cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On Flaw and Perfection Government Environmental Responsibility and Legal Liability

The flaw and deficiency of government environmental responsibility and legal liability is an important reason for the failure of government and environmental law in environmental protection.Defects of goverment environmental responsibility and legal liability in our country are mainly embodied in eight aspects,such as "emphasize economic responsibility and legal liability while de-emphasize government environmental responsibility and legal liability ","emphasize enterprise's environment obligations and their legal liability while de-emphasize government environmental obligations and its legal liability",and "emphasize government environmental powers while de-emphasize government environmental obligations "etc.The paper states the legal theory basis,guideline and principle of government environmental responsibility and legal liability,in addition,proposes some suggestions on establishing and a sound system and institution of government environmental responsibility and legal liability.
Unusual variants of mycosis fungoides

Conventional presentations of mycosis fungoides may be diagnostically challenging, particularly in light of the controversial boundaries defining the disease. Variant presentations of this cutaneous T-cell lymphoma add a further layer of complexity, requiring a sophisticated and informed perspective when evaluating lymphoid infiltrates in the skin. Herein we discuss well-defined (WHO-EORTC) variants pagetoid reticulosis, granulomatous slack skin and folliculotropic mycosis fungoides as well as less well-defined morphologic/architectural variants, and divergent immunohistochemical presentations of this typically indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disease.
Glycogen metabolism during tension generation and maintenance in vascular smooth muscle

To study the regulation of glycogen utilization in vascular smooth muscle, we measured the content of glycogen and glucose 6-phosphate and the activity of the glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen debrancher enzymes in porcine carotid artery. During active contraction, the rates of glycogen phosphorylase and glycogenolysis were as high as expected. Despite this, glycogen content did not decrease to less than approximately 50% of control levels even after sustained contractions. The activity of glycogen debrancher enzyme was found to be limiting glycogen utilization at this point. Although glycogenolysis is closely coordinated with increases in oxidative metabolism concomitant with active contraction, the maximal level of tension obtained after stimulation was not substantially reduced under conditions where glycogen debrancher enzyme was limiting glycogen utilization. On the other hand, the rate of tension generation was increased in these tissues. Thus glycogen utilization is not necessary for maximal force generation per se, but may influence other muscle contractile properties. Finally, during steady-state tension maintenance, glycogen utilization is likely to be regulated by the intracellular concentrations of metabolic intermediates (glucose, glucose 6-phosphate), as it is in skeletal muscle.
A multiple-channel fetal heart tone monitoring system for routine clinical use.

A multiple-channel fetal heart tone monitoring system is described, based on phonocardiography. Its advantages are pointed out. Its place in practical clinical obstetrics is defined.
Optasia: A Relational Platform for Efficient Large-Scale Video Analytics

Camera deployments are ubiquitous, but existing methods to analyze video feeds do not scale and are error-prone. We describe Optasia, a dataflow system that employs relational query optimization to efficiently process queries on video feeds from many cameras. Key gains of Optasia result from modularizing vision pipelines in such a manner that relational query optimization can be applied. Specifically, Optasia can (i) de-duplicate the work of common modules, (ii) auto-parallelize the query plans based on the video input size, number of cameras and operation complexity, (iii) offers chunk-level parallelism that allows multiple tasks to process the feed of a single camera. Evaluation on traffic videos from a large city on complex vision queries shows high accuracy with many fold improvements in query completion time and resource usage relative to existing systems.
The Medium-Term Outlook for the World Economy and the Implications for East-West Economic Relations

Background factors for the world economic environment have rarely looked so favourable as they do now. Energy prices are now following the laws of supply and demand, which are more understandable than the somewhat arbitrary decisions of OPEC. The US dollar has depreciated from its unusually high value in early 1985. Interest rates have been falling in many countries and inflation has been brought under control in most, if not all, parts of the world. None of these momentous economic events is an unqualified positive factor in the outlook, but in every case the good outweighs the bad side in its effect on world averages.
Economically irrational pricing of nineteenth-century British government bonds

British government bonds formed the deepest, most liquid and most transparent financial market of the nineteenth century. This article shows that those bonds had long periods, extending over decades, of anomalous behavior, in which Consols, the largest and best known of these instruments, were noticeably overpriced relative to equivalent securities which offered the same interest rate and the same guarantee of payment. This finding and similar ones for other comparable pairs of British gilts appear to provide the most extreme counterexamples documented so far to the Efficient Markets Hypothesis and to the Law of One Price, and point the way to further investigations on the origins and nature of the modern economy.
Chemical Warfare Agents and Risks to Animal Health

This chapter discusses the clinical signs, kinetics, decontamination, and treatment of animals exposed to choking agents (such as chlorine gas and phosgene), blister agents (such as mustard gas, lewisite, and phosgene oxime), blood agents [such as cyanide and hydrogen cyanide (HCN)], nerve agents (such as tabun, sarin, soman, and VX), 3-quinuclidinyl benzilate (BZ), lacrimators, and toxalbumins (such as ricin and abrin). It also discusses the possible use of animals as sentinels for chemical warfare.
Evaluation of Web Usability Guidelines for Teens

Although most teenagers (aged 13--17) use the Internet daily, very little human-computer interaction (HCI) research exists on design of websites for teens. Eight teenagers evaluated the BAM! Meeting the Challenge web page to rate it on satisfaction, aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and engagement. The results of the evaluation were compared to teen-specific usability guidelines to understand the extent they were consistent with the guidelines. Our results were consistent with the usability guidelines, and more importantly, confirmed them.
Robust mixture multivariate linear regression by multivariate Laplace distribution

Abstract Assuming that the error terms follow a multivariate Laplace distribution, we propose a robust estimation procedure for mixture of multivariate linear regression models in this paper. Using the fact that the multivariate Laplace distribution is a scale mixture of the multivariate standard normal distribution, an efficient EM algorithm is designed to implement the proposed robust estimation procedure. The performance of the proposed algorithm is thoroughly evaluated by some simulation and comparison studies.
A novel concept for non-linear multidisciplinary aerodynamic design optimization

Abstract A fundamental approach is presented here in order to define a comprehensive property that overwhelms the limitations of existing aerodynamic design/optimization practice. A novel parameter is derived extending the loss model accounted by the second law of thermodynamics. The given approach attempts to quantitatively relate the finite-time thermodynamic irreversibilities associated with a particular shape class of a body across a flow field. It is then studied analytically by applications in external and internal aerodynamics. Further, the physical behavior of the function is explored using a case study for aero-structural optimization along with other physical quantities with established behavior (Multi-Disciplinary-Optimization). A baseline model of aerodynamically twisted wing profile entailing NACA 1412 and NACA 621112 airfoils is optimized using Elite member selection based Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA). The proposed function is proven to be more computationally economical and comprehensive for optimization.
A logic-in-memory design with 3-terminal magnetic tunnel junction function evaluators for convolutional neural networks

Analog implementations of neuromorphic circuits within digital systems are increasingly becoming attractive due to the high throughput and low energy per operation they offer. Magnetic logic devices based on spin-orbit torque offer a pathway to low-power resistive analog circuits. We present the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) function evaluator, a design for a logic device that evaluates nonlinear and linear functions for neural networks. We model the device and extend it into a functional design implementation in a logic-in-memory architecture in a hybrid process with magnetic device layers and 45 nm CMOS.
Who is the true Halalkhor? Genealogy and ethics in dalit Muslim oral traditions:

The social worlds that dalit Muslims in North India daily negotiate are pervaded by contradictions between caste practices and Islamic ethics. Dalit Muslims engaged in manual scavenging and related...
Curtin-Hammett-Driven Intramolecular Cyclization of Heteroenyne-Allenes to Phenanthridine-Fused Quinazoliniminiums.

Intramolecular cyclization of the heteroenyne–allene 2-((biphenyl-2-ylimino)methyleneamino)benzonitrile 1 to phenanthridine-fused quinazoliniminium salt PQ in the presence of a Lewis acid at room temperature involves formation of two new bonds: a C–C bond and a C–N bond. In this article, density functional theory (B3LYP and M06-2X) was employed in conjunction with 6-311G* basis set to gain insights into the mechanism of this cyclization reaction. The solvent effects were considered using Polarizable Continuum Model with nitromethane as the solvent. Our calculations show that C–C bond formation precedes the C–N bond formation. Precisely, the mechanism involves initial protonation of 1 at Nα and Nβ of the carbodiimide to form rapidly equilibrating conformers of the tautomers 2a,b and 3a,b. The Curtin–Hammett principle is invoked to determine the course of the reaction from these protonated species, which predicts that the intramolecular Friedel–Crafts type N-acylation (C–C bond formation) occurs between the...
A Conceptual Map of Conservation Paleobiology: Visualizing a Discipline

Disciplinary boundaries frame the basic questions and central issues of research, providing the context for the evolution of prevailing theories or paradigm shifts. This chapter aims to outline the development and scope of conservation paleobiology using bibliometrics. Publication records relating to research on conservation paleobiology were downloaded from Web of Science to generate two datasets, one aimed at producing a more conservative representation of conservation paleobiology, and the other more expansive. Bibliographic maps were created to provide insight into the development and structure of the discipline for both characterizations of conservation paleobiology research (conservative versus expansive). Bibliographic maps indicated that individual researchers working on conservation paleobiology specialize in several fields. Regardless of how conservation paleobiology is defined, research involving both paleontology and conservation appears to be highly multidisciplinary, including at least three main research domains broadly categorized as: (1) environmental history and conservation archeobiology, (2) genetics and evolutionary biology, and (3) ecology. Furthermore, paleontological publications did not form a distinct cluster, but rather were integrated within conservation science. This supports the proposition that, in practice, conservation paleobiology is a field of study within conservation science, and not a sub-discipline within paleontology. Analyses also revealed emerging research fronts in several topics and confirmed the need for long-term data that pre-dates human activities.
Current Status and Future Prospects of Perinatal MEG

Neurodevelopment is a vast and critically important area of neuroscience, yet there is a paucity of functional imaging research during the perinatal and infant period when development is most rapid and significant. MEG offers compelling advantages over EEG and other neuroimaging methods for perinatal research. Over the last few decades, interest in this area has vacillated, but it is likely to reemerge in the coming years as neurodevelopmental disorders attract greater attention. This short contribution comments on the current status and future prospects of fetal and neonatal MEG, and highlights the SERF (spin exchange relaxation-free) magnetometer as an important new technology.
Property and Freedom: The Story of How Through the Centuries Private Ownership Has Promoted Liberty and the Rule of Law: A Comment

Book review of Richard Pipes' Property and Freedom: The Story of how Through the Centuries Private Ownership has Promoted Liberty and the Rule of Law.
Intercavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula successfully treated with transvenous embolization. a case report.

The venous sinuses commonly found in the margins of the diaphragm and sella are venous interconnections between the bilateral cavernous dural sinuses and are termed intercavernous communications or intercavernous sinuses. They form a venous ring, a single “circular sinus” that extends throughout the skull base. We report the first case to our knowledge of an intercavernous sinus fistula. We emphasize the importance of thorough knowledge of lesion characteristics before considering any interventional procedure. An 84-year-old woman presented with alarming progressive orbital symptoms for one month affecting her left eye. A cerebral angiogram showed an intercavernous sinus fistula supplied by internal and external carotid arterial branches. Transvenous embolization through retrograde catheterization of the right inferior petrosal sinus allowed complete coil occlusion of the lesion. Cerebral angiography confirmed the absence of residual blood flow through the fistula. This report represents the first case of an intercavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula successfully treated with transvenous embolization. A detailed awareness of the regional anatomy is essential for treatment approach and favorable outcomes.
Les Houches Lectures on Large N Field Theories and Gravity

We describe the holographic correspondence between field theories and string/M theory, focusing on the relation between compactifications of string/M theory on Anti-de Sitter spaces and conformal field theories. We review the background for this correspondence and discuss its motivations and the evidence for its correctness. We describe the main results that have been derived from the correspondence in the regime that the field theory is approximated by classical or semiclassical gravity. We focus on the case of the N = 4 supersymmetric gauge theory in four dimensions. These lecture notes are based on the Review written by Aharony et al. [1].
An Introduction to Ecoimmunology

Ecoimmunology is the study of the causes and consequences of variation in immunity. This integrative field builds on and complements comparative immunology by evaluating immunity across levels of biological organization using an evolutionary and ecological framework. One major accomplishment of ecoimmunology has been to demonstrate that immune defenses have costs, and these costs can be context-dependent. As a result, researchers assess immunity not only in terms of specific immune pathways but also as functional, emergent traits, such as resistance against and tolerance of parasites. Ecoimmunology also highlights the importance of integration across physiological systems, including the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems, in the production of immune defenses. The field has demonstrated the importance of genetics, developmental environment, and current conditions to individual variation in immune function and emphasized the traits of species, such as body size, that could be integral to immune phenotypes. Furthermore, ecoimmunological studies have shown that heterogeneity in immunity at the individual and species levels can have important consequences for disease dynamics within populations and communities as well as population cycling. Herein we discuss these key research areas in ecoimmunology as they relate to three central themes: (1) immunity in the context of the whole organism, (2) heterogeneity in immunity, and (3) the broad consequences of individual variation in immunity. We conclude by reviewing future directions for ecoimmunology, focusing on those that could have important implications for public health, conservation, and wildlife management.
Donald Trump and “America First,” 2017–

The election of Donald Trump brought to the White House a billionaire businessman who never held a political office and had virtually no experience with, or knowledge about, international relations not related to his business activities. In the first seventeen months of his presidency, he struck a significant blow at the liberal international order that was created and maintained by the United States since the Second World War.
Investigation on the Modification of Physicochemical Properties of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles through Adsorption of Cd and As(III)/As(V)

Previous studies have demonstrated that engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and metal(loid)s mutually affect their accumulation in plant tissues. Adsorption of metal(loid)s on ENPs is deemed as an important mechanism for their interactions. However, quantitative information on the extent of adsorption in environmentally relevant conditions is lacking. Information is also lacking on how the adsorption of metal(loid)s on ENPs may change the physicochemical properties of ENPs such as their size and zeta potential and consequently their plant uptake. This study measured the adsorption isotherms of Cd and As(III)/As(V) onto 100 mg L–1 cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) in both the presence and absence of synthetic root exudates (SRE) in batch reactors. The adsorption study was allowed to proceed for 48 h to ensure equilibrium. Addition of SRE lowered the pH of the mixture from around 5.9 to 2.3. Both As and Cd displayed strong adsorption on CeO2NPs at pH 5.9. The adsorption was drastically reduced at pH 2.3 with...
Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Chronic Daily Headache: Part II—Manipulation-Based Therapies and Other CAM Therapies

The manipulation-based complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies assessed for headache include acupuncture, acupressure, dry needling, chiropractic manipulation (spinal manipulative and mobilization therapy), massage, craniosacral therapy, and reflexology. Several other complementary therapies discussed include aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, daith piercing, and hyperbaric oxygen administration. The strongest evidence for acupuncture is for chronic migraine, and cost analyses suggest it may have overall cost benefit, but methodologic concerns of the research limit interpretation and generalizability of results. There is some evidence for spinal manipulative therapy for chronic cervicogenic headache or chronic tension-type headache, but most chiropractic studies also have major methodologic limitations. The potential for major adverse events, such as cervical dissection or stroke, limits more widespread recommendation for use. The limited data supporting the use of massage, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, daith piercing, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment for chronic headache conditions precludes any recommendations.
Programming clouds

Cloud computing provides a platform for new software applications that run across a large collection of physically separate computers and free computation from the computer in front of a user. Distributed computing is not new, but the commodification of its hardware platform—along with ubiquitous networking; powerful mobile devices; and inexpensive, embeddable, networkable computers—heralds a revolution comparable to the PC. Software development for the cloud offers many new (and some old challenges) that are central to research in programming models, languages, and tools. The language and tools community should embrace this new world as fertile source of new challenges and opportunities to advance the state of the art.
Measuring and forecasting mobile game app engagement

Abstract Monetization strategies in the large and strongly growing mobile app space must go beyond traditional purchase revenue as most mobile apps are now free to download. One key marketing innovation allows mobile app publishers to monetize ongoing engagement — in-app advertising. We study ongoing user engagement with a mobile app after the initial download decision using the $40 billion mobile gaming industry as an example. Our study investigates and forecasts user engagement after the initial download aiming to help publishers to monetize their engagement via in-app advertising. We leverage a novel dataset containing user-level engagement for 193 mobile games and propose a hierarchical Poisson model on a mobile-game level. We find significant usage heterogeneity across the mobile games studied and generate forecasts publishers can use when trying to monetize engagement via pre-sold contracts.
Persuasive ChairBots: a robot recruited experiment

The success of rising service robots will rely largely on their ability to persuade people to use their services. Simple scenarios in which a robot conveys information to a human could be enhanced given a deeper understanding of persuasion in the context of human robot interaction. These robots can further increase their utility with moving around and being responsive to people. Robot furniture is an upcoming area of social robotics where the furniture itself acts as the minimal social robot. These robots have already shown success in interacting via non-verbal behaviors, however, previous work has seldom considered the persuasive capability of their behavior except in [1] [2].
A Surgical Mouse Model for Advancing Laryngeal Nerve Regeneration Strategies

Iatrogenic recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a morbid complication of anterior neck surgical procedures. Existing treatments are predominantly symptomatic, ranging from behavioral therapy to a variety of surgical approaches. Though laryngeal reinnervation strategies often provide muscle tone to the paralyzed vocal fold (VF), which may improve outcomes, there is no clinical intervention that reliably restores true physiologic VF movement. Moreover, existing interventions neglect the full cascade of molecular events that affect the entire neuromuscular pathway after RLN injury, including the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, synaptic connections within the central nervous system, and laryngeal nerve anastomoses. Systematic investigations of this pathway are essential to develop better RLN regenerative strategies. Our aim was to develop a translational mouse model for this purpose, which will permit longitudinal investigations of the pathophysiology of iatrogenic RLN injury and potential therapeutic interventions. C57BL/6J mice were divided into four surgical transection groups (unilateral RLN, n = 10; bilateral RLN, n = 2; unilateral SLN, n = 10; bilateral SLN, n = 10) and a sham surgical group (n = 10). Miniaturized transoral laryngoscopy was used to assess VF mobility over time, and swallowing was assessed using serial videofluoroscopy. Histological assays were conducted 3 months post-surgery for anatomical investigation of the larynx and laryngeal nerves. Eight additional mice underwent unilateral RLN crush injury, half of which received intraoperative vagal nerve stimulation (iVNS). These 8 mice underwent weekly transoral laryngoscopy to investigate VF recovery patterns. Unilateral RLN injury resulted in chronic VF immobility but only acute dysphagia. Bilateral RLN injury caused intraoperative asphyxiation and death. VF mobility was unaffected by SLN transection (unilateral or bilateral), and dysphagia (transient) was evident only after bilateral SLN transection. The sham surgery group retained normal VF mobility and swallow function. Mice that underwent RLN crush injury and iVNS treatment demonstrated accelerated and improved VF recovery. We successfully developed a mouse model of iatrogenic RLN injury with impaired VF mobility and swallowing function that can serve as a clinically relevant platform to develop translational neuroregenerative strategies for RLN injury.
Peristaltic locomotion without digital controllers: Exploiting multi-stability in origami to coordinate robotic motion

Abstract This study examines a novel approach to generate peristaltic-like locomotion in a segmented origami robot. Specifically, we demonstrate the use of multi-stability embedded in the origami skeleton to eliminate the need for multiple actuators or digital controllers to coordinate the complex robotic movements in peristaltic crawling. The crawling robot in this study consists of two serially connected bistable origami segments, each featuring a generalized Kresling design and a foldable anchoring mechanism. Mechanics analysis and experimental testing reveal that the nonlinear elastic behaviors of this dual-segment module, especially its rapid deformation due to the non-monotonic energy landscape and force–displacement relationship, can create a deterministic deformation sequence or actuation cycle. This cycle can then be used to generate the different phases in a peristaltic-like locomotion gait. Instead of individually controlling the segment deformation like in earthworm and other crawling robots, we only control the total length of this robot. Therefore, this approach can significantly reduce the total number of actuators needed for locomotion and simplify the control requirements. Moreover, the richness in Kresling origami design offers us substantial freedom to tailor the locomotion performance. The results of this study will contribute to a paradigm shift in how we can use the mechanics of multi-stability for robotic actuation and control.
Alcohol use, pregnancy and associated risk factors: a pilot cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending prenatal care in an urban city.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preventable alcohol-related developmental disability fetal alcohol syndrome. In Zambia, alcohol use and associated risk factors have not been investigated, and screening in prenatal care is nonexistent. This study determined individual correlates and the prevalence of alcohol use in pregnant women attending prenatal care at two health clinics in Lusaka, Zambia. A study adopted a cross-sectional design and recruited 188 pregnant women after seeking their informed consent from July 19 to 31, 2017. Participants aged 18 or over completed the T-ACE (Tolerance, Annoyance, Cut Down and Eye Opener) screening tool and validated alcohol-screening questionnaires on self-reported alcohol use periconceptional and during conception period while at their regular prenatal visit. The T-ACE screening tool assessed the risk of alcohol dependence in four short questions. The questionnaires included demographic questions. Bivariate analyses were performed using the χ2 test for dichotomous variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Mixed-effects linear models were used to evaluate the effect of outcome variables with patient-level variables. About 40 (21.2%) pregnant women were identified by the T-ACE as at-risk for problem drinking during pregnancy. Except for regular prenatal care and distance, there was no difference in the demographic factors between pregnant women who scored 2 points (all p’s > 0.05). A small proportional of women at both clinics reported binge drinking during the periconceptional period (12.7% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.003) and beyond periconception period. Excluding employed women, no significant relationships were observed between alcohol use and demographic factors. Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the periconceptional period and during pregnancy in pregnant women attending prenatal care in Zambia. Findings underscore the need for targeted alcohol use screening and intervention for pregnant women.
Evaluation of the Potential Role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Niemann-Pick Disease, Type C1.

Niemann–Pick disease, type C1, is a cholesterol storage disease where unesterified cholesterol accumulates intracellularly. In the cerebellum this causes neurodegeneration of the Purkinje neurons that die in an anterior-to-posterior and time-dependent manner. This results in cerebellar ataxia as one of the major outcomes of the disease. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a significant role in the regulation of serum cholesterol levels by modulating LDL receptor levels on peripheral tissues. In the central nervous system, PCSK9 may have a similar effect on the closely related VLDL and ApoE2 receptors to regulate brain cholesterol. In addition, regulation of VLDLR and ApoER2 by PCSK9 may contribute to neuronal apoptotic pathways through Reelin, the primary ligand of VLDLR and ApoER2. Defects in reelin signaling results in cerebellar dysfunction leading to ataxia as seen in the Reeler mouse. Our recent findings that Pcsk9 is expressed ~8-fold higher in the anterior lobules of the cerebellum compared to the posterior lobule X, which is resistant to neurodegeneration, prompted us to ask whether PCSK9 could play a role in NPC1 disease progression. We addressed this question genetically, by characterizing NPC1 disease in the presence or absence of PCSK9. Analysis of double mutant Pcsk9-/-/Npc1-/- mice by disease severity scoring, motor assessments, lifespan, and cerebellar Purkinje cell staining, showed no obvious difference in NPC1 disease progression with that of Npc1-/- mice. This suggests that PCSK9 does not play an apparent role in NPC1 disease progression.
19 Biological Models of Associative Learning

Virtually all species of animals demonstrate the capacity to acquire and retain new information or modify behavior through experience, which indicates that learning and memory are the sine quo non of survival. Contemporary psychological and biological studies recognize that memory is not a single cognitive entity but rather can be divided into multiple informational systems—such as learning to ride a bicycle or speak a second language—subserved by different brain structures. In order to probe the neural and molecular mechanisms of memory, however, it is a prerequisite to identify the site(s) of a memory trace (an engram). Classical or Pavlovian conditioning, in which an animal learns a predictive relationship between two or more stimuli and is considered the basic building block of learning and memory, is a model system for neurobiological studies of learning and memory because it provides an important advantage over other more complex forms of learning. In classical conditioning the environmental stimuli (inputs) are well defined and can be precisely controlled, and the behavioral response (output) is discrete and accurately assessed. This chapter presents two well-investigated basic associative paradigms: eyeblink conditioning and fear conditioning. Keywords: amygdala; cerebellum; eyeblink conditioning; fear conditioning; learning and memory
189 – Atrolysin F

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the structural chemistry and the biological aspects of atrolysin F. Atrolysin F was originally termed Hemorrhagic Toxin f (HT-f). It is a zinc metalloproteinase that was isolated from the venom of the western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox. This is the second P-III class snake venom metalloproteinase isolated to date from C. atrox venom, the other being atrolysin. Atrolysin F is a single-polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 64,000 based on SDS-PAGE. There are 1.15 mol of zinc per mol of enzyme. From amino acid analysis, the protein comprises 572 amino acids with 45 half-cystines. The amino acid composition data tentatively place atrolysin F in the P-III category. Antibodies generated against atrolysin F do not cross-react with other atrolysins. In vitro, the proteolytic activity of atrolysin F can be assayed by either a modification of the Kunitz method or using dimethylcasein. The proteolytic activity of atrolysin F is inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline.
Building an implementation science of activism

In this issue of Critical Public Health, we publish a paper from Bodini et al. (2020) reflecting on some of the methodological challenges of conducting research on ‘activism in action’. The paper’s...
Incremental criterion validity of message perceptions and effects perceptions in the context of anti-smoking messages.

To select promising health messages, formative research has often relied on perceived message effectiveness (PME) scales assessing either of two related constructs, message perceptions (persuasive potential) and effects perceptions (potential for behavioral impact). We sought to examine their incremental criterion validity within a comparative framework. Participants were 703 U.S. adult smokers (ages $$\ge$$ 21) who received anti-smoking or comparable control (littering) messages on their cigarette packs for 3 weeks. Structural equation models examined both PME constructs as simultaneous correlates of outcomes from the UNC Tobacco Warnings Model. Message perceptions demonstrated incremental criterion validity with attention, an early behavioral antecedent ( $$\beta$$ = 0.82, p < .001). Effects perceptions demonstrated incremental criterion validity with later behavioral antecedents (range $$\beta$$ = 0.74–0.87, all p < .01) and quitting behaviors ( $$\beta$$ = 0.36–0.66, all p < .001). Formative research on anti-smoking messages may benefit from focusing on effects perceptions to characterize potential for behavior change.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-Induced Cardiovascular Syndrome: Etiology, Outcomes, and Management

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic evolves, more complications associated with the disease come to surface. Thus far, there is limited information available on the etiology, clinical outcomes, and management options for cardiovascular complications caused by COVID-19. This review focuses on literature published in year 2020 on the virus-induced cardiovascular damage with intention to better understand pathophysiology of this process, its impact on clinical outcomes, and available therapies. Literature review shows that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) acts through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors and causes cardiac injury by direct damage to the cardiomyocytes, systemic inflammation, fibrosis, interferon and cytokine-mediated immune response, coronary plaque destabilization, and hypoxia. Comorbidities, especially underling heart disease, make patients more predisposed to severe cardiovascular damage. COVID-19 patients who develop myocardial injury have a higher mortality rate compared to those who do not. During the pandemic, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should remain the standard of care for patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). On the other hand, in order to limit healthcare worker exposure, patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) should be managed with stabilization strategies if hemodynamically stable. Monitoring hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high sensitivity troponin can help screen for severe complications and detect them early. Use of multiple investigational drugs with uncertain cardiac safety profiles in COVID-19 patients requires continuous cardiac monitoring. Notch signaling pathway therapy along with anti-viral agents, interleukin-6 inhibitors, and convalescent serum are possible treatment options to better control the inflammatory state that drives the cardiac damage.
Click to subscribe: interest group emails as a source of data

Modern interest groups frequently utilize email communications with members as an organizational and informational tool. Furthermore, the nature of email communications—frequent, abundant, and simple to collect—makes them an excellent source of data for studies of interest groups. Nevertheless, despite the substantive importance and methodological possibilities of email communications, few interest group scholars have taken advantage of this data source due to the lack of a comprehensive, systematic database of email texts. This article makes the case for emails as a form of (big) data in the interest group field and discusses best practices for compiling and analyzing datasets of interest group emails. The article also introduces the Political Group Communication Database—the first large scale database of interest group and think tank email communications—and discusses the utility of this (and related) data for answering perennial and newly emergent questions in the interest group field.
Late Breaking Results: LDFSM: A Low-Cost Bit-Stream Generator for Low-Discrepancy Stochastic Computing

Low-discrepancy (LD) bit-streams have been proposed to improve accuracy and computation speed of stochastic computing (SC) circuits. These bit-streams are conventionally generated using a quasi-random number generator such as a Sobol sequence generator and a comparator. The high hardware cost of quasi-random number generators makes the current comparator-based LD bit-stream generators expensive in terms of area and power cost. The hardware cost issue further aggravates when increasing the number of inputs and the precision of data. A finite state machine (FSM)-based LD bit-stream generator was proposed recently to mitigate this hardware cost. The proposed generator however can only generate one LD pattern which limits its application to SC circuits with only one LD bit-stream. This work proposes LDFSM, a low-cost FSM-based LD bit-stream generator that supports generation of any LD pattern. LDFSM reduces the hardware area and the area-delay product up to 80% compared to those of the state-of-the-art LD bit-stream generator.
Self-Assembled Solute Networks in Crowded Electrolyte Solutions and Nanoconfinement of Charged Redoxmer Molecules.

Redoxmers are electrochemically active organic molecules storing charge and energy in electrolyte fluids circulating through redox flow batteries (RFBs). Such molecules typically have solvent-repel...
Toward Hierarchical Mobile Edge Computing: An Auction-Based Profit Maximization Approach

The multitiered concept of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloudlets, and clouds is facilitating a user-centric IoT. However, in such three tier network, it is still desirable to investigate efficient strategies to offer the computing, storage, and communications resources to the users. To this end, this paper proposes a new hierarchical model by introducing the concept of field , shallow , and deep cloudlets where the cloudlet tier itself is designed in three hierarchical levels based on the principle of LTE-advanced backhaul network. Accordingly, we explore a two time scale approach in which the computing resources are offered in an auction-based profit maximization manner and then the communications resources are allocated to satisfy the users’ quality of service.
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Inter-hospital Transfers: Two Case Reports

Non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) remains a considerable source of potentially preventable death in both military and civilian trauma. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is one tool that can be used to treat or prevent hemodynamic collapse in hemorrhaging patients suffering from NCTH, but until now its use has been mostly as a bridge to definitive hemostasis within institutions and less so as temporizing intervention in the pre-hospital setting. The cases described here are the first reported uses of REBOA as a means of enabling inter-hospital transfer within a regionalized trauma system. This experience could help inform future patient selection, procedural technique and institutional readiness to fully realize the potential for REBOA in salvaging patients with NCTH.
Differences in Quitline Registrants’ Characteristics During National Radio Versus Television Antismoking Campaigns

Introduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Tips From Former Smokers® campaign encourages smokers to get help with quitting smoking by promoting 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Campaign advertisements featuring an offer of help with obtaining free cessation medication aired nationally on radio for 2 weeks in 2016. Similar advertisements aired nationally on TV for 3 weeks in 2017. The comparison period of 2016 radio campaign and 2017 TV campaign was used to examine the characteristics of quitline registrants by a media referral source (TV or radio). Methods Data on the number and demographics of quitline registrants in 2016 and 2017 were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Quitline Data Warehouse. The investigators conducted t-tests to assess the demographic differences between registrants who heard about the quitline through the radio advertisements and those who heard about it through the TV advertisements during the comparison period. This analysis was conducted in 2019. Results The registrants who heard about the quitline from radio advertisements were more likely to be male, younger, and have more years of education. However, the registrants who heard about the quitline from TV advertisements were more likely to be Black, non-Hispanic, and have fewer years of education. Conclusions The findings suggest that the demographic profiles of quitline registrants vary significantly based on how registrants hear about the quitline (via radio or TV). These differences in the characteristics of registrants can help inform the tobacco control mass media purchasing strategies and may enable media efforts to target the specific subgroups of smokers in a better way.
Utilization of Palliative Care Among Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: An Extensive National Analysis to Define Trends and Patterns

Abstract Background: There is growing recognition of palliative care (PAL) as an integral aspect of cancer treatment. Several guidelines recommend universal access and early utilization of PAL as a goal for patient care but no data exists defining current trends and practice patterns for PAL use, especially in hematologic malignancies. Methods: The 2016 National Cancer Database (NCDB) was utilized for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and Hodgkin disease (HD) diagnosed between 2004-2013. Deceased patients who received PAL as part of initial therapy for these diagnoses were stratified by survival duration ( Results: A total of 293518 patients were present in NCDB for the identified diagnoses (AML: 55827, CLL: 20634, HD: 9871, NHL: 147614, MM: 59572). Of these 15352 (5.2%) received PAL as part of initial therapy. Compared to patients diagnosed in 2004-2005, patients diagnosed in 2012-2013 had significantly higher odds of PAL use in those surviving Conclusions: We present the largest analysis so far of utilization of PAL in patients with hematologic malignancies. Despite national guidelines and near universal recommendations, overall utilization of PAL was dismal and lesser so in academic cancer programs including NCI-designated centers. There was no clear subgroup showing uniform utilization, suggesting sporadic use at best. We noted significant heterogeneity in practice patterns by all characteristics studied underscoring the need for standardized implementation with public, healthcare provider, institutional and political will. Disclosures Ailawadhi: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sher: LAM Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding.
Changes in sialic acid binding associated with egg adaptation decrease live attenuated influenza virus replication in human nasal epithelial cell cultures.

Abstract Live Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV) is administered to and replicates in the sinonasal epithelium. Candidate LAIV vaccine strains are selected based on their ability to replicate to a high titer in embryonated hen’s eggs, a process that can lead to mutations which alter the receptor binding and antigenic structure of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein. In the 2012–2013 northern hemisphere vaccine, the H3N2 HA vaccine strain contained three amino acid changes - H156Q, G186V and S219Y – which altered HA antigenic structure and thus presumably decreased vaccine efficacy. To determine if these mutations also altered LAIV replication, reabcombinant viruses were created that encoded the wild-type (WT) parental HA of A/Victoria/361/2011 (WT HA LAIV), the egg adapted HA (EA HA LAIV) from the A/Victoria/361/2011 vaccine strain and an HA protein with additional amino acid changes to promote α2,3 sialic acid binding (2,3 EA HA LAIV). The WT HA LAIV bound α2,6 sialic compared to the EA HA LAIV and 2,3 EA HA LAIV which both demonstrated an increased preference for α2,3 sialic acid. On MDCKs, the WT HA and EA HA LAIVs showed similar replication at 32 °C but at 37 °C the EA HA LAIV replicated to lower infectious virus titers. The 2,3 EA HA LAIV replicated poorly at both temperatures. This replication phenotype was similar on human nasal epithelial cell (hNEC) cultures, however the WT HA LAIV induced the highest amount of IFN-λ and infected more nasal epithelial cells compared to the other viruses. Together, these data indicate that egg adaption mutations in the HA protein that confer preferential α2,3 sialic acid binding may adversely affect LAIV replication and contribute to reduced vaccine efficacy.
Opioid and CNS-Depressant Medication Prescribing among Older Adults Enrolled in Medicare Advantage Versus Fee-for-Service Medicare.

Abstract Objective To examine whether prescription fills of opioids and central nervous system (CNS) depressants are lower in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which aim to provide more coordinated and integrated care, than fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare. Methods Data from the 2015 National Health and Aging Trends Study linked with Medicare claims. Community-dwelling adults ≥65 enrolled in Medicare Part D were included (n = 5,652). Prescription fills of opioids, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and co-prescriptions of opioids with the other medications in MA versus FFS Medicare were examined using multivariate logistic models. Propensity score weighting was applied to account for differences in characteristics between MA and FFS beneficiaries. Results MA enrollees were less likely to fill prescriptions for benzodiazepines (15.6% versus 19.0%; marginal difference: -3.4%, t = -2.54, df = 56, p = 0.01), and co-prescriptions of opioids and gabapentinoids (5.1% versus 6.7%; marginal difference: -1.6%, t = -2.07, df = 56, p = 0.04) than FFS beneficiaries. There were no significant differences among the other prescription outcomes. Conclusions MA was associated with slightly lower likelihood of receiving opioids and some CNS depressants.
Confronting the Challenge of Idolatory: Response to Alon Goshen-Gottstein, Same God, Other god

A critical analysis of some important issues raised by Goshen-Gottstein's book. The author argues that the most fruitful avenue for a Jewish approach to Hinduism is by using the concept of shituf. This means that for Jews, all use of statues, images, and speaking about “gods” is forbidden. However, for non-Jews, this would remain a permitted form of worship as long as the various gods are seen as manifestations of the one true God.