cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opening the black box: Stem cell–based modeling of human post-implantation development

Proper development of the human embryo following its implantation into the uterine wall is critical for the successful continuation of pregnancy. However, the complex cellular and molecular changes that occur during this post-implantation period of human development are not amenable to study in vivo. Recently, several new embryo-like human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based platforms have emerged, which are beginning to illuminate the current black box state of early human post-implantation biology. In this review, we will discuss how these experimental models are carving a way for understanding novel molecular and cellular mechanisms during early human development.
Motorboat Injury Rates and Patterns in Aquatic Turtle Communities

We quantified boat traffic and measured frequency of scarring in 9 species of freshwater turtle at 5 sites in northeastern Oklahoma, and overall injury rates increased significantly with increases in boat traffic. One common species at all study sites, Graptemys ouachitensis, exhibited evidence of traumatic injury at a rate 1.5 times higher than the average among sympatric species. Across species, missing hind limbs were 2.4 times more common than missing forelimbs and carapace damage was 1.4 times more prevalent on the posterior half of the shell than the anterior half; we observed no left–to–right bias in the distribution of injuries.
Intraindividual variability in sleep and comorbid medical and mental health conditions.

Study objectives Intraindividual variability (IIV) in sleep may be a risk factor for disease above the influence of mean sleep. Associations between IIV in sleep and risk for a comprehensive set of common medical and mental health conditions have not been assessed in a representative sample. Methods This study examined mean and IIV in total sleep time (TST), sleep quality (SQ), sleep efficiency (SE), and circadian midpoint (CM) in 771 adults recruited for an epidemiological study. Participants completed 14 days of sleep diaries to assess TST, SQ, SE, and CM, after which they reported on medical conditions and mental health symptoms. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, and models controlled for gender, body mass index, age, and race. Results Lower mean TST, SQ, and SE were related to increased odds of having gastrointestinal problems, depression, and anxiety. IIV in TST was related to increased odds of having neurological, breathing, and gastrointestinal problems, as well as pain and depression; all results held controlling for mean sleep and adjusting for false discovery rate. IIV in SQ and SE was not associated with odds of having any medical or mental health conditions after adjusting for false discovery rate, nor was IIV in CM or mean CM. Conclusions Confirming previous research, mean TST, SQ, and SE are related to risk for gastrointestinal problems, depression, and anxiety. IIV in TST may be a unique facet of disturbed sleep that is associated with increased risk for a diverse cluster of medical and mental health conditions.
Use of Letermovir for CMV Prophylaxis or Treatment in Thoracic Organ Transplant Recipients

Purpose CMV infection is common among transplant recipients and may result in increased morbidity and mortality. Valganciclovir and ganciclovir are frequently used for viral prophylaxis or treatment. However, these agents can be difficult to tolerate due to myelosuppression. Letermovir, an anti-viral drug which inhibits CMV-terminase complex, has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of CMV infection in hematopoetic-cell transplantation. We sought to assess the utility of letermovir in thoracic organ recipients in whom valganciclovir and ganciclovir were not well tolerated or were ineffective due to resistance. Methods We examined our institutional experience with the use of letermovir for either CMV prophylaxis or treatment in heart and lung transplant recipients from February to September 2018. Results Nine total patients received letermovir during the study period (8 lung, 1 heart). Letermovir was administered for CMV prophylaxis in 8 instances and for treatment of CMV viremia in 2 instances (see Table). One patient received letermovir for both prophylaxis and treatment on temporally separate occasions. 3 of 8 (37.5%) of patients receiving letermovir for CMV prophylaxis developed viremia while on treatment. One patient treated for ganciclovir resistant CMV disease with letermovir had overt clinical failure with a sharp rise in serum CMV PCR. The other patient treated for low grade CMV viremia initially cleared but then relapsed with low grade viremia (CMV PCR 214). No major side effects were reported. 2 patients experienced minor side effects (1 edema, 1 fatigue). Conclusion Letermovir was well tolerated with only minor side effects reported in a population intolerant or resistant to conventional CMV prophylaxis and treatment. However, efficacy was poor, with a high rate of CMV viremia on therapy (50%). Further study of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis or treatment in thoracic organ transplant recipients is nonetheless warranted to better characterize its potential role in this high risk population.
Lipophilic chiral cobalt (III) complexes of hexaamine ligands: Efficacies as enantioselective hydrogen bond donor catalysts

Abstract Four known chiral enantiopure octahedral cobalt(III) trichloride salts with aliphatic hexaamine ligands are converted to new CH2Cl2 soluble tris(tetraarylborate) or 3BArf− salts (BArf = B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4 in biphasic reactions. These include sepulchrate and sarcophagine complexes in which the hexaamine ligands are bicyclic (Z(CH2NHCH2CH2NHCH2)3Z, Z=N, CX), as well as a truncated sarcophagine in which a missing carbon vertex renders the ligand acyclic and tripodal, with three terminal NH2 groups that define a trigonal C3 symmetric face (CH3C(CH2NHCH2CH2NH2)3). In the presence of tertiary amine bases, these are effective catalysts for two Michael type carbon-carbon bond forming reactions and a related carbon-nitrogen bond forming reaction. However, only the last complex affords significant enantioselectivities (30–57% ee). Rationales, and directions for future catalyst optimization, are proposed.
MEDIAL AND LATERAL HAMSTRINGS RESPONSE AND FORCE PRODUCTION AT VARYING DEGREES OF KNEE FLEXION AND TIBIAL ROTATION IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.

Background Hamstring weakness is a contributor to lower extremity pathology. Influence of knee flexion and tibial rotation on hamstrings muscle activation and knee flexion force has not been documented in the literature. Hypothesis/purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the angle of knee flexion and tibial rotation that elicits the greatest knee flexion force and hamstrings activation in healthy, physically active adults. Study design Descriptive, observational cohort study. Methods Eighteen young healthy adults were recruited for study participation. Each individual performed maximal voluntary isometric hamstrings contractions at six different knee flexion angles (15 °, 30 °, 45 °, 60 °, 75 ° & 90 °), each positioned at three different tibial rotation positions (internal rotation, neutral rotation and external rotation). Electromyographic activity of the medial and lateral hamstrings and knee flexion force production were recorded. Results On average, greatest force production was recorded at 30 ° knee flexion with tibia either in neutral rotation (124.1% of max) or in external rotation (123.5% of max). This same lower limb orientation also produced the highest amount of lateral hamstring activation (156.4% of max). Results also showed that force production and lateral hamstring activation decreased as knee flexion angle increased. Muscle activation for the medial hamstrings was not affected by knee flexion angle but did show higher activation in neutral or tibial internal rotation. Conclusion The results of the current research describe the relationship between knee flexion and tibial rotation and their effect on overall knee flexion force production and hamstrings activation. This research provides key insights about the specific knee joint angles and tibial orientation that may be preferred in exercise prescription for maximizing hamstring activation. Level of evidence Level III.
Embryonic Ethanol Exposure Affects the Early Development, Migration, and Location of Hypocretin/Orexin Neurons in Zebrafish.

Background Embryonic ethanol (EtOH) exposure is known to increase alcohol drinking later in life and have long-term effects on neurochemical systems in the brain. With zebrafish having marked advantages for elucidating neural mechanisms underlying brain disorders, we recently tested and showed in these fish, similar to rodents, that low-dose embryonic EtOH stimulates voluntary consumption of EtOH while increasing expression of hypocretin/orexin (hcrt) neurons, a neuropeptide that promotes consummatory and reward-related behaviors. The goal of the present study was to characterize how embryonic EtOH affects early development of the hcrt system and produces persistent changes at older ages that may contribute to this increase in EtOH consumption. Methods We utilized live imaging and Imaris software to investigate how low-dose embryonic EtOH (0.5%), administered from 22 to 24 hours postfertilization, affects specific properties of hcrt neurons in hcrt:EGFP transgenic zebrafish at different ages. Results Time-lapse imaging from 24 to 28 hpf showed that embryonic EtOH increased the number of hcrt neurons, reduced the speed, straightness, and displacement of their migratory paths, and altered their direction early in development. At older ages up to 6 dpf, the embryonic EtOH-induced increase in hcrt neurons was persistent, and the neurons became more widely dispersed. These effects of embryonic EtOH were found to be asymmetric, occurring predominantly on the left side of the brain, and at 6 dpf, they resulted in marked changes in the anatomical location of the hcrt neurons, with some detected outside their normal position in the anterior hypothalamus again primarily on the left side. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that low-dose embryonic EtOH has diverse, persistent, and asymmetric effects on the early development of hypothalamic hcrt neurons, which lead to abnormalities in their ultimate location that may contribute to behavioral disturbances, including an increase in EtOH consumption.
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2- to 7-Year-Old Children: Evaluation of a Two-Interval, Observer-Based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-Based Responses

Purpose It is challenging to collect reliable behavioral data from toddlers and preschoolers. Consequently, we have significant gaps in our understanding of how auditory development unfolds during ...
Food Allergy from Infancy Through Adulthood

Food allergies are the result of immune responses that cause adverse reactions to foods. Immune responses to foods may produce a spectrum of symptoms and disorders, including acute allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, food protein–induced allergic proctocolitis, food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome, food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis, and oral allergy syndrome (pollen-food allergy syndrome). Food-allergic responses also contribute to chronic inflammatory disorders such as eosinophilic esophagitis and atopic dermatitis. Although food allergy affects people from infancy through adulthood, there are allergic features that differ according to age (ie, presentation, triggers, and natural course) and have important implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and management. New food allergies can develop at any age, and we propose similarities in the etiology of de novo food allergy whether in infancy or adulthood. The approach to managing food allergy changes dramatically over the life course, and physicians and patients must respond accordingly to optimize care. Food allergy therapies are emerging, and the efficacy and safety of these interventions could differ by age group of those treated. In this review, we highlight interesting observations on the etiology and characteristics of food allergy presenting at different ages and discuss clinical management as it relates to life stage.
Dynamic Mixture Modeling with dynr.

Mixture modeling is commonly used to model sample heterogeneity by identifying unobserved classes of individuals with similar characteristics. Despite abundance of evidence in the literature sugges...
Abstract 994: Tumor NLRP3 drives melanoma progression and immunosuppression by IL-1b-mediated host pro-tumor effects

Introduction: Melanoma NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in tumor progression and melanoma-induced immunosuppression via IL-1β-mediated effect. Abstract: Melanoma-associated inflammation participates in the generation of a tumor permissive environment, which promotes tumor progression and metastasis. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β mediates several inflammatory diseases and the modulation of the immune system. In the context of malignancy, IL-1β is a validated target in mouse models of cancer, including melanoma, where the cytokine contributes to immunosuppression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and regulation of myeloid derived suppressor cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the NLRP3 inflammasome drives the maturation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in melanoma cells. Accordingly, analysis of melanoma biopsies (N=461) showed increased NLRP3 expression in the lesions which correlates with the IL-1β levels. In melanoma-bearing mice, NLRP3 inhibition with a clinically evaluated NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor OLT1177 (dapansutrile), showed to decrease melanoma progression and tumor-induced inflammation reducing the circulating levels of IL-6, G-CSF, and VEGF compared to vehicle tumor-bearing mice. Analysis of myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) populations revealed that NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition was sufficient to prevent MDSCs expansion (both PMN-MDSCs and M-MDSCs), restoring the population to the non-tumor-bearing level. The effect observed on MDSCs in tumor-bearing mice following NLRP3 inhibition resulted in increased NK cells activation in primary tumors (Figure). These data establish a new correlation between IL-1β, NLRP3, melanoma-induced immunosuppression and tumor progression. Considering that NLRP3 inhibition resulted in decreased tumor-induced immune evasion as well as an increased tumoricidal immune response, we evaluated the effect of the addition of NLRP3 inhibition to checkpoint inhibition. Tumor bearing mice treated with OLT1177 and anti-PD-1 showed reduced tumor progression compared to the single-agent treatments. In conclusion, NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition was successful in preventing IL-1β processing in melanoma cells and tumor progression. These findings suggest that NLRP3 may represent a potential therapeutic target for melanoma. Citation Format: Carlo Marchetti, Isak Tengesdal, Charles Dinarello, Mayumi Fujita. Tumor NLRP3 drives melanoma progression and immunosuppression by IL-1b-mediated host pro-tumor effects [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 994.
A multivalued logarithm on time scales

Abstract A new definition of a multivalued logarithm on time scales is introduced for delta-differentiable functions that never vanish. This new logarithm arises naturally from the definition of the cylinder transformation that is also the wellspring of the definition of exponential functions on time scales. This definition will lead to a logarithm function on arbitrary time scales with familiar and useful properties that previous definitions in the literature lacked.
Stationary Determinantal Processes on $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$ Z d with N Labeled Objects per Site, Part I: Basic Properties and Full Domination

We study a class of stationary determinantal processes on configurations of N labeled objects that may be present or absent at each site of $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$ . Our processes, which include the uniform spanning forest as a principal example, arise from the block Toeplitz matrices of matrix-valued functions on the d-torus. We find the maximum level of uniform insertion tolerance for these processes, extending a result of Lyons and Steif from the $$N = 1$$ case to $$N > 1$$ . We develop a method for conditioning determinantal processes in the general discrete setting to be as large as possible in a fixed set as an approach to determining uniform insertion tolerance. The method of conditioning on maximality developed here is used in a subsequent paper to study stochastic domination, strong domination and phase uniqueness for the same class of processes.
Novel in vivo depiction of optic nerves hemorrhages in child abuse: a 3D-SWI pilot study

Until now, the diagnosis of optic nerves hemorrhages in abusive head trauma (AHT) has been obtained only in the postmortem setting. The aim of the IRB-approved study was to assess the presence of optic nerves hemorrhages in AHT patients using 3D-SWI. Thirteen children with a final confirmed multidisciplinary diagnosis of AHT underwent coronal and axial 3D-SWI imaging of the orbits. The presence of optic nerve sheath (ONS) hemorrhages was defined by thickening and marked 3D-SWI hypointensity of the ONS, resulting in mass effect upon the CSF space. Optic nerve (ON) hemorrhages were defined by areas of susceptibility artifacts in the ON parenchyma. Superficial siderosis was defined by susceptibility artifact coating the ON. Furthermore, data about post-traumatic deformity of the ONS at the head of the optic nerve were collected. The average age of the population was 7.9 ± 5.9 months old. The average GCS was 11.8 ± 4.5. The male to female ratio was 7:6. ONS hemorrhages were identified in 69.2% of cases. Superficial siderosis and ON hemorrhages were identified in 38.5 and 76.9% of cases, respectively. 3D-SWI also depicted traumatic deformity of the ONS at the level of the optic nerve head in 10 cases (76.9%). No statistical correlations were identified between RetCam findings and 3D-SWI findings or GCS and ON hemorrhages. This research shows that dedicated MRI with volumetric SWI of the orbits can depict hemorrhages in the ON, ONS, and ONS injury, in AHT victims.
Increasing γ’ volume fraction in Co–Nb–V- and Co–Ta–V-based superalloys

Abstract Recently discovered Co–Nb–V- and Co–Ta–V-based superalloys exhibit, with additions of Ni, Cr, Ti and Al, a stable γ+γ′ microstructure leading to excellent creep resistance. Here, to obtain a γ′-volume fraction higher than in the best current alloys, the concentration of all γ′-formers is increased by 25 or 50% (for Al, Ti and V) and by 10% (for Nb or Ta). The enriched Co–Nb–V-based alloys show γ+γ′ grains, with a γ′-volume fraction of 70–90% after aging at 850 °C and with a minority γ+C15 eutectic phase at grain boundaries. The 25%-enriched Co–Ta–V-based alloy (Co–10Ni-6.25Al–4Cr-3.75V-3.3Ta-2.5Ti-0.04B, at.%) exhibits a uniform γ+γ′ microstructure with a γ′-volume fraction of ~70% after aging at 850 °C, without any eutectic phase. For all enriched Co–Nb–V- and Co–Ta–V-based alloys, no other phases form in the γ+γ′ regions upon aging at 850 °C for up to 1000 h, indicating that the γ′ phase has high stability.
Sub-Nano to Nanometer Wear and Tribocorrosion of Titanium Oxide-Metal Surfaces by In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy.

Abstract Wear and tribocorrosion of passive oxide film covered metals have been studied at the micro and macroscopic scales. Recent advances in nanotechnology have contributed to breakthroughs in understanding of fundamental friction and wear mechanisms of atomically thin 2D materials at the nanoscale. However, for metals and materials without ultra-flat surfaces, a gap in knowledge exists at or below a few nanometers, which is too small for continuum mechanics theories and experiments including conventional atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods, due to resolution limits arising from surface roughness. Here, we report the near-atomic-scale wear of titanium in air and physiological solution from a single atomic layer to beyond the full oxide thickness using an AFM-based tribology method. Sub-nano to nanometer wear of titanium was revealed with different stages of contact pressure dependent wear regions identified as wear depth increased, featured by a transition from atomic wear (below 2.4 GPa) to elasto-plastic driven wear (above 3.6 GPa) at its oxide thickness (3.8 nm) in air. Higher stress was required to generate a similar wear penetration process in PBS compared to air. Tribocorrosion at this scale was grain orientation and voltage-dependent. Our study opens up a new method to achieve reliable angstrom-level resolution wear quantification to advance the understanding of wear and tribocorrosion of metals at the nanoscale. Statement of significance Experimental tests of wear for metallic biomaterials at the nanoscale are difficult because engineered metal surfacesare never perfectly atomically flat, limiting the resolution of precise wear measurements to a few nanometers scale or more. To systematically address this problem, we have introduced the AFM ‘image-wear-image’ tribology method and obtained quantitative stress dependent measurement of the near-atomic-scale wear of titanium surfaces in air and tribocorrosion in physiological solution from a single atomic layer to beyond the full oxide film thickness. This allowedto measure sub-nano scale wear by partial removal of oxide. Nanoscale wear has been found to be grain orientation-dependent above the ‘atomic scale’ wear region. The nano-tribocorrosion of CP-Ti across scales and voltage effects on oxides in physiological solution was studied. Our study opens up a new method for future studies to advance the understanding of sub-nanoscale and nanoscale wear and tribocorrosion phenomenon as well as oxide growth mechanism of metallic biomaterials.
Organometallic complexes as preferred precursors to form molecular Ir(pyalk) coordination complexes for catalysis of oxygen evolution

Abstract Our previously reported ‘blue solution’ oxygen-evolution catalyst consists of an isomeric mixture of coordination complexes containing the (pyalk)IrIV–O–IrIV(pyalk) core unit and is thus entirely molecular but only when formed from organometallic precursors such as Cp*Ir(pyalk)Cl or Ir(pyalk)(CO)2 (pyalk = (2-pyridyl)-2-propanolate). We now show that attempts to form it from such obvious coordination precursors as Na[Ir(pyalk)Cl4] or Na[IrCl2(pyalk)(O2CPh)2], under a variety of conditions, always fail in our hands, leading to a mixture of molecular ‘blue solution’ species and IrOx nanoparticles, rather than the purely homogeneous catalyst formed from organometallic precursors. The loss of the pyalk ligand during the oxidative activation is associated with the nanoparticle generation. External chelating ligands also failed to stop the nanoparticle formation. This work implies the paradoxical conclusion that organometallic complexes are effective as catalyst precursors, even when coordination complexes are the catalytically active species, since the inner-sphere organometallic ligands, although ultimately lost or degraded, may nevertheless have a stabilizing effect sufficient to suppress undesirable nanoparticle production pathways in the activation of the catalyst precursor. A key aspect of the present study is that organometallic complexes in general may be useful catalyst precursors even if the organometallic ligands are lost in the activation process.
Genetic Ablation of Neuronal Mitochondrial Calcium Uptake Halts Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the extracellular deposition of amyloid beta, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal cell death. These phenotypes correlate with and are linked to elevated neuronal intracellular calcium (iCa2+) levels. Recently, our group reported that mitochondrial calcium (mCa2+) overload, due to loss of mCa2+ efflux capacity, contributes to AD development and progression. We also noted proteomic remodeling of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter channel (mtCU) in sporadic AD brain samples, suggestive of altered mCa2+ uptake in AD. Since the mtCU is the primary mechanism for Ca2+ uptake into the mitochondrial matrix, inhibition of the mtCU has the potential to reduce or prevent mCa2+ overload in AD. Here, we report that neuronal-specific loss of mtCU-dependent mCa2+ uptake in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of AD reduced Aβ and tau-pathology, synaptic dysfunction, and cognitive decline. Knockdown of Mcu in a cellular model of AD significantly decreased matrix Ca2+ content, oxidative stress and cell death. These results suggest that inhibition of neuronal mCa2+ uptake is a novel therapeutic target to impede AD progression.
Rapid assessment technology: A demonstration evaluating potential cost-benefit outcomes of U.S. hospital price transparency regulation

Abstract Background : In 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated U.S. hospitals to publicly display their negotiated charges for health care services provided. The 2019 mandate is the second step in a CMS’ comprehensive, long-term price transparency initiative affecting several hospital pricing aspects. To date, little is known about potential implications of the 2019 CMS mandate on healthcare sector. Methods : To address this gap, we utilized rapid assessment technology and surveyed a nationally representative panel of health policy and management researchers (N = 216). Purpose : We asked the research panel about the likelihood of a complete hospital price transparency mandate implementation and whether it will achieve its intended goals. Results : The majority of panelists (68.6%) perceived that the hospital price transparency policy was not likely to be fully implemented. However, if the comprehensive price transparency policy would be enacted, respondents perceived that it would help control costs, but not by engaging consumers in price shopping behaviors. Respondents noted the significant technical challenges to producing and interpreting the health services pricing information would be a barrier to bending the healthcare cost curve. Conclusion : Rapid assessment technology proves useful and adds value in the healthcare sector to quickly evaluate potential policy outcomes.
La necropolítica debilitante en Salón de belleza de Mario Bellatin

El presente trabajo es una lectura de la debilitacion de los derechos humanos que viven los personajes contagiados de una desconocida enfermedad en la novela Salon de belleza de Mario Bellatin. Se estudia desde la necropolitica, lo que significa que la soberania de los ciudadanos en la novela esta fundada en la mortalidad; mientras que, ellos luchan por vivir. El estudio conecta los fines necropoliticos de las entidades en poder dentro de la obra con los metodos biopoliticos que emplean para lograrlos. Se lee la discriminacion que los contagiados viven y el ostracismo que resulta de ella, y como reacciona el protagonista ante estas presiones. Sus acciones son (in)conscientemente ambiguas y no resuelven nada porque el rechazo social sigue perpetuandose hasta despues de su muerte. Los estragos medicos y psicologicos de la enfermedad le agregan miseria a la vida ya discriminada de los contagiados, hasta el punto de incapacitarlos en la sociedad. Es decir, la enfermedad los excluye de una sociedad neoliberal que antes los explotaba hasta consumirlos. De ninguna de las dos formas resulta una alternativa sostenible para seguir viviendo.
Diversity in Business-to-Business Information Exchange: An Empirical Analysis of Manufacturers and Their Trading Partners

This study uses transaction cost economics to examine the specific characteristics of information exchange that affect performance in industrial supply chains. Hypotheses are developed and tested. The first is that there is more information exchange as a firm increases its performance. The second is that the diversity of information exchange is also positively associated with firm performance. The data for the study was collected as part of a larger study. It was gathered from an electronically mediated industrial exchange network. Distinct information exchange characteristics can be captured at the firm level. An ordinary least square (OLS) model shows a good statistical fit for the data. It also demonstrates a high explanatory power for the model. The first hypothesis had a positive result. However, the second did not. Information diversity and firm performance was not supported. Firms that exchanged more types of information with trading partners experienced lower inventory turnover. A number of explanations for the discrepancy are offered, but further investigation is needed. Other sectors of the supply chain could be tested, or additional qualitative data could be gathered.
Acoustical characteristics of guns as impulse sources

The acoustical characteristics of five guns, including three calibres and two gun types, were measured to determine their suitability as impulse sources. Comparisons were made with spark and loudspeaker impulse sources. One 0.38 calibre revolver was found to be a suitably repeatable, omni-directional impulse source providing adequate sound energy in the octave bands from 125 to 5000 Hz
Polyribosomes and protein synthesis in the spleen.

Abstract Protein synthesis in rat spleens has been found to occur on polyribosomes. These structures, aggregates of two, three, four, or more ribosomes, become labeled after 1 min of incubation with radioactive amino acids. Incorporation occurs into nascent polypeptide chains which can be released by puromycin or "chased off" by 12C-amino acids. These polyribosomes stimulate cell-free protein synthesis in vitro in the presence of spleen or liver "pH 5 fraction," an energy-generating system, and an optimal magnesium concentration. Synthesis is inhibited by puromycin and by ribonuclease, which dissociates polyribosomes into monomers. Rat spleen polyribosomes thus have properties similar to those of ribosomal aggregates studied in other biological systems.
B → D l ν form factors at nonzero recoil and extraction of | V c b |

We present a lattice QCD calculation of the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Dl\ensuremath{\nu}$ semileptonic decay form factors ${f}_{+}({q}^{2})$ and ${f}_{0}({q}^{2})$ for the entire physical ${q}^{2}$ range. Nonrelativistic QCD bottom quarks and highly improved staggered quark charm and light quarks are employed together with ${N}_{f}=2+1$ MILC gauge configurations. A joint fit to our lattice and BABAR experimental data allows an extraction of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element $|{V}_{cb}|$. We also determine the phenomenologically interesting ratio $R(D)=\mathcal{B}(B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}D\ensuremath{\tau}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}})/\mathcal{B}(B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Dl{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{l})$ ($l=e,\ensuremath{\mu}$). We find $|{V}_{cb}{|}_{\text{excl}}^{B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}D}=0.0402(17)(13)$, where the first error consists of the lattice simulation errors and the experimental statistical error and the second error is the experimental systematic error. For the branching fraction ratio we find $R(D)=0.300(8)$.
Arthroscopic percutaneous lateral patellar retinacular release

Thirty-four arthroscopic lateral patellar retinacular re leases in 26 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were carefully assessed for residual pain; they were also evaluated by various physical examination criteria. In addition, objective measurements of quadri ceps and hamstring strength were obtained with the Cybex II Isokinetic Dynamometer.The surgical technique and postoperative manage ment are presented. Overall, there were 9% excellent results, 53% good results, 26% fair results, and 12% poor results. A total of 64.7% of the knees were im proved by the procedure.
A Versatile Automatic Microapplicator

An automatic microapplicator has been built which is suitable for administering either topical or injected doses of toxic solutions or suspensions. A time delay relay controls the delivery of a wide choice of volumes ranging from approximately 0.5 to 5 microliters with a tolerance of 5% or less, using a 0.25-ml. glass syringe and a number 27 hypodermic needle. The details of construction and operation are described.
Sexual Orientation and the Effects of Intimate Partner Violence

Studies have demonstrated a relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depression and other mental health issues such as suicidal behavior and posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite the breadth of the literature, there is a dearth of information specifically regarding the effects of IPV in same-sex relationships. Information regarding the prevalence of substance abuse and health issues in non-heterosexual IPV victims when compared to heterosexual IPV victims will be extremely helpful in developing tailored victim services to sexual minorities. This study uses the National Violence Against Women Survey to examine hypothesized relationships between IPV, its effects, and sexual orientation. Given the higher prevalence rates of IPV in same-sex relationships (Messinger, 2011), logistic regression models are used to test the hypotheses that non-heterosexual victims of IPV will have higher rates of depression, substance use, and health issues.
Mitochondrial genome plasticity among species of the nematode genus Meloidogyne (Nematoda: Tylenchina)

Abstract The mitochondrial (mt) genomes of the plant-parasitic root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne enterolobii and Meloidogyne javanica were sequenced and compared with those of three other root-knot nematode species in order to explore the mt genome plasticity within Meloidogyne. The mt genomes of M. arenaria, M. enterolobii and M. javanica are circular, with an estimated size of 18.8, 18.9 and 19.6 kb, respectively. Compared to other nematodes these mt genomes are larger, due to the presence of large non-coding regions. The mt genome architecture within the genus Meloidogyne varied in the position of trn genes and in the position, length and nucleotide composition of non-coding regions. These variations were observed independent of the species' natural environments or reproductive modes. M. enterolobii showed three main non-coding regions whereas Meloidogyne chitwoodi, Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria had two non-coding regions, and Meloidogyne graminicola had a unique large non-coding region interrupted by two trn genes. trn genes were positioned in different regions of the mt genomes in M. chitwoodi, M. enterolobii and M. graminicola, whereas the trn gene order was identical between M. arenaria, M. incognita and M. javanica. Importantly, M. graminicola had extra copies of trnV and trnS2. High divergence levels between the two copies of each trn might indicate duplication events followed by random loss and mutations in the anticodon. Tree-based methods based on amino acid sequences of 12 mt protein-coding genes support the monophyly for the tropical and mitotic parthenogenetic species, M. arenaria, M. enterolobii, M. incognita and M. javanica and for a clade that includes the meiotic parthenogenetic species, M. chitwoodi and M. graminicola. A comparison of the mt genome architecture in plant-parasitic nematodes and phylogenetic analyses support that Pratylenchus is the most recent ancestor of root-knot nematodes.
Lessons for a young naturalist, or, how Jack Vallentyne launched my career

My first contact with Jack was disconcerting. It was about 1955, and for young readers, there were no ipods, cell phones, or internet, and when you picked up a telephone you could get an operator, ...
Ressourcing the Fathers? A Critical Analysis of Catherine Mowry LaCugna's Appropriation of the Trinitarian Theology of the Cappadocian Fathers

: Often as part of the so-called ‘revival’ in trinitarian theology, the Cappadocian Fathers are ressourced to justify a ‘social’ and ‘relational’ way of thinking about God's triuneness. The goal of this article is to explore this social trinitarian ressourcement of the Cappadocian Fathers by comparing the Cappadocians’ theology to that of Catherine Mowry LaCugna, who claims the Cappadocians articulated a more fully trinitarian theology by emphasizing the plurality of the divine ‘persons’ as ‘relations’. My conclusion is that the ontological and epistemological differences between LaCugna and the Cappadocians, coupled with the opposing purposes of their respective trinitarian theologies, create a discontinuity between the two projects that is too great for LaCugna to ressource the Cappadocians in any positive manner in her own trinitarian theology.
1alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol has little effect on phytate phosphorus utilization in laying hen diets

Previous research in our laboratory demonstrated marked increases in phytate P utilization when P-deficient corn-soybean meal diets were supplemented with 1a-hydroxycholecalciferol [1alpha-(OH) D3] and fed to chicks. Our objective was to determine if 1alpha-(OH) D3 would improve phytate P utilization when supplemented to vitamin D-adequate laying hen diets. The five experimental treatments were 1) P-deficient corn-soybean basal diet [17% CP, 3.8% Ca, and 0.10% nonphytate NPP)], 2) basal with 2.5 microg/kg 1alpha-(OH) D3, 3) basal with 5 microg/kg 1alpha-(OH) D3, 4) basal with 10 microg/kg 1alpha-(OH) D3, and 5) basal with 0.35% supplemental inorganic P (0.45% NPP, positive control). Diets were fed to six replicate groups of 12 HyLine W-98 White Leghorn laying hens from 44 to 52 wk of age. Hen-day egg production was significantly depressed by 47 wk of age for the basal diet treatment and by 47, 49, and 48 wk of age, respectively, for the 2.5, 5, and 10 microg/kg of 1alpha-(OH) D3 treatments compared to the positive control diet. Supplementation with 5 or 10 microg/kg 1alpha-(OH) D3 did improve (P < 0.05) egg production, but egg production for those treatments was much lower than that for the 0.45% NPP treatment. Our results indicate that 1alpha-(OH) D3 did not substantially improve P utilization in laying hens fed corn-soybean meal diets.
APPROACH FOR COMPUTER SYSTEMS DESIGN

We develop a computer design process that uses an architectural approach, involving the definition and analysis of sequences of functions. This approach allowed us to configure a system at a high level, and provides a mechanism for predicting performance, reliability, availability, and security. A key feature of the design approach is sequence and system complexity that we found to be a good predictor of system properties, such as reliability. Both non-concurrent and concurrent processing, using multiple parallel processors, methods are evaluated with respect to performance, reliability, availability, security, and cost. We evaluated the tradeoffs between performance and cost, and found that a two-processor system provides a good balance between performance and cost. Our major contribution to the field of computer design is our innovative approach of using sequences as the basis of design and the application of complexity metrics as a predictor of system attributes, an approach we did not find in an extensive review of the literature.
Exploring the tumors of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in mouse models for basic and preclinical studies.

Most patients (70–90%) with the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome possess germline heterozygous mutations in MEN1 that predisposes to tumors of multiple endocrine and nonendocrine tissues. Some endocrine tumors of the kinds seen in MEN1 that occur sporadically in the general population also possess somatic mutations in MEN1. Interestingly, the endocrine tumors of MEN1 are recapitulated in mouse models of Men1 loss that serve as a valuable resource to understand the pathophysiology and molecular basis of tumorigenesis. Exploring these endocrine tumors in mouse models using in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro methods can help to follow the process of tumorigenesis, and can be useful for preclinical testing of therapeutics and understanding their mechanisms of action.
Characterization of PBAN and PBAN-encoding gene neuropeptides in the central nervous system of the corn earworm moth, Helicoverpa zea

Abstract Both female and male adult corn earworm moths, Helicoverpa zea, were utilized to demonstrate, by immunochemical techniques, the presence and localization of the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (Hez-PBAN). A polyclonal antibody was used and was shown to be specific to the C-terminal end of Hez-PBAN. Several other peptides with a similar five amino acid C-terminal ending also cross-reacted in competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Immunocytochemical methods determined that in both adult male and female moths immunoreactive material was found in three clusters of cells in the subesophageal ganglion (SEG) and that axons projected from these cell bodies to the corpora cardiaca (CC) and down the ventral nerve cord (VNC). The CC also contained immunoreactive material. Each thoracic and abdominal ganglion also contained a pair of cell bodies with immunoreactivity. In addition, two pairs of axons originating from cell bodies in the SEG extended the entire length of the VNC and terminated in the last abdominal ganglion. ELISAs indicated that the brain-SEG complex contained the highest levels of PBAN-like material followed by the CC and thoracic ganglia respectively. The abdominal ganglia contained low levels of this material. Bioassays of nervous tissue also indicated the same relative levels of PBAN-like material in each part of the nervous system. HPLC fractionation of nervous tissue followed by ELISAs indicated the presence of several other PBAN-related peptides in the brain-SEG complex and CC. The thoracic ganglia had a different profile and contained lower levels of the peptides. These results indicate that male and female adult moths have similar localization of PBAN-related peptides and that the five PBAN-related peptides previously deduced from the gene sequence are probably present in the SEG and CC.
On the buckling analyses of embedded layers

Abstract The published buckling analyses of axially compressed layers embedded in a softer medium, or of multilayers, are based on the notion that the buckling load is Pcr; the so-called critical load which is obtained from a linear eigenvalue problem. The purpose of the present paper is to show that this assumption is generally not justified. For these cases a linearized buckling analysis is not sufficient and buckling of a layer, or of multilayers, has to be determined from a non-linear formulation.
Meeting the Challenge of Deepwater Spill Response

ABSTRACT Close to 25% of all oil and gas produced in the United States comes from offshore production. A new era for the Gulf of Mexico has begun with intense industry interest in deepwater (> 300 m) areas. Production from deepwater now represents about 46% of all U.S. offshore oil and 17% of U.S. offshore gas. Spill response plans and capabilities must be upgraded to meet the challenges of this new remote activity. This paper outlines a joint research effort underway between government and industry to address needed research on deep spill plume and trajectory behavior and surveillance. Major topics discussed include the application of results from a June 2000 deepwater experimental release of oil and gas offshore Norway, findings from several laboratory studies on plume characterization, and an upgraded numerical model for deep spill trajectories. There is much interest from the offshore industry as to how these research findings will be incorporated into federal review of oil spill response plans for de...
Factors characterizing bursts of figurative language and gesture in college lectures

In an analysis of three college lectures, Corts and Pollio (1999) found that figurative language and gesture often appeared together in ‘bursts’. These bursts were initially characterized as novel ...
Malaise in business management

Abstract For the first time since the Great Depression in the 1930's, American business seems uncertain of its future. The Japanese challenge has shattered the dream of a millenium of global American business leadership after only four short decades (Moritani [1], Morikawa [2]), and the resulting soul-searching is creating a re-thinking of management imperatives. Some issues are addressed in an attempt to identify hidden weaknesses in the modus operandi of American business.
Estimates of intermittency, spectra, and blow-up in developed turbulence

TWO-WEEK lOAN COPY This is a library Circulating Copy which may be borrowed for two weeks. For a personal retention copy, call Tech. Info. Dioision, Ext. 6782
Treatment of Pyloric Stenosis in Infants with Methylscopolamine Nitrate

Summary. Methylscopolamine nitrate has proved to be a superior antispasmodic in internal medicine, and it therefore seemed likely that it might be equally valuable in pediatric practice, in particular in the treatment of infantile pyloric stenosis. In 6 of the 9 patients treated immediate cessation of the vomiting, improvement in the general condition, and a gain in weight was achieved. Three patients did not respond to the treatment and an operation was necessary. The most striking feature was the rapidity with which the effect occurred. In many of the infants it occurred on the same day as the first dose, and in any case an improvement was noted within a few days. Another quality of this drug which makes it especially suitable for use in children is its harmlessness. Not even after a long period of medication were any by-effects to be observed, other than a sudden flush which rapidly subsided The drug has also been tried and proved to be very effective in the treatment of other forms of vomiting occurring in infancy.
A meta-analysis of supply chain integration and firm performance

As supply chain activities become more dispersed among customers, suppliers and service providers, there is an increased need for customers and suppliers to work together more closely. Supply chain integration (SCI) has been a highly researched topic during the last 20 years. A meta-analytic approach is used to provide a quantitative review of the empirical literature in SCI, and examines relevant design and contextual factors. Eighty independent samples across 86 peer-reviewed journal articles, yielding a total of 17,467 observations, were obtained and analyzed. While general support exists in favor of the positive impact of SCI on firm performance in the literature, this research helps clarify mixed findings that presently exist. Our results indicate that there is a positive and significant correlation between SCI and firm performance. Additional subgroups and moderators are tested and provide nuanced views of the scope and specific dimensions of SCI, firm performance and their relationships.
Workload history effects: A comparison of sudden increases and decreases on performance

The present study examined workload history effects by manipulating sudden changes in workload level, and was designed to enable a direct comparison between sudden increasing and decreasing in workload conditions. A sample of 149 undergraduates was randomly assigned to either a sudden decrease or a sudden increase in workload condition. Participants performed a Sternberg memory task while percent correct was recorded. Mixed-model ANOVA results indicated that performance was significantly impaired for both conditions. Findings supported previous research suggesting that either a sudden decrease (High to Medium) or increase (Low to Medium) workload could result in impaired performance (Cox-Fuenzalida, in press; Cox-Fuenzalida & Angie, in press; Cox-Fuenzalida, Swickert & Hittner, 2004). Furthermore, this study suggests that a sudden decrease may result in greater detrimental effects.
Noncontingent Reinforcement as Treatment for Tub-Standing in a Toddler

The present case study investigated whether the tub-standing of a typicallydeveloping toddler could be reduced by a noncontingent reinforcement procedure. The results of a brief functional analysis suggested that tub-standing was maintained by automatic reinforcement. Noncontingent reinforcement, consisting of presentation of bath toys on a fixed-time schedule, was effective in reducing the number of tub-stands per session. These results suggest that noncontingent reinforcement can be successfully applied to problem behavior