cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
POPULATION VARIABILITY OF CERCOCARPUS IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS OF CALIFORNIA AS RELATED TO HABITAT

Two species of Cercocarpus occur in the White Mountains of California, a desert range in the east-central part of the state. One, C. intricatus Wats., is confined to steep, rocky limestone slopes primarily within the pinyon woodland (6500 to 9500 feet). The distribution of the second species, C. ledifolius Nutt., is centered at elevations above 9000 feet in the subalpine zone. At most sites of occurrence the populations are quite large and dominate the vegetation. In these areas there is usually little morphological variation between plants and there is no difficulty in assigning an individual to one or the other of the two taxa. There are certain areas, however, where the local populations have individuals representing all degrees of variation between the two species. This study was undertaken to assess the morphological variation of different local populations of Cercocarpus and to relate these to habitat variation.
User-Friendly 3D Printed Colorimeter Models for Student Exploration of Instrument Design and Performance

A user-friendly set of computer-aided design (CAD) models and stereolithography (STL) files is reported for the production of simple and inexpensive 3D printed colorimeters. The designs shared here allow educators to provide active learners with tools for constructing instruments in activities aimed at exploring the technology and fundamental principles related to quantitative analysis. While previous efforts focused on fabricating inexpensive instruments from building blocks and other household items, 3D printing transcends the limitations of conventional tooling. The digital models described here are flexible in design, printed quickly, and each requires less than a dollar’s worth of plastic filament. These designs are compatible with simple CAD software, such as Inventor Professional and Tinkercad, commonly available to educators and students. With the use of programs of this type, CAD files are easily modified in order to produce customized models for exploring a variety of concepts inaccessible to mo...
China's Money Supply Endogeneity and Empirical Analysis of Controllability

The mechanism of money creation from the start,using cointegration and short-term error correction model verified the existence of China's Money Supply Endogeneity;the use of the contribution of each variable degree of comparative analysis of the factors that the central bank can control a greater impact on the money supply to verify the controllability of the money supply.
Extending the Assistance Model: Analyzing the Use of Assistance over Time.

In the field of educational data mining, there are competing methods for predicting student performance. One involves building complex models, such as Bayesian networks with Knowledge Tracing (KT), or using logistic regression with Performance Factors Analysis (PFA). However, Wang and Heffernan showed that a raw data approach can be applied successfully to educational data mining with their results from what they called the Assistance Model (AM), which takes the number of attempts and hints required to answer the previous question correctly into account, which KT and PFA ignore. We extend their work by introducing a general framework for using raw data to predict student performance, and explore a new way of making predictions within this framework, called the Assistance Progress Model (APM). APM makes predictions based on the relationship between the assistance used on the two previous problems. KT, AM and APM are evaluated and compared to one another, as are multiple methods of ensembling them together. Finally, we discuss the importance of reporting multiple accuracy measures when evaluating student models.
Comparing Traditional and Crowdsourcing Methods for Pretesting Survey Questions

Cognitive interviewing is a common method used to evaluate survey questions. This study compares traditional cognitive interviewing methods with crowdsourcing, or “tapping into the collective intel...
A phantom study for assessing the effect of different digital detectors on mammographic texture features

Digital mammography (DM) is commonly used as the breast imaging screening modality. For research based on DM datasets with various sources of x-ray detectors, it is important to evaluate if different detectors could introduce inherent differences in the images analyzed. To determine the extent of such effects, we performed a study to compare the effects of two DM detectors, the GE 2000D and DS, on texture analysis using a validated breast texture phantom (Yaffe et. al, University of Toronto). DM images are acquired in Cranio-Caudal (CC) view, and texture features are generated for both raw and post-processed DM images. Image intensity profiles and texture features are compared between the two detector systems. Our results suggest that there are inherent differences in the images. For raw and processed images, the image intensity cumulative distribution function (CDF) curves reveal that there is a scaling and shifting factor respectively between the two detectors. Image normalization with z-score can reduce detector differences for grey-level intensity and the histogram-based texture features. The differences between co-occurrence and run-length texture features persist after intensity normalization, suggesting that simple z-scoring cannot alleviate all the detector effects, potentially also due to differences in the spatial distribution of the intensity values between the two detectors.
Non-diffusive heat transport in twin nanoheater lines on silicon

As the size of electric and optoelectronic devices is reduced to nanoscale, self-heating becomes a major reliability concern. Leveraging designs that could intrinsically remove or reduce the heat and in turn decrease temperature is desirable. In this work, twin nanoscale heater lines with four-probe electrical measurement combined with full-field thermal imaging are used to elucidate the departure from Fourier Law. Thermoreflectance thermal imaging is employed to obtain temperature distribution of twin nanoheater lines where one is a heat source and the second one is a thermometer. The temperature change, due to Joule heating, on the heater line as well as the temperature profile on the thermometer line 0.3–0.5gm away, is measured by thermoreflectance imaging. The average temperature change of the heater lines is also measured independently using temperature-dependent electrical resistivity. Experimental results suggest that the modified Fourier theory ceases to explain the thermal distribution of submicron size heat sources. As the width of heat sources decreases, the temperature of the heater lines exceeds predictions of Fourier equation while the temperature on the thermometer line is significantly lower than the Fourier prediction. This could potentially be beneficial in the design of compact multi-finger high power transistor structures.
Is Altruism Sensitive to Scope? The Role of Tangibility

Prior work has shown that people appear insensitive to the scope of their altruistic acts and prosocial behavior. While they respond positively when their choices lead to increasing rewards for themselves, people do not change their behavior when the outcomes for others increase. We demonstrate that the scope sensitivity of altruism depends critically on its tangibility, and suggest that this relationship operates through mental accounting. We show that by increasing the level of tangibility, people can become just as sensitive to changes in the size of rewards for others as if they were earning the rewards themselves.
Graduate programs in project management

Presented in this chapter is research regarding graduate programs in the relatively new academic area of Project Management. A number of professional organizations have developed around the world to address and foster this specific discipline. Several universities also recognized the fact that Project Management involves distinct skills, and that the traditional degree programs and courses in business schools and other schools do not adequately cover and integrate these skills. The particulars of the research information concern degree and certificate offerings, program and course organization, delivery mechanisms, and the organizational location of the program within the university. The author's university is interested in developing a graduate Project Management program, and research conclusions toward this interest are presented.
Exhausted Yet? The First-Sale Doctrine and the Second-Hand Market for Software Licenses in the European Union

In UsedSoft GmbH v. Oracle International Corporation, the Court of Justice of the European Union held that owners of software copyright could not prohibit the resale of used perpetual licenses allowing the use of such programs. The decision promises to significantly affect the software market and other digital industries. It also illustrates an instance where the CJEU forces a decision using well-established principles rather than adapting to an ever-changing technological landscape. While the CJEU’s ruling came as a surprise to many in how far it was willing to go in applying the principle of exhaustion to intangible materials, its attempt fell short from elucidating a clear rule on the rights of second-
Abstract 473: miR-135b mediates gemcitabine sensitivity in breast cancer cells by modulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mTOR-signaling

Background: We previously identified miR-135b as a possible biomarker for gemcitabine sensitivity in metastatic breast cancer patients. Here we aimed to better understand the role of this microRNA in breast cancer cells in order to identify new clinically relevant approaches to revert gemcitabine resistance. Methods: miR-135b KO MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were generated through CRISPR-Cas9 technology and tested for gemcitabine sensitivity by cell survival and apoptosis activation assays. Gene expression profile was performed by GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA 2.0 - Affymetrix). The One-Way between-subject ANOVA algorithm was used to calculate statistical significance of pairwise comparisons. The validation of different gene expression was assessed by qRT-PCR. The mesenchymal phenotype of miR-135b KO cells was tested by wound-healing and migration assay. mTOR pathway has been tested by Western blot analysis. Results: miR-135b KO MDA-MB-231 showed increased resistance to gemcitabine than WT cells. Gene expression profiling of miR-135b WT and KO cells revealed the upregulation of several genes, including miR-21 and gene involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the absence of the microRNA. Functional enrichment analysis indicated the deregulation of multiple tumor-associated pathways, including focal adhesion, senescence and autophagy. Accordingly, miR-135b KO cells showed higher migrating properties and expression of mesenchymal genes. Moreover, miR-135b KO cells showed deregulation of the mTOR-signaling pathway upon starvation or treatment with gemcitabine. Based on these observations, we assessed whether inhibition of mTOR activation using a clinically approved inhibitor (everolimus) could enhance gemcitabine sensitivity in the absence of miR-135b. Our data indicate that blocking mTOR pathway could represent a valid approach to revert resistance to gemcitabine even in cancer cells with low levels of miR-135b. Conclusions: We identified several deregulated genes and pathways in the absence of miR-135b in breast cancer cells, in particular related to the EMT and mTOR pathway. These results confirm the role of miR-135b in breast cancer and pave the way for new studies for the combination of gemcitabine and mTOR inhibitors in a specific subset of metastatic breast cancer patients that could largely benefit from it. Citation Format: Anna Tessari, Meghan Pawlikowski, Kareesma Parbhoo, Olivia Willetts, Marianna Hernandez, Giovanni Nigita, Ashley Braddom, Joseph J. Mills, Dario Palmieri, Carlo M. Croce. miR-135b mediates gemcitabine sensitivity in breast cancer cells by modulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mTOR-signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 473.
PEEK Bearing Materials for Total Joint Replacement

Abstract Over the past two decades, an extensive body of tribological literature has developed for polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK) and its composites under conditions relevant to total joint replacement applications. Within today’s value-based health-care paradigm, PEEK biomaterials continue to find new opportunities to thrive as candidates for orthopedic applications. In this chapter, we explore such opportunities, first within its original conception of carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK) articulating against a ceramic or CoCr component. In addition, PEEK biomaterials have recently emerged as potential candidates for replacing CoCr femoral components in total knee replacement. This chapter also discusses niche applications for PEEK in small joint arthroplasty.
The mystery of the missing middle-tenants: The “negative” case of fixed-term leasing and agricultural investment in fifteenth-century Tuscany

L'A. analyse les conditions du developpement economique de la Toscane au 15 e siecle. Il qualifie le processus de transition du feodalisme au capitalisme, dans cette region, d'«anomalie». Il souligne que toutes les conditions etaient reunies a cette periode en Toscane pour favoriser un developpement economique rapide. Il examine la situation de l'investissement agricole et l'influence du type de tenure fonciere dans l'organisation de l'economie toscane. Il estime que le developpement du metayage a stimule la constitution d'un capitalisme urbain. Il compare les types de contrat de location des terres agricoles en Toscane a cette epoque.
Control of Substrates Beyond the Catalyst Active Site.

Spatial control of incompatible elementary steps in a catalytic cycle enables conversion of methane into methanol.
Minority Support: School District Demographics and Support for Funding Election Measures:

In the context of tight state budgets, local education funding is increasingly important. This article examines the relationship between district-level demographic characteristics and voter support...
Porous Silica Nanotube Thin Films as Thermally Insulating Barrier Coatings

The fabrication and examination of a porous silica thin film, potentially for use as an insulating thin film, were investigated. A vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) forest, created by chemic...
Mixture modeling of data with multiple partial right-censoring levels

In this paper, a new flexible approach to modeling data with multiple partial right-censoring points is proposed. This method is based on finite mixture models, flexible tool to model heterogeneity in data. A general framework to accommodate partial censoring is considered. In this setting, it is assumed that a certain portion of data points are censored and the rest are not. This situation occurs in many insurance loss data sets. A novel probability function is proposed to be used as a mixture component and the expectation-maximization algorithm is employed for estimating model parameters. The Bayesian information criterion is used for model selection. Additionally, an approach for the variability assessment of parameter estimates as well as the computation of quantiles commonly known as risk measures is considered. The proposed model is evaluated using a simulation study based on four common probability distribution functions used to model right skewed loss data and applied to a real data set with good results.
Wetland Functional Responses to Prolonged Inundation in the Active Mississippi River Floodplain

The Mississippi River experienced historic flooding during 2019, inducing >150 days of floodplain wetland inundation. We evaluated flood effects using repeated measures of hydrogeomorphic (HGM) wetland assessment variables prior to the flood (October 2018), immediately post-flood (August 2019) and one year after initial assessment (October 2019). The flood had little/no impact on 11 of 13 assessment variables, but altered the abundance of woody debris and forest floor litter. Immediately after the flood, these changes decreased the functional capacity of wetlands to 1) detain floodwater (mean − 9.7% reduction) and 2) precipitation (−17.3%); 3) cycle nutrients (−7.5%); and export organic carbon (−23.8%). Subsequent sampling documented the detain precipitation function returning to pre-flood conditions. The export organic carbon function also improved, yet remained below pre-flood levels. Other functions will likely require additional recovery time due to the persistence of accumulated excess woody debris. Across all sample intervals, floodplain wetlands displayed high wetland function capacities and appear resilient to surface water inundation. This analysis highlights the utility of the HGM assessment to detect responses to changing environmental conditions over short time intervals. The study also emphasizes the need to incorporate metrics with appropriate impact-response characteristics when developing and implementing ecological assessments.
Network Effects of the 15q13.3 Microdeletion on the Transcriptome and Epigenome in Human-Induced Neurons.

Abstract Background The 15q13.3 microdeletion is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. Previous association and functional studies have investigated the potential role of several genes within the deletion in neuronal dysfunction, but the molecular effects of the deletion as a whole remain largely unknown. Methods Induced pluripotent stem cells, from 3 patients with the 15q13.3 microdeletion and 3 control subjects, were generated and converted into induced neurons. We analyzed the effects of the 15q13.3 microdeletion on genome-wide gene expression, DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and sensitivity to cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, we measured gene expression changes in induced neurons with CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) knockouts of individual 15q13.3 microdeletion genes. Results In both induced pluripotent stem cells and induced neurons, gene copy number change within the 15q13.3 microdeletion was accompanied by significantly decreased gene expression and no compensatory changes in DNA methylation or chromatin accessibility, supporting the model that haploinsufficiency of genes within the deleted region drives the disorder. Furthermore, we observed global effects of the microdeletion on the transcriptome and epigenome, with disruptions in several neuropsychiatric disorder–associated pathways and gene families, including Wnt signaling, ribosome function, DNA binding, and clustered protocadherins. Individual gene knockouts mirrored many of the observed changes in an overlapping fashion between knockouts. Conclusions Our multiomics analysis of the 15q13.3 microdeletion revealed downstream effects in pathways previously associated with neuropsychiatric disorders and indications of interactions between genes within the deletion. This molecular systems analysis can be applied to other chromosomal aberrations to further our etiological understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Debating Early Republican Urbanism in Latium Vetus: The Town Planning of Gabii, between Archaeology and History

Recent archaeological investigations have revealed that at the end of the fifth century b.c.e., Gabii, an ancient centre of Latium Vetus, was reorganised in a planned, quasi-orthogonal pattern, which constitutes an anomaly in the regional context. This is indicative of an important transformational moment in its history, representing a break from previous patterns of occupation and involving significant spatial and socio-political discontinuities with the previous settlement. This article proposes that the reorganisation reflects a moment of refoundation after a period of abandonment, an urban trajectory that can be clarified by a critical re-examination of the historical evidence, focusing on two pivotal processes: the devotio of the city by the Romans and the dynamics of early colonisation in Latium. This new interpretation not only has important implications for understanding the archaeology of Gabii and of early republican urbanism, but also sheds light on one of the ‘darkest’ ages in Roman history.
Revising, Correcting, and Transferring Genes

The distinction between germline and somatic gene editing is fundamental to the ethics of human gene editing. Multiple conferences of scientists, ethicists, and policymakers, and multiple professional bodies, have called for moratoria on germline gene editing, and editing of human germline cells is considered to be an ethical "red line" that either never should be crossed, or should only be crossed with great caution and care. However, as research on germline gene editing has progressed, it has become clear that not all germline interventions are alike, and that these differences make a significant moral difference, when it comes to ethical questions about research, regulation, clinical application, and medical justification. In this paper, I argue that, rather than lumping all germline interventions together, we should distinguish between revising, correcting, and transferring genes, and I assess the consequences of this move for the ethics of gene editing.
Real-space orthogonal projector-augmented-wave method

The projector-augmented-wave (PAW) method of Bl\"ochl makes smooth but nonorthogonal orbitals. Here we show how to make a PAW orthogonal using a cheap transformation of the wave functions. We show that the resulting orthogonal PAW (OPAW), applied for density functional theory, reproduces (for a large variety of solids) band gaps from the abinit package. OPAW combines the underlying orthogonality of norm-conserving pseudopotentials with the large grid spacings and small energy cutoffs in PAW. The OPAW framework can also be combined with other electronic structure theory methods.
BSNCloud: Cloud-Centered Wireless Body Sensor Data Collection, Streaming, and Analytics System

Cloud-assisted body area networks have been the focus of researchers in past years as a response to the development of robust wireless body area networks (WBANs). While software such as Signal Processing in Node Environment (SPINE) provide Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to manage heterogeneous biomedical sensor networks, others have focused on developing tools that address the issue of sensor connection/control, data receiving, and visualization. However, existing software tools lack sufficient flexibility, scalability, and support for complicated biomedical systems. In this paper, BSNCloud, a cloud-centered heterogeneous and comprehensive wireless body sensor data collection, streaming, and analytics framework is proposed. The system combines the sensor control and data aggregator event detection, real-time data analysis, visualization, and streaming into one Android App and incorporated four key components in the cloud server: data repository, algorithm repository, machine learning engine, and web portal. A prototype has been implemented with preliminary performance evaluation. Results show that the system is promising in its full utilization of the high performance computing power as well as the large volume storage capacity.
Triggering an unexpected earthquake in an uncoupled subduction zone.

In the 1970s, the Shumagin Islands region of the Alaska subduction zone was identified as a seismic gap expected to host a future great [moment magnitude (Mw) ≥8.0] earthquake. More recent geodetic data indicate that this region is weakly coupled, and the geologic record shows little evidence of past large events. From July to October 2020, a series of earthquakes occurred in this region, raising the possibility of greater coupling. The initial Mw 7.8 thrust faulting earthquake straddled the eastern edge of the Shumagin Gap and was followed by an Mw 7.6 strike-slip earthquake within the Shumagin Gap. Stress modeling indicates that this strike-slip earthquake is in fact favored if the Shumagin Gap has low coupling, whereas a highly coupled Shumagin Gap inhibits that type and location of earthquake. The initial thrust earthquake and its afterslip enhanced the strike-slip loading within the subducting slab, helping to trigger the October event.
Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study Linked External Data (LED): Protocol and Practices for Geocoding and Assignment of Environmental Data

Abstract Our brain is constantly shaped by our immediate environments, and while some effects are transient, some have long-term consequences. Therefore, it is critical to identify which environmental risks have evident and long-term impact on brain development. To expand our understanding of the environmental context of each child, the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study® incorporates the use of geospatial location data to capture a range of individual, neighborhood, and state level data based on the child’s residential location in order to elucidate the physical environmental contexts in which today’s youth are growing up. We review the major considerations and types of geocoded information incorporated by the Linked External Data Environmental workgroup to expand on the built and natural environmental constructs in the existing and future ABCD Study data releases. Understanding the environmental context of each youth furthers the consortium’s mission to understand factors that may influence individual differences in brain development, providing the opportunity to inform public policy and health organization guidelines for child and adolescent health.
INAM: Cross-stack Profiling and Analysis of Communication in MPI-based Applications

Understanding the full-stack performance trade-offs and interplay among HPC applications, MPI libraries, the communication fabric, and the job scheduler is a challenging endeavor. Unfortunately, existing profiling tools are disjoint and only focus on profiling one or a few levels of the HPC stack limiting the insights they can provide. In this paper, we propose a standardized approach to facilitate near real-time, low overhead performance characterization, profiling, and evaluation of communication of high-performance communication middleware as well as scientific applications using a cross-stack approach by INAM. The profiling capabilities are supported in two modes of with and without modifications to the application depending on the scope of the profiling session. We design and implement our designs using an MPI_T-based standardized method to obtain near real-time insights for MPI applications at scales of up to 4,096 processes with less than 5% overhead. Through experimental evaluations of increasing batch size for DL training, we demonstrate novel benefits of INAM for cross-stack communication analysis in real-time to detect bottlenecks and resolve them, achieving up to 3.6x improvements for the use-case study. The proposed solutions have been publicly released with the latest version of INAM and currently being used in production at various HPC supercomputers.
Sensing Local Field Potentials with a Directional and Scalable Depth Array: DISC

A variety of electrophysiology tools are available to the neurosurgeon for diagnosis, functional therapy, and neural prosthetics. However, no tool can currently address these three critical recording needs: (i) a surgical method that can reach any cortical region in a minimally invasive manner; (ii) record microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale resolutions simultaneously; and (iii) enable recording from multiple brain regions. This work presents a novel device for recording local field potentials (LFPs) whose form is based on state-of-the-art stereo-electroencephalogram (sEEG). Using quasi-static electromagnetic modeling, the lead body is shown to shield LFP sources and this enables directional sensitivity and scalability when microelectrodes are positioned radially, which we refer to as a DISC array. As predicted, DISC demonstrated significantly improved signal-to-noise, directional sensitivity, and decoding accuracy in the rat barrel cortex during whisker stimulation. Critically, DISC also demonstrated equivalent fidelity at the macroscale and, uniquely, performs current source density in stereo. Directional sensitivity of LFPs may significantly improve brain-computer interfaces and many diagnostic procedures, including epilepsy foci detection and deep brain targeting.
Bloodstream infections with rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Background Bloodstream infections (BSI) with rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) resulted in recent nosocomial outbreaks predominantly in immunocompromised patients. A little is known about the clinical implications of RGM BSI with different species. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with RGM BSI from November 2011 to December 2020. Demographic data, clinical presentation, laboratory and radiographic findings and microbiological characteristics were used to tabulate descriptive statistics. We performed a comparative analysis of patients with BSI due to Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) vs. other RGM. Results We identified 32 patients with positive blood cultures for RGM, 4/32 (12.5%) were considered to have unclear significance. The most common source for RGM BSI was intravascular catheters (14/28, 50%). Compared to other sources, patients with catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) received a shorter course of antimicrobial therapy (median [IQR]: one month [0.37-2.25] vs. six months [2-12]), (P = 0.01). The most common species isolated were MABC (12/28, 42.9%), followed by Mycobacterium fortuitum group (6/28, 21.4%) and Mycobacterium chelonae (6/28, 21.4%). Compared to other RGM, MABC BSI was more likely to be secondary to skin and soft tissue infection, associated with longer hospital stay (P = 0.04) and higher death rates despite a higher number of antimicrobial agents used for empirical and directed therapy per patient. Conclusion MABC BSI is associated with an overall more resistant profile, longer hospital stay, and higher death rate despite a more aggressive therapy approach.
Applying reliability models to the maintenance of Space Shuttle software

Software reliability models provide the software manager with a powerful tool for predicting, controlling, and assessing the reliability of software during maintenance. We show how a reliability model can be effectively employed for reliability prediction and the development of maintenance strategies using the Space Shuttle Primary Avionics Software Subsystem as an example.
Correction of catalog numbers incorrectly cited by Schultz and Falkenbach in oreodont papers published between 1940 and 1968

Between the years 1940 and 1968 Schultz and Falkenbach published eight papers revising the taxonomy of oreodonts (Merycoidodontidae). Although these papers suffer from many difficulties, including the oversplitting of taxa and the citation of plastically deformed features as diagnostic characters (M. S. Stevens, personal commun.), they remain the primary systematic work on oreodonts produced this century.
Filling the Oversight Gap: The Case for Local Intelligence Oversight

Since the September 11th attacks, local law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have become increasingly involved in counterterrorism and intelligence activities. Unfortunately, this development has not yet spurred a comparable increase in intelligence oversight. Indeed, at the local level, intelligence activities are conducted largely in a “formal governance vacuum.” This situation is unsustainable. Local formal oversight mechanisms are desperately needed. Whether local actors are actually up to the intelligence oversight task is another question. And it is a question that has yet to be answered in a satisfactory manner. Skeptics have written off local overseers with little explanation, while advocates of local intelligence oversight have endorsed local overseers without apparent consideration of their viability. This Note seeks to provide a comprehensive answer. Drawing upon lessons from oversight of the federal intelligence community, this Note lends support to advocates by demonstrating that the federal intelligence oversight apparatus is a workable model for the local context.
Abstract T P117: Impact of Medicaid Coverage on Utilization of Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

Objective: Optimal post-acute care is associated with improved stroke outcomes. Among working age stroke patients discharged to institutional post-acute care, those with Medicaid are less likely to be discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) than those with private insurance, a finding which may be influenced by state Medicaid coverage. We hypothesized that stroke patients residing in states where Medicaid does not cover IRFs would be less likely to be discharged to an IRF than patients residing in states where Medicaid covers IRFs. Methods: Working age ischemic stroke patients with Medicaid were identified from the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) using ICD-9 CM codes 433.x1, 434.x1 and 436. Medicaid coverage of IRFs (yes versus no) was ascertained for 45 states with NIS data by review of state Medicaid websites. The primary outcome was discharge to IRF (versus other discharge destinations). We fit a hierarchical logistic regression model that included patient-level factors (demographics and stroke severity measures (length of stay, t-PA use and Charlson comorbidity score)), and a state policy variable representing whether a State’s Medicaid pays for IRF, with a random intercept for hospital. Based on this model, we estimated the probability of utilization of IRFs in states with Medicaid coverage of IRFs compared to those without. Results: Medicaid did not cover IRFs in 4 (TN, TX, SC, WV) out of 45 states. Compared to stroke patients residing in states with Medicaid coverage of IRF, stroke patients hospitalized in states without Medicaid coverage of IRF were less likely to be discharged to an IRF (12.8% (7.5-18.0%) vs. 19.4% (17.0-21.8%), p=0.02) after adjusting for patient and hospital factors. Conclusion: Working age stroke patients with Medicaid who reside in states where Medicaid does not cover IRFs have less utilization of IRFs than patients residing in states where Medicaid covers IRFs. As the Medicaid population expands under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the number of working age stroke patients increase, careful attention to state Medicaid policy for post-acute care and analysis of its effects are warranted.
The Effects of Maternal Ethanol Consumption in the Rat on the Development of their Offspring

The effects of ethanol on the physical development and maturation of the CNS in the offspring of lactating rats were investigated. Dams were fed: 1) regular stock diet (control), 2) liquid diet containing 35% of the calories as ethanol (ETOH) or 3) liquid diet with maltose-dextrin substituted for the calories supplied by ethanol (isoenergetic = IE). Diets were administered from the 14th day of gestation until 3 weeks post-partum (pre- and post-natal exposure) or from birth until 3 weeks post-partum (post-natal exposure). Body weight, crown-rump length and tail length, as well as brain weight were followed longitudinally in the pups. The growth in the pups of dams fed ETOH diet and those fed IE diet were significantly less than that observed in the pups of control dams. Furthermore, pups of dams fed the ETOH diet showed retardation in growth indices and brain weight at various ages when compared to pups of equivalent age from dams fed the IE diet. Therefore, administration of ethanol to pregnant or lactating dams impaired the physical growth, including central nervous systems (CNS), of their offspring more than those changes caused by nitritional deprivation.
Oxygen‐17 NMR: Applications in Biochemistry

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 17O NMR Parameters 3 Biophosphates 4 Amino Acids and Polypeptides 5 CO and O2 in Hemoproteins 6 Summary and Prospects 7 Acknowledgements 8 Biographical Sketches Related Article
Genetic correlation of SOCS3 polymorphisms with infantile asthma: an evidence based on a case-control study.

In order to explore the relevance of SOCS3 gene polymorphisms with infantile asthma and provide evidence for the ethology of infantile asthma, we conducted this case-control study.A total of 273 children were enrolled for study in this article, including 119 children with asthma and 154 healthy controls frequency-matched with the former in sex and age. The genotyping of SOCS3 rs4969170, rs4969168 polymorphisms in all subjects were performed using TaqMan probe method. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to represent the association strength between SOCS3 polymorphisms and infantile asthma and calculated by χ² test which was conducted to check the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in the control group.The genotypes distributions of SOCS3 polymorphisms in controls conformed to HWE. Compared with GG/GA genotype in SOCS3 rs4969170, AA genotype obviously increased the susceptibility to asthma in children (OR=2.556, 95% CI=1.377-4.744) and A allele also made the same conclusion (OR=2.287, 95% CI=1.311-3.991). Differently in rs4969168, AG and AG/GG genotypes distributions had significant differences in two groups (P=0.036, 0.043). This two polymorphisms existed the linkage disequilibrium and the haplotype analysis showed that A-G and A-A haplotypes in rs4969170-rs4969168 increased 1.855 and 0.863 times risk of asthma development in children, respectively.A significant relevance involved in SOCS3 gene polymorphisms and infantile asthma development based on a Chinese Han population.
Selecting the reference image for registration of CEST series.

Background To compare different reference images selected for registration among chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) series. Materials and Methods Five normal volunteers and eight brain tumor patients were studied on a 3 Tesla scanner. Image registration was performed by choosing each of the acquired CEST saturation or unsaturation dynamic images as the reference. CEST images at 3.5 ppm (amide proton transfer, APT) were computed for each motion-corrected data set after main magnetic field inhomogeneity correction. A uniformity index was defined to quantify the efficacy of image registration using different reference images. Joint histograms and the structural similarity index (SSIM) were used to analyze the intrinsic image similarity between various dynamic images. Results Image registration increased the average uniformity index by 18% if the 3.5 ppm saturated image was selected as the reference image. However, registering to the unsaturated dynamic image reduced the uniformity index by 13% on average. The joint histogram analysis showed that the saturated dynamic images were highly similar (SSIM = 0.89 ± 0.01), and were considerably different from the unsaturated dynamic image (SSIM = 0.58 ± 0.03). Conclusion The selection of the 3.5 ppm dynamic image as the reference image generated the highest uniformity index for APT imaging though other saturated images were equally suited as reference images.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015.
Error Correction Encoding for Tightly Coupled On-Chip Buses

The performance of a tightly coupled on-chip bus connecting several embedded cores can be improved using multithreshold comparators at the receiver end. Reduction in supply voltage may cause bit errors. An on-chip encoding technique for error correction is proposed to improve the robustness of the method. It relies on a novel algorithmic formulation that exploits the inbuilt redundancy of the multithreshold architecture to reduce the number of redundant bits required to achieve error correction when compared with the existing methods. Extensive experimental evaluation confirms that the overhead of the proposed encoding technique is significantly less than that of the traditional encoding techniques that use a single threshold voltage. Experimental evidence demonstrates that the proposed encoding technique can be implemented on-chip in a scalable nonenumerative manner.
Axis switching and spreading of an asymmetric jet: Role of vorticity dynamics

The effects of vortex generators and periodic excitation on vorticity dynamics and the phenomenon of axis switching in a free asymmetric jet are studied experimentally. Most of the data reported are for a 3:1 rectangular jet at a Reynolds number of 450,000 and a Mach number of 0.31. The vortex generators are in the form of 'delta tabs', triangular shaped protrusions into the flow, placed at the nozzle exit. With suitable placement of the tabs, axis switching could be either stopped or augmented. Two mechanisms are identified governing the phenomenon. One, as described by previous researchers and referred to here as the omega(sub theta)-induced dynamics, is due to difference in induced velocities for different segments of a rolled up azimuthal vortical structure. The other, omega(sub x)-induced dynamics, is due to the induced velocities of streamwise vortex pairs in the flow. Both dynamics can be active in a natural asymmetric jet; the tendency for axis switching caused by the omega(sub theta)-induced dynamics may be, depending on the streamwise vorticity distribution, either resisted or enhanced by the omega(sub x)-induced dynamics. While this simple framework qualitatively explains the various observations made on axis switching, mechanisms actually in play may be much more complex. The two dynamics are not independent as the flow field is replete with both azimuthal and streamwise vortical structures which continually interact. Phase averaged flow field data for a periodically forced case, over a volume of the flow field, are presented and discussed in an effort to gain insight into the dynamics of these vortical structures.
Floating Body Cell with Independently-Controlled Double Gates for High Density Memory

An aggressively scaled, self-aligned, Independently controlled Double-Gate Floating Body Cell (IDG FBC) is reported. This structure eases the scaling constraints of other FBC memory devices proposed to date. Enhanced memory performance has been demonstrated owing to the independent back gate with thin oxide and thin Si fin. Memory devices with 85-nm Lg and 30-nm fin widths (Z) have been shown to exhibit better memory characteristics at a lower voltage than alternative FBC structures at comparable dimensions. Design, fabrication, operation, and scalability of IDG FBC devices are discussed.
Rotodynamic Modeling of an Actively Controlled Magnetic Bearing Gas Turbine Engine

This paper summarizes the development of finite element rotordynamic solution used in a closed loop simulation for a magnetic bearing rotor system in a gas turbine engine. A magnetic bearing controlled rotor is analyzed, and the state dynamics matrix [A], the shaft control influence matrix [B], and the sensor matrix [C] are constructed. Bode plots of the state-space transfer function are also constructed and compared to the results of the rotor dynamic model.
A technique for demonstrating of dehydrogenase activities in Epon-embedded, semithin sections of the nervous tissue

Summary Experiments were performed aiming at establishing optimal conditions for demonstrating the activity of dehydrogenases in Epon -embedded, semithin sections. Small fragments of the nervous tissue were incubated for 1, 4, 10 and 24 h at 37, 20 and 4 °C in the presence of NBT or TC NBT. The incubated fragments were embedded in Epon and semithin sections prepared thereof. The activities of succinate dehydrogenase and of α-glycerol dehydrogenase was evaluated. The experiments have shown that semithin, Epon -embedded sections may be used for demonstration and cytological localization of respiratory enzymes. Various experimental conditions were tried. Optimal results were obtained when unfixed tissue fragments were incubated for 24 h at 4 °C.
Research at the margin: participatory design and community based participatory research

Participatory Design (PD) is increasingly applied in marginalized and low-resource communities. This paper looks at how Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) can inform future PD work in these politically contested spaces. We distinguish between these approaches through two participatory photo visual methods: photo elicitation and photovoice. We conclude with suggestions for integrating principles from CBPR into PD to lead to more impactful work with marginalized and low-resource communities.
Teacher Practices with Toddlers During Social Problem Solving Opportunities

This article explores how teachers can foster an environment that facilitates social problem solving when toddlers experience conflict, emotional dysregulation, and aggression. This article examines differences in child development and self-regulation outcomes when teachers engage in problem solving for toddlers and problem solving with toddlers. It also reviews teacher practices aimed at preventing problems. The article suggests a paradigm shift from perceiving social challenges as toddler problems to viewing such situations as problem solving opportunities. The article concludes by applying these principles to an actual classroom dispute among toddlers.
Selenoprotein W modulates control of cell cycle entry.

The present study was conducted to identify targets of selenium (Se) provided to cultured human cells in physiologically relevant doses and forms. Breast and prostate epithelial cells were supplemented with Se provided as 100 nM sodium selenite or high-Se serum and gene expression was profiled with DNA microarrays. Pure sodium selenite affected expression of 560 genes in MCF-10A breast cells, including 60 associated with the cell cycle (p = 2.8 × 10−16). Selenoprotein W (SEPW1) was the only selenoprotein messenger RNA (mRNA) increased by both sodium selenite (specific) and high-Se serum (physiologic). SEPW1 small interfering RNA inhibited G1-phase progression and increased G1-phase gene transcripts, while decreasing S-phase and G2/M-phase gene transcripts, indicating the cell cycle was interrupted at the G1/S transition. SEPW1 mRNA levels were maximal during G1-phase, dropped after the G1/S transition and increased again after G2/M-phase. SEPW1-underexpressing prostate cells had increased mRNA for BCL2, which can induce a G1 arrest, and decreased mRNA for RBBP8 and KPNA2, which modulate the Rb/p53 checkpoint pathway. These results suggest that SEPW1 and the G1/S transition are physiological targets of Se in breast and prostate epithelial cells.
A nonpeptide provides insight into mechanisms that regulate Drosophila melanogaster heart contractions

Here we report the effect of a nonpeptide, benzethonium chloride (bztc), on Drosophila melanogaster larval, pupal, and adult heart rates in vivo. Benzethonium chloride reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions in the D. melanogaster pupal heart, but not in the larval heart or the adult heart as measured in noninvasive whole animal preparations. When applied directly to the D. melanogaster heart, in the absence of hemolymph, bztc reduced the frequency of spontaneous contractions in larval, pupal, and adult hearts. These findings are consistent with the conclusion that bztc acts through or is regulated by different mechanisms in these three developmental stages. An alternative explanation is that larval hemolymph and adult hemolymph contain a material that interferes with the effect of the nonpeptide on heart contractions. Bztc mimicked the effect of the peptide dromyosuppressin (DMS) on the heart at an equivalent concentration; in contrast, 103-fold more nonpeptide is required to mimic the effect of DMS on fly gut. These findings are consistent with the presence of tissue-specific myosuppressin receptors or mechanisms.
Petroselinic Acid from the Ripe Berries of Aralia spinosa

AbstractActivity-directed fractionation of the 95% ethanol extract of the berries of Aralia spinosa L. (Araliaceae) led to the isolation of cis-6-octadecenoic acid (1) (petroselinic acid) as the major bioactive compound. This is the first report of this compound being isolated from the genus Aralia and of its toxicity. In this paper we reported the complete spectral data of 1.