155’. Lespedeza dodder germinated, made contact, twined around tomato stems, and adhered to them, but in most cases, haustoria failed to p...
Concentric versus eccentric isokinetic strengthening of the rotator cuff Objective data versus functional test

Twenty-two male and female college varsity tennis players trained for 6 weeks, one group using eccentric isokinetic internal and external shoulder rotation, and the second group using concentric isokinetic internal and external shoulder rotation. Subjects pretested and posttested both concentrically and eccentrically, so that training overflow and specificity could be examined. Three maximally hit tennis serves made before and after training, which were analyzed by high speed cinematography to obtain ball velocity, served as a functional performance measurement. Statistical analysis of peak torque (newton meters) and peak torque to body weight ratio have revealed significant concentric strength gains (P less than 0.005) in the concentric as well as the eccentric training groups. Eccentric strength gains were demonstrated by the concentric training group at selected speeds (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.005) but were not generated in the eccentric group at the P less than 0.05 significance level. Functional test analysis shows an increase in maximal serve velocity at a significance level of P less than 0.005 in the concentric training group, with no significant (P greater than 0.01) increases in the eccentric group.
Apparent Variation in Neanderthal Admixture among African Populations is Consistent with Gene Flow from non-African Populations

Recent studies have found evidence of introgression from Neanderthals into modern humans outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Given the geographic range of Neanderthals, the findings have been interpreted as evidence of gene exchange between Neanderthals and modern humans descended from the Out-of-Africa (OOA) migration. Here, we examine an alternative interpretation in which the introgression occurred earlier within Africa, between ancestors or relatives of Neanderthals and a subset of African modern humans who were the ancestors of those involved in the OOA migration. Under the alternative model, if the population structure among present-day Africans predates the OOA migration, we might find some African populations show a signal of Neanderthal introgression whereas others do not. To test this alternative model, we compiled a whole-genome data set including 38 sub-Saharan Africans from eight populations and 25 non-African individuals from five populations. We assessed differences in the amount of Neanderthal-like single-nucleotide polymorphism alleles among these populations and observed up to 1.5% difference in the number of Neanderthal-like alleles among African populations. Further analyses suggest that these differences are likely due to recent non-African admixture in these populations. After accounting for recent non-African admixture, our results do not support the alternative model of older (e.g., >100 kya) admixture between modern humans and Neanderthal-like hominids within Africa.
New Concepts in Thermoforming

Abstract The art, science, and engineering of thermoforming or biaxially stretching heated polymeric sheet has evolved substantially since three monographs on the subject were published in 1987. This review article updates the author's monograph [27] in the following rapidly developing areas: (a) newer thoughts on the constitutive equations of state for rubbery viscoelastic sheet; (b) the arithmetic of plane strain stretching during plug-assist thermoforming; (c) current schools of thought regarding finite element analysis, geometric analysis, and hybrid analysis for determining material distribution in thermoformed parts; (d) the unique constraints on crystallizing polyethylene terephthalate (CPET) for dual ovenable food container applications; (e) new criteria for thermoforming of multilayer rigid sheet; (f) protocols for determining steady-state physical property values in processing where regrind exhibits some property loss; and (g) some newer thoughts on the differences and similarities between press...
Optical assessment of apparent phase velocity: carotid-temporal photoplethysmograph flow waves in response to apnea

Optic sensors of blood flow can provide noninvasive assessment of elastic properties of extracranial vessels. Photoplethysmographic data can be used to assess pulse velocities as blood is transmitted from the carotid to the temporal artery. Apparent phase velocities give much information regarding the transmission of pulse waves by examining frequency characteristics of flow. The apparent phase velocities through this vascular segment increases in periods of apnea, especially in the higher frequency components, indicating response of increased vascular stiffness of the extracranial arteries.
Induction of localized differences in rat uterine radial artery behavior and structure during gestation.

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study were to investigate differences in diameter and vasoconstriction of premyometrial versus uteroplacental radial arteries and to evaluate the contribution of nitric oxide (NO) to myogenic tone as a function of vessel location. Study design Radial arteries supplying either the myometrium or placenta were dissected from the uterus of pregnant rats. Constrictor responses to pressure elevation were studied before and after inhibition of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Results Passive lumen diameters of premyometrial and proximal uteroplacental arteries were comparable and significantly smaller than those of distal uteroplacental vessels. High potassium- and pressure-induced responses were also similar in premyometrial and proximal but were virtually absent in distal uteroplacental segments. L-NNA enhanced pressure-induced tone, but was without effect in distal uteroplacental segments. Conclusion Gestational remodeling alters arterial structure and reactivity in a highly localized manner. During pregnancy, enhanced basal production of NO may be an important local mechanism for uterine blood flow regulation.
Writing about September 11, 2001: Exploration of Emotional Intelligence and the Social Environment

Linguistic characteristics of writing about the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks were evaluated through a social cognitive processing theory framework. A total of 537 people completed an Inter...
Design, verification, and test of a true single-phase 8-bit adiabatic multiplier

In this paper we present the design and experimental evaluation of an an 8-bit adiabatic multiplier with built-in self-test (BIST) logic and an internal single-phase sinusoidal power-clock generator: Both the multiplier and the BIST have been designed in SCAL-D, a true single-phase adiabatic logic family. In HSPICE simulations with post-layout extracted parasitics, our design functions correctly at frequencies exceeding 200 MHz, with total dissipation for the multiplier and BIST circuitary of 91 pJ per multiplication at 100 MHz. The chip has been fabricated in a 0.5 /spl mu/m standard CMOS process with an active area of 0.47 mm/sup 2/. Correct chip operation has been validated for operating frequencies up to 130 MHz, the limit of our experimental setup. Measured dissipation correlates well with HSPICE simulations for identical biasing conditions.
Theory and experiments on birefringent optical fibers embedded in concrete structures

Theoretical and experimental results on birefringent optical fibers embedded in concrete are presented and discussed. We study the effect of strain on the propagation of light in birefringent fibers embedded in a host material loaded under uniform compression. Both longitudinal and transverse deformations are considered in the analysis since the fiber is embedded along a direction perpendicular to the strain load. The effects of the strain on the birefringence of the fiber and the rotation of the optical axis are studied. The theoretical model is used to determine the best polarimetric system configuration to detect strain. Our experimental work was performed by embedding optical fibers in standard concrete cylinders, attaching resistive electric strain gauges on the surface, and testing the specimens under uniform compressive stress. Optical transmission data from the fiber and readings from the electric strain gauges were simultaneously recorded. >
Why Wasp Foundresses Change Nests: Relatedness, Dominance, and Nest Quality

The costs and benefits of different social options are best understood when individuals can be followed as they make different choices, something that can be difficult in social insects. In this detailed study, we follow overwintered females of the social wasp Polistes carolina through different nesting strategies in a stratified habitat where nest site quality varies with proximity to a foraging area, and genetic relatedness among females is known. Females may initiate nests, join nests temporarily or permanently, or abandon nests. Females can become helpers or egglayers, effectively workers or queens. What they actually do can be predicted by a combination of ecological and relatedness factors. Advantages through increased lifetime success of individuals and nests drives foundresses of the social wasp Polistes from solitary to social nest founding. We studied reproductive options of spring foundresses of P. carolina by monitoring individually-marked wasps and assessing reproductive success of each foundress by using DNA microsatellites. We examined what behavioral decisions foundresses make after relaxing a strong ecological constraint, shortage of nesting sites. We also look at the reproductive consequences of different behaviors. As in other Polistes, the most successful strategy for a foundress was to initiate a nest as early as possible and then accept others as subordinates. A common feature for many P. carolina foundresses was, however, that they reassessed their reproductive options by actively monitoring other nests at the field site and sometimes moving permanently to new nests should that offer better (inclusive) fitness prospects compared to their original nests. A clear motivation for moving to new nests was high genetic relatedness; by the end of the foundress period all females were on nests with full sisters.
Hydrodynamic interaction of two colloids in nonadsorbing polymer solutions

The hydrodynamic interaction between two colloids mediated by non-adsorbing polymer chains is considered for spherical colloids moving along the symmetric line. We present a resistance analysis and determine the mobility function that incorporates the polymer depletion effect. The hydrodynamic friction is calculated by solving the Stokes equation with non-uniform viscosity using the vorticity-stream function method and a bispherical coordinate transformation. The numerical results show the effective viscosity asymptotically approaches the single sphere limit of Fan et al. (T.-H. Fan, B. Xie and R. Tuinier, Phys. Rev. E., 2007, 76, 051405) for a large interparticle distance. As the particles get closer the effective viscosity decreases and finally approaches the lubrication limit, where the friction equals that of two close-approached spheres in a pure solvent. The flow analysis shows that the circulation pattern, a characteristic for the presence of the depletion layer, expands upon approach of the particles. The pressure contribution to the total drag force is determined by a competition between the lubrication force and the apparent slip effect caused by overlap of the depletion layers. The friction of the single sphere limit is only attained in the limit of an extremely small colloid volume fractions. Our results help rationalize the long-time relative diffusivity of Brownian particles in polymer solutions and this is important for a better understanding of the depletion-induced demixing kinetics.
A numerical investigation of fine particle laden flow in an oscillatory channel: the role of particle-induced density stratification

Studying particle-laden oscillatory channel flow constitutes an important step towards understanding practical application. This study aims to take a step forward in our understanding of the role of turbulence on fine-particle transport in an oscillatory channel and the back effect of fine particles on turbulence modulation using an Eulerian-Eulerian framework. In particular, simulations presented in this study are selected to investigate wave-induced fine sediment transport processes in a typical coastal setting. Our modelling framework is based on a simplified two-way coupled formulation that is accurate for particles of small Stokes number (St). As a first step, the instantaneous particle velocity is calculated as the superposition of the local fluid velocity and the particle settling velocity while the higher-order particle inertia effect neglected. Correspondingly, only the modulation of carrier flow is due to particle-induced density stratification quantified by the bulk Richardson number, Ri. In this paper, we fixed the Reynolds number to be Re Δ = 1000 and varied the bulk Richardson number over a range (Ri = 0, 1 × 10 -4 , 3 × 10 -4 and 6 x 10 -4 ). The simulation results reveal critical processes due to different degrees of the particle-turbulence interaction. Essentially, four different regimes of particle transport for the given Re Δ are observed: (i) the regime where virtually no turbulence modulation in the case of very dilute condition, i.e. Ri ~ 0; (ii) slightly modified regime where slight turbulence attenuation is observed near the top of the oscillatory boundary layer. However, in this regime a significant change can be observed in the concentration profile with the formation of a lutocline; (iii) regime where flow laminarization occurs during the peak flow, followed by shear instability during the flow reversal. A significant reduction in the oscillatory boundary layer thickness is also observed; (iv) complete laminarization due to strong particle-induced stable density stratification.
Mapping and attribution of change in streamflow in the coterminous United States

An increasing trend in global streamflow has been variously attributed to global warming, land use, and a re- duction in plant transpiration under higher CO2 levels. To separate these influences for the coterminous United States, we use a set of over 1000 United States Geological Sur- vey stream gauges primarily from small, minimally disturbed watersheds to estimate annual streamflow per unit area since 1920 on a uniform grid. We find that changing precipitation, which is not clearly correlated with greenhouse gas concen- trations or global warming, explains most of the interannual and longer term variability in streamflow. While streamflow has indeed increased since 1920, this increase has not been steady but rather concentrated in the late 1960s, when precip- itation increased. Since the early 1990s, both precipitation and streamflow show nonsignificant declining trends. Multi- ple regression of streamflow against precipitation, tempera- ture and CO2 suggests that higher CO2 levels may increase streamflow, presumably from lower transpiration due to the physiological plant response to CO2, but that this positive re- sponse is offset by concomitant increasing evaporation due to global warming. The net impact of the opposing climate and physiological effects of CO2 emissions for streamflow is close to zero for the coterminous United States taken as a whole, but shows regional variation. Streamflow at a given amount of annual precipitation has decreased in the Pacific west, where most precipitation occurs in winter. Suppression of plant transpiration through higher CO2 levels may be par- ticularly important for sustaining high streamflow in recent decades in the Great Plains, where precipitation is concen- trated during the growing season.
On the American option‐pricing model with an uncertain volatility

In this paper, we study an American option-pricing model with an uncertain volatility. Some properties for the option price are derived. Particularly, a global spread for the option price is proved when the volatility depends on the underlying security and time. This result confirms the observed fact from the real financial data in option markets. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large scale multi-fingered end-effector teleoperation

Large multi-fingered end-effectors have promise to provide the added dexterity needed for manipulation while decreasing the amount of special fixturing required for tooling and object manipulation common to remote handling operations in hazardous and unstructured environments such as those in the nuclear domain. This paper presents the integration of a heavy-duty three-fingered articulated hand with a Schilling Titan hydraulic manipulator that is part of a comprehensive telerobotics test bed. Experiments demostrated that a multi-fingered end effector approach has distinct benefits and advantages.
Neurochemical alteration in the caudate: Implications for the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder

Abstract Several lines of evidence suggest that the neuropathophysiology of bipolar disorder is marked by structural and functional abnormalities in the caudate. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) to examine potential neurochemical changes in the caudate of adult bipolar patients (BP). 2D-MRSI scans including the caudate were obtained from 25 BP and 9 healthy subjects (HS). BP patients were further divided into medicated ( n =14) and unmedicated ( n =11) groups; the majority of medicated patients received atypical antipsychotics (AAP). Ratios of Cr/Cho, Cho/NAA and Cr/NAA in the caudate were compared between groups, controlling for age, gender and gray/white ratio. BP and HS did not significantly differ on any ratios. The Cr/Cho ratio, however, was significantly greater in medicated BP compared to HS. Conversely, the Cho/NAA ratio was non-significantly lower in medicated BP vs. HS. Medicated BP also showed significantly greater Cr/Cho and significantly smaller Cho/NAA ratios than unmedicated BP. Although we did not observe significant overall differences between BP and HS, our findings suggest the presence of reduced choline levels in the caudate of medicated BP receiving AAP. While speculative, these results suggest that AAP do not cause oxidative injury to neuronal membranes.
An Experimental Architecture for Observation of Triage Related Decision Making

The interpretation and use of standard triage protocols differ widely among first responders. We believe that experience among first responders is a major cause of these differences. The intent of this study is twofold; to present a novel design for an experimental architecture to observe first responders perform triage, and to use the experimental architecture in a pilot study to explore the hypotheses that expert first responders deviate from standard triage protocols, and experience makes expert first responders deviate from standard triage protocols and leads to more accurate triage assessments because experts consider physiological variables not looked at in standard triage protocols and recognize subtle physiological trends indicative of injury. Results from the pilot study demonstrated that particular physiological information given to expert subjects consistently caused the expert subjects to assign a higher triage assessment category than the START protocol dictated. This key physiological information included drops in the oxygen saturation level, prolonged airway obstruction, and signs of a serious internal injury.
Observations on the role of sulfhydryl groups in the enzymatic activity of myosin

Abstract Low concentrations of p-chloromercuribenzoate (PCMB), Cu++, Cd++, and Zn++ enhance the ATPase activity of myosin while high concentrations inhibit. The presence of ATP reduces the rate at which high concentrations of PCMB, Cu++, Cd++, or Zn++ inactivate myosin. The presence of ATP also reduces the rate at which low concentrations of PCMB or N-ethylmaleimide activate myosin ATPase. The activating effects of low concentrations of Cu++ and PCMB are additive, as are the inactivating effects of high concentrations of Cu++ and PCMB. The effects of Zn++ and Cd++ but not Cu++ can be partially reversed by dialysis against cysteine, AET, or EDTA. With increasing time of exposure at 0 °C., Cu++, Cd++, and Zn++ all become more potent inhibitors. At high pH, Cd++ and Zn++ become more potent inhibitors of myosin, but Cu++ becomes a very weak inhibitor. At low pH, Cu++ only inhibits myosin ATPase. The curve of ATPase versus pH in the presence of Cu++ resembles a titration curve with a “ p K” near 7.5. Myosin that has been extensively treated with trypsin shows no change in the pH dependence of its ATPase activity either in the presence or in the absence of PCMB. It is suggested that two —SH groups, with different effects on ATPase activity and different reactivities toward —SH reagents, are involved in the functioning of the active site.
New Organic Crystals for Pulse Shape Discrimination

Efficient, readily-available, low-cost, high-energy neutron detectors can play a central role in detecting illicit nuclear weapons since neutrons are a strong indication for the presence of fissile material such as Plutonium and Highly-Enriched Uranium. The main challenge in detecting fast neutrons consists in the discrimination of the signal from the gamma radiation background. At present, the only well-investigated organic crystal scintillator for fast neutron detection, in a n/gamma mixed field, is stilbene, which while offering good pulse shape discrimination, is not widely used because of its limited availability and high cost.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Anxiolytics and Hypnotics in the Elderly

Part I of this article, which appeared in the previous issue of the Journal, discussed the scope of and scientific basis for special pharmacokinetic studies of anxiolytic and hypnotic drugs in the elderly, and examined the methodology and results of such studies and the prediction of pharmacokinetic changes. In Part II the authors continue their review, focusing on age-related pharmacodynamic changes in the effects of these drugs, the attempts to correlate pharmacokinetic with pharmacodynamic findings, and the clinical applications of these data.
Hysteroscopic Sterilization Failure Following Post-Procedure Confirmatory Test Indicating Tubal Occlusion.

ABSTRACT Background: Hysteroscopic sterilization procedure has gained traction in the past decade as a means of contraception advertised to be 99.83% effective following successful sterilization coil placement and postprocedure hysterosalpingogram confirmation of proper coil positioning and tubal occlusion. Case: A 44-year-old female underwent a second sterilization procedure after delivering a pregnancy that occurred following a reportedly successful hysteroscopic sterilization procedure and subsequent confirmatory testing demonstrating appropriate sterilization coil placement and tubal occlusion. During the second sterilization procedure, a coil device was visible perforating through the left uterine cornua. Conclusion: Following hysteroscopic sterilization, confirmatory testing may demonstrate the appearance of tubal occlusion and proper coil placement when the sterilization devices are incorrectly placed and the fallopian tubes patent.
Coupled reversion and stream-hyporheic exchange processes increase environmental persistence of trenbolone metabolites

Existing regulatory frameworks for aquatic pollutants in the United States are idealized, often lacking mechanisms to account for contaminants characterized by (1) bioactivity of both the parent and transformation products and (2) reversible transformations (that is, metastable products) driven by chemical or physical heterogeneities. Here, we modelled a newly discovered product-to-parent reversion pathway for trenbolone acetate (TBA) metabolites. We show increased exposure to the primary metabolite, 17α-trenbolone (17α-TBOH), and elevated concentrations of the still-bioactive primary photoproduct hydroxylated 17α-TBOH, produced via phototransformation and then converted back to 17α-trenbolone in perpetually dark hyporheic zones that exchange continuously with surface water photic zones. The increased persistence equates to a greater potential hazard from parent-product joint bioactivity at locations and times when reversion is a dominant trenbolone fate pathway. Our study highlights uncertainties and vulnerabilities with current paradigms in risk characterization.
Criminal Injustice: A Cost Analysis of Wrongful Convictions, Errors, and Failed Prosecutions in California’s Criminal Justice System

Mistakes, incompetence and malfeasance in our criminal justice system can have serious and lifelong consequences on the person prosecuted, and can compromise the public’s belief in the system. Although much has been examined regarding small sample sets of individuals for whom there is uniform agreement on innocence, thousands of other defendants are subjected to these flawed prosecutions. This report analyzes a dataset of 692 adult felony criminal cases in California, the majority from 2000 – 2012, wherein the defendant was convicted of felony or felonies, the convictions were reversed, and the charges were either dismissed or the defendant subsequently found not guilty on retrial. The individuals in the study endured hundreds of trials, mistrials, appeals, and habeas petitions and served more than two thousand years in prison and jail, at a total cost to California taxpayers of more than $282 million, adjusted for inflation. The document examines the types of cases susceptible to error, the types of error that exist, and the direct costs of incarceration, representation, and compensation attributable to these cases and their ultimate resolution. In the absence of data relating to the taxpayer costs for trial, the report suggest a methodology to estimate taxpayer costs for cases that proceed to trial and cases that settle prior to trial, grouped by type of crime.
System-Equation ADL Test for Threshold Cointegration with an Application to the Term Structure of Interest Rates

This paper proposes a new system-equation test for threshold cointegration based on a threshold vector autoregressive distributed lag (ADL) model. The new test can be applied when the cointegrating vector is unknown and when weak exogeneity fails. The asymptotic null distribution of the new test is derived, critical values are tabulated and finite-sample properties are examined. In particular, the new test is shown to have good size, so the bootstrap is not required. The new test is illustrated using the long-term and short-term interest rates. We show that the system-equation model can shed light on both asymmetric adjustment speeds and asymmetric adjustment roles. The latter is unavailable in the single-equation testing strategy.
Animal Models: No Model Is Perfect, but Many Are Useful

Abstract Full evaluation of the interactions between a virus and host during infection and clearance requires a living organism. A live animal is also necessary for development of vaccines requiring evaluation of immunogenicity and an immune response that protects from challenge. Study of the natural host for the virus is ideal, but often not possible. Mice have emerged over the last 60 years as the most popular animal model for studying viral pathogenesis due to extensive genetic and immunologic characterization, wide availability of reagents, inbred and transgenic strains, and small size. However, responses in mice are not always predictive of those in the natural host. Other species commonly used include guinea pigs, ferrets, chickens, and nonhuman primates. When choosing an animal model for a study, factors to be considered include host susceptibility to the infection, animal size, cost, availability of housing and reagents, potential confounding coinfections, and ethical restrictions.
Structural Models of Negatively Curved Graphitic Carbon

We have developed an automatic computational method for generating graphitic carbon structures. We propose models for crystalline and amorphous forms of carbon consisting of a single negatively curved graphitic sheet forming an extended structure. Stability and elastic properties are computed using an energy estimate fit to local density approximation(LDA) calculations. These forms of carbon are found to be more stable than C60. The radial distribution function for the random structures closely matches that of films of amorphous carbon grown on NaCI substrates from sublimated graphite.
A summary of benchmark examples to assess the performance of quasi-static delamination propagation prediction capabilities in finite element codes:

The development and application of benchmark examples for the assessment of quasi-static delamination propagation capabilities is demonstrated. The methodology proposed, based on fracture mechanics...
Experimental Study on Bearing Performance and Influential Factors for Transmission-line Rock Anchor Foundation

Rock anchor foundation is the one generalized for application in transmission lines.In view of the fact that 500 kV transmission line passes the geological conditions of widespread weathered rock,this test makes three types of field test including single anchor,straight anchor and a group of anchor in place.The relationship curves of uplift loading and uplift displacement and bearing capacity are obtained.The bearing capacity can satisfy the design requirements of 500kV power transmission line foundation.Based on the load-displacement relation,the paper analyses the bearing performance of rock anchor foundation,the affecting rule to overturning resistance about rock anchor dimension,weathered degree of the rock and a group of anchor effect.The results show that the influence of the rock anchor diameter on the overturning resistance is great;for anchor exists effective uplift anchorage depth,an increase in the anchor depth to improve the bearing capacity is not obvious if it more than the effective uplift anchorage depth.The influence of weathered degree of the rock on the overturning resistance is small,and also there is no influence of a group of anchor effect in this test.
Cell movements and cell fate during zebrafish gastrulation.

The early lineages of the zebrafish are indeterminate and a single cell labeled before the late blastula period will contribute progeny to a variety of tissues. Therefore, early cell lineages in the zebrafish do not establish future cell fates and early blastomeres must necessarily remain pluripotent. Eventually, after a period of random cell mixing, individual cells do become tissue restricted according to their later position within the blastoderm. The elucidation of a fate map for the zebrafish gastrula (Kimmel et al., 1990), has made it possible to study the processes by which cellular identity is conferred and maintained in the zebrafish. In this chapter, I describe single cell transplantation experiments designed to test for the irreversible restriction or ‘commitment’ of embryonic blastomeres in the zebrafish embryo. These experiments support the hypothesis that cell fate in the vertebrate embryo is determined by cell position. Work on the spadetail mutation will also be reviewed; this mutation causes a subset of mesodermal precursors to mismigrate during gastrulation thereby leading to a change in their eventual cell identity.
Rationality, reasoning and rules: reflections on Broome’s rationality through reasoning

The paper provides a critical discussion of some key aspects of John Broome’s theories of rationality, reasoning and the relations between them.
Selfishly benevolent or benevolently selfish: When self-interest undermines versus promotes prosocial behavior

Abstract Existing research shows that appeals to self-interest sometimes increase and sometimes decrease prosocial behavior. We propose that this inconsistency is in part due to the framings of these appeals. Different framings generate different salient reference points, leading to different assessments of the appeal. Study 1 demonstrates that buying an item with the proceeds going to charity evokes a different set of alternative behaviors than donating and receiving an item in return. Studies 2 and 3a-g establish that people are more willing to act, and give more when they do, when reading the former framing than the latter. Study 4 establishes ecological validity by replicating the effect in a field experiment assessing participants’ actual charitable contributions. Finally, Study 5 provides additional process evidence via moderation for the proposed mechanism. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings and suggest avenues for future research.
How do the Romans feel when visitors 'do as the Romans do'? Diversity ideologies and trust in evaluations of cultural accommodation

Past research finds foreign visitors who accommodate their behavior to local norms to a moderate degree are appreciated more than those who accommodate little, but more extreme accommodation does n...
Epigenetic basis of the dark side of alcohol addiction

Alcoholism is a complex brain disease characterized by three distinct stages of the addiction cycle that manifest as neuroadaptive changes in the brain. One such stage of the addiction cycle is alcohol withdrawal and the negative affective states that promote drinking and maintain addiction. Repeated alcohol use, genetic predisposition to alcoholism and anxiety, and alcohol exposure during crucial developmental periods all contribute to the development of alcohol-induced withdrawal and negative affective symptoms. Epigenetic modifications within the amygdala have provided a molecular basis of these negative affective symptoms, also known as the dark side of addiction. Here, we propose that allostatic change within the epigenome in the amygdala is a prime mechanism of the biological basis of negative affective states resulting from, and contributing to, alcoholism. Acute alcohol exposure produces an anxiolytic response which is associated with the opening of chromatin due to increased histone acetylation, increased CREB binding protein (CBP) levels, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition. After chronic ethanol exposure, these changes return to baseline along with anxiety-like behaviors. However, during withdrawal, histone acetylation decreases due to increased HDAC activity and decreased CBP levels in the amygdala circuitry leading to the development of anxiety-like behaviors. Additionally, innately higher expression of the HDAC2 isoform leads to a deficit in global and gene-specific histone acetylation in the amygdala that is associated with a decrease in the expression of several synaptic plasticity-associated genes and maintaining heightened anxiety-like behavior and excessive alcohol intake. Adolescent alcohol exposure also leads to higher expression of HDAC2 and a deficit in histone acetylation leading to decreased expression of synaptic plasticity-associated genes and high anxiety and drinking behavior in adulthood. All these studies indicate that the epigenome can undergo allostatic reprogramming in the amygdaloid circuitry during various stages of alcohol exposure. Furthermore, opening the chromatin by inhibiting HDACs using pharmacological or genetic manipulations can lead to the attenuation of anxiety as well as alcohol intake. Chromatin remodeling provides a clear biological basis for the negative affective states seen during alcohol addiction and presents opportunities for novel drug development and treatment options. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "Alcoholism".
Reporting of mitotic rate in cutaneous melanoma: A study using the national cancer data base.

Background The seventh edition of the American Joint Commission on Cancer staging manual (AJCC7, published 2009), updated thin cutaneous melanoma staging protocols with the incorporation of mitotic rate (MR). In these patients, higher MR is associated with decreased survival. This study utilizes the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to evaluate MR reporting since AJCC7. Methods The NCDB was queried for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma from 1998 to 2013. Because MR reporting was infrequent prior to implementing AJCC7, records from 2010 to 2013 were analyzed. Categorical variables were compared with chi-square tests; univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to determine the effects of covariates on MR reporting. Results A total of 107,134 patients met inclusion criteria. From 2010 to 2013, MR reporting increased dramatically (64.3-80.9%). On multivariate analysis, factors significantly related to increased MR reporting include later diagnosis year, T-classification (T1a and b vs. T1), facility type (academic vs. other specified types of cancer programs), facility volume, patient income, level of education, and county population (metropolitan vs. urban and rural). Conclusions MR reporting increased dramatically after the introduction of AJCC7; however, disparities in reporting remain across facility types. Further investigation of procedures performed in academic settings that may influence reporting of MR is warranted. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:281-286. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beam-induced back-streaming electron suppression analysis for an accelerator type neutron generator designed for 40Ar/39Ar geochronology

A facility based on a next-generation, high-flux D-D neutron generator has been commissioned and it is now operational at the University of California, Berkeley. The current generator designed for 40Ar/39Ar dating of geological materials produces nearly monoenergetic 2.45MeV neutrons at outputs of 108n/s. The narrow energy range is advantageous relative to the 235U fission spectrum neutrons due to (i) reduced 39Ar recoil energy, (ii) minimized production of interfering argon isotopes from K, Ca, and Cl, and (iii) reduced total activity for radiological safety and waste generation. Calculations provided show that future conditioning at higher currents and voltages will allow for a neutron output of over 1010n/s, which is a necessary requirement for production of measurable quantities of 39Ar through the reaction 39K(n,p)39Ar. A significant problem encountered with increasing deuteron current was beam-induced electron backstreaming. Two methods of suppressing secondary electrons resulting from the deuterium beam striking the target were tested: the application of static electric and magnetic fields. Computational simulations of both techniques were done using a finite element analysis in COMSOL Multiphysics®. Experimental tests verified these simulations. The most reliable suppression was achieved via the implementation of an electrostatic shroud with a voltage offset of -800V relative to the target.