cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of an Operational Aerobraking Strategy for Mars Odyssey

The Mars 2001 Odyssey Orbiter successfully completed the aerobraking phase of its mission on 11 January 2002. The support provided by NASA’s Langley Research Center to the navigation team at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, in the planning and operational support of Mars Odyssey aerobraking is discussed. Specifically, the development of a three-degree-of-freedom aerobraking trajectory simulation and its application to both preflight planning activities and operations is described. The importance of running the simulation in a Monte Carlo fashion to capture the effects of mission and atmospheric uncertainties is demonstrated, and the utility of including predictive logic within the simulation that could mimic operational maneuver decision making is shown. A description is also provided of how the simulation was adapted to support flight operations as both a validation and risk reduction tool and as a means of obtaining a statistical basis for maneuver strategy decisions. This latter application was the first use of Monte Carlo trajectory analysis in an aerobraking mission.
Quantifying PV module defects in the service environment

We report the results from a survey of commercial c-Si photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems range in size from 1kw to 20MW representative of residential, commercial, and utility scale projects from newly commissioned to >25 years in operation. These results provide the industry with valuable PV system field experience and document PV module defects. Furthermore, a breakdown of module subcomponent defects identified is presented. We provide an overview of our inspection protocol used for documentation. In addition, we hope to raise awareness about visual defects that may be indicative of quality issues requiring further investigation or proactive operation and maintenance (O&M). As a result of our learning, risk mitigation techniques can be developed based on field data to eventually help identify and reduce these defects. The objective is to quantify and disseminate these learnings regarding PV asset management and provide a rationale to reduce risk based on the analysis of PV materials, modules, and systems in the service environment.
Stability of uncertain systems

The asymptotic properties of feedback systems are discussed, containing uncertain parameters and subjected to stochastic perturbations. The approach is functional analytic in flavor and thereby avoids the use of Markov techniques and auxiliary Lyapunov functionals characteristic of the existing work in this area. The results are given for the probability distributions of the accessible signals in the system and are proved using the Prohorov theory of the convergence of measures. For general nonlinear systems, a result similar to the small loop-gain theorem of deterministic stability theory is given. Boundedness is a property of the induced distributions of the signals and not the usual notion of boundedness in norm. For the special class of feedback systems formed by the cascade of a white noise, a sector nonlinearity and convolution operator conditions are given to insure the total boundedness of the overall feedback system.
Nutrient digestibility and growth performance of pigs fed pearl millet as a replacement for corn.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the value of pearl millet grain, grown at either Purdue University or the University of Nebraska, as a substitute for corn in the diets of young pigs. In Exp. 1, 24 crossbred barrows, average initial weight of 20.7 kg, were used to evaluate nutrient digestibility of both sources of pearl millet compared with corn. Nitrogen digestibility was similar (P > .05) for corn and both sources of pearl millet. Energy and DM digestibilities were highest (P .05) of dietary treatment on growth rate or feed intake was observed. However, from d 14 to 28, a quadratic response (P .05) by dietary treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Framing Collective Action Against Neoliberalism: The Case of the Anti-Globalization Movement

The rise of the protest movement against neoliberal globalization represents one of the most signi?cant illustrations of social con?ict and contentious political behavior of the past several decades. This paper contends that central to the movements rise and evolution has been the active mobilization of meanings or interpretations critical of neoliberal policies and institutions. In e?ect, the so-called anti-globalization movement has bene?ted particularly from a transnationally-shared diagnosis, which implicates neoliberalism for a host of global social ills. However, civil society activists, especially after the Seattle World Trade Organization protests in 1999, have had a dif?cult time generating agreed upon strategic responses to neoliberal policies. In particular, the political environment for frame dissemination has become a much more contested one in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, as regional and tactical di?erences within the protest move-ment have become much more apparent. The di?cult experiences of civil society groups committed to sustaining protest against neo-liberal globalization are not unusual, but consistent with the history of other protest movements. These movements similarly matured and positioned themselves as genuine forces for substantial political and social change.
Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation through Capped Clay Nanotubes

Stem cells can be coaxed to grow into new bone or new cartilage better and faster when given the right molecular cues [1, 2]. Depending on the target tissue, control over the physical, chemical and mechanical influences is key to directing cell behavior in three-dimensions, and, ultimately, as a method to grow tissues for regenerative medicine applications. We designed a hydrogel that provides control over local biomaterial properties and that permits guidance over the process of development leading to extracellular matrix and tissue development. Our hydrogel nanocomposite consisting of alginate or chitosan, and growth factors doped Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs). Results demonstrate that HNT addition improved nanocomposite material properties and created a cell supportive environment. While the focus in this study was on osteoblast differentiation this approach may permit local control over the behavior of varied cell types and allow the engineering of complex tissues using a single stem cell source.
Effect of Inhibitors of Prostaglandin Synthesis and Metabolism on Ovum Transport in the Rabbit

Several drugs known to affect prostaglandin synthesis, release, or metabolism have been tested for their effects on ovum transport in the rabbit after systemic or local administration. Acceleration of transport was obtained with several drugs; among the most effective were benzydamine, a blocker of thromboxane production, and L11204, an inhibitor of prostaglandin metabolism.
Growing Up in Canada

In Canada, research on Chinese immigrant youth, particularly the second generation has yet to be fully developed. Despite the immigration policy change in the 1960s in which applicants were assessed on their education levels and skills rather than racial and ethnic origin, it is only in the last decades that Canada has received a large number of non-European immigrants from Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa (Jantzen, 2008).
Association of Physical Inactivity, Weight, Smoking, and Prior Injury on Physical Performance in a Military Setting

Context: Although inactivity, being overweight, smoking, and a history of injury are identified as risk factors for poor health and injury, few authors have examined their association on physical p...
Eosinophilia–Myalgia Syndrome

Eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome (EMS) is a multisystem disease characterized by subacute onset of myalgias and peripheral eosinophilia, followed by chronic neuropathy and skin induration. An epidemic of EMS in 1989 was linked to l-tryptophan consumption originating from a single source. Following the US Food and Drug Administration ban on the sale of l-tryptophan, EMS incidence declined rapidly. Xenobiotic triggered acute inflammation in a genetically susceptible host likely mediates the early phase of EMS. Late in the disease, cytokine activation and upregulation of collagen and extracellular matrix genes may drive the sustained fibrotic response. The exact etiologic agent responsible for EMS remains unknown.
Spatiotemporal Reproduction and Larval Habitat Associations of Nonnative Silver Carp and Bighead Carp

AbstractThe establishment of nonnative Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis (collectively referred to as “bigheaded carp”) in the central United States may have negative ecological consequences and economic impacts. Our objectives were to quantify patterns and habitat associations of adult bigheaded carp reproduction, larval production, and habitat use; such information is important for control strategies and identifying recruitment sources. During May–August 2011, we sampled adults and larvae at 10 sites distributed adjacent to and within the main channel of the Mississippi River at Pool 26 (study area = 28 river kilometers). Female reproductive status, adult location, and larval density were compared to environmental conditions, including temperature, site velocity, and turbidity. Large females spawned earlier than their smaller counterparts. No clear spawning aggregations of adults were observed, suggesting plasticity in staging habitat. Larvae were distributed across all...
Benchmark results and theoretical treatments for valence-to-core x-ray emission spectroscopy in transition metal compounds

We report measurement of the valence-to-core (VTC) region of the K-shell x-ray emission spectra from several Zn and Fe inorganic compounds, and their critical comparison with three existing theoretical treatments. We find generally good agreement between the respective theories and experiment and in particular find an important admixture of dipole and quadrupole character for Zn materials that is much weaker in Fe-based systems. These results on materials whose simple crystal structures should not, a priori, pose deep challenges to theory, will prove useful in guiding the further development of DFT and time-dependent DFT methods for VTC-XES predictions and their comparison to experiment.
Montazeri: The Life and Thought of Iran's Revolutionary Ayatollah

By the time of his death in 2009, the Grand Ayatollah Montazeri was lauded as the spiritual leader of the Green movement in Iran. Since the 1960s, when he supported Ayatollah Khomeini's opposition to the Shah, Montazeri's life reflected the crucial political shifts within Iran. In this book, Sussan Siavoshi presents the historical context as well as Montazeri's own political and intellectual journey. Siavoshi highlights how Montazeri, originally a student of Khomeini became one of the key figures during the revolution of 1978–9. She furthermore analyses his subsequent writings, explaining how he went from trusted advisor to and nominated successor of Khomeini to an outspoken critic of the Islamic Republic. Examining Montazeri's political thought and practice as well as the historical context, Siavoshi's book is vital for those interested in post-revolutionary Iran and the phenomenon of political Islam.
In vivo correlates between daily physical activity and intervertebral disc health.

Physical activity impacts health and disease in multiple body tissues including the intervertebral discs. Fluid flow within the disc is an indicator of disc health that can be observed using diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We monitored activity levels of 26 participants, age 35-55 yrs, using Actigraph accelerometers for 4 days to evaluate vigorous-intensity activity, moderate to vigorous intensity activity, and sedentary time. Participants underwent structural and diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate intervertebral disc health and fluid flow. They also underwent bone density scans, carotid artery ultrasounds, a treadmill test, and a physical exam for pain, range of motion, and instability. These measures were used to correlate MRI indicators of intervertebral disc health with participant activity levels. Participants with any vigorous-intensity physical activity compared with no vigorous-intensity activity had significantly greater L5/S1 apparent diffusion coefficient values (p = 0.002), corresponding to higher freedom of diffusive movement for cellular nutrients and metabolic waste. Sagittal T2 values in the L5/S1 were also higher (p = 0.004), corresponding to a higher water content in the discs. Higher apparent diffusion coefficients were also found in participants with more than 30 min compared with less than 30 min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (p = 0.03), and in participants with less than 67% awake time as sedentary time compared with more than 67% sedentary time (p = 0.03). Increased dynamic loading through physical activity and decreased static loading from sedentary time benefit intervertebral disc health. Physical activity, particularly vigorous activity, is beneficial in helping maintain intervertebral disc health. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1313-1323, 2018.
Scholarly Tailgating Defined: A Diverse, Giant Network

During preparation of this manuscript, Dr. Maxine Adegbola was supported by a NINR T32 Pain and Associated Symptoms grant at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.
Blind Analysis as a Correction for Confirmatory Bias in Physics and in Psychology

Psychologists and other social scientists have increasingly realized the extent to which their data analytic practices are vulnerable to confirmatory biases. In response to similar concerns, physicists have developed various methods of "blind data analysis," in which the analyst is unable to determine the actual substantive results of a study until the main analyses are judged to be complete. We give illustrations from particle physics and cosmology, and offer simulations to illustrate how similar methods might be adapted to common analytic situations in psychology.
Brain Machine Interfaces for Vision Restoration: The Current State of Cortical Visual Prosthetics

Loss of vision alters the day to day life of blind individuals and may impose a significant burden on their family and the economy. Cortical visual prosthetics have been shown to have the potential of restoring a useful degree of vision via stimulation of primary visual cortex. Due to current advances in electrode design and wireless power and data transmission, development of these prosthetics has gained momentum in the past few years and multiple sites around the world are currently developing and testing their designs. In this review, we briefly outline the visual prosthetic approaches and describe the history of cortical visual prosthetics. Next, we focus on the state of the art of cortical visual prosthesis by briefly explaining the design of current devices that are either under development or in the clinical testing phase. Lastly, we shed light on the challenges of each design and provide some potential solutions.
The role of genomic approaches in diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency.

Purpose of reviewGenetic testing serves an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. In this review, the strengths and limitations of various genetic testing methods are summarized, providing a foundation for the clinical approach to achieving a molecul
The Optimal Monetary Instrument and the (Mis)Use of Causality Tests

Abstract This paper investigates the optimal monetary instrument in a New-Keynesian model with multiple monetary assets. We compare a standard interest rate rule to a k-percent rule for three alternative monetary aggregates determined within our model: the monetary base, the simple sum measure of money, and the Divisia measure. Welfare results are striking. While the interest rate dominates the other two monetary aggregate k-percent rules, the Divisia k-percent rule outperforms the interest rate rule. Next we study the ability of Granger Causality tests – in the context of data generated from our model – to correctly identify welfare improving instruments. We find the interest rate Granger Causes both output and prices at extremely high significance levels. The same result is obtained for monetary base and the simple-sum monetary aggregate. The test results for Divisia are the weakest as Divisia fails to Granger Cause prices. We conclude that if the choice of instrument is based solely on its propensity to Granger Cause macroeconomic targets, a central bank may choose an inferior policy instrument.
Induction of the HIF pathway: Differential regulation by chemical hypoxia and oxygen glucose deprivation

The Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) proteins are the master regulators in the cellular response to varying oxygen levels, including hypoxia. The HIF complex is stabilized and accumulates when oxygen levels drop through inhibition of a degradative enzyme. An active HIF complex can act as a transcriptional regulator of hundreds of genes. In turn, these genes determine the response of the cell by inducing pathways which can promote survival, or result in cell death. However, little is known about the regulation of the transcriptional process. We were interested in learning more about the time dependence of transcriptional activation in order to target those pathways which could enhance cell survival after ischemia. Using mouse hippocampal organotypic cultures (HOTCs), we compared oxygen-glucose deprivation with the hypoxia mimetic cobalt, which inhibits the oxygen dependent prolyl hydroylase and blocks degradation of the HIF proteins. We demonstrated that two of the most studied HIF target genes (VEGF, EPO) as well as HIF structural genes show complex time and dose-dependent expression patterns in response to the two different insults. Understanding of these molecular responses is crucial for the development of future treatments to enhance recovery from hypoxia and stroke.
Single- Versus Double-Row Repair of Hip Abductor Tears: A Biomechanical Matched Cadaver Study.

Purpose The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the percentage of gluteus medius and minimus tendon footprint restoration that can be achieved with fixation using single-row repair versus double-row repair and (2) to evaluate the yield load of a repair of the gluteus medius and minimus tendon using single-row versus double-row repair techniques. Methods Twelve human fresh-frozen cadaveric hip specimens (6 matched pairs, 4 female, mean age 47.5 ± 14.5 years) were tested. Specimens were excluded if they had any prior hip surgery or injury, if any abnormality of the tendon was noted on dissection, or if they had a body mass index 35 or a T-score Results Footprint coverage of the lateral facet was significantly greater for double-row repair (mean 76.6%) compared with single-row repair (mean 50.3%) (P = .03). There was no significant difference between single- and double-row repair for posterior-superior or anterior facet coverage. Mechanical testing showed a higher mean yield load for double-row anchor repair (197.6 ± 61.7 N vs 163.5 ± 35.4 N for single-row repair), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .15). The predominant mode of failure was suture pullout through the musculotendinous unit (9/12 specimens: 5 double-row and 4 single-row). Conclusions For hip abductor tears, double-row suture repair yields improved footprint coverage compared with single-row repair. Although it did not reach statistical significance, there was a higher mean yield load in the double-row group. Clinical Relevance Double-row suture fixation technique for hip abductor tears maximizes strength and footprint coverage of the repair.
Gas-Phase Hydrogen/Deuterium Scrambling in Negative-Ion Mode Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX MS) has become a powerful method to characterize protein conformational dynamics. Workflows typically utilize pepsin digestion prior to MS analysis to yield peptide level structural resolution. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) can potentially facilitate determination of site-specific deuteration to single-residue resolution. However, to be effective, MS/MS activation must minimize the occurrence of gas-phase intramolecular randomization of solution-generated deuterium labels. While significant work has focused on understanding this process in positive-ion mode, little is known about hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) scrambling processes in negative-ion mode. Here, we utilize selectively deuterated model peptides to investigate the extent of intramolecular H/D scrambling upon several negative-ion mode MS/MS techniques, including negative-ion collision-induced dissociation (nCID), electron detachment dissociation (EDD), negative-ion free radical–initiated peptide sequencing (nFRIPS), and negative-ion electron capture dissociation (niECD). H/D scrambling was extensive in deprotonated peptides upon nCID and nFRIPS. In fact, the energetics required to induce dissociation in nCID are sufficient to allow histidine C-2 and Cβ hydrogen atoms to participate in the scrambling process. EDD and niECD demonstrated moderate H/D scrambling with niECD being superior in terms of minimizing hydrogen migration, achieving ~ 30% scrambling levels for small c-type fragment ions. We believe the observed scrambling is likely due to activation during ionization and ion transport rather than during the niECD event itself.
Studies on agranulocytosis. IV. Effects of chlorpromazine on nucleic acid synthesis of bone marrow cells in vitro.

1. When viable marrow cells were incubated with tritiated thymidine and uridine, the cells became radioactive as nucleic acid synthesis proceeded. 2. Excessive concentrations of chlorpromazine (CPZ) partially inhibited the influx of thymidine and uridine into granulocytes of all patients who had had agranulocytosis due to this drug, and of about 75 per cent of random hospital patients. This drug did not effect nucleic acid synthesis in nine individuals who had been treated with a large amount of CPZ, with no alteration in their leukocyte count. 3. A comparison of the effects of dilution of CPZ upon influx of H3 thymidine into granulocytes showed significant dose-dependent depression of granulocyte labeling in CPZ sensitive persons, and no depression in granulocytes of persons on large doses of CPZ who did not develop leukopenia. Random hospital patients not on CPZ showed a degree of depression between these two groups. 4. The number of radioactive normoblasts in the marrow culture preparations diminished slightly, but not significantly, following incubation with CPZ. 5. Non-myelotoxic drugs, such as Phenergan, aspirin, penicillin, and tetracyclene had no significant effect on the degree of influx of tritated thymidine and uridine. 6. There was no effect of CPZ upon incorporation of H3 DL-leucine into marrow cells.
August Wilson Society President's Foreword to Inaugural Issue of the August Wilson Journal

Founder and President of the August Wilson Society reflects upon the growth of the field of August Wilson studies over the past several decades and points towards a promising future.
Truth or Justice: A Comparative Look at the Exclusionary Rule in Germany and the United States

Procedural rules and case law play a key role in shaping the fact-finder’s ability to “find the truth” in both Germany and the United States. In the United States, in the absence of comprehensive codes of criminal procedure, the judiciary’s shifting interpretations affect the exclusionary rule’s scope forcing prosecutors to use the pre-trial process to determine “whether the logically relevant information [they have] gathered will successfully undergo the legal metamorphosis into technically competent evidence.” In both countries, the willingness of courts to impose those rules or to reshape the contours of past case law in a manner that may or may not exclude evidence shifts over time. At this moment in history, we are witnessing competing trends regarding the exclusion of evidence in Germany and in the United States. Although courts in the United States, in particular the Supreme Court, have recently been more willing to narrow the use of the exclusionary rule, the decisions of German courts are trending in favor of placing more safeguards on the legislature’s efforts to expand police powers. Many scholars have highlighted the differences in the scope and application of both country’s exclusionary rules. While I summarize this prior scholarship and key court decisions in Parts I and II of this article, in Part III, I explore how these different normative underpinnings fare in a world of rapid technological developments. Further, I probe how the differing legal conceptions of privacy, autonomy, and dignity mediate the relationship between the democratic state and the concept of the individual and ask whether the structure of evidentiary protections in both countries prepare us for the decades ahead.
Evaluating body composition in infancy and childhood: A comparison between 4C, QMR, DXA, and ADP

Background Accurate and precise methods to measure of body composition in infancy and childhood are needed. Objectives This study evaluated differences and precision of three methods when compared with the four-compartment (4C) model for estimating fat mass (FM). Methods FM of children (age 14 days to 6 years of age, N = 346) was obtained using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (QMR, EchoMRI-AH), air-displacement plethysmography (ADP, PeaPod, less than or equal to 8 kg, BodPod age 6 years or older), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, Hologic QDR). The 4C model was computed. Correlation, concordance, and Bland-Altman analyses were performed. Results In infants, PeaPod had high individual FM accuracy, whereas DXA had high group FM accuracy compared with 4C. In children, DXA had high group and individual FM accuracies compared with 4C. QMR underestimated group FM in infants and children (300 and 510 g, respectively). The instrument FM precision was best for QMR (10 g) followed by BodPod (34 g), PeaPod (38 g), and DXA (45 g). Conclusions In infants, PeaPod was the best method to estimate individual FM whereas DXA was best to estimate group FM. In children, DXA was best to estimate individual and group FM. QMR had the highest instrument precision.
Risk Factors for Sexual Pain Among Physically Active Women.

Author(s): Fergus, Kirkpatrick B; Cohen, Andrew J; Cedars, Benjamin E; Rowen, Tami S; Patino, German; Breyer, Benjamin N | Abstract: INTRODUCTION:Sexual pain is common among women but little is known about associations with exercise and physical activity. AIM:To determine the prevalence of sexual pain among physically active women and to evaluate cycling and other potential risk factors. METHODS:This is a secondary data analysis of a study on the urinary and sexual wellness of physically active women recruited through sporting clubs and targeted social media advertising. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the role of cycling and exercise in reporting any, frequent, or severe sexual pain, controlling for demographic, relationship, and health risk factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:Sexual pain, including frequency and severity, was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS:A total of 2,039 women were included, with 1,097 (54%) reporting any level of sexual pain, 364 (18%) experiencing frequent pain, and 378 (19%) reporting severe pain. Less than 5% of women reported diabetes or hypertension, and the cohort had a median body mass index of 23.3 (interquartile range 21.4-25.7). Increasing age and body mass index were protective against any sexual pain, as was cycling (odds ratio [OR] 0.73 [95% CI 0.59-0.90]). Participants who reported being "moderately satisfied" (OR 0.53 [95% CI 0.31-0.91]) or "very satisfied" (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.19-0.56]) with their emotional closeness to a sexual partner had decreased odds of any sexual pain. CONCLUSION:Experiencing any sexual pain is common in physically active women, with a prevalence of over 50%; however, weekly energy expenditure from exercise was not associated with sexual pain. Cycling participation and higher levels of emotional closeness and intimacy were associated with less pain. Patients between the ages of 18 and 30 years who were normal or underweight incurred the highest risk of sexual pain. Fergus KB, Cohen AJ, Cedars BE, et al. Risk Factors for Sexual Pain Among Physically Active Women. Sex Med 2020;8:501-509.
High-resolution seismic profiling reveals basin floor morphology, sedimentary processes, and shallow stratigraphy at Convict Lake (California, USA)

Abstract The sediments of glacial lakes in the eastern Sierra Nevada (California, USA) hold promise as archives of hydroclimatic and ecological changes, which has implications for understanding California's water supply. Here we present the initial results of a compressed high intensity radar pulse (CHIRP) seismic reflection survey of Convict Lake, a small, hydrologically open terminal moraine lake in the Sherwin Range of northeastern California. These 0.5–8.0 kHz CHIRP profiles represent the first acoustic images of the subsurface of Convict Lake. The sublacustrine geomorphology of Convict Lake is defined by a dominantly flat floored deepwater depocenter that reaches a maximum depth of ~44 m. Seismic reflections over most of the depocenter are moderate amplitude, coherent, and continuous, consistent with hemipelagic sedimentation of silt-sized allochthonous particles and organic matter. The ice-sculpted lateral margins of the basin are steep and prone to mass wasting, as shown by discontinuous and chaotic reflections organized into convex lenses or irregular mounds on the lake floor. The southwestern axial margin is a sand-dominated deltaic ramp formed by the inflowing Convict Creek, whereas the northeastern axis is rocky littoral ramp that shoals toward the basin outlet and accumulates minimal lacustrine sediment. In areas unobscured by gas curtaining, the CHIRP data reveal an asymmetric basin fill that expands subtly to the southeast, reaching a maximum thickness of ~19 m s two-way travel time. The basin fill consists of three seismic stratigraphic units. Onlap and truncation geometries separating the seismic units indicate that lake level changes likely played an important role in shaping the stratigraphy of Convict Lake. Seismic profiling at Convict Lake is the critical first step towards placing the lake and its depositional record into the late Quaternary environmental history of the Convict Creek Valley.
Minimax Learning for Distributed Inference

The classical problem of supervised learning is to infer an accurate estimate of a target variable $Y$ from a measured variable $X$ using a set of labeled training samples. Motivated by the increasingly distributed nature of data and decision making, this paper considers a variation of this classical problem in which the inference is distributed between two nodes, e.g., a mobile device and a cloud, with a rate constraint on the communication between them. The mobile device observes $X$ and sends a description $M$ of $X$ to the cloud, which computes an estimate $\hat {Y}$ of $Y$ . We follow the recent minimax learning approach to study this inference problem and show that it corresponds to a one-shot minimax noisy lossy source coding problem. We then establish information theoretic bounds on the risk-rate Lagrangian cost, leading to a general method for designing a near-optimal descriptor-estimator pair. A key ingredient in the proof of our result is a refined version of the strong functional representation lemma previously used to establish several one-shot source coding theorems. Our results show that a naive estimate-compress scheme for rate-constrained inference is not optimal in general. When the distribution of $(X,Y)$ is known and the error is measured by the logarithmic loss, our bounds on the risk-rate Lagrangian cost provide a new one-shot operational interpretation of the information bottleneck. We also demonstrate a way to bound the excess risk of the descriptor-estimator pair obtained by our method.
Geometry of Arrangements that Determine Shapes

Shape grammars compute over shapes which are defined in the universe $U^*$. Shapes in the universe $U^*$ are analogous to line drawings that can be physically realized in the plane. Any shape is embedded or contained in an arrangement of points and lines in the plane called, respectively, registration marks and construction lines, that satisfy special incidence laws. In this paper, arrangements that contain shapes are studied as incidence structures and the finite geometries they give rise to as such are characterized. In particular, arrangements that contain shapes are distinguished into those that give rise to finite near-linear and linear spaces, and those that do not give rise to any proper form of geometry (in the strict mathematical sense). Arrangements that constitute finite geometries (near-linear and linear spaces) give an alternative characterization of determinate rules in shape grammars.
Measuring the Relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility, Perceived Quality, Price Fairness, Satisfaction, and Conative Loyalty in the Context of Local Food Restaurants

The current study assessed the relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), perceived quality, price fairness, satisfaction, and conative loyalty in the context of local food restau...
Zintl phases for thermoelectric applications

Abstract Zintl phases have been recognized as an important class of materials that have good properties for thermoelectric applications. Zintl phases are intermetallic compounds that are semiconductors with complex structures and a mix of ionic and covalent bonding. These structure types are composed of elements that display ionic bonding or covalent bonding and can be tuned in multiple fashions to provide efficient thermoelectric materials. The covalent bonding provides unique 0D clusters, 1D chains, 2D layers, and 3D frameworks that are interspersed and valence satisfied with alkaline earth, alkali metal, or rare earth cations. Because both the anionic framework and the cations can be alio- or isovalently substituted, a vast array of new compounds can be synthesized, and precise tuning of properties can be achieved. The combination of both ionic and covalent bonding within a semiconducting structure makes this an ideal phonon-glass electron-crystal class of compounds. This chapter will outline some of the most recent successes for thermoelectrics and suggest directions for new endeavors.
Beyond Journalism: by Mark Deuze and Tamara Witschge, Cambridge, Polity Press, 2020, 148 pp., 22.95 USD (Paperback), ISBN: 9780745643427

As a child, conscious enough to dream of a future, I would always tell people I wanted to become a journalist. Why? I wanted to be a “watchdog for society.” Never mind I had no idea what being a wa...
De novo genome assemblies of butterflies

BACKGROUND The availability of thousands of genomes has enabled new advancements in biology. However, many genomes have not been investigated for their quality. Here we examine quality trends in a taxonomically diverse and well-known group, butterflies (Papilionoidea), and provide draft, de novo assemblies for all available butterfly genomes. Owing to massive genome sequencing investment and taxonomic curation, this is an excellent group to explore genome quality. FINDINGS We provide de novo assemblies for all 822 available butterfly genomes and interpret their quality in terms of completeness and continuity. We identify the 50 highest quality genomes across butterflies and conclude that the ringlet, Aphantopus hyperantus, has the highest quality genome. Our post-processing of draft genome assemblies identified 118 butterfly genomes that should not be reused owing to contamination or extremely low quality. However, many draft genomes are of high utility, especially because permissibility of low-quality genomes is dependent on the objective of the study. Our assemblies will serve as a key resource for papilionid genomics, especially for researchers without computational resources. CONCLUSIONS Quality metrics and assemblies are typically presented with annotated genome accessions but rarely with de novo genomes. We recommend that studies presenting genome sequences provide the assembly and some metrics of quality because quality will significantly affect downstream results. Transparency in quality metrics is needed to improve the field of genome science and encourage data reuse.
Everything old is old again

A purpose of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is to translate theory into practical concepts to prepare leaders of the public and nonprofit sectors. The practice continues to emplo...
Standardized applications for genetic counseling graduate programs: Opinions of program directors.

Genetic Counseling Graduate Programs (GCGPs) have progressively increased in number and class size, and implementation of the National Matching Services in 2018 was a major step toward streamlining the admissions process. Standardized applications (SAs), which have been incorporated into the admissions process for undergraduate studies as well as several professional graduate programs, could also be considered for GCGPs. In this study, we assessed the opinions of GCGP Program Directors (PDs) regarding the implementation of an SA for GCGP admissions processes. GCGP PDs participated in an anonymous online survey designed to evaluate interest in an SA and assess perceived implementation barriers. The survey collected GCGP and PD demographic information, data on current application components, and PD opinions of an SA. Thirty PDs were included in this study, and just over half (n = 16/30, 53.3%) reported their current application structure would allow for SA implementation. While 40% (n = 12/30) of respondents anticipated an SA would benefit GCGPs, an additional 23.3% (n = 7/30) anticipated no impact to GCGPs. Most respondents (n = 26/30, 86.6%) anticipated that an SA would be beneficial for GCGP applicants. The main perceived benefit to GCGPs was an efficient application process, while perceived benefits to applicants included decreased redundancy and increased application access. Perceived harms to GCGPs included more generic applications, while perceived harms to applicants included increased competition for admission to individual GCGPs. The most common SA implementation barrier cited by respondents was current administrative structures. This study demonstrates that while GCGP leadership largely perceives an SA to be beneficial for applicants, opinions on impact to GCGPs vary. While the majority of respondents perceive implementation of an SA to be feasible, there are implementation barriers that must be addressed. Interestingly, GCGP leadership had mixed perceptions about the structure of a hypothetical SA, and thus overall impact, demonstrating the need for further study.
Temporal And Geographic Patterning of Relative Head Height in The Central Plains And Middle Missouri Areas

Temporal and geographic patterning of vault height evaluated as the Auricular Mean Height Index is examined in samples of crania from the Central and Northern Plains. Crania are placed into two lar...
Theoretical and Practical Reasoning: An Intractable Dualism?

From its inception, Western philosophy has both created and struggled against a variety of dualisms — God-and-Satan, ideal-and-material Realms of Being, res cogitans-and-res extensa, mind-and-body, ought-and-is, analytic-and-synthetic — each invented as a solution to a recalcitrant philosophical problem; all in time have proved untenable. The unity of the universe is such an overwhelming fact that eventually monotheism becomes the only acceptable theology and ontological monism the only acceptable philosophy — that is, the only stance acceptable to those who recognize contemporary science as something other than just another myth to satisfy an irrational human need for “answers.”
The Effect of a Net Partial Exclusion Rule on Saving Incentives, Vertical Equity, and Tax Revenues

This study examines the effect of allowing qualifying individual taxpayers that do not deduct any interest expenses on their tax returns (called "qualified savers") to partially exclude their interest, dividend, and capital gain income, subject to a maximum exclusion. Meanwhile, taxpayers that elect to deduct interest expenses (called "net debtors") will continue to include all of their investment income in gross income. Unlike the current income tax system, which subsidizes borrowing and penalizes saving, the proposal neutralizes the decision to borrow or save for a significant number of taxpayers. Individuals that elect to deduct their interest expenses must continue to recognize their investment income. Taxpayers that elect to forgo their interest deductions can partially or entirely exclude their investment income. Using data based on IRS Public Use Tax Files, the paper considers three alternative exclusion ceilings: $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000 for joint returns and $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000, respectively, for other taxpayers. Taxpayers with investment income in excess of interest deductions are treated as "qualified savers." Using these ceilings, the percentage of current individual taxpayers who would be eligible to exclude all of their investment income as "qualified savers" varies between 77 and 81 percent, depending on the size of the maximum exclusion. This means that the marginal tax rate on an additional dollar of new investment income or new debt will be zero for at least three out of every four taxpayers. The paper also investigates how the proposal can alleviate some of the distributional concerns associated with simplifying the taxation of social security benefits. The results indicate that the negative impact of taxing net social security benefits can be partially offset by simultaneously enacting the proposal. If the definition of investment income is expanded to include net social security benefits, then the average social security recipient at all income levels would not be adversely affected by a system that taxes net social security benefits. However, the revised proposal would have less impact on saving because more taxpayers would be subject to the exclusion ceiling.
From feedback control to complexity management: a personal perspective

Revolutionary advances in technology have generated numerous complex systems that have become integral parts of our socioeconomic environment. The study of such systems – those which contain many interacting parts – is currently attracting considerable attention. In this paper, the author retraces his personal attempts, over a period of four decades, to develop simple models for adaptation, learning, identification and control using artificial neural networks, and hybrid systems, and goes on to describe how they are providing insights into dealing with complex interconnected systems.
Reaction of human chymase with reactive site variants of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin. Modulation of inhibitor versus substrate properties.

Inhibition of human chymase by alpha 1-antichymotrypsin produces 3.5 mol of degraded inhibitor for every mol of chymase inhibited, resulting in a stoichiometry of inhibition (SI) of 4.5. In the present study, the substrate versus inhibitor properties of this reaction were examined further using wild type and mutant recombinant antichymotrypsins (rACT). Titration of chymase hydrolytic activity with rACT-L358 (wild type) and reactive site (P1) variants of ACT, L358W, L358M, and L358F revealed that the SI was sensitive to P1 residue replacements. SI values increased in the order of Trp
Biogeochemical Influence of Vegetation and Soils in the ILWAS Watersheds

The ILWAS catchments (Panther, Sagamore, and Woods) contain closely related variants of the northern hardwood-spruce-fir complex of the Adirondack Region. Dominant species in these watersheds are: American beech, sugar maple, red spruce, red maple, and yellow birch. On an areal basis, the watersheds contain 57 to 88% hardwood cover type and range in percent coniferous cover from 28% in Sagamore watershed to 5% in Woods catchment. Mean live basal area values range from 22 to 30 m2 ha-1 between catchments, while mean live stem densities range from 1400 to 1700 stems ha-1. Weighted average leaf area indices for the watersheds range from a low of 5.2 in Woods to a high of 7.2 in Sagamore. The higher leaf area in Sagamore watershed may enhance the collection of dry deposition and may explain the higher SO4 2- concentrations in surface waters within that system.
Intravenous prostaglandin F2α for therapeutic abortion

Abstract The use of prostaglandin F 2α in increasing (25 to 250 mcg. per minute) and constant (50 to 100 mcg. per minute) doses via intravenous infusion in a group of 15 women undergoing therapeutic abortion is described. The constant lower dose regimen was superior to the graded dose program from the standpoint of both obtaining abortion and minimizing side effects. Although no serious side effects were encountered, troublesome nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were frequent. The occurrence of prolonged infusion times (which could not be forecast from the gestational age or parity of the patients), an over-all failure rate of 42 per cent, and the accompanying side effects obviate this form of treatment as an alternative to suction evacuation of the uterus for routine therapeutic abortion.
THE EMPIRICAL DEFINITION OF MONEY IN CHINA

This paper employs both the reduced-form-regression approach and the factor analysis ap­ proach to analyze the empirical definition of money in China. In the factor analysis, it is found that there are two common factors shared by the financial assets under study. One represents li­ quidity and the other represents store of value. The results of the factor analysis and the reduced­ form-regression approach coincide and suggest that urban saving deposits are the best substitute for currency. For this reason, urban saving deposits and currency should be included in the narrow money definition, which is different from the definition set by the International Monetary Fund. Studies of money and monetary policy in China have traditionally adopted currency in circulation as the monetary medium. Historically, other financial assets were few. More recently the Chinese government and the International Monetary Fund have adopted two broader measures of money: Ml which is currency plus deposits of enterprises, government agencies and organizations and M2 which is Ml plus household deposits. This paper applies methods to China which have been used to develop empirical definitions of money in the West. A conclusion is that. none of the three definitions currently in use, i.e., currency, Ml or M2, are the best measures of the money supply based upon empirical criteria. The best definition of money for China is currency plus ur­ ban saving deposits. Empirical definitions of money have been based on three alternative ap­ proaches: (1) demand for money equations; (2) reduced-form-regressions; and (3) factor analysis. This paper develops an empirical definition of money for the Chinese economy using the latter two approaches. These two approaches, as opposed to the demand-for-money approach
Light-triggered chemical amplification to accelerate degradation and release from polymeric particles

We describe a means of chemical amplification to accelerate triggered degradation of a polymer and particles composed thereof. We designed a light-degradable copolymer containing carboxylic acids masked by photolabile groups and ketals. Photolysis allows the unmasked acidic groups in the polymer backbone to accelerate ketal hydrolysis even at neutral pH.