cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Differences in Cognitive Development: Attention to Relations and Objects.

Growing evidence indicates a suite of generalized differences in the attentional and cognitive processing of adults from Eastern and Western cultures. Cognition in Eastern adults is often more relational and in Western adults is more object focused. Three experiments examined whether these differences characterize the cognition of preschool children in the two cultures. In Experiment 1, 4-year-olds from the two cultures (N = 64) participated in a relational match-to-standard task in two conditions, with simple or richly detailed objects, in which a focus on individual objects may hurt performance. Rich objects, consistent with past research, strongly limited the performance of U.S. children but not Japanese children. In Experiment 2, U.S. and Japanese 4-year-olds (N = 72) participated in a visual search task that required them to find a specific object in a cluttered, but organized as a scene, visual field in which object-centric attention might be expected to aid performance and relational attentional pattern may hinder the performance because of relational structure that was poised by the scene. U.S. children outperformed Japanese children. In Experiment 3, 4-year-olds from both cultures (N = 36) participated in a visual search task that was similar to Experiment 2 but with randomly placed objects, where there should not be a difference between the performance of two cultures because the relational structure that may be posed by the scene is eliminated. This double-dissociation is discussed in terms of implications for different developmental trajectories, with different developmental subtasks in the two cultures.
Utility of nine-color, 11-parameter flow cytometry for detection of plasma cell neoplasms: a comparison with bone marrow morphologic findings and concurrent M-protein studies in serum and urine.

Objectives: Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a widely available laboratory platform for the evaluation of plasma cell (PC) neoplasms. We assess the performance of a nine-color MFC assay that uses stain-lyse-fix processing of bone marrow aspirates, minimal wash steps, and high acquisition rates with analysis of up to 1.8 × 106 cells. Methods: MFC results were compared with microscopic examinations, immunohistochemical studies, and serum/urine M-protein measurements from patients with documented or suspected PC neoplasms. Results: Sensitivity exceeded that of microscopic examinations, with or without immunohistochemistry. In patients with PC myeloma, clonal PC detection by MFC fell in concert with M-protein levels. However, in a subset of patients, MFC detected clonal PCs after serum/urine studies turned negative. Conclusions: The nine-color analytic cocktail eliminates duplication of PC gating reagents required for evaluation of the same epitopes using a five- or six-color approach. Fewer analytic cocktails result in lower instrument acquisition times per case, a significant factor for the large data sets required for optimal residual disease assessment. Finally, concurrent analysis of nine epitopes and two light scatter parameters aids detection of residual disease, particularly when it is mixed with polyclonal PCs.
Counterfeiting attacks on oblivious block-wise independent invisible watermarking schemes

We describe a class of attacks on certain block-based oblivious watermarking schemes. We show that oblivious watermarking techniques that embed information into a host image in a block-wise independent fashion are vulnerable to a counterfeiting attack. Specifically, given a watermarked image, one can forge the watermark it contains into another image without knowing the secret key used for watermark insertion and in some cases even without explicitly knowing the watermark. We demonstrate successful implementations of this attack on a few watermarking techniques that have been proposed in the literature. We also describe a possible solution to this problem of block-wise independence that makes our attack computationally intractable.
Non-nearest-neighbor dependence of stability for group III RNA single nucleotide bulge loops.

Thirty-five RNA duplexes containing single nucleotide bulge loops were optically melted and the thermodynamic parameters for each duplex determined. The bulge loops were of the group III variety, where the bulged nucleotide is either a AG/U or CU/G, leading to ambiguity to the exact position and identity of the bulge. All possible group III bulge loops with Watson–Crick nearest-neighbors were examined. The data were used to develop a model to predict the free energy of an RNA duplex containing a group III single nucleotide bulge loop. The destabilization of the duplex by the group III bulge could be modeled so that the bulge nucleotide leads to the formation of the Watson–Crick base pair rather than the wobble base pair. The destabilization of an RNA duplex caused by the insertion of a group III bulge is primarily dependent upon non-nearest-neighbor interactions and was shown to be dependent upon the stability of second least stable stem of the duplex. In-line structure probing of group III bulge loops embedded in a hairpin indicated that the bulged nucleotide is the one positioned further from the hairpin loop irrespective of whether the resulting stem formed a Watson–Crick or wobble base pair. Fourteen RNA hairpins containing group III bulge loops, either 3′ or 5′ of the hairpin loop, were optically melted and the thermodynamic parameters determined. The model developed to predict the influence of group III bulge loops on the stability of duplex formation was extended to predict the influence of bulge loops on hairpin stability.
Effective Lagrangian Study of the γp → K+Λ (Spin 3/2 Resonances and Their Off-Shell Effects)

The purpose of the present discussion is to supplement the talk, by B. Saghai at this workshop, on the study of the electromagnetic production of strangeness on the nucleon based upon effective Lagrangian methods. Here we focus on the proper treatment of the spin 3/2 resonances and their associated effects due to the spin 1/2 component of the corresponding fields when they areoff the mass shell.
Capture-based high-coverage NGS: a powerful tool to uncover a wide spectrum of mutation types

Capture-based high-coverage NGS: a powerful tool to uncover a wide spectrum of mutation types
STRANDED BENEFITS VERSUS STRANDED COSTS IN UTILITY DEREGULATION

The shift to competition in utility generation is likely to generate "stranded investments," which are wealth transfers between investors and utility ratepayers. Stranded investments can take either of two forms: (1) "stranded costs" are a transfer from investors to ratepayers that occur when revenues are insufficient to compensate utilities for investments approved and undertaken under the pre-existing regulatory regime; (2) "stranded benefits" are a transfer in the opposite direction, from ratepayers to investors, that occur when (a) utilities are allowed to charge market prices for electricity based on investments previously paid for by ratepayers in the regulatory process and (b) market prices exceed regulated prices. Utilities have successfully lobbied the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and several state legislatures to permit them to recover stranded costs in the process of utility deregulation. But they have been rationally silent about the converse problem of stranded benefits, which benefits them and their investors at the expense of electricity consumers, who have had little voice in deregulation negotiations. If equity requires that utilities and their investors be compensated for stranded costs in deregulation, then equity must also dictate that ratepayers be compensated for stranded benefits. Data and forecasts from several sources provide no basis for believing ex ante that stranded costs are likely to exceed stranded benefits. Consequently, there is no reason - aside from public choice - for states to provide for stranded cost recovery while ignoring stranded benefits. As a normative matter, stranded cost recovery should be allowed only where a utility's stranded costs exceed the sum of stranded benefits and the transaction costs associated with any compensation scheme. Similarly, electricity consumers should be allowed to recovery stranded benefits when those benefits exceed the sum of stranded costs and the transaction costs associated with compensation. Where the difference between expected stranded costs and benefits is small, then the best policy may be to allow no recovery of either. Indeed, given the substantial ex ante uncertainty about who will gain and who will lose from investments stranded by deregulation, the best overall policy, from a transaction-cost perspective, may be to leave stranded costs and benefits where they fall.
Motion contrast 3D scanning

We present a novel structured light technique called Motion Contrast 3D scanning that maximizes bandwidth and light source power to avoid performance trade-offs. Our technique allows laser scanning resolution with single-shot speed, even in the presence of strong ambient illumination, significant inter-reflections, and highly reflective surfaces.
Tetracladium Marchalianum and its Relation to Asterothrix, Phycastrum, and Cerasterias

1. Tetracladium Marchalianum De Wild, has been discovered on dead and decaying leaves of Isoetes lacustris growing in the greenhouse tanks at Columbia University.2. It is without question a fungus ...
Phenomena Associated with Gel–Water Interfaces. Analyses and Alternatives to the Long-Range Ordered Water Hypothesis

Interfacial regions between certain gels and their surrounding solutions were observed by Pollack and co-workers to exhibit several unexpected phenomena: (1) long-range exclusion of charged microspheres out to typical distances of ∼100–200 μm from the gel surface; (2) significant electrostatic potentials extending over comparable distances; (3) a reduced intensity of upward spontaneous thermal IR emission over a region 300–500 μm wide at or near the gel–solution interface; and (4) a significantly lower proton T2 and an apparently reduced H2O self-diffusion coefficient over a zone ∼60 μm wide at or near the gel–solution interface in high resolution NMR imaging experiments. To account for such observations, they proposed that a region of long-range ordered water bearing a net negative charge, but lacking mobile charge carriers, extended ∼100–200 μm outward from the gel surface. In this paper, various problems associated with the ordered water hypothesis, including contradictions by experiments from many oth...
Induction and inhibition of tumor progression.

AbstractCarcinogenesis has been demonstrated by experimental and epidemiologic studies to be a multistage process composed of three major stages, initiation, promotion, and progression (1). The progression stage of this process encompasses the changes by which a tumor develops from a contained, differentiated lesion of uncoordinated growth into a rapidly growing, invasive lesion that can spread to other areas of the body, i.e., from a benign to a malignant tumor. Progression is of great therapeutic relevance because the process involves a change from a lesion that is easily treated surgically to one requiring extensive therapy with less favorable outcome.
Preparation, Characterization and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

ZnO nanoparticles are produced by the laser vaporization-controlled condensation technique. These particles are connected in a web-like agglomeration. Their properties are compared to those of ZnO nanoparticles produced by solution sol-gel and reverse micelle techniques. All particles have the bulk crystal structure and show quantum size effects in absorption and emission. They show emissions that consist of a blue bandgap feature with a sub-nanosecond lifetime and a green feature with multiexponential lifetime decays. Emission from the stearate coated particles produced by the reversed micelle method is particularly intense.
Transovarial Acquisition of Hoja Blanca Virus by the Rice Delphacid

Greenhouse experiments were made in 1965 and 1966 at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to determine whether transovarial acquisition of hoja blanca virus (HBV) by progeny of the rice delphcid, Sogala orizicola Muir, exists. Progeny of reciprocal crosses of HBV-transmitting (TT) males to nontransmitting (NT) females or NT males to TT females transmitted HBV to healthy rice seedlings having fed on a diseased plant. Transmission of HBV by progeny of nontransmitting females suggests that the expression of HBV disease symptoms on rice plants is not completely adequate as an indicator of HBV within a particular individual insect. Analysis of variance shows that a significant difference exists in adult longevity bee tween progeny of TT males crossed with NT females (21.3:±0.94 days) and NT males crossed with TT females (18.1±0.88 days). HBV acquired transovarially may re duce the number of days the adult insect lives.
A thermodynamic model of hemoglobin suitable for physiological applications.

We propose a quantitative model of the thermodynamics of hemoglobin in contact with its five major ligands (O2, CO2, Cl-, 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, and H+). Our model incorporates the two-state formalism of J. Monod, J. Wyman, and J.P. Changeux (J. Mol. Biol. 12: 88-118, 1965) for treatment of quanternary transitions and also the mean field formalism of K. Linderstrom-Lang (C. R. Trav. Lab. Carlsberg Ser. Chim. 15: 1-30, 1924) for treatment of electrostatic interactions. On the basis of this approach, we develop an algorithm for the efficient computation of observable quantities, such as the occupancy of various ligand binding sites, and an objective statistical procedure for determining both maximum likelihood values and confidence limits of all the intrinsic thermodynamic parameters of hemoglobin. Finally, we show that the predictions of our theory are in good agreement with independent experimental observations.
Analysis of vitamin D and lymphocyte subsets in children with pneumonia of streptococcus or respiratory syncytial virus infection

Objective To analyze the changes of 25-hydroxy vitamin D(25-OH-VD),T lymphocyte subsets,B lymphocyte and natural killer(NK)cells in children with streptococcus(SP)or respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)pneumonia.Methods Multi-pathogen detection including direct fluorescence antibody test(DFA),bacteria culture,PCR and ELISA were applied in the patients with RSV or SP pneumonia.T lymphocyte subsets,B lymphocyte and NK cells in peripheral blood in part of patients were examined by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to determine 25-OH-VD.While 30healthy children were included as the control group.Results Compared with the controls,B cell increased in the patients with SP pneumonia(group SP),(29.70±9.72)% vs(19.38±5.76)%(P0.05),NK cell and 25-OH-VD decreased in group SP,6.25(3.43-11.00)% vs 13.65(11.10-16.20)%,61.80(54.25-69.95)nmol/L vs 68.25(59.12-78.35)nmol/L(P0.05).In contrast,CD4+T,B cell and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+were higher in the patients with RSV pneumonia(group RSV)than those in the controls,(42.58±6.88)% vs(36.20±3.04)%,(28.25±8.85)%vs(19.38±5.76)%,(2.75±0.85)vs(1.65±0.35)(P0.05).But CD8+T,NK cells and 25-OH-VD were lower in group RSV than those in the controls,(16.63±4.56)%vs(22.04±3.40)%,6.70(5.07-12.07)% vs 13.65(11.10-16.20)%,46.2(34.32-77.17)nmol/L vs 68.25(59.12-78.35)nmol/L(P0.05).The children with RSV infection had a high level of CD4+T lymphocyte and those with SP infection had a high level of CD8+T lymphocyte,(42.58±6.88)% vs(36.93±8.82)%,(16.63±4.56)% vs(20.91±6.96)%(P0.05).Conclusion SP,RSV infection associated with vitamin D deficiency.RSV infection caused cell immunity and humoral immunity response,SP infection mainly caused humoral immunity response.
Hyperprolactinemia diagnostics--dilemmas over optimal selection of prolactinemia time points.

Introduction Laboratory discrimination of pathologic hyperprolactinemia is an important step in the diagnosis of pathology influencing overall health and fertility. A major issue is the choice of time and circumstances for obtaining a blood sample for prolactin assay that would be representative for mean daily plasma concentration of a subject. Objectives The aim of the study was a comparison of reliability of single prolactin assessment on various time-points in a day with circadian prolactinemia profile in order to find the easiest, the least expensive, and the most reliable method of hyperprolactinemia diagnosis. Materials and method The study was a retrospective analysis of 138 women, hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother`s Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland, in whom the circadian profile of prolactin (including assays at 8.00 am, 11.00 am, 2.00 pm, 5.00 pm, 8.00 pm, 11.00 pm, 2.00 am, 5.00 am and repeatedly at 8.00 am) had been assessed. Results On the basis of AUC (area under the curve) of prolactin concentrations, hyperprolactinemia was diagnosed in 34 subjects (24.6 % of the entire group). The attempts to diagnose hyperprolactinemia based on a single prolactin assay failed due to a high percentage of false negative and false positive results. Only significant hyperprolactinemia with mean prolactin concentration of about 100 µg/l or more appeared easy to diagnose. Combinations of several time points also appeared not reliable enough. Conclusion The nine-point daily profile of prolactinemia in any patient with clinical suspicion of hyperprolactinemia seems the best mode for estimating mean circadian prolactin concentration.
Readmissions in HIV-Infected Inpatients: A Large Cohort Analysis.

Objective Hospital readmissions impose considerable physical and psychological hardships on patients and represent a high, but possibly preventable, cost for insurers and hospitals alike. The objective of this study was to identify patient characteristics associated with 30-day readmission among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) using a statewide administrative database and to characterize the movement of patients between facilities. Design Retrospective cohort analysis of HIV-infected individuals in New York State using a comprehensive, all-payer database. Setting All hospitals in New York State. Participants HIV-infected adults admitted to a medical service in 2012. PLWH identified using International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 diagnosis codes 042 and V08. Results Of 23,544 index hospitalizations, 21.8% (5121) resulted in readmission. Multivariable predictors of readmission included insurance status, housing instability, psychoses, multiple comorbid chronic conditions, substance use, and past inpatient and emergency department visits. Over 30% of readmissions occurred at a different facility than that of the initial hospitalization. Conclusion A number of patient characteristics were independently associated with hospital readmission within 30 days. Behavioral health disorders and comorbid conditions may be the strongest predictors of readmission in PLWH. Readmissions, especially those in urban areas, often result in fragmented care which may compromise the quality of care and result in harmful discontinuity of medical treatment.
The Propagation and Analysis of Uncertainty

Introduction Suppose we have constructed a model to predict the consequences of various possible events and decisions. And suppose further we have identified various uncertainties in the inputs. How can we propagate these uncertainties through the model to discover the uncertainty in the predicted consequences? If the uncertainties are substantial, we may not immediately be able to make definitive recommendations about what decision is “best.” But we should be able to obtain useful insights about the relative importance to our conclusions of the various assumptions, decisions, uncertainties, and disagreements in the inputs. These can help us decide whether it is likely to be worthwhile gathering more information, making more careful uncertainty assessments, or refining the model, and which of these could most reduce the uncertainty in the conclusions. In this chapter, we examine various analytic and computational techniques for examining the effects of uncertain inputs within a model. These include: methods for computing the effect of changes in inputs on model predictions, i.e., sensitivity analysis , methods for calculating the uncertainty in the model outputs induced by the uncertainties in its inputs, i.e., uncertainty propagation , and methods for comparing the importance of the input uncertainties in terms of their relative contributions to uncertainty in the outputs, i.e., uncertainty analysis . A considerable variety of such methods have been developed, with wide differences in conceptual approach, computational effort required, and the power of their results.
Performance Tools for Big Data Optimization

Many big data optimizations have critical performance requirements (e.g., real-time big data analytics), as indicated by the Velocity dimension of 4Vs of big data. To accelerate the big data optimization, users typically rely on detailed performance analysis to identify potential performance bottlenecks. However, due to the large scale and high abstraction of existing big data optimization frameworks (e.g., Apache Hadoop MapReduce), it remains a major challenge to tune the massively distributed systems in a fine granularity. To alleviate the challenges of performance analysis, various performance tools have been proposed to understand the runtime behaviors of big data optimization for performance tuning. In this chapter, we introduce several performance tools for big data optimization from various aspects, including the requirements of ideal performance tools, the challenges of performance tools, and state-of-the-art performance tool examples.
CEO Compensation and Acquired and Acquiring Companies in Large Corporate Acquisitions

This paper examines the relative sensitivity of CEO compensation of both acquiring and acquired firms in the top 30 U.S. largest corporate acquisitions in each year for the period of 2003 to 2012. We find that total compensation and bonus granted to executive compensation for acquired companies, not acquiring companies, are significantly related to the amount of acquisition deal even after the size and firm performance are controlled for. Both acquiring and acquired CEOs are found to make the significantly higher compensation than the matched sample firms in the same industry and calendar year. We also find that executives with higher managerial power, as measured by a lower salary-based compensation mix, prior to a corporate acquisition are more likely to receive a higher executive pay in the year of acquisition. The association between executive compensation and managerial power seems to be stronger for acquired firms than for acquiring firms in corporate acquisition. Overall, our findings suggest that corporate acquisition has higher impacts on executive compensation for acquired firm CEOs than for acquiring firm CEOs.
One Step Forward in the Challenging Arena of MLL-AF4 Leukemia

MLL-AF4 leukemia is the predominant infant acute leukemia and has a poor prognosis. No current experimental models accurately reflect the human disease. Lin et al., in this issue of Cancer Cell, describe their model that recapitulates multiple key aspects of this aggressive disease, facilitating future mechanistic and preclinical studies.
Phonon Heat Conduction in Superlattices

Modern growth techniques such as molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and metal- organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) have enabled fabricating semiconductor superlattices (SLs) with monoatomic layer (ML) precision. Phonon propagation and scattering in SLs are of both fundamental and practical interest.1-4Phonon heat conduction in semiconductor SLs has attracted considerable attentions due to the applications in thermoelectric devices5-10and optoelectronic devices such as quantum well lasers and detectors.11,12To realize efficient thermoelectric devices, low thermal conductivity materials are sought because the performance of thermoelectric devices is determined by the figure-of-merit Z=S2σ/k, where k is thermal conductivity, σelectrical conductivity, and S Seebeck coefficient.13Superlattices are generally found to have low thermal conductivity values and thus have become candidates in the search for high efficient thermoelectric materials.5,7,14Their unique electronic properties, particularly the capability of tailoring their electronic properties through quantum size effects, also make them essential building blocks in many optoelectronic devices that must concurrently deal with the thermal management issues caused by their poor thermal conductivity. The freedom in tailoring the electronic properties in such quantum structures also leads to the approaches of band gap and carrier pocket engineering to improve the power factor (S2σ) of thermoelectric devices.5,6,14,15
Environmental influences in the etiology of colorectal cancer: the premise of metabolomics.

In this review, we discuss how environmental exposures predominate the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC). With CRC being a personalized disease influenced by genes and environment, our goal was to explore the role metabolomics can play in identifying exposures, assessing the interplay between co-exposures, and the development of personalized therapeutic interventions. Approximately 10% of CRC cases can be explained by germ-line mutations, whereas the prevailing majority is caused by an initiating exposure event occurring decades prior to diagnosis. Recent research has shown that dietary metabolites are linked to both a procarcinogenic or protective environment in the colon, which is modulated by the microbiome. In addition, excessive alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of CRC and is dependent on diet, the response of microbiome, and genetic polymorphisms within the folate and alcohol metabolic pathways. Metabolomics cannot only be used to identify this modulation of host metabolism, which could affect not only the progression of the tumors but also response to targeted therapeutics. This review highlights the current understanding of the multifaceted etiology and mechanisms of CRC development but also where the field of metabolomics can contribute to a greater understanding of exposures in CRC.
Comparing Scaling Methods for Linux Containers

Linux containers are shaping the new era of building applications. With their low resource utilization overhead and lightweight images, they present an appealing model to package and run applications. The faster boot time of containers compared to virtual/physical machines makes them ideal for auto-scaling and on-demand provisioning. Several methods can be used to spawn new containers. In this paper we compare three different methods in terms of start time, resource consumption and post-start performance. We discuss the applicability, advantages and shortcomings of each method, and conclude with our recommendations.
Microseismic monitoring and analysis of induced seismicity source mechanisms in a retreating room and pillar coal mine in the Eastern United States

Abstract A microseismic monitoring system was installed in an underground room and pillar coal mine in the Eastern United States to analyze the occurrence and characteristics of induced seismicity during the retreat of two panels in the mine. This study is the first microseismic monitoring effort at an underground coal mine in nearly 30 years. During the retreat of the first panel, an array of eight uniaxial geophones, installed 10 ft. into the roof, recorded events and their magnitudes. The second panel was monitored using an array of twelve uniaxial geophones and two triaxial geophones, also installed 10 ft. into the roof. Comparing the results of these studies, it has been found that the magnitude of seismic events is minimally affected by immediate roof geology or depth of cover. However, it was observed in both studies that the rate at which seismic events occurred did vary with changing roof geology and depth of cover. Using the seismic data from the second panel retreat, focal mechanism solutions were generated for 50 hand-picked events in order to determine if the failure was in compression, tension, or shear. Results of the focal mechanism solutions show that stress relief resulting in dilational events occurs at significant depths, 150–200 m in this case, beneath the active mining face.
Minimum Birkhoff-von Neumann Decomposition

Motivated by the applications in routing in data centers, we study the problem of expressing an \(n \times n\) doubly stochastic matrix as a linear combination using the smallest number of (sub)permutation matrices. The Birkhoff-von Neumann decomposition theorem proves that there exists such a decomposition, but does not give a representation with the smallest number of permutation matrices. In particular, we consider the case when the optimal decomposition uses a constant number of matrices. We show that the problem is not fixed parameter tractable, and design a logarithmic approximation to the problem.
Outline of Remarks made in Presentation on the Nature, Design, and use of Intelligent Software Agents

Abstract There is genuine need for computer software systems that can carry out significant cognitive tasks in robust, autonomous and adaptive manner. There is much confusion in the manner in which such activities are discussed. This is unfortunate because exaggeration can lead to loss of insight and of appreciation of opportunities. In this presentation, we delineate some qualities of intelligent software agents and cite some unique characteristics of such entities. We also attempt to give an overall view of the technologies that support such capabilities.
Hartmann characterization of the PEEM-3 aberration-corrected X-ray photoemission electron microscope.

Aberration correction by an electron mirror dramatically improves the spatial resolution and transmission of photoemission electron microscopes. We will review the performance of the recently installed aberration corrector of the X-ray Photoemission Electron Microscope PEEM-3 and show a large improvement in the efficiency of the electron optics. Hartmann testing is introduced as a quantitative method to measure the geometrical aberrations of a cathode lens electron microscope. We find that aberration correction leads to an order of magnitude reduction of the spherical aberrations, suggesting that a spatial resolution of below 100 nm is possible at 100% transmission of the optics when using x-rays. We demonstrate this improved performance by imaging test patterns employing element and magnetic contrast.
Measuring substitution in China's monetary-assets demand system

Abstract This paper examines China's money demand using a Normalized Quadratic function in the search for global flexibility and easing of the degree of freedom. I impose the theoretical regularity conditions in the model that much of the previous literature ignores. I provide the robust estimates of the Morishima elasticities of substitution among currency, demand deposits and time deposits. I find that currency and demand deposits are elastic substitutes in use, while time deposits are inelastic substitutes with the former two. Time deposits are distant from a medium of exchange, and agents treat them as a saving asset, separable from the composite of currency and demand deposits. The results imply that the narrow money M1 is well-defined, while the broad money M2, which assumes perfect substitution of the component assets, is problematic. A monetary aggregate that internalizes the substitution effects should be adopted in China.
A Bird’s Eye View of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge Occupation: Nonhuman Agency and Entangled Species

In January 2016, armed militants occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, demanding an end to government control of the Refuge and other similarly protected public lands. Public discourse abo...
Odorant and Autonomic Regulation of Secretion in the Olfactory Mucosa

The mechanisms associated with sensory transduction and subsequent membrane events in sensory reception are influenced by activity in ancillary cells within the sense organs. It is well documented that sheath cells in the pacinian corpuscle, Muller cells in the retina, and sustentacular cells in the organ of Corti influence the corresponding sensory receptor cells in somatosensory, visual, and auditory systems. The influence of perireceptor events in chemoreception (i.e., the olfactory, vomeronasal, and gustatory systems) is an emerging area of intense research activity.
Time Series Quantile Regressions

Abstract Quantile information is important in time series applications. Quantile regression not only provides a method of estimating the conditional quantiles (thus the conditional distribution) of conventional time series models but also substantially expands the modeling options for time series analysis by allowing for local, quantile-specific time series dynamics. The traditional least square-based methods provide estimation for the conditional mean function. In many statistical applications, the research question is more complicate than just a few moments, and there may be valuable information about the relationship between random variables that cannot be discovered based on a simple conditional mean analysis. Quantile regression-based methods provide a complementary way to study the relationship between random variables. This chapter considers a wide range of time series quantile regression models. Quantile regressions on traditional time series models, quantile-domain local dynamic models, and time series applications are discussed.
Post-stroke administration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids promotes neurovascular restoration after ischemic stroke in mice: Efficacy declines with aging.

Abstract Post-stroke treatment with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may be a promising therapy in young animals but this has not been tested in aged subjects, a population at most risk of ischemic stroke. Herein we examined the therapeutic efficacy of n-3 PUFAs after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) in young (10–12 weeks old) and aged (18 months old) mice. Post-ischemic mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups that received: 1) regular food with low content of n-3 PUFAs, 2) intraperitoneal docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, a major component of n-3 PUFAs) injections, 3) Fish oil (FO, containing high concentration of n-3 PUFAs) dietary supplement, or 4) combined treatment with DHA and FO dietary supplement. Long-term neurorestoration induced by n-3 PUFA post-stroke administration and its underlying mechanism(s) were analyzed up to 35 days after dMCAO. Aged mice showed more severe neurological deficits than young mice after dMCAO with histological lesions extended to the striatum. Notably, post-stroke treatment with combined DHA injections and FO dietary supplementation was more effective in reducing brain injury and improving sensorimotor function in aged mice than either treatment alone, albeit to a lesser extent than in the young mice. Unlike the improvement in spatial cognitive function observed in young mice, the combined treatment regimen failed to improve cognitive function in aged mice. The reduction in stroke-induced neurological deficits with n-3 PUFA post-treatment was associated with enhanced angiogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, neuron survival and white matter restoration. Together, these results indicate that the neurological benefits of n-3 PUFA administration after stroke extend to older animals and are associated with improved neuronal survival and brain remodeling, therefore suggesting that post-stroke administration of n-3 PUFAs is a viable clinically relevant treatment option against stroke.
A theory of instruction for introductory programming skills

Background and Context: Current introductory instruction fails to identify, structure, and sequence the many skills involved in programming.Objective: We proposed a theory which identifies four dis...
Endangered birds of prey: ideas on the mangement of some African species

Although the 1971edition of the IUCN Red Data Book lists only two species of African Falconiformes that are threatened, levels of DDE in the eggs of South African falcons and accipiters are comparable to related species suffering declines in North America. Raptorial birds, top carnivores in natural ecosystems, must be managed first by determining the population status, productivity and limiting factors for each species. Legal protection for the birds themselves and preservation cf essential (breeding) habitat should be the foundation for raptor conservation. Seriously threatened species can be more directly managed by increasing productivity through artificial nest sites, manipulations of eggs/chicks, and captive propagation. Some details on breeding raptors in captivity are given.
How Do Graduate Teaching Assistants Perceive and Understand Their Autistic College Students

Abstract Background: As autistic college students increase in number, it is important to identify how to best support them. Beyond the increased academic demands of higher education, many autistic ...
A Molecular Collapse and the Mental “Falling Down”

By exploiting an arsenal of state-of-the-art imaging and genetic manipulation approaches, in this issue of Neuron, Marcus et al. (2020) reveal that the synapse-specific breakdown of endocannabinoid signaling in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex is a core neurobiological substrate for stress-induced, anxiety-like behaviors.
Carotid Endarterectomy for a Recent Minor Stroke

Carotid endarterectomy was performed in 1 week of recent minor stroke. At the time of carotid endarterectomy, a fresh thrombus extruded following an arteriotomy incision. The patient has been followed up for 4 years with satisfactory result.
On The Effectiveness of Imaging of Time Series for Flare Forecasting Problem

Forecasting the occurrence of solar flares is a typical 21st century rare-event classification task. Over the past two decades, many studies have implemented various techniques and approaches for classification of strong and weak solar flares. The release of the recent flare forecasting benchmark dataset, named SWAN-SF, has opened the door for taking advantage of multivariate time series (MVTS) of pre-flare magnetic fields’ activity in order to potentially achieve higher performance and increase the robustness of the new forecasting models. In this study, we take a new approach and explore the effectiveness of imaging algorithms on the time series. We convert MVTS data into multi-channel image data using Gramian Angular Fields (GAF) and Markov Transition Fields (MTF) to explore the proven strength of deep neural networks in the Image Processing domain, on flares’ MVTS data. Inspired by GAF, we propose another imaging matrix that our experiments show that it significantly improves the performance of the CNN, by 120% in terms of TSS and 440% in terms of HSS2. Finally, we juxtapose two approaches to tackle the flare forecasting problem: one, to utilize a time-series specific Support Vector Classifier for classification of flares, and the other, to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) on the derived images using GAF, MTF, and our modified GAF.
HIV Protease Inhibitor Ritonavir Induces Renal Fibrosis and Dysfunction: Role of Platelet-Derived TGF-β1 and Intervention via Anti-Oxidant Pathways

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) characterized by tubular injury and fibrosis occurs in HIV infection treated with certain protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapies (ART). The pathophysiology is unclear. Methods: We hypothesized that fibrosis, mediated by platelet-derived transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and macrophage polarization to an inflammatory subtype underlies PI-associated CKD. We induced this in mice exposed to the PI ritonavir (RTV) in the absence of HIV, and intervened with low-dose inhaled carbon monoxide (CO), to activate erythroid 2- related factor (Nrf2)-associated anti-oxidant pathways. C57BL/6 mice, wild-type and deficient in platelet TGF-β1, were given RTV (10mg/kg) or vehicle daily for 8 weeks. Select groups were exposed to CO (250ppm) for 4 hours after RTV or vehicle injection. Renal pathology, fibrosis, and TGF-β1- and Nrf2-based signaling were examined by histology, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Renal damage and dysfunction were assessed by KIM-1 and cystatin C ELISAs. Clinical correlations were sought among HIV-infected individuals. Findings: RTV induced glomerular and tubular injury, elevating urinary KIM-1. It enhanced TGF-β1-related signaling, accompanied by kidney fibrosis, macrophage polarization to an inflammatory phenotype, and renal dysfunction with cystatin C elevation. Mice with platelet TGF-β1 deletion were partially protected from these abnormalities. CO inhibited RTVinduced fibrosis and macrophage polarization in association with upregulation of Nrf2 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). RTV use correlated with elevated cystatin C and HO-1 levels in HIV-infected individuals vs. controls and HIV-infected subjects receiving no therapy or non-PI-based regimens. Interpretation: Platelet TGF-β1 contributes to RTV-induced kidney fibrosis and dysfunction, which may be amenable to anti-oxidant-based interventions. Funding Statement: This work was supported by NIH grants R21 HL125044 (J.L. and J.A.), R01 HL123605 (J.A.), RO1 HL133801 and RO1 HL060234 (M.E.C.), COBRE grant GM114731, and funding from PHF (J.A.) and the Angelo Donghia Foundation (J.L.). Declaration of Interests: The spouse of M.E.C is a co-founder, shareholder and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Proterris, Inc. The remaining authors have no conflicts. Ethics Approval Statement: Animal studies were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of OMRF and WCMC. Patient samples were obtained through study approval by the Institutional Review Board of WCMC.
The Path Towards Progress: A Critical Review to Advance the Science of the Female and Male Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.

Energy status plays a key role in the health of athletes and exercising individuals. Energy deficiency/low energy availability (EA), referring to a state in which insufficient energy intake and/or excessive exercise energy expenditure has resulted in compensatory metabolic adaptations to conserve fuel, can affect numerous physiological systems in women and men. The Female Athlete Triad, Male Athlete Triad, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) models conceptualize the effects of energy deficiency in athletes, and each model has strengths and limitations. For instance, the Female Athlete Triad model depicts relationships between low EA, reproductive, and bone health, underpinning decades of experimental evidence, but may be perceived as limited in scope, while the more recent RED-S model proposes a wider range of potential health effects of low EA, though many model components require more robust scientific justification. This critical review summarizes current evidence regarding the effects of energy deficiency on athlete health by addressing the quality of the underlying science, the strengths and limitations of each model, and highlighting areas where future research is needed to advance the field. With the health and wellness of athletes and exercising individuals as the overarching priority, we conclude with specific steps that will help focus future research on the Female and Male Athlete Triad and RED-S, and encourage all researchers, clinicians, and practitioners to collaborate to support the common goal of promoting the highest quality science and evidence-based medicine in pursuit of the advancement of athletes’ health, well-being, and performance.
Promoting Quality of Life and Safety in Assisted Living: A Survey of State Monitoring and Enforcement Agents

Our goal was to learn about monitoring and enforcement of state assisted living (AL) regulations. Using survey responses provided in 2019 from administrative agents across 48 states, we described state agency structures, accounted for operational processes concerning monitoring and enforcement, and documented data collecting and public reporting efforts. In half of the states, oversight of AL was dispersed across three or more agencies, and administrative support varied in terms of staffing and budget allocations. Operations also varied. While most agents could deploy a range of monitoring and enforcement tools, less than half compiled data concerning inspections, violations, and penalties. Less than 10 states shared such information in a manner that was easily accessible to the public. Future research should determine how these varied administrative structures and processes deter or contribute to AL communities' efforts to implement regulations designed to promote quality of life and provide for the safety of residents.
On-farm land management strategies and production challenges in United States organic agricultural systems

Abstract The need to reduce the negative impacts of agriculture on the environment and the consumer demands for food produced without synthetic chemical inputs have led to organic agriculture production systems. The United States (US) commands about half of the market share of organic products worldwide and is home to half of the world's organic farmers, but limited information is available on trends of on-farm land-use practices and challenges in organic crop production systems. This study utilizes the agricultural production surveys from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2008 to 2019 to investigate state and national trends in organic farm area, number, and sales, and to evaluate national trends in on-farm land-use practices and challenges facing US organic production. From 2008 to 2019, the number of certified organic farms, land area, and sales increased by 5, 6, and 12%, respectively. The use of green and animal manures is the most common land-use practice in certified organic crop production systems. The number of farms using the on-farm organic practices remained the same or increased steadly except organic mulch/compost which declined. However, all the practices declined proportionally, except rotational grazing which recorded an increase in 2019. The most significant primary challenges faced by certified organic farmers are related to regulations of organic practices and production costs which worsen over time. United States certified organic production has the potential for expansion in terms of farm numbers, land area, markets, and increased adoption of regenerative agricultural practices. However, for this to occur, efforts involving farm-level research and policy reviews with direct farmer involvement are needed to address these primary challenges facing organic farmers.
Comparison of Transcranial Sonography and [18 F]-Fluorodopa PET Imaging in GBA1 Mutation Carriers.

Background Mutations in GBA1 are a common genetic risk factor for parkinsonism; however, penetrance is incomplete, and biomarkers of future progression to parkinsonism are needed. Both nigral sonography and striatal [18 F]-FDOPA PET assay dopamine system health, but their utility and coherence in this context are unclear. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility and coherence of these modalities in GBA1-associated parkinsonism. Methods A total of 34 patients with GBA1 mutations (7 with parkinsonism) underwent both transcranial studies for substantia nigra echogenicity and [18 F]-FDOPA PET to determine striatal tracer-specific uptake (Ki ). Results Larger nigral echogenic areas and reduced striatal Ki were exclusively observed in parkinsonian patients. Sonographic and PET measurements showed strong inverse correlations but only in individuals with clinical parkinsonism. Conclusions Close correspondence between nigral echogenicity and striatal presynaptic dopamine synthesis capacity observed only in GBA1 carriers with parkinsonism provides validation that these two modalities may conjointly capture aspects of the biology underlying clinical parkinsonism but raises questions about their utility as predictive tools in at-risk subjects. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.