cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deal Making and Stock Picking: Better Be Optimistic than Good?

The common wisdom about sell-side analysts is that their recommendations tend to be overly optimistic under the pressure from their investment banking colleagues. This paper answers the question whether it is the optimistic analyst or the good analyst (an analyst with superior stock-picking ability) who increases the chance of winning equity mandates for investment banks. We find that analysts’ recommendation performance can explain their investment banks’ chance of winning future mandates. There is a positive relation between the performance of an analyst’s recent buy and strong buy recommendations and his bank’s chance of winning future underwriting mandates. The effect is significant for both raw stock performance as well as industry-adjusted stock performance. In contrast, the relation between an analyst’s optimism and his bank’s chance of winning future mandates is weakly negative. The results are robust after controlling for analyst and investment bank characteristics as well as past investment banking relationship. We conjecture that stock-picking earns analysts credibility among investors and this reputation plays an integral role in investment banks’ underwriting process. And we document anecdotal evidence to support our conjecture. The key finding of this paper identifies a countervailing force to the well-documented incentives for analysts to be optimistically biased. The current organization structure of investment banks, i.e., the affiliation between equity research and investment banking, has been blamed for analysts’ optimism due to the conflict of interest problem. The feedback effect identified in this paper suggests that the affiliation also provide analysts with incentive to be good rather than optimistic.
Wideband Cavity Tuned GaAs FET Oscillator

The design and performance of a cavity tuned GaAs FET oscillator operating from 5.35 to 12.75 GHz with FM capability is described. Experimental data of power, FM frequency response, FM linearity, and SSB phase noise are presented.
Survivin expression in patients with non-muscle-invasive urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder.

OBJECTIVES Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family that controls mitotic progression and induces tumor cell invasion. Our objectives were to evaluate the association of survivin expression with the presence of urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder and clinical outcomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining for survivin was performed on archival bladder tissue microarray specimens from 9 normal controls and 74 consecutive patients who had Stage Ta, Tis, and/or T1 disease on transurethral resection (TUR). Staining was also performed on cystectomy specimens from 22 of these patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for disease progression. Survivin was considered overexpressed when more than 10% of the cells expressed survivin. RESULTS Survivin was not expressed in normal bladder urothelium. Survivin was overexpressed in 53% of non-muscle-invasive bladder tumors. Overexpression of survivin was associated with greater tumor grade (P <0.001). On multivariate analyses adjusted for the effects of TUR stage, grade, and intravesical therapy, survivin overexpression was independently associated with cancer recurrence (hazard ratio 2.50, 95% confidence interval 1.09 to 5.69, P = 0.02) and progression (hazard ratio 3.87, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 13.24, P = 0.03), but not disease-specific survival (hazard ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 6.46, P = 0.07). A high concordance rate for survivin expression was found between the 22 matched TUR and cystectomy specimens (86%). CONCLUSIONS Survivin expression analysis performed on TUR specimens might help identify patients with non-muscle-invasive urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder at high risk of disease recurrence and progression who would benefit from closer follow-up or more aggressive therapy.
In-Situ Field Emission of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes possess various superior properties for use as field emitters, such as sharp tips with a nanometer-scale radius of curvature [1], high mechanical stiffness [2, 3, 4], high chemical stability [5], and unique electrical properties [6, 7]. Due to the unique tip geometry of the carbon nanotubes, their field emission property is one of the most attractive application [8], which has been extensively studied using the classical technique. In this chapter, we introduce a few novel applications of TEM in characterizing the field emission properties of carbon nanotubes, with a focus on the characteristics of individual carbon nanotubes.
Experimental studies on the toxemias of pregnancy

Summary 1. Following acute histamine poisoning in pregnant guinea pigs, a number of phenomena have been observed which are highly suggestive of premature separation of the normally implanted placenta as it occurs in women: the separation itself, engorgement of the vessels of the uterus and broad ligament, uterine spasm, hemorrhage into various organs, marked shock, and, histologically, edema of the uterine wall and degenerative changes in the liver and kidneys. 2. In carnivora, under similar conditions, histologic changes are produced which are suggestive of those found in women who died of eclampsia: peripheral necrosis of the liver (both of the anemic and hemorrhagic type) associated vdth the formation of thrombi and bile stasis, and in the kidney, degenerative changes in the epithelium of the convoluted tubules. 3. On the other hand, the administration of histamine to carnivora over a prolonged period results in changes in the liver and kidneys suggestive of those encountered in pernicious vomiting. Moreover, evidence has been adduced to show that the production of such changes can be prevented by the simultaneous administration of insulin. 4. The relation of histamine intoxication to the electrolytes in the blood, to the activity of the adrenals and the pituitary, and to the vasomotor center in the midbrain are discussed, and a possible explanation for the occurrence of hypertension is offered. 5. The striking similarity regarding blood chemistry in eclampsia and acute histamine intoxication, is emphasized, and local anesthesia is suggested as the procedure of choice in operations for premature separation of the placenta and for eclampsia. Transfusion forms an integral part of treatment in severe cases of premature separation of the normally implanted placenta. The liberal administration of oxygen—combined with an appropriate supply of glucose—is advocated in severe cases of eclampsia. 6. The possible sources of histamine during pregnancy and its biologic significance are discussed. 7. Finally, it should always be borne in mind that pure histamine and the various substances in the histamine group—a number of protein derivatives of unknown structure—have a similar biologic effect upon the vascular system.
Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Program for Active Duty Personnel Seeking Care for Low Back Pain in a U.S. Navy Medical Center: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACTThe aim of the pilot study was to evaluate a multidisciplinary program for nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) at a major U.S. Navy base. In this single blinded randomized clinical trial, subjects were drawn from a larger, prospective cohort of active duty service members seeking care for NSLBP pain at a U.S. Navy Branch Medical Clinic. Outcome measures included return to work, self-reported pain, function, and psychological distress. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two study arms: a multidisciplinary reconditioning program or the current standard of care for low back pain. The intervention lasted 4 weeks with a 12-week follow-up. Thirty-three subjects were enrolled. Subjects allocated to multidisciplinary care reported significantly lower perceived disability (p = 0.014) and less pain than those allocated to usual care at the end of the intervention period. All subjects returned to their usual duty following the conclusion of the intervention. The implementation of the intervention progr...
Length-Weight Relationships of Shrub-Steppe Invertebrates

The relationship between length and weight was investigated for common invertebrates inhabiting the shrub-steppe of south-central Washington. Three models were evaluated—a power function, an exponential function, and a linear function. The power function best describes adult and nymphal insects and Lepidoptera larvae. Coleoptera larvae were best described by a linear relationship, and Diptera larvae by an exponential function.
Commentary Opportunities for Innovation and Improvement in Advance Care Planning Using a Tethered Patient Portal in the Electronic Health Record

In the last 20 years, progress has been made to develop resources for advance care planning (ACP). Several ACP delivery tools have demonstrated progress, but more are needed to improve ACP delivery systems. Providers continue to indicate that increasing patient volume, increasing patient complexity, and an increasing paperwork burden have adversely affected quality ACP delivery. An increasing and ubiquitous use of health information technology, such as electronic health records and electronic health record-tethered patient portals, affords opportunities for innovation to streamline communication methods between providers and patients. In a medical culture that provides only limited time for physician and patient interactions, physician-patient communication using electronic health record-tethered patient portals may provide a time-efficient, low-cost mechanism for effective ACP.
Characteristics of Saccadic Gain Adaptation in Rhesus Macaques

Straube, Andreas, Albert F. Fuchs, Susan Usher, and Farrel R. Robinson. Characteristics of saccadic gain adaptation in rhesus macaques. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 874–895, 1997. We adapted the saccadic g...
Comparison of Two Methods of Producing Adaptation of Saccade Size and Implications for the Site of Plasticity

Scudder, Charles A., Ekatherina Y. Batourina, and George S. Tunder. Comparison of two methods of producing adaptation of saccade size and implications for the site of plasticity. J. Neurophysiol. 7...
Tobacco Pricing in Military Stores: Views of Military Policy Leaders.

Author(s): Smith, Elizabeth A; Jahnke, Sara A; Poston, Walker SC; Malone, Ruth E; Haddock, Christopher K | Abstract: IntroductionHigher tobacco taxes reduce tobacco use. On military installations, cigarettes and other tobacco products are sold tax-free, keeping prices artificially low. Pricing regulations in the military specify that tobacco should be within 5% of the local most competitive price, but prices still average almost 13% lower than those at local Walmarts.MethodsTo gain insight into policy leaders' ideas and positions on military tobacco pricing, we interviewed members of the Department of Defense (DoD) Addictive Substances Misuse Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee on Tobacco about tobacco pricing policies (n = 12).ResultsParticipants frequently lacked specific knowledge of details of military pricing policy, and the impact higher prices might have on military tobacco use. Most participants thought tobacco should not be sold at military stores, but many also felt that this policy change was unlikely due to tobacco industry pressure, and DoD reliance on tobacco profits to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation funds.ConclusionsAchieving a tobacco-free military will require changing pricing policy, but this study suggests that for effective implementation, military leadership must also understand and articulate more clearly the rationale for doing so.ImplicationsPrevious work has found that adherence to military tobacco pricing policy is inconsistent at best. This study suggests that lack of knowledge about the policy and conflicting pressures resulting from the funding stream tobacco sales represent extend to high level military policy leaders. Without clearer information and direction, these leaders are unlikely to be able to establish and implement better tobacco pricing policy.
The ethics of surgically invasive neuroscience research.

Abstract A clear understanding of distinctions and definitions is necessary before determining which types of surgically invasive neuroscience research should be permitted and how the experimental protocols can properly be undertaken. A failure to clarify the ethical distinctions in invasive neuroscience research hinders attempts at ethical analysis and guidance. At least four main distinctions need to be addressed: “invasiveness” as an important moral characteristic; special brain–mind-related risks; research participant selection; and ideologic interpretation of human function. Harm and not invasiveness is the metric by which to measure the ethical permissibility of research. Because of a class of harms to minds and selves, special attention should be paid to value considerations. These considerations need to be addressed by researchers, funders, and review boards to create proper safeguards from conception of research through final application of results.
Performance of Partitioned Homogeneous Multiprocessor Real-Time Scheduling Algorithms in Heterogeneous Environments

Hard real-time scheduling algorithms are most heavily studied in homogeneous systems. That is, systems that are composed of a single processor specification. As hardware continues to develop, we anticipate that legacy software will be deployed to hardware organizations for which it was not originally intended. We study the performance of standard homogeneous scheduling algorithms in heterogeneous environments via simulation, and conclude that heterogeneous systems do, in fact, offer the opportunity to markedly improve processor availability, though potentially at the cost of throughput.
Prehospital thrombolysis in myocardial infarction.

Studies comparing paramedic-initiated and hospital-initiated therapy show that the critical issue is not where or by whom thrombolysis is started but when it is started. Two of the greatest time-savers—and hence modifiers of infarct size and mortality—have been the introduction of the computer-interpreted ECG and simply alerting the hospital that a patient with a diagnosed acute MI will be arriving shortly.
Morphological and microstructural evidence for the origin and early evolution of ecphora (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Ecphora is one of the most easily recognized gastropod genera in late Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene marine formations in the southeastern United States. Its generally large size, strong spiral ribs, and brown, calcitic exterior are much prized by fossil collectors. However, despite speculations by Petuch (1988), its evolutionary origins have remained obscure. The present shell microstructural and mineralogical evidence suggests that the earliest ecphoras were entirely aragonitic and that the thick calcitic outer layer of the later Miocene and Pliocene species originated as a thin calcitic crust on the crests of the ribs of a latest Oligocene or earliest Miocene species.
How We Come to Be Who We Are: Constructing Identity around the World

Creating a “usable” national identity in the post-Cold War era places extraordinary stress upon political systems. Observers once assumed that this process was a matter of choice, that citizens and leaders were the sole judges of the historical and cultural characteristics they would build into their perceptions of national consciousness.1 In the post-Cold War era, however, the additional burden of considering world opinion and international reputation often strains nations to the point where rage appears to be the only reaction to a demanding international community. This symptom is not limited to the Islamic world; the negotiation of identity and its associated problems arise in a similar manner in other countries as well.
Race and Religion in Social Services

Members of non-dominant racial and religious groups may experience discrimination and inequalities in American society simply because of their race or religious affiliation. The experience may make recipients feel disempowered, humiliated, angry, and hopeless. Social service providers, including mental health counselors and social workers, are tasked with helping to improve individuals’ well-being in ways that range from basic needs to mental health. Given the growth in racial diversity and the role it plays in religion in the USA, it is important to understand social service providers’ experiences, thoughts, attitudes, or actions as they relate to the role of race and religion in service provision in order to better meet the needs of clients who may be marginalized and discriminated against. This qualitative study explored the research question of: What role do issues of race and religion play in social services. Themes identified included: (1) the marginalization of smaller racial and religious groups; (2) the existing assistance provided by religious organizations; and (3) the role of race and religion in social services. Findings from this study may contribute to a better understanding of the impact of race and religion on vulnerable populations in order to provide better social services.
Reduced Order Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Acoustic Particle Manipulation in Complex 3D Geometries

A reduced order computational model and imaging experiments are presented as a combined method to investigate migration and trapping of microscale particles within an ultrasonic droplet generator. Use of two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional representations of the three-dimensional (3D) device enables observation of acoustic focusing phenomena that are otherwise visually inaccessible. Our approach establishes relationships between system operating parameters and particle retention due to acoustic radiation forces that arise during atomization of heterogeneous particle suspensions. The droplet generator consists of a piezoelectric transducer for ultrasonic actuation, a resonant fluid-filled chamber, and an array of microscopic pyramidal nozzles. 2D visualization chips were produced through anodic bonding of glass to microfluidic reservoirs deep reactive ion etched in silicon. Open nozzle orifices of the 3D microarray were sealed in its 2D representation to facilitate filling and testing. Finite element analysis was used to model the harmonic response of the 2D assembly from 500 kHz to 2 MHz. The average nozzle tip pressure amplitude across the 2D array was then used to identify operating frequencies that correspond to optimal droplet ejection from the 3D device (ejection modes). The pressure field at these resonant frequencies predicts the equilibrium distribution of polymeric beads suspended in the reservoirs of the 2D chips. To qualitatively assess the accuracy of the model results, visualization experiments were performed at the first three ejection modes of the system (fn1 ≈ 620–680 kHz, fn2 ≈ 1.14 MHz, and fn3 ≈ 1.63 MHz) using 10 μm polystyrene beads. The model demonstrates a remarkable ability to capture the overall shape, as well as specific details of the terminal particle distributions, defined as the state with no further movement toward a pressure node or antinode. Finally, time course trials of acoustic focusing of heterogeneous particle suspensions were used to observe the influence of particle volume on the magnitude of the acoustic radiation force. A mixture of 5 μm and 20 μm diameter polystyrene beads was subjected to a standing acoustic field in the 2D chips. Particle position was recorded at 5 ms intervals until an equilibrium distribution was achieved. As expected, the larger beads focused much more rapidly than smaller beads, acquiring their final positions in seconds (versus 10s of seconds for the 5 μm particles). The method and results reported here serve as building blocks toward translation of an existing ultrasonic droplet generator into a high-throughput particle separation and isolation platform.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of minocycline against Acinetobacter baumannii in a neutropenic murine pneumonia model

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is increasingly more prevalent in nosocomial infections. Although in vitro susceptibility of A. baumannii to minocycline is promising, the in vivo efficacy of minocycline has not been well established. In this study, the in vivo activity of minocycline was evaluated in a neutropenic murine pneumonia model. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between minocycline exposure and bactericidal activity using five A. baumannii isolates with a broad range of susceptibility (MIC ranged from 0.25 mg/liter to 16 mg/liter). The pharmacokinetics of minocycline (single dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and a humanized regimen, given intraperitoneally) in serum and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were characterized. Dose linearity was observed for doses up to 50 mg/kg and pulmonary penetration ratios (area under the concentration-time curve in ELF from 0 to 24 h [AUCELF,0-24]/area under the concentration time curve in serum from 0 to 24 h [AUCserum,0-24]) ranged from 2.5 to 2.8. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics (PK-PD) index values in ELF for various dose regimens against different A. baumannii isolates were calculated. The maximum efficacy at 24 h was approximately 1.5-log-unit reduction of pulmonary bacterial burdens from baseline. The AUC/MIC ratio was the PK-PD index most closely correlating to the bacterial burden (r2 = 0.81). The required AUCELF,0-24/MIC for maintaining stasis and achieving 1-log-unit reduction were 140 and 410, respectively. These findings could guide the treatment of infections caused by A. baumannii using minocycline in the future. Additional studies to examine resistance development during therapy are warranted.
Numerical Sex Chromosome Abnormalities

The sex chromosomes show a much wider range of viable aneuploidy than do the autosomes, presumably for the following reasons. On the one hand, the Y chromosome seems to contain very few genes apart from those determining the male sex; on the other, all but one X chromosome in a cell are inactivated, forming X chromatin bodies in the interphase. This rule can be stated another way: there is one active X chromosome for each diploid complement of autosomes.
Eigenschaften der Probleme QTV, QSCF und QACF

Um ein besseres Verstandnis fur die Unterschiede der drei verschiedenen Replikationsprobleme zu erlangen, ist es hilfreich deren Losungen auf Existenz und Eindeutigkeit und weitere Eigenschaften zu untersuchen. Im Folgenden wird angenommen, dass die σ-Algebra ℱ0 nur fast-sichere Ereignisse enthalt. Ich beginne wie ublich mit der Frage nach Existenz und Eindeutigkeit.
A widely conserved bacterial cytoskeletal component influences unique helical shape and motility of the spirochete Leptospira biflexa.

Leptospires and other members of the evolutionarily ancient phylum of Spirochaetes are bacteria often characterized by long, highly motile spiral- or wave-shaped cells. Morphology and motility are critical factors in spirochete physiology, contributing to the ability of these bacteria to successfully colonize diverse environments. However, the mechanisms conferring the helical structure of Leptospira spp. have yet to be fully elucidated. We have identified five Leptospira biflexa bactofilin proteins, a recently characterized protein family with cytoskeletal properties. These five bactofilins are conserved in all species of the Leptospiraceae, indicating that these proteins arose early in the evolution of this family. One member of this protein family, LbbD, confers the optimal pitch distance in the helical structure of L. biflexa. Mutants lacking lbbD display a unique compressed helical morphology, a reduced motility and a decreased ability to tolerate cell wall stressors. The change in the helical spacing, combined with the motility and cell wall integrity defects, showcases the intimate relationship and coevolution between shape and motility in these spirochetes.
Causas de la poca recuperación de valor de los residuos de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos en Bogotá

This research aims to identify the causes of the low recovery of the value of this type of waste in the city of Bogota. This identification of causes was made through secondary sources of information and further validation through primary information sources; the latter conducted through surveys directed at the different actors in the supply chain of cell phones, computers and peripherals Bogota, later to make an analysis of convergence between the results found through the sources of information used in order to define the causes of the issues raised.
Oligomeric Structure and Three-Dimensional Fold of the HIV gp41 Membrane-Proximal External Region and Transmembrane Domain in Phospholipid Bilayers

The HIV-1 glycoprotein, gp41, mediates fusion of the virus lipid envelope with the target cell membrane during virus entry into cells. Despite extensive studies of this protein, inconsistent and contradictory structural information abounds in the literature about the C-terminal membrane-interacting region of gp41. This C-terminal region contains the membrane-proximal external region (MPER), which harbors the epitopes for four broadly neutralizing antibodies, and the transmembrane domain (TMD), which anchors the protein to the virus lipid envelope. Due to the difficulty of crystallizing and solubilizing the MPER-TMD, most structural studies of this functionally important domain were carried out using truncated peptides either in the absence of membrane-mimetic solvents or bound to detergents and lipid bicelles. To determine the structural architecture of the MPER-TMD in the native environment of lipid membranes, we have now carried out a solid-state NMR study of the full MPER-TMD segment bound to cholester...
Experiences With A Bench-Scale Electrochemical Plant

Electrochemical processing methods offer potential advantages in organic synthesis; however, only rarely do such processes reach commercial realization. One reason is the discomfort that traditional chemical engineers feel for this “non-traditional” technology. Having to deal with the special problems of power supply and distribution, membranes and electrodes while developing a process which also includes the normal problems of homo- and heterogeneous reactions, mass transfer and phase separation is often seen as an overwhelming burden. It is important, therefore, that research in organic electrochemical synthesis includes demonstration at a scale which is credible to the chemical engineers who will ultimately be responsible for developing the process to full scale. An important, yet often overlooked aspect of electrochemical process research is the interactions of the electrolysis with other unit operations. The unit operations relevant to this paper are diagrammed in Figure 1. Only with continuous operation of the entire process can problems arising from these interactions be identified and addressed. This paper describes our experiences in taking a new electrochemical reaction through various stages of development ta a bench-scale demonstration which include continuous feed of starting and continuous separation of product.
Micromagnetism of Small Structures

We discuss the switching of the magnetization in ultra-thin films, multilayers, nano-wires and particles. Results of Monte Carlo simulation are compared with experiments. Our results illustrates the importance of the dipolar interaction and the many subtle ways in which this interaction raise its interesting head. Interpretation of experimental data in terms of the uniform rotation picture is found to be inadequate. Some details of the simulation will also be discussed.
Production and characterization of TRISO fuel particles with multilayered SiC

Abstract Three distinct composite architectures of silicon carbide (SiC) and pyrocarbon (PyC) were incorporated into the SiC coating layer of tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel particles. The composite architectures are meant to increase the resistance of SiC coating layer to cracking and fission product attack during operation and accident scenarios. All composite layers were produced using the existing fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition apparatus that is used for production of TRISO fuel particles without modifications. Detailed characterization of the composite microstructure was carried out via optical and electron microscopy. Nano-indentation examination confirms that mechanical properties of the SiC phase was not affected in the composite architectures, however, the resistance to crack propagation in this coating layer was greatly increased in all cases when compared to the reference monolithic coating layer. The stress required to debond the SiC-inner PyC interface in the reference TRISO particles was determined to be ∼1 GPa using micropillar compression technique. The high strength may explain the ease of crack propagation from the inner PyC to SiC in the reference design. In the composite architectures, the means of crack deflection were effectively incorporated at this interface. Finite element analysis of stress evolution in the fuel particles during normal operation with the reference and composite SiC coating layer architectures did not show any significant differences between the variants.
Anorectal Physiology Testing

During the past several decades, anal physiology testing has afforded us a more complete understanding of the complex interactions between pelvic anatomy and physiology. Techniques have been improved and validated in both normal volunteers and in states of disease. This chapter will give a detailed overview of the differing methods of anal physiology testing and provide clinical correlations as to when these tests may be useful, or conversely, in which situations clinical judgment should supersede testing.
Classic hairy cell leukemia complicated by pancytopenia and severe infection: a report of 3 cases treated with vemurafenib.

Key Points Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HCL patients, and myelosuppressive therapies increase the risk of poor outcomes. Vemurafenib achieves rapid hematologic improvement in HCL and may facilitate management during life-threatening infection.
Percutaneous renal mass biopsy: historical perspective, current status, and future considerations.

Introduction: Percutaneous renal mass biopsy has evolved over the last decade with improvements on previous pitfalls including low tissue yield, high non-diagnostic rates, and complications. As und...
Electro-reduction of organics on metal cathodes: A multiscale-modeling study of benzaldehyde on Au (111)

Abstract We present a multiscale modeling study on the electro-reduction of benzaldehyde (BZY) on Au(111) under realistic electrochemical conditions. To model the electrochemical cell, we adopt a capacitor model in which complex solvents are confined between a Au cathode and a carbon anode. Classical molecular dynamics simulations reveal that electrode charge density and the presence of alcohol show strong effects on the density, adsorption geometry and dynamics of benzaldehyde on the Au electrode. Under charging conditions, the surface concentration of benzaldehyde on the Au electrode decreases, while the content of other species increases. Finally, we proposed a scheme that correlates the electric current running through the Au/solvent interface with the applied bias. This study provides a molecular level understanding of how solvent composition, in this case water/alcohol content, controls the activity of electrocatalytic hydrogenation
Linking vegetation cover and seasonal thaw depths in interior Alaska permafrost terrains using remote sensing

Abstract Permafrost in Interior Alaska is protected against summer thaw by an insulating layer of moss and mixed vegetative cover that regulates seasonal thaw and the end-of-summer season permafrost active layer depth. Thaw depths are laborious point scale measurements that can be difficult to translate regionally. Since disturbances are present on the landscape across many temporal and spatial scales they can greatly affect the soil and vegetation regime. Furthermore, many areas are denied full assessment due to terrain complexity or limited accessibility. As such, a remotely sensed means for estimating surface thaw based on insular vegetation composition would be advantageous. A synoptic evaluation of this insulating layer could eventually benefit regional mapping of areas where vegetation cover helps regulate thaw depths during the local growing season. Herein, we present multi-year data collected from three terrain types in Interior Alaska that relates seasonal thaw depth to vegetative cover type. Field samples for spectral reflectance, vegetation, soil, elevation and seasonal thaw depths were obtained from surveyed 1 m2 quadrats during the local growing season (late July, each summer from 2014 to 2017) across three lowland boreal landscapes. Statistical relationships between vegetation and samples were explored using CCA and showed vegetative cover distributions were highly correlated in two dimensions with the principal variables represented almost evenly by the soil variable pH and thaw depth. Class maps representing vegetation and associated thaw depth were derived from hyperspectral imagery using field and imagery training data. Map accuracy assessment, conducted using random points to establish truth data, yielded overall accuracies of >85%. Regression analysis and root mean square error testing of the predictive capacity of the vegetation classes and thaw depth was variable but encouraging, ranging from 5 to 11 cm or between an 8 and 37% chance of error. We feel the results are strong enough to stimulate more study in the evaluation of vegetation and thaw depth mapping during the local growing season.
Early-life injury produces lifelong neural hyperexcitability, cognitive deficit and altered defensive behaviour in the squid Euprymna scolopes

Injury occurring in the neonatal period in mammals is known to induce plasticity in pain pathways that may lead to pain dysfunction in later life. Whether these effects are unique to the mammalian ...
Student Perceptions of a Novel Approach to Promote Professionalism Using Peer Evaluation in a Team-Based Learning™ Setting: a Quality Improvement Project.

Development of professional behaviors, including communication and interprofessional collaboration, is an important competency during medical school that is difficult to teach in the classroom. We developed an approach to peer evaluation for use in Team-Based Learning that has two novel components: inclusion of a non-numeric sliding scale ranging from “apprentice” to “expert” to assess professional development on a continuum, and incorporation of a structured face-to-face feedback session. Students liked the format of the face-to-face feedback session, felt it gave them an opportunity to better understand their peers’ comments, and thought it was more effective than the anonymous written evaluation tool.
Determining the Inherent Selectivity for Carbon Radical Hydroxylation versus Halogenation with Fe III (OH)(X) Complexes: Relevance to the Rebound Step in Non-heme Iron Halogenases.

The first structural models of the proposed cis-FeIII(OH)(halide) intermediate in the non-heme iron halogenases were synthesized and examined for their inherent reactivity with tertiary carbon radicals. Selective hydroxylation occurs for these cis-FeIII(OH)(X) (X = Cl, Br) complexes in a radical rebound-like process. In contrast, a cis-FeIII(Cl)2 complex reacts with carbon radicals to give halogenation. These results are discussed in terms of the inherent reactivity of the analogous rebound intermediate in both enzymes and related catalysts.
Experiments in a Large Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel: Upstream Terrain Effects on Surface Pressures Acting on a Low-Rise Structure

AbstractAn extensive series of experiments in a large boundary layer wind tunnel (BLWT) was carried out at the University of Florida (UF) Natural Hazard Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) ...
Trajectory optimization of quadrotor uav based on Bessel curve

Aiming at the problem that there could be a lot of non-differentiable points in the displacement, velocity and acceleration functions of the trajectory generated in the path planning of Four-rotor UAV, an optimization method based on Bessel curve's minimum and high-order displacement derivative trajectory is proposed. Firstly, the trajectory is optimized by the method of minimum displacement derivative, which provides input for the Four-rotor position loop controller. Secondly, the Bessel curve is introduced to the optimization function. By discussing the flight constraints of the Four-rotor UAV, the trajectory is transformed into a convex quadratic programming problem and solved by the interior point method. Finally, the trajectory is created by using the fast marching algorithm to optimize the simulation before and after. The simulation results show that the optimized trajectory is continuous and differentiable, which solves the problem of energy loss during flight.
Detecting Gender Stereotypes: Lexicon vs. Supervised Learning Methods

Biases in language influence how we interact with each other and society at large. Language affirming gender stereotypes is often observed in various contexts today, from recommendation letters and Wikipedia entries to fiction novels and movie dialogue. Yet to date, there is little agreement on the methodology to quantify gender stereotypes in natural language (specifically the English language). Common methodology (including those adopted by companies tasked with detecting gender bias) rely on a lexicon approach largely based on the original BSRI study from 1974. In this paper, we reexamine the role of gender stereotype detection in the context of modern tools, by comparatively analyzing efficacy of lexicon-based approaches and end-to-end, ML-based approaches prevalent in state-of-the-art natural language processing systems. Our efforts using a large dataset show that even compared to an updated lexicon-based approach, end-to-end classification approaches are significantly more robust and accurate, even when trained by moderately sized corpora.
Designing Evolutionary-based Interception Strategies to Block the Transition from Precursor Phases to Multiple Myeloma

The development of next-generation sequencing technology has dramatically improved our understanding of the genetic landscape of multiple myeloma. Several new drivers and recurrent events have been reported and linked to a potential driver role. This complex landscape is enhanced by intraclonal mutational heterogeneity and variability introduced through the dimensions of time and space. The evolutionary history of multiple myeloma is driven by both the accumulation of different genomic drivers and by the activity of different mutational processes active overtime. In this review, we describe how these new findings and sequencing technologies have been progressively allowed to understand and reshape our knowledge of the complexity of multiple myeloma at each of its developmental stages: premalignant, at diagnosis, and in relapsed/refractory states. We discuss how these evolutionary concepts can be utilized in the clinic to alter evolutionary trajectories providing a framework for therapeutic intervention at early-disease stages.
Predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibition in a real world gynecologic cancer population.

Prognostic factors for immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) response in gynecologic cancer are limited. This retrospective study aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with improved overall response rate (ORR) and progression free survival (PFS) in gynecologic cancer patients receiving at least two cycles of CPI. PFS was compared by univariate cox regressions. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used for prognostic factors of PFS and ORR. 72 patients were identified (20 ovarian, 36 endometrial, 13 cervix, 1 vaginal, 2 others). Immune related adverse events (IRAE) occurred in 40.3% of patients (29/72). IRAE was associated with higher ORR (44.8% IRAE vs 20.9% no IRAE, OR 3.1, p = 0.024), improved PFS (12.9 m IRAE vs 4.7 m no IRAE, HR 0.43, p = 0.004) and improved OS (22.9 m IRAE vs 12.2 m no IRAE, HR 0.47, p = 0.021). Additionally, Clear cell histology had superior ORR compared to MSI stable endometrial and ovarian cancers (ORR 57.1% vs 11.8%, OR 10.0, p = 0.032). Responders more often had ARIDIA mutation, PI3K/PTEN alteration and less often had a P53 mutation. In a subset of six MSI-H, recurrent, chemo-naive endometrial cancer ORR was 83.3%. Overall, we found favorable outcomes after CPI for clear cell tumors and patients who developed IRAE. Additionally, first-line systemic therapy with CPI in recurrent MSI-H endometrial cancer had encouraging ORR with durable responses.
The Intestinal and Oral Microbiomes Are Robust Predictors of COVID-19 Severity the Main Predictor of COVID-19-related Fatality [preprint]

ABSTRACT The reason for the striking differences in clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients is still poorly understood. While most recover, a subset of people become critically ill and succumb to the disease. Thus, identification of biomarkers that can predict the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease is key to help prioritize patients needing urgent treatment. Given that an unbalanced gut microbiome is a reflection of poor health, we aim to identify indicator species that could predict COVID-19 disease clinical outcomes. Here, for the first time and with the largest COVID-19 patient cohort reported for microbiome studies, we demonstrated that the intestinal and oral microbiome make-up predicts respectively with 92% and 84% accuracy (Area Under the Curve or AUC) severe COVID-19 respiratory symptoms that lead to death. The accuracy of the microbiome prediction of COVID-19 severity was found to be far superior to that from training similar models using information from comorbidities often adopted to triage patients in the clinic (77% AUC). Additionally, by combining symptoms, comorbidities, and the intestinal microbiota the model reached the highest AUC at 96%. Remarkably the model training on the stool microbiome found enrichment of Enterococcus faecalis, a known pathobiont, as the top predictor of COVID-19 disease severity. Enterococcus faecalis is already easily cultivable in clinical laboratories, as such we urge the medical community to include this bacterium as a robust predictor of COVID-19 severity when assessing risk stratification of patients in the clinic.
Reproductive Health and Pregnancy in Transitional-Age Youth

During the transitional age period between adolescence and adulthood, youth are engaged in the developmental tasks of moving toward self-sufficiency, pursuing education and employment, and negotiating intimate relationships. For a variety of reasons, transitional age youth are vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors that could lead to unintended pregnancy. This chapter gives an overview of reproductive health and unintended pregnancy, the risk factors for unintended pregnancy, negative outcomes of pregnancy, contraception options, and mental health in pregnancy. In addition, particularly vulnerable groups to the transitional age period and pregnancy will be discussed, including those with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) population. Finally, we make recommendations about policy changes that could help reduce unintended pregnancy.
Estrus Synchronization and Reproduction Management of Beef Herds in the South

Since cows must be cycling for synchronization to be effective, this paper outlines management practices successful in the south and trials underway to improve estrus synchronization in Brahman type cattle.
Politics and aesthetics in The diary of Virginia Woolf

In this critical study, Tidwell examines the conflict of aesthetics and politics in The Diary of Virginia Woolf. As a modernist writer concerned with contemporary aesthetic theories, Woolf experimented with limiting the representative nature of writing. At the same time, as a feminist, Woolf wanted to incorporate her political interests in her fiction, but overt political statement conflicted with her aesthetic ideals. Her solution was to combine innovative narrative techniques and subject matter traditionally associated with women. Tidwell analyzes several of Woolf's novels, including To the Lighthouse, Jacob's Room, and Between the Acts to elucidate the diary's technique and form, as well as to cast it as a valuable contribution to Woolf's canon.
Circulation of the pancreas and salivary glands

The sections in this article are: 1 Anatomical Considerations 1.1 Blood vessels 1.2 Lymph Vessels 1.3 Nerves 2 Basal Hemodynamics and Oxygenation 3 Intrinsic Regulation of Blood Flow and Oxygenation 3.1 Metabolic Regulation 3.2 Myogenic Regulation 3.3 Kallikrein-Kinin Regulation 3.4 Evidence for Intrinsic Vasoregulation 4 Functional Hyperemia 4.1 Characteristics of Functional Hyperemia 4.2 Mediators of Functional Hyperemia 5 Circulatory Adjustments to Hyperplasia 6 Transcapillary Fluid and Solute Exchange 6.1 Ultrastructural Basis of Capillary Exchange 6.2 Transcapillary Fluid Exchange 6.3 Interaction of Capillary and Interstitial Forces During Stimulated Secretion 6.4 Microvascular Permeability 7 Extrinsic Regulation of Blood Flow 7.1 Sympathetic Nerve Stimulation 8 Pharmacology 9 Summary
Chapter 4 International practice in high-level nuclear waste management

Abstract Over the past five decades a huge quantity of high-level nuclear (radioactive) waste has accumulated worldwide in 30 countries. Despite the fact that high-level waste presents serious hazard to human health and the environment, not a single facility for disposal of high-level waste exits anywhere in the world. This paper presents a discussion of the utilization of nuclear energy on a global basis as well as the current practice of temporary storage and planned management of high-level waste. Progress made by Finland, Sweden, and the U.S.A. in finalizing permanent deep geological repositories is reviewed. Details of the Yucca Mountain Project, U.S.A., the Olkiluoto site in Finland, and Oskarshamn and Osthammar sites in Sweden are presented in the paper. Status of plans for permanent disposal of high-level waste by other countries is summarized. The recently proposed concept of shared regional/international deep geological repository is reviewed.
Mixed lineage leukemia histone methylases play critical roles in estrogen-mediated regulation of HOXC13.

HOXC13, a homeobox-containing gene, is involved in hair development and human leukemia. The regulatory mechanism that drives HOXC13 expression is mostly unknown. Our studies have demonstrated that HOXC13 is transcriptionally activated by the steroid hormone estrogen (17β-estradiol; E2). The HOXC13 promoter contains several estrogen-response elements (EREs), including ERE1 and ERE2, which are close to the transcription start site, and are associated with E2-mediated activation of HOXC13. Knockdown of the estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ suppressed E2-mediated activation of HOXC13. Similarly, knockdown of mixed lineage leukemia histone methylase (MLL)3 suppressed E2-induced activation of HOXC13. MLLs (MLL1–MLL4) were bound to the HOXC13 promoter in an E2-dependent manner. Knockdown of either ERα or ERβ affected the E2-dependent binding of MLLs (MLL1–MLL4) into HOXC13 EREs, suggesting critical roles of ERs in recruiting MLLs in the HOXC13 promoter. Overall, our studies have demonstrated that HOXC13 is transcriptionally regulated by E2 and MLLs, which, in coordination with ERα and ERβ, play critical roles in this process. Although MLLs are known to regulate HOX genes, the roles of MLLs in hormone-mediated regulation of HOX genes are unknown. Herein, we have demonstrated that MLLs are critical players in E2-dependent regulation of the HOX gene.