cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of a 12-Week Group-Based Compassion Focused Therapy Intervention on Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) is considered an index of self-regulatory capacity, and trait compassion predicts healthy HRV and self-regulation. Compassion focused psychotherapy interventions have been shown to increase levels of compassion in the general population but no studies to date have examined if these interventions also increase HRV in a distressed clinical sample. The present study examined whether a 12-week compassion focused therapy intervention administered in group format would improve resting HRV and impact HRV reactivity during self-critical writing and self-compassion writing tasks administered before and after the intervention. A total of 31 participants in a university counseling center completed the intervention and HRV assessments. Resting HRV did not significantly change over the course of the intervention in the overall sample. Only those who showed a reliable increase in self-compassion also had a significant increase in resting HRV post-intervention. Additionally, the self-critical writing task was associated with a significant decrease in HRV, with HRV staying low during self-compassionate writing and then significantly increasing during recovery. Reliable change in self-compassion predicted increased HRV reactivity to self-critical and self-compassion writing tasks following the intervention, indicating greater engagement with the task. Findings support the idea that increased self-compassion increases HRV reactivity and potentially strengthens ability to engage with difficult emotions in psychotherapy.
An Environmental Station with Bioimpedance Capabilities for Agricultural Deployment

The majority of recent studies on precision agriculture have focused on a variety of imaging techniques to assess the phenotypical state of crops. This approach is limited by the time delay between the stressor occurrence and the visible physiological change and the dependence of measurements on weather conditions. As a novel and alternative method, we have developed a low-cost system combining the measurements of environmental parameters with tracking of the electrophysiological changes in the plant body. These include the measurement of photosynthetically active radiation, volumetric water content, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, and bioelectrical impedance of the plant. We demonstrate a potential application of this system for monitoring the diurnal behavior and drought response of plants.
Telomere length in hematopoietic cell transplant.

In this issue of Blood, Myllymaki et al evaluated the role of pretransplant leukocyte telomere length (LTL) on survival outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The authors found associations between recipient short LTL and poor overall survival and high risk of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) after unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT).
Electrospun microfibers with embedded leuco dye-based thermochromic material for textile applications:

Electrospinning is an inexpensive and versatile technique for fabricating micro- and nano- scaled fibers. There have been limited attempts to employ it for the fabrication of thermochromic (TC) fib...
Machine learning approaches to IoT security: A systematic literature review

Abstract With the continuous expansion and evolution of IoT applications, attacks on those IoT applications continue to grow rapidly. In this systematic literature review (SLR) paper, our goal is to provide a research asset to researchers on recent research trends in IoT security. As the main driver of our SLR paper, we proposed six research questions related to IoT security and machine learning. This extensive literature survey on the most recent publications in IoT security identified a few key research trends that will drive future research in this field. With the rapid growth of large scale IoT attacks, it is important to develop models that can integrate state of the art techniques and technologies from big data and machine learning. Accuracy and efficiency are key quality factors in finding the best algorithms and models to detect IoT attacks in real or near real-time
Surgical repair of a giant coronary artery aneurysm

We present a rare case of a giant coronary aneurysm of the circumflex artery measuring 4.8 × 4.2 × 7.2 cm in a 67-year-old man, recently diagnosed with type B aortic dissection. Surgical management was successfully performed by proximal end ligation and bypass of the dual-ostium distal end with a reverse saphenous vein graft.
Adverse effects of chronic steroid use following thyroidectomy

ABSTRACT Background : Prior to thyroid surgery, a subset of patients chronically uses steroids to manage medical conditions such as Grave's disease, auto-immune conditions, or organ transplantation. Existing literature describes adverse effects of prolonged steroid use on surgical outcomes, however there remains a paucity of data investigating the specific effects of steroid use on postoperative outcomes after thyroidectomy. This study aims to identify complication risks steroid users are predisposed to after thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods : The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (ACS-NSQIP) was queried to identify and isolate all patients who had undergone thyroidectomy procedures by Current Procedure Terminology codes from 2005 through 2018. Univariate analysis was performed to compare steroid uses and non-steroid users. Coarsened exact matching was utilized to homogenize the two cohorts based on demographics and preoperative comorbidities. Results : A total of 153,595 thyroidectomies were initially included. After Coarsened exact matching, 116,861 patients were categorized as non-steroid users, and 2,965 as steroid users. The steroid cohort demonstrated significantly higher rates of any complication (P Conclusions : Patients with chronic steroid use undergoing thyroidectomy are at an increased risk for surgical, cardiopulmonary, and renal complications. Further research on preoperative steroid management is necessary for optimizing outcomes in this population.
Outcomes of Active Surveillance for Men With Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis.

ABSTRACT Objective To assesses if active surveillance (AS) is an appropriate treatment modality for patients with intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa) utilizing population-level data to compare the survival outcomes of men with low risk (LR) and IR PCa initially treated with AS, watchful waiting (WW) or active treatment (AT). Methods In total, 166,244 patients were initially identified in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database using biopsy Gleason grade group (GG) alone—GG1 and GG2. In total, 94,891 patients with GG1 and GG2 disease were further stratified by National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk categories—LR, favorable IR (fIR), and unfavorable IR (uIR). Predictors of cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed, stratified by risk classification and initial treatment—AT (first-line curative surgery or radiotherapy), AS or WW, utilizing the new “Watchful waiting recode (2010+)” variable. Results We found GG2 patients on AS had worse CSS and OS than GG2 patients who received AT and GG1 patients treated with AS or AT; these trends persist within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network fIR and uIR cohorts. WW patients (GG1, GG2, LR, fIR, and uIR) had the worst survival outcomes of any cohort (log-rank tests P Conclusions We demonstrate a significantly worse 5-year CSS and OS for men with GG2, fIR, and uIR PCa treated with AS compared to AT. Our analysis suggests that AS should not be the preferred treatment modality for IR PCa.
Sphenopalatine Artery Bleeding from Maxillary Mega-Antrostomy

A 23-year-old female with a history of cystic fibrosis presented to the rhinology clinic with a long-standing history of facial pressure and purulent discharge. The patient had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) twice previously, most recently 3 years ago. On endoscopic exam, the patient was noted to have thick purulent secretions in the left maxillary sinus that were visualized through the prior antrostomy. CT imaging demonstrated persistent pansinusitis. After counseling about management options, the patient elected to undergo revision ESS with left maxillary mega-antrostomy, for symptomatic benefit in CF-related CRS with chronic purulent drainage [1]. The surgery was uncomplicated, and at the first postoperative appointment 9 days later, the patient was noted to have bothersome obstructive nasal crusting and dry clot emanating from the surgical site, adherent to the posterior inferior turbinate stump (Fig. 18.1). After topical administration of lidocaine and decongestant in the clinic, the clot and crust were removed with minimal effort, and almost immediately the patient began experiencing a large volume bleed from the debrided area. Bleeding slowed with placement of nonabsorbable packing, however, the patient continued to bleed and required placement of two 8-cm polyvinyl acetate packs in the left nasal cavity to achieve temporary hemostasis.
Impact of occupational heat stress on worker productivity and economic cost

Heat stress is a growing concern in the occupational setting as it endangers worker health, safety, and productivity. Heat-related reductions in physical work capacity and missed workdays directly and indirectly cause productivity losses and may substantially affect the economic wellbeing of the organization. This review highlights the physiological, physical, psychological, and financial harms of heat stress on worker productivity and proposes strategies to quantify heat-related productivity losses. Heat stress produces a vicious-cycle feedback loop that result in adverse outcomes on worker health, safety, and productivity. We propose a theoretical model for implementing an occupational heat safety plan that disrupts this loop, preventing heat-related productivity losses while improving worker health and safety.
Intrinsic fatigue crack propagation in aluminum-lithium alloys - The effect of gaseous environments

Gaseous environmental effects on intrinsic fatigue crack growth are significant for the Al-Li-Cu alloy 2090, peak aged. For both moderate Delta K-low R and low Delta K-high R regimes, crack growth rates decrease according to the environment order: purified water vapor, moist air, helium and oxygen. Gaseous environmental effects are pronounced near threshold and are not closure dominated. Here, embrittlement by low levels of H2O (ppm) supports hydrogen embrittlement and suggests that molecular transport controlled cracking, established for high Delta K-low R, is modified near threshold. Localized crack tip reaction sites or high R crack opening shape may enable the strong, environmental effect at low levels of Delta K. Similar crack growth in He and O2 eliminates the contribution of surface films to fatigue damage in alloy 2090. While 2090 and 7075 exhibit similar environmental trends, the Al-Li-Cu alloy is more resistant to intrinsic corrosion fatigue crack growth.
Administration of progesterone to cows with ovarian follicular cysts results in a reduction in mean LH and LH pulse frequency and initiates ovulatory follicular growth.

Cows with ovarian follicular cysts were treated with progesterone to determine whether a reduction in LH concentrations and initiation of ovulatory follicular waves would occur. Cysts were diagnosed using transrectal ultrasonography when single follicular structures > 20 mm or multiple structures > 15 mm in diameter were present for 7 d in the presence of low progesterone concentrations. Three groups were studied: 1) cows with normal estrous cycles (CYC, n = 8); 2) cows with untreated cysts (CYST, n = 7); and 3) cows with cysts treated with two progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (PRID, n = 8) for 9 d. Ovaries were examined with transrectal ultrasonography, and blood samples were collected daily for analysis of progesterone and FSH. Serial blood samples for determination of mean LH and LH pulse frequency were collected on d 0 (CYST and PRID cows only), 1, 5, 9, and 10. Progesterone concentrations were higher in PRID cows than in CYST cows throughout the PRID treatment period (P < .002). On d 0, LH pulse frequency was similar (P = .10) in PRID (6.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and CYST cows (5.1+/-.6 pulses/8 h), but mean LH tended to be higher (P = .054) on d 0 in PRID cows (2.5+/-.2 ng/mL) than in CYST cows (1.9+/-.2 ng/mL). Mean LH and LH pulse frequency decreased (P < .002) by d 1 in PRID cows (1.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 1.8+/-.6 pulses/8 h) compared with CYST cows (2.1+/-.2 ng/mL, 5.6+/-.6 pulses/8 h) and remained lower throughout most of the experimental period. The FSH concentrations were higher (P < .01) in PRID cows than in CYC and CYST cows on d 3 and 4. The increase in FSH concentrations preceded emergence of the PRID-induced follicular wave. All PRID cows and four of seven CYST cows initiated new follicular waves during the period of PRID treatment. Follicular waves were initiated later (P < .05) in CYST cows (d 5.2+/-1.7) and PRID cows (d 5.5+/-.6) than in CYC cows (d 1.8+/-.3). Cysts were smaller (P < .01) at the end of the treatment period in PRID cows compared with CYST cows. No CYST cows ovulated, but all PRID cows ovulated newly developed follicles 3 or 4 d after PRID removal. Treatment with exogenous progesterone reduced LH in cows with cysts, and this was followed by development of normal ovulatory follicles.
Testosterone Need Questioned

To the Editor.— We have read with interest the report of Rosenfeld et al1 describing the effects of testosterone treatment in boys with constitutional growth delay. We are concerned, however, by a number of methodologic flaws, which may have led the authors to recommend testosterone where none is needed. On entry into the study, the treatment and control groups are not similar and thus, not comparable. The treatment group is significantly taller (149.9 v 143.0 cm, P .05).
The catalytic isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 9-cis-retinal and 13-cis-retinal.

Abstract Nucleophiles, including dihydroflavins, dithiols, dihydrofolate, tetrahydrofolate, and dehydroascorbate, were found to promote the geometrical isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 9-cis-retinal and 13-cis-retinal. No trace of the 11-cis or 9,13-di-cis isomers could be detected among the products. If isomerization of all-trans-retinal occurred in the presence of bleached particulate rhodopsin, the photosensitive pigment isorhodopsin was produced. No tritium was incorporated into all-trans-, 9-cis-, or 13-cis-retinal when the isomerization reaction was carried out with stannous chloride and FMN in tritiated water. Dihydroflavins, the most active agents for the production of 9-cis-retinal, functioned catalytically and were effective at concentrations as low as 1 µm. They did not catalyze the isomerization of all-trans-retinol. In the absence of catalyst, all-trans-retinal and all-trans-retinol were both resistant to thermal isomerization in the physiological range of pH and temperature. The capacity of photoreceptor membrane preparations to promote the isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 9-cis-retinal, when they were incubated anaerobically in the presence of stannous chloride, suggests that they contain reducible endogenous flavin. The recombination of chromophore molecule with apoprotein in bleached photoreceptor membrane preparations was largely completed within about 1 min and proceeded about 20 times faster than the rate of isomerization of all-trans-retinal to 9-cis-retinal in the presence of 0.1 mm dihydro-FMN and about 80 times faster than the isomerization facilitated by the endogenous catalyst. A convenient method has been devised for the preparation of dihydroriboflavin.
Species identification of oral viridans streptococci by restriction fragment polymorphism analysis of rRNA genes.

Oral streptococci formerly classified as Streptococcus sanguis have been divided into six genetic groups. Methods to identify those species by genotype are needed. This study compared restriction fragment polymorphisms of rRNA genes (ribotypes) for seven S. gordonii, three S. sanguis, four S. oralis, three S. mitis, one S. crista, and seven S. parasanguis strains classified in previous DNA hybridization studies, as well as one clinical isolate. DNA was digested with HindIII, PvuII, HindIII and PvuII combined, EcoRI, BamHI, AatII, AlwNI, and DraII. DNA fragments were hybridized with a digoxigenin-labeled cDNA probe obtained by reverse transcription of Escherichia coli 16S and 23S rRNA. S. oralis, S. mitis, and S. parasanguis all showed an isolated 2,290-bp band in AatII ribotypes that was absent from S. gordonii, S. sanguis, and S. crista. The last three groups showed species-specific bands with AatII and also with PvuII. S. oralis could be distinguished from S. mitis and S. parasanguis in AlwNI and DraII ribotypes. S. mitis and S. parasanguis could not be distinguished, since they shared multiple bands in PvuII, AlwNI, and EcoRI patterns. The clinical isolate in the panel was very similar to S. sanguis by all enzymes used. Our findings suggest that ribotyping may be useful for genotypic identification of oral viridans streptococci. Initial digests of clinical isolates might be made with AatII, followed by PvuII or AlwNI. Isolates then could be identified by comparing ribotype patterns with those of reference strains. This approach could facilitate clinical studies of these newly defined species. Images
A new method to efficiently induce a site‐specific double‐strand break in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Double-strand DNA breaks are a serious threat to cellular viability and yeast systems have proved invaluable in helping to understand how these potentially toxic lesions are sensed and repaired. An important method to study the processing of DNA breaks in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is to introduce a unique double-strand break into the genome by regulating the expression of the site-specific HO endonuclease with a galactose inducible promoter. Variations of the HO site-specific DSB assay have been adapted to many organisms, but the methodology has seen only limited use in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe because of the lack of a promoter capable of inducing endonuclease expression on a relatively short time scale (~1 h). We have overcome this limitation by developing a new assay in which expression of the homing endonuclease I-PpoI is tightly regulated with a tetracycline-inducible promoter. We show that induction of the I-PpoI endonuclease produces rapid cutting of a defined cleavage site (> 80% after 1 h), efficient cell cycle arrest and significant accumulation of the checkpoint protein Crb2 at break-adjacent regions in a manner that is analogous to published findings with DSBs produced by an acute exposure to ionizing irradiation. This assay provides an important new tool for the fission yeast community and, because many aspects of mammalian chromatin organization have been well-conserved in Sz. pombe but not in S. cerevisiae, also offers an attractive system to decipher the role of chromatin structure in modulating the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward an Ecological/Transactional Model of Community Violence and Child Maltreatment: Consequences for Children’s Development

In recent decades it has become increasingly apparent that violence affects a significant proportion of families in the United States (Bureau of Justice Statistics 1983). Violence, in fact, is becoming a defining characteristic of American society. A recent comparison of the rates of homicide among 21 developed nations indicates that the United States has the highest homicide rate in the world, and its rate is more than four times higher than the next highest rate (Fingerhut and Kleinman 1990). What is even more alarming is the high incidence of violent death and injury for children and adolescents in the United States. Acts of violence are the cause of death for over 2000 children between the ages of 0 and 19 years each year, and more than 1.5 million children and adolescents are abused by their adult caretakers each year (Christoffel 1990).
Unsupervised discrimination of patterns in spiking neural networks with excitatory and inhibitory synaptic plasticity

A spiking neural network model is described for learning to discriminate among spatial patterns in an unsupervised manner. The network anatomy consists of source neurons that are activated by external inputs, a reservoir that resembles a generic cortical layer with an excitatory-inhibitory (EI) network and a sink layer of neurons for readout. Synaptic plasticity in the form of STDP is imposed on all the excitatory and inhibitory synapses at all times. While long-term excitatory STDP enables sparse and efficient learning of the salient features in inputs, inhibitory STDP enables this learning to be stable by establishing a balance between excitatory and inhibitory currents at each neuron in the network. The synaptic weights between source and reservoir neurons form a basis set for the input patterns. The neural trajectories generated in the reservoir due to input stimulation and lateral connections between reservoir neurons can be readout by the sink layer neurons. This activity is used for adaptation of synapses between reservoir and sink layer neurons. A new measure called the discriminability index (DI) is introduced to compute if the network can discriminate between old patterns already presented in an initial training session. The DI is also used to compute if the network adapts to new patterns without losing its ability to discriminate among old patterns. The final outcome is that the network is able to correctly discriminate between all patterns—both old and new. This result holds as long as inhibitory synapses employ STDP to continuously enable current balance in the network. The results suggest a possible direction for future investigation into how spiking neural networks could address the stability-plasticity question despite having continuous synaptic plasticity.
Performance of Annual and Perennial Biofuel Crops: Nutrient Removal during the First Two Years

Nutrient removal is an important factor that must be considered in lignocellulosic fuel production. This study was conducted to determine the macronutrient (N, P, and K) composition of grain and stover, as well as the nutrient removal in grain, stover, and total biomass of annual and perennial C4 crops in northeast Kansas in 2007 and 2008. Crops studied were corn (Zea mays L.) grown continuously or rotated with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]; five sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars, brown midrib (bmr), photoperiod sensitive, sweet, and two dual-purpose forage cultivars; and three perennial warm-season grasses, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), and Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus). Perennial grass yields were from the first two harvests after establishment. Yields and total nutrient removal rates were greater for annual crops than for perennial grasses. Perennial grass nutrient concentrations were greatest in the establishment year (2007). Perennial grass yields increased from 2007 to 2008, but nutrient removal was not affected by the yield increase. Grain nutrient removal rates were greatest for corn even though nutrient concentrations were less than or equal to those for sorghum grain. Total nutrient removal rates were most affected by biomass yield and soil test P levels. Total K removal was greatest for the photoperiod-sensitive, sweet, and dual-purpose forage sorghum cultivars. These results indicate that higher annual crop yields will remove more nutrients than perennial grasses during the grass establishment period.
Silicon-integrated photonic circuit for a single-stage large-angle beam steering optical phased array

In this paper, we present the results of the design and fabrication of a 12 channel nano-membrane-based optical phased array that allows for large angle beam steering operating at wavelength=1.55μm. Our device is fabricated on silicon-oninsulator using standard CMOS process. By implementing unequally spaced waveguide array elements, we can relax the half-wavelength spacing requirement for large angle beam steering, thereby avoiding the optical coupling between adjacent waveguides and reducing the side-lobe-level of the array radiation pattern. 1D beam steering of tranverseelectric polarized single mode light is designed to be achieved thermo-optically through the use of thin film metal phase shifters.
Fulminant Liver Failure Associated with Abdominal Crush Injury in an Eleven-Year Old: A Case Report

An 11-year-old obese male was involved in an all-terrain vehicle rollover accident. He had elevated transaminase levels along with a lactic acidosis. The imaging studies did not reveal any major intra-abdominal or thoracic injuries. The physical exam was unremarkable. The patient had an unremarkable PICU course and was transferred to the floor the next day. Within 24 hours of his transfer, he was noted to have interval worsening in liver function tests. He developed fulminant liver failure (FLF), renal failure, and encephalopathy. An ultrasound of the liver revealed increased echogenicity in the right lobe with focal sparing. Patient was listed for transplant. Investigations into any underlying medical cause of FLF were negative. Liver failure was presumed to be related to ischemia/reperfusion injury of the liver. The renal failure was due to rhabdomyolysis and was supported with renal replacement therapy. Patient received supportive care for FLF and was noted to have significant recovery of liver and renal function with time. He was discharged home after a 3-week hospitalization. Patients with crush abdominal injuries and elevated transaminase levels without evidence of parenchymal liver disruption may need to be closely monitored for liver failure related to ischemia reperfusion.
NUCLEAR MEDIUM EFFECTS IN PION ELASTIC SCATTERING AND CHARGE EXCHANGE

The three body approximation of the pion-nucleus optical model is used to calculate effective strengths to be used in conventional calculations. The resulting wave functions are used to calculate pion elastic scattering and single charge exchange. It is found that observed energy shifts in elastic scattering can be understood. Considerable change in the magnitude and shape (as a function of energy) of the charge exchange cross section is a direct result of these corrections.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence of the platinum (II) octaethylporphyrin/tri-n-propylamine system

Abstract The electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) of platinum (II) octaethyl-porphyrin (PtOEP) in acetonitrile:methylene chloride (CH3CN:CH2Cl2, 50:50 v/v) and CH2Cl2 is reported. ECL was generated upon sweep to positive potentials using tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) as an oxidative–reductive coreactant. ECL efficiencies (ϕecl) of 0.18 in CH3CN:CH2Cl2 (50:50 v/v) and 3.90 in methylene chloride were obtained using Ru(bpy)3(PF6)2 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) as a relative standard (ϕecl = 1). The ECL intensity peaks at a potential corresponding to oxidation of PtOEP and TPrA, and ECL emission spectra are nearly identical to photoluminescence emission spectra, indicating that emission is from the PtOEP triplet state.
Assignment of human 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase gene to q13----q23 region of chromosome 5.

We have used hamster cDNA probes for 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase (HMGCR) to determine the chromosomal location of the human gene for HMG CoA reductase. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from 16 independent mouse-human somatic cell hybrids showed that the human gene for HMG CoA reductase resides on chromosome 5. Analysis of Chinese hamster-human somatic cell hybrids selectively retaining human 5 or a portion of it showed that the gene locus for HMG CoA reductase can be assigned to the q13 → q23 region of chromosome 5.
The Scholarly Process

This article is a contribution to the occasional series dealing with a major book that influenced the author. Previous contributors include Stewart Macaulay, John Griffith, William Twining, Carol Harlow, Geoffrey Bindman, Harry Arthurs, Andre-Jean Arnaud, Alan Hunt, Michael Adler, and Lawrence O. Gostin.
Pancreatic metastasis from a solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney: A rare cause of acute recurrent pancreatitis

Solitary fibrous tumors are unusual spindle cell neoplasms that uncommonly originate from the kidney. We report a case of a 43-year old male who presented with acute recurrent pancreatitis secondary to a mass in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed. Cytology revealed solitary fibrous tumor of the kidney. This is the first reported case of solitary fibrous tumor metastasizing to the pancreas and presenting as acute recurrent pancreatitis.
Influence of biaxial stretching mode on the crystalline texture in polylactic acid films

Structural evolution during simultaneous (SB) and sequential rubbery state biaxial stretching (SEQ) of polylactic acid (PLA) films from cast amorphous precursors was investigated. Simultaneous biaxial stretching always leads to films with in-plane isotropy and poor crystalline order. In the first stage of sequential biaxial stretching, oriented crystallization gradually develops while transverse isotropy is maintained. Application of transverse stretching to these films possessing semicrystalline structure gradually destroys the crystalline structure oriented in MD during this realignment while establishing a second population of oriented but poorly ordered crystallites in TD. This destruction is caused primarily by splaying action under transverse stretching as evidenced by the decrease of crystallite sizes in MD.
Information Security Issues in Higher Education and Institutional Research.

Increasing security threats, new and old, to the data assets of higher education require mitigation through an institutional security program based on risk assessment and grounded in clear governance.
How color visual pigments are tuned

The absorption maximum of the retinal chromophore in color visual pigments is tuned by interactions with the protein (opsin) to which it is bound. Recent advances in the expression of rhodopsin-like transmembrane receptors and in spectroscopic techniques have allowed us to measure resonance Raman vibrational spectra of the retinal chromophore in recombinant visual pigments to examine the molecular basis of this spectral tuning. The dominant physical mechanism responsible for the opsin shift in color vision is the interaction of dipolar amino acid residues with the ground- and excited-state charge distributions of the chromophore.
Expression of an acetyl‐CoA synthase and a CoA‐transferase in Escherichia coli to produce modified taxanes in vivo

Previous in vitro studies revealed that the 10-deacetylbaccatin III 10beta-O-acetyltransferase (DBAT) from Taxus can catalyze the transfer of acetyl, propionyl or n-butyryl from CoA to the C10-hydroxyl of 10-deacetylbaccatin III. Accordingly, Escherichia coli JM109 were transformed to recombinantly express dbat, and this enzyme function was coupled to that of acetyl-CoA synthase (acs, EC 6.2.1.1) expressed from and regulated by genes encoded on the bacterial chromosome. Incubation of the bacteria with 10-deacetylbaccatin III and increasing concentrations of acetic acid revealed an in vivo conversion ( approximately 10%) of substrate to natural product baccatin III (C10-acetylated), which was remarkably similar to the relative conversion without acid supplementation. Incubation of the modified E. coli with 5 mM propionic acid, revealed a fivefold increase in the conversion ( approximately 13%) of 10-deacetylbaccatin III to 10-deacetyl-10-propionylbaccatin III, compared to approximately 2% conversion in the absence of exogenous propionate. To produce the butyrylbaccatin III analog in vivo, bacteria were engineered to co-express the dbat and atoAD (EC 2.8.3.8) genes; the latter encodes an acetoacetate: acetyl-CoA CoA-transferase that activates butyrate to butyryl CoA. The bacteria were incubated with 10-deacetylbaccatin III and 25-100 mM butyrate, and a maximum of approximately 2.6% conversion to 10-butyrylbaccatin III was observed compared to approximately 0.6% conversion when no exogenous butyrate was supplied.
Size distribution of aquatic invertebrates in two prairie wetlands, with and without fish, with implications for community production

1. We compared the size distribution of aquatic invertebrates in two prairie wetlands, one supporting a population of fathead minnows and the other fishless. Both wetlands were sampled in three depth zones on three dates, allowing assessment of temporal and spatial variation. 2. We determined biomass of aquatic invertebrates in 17 log2 size classes, and used these data to develop normalized size spectra. We also coupled size distributions with an allometric model to estimate relative production at the community level. 3. The composition of the invertebrate communities differed greatly between sites, and invertebrate biomass was higher in nearly all size classes in the fishless wetland. Intercepts of normalized size spectra were significantly different between wetlands, but slopes generally were not, indicating differences in standing-stock biomass but similar size structures between the two invertebrate communities. Higher standing-stock biomass in the fishless wetland resulted in higher relative production per unit area, but similar size distributions resulted in similar mass-specific production (P/B) between wetlands. 4. Our results indicate that invertebrate communities in prairie wetlands may have relatively consistent size structures in spite of large differences in community composition and standing-stock biomass. We hypothesize that the observed differences are because of predation by the minnow population and/or differences in the macrophyte communities between the two sites. However, the relative importance of macrophytes and fish predation in structuring invertebrate communities in prairie wetlands is poorly known.
EFFECT OF GERMINATION, COOKING, AND CANNING ON PHOSPHORUS AND PHYTATE RETENTION IN DRY BEANS

The effects of germination, cooking and canning on the changes in total phosphorus, inorganic phosphorus and phytate retention in black-eyed, red kidney, mung, and pink beans were determined in this study. Soaking the dry beans in water for 12 hr at 24°C resulted in a slight decrease in phytate. After germination for 96 hr or longer there was a significant breakdown in phytic acid, and an increase in inorganic phosphorus. Cooking the dry beans at 100°C for 3 hr had little effect on phytate retention. Heat processing the dry beans at 1155°C for 3 hr in cans resulted in some increase in inorganic phosphorus and a reduction in phytate.
Robustifying Generalized Linear Mixed Models Using a New Class of Mixtures of Multivariate Polya Trees

In applied sciences, generalized linear mixed models have become one of the preferred tools to analyze a variety of longitudinal and clustered data. Due to software limitations, the analyses are often restricted to the setting in which the random effects terms follow a multivariate normal distribution. However, this assumption may be unrealistic, obscuring important features of among-unit variation. This work describes a widely applicable semiparametric Bayesian approach that relaxes the normality assumption by using a novel mixture of multivariate Polya trees prior to define a flexible nonparametric model for the random effects distribution. The nonparametric prior is centered on the commonly used parametric normal family. We allow this parametric family to hold only approximately, thereby providing a robust alternative for modeling. We discuss and implement practical procedures for addressing the computational challenges that arise under this approach. We illustrate the methodology by applying it to rea...
A Prototype Crate and Module System for a High Speed Top-Mounted Bus

A prototype crate and module system, which uses the top surface of the modules both for mechanical support and for electrical connection to data and power buses, has been built to evaluate its potential use in a fast ECL bus environment. Although the system was optimized for a wide, fast bus using transmission lines and emitter-coupled-logic buffers, the construction has advantages and economies which may make it useful in low performance systems as well. Both the front and rear module ends are available for user controls and connections. The vertical size of the modules is independent of the bus mechanics. Modules can be inserted and removed from either the front or the rear of the rack. Construction details of the prototype are given.
Structural Response to Segmented Nonstationary Random Excitation

This paper presents a procedure for calculating the mean square response of a single-degree-of-freedom linear structural system to a particular type of nonstationary random forcing function. The forcing function, herein referred to as segmented nonstationary, is a stochastic process generated by adding a series of covariance stationary zeromean random forcing functions which are each shaped by deterministic functions of time that do not overlap in the time domain. The system's mean square response is formulated in terms of the segments' time-dependent frequency response functions and the forcing functions' stationary spectral density functions. The results are specialized to consider the response to forcing functions time-modulated by rectangular pulses. Nomenclature er(t) = deterministic modulating function of rth segment fr(t) = covariance stationary forcing function of rth segment H(a)) = system frequency response function relating displacement response and excitation Ir(t, a>) = time-dependent frequency response function m = mass q(t) = oscillator displacement Q(t] = input excitation Rfrfa(tltt2) = cross-correlation function relating fr(t-^ and fs(t2) Sfrfs((o) = cross-spectral density function between forcing function /r(r)and/s(t) co0 = system undamped natural frequency C =
The Great Case-Teaching-Notes Debate

Teaching notes, sometimes called an instructor’s manual, are routinely required to accompany written teaching cases that are submitted to case journals and case writing conferences. Although the content and organization of these notes have become fairly standardized, the literature on the case method contains relatively little discussion concerning the merits and limitations of case notes. It seems widely assumed by case writers that case notes are both essential and positively useful. This article is a modified transcript of an interactive presentation debating the merits of case notes that typically accompany teaching cases.
Complicated Grief and the Reconstruction of Meaning: Conceptual and Empirical Contributions to a Cognitive-Constructivist Model

A cognitive-behavioral model of complicated grief (CG) that emphasizes the struggle to integrate the loss into autobiographical memory receives both conceptual and empirical support from recent constructivist work on the role of sense making as a crucial process in bereavement adaptation. However, globally negative appraisals and anxious and depressive avoidance strategies, factors also posited by the cognitive-behavioral formulation, may play a more circumscribed role, inhibiting adjustment to loss in some, but not all, cases of CG. Converging research programs lend credence to a cognitive-constructivist approach to grief and suggest the relevance of meaning-oriented and narrative strategies for assisting clients whose lives have been devastated by loss.
Supersonic Through-Flow Fan Blade Cascade Studies

An investigation has been performed of the flow in a supersonic through-flow fan blade cascade. The blade shapes are those of the baseline supersonic through-flow fan (STF). Measurements were made at an inlet Mach number of 2.36 over a 15 deg range of incidence. Flowfield wave patterns were recorded using spark shadowgraph photography and steady-state instrumentation was used to measure blade surface pressure distributions and downstream flowfield. From these measurements, the integrated loss coefficients are presented as a function of incidence angle along with analysis indicating the source of losses in the STF cascade. The results are compared with calculations made using a two-dimensional, cell-centered, finite-volume, Navier-Stokes code with upwind options
Parenting Online and Lay Literature on Infant Spanking: Information Readily Available to Parents

Professional consensus exists against the spanking of infants based on the risk of escalation and injury. Moreover, infants are unable to recognize connections between their behavior and punishment and to modify their behavior in response. However, pediatricians and other health care professionals do not frequently discuss the issue of infant spanking with parents. Meanwhile, parents are increasingly seeking parenting information from other sources including the Internet and lay parenting books. Using content analysis methodology, online parenting sites and popular "how to" parenting books were reviewed with regard to the advisability of corporal punishment with infants. Results reveal that although the vast majority of online and popular print literature on infant parenting is developmentally sound, a small constituency of spanking advocates does exist. Given that some of the information available to parents contradicts professional consensus against the spanking of infants, it seems important for professionals concerned with the well being of infants to address the gaps in information and inherent dangers of infant spanking.
Cell death in the adult rat dorsal root ganglion after hind limb amputation, spinal cord transection, or both operations

Cell death of embryonic neurons which are unable to attain a proper target is well established. A delayed cell death of adult neurons permanently separated from their target tissue has been demonstrated for several cell groups. Cells of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are unique in that a single T-shape neurite has a peripheral branch which extends (for root L5) to the hind limb and a central branch extending into the spinal cord. We found a significant loss of L5 DRG neurons 25 weeks after hind limb amputation. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that neuron survival is dependent on connection with a suitable target. We were unable to detect cell death in the DRG of L5 after complete spinal cord transection at T9. Separation of DRG cells from their central target is unimportant to neuronal survival.
RF-emission device safety testing using MRI

Radiofrequency (RF) emitting wireless devices such as mobile phones are required to undergo standardized safety testing prior to entering the consumer market. Strict regulations are imposed on the amount of RF energy these devices are allowed to emit to prevent excessive deposition of RF energy into the body. In this work, a novel safety evaluation test for wireless devices using magnetic resonance thermometry is proposed.
DROPLET SIZE AND VISCOSITY OF TACKIFIER EMULSIONS FORMED VIA PHASE INVERSION

Tackifier dispersions used in pressure-sensitive adhesives are made by phase inverting an aqueous rosin ester emulsion. The recipe also includes rosin acid and potassium hydroxide which react to form a surfactant. The amount of surfactant available plays a key role in determining dispersion properties. As the surfactant concentration increases, the point of phase inversion is delayed to larger dispersed phase concentrations. This also results in excess dispersant in the liquid phase and a narrower particle size distribution, even though the droplet size remains relatively unchanged. On obtient des dispersions d'agents poisseux utilises dans les adhesifs autocollants par inversion des phases dans une emulsion aqueuse d'ester de colophane. Le melange comprend egalement de l'acide de colophane et de l'hydroxyde de potassium qui, par reaction, produisent un compose tensio-actif. La quantite de compose tensio-actif disponible joue un role cle pour determiner les proprietes de dispersion. Lorsque la concentration de compose tension-actif augmente, le point d'inversion des phases est retarde pour donner une plus grande concentration de la phase dispersee. Il en resulte un excedent d'agent dispersant dans la phase liquide et un resserrement de la repartition de la taille des particules meme si la taille des gouttelettes reste relativement inchangee.
Divalent Cations Slow Activation of EAG Family K+ Channels through Direct Binding to S4

Voltage-gated K+ channels share a common voltage sensor domain (VSD) consisting of four transmembrane helices, including a highly mobile S4 helix that contains the major gating charges. Activation of ether-a-go-go (EAG) family K+ channels is sensitive to external divalent cations. We show here that divalent cations slow the activation rate of two EAG family channels (Kv12.1 and Kv10.2) by forming a bridge between a residue in the S4 helix and acidic residues in S2. Histidine 328 in the S4 of Kv12.1 favors binding of Zn2+ and Cd2+, whereas the homologous residue Serine 321 in Kv10.2 contributes to effects of Mg2+ and Ni2+. This novel finding provides structural constraints for the position of transmembrane VSD helices in closed, ion-bound EAG family channels. Homology models of Kv12.1 and Kv10.2 VSD structures based on a closed-state model of the Shaker family K+ channel Kv1.2 match these constraints. Our results suggest close conformational conservation between closed EAG and Shaker family channels, despite large differences in voltage sensitivity, activation rates, and activation thresholds.
Endocrine manifestations of diphenylhydantoin therapy.

Abstract Evidence is summarized to show that diphenylhydantoin (DPH, Dilantin) may distort several metabolic processes and is capable of precipitating new pathologic states. It has significant influences on various tests of endocrine function, and, unless care is taken in the evaluation of the results of these tests, errors may be made.
Languages for Business Purposes: Some Useful Strategies from the United Kingdom

Abstract Foreign-language and business study have been successfully integrated in the United Kingdom. At the lowest level, foreign-language study is an option within a business-related course. At a moderately low level, general foreign-language study is combined with business study. At a moderate level, business-oriented foreign-language study is combined with business study. At a moderately high level, some business-related courses are taught in the foreign language. At a high level, foreign-language and business study are combined to yield credentials that are recognized in the United Kingdom and in France, Germany, or Spain. Business educators should consider adapting the British approaches.
Cell-free peroxidases in soil

Abstract The method of Galstyan for assay of peroxidase activity in soil was critically evaluated and found to be unsatisfactory. An alternate method was developed and utilized for measurement of peroxidase activity of unsterile and filter-sterilized soil extracts. The results indicate that substantial amounts of cell-free peroxidases are present in natural soils.