cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological Sensitivity to the Effects of Childhood Family Adversity on Psychological Well-Being in Young Adulthood:

The theory of biological sensitivity to context may inform our understanding of why some children exposed to family adversity develop mental health problems in emerging adulthood whereas others demonstrate resilience. This study investigated the interactive effects of heart rate (HR) reactivity and childhood family adversity (maltreatment and changes in family structure) on depressive symptoms and positive affect among 150 undergraduate students (18–28 years old; 77% White, non-Hispanic; 61% female). Participants reported on childhood parental divorce or death, and child maltreatment, and current depressive symptoms and positive affect. HR reactivity was assessed in response to a laboratory interpersonal stressor. HR reactivity moderated the effects of child maltreatment on depressive symptoms and positive affect; higher maltreatment was associated with more depressive symptoms and less positive affect, but only among those with average and higher levels of HR reactivity. Results suggest that higher physi...
Mass storage systems and applications

Ubiquitous access to large quantities of information content is one of the main benefits anticipated from the Global Information Infrastructure (GII). One of several major factors in achieving this objective is the cost and performance of the distributed storage systems which will act as the repositories for this information. This article presents an overview of the major components and requirements of storage systems for information services on the GII.
Validity index-based vigilance test in adaptive resonance theory neural networks

One of the distinguishing features of Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) is that it relies on a second similarity check, called a vigilance test, to accept or reject a sample into a given category. Generic unsupervised versions of ART rely on a single layer vigilance test, whereas their supervised counterparts possess a second layer test based on classification errors that trigger a match tracking procedure regulated by an inter-ART block. This work uses a second layer vigilance test based on validity indices. A new sample is accepted into a category if its match function surpasses the vigilance test of both layers: the standard first check is based on minimum similarity, and the second check analyses whether setting that sample as belonging to the winner category results in an improvement of the current data partition according to the chosen validity index used as a cost function. Namely, if the new clustering state is superior to the previous one, then learning is allowed for the winning category. Otherwise, the algorithm proceeds as usual in ART implementations. Thus, this local greedy heuristic uses the validity index as a reinforcement signal, looking at the immediate reward to guide the learning of the ART categories without an additional external optimizer algorithm. A sweep analysis of the first layer vigilance parameter was performed and experiments indicate that the presented approach outperforms the standard Fuzzy ART neural network when samples are randomly presented. When samples are presented in a predefined order, Fuzzy ART obtains the best peak performance, however the modified approach was less sensitive to parameter variations.
Thalamic Stimulation Promotes, While Mfb Stimulation Inhibits, Calcium Oscillatory Activity in the Rat Striatum

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive disorder that involves a marked functional degradation of the extrapyramidal nigrostriatal dopamine system. Present, palliative-only therapeutic strategies include (1) replacement of lost dopamine tone, for example through L-DOPA treatment (Rinne, 1987; Shoulson, 2000) or fetal mesencephalic transplantation (Lindvall et al., 1994), (2) post-synaptic dopamine receptor activating drugs including pramipexole (Rinne, 1987), or bromocriptine (Shoulson, 2000) and (3) surgical ablation such as globus pallidotomy (Lang and Lozano, 1998), among others. More recently, either deep brain stimulation (DBS) or thalatotomy (Bejjani, 2000) may offer paradoxically similar beneficial outcomes for some PD patients. Though aggressive clinical trials are still ongoing, DBS seems to be particularly effective in attenuating drug-induced dyskinesias that often develop during prolonged L-DOPA treatment (Nutte, 2000), and this reliably enough that the procedure has just been endorsed for wider use by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration. As yet, the specific mechanism by which DBS offers relief is unresolved.
G255(P) Aortic and pulmonary artery calcification in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Introduction Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a rare disorder occurring as a result of communicating vascular anastomosis between the circulations of one twin with that of the other. Cardiac findings in this condition may include ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary stenosis, tricuspid regurgitation, congestive cardiac failure, left ventricle hypoplasia with hypokinesia, and sub-aortic obstruction seen in the recipient twin. Isolated great artery calcification; aortic and pulmonary artery calcification is one such uncommon condition associated with TTTS. It may cause severe systemic hypertension and cardiomyopathy. We report a case of aortic and pulmonary artery calcification in association with TTTS Case report The twins were born at 34+4 weeks of gestation by elective caesarean in good condition. There was an antenatal diagnosis of TTTS, treated with laser ablation of the recipient twin (Twin 1). Twin 1 had an antenatal diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis and pericardial effusion. Echocardiogram done postnatally in the first day of life showed a structurally normal heart with pericardial effusion. The aortic valve was bicuspid with an echogenic post aortic valve stenosis and the ascending aorta. Pulmonary valve was echogenic with a clear post pulmonary valve stenosis a post stenotic dilatation. The pulmonary arteries looked small bilaterally with a flow velocity of approximately 1.7 m/sec. Serial echocardiogram in the neonatal unit showed no increase in the velocity across the great vessels. Serum calcium levels were within normal limits. An abdominal ultrasound showed no evidence of calcification or stenosis of renal arteries or the splanchnic circulation. Baby was closely monitored on the neonatal unit and was discharged on day 21 of life with a good weight gain and follow up with the cardiologists. Conclusion Calcification of the great vessels is an uncommon finding in TTTS and is thought to be secondary to the excessive volume overload in the recipient twin. Antenatal ultrasonography is useful in identifying hyperechogenicity of vessel walls. Serial monitoring during pregnancy and postnatal life is imperative to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this syndrome.
Correlation-Based ultrahigh-dimensional variable screening

Statistical inference can be computationally prohibitive in ultrahigh-dimensional linear models. Correlation-based variable screening, in which one leverages marginal correlations for removal of irrelevant variables from the model prior to statistical inference, can be used to overcome this challenge. Prior works on correlation-based variable screening either impose strong statistical priors on the linear model or assume specific post-screening inference methods. This paper extends the analysis of correlation-based variable screening to arbitrary linear models and post-screening inference techniques. In particular, (i) it shows that a condition — termed the screening condition — is sufficient for successful correlation-based screening of linear models, and (ii) it provides insights into the dependence of marginal correlation-based screening on different problem parameters. Finally, numerical experiments confirm that the insights of this paper are not mere artifacts of analysis; rather, they are reflective of the challenges associated with marginal correlation-based variable screening.
Catalytic Enantioselective Birch-Heck Sequence for the Synthesis of Tricyclic Structures with All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters.

A new enantioselective desymmetrizing Mizoroki–Heck reaction is reported. The process affords high yields and enantioselectivities of tricyclic structures containing all-carbon quaternary stereocen...
Cadaver-Specific Models for Finite-Element Analysis of Iliopsoas Impingement in Dual-Mobility Hip Implants.

Abstract Background Joint dislocation is a major cause of failure in total hip arthroplasty. Dual-mobility implants provide a femoral head diameter that can match the native hip size for greater stability against dislocation. However, such large heads are prone to impingement against surrounding soft tissues. To address this concern, the concept of an anatomically contoured dual-mobility implant was evaluated using cadaver-specific finite-element analysis (FEA). Methods The stiffness of 10 iliopsoas tendons was measured and also 3D bone models, contact pressure, and iliopsoas tendon stress were evaluated for 2 implant designs according to a previous cadaveric experiment. The iliopsoas interaction with an anatomically contoured and conventional dual-mobility implant was analyzed throughout hip flexion. Results The tensile test of cadaveric iliopsoas tendons revealed an average linear stiffness of 339.4 N/mm, which was used as an input for the FEA. Tendon-liner contact pressure and tendon von Mises stress decreased with increasing hip flexion for both implants. Average contact pressure and von Mises stresses were lower in the anatomically contoured design compared with the conventional implant across all specimens and hip flexion angles. Conclusions This study was built upon a previous cadaver study showing reduced tenting of the iliopsoas tendon for an anatomically contoured design compared with a conventional dual-mobility implant. The present cadaver-specific FEA study found reduced tendon-liner contact pressure and tendon stresses with contoured dual-mobility liners. Anatomical contoured design may be a solution to avoid anterior soft-tissue impingement when using hip prostheses with large femoral heads.
Analysis of anomalies and failures in dynamic web applications

Companies today enable digital relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees by delivering compelling functionality that saves time and money. As web applications are growing in the number of dynamic pages relative to the static pages, there is a need for effective ways to improve web quality and reliability. This paper presents an effective method to analyze, classify, and prioritize anomalies in dynamic web applications. The analysis technique addressed in this paper introduces a formalized procedure that uses the server access log and defect data detected in a development or system maintenance cycle to identify errors with high frequency. Fixing the top faults identified provides a cost effective and efficient mechanism to improve the reliability and quality of web applications. This formalized procedure will provide a high degree of automation. The results of applying our approach to a case study from telecommunication industry are included to show its applicability and effectiveness.
Epstein-Barr virus in benign lymph node biopsies from individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus is associated with concurrent or subsequent development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased incidence of high-grade B-cell lymphoma. In many instances, these lymphomas contain Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) genomes. To investigate the role of EBV in development of HIV-related lymphoma, benign fixed lymph node biopsies from normal individuals and HIV- infected individuals with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) were analyzed for EBV sequences by polymerase chain reaction and in situ DNA hybridization techniques. EBV DNA was not detected in any of 16 benign lymph node biopsies from normal individuals, but could be detected from 13 of 35 PGL biopsies. The EBV-infected cells were present in both follicular and interfollicular areas and in both small and large lymphoid cells. The presence of detectable amounts of EBV DNA in the 13 PGL biopsies was associated with an increased incidence of concurrent lymphoma at another site (n = 3) or development of lymphoma in time (n = 2). In contrast, only 1 of 22 individuals with EBV- negative PGL biopsies developed lymphoma in time (P less than .05). EBV was detected in all five lymphomas in which tissue was available for subsequent analysis, including the lymphoma that developed in the individual without EBV in his previous PGL biopsy. These findings support the hypothesis that EBV plays a role in development of some HIV- related lymphomas. Detectable EBV lymphoproliferations occur in a few PGL biopsies and are associated with a significant risk of EBV DNA- positive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
An Analytical Approach for Reliability Analysis of Pipeline Software Architecture.

Architecture styles represent commonly occurring patterns of the structural organization of components and connectors of an application. A number of such styles have been identified and analyzed extensively for different non functional attributes including performance, maintainability, flexibility, and modifiability. The issue of reliability analysis of architecture styles, however, has been relatively less investigated. This paper presents a reliability analysis methodology for one such architecture style, namely, the pipe and filter style. Two variants of the topological organization of the pipes and filters, namely, linear topology without feedback and with feedback where the feedback loop is incorporated either to improve quality or to improve reliability are considered. The methodology derives analytical expressions for application reliability which incorporate the impact of (i) error propagation and downstream error correction, and (ii) deterministic number of iterations through the feedback loop, with filter reliabilities a function of the number of iterations. The potential of the methodology to obtain a reliability estimate and to facilitate sensitivity analysis is illustrated using an industrial case study of a Document Understanding and Analysis Application.
Comparing effects of CDK inhibition and E2F1/2 ablation on neuronal cell death pathways in vitro and after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) activates multiple neuronal cell death mechanisms, leading to post-traumatic neuronal loss and neurological deficits. TBI-induced cell cycle activation (CCA) in post-mitotic neurons causes regulated cell death involving cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activation and initiation of an E2F transcription factor-mediated pro-apoptotic program. Here we examine the mechanisms of CCA-dependent neuronal apoptosis in primary neurons in vitro and in mice exposed to controlled cortical impact (CCI). In contrast to our prior work demonstrating robust neuroprotective effects by CDK inhibitors after TBI, examination of neuronal apoptotic mechanisms in E2F1−/−/E2F2−/− or E2F2−/− transgenic mice following CCI suggests that E2F1 and/or E2F2 likely play only a modest role in neuronal cell loss after brain trauma. To elucidate more critical CCA molecular pathways involved in post-traumatic neuronal cell death, we investigated the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of the potent CDK inhibitor CR8 in a DNA damage model of cell death in primary cortical neurons. CR8 treatment significantly reduced caspase activation and cleavage of caspase substrates, attenuating neuronal cell death. CR8 neuroprotective effects appeared to reflect inhibition of multiple pathways converging on the mitochondrion, including injury-induced elevation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homology region 3 (BH3)-only proteins Puma and Noxa, thereby attenuating mitochondrial permeabilization and release of cytochrome c and AIF, with reduction of both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis. CR8 administration also limited injury-induced deficits in mitochondrial respiration. These neuroprotective effects may be explained by CR8-mediated inhibition of key upstream injury responses, including attenuation of c-Jun phosphorylation/activation as well as inhibition of p53 transactivation of BH3-only targets.
Do cognitive and neuropsychological functioning deficits coincide with hippocampal alteration during first-psychotic episode?

Background Numerous studies shown that structural hippocampal alterations are present in subjects at high risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia. These findings indicate that in a subset of patients undergoing first-psychosis episode (FPE), hippocampal volume alterations are accompanied by associated cognitive and neuropsychological deficits. The combination of psychological deficits and neuroanatomical alterations, in turn, appears to increase treatment complexity and worsen clinical outcomes. Objective We aim to determine whether cognitive and neuropsychological functioning deficits precede or follow hippocampal alterations during early onset psychosis. Methods This cross-sectional study describes 3 case-studies of adolescent subjects, ages 16-17, admitted at the child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric unit in lieu of first psychotic episode. We conducted detailed structured clinical psychiatric interviews, anatomical-structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sleep-deprived electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, laboratory testing, and a comprehensive battery of psychological testing to better understand their clinical pictures. Results Psychological testing in each patient demonstrated the presence of low to borderline intellectual functioning coupled with neuropsychological deficits in different psychiatric domains. Interestingly, these changes coincided with structural MRI alterations in the hippocampal area. Conclusions Our case report adds to the armamentarium of literature signifying that radiologically detectable alterations of the hippocampus may occur either concomitantly or closely following the development of early cognitive deficits in patients with FPE.
Evolutionary Features in the Structure and Function of Bacterial Toxins.

Toxins can function both as a harmful and therapeutic molecule, depending on their concentrations. The diversity in their function allows us to ask some very pertinent questions related to their origin and roles: (a) What makes them such effective molecules? (b) Are there evolutionary features encoded within the structures of the toxins for their function? (c) Is structural hierarchy in the toxins important for maintaining their structure and function? (d) Do protein dynamics play a role in the function of toxins? and (e) Do the evolutionary connections to these unique features and functions provide the fundamental points in driving evolution? In light of the growing evidence in structural biology, it would be appropriate to suggest that protein dynamics and flexibility play a much bigger role in the function of the toxin than the structure itself. Discovery of IDPs (intrinsically disorder proteins), multifunctionality, and the concept of native aggregation are shaking the paradigm of the requirement of a fixed three-dimensional structure for the protein’s function. Growing evidence supporting the above concepts allow us to redesign the structure-function aspects of the protein molecules. An evolutionary model is necessary and needs to be developed to study these important aspects. The criteria for a well-defined model would be: (a) diversity in structure and function, (b) unique functionality, and (c) must belong to a family to define the evolutionary relationships. All these characteristics are largely fulfilled by bacterial toxins. Bacterial toxins are diverse and widely distributed in all three forms of life (Bacteria, Archaea and Eukaryotes). Some of the unique characteristics include structural folding, sequence and functional combination of domains, targeting a cellular process to execute their function, and most importantly their flexibility and dynamics. In this work, we summarize certain unique aspects of bacterial toxins, including role of structure in defining toxin function, uniqueness in their enzymatic function, and interaction with their substrates and other proteins. Finally, we have discussed the evolutionary aspects of toxins in detail, which will help us rethink the current evolutionary theories. A careful study, and appropriate interpretations, will provide answers to several questions related to the structure-function relationship of proteins, in general. Additionally, this will also allow us to refine the current evolution theories.
Effect of In-Utero Antibiotic Exposure on Childhood Outcomes: Methods and Baseline Data of the Fetal Antibiotic EXposure (FAX) Cohort Study

Background: The widespread use of antepartum and intrapartum antibiotics has raised concerns about the possible disruption of the child’s gut microbiota and effects on the maturation from the infant to the adult microbiome. The Fetal Antibiotic EXposure (FAX) study provides a cohort to examine the association between in-utero exposure to antibiotics and adverse childhood outcomes including body weight, atopic diseases, and autism spectrum disorders and to investigate the role of other potential factors mitigating or moderating the risk for adverse outcomes. Objective: The aim of this paper was to describe the methods, cohort characteristics, and retention of infants included in the study cohort. Methods: For this retrospective cohort study, we included children born in Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) hospitals between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, within 22 to 44 completed weeks of gestation with KPSC insurance coverage during the first year of life. Follow-up data collection was performed through electronic medical records. Results: The study cohort was comprised 223,431 children of which 65.7% (146,720/223,431) were exposed to antibiotics in-utero: 19.0% (42,511/223,431) were exposed during the antepartum period, 30.0% (66,896/223,431) during the intrapartum period, and 16.7% (37,313/223,431) exposed during both the antepartum and intrapartum periods. During their first year of life, children had a median of 5 weight and height measurements; the frequency of weight and height measurements declined to a median of 3 in their second year of life and 2 for 3 to 5 years of age. The 5-year retention of children in the health plan was over 80% with the highest retention for Hispanic children. Conclusions: This cohort of children will provide a unique opportunity to address key questions regarding the long-term sequelae of in-utero exposure to antibiotics using real-world data. The high retention and multiple medical visits over time allow us to model the trajectories of body mass index over time. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/12065
Abstract 4837: Role of Notch signaling in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma and combined targeting of Notch and EGFR signaling as an anti-cancer strategy

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy and currently no targeted therapy is available for MEC patients. MEC is characterized by a unique chromosomal translocation t(11;19)(q14-21;p12-13) that generates the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion. Our understanding of CRTC1-MAML2-mediated tumorigenesis and maintenance remains limited. MEC is considered a disease of stem/progenitor cells; however, the regulation of human MEC stem/progenitor cells has not yet been characterized. In this study, we focused on Notch signaling, a pathway important in regulating normal and cancerous stem cells, and investigated its regulatory role in human MEC cancer stem/progenitor cells as well as its potential therapeutic potential. First, we determined the status of Notch signaling activation in MEC cells. Western blotting showed the presence of cleaved active NOTCH1 and the expression of Notch downstream target gene HES1 in human CRTC1-MAML2 fusion-positive MEC cells, indicative of active Notch signaling in MEC. Second, we utilized two approaches of blocking endogenous Notch signaling in human MEC cells in vitro and in vivo, i.e. dnMAML1, a pan-Notch inhibitor that blocks the formation of the Notch transcriptional activation complex, and dibenzazepine (DBZ), a γ-secretase inhibitor that interferes with Notch receptor processing. We observed that Notch signaling inhibition had no effect on the proliferation of bulk MEC cells, but significantly reduced oncosphere forming capacity and ALDH-positive population in human MEC in vitro, suggesting that Notch signaling contributes to the maintenance of MEC stem/progenitor cells. Further, Notch signaling inhibition significantly reduced the growth of human MEC xenografts, indicating an essential role of Notch signaling in MEC growth in vivo. Finally, since we previously showed that the CRTC1-MAML2-induced autocrine AREG-EGFR signaling was required for the growth and survival of human MEC cells, we reasoned that simultaneous targeting of Notch and EGFR signaling will eliminate cancer stem and non-stem cell populations, likely improving therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, concurrent inhibition of Notch and EGFR signaling via respective DBZ and Erlotinib synergistically blocked the colony and oncosphere formation capacity of human MEC cells in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Notch signaling is a critical regulator for maintaining MEC cancer-initiating cells and that the combination strategy targeting Notch and EGFR signaling is a potentially effective approach for MEC treatment. Citation Format: Wei Ni, Zirong Chen, Xin Zhou, Rongqiang Yang, Frederic Kaye, Lizi Wu. Role of Notch signaling in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma and combined targeting of Notch and EGFR signaling as an anti-cancer strategy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4837.
Zooplankton dynamics in a Great Lakes connecting channel: Exploring the seasonal composition within the St. Clair-Detroit River System

Abstract The connecting channels linking the Laurentian Great Lakes provide important migration routes, spawning grounds, and nursery habitat for fish, but their role as conduits between lakes for zooplankton is less understood. To address this knowledge gap in the St. Clair–Detroit River System (SCDRS), a comprehensive survey of crustacean zooplankton was performed in both riverine and lacustrine habitats from spring to fall 2014, providing the first system-wide assessment of zooplankton in the SCDRS. Zooplankton density and biomass were greatest in northern reaches of the system (southern Lake Huron and the St. Clair River) and decreased downstream towards Lake Erie. The composition of zooplankton also changed moving downstream, transitioning from a community dominated by calanoid copepods, to more cyclopoids and cladocerans in the Detroit River, and to cladocerans dominant in western Lake Erie. Coincidentally, species richness increased as sampling progressed downstream, and we estimated that our single-year sampling regime identified ~88% of potential taxa. Other species assemblages have responded positively to recent water quality and habitat restoration efforts in the SCDRS, and this survey of the zooplankton community provides benchmark information necessary to assess its response to continued recovery. In addition, information regarding the lower trophic levels of the system is integral to understanding recruitment of ecologically and economically valuable fish species targeted for recovery in the SCDRS.
Preparing Nurse Managers for Authentic Leadership: A Pilot Leadership Development Program.

Objective This study examined the impact of a pilot leadership development program on nurse managers' (NMs') use of authentic leadership behaviors. Background Nurse managers often receive little or no formal training. Literature suggests formal leadership development programs can enhance their leadership competency. A leadership development program was designed and pilot tested to determine effectiveness in enhancing authentic leadership competency. Methods A cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 16 NMs who participated in the pilot program. Results Measurable increases in authentic leadership behaviors were demonstrated in both the self-assessments (mean scores increased in 3 of 4 subscales) and RN direct report assessments (mean scores increased in all 4 subscales), with statistical significance achieved in 1 self-awareness behavior. Conclusions The pilot program demonstrated merit as a tool to enhance NMs' authentic leadership behaviors. Managers perceived greater self-awareness, and direct reports perceived positive change in managers' use of authentic leadership behaviors.
A mixed boundary value problem for uxy = f(x,y,u,ux,uy)

Abstract Consider a single hyperbolic PDE u x y = f ( x , y , u , u x , u y ) , with locally prescribed data: u along a non-characteristic curve M and u x along a non-characteristic curve N. We assume that M and N are graphs of one-to-one functions, intersecting only at the origin, and located in the first quadrant of the ( x , y ) -plane. It is known that if M is located above N, then there is a unique local solution, obtainable by successive approximation. We show that in the opposite case, when M lies below N, the uniqueness can fail in the following strong sense: for the same boundary data, there are two solutions that differ at points arbitrarily close to the origin. In the latter case, we also establish existence of a local solution (under a Lipschitz condition on the function f). The construction, via Picard iteration, makes use of a careful choice of additional u-data which are updated in each iteration step.
A Demographic Perspective on Childhood Adoptions in the U.S.

This chapter focuses on the U.S. as the nation with the largest number of adoptions. Although adoptions represent a small portion of family growth, from a demographer’s point of view they are worth investigating. The United Nations (2009:xv) estimates that approximately 260,000 children are adopted annually through intercountry adoptions (ICAs). In 2001, the country leading in ICAs was the United States (U.S.) adopting 127,000 children. Next in frequency is China, with 46,000 adoptions, followed by the Russian Federation, with 23,000 adoptions. Selman (2016) reports that in the decade from 2004 to 2014 there were 331,364 ICAs with 159,778 received in the U.S. Interestingly, intercountry adoptions (ICAs) are declining, which can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the reconstruction of global politics, The Hague Conference regulations, and of course, the economic conditions in both sending and receiving countries. Selman (2016), using United Nations data, reported that from 2004 to 2014 intercountry adoption declined from 45,383 with 22,884 received in the U.S during 2004.; to 13,254 in 2014 (excluding non-reporting Italy and Israel) with 6441 received in the U.S.
Staying at Home: Mobility Effects of COVID-19

We combine GPS data on changes in average distance traveled by individuals at the county level with COVID-19 case data and other demographic information to estimate how individual mobility is affected by local disease prevalence and restriction orders to stay-at-home. We find that a rise of local infection rate from 0% to 0.003% is associated with a reduction in mobility by 2.31%. An official stay-at-home restriction order corresponds to reducing mobility by 7.87%. Counties with larger shares of population over age 65, lower share of votes for the Republican Party in the 2016 Presidential Election, and higher population density are more responsive to disease prevalence and restriction orders.
Daxx maintains endogenous retroviral silencing and restricts cellular plasticity in vivo

Tumor sequencing studies have emphasized the role of epigenetics and altered chromatin homeostasis in cancer. Mutations in DAXX, which encodes a chaperone for the histone 3.3 variant, occur in 25% of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs). To advance our understanding of physiological functions of Daxx, we developed a conditional Daxx allele in mice. We demonstrate that Daxx loss is well tolerated in the pancreas but creates a permissive transcriptional state that cooperates with environmental stress (inflammation) and other genetic lesions (Men1 loss) to alter gene expression and cell state, impairing pancreas recovery from inflammatory stress in vivo. The transcriptional changes are associated with dysregulation of endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs), and dysregulation of endogenous genes near ERVs is also observed in human PanNETs with DAXX mutations. Our results reveal a physiologic function of DAXX, provide a mechanism associated with impaired tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis, and expand our understanding of ERV regulation in somatic cells.
Security in 6G: The Prospects and the Relevant Technologies

The prospect of information and communication technology (ICT) has given rise to widespread attention and in-depth research on 6G. It is estimated that 6G will not be implemented until 2030; it is ...
Dulaglutide Shows Sustained Reduction in Glycosylated Hemoglobin Values: 2-Year US Real-world Study Results

Abstract Purpose Due to the chronic and progressive nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it is important to understand the long-term outcomes associated with antihyperglycemic medications. There are currently few long-term studies evaluating the real-world effectiveness of dulaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. The primary objective of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate glycemic control over a 24-month follow-up period among dulaglutide initiators with continuous treatment. The study used US claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database between May 2014 and May 2019. Methods Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old with T2DM and had ≥1 pharmacy claim for dulaglutide during the index period between November 2014 and May 2017 (with index date = set as the earliest dulaglutide fill during index period), continuous enrollment in the 6 months' preindex and 24 months' postindex, ≥1 claim for dulaglutide or ≥60 days’ supply in every quarter during the 24-month follow-up period, and ≥1 glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) result at both baseline and 24 months. Findings At baseline, 872 patients (47.5% female) had a mean (SD) age of 54.5 (8.2) years and an HbA1c value of 8.68% (1.8%) (71.36 [19.7] mmol/mol). More than two thirds were being treated for dyslipidemia, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. A significant HbA1c reduction was observed from baseline to 24 months (−1.3% [–14.2 mmol/mol]; P Implications In this real-world study among dulaglutide initiators with continuous treatment, a clinically significant reduction in HbA1c value was seen at the 3-month assessment and persisted for up to 24 months. These data support the use of dulaglutide as an effective long-term treatment for T2DM in clinical practice.
R-groups for unitary principal series of Spin groups

Abstract We study the unitary principal series of the split group S p i n m ( F ) , where F is a p-adic field. Let χ ˜ be a unitary character of a maximal F-split torus T ˜ of G S p i n m ( F ) , and let χ be its restriction to T = T ˜ ∩ S p i n m ( F ) . The R-groups R χ ˜ and R χ of the corresponding principal series representations fit in the exact sequence 0 → R χ ˜ → R χ → R χ / R χ ˜ → 0 . We give a complete answer to the question of splitting of this exact sequence. We also prove that the multiplicity is one when irreducible constituents in unitary principal series are restricted from G S p i n ( F ) to S p i n ( F ) . Further, based on Keys' result, we prove Arthur's conjecture on R-groups for unitary principal series of S p i n .
Pineapple crown and slip removal on fruit quality and translucency

Abstract The removal of pineapple crowns and slips during the final stage of fruit development can alter source-sink relationships and fruit quality. Published results have reported both positive and negative effects of both crown removal and slip removal on fruit size and quality. In this study, four treatments: control (no treatment), slips removed by hand, crown removed with a knife, and both crowns and slips removed were evaluated to clarify the effect of crown removal and slip removal on fruit quality. Crowns and slips were removed one to two months before expected harvest date, soon after slip development began. The trial was repeated three times throughout the year. Crown and slip removal had minimal effect on fruit weight, shell color and titratable acidity at harvest. Removal of the crown or removal of the crown and slips did increase total soluble solids about 1%. Removal of the crown increased translucency, though in the warm season translucency severity was low. Fruit with larger crowns had less translucency. Slip removal increased translucency slightly, but when both the crowns and slips were removed the effect on translucency severity was not additive. The results support published conclusions that crowns and artificial shade reduce translucency. A negative correlation was found between the air temperature four months before harvest at the beginning of crown growth and final crown weight. Rainfall two to four months before harvest had a significant effect on slip weight. The results suggested that crown removal can impact fruit quality and the occurrence of the fruit translucency disorder with a significant seasonal response.
Removing skin microvessels using photo‐mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT)

We have developed a novel anti-vascular technique, termed photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT), which utilizes nanosecond duration laser pulses synchronized with ultrasound bursts to remove microvasculature through cavitation. In this work, via the experiments in a rabbit ear model in vivo, the feasibility of PUT in the treatment of cutaneous microvessels was explored. Both the short-term effects and the long-term effects up to 4 weeks post-treatment were quantitatively assessed by measuring the perfusion rates of the vessels after treatment, showing that a single PUT treatment could significantly reduce blood perfusion. With unique advantages such as low laser fluence as compared with photothermolysis and agent-free treatment as compared with PDT, PUT holds potential to be developed into a new tool for the treatment of cutaneous vascular lesions.
Clinical Reasoning: A 64-Year-Old Man With Multiple Cranial Neuropathies.

A 48-year-old man with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism presented to an outside institution with progressive bilateral lower extremity numbness and weakness. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) suggested acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy. Right sural nerve biopsy revealed mild chronic neuropathy, axonal degeneration, demyelination, and remyelination. He received monthly IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) and mycophenolate mofetil for a year. Due to worsening symptoms in the setting of lengthened IVIg dosing intervals, repeat NCS were obtained and showed disease progression. Monthly IVIg infusions were resumed for 8 years, during which his clinical and electrophysiologic findings stabilized. Treatment was subsequently stopped, and he initially remained neurologically stable off therapy.
Analysis of Egg Variation and Foreign Egg Rejection in Rüppell’s Weaver (Ploceus galbula)

Egg appearance is notable for its variation and as a source of recognition cues in bird species that are subject to egg-mimicking brood parasitism. Here I analyze the egg appearance of an East African weaverbird species that has variable eggs and is a host of brood parasitism by an eggmimicking cuckoo, in order to (1) compare population variation to variation within a clutch as a measure of the distinctiveness of eggs; (2) assess modularity versus correlation among egg appearance traits as an indication of the complexity of egg signatures; and (3) address whether the eggs are discretely polymorphic or continuously variable in appearance. I also compare three methods of assessing egg coloration: reduction of spectral data to orthogonal components, targeted spectral shape variables, and avian visual modeling. Then I report the results of egg replacement experiments that assess the relationship between egg rejection behavior and the difference in appearance between own and foreign eggs. Ruppell’s weaver (Ploceus galbula) eggs are variable in appearance between individuals and consistent within a clutch, but vary widely in the distinctiveness of particular traits. Most aspects of color and spotting are decoupled from each other, including coloration likely to derive from different pigments. Egg ground color is bimodal, with a broad continuous class of off-white / UV eggs and another broad class of bluegreen eggs. Variation in all other traits is unimodal and usually normal in distribution. Females reject foreign eggs on the basis of the difference in brightness of the ground color and spotting of foreign eggs relative to their own, and the difference in degree to which spots are aggregated at the broad end of the egg. Only this aggregation is among the most distinctive features of their eggs; their use of brightness rather than the more distinctive chromatic variation to recognize eggs might reflect the salience of achromatic contrast in a dim enclosed nest.
A Logistic Regression Model to Predict Graduate Student Matriculation

Higher education institutions invest a significant amount of resources every year to recruit new students. However, higher education administrators have been continuously facing challenges in enrollment management due to the demographic shifts, dramatic increases in educational costs, intense competition among institutions, and the uncertain nature of human selection patterns (Baum, Kurose, &McPherson, 2013).[3] Today's post-baccalaureate applicants are more knowledgeable than in previous years, because they can access information on a specific graduate program, in a given college, at any time. As reported in numerous studies, the number of graduate students switching out of their universities continues to be an essential issue. A useful prediction model of matriculation that uses available student data is highly desirable to assist the graduate students with timely advising early in their universities. This study was designed to build a predictive model for the probability that a specific admitted graduate student will matriculate. The results indicated that ten predictive variables were statistically significant at the .05 level. Getting an assistantship made the most substantial positive contribution in predicting student matriculation, followed by FAFSA, experience with the university, campus, degree level, college, gender, age, the number of days between application and admission, and distance to the university. This study's results could be beneficial for improving marketing efforts aimed toward individuals with characteristics most likely to enroll. Administrators could calculate the predictive score (or percentage) for each prospective student based on the predictive model. Marketing efforts could then concentrate on those applicants whose predictive score is high and eliminate the low qualifying students from their recruitment plan.
The Magnetic Noise of Polyphase Induction Motors [includes discussion]

The wide use of induction motors in the home, the office, and the factory requires that they both look and sound well. The pleasing, if not downright handsome, appearance of present-day motors attests to the skill of the appearance-design experts who have worked with motor engineers in recent years. There is now a growing demand that motors should have good "sonance design" also. They should give out a steady pleasing hum, just loud enough to show that they are performing their duties properly, but not loud enough to be noticed. This paper describes the magnetic forces that cause the magnetic noise of polyphase induction motors, and the corresponding modes of motion of the motor cores and frames. Approximate equations are derived for the decibel sound levels that motors of normal design may be expected to produce, and variations due to core and frame resonance are discussed. The two principal types of magnetic noise, due to the radial forces of the fundamental air gap field, and the tooth frequency pulsations of these forces, are considered separately.
Comments on "From 'Hindu Growth' to Productivity Surge: The Mystery of the Indian Growth Transition"

This is a disappointing paper. It sees a mystery and fails to convince through analysis why it does. Had the authors been familiar with Indian economic literature, they might not have written it! The literature has not only noted the growth acceleration in the 1980s but has also questioned its sustainability on the grounds of its possibly being debt-led and fueled by employment and real wage expansion in the public sector.1, 2, 3 The authors' basic claim is simply that it is not the systemic reforms of the 1990s but a mysterious shift in the 1980s that changed the growth process of the economy once and for all. A direct test of this claim would be to compare the growth process of the 1980s with that of the 1990s. If the two are no different, it would support the authors' claim. Instead of this direct test, the authors "investigate" and reject a number of other implausible hypotheses, such as that growth acceleration occurred only
A performance analysis of authentication using covert timing channels

Authentication over a network is an important and difficult problem. Accurately determining the authenticity of a node or user is critical in maintaining the security of a network. Our proposed technique covertly embeds a watermark, or identifying tag, within a data stream. By implementing this model on a LAN and WLAN we show that this method is easily adaptable to a variety of networking technologies, and easily scalable. While our technique increases the time required for data to be transferred, we show that the throughput of the link during the brief authentication window is decreased by no more than 8% in a switched LAN and 11% in a WLAN. During our empirical analysis we were able to detect the watermark with 100% accuracy in both a LAN and WLAN environment.
The Welfare State in Comparative Perspective

The modern welfare state, which was created in the long economic expansion of the post-World War II era, funded benefits that provided income security across the life course. In the 1970s, the era of welfare state expansion slowed due to rising deficits and fiscal strains associated with population aging. In recent decades benefit reductions have become commonplace. Theories designed to explain the formation of welfare state include the logic of industrialism, power resource theory, and the theory of welfare state regimes. Feminist critics challenged theorists to consider how welfare benefits influence gender inequality within regime types. In recent years, research has focused on three key issues. The first is to identify variations in welfare state attitudes across nations and among individuals within nations. The second is to consider the causes and consequences of activation policies that focus less on direct cash transfers and more on a combination of incentives and punishments to encourage work effort. Finally, the third is to expand the definition of the welfare state to include the private provision of goods and services as well as education. Keywords: welfare state; comparative; attitudes; activation policies; privatization