cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical effects of ginkgolide B on cardiomyocyte contractile function in normal and high-glucose environments

Aim: Ginkgo biloba extract is a natural product used widely for cerebral and cardiovascular diseases. It is mainly composed of terpene lactones (ginkgolide A and B) and flavone glycosides (eg quercetin and kaempferol). To better understand the cardiac electromechanical action of Ginkgo biloba extract in normal and diabetic states, this study was designed to examine the effect of ginkgolide B on cardiomyocyte contractile function under normal and high-glucose environments. Methods: Isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes were cultured for 6 h in a serum-free medium containing either normal (NG; 5.5 mmol/L) or high (HG; 25.5 mmol/L) glucose with or without ginkgolide B (0.5–2.0 μg/mL). Mechanical properties were evaluated using the IonOptix MyoCam system. Contractile properties analyzed included peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (plusminusdl/dt), time-to-PS (TPS) and time-to-90% relengthening (TR 90 ). Levels of essential Ca 2+ regulatory proteins sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA2a), phospholamban (PLB) and Na + -Ca 2+ exchanger (NCX) were assessed by Western blotting. Results: Ginkgolide B nullified HG-induced prolongation in TR 90 . However, ginkgolide B depressed PS, plusminusdl/dt and shortened TPS in NG and HG cells. Ginkgolide B also prolonged TR 90 in NG cells. Western blot analysis revealed that HG upregulated SERCA2a and downregulated PLB expression without affecting that of NCX. Ginkgolide B disrupted the NG-HG response pattern in SERCA2a and NCX without affecting that of PLB. Conclusion: Ginkgolide B affects cardiomyocyte contractile function under NG or HG environments in a paradoxical manner, which may be attributed to uneven action on Ca 2+ regulatory proteins under NG and HG conditions.
Kinetics of Pindolol Oxidation by Peroxodisulfate

The kinetics of oxidation of pindolol by peroxodisulfate (PDS) in sulfuric acid and 40%(v/v) methanol + water solvent has been investigated. The pH profile of the rate constant was also investigated. It has been found that the reaction proceeds only in the pH range 0 to 4. A mechanism was proposed for the oxidation reaction; the reaction starts by the attack of peroxodisulfate (PDS) to form an indoleninic species that can rearrange into an indoxyl species. Once the indoxyl intermediate is formed, it can follow different paths leading to different products, depending on the acidity and PDS concentration. At low acid concentration, oxipindolol is formed whereas at high acid concentration dioxipindolol forms instead. Dioxipindolol can dimerize to form the indigo form of pindolol. A polar mechanism was proposed for the oxidation reaction, and the thermodynamic parameters were determined.
Are cytokines and growth factors responsible for the detrimental effects of hydrosalpingeal fluid on pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer?

Abstract Objective: To characterize the secretion of cytokines and growth factors in hydrosalpingeal fluid. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Hospital-based infertility practice. Patient(s): Ten infertile women who underwent laparoscopic aspiration of their hydrosalpingeal fluid before salpingectomy or neosalpingostomy. Intervention(s): Samples were cryopreserved, then thawed and centrifuged to remove cellular debris. Main Outcome Measure(s): The supernatants were analyzed for the presence of human interferon-γ, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-β2, and tumor necrosis factor-α by quantitative enzyme immunoassay kits. Result(s): Interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-β2 were not detected in any of the hydrosalpingeal fluid samples. Epidermal growth factor was present in 5 of 10 hydrosalpingeal fluid samples, with a mean (±SE) concentration of 26.7 ± 11.4 pg/mL. Tumor necrosis factor-α was detected in 7 of 10 samples, with a mean (±SE) concentration of 6.2 ± 3.6 pg/mL. Three of the 10 samples contained both tumor necrosis factor-α and epidermal growth factor. Conclusion(s): For the first time, we described the absence of interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-β2, and the presence of epidermal growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α in human hydrosalpingeal fluid. Because the fundamental role of the human fallopian tube is secretory in nature, the alteration in substances secreted from the tubal epithelium that reflux into the uterine cavity may explain the deleterious effects that hydrosalpingeal fluid has on pregnancy rates after IVF-ET.
Stage of Drug Use, Aggression, and Theft/Vandalism

Over the past two decades, substantial research has documented the interrelation of different problem behaviors (Elliott, Huizinga, & Menard, 1989; Hawkins, Jenson, Catalano, & Lishner, 1988; Jessor & Jessor, 1977; Zabin, Hardy, Smith, & Hirsch, 1986). The research has shown strong linkages among characteristics such as drug use, delinquency, and aggression. For instance, Jessor and colleagues maintain that such behaviors as delinquency and drug use represent different aspects of problem behavior. Despite these advances, little evidence has been obtained with respect to the determinants of different components of problem behavior. These outcomes have been studied separately rather than simultaneously. Therefore, whether or not these outcomes share similar risk factors is not well documented. Identification of the shared and unshared patterns of different behaviors remains a central task. Such information is critical to the emerging field of developmental psychopathology in its goal to describe the etiology of different problem behavior outcomes, their various pathways, and eventually developmental sequelae.
Capturing the DSM-5 Alternative Personality Disorder Model Traits in the Five-Factor Model's Nomological Net.

Several studies have shown structural and statistical similarities between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) alternative personality disorder model and the Five-Factor Model (FFM). However, no study to date has evaluated the nomological network similarities between the two models. The relations of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) with relevant criterion variables were examined in a sample of 336 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.4; 59.8% female). The resulting profiles for each instrument were statistically compared for similarity. Four of the five domains of the two models have highly similar nomological networks, with the exception being FFM Openness to Experience and PID-5 Psychoticism. Further probing of that pair suggested that the NEO PI-R domain scores obscured meaningful similarity between PID-5 Psychoticism and specific aspects and lower-order facets of Openness. The results support the notion that the DSM-5 alternative personality disorder model trait domains represent variants of the FFM domains. Similarities of Openness and Psychoticism domains were supported when the lower-order aspects and facets of Openness domain were considered. The findings support the view that the DSM-5 trait model represents an instantiation of the FFM.
Global Leadership Communication: A Strategic Proposal

Organizations face a myriad of challenges as the world interconnects through the process of globalization. In order to sustain viability and produce competitive advantage, organizations must develop a global communication strategy. Communication skills need to be developed at all levels of the organization, from a coherent mission statement to individual employee development. Organizations need global leaders, capable of moving in and through divergent cultural environments. Identifying and equipping these future leaders is an antecedent to success in the global marketplace. This paper offers an instructive model to guide organizations as they face increasingly complex, cross-cultural environments.
Structural Dynamics of Small Wind Turbine Blade under Aerodynamic Loading

Aeroacoustic noise emissio n is a concern for residential wind turbines. Small wind turbines operate at high RPMs and may spin even when pointed out of the wind. In order to better understand the aeroacoustic phenomena related to small wind turbines, a dynamic model of the turbine has been created with the hope of expanding the model to include aeroacoustic s. For this study, an aerodynamic model of a wind turbine blade was coupled with a linear finite element model of a small blade. The goal of this analysis is to create an initia l model that can be validated and expanded to predict aeroacoustic noise emissions. This study is directed toward a generic small three -bladed upwind wind turbine with blade lengths of approximately one meter and a linearly varying blade twist angle. Pre ssure distribution and blade loading were obtained numerically using STAR -CD Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling software, for a given blade configuration. The calculation used the Reynolds -Averaged Navier -Stokes (RANS) equations with the k-� turbul ence model with the blade section on rotating reference frame. The CFD model was coupled to a finite element model (FEM) to predict blade deflection. The aerodynamic loads that were calculated using the CFD model were fed into a FEM written in Matlab. T he FEM was used to determine the equations of motion for the system. The FEM consisted of a coupled linear 3 -degree of freedom (DOF) per element beam finite element model of the blade. The stiffness matrix was approximated based on generic dimensions for the prescribed wind turbine blade length and included centrifical stiffening. Given the aerodynamic loads and initial conditions, the equations of motion were solved by direct integration over a small period of time. Results from the FEM were used to up date the CFD model and calculate the turbine loading as a transient condition. As an initial study, the model was used to compute a few iterations of the wind turbine blade dynamics.
ECG diagnosis: ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a clinical syndrome defined by characteristic symptoms of myocardial ischemia in association with persistent electrocardiographic ST elevation (STE) and subsequent release of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis. 1 STE is the single best immediately available surrogate marker for detecting acute complete coronary artery occlusion without collateral circulation, signifying a significant region of injured myocardium at imminent risk of irreversible infarction, requiring immediate reperfusion therapy. 2 Diagnostic STE is defined as new STE at the J point in at least 2 contiguous leads > 2 mm (0.2 mV) in men or > 1.5 mm (0.15 mV) in women in leads V2-V3 and/or of > 1 mm (0.1 mV) in other contiguous chest or limb leads. 3 The presence of reciprocal changes (manifested as ST depression in a region that approximates the vector 180 degrees opposite the major vessel of injury) increases the specificity of STE caused by STEMI. 4 New or presumably new left bundle branch block has been considered a STEMI equivalent. Reperfusion therapy should be administered to all eligible patients with STEMI who have experienced symptom onset within the previous 12 hours. 1 Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the recommended method of reperfusion when it can be performed in a timely fashion by experienced operators, with a goal of first medical contact-toballoon time of 90 minutes or less. 5,6 v
FoXS, FoXSDock and MultiFoXS: Single-state and multi-state structural modeling of proteins and their complexes based on SAXS profiles

Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) is an increasingly common and useful technique for structural characterization of molecules in solution. A SAXS experiment determines the scattering intensity of a molecule as a function of spatial frequency, termed SAXS profile. Here, we describe three web servers for modeling atomic structures based on SAXS profiles. FoXS (Fast X-Ray Scattering) rapidly computes a SAXS profile of a given atomistic model and fits it to an experimental profile. FoXSDock docks two rigid protein structures based on a SAXS profile of their complex. MultiFoXS computes a population-weighted ensemble starting from a single input structure by fitting to a SAXS profile of the protein in solution. We describe the interfaces and capabilities of the servers (salilab.org/foxs), followed by demonstrating their application on Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its primary receptor ST2.
On the work of the teaching inspection section in colleges and universities

The establishment of the teaching inspection section is an important measure in intensifying and perfecting the education quality control in new situations,whose tasks are to conduct an independent and efficient inspection,guidance,and evaluation of the overall educating process so as to ensure an im-proving education quality.Accordingly,its members should serve as good advisors of the school lead-ers,and as good teachers and friends of the young while building a bridge among the leaders,teachers and students.
Live Cell Calcium Imaging of Dissociated Vomeronasal Neurons

Sensory neurons in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) are thought to mediate a specialized olfactory response. Currently, very little is known about the identity of stimulating ligands or their cognate receptors that initiate neural activation. Each sensory neuron is thought to express 1 of approximately 250 variants of Vmn1Rs, Vmn2Rs (A, B, or D), or FPRs which enables it to be tuned to a subset of ligands (Touhara and Vosshall, Annu Rev Physiol 71:307-332, 2009). The logic of how different sources of native odors or purified ligands are detected by this complex sensory repertoire remains mostly unknown. Here, we describe a method to compare and analyze the response of VNO sensory neurons to multiple stimuli using conventional calcium imaging. This method differs from other olfactory imaging approaches in that we dissociate the tightly packed sensory epithelium into individual single cells. The advantages of this approach include (1) the use of a relatively simple approach and inexpensive microscopy, (2) comparative analysis of several hundreds of neurons to multiple stimuli with single-cell resolution, and (3) the possibility of isolating single cells of interest to further analyze by molecular biology techniques including in situ RNA hybridization, immunofluorescence, or creating single-cell cDNA libraries (Malnic et al., Cell 96:713-723, 1999).
Modulation of aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation by dinitrotoluene.

Technical grade dinitrotoluene (DNT) is a mixture of approximately 76% 2,4DNT, 19% 2,6-DNT and 5% other isomers. Because DNT is commonly used in the manufacture of explosives and several commercial products, concerns have been raised that this chemical might represent a significant occupational hazard (Levine, 1987). Toxicity studies in rodents have shown that prolonged administration of DNT causes cancers of the liver, gall bladder, and kidney and benign tumors of connective tissues. Bond et al. (1981) have proposed that the hepatocarcinogenic effect of DNT is mediated by a toxic metabolite formed by intestinal flora upon reduction of nitrobenzylalcohol, an oxidative metabolite of dinitrotoluene.
Symmetrien in der Teilchenphysik und die „Weltformel“

Von Symmetrieeigenschaften spricht man in der Physik immer dann, wenn ein physikalisches System durch irgendeine Transformation von einem bestimmten Zustand in einen anderen moglichen Zustand ubergeht, der sich vom ersteren in gewissen Eigenschaften nicht unterscheidet. Das betrachtete System verhalt sich also invariant gegenuber einer Symmetrietransformation hinsichtlich gewisser Eigenschaften. Symmetrieeigenschaften sind danach eng verknupft mit Invarianzei-genschaften und Erhaltungssatzen. Oft werden die drei Begriffe synonym verwendet.
Can Corporate Social Responsibility Reduce the Propensity of Future Bankruptcy

Stakeholder theory posits that integrating corporate social responsibility into the business model can enhance a firm’s long-term sustainability. Using the social and environmental ratings from MSCI ESG database as a proxy for corporate social responsibility (CSR, hereafter) for the sample period of 2004 to 2011, current study documents a negative association between CSR and the propensity of future bankruptcy. Specifically, this research finds that one standard deviation increase of CSR expenditure reduces the likelihood of bankruptcy by approximately 28.50 percent. The main inference is robust to the consideration of endogeneity issues and the use of a matched sample analysis. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the negative relation between CSR and future bankruptcy are driven by political connected firms, large firms, and firms with weak corporate governance. Current study provides evidence on the tangible benefits for firms to invest in social capital of CSR activities and offers additional insights on what firms may benefit more from CSR expenditure.
Staring Spells: Epileptic or Nonepileptic Events

A parental questionnaire containing 25 items to distinguish epileptic (absence seizures [AS]) and nonepileptic staring [NES] characteristics in 40 children presenting with staring spells was tested at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio.
Solar geoengineering could substantially reduce climate risks—A research hypothesis for the next decade

We offer a hypothesis that if SG were deployed to offset half of the increase in global-mean temperature from the date of deployment using a technology and deployment method chosen to approximate a reduction in the solar constant then, over the 21st Century, it would (a) substantially reduce the global aggregate risks of climate change, (b) without making any country worse off, and (c) with the aggregate risks from side-effects being small in comparison to the reduction in climate risks. We do not set out to demonstrate this hypothesis; rather we propose it with the goal of stimulating a strategic engagement of the SG research community with policy-relevant questions. We elaborate 7 sub-hypotheses on the effects of our scenario for key risks of climate change that could be assessed in future modelling work. As an example, we provide a defence of one of our sub-hypotheses, that our scenario of SG would reduce the risk of drought in dry regions, but also identify issues that may undermine this sub-hypothesis and how future work could resolve this question. Solar geoengineering cannot substitute for emissions mitigation but it may be a useful supplement. It is our hope that scientific and technical research over the next decade focuses more closely on well-articulated variants of the key policy-relevant question: could solar geoengineering be designed and deployed in such a way that it could substantially and equitably reduce climate risks?
Algorithmic Classification of Five Characteristic Types of Paraphasias.

Purpose This study was intended to evaluate a series of algorithms developed to perform automatic classification of paraphasic errors (formal, semantic, mixed, neologistic, and unrelated errors). M...
Anatomy and Physiology of Normal Sleep

Abstract In the last century much progress has been made in unraveling the mechanisms underlying sleep, shifting the paradigm of thought from sleep being a passive “off” state to one that is actively promoted by a complex neural network. The primarily wake-active monoaminergic and cholinergic systems are balanced by the sleep-promoting systems through a pair of flip-flop switches used to regulate the transitions between wake and sleep, as well as between non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Multiple systems external to the main switches serve to moderate sleep wake behavior: hypocretin and melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) in the lateral hypothalamic area; environmental circadian signals transduced through the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN); and a homeostatic drive, promoting sleep through somnogen accumulation. Despite gains in understanding of the neurocircuitry of sleep, many of the functions of sleep are just beginning to be elucidated.
Influence of laser shock peening on irradiation defects in austenitic stainless steels

Abstract The laser shock peening process can generate a dislocation network, stacking faults, and deformation twins in the near surface of austenitic stainless steels by the interaction of laser-driven shock waves with metals. In-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) irradiation studies suggest that these dislocations and incoherent twin boundaries can serve as effective sinks for the annihilation of irradiation defects. As a result, the irradiation resistance is improved as the density of irradiation defects in laser-peened stainless steels is much lower than that in untreated steels. After heating to 300 °C, a portion of the dislocations and stacking faults are annealed out while the deformation twins remain stable, which still provides improved irradiation resistance. These findings have important implications on the role of laser shock peening on the lifetime extension of austenitic stainless steel components in nuclear reactor environments.
Retrorectus Hernia Repair and Transversus Abdominis Release

Complex ventral hernias demand a robust armamentarium of surgical techniques to allow for a tailored approach to each patient. Among the various options available to surgeons, retromuscular techniques have gained widespread adoption in the current surgical culture. Retrorectus ventral hernia repair, as originally described by Rives, Stoppa, and Wantz, allows for creation of a well-vascularized sublay space for mesh placement, although within the confines of the rectus sheath. Further advancements to retrorectus repair, specifically posterior component separation via transversus abdominis release (TAR), offer further improvements to retromuscular hernia repair while relying on the foundations of a tissue-based, tension-free hernia repair. TAR allows significant myofascial medialization to address wide hernia defects and associated loss of domain. Furthermore, TAR results in the creation of a large sublay space beyond the confines of linea semilunaris while preserving the perforating neurovascular bundles to the rectus abdominis. Both techniques provide surgeons versatile and durable repair techniques to address the most complex hernia scenarios.
Intrinsic coincident full-Stokes polarimeter using stacked organic photovoltaics and architectural comparison of polarimeter techniques

An intrinsic coincident full-Stokes polarimeter is demonstrated by using stain-aligned polymer-based organic photovoltaics (OPVs) which can preferentially absorb certain polarized states of incident light. The photovoltaic-based polarimeter is capable of measuring four stokes parameters by cascading four semitransparent OPVs in series along the same optical axis. Two wave plates were incorporated into the system to modulate the S3 stokes parameter so as to reduce the condition number of the measurement matrix. The model for the full-Stokes polarimeter was established and validated, demonstrating an average RMS error of 0.84%. The optimization, based on minimizing the condition number of the 4-cell OPV design, showed that a condition number of 2.4 is possible. Performance of this in-line polarimeter concept was compared to other polarimeter architectures, including Division of Time (DoT), Division of Amplitude (DoAm), Division of Focal Plane (DoFP), and Division of Aperture (DoA) from signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) perspective. This in-line polarimeter concept has the potential to enable both high temporal (as compared with a DoT polarimeter) and high spatial resolution (as compared with DoFP and DoA polarimeters). We conclude that the intrinsic design has the same ~√2 SNR advantage as the DoAm polarimeter, but with greater compactness.
Reactions to antipneumococcal rabbit serum: VIII. Effect of varying shocking doses of antiserum of reversed passive anaphylaxis when sensitizing dose of polysaccharide and interval between sensitizing and shocking doses are constant. IX. Comparison of reversed passive anaphylactogenic properties of samples of antipneumococcal rabbit serum, types II, VII, and VIII

Abstract Additional studies of reactions to antipneumococcal rabbit serum are presented which show: 1. 1. Shocking doses of antiserum can be reduced to an ineffectual level when sensitizing doses of polysaccharide and the interval between sensitizing and shocking doses are constant. The intensity of the reactions decreased (as antiserum doses were reduced) from uniformly severe to uniformly mild reactions before ineffectual doses were reached. 2. 2. Different lots of the same type and of different types of antipneumococcal rabbit serum vary widely in their effectiveness in producing reversed passive anaphylaxis. 3. 3. Reasons are given for the suggestion that the presence or absence of circulating polysaccharide should be determined before giving antipneumococcal rabbit serum.
Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention in 1997

“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” is an American saying that reminds us to not lose what we already have in the pursuit of the unknown. We already have a considerable wealth of information about the nutritional factors that affect cancer risk. This information has served as the basis for international dietary recommendations intended to reduce cancer risk [1] and has moved us into experimental trials designed to test the effects of single nutrients taken as supplements. Antioxidant nutrients, including betacarotene and vitamin C, have been a major focus of these studies, which to date have revealed either minimal effects [2–5] or harm [6, 7].
A nonlinear singularly perturbed volterra functional differential equation

We study the Cauchy problem for the nonlinear Volterra f.d.e. with infinite "memory" \((V)\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c}{ - \mu y'(t) = \int_{ - \infty }^t {a(t - s){\mathbf{ }}F{\mathbf{ }}(y(t),{\mathbf{ }}y(s)){\mathbf{ }}ds{\mathbf{ }}(t > 0)} } \\{y(t) = g(t){\mathbf{ }}( - \infty 0 is a small parameter, ′=d/dt, a is a given real kernel, and F, g are given real functions; (V) models the elongation ratio of a homogeneous filament of a molten polyethelene which is stretched on the time interval (−∞, 0], then released to undergo elastic recovery for t>0. Under physically reasonable assumptions concerning a, F, g we present results on qualitative behaviour of solutions of (V) and of the corresponding reduced equation when μ=0, as well as the relation between them as μ → 0+, both for t near zero and for large t. These results, obtained jointly with A.S. Lodge and J.B. Mc Leod, show that in general the filament of polyethelene never recovers its original length, and that the affect of the Newtonian term −μy'(t) in (V) is highly significant during the early part of the recovery, but not in the ultimate recovery. We also present an implicit finite difference scheme, recently developed by O. Nevanlinna, to obtain a discretization of (V) which exhibits most of the same qualitative properties as the continuous model.
Injectable Neurotrophic Factor Delivery System Supporting Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival and Regeneration Following Optic Nerve Crush.

In general, neurons belonging to the central nervous system (CNS), such as retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), do not regenerate. Due to this, strategies have emerged aimed at protecting and regenerating these cells. Neurotrophic factor (NTF) supplementation has been a promising approach but is limited by length of delivery and delivery vehicle. For this study, we tested a polymeric delivery system (sulfonated reverse thermal gel or SRTG) engineered to deliver cilliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), while also being injectable. A rat optic nerve crush (ONC) model was used to determine the neuroprotective and regenerative capacity of our system. The results demonstrate that one single intravitreal injection of SRTG-CNTF following ONC showed significant protection of RGC survival at both 1 and 2 week time points, when compared to the control groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the RGC count between the eyes that received the SRTG-CNTF following ONC and a healthy control eye. Intravitreal injection of the polymer system also induced noticeable axon regeneration 500 μm downstream from the lesion site compared to all other control groups. There was a significant increase in Muller cell response in groups that received the SRTG-CNTF injection following optic nerve crush also indicative of a regenerative response. Finally, higher concentrations of CNTF released from SRTG-CNTF showed a protective effect on RGCs and Muller cell response at a longer time point (4 weeks). In conclusion, we were able to show a neuroprotective and regenerative effect of this polymer SRTG-CNTF delivery system and the viability for treatment of neurodegenerations.
Associations between marijuana use and tobacco cessation outcomes in young adults.

Marijuana and tobacco co-use is common among young adults, and findings are mixed regarding the association between marijuana use and smoking cessation outcomes. This study examined the longitudinal relationships between marijuana use and smoking cessation outcomes among young adults (aged 18-25 years; N = 500) enrolled in a 3-month smoking cessation intervention on Facebook. At baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months, participants reported their marijuana use and their smoking behaviors (seven-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking, cigarettes per day, quit attempts) and readiness to quit. Longitudinal analyses controlled for experimental condition and adjusted for baseline stage of change, baseline average cigarettes per day, sex, alcohol use, and age participants began smoking regularly. Use of marijuana by young adult smokers was associated with a lower likelihood of reduced smoking (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.51, 0.98], p = .036) and a lower likelihood of abstaining from smoking (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.35, 0.90], p = .017) in the past seven days, as assessed over 12 months of follow-up. Use of marijuana was not significantly associated with perceptions of or engagement in the smoking cessation intervention, stage of change for quitting smoking, or tobacco quit attempts (all p's > 0.08). Study findings indicate that while marijuana use is unrelated to motivation to quit tobacco and engage in cessation interventions, marijuana use is associated with less success in reducing and abstaining from tobacco. Additional support and targeted tobacco cessation strategies to address challenges associated with marijuana co-use may be needed.
Ultrasonic Characterization of Diffusion Bonds

The characterization of weak (low ultimate tensile stress) diffusion bonds is a generic problem which continues to challenge the QNDE community.1 Here we present preliminary results for an approach based on ultrasound reflection from, and transmission through, a planar diffusion bond. The samples consisted of two bonded stainless steel cylinders, each 12.7 mm in diameter and 63.5 mm in length. The bonds were made by means of thin Ag layers deposited on each of the matching ends of the cylinders. Here the ultrasonic transducers are placed at the ends of the cylinders. For this geometry, some of the ultrasonic energy impinges on the walls of the cylinders and undergoes mode conversion, leading to a complex train of pulses. The appropriate formulae were obtained to identify the various signals in the pulse train and to associate their amplitudes and arrival times with their ray path histories. The technique used is based on a pulse-echo method in which the reflection and transmission coefficients of the bond are combined in such a way that the transducer transfer functions, including coupling variations, are eliminated. Two types of measurements were made on each sample: ultrasonic measurements at 15 MHz and tensile tests to ultimate failure. The samples were bonded under controlled conditions in which bonding time, temperature, and pressure were varied. The ultrasonic measurements suggest that the effective reflection coefficient of the bond may be a candidate for a potential correlation with bond strength.
Catalytic sites are finally in sight

Controlled Pt loading on TiO2 nanoparticles enables single-site catalysts. With this, the coordination environment and catalytic activity can be obtained, allowing extraction of structure-function information.
Immersive Virtual Reality as an Adjunctive Non-opioid Analgesic for Pre-dominantly Latin American Children With Large Severe Burn Wounds During Burn Wound Cleaning in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study

Abstract Background/Aim: Using a within-subjects, within-wound care design, this pilot study tested for the first time, the whether immersive virtual reality (VR) can serve as an adjunctive non-opioid analgesic for children with large severe burn wounds during burn wound cleaning in the ICU, in a regional burn center in the United States. Methods: Participants included 48 children from 6 years old to 17 years of age with > 10% TBSA burn injuries reporting moderate or higher worst pain during no VR on Day 1. Forty-four of the 48 children were from developing Latin American countries. Patients played adjunctive SnowWorld, an interactive 3D snowy canyon in virtual reality during some portions of wound care, vs. No VR during comparable portions of the same wound care session (initial treatment condition randomized). Using Graphic Rating scales, children's worst pain ratings during “No VR” (treatment as usual pain medications) vs. their worst pain during “Yes VR” was measured during at least one day of wound care, and was measured for up to ten study days the patient used VR. Results: VR significantly reduced children’s “worst pain” ratings during burn wound cleaning procedures in the ICU on Day 1. Worst pain during No VR = 8.52 (SD = 1.75) vs. during Yes VR = 5.10 (SD = 3.27), t(47) = 7.11, p < .001, SD = 3.33, CI = 2.45 to 4.38, Cohen’s d = 1.21 (indicating large effect size). Patients continued to report the predicted pattern of lower pain and more fun during VR, during multiple sessions. Conclusion:Immersive virtual reality can help reduce the pain of children with large severe burn wounds during burn wound cleaning in the Intensive Care Unit. . Additional research and development is recommended.
Maternal Responses to Trophoblast Antigens: Idiotype-Antiidiotype Control

Pregnancy challenges the female to numerous alloantigens (McIntyre, 1992). We have focused our attention upon trophoblast lymphocyte crossreactive (TLX) alloantigens because trophoblast forms the allogeneic interface between mother and fetus. The maternal immune response to TLX antigens has been shown by Torry et al. (1989) to be regulated by an auto-antiidiotype network. An intact TLX network is postulated to govern immune acceptance of the conceptus by the mother. Absent, suboptimal or unchecked responses to TLX antigens may result in infertility or recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) (Roussev et al., 1992). A group of women suffering from secondary RSA was identified that produced high titer antipaternal lymphocytotoxic antibodies (Mclntyre et al., 1984). These antibodies reacted in a non-HLA restricted pattern against third-party lymphocyte donors. The serum reactivity was removed by absorptions with some, but not other individual trophoblast membrane preparations suggesting that the antibodies were directed to TLX alloantigens (Mclntyre and Faulk, 1986). TLX antigens are also expressed on platelets (Kajino et al., 1987). Lymphocytotoxic TLX antibodies can be removed from secondary aborter sera by absorption with platelet membranes (Mclntyre, 1988).
Culturally Responsive Choral Music Education: What Teachers Can Learn From Nine Students’ Experiences in Three Choirs

Culturally Responsive Choral Music Education visits the classrooms of three ethnically diverse choral teacher-conductors to highlight specific examples of ways that culturally responsive teaching (CRT) can enrich choral music education. Principles of CRT are illustrated in contrasting demographic contexts: a choir serving a sizeable immigrant Hispanic population, a choir with an African American classroom majority, and a choir comprised of students who identify with eighteen distinct ethnicities. Additionally, portraits of nine ethnically diverse students illuminate how CRT shaped their experiences as members of these choral ensembles. Practical recommendations are offered for developing a culturally responsive classroom environment.
Evaluating and Selecting a Property Management System

In his study Evaluating and Selecting a Property Management System by Galen Collins, Assistant Professor, School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Northern Arizona University, Assistant Professor Collins states briefly at the outset: “Computerizing a property requires a game plan. Many have selected a Property Management System without much forethought and have been unhappy with the final results. The author discusses the major factors that must be taken into consideration in the selection of a PMS, based on his personal experience.” Although, this article was written in the year 1988 and some information contained may be dated, there are many salient points to consider. “Technological advances have encouraged many hospitality operators to rethink how information should be processed, stored, retrieved, and analyzed,” offers Collins. “Research has led to the implementation of various cost-effective applications addressing almost every phase of operations,” he says in introducing the computer technology germane to many PMS functions. Professor Collins talks about the Request for Proposal, its conditions and its relevance in negotiating a PMS system. The author also wants the system buyer to be aware [not necessarily beware] of vendor recommendations, and not to rely solely on them. Exercising forethought will help in avoiding the drawback of purchasing an inadequate PMS system. Remember, the vendor is there first and foremost to sell you a system. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the adjectives unreliable and unethical are on the table, but do be advised. Professor Collins presents a graphic outline for the Weighted Average Approach to Scoring Vendor
Human Features-Based Variable Admittance Control for Improving HRI and Performance in Power-Assisted Heavy Object Manipulation

In the first step, a 1-DOF power assist robotic system (PARS) was developed for object manipulation. The dynamics for human-robot co-manipulation of objects was derived that included human's weight perception. An admittance control scheme with position feedback and velocity controller was derived using the weight-perception-based dynamics. Human subjects lifted objects with the PARS, and human-robot interactions (HRI) and system characteristics were analyzed. HRI was expressed in terms of physical HRI (maneuverability, motion, safety, stability, and naturalness) and cognitive HRI (trust and workload), and performance was expressed in terms of manipulation efficiency and precision. A constrained optimization algorithm was used to determine the optimum HRI and performance. Results showed that inclusion of weight perception in the dynamics and control was effective to produce optimum HRI and performance for a set of hard constraints. In the second step, a novel variable admittance control algorithm was proposed, which enhanced the physical HRI, trust, precision and efficiency by 34.63%, 31.86%, 3.85% and 4.92% respectively, and reduced cognitive workload by 35.36%, and helped achieve optimum HRI and performance for a set of soft constraints. Effectiveness of the control algorithm was justified using a multi-DOF PARS for manipulating heavy objects.
The potential of applying immersive virtual environment to biophilic building design: A pilot study

Abstract Biophilic design is a popular form of sustainable building design because of its potential to contribute to human health and wellbeing. While many design processes are now mediated by computer technologies such as immersive virtual environments (IVEs), the reliability of IVEs to create the same benefits of biophilic designs as in-situ is yet to be determined. To this end, we conducted a comparative study to measure participants’ mood, cognitive performance, and stress level in in-situ and IVE experiment settings. A within-subject experimental design with thirty-five college students was applied to both in-situ and IVE experiments. The positive and negative scale (PANAS), visual working memory performance, and the sympathetic nervous system index and parasympathetic nervous system index were used as measures for mood, cognitive performance, and stress level of a participant, respectively. We found that natural element exposure in IVEs reduced negative mood in the same way as natural element exposure in-situ. However, we did not find the same for positive affect, visual working memory, and stress level tests. Factors such as the experimental procedure, exposure time to nature in both in-situ and IVE settings, and characteristics of participants may contribute to the results. Future research is needed to further investigate the impact of such factors and develop reliable experimental protocols.
Bank of Japan’s Quantitative and Credit Easing: Are They Now More Effective?

This paper asks whether the BoJ’s recent experience with unconventional monetary easing has been effective in supporting economic activity and inflation. Using a structural VAR model, the paper finds some evidence that BoJ’s monetary policy measures during 1998-2010 have had an impact on economic activity but less so on inflation. These results are stronger than those in earlier studies looking at the quantitative easing period up to 2006 and may reflect more effective credit channel as a result of improvements in the banking and corporate sectors. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of monetary policy measures to the variation in output and inflation is rather small.
Predicting language treatment response in bilingual aphasia using neural network-based patient models

Predicting language therapy outcomes in bilinguals with aphasia (BWA) remains challenging due to the multiple pre- and poststroke factors that determine the deficits and recovery of their two languages. Computational models that simulate language impairment and treatment outcomes in BWA can help predict therapy response and identify the optimal language for treatment. Here we used the BiLex computational model to simulate the behavioral profile of language deficits and treatment response of a retrospective sample of 13 Spanish-English BWA who received therapy in one of their languages. Specifically, we simulated their prestroke naming ability and poststroke naming impairment in each language, and their treatment response in the treated and the untreated language. BiLex predicted treatment effects accurately and robustly in the treated language and captured different degrees of cross-language generalization in the untreated language in BWA. Our cross-validation approach further demonstrated that BiLex generalizes to predict treatment response for patients whose data were not used in model training. These findings support the potential of BiLex to predict therapy outcomes for BWA and suggest that computational modeling may be helpful to guide individually tailored rehabilitation plans for this population.
Development of a Gas Sensor for Green Leaf Volatile Detection

This paper reports the development of a high-sensitivity gas sensor and the demonstration of selectively detecting green leaf volatiles (GLV, here hexanal) released from damaged plant leaves. The developed sensor is a conductivity sensor that utilized a 5.2-nm gap as the key detection site between electrodes. The gap was coated with with customized molecular probes toward binding to hexanal. The fabricated sensor demonstrated the detection of a GLV, hexanal, from the collected gas samples from damaged plant leaves, sorghum. Gas samples were collected into a tedlar bag from a glass jar containing damaged sorghum leaves. When exposed to hexanal concentrations from 77.7 to 5181.3 ppm, it produced output signal changes in resistance by 1.64~4.45 times. The sensor response time was measured as 41.6 min at a hexanal concentration of 77.7 ppm.
Getting It Done or Doing It Right: Antecedents and Outcomes of Entrepreneurial Passion

The study of entrepreneurial passion has helped to extend understanding of why certain entrepreneurs are better able to cope with extremely challenging situations in ensuring the creation, survival...
Avoiding the Time-static Simplification in the Simulation of Time-varying Materials

Materials with time-varying permittivity are an emerging research area in the electromagnetics and optics communities. From Maxwell's equations, the electric displacement (D) must be continuous in the time domain. However, this requirement is not satisfied for some conventional time domain solvers, which were developed for time-invariant simulations. Here we briefly review several commercial and open-source software packages. Some of them employ a so-called time-static simplification, which works well for time-invariant materials but will fail for time-varying materials.
How to Make the Most of Your Human: Design Considerations for Single Pilot Operations

Reconsidering the function allocation between automation and the pilot in the flight deck is the next step in improving aviation safety. The current allocation, based on who does what best, makes poor use of the pilot's resources and abilities. In some cases it may actually handicap pilots from performing their role. Improving pilot performance first lies in defining the role of the pilot --- why a human is needed in the first place. The next step is allocating functions based on the needs of that role rather than fitness, then using automation to target specific human weaknesses in performing that role. Examples are provided some of which could be implemented in conventional cockpits now. Along the way, the definition of human error and the idea that eliminating/automating the pilot will reduce instances of human error will be challenged.
The Unstable Plaque

During this past decade, clinical trials have added to our understanding of the pathophysiology and prevention of coronary atherosclerosis. Evidence is accumulating that cholesterol lowering has immediate consequences that may favorably affect the coronary atheroma and subsequent coronary events. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides a new modality by which to better understand the atheroma.