cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric output growth effects of government spending: Cross-sectional and panel data evidence

Abstract Using a model that accommodates asymmetric adjustments of output growth to changes in growth of government spending, the effects of aggregate and disaggregate government spending variables on output growth are examined. Both cross-section and panel regression estimations are conducted. Robustness of results to joint-endogeneity of output and government spending, alternative conditioning variables, and cointegration is investigated. Aggregate government spending appears to have positive output growth effects particularly in periods of below-trend growth in this variable. The government sector's productivity appears to be higher than non-government sector's productivity when spending growth is below-trend growth and only for non-OECD countries; no differences in sectoral productivities are detected for OECD countries. Government consumption spending has no significant output growth effects, but government investment spending has positive output growth effects particularly when its growth falls below its trend-growth; this favorable effect turns negative when government investment spending growth exceeds its trend-growth. Results are robust across alternative model specifications and estimation methods.
Teacher Perceptions and the Consequential Validity of an Alternate Assessment for Students With Significant Cognitive Disabilities

The purpose of this investigation was to understand the variables that influence teachers' perceptions regarding one state's alternate assessment process and results. Elementary and secondary special education teachers (N = 113) from across Wisconsin participated, submitting case materials for one of their students. These materials included the a copy of the students' WisconsinAlternative Assessment (WAA) rating scale and current Individualized Education Program (IEP); a brief survey regarding their perceptions of the WAA; and a curricular access questionnaire that documented which WAA items were part of the student's curriculum during the current or previous school year. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between predictor variables and teachers' perceptions as reported on the teacher survey. The results indicated student grade level accounted for the small amount of the variation in teacher's positive perceptions of the WAA. These results are discussed in...
Network intervention for crisis resulution: An introduction

Network intervention has been effective in reducing crisis in dysfunctional family systems. A brief description of the network phases and the current and future uses of this approach are presented.
Electronic Discussion Sections: A Useful Tool in Teaching Large University Classes:

Electronic discussion sections can create a learning environment that will elicit quality student discussions in classes with large enrollment (i.e., 100 to 150 students). Redressing problems encountered during the first year using electronic discussions, I made changes such as establishing grading criteria for evaluating each student contribution to discussion, rules of etiquette, and discussion group size. The quality of intellectual discussions was better in Year 2 than in Year 1. There was no relation between initial computer phobia of students and their academic performance in classes requiring computer usage for electronic discussions. Data also revealed comparable quality of electronic discussions in a lower division, general education class as in an upper division class.
A Failure of Sleep-Dependent Procedural Learning in Chronic, Medicated Schizophrenia

Background Schizophrenia patients have difficulty mastering even rote procedural tasks in rehabilitation settings. Although most studies demonstrate intact procedural learning in schizophrenia, recent findings demonstrate that a critical component of procedural learning is dependent on sleep. This study tested the hypothesis that patients with schizophrenia have a deficit in sleep-dependent procedural learning. Methods Using a simple, well-characterized test of motor skill learning, the finger tapping motor sequence task (MST), 26 patients with chronic, medicated schizophrenia and 14 demographically matched healthy control subjects were tested on two occasions, 24 hours apart. The main outcome measures were learning of the MST on day 1 (practice-dependent learning) and overnight, sleep-dependent improvement in performance. Results Although schizophrenia patients and control subjects did not differ in practice-dependent learning, patients failed to show overnight improvement (4% deterioration) and differed significantly from control subjects who showed a significant 11% improvement. Conclusions We present here the first demonstration of a failure of sleep-dependent consolidation of procedural learning in chronic, medicated schizophrenia. This deficit occurred in the context of normal practice-dependent learning within a training session. This behavioral dissociation is consistent with evidence that practice- and sleep-dependent motor learning reflect independent processes and suggests that they are differentially affected in schizophrenia.
An Ensemble Approach to Robust Biometrics Fusion

A clever information fusion algorithm is a key component in designing a robust multimodal biometrics algorithm. We present a novel information fusion approach that can be a very useful tool for multimodal biometrics learning. The proposed technique is a multiple view generalization of AdaBoost in the sense that weak learners from various information sources are selected in each iteration based on lowest weighted error rate. Weak learners trained on individual views in each iteration rectify the bias introduced by learners in preceding iterations resulting in a self regularizing behavior. We compare the classification performance of proposed technique with recent classifier fusion strategies in various domains such as face detection, gender classification and texture classification.
Asymptotic Bias in Information Estimates and the Exponential (Bell) Polynomials

We present a new derivation of the asymptotic correction for bias in the estimate of information from a finite sample. The new derivation reveals a relationship between information estimates and a sequence of polynomials with combinatorial significance, the exponential (Bell) polynomials, and helps to provide an understanding of the form and behavior of the asymptotic correction for bias.
Male mating swarms in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Mise en evidence de l'existence d'essaims de mâles en phase de reproduction chez une espece de thripide, F. occidentalis. Les observations ont ete faites en saison des pluies sur des essaims vivant sur des cultures de coton. Le but etait de caracteriser le comportement des thrips a l'interieur de l'essaim et de determiner des correlations entre les conditions meteorologiques et le comportement de l'essaim
Confocal acoustic scanning for characterizing human trabecular bone quantity and quality

Osteoporosis is a common disease in USA. The consequence of this disease is reduced bone density and deteriorating bone mechanical strength. A scanning confocal acoustic scanning diagnostic (SCAD) system has been developed in our lab for characterization of not only bones' quantity but also quality. The results showed that SCAD determined broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and ultrasound velocity (UV) are highly correlated with the bone density (R>0.72) and modulus (R>0.67). Linear regression tests showed that the correlation coefficients can be further improved by combining the BUA and UV (R>0.80).
Ecological strategies predict associations between aquatic and genetic connectivity for dryland amphibians.

The study of how population genetic structure is shaped by attributes of the environment is a central scientific pursuit in ecology and conservation. But limited resources may prohibit landscape genetics studies for many threatened species, particularly given the pace of current environmental change. Understanding the extent to which species' ecological strategies—their life histories, biology, and behavior—predict patterns and drivers of population connectivity is a critical step in evaluating the potential of multi-taxa inference in landscape genetics. We present results of a landscape genetic study of three dryland amphibians: the canyon treefrog (Hyla arenicolor), red-spotted toad (Anaxyrus punctatus), and Mexican spadefoot (Spea multiplicata). These species characterize a range of ecological strategies, driven primarily by different water dependencies, enabling amphibian survival in arid and semiarid environments. We examined a suite of hypothesized relationships between genetic connectivity and landscape connectivity across species. We found a positive relationship between population differentiation and water dependency, e.g., longer larval development periods and site fidelity for reliable water sources. We also found that aquatic connectivity is important for all species, particularly when considered with topography (slope). The effect of spatial scale varied by species, with canyon treefrogs and Mexican spadefoots characterized by relatively consistent results at different scales in contrast to the stark differences in results for red-spotted toads at different scales. Using ecological information to predict relationships between genetic and landscape connectivity is a promising approach for multi-taxa inference and may help inform conservation efforts where single-species genetic studies are not possible.
Optimum Pulse Energy in an Ultra-Wideband Communications System Subject to Part 15 Limits

An approach to the design of an ultra-wideband (UWB) transmitter taking into account the radiated field limit as specified by the U.S. Federal Communication Commission is presented. With this approach, UWB transmitters that use 3.62 GHz of bandwidth under the Part 15 template can be achieved. This is a sevenfold improvement over the common practice of using only 500 MHz blocks of the template. The objectives and details of the design are presented. Finally, the results from the UWB communications system providing 78% template filling efficiency are presented.
Technical Note-A Unified Nonlinear Duality Formulation

The purpose of this note is to unify various duality formulations in nonlinear programming. We show that this can be done by using a minmax formulation.
Comparison of Computer-based Clinical Decision Support Systems and Content for Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Computer-based clinical decision support (CDS) systems have been shown to improve quality of care and workflow efficiency, and health care reform legislation relies on electronic health records and CDS systems to improve the cost and quality of health care in the United States; however, the heterogeneity of CDS content and infrastructure of CDS systems across sites is not well known. Objective: We aimed to determine the scope of CDS content in diabetes care at six sites, assess the capabilities of CDS in use at these sites, characterize the scope of CDS infrastructure at these sites, and determine how the sites use CDS beyond individual patient care in order to identify characteristics of CDS systems and content that have been successfully implemented in diabetes care. Methods: We compared CDS systems in six collaborating sites of the Clinical Decision Support Consortium. We gathered CDS content on care for patients with diabetes mellitus and surveyed institutions on characteristics of their site, the infrastructure of CDS at these sites, and the capabilities of CDS at these sites. Results: The approach to CDS and the characteristics of CDS content varied among sites. Some commonalities included providing customizability by role or user, applying sophisticated exclusion criteria, and using CDS automatically at the time of decision-making. Many messages were actionable recommendations. Most sites had monitoring rules (e.g. assessing hemoglobin A1c), but few had rules to diagnose diabetes or suggest specific treatments. All sites had numerous prevention rules including reminders for providing eye examinations, influenza vaccines, lipid screenings, nephropathy screenings, and pneumococcal vaccines. Conclusion: Computer-based CDS systems vary widely across sites in content and scope, but both institution-created and purchased systems had many similar features and functionality, such as integration of alerts and reminders into the decision-making workflow of the provider and providing messages that are actionable recommendations.
Toxicity, clearance, and metabolic effects of pactamycin in combination with bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract Combinations of pactamycin and Escherichia coli 026: B6 Boivin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Salmonella minnesota R595 lipid A, as a bovine serum albumin-lipid A complex, administered simultaneously, killed BALB c mice synergistically. The enhanced lethality of the combination was not the result of a reduced rate of elimination of LPS or pactamycin from the circulation. Pactamycin administered iv, but not ip, accumulated in the lungs immediately after injection; thereafter the drug progressively disappeared from lung tissue. Concurrent administration of LPS did not alter the accumulation of pactamycin in the lungs nor its rate of elimination from blood and lung. The amount of pactamycin recoverable after incubation with liver or lung homogenates was markedly decreased at both 4 and 37°C. No products of the antibiotic were detected chromatographically after incubation with homogenates. Pactamycin and LPS in combination increased the in vitro fragility of hepatic and renal lysosomes, as measured by the release of cathepsin and β-glucuronidase; the effect of the combination was approximately equivalent to the sum of effects of LPS and pactamycin alone. Concanavalin A and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate did not modify the lethality of pactamycin and LPS, singly or in combination, whereas caffeine, ethylenediamine tetraacetate, or 6α-methylprednisolone protected mice from the lethal action of LPS and the synergistic combination but not that of pactamycin. Lethal doses of LPS and the synergistic combination, but not pactamycin, provoked marked hypothermia and elevated concentrations of blood urea nitrogen. These results indicate that pactamycin rendered the mice more susceptible to LPS and that LPS was the causal lethal agent.
Integrating Basic Research on Thyroid Hormone Action into Screening and Testing Programs for Thyroid Disruptors

Thyroid hormone signaling is highly conserved among all the vertebrates, and appears to be present in some invertebrates. Both the components that comprise the system and its general role in development and physiology are evolutionarily conserved, although specific events regulated by thyroid hormones, such as amphibian metamorphosis, may differ among taxonomic groups. The articles in this issue review the thyroid systems of mammals (specifically humans and rodents), fish, amphibians, and birds, and the states of the assays and endpoints used to detect disruption of the thyroid system within a toxicological paradigm. It must be noted that while reptiles represent an enormously important group, they were excluded because there was not enough information in the literature on thyroid toxicology in reptiles at the time that this series of reviews was drafted. Each review highlights the best assays for current regulatory use and those that may be considered for development for future use and research. However, it is important to remember that thyroid research is moving ahead at a fast pace. New thyroid research will impact the design of future thyroid assays used for the detection of thyroid system disruption in ways that may not be anticipated at the time of this writing. Several new areas of exploration are discussed that reveal potential sites of disruption in the thyroid system, including (1) the importance of the neural drive for TSH upregulation, (2) thyroid hormone transport, including cellular transporters like monocarboxylate anion transporter 8 (MCT8) that can regulate thyroid hormone action at the cellular level, and thyroid hormone-binding proteins in the serum that have been shown to differentially bind to environmental chemicals (e.g., certain PCB congeners), and (3) the deiodinases as a target for disruption of thyroid hormone activity in the peripheral thyroid system. The review papers in this issue represent the current state of thyroid assays and endpoints for detection of chemicals that disrupt the thyroid system.
Allogeneic Cell Therapy: A New Paradigm in Therapeutics

Cell-based therapy is at the forefront of clinical investigation for cardiovascular disease, backed by over a decade of rigorous preclinical study of cell biology, mechanism(s) of action, immunology, and phenotypic efficacy.1 After early proof-of-concept and safety clinical trials,2–5 the field is entering the next phase of clinical evaluation to delineate clinical efficacy. However, several questions still need to be addressed, namely the optimal cell delivery method, cell dosage range, and cell characteristics. Importantly, translating cell therapy into standard clinical practice requires the ability to readily administer a safe and efficacious product at the optimal dosage. An opportunity that greatly enhances the ability to develop such a product is the use of allogeneic therapy, which offers an efficient way to achieve both immediate availability of product and the appropriate number of cells. Article, see p 80 Allogeneic therapy is clearly a disruptive concept in biology. Standard immunologic dogma holds that any foreign tissue will elicit an immune reaction.6 This concept is clearly evident in solid organ and hematopoietic transplantation, in which aggressive immunosuppression is the norm to protect allografts from rejection.6 As the field of cell-based therapy evolves, it has become evident that various cell types—mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) being the prototype—have sufficient ability to evade7 or suppress8 the immune system to the extent that they may be used as allografts without requiring concomitant immunosuppression. ### Preclinical Studies More than 10 years ago, it was suggested that MSCs act as immune system modulators.9 Bartholomew et al10 performed a mixed lymphocyte reaction in which baboon MSCs were cocultured with stimulated allogeneic peripheral blood leukocytes and demonstrated that the MSCs suppressed leukocyte proliferation. Extensive studies have subsequently revealed that MSCs evade the immune system via multiple mechanisms, which include having moderate levels of human leukocyte antigen …
Contingent approaches to making likelihood judgments about polychotomous cases: the influence of task factors

Two experiments tested the influence of three task factors on respondents’ tendency to use normative, heuristic, and random approaches to making likelihood judgments about polychotomous cases (i.e., cases in which there is more than one alternative to a focal hypothesis). Participants estimated their likelihood of winning hypothetical raffles in which they and other players held various numbers of tickets. Responding on nonnumeric scales (vs. numeric ones) and responding under time pressure (vs. self-paced) increased participants’ use of a comparison-heuristic approach, resulting in nonnormative judgment patterns. A manipulation of evidence representation (whether ticket quantities were represented by numbers or more graphically by bars) did not have reliably detectable effects on processing approaches to likelihood judgment. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for the further development of likelihood judgment theories, and they discuss parallels between contingent processing in choice and contingent processing in likelihood judgment. Copyright # 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactive graph cut based segmentation with shape priors

Interactive or semi-automatic segmentation is a useful alternative to pure automatic segmentation in many applications. While automatic segmentation can be very challenging, a small amount of user input can often resolve ambiguous decisions on the part of the algorithm. In this work, we devise a graph cut algorithm for interactive segmentation which incorporates shape priors. While traditional graph cut approaches to interactive segmentation are often quite successful, they may fail in cases where there are diffuse edges, or multiple similar objects in close proximity to one another. Incorporation of shape priors within this framework mitigates these problems. Positive results on both medical and natural images are demonstrated.
A real-time spike classification method based on dynamic time warping for extracellular enteric neural recording with large waveform variability.

Abstract Background Computationally efficient spike recognition methods are required for real-time analysis of extracellular neural recordings. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is important to human health but less well-understood with few appropriate spike recognition algorithms due to large waveform variability. New method Here we present a method based on dynamic time warping (DTW) with high tolerance to variability in time and magnitude. Adaptive temporal gridding for “fastDTW” in similarity calculation significantly reduces the computational cost. The automated threshold selection allows for real-time classification for extracellular recordings. Results Our method is first evaluated on synthesized data at different noise levels, improving both classification accuracy and computational complexity over the conventional cross-correlation based template-matching method (CCTM) and PCA + k-means clustering without time warping. Our method is then applied to analyze the mouse enteric neural recording with mechanical and chemical stimuli. Successful classification of biphasic and monophasic spikes is achieved even when the spike variability is larger than millisecond in width and millivolt in magnitude. Comparison with existing method(s) In comparison with conventional template matching and clustering methods, the fastDTW method is computationally efficient with high tolerance to waveform variability. Conclusions We have developed an adaptive fastDTW algorithm for real-time spike classification of ENS recording with large waveform variability against colony motility, ambient changes and cellular heterogeneity.
Making autonomous weapons accountable: command responsibility for computer-guided lethal force in armed conflicts

Autonomous weapons systems, in which a computer makes targeting decisions without specific human authorization, pose challenges for international humanitarian law (IHL). The most salient challenge is accountability for autonomous IHL violations. An autonomous weapons system (AWS) that violates IHL cannot be a defendant in a war crimes trial or a subject of military discipline. Moreover, accountability for IHL violations would be ill-served by human combatants who shrugged off their own role in an AWS’s IHL violations, lamely claiming to be “outside the loop” of the computer’s autonomous decisions. To fill the AWS accountability gap, this paper relies on the doctrine of command responsibility. A human in command should have responsibility for autonomous decisions, just as a commander is currently held responsible for an unreasonable failure to prevent a subordinate’s IHL violations. Holding commanders responsible for an AWS is a logical refinement of current law, since it imposes liability on an individual with power and access to information who benefits most concretely from the AWS’s capabilities in war-fighting.Accountability requires what I call dynamic diligence, a three-pronged approach entailing a flexible human/machine interface, periodic assessment, and parameters tailored to IHL compliance. The model features a dedicated AWS command, staffed by officers familiar with the capabilities of autonomous weapons. A dynamic human/machine interface will not require human authorization or real-time monitoring of targeting, but must enable humans to override an AWS’s decisions. Dynamic assessment should include regular reviews of the AWS’s learning process, to ensure that an AWS in the field does not learn behavior that violates IHL. Dynamic parameters encourage interpretability of AWS targeting decisions: a substantive, verbal explanation, rather than hidden layers of computer calculations, will facilitate effective review. Constrained by dynamic diligence, a commander can harness an AWS’s freedom from flawed human emotions, while furnishing “meaningful human control” to ensure fidelity to IHL principles.
Client and Audience Cults in America

Several sources of good information about client cults and audience cults are analyzed geographically. Data are taken from six directories, Fate magazine, Transcendental Meditation initiation records, classified telephone directories, and the Gallup Poll. The geographic distribution found in an earlier study of cult movements is replicated: the Pacific and Mountain regions have very high rates, while the East South Central region is very low. Rates for client cults show distributions reflecting that of cult movements, while audience cults show a much flatter distribution. The distributions result both from differential receptivity to religious deviance and variation in degree of deviance among the measures. Departures from the main trends are analyzed, and prospects for future quantitative research are judged to be quite good. An empirical outgrowth of the attempt to develop a general theory of religion, the research reported here supports key concepts and certain propositions derived from the theory. This paper examines the prevalence and location of several kinds of cults and cult interests. In doing so we also explore empirically the adequacy of our conceptual distinctions among three levels of cults: cult movements, client cults, and audience cults. Furthermore, comparisons of a number of independent measures of cult activity allow an assessment of the adequacy of these measures for other research uses. Are the results consistent? Are variations from one measure to another theoretically intelligible? In previous work we developed the concept of cult to identify novel, deviant faiths (Stark and Bainbridge, 1979). But, we pointed out, many cults do not constitute fully developed religions. Many cults do not offer a sufficiently complete theology to qualify as religions, but instead are limited to providing magical services or to propagating myth and amusement. Cults limited to providing magical services are client cults. As Durkheim recognized long ago, there is "no Church of magic" (1915:44). The relationship between magician and customer is limited to the consultant/client or therapist/patient model, short-term exchanges with relatively specific aims. Audience cults are even less close to being religions. Usually they display little or no formal organization of any kind. Indeed, the great majority of persons who take part in audience cults do so entirely through the mass media: books, magazines, newspapers, TV, astrology columns, and the like. Somewhat greater, but still minimal, organization exists among those who attend occult lectures, frequent occult bookstores, or take part in informal discussion groups on occult topics.
Household Disorder, Network Ties, and Social Support in Later Life

Family relationships, social interactions, and exchanges of support often revolve around the household context, but scholars rarely consider the social relevance of this physical space. In this article the author considers social causes and consequences of household disorder in the dwellings of older adults. Drawing from research on neighborhood disorder and social connectedness in later life, she describes how network characteristics may contribute to household disorder and how household disorder may weaken relationships and reduce access to support. This is explored empirically by estimating cross-lagged panel models with data from 2 waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. The results reveal that household disorder reflects a lack of social support, and it leads to more kin-centered networks and more strain within family relationships. The author concludes by urging greater attention to how the household context shapes-and is shaped by-the social interactions and processes that occur within it.
Desired vancomycin trough serum concentration for treating invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcal infections.

Vancomycin area under the curve/minimal inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) >400 best predicts the outcome when treating invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection; however, trough serum concentrations are used clinically to assess the appropriateness of dosing. We used pharmacoki
Control of uterine bleeding in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists

Abstract Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist was used successfully to control a life-threatening uterine bleeding in a patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
A Large-Molecular-Weight Polyanion, Synthesized via Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization, as a Lubricant for Human Articular Cartilage

A large-molecular-weight polyanion is found to possess lubricating properties for cartilage. The polyanion, sodium poly(7-oxanorbornene-2-carboxylate), is synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of methyl 5-oxanorbornene-2-carboxylate. When dissolved in aqueous solution and applied to the surface of human cartilage it reduces the friction at the interface and acts as a lubricant. Its performance is similar to that of synovial fluid and superior to those of saline and Synvisc in an ex vivo human cartilage plug-on-plug model. The polymer is also not readily degraded by hyaluronidase or cytotoxic to human chondrocytes in vitro. As such, this polymer is a new type of viscosupplement, and the results provide insight into the design requirements for synthesizing highly efficacious synthetic biolubricants.
Structural Design Using Optimality Based Cellular Automata

Cellular Automata (CA) is an emerging paradigm for the combined analysis and de-sign of complex systems using local update rules. An implementation of the paradigmhas recently been demonstrated successfully for the design of truss and beam structures.In the present paper, CA is applied to two-dimensional continuum topology optimiza-tion problems. The topology problem is regularized using the popular SIMP approach.The design rules are derived based on continuous optimality criteria interpreted as localKuhn-Tucker conditions. Both CA based and conventional ﬁnite element analyses areconsidered. Numerical experiments with the proposed algorithm indicate that the ap-proach is quite robust and does not suﬀer from checkerboard patterns, mesh-dependenttopologies, or numerical instabilities.
The Search for Role Clarity: Challenges and Implications for Special Education Teacher Preparation.

Over the years, a variety of political, social, and other contextual factors have contributed to the expansion of roles for PK-12 special educators, leading to a complex set of challenges and opportunities that must be addressed as the field of special education looks to the future. Today’s special educators need to collaborate with general educators in tiered systems of support while providing specialized instruction for students with the most intensive needs, yet teacher education and professional development opportunities may not always adequately prepare them for these changing roles. The recent re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) creates a new policy context with the potential to bring about additional changes in PK-12 settings and teacher preparation. In recognition of the need to more clearly articulate and align the demands of PK-12 schooling with the teacher education enterprise, the article concludes with a set of policy recommendations intended to promote clari...
Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) waveform analysis for bottom return characteristics

Airborne Lidar Bathymetry (ALB) waveforms provide a time log for the interaction of the laser pulse with the environment (water surface, water column and seafloor) along its ray-path geometry. Using the water surface return and the bottom return, it is possible to calculate the water depth. In addition to bathymetry, the ALB bottom return can provide information on seafloor characteristics. The main environmental factors that contribute to the ALB bottom return measurements are: slope, roughness, vegetation, and mineral composition of the surface geology. Both the environment and the ALB hardware affect the bottom return and contribute to the measurement uncertainties. In this study, the ALB bottom return waveform was investigated spatially (i.e., area contributing to the return) and temporally (i.e. the shape of the waveform return) for seafloor characterization. A system-agnostic approach was developed in order to distinguish between the spatial variations of different bottom characteristics. An empirical comparison of bottom characteristics was conducted near the Merrimack River Embayment, Gulf of Maine, USA. The study results showed a good correlation to acoustic backscatter collected over the same area.
Reinnervation of the canine posterior cricoarytenoid muscle with sympathetic preganglionic neurons.

Six dogs had their right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) sectioned. Four of these dogs had the sympathetic cervical trunk (SCT) implanted into the right PCA muscle, and the two remaining dogs served as denervated controls. Four months later all dogs underwent videolaryngoscopy, electromyography, and electrical stimulation of the SCT. The PCA muscles were excised, sectioned, and stained for glycogen and ATPase. All four experimental PCA muscles demonstrated electrically evoked abduction and tonic electromyographic activity
Structural Analysis in Input-Output Tables

The technology matrix as the basis of input-output tables shows the delivery structure among the different sectors in the economy. The columns of this matrix describe the input structures and the rows the output structures of the sectors. In this paper these data are analyzed with correspondence analysis to expose structures and uncover structural changes.
Evaluation of agronomic traits and spectral reflectance in Pacific Northwest winter wheat under rain-fed and irrigated conditions

Abstract The US Pacific Northwest (PNW) is characterized by high latitude and Mediterranean climate where wheat production is predominantly rain-fed and often subject to low soil moisture. As a result, selection for drought-adaptive traits in modern cultivars has been an integral component of the regional breeding programs. The goal of this research was to evaluate phenotypic associations of morpho-physiological traits and their response to soil moisture variation in winter wheat germplasm adapted to the PNW. A panel of 402 winter wheat accessions (87 hard and 315 soft) was evaluated for spectral reflectance indices (SRIs), canopy temperature (CT), plant stature, phenology, grain yield, and yield components under rain-fed and irrigated conditions in 2012–2014. Variation in soil moisture and temperature cumulatively explained 86% of total yield variation across years and locations. The phenotypic associations of yield with phenology, plant height, and CT were environment dependent. Various SRIs related to biomass, stay green, pigment composition, and hydration status showed consistent patterns of response to drought and strong correlations with yield (p
Grape Cultivar and Sap Culture Conditions Affect the Development of Xylella fastidiosa Phenotypes Associated with Pierce's Disease.

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited bacterium in plant hosts and causes Pierce’s disease (PD) of grapevines, which differ in susceptibility according to the Vitis species (spp.). In this work we compared X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and population dynamics when cultured in xylem saps from PD-susceptible and -resistant Vitis spp. under different conditions. Behaviors in a closed-culture system were compared to those in different sap-renewal cultures that would more closely mimic the physicochemical environment encountered in planta. Significant differences in biofilm formation and growth in saps from PD-susceptible and -resistant spp. were only observed using sap renewal culture. Compared to saps from susceptible V. vinifera, those from PD-resistant V. aestivalis supported lower titers of X. fastidiosa and less biofilm and V. champinii suppressed both growth and biofilm formation, behaviors which are correlated with disease susceptibility. Furthermore, in microfluidic chambers X. fastidiosa formed thick mature biofilm with three-dimensional (3-D) structures, such as pillars and mounds, in saps from all susceptible spp. In contrast, only small aggregates of various shapes were formed in saps from four out of five of the resistant spp.; sap from the resistant spp. V. mustangensis was an exception in that it also supported thick lawns of biofilm but not the above described 3-D structures typically seen in a mature biofilm from the susceptible saps. Our findings provide not only critical technical information for future bioassays, but also suggest further understanding of PD susceptibility.
Multi-step Th17 differentiation in response to segmented filamentous bacteria in the mouse intestine

Th17 cells have significant roles in maintaining homeostasis and regulating host defense against various pathogens in our bodies. Our laboratory initially identified segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) as a unique commensal that is sufficient for Th17 cell differentiation and promotion of Th17-dependent autoimmune diseases such as a mouse model of spontaneous arthritis. The molecular and cellular requirements of SFB-induced Th17 cell differentiation are still unclear. To understand the whole process of Th17 cells differentiation in vivo, we developed SFB-specific T cell receptor transgenic (7B8) mice. We can trace SFB-specific Th17 cell differentiation and response by transferring fluorescently-labeled 7B8 naive T cells into SFB-gavaged host mice. Using this approach, we have elucidated the requirements for cytokines and antigen presenting cells (APCs) to understand the process of Th17 cell differentiation. Here, we describe that initial induction and expansion of Th17 cells occurs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and their subsequent migration to intestine is integrin β7-dependent. Although RORγt expression in Th17 cells is mainly dependent on IL-6 signaling in the MLN, IL-23R signaling also contributes to RORγt expression in Th17 cells in the ileum in the absence of IL-6. CD103+ CD11b+ APCs are not important for induction and initial expansion of SFB-specific Th17 cells in MLN, but play important roles in maintenance of SFB-specific Th17 cells in the ileum. Taken together, these results indicate that Th17 cell differentiation proceeds in multiple discrete stages.
How does the personal become political? Assessing the impact of mothers' employment on daughters' participation in political organizations.

Abstract The “Millennial” generation grew up in a period of changing gender roles, when labor force participation of mothers of young children was rapidly increasing. Past research has found that daughters of employed mothers are more likely to defy traditional gender scripts by seeking employment and authority positions. Building on this literature, I assess whether exposure to a full-time employed mother has an impact on Millennial women's participation in political organizations. I use prospective data on childhood context from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and apply propensity score weighting and a matching technique based on covariates. Evidence suggests that exposure to a full-time employed mother increases participation in political organizations for low-SES daughters. According to sensitivity tests, these findings are reasonably robust to unobserved confounders. In contrast, exposure to a full-time employed mother does not have a significant effect on the participation of sons or high-SES daughters.
Effects of Kinetics and State-Dependent Binding Properties of IKur Targeting Drugs on Atrial Electrophysiology

Background: The Kv1.5 potassium channel, which underlies the ultra-rapid delayed-rectifier current (IKur) and is predominantly expressed in atria vs. ventricles, has emerged as a promising target to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, while numerous Kv1.5-selective compounds have been screened, characterized, and tested in various animal models of AF, evidence of antiarrhythmic efficacy in humans is still lacking. Moreover, current guidelines for pre-clinical assessment of candidate drugs heavily rely on steady-state concentration-response curves or EC50 values, which can overlook adverse cardiotoxic events.Aim: We sought to investigate the effects of kinetics and state-dependent binding of IKur-targeting drugs on atrial electrophysiology in silico, and reveal the ideal therapeutic properties of IKur-blocking drugs that maximize efficacy and minimize pro-arrhythmic risk.Methods and results: A Markov model of IKur, based on experimental voltage-clamp data in atrial myocytes from patient samples in normal sinus rhythm (nSR) and chronic AF (cAF), was developed to describe Kv1.5 gating and state-specific Kv1.5-drug interactions and was incorporated into our human atrial cell models. We simulated 1Hz and 4Hz pacing protocols in drug-free conditions, and with [drug] equal to EC50. The effects of binding and unbinding kinetics were determined by examining permutations of the forward (Kon) and reverse (Koff) rates to the closed, open, and inactivated state of the Kv1.5 channel. We identified a subset of ideal drugs exhibiting anti-AF electrophysiological parameter changes in cAF (effective refractory period prolongation) at fast pacing rate, while having little effect in nSR (limited action potential prolongation and no early afterdepolarization formation) at normal heart rate.Conclusions: Our results highlight that accurately accounting for channel interaction with drugs, including kinetics and state-dependent binding, is critical for developing safer and more effective pharmacological anti-AF options.
MYD88 L265P Promotes Survival of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Cells by Activation of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase

Abstract Abstract 897 Background: MYD88 is an adapter molecule which promotes Toll-Like Receptor and IL-1 Receptor signaling through the IRAK 1/4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. MYD88 L265P is a recently described somatic mutation that is widely expressed (>90%) in patients with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia (Treon et al, NEJM 2012). The signaling pathway by which MYD88 L265P promotes WM growth and survival remains to be fully clarified. We therefore sought to identify pathway(s) responsible for MYD88 L265P pro-survival signaling. Patients and Methods: Primary WM-LPCs were isolated from bone marrow biopsy specimens from WM patients. Normal CD19+ B-cells were isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. Western blot analyses was performed using total and phospho-specific antibodies in the MYD88 L265P expressing WM cell lines BCWM.1 and MCWL-1 following MYD88 knockdown by lentiviral transduction, and/or use of MYD88 or IRAK signal inhibitors. WM cells were also treated with the BTK inhibitor PCI-32765, in the presence or absence of an IRAK1/4 inhibitor. Cell survival was evaluated by Annexin V/PI staining and/or AlamarBlue® or ATPLite® assays after treatments with inhibitors. Synergistic interactions were assessed with CalcuSyn software. Results: Lentiviral knockdown of MYD88 and/or use of an inhibitor of MYD88 homo-dimerization led to decreased survival of MYD88 L265P expressing BCWM.1 and MWCL-1 cells, as well as primary WM LPCs expressing MYD88 L265P. In contrast minimal killing was observed in MYD88 Wild Type (WT) expressing Ramos, MM.1S, or healthy donor CD19+ selected B-cells. Phospho-specific western blot analysis showed decreased IRAK1, NF-kB and STAT3 signaling following inhibition of MYD88 signaling in L265P expressing WM cells. Conversely, use of an IRAK1/4 kinase inhibitor showed reduced tumor cell killing, NF-kB and STAT3 signaling. We therefore performed co-immunopreciptation experiments to identify other MYD88 binding partners in L265P expressing WM cells. These studies identified Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) in complex with MYD88, with MYD88 showing more robust binding to phospho-BTK in L265P expressing WM cells. Lentiviral knockdown of MYD88 and/or use of an inhibitor of MYD88 homodimerization led to decreased BTK phosphorylation. Moreover, overexpression by lentiviral transduction of MYD88 L265P showed more robust BTK phosphorylation versus WM cells transduced with MYD88 WT. Lastly, the use of a BTK-inhibitor (PCI-32765) blocked NF-kB and STAT3 signaling, as well as induced WM tumor cell killing that was synergistically enhanced by the presence of an IRAK1/4 kinase inhibitor. Conclusion: MYD88 L265P promotes survival of WM cells by activation of BTK. These studies provide the framework for the investigation of BTK inhibitors in WM, as single agents and in combination with other MYD88 pathway inhibitors. Disclosures: Treon: Onyx: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Cephalon: Consultancy; Avila: Consultancy.
All-Units Discounts: Leverage and Partial Foreclosure in Single-Product Markets

We present an exclusionary theory of all-units discounts schemes. These schemes offer a per-unit discount to all units purchased if the customer’s purchase reaches a pre-specified quantity threshold. We demonstrate that when a dominant firm competes with a capacity-constrained rival, it is possible for the dominant firm to use all-units discounts to leverage its market power in the non-contestable portion to influence the contestable portion of the demand in single-product markets and to partially foreclose the small rival. Our theory suggests that pricing below cost is not necessary for all-units discounts schemes to be exclusionary and that a standard price-cost test may not be useful in assessing the exclusionary effects of all-units discounts. We advocate a rule of reason approach based on a comprehensive analysis of market structure, the nature of discount programs, exclusionary effects, efficiency, and the welfare consequences of these practices.
Human Factors in Information Security Culture: A Literature Review

Information security programs are instituted by organizations to provide guidance to their users who handle their data and systems. The main goal of these programs is to foster a positive information security culture within the organization. In this study, we present a literature review on information security culture by outlining the factors that contribute to the security culture of an organization and developing a framework from the synthesized research. The findings in this review can be used to further research in information security culture and can help organizations develop and improve their information security programs.
Early Conceptual Understanding of Cardinality Predicts Superior School-Entry Number-System Knowledge:

We demonstrate a link between preschoolers’ quantitative competencies and their school-entry knowledge of the relations among numbers (number-system knowledge). The quantitative competencies of 141...
The Effects of Visual Feedback Self Exercise on Postural Control in Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to know the effect of visual feedback self exercise (VFSE) on postural control in stroke patients. METHODS: 26 CVA patients were participated. The experimental group (EG) 12 (46.2%) and the control group (CG) 14 (53.8%), 17 males and 9 females. The subjects ...