cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Dimensional Printing of Stiffness-tuned, Nitinol Skeletal Fixation Hardware with an Example of Mandibular Segmental Defect Repair

Abstract Following reconstructive surgery for a segmental mandibulectomy defect, Ti-6Al-4 V (Surgical Grade 5 titanium) fixation hardware is commonly used to immobilize a bone graft or bone containing free flap until it heals with adjacent host bone. Thereafter, local stress concentrations and more global stress shielding are not unlikely. In some cases, such as mandibular segmental defects, the fixation device may break if it continues to carry the majority of the load previously carried by the repaired segment of bone. If bone grafted into the mandible receives insufficient stress, it is possible to see a loss of chewing power, failure of the bone to remodel (strengthen) and/or its resorption, and the failure of dental implants placed in the grafted bone. In this study we investigate porous nitinol (NiTi) as a substitute for Ti-6Al-4 V skeletal fixation devices. Porosity can be introduced into the design to reduce, in effect to tune, the stiffness of 3D printed nitinol fixation devices. The tuned, or stiffness-matched, nitinol device must have sufficient stiffness for fixation during a 6-9 month healing period and sufficient flexibility to recreate normal stress distribution once the bone is healed. We compare finite element models of fixation hardware fabricated from Ti-6Al-4 V and stiffness-matched nitinol. Our results suggest that stiffness-matched nitinol hardware is more likely to recreate normal stress-strain trajectories in a reconstructed mandibular segmental defect than a Ti-6Al-4 V fixation device. This outcome bodes well for surgical reconstruction of skeletal elements in general, and specifically reconstruction of mandibular segmental defects where therapeutic goals include restoration of the chewing, speaking, swallowing, and breathing functions supported by the mandible.
Role of Orthography in Literacy Acquisition and Literacy Problems Among Monolinguals and Bilinguals

There may be various reasons, such as the number of books available at home, genetics, type of instruction etc., as to why a child has difficulty learning to read and spell. Additionally, the type of writing system of a language can also affect the literacy acquisition. According to “Orthographic Depth Hypothesis (ODH),” the degree of correspondence between orthography and phonology is an important factor of the way literacy skills are acquired. Seymour (Theoretical framework for beginning reading in different orthographies. In R.M. Joshi & P.G. Aaron (Eds.), Handbook of orthography and literacy. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates) examined the speed and accuracy of familiar word reading and nonword reading in 15 different European writing systems and concluded that “the establishment of an effective sight vocabulary and decoding needs about 2 years of reading experience in English as against 1-year in many European languages.” The questions that arise, then, are how does the orthography of one language influence the acquisition of literacy skills in another language? If a person is dyslexic in one language, would he/she be dyslexic in other languages as well? Can reading models, such as the Componential Model, that have proven beneficial for the assessment of reading problems among English-speaking children be useful to other orthographies such as Spanish orthography? This chapter presents results from our studies that show that orthographic differences do make a contribution in the acquisition of literacy skills, and that certain orthographies can slow down literacy acquisition in beginning readers.
ePix: A class of front-end ASICs for second generation LCLS integrating hybrid pixel detectors

ePix is a novel class of ASICs architectures based on a common platform optimized for the processing of signals in second generation LCLS cameras. The platform architecture is composed of a random access analog matrix of pixels with a global shutter, fast parallel column readout, and dedicated sigma-delta analog to digital converters per column. It also implements a dedicated control interface and all the required support electronics to perform configuration, calibration, and readout of the matrix. Based on this platform a class of front-end ASICs and several camera modules are under development, each utilizing specific pixel architectures, to meet varying requirements. This approach reduces development time and expands the possibility of integration of detector modules in size, shape or functionality as different modules could be assembled in the same camera. The ePix platform is currently under development together with two integrating pixel architectures: ePix100 optimized for ultra-low noise applications and ePix10k optimized instead for high dynamic range applications.
Deconstructing Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia: A cross-diagnostic cluster analysis of cognitive phenotypes

Background Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) show substantial overlap. It has been suggested that a subgroup of patients might contribute to these overlapping features. This study employed a cross-diagnostic cluster analysis to identify subgroups of individuals with shared cognitive phenotypes.
Dealing with hurricane surge flooding in a changing environment: part I. Risk assessment considering storm climatology change, sea level rise, and coastal development

Coastal flood risk will likely increase in the future due to urban development, sea-level rise, and potential change of storm surge climatology, but the latter has seldom been considered in flood risk analysis. We propose an integrated dynamic risk analysis for flooding task (iDraft) framework to assess coastal flood risk at regional scales, considering integrated dynamic effects of storm climatology change, sea-level rise, and coastal development. The framework is composed of two components: a modeling scheme to collect and combine necessary physical information and a formal, Poisson-based theoretical scheme to derive various risk measures of interest. Time-varying risk metrics such as the return period of various damage levels and the mean and variance of annual damage are derived analytically. The mean of the present value of future losses (PVL) is also obtained analytically in three ways. Monte Carlo (MC) methods are then developed to estimate these risk metrics and also the probability distribution of PVL. The analytical and MC methods are theoretically and numerically consistent. A case study is performed for New York City (NYC). It is found that the impact of population growth and coastal development on future flood risk is relatively small for NYC, sea-level rise will significantly increase the damage risk, and storm climatology change can also increase the risk and uncertainty. The joint effect of all three dynamic factors is possibly a dramatic increase of the risk over the twenty-first century and a significant shift of the probability distribution of the PVL towards high values. In a companion paper (Part II), we extend the iDraft to perform probabilistic benefit-cost analysis for various flood mitigation strategies proposed for NYC to avert the potential impact of climate change.
Hearing in the mouse of Usher

Hearing and balance are rescued by a synthetic virus that delivers a transgene to the inner ear of neonatal mice.
Dimers and Curvature Formulae

In this expository note, we discuss different formalisms for determinants of families of elliptic operators (in the continuum) and finite-difference operators (in a discrete setting), how they relate, and consequences for the asymptotic analysis of some combinatorial models in 2d statistical mechanics.
Photorefractive material: processing and optical properties

The photorefractive(PR) materials offer the real-time, erasable, high capacity, and parallel accessible capabilities, that warrant applications to variety of photonics devices. In this paper, we reviewed some of the material processing aspects and their optical properties. The thermal influence on the PR materials, dynamics of PR holographic process as well as applications of PR fiber holograms are discussed. The major obstacle and fundamental limitations of the PR materials that prevent the wide-spread applications are also described.
Retroviruses of the RDR superinfection interference group: ancient origins and broad host distribution of a promiscuous Env gene

Due to recombination, different regions of a retrovirus genome can have distinct phylogenetic histories. The RD114-and-D-type-retrovirus (RDR) interference group provides an extreme example: the RDR group comprises a variety of taxonomically distinct retroviruses, isolated from diverse mammalian and avian hosts, that share a homologous env gene and use the same cell-surface entry receptor. RDR env homologs are also found among ancient endogenous retrovirus (ERV) sequences, including the syncytin genes of humans and rabbits, indicating that RDR Env glycoproteins have likely mediated endogenization on multiple occasions in diverse vertebrate lineages. The distribution of RDR env among exogenous and endogenous retroviruses indicates that it has been swapped between viruses many times, and that it likely facilitated multiple cross-species transmission events spanning millions of years of vertebrate evolution.
Rigorous and practical quality indicators in sickle cell disease care

In recent years, several sickle cell-specific quality indicators have been developed using rigorous approaches. A review of the history and current status of the development of sickle cell-specific indicators highlights opportunities for future refinement. Despite efforts at alignment, lack of strong evidence hinders the adoption of current quality indicators across stakeholder groups. There are many directions in which to take the current existing quality indicators, including expanding to different age groups, aims of care such as safety and equity, and better understanding of contextual and environmental factors.
Introduction to the Symposium

At the 1990 meeting of the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) in Montreal a Symposium titled "Pesticide Transport to Groundwater: Perspectives and Field Methodology" was Chaired by Thanh H. Dao. That symposium made it clear that simulation modeling is being used more and more to integrate the field test data generated by pesticide companies as part of the environmental impact assessment required for pesticide registration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At the Soil Aspects Section Business Meeting it was decided that a Symposium on the state of the art of this technology would be timely and the authors agreed to organize it. We wanted to focus on three questions: 1. How can models be improved to meet manufacturer and EPA needs for risk assessment? 2. How can the credibility of models be increased? 3. How can EPA's Regulatory Guidelines be revised to reflect current computer modeling capabilities? The cost of developing the data needed for registration of a new pesticide continues to escalate and is now estimated to be $20 to 40 million. At the same time, the cost of computation has decreased exponentially. Thus, one might hope that this readily accessible computing power might be used to run powerful predictive models to replace expensive field experiments, or, at the very least, to enhance the understanding and extend the interpretation of experimental results. EPA is open to the increased use of simulation models. They are in the process of re-evaluating the Pesticide Evaluation Guidelines (Federal Register 55, No. 235, p. 50395, December 1990) and have specifically requested comments on the use of computer models for risk (especially exposure) assessment. The kind of nonpoint pollution environmental simulation models discussed at this symposium typically require very large resources of expertise, manpower and time to develop. Until recently, similar resources were needed to use them. This is no longer true. The ability
Pesticides, A Love Story: America's Enduring Embrace of Dangerous Chemicals

Review of: "Pesticides, A Love Story: America’s Enduring Embrace of Dangerous Chemicals", by Michelle Mart.
Comparative adrenocholinergic control of intracellular Ca2+ in the layers of the ciliary body epithelium.

PURPOSE Both nonpigmented epithelia (NPE) and pigmented epithelia (PE) of the ciliary body are thought to participate in the formation of aqueous humor and its pharmacologic regulation. The aim of this study was to identify the similarities and differences in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) changes in each of the two layers in response to adrenergic and cholinergic inputs. METHODS Incubation of the Dutch belted rabbit ciliary body (CB) in low-[Ca2+] solution was used to induce the functional dissociation of the NPE and PE layers from each other. These layers or the intact undissociated CB were loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 and mounted in superfusion chambers for fluorometric measurement of [Ca2+]i. RESULTS In the NPE of the intact CB epithelium or in the isolated NPE, 10 microM acetylcholine (ACh), 1 microM brimonidine (UK 14304), or 1 microM epinephrine each elicited minimal rises in [Ca2+]i. On the other hand, the combination of either adrenergic drug with ACh resulted in large mobilizations of this cation. The alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine was unable to induce Ca2+ mobilization in the isolated NPE and failed to do so in 10 of 12 intact CB specimens. In the isolated PE, both epinephrine and phenylephrine elicited substantial similar [Ca2+]i increases, ACh induced a smaller and slower rise, and the response to its combination with either adrenergic drug was essentially additive. UK 14304 (+/- ACh) had no measurable effect in these cells. CONCLUSIONS Each layer of the CBE exhibits distinct alpha-adrenergic control mechanisms. The NPE contains an alpha 2-adrenergic mechanism highly dependent on the cholinergic tone. The PE, in contrast, contains an alpha 1-adrenergic pathway that operates independently of cholinergic input. This segregation of mechanisms provides a basis for highly complex regulatory responses in the intact, syncytially organized ciliary body epithelium.
Central nervous system neuroplasticity and the sensitization of hypertension

The causes of essential hypertension remain an enigma. Interactions between genetic and external factors are generally recognized to act as aetiological mechanisms that trigger the pathogenesis of high blood pressure. However, the questions of which genes and factors are involved, and when and where such interactions occur, remain unresolved. Emerging evidence indicates that the hypertensive response to pressor stimuli, like many other physiological and behavioural adaptations, can become sensitized to particular stimuli. Studies in animal models show that, similarly to other response systems controlled by the brain, hypertensive response sensitization (HTRS) is mediated by neuroplasticity. The brain circuitry involved in HTRS controls the sympathetic nervous system. This Review outlines evidence supporting the phenomenon of HTRS and describes the range of physiological and psychosocial stressors that can produce a sensitized hypertensive state. Also discussed are the cellular and molecular changes in the brain neural network controlling sympathetic tone involved in long-term storage of information relating to stressors, which could serve to maintain a sensitized state. Finally, this Review concludes with a discussion of why a sensitized hypertensive response might previously have been beneficial and increased biological fitness under some environmental conditions and why today it has become a health-related liability.
Operating Room Hand Preparation: To Scrub or to Rub?

Abstract Background: The alcohol rub has been proposed as an alternative to the traditional surgical scrub in preparing the hands for surgical procedures. Few reviews have examined critically the e...
Scoring the Participatory City: Lawrence (& Anna) Halprin’s Take Part Process

Abstract In response to the disorienting effects of urban renewal and a broader public demand for participation in the 1960s and 1970s, Lawrence Halprin & Associates developed a public planning process called Taking Part. The following essay situates the process in its historical context and in the context of Halprin's life and career—particularly as it developed out of the artistic symbiosis that existed between him and his wife, the avant-garde dancer and choreographer Anna Halprin. A case study of the Take Part Process applied in Charlottesville, Virginia is presented to criticize its shortcomings and strengths, while arguing for the potentials of certain aspects in public process planning today.
Time matching between grooming partners: Do methodological distinctions between short versus long-term reciprocation matter?

Primatologists have long focused on grooming exchanges to examine aspects of social relationships, co-operation, and social cognition. One particular interest is the extent to which reciprocating grooming partners time match, and the time frame over which they do so. Conclusions about time matching vary across species. Generally, researchers focus on the duration of pauses between grooming episodes that involve a switch in partner roles and choose a cut-off point to distinguish short from longer-term reciprocation. Problematically, researchers have made inconsistent choices about cut-offs. Such methodological variations are potentially concerning, as it is unclear whether inconsistent conclusions about short-term time matching are attributable to species/ecological differences, or are due in part to methodological inconsistency. We ask whether various criteria for separating short versus long-term reciprocation influence conclusions about short-term time matching using data from free-ranging rhesus ( Macaca mulatta) and captive-crested macaques ( Macaca nigra). We compare several commonly used cut-offs to ones generated by the currently preferred approach-survival analysis. Crested macaques displayed a mild degree of time matching regardless of the cutoff used. For rhesus macaques, whereas most cut-offs yielded similar degrees of time matching as the one derived from survival analysis, very short ones significantly underestimated both the degree of time matching and the influence of rank distance on time matching. Although researchers may have some flexibility in their choice of cut-offs, we suggest that they employ caution by using survival analysis when possible, and when not possible, by avoiding very short time windows.
Harnessing Knowledge for Improving Access to Fruits and Vegetables at Farmers Markets: Interactive Data Visualization to Inform Food Security Programs and Policy.

High consumption of fruits and vegetables leads to decreased risk of various chronic diseases, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. Community-level barriers to access fruits and vegetables...
Mechanistic and Kinetic Studies of the Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornenyl Monomers by a Grubbs Third Generation Catalyst.

The mechanism of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) for a set of functionalized norbornenyl monomers initiated by a Grubbs third generation precatalyst [(H2IMes)(pyr)2(Cl)2Ru═CHPh] was i...
The Extended k -Characters

The subject of this chapter is the k-characters χ(k) of a finite group G, and their extensions to more general objects. These characters are constant on certain subsets of Gk, the k-classes. Here work of Vazirani is presented which provides a set of “extended k-characters” for arbitrary k. These connect with various aspects of the representation theory of the symmetric groups and the general linear groups.
Association of Medicaid Insurance With Survival Among Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Importance Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive neoplasm requiring rapid access to subspecialized multidisciplinary care. For this reason, insurance coverage such as Medicaid may be associated with oncologic outcomes in this disproportionately economically vulnerable population. With Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, it is important to understand outcomes associated with Medicaid coverage among patients with SCLC. Objective To determine the association of Medicaid coverage with survival compared with other insurance statuses. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study included adult patients with limited-stage (LS) and extensive-stage (ES) SCLC in the US National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2013. Data were analyzed in January 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Patients were analyzed with respect to insurance status. Associations of insurance status with survival were interrogated with univariate analyses, multivariable analyses, and propensity score matching. Results A total of 181 784 patients with SCLC (93 131 [51.2%] female; median [interquartile range] age; 67 [60-75] years for patients with LS-SCLC and 68 [60-75] years for patients with ES-SCLC) were identified, of whom 70 247 (38.6%) had LS-SCLC and 109 479 (60.2%) had ES-SCLC. On univariate analyses of patients with LS-SCLC, Medicaid coverage was not associated with a survival advantage compared with being uninsured (hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.08;P = .49). Likewise, on multivariable analyses of patients with ES-SCLC, compared with being uninsured, Medicaid coverage was not associated with a survival advantage (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.03;P = .78). After propensity score matching, median survival was similar between the uninsured and Medicaid groups both among patients with LS-SCLC (14.4 vs 14.1 months; hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.98-1.12;P = .17) and those with ES-SCLC (6.3 vs 6.4 months; hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04;P = .92). Conclusions and Relevance Despite of billions of dollars in annual federal and state spending, Medicaid was not associated with improved survival in patients with SCLC compared with being uninsured in the US National Cancer Database. These findings suggest that there are substantial outcome inequalities for SCLC relevant to the policy debate on the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
P155 Process Evaluation of a Sustainable Food Systems Course for First-Year College Students

Objective To describe process evaluation findings for a pilot sustainable food systems course. Use of Theory or Research The Value-Belief-Norm Theory, a pro-environmental behavior theory used to describe socially responsible behavior, was used. Process evaluation ensured theory-based learning outcomes were properly implemented and participants were reached. Target Audience Twelve first year college students (67% female) enrolled at a large southeastern US university. Most (67%) identified as non-Hispanic White. Course/Curriculum Description The curriculum was used for a pilot 12-week 1-credit hour exploratory course which included guest speakers from various food system sectors, case studies, documentary viewings, a cooking demonstration, and a culminating group project. The class met 1 evening per week and students were required to receive a satisfactory grade (70% or higher) to receive credit. Evaluation Methods Dose delivered was evaluated by curriculum implementation and instructor effectiveness. Student engagement and likability evaluated dose received. Class attendance assessed reach, and fidelity was evaluated by curriculum completion and course implementation alignment of the theoretical framework and learning outcomes. Context was assessed via situational factors. Results Dose delivered was high with 92.86% of the implementation checklist met. Dose received was adequate with a score of 3.80 ± 0.63 out of 5 for engagement and 4.13 ± 0.28 out of 5 for likability. Reach was high with a class mean attendance of 11.20 ± 0.68 students. Fidelity was considered high with 100% completion reported for the curriculum checklist and high alignment of the theoretical framework and learning outcomes. Context assessment revealed external barriers prohibited lessons to be taught chronologically but did not impact curriculum delivery. Conclusions Well-developed food systems education may shape future sustainable food practices in college students. Process evaluation of this pilot course suggested overall adequate implementation and future scaled-up testing was deemed an appropriate next step.
An Assessment of the Hypercriminalization Thesis: Evidence from Juvenile Justice and Human Service Practitioners in the USA

One of the most salient effects of racial discrimination in the USA is the criminalization of youth of color (YOC). Using a deductive approach to evaluate Rios’s hypercriminalization theory, this study analyzes 79 human service and juvenile justice practitioners’ professional experiences with witnessing the criminalization of YOC. The results of a priori coding revealed that criminalization is a baseline experience for YOC that occurs in a variety of social settings, and it is linked to the disproportionate contact of YOC with the juvenile justice system. Practitioners reported that criminalization also impacted YOC’s self-concept and contributed to their development of destructive attitudes. The study concludes with suggestions for future research and recommendations for combatting the criminalization of YOC in professional work settings.
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy as a Novel Treatment for Achalasia: Patient Selection and Perspectives

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by esophageal aperistalsis and impaired relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter. There is no cure for achalasia and all the current treatments are aimed at palliation of symptoms by reducing the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Currently, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) with partial fundoplication is considered the most effective and durable treatment option owing to its superiority over other treatments such as pneumatic dilation. Advancements in interventional endoscopy led to a novel minimally invasive endoscopic alternative to LHM, namely peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In the last decade since its inception, POEM expanded rapidly throughout the world due to excellent safety profile and its efficacy comparable to LHM. The main drawback of POEM is gastroesophageal reflux disease since it is not combined with an anti-reflux procedure. The current review focuses on the indications, contraindications, technique, outcomes of POEM in various patient populations, and complications along with its effectiveness in comparison to LHM and pneumatic dilation.
Comparison of Design-Centric and Data-Centric Methods for Distributed Attack Detection in Cyber-Physical Systems

Cyber-physical systems are vulnerable to a variety of cyber, physical and cyber-physical attacks. The security of cyber-physical systems can be enhanced beyond what can be achieved through firewalls and trusted components by building trust from observed and/or expected behaviors. These behaviors can be encoded as invariants. Information flows that do not satisfy the invariants are used to identify and isolate malfunctioning devices and cyber intrusions. However, the distributed architectures of cyber-physical systems often contain multiple access points that are physically and/or digitally linked. Thus, invariants may be difficult to determine and/or computationally prohibitive to check in real time. Researchers have employed various methods for determining the invariants by analyzing the designs of and/or data generated by cyber-physical systems such as water treatment plants and electric power grids. This chapter compares the effectiveness of detecting attacks on a water treatment plant using design-centric invariants versus data-centric rules, the latter generated using a variety of data mining methods. The methods are compared based on the maximization of true positives and minimization of false positives.
Enabling Patentless Innovation

Do patents promote innovation? Many in open innovation communities — or those that collaborate to create and make technology publicly available under permissive terms — have long argued that patents stifle rather than promote innovation. Indeed, it has become nearly conventional wisdom in open innovation circles that the patent system imposes undue burdens on open innovation communities in particular. This may be especially true because, for a variety of reasons, open innovation communities have traditionally failed to pursue patents on their technologies. Consequently, some argue that the best way for these communities to protect themselves is by bucking this trend and acquiring significant numbers of patents for defensive purposes. Some in open innovation communities have begun to follow this approach. What remains underexplored in this discussion, however, is the extent to which patents actually threaten open innovation communities. Previous assessments treat these communities monolithically in terms of patent risk, but open innovation communities by definition consist of a broad spectrum of participants with distinct risk profiles. This Article disaggregates open innovation communities and assesses the actual risks that patents may pose to different categories of participants in those communities. It argues that several factors diminish the actual patent risks in some cases, at least as they are generally presented. However, the Article also highlights certain previously unexamined patent risks that arise based on incompatibilities between the decentralized nature of open innovation and the centralized nature of patent rights. These risks suggest that using patents to combat patent risks may not be a viable long-term strategy for open innovation communities. Based on these conclusions, the Article then assesses other possibilities for better reconciling the patent system with the phenomenon of open innovation. In particular, it suggests as one such possibility a two-track patent system that would grant open innovators an independent invention defense to patent infringement in exchange for an agreement not to assert patents except defensively. The Article concludes by suggesting that such a system would not only benefit open innovation communities, but may also help address broader concerns with the patent system as well.
Protein Yoga: Conformational Versatility of the Hemolysin II C‐terminal Domain Detailed by NMR Structures for Multiple States

The C-terminal domain of Bacillus cereus hemolysin II (HlyIIC), stabilizes the trans-membrane-pore formed by the HlyII toxin and may aid in target cell recognition. Initial efforts to determine the NMR structure of HlyIIC were hampered by cis/trans isomerization about the single proline at position 405 that leads to doubling of NMR resonances. We used the mutant P405M-HlyIIC that eliminates the cis proline to determine the NMR structure of the domain, which revealed a novel fold. Here, we extend earlier studies to the NMR structure determination of the cis and trans states of WT-HlyIIC that exist simultaneously in solution. The primary structural differences between the cis and trans states are in the loop that contains P405, and structurally adjacent loops. Thermodynamic linkage analysis shows that at 25 C the cis proline, which already has a large fraction of 20% in the unfolded protein, increases to 50% in the folded state due to coupling with the global stability of the domain. The P405M or P405A substitutions eliminate heterogeneity due to proline isomerization but lead to the formation of a new dimeric species. The NMR structure of the dimer shows that it is formed through domain-swapping of strand β5, the last segment of secondary structure following P405. The presence of P405 in WT-HlyIIC strongly disfavors the dimer compared to the P405M-HlyIIC or P405A-HlyIIC mutants. The WT proline may thus act as a "gatekeeper," warding off aggregative misfolding.
Post-operative outcomes in anonymous living liver donors: What motivates individuals to donate to strangers

BACKGROUND Anonymous living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a strategy to address the shortage of available transplantable livers; however, few studies have been conducted on this population. The objective of this study was to describe the motivations and medical, psychosocial, and financial outcomes of anonymous living liver donors. METHODS Between 2010-2019, 116 anonymous living liver donors were evaluated, 59 (51.7%) of whom proceeded to surgery. A subset of 21 anonymous donors were matched to biologically/emotionally related donors according to age, gender, race, and duration since surgery. A medical chart review and post-surgical interviews were performed to assess medical and financial outcomes. RESULTS The primary motivation for donors was an unselfish desire to help others (43, 72.9%). A total of 13 (22%) anonymous donors experienced complications. Of these, 7 (11.9%) were grade I Clavien-Dindo classification, 5 (8.5%) grade II, 1 was grade III (1.7%); and no patients had grade IV-V Clavien-Dindo complications. Increased anxiety was reported by 3 (5.1%) donors, and one donor reported clinical levels of depression (1.7%). Within the matched controls, anonymous donors were not significantly different to biologically/emotionally related donors with regard to surgical complications, psychosocial, or financial outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Allowing a greater number of anonymous donors may facilitate the reduction of the waitlist for liver transplant candidates.
Trying to excel in the Golden State: anti-immigrant sentiment and immigrant educational achievement in California

Anti-immigrant hostility continues to rise throughout multicultural societies. Building on segmented assimilation theory, in this manuscript I examine whether anti-immigrant sentiment might decreas...
From Microns to Meters: Exploring Advances in Legume Microbiome Diversity for Agroecosystem Benefits

Legumes are of primary importance for agroecosystems because they providing protein-rich foods and enhance soil fertility through fixed atmospheric nitrogen. The legume-rhizobia symbiosis that makes this possible has been extensively studied, from basic research on biochemical signaling to practical applications in cropping systems. While rhizobia are the most-studied group of associated microorganisms, the functional benefit they confer to their legume hosts by fixing nitrogen is not performed in isolation. Indeed, non-rhizobia members of the rhizosphere and nodule microbiome are now understood to contribute in multiple ways to nodule formation, legume fitness, and other agroecosystem services. In this review, we summarize advances contributing to our understanding of the diversity and composition of bacterial members of the belowground legume microbiome. We also highlight applied work in legume food and forage crops that link microbial community composition with plant functional benefits. Ultimately, further research will assist in the development of multi-species microbial inoculants and cropping systems that maximize plant nutrient benefits, while reducing sources of agricultural pollution.
Modeling and design of CMUTs using higher order vibration modes [capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers]

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) design has so far relied on the first vibration mode of the CMUT membrane which most resembles piston-like motion. However, experiments show that the frequency response of the CMUT is significantly affected by the higher order vibration modes of the membrane. In this paper, we discuss the design of CMUTs considering these higher order vibration modes of the transducer membrane to tailor its frequency response for specific applications such as harmonic imaging. Based on an FEA model, we show that the vibration frequency of a particular membrane mode can be adjusted by judicious mass loading of the membrane, taking the strain energy distribution into account. Furthermore, we show that using multiple electrodes on the CMUT membrane, in conjunction with membrane mass distribution, the transmit and receive response of the CMUT can be separately optimized for harmonic imaging. An example is given to illustrate the above concepts.
Synthetic peptides of the E2 glycoprotein of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus. II. Antibody to the amino terminus protects animals by limiting viral replication.

Abstract A peptide composed of the amino-terminal 25 amino acids of the E2 glycoprotein of the virulent Trinidad donkey (TRD) strain of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus was found to protect peptide-immunized mice from lethal TRD virus challenge (Hunt et al., 1990). Viral growth in peptide-immunized animals was found to be limited in comparison to that in nonimmunized controls. Although both treated and control groups of mice responded to virus challenge by producing neutralizing antibody, only immunized mice with preexisting antipeptide antibody survived. Polyclonal antipeptide sera as well as a monoclonal antipeptide antibody were able to passively protect naive mice from TRD virus challenge, despite the fact that these antibodies were non neutralizing. Passive transfer of antipeptide antibody to immunosuppressed recipients was not protective, thus indicating that survival of TRD virus challenge required an in situ immune response as well as preexisting antipeptide antibody. Binding studies of both polyclonal and monoclonal antipeptide antibodies indicated that they recognize only epitopes present on virus-infected cells or denatured virus.
Prediction of the Compressive Strength of Thick-Section Advanced Composite Laminates:

An analytical study, with the twin objectives of (1) development of a simple, yet comprehensive approach for prediction of the compressive strength of thick-section advanced composite (graphitc/cpoxy) cross-ply laminates and (2) explanation of unacceptably low strength of the (90N°/0°)k cylindrical specimens tested at David Taylor Research Center (DTRC) under hydrostatic compression, has been undertaken. A simple closed-form expression for the kink mode compressive strength has been derived, under the simplifying assumptions of small deformation, material linearity, local flatness and piecewise linear distribution of the surface-parallel displacements through the thickness, using the minimum potential energy approach. Initial fiber misalignment (maximum tangent angle), ultimate fiber shear strain and the two transverse shear moduli are found to be the key parameters, which limit the compressive strength of the aforementioned thick-section composite laminates. An analysis pertaining to the elastic plane st...
Methods for Measuring Tau Pathology in Transgenic Mouse Models

In Alzheimer's disease (AD) and tauopathies, tau becomes hyperphosphorylated, undergoes a conformational change, and becomes aggregated and insoluble. There are three methods commonly used to study the insoluble tau fraction, two that utilize detergents (Sarkosyl and RIPA) and another that does not (insoluble). However, these methods require large amounts of homogenate for a relatively low yield of the insoluble fraction, which can be problematic when dealing with small tissue samples. Furthermore, the most common way of analyzing this material is through densitometry of immunoblots, offering only semiquantitative measurements. We provide a comparison of the three methods commonly used (Sarksoyl, RIPA, and insoluble) through immunoblot and ELISA analyses. Finally, we tested a new method to determine aggregated tau levels, utilizing a monoantibody tau ELISA. The insoluble fractions of four different mouse models (P301 L, htau, wild type, and knockout) as well as human AD and control brains were examined. There were significant correlations between the three insoluble methods for both total tau and pS396/404 tau measured by immunoblot or ELISA analyses. Additionally, the results from the ELISA method correlated significantly with those from immunoblot analyses. Finally, the monoantibody assay on the lysate significantly correlated with the total tau ELISAs performed on the three insoluble preparations. Taken together, these results suggest that all three insoluble preparation methods offer similar results for measuring insoluble tau in either mouse or human brains. In addition the new monoantibody ELISA offers a simple quantitative method to measure the amount of aggregated tau in both human and mouse brains.
FATIGUE CRACK PROPAGATION IN VISCOUS ENVIRONMENTS

ABSTRACT The effect of dehumidified silicone and paraffin oils with viscosities from 5 to 60, 000 cS, on fatigue crack propagation in a low alloy steel is examined at both near-threshold (~ 10-6 mm/cycle) and higher (~ 10-6 to 10-3 mm/cycle) growth rates. Results show that at low load ratios crack growth rates in oil exceed those in moist air at near-threshold levels, whereas at higher growth rates crack propagation in moist air is considerably faster than in oil. Such observations are discussed in terms of three mechanisms specific to dry oil environments: suppression of moisture-induced hydrogen embrittlement and/or metal dissolution, minimization of oxide-induced crack closure and hydrodynamic wedging effects of the viscous fluid within the crack.
Interdisciplinary Modeling and Dynamics of Archipelago Straits

Abstract : The general focus of this work is to explore, better understand, model and predict the interactive dynamics and variability of sub-mesoscale and mesoscale features and processes in the Philippine Straits region and their impacts on local ecosystems through i. physical-biogeochemical-acoustical data assimilation of novel multidisciplinary observations, ii. adaptive, multi-scale physical and biogeochemical modeling, iii. process, sensitivity studies based on a hierarchy of simplified simulations and focused modeling. - Utilize and develop the Error Subspace Statistical Estimation (ESSE) system for interdisciplinary data assimilation and uncertainty estimation with the physical Primitive-Equation (PE) and generalized biogeochemical model of the Multidisciplinary Simulation, Estimation, and Assimilation Systems (MSEAS) group - Study, describe and model the variability and dynamics of flow separations and associated eddies and filaments, of water mass evolutions and pathways, and of locally trapped waves - Develop and implement schemes for parameter estimation and selection of model structures and parameterizations, and for high-resolution nested domains towards non-hydrostatic modeling.
Environmental stability and anisotropic resistivity of Co-doped Na 1 − δ Fe 1 − x Co x As

Temperature-dependent resistivity is studied in single crystals of iron-arsenide superconductor Na${}_{1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$Fe${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$Co${}_{x}$As for electrical current directions along, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}(T)$, and transverse, ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{c}(T)$, to the Fe-As layers. Doping with Co increases stability of this compound to reaction with the environment and suppresses numerous features in both ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}(T)$ and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{c}(T)$ compared to the stoichiometric NaFeAs. Evolution of ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}(T)$ with $x$ follows a universal trend observed in other pnictide superconductors, exhibiting a $T$-linear temperature dependence close to the optimal doping and development of ${T}^{2}$ dependence upon further doping. ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{c}(T)$ in parent compound shows a nonmonotonic behavior with a crossover from nonmetallic resistivity increase on cooling from room temperature down to $\ensuremath{\sim}$80 K to a metallic decrease below this temperature. Both ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{a}(T)$ and ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{c}(T)$ show several correlated crossoverlike features at $Tg$ 80 K. Despite a general trend towards more metallic behavior of interplane resistivity in Co-doped samples, the temperature of the crossover from insulating to metallic behavior (80 K) does not change much with doping.
Radiologic Imaging Techniques for the Diagnosis and Management of Invasive Fungal Disease

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. Prompt antifungal therapy is essential for favorable outcomes, but clinical signs and symptoms are nonspecific and mycologic confirmation is often not possible. Radiographic testing is an important adjunct to the diagnosis and management of IFDs. Early imaging has been associated with improved survival, particularly in neutropenic patients with fungal pneumonia or acute invasive fungal sinusitis. This review summarizes common radiologic appearances of IFDs of the lung, sinus, and brain. The advantages and limitations of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are discussed as are recent developments in nuclear medicine and proton MR spectroscopy technology.
Consumer perceptions of health care quality and the utilization of non-conventional therapy

In recent years health care delivery has placed increased emphasis on patient input. However, much of the research addressing patient satisfaction and quality of care suffers from inherent methodological difficulties, or an agenda determined by the provider, not the consumer. Of particular neglect has been the considerable, and often, preferential use of non-conventional therapy, recently shown to have an enormous presence within the U.S. health care system. This study employs a multidimensional scaling methodology as an explorative tool to examine, from the consumer's viewpoint, the issues that underlie the positive perception of the quality of health care delivery. Three principle dimensions are identified: personal-impersonal doctor patient relationship; scientific vs holistic approach; and the balance of control between doctor patient. Correlation of sociodemographic and broad based health care seeking data with respect to these dimensions furthers understanding of gender bias, and non-conventional therapy utilization. Suggestions for moderation of these attitudes are discussed.
Identification of Regional Mechanical Anisotropy in Soft Tissue Analogs

In a previous work (Raghupathy and Barocas, 2010, "Generalized Anisotropic Inverse Mechanics for Soft Tissues,"J. Biomech. Eng., 132(8), pp. 081006), a generalized anisotropic inverse mechanics method applicable to soft tissues was presented and tested against simulated data. Here we demonstrate the ability of the method to identify regional differences in anisotropy from full-field displacements and boundary forces obtained from biaxial extension tests on soft tissue analogs. Tissue heterogeneity was evaluated by partitioning the domain into homogeneous subdomains. Tests on elastomer samples demonstrated the performance of the method on isotropic materials with uniform and nonuniform properties. Tests on fibroblast-remodeled collagen cruciforms indicated a strong correlation between local structural anisotropy (measured by polarized light microscopy) and the evaluated local mechanical anisotropy. The results demonstrate the potential to quantify regional anisotropic material behavior on an intact tissue sample.
The Effect of Organizational Experience on Managerial Career Attainment in an Internal Labor Market

Abstract There is a lack of empirical research on determinants of career attainment regarding top management. This study explored the effects of demographic, human capital, and organizational experience factors on top managers’ career attainment in an internal labor market. A sample of 683 managers selected for top management was compared with a sample of 683 managers still in middle level positions. The inclusion of women and minorities in our sample allowed us to explore the moderating effects of gender and race on career attainment. The results indicated that both human capital and organizational experience factors contributed to top level managerial selection. Gender moderated the results between nature of organizational experience and career attainment. The study highlights the importance of specifying the level of career success researchers are exploring in their studies and the type of career systems in which this success is observed.