cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The acquired capability for suicide: A comparison of suicide attempters, suicide ideators, and non‐suicidal controls

Background: The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide states that to make a serious or lethal suicide attempt, a person must experience reductions in fear and pain sensitivity sufficient to overcome self preservation reflexes (i.e., the acquired capability for suicide). The purpose of this study was to examine the fearlessness component of the acquired capability for suicide using self-report assessment instruments and an objective measure of aversion (the affectively modulated startle reflex task). Methods: Depressed suicide ideators (n 515), depressed suicide attempters (n 515), and a group of control participants (n 514) were compared on their self-report of acquired capability and painful and provocative life events, and completed the affectively modulated startle reflex task. This task compared electromyography recordings of participants’ eye-blink response to a startle probe while viewing pictures of varying hedonic valence (neutral, positive, negative, and suicide-related). Results: Suicide attempters reported the highest levels of fearlessness and pain insensitivity and a greater history of painful and provocative life events. Although no group differences were found on the psychophysiology data, participants reacted to suicide-related images with less aversion compared to neutral images with no differences between suiciderelated and positive images. Conclusions: Self-reported fearlessness and pain insensitivity can differentiate suicide attempters and suicide ideators. Results suggest that one’s self-perception (i.e., cognitions regarding fear and pain tolerance) are more functionally related to suicide attempts than psychophysiological reactivity to suicide-related stimuli. Depression and Anxiety 27:871–877, 2010. r r 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is a cardiac-derived myocardial depressant factor

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pluripotent proinflammatory cytokine that is ubiquitously expressed in organs, including the heart. However, no specific role for MIF in modulating cardiac performance has yet been described. Therefore, we examined cardiac MIF expression in mice after LPS challenge (4 mg/kg) and tested the hypothesis that MIF is a mediator of LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction. Western blots of whole heart lysates, as well as immunohistochemistry, documented constitutive MIF protein expression in the heart. Cardiac MIF protein levels significantly decreased after LPS challenge, reaching a nadir at 12 h, and then returned to baseline by 24 h. This pattern was consistent with MIF release from cytoplasmic stores after endotoxin challenge. After release of protein, MIF mRNA levels increased 24-48 h postchallenge. To determine the functional consequences of MIF release, we treated LPS-challenged mice with anti-MIF neutralizing antibodies or isotype control antibodies. Anti-MIF-treated animals had significantly improved cardiac function, as evidenced by a significant improvement in left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening percentage at 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after endotoxin challenge. In support of these findings, perfusion of isolated beating mouse hearts (Langendorff preparation) with recombinant MIF (20 ng/ml) led to a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic performance [LV pressure (LVP), positive and negative first derivative of LVP with respect to time, and rate of LVP rise at developed pressure of 40 mmHg]. This study demonstrates that MIF mediates LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and suggests that MIF should be considered a pharmacological target for the treatment of cardiac dysfunction in sepsis and potentially other cardiac diseases.
The temporal development of hollow cathode discharges

The temporal development of hollow cathode discharges was studied by means of electrical and optical diagnostic techniques. The results indicate that the discharge develops in two stages. The initial breakdown occurs along the longest straight path of the system, i.e. from the anode to the bottom of the cathode hole. This predischarge is confined to a narrow filament along the axis and carries a current of up to hundreds of milliamperes. The resulting distortion of the electric field in the cathode hole is assumed to cause a radial breakdown from the filamentary plasma on the axis to the edge of the cathode hole. After this second breakdown, an increase in current by more than three orders of magnitude is observed. Measurements with axial magnetic fields support the two-stage model. >
Skill, complexity, and strategic interaction☆

Abstract We present a win-loss game between players with explicitly-modeled cognitive limitations. Differences in the players' abilities to analyze the available moves induce preferences over the complexity of the environment and hence incentives to manipulate that complexity. Other things equal, higher-skill players are more likely to win. In a class of long-horizon games with constant complexity, greater complexity reduces the advantage of the higher-skill player when the higher-skill player is the last mover. When the lower-skill player moves last, increasing complexity induces countervailing effects, either of which may dominate. Finally, when complexity can be manipulated over the course of the game, the benefits of strategic manipulation of complexity can override objective considerations about best move choice, resulting in purposeful departures from subgame perfect Nash equilibrium behavior.
Blood Flow and Cell-Free Layer in Microvessels

Blood is modeled as a suspension of red blood cells using the dissipative particle dynamics method. The red blood cell membrane is coarse-grained for efficient simulations of multiple cells, yet accurately describes its viscoelastic properties. Blood flow in microtubes ranging from 10 to 40 lm in diameter is simulated in three dimensions for values of hematocrit in the range of 0.15–0.45 and carefully compared with available experimental data. Velocity profiles for different hematocrit values show an increase in bluntness with an increase in hematocrit. Red blood cell center-of-mass distributions demonstrate cell migration away from the wall to the tube center. This results in the formation of a cell-free layer next to the tube wall corresponding to the experimentally observed Fahraeus and Fahraeus–Lindqvist effects. The predicted cell-free layer widths are in agreement with those found in in vitro experiments; the results are also in qualitative agreement with in vivo experiments. However, additional features have to be taken into account for simulating microvascular flow, e.g., the endothelial glycocalyx. The developed model is able to capture blood flow properties and provides a computational framework at the mesoscopic level for obtaining realistic predictions of blood flow in microcirculation under normal and pathological conditions.
Testing a developmental cascade model of emotional and social competence and early peer acceptance

A developmental cascade model of early emotional and social competence predicting later peer acceptance was examined in a community sample of 440 children across the ages of 2 to 7. Children’s externalizing behavior, emotion regulation, social skills within the classroom and peer acceptance were examined utilizing a multitrait–multimethod approach. A series of longitudinal cross-lag models that controlled for shared rater variance were fit using structural equation modeling. Results indicated there was considerable stability in children’s externalizing behavior problems and classroom social skills over time. Contrary to expectations, there were no reciprocal influences between externalizing behavior problems and emotion regulation, although higher levels of emotion regulation were associated with decreases in subsequent levels of externalizing behaviors. Finally, children’s early social skills also predicted later peer acceptance. Results underscore the complex associations among emotional and social functioning across early childhood.
Guitar Hero or Zero

Motivations for, and outcomes of, playing rhythm-based music video games have had little direct study. The current research showed that fantasy-seeking motivations combined with self-esteem to create either unregulated game play habits or an incentive to play a musical instrument in real life. We obtained measures from adult players of rhythm-based music video games (N = 421), regarding their gaming habits, fantasy-seeking motivations, and self-esteem. Regression analyses showed that the interaction of low self-esteem with high fantasy-seeking motivation predicted unregulated game play. Self-esteem was negatively related to habitual and solitary game play. Fantasy-seeking motivations positively predicted a player’s desire to learn or play a musical instrument in real life. These results suggest that fantasy-seeking motivations reflect escapism under certain conditions and a desire to develop game-related skills in real life under other conditions. We discuss potential educational benefits of fantasy seeki...
Two-legged hopping in autism spectrum disorders

Sensory processing deficits are common within autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Deficits have a heterogeneous dispersion across the spectrum and multimodal processing tasks are thought to magnify integration difficulties. Two-legged hopping in place in sync with an auditory cue (2.3, 3.0 Hz) was studied in a group of six individuals with expressive language impaired ASD (ELI-ASD) and an age-matched control group. Vertical ground reaction force data were collected and discrete Fourier transforms were utilized to determine dominant hopping cadence. Effective leg stiffness was computed through a mass-spring model representation. The ELI-ASD group were unsuccessful in matching their hopping cadence (2.21±0.30 hops•sec-1, 2.35±0.41 hops•sec-1) to either auditory cue with greater deviations at the 3.0 Hz cue. In contrast, the control group was able to match hopping cadence (2.35±0.06 hops•sec-1, 3.02±0.10 hops•sec-1) to either cue via an adjustment of effective leg stiffness. The ELI-ASD group demonstrated a varied response with an interquartile range (IQR) in excess of 0.5 hops•sec-1 as compared to the control group with an IQR < 0.03 hops•sec-1. Several sensorimotor mechanisms could explain the inability of participants with ELI-ASD to modulate motor output to match an external auditory cue. These results suggest that a multimodal gross motor task can (1) discriminate performance among a group of individuals with severe autism, and (2) could be a useful quantitative tool for evaluating motor performance in individuals with ASD individuals.
An improved mechanical strain gauge for recording penile circumference change.

The re-design of a mechanical strain gauge for recording penile circumference change is described. Basic modifications included doubling the thickness of the spring steel used in the penile ring, the use of larger strain gauges with a greater strain range, and a different method for protecting the gauge assembly. These design changes produced a more robust unit with greater longevity than the original.
Early excision and grafting, an alternative approach to the surgical management of large body surface area levamisole-adulterated cocaine induced skin necrosis

Levamisole-adulterated cocaine as a cause of retiform purpura progressing to full-thickness skin necrosis was first documented in 2003 and currently comprises over 200 reported cases. Whereas, its presentation, pathophysiology, and diagnostic workup have been reasonably well-defined, only one publication has significantly detailed its surgical management. For this reason there exists a relative absence of data in comparison to its reported incidence to suggest a preferred treatment strategy. In the case mentioned, treatment emphasized delayed surgical intervention while awaiting lesion demarcation and the monitoring of autoantibodies. At our institution we offer an alternative approach and present the case of a 34 year old female who presented with 49% TBSA, levamisole-induced skin necrosis managed with early surgical excision and skin grafting. The patient presented three days following cocaine exposure with painful, purpura involving the ears, nose, buttocks, and bilateral lower extremities which quickly progressed to areas of full-thickness necrosis. Lab analysis demonstrated elevated p-ANCA and c-ANCA, as well as leukopenia, decreased C4 complement, and urinalysis positive for levamisole, corroborating the diagnosis. Contrasting the most thoroughly documented case in which the patient underwent first surgical excision on hospital day 36 and underwent 18 total excisions, our patient underwent first excision on hospital day 10 and received only one primary excision prior to definitive autografting. To our knowledge, this is the largest surface area surgically treated that did not result in surgical amputation or autoamputation of limbs or appendages, respectively. We contend that early excision and grafting provides optimal surgical management of this syndrome while avoiding the morbidity seen with delayed intervention.
Bracing for ambulation in childhood progressive muscular dystrophy.

1. Fifteen of seventeen patients with childhood muscular dystrophy who had ceased walking because of muscle weakness were able to walk independently again after correction of contractures and fitting of long lower-extremity braces. 2. The criterion for bracing is recent loss of the ability to walk independently or the ability to walk only with assistance in a patient who stands less than half an hour a day. 3. Contrary to previous opinion, there is enough residual muscle power for walking in braces when muscle weakness prevents independent walking. 4. When braces are needed to continue walking, the patient with muscular dystrophy has lost 60 per cent of his muscle mass. 5. It is usually necessary to correct heel-cord and iliotibial-band contractures surgically before application of braces. 6. The additional energy requirements for walking with braces have not caused any significant cardiovascular complications as far as can be determined through clinical observation aided by serial electrocardiograms and cardiac roentgenograms.
Amino acid content of L5178Y and cells after l-asparaginase treatment

Abstract The amino acid contents of tumor cells that are either sensitive or resistant to treatment with l -asparaginase were measured. These amino acid concentrations were measured as a function of incubation time with l -asparaginase or as a function of the l -asparaginase dose. The cell types compared were the mouse leukemia lines L5178Y (sensitive to l -asparaginase treatment) and L5178Y/ l -ASE (resistant to l -asparaginase treatment). Upon l -asparaginase treatment both cell lines lost most of their cellular asparagine but, whereas the resistant cells exhibited the ability to rebound to about 50% of initial values, the sensitive cells did not. While previous work had suggested that asparagine-dependent glycine synthesis was essential for sensitive cells (but not in resistant cells), we found no difference in the glycine content of either of the two cell lines as a function of either time or dose that would support this hypothesis. Major differences between the two cell lines were seen in the content of the essential amino acids before treatment with l -asparaginase. After incubation without l -asparaginase the contents of the two cell lines became similar. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms of l -asparaginase sensitivity and resistance.
The Kidney and Drain Turbidity Soup Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure with Mid we Loss Random Parallel Control Study

[Objective]To observe the kidney and drain turbidity decoction treatment of chronic renal failure with mid we loss is effective.[Methods]Using random parallel control method,85 cases of hospitalized patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the draw method.The control group of 40 cases of conventional western medicine treatment.Treatment group 45 cases kidney and muddy soup(Sangjisheng,Zhifuzi each 12,Huangqi,Liuyuexue,Fuling each 30,Heshouwu15,Ganjiang,Chaihu,Dahuang 10g),1/d,boiling water 150 ml,oral sooner or later.Continuous treatment of 60d 1 course of treatment.Observation of clinical symptoms and adverse reactions.Treatment as a course,to determine efficacy.[Results] the treatment group 11 cases were markedly improved,28 cases effective,6 no effect,the total effective rate was 86.67%.Control group 6 cases had marked effect,effectively and 21 cases,13 cases of invalid,the total effective rate was 67.50%.The treatment group curative effect is better than that of control group(P0.05).[Conclusion]The kidney and drain turbidity decoction treatment of chronic renal failure with mid we loss effect is remarkable,is worth promoting.
Extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and optical waves propagation in turbulence: discussion

Extended Huygens-Fresnel principle (EHF) currently is the most common technique used in theoretical studies of the optical propagation in turbulence. A recent review paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A31, 2038 (2014)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.31.002038] cites several dozens of papers that are exclusively based on the EHF principle. We revisit the foundations of the EHF, and show that it is burdened by very restrictive assumptions that make it valid only under weak scintillation conditions. We compare the EHF to the less-restrictive Markov approximation and show that both theories deliver identical results for the second moment of the field, rendering the EHF essentially worthless. For the fourth moment of the field, the EHF principle is accurate under weak scintillation conditions, but is known to provide erroneous results for strong scintillation conditions. In addition, since the EHF does not obey the energy conservation principle, its results cannot be accurate for scintillations of partially coherent beam waves.
An Evaluation of a Fence in the Control of Wild Ungulates Under Extensive Conditions in Africa

SUMMARY The efficacy of a seven-strand wire fence 1.9 m high and 70 km long in the control of fourteen ungulate species in savanna woodland was assessed from quantitative behavioural data over a 15-month period after fence construction. A large measure of control was achieved over medium sized and larger species. In relation to the requirements for disease control, the most promising results were achieved in the control of the larger gregarious antelopes.
Investigating Mixture Interactions of Astringent Stimuli Using the Isobole Approach

Astringents (alum, malic acid, tannic acid) representing 3 broad classes (multivalent salts, organic acids, and polyphenols) were characterized alone, and as 2- and 3-component mixtures using isoboles. In experiment 1, participants rated 7 attributes ("astringency," the sub-qualities "drying," "roughing," and "puckering," and the side tastes "bitterness," "sourness," and "sweetness") using direct scaling. Quality specific power functions were calculated for each stimulus. In experiment 2, the same participants characterized 2- and 3-component mixtures. Multiple factor analysis (MFA) and hierarchical clustering on attribute ratings across stimuli indicate "astringency" is highly related to "bitterness" as well as "puckering," and the subqualities "drying" and "roughing" are somewhat redundant. Moreover, power functions were used to calculate indices of interaction (I) for each attribute/mixture combination. For "astringency," there was evidence of antagonism, regardless of the type of mixture. Conversely, for subqualities, the pattern of interaction depended on the mixture type. Alum/tannic acid and tannic acid/malic acid mixtures showed evidence of synergy for "drying" and "roughing"; alum/malic acid mixtures showed evidence of antagonism for "drying," "roughing," and "puckering." Collectively, these data clarify some semantic ambiguity regarding astringency and its subqualities, as well as the nature of interactions of among different types of astringents. Present data are not inconsistent with the idea that astringency arises from multiple mechanisms, although it remains to be determined whether the synergy observed here might reflect simultaneous activation of these multiple mechanisms.
Fisher-optimal neural population codes for high-dimensional diffeomorphic stimulus representations

In many neural systems, information about stimulus variables is often represented in a distributed manner by means of a population code. It is generally assumed that the responses of the neural population are tuned to the stimulus statistics, and most prior work has investigated the optimal tuning characteristics of one or a small number of stimulus variables. In this work, we investigate the optimal tuning for diffeomorphic representations of high-dimensional stimuli. We analytically derive the solution that minimizes the L2 reconstruction loss. We compared our solution with other well-known criteria such as maximal mutual information. Our solution suggests that the optimal weights do not necessarily decorrelate the inputs, and the optimal nonlinearity differs from the conventional equalization solution. Results illustrating these optimal representations are shown for some input distributions that may be relevant for understanding the coding of perceptual pathways.
Ultrastructure of nerve plexus in flatworms

The peripheral nervous system of the polyclad flatworm Notoplana acticola is described from electron microscopic observations. There are two components, a subepithelial system and a submuscular plexus. The subepithelial system lies among muscle cells beneath the basement membrane of the epithelium. Axons and processes containing clear or dense-cored vesicles were found. The subepithelial system is in the form of a feltwork of fibers rather than a nerve-net. The submuscular plexus has both specialized and primitive aspects to its organization. In the former category are sheathed axons and complex synaptic configurations while the latter can be seen in the numerous naked axons, somata lying deep in the nerve tissue and islands of neuropil scattered along the nerve tracts.
Goal recognition design with stochastic agent action outcomes

Goal Recognition Design (GRD) problems involve identifying the best ways to modify the underlying environment that the agents operate in, typically by making a subset of feasible actions infeasible, in such a way that agents are forced to reveal their goals as early as possible. Thus far, existing work assumes that the outcomes of the actions of the agents are deterministic, which might be unrealistic in real-world problems. For example, wheel slippage in robots cause the outcomes of their movements to be stochastic. In this paper, we generalize the GRD problem to Stochastic GRD (S-GRD) problems, which handle stochastic action outcomes. We also generalize the worst-case distinctiveness (wcd) measure, which measures the goodness of a solution, to take stochasticity into account. Finally, we introduce Markov decision process (MDP) based algorithms to compute the wcd and minimize it by making up to k actions infeasible.
Lithium rechallenge after renal transplant.

Abstract Mrs B is a 65-year-old, married, white woman with long-standing history of bipolar disorder type I who achieved mood stability with chronic lithium treatment. She developed end-stage renal disease, which was suspected to be the result of chronic lithium exposure in the context of medical comorbidity, and subsequently required renal transplantation. Following transplantation and discontinuation of lithium, Mrs B was unable to achieve mood stability with multiple medication trials and required more than 40 medical and psychiatric hospitalizations with eventual transition to skilled nursing care. After much discussion among the psychiatric treatment team, the patient, and her husband, primary care provider, nephrologist, and renal transplant surgeon, the decision was made to restart the patient on lithium given her previous treatment success. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the use of lithium following renal transplantation. In this case, a multidisciplinary approach was used to assist...
Design and Characterization of DNA Strand-Displacement Circuits in Serum-Supplemented Cell Medium

The functional stability and lifetimes of synthetic molecular circuits in biological environments are important for long-term, stable sensors or controllers of cell or tissue behavior. DNA-based molecular circuits, in particular DNA strand-displacement circuits, provide simple and effective biocompatible control mechanisms and sensors, but are vulnerable to digestion by nucleases present in living tissues and serum-supplemented cell culture. The stability of double-stranded and single-stranded DNA circuit components in serum-supplemented cell medium and the corresponding effect of nuclease-mediated degradation on circuit performance were characterized to determine the major routes of degradation and DNA strand-displacement circuit failure. Simple circuit design choices, such as the use of 5′ toeholds within the DNA complexes used as reactants in the strand-displacement reactions and the termination of single-stranded components with DNA hairpin domains at the 3′ termini, significantly increase the functio...
Quantile causal mediation analysis allowing longitudinal data

Mediation analysis has mostly been conducted with mean regression models. With this approach modeling means, formulae for direct and indirect effects are based on changes in means, which may not capture effects that occur in units at the tails of mediator and outcome distributions. Individuals with extreme values of medical endpoints are often more susceptible to disease and can be missed if one investigates mean changes only. We derive the controlled direct and indirect effects of an exposure along percentiles of the mediator and outcome using quantile regression models and a causal framework. The quantile regression models can accommodate an exposure-mediator interaction and random intercepts to allow for longitudinal mediator and outcome. Because DNA methylation acts as a complex "switch" to control gene expression and fibrinogen is a cardiovascular factor, individuals with extreme levels of these markers may be more susceptible to air pollution. We therefore apply this methodology to environmental data to estimate the effect of air pollution, as measured by particle number, on fibrinogen levels through a change in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) methylation. We estimate the controlled direct effect of air pollution on the qth percentile of fibrinogen and its indirect effect through a change in the pth percentile of IFN-γ methylation. We found evidence of a direct effect of particle number on the upper tail of the fibrinogen distribution. We observed a suggestive indirect effect of particle number on the upper tail of the fibrinogen distribution through a change in the lower percentiles of the IFN-γ methylation distribution.
Proposition 65: Risk Communication and Regulatory Policy

Regulatory guidelines for the provision of information to the public regarding environmental hazards are expanding at the federal, state, and local levels. Most of the effort to develop and implement these regulations has focused primarily on scientific and legal aspects, despite the psychological implications of such legislation. Little effort has been made to address the impact and effectiveness of these regulations on the risk perception and behavior of those individuals whom the information is intended to protect. The rapid increase in such right-to-know regulations, combined with the lack of attention to social and behavioral considerations, has generated problems in developing effective risk communication programs. This paper discusses these issues by first presenting a brief background on both the history and information disclosure requirements of California’s Proposition 65. Next, a model for a hierarchical system of public warning requirements utilizing the knowledge derived from risk communication research is presented. Lastly, consideration is given to issues raised by the social policy aspects of regulating the communication of risk.
Adaptive changes in biomorphs of grass creeping perennials in anthropogenic succession

Ecological and morphological adaptations of grass creeping perennials Luzula sylvatica (Huds.) Gaud. and L. luzuloides (Lam.) Dandy et Wilm. were studied in communities of anthropogenic successional elementary coenosystem of Piceetum luzulosum (sylvaticae), which are manifested in the passage of sinontogenesis’ features, as soon as changes of habit parameters and phytomass, also in biomorphological differentiation and disintegration of the specimens.
Mission and Readiness Assessment for Fusion Nuclear Facilities

Magnetic fusion development toward DEMO will most likely require a number of fusion nuclear facilities (FNF), intermediate between ITER and DEMO, to test and validate plasma and nuclear technologies and to advance the level of system integration. The FNF mission space is wide, ranging from basic materials research to net electricity demonstration, so there is correspondingly a choice among machine options, scope, and risk in planning such a step. Readiness requirements to proceed with a DEMO are examined, and two FNF options are assessed in terms of the contributions they would make to closing DEMO readiness gaps, and their readiness to themselves proceed with engineering design about ten years from now. An advanced tokamak (AT) pilot plant with superconducting coils and a mission to demonstrate net electricity generation would go a long way toward DEMO. As a next step, however, a pilot plant would entail greater risk than a copper-coil FNSF-AT with its more focussed mission and technology requirements. The stellarator path to DEMO is briefly discussed. Regardless of the choice of FNF option, an accompanying science and technology development program, also aimed at DEMO readiness, is absolutely essential.
Recent Advances in Inhibin Research

The first evidence for the presence of a gonadal hormone which regulates pituitary cell function arose from the pioneering work of Mottram and Cramer (1). In their study, irradiation of adult rats’ testes resulted in the hypertrophy of their pituitary cells, similar to that observed in castrated animals. These animals had normal Leydig cells, but their germinal epithelium had been destroyed. It was, therefore, suggested that an unknown testicular factor (s) derived from a non-Leydig cell component is necessary for normal pituitary cell function. Shortly thereafter, McCullagh (2) reported that administration of a water-soluble extract of bovine testes to such irradiated animals was able to prevent the formation of the so-called “castration cells” in the anterior pituitary. McCullagh chose “inhibin” as the name for this putative hormone, in order to differentiate it from the lipid-soluble steroid hormone called androitin, better known to us today as testosterone.
Graph Algorithms in the Language of Linear Algebra: How Did We Get Here, and Where Do We Go Next?

Numerical computational science dominated the first half century of high- performance computing; graph theory served numerical linear algebra by enabling efficient sparse matrix methods. Turnabout is fair play: Nowadays more and more computational problems concern graphs in their own right, and sparse matrix methods are often a good way to look at algorithms on graphs. This has led via a long path to the Graph BLAS and its reference implementations, which are a significant milestone. But there’s a lot left to do. What happens now?
Efficient Face And Gesture Recognition For Time Sensitive Application

Face recognition systems are used in various fields such as biometric authentication, security enhancement, automobile control and user detection. This research is focused on developing a model to control a system using gestures, while simultaneously implementing continuous facial recognition to avoid unauthorized access. An effective face recognition system is developed and applied in conjunction with a gesture recognition system to control a wireless robot in real-time. The facial recognition system extracts the face using the Viola-Jones algorithm which utilizes Haar like features along with Adaboost training. This is followed by a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) based feature extractor and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to recognize the face. The gesture recognition is facilitated by using color segmentation, which involves extracting the skin tone of the detected face and using this to detect the position of hand. The gesture is obtained by tracking the hand using the Kanade-Lucas-Tomasi (KLT) algorithm. In this research, we additionally utilize a background subtraction model so as to extract the foreground and reduce the misclassifications. Such a technique highly improves the performance of the facial and gesture detector in complex and cluttered environments. The performance of the face detector was tested on different databases including the ORL, Caltech and Faces96 database. The efficacy of this system in controlling a robot in real-time has also been demonstrated in this research. It provides an accuracy of 94.44% for recognizing faces and greater than 90.8% for recognizing gestures in real-time applications. Such a system is seen to have superior performance coupled with a relatively lower computation requirement in comparison to existing techniques.
Trajectories of Interracial Heterosexual Couples: A Longitudinal Analysis of Relationship Quality and Separation

Minimal research has examined interracial couples' relationship satisfaction and dissolution patterns over time. Using dyadic data across 8 years, we examined potential differences in relationship quality trajectories through latent growth curve modeling with 1,336 couples as well as differential risks for relationship dissolution through logistic regression between same-race and interracial relationships using a different subset of 2,370 couples. Results indicated that women in interracial relationships were significantly lower in initial relationship quality than women in same-race relationships. Further, interracial couples of Black-Hispanic partnerings were twice as likely to separate across 8 years than same-race couples. These results suggest that despite interracial relationships not substantively differing from same-race couples in trajectories of relationship quality, specific Black-Hispanic interracial couples are at a higher risk of eventual separation.
Ku band Metal-Strip-Loaded Dielectric Rod Antenna with Narrowband Gain Enhancement

A metal grated pattern was implemented on a dielectric rod antenna (DRA) with rectangular cross-section to increase the antenna gain in a narrowband. The DRA is formed by a high permittivity core that is cut into shape using laser machining. The metal strip loading is added using micro-dispending of silver paste. The proposed design was characterized from 12.4 to 18 GHz, a peak gain increment of 2 dB was measured at 13 GHz and a half power beamwidth (HPBW) reduction of 12 degrees was obtained with metal strip length of 0.27 $\boldsymbol{\lambda}_{\mathbf{g}}$ . An improvement that yields ~ 50% reduction in body gradient size when compared to a non-loaded antenna. Simulated data shows the inverse relationship between the end fire peak gain frequency and the strip length.
Detailed Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Myomectomy and Hysterectomy Specimens From Women With Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (HLRCC)

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome (HLRCC), caused by a germline mutation in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene, predisposes patients to uterine and cutaneous smooth muscle tumors and an aggressive type of renal cell carcinoma. Almost all women with HLRCC develop symptomatic u
Sequential reaction of p-toluidine with 2,3-dichloromaleic anhydride: Synthesis and molecular structure of 2-chloro-3-p-toluidino-N-p-tolylmaleimide

The reaction of equimolar amounts of p-toluidine with 2,3-dichloromaleic anhydride in refluxing toluene affords 2,3-dichloro-N-p-tolylmaleimide (1) and 2-chloro-3-p-toluidino-N-p-tolylmaleimide (2), as the major and minor products, respectively. While increasing the amount of p-toluidine relative to 2,3-dichloromaleic anhydride yields the latter compound as the major product, the replacement of the chloro group in 2-chloro-3-p-toluidino-N-p-tolylmaleimide by added p-toluidine was not observed in refluxing toluene. Both 1 and 2 were isolated by column chromatography and characterized in solution by IR and NMR spectroscopies. The solid-state structure of 2-chloro-3-p-toluidino-N-p-tolylmaleimide was solved by X-ray crystallography. Further, 2-Chloro-3-p-toluidino-N-p-tolylmaleimide crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, a = 33.191(8) A, b = 4.037(1) A, c = 24.876(6) A, β = 107.050(4)°, V = 3187(1) A3, Z = 8, and d calc = 1.362 mg/m3; R = 0.0561, R w = 0.1246 for 2087 reflections with I > 2σ (I).
To Awaken Beyond the Image-Free ( nirābhāsa ): The Meaning and Means of the Exoteric Path of Mahāmudrā in the Tangut Keypoints - Notes Cluster

From the 11th through 13th centuries, the mass of yogic techniques informed by the Yoganiruttara cycle of Buddhist Tantra flowed over the Himalayan range and extended to the Hexi Corridor. The Tibetan, Tangut, and Chinese peoples who had been exposed to such a yogic and tantric culture actively drew on Indian Buddhist legacies as taxonomical and conceptual device to structure and make sense of these cutting-edge contemplative techniques. One such discursive device was the Mahāmudrā rubric considered as the pinnacle of a systematic presentation of both tantric and sūtric paths to ultimacy. In this article, I explore the sūtric path structure embedded within a 12th-century Tangut Mahāmudrā presentation—in the Keypoints of Mahāmudrā as the Ultimate along with its commentary—formulated under the Tibetan auspices. I analyze the relevance of the Keypoints exoteric expositions of Mahāmudrā to the Mahāyāna intellectual history through the lens of non-conceptual meditation scheme. In specific, I argue that the Tangut Mahāmudrā works under survey map out a “positive-mystical” paradigm of Buddhist soteriology shared across those Mahāyāna scholastic traditions inspired by the Buddha-nature doctrine to account for the tantric phenomenology.
Distinct Roles for BET Family Members in Estrogen Receptor α Enhancer Function and Gene Regulation in Breast Cancer Cells

The bromodomain family member proteins (BRD; BET proteins) are key coregulators for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-mediated transcriptional enhancers. The use of BRD-selective inhibitors has gained much attention as a potential treatment for various solid tumors, including ER-positive breast cancers. However, the roles of individual BET family members have largely remained unexplored. Here, we describe the role of BRDs in estrogen (E2)-dependent gene expression in ERα-positive breast cancer cells. We observed that chemical inhibition of BET family proteins with JQ1 impairs E2-regulated gene expression and growth in breast cancer cells. In addition, RNAi-mediated depletion of each BET family member (BRDs 2, 3, and 4) revealed partially redundant roles at ERα enhancers and for target gene transcription. Furthermore, we found a unique role of BRD3 as a molecular sensor of total BET family protein levels and activity through compensatory control of its own protein levels. Finally, we observed that BRD3 is recruited to a subset of ERα-binding sites (ERBS) that are enriched for active enhancer features, located in clusters of ERBSs likely functioning as “super enhancers,” and associated with highly E2-responsive genes. Collectively, our results illustrate a critical and specific role for BET family members in ERα-dependent gene transcription. Implications: BRD3 is recruited to and controls the activity of a subset ERα transcriptional enhancers, providing a therapeutic opportunity to target BRD3 with BET inhibitors in ERα-positive breast cancers.
Syntheses, Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of 1,10‐Phenanthroline‐Based Macrocycles Threaded by PtC8Pt, PtC12Pt, and PtC16Pt Axles: Metal‐Capped Rotaxanes as Insulated Molecular Wires

The platinum polyynyl complexes trans-(C6 F5 )(p-tol3 P)2 Pt(C≡C)n/2 H undergo oxidative homocoupling (O2 , CuCl/TMEDA) to diplatinum polyynediyl complexes trans, trans-(C6 F5 )(p-tol3 P)2 Pt(C≡C)n Pt(Pp-tol3 )2 (C6 F5 ) (n=4, 2; 6, 5; 8, 8; 92-97 %) as reported previously. When related reactions are conducted in the presence of CuI adducts of the 1,10-phenanthroline-based macrocycles 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C6 H4 O(CH2 )6 O)2 (1,3-C6 H4 ) (10, 33-membered) or 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C6 H4 O(CH2 )6 O)2 (2,7-naphthalenediyl) (11, 35-membered), excess K2 CO3 , and I2 (oxidant), rotaxanes are isolated that feature a Pt(C≡C)n Pt axle that has been threaded through the macrocycle (2⋅10, 9 %; 5⋅10, 41 %; 5⋅11, 28 %; 8⋅10, 12 %; 8⋅11, 9 %). Their crystal structures are determined and analyzed in detail, particularly with respect to geometric perturbations and the degree of steric sp carbon chain insulation. NMR spectra show a number of shielding effects. UV/Vis spectra do not indicate significant electronic interactions between the Pt(C≡C)n Pt axles and macrocycles, although cyclic voltammetry data suggest rapid reactions following oxidation.
Sacramento 3,073 Miles: Road signage and contextual communication on America’s legacy highways

Over a five-year period, photographic and experiential data was collected about signage design, placement and context along America’s iconic legacy US highways. Over 10,000 miles were traveled and more than 15,000 photographs were taken to represent the broad range of signs, placements, and contexts representing current tastes, norms and trends, but also the nearly 100-year history of highway signage as an essential form of American visual communication. This work captures the use and evolution of road signage to communicate public safety, wayfinding, and commercial messages along historic highways routes, and establishes the special importance of the specific environmental context in which the signs are situated for determining how effectively they communicate their messages. Analyses of the signage using visual attention software tools show that identical signs with identical placement will capture visual attention differently depending on the specific characteristics of the visual context.
The differential impact of nicotine replacement therapy sampling on cessation outcomes across established tobacco disparities groups

Abstract Cigarette smoking is increasingly concentrated among marginalized populations with limited access to evidence-based cessation treatment. This includes racial/ethnic minorities, lower income individuals, those with lower educational attainment, and residents of rural areas. To reach Healthy People 2020 objectives, successful cessation interventions must narrow these disparities. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) sampling is an easily translatable and scalable intervention that could enhance treatment access and thus narrow disparities. The present study examined individual-level demographic moderators of the impact of NRT sampling on cessation-related behaviors including: 1) use of a cessation medication, 2) making a 24-hour quit attempt, 3) floating abstinence, and 4) 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 6-months. Study participants included N = 1245 adult smokers enrolled in the Tobacco Intervention in Primary Care Treatment Opportunities for Providers (TIP TOP) study, a recently concluded large-scale clinical trial of NRT sampling relative to standard care within 22 primary care clinics across South Carolina. Generalized linear models examined individual-level demographic moderators of treatment effect. Results suggest that NRT sampling may be more effective among some of the most disadvantaged groups of smokers, including smokers with lower income and education, as well those who live in more rural areas. The effects of NRT sampling did not differ by race. In sum, NRT sampling is a low-cost, low-burden intervention that could be disseminated broadly to reach large numbers of smokers and potentially narrow cessation disparities.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the colloidal interaction between smectite clay nanoparticles in liquid water.

Abstract Colloidal interactions between clay nanoparticles have been studied extensively because of their strong influence on the hydrology and mechanics of many soils and sedimentary media. The predominant theory used to describe these interactions is the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) model, a framework widely applied in colloidal and interfacial science that accurately predicts the interactions between charged surfaces across water films at distances greater than ~ 3 nm (i.e., ten water monolayers). Unfortunately, the DLVO model is inaccurate at the shorter interparticle distances that predominate in most subsurface environments. For example, it inherently cannot predict the existence of equilibrium states wherein clay particles adopt interparticle distances equal to the thickness of one, two, or three water monolayers. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have the potential to provide detailed information on the free energy of interaction between clay nanoparticles; however, they have only been used to examine clay swelling and aggregation at interparticle distances below 1 nm. We present the first MD simulation predictions of the free energy of interaction of smectite clay nanoparticles in the entire range of interparticle distances from the large interparticle distances where the DLVO model is accurate (>3 nm) to the short-range swelling states where non-DLVO interactions predominate (
Association of prehospital antiplatelet therapy with survival in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hypercoagulability and increased thrombotic risk. The impact of prehospital antiplatelet therapy on in-hospital mortality is uncertain. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study of 34 675 patients ≥50 years old from 90 health systems in the United States. Patients were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between February 2020 and September 2020. For all patients, the propensity to receive prehospital antiplatelet therapy was calculated using demographics and comorbidities. Patients were matched based on propensity scores, and in-hospital mortality was compared between the antiplatelet and non-antiplatelet groups. RESULTS: The propensity score-matched cohort of 17 347 patients comprised of 6781 and 10 566 patients in the antiplatelet and non-antiplatelet therapy groups, respectively. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients receiving prehospital antiplatelet therapy (18.9% vs. 21.5%, p < .001), resulting in a 2.6% absolute reduction in mortality (HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.76-0.87, p < .005). On average, 39 patients needed to be treated to prevent one in-hospital death. In the antiplatelet therapy group, there was a significantly lower rate of pulmonary embolism (2.2% vs. 3.0%, p = .002) and higher rate of epistaxis (0.9% vs. 0.4%, p < .001). There was no difference in the rate of other hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest observational study to date of prehospital antiplatelet therapy in patients with COVID-19, there was an association with significantly lower in-hospital mortality. Randomized controlled trials in diverse patient populations with high rates of baseline comorbidities are needed to determine the ultimate utility of antiplatelet therapy in COVID-19.