cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fundamentals of Sum-Frequency Spectroscopy

The first book on the topic, and written by the founder of the technique, this comprehensive resource provides a detailed overview of sum-frequency spectroscopy, its fundamental principles, and the wide range of applications for surfaces, interfaces, and bulk. Beginning with an overview of the historical context, and introductions to the basic theory of nonlinear optics and surface sum-frequency generation, topics covered include discussion of different experimental arrangements adopted by researchers, notes on proper data analysis, an up-to-date survey commenting on the wide range of successful applications of the tool, and a valuable insight into current unsolved problems and potential areas to be explored in the future. With the addition of chapter appendices that offer the opportunity for more in-depth theoretical discussion, this is an essential resource that integrates all aspects of the subject and is ideal for anyone using, or interested in using, sum-frequency spectroscopy.
Fatigue Life Assessment of Traffic-Signal Support Structures from an Analytical Approach and Long-Term Vibration Monitoring Data

AbstractWind-induced, large-amplitude vibrations of traffic-signal support structures are frequently observed. Such vibrations can result in a large number of stress cycles and substantial fatigue damage. This paper presents the characteristics of wind-induced vibration of a traffic-signal support structure observed in a long-term, full-scale measurement project, which are used as a basis to understand the vibration generation mechanism. Based on the measured structural response, conditional on mean wind speed, wind direction, and turbulence intensity, the fatigue damage is evaluated using a closed-form spectral method with consideration of narrowband, non-Gaussian response characteristics. The uncertainty in the structural response under given wind conditions is quantified and included in the fatigue damage evaluation. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach are illustrated by comparing the results of the spectral method with that from the time-domain rainflow counting method based on the...
Eu 149 Decay

The electron capture decay of Eu/sup 149/ to Sm/sup 149 was studied using scintillation and proportional counters. A decay scheme is given which is consistent with the measured coincidence data. The half life of the Eu/sup 149/ decay was measured to be 106 plus or minus 2 days. (auth)
Time-resolved UV absorption of polyimide

The 355-nm transient absorption of polyimide thin films has been measured following excitation withsubablative, 24-ps long, 355-nm laser pulses. The 355-nm absorption increases by 25% following 355-nm, 20 mJ/cm2 excitation and recovers with a fast time constant ≈34 ps, and a slow time constant which is much longer than 6 ns. The data are fitted by a three-level rate equation model incorporating the temperature dependence of the ground state absorption coefficient. The fast component is attributed to the decay ofS 1 and the slow component results from increased ground state absorption caused by a laser-induced temperature rise. The nonlinear intensity dependence is attributed to excited state (S 1) absorption. These results indicate the importance of considering the dynamic absorption in modelling ablation.
Suicide, Sacrifice and Mutilations in Burials at Venado Beach, Panama

Venado Beach comprises a shore line facing the Pacific Ocean in the southwestern corner of the Panama Canal zone. The burials here discussed were found 100 to 200 yards from the high water mark in a band of refuse which extended across the mouth of the Mangopobre Valley. A total of 369 bodies have been recorded. Of these, 202 were excavated by the Peabody Museum of Harvard University in 1951, and 167 were unearthed by Neville A. Harte, who most generously has placed at my disposal his carefully kept field notes. The skeletal material from Venado Beach, owing to unusual soil conditions, is better preserved than any other collection yet found in the wet tropics of the New World. When studied, it should prove of general interest. We are now concerned, however, with burial techniques rather than with the bones themselves or the funeral paraphernalia which accompanied them.
COMPARISON OF A LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE ELEVATING VIRUSLIKE AGENT AND EPERYTHROZOON COCCOIDES.

Summary Eperythrozoon coccoides(EC), a Bartonella-like organism existing as a widespread latent infection in rodents, has been separated from other known infectious contaminants so that its influence on plasma LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) elevation and other pathological properties could be studied and compared with those of an LDH elevating viruslike agent. Distinct differences in their LDH elevating characteristics were demonstrated. The viruslike agent induces a high and sustained elevation while that produced by EC is usually unremarkable in magnitude in normal intact animals, and is invariably transitory. In combination, the two infectious entities act synergistically to produce higher plasma enzyme elevations than their additive separate effects. Recent suggestions that EC may be responsible for the LDH elevations originally reported appear to be in error.
Abstract B29: ASIC1 impacts Notch signaling pathway in the neuronal differentiation of neuroblatoma

Background: Neuroblastoma arises when neuroblasts of the sympathetic nervous system fail to undergo proper differentiation. The Notch signaling pathway is critical for cell fate determination or function. In neurons, it has been shown that up regulation of Notch activity either inhibited neurite extension or caused retraction of neurites. Conversely, inhibition of Notch1 signaling facilitated neurite extension [1]. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are a family of proton-gated cation channels. Recent studies have suggested their role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. A good correlation has been found between ASIC1a expression and spine density [2] suggesting that ASIC1a plays an important role in spine morphogenesis, maintenance and remodeling. The underlying mechanism however remains elusive. We hypothesize that ASIC1 regulates neurite growth through Notch signaling in neuroblastoma. Methods: 1) We employed proteomic approach and pathway analysis to examine changes in Notch signaling by ASIC gene deletion. 2) We used quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot to determine changes of expression levels of Notch1 and its target genes in cerebral cortex by ASIC1 deletion and in primary cultures of cortical neurons by ASIC1a inhibition or knockdown. 3) We determined the effects of ASIC1a on neurite growth in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line, NS20Y cells by down regulating ASIC1a expression with shRNA or inhibiting ASIC1a function with PcTX, a specific pharmacological inhibitor. 4) We determined the effects of DAPT, a Notch signal inhibitor on neuronal differentiation in NS20Y cells. Results: 1) ASIC1a-/- mice showed significantly reduced expression of Notch1 protein and its target genes such as Hey2 and Survivin. 2) Down regulation of ASIC1a in NS20Y cells with shRNA inhibits CPT-cAMP induced neurite growth, while over expression of ASIC1a promotes its growth. 3) Down regulation of ASIC1 by shRNA increased Notch1 and its target gene Survivin in NS20Y cells. 4) DAPT, an inhibitor of Notch significantly protects inhibition of CPT-cAMP induced neurite extension by down-regulation of ASIC1 in NS20Y cells. Conclusion: These data indicate that Notch1 signaling may be required for ASIC1 mediated change in neurite growth and neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma. Promoting neural differentiation of neuroblastoma in vitro provides insight into potential clinical applications in the treatment of patients with neuroblastoma (This work is supported by R01NS066027, NIMHD S21MD000101, and U54NS08932) Citation Format: Mingli Liu, Koichi Inoue, An Zhou, Zhigang Xiong. ASIC1 impacts Notch signaling pathway in the neuronal differentiation of neuroblatoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B29.
Manuscript Rejection: How to Submit a Revision and Tips on Being a Good Peer Reviewer

Many instructional guides have been published on how to write scientific papers. Likewise, many published articles have focused on the reasons why submitted manuscripts are rejected. However, fewer publications have been presented to guide authors on how to address reviewers' comments in a manuscript revision. Even fewer counsel authors on how to deal with a rejection decision. In this article, the authors present a literature review on the strategies to get a manuscript accepted, despite an initial unfavorable review. The authors share their experience with addressing reviewers' comments to get a manuscript accepted and published. Finally, the authors discuss the process of peer review and offer tips on how to be an effective peer reviewer.
The uraniumrhenium alloy system

Abstract The phase diagram of the uraniumrhenium alloy system is presented along with a discussion on transformation kinetics of the uranium solid solutions. The phase diagram is of the double eutectic type with the intermediate phase having the composition URe 2 . This phase exhibits allotropy at 180°C and melts congruently at 2200°C. URe 2 reacts sluggishly with the uranium solid solutions below 750°C to form the peritectoid compound U 2 Re. Eutectic reactions occur at 1105° and 2105°C at respective compositions of 10.5 and 65.5 wt. % Re. Eutectoid reactions occur at 643° and 681°C at compositions of 1.4 and 6 wt. % Re, respectively. The maximum solubility of rhenium in α uranium is about 0.4 wt. % at 643°C and in β uranium is 1.9 wt. % at 681°C. The solubility of rhenium in γ uranium is 6 wt. % at 681°C and increases to about 7 wt. % at 975°C. The solubility of uranium in rhenium is 0.6 wt. % at room temperature with little variation up to 2000°C. Alloys of β and γ uranium containing more than about 1.2 and 7 wt. % Re respectively, can be readily supercooled to room temperature. Rapid cooling of γ alloys containing less than about 7 wt. % Re resulted in a direct γ → α′ transformation, the α′ state being a supersaturated α phase having a banded microstructure. Evidence is presented for the existence of two transition states, one involving the γ phase decomposition and the other the β → α transformation. The sequence of phase changes involved in cooling the uranium solid solutions is discussed.
Abstract # 1852 Exercise-induced changes in gut microbiota alters response to colitis in mice: Clinical scores and body weight differences

We have previously shown that voluntary exercise alters the gut microbiome and prevents inflammation in a mouse model of colitis. Here, we investigated whether exercise-induced changes in the gut microbiota plays a role. Donor C57Bl6/J mice ( n = 20) were given free access to a wheel ( n = 10) or remained sedentary ( n = 10) for six weeks. Mice were then euthanized, cecal contents were collected, pooled by treatment and gavage-fed to 65 germ-free C57Bl6/J mice housed in a gnotobiotic facility ( n = 32–33 in sedentary and exercise groups, respectively). After 4 weeks, half of the mice were administered 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in their water or remained as controls (water only). After 5 days, DSS-treated mice were switched to water for 3 days until euthanasia at day 8 (peak of symptoms). DSS caused significant weight loss over the 8-day period ( p p p
VEGF165b Modulates Endothelial VEGFR1-STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Angiogenesis in Human and Experimental Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Rationale:Atherosclerotic-arterial occlusions decrease tissue perfusion causing ischemia to lower limbs in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Ischemia in muscle induces an angiogenic ...
Nonlinear Temperature Dependence of F 19 Chemical Shifts in C F 4 and Si F 4 Gases

Precise ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}$ NMR chemical shift measurements have been made on gaseous C${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ and Si${\mathrm{F}}_{4}$ at different temperatures and pressures and a distinct nonlinear temperature dependence has been found. It is shown that this effect can be adequately explained with the help of a London dispersion field and a field due to repulsion. Present work is compared with ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{129}$ results.
FX Liquidity and Market Metrics: New Results Using CLS Bank Settlement Data

Using a new and unique data set of foreign currency settlement instructions provided by CLS Bank, we investigate activity and liquidity in the foreign exchange market. In the major currency pairs, CLS settlement volume shares are similar to those reported in the BIS triennial surveys. They are also similar to shares computed from EBS trade data reported by Mancini, Ranaldo and Wrampelmeyer (2013) (MRW), but only for currency pairs that do not belong to the “UK Commonwealth” pairs, for which EBS coverage is limited. We estimate Amihud (2002) illiquidity ratios from CLS submissions and Olsen price records, and examine the correlations between these ratios and price impact estimates based on high frequency EBS data and reported by MRW. The correlation is 0.748, but with marginal statistical significance and only when the commonwealth pairs are excluded from the analysis. When the commonwealth pairs are included, the correlation drops to -0.130 (insignificant). We believe that, as with the volume estimates, this reflects EBS’ limited coverage of the commonwealth currency pairs. The common liquidity factor in our illiquidity ratios constructed from all major pairs is highly correlated, however, with the factor based only on non-commonwealth pairs, suggesting that liquidity factors constructed from EBS data may be good proxies for factors based on broader samples. Our data include numerical identifiers for counterparties to each trade which allows us to estimate market concentration by currency pair. We find that trading is more concentrated (across participants) in less actively traded currencies, which typically exhibit lower liquidity.
DFT计算研究碱性条件下γ-FeOOH(010)上氧析出反应机理

Abstract An efficient and economical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst is critical to the widespread application of solar energy to fuel conversion. Among many potential OER catalysts, the metal oxyhydroxides, especially FeOOH, show promising OER reactivity. In the present work, we performed a DFT + U study of the OER mechanism on the γ-FeOOH (010) surface. In particular, we established the chemical potential of the OH − and hole pair and included the OH − anion in the reaction pathway, accounting to the alkaline conditions of anodic OER process. We then analyzed the OER pathways on the surface with OH-, O- and Fe-terminations. On the surface with OH- and O- terminations, the O 2 molecule could form from either OH reacting with the surface oxygen species (–OH* and –O*) or the combination of two surface oxygen species. On the Fe-terminated surface, O 2 can only form by adsorbing OH on the Fe sites first. The potential-limiting step of the oxygen evolution with different surface terminations was determined by following the free-energy change of the elementary steps along each pathway. Our results show that oxygen formation requires recreating the surface Fe sites, and consequently, the condition that favors the partially exposed Fe sites will promote oxygen formation.
The formation of p-toluic acid from coumalic acid: a reaction network analysis

Diels–Alder cycloaddition of biomass-derived 2-pyrone coumalic acid (CMA) with propylene provides an alternative pathway to produce toluic acid (TA), a precursor to terephthalic acid (TPA) which is a key component in the manufacture of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). To maximize yield and selectivity of the preferred isomer p-toluic acid (p-TA) we herein report a detailed reaction network that was established through investigating the influence of the dehydrogenation catalyst, solvent, temperature and reaction time on the formation of p-/m-TA. We further provide experimental results showing that the inverse electron demand Diels–Alder (IEDDA)/decarboxylation cascade of the reaction of CMA with propylene was not influenced by the catalyst, and, therefore, was solely dependent on temperature. Evident from changes in the p-/m-ratio of TA decreasing from 6.91 to 4.43 with increasing temperature and reaction time, p-TA was both the thermodynamic and kinetically favoured product. TA formation from CMA and propylene afforded an overall yield of >85 mol%, using γ-valerolactone (GVL) as the primary solvent. Throughout the reaction network analysis we observed that the TA intermediates 3-/4-methylcyclohexa-1,5-diene carboxylic acid were reactive towards by-product formation whereas TA was quite stable under reaction conditions. Henceforth, rapid dehydrogenation of the diene intermediates is crucial to maximize selectivity of the desired aromatic product. Lastly, CMA thermally decomposes under reaction conditions which was rapidly accelerated by having as low as 5 vol% water in the solvent, demonstrating the importance of water-free solvent to limit CMA decomposition and maximize product yield.
Harming by Failing to Benefit

In this paper, I consider the problem of omission for the counterfactual comparative account of harm. A given event harms a person, on this account, when it makes her worse off than she would have been if it had not occurred. The problem arises because cases in which one person merely fails to benefit another intuitively seem harmless. The account, however, seems to imply that when one person fails to benefit another, the first thereby harms the second, since the second person would have been better off if the first had benefited her. I argue that the cases of failing to benefit at issue are in fact cases of harming. They are cases of preventive harm. I also argue that we can explain away the intuition that no harm occurs in these cases, and that the relevant implication of the counterfactual comparative account is consistent with a variety of plausible views about the moral significance of harm.
Retinal Prostheses: Clinical Outcomes and Potential Complications

In vitro experiments and animal studies first established the biocompatibility of retinal prostheses for the treatment of retinal degenerations such as retinitis pigmentosa. Early human studies further confirmed the feasibility of implantation. The clinical trial of the most studied retinal implant, the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis, has shown good long-term safety and reliability. The clinical outcomes of the Argus II clinical trial are reviewed. The most common complications arising from retinal prosthesis implantation are discussed. These include conjunctival erosion or dehiscence, hypotony, endophthalmitis, and retinal tear or detachment. Nonserious adverse events include macular thickening, epiretinal membranes, elevated intraocular pressure, and uveitis. For each complication, the signs and symptoms of presentation are reviewed. Critical components of the ocular examination to facilitate early diagnosis are identified. The risk of potential complications may be reduced with certain preoperative and intraoperative strategies. Strategies for management of complications associated with retinal implantation are reviewed. Retinal prosthesis implantation has the potential to improve the lives of patients with retinal degenerations. Outcomes from initial clinical trials have been promising but have also identified potential complications unique to the process of retinal implantation. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of complications can preserve the full potential of retinal prostheses.
CONE-BEAM CT PROVIDES A LOWER RADIATION OPTION FOR EVALUATION OF CHRONIC THROMBOEMBOLIC PULMONARY HYPERTENSION COMPARED TO BI-PLANE PULMONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

CTEPH lesion characterization using angiography is predictive of clinical outcome and complications in patients undergoing balloon pulmonary angioplasty. This study evaluates the value of Cone-beam CT imaging (CBCT) for CTEPH and compares its radiation exposure with biplane digital subtraction
Localized mesothelioma of the pleura: benign and malignant variants

Mesothelioma, even of the pleura alone, is a ubiquitous pathological designation. The diffuse variety is associated with an ominous prognosis. The localized mesothelioma generally has been assumed to be benign. A review of tumors from 60 patients with localized pleural mesothelioma seems to justify separation into benign (52 patients) and malignant (eight patients) variants. Histologic criteria are used primarily to make this division. No single clinical feature allowed preoperative predictability concerning benignity or malignancy, although extrathoracic osteoarthropathy was seen only with benign lesions (20 percent), usually those greater than 7 cm. Follow-up periods of as long as 24 years revealed recurrent tumor in only two of the 58 patients with benign lesions and revealed a survival curve identical to that of the general population. All of the patients with the malignant variety had recurrence or metastasis, and all but one were dead within 2 years of the initial operation. One patient died of tumor complications after 9 years. More aggressive local resection is indicated for the malignant variant.
AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF THE WEIGHTS OF ABLATING SYSTEMS FOR MANNED REENTRY VEHICLES

A parametric study of ablation systems was made in terms of the properties of the material. A simplified heating history, which may be associated with reentry trajectories, was used. The significant properties were found to be: thermal conductivity-density product, effective heat of ablation, temperature of ablation, surface emissivity, and heat capacity of low-level coolant (necessary because of the low interior wall temperature requirement). Weights of low temperature ablating systems, radiating systems, and composite systems employing both mechanisms are discussed. The relative efficiencies of these systems are shown to depend to a considerable extent on the total heat input and the maximum heating rate range.
Oxytocin in the Initiation of Labor

A single cell (magnocellular neuron) is responsible for synthesis, transport, and release of oxytocin. Oxytocin prohormone is synthesized in single neuronal cells of the supraoptic and paraventricular portions of the hypothalamus. The prohormone consists of the nonapeptide oxytocin, glycine-lysine-arginine, and a specific 93- to 95-amino-acid carrier protein, the neurophysin. The prohormone is synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum of the neurosecretory neurons. It is then packaged into secretory granules for transport along the magnocellular neurons terminating in the posterior pituitary and median eminence. Collateral projections also extend to the brainstem and/or spinal cord. During axonal transport the prohormone is enzymatically converted to the nonapeptide hormone and its neurophysin. Ultimately, granules are stored in terminal bulbs in the posterior pituitary gland. Polarization of the neurosecretory neurons results in exocytic release of oxytocin and its neurophysin from the granules into the circulation. Functionally, circulating oxytocin is uterotonic and affects milk ejection. Oxytocin is also found in the corpus luteum testis, and spinal cord; its function in these sites is unclear. The function of the oxytocin-specific neurophysin is also unclear. However, the oxytocin neurophysin, like the vasopressin- specific neurophysin, may be involved in the regulation of prolactin secretion.1 This possibility is supported by the observation that prolactin immunoreactivity has been noted in the oxytocinergic portion of the magnocellular neurosecretory system.2
Facilities at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory

The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) is the nation’s largest facility dedicated solely to the production of synchrotron radiation. Located at Brookhaven National Laboratory, about 60 miles east of New York City, it is a national user facility supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. A plan view of the facility appears in Fig. 1.
A novel stress analysis method for composite Z-stiffeners under mechanical and thermal loads:

A closed-form analytical solution is developed for analyzing laminated composite beam with asymmetric Z cross-section. The explicit expressions for evaluating sectional properties such as centroid,...
Integrated Nanophotonics Technology and Applications

Dense photonic integration requires miniaturization of materials, devices and subsystems, including passive components (e.g., engineered composite metamaterials, filters, etc.), active components (e.g., modulators and nonlinear wave mixers) and integrated circuits (Fourier transform spectrometer, programmable phase modulator of free space modes, etc.).
Generation of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma mouse models by brainstem-targeted in utero electroporation.

Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are highly lethal childhood brain tumors. Their unique genetic makeup, pathological heterogeneity, and brainstem location all present challenges to treatment. Developing mouse models that accurately reflect each of these distinct features will be critical to advance our understanding of DIPG development, progression, and therapeutic resistance. The aims of this study were to generate new mouse models of DIPG and characterize the role of specific oncogenic combinations in DIPG pathogenesis. Methods We used in utero electroporation (IUE) to transfect neural stem cells in the developing brainstem with PiggyBac DNA transposon plasmids. Combinations of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB), PdgfraD842V, or PdgfraWT, combined with dominant negative Trp53 (DNp53) and H3.3K27M expression, induced fully penetrant brainstem gliomas. Results IUE enabled the targeted transfection of brainstem neural stem cells. PDGFB + DNp53 + H3.3K27M induced the rapid development of grade IV gliomas. PdgfraD842V + DNp53 + H3.3K27M produced slower forming grade III gliomas. PdgfraWT + DNp53 + H3.3K27M produced high- and low-grade gliomas with extended latencies. PDGFB, PdgfraD842V, and PdgfraWT DIPG models display unique histopathological and molecular features found in human DIPGs. H3.3K27M induced both overlapping and unique gene expression changes in PDGFB and PdgfraD842V tumors. Paracrine effects of PDGFB promote disruption of pericyte-endothelial interactions and angiogenesis in PDGFB DIPG mouse models. Conclusion Brainstem-targeted IUE provides a rapid and flexible system to generate diverse DIPG mouse models. Using IUE to investigate mutation and pathohistological heterogeneity of DIPG will provide a valuable tool for future genetic and preclinical studies.
GaAs x-ray detectors with sub-nanosecond temporal response.

Fast semiconductor radiation detectors operated in current mode provide a valuable diagnostic in pulsed power applications. Si detectors are common due to the availability of high-quality materials and mature fabrication processes, but they offer low absorption for hard x-rays above ∼10 keV. GaAs can provide increased hard x-ray absorption for the same detector volume due to a higher atomic number. GaAs photodiodes have been produced from epitaxial material grown at Sandia National Laboratories and fabricated at Sandia’s microfabrication facility. These detectors have significantly higher hard x-ray absorption (>10× at 15 keV) and nearly identical temporal impulse response to similarly sized Si detectors of 0.5 ns full-width half maximum.Fast semiconductor radiation detectors operated in current mode provide a valuable diagnostic in pulsed power applications. Si detectors are common due to the availability of high-quality materials and mature fabrication processes, but they offer low absorption for hard x-rays above ∼10 keV. GaAs can provide increased hard x-ray absorption for the same detector volume due to a higher atomic number. GaAs photodiodes have been produced from epitaxial material grown at Sandia National Laboratories and fabricated at Sandia’s microfabrication facility. These detectors have significantly higher hard x-ray absorption (>10× at 15 keV) and nearly identical temporal impulse response to similarly sized Si detectors of 0.5 ns full-width half maximum.
Functional mitral regurgitation and left atrial myopathy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

AIMS Mild to moderate functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) where it is usually considered as an innocent bystander. We hypothesized that MR in HFpEF reflects greater left atrial (LA) myopathy, leading to more adverse haemodynamics and poorer exercise reserve. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with HFpEF (n = 280) with and without MR underwent echocardiography, invasive haemodynamic exercise testing, and expired gas analysis. As compared to non-MR-HFpEF (n = 163), patients with MR-HFpEF (n = 117; 78 mild and 39 moderate, central jet in 90%) were older, more likely female, with lower body mass and higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). HFpEF patients with MR displayed greater LA volume, reduced LA strain and compliance, and greater mitral annular dilatation, which was strongly correlated with LA dilatation (r = 0.63, P < 0.0001) but was only weakly related to left ventricular remodelling (r = 0.37). Patients with MR-HFpEF displayed worse biventricular function, more adverse pulmonary haemodynamics, impaired pulmonary vasodilatation, blunted right ventricular reserve, and reduced cardiac output with exercise as compared to non-MR-HFpEF. Importantly, these findings were maintained after excluding patients with HFpEF and AF, suggesting a role for LA myopathy in contributing to MR in HFpEF, independent of rhythm. CONCLUSIONS Functional MR in patients with HFpEF reflects LA myopathy, even in the absence of AF, and is associated with greater haemodynamic severity of disease and poorer functional capacity. Further study is required to better define causal mechanisms and potential treatments for MR and LA dysfunction in patients with HFpEF.
Tbr2-expressing retinal ganglion cells are ipRGCs

Abstract The mammalian retina contains more than 40 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) subtypes based on their unique morphologies, functions, and molecular profiles. Among them, intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) are the first specified RGC type that emerged from a common pool of retinal progenitor cells. Previous work has shown that T-box transcription factor T-brain 2 (Tbr2) is essential for the formation and maintenance of ipRGCs, and Tbr2-expressing RGCs activate Opn4 expression upon native ipRGC loss, suggesting that Tbr2+ RGCs can serve as a reservoir for ipRGCs. However, the identity of Tbr2+ RGCs has not been fully vetted, and the developmental and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of native and reservoir ipRGCs remain unclear. Here, we showed that Tbr2-expressing retinal neurons include RGCs and GABAergic displaced amacrine cells (dACs). Using genetic sparse labeling, we demonstrated that the majority of Tbr2+ RGCs are intrinsically photosensitive and morphologically indistinguishable from known ipRGC types and have identical retinofugal projections. Additionally, we found a minor fraction of Pou4f1-expressing Tbr2+ RGCs marks a unique OFF RGC subtype. Most of the Tbr2+ RGCs can be ablated by anti-melanopsin-SAP toxin in adult retinas, supporting that Tbr2+ RGCs contain reservoir ipRGCs that express melanopsin at varying levels. When Tbr2 is deleted in adult retinas, Opn4 expression is diminished followed by the death of Tbr2-deficient cells, suggesting that Tbr2 is essential for both Opn4 expression and ipRGC survival. Finally, Tbr2 extensively occupies multiple T-elements in the Opn4 locus, indicating a direct regulatory role for Tbr2 on Opn4 transcription. Significance statement Melanopsin/Opn4-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play fundamental roles in non-image forming vision. Previously we identified Tbr2 as the key transcription regulator for the development and maintenance of ipRGCs. To reveal the full identity of Tbr2-expressing retinal neurons and how Tbr2 acts, we generated a novel mouse line to genetically label and study Tbr2-expressing cells. Our in-depth characterizations firmly established that most Tbr2+ RGCs are indeed ipRGCs and that Tbr2 regulates Opn4 transcription, thus place Tbr2-Opn4 transcription regulatory hierarchy as the primary component in the development and maintenance of the non-image forming visual system.
Autonomy support from informal health supporters: links with self-care activities, healthcare engagement, metabolic outcomes, and cardiac risk among Veterans with type 2 diabetes

This study examined the role of autonomy support from adults’ informal health supporters (family or friends) in diabetes-specific health behaviors and health outcomes. Using baseline data from 239 Veterans with type 2 diabetes at risk of complications enrolled in behavioral trial, we examined associations between autonomy support from a support person and that support person’s co-residence with the participant’s diabetes self-care activities, patient activation, cardiometabolic measures, and predicted risk of a cardiac event. Autonomy support from supporters was associated with significantly increased adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet, p < .001 and exercise, p = .003); higher patient activation (p < .001); greater patient efficacy in interacting with healthcare providers, and lower 5-year (p = .044) and 10-year (p = .027) predicted cardiac risk. Autonomy support was not significantly associated with diabetes-specific behaviors (checking blood glucose, foot care, or medication taking); or hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, or non-HDL cholesterol. There was a significant interaction of autonomy support and supporter residence in one model such that lack of autonomy support was associated with lower patient activation only among individuals with in-home supporters. No other interactions were significant. Findings suggest that autonomy support from family and friends may play a role in patient self-management, patient activation, and lower cardiac risk.
History of Research on Marine N 2 Fixation

Research into phytoplanktonic N2-fixers in the oceans such as the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium dates back to early marine phycological studies in the late 1800s, predating the knowledge that these organisms were actively fixing N2. Research into the quantitative role of N2 fixers surged in the early 1960s with the advent of new techniques to measure rates of N2 fixation. However, work was largely focused on organisms that could be observed at least microscopically and was largely limited to tropical and sub-tropical water columns and benthic environments. While scale-up of data from the first decade of field research suggested marine N2 fixation was regionally important in the ocean N cycle, emergent geochemical analyses in the late 1990s pointed to a substantial global input by marine N2 fixation. The introduction of molecular approaches to study N2 fixation around the same time stimulated a second wave of research which has revealed much greater biological diversity and wider distributions of diazotrophs in coastal, high latitude and deeper marine environments.
Corneal crosslinking in refractive corrections

Translational Relevance The clinical application of corneal crosslinking relies on a good understanding of the biomechanical effect of various treatment parameters on corneal tissue. We discuss the results of the clinical and laboratory studies evaluating corneal crosslinking as a primary refractive treatment.
In situ gelling and dissolvable hydrogels for use as on-demand wound dressings for burns.

Currently, no dressings utilized in burn clinics provide adhesion, hydration or mechanical strength on the same order as human skin as well as the ability to be atraumatically removed. We report the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of in situ polymerized and subsequent dissolvable hydrogels as burn wound dressings. Hydrogel dressings, from a small library of synthesized materials form in situ, exhibit storage moduli between 100–40 000 Pa, dissolve on-demand within 10 minutes to 90 minutes, swell up to 350%, and adhere to both burned and healthy human skin at 0.2–0.3 N cm−2. Further, results from an in vivo porcine second degree burn model demonstrate functional performance with healing equivalent to conventional treatments with the added benefit of facile, in situ application and subsequent removal via dissolution.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy in the Extreme Elderly: Safety and Feasibility

Study Objective Robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RA-SCP) has evolved to be the standard of care for advanced stage pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in many women. Due to the variety of patients that undergo pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS), it is important to identify risk stratification tools in the aging population in order to ensure positive outcomes in those undergoing RA-SCP for POP repair based on demographic risk factors. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting University-affiliated community hospital. Patients or Participants All women undergoing a RA-SCP by one surgeon (n=1078) between March 2017 and March 2020 were included. Interventions Four groups were compared based on age: Measurements and Main Results Intraoperative complications including bladder, ureteral, or bowel injury, and blood transfusions were not statistically different between groups, as were rates of presentation within 90 days to the emergency department or for readmission to the hospital. Postoperatively, greater age groups presented with greater incidence of incontinence (0%, 5.3%, 9.1%, 14.3%, p Conclusion RA-SCP is a highly tolerable procedure. Surgeons should counsel patients that advancing age does not appear to increase the rate of complications or readmissions both during and after surgery. Decreased operative time for advancing age groups due to concern for anesthesia, prolonged Trendelenburg positioning, and patient frailty may help to decrease pain medication needs postoperatively.
The Folks at Home

JOHN SPERLING ENVIED RAY REILLY. He envied Ray's big genial household, his abundance of siblings, and the smells of cooking in his mother's kitchen. He envied Ray's prowess in basketball and his ease with girls. Both John and Ray were good students, and both played on the high school chess team; still, John managed to envy his friend's intellect. Ray's way with words made him an entertaining essayist; one of his entertaining essays would gain him entrance into a prestigious college; Ray's prestig ious diploma would secure him a good job and very attractive sex partners. John's high math scores were nothing compared to Ray's gift of gab. And the Reillys' house! There was something soft and warm in every room. The Tuesday afternoon before Thanksgiving, for instance, John, having let himself in through the unlatched back door, encountered first a cake rising in the oven, then a new kitten curled on the dining room win dow seat, then a dog-collared uncle dozing on the living room sofa, and fi nally a member of the Pittsburgh branch of the family. She was staggering up the stairs under a load of laundry. "I'm John. Mrs. Reilly around?" "I'm Megan. Would you give me a hand, please?" So he carried the laundry up to the sunporch. Three spare cots had turned it into a temporary bedroom. "Thanks. Aunt Peg's in the Room." The Room was the entire third floor. It contained a TV, a pool table, a doll's house, and all the other stuff that a family with seven children has to put somewhere. Ray was shooting pool with another gorgeous cousin. One of his younger sisters was executing a cartwheel. One of his older sis ters was standing in front of a mirror, wearing a wide-skirted dress whose pink color contrasted unhappily with her dyed greenish hair (she was the family renegade). Mrs. Reilly, puffing a little, was pinning up this cos tume.
Taxing Market Discount on Distressed Debt

The statutory rules regarding the timing and character of income and losses on debt instruments overtax distressed debt investors. Investors that make profitable investments in distressed debt are likely to have some or all of their income tainted as market discount and hence ordinary income, whereas investments that turn out badly are highly likely to generate capital losses. Taxable income is also sometimes accelerated relative to economic income. Despite widespread agreement on the nature and extent of the problems, there is lack of consensus on whether the inappropriate outcomes that are generated by the statutory rules are tempered by common law doctrines. There is also disagreement regarding how policymakers should address the problem. I first summarize how the statutory rules generate inappropriate outcomes, then offer a new perspective on how the statutory and common law rules governing distressed debt interrelate, and finally explain and evaluate the options for reform.
Philosophically Based Limitations to Freedom of Speech in Virtual Communities

This paper applies political philosophy to the question of freedom of speech in virtual communities. It takes as its starting point the philosophical justifications given for freedom of speech in (Greenawalt, in Computers, Ethics and Social Values, Prentice-Hall, 1995). For each of these justifications I discuss the types of speech to which they apply, and implications for virtual communities. The justifications imply several limitations to freedom of speech within a well-run virtual community. I give some examples in which the existence of virtual communities can be used to reflect on extant philosophical arguments and practices. By applying the list of steps for thinking about systems given in (Churchman, in The Systems Approach, New York: Dell Publishing Co., Inc., 1968), I obtain a classification framework for thinking about the merits and demerits of a particular speech act, and describe a justification for freedom of speech, missing from Greenawalt's list, that this classification helped me to identify. I give a summary of practical suggestions for administrators of virtual communities. Finally, I discuss why I consider the question of how to regulate speech in virtual communities matters, from a global perspective.
Continuous and discrete methods in computer science

Culturally, computer scientists are generally trained in discrete mathematics; but continuous methods can give us surprising insights into many algorithms and combinatorial problems. In this pedagogical talk, I will describe two interesting places where continuous mathematics makes an entrance into computer science: proving lower bounds on the 3-colorability threshold in random graphs using differential equations, and a continuous-time version of Karmarkar’s algorithm for Linear Programming, based on the so-called Newton Barrier Flow.
Studies in optimization—IV: The optimum conditions for a single reaction

Abstract It is shown how an explicit solution to the problem of finding the minimum holding time and best temperature profile may be obtained for a tubular or batch reactor. The form which this takes allows a complete parametric study for given kinetics and full results are presented for a first-order reversible reaction. For the sequence of stirred tank reactors both the minimum holding time and optimum temperature of each stage can be found by a simple graphical construction.
Narrow bandwidth emission from a mirrorless, far infrared, /sup 13/CH/sub 3/F laser

Frequency tuning and linewidth measurements are reported for a pulsed, mirrorless, kilowatt-power-level, far-infrared (FIR) /sup 13/CH/sub 3/F laser operating at 245 GHz. The pump laser is an etalon tunable, single-mode CO/sub 2/ TEA laser. The FIR frequency spectrum was measured with 2.5-MHz resolution on individual 100-ns laser output pulses using harmonic mixing techniques. The linewidth of the amplified spontaneous emission was found to be surprisingly narrow, about 15 MHz. Frequency tuning of the FIR laser, as the pump laser frequency is tuned, is nonlinear, possibly due to inhomogeneous broadening of the gain by the K-level substructure of the rotational states. These results indicate that heterodyne receivers capable of single-shot frequency measurements can be important tools for investigating the properties of Raman FIR lasers. >
Underestimated Strategies Beneath Candidate Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign

Until recently most political columnists predicted that Donald J. Trump, billionaire real estate developer and TV personality, would fade as a Republican candidate in the 2016 Presidential campaign. Nevertheless, he has continued to rise in the polls. In a speech at the October 12, 2015 “No Labels Problem Solver Convention” Trump revealed examples of his “dealmaking” in public service applications. Successful dealmaking means concluding mutually acceptable agreements with others, including opponents - the opposite of the gridlock that has inhibited the federal government’s ability to solve critical national issues. Analysis of Trump’s speeches and books suggests that underrated operating strategies and assets lie beneath his exhibitionistic and controversial campaign tactics. This study concludes that barring unexpected developments he is likely to maintain his lead in the polls and win the Republican nomination. However, he would encounter greater challenges in the presidential campaign. Assessment of Trump’s eight negotiation principles opens up the interesting question of how he would apply them to the U.S.’s paralyzing political polarization.
Differentiation among peroxide explosives with an optoelectronic nose

Forensic identification of batches of homemade explosives (HME) poses a difficult analytical challenge. Differentiation among peroxide explosives is reported herein using a colorimetric sensor array and handheld scanner with a field-appropriate sampling protocol. Clear discrimination was demonstrated among twelve peroxide samples prepared from different reagents, with a classification accuracy >98%.
Remote synchronization of mode-locked fiber lasers

Using an intra-cavity electro-optic modulator and PZT we stabilize the repetition frequency of a fiber laser to a high-stability RF reference that is transmitted over a fiber network via optical pulses from a remote laser.
Antioxidant responses of creeping bentgrass roots to waterlogging

Antioxidant enzymes protect plant cells from oxidative injury induced by hypoxia. The objective of this study was to identify the responses of antioxidant enzymes to different depths of waterlogging (WL) in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) roots. 'Penncross' and 'G-6' were subjected to 21 d of WL at 1 cm (WL-1) and 15 cm (WL-15) below the soil surface, respectively. The turf quality of Penncross was not acceptable under both WL conditions, while G-6 had an acceptable quality of 6.5 under WL-15. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased by 32 and 26% for Penncross and 83 and 44% for G-6 under WL-15 and WL-1, respectively. One isoform of Mn-SOD and three isoforms of Cu/Zn-SOD were identified in both cultivars under all treatments. The activity of ascorbate peroxidase (AP) significantly decreased by 46 and 40% for Penncross, while AP activity decreased 25% and increased 9% for G-6 under WL-1 and WL-15, respectively. One isoform of AP was identified with strong intensity in both cultivars under all treatments. The content of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA, 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane) and the activities of glutathione reductase (GR) and peroxidase (POD) were not affected by WL for both cultivars. These results indicated that SOD and AP were mainly involved in WL-induced antioxidant responses, and the partial WL could also significantly affect root antioxidant activities, particularly in WL-sensitive cultivar.