cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A theory of the brain - the brain uses both distributed and localist (symbolic) representation

The issue of whether objects and concepts are represented in the brain by single neurons or multiple ones, where the multiple ones are conceived to represent subconcepts or microfeatures, has plagued brain-related sciences for decades, spawning different scientific fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and connectionism. It is also a source of dispute within some of these scientific fields. In connectionism, for example, there is never ending debate between the theories of localist (in a sense symbolic) and distributed representation. To resolve this conflict, we analyze a highly publicized class of models used by connectionists (distributed representation theorists) for complex cognitive processes and show that, contrary to their claim, they actually depend on localist (symbolic) representation of higher-level concepts in these models. We also find that these connectionist models use processes similar to symbolic computation. Based on this analysis and the accumulating evidence from single-unit recordings in neurophysiology that shows that single cells can indeed encode information about single objects (e.g. a Jennifer Aniston cell in our brains), we propose the theory that the brain uses both forms of representation, localist and distributed, and that both forms may be necessary, depending on the context. Our other conjecture is that the brain uses both forms of computation, symbolic and distributed (parallel). This theory should finally resolve the decades long conflict about representation and computational processes that has generated divisions within our fields and has stalled our progress towards creating brain-like learning systems.
FREDERICK JACKSON TURNER AS A REGIONALIST

FEW topics within the realms of history and geography have been victims of academic overkill as much as regionalism and Frederick Jackson Turner. However, with the perspectives of time as a mellowing agent and interdisciplinary study as a catalyst, these topics are again offered to the reader’s critical judgment. Turner ranks not only among the most eminent of American historians but also has generated a large amount of professional comment, both positive and negative, from his colleagues as well as from practitioners of several related fields. During his lifetime, he was invited to speak to sociological societies, psychological organizations, and, of course, the Association of American Geographers and the American Geographic Society. The Pulitzer Prize and lauditory obituaries in a variety of professional journals in 1932 marked the end of a career that stimulated the rethinking of American development by statesman and student alike. Turner’s two dozen essays, parts of books, lectures, and addresses can be categorized into two main themes: the significance of the frontier in American history and the significance of the section in American history. Both were new and somewhat radical explanations of America when they were presented, and both have since undergone examination by hundreds of academic microscopes. While speaking to geographers in 1914, Turner summarized his two major themes as follows:
Profound Hypothermia Secondary to Clobazam Use in Epilepsy: A Novel Association (P4.270)

OBJECTIVE: To Report a Previously Unrecognized Pharmacolgic Effect of Clobazam associated with Hypothermia BACKGROUND: Clobazam is a 1-5 benzodiazepine introduced for the treatment of anxiety and agitation that has recognized antiepileptic properties with generally excelelnt tolerance without serious side effects. We report two children who utlized this drug in an appropriate dose range for treatment of complex partial seizures following infantile spasms in one case and the use of the drug in a 4 year old with developmental delay, myoclonic seizures developing progressive depression/somnolence at a dose of 0.25mg/kg/day with the decline in body temperature to 91 F requiring admission after 10 days of therapy.There are many potential sites for etmperature dysregulation including the GABAa receptor where clobazamo acts. this hypoth3ermic effect has been recognized with other benzodiazepine class drugs previosuly DESIGN/METHODS: Two children, both with severe epilepsy with prior histories of developmental delay, infantile spasms, resultant partial complex seizures were treated with clobazam in dosage ranges of 0.25mg/kg/day to 0.6mg/kg per day.Subsequent EEG monitoring and metabolic monitoring was carried out. Temperature dysregulation to 93 F in one case and 91 F in a second case in the absence of sepsis was evaluated, cessation of clobazam and reinstitution of drug was instituted. RESULTS: In both children: Recurrent hypothermia occurred after 6 days of reinstitution of clobazam in one child, withdrawl of clobazam totally in the second child resulted in normothermia for 12 months subsequently. CONCLUSIONS: Clobazam is a well known and prescribed benzodiazepine for epilepsy which may on occasion be responsible for hypothermia in therapeutic doses. Study Supported by: N/A Disclosure: Dr. Lavenstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Difazio has received research support from Allergan. Dr. Demarest has nothing to disclose.
Proposed Financial Statement Changes: Reactions To The FASB-IASB Discussion Paper

The purpose of this study was to obtain the opinions of future users of the financial statements: current undergraduate and graduate students in accounting and academia. We found that the students show greater agreement with the proposed model than do the CPA’s. In addition, we found that academia, as represented by the Financial Accounting Standards Committee of the American Accounting Association has a number of concerns regarding timing, user learning issues and impediments to learning, objectives and terminology and categorizing activities and assets and liabilities.
Spectroscopic Studies of the EutT Adenosyltransferase from Salmonella enterica: Mechanism of Four-Coordinate Co(II)Cbl Formation

EutT from Salmonella enterica is a member of a class of enzymes termed ATP:Co(I)rrinoid adenosyltransferases (ACATs), implicated in the biosynthesis of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl). In the presence of cosubstrate ATP, ACATs raise the Co(II)/Co(I) reduction potential of their cob(II)alamin [Co(II)Cbl] substrate by >250 mV via the formation of a unique four-coordinate (4c) Co(II)Cbl species, thereby facilitating the formation of a “supernucleophilic” cob(I)alamin intermediate required for the formation of the AdoCbl product. Previous kinetic studies of EutT revealed the importance of a HX11CCX2C(83) motif for catalytic activity and have led to the proposal that residues in this motif serve as the binding site for a divalent transition metal cofactor [e.g., Fe(II) or Zn(II)]. This motif is absent in other ACAT families, suggesting that EutT employs a distinct mechanism for AdoCbl formation. To assess how metal ion binding to the HX11CCX2C(83) motif affects the relative yield of 4c Co(II)Cbl generated in the Eu...
Pulsed Excimer Laser Ablation Deposition of Boron Nitride on Si (100) Substrates

We are studying the boron nitride system by using a pulsed excimer laser to ablate from hexagonal BN (hBN) targets to form cubic BN (cBN) films. We are depositing BN films on heated (600°C) silicon (100) surfaces in a flowing (0- 10 sccm) ambient background gas of either NH3 or N2 of varying partial pressure (0- 100 m Torr). Infrared (IR) reflection spectroscopy indicates the films have short-range hexagonal order. Some films grown at low laser energy densities have shown the cubic phase in IR transmission. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) indicates the films are nitrogen deficient, which is linked to changes in the target stoichiometry with increasing laser fluence. Raman spectroscopy on the films shows only a strong background luminescence suggesting a high concentration of defects associated with the nitrogen vacancies. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of the films shows a surface morphology that roughens as the growth rate increases. In order to improve the film stoichiometry it was necessary to actively enhance the nitrogen content of the films. It was found that bombarding films during growth with ions from an ion gun filled with NH3 gas increased the N/B ratio but did not enhance the cubic phase. RF biasing the substrate gave films which showed both cubic and hexagonal features in IR reflection. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms the presence of cBN grains of ∽ 200A size in films grown with an RF bias.
An Optimization Model for Inter-Regional Economic Exchange of Generated Power Under Constraint of Emission Reduction and Transmission

At present,pollutant emission reduction becomes one of the vital problems to be urgently solved in China.In view of actual condition in China and considering the differences among pollutant emission reduction tasks and corresponding costs in different regions due to various impacting factors,an exchange model for inter-regional exchange of economic generation power,in which the environmental constraints are taken into account,is proposed.Integrating environmental constraints,the power transmission cost and constraints of transmission line are analyzed and the foundation of how to determine optimal exchange combination is given.The general algebraic modeling system (GAMS) is utilized in the simulation analysis and it is found that the inter-regional exchange of economic power can compliment inter-regional superiority to the full extent and the cost of economic dispatching can be minimized.However,as an ensurance,firm transmission system and a rational pricing mechanism for power transmission are needed.
Computerized Tomography in the Diagnosis of Appendicovesical Fistula

AbstractAppendicitis and its complications are among the causes of an enterovesical fistula, with approximately 100 such cases reported. This condition is seldom diagnosed preoperatively and surgery is often delayed. We report 2 cases of an appendicovesical fistula that were diagnosed preoperatively by computerized tomography (CT). We describe a CT finding consistent with the diagnosis, namely calcification in the thickened bladder wall adjacent to the cecum on noncontrast CT, which is a fecalith in the lumen of the fistula.
Patient autonomy-centered self-care checklist reduces hospital readmissions after ileostomy creation.

Background Patients who undergo a colorectal operation that includes a new ileostomy incur high rates of readmission. Ostomates face a steep learning curve to master the skills and knowledge needed for success at home. We designed and implemented a patient-centered checklist promoting independence and validating self-care knowledge and care skills and evaluated its effect on readmissions after ileostomy creation. Methods On a single inpatient unit, new ileostomy patients were taught and evaluated using a novel postoperative self-care checklist, while perioperative care for ostomates remained unchanged elsewhere in the institution. In a retrospective cohort including all consecutive ileostomy patients from 2 years before (period 1) and 1 year after (period 2) the checklist implementation, we identified univariable predictors of readmission within 30 days of discharge and used a multivariable, difference-in-differences approach to compare trends in readmission between the intervention and control units. Results Of the 430 patients in the study period, there were 116 with readmissions (26%). Readmitted patients had significantly greater all patient refined diagnosis related group weights (3.6 vs 3.3, P = .006) and longer initial duration of stay (13.3 vs 11.3 days, P = .006), and they were more likely to be emergency admissions (49% vs 38%, P = .04). The readmission rate on the intervention unit decreased from 28% in period 1 to 20% in period 2. The logistic regression-based difference-in-differences approach revealed that implementation of the checklist was an independent negative predictor of readmission (P = .04). Conclusion Implementation of a patient-centered, self-care–oriented postoperative education checklist was associated with significantly reduced odds of readmission after ileostomy creation.
Virtuous Stays and Sexual Hoops: The Social Self

In the 1740s in England, the decade in which Clarissa was written, fashionable attire for both sexes was at an extreme: The female figure was flattened and compressed above the waist, yet with ruches, ruffles, and ribbons adding some bulk to the flattened surface. From the waist, all the way to the ground, the female silhouette billowed out to an enormous width. Peeping out from beneath the massive umbrella-like skirt, tiny feet could be glimpsed, encased in exquisitely decorated slippers of brocade or kid, with high heels and pointed toes. Masculine attire mimicked the general outline of feminine fashion. From neckline to waist, the male figure was also flattened, yet be-ruffled and be-ruched with fine laces and linens. Over form-fitting knee breeches, a long buttoned waistcoat was worn, which fell to mid-thigh. A coat, cut relatively close to the upper body, flared below the waist, reaching its greatest width at the hemline, just below the knee. The legs were tightly encased in stockings; the feet, in buckled leather shoes.
Competing mechanisms in the wear resistance behavior of biomineralized rod-like microstructures

Abstract The remarkable mechanical properties observed in biological composite materials relative to those of their individual constituents distinguish them from common engineering materials. Some naturally occurring high-performance ceramics, like the external veneer of the Chiton ( Cryptochiton stelleri ) tooth, have been shown to have superior hardness and impressive abrasion resistance properties. The mechanical performance of the chiton tooth has been attributed to a hierarchical arrangement of nanostructured magnetite rods surrounded with organic material. While nanoindentation tests provide useful information about the overall performance of this biological composite, understanding the key microstructural features and energy dissipation mechanisms at small scales remains a challenging task. We present a combined experimental/numerical approach to elucidate the role of material deformation in the rods, debonding at the rod interfaces and the influence of energy dissipation mechanisms on the ability of the microstructure to distribute damage under extreme loading conditions. We employ a 3D finite element-based micromechanical model to simulate the nanoindentation tests performed in geological magnetite and cross-sections of the chiton tooth. This proposed model is capable of capturing the inelastic deformation of the rods and the failure of their interfaces, while damage, fracture and fragmentation of the mineralized rods is assessed using a probabilistic function. Our results show that these natural materials achieve their abrasion resistant properties by controlling the interface strength between rods, alleviating the tensile stress on the rods near the indentation tip and therefore decreasing the probability of catastrophic failure without significantly sacrificing resistance to penetration. The understanding of these competing energy dissipating mechanisms provides a path to the prediction of new combination of materials. In turns, these results suggest certain guidelines for abrasion resistance rod-like microstructures in composites with high volume fraction of brittle minerals or ceramics with tailored performance for specific applications.
Team Interactions and Health IT Use during Hospital Multidisciplinary Rounds

Multidisciplinary rounds (MDRs) are an important form of team-based process in health care. Team members coordinate patient care and make decisions on care plans jointly. Health IT used during MDRs...
Culture and Peacemaking

This study focuses on the cultural aspects of peacemaking from the point of view of conflict resolution practitioners. Through interviews with peacemakers, we will explore lessons learned and challenges they encounter in various cultural contexts. Special emphasis is placed on the role of women and its cultural implications in peacemaking processes. The key findings suggest that the openness to interactive learning is a must in peacemaking processes as well as learning from both failures and successes in ever evolving and complex conflict situations. Women should be fully integrated in the peace processes and play roles that are not just those defined by their gender. This article contributes to the body of knowledge that aims to integrate cultural nuances into the practice of mediation so that conflicts can be addressed more constructively.
Aufklärungsgespräch mit einer Patientin über den Wechsel des Behandlungsansatzes vom kurativen zum palliativen Setting

Die Palliativmedizin gewinnt immer mehr Bedeutung in der Betreuung von Patienten mit weit fortgeschrittener Tumorerkrankung, vor allem dann, wenn die kurativen Moglichkeiten erschopft sind und sich die Therapie auf Erhaltung der Lebensqualitat durch Symptomkontrolle und Schmerzausschaltung konzentriert. Unsere Fallstudie handelt von einer 49-jahrigen Patientin mit einem Kolorektalkarzinom mit Wirbelsaulenmetastasen, die zur Verhinderung einer Querschnittslasion eine Operation zur Stabilisierung des metastatisch veranderten Wirbelkorpers benotigt hatte. Diese verweigerte sie auf Grund ihrer total fehlenden Krankheitseinsicht, trotz haufig gefuhrter Aufklarungsgesprache. Erst als es zum Auftreten einer massiven Thrombose mit ausgepragtem Odem des rechten Beines als Ausdruck der Progression der Erkrankung kam, begann die Patientin von sich aus uber die Prognose ihrer Erkrankung und mogliche therapeutische Optionen zu sprechen. Jetzt erst war sie bereit, das Angebot einer Palliativbetreuung anzunehmen. Dieser Fall zeigt die typischen Probleme in der Patient-Arztbeziehung in einer onkologisch tatigen Abteilung auf und unterstreicht die Wichtigkeit einer interprofessionellen Betreuung.
Benign Neonatal Shudders, Shivers, Jitteriness, or Tremors: Early Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency

Jitteriness and tremors in the newborn period typically precipitate an extensive, invasive, and expensive search for the etiology. Vitamin D deficiency has not been historically included in the differential of tremors. We report a shivering, jittery newborn who was subjected to a battery of testing, with the only biochemical abnormality being vitamin D deficiency. A second case had chin tremors and vitamin D deficiency. Review of our patients suggests that shudders, shivers, jitteriness, or tremors may be the earliest sign of vitamin D deficiency in the newborn. Neonates who present with these signs should be investigated for vitamin D deficiency.
Endonasal Resection of Craniopharyngiomas: Post-operative Management

Abstract Craniopharyngiomas are formidable tumors; their predilection for the suprasellar space and ability to adhere to surrounding structures renders their safe removal a daunting challenge. Several approaches have been proposed for their surgical treatment, including pterional-transsylvian, fronto-lateral, supraorbital, interhemispheric, subfrontal, transsphenoidal and even transpetrosal approaches. Recent advances in technology and a more thorough understanding of skull base anatomy from a ventral perspective have allowed the addition of the endonasal corridor under endoscopic visualization to the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon who deals with these lesions. The expanded endonasal approaches (EEAs), specifically the transsellar, transtuberculum, and transplanum modules, offer several advantages over their transcranial counterparts: direct visualization of the main tumor component and vital surrounding structures without the need for any brain or optic apparatus retraction is the main benefit over traditional techniques. The endonasal corridor grants ample access to the sellar and suprasellar compartments, as well as the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae, when necessary. Direct visualization of the superior hypophyseal arteries, pituitary stalk and optic nerves and chiasm enables safe, microsurgical dissection of these structures from the tumor surface. Finally, the ventral perspective provides the surgeon with a superb view of the walls of the third ventricle, provided the tumor has violated them, a notoriously difficult area to safely access from a transcranial route.
Analytical Methods for a Learning Health System: 1. Framing the Research Question

Learning health systems use routinely collected electronic health data (EHD) to advance knowledge and support continuous learning. Even without randomization, observational studies can play a central role as the nation’s health care system embraces comparative effectiveness research and patient-centered outcomes research. However, neither the breadth, timeliness, volume of the available information, nor sophisticated analytics, allow analysts to confidently infer causal relationships from observational data. However, depending on the research question, careful study design and appropriate analytical methods can improve the utility of EHD. The introduction to a series of four papers, this review begins with a discussion of the kind of research questions that EHD can help address, noting how different evidence and assumptions are needed for each. We argue that when the question involves describing the current (and likely future) state of affairs, causal inference is not relevant, so randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are not necessary. When the question is whether an intervention improves outcomes of interest, causal inference is critical, but appropriately designed and analyzed observational studies can yield valid results that better balance internal and external validity than typical RCTs. When the question is one of translation and spread of innovations, a different set of questions comes into play: How and why does the intervention work? How can a model be amended or adapted to work in new settings? In these “delivery system science” settings, causal inference is not the main issue, so a range of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research designs are needed. We then describe why RCTs are regarded as the gold standard for assessing cause and effect, how alternative approaches relying on observational data can be used to the same end, and how observational studies of EHD can be effective complements to RCTs. We also describe how RCTs can be a model for designing rigorous observational studies, building an evidence base through iterative studies that build upon each other (i.e., confirmation across multiple investigations).
The effect of fish oil supplementation on brain DHA and EPA content and fatty acid profile in mice.

Supplementation with omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids may improve cognitive performance and protect against cognitive decline. However, changes in brain phospholipid fatty acid composition after supplemen...
Examination of Tetrahydro- and Dihydrobisfuran Formation in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis: From Whole Cells to Purified Enzymes

The dihydrobisfuran substructure is unique to the aflatoxin family of mycotoxins, e.g.aflatoxin B1 (AFB1, 1), among known polyketide-derived natural products. It is this structural feature that is directly associated with the severe biological effects of these compounds. The potency of aflatoxin as an environmental carcinogen and its widespread occurrence throughout the world as a contaminant of food supplies makes a discussion of its biosynthesis and potential avenues to its control a particularly fitting contribution to this symposium in the Division of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Primates, Niche Construction, and Social Complexity: The Roles of Social Cooperation and Altruism

The explication of altruistic behavior in primates remains complex. Gregarious, socially complex primates are characterized by a diverse array of social behavior patterns with seemingly altruistic behavior being relatively commonplace. Human societies are a form of primate society but with much higher levels of social complexity and extremely high levels of cooperative and apparently altruistic behavior. It is likely that there are elements of primate (at least anthropoid) sociality that act as baseline for subsequent expansion and elaboration during human evolution. Can understanding patterns and contexts of primate social complexity and cooperation help us understand human altruism? In this chapter we have two primary objectives: to examine three nonhuman primate genera to show how social cooperation, social bonding, and niche construction can affect our understandings of altruism and to illustrate where we think that such nonhuman primate information is a good model for humans and where it is not.
2-Factors in Hamiltonian Graphs.

We show that every hamiltonian claw-free graph with a vertex x of degree d(x) ≥ 7 has a 2-factor consisting of exactly two cycles.
Fluoroscopic Techniques in MIS Surgery

Minimal access surgical techniques have inherently limited visualization and are therefore dependent on imaging technologies for surgical positioning. The most common, economical, and available intraoperative imaging modality is C-arm fluoroscopy. Due to the complex topography of the spine, overlapping shadows are produced on the fluoroscopic image that must be interpreted and translated to the surgeon’s understanding of spinal anatomy. This chapter will focus on practical understanding and successful application of the C-arm for spinal procedures. This information is considered paramount to performing safe fluoroscopically assisted minimal access spine surgery.
Is marijuana identity associated with marijuana use and consequences? An examination of direct and interactive associations.

Background: There is relatively little research examining the relationship between identity and marijuana-related outcomes (e.g., marijuana use and consequences). Identity may both directly...
The role of elective neck dissection in high-grade parotid malignancy: A hospital-based cohort study.

Objectives/hypothesis The role of elective neck dissection (END) in patients with clinically N0 (cN0), high-grade parotid carcinoma is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the association between END and survival in patients with cN0, high-grade parotid carcinoma. Study design Retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Methods A review of hospital-based cases from the National Cancer Data Base was performed. Participants included patients diagnosed with cN0, high-grade parotid cancer between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. The primary exposure was receipt of neck dissection. Secondary exposures included receipt of adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Unadjusted and adjusted survival estimates were determined. Results Overall, 1,547 patients were included, with a median follow-up time of 48 months. END did not have a statistically significant effect on 3-year survival (3-year: 69.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67.2 to 72.6). Survival at 3-years among those not receiving END was 66.1% (95% CI: 62.7 to 69.5). Parotidectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy had the strongest effect on mortality. There was no difference in 3-year survival among patients who underwent parotidectomy and adjuvant radiation stratified by receipt of END nor did END have a statistically significant effect on survival in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, high-risk histology, high T stage, or academic center treatment subgroups. Conclusions END did not have a statistically significant effect on survival among cN0 patients with high-grade parotid cancer when taking into account receipt of adjuvant therapy and confounding. The role of END on survival and locoregional control remains to be further elucidated in prospective studies. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1487-1495, 2020.
The Effect of Gamma-lrradiation on Peptides

The effect of gamma-irradiation on aqueous solutions of triglycine was studied by means of spectrophotometry of biuret complex, ultraviolet absorption technique, paper chromatography, low voltage electrophoresis of copper complex, and carbonyl compound determination. Initial G values for peptide bond rupture at various concentrations and carbonyl compound formation were determined.
How Will Machine Learning Inform the Clinical Care of Atrial Fibrillation

Machine learning applications in cardiology have rapidly evolved in the past decade. With the availability of machine learning tools coupled with vast data sources, the management of atrial fibrillation (AF), a common chronic disease with significant associated morbidity and socioeconomic impact, is undergoing a knowledge and practice transformation in the increasingly complex healthcare environment. Among other advances, deep-learning machine learning methods, including convolutional neural networks, have enabled the development of AF screening pathways using the ubiquitous 12-lead ECG to detect asymptomatic paroxysmal AF in at-risk populations (such as those with cryptogenic stroke), the refinement of AF and stroke prediction schemes through comprehensive digital phenotyping using structured and unstructured data abstraction from the electronic health record or wearable monitoring technologies, and the optimization of treatment strategies, ranging from stroke prophylaxis to monitoring of antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy. Although the clinical and population-wide impact of these tools continues to be elucidated, such transformative progress does not come without challenges, such as the concerns about adopting black box technologies, assessing input data quality for training such models, and the risk of perpetuating rather than alleviating health disparities. This review critically appraises the advances of machine learning related to the care of AF thus far, their potential future directions, and its potential limitations and challenges.
Challenges in General Chemistry: The Effect of Moving Online in the Middle of the Semester

In this work we reflect on recent experiences in a large general chemistry lecture course while moving to online instruction right after spring break in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 at the University of Nevada, Reno. We analyze the average examination scores across three semesters and the percentages of students choosing the correct answers in multiple-choice (MC) questions in the face-to-face and online environments. In addition, we provide ideas for instructors on creating new MC questions and show the positive effect of an active learning assignment in an online teaching environment.
Dyadic Loneliness and Changes to HbA1c Among Older US Couples: The Role of Marital Support as Stress Buffer:

Objectives: Both experiencing loneliness and having a lonely partner can be psychosocial stressors, with implications for health. Yet, marital support may buffer against the cardiometabolic effects...
Reimagining Black Masculinities: Race, Gender, and Public Space,: edited by Mark C. Hopson & Mika’il Petin. (2020). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books. $95. 192 pp.

In the book, Reimagining Black Masculinities: Race, Gender, and Public Space, editors Mark C. Hopson and Mika’il Petin assemble an array of scholarly works that, in the words of the late Dr. Martin...
Stable Factorizations of Monic Operator Polynomials

Let L(λ) be a monic operator polynomial with factorization $$ L\left( \lambda \right) = {L_2}\left( \lambda \right){L_1}\left( \lambda \right) $$ where L1(λ) and L2(λ) are monic operator polynomials. In this chapter, we address the problem of stability of such factorizations, that is, when any operator polynomial sufficiently close to L(λ) admits a factorization with factors as close to L2(λ) and L1(λ), respectively, as we wish. Here the closeness of monic operator polynomials is understood as closeness of their respective coefficients.
Effects of Stochastic Flood Disturbance on Adult Wood Turtles, Glyptemys insculpta , in Massachusetts

The homing ability of non-marine turtles has been studied in a variety of taxa, and many species appear to be capable of short-range homing on the scale of several hundred meters or a few kilometers following experimental displacement. However, the behavioral response of turtles following a naturally caused displacement has seldom been reported. In this paper, we describe the effect of displacement ranging from 1.4 to 16.8 km (average = 4.8 km) by severe floods in a stream system in Massachusetts. We radio-tracked 38 adult Wood Turtles ( Glyptemys insculpta ) at five separate sites in Franklin County, Massachusetts, for periods ranging from one to four activity seasons and documented the displacement of a total of 12 Wood Turtles during seven floods between 2004 and 2008. Based on the average rate of displacement per flood and annual flood frequency, we estimate that, during our study, floods displaced over 40% of this Wood Turtle subpopulation annually. We present evidence that displacement results in elevated mortality rates and that displaced Wood Turtles mate and nest in the year following displacement at rates well below average; on a longer time scale, however, displacement by flooding may be an important mechanism of population connectivity in some areas. We also present evidence that most Wood Turtles avoid stream segments with stream gradient steeper than 1%; this may in part reflect an adaptation to avoid severe floods. Regional models and empirical data from stream gages suggest that flood intensity may currently be on an increasing trend. Conversion of upland from forest and fields to impervious surfaces and hardening of upstream riverbanks may have exacerbated recent flooding and decreased the resiliency of the riparian system to increased precipitation.
Institutional Gaps: The Argentine Restriction on Agricultural Production Industry Speaks

This article aims to explain the implications of weak institutions on agribusiness investment in Argentina. Weak institutions lead to policy development and enforcement grounded in the moment, rather than based on precedent and deliberative processes over time. Political exigencies and election cycles challenge policymakers to yield to legal precedent, rule of law, international standards in an environment of weak institutions. We suggest, and welcome critique, that the weak institutional environment in Argentina allows for capricious tax, trade, pricing, and investment policies by government to the point of creating undo business uncertainty. This uncertainty results in an inferior agribusiness investment environment, which in turn reduces the potential economic impact a robust agribusiness complex could provide to the nation.
Environmental Alteration of Insecticide Residues

From the viewpoint of environmental toxicologists, the disappearance of insecticide residues in their original form at a given location does not mean the end of the problem. Rather, the problem starts there. The question is whether such disappearance means actual degradation of the hazardous chemical or whether it is actually a signal that the insecticide has been translocated for, say, bioconcentration into some ecosystem or converted into more dangerous chemicals.
Local density of states maps of cuprate superconductors with field-induced charge order

A phenomenological model defined in a two dimensional lattice is employed to investigate the d-wave superconductivity and the competing antiferromagnetic order in cuprate superconductors. Near the optimally doped regime, we show that it is possible to induce the spin density wave (SDW) and the accompanying charge density wave (CDW) orders with stripe modulations by applying a magnetic field. The periods of the magnetic field induced SDW and CDW are $8a$ and $4a$, respectively. The spatial profiles of the local density of states (LDOS) at various bias energies have also been numerically studied. Near and beyond the energies of the vortex core states, we found that the LDOS may display the CDW stripe-like modulation throughout the whole magnetic unit cell. For energies closer to the zero bias, the stripes appear to be rather localized to the vortex. The intensity of the integrated spectrum of the LDOS shows that the strength of the stripe modulation is decaying away from the vortex core. This feature is in good agreement with STM experiments. The case for the magnetic-field induced SDW/CDW with 4-fold symmetry has also been studied.
Supporting ancillary values from user defined functions in Oracle

Most commercial SQL database systems support user-defined functions that can be used in WHERE clause filters, SELECT list items, or in sorting/grouping clauses. Often, user-defined functions are used as inexact search filters and then the filtered rows are sorted by a relevance measure. This is commonplace in Web search engines, multimedia, and personalization applications. We refer to the values, such as relevance measure, associated with the filtered rows as ancillary values, and address the problem of efficiently and expressively supporting queries involving them in Oracle. In our approach, the filtering operator is designated as the primary operator, and the associated ancillary values are modeled by additional operators that are declared to be ancillary to the primary operator. An ancillary operator can represent any auxiliary value for the filtered rows, including relevance values (e.g. a score which describes how well a document matches the text search query) and additional properties (e.g. the nature of spatial relationship for objects that overlap a given region). The query execution is optimized by allowing the primary and ancillary operator invocations to share computations via a shared context. Also, queries involving ancillary values can exploit user defined indexes and their capability to return results in the order of ancillary values. We present the key concepts, describes our implementation scheme and optimization techniques, and discusses alternative approaches for supporting ancillary values. Finally, we provide an experimental study that illustrates the scalability and effectiveness of our approach.
Rhizobium meliloti nodulation genes: identification of nodDABC gene products, purification of nodA protein, and expression of nodA in Rhizobium meliloti.

A set of conserved, or common, bacterial nodulation (nod) loci is required for host plant infection by Rhizobium meliloti and other Rhizobium species. Four such genes, nodDABC, have been indicated in R. meliloti 1021 by genetic analysis and DNA sequencing. An essential step toward understanding the function of these genes is to characterize their protein products. We used in vitro and maxicell Escherichia coli expression systems, together with gel electrophoresis and autoradiography, to detect proteins encoded by nodDABC. We facilitated expression of genes on these DNA fragments by inserting them downstream of the Salmonella typhimurium trp promoter, both in colE1 and incP plasmid-based vectors. Use of the incP trp promoter plasmid allowed overexpression of a nodABC gene fragment in R. meliloti. We found that nodA encodes a protein of 21 kilodaltons (kDa), and nodB encodes one of 28 kDa; the nodC product appears as two polypeptide bands at 44 and 45 kDa. Expression of the divergently read nodD yields a single polypeptide of 33 kDa. Whether these represent true Rhizobium gene products must be demonstrated by correlating these proteins with genetically defined Rhizobium loci. We purified the 21-kDa putative nodA protein product by gel electrophoresis, selective precipitation, and ion-exchange chromatography and generated antiserum to the purified gene product. This permitted the immunological demonstration that the 21-kDa protein is present in wild-type cells and in nodB- or nodC-defective strains, but is absent from nodA::Tn5 mutants, which confirms that the product expressed in E. coli is identical to that produced by R. meliloti nodA. Using antisera detection, we found that the level of nodA protein is increased by exposure of R. meliloti cells to plant exudate, indicating regulation of the bacterial nod genes by the plant host. Images
Age‐related changes in demand‐withdraw communication behaviors.

Demand-withdraw communication is a set of conflict-related behaviors in which one partner blames or pressures while the other partner withdraws or avoids. The present study examined age-related changes in these behaviors longitudinally over the course of later life stages. One hundred twenty-seven middle-aged and older long-term married couples were observed at 3 time points across 13 years as they engaged in a conversation about an area of relationship conflict. Husbands' and wives' demand-withdraw behaviors (i.e., blame, pressure, withdrawal, avoidance) were objectively rated by trained coders at each time point. Data were analyzed using dyad-level latent growth curve models in a structural equation modeling framework. For both husbands and wives, the results showed a longitudinal pattern of increasing avoidance behavior over time and stability in all other demand and withdraw behaviors. This study supports the notion that there is an important developmental shift in the way that conflict is handled in later life.
Electron Beam Metrology For Integrated Circuit Structures: Predictions And Experiments

A Monte Carlo program named SEEL (Simulation of Electron Energy Loss) was developed to simulate electron trajectories in arbitrary line geometries. Submicron scale electronic structures were fabricated in order to compare the simulation with experimental results. SEEL was used to determine the radial exposure distribution for electron energy dissipated in resist during electron beam lithography. A companion program called PRESTO (PRoximity Effect Simulation TOO was developed to predict the exposure of submicron scale patterns. Exposures were made for the purpose of comparing the experimental patterns with simulations.
Ultrastructure of sclerotic cemental masses.

Abstract Electron microscopic findings in a focus of early calcification in a case of sclerotic cemental masses of the jaws are described. Fine structural features of many of the lesional cells are similar to those of cells involved in actively healing tissues. This suggests that the lesion is basically reactive in biologic nature. The most characteristic portion of the hard-tissue component ultrastructurally resembles primary cementum.
Mechanisms of action of clozapine in the treatment of neuroleptic-resistant and neuroleptic-intolerant schizophrenia

Summary The mechanisms of action which account for the effectiveness of clozapine as a pharmacotherapy for the treatment of neuroleptic non-responders and neuroleptic intolerant schizophrenic subjects remain elusive. We review recent data concerning the actions of clozapine in laboratory animals, and discuss the likely sites of action of clozapine and the receptors through which clozapine acts. We suggest that actions at dopamine D2 receptors in the caudate nucleus and putamen underlie the extrapyramidal side effects of conventional neuroleptics. In contrast, we propose that clozapine acts in the prefrontal cortex, specifically targeting an as yet unidentified DA receptor of the D2 family, to exert therapeutic actions in neuroleptic non-responders. We suggest that the ability of clozapine to augment extracellular dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex may represent a key mechanism contributing to the therapeutic effects of this drug, and suggest some alternative approaches which might be expected to result in effects similar to those of clozapine.
Preparation of Nonradioactive Probes for in Situ Hybridization

In situ hybridization (ISH) enables the precise localization of RNA targets and provides an avenue to study the temporal and spatial patterns of expression of specific genes. ISH has evolved from being an esoteric technique to one that is routinely used by researchers in many areas of research. A major driving force has been the development of numerous nonisotopic labeling and signal detection methods. Historically, radioactive probes and autoradiography provided sensitivity that was unattainable with nonisotopic probes. But the long exposure times required for signal detection and the perceived dangers associated with radioactivity limit its use. Advances in nonisotopic detection systems have overcome many of the limitations associated with using radiolabeled probes. One of the most significant contributions from nonisotopic methods is the ability to discriminate between multiple nucleic acid sequences simultaneously.
IL‐17 and anti‐bacterial immunity: Protection versus tissue damage

IL-17 can impact health in a variety of ways. It is protective for some pathogens but it is also associated with tissue damaging inflammation. By examining the role of IL-17 in a variety of bacterial infections the mechanisms by which this cytokine mediates both protection and damage can be dissected. A key element in understanding the role of this cytokine is determining where and when it is acting. Dissecting its essential protective role from its immunopathologic role will allow for improved intervention in both acute and chronic disease.
High–Resolution Low Energy Electron Diffraction Study of Surface Instabilities and Growth Dynamics

Recent advances in high–resolution low–energy electron diffraction (HRLEED) techniques have led to a new capability which provides both very high spatial and temporal resolutions to probe quantitatively the equilibrium and dynamical processes that occur on surfaces and growth fronts. These techniques are especially powerful when the surface or growth front contains atomic steps. Different distributions of steps give different surface atomic pair correlation functions and therefore different angular profile shapes in the diffraction pattern. Recent examples of quantitative HRLEED study of low index plane equilibrium roughening and preroughening transitions are presented. In the growth dynamics, both two–level and multilevel step structures are considered. Examples of the measurements of growth exponents and dynamics scaling are presented.
PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs function in Hydra somatic stem cells

PIWI proteins and their bound PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are found in animal germlines and are essential for fertility, but their functions outside of the gonad are not well understood. The cnidarian Hydra is a simple metazoan with well-characterized stem/progenitor cells that provides a unique model for analysis of PIWI function. Here we report that Hydra has two PIWI proteins, Hydra PIWI (Hywi) and Hydra PIWI-like (Hyli), both of which are expressed in all Hydra stem/progenitor cells, but not in terminally differentiated cells. We identified ∼15 million piRNAs associated with Hywi and/or Hyli and found that they exhibit the ping-pong signature of piRNA biogenesis. Hydra PIWI proteins are strictly cytoplasmic and thus likely act as posttranscriptional regulators. To explore this function, we generated a Hydra transcriptome for piRNA mapping. piRNAs map to transposons with a 25- to 35-fold enrichment compared with the abundance of transposon transcripts. By sequencing the small RNAs specific to the interstitial, ectodermal, and endodermal lineages, we found that the targeting of transposons appears to be largely restricted to the interstitial lineage. We also identified putative nontransposon targets of the pathway unique to each lineage. Finally we demonstrate that hywi function is essential in the somatic epithelial lineages. This comprehensive analysis of the PIWI-piRNA pathway in the somatic stem/progenitor cells of a nonbilaterian animal suggests that this pathway originated with broader stem cell functionality.