cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The general $\phi$-Hermitian solution to mixed pairs of quaternion matrix Sylvester equations

Let $\mathbb{H}^{m\times n}$ be the space of $m\times n$ matrices over $\mathbb{H}$, where $\mathbb{H}$ is the real quaternion algebra. Let $A_{\phi}$ be the $n\times m$ matrix obtained by applying $\phi$ entrywise to the transposed matrix $A^{T}$, where $A\in\mathbb{H}^{m\times n}$ and $\phi$ is a nonstandard involution of $\mathbb{H}$. In this paper, some properties of the Moore-Penrose inverse of the quaternion matrix $A_{\phi}$ are given. Two systems of mixed pairs of quaternion matrix Sylvester equations $A_{1}X-YB_{1}=C_{1},~A_{2}Z-YB_{2}=C_{2}$ and $A_{1}X-YB_{1}=C_{1},~A_{2}Y-ZB_{2}=C_{2}$ are considered, where $Z$ is $\phi$-Hermitian. Some practical necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution $(X,Y,Z)$ to those systems in terms of the ranks and Moore-Penrose inverses of the given coefficient matrices are presented. Moreover, the general solutions to these systems are explicitly given when they are solvable. Some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the main results.
Teaching Programming Style in CS 1 with Erroneous Examples: (Abstract Only)

Students in introductory computer science courses (CS 1) typically receive little formal instruction in proper programming style. They may gain limited understanding of proper style by reading code samples, observing an instructor write code with proper style, or by receiving feedback on homework submissions. In our research, we evaluate the effectiveness of an alternative pedagogical approach in which students are provided brief instruction on proper style and are then asked to critique examples of improper style. This research answers three questions: First, when a student knows style will be graded, is proper style utilized? Second, does the student's ability to use proper style correlate with academic performance? Third, do our exercises increase the student's ability to employ proper style? We investigated the first two of these questions using data from three CS 1 courses with distinct forms of style assessment: 1) no style grading and no feedback; 2) automated style grading with feedback; and 3) hand-graded style with feedback. We investigated the third research question, by augmenting the first two course forms with our pedagogical approach. In all courses, a CS 1 style guide was distributed at the beginning of the term and similar lecture examples were used. We found that grading of style is necessary to motivate students, and that our approach shows some promise in increasing ability to use proper style.
Duchowość i mistyka ewangelicka

Is there any mysticism specifi cally evangelical and how does it diff er from other forms of mysticism conditioned by a confession or religion? To answer such questions, fi rst of all, mysticism, a diffi cult to defi ne term, has to be thematized. Mysticism as a phenomenon expanding boundaries of any confession or religion, can have an important meaning for the contemporary society, providing it with an old answer to the current challenges of our times. Experiencing the unity with God has played and still does play an important role also within Protestantism, even though originally the reformers were skeptical toward mysticism. A brief look at Martin Luther and his theology, as well as at the contemporary protestant theories of mysticism reveals that the evangelical identity and mysticism do not exclude each other. However, Evangelical Christians can communicate their mystical experiences only if they resort to the religious language of their tradition. In addition, they have to perceive such experiences in the light of the basic theses underlying evangelical theology in order to sustain their evangelical identity. Thus, mysticism in a modifi ed form constitutes one of the main sources evangelical spirituality stems from.
Cyclophilin D Deficiency Attenuates Mitochondrial F1Fo ATP Synthase Dysfunction Via OSCP In Alzheimer's Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction is pivotal in inducing synaptic injury and neuronal stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mitochondrial F1Fo ATP synthase deregulation is a hallmark mitochondrial defect leading to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) failure in this neurological disorder. Oligomycin sensitivity conferring protein (OSCP) is a crucial F1Fo ATP synthase subunit. Decreased OSCP levels and OSCP interaction with amyloid β (Aβ) constitute key aspects of F1Fo ATP synthase pathology in AD-related conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms promoting such AD-related OSCP changes have not been fully resolved. Here, we have found increased physical interaction of OSCP with Cyclophilin D (CypD) in AD cases as well as in an AD animal model (5xFAD mice). Genetic depletion of CypD mitigates OSCP loss via ubiquitin-dependent OSCP degradation in 5xFAD mice. Moreover, the ablation of CypD also attenuates OSCP/Aβ interaction in AD mice. The relieved OSCP changes by CypD depletion in 5xFAD mice are along with preserved F1Fo ATP synthase function, restored mitochondrial bioenergetics as well as improved mouse cognition. The simplest interpretation of our results is that CypD is a critical mediator that promotes OSCP deficits in AD-related conditions. Therefore, to block the deleterious impact of CypD on OSCP has the potential to be a promising therapeutic strategy to correct mitochondrial dysfunction for AD therapy.
Changing objective: Re-examining The Journalist and the Murderer:

This study assesses whether the ethics guidelines of modern media organizations reflect an adherence to the messages Janet Malcolm sent in her controversial 1990 book, The Journalist and the Murder...
W-Band Sparse Imaging System Using Frequency Diverse Cavity-Fed Metasurface Antennas

We experimentally demonstrate a frequency-diverse, computational imaging system at W-band frequencies utilizing an array of cavity-fed metasurface antennas. Each metasurface antenna consists of a cavity milled from aluminum stock, with an upper plate patterned with a set of radiating slots. As a function of frequency, the metasurface cavities produce a set of spatially diverse radiation patterns that probe the reflectivity distribution of a scene. The antennas are designed to maximize the measurement diversity and hence imaging capacity of the system. The number and distribution of the radiating slots is optimized by balancing the cavity quality factor (Q) and Fourier space coverage. In the experimental realizations, the radiation patterns from each cavity-fed metasurface antenna is first measured using near-field scanning techniques, propagated over the imaging domain, and then stored for use in the image reconstruction step. Comprehensive alignment procedure is implemented to align the measured radiation patterns with regard to the physical position of the cavities. Using a modeling platform, we find excellent agreement between the simulation and experiment, indicating the validity of the calibration and alignment procedures. The scaling of the cavity-fed metasurface antenna represents a key step in the development of alternative high-frequency apertures for imaging and beam-forming applications.
Adaptation to seasonal drought in two closely related species of Neotropical Costus (Costaceae)

Seasonal drought has been shown to greatly influence the distributions and species composition of plants in tropical rain forests. By conducting a series of field, greenhouse, and growth chamber experiments, we examined how Costus villosissimus, a forest edge species, has adapted to drought and differentiated from C. allenii, its closely related species in the understory. We hypothesize that delayed seed germination and high drought tolerance may lead to habitat differentiation and thus reproductive isolation between closely related plant species in the tropics. Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Comparison of 'post-patent ductus arteriosus ligation syndrome' in premature infants after surgical ligation vs. percutaneous closure.

To compare the incidence of post-PDA ligation syndrome after surgical vs. percutaneous closure of PDAs in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Cohort study comparing 59 infants who underwent surgical ligation with 25 infants who underwent percutaneous closure. Comparisons between groups were made using two-sample t-tests and a Fisher’s exact test. Comparisons of pre vs. post variables within each group were made using paired t-tests. Patients who underwent surgical ligation had a higher need for initiation of post-procedure hemodynamic support (12/59 vs. 0/24, p = 0.016), a higher post-procedure peak FiO2 (0.64 vs. 0.43, p = 0.004), and a larger absolute change in peak FiO2 (0.23 vs. 0.09, p = 0.008). VLBW infants who had percutaneous closure of their PDA did not experience post ligation syndrome and had less escalation of respiratory support compared with infants who underwent surgical ligation.
Connecting with Nature in the Digital Age: Intentions of Adolescents in California Urban Areas

Automated devices dominate the daily experience for most people in the United States, and for many, nature offers a respite ripe with well-documented emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. However, opportunities with and access to open spaces can be limited by structural barriers that often create limits to engagement by people living in urban areas. A first stage of this project initiated with listening sessions and workshops with youth in urban and rural settings in southern and central California as a means of crafting effective marketing strategies designed by youth to engage young people of color with nature and open spaces. The second stage, reported here, was implemented to examine the effects of race/ethnicity and social media video messaging on Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) dimensions. Using a quasi-experimental design, panels of urban youth aged 12-16 in four California cities participated in an online panel survey. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three themed message groups generated from the content themes developed by youth during the workshops (escape and unplug, connect with family and friends, or discover and adventure) or a control group. The questionnaire included 11 items related to the TPB. Separate 4x4 ANOVAs with race/ethnicity and the treatments/control group as the independent variables and TPB dimensions as the dependent variables revealed an interaction effect for one perceived behavioral control item. There were also significant differences by race/ethnicity on all four TPB dimensions. Mean scores of the respondents who watched one of the three videos were higher than the control group for all 11 TPB items measured. TPB item scores among White and Black respondents were typically higher than scores for Asian and Latinx respondents. Results of a hierarchical regression analysis with race/ethnicity, treatments/control group, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and social norms as the independent variables and behavioral intentions as the dependent variable suggested that attitudes and social norms were the strongest predictors of behavioral intentions. The results add significant value in the practical application of the intersection between automated devices and social media marketing for engaging underrepresented groups in the digital age. Subscribe to JPRA
Lonely ER Membrane Proteins Travel to the Nucleus to Rest in Peace by the Asi Complex.

In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Natarajan et al. (2020) showed that unassembled ER membrane proteins diffuse to the INM for degradation. The INM-localized Asi E3 ligase complex is sufficient and necessary for recognition and ubiquitination of unassembled ER membrane proteins.
(5) Use of Secure Texting to Improve Inter-facility Critical Care Transport Time

Texting could become a key component in improving outcomes for critical care patients. Using text messaging within the field of healthcare has been highly debated; however, due to its established place in modern communication culture, the eventual use of texting is inevitable. Initial research regarding the use of electronic communication for outpatient health improvement has begun to surface, but there is a paucity of literature regarding the use of texting within inpatient and emergency healthcare systems as a means of quality and outcome improvement. In critical care transport, …
Preclinical evaluation of the anticancer activity of DRF-1042, a novel camptothecin analog targeting Topoisomerase-I.

3071 DRF 1042 is a novel 5 substituted (2’-hydroxy ethoxy) 20 (s) - campthotheicin (CPT). An additional chiral center at the 5th position makes this molecule unique among the campthothecin under development. DRF 1042 is a diasteriomeric mixture of 20(S), 5(R) and 20(S), 5(S) of approximate 1:1 ratio. DRF 1042 demonstrated superior lactone stability and good in vitro anticancer activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines including multi-drug resistance (MDR) phenotype. The hollow fibre studies in animals with DRF 1042 treatment showed favorable bioavailability, tolerance and significant anti-cancer activities against a panel of human cancer cell lines. In addition, in xenograft study, it showed good tumor regression activity against VCR5 and VCR5/topo resistant tumors. In clonogenic assay against murine, canine and human bone marrow cells, DRF 1042 treatment showed less mylosupression that supports the possibility of protracted dose schedule in both experimental and clinical studies. Recently concluded phase I study results of DRF 1042 in cancer patients have endorsed these preclinical findings. Additional preliminary findings suggest the use of this molecule in combination with conventional anti-cancer agent is possible and thereby enhancing the clinical utility of this molecule. Thus, DRF 1042 represent a new class of CPT analogue - well-tolerated, orally active molecule with good therapeutic potential for the treatment of cancer. DRL Publication No.332-A
Protective behavioral strategies for sexual aggression and risky sexual behavior.

Sexual aggression (SA) is a serious public-health problem on college campuses, and there is a pressing need for basic research fostering the development of novel prevention strategies. The current study (a) developed measures of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) for sexual aggression (SA) and risky sex (RS); (b) characterized college men's PBS use; and (c) evaluated whether those who reported engaging in SA and RS showed lower PBS use. Undergraduate men from two universities (n = 567) who endorsed sexual attraction toward women completed measures of PBS, SA, RS, rape-supportive and sociosexual attitudes, and alcohol consumption. On average, participants reported using PBS for SA and RS fairly often, but a sizeable number indicated that they seldom or never used the strategies. Men who reported SA engagement in the last year, relative to their peers, endorsed sharply lower reliance on SA PBS and RS PBS. Men who reported at least one RS behavior in the last year used RS PBS far less often than their peers. The PBS measures converged as expected with other attitudinal and behavioral measures. The new PBS measures reference cognitive-behavioral approaches that a large percentage of college men use on a regular basis, making them potentially acceptable prevention targets. Further, men at greater risk of exhibiting SA are much less likely to take steps to reduce the risks associated with sexual behavior, in comparison with their peers. Thus, future work could evaluate the potential usefulness of incorporating PBS for SA and RS into primary prevention programming in both domains.
Impact of intraosseous versus intravenous resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective study.

Abstract Aim To compare outcomes between Intraosseous (IO) and peripheral intravenous (PIV) injection during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and examine its utility in individuals with obesity. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult, atraumatic IHCA at a single tertiary care center. Subjects were classified as either IO or PIV resuscitation. The primary outcome of interest was survival to hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes of interest were survival with favourable neurologic status, rates-of-ROSC (ROR) and time-to-ROSC (TTR). Subgroup analysis among patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 was performed. Results Complete data were available for 1852 subjects, 1039 of whom met eligibility criteria. A total of 832 were resuscitated via PIV route and 207 via IO route. Use of IO compared to PIV was associated with lower overall survival to hospital discharge (20.8% vs 28.4% p = 0.03), lower rates of survival with favourable neurologic status (18.4% vs 25.2% p = 0.04), lower ROR (72.2% vs 80.7%) and longer TTR (12:38 min vs 9:01 min). After multivariate adjustment there was no significant differences between IO and PIV in rates of survival to discharge (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47–1.06, p = 0.09) or rates of survival with favourable neurologic status (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49–1.13, p = 0.16). The ROR and TTR remained significantly worse in the IO group. Subgroup analysis of patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 identified no benefit or harm with use of IO compared to PIV. Conclusion Intraosseous medication delivery is associated with inferior rates-of-ROSC and longer times-to-ROSC compared to PIV, but no differences in overall survival to hospital discharge or survival with favourable neurologic status during IHCA.
Thermal Energy Harvesting Profiles in Residential Settings

While relying on energy harvesting to power Internet of Things (IoT) devices eliminates the maintenance burden of battery replacement, energy generation fluctuation constitutes a major source of uncertainty to design reliable self-powered IoT devices. To characterize spatial-temporal variability of energy harvesting, data acquisition campaigns are needed across the range of potential harvesting sources. In this work we present a dataset to characterize thermal energy sources in residential settings by measuring thermoelectric generator (TEG) operating conditions over 16 deployment locations for periods ranging from 19 to 53 days. We present our easy-to-use thermal energy measurement platform built from off-the-shelf component modules and a custom TEG interface circuit. We demonstrate how the collected measurements can inform the design of energy harvesting IoT devices by deriving the TEG's maximum power output and estimating the available energy at each harvesting location.
Swift and Others

Jonathan Swift's influence on the writings and politics of England and Ireland was reinforced by a combination of contradictory forces: an authoritarian attachment to tradition and rule, and a vivid responsiveness to the disorders of a modernity he resisted and yet helped to create. He was, perhaps even more than Pope, a dominant voice of his times. The rich variety of the literary culture to which he belonged shows the penetration of his ideas, personality and style. This is true of writers who were his friends and admirers (Pope), of adversaries (Mandeville, Johnson), of several who became great ironists in his shadow (Gibbon, Austen), and of some surprising examples of Swiftian afterlife (Chatterton). Claude Rawson, leading scholar of the works of Swift, brings together recent essays, as well as classic earlier work extensively revised, to offer fresh insights into an era when Swift's voice was a pervasive presence.
Selected Advances in the Use of Computers in Radiation Therapy

Since the 1950s, when they were first used to calculate isodose distributions, computers have played an increasing role in radiotherapy departments. In recent times, their utilization has expanded to include the following broad areas: (1) control of patient flow and records, (2) automatic verification and control of therapy equipment, (3) treatment planning, (4) biological modelling, and (5) tumor registries.
A Declarative Specification of Giant Number Arithmetic

The tree based representation described in this paper, hereditarily binary numbers, applies recursively a run-length compression mechanism that enables computations limited by the structural complexity of their operands rather than by their bitsizes. While within constant factors from their traditional counterparts for their average and worst case behavior, our arithmetic operations open the doors for interesting numerical computations, intractable with a traditional number representation. We provide a complete specification of our algorithms in the form of a purely declarative Prolog program.
Development of the red maple understory in northeastern oak forests.

Permanent plot records ranging from 13 to 42 years in duration were used to study understory development in four upland oak forests in Massachusetts and New York. All tracts have a dense understory of shade-tolerant species dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum L.) but sparse representation of oak saplings. Mortality rates for red maple have been low compared to other species, and maples have increased in size and numbers on all tracts. For example, on one tract, 57 percent of the red maples in the 10-cm diameter class advanced two or more 2-cm classes over a 19-year period, and the number > 11 cm dbh increased from 30 to 80/ha. Diameter growth of red maple is highest among trees receiving substantial direct sunlight, and red maple may comprise a large proportion of the overstory on well-drained sites with a relatively low density of oak stems. There are currently no indications of decline of red maple canopy trees 80 years old, and growth rate shows a positive linear correlation with size. A severe drought of 1962-66 appeared to cause substantially higher mortality in the New York stands but had little impact on the Massachusetts tands. Drought did not cause a long-term setback in the red maple diameter distribution on any of the sites. FOREST SCI. 30:3-22. ADDITIONAL
The Upper end of the Galactic Metallicity Scale

Research on “super-metal-rich” stars (with [Fe/H] > 4-0.2 dex) is reviewed. There is good evidence for the existence of SMR dwarfs and subgiants. Despite conclusions drawn in the literature, however, it is not known whether μ Leo or any other class III star is SMR. In addition, the possible SMR status of the galactic cluster NGC 6791 has not been established. In large part, these uncertainties are due to inadequate research strategy, inadequate control of data quality, extensive reliance on unsupported axioms, and rejection of statistical analysis.
Thermodynamics of adsorption and gibbsian distance parameters: III. Interfacial distances and the surface excess volume

Abstract Hansen's algebraic approach to surface thermodynamics, which is more general than that of Gibbs, is extended rigorously. It is shown that, for m components in a two-phase system, there are m ( m — 1)/2 distinguishable “surface excess volume” quantities V σ ( i , j )). The “Gibbs convention” is employed within the Hansen algebraic formalism, to develop the expression for the pressure coefficient of interfacial tension. It is shown that the distance between Gibbs dividing surfaces, λ ji , is equal to Hansen's τ d σ ( i , j ) and to V σ ( i , j ) / A . This makes it possible to interpret the surface excess volume in terms of the physical concentration gradients in the system.
Frequent sub-structure-based approaches for classifying chemical compounds

We study the problem of classifying chemical compound datasets. We present a substructure-based classification algorithm that decouples the substructure discovery process from the classification model construction and uses frequent subgraph discovery algorithms to find all topological and geometric substructures present in the dataset. The advantage of our approach is that during classification model construction, all relevant substructures are available allowing the classifier to intelligently select the most discriminating ones. The computational scalability is ensured by the use of highly efficient frequent subgraph discovery algorithms coupled with aggressive feature selection. Our experimental evaluation on eight different classification problems shows that our approach is computationally scalable and on the average, outperforms existing schemes by 10% to 35%.
Risk of radiation-related salivary gland carcinomas among survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma: a population-based analysis.

BACKGROUND. Radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) increases the risk of salivary gland carcinomas (SGC). To the authors' knowledge, however, the magnitude of the risk has not been assessed to date. METHODS. The risks of SGC among 20,928 1-year survivors of HL who were diagnosed between 1973 and 2003 were evaluated in 11 population-based cancer registry areas of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Observed-to-expected ratios (O/E) were assessed by radiation treatment, sex, age at the time of HL diagnosis, calendar year of diagnosis, attained age, time since HL diagnosis, histologic type of SGC, and site of occurrence in the major salivary glands. RESULTS. Among 11,047 HL patients who received radiotherapy as part of their initial treatment for HL, 21 developed subsequent invasive SGC (O/E = 16.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 10.4-25.8). The risk of radiation-related SGC was highest for younger HL patients (age <20 years) (O/E = 45.5; 95% CI, 12.4-116.5) and among 10-year survivors (O/E = 23.9; 95% CI, 13.1-40.1), with risks remaining elevated for at least 2 decades after irradiation. Significant differences in risk by histologic type were observed, with a particularly high risk of developing mucoepidermoid carcinomas (O = 14; O/E = 44.2 [95% CI, 24.2-74.2]) and adenocarcinomas (O = 4; O/E = 30.6 [95% CI, 8.3-78.2]) noted. CONCLUSIONS. HL patients treated with radiotherapy experienced a significantly increased risk of SGC, particularly when exposed at young ages or for at least 2 decades after exposure. Although the results of the current study reflect the late effects of former HL treatment approaches, they point to the importance of long-term follow-up and a heightened awareness of SGC risk in this population. Cancer 2008. Published 2008 by the American Cancer Society.
African Colonial Economies: State Control, Peasant Maneuvers, and Unintended Outcomes

A supreme goal of colonizers' economic policies was to transform African subsistent and semi-subsistent farmers into export oriented peasants--peasantization in the jargon of African economic history. This was a difficult, complex, and long-drawn process, requiring multiple mechanisms, some coercive, others persuasive.This essay begins with a survey of the messy unfolding of this process in diverse regions of Africa, highlighting its problems and unforeseen consequences. It then posits an analytical overview of the mining economies of Southern Africa, and their counterparts in pockets of West Africa. Keeping the focus on the interactions between the agency and interests of African peasants and the enforced reach of colonial policies, the essay suggests a way of evaluating colonial agricultural systems by analytically privileging the struggles and strategic maneuvers of Africans drawn into the colonial export economy. In these discussions, multiple conceptual and theoretical perspectives that scholars have deployed to understand these processes are analyzed and critiqued.
Stability of periodic solutions for multitopology DC-to-DC power converters

An analytical nonlinear technique is developed for stability analysis of periodic solutions for DC-to-DC power converter systems with multiple switches and possible discontinuous topologies. The new approach, based on discrete nonlinear maps, is exact under the assumption of ideal switches and is easily programmable, which allows for nearly instantaneous evaluation of stability of periodic solutions for DC power systems under a wide range of input conditions. The results obtained using the new method were in agreement with those acquired using much slower time-domain simulation method. The exactness of the suggested approach is a definite advantage over existing linear methods and other approximate techniques.
Heterogeneous population effects of an alcohol excise tax increase on sexually transmitted infections morbidity

Background and Aims Alcohol taxes reduce population-level excessive alcohol use and alcohol-related morbidity and mortality, yet little is known about the distribution of the effects of alcohol taxation across race/ethnicity and age subgroups. We examined the race/ethnicity- and age group-specific effects of an excise alcohol tax increase on a common and routinely collected alcohol-related morbidity indicator, sexually transmitted infections. Methods We used an interrupted time series design to examine the effect of a 2009 alcohol tax increase in Illinois, USA on new cases of two common sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia and gonorrhea) reported to the US National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System from January 2003 to December 2011 (n = 108 repeated monthly observations). We estimated the effects of the tax increase on infection rates in the general population and within specific race/ethnicity and age subgroups using mixed models accounting for temporal trends and median income. Results Following the Illinois alcohol tax increase, state-wide rates of gonorrhea decreased 21% [95% confidence Interval (CI) = −25.7, −16.7] and chlamydia decreased 11% [95% CI = −17.8, −4.4], resulting in an estimated 3506 fewer gonorrhea infections and 5844 fewer chlamydia infections annually. The null hypothesis of homogenous effects by race/ethnicity and age was rejected (P < 0.0001). Significant reductions were observed among non-Hispanic blacks: gonorrhea rates decreased 25.6% (95% CI = −30.0, −21.0) and chlamydia rates decreased 14.7% (95% CI = −20.9, −8.0). Among non-Hispanics, point estimates suggest decreases were highest among 25–29-year-olds. Conclusions Increased alcohol taxes appear to reduce sexually transmitted infections, especially among subpopulations with high disease burdens, such as non-Hispanic blacks.
Interwoven polymer composites via dual-electrospinning with shape memory and self-healing properties

Material research and development is increasingly focusing on achieving specialized functionality in materials. For example, the ability to “self-heal (SH)”, or naturally repair accrued damage, is attractive because it extends the lifetime of the material by increasing resistance to damaging conditions and prolonging preservation of material properties. Additionally, shape memory (SM) materials, including SM polymers, are actively considered for their ability to change shape one or more times upon application of an external stimulus. Here, we present a polymer composite, composed of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL), exhibiting both SH and SM functionalities. In fact, the SM assists in the SH ability in a process developed by our group termed, shape memory-assisted self-healing (SMASH). The advantage of the SH composite presented here is its simple fabrication. Dual-electrospinning is used to simultaneously electrospin PVAc and PCL, achieving an interwoven polymeric composite of otherwise immiscible polymers. The dual-electrospinning method facilitates precise control of the relative weight fractions of the components, and thus allows for tuning of the material properties. Upon thermal activation, damaged PVAc–PCL composites exhibited SH under a variety of testing conditions. Furthermore, the composites exhibited impressive dual and triple SM capabilities in the dry and hydrated states, respectively. Together, the commercial availability of the components and the simplicity of preparation translate to a SMASH system that could be mass produced and used as a SH coating or alone, as a packaging material.
Histological and ultrastructural alterations in an animal model of Peyronie's disease.

Objective To determine the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), one of the cytokines known to induce tissue fibrosis, in the induction of a Peyronie’s-like condition, and to produce an animal model for the further study of Peyronie’s disease. Materials and methods Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: in group 1, different concentrations of cytomodulin, a synthetic heptapeptide with TGF-β-like activity, were injected into the tunica of each of 18 rats and six rats group 2 received saline injections as a control. The tunical tissues were taken after 3 days, 2 and 6 weeks and were examined histologically using Hart and trichrome stains. Electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructural changes in the same tissue samples. Results There were histological and ultrastructural alterations in 15 of 18 rats in group 1 (cytomodulin-injected), especially in tissue examined after 6 weeks. The most prominent histological changes were chronic inflammatory cellular infiltration, focal and diffuse elastosis, thickening, disorganization and clumping of the collagen bundles. The ultrastructural changes were in the form of densely packed collagen, fragmented and scarce elastic fibres, separation of neuronal fibres by interposing clumps of packed collagen, and perivascular collagen deposition as a part of the reorganization of the interstitial matrix. Conclusion Cytomodulin can induce a Peyronie’s-like condition in the rat penis, which may explain the role of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of Peyronie’s disease. With further refinement, such rats may be used as an experimental model for studies of Peyronie’s disease.
Biomimicry Enhances Sequential Reactions of Tethered Glycolytic Enzymes, TPI and GAPDHS

Maintaining activity of enzymes tethered to solid interfaces remains a major challenge in developing hybrid organic-inorganic devices. In nature, mammalian spermatozoa have overcome this design challenge by having glycolytic enzymes with specialized targeting domains that enable them to function while tethered to a cytoskeletal element. As a step toward designing a hybrid organic-inorganic ATP-generating system, we implemented a biomimetic site-specific immobilization strategy to tether two glycolytic enzymes representing different functional enzyme families: triose phosphoisomerase (TPI; an isomerase) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDHS; an oxidoreductase). We then evaluated the activities of these enzymes in comparison to when they were tethered via classical carboxyl-amine crosslinking. Both enzymes show similar surface binding regardless of immobilization method. Remarkably, specific activities for both enzymes were significantly higher when tethered using the biomimetic, site-specific immobilization approach. Using this biomimetic approach, we tethered both enzymes to a single surface and demonstrated their function in series in both forward and reverse directions. Again, the activities in series were significantly higher in both directions when the enzymes were coupled using this biomimetic approach versus carboxyl-amine binding. Our results suggest that biomimetic, site-specific immobilization can provide important functional advantages over chemically specific, but non-oriented attachment, an important strategic insight given the growing interest in recapitulating entire biological pathways on hybrid organic-inorganic devices.
Effect of the Range of Response Options on Answers to Biographical Inventory Items

Abstract The range of response options has been shown to influence the answers given in self-report instruments that measure behaviors ranging from television viewing to sexual partners. The current research extends this line of inquiry to 36 quantitative items extracted from a biographical inventory used in personnel selection. A total of 92 undergraduates were assigned to a high-frequency or low-frequency response option condition as described in Schwarz, Hippler, Deutsch, and Strack (1985). The manipulation of high- versus low-frequency response options affected responses to over 50% of the items. In accordance with hypotheses, the effect was greatest for conjectural, nonverifiable type items. However, significant differences in responding were also noted for some historical, factual items. Test developers should give greater consideration to the wording of response options in the construction of selection tests.
Influence of color on odor identification and liking ratings.

The effects of color on odor identification were tested under color appropriate, inappropriate, and blindfolded conditions. Subjects made fewer errors in identifying solutions that were colored appropriately (e.g., red-cherry) than in either the blindfolded condition, where there were no color cues, or the inappropriate color condition (e.g., red-lemon). Identification accuracy was greatest for typical odor-color combinations (e.g., red-cherry) compared with appropriate but nontypical odor-color combinations (e.g., red-watermelon). Response latencies were fastest for odors in the appropriately colored solutions. Subjects also rated appropriate color-odor combinations as most pleasant. However, this effect is probably due to the increase in identification accuracy of the appropriately colored solutions. In all three conditions, correctly identified odors were liked more than odors that were not correctly identified. Thus, color is an important perceptual variable in odor identification because it biases subjects toward a color category that facilitates identification if the color is "correct". This ability to identify an odor in turn influences the affective response to the odor.
Toward an eclectic and multilateral theory of laughter and humor.

(1947). Toward an Eclectic and Multilateral Theory of Laughter and Humor. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 207-219.
Central nervous regulation of body temperature during sleep

The relationship between hypothalamic temperature and metabolic heat production was measured during wakefulness, slow-wave sleep, and paradoxical sleep in unrestrained kangaroo rats (Dipodomys). Hypothalamic temperature was manipulated with chronically implanted, water-perfused thermodes while cortical electroencephalogram, electromyogram, metabolic rate, and body movement were continuously recorded. During slow-wave sleep, in comparison to wakefulness, there is a lowered threshold hypothalamic temperature for the metabolic heat production response and a lowered proportionality constant relating rate of metabolic heat production to hypothalamic temperature. During paradoxical sleep no increase in metabolic heat production could be elicited by lowering hypothalamic temperature, which indicates that the thermoregulatory system is inoperative. These results provide a basis for explaining the changes in various body temperatures, metabolic rate, and other thermoregulatory responses during sleep in a variety of mammals.
Attempts to reinstate lordosis reflex in estrogen-primed spinal female rats with monoamine agonists

Abstract Female rats with complete transections of spinal cord at low thoracic levels did not perform lordosis. After treatment with quipazine, a serotonin receptor stimulant, some spinal rats were able to show hindquarter responses which resembled parts of the lordosis reflex. Also, serotonin receptor stimulants increased the intensity and receptive field size of vertebral dorsiflexion, a component of lordosis, in spinal females.
Mechanical instability of α-quartz: A molecular dynamics study

Pressure-induced amorphization in \ensuremath{\alpha}-quartz has been investigated using constant-pressure molecular-dynamics calculations with the two-body potential of van Beest, Kramer, and van Santen. Both the static properties and the crystalline-to-amorphous phase transition were very well reproduced. Through an analysis of the elastic moduli, the mechanism for the transformation is shown to be a mechanical instability driven mainly by a cooperative twisting and compression of the helical tetrahedral silicate units with an abrupt decrease in the ${\mathit{C}}_{12}$, ${\mathit{C}}_{23}$, ${\mathit{C}}_{13}$, ${\mathit{C}}_{14}$, and ${\mathit{C}}_{33}$ elastic moduli.
Real-time production scheduling of an automated cardline

In this paper, we describe a flow model of an automated-printed circuit card assembly line at the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) plant at Tucson, Arizona. We use a simulation based on this model as a test bed to discuss the performance of a hierarchical scheduling policy described in [3]. We compare this with other policies for loading parts into a flexible manufacturing system. We demonstrate that the hierarchical strategy is effective in meeting production requirements (both total volume and balance among part types) while limiting average work-in-process (WIP). This is a consequence of the feedback nature of the policy. Hedging (i.e. building up buffer stock) compensates for machine failures, thus resulting in high production percentages. The work-in-process (WIP) is low, as the policy reduces internal queues by respecting the capacity constraints of the system at every instant.
Number of arginine-vasopressin neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei is not related to level or circadian characteristics of wheel-running activity in house mice.

House mouse lines bidirectionally selected for nest-building behavior show a correlation between number of AVP cells in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the master circadian clock in mammals, and level of nest-building behavior as well as a correlation between wheel-running activity and SCN AVP content. Similar genetic correlations between wheel-running activity and nest-building behavior have been reported in house mouse lines selected for increased voluntary wheel-running behavior. These similarities in genetic correlation structure in independently selected mouse lines allowed us to test whether AVP in the SCN and wheel running activity are truly correlated traits under identical testing procedures. In the mouse lines selected for voluntary wheel-running, no difference was found between the lines selected for high levels of voluntary wheel-running and randomly-bred control lines in the number of AVP immunoreactive neurons in the SCN (F 1,6 = 0.09, NS; replicate line effect: F 1,22 = 0.05, NS). This finding was confirmed at the level of individual variation, which revealed no relationship between number of AVP neurons in the SCN and total daily activity (R = −0.086, NS, n = 24), or circadian organization (i.e., the chi-squared periodogram waveform amplitude; R = −0.071, NS). Therefore our data do not support the hypothesis that differences in activity level and the circadian expression of activity in young adult mice are related to differences in the number of AVP-immunoreactive cells in the SCN.
CLAYS AND CLAY DEVELOPMENT OF LOUISIANA1

The history of the surface geology of Louisiana is given. The various geological formations of the state which contain clay that might be used to manufacture ceramic products are described. The properties of the clays that are of commercial value are considered. The cheap labor, cheap gas, good markets, and good transportation facilities of the state afford excellent possibilities for ceramic manufacturers.
Elevated Soluble fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1 Levels in Acute Coronary Occlusion

Objective—Early recognition of an acute coronary occlusion (ACO) improves clinical outcomes. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) is an endothelium-derived protein induced by hypoxia. We tested whether sFLT1 levels are elevated in ACO. Methods and Results—Serum sFLT1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in patients with ST-segment elevations and angiographically confirmed ACO, unstable angina/non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and 2 control groups. To further explore sFLT1 release, a mouse model of ACO and in vitro human coronary artery endothelial cell injury were used. sFLT1 levels were increased in ACO compared with unstable angina/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, catheterized controls, or healthy volunteers (200.7±15.5 versus 70.7±44.0 versus 10.2±4.0 versus 11.7±1.7 pg/mL respectively, P 15 pg/mL, 99th percentile in controls), whereas 57% had levels of the MB isoform of crea...
Orthogonal designs optimize achievable dispersion for coherent MISO channels

This work addresses the question of finite blocklength fundamental limits of coherently demodulated multiantenna channels, subject to frequency non-selective isotropic fading. Specifically we present achievability bound for the channel dispersion – a quantity known to determine the delay required to achieve capacity. It is shown that a commonly used isotropic Gaussian input, which is only one of many possible capacity achieving distributions, is suboptimal. Optimal inputs minimizing channel dispersion turn out to include a family of modulation techniques known as orthogonal designs (in particular, Alamouti’s scheme). For 8 transmit antennas numerical evaluation shows that up to 40% of additional penalty in delay is incurred by using isotropic codewords (compared to dispersion-optimal architecture exploiting transmit diversity).
Isotope tracers in hydrology

A major uncertainty in hydrologic and chemical modeling of watersheds has been the quantification of the contributions of water and solutes from various hydrologic pathways. Hydrologic models exist that can reproduce the timing and quantity of the hydrograph, but when chemical data are coupled with these physical models, they do not accurately reflect the streamwater chemistry. Therefore, it has been concluded that either the hydrologic pathways are represented inaccurately in the models or the processes affecting the water chemistry are not well understood.
Differential activities of thalidomide and isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway inhibitors in multiple myeloma cells

Thalidomide has emerged as an effective agent for treating multiple myeloma, however the precise mechanism of action remains unknown. Agents known to target the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP) can have cytotoxic effects in myeloma cells. The interactions between thalidomide and IBP inhibitors in human multiple myeloma cells were evaluated. Enhanced cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis were observed in RPMI-8226 cells. Examination of intracellular levels of farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) revealed a wide variance in basal levels and response to IBP inhibitors. These findings provide a mechanism for the differential sensitivity of myeloma cells to pharmacologic manipulation of the IBP.
Geometric versions of finite games: prisoner's dilemma, entry deterrence and a cyclical majority paradox

We provide geometric versions of finite, two-person games in the course of proving the following: if a finite, two-person, symmetric game is constant-sum, it is a location game. If it is not constant-sum, it is a location game with a reservation price. Every finite two-person game is a location game with a reservation price and two location sets, one for each player.
Molecular modeling of crosslinked epoxy polymers: The effect of crosslink density on thermomechanical properties

Molecular dynamics and molecular mechanics simulations are used to establish well-equilibrated, validated molecular models of the EPON 862-DETDA epoxy system with a range of crosslink densities using a united atom force field. Molecular dynamics simulations are subsequently used to predict the glass transition temperature, thermal expansion coefficients, and elastic properties of each of the crosslinked systems. The results indicate that glass transition temperature and elastic properties increase with increasing levels of crosslink density and the thermal expansion coefficient decreases with crosslink density, both above and below the glass transition temperature. The results demonstrate reasonable agreement with thermomechanical properties in the literature. The results also indicate that there may be a range of crosslink densities in epoxy systems beyond which there are limited changes in thermomechanical properties.