cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When efficient contracts require risk-averse executives to hold equity: Implications for option valuation, for relative performance evaluation, and for the corporate governance debate

A growing body of literature suggests that because risk-averse executives are undiversified, they value equity compensation at significantly less (over 30%) than market value. This valuation discount is driven by the assumptions that the firm ignores existing incentives when it grants equity, and does not allow executives to buy or sell firm stock for a multi-year period following a grant. We instead assume that firms contract efficiently, which means that contracts require executives to hold precise amounts of incentives (e.g., Holmstrom, 1979). Under this efficient contracting assumption, we show that executive discounts to the value of equity compensation are small (less than 6%). Finally, when firms write efficient contracts over executive wealth, these contracts are consistent with relative performance evaluation: they require executives to increase their exposure to firm-specific risk by reducing (increasing) the amount of wealth they hold in diversified portfolios (firm equity).
Thin-film optimization strategy in high numerical aperture optical lithography, part 1: principles

The functional dependence of a resist critical dimension (CD) with respect to resist thickness for a general absorptive thin-film stack in the case of oblique incidence is derived analytically with the rigorous electromagnetic theory. Based on obtained results, we discuss those thin-film effects related to CD control, such as the swing effect, bulk effect, etc., especially in the regime of high numerical aperture optical lithography.
Direct model reference control of an induction motor

High performance induction motor drive systems typically rely on field oriented control methods. However, achieving field oriented control requires machine specific knowledge, and tracking of drifting motor parameters in order to maintain control. This paper presents an alternative method of control based on a direct model reference adaptive control algorithm which does not require exact knowledge of motor parameters. The algorithm does not rely on maintaining a field oriented state, and is demonstrated to be robust with respect to parameter variations. The paper presents the control theory with experimental results. It is shown through experiment that the control approach is insensitive to motor saturation and parameter variations encountered in motors of similar rating and different manufacturer. >
A state-space pressure and speed sensing governor for hydrogenerators

The use of the pressure signal for speed control of hydrogenerators is investigated. This is done by first analyzing and modeling the plant, assuming an isolated, resistive load. A set of governor gains that give an optimal response to a change in load level using speed feedback is then found. With this response as a benchmark, various methods are analyzed and implemented, utilizing the pressure signal, to improve the response of the system. A state-space observer, designed to attenuate noise on the pressure signal, is discussed. Results show that an observer-based controller using all states as input, as compared to a PID controller, improves the transient response of hydrogenerators, is effective at filtering out the noise on the pressure signal and is more robust to both steady-state pressure and plant parameter variations. >
Replication of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus in Engineered Mouse NIH 3T3 Cells

We employed the equine lentivirus equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) to investigate the cellular restrictions for lentivirus replication in murine NIH 3T3 cells. The results of these studies demonstrate that NIH 3T3 cells expressing the EIAV receptor ELR1 and equine cyclin T1 supported productive replication of EIAV and produced infectious virions at levels similar to those found in a reference permissive equine cell line. The studies presented here demonstrate, for the first time, differential levels of restriction for EIAV and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in murine cells and suggest that these differences can be exploited to reveal critical virus-cell interactions required for HIV-1 assembly and budding of lentivirus particles.
Combinatorial Mutagenesis of MBNL1 Zinc Fingers Elucidates Distinct Classes of Regulatory Events

The RNA binding protein and alternative splicing factor Muscleblind-like 1 (MBNL1) has been a topic of intense study due to its role in myotonic dystrophy (DM) pathogenesis. MBNL1 contains four zinc finger (ZF) RNA binding domains arranged in two pairs. Through combinatorial mutagenesis of the ZF domains, we demonstrate that the pairs of ZFs have differential affinity for RNA and subsequently differential splicing activities. We evaluated splicing and binding activity for six MBNL1-mediated splicing events and found that the splicing activity profiles for the ZF mutants vary among transcripts. Clustering analysis of splicing profiles revealed that two distinct classes of MBNL1 pre-mRNA substrates exist. For some of the RNA transcripts tested, binding and splicing activity of the ZF mutants correlated. However, for some transcripts it appears that MBNL1 exerts robust splicing activity in the absence of RNA binding. We demonstrate that functionally distinct classes of MBNL1-mediated splicing events exist as defined by requirements for ZF-RNA interactions.
Fingerprinting intellectual property using constraint-addition

Recently, intellectual property protection (IPP) techniques attracted a great deal of attention from semiconductor, system integration and software companies. A number of watermarking-based techniques have been proposed for IPP. One of the key limitations of watermarking is that it does not facilitate tracing of illegally resold intellectual property (IP). Fingerprinting resolves this problem by providing each customer with a unique instance of functionally identical IP. We propose a general technique which enables fingerprinting at all level of design process and is applicable to an arbitrary optimization step. In particular, we address the following fingerprinting problem: How to generate a large number of high quality solution for a given optimization problem by solving the initial problem only once. In addition we also discuss how to select a subset of k solutions from the pool of n solutions so that the solutions are maximally different.In order to make our discussion concrete we focus on a single NP-complete problem -- graph coloring. We test the new fingerprinting on a number of standard benchmarks. Interestingly, while on random graphs it is relatively difficult to produce a large number of solutions without nontrivial quality degradation, on all real-life compilation graphs we are able to generate millions of solution which are all optimal.
A 25-year-old patient with spontaneous hemothorax.

A 25-year-old African-American woman with a chief complaint of progressive dyspnea and cough presented to the inpatient service after her primary care physician noted a significant right-sided pleural effusion on a chest radiograph. She had a 2to 3-year history of intermittent, sharp, pleuritic chest pain radiating from the right subscapular region, across the anterior chest, and down the right arm that worsened with cough and accompanied this episode. Three months prior to hospital admission, dyspnea had developed with exertion and cough productive of white sputum. She sought medical attention 2 months prior to hospital admission, but two courses of outpatient antibiotic therapy did not ameliorate her condition. Her activity level deteriorated from unrestricted walking to dyspnea at rest. She was receiving no medications, and did not drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use recreational drugs. Coccidioidomycosis was previously diagnosed in a family member. The patient had noted occasional abdominal bloating, night sweats, and chills without fever, and an 8-lb unintentional weight loss over the previous 3 months. She had no known tuberculosis exposures, and a recent tuberculin skin test result was negative. She denied rash, joint pain, nausea, hemoptysis, orthopnea, hematochezia, dizziness, visual changes, dyspareunia, or dyschezia. She has a history of dysmenorrhea and was on her menses at the time of hospital admission. In the emergency department, she was noted to have a large, right-sided pleural effusion (Fig 1). Thoracentesis revealed bloody fluid. A chest tube was inserted and drained 2.6 L of bloody pleural fluid. On examination, the patient was a thin, AfricanAmerican woman in no distress. Her chest examination revealed an appropriately placed chest tube, a soft-tissue fullness over her right scapula, which was tender to palpation, and absent breath sounds on the right side. Ascites, without organomegaly, was present on abdominal examination. The remainder of the examination was normal.
A Spherical Inverted-F Antenna (SIFA)

This letter proposes a spherical inverted-F antenna (SIFA). The radiating element of this antenna is conformally integrated onto one quadrant of a metal-coated foam sphere. The substrate has been recessed into the spherical volume to remain conformal to the spherical host chassis. Design variables are provided in spherical coordinates to describe the structure; this includes the ground, patch, and a spherical foam shell that physically supports the patch and acts as its substrate. Measured and simulated results are presented for a design operating around 400 MHz.
Nonlocal homogenization model for the analysis of absorbing properties of mushroom structures with graphene patches at microwaves

Graphene as a one-atom-thick planar sheet of carbon atoms bonded in a hexagonal structure [1] is characterized by unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, including high electrical conductivity and high electron mobility at room temperature, optical transparency, and breaking strength much greater than steel, among others. All these exotic features make graphene attractive in various applications. In particular, one of the electromagnetic applications of graphene, which is related to the subject of this paper, concerns its use in electrically-thin absorbing structures at microwaves. In [2], it has been shown that graphene patches can be used in high-impedance surfaces acting as tunable absorbing structures. Recent developments in the homogenization methods for the analysis of electromagnetic properties of metamaterial substrates (e.g., wire medium (WM) and mushroom-type surfaces) [3], [4] have opened up a possibility for modeling metamaterials with patterned screens made of graphene. Also, recent advancements in the chemical vapor deposition techniques make possible to fabricate large-scale graphene ribbons and patches [5].
Sertraline in the treatment of major depression following mild traumatic brain injury

An 8-week, nonrandomized, single-blind, placebo run-in trial of sertraline was conducted on 15 patients diagnosed with major depression between 3 and 24 months after a mild traumatic brain injury. On the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, 13 (87%) had a decrease in score of > or = 50% ("response"), and 10 (67%) achieved a score of < or = 7 ("remission") by week 8 of sertraline. There was statistically significant improvement in psychological distress, anger and aggression, functioning, and postconcussive symptoms with treatment.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections in Patients with Cancer Treated with Vancomycin: 9-Year Experience at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Background. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs) can cause significantmorbidityandmortalityinpatientswithcancer.However,dataonoutcomesofpatientstreatedwithvancomycin are lacking. Methods. We identified 223 patients with cancer who developed MRSA BSIs between January 2001 and June 2009 and were treated with vancomycin. Treatment failure was defined as death within 60 days of infection, persistent bacteremia >5days,fever >4days,recurrenceorrelapse,and secondary MRSA infection. Results. The treatment failure rate was 52% (116 of 223 patients).Thesepatientsweremorelikelytohavebeenhospitalized, been treated with steroids within the previous 3 months, developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, required mechanical ventilation, required intensive care unit care, and community-onset infections (all p < .05). Risk factors for MRSA-associated mortality (27 of 223 pa
Return migration and the health of older aged parents: Evidence from rural Thailand

Objective: To examine the extent to which an association exists between health of older parents and return migration of children in rural Thailand. Method: Data come from the 2006 Migration Impact Survey specifically designed to obtain information on the impact of migration on older adults in rural areas. Associations are examined from both the perspectives of parents (N = 883) and migrating children (N = 2,150) using equations that adjust for demographic characteristics of parents and children and factors that may indicate unmet support needs. Results: A robust association with poor health promoting migration returns from both parent and child perspective exists and remains even with controls that might attenuate the relationship. Discussion: Although media discussions have pointed out dangers of out-migration for older adults, little systematic evidence exists. This study supports the viewpoint that accommodations for older adults can be made despite social changes promoting out-migration and demographic aging of the population.
WANDA B.: Weight and activity with blood pressure monitoring system for heart failure patients

Heart failure is a leading cause of death in the United States, with around 5 million Americans currently suffering from congestive heart failure. The WANDA B. wireless health technology leverages sensor technology and wireless communication to monitor heart failure patient activity and to provide tailored guidance. Patients who have cardiovascular system disorders can measure their weight, blood pressure, activity levels, and other vital signs in a real-time automated fashion. The system was developed in conjunction with the UCLA Nursing School and the UCLA Wireless Health Institute for use on actual patients. It is currently in use with real patients in a clinical trial.
Anti-breast cancer potential of SS1020, a novel antiestrogen lacking estrogenic and genotoxic actions

Long-term treatment with tamoxifen (TAM) increases the risk of developing endometrial cancer in women. Several antiestrogens developed in last decades have been discontinued from clinical testing because of their undesirable effects on the uterus. To avoid such serious side-effect while increasing the drug's anti-breast cancer potential, new triphenylethylene antiestrogens, 2E-3-{4-[(E)-4-chloro-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylbut-1-enyl]-phenyl} acrylic acid (SS1020) and 2E-3-{4-[(Z)-4-chloro-1,2-diphenylbut-1-enyl]phenyl}acrylic acid (SS1010), were designed as safer alternatives. Unlike TAM, SS1020 does not present significant uterotrophic potential in rats; in contrast, SS1010, a compound removing a 4-OH moiety from SS1020, represented weak uterotrophic activity. The structurally related compounds 4-hydroxytamoxifen, toremifene, ospemifene, raloxifene (RAL) and GW5638 all have uterotrophic activity. In addition, SS1020 and SS1010 exhibit no genotoxic activity to damage hepatic DNA in rats. Therefore, SS1020 was selected as a safer antiestrogen candidate and used for evaluating the antitumor potential in animals. At the human equivalent doses of TAM, SS1020 had antitumor potential much higher than that of TAM, RAL and GW5638 against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary carcinoma in rats. The growth of human MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft implanted into athymic nude mice was also effectively suppressed by SS1020. SS1020, lacking estrogenic and genotoxic actions and having strong antitumor potency superior to that of TAM and RAL, could be a safer alternative for breast cancer therapy and prevention.
The Carrington event: Possible doses to crews in space from a comparable event

Recent ice core analyses suggest that the Carrington event of 1859 may have been the largest solar energetic particle event in the past several hundred years. Previous analyses of potential doses to humans and electronics from such an event suggested that a Carrington-like event, with a hard spectrum similar to that of the event of September 1989 could be catastrophic. Subsequent analyses of the 10 Be concentration in the ice core data suggest that the spectral hardness of the Carrington event was softer and similar to the August 1972 event. In this work we review the earlier estimates of doses from a Carrington event, and present updated dose estimates for deep space crews and electronics using the Carrington event proton fluence P30 MeV in combination with an event spectrum similar to that of the August 1972 event. Potential ramifications of these doses for humans and electronics on deep space missions are discussed. � 2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
End Corrections In Magnetic Profile Interpretation

Simple expressions are presented for the vertical and total field magnetic anomalies due to a polygonal body of finite strike length and arbitrary magnetization. These formulas incorporate end corrections into the well‐known Talwani‐Heirtzler (1964) formulas for two‐dimensional polygonal bodies and reduce to the latter for large strike length. Because of their simplicity, the formulas with end corrections lend themselves to rapid use in digital interpretation. Analysis of the formulas shows that interpretation with end corrections gives a body which is deeper and has a larger magnetization and different shape than the body inferred without end corrections.
Effect of porosity of conducting matrix on a phase change energy storage device

Abstract Phase Change Material (PCM) has been widely used in recent years for thermal storage devices, and PCM-filled metal matrix has become one of the common configurations that provide both a high thermal capacity and a faster heating/cooling cycle. A thermal storage device having a shell and tube arrangement was investigated in this paper. The shell contains paraffin wax saturated in aluminum foam. Effect of the porosity of aluminum foams on the thermal behavior of the system was investigated by comparing two foams with different porosity (95% and 77%). Both experimental measurements and numerical simulation were performed in this study. In addition, direct observation of the melting/solidification process of the paraffin wax was also made through visualization method. Measurement results were presented and compared with the model predicted solution fields, and good agreements were found. Results showed that the use of conducting matrix with PCM material significantly reduced the time needed for an operating cycle, and that the metal foam with less porosity further shortened the cycle due to higher overall thermal conductivity.
Monitoring and analysis of temperature stress on Nanjing Olympic sports centre platform

In order to reduce the effect of temperature stress on the structure, prevent an d control temperature crack, the concrete structure should be monitored on the s cene. Based on monitoring and analysis of temperature stress by the theory of te mperature stress and the method of numerical value analys is on the post-poured belt device of Nanjing Olympic sports centre, it shows that the post-poured be lt device rightly set up could control temperature crack, reduce the effect of t emperature stress on the structure and make the platform meet the safety require ment.
Variation among University Spoken and Written Registers: A New Multi-Dimensional Analysis

This paper presents a new Multi-Dimensional (MD) analysis of university spoken and written registers. The study is based on analysis of the TOEFL 2000 Spoken and Written Academic Language Corpus (T2K-SWAL), which represents a range of spoken and written registers typical of university life, including both academic registers (e.g., classroom teaching and textbooks) and non-academic registers (e.g., service encounters and university brochures). A new factor analysis was carried out to identify four major ‘dimensions’ of variation, and the major patterns of variation among university registers are briefly described with respect to those dimensions. In conclusion, the paper notes major points of comparison to the 1988 MD model and points out future directions of research.
CHROMATOGRAPHY | Method Validation

In addition to being good science, method validation is a critical part of the overall validation process. A well defined and documented method validation process can provide evidence that the system and method is suitable for its intended use, aid in transferring the method, and satisfy regulatory compliance.
Bias voltages at microelectrodes change neural interface properties in vivo

Rejuvenation of iridium microelectrode sites, which involves applying a 1.5 V bias for 4 s, has been shown to reduce site impedances of chronically implanted microelectrode arrays. This study applied complex impedance spectroscopy measurements to an equivalent circuit model of the electrode-tissue interface. Rejuvenation was found to cause a transient increase in electrode conductivity through an IrO/sub 2/ layer and a decrease in the surrounding extracellular resistance by 85 /spl plusmn/ 1% (n=73, t-test p < 0.001) and a decrease in the immediate site resistance by 44 /spl plusmn/ 7% (n=73, t-test p<0.001). These findings may be useful as an intervention strategy to prolong the lifetime of chronic microelectrode implants for neuroprostheses.
Heterogeneous Reactions of Limonene on Mineral Dust: Impacts of Adsorbed Water and Nitric Acid.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs), including the monoterpene limonene, are a major source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). While gas-phase oxidation initiates the dominant pathway for BVOC conversion to SOA, recent studies have demonstrated that biogenic hydrocarbons can also directly react with acidic droplets. To investigate whether mineral dust may facilitate similar reactive uptake of biogenic hydrocarbons, we studied the heterogeneous reaction of limonene with mineral substrates using condensed-phase infrared spectroscopy and identified the formation of irreversibly adsorbed organic products. For kaolinite, Arizona Test Dust, and silica at 30% relative humidity, GC–MS identified limonene-1,2-diol as the dominant product with total organic surface concentrations on the order of (3–5) × 1018 molecules m–2. Experiments with 18O-labeled water support a mechanism initiated by oxidation of limonene by surface redox sites forming limonene oxide followed by water addition to the epoxide to form ...
Immature stages of metalmark moths from the genus Brenthia clemens (Choreutidae) : Morphology and life history notes

In this paper the immature stages of Brenthia monolychna Meyrick (Choreutidae: Brenthiinae), as well as their ultrastructure, are described and figured. This is the first description of a New World brenthiine, in addition, notes on life history for four New World species of Brenthia Clemens are provided, including mention of their host plants and parasitoids. Host plant utilization of the genus is discussed. A clarification of the nomenclature of the longest seta on the larval abdominal segment 9 is proposed. Earlier literature disagrees on whether this is a lateral, subdorsal, or dorsal seta - my examination suggests it is the subdorsal seta 1. The recorded distribution of Brenthia pavorracella Clemens is questioned, and a revised distribution is suggested. Moreover, an escape mechanism, employed by all known Brenthia larvae, is discussed. Finally, a list of morphological and behavioral synapomorphies for the subfamily Brenthiinae and the genus Brenthia is provided. (Less)
Defining a Crisis: the Impact of Attention and Crisis Language on Diabetes in America

Public health crises are shaped by the nature of public discourse surrounding them. Attention and portrayal of disease in the media and advocacy from interest groups play a significant role in defining, labeling, and framing health threats in the United States. The frequency of coverage and the use of crisis language in the public discourse determine issue salience and creates a discursive epidemic that coincides with medical threats. Diabetes presents a growing challenge for public health in the U.S. due to its rising prevalence in the population; however, it also represents an important example of how health crisis are portrayed. This paper examines how media coverage and advocacy group portrayals of diabetes have evolved. Taking a longitudinal approach, media archives and advocacy group publications are examined, focusing on the period from 1985 to 2014. Finally, this paper seeks to use the coverage of diabetes as a reflection of public discourse and the nature of public health crises. This research falls at the intersection of several fields of study, including media effects, communication, psychology, and political behavior. The perception of a crisis and its surrounding discourse shape public perception and determine political and social response. Specifically, observing the frequency and content of language used to discuss diabetes in America can reveal the dynamics of communication in the public sphere and why some issues are salient while others are not.
COMO O FILME GUERRA NAS ESTRELAS ILUMINA O DIREITO CONSTITUCIONAL

Human beings often see coherence and planned design when neither exists. This is so in movies, literature, history, economics, and psychoanalysis – and constitutional law. Contrary to the repeated claims of George Lucas, its principal author, the Star Wars series was hardly planned in advance; it involved a great deal of improvisation and surprise, even to Lucas himself. Serendipity and happenstance, sometimes in the forms of eruptions of new thinking, play a pervasive and overlooked role in the creative imagination, certainly in single authored works, and even more in multi-authored ones extending over time. Serendipity imposes serious demands on the search for coherence in art, literature, history, and law. That search leads many people (including Lucas) to misdescribe the nature of their own creativity and authorship. The misdescription appears to respond to a serious human need for sense-making and pattern-finding, but it is a significant obstacle to understanding and critical reflection. Whether Jedi or Sith, many authors of constitutional law are a lot like the author of Star Wars, disguising the essential nature of their own creative processes.
Synthetic Peer Benchmarking for Diversified PrivateEquity Programs

Private equity is … private. This means that it can be challenging to monitor, examine, and benchmark the performance of private equity investments. As pension plans, insurers, and endowments are making private equity a larger part of their portfolios, it is becoming more important to respond to this challenge. Various methods exist to value and benchmark the performance of a single private equity fund. These include the popular public market equivalent method and peer benchmarking that compares the performance of a private equity investment with the broad private equity industry. Most institutional investors, however, have a collection of private equity investments (a diversified program); and techniques that analyze and compare the performance of a diversified program have not been readily available. Hence, investors in diversified programs are in the dark about their performance relative to the broader industry. This study has developed a simulation technique to peer benchmark diversified private equity programs, using a large universe of underlying funds. The method considers a program’s exact composition and number of holdings. It overcomes three key challenges that have prevented peer benchmarking of diversified programs until now: a lack of comparable data, a misleading practice of averaging underlying performances of individual funds, and no visibility on the drivers of out- (or under-) performance.
African American Women's Perceptions on Access to Food and Water in Flint, Michigan.

Abstract Objective To explore the perceptions of food access by African American women in Flint, MI. Methods Using womanist theory, in which African American women's experiential knowledge centered the analysis, 8 focus groups were conducted during fall/spring, 2014–2015. Seventeen mothers aged 21–50 years with children aged 60 years comprised the groups. Results The high cost of water, poor availability of healthy foods in inner-city stores, and limited transportation were barriers to accessing healthy food. Conversely, receiving food from food giveaways, friends, and family, as well as access to transportation facilitated food access. These women also reported discriminatory experiences and diet-related health concerns. Participants were keenly aware of available free community resources and gender, racial, and income barriers to accessing them. Conclusion and Implications Understanding these barriers and facilitators provides information to aid local food policy assistance decisions and inform community-based interventions, especially given the lead contamination of water and the purported importance of a healthy diet to sequester lead.
The neoepitope landscape in pediatric cancers.

Neoepitopes derived from tumor-specific somatic mutations are promising targets for immunotherapy in childhood cancers. However, the potential for such therapies in targeting these epitopes remains uncertain due to a lack of knowledge of the neoepitope landscape in childhood cancer. Studies to date have focused primarily on missense mutations without exploring gene fusions, which are a major class of oncogenic drivers in pediatric cancer. We developed an analytical workflow for identification of putative neoepitopes based on somatic missense mutations and gene fusions using whole-genome sequencing data. Transcriptome sequencing data were incorporated to interrogate the expression status of the neoepitopes. We present the neoepitope landscape of somatic alterations including missense mutations and oncogenic gene fusions identified in 540 childhood cancer genomes and transcriptomes representing 23 cancer subtypes. We found that 88% of leukemias, 78% of central nervous system tumors, and 90% of solid tumors had at least one predicted neoepitope. Mutation hotspots in KRAS and histone H3 genes encode potential epitopes in multiple patients. Additionally, the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion was found to encode putative neoepitopes in a high proportion (69.6%) of the pediatric leukemia harboring this fusion. Our study presents a comprehensive repertoire of potential neoepitopes in childhood cancers, and will facilitate the development of immunotherapeutic approaches designed to exploit them. The source code of the workflow is available at GitHub ( https://github.com/zhanglabstjude/neoepitope ).
Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The final chapter suggests some key principles when designing a Collection Services Supply Chain. Acknowledging Supply Chain success requires long-term perspective. Libraries should plan to transform their staffing resources into problem-solving workforce first, and then investigate options for eliminating waste in their Supply Chains rather than approach the work as cost reduction efforts. The chapter offers recommendations for the implementation of systematic improvement and critical elements for the adoption of Supply Chain in libraries. The goal of this chapter is to help libraries set a realistic and reasonable path toward achieving any Supply Chain innovations and successful project completions.
Method validation for assay determination of cannabidiol isolates

The speed at which regulations have changed in the cannabis marketplace has increased the pressure for accurate, easy, and efficient analytical methodology. Purified isolates are used to formulate ...
A critical juncture for synthetic biology: Lessons from nanotechnology could inform public discourse and further development of synthetic biology

EMBO Reports (2018) e46153 The development of new technologies and their applications often have to navigate regulatory limitations and public attitudes, expectations or resistance—the trajectories of genetically modified crops in the Europe or the success of in vitro fertilization after initial resistance demonstrate how public attitudes and regulation can determine if a technology succeeds or fails. Academic scientists and companies working on new technologies increasingly must consider these factors and mitigate real and perceived risks of the technology so as to avoid overreaching regulation and public resistance that could threaten innovation. In this context, social science takes an important role by gauging public attitudes about if and how the emergence of new technologies stokes fears and raises hopes. This article illustrates how the natural sciences and social sciences interacted in the emerging fields of synthetic biology and nanotechnology, specifically the timing and rise of social science research and commentary on the potential impact and risks of these emerging technologies. > Generally, it is expected that physical sciences research would grow earlier and faster than the social sciences owing to the responsive and reflexive nature of social science inquiry. In the case of nanotechnology, the private sector was afforded two decades of growth without commensurate academic discourse from social scientists, while in the case of synthetic biology, both physical and social science have been intertwined from the very beginning. Ignorance of social science discourse could hinder research on synthetic biology and commercial opportunities [1]. Given the broad benefits this technology may offer, it is important for industry to proactively engage with the general public and regulatory community to foster transparent and responsible dialogue regarding the field's best …
Overcoming failure in sport: A self-forgiveness framework

Within the winner or loser dichotomy that exemplifies competitive sport, athletic success hinges on the ability to overcome and respond constructively to failure. This article introduces self-forgiveness as an adaptive, purposeful approach to coping with competitive sport performance failure in a way that stimulates personal growth and combats loss of motivation. In contrast to defensive responses that shield self-integrity, genuine self-forgiveness is reached through a process in which athletes (a) accept personal responsibility for their role in the unsuccessful performance outcome and (b) restore self-regard by affirming the self. Although athletes expose themselves to uncomfortable emotional experiences associated with failure, self-forgiveness is proposed as a process that enables athletes to objectively evaluate unsuccessful performances, identify areas warranting improvement, and develop adaptive psychological recovery responses to failure.
Understanding Dielectrics: Impact of External Salt Water Bath

As predicted by the theory of super dielectric materials, simple tests demonstrate that dielectric material on the outside of a parallel plate capacitor dramatically increases capacitance, energy density, and power density. Simple parallel plate capacitors with only ambient air between the plates behaved as per standard theory. Once the same capacitor was partially submerged in deionized water (DI), or DI with low dissolved NaCl concentrations, still with only ambient air between the electrodes, the capacitance, energy density, and power density, at low frequency, increased by more than seven orders of magnitude. Notably, conventional theory precludes the possibility that material outside the volume between the plates will in any fashion impact capacitive behavior.
Primary Graft Dysfunction and Early Mortality in Heart Transplants from Drug Overdose Donors

Introduction Over the last two decades, there has been a 24-fold rise in solid organ donation due to drug overdose deaths. One-year survival in recipients of a heart transplant from a drug overdose donor (DOD) has been reported to be similar to that of donor deaths from trauma or other medical causes (non-DOD). However, the incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and early post-transplant mortality in these patients has not been established. Hypothesis Heart donation from a DOD results in higher rates of PGD and early post-transplant mortality than donation from a non-DOD. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive orthotopic heart transplants (OHT) at a single center from January 2013 to December 2018. Patients with PGD requiring MCS in the form of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours of OHT were analyzed with respect to the cause of death of the donor. Patients on ECMO prior to transplant surgery were excluded. Baseline characteristics were compared using Chi-square test for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. Results Of 154 consecutive heart transplants, 5 were excluded due to pre-operative recipient ECMO support. Among the 149 analyzed transplants, 38 (25.5%) received a heart from a DOD. DOD had a lower initial pH (7.15 vs. 7.28, p=0.001), a higher rate of hepatitis C infection (15.8% vs. 1.8%, p=0.001) and were more likely to have received CPR (91.7% vs.32%, p Conclusions In this single-center study, there was a trend towards an increased risk of PGD when the donor had died from a drug overdose, possibly due to ischemic graft injury related to hypoxia. However, survival to hospital discharge was similar between the DOD and non-DOD groups. Given the rapid increase in the number of DODs, further investigation in larger populations is warranted as it may help inform donor selection.
Higher Doses of Neoadjuvant Radiation for Esophageal Cancer Do Not Affect the Pathologic Complete Response Rate or Survival: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Traditional neoadjuvant therapy for esophageal cancer has used chemoradiation doses greater than 45 Gy. This study aimed to examine the dose of preoperative radiation in relation to the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate and overall survival (OS) for patients with resectable esophageal cancer. The National Cancer Database was queried for all patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) followed by esophagectomy between 2006 and 2015. The radiation doses were divided into four ranges based on Grays (Gy) received: less than 39.6 Gy, 39.60–44.99 Gy, 45–49.99 Gy, and 50 Gy or more. The inclusion criteria were met by 10,293 patients. All patients received neoadjuvant CRT, with 689 patients (6.7%) receiving less than 39.6 Gy, 973 patients (9.5%) receiving 39.6–44.9 Gy, 3837 patients (37.3%) receiving 45–49.9 Gy, and 4794 patients (46.6%) receiving 50 Gy or more. The overall pCR rate was 17.2% (1769/10,293) and was significantly lower for those who received less than 39.6 Gy of radiation than for those who received 39.6 Gy or more (13.9% [96/689] vs. 17.4% [1673/9604]; p = 0.017). The median OS of 37.2 months was significantly better for those who received 39.6 Gy or more than for those who received less than 39.6 Gy (38 vs. 29.6 months (p < 0.0001). The pCR and OS did not differ between the three higher radiation doses (39.6–44.9 vs. 45–49.9 Gy vs. ≥ 50 Gy; pCR [p = 0.1] vs. OS [p = 0.097]). The patients who received 39.6–44.9 Gy were propensity matched with those who received 45 Gy or more of radiation. There remained no difference in pCR (p = 0.375) or OS (p = 0.957). In the United States, the heterogeneity in neoadjuvant CRT dosing is significant, with 84% of patients receiving more than 45 Gy. The benefit of neoadjuvant CRT in terms of pCR and overall survival is seen with doses of 39.6 Gy or more, but not with doses higher than 45 Gy.
Dental topographic change with macrowear and dietary inference in Homunculus patagonicus

Homunculus patagonicus is a stem platyrrhine from the late Early Miocene, high-latitude Santa Cruz Formation, Argentina. Its distribution lies farther south than any extant platyrrhine species. Prior studies on the dietary specialization of Homunculus suggest either a mixed diet of fruit and leaves or a more predominantly fruit-eating diet. To gain further insight into the diet of Homunculus, we examined how the occlusal surfaces of the first and second lower molars of Homunculus change with wear by using three homology-free dental topographic measures: Dirichlet normal energy (DNE), orientation patch count rotated (OPCR), and relief index (RFI). We compared these data with wear series of three extant platyrrhine taxa: the folivorous Alouatta, and the frugivorous Ateles and Callicebus (titi monkeys now in the genus Plecturocebus). Previous studies found Alouatta and Ateles exhibit distinctive patterns of change in occlusal morphology with macrowear, possibly related to the more folivorous diet of the former. Based on previous suggestions that Homunculus was at least partially folivorous, we predicted that changes in dental topographic metrics with wear would follow a pattern more similar to that seen in Alouatta than in Ateles or Callicebus. However, wear-induced changes in Homunculus crown sharpness (DNE) and complexity (OPCR) are more similar to the pattern observed in the frugivorous Ateles and Callicebus. Based on similar wear modalities of the lower molars between Homunculus and Callicebus, we infer that Homunculus had a primarily frugivorous diet. Leaves may have provided an alternative dietary resource to accommodate fluctuation in seasonal fruiting abundance in the high-latitude extratropical environment of late Early Miocene Patagonia.
Uniform 40-µm-pore diameter precision templated scaffolds promote a pro-healing host response by extracellular vesicle immune communication.

Implanted porous precision templated scaffolds (PTS) with 40µm spherical pores reduce inflammation and foreign body reaction (FBR) while increasing vascular density upon implantation. Larger or smaller pores, however, promote chronic inflammation and FBR. While macrophage (MO) recruitment and polarization participates in perpetuating this pore size mediated phenomenon, the driving mechanism of this unique pro-healing response is poorly characterized. We hypothesized that the primarily myeloid PTS resident cells release small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that induce pore size dependent pro-healing effects in surrounding T cells. Upon profiling resident immune cells and their sEVs from explanted 40µm- (pro-healing) and 100µm-pore diameter (inflammatory) PTS, we found that PTS pore size did not affect PTS resident immune cell population ratios or the proportion of myeloid sEVs generated from explanted PTS. However, quantitative transcriptomic assessment indicated cell and sEV phenotype were pore size dependent. In vitro experiments demonstrated the ability of PTS cell derived sEVs to stimulate T cells transcriptionally and proliferatively. Specifically, sEVs isolated from cells inhabiting explanted 100μm PTS significantly upregulated Th1 inflammatory gene expression in immortalized T cells. sEVs isolated from cell inhabiting both 40μm and 100μm PTS upregulated essential Treg transcriptional markers in both primary and immortalized T cells. Finally, we investigated the effects of Treg depletion on explanted PTS resident cells. FoxP3+ cell depletion suggests Tregs play a unique role in balancing T cell subset ratios, thus driving host response in 40μm PTS. These results indicate that predominantly 40µm PTS myeloid cell-derived sEVs affect T cells through a distinct, pore size mediated modality. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
As medical school comes to a close

The article informs about medical school orientation with the past years' graduating medical students must have felt a similar out-of-body experience as they prepared to matriculate to various residencies and research programs. Topics include clerkships and modified electives, time spent volunteering on COVID phone hotlines or at testing sites, and the isolating experience of lockdown;and squares on a computer screen during interview days and post-interview social hours.
Rethinking networking abstractions for cloud tenants

We argue that network virtualization as experienced by many cloud tenants is overly complex and needs to be rethought. We propose that the goal for a new design should be to free cloud tenants entirely from having to build and operate virtual networks. Building on this philosophy, we propose that instead of low-level building blocks (virtual links, routers, firewalls), cloud networking should be exposed to tenants in a declarative and endpoint-centric manner.
Crowdfunded Journalism and Social Entrepreneurship: An Examination of Narrative and Entrepreneur Legitimacy

Crowdfunding is widely used for journalism, whose primary purpose is to provide information that citizens need. Therefore, this study frames journalism crowdfunding as social entrepreneurship and investigates how the characteristics of narratives and entrepreneurs influence citizens’ financial support for journalism crowdfunding. An analysis of journalism crowdfunding campaigns reveals how social change aims, public interest, past and future narratives, entrepreneurs’ gender and their affiliation with mainstream news outlets predict funding for journalism crowdfunding projects. The results provide both theoretical and practical implications for the role of narratives in gaining financial resources and the potential of crowdfunded journalism as a tool for social change.
The indirect effects of Instagram images on women’s self-esteem: The moderating roles of BMI and perceived weight:

Viewing idealized social media images may negatively impact women’s self-esteem, yet the underlying mechanisms and vulnerable female groups remain under-investigated. This online experiment applied...
Atmospheric Optical Effects in the Coastal Zone

Because of reflection, refraction, and diffusion of light, interesting optical effects are common in the coastal zone. Crepuscular rays of sunlight sometimes appear prominently, often between darker gaps. Inferior and superior mirages cause objects to appear below and above (respectively) the true location of the observed object. Multiple rapid vertical temperature changes can cause towering or Fata Morgana due to the distortion of light passing through each varying thermal (and therefore, density) layer. When visible light of slightly differing wavelengths encounters water droplets, refraction or dispersion occurs as a function of wavelength, creating a rainbow or double rainbow. Halos, sun dogs, and solar pillars occur because of refraction of ice particles in cirrus clouds. A rainbow of colors may appear when a layer of fog or cloud is present, resulting in a glory. Water droplets are responsible for Mie scattering the light that produces a bright, whitish disk centered on the Moon or Sun known as the corona. Just as diffraction, or a slight bending that occurs around sharp edges, contributes to the non-white colors in the corona, it can also produce colors in iridescent clouds.