cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary boulder transport by storm waves (west of Ireland, winter 2013–2014), and criteria for analysing coastal boulder deposits

Abstract Before-and-after photos of supratidal coastal boulder deposits (CBD) in the west of Ireland show that storms in the winter of 2013–2014 transported boulders at elevations up to 29 m above high water, and at inland distances up to 222 m. Among the clasts transported are eighteen weighing more than 50 t, six of which exceed 100 t. The largest boulder moved during those storms weighs a fairly astonishing 620 t. The boulders moved in these recent storms provide pinning points for mapping storm-wave energies on coasts: their topographic positions mark elevations and distances inland reached by wave energies sufficient to dislocate those specific masses. Taken together, the CBD data reveal general relationships that shed light on storm-wave hydrodynamics. These include a robust correlation (inverse exponential) between maximum boulder mass transported and emplacement height above high water: the greater the elevation, the smaller the maximum boulder size, with a dependency exponent of about -0.2 times the elevation (in metres). There is a similar relationship, although with a much smaller rate-of-change (exponent -0.02), between boulder mass and distance inland, which holds from the shoreline in to about 120 m. Coastal steepness (calculated as the ratio of elevation to inland distance) seems to exert the strongest control, with an inverse power-law relationship between maximum boulder mass and slope ratio: the more gentle the topography, the larger the moved boulders. Quantifying CBD dynamics helps us understand the transmission of wave energies inshore during high-energy storm events. The transported boulders documented here are larger than many of those interpreted to have been moved by tsunami in other locations, which means that boulder size alone cannot be used as a criterion for distinguishing between tsunami and storm emplacement of CBD. The biggest blocks—up to 620 t—are new maxima for boulder mass transported by storm waves. We predict, however, that this record will not last long: the 2013–2014 storms were strong but not extreme, and there are larger boulders in these deposits that didn't move on this occasion. Bigger storms will surely move larger clasts, and clasts at greater distances from the shoreline. These measurements and relationships emphasise the extreme power of storm waves impacting exposed coastlines, and require us to rethink the upper limits of storm wave energy at coasts.
Intimate Partner Violence Among Transgender Youth: Associations with Intrapersonal and Structural Factors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem, linked with a number of poor health outcomes. Some research demonstrates that transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth may experience IPV at similar rates to heterosexual cisgender women; however, there is a dearth of data examining the experiences of IPV among this population. The exclusion of TGNC youth in IPV research and public health interventions is problematic because it contributes to a traditional gender-based heterosexual model of IPV that ignores the specific needs of TGNC populations. Given the pervasiveness of transphobic stigma in the United States and the complexities of the lives of TGNC youth, it is important to understand how both structural and individual factors are associated with IPV among TGNC youth. Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 131 TGNC youth from 14 different cities in the United States representing various regions of the country, this study explores the associations between a range of structural and intrapersonal factors and experiences of IPV victimization among TGNC youth. Separate logistic regression models were fit to examine the relationships between structural and intrapersonal factors and IPV. Structural results found that TGNC youth experiencing extreme victimization, a history of incarceration, and participation in sex work were much more likely to report IPV. The only intrapersonal variable that was associated with IPV was depressive symptomatology; however, this relationship was strong, with participants being nearly eight times more likely to report IPV if they experienced symptoms of depression. Gaining a better understanding of the complexity of both structural and intrapersonal factors among TGNC youth will greatly inform the development of IPV prevention and services for TGNC youth experiencing this type of violence.
Emerging treatment options for BRAF -mutant colorectal cancer

The personalization of cancer care is rooted in the premise that there are subsets of patients with tumors harboring clinically relevant targets for patient-specific treatments. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a disease that has historically been notable for its dearth of biomarkers that are predictive of response to targeted therapies. In recent years, BRAFV600E-mutated CRC has emerged as a distinct biologic entity, typically refractory to standard chemotherapy regimens approved for the treatment of metastatic CRC and associated with a dismal prognosis. Multiple clinical trials sought to replicate the successes of targeted therapies seen in BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma without success; metastatic BRAFV600E-mutated CRC is clearly a distinct biologic entity. We review a number of recent studies demonstrating the evidence of modest responses to combinations of BRAF, EGFR, and/or MEK inhibition in patients with metastatic BRAFV600E-mutated CRC; however, despite advances, overall survival remains far inferior for these patients compared to their BRAF-wild-type counterparts. Development of combination therapies to impede signaling through the MAPK pathway through alternate targets remains an area of active investigation. Reflecting the rapid evolution of efforts for this small subset of CRC patients, the first-ever Phase III study is now underway evaluating the combination of BRAF, EGFR, and MEK inhibition. Immunotherapies are also an area of active research, particularly for the subset of patients with tumors that are also microsatellite instability (MSI) high. Here, we summarize the current landscape and emerging data on the molecular, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of BRAF-mutant CRC.
Data Management for Applications of Patient Reported Outcomes.

Context: Patient reported outcomes (PROs) are one means of systematically gathering meaningful subjective information for patient care, population health, and patient centered outcomes research. However, optimal data management for effective PRO applications is unclear. Case description: Delivery systems associated with the Health Care Systems Research Network (HCSRN) have implemented PRO data collection as part of the Medicare annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA). A questionnaire assessed data content, collection, storage, and extractability in HCSRN delivery systems. Findings: Responses were received from 15 (83.3 percent) of 18 sites. The proportion of Medicare beneficiaries completing an HRA ranged from less than 10 to 42 percent. Most sites collected core HRA elements and 10 collected information on additional domains such as social support. Measures for core domains varied across sites. Data were collected at and prior to visits. Modes included paper, clinician entry, patient portals, and interactive voice response. Data were stored in the electronic health record (EHR) in scanned documents, free text, and discrete fields, and in summary databases. Major themes: PRO implementation requires effectively collecting, storing, extracting, and applying patient-reported data. Standardizing PRO measures and storing data in extractable formats can facilitate multi-site uses for PRO data, while access to individual PROs in the EHR may be sufficient for use at the point of care. Conclusion: Collecting comparable PRO data elements, storing data in extractable fields, and collecting data from a higher proportion of eligible respondents represents an optimal approach to support multi-site applications of PRO information.
Taking the provider "out of the loop:" patients' and physicians' perspectives about IUD self-removal.

Abstract Objective This study describes the perspectives of patients and providers about intrauterine device (IUD) self-removal. Study design This qualitative study is a subanalysis of two datasets from a single project, which included semistructured individual interviews with 15 patients and 12 physicians. We derived the data for this analysis from portions of the interviews pertaining to IUD self-removal and provider removal. We analyzed data using deductive and inductive techniques to perform content and thematic analyses. Results The majority of patients and physicians cited both concerns about and potential benefits of IUD self-removal. Patients cited concerns about safety as the reason they did not wish to remove their own IUD, but physicians did not share these concerns; instead, physicians were apprehensive about not being involved in the discussion to remove the IUD. Both patients and physicians valued having the provider “in the loop” and reported fears about hasty or coerced removal. Conclusions IUD self-removal is an option that some patients may be interested in. Addressing concerns about safety may make self-removal more appealing to some patients. Addressing physicians' concern about “hasty” removal may require additional training so that providers are better able to support patients' decision making around contraceptive use. Implications The option of self-removal could have a positive impact on reproductive autonomy and patient decision making.
WiMAX network planning using adaptive-population-size genetic algorithm

IEEE 802.16, also known as WiMAX, is a new wireless access technology for currently increasing demand of wireless high-speed broadband service. Efficient and effective deployment of such a network to service an area of users with certain traffic demands is an important network planning problem. In this article, we resort to a Genetic Algorithm in order to yield good approximation solutions. In our method, individual representation and genetic variation operations are specifically designed to incorporate the feature of this application problem. Moreover, an adaptive population size approach inspired by neutral theory in molecular biology is applied in our algorithm to enhance its search ability. Simulation results show that our algorithm is fairly effective and robust to different scenarios of the network planning problem. By comparing to a conventional fixed population size scheme, our method is further verified to be able to accelerate the search process.
Recognition and Management of Horizontal Canal Benign Positional Vertigo

Objective We reviewed the features of nystagmus in 24 patients with horizontal canal benign positional vertigo (BPV). Patients were treated with canalith repositioning maneuvers. Our goal was to develop a framework for distinguishing horizontal from posterior canal BPV and to further develop a mechanistic model explaining the horizontal canal variant of BPV. Study design The study design was a retrospective case review with prospective treatment outcome and follow-up. Setting The study was performed at a secondary and tertiary referral center for vertigo and dizziness. Patients The diagnosis of horizontal canal BPV was based on: 1) recurrent brief episodes of positional vertigo; 2) paroxysmal bursts of horizontal positional nystagmus; and 3) lack of any other identifiable central nervous system disorder to explain the nystagmus. Patient average age was 62 years, and average duration of symptoms was 12 weeks. Interventions We documented patients' symptoms and the characteristics of nystagmus. We reviewed the effectiveness of several similar canalith repositioning treatments. Main outcome measure We observed and recorded factors that distinguish horizontal from posterior canal BPV. We monitored the direction of nystagmus, the type of maneuver that evoked the nystagmus, and the response to canalith repositioning. Results Symptom description alone was not sufficient to distinguish among canal types of BPV. Horizontal geotropic direction-changing positional nystagmus was observed in 19 of 24 patients. The other patients had ageotropic nystagmus. Both types were distinct from the nystagmus of posterior canal BPV. Response to canalith repositioning was 75% at 1 week of follow-up. Conversion of BPV from one canal to another occurred in some patients, but each canal could be treated individually. Conclusions Patients with positional vertigo should undergo Dix-Hallpike positioning and supine lateral head turns to each side. Paroxysmal positional horizontal nystagmus that changes direction with changes in head position strongly suggests the diagnosis. Canalith repositioning for posterior canal BPV may fail in horizontal BPV. A 360 degrees barbecue rotation toward the presumably healthy ear done two to four times or until nystagmus disappears may result in more rapid resolution of symptoms.
Design of a Controlled Trial of Cascade Screening for Hypercholesterolemia: The (CASH) Study.

To inform guidelines for screening family members of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), we designed a clinical trial to compare the yield of cascade screening in FH patients with and without an identifiable pathogenic variant. Participants with hypercholesterolemia (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) > 155 mg/dL) underwent sequencing of LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 and genotyping of six single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with LDL-C followed by calculation of a polygenic score for LDL-C. We identified 24 patients with definite FH (pathogenic variant in one of the three FH genes), 76 patients with probable FH (Dutch lipid clinic network (DLCN) score ≥ 6, no pathogenic variant), and 262 patients with possible FH (DLCN score 3–5, no pathogenic variant). We will enroll 50 patients with definite FH by recruiting an additional 26 from the FH Clinic at Mayo and 50 patients each with probable and possible FH, matching on age and sex. Family members of patients with definite FH will undergo testing for the relevant pathogenic variant using saliva kits and family members of those with probable/possible FH will have a lipid profile checked. We will assess the number of new cases detected (defined as presence of a pathogenic variant in the family member of definite FH patient or LDL-C > 155 mg/dL (>130 mg/dL in children) in family members of probable/possible FH patients, and the cost of detecting a new case. The proposed clinical trial will compare the yield and cost of cascade screening for FH patients with/without an identifiable pathogenic variant, and thereby inform guidelines for cascade screening for FH.
A Multinomial Framework for Ideal Point Estimation

This paper creates a multinomial framework for ideal point estimation (mIRT) using recent developments in Bayesian statistics. The core model relies on a flexible multinomial specification that includes most common models in political science as “special cases.” I show that popular extensions (e.g., dynamic smoothing, inclusion of covariates, and network models) can be easily incorporated whilst maintaining the ability to estimate a model using a Gibbs Sampler or exact EM algorithm. By showing that these models can be written and estimated using a shared framework, the paper aims to reduce the proliferation of bespoke ideal point models as well as extend the ability of applied researchers to estimate models quickly using the EM algorithm. I apply this framework to a thorny question in scaling survey responses—the treatment of nonresponse. Focusing on the American National Election Study (ANES), I suggest that a simple but principled solution is to treat questions as multinomial where nonresponse is a distinct (modeled) category. The exploratory results suggest that certain questions tend to attract many more invalid answers and that many of these questions (particularly when signaling out particular social groups for evaluation) are masking noncentrist (typically conservative) beliefs.
Regulatory fit explains the effects of speech grades on students’ intended effort

Previous studies of grading as instructional feedback reveal contrary patterns of motivation among public speaking students. That is, in some cases students who received lower grades on their initi...
Protein diffusion from microwells with contrasting hydrogel domains.

Understanding and controlling molecular transport in hydrogel materials is important for biomedical tools, including engineered tissues and drug delivery, as well as life sciences tools for single-cell analysis. Here, we scrutinize the ability of microwells—micromolded in hydrogel slabs—to compartmentalize lysate from single cells. We consider both (i) microwells that are “open” to a large fluid (i.e., liquid) reservoir and (ii) microwells that are “closed,” having been capped with either a slab of high-density polyacrylamide gel or an impermeable glass slide. We use numerical modeling to gain insight into the sensitivity of time-dependent protein concentration distributions on hydrogel partition and protein diffusion coefficients and open and closed microwell configurations. We are primarily concerned with diffusion-driven protein loss from the microwell cavity. Even for closed microwells, confocal fluorescence microscopy reports that a fluid (i.e., liquid) film forms between the hydrogel slabs (median thickness of 1.7 μm). Proteins diffuse from the microwells and into the fluid (i.e., liquid) layer, yet concentration distributions are sensitive to the lid layer partition coefficients and the protein diffusion coefficient. The application of a glass lid or a dense hydrogel retains protein in the microwell, increasing the protein solute concentration in the microwell by ∼7-fold for the first 15 s. Using triggered release of Protein G from microparticles, we validate our simulations by characterizing protein diffusion in a microwell capped with a high-density polyacrylamide gel lid (p > 0.05, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test). Here, we establish and validate a numerical model useful for understanding protein transport in and losses from a hydrogel microwell across a range of boundary conditions.
An Experimental Archaeology of CAD

This paper proposes software reconstruction as a method to shed new light into the material, gestural, and sensual dimensions of computer-aided design technologies. Specifically, it shows how by combining historical research and creative prototyping this method can bring us closer to distant ways of seeing, touching, drawing, and designing—while raising new questions about the impact of CAD technologies on present-day architectural practices. It documents the development of two software reconstructions—of Ivan Sutherland’s “Sketchpad” and of Steven A. Coons’s “Coons Patch”—and reflects on the responses they elicited in the context of two exhibitions. The paper shows how software reconstruction can offer access to overlooked aspects of computer-aided design systems, specially their material and sensual dimensions, and how we may explore its broader potential for research, preservation, pedagogy, and speculative design of design technologies.
Risk guideposts for a safer society: Introduction and overview

This symposium issue of the Journal of Risk and Uncertainty addresses wide-ranging policy issues pertaining to risk regulation and the economic underpinnings of these efforts. One such intervention consists of policies to address informational market failures. Whether new information has a positive value is less obvious than economists often assume. When more stringent regulations are required, the structure and evaluation of these efforts often hinges on the value of a statistical life, or the VSL. This symposium reports estimates of the utility functions that generate these local risk-money tradeoffs as well as new estimates of the VSL using both stated-preference and revealed-preference approaches. Articles also explore the behavioral factors that affect VSL estimates, the effect of health risks on product prices, and how income taxation affects stated-preference survey elicitations of the VSL. The symposium reports estimates of the VSL for almost 200 countries as well as the VSL levels used by U.S. government agencies in analyses of over 100 government regulations from 1985 to 2018.
Visualization of Uncertainty for Computationally Intensive Simulations Using High Fidelity Emulators

Visualization of high-fidelity scientific simulations with high-dimensional inputs and outputs is an important task. Existing high-dimensional data visualization approaches generally assume a substantial amount of data are available or can be generated as needed. However, many of these simulations can be very computationally intensive, taking minutes or hours to run. Analysis and visualization of such expensive simulations poses a challenge. Statistical emulators are frequently used to approximate simulations for statistical analyses. In this work, we propose a visualization tool for an emulator of the simulator and describe how emulators can be used to create effective visualization systems. We choose Gaussian process emulators for this purpose as they enable fast and accurate prediction with uncertainty information. Using these predictions, we design a system that enables visualization of high-dimensional input and output spaces of complex physics simulations. Users of our system can get a detailed understanding of the uncertainties associated with the emulator predictions in both input and output space for a high-dimensional simulation.
A case report of an adjustable gastric band erosion and migration into the jejunum resulting in biliary obstruction.

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a bariatric operation which has lost popularity due to its high rate of reoperation and complications such as band erosion. Erosion may be partial or complete with intragastric migration of the band. Once in the stomach lumen, the band has the potential to migrate into the small bowel. Presentation of case A 43-year-old male with history of morbid obesity and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement presented with abdominal pain secondary to biliary obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed eroded gastric band tubing into the lumen of the stomach and duodenum with resultant distortion of the ampulla. Upon surgical exploration, the band was found to have migrated into the jejunum and was removed through an enterotomy. The patient did well and was discharged home on postoperative day 8. Discussion Once completely eroded into the gastric lumen, a gastric band can migrate into the small bowel with the distance traveled being limited by the length of the connecting tube. The stretched tubing can result in distortion of the ampulla leading to biliary obstruction. Band erosion should be managed with band removal which can be completed using endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open approach. Conclusion Band migration should be suspected in patients with a history of gastric band placement presenting with bowel or biliary obstruction. Its management depends on the location of the band as well as the expertise of the surgical team.
Long-term cognitive impairment after acute respiratory distress syndrome: a review of clinical impact and pathophysiological mechanisms

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors experience a high prevalence of cognitive impairment with concomitantly impaired functional status and quality of life, often persisting months after hospital discharge. In this review, we explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment following ARDS, the interrelations between mechanisms and risk factors, and interventions that may mitigate the risk of cognitive impairment. Risk factors for cognitive decline following ARDS include pre-existing cognitive impairment, neurological injury, delirium, mechanical ventilation, prolonged exposure to sedating medications, sepsis, systemic inflammation, and environmental factors in the intensive care unit, which can co-occur synergistically in various combinations. Detection and characterization of pre-existing cognitive impairment imparts challenges in clinical management and longitudinal outcome study enrollment. Patients with brain injury who experience ARDS constitute a distinct population with a particular combination of risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms: considerations raised by brain injury include neurogenic pulmonary edema, differences in sympathetic activation and cholinergic transmission, effects of positive end-expiratory pressure on cerebral microcirculation and intracranial pressure, and sensitivity to vasopressor use and volume status. The blood-brain barrier represents a physiological interface at which multiple mechanisms of cognitive impairment interact, as acute blood-brain barrier weakening from mechanical ventilation and systemic inflammation can compound existing chronic blood-brain barrier dysfunction from Alzheimer’s-type pathophysiology, rendering the brain vulnerable to both amyloid-beta accumulation and cytokine-mediated hippocampal damage. Although some contributory elements, such as the presenting brain injury or pre-existing cognitive impairment, may be irreversible, interventions such as minimizing mechanical ventilation tidal volume, minimizing duration of exposure to sedating medications, maintaining hemodynamic stability, optimizing fluid balance, and implementing bundles to enhance patient care help dramatically to reduce duration of delirium and may help prevent acquisition of long-term cognitive impairment.
Plasma-Treated PDMS as Intrinsically Non-Wetting Surface for Gallium-Alloy Liquid Metal Microfluidics

We report the CF 4 /O 2 plasma treatment of polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS) surface as a new method to create an intrinsically non-wetting surface for gallium-based liquid metal microfluidics. It was found that CF 4 /O 2 plasma on PDMS for > 120s creates nanoscale roughness which exhibits a non-wetting property against liquid metals. Static contact angles and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of the plasma-treated PDMS surfaces using gallium-based liquid metal droplets were found to be > 144° and < 16.8°, respectively. Rolling test with 15° inclined surfaces were used to confirm non-wetting property of the surface.
Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic approach to colonic obstruction for colon cancer

We speculated that a laparoscopic approach to emergent/urgent partial colectomy for colonic obstruction would be associated with less morbidity and shorter length of stay with similar mortality to open colectomy. We compared the outcomes of laparoscopic and open approaches to emergent/urgent partial colectomy for colonic obstruction from colonic cancer using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database for the period of 2012–2017. Multivariate analysis compared NSQIP data points following laparoscopic, laparoscopic converted to open, and open colectomy for emergent/urgent colectomy for colonic obstruction from colon cancer from 2012 to 2017. A total of 1293 patients who underwent emergent colectomy for colon obstruction from colon cancer during 2012–2017 were identified within the NSQIP database. Laparoscopic approach was used for colonic obstruction in 19.3% of operations with a conversion rate of 28.5%. A laparoscopic approach to obstructing colonic cancers was associated with lower morbidity (50% vs. 61.8%, AOR: 0.67, P = 0.01) and shorter hospitalization length (10 days vs. 13 days, mean difference: 3 days, P < 0.01) compared with an open approach. However, the mean operation duration was longer in laparoscopic operations than open operations (159 min vs. 137 min, P < 0.01). A laparoscopic approach to malignant colonic obstruction is associated with decreased morbidity. This suggests that efforts should be directed towards increasing the utilization of laparoscopic approaches for the surgical treatment of colonic obstruction.
The Power of Being Transported: Efficacy Beliefs, Risk Perceptions, and Political Affiliation in the Context of Climate Change:

We evaluated the short-term effects of transportation on efficacy beliefs and risk perceptions after exposure to a climate change documentary. Data were collected in randomized laboratory (N = 624)...
Interaction of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with cultured fibroblasts.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the interaction of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with cultured fibroblasts. EGF is a single-chain polypeptide containing a total of 53 amino acid residues. All the common amino acids are present except lysine, alanine, and phenylalanine. The molecule contains six half-cystine residues in disulfide bridges. EGF is antigenic and is sensitive to proteolytic digestion. It is heat stable, nondialyzable, and has an isoelectric point at pH 4.6. The chapter also discusses the complete amino acid sequence of EGF and presents the location of the three disulfide bridges. A direct stimulatory effect of EGF on epithelial cell proliferation in vitro has been demonstrated in a number of organ culture systems. These include embryonic skin, embryonic cornea, and mammary gland expiants. The effects of EGF are not species specific; expiants derived from the chick, mouse, and human are responsive. The stimulation of epidermal proliferation in organ cultures of chick embryo skin is dependent upon a number of conditions, among which are the age of the embryo and the presence of dermal cells.
Investigating the Effects of (Empty) Promises on Human-Automation Interaction and Trust Repair

Setting expectations for future behavior with promises is one way to manage human-human trusting relationships. To investigate the effect of promises made by an automated system, we conducted a 2 (reliability: low, high) x 3 (promise type: no-promise, optimistic, realistic) between-subject study where participants collaborated with an Automated Target Detection (ATD) system to classify images in multiple rounds of gameplay. We found that an optimistic promise (i.e., "I promise to do better") initially led to significantly more reliance on automation than a realistic promise (i.e., "I cannot do better than this"), but not in the long-term. High reliability participants relied more on the automation and reported greater perceived trustworthiness compared to low reliability participants. In addition, participants in the no promise group reported a greater degree of frustration compared to the other groups. We discuss the implications of our findings for trust repair in automated systems.
Sexual Dysfunction Following Urethroplasty for Urethral Stricture Disease

To review the relationship between different techniques of urethroplasty on sexual function, discuss the limitations of current literature, and report on novel techniques for improving sexual function following urethroplasty. Recent literature utilizing prospective trials comparing different techniques of urethroplasty (transecting vs. non-transecting) have shown no significant difference in postoperative sexual function outcomes. It is now apparent that postoperative sexual outcomes play a significant role in overall patient satisfaction with urethroplasty. Current scientific evidence is limited by either low sample size, heterogeneous patient populations, differing urethroplasty techniques, varied stricture etiologies, differing follow-up protocols, or the reliance on self-reporting of sexual function by patients through either validated or non-validated questionnaires. Urethroplasty-specific questionnaires are being developed to better characterize sexual dysfunction postoperatively. Current data support an overall low impact of urethroplasty on sexual function; however, the more nuanced aspects of sexual function have not been adequately defined due to the limitations of current literature. Further investigation utilizing standardized questionnaires with the ability to elicit data regarding the different elements of sexual function will be necessary for further characterization of the impact of urethroplasty in order to optimize patient outcomes.
African art reframed: reflections and dialogues on museum culture: by Bennetta Jules-Rosette and J. R. Osborn, Urbana, University of Illinois Press, 2020, xxvi+375pp, £18.99(Paperback), ISBN: 9780252085192

Sociology professor Bennetta Jules-Rosette and J. R. Osborne, a professor of communication, culture and technology, describe this work as “an anthropology and sociology of museums” (267). They begi...
A case study of a conservation flagship species: the monarch butterfly

What makes a flagship species effective in engaging conservation donors? Large, charismatic mammals are typically selected as ambassadors, but a few studies suggest butterflies—and monarchs in particular—may be even more appealing. To gather more information about people’s responses to monarchs, we conducted an empirical study of member submissions to a successful conservation campaign, the Monarch Story Campaign, conducted by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The set of 691 stories along with their associated demographic and donation data was analyzed in a mixed-methods study using qualitative analysis and tests of association. The results showed that people often described encounters with monarchs in childhood and as adults. They expressed strong, positive emotions, and lauded the monarch’s beauty and other “awe-inspiring” qualities and expressed wonder at their lifecycle (i.e., metamorphosis and migration). They also raised conservation themes of distress at monarch loss, calls for action, and caretaking, such as being “fragile” and “in need.” Sharing personal encounters was associated with current efforts to save the species and more past financial donations, while a second pattern tied more donations to awe at the monarch’s mass migration. These results imply that conservation campaigns built around species people encounter may build lifelong awareness, concern, and actions towards conservation.
Snack-related practices, beliefs, and awareness of grandparent childcare providers: an exploratory study from three rural counties in North Carolina, USA

Snacks provide approximately 27% of daily calories in the diets of children from the USA, where childhood obesity shows an upward trend. Concurrently, grandparents have assumed a more active role in childfeeding of grandchildren. This study measured snack-related practices, beliefs, and awareness of grandparents providing informal childcare (daycare, babysitting, etc.) from rural counties in North Carolina, USA. Participants were 74 grandmothers and three grandfathers. Data were collected using a self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated (p < 0.05). A mean of 2.75 snacks (range 1 to 9) was offered per caregiving occasion. The strongest influences on snack purchases were perceived healthfulness (53.8%) and grandchildren’s preferences (47.4%). Forty percent believed their snack offerings were “mostly healthy” and 72.4% believed these snacks would have a “mostly good” effect on their grandchildren’s long-term health. Snacks were offered “most of the time” when requested (64.1%) and “never” to stop naughty behavior (76.9%). The mean score on a snack awareness test was 93%; the weakest areas concerned the protein and sugar content of snacks. Self-efficacy for offering healthy snacks was lowest when grandchildren were naughty, and the most frequently perceived barrier was that grandchildren disliked the taste of healthy snacks (51.2%). Grandparents reported health-promoting and obesogenic child feeding practices and beliefs and showed gaps in awareness about the nutrient characteristics of healthy snacks. Educational activities for grandparents are needed concerning the appropriate use of nutrient-dense snacks as part of a healthy diet.
A model tree approach to forecasting solar irradiance variability

Abstract As the penetration of solar power increases, the variable generation from this renewable resource will necessitate solar irradiance forecasts for utility companies to balance the energy grid. In this study, the temporal irradiance variability is calculated by the temporal standard deviation of the Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) at eight sites in the Sacramento Valley and the spatial irradiance variability is quantified by the standard deviation across those same sites. Our proposed artificial intelligence forecasting technique is a model tree with a nearest neighbor option to predict the irradiance variability directly. The model tree technique reduces the mean absolute error of the variability prediction between 10% and 55% compared to using climatological average values of the temporal and spatial GHI standard deviation. These forecasts are made at 15-min intervals out to 180-min. A data denial experiment showed that the addition of surface weather observations improved the forecasting skill of the model tree by approximately 10%. These results indicate that the model tree technique can be implemented in real-time to produce solar variability forecasts to aid utility companies in energy grid management.
Transcallosal connections of the cingulate gyrus in monkey.

The intercingulate connections of the Macaque hemisphere were studied by the Loyez and cresyl violet techniques in 15 specimens 19 to 29 months following hemicerebrectomy. Demyelination and pathological gliosis in the posterior part of the corpus callosum were traced to the upper crown and bank of the cingulate gyrus. LC3 cortex, from which cingulum fibers arise, was devoid of these changes. The gliosis increased superiorly toward medial parietal cortex. Examined in light of known thalamic projections it appears that in general there is an inverse relation between the number of commissural connections and the thalamic afferents.
Industrial Fermentation: Principles, Processes, and Products

Humans were well aware of fermentations, even though they had little knowledge of what caused them, long before they were able to record such an awareness. Sometime in prerecorded history, people discovered that meat allowed to stand a few days was more pleasing to the taste than meat eaten soon after the kill. They also were aware that intoxicating drinks could be made from grains and fruits. The aging of meat and the manufacture of alcoholic beverages were human’s first uses of fermentation.
The adenosine-uridine binding factor recognizes the AU-rich elements of cytokine, lymphokine, and oncogene mRNAs.

Selective mRNA degradation is an important control point in the transient expression of a variety of mRNAs coding for growth regulators. A variety of labile mRNAs coding for lymphokines, cytokines, and oncogenes contain within their 3'-untranslated region an AU-rich region shown to destabilize these messages. We recently identified a cytosolic protein, adenosine-uridine binding factor (AUBF), which complexes with four tandem AUUUA reiterations of a synthetic RNA transcript. We now show that AUBF forms RNase T1-resistant band-shifted complexes with a variety of in vitro transcribed mRNAs including granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-gamma, interleukin-3, c-fos, and v-myc. Formation of complexes was specifically inhibited by AUUUA containing RNA, but not by irrelevant RNA. After brief ultraviolet light-induced cross-linking, AUBF.RNA complexes with the exception of c-fos comigrated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Mutations within the AUUUA motifs demonstrate that both nucleotide sequence and secondary structure are important in AUBF.AUUUA RNA complex formation. Based upon these data, we suggest AUBF may interact with a variety of labile mRNAs with multiple AUUUA reiterations or single reiterations within an AU-rich 3'-untranslated region.
Environmental Exposures and Child Health: What we Might Learn in the 21st Century from the National Children's Study?

In utero and early life environmental exposure programming may be critical to the onset of many diseases and dysfunctions in adulthood (Barker, 2007; Heindel, 2006), such as an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease (Palinski et al. 2007), diabetes (Armitage et al. 2008), and breast cancer (Xue and Michels, 2007). Some in utero and early life environmental exposures have demonstrated unequivocal harmful effects to children, such as thalidomide (Speirs, 1962), ionizing radiation (Doll and Wakeford, 1997), methylmercury (Watanabe and Satoh, 1996), lead (Gardella, 2001), environmental tobacco smoke (Herrmann et al. 2008), cigarette smoking and high alcohol consumption during pregnancy (Krulewitch, 2005; Shea and Steiner, 2008). Whereas other in utero and early life environmental exposures have come under scrutiny without consensus as to the degree of influence on child or adult health, such as exposure to pesticides (Eskenazi et al. 1999), polybrominated biphenyls (PCBs) (Guo et al. 1995), nitrates (Mueller et al. 2004), bisphenol A (vom Saal and Hughes, 2005), and phytoestrogens (Damgaard et al. 2002).
Does Gospel Music Have a Place in General Music

There are different kinds of musics existing side by side with relative degrees of aesthetic values. Separate musics have separate functions; and the functions are multiplying. There are happenings all around us, on the street corners, in churches, events both political and social. They pose the problem of value judgments, not only of the quality of the music, but quality within the [framework] of the musics. Can we and should we assign a [value] hierarchy to various music? (Documentary Report of the Tanglewood Symposium, 122)
Analysis of branching tubular structures in 3D digital images

Accurate definition of a three-dimensional (3D) branching tree structures from large 3D medical images, has become a common problem over several imaging modalities. For example, 3D computed-tomography (CT) images of the airways as well as micro-CT images of vasculature employ new paradigms that require detailed definitions of tree structures. Manual definition is impossible for images of this scale. Existing techniques lack features necessary for navigational or quantitative analysis or fail to recover paths. We present a generic tree analysis technique that is applicable to arbitrary segmented images of branching structures for both of these purposes. The method has been tested on over 30 human, animal, phantom, and micro-CT images. An initial comparison with a previous method demonstrates its ability to capture more paths, especially in peripheral regions.
The simple conversion of a phosphorochloridate into one of opposite configuration

Abstract Conversion of a phosphorochloridate with known configuration at phosphorus to a hydrazide followed by oxidation by means of t-butyl hypochlorite gives the phosphorochloridate of opposite configuration.
Antioxidant Activity of Cysteine, Tryptophan, and Methionine Residues in Continuous Phase β-Lactoglobulin in Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Proteins dispersed in the continuous phase of oil-in-water emulsions are capable of inhibiting lipid oxidation reactions. The antioxidant activity of these proteins is thought to encompass both free radical scavenging by amino acid residues and chelation of prooxidative transition metals; however, the precise mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. In this study, the oxidative stability of cysteine, tryptophan, and methionine residues in continuous phase beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) in a Brij-stabilized menhaden oil-in-water emulsion was determined. The presence of low concentrations of continuous phase beta-Lg (250 and 750 microg/mL) significantly inhibited lipid oxidation as determined by lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances analysis. It was observed that cysteine oxidized before tryptophan in beta-Lg, and both residues oxidized before lipid oxidation could be detected. No oxidation of the methionine residues of beta-Lg was observed despite its reported high oxidative susceptibility. It is conceivable that surface exposure of amino acid residues greatly affects their oxidation kinetics, which may explain why some residues are preferentially oxidized relative to others. Further elucidation of the mechanisms governing free radical scavenging of amino acids could lead to more effective applications of proteins as antioxidants within oil-in-water food emulsions.
Rapid modification of proteins using a rapamycin-inducible tobacco etch virus protease system.

Background: The ability to disrupt the function of a specific protein on a rapid time scale provides a powerful tool for biomedical research. Specific proteases provide a potential method to selectively cleave a chosen protein, but rapid control of protease activity is difficult. Methodology/Principal Findings: A heterologous expression system for rapid target-directed proteolysis in mammalian cells was developed. The system consists of an inducible NIa protease from the tobacco etch virus (TEVp) and a chosen protein into which a TEVp substrate recognition sequence (TRS) has been inserted. Inducible activity was conferred to the TEVp using rapamycin-controlled TEVp fragment complementation. TEVp activity was assayed using a FRET-based reporter construct. TEVp expression was well tolerated by mammalian cells and complete cleavage of the substrate was possible. Cleavage at 37uC proceeded exponentially with a time constant of approximately 150 minutes. Attempts to improve cleavage efficiency were hampered by substantial background activity, which was attributed to inherent affinity between the TEVp fragments. A second TEVp assay, based on changes in inactivation of a modified KV3.4 channel, showed that functional properties of a channel can be using altered using an inducible TEVp system. Similar levels of background activity and variability were observed in both electrophysiological and FRET assays. Conclusions/Significance: The results suggested that an optimum level of TEVp expression leading to sufficient inducible activity (with minimal background activity) exists but the variability in expression levels between cells makes the present system rather impractical for single cell experiments. The system is likely to be more suitable for experiments in which the cell-to-cell variability is less of an issue; for example, in experiments involving large populations of cells.
Crystallization kinetics during hot-drawing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) film: strain-rate/draw-time superposition

Abstract We have investigated the influence of strain rate during hot-drawing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) on the kinetics of overall crystallization and of crystal growth normal to the 010 and 100 planes. Drawing was at 90°C and at various strain rates between 0.01 s−1 and 2.1 s−1. We found that changing strain rate simply shifts the crystallization rate curves along the log time axis, that the shift factor and the strain rate are related by a power law, and that the value of the exponent reflects the relative influence of two effects of molecular mobility : relaxation of orientation and enhancement of crystallization. The relative importance of these two effects was found to be different in different crystallographic growth directions : normal to the 100 planes, they almost exactly compensate each other; normal to the 010 planes, the relaxation effect dominates. By defining an ‘equivalent time’ for crystallization, degree of crystallinity at any strain rate can be predicted from knowledge of either draw time or draw ratio. A similar treatment permits prediction of crystallite size.