cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1764: Horizontal and vertical signal pathway inhibition in human tumor primary culture micro-spheroids

Introduction: Signal transduction pathways are targets for small molecule tyrosine and serine-threonine kinase inhibitors. Redundancy and cross talk between pathways can complicate the application of genomic signatures but proteomic and functional platforms may more closely approximate tumor phenotypes. We used EVA/PCD (ex vivo analysis of programmed cell death), a functional platform measuring both apoptotic & non-apoptotic events to examine the PI3K and EGFr pathways in human 1° culture micro-spheroids. Methods: 337 tumor specimens provided from the OR were mechanically and enzymatically disaggregated and exposed to EGFr (Gefitinib), AKT (B-15), PI3K (LY294002) & mTOR (Rapamycin) inhibitors with LC50 values interpolated from 5-point dose response curves. Synergy was assessed by median effect and correlation coefficients by Pearson Moment. Results: Parallel Pearson Moment analyses in 51 specimens by 2-tailed T, revealed LY vs. B15 (NS); LY vs. Rapa (P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1764.
Laser cooling without spontaneous emission.

Atom-light interactions using polychromatic laser fields permit energy and momentum exchange for laser cooling without spontaneous emission.
A semi-Lagrangian time splitting method for the Schrödinger equation with vector potentials

In this paper, we present a time splitting scheme for the Schrodinger equation in the presence of electromagnetic eld in the semi-classical regime, where the wave function propagates O(e) oscillations in space and time. With the operator splitting technique, the time evolution of the Schrodinger equation is divided into three parts: the kinetic step, the convection step and the potential step. The kinetic and the potential steps can be handled by the classical time-splitting spectral method. For the convection step, we propose a semi-Lagrangian method in order to allow large time steps. We prove the unconditional stability conditions with spatially variant external vector potentials, and the error estimate in the l approximation of the wave function. By comparing with the semi-classical limit, the classical Liouville equation in the Wigner framework, we show that this method is able to capture the correct physical observables with time step ∆t ≫ e. We implement this method numerically for both one dimensional and two dimensional cases to verify that e−independent time steps can indeed be taken in computing physical observables.
Neutron Powder Diffraction of (Nd7/12Li1/4)TiO3 Nano-Checkerboard Superlattices

Neutron powder diffraction data for the Li-containing perovskite (Nd7/12Li1/4)TiO3 is compared to simulated patterns, showing that structural refinement should use a ∼4000 atom, 14ap × 28ap × 2ap supercell. To form the nano-checkerboard, periodic phase separation must therefore be occurring throughout the bulk powder sample.
Pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in a postmenopausal woman: case report with review of literature.

Abstract Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disorder that occurs almost exclusively in young females and characterized by peribronchial, perivascular, and perilymphatic non-neoplastic proliferation of smooth-muscle cells. These changes may precipitate chylous effusions, pulmonary hemorrhage, bronchial cyst formation, progressive loss of lung function, and ultimately death. Most patients die within eight to ten years of the time of diagnosis. We report a rare case ofpost-menopausal onset pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis in a 62-year old Caucasian female that was diagnosed at age 53 and responded well to intramuscular injections of Depo-Provera and bilateral oophorectomy. No symptom progression or pulmonary function test deterioration was noted over an eight year period of clinical follow-up. Our case is unique because of the postmenopausal onset and the unusual clinical course of the disease.
ENDOSCOPIC ASPECTS OF POST-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CONGENITAL ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA AND TRACHEOESOPHAGEAL FISTULA.

SUMMARY 1. One hundred and forty-six infants with congenital esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, or both, were observed on the endoscopic service of The Children's Memorial Hospital between 1947 and 1964. One hundred and twenty-three, or 84.2 per cent, were Type III, 12 were Type IV (“H”), and 10 were Type I with both segments blind. One had an esophageal atresia with both upper and lower segments entering the trachea. 2. Laryngeal problems included congenital anomalies, paralyses, and postoperative edema. Twelve infants had laryngeal paralyses: 6 bilateral, 2 right and 4 left cord paralysis. Laryngeal paralysis invariably increased the respiratory and deglutition difficulties of the postoperative period. 3. Tracheal problems included congenital tracheomalacia and stenoses. The most serious post-surgical complications occur at the site of the fistula leading to the lower esophageal segment. Obstruction due to inversion of the edges, granulomas, and too tight a closure were present in 14 infants. Diverticula, consisting of a residual piece of the lower esophageal segment not completely removed, were found in 11 infants. There were 12 recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas. 4. Bronchial secretions, chemical bronchitis, and atelectasis constitute the principal bronchopulmonary complications. These appear to increase in severity with delay in closure of the tracheoesophageal fistula. The alteration of respiratory physiology associated with resection of portions of several ribs may play a part in increasing the severity of the bronchopulmonary problems. 5. Esophageal strictures were present in 103 of the 146 infants; 93 at the site of a direct end-to-end anastomosis, 8 at the esophagogastric, -colic, or -jejunal site, and 2 at the cologastric site. Early recognition and treatment of the narrowing lumen in the immediate postoperative period is stressed. Swallowing function is usually normal until semisolids are added to the infant diet, at which time the anastomosis stricture is already firm and tough. Techniques of bougienage in the early postoperative period and management of the late fibrous strictures are outlined. 6. Reanastomosis was necessary in 6 infants because of inability to reestablish a lumen endoscopically. All were dilated early in the postoperative period following the revision and have attained a normal swallowing function.
The Social Distance of the Exceptional: A Study at the High School Level

One hundred eighty-six high school students (grades 9 to 12) in a small midwestern town completed a paired comparisons questionnaire involving twelve exceptionalities and seven interpersonal dimensions. The exceptionalities were ordered from most to least acceptable on each dimension using the paired comparisons procedure. The results revealed that acceptance of certain exceptionalities was sometimes related to interpersonal situations, although most frequently the severely mentally retarded anchored the unfavorable end of the acceptance continuum, and the gifted anchored the favorable end. Exceptionalities reflecting mild handicaps (hard of hearing, partially seeing) were most often near the favorable end of the acceptance continuum.
Hierarchical Planning in the Now

In this paper we outline an approach to the integration of task planning and motion planning that has the following key properties: It is aggressively hierarchical. It makes choices and commits to them in a top-down fashion in an attempt to limit the length of plans that need to be constructed, and thereby exponentially decrease the amount of search required. Importantly, our approach also limits the need to project the effect of actions into the far future. It operates on detailed, continuous geometric representations and partial symbolic descriptions. It does not require a complete symbolic representation of the input geometry or of the geometric effect of the task-level operations.
Multiscale Model of Fibrin Accumulation on the Blood Clot Surface and Platelet Dynamics

A multiscale computational model of thrombus (blood clot) development is extended by incorporating a submodel describing formation of fibrin network through "fibrin elements" representing regions occupied by polymerized fibrin. Simulations demonstrate that fibrin accumulates on the surface of the thrombus and that fibrin network limits growth by reducing thrombin concentrations on the thrombus surface and decreasing adhesivity of resting platelets in blood near thrombus surface. These results suggest that fibrin accumulation may not only increase the structural integrity of the thrombus but also considerably contribute toward limiting its growth. Also, a fast Graphics Processing Unit implementation is described for a multiscale computational model of the platelet-blood flow interaction.
Access to Care in Vermont: Factors Linked With Time to Chemotherapy for Women With Breast Cancer—A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose:In the rural United States, there are multiple potential barriers to the timely initiation of chemotherapy. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with delays in the time from initial diagnosis to first systemic therapy (TTC) among women with breast cancer in Vermont.Methods:Using data from the Vermont Cancer Registry, we explored TTC for 702 female Vermont residents diagnosed with stage I to III breast cancer between 2006 and 2010 who received adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between TTC and patient, tumor, treatment, and geographic variables.Results:Mean TTC was 10.2 weeks. Longer drive time (P < .001), more invasive surgery (P = .01), and breast reconstruction (P < .001) were each associated with longer TTC. Each additional 15 minutes of drive time was associated with a 0.34-week (95% CI, 0.22 to 0.46 weeks) increase in TTC. Participants age younger than 65 years whose primary payer was Medicare (n = 27) had signific...
Isotropic and Uniform Inertial and Acceleration Characteristics: Issues in the Design of Redundant Manipulators

The paper investigates the dynamic characterization of redundant manipulators and formalizes the problem of dynamic optimization in manipulator design. The dynamic performance of a manipulator is described by both inertial and acceleration characteristics as perceived at the end-effector operational point. The inertial characteristics at this point are given by the operational space kinetic energy matrix (pseudo-kinetic energy matrix for a redundant manipulator) which is dependent on the kinematic and inertial parameters of the manipulator and varies with its configuration. The acceleration characteristics of the end-effector are described by a joint torque/acceleration transmission matrix. In addition to their dependency on the kinematic and inertial parameters, the acceleration characteristics depend on the velocities and actuator torque bounds. The dynamic optimization is formalized in terms of finding the design parameters under the various constraints to achieve the smallest most isotropic and most uniform end-effector inertial properties, while providing the largest, most isotropic, and most uniform bounds on the magnitude of end-effector acceleration. This approach is used in the design of ARTISAN, a ten-degree-of-freedom manipulator currently under development at Stanford University.
What Counter-Majoritarian Difficulty? Experimentally Evaluating Citizens' Views of the Democratic Nature of the Supreme Court

Scholars have long debated the democratic credentials of courts. Some view the judiciary as a positive force for democracy (Zemans 1983, Kelemen 2012b, Almendares and Le Bihan 2015), while others claim it can get in the way of truly democratic governance (see, for example, Tushnet 1999, Kramer 2004, Hirschl 2004, Waldron 2006). One often-cited problem with courts is what Alexander Bickel (1962) called the "counter-majoritarian difficulty." Put simply, in a democracy how can it be that a group of unelected, unrepresentative judges is free to overrule the will of the people? Our paper addresses this dilemma from a novel angle. Specifically, we use a survey experiment to test whether or not Americans actually care about the counter-majoritarian nature of their Supreme Court. We present respondents with a fictitious Supreme Court ruling and test whether they react differently when it is framed as overruling majorities, either elected or public, of different sizes. We find that in general people do not care about the counter-majoritarian dilemma on its own. What often does matter to how Americans react to counter-majoritarian decisions is what they think about Congress, the institution the Court overrules whenever it strikes down a law. Most of the time, citizens’ trust and confidence in Congress interacts with their views about the policy in question to determine their levels of support for the decision.
Abstract WP354: Prophylactic Anti-epileptic Drugs and Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Seizure is a common complication after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) but there are conflicting data about the impact of seizure on ICH outcome and the clinical utility of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in ICH treatment. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that prophylactic AEDs would be associated with worse outcomes after ICH. Methods: We queried the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA), and identified 802 ICH patients who were followed for 90 days in prior clinical trials. Uni- and multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were designed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic AEDs on ICH outcome reflected by mortality and modified Rankin Scale (mRS)>3 at 90 days. Results: Eighty two (10.2%) subjects received prophylactic AEDs after ICH. Patients who received AED prophylaxis had higher ICH volume (median [IQR] 23.2 [10.5, 38.0] vs. 14.3 [7.1, 27.0] cm3, P=0.001), and ICH score (1 [0, 2] vs. 1 [0, 1], P=0.028). In univariate analysis (Table), patients who received prophylactic AEDs had higher mRS at 90 days (4 [2, 6] and 3 [2, 5], P=0.03), and numerically greater mortality (27% vs. 18%, P=0.06). Phenytoin was the most commonly used AED and appeared to have a larger effect size than other AEDs. The ICH score and its components were strongly associated with outcomes (Table). Multivariable models adjusting for ICH score components attenuated the effect of prophylactic AEDs overall (mRS OR 1.33, 95% CI: 0.78-2.26, P=0.29; mortality HR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.72-1.80, P=0.58). Similar results were obtained for mRS and mortality outcomes when adjusted for overall ICH score, and for all AEDs as well as specifically for phenytoin. Conclusion: Patients with higher ICH scores and larger hemorrhages are more likely to receive prophylactic AEDs and more likely to have poor outcomes. In this large multitrial cohort from VISTA, prophylactic AEDs were not independently associated with outcome after adjustment for these confounders.
Deep Feature Learning for Classification When Using Single Sensor Multi-wavelength Based Facial Recognition Systems in SWIR Band

In this chapter, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) based classification framework. Our proposed CNN framework is designed to automatically categorizes face data into individual wavelengths before the face recognition algorithms (pre-processing, feature extraction and matching) are used. Our main objective is to study the impact of classification of multi-wavelength images into individual wavelengths, when using a challenging single sensor multi-wavelength face database in short wavelength infrared (SWIR) band, for the purpose of improving heterogeneous face recognition in law enforcement and surveillance applications. Multi-wavelength database is composed of the face images captured at five different SWIR wavelengths ranging from 1150 nm to 1550 nm in increments of 100 nm. For classification based on CNN networks, there are no pre-trained multi-wavelength models available for our challenging SWIR datasets. To deal with this issue, we trained the models on our database and empirically optimized the model parameters (e.g. epoch and momentum) such that classification is performed more accurately. After classification, a set of face matching experiments is performed where a proposed face matching fusion approach is used indicating that, when fusion is supported by our classification framework, the rank-1 identification rate is significantly improved, namely when no classification is used. For example, face matching rank-1 identification accuracy, when using all data is 63% versus 80% when data is automatically classified into a face dataset where face images were captured at 1550 nm wavelength.
Uncle Ho’s Good Children Award and State Power at a Socialist School in Vietnam

This autoethnographic account of a “socialist youth” explores how state power influences and shapes youth’s concept of nationalism. Embracing the teaching of Ho Chi Minh’s philosophy and Marxism-Leninism, Vietnam’s school programs and activities in the 1980s were designed to evoke patriotism and to ensure Vietnamese children would revere Uncle Ho and stay loyal to the Communist Party. In the name of the nation, this system also motivated youth to dedicate their lives, to commit their time and energy, and to sacrifice personal interests for “the success of communism.” Within this system, symbolic rewards, such as the “Uncle Ho’s Good Children” award, provided important meanings that could make childhood under socialism a fulfilling and memorable experience.
Model and Sensor Based Precise Navigation by an Autonomous Mobile Robot

A method to improve navigational precision of an autonomous mobile robot is presented. With the use of a world model and ultrasonic sensors, the robot operates in a static environment consisting of orthogonal polyhedra. The whole experiment is divided into two parts: the method of how to recognize the robot’s position and orientation using the sensors and world model, and the method of how to correct its position and orientation without interrupting the smooth motion. A new technique of taking ultrasonic data combined with linear motion is used in this research. By doing this, abstract features of the local environment can be described using a least squares fit and heuristic methods. These abstract features are then matched to a model of the environment and the location and orientation of the robot are determined. Multiple obstacles are watched by separate sensors asynchronously. A matcher for each sensor independently determines positional and orientational information. Dynamic positional error correction is easily done by using a set_posture function from the library of the MML language. Experimental results show the successful execution of model and sensor based navigation by the autonomous mobile robot Yamabico-11.
SPECTRAL SIGNATURE OF COUPLED FLOW IN THE REFREEZING ACTIVE LAYER, NORTHERN ALASKA

Soil temperature records obtained from the active layer above permafrost at a site in northern Alaska during autumn and winter have variance spectra inconsistent with a purely conductive heat-transfer system. Although conductive heat-transfer theory predicts that temperature fluctuations are attenuated with depth, sub-diurnal thermal variance at the 50-cm level, near the base of the active layer, exceeded that at the 10-cm level. Short segments of the temperature record were drawn from three distinct periods of soil-frost conditions: (1) at the maximum vertical development of the active layer in early autumn; (2) during frost penetration and the formation of a zero curtain in early winter; and (3) after freezeback of the active layer. The variance spectra of these time series show systematic seasonal transitions that reflect changing mechanisms of heat transfer. During the first and second periods, heat transfer by internal evaporation and condensation dominates at wavelengths in the diurnal range. The sp...
Revealed preference and expected utility

This essay gives necessary and sufficient conditions for recovering expected utility from choice behavior in several popular models of uncertainty. In particular, these techniques handle a finite state model; a model for which the choice space consists of probability densities and the expected utility representation requires bounded, measurable utility; and a model for which the choice space consists of Borel probability measures and the expected utility representation requires bounded, continuous utility. The key result is the identification of the continuity condition necessary for the revelation of linear utility.
Style, Editorial, and Publication Guidelines for Items in Other Common Formats

Being familiar with the variety of formats in which test items can appear is one indication of a competent item writer. Familiarity with item formats means that writers understand the definition, structure, and advantages and criticisms for each of these item formats. It also means writers know the technical rules and the guidelines of editorial style for presentation of items in these formats. Whereas the preceding chapter presented information useful to understanding these features for items in the multiple-choice format, this chapter presents parallel discussions for items in several other popularly used formats, including true-false, matching, short-answer, sentences-completion, and cloze-procedure.
Cognitive Sequelae in Closed Head Injury

For the past 18 years our laboratory has been conducting neuropsychological assessments on head-injured patients referred by neurosurgeons, neurologists, attorneys, insurance companies, and government agencies. The reports include a complete profile which outlines the patient’s strengths and weaknesses, memory quotient, intellectual functions, emotional adjustment, and the examiner’s perception of situational factors which may play a role in the patient’s difficulties.
TLR Signaling and Tumour-Associated Macrophages

The role that Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling may have in stimulating macrophages to become tumor promoting is not yet clearly defined. However, given the role macrophages play in restoring tissue homeostasis such as in the tissue repair response, it is likely that tumor-induced TLR signaling provides macrophages with signals of persistent injury. In this chapter, we review the molecular determinants of TLR signaling, the role TLR signaling plays in infection, wound healing, and tumorigenesis and discuss how TLR signaling in tumor-associated macrophages may result in tumor progression.
Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure Respiratory Variation Predicts Hemodynamic Improvement with Increased LVAD Speed

Introduction Respirophasic hemodynamic patterns are prognostic in the setting of heart failure (e.g. Kussmaul's sign), though the implications of hemodynamic respirophasic variation patterns in patients supported with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) are unknown. Many LVAD patients remain poorly hemodynamically optimized, and the ability to optimize these patients with ramp speed increase is a positive prognostic marker. However, the response to ramp speed increase may be unpredictable. Alterations in hemodynamics with respiration may predict ramp speed response by reproducing pre-load alterations during respiration similar to LVAD speed manipulation. Hypothesis Absence of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) respiratory variation in patients with LVADs is associated with an inability to reduce the PAWP with increasing pump speed. Absence of right atrial pressure (RAP) respiratory variation is a marker of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 16 separate, consecutive hemodynamic ramp studies on 12 patients with HeartMate II LVADs (average 880 ± 483 days of LVAD support). All PAWP and RAP at inspiration and expiration were independently measured in a blinded fashion. Patient demographic and clinical data was obtained from chart review. No patient had clinically significant pulmonary disease. Results The degree of respiratory variation of PAWP correlated with PAWP reduction with speed increase (R = 0.81). PAWP respiratory variation also correlated with the LV transmural pressure (PAWP - RAP) (R = 0.87) (Figure) . Patients admitted for RV failure (n=6) within 60 days of the ramp study did not have significantly different RAP respiratory variation at baseline compared to those not admitted for RV failure (n=6) (27% versus 40%, p = 0.09). However, there was a difference in RAP respiratory variation at the peak speed of the ramp study (36% RAP respiratory variation in RV failure patients compared to 61% for non-RV failure patients, p = 0.045). Conclusions The degree of PAWP respiratory variation is correlated with the ability to unload the LV by increasing LVAD speed. PAWP respiratory variation is a marker of a favorable hemodynamic response to speed changes during ramp study. In addition, patients with reduced RAP respiratory variation were more likely to have RV failure requiring hospital admission. Right and left-sided filling pressure respiratory variation patterns can provide valuable clinical information to the treating physician regarding the LVAD patient's underlying biventricular physiology.
Information, Democracy, and Autocracy: Economic Transparency and Political (In)Stability

Advocates for economic development often call for greater transparency. But what does transparency really mean? What are its consequences? This breakthrough book demonstrates how information impacts major political phenomena, including mass protest, the survival of dictatorships, democratic stability, as well as economic performance. The book introduces a new measure of a specific facet of transparency: the dissemination of economic data. Analysis shows that democracies make economic data more available than do similarly developed autocracies. Transparency attracts investment and makes democracies more resilient to breakdown. But transparency has a dubious consequence under autocracy: political instability. Mass-unrest becomes more likely, and transparency can facilitate democratic transition - but most often a new despotic regime displaces the old. Autocratic leaders may also turn these threats to their advantage, using the risk of mass-unrest that transparency portends to unify the ruling elite. Policy-makers must recognize the trade-offs transparency entails.
Truth: One or Many or Both?

Truth pluralism is a metaphysical theory of the nature of truth. The pluralist rejects the deflationist claim that truth is at best a ‘shallow’, insubstantial property. Indeed, the pluralist embraces a plurality of truth properties (such as correspondence, superassertibility, coherence), each appropriate to a different domain (or domains) of discourse. On the face of it, the pluralist will inherit all the main problems of the various traditional substantivist theories of truth. In addition, a strong pluralist, who only recognizes a plurality of truth properties (so that truth emerges not as one but only many), faces a number of problems, such as the problem of mixed discourse. But the moderate pluralism, who acknowledges that there is, in addition to diverse truth properties, a single property of truth (so that truth emerges as both one and many), faces problems of her own. After raising specific difficulties we see with moderate pluralism, we propose a less extravagant way to preserve the metaphysical intuitions that motivate pluralism.
Mechanochemically directed metathesis in group 2 chemistry: calcium amide formation without solvent.

Ball milling CaI2 and [KN(SiMe3)2] in a 1 : 1 ratio without solvent, and then extracting the ground material with toluene, yields the synthetically valuable neutral amide [Ca(N(SiMe3)2)2] in good yield, without the contamination by calciate species that complicates solution metathesis routes. The effects on yield of grinding time, milling frequency, and calcium halide identity are also examined.
Myogenic tone contributes to the regulation of permeability in mesenteric microvessels.

Abstract The microvascular endothelium plays a key role in regulating solute permeability in the gut, but the contribution of vascular smooth muscle to barrier function is unknown. We sought to determine the role of vascular smooth muscle and its myogenic tone in the vascular barrier to solutes in mesenteric microvessels. We determined vascular permeability to 4.4 kDa and 70 kDa dextrans in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries at increasing pressure increments. The myogenic response was simultaneously monitored using video edge-detection of vessel diameter and wall thickness. We expressed permeability as the apparent permeability coefficient, or the solute flux per second normalized to surface area and concentration gradient. We compared the effects of myogenic tone, L-type calcium channel blockade, calcium elimination, and endothelial removal on the permeability of each dextran. We found arteries resisted changes in 4.4 kDa and 70 kDa dextran permeability coefficients at intravascular pressures associated with myogenic tone. Manipulations that reduced or eliminated myogenic tone (L-type calcium channel blockade or calcium elimination) caused vasodilation and increased permeability coefficients. Thus, the maintenance of a reactive mesenteric vascular smooth muscle layer and its myogenic tone prevents increases in vascular permeability that would otherwise occur with increasing pressure. Conditions that impact vascular tone, such as trauma, stroke, or major surgery could diminish the gut-vascular barrier against dissemination of the microbiome.
Experience in Using Direct Current Electric Potential to Monitor Crack Growth in Ductile Metals

The direct-current electric potential (d-c EP) method is receiving increasing attention as an alternative to the unloading compliance method for monitoring crack initiation and growth during fracture toughness testing of ductile metals. Advantages of the d-c EP method include uninterrupted tests, continuous monitoring of crack extension, ability to accurately measure relatively large amounts of crack growth, and ability to be used at high displacement rates in many materials. The principal shortcoming of the d-c EP method (as with most other methods) is the uncertainty in defining the point of crack initiation in some tests. This paper describes Battelle's experience in using the d-c EP method to monitor crack initiation and growth in compact (tension) specimens machined from various pipes used in cooling systems of nuclear reactors. Among the materials investigated are carbon steel pipes (base metal and weld metal) and extremely ductile austenitic stainless steel pipes (base metal and weld metal). Discussed in the paper are: (1) estimation of the crack-initiation point from d-c EP data, (2) ability of the d-c EP method to accurately predict large amounts of crack growth in highly ductile metals. (3) modification of the Johnson equation to improve the accuracy of the d-c EP method for large crack growth, and (4) use of the d-c EP method at high displacement rates.
HAND1 loss-of-function within the embryonic myocardium reveals survivable congenital cardiac defects and adult heart failure

Aims To examine the role of the basic Helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor HAND1 in embryonic and adult myocardium. Methods and results Hand1 is expressed within the cardiomyocytes of the left ventricle (LV) and myocardial cuff between embryonic days (E) 9.5-13.5. Hand gene dosage plays an important role in ventricular morphology and the contribution of Hand1 to congenital heart defects requires further interrogation. Conditional ablation of Hand1 was carried out using either Nkx2.5 knockin Cre (Nkx2.5Cre) or α-myosin heavy chain Cre (αMhc-Cre) driver. Interrogation of transcriptome data via ingenuity pathway analysis reveals several gene regulatory pathways disrupted including translation and cardiac hypertrophy-related pathways. Embryo and adult hearts were subjected to histological, functional, and molecular analyses. Myocardial deletion of Hand1 results in morphological defects that include cardiac conduction system defects, survivable interventricular septal defects, and abnormal LV papillary muscles (PMs). Resulting Hand1 conditional mutants are born at Mendelian frequencies; but the morphological alterations acquired during cardiac development result in, the mice developing diastolic heart failure. Conclusion Collectively, these data reveal that HAND1 contributes to the morphogenic patterning and maturation of cardiomyocytes during embryogenesis and although survivable, indicates a role for Hand1 within the developing conduction system and PM development.
Modern trunnion designs do not affect clinically significant patient-reported outcomes.

Introduction:Trunnion geometry is known to vary between hip systems. Trunnionosis and the impact of trunnion design on total hip arthroplasty (THA) survival, has gained attention as a failure mecha...
The case of computer science education, employment, gender, and race/ethnicity in Silicon Valley, 1980–2015

We analyse race and gender trends in the Silicon Valley technology industry from 1980 to 2015, with a focus on education, employment and wages in computer science. Racial gaps in representation are...
General Education Teachers’ Use of Evidence-Based Practices: Examining the Role of Student Race and Risk Status:

This exploratory study occurred in Title 1 schools located within a large urban area. The sample included 23 general educators and 551 students in second through fifth grade, with 57 students ident...
Effects of Nutrient Restriction During Midgestation to Late Gestation on Maternal and Fetal Postruminal Carbohydrase Activities in Sheep.

To examine the effects of nutrient restriction during midgestation to late gestation on maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities, 41 singleton ewes (48.3 ± 0.6 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 100% (control; CON; n = 20) or 60% of nutrient requirements (restricted; RES; n = 21) from day 50 until day 90 (midgestation). At day 90, 14 ewes (CON, n = 7; RES, n = 7) were euthanized. The remaining ewes were subjected to treatments of nutrient restriction or remained on a control diet from day 90 until day 130 (late gestation): CON-CON (n = 6), CON-RES (n = 7), RES-CON (n = 7), and RES-RES (n = 7) and were euthanized on day 130. The fetal and maternal pancreas and small intestines were weighed, subsampled, and assayed for digestive enzyme activity. One unit (U) of enzyme activity is equal to 1 µmol of product produced per minute for amylase, glucoamylase, lactase, and trypsin and 0.5 µmol of product produced per minute for maltase and isomaltase. Nutrient restriction during midgestation and late gestation decreased (P < 0.05) maternal pancreatic and small intestinal mass but did not affect fetal pancreatic or small intestinal mass. Maternal nutrient restriction during late gestation decreased (P = 0.03) fetal pancreatic trypsin content (U/pancreas) and tended to decrease (P < 0.08) fetal pancreatic trypsin concentration (U/g), specific activity (U/g protein), and content relative to BW (U/kg of BW). Nutrient restriction of gestating ewes decreased the total content of α-amylase (P = 0.04) and tended to decrease total content of trypsin (P = 0.06) and protein (P = 0.06) in the maternal pancreas on day 90. Nutrient restriction during midgestation on day 90 and during late gestation on day 130 decreased (P = 0.04) maternal pancreatic α-amylase-specific activity. Sucrase activity was undetected in the fetal and maternal small intestine. Nutrient restriction during late gestation increased (P = 0.01) maternal small intestinal maltase and lactase concentration and tended to increase (P = 0.06) isomaltase concentration. Realimentation during late gestation after nutrient restriction during midgestation increased lactase concentration (P = 0.04) and specific activity (P = 0.05) in the fetal small intestine. Fetal small intestinal maltase, isomaltase, and glucoamylase did not respond to maternal nutrient restriction. These data indicate that some maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities may change in response to maternal nutrient restriction.
Kinship, Friendship, and Service Provider Social Ties and How They Influence Well-Being among Newly Resettled Refugees:

As refugees move from forced displacement to resettlement, their networks change dramatically alongside their living conditions and surroundings. The relative benefit of different kinds of ties in ...
Nature-based approaches to managing climate change impacts in cities

Managing and adapting to climate change in urban areas will become increasingly important as urban populations grow, especially because unique features of cities amplify climate change impacts. High impervious cover exacerbates impacts of climate warming through urban heat island effects and of heavy rainfall by magnifying runoff and flooding. Concentration of human settlements along rivers and coastal zones increases exposure of people and infrastructure to climate change hazards, often disproportionately affecting those who are least prepared. Nature-based strategies (NBS), which use living organisms, soils and sediments, and/or landscape features to reduce climate change hazards, hold promise as being more flexible, multi-functional and adaptable to an uncertain and non-stationary climate future than traditional approaches. Nevertheless, future research should address the effectiveness of NBS for reducing climate change impacts and whether they can be implemented at scales appropriate to climate change hazards and impacts. Further, there is a need for accurate and comprehensive cost-benefit analyses that consider disservices and co-benefits, relative to grey alternatives, and how costs and benefits are distributed across different communities. NBS are most likely to be effective and fair when they match the scale of the challenge, are implemented with input from diverse voices and are appropriate to specific social, cultural, ecological and technological contexts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change and ecosystems: threats, opportunities and solutions'.
Developing a broad-range promoter set for metabolic engineering in the thermotolerant yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus

Abstract Kluyveromyces marxianus is an emerging host for metabolic engineering. This thermotolerant yeast is the fastest growing eukaryote, has high flux through the TCA cycle, and can metabolize a broad range of C5, C6, and C12 carbon sources. In comparison to the common host Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this non-conventional yeast suffers from a lack of metabolic engineering tools to control gene expression over a wide transcriptional range. To address this issue, we designed a library of 25 native-derived promoters from K. marxanius CBS6556 that spans 87-fold transcriptional strength under glucose metabolism. Six promoters from the library were further characterized in both glucose and xylose as well as across various temperatures from 30 to 45 ​°C. The temperature study revealed that in most cases EGFP expression decreased with elevating temperature; however, two promoters, PSSA3 and PADH1, increased expression above 40 ​°C in both xylose and glucose. The six-promoter set was also validated in xylose for triacetic acid lactone (TAL) production. By controlling the expression level of heterologous 2-pyrone synthase (2-PS), the specific TAL titer increased over 8-fold at 37 ​°C. Cultures at 41 ​°C exhibited a similar TAL biosynthesis capability, while at 30 ​°C TAL levels were lower. Taken together, these results advance the metabolic engineering tool set in K. marxianus and further develop this new host for chemical biosynthesis.
Preparing for Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives on Social, Political, and Equity Issues in Higher Education.

Pre-service and beginning in-service science teachers enrolled in a university teacher education program participated in a project to support their teaching through a lens of sustainability. While ...
Modeling The Temporally Constrained Preemptions of Transient Cloud VMs

Transient cloud servers such as Amazon Spot instances, Google Preemptible VMs, and Azure Low-priority batch VMs, can reduce cloud computing costs by as much as 10x, but can be unilaterally preempted by the cloud provider. Understanding preemption characteristics (such as frequency) is a key first step in minimizing the effect of preemptions on application performance, availability, and cost. However, little is understood about temporally constrained preemptions---wherein preemptions must occur in a given time window. We study temporally constrained preemptions by conducting a large scale empirical study of Google's Preemptible VMs (that have a maximum lifetime of 24 hours), develop a new preemption probability model, new model-driven resource management policies, and implement them in a batch computing service for scientific computing workloads. Our statistical and experimental analysis indicates that temporally constrained preemptions are not uniformly distributed but are time-dependent and have a bathtub shape. We find that existing memoryless models and policies are not suitable for temporally constrained preemptions. We develop a new probability model for bathtub preemptions and analyze it through the lens of reliability theory. To highlight the effectiveness of our model, we develop optimized policies for job scheduling and checkpointing. Compared to existing techniques, our model-based policies can reduce the probability of job failure by more than 2x. We also implement our policies as part of a batch computing service for scientific computing applications, which reduces cost by 5x compared to conventional cloud deployments and keeps performance overheads under 3%.
Examining the Accuracy of Self-Reported Smoking-Related Exposure among Recently Diagnosed Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients

Purpose:Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for developing nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer, and continued smoking exposure after diagnosis may increase the likelihood of adverse clinical outcomes....
A Good Step in the Right Direction: Illinois Eliminates the Conflict Between Attorneys and Guardians

Even though most organizations that set advocacy standards for attorneys participating in juvenile delinquency proceedings have emphasized that the duty of the lawyer for a juvenile is to advocate for the juvenile’s legal rights rather than to support some other person’s determination of the juvenile’s best interests, there is significant evidence that there is confusion among attorneys and judges as to the proper role of attorneys who represent minors in delinquency proceedings. However, in delinquency proceedings, the duties of an attorney for a minor client are so fundamentally different than those of a guardian ad litem, that attempting to serve as an attorney and a guardian at the same time affects the effectiveness of the attorney’s role as an advocate for the minor, thus making it impossible for the attorney to provide the type of effective assistance of counsel that is guaranteed by the Constitution. Because juveniles facing delinquency proceedings have a Constitutional right to counsel and to effective assistance of counsel, remedying the problem is critical to improving the quality of juvenile justice. This short essay explains the problem and reviews the state of the law on the issue.
The Challenge of Learning Ethics as a Medical Student: Synthetic Ethics as a New Approach

Over the past few decades, medical school curricula have grown to include bioethics courses, recognizing the importance of ethical clinical practice [1, 2, 3]. As a medical student, I have found that one of the most difficult ethical challenges for myself and others during training has been simply learning bioethics. This project examines some of the issues I have seen in bioethics education, which stymie both knowledge uptake by students and the application of moral thought in day-to-day practice; it then suggests a new approach to teaching bioethics, one founded in what I call “synthetic ethics” – being able to engage in moral reasoning that is vibrant and flexible, rather than dogmatic and unexamined, using the challenges posed by COVID-19 as a case study. I outline three general issues in bioethics pedagogy that curtail students’ ability to engage in synthetic ethics, informed by both my own experience and the existing literature: 1) teachers not challenging personal subjectivism, which fails to inculcate students with the moral character they need as physicians [4]; 2) espousal of the hard, intransigent deontology of some faculty and the AMA [5, 6]; and 3) the cavalier disinterest of many students towards the humanities [7]. This is all in the context of our pluralistic society, which makes approaching ethical quandaries even more complex and challenging for many non-philosophers; if pluralism is abandoned for ethical absolutism, we run the risk of ethical imperialism [8]. The need for effective bioethical thought is demonstrated by scenarios like the COVID pandemic: resources are stretched and the disease is global – and the bioethical establishment provides solutions that are unsatisfying, pitting basic principles against each other with no resolution [9, 10]. This is where synthetic ethics becomes really necessary: it allows us to balance different cultural and moral considerations to find new solutions that are better for patients and providers. By engaging with synthetic ethics – adopting a Hegelian approach (Figure 1) to resolving theoretical tensions and being willing to bracket out overly-deontological values – we can combine disparate theories or their component parts, allowing us to better address these issues and come up with new solutions. I close with a few thoughts on implementation of synthetic ethics: more rigorous teaching of basic ethical theories, emphasizing innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, utilizing stimulating case studies and being willing to move to pass/fail grading all are possible ways to incorporate synthetic ethics training into medical school coursework. By doing so, we will develop the faculties that physicians need to address the problems that will inevitably arise during our careers.
Integrated functional characterization and optical tagging for cell-type identification

Imaging has become one of the most important tools for categorizing neurons based on their function. However, for a cell type identified only by its pattern of activity, the process of identifying molecular markers remains laborious. We developed physiological optical tagging sequencing (PhOTseq), a technique for tagging and expression profiling of cells on the basis of their functional properties. We developed a reporter combining a green calcium indicator (GCaMP) with a photoactivatable red reporter (PAmCherry). When visualizing neuronal activity in such animals, real-time analysis allowed digital selection of cells exhibiting specific activity patterns, and photoactivation was directed specifically to those cells to tag them for later harvesting and analysis. We found that PhOTseq was capable of selecting rare cell types and enriching them by nearly 100-fold. We applied PhOTseq to the challenge of mapping receptor-ligand pairings among pheromone-sensing neurons in mice, and densely mapped the cell types responsible for encoding a specific portion of the sensory world.