cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cost of being professors and administrators of color in predominantly white institutions: unpacking microagression, isolation, exclusion, and unfairness through a critical race lens

Teaching in predominantly white institutions is a terrific challenge for professors of color. In addition to being expected to fulfill professional obligations, including publishing, teaching, advi...
Gender-affirming Vaginectomy-Transperineal Approach.

OBJECTIVE Gender-affirming vaginectomy treats gender dysphoria associated with the presence of a vagina in transgender males. 1 , 2 Prior reported approaches include transperineal vaginectomy, mucosal fulguration, and robotic-assisted. We present key steps in transperineal gender-affirming vaginectomy in a 39-year-old transgender male. METHODS Informed consent for video recording was obtained. The patient underwent a first-stage phalloplasty 6 months prior. He was placed in high lithotomy Tredelenberg position. After Foley placement, an incision was made along the mucocutaneous junction laterally and posteriorly. The anterior sulci were incised and a transverse incision made anteriorly at the bladder neck. The vaginal mucosa was excised, except for the distal anterior vaginal wall mucosa which would be mobilized as a flap for urethral lengthening later. The paravaginal space was closed with a series of purse-string sutures starting at the apex. The anterior vaginal wall flap is mobilized with the base of the flap at the urethral meatus. Cystoscopy confirms ureteral patency and no lower urinary tract involvement. A suprapubic tube was placed. The procedure then proceeded with a second-stage phalloplasty that included urethral lengthening and scrotoplasty. RESULTS The demonstrated procedure took 110 minutes and estimated blood loss was 75 mL. In our published series of 40 vaginectomies for 27 phalloplasties and 13 metoidioplasties, median operative time was 135 minutes and median estimated blood loss was 250cc. 3 No complications related to the vaginectomy, including mucocele, fistulae to the vaginal space, or visceral injuries occurred. Peritoneal entry occurred in 44% of the cases and was closed primarily without further sequelae. Two patients required blood transfusion and 1 patient had C. difficile colitis. The anterior vaginal wall mucosa flap was incorporated in 83% of the time. CONCLUSION Transperineal vaginectomy results in low periprocedural complications, takes approximately 2 hours after a learning curve. Detailed results from our series of these procedures have been previously reported. 3
Nesprin-2G tension fine-tunes Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

How LINC complexes mediate nuclear mechanotransduction remains unclear. In this issue, Dejardin, Carollo, et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201908036) show that the LINC complex protein nesprin-2G is a mechanosensor of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs), recruiting α-catenin to the nucleus to attenuate Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Statistical model for fragility estimates of offshore wind turbines subjected to aero-hydro dynamic loads

Abstract This paper aims to develop statistical regression-based models to estimate responses of monopile foundation 5 MW Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) subjected to multi-wind-and-wave loads and to assess its fragilities. Establishing the regression models began with the use of the Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) method incorporating 5 MW OWT input parameters related to structural and loading conditions along with material properties. With the LHS-based input parameters, 120 OWT computational models were created through Fatigue, Aerodynamic, Structures, and Turbulence (FAST) tools developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Critical responses, such as tower-top deflection, corresponding to each of the models were determined by performing its FAST aero-hydro dynamic simulations. The regression models involved a series of developed explanatory functions based on a matrix of the FAST responses and LHS parameters under a Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression (SMLR) approach. Multi-wind-and-wave fragilities were estimated for each of the critical responses of the 120 OWT models. Key findings showed that the wind-sensitive blade tip deflection resulted in the fragility of 99% at a critical wind speed of 75 m/s and a wave height of 20m, while the mudline flexural moment resulting from the same wind speed and wave height caused the fragility up to 98%.
Are health systems redesigning how health care is delivered

Objective To explore why and how health systems are engaging in care delivery redesign (CDR)-defined as the variety of tools and organizational change processes health systems use to pursue the Triple Aim. Study setting A purposive sample of 24 health systems across 4 states as part of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Comparative Health System Performance Initiative. Study design An exploratory qualitative study design to gain an "on the ground" understanding of health systems' motivations for, and approaches to, CDR, with the goals of identifying key dimensions of CDR, and gauging the depth of change that is possible based on the particular approaches to redesign care being adopted by the health systems. Data collection Semi-structured telephone interviews with health system executives and physician organization leaders from 24 health systems (n = 162). Principal findings We identify and define 13 CDR activities and find that the health systems' efforts are varied in terms of both the combination of activities they are engaging in and the depth of innovation within each activity. Health system executives who report strong internal motivation for their CDR efforts describe more confidence in their approach to CDR than those who report strong external motivation. Health system leaders face uncertainty when implementing CDR due to a limited evidence base and because of the slower than expected pace of payment change. Conclusions The ability to validly and reliably measure CDR activities-particularly across varying organizational contexts and markets-is currently limited but is key to better understanding CDR's impact on intended outcomes, which is important for guiding both health system decision making and policy making.
Nuclear and chloroplast genome engineering of a productive non-model alga Desmodesmus armatus: Insights into unusual and selective acquisition mechanisms for foreign DNA

Abstract Despite the tremendous potential of algae to contribute to a future bioeconomy, there are practical and theoretical limitations to how well naturally sourced species and strains can perform in an outdoor setting. The application of biotechnology to modulate and engineer algae metabolism or to increase performance, resilience, or produce novel compounds, offers opportunities to overcome some of the major commercialization barriers. There are numerous approaches reported in the literature having variable success on genetic engineering of algae with non-model algae often presenting unique challenges to genetic engineering. We report here on successful nuclear and chloroplast genomic integration of selection marker resistance in the non-model alga Desmodesmus armatus. Nuclear transformation was accomplished using both electroporation and Agrobacterium-mediated approaches. However, in all surviving transformants, DNA integration was accompanied by excision and/or rearrangement of the gene of interest and fluorescence reporter coding sequences. Similarly, chloroplast transformation was successfully accomplished using a biolistic DNA delivery method. For these transformants, we also observed off-target mutations in the chloroplast genome, not previously observed in other, more routinely used, algae species. Finally, we present insights into potential mechanisms for these observed truncations, rearrangements, and mutations in D. armatus.
Government Monitoring and Political Participation in the United States: The Distinct Roles of Anger and Anxiety

The past decade has spurred interest in the potential connection between U.S. government monitoring and political activity. Interestingly, these recent studies demonstrate that rather than chilling political activity, government monitoring in the United States positively associates with political engagement. This article seeks to determine why, for ordinary Americans, government monitoring positively relates to political participation. We argue that the balance of discrete negative emotional reactions to government monitoring provides an answer. We propose that U.S. government monitoring generates more anger than anxiety. Furthermore, we suggest that anger about government monitoring will positively associate with political activity whereas anxiety about monitoring will negatively associate with political engagement. We find support for these hypotheses using data drawn from a unique probability sample survey of U.S. residents. The dominant and discrete reaction of anger about monitoring trumps the less common reaction of anxiety, which leads to a net positive association with political activity.
Comparación entre dos técnicas de toma de injerto conectivo en cirugía de cobertura radicular.

Objective: To compare root coverage surgery results using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCGT) and de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) in Miller Class I and II gingival recessions. Material and Methods: A review of the literature published in the last 5 years, with articles selected from PubMed and Google Scholar databases, using the search key " de epithelialized gingival graft AND subepithelial connective tissue graft.” Results: A total of 250 articles were obtained. 245 publications were excluded through a manual filter because they were duplicated or did not meet the established criteria, obtaining 5 articles included in this review. Conclusion: Both harvesting techniques offer satisfactory results of coverage of root recessions. However, there is not enough evidence to state that one technique is superior to the other.
Demonstration of large aperture tailorable meta-surfaces with superior mechanical and laser power durability

We present an alternative approach to dielectric meta-surfaces and demonstrate its scalability, mechanical durability and laser damage resilience. The process is based on laser raster-scan of a thin metal film on a glass, followed by dry-etching and removal of the metal nano-particles mask. We will present new approaches developed to “boost” the attainable optical response based on new underlying physics of the laser printed Au nanoparticle mask.
An efficient parallel algorithm for the numerical solution for Singularly Perturbed Delay Differential Equations with Layer Behavior

The numerical solution of a Singularly Perturbed Delay Differential Equations (SPDDE) is defined as a very charged problematic of computational becouse to the non-local nature of this type of differential Equations. Prove that parallelism can be used to overawed these problems for this purpose we suggest the application of parallel processors as the best solution to overcome the difficulties of the perturbed that occurs in Perturbed Delay Differential Equations on a matching processer. Allowing to several latest publications, this process has been effectively applied to a big number of SPDDE rising from a change of application fields. The exact quality of the conception of parallelism is argued in fact and several examples are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach.
Generation Z female consumers’ preferences for swimwear products with sustainability-relevant attributes

The purpose of this study is to identify the importance of swimwear attributes to Generation Z (Gen Z) female consumers and investigate the effects of consumer knowledge (CK) on consumers’ decision...
Photoinduced Charge Transport in Conductive Metal Organic Frameworks

Conductive metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of porous crystalline materials for photocatalytic applications. We report direct evidence of a charge transport (CT) mechanism in 2D Cu-THQ MOFs using a combination of terahertz (THz) and transient absorption spectroscopies. Zn2+ ions were added to this MOF in order to understand their impact on CT, ultimately causing a decrease in conductivity. This work provides insight into the rational design of 2D MOFs for photoelectronic and photocatalytic applications.
Making Enemies: Humiliation and International Conflict

Preface by Chris Stout Foreword by Morton Deutsch Humiliation at Work in the Mind The Mental Landscape Once the Cure, Now the Disease Globalization and Egalization Humiliation at Work in the World Humiliation and Misunderstanding Humiliation and Conflict Humiliation and Terrorism Why Humiliation Doesn't Work The Humiliation Addiction The Humiliation Antidote The Future of Humiliation Index Reference
Replantation of the Digits

Replantation of fingers represents the culmination of a myriad of hand surgery skills, from the precise repair of bony and tendinous injuries to the microsurgical anastomosis of artery, veins, and nerves. This chapter discusses the indications, operative technique, and postoperative care of amputated digits. Emphasis is placed on indications for replantation, since vascular success does not translate to functional success. A poor replant result is frustrating to both patient and surgeon. Despite their high technical demand, on suboptimal tissues, usually at inconvenient times, replantation surgery tends to be the most rewarding with results that are far superior to any secondary reconstructive procedures.
Abstract P5-07-07: Combination of IGF1R/FAK inhibition and PI3K/mTOR inhibition in triple-negative breast cancers

Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) account for 15%-20% of all breast cancers with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The poor outcomes seen with TNBCs are in part due to a lack of viable therapeutic targets. Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors (IGF1R) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are closely associated with invasive breast carcinomas. However, in our previous study, we found that the combined use of IGF1R inhibitor and FAK inhibitor had produced limited effects on TNBC cells inhibition. NVP-BEZ235 is a potent PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor and has been shown to be effective in TNBC cell lines, especially for the mesenchymal-like and luminal-androgen receptor subtypes. Unlike rapamycin, which produces a feedback activation of Akt, NVP-BEZ235 alone successfully blocks the Akt activation and effectively inhibits the cells proliferation. Our hypothesis is that the combined inhibition of IGF1R/FAK and PI3K/mTOR produces greater suppression on TNBC cell growth. Methods: We examined the effects of NVP-TAE226, the dual inhibitor of IGF1R and FAK, in combination with NVP-BEZ235 on human MDA-MB-231 and BT549 TNBC cell lines. SRB cell survival assays were performed following NVP-TAE226 or NVP-BEZ235 treatments alone and NVP-TAE226 in combination with NVP-BEZ235. Western blotting was used to detect expression and phosphorylation of down-stream signaling proteins and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers. Matrigel invasion chamber assay was performed to evaluate the TNBC cells invasion patterns under treatments of either NVP-TAE226 or NVP-BEZ235 alone or the two drugs in combination. Spheroid migration assay will also be used to assess combination effect on the metastatic nature of TNBC cells. Results: The combined IGF1R/FAK inhibition with NVP-TAE226 and PI3K/mTOR inhibition with NVP-BEZ235 resulted in significantly greater cytotoxicity than either single agent alone in MDA-MB231 and BT549 cell lines (P Citation Format: LaTonia D Taliaferro-Smith, Tongrui Liu, Tiffanie Y Alcaide, Tanisha Z McGlothen, Ruth M O9Regan. Combination of IGF1R/FAK inhibition and PI3K/mTOR inhibition in triple-negative breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-07.
A hierarchical intelligent controller for a chemical processing unit

A hierarchical intelligent controller is developed for a chemical processing unit consists of various tanks, actuators, and sensors. The hierarchy is based on the physical structure of the system, and it is object oriented. The controller is implemented by programmable logic controllers (PLCs) on an IBM-compatible personal computer. Implementational details and various limitations of PLCs and some solutions are included. >
The influence of temperature on fatigue-crack growth in a mill-annealed Ti-6Al-4V alloy

To understand the influence of temperature on the rate of fatigue crack growth in high strength metal alloys, constant load amplitude fatigue crack growth experiments were carried out using a 1/4 inch thick (6.35 mm) mill-annealed Ti-6Al-4V alloy plate as a model material. The rates of fatigue crack growth were determined as a function of temperature, ranging from room temperature to about 290 C and as a function of the crack tip, stress intensity factor K, in dehumidified high purity argon environment. The dependence of the rate of fatigue crack growth on K appears to be separable into two regions. The transition correlates with changes in both the microscopic and macroscopic appearances of the fracture surfaces, and suggests a change in the mechanism and the influence of microstructure on fatigue crack growth.
Overcoming the Barriers to Information Literacy Programs: CALM Lab for English Majors at Dickinson College

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the process by which an information literacy laboratory became a graduation requirement of the English major at Dickinson College. Design/methodology/approach – A case study with literature review, course description and assessment. Findings – The information literacy program described became compulsory for English majors despite all the common challenges cited in the library literature. It also determines that assessment is the most important factor in building successful information literacy programs. Research limitations/implications – The process by which the information literacy module became a graduation requirement for English majors demanded persistence and patience. Librarians should be prepared to spend several years imitating the model before similar results would emerge. Practical implications – Librarians will be able to model information literacy programs for English/writing programs after Critical Approaches and Literary Methods Lab, and th...
Information sources and professional consultations sought by men newly diagnosed as having prostate cancer

Abstract Background. Men who have localized prostate cancer face complex treatment options. Method. This prospective cohort study explored the information sources used by men in the time between receiving the diagnosis of early‐stage prostate cancer and receiving initial treatment. Subjects completed a survey three months after initial treatment regarding information sources used in the following four domains: health professionals, patient education materials, electronic and print media, and lay acquaintances. Results. Of 112 men who completed the survey, all had consulted a urologist prior to treatment, but fewer than half had consulted a radiation oncologist (48%) or a general internist (37%). Written pamphlets were a widely used source of information (79%). Health professionals were thought to be the most helpful sources of information, followed by patient education materials. Conclusion. Professional consultations and written materials are often used and valued sources of information for men when cons...
Reflection-based assessment of service learning in undergraduate engineering

Virtually all engineering education organizations from around the world agree on the critical awareness of the societal context of engineering for graduating engineers. Service learning is one viable way that can bring about students’ awareness of their role in society. However, the body of literature addressing service learning as a pedagogy and strategic ways of implementing it in the already-full engineering curricula, as well as its assessment is relatively small. This paper describes a concise engineering service-learning component in a typical heat transfer course for mechanical engineering students. The service-learning component was used to probe the students’ ability to a) articulate the societal context of engineering, b) explain the importance of pro-active community service, and demonstrate an inclination to continue such service in the future, c) exhibit an appreciation of communication with non-engineers and finally, d) challenge some of the students’ stereotypes regarding other members of the community. Reflections were conducted by the students when answering a set of carefully-phrased questions addressing the above four issues. The responses of all students were analyzed as explained in this paper. The recorded benefits of service learning are described and can be expected from similar service-learning components in other engineering courses.
The application of thermodynamic and spectroscopic techniques to adhesion in the polyimide/Ti 6-4 and polyphenylquinoxaline/Ti 6-4 systems

A variety of specialized surface pretreatments have been developed for joining of titanium and its alloys by adhesive bonding. A surface oxide film is invariably formed yet the role of this oxide film in determining bond durability is not established. The objective of the present work was to characterize Ti (6% Al - 4% V) adherend surfaces after several chemical pretreatments and after fracture of lap shear samples aged at elevated temperatures. The primary spectroscopic techniques were XPS and specular reflectance FT-IR. The adhesives used were polyimides (PI) and polyphenylquinoxalines (PPQ). Each chemical pre- treatment gave rise to a unique XPS fingerprint. SPS spectra characteristic of the adhesives were obtained following cohesive failure. Energetics of the interaction between primer solutions and the Ti 6-4 adherend were assessed by microcalorimetry. Changes in the structure of the surface oxide layer on heating of the Ti 6-4 adherend at elevated temperatures were inferred from heats of immersion in PI and PPQ solutions, [work supported under NASA Grants NAG-1-127 and NAG-1-248, and ONR Center Grant.]
Polyhedral Cones of Magic Cubes and Squares

Using computational algebraic geometry techniques and Hilbert bases of polyhedral cones we derive explicit formulas and generating functions for the number of magic squares and magic cubes.
Better Bounty Hunting

The SEC’s new whistleblower bounty program has provoked significant controversy. That controversy has centered on the failure of the implementing rules to make internal reporting through corporate compliance departments a prerequisite to recovery. This Article approaches the new program with a broader lens, examining its impact on the longstanding debate over fraud-on-the-market (FOTM) class actions. The Article demonstrates how the bounty program, if successful, will replicate the fraud deterrence benefits of FOTM class actions while simultaneously increasing the costs of such suits — rendering them a pointless yet expensive redundancy. If instead the SEC proves incapable of effectively administering the bounty program, the Article shows how amending it to include a qui tam provision for Rule 10b-5 violations would offer several advantages over retaining FOTM class actions. Either way, the bounty program has important and previously unrecognized implications that policymakers should not ignore.
Value set versus Horowitz template in robust stability analysis

The value set approach and the Horowitz template approach are two closely related approaches to study the robustness margin problem with structured uncertainty. Both of these approaches heavily rely on the "zero exclusion condition" as the condition for stability. In this paper, we will compare these two methods and show the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches by examples.
Assessment of Intellectual Resources in Gulf War Veterans: Relationship to PTSD

War stress frequently leads to the subsequent development of psychopathology including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but recent research has indicated that individual difference factors may alter vulnerability to trauma-related distress. In an effort to examine the potential buffering effects of intellectual resources on PTSD development, this study assessed intellectual functioning in subsets of Persian Gulf War zone veterans with and without PTSD diagnoses. The two subsets, comprised of 18 PTSD-diagnosed and 23 psychopathology-free Persian Gulf War veterans, were compared on a multi-faceted test of intellectual functioning, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised. As compared to psychopathology-free veterans, PTSD-diagnosed veterans performed significantly more poorly on tasks of verbal intellectual functioning including those tasks thought to reflect premorbid functioning. The two groups did not differ on visuospatial tasks or on a task of attention. Findings suggest that intellectual res...
Molecular dynamics of nanoscale layered structures

Abstract We have performed computer simulations using molecular statics and dynamics techniques. The purpose of the present work is to study the structure and elastic behavior at the interfaces between dissimilar materials as well as the stability and the growth mode of the epitaxial NiAl film on a zinc-blend structured material. By considering the energetics at the interface, we found that the most stable NiAl film is obtained when ∼1 monolayer of Ni is predeposited prior to the codeposition of Ni and Al atoms. Based on this, we propose an interface model structure for NiAl/AlX (where X is a group V element). Also, careful examination of interface structures for the same systems revealed anomalous atomic relaxations, which cannot be expected from the continuum elasticity. In real time epitaxial growth simulations by molecular dynamics, the effect of several growth parameters such as the interface chemistry, temperature, and misfit strain, along with the characteristic properties at the surface were studied. It has been suggested that the interface chemistry is extremely important in the epitaxial growth of binary films. These theoretical results are verified by subsequent experiments by x-ray double crystal diffractometry for specially grown samples using molecular beam epitaxy, and show excellent agreement.
An Approach for Integrating GIS and Watershed Analysis Models

: The application of a dynamic watershed model requires efficient management and manipulation of large spatial and temporal data sets. Today's geographic information systems (GISs) offer many tools that can greatly facilitate the modeling process. The intention to link GIS and watershed analysis models has led to the design of an integrated system which is called GEO-WAMS (Geographically Based Watershed Analysis and Modeling System). GEO-WAMS has been designed as a modeling support system. It consists of five components: a GIS-based spatial/temporal data management system, an integrated watershed modeling system, a data-model management interface, an analyst support toolkit, and an interactive user interface. This paper introduces the general design of GEO-WAMS as well as a more specific description of some of the capabilities that have been built into the GEO-WAMS prototype system. The prototype couples a GIS (ARC/INFO) with a watershed loading model as well as a modified version of EPA's WASP4 model for simulation of dissolved oxygen in a receiving water body.
Developing notions of inference using probability simulation tools

Abstract This paper focuses on how notions of inference can be fostered in middle school through the use of carefully designed tasks, open-ended software simulation tools, and social activity that focuses on making data-based arguments. We analyzed interactions between two sixth-grade students who used software tools to formulate and evaluate inferences during a 12-day instructional program that utilized Probability Explorer software as a primary investigation tool. A variety of the software tools enabled students to understand the interplay between empirical and theoretical probability, recognize the importance of using larger samples to make inferences, and justify their claims with data-based evidence.
Comparison of Serum Calcitonin Levels After a 1-Minute Calcium Injection and After Pentagastrin Injection in the Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

1-min calcium injection was compared with a pentagastrin injection as provocative measures in stimulating calcitonin secretion in 4 patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. In all cases the calcium injection resulted in a greater rise in serum calcitonin concentration. The patients tolerated the calcium injection well. However, two patients experienced substemal pressure and dyspnea following the pentagastrin injection. It is concluded that a 1-min calcium injection is a safe, rapid and effective procedure in the diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Modeling the proton sponge hypothesis: examining proton sponge effectiveness for enhancing intracellular gene delivery through multiscale modeling.

Dendrimers have been proposed as therapeutic gene delivery platforms. Their superior transfection efficiency is attributed to their ability to buffer the acidification of the endosome and attach to the nucleic acids. For effective transfection, the strategy is to synthesize novel dendrimers that optimize both of these traits, but the prediction of the buffering behavior in the endosome remains elusive. It is suggested that buffering dendrimers induce an osmotic pressure sufficient to rupture the endosome and release nucleic acids, which forms to sequestrate most internalized exogenous materials. Presented here are the results of a computational study modeling osmotically driven endosome burst or the ‘proton sponge effect.’ The approach builds on previous cellular simulation efforts by linking the previous model with a sponge protonation model, then observing the impact on endosomal swelling and acidification. Calibrated and validated using reported experimental data, the simulations offer insights into de...
Upregulation of collagen type I gene expression in the ventricular myocardium of thyroidectomized male and female rats.

Abstract It is established that thyroxine-induced ventricular hypertrophy is associated with downregulation of collagen type I gene expression and increased collagen turnover in the ventricular tissue. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that circulating thyroid hormones may have a regulatory impact on the biosynthesis of the collagen matrix in the heart. To this end, we determined collagen gene expression and deposition in the hearts of male and female Sprague –Dawley rats after surgical thyroidectomy. The serum levels of 3,3 ′5-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and 3,5,3 ′,5 ′-tetraiodothyronine (T 4 ) in thyroidectomized and age /sex-matched sham-operated rats were determined by radioimmunoassay and fluorescence analysis of the serum, respectively. On day 14 post-surgery, the plasma levels of both T 3 and T 4 in thyroidectomized rats were decreased by greater than 85 % compared with those in matching sham-operated control rats. At this time, Northern analysis of ventricular RNA from thyroidectomized rats showed a 160 % ( P =0.0079) increase for pro α 1 (I) and a 43 % increase ( P =0.0484) for pro α 2 (I) collagen mRNAs in the ventricular tissue of male rats compared with that in the heart of age-matched, sham-operated control rats. In the female rats, thyroidectomy led to 63 % ( P =0.0469) increase in the abundance of pro α 1 (I) collagen and 50 % ( P =0.034) increase for pro α 2 (I) collagen in ventricular tissue. At the protein level, the amount of collagen type I as determined by immuno-slot blotting of ventricular homogenates, was increased in the ventricular tissue of both male (131 %, P =0.0371) and female (108 %, P =0.0464) rats. Comparison of the changes in males v females showed relatively greater increases in the level of collagen type I mRNA and protein in ventricular tissue of thyroidectomized males. Of particular note, were the increases in the immunoreactive TGF- β in ventricular tissue of thyroidectomized male and female rats which showed a pattern similar to that of changes in collagen type I. Immunofluorescent light microscopy of frozen heart sections, showed significant remodeling of the type I collagen fibers in the ventricular myocardium of thyroidectomized rats compared with age /sex-matched sham-operated rat heart. Together, these findings suggest that circulating thyroid hormones play a role in physiological regulation of collagen type I biosynthesis in the heart and this role may vary in males and females. They further suggest that normal production of collagen matrix in the heart may be dependent on the functional status of thyroid hormones.
Preliminary design of a graphite irradiation tensile creep experiment in the target region of the high flux isotope reactor

Abstract Up to four irradiation tensile creep tests are planned for the target region of the high flux isotope reactor on two graphite grades: PCEA and NBG-18. The initial experiment is designed for an irradiation temperature of 600 °C and at fluences between 1 × 1022 n/cm2 and 1.4 × 1022 n/cm2 (E > 50 keV).
Nonstarch Polysaccharide Fractions of Raw, Processed and Cooked Carrots

The total and soluble nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP) components of raw, processed (canned and frozen) and home-cooked (boiled) Royal Chantenay carrots have be analyzed. NSP fractions were characterized by separation and summation of the monosaccharides resulting from acid hydrolysis of the parent polysaccharides. Total NSP was primarily composed of glucose, approximately 37%, and uronic acid, approximately 35%, containing polysaccharides. Soluble NSP was composed of > 50% uronic acids. Processing and simulated home-cooking of raw carrots resulted in an increase in the amount of NSP/unit dry weight. Relative to raw carrots, cooking of canned product resulted in the largest (approximately twofold) increase in total and soluble NSP/unit dry weight. Relative differences in NSP were not as great when compared on a wet weight basis.
Petrology and chemistry of two “large” granite clasts from the moon

Pristine granite clasts in Apollo-14 breccias 14321 and 14303 have estimated masses of 1.8 and 0.17 g, respectively. The 14321 clast is about 60 percent K-feldspar and 40 percent quartz, with traces of extremely Mg-poor mafic silicates and ilmenite. The 14303 clast is roughly 33 percent plagioclase, 32 percent K-feldspar, 23 percent quartz, 11 percent pyroxene, and 1 percent ilmenite; pyroxene and ilmenite are moderately Mg-rich; plagioclase and pyroxene are strongly zoned. Both clasts are severely brecciated, but monomict (pristine). Both have abundant graphic integrowths of K-feldspar with quartz. Unlike the majority of similar earth rocks, both clasts are devoid of hydrous phases. The bulk composition of the 14321 clast is similar to those of several other lunar granitic samples, but the 14303 clast is unique: it bears as close a resemblance to KREEP as it does to other lunar granites. Silicate liquid immiscibility may explain why the granites are low in REE relative to KREEP.
ACUTE REACTION TO ARTERIAL ADHESIVE IN HEALING SKIN WOUNDS.

Summary The acute effect of a synthetic arterial adhesive, methyl alpha-cyanoacrylate, on healing wounds was investigated experimentally by using 22 albino rats. The adhesive was applied on one of two excised wounds, made in a dorsal area of each animal. The rats were killed 1/2, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after injury. The wounds were studied histologically, and histochemically, by using three methods for esterase activity. The glue caused a necrosis which was about twice as deep as that seen in the immediate vicinity of the edge of nontreated wounds. The imminent necrosis appeared histochemically as a loss of esterase activity one hour after injury. The first histologic signs of necrosis could be demonstrated in 8-hour wounds. Surrounding the central or superficial area with diminishing vitality, there was an increase in esterase activity in a peripheral wound zone. The intensification was demonstrable in both types of wounds from one to 24 hours after injury, the enzyme activity remaining strong subsequently. The glue caused a continuous granulocytic response in the peripheral zone from 8 hours on. By contrast, polymorphonuclear leukocytes began to be superseded by mononuclear cells in 16-hour, nontreated wounds. Further research work should be directed toward developing an adhesive of the same type, but less irritating to tissue.
Time pressure and stress as a factor during emergency egress

While human beings, as information processing entities, use environmental cues during route selection in fire emergencies, time pressure, i.e. the limited time available to people, and the stress created by the physical threat of fire, can affect how they process environmental information. This study focuses on theories on decision making under time pressure and stress, and applies them to the area of emergency egress and route selection during fires. Narrowing of the range of cues attended to under time pressure, the emphasis placed on the negative aspects of decision alternatives and filtering of information are some of the examples of distortions in the information processing capacity of the individual. Spatial behavior greatly relies on how environmental information is utilized, and therefore any miscalculations in the use of this information can lead to ineffective spatial, thus exiting, behavior. Furthermore, while some degree of stress can lead to a beneficial vigilance in information processing, further increase in stress can create a hypervigilant state, limiting the capacity of the individual to process environmental information effectively. The article also provides examples from investigative reports of fires to further discuss the topics addressed.
Modeling Parkinson's disease falls associated with brainstem cholinergic systems decline

In addition to the primary disease-defining symptoms, approximately half of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from postural instability, impairments in gait control and a propensity for falls. Consistent with evidence from patients, we previously demonstrated that combined striatal dopamine (DA) and basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic cell loss causes falls in rats traversing dynamic surfaces. Because evidence suggests that degeneration of brainstem cholinergic neurons arising from the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) also contributes to impaired gait and falls, here we assessed the effects of selective cholinergic PPN lesions in combination with striatal DA loss or BF cholinergic cells loss as well as losses in all 3 regions. Results indicate that all combination losses that included the BF cholinergic system slowed traversal and increased slips and falls. However, the performance of rats with losses in all 3 regions (PPN, BF, and DA) was not more severely impaired than following combined BF cholinergic and striatal DA lesions. These results confirm the hypothesis that BF cholinergic-striatal disruption of attentional-motor interactions is a primary source of falls. Additional losses of PPN cholinergic neurons may worsen posture and gait control in situations not captured by the current testing conditions.
REAL-TIME ASSESSMENT OF WAVE AND SURGE RISK DUE TO LANDFALLING HURRICANES

In this work, a probabilistic framework is presented for real-time assessment of wave and surge risk for hurricanes approaching landfall. This framework has two fundamental components. The first is the development of a surrogate model for the rapid evaluation of hurricane waves, water levels, and runup based on a small number of parameters describing each hurricane: hurricane landfall location and heading, central pressure, forward speed, and radius of maximum winds. This surrogate model is developed using a response surface methodology fed by information from hundreds of pre-computed, high-fidelity model runs. For a specific set of hurricane parameters (i.e., a specific landfalling hurricane), the surrogate model is able to evaluate the maximum wave height, water level, and runup during the storm at a cost that is more than seven orders of magnitude less than the high fidelity models and thus meet time constraints imposed by emergency managers and decision makers. The second component to this framework is a description of the uncertainty in the parameters used to characterize the hurricane, through appropriate probability models, which then leads to quantification of hurricane-risk in terms of a probabilistic integral. This integral is then efficiently computed using the already established surrogate model by analyzing thousands of different scenarios (based on the aforementioned probabilistic description). Finally, by leveraging the computational simplicity and efficiency of the surrogate model, a simple stand-alone PC-based risk assessment tool is developed that allows non-expert end users to take advantage of the full potential of the framework. An illustrative example is presented that considers applications of these tools for hurricane risk estimation for Oahu. The development of cyber-infrastructure at the University of Notre Dame to further support these initiatives is also discussed.
PET in cardiology

Myocardial perfusion imaging with single-photon emission CT (SPECT) is a key investigation in the work-up of patients with coronary artery disease. PET, however, with inherently better spatial and temporal resolution, offers several advantages over SPECT. The last decade has witnessed extensive application of PET techniques to assess myocardial viability and has provided valuable information important in analyzing the risk: benefit ratio for several therapeutic measures. Recent advances in PET instrumentation and radiopharmaceuticals have generated considerable interest to use PET for evaluating an array of cardiovascular disease.
Partial Characterization of the Factor VIII‐Stimulating Material of Rabbit Liver Perfusates: Relationships to Rabbit Plasma Factor VIII

Summary. Previous studies in our laboratory showed that effluent from perfused rabbit livers stimulates the production of factor-VIII activity in perfused rabbit spleens. When concentrated supernatants of the hepatic perfusates were chromatographed on Sephadex G-200, BioGel A-15M and Sepharose 4B, the fractions with the greatest factor VIII-stimulating capacity eluted in the void volume (V°). Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the Sephadex G-200 V° fraction revealed components with a wide range of molecular weights. Rabbit factor VIII was isolated from ethanol-concentrated, citrated rabbit plasma by Sepharose 4B filtration. The factor-VIII activity appeared in the V° when eluted with physiological saline but was retarded on columns eluted in 0.8 M sodium chloride. Further analysis with SDS gels demonstrated that the Sepharose-purified factor-VIII preparation entered the polyacrylamide gels only after reduction with 2-mercaptoethanol. Goat antirabbit factor VIII antiserum prepared against the gel-purified antigen contained factor VIII-neutralizing activity, was apparently monospecific by double-diffusion and produced faint, single peaks by electro-immunodiffusion. Antibody neutralization studies with the antiserum showed that the concentrated supernatants of hepatic perfusates contain fourfold greater factor VIII-neutralizing antigen than procoagulant activity, whereas control perfusates, lacking factor VIII-stimulating capacity, had negligible antibody-blocking effect. The presence in hepatic perfusates of both high-molecular-weight factor VIII-stimulating material and large amounts of factor VIII-neutralizing antigen lacking procoagulant activity suggests that they are interrelated.
The Eating Inventory in obese women: clinical correlates and relationship to weight loss

OBJECTIVES: Describe the physical and psychological correlates of the Eating Inventory (EI) (also known as the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire) factors in an obese sample, and determine the relationship between the three EI factors and weight loss. DESIGN: Consecutive series of obese women enrolled between 1987 and 1996 in clinical trials of weight loss treatments. PARTICIPANTS: 223 obese women with a weight of 100.7±15.5 kg, an age of 41.4±8.8 y and a body mass index (BMI) of 37.2±5.6 kg/m2. MEASURES: The EI and a variety of physical (weight, body composition and resting energy expenditure) and psychological (mood and binge eating) measures were assessed before and after 5–6 months of treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, higher restraint scores were associated with lower body weights (P=0.02), while higher disinhibition scores were associated with greater binge eating severity (P<0.0001). Weight loss treatment was associated with significant increases in restraint and decreases in disinhibition and hunger (all Ps<0.0001). Greater increases in restraint during treatment were associated with larger weight losses (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The three factors of the EI showed clinical utility in a sample of women receiving treatment for obesity.
Joining of DNA ends bearing non-matching 3'-overhangs.

Abstract Using the Xenopus egg extract as an in vitro system for double strand break repair, the joining of DNA ends bearing non-complementary, homopolymeric, 4 nt 3′-protruding single strands (“overhangs”) was examined. Such 3′-overhangs can not be filled-in and cannot align and anneal by canonical base pair interactions, thus presenting a special challenge to the repair machinery. The results indicate that two such non-matching 3′-overhangs typically overlap by 2 nt forming non-canonical base pairs, from which the filling-in of the remaining gaps is primed. The repair reaction is inhibited in Ku-depleted extracts. Unexpectedly, with some of the substrates the predominant repair products were joints with no nucleotide loss, suggesting that the two DNA ends aligned without overlap. However, the additional finding that an activity in the egg extract adds one or a few nucleotides to a fraction of the 3′-ends favors a model in which most or all of the zero-loss joints are the net result of 3′-overhang extension and 2 bp overlap formation. The nucleotide addition reaction is stimulated by increasing the concentration of the complementary dNTP or ddNTP in the extract, suggesting a process templated by free nucleotides and the involvement of a DNA polymerase-like activity.
Paternity in naturally-occurring Utetheisa ornatrix (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) as estimated using enzyme polymorphism

Paternity of offspring in natural populations of insects has received little attention due to the difficulties inherent in following females and sampling each of their mates. Here, an existing statistical technique is modified to estimate paternity based on allozyme variation found in the female and her last mate, thus allowing paternity in nature to be studied by collecting copulating pairs of insects. Using this technique, paternity was investigated in naturally-occurring females of the arctiid moth Utetheisa ornatrix. These females mate promiscuously: upon dissection, they were found to contain up to 13 spermatophores. Statistical paternity estimation revealed considerable variation in the share of offspring sired by the female's last mate: approximately 25% of the males sired all the offspring, while another 25% fathered no offspring; the remainder sired at least some offspring. The proportion of offspring sired by the last male did not correlate with latency to oviposition, the extent of previous mating by the female, or male wing length. Male U. ornatrix are known to make substantial nuptial investments during mating, and this study shows that mating males frequently sire few or no offspring. Thus, male moths stand a chance of being cuckolded.