cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Assembled Monolayer Films for Nanofabrication

Central to nanofabrication is the ability to transfer a pattern from an imaging layer to a device or structure. At the smallest dimensions (<20 nm), thin resists or imaging layers have been used exclusively. The transfer of a pattern that is formed in a thin layer resist presents severe technological challenges to resist materials development. A novel approach based on self-assembling monomolecular layer resists is demonstrated with two organosilane films, formed from (aminoethylaminomethyl)phenethyltrimethoxysilane (PEDA) and 4-chloromethylphenyltrichlorosilane (CMPTS). The molecules have separate chemical functionalities for binding to a Si substrate and for promoting chemistry leading to catalysis and the growth of an electroless plated metal film. STM lithographic exposure destroys the ability of the molecule to bind to a catalyst, which initiates an electroless metallization. This forms the basis for a selective imaging and the pattern transfer process. A 25 nm thick Ni layer acts as a very robust etch mask, even as the unmasked regions of Si are etched as deep as 5 μm by reactive ion etching with SF6. With our process 15 nm lines with 3.3 nm edge roughness have been fabricated in the plated Ni and etched into the underlying Si. The development of the resist process and the STM lithography will be described and the resolution of the approach will be discussed.
Studies in Neotropical Stratiomyidae (Diptera) V. the Classification of the Rhaphiocerinae

The position of the several genera of Stratiomyidae treated in this paper has been a subject of considerable disagreement. Macquart (1834, 1838) laid the foundation for the classification of this subfamily when he described Hoplistes, Dicranophora, Rhaphiocera and Basentidema ; and, although these genera did not come together in his outline classification, they were numbered consecutively (16 to 19 respectively) and followed each other in the text. Loew (1855) proposed the name Analcocerus and considered this genus, together with the four of Macquart, in his discussion of the “Sargus-Arten.” Schiner (1868) proposed the generic name Histiodroma for Sargus inermis Wied., and the subfamily name Rhaphiocerinae in essentially the same sense in which it is used in the present paper.
A Systematic Study of the Rodent Genus Ototylomys

The genus Ototylomys is revised taxonomically. One species and three subspecies are recognized. Generic and intraspecific relationships are analyzed and discussed. Size and color of venter seem related to altitude or differential gene flow between populations. Ecologie and zoogeographic factors influencing distribution of Ototylomys are discussed.
Producing a dermatology newsletter.

Abstract The marketing concepts, benefits and drawbacks, topics, and basic elements of a Dermatology practice newsletter are discussed in this article. The methods and production mechanics for such a newsletter are then presented.
Climate Change and Its Impact on the Incarcerated Population: A Descriptive Review

This descriptive review article describes climate change and its detrimental effects on incarcerated populations. Case examples are provided of specific natural disasters and deaths due to overheating temperatures. Because public health and social work aims to improve the health and social welfare of vulnerable populations, the authors explain why climate change should be considered a priority area in both fields. Examples are provided on how to improve conditions for the 2.4 million men, women, and youth who are incarcerated.
Pyelonephritis. X. Microbial interference in streptococcal infections in the rat kidney.

Abstract Interactions of bacteriocin-producing strains of Streptococcus faccalis were studied in vitro and in vivo. In addition, experiments were done to evaluate the effect of physico-chemical parameters unique to the kidney on interactions of selected organisms. This was accomplished by incorporation of sodium or potassium chloride, urea, creatihine, varying pH, and increasing osmolality of the agar (sucrose). Effect of excess glucose as an energy source was evaluated. While results did not follow a predictable pattern, both increase and decrease in inhibition could be demonstrated, depending on combination of organisms used and parameter studied. Studies in vivo were done with experimental hematogenous pyelonephritis in the rat. The bacteriocin-producing strain ( S. faecalis variety (var.) zymogenes ) was able to inhibit but never completely eliminate susceptible S. faecalis G-K whether given one week prior to, simultaneously with, or one week after the G-K strain. When given simultaneously, it also predominated over another susceptible strain, ATCC 9790. However, with the less susceptible strain 3256, the results in vivo did not parallel those noted in vitro as the susceptible strain became more numerous. When S. faecalis var. zymogenes was given simultaneously with strain 2866 which was resistant to it in vitro, the latter at first predominated, but subsequently kidney bacterial populations tended to equalize. These data suggest that bacteriocin production and susceptibility thereto play an important role in determining the result of mixed renal infection. However, effect of physico-chemical characteristics of the kidney environment on bacteriocin activity may determine final outcome.
Nurses' Health Study Contributions on the Epidemiology of Less Common Cancers: Endometrial, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Hematologic.

Objectives. To review the contributions of the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) to epidemiologic knowledge of endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, and hematologic cancers.Methods. We reviewed selected NHS publications from 1976 to 2016, including publications from consortia and other pooled studies.Results. NHS studies on less common cancers have identified novel risk factors, such as a reduced risk of endometrial cancer in women of advanced age at last birth, and have clarified or prospectively confirmed previously reported associations, including an inverse association between tubal ligation and ovarian cancer. Through biomarker research, the NHS has furthered understanding of the pathogenesis of rare cancers, such as the role of altered metabolism in pancreatic cancer risk and survival. NHS investigations have also demonstrated the importance of the timing of exposure, such as the finding of a positive association of early life body fatness, but not of usual adult body mass index, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk...
Ancient Rhetoric and Paul's Apology: An apology for the unity of 2 Corinthians

Introduction and overview Ever since Johann S. Semler's commentary on 2 Corinthians in 1776, scholars have debated its compositional unity. After Semler, a flood of partition theories followed (see the surveys of Hyldahl, 1973, Betz, 1985, and Bieringer, 1994b). Interpreters typically assume that 2 Corinthians is a composite letter of two or more letters or letter fragments. The number of individual letters and their respective order (also in relation to 1 Corinthians) vary greatly. Scholars have held to as few as two distinct letters: chaps. 1–9 and chaps. 10–13 (e.g., Bruce, 1971). Others have argued that 2 Corinthians contains five distinct letters or fragments: 1.1–2.13 with 7.5–16; 2.14–7.4 (excluding 6.14–7.1); chap. 8; chap. 9; chaps. 10–13 (e.g., Betz, 1985; cf. Bornkamm, 1965) or more (e.g., Schmithals, 1973). Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 6.14–7.1 is considered non-Pauline material. It is standard in current scholarship to ask where to find these smaller letters and how best to understand them according to epistolary and rhetorical conventions. Considerable confusion results when interpreting 2 Corinthians and reconstructing Paul's theology. Presently, interpreters are left to determine the meaning of parts of 2 Corinthians on the basis of hypothetically reconstructed letters placed in a reconstructed chronological sequence in order to understand the reconstructed situation and Paul's theological response(s). Moreover, if 2 Corinthians is not understood as a unity, an ambiguity arises concerning how the church can adequately appropriate this composite letter in its final form (see Kurz, 1996, who attempts to overcome this dilemma through a canonical–critical approach).
Anesthesia for Bronchoscopy

Diagnostic flexible bronchoscopic procedures, such as airway exam, bronchoalveolar lavage, and Transbronchial biopsies (TBBX), are commonly performed under moderate sedation (Wahidi et al., Chest 140(5):1342–1350, 2011). Advanced diagnostic bronchoscopic procedure, namely Endobronchial ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA), can be performed under moderate sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia technique is based on the patient’s tolerance, co-morbidities, expected duration of the procedure, and the skills of bronchoscopist (Casal et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 191(7):796–803, 2015). Therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures such as debulking of central airway tumors, management of hemoptysis, and stenting of the central airway are generally performed through the rigid bronchoscope under general anesthesia. Minor therapeutic procedures can be performed through the flexible bronchoscope under moderate sedation (Sarkiss, Curr Opin Pulm Med 17(4):274–278, 2011).
Scan strategies for adaptive meteorological radars

We address the problem of adaptive sensor control in dynamic resource-constrained sensor networks. We focus on a meteorological sensing network comprising radars that can perform sector scanning rather than always scanning 360°. We compare three sector scanning strategies. The sit-and-spin strategy always scans 360°. The limited lookahead strategy additionally uses the expected environmental state K decision epochs in the future, as predicted from Kalman filters, in its decision-making. The full lookahead strategy uses all expected future states by casting the problem as a Markov decision process and using reinforcement learning to estimate the optimal scan strategy. We show that the main benefits of using a lookahead strategy are when there are multiple meteorological phenomena in the environment, and when the maximum radius of any phenomenon is sufficiently smaller than the radius of the radars. We also show that there is a trade-off between the average quality with which a phenomenon is scanned and the number of decision epochs before which a phenomenon is rescanned.
Prognostic Significance of Weight Loss and BMI during Induction Chemotherapy of Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Patients

Abstract Background: A wide landscape of factors exists to stratify the prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed AML including age, race, cytogenetics, and functional status. However, weight loss and malnutrition have yet to be fully evaluated as possible prognostic indicators for the patient with AML. Aim: This study aims to 1) investigate how weight loss and nutritional markers (BMI and albumin) change over the course of treatment and 2) their prognostic significance in terms of overall survival (OS) and complete remission (CR) in patients with newly diagnosed AML. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients from January 2000 to June 2012 diagnosed with AML over 18 years of age, who were treated at OUHSC with induction chemotherapy. 215 AML patients were identified. BMI and albumin levels were examined using mean plots over 3 time points. Patients treated before 2005 were eventually excluded due to the poor documentation of the height and weight. A total of 121 patients had BMI measurements for the first 2 time periods, while 89 had BMI measures at all 3 time periods. Simple descriptive statistics were created for all covariates [mean and SD for continuous covariates; n (%) for categorical variables]. For aim 1, to evaluate changes in BMI and albumin over time, mixed models were used including age ( Results: Among the 121 patients mean age was 53 years (range 16 to 89 years). BMI (mean 29.85, 28.75, and 27.9 across the three time points) and albumin (mean 3.30, 3.21, and 2.55 across the three time points) both decrease over time and these changes were not different by age or gender. For OS, a significant interaction between cytogenetic risk group and BMI group was identified; therefore, patients were stratified by these risk groups. Age (p=0.0012) was found to be a more significant prognostic indicator than BMI group in the unfavorable risk group. Among patients in the intermediate cytogenetic risk group, BMI group (p=0.0210) was significantly associated with OS; those with increased BMI have 2.38 times the hazard of death relative to those with a BMI decrease, adjusting for age group. BMI group is not significantly associated with OS in any other model. Albumin was not associated with OS in any model. Conclusion: Age was found to be a more significant prognostic indicator than BMI in the unfavorable risk group, and BMI increase was found to have an increased hazard of death in the intermediate risk group. Further studies are needed to examine the prognostic significance of weight loss during induction chemotherapy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Structure of a headful DNA-packaging bacterial virus at 2.9 Å resolution by electron cryo-microscopy.

The enormous prevalence of tailed DNA bacteriophages on this planet is enabled by highly efficient self-assembly of hundreds of protein subunits into highly stable capsids. These capsids can stand with an internal pressure as high as ∼50 atmospheres as a result of the phage DNA-packaging process. Here we report the complete atomic model of the headful DNA-packaging bacteriophage Sf6 at 2.9 A resolution determined by electron cryo-microscopy. The structure reveals the DNA-inflated, tensed state of a robust protein shell assembled via noncovalent interactions. Remarkable global conformational polymorphism of capsid proteins, a network formed by extended N arms, mortise-and-tenon–like intercapsomer joints, and abundant β-sheet–like mainchain:mainchain intermolecular interactions, confers significant strength yet also flexibility required for capsid assembly and DNA packaging. Differential formations of the hexon and penton are mediated by a drastic α–helix-to-β–strand structural transition. The assembly scheme revealed here may be common among tailed DNA phages and herpesviruses.
Robust Control Design for Linear Systems with Structured Uncertainty

Abstract This paper presents a linear robust control design algorithm for linear deterministic uncertain systems whose parameters vary within given bounded sets. The algorithm explicitly incorporates the structure of the uncertainty into the design procedure and utilizes the elemental perturbation bounds developed recently. A linear state feed-back controller is designed by parameter optimization techniques to maximize (in a given sense) the elemental perturbation bounds for robust stabilization. The design algorithm is then extended to the case of observer (Luenberger) based state feedback controllers and the relative trade offs are discussed.
Quantitative accuracy of time-of-flight PET at high count rates

The benefit of time-of-flight (TOF) in PET reconstruction has been established for clinical imaging, and the signal-to-noise benefit with TOF has been demonstrated to increase with higher randoms fractions. TOF information mitigates and reduces image artifacts arising from errors in the corrections, but it may not account for all changes with count rate. Standard performance measures of image quality are carried out at low or clinical count rates for whole-body scanning, but the dependence of TOF quantitative performance on count rate has not been well-studied. All scanners with detector modules that employ photosensor-sharing experience pile-up of detected events with increasing count rate. We investigated the quantitative accuracy of TOF PET using cardiac and uniform phantoms imaged over a range of activities. At very high count rates the cardiac phantom showed significantly degraded image quality and quantification errors without TOF; TOF reconstruction was more stable to image artifacts and biases at high activities. For the uniform phantom, however, when the same number of prompt-delay events (trues+scatters) was reconstructed at different activities, a systematic negative bias in a large region was observed with increasing activity for TOF reconstructions. This bias was significantly larger than that for non-TOF reconstructions. This finding correlates with a cool center seen in the TOF images and suggests an overcorrection for scatter. At high count rates, object scatter modeled by the TOF-modified single scatter simulation (SSS) does not change, but detector pile-up leads to an increase in detected events with higher energies and long TOF tails than at low activities, neither of which is modeled by TOF-SSS. Deadtime correction factors implicitly include these sources of bias but depend on the algorithm (TOF vs. non-TOF) and likely the activity distribution as well through the inaccurate scatter estimate.
A multilevel approach to modeling health inequalities at the intersection of multiple social identities.

Abstract Rationale Examining interactions between numerous interlocking social identities and the systems of oppression and privilege that shape them is central to health inequalities research. Multilevel models are an alternative and novel approach to examining health inequalities at the intersection of multiple social identities. This approach draws attention to the heterogeneity within and between intersectional social strata by partitioning the total variance across two levels. Method Utilizing a familiar empirical example from social epidemiology—body mass index among U.S. adults (N = 32,788)—we compare the application of multilevel models to the conventional fixed effects approach to studying high-dimension interactions. Researchers are often confronted with the need to explore numerous interactions of identities and social processes. We explore the interactions of five dimensions of social identity and position—gender, race/ethnicity, income, education, and age—for a total of 384 unique intersectional social strata. Results We find that the multilevel approach provides advantages over conventional models, including scalability for higher dimensions, adjustment for sample size of social strata, model parsimony, and ease of interpretation. Conclusion Considerable variation is attributable to the within-strata level, indicating the low discriminatory accuracy of these intersectional identities and the high within-strata heterogeneity of risk that remains unexplained. Multilevel modeling is an innovative and valuable tool for evaluating the intersectionality of health inequalities.
Investigation of multiple feedback active filter configurations for differential mode(DM) electromagnetic interference(EMI) noise in AC/DC converter applications

In this paper multiple feedback(FB) active filter configurations for DM EMI noise in the input side of AC/DC converters has been analyzed using developed models and then their performance was compared over single FB active filters using measurements. First, a single FB active filter circuit model is developed in the open loop and then based on DM EMI noise model of AC/DC converters, a closed loop model is developed. Then, based on the single FB model, closed loop models for series and parallel FB active filter topologies are developed. Single FB, series FB and parallel FB topologies have been implemented in hardware. Loop gains and insertion gains for the topologies are firstly derived and then measured using network analyzer. Comparing the topologies, it was found that series FB topology can give much higher attenuation. Finally, spectral domain measurements in the conducted EMI frequency range were done to verify the frequency domain performance of series FB topology.
High-level expression and enrichment of norovirus virus-like particles in plants using modified geminiviral vectors.

Abstract Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) are proven to be safe and effective vaccine candidates. We have previously described a plant-based recombinant protein expression system based on agroinfiltration of a replicating vector derived from the geminivirus bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV). The system has been systematically optimized to improve expression and reduce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Using these modifications, we show that VLPs derived from genotype GII.4 norovirus, the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, can be produced at >1 mg/g leaf fresh weight (LFW), over three times the highest level ever reported in plant-based systems. We also produced norovirus GI VLPs at 2.3 mg/g LFW. Treatment of VLP-containing crude leaf extracts with acid, detergent, or heat enhanced recovery and allowed selective enrichment of norovirus VLPs. Optimal treatment conditions allowed removal of >90% of endogenous plant proteins without any loss of norovirus VLPs. Selective enrichment of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs by acid treatment was also demonstrated, with some losses in yield that were partially mitigated in the presence of detergent. Sedimentation analysis confirmed that acid and detergent did not inhibit proper assembly of norovirus VLPs, although heat treatment had a small negative effect. These results demonstrate that milligram quantities of norovirus VLPs can be obtained and highly enriched in a matter of days from a single plant leaf using the BeYDV plant expression system.
Management of a Patient with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Using Gore TAG Device

Patients with asymptomatic descending aortic aneurysm larger than twice the size of the normal distal aortic arch in an orthogonal projection (at least 5 cm); with no history or evidence of connective tissue disorder require repair. Symptomatic aneurysms mandate endovascular or open repair, regardless of size. The patient should have proximal (distal to left common carotid) and distal neck of at least 2 cm without significant calcification or thrombus; the patient should have access vessels of at least 8 mm luminal diameter and without extreme tortuosity. Depending on device availability, the patient’s landing zone diameter has to be within the manufacturer’s instruction for use (IFU), e.g., for the Gore TAG device the proximal and distal landing zones should not be smaller than 23 mm or larger than 37 mm.
The Surprising Virtues of the New Financial Privacy Law

The financial privacy law passed by Congress in 1999 has been the target of scathing criticism. Financial institutions have complained about the high costs of the billions of notices sent to consumers, apparently to widespread consumer indifference. On the other side, privacy advocates have condemned the law as woefully weak. This article disagrees with the criticisms. Part I describes the main provisions of Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, showing a better match with basic privacy principles than many have realized. Part II explores the history of how GLB became law, placing the enactment into the context of a historic peak of privacy policy activity in the late 1990s. This history draws on my dual perspective, as an academic who has written extensively about financial and other privacy issues, and as the Clinton Administration's Chief Counselor for Privacy during the period. Part III looks at the most hotly contested issue in the privacy debate, the rules for sharing personal information with affiliated entities and third parties. GLB establishes a basic rule that information can flow freely within a financial institution and to its affiliates. Customer choice - an opt out ability to prevent sharing - applies for transfers to non-affiliated companies. The article argues that an exception to that principle of customer choice, the "joint marketing exception" should be repealed. It then explores the knotty issue of how to handle data sharing in today's vast financial conglomerates, suggesting possible statutory modifications. Part IV looks at the much-maligned notices that financial institutions have sent out in compliance with GLB. The critics have accurately complained about the legalistic and detailed language in the current notices. The critics have largely overlooked, however, important benefits from these notices. Publication of the notices and the new legal obligation to comply with them have forced financial institutions to engage in considerable self-scrutiny of their data handling practices. Many firms have hired a Chief Privacy Officer or made other institutional changes. The current notices, even in their imperfect form, have reduced the risk of egregious privacy practices. And improved notices, with a plain-language short form on top, would enhance accountability while also communicating far more clearly with ordinary customers. In short, there are surprising merits of the GLB privacy provisions. Considerably more was accomplished in the Act than observers would have predicted in the spring of 1999 or than critics have recognized to date. Important flaws do exist, but specific and achievable changes in the statute and implementing regulation can go far toward reducing the magnitude of those flaws.
The role of animal manure in the contamination of fresh food

Abstract: Current research on identifying transmission routes of human pathogens from animal manure to fresh produce is discussed, and factors contributing to the growth and survival of some major foodborne pathogens in manure-amended soil and to contamination of fresh produce growing in the field are identified. The development and validation of practical strategies for pathogen control during composting of animal manure and subsequent storage and handling of finished products is addressed.
Herbivores and Pathogens Used for Biological Weed Control

Biological weed control has been achieved through two routes: introduction of natural enemies against adventive and native weeds (usually using agents collected from an adventive weed’s native range), and augmentation of natural enemies which are released or applied at specific locations where control is needed (Wapshere et al. 1989). Introduction of natural enemies has employed mostly insects, a few other arthropods, some species of fungi, and one nematode. Biological control of weeds through the augmentation of natural enemies has employed almost exclusively various pathogenic fungi and generalist vertebrate herbivores, almost entirely fish. Potential may exist to exploit additional categories of plant pathogens. Fish have been employed for suppression of whole aquatic weed communities in irrigation canals, tanks, ponds, and lakes. This chapter reviews the taxonomic groups of herbivores and pathogens which have been employed in weed biological control and discusses basic elements of their natural history. Chapter 17 discusses key aspects of herbivore biology that are pertinent to weed biological control.
Dialogue and listening

When we think about dialogue, we often implicitly assume that we are thinking about speaking. We are faced, though, with the breakdown of the ‘rules’ of dialogue, resulting in a situation that has ...
Venetoclax with azacitidine disrupts energy metabolism and targets leukemia stem cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) drive the initiation and perpetuation of AML, are quantifiably associated with worse clinical outcomes, and often persist after conventional chemotherapy resulting in relapse1–5. In this report, we show that treatment of older patients with AML with the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor venetoclax in combination with azacitidine results in deep and durable remissions and is superior to conventional treatments. We hypothesized that these promising clinical results were due to targeting LSCs. Analysis of LSCs from patients undergoing treatment with venetoclax + azacitidine showed disruption of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle manifested by decreased α-ketoglutarate and increased succinate levels, suggesting inhibition of electron transport chain complex II. In vitro modeling confirmed inhibition of complex II via reduced glutathionylation of succinate dehydrogenase. These metabolic perturbations suppress oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which efficiently and selectively targets LSCs. Our findings show for the first time that a therapeutic intervention can eradicate LSCs in patients with AML by disrupting the metabolic machinery driving energy metabolism, resulting in promising clinical activity in a patient population with historically poor outcomes. Targeting of mitochondrial metabolism in combination with BCL-2 inhibition eradicates leukemia stem cells and induces long-lasting responses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Equilibrium of tidal channels carrying nonuniform sand and interacting with the ocean

Abstract The complex interactions between flow hydrodynamics, sediment transport, geometry, and changes in base level control the morphodynamic evolution of tidal channels, inlets, and estuaries. Research on these complex settings have involved decades of field, laboratory, and modeling work. Studies on the one-dimensional morphodynamic of well-mixed, tide-dominated channels demonstrate that the evolution of a horizontal channel subject to tidal fluctuations at the ocean boundary is characterized by erosion in the ocean part of the channel and the formation of a landward migrating shoal that, depending on the channel length, may reach the landward boundary. When the shoal reaches the landward end of the domain, it is reflected and a beach forms as the flow and sediment transport reach conditions of equilibrium. At equilibrium, the elevation of the channel bed profile remains constant over a tidal cycle. Building on previous work, this study focuses on the poorly explored effects of nonuniformity of the sediment size distribution and of the interaction between tidal channel and longshore sediment transport on the equilibrium of tidal channels. The model is verified at laboratory scale, and it is then applied to predict equilibrium conditions with nonuniform sediment and without an imposed input of sediment from the ocean. Model results show that nonuniformity of the grain size distribution of the sediment increases the profile concavity. The equilibrium deposits tend to coarsen from the land to the ocean, and the sediment of the landward deposits presents an upward fining pattern. When the imposed input of sediment from the ocean is relatively small, the equilibrium profile presents a stable shoal at the oceanward part of the channel. In the case of a large input of sediment from the ocean, the channel gradually fills with sediment. The grain size distribution of these channel fill deposits coarsen in the oceanward and upward directions. The comparison between model results and field observations shows that the model can qualitatively capture some of the main features of tidal channels and can thus be of aid in coastal management and restoration with proper site-specific modifications.
Monte Carlo Methods for Randomized Likelihood Decoding

A randomized decoder that generates the message estimate according to the posterior distribution is known to achieve the reliability comparable to that of the maximum a posteriori probability decoder. With a goal of practical implementations of such a randomized decoder, several Monte Carlo techniques, such as rejection sampling, Gibbs sampling, and the Metropolis algorithm, are adapted to the problem of efficient sampling from the posterior distribution. Analytical and experimental results compare the complexity and performance of these Monte Carlo decoders for simple linear codes and the binary symmetric channel.
I feel like I was born here: Social identity, political socialization, and deAmericanization

Undocumented immigrants who have grown up in America, often called DREAMers, generally grow up unaware of their lack of legal status, thinking of themselves as equal and legitimate members of the polity—as Americans. Scholars have noted the high levels of political activism of DREAMers, often at personal risk of detention and deportation. Negron-Gonzales (Lat Stud 12(2):259–278, 2014) attributes this activism to the tension between their legal (juridical) and lived (subjective) identities; Abrego (Law Soc Rev 45(2):337–339, 2011) attributes it to their sense of belonging and their awareness of existing or possible rights. Here, using a set of 101 in-depth semi-structured interviews, we build on that scholarship to link undocumented Latino youth activism to their need to maintain a positive social identity, and to DREAMers’ powerful psychological identities as Americans. The perspectives shared in those interviews provide important insights into identity formation and identity stickiness and the “undocumented and unafraid” movement.
EPA and DHA elicit distinct transcriptional responses to high-fat feeding in skeletal muscle and liver.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) exert numerous beneficial biological effects and attenuate diet-induced insulin resistance in rodent models. In the present study, the independent, t...
Introduction to Neutrosophic Sociology (Neutrosociology)

Neutrosophic Sociology (or Neutrosociology) is the study of sociology using neutrosophic scientific methods. The huge social data that we face in sociology is full of indeterminacy: it is vague, incomplete, contradictory, hybrid, biased, ignorant, redundant, superfluous, meaningless, ambiguous, unclear, etc. That’s why the neutrosophic sciences (which deal with indeterminacy), through the process of neutrosophication, are involved, such as: neutrosophy (a new branch of philosophy), neutrosophic set, neutrosophic logic, neutrosophic probability and neutrosophic statistics, neutrosophic analysis, neutrosophic measure, and so on. Neutrosophy studies only the triads ( is an item or a concept, that make sense in the real world. The process of neutrosophication means: - converting a crisp concept {i.e. (1, 0, 0)-concept, which means concept that is 100% true, 0% indeterminate, and 0% false} into a neutrosophic concept {i.e. (T, I, F)-concept, which is T% true, I% indeterminate, and F% false – which more accurately reflects our imperfect, non-idealistic reality}, or more general into a refined (T1, T2, …; I1, I2, …; F1, F2,…)-concept; - or the conversion of a crisp (1 or 0), fuzzy (T), or intuitionistic fuzzy (T, F) numbers into a neutrosophic number (T, I, F); - or the conversion of a crisp (exact) number N into a neutrosophic number of the form N = a + bI, where a is the determinate part of number N and bI the indeterminate part of number N.
HIF1α stability in hypoxia is not oxidant-initiated but can be tuned by redox regulation of the proteasome

Abstract Hypoxic adaptation mediated by HIF transcription factors requires mitochondria, which can increase peroxide to regulate HIF1α stability in hypoxia. Here, we use state-of-the-art tools to evaluate the role of peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulating HIF1α stability. We show that antioxidant enzymes are neither homeostatically induced nor are peroxide levels increased in hypoxia. Forced expression of diverse antioxidant enzymes, all of which diminish peroxide, had disparate effects on HIF1α protein stability. Reduction of lipid peroxides by glutathione peroxidase-4 or superoxide by mitochondrial SOD, failed to influence HIF1α protein stability. These data showed that mitochondrial, cytosolic or lipid ROS were not necessary for HIF1α stability. In contrast, altering the cellular redox state to favor oxidized glutathione (GSSG) enhanced HIF1α stability via enhanced and selective S-glutathionlylation of proteasomal subunits. These data suggest that hypoxia-specific signals that drive HIF-1α stability can be tuned by redox regulation of the proteasome.
A Simple Model of Partial Information Exchange Among Individuals with Different Subjective Probabilities

We examine markets for finitely many different types of indivisible information. The theoretical microeconomic model is consistent in that equilibrium exists. Moreover, if traders' subjective probability beliefs are dispersed, then almost all traders demand only the unique combination of information structures that they receive in equilibrium; consumption bundles from individuals' demand correspondences need not be assigned as is usually the case whenever strict convexity fails.
Refusal of surgery for colon cancer: Sociodemographic disparities and survival implications among US patients with resectable disease.

Abstract Background We aimed to identify factors associated with refusal of surgery among patients with colon cancer. Methods This 2004–2016 NCDB retrospective study identified AJCC stage I-III colon cancer patients who were recommended surgery. Multivariable logistic regression defined adjusted odds ratios of refusing treatment, with sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Treatment propensity-adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratios defined differential survival stratified by clinical stage, controlling for potential confounders. Results Of 170,594 patients recommended surgery, 1116 refused. Increased rates of surgery refusal were associated with older age, African American race, CDCC>3, and female sex. Decreased rates of surgery refusal were associated with higher income and private insurance. Stratifying by stage, refusal rates among African Americans remained disparately high. Refusal of surgery was associated with worse overall survival. Conclusions Disparate rates of refusal of surgery for resectable colon cancer by race and other sociodemographic factors highlight potential treatment adherence reinforcement beneficiaries, necessitating further study of shared decision-making.
The New Atheism

Beginning with the publication of Sam Harris's The End of Faith in 2004, the figures who have come to be widely known as the New Atheists have produced a series of bestselling books and films that have reached and deeply affected countless individuals and communities the world over. Having been galvanized by 9/11, some of the New Atheists’ works devote special attention to the “problem” of Islam and, in particular, armed jihad. Among the most prominent New Atheist critics of Islam – and the writers featured in the next three chapters – are Harris, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett.
A systematic review of third culture kids empirical research

Abstract With globalization and technological advances, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people living cross-culturally with mobility. With this, the number of children living mobile cross-national lives, often termed Third Culture Kids (TCKs), is also increasing. TCKs are defined as those who have accompanied their parents for work or study overseas during their significant developmental years, before 18. They are often described as people who build relationships to all of the cultures they have lived in, but not having a full ownership in any. To gain an overall understanding of the current research landscape on this population, a systematic review was conducted on the literature of empirical research on Third Culture Kids (TCKs). The search utilized the EBSCO PsycINFO database and focused on psychosocial issues. An initial yield of 399 articles were further curated based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with consensus by two psychology researchers, resulting in 31 research publications. The content analysis review included comparisons across years, types of publications, authors, research design and analytical methods, sample age and definition, and frequency of the domains and themes. This systematic review compiled descriptive tables of studies and reviewed key findings of the three most-researched domains—emotional, relational, and identity development. The paper also highlighted discussions about the lack of standardization in TCK definition, challenges in TCK research, and suggestions for future directions.
Usability of Electronic Health Record-Generated Discharge Summaries: Heuristic Evaluation.

Background: Obtaining accurate clinical information about recent acute care visits is extremely important for outpatient providers. However, documents used to communicate this information are often difficult to use. This puts patients at risk of adverse events. Elderly patients who are seen by more providers and have more care transitions are especially vulnerable. Objective: This study aimed to (1) identify the information about elderly patients’ recent acute care visits needed to coordinate their care, (2) use this information to assess discharge summaries, and (3) provide recommendations to help improve the quality of electronic health record (EHR)–generated discharge summaries, thereby increasing patient safety. Methods: A literature review, clinician interviews, and a survey of outpatient providers were used to identify and categorize data needed to coordinate care for recently discharged elderly patients. Based upon those data, 2 guidelines for creating useful discharge summaries were created. The new guidelines, along with 17 previously developed medical documentation usability heuristics, were applied to assess 4 simulated elderly patient discharge summaries. Results: The initial research effort yielded a list of 29 items that should always be included in elderly patient discharge summaries and a list of 7 “helpful, but not always necessary” items. Evaluation of 4 deidentified elderly patient discharge summaries revealed that none of the documents contained all 36 necessary items; between 14 and 18 were missing. The documents each had several other issues, and they differed significantly in organization, layout, and formatting. Conclusions: Variations in content and structure of discharge summaries in the United States make them unnecessarily difficult to use. Standardization would benefit both patients, by lowering the risk of care transition–related adverse events, and outpatient providers, by helping reduce frustration that can contribute to burnout. In the short term, acute care providers can help improve the quality of their discharge summaries by working with EHR vendors to follow recommendations based upon this study. Meanwhile, additional human factors work should determine the most effective way to organize and present information in discharge summaries, to facilitate effective standardization.
Ion Association and Electrolyte Structure at Surface Films in Lithium-Ion Batteries

During lithium-ion battery charging and discharging, carbonate electrolytes degrade from redox side reactions to produce electrode surface films. The composition of these films depends on the compo...
Perivascular stromal cells: Directors of tissue immune niches

Perivascular niches are specialized microenvironments where stromal and immune cells interact with vasculature to monitor tissue status. Adventitial perivascular niches surround larger blood vessels and other boundary sites, supporting collections of immune cells, stromal cells, lymphatics, and neurons. Adventitial fibroblasts (AFs), a subtype of mesenchymal stromal cell, are the dominant constituents in adventitial spaces, regulating vascular integrity while organizing the accumulation and activation of a variety of interacting immune cells. In contrast, pericytes are stromal mural cells that support microvascular capillaries and surround organ-specific parenchymal cells. Here, we outline the unique immune and non-immune composition of perivascular tissue immune niches, with an emphasis on the heterogeneity and immunoregulatory functions of AFs and pericytes across diverse organs. We will discuss how perivascular stromal cells contribute to the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and integrate immunological signals to impact tissue health and disease.
A model of the burglar alarm hypothesis of prey alarm calls.

Abstract When approached by a predator many prey species will emit an “alarm call” as a form of anti-predator behavior. One hypothesis for the function of alarm calls is the “burglar alarm” hypothesis whereby upon attack, a prey renders itself dangerous to a predator by generating an alarm call that attracts a predator at higher trophic levels in the food chain; that is, attracts a predator to the prey’s own predator. This paper concerns a model incorporating a mechanism to test the burglar alarm hypothesis. We prove in one space dimension global existence, of positive bounded classical solutions, and establish existence of non-constant equilibrium solutions and assess their stability. We provide some representative numerical simulations to emphasize the nature of pattern formation for this model and demonstrate the benefit achieved by a signal inducing prey species under the burglar alarm hypothesis.
The use of high-resolution computed tomography to explore age-related trabecular change in human ribs

High-resolution computed tomography was used to explore age-related trabecular change in male human ribs ranging in age from 20-95 years (Mean=55 years, SD=21.634 years) from the Texas State Donated Skeletal Collection (TXSTDSC). Two regions of interest (ROIs), midshaft (50%) and anterior (75%) were extracted from each scan to analyze age-related trabecular change. Dragonfly V4.1 was used to isolate cortical bone volumes of interest (VOIs) and three trabecular VOIs for each ROI; one each along the cutaneous cortex, the center of the medullary cavity, and the pleural cortex. Each trabecular VOI was analyzed for bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (TbTh), trabecular spacing (TbSp), connectivity density (Conn.D), and degree of anisotropy (DA), within and between the 50 and 75% ROIs. Overall, the cutaneous VOIs at both the 50% and 75% ROIs exhibited greater BV/TV, TbTh, and Conn.D when compared to the center and pleural VOIs. All results are consistent with expected biomechanical strain on human ribs. Both trabecular variables and cortical bone volume are only weakly associated with age. These results show that 3D analysis of trabecular bone volume does not improve visualization or understanding of trabecular bone changes with age over traditional 2D methods. Future research should incorporate female samples to explore sex-related trabecular change variation. HIGHLIGHTSO_LI3D analysis of change in trabecular structure along the rib length and with age C_LIO_LITrabecular spacing at midshaft shows highest correlations with age-at-death C_LIO_LIRelative cortical area is more strongly correlated with age in anterior ribs than at midshaft C_LI
The Influence of Sex on Clinical Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

ABSTRACT Background: Research focused on postoperative outcomes among men and women undergoing minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MIS LD) spine surgery is sparse. This study aims to assess the influence of sex on postoperative patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) evaluations and achievement of a minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Methods: A prospectively maintained surgical database was retrospectively queried for patients undergoing primary or revision, single or multilevel LD procedures from 2011 to 2019. Patients with incomplete visual analog scale (VAS) leg or back surveys were excluded. Demographic and operative variables were recorded, and a chi-squared analysis or t tests were used to compare by sex. PROMs were evaluated from preoperative to postoperative time points. PROM score differences and postoperative improvement were evaluated between sexes by a t test. Achievement of MCID by sex was compared using chi-squared analysis. Results: The study cohort (n = 572) was 70% male (n = 398), had an average age of 47 years, and 42% were obese. Sexes differed in preoperative VAS leg, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and 12-item short form (SF-12)-physical composite score (PCS) scores (all P Conclusions: Significant preoperative differences were observed among sexes with ODI, SF-12-PCS, and VAS leg scores. By 1 year, there were no significant sex differences for any PROM or for achievement of MCID. MIS LD has an equivalent role for both sexes in achieving MCID. Level of Evidence: 3. Clinical Relevance: Results demonstrate no sex difference in PROMs following LD.