cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrophied cardiomyocytes and their potential for rescue and recovery of ventricular function

Cardiomyocytes must be responsive to demands placed on the heart's contractile work as a muscular pump. In turn, myocyte size is largely dependent on the workload they perform. Both hypertrophied and atrophic myocytes are found in the normal and diseased ventricle. Individual myocytes become atrophic when encumbered by fibrillar collagen, such as occurs at sites of fibrosis. The mechanisms include: (a) being immobilized and subject to disuse with ensuing protein degradation mediated by redox-sensitive, proteolytic ligases of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and (b) dedifferentiated re-expressing fetal genes induced by low intracellular triiodothyronine (T3) via thyroid hormone receptor β1. This myocyte-selective, low T3 state is a consequence of heterocellular signaling emanating from juxtaposed scar tissue myofibroblasts and their secretome with its de novo generation of angiotensin II. In a paracrine manner, angiotensin II promotes myocyte Ca(2+) entry and subsequent Ca(2+) overload with ensuing oxidative stress that overwhelms antioxidant defenses to activate deiodinase-3 and its enzymatic degradation of T3. In the failing heart, atrophic myocytes represent an endogenous population of viable myocytes which could be rescued to augment contractile mass, reduce systolic wall stress (afterload) and recover ventricular function. Experimental studies have shown the potential for the rescue and recovery of atrophic myocytes in rebuilding the myocardium--a method complementary to today's quest in regenerating myocardium using progenitor cells.
Optimal mode transformations for linear-optical cluster-state generation

In this paper, we analyze the generation of linear-optical cluster states (LOCSs) via sequential addition of one and two qubits. Existing approaches employ the stochastic linear-optical two-qubit controlled-Z (CZ) gate with success rate of 1/9 per operation. The question of optimality of the CZ gate with respect to LOCS generation has remained open. We report that there are alternative schemes to the CZ gate that are exponentially more efficient and show that sequential LOCS growth is indeed globally optimal. We find that the optimal cluster growth operation is a state transformation on a subspace of the full Hilbert space. Finally, we show that the maximal success rate of postselected entangling n photonic qubits or m Bell pairs into a cluster is (1/2)n-1 and (1/4)m-1, respectively, with no ancilla photons, and we give an explicit optical description of the optimal mode transformations.
The effect of Norplant * on glucose metabolism under hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions †

Objectives To assess the impact of a levonorgestrel-releasing implant contraceptive (Norplant; Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA) on glucose metabolism. Design Prospective evaluation of insulin action and secretion in women under hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp conditions in the midfollicular phase before and 8 weeks after Norplant placement. Setting Yale University Clinical Research Center. Participants Seven previously normally cycling, nonobese, nondiabetic women participated in the study. Interventions Norplant insertion. Main Outcome Measures Basal levels of glucose and insulin, as well as glucose-mediated insulin secretion, glucose uptake, and tissue sensitivity to insulin were assessed using the hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique before and after Norplant insertion. Results Norplant placement did not alter the fasting glucose or insulin levels. However, it was associated with a significant 37% increase in the first phase insulin response from a control level of 51 ± 8 to 70 ± 10 μ U/mL (conversion factor to SI unit, 7.175), and a significant 48% increase in the second phase insulin response from 60 ± 5 to 89 ± 8 μ U/mL. In association with this increase in insulin levels after Norplant insertion, total mean body glucose uptake (M) increased from 8.08 ± 0.91 to 9.53 ± 0.95 mg/kg per minute. However, when expressed as the total body glucose uptake per unit of insulin, the M:I ratio (a measure of tissue sensitivity to insulin) decreased significantly from a mean of 0.12 ± 0.02 to 0.10 ± 0.01 mg/kg per minute per μ U/mL. Conclusion Although Norplant insertion does not alter basal glucose and insulin levels, tissue sensitivity to insulin under hyperglycemic hyperinsulinemic conditions is decreased after Norplant insertion.
Jury Verdicts and Preference Diversity

I develop a model of decision making in juries when there is uncertainty about jurors' preferences. I provide a characterization of the equilibrium strategy under any voting rule and show that nonunanimous rules are asymptotically efficient. Specifically, large juries make the correct decision with probability close to one. My analysis also demonstrates that under the unanimous rule, large juries almost never convict the defendant. The last result contrasts markedly with the literature and suggests that the unanimity rule can protect the innocent only at the price of acquitting the guilty.
Observation of Superfluorescence from Quantum Dots Created in Strong Magnetic Fields

A novel cooperative emission phenomenon is observed in InxGa1-xAs quantum dots created by strong magnetic confinement using fields up to 25 T and intense femtosecond laser excitation. The emission is reminiscent of superfluorescence.
Thermodynamics and Phase Relationships of Transition Metal-Sulfur Systems: Part V. A Reevaluation of the Fe-S System Using an Associated Solution Model for the Liquid Phase

The relevant thermodynamic and phase equilibrium data for the Fe-S binary system have been reevaluated in light of more recent data. An associated solution model is used to describe the thermodynamic properties of the liquid phase as a function of composition and temperature. For the pyrrhotite phase, a statistical thermodynamic model based on the formation of Frenkel defects in the lattice is used. For the austenite and ferrite phases, the solute is assumed to follow Henry’s law, and pyrite is taken to be a stoichiometric compound. The model parameters for the various phases are obtained by evaluating all relevant experimental data reported in the literature. The calculated phase diagram is in good agreement with the experimental data. The calculated sulfur activity values for the liquid phase agree well with experimental values including those at higher sulfur concentrations. This is an improvement of an earlier evaluation by Sharma and Chang using the same model with the same number of parameters.
Running Athlete in Office Practice

The running athlete has different needs from other athletes in terms of determination of his/her specific injury. Causation determination can be done through history. Specific pointers in terms of physical examination are noted to lead one to the diagnosis. Basic general treatment modalities are noted.
Carcinoid and Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of Bronchus in Children

Four patients with bronchial carcinoid and two patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the bronchus are presented. Presenting symptoms of these rare childhood tumors are chronic cough, hemoptysis, repeated bouts of pulmonary infection, and chest pain. Bronchoscopic examination should be considered in patients with these symptoms and is highly reliable in diagnosing these tumors. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Bronchial carcinoid and mucoepidermoid carcinoma have an excellent prognosis following conservative surgical resection.
Effects of transient transfection of pcDNA3-HBV on dendritic cells

Objective:To study the role of HBV infection on the function of dendritic cells(DCs) and explore the mechanism of immune tolerance in chronic B hepatitis.Methods: Bone marrow cells were isolated,cultured and transiently transfected with the pcDNA3-HBV or pcDNA3 plasmid DNA and then were cultured under the stimulation of GM-CSF,IL-4,TNF-α to be induced to become mature dendritic cells.RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of PreS1 mRNA.FCM was used to detect the expression of CD80,NF-κB.The 3H-TdR adulteration assay was used to detect the potential for stimulating the proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes.Results: After being transfected with pcDNA3-HBV,mature DCs had an expression of PreS1 mRNA,but had a lower level of superficial marker CD80 and transcriptional factor NF-κB,compared with pcDNA3-transfected control cells. The potential for stimulating the proliferation of allogenic lymphocytes was also decreased.Conclusion: Transient transfection of pcDNA3-HBV could decrease the function of DCs directly by inhibiting the maturation of DCs,which may be one of the mechanisms of immune tolerance in chronic B hepatitis.
A new approach to analyzing coevolving longitudinal networks in international relations

Previous models of international conflict have suffered two shortfalls. They tend not to embody dynamic changes, focusing rather on static slices of behavior over time across a single relational dimension. These models have also been empirically evaluated in ways that assumed the independence of each country, when in reality they are searching for the interdependence among all countries. A number of approaches are available now for analyzing relational data such as international conflict in a network context and a number of these can even handle longitudinal relational data, but none are developed to the point of exploring how networks can coevolve over time. We illustrate a solution to the limitations of existing approaches and apply this novel, dynamic, network based approach to study the dependencies among the ebb and flow of daily international interactions using a newly developed, and openly available, database of events among nations.
Incidence of four chronic diseases in Zhangjiagang City in 2011

[Objective]To analyze the incidence of four chronic diseases(malignant tumor,coronary heart disease,stroke and diabetes mellitus) among residents in Zhangjiagang City in 2011,provide both basic information and scientific basis for the relevant departments to formulate health policy and evaluate the effect of disease control and prevention.[Methods]Based on the annual report of chronic diseases in Zhangjiagang City in 2011,the data of chronic diseases were analyzed statistically.[Results]The incidence of four chronic diseases was 1 729.88/lakh in Zhangjiagang City in 2011,and the incidence in males(1 827.62/lakh) was higher than that in females(1 634.83/lakh).The incidence of chronic diseases showed an upward tendency with age.[Conclusion]Malignant tumor,coronary heart disease,stroke,as well as diabetes mellitus have become the major chronic diseases that affect the health of residents.It is necessary to actively carry out prevention measures and reduce the incidence of four chronic diseases,to improve the residents' life quality.
Connection between the glass transition temperature Tg and the Arrhenius temperature TA in supercooled liquids

Abstract At high temperatures the structural relaxation time in liquids has Arrhenius temperature dependence. At lowering temperature, temperature dependence changes to a super Arrhenius at some temperature TA. This temperature is an important point for the structural relaxation dynamics in supercooled liquids because it reflects the transition to collective relaxation. Here we derive a relation between TA, the glass transition temperature Tg and fragility. We show that the ratio Tg/TA increases with increasing fragility of a liquid. The derived relation is in agreement with the experimental data in a series of molecular, hydrogen bonding and two inorganic glass-formers.
Agent-Based Modeling

Agent-based modeling is a computational simulating method which uses autonomous agents that live, move, and interact with each other on a virtual environment (world). In addition to capability of interacting with each other, the agents are capable of affecting and changing the world as well. Agent-based modeling is a great tool for researchers to define the initial properties of agents and environment and also rules of change and interaction and observe what would emerge from these interactions after a period of time is passed.
Predictors of treatment outcomes following salvage intravesical chemotherapy in patients with prior BCG treatment.

e16015Background: Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for patients who fail intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). For patients unwilling ...
An analysis of key characteristics of the Frank-Read source process in FCC metals

Abstract A well-known intragranular dislocation source, the Frank-Read (FR) source plays an important role in size-dependent dislocation multiplication in crystalline materials. Despite a number of studies in this topic, a systematic investigation of multiple aspects of the FR source in different materials is lacking. In this paper, we employ large scale quasistatic concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) simulations to model an edge dislocation bowing out from an FR source in Cu, Ni, and Al. First, a number of quantities that are important for the FR source process are quantified in the coarse-grained domain. Then, two key characteristics of the FR source, including the critical shear stress and critical dislocation configuration, are investigated. In all crystalline materials, the critical stresses and the aspect ratio of the dislocation half-loop height to the FR source length scale well with respect to the FR source length. In Al, the critical stress calculated by CAC simulations for a given FR source length agrees reasonably well with a continuum model that explicitly includes the dislocation core energy. Nevertheless, the predictions of the isotropic elastic theory do not accurately capture the FR source responses in Cu and Ni, which have a relatively large stacking fault width and elastic anisotropy. Our results highlight the significance of directly simulating the FR source activities using fully 3D models and shed light on developing more accurate continuum models.
Gastrointestinal Diseases During Pregnancy

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common during pregnancy. Frequent complaints include gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and functional bowel symptoms, such as constipation. These disorders can adversely affect quality of life. Screening and appropriate management of gastrointestinal disorders during pregnancy are key. In the case of GERD and function bowel disorders, it is important to identify associated triggers and lifestyle modifications should be recommended as initial strategy. Similarly, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a disease that commonly affects women in their childbearing years. For women with IBD, preconception counseling and careful follow-up during pregnancy and the postpartum period are important in preventing negative pregnancy and birth outcomes. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of action of medications as well as their risk benefit profile is important when counseling patients on management options.
Using budding yeast to study properties and function of the human Replication Protein A2 N-terminus in response to specific-types of DNA damage

BackgroundReplication Protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric complex that serves critical roles in eukaryotic genome duplication and maintenance. In human cells, the N-terminus (NT) of the 32-kDa subu...
The effect of submandibular gland preservation during level 1B neck dissection on postoperative xerostomia

Abstract Objective Compare the presence and degree of postoperative xerostomia following preservation or excision of the submandibular gland (SMG) during level IB neck dissection (ND) without adjuvant radiation. Methods Retrospective review with patient questionnaire administered to patients with pT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who underwent resection and ND with SMG preservation or SMG excision without postoperative radiation from 2011 to 2015. We analyzed an additional control group that was age and gender-matched and had not undergone oral resection or SMG excision. We compared the scores reported by the three groups from three questionnaires: University of Michigan Xerostomia Quality of Life (XeQoL), Short Form-8 (SF-8), and a xerostomia severity scale (XSS). Dry mouth severity (DMS) was calculated based on XSS scores among those complaining of any xerostomia. Results Eleven SMG preservation group, 14 SMG excision group and 15 control group patients completed the survey. Complication and recurrence rates were comparable among experimental groups. No differences were identified between the two experimental groups for the XeQoL, SF-8, and XSS questionnaires ( p = 0.96, 0.87, 0.7). Control patients reported less xerostomia on XeQoL ( p = 0.046) and XSS ( p = 0.01) compared to the experimental groups combined with no statistical difference in SF-8 scores ( p = 0.25). No patients in either group developed regional recurrence in level IB. Conclusion SMG preservation, though technically and oncologically sound, does not appear in this study to reduce xerostomia. Oral resection with ND may result in some degree of xerostomia perception.
Resource Allocation in Intimate Relationships

A considerable literature now exists dealing with the rules or norms by which people divide resources in their intimate relationships—that is, in their friendships, family relationships, and romantic relationships. Researchers have often suggested or implied that a single rule is likely to the rule governing the giving and receiving of benefits in intimate relationships. They have examined both adherence to various rules in these relationships and satisfaction in the relationship given the apparent use of one particular rule or another.
New global estimates of child poverty and their sensitivity to alternative equivalence scales

This paper uses micro-data from household surveys from 89 countries to estimate the rate of extreme poverty among children in the developing world. 19.5% of children are estimated to live on less than $1.90 per day, as opposed to 9.2% of adults. Poverty rates for children remain above 17%, and are greater than adult poverty rates, for all reasonable two-parameter equivalence scales.
Comparison of energy storage configurations in railway microgrids

Energy storage systems (ESSs) that are composed of batteries and supercapacitors are increasingly being used as receptors for regenerative braking energy (RBE) in railway applications. These ESSs can be installed on-board the rolling vehicle, or off-board wayside, or mixed on- and off-board. This paper presents a comparison of three different ESSs topologies applicable in trains powered by a dc feed from substations with diode-based rectifiers. These substations cannot return RBE to the grid, requiring utilization of RBE by available receptive loads and ESSs connected to the dc power network. The dc power network is modeled as a dynamic dc micro-grid and this paper shows the impact of the ESS topology in the overall efficiency of a RBE recovery system. Maintaining the ESS components off-board provides the least overall energy consumption from a unidirectional substation. Although placing a supercapacitor onboard might intuitively appear to improve RBE utilization, the additional energy consumption to carry the ESS component mass reduces the benefits of an on-board system.
Sub-Doppler Spectroscopy With a CMOS Transmitter

A compact and low-power complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based transmitter with an operational bandwidth of 90–105 GHz has been deployed as the radiation source in a high-resolution sub-Doppler (Lamb-dip) absorption spectrometer. The source output can be both frequency and amplitude modulated allowing for the application of highly sensitive detection schemes commonly used in molecular spectroscopy. The CMOS transmitter has been shown to have sufficient output power to perform spectral hole burning saturation experiments and a phase-noise floor low enough to determine spectral line positions with a precision of 1 part in 10 $^{\mathbf 9}$ to accuracy within the error of measurements made with traditional millimeter-wave sources.
Ferrochelatase π-helix: Implications from examining the role of the conserved π-helix glutamates in porphyrin metalation and product release.

Abstract Protoporphyrin ferrochelatase catalyzes the insertion of Fe2+ into protoporphyrin IX to form heme. To determine whether a conserved, active site π-helix contributes to the translocation of the metal ion substrate to the ferrochelatase-bound porphyrin substrate, the invariant π-helix glutamates were replaced with amino acids with non-negatively charged side chains, and the kinetic mechanisms of the generated variants were examined. Analysis of yeast wild-type ferrochelatase-, E314Q- and E318Q-catalyzed reactions, under multi- and single-turnover conditions, demonstrated that the mutations of the π-helix glutamates hindered both protoporphyrin metalation and release of the metalated porphyrin, by slowing each step by approximately 30–50%. Protoporphyrin metalation occurred with an apparent pKa of 7.3 ± 0.1, which was assigned to binding of Fe2+ by deprotonated Glu-314 and Glu-314-assisted Fe2+ insertion into the porphyrin ring. We propose that unwinding of the π-helix concomitant with the adoption of a protein open conformation positions the deprotonated Glu-314 to bind Fe2+ from the surface of the enzyme. Transition to the closed conformation, with π-helix winding, brings Glu-314-bound Fe2+ to the active site for incorporation into protoporphyrin.
Metabolic Activation of Methyldopa by Cytochrome P450-Generated Superoxide Anion

Renewed interest in the hepatic injury produced by methyldopa (MD) has been stimulated by recent reports that the antihypertensive drug may initiate chronic active liver disease, occasionally with a fatal outcome (1–3). The hepatic damage has been attributed to hypersensitivity rather than to direct toxicity, but careful review reveals that the syndrome is similar to that produced by isoniazid (4). Most individuals fail to show constitutional features indicative of an allergic response and usually demonstrate hepatic injury upon rechallenge only after lengthy reexposure to MD. Moreover, MD produces mild, clinically covert hepatic injury in more than 15% of recipients when liver function tests are monitored (5), and thus the injury is not restricted to rare, idiosyncratic individuals. To determine if the toxicity produced by MD might be due to a reactive intermediate, [3H] MD was incubated with liver microsomes.
Nonoperative Applications of Placental Tissue Matrix in Orthopaedic Sports Injuries: A Review of Literature.

Objective Recently, various amniotic tissue and placental-based tissue matrix (PTM) products have become increasingly available as a nonoperative treatment for tendinopathies and orthopaedic sports injuries. The aim of this review was to evaluate: (1) safety and efficacy of nonoperative use of PTM products, in acute and chronic tendon injuries and (2) the commercially available tissue options to better understand their differences. Data sources A comprehensive literature search was performed. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting on: (1) nonoperative uses of PTM therapy in sports injuries; and (2) clinical outcomes; in (3) human subjects. We excluded: (1) animal studies; (2) basic science studies; (3) non-English language literature; (4) review articles; and (5) duplicate studies. In addition, to determine the various product formulations, their tissue contents, and indications for use, we searched publicly available website content, marketing literature, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration documents. Main results Current evidence investigated various PTM products for the treatment of various tendon injuries with demonstrated efficacy mainly in the short term with follow-up ranging between 6 weeks and 3 months. In addition, across all studies, no specific adverse events were reported. Substantial differences exist among the currently available products due to variations in their tissue source, formulations, processing methods, method of sterilization, preservation, and storage, indications for use, and FDA regulation. Conclusions Placental- and amniotic membrane-derived tissues seem to be safe for the nonoperative treatment of tendinopathies. However, several factors may affect the efficacy and safety profile of these products, and the orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of the differences.
Should you reassess your patient’s asthma diagnosis?

Asthma may not be a permanent diagnosis in adults. A study finds that up to one-third of adults with physician-diagnosed asthma no longer had it after 5 years.
The Spectral Classification of Stars over the last 200, 100, 75 years and in the future

This year 2018 has great historical and current significance for stellar spectral classification. Two hundred years ago in Reggio Emilia, Italy, was born Angelo Secchi, a pioneer of observing and classifying the spectra of stars. At the beginning of the IAU, almost a hundred years ago, one of its original Commissions was entitled the Spectral Classification of Stars, from which was generated Commission 45, Spectral Classification and Multi-band Colour Indices. And seventy-five years ago, was published the system-changing MKK, An Atlas of Stellar Spectra . Through this necessarily brief, historical view we shall recall how spectral classification, supported internationally by the IAU, continually updated its techniques, while remaining anchored to standards. This has ensured that the MK classification process stays very relevant to the initial characterizing of stars in the 21 st century era of large spectral surveys.
Low-cost, high-speed near-infrared confocal microscope

We developed a low-cost, high-speed near infrared confocal microscope. Material cost was approximately $5,000. In vivo confocal images of human skin acquired at 203 frame/sec clearly visualized cellular features, including keratinocytes and melanocytes.
Application of a novel cyclic ion mobility-mass spectrometer to the analysis of synthetic polymers: A preliminary evaluation.

RATIONALE Mass spectrometry (MS) is often employed in the characterisation of synthetic polymers. As polymer architecture becomes more complex, ion mobility (IM) is increasingly being coupled with MS to provide an additional dimension of separation, along with structural information. In this study, we explore the use of a novel cyclic ion mobility (cIM) mass spectrometer for the analysis of a co-polymer sample. METHODS A solution of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(propylene glycol) random co-polymer (PEG-ran-PPG) was used as a representative polymer sample. The solution was infused into a cIM-enabled quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. An m/z region of interest, selected using the quadrupole, was passed around the cIM device multiple times. Subsequently, regions of an arrival time distribution were 'sliced' and subjected to tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analysis. RESULTS Typical, multiply charged series were observed for the polymer under electrospray ionisation. Multiple passes of the cIM device resulted in the separation of otherwise-overlapping charge states within a narrow m/z window (~3 m/z units), allowing individual selection of ions. These isolated ions were then subjected to post-mobility fragmentation resulting in clean, high-resolution product ion spectra, with a significant reduction in interference. CONCLUSIONS Scalable IM separation (IMS), brought about by passing ions multiple times around the cIM device, was demonstrated to provide increased IM resolution for ions in the selected m/z window. After multiple passes, deconvoluted high-resolution MS/MS product ion spectra were successfully acquired for ions that previously had interfering overlapping species present.
Cognitive disparities between US- and foreign-born individuals

This study aims to assess whether heterogeneity in cognitive functioning trajectories differ across racial/ethnic and nativity (REN) groups, as well as if gender, level of education, physical comorbidities, history of health behaviors, and functional limitations reflect the processes associated with cumulative advantage (disadvantage), persistent inequality, and age as leveler. The empirical work of this study is based on the 1996–2012 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Growth curve modeling is used to assess the aims of this study. Long-term change in cognitive functioning trajectories are shaped along REN lines. US-born whites have significantly better cognitive function but experience a faster rate of cognitive deterioration than foreign-born whites, as well as foreign- and US-born blacks, Mexicans, other Hispanics, and other racial ethnic groups, even after taking gender, level of education, health behaviors, and the relevant chronic and physical health conditions into account. There is a pressing need for more culturally appropriate and culturally adapted programs and preventive strategies that take the cultural, linguistic, and other specific needs and issues of individuals in different REN groups into account. There remains a pressing need for an integrated treatment and screening for physical comorbidities, functional limitations, and cognitive interventions.
Reply to Bowling: How specific emotions are primary in subjective experience.

Our study in PNAS (1) applies a mathematically based framework to the study of reported emotional experience evoked by music in the United States and China. Germane to theoretical debate, our methods reveal how specific emotions such as “triumph” are more primary across cultures than valence and arousal, a finding replicated in studies of emotional expression (2⇓⇓–5) and consistent with new insights into the brain representation emotion (6). Bowling’s commentary (7) calls into question this conclusion, largely basing his rebuttal upon the limits of self-report data. In … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: alan.cowen{at}berkeley.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
The biology of lipid droplet-bound mitochondria

Proper regulation of cellular lipid storage and oxidation is indispensable for the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis and health. Mitochondrial function has been shown to be a main determinant of functional lipid storage and oxidation, which is of particular interest for the adipose tissue, as it is the main site of triacylglyceride storage in lipid droplets (LDs). Recent studies have identified a subpopulation of mitochondria attached to LDs, peridroplet mitochondria (PDM) that can be separated from cytoplasmic mitochondria (CM) by centrifugation. PDM have distinct bioenergetics, proteome, cristae organization and dynamics that support LD build-up, however their role in adipose tissue biology remains largely unexplored. Therefore, understanding the molecular basis of LD homeostasis and their relationship to mitochondrial function and attachment in adipocytes is of major importance.
Environmental Education, Knowledge and Awareness in China: A Case of Xiamen University Students

This study documents China’s efforts to build its formal environmental education system and explores university students’ environmental knowledge and awareness using a survey carried out at Xiamen University, which is located on the southeastern coast of China. We find that the Chinese state made rapid progress in setting up environmental studies programs in its institutions of higher education, but it took the state over two decades to build a nationwide curriculum integrated with environmental studies for primary and secondary schools. The survey data revealed that these efforts have borne fruit. Students have improved in their environmental knowledge over time. Nevertheless, students remain disconnected from most environmental organizations. This may hinder China’s efforts to harness their environmental knowledge for the sake of effective action toward safeguarding the environment. The state should help encourage further cooperation among different social groups so China has a chance to fulfill its potential to become a global leader on environmental issues.
Socio-Economic Spillovers from Special Economic Zones: Evidence from Cambodia

This study examines the socio-economic impact of special economic zones (SEZs) in Cambodia---a prominent place-based policy established in 2005. The paper employs a database on existing and future SEZs in Cambodia with matched household surveys at the district level and documents stylized facts on SEZs in a low-income country setting. To identify causal effects of the SEZ program, the paper (i) constructs an alternative control group including future SEZ program participants and districts adjacent to SEZ hosts; and (ii) employs a propensity score weighting technique. The study finds that entry of SEZs disproportionately benefits female workers and leads to a decline of income inequality at a district level. However, the findings also suggest that land values in SEZ districts tend to rise while wage levels remain largely unchanged relative to other districts. In addition, the paper tests for socio-economic spillovers to surrounding areas and for agglomeration effects associated with clusters of multiple SEZs.
Impact of patient characteristics and perceived barriers on referral to exercise rehabilitation among patients with pulmonary hypertension in the United States

Exercise rehabilitation is underutilized in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension despite improving exercise capacity and quality of life. We sought to understand the association between (1...
Creating the path to success: The impact of crowdsourced exploratory and exploitative activities of expert graphic designers on creativity performance

Abstract This article investigates (a) how serial idea generators in crowdsourcing contests adjust strategies (e.g., exploiting existing expertise and exploring new approaches) over time in response to the relative success of their prior creative ideas, and (b) how these changes in competitive strategies influence subsequent creativity performance. The research was conducted on Threadless, a website that crowdsources the creation of graphic designs through an ongoing competition. Empirical results from a longitudinal sample of 86 serial designers and their 1,714 submissions indicated that a higher level of design expertise was related to less exploration and greater exploitation behavior. Exploitation was also found to contribute to generating ideas that were highly rated by the crowd. For the crowdsourcer’s decision as to whether to transform a submitted idea into a product for sale, neither exploration nor exploitation was found to be significant when controlling for crowd rating. Theoretical and practical implications for crowdsourcing are discussed.
Development of Coarse-Grained Models for Poly(4-vinylphenol) and Poly(2-vinylpyridine): Polymer Chemistries with Hydrogen Bonding.

In this paper, we identify the modifications needed in a recently developed generic coarse-grained (CG) model that captured directional interactions in polymers to specifically represent two exemplary hydrogen bonding polymer chemistries—poly(4-vinylphenol) and poly(2-vinylpyridine). We use atomistically observed monomer-level structures (e.g., bond, angle and torsion distribution) and chain structures (e.g., end-to-end distance distribution and persistence length) of poly(4-vinylphenol) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) in an explicitly represented good solvent (tetrahydrofuran) to identify the appropriate modifications in the generic CG model in implicit solvent. For both chemistries, the modified CG model is developed based on atomistic simulations of a single 24-mer chain. This modified CG model is then used to simulate longer (36-mer) and shorter (18-mer and 12-mer) chain lengths and compared against the corresponding atomistic simulation results. We find that with one to two simple modifications (e.g., incorporating intra-chain attraction, torsional constraint) to the generic CG model, we are able to reproduce atomistically observed bond, angle and torsion distributions, persistence length, and end-to-end distance distribution for chain lengths ranging from 12 to 36 monomers. We also show that this modified CG model, meant to reproduce atomistic structure, does not reproduce atomistically observed chain relaxation and hydrogen bond dynamics, as expected. Simulations with the modified CG model have significantly faster chain relaxation than atomistic simulations and slower decorrelation of formed hydrogen bonds than in atomistic simulations, with no apparent dependence on chain length.
Herding on Stars in CEO Compensation

We study the compensation influence of highly central firms (“stars”) in CEO compensation peer networks. We find that lower-profile firms covertly tie CEO compensation to these influential “stars.” We propose a “Herding on stars” hypothesis: lower-profile, agency-prone firms herd on the same set of stars and avoid shareholder scrutiny. Better governance and reputable compensation consultants diminish herding. Herding-driven excess pay does not elicit negative ISS recommendations or shareholder opposition. Herding emerges after the 2006 SEC rule inadvertently identified firms with the greatest compensation influence. Evidence suggests that such herding contributes to the rapid increase in CEO pay at smaller, less visible firms.
CPAP adherence is associated with reduced risk for stroke among older adult Medicare beneficiaries with obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Objectives:To examine the impact of adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on risk of stroke among a nationally representative sample of older adults with obstructive...
A behavioral study on the factors influencing selection of restaurants online during COVID-19 using multivariate statistical analysis

In e-commerce landscapes, online food ordering and delivery service is emerging as the fastest growing industry. Indian food delivery market size is expected to reach 7.5 to 8 billion US dollars in 2023. With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, many dine-in restaurants are closed and online food ordering is affected enormously. This study is aimed to capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customers who order food online and analyze the various factors that influence the selection of restaurants online. The role of demographic variables of the respondents on the influencing factors, mode of payment, satisfaction, number of orders, and the most ordered meal is also studied. A self-administered questionnaire is used in this study to collect responses from 403 customers with a past experience of ordering food online. Two major factors emphasising on product and service are obtained as an outcome from Exploratory Factor Analysis that explains 67.72% of the total variance of choosing a restaurant online. Further, the measurement model fit is validated through Structural Equation Modeling. From the validated model, the product factor includes taste, price, discount and offer, the quantity of food, hygiene, and brand name. The service factor includes novelty, location of the restaurant, variety, packaging, nutrition, and promptness of delivery. Due to COVID-19, there is a 70.9% drop in the average frequency of ordering food online during the study period. Among the genders, men place higher food orders per month than women. Dinner is the most ordered meal and breakfast is the least ordered meal among all age categories. Taste is the most influencing factor that influences the customer in selecting a restaurant online, followed by hygiene, the quantity of food, discount and offers.
Review of American Government: Edited by Glen Krutz and Sylvie Waskiewicz. Houston: OpenStax, 2019. $0.00 electronic.

The market for introductory United States Government textbooks is highly saturated. Offerings come in all lengths, prices, and quality. While many offer high-tech features pitched as meeting studen...
Transverse injection of rich, premixed, natural gas-air and natural gas-hydrogen-air reacting jets into high-speed vitiated crossflow at engine-relevant conditions

Abstract The transverse injection of rich, premixed natural gas and air (NG-air) and natural gas, hydrogen, and air (NG-H2-air) reacting jets into a high-speed vitiated crossflow was investigated in this work at engine-relevant conditions. The high-speed vitiated crossflow at bulk velocities of approximately 114 and 256 m/s corresponds to crossflow Mach numbers of nominally M a ∞ = 0.15 and 0.35, respectively. For the M a ∞ = 0.15 crossflow, a minimum jet equivalence ratio near ϕ J = 1.4 was required to stabilize the NG-air flame near the elevated injector. Flame stabilization within the viewing window (up to approximately 90 mm downstream of injection) was not observed at M a ∞ = 0.35 for NG-air based on OH∗ chemiluminescence (CL) imaging. Hydrogen was added to the premixed jet and different levels of minimum hydrogen fuel fraction x H 2 were needed to stabilize the flame near the injector, depending on ϕ J . For both NG-air and NG-H2-air jets, flame stabilization near the injector resulted in a significant increase in ΔNOX emissions. The flame position and structure were observed to be different for very rich jets near ϕ J = 2.3 compared to moderately rich jets near ϕ J = 1.4, based on OH∗-CL and OH planar laser-induced fluorescence. For M a ∞ = 0.15, reactions in the windward shear layer were also apparent at x H 2 near 60%. The measurements presented in this paper, to the best of our knowledge, are the first reported measurements in the literature for premixed NG-H2-air reacting jets injected into a vitiated crossflow.
Multicultural Issues in School-Based Consultation: Conceptual and Research Considerations

Abstract In this article, we review literature relevant to multicultural issues in school-based consultation. Specifically, multicultural literature in the counseling and psychotherapy fields is presented as it relates to consultation. Ways in which culture may affect the consultant, consultee, and client are suggested. Because of the paucity of multicultural research in consultation and lack of major break-throughs in multicultural research as related to consultation, a conceptual framework related to the utility of multicultural issues is presented as a new paradigm for future investigations.
Physical and genetic map of the Serpulina hyodysenteriae B78T chromosome.

A combined physical and genetic map of the Serpulina hyodysenteriae B78T genome was constructed by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and DNA blot hybridizations. The S. hyodysenteriae genome is a single circular chromosome about 3.2 Mb in size. The physical map of the chromosome was constructed with the restriction enzymes BssHII, EclXI, NotI, SalI, and SmaI. The physical map was used to constructed a linkage map for genes encoding rRNA, flagellum subunit proteins, DNA gyrase, NADH oxidase, and three distinct hemolysins. Several flaB2-related loci, encoding core flagellum subunit proteins, were detected and are dispersed around the chromosome. The rRNA gene organization in S. hyodysenteriae is unusual. S. hyodysenteriae has one gene each for 5S (rrf), 16S (rrs), and 23S (rrl) rRNAs. The rrf and rrl genes are closely linked (within 5 kb), while the rrs gene is about 860 kb from the other two rRNA genes. Using a probe for the S. hyodysenteriae gyrA gene, we identified a possible location for the chromosomal replication origin. The size and genetic organization of the S. hyodysenteriae chromosome are different from those of previously characterized spirochetes. Images
Why does heterogeneity matter

Heterogeneity is a popular ‘‘buzzword’’ in ecology, especially landscape ecology. It reminds us that in real systems we do not have the luxury to speak in terms of mean fields or homogenous processes. Heterogeneity does not imply randomness. As Turner & Chapin point out in Chapter 2, when heterogeneity is a manifestation of some process or patterning-agent, we can study it at one scale to help us understand the patterns at a different scale. As we incorporate ideas of scale into ecological analyses, we are often examining heterogeneous processes that at some smaller scale break-down into more predictable continuous processes. Ecosystems Function in Heterogeneous Landscapes is an edited volume from the 10th Cary conference held in 2003. The Cary conference series has been running biennially since 1985; participants are selected due to their substantial contributions to a particular topic and are brought together to synthesize the state of the science for the particular topic. In the five sections of this volume, the authors seek to lay out the sources of heterogeneity in different systems and evaluate how they contribute to our understanding of patterns and processes with regards to system function. Section one contains four chapters outlining some of the challenges arising from heterogeneous landscapes as well as the conceptual approaches for dealing with them. Turner and Chapin discuss heterogeneity in terms of point processes and interacting flows of resources. They start with first principles like Jenny’s theory of soil generation and continue through some of the major heterogeneity generating mechanisms such as current flows, biotic feedbacks, and how the variation they generate promotes new flows within the heterogeneous system. White and Brown, in Chapter 3, pick up on some of these themes by describing the physical template and suggest characterizing landscapes quantitatively as systems of gradients, patches and networks. They describe briefly the primary methods by which these structures are explored: gradient models, scaling laws, and fractals. They also remind us of the fundamental fact that appropriate scale is always relevant to the organisms and processes under consideration. Pastor (Chapter 4) again deals with flows and patches in the context of coupled differential equations to show how Lotka-Volterra dynamics can instill stable heterogeneous states in the absence of a heterogeneous environment and Reiners (Chapter 5) goes so far as to name ten transport mechanisms as an K. B. Pierce Jr. (&) Landscape Ecology, Modeling, Mapping and Analysis Team, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA e-mail: kpierce@fs.fed.us
Material characterization of chemical vapor deposited TiB2 fibers

Titanium diboride fiber which is capable of reinforcing metal matrices at high temperatures has been developed by chemical vapor deposition method on tungsten core. A thermodynamic analysis of the TiCl4 + BCl3 + H2 system has been carried out to determine the operating conditions for the highest equilibrium yield of TiB2. The optimum experimental conditions for deposition are obtained. Surface morphologies of the deposits obtained were studied as functions of substrate surface temperature and concentration of reactants. Crystal orientation was determined by different analytical methods. Effect of thermal stresses on the deposit and a remedy to improve its effect were thoroughly studied. The resultant fibers showed reasonably good properties. 11 refs.
La crisis financiera chilena

The Chilean financial crisis that began in 1981 resulted in unrecoverable loan losses estimated to be at least 20 percent of Chile's gross domestic product as of the end of 1985. This paper provides an analytical framework that stresses the importance of
High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

Innovations in engineering, miniaturization, and control-system design have the potential to allow faster imaging by atomic force microscopes.