cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spin textures of topological surface states at side surfaces of Bi 2 Se 3 from first principles

We investigate the spin and spin-orbital textures and electronic structures of topologically protected surface states at side surfaces of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ by using slab models within density-functional theory. This is motivated by recent experiments on nanowires, nanoribbons, and nanoplates of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ with side surfaces. In particular, two representative surfaces normal to the (111) surface, such as $(1\overline{1}0)$ and $(11\overline{2})$ surfaces, are examined, in the presence of time-reversal symmetry and inversion symmetry. The $(1\overline{1}0)$ surface lying in the mirror plane has twofold $({\mathrm{C}}_{2})$ rotational symmetry, whereas the $(11\overline{2})$ surface has only mirror symmetry. For the $(1\overline{1}0)$ surface, we find that a Dirac cone with strongly anisotropic Fermi velocity is formed at $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ with the Dirac point at the Fermi level, and that the spin texture reveals features of Rashba-type combined with Dresselhaus-type spin-orbit coupling. For the $(11\overline{2})$ surface, a Dirac cone is found at either $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ or the $Y$ point (along the mirror symmetry axis) below the Fermi level. In this case, the spin texture of the surface states strikingly differs from that of the (111) and $(1\overline{1}0)$ surfaces: (i) the in-plane spin polarization dominantly aligned perpendicular to the [111] direction or the mirror symmetry axis, (ii) the Dresselhaus-type spin texture, and (iii) significant out-of-plane spin polarization away from the mirror symmetry axis. Our findings distinctively differ from the previous works based on the effective bulk model Hamiltonian. Our calculated spin and spin-orbital textures and band structures can be observed by spin-resolved angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.
DNA microarray analysis in breast cancer chemoprevention.

ED07-01 Classification of human breast tumors using DNA microarrays has led to important insights about breast cancer biology. Genomic data has identified at least five distinct breast cancer subtypes with unique biological features and prognostic significance; breast tumors have been grouped into luminal A, luminal B, HER2+, normal-like and basal-like subtypes, with the latter subtype showing rapid proliferation and the poorest overall survival. These breast cancer subtypes were identified using an 9intrinsic9 gene set that selected for genes with little variance in repeated samplings from the same tumor, but with high variance across tumors. Characterization of these intrinsic differences in breast tumors has led to 9mixture models9 of carcinogenesis that allow for a stepwise progression of molecular alterations, but acknowledge that changes early in the etiology of disease are tightly linked to later prognostic characteristics. To investigate breast cancer subtypes in population-based studies, immunohistochemical (IHC) surrogates for the intrinsic gene expression signatures have been developed. Using this set of IHC markers, breast cancer subtypes have been investigated in a population-based study (the Carolina Breast Cancer Study) of invasive breast cancer (IBC) and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In the study of IBC, basal-like breast cancers were associated with shorter survival times and were more prevalent in young African Americans. In the investigation of DCIS, basal-like subtype was also observed, but with lower prevalence compared to IBC. The relation of these findings to a mixture model of breast cancer and the biological implications in breast cancer progression will be discussed. Continued investigation of breast cancer subtypes in epidemiologic studies will lead to improved understanding of the natural history of breast cancer subtypes and could help to identify new prevention strategies.
Experimental demonstration of photon upconversion via cooperative energy pooling

Photon upconversion is a fundamental interaction of light and matter that has applications in fields ranging from bioimaging to microfabrication. However, all photon upconversion methods demonstrated thus far involve challenging aspects, including requirements of high excitation intensities, degradation in ambient air, requirements of exotic materials or phases, or involvement of inherent energy loss processes. Here we experimentally demonstrate a mechanism of photon upconversion in a thin film, binary mixture of organic chromophores that provides a pathway to overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. This singlet-based process, called Cooperative Energy Pooling (CEP), utilizes a sensitizer-acceptor design in which multiple photoexcited sensitizers resonantly and simultaneously transfer their energies to a higher-energy state on a single acceptor. Data from this proof-of-concept implementation is fit by a proposed model of the CEP process. Design guidelines are presented to facilitate further research and development of more optimized CEP systems.
A checklist is associated with increased quality of reporting preclinical biomedical research: A systematic review

Irreproducibility of preclinical biomedical research has gained recent attention. It is suggested that requiring authors to complete a checklist at the time of manuscript submission would improve the quality and transparency of scientific reporting, and ultimately enhance reproducibility. Whether a checklist enhances quality and transparency in reporting preclinical animal studies, however, has not been empirically studied. Here we searched two highly cited life science journals, one that requires a checklist at submission (Nature) and one that does not (Cell), to identify in vivo animal studies. After screening 943 articles, a total of 80 articles were identified in 2013 (pre-checklist) and 2015 (post-checklist), and included for the detailed evaluation of reporting methodological and analytical information. We compared the quality of reporting preclinical animal studies between the two journals, accounting for differences between journals and changes over time in reporting. We find that reporting of randomization, blinding, and sample-size estimation significantly improved when comparing Nature to Cell from 2013 to 2015, likely due to implementation of a checklist. Specifically, improvement in reporting of the three methodological information was at least three times greater when a mandatory checklist was implemented than when it was not. Reporting the sex of animals and the number of independent experiments performed also improved from 2013 to 2015, likely from factors not related to a checklist. Our study demonstrates that completing a checklist at manuscript submission is associated with improved reporting of key methodological information in preclinical animal studies.
2-Methoxyestradiol causes matrix metalloproteinase 9-mediated transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor and angiotensin type 1 receptor downregulation in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

Studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of estrogen metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) in several cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. However, the exact mechanism(s) rem...
Bidirectionality of hormone-behavior relationships and satellite-caller dynamics in green treefrogs

Interpretation of hormonal disparities among alternative mating phenotypes is confounded by the bidirectionality of hormone–behavior relationships. We show that size, condition, and vocal attractiveness predicted mating tactic switches during vocal playback experiments in green treefrogs, but hormone level did not, even though hormone administration has been shown to cause changes in tactic expression. Results suggest no clear “cause versus consequence” dichotomy associated with hormonal differences in behavioral phenotypes because multiple factors contribute to tactic expression.
Circulación de bienes e intercambios simbólicos. Comentarios acerca de las transacciones económicas y morales

A proposito de ‘‘Lidiar con dones, lidiar con mercancias. Etnografias de transacciones economicas y morales"; de Ariel Wilkis y Sebastian Carenzo.
Modeling talker- and listener-based sources of variability in babble-induced consonant confusions

Speech communication often occurs in the presence of noise. Patterns of perceptual errors induced by background noise are influenced by properties of the listener and of the noise and target speech. The present study introduces a modification of multilevel general recognition theory in which talker- and listener-based variability in confusion patterns are modeled as global or dimension-specific scaling of shared, group-level perceptual distributions. Listener-specific perceptual correlations and response bias are also modeled as random variables. This model is applied to identification-confusion data from 11 listeners' identifications of ten tokens of each of four consonant categories—[t], [d], [s], [z]—produced by 20 talkers in CV syllables and masked by 10-talker babble. The results indicate that dimension-specific scaling for both listeners and talkers provides a good account of confusion patterns. These findings are discussed in relation to other recent research showing substantial listener-, talker-,...
The role of larval supply and competition in controlling recruitment of the temperate coral Oculina arbuscula

Abstract Recruitment success in sessile benthic invertebrates that produce pelagic larvae is an emergent property of larval supply, settlement rates, and post-settlement survival. While intuitive that larval supply and settlement rates should be positively correlated, previous studies have demonstrated that many factors, such as competition for limited space on hard substrata, may decouple this relationship. Oculina arbuscula is a temperate, broadcast spawning coral and is the only structurally complex Scleractinian occurring on hard bottom reefs of the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), a region located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the southeastern coast of the U.S.A. Planula larvae of this species must settle on hard-bottom substrate that is densely colonized by a diversity of sessile benthic invertebrates, including sponges, bryozoans , and ascidians. To investigate the relative roles of larval supply and competition for space on the recruitment dynamics of O. arbuscula , settlement to and survival on 30 × 30 cm plots was monitored over 5 years on a reef off the coast of Georgia, U.S.A. Treatments consisted of 10 replicates of each of the following: 1) unmanipulated natural substrate, 2) natural substrate initially cleared of encrusting competitors such as sponges and tunicates, and 3) artificial substrate composed of concrete paving tiles. These plots were photographed 3–5 times per year between July 2004 and June 2009. These images showed that O. arbuscula recruits throughout the year in the SAB with a peak in September/October. While recruitment rates were higher than death rates in all treatments and resulted in a net gain of O. arbuscula colonies, recruitment to artificial substrate far-exceeded that found on natural surfaces. The high recruitment rates observed on artificial substrate ruled out the possibility that maintenance of O. arbuscula populations on natural surfaces is limited by larval supply. Competition with other sessile invertebrates, such as ascidians and sponges, also appeared to contribute to differences in recruitment among treatments, however, comparisons between cleared and unmanipulated control plots on natural substrate suggested that the competition effect was small. Based on these findings as well as anecdotal observations suggesting that sediment accumulates less on the artificial substrate, the alternative hypothesis that O. arbuscula populations in this system are controlled by physical factors, especially sedimentation, is proposed and warrants further investigation.
Connective Tissue Diseases (CTD)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Scleroderma Polymyositis/dermatomyositis Sjogren’s syndrome Mixed connective tissue disease
Defining a high-level programming model for emerging NVRAM technologies

Byte-addressable non-volatile memory is poised to become prevalent in the near future. Thanks to device-level technological advances, hybrid systems of traditional dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) coupled with non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) are already present and are expected to be commonplace soon. NVRAM offers orders of magnitude performance improvements over existing storage devices. Due to NVRAM's low overheads, many future applications are expected to leverage the fine-grain durable storage provided by NVRAM.Many frameworks for programming NVRAM have been proposed. Unfortunately, these existing frameworks closely mirror the underlying hardware. This lack of abstraction hurts programmer productivity, makes it easy to write buggy code, and limits the compiler's effectiveness. Furthermore, this low level of abstraction does not match the expectations of managed language users.To rectify this situation, in this paper we describe a new high-level NVRAM programming model amenable to managed languages. Because our model is defined at a high level, it is intuitive, not prone to user bugs, and is flexible enough to allow language implementers to perform many optimizations while still adhering to the model.In addition to proposing this model, we also briefly describe how Java can be extended to support our new model. Finally, we present some initial results on the performance overheads of creating durable applications in NVRAM and describe what future work we intend to complete.
La posibilidad de un espacio personal

No abstract availableRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 151, 2018: 109-113
Effect of finish line design and metal alloy on the marginal and internal gaps of selective laser melting printed copings.

Abstract Statement of problem Selective laser melting (SLM) technology has been introduced for printing metal dental restorations from Co-Cr base alloys or Au-Pt high noble alloys. However, information regarding the fit of restorations fabricated by using this technique is limited. Purpose The purpose of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of 3 different finish line designs on the marginal and internal gaps of metal copings made from a base (Co-Cr), high noble (Au-Pd-Ag), and noble alloy (Co-Pd) by using the SLM technology. Material and methods Three Ivorine right maxillary central incisors were prepared with a chamfer, deep chamfer, or shoulder finish line. The preparations were scanned by using a TRIOS scanner, and a total of 90 dies were printed using DPR 10 Resin (30×3 finish line designs). Ten SLM copings were fabricated for each margin design and metal alloy combination for a total of 90 copings (10×3 finish line designs×3 alloys). Copings were cemented onto dies using an autopolymerizing composite-resin luting material. All coping-die assemblies were sectioned buccolingually by using a low-speed diamond saw, and images were obtained by using an inverted bright field metallurgical microscope at ×100 magnification. Marginal and internal gaps were measured at 5 locations: buccal margin, midfacial, incisal, midlingual, and lingual margin. After gap measurements, representative specimens were embedded in autopolymerizing resin and prepared for metallographic examination. A 2-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to determine the overall significance, followed by ANOVA for each dependent variable (α=.05). Results The results indicated that alloy type and finish line had a significant influence on marginal gap of copings (P Conclusions Thefinish line type did not influence the internal gap between copings and dies, whereas the alloy type influenced the marginal gap between copings and dies. SLM-fabricated Co-Cr copings on teeth prepared with a deep chamfer finish line demonstrated the lowest marginal gap.
What's the point of sport?

The fundamental reality of elite sport is the relentless competitive dynamic that drives it. In most cases, the top athletes, in any event, are evenly matched except for small but decisive differen...
Objective Function Clustering

S8 illustrates some of the difficulties inherent with cluster analysis; its aim is to alert investigators to the fact that various algorithms can suggest radically different substructures in the same data set. The balance of Chapter 3 concerns objective functional methods based on fuzzy c-partitions of finite data. The nucleus for all these methods is optimization of nonlinear objectives involving the weights u ik ; functionals using these weights will be differentiable over M fc —but not over M c —a decided advantage for the fuzzy embedding of hard c-partition space. Classical first- and second-order conditions yield iterative algorithms for finding the optimal fuzzy c-partitions defined by various clustering criteria.
Memristor-Based Neuromorphic Hardware Improvement for Privacy-Preserving ANN

Because of collecting a large amount of personal data, when the artificial neural network (ANN) is used in human-related topics, it has raised great concerns on privacy preservation. A robust solution is to introduce a noise injection mechanism as differential privacy that promises strong theoretical privacy guarantees. However, privacy-preserving ANN with noisy input data has a substantial risk of reducing the recognition accuracy. Therefore, it is urgently needed to have technologies that can make users’ data applied to neural networks while strictly protecting sensitive information. In this paper, a linear optimization (LO) method is proposed to address this accuracy degradation by optimizing the performance of memristor in weight updating processes. Instead of complying with the traditional hardware and algorithm, the LO method calculates update parameters along a piecewise line by using different input pulses. The proposed method can mitigate the nonlinear problem of memristor without prereading the precise current conductance each time, thereby avoiding complex peripheral circuits. The effectiveness of the proposed LO method with two-segment, three-segment, and four-segment models is investigated, respectively. The results show that under different nonlinearity and different perturbation noise required by differential privacy theory, the LO method can increase the recognition accuracy of Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) handwriting digits by 39.67% on average, which provides more space and margin for privacy-preserving technology.
Trusting Your Teacher: Implications for Policy:

Despite decades of research, predictors of teacher quality have been difficult to determine, leading to challenges in proposing policy. The current review suggests that students’ trust in teachers ...
Infantile Spasms: An Update on Pre-Clinical Models and EEG Mechanisms

Infantile spasms (IS) is an epileptic encephalopathy with unique clinical and electrographic features, which affects children in the middle of the first year of life. The pathophysiology of IS remains incompletely understood, despite the heterogeneity of IS etiologies, more than 200 of which are known. In particular, the neurobiological basis of why multiple etiologies converge to a relatively similar clinical presentation has defied explanation. Treatment options for this form of epilepsy, which has been described as “catastrophic” because of the poor cognitive, developmental, and epileptic prognosis, are limited and not fully effective. Until the pathophysiology of IS is better clarified, novel treatments will not be forthcoming, and preclinical (animal) models are essential for advancing this knowledge. Here, we review preclinical IS models, update information regarding already existing models, describe some novel models, and discuss exciting new data that promises to advance understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the specific EEG changes seen in IS—interictal hypsarrhythmia and ictal electrodecrement.
Loadings on the Topside of a Gravity Based Offshore Structure Due to Drifting Ice Pieces by Extreme Waves

The motion of the ice pieces of various sizes in the Northern Seas such as, in the Grand Bank area of Newfoundland and Labrador always imposes extra risks to the operations of the offshore fixed and floating structures. In stormy weather, the operation and safety of such offshore structures are greatly affected when heavy waves propagate over the region with drifting ice pieces. This can cause damages to the structures when the interaction between those ice pieces and structures occurs. The range of severity of such damages depends on the harshness of the wave actions and the diversity of the ice pieces. In this paper, small ice pieces of different sizes are used in the simulations of interactions with an offshore Concrete Gravity Based Structure (CGBS). The motions of the ice pieces of various geometries and their dynamic impacts on the structures are studied. The simulations are carried out using a commercial numerical solver to predict the trajectory of the ice pieces around the structures, possible interaction with the CGBS and their consequent loadings on different elements of the structure at interest. The outcomes of the simulations obtained from single and multiple realizations of several wave conditions for the vertical impact loads due to ice pieces colliding with the topside so far. The initial results show that an increase of the significant wave height increases the number of collisions with the structure significantly. The magnitudes of the ice impact forces on the topsides did not follow the same trend. In each data set, the average of the highest one- third of the impact forces increases with the increase of Significant Wave Height / Air Gap ratios. The effects of variations in wave realizations for sea states are reported in the paper. The simulations also show the importance and possibilities of incorporating loads due to a collision of the ice pieces with the topside in the design process of such structures in the ocean.
Chapter 3 – Gliotransmitters

Glial cells were classically thought of passive “glue” that held neurons together. This view was challenged, however, with the use of new techniques, most notably patch-clamp electrophysiology and the use of fluorescent dyes, which has led to the discovery that astrocytes can participate in bidirectional communication with neurons and modulate synaptic transmission. Chemical signaling underlies this communication and strong evidence has demonstrated that neurotransmitters can be released from astrocytes in a process known as gliotransmission. We will focus on glutamate release, as it is the most studied gliotransmitter. At least six mechanisms of glutamate release from astrocytes have been identified: (1) calcium-dependent exocytosis; (2) reversal of membrane transporters; (3) glutamate exchange through the cystine/glutamate antiporter; (4) release through ionotropic purinergic receptors; (5) cell swelling-induced opening of anion channels; and (6) release through hemichannels. This chapter will discuss the evidence, controversy, and drawbacks for each mechanism of gliotransmission.
Observation of Fast Tropospheric Dynamics and Impacts on Humidity and Air Pollution During a Heatwave Event in New York City, as Observed by Lidars, Other Profilers and Surface Measurements

Exposure to heatwaves in densely populated urban areas are of major health concern. Interaction of heatwaves with urban areas are complex; not only driven by mesoscale meteorology, but also by the topology and thermal properties of urban surfaces, as well as anthropogenic thermal and pollution loadings. The impact of heatwaves on population in coastal urban areas such as New York City depend on interplay of these factors as well as the effects of sea/land breeze. These mechanisms can lead to rapid changes in pollution levels and heat index during the day. High time resolution synergistic observations with surface and profiling measurements are needed to capture and understand these dynamics. We report on fast tropospheric dynamics during a heatwave in New York City in summer 2018, resulting in a transient event during which dramatic reduction of pollutants and humidity in the tropospheric column is observed by lidars and other synergistic measurements.
Financial Capability and Financial Planning at the Verge of Retirement Age

Financial capability is an important public policy concern, particularly as it relates to retirement preparedness. Almost one-third of older adults in the United States, those over the age of 55, have neither retirement savings nor accumulated pension benefits. Focusing on low-income adults who are nearing retirement, we explore the relationship between financial-planning behaviors (paying bills on time, emergency savings, and retirement planning) and two key components of financial capability, financial education and financial inclusion. Using data from the 2015 National Financial Capability Study, the results point to the role of financial inclusion for financial-planning behaviors. Having access to mainstream financial services was more strongly associated with the three financial-planning behaviors than was participating in financial education in the workplace. These results for low-income older adults held for the middle-income groups but were weaker for higher-income households. The results highlight efforts targeting financial inclusion for the financial planning of low-income older adults nearing retirement age. Policy implications include suggestions for interventions to facilitate financial inclusion for those nearing retirement age.
Prevalence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, autonomic and allergic manifestations in hospitalized patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE Previous observations suggest an association between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and gastrointestinal (GI), cardiovascular, immune, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. We sought to determine whether a hospital diagnosis of EDS is associated with a higher prevalence of these manifestations vs hospitalized patients without EDS. We also evaluated hospital outcomes. METHODS A total of 6,021 cases and matched controls were acquired from the 2016 National Inpatient Sample. In total, 2,007 EDS patients were identified via ICD-10 code. After bivariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS GI conditions were found in 44% of EDS patients vs 18% of controls [odds ratio (OR) = 3.57, 95% CI: 3.17, 4.02, P < 0.0001], with irritable bowel syndrome, gastroparesis and coeliac disease strongly associated with EDS. Autonomic dysfunction, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope and orthostatic hypotension was found in 20% of EDS patients vs 6% of controls (OR = 4.45, 95% CI: 3.71, 5.32, P < 0.0001). EDS patients were more likely to have food allergy (OR = 3.88, 95% CI: 2.65, 5.66, P < 0.0001) and cardiovascular complications such as mitral valve disorders, aortic aneurysm and dysrhythmias (OR = 6.16, 95% CI: 4.60, 8.23, P < 0.0001). These conditions remained highly associated with EDS after considering confounders. EDS patients were 76% more likely to have longer than average hospitalizations (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.02, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION GI, cardiovascular, autonomic and allergic manifestations are significantly more prevalent in EDS patients compared with hospitalized patients without EDS. Physicians should consider EDS in patients with unexplained GI, cardiovascular, autonomic and allergic conditions and exercise precautions when treating EDS patients in a hospital setting.
Review of Tunnel Fire Damage Assessment Methods and Techniques

Major tunnel fires can have catastrophic consequences, including loss of life, property damage, and long-term service disruptions. The rapid rise of gas temperature in excess of 1,000°C (1,832°F) i...
When Can You Be Required to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?

In the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread distribution and administration of vaccines are raising hopes of achieving herd immunity—and returning to some sense of normalcy—in the U.S. Health care providers, long-term care facilities, airlines, restaurants, universities, and other entities are currently considering, or have already implemented, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, leaving Americans wondering whether these entities can require them to get vaccinated. Complex questions underlie the legality of vaccine mandates. Public misperceptions blur the line between voluntary, mandated, and compelled vaccinations, highlighting controversial gray area cases. Though often used interchangeably, public health law distinguishes between these three approaches to vaccination requirements.
39901 Breaking down silos to synergize clinical trial development and initiation: The Clinical Research Support Center, University of Minnesota

ABSTRACT IMPACT: The model of the Clinical Research Support Center at the University of Minnesota of streamlining clinical trial infrastructure can be leveraged by the larger clinical trial community to create valuable efficiencies and facilitate faster initiation of research activities by supporting researchers from concept to dissemination. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Substantial time, energy, and money are spent bridging disparate resources in research. We describe how the University of Minnesota’s (UMN) Clinical Research Support Center (CRSC) streamlines trial infrastructure, creating valuable efficiencies to support researchers from concept to dissemination. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The CRSC, established in 2018 through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program, brings resources together in a single, centralized, and convenient location to help researchers navigate the UMN clinical research startup process and specifically to assist with the development and initiation of a research study from feasibility assessment to project opening. Diverse expertise in components of human subject research is available to support the broad scope of projects at a large institution like the UMN. We present how CRSC services, when coordinated by Clinical Research Specialists, have been used to improve access to clinical research resources during the start up process. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Since inception in 2018, the CRSC has provided support to over 1700 studies with 437 research projects referred to a Clinical Research Specialist within the CRSC. Of those projects, 97 (22.2%) received comprehensive support from the following expert groups: regulatory guidance (n=74), biostatistics (n=68), clinical (hospital or clinic) partners (n=60), recruitment (n=36), budget development assistance (n=30), and (bio)informatics (n=27). Successful examples of synergies to streamlining study start up include shortening the window between protocol development support from Clinical Research Specialists and IRB submission preparation through to Regulatory Specialists to 3 days. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: Providing cross-functional support to research teams through the CRSC increases the likelihood of quicker and successful execution and completion of research initiation and subsequently impacts the dissemination of that research to patients and the broader community.
Pearls & Oy-sters: POEMS Syndrome: An Eloquent Acronym for a Rare Disease You Don't Want to Miss.

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes) must be considered for patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculopathy (CIDP) not responding to corticosteroids, IV immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, or plasmapheresis.
Direct and Delayed Mortality of Ceriodaphnia dubia and Rainbow Trout Following Time-Varying Acute Exposures to Zinc

The potential for delayed mortality following short-term episodic pollution events was evaluated by exposing cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to zinc (Zn) in various 1- to 48-h and 1- to 96-h exposures, respectively, followed by transferring the exposed organisms to clean water for up to 47 h for C. dubia and up to 95 h for trout for additional observation. For C. dubia, 1-h exposures of up to 3790 µg Zn/L never resulted in mortality during the actual Zn exposures, but by 48 h, a 1-h exposure to 114 µg/L, a concentration similar to the present US national water quality acute criterion for the test water conditions, ultimately killed 70% of C. dubia. With C. dubia, the speed of action of Zn toxicity was faster for intermediate concentrations than for the highest concentrations tested. For rainbow trout, pronounced delayed mortalities by 96 h only occurred following ≥8-h exposures. For both species, ultimate mortalities from Zn exposures ≤8 h mostly presented as delayed mortalities, whereas for exposures ≥24 h, almost all ultimate mortalities presented during the actual exposure periods. With Zn, risks of delayed mortality following exposures to all concentrations tested were much greater for the more sensitive, small-bodied invertebrate (C. dubia) than for the less sensitive, larger-bodied fish (rainbow trout). These results, along with previous studies, show that delayed mortality is an important consideration in evaluating risks to aquatic organisms from brief, episodic exposures to some substances. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2484-2498. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Neonatal multicystic dysplastic kidney with mass effect: A systematic review.

Summary Introduction Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK) is a common cause of palpable abdominal mass in a neonate, yet reports are few of resultant life-threatening extrinsic compression. This systematic review is the first to review all known neonatal MCDK cases complicated by external compression due to mass effect. Our aim is to foster communication about these unusual cases to inform management of future comparable cases. Methods This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) were used to search PubMed through June 8, 2021 as follows: ((((Polycystic Kidney Diseases/complications [MeSH Terms]) OR (Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney/complications [MeSH Terms])) AND (Humans [MeSH Terms]) AND (Infant, Newborn [MeSH Terms]) AND (Case Reports [Publication Type]) AND (("multicystic dysplastic kidney") OR ("multicystic kidney")))) OR ((unusual respiratory distress in newborn [Title]) AND (kidney)) OR (large MCDK). Resulting papers were screened and included if they reported neonatal MCDK complicated by external compression by mass effect. Excluded papers lacked an MCDK diagnosis, a neonatal patient, or clear indication of mass effect. Salient data was extracted from each case for comparison. Results Of 51 papers screened, seven met inclusion criteria, presenting eight neonatal MCDK patients exhibiting varied combinations of symptoms secondary to external compression, including respiratory distress, gastrointestinal obstruction, and contralateral ureteral obstruction. All eight cases, ultimately managed with neonatal nephrectomy, had positive outcomes. Unreported and undiagnosed cases are not included in this review, making it susceptible to publication bias. Conclusions Large neonatal MCDK is typically managed conservatively, however it can be complicated by external compression due to mass effect. In this scenario, nephrectomy is a reasonable and definitive treatment. Less invasive management options may exist, e.g., aspiration with sclerotherapy. Communication about exceptional cases like these should be encouraged even when outcomes are poor.
Radiative Generation of dS from AdS.

The large volume scenario (LVS) of type IIB string compactifications has a robust supersymmetry breaking minimum with a negative cosmological constant (CC). We argue that radiative corrections below the Kaluza-Klein (KK) scale can result in a positive CC, though the string theory generated CC is negative, if some mild conditions on the spectrum of low energy fluctuations are satisfied. This would make the so-called deSitter swampland conjecture (even if true at a high scale) physically irrelevant.
Brief of Amici Curiae Tax Law Professors Tessa Davis and Clint Wallace in Support of Respondent (SC DOR)

In 2016, Amazon decided that it was not responsible for collecting and remitting South Carolina sales and use tax for sales it made to South Carolina residents through its website if those sales were supplied by third-party merchants. The South Carolina Department of Revenue (DOR) was promptly alerted to this practice by confused Amazon customers who noticed some of their Amazon purchases did not include sales tax, and after an examination the DOR determined Amazon owes tax liability plus penalties and interest of over $12 million for the first quarter of 2016. Amazon continued the practice at issue here into 2019. In the pending litigation, Amazon asserts that South Carolina's 2019 marketplace facilitator legislation, which followed the U.S. Supreme Court's Wayfair decision, was necessary to enable South Carolina to require Amazon to collect sales tax on all in-state transactions completed through its website, and that the DOR’s position that Amazon was responsible for collecting sales tax for all transactions on its website--including those supplied by third-party merchants--amounts to retroactive taxation. Amazon misinterprets the relevant law and ignores the historical development of federal constitutional jurisprudence on nexus and South Carolina’s sales tax statutes. Further, Amazon’s assertions are contrary to sound tax policy and administration. We focus on dispelling three particular misconceptions in Amazon’s arguments. First, contrary to Amazon’s and other Amici’s assertions, the 2019 legislation was not necessary to enable South Carolina to impose sales tax obligations on Amazon because Amazon’s decision in 2011 to establish physical nexus in the State empowered the State to impose those obligations. Second, the formality of Amazon’s corporate organizational structure does not shield it from sales tax obligations for all sales on its website. Third, failure to collect sales taxes from Amazon would create a tax subsidy that benefits Amazon to the detriment of local sellers who compete with Amazon; that result was unintended by the General Assembly, unexpected even by Amazon when it established a physical nexus in South Carolina, and it violates established principles of equitable and even-handed tax administration.
Modeling the transport and bioreduction of hexavalent chromium in aquifers: Influence of natural organic matter

Abstract Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a carcinogenic heavy metal that is a product of many industrial processes and an important contaminant in aquifers. The study investigates alternative remediation options for CrVI through the integration of effective contaminant transport and microbial biofilms. Bioactive sand reactor studies were conducted using columns charged with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 biofilm growth in sand media. A biofilm reactor dynamics model was employed to predict CrVI reduction in bioactive sand columns from the standpoint of aquifer remediation and water treatment. The model utilized biokinetic parameters determined from independent microbial batch reactor studies using the Monod model. The biokinetic and reactor dynamics models further demonstrated that humic acid acted as electron shuttle and electron acceptor with lactate as electron donor, enhancing biological activity and CrVI reduction. The reactor model accurately forecast process dynamics for both scenarios with and without humic acid. Model sensitivity studies provided additional insight into the influence of various parameters on system dynamics and the means for improving process efficiencies.
Abstract 5044: Reducing breast cancer risk with hormone replacement therapy

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Menopause occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55 and often results in symptoms that can be alleviated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT improves the symptoms associated with menopause that negatively affect quality of life, such as hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and vaginal atrophy. HRT also prevents osteoporosis. A current HRT formulation, which includes conjugated equine estrogens (CE) and medroxyprogesterone acetate, unfortunately increases the risk of breast cancer. Over the years, the number of women taking HRT has decreased due to this perceived increased risk. A new form of HRT, which contains CE and bazedoxifene (BZA), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has recently been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes and for the reduction of osteoporosis development. The CE/BZA mixture has been shown to not only relieve symptoms associated with menopause, but also does not stimulate the breast or uterus. Various studies show that CE/BZA may be protective in the breast. Currently, the mechanism of action of this new combination therapy is not known. Our goal is to identify the molecular mechanism of action of CE/BZA through transcriptome and whole genome occupancy analysis in breast cancer cell lines. In addition, we are determining the effects of the combination therapy on breast cancer progression in a transgenic mouse model. The overall hypothesis of our project is that the ability of CE/BZA to delay the onset of mammary tumors and decrease the number of lesions in the polyoma middle T antigen transgenic mouse model is due to its action as an estrogen receptor α antagonist in the mammary gland. We have determined that CE stimulates gene expression in MCF7 cells at a similar rate to 17β-estradiol, and that BZA is able to decrease this stimulation. Similarly, we have found that CE increases ERα occupancy at promoters of some estrogen target genes, while a combination of CE and BZA decreases this occupancy. Through understanding the molecular mechanism of CE/BZA and by determining whether it reduces the incidence of invasive breast cancer in a transgenic mouse model, we will be able to improve quality of life for many women by relieving menopausal symptoms in a safe manner. Citation Format: Anna Dembo, Geoffrey Greene. Reducing breast cancer risk with hormone replacement therapy. [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 5044. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-5044
The advantages of machine fault detection using artificial neural network and fuzzy logic technologies

Machine fault detection has been attracting significant attention from industry. The early detection of faults in rotating machines can significantly enhance the safety, reliability, and economic issues of industrial operations. With the emerging technology of artificial neural networks and fuzzy logic, the motor fault detection problem can be solved using an innovative approach based on easy accessible measurements, without the need for expensive equipment or accurate mathematical models that are required from conventional fault detection techniques. This paper describes the advantages and the challenge of using the technology of artificial neural networks to solve motor fault detection problems, and also highlights parts of the research results obtained by the author. >
Report on the UCD Microcoded Viper Verification Project

The formal verification of a microprocessor involves demonstrating that a specification of the microprocessor is satisfied by its implementation. The incomplete proof of Viper (mostly because it became too time consuming) is of particular interest. Our view of the incomplete proof is that the jump in abstraction between the electronic block model and the specification is too great. By introducing intermediate levels between the two extreme models, the overall proof becomes one of establishing more, but simpler, proofs.
Insulin signaling, glucose metabolism oxidative stress, and aging

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the experiment evident of insulin signaling, glucose metabolism oxidative stress, and aging. Aging can be sensitively measured by computing the age-adjusted incidence of chronic diseases (ARD), such as atherosclerosis, type-2 diabetes, and essential hypertension that most commonly terminate meaningful life by disability or death. In those who are affected by any of such conditions, one important cause of disability and death is a chronic nephropathy resembling the aging-related nephropathy of rodents. Such nephropathy is reaching epidemic proportions in affluent societies, causing over 2/3 of new cases of end stage renal failure. Both hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia promote oxidative stress in vitro and there is evidence that insulin resistant individuals, whether or not they have diabetes, develop ARD at an earlier age. Insulin signaling is, for a given level of carbohydrate (CHO) intake and insulin resistance, enhanced by iron sufficiency and increasing body-iron stores. Trials of iron restriction or venesection leading to near iron deficiency levels markedly improved high CHO tolerance, insulin resistance, metabolic markers of chronic disease progression and prolonged life span in both drosophila and humans with diabetic nephropathy.
Determination of Threshing Losses with a Raspbar Type Axial Flow Threshing Unit

Threshing process of grain crops is carried out mechanically using stationary threshing machines or conventional combine harvesters in Turkey. The study involves designing, constructing and testing an axial-flow threshing unit. Momtchill wheat was used as a test material. Threshing tests on wheat were conducted with the rasp-bar type threshing unit. Feed rates, drum peripheral speeds, concave clearances and moisture of grain were selected as independent parameters. Depending on these parameters total threshing losses were determined. Using ASAE standards and the others studies. All the evaluated parameters had significant effect on threshing losses, which were between 0.368% and 1.358%.
Proceedings of the 18th ACM conference on Computer and communications security

It is a pleasure to present to you the proceedings of this year's ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS 2011), held October 17-21 in Chicago, Illnois, USA. This year we received a record 429 submissions from 39 countries. Each submission was reviewed by the technical program committee of 53 experts, as well as over 280 external reviewers. The final program contains 60 full papers, representing the acceptance rate of 14%. The single-blind review process was organised in two rounds spanning 10 weeks. It included an opportunity for the authors to respond to reviews after the first round. Author response was followed by an electronic discussion among the PC members. Many reviews were assigned to PC members dynamically to maximise scrutiny and discussion of the submissions whose inclusion in the program was most uncertain. Overall, 1366 reviews were filed, including 430 from external reviewers. Despite the unexpected increase in submissions relative to CCS 2010, 327 papers received at least 3 reviews and 158 papers received at least 4 reviews, with some receiving as many as 5 or 6 reviews. The decision to allocate fewer than 3 reviews to some papers was taken on the basis of both the qualitative feedback from the first-round reviewers and a systematic quantitative analysis of the likelihood of their acceptance given the first-round reviews. Many papers that could not be selected for presentation contained interesting results and ideas. We hope that the reviews will help improve these papers for future re-submissions. We also worked closely with the program chairs of CCS-affiliated workshops to ensure that the authors of rejected papers had an opportunity to submit their work to those venues.