cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Development of Rent-Seeking Theory Abstract

The rent-seeking theory defines the bound of rent inside the politics.The governments have some political privilege so that they can create and protect rent as to increase people's choices.People will choose "rent-seeking" to increase their revenue out of maximized benefit.It is the "rent-seeking" that holds the market economy to play its role.At the same time,"rent-seeking" wastes the resources which are supposed to use in the production activity.Under the direction of the above mentioned thinking,the development of rent-seeking theory comes up two branches,one is normative rent-seeking theory which tries to explain and estimate the cost that rent-seeking brings to the economy.The other is positive rent-seeking theory which tries to explain the source of man-made rent.Rent-seeking is applied in many research fields but it is not well developed in China probably due to its defects or other reasons.
Catch and Exploitation of Shoal Bass in the Flint River, Georgia, USA: Implications for Harvest Restrictions

AbstractShoal Bass Micropterus cataractae are endemic to the Apalachicola River basin (Alabama, Florida, and Georgia) and support popular fisheries, yet little is known about the population dynamics or angler harvest of this species. To estimate the annual exploitation rate (u), 376 Shoal Bass were tagged at 16 sites over a 208-km stretch of the Flint River, Georgia, during 2008–2011. Mean annual u varied from 0.22 to 0.26, but because of the high movement rates of tagged fish, it was not possible to calculate true u for specific sites along the Flint River. The catch rate of tagged, sedentary Shoal Bass was relatively similar between areas that were accessible by motorboat (0.38) and those accessible only by canoe or kayak (0.32); however, u was 2.5 times higher in the motorboat-accessible areas (0.22) than in motorboat-inaccessible areas (0.09). The effects of three length limits (the current minimum length limit [MLL] of 305 mm TL; an MLL of 381 mm TL; and a protected slot limit of 356–432 mm TL) on th...
PASSIVE IMMUNIZATION AGAINST HEPATITIS B: A REVIEW OF RECENT STUDIES AND COMMENT ON CURRENT ASPECTS OF CONTROL

Several independent studies suggest that both hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) made from plasma pools containing high titers of anti-HBs and standard immunoglobulin (IG) containing some anti-HBs may be effective for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B. Based on a synthesis of current data, it seems reasonable to recommend HBIG for the post-exposure prophylaxis of individuals sustaining accidental needle stick or mucosal exposure to blood known to contain hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). If HBIG is unavailable there is also reason to expect that administration of standard IG which contains some anti-HBs may confer benefit. Although available data regarding prophylaxis of infants born to mothers with HBsAg positive hepatitis at time of delivery are insufficient to warrant firm recommendations on globulin administration, a temporary set of guidelines supporting use of either HBIG or standard IG containing some anti-HBs seems warranted in view of the serious implications for induction of the HBsAg chronic carrier state in infancy. Because appropriate environmental control measures may significantly reduce the transmission of hepatitis B in certain endemic settings such as hemodialysis units or homes for the mentally retarded, IG prophylaxis in these surroundings cannot be routinely recommended. Since current data show no evidence for superiority of HBIG over standard IG in these settings, and because there is some evidence that use of lower anti-HBs titer globulins may provide for acquisition of passive-active immunity, it seems reasonable to suggest that if IG is to be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis, the material to be used should be standard IG containing some anti-HBs.
1 CALCIUM/CALMODULIN-DEPENDENT KINASE IV MEDIATES G13-STIMULATED MYOCYTE ENHANCE FACTOR 2-DEPENDENT GENE TRANSCRIPTION.

G13 and G12 belong to the same subfamily of heterotrimeric G proteins. The major physiological difference between them is revealed by knockout mice. Mice with null mutant of G13 alpha subunit (Gα13) are embryonic lethal, while those with null mutant alpha subunit …
An Intraoperative Look at Failure of Flow Diversion: When Additional or Alternative Treatments Should Be Considered.

Background The pipeline embolization device (PED) is a flow-diverting stent that provides an additional treatment modality in the management of intracranial aneurysms. An aneurysm treated with a flow diverter is expected to involute over time, contrary to the immediate obliteration expected by surgical clipping or coiling. Yet, which aneurysms will respond to PED therapy and the time frame to expect full obliteration remain unclear. Case Description We report the unusual case of a 50-year-old woman with multiple (4 total) intracranial aneurysms who underwent multimodality treatment. Two aneurysms were treated with PEDs. Nine months later, the patient underwent a craniotomy for treatment of an additional aneurysm; at the time of surgery, one of the PED-treated aneurysms was noted to be clearly obliterated, and the other was visualized to be filling. The ophthalmic artery arose from the persistently filling aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated by clip ligation without incident. Conclusions The rate of PED aneurysm obliteration increases with longer follow-up; however, the time frame for observing a persistently filling aneurysm before additional treatment is considered remains unknown. Some aneurysms may never close even after discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy. Ophthalmic artery aneurysms have been noted to fail treatment with PED based on the anatomic relationship of the aneurysm to the ophthalmic artery. This case provokes us to consider factors that may affect the latency to aneurysm obliteration, including aneurysm size, aneurysm morphology, patient gender, failure of previous aneurysm treatment, and duration of time from initial endovascular treatment.
Euro currency risk and the geography of debt flows to peripheral EMU

Abstract The pattern of debt flows to peripheral European Monetary Union members seems puzzling: they are mostly indirect and channeled through the large countries of the EMU. We examine to what extent the introduction of the euro and the elimination of the intra-area currency risk can explain this puzzle. We develop a three-country DSGE framework with endogenous portfolio choice and two currencies. In the equilibrium, the core members of the EMU emerge as the main group of lenders to the peripheral EMU. Outside lenders are pushed out of the periphery debt markets because of currency risk. The model generates a pattern of debt flows consistent with the data despite the absence of any exogenous frictions or market segmentations.
Grid-Flow: a Grid-enabled scientific workflow system with a Petri-net-based interface: Research Articles

Advances in computer technologies have enabled scientists to explore research issues in their respective domains at scales greater and finer than ever before. The availability of efficient data collection and analysis tools presents researchers with vast opportunities to process heterogeneous data within a distributed environment. To support the opportunities enabled by massive computation, a suitable scientific workflow system is needed to help the users to manage data and programs, and to design reusable procedures of scientific experimental tasks. In this paper, the design and prototype implementation of a scientific workflow infrastructure, called Grid-Flow, is presented. Grid-Flow assists researchers in specifying scientific experiments using a Petri-net-based interface. The Grid-Flow infrastructure is designed as a Service Oriented Architecture with multi-layer component models. The contributions of Grid-Flow are as follows: (1) a new, lightweight, programmable Grid workflow language, Grid-Flow Description Language, is provided to describe the workflow process in a Grid environment; (2) a Petri-net-based user interface, based on the Generic Modeling Environment, is demonstrated to help the user design the workflow process with a Petri-net model; and (3) a program integration component of the Grid-Flow system is presented to integrate all possible programs into the system. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ring-like oligomers of Synaptotagmins and related C2 domain proteins

We recently reported that the C2AB portion of Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) could self-assemble into Ca(2+)-sensitive ring-like oligomers on membranes, which could potentially regulate neurotransmitter release. Here we report that analogous ring-like oligomers assemble from the C2AB domains of other Syt isoforms (Syt2, Syt7, Syt9) as well as related C2 domain containing protein, Doc2B and extended Synaptotagmins (E-Syts). Evidently, circular oligomerization is a general and conserved structural aspect of many C2 domain proteins, including Synaptotagmins. Further, using electron microscopy combined with targeted mutations, we show that under physiologically relevant conditions, both the Syt1 ring assembly and its rapid disruption by Ca(2+) involve the well-established functional surfaces on the C2B domain that are important for synaptic transmission. Our data suggests that ring formation may be triggered at an early step in synaptic vesicle docking and positions Syt1 to synchronize neurotransmitter release to Ca(2+) influx.
Comparison of Two Measures of Working Memory Impairments in 220 Adolescents and Adults With ADHD

Objective: This study tests the hypotheses that (a) adolescents and adults with ADHD score lower on two normed measures of verbal working memory, relative to their overall verbal abilities, than the general population and (b) a specific story memory test is a more sensitive and relevant measure of working memory impairment than a numerically based test. Method: Scores on normed story memory and numerical memory tests of 220 adolescents and adults with ADHD were corrected for the individual's verbal abilities and compared with each other and national norms. Results: Participants with ADHD scored significantly below their verbal ability measure on both verbal and numerically based memory tests in comparison with national norms. Scores on verbal memory test were lower than scores for numerically based memory tests. Conclusion: This story memory test is a more sensitive measure of working memory impairments in adolescents and adults with ADHD than measures based on recall of numerical data.
Λ-∑ COUPLING AND CORE EXCITATION EFFECTS IN THE LIGHT HYPERNUCLEI

This chapter focuses on Λ–Σ coupling and core excitation effects in the light hypernuclei. The effects produced by the Λ–Σ coupling on the binding energies of 4 Λ H, 4 Λ He, and 5 Λ He, has been reported. In the Dalitz–Downs model, the hypernucleus is assumed to be a two-body system composed of the hyperon interacting with the nuclear core in a relative s-state. The chapter discusses a calculation, where it is assumed that the T=l state of 4 He to be either a one or two particle excitation of the 2S harmonic oscillator type. The ρ t (r′) is the overlap of a 1S and a 2S state. The well depths V ΛN and V ΛΣN were determined to produce the correct E Λ ( 5 Λ He) and E Λ ( 4 Λ H). The inclusion of the Λ–Σ coupling in 5 Λ He has no appreciable effect. The potential well depths change only slightly from the values determined when the coupling was not included.
Media capture in the era of megaleaks

Much has been written about the potential of large-scale digital disclosures, or ‘megaleaks’, to transform journalistic coverage of high-value news. This analysis takes a second look at the phenome...
Approach to equilibrium of quarkonium in quark-gluon plasma

We calculate the dissociation and recombination rates of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}(1S)$ in quark-gluon plasma by using potential nonrelativistic QCD. We then study the dynamical in-medium evolution of the $b\overline{b}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}$ system in a periodic box via the Boltzmann equation and explore how the system reaches equilibrium. We find that interactions between the free heavy quarks and the medium are necessary for the system to reach equilibrium. We find that the angular distribution of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}(1S)$ probes the stages at which recombination occurs. Finally, we study the system under a longitudinal expansion and show that different initial conditions evolve to distinct final ratios of hidden and open $b$ flavors. We argue that experimental measurements of the ratio could address open questions in the quarkonium production in heavy ion collisions.
TurboFold II: RNA structural alignment and secondary structure prediction informed by multiple homologs

This paper presents TurboFold II, an extension of the TurboFold algorithm for predicting secondary structures for multiple RNA homologs. TurboFold II augments the structure prediction capabilities of TurboFold by additionally providing multiple sequence alignments. Probabilities for alignment of nucleotide positions between all pairs of input sequences are iteratively estimated in TurboFold II by incorporating information from both the sequence identity and secondary structures. A multiple sequence alignment is obtained from these probabilities by using a probabilistic consistency transformation and a hierarchically computed guide tree. To assess TurboFold II, its sequence alignment and structure predictions were compared with leading tools, including methods that focus on alignment alone and methods that provide both alignment and structure prediction. TurboFold II has comparable alignment accuracy with MAFFT and higher accuracy than other tools. TurboFold II also has comparable structure prediction accuracy as the original TurboFold algorithm, which is one of the most accurate methods. TurboFold II is part of the RNAstructure software package, which is freely available for download at http://rna.urmc.rochester.edu under a GPL license.
Microbiome, inflammation and colorectal cancer

Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of multiple cancers, including those of the colon. Inflammation in the gut induces carcinogenic mutagenesis and promotes colorectal cancer initiation. Additionally, myeloid and lymphoid cells infiltrate established tumors and propagate so called "tumor-elicited inflammation", which in turn favors cancer development by supporting the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. In addition to the interaction between cancer cells and tumor infiltrating immune cells, the gut also hosts trillions of bacteria and other microbes, whose roles in colorectal inflammation and cancer have only been appreciated in the past decade or so. Commensal and pathobiotic bacteria promote colorectal cancer development by exploiting tumor surface barrier defects following cancer initiation, by invading normal colonic tissue and inducing local inflammation, and by generating genotoxicity against colonic epithelial cells to accelerate their oncogenic transformation. On the other hand, a balanced population of microbiota is important for the prevention of colorectal cancer due to their roles in providing certain bacterial metabolites and inhibiting intestinal inflammation. In this review we summarize our current knowledge regarding the link between microbiota, inflammation, and colorectal cancer, and aim to delineate the mechanisms by which gut microbiome and inflammatory cytokines regulate colorectal tumorigenesis.
Age Related Recovery from Acute Optic Neuritis in Multiple Sclerosis (P04.120)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the severity and recovery from Acute Optic Neuritis (AON) episodes in both Pediatric-Onset Multiple Sclerosis (POMS) and Adult-Onset Multiple Sclerosis (AOMS) patients. BACKGROUND: AON attacks are common in both POMS and AOMS patients, but the severity and level of recovery from these attacks are variable across patients. Identification of predictors associated with attack severity and recovery may aid in clinical care. DESIGN/METHODS: Both the AOMS (n=68) and POMS patients (n=24) were identified from CLIMB study at Partners Adult and Pediatric MS Centers, who presented with AON as their initial symptom after the year 2000. For each attack, a chart review was completed to assess initial severity of attack and level of recovery from attack. Severity was classified based on visual acuity at the visit closest to the attack. Attacks were classified as mild (20/40), moderate (20/50-20/190) and severe (>20/200). Recovery from AON was classified based on the change in visual acuity at clinic visit, 1 year after onset. Recovery was classified as complete (20/20 or pre-attack acuity), fair (20/40) and poor (>20/50 or worse). The proportion of patients with each level of severity and recovery for initial AON attack was compared in two groups using Fisher9s exact test. The probability of complete recovery including all attacks was assessed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The proportion of AOMS patients with mild/moderate/severe AON attack at first symptom (13.4% /32.4%/54.4%) was not significantly different than in POMS (8.3%/25%/66.7%, p=0.66). Conversely, proportion of POMS patients who experienced complete recovery from the initial AON attack was significantly higher than in AOMS (91% vs.70%, p=0.05). When all AON attacks were considered (including first episode), POMS patients were more likely to experience complete recovery (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to AOMS, POMS patients are more likely to experience complete recovery from AON attacks. Supported by: NMSS RG-4256A4/2 and the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence Award – NMSS. Disclosure: Dr. Malik has received research support from Merck-Serono. Dr. Healy has received research support from Merck Serono. Dr. Benson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chitnis has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, EMD-Serono, and Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Chitnis has received research support from Merck Serono.
Characterization of the PEGylated Functional Upstream Domain Peptide (PEG-FUD): a Potent Fibronectin Assembly Inhibitor with Potential as an Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic

To develop PEGylated variants of pUR4/FUD (FUD), a fibronectin assembly inhibitor, using 10 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa PEGs to evaluate their binding affinity and inhibitory potency. The FUD peptide was recombinantly expressed, purified, and PEGylated at the N-terminus using 10 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa methoxy-PEG aldehyde. The PEGylates were purified and fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography. The molecular weight and degree of PEGylation of each conjugate was verified using MALDI-TOF. The binding affinity of each PEG-FUD conjugate was studied using isothermal titration colorimetry (ITC) and their inhibitory potency was characterized by a cell-based matrix assembly in vitro assay. The 10 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa PEG-FUD conjugates were synthesized and isolated in good purity as determined by HPLC analysis. Their molecular weight was consistent with attachment of a single PEG molecule to one FUD peptide. The binding affinity (Kd) and the fibronectin fibrillogenesis inhibitory potency (IC50) of all PEG-FUD conjugates remained nanomolar and unaffected by the addition of PEG. Retention of FUD fibronectin binding activity following PEGylation with three different PEG sizes suggest that PEG-FUD holds promise as an effective anti-fibrotic with therapeutic potential and a candidate for further pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies.
Computational fluid dynamics investigations of the effect of water injection timing on thermal stratification and heat release in thermally stratified compression ignition combustion

Advanced combustion concepts, like homogeneous charge compression ignition, are limited by their narrow operating range, which stems from a lack of control over the heat release process. This study...
Efficacy of &beta--Hydroxy-&beta--methylbutyrate (HMB) in free acid gel on indirect markers of skeletal muscle damage

HMB has recently become a popular dietary supplement used to promote exercise performance and skeletal muscle hypertrophy by many exercise enthusiasts. A lot of previous studies have found that HMB supplement is beneficial to reduce muscle damage and decrease protein catabolism, which leads to increased gains in muscle size and strength when associated with resistance exercise. However, it is very important to note that these studies have focused primarily on the effect of calcium-HMB (the conventional form of the supplement). A recent study have indicated that HMB consumed in free acid gel form produced earlier and greater peaks in plasma HMB and improved clearance of HMB from plasma compared with an equivalent dosage of calcium-HMB by examining whether HMB in free acid gel form will improve HMB availability to human tissues. This finding suggests greater bioavailability of HMB when ingested as a free acid in gel form. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of a newly developed form of HMB (consumed as a gel form) in reducing indicators of muscle damage after a single bout eccentric resistance exercise. Seventeen male and sixteen female volunteers were randomly assigned into 5 treatment groups by matching based on average peak force on dominant leg. The 5 treatment groups consisted of Placebo (one capsule placebo and one 3ml-syringe gel placebo); Pre-exercise Ca-HMB (1capsule containing 1 g calcium-HMB ingested 30 min prior to strength test); Pre-exercise Gel-HMB (3 mL free-acid gel containing 1 g HMB ingested 30 min prior to strength test); Pre + Post Ca-HMB (1 capsule containing 1 g calcium-HMB 30 min prior to strength test plus 3 daily doses for 4 days); Pre + Post Gel-HMB (3 ml free-acid gel
Physical Well-Being and Route of Benign Hysterectomy.

Abstract Objectives We sought to determine if there is an association between preoperative risk factors as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score and the route of hysterectomy for benign indications. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was used to determine the route of hysterectomy, using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and associated ASA class. The analysis included abdominal, vaginal, total laparoscopic, and laparoscopic assisted vaginal routes of hysterectomy. Routes of hysterectomy were also grouped as either abdominal or minimally invasive for analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model route of hysterectomy as a function of patient covariates, including ASA class, age, race and ethnicity, and body mass index. Results The analysis included 117,919 patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. Patients with ASA classification of III or IV to V had significantly decreased odds of undergoing a minimally invasive approach for hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR], 0.81 [95% confidence interval (CI)], 0.77–0.85; and OR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.37–0.48], respectively). Secondary outcome analysis revealed that a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2 was associated with significantly lower odds of undergoing a minimally invasive hysterectomy (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85–0.89). With respect to race/ethnicity, all non-White groups had decreased odds of undergoing a hysterectomy via a minimally invasive approach. Age 75 years or older was correlated with an increased likelihood of minimally invasive hysterectomy (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10–1.26). Conclusions Patients with increased preoperative risk as defined by a high ASA classification are less likely to undergo a hysterectomy using a minimally invasive route for benign indications.
Are two strategies better than one? Manipulation of seed density and soil community in an experimental prairie restoration

Restoration practitioners have a variety of practices to choose from when designing a restoration, and different strategies may address different goals. Knowledge of how to best use multiple strategies could improve restoration outcomes. Here, we examine two commonly suggested strategies in a single tallgrass prairie restoration experiment: increased forb sowing density and prairie soil inoculation. We designed a study with two different forb seeding densities. Within these densities, we transplanted seedlings into 1‐m² plots that had been grown in either a whole prairie soil inoculum or sterilized prairie soil. After 4 years, we found positive effects of both high forb sowing density and inoculation treatments on the ratio of seeded to nonseeded plant cover in these plots, and negative effects of both treatments on nonseeded plant diversity. No effects of either treatment were seen on seeded plant diversity. Each strategy also affected the plant community in different ways: high forb sowing density increased seeded forb richness and decreased native nonseeded plant cover, while inoculation decreased non‐native cover, and tended to increase average successional stage of the community. These effects on restoration outcome were typically independent of each other, with the result that plots with both manipulations had the most positive effects on restoration outcomes. We thus advocate the combined use of these restoration strategies, and further studies which focus on both seeding and soil community manipulation in restoration.
Temperature-dependent studies of high-performance foamed cements

In this study, through-transmission acoustic time-of-flight experiments were used to study the variation of the mechanical properties of foamed cements when subjected to realistic field temperatures. Since temperature increases by ~25 °C/km in depth, it is important to understand the properties of foamed cements used in wellbore applications at relevant depths. By studying these foamed cements up to around 165 °C, characterization up to ~6 km in depth is achieved, which covers almost all drilling depths. In particular, it was found that foamed cements containing a higher percentage of air were less affected by temperature, and that Young’s modulus and the compressional sound speed do not decrease linearly with the increasing air content, as one might expect. The sound speeds varied from 2942 m/s for 10% foamed cement, to 2500 m/s for 30% foamed cement at room temperature. Young’s modulus varied from 16.0 GPa for 10% foamed cement to 9.2 GPa for 30% foamed cement at room temperature. The softening rate with heating also decreased with the increasing air content, with 10% foamed cement decreasing by 7.8% in Young’s modulus with heating from room temperature to ~165 °C, while 30% foamed cement only decreased by 5.5%. In this study, through-transmission acoustic time-of-flight experiments were used to study the variation of the mechanical properties of foamed cements when subjected to realistic field temperatures. Since temperature increases by ~25 °C/km in depth, it is important to understand the properties of foamed cements used in wellbore applications at relevant depths. By studying these foamed cements up to around 165 °C, characterization up to ~6 km in depth is achieved, which covers almost all drilling depths. In particular, it was found that foamed cements containing a higher percentage of air were less affected by temperature, and that Young’s modulus and the compressional sound speed do not decrease linearly with the increasing air content, as one might expect. The sound speeds varied from 2942 m/s for 10% foamed cement, to 2500 m/s for 30% foamed cement at room temperature. Young’s modulus varied from 16.0 GPa for 10% foamed cement to 9.2 GPa for 30% foamed cement at room temperature. The softening rate wit...
Direct Formation of Alkylzevc Chlorides Using a New Active Zinc

Abstract The reduction of zinc cyanide by lithium napthalenide yields an active form of zinc which undergoes direct oxidative addition to alkylchlorides with the tolerance of some functionality.
Comparison of Radiographic Approaches to Assess Treatment Response in Pituitary Adenomas: Is RECIST or RANO Good Enough?

Context Pituitary adenomas (PA) are often irregularly shaped, particularly posttreatment. There are no standardized radiographic criteria for assessing treatment response, substantially complicating interpretation of prospective outcome data. Existing imaging frameworks for intracranial tumors assume perfectly spherical targets and may be suboptimal. Objective To compare a three-dimensional (3D) volumetric approach against accepted surrogate measurements to assess PA posttreatment response (PTR). Design Retrospective review of patients with available pre- and postradiotherapy (RT) imaging. A neuroradiologist determined tumor sizes in one dimensional (1D) per Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, two dimensional (2D) per Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria, and 3D estimates assuming a perfect sphere or perfect ellipsoid. Each tumor was manually segmented for 3D volumetric measurements. The Hakon Wadell method was used to calculate sphericity. Setting Tertiary cancer center. Patients or Other Participants Patients (n = 34, median age = 50 years; 50% male) with PA and MRI scans before and after sellar RT. Interventions Patients received sellar RT for intact or surgically resected lesions. Main Outcome Measures Radiographic PTR, defined as percent tumor size change. Results Using 3D volumetrics, mean sphericity = 0.63 pre-RT and 0.60 post-RT. With all approaches, most patients had stable disease on post-RT scan. PTR for 1D, 2D, and 3D spherical measurements were moderately well correlated with 3D volumetrics (e.g., for 1D: 0.66, P < 0.0001) and were superior to 3D ellipsoid. Intraclass correlation coefficient demonstrated moderate to good reliability for 1D, 2D, and 3D sphere (P < 0.001); 3D ellipsoid was inferior (P = 0.009). 3D volumetrics identified more potential partially responding and progressive lesions. Conclusions Although PAs are irregularly shaped, 1D and 2D approaches are adequately correlated with volumetric assessment.
Brackish water desalination for greenhouses: Improving groundwater quality for irrigation using monovalent selective electrodialysis reversal

Abstract Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most widely used desalination technology for treating brackish water prior to irrigation. RO, however, removes both monovalent ions ( Na + , Cl − ) detrimental to crops and divalent ions ( Ca 2 + , Mg 2 + , SO 4 2 − ) that are beneficial. These beneficial ions must then be reintroduced to the desalinated water by adding fertilizer or mixing with nutrient-rich brackish water that typically contains excess levels of monovalent ions. Unlike RO, monovalent selective electrodialysis reversal (MSED-R) removes monovalent ions, while retaining divalent ions. This paper evaluates whether Neosepta ion exchange membranes, originally manufactured to concentrate seawater for salt production, show sufficient monovalent selectivity in the brackish salinity range to be suitable for use in greenhouse agriculture. Using an MSED-R experimental set-up, 16 brackish groundwater compositions are tested to determine membrane parameters, including limiting current, membrane resistance, membrane permeability, and membrane selectivity. Across compositions, the Neosepta membranes show monovalent selectivity for sodium relative to calcium and magnesium and for chloride relative to sulfate. The membrane selectivities are used to calculate MSED-R fertilizer savings relative to RO for brackish groundwaters across the U.S. Regions in which brackish groundwaters contain greater than the target nutrient concentrations for crop growth, or show potential for MSED-R adoption, are also identified.
Comparison Between Polyvinyl Alcohol Implant and Cheilectomy With Moberg Osteotomy for Hallux Rigidus

Background:In 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel implant for the surgical management of hallux rigidus. Though recent studies hav...
School bullying is positively associated with support for redistribution in adulthood

Abstract I document that being bullied at school has a strong positive association with support for redistribution in adulthood. Using unique Japanese survey data, I estimate that the bullied are 5–7 percentage points more likely to support redistribution. I carefully examine whether omitted factors drive this positive association by considering a rich set of socioeconomic and psychological mediators. The estimate is robust to such controls.
IMAGE INFLUENCE BASED ON HALLMARK EVENT

Despite Tampa's growing popularity as a travel destination and solid economy, Tampa's image as a vacation preference continues to evolve. This exploration examines the influence of Tampa’s Annual Gasparilla event on guest preference of a destination, contrasting first-time and revisit guests' discernments, as well as the individuals who explicitly came to see Gasparilla, or for different purposes. A directed questionnaire was utilized in gathering information from 158 respondents, enabling a pre and post examination of how visiting recurrence and reason for visit (Gasparilla or not) affected picture the perception of the destination. The outcomes demonstrated that perceptions could vacillate significantly after sequential visits, in spite of the fact that the Gasparilla occasion in itself didn't change guest perceptions. Different types of data sources were analyzed in their utilization in persuading the guest to travel to Tampa during this period, uncovering the significance of word of mouth, yet in addition recommending the significance of having a coordinated marketing and advertising program.
Long valley lifetime of dark excitons in single-layer WSe 2 .

Single-layer transition metal dichalcogenides provide a promising material system to explore the electron’s valley degree of freedom as a quantum information carrier. The valley degree of freedom can be directly accessed by means of optical excitation. However, rapid valley relaxation of optically excited electron-hole pairs (excitons) through the exchange interaction has been a major roadblock. Theoretically such valley relaxation is suppressed in dark excitons, suggesting a potential route for long valley lifetimes. Here we develop a waveguide-based method to detect time-resolved and energy-resolved dark exciton emission in single-layer WSe2, which involves spin-forbidden optical transitions with an out-of-plane dipole moment. The valley degree of freedom of dark excitons is accessed through the valley-dependent Zeeman effect under an out-of-plane magnetic field. We find a short valley lifetime for the dark neutral exciton, likely due to the short-range electron-hole exchange, but long valley lifetimes exceeding several nanoseconds for the dark charged excitons. The valley degree of freedom in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides can be addressed by optical means. Here, the authors develop a waveguide-based method to detect emission from dark excitons in single-layer WSe2, access the valley degree of freedom through the Zeeman effect, and demonstrate long valley lifetime of charged dark excitons.
Chemometrics and Experimental Design for the Quantification of Nitrate Salts in Nitric Acid: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Absorption Analysis

Implementing remote, real-time spectroscopic monitoring of radiochemical processing streams in hot cell environments requires efficiency and simplicity. The success of optical spectroscopy for the ...
THE STATE and MIGRATION IN CHINESE HISTORY

This special issue of the Journal of Chinese History is dedicated to studies of the connection between migration and the state throughout Chinese history. The special editor's introduction first surveys the major types of migration within China proper, and towards the outside world, including citations to recent scholarship. It brings the eight papers of this issue into dialogue with each other around four major themes: migration and the limits of state power, the violence and trauma of migration, migration and identity, and migration and gender/family issues.
Informing cybersecurity strategic commitment through top management perceptions: The role of institutional pressures

Abstract Given the financial consequences of security breaches, security risk management has gained more attention in board rooms and garnered more involvement from top management. We undertake a study to understand the top managers’ role in cybersecurity strategy, specifically with cyberinsurance. This study draws from institutional and upper echelons theories to explain how top managers’ values and perceptions mediate the impact of external institutional pressures on the commitment to use cyberinsurance as a risk management strategy. We empirically test proposed hypotheses using data collected from executive-level managers of various firms and perform semi-structured interviews of six case sites as post hoc analysis. The results suggest that institutional pressures positively affect top managers’ perceptions of job security, breach risk, financial risk, transaction cost, and regulatory oversight. In turn, these perceptions influence their commitment to cyberinsurance. We find that values and perceptions of personal relevance have a significant impact on their strategic decisions. The findings emphasize the critical role that top management plays in mediating the influence of institutional pressures on cybersecurity strategy. Implications for research and practice, along with limitations and future directions, are discussed.
Transcriptome analysis of human dorsal striatum implicates attenuated canonical WNT signaling in neuroinflammation and in age-related impairment of striatal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

Background Motor and cognitive decline as part of the normal aging process is linked to alterations in synaptic plasticity and reduction of adult neurogenesis in the dorsal striatum. Neuroinflammation, particularly in the form of microglial activation, is suggested to contribute to these age-associated changes. Objective and methods To explore the molecular basis of alterations in striatal function during aging we analyzed RNA-Seq data for 117 postmortem human dorsal caudate samples and 97 putamen samples acquired through GTEx. Results Increased expression of neuroinflammatory transcripts including TREM2, MHC II molecules HLA-DMB, HLA-DQA2, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1, HLA-DMA and HLA-DRA, complement genes C1QA, C1QB, CIQC and C3AR1, and MHCI molecules HLA-B and HLA-F was identified. We also identified down-regulation of transcripts involved in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic pruning, including DCX, CX3CL1, and CD200, and the canonical WNTs WNT7A, WNT7B, and WNT8A. The canonical WNT signaling pathway has previously been shown to mediate adult neurogenesis and synapse formation and growth. Recent findings also highlight the link between WNT/β-catenin signaling and inflammation pathways. Conclusions These findings suggest that age-dependent attenuation of canonical WNT signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating striatal plasticity during aging. Dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling via astrocyte-microglial interactions is suggested to be a novel mechanism that drives the decline of striatal neurogenesis and altered synaptic connectivity and plasticity, leading to a subsequent decrease in motor and cognitive performance with age. These findings may aid in the development of therapies targeting WNT/β-catenin signaling to combat cognitive and motor impairments associated with aging.
A SAXS-based approach to rationally evaluate radical scavengers – toward eliminating radiation damage in solution and crystallographic studies

X-ray-based techniques are a powerful tool in structural biology but the radiation-induced chemistry that results can be detrimental and may mask an accurate structural understanding. In the crystallographic case, cryocooling has been employed as a successful mitigation strategy but also has its limitations including the trapping of non-biological structural states. Crystallographic and solution studies performed at physiological temperatures can reveal otherwise hidden but relevant conformations, but are limited by their increased susceptibility to radiation damage. In this case, chemical additives that scavenge the species generated by radiation can mitigate damage but are not always successful and the mechanisms are often unclear. Using a protein designed to undergo a large-scale structural change from breakage of a di­sulfide bond, radiation damage can be monitored with small-angle X-ray scattering. Using this, we have quantitatively evaluated how three scavengers commonly used in crystallographic experiments – sodium nitrate, cysteine, and ascorbic acid – perform in solution at 10°C. Sodium nitrate was the most effective scavenger and completely inhibited fragmentation of the di­sulfide bond at a lower concentration (500 µM) compared with cysteine (∼5 mM) while ascorbic acid performed best at 5 mM but could only reduce fragmentation by ∼75% after a total accumulated dose of 792 Gy. The relative effectiveness of each scavenger matches their reported affinities for solvated electrons. Saturating concentrations of each scavenger shifted fragmentation from first order to a zeroth-order process, perhaps indicating the direct contribution of photoabsorption. The SAXS-based method can detect damage at X-ray doses far lower than those accessible crystallographically, thereby providing a detailed picture of scavenger processes. The solution results are also in close agreement with what is known about scavenger performance and mechanism in a crystallographic setting and suggest that a link can be made between the damage phenomenon in the two scenarios. Therefore, our engineered approach might provide a platform for more systematic and comprehensive screening of radioprotectants that can directly inform mitigation strategies for both solution and crystallographic experiments, while also clarifying fundamental radiation damage mechanisms.
ProS-GNN: Predicting effects of mutations on protein stability using graph neural networks

Motivation: Predicting protein stability change upon variation through computational approach is a valuable tool to unveil the mechanisms of mutation-induced drug failure and help to develop immunotherapy strategies. However, some machine learning based methods tend to be overfitting on the training data or show anti-symmetric biases between direct and reverse mutations. Moreover, this field requires the methods to fully exploit the limited experimental data. Results: Here we pioneered a deep graph neural network based method for predicting protein stability change upon mutation. After mutant part data extraction, the model encoded the molecular structure-property relationships using message passing and incorporated raw atom coordinates to enable spatial insights into the molecular systems. We trained the model using the S2648 and S3412 datasets, and tested on the Ssym and Myoglobin datasets. Compared to existing methods, our proposed method showed competitive high performance in data generalization and bias suppression with ultra-low time consumption. Furthermore, method was applied to predict the Pyrazinamide9s Gibbs free energy change for a real case study.
The Changing Role and Responsibilities of a Chairman—Letters

To the Editor.— Thank you to Robert Brent for his cogent analysis of the role and attributes of the department chair.
Immigrant Lawyers and the Changing Face of the U.S. Legal Profession

��� overall volume and composition of law school enrollments. At stake are the futures not only of individual applicants, but also of law schools. In this Comment, I extend Lazarus-Black and Globokar’s analysis further downstream to consider the stakes for the U.S. legal profession as a whole. Gatekeepers to LL.M. programs are doing far more than determining individual fates and collectively shaping the future of U.S. legal education. I will demonstrate in this Comment that their work helps shape—in concrete, measurable ways—the demographic composition of the U.S. legal profession. In so doing, I will contribute to the emerging field of legal demography, which refers to the study of lawyers through the analysis of data not collected for this specific purpose. 2
How the effects of aging and stresses of life are integrated in mortality rates: insights for genetic studies of human health and longevity

Increasing proportions of elderly individuals in developed countries combined with substantial increases in related medical expenditures make the improvement of the health of the elderly a high priority today. If the process of aging by individuals is a major cause of age related health declines then postponing aging could be an efficient strategy for improving the health of the elderly. Implementing this strategy requires a better understanding of genetic and non-genetic connections among aging, health, and longevity. We review progress and problems in research areas whose development may contribute to analyses of such connections. These include genetic studies of human aging and longevity, the heterogeneity of populations with respect to their susceptibility to disease and death, forces that shape age patterns of human mortality, secular trends in mortality decline, and integrative mortality modeling using longitudinal data. The dynamic involvement of genetic factors in (i) morbidity/mortality risks, (ii) responses to stresses of life, (iii) multi-morbidities of many elderly individuals, (iv) trade-offs for diseases, (v) genetic heterogeneity, and (vi) other relevant aging-related health declines, underscores the need for a comprehensive, integrated approach to analyze the genetic connections for all of the above aspects of aging-related changes. The dynamic relationships among aging, health, and longevity traits would be better understood if one linked several research fields within one conceptual framework that allowed for efficient analyses of available longitudinal data using the wealth of available knowledge about aging, health, and longevity already accumulated in the research field.
Considerations on solving problems with multiple scales

An overview is given on considerations involved in the computation of solution to problems involving several scales. Examples of problems with multiple scales are studied, showing that the presence of multiple scales in a physical system may be manifested in different ways which depend on the degree of interaction between the various scales. Numerical methods commonly used to solve problems with multiple scales discussed, and it is found that the effective methods are based on subspace projection.
Influence of Demographic and Health Survey Point Displacements on Raster-Based Analyses

With this paper we explore the sensitivity of study results to spatial displacements associated with Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data in research that integrates ancillary raster data. Through simulation studies, we found that the impact of DHS point displacements on raster-based analyses can be moderated through the generation of covariates representing average values from neighborhood buffers. Additionally, raster surface characteristics (i.e., spatial smoothness) were found to affect the extent of bias introduced through point displacements. Although simple point extraction produced unbiased estimates in analyses involving smooth continuous surfaces, it is not recommended in analyses that involve categorical raster surfaces.