cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A prospective examination of PTSD symptoms as risk factors for subsequent exposure to potentially traumatic events among women

Previous research suggests that both exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and emotional reactions to such events act as risk factors for subsequent exposure. Although some studies have implicated PTSD symptoms as risk factors, extant research suffers from a number of methodological limitations, including the use of cross-sectional designs and student populations. The present study sought to address these limitations using a 2-year, three-wave national probability household sample of 2,863 adult women. After controlling for demographic characteristics, prior exposure to PTEs, and Wave I depression and substance abuse, PTSD reexperiencing symptoms at Wave I predicted subsequent exposure to interpersonal violence victimization (IPVV) perpetrated by a nonintimate perpetrator; however, PTSD symptoms did not predict intimate partner IPVV. In addition, PTSD hyperarousal symptoms were unique predictors of subsequent exposure to other traumatic stressors. Findings suggest that efforts to prevent PTEs should focus attention on both prior exposure and PTSD symptoms in response to such exposure.
Nanogel surface coatings for improved single-molecule imaging substrates

Surfaces that resist protein adsorption are important for many bioanalytical applications. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) coatings and multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coatings display low levels of non-specific protein adsorption and have enabled highly quantitative single-molecule (SM) protein studies. Recently, a method was developed for coating a glass with PEG–BSA nanogels, a promising hybrid of these two low-background coatings. We characterized the nanogel coating to determine its suitability for SM protein experiments. SM adsorption counting revealed that nanogel-coated surfaces exhibit lower protein adsorption than covalently coupled BSA surfaces and monolayers of multi-arm PEG, so this surface displays one of the lowest degrees of protein adsorption yet observed. Additionally, the nanogel coating was resistant to DNA adsorption, underscoring the utility of the coating across a variety of SM experiments. The nanogel coating was found to be compatible with surfactants, whereas the BSA coating was not. Finally, applying the coating to a real-world study, we found that single ligand molecules could be tethered to this surface and detected with high sensitivity and specificity by a digital immunoassay. These results suggest that PEG–BSA nanogel coatings will be highly useful for the SM analysis of proteins.
Optimization of the inertial and acceleration characteristics of manipulators

Investigates the problem of manipulator design for increased dynamic performance. Optimization techniques are used to determine the design parameters which improve manipulator performance. The dynamic performance of a manipulator is characterized by the inertial and acceleration properties of the end-effector. Our study of inertial and acceleration properties have provided separate descriptions of the characteristics associated with linear and angular motions. This allows a more physically meaningful interpretation of these properties and provides simple models for their analysis. The article presents these models, discusses the design optimization criteria, and formulates the optimization problem. The approach is illustrated in the selection of design parameters of a parallel mechanism.
New Challenges in Dynamical Systems: The Networked Case

This paper describes new technical challenges that arise from networking dynamical systems. In particular, the paper takes a look at the underlying phenomena and the resulting modeling problems that arise in such systems. Special emphasis is placed on the problem of synchronization, since this problem has not received as much attention in the literature as the phenomena of packet drop, delays, etc. The paper then discusses challenges arising in prominent areas such as congestion control, sensor networks, as well as vehicle networks and swarms.
Clinical trials in metastatic prostate cancer – Has there been real progress in the past decade?

Hormone refractory prostate cancer remains a challenge. While only palliative treatment strategies were available for the past several decades, many promising agents have been investigated over the past decade. Of those the taxanes appeared with significant anti-tumor activity and recently, two large randomized controlled trials demonstrated for the first time, a survival and palliative benefit with docetaxel based chemotherapy. In the current era, recurrent disease after local treatment for localized disease is diagnosed long before evidence of systemic disease. With earlier institution of hormonal treatments, patients are becoming "hormone refractory" earlier in the course of their disease with considerable long life expectancy. Hence, there is a greater need than ever for more treatment options for this expanding group of patients. A number of new systemic therapies have recently emerged, based on a deeper understanding of prostate cancer biology. Novel chemotherapeutics such as the epothilones, molecularly targeted therapies against angiogenesis, the proteosome and endothelin receptor antagonists, as well as biological agents such as anti-sense oligonucleotides are being tested as part of the armamentarium. Key to progress in the therapy of this fatal disease is the commitment and timely enrolment of prostate cancer patients in clinical trials.
Scalable synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties of copper oxide nanowire arrays and films

a b s t r a c t Here, we present a scalable method based on both atmospheric plasma and wet chemical oxidation meth- ods to synthesize thin films and nanowire arrays of both cupric and cuprous oxides. In terms of nanowire arrays, the wet chemical oxidation is shown to produce copper hydroxide nanowire arrays on copper foils using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant similar to ammonium persulfate. Experiments using different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at constant pH resulted in higher nucleation density and smaller diameter of copper hydroxide nanowires. A scheme involving a short period of wet oxidation followed by plasma annealing resulted in high number density of Cu2O nanowire arrays. The overall process is rapid on the order of 1 min reaction time scale. Photoelectrochemical characterization of titania coated copper oxide nanowire and thin film electrodes showed that the nanowire array electrodes exhibited significantly higher photoactivity than the thin film electrodes. The performance of resulting Cu2O NW array electrodes can be optimized further with other protective coatings. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Characterization of the Contractile 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor in the Renal Artery of the Normotensive Rat

Our goal was to characterize the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor(s) mediating contraction in the isolated right renal artery, testing the hypothesis that the 5-HT2A receptor would be the primary and likely only 5-HT receptor involved in contraction. Contraction of arteries was investigated in isolated tissue baths, and expression of 5-HT receptors was measured using immunohistochemical and Western analyses. Compared with endothelium-denuded rat aorta, a tissue with an established 5-HT2A receptor, endothelium-denuded renal artery contracted to 5-HT with a 10-fold greater potency. Surprisingly, the 5-HT2B receptor agonist α-methyl-5-(2-thienylmethoxy)-1 H -indole-3-ethanamine hydrochloride (BW723C86) caused a concentration-dependent contraction that was antagonized by the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist 6-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-[3,4-dimethoxyphenyl) methyl-9 H -pyrido[3,4 b ]indole] hydrochloride (LY272015) and nonselective 5-HT2 receptor antagonist 6-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-ergoline-8 b -carboxylic acid 2-hydroxy-1-methylpropyl ester maleate (LY53857). Correlation of -log EC50 values with binding affinities (p K i) indicated that contraction of the renal artery elicited by 13 different agonists was likely consistent with activation of a 5-HT2A ( r = 0.928) and 5-HT2B ( r = 0.843) receptor. 5-HT-induced contraction was shifted by the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ketanserin (3 and 10 nM) and the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist LY272015 (10 and 50 nM). Higher than expected concentrations of the 5-HT2A/5-HT2B receptor antagonist LY53857 were needed to antagonize 5-HT-induced contraction and the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist 2-amino-4-(4-fluoronaphth-1-yl)-6-isopropylpyrimidine (RS127445) was virtually inactive. Western and immunohistochemical analyses of the renal artery validated the presence of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2B receptor protein. These results suggest that the renal artery possesses a complex 5-HT receptor population, including ketanserin- and LY272015-sensitive receptors. This unique pharmacology may reflect differences in 5-HT receptor coupling between tissues or heterogeneity in the subtype(s) of 5-HT receptors expressed in the renal artery.
Radio Luxembourg: “The station of the stars”

Walter Emery spent last year in 17 Western and Eastern European countries in preparation for a forthcoming book on European broadcasting systems. This article is one of the fruits of this research. He was supported with funds from the Ford Foundation, made available through the Institute for International Communications at Michigan State University. As he explained to the USIA officials who assisted Mm in arranging conferences and procuring data, his “purpose is not to argue the merits or demerits of any country's system of broadcasting, but to explain and report as accurately as possible how each system developed, how it operates and is controlled.”
Localizations of targets inside enclosed structures with a single sensor

In urban sensing and through-the wall radar, the existence of targets in proximity to walls introduces multipath returns. Coherent and noncoherent target localization are typically achieved by using multiple sensors at the expense of system cost, covertness, inflexibility in sensor positioning, and complexity in hardware and processing requirements. In this paper, target localization with a single sensor is achieved by exploiting the target multipath from the walls. A data association algorithm is derived that correctly associates the time-of-arrival (ToA) of the multipath returns to the walls they originate from. This is followed by nonlinear least squares technique to achieve noncoherent target localization. The proposed technique can be used for multiple targets provided that the ToAs of the direct path and multipath returns are all resolvable. Simulations and experimental data are used to validate the proposed algorithms.
Recreational exercise and cardiovascular status in the rural community of Tecumseh, Michigan.

Background. Because of population stability, Tecumseh, a rural community in Michigan, was the site of health surveys over a period of three decades.Methods. In the recent survey anthropometrics, blood pressure (BP), blood chemistry, echo/Doppller cardiac exam, personality and exercise questionnaires were collected on site.Results. In this rural community 70% of subjects (447 men, 410 women, average age 30 years) do not engage in recreational exercise. Sedentary subjects were heavier (4 kg), had higher BP (2.3/2 mm Hg), faster heart rate (4 beats/min), and lower stroke volume (2 ml/m2) than physically more active subjects (p = 0.02 to 0.00001). Measures of cardiac structure and function were more favorable in exercising subjects. Cholesterol (+ 8 mg/dl), triglycerides (+ mg/dl) and insulin (+ 2.4 μU/ml) were higher and HDL cholesterol was lower (– 2 mg/dl) in the sedentary group (p = 0.04 to 0.003). Being sedentary was associated with more anxiety, anger and feeling time pressure (p = 0.001 to 0.00001). Ex...
Craniofacial morphology in children with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate: does infantile size of the premaxilla predetermine outcome?

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the possible association between the size of the premaxilla in infants and craniofacial morphology in children with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (CBCLP) and identify the characteristics of craniofacial morphology in children with CBCLP with median facial dysplasia (MFD). Design: Retrospective study. Setting: A university hospital craniofacial center. Subjects: Thirty-four patients with nonsyndromic CBCLP, 24 boys and 10 girls, had large premaxilla (LP group). Thirty-six patients with nonsyndromic CBCLP, 16 boys and 20 girls, had small premaxilla (SP group). Thirteen CBCLP patients with MFD, five boys and eight girls (MFD group). Main Outcome Measures: Infant maxillary dental cast at the age of 1 year was used to measure the size of the premaxilla. Cephalometric analysis was used to determine craniofacial morphology in children at the age of 5 years. Results: The size of the premaxilla in infants with CBCLP varied greatly. The LP group tended to have a longer maxi...
Kinetic Roughening in Surface Growth

In nonequilibrium surface growth processes, such as molecular beam epitaxy and chemical vapor deposition, kinetic roughening plays a significant role in determining surface morphology. The stochastic dynamics in the processes induce novel scaling in surface roughness with respect to growth time and system sizes. We present here a series of numerical simulation studies of simple theoretical models, such as ballistic deposition model and biased solid-on-solid model, to demonstrate the dynamical scaling and phase transitions in a class of surface growth problems in the context of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang theory. Different dynamical processes, such as desorption and surface diffusion, are shown to have dramatic effects on the scaling and thus the surface structures.
OCD Lesions Of The Patella And Trochlea In Children

Objectives:The purpose of this report is to evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical management of OCD lesions of the patella and trochlea in children. Secondary aims include elucidating predictors for higher functional outcomes, determining complication rates, surgical satisfaction and ability to return to sports.Methods:Patients age ≤ 18 years who were surgically treated for OCD of the patellar or trochlea were identified. Charts were queried to record patient/lesion data, surgical procedure, results and complications. Pre- and postoperative imaging was reviewed. Patients were asked to complete a follow-up athletic questionnaire and a Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) score. Statistical analysis was conducted to look for predictors for reoperation, residual pain, ability to return to sports and lower Pedi-IKDC scores.Results:Twenty-six children (9 female, 17 male, 3 bilateral) were identified. Mean age was 14.7 (range: 9-18), 21/29 (72%) had open physes, and median fol...
Abstract B48: Lack of efficacy of the anti-diabetic drug metformin in the ER+ methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced and the ER- MMTV-Neu/p53KO models of mammary cancer

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and has generated a great deal of interest as a potential preventive agent for a variety of cancers, including breast. This interest is based both on epidemiologic studies showing that diabetics treated with metformin have a lower incidence of a variety of cancers, and on mechanistic considerations arguing that activation of AMPK is likely to be relevant to cancer treatment and prevention. We examined the preventive efficacy of metformin in ER + and ER - rodent mammary cancer models. Treatment of Sprague-Dawley female rats at 50 days of age with a single dose of MNU (75 mg/kg BW) resulted in the development of multiple ER + mammary cancers beginning approximately 7 weeks after MNU treatment. This model has been highly responsive to a wide variety of agents that affect ER + tumors in humans (SERMs, aromatase inhibitors, pregnancy, ovariectomy). Metformin was administered by gavage (7x/week) at either 150 or 50 mg/kg BW/day beginning 7 days after MNU dosing, and continuing for the duration of the study. Metformin failed to decrease mammary tumor incidence and, in fact, increased tumor multiplicity in this model by approximately 35%. In addition, we are evaluating the ability of metformin to inhibit mammary cancer in MMTV-Neu/p53KO mice (which spontaneously develop ER - cancers). In this study, metformin was administered in the diet at a dose level of 1500 mg/kg diet. Initial supplementation of the diet with this agent began when the mice were 60 days of age, and will continue for 10 months. This study similarly has shown no preventive efficacy of metformin (av. tumors/mice: controls, 2.1; metformin, 2.5). Thus, these initial studies fail to observe any chemopreventive efficacy of metformin in two commonly employed models of ER + and ER - mammary cancers in rodents. Supported by NCI contract number HHSN261200433001C. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):B48.
Magnetomotive optical coherence elastography (MM-OCE) for thermal therapy dosimetry(Conference Presentation)

Biomechanical properties of tissues have been utilized for disease detection, diagnosis, and progression, however they have not been extensively utilized for therapy dosimetry. Magnetic hyperthermia aims to kill cells and ablate tumors using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) either injected in or targeted to tumors. Upon application of an appropriate AC magnetic field, MNPs can heat target tissue while sparing non-targeted healthy tissue. However, a sensitive monitoring technique for the dose of magnetic hyperthermia is needed to prevent over-treatment and collateral injury. During hyperthermia treatments, the viscoelastic properties of tissues are altered due to protein denaturation, coagulation, and tissue dehydration, making these properties candidates for dosimetry. Magnetomotive optical coherence elastography (MM-OCE) utilizes MNPs as internal force transducers to probe the biomechanical properties of tissues. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the hyperthermia dose based on the elastic changes revealed by MM-OCE. In this study, MNPs embedded in tissues were utilized for both hyperthermia and MM-OCE measurements. Tissue temperature and elastic modulus were obtained, where the elastic modulus was extracted from the resonance frequency detected by MM-OCE. Results showed a correlation between stiffness and temperature change following treatment. To investigate the thermal-dose-dependent changes, intervals of hyperthermia treatment were repeatedly performed on the same tissue sequentially, interspersed with MM-OCE. With increasing times of treatment, tissue stiffness increased, while temperature rise remained relatively constant. These results suggest that MM-OCE may potentially identify reversible and irreversible tissue changes during thermal therapy, supporting the use of MM-OCE for dosimetric control of hyperthermia in future applications.
Methods to study endocytic trafficking of the EGF receptor

Endocytosis and postendocytic sorting of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) are the major regulators of EGFR signaling. EGFR endocytosis and ubiquitin-dependent lysosomal targeting are also considered to be the prototypic experimental system for studying the molecular mechanisms of stimulus-induced and constitutive endocytic trafficking. Therefore, elucidation of the mechanisms of EGFR endocytosis and its regulation of the signaling network is essential not only for better understanding of the EGFR biology but also for defining general regulatory principles in the endocytosis system. Comprehensive analysis of these mechanisms requires quantitative and physiologically relevant methodological approaches for measuring the rates of EGFR internalization, degradation, and recycling. Basic experimental protocols described in this chapter cover a combination of single-cell microscopy and biochemical methods that are used to follow EGF-induced endocytosis of EGFR in real time, measure the kinetic rate parameters of EGFR internalization and recycling, and analyze EGF-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of EGFR.
Victimhood and Agency: How Taking Charge Takes its Toll

This project addresses an unexplored tension in the civil justice system with regard to victims. The civil justice process generally depends on victims taking action – but “active” victims may face unanticipated consequences. I find that victims who play an active role in the justice process are blamed more, and recover less in damages. These findings are mediated by perceptions of victim agency.
Probability Sampling Applied to an Early Multi-Component Surface Site in East-Central Arizona

ABSTRACTAn early attempt to employ a sampling strategy to the collection of archaeological material from a surface deposit in east-central Arizona is discussed and the rationale detailed. The identification of the site as a double-component occupation is strengthened by spatial information derived from the sampling frame. Interpretation of several loci of archaeological material within each occupation is attempted.
Impact of Finite Mixing on Gas-Phase Partial Oxidation for Selective Removal of Deposit Precursors from Gasifier Outlet Streams

A coupled computational fluid dynamics and detailed kinetics study was performed to investigate the impact of finite mixing on the gas-phase partial oxidation of a gasifier outlet stream to selecti...
Exploring the lower settlements of Iron Age capitals in Anatolia and Syria

The capital cities of early Iron Age Syria and Anatolia have been extensively excavated, but their lower towns�where most of the populace actually lived�remain under-explored. In 2014, an intensive surface survey was undertaken across the 16ha lower town of Tell Tayinat, capital city of the Iron Age kingdom of Patina, in what is now southern Turkey. Results indicate clear spatial distinction between dense and sparsely occupied zones, an uneven distribution of wealth and localised craft production. The lower town seems to have been occupied by a diverse array of people and interest groups, with varying degrees of social status, including some elite households, but predominantly less wealthy and powerful than their neighbours on the acropolis
Validity, reliability and sensitivity of the NORLA-6: Naming and oral reading for language in aphasia 6-point scale.

AbstractPurpose: Evaluation of the Naming and Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia 6-point scale (NORLA-6), a scoring system of oral reading and naming performance in aphasia.Method: Data were drawn from 91 participants with non-fluent aphasia secondary to left-hemisphere stroke across four treatment studies. To assess validity, Spearman’s correlations were calculated between the NORLA-6 and the Gray Oral Reading Test-Fourth Edition (GORT-4) Accuracy score, GORT-4 Rate score and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Inter-rater and test–retest reliability were evaluated using correlations. Sensitivity to change following oral reading intervention was analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests between pre- and post-treatment NORLA-6 scores.Result: NORLA-6 performance was significantly correlated (p 0.92) reliability were both excellent. Sensitivity following oral readi...
Compositional dataflow circuits

We present a technique for implementing dataflow networks as compositional hardware circuits. We first define an abstract dataflow model with unbounded buffers that supports data-dependent blocks (mux, demux, and nondeterministic merge); we then show how to faithfully implement such networks with bounded buffers and handshaking. Handshaking admits compositionality: our circuits can be connected with or without buffers and still compute the same function without introducing spurious combinational cycles. As such, inserting or removing buffers affects the performance but not the functionality of our networks, which we demonstrate through experiments that show how design space can be explored.
CYANOSIS AS A LONG TERM COMPLICATION OF PULMONARY VALVE SURGICAL VALVOTOMY

Severe pulmonary valve (PV) regurgitation can result from surgical or balloon valvotomy. If left untreated PV regurgitation in the setting of right ventricular non-compliance may lead to progressive cyanosis, increased morbidity and mortality. A 60-year-old white male with history of hypoxia
Stress and Relationship Functioning in Same-Sex Couples: The Vulnerabilities of Internalized Homophobia and Outness

Objective We examined whether high levels of internalized homophobia and low levels of openness about one's sexual identity (“outness”) were enduring vulnerabilities for same-sex couples' relationship functioning. Background The vulnerability–stress–adaptation (VSA) model describes how stress can impact relationship functioning. This model has predominately been applied to the study of heterosexual couples, which leaves a dearth of literature on enduring vulnerabilities specific to same-sex couples' relationship functioning. Method Dyadic longitudinal data from a convenience sample of 81 same-sex couples were collected. Internalized homophobia and outness were assessed at baseline followed by 14-day daily diaries assessing external stress and relationship functioning (i.e., severity of conflict, relationship quality, and commitment). Hypotheses were tested using longitudinal actor–partner interdependence models and multilevel modeling. Results On days that individuals with high (but not low) levels of internalized homophobia reported greater daily stress, they also reported greater severity of conflict and poorer relationship quality. On days that individuals with low (but not high) outness had a partner report greater daily stress, the individual reported lower commitment. Conclusion Hypotheses were partially supported; high levels of internalized homophobia and low outness were shown to be potential enduring vulnerabilities for individuals in a same-sex relationship. Implications Helping same-sex couples cope with their own and their partner's daily stress, as well as working to decrease internalized homophobia while increasing openness about their sexuality, may help to promote relational functioning.
Plasma Prekallikrein: Its Role in Hereditary Angioedema and Health and Disease

Plasma prekallikrein (PK) has a critical role in acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Unlike C1 inhibitor, its levels fall during HAE attacks with resultant cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen. Cleavage of high-molecular-weight kininogen liberates bradykinin, the major biologic peptide that promotes the edema. How prekallikrein initially becomes activated in acute attacks of HAE is not known. PK itself is negatively associated with cardiovascular disease. High prekallikrein is associated with accelerated vascular disease in diabetes and polymorphisms of prekallikrein that reduce high-molecular-weight kininogen binding are associated with protection from cardiovascular events. Prekallikrein-deficient mice have reduced thrombosis risk and plasma kallikrein (PKa) inhibition is associated with reduced experimental gastroenterocolitis and arthritis in rodents. In sum, prekallikrein and its enzyme PKa are major targets in HAE providing much opportunity to improve the acute and chronic management of HAE. PKa inhibition also may be a target to ameliorate cardiovascular disease, thrombosis risk, and inflammation as in enterocolitis and arthritis.
Effect of sample holding time on bioaccessibility and sediment ecotoxicological assessments.

Abstract The ecotoxicological effects of hydrophobic organic compound (HOC) contamination in sediment are often assessed using laboratory exposures of cultured invertebrates to field-collected sediment. The use of a sediment holding time (storage at 4 °C) between field sampling and the beginning of the bioassay is common practice, yet the effect of holding time on the reliability of bioassay results is largely unknown, especially for current-use HOCs, such as pyrethroid insecticides. Single-point Tenax extraction can be used to estimate HOC concentrations in the rapidly desorbing phase of the organic carbon fraction of sediment (i.e., bioaccessible concentrations), which relate to sediment toxicity and bioaccumulation in invertebrates. In this study, repeated measurements of bioaccessible concentrations (via Tenax), were made as a function of sediment holding time using pyrethroid-contaminated field sediment, and Hyalella azteca 10-d survival and growth was measured concurrently for comparison. Similarly, bioaccessible concentrations and 14-d bioaccumulation were measured in Lumbriculus variegatus as a comparison using the legacy HOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). While the bioaccessible and bioaccumulated PCB concentrations did not change significantly through 244 d of holding time, the bioaccessible pyrethroid concentrations were more varied. Depending on when pyrethroid-contaminated sediments were sampled, the bioaccessible pyrethroid concentrations showed first-order loss with half-lives ranging from 3 to 45 d of holding, or slower, linear decreases in concentrations up to 14% decrease over 180 d. These findings suggest that at least for some contaminants in sediments, holding the sediments prior to bioassays can bias toxicity estimates.
Legislative Decision Making

How many individuals must agree before a collective decision is imposed on a community? Buchanan and Tullock (1962) raised that question roughly fifty years ago and answered that it depends on how a community weighs decision costs and external costs. At the constitutional stage decision costs are less consequential. Hence, voting rules that produce Pareto superior and Pareto optimal outcomes (or just Pareto optimal outcomes) should be promoted. The only voting rule that could guarantee such results, and minimize external costs, is unanimity rule. At the legislative stage, the optimal k-majority rule may depend on both external costs and decision costs. With decision costs considered, the sum of decision costs and external costs might be minimized closer to majority rule.
SCHUR IDEALS AND HOMOMORPHISMS OF THE SEMIDEFINITE CONE

The semidefinite cone Kn consisting of all n by n real symmetric positive semidefinite matrices is considered. A set I in Kn is said to be a Schur ideal if it is closed under addition, multiplication by nonnegative scalars, and Schur multiplication by any element of Kn. A Schur homomorphism of Kn is a mapping of Kn to itself that preserves addition, (nonnegative) scalar multiplication and Schur products. This paper is concerned with Schur ideals and homomorphisms of Kn. It shows that in the topology induced by the trace inner product, Schur ideals in Kn need not be closed, all finitely generated Schur ideals are closed, and in K2, a Schur ideal is closed if and only if it is a principal ideal. It also characterizes Schur homomorphisms of Kn and, in particular, shows that any Schur automorphism of Kn is of the form I¦(X) = P XPT for some permutation matrix P.
Nicotine enhances stimulus detection performance of middle- and old-aged rats: a longitudinal study.

Abstract The effects of nicotine on sustained attention were tested in F344×BN male rats when they were chronologically middle and old aged. The rats ( n = 11) were trained in a two-choice, stimulus detection task in which a press of one of two levers was reinforced with food, with the correct lever indicated by the position of a briefly illuminated light. They were tested when they were 24–25 and 34–35 months of age (i.e., at 60–68% and 85–95%, respectively of their expected median life span) after saline or 0.1–0.5 mg/kg doses of nicotine (SC). A significant dose-related improvement in percent correct choices and decrease in choice response times was found at both ages, and there was no significant main effect of age or an age by dose interaction. These results support the position that nicotine can enhance attentional processes in rats throughout their life span. Nicotine and other nicotinic agonists may have efficacy in the treatment of disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Morphine Depresses Macrophage Numbers and Function in Mouse Spleens

Our laboratory has previously observed that mice implanted with slow-release morphine pellets exhibit profound suppression of their capacity to mount an in vitro antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) (Bussiere et al., 1992a, b). Suppression was blocked by simultaneous implantation of a naltrexone-releasing pellet, showing that the diminished plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses were mediated via a classical opioid pathway. Although in vitro antibody formation to SRBCs requires the interaction of macrophages, T-cells and B-cells (Fig. 1), macrophages appear to be central to the immu- nosuppressive effect of morphine. Addition of normal splenic macrophages, but not lymphocyte-enriched nonadherent splenocytes, to spleen cell cultures from morphine-pelleted mice restored in vitro antibody production (Bussiere et al., 1993). Further, IL-1, IL-6 and IFN-γ, but not IL-2, IL-4 or IL-5 restored antibody responses of opioid-suppressed cultures (Bussiere et al., 1993). The observation that suppression is reversed by cytokines which are produced by macrophages or which activate macrophages suggests that deficient macrophage function is an important factor in the morphine-induced immunosup- pression. Other evidence that morphine impairs macrophage function in mice includes the decreased ability of colony-stimulating factor-treated bone marrow cells to differentiate into macrophage colonies following morphine treatment in vivo or in vitro (Roy et al., 1991) and the decreased phagocytic capacity (Rojavin et al., 1993; Szabo et al., 1993) of murine peritoneal macrophages presented with the yeast Candida albicans following exposure to morphine or other opioids.
Augmentation Cystoplasty and Urinary Diversion in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

The widespread acceptance of clean intermittent catheterization for urinary evacuation has had a remarkable impact on the care of patients with neurogenic bladder. Augmentation cystoplasty, with or without procedures to prevent incontinence and combined with intermittent catheterization, allows maintenance of the normal kidney-bladder relation and evacuation through the urethra. Short-term results suggest that this method probably maintains renal function better than diversionary procedures. When diversion is required for neurogenic bladder, however, new techniques of continent diversion, combined with intermittent catheterization, allow the patient to remain appliance-free. Both these modalities of treatment appear to have greatly improved lifestyle and outlook for many patients with neurogenic bladder disturbances
Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DosRST two-component regulatory system signaling by targeting response regulator DNA binding and sensor kinase heme

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) possesses a two-component regulatory system, DosRST, that enables Mtb to sense host immune cues and establish a state of non-replicating persistence (NRP). NRP bacteria are tolerant to several anti-mycobacterial drugs and are thought to play a role in the long course of tuberculosis (TB) therapy. Therefore, small molecules that inhibit Mtb from establishing or maintaining NRP could reduce the reservoir of drug tolerant bacteria and function as an adjunct therapy to reduce treatment time. Previously, we reported the discovery of six novel chemical inhibitors of DosRST, named HC101A-106A, from a whole cell, reporter-based phenotypic high throughput screen. Here, we report functional and mechanism of action studies of HC104A and HC106A. RNAseq transcriptional profiling shows that the compounds downregulate genes of the DosRST regulon. Both compounds reduce hypoxia-induced triacylglycerol synthesis by ~50%. HC106A inhibits Mtb survival during hypoxia-induced NRP, however, HC104A did not inhibit survival during NRP. An electrophoretic mobility assay shows that HC104A inhibits DosR DNA binding in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that HC104A may function by directly targeting DosR. In contrast, UV-visible spectroscopy studies suggest HC106A directly targets the histidine kinase heme, via a mechanism that is distinct from the oxidation and alkylation of heme previously observed with artemisinin (HC101A). Synergistic interactions were observed when DosRST inhibitors were examined in pair-wise combinations with the strongest potentiation observed between artemisinin paired with HC102A, HC103A, or HC106A. Our data collectively show that the DosRST pathway can be inhibited by multiple distinct mechanisms.
Dicer regulates tumor immunogenicity in melanoma

Immunotherapeutic strategies in cancer rely upon tumor immunogenicity for their efficacy. However, the regulation of immune effector molecules in melanoma is poorly understood. High Dicer expression in melanoma correlates with more aggressive tumors and poor prognosis/patient survival. Dicer regulates gene expression through processing of microRNAs, but its potential role in regulating the immunogenicity of melanoma has not been described. Here, we demonstrate that Dicer suppresses MHC class I and II cell surface expression, as well as CD40 and PD-L1 in melanoma. By using a genetic approach wherein we challenged C57BL/6 mice with melanoma cells stably expressing Dicer shRNA, we showed that Dicer knockdown decreased tumor progression and extended overall survival. Interestingly, Dicer knockdown had no effect on melanoma cell proliferation or survival in vitro , suggesting that the delay in tumor growth may be due to an augmented immune response. Tumor control of Dicer knockdown melanoma cells was dependent upon an intact immune system, as revealed by studies using NSG mice. Mechanistically, this anti-tumor immune response was dependent upon CD8 + T cells. Subsequent studies demonstrated that melanoma Dicer expression was able to suppress CD8 + T cell killing in vitro . Taken together, this suggests a model wherein Dicer negatively regulates melanoma immunogenicity and protects against CD8 + T cell anti-tumor immunity. Using this insight, we may better stratify patients for immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibition and cell-based vaccination strategies. Dicer also makes an attractive target for modulating baseline tumor cell immunogenicity, subsequently enhancing melanoma immunotherapy and patient survival.
So you’re moving to Canada: A personal income tax primer for Americans living in Canada

Abstract As the business world continues to expand globally, the U.S. and Canada remain great allies and trade partners. The Canadian market is an obvious avenue for expansion of U.S. companies, providing opportunities for U.S. executives to find themselves living north of the border. While culturally quite similar, there are some significant differences between the two countries of which potential U.S. expatriates should be aware. This article introduces the reader to personal income tax in Canada, highlighting some basic differences between the U.S. and Canadian tax systems. It also discusses the impact of those differences on tax planning. In addition, it will cover some requirements of individuals who are considered taxpayers of both countries. Finally, it will briefly discuss some tax and nontax consequences of giving up U.S. citizenship.
Multi-dimensional machine learning approaches for fruit shape phenotyping in strawberry.

Background Shape is a critical element of the visual appeal of strawberry fruit and is influenced by both genetic and non-genetic determinants. Current fruit phenotyping approaches for external characteristics in strawberry often rely on the human eye to make categorical assessments. However, fruit shape is an inherently multi-dimensional, continuously variable trait and not adequately described by a single categorical or quantitative feature. Morphometric approaches enable the study of complex, multi-dimensional forms but are often abstract and difficult to interpret. In this study, we developed a mathematical approach for transforming fruit shape classifications from digital images onto an ordinal scale called the Principal Progression of k Clusters (PPKC). We use these human-recognizable shape categories to select quantitative features extracted from multiple morphometric analyses that are best fit for genetic dissection and analysis. Results We transformed images of strawberry fruit into human-recognizable categories using unsupervised machine learning, discovered 4 principal shape categories, and inferred progression using PPKC. We extracted 68 quantitative features from digital images of strawberries using a suite of morphometric analyses and multivariate statistical approaches. These analyses defined informative feature sets that effectively captured quantitative differences between shape classes. Classification accuracy ranged from 68% to 99% for the newly created phenotypic variables for describing a shape. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that strawberry fruit shapes could be robustly quantified, accurately classified, and empirically ordered using image analyses, machine learning, and PPKC. We generated a dictionary of quantitative traits for studying and predicting shape classes and identifying genetic factors underlying phenotypic variability for fruit shape in strawberry. The methods and approaches that we applied in strawberry should apply to other fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.
Migration Patterns in Eastern Europe and the World: A Gravity Approach

This study uses a UN dataset of foreign-born residents in and from 154 different countries, available every fifth year since 1990, to estimate an augmented gravity model for Eastern Europe and the world Migration responds to higher incomes in the host country, though the effect diminishes with income Unlike the rest of the world, East European migration increases with the exchange rate in the host and higher incomes in the origin, but not with political autocracy or conflict in the origin country Controlling for these differences, Eastern Europe has fewer immigrants and emigrants than the model would otherwise predict
Fractional Maker-Breaker Resolving Game

Let G be a graph with vertex set V(G), and let d(u, w) denote the length of a \(u-w\) geodesic in G. For two distinct \(x,y \in V(G)\), let \(R\{x,y\}=\{z \in V(G): d(x,z) \ne d(y,z)\}\). For a function g defined on V(G) and for \(U \subseteq V(G)\), let \(g(U)=\sum _{s\in U}g(s)\). A real-valued function \(g: V(G) \rightarrow [0,1]\) is a resolving function of G if \(g(R\{x,y\}) \ge 1\) for any distinct \(x,y \in V(G)\). In this paper, we introduce the fractional Maker-Breaker resolving game (FMBRG). The game is played on a graph G by Resolver and Spoiler (denoted by \(R^*\) and \(S^*\), respectively) who alternately assigns non-negative real values on V(G) such that its sum is at most one on each turn. Moreover, the total value assigned, by \(R^*\) and \(S^*\), on each vertex over time cannot exceed one. \(R^*\) wins if the total values assigned on V(G) by \(R^*\), after finitely many turns, form a resolving function of G, whereas \(S^*\) wins if \(R^*\) fails to assign values on V(G) to form a resolving function of G. We obtain some general results on the outcome of the FMBRG and determine the outcome of the FMBRG for some graph classes.
“Anotación al 23 de Agosto de 1944”: Reflections on a Newly Acquired Manuscript

The aim of our work is to analyze a Borges manuscript from 1944 that was recently acquired by Special Collections at the Hillman Library of the University of Pittsburgh. The manuscript deals with the liberation of Paris (23 August 1944) but it also is intimately concerned with Borges's reactions to Argentine nationalists, some of whom were Nazi sympathizers.
Optical Indistinguishability via Twinning Fields.

Here we introduce the concept of the twinning field---a driving electromagnetic pulse that induces an identical optical response from two distinct materials. We show that for a large class of pairs of generic many-body systems, a twinning field which renders the systems optically indistinguishable exists. The conditions under which this field exists are derived, and this analysis is supplemented by numerical calculations of twinning fields for both the 1D Fermi-Hubbard model, and tight-binding models of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride. The existence of twinning fields may lead to new research directions in nonlinear optics, materials science, and quantum technologies.
Community-based wheelchair caster failures call for improvements in quality and increased frequency of preventative maintenance.

STUDY DESIGN Secondary data analysis of wheelchair failures and service repair logs from a network of wheelchair suppliers. OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of wheelchair caster failures and service repairs across wheelchair manufacturers and models and investigate the relationships between them. SETTING Wheelchair caster failures and service repairs occurred in the community. METHODS Reported caster failure types were classified based on the risk they pose for user injuries and wheelchair damage. Caster failures experienced by users of tilt-in-space and ultralightweight manual wheelchair models and Group 2, 3 and 4 power wheelchair models between January 2017 and October 2019 were analyzed using Chi-Square tests for independence. Correlational analysis of failures and service repairs was performed. RESULTS A total of 6470 failures and 151 service repairs reported across four manufacturers and five models were analyzed. Failure types were significantly associated with manufacturers and models, respectively. Users of tilt-in-space wheelchairs, who require greater seating support, experienced twice the proportion of high-risk caster failures than the ultralightweight manual wheelchair users. Similarly, Group 3 and 4 power wheelchair users, who have complex rehabilitation needs, experienced 15-36% more high-risk failures than Group 2 users. Service repairs negatively correlated with high-risk manual wheelchair caster failures. CONCLUSIONS Wheelchair users who have greater seating and complex rehabilitation needs are at a higher risk for sustaining injuries and secondary health complications due to frequent caster failures. The study findings call for significant reforms in product quality and preventative maintenance practices that can reduce wheelchair failures and user consequences.
DESAFIOS E ESTRATÉGIAS NA PRÁTICA DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DE EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA COM ESTUDANTES COM TRANSTORNO DO ESPECTRO AUTISTA

A pratica pedagogica dos professores de Educacao Fisica para a inclusao de alunos com TEA, pois ainda apresenta-se como um desafio para os sistemas educacionais, sejam eles publicos ou privados. Sendo assim, o presente estudo buscou identificar os desafios e estrategias encontradas pelos professores de Educacao Fisica em suas aulas para a inclusao de estudantes com TEA. A metodologia usada foi a revisao integrativa, na qual utilizou-se a base de dados do Google Scholar e onde foram encontrados 7 estudos publicados entre os anos 2016 a 2020 e deles emergiram tres temas. Entre os desafios encontrados pelos professores, destacam-se a falta de formacao sobre a tematica da inclusao e as diferentes caracteristicas que apresentam os sujeitos com TEA. Entre as estrategias, destaca-se conhecer o aluno de forma individual e oferecer atividades com base nas possibilidades dos estudantes
On the efficiency of the leveraged loan market

This paper evaluates the informational efficiency of the leverage loan market. First, variance ratio tests are conducted to answer the question whether this private debt market as a whole is efficient. Second, the recently developed adjusted market inefficiency magnitude is applied to assess the level of market inefficiency over time. The results indicate that the broad leveraged loan market, as well as capitalization and risk-based sub-indices exhibit large levels of inefficiency and that loan returns do not follow a random walk but are significantly serially correlated. The degree of inefficiency shows some time-variation, however, it is generally large in magnitude.