cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strength, endurance and fatigue response of rotator cuff muscles during isometric exertions

Abstract Among the shoulder musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), rotator cuff disorders are prevalent and known to substantially limit an individual's strength and ability to work. Despite the frequency and cost of rotator cuff injuries, very little research has been done on understanding the load response relationship of rotator cuff muscles. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the strength, endurance and fatigue response of rotator cuff muscles. As a first step, strengths of Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Teres Minor were measured for ten healthy male participants using muscle specific Maximum Voluntary Contractions (MVC). Then, endurance time and surface Electromyography (EMG) data were recorded during 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% MVC exertions. Infraspinatus exhibited the highest strength followed by Teres Minor and Supraspinatus. Despite the strength differences, small variations were observed in the endurance time between the muscles. The effect of %MVC exertions on endurance time, average muscle activity and muscle fatigue were statistically significant. Median frequency decreased and muscle activation increased with an increase in force exertion levels; however, the changes observed for an increase in the exertion level from 15% to 30% MVC were much higher than the changes observed for an increase in the exertion level from 45% to 60% MVC. Relevance to industry Results of this study indicate that the rotator cuff muscles have different strengths but exhibit very similar endurance and fatigue behavior. These findings can assist ergonomic practitioners with the design and/or evaluation of workplace upper extremity exertions to reduce/manage stress on the rotator cuff muscles and shoulder.
Variation in platelet expression of FcγRIIa after myocardial infarction.

FcγRIIa amplifies platelet activation and greater platelet expression of FcγRIIa identifies patients at greater risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Thus, platelet expression of FcγRIIa may be useful to guide therapy. Because platelet function tests are impacted by preparative procedures and substantial intra-individual variability, we examined the impact of these factors on platelet expression of FcγRIIa in blood from healthy subjects and in patients after myocardial infarction (MI). Platelet expression of FcγRIIa was quantified with the use of flow cytometry. Blood was taken from healthy subjects and 114 patients after a MI in whom platelet expression of FcγRIIa was quantified before discharge and at 6 ± 1 months. Neither anticoagulants nor the antiplatelet agent cangrelor changed platelet expression of FcγRIIa. Intra-individual variation in platelet FcγRIIa expression was 8.5% ± 5% over the course of 1 month in healthy subjects. Platelet FcγRIIa expression was within 20% of the baseline value after 6 months in 71% of patients after MI. In summary, because FcγRIIa is a protein on the surface of platelets, assay conditions and antiplatelet agents do not change expression. Intra-individual variability in platelet expression of FcγRIIa is modest. Accordingly, platelet expression of FcγRIIa is a marker of increased platelet reactivity that can be reliably and repeatedly measured. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02505217
Superior Trunk Block: A Phrenic-sparing Alternative to the Interscalene Block: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Editor’s PerspectiveWhat We Already Know about This TopicInterscalene nerve block is commonly used for shoulder surgery for anesthesia and postoperative analgesiaUnfortunately, interscalene blocks commonly result in hemidiaphragmatic paralysisWhat This Article Tells Us That Is NewWhen interscalene b
Changes of Caveolin-1, IL-1β, VEGF in cerebrospinal fluid of children with viral encephalitis and their clinical significance

Objective To detect the disparity of three biological molecules Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF in cerebrospinal fluid of children with viral encephalitis at the different stages; to explore the role of Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF in the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis;and to evaluate their clinical significance in assessing the severity and prognosis of viral encephalitis.Methods We recruited 65 inpatients children with viral encephalitis in the Second Neurology Department of Hunan Children's Hospital from July 2011 to July 2012.Subjects were divided into 2 groups:54 cases of acute phase and 11 cases of recovery phase.According to the clinical manifestations,they were re-divided into 40 patients with mild viral encephalitis and 25 cases of severe viral encephalitis.Twenty healthy age matched controls (10 cases of epilepsy and 10 cases of congenital abnormality) were also taken for the study.Cerebrospinal fluid exam,EEG,head MRI and other tests were performed in all patients.Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels in cerebrospinal fluid of 65 children with viral encephalitis and 20 age-matched controls were measured using ELISA.Results Cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF levels in the acute phase of viral encephalitis were (49.209 ± 22.320) pg/ml,(16.923 ± 6.823) ng/ml,(44.342 ± 19.264) ng/ml respectively,and (33.253 ± 20.349)pg/ml,(11.724 ± 3.009)ng/ml,(30.312 ± 18.147) ng/ml in recovery phase,which were significantly higher than those of controls (P ＜0.01).The difference was statistically significant between acute phase and recovery phase (P ＜ 0.05).Acute viral encephalitis patients had higher Caveolin-l,IL-1β,VEGF levels than the epilepsy group,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).In viral encephalitis group,children with cerebrospinal fluid protein content (0.5 ～ 1.0 g / L) had higher of Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels as compared with those with cerebrospinal fluid protein content ≤ 0.5 g/L,and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1 β and VEGF showed no significant difference among children with different severity of encephalitis,different levels of frequent seizures,different degrees EEG changes (P ＞ 0.05).But in the patients with severe head MRI changes,cerebrospinal fluid Caveolin-1,IL-1β,VEGF levels increased significantly (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Caveolin-1,IL-1β and VEGF may participate in the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis.Detection of these parameters may be helpful to the evaluation of the severity and prognosis of viral encephalitis. Key words: Viral encephalitis; Caveolin-1 ; Interleukin-1β; Vascular endothelial growth factor
Motivational Interviewing for Weight Management Among Women: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of RCTs.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a communication skill set used by clinicians to help facilitate adherence to numerous health behaviors. Currently, MI’s evidence supports its use among adults in various realms; however, clarity is needed regarding weight management among females. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize the literature examining the use of MI and its impact on anthropometric measures among adult females. The authors conducted a modified Cochrane method of systematic search and review in several relevant databases to explore and report evidence and gaps in the literature for MI in weight management among females in addition to meta-analyses for weight and BMI. Criteria for retention included randomized controlled trials with open inclusion of studies with varied settings, methods, interventionists, target behaviors, and outcomes. Of the 3289 references initially identified, 10 intervention arms met the criteria across review tiers. Seven of 10 intervention groups reported significant anthropometric changes compared with a control group, as well as significant changes in non-anthropometric outcomes related to weight management. Using a random-effects model, the effect size of MI on reduction in body weight (kg) was 0.19 (95% CI − 0.13, 0.26; p < 0.01), and the effect size of MI on reduction in BMI was 0.35 (95% CI 0.12, 0.58; p < 0.01). Results suggest that MI interventions are useful for weight management among females. Future studies would enhance the current base of literature by utilizing advanced anthropometric outcomes, including sex-specific results, and including more diverse and larger sample sizes.
Corpus fractum: Georges Bataille and sacramental theology

Recent work on political theology – most notably that of J. Kameron Carter – has turned to eucharistic theology and its notion of the ‘corpus mysticum’ to explain the political theology undergirding nationalism, white supremacy, and fascism. This article builds on this approach to articulate an anti-fascist sacramental theology through a reading of Georges Bataille’s Summa Atheologica. Against fascism’s fantasy of a pure and purifying sovereign body that can secure the redemption of the threatened body of the nation, Bataille’s Summa risked a ‘new theology’ of the irremediably lacerated body of Christ which might ground a non-sovereign community of fragmentation, dispossession, and vulnerability. By rethinking the Summa’s relationship to one of its main influences – the eucharistic theology of St Angela of Foligno – I argue that it is possible to rethink sacramental theology in a Bataillean key, against political theology and its eucharistic structure.
Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Analysis of What It Takes to Inspire Youth to Engage in Volunteering:

This article explores how to inspire youth to volunteer. Drawing on ideas of inspiration and motivational framing, we develop insight into how constructing and cultivating a sense of efficacy and o...
Graphene signatures: Identifying graphite and graphene grades via radio frequency heating

Abstract The need for reliable metrics for characterizing graphene nanosheet thickness and quality has increased, particularly as graphene production is scaled beyond kg-levels and utilized in a range of commercial applications. Here, we demonstrate a bulk, rapid testing methodology that distinguishes graphene from graphite based on our recent findings that electromagnetic fields induce rapid heating in carbon nanomaterials. For a range of graphene-family materials, we measure the heating rate as a function of frequency in response to a non-contact radio frequency field (70–130 MHz). These trends are markedly different depending on the number of layers present in the sample, with graphene products heating substantially more than parent graphite materials. Also, distinct graphene grades have a unique frequency-dependent heating response, which allows for a given graphene sample to be matched with a reference graphene grade, as confirmed by user-blind tests.
Interstitial duplication of 20q11.22q13.11: A case report and review of literature

Background Reports of interstitial duplication of chromosome 20q11 are rare with only nine published patients to date. Methods We performed karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis on a peripheral blood sample for our patient and reviewed the genes in the region to provide genotype-phenotype correlation. Results Clinical features of the patient include minor dysmorphic facial features, shorthands and feet, bilateral conductive hearing loss, global developmental delay, and behavioral issues with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Together with previously published cases of 20q11 duplication, we show that patients with overlapping duplications share a similar clinical phenotype of dysmorphic craniofacial features and developmental delay. Conclusion We report an 8-year-old girl with a 9.1 Mb interstitial duplication of chromosome 20q11.22q13.11. Our observations suggest that a novel duplication syndrome and documentation of similar cases will further help clarify the phenotype.
Tropical Geometry And Mirror Symmetry

The three worlds: The tropics The A- and B-models Log geometry Example: $\mathbb{P}^2$: Mikhalkin's curve counting formula Period integrals The Gross-Siebert program: The program and two-dimensional results Bibliography Index of symbols General index
Shifting the Paradigm: An Assessment of the Quality of Fall Risk Reduction in Nebraska Hospitals

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of evidence-based fall risk reduction structures and processes in Nebraska hospitals; whether fall rates are associated with specific structures and processes; and whether fall risk reduction structures, processes, and outcomes vary by hospital type-Critical Access Hospital (CAH) versus non-CAH. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Nebraska's 83 general community hospitals, 78% of which are CAHs. We used a negative binomial rate model to estimate fall rates while adjusting for hospital volume (patient days) and the exact Pearson chi-square test to determine associations between hospital type and the structure and process of fall risk reduction. FINDINGS: Approximately two-thirds or more of 70 hospitals used 6 of 9 evidence-based universal fall risk reduction interventions; 50% or more used 14 of 16 evidence-based targeted interventions. After adjusting for hospital volume, hospitals in which teams integrated evidence from multiple disciplines and reflected upon data and modified polices/procedures based upon data had significantly lower total and injurious fall rates per 1,000 patient days than hospitals that did not. Non-CAHs were significantly more likely than CAHs to perform 5 organizational-level fall risk reduction processes. CAHs reported significantly greater total (5.9 vs 4.0) and injurious (1.7 vs 0.9) fall rates per 1,000 patient days than did non-CAHs. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital type was a significant predictor of fall rates. However, shifting the paradigm for fall risk reduction from a nursing-centric approach to one in which teams implement evidence-based practices and learn from data may decrease fall risk regardless of hospital type. Language: en
Reducing Boundary Friction Using Translation-Fragment Overlap

Many corpus-based Machine Translation (MT) systems generate a number of partial translations which are then pieced together rather than immediately producing one overall translation. While this makes them more robust to ill-formed input, they are subject to disfluencies at phrasal translation boundaries even for well-formed input. We address this “boundary friction” problem by introducing a method that exploits overlapping phrasal translations and the increased confidence in translation accuracy they imply. We specify an efficient algorithm for producing translations using overlap. Finally, our empirical analysis indicates that this approach produces higher quality translations than the standard method of combining non-overlapping fragments generated by our Example-Based MT (EBMT) system in a peak-to-peak comparison.
Guides, Collections, and Ancillary Materials to African Archival Resources in the United States

This is a list of published guides to the archives of Africa, especially those in microform and including inventories, records, catalogs, lists both finding- and special-, indexes, annual reports (and for South Africa, also archivalia and trials), arranged by regions, primary international language, and countries, excluding only Egypt, with titles in English, French, and Portuguese, but not those solely in Arabic. No titles were found for Spanish-speaking Africa. Collections of Africana on microfilm are identified as they provide better access to original materials not otherwise available. In addition, considerable time and funds have been spent by non-profit organizations such as the Cooperative Africana Microform Project (CAMP) in identifying archives and manuscripts to be filmed, targeting the funds to film them, and then having the microfilm available to scholars world-wide. The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) online catalog which contains CAMP's nearly 10,000 titles is a major source for African archival materials.
Hepatitis B Virus Deoxyribonucleic Acid in Serum During Hepatitis B e Antigen Clearance in Corticosteroid-Treated Severe Chronic Active Hepatitis B

Abstract The relationship between hepatitis B virus deoxyri-bonucleic acid in serum and histologic activity was determined in 11 patients with corticosteroid-treated severe chronic active hepatitis B who underwent clearance of hepatitis B e antigen. All patients cleared hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid from the serum, and clearance preceded the loss of hepatitis B e antigen by 9–49 mo (mean 24 ± 4 mo). Seropositivity for hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid was always associated with histologic features of chronic active hepatitis. Resolution of histologic activity followed the loss of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid from the serum and it preceded clearance of hepatitis B e antigen in all patients. A transient elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase activity occurred in 5 patients at the time that absence of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid in serum was first demonstrated, and it was followed by resolution of histologic activity. The serum level of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid slowly decreased or remained unchanged in all but 1 patient during long-term corticosteroid therapy. We conclude that hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid in serum is associated with histologic activity in corticosteroid-treated patients with severe chronic active hepatitis B. Disappearance of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid from the serum precedes the loss of histologic activity and clearance of hepatitis B e antigen. Serum hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid levels usually do not increase during long-term corticosteroid therapy.
High-Q whispering gallery modes from a combined system of GaAs quantum well and fused silica microsphere

Summary form only given. We have developed a microcavity system that combines a semiconductor quantum well (QW) with a fused silica microsphere by placing the QW in the evanescent field of whispering gallery modes (WGMs) of the microsphere. This combined system takes advantage of the extremely high Q-factor and very small mode volume of the WGMs and allows separate engineering of electronic and photonic confinement, thus opening up a new approach for cavity QED study of semiconductors. We show that photoluminescence (PL) from the QW can couple efficiently into the WGMs of the microsphere and the Q-factor of the combined system exceeds 4/spl times/10/sup 5/ even when the sphere is in contact with the QW sample.
Functional trajectories in the year before hospice

PURPOSE We undertook a study to identify distinct functional trajectories in the year before hospice, to determine how patients with these trajectories differ according to demographic characteristics and hospice diagnosis, and to evaluate the association between these trajectories and subsequent outcomes. METHODS From an ongoing cohort study of 754 community-living persons aged 70 years or older, we evaluated data on 213 persons who were subsequently enrolled in hospice from March 1998 to December 2011. Disability in 13 basic, instrumental, and mobility activities was assessed during monthly telephone interviews through June 2012. RESULTS In the year before hospice, we identified 5 clinically distinct functional trajectories, representing worsening cumulative burden of disability: late decline (10.8%), accelerated (10.8%), moderate (21.1%), progressively severe (24.9%), and persistently severe (32.4%). Participants with a cancer diagnosis (34.7%) had the most favorable functional trajectories (ie, lowest burden of disability), whereas those with neurodegenerative disease (21.1%) had the worst. Median survival in hospice was only 14 days and did not differ significantly by functional trajectory. Compared with participants in the persistently severe trajectory, those in the moderate trajectory had the highest likelihood of surviving and being independent in at least 1 activity in the month after hospice admission (adjusted odds ratio = 5.5; 95% CI, 1.9–35.9). CONCLUSIONS The course of disability in the year before hospice differs greatly among older persons but is particularly poor among those with neurodegenerative disease. Late admission to hospice (as shown by the short survival), coupled with high levels of severe disability before hospice, highlight potential unmet palliative care needs for many older persons at the end of life.
High performance floating-point unit with 116 bit wide divider

The next generation zSeries floating-point unit is unveiled which is the first IBM mainframe with a fused multiply-add dataflow. It supports both S/390 hexadecimal floating-point architecture and the IEEE 754 binary floating-point architecture which was first implemented in S/390 on the 1998 S/390 G5 floating-point unit. The new floating-point unit supports a total of 6 formats including single, double, and quadword formats implemented in hardware. The floating-point pipeline is 5 cycles with a throughput of 1 multiply-add per cycle. Both hexadecimal and binary floating-point instructions are capable of this performance due to a novel way of handling both formats. Other key developments include new methods for handling denormalized numbers and quad precision divide engine dataflow. This divider uses a radix-4 SRT algorithm and is able to handle quad precision divides in multiple floating-point and fixed-point formats. The number of iterations for fixed-point divisions depend on the effective number of quotient bits. It uses a reduced carry-save form for the partial remainder, with only 1 carry bit for every 4 sum bits, to save area and power.
Distributed data acquisition system for substation bus protection and monitoring

A new method for substation bus bar monitoring has been developed using a distributed data acquisition system and fiber optic communications. The advantages of this system include more accurate data sampling, ability to re-create the fault condition with the stored data in a simulation, a more secure transmission system with the use of fiber optics, and to prevent the false tripping of protection breakers. This new system involves current transformers, data acquisition models (DAM), and a data processing model. Each transmission line connected to the substation bus bar will have its own DAM that will sample the transmission lines three phase currents and voltages at the rate of 3,840 Hz. The samples will be converted to a 16-bit digital sample, and sent over a fiber optic network to a data processing module located in the control house. The fiber optic network will utilize a star topology and a custom designed protocol. The DAMs will be synchronized with a clocking signal sent from the data processing model. The data processing model will collect and process the sampled data to check for fault conditions on the bus bar. The data processor will then either trip the circuit breaker or sound an alarm, if a fault condition is detected.
Contact-angle measurements as a means of probing the surface alignment characteristics of liquid crystal materials on photoalignment layers

The exceptionally high 1054-nm laser-damage resistance of photoalignment materials (approaching that of fused silica) has made it possible to fabricate a wide variety of photoaligned liquid crystal (LC) devices for high-peak-power laser applications. Despite these advances, materials selection and photoalignment exposure conditions are still determined using costly and time-consuming “trial-and-error” methods. The contact angle of a fluid droplet on an alignment layer yields important information about LC-surface physicochemical interactions, and as such, it has potential as a rapid and convenient metric for optimizing photoaligned device quality. To this end, we report on efforts to correlate fluid contact angle with surface energy and azimuthal-anchoring energy to aid in the assessment of alignment quality in photoalignment materials systems.
Issues and Trends in the Management of Reference Services: A Historical Perspective

ABSTRACT In this article, the author reviews the history of reference service from a management perspective. Topics covered include: definitions of reference service; staffing; service models; modes of communication, including remote reference services; collections; education and training; and assessment. The author discusses changes over time and current challenges for reference managers. This article originally published in Journal of Library Administration, Vol. 51, Issue 3, pages 259–278, 2011. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2011.556936.
Xenobiotic metabolism, oxidant stress and chronic pancreatitis. Focus on glutathione.

Chronic pancreatitis, although relatively rare in the Western World, is common in certain tropical zones where staple crops such as cassava are rich in cyanogenic glycosides. This paper reviews the ev
Anisotropy inc-axis oriented YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Muon spin relaxation (μSR) data taken at LAMPF on ac-axis oriented fine powder sample of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) embedded in epoxy are analyzed for relaxation rate anisotropy. Clear differences beyond simple magnetic field penetration depth anisotropy are observed forB‖c andBc. The low-temperature anisotropy ratio is consistent with oriented ceramic data. Small crystallite size and anisotropic flux pinning characteristics are suggested as the fundamental cause of the additional effects.
T-cell-based immunotherapy of melanoma: what have we learned and how can we improve?

The lack of effective treatment for advanced stage melanoma by conventional therapies, such as radiation and chemotherapy, has highlighted the need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies. Among them, immunotherapy has attracted much attention because of the potential role played by immunological events in the clinical course of melanoma and the availability of well-characterized melanoma antigens to target melanoma lesions with immunological effector mechanisms. In recent years, T-cell-based immunotherapy has been emphasized, in part because of the disappointing results of the antibody-based trials conducted in the early 1980s, and in part because of the postulated major role played by T-cells in tumor growth control. In this review, the characteristics of antibody and T-cell-defined melanoma antigens will first be described, with emphasis on those used in clinical trials. Following a review of the current immunization and immunomonitoring strategies, the results from the T-cell-based immunotherapy...
Oligomerized Ced-4 kills budding yeast through a caspase-independent mechanism.

In Caenorhabdtis elegans, Ced-3, Ced-4, and Ced-9 are components of a cell suicide program. Ced-4 facilitates the proteolytic activation of the caspase, Ced-3, while Ced-9 opposes Ced-3/Ced-4 killing. To examine the interactions among these proteins they were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ced-3 and Ced-4 were lethal when expressed alone, revealing an intrinsic Ced-4 killing activity. Coexpression of Ced-9 blocked Ced-3- and Ced-4-induced killing, showing Ced-9 can independently antagonize the action of both proteins. Ced-3- but not Ced-4-toxicity was attenuated by coexpression of the caspase inhibitors, CrmA and p35. Thus, besides its Ced-3- and Ced-9-dependent action in C. elegans, Ced-4 has an additional Ced-9-dependent, Ced-3-independent killing mechanism in yeast. Two-hybrid analysis confirmed that Ced-4 formed heteromers with Ced-9. In addition, Ced-4 formed homomers and mutation of its nucleoside triphosphate binding motif eliminated both homomerization and cell killing. We suggest the caspase-independent lethality of Ced-4 in yeast is mediated by a Ced-4 homomer.
BIOMARKER CHARACTERISTICS OF CRUDE OILS FROM THE MURZUQ BASIN, SW LIBYA

Twenty crude oil samples from the Murzuq Basin, SW Libya (A-, R- and I-Fields in Blocks NC115 and NC186) have been investigated by a variety of organic geochemical methods. Based on biomarker distributions (e.g. n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpanes and steranes), the source of the oils is interpreted to be composed of mixed marine/terrigenous organic matter. The values of the Pr/Ph ratio (1.36–2.1), C30-diahopane / C29 Ts ratio and diasterane / sterane ratio, together with the low values of the C29/ C30-hopane ratio and the cross-plot of the dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene ratio (DBT/P) versus Pr/Ph ratio in most of oil samples, suggest that the oils were sourced from marine clay-rich sediments deposited in mild anoxic depositional environments. Assessment of thermal maturity based on phenanthrenes, aromatic steroids (e.g. monoaromatic (MA) and triaromatic (TA) steroid hydrocarbons), together with terpanes, and diasterane/sterane ratios, indicates that crude oils from A-Field are at high levels of thermal maturity, while oils from Rand I-Fields are at intermediate levels of thermal maturity. Based on the distributions of n-alkanes and the absence of 25-norhopanes in all of the crude oils analysed, none of the oils appear to have been biodegraded. Correlation of the crude oils points to a single genetic family and this is supported by the stable carbon isotope values. The oils can be divided into two sub-families based on the differences in maturities, as shown in a Pr/nC17 versus Ph/nC18 cross-plot. Sub-family-A is represented by the highly mature oils from A-Field. Sub-family-B comprises the less mature oils from R- and I-Fields. The two sub-families may represent different source kitchens of different thermal maturity or different migration pathways. In summary, the geochemical characteristics of oil samples from A-, R-, and I-Fields suggest that all the crude oils were generated from similar source rocks. Depositional environment conditions and advanced thermal maturities of these oils are consistent with previously published geochemical interpretations of the Rhuddanian “hot shale” in the Tanezzuft Formation, which is thought to be the main source rock in the Murzuq Basin.
Effect of Chronic Serotonin-2 Receptor Agonist or Antagonist Administration on Serotonin-1A Receptor Sensitivity

We have investigated the effect of 5-HT2 receptor agonist or antagonist administration on postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor sensitivity assessed by two behavioral measures, reciprocal forepaw treading or hypothermia induced by acute injection of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT. The effectiveness of these drug treatments to downregulate 5-HT2A receptors was confirmed by measuring the binding of [3H]-ketanserin in cortical homogenates, because all of these drug treatments have been shown to result in the downregulation of 5-HT2A receptor sites. Acute or chronic treatment of rats with the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist mianserin, or chronic administration of the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin, did not alter 8-OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia or forepaw treading. These data indicate that downregulation of 5-HT2A receptors is not sufficient to alter these postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor-mediated responses. Chronic treatment of rats with the 5-HT2 receptor agonist DOI, however, resulted in the attenuation of both 5-HT1A receptor-mediated responses measured in separate experimental groups. The apparent desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors following chronic DOI treatment was not accompanied by a change in either the number or affinity of 5-HT1A receptor sites as measured by the binding of [3H]-8-OH-DPAT in hippocampal homogenates. Chronic activation of 5-HT2 receptors may be one mechanism by which the sensitivity postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors can be regulated.
Relational savoring in long-distance romantic relationships:

Relationship satisfaction is crucial for health and happiness. In the absence of physical contact, people in long-distance romantic relationships (LDRs) may use alternate means of maintaining relationship satisfaction, such as mentally activating feelings of closeness to their partners. This experiment examined the effects of relational savoring, relative to two control conditions, on emotion and relationship satisfaction following a laboratory-based stress task, among 533 people in an LDR. Relational savoring yielded greater positive emotion among participants, particularly those with medium to high baseline relationship satisfaction. Further, emotional state mediated the link between relational savoring and post-stressor relationship satisfaction for participants with average or higher baseline satisfaction. Savoring relational memories resulted in short-term benefits among people in LDRs with average or higher satisfaction. The promise of relational savoring as a brief intervention is discussed as well...
Evaluation of Overtopping Riprap Design Relationships

Rock riprap is one of the most widely used erosion control methods for protecting embankments, levees, spillways, and instream structures subjected to overtopping flow conditions. At least 21 stone-sizing relationships exist to determine the median stone size of a protective riprap layer based on the results of 96 overtopping, laboratory experiments. Test parameters include median stone size, slope, unit discharge, coefficient of uniformity, and riprap layer thickness. A regression analysis was performed relating the observed median stone size to the predicted median stone size to each of the 21 relationships, yielding a coefficient of determination (R2) and percent error for the full spectrum of data. Zonal (partial spectrum of rock sizes) and complexity analyses were also conducted for each relationship. It was resolved that the Khan and Ahmad, and Chang relationships best aligned with the composite dataset. The predictive expressions by Olivier, Hartung and Scheuerlein, Knauss, Maynord, Abt and Johnson, and Siebel yield a noteworthy second tier of stone-sizing relationships for overtopping conditions.
Contraceptive Counseling and Postpartum Contraceptive Use.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to examine the associations between prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling and postpartum contraceptive use. STUDY DESIGN: The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System 2004e2008 data were analyzed from Missouri, New York state, and New York City (n ¼ 9536). We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations between prenatal and postpartum contraceptive counseling and postpartum contraceptive use, defined as any method and more effective methods (sterilization, intrauterine device, or hormonal methods). RESULTS: The majority of women received prenatal (78%) and postpartum(86%)contraceptivecounseling;72%receivedboth.Compared with those who received no counseling, those counseled during 1 time period (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65e2.67) and both time periods (AOR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.87e2.89) had significantly increased odds of postpartum use of a more effective contraceptive method (32% vs 49% and 56%, respectively; P for trend < .0001). Results for counseling during both time periods differed by type of health insurance before pregnancy, with greater odds of postpartum use of a more effective method observed for women with noinsurance(AOR,3.51;95%CI,2.18e5.66)andMedicaidinsurance (AOR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.98e7.06) than for those with private insurance (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.44e2.43) before pregnancy. Findings were similar for postpartum use of any contraceptive method, except that no differences by insurance status were detected. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use, including the use of more effective methods, was highest when contraceptive counseling was provided during both prenatal and postpartum time periods. Women with Medicaid or no health insurance before pregnancy benefited the most.
Crystal structure of chemically synthesized vMIP-II.

Based on the positions of the first two conservative cys-teine residues, chemokines are classified into four sub-families: CXC, CC, CX3C, and C. As a viral chemokine,vMIP-II shows a broad spectrum of binding to CXC, CC,and CX3C chemokine receptors. In particular, vMIP-IIbinds to both CXCR4 and CCR5, which are the only twomajor coreceptors of human immunodeficiency virusType 1 (HIV-1). Although most mammalian chemokinesare agonists to their corresponding receptors, vMIP-II isin most cases an antagonist to its receptors includingCXCR4 and CCR5.
Affectivity, Family Drinking History, and the Development of Problem Drinking: A Longitudinal Analysis1

This study examined the longitudinal relationships among two central constructs of affectivity–family history of alcoholism, and alcohol use and use-related problems. Data used in this study were obtained from a nonclinical sample interviewed originally when subjects were 12, 15, or 18 years of age, and followed up twice more at three-year intervals. The results of this study indicate a strong role for negative affect and arousability as dimensions of affectivity in modulating alcohol-related consequences. Individuals who display consistently heightened arousability and negative affect, particularly in combination, appear to display the greatest use intensity over longer time intervals. Conversely, the fact that combined persistently low arousability and negative affect were consistently related to lower use intensity and fewer consequences suggests a possible role for lowered levels of these dimensions as a protective factor against transition to problematic outcomes. Arousability appears to be most strongly related to use intensity, while family drinking history status and negative affect were found to be significant contributors to problems.
Assessment of the existence of the anxiety component in evaluation apprehension

The present study attempted to verify the existence of the arousal of anxiety which is supposed to accompany high evaluation apprehension. Two hundred and fifty subjects were randomly assigned to a high or low evaluation apprehension condition. Within each evaluation apprehension condition a different group of subjects was administered the state form of the state-trait anxiety inventory. Subjects took this anxiety scale before reading the background information sheet, after reading the background information sheet but before completing the photo rating task or after reading the background information sheet and completing the photo rating task. Analysis of the photo rating revealed the cueing effect with high evaluation apprehension subjects rating the photographs more positively than low evaluation apprehension subjects. Analysis of the anxiety scores failed to reveal any significant differences. Consequently, the anxiety arousal that was postulated to have accompanied high eva luation apprehension was not supported. In light of this a positive self-presentation drive was proposed to account for the cueing effect.
Atomic and electronic structure of thin films of Mn on Pd{111}

Epitaxial films of Mn can be grown on Pd{l brace}111{r brace} to thicknesses of the order of 15--20 layers. Vacuum deposition on a room-temperature substrate produces a threefold-symmetric 1{times}1 phase with in-plane lattice constant {ital a}=2.75 A (pseudomorphic to Pd{l brace}111{r brace}) and bulk interlayer spacing {ital d}{sub bulk}=2.16 A. This structure probably corresponds to strained magnetic {gamma}-Mn. Vacuum deposition on a 150 {degree}C substrate produces a sixfold-symmetric {radical}3 {times} {radical}3 -30 {degree} structure, which is probably a bulk phase with in-plane lattice constant {ital a}=4.76 A. The atomic structure of this phase is unknown, but may be related to {alpha}-Mn.
Integrating manufacturing strategy and technology choice

Abstract This paper presents a prescriptive methodology relating marketing and manufacturing strategy to choice of technology. The methodology developed in this paper is based on Ackoff's interactive planning process. A computer model is developed for evaluating alternative technologies based on Saaty's Analytical Hierarchy Process. This model, unlike most technological selection and justification models which are based on cost alone, provides a general framework for strategic evaluation of competing technologies.
Three-fold cross-validation of parkinsonian brain patterns

Abnormal physiological networks of brain areas in disease can be identified by applying specialized multivariate computational algorithms based on principal component analysis to functional image data. Here we demonstrate the reproducibility of network patterns derived using positron emission tomography (PET) data in independent populations of parkinsonian patients for a large, clinically validated data set comprised of subjects with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (iPD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Correlation of voxel values of network patterns derived for the same condition in different data sets was high. To further illustrate the validity of these networks, we performed single subject differential diagnosis of prospective test subjects to determine the most probable case based on a subject's network scores expressed for each of these distinct parkinsonian syndromes. Three-fold cross-validation was performed to determine accuracy and positive predictive rates based on networks derived in separate folds of the composite data set. A logistic regression based classification algorithm was used to train in each fold and test in the remaining two folds. Combined accuracy for each of the three folds ranged from 82% to 93% in the training set and was approximately 81% for prospective test subjects.
Spheres tangent to all the faces of a simplex

Abstract There are, in general, 2 n spheres tangent to all n + 1 faces of an n -simplex. If n is odd and all the faces have equal ( n − 1)-dimensional measure, the number of spheres is 2 n − C(n, 1 2 (n + 1)) . If n is even and the measure of one face is twice that of each of the others, the number of spheres is 2 n − C(n, 1 2 (n + 2)) . We prove the conjecture that these configurations yield the respective minimums.
Gender dimorphism and age of onset in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor preclinical models and human patients

Background: Gender-based differences in disease onset in murine models of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and in patients with Neurofibromatosis type-1-(NF-1)-associated or spontaneous MPNST has not been well studied. Methods: Forty-three mGFAP-Cre+;Pten loxp/+ ;LSL-K-ras G12D/+ mice were observed for tumor development and evaluated for gender disparity in age of MPNST onset. Patient data from the prospectively collected UCLA sarcoma database (1974–2011, n = 113 MPNST patients) and 39 published studies on MPNST patients (n = 916) were analyzed for age of onset differences between sexes and between NF-1 and spontaneous MPNST patients. Results: Our murine model showed gender-based differences in MPNST onset, with males developing MPNST significantly earlier than females (142 vs. 162 days, p = 0.015). In the UCLA patient population, males also developed MPNST earlier than females (median age 35 vs. 39.5 years, p = 0.048). Patients with NF-1-associated MPNST had significantly earlier age of onset compared to spontaneous MPNST (median age 33 vs. 39 years, p = 0.007). However, expanded analysis of 916 published MPNST cases revealed no significant age difference in MPNST onset between males and females. Similar to the UCLA dataset, patients with NF-1 developed MPNST at a significantly younger age than spontaneous MPNST patients (p < 0.0001, median age 28 vs. 41 years) and this disparity was maintained across North American, European, and Asian populations. Conclusions: Although our preclinical model and single-institution patient cohort show gender dimorphism in MPNST onset, no significant gender disparity was detected in the larger MPNST patient meta-dataset. NF-1 patients develop MPNST 13 years earlier than patients with spontaneous MPNST, with little geographical variance.
Dynamic shear-influenced collagen self-assembly.

Abstract The ability to influence the direction of polymerization of a self-assembling biomolecular system has the potential to generate materials with extremely high anisotropy. In biological systems where highly-oriented cellular populations give rise to aligned and often load-bearing tissue such organized molecular scaffolds could aid in the contact guidance of cells for engineered tissue constructs (e.g. cornea and tendon). In this investigation we examine the detailed dynamics of pepsin-extracted type I bovine collagen assembly on a glass surface under the influence of flow between two plates. Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) imaging (60×-1.4NA) with focal plane stabilization was used to resolve and track the growth of collagen aggregates on borosilicate glass for 4 different shear rates (500, 80, 20, and 9 s −1 ). The detailed morphology of the collagen fibrils/aggregates was examined using Quick Freeze Deep Etch (QFDE) electron microscopy. Nucleation of fibrils on the glass was observed to occur rapidly (∼2 min) followed by continued growth of the fibrils. The growth rates were dependent on flow in a complex manner with the highest rate of axial growth (0.1 μ/s) occurring at a shear rate of 9 s −1 . The lowest growth rate occurred at the highest shear. Fibrils were observed to both branch and join during the experiments. The best alignment of fibrils was observed at intermediate shear rates of 20 and 80 s −1 . However, the investigation revealed that fibril directional growth was not stable. At high shear rates, fibrils would often turn downstream forming what we term “hooks” which are likely the combined result of monomer interaction with the initial collagen layer or “mat” and the high shear rate. Further, QFDE examination of fibril morphology demonstrated that the assembled fibrillar structure did not possess native D-periodicity. Instead, fibrils comprised a collection of generally aligned, monomers which were self-assembled to form a fibril-like aggregate. In conclusion, though constant shear-rate clearly influences collagen fibrillar alignment, the formation of highly-organized collagenous arrays of native-like D-banded fibrils remains a challenge. Modulation of shear in combination with surface energy patterning to produce a highly-aligned initial mat may provide significant improvement of both the fibril morphology and alignment.
Longterm Follow-Up of Idiopathic Urethritis

Purpose To study clinical features longterm outcomes of peripubertal boys presenting with dysuria haematuria diagnosed endoscopically with idiopathic urethritis. Material and Methods The case notes of all the patients presenting over the last 7yrs with idiopathic urethritis were retrospectively reviewed for age, symptoms, radiological evaluation, cystoscopy findings and outcome. Mean follow up was 3.7y (Range 2-7yrs). Results Ten boys, Mean age 11.5y (Range 5-14yrs) have been identified. Eight boys presented with dysuria/haematuria alone, 2 boys presented with significant obstructive symptoms. All patients were assessed and diagnosed endoscopically. Endoscopic features fell into 2 distinct groups at presentation. (Group A) Bulbar urethral erythematous inflammation with multiple fronding of urethral mucosa(8). (Group B) Major disruption of bulbar urethra with membranous obstruction and severe haemorrhagic inflammation(2). Biopsy showed non specific inflammation or no inflammation. Urine cultures have always been negative. Urinary tract ultrasound has not shown any abnormality Group A. Five boys (62%%) have had complete resolution of symptoms after several years Two (22%) still have intermittent non-obstructive symptoms One has progressed to obstructive symptoms and endoscopic changes after 5 years, necessitating dilatation. Group B. One has eventually developed complete obstruction and eventual urethroplasty. This patient had undergone successful distal Hypospadias repair 11 years previously. The other has ongoing obstructive symptoms 4 years after diagnosis. Conclusions 1. Idiopathic urethritis may be 2 different conditions 2. Patients with Bulbar urethral erythematous inflammation will generally resolve slowly, even after endoscopic examination, but not always. 3. Patients who present with stricture may obstruct completely and require urethroplasty.