cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race, the microbiome and colorectal cancer

In the past decade, more cancer researchers have begun to understand the significance of cancer prevention, which has prompted a shift in the increasing body of scientific literature. An area of fascination and great potential is the human microbiome. Recent studies suggest that the gut microbiota has significant roles in an individual's ability to avoid cancer, with considerable focus on the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer. That in mind, racial disparities with regard to colorectal cancer treatment and prevention are generally understudied despite higher incidence and mortality rates among Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. A comprehension of ethnic differences with relation to colorectal cancer, dietary habits and the microbiome is a meritorious area of investigation. This review highlights literature that identifies and bridges the gap in understanding the role of the human microbiome in racial disparities across colorectal cancer. Herein, we explore the differences in the gut microbiota, common short chain fatty acids produced in abundance by microbes, and their association with racial differences in cancer acquisition.
Large apparent internal deformation of carbon fibres under tension observed by in-situ microbeam small-angle X-ray scattering

Abstract A single fibre tensile in-situ microbeam small-angle X-ray scattering study was performed on the polyacrylonitrile-based carbonised fibres. There was no remarkable skin-core difference in the scattering profiles for the fibres tested. Meanwhile, we found that the chord length of the scattering objects shows an immense, yet reversible, increase of as much as 30–35% before the fibre fails at the macroscopic tensile strain of 2–2.5%. We believe this anomalous behaviour in the apparent length of the scattering objects reflect the complicated internal nanostructure of the carbonised fibres.
A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Readmission Rates Associated With Microsurgical Clipping and Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

Abstract Background: In the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), microsurgical clipping, and endovascular therapy (EVT) with coiling are modalities for securing the ruptured aneurysm. Little data is available regarding associated readmission rates. We sought to determine whether readmission rates differed according to treatment modality for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Methods: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was used to identify adults who experienced aSAH and underwent clipping or EVT. Primary outcomes of interest were the incidences of 30- and 90-day readmissions (30dRA, 90dRA). Propensity score matching was used to generate matched pairs based on age, comorbidities, hospital volume, and hemorrhage severity. Results: We identified 13,623 and 11,160 patients who were eligible for 30dRA and 90dRA analyses, respectively. Among the patients eligible for 30dRA and 90dRA, we created 4282 and 3518 propensity score-matched pairs, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of 30dRA (12.4% for clipping versus 11.2% for EVT; P = .094). However, 90dRA occurred more frequently after clipping (22.5%) compared to EVT (19.7%; P = .003). Clipping was associated with poor outcome after 30dRA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.88, P
Identifying Core Principles of Palliative Care Consultation in Surgical Patients and Potential Knowledge Gaps for Surgeons.

Background Palliative medicine is an important component of care for patients with advanced cancer. Previous studies demonstrated that surgeons tend to underuse palliative care in comparison with medical services. In addition, little is known about the specific use of palliative care services among surgical oncology practices. Therefore, we designed and performed this study to evaluate the use of palliative care in medical and surgical oncology patients. Study Design A single-institution retrospective review of consecutive palliative care consultations within a large National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in 2016 to 2017 was conducted. Results We analyzed 120 patients (60 surgical and 60 medical). Patient demographics in the 2 groups were similar. The surgical oncology patients were more likely to undergo consultation for advanced care planning (32% vs 13%; p = 0.02). Medical oncology patients were more likely to undergo consultation for pain management (97% vs 62%; p Conclusions Surgical patients were less likely to undergo palliative care consultation for assistance with symptom management and more likely to undergo consultation for assistance with end-of-life discussions than were medical oncology patients. Advanced care planning and end-of-life discussions should be an area of focus in palliative care education for surgeons.
Spectroscopic and Photochemical Properties of Secondary Brown Carbon from Aqueous Reactions of Methylglyoxal

Chromophoric organic compounds in the atmosphere termed brown carbon (BrC) play an important role in tropospheric photochemistry and radiative forcing due to their absorption in the near UV region ...
Differences in acne therapy prescribing patterns between dermatologists and pediatricians: A population-based study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Acne is a common skin condition that may be treated by both dermatologists and pediatricians. However, the treatments provided by dermatologists and pediatricians may differ. We aimed to describe acne therapy prescribing patterns of dermatologists and pediatricians. METHODS We performed a population-based, cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2006 to 2016 for pediatric patients (age ≤ 18 years). RESULTS There were approximately 30.5 million (weighted) outpatient acne visits between 2006 and 2016 for pediatric patients; 52% of visits were conducted by dermatologists, 29% by pediatricians, and 19% by other providers. Compared to pediatricians, dermatologists saw older patients (mean age 15.5 ± 0.12 vs 13.5 ± 0.35; P < .001), as well as a higher proportion of white patients (92.5% vs 76.3%; P < .001), non-Hispanic patients (89.5% vs 81.6%; P < .001), and patients with private insurance (84.6% vs 67.8%; P < .001). Compared to patients seen by dermatologists, patients seen by pediatricians were 68% less likely to receive topical retinoids (aOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.46), 38% less likely to receive topical antibiotics (aOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.95), and 48% less likely to receive oral antibiotics (adjusted aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.75). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that pediatricians prescribe topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and oral antibiotics less frequently compared to dermatologists. It is important to understand these differences in prescribing patterns for acne and to identify potential educational gaps.
BalLeRMix+: Mixture model approaches for robust joint identification of both positive selection and long-term balancing selection.

SUMMARY The growing availability of genomewide polymorphism data has fueled interest in detecting diverse selective processes affecting population diversity. However, no model-based approaches exist to jointly detect and distinguish the two complementary processes of balancing and positive selection. We extend the BalLeRMix B-statistic framework described in Cheng and DeGiorgio (2020) for detecting balancing selection and present BalLeRMix+, which implements five B statistic extensions based on mixture models to robustly identify both types of selection. BalLeRMix+ is implemented in Python and computes the composite likelihood ratios and associated model parameters for each genomic test position. AVAILABILITY BalLeRMix+ is freely available at https://github.com/bioXiaoheng/BallerMixPlus. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Designing “Leafless” Plants for Improving Yields of the Dried Pea Crop

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the studies on designing an efficient dried pea crop plant, based on the “leafless” phenotype. It approaches to study existing “leafless” models grown in simulated crop environments, and to use this information to indicate where more detailed plant physiological studies are required. These crop studies highlight some of the problems associated with the leafless phenotype, as well as indicating some of the characters that can be incorporated into the ideal crop plant. The effect of the leafless character on a plant population grown as a crop has been determined from comparative studies of leafed and leafless genotypes. A detailed analysis of the data revealed an overriding difference between the two phenotypes compared with differences between genotypes within a phenotype. The high planting densities required to attain good yields with the leafless pea make it a necessity to select plants with reproductive sinks that are tolerant of competitive environments. The seed plays a key role in these more fundamental studies because of its dual function as the unit of economic yield and as the unit from which the crop is derived.
An Exploratory Study of the Impact of Institutional Policies and Practices of Community and Technical Colleges in Texas on Student Persistence in Online Courses

Online education is the fastest growing form of course delivery of higher education in the United States. It has revolutionized how students and instructors interact in the educational process. Yet students in online courses continue to experience higher attrition rates than their counterparts in traditional face-to-face classes despite the advantages offered by the technology. This study examined the impact that institutional policies and practices at community colleges in the state of Texas have had on student persistence in online courses. It also examined how institutions collect and use data in addressing students' attrition. The findings were used to identify the most effective institutional practices to share with community college systems in Texas in an effort to improve student persistence in online courses across the state. The population for the study consisted of the 50 public two-year community college and the technical college systems in the state of Texas. The study used a mixed method. A theoretical model of institutional impact on online persistence was drawn from the literature review. This model's five categories were then used to construct a survey to collect data on institutional practices and measure the effectiveness in addressing student persistence. Four college systems were identified using the survey data that best met the five categories. Interviews were then conducted at these four college systems to produce case studies of these institutions' practices and experiences with online persistence. The results highlighted the roles that institutions play in promoting student persistence in online programs. They revealed differences in the ways institutions define and track student success in online programs and the difficulty these differences pose in comparatively evaluating various institutions' programs. Results lent support to the theoretical model of institutional impact on online persistence that was developed for this study, and results yielded a proposed list of promising practices to enhance student persistence in online programs in public two-year community and technical colleges.
A robust data delivery protocol for large scale sensor networks

Recent technology advances in low-cost, low-power chip designs have made feasible the deployment of large-scale sensor networks. Although data forwarding has been among the first set of issues explored in sensor networking, how to reliably deliver sensing data through a vast field of small, vulnerable sensors remains a research challenge. In this paper we present GRAdient Broadcast (GRAB), a new set of mechanisms and protocols which is designed specifically for robust data delivery in spite of unreliable nodes and fallible wireless links. Similar to previous work [1], GRAB builds and maintains a cost field, providing each sensor in the network the direction to forward sensing data. Different from all the existing approaches, however, GRAB forwards data along an interleaved mesh from each source to the receiver. The width of the forwarding mesh is controlled by the amount of credit carried in each data message, allowing the degree of delivery robustness to be adjusted by the sender. GRAB design harnesses the advantage of large scale and relies on the collective efforts of multiple nodes to deliver data, without dependency on any individual ones. As demonstrated in our extensive simulation experiments, GRAB can successfully deliver above 90% of data with relatively low energy cost even under adverse conditions of up to 30% node failures compounded with 15% link packet losses.
Computational Modelling of Multi-field Ionic Continuum Systems

The present paper presents a methodology for modelling the behavior of continua under multi-field influence, along with the architecture of its computational implementation. It is being applied for the special case of modelling multi-field ionic conductive material systems. Its computational implementation addresses generation and solution of both the constitutive and the field evolution equations. An application of this methodology for the case of electric multi-hygrothermoelasticity generates a model for materials participating in artificial muscle applications. The corresponding system of nonlinear governing partial differential equations describing the state evolution of large deflection plates made from such materials is derived as an example. Finally, initial numerical solution examples of these electro-hygro-thermally generalized Von-Karman equations are presented.
Investor Access to Conference Call Disclosures: Impact of Regulation Fair Disclosure on Information Asymmetry

This study provides evidence on the impact of the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg. FD) on information asymmetry. Reg. FD prohibits firms from disclosing "material" information selectively to analysts and institutional investors. The regulation has triggered a debate on mainly three issues: (a) whether use of nonpublic channels for selective disclosure (such as, analyst conference calls) results in information asymmetry among investors, (b) whether prohibiting nonpublic communications is contributing to leveling of information asymmetry among investors, and (c) whether Reg. FD has caused firms to reduce the quality of their public voluntary disclosures. The present study addresses all of these issues. I use a sample of earnings conference calls and classify firms as either, (1) "open" firms, which always held conference calls accessible to all investors; or (2) "restricted" firms, which held conference calls for only analysts and institutional investors in the pre- Reg. FD period. I find that restricted firms faced higher information asymmetry compared to open firms in the pre- Reg. FD period. However, in the post- Reg. FD period the differences in information asymmetry between open and restricted firms do not persist. Taken together it suggests that selective disclosure was causing greater information asymmetry among investors and Reg. FD has contributed to the leveling of such information asymmetry. In additional tests, I do not find evidence that Reg. FD has caused firms to reduce quality of information conveyed in conference calls. The study adds to our understanding of how voluntary and mandated disclosure impact information asymmetry among investors.
Theory and Research on Autism: Do We Need a New Approach to Thinking About and Studying This Disorder?

Abstract Most theories of autism have tended to be static and unidimensional, often focusing on one process that is purported to be defective, while ignoring other potentially important emergent processes. In this chapter, a comprehensive and developmental theory of autism is proposed, describing the interrelationship between symptoms/processes diagnostically associated with autism and other features that commonly co‐occur with this disorder. Past research relating to specific symptoms associated with autism is then described, with a special emphasis placed on examining how these symptoms may influence one another. Finally, future research directions along with research methodologies that can be employed to evaluate the structure of complex systems and how they change over time are discussed.
The Formin Diaphanous Regulates Myoblast Fusion through Actin Polymerization and Arp2/3 Regulation

The formation of multinucleated muscle cells through cell-cell fusion is a conserved process from fruit flies to humans. Numerous studies have shown the importance of Arp2/3, its regulators, and branched actin for the formation of an actin structure, the F-actin focus, at the fusion site. This F-actin focus forms the core of an invasive podosome-like structure that is required for myoblast fusion. In this study, we find that the formin Diaphanous (Dia), which nucleates and facilitates the elongation of actin filaments, is essential for Drosophila myoblast fusion. Following cell recognition and adhesion, Dia is enriched at the myoblast fusion site, concomitant with, and having the same dynamics as, the F-actin focus. Through analysis of Dia loss-of-function conditions using mutant alleles but particularly a dominant negative Dia transgene, we demonstrate that reduction in Dia activity in myoblasts leads to a fusion block. Significantly, no actin focus is detected, and neither branched actin regulators, SCAR or WASp, accumulate at the fusion site when Dia levels are reduced. Expression of constitutively active Dia also causes a fusion block that is associated with an increase in highly dynamic filopodia, altered actin turnover rates and F-actin distribution, and mislocalization of SCAR and WASp at the fusion site. Together our data indicate that Dia plays two roles during invasive podosome formation at the fusion site: it dictates the level of linear F-actin polymerization, and it is required for appropriate branched actin polymerization via localization of SCAR and WASp. These studies provide new insight to the mechanisms of cell-cell fusion, the relationship between different regulators of actin polymerization, and invasive podosome formation that occurs in normal development and in disease.
Time Off at What Price? The Effects of Career Interruptions on Earnings

Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, the author explores how nonemployment spells and career expectations affected men's and women's wages. Wage profiles were affected by total non...
Transactional Memory Today: A Status Report

The term "Transactional Memory" was coined back in 1993, but even today, there is a vigorous debate about its merits. This debate sometimes generates more heat than light: terms are not always well-defined and criteria for making judgments are not always clear. In this talk, I will try to impose some order on the conversation. TM itself can encompass hardware, software, speculative lock elision, and other mechanisms. The benefits sought encompass simpler implementations of highly-concurrent data structures, better software engineering for concurrent platforms, enhanced performance, and reduced power consumption. We will look at various terms in this cross-product and evaluate how we are doing. So far.
Morphology of clay deposited by evaporation of visually clear aqueous phases from clay-water suspensions

Abstract The residues remaining after drying of visually clear colloidal sols from natural river water and artificially prepared suspensions of Source Clays were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fractal-like patterns in which 60° or 120° geometry is prominent are observed in some kaoliniterich residues. Illite dried to form clusters of tiny crystals. Montmorillonite residues were “corn flake” or branch-like in texture. Both the clay mineral and dissolved substances in the liquid affect the geometry of the dried residue.
Prediction of fertilizer phosphate requirement using the Langmuir adsorption maximum

The phosphate adsorption maximum as calculated by the Langmuir equation was used to predict the fertilizer P requirement of wheat (Triticum aestivium, cv. Caldwell) on both virgin and cultivated Decatur clay loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic, Rhodic Paleudult) and Hartsells sandy loam soils (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Hapludult). Soils with higher adsorption maximum were found to require more fertilizer P than soils with lower adsorption maximum. For soils 25% saturation of the adsorption maximum gave the optimum dry matter yield. This corresponded to equilibrium P concentration of 0.45 mg L−1 for Decatur cultivated and 0.31 mg L−1 for Decatur and Hartsells virgin soils for optimum dry matter yield. These values are within the range of those reported previously by other investigators working with different soils.
Infrared-microwave double resonance spectroscopy of CHF3 using a color center laser

Abstract In order to better understand the rotation-vibration spectrum of fluoroform, CHF 3 , we have investigated the ν 1 band (CH stretch) using infrared-microware (IR-MW) double resonance spectroscopy. In the 3000 cm −1 region the ν 1 band is highly perturbed, such that three parallel-type bands are produced (A. S. Pine, G. T. Fraser, and J. M. Pliva, J. Chem. Phys. 89 , 2720–2728 (1988)). Using two of these bands (Band I and II), we have observed the pure rotational transition J = 2 ← 1 ( K = 0) in the ground and the two excited vibrational states, which allowed a determination of the rotational constant in these states. The effective, perturbed rotational constants of the two excited states have been compared to the unperturbed values from Pine et al. , and a discrepancy is reported.
L-type voltage-gated calcium channels modulate kainic acid neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule cells.

This study reports on the regulation of kainate neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule cells by calcium entry through voltage-gated calcium channels and by calcium release from internal cellular stores. Kainate neurotoxicity was prevented by the AMPA selective antagonist LY 303070 (10 microM). Kainate neurotoxicity was potentiated by cadmium, a general voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, and the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker nifedipine. The antagonists of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) release, thapsigargin and ryanodine, were also able to potentiate kainate neurotoxicity. Kainate treatment elevated [Ca2+]i concentration with a rapid initial increase that peaked at 1543 nM and then declined to plateau at approximately 400 nM. Nifedipine lowered the peak response to 764 nM and the plateau response to approximately 90 nM. Thapsigargin also lowered the kainate-induced increase in [Ca2+]i (640 nM peak, 125 nM plateau). The ryanodine receptor agonist caffeine eliminated the kainate-induced increase in [Ca2+]i, and reduced kainate neurotoxicity. Kainate neurotoxicity potentiated by nifedipine was not prevented by RNA or protein synthesis inhibitors, nor by the caspase inhibitors YVAD-CHO and DEVD-CHO. Neither DNA laddering nor the number of apoptotic nuclei were increased following treatment with kainate and nifedipine. Increased nuclear staining with the membrane impermeable dye propidium iodide was observed immediately following kainate treatment, indicating a loss of plasma membrane integrity. Thus, kainate neurotoxicity is prevented by calcium entry through L-type calcium channels.
Radical Irradiation of Extracranial Oligometastases

Advances in radiotherapy planning and delivery have been used to treat patients with limited metastatic disease. With these techniques, high rates of treated metastasis control and low toxicity have been reported. Some patients have long disease-free intervals after radiotherapy similar to those seen after surgical resection. Ongoing studies will determine the benefit of these irradiation techniques to treat limited metastases, identify appropriate candidates, and assist in integrating these treatments into management strategies for specific diseases.
Laser‐Induced Swelling of Borosilicate Glasses—An Analysis of Associated Microstructural Development

Borosilicate glass swelling by laser irradiation is an unusual phenomenon. The height of raised hemisphere on the swelled glass surface can be approximately 10–15% of the 1–3 mm glass thickness. To understand the mechanism of glass swelling, the micro-structural information of swelled glasses is essential. Several transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, including bright field image (BFI), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis, were used to find out the possible microstructure changes of the swelled glasses. Transition metal nanoparticles or alkali metal segregations as well as gas bubbles in the swelled glasses were identified. These observations suggest that reduction of glass components may provide oxygen to form bubbles, which can increase in size due to thermal effects of the laser radiation and lead to the glass swelling.
Mobilizing Communities: Asset Building as a Community Development Strategy Edited by Gary Paul Green and Ann Goetting

Gary Paul Green and Ann Goetting (Eds.), Mobilizing Communities: Asset Building as a Community Development Strategy (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2010).In the two decades since Kretzmann ...
Numbers to Remember By

In Ogawa9s quiet novel, numbers allow a mathematician who can9t form memories to connect with his housekeeper and her son.
Another view of the scientific foundations of hormesis.

(2001). Another View of the Scientific Foundations of Hormesis. Critical Reviews in Toxicology: Vol. 31, No. 4-5, pp. 631-635.
Characteristics of jet fuels produced from hydrogenated shale oils

Shale oils from the United States (Geokinetics, Occidental, Paraho and Tosco II) were hydrotreated, fractionated into jet fuel cuts (boiling range 121–300°C), then characterized to evaluate their suitability as jet fuels. Nitrogen content was considerably higher, though the amount of hydrogen was relatively lower, than in typical petroleum jet fuels. Sulfur content was significantly below the acceptable limit. Trace metal contents in shale oil jet fuels were below the maximum levels for those in petroleum jet fuels. Vanadium, copper, lead and alkali metals were not present. Physical properties, except freezing points, were comparable to those of standard jet fuels. Des huiles provenant de schistes des Etats-Unis (Geokinetics, Occidental Paraho et Tosco II) ont ete hydrotraitees, fractionnees en coupes de carburants d'aviation (intervalle d'ebullition de 121 a 300°C), puis caracterisees pour evaluer si elles etaient convenables comme carburant d'aviation. La teneur en azote est nettement plus elevee, malgre une quantite d'hydrogene relativement plus fiable, que dans les carburants d'aviation typiques provenant du petrole. La teneur en soufre est nettement inferieure a la limite acceptable. Les teneurs en metaux-traces dans les carburants d'huiles provenant de schistes se trouvent en-dessous des niveaux maximals de ceux provenant du petrole. On note une absence de vanadium, de cuivre, de plomb et de metaux alcalins. Les proprietes physiques, a l'exception des points de congelation, sont comparables a celles des carburants d'aviation habituelles.
Spatial heterogeneity of soil CO2 efflux after harvest and prescribed fire in a California mixed conifer forest

Spatial variability is a key factor when quantifying soil CO2 efflux and punctual measurements need to be extended to larger stand, ecosystem, or regional scales. Spatial variation also affects comparisons among ecosystems, as when quantifying effects of disturbances on ecosystem carbon dynamics. However, spatial variability of soil CO2 efflux is still unknown and difficult to predict. We quantified the effects of silvicultural practices (prescribed fire and harvesting) on spatial variability of soil CO2 efflux in a mixed conifer forest from the central Sierra Nevada in California, USA. Soil CO2 efflux was measured using a portable chamber system, on 20–29 locations in four treatment sites: an untreated control, a prescribed fire site (burned in 2002 and 2009) and two clear cut sites harvested in 2010. In one of the harvested sites the soils were mechanically ripped to reduce soil compaction, a common practice done on industrial timber forest lands in the Sierra Nevada. Results showed that disturbance increased spatial variability of soil CO2 efflux. Coefficient of variability increased from an annual average of 32% at the control site to 37% at the burned site, and 49–51% at the harvested sites (without and with soil ripping, respectively), mirroring post-disturbance increases in spatial variability of soil temperature and soil water content. Because of the post-harvest increase in spatial variability, the ability to detect differences became lower, and the number of samples needed to obtain a value representative of the full population mean (within a 10% range) increased by 100%, from 60 to 120 samples. To reduce uncertainty in our soil CO2 efflux treatment estimates, more than 10–15 randomly selected locations per study site were necessary. Spatial variability of soil CO2 efflux at our sites was not affected by distance between measurement locations, was correlated to fine root and litter biomass at the control site, negatively correlated to soil bulk density at the fire site, and un-correlated to soil temperature and water content at all sites. The increase of spatial variability in soil CO2 efflux after disturbance and the requirement for a sufficient number of measurement locations should be considered when quantifying carbon dynamics of disturbed ecosystems, or assessing effects of different forest management practices.
Stem cells: Update and impact on craniofacial surgery

With the rapidly expanding field of tissue engineering, surgeons have been eager to apply these principles to craniofacial surgery. Tissue engineering strategies combine the use of a cell type placed on a scaffold and subsequently implanted in vivo to address a tissue defect or tissue dysfunction. In this review we will discuss the current clinical need for skeletal and soft tissue engineering faced by craniofacial surgeons and subsequently we will explore cell types and scaffold designs being employed for tissue engineering treatment options. We will conclude by discussing ways to enhance the vascularity of tissue engineered constructs as this will ultimately allow for a definitive repair. Current “stem cell” options include pluripotent stem cells as well as multipotent mesenchymal cells. Biomimetic scaffolds can function to protect and enhance differentiation of stem cells by providing inductive cues. Larger scale studies including prospective, randomized control trials must be performed to determine the optimum cell delivery method and cytokine stimuli for tissue engineering driven strategies to address the clinical needs in skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction.
The vacuum ultraviolet excited electronic states of 1,3‐butadiene: Selective enhancement of vibrational modes in resonant Raman transitions

The assignments of many of the vacuum ultraviolet valence and Rydberg states of trans‐1,3‐butadiene are investigated using resonance Raman spectroscopy which provides data on distortions and vibronic activity. The 1Bg(π‐3s) Rydberg state (50 144 cm−1) is confirmed to be vibronically coupled to the 1 1Bu(ππ*) valence state by modes of au symmetry, especially ν12 (CH2 twist). The higher energy Rydberg states were also examined and an analysis was made of both their assignments and their behavior when resonantly enhanced. Selective excitation into the sharp vibrational structure of these Rydberg states provides a striking example of mode specific resonance enhancement. Evidence was sought for the location of the high energy 1Ag (ππ*) state, said to be near 60 000 cm−1, but the results were indefinite.
Heat transfer in a dipolar flow through a porous channel

Abstract The theory of constitutive equations for dipolar fluids, obtained by Bleustein and Green, is applied to investigate the Couette and Poiseuille flows between parallel plates maintained at constant but different temperatures in addition to being subjected to uniform injection and suction. Explicit expressions for the velocity and the temperature fields are obtained. It is found that different sets of conditions imposed on the flow parameters lead to different expressions for the velocity distribution which are valid only for restricted ranges of the cross-flow Reynolds number R . A table showing the various conditions imposed on the parameters, the corresponding solutions and the ranges of R for which the solution exist is presented. Velocity and temperature profiles for the dipolar and the Newtonian flows are drawn and compared to bring out the important differences resulting from the variations in R and B , the Brinkman number. For the dipolar Couette flow it is found that the value of B at which a transition from cooling to heating of the suction wall occurs always exceeds its corresponding value for Newtonian flow. Tables comparing the rates of heat transfer at the walls are provided for several values of R and B .
Landscape Controls on Mercury in Streamwater at Acadia National Park, USA

Fall and spring streamwater samples were analyzed for total mercury (Hg) and major ions from 47 locations on Mount Desert Island in Maine. Samples were collected in zones that were burned in a major wildfire in 1947 and in zones that were not burned. We hypothesized that Hg concentrations in streamwater would be higher from unburned sites than burned watersheds, because fire would volatilize stored Hg. The Hg concentrations, based on burn history, were not statistically distinct. However, significant statistical associations were noted between Hg and the amount of wetlands in the drainage systems and with streamwater dissolved organic carbon (DOC). An unexpected result was that wetlands mobilized more Hg by generating more DOC in total, but upland DOC was more efficient at transporting Hg because it transports more Hg per unit DOC. Mercury concentrations were higher in samples collected at lower elevations. Mercury was positively correlated with relative discharge, although this effect was not distinguished from the DOC association. In this research, sample site elevation and the presence of upstream wetlands and their associated DOC affected Hg concentrations more strongly than burn history.
Towards a standard for hierarchical process oriented discrete event simulation diagrams part II: the suggested approach to flat models

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, GS-1104, for the project entitled Design of computer simulation experiments for economic systems.
The prediction of somatic complaints using the Autonomic Nervous System Response Inventory (ANSRI) and the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI)

Understanding and prediction of veridical somatic complaints not caused by disease, dysfunction, trauma, or toxin, requires the assessment of at least two critical variables: predisposition to respond to stressors with peripheral physiological activation; and intensity/frequency/duration of stressors. The Autonomic Nervous System Response Inventory (ANSRI) and the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI) were used to assess these variables, and somatic complaints were recorded using the Wahler Physical Symptoms Inventory (WPSI). Subjects were 72 healthy undergraduates who completed the inventories and reported illness and medication usage over a 2 week period. Regression analyses showed that ANSRI, DSI, illness, and medication accounted for 35% of the variance in somatic complaints, though only ANSRI and DSI contributed significantly. Neuroticism (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) did not add to R2, but did influence stressors' subjective impact. The correlation between regression equation-generated WPSI scores (derivation sample) and actual WPSI scores (holdout sample) was 0.59. A discriminant function analysis equation (derivation sample) applied to the holdout sample correctly classified 80% of the upper and lower third WPSI subjects. It was concluded that the ANSRI and DSI, and the variables they assess, are substantially related to the self-report of somatic complaints.
Poly(Vinyl Ferrocene) Redox Behavior in Ionic Liquids

We describe in this report a systematic electrochemical characterization of the ion-solvent coupling mechanisms of poly(vinyl ferrocene) (PVF) in pure ionic liquid (IL) and 0.1 M IL aqueous solutions. Our study showed that the unique solvation and ionic properties of ILs significantly affected the break-in process and the ion-solvent transport mechanisms of PVF redox switching. A square model that emphasized both faradaic and nonfaradaic processes of PVF was used to explain the unique irreversible break-in effect in the pure ILs. The electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance technique was used to characterize the PVF redox processes in 0.1 M 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 0.1 M methanesulfonate ILs in which an obvious difference of cyclic voltammogram was observed. Our results suggested the existence of strong IL-polymer interaction in 0.1 M methanesulfonate IL solutions, i.e., not only the anions but also the IL molecules interacted with the PVF matrix. The cations were later removed from the PVF matrix to balance the excessive positive charge in PVF oxidation. Our study confirmed that IL was not only an electrolyte but also a solvent in PVF redox switching processes. Various types of interactions between PVF and the IL, including dispersion, dipole induction, dipole orientation, hydrogen-bonding, or ionic/charge-charge interactions, could significantly change the PVF redox dynamics. Thus, IL tremendous diversity in structural and chemical properties and their distinctive properties offer us an excellent opportunity to explore IL-polymer interactions and to dynamically control the conductive polymer relaxation processes and their redox switching mechanism for various applications.
A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repaired with a bifurcated unibody endoluminal graft.

Patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs) often die before they reach the hospital. Even with emergent surgical intervention, in-hospital operative mortality rates range from 22% to 48% and are considerably higher than those associated with elective repair of non-ruptured aneurysms ( 8 cm. The rupture was contained, and, hence, did not experience the sudden drop in and a huge retroperitoneal haematoma extending to blood pressure often encountered with induction. Bilateral sheaths (Cordis, Warren, NJ, U.S.A.) were ∗ Please address all correspondence to: J. A. Rodriguez, Arizona placed percutaneously in the common femoral arteries Heart Institute, 2632 North 20th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85006, U.S.A. (CFA) (12-F on the right and 9-F on the left). An
The substantia innominata remains incognita: pressing research themes on basal forebrain neuroanatomy.

The neuroanatomical research by Heimer and colleagues has focused on the structure of, and connectivity between, basal forebrain regions as well as on the translational significance of this research. By outlining several pressing research themes and questions concerning the neuroanatomy of the basal forebrain, as seen from a biopsychologist’s perspective, the importance of continuing and expanding neuroanatomical research on the basal forebrain is illustrated.
Theory skepticism and moral dilemmas.

Moral-theory skepticism not an option in any sort of thinking that could actually be used in resolving dilemmas in applied ethics, since its character- istic doctrines entail positions that in practice often will lead to a kind of paraly- sis in moral reasoning, where persons faced with having to decide what to do in particularly difficult cases are unable to rule out the most implausible conclu- sions. Moral-theory skepticism thus makes it difficult to formulate decision-mak- ing procedures that will provide guidance in action and, so, seems not to succeed as a fully coherent account of moral reasoning.
Removal Of Test Optics Errors

At times the fabrication errors in test optics approach the magnitude of the desired residual errors in a finished optic. We discuss the problem of removing the rotationally asymmetric test optics errors from a composite wavefront of test optics errors and residual finished optics errors.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Real-Time DSPI System for Measuring Surface Deformation in Clamped Bolted Joints

A Digital Speckle Pattern Interferometry (DSPI) system is developed for the real-time measuring and monitoring the out-of-plane surface deformation around tightened threaded fasteners that are used to clamp bolted assemblies. Spatial phase shifting is employed to quantitatively determine the distribution of phase data by introducing a spatial carrier fringe pattern to the speckle interferogram. This is achieved by leading the object and reference beams to two separate apertures. The configuration is also suitable for collecting the real-time deformation during bolt tightening. The experimental DSPI system is set-up with optical components on a vibration-isolation table. A Matlab software is developed for the image acquisition and phase data calculation, which yields the out-of-plane surface deformation caused by the bolt preload. An aluminum joint is used with an M12 steel fastener. For miniature screw application, however, a plastic joint is used for collecting data.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Visual thresholds in the retinal periphery for red, green, and white signal lights.

Experiments on the visual threshold in the periphery, including the extreme periphery, are reported. The method of adjustment was used to obtain the threshold for steady white, red, and green signals subtending an angle of 2.6 min at the observer’s eye. Results are presented graphically.
Explorations: structured labs for first-time programmers

A style of homework assignment is presented, called explorations. An exploration is part of an introductory programming course, specifically designed to help first-time programmers overcome common hurdles, such as misconceptions about the nature of computers and programs. An exploration is a structured lab where the student makes predictions about a program's behavior, then runs the program to compare the actual result with the predicted result. The questions are deliberately designed to challenge common errors and preconceived notions of computers and programming languages. Guided questions help the students refine their mental models of computers. Successful explorations have resulted in significant gains in comprehension, retention, and student satisfaction. Several guidelines are presented to help teachers write effective explorations.
On the recovery of a 2-D function from the modulus of its Fourier transform

A uniqueness theorem is proven for the problem of the recovery of a complex valued compactly supported 2-D function from the modulus of its Fourier transform. An application to the phase problem in optics is discussed.
Building Creative Scientists in the Classroom Laboratory: Applications for Animal Behavior Experiments

In this animal behavior laboratory, designed to promote a discovery-based approach to laboratory teaching, students first observe the study organism, which gives them the opportunity to decide what behaviors interest them. They work collaboratively to develop their own hypotheses, which can range from simple to complex depending on the course's level. Student groups then design and run experiments to test their hypotheses. At the end of the exercise, the groups present their results to their peers, who are given time to ask questions. This kind of flexible, student-led exercise develops students' reasoning skills and ability to think creatively.
The Moss‐in‐Prison project: disseminating science beyond academia

M4y secretary stuck a post-it note on my door: "Telephone call from your prison warden. He said Inmate Hunter has another hypothesis to test about your mosses. He wants to put some moss flats under big-leaf maple trees in the prison yard, where they'll get natural throughfall does that make sense?" Although it seemed an unlikely request from a medium-security prisoner to a professor of forest ecology, I had grown used to such queries. Inmate Hunter was participating in the Moss-in-Prisons project, an ecological research and outreach program I initiated in 2005 to counteract the destructive effects of collect-
Perceptions of Coping Behaviors by Persons With Cancer and Health Care Providers

We studied perceptions of the importance and difficulty of coping behaviors from the perspectives of cancer patients (n = 33) and health care providers (i.e. nursing and technical personnel, n = 24). They rated the importance and difficulty of 43 behaviors that correspond to six domains of coping with cancer. Generally, ratings of importance were similar for both patients and providers. However, patients rated the domains of Coping with Treatment Related Side Effects and Seeking Support as less important than staff. Ratings of difficulty were quite divergent. Patients perceived coping as less difficult than the medical staff in the following domains: Maintenance of Activity and Independence, Coping With Treatment-Related Side-Effects, Accepting Cancer/Maintaining Positive Attitude, and Seeking Support. These differences in difficulty ratings between patients and health care providers may reflect distinct perspectives or schemas about coping. That is, patients may hold ‘positive illusions’ about their coping capacity and, therefore, rate coping as less difficult. Health care providers may overestimate patients' distress and, therefore, underestimate patients' coping capacity. An understanding of these different perspectives may assist medical staff in fostering self-efficacy expectations for coping behaviors. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ESR dating of molluscs : is it only a shell game ?

Abstract The ESR dating of molluscs has been extended to terrestrialgastropods from two sites in the Missisippi Valley, USA. The sites have been dated by other methods, although one is not definitively characterized. ESR results showed good agreement with the well-dated site, and suggested the younger of two options for the other site. In addition, the ESR spectrum of these species shows some interesting new features.
Incidental findings of nonparentage should be disclosed.

In “Incidental Findings of Nonparentage: A Case for Universal Nondisclosure,” the authors argue for universal nondisclosure in cases of incidentally discovered nonparentage during a genetic workup for a pediatric patient. I could not disagree more. In making their case, they portray the potential damage done by disclosure but dismiss well-established ethical … E-mail: jchandler{at}ghs.org