cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered Pollination Ecology of a Native Plant Species in the Presence of an Attractive Non-Native Plant Species

Numerous plant species have been introduced to non-native environments across the globe. Daucus carota was introduced to North America from Europe. Its extensive presence on Nantucket, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, has been documented at least since the nineteenth century. To address whether the presence of D. carota affects the pollination of native species on Nantucket, we sought to answer three questions: 1) Does the presence of D. carota increase pollinator visits and diversity on Sericocarpus asteroides? 2) Does the removal of D. carota restore pollinator visits and diversities to those found in plots with only S. asteroides? and 3) Is there a relationship between the amount of heterospecific pollen and distance to the nearest D. carota population? To answer these questions, we determined that both species attract the same pollinators by first observing pollinator visits on D. carota, then performing the same observational study on S. asteroides. We recorded pollinator visitors in S. asteroides populations that were in allopatry and sympatry with D. carota. We followed this study with a manipulative experiment within sympatric plots in which we removed D. carota inflorescences and again recorded pollinator visits. In addition, we assayed S. asteroides inflorescences from a range of distances from D. carota for the presence of heterospecific pollen. Both species were generalist pollinated, and S. asteroides received more visits in the presence of D. carota. After the removal of D. carota inflorescences, the number and diversity of visitors declined. Finally, whereas populations of S. asteroides close to D. carota receive more overall pollen, there was no increase in heterospecific pollen.
Emasculation Technique Reduces Seedset in Solanum verrucosum

The potato crop has much exotic related germplasm, so optimizing the techniques for obtaining hybrid seeds from interspecific crosses is of interest to potato researchers and breeders, especially when the cross of interest is very difficult and few hybrid seeds are expected per pollination. A model plant of Solanum verrucosum (a particularly useful wild bridge species) was selected to have very uniform and robust flower and seed production in natural crosses as a backdrop for detecting effects of different emasculation techniques. For three uniform buds in single inflorescences, one was pollinated naturally (N) after no emasculation, one was emasculated by gently opening the corolla and plucking out only the immature anthers (A) with a tweezer, and one had total (T) removal of the sepals, corolla and anthers with a tweezers. Pollen of a highly fertile diploid tuberosum male was applied uniformly to all three buds within an inflorescence one day later. No pistil abortion occurred, excluding that as a limiting factor for getting hybrid seed. But both average fruit weight and average seeds per fruit were highly significantly reduced by emasculation in the pattern T < A < N, suggesting that the increasing physical trauma of emasculation progressively reduces seedset in S. verrucosum. In contrast, in similar crosses made within tuberosum cultivar females, pistil abortion was the only significant factor limiting hybrid seedset. We conclude that it could be valuable to find alternatives to physical emasculation for preventing selfing.
Promoting statewide discipline reform through professional development with administrators

Researchers and policymakers have written extensively about the lack of evidence for the use of suspension and expulsion in schools and the disproportionate impact among racial and ethnic minoritie...
Talking With the 'Hermit Regime'| An Unlikely Seducer: Kim Jong-un’s Charm Offensive From the PyeongChang Winter Olympics Until the Trump–Kim Summit

This article analyzes North Korea’s image transformation in 2018 through the concept of charm offensive. A charm offensive is a diplomatic strategy in which countries aim to shift a problematic international image by harnessing their national leader’s personal magnetism to the task. We examine North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s charm offensive in the American and South Korean press from his 2018 New Year Day’s Address until his meeting with the U.S. President on June 12, 2018. During these six months, Kim used various methods to charm his audience, from enlisting family members to crossing the demilitarized zone to even participating in a selfie. In return, in President Trump’s communication he was miraculously transformed from a “little rocket man” to an “honorable” leader. Through thematic analysis of the press coverage, we demonstrate that both American and South Korean journalists were transfixed by Kim’s conciliatory gestures, but “charm offensive” was a term and mindset favored only by American journalists.
Tailoring microbes to upgrade lignin

Abstract Lignin depolymerization generates a mixture of numerous compounds that are difficult to separate cost-effectively. To address this heterogeneity issue, microbes have been employed to ‘biologically funnel’ a broad range of compounds present in depolymerized lignin into common central metabolites that can be converted into a single desirable product. Because the composition of depolymerized lignin varies significantly with the type of biomass and the depolymerization method, microbes should be selected and engineered by considering this compositional variation. An ideal microbe must efficiently metabolize all relevant lignin-derived compounds regardless of the compositional variation of feedstocks, but discovering or developing such a perfect microbe is very challenging. Instead, developing multiple tailored microbes to tolerate a given mixture of lignin-derived compounds and to convert most of these into a target product is more practical. This review summarizes recent progress toward the development of such microbes for lignin valorization and offers future directions.
Adverse Cardiovascular Events Associated With Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate national trends in major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in female pelvic reconstructive surgery (FPRS). METHODS Data from the National Inpatient Sample was used to identify women undergoing FPRS between 2012 and 2016. Demographic, procedural, and comorbidity data were collected. Patients were stratified into those with and without MACCE (defined as all-cause mortality, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction (MI) and acute ischemic stroke). Descriptive statistics are expressed as medians and interquartile ranges. Pairwise analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum or Fisher exact test as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for MACCE. RESULTS During the study period, 53,540 patients underwent FPRS. The rate of MACCE was 4.8 per 1000 surgeries; MI, 3.7; acute ischemic stroke, 0.6; cardiac arrest, 0.4; and all-cause mortality, 0.3. Patients experiencing MACCE were more likely to have major preexisting cardiovascular comorbidities, coagulopathy, neurologic disease (ND), and diabetes and were more likely to undergo robotic colpopexy (20.7% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001), vaginal colpopexy (32.0% vs 28.5%, P = 0.04), and to receive a blood transfusion (8.2% vs 2.5%, P < 0.001).On logistic regression, preexisting coagulopathy was the strongest predictor of MACCE (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.39-12.78), followed by blood transfusion (aOR, 4.84; 95% CI, 1.89-12.45), congestive heart failure (aOR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.56-8.37), ND (aOR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.23-8.06), and electrolyte abnormalities (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.05-3.99). CONCLUSION Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after FPRS is a rare event, with MI being the most common manifestation. Preexisting ND, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, electrolyte disturbances, and perioperative transfusions are strongly associated with MACCE.
A Novel Lithium-ion Battery Pack Modeling Framework - Series-Connected Case Study

In this paper, a novel physics-based modeling framework is developed for lithium ion battery packs. To address a gap in the literature for pack-level simulation, we establish a high fidelity physics-based model that incorporates electrochemical-thermal-aging behavior for each cell and which is then upscaled at the pack level by incorporating electrical and thermal interaction terms. Such a construct is suitable both for performance analysis upon cell heterogeneity as well as control and optimization for on-board operation. Governing equations in the form of Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) are discretized into a system of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) using Finite Difference and Finite Volume methods and reformulated into state-space models for both cell and pack dynamics. Computational time studies are conducted to demonstrate the effects of spatial discretization fidelity and pack size on simulation time. Pack model predictive capabilities are exercised by inducing hetereogeinity in the cell design parameters and effects of parameter perturbation are shown for pack voltage and energy responses. The goal for this modeling framework is to provide a computationally-feasible and easily scalable platform for high-fidelity offline simulation and optimization without compromising the integrity of cell dynamics across multiple time scales.
Abstract 3444: Intratumor regulatory T cells prevent IFN-gamma-dependent tumor vessel regression and can be selectively targeted by anti-CD25 near-infrared photoimmunotherapy

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play pivotal roles in inhibiting anti-tumor immunity at different phases and locations (priming phase in lymph node and effector phase in tumor tissue) through their ability to suppress the function of T, NK, and antigen-presenting cells. However, our knowledge about the roles of Tregs in tumor immunity has largely derived from analyses after systemic depletion of Tregs or systemic manipulation of Treg functions in murine tumor models. The specific roles that intra- and extra-tumor Tregs play remain unclear due to technical difficulties to deplete or manipulate Tregs in a spatially specific manner. In order to achieve spatially specific depletion of Tregs in a clinically applicable manner, we have previously developed an anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), in which an intravenous injection of IR700-conjugated anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 followed by irradiation of near-infrared light on tumors achieves selective depletion of intratumor Tregs and suppresses tumor growth. The suppression of tumor growth by the anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 NIR-PIT depends on CD8 T and NK cells and their production of IFN-γ; however, the exact target of IFN-γ and the mechanisms of tumor regression remain to be elucidated. In this study, we aimed to dissect the mechanisms of the anti-tumor effect of intratumor Treg depletion by anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 NIR-PIT using a series of Ifngr1 knockout mice models including bone-marrow chimera and conditional knockout models. Unexpectedly, we found that the target of IFN-γ in anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 NIR-PIT was endothelial cells of tumor vessels. In both MC38 and EO771 tumor models (murine colon and breast cancer, respectively), CD8 T cells, NK cells, and Tregs were mainly located along the tumor vessels, and depletion of intratumor Tregs by anti-CD25 F(ab9)2 NIR-PIT induced IFN-γ expression from these perivascular CD8 T and NK cells for up to 6 hours. This transient but synchronized induction of IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling along tumor vessels caused rapid vessel regression, intratumor ischemia, and apoptotic death of tumor cells. Combination with IL-15 treatment further eradicated residual tumor cells to achieve complete remission of MC38 and EO771 tumors. Citation Format: Yutaka Kurebayashi, Peter L. Choyke, Hisataka Kobayashi, Noriko Sato. Intratumor regulatory T cells prevent IFN-gamma-dependent tumor vessel regression and can be selectively targeted by anti-CD25 near-infrared photoimmunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3444.
Emotional Outcomes of Casual Sexual Relationships and Experiences: A Systematic Review

Casual sexual relationships and experiences (CSREs) are common and emotionally significant occurrences. Given the uncommitted, often emotionally complicated nature of CSREs, researchers have asked whether these experiences may have positive and/or negative emotional consequences. We reviewed 71 quantitative articles examining emotional outcomes of CSREs, including subjective emotional reactions (e.g., excitement, regret) and emotional health (e.g., depression, self-esteem). Overall, people evaluated their CSREs more positively than negatively. In contrast, CSREs were associated with short-term declines in emotional health in most studies examining changes in emotional health within a year of CSRE involvement. Emotional outcomes of CSREs differed across people and situations. Women and individuals with less permissive attitudes toward CSREs experienced worse emotional outcomes of CSREs. Alcohol use prior to CSREs, not being sexually satisfied, and not knowing a partner well were also associated with worse emotional outcomes. These findings suggest directions for prevention/intervention related to CSREs. For example, skill-building related to sexual decision-making may help individuals decide whether, and under what circumstances, CSREs are likely to result in positive or negative emotional outcomes. In addition, the limitations of extant research suggest directions for future inquiry (e.g., examining whether verbal and nonverbal consent practices predict emotional outcomes of CSREs).
Black Youths' perceptions of school cultural pluralism, school climate and the mediating role of racial identity.

Abstract Researchers have become interested in the school climate experiences of Black youth given findings of less positive evaluations of school climate in comparison to their other-race peers. School support for cultural pluralism, also referred to as school support for cultural diversity, has been regarded as one aspect of school climate, but is sometimes distinct from Black youth's ratings of general perceptions of school climate. This project sought to understand the relationship between Black students' perceptions of school support for cultural pluralism and perceptions of school climate. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to determine whether previous perceptions of school support for cultural pluralism predicted later perceptions of school climate in a sample of 336 Black adolescents (Mage = 13.74 years). Furthermore, racial identity was explored as the mechanism through which school support for cultural pluralism impacted school climate appraisals, and differences between Black boys (N = 151) and Black girls (N = 185) were tested. Results confirmed that Black youth who rated their school as being supportive of culturally pluralism had more positive ratings of school climate during the following school year after controlling for the previous year's school climate ratings. However, the mediating role of racial identity differed for Black boys and Black girls, underscoring the need for intersectional research for Black youth and the importance of racial identity. We conclude with a discussion regarding the importance of racial/ethnic identity and pluralism within the school context, as well as, the unique role of school psychologists as preventionists and advocates of change within schools.
Neutral Hydrogen 21 Centimeter Absorption at Redshift 0.673 toward 1504+377

We detect the 21 cm line of neutral hydrogen in absorption at a redshift of 0.673 toward the 1 Jy radio source 1504+377. The 1504+377 radio source is located toward the center of what appears to be an inclined disk galaxy at z = 0.674. The 21 cm absorption line shows multiple velocity components over a velocity range of about 100 km s-1, with a total H I column density of N(H I) = 3.8 × 1019(Ts/f) cm-2. The velocity-integrated optical depth of this system is the largest yet seen for redshifted H I 21 cm absorption-line systems. The 21 cm absorption line is coincident in redshift with a previously detected broad molecular absorption line system. We do not detect H I 21 cm absorption associated with the narrow molecular absorption line system at z = 0.67150, nor do we detect absorption at these redshifts by the 18 cm lines of OH, nor by the 2 cm transition of H2CO. There is no evidence for a bright optical active galactic nucleus (AGN) in 1504+377, suggesting significant obscuration through the disk—a hypothesis supported by the strong absorption observed. The 1504+377 system resembles the "red quasar" PKS 1413+135, which has been modeled as an optically obscured AGN with a very young radio jet in the center of a gas-rich disk galaxy. The presence of very bright radio jets at the centers of these two disk galaxies presents a challenge to unification schemes for extragalactic radio sources and to models for the formation of radio-loud AGNs.
Molecular switch architecture determines response properties of signaling pathways

Many intracellular signaling pathways are composed of molecular switches, proteins that transition between two states—on and off. Typically, signaling is initiated when an external stimulus activates its cognate receptor that, in turn, causes downstream switches to transition from off to on using one of the following mechanisms: activation, in which the transition rate from the off state to the on state increases; derepression, in which the transition rate from the on state to the off state decreases; and concerted, in which activation and derepression operate simultaneously. We use mathematical modeling to compare these signaling mechanisms in terms of their dose–response curves, response times, and abilities to process upstream fluctuations. Our analysis elucidates several operating principles for molecular switches. First, activation increases the sensitivity of the pathway, whereas derepression decreases sensitivity. Second, activation generates response times that decrease with signal strength, whereas derepression causes response times to increase with signal strength. These opposing features allow the concerted mechanism to not only show dose–response alignment, but also to decouple the response time from stimulus strength. However, these potentially beneficial properties come at the expense of increased susceptibility to upstream fluctuations. We demonstrate that these operating principles also hold when the models are extended to include additional features, such as receptor removal, kinetic proofreading, and cascades of switches. In total, we show how the architecture of molecular switches govern their response properties. We also discuss the biological implications of our findings.
Searching Apparel Online: What Words Do We Use?

Patterns of searching for apparel products online are important to examine to understand consumer behavior and to facilitate clear communication about apparel. The purpose of this study was to determine, when searching online, words commonly used for intrinsic construction features of apparel. The survey used included 12 pictures of primary garment construction features followed by the open-ended question: “You are searching for this specific clothing feature on Google as pictured above. What keywords would you use to find it?” After data collection was completed on Amazon Turk, the responses were analyzed the data for themes. Thirty-one trained sewers and 686 other participants completed the survey. Categories found were aesthetics (e.g., party, trendy),construction (e.g. sewing), color, fabrication (e.g. denim) and type of garment(e.g. dress). Further research includes developing, testing, and administering a multiple-choice survey developed from the results, and examining words associated with additional garment features.
Distributed Learning over a Wireless Network with FSK-Based Majority Vote.

In this study, we propose an over-the-air computation (AirComp) scheme for federated edge learning (FEEL). The proposed scheme relies on the concept of distributed learning by majority vote (MV) with sign stochastic gradient descend (signSGD). As compared to the state-of-the-art solutions, with the proposed method, edge devices (EDs) transmit the signs of local stochastic gradients by activating one of two orthogonal resources, i.e., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers, and the MVs at the edge server (ES) are obtained with non-coherent detectors by exploiting the energy accumulations on the subcarriers. Hence, the proposed scheme eliminates the need for channel state information (CSI) at the EDs and ES. By taking path loss, power control, cell size, and the probabilistic nature of the detected MVs in fading channel into account, we prove the convergence of the distributed learning for a non-convex function. Through simulations, we show that the proposed scheme can provide a high test accuracy in fading channels even when the time-synchronization and the power alignment at the ES are not ideal. We also provide insight into distributed learning for location-dependent data distribution for the MV-based schemes.
Development of a theoretical framework for examining youth worker perspectives on their relationships with adolescents and emerging adults in the United States

It is important to understand how youth workers perceive their work with clients to support them in facilitating positive outcomes (e.g., gainful employment, academic achievement) for those they se...
Abstract PO-100: Lorazepam promotes desmoplasia and ischemic necrosis in murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

The goal of this research is to identify the effect of the GPR68-activator benzodiazepine (BZD) lorazepam on the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) tumor microenvironment (TME). BZDs are commonly prescribed to PDA patients to treat anxiety and anticipatory nausea prior to chemotherapy. Certain types of BZDs are known to promote off-target activation of GPR68 under acidic conditions. We hypothesize that GPR68-activating BZDs will stimulate pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), producing a more desmoplastic TME that will subsequently constrict the tumor vasculature, decreasing chemotherapeutic efficacy, and ultimately decreasing patient survival. Using a subcutaneous KPC allograft mouse model, we found that lorazepam modified the TME by significantly increasing α-SMA (smooth muscle actin) protein expression, collagen deposition, and ischemic necrosis. Preliminary, we found that treating tumor-bearing KPC mice with lorazepam similarly promoted ischemic necrosis. RNA sequencing of the lorazepam-treated allograft tumors indicated that CAF and ECM-related genes such as PDPN, LOX, SERPINB2, and ITGA11 were significantly upregulated. Pathway analysis revealed that lorazepam treatment promoted pathways related to inflammation, EMT, hypoxia, as well as known GPR68 downstream signaling pathways such as TNF-alpha signaling via NF-kB and IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling. qRT-PCR of immortalized CAFs treated with lorazepam indicated that IL6 expression is increased by lorazepam in a GPR68-dependent manner at acidic pH, supporting that the promotion of IL6 expression we observed in vivo was likely GPR68 and CAF-dependent. To validate the clinical significance of our work, covariate adjusted analyses of pancreatic cancer patients who received chemotherapy at Roswell Park from 2004-2020 was performed. Patients taking GPR68 activator benzodiazepines versus non-activator benzodiazepines had poorer progression-free survival (HR 6.85(2.12,22.06)), suggesting that GPR68 activation by benzodiazepines may negatively impact survival. Overall, these findings suggest that lorazepam significantly modifies the PDA TME by promoting desmoplasia and ischemic necrosis, due in part to activation of GPR68. Future experimental work will determine if lorazepam negatively impacts survival and chemotherapeutic efficacy. Significance: This research may guide the development of new clinical recommendations for prescribing benzodiazepines to PDA patients, which will likely be applicable to other cancer types. Citation Format: Abigail C. Cornwell, Abdulrahman A. Alahmari, Arwen A. Tisdale, Kathryn Maraszek, Swati Venkat, Michael E. Feigin. Lorazepam promotes desmoplasia and ischemic necrosis in murine pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-100.
The frequency of price adjustment: A study of the newsstand prices of magazines

Abstract Data on the newsstand prices of American magazines is used to investigate the determinants of the frequency of nominal price change. Magazine price changes, often coming after real prices have fallen by one quarter, provide strong evidence for monopolistic sticky price models. The data is examined by applying a fixed effects logit specification to the price change rule implied by a target-threshold model of a firm facing general price inflation, an uncertain future and costly nominal adjustment. The essay concludes that higher inflation leads to more frequent price adjustment and that the real cost of price changes varies with the size of a real price change.
Comment on Judge Joseph F. Weis, Jr., Service by Mail--Is the Stamp of Approval From the Hague Convention Always Enough?

Judge Weis's article frames important practical lessons. We start in the United States with a plaintiff who plans to sue on a commercial or products liability claim; her seller and anticipated defendant, a Japanese company, lacks a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States. Each "party is free to select the best law, best remedy, most pleasing procedural system; obtain a quick judgment; and race to enforce it."1 The plaintiff seeks service that will secure home court jurisdiction before the statute of limitations runs, her choice of forum substantive law, and a judgment she can collect in Japan, if necessary.2 The great opponents of change-ignorance, habit, and expense-militate against the sound practical advice to plaintiff that leaps from Judge Weis's article: if possible, the plaintiff should serve process through the Central Authority.3
Inconsistencies Across Three Contextual Meanings of Reliability

The purpose of this article is to assess the nature of reliability and its inconsistent definitions across three contextual (conceptual, measurement and statistical) levels under the traditional true score theory. Due to such inconsistencies, two existing quantitative approaches (using r and covariance) are not uniformly understood in Psychology and other disciplines; consequently, their applications to measurements and testings are limited to ambiguous interpretations at the conceptual and measurement levels. To examine the extent of this problem, a questionnaire including various contextual definitions and interpretations of reliability in the literature was distributed in a nationwide survey. Results from six groups of experts representing editors, professors and advanced graduate students in both quantitative and clinical areas indicate that all subject groups generally agreed that a reliable instrument possesses the characteristics of the repeatability of responses of all test-takers at the conceptual level, and the reproducibility of the instrument with little or no variations from the underlying true scores at the measurement level. However, between the editors and noneditors, the endorsements of the common definition at the measurement level show obvious discrepancies. Further, at the statistical level, significant differences were found not only between but also within subject-groups in their interpretations of product-moment correlations and Alpha coefficients for the assessment of reliability at the conceptual and measurement levels. The causes of such inconsistencies were discussed in terms of the inherent limitations of the two statistical approaches used and their insufficiencies for indexing the conceptual and measurement meanings of reliability. Finally, this paper called for developing new statistical indices that are coherent with conceptual and measurement definitions. Before such development, the capacities of existing reliability indices shall be redefined and their application qualifications shall be proportionally re-established for educational, research and clinical purposes.
Toward a statistical framework to quantify the uncertainties of hydrologic response under climate change

[1] The cascade of uncertainty that underscores climate impact assessments of regional hydrology undermines their value for long-term water resources planning and management. This study presents a statistical framework that quantifies and propagates the uncertainties of hydrologic model response through projections of future streamflow under climate change. Different sources of hydrologic model uncertainty are accounted for using Bayesian modeling. The distribution of model residuals is formally characterized to quantify predictive skill, and Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling is used to infer the posterior distributions of both hydrologic and error model parameters. Parameter and residual error uncertainties are integrated to develop reliable prediction intervals for streamflow estimates. The Bayesian hydrologic modeling framework is then extended to a climate change impact assessment. Ensembles of baseline and future climate are downscaled from global circulation models and are used to drive simulations of streamflow over parameters drawn from the posterior space. Time series of streamflow statistics are calculated from baseline and future ensembles of simulated flows. Uncertainties in hydrologic model response, sampling error, and the range of future climate projections are integrated to help determine the level of confidence associated with hydrologic alteration between baseline and future climate regimes. A case study is conducted on the White River in Vermont, USA. Results indicate that the framework can be used to present a reliable depiction of the range of hydrologic alterations that may occur in the future.
Recent advances in Redox flow cell storage systems

Several features which were conceived and incorporated into complete redox systems that greatly enhanced its ability to be kept in proper charge balance, to be capable of internal voltage regulation, and in general be treated as a true multicell electrochemical system rather than an assembly of single cells that were wired together, were discussed. The technology status as it relates to the two application areas of solar photovoltaic/wind and distributed energy storage for electric utility applications was addressed. The cost and life advantages of redox systems were also covered.
Solifenacin succinate for the treatment of overactive bladder.

Solifenacin succinate, a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist, is one of the newer options for the treatment of overactive bladder in men and women. Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability for the treatment of overactive bladder with solifenacin succinate. Methods: A literature search was done using the keywords YM905 and solifenacin succinate. Conclusion: Solifenacin succinate was shown to be effective for symptom control with an increase in volume voided, improvement in quality of life and a decrease in a common side effect of dry mouth compared to other medications.
Cross-sectional and Panel Data Analyses of an Incompletely Observed Variable Derived From the Nonrandomized Method for Surveying Sensitive Questions

This article describes (1) the survey methodological and statistical characteristics of the nonrandomized method for surveying sensitive questions for both cross-sectional and panel survey data and (2) the way to use the incompletely observed variable obtained from this survey method in logistic regression and in loglinear and log-multiplicative association models. The nonrandomized method, which was introduced by Yu, Tian, and Tang and Tian et al. for surveying sensitive questions, is much more efficient than randomized response methods, and unlike the latter, the former can be included in a mail survey. The method also has unique advantages compared with the randomized response method for the analysis of panel survey data. A simulation analysis presents how the relative efficiency of statistics in the analysis of data collected with this method changes as a function of mixing probability compared with a hypothetical situation of collecting responses of a sensitive question from every sample subject. The...
SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF GARNET FILMS DEPOSITED BY METALLO-ORGANIC

The depaendence of surface motphology of thin film garnets deposited by metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) on process conditions was investigated in an effort to produce MOD garnets with small roughness. The surface morphology of sputtered films were also studied for comparison. The surface morphologies were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and cross-sectional electron microscopy. It was found that the surface morphology of the MOD films was very sensitive to film deposition conditions such as the number of layers, spincoating speed, heat treatment conditions, and the condition of the organic solution. It was also found that the MOD garnets were inherently rough due to a significant volume change which occurs during the drying and decomposition process. The smoothest MOD film showed mean roughness of order of 5 nm at 150 nm thickness while the roughness of the sputtered film was order of 0.5 nm.
Material considerations for peripheral nerve interfacing

Multi-fingered prosthetic limbs are now capable of performing complex movements, closely simulating those of the lost human arm/hand in amputees. Conveying natural control and perception of such sophisticated robotic limbs requires direct interfacing with the nervous system of the users. Both the brain and transected peripheral nerves have been proposed as appropriate locations for such neural interfaces. In the peripheral nerves, several electrode designs have been used successfully to record motor signals, and through stimulation, used to convey sensation in long-term amputee human volunteers. Here we review the advantages and limitations of peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) in relation to the desired characteristics for safety and performance. We compare current PNI electrodes and materials designed to increase recording sensitivity and to achieve selective stimulation of different nerves such as those carrying mechanical sensation and limb position information. Emphasis is placed on novel electrode materials, including biological coatings, conductive polymers, and nanostructured modifications. Successful development of reliable PNIs will not only enable natural control and feel of future robotic prosthetics, but will likely be a centerpiece technology in the development of multiple bionic organs.
Immunofluorescence localization of an adducin-like protein in the chromosomes of mouse oocytes☆

The mouse oocyte expresses a polypeptide of Mr 120,000 that cross-reacts with an antibody to the brain membrane skeletal protein adducin. Immunofluorescence localization showed a bright chromosomal staining reaction in metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes. Following in vitro fertilization the maternal chromosomes lost their immunoreactivity during pronuclear development. The fertilizing sperm chromatin and male pronucleus did not show any detectable staining reaction. Bright chromosomal fluorescence was again observed in the first mitotic metaphase when both maternal and paternal chromosomes gave a positive staining reaction. In contrast to the immunoreactivity of the maternal meiotic chromosomes, the meiotic chromosomes of male germ line cells failed to exhibit any detectable staining reaction and this difference was confirmed by immunolabeling of oocyte and spermatocyte karyotypes. Mitotic chromosomes in preimplantation embryos, fetal liver, adult intestinal epithelium, and MDCK cells also failed to show any detectable labeling reaction. The results suggest that expression of the immunoreactive chromosomal adducin may be a unique feature of oogenesis.
Resolution of Chiari malformation after repair of a congenital thoracic meningocele: case report and literature review.

Objective and importance Many theories have been proposed regarding potential causative factors for Chiari malformations. An unusual case is described in which regression of a congenital Chiari malformation was observed after repair of a thoracic meningocele without direct surgical intervention to decompress the craniocervical junction. This supports the importance of an in utero craniospinal pressure gradient as a potential cause for congenital, but reversible, cerebellar herniation. Clinical presentation A newborn baby was observed to have a thoracic meningocele. Magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a concomitant Chiari malformation. No neurological deficits were present at initial examination. Intervention The patient underwent surgical closure of the thoracic meningocele and untethering of the spinal cord at the site of the dural defect. A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan obtained 3 months after the operation revealed complete resolution of the cerebellar herniation. Conclusion The resolution of the Chiari malformation in this child may have resulted from restoration of normal cerebrospinal fluid flow and elimination of the meningocele-related cerebrospinal fluid pressure gradient between the intracranial and intraspinal compartments.
Risk-taking in cooperative and competitive dyads

An individual's decision to cooperate or to compete, and the antecedents and consequences of that choice, continue to occupy the attention of social theorists, researchers, and policy makers. Despite this concern, many questions about the quality of decisions emerging from cooperative and competitive relationships remain unanswered. One of these questions, surprisingly neglected by researchers, is whether or not cooperation and competition differentially influence risk-taking. The present study represented an initial attempt at providing an answer by exploring the effects of cooperation-competition upon the riskiness of decisions made by members of a dyad. The dyads observed in this study consisted of friends who chose either to cooperate or to compete in playing a carnival game. Was there any reason to expect that more risk would be taken under one than under the other condition? Kogan and Wallach (1967) have accounted for the "risky shift phenomenon" (the greater tendency toward risk among groups than
Methodological and theoretical problems in the voluntary control of electroencephalographic occipital alpha by the subject.

Twenty-one normal humans attempted to control the facilitation and inhibition of their EEG occipital alpha rhythm. They received auditory feedback which informed them whether or not alpha occurred. Most subjects learned to inhibit alpha, only four learned to facilitate it. Further training did not bring improved control of alpha. The results are presented to illustrate problems of method and interpretation which include the diversity of subjective attempts at control; day-to-day variability of the response; the control for alpha increase caused by habituation; and the feedback technique as an operant conditioning method. Descriptors: Autoregulation, alpha rhythm, feedback EEG, alpha training.
InstantCheck: Checking the Determinism of Parallel Programs Using On-the-Fly Incremental Hashing

Developing multithreaded programs in shared-memory systems is difficult. One key reason is the nondeterminism of thread interaction, which may result in one code input producing different outputs in different runs. Unfortunately, enforcing determinism by construction typically comes at a performance, hardware, or programmability cost. An alternative is to check during testing whether code is deterministic. This paper presents Instant Check, a novel technique that checks determinism with a very small runtime overhead while requiring only a minor hardware extension. During code testing, Instant-Check can check whether the code under test ends up in a deterministic state in various runs. The idea is to compute a 64-bit hash of the memory state and compare the hashes of different test runs that have the same input. If two runs have different hashes, Instant-Check reports state nondeterminism. For efficient operation, Instant Checkuses on-the-fly incremental hashing in hardware. The hash is kept in a per-core 64-bit register, which trivially supports virtualization, migration, and context switching. We use Instant Check to understand the determinism properties of 17 popular applications, including Sphinx3, PBZip2, PARSEC, and SPLASH-2. Instant Check incurs a negligible average runtime overhead of 0.3% over native testing runs. We also show how using Instant Check programmers can find bugs and discuss other applications of fast memory-state hashing. While using Instant Check, we found a real bug in the widely used PARSEC benchmark.
Phase II trial of fludarabine phosphate (F-Ara-AMP) in patients with advanced breast cancer.

Eighteen patients with advanced breast cancer were entered into a phase II study of fludarabine phosphate. Fludarabine phosphate was given by continuous infusion for 5 days, at a starting dose of 20 mg/m2 per day for patients previously treated with two or more regimens and 25 mg/m2 per day for minimally treated patients with less than two prior regimens; therapy was repeated every 3–4 weeks. Of the 18 patients, 11 had undergone more than two prior regimens and 7 patients had undergone one prior regimen. One patient achieved a partial response (PR) for 22 months. Myelosuppression was the most common toxicity observed. Four patients developed mild nausea and vomiting and two developed a nonspecific dermatitis that resolved spontaneously. No renal, hepato-, or neurotoxicity was observed. Our study demonstrates that in heavily pretreated patients, fludarabine phosphate given on this schedule has minimal efficacy in treating advanced breast cancer. This drug might possibly have shown more activity in a previously nontreated patient population. However, patients with advanced breast cancer, who have not undergone previous treatment are not often encountered.
A discussion of federal specifications GG-X-620 and L-F-310 for dental x-ray apparatus and dental x-ray film

An analysis of two federal specifications indicates that Federal Specification GG-X-620, December 7, 1954, for dental x-ray apparatus should be modified to align it with current trends in dental roentgenography, and that Federal Specification L-F-310, May 9, 1958, for dental x-ray film, is an excellent document based on specifications of the American Standards Association.
The use of the 19F NMR spectra of fluoropyridines and related compounds to verify the lsstatisticalrs substituent chemical shift values of fluoroarenes

Abstract 19F NMR data for fluorosubstituted-pyridines, -pyridazines, -pyrimidines, -pyrazines and -1,3,5-triazines has been used to verify previously published statistical substituent chemical shift (SSCS) values for fluoroarenes. The data also allowed generation of a set of structure factors for aromatic nitrogen heterocycles which allows the signals for these compounds to be predicted from the same set of SSCS values as fluoroarenes. When these values are used to predict the 19F NMR signal positions of the nitrogen heterocycles, they give a correlation coefficient of predicted versus observed values of 0.987 with a standard deviation of 4.5 compared with 0.995 and 2.46, respectively, for the fluoroarenes.
1228 EFFECTS OF INSPIRATORY LOADING ON VENTILATION IN INFANTS RECOVERING FROM RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME (RDS)

To evaluate the effects of inspiratory flow resistance (RI) on ventilatory response, 7 infants recovering from RDS were studied: Mean wt. 1.6 kg, age 21 days, gest. age 32 wks. Control tidal vol. (TV), min. vent. (MV), peak insp. flow (VI), insp. time/tot. resp. time (TI/TTot), resp. freq. (f), dynamic compliance (CL) and PACO2 were obtained before applying a 250 or 450 cm H20/L/sec. RI. Studies were repeated immediately, 5 and 10 minutes following application of RI. Infants were breathing room air throughout the study. Mean ± SEM control values were: TV=14.4±6.5 ml, MV=804.8±313.8 ml/min, VI=2.13±1.08 L/min, TI/TTot=.44±.03, f=53.66±10.91, CL=3.46±1.48 (n=5), PACO2=41.1±4.5 mmHg. Following application of a RI of 450 cm H2O/L/sec there was a decrease immediately and at 5 and 10 minutes for: TV(ml)=7.0±3.8 (p<.002), 7.5±4.9 (p<.0001), 8.0±5.4 (p<.001). MV(ml/min)=329.6±145.3 (p<.001), 385.2±227.2 (p<.0001), 377.9±254.4 (p<.0001). VI(L/min)=.50±.34 (p<.002), .53±.34 (p<.002), .58±.45 (p<.002) respectively. There were no sig. changes in f, TI/TTot, PACO2 after loading, nor sig. diff. between the 250 and 450 insp. loads These demonstrate a progressive decrease in resp. response in infants recovering from RDS after insp. loading of 250 and 450 cm H2O/L/sec. It appears that infants recovering from RDS do not compensate for insp. loading and this lack of compensation may be responsible for some forms of neonatal obstructive apnea.
Comments on the Chemistry of Scotophobin

Mr Stewart sets out here his comments as referee on the preceding article by Drs Ungar, Desiderio and Parr. These comments represent his remaining reservations after full consultation with the authors.
EFFICIENT SYNTHESIS OF CHIRAL ANSA-METALLOCENES BY AMINE ELIMINATION. SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND REACTIVITY OF RAC-(EBI)ZR(NME2)2

The amine elimination reaction of Zr(NMe2)4 (2) and (EBI)H2 (1,2-bis(3-indenyl)ethane, 3) in toluene at 100 °C affords pure rac-(EBI)Zr(NMe2)2 (rac-4, EBI = ethylene-1,2-bis(1-indenyl)) in 68% isolated yield. This reaction proceeds via the rapidly formed mono-indenyl intermediate (η5-C9H6CH2CH2C9H7)Zr(NMe2)3 (6) which undergoes reversible intermolecular amine elimination with a second equivalent of 2 to give the binuclear species (μ-η5,η5-EBI){Zr(NMe2)3}2 (5, rac and meso isomers) or reversible intramolecular amine elimination to give either rac-4 or meso-4. The kinetic metallocene product is a 1/1 mixture of rac-4 and meso-4, the thermodynamic product is rac-4, and the meso-4 to rac-4 isomerization is catalyzed by the NMe2H co-product. The rac-4/meso-4 product ratio can be controlled by adjusting the rate of NMe2H removal from the reaction vessel and the steady state concentration of amine in the reaction mixture. The molecular structure of rac-4 has been determined by X-ray crystallography. rac-4 is con...