cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Overview of the GTAP 9 Data Base

This paper provides an overview of the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) Data Base and its latest release, version 9. The GTAP Data Base has been used in thousands of economy-wide analyses over the past twenty-five years. While initially focused on supporting trade policy analysis, the addition of satellite accounts pertaining to greenhouse gas emissions and land use has resulted in a surge of applications relating to climate change as well as other environmental issues. The Data Base comprises an exhaustive set of accounts measuring the value of annual flows of goods and services with regional and sectoral detail for the entire world economy. These flows include bilateral trade, transport, and protection matrices that link individual country/regional economic datasets. Version 9 disaggregates 140 regions, 57 sectors, 8 factors of production, for 3 base years (2004, 2007 and 2011). The great success enjoyed by this Data Base stems from the collaboration efforts by many parties interested in improving the quality of economic analysis of global policy issues related to trade, economic development, energy and the environment.
Ophthalmologic examination of the handicapped child

In order to detect ocular abnormalities, so that early preventive or corrective therapy may be implemented, the ophthalmologic evaluation must become a part of the newborn examination of the infant at risk for a handicapping condition. Regular follow-up through the preschool and school age years is essential, because much of a child’s learning experience is mediated through visual stimuli during this critical period.
Context Set Weighting method

Contexts of stationary ergodic sources are considered not necessarily consecutive sequences of symbols of the past. The introduced context set model of a source provides a code that can achieve less parameter redundancy than the code the context tree and generalized context tree models provide. The problem of coding sources with unknown context set is addressed for multialphabet sources. Information on the maximum memory length of the source is not required; it may be even infinite. The Context Set Weighting method is introduced to efficiently calculate a mixture of the Krichevsky-Trofimov distributions over possible context sets. The coding distribution is proved to provide a code whose model redundancy does not exceed the order of the parameter redundancy. An algorithm is provided to compute the Context Set Weighting in a polynomial time.
Specificity of Heparin/Heparan sulfate binding to proteins

H sulfate–protein interactions modulate a number of physiological processes such as coagulation, immune response, angiogenesis, morphogenesis and pathogen infection. A majority of these interactions involve allosteric regulation of the target protein and are poorly understood. We have developed a genetic algorithm-based combinatorial virtual screening approach to understand the nature of interaction of heparin/heparan sulfate with proteins. A dual-filter strategy employing an ‘affinity’ filter followed by a ‘specificity’ filter rapidly sorts the combinatorial library into distinct groups of sequences. Application of this strategy on a library of ~46,000 sequences resulted in identification of only five sequences that recognize heparin cofactor II with ‘high-affinity and high-specificity’. Comparative analysis of antithrombin–heparin and thrombin–heparin crystal structures using a variety of structural biology tools reveals major differences between the heparin binding pockets of the two proteins. The strategy presents a general approach for understanding specificity features of heparin/heparan sulfate interactions, which are crucial for the development of novel allosteric heparin/heparan sulfate sequences as agonists or antagonists of proteins.
Multiscale transport simulation of nanoelectronic devices with NEMO5

The downscaling of electronic devices has reached a regime where quantum and atomistic effects govern the active part of the device while semi-classical physics still plays a very important role for the remaining parts. A multiscale transport simulation approach is therefore developed in NEMO5 tool to address this issue. In this approach, nonequilibrium Green's function (NEGF) equations with atomistic tight-binding Hamiltonian are employed to calculate the ballistic current through the tiny central device, while drift-diffusion (DD) equations (with quantum charge density) are used to model the surroundings where scattering and relaxation dominate. These two sets of equations are coupled through quasi-Fermi levels, which are determined by continuity equation. With Poisson equation solved self-consistently, device characteristics such as the I-V curves are obtained. Using this approach we demonstrate two examples. For the first example, we consider a recently fabricated nitride tunneling diode that consists of a GaN-InNGaN heterojunction. The band-to-band tunneling through the strained heterojunction is accurately modeled by the NEGF method while the serial resistance of the leads is accounted for by potential drop from the contacts obtained by solving the DD equation. Further, the contact resistance is taken into account by computing the tunneling through the Schottky barrier (also via NEGF method). For the second example, we simulate a two-dimensional III–V MOSFET, featuring wrapped-around leads. The channel part of the transistor is modeled by the NEGF method to capture source-to-drain tunneling leakage, which is critical for short-channel devices scaled to sub-10 nm. The (relatively) long leads, are again assigned to the DD solver to calculate the non-trivial potential drop from the external contacts. We benchmark the simulation results with the experimental measurements and then optimize the device design parameters.
The Mystery of the Twisted Tree

Why are trees twisted? To a varying degree, the wood fibers in a tree are arranged in a helical pattern known as spiral grain. Often most clearly visible when the bark has peeled off, or when the wood is cracked by frost or drought, such helices can also be visible in the bark itself, especially in older trees. It is a spectacular phenomenon, and important for the forestry industry, but why? The literature is vast and contradictory. The oldest reference in a review paper by Kubler (1991) is from 1854. In his classic book Curves of Life, Cook (1914) speculates that trees in the northern hemisphere should show right-handed helices, in contrast with left-handed trees south of the Equator. Vague theories about the Earth’s rotation and prevailing winds are offered, only to be seemingly disproved later in the book by the observation of two chestnut trees from the same locality in England, but with opposite chirality. Astonishingly, hundreds of scientific papers later, this discussion has not been put to rest. According to Skatter and Kucera (1998), trees in the northern hemisphere grow faster on the southern side because of phototropism, making the crown asymmetric. This is supported by statistics, at least at high northern latitudes (Eklund and Sall 2000). The prevailing westerly winds at these latitudes would then cause a counterclockwise torsion of the tree as seen from above, and right-handed spiral grain is supposed to make the tree more resistant to these forces. Later papers have questioned several aspects of this idea (e.g., Wing et al. 2014), and data from south of the equator are still sparse (Fig. 53.1).
Participatory fishery monitoring is successful for understanding the reproductive biology needed for local fisheries management

Tropical fisheries management should rely on reproductive biology to inform management regulations; however, this information is often lacking and can be highly variable over in space and time. It is unfeasible for many fisheries, especially data-poor ones that are typical of tropical reefs to collect the necessary information on reproductive biology. One solution is a participatory approach where local fishers, scientists, and regulating agencies gather the necessary information to assess population variability for important management metrics such as size at maturity, reproductive output, and spawning seasons. Through collaborations with local fishers, we developed a monitoring program to gather population-level information on the reproductive characteristics of the convict tang, Acanthurus triostegus sandvicensis. We examined four locations across the main Hawaiian Islands and found size at maturity [size at which 50% of individuals are mature (L50)] to vary among locations, with interpopulation differences in maturity ~ 20% of the fish’s total length. Larger individuals produced more eggs and spawned more often than smaller individuals. A semilunar spawning pattern was observed, with group spawning occurring near the new and full moons. However this pattern was variable by year and location, likely resulting from different seasonal peaks in spawning by location. Gonadosomatic index (t = 2.41, p-value = 0.02) and spawning fraction (z = 2.92, p-value < 0.01) were both significantly higher in 2014 compared to 2013, suggesting annual variability in reproductive output. Participatory fishery monitoring proved successful in collecting biological needed for management and improved understanding of population reproductive variability.
Primary Headaches in the Rehabilitation Patient

Headaches are to a significant degree subtyped using primarily a signs and symptoms approach, despite an increasingly large body of scientific work elucidating their basic pathophysiology. The latter is incomplete, conflicting, and frustratingly complex; therefore, simplified schemata will be used here. Mixed headache subtypes will be included given that they are quite common. Only the major primary headaches will be discussed. Co-morbidity of sleep, psychiatric, endocrine, and other disorders creates muddy waters, but this is common and must be factored in. Knowledge of the variability of presentation is vital for an accurate clinical diagnosis under real world conditions, upon which rational treatment plans rely. Given that the oft-taught basics are available ubiquitously in the primary, secondary, and tertiary literature, emphasis here will be on information generally de-emphasized in standard textbooks and manuals, an approach that will hopefully enable the clinician to more effectively handle primary headaches in the rehabilitation setting, especially when used in conjunction with more detailed sources, printed or on-line. Opioids, medical marijuana, and other medications are discussed briefly for prevention as well as abortion of headaches.
Counts of mechanical, external configurations compared to computational, internal configurations in natural and artificial systems

Animal movement encodes information that is meaningfully interpreted by natural counterparts. This is a behavior that roboticists are trying to replicate in artificial systems but that is not well understood even in natural systems. This paper presents a count on the cardinality of a discretized posture space-an aspect of expressivity-of articulated platforms. The paper uses an information-theoretic measure, Shannon entropy, to create observations analogous to Moore's Law, providing a measure that complements traditional measures of the capacity of robots. This analysis, applied to a variety of natural and artificial systems, shows trends in increasing capacity in both internal and external complexity for natural systems while artificial, robotic systems have increased significantly in the capacity of computational (internal) states but remained more or less constant in mechanical (external) state capacity. The quantitative measure proposed in this paper provides an additional lens through which to compare natural and artificial systems.
Chapter 31 – Lytechinus

Tripneustes appears to be a generalist in habitat and food in tropical and subtropical, shallow-water habitats subject to disturbance. It can have major effects on seagrass and algal beds and cause barren grounds. Tripneustes has rapid growth, early maturation, high fecundity, sporadic and potentially high recruitment, and short longevity. All are characteristics of a ruderal species.
Independent preoperative predictors of prolonged length of stay after laparoscopic appendectomy in patients over 30 years of age: Experience from a single institution

Prompt discharge after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a marker of quality of care, fiscally desirable and feasible in select patients. Patients over 30 comprise a more heterogeneous cohort known to experience worse outcomes after LA. We aimed to identify easily available preoperative risk factors portending a postoperative length of stay ≥2 days among patients above age 30. In this investigation, 296 included patients from a single institution who underwent LA for acute appendicitis from 2010 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed for preoperative demographics, laboratory studies, comorbidities, presentation characteristics, radiographic finding, and other rationally selected factors for association with postoperative length of stay ≥2 days. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine independent risk factors, which were subsequently modeled via receiver-operating characteristic curve generation and Kaplan-Meier analysis. "Classic" presentation [odds ratio (OR) = 0.5, P = .02], elevated red cell distribution width (RDW; OR = 1.5/% increase, P = 0.004) as well as evidence of rupture on CT (OR = 6.9, P < 0.001) were independently associated with postoperative length of stay ≥ 2 days. Modeling length of stay using these factors generated an area under the curve of 0.713 ± 0.037. Kaplan-Meier analysis of "classic" presentation, elevated RDW, and evidence of rupture on CT through the fifth postoperative day generated log-rank P values of 0.02, 0.05, and ≤ 0.001, respectively. In summary, lack of "classic" presentation, elevated RDW, and CT evidence of rupture are novel risk factors for prolonged postoperative length of stay in LA patients over 30. These findings may help target patients most appropriate for prompt discharge.
The Empathic Leader

Managers and their subordinates often have the same aims as their organisation: to be successful, to be content and to develop in a secure environment under good financial conditions. Still, we can often hear that workers do not feel comfortable, they do not have a good mood in their working places. They are not committed and they are not motivated – in such cases they are guaranteed to fail, and so is their organisation. In the operation of an organisation tight deadlines, hard work, not clearly defined functions and the feeling of not being understood result in role conflicts. The task and the responsibility of a leader is to apply a communication culture that is based on honest interest towards his subordinates and on acceptance, that enables the avoidance of unnecessary tensions. Many managers consider active communication with and care of subordinate workers as an unnecessary activity and a sheer waste of time but the Pareto principle applies in this case as well. The empathetic leader is capable of realising his colleagues’ competencies and accepting their personal aims and using them as a tool for the development of the organisation. The empathetic leader is capable to reach that workers experience the success of the organisation as their own success – this gives the organisation motivated and committed people.
Color Duplex Ultrasound Characteristics: Can we Predict Aortic Aneurysm Expansion following Endovascular Repair?:

IntroductionThe goal of aortic endovascular repair (EVAR) is to successfully exclude the aneurysm. Color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) is effective in the identification of endoleak and assessment o...
Spermatogenesis and Testicular Cycle in Rough Greensnakes, Opheodrys aestivus, from Arkansas

Abstract Spermatogenesis, the production of sperm, is a fundamental part of the reproductive cycle in vertebrates and warrants detailed study. Reptiles exhibit a hybrid pattern of spermatogenesis that has similarities with both anamniotes and amniotes. Researching this interesting transition will help us better understand vertebrate evolution. To this end, we histologically examined the spermatogenic and testicular cycle of Rough Greensnakes (Opheodrys aestivus) from Arkansas. We hypothesized that spermatogenesis in Rough Greensnakes would follow the different spermatogenic stages found in previously published studies on temperate snakes. In addition, we hypothesized that both season and seminiferous tubule diameter would have a significant effect on seminiferous tubule epithelial height. Finally, we hypothesized that Rough Greensnakes would exhibit postnuptial spermatogenesis. We constructed a cell wheel illustrating the chronological development of all germ cell stages for this species and measured semi...
Online Classrooms and Ontological Crises: Pedagogies of Porosity and Political Participation

The purpose of this article is to explore the challenges and opportunities in engaging theological education in online classrooms, with particular attention to how these online classrooms can nurtu...
Weed control and overstory reduction improve survival and growth of under‐planted oak and hickory seedlings

Weed control and overstory reduction are important silvicultural treatments for improving survival and growth of under‐planted oak and hickory seedlings. Mast‐producing trees in the bottomland forests of the blackland prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions of Texas have declined in abundance. Oaks and hickories have been replaced by more shade‐tolerant species, including green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) and sugarberry (Celtis laevigata Willd.), which do not produce significant hard mast for priority wildlife species. A split‐plot experiment design was installed on three sites at Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area in Freestone County, Texas, studying the effects of canopy coverage and competition control on survival and growth of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.), Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii Buckl.), and pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wagenh.) K. Koch) seedlings. Uprooting by hogs shortly after planting resulted in greater than 90% mortality of pecan on the two lower elevation sites. Year one survival of Shumard oak was significantly higher than bur oak. However, bur oak was more preferred by hogs than Shumard oak. Year one growth of bur oak was significantly greater than Shumard oak. Severe flooding during the second growing season caused complete mortality on the lower two sites. None of the species were well suited to such prolonged (3–4 months) inundation as seedlings. On the remaining site, density reduction and weed‐barrier mats improved growth and survival while herbaceous weed control with herbicides actually reduced both growth and survival.
Effect of cytochalasin B on hexose transport and glucose metabolism in pancreatic islets

The effect of cytochalasin B on hexose transport into rat pancreatic islets isolated by collagenase digestion has been investigated. A double radioactive label procedure has permitted correction for label present in the extracellular space and determined that the permeability of the B-cell membrane of collagenase treated islets to L-glucose and sucrose is insignificant under the conditions employed. Cytochalasin B (15 μg/ml) significantly inhibits the initial rate of uptake of D-glucose, 3-0-methyl-D-glucose, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose at temperature of 20°C and 37°C when islets are pre-incubated (20 min) in the presence of cytochalasin B. No significant inhibition is observed on the initial rate of uptake of D-glucose at a temperature of 37°C if cytochalasin B is present only in the incubation medium. The production of14CO2 from uniformly14C labeled D-glucose is unaltered in the presence of cytochalasin B over a 2 h incubation period.
Searching for Heroes: A Critical Examination of Student Emotional Responses Following Mandatory Social Justice Training Workshops

This study examines undergraduate students’ emotional responses following required social justice training workshops at a predominantly white urban university in the northeast. Journal entries from 24 participants were qualitatively analyzed in two undergraduate education courses based primarily on reactions to the documentary Waiting for Superman. This study is informed by critical multicultural education and a thematic and discourse analytic research design was employed. A thematic map and thematic chart emerged from the data analysis. Implications for pedagogical practice and recommendations to move beyond best practices in social justice student engagement are offered.
Age as a Predictor of Student Success in Community College Technical Certificate Programs

ABSTRACTThis study was initiated to help determine if there was an associated probability between a student’s age relative to persistence and retention leading to the completion of a Technical Cert...
Liver Microphysiological Systems for Predicting and Evaluating Drug Effects

Liver plays a major role in drug metabolism and is one of the main sites of drug adverse effects. Microphysiological systems (MPS), also known as organs-on-a-chip, are a class of microfluidic platforms that recreate properties of tissue microenvironments. Among different properties, the liver microenvironment is three-dimensional, fluid flows around its cells, and different cell types regulate its function. Liver MPS aim to recreate these properties and enable drug testing and measurement of functional endpoints. Tests with these systems have demonstrated their potential for predicting clinical drug effects. Properties of liver MPS that improve the physiology of cell culture are reviewed, specifically focusing on the importance of recreating a physiological microenvironment to evaluate and model drug effects. Advances in modeling hepatic function by leveraging MPS are addressed, noting the need for standardization in the use, quality control, and interpretation of data from these systems.
Segmentation, Reconstruction, and Visualization of Ancient Inscriptions in 2.5D

This article presents a new algorithm for the automated reconstruction and visualization of damaged ancient inscriptions. After reviewing current methods for enhancing incisions, a hybrid approach is adopted that combines advantages of 2D and 3D analytical techniques. A photogrammetric point cloud of an inscription is projected orthographically from an ideal vantage point, generating a 2.5D raster, including channels describing depth and surface derivatives. The next consideration is the obstacle to legibility posed by breaks in the ancient surface, which motivates the development of a new segmentation algorithm based on SLIC superpixels with region-merging adapted to operate on the geometry of the inscribed surface instead of color or intensity values. The algorithm classifies surface points by their likelihood of belonging to the uninscribed original plane, deliberate strokes, or breaks. Results are visualized in a manner suited for epigraphical analysis and publication through static images. Two case studies demonstrate the power and flexibility of this method, which has indicated changes to the reading of IG XIV 1, an early Greek text that has been debated for more than 150 years.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis-Treatment and Management

Abstract Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis. Currently, two antifibrotic medications have been shown to reduce the rate of decline in lung function over time among IPF patients and are mainstays of IPF treatment. Patients meeting the criteria for consideration of lung transplantation must be referred to a lung transplant program in a timely manner. Other areas of treatment include management of symptoms and comorbid conditions including abnormal acid gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, as well as participation in clinical trials, patient education, pulmonary rehabilitation and judicial use of supplemental oxygen. This article summarizes the current approach to treatment of IPF.
Lineage Analysis of the FIPL1-PDGFRα Fusion Gene in Myeloproliferative Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by hypereosinophilia and eosinophil-mediated tissue injury. An imatinib sensitive myeloproliferative variant (MHES) has been described which has a male predominance, and is associated with elevated serum tryptase levels, tissue fibrosis, increased atypical mast cells, and the presence of the fusion oncogene FIP1L1-PDGFRα which has tyrosine kinase activity. The FIP1L1-PDGFRα mutation has been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, however, the hypercellular bone marrow and elevated serum tryptase levels suggest that multiple lineages might be involved in the clonal process. We analyzed peripheral blood from eight patients with the FIP1L1-PDGFRα mutation. Individual patient samples were sorted by flow cytometry to collect greater than 95% pure populations of CD3, CD14, and CD19 cells. Density gradient centrifugation followed by negative selection for CD16, CD3, CD14, and CD19 using an immunomagnetic bead column was used to purify eosinophils to > 99% purity. Bone marrow from one patient was obtained, and mast cells were cultured from CD34 positive cells. Three techniques were used to assay for the presence of the FIPL1-PDGFRα fusion gene: nested RT-PCR, TaqMan quantitative PCR, and FISH. Eosinophils were positive for the fusion gene in all patient samples that were analyzed. Monocytes were also positive in all but one instance. Surprisingly some patients showed positivity in lymphoid lineages as well. The bone marrow derived pure mast cell culture was positive for the mutation, consistent with the elevation of serum tryptase and atypical appearance of mast cells in MHES. In conclusion, although MHES seems to have a multilineage predilection, specific lineages involved may vary between patients. This may reflect differences in the progenitor stage at which the mutation occurs. Whether the pattern of lineage involvement has any relation to the phenotypic expression of the disease remains to be elucidated.
Uniform and simultaneous orthogonal functionalization of a metal–organic framework material

We exploit orthogonal chemical reactivity to generate uniformly multifunctionalized confined spaces. A metal–organic framework (MOF) material that has azide and hydroxyl reactive groups in well-defined locations is independently functionalized to yield a uniformly bifunctionalized material via multiple paths, including via a simultaneous, one-pot reaction.
On the other hand : Statistical issues in the assessment and interpretation of hand preference data in nonhuman primates

I describe methodological and statistical issues in the assessment of hand preference in nonhuman primates and discuss them in the context of a recent paper by McGrew and Marchant (1997) in which they conclude that there is no convincing evidence of population-level hand preferences in nonhuman primates. The criteria used by them to evaluate individual and population-level hand preferences are flawed, which results in an oversimplification of findings in nonhuman primates. I further argue that the classification schema used by McGrew and Marchant (1997) to compare hand preference distributions between species is theoretically weak and does not offer a meaningful way to compare human and nonhuman primate handedness.
Propulsive joint powers track with sensor-derived angular velocity: A potential tool for lab-less gait retraining.

Abstract Lower propulsive joint powers, particularly at the ankle, are often observed in older compared to young adults. Interventions to increase joint powers often require labs with motion capture and force treadmill technology. Translating these interventions out of the lab requires identifying portable measures that track (i.e., strongly correlate with) changes in joint powers. The purpose of this study was to determine if kinematics collected using inertial measurement units (IMUs) correlate with propulsive joint powers calculated using inverse dynamics. We collected data simultaneously with motion capture, force plates, and IMU sensors as young and older adults walked at varying speeds overground in a laboratory. Hip, knee, and ankle joint powers were calculated using inverse dynamics and positive peaks in the second half of stance were identified as the propulsive powers of interest. Raw IMU gyroscope data were oriented to a functional medial–lateral axis and peaks in the second half of stance were identified for segment (thigh, shank, foot) and joint (hip, knee, ankle) angular velocities. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between peak joint powers and peak angular velocities. We identified significant (all p
Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion does not reduce guideline concordant cancer care disparities in vulnerable populations.

2039Background: The receipt of timely, guideline concordant cancer amongst racial/ethnic and socioeconomic vulnerable populations remains a significant health policy issue. The Affordable Care Act ...
Clinical and genetic characteristics of children with STXBP1 encephalopathy

Objective: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) gene mutation. Methods: The clinical data, gene variation and treatment outcome of 15 children with STXBP1 encephalopathy admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2014 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among 15 patients, 11 were male and 4 were female, age ranged from 2 months to 69 months. The clinical manifestations of 14 children were epilepsy and developmental delay (DD) and the remaining one showed developmental delay without seizure. The onset age of epilepsy ranged from two days to 19 months and 11 of them experienced the first attack before 1 year of age. The common seizure types were epileptic spasms and tonic seizures. Seven patients were diagnosed with Ohtahara syndrome or West syndrome. Epileptic form discharges were observed in the interictal electroencephalograms (EEG) of 11 patients, including multifocal discharges, suppression-burst and hypsarrhythmia. The brain magnetic resonance imaging of 7 children were abnormal, including myelin dysplasia, less white matter, lack of corpus callosum or hypoplasia. The follow-up time ranged from 2 months to 57 months, after the last follow-up, 3 cases were seizure free, 6 children showed partial response and the other 5 patients had no response on multitherapy. Six of 8 patients showed good responses to levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Vigabatrin (VGB) was applied to 5 patients with epileptic spasms and 4 of them showed response. All patients showed different degrees of developmental delay while four of them showed autistic features. STXBP1 gene mutations were identified in all cases and there were 15 types of gene variations, including 8 missense mutations, 1 nonsense mutation, 5 frame shift mutations and 1 complex mutation. Five novel mutations were unreported before, including c.1193A>G, c.172delG, c.1769C>T, c.1038_1039delCC, c.348_351dupTGAA. Conclusions: Development delay and epilepsy are the major and independent clinical phenotypes in children with STXBP1 encephalopathy. The variation of STXBP1 gene is mainly de novo. Levetiracetam and vigabatrin may be more effective in epilepsy control than other AEDs.
Consolidation Therapy in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma is a complex disease with no agreed-upon standard-of-care therapy. Induction therapy involves multiagent chemotherapy based on high-dose methotrexate, with several regimens available. We have a preference for a regimen using rituximab, methotrexate (3.5 g/m2), procarbazine, and vincristine (R-MPV) for initial induction therapy, given the favorable balance between toxicities and very high response rates (80–90%), which allow for decreasing disease burden and increasing the effectiveness of consolidation treatments. However, in the absence of consolidation therapies, R-MPV is not an effective regimen to achieve long-term remission. Based on high rates of long-term remission, our first choice for consolidation therapy is high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplant using thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide as a myeloablative regimen, with a curative intent. This typically applies to patients with a favorable performance status at the end of induction, typically with ECOG performance status of 2 or better, adequate organ function, and age younger than 70. Patients with a high transplant-related mortality risk may still be considered for milder myeloablative regimens such as carmustine/thiotepa. For patients who are not transplant candidates, we typically offer consolidation with reduced dose whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) (23.4 Gy), which seems to be associated with lower risks of neurotoxicity as compared with higher doses of radiation. For patients who are not transplant candidates and that do not accept the risk of cognitive decline from the radiotherapy, we typically offer consolidation high-dose cytarabine, provided the patient understands the high risk of relapse. For these patients, a clinical trial is strongly recommended.
Equity in addressing climate change: Using law and policy to serve frontline communities

Climate change is and will continue to impact frontline communities the hardest Black, Native American, and Latinx communities are called so because they tend to live in areas that experience the impacts of climate change first and most (Krause & Reeves, 2017) The term "frontline communities" is most commonly used in the conversation about climate change focused on the United States However, they have commonalities with similar communities globally: disproportionately poor, Black, Brown, and located in vulnerable areas Many times, this is so because of the cost of living, cultural ties and structural oppression Rather, cheap land is often coastal and vulnerable ("Climate impacts on coastal areas";US EPA, 2017) The way we enforce or do not enforce laws and policies to address these disparities, particularly in the context of climate change, will shift outcomes for these and all communities (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Cost-benefit information closes aspiration gaps – if parents think their child is ready for college

Can information close socioeconomic gaps in parents’ postsecondary aspirations for their children? We administer a survey experiment to a nationally representative sample of U.S. parents, who are a...
Riverflow: The Right to Keep Water Instream

There are many people and places connected to rivers: fishermen whose livelihood depends on river ecosystems, farms that need irrigation, indigenous groups whose cultures rely on fish and flowing waters, cities whose electricity comes from hydroelectric dams, and citizens who seek wild nature. For all of these people, instream flow is vitally important to where and how they live and work. Riverflow reveals the diverse and creative ways people are using the law to restore rivers, from the Columbia, Colorado, Klamath and Sacramento–San Joaquin watersheds in America, to the watersheds of the Tweed in England and Scotland, the Fraser in Canada, the Saru in Japan, the Nile in North Africa, and the Tigris–Euphrates in the Middle East. Riverflow documents that we already have the legal tools to preserve the ecological integrity of our waterways; the question is whether we have the political will to deploy these tools effectively.
Patient outcomes and costs after isolated flexor tendon repairs of the hand.

Abstract Background Acute flexor tendon injuries are challenging injuries for patients, surgeons, and therapists alike. There is ongoing debate about the optimal timing and amount of therapy after these injuries. Purpose We sought to investigate the relationship between hand therapy utilization and reoperation rates after flexor tendon repair and quantify reoperation rates and costs associated with flexor tendon repair. We hypothesize there will be an inverse relationship between the number of hand therapy visits and later reoperation rates and a positive correlation between reoperation rates and total cost of care. Study Design A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary flexor tendon repair was pursued. Methods A commercially available database was utilized to access insurance claims data for 20.9 million patients in the US from 2007 to 2015. Patients undergoing primary flexor tendon repair were included and followed for one year. Patients with fractures, vascular injuries, or digit replantation were excluded. We studied post-operative rehabilitation utilization, reoperation rates, and costs. Chi-Square tests and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between therapy utilization and reoperation rates and costs. Results The one-year reoperation rate was 11.4 percent at a median time of 100.0 days amongst 1,129 patients undergoing primary tendon repair. In multivariable analysis, age between 30 and 59, male sex, and utilization of over 21 therapy sessions were associated with increased odds of reoperation. Mean insurance reimbursement one year following primary flexor repair was $14,533 per patient but $27,870 if patients went on to reoperation. Conclusion Continued therapy utilization after primary flexor tendon repair is an independent predictor of reoperation need. These findings may help surgeons counsel patients who require a large number of visits after flexor tendon repair on when to revisit surgical options.
Wisdom in the Counseling Relationship

The counselor’s wisdom, expressed through the self-of- the-counselor, will potentially transform the counseling relationship. The purpose of this phenomenological pilot study was to define wisdom from the counselor’s perspective and describe the lived experience of wisdom in the therapeutic working alliance. Several descriptive themes emerged as distinct aspects of the wisdom of the counselor; a reflective attitude, the ability to gain insight from experience, emotional intelligence, cognitive ability, real-world skills, and concern for others. The holistic description of wisdom which materialized has important implications for counselor education and supervision, since it can be intentionally incorporated into counselor training programs from admission, to training and evaluation.
Executive risk-taking and the agency cost of debt

Abstract Firms compensate managers to maximize shareholder value, yet these same incentives affect bondholder risk. We investigate the relation between executive equity pay and the cost of debt. Our findings indicate a “u-shaped” relation between bond yields and equity pay. These results are consistent with the notion that bondholders prefer a moderate amount of executive equity pay and above or below that level, bondholders increase yields to protect their interests. These findings suggest that moderate levels of equity pay mitigate the agency costs between firm shareholders and bondholders.
A divide-and-conquer algorithm for channel estimation in multi-user space-time coded transmissions

We develop channel estimation techniques for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels that employ space-time block-coded (STBC) transmissions. We derive the MMSE channel estimator for multi-user Alamouti STBC transmissions over both flat fading and frequency selective fading channels. The derivation exploits the structure of the space-time code to reduce the complexity of the algorithm.
The Notion of State

System theory has shown that the behavior of dynamic systems can be conveniently and succinctly described by introducing the notions of state space and state vectors. Some time series behavior may be so complex that it can’t be described by a finite number of parameters, i.e., its description may go beyond the framework of finite dimensional dynamic models. When a finite dimensional state space model does not suffice to capture time series behavior, we attempt to approximate the series by another of lesser complexity which admits a finite dimensional characterization. In the transform domain description, spectral density functions of finite dimensional dynamics are rational functions of frequencies. They are used to approximate irrational spectral density functions of infinite dimensional dynamics.
Physically-based modeling for computer graphics: a structured approach

Introduction: Overview. Overview of "Physically Based Modeling". Structured Modeling: Concepts: A Structured Analysis of Modeling. Structured Physically-Based Modeling. Structured Mathematical Modeling: Principles of Structured Mathematical Modeling. Mathematical "Modules". Structured Naming Strategies. Mathematical "State Spaces". Identifiers (Ids), Indexed Sets, And Trees. Structured Modeling: Computer Graphics Programming: Principles for Program Structured. Programming Techniques for Structured Modeling. Physically Based Models: Mathematical Library: "Coordinate Systems" Package. Kinematic Rigid Bodies Package. Rigid-Bodies Model. Physically Based Models: Computer Models: Library of Computer Models. Bicycle Gear Train: Structured Model. Structured Modeling Examples (Applied to Real Problems). Conclusion and Appendices: Conclusion. Bibliography.
Brain calculus: neural integration and persistent activity

Tank and colleagues make in vivo intracellular recordings from neurons in a 'neural integrator' of the goldfish involved in maintaining eye position. In this circuit, 'working' memory may be the result of persistent changes in the state of the local network.
Assessment of cognitive deficit in geriatric patients: a study of physician behavior

A crucial factor in promoting a vigorous quality of life in the aging population is assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits. A very high percentage of delirium and at least 20% of dementia is eminently treatable. This study of patients over 65 years of age admitted to a university general hospital reveals that 79% of cognitive deficits were missed by the examining physicians. Furthermore, in 394 examinations of 165 patients, only four mental status examinations were recorded. A clear-cut cognitive deficit on admission was predictive of later acute episodes of confusion. The global techniques of evaluation deserve remediable action by medical schools and hospital training programs if the medical care of the elderly is to be improved.
The induction of tolerance to DNFB contact sensitivity using hapten modified lymphoid cells. I. Cellular requirements for rapid induction of tolerance.

Abstract Mice become rapidly unresponsive to contact sensitization by DNFB after parenteral injection of various hapten-modified lymphoid cell populations. This state of “immediate tolerance” is best induced by using DNP-labeled spleen cells enriched for B cells or adherent cells, while DNP-modified splenic T cells are poor tolerogens. Other lymphoid cell populations also vary in their ability to induce immediate tolerance. Hapten-modified spleen cells from thymus-deprived (B) mice are the most efficient tolerogen followed by haptenated normal splenocytes and then by haptenated lymph node cells. In contrast, haptenated thymocytes or cortisone-resistant thymocytes are poor at inducing immediate tolerance. Thus, the most efficient tolerogenic cell populations appear to be those with the highest proportion of slg + cells. Furthermore, intact cells are required for induction of tolerance since preparations of haptenated spleen cell lysates are inefficient in this respect, but can induce tolerance 1 week after injection. These results suggest that a cell involved in contact sensitization is inactivated by iv injection of DNFB in association with MHC gene products (Ia antigens) found on certain lymphoid cells (particularly B cells and macrophages).
Applications of the modified Faddeev equations: t + dμ -

We present calculations of the cross-sections for elastic as well as for muon transfer in t + dμ- collisions below the tμ-(n = 2) threshold. The appropriate mass-scaled Jacobi coordinates are used in the direct and rearrangement channels. The K-matrix elements are obtained from the solution of multichannel Faddeev equations in the configuration space formulation. A bipolar expansion and spline representation are used in the numerical solution of the modified Faddeev equations.
FOREGONE INTEREST AND CONTRACT MISPRICING IN PREDICTIVE MARKETS

Over the past 20 years, predictive markets have risen from relative obscurity to prominence. Relevant across several fields of study, these markets have utilized collective wisdom in order to better ascertain outcomes of future events. This paper look at the mechanics of trading and finds enduring pricing anomalies based on errant behavior on behalf of both buyers and sellers. Specifically, trading behavior seems to ignore the time value of money associated with buying and selling contracts even when the interest foregone is non-trivial. As such, the possibility for arbitrage presents itself in some of these cases. Finally, we examine the associated consequences of this behavior in regards to the mechanics of these markets and possible strengthening reforms in hopes of developing deeper, more robust predictions markets. The authors would like to thank Andrew de los Reyes and David Gordon for their help with research. In addition, we would like to thank Professor Michael Abramowicz for helpful comments.
Effects of disturbance on nitrogen export from forested lands of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The objective of this research project is to develop, test, validate, and demonstrate an analytical framework for assessing regional-scale forest disturbance in the mid-Atlantic region by linking forest disturbance and forest nitrogen export to surface waters at multiple spatial scales. It is hypothesized that excessive nitrogen (N) leakage (export) from forested watersheds is a potentially useful, integrative "indicator" of a negative change in forest function which occurs in synchrony with changes in forest structure and species composition. Our research focuses mainly on forest disturbance associated with recent defoliations by the gypsy moth larva (Lymantria dispar) at spatial scales ranging from small watersheds to the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed. An approach for assessing the magnitude of forest disturbance and its impact on surface water quality will be based on an empirical model relating forest N leakage and gypsy moth defoliation that will be calibrated using data from 25 intensively-monitored forested watersheds in the region and tested using data from more than 60 other forested watersheds in Virginia. Ultimately, the model will be extended to the region using spatially-extensive data describing: 1) the spatial distribution of dominant forest types in the mid-Atlantic region based on both remote sensing imagery and plot-scale vegetation data; 2) the spatial pattern of gypsy moth defoliation of forested areas from aerial mapping; and 3) measurements of dissolved N concentrations in streams from synoptic water quality surveys.
Pioglitazone Regulation of Glucose in a High-Salt-Fed db/db mice. (LB553)

Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that there are some 347 million people diagnosed with diabetes worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglyce...
Smart Doorplates - toward an autonomic computing

The last three decades proved Moore's Law. We witnessed an exponential increase in processing power, memory capacity and communication bandwidth and we expect this increase to continue for at least another decade. The effect is a growing complexity of computer systems and the need for highly qualified administrators. The question must be posed how computer systems can be managed in future if we project the actual progression in systems intricacy. This paper focuses on autonomic computing as a potential solution. We describe how a distributed system can be built to satisfy the demands for self-configuration, self-healing, context awareness and anticipation. Furthermore we describe our application example - Smart Doorplates - and the appliance of the previously discussed demands to that system.