cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proactive retention aware caching

We consider the problem of proactive (i.e. predictive) content caching that is aware of the costs of retention of the content in the cache. Prior work on caching (whether proactive or reactive) does not explicitly take into account the storage cost due to the duration of time for which a content is cached. This new problem, which we call retention aware caching, is motivated by two recent technological developments that are described in the paper: cloud storage rental costs and flash memory damage. We consider a hierarchical network consisting of a server connected to a number of cache-enabled nodes, located either at the edge of a network (e.g. base stations) or in the core of a data center. There are two types of network costs: storage cost at the caches and download cost from the server. We formulate the problem of proactive retention aware data caching (PRAC), which minimizes the total cost subject to the node capacity constraints. We first prove that PRAC is NP-Hard in general and then analyze PRAC for two cases: (1) linear storage cost, (2) convex storage cost. We show that PRAC admits efficient polynomial time algorithms when the storage cost is linear in retention times and caches have a large capacity. Furthermore, we derive bounds on the performance of PRAC for the case when the storage cost is a practically motivated convex function. Numerical evaluations demonstrate that PRAC outperforms other state-of-the-art caching policies for a wide range of parameters of interest.
Is Schrödinger's Cat Alive?

Erwin Schrodinger is famous for presenting his wave equation of motion that jump-started quantum mechanics. His disenchantment with the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics led him to unveil the Schrodinger's cat paradox, which did not get much attention for nearly half a century. In the meantime, disappointment with quantum mechanics turned his interest to biology facilitating, albeit in a peripheral way, the revelation of the structure of DNA. Interest in Schrodinger's cat has recently come roaring back making its appearance conspicuously in numerous scientific articles. From the arguments presented here, it would appear that the legendary Schrodinger's cat is here to stay, symbolizing a profound truth that quantum reality exists at all scales; but we do not observe it in our daily macroscopic world as it is masked for all practical purposes, most likely by environmental decoherence with irreversible thermal effects. Quanta 2017; 6: 70–80.
Characterization of Stress-Diffusion Coupling in Lithiated Germanium by Nanoindentation

There is currently a growing demand for low-cost, high-performance electrochemical energy storage solutions to consumer electronics, vehicle electrification and stationary power management. The successful development and deployment of such solutions necessitate a fundamental understanding of the mechanical properties of electrochemical materials, as well as the intricate coupling between the electro-chemo-mechanical processes in these materials. In this work, we performed a combined experimental and modelling investigation of the stress-diffusion coupling behavior of lithiated germanium (Ge) for its use in high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Thin films of Ge were fabricated using sputtering deposition and then electrochemically lithiated, after which they were subjected to nanoindentation at varying load levels to study indentation-induced creep deformation. Concurrently, a continuum chemo-mechanical model of the nanoindentation test was developed and used to investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying the stress-gradient-driven creep deformation. The stress-diffusion coupling coefficient and diffusivity of lithium in Ge were obtained by quantitatively comparing the simulated nanoindentation response with the experimental measurements. This integrative experimental and computation work provides important insights into the chemo-mechanical coupling process in high-performance rechargeable battery electrodes.
The effect of predator presence on the behavioral sequence from host selection to reproduction in an invulnerable stage of insect prey

Predator–prey interactions primarily focus on prey life-stages that are consumed. However, animals in less vulnerable life-stages might also be influenced by the presence of a predator, making our understanding of predation-related impacts across all life-stages of prey essential. It has been previously demonstrated that Podisus maculiventris is a voracious predator of eggs and larvae of Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and that larvae will alter their behavior to avoid predation. However, the adult beetles are not readily consumed by P. maculiventris, raising the question of whether they will respond to predators to protect themselves or their offspring. Here, we examine the effect of predation risk by P. maculiventris, on three adult behaviors of L. decemlineata; colonization, oviposition, and feeding, and the resulting impact on host plant damage. In an open-field test, there was no difference in natural beetle colonization between plots with predation risk and control treatments. However, subsequent host plant damage by adult beetles was 63.9% less in predation risk treatments. Over the lifetime of adult beetles in field mesocosms, per capita feeding was 23% less in the predation risk treatment. Beetle oviposition was 37% less in the presence of predators in a short-term, greenhouse assay, and marginally reduced in longer term field mesocosms. Our results indicate that predation risk can drive relatively invulnerable adult herbivores to adjust behaviors that affect themselves (feeding) and their offspring (oviposition). Thus, the full impact of predator presence must be considered across the prey life cycle.
Self-Evaluation of Thai Adult Learners in English Writing Practice

This research primarily aims to investigate how the Thai adult learners self-evaluate their English writing performance in relation to the teacher ’s evaluation and what the students and the teacher experience from the evaluation practice . The participants were 32 Thai graduate students and a Thai English language teacher of an EFL (English as a foreign language) writing course. The data were collected through student’s self-evaluation and teacher’s evaluation forms, writing tasks, and individual interviews. The qualitative data were considered together with the quantitative data in order to gain the whole picture of the issue under investigation. The findings revealed that the adult learners (or students) were able to self-evaluate their writing performance. The goals set out in the course syllabus, concerning the students ’ participation in writing process and evaluating their writing, were practical and the students were well aware of what their performance levels were. Having access to students’ self-evaluations also gave the teacher more useful information for judging their learning achievement. This research highlights the importance of students’ self-evaluation as a real and valid source of information for developing teaching EFL writing, and promoting the students to be autonomous and lifelong learners. Implications are drawn regarding the independent learning goals and recommendations for future research. Keywords: students’ self-evaluation; teacher’s evaluation; adult learners; EFL writing; autonomous and lifelong learners
Unusual Metastatic Sites

This 77-year-old female with breast cancer diagnosed 28 years ago developed recurrence after 21 years. Even with chemotherapy and radiotherapy the disease metastasized to the lungs and left adrenal gland.
Defining Urban Areas

What is an urban area? How do we know it when we see it? And how do we measure the concept of urban, so that we can study it? This chapter reviews the many dimensions of urbanness in an attempt to synthesize the vast literature that exists on the topic, but focuses especially on issues of classifying places as urban or rural in such a way that changes over time in the characteristics of a place can be adequately captured by the researcher.
Erwinia Chrysanthemi and Pseudomonas syringae: Plant Pathogens Trafficking in Extracellular Virulence Proteins

Extracellular proteins are primary weapons in the parasitic attack of bacteria on eukaryotic hosts. Virulence proteins released through accessory secretion pathways enable bacteria to acquire nutrients, invade host tissues, and defeat host defenses. Because of their general importance, these proteins and their secretion pathways provide efficient starting points in the molecular exploration of bacterial pathogenesis; and virulence protein traffic represents a common denominator in the study of bacterial pathogens of plants and animals. This is particularly true with gram-negative pathogens, which use broadly conserved components for the specific secretion of virulence proteins, and in some cases use remarkably similar modes of parasitic attack and virulence protein deployment. Consequently, researchers exploring pathogens of one eukaryotic kingdom now are looking with increasing interest at work on pathogens of the other kingdom.
Vibrational Spectra of C 10 Cl 12 and C 10 Cl 10 O

The infrared spectra of the compounds C10Cl12 and C10Cl10O have been studied in solutions of carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide. Also, KBr pellets of the two molecules were used in the infrared study. Films of the samples and the dispersions in paraffin oil were also investigated for comparison. The observed wave numbers are compared with the data of previous studies, and some conclusions regarding the molecular structure have been given.
Contralateral delay activity tracks the storage of visually presented letters and words

Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that the maintenance of items in visual working memory (VWM) is indexed by the contralateral delay activity (CDA), which increases in amplitude as the number of objects to remember increases, plateauing at VWM capacity. Previous work has primarily utilized simple visual items, such as colored squares or picture stimuli. Despite the frequent use of verbal stimuli in seminal investigations of visual attention and memory, it is unknown whether temporary storage of letters and words also elicit a typical load-sensitive CDA. Given their close associations with language and phonological codes, it is possible that participants store these stimuli phonologically, and not visually. Participants completed a standard visual change-detection task while their ERPs were recorded. Experiment 1 compared the CDA elicited by colored squares compared to uppercase consonants, and Experiment 2 compared the CDA elicited by words compared to colored bars. Behavioral accuracy of change detection decreased with increasing set size for colored squares, letters, and words. We found that a capacity-limited CDA was present for colored squares, letters, and word arrays, suggesting that the visual codes for letters and words were maintained in VWM, despite the potential for transfer to verbal working memory. These results suggest that, despite their verbal associations, letters and words elicit the electrophysiological marker of VWM encoding and storage.
A cytoskeletal anchor connects ischemic mitochondrial fission to myocardial senescence

The interplay between the actin cytoskeleton and mitochondria has been implicated in cell and tissue homeostasis and physiological function. In this issue of Science Signaling, Nishimura et al. demonstrate that inhibiting the interaction of filamin A, an actin cytoskeleton regulator, with Drp1, a modulator of mitochondrial dynamics, attenuates mitochondrial hyperfission and cardiomyocyte senescence after myocardial infarction.
Bettor (Ir-)Rationality: Evidence of Observational Learning in an Online Betting Market

We empirically examine the dynamics of an online voting market with long time horizons using a unique data set covering all publicly visible activity for one particular voting market for the period 2003-2009. Specifically, we draw on observational learning to infer the extent of agent irrationality. This preliminary work establishes that the market indeed shows some signs of observational learning, and given this we establish bounds on the likelihood of herding. Given the unique market structure of our research setting we assert our findings to represent a “worst case” scenario with regards to the potential for market herding. Our work contributes to a nascent stream of research examining long-run prediction market dynamics.
Active site labeling of fatty acid and polyketide acyl-carrier protein transacylases.

Metabolic engineering of fatty acids and polyketides remains challenging due to unresolved protein–protein interactions that are essential to synthase activity. While several chemical probes have been developed to capture and visualize protein interfaces in these systems, acyl carrier protein (ACP) transacylase (AT) domains remain elusive. Herein, we combine a mutational strategy with fluorescent probe design to expedite the study of AT domains from fatty acid and polyketide synthases. We describe the design and evaluation of inhibitor-inspired and substrate-mimetic reporters containing sulfonyl fluoride and β-lactone warheads. Moreover, specific active-site labeling occurs by optimizing pH, time, and probe concentration, and selective labeling is achieved in the presence of inhibitors of competing domains. These findings provide a panel of AT-targeting probes and set the stage for future combinatorial biosynthetic and drug discovery initiatives.
Does surgical approach affect outcomes of enucleation for benign and low-grade pancreatic tumors? An ACS-NSQIP evaluation

Abstract Background Enucleation of low-grade pancreatic tumors achieves oncological outcomes equivalent to resection but conserves parenchyma. Given strict selection criteria, we hypothesized that minimally-invasive (MI) enucleation is associated with decreased composite major morbidity (CMM) compared to open. Methods Pancreas-targeted ACS NSQIP (2014 -2016) was queried for enucleation (CPT code: 48120) and analyzed by intended surgical approach regardless of conversion. The primary outcome was CMM, a validated 30-day composite metric of adverse events. Results Enucleation was performed using an open (n = 71; 62.3%) or MI (n = 43; 37.7%) approach with 7 conversions (16.2%). Both cohorts had interchangeable baseline characteristics. No selection factors governing MI were identified. MI-enucleation reduced median length of stay (4 vs. 5 days; p = 0.003), whereas rates of CMM after open (24; 34%) and MIenucleation (12; 28%) were equivalent (p = 0.541). Multivariable analysis demonstrated an association between CMM and prolonged operative time (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.14 -6.74), female sex (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 -0.94), and ASA score Conclusion MI-enucleation was not associated with reduced 30-day CMM compared to open, whereas prolonged operating time and unmodifiable patient factors were correlated with adverse outcomes.
Mental Health of Quarantine and Isolation

Isolating exposed individuals from the unexposed ones is a crucial measure in breaking up a chain of infection. All forms of separation and isolation, however, tend to impose an emotional toll on those affected by isolation and to complicate the management of preexisting mental health issues. Logistical obstacles and limitations and the fact that psychological well-being and psychological needs of those placed in isolation and quarantine differ from psychological needs of the general population require an adjustment in approach to the mental health care of this population. This chapter provides a review of the psychiatric approach to major diagnostic entities that may require special attention during the isolation and quarantine. It also discusses the unique features of some populations, such as children, adolescents, pregnant women, postpartum patients, and patients with cognitive disorders.
Imager-Based Techniques for Analyzing Metallic Melt Pools for Additive Manufacturing

Presented is a vision-based algorithm for extracting physical properties from melt pools. The bandwidth requirements for traditional high speed video are too high for real time analysis so silicon retinas are used. This method of imaging has a very fine temporal resolution, high dynamic range, and low bandwidth requirements. The ability to monitor melt pools in real time would improve the quality of laser printed parts and welds because it would allow automatic control systems to recognize and correct imperfections during the printing and welding processes. By measuring the change of intensity within a melt pool then applying blind source separation techniques, spatiotemporal data can be extracted. First a circular membrane model is evaluated to validate the technique. Then the separation technique is performed with a traditional camera on gallium pools of different depths and various lighting conditions. Finally, silicon retina data is used to show that the technique can be applied for this type of imager.
Prevalence of deficiency zero reaction networks in an Erdos-Renyi framework

Reaction networks are commonly used within the mathematical biology and mathematical chemistry communities to model the dynamics of interacting species. These models differ from the typical graphs found in random graph theory since their vertices are constructed from elementary building blocks, i.e., the species. In this paper, we consider these networks in an Erd\H os-Renyi framework and, under suitable assumptions, derive a threshold function for the network to have a deficiency of zero, which is a property of great interest in the reaction network community. Specifically, if the number of species is denoted by $n$ and if the edge probability is denote by $p_n$, then we prove that the probability of a random binary network being deficiency zero converges to 1 if $\frac{p_n}{r(n)}\to 0$, as $n \to \infty$, and converges to 0 if $\frac{p_n}{r(n)}\to \infty$, as $n \to \infty$, where $r(n)=\frac{1}{n^3}$.
Task-Specific Programming Languages for Promoting Computing Integration: A Precalculus Example

A task-specific programming language (TSPL) is a domain-specific programming language (in programming languages terms) designed for a particular user task (in human-computer interaction terms). Users of task-specific programming are able to use the tool to complete useful tasks, without prior training, in a short enough period that one can imagine fitting it into a normal class (e.g., around 10 minutes). We are designing a set of task-specific programming languages for use in social studies and precalculus courses. Our goal is offer an alternative to more general purpose programming languages (such as Scratch or Python) for integrating computing into other disciplines. An example task-specific programming language for precalculus offers a concrete context: An image filter builder for learning basic matrix arithmetic (addition and subtraction) and matrix multiplication by a scalar. TSPLs allow us to imagine a research question which we couldn't ask previously: How much computing might students learn if they used a multiple TSPLs in each subject in each primary and secondary school grade?
Establishment of surveillance and forecast platform of schistosomiasis in key water regions in Hubei Province

OBJECTIVE To establish an expression platform of surveillance and forecast for schistosomiasis in key water regions of Hubei Province. METHODS The platform of surveillance and forecast for schistosomiasis was established based on Google Earth, GIS Office software, network albums and network video stations. The results of the field surveillance and laboratory testing, and figures and videos were inputted into the established platform, and an information management file was set up to express the information of forecasting. RESULTS The operation and expression platform based on Google Earth in key water regions of Hubei Province was successfully established. It was able to provide the forecasting data timely, to achieve off-site and real-time query and sharing. CONCLUSIONS The platform based on Google Earth has preferable prospective on field application in Hubei Province.
Aggressive Realism: More Efficient Processing of Anger in Physically Aggressive Individuals:

Physically aggressive individuals’ heightened tendency to decide that ambiguous faces are angry is thought to contribute to their destructive interpersonal behavior. Although this tendency is commo...
Use of table file structures in a clinical research center

PROPHET is an NIH-sponsored biological-chemical information system that incorporates a variety of computer science techniques—time sharing, extensible languages, data management, interactive graphics, graph-matching, molecular model building and statistics—into a user-oriented, user-responsive information handling tool to implement and facilitate drug research. Sponsored by the Chemical/Biological Information Handling Program of the NIH, Division of Research Resources, PROPHET is being designed and developed by the Medical Computer Systems Group of Bolt Beranek and Newman, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts (software) in collaboration with First Data Corporation, Waltham, Massachusetts (hardware) and a user group of diversified computer experience and research goals.
S-nitrosoglutathione reductase deficiency causes aberrant placental S-nitrosylation and preeclampsia.

Abstract Preeclampsia (PE), a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, is characterized by an increase in S-nitrosylated (SNO) proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting a pathophysiologic role for dysregulation in nitrosylation and nitrosative stress. Here we show that mice lacking S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR−/−), a denitrosylase regulating protein S-nitrosylation, exhibit a PE phenotype, including hypertension, proteinuria, renal pathology, cardiac concentric hypertrophy, decreased placental vascularization, and fetal growth retardation. ROS, nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite levels are elevated. Importantly, mass spectrometry reveals elevated placental SNO-amino acid residues in GSNOR−/− mice. Ascorbate reverses the phenotype except for fetal weight, reduces the difference in the S-nitrosoproteome, and identifies a unique set of SNO-proteins in GSNOR−/− mice. Importantly, the human preeclamptic placenta exhibits decreased GSNOR activity and increased nitrosative stress. Therefore, deficiency of GSNOR creates dysregulation of placental S-nitrosylation and preeclampsia in mice, which can be rescued by ascorbate. Coupled with similar findings in human placentas, these findings offer valuable insights and therapeutic implications for PE.
Teaching critical physical geography

Critical Physical Geography (CPG) emerged as a discipline around 2014 and has since excited many human and physical geographers, as well researchers in political ecology, geomorphology, science and...
Change and HOAP for the best.

HOAP is a telomere-binding protein that has a conserved role in Drosophila, but it also needs to evolve quickly to restrict telomeric retrotransposons.
Linguistic and Cultural Diversity in International Criminal Justice: Toward Bridging the Divide

What kinds of challenges arise when the persons administering international criminal justice proceedings have little knowledge of the languages, worldviews, and cultural practices of those appearing before the court? What are the difficulties that institutions of international criminal justice themselves encounter as they pursue their critical work with a staff representing a broad array of national, cultural, linguistic and legal backgrounds? This article explores these and related questions, focusing on the experiences of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, Special Court for Sierra Leone, and International Criminal Court.
Analytical Derivation and Thermal Stability Analysis of Electro-thermal Model Considering Temperature Non-linearity of SF 6 High Voltage Structure

Typical structure of SF6 gas insulation is cylindrical. The research on performance of its typical insulation structure has good guiding significance for the design and optimization of insulation structure. In this paper, the electro-thermal model considering the temperature non-linearity of SF6 gas insulation structure and thermal stability are analyzed in detail. Including the nonlinear relationship between the material parameters and the temperature of high voltage insulation structure. Analytical calculation of the current distribution in the tubular conductor. Analysis of the transient temperature distribution of cylindrical insulation structure. Analysis of thermal stability and analysis of the current carrying capacity of cylindrical insulation structure. This paper mainly deals with test and numerical fitting analysis of the nonlinear relationship of the performance parameters of insulation materials, as well as the formula deduction process in the theoretical level, and analyses the relationship between the electric field and the thermal field more deeply, and provides a certain theoretical basis and the guidance for the insulation structure design and the accident analysis in the power system.
Improving Risk Analysis Precision for Geologic CO2 Sequestration by Quantifying the Uncertainty Reduction Before and after Acquiring Monitoring Data

Monitoring is an essential component of risk management for geologic carbon sequestration. The high cost of conducting monitoring operations often requires evaluating the potential value of data before the actual measurement are collected. The value of information (VOI) of the data is defined here as the uncertainty reduction in the objective of interest (e.g., cumulative CO2 leakage in this study) that will be obtained once the data are assimilated into model(s). In a previous study, we introduced a novel approach to quantify the expected uncertainty reduction or VOI before the monitoring data are acquired, such that the optimal monitoring operation can be determined. After the installation of an optimized monitoring strategy, collected monitoring data can be incorporated into the models to reduce the uncertainty of CO2 and brine leakage through wellbores. This study introduces an integrated workflow to improve the precision of risk assessments by quantifying the uncertainty reduction in CO2 sequestration before and after acquiring monitoring data. This paper mainly focuses on the application of an Affine Invariant Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm to quantify the uncertainty reduction after acquiring monitoring data. The proposed approach for uncertainty quantification after acquiring monitoring data is demonstrated with a simple example. The uncertainty in CO2 and brine leakage rate through wellbores can be significantly reduced by applying the MCMC algorithm to assimilate monitoring data. This allows for a more precise estimate of the leakage risk for a sequestration operation.
Fredrick Martin at Uva (a)

Senior Change Manger Fredrick Martin and the UVA HR leadership team are tasked with the implementation of Ufirst, a project that will merge more than 70 HR programs and 11 distinct HR offices in both the academic division and the health system into a single, seamless HR. Ufirst will also leverage new technology that will provide self-serve HR to approximately 30,000 employees. It is an ambitious and complex project for the university, and the first in a new strategic effort to streamline university operations to make them more efficient, less costly, and best in class. Martin's experience is in the corporate context. Academia presents novel problems because of its complex governance structure. Change in the academic context requires buy-ins from many different stakeholders who could “opt-out, ” which could prolong decision-making and derail implementation. Martin and his team must also contend with complex regulations governing hiring and workforce management.Martin needs to figure out how to support the needed change to a new culture where HR professionals are strategic partners with the people they serve rather than transactional experts. They needed to demonstrate to a large university community the power of collaboration and integration to revitalize HR. Excerpt UVA-OB-1257 Rev. Jul. 30, 2020 Fredrick Martin at UVA (A) Fredrick Martin looked out onto the construction site for a new University of Virginia building on Old Ivy Road, which would eventually house a newly centralized and revitalized HR department that would serve the entire university and the UVA Health System. In the year since he had started his job as senior director of Change Management, he'd seen the building's piers sunk into the Charlottesville, Virginia, soil, the foundation laid, and the pipes fitted. At the moment, workers in hard hats were framing the walls. As the building rose, Martin's team worked to transform the workforce that would eventually move into it. Martin and his colleagues were tasked with the implementation of Ufirst, a project that would merge more than 70 HR programs and 11 distinct HR offices into a single system. It was an ambitious and difficult project for the university, and the first in a new strategic effort to streamline university operations to make them more efficient, less costly, and best in class. . . .
Health Programs for Productivity Using Bovine Somatotropin (BST)

Production medicine programs for Bovine Somatotropin (BST)-treated herds will be similar to programs in high producing herds. Veterinary activities will include reproductive health, nutrition, udder health and production monitoring services. Available research data indicate little effect on cow health or fertility in animals receiving BST at efficacious levels. Primary concerns are maintaining/restoring body condition, reproduction management options and consumer/marketing issues. This presentation will briefly discuss disease effects other than those associated with nutrition, reproduction and udder health, outline possible treatment strategies, describe dry cow and fresh cow management for BST treated herds and present a rationale for on-line production monitoring.
Associations between acculturation and diet and health indicators among U.S. Asian adults: NHANES 2011-2016

Abstract Acculturation may influence diet and health outcomes among Asian adults in the U.S., therefore associations were examined between acculturation and diet and health indicators among a population-based sample of U.S. Asian adults. Asian adults (20–65 years) (n = 1401) participating in the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were categorized as less (n = 825) and more acculturated (n = 576) based on an acculturation scale (country of birth, length of U.S. residence, language spoken at home). Food group and nutrient consumption, Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) scores and health indicators were compared by acculturation level using multivariable regression models adjusted for covariates. More versus less acculturated participants were more likely to have higher family incomes and more education. More versus less acculturated participants also had lower HEI-2015 component scores for total vegetables, greens and beans, and added sugars and saturated fats (indicating less conformity to guidelines), lower intakes of dietary fiber, higher intakes of added sugars and solid fats, and higher body mass index. No other associations were observed between acculturation and health and disease indicators. Findings can be used by public health professionals to implement programs tailored to more acculturated U.S. Asian adults to improve diet and health.
Parkin-deficient rats are resistant to neurotoxicity of chronic high-dose methamphetamine.

Abstract Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive and powerful central nervous system psychostimulant with no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. Parkin is a neuroprotective protein and its loss of function contributes to Parkinson’s disease. This study used 3-month-old homozygous parkin knockout (PKO) rats to determine whether loss of parkin protein potentiates neurotoxicity of chronic METH to the nigrostriatal dopamine pathway. PKO rats were chronically treated with 10 mg/kg METH for 10 consecutive days and assessed for neurotoxicity markers in the striatum on the 5th and 10th day of withdrawal from METH. The PKO rats showed higher METH-induced hyperthermia; however, they did not display augmented deficits in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity markers, astrocyte activation or decreased mitochondrial enzyme levels as compared to wild-type (WT) rats. Interestingly, saline-treated PKO rats had lower levels of dopamine (DA) as well as mitochondrial complex I and II levels while having increased basal levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of gliosis. These results indicate PKO display a certain resistance to METH neurotoxicity, possibly mediated by lowered DA levels and downregulated mitochondria.
Analyzing disparities in COVID-19 testing trends according to risk for COVID-19 severity across New York City.

Given the interplay between race and comorbidities on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, it is vital that testing be performed in areas of greatest need, where more severe cases are expected. The goal of this analysis is to evaluate COVID-19 testing data in NYC relative to risk factors for COVID-19 disease severity and demographic characteristics of NYC neighborhoods. COVID-19 testing and the racial/ethnic composition of NYC Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTA) were obtained from the NYC Coronavirus data repository and the American Community Survey, respectively. The prevalence of neighborhood-level risk factors for COVID-19 severity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19 were used to create a ZCTA-level risk index. Poisson regressions were performed to study the ratio of total tests relative to the total ZCTA population and the proportion of positive tests relative to the total tests performed over time. From March 2nd-April 6th, the total tests/population (%) was positively associated with the proportion of white residents (IRRadj: 1.0003, 95% CI: 1.0003–1.0004) and the COVID risk index (IRRadj: 1.038, 95% CI: 1.029–1.046). The risk index (IRRadj: 1.017, 95% CI: 0.939–1.101) was not associated with total tests performed from April 6th-May 12th, and inversely associated from May 12th-July 6th (IRRadj: 0.862, 95% CI: 0.814–0.913). From March 2nd-April 6th the COVID risk index was not statistically associated (IRRadj: 1.010, 95% CI: 0.987–1.034) with positive tests/total tests. From April 6th-May 12th, the COVID risk index was positively associated (IRRadj: 1.031, 95% CI: 1.002–1.060), while from May 12th-July 6th, the risk index was inversely associated (IRRadj: 1.135, 95% CI: 1.042–1.237) with positivity. Testing in NYC has suffered from the lack of availability in high-risk populations, and was initially limited as a diagnostic tool for those with severe symptoms, which were mostly concentrated in areas where vulnerable residents live. Subsequent time periods of testing were not targeted in areas according to COVID-19 disease risk, as these areas still experience more positive tests.
Ultraviolet-A light increases mitochondrial anti-viral signaling protein in confluent human tracheal cells via cell-cell signaling.

Mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) protein mediates innate antiviral responses, including responses to certain coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). We have previously shown that ultraviolet-A (UVA) therapy can prevent virus-induced cell death in human ciliated tracheal epithelial cells (HTEpC) infected with coronavirus-229E (CoV-229E), and results in increased intracellular levels of MAVS. In this study, we explored the mechanisms by which UVA light can activate MAVS, and whether local UVA light application can activate MAVS at locations distant from the light source (e.g. via cell-to-cell communication). MAVS levels were compared in HTEpC exposed to 2 mW/cm2 narrow band (NB)-UVA for 20 min and in unexposed controls at 30-40% and at 100% confluency, and in unexposed HTEpC treated with supernatants or lysates from UVA-exposed cells or from unexposed controls. MAVS was also assessed in different sections of confluent monolayer plates where only one section was exposed to NB-UVA. Our results showed that UVA increases the expression of MAVS protein. Further, cells in a confluent monolayer exposed to UVA conferred an elevation in MAVS in cells adjacent to the exposed section, and also in cells in the most distant sections which were not exposed to UVA. In this study, human ciliated tracheal epithelial cells exposed to UVA demonstrate increased MAVS protein, and also appear to transmit this influence to confluent cells not exposed to UVA, likely via cell-cell signaling.
Synchronous Parallel Discrete Event Simulation

Effective Electronic System-Level (ESL) design frameworks transform and refine high-level designs into various transaction level models described in C-based System-level Description Languages (SLDLs) and rely on simulation for validation.
Cyclic changes in the fine structure of the epithelial cells of human endometrium.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cyclic changes in the fine structure of the epithelial cells of human endometrium. The uterus is the portion of the female reproductive tract that capacitates or prepares sperm for fertilization and provides for implantation and growth of the embryo. The uterus is composed of an internal mucosa, the endometrium, a smooth muscle layer or myometrium, and an incomplete outer serosal cover. The endometrium comprises the luminal epithelial lining and underlying connective tissue stroma. The uterus is responsive to ovarian steroids that regulate tissues in a cyclic fashion. The epithelial cover of the uterine cavity dips into the stroma, forming uterine glands. The epithelium of the surface and glands are hence identical, but the cells on the surface undergo fewer cyclic changes than the glandular cells. The uterine epithelium therefore is a dynamic tissue, undergoing predictable cyclic changes as a result of hormonal input. While light microscopy provides an invaluable diagnostic tool for assessing the state of the ovary and the functional condition of the uterus, the refinements of ultrastructure hold the attractive prospect of correlating the effects of hormones on the differentiation of cellular organelles. It furnishes additional details which resolve a more complete picture of the epithelial cells. These provide clinical information, as in infertility, and permit evaluation of the effects of contraceptive agents on the cellular level.
Declining towns in the former USSR.

The paper comprises an update of an earlier study in Soviet Geography in 1980, focused on towns with declining population during the 1959-1970 period. Based on recently published data on individual urban centers with 15,000 or more inhabitants reported in the 1979 and 1989 censuses, it identifies centers where population declined from 1970 to 1989. The study also assesses selected geographical aspects, economic functions, and size characteristics of such urban centers. Comparisons with data from the 1959-1970 period are made to arrive at a 30-year perspective. 2 tables, 3 figures, 18 references.
Time resolved spectroscopy of individual carbon nanotubes

The band-edge relaxation dynamics of isolated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) was studied by two-color pump-probe spectroscopy. A novel relaxation pathway (decay time /spl sim/ 100 ps) was observed that correlated with a SWNT electronic resonance.
Aiming for resilience and adaptation in managing environment: An emerging environmental and emergency leadership in the twenty‐first century

Purpose – Environmental and emergency leaders are important individuals who play a vital role in managing ecological resources. Based on the resilience thinking of Walker and Salt, this study highlights aims to how resilience for adaptive management can be built by incorporating vision formation of environmental and emergency management leaders.Design/methodology/approach – The study addresses two research questions: What constitutes environmental and emergency leadership systems? How are the concepts of vulnerability, resilience, and adaptation relevant to the environmental and emergency management processes? The study employs two case studies and discusses how resilience leadership can be incorporated into environmental management and emergency management systems in organizations.Findings – This study includes a review that consists of activities in resilience‐building, and the process of vision formation. It explains how resilience thinking influences vision. Investigations of the application of the re...
Brandjacking on Social Networks: Trademark Infringement by Impersonation of Markholders

This Article explores how current federal trademark infringement and free speech law applies to “brandjacking” - the allegedly illegal use of trademarked brand names - on social network sites like Facebook and Twitter. When individuals use the trademarks of others without authorization in usernames, account names, and/or the content of these sites, it is unclear whether infringement law applies if that third party is not advertising or selling goods or services. Where the mark is being used in parody, satire, criticism, comparative advertising, news reporting, and other commentary on the social network site and there is no confusion about the source of this expression, this Article argues that courts are less likely to find infringement. The court may conclude the markholder cannot satisfy one or more threshold elements of an infringement claim because there is no “use in commerce” of the mark; the mark is not used in connection with goods, services, or commercial activities; and/or there is no commercial use or trademark use of the mark. Or the court may find this use of the mark is not likely to cause confusion, qualifies for a fair use defense, or is protected by the First Amendment right to freedom of expression. On the other hand, if the accused infringer is using the mark to impersonate the markholder and cause confusion about the source of expression on the social network site, some courts may find infringement even where the third party is not advertising or selling goods or services. Those courts may conclude this expressive use of the mark qualifies as an “information service” and trademark use of the mark. By prohibiting unauthorized uses of marks that cause this type of confusion, trademark infringement law can reduce consumer search costs and protect both consumers and markholders from various harms. Such restrictions on use of another’s mark may not violate the First Amendment if reasonable persons believe the third party’s false statements of identity and authorship. To balance trademark and free speech interests, this Article proposes that infringement law should apply to the unauthorized use of a mark on a social network site that is likely to cause confusion about the source of expression unrelated to the advertising or sale of goods or services, but only where (1) the mark is used to impersonate the markholder and falsely suggest the markholder is the author of the third party’s expression, (2) reasonable people believe the imposter’s false statements of identity and authorship, and (3) the content of the social network site page does not dispel the confusion regarding the source of the expression. If the third party is not advertising or selling any goods or services on the social network site and consumers are only confused about whether the markholder authorized this use of its mark or is affiliated with or sponsors the third party’s expression, this expressive use of the mark should be outside of the scope of the trademark infringement laws. Unauthorized use of a trademark is not equivalent to brandjacking.
Comparison of Nitrogen Fixation Activity in Tall and Short Spartina alterniflora Salt Marsh Soils.

A comparison of the N2 fixers in the tall Spartina alterniflora and short S. alterniflora marsh soils was investigated. Zero-order kinetics and first-order kinetics of acetylene reduction were used to describe the activity of the N2 fixers in marsh soil slurries. It was found that the Vmax values were approximately 10 times greater for the N2 fixers in the tall Spartina than in the short Spartina marsh when raffinose was used as the energy source. In addition, the (Ks + Sn) values were approximately 4 to 15 times lower for the N2 fixers in the tall Spartina than in short Spartina marsh. First-order kinetics of nitrogen fixation for several substrates indicate that the N2 fixers in the tall Spartina marsh were two to seven times more active than those in the short Spartina marsh. Ammonium chloride (25 μg/ml) did not inhibit nitrogen fixation in the tall Spartina marsh, but there was a 50% inhibition in nitrogen fixation in the short Spartina marsh. On the other hand, sodium nitrate inhibited nitrogen fixation almost 100% at 25 μg/ml in both soil environments. Amino nitrogen (25 to 100 μg/ml) had little or no effect on nitrogen fixation. The results indicate that the N2 fixers in the tall Spartina marsh were physiologically more responsive to nutrient addition than those in the short Spartina marsh. This difference in the two populations may be related to the difference in daily tidal influence in the respective areas and thus provide another explanation for the enhanced S. alterniflora production in the creek bank soil system.
Lymphoma of the orbit masquerading as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by painful ophthalmoplegia and ipsilateral cranial neuropathies. It is caused by an inflammatory process of unknown etiology.
The Demand for Private Company Audits: Evidence from Private Commercial Banks

I investigate the demand for and benefits of private company audits. Agency theory predicts audits are demanded as a monitoring mechanism. I consider two sources of this demand - external stakeholders and management - and related benefits. First, audits may be used to reduce agency costs associated with the existence of external stakeholders. Second, management may use an audit to obtain the auditors' industry and financial expertise to reduce greater agency costs associated with more complex operations and as a consequence, add value to the bank. I consider audit decisions by small, privately-held commercial banks where there is no regulatory requirement for an audit. While the demand related to external monitoring is mixed, I consistently find that banks with more complex operations are more likely to have an audit consistent with expertise-driven demand. Consistent with these demands, audited banks experience higher yields and efficiency, but do not enjoy lower costs of capital.