cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The evaluative connotation of processing fluency: Inherently positive or moderated by motivational context?

Abstract A fundamental question for evaluation research is whether cues can impact evaluative responses directly or only in combination with contextual information. Focusing on the experience of processing fluency, the current work tested whether manipulating this cue’s motivational context would moderate its evaluative impact. Because fluently processed stimuli can be assumed to communicate safety, owing to implicit signals of either familiarity (through processes monitoring perception–memory coordination), we reasoned that motivation to avoid negative events should heighten preferences for fluently processed stimuli. Following a motivation manipulation, prevention-focused, but not promotion-focused, participants preferred stimuli that they were able to process quickly (Experiment 2) and that were preceded by concordant primes (Experiment 1). These findings suggest that the value of fluent processing reflects its relation to contextual features, such as one’s current motivational state.
New value iteration and Q-learning methods for the average cost dynamic programming problem

We propose a new value iteration method for the classical average cost Markovian decision problem, under the assumption that all stationary policies are unichain and furthermore there exists a state that is recurrent under all stationary policies. This method is motivated by a relation between the average cost problem and an associated stochastic shortest path problem. Contrary to the standard relative value iteration, our method involves a weighted sup norm contraction and for this reason it admits a Gauss-Seidel and an asynchronous implementation. Computational tests indicate that the Gauss-Seidel version of the new method substantially outperforms the standard method for difficult problems. The contraction property also makes the method a suitable basis for the development of asynchronous Q-learning methods.
Visualizing Hilbert curves

A computer animated movie was produced, illustrating both 2D and 3D Hilbert curves, and showing the transition from 2D to 3D with the help of volume rendering.
Predictors of hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator: prognostic value of the initial apparent diffusion coefficient and diffusion-weighted lesion volume.

Background and Purpose— Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a potentially dangerous complication of thrombolytic therapy. Recent studies suggest that diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) can help to predict the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after thrombolysis. We sought to examine which pretreatment DWI parameters and clinical data are predictive of ICH after intravenous thrombolysis. Methods— We retrospectively reviewed our prospective stroke database for patients with ischemic stroke treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 3 hours from symptom onset who had DWI before treatment and MRI with T2* sequence or CT 24 to 48 hours later to assess for ICH over the past 4 years. We measured the volumes and voxel-by-voxel apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the initial DWI lesions and retrieved demographic data, risk factors, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission, and blood tests results. We examined several variables using univar...
Biodegradable Microfabricated Plug-Filters for Glaucoma Drainage Devices

We report on the development of a batch fabricated biodegradable truncated-cone-shaped plug filter to overcome the postoperative hypotony in nonvalved glaucoma drainage devices. Plug filters are composed of biodegradable polymers that disappear once wound healing and bleb formation has progressed past the stage where hypotony from overfiltration may cause complications in the human eye. The biodegradable nature of device eliminates the risks associated with permanent valves that may become blocked or influence the aqueous fluid flow rate in the long term. The plug-filter geometry simplifies its integration with commercial shunts. Aqueous humor outflow regulation is achieved by controlling the diameter of a laser-drilled through-hole. The batch compatible fabrication involves a modified SU-8 molding to achieve truncated-cone-shaped pillars, polydimethylsiloxane micromolding, and hot embossing of biodegradable polymers. The developed plug filter is 500 μm long with base and apex plane diameters of 500 and 300 μm, respectively, and incorporates a laser-drilled through-hole with 44-μm effective diameter in the center.
Transition to turbulence in the separated shear layers of yawed circular cylinders

Abstract Spatial and temporal resolution of transition to turbulence inside the free-shear layers of two yawed circular cylinders is the subject of the present investigation. These physics were resolved using the large-eddy simulation (LES) methodology. An O-type grid was implemented such that the spatial scales of the LES computation fully resolved the energy range physics of the shear layers at Reynolds number Re D = 8000 based on the cylinder diameter. The two test cases modeled the cylinder span skewed at angles 45° and 60° from the horizontal axis. Observations revealed the same transition process as the normal cross-flow state. Soon after separation, Tollmien–Schlichting disturbances were predicted that evolved into Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) eddies before absorption by the large-scale Karman-type vortices. These eddies defaulted to a spanwise wavy pattern similar to a normal cross-flow due to their three-dimensional instability. No mixed modes were found between the K–H (Bloor) and Strouhal frequencies. The effect of yaw angle shortened the transition process. As a result, peak turbulence levels inside the wake formation zone approach the downstream cylinder periphery. In addition, the dimensionless frequencies of the K–H eddies lie above the normal cross-flow relationship as formulated by Bloor (1964) . Disparity between the yawed and normal cross-flow states was further emphasized by the shear-layer transition characteristics. Although each property displayed the expected exponential growth during transition to turbulence, their dimensionless form was miss-aligned with those of the normal cross-flow case. Based on the present evidence, additional simulations (and/or experimental measurements) are necessary to form conclusive arguments regarding the expected behavior of the transition characteristics within the free-shear layers of yawed circular cylinders.
1,7,7‐Trimethyl‐2‐azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan‐3‐one

[1R,4S-[24326-89-4] 1S,4R-[911708-81-1] (±)-[59212-65-6] C9H15O (MW 153.22) InChI = 1S/C9H15NO/c1-8(2)6-4-5-9(8,3)10-7(6)11/h6H,4-5H2,1-3H3,(H,10,11)/t6-,9-/m1/s1 InChIKey = YBXFRIYTYUFMFG-HZGVNTEJSA-N InChI = 1S/C9H15NO/c1-8(2)6-4-5-9(8,3)10-7(6)11/h6H,4-5H2,1-3H3,(H,10,11)/t6-,9-/m0/s1 InChIKey = YBXFRIYTYUFMFG-RCOVLWMOSA-N InChI = 1S/C9H15NO/c1-8(2)6-4-5-9(8,3)10-7(6)11/h6H,4-5H2,1-3H3,(H,10,11) InChIKey = YBXFRIYTYUFMFG-UHFFFAOYSA-N (chiral auxiliary used in asymmetric alkylations, acylations, and ynamide reactions) Physical Data: mp 185–187 °C;[α]D25 68.7° (c 1.01, EtOH). Solubility: sol toluene, alcohol, ether, and most organic solvents. Moderately soluble in pentane. Form Supplied in: white crystalline solid; presently, not commercially available. Purification: dissolved in a sufficient amount of hot pentane and concentrated on a hot plate. The solution is cooled to room temperature and then placed in a freezer for 1.5 h. The resulting slurry is filtered without rinsing. Handling,Storage,and Precautions: no special handling or storage precautions are necessary. No known toxicity. May be harmful by inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption and may cause skin or eye irritation.
Characterization of P-glycoprotein Inhibition by Major Cannabinoids from Marijuana

The ATP-dependent drug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a significant role in the absorption and disposition of many compounds. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible interaction of P-gp with each of four major marijuana constituents: Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 11-nor-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabidiol (CBD). The results of a P-gp ATPase activity screen showed that THC-COOH, CBN, THC, and CBD all stimulated P-gp ATPase activity with a Michaelis-Menten parameter (V(max)/K(m)) value of 1.3, 0.7, 0.1, and 0.05, respectively. Furthermore, CBD showed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity with an IC(50) value of 39.6 microM, whereas all other tested cannabinoids did not display appreciable inhibitory effects. Thus, the inhibitory effects of CBD on P-gp transport were further studied. At concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 microM, CBD robustly enhanced the intracellular accumulation of known P-gp substrates rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin in a concentration-dependent manner in Caco-2 and LLC-PK1/MDR1 cells. An IC(50) value of 8.44 microM was obtained for inhibition of P-gp function in LLC-PK1/MDR1 cells as determined by flow cytometry using rhodamine 123 as a fluorescence probe. Following exposure to 30 microM CBD, the apparent permeability coefficient of rhodamine 123 across Caco-2 and rat brain microvessel endothelial cell monolayers was increased to 2.2- and 2.6-fold in the apical-to-basolateral direction but decreased to 0.69- and 0.47-fold in the basolateral-to-apical direction, respectively. These findings indicate that CBD significantly inhibits P-gp-mediated drug transport, suggesting CBD could potentially influence the absorption and disposition of other coadministered compounds that are P-gp substrates.
Group-View Displays for Enhancing Crew Performance

Group-view displays present information to multiple personnel simultaneously. Recent developments in human-system interface technologies have the potential of increasing the effectiveness of group-view displays in control centers. While established human factors guidelines exist for many visual characteristics of group-view displays, limited guidance has been available regarding the functions that these display systems should provide to enhance crew performance in control room settings. This paper draws research findings from the areas of teamwork, computer-supported cooperative work, and human-computer interface design to describe four functions that group-view displays may perform to support various aspects of team performance in advanced control centers.
Anomalies of the coronary arteries: nomenclature and classification

Abnormalities of the coronary arterial circulation represent a broad spectrum of anomalies. Some of these coronary arterial anomalies are of little clinical significance and are generally discovered either as incidental findings at autopsy or at the time of diagnostic coronary angiography in patients with atherosclerotic ischaemic cardiac disease. Some of these coronary arterial anomalies, however, are associated with a markedly abnormal natural history that may include significant cardiac morbidity very early in infancy, or increased risk of cardiac sudden death in childhood or adolescence. It is therefore important that we have a system for the naming and classification of these anomalies, to stratify them according to the associated risk and to develop rational approaches to evaluation and management. To apply any system of nomenclature reliably and responsibly, it is essential that each term be associated with a definition that is known and accepted by users of terminology. Such definitions are included in the specifications of both the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery Database. These databases use the Diagnostic Short List of the version of the International Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Code derived from the nomenclature of the International Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. This article will provide the nomenclature and definitions used by these databases for anomalies of the coronary arteries.
Fine Modulation in Network Activation during Motor Execution and Motor Imagery

Motor imagery, the 'mental rehearsal of motor acts without overt movements', involves either a visual representation (visual imagery, VI) or mental simulation of movement, associated with a kinesthetic feeling (kinetic imagery, KI). Previous brain imaging work suggests that patterns of brain activation differ when comparing execution (E) with either type of imagery but the functional connectivity of the participating networks has not been studied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural equation modeling, this study elucidates the inter-relationships among the relevant areas for each of the three motor behaviors. Our results suggest that networks underlying these behaviors are not identical, despite the extensive overlap between E and KI. Inputs to M1, which are facilitatory during E, have the opposite effect during KI, suggesting a physiological mechanism whereby the system prevents overt movements. Finally, this study highlights the role of the connection of superior parietal lobule to the supplementary motor area in both types of motor imagery.
Application of alternating convex projection methods for computation of positive Toeplitz matrices

Uses alternating convex projection techniques to compute the closest positive definite Toeplitz matrix that satisfies certain inequality constraints to a specified symmetric matrix. Some applications to signal processing and control problems are discussed. >
Expose the Illusions, Crack the Codes: Contextualizing Visual Media to Mold a New Reality

This article provides a comprehensive review of two films that analyze how and to what effect displays of gendered body ideals in the media impact body image and a wide spectrum of behaviors among viewers. While there were obvious differences in the contextual background, content, and approach of these two films, both films highlight the pervasive sexualization, objectification, and dehumanization of women in visual media—and how we might be able to tackle such entrenched social constructions of gender and gendered bodies. We thus combined our presentation of the reviews below, discussing each in turn, to offer a comparative yet integrated approach to evaluating what they have to offer, both separately and cumulatively.
Evaluation of recombinase polymerase amplification for detection of begomoviruses by plant diagnostic clinics.

Background Plant viruses in the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae often cause substantial crop losses. These viruses have been emerging in many locations throughout the tropics and subtropics. Like many plant viruses, they are often not recognized by plant diagnostic clinics due in large part to the lack of rapid and cost effective assays. An isothermal amplification assay, Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), was evaluated for its ability to detect three begomoviruses and for its suitability for use in plant diagnostic clinics. Methods for DNA extraction and separation of amplicons from proteins used in the assay were modified and compared to RPA manufacturer’s protocols. The modified RPA assays were compared to PCR assays for sensitivity, use in downstream applications, cost, and speed.
Differential Linguistic Features in U.S. Immigration Newspaper Articles: A Contrastive Corpus Analysis Using the Gramulator

We use the Gramulator to conduct a computational contrastive analysis on texts printed in states that border Mexico and Canada. The results suggest strong lexical differences between the regions. The primary factor in the southern border states is security , whereas factors in the northern border states are citizenship and family . The results reveal differing regional perspectives, offering insight as to how reporting conveys messages to different audiences.
Architectures for pointing a payload hosted on a GEO spacecraft

One general process for developing a space mission is to design and build a custom spacecraft to host one or more payloads (e.g., instruments and/or communications hardware). Where a spacecraft is already designed, there can be room for an additional payload for a secondary mission. Substantial cost savings can be realized for the secondary mission if the primary spacecraft bus can provide a platform that meets all interface and pointing requirements for the secondary mission. A number of instruments have been hosted as secondary payloads on a spacecraft in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), with several different pointing control architectures. This paper describes two pointing control architectures as they apply to a hosted payload with its own steering mirror and line of sight (LOS) controller that helps to achieve tight pointing stability for Earth observations. One architecture has technical and programmatic advantages compared to the other. Programmatic differences between architectures are discussed in qualitative terms, highlighting issues related to testing and verification of pointing requirements early enough in the development to allow for modification of the secondary payload LOS controller design. For technical comparisons between architectures, strawman requirements for pointing and geolocation are introduced as metrics. The effects of host spacecraft attitude and orbit determination uncertainties are discussed using notional geolocation error allocations. Pointing stability and performance issues related to sensor type, placement, and data latency are illustrated using a representative model of vehicle flexible body dynamics, over a range of model parameters. Results show that there is a risk of pointing performance degradation and even instability due to poor gyro placement and/or gyro data latency. This has implications regarding hosted payload controller bandwidth and achievable disturbance rejection. One pointing architecture does well in mitigating the risk while maximizing performance. That architecture shows promise in achieving reasonable geolocation accuracy.
Influence of Carbon in Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Few-Layer WSe2 Thin Films

Metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is a promising technique to form large-area, uniform films of monolayer or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) thin films; however, unintentional carbon incorporation is a concern. In this work, we report the presence of a defective graphene layer that forms simultaneously during MOCVD growth of tungsten diselenide (WSe2) on sapphire at high growth temperature and high Se:W ratio when using tungsten hexacarbonyl (W(CO)6) and dimethyl selenide ((CH3)2Se, DMSe) as precursors. The graphene layer alters the surface energy of the substrate reducing the lateral growth and coalescence of WSe2 domains. The use of hydrogen selenide (H2Se) instead of DMSe eliminates the defective graphene layer enabling coalesced monolayer and few-layer WSe2 films.
Word-Knowledge Development in Chinese as a Heritage Language Learners: A Comparative Study.

This exploratory study aimed to examine whether early exposure to Chinese as a heritage language (CHL) provides facilitation in word-knowledge development in collegiate CHL learners by comparing word-level subskills, including oral vocabulary knowledge, print vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness, and lexical inferencing ability, between CHL learners and non-CHL learners. Sixty-two collegiate intermediate-level Chinese learners including 37 CHL learners and 25 non-CHL learners participated in this study. Drawing on multivariate analyses, the study found that CHL learners outperformed non-CHL learners on oral vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness, and lexical inferencing ability, but not on print vocabulary knowledge. In both groups of learners, print vocabulary knowledge was the strongest predictor of lexical inferencing ability. While oral vocabulary knowledge and print vocabulary knowledge were highly correlated in non-CHL learners, they were more distinct constructs in CHL learners. These findings seem to suggest that early exposure to spoken Chinese enhances the development of oral vocabulary knowledge and morphological awareness in CHL learners. Importantly, the latter appears to enhance the formation of the connection between oral vocabulary knowledge and print knowledge.
Developing Partnerships to Expand Interprofessional Practice-Focused Educational Experiences in High-Risk Obstetric Care

Healthcare practice is continuing to shift toward interprofessional team-based care to improve the patient experience and the health of populations as well as to reduce the per capita cost of healthcare (National Center for Interprofessional Practice & Education, 2013). In particular, high-risk pregnancy is a uniquely complex healthcare challenge, which makes team- and partnership-based care in this specialty essential (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Task Force on Collaborative Practice, 2016). Despite healthcare leaders in the United States recognizing the need for collaborative care models and team-based care, the training of healthcare professions students in the skills needed to collaborate effectively as part of an interprofessional team have lagged dramatically behind the changes in current healthcare practices (Interprofessional Education Collaborative [IPEC] Expert Panel, 2011; National Center for Interprofessional Practice & Education, 2015b). A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Student and a Women’s Health DNP Program faculty identified that there was an opportunity to implement interprofessional practice-focused immersion experiences for advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students at an academic Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center. The faculty and student partnership allowed for the project interventions to be integrated directly into an existing APRN practicum course. This project’s implementation provided an opportunity for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center to integrate APRN students into their clinical team, and demonstrated that interprofessional practice-focused immersion experiences are beneficial for students’ learning of how to collaborate effectively as part of an interprofessional team, which is congruent with the research. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center embodied many of the components of the domains of interprofessional practice and qualities of a partnership-based system, making it an optimal site for interprofessional learning. This project’s positive results support a sustainable and unique partnership between the School of Nursing and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center to expand student opportunities as members of an interprofessional team in a high-risk obstetric care setting. Continued exposure of healthcare professions students to partnership-based healthcare settings like this center may help to shift systems toward the partnership paradigm.
Your favourite units

Units are among the most intriguing features of science. They are the "bridges" between the empirical world of physical phenomena and the non-empirical abstract world of mathematics, allowing us to traffic back and forth. Once upon a time, many bridges of different varieties existed independently of each other. Over the years, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) has consolidated them into a single network, the "International System of Units" (SI).
Fluorescence lifetime intravascular ultrasound (FLIm-IVUS) and the quest to discriminate between early and advanced lipid cores in atherosclerosis (Conference Presentation)

FL-IVUS combines intravascular ultrasound with fluorescence lifetime imaging to obtain morphologic and biochemical details from the arterial wall. Ultrasound measurements alone provide morphologic information (plaque burden, remodeling index and presence of calcium). Fluorescence lifetime can determine the presence of a thick fibrous cap, macrophage infiltration, and lipid cores beneath thin fibrous caps. These details are important to assess plaque vulnerability. In this study, we focused on the ability of FL-IVUS to differentiate between early and advanced lipid cores-advanced cores are vulnerable to rupture. We imaged N=12 ex vivo human coronary arteries and performed hematoxylin and eosin, Movat’s pentachrome and CD68 immunohistochemistry at 500 micron intervals throughout the length of the vessels. We found only N=1 thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA) with an advanced necrotic core and N=7 cases of foam cell infiltration, early lipid cores or deep necrotic cores. IVUS was able to observe the increased plaque burden and calcification of the advanced and deep necrotic cores, but could not identify early lipid cores, foam cell infiltration or discriminate between deep necrotic cores and TCFA. The addition of FLIm to IVUS allowed the TCFA to be discriminated from early lipid accumulation, particularly at 542±50 nm (355 nm pulsed excitation): 7.6 ± 0.5 ns compared to 6.6 ± 0.4 ns, respectively (P<0.001 by ANOVA analysis). These differences need to be validated in a larger cohort, but exist due to specific lipid content in the necrotic core as well as increased extracellular matrix in early lesions.
J.J. Sylvester: Ramanujan’s Illustrious Predecessor

Until the emergence of Ramanujan in the early twentieth century, the two great figures in the theory of partitions were Leonhard Euler, the founder of the subject, and J.J. Sylvester, who in the latter part of the nineteenth century, systematically improved Euler’s results on partitions by a combinatorial approach. After describing the unusual life of Sylvester first at Cambridge University, England and later at Johns Hopkins University, USA, the article discusses some fundamental results of Sylvester and how some of these on partitions relate to Ramanujan’s contributions.
Design and Manufacturing of High Surface Area 3D‐Printed Media for Moving Bed Bioreactors for Wastewater Treatment

The specific surface area and topology of a biofilter media carrier is one of the most important parameters that determines the performance and efficiency of the system. In this work, mathematical models and 3D printing technologies were used to design and fabricate complex media designs that provide high specific surface area and refugia to protect biofilm from premature sloughing. Several gyroid based designs were proposed with specific surface area well beyond 2300 m2/m3. However, wall thicknesses and pore sizes that are prone to clogging determined a design that yields 1168 m2/m3 (133% larger than the baseline commercial K1 Kaldnes). Several moving bed bioreactors were constructed for laboratory testing with inoculation provided by wastewater from a fisheries operation. Preliminary results indicate that the 3D printed media can withstand the prevalent conditions in moving bed bioreactors, and that the NH3 removal rate of gyroid media is comparable to that of K1 Kaldnes. This work establishes the feasibility of using 3D printing for bioreactor media fabrication and allows for future topology optimization for enhanced operation. Future work is needed to investigate how these complex media designs might stimulate novel microbial assemblages and community metabolism that translate into yield efficiency gains in reactor performance.
RNA-mediated regulation of heterochromatin

The formation of condensed, transcriptionally repressed heterochromatin is essential for controlling gene expression throughout development, silencing parasitic DNA elements, and for genome stability and inheritance. Cells employ diverse mechanisms for controlling heterochromatin states through proteins that modify DNA and histones. An emerging theme is that chromatin-associated RNAs play important roles in regulating heterochromatin proteins by controlling their initial recruitment to chromatin, their stable association with chromatin, their spread along chromatin, or their enzymatic activity. Major challenges for the field include not only identifying regulatory RNAs, but understanding the underlying biochemical mechanisms for how RNAs associate with chromatin, the specificity of interactions between heterochromatin proteins and RNA, and how these binding events manifest in cells to orchestrate RNA-mediated regulation of heterochromatin.
Healthcare contact and treatment uptake following hepatitis C virus screening and counseling among rural Appalachian people who use drugs

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 2009, Kentucky has led the United States in cases of acute HCV, driven largely by injection drug use in rural areas. Improved treatment regimens hold promise of mitigating the impact and transmission of HCV, but numerous barriers obstruct people who inject drugs (PWID) from receiving care, particularly in medically underserved settings.
Integrated planning for education and development

This article addresses the issue of integrated planning for education in a post-2015 international development paradigm. It argues that there has been a growth in the opportunity space for education stakeholders at both global and local levels to pay greater attention to the links between education and other development sectors. It uses a boundary-spanning policy framework to present an analysis of this trend, pointing to political, economic and social factors that have intersected to create a conducive environment for consideration of integrated approaches. It proposes three ‘dimensions’ of integration, namely, horizontal integration of the education sector with other development sectors such as health and social protection; vertical integration across national and sub-national levels; and lateral integration of state and non-state actors. The article focuses on horizontal integration and draws on the theoretical literature on collaborative management to highlight the contextual, personal, structural and technical factors that can present risks and challenges to policy makers and practitioners in implementing integrated approaches in the education sector.
Exploring the Contributing Factors Associated with Intelligence Failures During the Cold War

The goal of this chapter is to assess “intelligence failures,” as defined by existing literature, in order to determine whether the failures can be attributed (at least in part) to a failure or inadequate use of technical-based or non-technical based intelligence gathering methods. Two case studies are considered in this analysis: the placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba in 1962 and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The results of the analysis conclude that while there are some technology-based intelligence failures evident in each case study, the bulk of the failure can be linked to an oversight or misuse of non-technical intelligence gathering methods. However, most striking is the pre-existing notions within the United States intelligence community that can be linked to how and why the community overlooked critical human, cultural, economic, and ethnic-based intelligence. Therefore, the analysis concludes with the suggestion that the two case studies are considered “intelligence failures” due to the internal failures of the intelligence community. Biases and pressure to deliver conclusions according to the political administration’s preferences continue to impact the analyses coming from the US intelligence community. How the US intelligence community should address this failure remains unclear and requires future research that would be strengthened by the inclusion of additional case studies.
Introduction to Part II: Spatial Econometrics

This chapter provides an introductory overview of the second part of this book, which treats spatial econometrics topics. It describes some of the source materials for this part of the book and interlaces selected topics with spatial statistics topics treated in the first part of this book.
Plasmonic Au Array SERS Substrate with Optimized Thin Film Oxide Substrate Layer

This work studies the effect of a plasmonic array structure coupled with thin film oxide substrate layers on optical surface enhancement using a finite element method. Previous results have shown that as the nanowire spacing increases in the sub-100 nm range, enhancement decreases; however, this work improves upon previous results by extending the range above 100 nm. It also averages optical enhancement across the entire device surface rather than localized regions, which gives a more practical estimate of the sensor response. A significant finding is that in higher ranges, optical enhancement does not always decrease but instead has additional plasmonic modes at greater nanowire and spacing dimensions resonant with the period of the structure and the incident light wavelength, making it possible to optimize enhancement in more accessibly fabricated nanowire array structures. This work also studies surface enhancement to optimize the geometries of plasmonic wires and oxide substrate thickness. Periodic oscillations of surface enhancement are observed at specific oxide thicknesses. These results will help improve future research by providing optimized geometries for SERS molecular sensors.
Levofloxacin Induced Dyschronometria (P2.200)

Objective: Levofloxacin-induced dyschronometria has not heretofore been described. Such a case is presented. Background: Introduction: The antibiotic levofloxacin has adverse neurological effects on both peripheral and central nervous systems including the cerebellar connections (Lipsky, 2009). Dyschronometria, distorted time perception, has been noted as a sign of non-motor cerebellar dysfunction Methods: Case Study: A 51-year-old, right-handed male experienced a plethora of side effects, after receiving treatment with levofloxacin. His time perception has been also distorted: he lost his sense of time, and now despite the use of alarm clock and watch he would frequently lose track of time while working on projects, causing tardiness in his schedule and lateness to appointments. Results: Neurologic examination: Mental Status Examination: Memory: Immediate Recall: 5 digits forwards and 2 backwards. Recent Recall: 2 out of 4 objects in 3 minutes and 3 out of 4 with reinforcement. Calculation Ability: Poor. Motor examination: Drift testing: right pronator drift. Cerebellar: Finger-to-nose: Slight bilateral dysmetria. Sensory examination: Positive Romberg. Reflexes: 3+ Throughout, 4+ Right Ankle Jerk. Quadriceps femoris pendular bilaterally. Positive Hoffman reflexes bilaterally Conclusions: Discussion: Levofloxacin effects central nervous system structures, causing cognitive alterations and debilitating psychiatric states. Evidence of cerebellar connection dysfunctions includes the impairment of executive functions such as short-term memory, planning, verbal fluency, time perception and abstract thinking (D’Angello, 2009). In the present case, the patient with cerebellar dysfunction due to the use of levofloxacin struggles with multiple forms of physical and psychological distress, limitations in cognitive ability and flexibility, slowed reaction times impaired attention modulation, as well as less ability to do “multitasking” and loss of time perception. This case has shown time perception distortion can also be as a part of long term sequelae following levofloxacin use. Query as to abnormalities of time perception in those who have undergone treatment with levofloxacin is warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Weller has nothing to disclose.
The Charismatic porn-star: social citizenship and the West-African Pentecostal erotic

ABSTRACTWork on the sexual dimension of citizenship in Africa has privileged the way contemporary struggles over sexualities and sexual identities have opened up tensions over belonging and civic mattering. This article focuses on how political subjectivity is shaped and determined against the backdrop of the erotic economy between the pastor and his congregation. Mobilizing the idea of a Pentecostal erotic economy to evoke a debate around gender, patriarchy, affect, and social control, the article uses a relatively neglected aspect of contemporary Pentecostal praxes to introduce a different approach to the study of citizenship in Africa.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) maintains an important role in managing vestibular schwannoma (VS). Long-term clinical data have clearly established the safety and efficacy of the procedure for managing Koos low grade to intermediate grade VS. Historically, the procedure was developed via a multidisciplinary approach that involves physicians (eg, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists) as well as clinical specialists (eg, radiation physicists). In this paper, we have reviewed current technical and clinical practices of SRS for VS from a procedural specialist's perspective and from a clinician's perspective.
An Intersectional Technofeminist Framework for Community-Driven Technology Innovation

Abstract In this article, we describe the philosophy, objectives, and development of Multilingual User-Experience (Multilingual UX), a community-driven initiative for supporting technology innovation with marginalized communities. We highlight how community-based mentorship can guide innovative technology design through an intersectional technofeminist perspective. We begin with a discussion of the impetus for building this initiative before discussing how we are collaboratively designing a research center to facilitate technology design with and for marginalized communities. We both theorize and enact the intersectional technofeminist principles of our work by telling the story of our project with our collaborators and community partners, in the form of vignettes from a symposium. We conclude by looking ahead to our next steps and by offering strategies for intersectional technofeminist community building and technology innovation, in the hope that our experiences can be further developed and localized to support similar initiatives that highlight the value of feminist collaboration in technology design.
Age at menarche and depression: results from the NHANES 2005-2016.

Objective The association between early age at menarche and depression among adolescent girls and adult women has been examined in many studies. However, inconsistent results and limitations such as small sample size, low generalizability, and measurement error exist. We aimed to address these issues to assess the association between age at menarche and depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of US women aged 18 years and older. Methods We used the 2005-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data with a total of 15,674 women aged 18 years and older included in our study. Logistic regression models were used after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results The crude-adjusted model suggests that women with early age of menarche had 1.36 (95% CI [1.16-1.61]) times the odds of current depressive symptoms compared with the normal menarche group, after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, education, poverty income ratio (PIR) and marital status. In the fully-adjusted model, women with early menarche had 1.25 (95% CI [1.05-1.48]) times the odds of current depressive symptoms, after additionally adjusting for smoking status and body mass index (BMI). However, no significant difference was observed between the normal and late menarche groups. Conclusion Further studies are warranted to determine the causal relationship and mechanisms between early menarche and increased risk of depression.
Crystalline, Few-layer 2D Materials via Surfactant-monolayer-assisted Interfacial Synthesis

Prof. FENG Xinliang and coworkers from Dresden University of Technology reported surfactant-monolayer-assisted interfacial synthesis(SMAIS) as a general strategy for the controlled synthesis of few-layer 2D polymers to realize high crystallinity with large domain. The two-dimensional polyamide(Nature Chemistry, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-019-0327-5) and quasi-two-dimensional polyaniline(Nature Communication, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-11921-3) thin films were successfully obtained with the help of surfactants and fully characterized by optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and atomic force microscopy.
Why Does Japan Retain Capital Punishment

Japan retains the death penalty for three main reasons: because it missed a major opportunity for abolition in the postwar Occupation, because of the long hegemony of the (conservative) Liberal Democratic Party, and because (like the United States and China) it has sufficient size, economic influence, and political clout to enable it to defy human rights norms. Capital punishment also persists in Japan because it performs welcome functions for politicians, prosecutors, media, and the public. Despite widespread belief to the contrary, capital punishment in Japan does not deter homicide better than long terms of imprisonment do.
Spatial and temporal distribution of freshwater sponges in Connecticut lakes based upon analysis of siliceous spicules in dated sediment cores

A survey of 28 Connecticut water bodies for spicular remainsoffreshwater sponges preserved in lacustrine sediments revealed14species representing 10 genera. Sediments were examined atfivelevels (ca 1991, ca 1970, ca 1934, ca 1890, ca ≤ 1875)todocument changes in species composition, distribution, andabundance. Five species were recorded statewide in all fivegeologic regions: Spongilla lacustris, Heteromeyeniatubisperma, Anheteromeyenia ryderi, Eunapius fragilis, andEphydatia muelleri. Spongilla lacustris was the mostcommonand widely distributed species. Factors that may havecontributedto the observed distribution of the spongillids in Connecticutareregional differences in lake water chemistries, individualspeciestolerances, and differences in extent of dispersal of variousspecies. Most of the more abundant species are widelydistributedwith respect to water quality parameters. Anheteromeyeniaargyrosperma, Duosclera mackayi and Trochospongillapennsylvanica appear to be restricted to waters exhibitingthelower ranges for conductivity, alkalinity and calcium content.Ingeneral, a greater number of spicules was found in bottomsedimentsof the surveyed lakes as compared with the surface sediments.Oftenthis was correlated with increased sediment accumulation ratesinmore recent periods. When this fact is taken into account, itappears that populations of a number of sponge species haveremained relatively constant in many of the lakes over thepastcentury. However, in some lakes exhibiting lower or onlyslightlyhigher sediment accumulation rates at the surface, fewerspiculeswere also found in more recent sediments, suggesting an actualdecline in sponge population sizes. Changes in abundance overthelast 100 years may be related to changes in land use practicesinsurrounding watersheds and the associated changes in waterchemistries.
Exchangeability, Conformal Prediction, and Rank Tests

Conformal prediction has been a very popular method of distribution-free predictive inference in recent years in machine learning and statistics. Its popularity stems from the fact that it works as a wrapper around any prediction algorithm such as neural networks or random forests. Exchangeability is at the core of the validity of conformal prediction. The concept of exchangeability is also at the core of rank tests widely known in nonparametric statistics. In this paper, we review the concept of exchangeability and discuss the implications for conformal prediction and rank tests. We provide a low-level introduction to these topics, and discuss the similarities between conformal prediction and rank tests.
Drift with Devil: Security of Multi-Sensor Fusion based Localization in High-Level Autonomous Driving under GPS Spoofing

For high-level Autonomous Vehicles (AV), localization is highly security and safety critical. One direct threat to it is GPS spoofing, but fortunately, AV systems today predominantly use Multi-Sensor Fusion (MSF) algorithms that are generally believed to have the potential to practically defeat GPS spoofing. However, no prior work has studied whether today’s MSF algorithms are indeed sufficiently secure under GPS spoofing, especially in AV settings. In this work, we perform the first study to fill this critical gap. As the first study, we focus on a production-grade MSF with both design and implementation level representativeness, and identify two AV-specific attack goals, off-road and wrong-way attacks. To systematically understand the security property, we first analyze the upper-bound attack effectiveness, and discover a take-over effect that can fundamentally defeat the MSF design principle. We perform a cause analysis and find that such vulnerability only appears dynamically and non-deterministically. Leveraging this insight, we design FusionRipper, a novel and general attack that opportunistically captures and exploits take-over vulnerabilities. We evaluate it on 6 real-world sensor traces, and find that FusionRipper can achieve at least 97% and 91.3% success rates in all traces for off-road and wrongway attacks respectively. We also find that it is highly robust to practical factors such as spoofing inaccuracies. To improve the practicality, we further design an offline method that can effectively identify attack parameters with over 80% average success rates for both attack goals, with the cost of at most half a day. We also discuss promising defense directions.
A trust and reputation model for supply chain management

My thesis contributes to the field of multi-agent systems by proposing a novel trust-based decision model for supply chain management.
Public Willingness to Pay for Continuous and Probabilistic Hazard Information

AbstractInvestments in new weather forecasting technologies and communication products can be costly and serve the ultimate purpose of protecting life and property. The Forecasting a Continuum of E...
Abstract IA008: Age-related stromal changes drive tumorigenesis

The stromal compartment plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. This is best illustrated in breast cancer bone metastases, where the stromal compartment supports tumor growth, albeit through poorly defined mechanisms. p38MAPKa is frequently expressed in tumor cells and surrounding stromal cells and its expression levels correlate with poor prognosis. Using a clinically relevant breast cancer metastasis model, we show that orally administered, small-molecule inhibitors of p38MAPKa or its downstream kinase, MK2, each limited outgrowth of metastatic breast cancer cells in the bone and visceral organs. Further we find that this effect is primarily mediated by inhibition of the p38MAPKa pathway within the stromal compartment. Beyond effectively limiting metastatic tumor growth, we also find that these inhibitors reduce tumor-associated and chemotherapy-induced bone loss, which is a devastating comorbidity for cancer patients that drastically impact their quality of life. Interestingly we find that p38MAPKa’s ability to limit tumor growth within the bone is dependent on CD4 T cells while MK2 does not require these cells to limit tumor progression, demonstrating that it is not a straightforward pathway. To determine which cell types within the bone contribute to tumor growth and bone loss, we have carried out single cell RNA-sequencing of stromal cells located within the bone metastatic lesion and cells outside the lesion. We find numerous differences that could explain how the stromal compartment contributes to tumor progression and bone loss and how inhibition of p38MAPKa or MK2 contribute. These data underscore the vital role stromal-derived factors play in tumor progression and identify the p38MAPK-MK2 pathway as a promising therapeutic target for metastatic disease and prevention of tumor-induced bone loss. Citation Format: Sheila A Stewart. Age-related stromal changes drive tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on the Evolving Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression: Mechanisms and Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities; in association with the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) Working Group; 2021 Jan 11-12. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(5 Suppl):Abstract nr IA008.