cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mechanism for Cooperative Demand-Side Management

Demand-side management (DSM) is an important theme in studies of the Smart Grid and offers the possibility of leveling power consumption with its attendant benefits of reducing capital expenses. This paper develops an algorithmic mechanism that reduces peak total power consumption and encourages prosocial behavior, such as expressing flexibility in one's power consumption and reporting preferences truthfully. The objective is to provide a tractable, budget-balanced mechanism that promotes truth-telling from households. The resulting mechanism is theoretically and empirically proven to be ex ante budget-balanced, weakly Pareto-efficient, and weakly Bayesian incentive-compatible. A simulation study verifies that the mechanism could largely reduce the computational complexity that the optimal allocation requires, while maintaining approximately the same performance. A user study with 20 subjects further shows the effectiveness of the mechanism in preventing participants from defecting and incentivizing them to reveal flexible preferences.
The Gift of Attention

Attention. From the very first moments of our ex utero existence it’s what we want. Even more, it is what we absolutely need for survival. At the beginning we have no attention to give and can only take from others. Early behavior appears to be completely instinctual. However, in the ensuing weeks, subtle changes occur that signal a transition from this primitive instinct-based existence to the signs of an aware infant. Parents eagerly await this comforting evidence indicating that their newborn can direct his/her attention to a particular voice or sound. It is an early confirmation that those special human capabilities, which we take too much for granted, are safe and sound within the next generation. At least for now the gift of attention is alive and well. But, as we shall see, the journey is far from over.
Mutations in RNA methylating enzymes in disease

RNA methylation is an abundant modification identified in various RNA species in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. However, the functional roles for the majority of these methylations remain largely unclear. In eukaryotes, many RNA methylations have been suggested to participate in fundamental cellular processes. Mutations in eukaryotic RNA methylating enzymes, and a consequent change in methylation, can lead to the development of diseases and disorders. In contrast, loss of RNA methylation in prokaryotes can be beneficial to microorganisms, especially under antibiotic pressure. Here we discuss several recent advances in understanding mutational landscape of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA methylating enzymes and their relevance to disease and antibiotic resistance.
The dynamic role of perceived threat and self-efficacy in motivating terrorism preparedness behaviors

Abstract Past research on perceived threat and self-efficacy, two central components in theories of household disaster preparedness, has revealed only weak relationships. One possible explanation is that threat and self-efficacy may play a more important role at early stages of preparedness motivation or readiness (i.e., in motivating the individual to contemplate taking action) than at later stages (i.e., in moving the individual from contemplation to action). In this study of 290 participants from a cross-sectional community survey, between-stage multinomial logistic regression revealed that perceived likelihood of a future terrorist attack, and (to a lesser extent) perceived self-efficacy to cope with a future terrorist attack, exert more influence on planning to take action than on actually taking action. Another form of threat, perceived severity, had little independent influence. These results comport with a central thesis of the Socio-Cognitive model, viz. that readiness stage moderates the impact of cognitive appraisals on preparedness. Elevated appraisals of likelihood and self-efficacy are necessary but not sufficient for individuals to adopt preparedness behaviors, exerting their greatest influence early in the decision-making process.
Advances in catalytic homogeneous hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol

Abstract Increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration due to the combustion of fossil fuels has been linked to the presently observed global warming phenomenon. In order to mitigate excessive emissions, efforts are underway to capture CO2 from various emission sources and sequester it underground. In parallel, utilization of the captured CO2 to produce value added products and fuels has also been advocated. Among these products, methanol, which can be used as a fuel and fuel additive, is of particular interest. Methanol can be synthesized by hydrogenation of CO2 and could therefore lead to a carbon neutral cycle in the frame of a methanol economy, as proposed by the late professor George Olah. In this review, we reflect upon the recent advances in homogeneous reduction of CO2 to methanol using molecular H2. This research area has seen significant progress over the last five years and the recent studies for this challenging transformation are discussed herein. Catalyst activity, selectivity, reaction mechanism and other aspects are analyzed. We also comment on future prospects awaiting exploration to improve the catalytic systems for this reduction. We hope that this review will provide the reader with an overview of the current state of the art on homogeneous CO2 hydrogenation to methanol in a concise manner and provide potential directions in which further investigations can be undertaken in order to eventually make this process economically viable.
Turing Computability and Complexity

Ancient documents, like the Rhind Papyrus, dating as far back as 3600 B.C. attest to the fact that men have been performing computations for thousands of years, and for very practical reasons such as farming, land measurements (Egyptian geometry), or simply wishful thinking about the powers of human prediction (astrology). Years later, after Europe surmounted the laggish period of the Middle Ages, a reblooming in the arts during the Renaissance slowly led the way to the dawn of the scientific method, specifically, in the physical- mathematical sciences, with Galileo and the crowning work of Newton on celestial mechanics. In particular, from a modern perspective, their monumental work provides us with algorithms to establish facts about heavenly or earthly objects related to their position and/or their motion. Further research on electricity and magnetism by J.C. Maxwell, and on thermodynamics and heat theory by L. Boltzmann and other 19th century physicists may be regarded in a similar way.
Obstacles to early treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current perspectives

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and fatal fibrotic lung disease which has seen new opportunity for drug treatment in the last several years with the approval of nintedanib and pirfenidone, two antifibrotic agents aimed at slowing decline in lung function as defined by FVC on pulmonary function testing. Despite these promising effects, delays in drug initiation have been reported undermining the premise that earlier drug initiation may sustain lung function and prolong survival. This review explores obstacles to earlier treatment, inclusive of defining so-called early idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, difficulties in achieving a confident diagnosis in that setting, and uncertainties regarding drug-related benefits among specific patient subgroups such as those with no symptoms or advanced disease at presentation. Goals of therapy balanced with the burdens associated with antifibrotic drug therapy are negotiated on an individual basis. We review the evidence for and against earlier initiation of antifibrotic drug therapy along with its role in patient-centered outcomes.
Population-based analysis of cell-penetrating peptide uptake using a microfluidic droplet trapping array

Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have garnered significant attention as a method to introduce reporters and therapeutics into intact cells. While numerous studies have been performed identifying new CPP sequences, relatively little is known about their uptake efficiency at the single-cell level. Here, a droplet microfluidic trapping array was used to characterize CPP uptake across a population of single intact cells. The microfluidic device allowed for facile and rapid isolation and analysis of single-cell fluorescence in a 787-member overhead trapping array with > 99% droplet trapping efficiency. The permeability efficiencies of four different CPPs were studied and compared in HeLa cells. Population analysis was performed using linkage hierarchical cluster analysis by R programming to bin cells into subpopulations expressing very low to very high peptide uptake efficiencies. CPP uptake was observed to be heterogeneous across the population of cells with peptide concentration and sequence both playing important roles in the diversity of CPP uptake, the overall peptide uptake efficiency, and the intracellular homogeneity of peptide distribution. This microfluidic-based analytical approach finds application in personalized medicine and provides new insight in the heterogeneity of CPP uptake which has the potential to affect both biosensor and drug internalization in intact cells. Graphical abstract .
(315) Pain and Somatic Symptoms at 2-5 Year Follow-Up after Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment

There is a paucity of literature regarding long-term follow up of pediatric patients who have participated in intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) programs. Evidence suggests that pain and somatic symptoms in childhood often lead to increased pain and somatic in adulthood, but data is lacking in this population. To better understand the long-term outcomes of individuals who completed IIPT as youth, we surveyed 139 participants who had completed IIPT at least two years prior to the survey. We received 58 responses (42% response rate), all 2-5 years after program completion. Participants (age 18.9±2.0, 86% female) completed measures of pain and health status (including the Widespread Pain Index), medical utilization, and emotional functioning. They were also asked to characterize if their pain was “better” than before IIPT, if they considered it “resolved,” and if they had any new pain or other medical diagnoses. Contrary to results of adolescents who have not received intensive treatment, half (50%) of the current sample did not have fibromyalgia symptoms at follow up, and only 31% met criteria for fibromyalgia.1 Most (79%) rated their pain as better, and 45% described their pain as resolved, though 22% indicated new areas of pain and 9% reported a new pain-related diagnosis. Consistent with other studies of this population, these participants continued to have higher than typical medical utilization and reported elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms. Overall, the results show that while pain often improves into adulthood for patients who completed IIPT, other somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression often persist or increase in this population. These results suggest the need for further study, particularly in light of the increased medical utilization, as ongoing medical focus and intervention could be a causal factor in maintaining or increasing disability into adulthood. (1. Kashikar-Zuck et al., Pediatrics, 2014)
Regulating private support for public goods: de-clubbing public schools

ABSTRACTUrban schools in many OECD countries are contending with policy trends that squeeze budgets and incentivize parent fundraising. The trend may be most pronounced and longstanding in the US, ...
Die Metallurgie des Silbers und des Goldes

Zur Gewinnung von Silber und Gold aus ihren Erzen werden die Erze entweder mit Kupfererzen zusammen auf Kupferstein bzw. Rohkupfer verschmolzen und durch darauffolgende elektrolytische Raffination die Edelmetalle vom Kupfer getrennt, oder man verschmilzt die Erze mit Bleierzen und gewinnt die Edelmetalle durch Entsilberung des Werkbleis mit anschliesendem Abtreiben des Reichbleies oder durch elektrolytische Raffination. In allen diesen Fallen treten die Edelmetalle in so geringen Mengen in den Erzen, in den Zwischenprodukten und im Rohmetall auf, das die Metallurgie des Silbers und Goldes durch Schmelzverfahren bis zur Ausscheidung der rohen Edelmetalle praktisch mit der Metallurgie des Kupfers bzw. Bleies zusammenfallt. Erst wenn es sich um Produkte handelt, welche Silber oder Gold als Hauptbestandteil enthalten, gelangen wir in das Gebiet der eigentlichen Metallurgie der Edelmetalle.
Vitamin C, Hydrocortisone, and Thiamine for the Treatment of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Retrospective Analysis of Real-World Application

A recent study suggested mortality benefits using vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine combination therapy (triple therapy) in addition to standard care in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In order to further evaluate the effects of triple therapy in real-world clinical practice, we conducted a retrospective observational cohort study at an academic tertiary care hospital. A total of 94 patients (47 in triple therapy group and 47 in standard care group) were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics in both groups were well-matched. No significant difference in the primary outcome, hospital mortality, was seen between triple therapy and standard care groups (40.4% vs. 40.4%; p = 1.000). In addition, there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, requirement for renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and time to vasopressor independence. When compared to standard care, triple therapy did not improve hospital or ICU mortality in patients with septic shock. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of triple therapy is necessary prior to implementing vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine combination therapy as a standard of care in patients with septic shock.
News Sharing, Persuasion, and Spread of Misinformation on Social Networks

In this paper, we study a model of online news dissemination on a Twitter-like social network. Given a noisy observation of the state of the world henceforth called the news, agents with heterogeneous priors decide whether to share with their followers based on whether receiving the news can persuade their followers to move their beliefs closer to theirs in aggregate. We demonstrate how surprise and affirmation motives naturally emerge from the utility-maximizing behavior of agents. We fully characterize the dynamics of the news spread and uncover the mechanisms that lead to a sharing cascade. We further investigate the impact of the network structure, heterogeneity of priors, and precision levels of news on the ex-ante probability of the news going viral. In particular, we show that as individual perspectives become more diverse, a wider range of news precision levels cause a cascade. Finally, we elucidate an association between the news precision levels that maximize the probability of a cascade and the prior wisdom of the crowd. Our results complement the empirical findings that support wider spread of inaccurate/false news compared to accurate information on social networks, providing a theoretical micro-foundation for utility-based news-sharing decisions.
Perspective: The Convergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Food Insecurity in the United States

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, food insecurity has doubled overall and tripled among households with children in the United States. Food insecurity and COVID-19 may exacerbate one another through bidirectional links, leading to a syndemic, or sequential disease clusters, which exacerbate one another. Experiencing food insecurity may be associated with macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies, which can weaken host defenses, thus increasing susceptibility to COVID-19. Food insecurity is associated with chronic medical conditions, which may afford a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. People experiencing food insecurity may have increased exposure to COVID-19 while procuring food. People with COVID-19 may be unable to work, generate income, and procure food while quarantined, which may exacerbate food insecurity. Clinicians should screen for food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide referrals to food-assistance programs when appropriate. Policymakers should expand benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to address increases in the depth and breadth of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seq2Image: Sequence Analysis using Visualization and Deep Convolutional Neural Network

Sequence classification has been widely used in numerous application domains. There exists a good number of classification algorithms that can be applied to feature vectors. However, these classification algorithms cannot be directly applied to the sequence classification problem, mainly because of the difficulties to capture feature vectors from sequences. More specifically, due to the sequential nature of features that exist in a sequence, the clustering problem in sequences suffers from the curse of dimensionality, which makes the sequence classification task more challenging compared to a typical classification on feature vectors. In this paper, we present a novel idea of transforming sequences to images, called Seq2Image, a simple yet effective method to perform genomic sequence classification using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). We first convert a given genomic sequence to a tensor, and then the obtained tensor is transformed into an image. We then employ the CNN deep learning-based image processing techniques to classify the created images of sequences. The results of our preliminary experimental study are very promising achieving 95.78% training accuracy, 95.76% validation accuracy, and 95.83% testing accuracy for classification of human genome of 166 samples with six different sequence families.
Deconstructing the Heritage of Imperialism Toward Life-Long Learning: High-Impact Practices that Further Student Self-Actualization and Social Justice Analyses

The interdisciplinary model, which facilitates student engagement with a range of guest experts, encourages the reconceptualization of imperialism in time, space, geography, and self-relation. Through place- and community-based learning, a class field trip to Democracy Now! Studios emphasizes how imperialism is historical and contemporary. The model reconceptualizes spaces of imperialism, such as our lecture by a doula to demonstrate how the territory seized by imperial entities may include our minds and bodies. Students explore imperialism as a global entity and participate in the high-impact practice of diversity/global learning. Actively unlearning by interacting with experts from a range of fields, often people of color, students are more likely to deconstruct biases and limitations that may inhibit their own aspirations.
Geometrically Interlocking Space-Filling Tiling Based on Fabric Weaves.

In this paper, we introduce a framework for the geometric design and fabrication of a family of geometrically interlocking space-filling shapes, which we call woven tiles. Our framework is based on a unique combination of (1) Voronoi partitioning of space using curve segments as the Voronoi sites and (2) the design of these curve segments based on weave patterns closed under symmetry operations. The underlying weave geometry provides an interlocking property to the tiles and the closure property under symmetry operations ensure single tile can fill space. In order to demonstrate this general framework, we focus on specific symmetry operations induced by fabric weaving patterns. We specifically showcase the design and fabrication of woven tiles on flat and curved domains by using the most common 2-fold fabrics, namely, plain, twill, and satin weaves. We further evaluate and compare the mechanical behavior of the so created woven tiles through finite element analysis.
Profiling single-cell histone modifications using indexing chromatin immunocleavage sequencing

Recently, multiple single-cell assays were developed for detecting histone marks at the single-cell level. These techniques are either limited by the low cell throughput or sparse reads which limit their applications. To address these problems, we introduce indexing single-cell immunocleavage sequencing (iscChIC-seq), a multiplex indexing method based on TdT terminal transferase and T4 DNA ligase-mediated barcoding strategy and single-cell ChIC-seq, which is capable of readily analyzing histone modifications across tens of thousands of single cells in one experiment. Application of iscChIC-seq to profiling H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in human white blood cells (WBCs) enabled successful detection of more than 10,000 single cells for each histone modification with 11 K and 45 K nonredundant reads per cell, respectively. Cluster analysis of these data allowed identification of monocytes, T cells, B cells, and NK cells from WBCs. The cell types annotated from H3K4me3 single-cell data are specifically correlated with the cell types annotated from H3K27me3 single-cell data. Our data indicate that iscChIC-seq is a reliable technique for profiling histone modifications in a large number of single cells, which may find broad applications in studying cellular heterogeneity and differentiation status in complex developmental and disease systems.
Superficial Femoral Vessels and Branches

The superficial femoral vessels and its branches are critical structures that supply blood flow to the lower limb. Disruption of these vessels can result in critical lower limb ischemia. Although these vessels are important for supplying blood to the lower limb, they can also serve as recipient vessels for microsurgical reconstruction of acquired defects of the perineum, thigh, and knee and for phalloplasty in gender confirmation surgery. This chapter highlights the important preoperative considerations, anatomy, surgical technique, and applications of the superficial femoral vessels in reconstructive microsurgery.
Associations of recognition at work with subsequent health and quality of life among older working adults.

Recognition for work—an act of conveying non-financial appreciation for an outstanding accomplishment or performance—is the top motivator of employee performance and important contributor to psychologically healthy work. Employee recognition programs are offered by many companies and have been shown to retain top talent, increase job satisfaction, and performance. Yet, evidence on the role of received employee recognition for health and quality of life remains limited. This study examined whether receiving recognition for work was prospectively associated with six indicators of health, quality of life, and loneliness. Data were retrieved from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), a biennial cross-national panel database of people aged > 50 years. Our sample included 5,048 middle-aged and older working adults. The results indicated that employees receiving recognition for work reported higher quality of life ( $$\upbeta$$ =0.065, 95% CI = 0.047, 0.082), had lower risks of hypertension (RR = 0.932; 95% CI = 0.899, 0.966) and high blood cholesterol (RR = 0.922; 95% CI = 0.879, 0.967). These associations were independent of demographics, socioeconomic status, personality, prior history of diseases, depression, lifestyle, and work conditions. The set of sensitivity analyses provided substantial evidence for the robustness of the associations between recognition for work and quality of life as well as hypertension but not necessarily with high blood cholesterol. Promotion of employee recognition might emerge as a valuable business resource and health policy tool helping middle-aged and older adults maintain health and good quality of life. It may also help willing older adults to remain on the labour market until older age.
Eyeing a new route along an old pathway.

Little is known about molecular mechanisms responsible for the development of glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. A new study suggests that glaucoma pathogenesis involves an endothelial leukocyte cell-adhesion molecule that is implicated in the development of vascular diseases ( pages 304-309 ).
Use of Dairy Herd Improvement Testing Programs by Dairy Farmers

Abstract A questionnaire designed to characterize how farmers use their dairy records was sent to 1178 Ohio dairy farmers who had been on test from 1976 through December 1983. Results from 660 (56%) usable returns were compared with herd performance measures and management information from the monthly herd reports. Monthly progress reports were the most important reason for dairy farmers’ participation in a testing program. Records were particularly important for use in sales and advertising to owners of purebred cattle and for those with higher herd averages. Farmers who used records for feeding decisions had higher herd averages, services per conception, and percent days in milk and lower age of cow at last calving and days at first service. Farmers who used records as a guide to culling had lower average age at last calving, days at first service, and calving interval and higher services per cow and culling percentage. Herds in which somatic cell count information was used had lower ages at first and last calving, higher services per conception, and higher percentage of cows with low somatic cell counts. In general, farmers making greater use of the information had higher production per cow and above average herd performance measures.
Morphology of Semiconductor Nanoparticles

This study investigates semiconductor nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles investigated were produced by a number of different plasma-processing methods, and the geometries of the resulting nanoparticles are spheres, cubes and cuboctahedra. Anomalies such as planar defects and surface facets are investigated, as these defects can shed light on the formation mechanisms. The observation of nanoparticles with defects is instrumental in understanding how the nanoparticles form and how to tailor the production process. This work illustrates the significance of microscopy studies for the investigation of particle formation.
Nanometer-scale hydrogen ‘portals’ for the control of magnesium hydride formation

Magnesium and Mg-based material systems are attractive candidates for hydrogen storage but limited by unsuitable thermodynamic and kinetic properties. In particular, the kinetics are too slow at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. To study the hydride formation kinetics in a controlled way, we have designed a unique 'nanoportal' structure of Pd nanoparticles deposited on epitaxial Mg thin films, through which the hydride will nucleate only under Pd nanoparticles. We propose a growth mechanism for the hydrogenation reaction in the nanoportal structure, which is supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of hydrogenated samples exhibiting consistent results. Interestingly, the grain boundaries of Mg films play an important role in hydride nucleation and growth processes. Kinetic modeling based on the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) formalism seems to agree with the two-dimensional nucleation and growth mechanism hypothesized and the overall reaction rate is limited by hydrogen flux through the interface between the Pd nanoparticle and the underlying Mg film. The fact that in our structure Mg can be transformed completely into MgH2 with only a small percentage of Pd nanoparticles offers possibilities for future on-board storage applications.
RF MEMS Switches With $\hbox{RuO}_{2}$ – $\hbox{Au}$ Contacts Cycled to 10 Billion Cycles

We present improvements in RF microelectromechanical switch design and fabrication that demonstrated improved lifetimes in cycled switches. First, implementation of RuO2-Au contact metallurgy into an existing design showed improved switch lifetime over switches with Pt-Au, Ir-Au, and Au-Au contacts. Second, the switch design was changed to reduce impact upon switch closure, and the fabrication process was changed to avoid the use of polymer sacrificial materials while including the RuO2-Au contact metallurgy. Switches with the new design were cycled to 10 billion cycles with a resistance less than 4 Ω, an insertion loss of 0.4 dB, and an isolation of 28.0 dB at 10 GHz. We propose that the catalytic behavior of the RuO2 film prevents or delays the failure of the switches due to accumulation of carbon at the contacts. Additionally, the reduced impact upon closure prevented significant contact evolution during cycling.
Pentoxifylline Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor‐β1‐Stimulated Elastogenesis in Human Tunica Albuginea‐Derived Fibroblasts Part 2: Interference in a TGF‐β1/Smad‐Dependent Mechanism and Downregulation of AAT1

ABSTRACT Introduction Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) contributes to the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease (PD). Pentoxifylline (PTX) antagonizes the effects of TGF-β1 and has been utilized in our clinic for the management of PD although the mechanisms of action are not entirely clear. Aim We studied cell-signaling pathways through which TGF-β1 and PTX mediate collagen metabolism, elastin expression, and elastogenesis in tunica albuginea-derived fibroblasts (TADFs). Methods TADFs from men with and without PD were cultured and treated with TGF-β1 and PTX as monotherapy at differing concentrations and time points. Combination treatment (TGF-β1 followed by PTX and vice versa) was also investigated. Main Outcome Measures Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were utilized to assess differences in elastin metabolism and cellular signaling between groups. Alpha-1 antitrypin (AAT1) expression was assayed. Results At doses greater than 0.1 ng/Ml, TGF-β1 increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of elastin in a time-dependent fashion in TADF. PTX did not interfere with TGF-β1 mediated upregulation of elastin mRNA and protein in TADF. However, pretreatment of TADF with PTX was associated with decreased expression of AAT1, decreased activity of the Smad1/5 pathway, and enhanced phosphorylation of the inhibitory Smad6. Conclusion Expression of elastin mRNA and protein is upregulated in TADF by TGF-β1. PTX has no effect on elastin production but attenuates elastogenesis in TADF through an AAT1-related mechanism. Lin G, Shindel AW, Banie L, Ning H, Huang YC, Liu G, Lin CS, and Lue TF. Pentoxifylline attenuates TGF-β1-stimulated elastogenesis in human tunica albuginea-derived fibroblasts Part 2: interference in a TGF-β1/Smad-dependent mechanism and downregulation of aat1.
Merit and Affirmative Action in Education: Promulgating a Democratic Public Culture

Throughout the 20th century, one of the central debates pertaining to postsecondary education has been about the concept of merit. Who deserves to go to college? The answer to that question goes to...
Headspace Single Drop Microextraction Using Micellar Ionic Liquid Extraction Solvents

A headspace single drop microextraction (SDME) method using extraction solvents comprised of micellar ionic liquids (ILs) was used to perform the extraction of 17 aromatic compounds from aqueous solution and coupled with liquid chromatography. The effects of various experimental parameters including type of micellar IL extraction solvent, stir rate, extraction time, volume of the microdroplet, and addition of organic solvent were investigated and optimized. Two different micellar solutions were formed by dissolving 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([DMIM][Br]) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]). It was observed that the enrichment factors of the 17 studied compounds were all enhanced with the micellar ionic liquid extraction solvent compared to the neat [BMIM][Cl] IL. The highest sensitivity was obtained with the [BMIM][Cl]–[DMIM][Br] micellar solution for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with high molecular weight and fused rings while the [BMIM][Cl]–SDS micellar solution was proven to be more sensitive for smaller, more polar molecules. The detection limits were lower when utilizing the [BMIM][Cl]–SDS and [BMIM][Cl]–[DMIM][Br] extraction solvents compared to the neat [BMIM][Cl] extraction solvent. The reproducibility of the extraction method at 20 °C using extraction solvents composed of [BMIM][Cl]–SDS and [BMIM][Cl]–[DMIM][Br] ranged from 6.7 to 14.0 and 4.2 to 14.7%, respectively.
Evaluating the Impact of a Single-Day Multidisciplinary Clinic on the Management of Pancreatic Cancer

To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary clinic on the clinical care recommendations of patients with pancreatic cancer compared with the recommendations the patients received prior to review by the multidisciplinary tumor board. The records of 203 consecutive patients referred to the Johns Hopkins pancreatic multidisciplinary clinic were prospectively collected from November 2006 to October 2007. Cross-sectional imaging, pathology, and medical history were evaluated by a panel of medical/radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, and geneticists. Alterations in treatment recommendations between the outside institution and the multidisciplinary clinic were recorded and compared. On presentation, the outside computed tomography (CT) report described locally advanced/unresectable disease (34.9%), metastatic disease (17.7%), and locally advanced disease with metastasis (1.1%). On review of submitted imaging and imaging performed at Hopkins, 38 out of 203 (18.7%) patients had a change in the status of their clinical stage. Review of the histological slides by dedicated pancreatic pathologists resulted in changes in the interpretation for 7 of 203 patients (3.4%). Overall, 48 out of 203 (23.6%) patients had a change in their recommended management based on clinical review of their case by the multidisciplinary tumor board. Enrollment into the National Familial Pancreas Tumor Registry increased from 52 out of 106 (49.2%) patients in 2005 to 158 out of 203 (77.8%) with initiation of the multidisciplinary clinic. The single-day pancreatic multidisciplinary clinic provided a comprehensive and coordinated evaluation of patients that led to changes in therapeutic recommendations in close to one-quarter of patients.
Prognostic features in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of major salivary glands with emphasis on tumour histologic grading.

Aims To compare the different grading systems of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and identify the most reliable and objective histopathologic features predictive of outcome. Methods and results Seventy-two cases diagnosed as MEC were subjected to a meticulous histopathologic re-review. 20 of 72 (28%) cases were originally misdiagnosed as MEC including 16 as high grade (HG). Among the 52 confirmed MEC, median follow up (FU) was 59 months. Mitosis (≥4/10 High Power Fields), necrosis, pleomorphism, focal keratinization, desmoplasia, and lymph node metastasis were associated with adverse disease specific survival (DSS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) (P < 0.002). In all grading systems, low and intermediate grade had similar DSS and RFS but much better outcome than HG (P < 0.007). All patients with tumour harboring low mitotic rate and no necrosis did not recur except for one patient with a positive margin. All cases with high mitotic rate and necrosis died or recurred. Conclusions The majority of previously diagnosed HG MEC cases are misclassified. There is no difference in outcome between low and intermediate grade in all grading schemes. Consideration should be given to stratify MEC based on relatively objective criteria such as mitosis and necrosis.
Thermodynamic properties of two iron silicates. Heat capacities of deerite from the temperature 10 K to 700 K and of grunerite from 10 K to 1000 K

Abstract Heat-capacity measurements were made on deerite and on grunerite with an adiabatic calorimetric system from the temperature 10 K to 350 K and by d.s.c. in the super-ambient region. Slight Schottky-like and bell-shaped anomalies appear near T =16 K and 34 K in the deerite heat-capacity curve. The smaller than expected magnetic susceptibility and Mossbauer spectral changes at T >210 K were interpreted as a thermally activated electron-delocalization mechanism in the deerite sample and yet another deerite sample by adjusting for anharmonicity and resolving the small excess heat capacities by the Komada-Westrum approach. A sharp anomaly centered at T =35.5 K was observed in the heat capacity of grunerite curve. Measured values of C p,m / R , { S ° m ( T ′)& minus; S ° m (10 K)}/ R , and −{Φ° m ( T ′)−Φ° m (10 K)}/ R at T ′=298.15 K for deerite are 94.55, 95.21, and −43.50, respectively, where C p,m denotes molar heat capacity, S ° m standard molar entropy, H° m standard molar enthalpy, and where Φ° m =Δ T 0 S ° m −Δ T 0 H° m T . The corresponding values for grunerite are 82.38, 83.98, and −39.69, respectively. The standard molar entropy at T =298.15 K, after adjusting to the end-member compositions, is 96.39· R for deerite Fe II 6 Fe III 3 O 3 (Si 6 O 17 )(OH) 5 except for possible residual S m at T →0. That for grunerite Fe 7 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 is 90.01· R , except for possible magnetic excess entropy at T
Statistical uncertainty of eddy covariance CO2 fluxes inferred using a residual bootstrap approach

High-frequency eddy-covariance measurements of net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) with the atmosphere are valuable resources for model parameterization, calibration, and validation. However, uncertainties in measured data, i.e., data gaps and inherent random errors, create problems for researchers attempting to quantify uncertainties in model projections of terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycling. Here, we demonstrate that a model-data fusion method (residual bootstrap) produces defensible annual NEE sums, through mimicking the behavior of random errors, filling missing values, and simulating gap-filling biases. This study estimated annual NEE sums for 53 site-years based on nine eddy-covariance tower sites in the USA, and found that our annual estimates were, in most cases, comparable in magnitude with those obtained from AmeriFlux gap-filled data. Additionally, compared to the AmeriFlux standardized gap-filling, our approach provides better NEE estimates for moderate to longer, and more frequent, data gaps. Annual accumulated uncertainties in NEE at the 95% confidence level were ±30gCm−2year−1 for evergreen needleleaf forests; ±60gCm−2year−1 for deciduous broadleaf forests; and ±80gCm−2year−1 for croplands. The residual bootstrap performed worst when gap length was greater than one month or data exclusion greater than 90% during the growing season, common to other gap-filling techniques. However, this study produced robust results for most site years when monthly data coverage during the growing season is not extremely low. We therefore suggest that the inclusion of NEE uncertainty estimates and better estimation for moderate to longer, and more frequent, data gaps as provided by the residual bootstrap approach can be beneficial for ecosystem model evaluation.
Sexual Plant Reproduction Congresses: 2008

Last year, there were two major and highly successful conferences that related to sexual plant reproduction and its eponymous journal Sexual Plant Reproduction: the ‘‘XXth International Congress on Sexual Plant Reproduction,’’ 4–8 August 2008, in Brasilia, Brazil, and ‘‘Frontiers in Sexual Plant Reproduction III,’’ 17–19 October 2008. Many participants in this area of research attended one of these meetings, and several attended both. With this issue, this journal launches a celebration of both of these meetings with a collection of special contributions that include new and novel research, as well as perspectives and reviews on topics emerging from these meetings. These contributions drew considerable interest and are therefore expected to span another one or two issues. Our hope is that Sexual Plant Reproduction will become increasingly attractive as a venue not only for original research, but also for papers of general interest to researchers in this area who contribute to understanding the challenges involved in the mechanisms and genetic consequences governing plant reproduction and the completion of the life cycle of plants in general.
Mechanical properties of NiAl–AlN–Al2O3 composites

Abstract The mechanical properties of NiAl-based composites containing a dispersion of AlN particles and Al2O3 fibers were studied. NiAl matrix powder containing a dispersion of about 5 vol.% AlN was synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) of elemental nickel and aluminum under a nitrogen gas atmosphere. Nextel 610 short fibers were used as the second reinforcement in the composite. Composites containing 5, 15 and 30 vol.% of the Al2O3 fibers in addition to the AlN dispersion particles were fabricated by hot pressing a dry blend of the MA NiAl powder and the fibers. The as-fabricated microstructures revealed that the matrix is fully dense and bonded well with the randomly distributed Al2O3 fibers. Neither chemical reaction nor cracks were observed at the fiber/matrix interface. Compressive behavior of the composites and a monolithic counterpart was studied at 1300 K and strain rates between 8.5×10−4 and 2.8×10−6 s−1. The 0.2% yield stress of the composites increases with fiber volume fraction at all strain rates. The strain rate–flow stress behavior at 1300 K indicates that the strength of NiAl–5%AlN–30%Al2O3 approaches that of NASAIR 100, a first generation Ni-base single crystal superalloy.
The use of overcorrection to eliminate the public disrobing (stripping) of retarded women.

Abstract Institutionalized retarded persons who disrobe publicly or ‘strip’ are a source of great concern to administrators, treatment staff and visitors. Common institutional approaches to public disrobing have been to dress strippers in restrictive clothing or cloister them from public view. Although behavior modification techniques have sometimes been used successfully to eliminate stripping, none has received widespread usage. The present study compared the effectiveness of an Overcorrection procedure that was designed to eliminate stripping with two behavioral treatments for stripping: time-out and physical restraint. The procedures were applied to two profoundly retarded female strippers. The key components of the Overcorrection procedure were: (1) a Restitutional Overcorrection procedure that consisted of a required dressing in panties, bra, slip, panty hose and tie shoes in addition to the woman's normal ward clothing that consisted solely of a dress and (2) a Positive Practice Overcorrection procedure that required the stripper to attend to the clothing needs and personal appearance of other ward residents by buttoning or zipping their unfastened clothing, straightening rumpled or twisted clothing, furnishing footwear to those in bare feet and combing tousled hair. The Overcorrection procedure eliminated the women's stripping within 2 weeks and was more effective than the alternative procedures. The Overcorrection procedure appears to be a rapid, effective, and enduring method of eliminating the public disrobing of retarded adult females.
Scattering from thin and finite dielectric cylinders and the effect of mutual coupling between two such bodies

Abstract This paper investigates the radar cross section (RCS) characteristics of thin and finite dielectric cylinders which represent pine needles and the mutual coupling between two needles for various geometries. Cylinders with various sizes and permittivities were examined at 5 and 10 GHz. Single needle RCS results showed a more directive pattern with more sidelobes at 10 GHz than at 5 GHz. Larger cylinder radius and permittivity increased the RCS value. Comparison of these results with results from other shoels showed very good agreement. The variation of mutual coupling with spacing for two parallel needles is a damped oscillaltion with a period equal to the wavelength for two parallel needles. When in echelon the mutual coupling monotinically decreases. In all cases the mutual coupling is insignificant. The RCS pattern of a small branch with 56 needles for two different needle distribution was also calculated and the variation in distribution of the needles was significant in their RCS patterns.
Effects of siblings on reproductive maturation and infanticidal behavior in cooperatively breeding Mongolian gerbils.

Mongolian gerbils living with their natal families undergo delayed reproductive maturation while helping to rear their younger siblings, whereas those housed away from their natal families may mature earlier but often respond aggressively to unfamiliar pups. We tested whether cohabitation with pups contributes to reproductive suppression and inhibition of infanticidal behavior, using young males and females housed with (1) their parents and younger siblings (pups), (2) parents without pups, (3) mixed-sex littermate groups, or (4) mixed-sex groups of unrelated peers. Maturation in males was inhibited by cohabitation with the parents, while maturation in females was further suppressed in the presence of pups. Males in all housing conditions showed little aggression towards unfamiliar pups, whereas females were usually infanticidal unless housed with pups. Aggression toward pups was especially pronounced in females that were pregnant or undergoing ovulatory cycles. Thus, cohabitation with younger siblings may intensify reproductive suppression and inhibit infanticidal behavior in female gerbils, whereas male gerbils exhibit parentally-induced reproductive suppression and low rates of infanticide even in the absence of younger siblings.
Effect of dietary ethanol and cholesterol on phospholipid composition of hepatic mitochondria and microsomes from the monkey, Macaca nemestrina.

Monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) were divided into four groups, and each group was fed a particular diet. The variables in the diets were as follows: diet A, 0.3 mg cholesterol/kcal nutrient; diet B, 1.0 mg cholesterol/kcal nutrient; diet C, 0.3 mg cholesterol/kcal nutrient, ethanol (36% of calories); diet D, 1.0 mg cholesterol/ kcal nutrient, ethanol (36% of calories). Monkeys on the diets containing ethanol developed fatty liver. Mitochondria and microsomes isolated from these livers demonstrated ethanol-elicited alterations in metabolic functions as is described in the preceding paper.1 Accompanying these changes in metabolic activities were alterations in organelle phospholipids that were influenced by both dietary ethanol and cholesterol. The changes that could be attributed to ethanol were as follows. Phosphatidyl ethanolamine was decreased in microsomes and increased in mitochondria; the sphingomyelin content in microsomes was increased significantly. The levels of stearic and arachidonic acid were elevated, and palmitic and oleic acid decreased, in phospholipids from both mitochondria and microsomes. Cholesterol influenced the fatty acid composition of several phospholipids, usually in a direction opposite to those alterations attributed to ethanol. Cholesterol feeding increased levels of palmitic and oleic acid and decreased amounts of stearic, linoleic, and arachidonic acid in several phospholipids. The significant ethanol- and cholesterol-elicited alterations observed in this study suggest the possibility that the changes in metabolic functions in mitochondria and microsomes are controlled, at least in part, by alterations in the phospholipid compositions of these organmicrosomes are controlled, at least In part, by alterations in the phospholipid compositions of these organelles.