cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Adults and Pupa of Culex (C.) kesseli from Tahiti and Remarks on the atriceps Group (Diptera: Culicidae)

The female, male, male genitalia, and pupa of this species are described and the male genitalia and pupa are fully illustrated. The atriceps group is redefined and necessary additions and corrections to existing keys are provided together with remarks on systematics, bionomics, and distribution.
A Markov chain equivalent state transition model based on DPNN

Aiming at the problem of Markova chain state transition prediction, this paper presents equivalent prediction method and models based on Discrete Process Neural Networks (DPNN). According to the description of system state transition problems in a certain condition, we discuss the equivalence relation between DPNN and Markov models. Using the non-linear mapping mechanism and the ability in learning adaptively of DPNN against time sequence samples, we train these samples and can determine the DPNN that meets time sequence state transition constraint relations of Markova chain. The connection weight matrix of the DPNN is regarded as the equivalent state transition matrix of Markova chain. For any Markova chain, this paper gives equivalent construction method of DPNN and solving algorithm of network weight matrix under the condition of Markova chain state transition probability. Simulation results prove the effectiveness of this method.
Crimes that Count Twice: A Reexamination of RICO'S Nexus Requirements Under 18 U.S.C. § 1962(C)

The complicated structure of the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act makes it difficult to determine when “ordinary” crimes spill over into RICO violations. This Article examines and synthesizes various “nexus” requirements that courts have devised to separate non-RICO crimes from full-blown RICO violations. The Article concludes with a discussion of the United States Supreme Court’s recent holding in Anza v. Ideal Steel Supply Corporation, 126 S. Ct. 1991 (2006), which sharply limits certain types of civil RICO claims.
Effects of anesthetics on splanchnic circulation and metabolism.

In the last 10 years intense interest in “halothane hepatitis” plus simpler and more reliable technology for measuring splanchnic blood How have led to a fuller understanding of the splanchnic effects of anesthetics. For the first time, a rational choice of anesthetic technique can be made for the patient with splanchnic organ dysfunction.
Selectivity in ligand binding to uranyl compounds: A synthetic, structural, thermodynamic and computational study

The uranyl cation (UO₂²⁺) is the most abundant form of uranium on the planet. It is estimated that 4.5 billion tons of uranium in this form exist in sea water. The ability to bind and extract the uranyl cation from aqueous solution while separating it from other elements would provide a limitless source of nuclear fuel. A large body of research concerns the selective recognition and extraction of uranyl. A stable molecule, the cation has a linear O=U=O geometry. The short U-O bonds (1.78 A) arise from the combination of uranium 5f/6d and oxygen 2p orbitals. Due to the oxygen moieties being multiply bonded, these sites were not thought to be basic enough for Lewis acidic coordination to be a viable approach to sequestration. The goal of this research is thus to broaden the coordination chemistry of the uranyl ion by studying new ligand systems via synthetic, structural, thermodynamic and computational methods. It is anticipated that this fundamental science will find use beyond actinide separation technologies in areas such as nuclear waste remediation and nuclear materials. The focus of this study is to synthesize uranyl complexes incorporating amidinate and guanidinate ligands. Both synthetic and computational methods are used to investigatemore » novel equatorial ligand coordination and how this affects the basicity of the oxo ligands. Such an understanding will later apply to designing ligands incorporating functionalities that can bind uranyl both equatorially and axially for highly selective sequestration. Efficient and durable chromatography supports for lanthanide separation will be generated by (1) identifying robust peptoid-based ligands capable of binding different lanthanides with variable affinities, and (2) developing practical synthetic methods for the attachment of these ligands to Dowex ion exchange resins.« less
Interpregnancy interval after live birth or pregnancy termination and estimated risk of preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives We assessed whether interpregnancy interval (IPI) length after live birth and after pregnancy termination was associated with preterm birth (PTB). Design Multiyear birth cohort. Settings Fetal death, birth and infant death certificates in California merged with Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Population One million California live births (2007–10) after live birth and after pregnancy termination. Methods Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of PTB of 20–36 weeks of gestation and its subcategories for IPIs after a live birth and after a pregnancy termination. We used conditional logistic regression (two IPIs/mother) to investigate associations within mothers. Main outcome measure PTB relative to gestations of ≥ 37 weeks. Results Analyses included 971 211 women with IPI after live birth, and 138 405 women with IPI after pregnancy termination with 30.6% and 74.6% having intervals of 36 months (versus 18–23 months) was associated with increased odds for PTB. Short IPI after pregnancy termination showed a decreased OR of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81–0.94). The within-mother analysis showed the association of increased odds of PTB for short IPI, but not for long IPI. Conclusions Women with IPI 3 years after a live birth were at increased odds of PTB—an important group for intervention to reduce PTB. Short IPI after pregnancy termination was associated with reduced odds for PTB and needs to be further explored. Tweetable abstract Short and long IPI after live birth, but not after pregnancy termination, showed increased odds for PTB.
Genetic Signaling in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): A Current Overview

Cancers of the brain comprise a genetically and morphologically heterogeneous class of proliferating neural cells derived from incompletely differentiated brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs). The molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute to their development and propagation are incompletely understood, however, current research is expanding our knowledge as to what specific gene activation and deactivation mechanisms are triggered during the onset of brain cell neoplasia. Apparently, only relatively small populations of BTSCs are capable of driving the proliferative and invasive nature of these cancers, and the intrinsic ability to reinitiate and propagate aberrant cell growth at any metabolic cost. This chapter provides a current overview of gene expression patterns in glioma and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), with special emphasis on messenger RNA (mRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA) speciation and abundance, and how our recent understanding of specific mRNA–miRNA interactions have increased our comprehension of this insidious neoplastic process.
International Regulatory Status and Harmonization of Food Irradiation

U.S. regulatory officials and some consumer advocates, academicians, media, and industry representatives share the opinion that radiation processing may be a solution to food safety and agricultural protection problems that now exist throughout the world. The status of existing regulations and new regulations being developed by U.S. regulatory agencies and being petitioned by industry groups is discussed and compared with regulations in other countries. Renewed interest on the part of the U.S. Army in using irradiated foods in many of their rations is reviewed. The status of demonstration irradiation facilities sponsored by the Department of Energy is outlined. Comments on harmonization of radiation process controls, dosimetry standards, and other practices that are important aspects of international trade in irradiated foods are provided.
Control of radial structural gradient in PAN/silver nanofibers using solvent vapor treatment

Abstract In this research, PAN/silver nanoparticles(NPs) composite nanofibers were successfully fabricated by chemical reduction of electrospun PAN/AgNO 3 nanofibers using formic acid vapor treatment. It is demonstrated that the radial compositional gradients in PAN/silver NPs nanofiber can be successfully controlled via varying treatment temperature and vapor concentration. As the vapor treatment was performed at room temperature, silver NPs were uniformly dispersed within PAN nanofiber. With increasing the vapor treatment temperature, the distribution of within vapor treated nanofiber change from well-dispersed to a core-shell structure. The morphology difference can be attributed to the temperature-dependent integrated phenomenon of formic acid vapor pressure, silver reduction rate, and mobility of silver ions within the nanofibers. Additionally, the PAN/silver NPs core-shell nanofibers can be further utilized to fabricate electrically conductive PAN/silver hybrid nanofiber mat by sintering silver NPs at the surface of the fibers.
Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) are adult multipotent cells, which have the potential to differentiate into cell types of mesodermal origin, namely osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Due to their accessibility and expansion potential, BMSCs have historically held therapeutic promise in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. More recently, it has been demonstrated that not only can bone marrow stromal stem cells directly participate in tissue regeneration, but they also have the capacity to migrate to distant sites of tissue injury, where they can participate in tissue repair either directly through their differentiation or indirectly through paracrine mechanisms. Additionally, they can elicit various immunomodulatory signals, which can attenuate the inflammatory and immune responses. As such, bone marrow stromal stem cells have been explored clinically for treatment of a wide variety of different conditions including bone defects, graft-vs.-host disease, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, neurological diseases, and liver and kidney diseases. This review provides an overview of current clinical applications of bone marrow stromal stem cells and discusses their therapeutic properties, while also addressing limitations of their use. PubMed, Ovid, and Google Scholar online databases were searched using several keywords, including “stem cells”, “tissue engineering”, tissue regeneration” and “clinical trials”. Additionally, Clinical trials.gov was used to locate completed clinical trials using bone marrow derived stem cells.
TIPE2 Inhibits the Expression of Asthma-Related Inflammatory Factors in Hyperstretched Bronchial Epithelial Cells Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Childhood asthma, an airway inflammatory disease, is a serious threat to the child’s quality of life. Recently, TIPE2 expression was reported to be decreased in children with asthma. Therefore, additional studies focusing on TIPE2 might provide an approach for treating childhood asthma. In this study, we found that TIPE2 was poorly expressed in hyperstretched human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). TIPE2 overexpression also significantly suppressed the stretch-induced secretion of asthma-related inflammatory factors (TNF-α, TSLP, MMP-9, and VEGF). In contrast, TIPE2 inhibition significantly promoted the secretion of TNF-α, TSLP, MMP-9, and VEGF. Furthermore, overexpression of TIPE2 remarkably inhibited the activation of Wnt/β-catenin in hyperstretched BEAS-2B cells, while siTIPE2 activated Wnt/β-catenin in hyperstretched BEAS-2B cells. Further analysis showed that the Wnt/β-catenin signal inhibitor Dkk-1 could further enhance the TIPE2-induced suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which also suppressed the siTIPE2-induced secretion of TNF-α, TSLP, MMP-9, and VEGF in hyperstretched BEAS-2B cells. Dkk-1 reversed the effects of siRNA-TIPE2 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inflammatory cytokines. In summary, we have exhibited that TIPE2 inhibited the expression of asthma-related inflammatory factors in hyperstretched BEAS-2B cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. TIPE2 may be involved in airway inflammation during asthma attack, and it may be used as a potential therapeutic target for bronchial epithelial inflammation in childhood asthma.
Teaching and Learning Under Pressure: Intensive (Accelerated, Block) Computer Science Courses (Abstract Only)

Many universities either have offered or are starting to offer computer science courses taught in a compressed time scale, often where students take only one course at a time. The pace of these classes can differ but often move at a speed where a day of an accelerated class is equivalent to a week of a typical semester class. This format has several advantages-more flexibility for collaborative work, better visibility into how students are spending their time (knowing that if a student is struggling it is not because of work in a different class), and less need for students to multitask between different courses. It also has many challenges. From the student perspective, there's the need to stay on top of things and not fall behind, having to catch up if there are absences due to illness or extra-curricular activities, and staying focused on one subject while working under constant time pressure (which often results in a tendency to rush through assignments to meet deadlines). Participants in this BoF will share their knowledge about teaching in this format. What kinds of assignments and assessments work and don't work during accelerated courses? How can we keep the workload reasonable for the students and for ourselves? What interesting pedagogy does this format facilitate? We invite participation both from faculty who are already teaching in this format and also from those considering an accelerated course who want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of this format.
Classification of Hydrogels Based on Their Source: A Review and Application in Stem Cell Regulation

Stem cells are recognized by their self-renewal ability and can give rise to specialized progeny. Hydrogels are an established class of biomaterials with the ability to control stem cell fate via mechanotransduction. They can mimic various physiological conditions to influence the fate of stem cells and are an ideal platform to support stem cell regulation. This review article provides a summary of recent advances in the application of different classes of hydrogels based on their source (e.g., natural, synthetic, or hybrid). This classification is important because the chemistry of substrate affects stem cell differentiation and proliferation. Natural and synthetic hydrogels have been widely used in stem cell regulation. Nevertheless, they have limitations that necessitate a new class of material. Hybrid hydrogels obtained by manipulation of the natural and synthetic ones can potentially overcome these limitations and shape the future of research in application of hydrogels in stem cell regulation.
Ultramarathon-Induced Bilateral Corneal Edema: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Ultramarathon-associated corneal edema is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of a patient who presented with bilateral corneal edema following an ultramarathon. The corneal edema resolved without sequelae 48 h later. The authors hypothesize that the additive effect of enhanced glycolysis, an increased lactate level in the aqueous humor, and oxidative stress alters the normal endothelial regulation of the cornea and leads to corneal edema.
Christian Therapists’ Utilization of Bibliotherapeutic Resources:

This article reports the results of a survey of a representative sample of the membership of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies International to discover the books and audio-visual...
Evasion of Human Neutrophil-Mediated Host Defense during Toxoplasma gondii Infection

ABSTRACT Neutrophils are a major player in host immunity to infection; however, the mechanisms by which human neutrophils respond to the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are still poorly understood. In the current study, we found that, whereas primary human monocytes produced interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in response to T. gondii infection, human neutrophils from the same blood donors did not. Moreover, T. gondii inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1β synthesis in human peripheral blood neutrophils. IL-1β suppression required active parasite invasion, since heat-killed or mycalolide B-treated parasites did not inhibit IL-1β release. By investigating the mechanisms involved in this process, we found that T. gondii infection of neutrophils treated with LPS resulted in reduced transcript levels of IL-1β and NLRP3 and reduced protein levels of pro-IL-1β, mature IL-1β, and the inflammasome sensor NLRP3. In T. gondii-infected neutrophils stimulated with LPS, the levels of MyD88, TRAF6, IKKα, IKKβ, and phosphorylated IKKα/β were not affected. However, LPS-induced IκBα degradation and p65 phosphorylation were reduced in T. gondii-infected neutrophils, and degradation of IκBα was reversed by treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132. Finally, we observed that T. gondii inhibited the cleavage and activity of caspase-1 in human neutrophils. These results indicate that T. gondii suppression of IL-1β involves a two-pronged strategy whereby T. gondii inhibits both NF-κB signaling and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings represent a novel mechanism of T. gondii evasion of human neutrophil-mediated host defense by targeting the production of IL-1β. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects approximately one-third of humans worldwide and can invade virtually any nucleated cell in the human body. Although it is well documented that neutrophils infiltrate the site of acute T. gondii infection, there is limited understanding of how human neutrophils respond to T. gondii. Neutrophils control infectious pathogens by a variety of mechanisms, including the release of the cytokine IL-1β, a major driver of inflammation during infection. This study reveals that T. gondii is able to inhibit IL-1β production in human neutrophils by impairing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and by inhibiting the inflammasome, the protein complex responsible for IL-1β maturation. This two-pronged strategy of targeting the IL-1β pathway may facilitate the survival and spread of T. gondii during acute infection.
Ultrasound probe use and reprocessing: Results from a national survey among U.S. infection preventionists.

Background Improper infection prevention practice associated with ultrasound probe use has been linked to increased infection risk, outbreaks, and death. Although guidelines for reprocessing and use of probes exist, it is unclear how extensively these have been adopted in practice. Methods Infection preventionists from U.S. health care facilities were surveyed (N = 358). The anonymous survey had 31 multiple choice, sliding scale, and text response questions. The survey was developed and deployed and the data were stored in the REDCap system. Results A high degree of noncompliance with U.S. guidelines was identified. Surface probes used in invasive procedures were not high-level disinfected or sterilized 15% (intraoperative) to 78% (peripheral line placements) of the time. Of invasive procedures, 5%-47% did not use sterile gel (same procedures, respectively). Of the participants, 20% were aware of instances where an ultrasound probe was used but was not correctly reprocessed. Extensive breaches of infection control guidelines were reported. The rapid expansion in use of ultrasound has brought clinical benefit but may be exposing patients to preventable infection risk. Conclusions Infection preventionists are well placed to act as major drivers of change based on their expertise and experience in the management of infection risk across facilities and health systems. They, along with clinicians responsible for probe use and reprocessing, should review practices relating to ultrasound in their facilities. Where practice does not comply with guidelines, policy and training should be updated to ensure patient safety.
Simulation of dynamic electromagnetic wave propagation on humans: Lower body analysis

Understanding how electromagnetic waves propagate on the human body is important for deployment of wireless on-body sensor systems. The aim of this study is to apply a developing simulation framework combining measurement and simulation techniques to analyze on-body wave propagation during motions involving the lower limbs.
A Perspective on the Therapy of Human Herpesvirus Infections

In less than a decade, significant advances have been made in developing antiviral drugs for the therapy of human viral infections. In large part, a foundation for these advances was set in the late 1950s when Prusoff (1959) synthesized the pyrimidine analog 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (idox-uridine), which was shown to have both antitumor and antiviral properties. Subsequently, the in vitro antiviral activity of idoxuridine against several DNA viruses was elucidated (Herrmann, 1961). Kaufman reported the activity of this drug in both animal (Kaufman et al., 1962a, b) and human studies of herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis (Kaufman, 1962).
Quantum pharmacology and quantitative structure-activity relationships: a brief review.

Investigators working in the areas of medical and agricultural research are constantly faced with the problem of selecting a target molecule which will give a desired biological response. Approaches to solutions of this problem have traditionally been of a qualitative nature where the structure of a molecule is varied through molecular modifications and the corresponding biological activity parameters are measured. During the last ten to twenty years, mathematics and physics have been incorporated in the search for these target molecules, and structure-activity relationships have switched from qualitative to quantitative [1–8]. Accompanying this move toward quantitative structure-activity relationship studies, medicinal chemists, biochemists, and pharmacologists have turned to quantum mechanics for a basic understanding of the mechanisms of biological activity [9]. The latter endeavor has been christened “quantum biochemistry,” “quantum pharmacology,” or “quantum biology” depending upon the particular emphasis. The objective in this publication is to review the recent literature in these two general areas.
Seasonal influx and decomposition of autochthonous macrophyte litter in a north temperate estuary

An 18-month study was undertaken to determine the seasonal contribution and detrital processing of autochthonous plant litter in the Great Bay Estuary System of New-Hampshire-Maine, USA and adjacent open coast. Four species were studied: the halophytes, Spartina alterniflora Loisel. and Zostera marina L. and the seaweeds, Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis and Fucus vesiculosus L. v. spiralis Farlow. Monthly strand line collections at estuarine and open coastal sites provided information on the seasonal influx of litter derived from each species. Detrital inputs from S. alterniflora and Z. marina were maximal in the spring and summer, respectively. Seaweed litter was abundant (35 to 85% of the total strand line) throughout the year. The seaweeds contributed 1 to 3 times as much detrital material as the vascular plants within the Estuary, and 50 times as much on the open coast. In situ measurements of decomposition, using nylon, mesh bags, were made for each species under several environmental conditions. Seaweeds decomposed 3 to 10 times faster than vascular plant litter under similar conditions. Decomposition rates and changes in the nutrient content of litter were dependent on surrounding environmental conditions. Continual nutrient depletion occurred in litter within the strand line. Nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment were observed under submerged conditions and were attributed to microbial activity and rapid leaching of carbonaceous substrates. A computer simulation model was developed to validate the field data and to predict seasonal detrital carbon input by each species. The significance of autochthonous input is discussed in relation to other detrital sources.
Pseudocysts in Chronic Pancreatitis: Development and Clinical Implications

Pancreatic pseudocysts are the most common complication of chronic pancreatitis, occurring at some time in the course of the disease in as many as 25% of patients [1]. Furthermore, even after satisfactory initial surgical drainage of pseudocysts, recurrence has been observed to develop in another 10% of cases during long-term followup [2]. The frequency of this complication, therefore, underscores the necessity for familiarity with the diagnosis and management of these patients.
Systematically Observed Movement Integration in a Low Socioeconomic School District: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study.

Purpose:To describe teacher’s integration of activity into general education classroom time (ie, movement integration—MI).Design:Cross-sectional, observational.Setting:Eight elementary schools in a...
Causality in the Time of Cholera: John Snow As a Prototype for Causal Inference

The story of John Snow's 1855 treatise "On the mode of communication of cholera" is a rollicking good tale – full of heroism, death, and statistics. But more fundamentally Snow's work is a sustained effort to convince skeptics, through argument and a wide variety of evidence, of the waterborne theory of cholera articulated in the 1849 essay of the same name. Snow's data and analysis provide a template for how to convincingly demonstrate a causal effect, a template as applicable today as in 1855. I consider two of strands of Snow's evidence – the Broad Street outbreak and the south London “Grand Experiment” – as pedagogical examples of using non-experimental data to support a causal effect. In doing so I discuss extensions to Snow's analysis using modern techniques and tools: most importantly difference-in-differences regression and count (Poisson) regression for error analysis in quasi-randomized control experiments. These provide clear and compelling examples of the modern techniques and tools, while confirming and strengthening Snow's original conclusion on the causal effect of water supply on cholera mortality.
A Game-theoretic analysis on the economic viability of mobile content pre-staging

The rapid growth of demand for data in wireless communications has driven the mobile service carriers and the research community to seek both effective technical and alternative solutions to the data demand problem. One particular solution, content pre-staging, tries to push content as close to the mobile device as possible in order to lower demand at peak times. Assuming the interesting case that mobile device storage could be made available as part of the mobile carrier’s system capacity either directly by the end user or indirectly by the carrier, this paper investigates the potential economic impacts on the mobile service business and various stakeholders of content pre-staging. We explore the economic implications of content pre-staging by modeling the interplay among the mobile carrier, end users, and the content provider in a game theoretic framework. The carrier designs pricing mechanisms to affect the behaviors of the content provider and end users for the purpose of profit maximization. In particular, two prices are introduced, the price charged to the content provider to pre-stage content on mobile device storage, and the monetary reward to compensate users for the usage of their mobile device storage. Although the individual incentive of the carrier is not necessarily aligned with social incentives, the welfare analysis of content pre-staging shows that the practice improves social welfare by increasing network efficiency. Localizing content increases the overall profitability of mobile service business which is positively related to the relevance of the pre-staged content. The carrier’s pricing mechanisms determine the manner in which the increased profitability of the business is shared by various interested parties. While the carrier may design prices strategically to retain a larger share of the increased profitability, content pre-staging can benefit all the three parties in the game, i.e., the carrier gains in saved capacity and new revenue, users gain QoE, content, and financial rewards for sharing mobile device storage, and the content provider gains in increased revenue from increased content access.
Probe Localization for Freehand 3D Ultrasound by Tracking Skin Features

Ultrasound probe localization with respect to the patient’s body is essential for freehand three-dimensional ultrasound and image-guided intervention. However, current methods for probe localization generally involve bulky and expensive equipment. In this paper, a highly cost-effective and miniature-mobile system is described for 6-DoF probe localization that is robust to rigid patient motion. In this system, skin features in the scan region are recorded at each ultrasound scan acquisition by a lightweight camera rigidly mounted to the probe. A skin map is built based on the skin features and optimal probe poses are estimated in a Bayesian probabilistic framework that incorporates a prior motion model, camera frames, and ultrasound scans. Through freehand scanning on three different body parts, it is shown that on average, for every probe travel distance of 10 mm, the translational and rotational errors are 0.91±0.49 mm and 0.55°±0.17°, respectively. The 3D reconstructions were also validated by comparison with real ultrasound scans.
‘A Deepfake Porn Plot Intended to Silence Me’: exploring continuities between pornographic and ‘political’ deep fakes

‘Deep fakes’ went viral in 2017 when artificial intelligence-manipulated porn was uploaded to the discussion website Reddit. Within a month, tens of thousands of people had followed suit and shared...
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Claims Under the Fair Housing Act After Bostock v. Clayton County

The Supreme Court recently ruled in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay, lesbian and transgender employees from discrimination. The majority held that the statute’s prohibition against discrimination in employment “because of . . . sex” necessarily applies to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This Article argues that the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), which has identical language prohibiting housing discrimination “because of . . . sex,” should also now be interpreted to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This is an obvious next step given the similar language, structure, and purpose of both statutes, and the courts’ long tendency to use Title VII cases to guide their interpretation of the FHA. This would also be a welcome development for housing equity, considering the significant discrimination that LGBTQ individuals experience in housing and the dearth of legal protections in place for them. This Article examines the development of Title VII law with respect to claims by LGBTQ individuals, and the parallel evolution of FHA case law. In particular, it examines how the reasoning behind Title VII cases applies to the FHA. While it is not always true that Title VII analysis developed in the workplace context can translate seamlessly to the housing context, in this case, it does. There is one area which presents a potential hurdle: the problem of mixed motives and causation. The two statutes differ in their treatment of discrimination claims where the defendant was motivated by both permissible and prohibited purposes. If Bostock’s reasoning relies on mixed motives theory, this difference might create difficulty for courts who wish to apply its conclusions to the FHA. This is not the case, however. Although much of the Bostock opinion is taken up with examining the causal role that sex plays in sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, the Court’s analysis does not implicate mixed motives. Rather, Bostock holds that sex discrimination is inextricably linked to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Thus, the mixed motive issue never arises, and the differences between the two statutes on this point are irrelevant.
Imaging features and clinical course of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas with CIC-DUX4 and BCOR-CCNB3 translocations

To describe the pre-treatment imaging features and clinical course of undifferentiated round cell sarcomas with CIC-DUX4 and BCOR-CCNB3 translocations. In this retrospective study, several pre-treatment imaging features (tumor location, size, enhancement pattern, necrosis, flow voids, calcification, and FDG avidity) and the clinical course of patients were evaluated. In 12 patients with CIC-DUX4 sarcomas (median age, 24 years; range, 12–75), sarcomas were located in the soft tissue (n = 10), bone (n = 1), and lungs (n = 1). On MRI, all 10 CIC-DUX4 sarcomas presented as a large necrotic mass (mean size 6.7 cm, range 2.3–11.3) with 100% demonstrating contrast enhancement, 60% showing flow voids, and 20% demonstrating fluid-fluid levels. On PET, the mean SUVmax was 13.2 (range, 8.5–18.1). Among 12 patients with follow-up, 3 died within a year of diagnosis. The most common site of metastases was the lungs (5/12). In 5 patients with BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas (median age, 14 years; range, 2–17), sarcomas were located in the spine (n = 2), femur (n = 1), tibia (n = 1), and pelvis (n = 1). On radiograph or CT, 2 were lytic, 3 were sclerotic. Soft tissue calcifications occurred in 40% of BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas. On MRI, all 3 BCOR-CCNB3 tumors enhanced with 33% demonstrating flow voids and 66% exhibiting necrosis. On PET, the mean SUVmax was 6.3 (range 5.7–6.9). CIC-DUX4 sarcomas often present as necrotic and hypermetabolic soft tissue masses while sarcomas with BCOR-CCNB3 translocations are vascular bone lesions with necrosis at imaging. CIC-DUX4 sarcomas are clinically more aggressive than BCOR-CCNB3 sarcomas.
Advanced synchrotron characterization techniques for fusion materials science

Abstract Characterization methods capable of providing critical information across multiple structural length scales are essential in materials exposed to the extreme environments such as anticipated fusion power systems. Complementary techniques capable of uncovering the complicated microstructural irradiation-induced evolution are also important to verify and validate advanced computational models. To date, the primary microstructural tools informing such lower-length scale models have included analytical electron microscopy, positron annihilation spectroscopy, atom probe tomography, and small-angle neutron scattering. In this paper, we discuss the application of state-of-the-art synchrotron-based x-ray characterization methods in fusion material research. Specifically highlighted are opportunities in leveraging synchrotron-based techniques to address fundamental and applied materials science challenges at various length scales and in support of modeling efforts. Examples presented in this article include: a combined small angle x-ray scattering and x-ray diffraction study of transmutation-induced precipitation in neutron irradiated tungsten, and the identification of size and structure of nm-scale transmutation precipitates and voids; quantitative characterization of thermodynamically predicted minor precipitate populations in advanced reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steels through high energy x-ray diffraction; and a review of recent synchrotron-based studies dedicated to quantifying the radiation response of fusion relevant materials. The latter includes a pair distribution function analysis investigation of neutron irradiated SiC with insights into the different radiation response of the silicon and carbon sublattices, and a dose dependent decrease in the size of defect free material.
Surgical “error traps” of open posterior component separation—transversus abdominis release

Past techniques for the repair of complex incisional hernias have been met with unacceptably high recurrence rates and postoperative complications. The transversus abdominis release (TAR) is a versatile and durable solution gaining popularity amongst both abdominal wall specialists and general surgeons. However, several preoperative factors and specific intraoperative pitfalls can have a major impact on patient outcomes. The authors review the current literature and draw upon their own practice experience to highlight key preoperative and perioperative steps for avoiding common pitfalls or “error traps” often performed by a surgeon new to this surgical technique. We discuss preoperative factors that influence the outcomes of patients undergoing incisional hernia repair. We show how a TAR that preserves the neurovascular bundles supplying the rectus complex and dissection in the correct plane prevents the formation of new, challenging unintended hernia defects and provides for wide prosthetic overlap offering the patient a sustainable repair. Lastly, we highlight key postoperative factors that affect a patient’s recovery. Avoidance of surgical error traps combined with technique mastery can lead to the successful repair of challenging abdominal wall defects using the TAR approach.
Going Back to the Basics at the Bedside: Instituting Physical Exam Teaching Rounds to Improve Skills and Teaching in Residency

Background: Resident competence in physical exam skills is lacking. Despite the advantages technology has afforded modern medicine, the reliance on laboratory and radiologic data has contributed to a decline in bedside clinical skills. Multiple articles report that bedside teaching has declined, from once making up about 75% of clinical teaching in the 1960s to only 16% by 1978. Over time, residents have become less familiar with physical signs, causing them to place less importance on this part of patient care. Physical exam teaching in medical school is variable and few …
Beyond the Binary: Why Gender Matters in the Recruitment and Use of Children

Gender matters in conflict. Socio-cultural norms, attitudes and expectations related to gender dictate the causes, course and consequences of child soldiering. Despite international commitments, the recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups persists. This paper summarizes existing quantitative data from the United Nations Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism, in light of complementary qualitative analysis from other sources, to highlight the ways in which gender norms can (a) drive recruitment, (b) determine roles and responsibilities, and (c) influence outcomes for children associated with armed forces or groups. The needs and experiences of girls and boys are explored, and where evidence allows, that of children of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC). Recommendations are made on potential actions that can further nuance the gender perspective proposed in the Vancouver Principles. Suggestions are made on how to ensure prevention and response interventions are (1) supported by consistently disaggregated data, (2) cognisant of the gender drivers behind recruitment, and (3) tailored to the distinct needs of children of diverse SOGIESC.
Development of multimode and spiral wave acoustic transducers: Yesterday, today, and tomorrow

This presentation reviews the early development of multimode transducers in both U.S. and Russia and their use in DIFAR sonobuoys and other directional receivers. This lead the way for today’s development of the spiral wave transducer that creates outward diverging acoustic waves from a single transducer, whose wavefront (surface of constant phase) is a continuous outgoing spiral surface created by the superposition of orthogonal dipoles driven in phase-quadrature. Spiral waves hold promise for tomorrow’s underwater acoustic navigation beacons in GPS-denied access areas and for broader bandwidth underwater communications.
Chapter 11 : Duration, Outcome, and Post-Reorganization Performance

We find that among firms that file Chapter 11 those that are smaller have better operating performance, and are in higher operating margin industries spend less time in Chapter 11. Firms are more likely to emerge as going concerns and to achieve positive post reorganization profitability if they significantly reduce assets and liabilities while in Chapter 11. Higher pre-bankruptcy industry-adjusted operating margins and improvements in margin are associated with post-reorganization profitability but do not impact the decision to reorganize. These results reveal characteristics and actions associated with successful reorganizations and, furthermore, suggest that Chapter 11 allows promising firms to successfully reorganize.
Improving Robot-Centric Learning from Demonstration via Personalized Embeddings.

Learning from demonstration (LfD) techniques seek to enable novice users to teach robots novel tasks in the real world. However, prior work has shown that robot-centric LfD approaches, such as Dataset Aggregation (DAgger), do not perform well with human teachers. DAgger requires a human demonstrator to provide corrective feedback to the learner either in real-time, which can result in degraded performance due to suboptimal human labels, or in a post hoc manner which is time intensive and often not feasible. To address this problem, we present Mutual Information-driven Meta-learning from Demonstration (MIND MELD), which meta-learns a mapping from poor quality human labels to predicted ground truth labels, thereby improving upon the performance of prior LfD approaches for DAgger-based training. The key to our approach for improving upon suboptimal feedback is mutual information maximization via variational inference. Our approach learns a meaningful, personalized embedding via variational inference which informs the mapping from human provided labels to predicted ground truth labels. We demonstrate our framework in a synthetic domain and in a human-subjects experiment, illustrating that our approach improves upon the corrective labels provided by a human demonstrator by 63%.
A Mini-Open Approach to Medial Pinning in Pediatric Supracondylar Humeral Fractures May Be Safer Than Previously Thought.

BACKGROUND Displaced pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs) are stabilized after reduction by smooth pins. Although some SCHFs are biomechanically stable after lateral-only entry pinning (lateral pinning), an additional medial entry pin (cross-pinning) confers superior stabilization in some SCHFs. There is a recognized risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with medial entry pinning. The best existing evidence has estimated an iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of approximately 3.4% in cross-pinning. In similar studies, the rate of iatrogenic nerve injury (all nerves) in lateral pinning is estimated at 1.9%. This study aimed to use a large, single-center, single-technique (mini-open) retrospective case series to determine the rate of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in cross-pinning. METHODS Patients undergoing percutaneous cross-pinning via the mini-open technique for SCHFs from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Injury characteristics, operative variables, fixation technique, and complications, such as iatrogenic nerve injury, were recorded. Patients who underwent operative treatment at another hospital, had no postoperative follow-up, or died due to polytrauma were excluded. RESULTS In this study, 698 patients undergoing cross-pinning during the study period were identified. Patients treated with cross-pinning had severe fractures, including a total of 198 preoperative neurovascular injuries (28.4%), 32 patients (4.6%) with skin tenting, and 19 patients (2.7%) with open fractures. Iatrogenic nerve injury was reported in 3 cases (0.43%), all of which affected the ulnar nerve. In 2 of 3 cases of iatrogenic nerve injury, the ulnar nerve symptoms resolved at a mean follow-up of 15 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The mini-open approach for medial pin insertion is safer than previous estimates. Here, in the largest single-center study of cross-pinning for SCHFs, the iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury rate of 0.43% was nearly 10 times lower than estimated rates from recent meta-analyses. Considering all nerves, the iatrogenic injury rate for this cross-pinning cohort was also lower than the estimated iatrogenic nerve injury rate for lateral pinning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
WDM in Corporate Networks

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology as it is deployed in wide-area and metropolitan-area public networks is also expected to impact parts of corporate networks in the future. This paper surveys the current environment of corporate networks and discusses the requirements that will eventually demand WDM. First WDM deployments in the private network market are described as indicators for future opportunities for which lower cost is the key prerequisite. Technical approaches to achieve this are shown using two examples of existing research projects.
Physicochemical Factors in the Distribution of Plasma Lipoprotein Subunits between the Plasma Lipoproteins and the Arterial Wall

The structural and functional integrity of membranes and lipoproteins is determined, in part, by the physical state of the lipids which compose them (Linden et al., 1973; Morrisett et al., 1976; Small, 1976). Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated that diverse hydrophobic and amphiphilic substances interact preferentially with specific lipid classes having well-defined physical states. The interaction of cholesterol with phospholipids is greatest when the lipid is at or above its gel to liquid crystalline transition temperature, T, (Verkleij et al., 1974; de Kruyff et al., 1974). In mixtures of phospholipids composed of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol preferentially associated with the former regardless of the physical state of either lipid (Demel and de Kruyff, 1977). Thus, there is compelling chemical evidence that the association of cholesterol with phospholipids is determined by both the physical state of the lipid and its molecular structure.
The psychology of eating and drinking

Dedication. Preface. Acknowledgements. Instructions: The Essential Nutrients of the Psychology of Eating and Drinking. Down the Hatch: Hunger and Satiety. "You Never Miss the Water Until the Well Runs Dry": Thirst. The Nose Knows (and So Does the Tongue). Genes Rule - Or Do They? One Person's Meat is Another Person's Poison: The Effects of Experience of Food Preferences. This or That: Choosing What We Eat and Drink. You Are What You Eat and Drink. "Hunger Talks a Most Persuasive Language": Anorexia and Bulimia. The Battle With the Bulge: Overeating and Obesity. Drinking Your Life Away: Alcohol Use and Abuse. How Sweet It Is: Type 2 Diabetes. Strictly About Females. When and Why Smoking Affects Your Weight. We Do Not Live by Bread Alone: Cuisine, Beer, and Wine. Refererences.