cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Construct Validity of Cultures: Cultural Diversity, Culture Theory, and a Method for Ethnography

If we distinguish culture (embodied in individuals) from cultures (embodied in the superorganic properties of groups), we make it possible to accommodate the observation that individuals vary, make choices, and exert control over their lives with the observation that those same individuals find themselves constrained by recurrent patterns with properties of things. This shift in perspective makes the central problem for ethnography the identification and description of the evolving configurations of cognition, emotion, and behavior at the intersection of evolving, individually unique cultural sets. Principal components analysis of similarities among informants identifies and describes this intersection and its important variations precisely. Ordinary least squares and logistic multiple regressions test for plausible antecedents of intracultural and intercultural variation, respectively. I illustrate with data on cultural diversity in the relative importance of components that make up a partnership between parents and teachers in the United States and in how to organize these components effectively. I demonstrate the existence of a single model of the importance of these components, with intracultural variation. I demonstrate the existence of two cultural models of how to organize these components into effective parent- teacher partnerships (Separate but Equal and Mutual Decision Makers). Discordance between these cultures and the social identities of the cultural participants validates Keesing's claim that culture is not bounded in ways many people have long assumed. The shift in perspective that reconciles Sapir and Kroeber points past culture theory to a theory of culture. As we work out the details, it will also help us make ethnographic sense out of the contemporary world and give us a better grasp of the past one. [Key words: cultural diversity, culture theory, ethnographic methods, ethnology]
Non-invasive assessment of brachial artery endothelial vasomotor function: the effect of cuff position on level of discomfort and vasomotor responses.

Non-invasive assessment of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation using cuff occlusion of the arm above or below the elbow to stimulate flow is emerging as a highly useful technique to examine endothelial vasomotor function in human subjects. In anticipation of a large-scale investigation, an important issue is the acceptability of the technique to participants. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of discomfort associated with the tech- nique and compare it to the commonly used procedure of venipuncture. Flow-mediated dilation was determined using cuff occlusion of the arm above the elbow and a blood sample was obtained by standard venipuncture from 54 subjects. The level of discomfort for each procedure was assessed and compared using a visual analogue scale and was found to be extremely low. When the occlusion cuff was positioned above the elbow, the discomfort was slightly more severe (1.9 6 1.9 cm) than venipuncture (1.0 6 1.3 cm, p = 0.003). In 27 subjects, the effect of cuff position (above or below the elbow) was compared: the below the elbow position was associated with a reduction in the percentage increase in flow (570 6 280% versus 900 6 560%, p = 0.005), flow-mediated dilation (6.8 6 3.8% versus 9.8 6 5.7%, p = 0.008) and discomfort (1.6 6 0.8 versus 3.7 6 2.2 cm, p = 0.008). When the cuff was located below the elbow, the level of discomfort was equivalent to that associated with venipuncture. Thus, non-invasive assessment of flow-mediated brachial artery dilation is well tolerated and appears to be suitable for a large-scale study of endothelial function.
Flotation of the Bivalve Corbicula fluminea as a Means of Dispersal

Small specimens of the Asiatic bivalve Corbicula c.f. fluminea (Muller) secrete long mucous threads through their exhalent siphons that act as draglines to buoy the animal into a water column. These mucous strands, secreted in response to water current stimuli, are produced by dense accumulations of ctenidial mucocytes and may help in the downstream or interstream dispersal of this rapidly spreading exotic clam.
The effect of continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) implantation on serum uric acid levels

velocity, strain and strain rate were measured using dynamic 2D vector velocity imaging as markers of RV performance. The primary endpoint was death or implant of a RV assist device (RVAD) due to acute RV failure within 6 months after LVAD implant. Results: RV failure occurred in 25 of 39 patients (64%) after LVAD placement. Despite inotropic support, inhaled nitric oxide and RVAD support 11 patients of the 25 who developed RV failure expired. A preoperative RV global systolic myocardial strain cut off of -3% had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 86% in predicting post LVAD implant RV failure. RV global strain was an independent predictor of RV failure in a multivariate model (including RV free wall strain, mean PAP, RV EF and Michigan score) (AUC was 0.81).
Impact of insecticides and surfactant on lettuce physiology and yield

Insecticides are used extensively on lettuce, Lactuca sativa L., grown in southwestern Arizona because of heavy insect pressure that can potentially reduce lettuce productivity. Multiple sprays are made per season to manage these insects in lettuce. One of the major concerns related to extensive insecticide applications in lettuce is the potential subtle impact of insecticides that may reduce lettuce photosynthesis and yield. We conducted field and greenhouse experiments to examine the impact of multiple insecticides and surfactant spray applications on lettuce photosynthesis and yield. Lettuce was planted in the field in 1998, insecticides and surfactant were applied, and lettuce gas-exchange and dry weights were determined. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot consisting of insecticides as main plot and surfactant as subplot treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Photosynthetic rates of lettuce were significantly reduced by endosulfan, methomyl, acephate, and surfactant at seedling stage 4 h and 2 d after the spray application was made. However, the reduction in lettuce photosynthesis by these insecticides and surfactant was only transient, and lettuce photosynthesis recovered 5 d after the spray application was made. Photosynthetic rates were not altered by zeta-cypermethrin, emamectin benzoate, and spinosad at the seedling stage. Insecticides or surfactant (Kinetic, a nonionic surfactant) did not significantly affect lettuce photosynthesis after rosette formation. In addition, lettuce dry weight was not significantly altered. These studies suggest that lettuce photosynthesis may be susceptible to some insecticides at the seedling stage. Consequently, we found that biorational insecticides, introduced to manage insect pests in lettuce, have no influence on lettuce physiology at the seedling stage, unlike the chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, or carbamates tested in this study. In a greenhouse study, we found that lettuce photosynthesis and yield were not altered by Bacillus thuringiensis application. Our results indicate that B. thuringiensis and the newer insecticides, particularly biorationals, can be used to manage lettuce insect pests without significantly altering lettuce gas-exchange and yield.
Taking Back Takings Claims: Why Congress Giving Just Compensation Jurisdiction to the Court of Federal Claims is Unconstitutional

Under current law, all large takings cases against the Federal government must be filed in the Court of Federal Claims, a special “legislative court” influenced by Congress and the President. When Congress created that entity, it included within the court’s jurisdiction a variety of types of cases in which citizens sue the Federal government for money damages. Unfortunately, Congress included takings claims within that bundle of claims. In doing so, Congress failed to realize that takings claims, because they derive directly from the Constitution, require different consideration than other claims against the government. Unlike the other claims that court considers, takings claims must be considered by judges of the federal judiciary, who enjoy all of the protections of Article III of the Constitution. This article reveals that while the Supreme Court has adopted various rationales to permit Congress to create legislative courts in some contexts, none of those rationales would permit the Court of Federal Claims to consider takings claims. That court’s current practice of considering takings claims is, therefore, unconstitutional.
Cu-Catalyzed Vapor–Liquid–Solid Growth of SiGe Microwire Arrays with Chlorosilane and Chlorogermane Precursors

Selected area Cu-catalyzed vapor–liquid−solid growth of SiGe microwires is achieved using chlorosilane and chlorogermane precursors. The composition can be tuned up to 12% Ge with a simultaneous decrease in the growth rate from 7 to 1 μm min–1. Significant changes to the morphology were observed, including tapering and faceting on the sidewalls and along the lengths of the wires. Characterization of axial and radial cross sections with transmission electron microscopy revealed no evidence of defects at facet corners and edges, and the tapering is shown to be due to in situ removal of catalyst material during growth. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal a Ge-rich crystal at the tip of the wires, strongly suggesting that the Ge incorporation is limited by the crystallization rate.
What kind of adults will our children become? The impact of growing up in a media-saturated world

This article urges children and media scholars to consider the broader consequences of the ubiquitous media environment in which children live today. We consider, within a broader sociocultural context, the ways in which media and interactive technology serve as more knowledgeable others, scaffolding children's learning and development. Given this context, it is imperative for researchers to consider the consequences of living in the digital age and how broader developmental trajectories may be influenced. We call upon children and media researchers to contemplate more thoughtful research agendas that begin to assess the larger impact of media on children’s learning and developmental trajectories.
Isotropic negative permeability at optical frequencies

Inducing a negative permeability in optical metamaterials is currently under investigation by several research groups. Here we propose a setup providing a 3-D isotropic magnetic response at optical frequencies exploiting resonant plasmonic nanoparticles.
An Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory: Synthesis of Well-Defined Polymers by Low-Catalyst-Concentration ATRP and Postpolymerization Modification to Fluorescent Materials

A two-session experiment is designed to introduce undergraduate students to concepts in catalysis, transition metal complexes, polymer synthesis, and postpolymerization modifications. In the first session, students synthesize poly(glycidyl methacrylate) via low-catalyst-concentration atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The low-catalyst-concentration technique simplifies the experimental setup, reduces the cost of the synthesis, eliminates the need for catalyst removal from the product, and thus ultimately makes ATRP an environmentally benign process. In the second session, students modify the well-defined epoxide-containing polymers with nicotinamide in the presence of acetone, to afford fluorescent polymers.
Brain mediation of Anolis social dominance displays. III. Differential forebrain 3H-sumatriptan binding in dominant vs. submissive males.

Measures of serotonin (5-HT) turnover in A. carolinensis forebrain increase acutely when males exhibit dominant social/territorial display routines, but decrease during submissive displays [Baxter et al., 2001a, b]. The present investigation sought to determine whether a difference in presynaptic regulatory receptors - one that might affect 5-HT flux - distinguish dominant vs. submissive anoles. Both 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1D) receptors are presynaptic regulators of output; this role is prominent at 5-HT terminals, where stimulation inhibits 5-HT release. Here, 3H-sumatriptan binding at sites similar to mammalian 5-HT(1B/D) receptors was significantly higher in forebrain regions of submissive anoles than in dominant cagemates; this receptor site seemed pharmacologically more like a 5-HT(1B) than a 5-HT(1D) receptor. Higher densities of presynaptic 5-HT(1B) receptors in subordinates than in dominants might account for differences in 5-HT flux (lower in subordinates than in dominants) observed in displaying anoles of different status. Knockout mice missing the 5-HT(1B) receptor show heightened male territorial aggressiveness, thus similar 5-HT regulatory mechanisms might influence the likelihood of dominance in both mammals and reptiles.
The Permutation in a Haystack Problem and the Calculus of Search Landscapes

The natural encoding for many search and optimization problems is the permutation, such as the traveling salesperson, vehicle routing, scheduling, assignment and mapping problems, among others. The effectiveness of a given mutation or crossover operator depends upon the nature of what the permutation represents. For some problems, it is the absolute locations of the elements that most directly influences solution fitness; while for others, element adjacencies or even element precedences are most important. Different permutation operators respect different properties. We aim to provide the genetic algorithm or metaheuristic practitioner with a framework enabling effective permutation search landscape analysis. To this end, we contribute a new family of optimization problems, the permutation in a haystack, that can be parameterized to the various types of permutation problem (e.g., absolute versus relative positioning). Additionally, we propose a calculus of search landscapes, enabling analysis of search landscapes through examination of local fitness rates of change. We use our approach to analyze the behavior of common permutation mutation operators on a variety of permutation in a haystack landscapes; and empirically validate the prescriptive power of the search landscape calculus via experiments with simulated annealing.
Engineering the Alcator C-Mod MSE diagnostic: Solutions to reactor-relevant diagnostic challenges

Deploying precise optical diagnostics in harsh reactor environments poses significant engineering challenges including limited access, large forces, time-varying systematic errors, reflections, low signal-to-background levels and a need for in-situ calibration. Fielding a polarization-based Motional Stark Effect (MSE) diagnostic on Alcator C-Mod has proven to be difficult due to similar challenges, which has led to the development of solutions that enable polarization angle measurements with an accuracy of 0.2 degrees.
Gamma and Delta Tocopherol downregulate HOXA9, PBX1, AND E2A-PBX1 in human leukemia cells, KG-1

A109 Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that exists in eight different isoforms: four tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-), and four tocotrienols (also alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-). Studies are underway to determine whether vitamin E, through its ability to limit production of free radicals, might help prevent or delay the development of “cancer”. In our study, we examined the effect of vitamin E isotypes on some genes involved in acute leukemia such as HOXA9 or Homeobox A9, a transcription factor with a central role in both hemopoiesis and leukemia, a high level of HOXA9 is a characteristic feature of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and may be sufficient to cause this disease; PBX1, also called Pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor 1, PBX1 is involved in a form of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL); and E2A-PBX1, a Chromosomal translocation t(1;19)(q23;p13.3) which involves PBX1 and E2A genes, E2A-PBX1 transforms cells by constitutively activating transcription of genes regulated by PBX1 or by other members of the PBX protein family. Five round dishes, containing 7 million KG-1 cells each, were used to treat cells with different vitamin E isotypes: Gamma Tocotrienol (γT3) at 20 micromolar (µM) concentration, Delta Tocotrienol (δT3) at 20 µM, Gamma Tocopherol (γT) at 50µM and Delta Tocopherol (δT) at 50 µM; The fifth dish was used as a vehicle (V), where alcohol 70% was added instead of a vitamin E. Specific KG-1 media was added to promote cell growth in 5% CO2 at 37°C for 72 hours. After treatment, the cells were separated from their media, washed with 1 ml of Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) each, then transferred to a 1.5ml centrifuge tubes used to separate and remove the PBS from the cells. One hundred µl of protein lysis buffer and the 1 µl of protease inhibitor cocktail were added to each tube for protein isolation. Bicinchoninic Acid (BCA) Protein Assay for protein quantification was done after incubation on ice for one hour of the specimens. Western Blot was performed using a NuPAGE Bis-Tris Gel, and the Sea-blue as a protein molecular weight marker; Then the proteins were transferred to a membrane using the XCell IITM Blot Module. The membrane then was removed from the electroblotter, incubated in TBST for 1 hour and blocked with 5% Milk solution. The membrane was incubated with the primary antibody (Ab) overnight, and then with the secondary antibody. Before and after each step, the membrane was washed in TBST 3 times, for 10 minutes each. The primary antibodies used are anti BETA ACTIN Ab, anti HOXA9 Ab and anti PBX1 Ab. The secondary Ab is the anti mouse Ab. Our results showed that both δT and γT have a downregulatory effect on HOXA9, PBX1 and E2A-PBX1 genes expression in the leukemic KG-1 cells, when these cells were treated with 50 µM concentration for 72 hours.
Impact of Prior Exposure to the PLP Instruction Set Architecture in a Computer Architecture Course

This paper presents an initial investigation on the effect of non-pre-exposure to an instruction set architecture (ISA). In particular, a specialized ISA based on the Progressive Learning Platform (PLP) is implemented in the computer architecture course. Prior research has demonstrated the benefits of using PLP in the computer engineering curriculum. However, it is possible that the PLP ISA could hinder learning by requiring extra work for students to master it (extraneous load), if they have not had prior exposure to it. To investigate this, the current study implemented a quasi-experimental design with two groups (students knowledgeable with PLP from a previous course, and new users) and a pretest to determine differences in students' familiarity with the common terms in computer engineering, pre-requisite knowledge for a computer architecture course, and course knowledge. Both sets of students implemented the PLP CPU in behavioral Verilog in the computer architecture course. Results of the evaluations revealed significant learning from pretest to posttest by students in both groups on all measures. Moreover, no group differences were seen, indicating that pre exposure to an ISA (specifically PLP ISA) might not be necessary for successful course implementation. This is promising, considering that many students at 4-year colleges in the USA transfer from other institutions, and may have exposure to different instruction set architectures in their prerequisite courses. The sample size for this study is too small to draw a firm conclusion, but these preliminary findings merit further exploration of this topic.
Near-roadway monitoring of vehicle emissions as a function of mode of operation for light-duty vehicles.

Determination of the effect of vehicle emissions on air quality near roadways is important because vehicles are a major source of air pollution. A near-roadway monitoring program was undertaken in ...
Latent classes of trait affect and cognitive affective regulation strategies are associated with depression, non-suicidal self-injury, and well-being

Abstract Background The present study sought to better understand the unique profiles of late adolescents’ affective functioning by exploring patterns of trait affect and cognitive affective regulation strategies. The study also examined whether these unique profiles significantly predicted depressive symptoms, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and well-being outcomes. Methods Data from a sample of 590 late adolescents were examined (M = 19.14 years, SD = 1.41, 63% Female, 62% Caucasian, 38% African American/Biracial). Participants were followed for an average of 14 months (SD = 2.53) and completed measures of trait affect, cognitive affective regulation, depression, NSSI, and well-being. Data were examined using latent class analysis. Results Five subgroups with unique patterns of affective functioning were identified. Late adolescents who reported above average levels of negative affect, dampening of positive affect, brooding, and reflection, coupled with below average levels of positive affect and positive rumination, were more likely to report having higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater engagement in NSSI during the one-year period prior to baseline. Similarly, the late adolescents fitting this profile also reported lower levels of well-being and were more likely to report engaging in NSSI at the follow-up. Limitations Limitations include a narrow exploration of affective regulation strategies and the addition of key variables after the initiation of the larger study. Conclusions These findings shed light on affective regulation factors relevant to the experience of depressive symptoms and NSSI, and the promotion of well-being.
Mammalian model systems for exploring cytoskeletal dynamics during fertilization.

Publisher Summary This chapter compares and contrasts cytoskeletal features during fertilization among well-studied mammals. Particularly, it compares the data present in the most highly investigated system, the rodents (especially mice), with other mammalian species that have only recently been studied due to advances in in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization techniques. The appropriate animal models for less tractable systems such as exotic species and humans have been speculated. In terms of cytoskeletal organization and dynamics during fertilization, rodents are atypical mammals and may perhaps be atypical animals. The differences between rodents and other mammals are summarized. The unfertilized rodent oocyte (with the exception of actin filament distribution in rat oocytes) has a polarized distribution of cortical granules, microvilli, and actin distribution. The nonrodent mammals that have been studied in this manner show no polarization of these three components. The meiotic spindle in rodent oocytes is arranged tangentially to the plasma membrane, while the meiotic spindle in nonrodent mammals is smaller and arranged radially with the plasma membrane. Numerous cytoplasmic asters are found in the unfertilized mouse oocyte. These asters elongate and with the cytoplasmic actin filaments are necessary for pronuclear migration. After fertilization in nonrodent mammals, a radial microtubule aster is formed in association with the incorporated sperm head. These microtubules are necessary for pronuclear migration. Prior to mitosis the numerous cytasters in rodent zygotes come together to form the poles for the mitotic spindle which is centrally located. The sperm tail is not associated with this spindle. The sperm aster in nonrodent mammals splits to form two asters, which serve as the poles for the first mitotic spindle that may be eccentric within the cytoplasm. The sperm tail remains associated with one of the poles.
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency impairs frontostriatal recruitment following repeated amphetamine treatment in rats: A 7 Tesla in vivo phMRI study.

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with deficits in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid implicated in dopamine and glutamate synaptic plasticity, its role...
Breakout Session: Copyright: The Ethical Imperative for Librarians. Presented by Martin Garnar, Dean of the Kraemer Family Library, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Martin Garnar, in his presentation “Copyright: The Ethical Imperative for Librarians,” discusses the evolution of the American Library Association's Code of Ethics as an indicator of the changing relationship between librarianship and copyright education. Updates to the Code of Ethics, and in particular the 2014 adoption of an interpretation of Article IV, offer a vision of librarians as active parties in the discussion of intellectual property rights. This interpretation includes a series of statements about what librarians "should" do in their roles as information professionals in order to navigate copyright within their roles and interactions with users, and to uphold a fair balance between rights holders and users.
Challenges to goals of “Recovery”: A narrative analysis of neoliberal/ableist policy effects on two mothers of young children with autism:

This narrative inquiry shows the barriers and possibilities that the current US education context poses for two mothers of pre-kindergarten sons with autism. Specifically, this work is contextualiz...
THE LATTICE OF VARIETIES OF STRICT LEFT RESTRICTION SEMIGROUPS

Left restriction semigroups are the unary semigroups that abstractly characterize semigroups of partial maps on a set, where the unary operation associates to a map the identity element on its domain. This paper is the sequel to two recent papers by the author, melding the results of the first, on membership in the variety is the variety of monoids. The analogues hold for pseudovarieties.
The Appearance of Normal Skin

Table 1.1 reviews the standard Fitzpatrick skin types as they may apply to children by race and ethnicity. The table also includes potential skin issues that are commonly noted in my clinical practice, based on these skin tones, race, and ethnicity.
The chemistry of the carbon-transition metal double and triple bond: Annual survey covering the year 2017

Abstract This is a review of papers published in the year 2017 that focus on the synthesis, reactivity, or properties of compounds containing a carbon-transition metal double or triple bond. Highlights for the year 2017 include: (1) significant advances in the design of new precursors to carbene complex intermediates that serve as safer alternatives to potentially hazardous diazo compounds, (2) continued vast employment of olefin metathesis for the synthesis of complex small molecules and polymers, including many examples of Z-selective and stereoretentive reactions, (3) design of novel transformations employing metallacumulene intermediates, (4) preparation of novel aromatic ring systems incorporating transition elements, and (5) design of reaction processes possibly invoking metal carbene complexes generated from platinum or gold complexes and alkynes.
Fast Photomineralization of Dissolved Organic Matter in Acid Mine Drainage Impacted Waters

Acid mine drainage (AMD) formed from pyrite (iron disulfide) weathering contributes to ecosystem degradation in impacted waters. Solar irradiation has been shown to be an important factor in the biogeochemical cycling of iron in AMD-impacted waters, but its impact on dissolved organic matter (DOM) is unknown. With a typical AMD-impacted water (pH 2.7-3) collected from the Perry State Forest watershed in Ohio, we observed highly efficient (>80%) photochemical mineralization of DOM within hours in a solar simulator resembling twice summer sunlight at 40°N. We confirmed that the mineralization was initially induced by •OH formed from FeOH2+ photodissociation and was inhibited 2-fold by dissolved oxygen removal, suggesting the importance of both the photochemical reaction and oxygen involvement. Size exclusion chromatography and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry elucidated that any remaining organic matter was comprised of smaller and highly aliphatic compounds. The quantitative and qualitative changes in DOM are likely to constitute an important component in regional carbon cycling and nutrient release and to influence downstream aquatic ecosystems in AMD-affected watersheds.
Diffuse lichen planus-like keratoses and clinical pseudo-progression associated with avelumab treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, a case report.

Avelumab is an anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody approved for treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. It shares a similar side effect profile to other immune checkpoint inhibitors, including immune-related adverse reactions in the skin. These adverse skin reactions can present as a morbilliform exanthem, lichenoid dermatitis, vitiligo, autoimmune bullous disorder, among others. We describe a patient with advanced MCC successfully treated with avelumab who developed acute onset diffuse lichen planus-like keratoses (LPLK) at sites of existing seborrheic keratoses (SK) and lentigines. Histopathology of an affected SK revealed papillomatous epidermal hyperplasia with lichenoid interface changes, numerous dyskeratotic keratinocytes and intermittent hypergranulosis. The findings resembled lichen planus (LP) arising in an SK. Onset of the skin symptoms corresponded with an inflammatory cancer response (clinical pseudo-progression), and the eruption improved as overall tumor burden decreased. The patient’s pruritus was treated with topical steroids and cyrotherapy for individual symptomatic lesions. Diffuse LPLK is a distinct immune-related reaction pattern associated with PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade. This is an important side effect to be aware of as LPLK frequently mimic keratinocytic neoplasms. Further observation is needed to assess the prevalence and significance of this immune therapy-associated adverse reaction.
Antioxidants Unlock Shelf-Stable Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Nanosheet Dispersions

Summary Although MXene nanosheets have attracted significant scientific and industrial attention, these materials are highly susceptible to oxidation, which leads to their chemical degradation and loss of functional properties in a matter of days. Here we demonstrate an effective method to prevent the oxidation of colloidal Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets by using sodium L-ascorbate as an antioxidant. The success of the method is evident in the stable morphology, structure, and colloidal stability of Ti3C2Tx. Even in the presence of water and oxygen, the electrical conductivity of Ti3C2Tx nanosheets treated with sodium L-ascorbate was orders of magnitude higher as compared with untreated ones after 21 days. This resistance to oxidation also persists in the dried state. We propose that the sodium L-ascorbate protects the edges of the nanosheets, restricting water molecules from otherwise reactive sites; this is supported by molecular dynamics simulations that show association of the ascorbate anion with the nanosheet edge.
Exfoliation of α-Zirconium Phosphate Using Tetraalkylammonium Hydroxides.

α-Zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP), a classical layered compound, has found widespread application. Exfoliation of α-ZrP has been mainly achieved by propylamine (PA) or tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA...
Trends in Reported Case Logs of OnabotulinumtoxinA and Sacral Neuromodulation

AbstractIntroduction:We investigated current trends in reported case logs of third line treatments for primarily overactive bladder including sacral neuromodulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimu...
Leptin regulates song effort in Neotropical singing mice (Scotinomys teguina)

Sexual signals are often elaborate, even spectacular, behaviours. The reproductive rewards for successful display are great, but so are the potential costs. These costs include not only the resources needed to produce a display, but also resources required if the display evokes attack from a rival or predator. To maximize payoff, individuals must monitor both internal and external cues to adjust display effort. We know surprisingly little about how these competing demands are balanced. Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, regulates energy allocation to functions as diverse as feeding, sleep, reproduction and immunity. Despite evidence that leptin influences reproductive trade-offs, its role as a putative regulator of courtship display is poorly understood. Here we examine the use of interoceptive and exteroceptive cues to modulate display effort in Alston's singing mouse, Scotinomys teguina. We manipulated individual perception of energy balance through intraperitoneal injection of exogenous leptin, and we manipulated social context through playback of conspecific song. Leptin-injected mice responded with song to playback more frequently and more quickly than saline-injected controls. Although leptin seems to promote increased song effort, we found that leptin also reduced song duration. Song effort increased after leptin injection and playback of conspecific songs. Understanding the mechanisms by which animals respond to internal and external cues broadens our understanding of context-dependent display as well as behavioural plasticity more generally.
Muons in IceCube

The IceCube detector allows for the first time a measurement of atmospheric muon and neutrino energy spectra from tens of GeV up to the PeV range. The lepton flux in the highest energy region depends on both the primary cosmic ray composition around the “knee” and the contribution from prompt decays of mostly charmed hadrons produced in air showers. It is demonstrated here that a direct measurement of the atmospheric muon spectrum in the region above 100 TeV is feasible using data that is already available.
Two New Species of Cymatodera Gray (Coleoptera: Cleridae) from the United States and Mexico

Two new species of Cymatodera Gray (Cleridae) are described: Cymatodera eremicola Rifkind, new species from California, USA and Baja California, Mexico; and Cymatodera perpera Rifkind, new species from Arizona, USA. Cymatodera torosaWolcott, 1910 (new synonym) and Cymatodera sororWolcott, 1910 (new synonym) are designated as junior synonyms of Cymatodera antennataSchaeffer, 1908.
Auto3DCryoMap: an automated particle alignment approach for 3D cryo-EM density map reconstruction

Cryo-EM data generated by electron tomography (ET) contains images for individual protein particles in different orientations and tilted angles. Individual cryo-EM particles can be aligned to reconstruct a 3D density map of a protein structure. However, low contrast and high noise in particle images make it challenging to build 3D density maps at intermediate to high resolution (1–3 A). To overcome this problem, we propose a fully automated cryo-EM 3D density map reconstruction approach based on deep learning particle picking. A perfect 2D particle mask is fully automatically generated for every single particle. Then, it uses a computer vision image alignment algorithm (image registration) to fully automatically align the particle masks. It calculates the difference of the particle image orientation angles to align the original particle image. Finally, it reconstructs a localized 3D density map between every two single-particle images that have the largest number of corresponding features. The localized 3D density maps are then averaged to reconstruct a final 3D density map. The constructed 3D density map results illustrate the potential to determine the structures of the molecules using a few samples of good particles. Also, using the localized particle samples (with no background) to generate the localized 3D density maps can improve the process of the resolution evaluation in experimental maps of cryo-EM. Tested on two widely used datasets, Auto3DCryoMap is able to reconstruct good 3D density maps using only a few thousand protein particle images, which is much smaller than hundreds of thousands of particles required by the existing methods. We design a fully automated approach for cryo-EM 3D density maps reconstruction (Auto3DCryoMap). Instead of increasing the signal-to-noise ratio by using 2D class averaging, our approach uses 2D particle masks to produce locally aligned particle images. Auto3DCryoMap is able to accurately align structural particle shapes. Also, it is able to construct a decent 3D density map from only a few thousand aligned particle images while the existing tools require hundreds of thousands of particle images. Finally, by using the pre-processed particle images, Auto3DCryoMap reconstructs a better 3D density map than using the original particle images.
Has Concentration in the Top Accounting Journals Changed Over Time

SYNOPSIS: Prior work has found high levels of concentration in top academic accounting journals relative to finance, management, and marketing. Moreover, concentration has been increasing in accounting while concentration in other disciplines has been decreasing or remaining about the same. We investigate whether recent efforts by the American Accounting Association, among others, have altered these trends. We examine concentration trends in top accounting journals from 1990 to 2014 and compare these trends with those in other major business school disciplines. Ratios of publications to faculty are lowest for accounting across all years, suggesting that accounting has relatively fewer “slots” available for top journal publications than other disciplines. In addition, our results suggest that concentration has decreased in accounting journals in recent years but that concentration has also decreased in other business disciplines. Thus, accounting has retained its position as a discipline where publications...
A Meta-Analytic Review of Interventions That Promote Meaning in Life.

Objective:Increasing meaning in life (MiL) among people experiencing disease or adversity may improve coping and resilience. The purpose of this review is to characterize the effects of MiL interve...
Robust Control Barrier Functions under High Relative Degree and Input Constraints for Satellite Trajectories.

This paper presents methodologies for constructing Control Barrier Functions (CBFs) for nonlinear, control-affine systems, in the presence of input constraints and bounded disturbances. More specifically, given a constraint function with high-relative-degree with respect to the system dynamics, the paper considers three methodologies, two for relative-degree 2 and one for higher relative-degrees, for converting the constraint function into a CBF. Three special forms of Robust CBFs (RCBFs) are developed as functions of the input constraints, system dynamics, and disturbance bounds, and are applied to provably safe satellite control for asteroid exploration missions. The resultant RCBF conditions on the control input are enforced in a switched fashion, which expands the set of allowable trajectories and simplifies control input computation in the presence of multiple constraints. The proposed methods are verified in simulations demonstrating the developed RCBFs in an asteroid flyby scenario for a satellite with low-thrust actuators, and in asteroid proximity operations for a satellite with high-thrust actuators.
Resting State Brain Metabolic Fingerprinting Clusters (Biomarkers) and Predictive Models for Major Depression in Multiple Myeloma Patients

1603 Objectives: This study aims to identify brain metabolic changes and predictive models for screening major depression in multiple myeloma using whole-body oncology FDG PET/CT imaging. Methods: The FDG PET/CT images of 134 multiple myeloma patients with or without major depression (38 vs. 96) were used. T contrast analysis was performed using SPM 12 (statistic parameter mapping, version 12). A threshold of p < 0.05 (voxel-level) family-wise error (FWE)-corrected for multiple comparisons and a minimum cluster size of 100 was applied to all analyses. Templates of cluster ROIs were created if clusters met the threshold. Signals were extracted from each image within ROIs as biomarker clusters for further machine learning. Classification Learner automatically employed twenty-five algorithms to fit our data with different feature selection combinations. Each model performance was measured by accuracy, confusion matrix, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)-area under curve (AUC). Results: Five hyper-metabolic and 3 hypo-metabolic clusters in patients with major depression were identified. The hyper-metabolic clusters were anatomically localized in the limbic system bilaterally and right brainstem, whereas hypo-metabolic clusters predominantly involved bilateral frontal, parietal, and right temporal lobes. Our results are consistent with published brain regions involved in major depression. We used eight clusters as features without PCA and hyper-parameters during machine learning and explored preset 25 classification algorithms. Fine Tree and Medium Tree present the best performance (accuracy 85.1%; ROC-AUC 0.88; sensitivity 79%; and specificity 88%). Compared to previous resting-state fMRI and perfusion SPECT machine learning studies with large samples (n > 100) (53-56), our results are comparable to the better classification performance among the studies (89.2% of overall accuracy). Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate that oncology FDG PET/CT images can provide useful information for screening for comorbid major depression in cancer patients without extra dedicated brain images or increased radiation exposure or cost. Key words: Machine learning; Predictive modeling; FDG PET/CT; Multiple Myeloma; Major depression.
38 Gadd45γ – Establishing a Role for the Cell Cycle in Somitogenesis.

In vertebrates the repeated metameric pattern of the axial skeleton is evident early, demonstrated by the serially repeated segments known as somites. Somites are blocks of mesodermal tissue that separate from the undifferentiated presomitic mesoderm (PSM) in a process that is highly regulated. The somites will go on to form several critical structures in the embryo, including the vertebrae and musculature of the axial skeleton. Multiple pathways controlling somite segmentation have been identified, including pathways involving FGF8, retinoic acid, NOTCH and WNT signaling. Previous investigators have also suggested a role for the cell cycle in segmentation, but no molecular evidence for this has existed to date. We have identified a cell cycle inhibitor – Gadd45γ – that appears to be involved in somitogenesis. Gadd45γ is a growth arrest gene that controls the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint. Gadd45γ is expressed in the somites S0 and S-1 throughout somitogenesis, in the region where cells are moving from the undifferentiated presomitic mesoderm to the differentiated somite. Embryo culture experiments and analysis of mouse mutant lines demonstrates that Gadd45γ is regulated by the major pathways involved in somite formation, including FGF8, retinoic acid and Notch. Overexpression of Gadd45γ in mouse embryos disrupts normal segmentation and results in decreased expression of Mesp2, a key player for establishing normal somite boundaries. Further work is underway to determine if loss of Gadd45γ function results in segmentation defects. Gadd45γ appears to play a role in segmentation and establishes a link between the cell cycle and the segmentation clock.
Traceability for Canadian acoustical standards

Acoustical measurements in Canada are traceable to the primary acoustical standards maintained at INMS, NRC. In reality this may not be true since most of the users of acoustical measuring instruments in Canada may not realize the importance and understand the process of establishing traceability of a laboratory. There are two paths to establish traceability. A direct path, that is, a national metrology institute (NMI), calibrates an artefact that is used as a reference for measurement. The NMI may be a laboratory that has mutual recognition agreement with NRC. An indirect path may be traceable via laboratories that are accredited under the Calibration Laboratory Assessment Service (CLAS) program jointly administered by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and INMS. The latter provides technical support for the program.
High-level DSP synthesis using the COMET design system

The authors address methodologies for high-level synthesis of dedicated digital signal processing (DSP) architectures using the cluster-oriented and minimum execution time (COMET) design system. The system is tuned to the synthesis of DSP ASICs from behavioral specifications written in VHDL. COMET is capable of generating more efficient architectures using innovative scheduling and resource allocation algorithm which exploit the cluster information and maximize the parallel tasks. With these transformations, major improvements are achieved with fewer registers and interconnections; an industrial quality design is then derived in both FIR and elliptic filter examples. >
Purification and properties of fatty acyl thioesterase I from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Fatty acyl thioesterase activity in crude Escherichia coli extracts consists of two activities separable by gel filtration. The two enzymes are designated thioesterases I and II from the order in which they are eluted from Sephadex G-100. Thioesterase I, after 8400-fold purification, was homogeneous as judged by acrylamide gel electrophoresis and constant specific activity of the enzyme peak on DEAE-Sephadex. The native enzyme is a tetramer with a molecular weight of 122,000 and a subunit molecular weight of 30,000. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acyl-CoA thioesters of chain length C14 to C18 were the most active substrates with Km values of 4 to 6 µm and turnover numbers of 18,000 and 27,000 per min, respectively. Neither acetyl-CoA nor oxygen esters were hydrolyzed at detectable rates. Of the many active site reagents tested only photoactivated methylene blue and iodoacetamide inhibited thioesterase I. Acid hydrolysis of thioesterase I inhibited with [14C]iodoacetamide yielded [14C]glycolic acid as the major radioactive product, while mild base hydrolysis yielded mainly [14C]-glycolamide. The evidence presented indicates that iodoacetamide inhibits thioesterase I by esterifying an essential carboxyl group.
Two-dimensional Fourier transform electronic spectroscopy with a pulse-shaper

We report 2D electronic spectra obtained using a pulse-shaper in a pump-probe geometery. We demonstrate the method at visible wavelengths on a dye system and discuss the benefits of this approach compared to other implementations.
The Role of Economic Fundamentals, Web Traffic, and Supply and Demand in the Pricing of U.S. Internet Stocks

In this paper I measure the importance of three groups of factors in the pricing of U.S. Internet stocks: economic fundamentals, web traffic, and supply and demand forces. Using log-linear regression on a panel of data for Net and non-Net stocks on 2/1/2000, I highlight five findings. First, contrary to popular perception, neither web traffic or supply and demand forces drive Net stock prices. Rather, economic fundamentals in the form of current book equity, forecasted one-year ahead earnings and forecasted long-run earnings growth dominate in explaining cross-sectional variation in Net stock prices. Second, incremental to economic fundamentals, Net firms' equity market values are reliably related to only one measure of web traffic-the number of unique visitors to the firm's web site. Net firms' equity market values are unrelated to the number of page views, hours spent at the website, the average age and the average income of visitors. Third, over and above economic fundamentals and web traffic, Net firms' equity market values are reliably correlated with proxies for supply and demand forces in the form of public float, short interest and institutional ownership. Fourth, the value-relevance of supply and demand factors only exists for Net firms with no business-to-consumer web traffic, suggesting that the public familiarity that business-to-consumer e-commerce creates leads to greater capital market efficiency in the pricing of their stock. Finally, the equity values of non-Net stocks are unrelated to supply and demand forces, yet are strongly associated with economic fundamentals. Overall, I conclude that while the pricing of U.S. Net stocks is dominated by expectations of near- and long-term profitability, they are also uniquely impacted by non-traditional value-drivers in ways that non-Net firms are not.