cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biology of Gender Identity and Gender Incongruence

The process of gender identity development remains poorly understood. Higher prevalence of gender nonconforming identity has been reported in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen insensitivity syndromes, defects in androgen biosynthesis, and structural differences in sex development, indicating that prenatal and postnatal androgen exposure plays some role in the development of gender identity. Additionally, genetics are thought to play an important role in gender identity based on the observed concordance of gender incongruence in monozygotic twin pairs and reported co-occurrence of gender nonconformity in families. Also, gender identity variance has been associated with distinct morphological characteristics of specific neuroanatomical structures, such as the interstitial nucleus of the anterior hypothalamus 3 and the central part of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, supporting the hypothesis that gender identity evolves as a consequence of the interaction of the developing brain and sex hormones. Gender identity development is complex and most likely stems from an intricate interaction between biological, genetic, social, and psychological factors.
The Influence of Linguistic Demand on Symptom Expression in Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia

Summary Introduction Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia (ADSD), a form of focal dystonia, has been defined as a neurogenic, task-specific disorder characterized by abrupt spasms of intrinsic laryngeal muscles that result in phonatory breaks. Voice breaks are typically isolated to propositional speech, and reported to increase in severity as speaking demand or complexity increases. Research to date has focused on variations in phonologic contexts and their influence on voice breaks. The influences of variables at lexical and syntactic levels of analysis have been less well-researched and yet may provide insight into observed variability of symptom manifestation in this rare voice disorder. Objectives This study investigated frequency of voice breaks over 20 standard sentences in 38 individuals with ADSD according to linguistic complexity measures including lexical density and a four-level lexical frequency and type paradigm. Two research questions about linguistic influences and ADSD symptom manifestation were posed: (1) does the frequency of voice breaks vary according to the lexical density of a string? and (2) does the frequency of voice breaks vary according to a measure of lexical frequency/type? Results Results revealed a nonsignificant relationship between string length and voice break frequency, whereas a significant relationship was found between lexical density and voice break frequency (P = 0.029, r = 0.488). Lexical analysis results revealed a significant relationship between lexical frequency and voice breaks, with words within technical/academic classes relating to the highest rates of voice break across 38 subjects with ADSD. Conclusions Results from this secondary analysis provide support for the hypothesis that variation in linguistic demand may modulate symptom expression in SD. Specifically, lexical density and lexical frequency modulated the frequency of symptom expression in classic forms of SD in this purposive sample.
The Effect of Loads in Molecular Communications

The ability of cells to sense and respond to their environment is encoded in biomolecular reaction networks, in which information travels through processes such as production, modification, and removal of biomolecules. Recent advances in biotechnology have made it possible to reengineer these physical processes to the point where synthetic biomolecular circuits can be inserted into cells to program cell behavior for useful functionalities. These circuits are often designed in a bottom-up fashion with smaller components connected to form complex systems. In a bottom-up approach to design, it is highly desirable that circuit components behave modularly, that is, the input–output behavior of a module characterized in isolation remains unchanged when the context changes. Unfortunately, due to the physical processes by which information is communicated from one biomolecular circuit module to the other, the lack of modularity is often a problem. In fact, the input–output behavior of a module depends on both direct connectivity to other modules, due to loading effects, and indirect connectivity arising from loads applied to shared cellular resources. In this paper, we summarize the published work illustrating how the means of molecular communication lead to these problems. Specifically, we review the concept of retroactivity, which has been proposed to capture loading problems within a “signals and systems” framework, allowing for engineering solutions that restore modularity.
Utilization of Metabolomics to Teach Undergraduate Students Nutritional Metabolism (P07-006-19)

Metabolomics, the comprehensive study of metabolites in biological fluids and tissues, offers the ability to observe metabolic changes in a more comprehensive context to identify metabolites altered by intervention. Traditionally, nutritional metabolism has been taught using book and journal article information. Due to the emergence of metabolomics research on University campuses, an opportunity exists to utilize this tool for the purpose of educating students. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of involving students in a feeding research study using metabolomics analyses for the purpose of improving student learning of nutritional metabolism. The study consisted of two groups (n = 19/group) of nutrient metabolism students: (1) 12 hr fasting blood draw; (2) 2 hr postprandial blood draw following a breakfast meal. Plasma samples were analyzed using LC-MS targeted assays for primary metabolomics, aminomics, and lipidomics. Pre- and post-course questionnaires were completed by students in order to assess the educational interest and effectiveness of the activity. The feeding intervention, sample and data analysis were completed within the first 4 wk of the academic quarter. A total of 221 metabolites were identified in the plasma. Altered metabolites included sugars, energetic pathway intermediates, triglycerides, bile acids, amino acids and acylcarnitines. Results were periodically presented in lecture and discussed using interactive group activities throughout the duration of the academic quarter immediately following review of related principle concepts of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Course exams included essay questions requiring explanation of the potential metabolic pathway alterations connected to observed study results. An assigned project required inclusion of study results within an integrated metabolic pathway map. Student questionnaires indicated there was an increase in knowledge, in addition to an increased interest in research (P < 0.05). The inclusion of metabolomics in University courses may increase student interest and effectively improve student learning of nutritional metabolism and research. Future studies are needed to test this concept for use in other courses. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Food Science and Nutrition Department.
Abstract 1195: Stochastic co-evolution of the adaptive immune system and an evading cancer population

Recent advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized modern cancer treatment. While encouraging, robust therapies that lead to durable remission outcomes still remain a challenge in curing many malignancies as cancer cells may acquire clones that effectively evade the immune system. Cancer immunotherapeutic treatment strategies are quite complex. In extreme cases, hematopoietic stem cell recipients enlist an entire allogeneic T-cell repertoire to fight against a growing malignancy. Perhaps most importantly, the adaptive nature of the immune system uniquely enables this treatment approach to co-evolve alongside an evasive threat. However, this process is poorly quantified and thus merits further study in order to maximally benefit cancer patients. Here, we develop a theoretical framework to quantify the dynamics between a growing collection of cancer cells capable of acquiring multiple evasive clones and a T-cell repertoire that may eventually recognize the evading populations. We create the first mathematical model of stochastic tumor-immune co-evolution by applying principles of stochastic process theory. We demonstrate that our model agrees with experimental time-course data in solid and liquid cancers and relate differences in branched vs. clonal evolution to the stringency of immunosurveillance present during early cancer progression. We argue that the clonal dynamics observed in leukemia patients treated with T-cell transplant therapy likely arise from the selection of pre-existent immune-evasive clones. In conclusion, our co-evolutionary model recapitulates empirical observations and offers a framework for quantifiable predictions to further improve cancer immunotherapy. Citation Format: Jason Thomas George, Jeffrey J. Molldrem, Herbert Levine. Stochastic co-evolution of the adaptive immune system and an evading cancer population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1195.
Opinions concerning crowdsourcing applications in agriculture in D.C.

As big data has become increasingly necessary in modern farming techniques, the dependence on high quality and quantity of ground truthing data has risen. Collecting ground truthing data is one of the most labor-intensive aspects of the research process. A crowdsourcing platform application to aid laypeople in completing ground truthing data can improve the quality and quantity of data for growers and agricultural researchers. Focus groups were conducted to gauge opinions on crowdsourcing initiatives in agriculture to inform the design of the platform. Preliminary results demonstrate that the greatest motivation for the participants was having opportunities to develop their skills and access to educational resources. They also discussed having a finite timeframe for collecting the data, feeling appreciated by the researchers, and being informed on the context and next steps of the research. The results of these focus groups will be used to develop design prototypes for the crowdsourcing platform.
Delayed Rebounds in the Two-Ball Bounce Problem

In the classroom demonstration of the two-ball drop, some conditions lead to a "delayed rebound effect," with the second bounce of the upper ball higher than the first. This paper uses two models to explore the causes of this phenomenon. The classic independent contact model (ICM) is reviewed for the first bounce, and extended semi-analytically to the second bounce in the perfectly elastic case. A dynamical model based on a linear dashpot force is studied numerically. The delayed rebound effect is found for a range of parameters, most commonly in cases where the first bounce is lower than the ICM prediction.
Leader personality and crew effectiveness - A full-mission simulation experiment

A full-mission simulation research study was completed to assess the impact of individual personality on crew performance. Using a selection algorithm described by Chidester (1987), captains were classified as fitting one of three profiles along a battery of personality assessment scales. The performances of 23 crews led by captains fitting each profile were contrasted over a one and one-half day simulated trip. Crews led by captains fitting a positive Instrumental-Expressive profile (high achievement motivation and interpersonal skill) were consistently effective and made fewer errors. Crews led by captains fitting a Negative Expressive profile (below average achievement motivation, negative expressive style, such as complaining) were consistently less effective and made more errors. Crews led by captains fitting a Negative Instrumental profile (high levels of competitiveness, Verbal Aggressiveness, and Impatience and Irritability) were less effective on the first day but equal to the best on the second day. These results underscore the importance of stable personality variables as predictors of team coordination and performance.
Early Head Computed Tomography Abnormalities Associated with Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Background and purpose Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is recommended in severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI), yet invasive monitoring has risks, and many patients do not develop elevated ICP. Tools to identify patients at risk for ICP elevation are limited. We aimed to identify early radiologic biomarkers of ICP elevation. Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed a prospectively enrolled cohort of patients with a sTBI at an academic level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were nonpenetrating TBI, age ≥16 years, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≤8, and presence of an ICP monitor. Two independent reviewers manually evaluated 30 prespecified features on serial head computed tomography (CTs). Patient characteristics and radiologic features were correlated with elevated ICP. The primary outcome was clinically relevant ICP elevation, defined as ICP ≥ 20 mm Hg on at least 5 or more hourly recordings during postinjury days 0-7 with concurrent administration of an ICP-lowering treatment. Results Among 111 sTBI patients, the median GCS was 6 (interquartile range 3-8), and 45% had elevated ICP. Features associated with elevated ICP were younger age (every 10-year decrease, odds ratio [OR] 1.4), modified Fisher scale (mFS) score at 0-4 hours postinjury (every 1 point, OR 1.8), and combined volume of contusional hemorrhage and peri-hematoma edema (10 ml, OR 1.2) at 4-18 hours postinjury. Conclusions Younger age, mFS score, and volume of contusion are associated with ICP elevation in patients with a sTBI. Imaging features may stratify patients by their risk of subsequent ICP elevation.
A Novel Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Appended Domain Can Supply the Core Synthetase with Its Amino Acid Substrate

The structural organization and functionality of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been expanded through polypeptide additions to their core aminoacylation domain. We have identified a novel domain appended to the methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MetRS) of the intracellular pathogen Mycoplasma penetrans. Sequence analysis of this N-terminal region suggests the appended domain is an aminotransferase, which we demonstrate here. The aminotransferase domain of MpMetRS is capable of generating methionine from its α-keto acid analog, 2-keto-4-methylthiobutyrate (KMTB). The methionine thus produced can be subsequently attached to cognate tRNAMet in the MpMetRS aminoacylation domain. Genomic erosion in the Mycoplasma species has impaired many canonical biosynthetic pathways, causing them to rely on their host for numerous metabolites. It is still unclear if this bifunctional MetRS is a key part of pathogen life cycle or is a neutral consequence of the reductive evolution experienced by Mycoplasma species.
Early Childhood Education and Adult Depression: An Attrition Reanalysis With Inverse Propensity Score Weighting:

In a previous study of the Child-Parent Centers (CPC) education program, preschool participation was linked to a 4.6 percentage point reduction (26%) in depressive symptoms at ages 22-24 over the matched comparison group enrolling the usual programs. The present study reanalyzed these data in the Chicago Longitudinal Study to address potential attrition bias since more than a quarter of the sample was missing on the outcome. Using inverse probability weighting (IPW) involving 32 predictors of sample retention, findings for the 1,142 participants growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods indicated that CPC participation was associated with a 7.1 percentage point reduction (95% CI = [-9.7, -5.4]) in one or more depressive symptoms (39% reduction over the comparison group). Although this marginal effect was within the confidence interval of the original study (95% CI = [-9.5, 0.3]), the 54% increase in the point estimate is substantial and of practical significance, suggesting underestimation in the prior study. Alternative analysis of different predictors and IPW models, including adjustments for program selection and attrition together, yielded similar results. Findings indicate that high-quality early childhood programs continue to be an important strategy for the prevention of depression and its debilitating effects on individuals and families.
Information Delivery Methods for Management Decisions

Advances in technology have opened multiple formats of rapid communication for Extension personnel to communicate with clientele. Today, Extension personnel at many universities use webpages, social media, applications on smart phones, and many other ways to deliver timely messages to clientele. For example, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension provides a hotline for the latest information for pest and disease occurrence, distribution, and control. This has been expanded into text-based information delivery, which has been well accepted. North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota potato Extension website contains information on potato production, current issues and provides many resources for potato growers. In addition to the website, information is shared by Twitter and Facebook. An application providing growers with late blight and early blight risk, current weather information, and inversion warnings is a new project being delivered to growers since 2017. North Dakota State University provides pesticide information on the Pest Management application. This application also allows users to submit a picture for pest identification assistance. The use of the web as an archival source for traditional extension documents has been expanded to distance education with videos for continuing education credits. These methods, mixed with traditional field days, winter meetings, and Extension bulletins, are how Extension is reaching today’s potato farmer and industry with timely information.
No Cover-Up Here: A Descriptive Study of Observations of Coughing on Hands and the Lack of Proper Respiratory Hygiene Behaviors or Cough Etiquette. COVID-19 Update.

Four years of observing the respiratory hygiene behaviors or cough etiquette of people in public locations resulted in observing less than two percent properly covering their coughs and sneezes. 86% coughed into their hands, did not immediately clean them, and 11% did not cover their coughs or sneezes. To reduce the spread of respiratory infections there needs to be an increase in proper hygiene behaviors. This is the first study of directly observed respiratory hygiene behaviors while coughing and sneezing among the public in the United States. The study involved observations of 1000 c/s incidents by individuals in public locations, and was concluded at the end of June 2018. The result revealed the percentage of observed behaviors ranged from .3% to 86.2 %. This information is currently critical to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of COVID-19 illness. An addendum of observations during the pandemic resulted in observing that 38% did not cover at all, not even into their masks.
Psychometric Properties of the Brief Version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Background The Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (QOD-NS) is a 17-item instrument measuring olfactory-specific quality of life (QOL). However, in clinical research patients can be overwhelmed with multiple questionnaires. We recently developed the 7-item brief QOD-NS (B-QOD). Our objective was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the B-QOD in both the development (D) sample, and in a separate replication (R) sample. Methods Testing on D (n = 203) and R (n = 281) samples included initial exploratory factor analysis (EFA), followed by internal reliability, information loss, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Finally, incremental predictive utility analysis (IPUA) was performed by correlating the B-QOD with the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) survey. Results EFAs of both D and R demonstrated an underlying single-factor structure (eigenvalue = 4.17 and 3.57, respectively) with comparable loading factors (R > 0.30 for both). B-QOD also had good internal reliability in both D and R (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88 and 0.83, respectively). Also, there is minimal information loss with B-QOD compared to QOD-NS in both D and R (R = 0.98 and 0.96, respectively). CFA indicates that the B-QOD single-factor model has good overall fit as measured by the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Standardized Root Mean Squared Residuals (SRMSR) in the D and R samples (CFI = 0.99 and 0.97; SRMSR = 0.035 and 0.053). IPUA shows that the QOD-NS offers no additional predictive benefit of SNOT-22 scores when compared with B-QOD. Conclusion The 7-item B-QOD captures a structurally coherent and reliable single dimension, with minimal information loss and excellent external predictive utility when compared to the QOD-NS.
Independence and Objectivity of the Chinese National Audit Office

Independence and objectivity are essential credibility elements for the audit reports. A lack of literature on the independence of the Chinese National Audit Office (CNAO) prompted this paper to fill the void. Based on the audit reports submitted to the Chinese Congress, the CNAO has exhibited its rigorousness in the audit approaches, and its independence and objectivity. Despite the varying length of the reports, these reports comply with the auditing standards on audit reports stipulated by the CNAO. The findings benefit both the government and private audits, within and outside China. Future research could include longitudinal studies on the reports, and the economic and financial implications of these reports to the Congress and auditees. Cross border comparisons, in particular among the emerging economies, will add benefits to the policy makers and audit profession.
Contributions of individual cover crop species to rainfed maize production in semi-arid cropping systems

Abstract Cover crop (CC) species selection can contribute to reducing soil penetration resistance (brassica species), improved soil nitrogen (N) cycling (legume species), and suppression of weeds (grass species). However, one of the main concerns about including CCs in water-limited environments is soil water use and the consequences to subsequent crops. To determine the effects of individual CC species under water-limited environments, we evaluated fall and spring CC biomass produced, and soil water and N content, penetration resistance, weed density and biomass during the maize growing season, and maize grain yield. The experiment was conducted under a winter wheat-maize-fallow rotation at two locations (North Platte and Grant, NE) during 2016−2017 and 2017−2018 (four site-years). Treatments consisted of seven popular CC species plus a control (fallow), planted after winter wheat harvest. Spring oats, Siberian kale, and purple top turnip produced greater fall biomass, while cereal rye produced the greatest amount of spring biomass. However, cereal rye reduced soil volumetric water content in North Platte 2016−2017 and increased soil penetration resistance from 20–30 cm soil depth across site-years likely due to soil water use. Spring cover crop growth suppressed weeds early in the maize growing season. Due to its aboveground biomass production, cereal rye decreased weed density and biomass by 80 and 88 %, respectively, compared to the fallow treatment. On the other hand, except for brassicas, CCs decreased N levels in the soil during maize growing season, and all CC species reduced maize grain yield up to 30 % compared to fallow (except spring oats). Spring oats can be an alternative to cereal rye as CC species for semi-arid regions. However, since CCs did not promote any maize yield gain, our findings suggest that producers should use caution when incorporating CCs in their cropping systems in water-limited environments. This research provides valuable information on the potential impact of CCs on rainfed maize production, as well as help producers and agronomists develop better CC management programs for cropping systems in semi-arid regions.
Editorial overview: The assessment, etiology, and treatment of unipolar depression

Major depressive disorder is a common, recurrent, and impairing condition that predicts future suicide attempts, interpersonal problems, unemployment, substance abuse, and delinquency [1,2]. According to the World Health Organization, 121 million people are currently suffering from MDD and it is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The annual economic cost of MDD in the U.S. alone due to medical expenditures, lost productivity, and other costs is substantial [3]. Given its public health significance, a substantial amount of effort is devoted each year to developing a better understanding of how to best assess, understand, and treat depression. This special issue in Current Opinions in Psychology is devoted to presenting some of the most exciting and innovative psychological research in the area of depression. The work presented in this issue falls into several (overlapping) categories: (a) depression assessment, (b) etiology of depression, (c) maintenance of depression, (d) innovative treatments, (e) established treatments, and (f) predictors of treatment response. I will briefly describe the articles in each category with the hope that this brief review whets your appetite and encourages you to read the full article.
Exploring a New Structure Family: Alkali Borosulfates Na5[B(SO4)4], A3[B(SO4)3] (A: K, Rb), Li[B(SO4)2], and Li[B(S2O7)2].

The crystal structures of the title compounds are based on corner-linked BO4 and SO4 tetrahedra with varying coordination of the alkali cations.
Antibacterial and pro-resolving mechanisms in lung diseases: role of C-type lectin receptors (INM2P.430)

Lower respiratory tract infection with bacteria can lead to sepsis development, a complex immune disorder with systemic hyperinflammation. There are currently no effective therapies for sepsis. To understand the function of specific pulmonary components in regulation of immune responses in this immune disorder, we utilize an acute pulmonary bacterial infection model of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPn). Nosocomial infections with this opportunistic pathogen account for 5-20% of Gram-negative sepsis cases. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), expressed mainly by myeloid cells, can shape immune responses in diverse pathological conditions. However, their role in development of pneumonic sepsis is unknown. Our preliminary analysis of a panel of CLRs showed an upregulated expression of two CLRs, Clec4d and Clec4e in the lungs of KPn infected mice. While the wild-type mice were able to resolve a sublethal pneumonic KPn infection, the Clec4d-/- and Clec4e-/- mice displayed increased susceptibility with a progressive increase in bacterial burden, hyperinflammatory response and massive accumulation of neutrophils in lungs. Importantly, we show that coordinated function of Clec4d and Clec4e in neutrophils during bacterial pneumonia, and in a chronic lung disease, leads to control of bacterial growth and hyperinflammation by regulating phagocytosis and efferocytosis (clearance of dead cells). Our studies provide novel insights into regulation of inflammatory derangements in immune disorders.
Annexin V-CLIO: a nanoparticle for detecting apoptosis by MRI.

Annexin V, which recognizes the phosphatidylserine of apoptotic cells, was conjugated to crosslinked iron oxide (CLIO) nanoparticles, a functionalized superparamagnetic preparation developed for target-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The resulting nanoparticle had an average of 2.7 annexin V proteins linked per CLIO nanoparticle through disulfide bonds. Using camptothecin to induce apoptosis, a mixture of Jurkat T cells (69% healthy and 31% apoptotic) was incubated with annexin V – CLIO and was applied to magnetic columns. The result was an almost complete removal of the apoptotic cells ( >99%). In a phantom MRI experiment, untreated control cells (12% apoptotic cells, 88% healthy cells) and camptothecin-treated cells (65% apoptotic cells, 35% healthy cells) were incubated with either annexin V – CLIO (1.0, 0.5, and 0.1 mg Fe/mL) or with unlabeled CLIO. A significant signal decrease of camptothecin-treated cells relative to untreated cells was observed even at the lowest concentration tested. Unmodified CLIO failed to cause a significant signal change of apoptotic cells. Hence, annexin V – CLIO allowed the identification of cell suspensions containing apoptotic cells by MRI even at very low concentrations of magnetic substrate. Conjugation of annexin V to CLIO affords a strategy for the development of a MRI imaging probe for detecting apoptosis. Mol Imaging (2002) 1, 102 – 107.
Smart-lint: improving the verification flow

As design features increase and sizes shrink and more transistors are squeezed into a system-on-a-chip (SoC) IC, the sheer number of on-chip devices far outstrips a design team's ability to harness the full benefits of all the transistors. Furthermore, according to a Synopsys survey, one of the main reasons for bugs in first silicon designs is logic bugs. To address those needs the EDA community provides a large set of tools for the logic designer that includes simulation, formal verification and linting among others. To fully benefit from these tools, the logic design teams should use them as one environment rather than as separate tools. In this paper, we will demonstrate how this usage of linting, simulation and formal verification as one environment can provide a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts. Several groups at Intel from the Digital Enterprise Group (DEG) and the Mobility Group (MG) are reporting good results by using this flow.
Sweets, Sex, or Self-Esteem? Comparing the Value of Self-Esteem Boosts With Other Pleasant Rewards

Many people ascribe great value to self-esteem, but how much value? Do people value self-esteem more than other pleasant activities, such as eating sweets and having sex? Two studies of college students (Study 1: N=130; Study 2: N=152) showed that people valued boosts to their self-esteem more than they valued eating a favorite food and engaging in a favorite sexual activity. Study 2 also showed that people valued self-esteem more than they valued drinking alcohol, receiving a paycheck, and seeing a best friend. Both studies found that people who highly valued self-esteem engaged in laboratory tasks to boost their self-esteem. Finally, personality variables interacted with these value ratings. Entitled people thought they were more deserving of all pleasant rewards, even though they did not like them all that much (both studies), and people who highly value self-esteem pursued potentially maladaptive self-image goals, presumably to elevate their self-esteem (Study 2).
Hydrograph for small basins following intense storms

[1] We show how diffusive fluxes based on Darcy's law define groundwater hydrographs following sharp perturbations on the hydraulic head. The derived normalized hydrograph is based on a single fitting parameter, the time constant “b”, and has great semblance to observed discharge hydrographs for many karst springs and small rivers following rainfall events. Observed time constants increase with basin area but at a given site decrease as peak flows increase. The predicted interval between a pulse in head and the resultant peak flow is equal to 2b/3. Longer delays are observed between actual rainfall events and peak flows because the head perturbation must postdate the rainfall.
Retention of stemness and vasculogenic potential of human umbilical cord blood stem cells after repeated expansions on PES-nanofiber matrices.

Abstract Despite recent advances in cardiovascular medicine, ischemic diseases remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although stem cell-based therapies for the treatment of ischemic diseases show great promise, limited availability of biologically functional stem cells mired the application of stem cell-based therapies. Previously, we reported a PES-nanofiber based ex vivo stem cell expansion technology, which supports expansion of human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived CD133 + /CD34 + progenitor cells ∼225 fold. Herein, we show that using similar technology and subsequent re-expansion methods, we can achieve ∼5 million-fold yields within 24 days of the initial seeding. Interestingly, stem cell phenotype was preserved during the course of the multiple expansions. The high level of the stem cell homing receptor, CXCR4 was expressed in the primary expansion cells, and was maintained throughout the course of re-expansions. In addition, re-expanded cells preserved their multi-potential differential capabilities in vitro , such as, endothelial and smooth muscle lineages. Moreover, biological functionality of the re-expanded cells was preserved and was confirmed by a murine hind limb ischemia model for revascularization. These cells could also be genetically modified for enhanced vasculogenesis. Immunohistochemical evidences support enhanced expression of angiogenic factors responsible for this enhanced neovascularization. These data further confirms that nanofiber-based ex-vivo expansion technology can generate sufficient numbers of biologically functional stem cells for potential clinical applications.
Adaptive Checkpointing for Master-Worker Style Parallelism

We present a transparent, system-level checkpointing solution for master-worker parallelism that automatically adapts, upon restore, to the number of processor nodes available. We call this adaptive checkpointing. This is important, since nodes in a cluster fail. It also allows one to adapt to using mutliple cluster partitions, as they become available. Checkpointing a master-worker computation has the additional advantage of needing to checkpoint only the master process. This is both fast (0.05 s in our case), and more economical of disk space. We describe a system-level solution. The application writer does not declare what data structures to checkpoint. Furthermore, the solution is transparent. The application writer need not add code to request a checkpoint at appropriate locations. The system-level strategy avoids the labor-intensive and error-prone work of explicitly checkpointing the many data structures of a large program
Designing a resourceful fault-tolerance system

This paper examines the feasibility of creating a "resourceful" software fault-tolerance system. Current fault-tolerant methods typically replace a faulty module with a redundant backup version, making no attempt to assess and correct errors in the original module. Error-recovery options are therefore limited by the number of backup modules. In contrast, a resourceful system dynamically generates alternative error-correction strategies. Periodically, the system determines which of its pre-defined goals has not been met, then executes different strategies until its goals are achieved. We outline a resourceful fault-tolerance system that defines recovery goals and specifies separate detection and correction procedures for each goal. When errors are detected, various sequences of correction procedures are examined to identify ones that meet the recovery goals. Implementation issues such as specifying recovery goals, creating recovery options, and reducing runtime overhead are examined. We describe a strategy to increase the efficiency of our method by planning each recovery before implementing it, eliminating strategies expected to be unsuccessful, impractical, or cyclical.
Why the kidney glomerulus does not clog: A gel permeation/diffusion hypothesis of renal function

Current interpretations of kidney function in terms of a coarse filter followed by a fine filter have difficulty explaining why the glomerulus does not clog. I propose, as an alternative, a semiquantitative hypothesis that assumes that the size-selective property of the glomerulus is a consequence of the limited fraction of space in the glomerular basement membrane (a concentrated gel) into which macromolecules can permeate. The glomerular epithelial cell slits and slit diaphragms are assumed to impose substantial resistance to liquid flow across the glomerulus without acting as a molecular sieve. Calculations based on gel behavior show that proteins cross the glomerular basement membrane mainly by diffusion rather than by liquid flow, whereas water crosses entirely by flow. Thus, diffusion provides most of the protein, whereas flow provides the diluent. As a result, the single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (GFR) becomes a prime factor in (inversely) determining the concentration of proteins in early proximal tubular fluid. Because the reabsorption of proteins from the tubules is a saturable process, the gel permeation/diffusion hypothesis readily accounts for the albuminuria observed when single-nephron GFR is substantially reduced by severe pathological decreases in slit diaphragm length, such as occur in minimal-change nephrotic syndrome in humans, in animals treated with puromycin aminonucleoside, or in humans or animals with mutations in the gene coding for nephrin. My hypothesis predicts that albuminuria will ensue, even with a normal kidney, if the single-nephron GFR falls below ≈50% of normal.
A one-dimensional interactive soil-atmosphere model for testing formulations of surface hydrology

A model representing a soil-atmosphere column in a GCM is developed for off-line testing of GCM soil hydrology parameterizations. Repeating three representative GCM sensitivity experiments with this one-dimensional model demonstrates that, to first order, the model reproduces a GCM's sensitivity to imposed changes in parameterization and therefore captures the essential physics of the GCM. The experiments also show that by allowing feedback between the soil and atmosphere, the model improves on off-line tests that rely on prescribed precipitation, radiation, and other surface forcing.
Coordinating production and shipment decisions in a two-stage supply chain with time-sensitive demand

This paper investigates a supply chain system consisting of one manufacturer who receives an order from a single retailer and then coordinates a production and shipment schedule to fulfill the retailer's order as quickly and cost effectively as possible. It is assumed that the neither the manufacturer nor the retailer has inventory on hand at the time the retailer's order is received by the manufacturer, and that the demand rate at the retailer is constant. It is also assumed that shortages at the retailer result in lost sales penalties. In this setting, lost sales penalties are incurred during the time in which the retailer has no inventory on hand, which illustrates the time-sensitive nature of the demand. We derive the manufacturer's optimal production and shipping policy for the case in which the retailer controls the supply chain relationship, and also for the case in which the manufacturer controls the relationship.
Isotope effect for self-diffusion in Ge

Although diffusion processes in elemental semiconductors have been extensively studied for nearly two decades, considerable controversy still exists over basic aspects of the diffusion process. In Ge, the vacancy mechanism is considered largely compatible with both experiment and theory but direct, experimental evidence indicating the single vacancy as the mechanism of self-diffusion at high temperature has not been previously offered. A radiotracer diffusion measurement can, in principle, identify the mechanism of self-diffusion via the isotope effect. This measurement was performed by simultaneously diffusing the isotopes $^{77}\mathrm{Ge}$ and $^{71}\mathrm{Ge}$ into single crystal, intrinsic Ge at temperatures of 900 and 925\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. In each of four runs the relative diffusivities of the two isotopes were measured from which four values of $f\ensuremath{\Delta} K$ ranging from 0.25 to 0.31 could be determined. The results are consistent with a single vacancy mechanism for which the correlation factor $f$ is 0.5, placing $\ensuremath{\Delta} K$ in the range 0.5 to 0.6.
A model equation for steady surface waves over a bump

The objective of this paper is to study the solutions of a model equation for steady surface waves on an ideal fluid over a semicircular or semielliptical bump. For upstream Froude number F>1, we show that the numerical solution of the equation has two branches and there is a cut-off value of F below which no solution exists. For F<1, the problem is reformulated to overcome the so-called infinite-mass dilemma. A branch of solutions and a cut-off value of F, above which no solution exists, are found. Furthermore, we also obtain a branch of hydraulic-fall solutions which decrease monotonically from upstream to downstream.
The Absolute Saturation of Cubic Cobalt

With an ellipsoid of cobalt, quenched so as to be in the cubic state, and Weiss' method of extracting the ellipsoid from the field of a powerful electromagnet, the magnetization was measured for a given temperature but increasing field strengths. With Weiss' formula for the approach to saturation the magnetization for infinite field was calculated. The Weiss formula fitted the upper half of the experimental curve within 0.03 percent. When the saturation magnetizations, ${\mathrm{J}}_{\mathrm{ST}}$, obtained for 13 temperatures were plotted against the square of the absolute temperature a straight line was obtained. When this was extrapolated to absolute zero the saturation intensity (${\mathrm{J}}_{\mathrm{SO}}$) was found to be 1418. By plotting $\frac{{\mathrm{J}}_{\mathrm{ST}}}{{\mathrm{J}}_{\mathrm{SO}}}$ against ${(\frac{\mathrm{T}}{\ensuremath{\theta}})}^{2}$, $\ensuremath{\theta}$ being the Curie point, the line obtained coincided with that for iron and nickel, but not with the curve for hexagonal cobalt nor the line found for orthorhombic crystals. It is indicated that crystal structure plays an important part in ferromagnetism.
THIS OLD HEART: CARDIAC AGING AND AUTOPHAGY

Autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, is essential to maintain tissue homeostasis, particularly in long-lived cells such as cardiomyocytes. Autophagic activity declines with age and may explain many features of age-related cardiac dysfunction. In this review we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding age-related changes in autophagy in the heart. Recent findings from studies in human hearts are presented, including evidence that the autophagic response is intact in the aged human heart. Impaired autophagic clearance of protein aggregates or deteriorating mitochondria will have multiple consequences including increased arrhythmia risk, decreased contractile function, reduced tolerance to ischemic stress, and increased inflammation; thus autophagy represents a potentially important therapeutic target to mitigate the cardiac consequences of aging. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled CV Aging.
Information technology education and employment for women in Kenya

Sub-Saharan Africa women have historically assumed the roles of housewife and subsistence farmer. However, with the global growth of information and communications technologies (ICT) and digital divide interventions, women are enrolling in university programs which prepare them for employment in the formal workforce. In this paper, we present a study in which we interviewed 32 women enrolled in an ICT program at a Kenyan university. The interviews examined the women's responses to the program as well as the women's experiences in seeking and securing ICT-related employment. Our findings indicate that women were highly optimistic, embracing ICT as a practical mechanism for achieving entree into the labor force and empowering women. However they perceive significant structural barriers, such as gender discrimination in hiring practices, organization's inability to recognize their mix of technical and business competencies, and national ICT policies which did not support the growth in the technology sector.
On the existence of a class of invertible FIR filters for spectral shaping

This paper presents a proof for the existence of a class of LTI causal IFIRF converting spectrum of an arbitrary stationary input process to an output with prescribed set of normalized autocorrelation samples. The input is an MA, AR, or ARMA process of finite order, with or without additive white noise, whose stable model may or may not be minimum phase. The prescribed values of finite number of output autocorrelation lags (except lag zero) may or may not all be equal to zero. The FIR filter is minimum phase and of finite order. It is derived from the predefined input and output autocorrelation samples directly using no intermediate filtering stage or minimization of a cost function. The filters' output autocorrelation lags match the prescribed values precisely. Such a filter provides an alternative solution to the problem of finding a causal IFIRF for spectral shaping in statistical signal processing applications.
Epitaxial theory of polytypism; observations on the growth of PbI2 crystals

Abstract Equilibrium thermodynamic theories of polytypism are discussed and rejected in favor of a non-equilibrium screw-dislocation theory. It is suggested that the parent dislocation originates through epitaxial growth on a foreign nucleus, whereas Frank's theory assumes that the dislocation originates through buckling and slip of an otherwise perfect protoplate of the crystal. Observations on gel-grown PbI 2 crystals support the present view, and observed discrepancies, which are difficult to explain on Frank's theory, can now be accounted for in a simple manner.
Bent Chemical Bonds: Present theories and experimental results concerning electrons in some specific molecules are discussed.

The obvious and not original conclusion is that the results obtained from considerations of sp3 hybridization in the substituted methanes breaks down as soon as all of the bonding atoms are not equivalent. Indeed, the concept of sp3 localized carbon hybrids may be invalid even for tetrahedral molecules like CCl4 where the result of tetrahedral angles may be inferred from a naive hard sphere model. In other words the electrons in CCl4 have a more delocalized molecular quality than the apparently more localized atomic quality in CH4. This result implies that perhaps a Hartree-Fock treatment of the outer valence electrons in the substituted methanes (frozen inner atomic shells) might give a fairly good description of the electron distribution. On the other hand, the valence bond method would have to be carried well past the convenient approximation of perfect pairing. McWeeny and Ohno (23) were quite optimistic about the frozen inner atomic shell approximation in their treatment of H2O. As far as the strained small-ring compounds it appears the bending of a bond is a function of where one decides to draw the line between localized and delocalized character. Finally, no more appropriate ending could be contrived than a classic quote by Professor R. S. Mulliken (37), "I believe the chemical bond is not so simple as some people seem to think."
Effect of heterologous antibody on human platelet prostaglandin synthesis.

Rabbit anti-human platelet antiserum (RPA) has been shown to mediate human platelet aggregation and 14C-serotonin release. This effect is not inhibited by aspirin. However, it is not known whether antibody induces platelet prostaglandin synthesis. We, therefore, investigated the effect of RPA on human platelets by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) production as a reflection of prostaglandin synthesis and comparing it with 14C-serotonin release. Independently, ATP release was also measured as a further measure of platelet secretion. Normal rabbit serum did produce a small amount of MDA (0.54 ± 0.09 SEM nmole/109 platelets). However, RPA produced a much larger amount of MDA (1.43 ± 0.18 nmole/109 platelets) and pre-incubation with aspirin significantly decreased MDA production (0,16 ± 0.07 nmole/109 platelets) (p < 001). Aspirin did not significantly impair the capacity of RPA to release 14C-serotonin or ATP. These results demonstrate that prostaglandin synthesis occurs when heterologous antibody is added to ...