cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Drives the Institutional Divergence of Productivist Welfare Capitalism

In East Asia, the initial intention of social policy was not for rights-based social protection, but rather for the promotion of economic productivity. Social security and welfare policies were essentially subordinated to the imperatives of labor production; as such, the benefits were provided selectively to government employees and industrial workers, who were considered important for economic growth. The “economy-first” mind-set also led East Asian newly industrialized economies (NIEs) to spend more on human capital formation while being reluctant to expand public income transfers and social services. A set of hypotheses regarding the productivity orientation of East Asian welfare regimes resulted in an active scholarly discourse of productivist welfare capitalism (PWC). Although the PWC thesis is not widely recognized in the “mainstream” literature and some scholars question the validity of the concept and its operationalization (Hudson and Kuhner 2009), we cannot overlook the fact that it offers a compelling theoretical framework to understand the key nature of social policy development in East Asia.
An Approach to Score Following for Piano Performances With the Sustained Effect

One challenge in score following for piano music is the sustained effect, i.e., the waveform of a note lasts longer than what is notated in the score. This can be caused by expressive performing styles such as the legato articulation and the usage of the sustain and the sostenuto pedals and can also be caused by the reverberation in the recording environment. This effect creates nonnotated overlappings between sustained notes and latter notes in the audio. It decreases the audio-score alignment accuracy and robustness of score following systems and makes them be prone to delay errors, i.e., aligning audio to a score position that is earlier than the correct position. In this paper, we propose to modify the feature representation of the audio to attenuate the sustained effect. We show that this idea can be applied to both the chromagram and the spectral-peak representations, which are commonly used in score following systems. Experiments on the MAPS dataset show that the proposed method significantly improves the alignment accuracy and robustness of score following systems for piano performances, in both anechoic and highly reverberant environments.
Do Smoking Bans Improve Infant Health? Evidence from U.S. Births: 1995–2009

Among the newest policies developed to reduce smoking and improve health are smoking bans. Using individual-level birth certificate data from the Natality Detail File between 1995 and 2009 and data on county smoking bans, we investigate the impacts of smoking bans on infant birth weight, length of gestation, 5-minute APGAR score, and cleft palate. Smoking bans are not associated with significant improvements in infant health. Instead, we find small increases in low birth weight and very low birth weight in infants born to young mothers who live in counties that adopted at least one type of ban during the study period.
Hofmeister Anion Effects on Thermodynamics of Caffeine Partitioning between Aqueous and Cyclohexane Phases

Specific anion effects on the thermodynamics of caffeine partitioning between aqueous and cyclohexane phases were studied in the presence of 11 sodium salts by utilizing UV–vis spectroscopy. It is observed that weakly hydrated anions such as ClO4–, SCN–, and I– salt caffeine into the aqueous phase and increase the standard Gibbs free energy for caffeine transfer. On the other hand, well-hydrated anions such as CO32– and SO42– salt caffeine molecules out of the aqueous solution and promote the transfer process. Results suggest that weakly hydrated anions associate with the hydrophobic patches of caffeine including three methyl groups and a flat heteroatomic ring to solvate caffeine molecules. Well-hydrated anions are excluded from the caffeine surface to salt caffeine molecules out of aqueous solution. Moreover, the enthalpy and entropy of caffeine transfer were obtained by measuring the standard Gibbs free energy for caffeine transfer at varied temperatures. The transfer of caffeine from the aqueous to cy...
A Methodology for Optimal Network Design

A methodology is developed to optimize the design of water distribution networks using reduced gradient techniques with a network simulator. The problem is reduced in complexity by incorporating a network simulator into the optimization model. This allows a more general problem to be solved including pipe sizing for new and expanding systems, pump sizing, valves, and storage facilities. In addition, the reduced problem can consider large networks under a number of loading conditions.
Scale Linking to Enable Patient-Reported Outcome Performance Measures Assessed with Different Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome performance measures (PRO-PMs) incorporate outcomes from the patient's perspective into performance measures and may have great potential to impact health care. The various patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to assess the same outcome challenge widespread use of PRO-PMs. A potential solution is to statistically link PROMs to provide equivalent PRO-PM conclusions to be drawn regardless of which PROM was used. Objectives To determine the level of agreement in the performance of two depression-related PRO-PMs assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scale and the eight-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression short form and the PHQ-9 cocalibrated on the PROMIS metric. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who visited one of eight ambulatory neurological and psychiatric clinics at the Cleveland Clinic between January 23 and June 15, 2012, and who completed both the PHQ-9 and PROMIS Depression scales at the same visit. The level of agreement was measured between PRO-PM performance assessed with standard scoring of the PHQ-9, the PROMIS cocalibrated scoring of the PHQ-9, and the PROMIS score for two depression-related PRO-PMs. Results Of the 5736 enrolled patients, 701 had PROMs from two or more visits. Differences in performance of the depression remission PRO-PM ranged from 0.4% to 2.1%, and differences in the progress toward remission PRO-PM ranged from 0.9% to 5.1%, depending on which depression score was used. Conclusions There was a high level of agreement in the PRO-PM for depression when incorporating different PROMs. These findings support the ability to use linkage of scale scores to assess performance of PRO-PMs with different PROMs.
Abstract 88: Small Molecule Inhibition of Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 Attenuates Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Pathologic Cardiac Remodeling

Heart failure (HF) is a manifestation of most cardiovascular diseases whose increasing prevalence highlights the need for novel therapeutics. The extent of pathologic cardiac remodeling is correlated with clinical outcome. Importantly, cardiac injury enhances cardiac fibroblast (CF) activation, producing myofibroblasts that release pro-fibrotic/inflammatory mediators which target cardiomyocytes (CM), CFs, and local inflammatory cells to exacerbate remodeling. Mixed Lineage Kinases (MLKs) are a family of stress-activated MAPKKKs whose functional role(s) in the heart remain largely unknown. MLK3 has been implicated in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), where it mediates deleterious cross-talk between microglia and neurons, suggesting an analogous mechanism of pathologic intercellular CF-CM communication in HF. We hypothesize that MLK3 exacerbates cardiac remodeling through enhanced CF activation that contributes to pathologic cardiac intercellular communication. We have synthesized a series of MLK3-specific small molecule inhibitors, one of which (URMC-099) was found to attenuate microglial-mediated neurotoxicity in murine models of HAND. To investigate the role of MLK3 in CF activation, neonatal rat ventricular CFs were stimulated with isoproterenol (Iso) or angiotensin II (AngII). Concurrent treatment with URMC-099 attenuated both α-smooth muscle actin expression, indicative of myofibroblast transition, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Further, therapeutic efficacy and specificity of URMC-099 were tested in iso-infused and myocardial infarction (MI) models of HF using wild-type (WT) and MLK3-/- mice (shown to have no overt cardiac phenotype). URMC-099 significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy (HW:BW) and reduced interstitial fibrosis (assessed by Masson9s Trichrome staining) in an acute iso-pump model of HF in WT mice. Current echocardiographic data post-MI suggest cardioprotection in the MLK3-/- and URMC-099 treated mice. In conclusion, our collaborative data not only suggest a role for MLK3 in cardiac remodeling through pathologic CF activation but indicate a possibly novel paradigm of pathologic intercellular communication in multiple disease states.
When Software Free Sampling Meets Online User Reviews: An Empirical Study on Amazon and CNET

Free sampling in digital format has become a common interface between products and customers in the online market, offering customers first-hand experience with products, due to its low marginal co...
Suppes’ Contribution to Logic and Linguistics

Patrick Suppes’ contributions in the areas of logic, linguistics and philosophy of language are marked by a characteristic methodological approach. The end is always a clear formulation of a theory that makes it accessible to empirical test; the means is a formulation within a well-understood mathematical theory. The product of his inquiries is not always, however, a definitive set of observational predictions derived from the more precisely formulated theory; often the inquiry leads to conceptual or mathematical problems that must be resolved before any testable consequences can be derived. Thus the work is best seen as a program directed toward making the theories in question more precise and testable. I have divided Suppes’ work into three areas: the logic of empirical theories, theories of syntax, theories of semantics. In each case I have found it necessary to select from among his considerable writings those which seem most significant and representative. Each area is treated in a section below.
Revisiting the Cold War in Latin America

This essay reviews the following works: Rivalry and Alliance Politics in Cold War Latin America. By Christopher Darnton. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014. Pp. ix + 285. $44.95 paper. ISBN: 9781421413617. Neither Peace nor Freedom: The Cultural Cold War in Latin America. By Patrick Iber. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2015. Pp. 1 + 327. $39.95 cloth. ISBN: 9780674286047. Mexico’s Cold War: Cuba, the United States, and the Legacy of the Mexican Revolution. By Renata Keller. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2015. Pp. xix + 274. $103.00 cloth. ISBN: 9781107079588. Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana. By William M. LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2014. Pp. xiv + 524. $25.00 paper. ISBN: 9781469617633. Reagan and Pinochet: The Struggle over U.S. Policy toward Chile. By Morris Morley and Chris McGillion. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2015. Pp. xiii + 338. $35.99 paper. ISBN: 9781107458093.
Change in delinquency over time between adolescents with and without maltreatment experiences: attachment and the school's role

Abstract Despite the fact that the link between child maltreatment and delinquency has been well-established, relatively few studies have examined contributing factors in the maltreatment-delinquency relationship and the risk of reoffending. Due to unresolved attachment issues with primary caregivers, children and adolescents with a history of maltreatment may seek an alternative figure for attachment in their peer groups, schools and community settings throughout their life. Using a nationally representative sample from the Korea Welfare Panel study (KWP) in South Korea and latent growth modeling, the current study compares delinquency trajectories and the protective role of school attachment on delinquency between adolescents with (n = 348) and without a history of maltreatment (n = 129) across three waves. Moreover, this study investigates whether the timing of maltreatment affects trajectories of delinquency as well as the protective role of school attachment on delinquency over time. Results revealed that adolescents with a maltreatment history are more likely to engage in delinquency at initial levels and growth processes over time, compared to their counterparts. Initial levels and change rates of school attachment are negatively predictive of initial levels and change rates of delinquency for adolescents with maltreatment, compared to those without such an experience. Timing of maltreatment experience affects growth trajectories of delinquency as well as the protective role of school attachment on delinquency. Implications for adolescents with a history of maltreatment are discussed.
A Demographic Description of Evangelicals Attending Secular and Christian Colleges

The purpose of this study was to provide a demographic description of college students that identify themselves as born-again Christians. The sample of 15,541 students from a longitudinal survey wa...
Reading Aloud, Play, and Social-Emotional Development.

OBJECTIVES: To determine impacts on social-emotional development at school entry of a pediatric primary care intervention (Video Interaction Project [VIP]) promoting positive parenting through reading aloud and play, delivered in 2 phases: infant through toddler (VIP birth to 3 years [VIP 0–3]) and preschool-age (VIP 3 to 5 years [VIP 3–5]). METHODS: Factorial randomized controlled trial with postpartum enrollment and random assignment to VIP 0-3, control 0 to 3 years, and a third group without school entry follow-up (Building Blocks) and 3-year second random assignment of VIP 0-3 and control 0 to 3 years to VIP 3-5 or control 3 to 5 years. In the VIP, a bilingual facilitator video recorded the parent and child reading and/or playing using provided learning materials and reviewed videos to reinforce positive interactions. Social-emotional development at 4.5 years was assessed by parent-report Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (Social Skills, Attention Problems, Hyperactivity, Aggression, Externalizing Problems). RESULTS: VIP 0-3 and VIP 3-5 were independently associated with improved 4.5-year Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition T-scores, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) ∼−0.25 to −0.30. Receipt of combined VIP 0-3 and VIP 3-5 was associated with d = −0.63 reduction in Hyperactivity (P = .001). VIP 0-3 resulted in reduced “Clinically Significant” Hyperactivity (relative risk reduction for overall sample: 69.2%; P = .03; relative risk reduction for increased psychosocial risk: 100%; P = .006). Multilevel models revealed significant VIP 0-3 linear effects and age × VIP 3-5 interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Phase VIP 0-3 resulted in sustained impacts on behavior problems 1.5 years after program completion. VIP 3-5 had additional, independent impacts. With our findings, we support the use of pediatric primary care to promote reading aloud and play from birth to 5 years, and the potential for such programs to enhance social-emotional development.
Plastic, Adaptive Changes in the Vestibuloocular Reflex and Their Role in Recovery from Labyrinthine Lesions

In order to maintain gaze stability in the face of perturbations that disturb head position, the brain must generate movements of the eyes in the head that compensate for movement of the head in space. Three sensorimotor mechanisms can contribute to these compensatory eye movements: the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR), the cervicoocular reflex (COR) and visually guided eye movements produced by the smooth pursuit (SP) and optokinetic (OK) systems. The dynamic and spatial properties of these four systems in normal subjects have been extensively studied (cf. Cohen et al. 1977, 1981; Lisberger et al. 1981; Peterson 1988; Robinson 1980, 1982). These studies form the basis for understanding the sensorimotor rearrangements that occur during recovery from labyrinthine lesions.
Design of a Nanobiomaterial from Renewable Resources

In recent years, a large emphasis has been placed on the use of renewable resources to less heavily rely on petroleum and to better utilize global energy needs. However, the lack of rigidity of nature’s materials typically limits their mass production for high-tech applications. One promising approach to address this shortcoming is to introduce a composite material reinforced by high purity nanofibers found in nature. Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), the most abundant biopolymer on earth, could integrate a viable nanofibrous porous candidate resulting in superior structural diversity and functional versatility for diverse applications from automotive industry to bioengineering design. Inspired by these fascinating properties, a fully cellulose-based composite was designed using the CNWs reinforcement and their oriented morphology. Comparable to carbon nanotubes or kevlar, CNWs introduced significant strength and directional rigidity to the composite even at 0.2 wt% yet doubled that under magnetic field of only 0.3T. The tendency of CNWs to interconnect with one another confirmed the formation of a three-dimensional rigid percolating network, fact which imparted an excellent mechanical rigidity to the entire structure at such low filler content. Hence, the green nanobiomaterial with an enhanced microstructure performance in this study could potentially increase the biomedical applications of cellulose-based materials.
TANNIC ACID FERMENTATION. II: EFFECT OF NUTRITION ON THE PRODUCTION OF THE ENZYME TANNASE

In an investigation upon tam& acid fermentation reported in the previous paper, it was found that when cane sugar and tannic acid are offered simultaneously to either Aspergillus niger or Penicillium sp., the sugar is utilized as the source of carbon while the tannic acid is fermented, gallic acid resulting. Some of the results indicated that the rate of fermentation was influenced by the concentration of the sugar. It was deemed important, therefore, to determine if varying the relative amounts of tannic acid and sugar in the nutrient solution has an influence upon the amount of the enzyme tannase produced in the fungus thus grown. Since tannic acid is probably not commonly utilized in nature by Aspergitlus niger and Penitillium sp. as a source of carbon, experiments were also made to determine if the enzyme is produced when the fungus is cultivated on nutrient solution lacking tannic acid. The writer wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Prof. B. M. Duggar for assistance received during the course of the investigation.
Characterization of water-types and their influence on the antimicrobial proper-ties of Kombucha ferments against bacteria and yeast

Understanding the relationships between diet, gut microflora, and health is an increasingly important area of research. Recent studies have demonstrated that Kombucha tea provides variable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microbes. In this study, we tested Kombucha tea for antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast, using an agar diffusion method. Standard zone of inhibition assays were used to test the hypothesis that variance in antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans may be due to the varying levels of cations, like Ca2+, found in different water-types (well water, artesian water, city water, type-II water and distilled water). Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) results indicated that high cationic (Ca2+, Mg2+, and Na+) content water (well water) resulted in the largest zone of inhibition against S. aureus, with a 12.3% difference when compared to low cationic content water (type-II water). E. coli maintained a constant zone of inhibition regardless of water-type or batch-type, while C. albicans showed no zones of inhibition. Inhibition is either through a synergistic relationship with the pH conditions, the other cations present (Mg2+, Na+, Si, etc.) or a mix of both, as pH in the range of 4.5 - 3 is not enough to inhibit the growth of S. aureus. These results indicate that a direct relationship exists between cationic concentrations of water used to prepare Kombucha, and antibacterial activity against S. aureus, due to the improved fermentation of the tea with high concentrations of cations. Strong antimicrobial potential exists, particularly against S. aureus, which may be useful in determining novel approaches to synthesize antimicrobial drugs. Further study is needed to assess other S. aureus strains, as well as to determine how this relationship translates to human microbiota interactions and their microbial metabolic profiles.
Feasibility of using the Omnyx digital pathology system for cytology practice.

Introduction Whole slide imaging systems have focused mostly on surgical pathologic evaluation. However, for pathology laboratories to become fully digital, cytology slides will also need to be digitized, managed, viewed, and analyzed. Our aim was to determine the feasibility of using the Omnyx whole slide imaging system for various purposes in cytology. Materials and methods Our institution implemented the Omnyx digital pathology system, which was tested for feasibility and not implemented for clinical use in cytology. Glass slides (n = 18), scanned using various whole slide scanners, were uploaded into the Omnyx system. The system was evaluated for its feasibility with cytology case management, digital slide navigation and annotation, telecytology, and cytologic–histologic correlation. Results The Omnyx software was able to manage cases similar to a laboratory information system. Users were able to electronically distribute, search, and sort the clinical cases. A graphic dashboard approach and virtual slide tray is available for end users to evaluate cases. The ability to create custom folders and drag-and-drop images into these folders fulfilled clinical, quality assurance, education, and research needs. Innovative tools for digital slide navigation and annotation (eg, auto-pan, adding text to annotation, hiding annotations, image coregistration) offered innovative methods to work with slides. Omnyx also provided a mechanism for sharing images with others to perform teleconsultation. Conclusions We have demonstrated the feasibility of using the Omnyx whole slide imaging system for various purposes in cytology practice. The application supported, not only case management, but also the ability to perform cytologic–histologic correlation and telecytology. The viewer offered many features that improved digital slide navigation and annotation.
Defending Black Pete: strategies of justification and the preservation of tradition in Dutch news discourse

ABSTRACTDutch icon Black Pete has been scrutinized for using blackface. The construction of a national narrative through journalistic practices is one element in the creating or contesting of this ...
Elevated Serum Cobalt Concentrations Associated With Hydroxocobalamin Administration for Refractory Vasoplegia.

Abstract Cobalt is a trace mineral important for normal metabolism. Elevated circulating cobalt concentrations may be seen after toxic ingestions, occupational exposure, and wear of metallic implants. We report a case of markedly elevated serum cobalt levels attributed to administration of hydroxocobalamin as a treatment for refractory hypotension. While excessive cobalt may be potentially toxic, the clinical significance of elevated serum cobalt associated with hydroxocobalamin administration remains to be elucidated. While hydroxocobalamin is an emerging therapy in a clinician's arsenal in treatment of vasodilatory shock, this case illustrates the need for a heightened level of awareness among clinicians for potential adverse effects and abnormal laboratory findings associated with this therapy.
The Clinical and Biologic Significance of Thrombocytosis in Myeloid Disorders

Abstract 5031 Purpose Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are typically characterized by peripheral blood cytopenias. However, some MDS is associated with thrombocytosis rather than thrombocytopenia. The prognostic significance of thrombocytosis is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the overall survival (OS) of MDS patient based on their platelet count. Methods We reviewed a prospective cohort of patients with myeloid disorders from 1994 to present. Out of the 1,654 unique patients, 102 had platelets > 450,000 (5.7%) throughout their disease; 88 had stable platelet counts, 6 had varying platelet counts, and 12 were excluded because of missing information. OS of patients with thrombocytosis (>450,000 platelet count) was compared to FAB/WHO case matched patients with normal (100–450 platelet counts) and low platelet counts ( Results The worst OS occurred in patients with unstable platelet counts, followed by thrombocytopenia, and then thrombocytosis. Thrombocytopenia was associated with a poorer prognosis than thrombocytosis, although not significantly worse. Patients with normal platelet counts had the best prognosis. Thrombocytosis significantly reduced OS compared to patients with normal platelet counts (HR 1.44, p= 0.04) using adjusted Cox analysis. Thrombocytopenia had significantly reduced OS compared to patient with normal platelet counts (HR 1.8, p=0.0002) using unadjusted Cox regression. Patients who had unstable platelet counts had significantly the worst OS (HR 5.7, p= 0.0009). Both older age at diagnosis and IPSS independently and significantly affected OS. Conclusion MDS patients with both thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis have significantly decreased OS compared to normal platelet counts.{abspict} Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Interinstitutional Plan Quality Assessment of 2 Linac-Based, Single-Isocenter, Multiple Metastasis Radiosurgery Techniques.

Abstract Purpose Interest and application of stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases continue to increase. Various planning systems are available for linear accelerator (linac)–based single-isocenter multiple metastasis radiosurgery. Two of the most advanced systems are BrainLAB Multiple Metastases Elements (MME), a dynamic conformal arc (DCA) approach, and Varian RapidArc (RA), a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) approach. In this work, we systematically compared plan quality between the 2 techniques. Methods and Materials Thirty patients with 4 to 10 metastases (217 total; median 7.5; Vmin = 0.014 cm3; Vmax = 17.73 cm3) were planned with both Varian RA and MME at 2 different institutions with extensive experience in each respective technique. All plans had a single isocenter and used Varian linac equipped with high-definition multileaf collimator. RA plans used 2 to 4 noncoplanar VMAT arcs with 10 MV flattening filter-free beam. MME plans used 4 to 9 noncoplanar DCAs and 6 MV flattening filter-free beam, (minimum planning target volume [PTVmin] = 0.49 cm3; PTVmax = 27.32 cm3; PTVmedian = 7.05 cm3). Prescriptions were 14 to 24 Gy in a single fraction. Target coverage goal was 99% of volume receiving prescription dose (D99% ≥ 100%). Plans were evaluated by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/Paddick conformity index (CI) score, 12 Gy volume (V12Gy), V8Gy, V5Gy, mean brain dose (Dmean), and beam-on time. Results Conformity was favorable among RA plans (median: MME CIRTOG = 1.38; RA CIRTOG = 1.21; P Conclusions For linac-based multiple metastasis stereotactic radiosurgery, RapidArc VMAT facilitates favorable conformity and V12Gy/V8Gy volume compared with the MME DCA plan. MME planning facilitates reduced dose spill at levels ≤V5Gy.
Comparing cotinine and NNAL verification of self-reported smoking status among Lung Cancer Screening eligible population from the 2007-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Background: Biochemical verification of self-reported smoking status is not common among the population eligible for lung cancer screening (LCS). Methods: We used urinary NNAL (4-(methylnitrosamino...
Smartphone Impacts on Outdoor Orientation Trip Goal Attainment

Background: Smartphones provide limitless opportunity for communication and access to the world through social media, texting, and numerous applications. As their popularity continues to grow among...
Reflections on the Future of Think Tanks, Drawing on Three Decades in Public Policy Research

Kenneth R. Weinstein, President and CEO of The Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, explores the Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice in the United States.
PD-L1 expression in sarcomas: An immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

Background Immunotherapy is increasingly used for treatment of metastatic melanoma and carcinomas. PD-1 (programmed death 1) and its associated ligand (PD-L1) inhibits the activation of T-lymphocytes. This inhibition can be impacted by a number of drugs. Response to these drugs is predicted by assessment of PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 expression varies between 19% and 92% in melanomas and carcinomas. PD-L1 expression is less well documented for sarcomas. Design Fifty-six sarcomas of various histopathologic types were immunohistochemically stained (IHC) for PD-L1 using the antibody clone SP263 (Ventana, Tuscan, AZ). Membrane staining of tumor cells was quantitated as a percentage of total tumor cells. Sarcomas were judged as non-expressors (less than 1%) low-expressors (1 to 50%) and high expressors (greater than 50%). The percentage of each type of sarcoma judged as an expressor was determined. Results Table 1 documents the percentage of each type of sarcoma expressing PD-L1. 14% of sarcomas expressed PD-L1. Percentage of sarcomas expressing PD-L1 varied significantly between types but the majority of sarcomas were non-expressors. Conclusion PD-L1 IHC expression is valuable in predicting response to immune-modulating drugs. Such therapies may be useful for treatment of metastatic sarcomas. Expression of PD-L1 in carcinomas and melanomas is variable ranging from 19% to 92%. In our study, a minority (14%) of sarcomas expressed PD-L1. Other studies have shown similar results with between 1.4 and 59% (average 24%) of sarcomas expressing PD-L1. Expression appears to be sarcoma type specific. These finding suggest that PD-L1 based therapy may be less useful in sarcomas than in other malignancies.
Anchoring UNICEF’s evaluation function in East Asia and the Pacific

Abstract This article explores the key features of UNICEF’s evaluation function in East Asia and the Pacific between 2015 and 2020. It distills lessons learned on why the evaluation culture thrived, explaining how their quality and use surged. An analytical framework is used to understand the external context, internal organizational dimensions and the demand for evaluation evidence. It follows a mixed methods approach using triangulation from different sources. Decentralized evaluations are vital, as the function’s gravity point and test ground for new approaches they prompt active learning and accountability. Across diverse evaluands, they continuously improve UNICEF and its partners performance and nurture better results for children. Following the Covid19 pandemic, natural disasters or conflicts; they provide real time insights which help steer planning, adapt programming and iteratively identify solutions. When evaluation evidence feeds into national policies and budget allocations, it advances child rights fostering equity. Critical reflection combined with systems strengthening helps organizations claim their sphere of influence and become more effective in contributing to sustainable development goals. Once the function is strategically anchored, senior management moves away from having to do evaluations to wanting to do them.
Did recurrent selection for yield affect Iowa stiff stalk synthetic maize population grain fill characteristics

Hybrid maize yield increases, new product development, and increased stress tolerance can be more easily achieved with a better understanding of the physiological and genetic basis for phenotypic changes in response to recurrent selection for yield. The purpose of this study was to identify changes in grain fill characteristics and their interaction with plant density in a closed population and identify a model that accurately predicts grain fill in this population. We hypothesize that recurrent selection for increased yield indirectly impacted the grain fill characteristics of maize including final kernel weight, kernel fill duration, and kernel fill rate in the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic maize population. We also hypothesize that recurrent selection for yield has indirectly improved maize tolerance to high plant density stress for these grain fill characteristics. Populations representing different levels of advancement from the Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic maize population were compared to at two different locations near Ames, Iowa in 2009 and 2010. Populations were compared at plant densities of 5.3 and 7.7 seeds m -2 . Treatments were replicated three times per location in a split plot design. Recurrent selection for yield has led to changes in final kernel weight and kernel fill duration, as well as the response of kernel weight to increased planting densities. This
Performance of dual phase XeTPC with CsI photocathode and PMTs readout for the scintillation light

We have tested a dual phase xenon time projection chamber (TPC) consisting of a reflective cesium iodide photocathode and an array of seven PMTs for scintillation light readout. Present results show that 19% quantum efficiency (QE) of CsI photocathode can be achieved at 3 kV/cm. The dependence of quantum efficiency as a function of different electric field was measured and compared with the recent results obtained with a small chamber operated in parallel plate geometry.
Differences in Student Evaluations of Principles and Non-Principles Economics Courses and the Allocation of Faculty Across These Courses

We analyze 19 semesters of student evaluations at Kansas State University. Faculty fixed effects are sizable and indicate that, as assessed by students, the best principles teachers also tend to be the best non-principles teachers. OLS estimates are biased because principles teachers are drawn from the top of the distribution and because unmeasured faculty characteristics are correlated with such variables as the response rate and student effort. Student ratings are lowest for new faculty but stabilize quickly. Expected GPA of the class is not an important determinant of student ratings, but equitable grading is; and the rewards for equitable grading appear larger for principles classes. The lower ratings in principles classes are fully accounted for by greater class size.
Of Men, Women, and Computers: Data-Driven Gender Modeling for Improved User Interfaces

Men and women have unique sensibilities for information, which can be tapped to create gender-sensitive user interfaces that appeal more specifically to each sex. Building on previous research in gender psychology and also in user modeling, we take a data-driven approach to understanding gender preferences by mining a large corpus of 150,000 weblog entries‐ half authored by men, half by women. This paper reports two kinds of contributions. First, we employ automatic language processing, semantic analysis, and reflexive ethnography to articulate gender preferences for several dimensions of gender space will provide valuable insight to user interface designers‐ time, color, size, socialness, affect, and cravings. Second, we emplo y statistical gender models to build G ENDERLENS‐a novel intelligent news filtering system that customizes news based on the gender of its reader. A user evaluation found that G ENDERLENS successfully predicted men and women’s preferences for news, with statistical significance for four out of five news genres tested.
Anomalous in-plane paraconductivity in single-crystal YBa2Cu3O7.

We have studied the in-plane paraconductivity in single crystals of Y${\mathrm{Ba}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ with exceptionally sharp transitions. For temperatures greater than \ensuremath{\sim}1 K above the transition temperature ${T}_{c}$, we find good qualitative and some quantitative agreement with the two-dimensional Aslamazov-Larkin theory. The jump to zero resistance occurs in a narrow interval of less than 0.5 K. Our data are inconsistent with the Lawrence-Doniach expression for crossover from two to three dimensions.
Interaction of hexachlorobenzene with the receptor for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in vitro and in vivo,: Evidence that hexachlorobenzene is a weak Ah receptor agonist

Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) produces hepatic porphyria and induces the hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes P450c (P450IA1) and P450d (P450IA2) in rodents. These and other effects of HCB resemble those of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which acts via its binding to the aromatic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. We therefore examined the ability of HCB to interact with this receptor in vitro and in vivo. HCB, at concentrations of 1 microM or higher, inhibited the specific binding of [3H]TCDD (0.3 nM) to the Ah receptor in vitro, whereas the solubility of [3H]TCDD was affected only at 100 microM HCB. The inhibition was competitive, with a KI of approximately 2.1 microM. In rats fed a diet containing 3000 ppm HCB for varying times (4 h to 7 days), the specific binding of [3H]TCDD in hepatic cytosol was reduced by up to 40%, as observed previously for known Ah receptor agonists. The decrease in [3H]TCDD specific binding in cytosol of HCB-treated rats was due principally to a decrease in the number of binding sites for [3H]TCDD rather than competition from residual HCB. As shown by immunoblotting and radioimmunoassay, HCB induced the cytochrome P450 isozymes P450c and P450d, which are regulated by the Ah receptor, as well as the phenobarbital-inducible isozymes P450b and P450e. Together these results indicate that HCB is a weak agonist for the Ah receptor, and suggest that some of its effects may be mediated by its interaction with this gene-regulatory protein.
Shoulder sequelae of neonatal brachial plexus injuries: Orthopedic assessment and management

Brachial plexus birth palsy occurs at a rate of 1/1000-4/1000 live births despite advances in prenatal and obstetric care. The majority of children recover spontaneously, however some are left with permanent neurologic deficit. Shoulder pathology results from muscle imbalance created by pairing of weak or paralyzed muscles with unaffected muscle groups around the shoulder. This imbalance results in soft tissue contracture and can cause progressive glenohumeral joint morphological changes. Contractures of internal rotation are most common and may be a source of disability for the child. Treatment of the infant with brachial plexus palsy is initially centered around therapy and prevention of contracture. Surgical intervention can improve global shoulder function, and is reserved for patients who develop functionally limiting contractures, glenohumeral joint morphological changes, or findings of instability. A thorough physical examination, appropriate imaging, and assessment of the goals and expectations of the family are warranted prior to proceeding with any treatment course. The progressive and functionally limiting course of the shoulder sequelae in brachial plexus palsy emphasizes the need for early recognition and appropriate management. The purpose of this manuscript is to review orthopedic evaluation and management of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) to promote early recognition and prompt referral.
Genetic Suppression of Seizure Susceptibility inDrosophila

Despite the frequency of seizure disorders in the human population, the genetic and physiological basis for these defects has been difficult to resolve. Although many genetic defects that cause sei...
Is the ``$1000 Genome'' really $1000? Understanding the full benefits and costs of genomic sequencing

New health technologies are often portrayed in the media as being low-cost innovations that will save health care costs. In the case of genomic sequencing – high-speed analysis of multiple genes in parallel fashion – there has been a great deal of media attention about the falling cost of sequencing, referred to as the “$1000 Genome” – with the implication that the full cost of testing is actually $1000. Genomic sequencing (herein called “sequencing”) – is entering clinical care even though there are ongoing challenges of accuracy and reporting.(1, 2) We examine how the full benefits and costs of sequencing will vary widely depending on how the technology is used – emphasizing that the net cost of sequencing will never simply be the cost of testing itself, even though sequencing may provide benefits in many scenarios. As providers and decisionmakers consider when sequencing might be useful clinically, we suggest a framework for evaluating sequencing’s full benefits and costs so that the focus on the “$1000 price tag” for the sequencing technology per se does not obscure the complex decisions to be made about its effective and efficient use.(3) We also provide simulations of the possible economic impact of sequencing using a case study. (Note: We use the term “sequencing” throughout as a simplifying term but discuss how the term has various definitions depending on the context and use.)
Timothy Havens, Black Television Travels: African American Media Around the Globe

Timothy Havens’ Black Television Travels explores television featuring black bodies and its export to global markets. This well-researched book offers an examination of the programming and marketing strategies employed by international sales and programming executives and the ways that industry lore permeates the global television trade. Using a wide range of temporal and generic examples from Roots and The Cosby Show to Grey’s Anatomy and The Boondocks, Havens undertakes an examination of the black television trade and how it has remained relatively unchanged through the decades and across genres. Havens forwards two main purposes for Black Television Travels. The first is to work against dominant idea(l)s about black television and its viability in the global marketplace. The second is to explore and uncover the interconnectivity of U.S. and global markets concerning representations of black bodies on television.
A generalized modeling strategy for quantum-cascade structures with enhanced optical nonlinearities

This paper presents a generalized modeling scheme for quantum-cascade structures with nonlinear effects up to the third-order. The linear and nonlinear performance evaluated from this model agrees well with published experimental results.
Expression and activation of STAT3 in ischemia-induced retinopathy.

PURPOSE. Signal transducer and activator of transcription protein-3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that participates in many biological processes, including tumor angiogenesis. The expression and activation of Stat3 in the mouse model of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization was investigated to evaluate the possible role of STAT3 in retinal vascular disease. METHODS. Retinal neovascularization was induced in mice pups by exposure to hyperoxia. Gene microarrays were used to identify genes whose expression in the retina is altered at postnatal day (P)12 and P18. The relative levels of Stat3 mRNA were determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Stat3 protein levels and the levels of the activated form of Stat3 (pStat3) at P12, P15, P18, and P22 were determined by immunoblot analysis. Stat3 and pStat3 were demonstrated by immunofluorescence in retinal sections at P12, P15, and P18. RESULTS. In a series of microarray experiments, increased Stat3 mRNA levels in the retina were detected at P18. This result was validated by RT-PCR and demonstrated that Stat3 and pStat3 protein levels also increase during the development of neovascularization. Stat3 partially colocalized with blood vessels at the peak of neovascularization. pStat3 colocalized completely with blood vessels in both experimental samples and age-matched controls. pStat3 staining increased notably in the neovascular vessels at P15 and P18 and was more strongly associated with the epiretinal vessels than with inner retinal vessels. It was not detected in larger blood vessels, such as those of the optic nerve. CONCLUSIONS. The level of Stat3 expression increased, and pStat3 was observed in association with retinal neovascularization. Activated Stat3 was preferentially localized to neovascular retinal vessels. These data suggest that STAT3 may have a role in proliferative retinopathy.
Heterogeneity in multiple transmission pathways: Modelling the spread of cholera and other waterborne disease in networks with a common water source

Many factors influencing disease transmission vary throughout and across populations. For diseases spread through multiple transmission pathways, sources of variation may affect each transmission pathway differently. In this paper we consider a disease that can be spread via direct and indirect transmission, such as the waterborne disease cholera. Specifically, we consider a system of multiple patches with direct transmission occurring entirely within patch and indirect transmission via a single shared water source. We investigate the effect of heterogeneity in dual transmission pathways on the spread of the disease. We first present a 2-patch model for which we examine the effect of variation in each pathway separately and propose a measure of heterogeneity that incorporates both transmission mechanisms and is predictive of R(0). We also explore how heterogeneity affects the final outbreak size and the efficacy of intervention measures. We conclude by extending several results to a more general n-patch setting.
The Biological Significance of Prostaglandins and Related Eicosanoids in Invertebrates

SYNOPSIS. Prostaglandins and related eicosanoids are oxygenated metabolites of C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds have been detected in many vertebrate and invertebrate species that represent all major phyla. The significance of eicosanoids relates to two broad areas of animal biology, one as mediators of crucial cellular events and another in mediation of certain ecological interactions. Eicosanoids exert physiological actions in reproduction, including release of egg-laying behavior in some insects, hatching in barnacles, egg-production in snails, spawning in bivalves, oocyte maturation in sea stars, and prevention of polyspermic fertilizations in sea urchin eggs. Eicosanoids are also involved in salt and water transport physiology (insects and bivalves), neurophysiology (mollusks) and cellular immune defenses (insects). I propose that some eicosanoid actions are fundamental to animal physiology. Eicosanoids also mediate certain host-parasite and predator-prey interactions. These include skin penetration by blood fluke larvae, blood feeding by ticks and predator avoidance by certain octocoral and nudibranchs. Research in eicosanoids yields insights that help explain details of physiological and ecological phenomena in vertebrates and invertebrates. Although we have seen considerable progress in our appreciation of eicosanoids in invertebrates, we are sorely lacking in our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of eicosanoid actions in invertebrates. I suggest that research in this area will yield meaningful insights into the physiology and ecology of invertebrates.