cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust Modeling Through Design Optimization

Lee et al. (Computational Brain & Behavior https://doi.org/10.1007/s42113-019-00029-y , 2019) mention the use of optimal experimental design to improve model robustness. We elaborate on the usefulness of this tool, describing its benefits and limitations.
Introducing Chemistry Concepts in an Online Environment through a Citizen-First Approach

Because of COVID-19 precautions, instructors worldwide were required to introduce a variety of virtual instruction modes to complete the Spring 2020 semester. Herein we describe parallel efforts in contextualized chemistry courses at two institutions—Carthage College and Central Michigan University. These courses are primarily designed for nonscience majors and are taught through a “citizen-first” approach using Chemistry in Context. The two classes featured similar class sizes and covered similar contexts. Although the online approach differed in scope between institutions, overall student performance was similar to that in pre-COVID offerings.
Using the QuickDASH to Model Clinical Recovery Trajectory After Operative Management of Distal Radius Fracture

Purpose There is a paucity of literature examining the trajectory of meaningful clinical improvement after distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation. We sought to answer the following questions: (1) When do patients meet the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in the Quick–Disabilities in Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) score change after DRF fixation? (2) What gains in terms of number of MCIDs achieved (as measured by QuickDASH) do patients make as they recover from DRF fixation? (3) What patient and injury factors are characteristic of patients who meet or do not meet the average recovery trajectory? Methods We performed a retrospective review of an institutional database of DRF patients treated with operative fixation. The change in QuickDASH scores from before surgery to approximate follow-up intervals of 0 to 2 months, 3 to 6 months, and a minimum of 9 of 12 months was assessed, in which a delta of 14 reflected the MCID. The change in QuickDASH score from before surgery to each follow-up interval was divided by 14 to determine the number of MCIDs, representing appreciable clinical improvement. Patient characteristics were compared between those who did and did not reach average levels of clinical improvement. Results The study included 173 patients. Mean QuickDASH score before surgery was 74 (SD, 19; range, 0–100). After surgery, this improved to 50 (SD, 24; range, 0–100) by 0 to 2 months, 22 (SD, 22; range, 0–98) by 3 to 6 months, and 9.8 (SD, 15; range, 0–75) by a minimum of 9 to 12 months. Overall, 96% of patients reached the MCID by 1 year. Mean cumulative number of MCIDs achieved (ie, number of 14-point decreases in QuickDASH score) at each interval was 1.57, 3.64, and 4.43, respectively. Assuming 4.43 represents maximum average improvement at 1 year, patients achieved 35% (1.57 of 4.43) of recovery from 0 to 2 months after surgery and 82% (3.64 of 4.43) of recovery by 3 to 6 months after surgery. There appeared to be no difference in terms of age, sex, or body mass index with respect to these findings. Conclusions Overall, 96% of patients undergoing DRF fixation will achieve one QuickDASH MCID by 1 year after surgery. Patients achieved over 80% of total expected functional improvement by 3 to 6 months after surgery, which appeared to be irrespective of age, sex, or body mass index. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
RLDOCK method for predicting RNA-small molecule binding modes

RNA molecules play critical roles in cellular functions at the level of gene expression and regulation. The intricate 3D structures and the functional roles of RNAs make RNA molecules ideal targets for therapeutic drugs. The rational design of RNA-targeted drug requires accurate modeling of RNA-ligand interactions. Recently a new computational tool, RLDOCK, was developed to predict ligand binding sites and binding poses. Using an iterative multiscale sampling and search algorithm and a energy-based evaluation of ligand poses, the method enables efficient and accurate predictions for RNA-ligand interactions. Here we present a detailed illustration of the computational procedure for the practical implementation of the RLDOCK method. Using Flavin mononucleotide (FMN) docking to F. nucleatum FMN riboswitch as an example, we illustrate the computational protocol for RLDOCK-based prediction of RNA- ligand interactions. The RLDOCK software is freely accessible at http://https://github.com/Vfold-RNA/RLDOCK.
Integrating Qualitative Research into the Community College Linguistics Course: An Autoethnographic Inquiry

Abstract This article presents an autoethnographic inquiry of a professor's journey when integrating qualitative research practices into the community college linguistics course. With the abundance of studies on undergraduate students’ quantitative research experiences in STEM and health sciences, the study addresses a gap in the research literature in humanities and social sciences and focuses on one professor's experiences through the theoretical lens of the ecological perspective and the methodological lens of an autoethnography. Analysis of the focal participant's and undergraduate students’ journal entries and interviews with students allowed for constructing a narrative account of the challenges and successes when preparing to teach, when teaching qualitative research to undergraduate students, and when reflecting about the participant's conceptual self from a critical standpoint.
Defects in flexoelectric solids

Abstract A solid is said to be flexoelectric when it polarizes in proportion to strain gradients. Since strain gradients are large near defects, we expect the flexoelectric effect to be prominent there and decay away at distances much larger than a flexoelectric length scale. Here, we quantify this expectation by computing displacement, stress and polarization fields near defects in flexoelectric solids. For point defects we recover some well known results from strain gradient elasticity and non-local piezoelectric theories, but with different length scales in the final expressions. For edge dislocations we show that the electric potential is a maximum in the vicinity of the dislocation core. We also estimate the polarized line charge density of an edge dislocation in an isotropic flexoelectric solid which is in agreement with some measurements in ice. We perform an asymptotic analysis of the crack tip fields in flexoelectric solids and show that our results share some features from solutions in strain gradient elasticity and piezoelectricity. We also compute the energy release rate for cracks using simple crack face boundary conditions and use them in classical criteria for crack growth to make predictions. Our analysis can serve as a starting point for more sophisticated analytic and computational treatments of defects in flexoelectric solids which are gaining increasing prominence in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.
A model of a comet coma with interstellar molecules in the nucleus

The coma of a comet is modeled assuming the icy nucleus contains interstellar molecules. This composition overcomes discrepancies between observation and earlier model predictions for CN, C2, C3, and NH2 abundances. It is found that the abundances of CN, C2, and C3-bearing compounds in the nucleus must be constrained to trace amounts in order to account for the observed column densities. NH3 also cannot be abundant by more than about 1%. The model gives good agreement with observed relative ranges of neutral species in the coma as well as with their observed relative intensity dependence on heliocentric distance. The size of the nucleus and the heliocentric ranges considered are relevant to comet Halley.
Chronic Dietary Copper Deficiency Alters Biochemical and Morphological Properties of Mouse Lymphoid Tissues

Chronic copper deficiency in mice impairs both humoral and cell-mediated immunity, but the mechanisms are unknown. Copper deficiency was produced in C58 mice by feeding dams a diet low in copper throughout lactation and weaning the pups to this diet. Control mice were from dams fed the same diet but with copper supplementation the drinking water. Six-week-old mice were sampled for biochemical and morphological studies. Compared to copper-supplemented mice, copper-deficient animals were smaller, anemic and exhibited hypoceruloplasminemia. The copper-deficient mice have small thymus glands, enlarged spleens, and livers equivalent in size to copper-supplemented mice. Thymic atrophy is not caused by elevated serum corticosterone. Liver, spleen, and thymus tissues from copper-deficient mice exhibit low cytochrome oxidase (56, 38, and 45%, respectively) and superoxide dismutase activities (61, 60, and 43%, respectively) compared to tissues from copper-supplemented mice, indicating a functional copper deficiency. Electron micrographs taken of thymus and spleen from copper-deficient mice demonstrate altered morphology characterized by abnormal mitochondria and misshapen nuclei. Chronic copper deficiency alters the size, biochemistry and morphology of primary (thymus) and secondary (spleen) lymphoid tissue.
Unilateral, Anticompetitive Acquisitions of Dominance or Monopoly Power

The prohibition of certain types of anticompetitive unilateral conduct by firms possessing a substantial degree of market power is a cornerstone of competition law regimes worldwide. Yet notwithstanding the social costs of monopoly modern legal regimes refrain from prohibiting it outright. Instead, competition laws prohibit monopolies or dominant firms from engaging in those types of anticompetitive conduct that amount to "monopolizing" or an "abuse of dominant position." Importantly, anticompetitive conduct can take place both on the road to monopoly and, later on, once substantial market power has been achieved. Legal regimes nevertheless tend either to ignore or pay only limited attention to the unilateral conduct of firms lacking substantial market power. This Article argues, however, that such conduct merits legal attention where it led or would lead if unstopped to the acquisition of substantial market power. Specifically, competition law regimes that fail to incorporate an appropriately-designed unilateral conduct liability in this area are unable to address some increasingly important classes of potentially harmful unilateral practices, such as those that concern cheap exclusion, multi-product (but not necessarily dominant) firms, network tipping effects, and more. This failure, moreover, may lead to distortions in other areas of unilateral conduct policy in these regimes that seek to compensate for the absence of any liability for the conduct of non-dominant firms. The analysis concludes by drawing together the lessons from the critical evaluation of the EU and the U.S. approaches for the appropriate design of unilateral conduct regimes worldwide.
Harnessing the heterogeneity of T cell differentiation fate to fine-tune generation of effector and memory T cells (LYM4P.759)

Recent studies show that naive T cells bearing identical T cell receptors experience heterogeneous differentiation and clonal expansion processes. The factors controlling this outcome are not well characterized, and their contributions to immune cell dynamics are similarly poorly understood. In this study, we develop a computational model to elaborate mechanisms occurring within and between two important physiological compartments, lymph nodes and blood, to determine how immune cell dynamics are controlled. Our multi-organ (multi-compartment) model integrates cellular and tissue level events and allows us to examine the heterogeneous differentiation of individual precursor cognate naive T cells to generate both effector and memory T lymphocytes. Using this model, we simulate a hypothetical immune response and reproduce both primary and recall responses to infection. Increased numbers of antigen-bearing dendritic cells are predicted to raise production of both effector and memory T cells, and distinct “sweet spots” of peptide-MHC levels on those dendritic cells exist that favor CD4+ or CD8+ T cell differentiation towards either effector or memory cell phenotypes. This has important implications for vaccine development and immunotherapy.
Ghrelin in Critical Illness

Ghrelin, a recently described peptide, has attracted significant attention in recent years, primarily in the context of its endocrine- and appetite-regulating effects. The versatility of this peptide is manifested in a rapidly expanding body of literature highlighting its nonendocrine functions. This review summarizes the available data on the immunomodulatory as well as the non–immune-mediated effects of ghrelin that form the scientific basis of its role in critical illness.
Kinetic features of the process of nitriding of (α + β) -titanium alloys

The kinetic features of nitriding of (α + β) -titanium alloys caused by their phase-structural state and the surface phenomena are investigated both analytically and experimentally. The influence of the temperature and time parameters of treatment on the depth of the nitrided layer is analyzed. It is shown that, as the β-phase content of alloys increases, the degree of saturation of their surface zone with nitrogen decreases. This is caused by its lower solubility in the β-phase than in the α-phase, more intense diffusion into the bulk of the specimen, and the formation of a deeper hardened zone.
Who trades IPOs? A close look at the first days of trading

Abstract I examine the enormous trading volume in the first two days of trading following an initial public offering (IPO) with a sample of Nasdaq IPOs. The composition of trading varies widely with the initial return and not all trading is investor-related. Cold IPOs have a high proportion of interdealer sell trades, whereas hot IPOs have balanced investor buying and selling. Market makers hold zero inventory throughout trading, offsetting any investor inventory imbalance with a trade with the lead underwriter. The paper also helps resolve the disconnect reported in the literature between high initial trading volume and low “flipping” activity.
Response to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) differs in mouse strains and reveals a divergence in JNK signaling and COX-2 induction prior to loss of neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta.

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease whose hallmark pathological features include a selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Recent studies have described the activation of a stress-induced signal cascade, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated activation of c-Jun, and an increase in the expression of a downstream effector, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), in postmortem PD brains. The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which induces selective neuronal loss in the midbrain similar to that seen in PD, also induces JNK-mediated activation of c-Jun and generates a COX-2 response in C57BL/6J mice. However, mice exhibit a strain-dependent susceptibility to MPTP. Identifying the point(s) of molecular divergence in the MPTP-induced response may provide insight into the cause of PD or a means to identify susceptibility to PD in humans. Here we examined JNK signaling and COX-2 induction in two strains of mice, the MPTP-sensitive C57BL/6J and the MPTP-resistant Swiss Webster (SW). We show that C57BL/6J and SW strains differ in JNK and c-Jun activation in response to MPTP. In addition, the MPTP-induced COX-2 response occurs exclusively in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, strain-specific responses to MPTP are not due to differences in MPP+ levels and are not secondary to cell death. These results provide evidence toward a mechanism of strain-dependent sensitivity to MPTP.
Battle of the barnacle newcomers: niche compression in invading species in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

Multiple invasions by ecologically similar species can be viewed as ‘natural’ addition experiments in which access to key resources might be reduced. Possible outcomes might include: (1) the extirpation of a species already present in the ecosystem, (2) the exclusion of a new invader, or (3) niche compression, with each species using less of the shared resource. Chthamalus proteus, a barnacle that arrived in the Hawaiian Islands ~30 yr ago, is now the most abundant and widespread non-native barnacle in the intertidal zone on the island of Oahu. In a series of field experiments, I demonstrate that the abundance of an earlier invader — the larger, faster growing barnacle Balanus reticulatus — is reduced via substrate pre-emption in the zone of overlap between the 2 barnacle species. A third barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, which invaded Hawaii earlier than the other two, is now virtually absent from locations where it was once abundant and where C. proteus is now the numerical dominant. B. amphitrite did not settle on plates from which C. proteus was removed, suggesting that the presence of C. proteus is not the proximal cause of its decline. B. amphitrite is still present on Oahu, particularly in lower salinity settings. While successively invading barnacles have reportedly replaced each other in other locations around the world, it appears that invasive barnacles on Oahu are undergoing niche compression rather than complete replacement.
Perinatal Toxicity of Domestic Naphthalene Exposure

Naphthalene-containing mothballs can cause methemoglobinemia on inhalation. We describe a mother with hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia associated with elevated levels of naphthalene following exposure to mothballs. Her newborn infant had identical symptoms requiring mechanical ventilation and an exchange transfusion for resolution.
Species variation in blood pressure responses to mescaline: evidence of histamine release.

Abstract Mescaline sulfate infused iv in anesthetized dogs and cats produced dose-related systemic hypotension and bradycardia, whereas pressor responses were obtained in rats. Mescaline-induced hypotension and bradycardia were not significantly altered by prior atropinization and bilateral vagotomy in dogs and cats, thus obviating a cholinergic mechanism. Similarly, cardiovascular responses to isoproterenol injections were not antagonized by mescaline; therefore, bradycardia and hypotension are probably not mediated via beta-adrenergic receptor blockade by mescaline. Although antihistamine pretreatment in dogs did not significantly reduce mescaline-induced hypotension, evidence that histamine release is implicated in this vascular response to mescaline was provided by several observations: tachyphylaxis to the hypotension in dogs and cats, narrow separation between ineffective and markedly hypotensive doses, a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and an elevation of plasma histamine concentrations following the iv administration of mescaline in dogs. No evidence of increased plasma histamine concentrations was found in rats, a species in which mescaline produced only hypertensive responses.
1025-92 Immediate Ventilation Questioned Even with Long Downtime Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Animal studies have demonstrated that ventilation can be deferred for several minutes in witnessed arrest if chest compression is initiated promptly. It is unknown if this observation is also valid in situations of a “prolonged down time”. To assess whether immediate ventilation was essential following a prolonged down time arrest, six 20-30 kg, dogs were studied following ventricular fibrillation (VF). Chest compression (no ventilation) at 80-90/min was initiated after 6 min. Aortic pressure (pr) and blood gases were monitored. Pre-VF aortic pr; pH: PCPCO2 and O2 saturation (%02 sat) at room air were 136 ± 9.8/109 ± 8 mmHg; 7.38 ± 0.03; 37.9 ± 2.3; 97.5 ± 0.5% (M ± SEM). Following a 6 min downtime (DTl. there was no substantial change in arterial blood gases (graphs below). After 2 min of chest compression only the corresponding values were still 55 ± 13/21 ± 7 mmHg, 7.3 ± 0.0, 44.6 ± 1.6 and 90.8 ± 3.8%. Download : Download high-res image (65KB) Download : Download full-size image These data suggest that in a dog model. even following a prolonged down time, chest compression alone can maintain adequate gas exchange to sustain 02 saturation g90% for g2 minutes. The need for immediate ventilation during resuscitation must be reexamined.
Towards a model independent low momentum nucleon nucleon interaction

Abstract We provide evidence for a high precision model-independent low momentum nucleon–nucleon interaction. Performing a momentum-space renormalization group decimation, we find that the effective interactions constructed from various high precision nucleon–nucleon interaction models, such as the Paris, Bonn, Nijmegen, Argonne, CD Bonn and Idaho potentials, are identical. This model-independent low momentum interaction, called V low k , reproduces the same phase shifts and deuteron pole as the input potential models, without ambiguous assumptions on the high momentum components, which are not constrained by low energy data and lead to model-dependent results in many-body applications. V low k is energy-independent and does not necessitate the calculation of the Brueckner G matrix.
Using computers to develop concept models of social situations

Concept modeling is presented as a way to describe and understand social situations. Concepts are developed from field data and supported by sets of exemplars drawn from the data which illustrate the various concepts. The computer is considered an essential tool for conducting this type of qualitative data analysis and displaying the resulting concept models. Two sample concept models are presented along with a discussion of how concept models can be related to teaching and learning, as well as to the nonlinear presentation of research results. Assessment of concept models is then considered. Three types of assessment are suggested: empirical, qualitative and quantitative.
Rupture of Cerebral Myxomatous Aneurysm Months After Resection of the Primary Cardiac Tumor

The natural history of cerebral aneurysms derived from metastatic spread of cardiac myxomas is not well known, and their management presents many dilemmas. Case report and literature review. An 18-year-old man presented with an intraparenchymal hemorrhage several months after resection of an atrial myxoma. Angiography showed several myxomatous aneurysms, one of which had bled. The patient had a recurrent hemorrhage before undergoing surgical resection. MRI, angiographic, and pathological data are presented for this rare condition. Myxomatous aneurysms are important entities for neurointensivists to recognize and can present years after diagnosis. Patients presenting with cerebral infarction or hemorrhage of unknown etiology should undergo cardiac imaging to rule out atrial myxoma, as up to 50% of patients with myxomas present initially with stroke.
Anaesthetic considerations for the child with leukodystrophy.

The author presents a four-year-old boy with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease who required anaesthesia during placement of PE (pressure equalization) tubes and a permanent silastic intravascular device (Broviac catheter). Pelizaeus-Merzbacher is one of a group of progressive, degenerative disorders of the cerebral white matter known as the leukodystrophies. They include metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, Krabbe’s disease, Canavan’s disease, Alexander’s disease and Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease. Due to the progressive nature of the disorders and their devastating effects on the central nervous system, these children frequently require anaesthesia during imaging procedures such as MRI or during various surgical procedures. Of concern to the anaesthetist is the high prevalence of seizure disorders, gastroesophageal reflux with the risk of aspiration, and airway complications related to poor pharyngeal muscle control and copious oral secretions. In addition, adrenal involvement and hypofunction may be seen in patients with adrenoleukodystrophy. Identification of these associated conditions during the preoperative examination will allow safe anaesthesia for these children.
On Statistical Limit Points and the Consistency of Statistical Convergence

Abstract This article extends the concept of a statistical limit (cluster) point of a sequencex(as introduced by Fridy) to aT-statistical limit (cluster) point, whereTis a nonnegative regular matrix summability method. These definitions are reformulated in the setting of β N \ N . It is shown that for a bounded sequencex, the set ofT-statistical cluster points ofxforms a compact subset of R . It is also shown that, ifTandRare two nonnegative regular summability matrices, thenT-statistical convergence andR-statistical convergence are consistent if and only if the support sets ofTandRhave nonempty intersection.
A synthetic Frobenius theorem

Abstract A synthetic approach to Frobenius' theorem concerning integrable distributions is discussed.
Equity and quality in private eduction: the Haitian paradox

This paper starts with an overview of the current education situation in Haiti and a presentation of the relevant historical background. It will then analyze the positive and negative features associated with the unusually strong presence of private education in the context of a poor country, and asses their implications for the public education system. Finally, it will consider different options for fostering an more balanced and harmonious development of private and public education in Haiti, including the feasibility of institutionalizing demand-side financing.
Data visualization designing for discovery in multiple parameter studies—A collaboration between designers and scientists

Data visualizations can play an active role in the process of scientific analysis and discovery, but the visualization design work cannot be accomplished by the scientist or designer alone, it has to be done through collaborations between scientists and designers. Because the scientific visualization process has its own set of challenges, due to not only the size and complexity of the dataset, but also the specialized knowledge of the subject matter required of the designers in order to create a thoroughly understandable interface and explorable space. We present an approach to support designing a scientific visualization. Our approach takes into account studies of visual representation, navigation and interaction. We have deployed a method of visualization design that enables designers to develop visualization tools for scientific discoveries. The usability of the tools was tested by user demonstration.
Design and Development of the 24-Ft Diam Hybrid Mevlar- 29/Nylon Ribbon Parachute

A total of 70 tests, including static tests, rocket sled launchings, and rocket-boosted and aircraft drops, have been used to develop the 24-ft diam. hybrid Kevlar-29/nylon ribbon parachute for recovery of the 760-Ib store. The parachute has been deployed successfully over an environmental temperature range of -65° to 160°F and has operated successfully over the design range of deployment speeds from 330 KCAS to Mach 1.2 at sea level.
Comparative measurements of size and polydispersity of several insect viruses.

Abstract Comparative measurements of the sizes and polydispersity of the Tipula iridescent virus and the nuclear polyhedrosis viruses of the gypsy moth and European pine sawfly have been made by laser light-scattering spectroscopy, resistivepulse analysis, and electron microscopy. Size measurements are in substantial agreement by the techniques. Polydisperse components in the various viral preparations are distinctly resolvable by resistive-pulse analysis, are measurable by electron microscopy, but are combined into a weighted average size by laser light-scattering spectroscopy.
EVALUATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY: LESSONS FROM DETROIT'S CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL PARK PROJECT

Success in implementing the Central Industrial Park project required clearing a 500-acre site for a new General Motors assembly plant, at a public sector cost of more than $200 million, in less than two years, to meet a deadline set by the corporation; clearance involved relocation of 3.500 people and more than 100 businesses, and demolition of 1,500 structures. Despite the complexity of the project and the need for approvals from multiple decision makers at the local, state, and national level, timely implementation was possible because of consensus on the project and i t s importance, formulation of special organizational structures and procedures, the actions and influence of the mayor and his development director as I'fixers, and redefinition and expansion of the statutory authority of officials responsible for project implementation. The crisis atmosphere in which project decisions were made, a consequence of corporate deadlines and the city's desperate economic situation, was essential to the effective combination of these forces. The price for success was steep, however, including higher acquisition and relocation costs, reduction of property tax revenues from the project to minimal levels for 30 years, and transfer of control over the formation and implementation of economic development policy to the private sector.
Assessment of a non-adaptive deterministic global optimization algorithm for problems with low-dimensional non-convex subspaces

The optimum and at least one optimizing point for convex nonlinear programs can be approximated well by the solution to a linear program a fact long used in branch and bound algorithms. In more general problems, we can identify subspaces of ‘non-convex variables’ such that, if these variables have sufficiently small ranges, the optimum and at least one optimizing point can be approximated well by the solution of a single linear program. If these subspaces are low-dimensional, this suggests subdividing the variables in the subspace a priori, then producing and solving a fixed, known number of linear programs to obtain an approximation to the solution. The total amount of computation is much more predictable than that required to complete a branch and bound algorithm, and the scheme is ‘embarrassingly parallel’, with little need for either communication or load balancing. We compare such a non-adaptive scheme experimentally to our GlobSol branch and bound implementation, on those problems from the COCONUT project Lib1 test set with non-convex subspaces of dimension four or less, and we discuss potential alterations to both the non-adaptive scheme and our branch and bound process that might change the scope of applicability.
Mechanisms for the synergistic antifoam action by hydrophobic solid particles in insoluble liquids

Abstract An investigation of the synergistic antifoam action that occurs when hydrophobic solid particles are used in conjunction with a liquid that is insoluble in the foamy solution is reported. Mechanisms for film rupture by either the solid or the liquid alone are presented along with explanations for the poor effectiveness observed with many foam systems for these single-component antifoams. In addition, insight is obtained into the nature of the interactions between these two components that results in enhanced antifoam action.
Purine Based Combinatorial Chemistry: Solution Phase Simultaneous Addition of Functionalities. Iterative Deconvolution by Orthogonal Protection to a Single Compound with Potent Antibacterial Activity

Abstract We have recently described a method to prepare combinatorial chemistry libraries by solution phase simultaneous addition of functionalities (SPSAF).1–2 SPSAF has been used to create libraries based on the purine heterocycle. The nucleophilic sites (secondary nitrogens) in the planer heteroaromatic purine scaffold were built in via linkers. Thus, to continue the use of electophilic functionalities, as in previous libraries, a bifunctional nucleophilic linker was required. Piperazines readily served this purpose. Nucleophilic displacement of the chloro groups on 2,6-dichloropurine with piperazines provides reactive, constrained secondary amines for combinatorialization (Figure 1, 1). An additional piperazine was placed in the 9-position by alkylation of 2,6-dipiperazinylpurine. In this manner, the functionality that differentiates each pool (sublibrary) could be placed last in the synthetic scheme (fix last concept).1
Optimization of luciferase activity in a tomato transient assay system

The gene encoding firefly luciferase is a commonly used reporter for transient expression assays in plants. We have found that the concentration of buffers normally used in luciferase assays is too low to adequately buffer acidic plant organs. This results in low apparent luciferase activity as well as high variability among replicates. In a transient assay system based on particle bombardment of ripe tomato fruit, luciferase activity driven by the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus was increased as much as 130 fold by increasing the concentration of the buffer from 50 mM to 300 mM. Using 300 mM buffer, expression levels of luciferase driven by three different plant promoters were found to reflect expression patterns in intact plants.
Improved Erectile Function after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in a Patient with Heart Failure—A Case Report

ABSTRACT Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common among heart failure patients and has a very dramatic, negative impact on patients' quality of life. Both ED and heart failure have several risk factors in common; however, little data exist on the correlation between the heart failure-targeted interventions and improvement of ED. Aim To report a case of improved sexual function after cardiac resynchronization. Methods We report the case of a 63-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and long-standing ED, who experienced significant improvement of his sexual function following biventricular pacing device implantation. Notably, earlier interventions attempting to improve his ED, namely, heart failure medication adjustments and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, have failed. Results Following cardiac resynchronization therapy, patient's erectile function improved without any other ED-specific treatment. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of improved sexual function in a patient with heart failure and ED following cardiac resynchronization therapy. Although the exact mechanisms remain unknown, we believe that cardiac resynchronization improves ED through improved cardiac and endothelial function. Domanski D, Rosanio S, and Schwarz ER. Improved erectile function after cardiac resynchronization therapy in a patient with heart failure—a case report. J Sex Med 2009;6:2910–2914.
Inequalities in income and schooling: A different point of view

This paper questions the usefulness of econometric specifications in which current school enrollment structure is included as a regressor in income distribution functions. Theoretically, the postulate of current school enrollment pattern affecting present income distribution is argued to be implausible. Empirically, using a sample of 70 countries, it is shown that, in terms of R z and plausibility of the estimated coefficients, specifications that treat school enrollment structure as the dependent variable with income inequality as one regressor, are superior to those that have income inequality as the dependent variable and school enrollment structure as one of the regressors.
GaAs Medium Scale Integrated Circuit Reliability

GaAs Medium Scale Integrated Circuits, made with different processes and metallizations from the usual discrete FETs, require a higher degree of reliability per active element than discrete FETs. As test vehicles, 0.8 GHz ring oscillators were temperature stressed on both operational life test with internally generated RF levels, and on storage life test. Analysis of the negligible degradation of the circuit performance demonstrated that the IC processes are satisfactory. A single IC chip has reliability very comparable to that of a discrete FET. The specially designed fixturing hardware for high temperature stressing with bias is described along with its advantages including low thermal resistance and the low temperature of the biasing components.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β (PGC-1β) protein attenuates vascular lesion formation by inhibition of chromatin loading of minichromosome maintenance complex in smooth muscle cells.

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in response to vascular injury plays a critical role in vascular lesion formation. Emerging data suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1 (PGC-1) is a key regulator of energy metabolism and other biological processes. However, the physiological role of PGC-1β in VSMCs remains unknown. A decrease in PGC-1β expression was observed in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. PGC-1β overexpression substantially inhibited neointima formation in vivo and markedly inhibited VSMC proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition phase in vitro. Accordingly, overexpression of PGC-1β decreased the expression of minichromosome maintenance 4 (MCM4), which leads to a decreased loading of the MCM complex onto chromatin at the replication origins and decreased cyclin D1 levels, whereas PGC-1β loss of function by adenovirus containing PGC-1β shRNA resulted in the opposite effect. The transcription factor AP-1 was involved in the down-regulation of MCM4 expression. Furthermore, PGC-1β is up-regulated by metformin, and metformin-associated anti-proliferative activity in VSMCs is at least partially dependent on PGC-1β. Our data show that PGC-1β is a critical component in regulating DNA replication, VSMC proliferation, and vascular lesion formation, suggesting that PGC-1β may emerge as a novel therapeutic target for control of proliferative vascular diseases. Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1β (PGC-1β) is a key regulator of biological processes. Results: Overexpression of PGC-1β inhibits neointima formation and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Conclusion: PGC-1β inhibits proliferation through impaired minichromosome maintenance (MCM) complex loading onto chromatin. Significance: PGC-1β may emerge as an important therapeutic target relevant for the treatment of proliferative vascular disorders.
Participating as participation: a network approach

This paper adopts a network approach to the study of worker participation in an attempt to capture the inherent communicative nature of participating within an organization. Although complex, dynamic, interactive processes are the very essence of participation, it has most often been conceptualized as a unidimensional, static variable, typically assessed at the individual level. The network study focuses attention upon the communicative activities and patterns that emerge as 148 line workers participate within a large sociotechnical system. The data indicate that the degree to which workers become involved and empowered in the communication system are differentially related to levels of workers’ satisfaction and managerial assessments of worker performance.
Genetic heterogeneity of prematurity and intrauterine growth of retardation: Clues from the Old Order Amish

We studied differences in the role of genetic factors in prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation with the use of data on 312 Amish singleton live children ascertained from Amish records in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, between 1969 and 1980. Birth and death certificates were obtained on all children, and inbreeding coefficients of child, mother, and father were computed by use of the path method of tracing common ancestors in a unique genealogic registry of Amish ancestors dating back to the 1700s. Multivariate analysis with linear and log linear models showed that a lower mean gestational age and a higher risk of prematurity (less than 37 weeks) and borderline maturity (37 to 38 weeks) were significantly associated with increased maternal inbreeding but not child or paternal inbreeding. On the other hand, a higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation (less than the tenth percentile in birth weight for gestational age) and mild intrauterine growth delay (tenth to twenty-fifth percentile) were associated with increased child inbreeding but not maternal or paternal inbreeding. The analysis suggests the presence of genetic heterogeneity in the etiology of prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation; while prematurity is mostly related to the maternal genotype, intrauterine growth retardation is related to the fetal genotype. The study reemphasizes the need for separating low birth weight into prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation in genetic and epidemiologic studies.
Structural equation modeling with longitudinal data: Strategies for examining group differences and reciprocal relationships.

This article describes the use of structural equation modeling with latent variables to examine group differences and test competing models about cause-effect relationships in passive longitudinal designs. This approach is compared with several other statistical methods including analysis of cross-lagged panel correlations, regression analysis, and path analysis. The mechanics and advantages of structural equation modeling are illustrated using an example based on a 3-wave longitudinal study of adolescents' alcohol use. Within this example, the generalizability of the measurement model and structural model are assessed across gender and time, and competing models about the causes and consequences of adolescents' alcohol use are tested. The article concludes with a discussion of some of the strengths and limitations of using structural equation modeling with longitudinal data.
Three‐wire thermocouple: Frequency response in constant flow

Theory and experimental measurements are compared with a novel three‐wire thermocouple. Signals from three wires of unequal diameters are recorded from the thermocouple suspended in constant flow with a periodic temperature fluctuation. It is demonstrated that the reconstructed signal from the three‐wire thermocouple requires no compensation for ω≤5ω1, where ω1 is the natural frequency of the smaller wire. The latter result represents a significant improvement compared to previous work with two‐wire thermocouples. A correction factor has also been derived to account for wires of arbitrary diameter.
Nitric oxide synthase distribution in the goldfish Mauthner cell

NADPH-diaphorase histochemical staining was used to assess the distribution of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the goldfish brain, with the emphasis on the Mauthner (M-) cell, a reticulospinal neuron, and its inputs. Labeling was specific for certain cell types, including the M-cell, which stained heavily. The reaction product in this neuron was uniformly distributed along its axon, soma, and ventral and lateral dendrites. Afferents which synapse with the M-cell were also NADPH-diaphorase positive, including an identified class of inhibitory interneurons and the large myelinated club endings (LMCE) of eighth nerve fibers. The presence of NADPH-diaphorase in a lower level brainstem circuit that undergoes activity-dependent long-term potentiation of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses and is accessible for morpho-functional correlations provides the opportunity to elucidate the mechanism and role of nitric oxide at the single cell level.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties of new electrophilic iridium(III) complexes containing the (R)-(+)-2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl ligand.

The oxidative addition of MeI to the Ir(I) square-planar complex IrI(CO)((R)-(+)-BINAP) where (R)-(+)-BINAP = (R)-(+)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl)) results in the formation of two diastereomers in a 2:1 ratio of the Ir(III) oxidative addition product IrI2(CO)(Me)((R)-(+)-BINAP) (4a and 4b) in a 85% overall yield. Upon iodide abstraction from the diastereomeric mixture with 2 equiv of AgSbF6 in the presence of diethyl isopropylidene malonate (DIM), two diastereomers of the dicationic complex [Ir(CO)(Me)(DIM)((R)-(+)-BINAP)][SbF6]2 (5) are formed in a 90% yield with a ratio of 9:1. One diastereomer of the diiodide complex 4 and one diastereomer of the dicationic complex 5 have been characterized by X-ray diffraction. An anion exchange reaction of 5 with NaBAr4f− (BAr4f− = B(3,5-(CF3)2C6H3)4) affords [Ir(CO)(Me)(DIM)((R)-(+)-BINAP)][BAr4f]2 (6) in quantitative yield. Both 5 and 6 are active Lewis acid catalysts for the polarized Nazarov cyclization and the Diels−Alder reaction. In the Nazarov...
A Pneumatic Method of Measuring Cotton Fiber Staple Length

A pneumatic device for measuring the mean and upper-half mean fiber lengths is described. Air is drawn through a cotton fiber beard (formed with two combs) placed over a narrow slit to form the fourth arm of a pneumatic Wheatstone bridge. It is shown that the unbalanced deflection of the "pneumatic galvanometer" across the bridge varies correctly with the number of fibers over it to enable measurement of the mean value from curves automatically drawn by the device.For seventeen cottons data are presented which compare the results of this method with those obtained with the Fibrograph.
Phosphorus and carbon segregation: Effects on fatigue and fracture of gas-carburized modified 4320 steel

Phosphorus and carbon segregation to austenite grain boundaries and its effects on fatigue and fracture were studied in carburized modified 4320 steel with systematic variations, 0.005, 0.017, and 0.031 wt pct, in alloy phosphorus concentration. Specimens subjected to bending fatigue were characterized by light metallography, X-ray analyses for retained austenite and residual stress measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fracture surfaces. Scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was used to determine intergranular concentrations of phosphorus and carbon. The degree of phosphorus segregation is directly dependent on alloy phosphorus and carbon content. The degree of carbon segregation, in the form of cementite, at austenite grain boundaries was found to be a function of alloy phosphorus concentration. The endurance limit and fracture toughness decreased slightly when alloy phosphorus concentration was increased from 0.005 to 0.017 wt pct. Between 0.017 and 0.031 wt pct phosphorus, the endurance limit and fracture toughness decreased substantially. Other effects related to increasing alloy phosphorus concentration include increased case carbon concentration, decreased case retained austenite, increased case compressive residual stresses, and increased case hardness. All of these results are consistent with the phosphorus-enhanced formation of intergranular cementite and a decrease in carbon solubility in intragranular austenite with increasing phosphorus concentration. Differences in fatigue and fracture correlate with the degree of cementite coverage on the austenite grain boundaries and the buildup of phosphorus at cementite/matrix interfaces because of the insolubility of phosphorus in cementite.