cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analytical investigations in a death case by suffocation in an argon atmosphere.

A 31-year-old engineer was found dead in a reaction vessel (diameter 0.8 m, height 1.8 m) of a bulb factory some minutes after he had entered it for repair work. Resuscitation attempts with artificial respiration were unsuccessful. Despite autopsy and usual toxicological analyses, no cause of death could be found. Since in the normal production process, argon was used as a protecting gas, the possibility of suffocation in an argon atmosphere was investigated. This was rendered more difficult because of the natural content of 0.93 vol.% argon in air and since the excessive argon could have been removed by the resuscitation attempts. Gas samples from larynx, esophagus, bronchi, and stomach, separated blood samples from both ventricles of the heart and from the vena iliaca externa as well as tissue samples from lung and liver were collected during autopsy into headspace vials in such a way that the loss of gas and a dilution by surrounding air was avoided as far as possible. The samples were analyzed by headspace GC–MS. The abundance of Ar þ (m=z ¼ 40) was used for quantification with N2 2þ (m=z ¼ 14) as internal standard. The following argon concentrations were measured (mean values, case under investigation/comparison cases): gas from larynx 1.79/0.96 vol.%, stomach gas 1.58/0.89 vol.%, heart blood (left ventricle) 7.2/2.7 mg/mL, heart blood (right ventricle) 5.8/ 2.7 mg/mL, blood from vena iliaca externa 3.6/2.7 mg/mL. A clearly increased concentration was also found in lung tissue, whereas in liver tissue no significant difference in comparison to other cases was measured. From the results, it follows that the deceased inhaled an increased amount of argon a short time before death. The concentrations are consistent with asphyxia and subsequent resuscitation attempts. They cannot be explained by a long-term inhalation of an atmosphere enriched with argon before the incident as it is likely to have occurred in this factory hall. # 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Building pair programming knowledge through a family of experiments

Pair programming is a practice in which two programmers work collaboratively at one computer on the same design, algorithm, code, or test. Pair programming is becoming increasingly popular in industry and in university curricula. A family of experiments was run with over 1200 students at two US universities, North Carolina State University and the University of California Santa Cruz, to assess the efficacy of pair programming as an alternative learning technique in introductory programming courses. Students who used the pair programming technique were at least as likely to complete the introductory course with a grade of C or better when compared with students who used the solo programming technique. Paired students earned exam and project scores equal to or better than solo students. Paired students had a positive attitude toward collaboration and were significantly more likely to be registered as computer science-related majors one year later. Our findings also suggest that students in paired classes continue to be successful in subsequent programming classes continue to be successful in subsequent programming classes that require solo programming.
Intermittent megadose corticosteroid therapy for generalized lichen planus

A 70-year-old man with chronic generalized lichen planus, unresponsive to conventional therapies, was treated with megadose methylprednisolone given as 1-gm infusions on three straight days for three consecutive months. This mode of corticosteroid therapy resulted in a favorable clinical response in this patient.
The Yuma Territorial Prison Cemetery: Cold Cases of Grave Importance

Cemeteries, via grave markers and burial records, usually offer sufficiently scant data to enable a reconstruction of the communities they represent, but cemeteries of total institutions, here, the Yuma Territorial Prison, often yield even less data. With only the variables of ethincity, sex, prisoner number, date of death, and cause of death, prison conditions were reconstructed for the 111 who died during the prison's operation (1876–1909), and likely for the other 2,958 who were incarcerated there. First, prisoner number had a high, positive correlation with year of death, indicating that those who died in prison did not live long after incarceration. Further investigation found statistical dependence between the ethnicity of the prisoner and cause (and thus, manner) of death, with tuberculosis disproportionately effecting Hispanics and Native Americans, perhaps suggesting segragation by ethnicity. Hispanics were the only ones shot and killed attempting escape, though numerous escapes were attempted. A...
Real-time high-framerate in vivo cardiac SLSC imaging with a GPU-based beamformer

Echocardiography is widely used to evaluate cardiovascular function in real-time; however, endocardial borders are often inadequately visualized due to clutter. Contrast agents, while effective, increase cost and examination time. SLSC imaging is a coherence-based beamforming technique that has demonstrated clutter reducing capabilities in a variety of applications. Previously, real-time SLSC imaging of a large field of view was achieved at up to 6 fps, inadequate for visualizing a quickly moving target such as the heart. In our previous work, we developed efficient modifications to the SLSC algorithm to obtain fast and precise measurements of spatial coherence. In this work, these techniques were implemented on a GPU-based software beamformer to develop a real-time SLSC imaging system suitable for echocardiography. The system was then used in a clinical study to image 15 patients with poor image quality, as determined by trained sonographers. Real-time display of side-by-side B-mode and SLSC images were obtained at frame rates ranging from 21 to 31 fps. B-mode and SLSC video clips were given in shuffled order to a cardiologist, who rated the visibility s of each of 12 LV segments as 0=invisible, 1=poorly visualized, or 2=well visualized. Scores of 0 and 1 indicated a need for contrast agent. A two-tailed paired t-test showed that SLSC imaging demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the number of visualized segments (s > 0, p = 0.0032) and in the number of segments that were well visualized (s = 2, p = 0.0061).
Screening and Familial Testing of Patients for α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

α 1 -Antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an autosomal-codominant genetic disorder that predisposes individuals to the development of liver and lung disease. AATD is greatly underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Early identification allows preventive measures to be taken, the most important of which is the avoidance of smoking (including the inhalation of second-hand smoke) and exposure to environmental pollutants. Early detection also allows careful lung function monitoring and augmentation therapy while the patient still has preserved lung function. Cost factors and controversies have discouraged the initiation of large-scale screening programs of the newborn and adult populations in the United States and Europe (except for Sweden). There are sound medical reasons for targeted screening. Evidence-based recommendations for testing have been published by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society task force, which take potential social, psychological, and ethical adverse factors into consideration. This review discusses rationales for testing and screening for AATD in asymptomatic individuals, family members, and the general population, weighing benefits against potential psychological, social, and ethical implications of testing. For most, negative issues are outweighed by the benefits of testing. AATD testing should be routine in the management of adults with emphysema, COPD, and asthma with incompletely reversible airflow obstruction.
Lagrangian relaxation neural networks for job shop scheduling

Manufacturing scheduling is an important but difficult task. In order to effectively solve such combinatorial optimization problems, the paper presents a Lagrangian relaxation neural network (LRNN) for separable optimization problems by combining recurrent neural network optimization ideas with Lagrangian relaxation (LR) for constraint handling. The convergence of the network is proved, and a general framework for neural implementation is established, allowing creative variations. When applying the network to job shop scheduling, the separability of problem formulation is fully exploited, and a new neuron-based dynamic programming is developed making innovative use of the subproblem structure. Testing results obtained by software simulation demonstrate that the method is able to provide near-optimal solutions for practical job shop scheduling problems, and the results are superior to what have been reported in the neural network scheduling literature. In fact, the digital implementation of LRNN for job shop scheduling is similar to the traditional LR approaches. The method, however, has the potential to be implemented in hardware with much improved quality and speed.
Evidence that a humoral immune response to autologous cartilage proteoglycan can participate in the induction of cartilage pathology

We examined antiproteoglycan antibodies as an autoimmune response for induction of synovitis. This hypothesis was studied by monitoring humoral antiproteoglycan antibody following IgG induction of experimental immune synovitis, localization in the articular cartilage of an autologous immune response, and loss of proteoglycan from cartilage following intravenous administration of antiproteoglycan monoclonal antibodies. The data support the hypothesis that autoimmunity to cartilage macromolecules may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of arthritis.
Stylus-Maze Learning under Conditions of Action-Information Feedback:

The experiment evaluated the influence of visual and auditory action-information feedback on stylus-maze learning during acquisition, when such feedback was presented concurrently with the response...
A turbulent mechanism for substorm onset in the Earth's magnetotail

Turbulence within the plasma sheet of the magnetotail is shown to destabilize the tearing mode even for cases where the equilibrium magnetic field has a normal component within the sheet. In the absence of turbulence, a finite normal magnetic field suppresses the electron wave-particle resonance and stabilizes the tearing mode. Turbulence leads to spatial diffusion of the electron orbits, thus allowing for resonance between the electrons and the tearing perturbation. This provides the dissipation necessary for instability and hence, magnetic field line reconnection. Furthermore, by accounting for the finite extent of the tearing perturbation in the cross-tail direction, the existence of a threshold for instability is derived. This threshold predicts instability for sufficiently small values of the normal magnetic field. Hence, substorm onset proceeds when the turbulent plasma sheet becomes sufficiently elongated.
Viral interference with apoptosis

Viruses have exploited a fascinating array of mechanisms to inhibit programed cell death. Different viruses tamper with cell suicide pathways by terminating cell death receptor signalling, mimicking cellular Bc1-2 functions, encoding protease inhibitors and other tactics. These stealth strategies are likely to be essential for the preservation of some viruses as it appears nearly impossible for a virus to enter a cell and set up housekeeping without setting off the alarm system that triggers activation of the cell death pathway. Thus, many viruses have developed strategies to subvert the cellular selfdestruct mechanisms, thereby providing suitable environments for long-term persistence, the establishment of latency or for progeny virus production. Investigation of these viral strategies has significantly advanced our knowledge of cellular death pathways and has impacted on our understanding of viral pathogenesis.
Fine structural changes during sea urchin oogenesis

Fine structural changes during sea urchin oogenesis are described and related to functional changes in the developing ovum. A staging sequence based on the morphology associated with the synthesis of ribosomes, cytomembranes, and yolk and cortical granule proteins is proposed: the oogonium, in which the cytoplasm contains a few scattered mitochondria, lipid inclusions and free-floating ribosomal aggregates; the first transition stage, in which annuli form in the nuclear envelope and ribosomes become attached to newly synthesized cytomembranes; the vitellogenesis stage, in which the cytoplasm becomes packed with yolk and cortical granules, mitochondria, and lipid droplets; the second transition stage, in which annulate lamellae are delaminated from the nuclear envelope; and the mature ovum, in which the annulate lamellae are distributed throughout the cytoplasm and begin to break down into rough-surfaced vesicles. Typical Golgi apparatus is first observed at this stage. The plasma membrane forms microvilli and there is a thick jelly layer. The association of ribosomes with cytomembranes and an amorphous material is discussed with respect to their activity in protein synthesis. The relationship of the accessory cells to the developing oocyte is also discussed.
Polysilicon base contact in I2L transistors

The extrinsic base diode minority carrier distribution under poly in I2L transistors can be calculated (or computed) in terms of an effective surface recombination velocity Seff at the mono/poly silicon interface similar to the oxide and metal cases. An analytical expression for Seff as a function of polysilicon parameters is given and compared to numerical solutions. Calculated ring speeds show a slight improvement in propagation delay for metal contact compared to poly contact.
Photoproduction of ϕ 0 Mesons from Hydrogen, Deuterium, and Complex Nuclei

The photoproduction of ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{0}$ mesons from hydrogen, deuterium, and complex nuclei has been measured at energies from 6.4 to 9.0 GeV. Results are presented on the $t$ dependence from hydrogen and carbon. Forward cross sections for ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{0}$ photoproduction from ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, C, Mg, Cu, Ag, and Pb are analyzed in terms of the ${\ensuremath{\phi}}^{0}$-photon coupling constant, the $\ensuremath{\phi}$-nucleon total cross section, and the real part of the $\ensuremath{\phi}$-nucleon scattering amplitude.
An Evaluation of the Validity of Superconducting Evidence for Anisotropy and Multiple Energy Gaps

Implicit in the BCS theory of superconductivity is the possibility of anisotropic or even multiple energy gaps. Systematic deviations from the quantitative predictions of this theory were thus often ascribed to variations in gap parameter. Gap anisotropy models explain well the results of individual experiments to determine the thermodynamic properties of pure materials. Unfortunately, the anisotropics deduced from such experiments for any given material are inconsistent with each other, agreeing only in the limit of no observed anisotropy. Improved experimental expertise has generally reduced the anisotropy of a given material deduced from a particular experiment in direct proportion to the purity of the sample investigated. Various experimental approaches used to determine the gap anisotropy are discussed with special emphasis on the more selective methods such as superconducting tunneling. In particular, a detailed examination of reported tunneling results will be presented since tunneling is the most direct method of determining energy gap values. A recently developed model of imperfect tunneling structures (to be presented at this meeting) suggests that previously reported tunnel- ing results are not convincing evidence for the existence of gap anisotropy or multiple energy gaps in any material. This interpretation, plus the total lack of consistency between anisotropy values determined by different experimental techniques, indicates that the experimental case for the existence of anisotropy of gap values is tenuous at best.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Fuel Economy Testing at the U.S. EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory

The introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and their new technology has created the need for development of new fuel economy test procedures and safety procedures during testing. The United States Environmental Protection Agency-National Vehicle Fuels and Emissions Laboratory (U.S. EPA-NVFEL) performed the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle fuel economy tests in November 2002 and then again in September 2003. It took approximately eight months to comply with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes related to safe handling of gaseous hydrogen and to design and implement the equipment changes necessary to measure hydrogen fue economy. This paper will address the facility modifications, data acquisition instrumentation, test procedures and analytical equipment used to accommodate chassis-dynamometer fuel economy testing of a hydrogen-fueled light-duty vehicle. The paper will also present a brief comparison of the 3-different methods, currently under consideration in the SAE J2572 draft standard for determining the hydrogen fuel economy from chassis dynamometer vehicle testing, for the first vehicle configurations to undergo testing at EPA-NVFEL.
Integrating User Invocation Data and Extended Semantics for Service Community Discovery

We present in this paper an integrated service discovery framework based on Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF). NMF provides an effective means to cluster high-dimensional sparse data with both high clustering accuracy and good interpretability of the clustering result. This makes NMF especially suitable for service community discovery by clustering the Web service description data. Nevertheless, as the standard service description language, WSDL, rarely offers rich service description, accurate discovery of service communities remains as a central challenge. The proposed integrated service discovery framework adapts and makes key extensions to NMF. It enables the amalgamation of NMF with other key evidences that may be helpful to further boost the clustering accuracy. In particular, we identify two important sources of information, users' service invocation data and extended semantics of service descriptions, and seamless integrate them into the proposed service community discovery framework. We apply the proposed framework to real-world Web services to demonstrate the effectiveness in service community discovery.
Pertussis vaccine in pregnant women: safety and uptake

© 2016 Munoz. This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php). vaccine: Development and Therapy 2016:6 1–8 submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com Dovepress 1
Integrated explorer for cosmological evolution

Our system design is motivated by the need to simultaneously observe multiple data modalities. The main output from the cosmological simulation is a set of particle data, where each particle represents a dark matter parcel which coalesces into larger structures over time. Next, the data is run through a halo finding algorithm (Rockstar [1]), which detects groups of gravitationally bound particles and identifies them as halos. Lastly, a merger tree generation tool (Consistent Trees [2]) analyzes the hierarchical evolution of halos as they continue to merge into larger structures. Although each of these data modalities are generated through an iterative process, an understanding of their interplay is essential. Since information about the raw particle data and the extracted halos inform one another, we designed a multi-view exploration tool and enhance these views with both qualitative and quantitative information. Because of the scale of the data and the multitude of features, we aim to provide capability to both locate and focus analysis on specific features of interest.
Muscarinic inhibition of ATP-sensitive K+ channels by protein kinase C in urinary bladder smooth muscle

We explored the possibility that muscarinic receptor stimulation can inhibit ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in smooth muscle cells from guinea pig urinary bladder. Whole cell K+ currents were measured in smooth muscle cells isolated from the detrusor muscle of the guinea pig bladder. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors by carbachol (CCh; 10 microM) inhibited KATP currents by 60.7%. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) in the pipette (internal) solution prevented the CCh-induced inhibition of KATP currents. Activators of protein kinase C (PKC), a diacylglycerol analogue, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate inhibited KATP currents by 63.5 and 73.9%, respectively. Blockers of PKC (bisindolylmaleimide GF-109203X and calphostin C) greatly reduced CCh inhibition of KATP currents. We propose that muscarinic receptor stimulation inhibits KATP channels in smooth muscle cells from urinary bladder through activation of PKC.
A comparison between Monte Carlo and Evidence Theory Approaches for Technology Portfolio Planning

Uncertainty propagation is an important step in technology forecasting. Uncertainty in technology impacts and other system variables must be propagated into the system performance metrics that will be used to judge competing technology portfolios. Monte Carlo simulation and Evidence Theory are two uncertainty propagation techniques commonly used for this purpose. This paper explores the differences between these two techniques when applied to a representative aircraft engine technology forecasting problem. As an example problem, uncertainties in compressor, turbine, and combustor efficiencies are propagated into seven aircraft engine performance metrics. A surrogate model built from NPSS and WATE++ data provides modeling and simulation of the system. A representative set of expert opinion derived uncertainty intervals drives this process. The MATLAB IPP Toolbox is used to conduct Evidence Theory uncertainty propagation on the example problem. The results presented show the impact of sample size selection (number of cases), method selection (Monte Carlo or Evidence Theory), and mixing rule (Dempster’s rule or weighted mixing) on the resulting CDFs. The increase in runtime with sample size for both methods is shown, as well.
The Biology of the Cell and the High Resolution X-Ray Microscope

The biologist’s dream is to observe cellular structure and content by natural contrast mechanisms and, if possible, to observe variations as a natural consequence of cell function. While the x-ray microscope will not likely allow full satisfaction of this dream, it does offer new and exciting possibilities in this direction. In what follows we will consider the basis for this view both in general and by means of a specific example, the important and ubiquitous cellular process of secretion.
Optimization of enzyme technology for brown rice fiber by response surface analysis

Composite cellulose enzyme hydrolyze brown rice cortex fiber, to increase the consumption of brown rice. On the basis of single factor experiment, the method of response surface method (RSM) with 3 factors and 3 levels was adoptle. Response surface and contour are finally graphed with the glucose production as the response value. The results showed that the optimum conditions of brown fiber enzyme were:enzyme concentration 1 mg/mL, ratio of material to solvent of 1∶3.4, pH 5, temperature 49.7 ℃, time 118 min.
Nova laser-beam diagnostic data acquisition system

The Nova laser diagnostic system characterizes the beam quality, energy, and temporal properties of the laser beam at key locations along the laser chain. These data are used to determine laser and target performance, diagnose component failures, and prevent damage to optical components due to excessive energy densities. These measurements must be made at the fundamental operating wavelength of the laser (1-053 µm) and at its second and third harmonics (0.53 and 0.35 µm).
Viral Hepatitis and Gastroenteritis Transmitted by Shellfish and Water

The epidemiology and clinical presentation of water-borne viral diseases, including shellfish-associated viral illnesses, are discussed in this article. Hepatitis A virus, Non A-Non B hepatitis and the agents of viral gastroenteritis, Norwalk agent, Snow Mountain agent, rotavirus, the small round viruses, caliciviruses, and astroviruses are included. The technical problems associated with evaluating the viral contamination of water or shellfish are noted.
The Assembly Factor Pet117 Couples Heme a Synthase Activity to Cytochrome Oxidase Assembly

Heme a is an essential metalloporphyrin cofactor of the mitochondrial respiratory enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). Its synthesis from heme b requires several enzymes, including the evolutionarily conserved heme a synthase (Cox15). Oligomerization of Cox15 appears to be important for the process of heme a biosynthesis and transfer to maturing CcO. However, the details of this process remain elusive, and the roles of any additional CcO assembly factors that may be involved remain unclear. Here we report the systematic analysis of one such uncharacterized assembly factor, Pet117, and demonstrate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that this evolutionarily conserved protein is necessary for Cox15 oligomerization and function. Pet117 is shown to reside in the mitochondrial matrix, where it is associated with the inner membrane. Pet117 functions at the later maturation stages of the core CcO subunit Cox1 that precede Cox1 hemylation. Pet117 also physically interacts with Cox15 and specifically mediates the stability of Cox15 oligomeric complexes. This Cox15-Pet117 interaction observed by co-immunoprecipitation persists in the absence of heme a synthase activity, is dependent upon Cox1 synthesis and early maturation steps, and is further dependent upon the presence of the matrix-exposed, unstructured linker region of Cox15 needed for Cox15 oligomerization, suggesting that this region mediates the interaction or that the interaction is lost when Cox15 is unable to oligomerize. Based on these findings, it was concluded that Pet117 mediates coupling of heme a synthesis to the CcO assembly process in eukaryotes.
Muddling management: heterogeneity of blue catfish anglers

ABSTRACTHyman AA, DiCenzo VJ, Murphy BR. 2017. Muddling management: heterogeneity of blue catfish anglers. Lake Reserve Manage. 33:23–31.A world-record blue catfish was caught from Kerr Reservoir in 2011; since then, the state has experienced an influx of tournaments and trophy anglers. As a result, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has sought a holistic management approach for the blue catfish fishery. In a pilot study, we surveyed 61 catfish anglers on Kerr Reservoir, which spans the Virginia–North Carolina state line, to examine their angling habits, harvest behavior, and management preferences. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified 4 distinct angler groups that, on a broad scale, parallel other specialization studies: Tournament Specialists, Consumptive Specialists, Avid Generalists, and Occasional Anglers. Results from this study depict a dualistic angler population, with many anglers seeking trophy catfish while others wish to harvest many catfish. The most-specia...
Vasotocin receptor blockade disrupts maternal care of offspring in a viviparous snake, Sistrurus miliarius.

Parental care is a complex social behavior that is widespread among vertebrates. The neuroendocrine regulation of parent-offspring social behavior has been well-described in mammals, and, to a lesser extent, birds and fish. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms that mediate the expression of care behaviors in squamate reptiles. In mammalian model species and humans, posterior pituitary hormones of the oxytocin and vasopressin families mediate parental care behaviors. To test the hypothesis that the regulatory role of posterior pituitary neuropeptides is conserved in a viviparous squamate reptile, we pharmacologically blocked the vasotocin receptor in postparturient pigmy rattlesnakes, Sistrurus miliarius , and monitored the spatial relationship between mothers and offspring relative to controls. Mothers in the control group demonstrated spatial aggregation with offspring, with mothers having greater postparturient energy stores aggregating more closely with their offspring. Blockade of vasotocin receptors eliminated evidence of spatial aggregation between mothers and offspring and eliminated the relationship between maternal energetic status and spatial aggregation. Our results are the first to implicate posterior pituitary neuropeptides in the regulation of maternal behavior in a squamate reptile and are consistent with the hypothesis that the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying social behaviors are broadly conserved among vertebrates.
Green Residential Appraisals in the United States Context: Challenges and Opportunities

Rigorous consideration of green and high-performance attributes is rarely included in the residential property valuation process. Drawing upon the literature and interviews of property valuation professionals, in this I identify key barriers to scale-up of this emerging practice and opportunities for overcoming them. Key categories of opportunities include elevating the competency of appraisers, developing better information resources, improving benchmarking and rating tools, better characterizing and managing performance risk, integrating disaster resilience and sustainability considerations, mitigating the problem of additional time/cost for performing assignments, enhancing demand for improved appraisals, and engaging a greater diversity of market participants.
Does Practice Make Perfect? Sexual Experience and Psychomotor Stimulants Influence Female Sexual Motivation Through Medial Preoptic Area Dopamine

Purpose The purpose of our review is to draw parallels between the effects of psychomotor stimulants and repeated mating encounters on sexual behavior gathered from a number of different paradigms that take into account the complexity of sexual behavior of fully receptive female rats. Animal models are useful for developing treatments for sexual dysfunction disorders; however, little progress has been made in the development of treatments specifically for women.
Ash Content Determination

Ash refers to the inorganic residue remaining after either ignition or complete oxidation of organic matter in a food sample. Determining the ash content of a food is part of proximate analysis for nutritional evaluation and it is an important quality attribute for some food ingredients. Also, ashing is the first step in the preparation of a sample for specific elemental analysis. This laboratory exercise uses the dry ashing technique with a muffle furnace to determine the ash content of a variety of food products. Moisture content determination is also included so ash content data can be expressed on both a wet weight basis and a dry weight basis.
Sensitivity Analysis of the APEX Model for Assessing Sustainability of Switchgrass Grown for Biofuel Production in Central Texas

Crop simulation models are increasingly being used to understand the feasibility of large-scale cellulosic biofuel production along with the multi-dimensional impacts on environmental sustainability. However, how the uncertainty in model parameters impacts model performance for sustainability is unclear. In this case study, sensitivity analyses were conducted for three switchgrass sustainability metrics: total biomass production, nitrogen loss, and soil carbon change using the APEX (Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender) model. Fifteen out of the 45 parameters (25 crop growth (CROP) parameters and 20 additional model parameters (PARM)) were identified as influential for the three sustainability metrics for three lowland genotypes (WBC, AP13, and KAN) across two locations (Temple, TX, and Austin, TX). Our sensitivity results showed that parameter importance was not dependent on the genotypes but depended on the variables of interest, and differed only slightly between locations. Influential belowground-related CROP and PARM parameters were identified for each sustainability metric, indicating that belowground-related parameters are just as important as commonly measured aboveground CROP parameters. Further investigation of the linear or non-linear relationships and the two-way interactions between each of the individual influential parameters with the three sustainability metrics reflected the functions and characteristics within the APEX model and the interrelations among different processes. Strong interactions between the most influential parameters for total biomass, nitrogen loss, and soil carbon change also highlighted the importance of accurately setting these parameters. Identification of influential model parameters for switchgrass sustainability may help guide field measurements and provide further understanding of the interrelated processes in the APEX model. Furthermore, future field experiments can be designed to measure these influential parameters and understand the non-linear relationships identified between influential parameters and response variables. More accurate model parameterization will help improve APEX model performance and our understanding of the possible underlying physiological mechanisms.
Pre-shaped Allograft for Glenoid Reconstruction in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Anteroinferior glenoid bone loss plays a significant role in recurrent glenohumeral instability. Current surgical strategies to reconstruct the glenoid include coracoid transfer (Bristow-Latarjet procedure), iliac crest autograft, and allograft (osteochondral and iliac crest). These may carry drawbacks of technical difficulty, increased surgical time, neurovascular injury, and nonanatomic reconstruction. We report a technique to manage glenoid bone loss using a pre-shaped, predrilled allograft (Glenojet; Arthrosurface) that matches the native contour of the glenoid. The surgical technique and outcomes are described with an accompanying video and figures.
Change in Medical Students’ Attitudes Toward Social Issues After a Course in Behavioral Science

The attitudes of first-year medical students toward social issues in medicine were measured before and after a course in Behavioral Science to test the hypothesis that medical students attitudes towards social issues could be improved by a specific educational experience. Pre and post data from the Attitudes Towards Social Issues in Medicine (ATSIM) reveal that first-year medical students attitudes toward the social and behavioral determinants of patient health did improve after the course. Further analysis of pre and post-course ATSIM data indicates that medical students attitudes toward the allied health professions also improved. While the results differ from several previous studies, the data suggest that a course in Behavioral Science not only affects the cognitive knowledge of the students but also affects their attitudes towards social issues.
Towards a Unified Model of Learning to Program

This paper outlines a Soar model of learning to program. The model is intended to address program writing, program comprehension, and the processing of instruction in standard didactic forms as well as more complex interactive forms. The model reveals fine-grained regularities underlying the acquisition and development of programming skill. Recent work on the model suggests that it can be extended to address individual differences in learning strategies and the comprehension of instruction.
Hierarchical segmentations of algebraic curves and some applications

We describe a pre-processing scheme for algebraic curves which dissects them into segments exhibiting an increasing simplicity of their intrinsic geometry. The segmentation is based on identifying points of a curve where successive differential characteristics vanish, and facilitates a variety of applications such as the shape analysis, polygonal approximation, localization and intersection of curves, and the approximation of offset curves.
Quantum Tunneling in Small Particles

The theory of quantum tunneling of the magnetic moment between different orientations in fine ferro- and antiferromagnetic particles is discussed. I consider a few models which allow rigorous study and comment on their relevance to experimental situations.
A Class of Screening Designs Robust to Active Second-Order Effects

Screening designs are attractive for assessing the relative impact of a large number of factors on a response of interest. Engineers prefer factors with three levels over two-level factors because having three levels allows for some assessment of curvature in the factor-response relationship. Yet, the most familiar screening designs limit each factor to only two levels. We propose a new class of designs that have three levels, allow for the estimation of quadratic effects, and have the property that the linear effect of every factor is independent of all second-order effects. We also provide an algorithm for design construction.
Anger Among Veterans Seeking Trauma-Focused Care: Main and Moderating Effects of Combat Exposure Severity and Posttraumatic Cognitions

This study examined whether specific combat experiences and trauma-related beliefs were differentially related to anger among 869 treatment-seeking veterans. Total combat and specific types of comb...
Latent Classes of Sexual Positioning Practices and Sexual Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Paris, France

HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices; however, limited data have characterized the behavioral profiles of men who have sex with men (MSM) in France. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore sexual risk profiles among MSM in Paris, France. LCA was used to classify sexual positioning and serosorting profiles among MSM in Paris (n = 496). Age, HIV status, relationship status, substance use, group sex, and PrEP history were used in a multinomial regression model predicting class membership. Three latent classes were identified: majority top/serosorters, versatile/low partners, and majority bottom/some serosorters. Majority top/serosorters had the highest probability of condomless serosorting; majority bottom/some serosorters had the highest mean number of partners (~ 12 partners) for condomless receptive anal intercourse. HIV-positive MSM were more likely to be classified as majority bottom/some serosorters than versatile/low partners (AOR 7.61; 95% CI 2.28, 25.3). Findings support the need for tailored and targeted interventions for highest-risk individuals.
A Comparison of Coping Strategies Among Homeless Women With Dependent Children and Homeless Women Without Children

The purpose of this study was to compare the coping strategies between homeless women with dependent children and homeless women without dependent children. Of the 192 homeless women in this study,...
Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair may rescue select patients in cardiogenic shock: Findings from a single center case series

Background Patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and cardiogenic shock are typically too high risk for immediate surgery; however, percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (pMVr) may be reasonable in select patients. Aim Describe characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent pMVr with and without shock at a single center. Methods Chart review of all patients who underwent non-investigational pMVr from November 2013 to October 2018. Shock was defined as dependence on an intravenous (IV) inotrope, IV afterload reduction, and/or temporary mechanical circulatory support immediately preceding pMVr. Results There were 135 patients. Mean age was 80 ± 12 years and 56 (41%) were female. Twelve (8.9%) had shock. All patients had 3+ or 4+ MR at baseline. Post-procedure, all shock patients had 2+ or less MR. Two (17%) shock patients and 4 (3%) non-shock patients died within 30 days of pMVr (P = 0.03). Six (50%) shock patients had resolution of shock and discharged home (primary outcome). Five shock patients had acute MI, four of whom met the primary outcome. Four shock patients had chronic MR (>21 days), three of whom did not meet the primary outcome. Overall, follow-up time for mortality was median (IQR) 198 (42-379) days. Shock patients who survived to 30 days post-procedure had significantly shorter time from diagnosis of MR to pMVr compared to those who died (35 ± 68 vs. 374 ± 111 days; P = 0.0001). Conclusion Percutaneous edge-to-edge MVr may be reasonable in shock patients with acute MR and/or acute MI. This case series should guide larger studies designed to improve selection of shock patients for pMVr.
Validation of a Hidradenitis Suppurativa Self-Assessment Tool.

Background:Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating dermatologic condition presenting with recurrent abscesses. While there are multiple scales to determine HS severity, none are designed fo...
Discriminant validity assessment in marketing research

Establishing discriminant validity has been a keystone of measurement validity in empirical marketing research for many decades. Without statistically showing that constructs have discriminant vali...
Leaving No (Nonmarital) Child Behind

Almost ten years, in 2005, I wrote a piece for the Family Law Quarterly describing the legal status of children born to same-sex couples. This Essay explores the some of the positive and some of the worrisome developments in the law since that time. On the positive side, today many more states extend some level of protection to the relationships between nonbiological same-sex parents and their children. Moreover, in many of these states, lesbian nonbiological parents are now treated as full, equal legal parents, even in the absence of an adoption. There are other recent developments, however, that should be cause for concern. Specifically, this Essay considers recent legislative proposals that contract (rather than expand) existing protections for functional, nonmarital parents. I conclude by arguing that while advocates should celebrate the growing availability of marriage for same-sex couples, they must also be careful not to push legislative efforts that inadequately protect the large and growing numbers of families that exist outside of marriage.
Pets in the Lives of Older Adults: A Life Course Perspective

This study employed the life course perspective to investigate the convergence of two demographic shifts: the aging of the population and the increase of pet ownership. Specifically, we examined wh...
Evaluating engineering properties and environmental impact of pervious concrete with fly ash and slag

Abstract This study evaluated engineering properties, cost, and energy and environmental impacts of three pervious concrete mixtures: pervious concrete with regular Portland cement (PC-Regular); with fly ash (PC-FA); and with blast furnace slag (PC–BFS). Laboratory tests were conducted to measure mechanical strength, hydraulic conductivity, and freezing-thaw resistance of mixtures. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach was used to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and energy consumption of pervious concrete mixtures with different material compositions. Mass and economic allocation methods were applied to quantify the effects of allocation on impact assessment of fly ash and slag. Laboratory test results show that as compared to the regular pervious concrete, pervious concrete mixtures with slag or fly ash had the similar freeze-thaw resistance but the lower mechanical strength, especially in tensile or flexural strength. The hydraulic conductivity of pervious concrete mixtures with fly ash and slag was found slightly higher due to the larger air void ratios. The choice of allocation methods was found to have significant effect on the assessment results. The adoption of economic allocation method showed 6–9% lower energy saving and 11–19% GHG emission reduction as compared to the mixture with Portland cement. The overall performance of each pervious concrete mixtures was quantified through internal normalization and the area covered in the radar diagram. The pervious concrete with fly ash exhibited the highest overall performance considering the balance of multiple-criteria in engineering properties, cost saving, energy and GHG reduction.
Initial experience with vascular plug devices for mechanical thrombectomy in symptomatic neonates and infants.

OBJECTIVES To describe a novel technique for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in young children. BACKGROUND Acute thrombosis in children may be a cause of significant morbidity or mortality. MT options in children are limited due to patient and vessel size, prompting consideration of innovative approaches. METHODS Two-center review of children with symptomatic non-cerebral thrombotic vessel occlusion. A novel approach to MT was performed using a deployed but unreleased amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) to "scrape" the target vessel in retrograde fashion, thereby harvesting the thrombus via the access sheath. RESULTS AVP-MT was performed in four patients at a median age of 2 months (range: 1 day-11 months) and median weight of 5.6 kg (1.8-10.9). In two cases, AVP-MT was performed in isolation in neonates on cervical extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support with cannula-associated obstructive aortic and brachiocephalic thrombus. AVP-MT was also performed as adjunctive therapy in a patient with single ventricle physiology and pulmonary artery thrombosis and in an infant with mitral valve endocarditis and femoral arterial thromboembolism. In all cases, AVP-MT was used to successfully remove thrombus from the target vessel and restore arterial flow, without procedural complications. Recurrent thrombosis occurred in both neonates, due to persistence of the ECMO cannula, with subsequent mortality. The other children were free of recurrent thrombus at 2 and 34 months. CONCLUSIONS Acute relief of symptomatic thrombosis may be achieved using AVP-MT in small children, although thrombosis frequently recurs, and clinical prognosis may remain poor. This strategy should be considered when alternative MT treatment options are not applicable.
Association of Acute Venous Thromboembolism With In-Hospital Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

Background While venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is a strong recommendation after most surgeries, it is controversial in cardiac surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), b...
Feminist, Queer, Crip

Feminist, Queer, Crip presents an insightful and bold critique of the narratives that surround physical and intellectual disability. In particular, Kafer emphasizes the “politics of crip futurity” ...
Using Market Forces for Social Good

Author(s): Delmas, Magali A; Lyon, Thomas P; Jackson, Sean | Abstract: The environment has traditionally been the domain of nonprofit organizations. For decades, nonprofit organizations have worked to reduce the negative impact of market-based activity on the environment. However, more recently nonprofits have started to adopt the methods and values of the market to achieve sustainability goals. One of the primary strategies that nonprofits use is to disclose, or pressure corporations to disclose, information about the environmental impact of their products and processes. These information disclosure strategies seek to help stakeholders make green purchases or invest in corporations that use green practices, thus incentivizing corporations to reduce their negative environmental impact. In this chapter, we review the benefits and the challenges encountered by nonprofits in their attempt to use information disclosure strategies.