cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of aortic annulus size by transesophageal echocardiography and computed tomography angiography with direct surgical measurement.

This study sought to compare the accuracy of 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for noninvasive aortic annular sizing as required for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Direct intraoperative (OR) sizing is the gold standard for aortic annular measurement in surgical aortic valve replacement. Unlike surgical aortic valve replacement, TAVI requires noninvasive assessment of aortic annular dimensions for determining the size of prosthesis to be implanted and controversy exists regarding the best imaging technique for TAVI sizing. Preoperative CTA and OR TEE images of the aortic annulus in 227 patients who underwent proximal aortic surgery with OR annular sizing at the Duke University Medical Center were reviewed. Both imaging techniques were compared with direct OR measurements of aortic annulus diameter using metric sizers as the gold standard. CTA overestimated aortic annulus diameter in 72.2% of cases, with 46.3% >1 TAVI valve-size (>3 mm) overestimations, whereas TEE underestimated aortic annulus diameter in 51.1% of cases, with 16.7% >1 valve-size underestimations. Combining both techniques improved the estimation of aortic annular size. In conclusion, there are limitations to current imaging techniques for noninvasive determination of aortic annular dimensions compared with direct OR sizing. Undersizing by TEE and oversizing by CTA are common and may be related to differences in methods for sizing an elliptical structure. Combining measurements from both techniques would decrease the false exclusion rate for TAVI eligibility because of size mismatch.
Mineral stimulation of subsurface microorganisms: release of limiting nutrients from silicates

Abstract Microorganisms play an important role in the weathering of silicate minerals in many subsurface environments, but an unanswered question is whether the mineral plays an important role in the microbial ecology. Silicate minerals often contain nutrients necessary for microbial growth, but whether the microbial community benefits from their release during weathering is unclear. In this study, we used field and laboratory approaches to investigate microbial interactions with minerals and glasses containing beneficial nutrients and metals. Field experiments from a petroleum-contaminated aquifer, where silicate weathering is substantially accelerated in the contaminated zone, revealed that phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe)-bearing silicate glasses were preferentially colonized and weathered, while glasses without these elements were typically barren of colonizing microorganisms, corroborating previous studies using feldspars. In laboratory studies, we investigated microbial weathering of silicates and the release of nutrients using a model ligand-promoted pathway. A metal-chelating organic ligand 3,4 dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4 DHBA) was used as a source of chelated ferric iron, and a carbon source, to investigate mineral weathering rate and microbial metabolism. In the investigated aquifer, we hypothesize that microbes produce organic ligands to chelate metals, particularly Fe, for metabolic processes and also form stable complexes with Al and occasionally with Si. Further, the concentration of these ligands is apparently sufficient near an attached microorganism to destroy the silicate framework while releasing the nutrient of interest. In microcosms containing silicates and glasses with trace phosphate mineral inclusions, microbial biomass increased, indicating that the microbial community can use silicate-bound phosphate inclusions. The addition of a native microbial consortium to microcosms containing silicates or glasses with iron oxide inclusions correlated to accelerated weathering and release of Si into solution as well as the accelerated degradation of the model substrate 3,4 DHBA. We propose that silicate-bound P and Fe inclusions are bioavailable, and microorganisms may use organic ligands to dissolve the silicate matrix and access these otherwise limiting nutrients.
Nuclear, biological and chemical weapons: what the surgeon needs to know

This is a mix of conventional explosives with radioactive powder or pellets, resulting in dispersion of radioactive material in the explosion plume to the surrounding area (9). The blast effect of the bomb will depend on the size of the charge, and the radiological effect will be limited to the immediate vicinity. While a “dirty” bomb is not a nuclear device, it will have considerable (and largely unpredictable) psychological effects. The major medical risk in a “dirty” bomb is blast injury (10) caused by the conventional charge, so the casualty profile of such a bomb will include a small group of blast casualties, some of whom may also be contaminated with radioactive material. There will also be a much larger group of “worried well”, presenting to the health care system for evaluation and decontamination. Only a small fraction of these “worried well” patients will be contaminated.
Before the measurement of prejudice: Early psychological and sociological papers on prejudice

Given its renown, many psychologists and sociologists likely consider the publication of Gordon Allport's (1954/1979) seminal book The Nature of Prejudice as the inauguration of the psychological study of prejudice. However, we have uncovered rarely-cited, published papers (starting in 1830) that provide a wealth of speculation on prejudice even before psychologists/sociologists attempted to measure it (circa 1925). Thus, this paper intends to discuss early published work on prejudice in psychology and sociology by focusing on three key questions: a) when did psychologists/sociologists recognize prejudice as a psychological phenomenon, b) when did psychologists/sociologists recognize prejudice as a phenomenon in need of study, and c) what were the historical and personal conditions that gave rise to the interest in prejudice? In short, the seeds of prejudice research were maturing for some time before Allport's seminal book and the first attitudinal studies on prejudice, although these earlier works are seldom cited. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Semiotics in the United States

Semiotics in the United States. Thomas A. Sebeok. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1991. 173 pp. $29.95 (cloth), $10.95 (paper)
Analysis of stochastic dual dynamic programming method

Abstract In this paper we discuss statistical properties and convergence of the Stochastic Dual Dynamic Programming (SDDP) method applied to multistage linear stochastic programming problems. We assume that the underline data process is stagewise independent and consider the framework where at first a random sample from the original (true) distribution is generated and consequently the SDDP algorithm is applied to the constructed Sample Average Approximation (SAA) problem. Then we proceed to analysis of the SDDP solutions of the SAA problem and their relations to solutions of the “true” problem. Finally we discuss an extension of the SDDP method to a risk averse formulation of multistage stochastic programs. We argue that the computational complexity of the corresponding SDDP algorithm is almost the same as in the risk neutral case.
Proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma of the scrotum: a difficult diagnosis in an unusual location and review of the literature

Sir,Epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma (STS), accounting for <1% of all STS. In most cases, ES grows slowly (over a period of years), and involves the dermis, subcutis, or deepe...
Enteric redmouth bacterium: comparison of isolates from different geographic areas

. Characteristics of 18 strains of Yersinia ruckeri the causative agent of enteric redmouth disease, from a variety of hosts and a wide geographic range were compared. Except for variations in colonial morphology and in citrate, sorbitol, and trehalose reactions, the strains were morphologically and biochemically homogeneous. Sixteen strains reacted with antiserum against the first serotype reported, and one strain reacted with antiserum against a more recently reported serotype. One strain represented a third serotype. Evidence presented indicated that extension of the geographic range may not be entirely a result of the transport of carrier fish.
Can justice coexist with the supremacy of personal values in nursing practice

This article explores a relationship between justice and personal values, typically understood as illustrative of universalist and particularist accounts of morality, and therefore, as oppositional. The possibility of the coexistence of personal values and justice depends on the conceptualization of justice and the nature of the personal values. In contrast to traditional conceptions, the author presents an alternative and feminist view of justice in which the universalist and particularist accounts of morality need not conflict. The author argues that personal values that work in such a way so as to include previously marginalized others in the group of those who have access to the goods of social life are the personal values that are compatible with justice. In conclusion, the author focuses on the implications for the care/justice debate, the necessity of political participation, and the importance of educating for justice.
Feedforward control for human-in-the-loop camera systems

Cameras are often mounted on platforms that can move like rovers, booms, gantries and aircraft. People operate such platforms to capture desired views of a scene or a target. To avoid collisions with the environment and occlusions, such platforms often possess redundant degrees-of-freedom. As a result, manual manipulating of such platforms demands much skill. Visual-servoing some degrees-of-freedom may reduce operator burden and improve tracking performance. This concept, which we call human-in-the-loop visual-servoing, is demonstrated And applies a /spl alpha/ /spl rarr/ /spl beta/ /spl rarr/ /spl gamma/ filter and feedforward controller to a broadcast camera boom.
Transcriptional activation by simian virus 40 large T antigen: interactions with multiple components of the transcription complex.

Abstract Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen is a potent transcriptional activator of both viral and cellular promoters. Within the SV40 late promoter, a specific upstream element necessary for T-antigen transcriptional activation is the binding site for transcription-enhancing factor 1 (TEF-1). The promoter structure necessary for T-antigen-mediated transcriptional activation appears to be simple. For example, a promoter consisting of upstream TEF-1 binding sites (or other factor-binding sites) and a downstream TATA or initiator element is efficiently activated. It has been demonstrated that transcriptional activation by T antigen does not require direct binding to the DNA; thus, the most direct effect that T antigen could have on these simple promoters would be through protein-protein interactions with either upstream-bound transcription factors, the basal transcription complex, or both. To determine whether such interactions occur, full-length T antigen or segments of it was fused to the glutathione-binding site (GST fusions) or to the Gal4 DNA-binding domain (amino acids 1 to 147) (Gal4 fusions). With the GST fusions, it was found that TEF-1 and the TATA-binding protein (TBP) bound different regions of T antigen. A GST fusion containing amino acids 5 to 172 (region T1) efficiently bound TBP. TEF-1 bound neither region T1 nor a region between amino acids 168 and 373 (region T2); however, it bound efficiently to the combined region (T5) containing amino acids 5 to 383.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
7-Ketocholesterol induces autophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells through Nox4 and Atg4B.

Oxidized lipoproteins stimulate autophagy in advanced atherosclerotic plaques. However, the mechanisms underlying autophagy induction and the role of autophagy in atherogenesis remain to be determined. This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms by which 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), a major component of oxidized lipoproteins, induces autophagy. This study was also designed to determine the effect of autophagy induction on apoptosis, a central event in the development of atherosclerosis. Exposure of human aortic smooth muscle cells to 7-KC increased autophagic flux. Autophagy induction was suppressed by treating the cells with either a reactive oxygen species scavenger or an antioxidant. Administration of 7-KC concomitantly up-regulated Nox4 expression, increased intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, and inhibited autophagy-related gene 4B activity. Catalase overexpression to remove hydrogen peroxide or Nox4 knockdown with siRNA reduced intracellular hydrogen peroxide levels, restored autophagy-related gene 4B activity, and consequently attenuated 7-KC–induced autophagy. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy aggravated both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell death in response to 7-KC. In contrast, up-regulation of autophagic activity by rapamycin had opposite effects. Finally, activation of autophagy by chronic rapamycin treatment attenuated ER stress, apoptosis, and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mouse aortas. In conclusion, we demonstrate that up-regulation of autophagy is a cellular protective response that attenuates 7-KC–induced cell death in human aortic smooth muscle cells.
Population Genetics and Linkage Analysis of Loci within the FCT Region of Streptococcus pyogenes

The FCT regions of Streptococcus pyogenes strains encode a variety of cell wall-anchored surface proteins that bind the extracellular matrix of the human host and/or give rise to pilus-like appendages. Strong linkage is evident between transcription-regulatory loci positioned within the FCT and emm regions and the emm pattern genotype marker for preferred infection of the throat or skin. These findings provide a basis for the hypothesis that FCT region gene products contribute to tissue-specific infection. In an initial series of steps to address this possibility, the FCT regions of 13 strains underwent comparative sequence analysis, the gene content of the FCT region was characterized for 113 strains via PCR, and genetic linkage was assessed. A history of extensive recombination within FCT regions was evident. The emm pattern D-defined skin specialist strains were highly homogenous in their FCT region gene contents, whereas the emm pattern A-C-defined throat specialist strains displayed a greater variety of forms. Most pattern A-C strains harbored prtF1 (75%) but lacked cpa (75%). In contrast, the majority of emm pattern D strains had cpa (92%) but lacked prtF1 (79%). Models based on FCT and emm region genotypes revealed the most parsimonious pathways of evolution. Using niche-determining candidate genes to infer phylogeny, emm pattern E strains—the so-called generalists, which lack a strong tissue site preference—occupied a transition zone separating most throat specialists from skin specialists. Overall, population genetic analysis supports the possibility that the FCT region gives rise to surface proteins that are largely necessary, but not always sufficient, to confer tissue site preference for infection.
A Novel Prototype for an Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Display with Addressable Focus Cues

We present the design and implementation of an optical see-through head-mounted display (HMD) with addressable focus cues utilizing a liquid lens. We implemented a monocular bench prototype capable of addressing the focal distance of the display from infinity to as close as 8 diopters. Two operation modes of the system were demonstrated: a vari-focal plane mode in which the accommodation cue is addressable, and a time-multiplexed multi-focal plane mode in which both the accommodation and retinal blur cues can be rendered. We further performed experiments to assess the depth perception and eye accommodative response of the system operated in a vari-focal plane mode. Both subjective and objective measurements suggest that the perceived depths and accommodative responses of the user match with the rendered depths of the virtual display with addressable accommodation cues, approximating the real-world 3-D viewing condition.
PERIVASCULAR REACTIONS IN LUNG AND LIVER FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF STREPTOCOCCI INTO PREVIOUSLY SENSITIZED ANIMALS

Intravenous inoculation of small doses of non-hemolytic streptococci into previously sensitized rabbits is usually followed by the appearance of perivascular cellular aggregates in lung and liver. The characteristic cell in these aggregates is moderately large, with vesicular nucleus, prominent nucleoli, clumped chromatin, and basophilic cytoplasm. In addition, the lesions contain small lymphocytes and granulocytes. This lesion is easily differentiated by architecture and cell content from normally occurring lymphoid aggregates, and from spontaneous rabbit hepatic cirrhosis. This mononuclear response does not occur when the intravenous dose is large enough to cause death of the animal within 24 hours. In spleen and lymph nodes the characteristic basophilic cells, which normally occur in these organs, are present in increased numbers. Following intravenous treatment alone, or sensitization without intravenous treatment, the lesions occur much less frequently, and when present are smaller and more sparsely found. Inasmuch as in the present series of experiments this lesion was not found in normal animals, and infrequently in those treated by the intravenous route alone, it is suggested that the preliminary sensitization serves to enhance the animal's reactivity to the antigen. In this way a small dose of bacteria is capable of eliciting the cellular phenomenon, which in unsensitized animals appears only when larger doses of antigen are administered over longer periods of time. Too large a dose of antigen, however, results in shock and cell death rather than proliferation.
Ottawa to Bangkok: changing health promotion discourse

The discourse of the 2005 Bangkok Charter for Health Promotion in a Globalized World represents a radical departure from that of the Ottawa Charter that, in 1986, staked a place for the health promotion field in mainstream public health. Via a critical analysis of the discourse in these two Charters, this paper illustrates a shift from a 'new social movements' discourse of ecosocial justice in Ottawa to a 'new capitalist' discourse of law and economics in Bangkok. The Bangkok Charter's content may identify 'actions, commitments and pledges required to address the determinants of health in a globalized world through health promotion', but this paper shows how its discourse works to naturalize and perpetuate many of detrimental determinants associated with 'globalization'.
Rogers-Ramanujan computer searches

We describe three computer searches (in PARI/GP, Maple, and Mathematica, respectively) which led to the discovery of a number of identities of Rogers-Ramanujan type and identities of false theta functions.
Design and analysis of large-scale wireless communications networks

This paper presents fundamental design and performance assessment methodologies for modern large-scale enterprise wireless communications networks comprised of many system components. Large-scale wireless networks are needed to serve mobile users in a region and to satisfy their intra- and inter-region communications requirements by adopting network-on-the-move (NOTM) concepts. For global access, the NOTM systems will connect to wireless and terrestrial networks and will also support communications-on-the-move (COTM) users. For the design and analysis of such wireless networks, several key areas need to be addressed. These are Internet Protocol (IP) gain assessment, optimal wireless network architecture design, and wireless link analyses. For architectural assessment, new approaches have been developed to meet the design and performance requirements given system capacities. Numerical representations of the optimal wireless network design methodologies are presented to demonstrate the assessment of end-to-end enterprise-wide network performance levels in benign and hostile jamming environments. The aggregate results of these approaches can be effectively applied to provide improved forward-link services to remote mobile users and bandwidth-efficient wireless communications link support to dispersed enterprise users
Effect of inertia and viscosity force on heat transfer in triangular porous channels

The present investigation aims analytically at considering the fully developed forced convection in a fluid saturated triangular porous channel, with imposed heat flux at walls. The flow in the channel defined by the Brinkman-Forchheimer-extended Darcy equation which includes the inertial and viscous terms. The generalized momentum equation, along with energy equation were solved by applying the accurate analytical solutions based on the Galerkin Integral Method. The results show the effects of Darcy number, viscosity ratio, and inertia force on velocity and temperature profiles
Randomized Trials in Mathematics Education: Recalibrating the Proposed High Watermark

The author reviews the recommendations in Foundations for Success: The Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel (2008) and agrees that a rebalancing of mathematics education research is timely and necessary, but questions whether randomized trials of small experimental studies and large field studies, without a clearer framing of the needed continuum of studies, can adequately rebalance the portfolio and address the Panel’s “what works” questions. He offers one listing of the possible phases of research required to support high-quality causal inference in mathematics education as a way to foster continued debate about the ease of moving a model of research that works in one domain (drug trials) into the forced service of another intellectual domain (education).
Constructive learning: a new approach to deploying technological systems into the workplace

High–technology production and information systems are becoming increasingly common in the workplace. Those who work with them need formal and knowledge–intensive skills that match the way these systems work. The traditional methods of shopfloor education, learning–by–doing from other skilled operators, or from the equipment supplier, are risky, expensive and inefficient. Classroom training does not work well either. We describe two–day constructive learning workshops designed to help introduce MRP, the widely used computer–based production and inventory management system, into a major transportation maintenance facility. MRP is notoriously difficult to install successfully. These workshops worked well and reduced the operatives' learning period by upwards of a year.
Stopped light with a cryogenic ensemble of Yb 173 atoms

A sample of cryogenically cooled atomic ytterbium is used to create a memory for a classical pulse of light. The information of the light pulse is stored in the nuclear spin of ground-state (${}^{1}{S}_{0}$) $^{173}\mathrm{Yb}$ ($I=5/2$). Because nuclear spin states interact very weakly with their environment, the atomic ensemble is resistant to decoherence due to inelastic collisions and inhomogeneous fields, and storage times of hundreds of milliseconds are observed.
Quantum Beats from Entangled Localized Surface Plasmons

Recent experiments report observations of quantum interference between plasmon resonances, inviting descriptions of plasmon–photon interaction using methods from quantum optics. Here we demonstrate, using a Heisenberg–Langevin approach, that the radiation emitted from the localized surface plasmon resonances of a mixed-metal heterodimer may exhibit observable, beat frequency interferences at a far-field detector, known as quantum beats. This prediction represents a correspondence between V-type atoms of quantum optics and the familiar heterodimer system of plasmonics. We explore this analogy in depth and find that although both systems support quantum beats, the heterodimer emits photons in bunches due to the bosonic nature of the plasmon. This highlights a significant difference between the properties of atomic and plasmonic systems.
Digging through the Obstruction: Insight into the Epithelial Cell Response to Respiratory Virus Infection in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Respiratory virus infections are common but generally self-limiting infections in healthy individuals. Although early clinical studies reported low detection rates, the development of molecular diagnostic techniques by PCR has led to an increased recognition that respiratory virus infections are associated with morbidity and acute exacerbations of chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The airway epithelium is the first barrier encountered by respiratory viruses following inhalation and the primary site of respiratory viral replication. Here, we describe how the airway epithelial response to respiratory viral infections contributes to disease progression in patients with CF and other chronic lung diseases, including the role respiratory viral infections play in bacterial acquisition in the CF patient lung.
Surveillance Analysis on Iodine Deficiency Disorders in Sanmenxia City During the Period of 1999～2007

Objective To evaluate the preventive effect and influencing factors of iodine deficiency disorders(IDD) in Sanmenxia.Methods The coverage rate of iodized salt and rate of consuming qualified iodine salt were monitored.Children aged 8～10 years were selected by population proportion probability sampling(PPS)method to measure iodized salt,urine iodine and total goiter rate through arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry method,B-ultrasound,and palpation.Results The coverage rate of iodine salt was 98.99%,and the rate of consuming qualified iodine salt was 93.56% during the period of 1999～2007.The total goiter rate decreased from 8.92% to 6.82% by palpation,and from 8.13% to 6.71% by B-ultrasound.The medians of urinary iodine kept between 241.48 ug/L and 320.59 ug/L.Conclusions The goiter rate of children aged between 8 and 10 years is in the stage of aiming at eliminating IDD in Sanmenxia.The iodine value in urine and the coverage of iodized salt in residents have reached the goal of eliminating IDD.
Analysis and investigation on occupational hazards in painting workplace of Hangzhou in 2008

Objective:To investigate the occupational hazards in the air of painting workplace in Hangzhou for preventing occupational poisoning and occupational disease.Methods:The site labor hygiene was investigated and the concentrations of hazardous factors at workplace were monitored.Results:The concentrations of benzene,toluene,Dimethylbenzene,ethylacetate,butylacetate exceeded the standard.The maximum concentration of benzene was 8.8 times higher than the standard.Conclusion:There are many occupational hazards in painting workplace.Comprehensive measures should be taken on occupational disease prevention and control.Effective ventilation and qualified raw material are crucial.
Detection and Transition Analysis of Engagement and Affect in a Simulation-Based Combat Medic Training Environment.

Developing intelligent tutoring systems that respond effectively to trainee or student affect is a key part of education, particularly in domains where learning to regulate one’s emotion is key. Effective affect response relies upon effective affect detection. This paper discusses an upcoming cooperative study between the Army Research Laboratory, Teachers College, Columbia University, and North Carolina State University, with the goal of developing automated detectors that can infer trainee affect as trainees learn by interacting with the vMedic system, which trains learners in combat medicine. In this project, trainee interactions with vMedic will be synchronized with observations of engagement and affect; and physical sensor data on learners, obtained through GIFT’s Sensor Module. The result will be models of trainee affect, ready for integration into the GIFT platform, which can leverage sensor information when available, but which can make reasonably accurate inference even without sensor data.
Clinical Comparison: Fast-Acting and Traditional Topical Dental Anesthetic

A randomized, nonblinded clinical trial compared the effectiveness of an application method of a fast-acting refrigerant topical agent to a 20% benzocaine gel topical. In a split-mouth design, right and left anterior middle superior alveolar injections (N = 30) were administered with a 27-gauge needle at least 24 hours apart with preinjection topicals. Using a cotton-tipped applicator, a refrigerant topical was applied for 5 seconds and 20% benzocaine gel for 2 minutes on opposite sides at 2 separate appointments. Subjects self-reported pain perception after each injection using a visual analog scale (VAS). The mean VAS ratings demonstrated no significant difference between the 5-second application of the refrigerant (M = 16.2, SD = 17.7) and the 2-minute application of 20% benzocaine topical gel anesthetic (M = 17.9, SD = 18.2). Fifty-seven percent of the subjects reported greater pain reduction with the refrigerant, 33% reported greater pain reduction with 20% benzocaine, and 10% reported no difference. Results suggest the described method of application of a refrigerant as an oral topical anesthetic has a faster onset and provides similar benefit in pain reduction compared with 20% benzocaine gel. The refrigerant was easy to accomplish and well received by subjects, indicating potential for routine use in dentistry.
Influence of Ante- and Postmortem Treatments Upon Muscle Composition and Meat Quality

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses that meat has occupied a unique position in the human diet since man's primitive beginning. Today it is still regarded as an important ingredient of any menu. From the deep surface of the epimysium, septa pass frequently into the muscles at irregular intervals. These septa, which constitute the perimysium, invest the primary bundles (fasciculi) of muscle fibers. Muscle cells contain a large variety of proteins with many of them involved in the glycolytic pathway of muscle metabolism and the contraction-relaxation process. The fibers of striated muscle are elongated and more or less tubular, and vary in size and shape. The subject of meat quality has become increasingly scientific with less reliance now being placed on personal judgment and more on physical and chemical tests. According to Kramer and Twigg, the quality of a food may be defined as the composite of those characteristics that differentiate individual units of a product and have significance in determining the degree of acceptability of those characteristics by the consumer. Meat production is fundamentally based on the growth process from the time of fertilization of the ovum until the animal has reached the final age and stage of development determined by its genetic potential. This chapter discusses that the physical, chemical, and histological properties of muscle change markedly during the first 24 hours following slaughter. Complete bleeding is very important as blood provides an ideal medium for the multiplication of bacteria and facilitates their distribution throughout the carcass.
Synchronous Generation of Nano- and Microscaled Hierarchical Porous Polyelectrolyte Multilayers for Superwettable Surfaces.

We created both a superhydrophilic polymer surface and a superhydrophobic surface by using the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) multilayers with the synchronously generated hierarchical porous surface structures. The formation of surface and pore structures induced at acidic pH values is subject to the composition, distribution, and molecular weights of polyelectrolytes in the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled film, leading to a variety of unique surface topographies and porous structures located on different scales. During the porous induction at pH 2.0, both nano- and microscaled features synchronously developed on the surface as a result of the unique combination of high-molecular-weight PAH (900K g/mol) and low molecular weight PAA (15K g/mol), along with a much reduced deposition time of 1 min. Although thermally cross-linked, the porous surface with hierarchical structure could achieve superhydrophilicity due to the remaining free amine and carboxylate groups on the porous ...
Evaluation of the Kobayashi Analytical Benchmark Using MCNP6’s Unstructured Mesh Capabilities

This paper provides results for calculations performed using MCNP6’s unstructured mesh (UM) capabilities based on the three problems described in the Kobayashi benchmark suite. These calculations a...
Role of Nucleation in Rapid Solidification

During rapid solidification processing (RSP) the amount of liquid undercooling is an important factor in determining microstruetural development by controlling phase selection during nucleation and morphological evolution during crystal growth. When a liquid is dispersed into fine droplets, an effective isolation of the most potent nucleants allows for a deep undercooling in the range of 0.3-0.4 Tm before the onset of nucleation. Liquid undercooling behavior can be influenced by powder size refinement, size distribution characteristics and coating treatments. At high undercooling the nucleation of an equilibrium phase may be superseded by metastable product structures. In this case the use of metastable phase diagrams is important for the interpretation and prediction of solidification products such as supersaturated solutions, metastable intermediate phases and glasses. With known heterogeneous sites in droplets it has been possible to control nucleation and to identify specific pathways for metastable phase formation and microstruetural development. The operative reaction is determined by a competitive nucleation kinetics which can be modified at different undercooling levels by the effect of cooling rate. These advances have allowed for a clearer assessment of the interplay between undercooling, cooling rate and particle size statistics in controlling nucleation during RSP structure formation.
Evidence for a break in the spectrum of astrophysical neutrinos

The announcement by the IceCube Collaboration of the observation of 53 astrophysical neutrino candidates in the energy range $0.03\ensuremath{\lesssim}{E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}/\mathrm{PeV}\ensuremath{\lesssim}2$ has been greeted with a great deal of justified excitement. Herein we provide fits of single and a broken power-law energy-spectra to these high-energy starting events (HESEs). By comparing our statistical results from fits to (background-free) shower HESE data with the spectral shape of muon neutrinos recently reported by the IceCube Collaboration, we show that there is ($3\ensuremath{\sigma}$) evidence for a break in the spectrum of astrophysical neutrinos. After that we use the fitted result to predict the rate of Glashow events (in the $\ensuremath{\approx}6.3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{PeV}$ region) and double-bang tau neutrino events (in the PeV region) just at the threshold of IceCube detection.
Featherworking in the provinces: A dispersed luxury craft under Aztec hegemony

Elizabeth Brumfiel has made many contributions in the area of Aztec-period economic specialization. This article builds on her work by examining social and political contingencies on the production of fancy featherwork objects. It goes beyond the urban core and explores the impact of Aztec imperial conquest and tribute demands on the production and distribution of feathered objects in conquered regions.
The ChIP-exo Method: Identifying Protein-DNA Interactions with Near Base Pair Precision

Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is an indispensable tool in the fields of epigenetics and gene regulation that isolates specific protein-DNA interactions. ChIP coupled to high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) is commonly used to determine the genomic location of proteins that interact with chromatin. However, ChIP-seq is hampered by relatively low mapping resolution of several hundred base pairs and high background signal. The ChIP-exo method is a refined version of ChIP-seq that substantially improves upon both resolution and noise. The key distinction of the ChIP-exo methodology is the incorporation of lambda exonuclease digestion in the library preparation workflow to effectively footprint the left and right 5' DNA borders of the protein-DNA crosslink site. The ChIP-exo libraries are then subjected to high throughput sequencing. The resulting data can be leveraged to provide unique and ultra-high resolution insights into the functional organization of the genome. Here, we describe the ChIP-exo method that we have optimized and streamlined for mammalian systems and next-generation sequencing-by-synthesis platform.
Beyond Binary: Exploring the Merits of Three Depression Groups in Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE Depression has been traditionally explored in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) as a binary construct (depressed, not depressed). However, given the 50% lifetime prevalence rate of depression in MS, it may be useful to consider not only currently depressed versus nondepressed patients, but to evaluate groups that better characterize the complexity of MS depression. The objective of the current study was to examine demographic, cognitive, illness, and psychosocial variables thought to associate with depression in MS across 3 groups: currently depressed, remitted depression, and never been depressed. METHOD Fifty-four individuals with MS were examined. Current depression status was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 2000). Past depression was evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID-IV; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, & Williams, 1998) and a semistructured psychosocial interview. RESULTS The results of the current study show that evaluating depression in 3 groups is useful for exploring risk, protective, and compensatory factors of depression in MS. A consistent grouping pattern (e.g., the remitted depression group always functioning the same as the never been depressed group) was not found among the variables examined; rather, several different patterns were observed. Several of these patterns revealed differences between the remitted depression and never been depressed groups; these differences would not have been observed had these 2 groups been combined into a "not currently depressed" group. CONCLUSIONS These different patterns yield important information about the complex relationships of depression in MS that may be obscured when depression is viewed as a binary construct. (PsycINFO Database Record
Coupled Unsteady Aero-Flight Dynamics of Hovering Insects/Flapping Micro Air Vehicles

The main objective of this paper is to provide a rigorous coupling between body flight dynamics and flow dynamics (unsteady aerodynamics) in hovering of insects and flapping-wing micro air vehicles...
Successful lumbar surgery results in improved psychological well-being: a longitudinal assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Abstract Background Context Preoperative psychological symptoms predict surgical outcomes. The impact of surgical outcomes on psychological well-being, however, has not been delineated. Purpose This study aimed to compare pre- with postoperative depressive and anxiety symptoms based on success of surgery, defined as fulfilled expectations and improvement in disability and pain. Study Design/Setting A prospective 2-year longitudinal study in a tertiary care center was carried out. Patient Sample The sample consisted of 276 patients who underwent lumbar surgery. Outcome Measures The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were the outcome measures. Methods Patients completed the following validated surveys several days before and again 2 years after surgery: the GDS with a set threshold for a positive screen for depression; the STAI with population norms used as threshold values; the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI); a numerical pain rating; and the Expectations Survey measuring amount of improvement expected. Dependent variables were pre- to postoperative within-patient change in GDS and STAI scores. Independent variables were three outcomes of surgery: proportion of expectations fulfilled, and changes in ODI scores and pain ratings. Analyses were conducted with GDS and STAI scores as continuous variables and according to threshold values, and for expectations, ODI and pain according to minimum clinically important differences (MCIDs). Results Mean age was 55, 56% were men, and 78% had degenerative diagnoses. For depressive symptoms, 41% screened positive preoperatively and 16% screened positive postoperatively; 72% had some improvement. In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender, comorbidity, diagnosis, and surgical invasiveness, depressive symptoms improved more for more expectations fulfilled (p Conclusion Substantial improvements in psychological well-being resulted after surgery among patients with favorable spine-specific outcomes.
Cannabis and Cannabinoids for Chronic Pain

The purpose of this study was to provide the most up-to-date scientific evidence of the potential analgesic effects, or lack thereof, of the marijuana plant (cannabis) or cannabinoids, and of safety or tolerability of their long-term use. We found that inhaled (smoked or vaporized) cannabis is consistently effective in reducing chronic non-cancer pain. Oral cannabinoids seem to improve some aspects of chronic pain (sleep and general quality of life), or cancer chronic pain, but they do not seem effective in acute postoperative pain, abdominal chronic pain, or rheumatoid pain. The available literature shows that inhaled cannabis seems to be more tolerable and predictable than oral cannabinoids. Cannabis or cannabinoids are not universally effective for pain. Continued research on cannabis constituents and improving bioavailability for oral cannabinoids is needed. Other aspects of pain management in patients using cannabis require further open discussion: concomitant opioid use, medical vs. recreational cannabis, abuse potential, etc.
Electrolyte Effect on Micellization

The ability of simple electrolytes to lower the critical micelle concentration and to alter the size and shape of micelles in aqueous surfactant solutions has been known for many years. Nevertheless, investigators continue to find aspects of these effects interesting and important enough to study. Debate continues over alkyl chain length, location of the core-water interface, the shape of micelles too large to be spherical, the relative importance of the hydrophobic and electrical forces in determining micelle shape, and the extent of water penetration in the micellar core. Our knowledge and understanding of counterion binding and specificity, the distribution of polar heads and counterions in the electrical double layer, the extent of polydispersity, and the effects of polar head structure and charge location on micelle size and dye solubilization efficiency continues to grow.
Cultivating experimental innovation within undergraduate physics majors

David Galenson's bifurcation of creative types is well-founded across several strata of the traditional fine arts. According to Galenson, experimental innovators outwardly express their creativity at a later age after long periods of development. I reason that many of the students in undergraduate classrooms are experimental innovators, since there are rich examples of both creative types across a variety of academic disciplines. While physics is often viewed as a discipline overly populated with conceptual innovation, undergraduate instruction within the discipline is historically associated with qualities that hinder creativity, which may be an especially harsh environment for experimental innovators. With the intention of developing a more creative environment, the physics program at Roanoke College has cultivated an atmosphere where students have responded with increased participation, increased graduation numbers, and arguably a recovered sense of their innovative potential. To draw connections between the programmatic changes and student response, I first provide curricular and structural examples of implemented measures by the Roanoke physics program that accord with the increases observed. Second, I offer some philosophical considerations that undergird the pedagogical scaffolding and posture the curricular alterations. These considerations guide the implementations themselves as well as motivate the faculty within the program. Third, I extend the inquiry into the boundaries drawn regarding failure and the question of expertise within the undergraduate science curriculum.
Football, Recruitment, and Retention at U.S. Christian Colleges

ABSTRACTAn increasing number of Christian colleges are adding football programs as a way to boost enrollment among men and ethnic minorities. No systematic study has attempted to measure these outc...
Cost-Utility Analyses in US Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background. While investigations have been performed examining the quality of US-based cost-utility analyses for other orthopaedic subspecialties and have provided important insights, a similar analysis has not been performed examining the foot and ankle literature. Methods. A systematic review of foot and ankle studies was conducted to identify cost-utility analyses published between 2000 and 2017. Of 687 studies screened by abstract, 4 cost-utility studies were identified and scored by the Quality of Health Economic Studies instrument. Results. Of these 4 studies, 3 examined end-stage arthritis and 1 examined unstable ankle fractures. Cost-effective interventions identified by these studies included the performance of total ankle arthroplasty over ankle arthrodesis or nonoperative treatment for end-stage arthritis and suture button fixation over syndesmotic screws for unstable supination–external rotation ankle fractures. The mean Quality of Health Economic Studies scores for these studies was 87.5. Con...
Structure and Representation Theory of Kac–Moody Superalgebras

The aim of these lecture notes is to give an introduction to the structure and representation theory of Lie superalgebras.
Bone Grafting in Total Wrist Arthrodesis With Large Bone Defects Using the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator: A Case Study of 2 Patients

Total wrist arthrodesis, fusion of the carpus to the radius, is a well-established and commonly performed procedure for the management of pancarpal degenerative arthritis, trauma, and other severe diseases of the wrist. A well-known complication of this is radiocarpal nonunion, with a rate of 4.4%. Commonly, bone grafting is done at the time of the surgery using local bone, iliac crest bone graft, or cancellous allograft bone. The Synthes Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) is a flexible reamer originally designed as a single-pass intramedullary reamer that can be used in reaming of long bone fractures prior to insertion of an intramedullary nail. Recently, its use has been expanding to the harvesting of bone graft. We present a case study of 2 patients who had total wrist arthrodesis after severe trauma to the wrist resulting in severe bone loss, in whom we used an RIA to obtain bone graft, and both patients went on to union. The first patient is a 17-year-old male who sustained a blast injury from a firework resulting in a mangling injury to the wrist with soft tissue and severe bone loss of his carpus. After being treated with multiple debridements with an external fixator, he was definitively treated with a wrist fusion with RIA bone graft. He went on to osseous union by his 4-month follow-up. Our second patient is a 53-year-old woman who sustained a gunshot wound to the wrist resulting in massive bone loss of the distal radius. After being initially treated with multiple debridements and external fixation, she was treated with a wrist fusion with RIA bone graft and went on to osseous fusion by her 3-month follow-up. Neither patient had complications from the RIA procedure.