cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Pathological Criteria on Pediatric Negative Appendectomy Rate.

Abstract Introduction Negative appendectomy rate (NAR) is a quality metric used in the surgical management of appendicitis. The rates of negative appendectomy (NA) in children range anywhere from 1% to 40% in the literature. Many reports do not provide clear pathological definitions for either appendicitis or NA on which they base their calculation of NAR. We reviewed our experience with pediatric appendectomy and the pathological spectrum encompassed within our definition of a NA and examined how the pathologic definition impacts our hospital's NAR. Methods A retrospective review from 2012 to 2016 in a single institution identified 1676 children that underwent appendectomy. Average age was 11.4 (2–18 years). Patient demographics, clinical outcomes and pathological findings were collected. At our institution, appendicitis is defined as the presence of transmural acute inflammation in the appendix and those patients without this finding have been considered to have had a negative appendectomy. Results 1435 patients underwent appendectomy for presumed appendicitis. The rate of pathologically diagnosed appendicitis was 91.1% (1307/1435) and as such, the NAR was 8.9% (128/1435). Review of the pathology of the NA cohort identified 67/128 (52.3%) patients with completely normal pathology. The remaining 61 patients displayed some sort of pathological abnormality including malignancy (n = 2), fecaliths (n = 9), pinworms (n = 3), granuloma (n = 2), fibrous obliteration (n = 4), isolated periappendiceal inflammation (n = 1), and acute inflammation confined to the mucosa (n = 40). Exclusion of these patients with abnormal pathology decreased the NAR to 4.6%. Patients with pathological abnormalities of the appendix other than transmural inflammation had a higher rate of 30-day readmission than patients with acute appendicitis (8.2% versus 4.5% p Conclusion Pediatric NAR is dependent upon the pathological definition of appendicitis and negative appendectomy. Institutional variation in definition may explain discrepancies in the literature. By example, including only those that show “the absence of inflammation or other appendiceal pathology” would decrease our NAR by 50%. This study calls into question the interpretation of interhospital NAR and the use of NAR as a quality metric in the management of appendicitis. Retrospective comparative study: Level III evidence.
At the heart of genetic disease: an interview with Elizabeth McNally

Elizabeth McNally is a human geneticist and a cardiologist whose research has been instrumental in understanding the mechanisms of inherited heart and skeletal muscle diseases. She is the Director of the Center for Genetic Medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. In this interview, Elizabeth talks about her first experiences in science, the importance of understanding complex genetic interactions and the effort we all need to make to facilitate diversity in science.
A Survey of Teacher Training Programs.

Graduate and undergraduate university programs preparing teachers of blind and visually handicapped children were surveyed. Predicted effects of reduced federal funding are reported.
Atypical Clinical Presentation of Crohn's Disease as Diffuse Abdominal Lymphadenopathy and Venous Thrombosis: A Difficult to Diagnose Case.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease with clinical manifestations that are more variable than those of ulcerative colitis. It can manifest with a wide range of gastrointestinal as well as extra-intestinal symptoms and at times it becomes difficult to diagnose because of presenting variability. Here we present a case of a young male who presented with diffuse abdominal lymphadenopathy with abdominal vein thrombosis and found to have CD.
Hybrid kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm for strongly trapping alloy systems

Abstract Selected solute atoms can strongly interact with and slow down the diffusion of point defects in alloy systems. While such additions can be beneficial, for instance to promote microstructural stability during thermal annealing or during irradiation by energetic particles, they create significant computational challenges when simulating these evolutions using atomistic techniques such as kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. Point defect trapping in energy basins created by clusters of solute atoms leads to frequent re-visiting of states with short residence times, which dramatically reduces the efficiency of traditional KMC algorithms. We introduce here a hybrid algorithm that combines and expand on two prior KMC algorithms, the Chain KMC and the equilibrating basin KMC. This hybrid algorithm, referred to as the Equilibrating Chain algorithm, utilizes Chain KMC as previously reported, but leverages the data-handling framework to build an occupation distribution of the basin, allowing the equilibrating basin assumption to be statistically tested and applied. For a model A-B trapping alloy system on a face-centered cubic lattice, statistical comparisons of basin exit and cluster dissolution kinetics between traditional and accelerated KMC algorithms are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and the efficiency of the new algorithm. We also discuss our algorithm in the context of other accelerated KMC algorithms.
Geographically divergent evolutionary and ecological legacies shape mammal biodiversity in the global tropics and subtropics

Studies of the factors governing global patterns of biodiversity are key to predicting community responses to ongoing and future abiotic and biotic changes. Although most research has focused on present-day climate, a growing body of evidence indicates that modern ecological communities may be significantly shaped by paleoclimatic change and past anthropogenic factors. However, the generality of this pattern is unknown, as global analyses are lacking. Here we quantify the phylogenetic and functional trait structure of 515 tropical and subtropical large mammal communities and predict their structure from past and present climatic and anthropogenic factors. We find that the effects of Quaternary paleoclimatic change are strongest in the Afrotropics, with communities in the Indomalayan realm showing mixed effects of modern climate and paleoclimate. Malagasy communities are poorly predicted by any single factor, likely due to the atypical history of the island compared with continental regions. Neotropical communities are mainly codetermined by modern climate and prehistoric and historical human impacts. Overall, our results indicate that the factors governing tropical and subtropical mammalian biodiversity are complex, with the importance of past and present factors varying based on the divergent histories of the world's biogeographic realms and their native biotas. Consideration of the evolutionary and ecological legacies of both the recent and ancient past are key to understanding the forces shaping global patterns of present-day biodiversity and its response to ongoing and future abiotic and biotic changes in the 21st century.
Satellites for supply-side water balancing

To highlight vulnerabilities of future food production under climate change, we need a better understanding of crop yield variability drivers. Soil moisture, which plays interdependent roles in water demand and supply, determined from satellite observations can markedly improve the predictive skill of US maize yield models.
Loss of Independence in Older Patients after Operation for Colorectal Cancer

Background Disease-free survival is the cornerstone for colorectal cancer outcomes. Maintenance of independence may represent the preferred cancer outcome in older patients. Frailty and cognitive impairment are associated with adverse clinical outcomes after operation in patients ≥65 years. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of frailty and cognitive impairment on loss of independence (LOI) among colorectal cancer patients. Study Design From 2016 to 2018, patients undergoing operation for colorectal cancer and having geriatric-specific American College of Surgeons NSQIP variables recorded were included. Frailty was assessed using the modified frailty index. Loss of independence was defined by the need for assistance with activities of daily living. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) scoring system. Multivariable analyses examining LOI, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day postoperative complication and readmission were performed. Results There were 1,676 patients included. Preoperatively, 118 (7%) patients reported cognitive impairment, 388 (23%) patients used a mobility aid, and 82 (5%) patients were partially or totally dependent. Loss of independence upon discharge was seen in 344 (20.5%) patients and was independently associated with an increase in LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.44, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.59) and major complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.86, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.53). Risk factors predictive of LOI upon discharge were increasing age, cognitive impairment, use of mobility aid, and postoperative delirium. In patients ≥80 years old, 93 (18%) had LOI at 30 days. Risk factors predictive of LOI at 30 days included a preoperative mobility aid, postoperative delirium, and the need for a new mobility aid. Conclusions One of 5 older patients undergoing operation for colorectal cancer experience LOI, and risk factors include a decline in cognition and mobility. Future studies should evaluate risks for long-term LOI and explore interventions to optimize this patient population.
Super-resolution imaging of bacterial pathogens and visualization of their secreted effectors

Recent advances in super-resolution imaging techniques, together with new fluorescent probes have enhanced our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and their interplay within the host. In this review, we provide an overview of what these techniques have taught us about the bacterial lifestyle, the nucleoid organization, its complex protein secretion systems, as well as the secreted virulence factors.
Copper Cold Gas-Dynamic Spray Processing for Highly Effective Antipathogenic Coatings: An Integrated Microstructural, Mechanics, and Materials Chemistry Perspective

The impetus behind this effort centers upon the improvement of a more robust understanding of the microstructural qualities, materials surface, and bulk chemistry, as well as properties of cold sprayed conventional copper and nanostructured copper coatings, in so far as they relate to antipathogenic contact killing and inactivation applications. Therefore, the role of high strain rate induced severe plastic deformation states, microstructures, electrochemical behaviors, surface chemistry, and surface roughness were characterized for two copper cold spray material consolidations, which were produced from conventionally gas-atomized copper powder as well as a nano-agglomerated and spray-dried copper feedstock powder, during this work. Prior work has revealed greater antipathogenic efficacy concerning the respective nanostructured Cu coating versus the conventional Cu coating. Thus, the microstructural analysis was performed to establish differences between the two coatings such that their respective pathogen killing and/or inactivation rates could be deductively and experimentally attributed to. Results from advanced laser-induced projectile impact testing, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, scanning transmission microscopy, nanoindentation testing, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, linear polarization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and copper ion release assessment, among other experimental methods, were performed and pursued during the research and results considered herein.
Social Adaptability Index and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Diabetes During Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE The social adaptability index (SAI) is a composite indicator capturing an individual's social adaptability within society and socioeconomic status to predict overall health outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to examine whether the SAI is an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with and without diabetes during pregnancy. METHODS Data from the 2011-2017 National Survey of Family Growth were analyzed using a cross-sectional methodology. Women aged 18-44 years with a singleton gestation were included in the analysis. Maternal diabetes was defined as either presence of pregestational diabetes or diagnosis of gestational diabetes. The SAI was developed from the following maternal variables: educational level, employment status, income, marital status, and substance abuse. A higher score indicated lower risk. A series of multivariable logistic regression models were run stratified by maternal diabetes status to assess the association between SAI and pregnancy outcomes, including cesarean delivery, macrosomia (birth weight ≥4,000 g) and preterm birth (<37 weeks). All analyses were weighted and P <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 17,772 women were included in the analysis, with 1,965 (10.7%) having maternal diabetes during pregnancy. The SAI was lower in women with diabetes during pregnancy compared with control subjects (6.7 ± 0.2 vs. 7.2 ± 0.1, P <0.001). After adjusting for maternal race and ethnicity, insurance status, BMI, age, and partner support of the index pregnancy, SAI was associated with preterm birth among women with diabetes during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.94). The SAI was not significantly associated with cesarean delivery or macrosomia in women with diabetes during pregnancy and was not associated with these outcomes in women without diabetes during pregnancy. CONCLUSION Among women with diabetes during pregnancy, a higher SAI is independently associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. The SAI could be a useful index to identify women at high risk of preterm birth in addition to traditionally defined demographic risk groups among women with diabetes during pregnancy.
Chronic complement dysregulation drives neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury: a transcriptomic study

Activation of the complement system propagates neuroinflammation and brain damage early and chronically after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The complement system is complex and comprises more than 50 components, many of which remain to be characterized in the normal and injured brain. Moreover, complement therapeutic studies have focused on a limited number of histopathological outcomes, which while informative, do not assess the effect of complement inhibition on neuroprotection and inflammation in a comprehensive manner. Using high throughput gene expression technology (NanoString), we simultaneously analyzed complement gene expression profiles with other neuroinflammatory pathway genes at different time points after TBI. We additionally assessed the effects of complement inhibition on neuropathological processes. Analyses of neuroinflammatory genes were performed at days 3, 7, and 28 post injury in male C57BL/6 mice following a controlled cortical impact injury. We also characterized the expression of 59 complement genes at similar time points, and also at 1- and 2-years post injury. Overall, TBI upregulated the expression of markers of astrogliosis, immune cell activation, and cellular stress, and downregulated the expression of neuronal and synaptic markers from day 3 through 28 post injury. Moreover, TBI upregulated gene expression across most complement activation and effector pathways, with an early emphasis on classical pathway genes and with continued upregulation of C2, C3 and C4 expression 2 years post injury. Treatment using the targeted complement inhibitor, CR2-Crry, significantly ameliorated TBI-induced transcriptomic changes at all time points. Nevertheless, some immune and synaptic genes remained dysregulated with CR2-Crry treatment, suggesting adjuvant anti-inflammatory and neurotropic therapy may confer additional neuroprotection. In addition to characterizing complement gene expression in the normal and aging brain, our results demonstrate broad and chronic dysregulation of the complement system after TBI, and strengthen the view that the complement system is an attractive target for TBI therapy.
Therapeutic effects of masitinib on abnormal mechanoreception in a mouse model of tourniquet-induced extremity ischemia-reperfusion.

Abstract Tourniquets are widely used to stop extremity hemorrhage, but their use and subsequent release can result in nerve damage and degeneration, leading to neurological deficits. Increasing evidence has suggested a pivotal role of inflammation in nerve damage and abnormal mechanoreception. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of masitinib (Mas), an anti-neuroinflammatory drug, on the mechanoreception of sensory neurons in a mouse model of tourniquet-induced hind paw ischemia-reperfusion (tourniquet/IR). C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 3 h of ischemia by placing a rubber band at the ankle joint and evaluated for subsequent reperfusion injury on day 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 based on the experiments. Treatment with Mas (28 mg/kg/day, i.p.) began on the day of IR induction and lasted for 1, 3, 7, 14, or 28 days. Tourniquet/IR caused sensory nerve denervation in the skin of paw pads and abolished the hind paw mechanoreception to mechanical stimulation during the first 3 days of reperfusion. Sensory nerves gradually reinnervated in the skin of paw pads and allodynia began to appear on day 7. The maximum reaction occurred on day 14 and was maintained throughout the study period. Treatment with Mas mitigated nerve damage and improved hind paw mechanoreception to mechanical stimulation by decreasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the early stages of tourniquet/IR. Mas also alleviated allodynia and decreased inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) in the skin of paw pads from days 7–28. Our data suggest that treatment with Mas significantly ameliorated paw numbness and allodynia in mouse hind paw tourniquet/IR.
Implications of diffusion-controlled limit for processivity of dimeric kinesin head domains.

Abstract The diffusion-limited rate for association of the ADP complex of dimeric DKH392 kinesin head domains with a microtubule was estimated to be 2-3 x 10(7) M-1 s-1 based on approximation of a microtubule as a highly elongated prolate ellipsoidal adsorber of 100% efficiency. This theoretical bimolecular rate is approximately 100-fold smaller than the experimental rate, kcat/KMT0.5, for DKH392 that was determined from the stimulation of the steady-state ATPase rate by microtubules. The large difference between these two estimates of the bimolecular rate indicates that it is likely that dimeric DKH392 hydrolyzes multiple ATP molecules during each diffusional encounter with a microtubule.
The Role of Understanding in Meeting the Moral Demands of Remembrance

In 2010, the Governor of the state of Virginia, Bob McDonnell, fulfilled a campaign promise to the Sons of Confederate Veterans by proclaiming April “Confederate History Month.” The initial proclamation contained no reference to slavery, an omission for which Gov. McDonnell later apologized. He amended the text to include a paragraph on slavery as the cause of the war. Comments from Virginia citizens on the proclamation ranged from “anyone defending this act of the governor of VA is a racist” to the “main purpose of [confederate soldiers] bearing arms was to protect their homes, family, & friends from what they saw as an invading force of outsiders imposing their own will.... Those who fought for such reasons deserve to be recognized.”
MicroRNAs in Cancer: A Historical Perspective on the Path from Discovery to Therapy

Recent progress in microRNA (miRNA) therapeutics has been strongly dependent on multiple seminal discoveries in the area of miRNA biology during the past two decades. In this review, we focus on the historical discoveries that collectively led to transitioning miRNAs into the clinic. We highlight the pivotal studies that identified the first miRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans to the more recent reports that have fueled the quest to understand the use of miRNAs as markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, we provide insights as to how unraveling basic miRNA biology has provided a solid foundation for advancing miRNAs, such as miR-34a, therapeutically. We conclude with a brief examination of the current challenges that still need to be addressed to accelerate the path of miRNAs to the clinic: including delivery vehicles, miRNA- and delivery-associated toxicity, dosage, and off target effects.
Reassessing Public-Private Roles in Agricultural RD for Economic Development

A key to securing global food security, conserving biodiversity and achieving climate change objectives as well as other concerns of international importance will be to sustain if not enhance productivity gains in agriculture. However, there are indications that productivity growth is slowing in staple food and feed crops around the world, and that the pace of investment in agricultural R&D — a primary source of the innovations that spur productivity — has slowed as well. The nature and magnitude of these shifts are spelled out in this paper. Reinvigorating agricultural research will be pivotal to turning these productivity trends around. The public sector has a key role to play, but the private sector will also contribute. However, the actions of the for-profit private sector are shaped by commercial realities that will limit their role in many, but by no means all, developing-country markets for many years to come. Thus a complementary public–private strategy will be the key to success. The private-sector roles in agricultural research are briefly described, along with the underlying economic factors at play, as a basis for informing the important policy and institutional choices and changes that will be required if the promise of increased agricultural productivity gains is to be realised in the decades ahead. The stakes are high, not least because decisions and actions taken (or not taken) now will have consequences for many years to come.
Iraq’s Constitutional Mandate to Justly Distribute Water: The Implications of Federalism, Islam, International Law and Human Rights

With the impending water crisis in Iraq as a backdrop, this article examines the implications of Iraq’s constitutional mandate to ensure the “just distribution” of water. In 2005, Iraq adopted a new Constitution with a federal structure that was intended to balance power between its Shia, Sunni and Kurdish communities. Water is a unique case study for understanding Iraq’s federal structure because under the Constitution, power over water is shared between Iraq’s federal and regional governments, but not with governorates not incorporated into regions. Because water is not equally distributed across Iraq, jurisdictional disputes over this increasingly scarce resource could exacerbate the fragile ethnic-sectarian tensions that had led Iraq to adopt a federal system of government in the first place. This article suggests that such conflicts could be mitigated by Iraq’s constitutional mandate to ensure the “just distribution” of water. Islamic law and international law, both of which are referenced in Iraq’s constitution, offer guidance on how the “just distribution” obligation should be interpreted. This article concludes that Iraq should develop a domestic policy that embraces the principles of “equitable and reasonable utilization” in international transboundary water law. Drawing on Islamic and human rights law, Iraq should also should interpret its “just distribution” requirement as incorporating a human right to water.
Gradient based fuzzy c-means (GBFCM) algorithm

In this paper, a clustering algorithm based on the fuzzy c-means algorithm (FCM) and the gradient descent method is presented. In the FCM, the minimization process of the objective function is proceeded by solving two equations alternatively in an iterative fashion. Each iteration requires the use of all the data at once. In our proposed approach one datum at a time is presented to the network, and the minimization is proceeded using the gradient descent method. Compared to FCM, the experimental results show that our algorithm is very competitive in terms of speed and stability of convergence for large number of data. >
Survival of Naturally Occurring Campylobacter in Refrigerated and Frozen Rinsate From a Broiler Carcass – a Research Note

Each of the 10 carcasses were rinsed and tested for Campylobacter. Each rinse was subdivided into twelve 25-mL aliquots, without cryoprotectant. Six were stored at 4C and six at −23C. At 4-month intervals, one aliquot from each was streaked onto Campy-Cefex plates and then 5 mL added to 45 mL of Bolton's (B) or 45 mL of Tecra (T) broth; after 48 h at 42C, both enrichments were streaked onto Campy-Cefex plates. At 4 months (4C), 0 of 10, seven of 10 and three of 10 were positive by direct streak, B and T, respectively, while 0 of 10, one of 10 and four of 10 were positive by direct streak, B and T, respectively, at −23C. At 4 months, all 4C samples were negative, while two of 10 frozen samples were positive in both B and T after 8 months and one of 10 in B at 12, 16 and 20 months. Foods contaminated with Campylobacter may still pose a health hazard after long-term freezing. Practical Applications In this study, naturally occurring Campylobacter were able to survive in the rinsate of commercially processed broiler carcasses without the use of a cryoprotectant. The Campylobacter isolate was identified as a nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin resistant strain of Campylobacter jejuni. Survival and periodic recovery were demonstrated after 20 months of frozen storage in broiler carcass rinsate alone. Therefore, naturally contaminated uncooked frozen poultry may pose a potential health hazard.
Dispositional resistance to change and hospital physicians' use of electronic medical records: A multidimensional perspective

Although electronic medical records (EMR) adoption by health care organizations has been widely studied, little is known about the determinants of EMR individual use by physicians after institutional adoption has taken place. In this study, the determinants of inpatient physicians' continuous use of EMR were studied. Four dimensions of EMR use were analyzed: use intensity, use extent, use frequency, and use scope. A web-based survey was administered to physicians at a large university hospital; respondents filled out a survey with questions relating to their EMR use, attitude, beliefs, work style, and dispositional resistance to change. Structural equation modeling was carried out to analyze the relationship between these factors. Physicians were found to differ substantially in the scope, extent, and intensity of their EMR use. Their attitude toward EMR use was associated with all use dimensions. Dispositional resistance to change was negatively related to perceived ease of use and with perceived usefulness both directly and through the mediation of compatibility with preferred work style. Time loss was negatively related to both perceived usefulness and attitude toward EMR use. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
HMt, a histone-related protein from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H.

HMt, a histone-related protein, has been isolated and characterized from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum delta H. HMt preparations contain two polypeptides designated HMt1 and HMt2, encoded by the hmtA and hmtB genes, respectively, that have been cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. HMt1 and HMt2 are predicted to contain 68 and 67 amino acid residues, respectively, and have calculated molecular masses of 7,275 and 7,141 Da, respectively. Aligning the amino acid sequences of HMt1 and HMt2 with the sequences of HMf1 and HMf2, the subunit polypeptides of HMf, a histone-related protein from the hyperthermophile Methanothermus fervidus, revealed that 40 amino acid residues (approximately 60%) are conserved in all four polypeptides. In pairwise comparisons, these four polypeptides are 66 to 84% identical. The sequences and locations of the TATA box promoter elements and ribosome binding sites are very similar upstream of the hmtA and hmtB genes in M. thermoautotrophicum and upstream of the hmfA and hmfB genes in M. fervidus. HMt binding compacted linear pUC19 DNA molecules in vitro and therefore increased their electrophoretic mobilities through agarose gels. At protein/DNA mass ratios of 0.2:1, positive supercoils were introduced into these molecules. HMt and HMf are indistinguishable in terms of their abilities to compact and constrain DNA molecules in positive toroidal supercoils in vitro. Histone-related proteins with these properties are therefore not limited to reverse gyrase-containing hyperthermophilic species.
Reflections on the ongoing dialogue between Renaissance and Reformation

Euan Cameron’s paper revisits a recurring theme that was central to his father’s (and to his own) historical endeavour: the relationship between Renaissance humanism and the Reformation. His study takes in critiques of pre-Reform religious practice, scholastic techniques in theological enquiry; different understandings of the early church; and changing attitudes to dogma over the course of the period.
Sperm aggregations in the spermatheca of the red back salamander ( Plethodon cinereus )

Sever, D. M. and Siegel, D. S. 2006. Sperm aggregations in the spermatheca of the red back salamander ( Plethodon cinereus ). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 87 : 331-340 The spermatheca of Plethodon cinereus is a compound tubular gland that stores sperm from mating in early spring (March-April) to oviposition in summer (June-July). The seasonal variation of sperm storage in this species has previously been studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. In this paper, sperm aggregations, interaction of sperm with the spermathecal epithelium, and spermathecal secretions are studied using scanning electron microscopy. Within spermathecal tubules, relatively small groups of sperm are aligned along their entire lengths in parallel arrays. This pattern is similar to other plethdontids with complex spermathecae. Lumina of spermathecal tubules are filled with secretory material in April prior to the arrival of sperm, and after sperm appear, a coating of secretory material persists on the apices of the spermathecal epithelium. Sperm peripheral to the central luminal mass can become embedded in the secretory matrix or pushed deeper into the spermathecal epithelium. The spermathecal secretions may serve to attract and prolong the viability of sperm, but sperm that become enmeshed in the secretions or epithelium are phagocytized. Sperm and spermathecal secretions are largely absent after ovulation and in summer months, and new secretory vacuoles are formed in fall, although mating does not occur until spring.
Short Note: Genotype-Environment Interactions for Coastal Douglas-fir Grown to 21 Years Across Western Washington State, USA

This study involves polymix families of coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) that were created by crossing parents selected from the Cascade, Longview, Twin Harbors and Vail wild populations of western Washington State. Eight to 10 female parents from each population were crossed using pollen-mixes of males from either the same or different populations. In 1985 these polymix families were planted across six genetic tests located in Cascade, Longview and Twin Harbors (two tests per region). Variance components are reported for over-bark breastheight diameter measured at 21 years (DBH21). Genotype x environment (GE) interactions involving different wild populations of Douglas-fir accounted for little variation in DBH21 across the western Washington regions studied. Interaction involving female parents nested within populations was the most important GE effect; explaining 2% of total variation in DBH21. However, this interaction was of limited practical importance since the superior female parents for DBH21 generally showed good stability across tests. Results from this study support selection of superior coastal Douglasfir genotypes that can produce strong, stable growth across a range of site environments encountered in western Washington.
The Future of State and Local Economic Development Policy: What Research Is Needed

Research will be more relevant to state and local economic development policy if this research focuses on research gaps. One gap is better estimates of how local labor demand policies affect local jobs. A second gap is better understanding of how labor supply policies affect overall local labor market outcomes, adjusting for spillovers and displacement. A third gap is better understanding of how effects of local employment shocks vary with local labor market conditions.
Use of wireless, ad-hoc networks for proximity warning and collision avoidance in surface mines

This article describes the use of wireless communication technology in an easy-to-use ad hoc mode to address concerns of timely proximity warning and collision avoidance in surface mines and also describes the design of a cloud-based logging framework for long-term vehicular traffic analysis in mines. For timely warning about approaching vehicles at large distances (10–100 m), a GPS system is integrated with Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/p) radios in an ad hoc mode, where information about approaching vehicles is known as soon as they come into range. A communication range test is performed in an actual surface mine setting to characterise the distances at which warning can be reliably received using each of the IEEE 802.11 family of radios. A zone-based proximity warning system is designed using low power IEEE 802.15.4 radios for detecting obstacles and vehicles at much smaller distances (<10 m), and marking them into zones around the vehicle. Both the proximity warning system and the Wi-Fi-based collision avoid...
Effects of glucagon and fasting on acetate metabolism in perfused rat liver.

Abstract 1. (1) Effects of glucagon treatment in vitro and of fasting on [2- 14 C]acetate metabolism were studied in perfused rat liver. Glucagon stimulated ketogenesis about 2.8 fold and the incorporation of label into ketone bodies only 1.7 fold. The diminished specific activity of ketone bodies produced in the presence of glucagon was interpreted as evidence for increased production and disposal (turnover) of acetyl-CoA. Inhibition of acetyl-CoA utilization by other routes, therefore, was not a major cause of the increased ketogenesis. From a consideration of label incorporation into derivatives of the Krebs cycle in relation to the specific activity of acetyl-CoA (as judged from ketogenic rate and label incorporated into ketone bodies) glucagon appeared to accelerate the initial steps of the Krebs cycle about 2 fold. It diminished label incorporation into fatty acids to a degree corresponding to the reduction in acetyl-CoA specific activity. Incorporation of label into cholesterol was not affected by glucagon. 2. (2) In livers from fasting rats, ketogenesis was increased about 6.7 fold and label incorporation into ketone bodies was increased about 5.3 fold over values in fed controls. Thus, the turnover of acetyl-CoA appeard to be increased slightly by fasting. Krebs cycle activity was essentially unaffected by fasting. The inhibition of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in these livers appeared sufficient to contribute significantly to the ketogenic rate by sparing acetyl-CoA. 3. (3) Gluconeogenesis from endogenous substrate was markedly stimulated by glucagon and moderately stimulated by fasting. 4. (4) Secretion of newly synthesized total fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesterol ester into the circulation was markedly inhibited by glucagon.
Modulation of glucose metabolism in isolated rat hepatocytes by 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane.

The thermodynamic behavior and lack of ozone-depleting potential of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) suggest it as a likely replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12), now used as the refrigerant in many air-conditioning systems. To further the presently incomplete toxicological analysis of R-134a, the effects of R-134a on cell viability and functional competence of glucose metabolism were evaluated in suspension cultures of hepatocytes derived from fed or fasted rats. R-134a concentrations up to and including 75% (750,000 ppm) in the gas phase of sealed culture flasks did not produce evidence of cytolethality (LDH leakage) following 2 hr of exposure; in contrast, halothane (1,1,1-trifluoro-2-bromo-2-chloroethane) caused cell death at a gas phase concentration of only 1250 ppm. In hepatocytes isolated from fed rats, R-134a at concentrations of 12.5 to 75% increased glycolysis (production of lactate + pyruvate) in a concentration-dependent manner, no effect was observed at 5%. At 25%, R-12 and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-1,2-dichloroethane (R-114) were of equal potency to R-134a in stimulating glycolysis; 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-2-chloroethane (R-115) depressed glycolysis slightly. Halothane, at concentrations as low as 300 ppm, markedly increased rates of glycolysis. Glucose production by hepatocytes of fed rats was decreased by R-134a, R-12, and R-114 only at concentrations of 25% or more. On the other hand, halothane (≥300 ppm) potently decreased glucose production by hepatocytes. In cells isolated from livers of fasted rats, R-134a exposure inhibited gluconeogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner although this effect was not significant until R-134a concentrations reached 12.5%. Comparative potency studies showed that R-134a, R-12, or R-114 (25% gas phase) inhibited gluconeogenesis about equally while as little as 300 ppm halothane was effective and R-115 (25%) was without effect. Considering that the threshold for alteration of the rate of glucose metabolism in this in vitro paradigm is about 12.5% R-134a, we conclude that toxicologically significant alteration of glucose-linked bioenergetics is unlikely at the levels of R-134a exposure anticipated in workplace or environment.
Retention of neptunium in uranyl alteration phases formed during spent fuel corrosion

Uranyl oxide hydrate phases are known to form during contact of oxide spent nuclear fuel with water under oxidizing conditions; however, less is known about the fate of fission and neutron capture products during this alteration. We describe, the first time, evidence that neptunium can become incorporated into the uranyl secondary phase, dehydrated schoepite (UO{sub 3}{lg_bullet}0.8H{sub 2}O). Based on the long-term durability of natural schoepite, the retention of neptunium in this alteration phase may be significant during spent fuel corrosion in an unsaturated geologic repository.
Asymmetries in the Friendship Preferences and Social Styles of Men and Women.

Several hypotheses on the form and function of sex differences in social behaviors were tested. The results suggest that friendship preferences in both sexes can be understood in terms of perceived reciprocity potential—capacity and willingness to engage in a mutually beneficial relationship. Divergent social styles may in turn reflect trade-offs between behaviors selected to maintain large, functional coalitions in men and intimate, secure relationships in women. The findings are interpreted from a broad socio-relational framework of the types of behaviors that facilitate selective advertisement and investment of reciprocity potential across individuals and within groups of men and women.
Exact boundary controllability of a hybrid system of elasticity

A hybrid control system is presented: an elastic beam, governed by a partial differential equation, linked to a rigid body which is governed by an ordinary differential equation and to which control forces and torques are applied. The entire system, elastic beam plus rigid body, is proved to be exactly controllable by smooth open-loop controllers applied to the rigid body only, and in arbitrarily short durations. This system is modeled as a two-dimensional space-structure.
Stimulation of mono- and diacylglycerol lipase activities by bradykinin in neural cultures.

Abstract Neural cultures of fetal mouse spinal cord, mouse neuroblastoma (NIE-115) and mixed primary glial cell cultures from neonatal rat brain display measurable activities of mono- and diacylglycerol lipases. Treatment of fetal mouse spinal cord cultures with bradykinin (10 nM) for 1–4 min resulted in a marked increase in specific activities of mono- and diacylglycerol lipases. This is the first direct demonstration that bradykinin can act through the lipase pathway. The increase in activities of lipases was dose and time dependent. The bradykinin response was blocked by [Thi5,8, D-Phe7]bradykinin, a bradykinin B-2 receptor antagonist, indicating that the bradykinin induced stimulation of lipase activities involves bradykinin receptors.
Canonical Modules of Semigroup Rings and a Conjecture of Reiner

We prove that the homotopy types of two naturally defined simplicial complexes are related in the following way: one is homotopy equivalent to a multiple suspension of the canonical Alexander dual of the other. These simplicial complexes arise in free resolutions of semigroup rings and modules. The relation between their homotopy types was conjectured by Reiner, and was suggested by a homological consequence of a result due independently to Danilov and Stanley on canonical modules of normal semigroup rings. Our proof is purely topological, and gives an alternative proof of their result. We also prove a generalization of a result of Hochster saying that these rings are Cohen--Macaulay, and indicate a new proof of Ehrhart's reciprocity law for rational polytopes.
A Proposed Phylogeny of New World Iassinae (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)

A proposed phylogeny of New World genera of Iassinae based on weighted derived characters in inferred cladistic sequence is presented and characters are discussed. Cladistic inferences were fitted to a previously determined classical classification that attempted to delimit natural groups of taxa. Attempts to compute a Wagner network and tree were unsuccessful; the numerous interpreted instances of parallel evolution are probably, at least partially, responsible for this failure.
Ground state and photophysical properties of Ru(phen)2quo+: a strong excited state electron donor

Abstract We prepared the complex Ru(phen) 2 quo + (phen=1,10-phenanthroline, quo − =8-quinolate) and investigated its photophysical and redox properties. The absorption and emission of Ru(phen) 2 quo + are red-shifted relative to Ru(phen) 3 2+ , and the former is easier to oxidize than the latter. Ru(phen) 2 quo + possesses an Ru→phen MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) excited state ( E 00 ∼1.85 eV) that is a better reducing agent than the parent complex Ru(phen) 3 2+ . Transient absorption results are consistent with the formation of reduced methylviologen upon Ru(phen) 2 quo + excitation with visible light in water.
Structural specificity in coiled-coil interactions

Coiled coils have a rich history in the field of protein design and engineering. Novel structures, such as the first seven-helix coiled coil, continue to provide surprises and insights. Large-scale datasets quantifying the influence of systematic mutations on coiled-coil stability are a valuable new asset to the area. Scoring methods based on sequence and/or structure can predict interaction preferences in coiled-coil-mediated bZIP transcription factor dimerization. Experimental and computational methods for dealing with the near-degeneracy of many coiled-coil structures appear promising for future design applications.
Explaining vocabulary in the second language classroom: A conversation analytic account

Abstract Research on vocabulary teaching and learning has formulated a rich knowledge base for understanding both what a vocabulary explanation should entail and how it can be conducted. Relatively lacking is a detailed description of how explanation is managed when vocabulary items arise spontaneously in the ongoing classroom interaction. Based on a two-hour videotaped adult ESL (English as a Second Language) class co-taught by two teachers, we offer such a description within a conversation analytic framework. In particular, we show how the teachers explain the vocabulary using either the analytic or the animated approach. While the former engages predominantly verbal and textual resources, the latter activates an ensemble of multimodal means such as gestures, environmentally couple gestures, and scene enactment. Findings of this study contribute to the existing literature with some much needed specifications of the “technology” of vocabulary explanations.
Temporal association between childhood psychopathology and substance use disorders: findings from a sample of adults with opioid or alcohol dependency

Abstract Adults with substance use disorders (SUD; alcohol or drug abuse or dependence) were evaluated to determine if childhood-onset psychopathology preceded the onset of SUD. Using structured psychiatric interviews, we assessed 47 clinically referred adults with SUD (27 with opioid dependence and 20 with alcohol dependence), with attention to childhood-onset psychopathology. A sequence of psychopathology and SUD was reconstructed using mean diagnosis onset data. Sixty-two percent of the 47 SUD adults (mean age 39.3±6.6 years) had early-onset SUD (defined as ≤18 years) and 38% had late-onset SUD (≥19 years at onset). Psychopathology preceded the onset of SUD in 56% of adults. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, multiple anxiety, and disruptive disorders typically preceded the onset of SUD; in contrast, mood disorders (specifically depressive and bipolar disorders) followed the onset of SUD. The majority of clinically referred adults with SUD had psychopathology that began in childhood, frequently preceding the onset of their SUD. These findings further highlight the importance of targeting antecedent disorders for preventive and early intervention programs aimed at reducing the risk for SUD.
The Third Managerial Revolution

The appearance of professional management as the dominant means of organizational control in society is referred to as the managerial revolution. This required, however, a prior revolution—the appe...
The experience and effects of emotional support: What the study of cultural and gender differences can tell us about close relationships, emotion, and interpersonal communication

Theorists claim that emotional support is one of the most significant provisions of close relationships, and studies suggest that the receipt of sensitive emotional support is associated with diverse indices of well–being. Research highlighting the beneficial outcomes of emotional support raises several important questions: Does emotional support play a similar role in the personal relationships of both men and women and those representing different ethnicities and nationalities? Is what counts as effective, sensitive, emotional support the same for everyone? And when seeking to provide emotional support, do members of distinct social groups pursue similar or different goals? This article reviews and synthesizes empirical research assessing gender, ethnic, and cultural differences in emotional support in the effort to ascertain the extent and import of these differences. Particular attention is given to demographic differences in (a) the value placed on the emotional support skills of relationship partners, (b) the intentions or goals viewed as especially relevant in emotional support situations, and (c) the evaluation of distinct approaches to providing emotional support. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications of the findings are explored.