cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Address-free memory access based on program syntax correlation of loads and stores

An increasing cache latency in next-generation processors incurs profound performance impacts in spite of advanced out-of-order execution techniques. One way to circumvent this cache latency problem is to predict load values at the onset of pipeline execution by exploiting either the load value locality or the address correlation of stores and loads. In this paper, we describe a new load value speculation mechanism based on the program syntax correlation of stores and loads. We establish a symbolic cache (SC) , which is accessed in early pipeline stages to achieve a zero-cycle load. Instead of using memory addresses, the SC is accessed by the encoding bits of base register ID plus the displacement directly from the instruction code. Performance evaluations using SPEC95 and SPEC2000 integer programs on SimpleScalar simulation tools show that the SC achieves higher prediction accuracy in comparison with other load value speculation methods, especially when hardware resources are limited.
Structure and Affect: The Influence of Social Structure on Affective Meaning in American Kinship

Structural variables differentiating kinship identities, such as sex, generation, and type of relationship (lineal, collateral, conjugal), are reflected in sentiments about family identities. In particular, componential variations in kinship terms predict Evaluation, Potency, and Activity ratings of the terms fairly accurately. Between 44 and 92 percent of the variation in the sentiment measures is explained by regressions on componential variables. This means that the cognitive distinctions employed in American kinship terminology correspond closely to sentiments held toward those social locations.
Use of formic acid to control vibriosis in shrimp aquaculture

Luminous vibriosis is a shrimp disease that causes major economic losses in shrimp industry as a result of massive shrimp kills due to bacterial infection caused by Vibrio species. Use of antibiotics to control Vibrio in shrimp aquaculture is not allowed in the United States and so it is necessary to develop an alternative pathogen control method for shrimp production. Short-chain fatty acids have been used as food preservatives for a long time. Organic acids are commonly added in feeds in animal production, such as chicken, pig, and cattle. In this study, growth inhibition effects of formic acid on five selected Vibrio species, namely Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus were studied. The Vibrio bacteria were grown on both solid and liquid media using Muller-Hinton agar and alkaline peptone water, respectively, with various concentrations of formic acid. Bacterial growth was monitored in the liquid media using optical density method. The results showed significant inhibition of growth of all five Vibrio species by formic acid at low concentration. The effective concentration (EC50) values were calculated for all five Vibrio species, which were less than 0.039% of formic acid. The results are encouraging to supplement formic acid in the shrimp feed as a control mechanism to reduce Vibrio outbreak in shrimp aquaculture system.
Structural Analysis of Ligand Binding Characteristics for the Bombesin/Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor

Bombesin (Bn) 1 and its mammalian counterpart, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)2 have amino acid sequences which are closely related in their C-terminal regions (see Figure 1). They share a wide range of CNS and peripheral biological activities which have been recently reviewed3. Notable among them are increased grooming4, decreased food intakes5, and altered hormone secretion6 after central injection and stimulation of gastrin7 and gastric acid release8 and pancreatic amylase secretion9 after peripheral injection.
Risk Factors for Mortality in Lower Intestinal Bleeding

Background & Aims: Previous studies of lower intestinal bleeding (LIB) have limited power to study mortality. We sought to identify characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality in a large cohort of patients with LIB. Methods: We used the 2002 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample to study a cross-sectional cohort of 227,022 hospitalized patients with discharge diagnoses indicating LIB. Predictors of mortality were identified by using multiple logistic regression. Results: In 2002, an estimated 8737 patients with LIB (3.9%) died while hospitalized. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were age (age >70 vs Conclusions: The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate in LIB was low (3.9%). Advanced age, intestinal ischemia, and comorbid illness were the strongest predictors of mortality.
L 1 -Quantization and clustering in Banach spaces

LetX be a random variable with distribution µ taking values in a Banach spaceH. First, we establish the existence of an optimal quantization of µ with respect to the L 1-distance. Second, we propose several estimators of the optimal quantizer in the potentially infinite-dimensional space H, with associated algorithms. Finally, we discuss practical results obtained from real-life data sets.
Micro-machines for moving nm-scale objects

Summary form only given. A suite of microinstruments has been fabricated from single crystal silicon (SCS) using micromachining technology. Using, a high-aspect-ratio, SCS process, we have fabricated a microtribology machine, a microtensile machine and the world's smallest Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), measuring 200 micrometers on-a-side. We discuss the fabrication and operation of movable, integrated actuators that produce nm-scale, precision motion, and show the first STM image obtained with a microSTM. Self supporting, movable single crystal silicon springs and electric-field drive structures with integrated, movable field emission and tunneling tips are described. These integrated devices include integrated resonant mass sensors, precision x-y-z microstages for instrument and sensor applications including scanning tunneling structures. In particular we discuss the fabrication and operation of silicon-based microinstruments including microinstruments with integrated, nanometer-scale tips. Such microinstruments include STM, AFM, scanned-probe instruments, electron beam instruments, atom and molecular manipulators; and materials-testing microinstrumentation. We discuss two SCS processes used to fabricate microinstruments 3D tip scanning. Array-architectures offer potential for smart, programmable (electrically or mechanically) tip-arrays; array cathodes for electron beam instruments; array sensors; and information storage systems with nm-scale per bit storage. Materials properties of interest include internal friction and fatigue.
Genetics of Sickle Cell Disease and Stroke

Sickle cell disease is a common worldwide disorder that can lead to stroke in affected individuals. This chapter describes the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and genetics that contribute to the onset of this disorder. Evidence-based treatment recommendations are also given.
Can Content Survive Online

The music, publishing and motion picture industries are each today struggling to identify new business models that might replace existing mechanisms for funding professional content. In this podcast, we consider the legal and strategic roadblocks that might stand in the way. Guests include: Brad Smith, General Counsel, Microsoft; Scott Martin, Executive Vice President, Intellectual Property, Paramount Pictures; and Dan Cooper, Vice President, Legal & Business Affairs, MySpace. UCLA law professor Doug Lichtman hosts. (Podcast available for free in the archives at ipcolloquium.com.)
Tests of Some Antibiotics and Other Chemosterilants on the Green Peach Aphid

In tests of several antibiotics on the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), reproduction (viviparous) was significantly inhibited in various degrees by cytovirin, cycloheximide, antimycin A, actinomycin D, pactamycin, hygromycin B, ampicillin trihydrate, vancomycin, fungichromin, and some other chemicals. In tests of a group of synthetic materials, 2-thiouracil and apholate caused some inhibition. Of these materials, the autibiotics novobiocin and anthelmycin werc notably toxic to the aphids.
Neurovascular stains in two girls with neurofibromatosis 1

We report two girls, ages 9 and 17 years, with a clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF-1) who presented with ill-defined, blanchable, erythematous patches on the dorsal feet and ankles. We hypothesized that these patches were a rare cutaneous finding in NF-1 that exist on a clinical and histopathologic spectrum with previously described NF-1 vascular lesions including blue-red macules and skin ulceration due to NF-1 vasculopathy. We suggest that these lesions be called neurovascular stains (NVSs) to unify their clinical and histopathologic features.
Low-to-Moderate Alcohol Consumption is Associated With Hippocampal Volume in Fibromyalgia and Insomnia

Fibromyalgia and chronic insomnia are frequently comorbid conditions with heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli, potentially subserved by the hippocampus. Recent evidence suggests moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced fibromyalgia symptom severity. We examined the relationship among alcohol use, hippocampal morphology, fibromyalgia, and insomnia symptom severity in 41 fibromyalgia patients (19 with insomnia). A 14-day diary of sleep, pain, and alcohol consumption was followed by structural MRI. Analyses indicated greater bilateral hippocampal volume, lower clinical pain intensity, and better sleep quality in moderate drinkers versus abstainers. Underlying mechanisms may include gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor agonism, n-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and psychosocial factors. Further study of the relationship between alcohol use and fibromyalgia and insomnia symptom severity is warranted.
Chapter VIII Motion Specification

In the first paper, an approximate path planning algorithm first navigates a point robot in polygonal terrains and returns paths with suboptimal lengths. An innovative four-step trajectory planning algorithm is developed in the second paper for a 3-axis articulated robot in which precise joint-level control can be easily achieved, major mechanical vibration can be avoided, and a well tuned speed can be used to maintain the efficiency. Inverse and forward kinematics for the Stewart Platform-based Manipulator are presented in the third paper.
Abstract 3108: MicroRNA-200B inhibits arsenic-transformed cell migration by targeting protein kinase Cα signaling pathway

Arsenic is one of the most common environmental pollutants and long term exposure to arsenic is associated with increased risk of multiple types of cancer including lung cancer. Despite extensive studies, the mechanism of arsenic carcinogenicity has not been elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a large class of small non-coding RNAs and have been shown to play important roles in many fundamental processes of cancer. MiRNA-200b (miR-200b) is a member of miR-200 family, which contains 5 members. The miR-200 family has been shown to inhibit tumor cell migration; however, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined. We recently found that miR-200 expression is depleted in arsenic-transformed human bronchial epithelial cells, which are highly migratory and invasive. To further study the mechanism by which miR-200 inhibits tumor cell migration, we investigated the effects of stably expressing miR-200b on arsenic-transformed cell migration. We found that stably expressing miR-200b drastically inhibits arsenic-transformed cell migration. Wnt5b and protein kinase Cα (PKCα) are highly expressed in arsenic-transformed cells. Stably expressing miR-200b significantly down-regulated protein levels of both Wnt5b and PKCα. Combining bioinformatics screening and 3′UTR luciferase reporter assays, we identified PKCα but not Wnt5b as a new direct target of miR-200b. We also found that siRNA knocking down Wnt5b greatly reduces PKCα activation while inactivating PKCα drastically decreases Wnt5b level, revealing a positive feedback loop between Wnt5b and PKCα. Knocking down Wnt5b or PKCα phenocopy the effect of stably expressing miR-200b on cell migration. Moreover, enforced expression of PKCα impairs the inhibitory effect of miR-200b on cell migration. These findings not only reveal a novel mechanism showing that miR-200b inhibits tumor cell migration by targeting PKCα and Wnt5b-PKCα positive feedback loop, also suggest that deregulation of miR-200b, Wnt5b and PKCα plays an important role in arsenic carcinogenesis. Citation Format: Zhishan Wang, Brock Humphries, Chengfeng Yang. MicroRNA-200B inhibits arsenic-transformed cell migration by targeting protein kinase Cα signaling pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3108. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3108
Infidelity’s Coexistence With Intimate Partner Violence: An Interpretive Description of Women Who Survived a Partner’s Sexual Affair

Infidelity is commonly understood as hurtful communication because it involves a relational transgression and devaluation. This qualitative study of 65 women who survived a partner’s sexual affair expands the literature on infidelity and hurt by exploring its coexistence with intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV organizes the infidelity narratives into six categories: social, economic, emotional, and psychological aggression as well as sexual and physical violence. Infidelity’s coexistence with IPV is not infidelity as a precipitating factor for IPV or infidelity as part of a pattern of violent or aggressive behaviors. Instead, in these narratives, infidelity embodies the aforementioned forms of IPV.
Quantification of effects of flue gas derived inorganic contaminants on microalgae growth system and end fate of contaminants

Abstract Increasing demand for renewable fuels has researchers investigating the feasibility of alternative feedstocks, including microalgae. Inherent advantages of microalgae include high potential yield, use of non-arable land, and integration with waste streams. Large-scale production of biodiesel from microalgae will require the integration of growth platforms with point source carbon dioxide such as coal derived flue gas. The introduction of this waste stream into the growth system will inevitably introduce trace inorganic contaminants which have a high affinity to bind to microalgal cells, could be toxic to the cells, and if transferred to the microalgae could impact the end use of the derived products. Inorganic contaminants As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V and Zn were added to microalgal growth medium at a base concentration estimated to be representative of concentrations expected from 7 day growth periods where coal derived flue gas is used as the carbon source. Nannochloropsis salina was cultivated in photobioreactors at outdoor light levels, 984 μmol m − 2 s − 1 , with results for biomass, lipid yield, and fatty acid profiles evaluated. Results show trace inorganic contaminants negatively impacted growth and lipid yields with the average biomass productivity dropping from 1.13 g L − 1 d − 1 ± 0.12 (control) to 0.37 g L − 1 d − 1 ± 0.18, corresponding to a 67.5% decrease in biomass yield and a lipid decrease from 43.8 ± 1.6 (control) to 29.8 ± 5.7 (% dry biomass). Inorganic contaminant analysis performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry shows significant biomass sorption of the majority of the inorganic contaminants, which impacts the potential end uses of the biomass.
The Southern-Most Ivy: Princeton University from Jim Crow Admissions to Apartheid, 1794-1969

This essay reveals the invasiveness of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. Even a powerful and exclusive Ivy League institution like Princeton University, could not resist the tide of change that arrested the school’s de facto segregation policies. Once black students were officially admitted (after WWII), they led the charge to change the university’s admission policies, curriculum, and investment policies. By demonstrating against their school’s relationship to apartheid South Africa, Princeton’s black students preceded the national anti-apartheid movement by nearly two decades. The efforts of the students to change their school launched Princeton University into a new era of progressivism.
Opioid addiction: Who are your real friends?

Abstract Opioid addiction is a chronic and relapsing mental health disorder. However, only some individuals exposed to opioids, either recreationally or during the course of pain management, will develop addiction. The reasons why some individuals develop addiction and some are spared are not fully understood. Studies indicate that it is likely a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental conditions. Given the role of environmental factors in human addiction, this review examines the role of social environments and social interactions in the development of opioid addictive-like behaviors in rodent studies. To date, three major behavioral approaches have been used in these studies, namely social isolation, environmental enrichment, and social housing with a variety of cage-mates that differ in their drug administration conditions. This review highlights the importance of an individual’s social network in influencing the outcomes of drug abuse and the need to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Better understanding is likely to contribute to the development of novel and more effective treatments for addiction disorders.
Initial Validation of a Technical Writing Rubric for Engineering Design

Engineering design serves as the capstone experience of most undergraduate engineering programs. One of the key elements of the engineering design process is the compilation of results obtained into a technical report that can be shared and distributed to interested stakeholders including industry, faculty members and other relevant parties. In an effort to expand the tools available for assessment of engineering design technical reports, this study performed an initial validation of a previously developed Technical Writing rubric. The rubric was evaluated for its reliability to measure the intended construct, inter-rater reliability and external validity in comparison to an existing generalized written communication rubric. It was found that the rubric was reliable with Cronbach’s alpha for all dimensions between 0.817 and 0.976. The inter-rater reliability for the overall instrument was also found to be excellent at 0.85. Finally, it was observed that there were no statistically significant differences observed between the measurements obtained on the Technical Writing rubric in comparison to the more generalized Written Communication Value rubric. This demonstrates that although specific to engineering design environments the Technical Writing rubric was able to measure key constructs associated with written communication practice. This rubric can now serve as one additional tool for assessment of communication skills within engineering capstone design experiences.
Towards computational reproducibility: researcher perspectives on the use and sharing of software

Research software, which includes both source code and executables used as part of the research process, presents a significant challenge for efforts aimed at ensuring reproducibility. In order to inform such efforts, we conducted a survey to better understand the characteristics of research software as well as how it is created, used, and shared by researchers. Based on the responses of 215 participants, representing a range of research disciplines, we found that researchers create, use, and share software in a wide variety of forms for a wide variety of purposes, including data collection, data analysis, data visualization, data cleaning and organization, and automation. More participants indicated that they use open source software than commercial software. While a relatively small number of programming languages (e.g., Python, R, JavaScript, C++, MATLAB) are used by a large number, there is a long tail of languages used by relatively few. Between-group comparisons revealed that significantly more participants from computer science write source code and create executables than participants from other disciplines. Differences between researchers from computer science and other disciplines related to the knowledge of best practices of software creation and sharing were not statistically significant. While many participants indicated that they draw a distinction between the sharing and preservation of software, related practices and perceptions were often not aligned with those of the broader scholarly communications community.
Small Molecule–Mediated Activation of RAS Elicits Biphasic Modulation of Phospho-ERK Levels that Are Regulated through Negative Feedback on SOS1

Oncogenic mutation of RAS results in aberrant cellular signaling and is responsible for more than 30% of all human tumors. Therefore, pharmacologic modulation of RAS has attracted great interest as a therapeutic strategy. Our laboratory has recently discovered small molecules that activate Son of Sevenless (SOS)-catalyzed nucleotide exchange on RAS and inhibit downstream signaling. Here, we describe how pharmacologically targeting SOS1 induced biphasic modulation of RAS-GTP and ERK phosphorylation levels, which we observed in a variety of cell lines expressing different RAS-mutant isoforms. We show that compound treatment caused an increase in phosphorylation at ERK consensus motifs on SOS1 that was not observed with the expression of a non-phosphorylatable S1178A SOS1 mutant or after pretreatment with an ERK inhibitor. Phosphorylation at S1178 on SOS1 is known to inhibit the association between SOS1 and GRB2 and disrupt SOS1 membrane localization. Consistent with this, we show that wild-type SOS1 and GRB2 dissociated in a time-dependent fashion in response to compound treatment, and conversely, this interaction was enhanced with the expression of an S1178A SOS1 mutant. Furthermore, in cells expressing either S1178A SOS1 or a constitutively membrane-bound CAAX box tagged SOS1 mutant, we observed elevated RAS-GTP levels over time in response to compound, as compared with the biphasic changes in RAS-GTP exhibited in cells expressing wild-type SOS1. These results suggest that small molecule targeting of SOS1 can elicit a biphasic modulation of RAS-GTP and phospho-ERK levels through negative feedback on SOS1 that regulates the interaction between SOS1 and GRB2. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(5); 1051-60. ©2018 AACR.
Childhood Obesity and Accelerated Timing of Dental Development: A Critical Review

The goal of this critical review is to synthesize the burgeoning body of literature on childhood obesity/body mass index (BMI) and dental development. The overwhelming majority of currently published work on BMI/obesity and dental development has found a correlation whereby children with higher BMIs have accelerated dental development. As these differences are frequently measured to be 0.5 years or greater in relative timing of dental development, this pattern is arguably significant both to forensic odontology and clinical dentistry. Available data suggest a trend whereby children with the highest BMIs have the greatest degree of precocious dental eruption, with some studies showing obese children being over a year more dentally advanced. There is no clearly established biological mechanism demonstrated to be the causative factor for early dental development in high-BMI children, though some potential areas for investigation are discussed. There is need for more research addressing potential causative mechanisms for early dental development as well as research in the area of potential implication of early dental eruption for forensic odontology and clinical dentistry. KEYWORDS: forensic anthropology, body mass index (BMI), forensic odontology
Focus groups to increase the cultural acceptability of a contingency management intervention for American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

Abstract Introduction Many American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people seek evidence-based, cost-effective, and culturally acceptable solutions for treating alcohol use disorders. Contingency management (CM) is a feasible, low-cost approach to treating alcohol use disorders that uses “reinforcers” to promote and support alcohol abstinence. CM has not been evaluated among AI/AN communities. This study explored the cultural acceptability of CM and adapted it for use in diverse AI/AN communities. Methods We conducted a total of nine focus groups in three AI/AN communities: a rural reservation, an urban health clinic, and a large Alaska Native healthcare system. Respondents included adults in recovery, adults with current drinking problems, service providers, and other interested community members (n = 61). Focus group questions centered on the cultural appropriateness of “reinforcers” used to incentivize abstinence and the cultural acceptability of the intervention. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded independently by two study team members using both a priori and emergent codes. We then analyzed coded data. Results Across all three locations, focus group participants described the importance of providing both culturally specific (e.g., bead work and cultural art work supplies), as well as practical (e.g., gas cards and bus passes) reinforcers. Focus group participants underscored the importance of providing reinforcers for the children and family of intervention participants to assist with reengaging with family and rebuilding trust that may have been damaged during alcohol use. Respondents indicated that they believed CM was in alignment with AI/AN cultural values. There was consensus that Elders or a well-respected community member implementing this intervention would enhance participation. Focus group participants emphasized use of the local AI/AN language, in addition to the inclusion of appropriate cultural symbols and imagery in the delivery of the intervention. Conclusions A CM intervention for alcohol use disorders should be in alignment with existing cultural and community practices such as alcohol abstinence, is more likely to be successful when Elders and community leaders are champions of the intervention, the intervention is compatible with counseling or treatment methodologies, and the intervention provides rewards that are both culturally specific and practical.
Parental Activation and Obesity-Related Health Behaviors Among a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population of Low-Income Pediatric Patients: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Background: Despite a recent decline in the obesity prevalence among preschool-aged children, obesity remains disproportionately high among children from low-income racial or ethnic minority families. Promoting healthy lifestyles (eg, obesity-preventative behaviors) in primary care settings is particularly important for young children, given the frequency of preventative health visits and parent-provider interactions. Higher adoption of specific health behaviors is correlated with increased patient activation (ie, skill, confidence, and knowledge to manage their health care) among adults. However, no published study, to date, has examined the relationship between parental activation and obesity-related health behaviors among young children. Objective: The goal of this study is to measure parental activation in low-income parents of preschoolers in 2 large health systems and to examine the association with diet, screen-time, and physical activity behaviors. Methods: We will conduct a cross-sectional study of parents of preschool-aged patients (2-5 years) receiving primary care at multiple clinic sites within 2 large health care systems. Study participants, low-income black, Hispanic, and white parents of preschool-aged patients, are being recruited across both health systems to complete orally administered surveys. Results: Recruitment began in December 2017 and is expected to end in May 2018. A total of 267 low-income parents of preschool-aged children have been enrolled across both clinic sites. We are enrolling an additional 33 parents to reach our goal sample size of 300 across both health systems. The data analysis will be completed in June 2018. Conclusions: This protocol outlines the first study to fully examine parental activation and its relationship with parent-reported diet, physical activity, and screen-time behaviors among low-income preschool-aged patients. It involves recruitment across 2 geographically distinct areas and resulting from a partnership between researchers at 2 different health systems with multiple clinical sites. This study will provide new knowledge about how parental activation can potentially be incorporated as a strategy to address childhood obesity disparities in primary care settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/9688
Exploiting Bias in the Hysteresis Bit of 2-bit Saturating Counters in Branch Predictors

The states of the 2-bit counters used in many branch prediction schemes can be divided into “strong” and “weak” states. Instead of the typical saturating counter encoding of the states, the 2-bit counter can be encoded such that the least significant bit directly represents whether the current state is strong or weak. This extra bit provides hysteresis to prevent the counters from switching directions too quickly. Past studies have exploited the strong bias of the direction bit to construct better branch predictors. We show that counters exhibit a strong bias in the hysteresis bit as well, suggesting that an entire bit dedicated to hysteresis is overkill. Using data-compression techniques, we empirically demonstrate that the information theoretic entropy of the hysteresis bit conveys less than 0.18 bits per prediction of information for a gshare branch predictor. We explain how to construct fractional-bit shared split counters (SSC) by sharing a single hysteresis bit between multiple counters. We show that predictors implemented with shared split counters perform nearly as well as the corresponding two-bit counter versions, while providing area reductions of 25-37.5%.
Distinct parafacial regions in control of breathing in adult rats

Recently, based on functional differences, we subdivided neurons juxtaposed to the facial nucleus into two distinct populations, the parafacial ventral and lateral regions, i.e., pFV and pFL. Little is known about the composition of these regions, i.e., are they homogenous or heterogeneous populations? Here, we manipulated their excitability in spontaneously breathing vagotomized urethane anesthetized adult rats to further characterize their role in breathing. In the pFL, disinhibition or excitation decreased breathing frequency (f) with a concomitant increase of tidal volume (VT), and induced active expiration; in contrast, reducing excitation had no effect. This result is congruent with pFL neurons constituting a conditional expiratory oscillator comprised of a functionally homogeneous set of excitatory neurons that are tonically suppressed at rest. In the pFV, disinhibition increased f with a presumptive reflexive decrease in VT; excitation increased f, VT and sigh rate; reducing excitation decreased VT with a presumptive reflexive increase in f. Therefore, the pFV, has multiple functional roles that require further parcellation. Interestingly, while hyperpolarization of the pFV reduces ongoing expiratory activity, no perturbation of pFV excitability induced active expiration. Thus, while the pFV can affect ongoing expiratory activity, presumably generated by the pFL, it does not appear capable of directly inducing active expiration. We conclude that the pFL contains neurons that can initiate, modulate, and sustain active expiration, whereas the pFV contains subpopulations of neurons that differentially affect various aspects of breathing pattern, including but not limited to modulation of ongoing expiratory activity.
Sensitivity to sequential structure in musical savants

Eight pianists with mild to moderate degrees of mental retardation and 8 comparison subjects were asked to duplicate chord sequences of varying length and musical structure in an immediate memory format. All participants were sensitive to the structural dimensions of the material, and differences between groups were restricted to the least structured material.
The Effect of Government Support on Green Product Design and Environmental Impact

We study competing fi rms' green product design decisions, and the effect of two common types of government support, namely R&D support and sales subsidies, on the products, firms and the resulting environmental impact. Each fi rm produces a product that contains a "traditional" quality and an "environmental" quality according to corresponding technology capabilities of the firm and market competition. Our main results are as follows. First, we show that fi rms will produce greener products and charge higher prices when they embrace greater technology capabilities related to production of the environmental quality, or when consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact. Second, we find that although both the government R&D support and sales subsidies prompt fi rms to produce greener products, the overall environmental impact is mixed. Specifi cally, while sales subsidies generally lead to positive environmental benefi ts, R&D support can have an unanticipated negative overall impact on the environment. Third, we show that fi rms do not always benefi t from either type of the government support.
Obesity-induced immune dysfunction and immunosuppression: TEM observation of visceral and subcutaneous lymph node microarchitecture and immune cell interactions

Background Inflammation, induced by excessive adiposity, links obesity to disease risk yet little attention has been devoted to the lymphoid tissues embedded within adipose tissue depots. Lymph nodes are the primary site for the development of protective immunity, hence any disease process that affects these tissues will also directly impact immunity. Here we examined how obesity alters secondary lymphatic tissue structure and encapsulated immune cells. Materials and methods Four-month-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed standard rodent chow or a Western high fat diet (HFD) for 6 months. Center regions of visceral and subcutaneous lymph nodes (SQLNS) were observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results Compared with chow, HFD-induced obesity deleteriously modified the structural microarchitecture and immune cell morphology of visceral and SQLNs. In HFD mice, fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) were dysregulated while laying among excessive amounts of disorganized collagen (C). In addition HFD lymph nodes contained a disproportionate amount of cellular debris from damaged or dead cells, increased sinus spacing and decreased immune cell interactions. Specifically, dendritic cells (DCs) that are necessary for adaptive immune response where embedded among extracellular debris with decreased pseudopodia. Similarly, the extraneous fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) in HFD mice limited contact between lymphocytes (LCs) causing their microvilli extensions to decrease. Discussion Overall, excessive C production within lymph nodes, driven by diet-induced obesity, creates a physical barrier that impedes proper lymph flow and cellular communication. Obesity-induced disorganization of the immune cell guidance network interrupts immune cell adhesion and consequently inhibits travel within cortex regions needed for cell interactions, survival and proliferation.
Modeling the effects of auditory display takeover requests on drivers' behavior in autonomous vehicles

In semi-autonomous vehicles (SAE level 3) that require driver's engagement in critical situations, it is important to secure reliable control transitions. There have been many studies on investigating appropriate auditory displays for takeover request (TOR) but most of them were empirical experiments. In the present study, we established two computational models using a Queuing Network Model Human Processor (QN-MHP) framework to predict a driver's reaction time to auditory displays for TOR. The reaction time for different sound types were modeled based on the results of subjective questionnaire in empirical studies. Separately, the reaction times for various non-speech sounds were modeled by using acoustical characteristics of sounds and previous empirical studies. It is one of a few attempts modeling the effects of auditory displays for TOR on the reaction time in autonomous driving. The current study will contribute to driving research by allowing us to simulate and predict drivers' behavior.
Trans*forming authentic leadership: A conceptual framework

This conceptual framework examines how the evolving literature on authentic leadership and development can be problematized and further clarified by looking at the identity development of trans* and genderqueer students. It begins by examining the components and factors of authentic leadership, and its strengths and weaknesses. As a newly emerging leadership model, and one that is gaining attention within the fields of leadership and higher education, there are opportunities to refine and bolster it to make it applicable and useful for the leadership development of a diversity of student populations from the onset. With that in mind, this paper considers the developmental milestones of trans* individuals, specifically those who identify as genderqueer, and how some of those milestones and experiences, as well as other people’s interpretations of them, might complicate how we define and understand authenticity. The question posed here is if authentic expression of self and relational transparency are key components of authentic leadership, ones that need to be validated by leaders as well as followers, then how might binarist constructions of gender influence cisgender and gender-conforming followers to reject genderqueer people’s authentic self-expression and thus them as leaders? The conceptual framework offered provides higher education and student affairs administrators a lens through which to support the authentic leadership development of trans* and genderqueer students. A Note About Language This article utilizes the terms trans* and cisgender. The asterisk following the term ‘trans’, which is short for ‘transgender’, signifies an understanding that the term is still limited in describing all those that do not conform to an essentialist gender binary system where sex, gender identity, and gender expression align. As ‘trans*’ is not yet widely used in scholarly writing and research, it is used interchangeably with ‘trans’ and ‘transgender’ to mirror the language used in the cited studies and literature. ‘Cisgender’ refers to people who generally experience congruence between their assigned sex at birth and the gender they are expected to identify with by extension.
Student-reported value of a short-term service-learning trip to Nicaragua

Abstract Background The purpose of this qualitative study was to assess the student-reported professional and personal value of a one-week service-learning trip to a Nicaraguan community. Methods Five pharmacy students who participated in a one-week service-learning trip to Jinotepe, Nicaragua were invited to participate in this study. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted following the trip. Results A variety of themes and subthemes surfaced, demonstrating the student-reported professional and personal value of the short-term service-learning experience. While each pharmacy student was impacted differently, common themes demonstrated transformative pharmacy student learning. These themes included recognition that every individual has a unique story that is essential to understanding how to care properly for that individual; the benefit of establishing a relationship with a community to more effectively and compassionately serve them; the importance of determining community-specific needs to ensure that service provided is beneficial; and recognition that those who are served have wisdom to offer healthcare providers. Conclusions Short-term service-learning opportunities can provide impactful learning for pharmacy students. Established service-learning visits with a consistent host site allow for deeper and more trusting relationships, resulting in the ability to respond to the needs and requests of the partner organization in developing communities and not impose agendas. Organizers of service-learning trips must cater to the needs of the developing community to ensure that the trip is effective in providing value to the host site rather than creating unnecessary burdens and unanticipated hardship.
Motor neuron disease

Motor neuron disease refers to a spectrum of disorders resulting from degeneration of the upper or lower motor neurons or both. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is the most common form of motor neuron disease, in which patients demonstrate evidence of both anterior horn cell (lower motor neuron) and corticospinal tract (upper motor neuron) dysfunction. Several theories regarding the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have emerged, including glutamate excitotoxicity, free radical oxidative stress, cytoskeletal abnormalities, a deficiency of neurotrophic factor, autoimmunity, apoptosis, and viral infection. Numerous clinical trials have been completed based on these possible mechanisms of the disease propagation including treatment with antiglutamate agents, anti-oxidants, immunosuppressants, and neurotrophic factors. Several of these trials have shown modest effects in slowing the disease course. None, however, have yielded marked benefit in arresting disease progression. The most significant effect in abating disease progression has been our use and understanding of aggressive symptomatic therapy to reduce disability, enhance quality of life, and improve prognosis.
Heartbeat: weather, air pollution and cardiac arrest

Outcomes of patients with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remain poor despite considerable efforts in many countries directed towards rapid access defibrillation, emergency medical services and advanced supportive care in those who survive to reach the hospital. Clearly, out long-term goal should be prevention of OHCA which requires an understanding of the environmental factors contributing to this condition, as well as prevention at the individual patient level. In a study from Korea of 38 928 OHCAs due to cardiac disease, Kim and colleagues1 found significant associated between OHCA and average temperature in the summer, temperature range in the winter and particulate matter (PM) ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) air pollution levels. However, only PM2.5 was independently associated with the risk of OHCA regardless of seasonal changes (figure 1). Figure 1 Generalised additive model with cubic splines for the effects of selected meteorological factors on the number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA). The BOLD line estimates the relative effect sizes for OHCA, and the blue area estimates 95% CIs. The X-axis represents selected meteorological factors. The Y-axis shows the relative effect sizes for OHCA. PM2.5, particulate matter ≤2.5 µm. In an editorial, Chatterjee2 puts this data in the context that air pollution and meteorological factors have previously been shown to be associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including arrhythmias and heart failure. The current study provides robust data that OHCA also is affected by these environmental conditions, although data on the specific underlying arrhythmic mechanism was not available in most cases. Looking forward, ‘Studies such …
Long-term variability of glycemic markers and risk of all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: the Look AHEAD study.

Introduction Glycemic variability may predict poor outcomes in type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the associations of long-term variability in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods We conducted a secondary, prospective cohort analysis of the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) data, including 3560 participants who attended four visits (baseline, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months) at the outset. Variability of HbA1C and FPG was assessed using four indices across measurements from four study visits. Participants without CVD during the first 36 months were followed for incident outcomes including a CVD composite (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for angina, and CVD-related deaths), heart failure (HF), and deaths. Results Over a median follow-up of 6.8 years, there were 164 deaths from any cause, 33 CVD-related deaths, 91 HF events, and 340 participants experienced the CVD composite. Adjusted HRs comparing the highest to lowest quartile of SD of HbA1C were 2.10 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.51), 3.43 (95% CI 0.95 to 12.38), 1.01 (95% CI 0.69 to 1.46), and 1.71 (95% CI 0.69 to 4.24) for all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, CVD composite and HF, respectively. The equivalent HRs for highest versus lowest quartile of SD of FPG were 1.66 (95% CI 0.96 to 2.85), 2.20 (95% CI 0.67 to 7.25), 0.94 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.35), and 2.05 (95% CI 0.80 to 5.31), respectively. Conclusions A greater variability in HbA1C was associated with elevated risk of mortality. Our findings underscore the need to achieve normal and consistent glycemic control to improve clinical outcomes among individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Carl Schmitt in the 21st century: A response to critics:

The piece responds to critics of Scheuerman’s END OF LAW: CARL SCHMIT IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY. Despite our disagreements, the book’s critics and I share the view that Schmitt speaks to our time...
Squaring the Circle: A Literary History

We examine how three authors, Dante Alighieri, Margaret Cavendish, and James Joyce, employed allusions to the classical problem of squaring the circle, i.e., using only a compass and a straightedge to construct a square whose area equals that of a given circle. These discussions will be against the background of what was known mathematically about solving the problem when they wrote—respectively, in the fourteenth, seventeenth, and twentieth centuries. We will also discuss, as best as can be determined, what each author believed, knew, or could have known about the mathematical status of the problem and what this reveals about their use of the construction in their writings.
Using Financial Accounting Data to Examine the Effect of Foreign Operations Located in Tax Havens and Other Countries on U.S. Multinational Firms' Tax Rates

This paper investigates the effect tax havens and other foreign jurisdictions have on the income tax rates of multinational firms based in the United States. We develop a new regression methodology using financial accounting data to estimate the average worldwide, federal, and foreign tax rates on worldwide, federal, and foreign pretax book income for a large sample of U.S. firms with and without tax haven operations. We find that on average U.S. firms that disclosed material operations in at least one tax haven country have a worldwide tax burden on worldwide income that is approximately 1.5 percentage points lower than firms without operations in at least one tax haven country. Our results also show that U.S. firms face a 4.4% current federal tax rate on foreign income whether or not they have tax haven operations. Finally, we find that U.S. firms with operations in some tax haven countries have higher federal tax rates on foreign income than other firms. This result suggests that in some cases, tax haven operations may increase U.S. tax collections at the expense of foreign country tax collections.