cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shared Research Group Storage Solution with Integrated Access Management

Management of research data storage areas for projects and research groups has become a time consuming task for research and data support staff. Purdue Research Computing staff have developed a web-based system to allow quick provisioning of group storage areas on the Research Data Depot shared filesystem operated by Purdue's Research Computing group. The system allows technical and non-technical staff to provision Research Data Depot storage allocations and configure data access management for research groups quickly, consistently, and reliably via an intuitive web interface. This system also allows for tracking allocation usage of these storage spaces and customizable alerting of the users of these spaces when allocations are nearly consumed.
Personalities of Introductory Course Instructors and Course Completion: A Correlational Study

Online courses are often criticized for having lower retention rates than traditional courses, especially introductory courses. This study aimed to determine whether there was a relationship betwee...
Sponsored Data: Smarter Data Pricing in the Age of Data Cap

As the amount of online content explodes, consumers have to make a choice: either cut down their mobile data consumption or pay high overage fees. We investigate a recent phenomenon whereby network service providers are encouraging content providers to sponsor data for consumers. We analyze this phenomenon using game theory within a setting of one monopoly mobile network operator (MNO) and two competing content providers (CPs). Consumers are heterogeneous in both data usage and in their preference for the CPs. We find that the MNO’s optimal profit decreases as the consumers’ data cap becomes larger, and the optimal pricing scheme is a two-part tariff without any data caps.
A time-based Parallel Digital Interconnect Test method for MCM substrate interconnect networks

A Parallel Digital Interconnect Test (PDIT) method for Multichip Module (MCM) substrate interconnect networks was described in previous publications. This technique provides 100% detection of catastrophic faults (hard shorts and opens) but has limited resolution for resistive defect detection. A minor modification to this method, which relies on timing information, greatly increases the resolution for resistive faults while still allowing a parallel implementation of the test. The modified approach, which is referred to as Time-based PDIT, adds a low-cost capacitor to each test channel. The charging time of this capacitor is then used to characterize the resistance of the network under test. The capacitor value is selected so that the charging times for defect-free nets are in the millisecond range. A faster (megahertz) clock is used to count time increments with microsecond resolution. In this way, the parallel test of all substrate nets is accomplished in just a few milliseconds with improved sensitivity for near-opens and near-shorts. The test channel capacitance is typically much larger than the substrate net capacitance (which is negligible in comparison).
High-Field Transport in GaAs, InP, and In x Ga 1-x As y P 1-y

The static electron velocity-field characteristics for n type GaAs, InP, In0.53Ga0.47As, and In0.8Ga0.44P0.56 have been measured using a microwave time-of-flight technique. Drift velocities were measured at temperatures from 95 K to 400 K over a range of field strengths from about 10 kV/cm to beyond 200 kV/cm at some temperatures. InP exhibits the highest velocity at high fields (∿ 100 kV/cm) while the lowest high-field velocity was measured in In0.53Ga0.47As. The variation of the high-field velocity was measured in In0.53Ga0.47As is approximately one third of that obtained with GaAs and InP, and is even smaller in In0.8Ga0.2As0.44P0.56.
Fidelity of a Teacher-Implemented Intervention for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder: No, Some, and Unexpected Effects:

Advancing Social-Communication and Play (ASAP) is a classroom-based intervention targeting the social-communication and play development of preschool-age children with autism spectrum disorder. We ...
Key Motor and Sensory Exam

Knowledge of anatomic distribution and function, as well as performance of a comprehensive physical examination, is required for appropriate diagnostic evaluation and management of the injured emergency room patient. Accumulation of this pertinent skill set requires didactic and associated temporal clinical experience. The following section will describe selected neuromotor structure(s) and function, specialized supplemental testing techniques, and advanced clinical pearls to assist with implementation of meticulous treatment and timely disposition.
Safety of Intratracheal Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Extremely Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

In a phase 1 dose-escalation trial at 2 dosing levels, we assessed the safety of intratracheal administration of a single-dose of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells in 12 extremely low birth weight infants Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02381366 .
CRSP Data Retrieval and Analysis in SAS Software for Users and Administrators

Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) data users would prefer to leave behind, or never learn, the Fortran programs that are most commonly used to retrieve and analyze CRSP data. But while a 1994 SAS Users Group International conference paper explained theoretical benefits of using SAS to deliver CRSP and other large databases at a major U.S. business school, and while SAS/ETS's PROC DATASOURCE has been available since 1993, it appears that few CRSP sites are set up well for the SAS user. Sample SAS/ETS and Base SAS programs, general programming tips, and certain supporting central files at each site are needed. This paper, and an associated WWW-site with downloadable programs, addresses these gaps in service to existing and would-be CRSP SAS users. It is targetted for beginning CRSP users with moderate SAS experience and for system administrators who may install central files to help users. Some tips are framed specifically to pertain to the Unix operating system and other particulars of the Stanford Graduate School of Business CRSP site, but the sample programs should run on all platforms. The sample programs include an event study, one of the most frequent CRSP data applications, which employs SAS macro-language programming and uses central files installed by system administrator programs which also are provided.
A re-examination of the effects of tort reforms on obstetrical procedures and health outcomes

Abstract Numerous papers examined the effects of tort reforms on physician behavior using data from the 1990s. However, a medical malpractice “crisis” in the early 21st century saw many US states adopt tort reforms to alleviate this issue. Using the United States Linked Birth and Infant Death Records for all fifty states and the District of Columbia data from 1995 to 2011, we find that tort reforms are not as effective as they once were. However, we find evidence that physicians’ procedural choices are affected by certain tort reforms. For example, not only are C-section rates and “preventable” complications affected by tort reforms, but we also observe that physicians react heterogeneously to tort reforms based on patient riskiness and race.
Frequency drifts in FRBs due to radius-to-frequency mapping in magnetospheres of neutron stars

We interpret recent observations of high-to-low frequency drifting features in the spectra of the repeating FRBs as evidence of sharply changing plasma properties in the emission region, presumably the neutron stars magnetospheres. The drifts are then FRBs' analogues of radius-to-frequency mapping in pulsars and Solar type-III radio burst (but not in a sense of a particular emission mechanism). The drifts rates of $\sim 100$ MHz ms$^{-1}$ at frequencies $\sim$ GHz translate to physical size of $\sim {c \omega}/{\dot{\omega}} \sim$ few $\times 10^8$ cm, matching the hypothesis of the FRB origin in the magnetospheres of neutron stars. We suggest that reconnection events result in generation of upward propagating plasma beams that produce radio emission with frequency related to the decreasing local magnetic field and plasma density.
Outcomes and Predictors of Popliteal Artery Injury in Pediatric Trauma.

Background Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is a rare occurrence in pediatric patients with significant consequences. Delays in diagnosis lead to severe complications such as lifelong disability and limb loss. We sought to identify outcomes and clinical predictors of PAI in the pediatric trauma population. Methods The Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2014–2016) was queried for patients ≤17 years old with PAI. Patient demographics and outcomes were characterized. A comparison of patients sustaining blunt versus penetrating PAI was performed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of PAI. Results From 119,132 patients, 58 ( Conclusions A higher index of suspicion should be present for PAI in pediatric trauma patients presenting with a closed patella fracture/dislocation after blunt trauma. PVI is most strongly associated with PAI in penetrating trauma. Prompt recognition of PAI is crucial as there is a greater than 10% amputation rate in the pediatric population.
Distribution of Nitrogen Fixation Genes in Prokaryotes Containing Alternative Nitrogenases

Biological nitrogen fixation is an inherent trait exclusive to a select number of prokaryotes. Although molybdenum nitrogenase is the dominant catalyst for dinitrogen reduction, some diazotrophs also contain one or two additional types of nitrogenase that use alternative metal content as the active-site cofactor. The occurrence of alternative nitrogenases has not been well studied due to the discriminatory expression of the molybdenum nitrogenase and lack of comprehensive genomic data. This study reports on the genomic analysis of 87 unique species containing alternative nitrogenase sequences. The distribution of nitrogen-fixing genes within these species from distinct taxonomic groups shows the presence of the minimum gene set required for nitrogen fixation, including catalytic and biosynthetic enzymes of the Mo-dependent system (NifHDKENB) and the varying occurrence of additional Nif-dedicated components. These include NifS and NifU, found primarily in aerobic species, thus suggesting that these genes are necessary to accommodate the high demand for Fe-S clusters during aerobic nitrogen fixation.
AfroBoriqua Mothering: Teaching/Learning Blackness in a Bay Area AfroPuerto Rican Community of Practice

This article puts forth the notion of Afroboriqua mothering to understand the types of conditions that allow communal, proleptic practices of blackness to exist within AfroPuerto Rican communities. Afroboriqua mothering is an act that occurs within a community of practice that queers how we understand mothering through activism that always centers blackness and anti-colonial Puerto Ricanness. Through participant-observation and a series of interviews with members of one AfroPuerto Rican community in Northern California, Afroboriqua mothering surfaced as a way to describe teaching and learning (or teaching/learning) within AfroLatinx multi-generational communities that centers blackness as an ancestral, cooperative, and activist practice.
Green River overlook, Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park, southeastern Utah

The stream is still quiet, and we guide along through a strange, weird, grand region. The landscape everywhere, away from the river, is of rock—cliffs of rock, tables of rock, plateaus of rock, terraces of rock, crags of rock—ten thousand strangely carved forms; rocks everywhere, and no vegetation, no soil, no sand. In long, gentle curves the river winds about these rocks. These are the words Major John Wesley Powell used to describe what is called Stillwater Canyon along the Green River on July 17, 1869, on his way to the Grand Canyon during his famous journey exploring the canyons of the Colorado River and its tributaries (Powell, 1895). This same region is spectacularly displayed from the Green River Overlook in the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. The exposed rocks consist of Early Permian- (299 million years ago [Ma]) through Early Jurassic-age (176 Ma) rock layers that were uplifted and subjected to massive erosion. Changes in the color, thickness, and composition of the rock layers and erosive work of running water and gravity (i.e., mass wasting) created the magnificent landscape seen at the overlook today. The primitive and remote Maze District of Canyonlands National Park is the area west of the Green River. Prominent features viewed in the Maze District from the Green River Overlook include Ekker Butte, Turks Head, Elaterite Butte, and the Orange Cliffs (figure 2). On a clear day, the 11,000-foot (3350 m), Henry Mountains, which are cored by volcanic remnants (laccoliths) can be seen to the southwest. The Green River Overlook is one of Utah’s most iconic views, often appearing on book covers, scenic calendars, and postcards, and therefore it is fitting as a geosite for its beauty and the exposures of rocks that so much impressed John Wesley Powell over 150 years ago.
Ecological risk assessment of environmental stress and bioactive chemicals to riverine fish populations: An individual-based model of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu✰

ABSTRACT Ecological risk assessments play an important role in environmental management and decision-making. Although empirical measurements of the effects of habitat changes and chemical exposure are often made at molecular and individual levels, environmental decision-making often requires the quantification of management-relevant, population-level outcomes. In this study, we generalized a modeling framework to evaluate population-level ecological risk of environmental stress and bioactive chemicals. The modeling framework includes (1) a biological model module that incorporates complex and interacting biological and ecological processes, and environmental stochasticity, (2) an effect module that links the impacts of environmental changes and chemical exposure to individual characteristics, and (3) a population module that makes decisions on the choice of population-level properties to best capture the effects and thus to track in the model based on the target species and the research and management interest. This framework is a 3-module procedure that provides an alternative way for researchers to organize, present and communicate the risk assessment modeling studies. To demonstrate this framework, we used a socioeconomically important riverine fish species, smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, as the model species. We developed an individual-based model as the biological model module. We evaluated the impacts of changing water temperature and flow regimes, and the impacts of exposure to estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EEDC) on smallmouth bass populations in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA. Warm summer water temperatures and year-round high flows had the most severe impacts on the smallmouth bass population. An increase in exposure level to EEDC, both year-round and in summer months, substantially reduced population size, spawner and recruit abundance, and the proportion of quality-length individuals. Acute exposure to EEDC was more detrimental to the population than chronic exposure. Acute exposure during spawning season had the most severe impacts. This modeling framework can be extended to other species, environmental factors and chemicals, and can be used to inform management and conservation decisions.
The Use of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire in Patients Who Underwent Spinal Cord Stimulation for Refractory Angina Pectoris.

Background The Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) is a self-administered questionnaire used in cardiac patients to quantify angina based on five scales: physical limitation scale, anginal stability scale, anginal frequency scale, treatment satisfaction scale, and the disease perception scale. Here we report the use of the SAQ to assess angina symptoms in 18 patients who underwent spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for refractory angina pectoris (RAP) at the Mayo Clinic. Methods Electronic health records were searched to find patients who underwent SCS for the treatment of RAP at a single institution from 2003 to 2018. Eligible patients were asked to participate in a phone survey that included the SAQ. Results Out of 13 patients who still had their implant, six (46%) had minimal physical limitations. Ten patients (76.9%) had favorable anginal frequency scores, defined as minimal or mild. Out of the five patients who had their device removed, one (20%) had minimal physical limitations and three (60%) had favorable anginal frequency scores. There was a high treatment satisfaction score for both those with their implant in place and those with the device removed. Conclusion The SAQ is useful as a comprehensive measure specific to patients with RAP assessing function, pain, and satisfaction. The utilization of this tool pre- and post-operatively may provide additional information to analyze the effectiveness of SCS for RAP.
Partitioning of Aβ Peptide Fragments into Blood–Brain Barrier Mimetic Bilayer

We used all-atom replica-exchange umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the partitioning of the charged tetrapeptide KLVF and its neutral apolar counterpart VVIA into the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-mimetic bilayer. Our findings allowed us to reconstruct the partitioning mechanism for these two Aβ peptide fragments. Despite dissimilar sequences, their permeation shares significant common features. Computations of free energies and permeabilities show that partitioning of both peptides is highly unfavorable, ruling out passive transport. The peptides experience multiple rotational transitions within the bilayer and typically cause considerable lipid disorder and bilayer thinning. Near the bilayer midplane, they lose almost entirely their solvation shell and the interactions with the lipid headgroups. The peptides cause complex reorganization within the proximal bilayer region. Upon insertion, they induce striking cholesterol influx reversed by its depletion and the influx of DMPC when the peptides reach the midplane. The differences in partitioning mechanisms are due to the much higher polarity of KLVF peptide, the permeation of which is more unfavorable and which exclusively assumes vertical orientations within the bilayer. In contrast, VVIA positions itself flat between the leaflets, causing minor disorder and even thickening of the BBB-mimetic bilayer. Due to the high density of the cholesterol-rich BBB bilayer, the unfavorable work associated with the peptide insertion provides a significant, but not dominant, contribution to the partition free energy, which is still governed by dehydration and loss of peptide-headgroup interactions. Comparison with experiments indicates that KLVF and VVIA permeation is similar to that of proline tetrapeptide, mannitol, or cimetidine, all of which exhibit no passive transport.
Taxonomy of higher education delivery modes: a conceptual framework

Even after the two decades of the Internet’s emergence, the higher education sector has not fully capitalized on the online platform’s efficiency. Online education has remained a small proportion o...
Non-neutralizing antibodies targeting the immunogenic regions of HIV-1 envelope reduce mucosal infection and virus burden in humanized mice [preprint]

Abstract Antibodies are principal immune components elicited by vaccines to induce protection from microbial pathogens. In the Thai RV144 HIV-1 vaccine trial, vaccine efficacy was 31% and the sole primary correlate of reduced risk was shown to be vigorous antibody response targeting the V1V2 region of HIV-1 envelope. Antibodies against V3 also were inversely correlated with infection risk in subsets of vaccinees. Antibodies recognizing these regions, however, do not exhibit potent neutralizing activity. Therefore, we examined the antiviral potential of poorly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against immunodominant V1V2 and V3 sites by passive administration of human mAbs to humanized mice engrafted with CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells, followed by mucosal challenge with an HIV-1 infectious molecular clone (IMC) expressing the envelope of a tier 2 resistant HIV-1 strain. Treatment with anti-V1V2 mAb 2158 or anti-V3 mAb 2219 did not prevent infection, but both reduced the virus burden, and V3 mAb 2219 displayed a superior potency compared to V1V2 mAb 2158. While these mAbs had no or weak neutralizing activity and elicited undetectable levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), V3 mAb 2219 displayed a greater capacity to bind virus- and cell-associated HIV-1 envelope and to mediate antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and C1q complement binding as compared to V1V2 mAb 2158. Mutations in the Fc region of 2219 abolished these effector activities and abrogated virus control in humanized mice. These results demonstrate the importance of Fc functions other than ADCC for antibodies without potent neutralizing activity.
Screening mammography mitigates breast cancer disparities through early detection of triple negative breast cancer.

Abstract Purpose Screening mammography improves breast cancer survival through early detection, but Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is more difficult to detect on mammography and has lower survival compared to non-TNBC, even when detected at early stages. TNBC is twice as common among African American (AA) compared to White American (WA) women, thereby contributing to the 40% higher breast cancer mortality rates observed in AA women. The role of screening mammography in addressing breast cancer disparities is therefore worthy of study. Methods Outcomes were evaluated for TNBC patients treated in the prospectively-maintained databases of academic cancer programs in two metropolitan cities of the Northeast and Midwest, 1998–2018. Results Of 756 TNBC cases, 301 (39.8%) were mammographically screen-detected. 46% of 189 AA and 38.5% of 460 WA patients had screen-detected TNBC (p = 0.16). 25.3% of 257 TNBC cases ≤50 years old had screen-detected disease compared to 47.3% of 499 TNBC cases >50 years old (p 220/301 (73.1%) screen-detected TNBC cases were T1 lesions versus 118/359 (32.9%) non-screen-detected cases (p Five-year overall survival was better in screen-detected TNBC compared to nonscreen-detected TNBC (92.8% v. 81.5%; p Conclusion Data from two different cities demonstrates the value of screening mammography to mitigate breast cancer disparities in AA women through the early detection of TNBC.
Risk Assessment and Post-Release Recidivism in a Sample of Juvenile Homicide Offenders:

Given recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding the constitutionality of juveniles who received mandated life sentences, questions have arisen in the field of criminology regarding how these offenders will adjust if someday released. Risk scores were calculated for 59 male juvenile homicide offenders (JHOs) based upon the eight domains in the Youth Level of Supervision/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) and used to examine recidivism among the 48 JHOs who were released. Sample subjects were charged as adults for murder and attempted murder in the 1980s, convicted, and sentenced to adult prison. Chi-square analyses were used to assess the relationship between risk score category and two measures of recidivism, which were general arrests and violent offenses. Results indicated risk scores failed to predict both general and violent recidivism. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
SU‐E‐J‐124: 18F‐FDG PET Imaging to Improve RT Treatment Outcome for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer

Purpose: To investigate spatial correlation between high uptake regions of pre- and 10-days-post therapy{sup 1} {sup 8}F-FDG PET in recurrent lung cancer and to evaluate the feasibility of dose escalation boosting only regions with high FDG uptake identified on baseline PET. Methods: Nineteen patients with stages II– IV inoperable lung cancer were selected. Volumes of interest (VOI) on pre-therapy FDG-PET were defined using an isocontour at ≥50% of SUVmax. VOI of pre- and post-therapy PET images were correlated for the extent of overlap. A highly optimized IMRT plan to 60 Gy prescribed to PTV defined on the planning CT was designed using clinical dose constraints for the organs at risk. A boost of 18 Gy was prescribed to the VOI defined on baseline PET. A composite plan of the total 78 Gy was compared with the base 60 Gy plan. Increases in dose to the lungs, spinal cord and heart were evaluated. IMRT boost plan was compared with proton RT and SBRT boost plans. Results: Overlap fraction of baseline PET VOI with the VOI on 10 days-post therapy PET was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7 – 0.9). Using baseline VOI as a boosting volume, dose could be escalated to 78 Gymore » for 15 patients without compromising the dose constraints. For 4 patients, the dose limiting factors were V20Gy and Dmean for the total lung, and Dmax for the spinal cord. An increase of the dose to OARs correlated significantly with the relative size of the boost volume. Conclusion: VOI defined on baseline 18F-FDG PET by the SUVmax-≥50% isocontour may be a biological target volume for escalated radiation dose. Dose escalation to this volume may provide improved tumor control without breaching predefined dose constraints for OARs. The best treatment outcome may be achieved with proton RT for large targets and with SBRT for small targets.« less
An Executable Model of a Simple Genetic Algorithm

Abstract A set of executable equations are defined which model the ideal behavior of a simple genetic algorithm. The equations assume an infinitely large population and require the enumeration of all points in the search space. When implemented as a computer program, the equations can be used to study problems of up to approximately 15 bits. These equations represent an extension of earlier work by Bridges and Goldberg. At the same time these equations are a special case of a model introduced by Vose and Liepins. The various models are reviewed and the predictive behavior of the executable equations is examined. Then the executable equations are extended by quantifying the behavior of a reduced surrogate operator and a uniform crossover operator. In addition, these equations are used to study the computational behavior of a parallel island model implementation of the simple genetic algorithm.
Umbilical blood flow response to embolization of the uterine circulation

The uterine and umbilical blood flow response to uteroplacental insufficiency, produced by microsphere embolization of the uteroplacental circulation, was examined by means of electromagnetic flow transducers in 12 pregnant ewes. No acute changes were observed in either circulation immediately after embolization of the uterine vasculature. Significant morphometric fetal growth retardation, in terms of weight, length, and ponderal index, was not associated with early changes in fetal pH, PO2, or PCO2. However, the incremental increases in both flows that were observed in control animals did not occur either during or after embolization because of an increase in vascular resistance. During and after embolization the incremental increase in uterine blood flow was blunted or decreased in most, but not all, animals. A rapid, progressive, and persistent decrease in umbilical flow occurred in the growth-retarded group. The significance of these findings relative to intrauterine growth is discussed.
Immune Response to Tissue‐Restricted Self‐Antigens Induces Airway Inflammation and Fibrosis Following Murine Lung Transplantation

Immune responses against lung-associated self-antigens (self-Ags) are hypothesized to play a role in the development of chronic lung graft rejection. We determined whether immune responses to lung self-Ags, K-alpha-1-tubulin (Kα1T) and Collagen V (Col-V) in the absence of alloimmunity, could promote airway inflammation and fibrosis. Following syngeneic murine orthotopic lung transplantation (LTx) we administered antibodies (Abs) to either Kα1T or Col-V or in combination to both of these self-Ags. As compared to recipients of isotype control Abs, Kα1T Abs and/or Col-V Abs-treated recipients had marked lung graft cellular infiltration and bronchiolar fibrosis. This inflammation was also associated the accumulation of Kα1T and Col-V-specific interferon-γ+ and IL-17+ T cells. Notably, the administration of Abs to Kα1T led to cellular and humoral immune responses to Col-V prior to development of fibrosis, and vice versa, indicating that epitope spreading can occur rapidly in an alloantigen independent manner. Collectively, these data support a model of chronic LTx rejection where the progressive loss of self-tolerance through epitope spreading promotes airway fibrosis. Strategies that target autoreactive Abs may be useful to inhibit chronic rejection of lung grafts.
Analysis and Critique of Mongolia's Draft Law on Information Technology

Mongolia's Ministry of Infrastructure has proposed a Draft Law on Information Technology that is now being considered by Mongolia's State Great Khural, the country's parliament. The core conclusion of this analysis and critique is that the Draft Law as it now stands would do significant harm to Mongolia's vibrant and promising information and communication technology (ICT) sector. For the reasons detailed in this analysis, the Draft Law should be substantially revised and rewritten. To fulfill its responsibilities as the guardian of the people of Mongolia, the Great Khural must give careful consideration to each of the many policy choices that would be codified in the provisions of the Draft Law. An alarmingly high portion of the policy choices in the Draft Law will cause harm to Mongolia's national Internet and e-commerce sectors and to its future as a competitive player in the global information and communication technology markets. Many provisions are confused and confusing, apparently reflecting a lack of technical understanding. At home, the Draft Law would crush e-commerce with unnecessary regulatory burdens, block effective deployment of new technologies and infrastructures, raise the costs of Mongolia's ICT enterprises, restrict the range and reduce the quality of communications services, and increase the monthly bills for Mongolian users. If the Draft Law is approved and implemented as it is currently written, Mongolian citizens will be saddled with fewer choices, older technology, slower connectivity, higher prices, irrational limits on technology, and more bureaucracy. Perhaps worst of all, the Draft Law's burdensome regulations are so vague and expansive that they will undoubtedly open new vistas for governmental abuse and corruption. For Mongolia, the net result would be a costly tragedy of short-sightedness and a squandering of potential: with its high levels of education, literacy, and technical skills, the country is well-situated to be a highly competitive player in the global market for ICT services. Mongolia deserves much better than the broken legal framework of the Draft Law on Information Technology. If the country is to foster entrepreneurship, local enterprise, and low-cost, high-quality ICTs for all Mongolians, the Draft Law must be thoroughly reconsidered and rewritten.
Amino terminus of substance P potentiates kainic acid-induced activity in the mouse spinal cord

Sensitization to the behavioral effects produced by repeated injections of kainic acid (KA) into the mouse spinal cord area has been previously shown to be abolished by pretreatment with capsaicin, a neurotoxin of substance P (SP)-containing primary afferent C-fibers. While SP has a variety of well characterized biological actions that are mediated by interactions of its COOH terminus with neurokinin receptors, more recently we have characterized an amino-terminally directed SP binding site. The present studies were initiated to determine whether behavioral sensitization to repeated injections of intrathecally administered KA is mediated by the COOH or NH2 terminal of SP. In the present studies, pretreatment with SP(1-7), an NH2-terminal fragment of SP, but not SP(5-11), a COOH-terminal fragment, potentiated KA-induced behavioral activity in mice. Pretreatment with [D-Pro2,D-Phe7]SP(1-7), an inhibitor of SP NH2-terminal binding, blocked the potentiative effect of SP(1-7) as well as the sensitization to repeated injections of KA. In contrast, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, a neurokinin antagonist, had little effect on behavioral sensitization to KA. The present study suggests that SP has an important modulatory role on excitatory amino acid activity in the spinal cord that is mediated by an action of the NH2 terminal of SP at a non-neurokinin receptor.
Canonical forms of context-free grammars and position restricted grammar forms

This paper deals with the question of canonical forms, or canonical types, for both grammar forms and context-free grammars. Certain canonical types are position restricted if they depend only upon the positions of terminals and nonterminals. We show that with a few very minor restrictions every possible production-type may be specified as a canonical type for arbitrary context free grammars. The result does not hold for grammar forms where a certain restriction must be made.
Eliminating the Residual Negative Pressure in the Endoscopic Ultrasound Aspirating Needle Enhances Cytology Yield of Pancreas Masses

Prior to withdrawing the EUS-FNA needle from the lesion, the stopcock of the suction syringe is closed to reduce contamination. Residual negative pressure (RNP) may persist in the needle despite closing the stopcock. To determine whether neutralizing RNP before withdrawing the needle will improve the cytology yield. Bench-top testing was done to confirm the presence of RNP followed by a prospective, randomized, cross-over study on patients with pancreas mass. Ten milliliters of suction was applied to the FNA needle. Before withdrawing the needle from the lesion, the stopcock was closed. Based on randomization, the first pass was done with the stopcock either attached to the needle (S+) or disconnected (S−) to allow air to enter and neutralize RNP and accordingly the second pass was crossed over to S+ or S−. On-site cytopathologist was blinded to S+/S−. Bench tests confirmed the presence of RNP which was successfully neutralized by disconnecting the syringe (S−) from the needle. Sixty patients were enrolled, 120 samples analyzed. S+ samples showed significantly greater GI tract contamination compared to S− samples (16.7 vs. 6.7 %, p = 0.03). Of the 53 patients confirmed to have pancreas adenocarcinoma, FNA using S− approach was positive in 49 (93 %) compared to 40 using the S+ approach (76 %, p = 0.02). Despite closing the stopcock of the suction syringe, RNP is present in the FNA needle. Neutralizing RNP prior to withdrawing the needle from the target lesion significantly decreased GI tract contamination of the sample thereby improving the FNA cytology yield. NCT01995474.
CHAPTER 50 – Aging in the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Ovarian Axis

This chapter discusses the effects of aging on the hypothalamic–pituitary-ovarian axis. Reproductive aging is a complex process that involves multiple changes throughout the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis. Ovarian aging begins as soon as the ovarian follicle supply is maximized, in fetal life, and proceeds continuously until menopause. In humans, clinically apparent changes in cyclicity due to ovarian aging are not evident until ovarian reserve reaches a critically low level. Once a woman attains her final menstrual period, there is no further evidence of ovarian function or production of gonadal hormones. Aging of the hypothalamus becomes apparent in middle-aged rodents, and possibly in humans and nonhuman primates as well, when integration of the central nervous system signaling responsible for the induction of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and ovulation exhibits evidence of disruption. This disruption then contributes to ovulatory failure and acyclicity in rodent and primate models. In humans and higher primates, hypothalamic dysfunction appears to progress at a much slower rate than in rodents, with severe impairment and disruption of the circadian rhythmicity only evident in the terminal stages of old age.
Methods of the One-Electron Theory of Solids

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methods developed during the past fifteen years for calculating electron wave functions and electronic structures in solids. The emphasis is on method, the brief applications to actual solids serving for the purpose of illustration. One of the most fruitful methods devised for the solution of many-electron problems is the one-electron formulation, in which the total wave function for the system of electrons is chosen to be a combination of functions, each of which involves the coordinates of only one electron. It is this approximation which forms the basic framework for calculating electronic wave functions in solids. Equivalently, the method may be described by saying that each electron sees, in addition to the potential of the fixed charges, only some average potential due to the charge distribution of the other electrons, and moves essentially independently throughout the system. By means of this approximation, then, the solution of the many-electron problem is reduced to (1) finding the equations to be satisfied by .the one-particle wave functions and (2) finding accurate solutions to these equations for the electronic system under consideration. This chapter discusses the first of these problems, and discusses the methods for solving one-electron equations in crystals.
Computational study of ridge states in GaAs nanopillars

Semiconductor nanopillars have unique geometries that make them very promising materials for a variety of devices. In order to improve their performance, we need to understand how they are affected by ridge states that lie on the six corners of the nanopillar hexagon. Although the GaAs nanopillars are primarily zinc blende (ABC), stacking faults of wurtzite (AB) stacking occur. We use density-functional theory to study stacking faults using one-dimensional periodic geometries that have a combination of zinc blende and wurtzite stacking. In contrast to perfect zinc blende nanopillars, energetically favorable midgap ridge states created by stacking faults are found in these geometries using density-functional theory. The calculated band diagrams and densities of state help us to understand how these midgap states lead to a reduced mobility and carrier localization. We also study how sulfur passivation affects and potentially improves the performance by modifying the ridges.
Stabilization of linear dynamical systems with respect to arbitrary linear subspaces

Abstract The classical notion of stabilizing a controlled dynamical system to some specified equilibrium point is extended to include stabilization to a specified linear subspace. Necessary and sufficient conditions for existence of a solution are derived and an explicit solution recipe is given for one special case.
Modeling an InGaP/AlGaAs tunnel junction containing an AlAs diffusion barrier

Cost improvements in concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems can be achieved by operating at increased solar concentration. Current multijunction CPV systems are limited to about 1000× concentration by the performance of the tunnel junctions (TJ) which connect the subcells. The TJ requires materials which are doped in excess of 1019 cm-3 in order to operate effectively, and so are susceptible to diffusion during the growth of subsequent layers. This paper considers a tunnel junction comprised of tellurium doped n+-InGaP and carbon doped p+-AlGaAs with a several monolayers of AlAs at the interface. The diffusion profile of the dopants was found and used to calculate the tunneling current through a junction. Due to uncertainty in the diffusion constants of C and Te in the three layers, the tunneling current was calculated for several values of Dt. The diffusion constant ratio in the AlAs was taken as a fraction of the diffusion constant in the other two layers. A significant increase in peak tunneling current was seen for Dt>1×10-14 cm2 when a three monolayer thick AlAs barrier was present.
Queensborough Community College: Textbook Reserve Collection

Queensborough Community College analyzed the usage of their textbook reserve collection. The library discovered the collection is used most often at the beginning of the semester and around exam time. In addition, the library examined which textbooks by subjects circulate the most and the cost of maintaining the collection. The library concluded that the reserve textbook collection was valuable to the students based on the circulation statistics. The usage is three times the circulating collection even though the service is not advertised. The library wants to transition from print material to digital materials to improve access and accessibility.
Differential effects of antigen-nonspecific T-cell factors and lipopolysaccharide on the Ia antigens and surface immunoglobulins of BALB/c lymphoma cell lines

Abstract In order to study the mechanism of B-cell differentiation using B lymphoid tumor cells as models, we investigated the effects of antigen-nonspecific T-cell factors in combination with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of surface markers on B lymphoid cell lines. This study demonstrated that culture supernatant from concanavalin A-activated spleen cells (CAS) gave 2- to 3.5-fold enhancement of the expression of Ia antigens. The effect of CAS was dose dependent and as little as 2% CAS gave maximum enhancement of Ia antigen expression. The CAS effect was due to concanavalin A-activated cell products and was not due to the concanavalin A. The effects of allogeneic effect factor (AEF) on Ia antigens were similar to those of CAS. In contrast to CAS and AEF, LPS did not affect the expression of Ia antigens on ×16C 8.5. LPS enhanced 1.5- to 3-fold the expression of sIgM on this cell line. The expression of sIgM was minimally affected by T-cell factors; CAS induced 20 to 70% enhancement of sIgM expression while AEF induced no significant effects. This study showed that antigen-nonspecific factors (CAS and AEF) influenced mainly Ia expression on the B-cell lymphoma, ×16C 8.5, while LPS selectively affected sIgM expression. Therefore, it was concluded that the mechanisms by which B cells are activated by T-cell factors and mitogens are different.
Time- and dose-dependent effects of the serotonergic agent quipazine on regional cerebral metabolism in rats.

Abstract The time course and the relation to dose of regional cerebral metabolic rates for glucose (rCMRglc) were measured in awake male adult Fischer-344 rats after administration of quipazine, a serotonin 5-HT2–3 receptor agonist. rCMRglc was determined, using the quantitative autoradiographic [14C]deoxyglucose technique, in 92 brain regions at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after quipazine 20 mg/kg i.p. and at 60 min after quipazine 5 mg/kg i.p. Peak metabolic effects were observed 60 min after quipazine 20 mg/kg i.p. when rCMRglc was significantly elevated in 27 (29%) brain regions (mean rise 17%). Quipazine increased rCMRglc in brain regions with high densities of 5-HT3 receptors (area postrema, olfactory tubercle, amygdala), in dopaminergic nuclei (substantia nigra pars compacta and pars reticulata) and terminal fields of their projections (zona incerta, subthalamic nucleus, preoptic magnocellular area, nucleus of facial nerve). The topographic distribution and direction of rCMRglc changes induced by quizapine are different from those produced by the 5-HT2 agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane and, consistent with the pharmacological and binding properties of quipazine, suggest a preferential activation of 5-HT3 receptors.
Experimental observation of the hot-electron equilibrium in a minimum-B mirror plasma.

Measurements of the hot-electron (T=450 keV, n=2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$) equilibrium in the Constance B minimum-B magnetic mirror show that the pressure profile is peaked off the axis and is shaped like the seam on a baseball. This curve is the drift surface of the deeply trapped electrons and the location of the strongest microwave heating. The configuration is stable and decays quiescently on the hot-electron collisional time scale (1--2 s) after the microwave power is turned off. According to 1D pressure-weighted F dl/B analysis this plasma configuration is expected to be unstable.
Incidence and types of childhood esotropia: a population-based study.

Objective To describe the incidence and types of childhood esotropia in a defined population. Design Retrospective population-based cohort. Participants All pediatric ( Methods The medical records of all potential patients identified by the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Incidence and types of childhood esotropia. Results Three hundred eighty-five cases of childhood esotropia were identified during the 10-year period, yielding an annual age- and gender-adjusted incidence of 111.0 (95% confidence interval, 99.9–122.1) per 100 000 patients younger than 19 years of age. This rate corresponds to a cumulative prevalence of approximately 2.0% of all children younger than 6 years, with a significant decrease in older ages ( P Conclusions The incidence of childhood esotropia from this self-referred population-based study is comparable with prevalence rates reported among Western populations. Esotropia is most common during the first decade of life, with the accommodative and acquired nonaccommodative forms occurring most frequently. The congenital, sensory, and paralytic forms of childhood esotropia were less common in this population.
Learning and retention by monkeys of concurrent conditional discrimination reversals involving stimulus manipulation

Summary Six macaque monkeys were trained on a set of 8 conditional shape discrimination problems analogous to problems used by Braine (1963b) for the study of grammar acquisition. These problems were formed from 4 different shapes presented 2 or 3 at a time; 1 or 2 serving as movable discriminanda and the remaining one as a fixed cue. The object-shapes were organized arbitrarily into 2 categories without regard to shape characteristics, and a right-left position relationship established between the categories. Thus, 4 pairs of reversal problems were formed, each with a pair of conditional signs. The subjects were required to move one object from a starting position to a terminal position alongside another fixed object. The completed pattern was correct or not depending on the pre-established category relations. These problems were presented gradually through several stages until a criterion of 90 per cent correct responses could be achieved on all 8 problems in random order over 40 trials. Five subjects completed this basic series, reaching criterion after 2100 to 3600 trials. Four sets of transfer test problems were then given, involving the introduction of new object shapes, one by one, into the basic problems, either as discriminanda or as fixed cues. In 2 of these test sets, only 1 alternative stimulus was used, with 2 terminal positions open, 1 on each side of the conditional sign. Special training on this new form of the problem was given when necessary. Transfer test results were significantly positive when the new objects were fixed regardless of the problem form (one or two alternatives), but were not significant when the new objects were movable discriminanda. When the new objects were fixed, positive transfer was not impaired by the elimination of absolute terminal location as a cue for selection and placement. Retention tests were given on the basic 8 problems to 2 subjects after 1 1/2 months and to another 2 subjects after 2–3 or 4 years. Although retention of the basic 8 problems was poor, a rapid return of the motor skills involved in object movement was demonstrated.