cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thirty Years of Reform and Opening Up: Teaching International Relations in China.

In 1978, Deng Xiaoping declared that China's future depended on gaige kaifang (reform and opening up to the West). By any standard, China has reformed its economic system and prospered handsomely by integrating into the world economy. With less fanfare, China has taken steps to restructure its political system and committed substantial resources to harmonizing relations with its neighbors. Given these changes, China's insular tradition, and Communist government, this article considers how the country's reemergence has impacted the teaching of international relations (IR) at Chinese universities. Using primary and secondary sources, including university Web sites written in Chinese and English, and about a dozen semi-structured interviews conducted in Beijing and Xi'an, this study concludes that although China has become actively engaged in IR and the internationalization of universities is evident, the government has yet to endorse fully the importance of IR as a discipline, and universities have not systematically adopted the theoretical toolbox developed outside of China to describe, explain, and predict behavior in IR.
U.S. Corporate Liability for Torts of (Foreign) Subsidiaries

Abstract:This paper explores the liabilities of a parent corporation for the tortious acts of its overseas subsidiaries and explores the doctrinal confusion inherent in current tests for piercing the corporate veil. It explains these apparent incoherencies through a comprehensive theory of the historical development of tort law. It concludes that corporations can be held vicariously liable for the torts of their overseas subsidiares based on theories of agency such as respondeat superior. It examines European law briefly and notes that the legal system there follow similar rules. It concludes that the role of corporate governance in the globalising world presents challenges and opportunities for the corporation as legal person having rights and duties under international law: prudent corporate counsel will note these practical trends and theoretical explanations in order to capitalize on opportunities and avoid pitfalls of liability.
A phase I study to repurpose disulfiram in combination with temozolomide to treat newly diagnosed glioblastoma after chemoradiotherapy

Disulfiram, a generic alcohol aversion drug, has promising preclinical activity against glioblastoma (GBM). This phase I study aims to evaluate its safety, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacodynamic effect, and preliminary efficacy when combined with adjuvant temozolomide in GBM patients after standard chemoradiotherapy. Patients received disulfiram 500-1000 mg once daily, in combination with 150-200 mg/m(2) temozolomide. A modified 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used to determine the MTD. The pharmacodynamic effect of proteasome inhibition was assessed using fluorometric 20S proteasome assay on peripheral blood cells. The MTD was determined based on the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) within the first month of therapy. Twelve patients were enrolled to two dose levels: 500 and 1000 mg. Two DLTs of grade 3 delirium occurred after 15 days of administration at 1000 mg per day. Other possible grade 2-3 DSF-related toxicities included fatigue, ataxia, dizziness, and peripheral neuropathy. The toxicities were self-limiting or resolved after discontinuing DSF. The MTD was determined to be 500 mg per day. Limited proteasome inhibition was observed at week 4 and showed an increased trend with escalated disulfiram. Median progression-free survival with 500 mg of DSF was 5.4 months from the start of disulfiram and 8.1 months from the start of chemoradiotherapy. Disulfiram can be safely combined with temozolomide but can cause reversible neurological toxicities. The MTD of disulfiram with adjuvant temozolomide appears to produce limited proteasome inhibition on peripheral blood cells.
Abstract 301: Microenvironmental regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in breast cancer metastasis.

Metastatic spread is the main cause of death in breast cancer patients. To successfully develop metastatic lesions, tumor cells exhibit plasticity to adapt to the changing microenvironment that they encounter at both the primary and distant sites. Notably, tumor cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to acquire metastatic potential. In the metastatic organ, the disseminated tumor cells are thought to undergo mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) to form lethal macrometastatic lesions. However, while EMT/MET has been well demonstrated in cancer cell lines in vitro, whether such transitions occur in vivo is debated. Our study is based on an emerging paradigm that microenvironmental regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. To evaluate this, we have devised a lineage tracing approach where a unique EMT-induced Cre-mediated fluorescence switch system monitors epithhelial-mesenchymal transitions in physiologically relevant orthotopic and spontaneous breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Using this system, we found that the CD11b+F4/80+ tumor-associated macrophages promote EMT in the primary tumor by secreting TGFβ1 and PDGFA, while the CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid progenitors facilitate MET of disseminated tumor cells in metastatic lungs by secreting proteoglycan versican thereby providing novel mechanistic insights into how the tumor-stroma cross talk confers prometastatic properties. Our finding that different subsets of inflammatory cells are associated with EMT in the primary tumor and MET in the metastatic organ has provided clinical translation opportunities. Previously, the therapeutic targeting of EMT (i.e. TGFβ1 blockade) has been associated with the caveat that it may actually promote the formation of fatal macrometastases. Here, the identification of unique cellular EMT and MET regulators provides an opportunity for inhibiting one process without promoting the other, or inhibiting both EMT and MET simultaneously. Importantly, administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs impaired metastases by targeting specific inflammatory populations that contribute to the EMT/MET-promoting microenvironment in preclinical mouse models of breast cancer. Citation Format: Dingcheng Gao, Kari Fisher, Hyejin Choi, Andrew J. Dannenberg, Linda Vahdat, Nasser Altorki, Vivek Mittal. Microenvironmental regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions in breast cancer metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 301. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-301
Fear of Death in Military Officers and Their Wives

Templer's Death Anxiety Scale was administered to 72 military officers and their wives. Comparison of mean scores indicated that death anxiety was significantly higher for the wives. However, comparison with previously published data indicated that both officers and wives had lower fear of death than a number of other groups studied.
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act: An Evaluation:

This article presents the results from an empirical study of the impact of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) on the consumer credit industry. The results indicate that the ECOA has not negati...
Learned Helplessness and Depression: a Test of the Reformulated Model

The old model of learned helplessness and depression was compared with the reformulated model. Fifty elderly depressed/nondepressed women were exposed to a number guessing task and were given nonveridical feedback as to their success or failure on the task. As predicted by the reformulated model, significant interaction effects were found. Depressed women attributed failure to lack of ability; they attributed success to luck. In contrast, nondepressed women attributed failure to bad luck and success to high ability. In the second part of the study, the reformulated model's hypothesis was tested regarding personal and universal helplessness. Although it only approached significance it was consistent with the hypothesis; depressed women saw themselves as personally helpless when compared with others for failure outcomes; nondepressed women saw themselves as universally helpless (i.e., everyone would fail the task). A revised clinical treatment model was proposed suggesting an interactionist strategy in treating depression.
Temporal hollowing following surgical correction of unicoronal synostosis.

Background Temporal hollowing occurs frequently following surgical correction of unicoronal synostosis. This is characterized by a depression in the posterolateral orbitotemporal region. Both soft-tissue and bony causes have been postulated to underpin this problem. The authors investigated the soft-tissue and bony morphology of the temporal region in surgically treated unicoronal synostosis patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of adolescent patients with temporal hollowing who underwent unicoronal synostosis repair as infants was carried out. Demographic data and computed tomographic craniometric parameters were obtained and analyzed using the t test. Photographs were graded subjectively and compared with quantitative data. Results Fifteen children (seven boys and eight girls; mean age, 13 years) were identified. Seventeen patients (10 boys and seven girls; mean age, 14 years) were used as controls. The affected side showed temporal constriction, compared with controls, along the supraorbit and anterior temple. The sella-to-pterion distance was also less, but not statistically so. Soft-tissue analysis revealed decreased thickness of the affected temporalis muscle compared with unaffected and control sides (range, 1 to 3 mm less). The affected fat pad width was not statistically different from unaffected and controls. Subjective clinical grading did not demonstrate statistical correlations with quantitative data. Conclusions Temporal hollowing occurs following surgical correction of unicoronal synostosis, despite original overcorrection, because of bony constriction along the anterior bandeau. Decreased thickness of the temporalis muscle may also contribute to this depression, whereas the superficial fat pad does not play a role. Subjective clinical scoring does not strictly correlate with severity of craniometric measurements. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.(Figure is included in full-text article.).
Ultrasound increases flow through fibrin gels.

Ultrasound accelerates fibrinolysis in vitro and in animal models of thrombosis. Since transport of fibrinolytic enzymes into clots by permeation may be an important determinant of the rate of fibrinolysis, we examined the effect of ultrasound on permeation through fibrin gels in vitro. Gels of purified fibrin were prepared in plastic tubes, and the rate of pressure-mediated fluid permeation was measured. Exposure to 1 MHz ultrasound at 2 W/cm2 and a duty cycle of 5 msec on, 5 msec off resulted in a significant (p = .005) increase in flow through the gel of 29.0 +/- 4.2% (SEM). The ultrasound-induced flow increase was intensity-dependent, increasing from 17.0 +/- 1.2% at 1 W/cm2 to 30.1 +/- 1.9% at 2.3 W/cm2. Increased flow was not due to heating, detachment of fibrin from the tube wall or fragmentation of the gel resulting in channeling. However, degassing the fluid by autoclaving significantly reduced the ultrasound-induced increase in flow. We conclude that exposure of fibrin gels to ultrasound increases pressure-mediated permeation. This effect may be related to cavitation-induced changes in fibrin gel structure, and could contribute to the accelerated fibrinolysis observed in an ultrasound field.
Streaming or stealing? The complementary features between music streaming and music piracy

Abstract Among young consumers, music streaming can be perceived as a substitute for music piracy. However, streaming can provide a venue for discovering and listening to new releases, and then, gaining access to these new tracks illegally. The objective of this study is to determine if music streaming acts as a buffer (substitute) or enabler (complement) of piracy. Using a logit model, we found that streaming complements piracy, providing evidence that these two modes of music consumption will coexist in the market. In addition, we found that social and peer behavior, risk perceptions, and consumption time online are elements contributing to music piracy.
Environmental Acoustic Recording System (EARS) in the Gulf of Mexico

The Littoral Acoustic Demonstration Center (LADC) was formed in early 2001 to utilize Environmental Acoustic Recording System (EARS) buoys developed by the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) which has provided technical guidance and support to LADC. The purpose of LADC is to make environmental measurements, which is not part of the mission of NAVOCEANO. This chapter describes the Gulf of Mexico marine mammal measurements and related data analysis of LADC. LADC has also used the buoys to characterize the three-dimensional acoustic field of a seismic airgun array and to analyze the noise due to nearby storms. LADC is a consortium of scientists from universities and the U.S. Navy. The following institutions are or have been represented: initially, the University of New Orleans, the University of Southern Mississippi, and the Naval Research Laboratory-Stennis Space Center; and then the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Applied Research Laboratories at the University of Texas at Austin, and Oregon State University. The scientists are listed in the first section of the chapter. A technical overview of EARS technology is given in Sect. 6.2. The current Generation 2 EARS buoys can record four channels of up to 25 kHz each or one channel up to 96 kHz.
Chemical Control of Potato Pests

Chemical control using natural and synthetic insecticides has been one of the most widely used pest management tactics in potato production for over a century. It will likely remain the base of pest management for the foreseeable future. In this chapter we review the history and pitfalls of insecticide use in potato production, and discuss strategies and novel insecticide chemistries that are available to growers today for control of Colorado potato beetle, potato psyllid, aphids, wireworms, potato tuberworm, and other pests.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Initiation and Discontinuation of Antidementia Drugs by Medicare Beneficiaries

Objectives To examine racial and ethnic differences in initiation and time to discontinuation of antidementia medication in Medicare beneficiaries. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Secondary analysis of 2009–10 enrollment, claims, and Part D prescription data for a 10% national sample of U.S. Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. Participants Beneficiaries aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD) before 2009 and no fills for antidementia medications in the first half of 2009 (N = 84,043). Measurements Initiation was defined as having one or more fills for antidementia medication in the second half of 2009 and discontinuation as a gap in coverage of 30 days or more during the year after initiation. The Andersen Behavioral Model was used to guide covariate selection. Results Overall, 3,481 (4.1%) of previous nonusers initiated antidementia medication in the second half of 2009. Of those initiating one drug class (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) or memantine), 9% later added the other class, and 2% switched classes. Of initiators, 23% discontinued within 1 month, and 62% discontinued within 1 year. Hispanic beneficiaries were more likely than white beneficiaries to initiate (adjusted odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.41). Black and white beneficiaries did not differ in likelihood of initiation. Hispanic (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.34–1.82) and black (aHR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.08–1.44) beneficiaries discontinued at a faster rate than white beneficiaries. Conclusion Initiation of antidementia medications was no different in black and white beneficiaries and more likely in Hispanic beneficiaries; black and Hispanic beneficiaries discontinued at a faster rate. More research into reasons explaining these differences is needed.
Antisocial Behavior Disorders

Behaviors that fly in the face of social convention and legal restraint have provoked interest and argument throughout recorded history. Deviancy may be regarded as nefarious or adaptive, depending on the context in which it occurs. However, behaviors that offend normative cultural standards and subgroup ethics are typically cast in a negative light, and individuals whose activities are defined as antisocial are often exposed to censure, confinement, and/or punishment. This has been particularly the case for persons whose aberrances cannot be accounted for by occasional departures from personal responsibility, mental illness, or mental retardation. As early clinical accounts described individuals who failed to conform to moral and legal expectations by reference to evil spirits, moral defects, and other maladies, more recent clinical and research work has focused on enumerating types of “antisocial” behavior and searching for biological and psychosocial causes. This chapter reviews historical and present-day conceptualizations of the antisocial personality disorder from a broad perspective. Etiological theories are presented that attempt to explain its origins, concomitants, and progression as well as its associated characteristics and symptoms. Research investigations of the validity of assumptions derived from these theories are also presented, and the techniques available for assessing antisocial cognitions and behavior are reviewed.
Spatial-temporal forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents using video sequences

In this paper we introduce DIORAMA based forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents (MCI) using video sequences. The video sequences captured on site are automatically annotated by metadata, which includes the capture time and the camera location and viewing direction. Using a visual interface the MCI investigators can easily understand the availability of video clips in specific areas of interest, and efficiently review them. The video-based forensic analysis system will enable the MCI investigators to better understand the rescue operations and subsequently improve training procedures.
Reflections on the Experiences of Turbaned Sikh Men in the Aftermath of 9/11

The murder of Trayvon Martin is a painful reminder of the violence perpetuated towards subjugated groups who are often deemed suspicious because of the color of their skin and/or clothing. The association of the hoodie and Black skin with being a member of a violent group is an association that is familiar for Sikh men. Many today are unaware of how Sikh men have been vilified because of their skin color and turbans. The terrorist attacks, which occurred on September 11, 2001, had a significant impact on turbaned Sikh men living in North America. These men have been targeted since then because of their shared visual image with the perpetrators of 9/11. This brief reflection discusses the experiences of discrimination these men have experienced, gives examples of psychological and relational injuries related to 9/11, and offers personal and professional lessons learned through conversations with turbaned Sikh men on their experiences.
Viewing Traffic Signal Control as a Market-Driven Economy.

In this paper, economic principles and the paradigm of a game are used to create a signal control strategy. The game structure is not formal (as in game theory), but the idea of a game is used nonetheless. That is, instead of using the standard techniques of minimum greens, maximum greens, and gaps to control the signal indications, an economically based game structure is employed. The intersection’s space is viewed as a scarce commodity whose use is determined through a bidding process. Movement Managers manage the vehicle departures for specific turning movements. Arriving motorists pay the Movement Managers an initial fee, and make voluntary contributions as they perceive necessary to arrange times of entry for them. Movement Managers submit bids for use of the intersection’s space and the highest bidders win. Distributed processing and connected vehicle technology are seen as the mechanisms by which implementation would be feasible. The value in such an idea is that one can study and reach an understanding of the economics that underlie effective traffic control.
Early Kinetics of Bone Marrow Cell Engraftment in Bone after Transplantation: Insights into the Mechanism of Engraftment.

Despite their anatomic proximity and recognized physiologic relationship, the interactions between bone and bone marrow (BM) are incompletely understood. Consistent with our data from clinical BMT in children with osteogenesis imperfecta, murine models show significant engraftment of transplanted donor BM cells in the osteogenic compartment early after BMT, which declines to a nearly undetectable level by 9 months post-BMT. To gain insight into the mechanism of donor BM cell engraftment in bone, we studied the kinetics of hematopoietic and osteopoietic engraftment. Lethally irradiated (1100 cGy) FVB/N mice were transplanted with 2x10 6 BM cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Transduction efficiency, assessed by flow cytometry, was 53%. Engraftment in the hematopoietic and osteopoietic compartments was analyzed at 2, 4, or 6 weeks post-transplant (wpt). Flow cytometric analyses of blood leukocytes, as a marker of functional hematopoietic marrow, showed 66% ± 2% GFP+ (mean ± SEM) at 2 wpt (n = 8 for each time point), increased at 4 wpt to 73% ± 2% and plateaued at 77% ± 2% by 6 wpt (p
Promoting College Student Self-Regulation in Online Learning Environments

College student enrollment in online courses has steadily increased over the course of many years and is expected to continue to increase for the foreseeable future. The need for instructors to utilize best practices in online instruction and course design is crucial. This article presents strategies for online instructors to promote student use of self-regulated learning strategies (SRLS) in online courses, which has been associated with positive academic achievement. Implementation guidelines, empirical evidence linked to improved SRLS, and potential drawbacks are discussed.
Elasticity Solution for Curved Sandwich Beams/Panels and Comparison with Structural Theories

The linear elasticity problem formulation and solution for a generally asymmetric sandwich curved beam/panel consisting of orthotropic core and face sheets, which is subjected to a top face sinusoi...
Deleuze as Subject – B2430.D454 – Mapping Deleuze Studies in the Library

Guided by Deleuze's taxonomic theory and practice and his concepts concerning the body, literature, territory and assemblage, this article examines library classification as a technique of discipline and bibliographic control. Locating books written by and about Deleuze reveals processes of discipline formation and the circulation of knowledge, and it troubles the principles upon which the classification is based. A Deleuzian critique presents the Library of Congress Classification as an abstract machine that diagrams knowledge in many academic libraries around the world.
Influenza virus recruits host protein kinase C to control assembly and activity of its replication machinery

Influenza virus expresses transcripts early in infection and transitions towards genome replication at later time points. This process requires de novo assembly of the viral replication machinery, large ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) composed of the viral polymerase, genomic RNA and oligomeric nucleoprotein (NP). Despite the central role of RNPs during infection, the factors dictating where and when they assemble are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that human protein kinase C (PKC) family members regulate RNP assembly. Activated PKCδ interacts with the polymerase subunit PB2 and phospho-regulates NP oligomerization and RNP assembly during infection. Consistent with its role in regulating RNP assembly, knockout of PKCδ impairs virus infection by selectively disrupting genome replication. However, primary transcription from pre-formed RNPs deposited by infecting particles is unaffected. Thus, influenza virus exploits host PKCs to regulate RNP assembly, a step required for the transition from primary transcription to genome replication during the infectious cycle.
Impact of Age on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Patient expectations and demographics are vital factors in determining patient satisfaction and outcomes from total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was a retrospective chart review that analyzed data from TKA patients to determine the impact of age on patient-reported outcomes measures following TKA. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Oxford knee scores were collected as primary outcome measures from 356 consecutive patients who underwent TKA. Oxford knee scores were further divided into pain and function subscores. Patients were age categorized as 79. Preoperative scores were compared among age categories including age category, gender, body mass index (BMI), and length of stay (LOS) in the model as fixed effects. Scores collected postoperatively (∼10, 30, 90, and 180 days postoperation) were analyzed as repeated measures including age category, day and their interaction, gender, BMI, LOS, and preoperative score in the model. Preoperative OXFORD scores significantly differed among age categories (p < 0.05) and were numerically higher for the older (≥60 years old) compared with younger patients (<60 years old). After adjusting for preoperative scores, postoperative WOMAC and overall, pain, and function OXFORD scores significantly differed among the age groups (p < 0.05), with patients younger than 60 years reporting the worst scores in the postoperative time period. Older patients reported better preoperative overall, pain, and function scores and greater post-TKA outcomes than younger patients. A better understanding of factors that influence patient-reported outcomes can help providers to better manage patient expectations.
In dreams begin responsibilities – environmental impact assessment and outer space development

Although exploitation of outer space resources is still considered science fiction by many, spacefaring nations as well as private entrepreneurs such as SpaceX and Deep Space Industries are plannin...
Regulation of Atrioventricular Node Function by Adenosine

Increasing evidence implicates the nucleoside adenosine as an important modulator of a variety of physiological functions. Amongs its various cardiovascular actions, the depressant effect of this nucleoside on the atrioventricular (AV) node (i. e., negative dromotropic effect) was one of the first to be recognized. Like its many other actions, the negative dromotropic effect of adenosine is: a) surface receptor mediated (subtype A1); b) potentiated by nucleoside transport blockers and adenosine deaminase inhibitors; and c) antagonized competitvely by alkylxanthines and abolished by adenosine deaminase.
Amyloid Protein AA and its Precursor, The Acute Phase Protein(s) ApoSAA: A Perspective

It was a privilege to have been a participant in the first International Symposium on Amyloidosis held under Dr. Mandema’s guidance in Groningen in 1967, and I am pleased to contribute to this volume in honor of Professor Mandema. It provides me with an opportunity to praise Professor Mandema’s very considerable foresight in organizing the original Groningen Symposium and also to review some of the developments in our ideas concerning the structure and derivation of amyloid.
Race, Class, and Theories of Inequality in the Sociology of Education

After explaining a focus on race and class inequality, we briefly sketch contemporary racial and socioeconomic inequality in education. Then, we convey key criteria used to select which of the many theories to consider. We then describe ten theories of racial/ethnic- and class-linked inequality in education. After the last theory has been described, we identify selected points of contact across the theories. We then discuss three examples of existing research to demonstrate how research may be used to assess the theories. We conclude by offering suggestions for next steps.
Point-of-care diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in non-neutropenic patients: Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay versus Aspergillus-specific Lateral Flow Device test in bronchoalveolar lavage.

Background We compared new Aspergillus Galactomannan Lateral Flow Assay with the newly formatted Aspergillus-specific Lateral Flow device tests for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in non-neutropenic patients. Methods We performed both tests in 82 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from 82 patients at risk for IPA but without underlying haematologic malignancy. Samples were collected between September 2016 and September 2018 at the University of California San Diego, United States. IPA was classified following two published consensus criteria. Results Classification of cases varied widely between the two consensus criteria. When using criteria established for the intensive care unit, 26/82 patients (32%) met criteria for proven or putative IPA. Both point-of-care assays showed sensitivities ranging between 58% and 69%, with specificities between 68% and 75%. Sensitivity increased up to 81% when both tests were combined. Conclusion The study outlines the need for updated, unified and more broadly applicable consensus definitions for classifying IPA in non-neutropenic patients, a work that is currently in progress. Both point-of-care tests showed comparable performance, with sensitivities and specificities in the 60%-70% range when used alone and increasing to 80% when used in combination. The new point-of-care tests may serve a role at the bedside in those with clinical suspicion of IPA.
Infrastructure for Design, Deployment and Experimentation of Distributed Agent-based Systems: The Requirements, The Technologies, and An Example

This paper discusses infrastructure for design, development, and experimentation of multi-agent systems. Multi-agent system design requires determining (1) how domain requirements drive the use of agents and AI techniques, (2) what competencies agents need in a MAS, and (3) which techniques implement those competencies. Deployment requirements include code reuse, parallel development through formal standardized object specifications, multi-language and multi-platform support, simulation and experimentation facilities, and user interfaces to view internal module, agent, and system operations. We discuss how standard infrastructure technologies such as OMG IDL, OMG CORBA, Java, and VRML support these services. Empirical evaluation of complex software systems requires iteration through combinations of experimental parameters and recording desired data. Infrastructure software can ease the setup, running, and analysis of large-scale computational experiments. The development of the Sensible Agent Testbed and architecture over the past six years provides a concrete example. The design rationale for the Sensible Agent architecture emphasizes domain-independent requirements and rapid deployment to new application domains. The Sensible Agent Testbed is a suite of tools providing or assisting in setting up, running, visually monitoring, and chronicling empirical testing and operation of complex, distributed multi-agent systems. A thorough look at the various Sensible Agents infrastructure pieces illustrates the engineering principles essential for multi-agent infrastructure, while documenting the software for users.
Characterization of Indoor Air Quality on a College Campus: A Pilot Study

Recent construction trends on college campuses have demonstrated a shift to designing buildings with features focused on sustainability. However, few studies have investigated indoor air quality in institutions of higher education, particularly in sustainably designed buildings. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of building and occupancy on indoor air quality within and between higher education buildings. We measured particulate matter, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides in LEED certified, retrofitted, and conventional building types on a college campus. Three size fractions of particulate matter were measured in each building. We conducted multi-zonal, 48-h measurements when the buildings were occupied and unoccupied. Outdoor particulate matter was significantly higher (PM2.5 = 4.76, PM4 = 17.1, and PM100 = 21.6 µg/m3) than in classrooms (PM2.5 = 1.7, PM4 = 4.2, and PM100 = 6.7 µg/m3) and common areas (PM2.5 = 1.3, PM4 = 4.2, and PM100 = 4.8 µg/m3; all p < 0.001). Additionally, concentrations of carbon dioxide and particulate matter were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during occupied sampling. The results suggest that occupancy status and building zone are major predictors of indoor air quality in campus buildings, which can, in turn, increase the concentration of contaminants, potentially impacting occupant health and performance. More research is warranted to reveal building features and human behaviors contributing to indoor exposures.
Polymer brushes by anionic and cationic surface-initiated polymerization (SIP)

The formation of homopolymer and block copolymer brushes grafted from flat and nanoparticle surfaces via surface-initiated anionic and cationic polymerization methods is reviewed. Unique properties of these chain addition polymerization methods distinguish them from free-radical and living-radical methods, i.e., primarily the formation of charged reactive propagating centers. This involves the use of methods that preserve the reactivity of the charged species, where the monomer, solvent quality, and lack of terminating species allow for grafting to surfaces and for the formation of homopolymer and block copolymers. While these initiators are analogous to solution and bulk methods and adapted to surfaces, their mechanisms do not necessarily follow their counterparts. Several systems for surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) will be reviewed including early attempts at "grafting onto" and "grafting from" particles. For initiation, alkylsilane or alkylthiol anionic initiators are grafted onto planar and particle surfaces by self-assembled monolayer (SAM) techniques. For the cationic (carbocationic) polymerization methods, methods of tethering Lewis acids to surfaces have been reported. The grafted polymer chains can be investigated in situ using a number of surface-sensitive spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. They can also be analyzed ex situ when the polymer chains are removed from the substrate surface. Activation of the grafted initiator, control of polymerization conditions, and removal of excess activators are emphasized. Interesting differences in particle properties, morphology, thickness, grafting density, and polymerization conditions contrast anionic and cationic charged species from other SIP mechanisms. The problems and potential of these techniques will also be discussed. The formation of block copolymer sequences highlights a unique utility of living anionic and cationic polymerization techniques on surfaces.
High-fidelity manipulation of a qubit enabled by a manufactured nucleus

The recently demonstrated trapping and laser cooling of 133Ba+ has opened the door to the use of this nearly ideal atom for quantum information processing. However, before high-fidelity qubit operations can be performed, a number of unknown state energies are needed. Here, we report measurements of the 2P3/2 and 2D5/2 hyperfine splittings, as well as the 2P3/2 ↔ 2S1/2 and 2P3/2 ↔ 2D5/2 transition frequencies. Using these transitions, we demonstrate high-fidelity 133Ba+ hyperfine qubit manipulation with electron shelving detection to benchmark qubit state preparation and measurement (SPAM). Using single-shot, threshold discrimination, we measure an average SPAM fidelity of $${\mathcal{F}}=0.99971(3)$$ , a factor of ≈2 improvement over the best reported performance of any qubit.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

Background & Aims Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at higher risk for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). We studied the risk and clinical characteristics of HS in a population-based cohort of patients with IBD. Methods We identified all cases of HS (confirmed by biopsy and/or dermatologic evaluation) in a population-based inception cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents diagnosed with IBD between 1970 and 2004 and followed up through August 2013. We estimated the incidence rate ratio of HS in patients with IBD compared with the general population, and described the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and management of HS. Results In 679 IBD patients followed up over a median of 19.8 years, we identified 8 patients with HS (mean age, 44.4 ± 8.3 y; 7 women; 6 obese). Compared with the general population, the incidence rate ratio of HS in IBD was 8.9 (95% confidence interval, 3.6–17.5). The 10- and 30-year cumulative incidence of HS was 0.85% and 1.55%, respectively. Five patients had Crohn's disease, 4 of whom had perianal disease; of 3 patients with ulcerative colitis, 2 had undergone ileal pouch–anal anastomosis. Axillae, groin, and thighs were the most common sites of involvement. Six patients had Hurley stage 2 disease (recurrent abscesses with sinus tracts and scarring, involving widely separated areas), and required a combination of antibiotics and surgery; none of the patients were treated with anti–tumor necrosis factor-α agents. Conclusions In this population-based study, patients with IBD were approximately 9 times more likely to develop HS than the general population, with a female predisposition.
In Pursuit of an Efficient SAT Encoding for the Hamiltonian Cycle Problem

SAT solvers have achieved remarkable successes in solving various combinatorial problems. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to find an efficient SAT encoding for the Hamiltonian Cycle Problem (HCP), which is one of the most well-known NP-complete problems. A central issue in encoding HCP into SAT is how to prevent sub-cycles, and one well-used technique is to map vertices to different positions. The HCP can be modeled as a single-agent path-finding problem. If the agent occupies vertex i at time t, and occupies vertex j at time \(t+1\), then vertex j’s position must be the successor of vertex i’s. This paper compares three encodings for the successor function, namely, a unary encoding that uses a Boolean variable for each vertex-time pair, an optimized binary adder encoding that uses a special incrementor with no carry variables, and a LFSR encoding that uses a linear-feedback-shift register. This paper also proposes a preprocessing technique that rules out a position from consideration for a vertex and a time if the agent cannot occupy the vertex at the time. Our study has surprisingly revealed that, with optimization and preprocessing, the binary adder encoding is a clear winner: it solved some instances of the knight’s tour problem that had been beyond reach for eager encoding approaches, and performed the best on the HCP instances used in the 2019 XCSP competition.
Sex- and age-based differences in the effect of central serotonin on arterial blood pressure regulation.

The role of serotonin in arterial blood pressure (ABP) regulation across states of vigilance is unknown. We hypothesized that adult rats devoid of CNS serotonin (TPH2−/−) have low ABP in wakefulnes...
Characteristics Associated With High-Performing Pediatric Heart Transplant Centers in the United States From 2006 to 2015.

Importance Differences among pediatric transplant centers in long-term survival of pediatric recipients of heart transplants can be mostly explained by differences in 90-day mortality. Objective To understand characteristics associated with high-performing pediatric HT centers by comparing key outcomes among centers stratified by 90-day risk-adjusted mortality. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included recipients of HT aged younger than 18 years in the US. Analyses included 44 US centers during 2006 to 2015 using the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database. A risk model for 90-day mortality was developed using data from all recipients to estimate expected 90-day mortality and 90-day standardized mortality ratio (SMR; calculated as observed mortality divided by expected mortality) for each center. Centers were stratified into tertiles by SMR and compared for key outcomes. Data were analyzed from January to March 2020. Exposures High-, medium-, and low-performing centers (SMR tertile). Main Outcomes and Measures Posttransplant 90-day mortality across recipient risk spectrum and incidence of and mortality following early posttransplant complications. Results Of 3211 children analyzed, 1016 (31.6%) were infants younger than 1 year and 1459 (45.4%) were girls. The median (interquartile range) age was 4 (0-12) years. Centers were stratified by SMR tertile, and SMR was 0 to 0.71 among 15 high-performing centers, 0.79 to 1.12 among 14 medium-performing centers, and 1.19 to 3.33 among 15 low-performing centers. High-performing centers had 90-day mortality of 0.8% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.8%) in children with low risk and expected mortality of 2.0%, 2.3% (95% CI, 0.6%-5.7%) in children with intermediate risk and expected mortality of 6.5%, and 16.7% (95% CI, 7.9%-29.3%) in children with high risk and expected mortality of 30.8%. Incidence of acute rejection during transplant hospitalization was 10.3% at high-performing centers, 10.3% at medium-performing centers, and 9.7% at low-performing centers (Pfor trend = .68), and incidence of post-HT kidney failure requiring dialysis was 4.1% at high-performing centers, 5.2% at medium-performing centers, and 8.5% at low-performing centers (Pfor trend = .001). Ninety-day mortality was significantly lower at high-performing centers among children treated for rejection (high-performing: 2.0%; medium-performing: 6.9%; low-performing: 11.7%;Pfor trend = .006) and among recipients receiving dialysis for post-HT kidney failure (high-performing: 17.5%; medium-performing: 39.4%; low-performing: 47.6%;Pfor trend Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that high-performing pediatric HT centers had lower 90-day mortality across the recipient risk spectrum and lower mortality among recipients who develop rejection or post-HT kidney failure during transplant hospitalization. These findings suggest presence of superior processes and systems of care at high-performing pediatric HT centers.
Population viability and management of the valley elderberry longhorn beetle

The Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle (“VELB,” Desmocerus californicus dimorphus) is a rare and cryptic species that is found on or near its host plant, blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana), and is native to California’s Central Valley. Over the past 100 years, the riparian forests of Central California have shrunk by over 90%, resulting in highly fragmented, and often isolated, remaining VELB habitat patches. This has created the need for robust monitoring and demographic data to assess current and future threats to the species. In this study, we investigated VELB population viability and sensitivity to environmental and anthropogenic stochasticity across five major rivers with known VELB populations. Additionally, we assessed how variability in three management scenarios influenced population persistence and extinction times, specifically the effects of increased habitat loss, more frequent drought and wildfires, and increased juvenile mortality due to invasive predators. We found that across all scenarios, the region-wide metapopulation was more robust to extinction than individual rivers and that extinction probabilities were lower for larger rivers than smaller ones. Specifically, we found that modest increases in the annual probability of drought or wildfires and juvenile mortality greatly reduced population persistence at all spatial scales, often leading to rapid within-river extinctions, while increases in habitat loss had moderate impacts. Contrary to previous thinking, we also found that increases in dispersal rates among rivers had negligible effects on improving population viability. Our study highlights the vulnerability of VELB to further environmental and anthropogenic disturbance and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy metapopulation structure with large tracts of suitable habitat for long-term VELB viability.
ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DIESEL PARTICULATE MATTER USING TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPE TECHNIQUES

An Andersen Impactor was used to collect particulate samples in both the undiluted and diluted exhaust from a Caterpillar 3150 diesel engine operated on the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 13-mode cycle. Twenty-four samples were examined under a transmission electron microscope and approximately 300 photomicrographs were taken. The microscope analysis and photomicrographs revealed details concerning the physical characteristics of the particulate and permitted direct visual comparison of the samples. The photomicrographs were used to obtain diameter measurements of nearly 11,000 basic individual spherical particles that comprise the much larger aggregates/agglomerates. Size measurements were grouped, by operating mode, to provide size distributions for the basic spherical particles. At the lower temperatures of the diluted exhaust, evidence of hydrocarbon condensation is illustrated in many of the photomicrographs. In some instances, the condensed coating is so heavy as to completely obscure all detail of the aggregate/agglomerate on which it is adsorbed. The differences between undiluted and diluted exhaust samples are quickly discerned. Several of the samples showed what appeared to be "droplets" or "pools of liquid". The results provide better qualitative data on the physical character of the basic diesel particles that make up the aggregates/agglomerates in diesel exhaust. The photomicrographs of particles in the undiluted and diluted exhaust also provide experimental evidence that both separate liquid hydrocarbons and those adsorbed on the solid particles exist in diluted diesel exhaust and not in the undiluted exhaust. No significant size differences in the basic solid particles were found between the undiluted and diluted exhaust.
Development and validation of the Mindful Parenting in Infancy Scale (MPIS).

Although mindfulness in parenting has been recognized as important for some time, there is a dearth of measurement tools, especially for caregivers of infants. Two studies were conducted: (1) developing and providing an initial psychometric evaluation of the Mindful Parenting in Infancy Scale (MPIS) and (2) reproducing initial findings with an independent sample of infants and caregivers. In Study 1, 37 caregivers of infants (3-12 months of age) responded to MPIS, providing indicators of parenting stress and infant temperament. Study 2 caregivers (N = 57) responded to identical measures, with infant electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded during the Still Face Procedure, along with a baseline condition. Study 1 results indicated good internal consistency, with Study 2 providing additional support for reliability. Correlations with parenting stress markers were also significant across both investigations, indicative of greater stress with lower levels of mindfulness. A number of correlations with temperament scores were also significant, and in the hypothesized direction, across both studies. Importantly, the MPIS score was predictive of infant frontal EEG asymmetry in a path model examined in the context of Study 2. Thus, the present investigation provides support for MPIS as a promising brief measurement tool based on results obtained with two independent samples.