cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiologic Status Monitoring via the Gastrointestinal Tract

Reliable, real-time heart and respiratory rates are key vital signs used in evaluating the physiological status in many clinical and non-clinical settings. Measuring these vital signs generally requires superficial attachment of physically or logistically obtrusive sensors to subjects that may result in skin irritation or adversely influence subject performance. Given the broad acceptance of ingestible electronics, we developed an approach that enables vital sign monitoring internally from the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report initial proof-of-concept large animal (porcine) experiments and a robust processing algorithm that demonstrates the feasibility of this approach. Implementing vital sign monitoring as a stand-alone technology or in conjunction with other ingestible devices has the capacity to significantly aid telemedicine, optimize performance monitoring of athletes, military service members, and first-responders, as well as provide a facile method for rapid clinical evaluation and triage.
High-Content Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene-Edited Human Embryonic Stem Cells

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of human cells and tissues holds much promise to advance medicine and biology, but standard editing methods require weeks to months of reagent preparation and selection where much or all of the initial edited samples are destroyed during analysis. ArrayEdit, a simple approach utilizing surface-modified multiwell plates containing one-pot transcribed single-guide RNAs, separates thousands of edited cell populations for automated, live, high-content imaging and analysis. The approach lowers the time and cost of gene editing and produces edited human embryonic stem cells at high efficiencies. Edited genes can be expressed in both pluripotent stem cells and differentiated cells. This preclinical platform adds important capabilities to observe editing and selection in situ within complex structures generated by human cells, ultimately enabling optical and other molecular perturbations in the editing workflow that could refine the specificity and versatility of gene editing.
Correction for Hansen et al., Draft Genome Sequence of a Taxonomically Unique Neisseria Strain Isolated from a Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) Egg on the North Slope of Alaska

Volume 3, no. 4, [e00772-15][1], 2015. Page 1: The byline should read as given above, and a present address footnote for Sang Chul Choi should be included. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1128/genomeA.00772-15
Gigabit networking

Factors driving gigabit networking are identified. The problem of wedding the local area networks (LANs) used to interconnect supercomputers to the long-distance networks used for telecommunications is discussed. Changes in computer and telecommunications networks to accommodate higher speeds, longer distances, and new technology are examined. The American National Standard High-Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI) is considered. Connecting HIPPI to SONET and to FDDI is addressed. Circuit-switched, ring, and tree architectures for advanced networks are discussed. >
1018 Predictors of bladder neck contracture following radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bladder neck contracture (BNC) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common yet understudied complication with significant adverse quality of life implications. Here we identify patient groups that are at highest risk for BNC after RP. METHODS: Years 1987 to 2013 of a prospectively maintained single institution RP registry were queried for patients with and without BNC. Those with prior TURP or radiotherapy were excluded. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regressions (with forward stepwise entry), and receiver operating curves were employed to identify predictors of BNC. The impact of BNC on functional and oncologic outcomes was then assessed. RESULTS: Out of 17,954 men with a mean follow up of 10 years after RP, 858 (4.8%) developed BNC. Men with BNC had higher risk features than those without BNC: cT3/4 (10.3% vs 5.3%, p<0.001), biopsy Gleason score 8-10 (10.4% vs 7.3%, p<0.001), and higher PSA (11.9 vs 8.6, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression modeling identified several significant associations with BNC development after RP (Table 1). Importantly, BNC independently increases the risk of 1 or more incontinence pads per day at 1 year after RP (OR 1.755, 95% CI 1.405-2.191, p<0.001). However, the occurrence of BNC was not associated with 20-year oncologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: About 5% of patients will develop a BNC after RP and this incidence has declined over time. Nevertheless, the presence of a BNC is independently associated with a 75% increased risk of urinary incontinence following RP. Accordingly, we uncovered several novel risk factors for BNC, including: greater BMI, prostate volume, advanced pT stage, urine leak, early UTI, need for transfusion, and lack of nerve sparing. Validation of these findings is warranted to help design interventions that may reduce the incidence of BNC even further.
SPINNING TAIL AERODYNAMICS OF A LOW COST PRECISION GUIDED MISSILE

A series of wind tunnel tests were conducted to characterize the aerodynamics of a low -cost guidance package and motor case spin bearing added to an existing free -flight rocket and warhead. These tests examined the effects of Mach number, Reynolds Number, angle of attack and sideslip, canard orientation, canard deflection, dynamic pressure, model pitch rate (including pitch -pause), pitch direction, data sampling rate and analog filtering on tail spin rate. Compariso n runs using a fixed -tail configuration were also conducted. Tail spin rate and direction varied with angle of attack, Mach number, roll angle, canard deflection and pitch direction. It was found that the angle of attack for spinning tail aerodynamic locku p is strongly affected by Mach number. When the tail lockup occurred, it was in a preferred orientation. Spin reversal was observed at certain roll angles. Main balance data was shown to be generally independent of tail spin rate above about 1Hz. Pitch dir ection hysteresis was found to have a significant effect on overall uncertainty of the aerodynamics. A preliminary CFD analysis has been conducted to investigate the aerodynamic sources of the lockup phenomena.
Ejection of Uniform Micrometer-Sized Droplets from Faraday Waves on a Millimeter-Sized Water Drop

This Letter reports the first observation and theoretical analysis of a new phenomenon: one large spherical water drop ejecting simultaneously a very large number of monodisperse microdroplets. An ultrasonic nozzle with multiple-Fourier horns in resonance enables controlled excitation of megahertz Faraday waves on the free water surface. The temporal instability of such waves leads to the ejection of $3.5--4.4\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ monodisperse droplets at a high rate ($g4.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{droplets}/\mathrm{sec}$). This is in stark contrast to the Rayleigh-Plateau instability, which ejects one droplet at a time.
Evaluation of protection induced by a dengue virus serotype 2 envelope domain III protein scaffold/DNA vaccine in non-human primates.

We describe the preclinical development of a dengue virus vaccine targeting the dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2) envelope domain III (EDIII). This study provides proof-of-principle that a dengue EDIII protein scaffold/DNA vaccine can protect against dengue challenge. The dengue vaccine (EDIII-E2) is composed of both a protein particle and a DNA expression plasmid delivered simultaneously via intramuscular injection (protein) and gene gun (DNA) into rhesus macaques. The protein component can contain a maximum of 60 copies of EDIII presented on a multimeric scaffold of Geobacillus stearothermophilus E2 proteins. The DNA component is composed of the EDIII portion of the envelope gene cloned into an expression plasmid. The EDIII-E2 vaccine elicited robust antibody responses to DENV2, with neutralizing antibody responses detectable following the first boost and reaching titers of greater than 1:100,000 following the second and final boost. Vaccinated and naive groups of macaques were challenged with DENV2. All vaccinated macaques were protected from detectable viremia by infectious assay, while naive animals had detectable viremia for 2-7 days post-challenge. All naive macaques had detectable viral RNA from day 2-10 post-challenge. In the EDIII-E2 group, three macaques were negative for viral RNA and three were found to have detectable viral RNA post challenge. Viremia onset was delayed and the duration was shortened relative to naive controls. The presence of viral RNA post-challenge corresponded to a 10-30-fold boost in neutralization titers 28 days post challenge, whereas no boost was observed in the fully protected animals. Based on these results, we determine that pre-challenge 50% neutralization titers of >1:6000 correlated with sterilizing protection against DENV2 challenge in EDIII-E2 vaccinated macaques. Identification of the critical correlate of protection for the EDIII-E2 platform in the robust non-human primate model lays the groundwork for further development of a tetravalent EDIII-E2 dengue vaccine.
They may not have the skills, but they have the desire: Why the skill composition of trade unions matters for wage inequality

Abstract There has been a scholarly consensus that greater union strength translates into lower levels of wage inequality. However, recent evidence indicates that this union effect disappeared in the 1990s. We argue that unions still reduce wage inequality, but that their effect is dependent on the type of workers that are actually unionized. Using survey data, we construct a variable that measures the proportion of union members that are unskilled manual workers in twenty wealthy democracies. We find that as the share of these workers rises, wage inequality falls, regardless of the level of union density, the level of union coverage, or whether a country has liberal, mixed, or coordinated market economy. However, the proportion of union members that are unskilled manual workers has no effect on wage inequality when wage bargaining institutions are decentralized, likely because such workers are unable to extract wage gains from their more skilled and higher paid union brethren in such an institutional context. These results suggest that the unitary actor assumption, so commonly employed by scholars to explain union effects on political and socio-economic outcomes, is misplaced; and that even though politicians may be more responsive to the policy preferences of the wealthy, poorer individuals can achieve relative economic gains when properly organized.
Iliac artery cannulation for intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation.

A case of left ventricular power failure (LVPF) after coronary artery bypass was managed by intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABCP) through the left common iliac artery. The technique of insertion is discussed.
Is Investment-Uncertainty Relationship Monotonic?

A considerable number of empirical studies exist which incorporate different measures of uncertainty in analyzing its impact on investment. Whereas Caballero (1991), Hartman (1972), Abel (1983), and others point to the positive impact of uncertainty on capital intensity of production under irreversibility of investment, McDonald and Siegel (1986), Dixit and Pindyck (1994) find that uncertainty is damaging to investment. Their argument is that in the long-run, the user-cost effect would dominate and that increased uncertainty in the long run would increase the expected capital stock under irreversibility and can increase it even more under reversibility. Actually, however, whether the increase in the expected long-run capital stock is larger under reversibility or under irreversibility depends on the choice of parameter values. Almost the entire investment literature assumes a linear relationship between uncertainty and investment but the uncertainty- investment may be non-linear. Sarkar (2000) and later Abel and Eberly (1999) provide an excellent interpretation of the non-linear relationship between investment and uncertainty. Sarkar (2000) points out that an increase in uncertainty increases the probability that the investment threshold will be crossed so that the probability of investment taking place within a specified time period increases. Sarkar's approach to investment (which is an option pricing approach) suggests that the investment- uncertainty relationship can be described by an inverted U- shaped curve. It is strange that the entire empirical literature has ignored this.
Ventricular septal defect.

An 89-year-old female with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presented with severe left side chest pain radiating to left arm and dyspnea. Initial episode of chest pain was 1-day ago. Her heart rate was 81 beats per minute and blood pressure was 112/75 mm Hg. Electrocardiogram showed a normal sinus rhythm with Q-wave anterolateral myocardial infarction (Figure 1a). Coronary angiography revealed a left anterior …
Why Are Children With Epileptic Encephalopathies Encephalopathic

The epileptic encephalopathies are devastating conditions characterized by frequent seizures, severely abnormal electroencephalograms (EEGs), and cognitive slowing or regression. The cognitive impairment in the epileptic encephalopathies may be more concerning to the patient and parents than the epilepsy itself. There is increasing recognition that the cognitive comorbidity can be both chronic, primarily due to the underlying etiology of the epilepsy, and dynamic or evolving because of recurrent seizures, interictal spikes, and antiepileptic drugs. Much of scholars' understanding of the neurophysiological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction in the epileptic encephalopathies comes from rodent studies. Frequent seizures and interictal EEG discharges in rats lead to considerable spatial and social-cognitive deficits. Paralleling these cognitive deficits are dyscoordination of dynamic neural activity within and between the neural networks that subserve normal cognitive processes.
Hemophilic pseudotumor in a non-hemophilic patient treated with a hybrid procedure of preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries followed by surgical resection—A case report

Introduction Hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare but well documented complication seen in approximately 1–2% of patients with hemophilia. The incidence continues to decrease, likely because of increasingly sophisticated techniques in managing factor deficiency. We present a case of hemophilic pseudotumor in a patient without hemophilia, an exceptionally rare entity, and outline a hybrid approach to treatment.
Experimental ultrasonic communications through tissues at Mbps data rates

Remote monitoring of patients using wireless capabilities increasingly plays an important role in healthcare and the communication with implanted medical devices (IMDs). In the case of IMDs, transmission is characterized by low peak power and low duty cycle to reduce the potential for adverse bio-effects. Currently, most IMDs use radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic waves to communicate through the body. The corresponding maximum bandwidth allowed is 300 kHz as regulated by the FCC, which inherently limits the communication rates of these devices (limiting to maximum data rates of 50 kb/s). Beyond bandwidth restrictions, the main limitation for using RF electromagnetic waves in the body is loss of signal because of attenuation in the body. For these reasons the output power of RF devices is limited to 25 µW, which also limits data rates to 50 kb/s. In this study, an ultrasonic communication channel is explored for IMD communications as an alternative to EM transmission. We demonstrate the ability to communicate through tissues using the ultrasonic communications channel while maintaining data rates necessary for streaming of high definition video. In our experiments we used a matched pair of 5-MHz f/3 single-element transducers operating in a pitch-catch configuration in a tank of degassed water. Between the transducers was placed either a slab of pork tenderloin or a slab of beef liver (each more than 2 cm thick). Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals were coded for transmission into the transmitting transducer using an arbitrary waveform generator. Signals were transmitted and captured by sending 10 snapshots (packets) of 50,000 samples (10,000 training / 40,000 decision-directed) using a fractionally-spaced (2 samples per symbol) decision feedback equalizer with up to 40 taps in the feed forward section, and 40 taps in the feedback section. Signals were successfully decoded through the samples using QPSK, 16QAM and 64QAM codes with bit error rates of (BER) < 1e-4. A maximum data rate of 30 Mbps using the 64QAM was achieved through both the pork tenderloin and the beef livers. These experiments successfully demonstrate that communications through the ultrasonic channel can provide data rates capable of streaming high definition video.
Analog front-end characterization of intradyne coherent receivers using polarization multiplexed laser source

Critical parameters of coherent receivers like frequency response, bandwidth, skew, and gain imbalance can be characterized using a polarization-multiplexed laser source. Robust performance is achieved without any active feedback control of the launching polarization state into the coherent receiver.
Sex and age differences in the expression of liver microRNAs during the life span of F344 rats

Physiological factors such as age and sex have been shown to be risk factors for adverse effects in the liver, including liver diseases and drug-induced liver injury. Previously, we have reported age- and sex-related significant differences in hepatic basal gene expression in rats during the life span that may be related to susceptibility to such adverse effects. However, the underlying mechanisms of the gene expression changes were not fully understood. In recent years, increasing evidence for epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation has fueled interest in the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in toxicogenomics and biomarker discovery. We therefore proposed that significant age and sex differences exist in baseline liver miRNA expression, and that comprehensive profiling of miRNAs will provide insights into the epigenetic regulation of gene expression in rat liver. To address this, liver tissues from male and female F344 rats were examined at 2, 5, 6, 8, 15, 21, 52, 78, and 104 weeks of age for the expression of 677 unique miRNAs. Following data processing, predictive pathway analysis was performed on selected miRNAs that exhibited prominent age and/or sex differences in expression. Of the 314 miRNAs found to be expressed, 214 were differentially expressed; 65 and 212 miRNAs showed significant (false discovery rate (FDR) <5% and ≥1.5-fold change) sex- and age-related differences in expression, respectively. Thirty-eight miRNAs showed 2-week-specific expression, of which 31 miRNAs were found to be encoded within the Dlk1-Dio3 cluster located on chromosome 6. This cluster has been associated with tissue proliferation and differentiation, and liver energy homeostasis in postnatal development. Predictive pathway analysis linked sex-biased miRNA expression with sexually dimorphic molecular functions and toxicological functions that may reflect sex differences in hepatic physiology and disease. The expression of miRNAs (miR-18a, miR-99a, and miR-203, miR-451) was also found to associate with specific sexually dimorphic hepatic histopathology. The expression of miRNAs involved in regulating cell death, cell proliferation, and cell cycle was found to change as the rats matured from adult to old age. Overall, significant age- and sex-related differences in liver miRNA expression were identified and linked to histopathological findings and predicted functional pathways that may underlie susceptibilities to liver toxicity and disease.
Identifying and Remediating Rogue Services within a Cloud Based Virtual Machine

While the benefits of Cloud computing are well known, often the security risks involved are new and substantial. The hosts of choice in the cloud, the virtual machine (VM), are created in large numbers. This means that it becomes very difficult to keep track of each service running within the cloud. Fortunately, commands exist within the LINUX operating system that can be used to evaluate the purpose of transport layer ports related to the services running on a given host (VM). The example utilized in this paper is a complex remote procedure call (RPC) service, which generates multiple dynamically defined ports that will be evaluated using LINUX commands. Besides the expected legitimate ports there were also suspected rogue ports. These ports were created as a function of the RPC software, but were not traceable to a process id or the originating executable. The fact that these ports forked from a kernel level process made it difficult to trace their origins. Fortunately, because these ports were generated dynamically and their purpose was not known to the system administrator the firewall block definition was not updated and traffic to that port remained blocked. Simply stated by default the firewall was in place to automatically block unknown traffic whether legitimate or not. In this case the default definition served well. To remediate this problem more care needs to be used when defining/evaluating policy. Additionally, it is suggested that the port evaluation procedure be recorded and automated through the use of LINUX scripts.
Tobacco Marketing, E-cigarette Susceptibility, and Perceptions among Adults.

OBJECTIVE Understanding the impact of tobacco marketing on e-cigarette (EC) susceptibility and perceptions is essential to inform efforts to mitigate tobacco product burden on public health. METHODS Data were collected online in 2016 from 634 conventional cigarette (CC) smokers and 393 non-smokers using a convenience sample from Amazon Mechanical Turk. Logistic regression models, stratified by smoking status and adjusted for socio-demographics, examined the relationship among tobacco advertisements and coupons, EC and CC susceptibility, and EC perceptions. RESULTS Among non-smokers, increased exposure to tobacco advertising and receiving tobacco coupons was significantly related to measures of EC and CC susceptibility (p < .05). Older, more educated non-smokers had decreased odds of EC susceptibility (p < .05). Additionally, increased exposure to tobacco advertising was significantly associated with the perceptions of EC not containing nicotine and being less addictive than CC among smokers (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS Increased exposure to tobacco advertising outlets could influence future EC and CC use in non-smokers and perceptions in smokers, while receiving coupons could affect EC and CC susceptibility among non-smokers. Future research is needed to determine whether policies to minimize exposure to tobacco marketing reduce EC use by decreasing susceptibility.
A Model-Based Approach for Separating the Cochlear Microphonic from the Auditory Nerve Neurophonic in the Ongoing Response Using Electrocochleography

Electrocochleography (ECochG) is a potential clinically valuable technique for predicting speech perception outcomes in cochlear implant (CI) recipients, among other uses. Current analysis is limited by an inability to quantify hair cell and neural contributions which are mixed in the ongoing part of the response to low frequency tones. Here, we used a model based on source properties to account for recorded waveform shapes and to separate the combined signal into its components. The model for the cochlear microphonic (CM) was a sinusoid with parameters for independent saturation of the peaks and the troughs of the responses. The model for the auditory nerve neurophonic (ANN) was the convolution of a unit potential and population cycle histogram with a parameter for spread of excitation. Phases of the ANN and CM were additional parameters. The average cycle from the ongoing response was the input, and adaptive fitting identified CM and ANN parameters that best reproduced the waveform shape. Test datasets were responses recorded from the round windows of CI recipients, from the round window of gerbils before and after application of neurotoxins, and with simulated signals where each parameter could be manipulated in isolation. Waveforms recorded from 284 CI recipients had a variety of morphologies that the model fit with an average r2 of 0.97 ± 0.058 (standard deviation). With simulated signals, small systematic differences between outputs and inputs were seen with some variable combinations, but in general there were limited interactions among the parameters. In gerbils, the CM reported was relatively unaffected by the neurotoxins. In contrast, the ANN was strongly reduced and the reduction was limited to frequencies of 1,000 Hz and lower, consistent with the range of strong neural phase-locking. Across human CI subjects, the ANN contribution was variable, ranging from nearly none to larger than the CM. Development of this model could provide a means to isolate hair cell and neural activity that are mixed in the ongoing response to low-frequency tones. This tool can help characterize the residual physiology across CI subjects, and can be useful in other clinical settings where a description of the cochlear physiology is desirable.
“If You Want the History of a White Man, You Go to the Library”: Critiquing Our Legacy, Addressing Our Library Collections Gaps

In 1864, the same year the University of Denver was founded by John Evans, then the territorial governor of Colorado and the superintendent of Indian affairs, a group of U.S. militia attacked and k...
Constrained attitude control, PSD lifts, and semidefinite programming

This paper studies theoretical properties of the positive semidefinite cone lift (PSD lift) and utilizes the PSD lift to solve the constrained attitude control problem for a rigid body. We first introduce the PSD lift and the mapping between the PSD lift to the convex hull of the rotation matrices conv SO(3), commonly used in attitude estimation and control, as well as in areas such as computer vision. We next study conditions under which this mapping defines an affine isomorphism. We focus particularly on the set of extreme points of the PSD lift and show that this set is in fact a group; connections with SO(3) and unit quaternions H are also explored. Moreover, the differentiation operation on this group, which is related to the angular velocity of the rigid body, will be discussed. Lastly, we apply the PSD lift in the constrained attitude control problem and approach it via a semidefinite program (SDP). Furthermore, we provide insights into the physical realization and the optimization results through an example.
The sluttified sex: Verbal misogyny reflects and reinforces gender order in wireless China

This article describes emerging misogynistic labels involving the morpheme biao ‘slut’ as a gendered personal suffix in the Chinese cyber lexicon. We analyze the morphological, semantic, and cognitive processes behind their coinage, and the way they are used across gender lines in Chinese social media as a community of discourse practice. Our findings show that women participate in female pejoration as much as men do, and that men are more inclined than women to use pejorative labels that specifically attack female empowerment. Additionally, men construct masculinity and power by using certain misogynistic labels as generics. We argue that verbal misogyny is part and parcel of a larger gender ideology by illuminating the mutual constitution of the linguistic pejoration of women and the gender order in postreform China. This study has implications for research on women's conditions in contemporary China, raises awareness of gender inequality, and lays the groundwork for social actions toward gender equality. (Gender, sexism, neologism, social media, Chinese)*
Iterative Coordination in Search

Despite their widespread use in product development and entrepreneurship practice, the influence of highly iterative project management frameworks on organizational search remains largely understud...
Concept Design of Anautonomous Biological Agent Detector System (Abads)

Midwest Research Institute has begun the development of an autonomous biological agent detector system based on the enhancement and integration of proven technologies. The design concept incorporates a high volume air to liquid sampler, fluid conditioning and concentration systems, and organism and toxin detection platforms. More than 20 threat agents identified by the US Centers for Disease Control are addressed using an integrated microfluidic system. Organisms are detected using a combination of advanced multiplexed PCR techniques. Protein toxins are detected using amperometric transduction of an immunoreaction. Core technologies from established organizations are used. The device is designed to be used in an urban area. The 0.3 m3 device has a targeted purchase price of US $ 25,000 in quantities of 3,000 units with annual total operating costs of US $ 10,000.
Gender stereotypes of emotional reactions: How we judge an emotion as valid

In this paper we report a partial replication of the finding that women face a double-bind with respect to emotional expression (Kelly & Hutson-Comeaux, 2000) and explore the hypothesis that gender-inconsistent emotional reactions are perceived to be more valid indicators of one's underlying emotional experience than gender-consistent emotional reactions. Men and women evaluated the appropriateness and sincerity of women's and men's overreactions to happy and angry events in both interpersonal and achievement contexts. Women's overreactions to happy events were judged as less appropriate and their emotional reactions were perceived as less sincere than were men's, particularly in an interpersonal context. In addition, men's overreactions to angry events in the interpersonal context were judged as less appropriate and less sincere than were women's. Implications of the findings for other types of social judgments are discussed.
Expression of cell adhesion molecules on limbal and neovascular endothelium in corneal inflammatory neovascularization.

PURPOSE. To investigate the expression of cell-adhesion molecules on corneolimbal and neovascular endothelium and the associated leukocyte infiltration in an experimental model of inflammatory corneal neovascularization (NV). METHODS. Corneal NV was induced in BALB/c mice by placement of nylon sutures. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was used topically to determine whether suppression of IL-1 could affect adhesion molecule expression and leukocytic infiltration. At set time points, corneal samples were analyzed immunohistochemically for expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and platelet- endothelial adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1. Leukocytic infiltration at different time points was quantified histologically. In companion experiments mice deficient in ICAM-I were investigated to determine the functional relevance of this molecule in corneal leukocyte infiltration. RESULTS. Significant enhanced expression of ICAM-1 was detected on the corneolimbal vascular endothelium as early as 8 hours and on the newly formed corneal NV by day 3, and treatment with IL-1ra led to significant suppression of this expression. IL-1ra-induced suppression of ICAM-I expression was accompanied by a profound decrease in corneal leukocytic infiltration by 44.6% at day 1 (P < 0.003), 71.8% at day 3 (P < 0.001), 60.1% at day 7 (P < 0.001), and 63.8% at day 14 (P < 0.001), compared with control corneas. Similarly, in ICAM-I knockout mice, the corneal leukocytic infiltration was 50.3%, 52.9%, and 36.4%, compared with wild-type control animals on day 1 (P < 0.001), day 7 (P < 0.005), and day 14 (P < 0.001), respectively. Expression of PECAM-1 was constitutively present on perilimbal vascular endothelium and had no response to IL-1ra treatment. No significant expression of P-selectin, E-selectin, or VCAM-1 was detected in this experimental model. CONCLUSIONS. These results suggest that leukocytic infiltration in this model of inflammatory corneal NV is closely associated with ICAM-I expression, and that topical IL-1ra displays corneal anti-inflammatory effects, largely by suppressing ICAM-I expression on vascular endothelial cells.
The Association between Risk Perception and the Risk-Taking Behaviors of Construction Workers

The majority of human-factor models in construction safety assume that risk-taking behaviors, failure to perceive hazards, or misinterpreting the associated risks of hazards are the main contributing factors in accident occurrences. However, the findings for the link between risk-taking behaviors and risk perception are inconsistent. To address this knowledge gap, the current study focuses on measuring the association between risk perception and the risk-taking behaviors of construction workers. To achieve this objective, 27 undergraduate students from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with at least 1 year of experience in the construction industry were recruited to participate in an experiment. To measure risk perception, the subjects were asked to assess the risk—in terms of likelihood and severity—associated with various scenario statements related to fall hazards. Subsequently, subjects performed the balloon analogue risk task (BART), a computerized decision-making simulation, to test the subjects’ risk-taking behaviors. The results of a correlational analysis showed that there is a significant negative association between an individual’s risk perception of fall hazards and his/her risk-taking behaviors. Additionally, differences in the risk-taking behaviors of subjects evaluated against their risk-perception scores were examined using a permutation simulation analysis. The results showed that there is a moderately significant difference in the risk-taking behaviors of subjects with low and high fall-risk perception. The research findings provide empirical evidence that people with lower risk perception tend to engage in more risk-taking behaviors. Furthermore, this study is one of the first attempts at using BART in the assessment of risk taking in construction safety and paves the way for a better understanding the human factors that contribute to construction accidents.
Virtuous vs. utilitarian artificial moral agents

Given that artificial moral agents—such as autonomous vehicles, lethal autonomous weapons, and automated trading systems—are now part of the socio-ethical equation, we should morally evaluate their behavior. How should artificial moral agents make decisions? Is one moral theory better suited than others for machine ethics? After briefly overviewing the dominant ethical approaches for building morality into machines, this paper discusses a recent proposal, put forward by Don Howard and Ioan Muntean (2016, 2017), for an artificial moral agent based on virtue theory. While the virtuous artificial moral agent has various strengths, this paper argues that a rule-based utilitarian approach (in contrast to a strict act utilitarian approach) is superior, because it can capture the most important features of the virtue-theoretic approach while realizing additional significant benefits. Specifically, a two-level utilitarian artificial moral agent incorporating both established moral rules and a utility calculator is especially well suited for machine ethics.
The US solar panel anti-dumping duties versus uniform tariff

Abstract The US switched its China and Taiwan anti-dumping duties to uniform tariffs on all imports of solar panels in January 2018. This research uses an Equilibrium Displacement Model (EDM) to determine the relative effects of these two tariffs on domestic consumer and producer welfare, employment, government revenue, and environmental costs. The results indicate that uniform tariffs are more effective than the specific-country tariffs because of higher welfare for domestic manufacturers and higher government revenue. However, the uniform tariffs hurt American consumers, employees, and the environment more than the other because of higher domestic price and larger domestic demand reduction. Therefore, if a policy aims to create more jobs and have less effect on consumers and the environment, a specific-country tariff might be preferable. However, uniform tariffs are better if the administration intends to support domestic manufacturers and increase government revenue.
Impulsive signaling model of cytoneme-based morphogen gradient formation.

Morphogen protein gradients play a vital role in regulating spatial pattern formation during development.a#13; The most commonly accepted mechanism of protein gradient formation involves the diffusion and degradation of morphogens from a localized source. However, there is growing experimental evidence for a direct cell-to-cell signaling mechanism via thin actin-rich cellular extensions known as cytonemes. Recent modeling studies of cytoneme-based morphogenesis in invertebrates ignore the discrete nature of vesicular transport along cytonemes, focusing on deterministic continuum models. In this paper, we develop an impulsive signaling model of morphogen gradient formation in invertebrates, which takes into account the discrete and stochastic nature of vesicular transport along cytonemes. We begin by solving a first passage time problem with sticky boundaries to determine the expected time to deliver a vesicle to a target cell, assuming that there is a ``nucleation'' time for injecting the vesicle into the cytoneme. We then use queuing theory to analyze the impulsive model of morphogen gradient formation in the case of multiple cytonemes and multiple targets. In particular, we determine the steady-state mean and variance of the morphogen distribution across a one-dimensional array of target cells. The mean distribution recovers the spatially decaying morphogen gradient of previous deterministic models. However, the burst-like nature of morphogen transport can lead to Fano factors greater than unity across the array of cells, resulting in significant fluctuations at more distant target sites.a#13;
Schools’ CPA review course affiliations and success on the uniform CPA examination

Abstract This study examines the effects of university affiliated CPA review courses on CPA exam passing rates, using results from the computer-based exam. We undertake a regression analysis and find that, compared to not offering an affiliated CPA exam review, accounting programs that offer a non-credit CPA review course have higher CPA exam passing rates. Relative to offering no review, providing a for-credit CPA review course is not associated with higher passing rates whereas offering it through a continuing education center has a marginal relationship with higher CPA exam passing rates. A key novelty of this study is that we examine the different types of CPA review affiliation and CPA exam performance. Further tests show that our results are robust to self-selection. The evidence can be helpful in determining whether, and in what form, accounting programs should affiliate with a CPA review course. Our evidence indicates that CPA exam preparation may be best accomplished with a complementary approach – regular coursework supplemented by coverage of a CPA exam review.
Control of Physical and Chemical Processes with Nonlocal Metal–Dielectric Environments

In this Perspective, we make the case that (meta) material platforms that were originally designed to control the propagation of light can affect scores of physical and chemical phenomena, which are often thought to lie outside of the traditional electrodynamics domain. We show that nonlocal metal-dielectric environments, which can be as simple as metal–dielectric interfaces, can control spontaneous and stimulated emission, Forster energy transfer, wetting contact angle, and rates of chemical reactions. The affected phenomena can occur in both strong and weak coupling regimes and the large coupling strength seems to enhance the effects of nonlocal environments. This intriguing field of study has experienced a rapid growth over the past decade and many exciting discoveries and applications are expected in the years to come.
In a State of Fragility: The Compromised Dignity of Communities, Indignation, and the Incapacitation of Public Education

The dominant framing of the work of public school districts in the United States prevents schools from contesting the indignities they themselves or their neighbors suffer. This incapacitates teachers and learning communities to work toward the attainment of inclusive democracy and the contestation of exclusionary practices and policies. An institutionally-grown advocacy of connection that nurtures intercommunity solidarity can help us redefine the work communities do as they learn to think of themselves as being in connection with other groups in a web of affiliation and care. I suggest that public education take on an informal function of ethical oversight rooted in a strong sense of collective institutional agency. Through such agency schools can recognize and respect and help us work through past and present civic grievances while addressing economic and social realities that give rise to feelings of indignation.
E-028 Delayed cranial nerve palsy after transvenous embolization of indirect carotid cavernous fistulae

Introduction Carotid cavernous fistulae (CCF) can present with diplopia secondary to cranial nerve palsy (CNP). Immediate development of post operative CNP has been described in the literature. This study discusses delayed presentation of CNP after complete obliteration of the CCF and resolution of initial CNP. Methods A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients with indirect CCF between 1987 and 2006 at 4 centers. Details of the endovascular procedures, embolic agents used, and complications were studied. Partial and complete obliteration was noted. Immediate and delayed cranial nerve palsies were assessed. Results 267 patients with symptomatic indirect CCF underwent endovascular treatment. 4 patients (1.5%) developed delayed abducens nerve (VI) palsy after complete resolution of presenting symptoms after embolization. Delayed presentation ranged between 3 months -13 months after complete resolution of initial double vision and cranial nerve palsies. Transvenous coil embolization through the inferior petrosal sinus was performed in all four affected patients. All had follow up angiography demonstrating durable closure of their CCF. In all four patients, their abducens nerve (VI) palsy remained. Conclusion Delayed CNP can develop despite complete endovascular obliteration of the CCF. Long term follow-up is needed even after complete neurological and radiological recovery is attained in the immediate perioperative period. Disclosures A. Wang: None. M. Alexander: None. P. Meyers: None.
Stochastic Inventory Model for Minimizing Blood Shortage and Outdating in a Blood Supply Chain under Supply and Demand Uncertainty

Purpose. Blood, like fresh produce, is a perishable element, with platelets having a limited lifetime of five days and red blood cells lasting 42 days. To manage the blood supply chain more effectively under demand and supply uncertainty, it is of considerable importance to developing a practical blood supply chain model. This paper proposed an essential blood supply chain model under demand and supply uncertainty. Methods. This study focused on how to manage the blood supply chain under demand and supply uncertainty effectively. A stochastic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model for the blood supply chain is proposed. Furthermore, this study conducted a sensitivity analysis to examine the impacts of the coefficient of demand and supply variation and the cost parameters on the average total cost and the performance measures (units of shortage, outdated units, inventory holding units, and purchased units) for both the blood center and hospitals. Results. Based on the results, the hospitals and the blood center can choose the optimal ordering policy that works best for them. From the results, we observed that when the coefficient of demand and supply variation is increased, the expected supply chain cost increased with more outdating units, shortages units, and holding units due to the impacts of supply and demand fluctuation. Variation in the inventory holding and expiration costs has an insignificant effect on the total cost. Conclusions. The model developed in this paper can assist managers and pathologists at the blood donation centers and hospitals to determine the most efficient inventory policy with a minimum cost based on the uncertainty of blood supply and demand. The model also performs as a decision support system to help health care professionals manage and control blood inventory more effectively under blood supply and demand uncertainty, thus reducing shortage of blood and expired wastage of blood.
Social Network Analysis of COVID-19 Public Discourse on Twitter: Implications for Risk Communication.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of social network analysis to understand public discourse on Twitter around the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We examined different network properties that might affect the successful dissemination by and adoption of public health messages from public health officials and health agencies. Methods We focused on conversations on Twitter during 3 key communication events from late January to early June of 2020. We used Netlytic, a Web-based software that collects publicly available data from social media sites such as Twitter. Results We found that the network of conversations around COVID-19 is highly decentralized, fragmented, and loosely connected; these characteristics can hinder the successful dissemination of public health messages in a network. Competing conversations and misinformation can hamper risk communication efforts in a way that imperil public health. Conclusions Looking at basic metrics might create a misleading picture of the effectiveness of risk communication efforts on social media if not analyzed within the context of the larger network. Social network analysis of conversations on social media should be an integral part of how public health officials and agencies plan, monitor, and evaluate risk communication efforts.
Determination of phosphate ion using lead ion-sensitive electrode

A lead ion-sensitive electrode responds to phosphate ion, and is successfully used for the determination of the ion in the concentration range of 10−5–10−1 M at a pH of 7–9 in the presence of 0.1 M sodium perchlorate and 5×10−2 M ammonium sulphate-ammonium hydroxide as ionic strength adjuster and pH buffer, respectively. The slope of the calibration curves is about −19 mV per decade of the concentration. The response reaches equilibrium within several min after immersing the electrode in the phosphate solution. Common anions, as F−, Cl−, Br−, NO3−, NO2− and HCO3s-, have little effect on the determination of phosphate ion, but OH−, HAsO42− and I− affect it.
The Vagaries of the In-Between: Labor Citizenship in the Persian Gulf

There is no precise English equivalent to this Hindustani proverb. A rolling stone gathers no moss, between the devil and the deep blue sea, between a rock and a hard place, torn between two masters—none of these really fit. The dhobi ka kuta is the dog who figuratively and literally runs every day between two places, two obligations, and two choices. Does he stay behind to guard the master's house or does he guard his master as he washes clothes by the river? There will be a trade-off either way. The phrase does not conjure up vagabond restlessness or nomadic liberation. It evokes the anxiety of rootlessness, and the lack of certainty about choice and loyalty. It is about the doubt cast your way for not picking one thing over the other. It is about being stuck in the vagaries of the in-between.