cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can marriage education mitigate the risks associated with premarital cohabitation

This study tested whether relationship education (i.e., the Prevention and Relationship Education Program; PREP) can mitigate the risk of having cohabited before making a mutual commitment to marry (i.e., "precommitment cohabitation") for marital distress and divorce. Using data from a study of PREP for married couples in the U.S. Army (N = 662 couples), we found that there was a significant association between precommitment cohabitation and lower marital satisfaction and dedication before random assignment to intervention. After intervention, this precommitment cohabitation effect was only apparent in the control group. Specifically, significant interactions between intervention condition and cohabitation history indicated that for the control group, but not the PREP group, precommitment cohabitation was associated with lower dedication as well as declines in marital satisfaction and increases in negative communication over time. Furthermore, those with precommitment cohabitation were more likely to divorce by the 2-year follow-up only in the control group; there were no differences in divorce based on premarital cohabitation history in the PREP group. These findings are discussed in light of current research on cohabitation and relationship education; potential implications are also considered.
Variable region gene analysis of pathologic human autoantibodies to the related i and I red blood cell antigens.

To investigate the molecular basis of the autoimmune response to the related i and I carbohydrate antigens, we studied cold agglutinins (CA) from B-cell clones and from the peripheral circulation of patients with lymphoproliferative syndromes. Sequence analyses of expressed variable region genes indicate that both anti-i and anti-I specificities from B- cell clones from two patients are encoded by the VH4.21 or a very closely related VH4 heavy chain gene, whereas the expressed light chain genes differed. The anti-i-secreting B-cells express unmutated germline- encoded VH4.21 and VKI gene sequences. The VH region gene encoding anti- I has the closest homology (97%) to the VH4.21 germline gene and differs at the protein level by only three amino acids. In contrast, while the VL region gene encoding anti-I is most homologous (96%) to the VKIII, kv328 germline gene, there are seven amino acid differences due to nonrandom replacement mutations, which suggests a role for antigen-mediated selection in the anti-I response of this individual. These studies were extended by a structural survey of 20 additional serum CA using antipeptide antibodies specific for determinants in VH and VL regions. All anti-I and anti-i CA were shown to express VH4 heavy chains, and 14 of 17 CA expressed a previously described VH4 second hypervariable region determinant, termed VH4-HV2a. We also found that 13 of 14 anti-I CA used VKIII light chains, while the anti-i CA used light chains from at least three VL families. Taken together, the data show that anti-i and anti-I CA probably both derive from the VH4.21 gene (or a closely related gene). Furthermore, the restricted VH and different VL gene use in anti-i and anti-I CA may reflect the close structural relationship of the i and I antigens.
In praise of Descartes

Robert P Crease responds to criticisms of Rene Descartes made by Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg and others
Timing resolution performance comparison for fast and standard outputs of SensL SiPM

A new silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) with a unique fast output signal feature was recently introduced by SensL. For a SiPM device with 3×3 mm2 sensitive area, the single photo electron response from the fast output is less than 2 ns wide compared with 50 ns width observed at the standard output. Using the fast readout signal, a coincidence resolving time (CRT) of 190 ps (FWHM - full width at half maximum) was measured with a 3×3×10 mm3 LYSO crystal optically coupled to the SiPM mounted on the SensL MicroFB-SMA evaluation board. Applying additional C-R high pass filters to the standard SiPM output, we shortened the SPE response from 50 ns to 3 ns width and measured CRT values similar to those obtained with fast output signals. We have studied the effect of external filtering on CRT with two SensL 3×3 mm2 devices with different microcell sizes (35 µm and 50 µm). For both devices studied, we demonstrated similar CRT performance between the fast output and standard output with optimized pulse shaping filter. However, for applications requiring simultaneous measurement of intensity and timing of light pulses, the availability of a separate fast output directly from the sensor is convenient because it reduces the need for additional circuits and provides CRT performance equal to external filters optimized for the standard outputs.
Characterization of Self-Folding Origami Structures Using Magneto-Active Elastomers

Magneto-active elastomers (MAEs) are polymers with magnetic particles that are capable of aligning with an external magnetic field; this self-alignment ability is one reason why MAEs can be used as actuators for folding or bending in origami engineering. The focus of this paper is on experimental characterization and finite element modeling of an MAE folding accordion structure. The goal is to understand the relationships among the applied magnetic field, displacement of the structure during actuation, and the resultant reaction force generated. This relationship is important for applications where force generation caused by the actuation of MAE structures is required.Data show that force increases with increasing magnetic field, and the work done by the structure can also be calculated by integrating the force. Good agreement between the finite element analysis and experimental data is shown. Future methods for improving experimentation and modeling are discussed based on the results.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Performance on the Cardiovascular In-Training Examination in Relation to the ABIM Cardiovascular Disease Certification Examination

The American College of Cardiology In-Training Exam (ACC-ITE) is incorporated into most U.S. training programs, but its relationship to performance on the American Board of Internal Medicine Cardiovascular Disease (ABIM CVD) Certification Examination is unknown. ACC-ITE scores from third-year fellows from 2011 to 2014 (n = 1,918) were examined. Covariates for regression analyses included sex, age, medical school country, U.S. Medical Licensing Examination Step, and ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Examination scores. A secondary analysis examined fellows (n = 511) who took the ACC-ITE in the first and third years. ACC-ITE scores were the strongest predictor of ABIM CVD scores (p < 0.0001), and the most significant predictor of passing (p < 0.0001). The change in ACC-ITE scores from first to third year was a strong predictor of the ABIM CVD score (p < 0.001). The ACC-ITE is strongly associated with performance on the ABIM CVD Certification Examination.
Recent Advances in the Neurochemical Modulation of Behavior: Focus on Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease

The goal of research in biological psychiatry is essentially to elucidate the neuroregulators that are pathologically involved in neuropsychiatric disorders and to develop treatments for them (Nemeroff, 1985). Barchas and his colleagues (1978) listed these criteria approximately ten years ago (Table 1). There is now good evidence that the diathesis to develop a number of severe neuropsychiatric disorders, specifically depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease, is genetically determined (Nurnberger et al., 1986). If indeed that is the case and the vast majority of available data support this view, then the mechanism(s) for this inherited vulnerability must reside in the fact that genes ultimately code for proteins, and certain proteins are either neurotransmitters themselves, e.g., neuropeptides, or enzymes that control the synaptic availability of neurotransmitters, e.g., tyrosine hydroxylase or monoamine oxidase. The question is, of course, whether there is at least one neuroregulator that will fulfill these criteria for any psychiatric disorder. As noted in the table, such a substance must be formed endogenously, there must be receptors for it in the brain, there has to be a characteristic pattern of activity of that regulator in relationship to the psychiatric disorder, and, if you manipulate that neurotransmitter system, you should observe changes in that behavior.
A Systems Comparison of Contrasting Organic Weed Management Strategies

Weed management strategies differ in their ability to control weeds, and often have unique agroecological implications. To provide growers with an improved sense of trade-offs between weed control and ecological effects, we implemented several prominent organic weed management strategies in yellow onion in 2014 and 2015. Strategies included cultivation of weed seedlings during the early, weed-sensitive “critical period” of the crop; frequent cultivation events to ensure “zero seed rain”; and weed suppression with polyethylene or natural mulches. As expected, end-of-season weed biomass and weed seed production were greatest in the critical period system and nearly zero for the zero seed rain system. Weeds were also well controlled in natural mulch systems. Average onion yield per treatment was 50.7Mg ha-1. In 2014, the critical period system and the polyethylene mulch systems demonstrated yield loss, likely due to weed competition and excessive soil temperature, respectively. Onion soluble solids content was also diminished in these systems in 2014, but bulb firmness was greatest in unmulched systems. Carabid beetles, earthworms, soil compaction, soil nitrate, and microbial biomass were affected by weed management strategy, with naturalmulched systems generally performing most favorably. However, these effects were not substantial enough to affect yield of a subsequent sweet corn crop grown in weed-free conditions. In contrast, sweet corn managed with only early-season cultivations demonstrated yield loss (P = 0.004) in plots where the critical period treatment was implemented the prior year, indicating that weed competition resulting from abundant weed seed production in that system was the most influential legacy effect of the weed management strategies.Nomenclature: Onion, Allium cepa L.; corn, Zea mays L.
Disciplining High-School Students and Molding Their Subjectivity in South Korea: A Shift in Disciplinary Paradigm

Responding to mass deaths of high school students during the Seweolho disaster (April 16th, 2014), this article examines to what extent and how high-school students are disciplined to be submissive and compliant. It discusses daily lives of students on the ground at Danwon High School to illustrate how the imperative to enter college overwhelms daily lives at a “general high school.” It proceeds to analyze how a majority of high-school students are disciplined through “school rules” and the “regulation of students’ life.” It contends that there is an ongoing shift in the major disciplinary paradigm from the authoritarian and militaristic model to the psychological counseling model and assesses the implications of this transformation for the normative subjectivity of young people being molded.
We WOVE, we designed, we conquered: Assessing engineering self-efficacy in a Mechanical Engineering Communication Initiative—Instructor and student perspectives

A new partnership between the Engineering Communications Program and the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department has created promising results in student engineering and communication self-efficacy. We highlight here the pedagogical underpinnings, current data-driven findings, and reflections and insights from two students involved in this promising inter-departmental cooperative effort.
Should Justice Be All-Encompassing or Subject to Moral Override? A Pluralist Account

Is justice all encompassing? And, if not, how does it fit within the domain of morality? Or, else is that which lies beyond the realm of justice also fall outside that of morality? These questions are pressing to pluralists who recognize that in contemporary polities there are deep divisions owing to the proliferation of conflicting conceptions of the good. Departing from this realization, this essay examines three classical types of theories of justice, respectively the Aristotelian, the Kantian, and the Humean which casts justice in terms of social utility. In Aristotle’s conception, justice is coextensive with the virtues and morality, and is conceived in connection with a vision of human beings as political beings with a common purposive design. In the Kantian conception, the realm of justice becomes detached from that of the good, whereas according to Hume what is not within the purview of justice lies beyond the realm of morals. None of these three types of theory suits the contemporary pluralist. The essay argues that to overcome the problems posed by the latter theories, pluralists should embrace a conception of justice susceptible of being overridden by a pluralist morality.
Combining GPS and Classical Geodetic Surveys for Crustal Deformation in the Imperial Valley, California

In 1986 the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) performed a GPS survey of a 38-station network in California’s Imperial Valley. Here relative motion between the Pacific and North American plates has spawned several moderate earthquakes such as the M=7.1 event of 1940 and the M=6.6 event of 1979. Most stations occupied in 1986 had been positioned beforehand during one or more of the previously observed classical surveys. Triangulation was observed in 1934, 1939, 1941, and 1954–55; and triangulation/trilateration in 1967, 1975, 1979, and 1980. We supplemented the combined data set with prior information to estimate hew individual stations have moved from survey epoch to survey epoch. The prior information has the form of quasi-observations that damp the amount of displacement that can occur at individual stations in the direction perpendicular to the plate boundary. The quasi-observations serve not only to remove datum defects encountered when estimating displacements from geodetic data; they also serve to better resolve attributes of the deformation that are hidden within the noise of the reed observations. Estimated displacement vectors agree at the 0.1-m level with displacement vectors produced by relatively simple dislocation models.
Adenosine Deaminase Deficiency: Recent Observations Pertinent to Investigation of the Physiologic Role of Adenosine in Man

Knowledge of the biochemical and biological consequences of inherited deficiency of adenosine deaminase, and of the effects of treating this deficiency with a modified form of adenosine deaminase (PEG-ADA), may provide insight into the physiologic role of adenosine.
Bruhnes Chron Geomagnetic Excursion Recorded During the Late Pleistocene, Albuquerque Volcanoes, New Mexico, U.S.A.

An excursion of the geomagnetic field is recorded by all basaltic lava flows of the Albuquerque Volcanoes, New Mexico. K-Ar age data (weighted mean:155 ± 47 ka) and evaluation of flow surface soil profiles suggest the late Pleistocene (ca. between 100 and 150 ka) as the time of extrusion. Means from 63 sites (eight flows) yield a grand mean of D=101.1°, I=-36.1°, α95=1.2° (α1 95 =0.7, α2 95=1.2), k=2219 (N=8) and a corresponding VGP of 354. IE, 20.2S, dp=0.8°, dm=l.4° (A1 95=0.5, A2 95=1.4), VGP ASD=1.8°. TRM acquisition experiments suggest that the basalts are high fidelity recorders of an ambient field. Because all flows yield statistically indistinguishable directions, an excursion morphology clearly cannot be defined. The Albuquerque Excursion may correlate with other excursions or short polarity episodes of late Pleistocene age (e.g. Blake). Though limited in morphology, well-dated excursions and polarity episodes recorded in volcanic rocks may provide information on the frequency of significant dynamo instabilities.
A Laser Photolysis Shock Tube Study of the Reaction of OH with NH3

The reaction of OH with NH3 has been studied in reflected shock wave experiments using laser photolysis of NH3/N2O/Ar mixtures. Quantitative time-histories of the OH(X 2Πi) radical were measured behind the shock waves using cw, narrow-line width laser absorption at 307 nm. OH was generated using post-shock laser photolysis of ammonia followed by the reaction of atomic hydrogen with N2O: $$N{H_3} + \hbar \nu (193nm) \to N{H_2} + H{N_2}O + H \to {N_2} + OH$$ (1)
Evaluation of the effect of cost on adherence in a pharmacist driven oral chemotherapy adherence program.

e18273Background: About 1/3 of oncology drugs in development are for oral administration. We created an Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Program (OCAP) to help overcome barriers to adherence including c...
Nausea exacerbates symptom burden, quality of life, and functioning in adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders

Background Nausea frequently co-exists with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and may be linked to a higher disease burden. This study aimed to prospectively compare multisystem symptoms, quality of life, and functioning in FAPDs with and without nausea. Methods Adolescents ages 11-18 years fulfilling Rome III criteria for a FAPD were grouped by the presence or absence of chronic nausea. Subjects completed validated instruments assessing nausea (Nausea Profile Questionnaire = NPQ), quality of life (Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System), functioning (Functional Disability Inventory), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children). Group comparisons were performed for instruments, multisystem symptoms, school absences, and clinical diagnoses. Key results A total of 112 subjects were included; 71% reported chronic nausea. Patients with Nausea compared to No Nausea had higher NPQ scores (P ≤ 0.001), worse quality of life (P = 0.004), and greater disability (P = 0.02). State and trait anxiety scores were similar (P = 0.57, P = 0.25). A higher NPQ score correlated with poorer quality of life, more disability, and higher anxiety. Specific comorbidities were more common in Nausea vs No Nausea group: dizziness (81% vs 41%; P ≤ 0.001), concentrating difficulties (68% vs 27%; P ≤ 0.001), chronic fatigue (58% vs 20%; P = 0.01), and sleep disturbances (73% vs 48%; P = 0.02). The Nausea group reported more school absences (P = 0.001) and more commonly met criteria for functional dyspepsia (P = 0.034). Conclusion and inferences Nausea co-existing with FAPDs is associated with a higher extra-intestinal symptom burden, worse quality of life, and impaired functioning in children. Assessing and targeting nausea therapeutically is essential to improve outcomes in FAPDs.
#BeingReal about Instagram Ad Models: The Effects of Perceived Authenticity: How Image Modification of Female Body Size Alters Advertising Attitude and Buying Intention

ABSTRACT This research suggests that perceived authenticity plays a significant mediating role for the effects of model image modification and body size on consumers9 advertisement and product evaluations. Participants reported that they liked the advertisement more—and more likely would buy the advertised items in advertisements—with a not digitally enhanced plus-sized female model, because of the perceived authenticity of the model. The results of this investigation also suggest that attitude toward the advertisement and purchase intention were highest when a plus-size model who was not digitally enhanced was featured on a women9s clothing brand9s Instagram account.
“Just a Junior Journalist”: Field Theory and Editorial Photographers’ Gendered Experiences

Women outnumber men in graduate and undergraduate programs in photojournalism and work as photo editors at a number of high-profile publications. But in the field of professional editorial photogra...
The difficult talk: Speaking with patients and families after medical error

Abstract Primum non nocere, or first do no harm, is a core principle for all of us who provide healthcare to patients. But what do we say and do when a medical error has caused harm to a patient? Over the last 10 years, “Disclosure” of medical error to the patient and family has become an important practice for the physician and a foundational component of the Quality and Safety mission in medicine. There is a skill in leading transparent disclosure conversations so that they are constructive and valuable to the patient, family, physician, and healthcare team. These concepts, as well as the multidisciplinary process and procedure of disclosure, are addressed in this article. It is never easy to talk with patients and family about how our care may have caused harm, but it is the right thing to do.
Exploring the evolutionary roots and physiological function of itaconate

New small molecules are continuing to emerge as metabolically derived regulators of cell function. Itaconate is a recent example where endogenous mammalian synthesis was demonstrated only seven years ago. Since then, interest in the biochemistry and therapeutic potential of itaconate has grown dramatically. Itaconate is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid that has antimicrobial properties and modulates metabolic pathways throughout the cell. Naturally occurring mutations of enzymes involved in human itaconate synthesis and degradation pathways are associated with disease susceptibility and immunity. Here, we highlight recent discoveries on itaconate metabolism and discuss the relevance of its evolutionary origin to its function in mammals. We also consider the therapeutic relevance of itaconate metabolism and its derivatives for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
The role of drama in enhancing life skills in urban –rural middle schoolers: an intervention study

Life skills education (LSE) is an important aspect of holistic education that creates competencies that help students to face and overcome challenges in life. Students from the urban-rural sector of society come from a background of vulnerability and hence face adversities in everyday life. LSE is seen to be most effective in helping students overcome adversity. Drama has been seen as an expressive art medium that allows the individual to express openly and freely and also acts as a psychological release. The current study aimed at enhancing the life skills of middle school children, belonging to the urban –rural population, using drama. An intervention study was conducted with a sample of 50 students from Akurdi, Pune. The subjects attended a one-week drama workshop that was conjointly designed with Jazz Hands Foundation (Pune) and facilitated by the volunteers of the same organization. 5 groups of 10 students each and 2 facilitators/volunteers were created. A pre and post test was conducted by each volunteer for their respective group using the Dream Life Skill Assessment Scale (DLSAS). After commuting the averages of both scorers in each group a paired t-test analysis was run. The results of the analysis showed a significant increase in the life skills of the students post the drama workshop. The average score of the students increased from 3.14 (SD 0.76) to 3.882 (SD 0.77). The P value was
Nature’s Intelligence and Human Endurance

[The Design Journal Editorial, 24.1] At the close of 2020, scientific research, development and innovation brought approved vaccines to the world for COVID-19. Bravo! Bravo! Unequivocally, it is a ...
Temperature-Controlled Monopolar Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Submental Skin Laxity: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND Laxity of the submental area is a common cosmetic complaint of the aging population. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the safety and effectiveness of a temperature-controlled, minimally invasive percutaneous monopolar radiofrequency device to improve dermal laxity and achieve lift. METHODS A total of 72 subjects (35-65 years old) with mild to moderate skin laxity in the submental area were included in this single-center prospective study. All subjects received 1 treatment at baseline with an average subdermal temperature of 63°C. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with at least a 20-mm2 decrease in surface area at Day 90 based on 3-dimensional photography. Secondary endpoints included skin elasticity measured by Cutometer, assessment by a blinded physician panel from 2-dimensional photographs, and physician- and subject-reported outcomes. RESULTS At Day 90, 72.1% (95% CI: 62.2%-84.0%; P < 0.001) of subjects achieved at least a 20-mm2 lift of the submental area. All Cutometer-measured skin elasticity values (R2, R5, R7) showed significant improvement by 180 days. The independent panel graded 74.2% of subjects as "improved" at 90 days (95% CI: 62.0%-84.2%; P < 0.001). The treatment was well tolerated, and only 1 possibly related serious adverse event was reported (pharyngeal inflammation). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with temperature-controlled monopolar radiofrequency alone is a safe and effective treatment to achieve submental lift for at least 6 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4
Opportunistic application of phantom-less calibration methods for fracture risk prediction using QCT/FEA.

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT)–based finite element analysis (FEA) implements a calibration phantom to estimate bone mineral density (BMD) and assign material properties to the models. The objectives of this study were to (1) propose robust phantom-less calibration methods, using subject-specific tissues, to obtain vertebral fracture properties estimations using QCT/FEA; and (2) correlate QCT/FEA predictions to DXA values of areal BMD. Eighty of a cohort of 111 clinical QCT scans were used to obtain subject-specific parameters using a phantom calibration approach and for the development of the phantom-less calibration equations. Equations were developed based on the HU measured from various soft tissues and regions, and using multiple linear regression analyses. Thirty-one additional QCT scans were used for cross-validation of QCT/FEA estimated fracture loads from the L3 vertebrae based on the phantom and phantom-less equations. Finally, QCT/FEA-predicted fracture loads were correlated with aBMD obtained from DXA. Overall, 217 QCT/FEA models from 31 subjects (20 females, 11 men) with mean ages of 69.6 (13.1) and 67.3 (14) were used to cross-validate the phantom-less equations and assess bone strength. The proposed phantom-less equations showed high correlations with phantom-based estimates of BMD (99%). Cross-validation of QCT/FEA-predicted fracture loads from phantom-less equations and phantom-specific outcomes resulted in high correlations for all proposed methods (0.94–0.99). QCT/FEA correlation outcomes from the phantom-less equations and DXA-aBMD were moderately high (0.64–0.68). The proposed QCT/FEA subject-specific phantom-less calibration methods demonstrated the potential to be applied to both prospective and retrospective applications in the clinical setting. • QCT/FEA overcomes the disadvantages of DXA and improves fracture properties predictions of vertebrae. • QCT/FEA fracture estimates using the phantom-less approach highly correlated to values obtained using a calibration phantom. • QCT/FEA prediction using a phantom-less approach is an accurate alternative over phantom-based methods.
Validation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Measure Perioperative Edema in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

Purpose: Fluid overload is a common post-operative issue in children following cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There is currently no gold standard for evaluating fluid status. We sought to validate the use of point-of-care ultrasound to measure skin edema in infants and assess the intra- and inter-user variability. Methods: Prospective cohort study of neonates (≤30 d/o) and infants (31 d/o to 12 m/o) undergoing cardiac surgery and neonatal controls. Skin ultrasound was performed on four body sites at baseline and daily post-operatively through post-operative day (POD) 3. Subcutaneous tissue depth was manually measured. Intra- and inter-user variability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Fifty control and 22 surgical subjects underwent skin ultrasound. There was no difference between baseline surgical and control neonates. Subcutaneous tissue increased in neonates starting POD 1 with minimal improvement by POD 3. In infants, this pattern was less pronounced with near resolution by POD 3. Intra-user variability was excellent (ICC 0.95). Inter-user variability was very good (ICC 0.82). Conclusion: Point-of-care skin ultrasound is a reproducible and reliable method to measure subcutaneous tissue in infants with and without congenital heart disease. Acute increases in subcutaneous tissue suggests development of skin edema, consistent with extravascular fluid overload. There is evidence of skin edema starting POD 1 in all subjects with no substantial improvement by POD 3 in neonates. Point-of-care ultrasound could be an objective way to measure extravascular fluid overload in infants. Further research is needed to determine how extravascular fluid overload correlates to clinical outcomes.
Studying the Use of Photocatalytic Coatings to Increase Building/Structure Sustainability and Cleanliness at NASA Stennis Space Center

TiO2 coated surfaces demonstrated both visually through photographic representation, and quantitatively, through reflectance measurements that they improved upon the current state of cleanliness upon the surfaces that they were applied to. TiO2 has the potential to both maintain and increase building s sustainability and the overall appearance of cleanliness TiO2 coated slides degraded soot under UV light compared to soot samples on plain uncoated slides under the same conditions Degradation of soot by photocatalysis was far more apparent than degradation of soot by UV light alone This demonstration provides the foundation for a laboratory model that could be used to simulate real world applications for photocatalytic materials Additional research is required to better understand the full potential of TiO2
On distance labelings of amalgamations and injective labelings of general graphs

An L.2; 1/-labeling of a graph G is a function assigning a nonnegative integer to each vertex such that adjacent vertices are labeled with integers differing by at least 2 and vertices at distance two are labeled with integers differing by at least 1. The minimum span across all L.2; 1/-labelings of G is denoted . G/. An L 0 .2; 1/-labeling of G and the number 0 .G/ are defined analogously, with the additional restriction that the labelings must be injective. We determine . H/ when H is a join-page amalgamation of graphs, which is defined as follows: given p 2, H is obtained from the pairwise disjoint union of graphs H0; H1;:::; Hp by adding all the edges between a vertex in H0 and a vertex in Hi for iD 1; 2;:::; p. Motivated by these join-page amalgamations and the partial relationships between. G/ and 0 .G/ for general graphs G provided by Chang and Kuo, we go on to show that 0 .G/D maxfnG 1;. G/g, where nG is the number of vertices in G.
Liposomal methylprednisolone in rats: dose-proportionality and chronic-dose pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics.

Purpose. Methylprednisolone (MPL) encapsulated in liposomes (L-MPL) targets the immune system and enhances immunosuppressive activity of the steroid. We performed dose-dependent and chronic dose studies of L-MPL versus MPL.
Development of a Laboratory Procedure to Evaluate the Consolidation Potential of Soft Contaminated Sediments

Consolidation settlement of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminated sediments may trigger NAPL mitigation. The consolidation potential and resulting NAPL mobilization of the sediments should be evaluated in the laboratory; however, due to the highly compressible and weak nature of riverbed sediments, it is usually not possible to conduct conventional consolidation tests on sediment specimens. In this study, a triaxial setup was modified to work effectively under low stresses. Kaolinite was used to represent the soil solid phase and Soltrol 130 (a type of mineral oil) was used to represent the NAPL. Both oil-wetted and water-wetted regimes were analyzed. Hexane Extraction and moisture content tests results confirmed the final fluid amounts in the specimen obtained by measuring the effluent volume during consolidation. The results of the tests show that approximately 0.1 g of NAPL per 1 g of soil solids is unlikely to be mobilized by consolidation. The developed procedure could also be employed to define the mobile and immobile fractions of NAPL and the expected compression of contaminated sediments. The volume of NAPL in excess of the retained residual can be used to design NAPL collection systems or to size layers of NAPL sorbent materials such as organo-clays.
Entanglement in the Interaction Between Two Quantum Oscillators Systems

The fundamental quantum dynamics of two interacting oscillator systems are studied in two different scenarios. In one case, both oscillators are assumed to be linear, whereas in the second case, one oscillator is linear and the other is a non-linear, angular-momentum oscillator; the second case is, of course, more complex in terms of energy transfer and dynamics. These two scenarios have been the subject of much interest over the years, especially in developing an understanding of modern concepts in quantum optics and quantum electronics. In this work, however, these two scenarios are utilized to consider and discuss the salient features of quantum behaviors resulting from the interactive nature of the two oscillators, i.e., coherence, entanglement, spontaneous emission, etc., and to apply a measure of entanglement in analyzing the nature of the interacting systems.
The effects of affective-cognitive consistency and thought on the attitude-behavior relation

Abstract The present study is concerned with the moderating role of affective-cognitive consistency in the relationship between attitudes and behavior. Based on earlier research ( Millar & Tesser, 1986 ), attitudes were conceptualized as containing an affective and a cognitive component and subsequent behaviors as being driven by one of these components. It was hypothesized that if the affective and cognitive components are in good evaluative agreement (high affective-cognitive consistency), then thought emphasizing either component would lead to a similar general evaluation that should relate to all behavior in a similar manner. However, if the affective and cognitive components are not in agreement (low affective-cognitive consistency) then thought emphasizing different components would lead to different general evaluations that relate deferentially to subsequent behavior. To test this hypothesis, the affective-cognitive consistency of attiudes about analytic puzzles was measured. The participants were either affectively or cognitively focused prior to an evaluation and then played with the puzzles under instrumental and consumatory conditions. As predicted, thought prior to the evaluation only affected the attitude-behavior relation when attitudes were low in affective-cognitive consistency.
Prepubertal Distal Longitudinal Vaginal Folds

Abstract Objective The purpose of this paper is to further describe prepubertal distal longitudinal vaginal folds and its natural history. Design Biopsy of the folds and follow-up through puberty. Results Histology of the folds shows normal vaginal mucosa over loose fibrous connective tissue without a firm fibrous core. The folds disappear in puberty. Conclusions Prepubertal distal longitudinal folds are common, and disappear probably by spreading out during puberty with the physiologic estrogenic widening and lengthening of the vagina. This can occur because the folds do not have a dense fibrous core. The folds may be confused with the vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma or sexual molestation if the fold reaches the hymen, and forms a “bump”. The folds are benign.
Abstinence-dependent transfer of lithium chloride-induced sucrose aversion to a sucrose-paired cue in rats

Rationale Responding for a drug- or sucrose-paired cue increases over forced abstinence (incubation of craving). If the incentive value of a cue depends on the incentive value of the primary reward, devaluing the primary reward should reduce cue reactivity.
Chemical Processing in High-Pressure Aqueous Environments. 6. Demonstration of Catalytic Gasification for Chemical Manufacturing Wastewater Cleanup in Industrial Plants

Catalytic gasification of organics has been demonstrated at the engineering development scale as an option for chemical manufacturing wastewater cleanup. A high-pressure (about 20 MPa) and high-temperature (about 350 °C) liquid water processing environment was used to treat wastewaters at two industrial sites. Organic byproducts from chemical manufacturing were converted primarily to methane and carbon dioxide in the presence of a fixed bed of nickel/ruthenium catalyst. Test results with chemical manufacturing wastewater streams showed that this process could be effectively used with the appropriate catalyst to clean up wastewater and recover waste organics as useful fuel gas. Preliminary process economics were determined.
Poromechanical response of fractured-porous rock masses

An analytical model based on a poromechanical formulation for dual-porosity media is presented. In comparison with traditional conceptualizations such as by Barenblatt et al. (1960), the proposed model contains both additional terms in the governing flow equations to provide a physically more realistic description of the change in storage, and a natural accommodation of body displacements. Solution is developed for radial flow in a reservoir subject to the conditions of both constant bottom hole pressure and constant flow rate using Hankel transforms. The poromechanical effect, resulting from the coupling between fluid flow and solid deformation, is significant in the well vicinity where the modifications of initial pressure and stress state are substantial. Different from the conventional approach in which the impact of fluid properties is generally emphasized, the presented case studies highlight the critical influence of mechanical properties of the fractured rock mass on the change of fluid pressure in a producing reservoir. The study indicates that dual-porosity behavior is most obvious only when the poromechanical properties fall within a certain range.
Scanning electron microscope studies of the auditory papillae of some iguanid lizards.

The papillae basilares of 16 species (10 genera) of iguanid lizards were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Variations in the surface structures of the auditory papillae showed the following major differences: (1) papillae with localization of the unidirectional hair cells at the apical end of the papilla (Anolis carolinensis); (2) papillae with absence or loss of a portion of the apical bidirectional hair-cell segment (Basiliscus basiliscus); (3) papillae with a central, short-ciliated, unidirectional hair-cell segment, and 3–6 irregular rows of long-ciliated bidirectional hair cells located in the apical and basal regions (Iguana iguana, Crotaphytus collaris, C. wislizeni, Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Sauromalus obesus); (4) papillae in which the apical and basal bidirectional hair-cell segments are reduced to two rows of hair cells (Sceloporus occidentalis, S. clarki, S. orcutti, S. jarrovi, S. undulatus, S. magister, Callisaurus draconoides, Uta stansburiana). The above differences in auditory papilla structure agree closely with other anatomical differences that delineate iguanid assemblages. Thus the species in the four groups above fall respectively into the following iguanid groups: (1) anolines, (2) basiliscines, (3) iguanines, and (4) sceloporines.
Decentralisation of professional development: teachers' decisions and dilemmas

Abstract This study examines professional development activities under the omnibus Kentucky Education Reform Act and finds them lacking. It addresses three related questions. Are Kentucky teachers, in fact, in charge of their own professional development? What are the formats and foci of the professional development opportunities teachers are planning? How is professional development changing in the increasingly high–stakes environment created by the accountability movement? Analysis of professional development activities reveals systemic weaknesses that are counterproductive to improving teacher quality. Chief among these weaknesses are system–wide ignorance of alternative professional development activities and a failure to define professional development engagement beyond the cataloging of clock–hours or seat time. Analysis also reveals interesting differences in professional development according to school level and district size.
Second-quantized Landau-Zener theory for dynamical instabilities

State engineering in nonlinear quantum dynamics sometimes may demand driving the system through a sequence of dynamically unstable intermediate states. This very general scenario is especially relevant to the dilute Bose-Einstein condensates, for which ambitious control schemes have been based on the powerful Gross-Pitaevskii mean-field theory. Since this theory breaks down on logarithmically short time scales in the presence of dynamical instabilities, an interval of instabilities introduces quantum corrections, which may possibly derail a control scheme. To provide a widely applicable theory for such quantum corrections, this paper solves a general problem of time-dependent quantum-mechanical dynamical instability, by modeling it as a second-quantized analog of a Landau-Zener avoided crossing: a ``twisted crossing.''
Performance of 2D versus 3D Topographic Representations for Different Task Types

In this study, a performance comparison is made between 2D and 3D topographic representations for solving different tasks. The tasks involved answering questions that either did or did not require elevation information and were either focused or integrative. Integrative questions required understanding the relationship of three separate locations. 2D representations (i.e., contour maps) only showed a clear advantage for focused, non-elevation questions with 3D representations not showing a clear advantage for any other task condition. There were interactions between task type, dimensionality and elevation. In addition, the integrative, elevation questions were clearly more difficult regardless of dimension. In addition, participants' visualization ability, as measured by a paper-folding test, correlated with their task performance. Further work is proposed to look at how experience interacts with these tasks and topographic representations.
Ultrasonic attenuation in the mixed state of vanadium

Electron-phonon interaction is studied in the mixed state of a type-II superconductor using a single-crystal vanadium sample. The ultrasonic-attenuation coefficient of longitudinal waves at 135 MHz and transverse waves at 255 MHz propagating along the [110] direction and parallel to the applied magnetic field are compared to the theory of Houghton and Maki. Good quantitative agreement is obtained with this sample which has a resistivity ratio of 20.
Drug-induced liver injury: Summary of a single topic clinical research conference

Idiosyncratic drug induced liver injury (DILI) remains poorly understood. It is assumed that the affected individuals possess a rare combination of genetic and non genetic factors that, if identified, would greatly improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms. This single topic conference brought together basic scientists, translational investigators, and clinicians with an interest in DILI. The goal was to define high priority areas of investigation that will soon be made possible by The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN). Since 2004 DILIN has been collecting clinical data, genomic DNA and some tissues from patients who have experienced bone fide DILI. The presentations spanned many different areas of DILI, and included novel data concerning mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, new "omics" approaches, and the challenges of improving causation assessment.
Variant and invariant predictors of perceived popularity across majority-Black and majority-White classrooms.

Abstract Behavioral descriptors were identified as variant or invariant predictors of perceived popularity in a sample of 516 fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children located in 26 majority-Black or majority-White classrooms. Athletic ability, prosocial behavior, being “cool”, social withdrawal, and “personal privilege” (i.e., having a lot of expensive possessions; attractiveness) were found to be invariant or stable predictors of perceived popularity across classrooms, with personal privilege more important for girls than for boys. In majority-Black classrooms, tough and excluding, relationally aggressive behaviors were associated with elevated levels of perceived popularity, whereas in majority-White classrooms acting tough was negatively associated with this construct. The positive association between disruptive behavior and perceived popularity observed for girls was stronger in majority-White classrooms than in majority-Black classrooms, whereas the association was more strongly negative for boys in majority-White than in majority-Black classrooms. Lastly, although being bright (i.e., smart, good problem-solver) was a stable predictor of perceived popularity on average, its predictive strength varied for boys and girls across classrooms. However, this variation was not attributable to the racial composition of the classroom. This study contributes to the emerging literature on perceived popularity by examining classroom-level variation in the individual characteristics associated with perceived popularity. The major implication of this work is that is demonstrates the influence of contextual factors, including the racial composition of the classroom, on children's perceptions of social status.
Tracking Miriam Grace Monfredo Through Herstory, Librarianship, and Sleuthing

Librarian Miriam Grace Monfredo's Glynis Tryon historical mystery series portrays a multi-faceted librarian sleuth. The series is a case study of using genre fiction to popularize women's history with its many political and social issues. It also emphasizes the important role of collections of resources in supporting the creative activities of authors.
Pure Bending, Stretching, and Twisting of Anisotropic Cylindrical Shells

The paper considers the problem of determining stresses and deformations in elastic thin-walled, prismatical beams, subject to axial end forces and end bending and twisting moments, within the range of applicability of linear theory. The technically most significant aspect of the work has to do with the analysis of the effect of anisotropy of the material, which is associated with previously not determined modes of coupling between stretching, bending, and twisting. Use of the general formulas of the theory is illustrated for a class of shells consisting of an 'ordinary' material (unable to support stress moments with axes normal to the middle surface of the shell, and unable to undergo transverse shear deformation). Here explicit formulas are obtained for certain types of open as well as of closed-cross-section beams.
Sensitivity of Repeated Eigenvalues to Perturbations

Two methods for calculating the derivatives of a repeated eigenvalue of viscously damped vibrating systems with respect to a parameter are given. The first method implements the subspace spanned by the eigenvectors corresponding to the repeated eigenvalue. The second method is based on an explicit formula that uses the characteristic equation directly, without explicitly employing the eigenvector data. Examples demonstrate the various results.