cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Structure of Lead-Indium Phosphate Glass

Lead-indium phosphate-lasses exhibit a number of useful properties such as a hi-h index-of-refraction, low preparation temperature and melt viscosity, and good chemical durability. The structure of such a glass (composition in wt.%: 65 PbO, 29 P{sub 2}O{sub 5}, 6 In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) has been investigated by total neutron scattering using the GLAD diffractometer at Argonne`s spallation neutron source IPNS. Peaks corresponding to the P-0, Pb-O/ln-O, and O-O pairs were observed in the radial distribution function. The short-range structure in the -lass, in terms of average coordination numbers and bond distances, is compared with those of a pure P{sub 2}O{sub 5} glass and with the crystal structure of lead pyrophosphate, Pb{sub 2}P{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Unlike silicate glasses in which the SiO{sub 4} tetrahedra form a 3-dimensional network, the PO{sub 4} tetrahedra in phosphate glasses form a chain-like structure. The structural modification by the lead cations in phosphate glasses appears to occur mainly in the medium range-affecting, the lengths and connectivity of the chain-like structure.
Estimating average tree crown size using spatial information from Ikonos and QuickBird images: Across-sensor and across-site comparisons

Abstract The forest canopy is the medium for energy, mass, and momentum exchanges between the forest ecosystem and the atmosphere. Tree crown size is a critical aspect of canopy structure that significantly influences these biophysical processes in the canopy. Tree crown size is also strongly related to other canopy structural parameters, such as tree height, diameter at breast height and biomass. But information about tree crown sizes is difficult to obtain and rarely available from traditional forest inventory. The study objective was to test the hypothesis that a model previously developed for estimation of tree crown size can be generalized across sensors and sites. Our study sites include the Racoon Ecological Management Area in southeast Ohio, USA and the Duke Forest in North Carolina Piedmont, USA. We sampled a series of circular plots in the summers of 2005 and 2007. We derived average tree crown diameter (CD) for trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) greater than 6.4 cm (2.5 in) for each sampling plot. We developed statistical models using image spatial information from Ikonos and QuickBird images as the independent variable and CD for stands in Ohio as the dependent variable. The models provide an explanation of tree crown size for the hardwood stands comparable to other approaches ( R 2 = ∼ 0.5 and RMSE = 0.83 m). Moreover, the models that estimate tree crown size using the ratio of image variances at two spatial resolutions can be applied across sensors and sites, i.e. the statistical models developed with Ikonos images can be applied directly to estimate tree crown size with QuickBird image, and the statistical models developed in Ohio can be applied directly to estimate tree crown size with images in North Carolina. These results indicate that the model developed based on image variance ratio at two spatial resolutions can be used to take advantage of existing sampling plot data and images to estimate CD with more recent images, enhancing the efficiency of forest resources inventory and monitoring.
Development and evaluation of an experimental model of cutaneous columnaris disease in koi Cyprinus carpio.

A reproducible, experimental model of columnaris disease was developed to study the pathogen- esis of cutaneous disease associated with Flavobacterium columnare infection in koi (Cyprinus carpio). In experimental infections, lesions were usually restricted to skin and fins; gill necrosis was not a consistent finding. Cytologic and histopathologic examinations provided a presumptive diagnosis of columnaris disease. Specific detection of F. columnare was done using the polymerase chain reaction and DNA in situ hybridization (ISH). Polymerase chain reaction allowed the detection of F. columnare in fresh biological material and in formalin- fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. The DNA ISH technique allowed the identification and localization ofF. columnare in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Using these molecular techniques,F. columnare was readily detected in skin specimens from infected fish; however, the bacterium was infrequently detected in specimens of liver, kidney, and spleen. These observations suggest that columnaris disease generally presents as a cutaneous disease that is unassociated with systemic infection in koi. Hematologic studies indicated that most infected koi developed microcytic, normochromic, nonregenerative anemia and leukopenia characterized by lymphopenia, mild neutrophilia, and monocytosis. Biochemical changes in diseased fish included significant hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, and hypochloridemia.
State of multi-hop wireless networking

Multi-hop wireless networks are potentially useful in many applications, and consequently, research in recent years has explored many different instantiations of such networks. These include mobile ad hoc networks, mesh networks, sensor networks, and delay-tolerant networks. The goal of this talk is to assess the current state of the art in this area, and to identify the significant research challenges as well as practical difficulties in deploying such networks.
GaAlAs semiconductor diode laser 4-ary frequency shift key modulation at 100 Mbit/s

4-ary FSK modulation of a semiconductor diode laser by injection current modulation has been demonstrated at a rate of 100 Mbit/s. The injection current modulator has a modular design which allows expansion to M-ary FSK with independent control of each tone frequency. The design allows considerable flexibility in the logical relationship between the source data and the selected frequency tones.
Repressive Coverage in an Authoritarian Context: Threat, Weakness, and Legitimacy in South Korea's Democracy Movement

While most studies of the repression-mobilization relationship have focused on the impact of the former on the latter, recent work has shown that characteristics of protest can influence state repression strategies. This article corroborates recent work on the repression of social movements and shows that both weak and threatening attributes of protest events contribute to the “repressive coverage”—the likelihood of repression—of social movements in an authoritarian context. In addition, results from logistic regressions show that authoritarian states not only respond to weak-status actors and situational threats but also act strategically to repress social movements that challenge their political legitimacy. This article extends the scope of the repression-mobilization literature by differentiating factors affecting the repressive strategy of a non-Western authoritarian state.
Arbitration as an Article of Constitutional Faith

Scarcely any legal question arises in the United States that is not resolved, sooner or later, through arbitration. If Alexis de Tocqueville could survey contemporary American legal culture, he would rub his eyes with amazement at the privatization of adjudication across a wide swath of issues previously committed to judicial resolution. From trade disputes posing serious questions of economic diplomacy to consumer contracts adhering to cell phones and credit cards, mandatory arbitration has displaced conventional adjudication. In the country that de Tocqueville characterized as driven by its dedication to constitutional lawmaking through litigation, arbitration has become a dominant form of dispute resolution with little if any direct doctrinal influence by federal constitutional law. This is the overriding theme of Peter B. Rutledge’s book, Arbitration and the Constitution (Cambridge, 2012).
Analysis of high mass-to-charge ions in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer via an end-cap quadrupolar direct current downscan.

A method for performing mass-selective instability analysis in a three-dimensional (3-D) quadrupole ion trap is described that involves scanning a direct current (dc) voltage applied to the end-cap electrodes while holding the radio frequency (rf) potential at a fixed value. Rather than eject at the sz = 1 instability line by ramping the amplitude of the drive rf potential applied to the ring electrode, as with the original mass-selective instability scan, this approach effects ion ejection along the sz = 0 instability line in a process identical in principle (though it varies in its method of implementation) to the previously termed “downscan” (Todd, J. F. J.; Penman, A. D.;Smith, R. D.Int. J. Mass Spectrom. Ion Processes 1991, 106, 117−135). A linear scan of the dc amplitude results in a nonlinear mass scale, unlike the conventional resonance ejection scan with a linear scan of the rf amplitude, and the ejection of ions in the direction of high mass-to-charge (m/z) to low m/z. However, the downscan offe...
An active experiment with earthquake fault for an estimation of the in situ stress

An active experiment was attempted in the San Jacinto fault zone near Anza, California, during the summer of 1969 for the purpose of measuring the tectonic stress which is believed to exist there. The experiment consisted of a “trigger experiment” and a “shaker experiment.” In the former, we measured the near field and far field of seismic waves from a buried explosion in an attempt to detect a microearthquake which might have been triggered by the explosion. The radiation pattern of seismic waves from the microearthquake should indicate the nature of existing tectonic stress. In the shaker experiment, a precise measurement of change of apparent seismic velocity was made before and after the explosion in the nearby granitic rocks by the use of a special hydraulic oscillator. Explosives totaling 1000 lb were detonated in four holes, 20 m deep, and spaced linearly 20 m apart. The results were negative, indicating that the above size of the experiment is not large enough for our purpose, and also that rocks at shallow depths in the fault zone are cracked in place and may not be capable of sustaining tectonic stress.
Evaluation of Quality of Life in 77 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

Objective:To evaluate the quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) patients and to investigate the relevant solutions.Methods: Short form 36(SF-36) health survey questionnaires were conducted in 77 AIS patients so as to evaluate the quality of life and find relevant solutions.Results: Except physiological functions,the scores for physical activity,emotions,social management function,physical pain,vitality,emotional health,general health status and quality of life were remarkably decreased in AIS patients compared with controls(P0.01 or P0.05).After treatment with surgery or brace,the quality of life was significantly elevated compared with before treatment(P0.01).Conclusion:Proper management and early mental intervention can improve the quality of life for AIS patients.
Virus-specific T cells in the central nervous system following infection with an avirulent neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus

Intracerebral infection of mice with the neurotropic JHM strain of mouse hepatitis virus usually results in a fatal encephalomyelitis. However, infection with the neutralization resistant mutant, 2.2/7.2-V-2, results in inflammatory cell infiltration of the central nervous system with no apparent clinical symptoms, while conferring resistance to subsequent challenge with a lethal dose of wild type JHMV. The mononuclear cells infiltrating the brains of JHMV variant 2.2/7.2-V-2 infected mice were isolated and characterized. Virus-specific T cells which proliferated in response to JHMV antigen and produced both IL-2 and IFN-g were present among mononuclear cells infiltrating the brain as early as day 5 post-infection. The results suggest that the local immune response within the CNS may be important in dictating the outcome of disease following infections with neurotropic viruses.
Chapter 84 – Potassium, Sodium, and Chloride Channels in Smooth Muscle Cells

The opening of potassium (K + ) channels mediates hyperpolarization and vasodilation of small arteries and arterioles, thereby modulating blood flow to critical organs and regulating blood pressure. Many gene families of K + channels with unique properties act in concert to determine the level of vascular tone, and also to mediate specialized dilator responses to endothelial factors, metabolic stimuli or mechanical stress. This chapter will emphasize several types of K + channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that provide a critical dilator influence in different vascular beds. Subsequently, we will focus on two of the lesser studied ion channels in SMCs, the voltage-gated Na + channels and the Cl - channel families, which may participate in the regulation of vascular SMC excitability. Our discussion of each ion channel also will briefly broaden to include the non-vascular SMCs of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Ultimately, the ion channel families expressed in SMCs will collectively modulate cell excitability so that SMC-containing organs can optimally perform their physiological functions.
IBA, Juvenility, and Position on Ortets Influence Propagation of Carolina Buckthorn from Softwood Cuttings

Abstract Carolina buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana Walt.) has horticultural potential but is not often propagated or grown as a nursery crop. My objective was to determine how three concentrations of...
Arctic and East Asia Winter Climate Variations Associated with the Eastern Atlantic Pattern

AbstractThe wintertime Arctic temperature (T; surface–400 hPa) decreased from 1979 to 1997 and increased rapidly from 1998 to 2012, in contrast to the global mean surface air temperature. Here aspects of circulation variability that are associated with these temperature changes are examined using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and ERA-Interim products. It is found that the Nordic–Siberia seesaw of meridional winds near 70°N is associated with two-thirds of the variance of the Arctic winter mean T, possibly contributing to the cooling and warming trends. It is suggested here that the seesaw accounts for much of the difference in Arctic amplification between observations and climate models. Growth of sea ice in winter is hindered by southerly winds over the Nordic region (0°–60°E). Through modulation of the wind seesaw, the eastern Atlantic (EA) pattern is found to be significantly associated with Arctic and East Asia winter climate variations. In one phase of the EA pattern, a midlatitude North Atlantic ridge an...
What is a programming language, really?

In computing, we usually take a technical view of programming languages (PL), defining them as formal means of specifying a computer behavior. This view shapes much of the research that we do on PL, determining the questions we ask about them, the improvements we make to them, and how we teach people to use them. But to many people, PL are not purely technical things, but socio-technical things. This paper describes several alternative views of PL and how these views can reshape how we design, evolve, and use programming languages in research and practice.
Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin.

Background Gabapentinoid (pregabalin and gabapentin) abuse is increasingly being reported.
Implications of HCV RNA level at week 4 of direct antiviral treatments for hepatitis C.

We aimed to determine whether the HCV viral load after four weeks of treatment (W4VL) with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) predicts sustained virologic response (SVR) in a real-world clinical setting. We identified 21 095 patients who initiated DAA-based antiviral treatment in the national Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system from 01/01/2014 to 06/30/2015. Week 4 viral load was categorized as undetectable, detectable below quantification (DBQ), detectable above quantification (DAQ) with viral load ≤42 IU/mL and DAQ with viral load >42 IU/mL. Week 4 viral load was undetectable in 36.1%, detectable below quantification in 45.6%, DAQ ≤42 in 9.3%, DAQ >42 in 9.1%. Detectable above quantification was much more common and undetectable week 4 viral load much less common when tested with the Abbott RealTime HCV assay vs the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Version 2 assay. Compared to patients with undetectable week 4 viral load (SVR=93.5%), those with detectable below quantification (SVR=91.8%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.79, P-value=.001), DAQ ≤42 (SVR=90.0%, AOR 0.63, P-value 42 (SVR=86.2%, AOR 0.52, P-value<.001) had progressively lower likelihood of achieving SVR after adjusting for baseline characteristics and treatment duration. Among genotype 1-infected patients who were potentially eligible for 8-week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir monotherapy, we did not find evidence that treatment for 12 weeks instead of 8 weeks was associated with higher SVR, even among those with detectable above quantification. In summary, DBQ and DAQ W4VL are very common in real-world practice, contrary to what was reported in clinical trials, and strongly predict reduced SVR across genotypes and clinically relevant patient subgroups. Whether and how week 4 viral load results should influence treatment decisions requires further study.
Distributed Memory Partitioning of High-Throughput Sequencing Datasets for Enabling Parallel Genomics Analyses

State-of-the-art high-throughput sequencing instruments decipher in excess of a billion short genomic fragments per run. The output sequences are referred to as 'reads'. These read datasets facilitate a wide variety of analyses with applications in areas such as genomics, metagenomics, and transcriptomics. Owing to the large size of the read datasets, such analyses are often compute and memory intensive. In this paper, we present a parallel algorithm for partitioning large-scale read datasets in order to facilitate distributed-memory parallel analyses. During the process of partitioning the read datasets, we construct and partition the associated de Bruijn graph in parallel. This allows applications that make use of a variant of the de Bruijn graph, such as de novo assembly, to directly leverage the generated de Bruijn graph partitions. In addition, we propose a mechanism for evaluating the quality of the generated partitions of reads and demonstrate that our algorithm produces high quality partitions. Our implementation is available at github.com/ParBLiSS/read_partitioning.
Pointfree pointwise convergence, Baire functions, and epimorphisms in truncated archimedean ℓ-groups

Abstract We define pointfree pointwise convergence, and use it to define the Baire functions on a locale. The main result is that the Baire functions on a locale coincide with the continuous functions on its P-locale coreflection. Furthermore, we show that the Baire functions on a locale constitute the epicompletion of the continuous functions in the relevant category. The relevant category is T, the category of truncated archimedean l-groups, hereafter nicknamed truncs. T is closely related to the famous category W of unital archimedean l-groups. The universal objects in T are of the form R 0 L , the trunc of real-valued locale maps L → R which vanish at the designated point of a pointed locale L. We provide an intuitive definition of pointwise convergence in R 0 L which extends the classical definition, and show that it has a number of nice properties: all homomorphisms and operations of T are pointwise continuous, and a pointwise dense extension is a trunc epimorphism. Conversely, we show that every epic extension G → H has an epic extension H → K such that G is pointwise dense in K. We show that the rich theory of epimorphisms in W carries over to T with only minor modification. In particular, the epicomplete truncs comprise a full monoreflective subcategory, and are characterized as those objects of the form R 0 P for a P-locale P. In light of these facts, a reformulation of the last clause of the preceding paragraph is that any trunc is pointwise dense in any epicompletion. And a trunc is epicomplete iff it is pointwise complete, i.e., has no proper extension in which it is pointwise dense. Finally, for a given pointed locale L, we define the functions of Baire class α on L in the classical fashion. A function is Baire class 0 if it lies in R 0 L , and of Baire class β if it is the pointwise limit of a sequence of functions of Baire class α β . A Baire function on L is a function of Baire class α for some α. Our results can be summarized as follows. Theorem For a pointed locale L with P-locale coreflection P ⁎ L → L , the Baire functions on L are precisely the continuous functions on P ⁎ L , i.e., those of R 0 P ⁎ L . Theorem The embedding R 0 L → R 0 P ⁎ L is the functorial epicompletion in T.
A genetic algorithm approach for clearing aggregator offers in a demand response exchange

In this paper, a pool-based market structure is implemented to trade demand response (DR) in a fully deregulated day-ahead electricity market. In this structure, the demand response aggregator provides load shifting/curtailment as DR offers to the demand response exchange (DRX) market competitively. The independent system operator (ISO) utilizes the DR service only during economic inefficiency. The DRX needs to clear the DR offers such that the overall system economic efficiency improves. Two search techniques have been implemented to clear the DRX market efficiently. One of the search methods is a local search where one DR offer is selected at a time; the other is the genetic algorithm (GA). We implement a rank-based GA in which the bus sensitivities were used for seeding the initial population to speed up convergence. These search techniques are implemented on IEEE RTS-96 system, and the DRX was cleared efficiently to improve the economic performance of the system.
Real-World Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Hepatitis C Monoinfection Compared to Hepatitis C/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection in a Community Care Setting.

Background/Aims Limited data exist comparing the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected and HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients in the real-world clinic practice setting. Methods All HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients treated with DAAs between January 2014 and October 2017 in community clinic settings were retrospectively analyzed. Pretreatment baseline patient characteristics, treatment efficacy, factors affecting sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment, and adverse reactions were compared between the groups. Results A total of 327 patients were included in the study, of which 253 were HCV monoinfected, and 74 were HCV/HIV coinfected. There was a statistically significant difference observed in SVR12 when comparing HCV monoinfection and HCV/HIV coinfection (94% and 84%, respectively, p=0.005). However, there were no significant factors identified as a predictor of a reduced response. The most common adverse effect was fatigue (27%). No significant drug interaction was observed between DAA and antiretroviral therapy. None of the patients discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Conclusions In a real-world setting, DAA regimens have lower SVR12 in HCV/HIV coinfection than in HCV monoinfection. Further studies involving a higher number of HCV/HIV coinfected patients are needed to identify real predictors of a reduced response.
Speculations on the Relationships of Two Botryllus Allo-Recognition Reactions—Colony Specificity and Resorption—To Vertebrate Histocompatibility

The objective of this essay is to consider functions of the vertebrate major histocompatibility complex (MHC), especially in comparison to allorecognition in colonial tunicates. Elsewhere Burnet (1971), and our group (Scofield et al. 1982b) have provided some theoretical and experimental bases for making such a comparison.
Proliferation of arterial cells in atherosclerosis.

The role of cell proliferation in atherosclerosis has received much attention. It has been suggested for many years that the increase in cells during the formation of intimal lesions may be due to intrinsic proliferation. This hypothesis was based mainly on the observation of mitotic figures in the smooth muscle and foam cells of atherosclerotic plaques, even though mitoses were seen only rarely. On the other hand, it was proposed but never definitely established that migration of cells from the circulation, endothelium or media accounts for the cellular growth of the lesions. Monocytes, endothelial cells, and medial smooth muscle cells thus have been implicated.
Very Near Ground RF Propagation Measurements and Analysis

We analyze and measure the effects associated with placing a cordless phone antenna, with three different orientations, very near the ground (3 – 28 cm). A significant decrease in signal strength occurs when a user falls from the sitting position to the prone position. As much as a 12 dB decrease in signal strength can occur. This information, if available to an injured cordless phone user, could allow for a successfully completed 911 call.
Design of Local Skin Flaps

Design of the optimal local skin flap to repair a specific facial defect requires an understanding of the geometry of the various flaps, local facial anatomy, and the biomechanics of skin and soft tissue. The creative integration of these variables is one of the most challenging areas of facial plastic surgery. This article discusses some general principles of flap design with emphasis on the importance of skin tension and its distribution in preventing complications and maximizing the use of local tissue in difficult reconstructive situations.
Day of the Woman: Judges 4–5 as Slasher and Rape Revenge Narrative

In Judges 4 and 5, Jael viciously murders the Canaanite general Sisera with a tent peg to the head. This article approaches the text through horror, with particular reference to the slasher film an...
Exploring Perception and Acceptance of Edible Insects as a Protein Source

Edible insects are increasingly getting attention as an attractive source of protein due to their high protein quality and sustainability of their production compared to traditional sources of meat...
Jealous and Violent: Constraining and Celebrating Wifely Jealousy in Mid-to-late Ming China

This essay examines wifely jealousy in mid-to-late Ming China (from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries), focusing on the tensions between maintaining a wife’s superior position over concubi...
299-OR: The Association of British Clinical Diabetologists UK-Wide Audit of Freestyle Libre Use in Diabetes—Effect on Glycaemic Control

Aims: The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) flash glucose monitoring device was made available on the UK National Health Services (NHS) drug tariff in 2017. This national audit aims to explore the UK real world experience of FSL and the impact on glycaemic control. Methods: Clinicians were invited to submit FSL user data to a secure web-based tool held within the NHS N3 network. Data were analysed from available initial submissions from the 60 out of 120 NHS hospital trusts registered for the audit. R3.5.0 was used for statistical analysis and T-test was used to compare the baseline and follow-up HbA1c. Within-person variations of HbA1c calculated adj-HbA1c-SD=SD/sq. Root [n/(n−1)]. Results: Data were available for 2,438 (2,348 people with type 1 diabetes) FSL users; age 34(IQR =19-51) years, 54% female, diabetes duration 14 (IQR=19-51) years, and BMI of 24(IQR=21-28) kg/m2 and participants had 10 (IQR=7-12) scans/day. The baseline HbA1c was 67.8(±17) (8.4%), and after a median follow-up of 6 months (n=625) HbA1c reduced to 61.8 (±14) (7.8%) mmol/l (P 8.5%) mmol/mol; HbA1c reduced from 85.8 mmol/mol (±15) (10%) to 73.1 mmol/mol (±15) (8.8%)). FSL use was also associated with reduced within-person HbA1c variability (5.37 pre-FSL vs. 3.15 post-FSL, P Conclusions: These initial FSL audit data demonstrate significantly improved glycaemic control, reduction in HbA1c variability and less hyperglycaemia related hospital admissions in the first 6 months follow-up. Data collection is ongoing. Further analyses with longer follow-up may confirm these findings and inform future clinical practice and policy. Disclosure H. Deshmukh: None. E.G. Wilmot: Advisory Panel; Self; Dexcom, Inc. Research Support; Self; Diabetes UK. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Abbott, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc., Sanofi. D. Bishop: None. D.W. Lipscomb: Advisory Panel; Self; Sanofi. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Stock/Shareholder; Self; ABCAM, EKF Diagnostics, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Renalytix AI PLC. R. Banatwalla: None. R. Zaidi: None. Z.V. Smith: None. L. Overend: Other Relationship; Self; Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk Inc. S. Kamaruddin: None. C.M. Hall: None. J. Macfadyen: None. A. Kilvert: Advisory Panel; Self; Sanofi. R.E. Ryder: Advisory Panel; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Bioquest. C. Walton: Advisory Panel; Spouse/Partner; Celgene Corporation. Speaker9s Bureau; Spouse/Partner; Leo Pharma, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. T. Sathyapalan: Speaker9s Bureau; Self; Novo Nordisk Foundation. Other Relationship; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Sanofi-Aventis. Funding Association of British Clinical Diabetologists
Community Violence Exposure, Sleep Disruption, and Insulin Resistance in Low-Income Urban Adolescents.

Exposure to violence, which is experienced at disproportionally higher levels by black versus white youth, is associated with disruptions in sleep and elevated cardiovascular risk. Further, poor sleep hygiene is associated with insulin resistance. However, research to date examining disruptions in sleep and cardiovascular risk in African-American adolescents has not taken the impact of exposure to violence into account, nor considered how gender might affect patterns of association. The present study addressed this gap by testing a path model linking exposure to community violence, sleep disruption, and insulin resistance in a sample of African-American adolescents and evaluating model fit across gender. African-American adolescents (N = 107; 56% female; Mage = 14.29, SD = 1.17) completed structured interviews at home and provided a blood sample after fasting overnight. The model fit connecting exposure to violence with sleep disruption and insulin resistance, adjusting for depressive symptoms and body mass index z score, was excellent. Multiple group analysis indicated gender differences in model fit. Path analysis revealed significant positive associations between exposure to violence and sleep disruption and sleep disruption and insulin resistance for females but not males. These data indicate that low-income, urban African-American female adolescents who witness violence and experience sleep disruptions may already be at elevated risk for health problems compared with their male counterparts. Additional research should attempt to replicate and explicate the underlying reasons for the gender differences observed here, with the goal of improving health and disrupting the path leading to health disparities.
Tunable Coupling between Surface States of a Three-Dimensional Topological Insulator in the Quantum Hall Regime.

The paired top and bottom Dirac surface states, each associated with a half-integer quantum Hall (QH) effect, and a resultant integer QH conductance ($\ensuremath{\nu}{e}^{2}/h$), are hallmarks of a three-dimensional topological insulator (TI). In a dual-gated system, chemical potentials of the paired surface states are controlled through separate gates. In this work, we establish tunable capacitive coupling between the surface states of a bulk-insulating TI ${\mathrm{BiSbTeSe}}_{2}$ and study the effect of this coupling on QH plateaus and Landau level (LL) fan diagram via dual-gate control. We observe nonlinear QH transitions at low charge density in strongly coupled surface states, which are related to the charge-density-dependent coupling strength. A splitting of the $N=0$ LL at the charge neutrality point for thin devices (but thicker than the 2D limit) indicates intersurface hybridization possibly beyond single-particle effects. By applying capacitor charging models to the surface states, we explore their chemical potential as a function of charge density and extract the fundamental electronic quantity of LL energy gaps from dual-gated transport measurements. These studies are essential for the realization of exotic quantum effects such as topological exciton condensation.
“Techno-market fix”? Decoding wealth through mobile money in the global South

Abstract The use of mobile phones for financial services in the global South has gained prominence in the last decade. These financial technology (FinTech) services, popularly known as mobile money (MM), offer an avenue for financial inclusivity, a recurring theme in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This paper, largely conceptual but interlaced with empirical examples from Ghana and Bangladesh, critically examines the rise of mobile money in the global South. Specifically, it employs David Harvey’s adaptation and redeployment of the laws of accumulation to relate the economic phenomenon of MM to the capitalistic relationship between capital and labor. We argue, among other points, that MM emerges as a techno-market fix to make visible, bankable, and taxable the hitherto invisible, unbanked, and untaxed urban sub-proletariat who are mostly engaged in the informal sector. Thus, whether in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia, the underlying laws of accumulation through MM are the same: make informality visible in order to decode wealth, and accumulate for the sake of accumulation. We conclude by briefly reflecting on how our arguments contribute to the literature on economic, digital, and development geographies of postcolonial economies in the global South.
Depressive symptoms among elderly men and women who transition to widowhood: comparisons with long term married and long term widowed over a 10-year period.

This study explores gender differences in mental health sequelae of transition to widowhood among old-old retirement community dwellers. Data are based on a prospective panel survey of 748 older ad...
How to compare the efficacy of biologic agents in asthma

Abstract Objective The use of biologics in severe asthma has made substantial strides in disease management and fostered a personalized medicine approach; however, how, when, and which biologic to choose are unresolved issues, which form the focus of this review. Data Sources The data sources were published literature, including current guidelines, available through PubMed searches and online resources. Study Selections Studies and randomized controlled trials pertaining to the use of biologics in various phenotypes and/or endotypes of asthma and comparative analyses between biologics in asthma were included. Results Inflammatory constructs in asthma are complex and translate differentially into clinical practice for both disease severity and treatment responsiveness. The utilization of biologics, which target selected components of inflammation, has begun to dramatically improve the course of management for many patients with severe asthma. A retuning of our approach into selecting appropriate patient cohorts or phenotypes for studies and selection of clinically relevant outcomes, which are reflected by existing and novel emerging biomarkers, is enabling a paradigm shift in asthma management. Comparing the efficacy of the available biologics for asthma is challenging as no direct head-to-head studies are available, and indirect comparisons to this query provide varying results. Conclusion Significant progress has been achieved in the management of severe asthma with treatment of target-specific biologics. Sophisticated algorithms and trial designs, using a combination of available biomarker profiles and clinical characteristics to stratify patient populations into more precise subphenotypes and endotypes to guide our choice of a biologic or therapy, are critically needed but currently not formulated.
Time Dependent System Reliability Under Cumulative Damage

This paper reviews methods for time-variant system reliability estimation of brittle and ductile structures, and proposes a computational approach for brittle structures. In order to model the cumulative damage of the structural system over time, the proposed method groups the damage states into damage levels ranging from intact structure to system collapse. Such grouping is based on the number of the failed members in the structure. For the sake of application of the proposed method to relatively large structures, the significant damage states are identified from the significant failure sequences obtained by branch and bound method. The expressions for transition probabilities from one damage level to another are derived. The Markov chain model is used to calculate the probabilities of each damage level at any time, including the system failure probability. Two numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed method.
Ethnicity-Specific Differences in Liver Transplant Outcomes Among Adults With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: 2005–2017 United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

Background & aims Lack of effective medical therapies for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) leads to continued disease progression to end-stage liver disease requiring liver transplantation (LT). Few studies have specifically evaluated whether ethnic disparities in LT outcomes exist among adults awaiting LT. We aimed to evaluate ethnicity-specific differences in LT outcomes among adults with PSC in the US. Methods We retrospectively evaluated US adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with PSC without hepatocellular carcinoma listed for LT using the 2005–2017 United Network for Organ Sharing database. Ethnicity-specific differences in overall waitlist survival and probability of receiving LT were evaluated using competing risks regression analyses and adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Overall survival after LT was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier methods and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results Among 4046 patients with PSC listed for LT (69.2% men, 82.2% non-Hispanic white, 12.4% African American, 3.9% Hispanic, 1.6% Asian), significantly higher risk of waitlist death was men vs. women (Standardized hazard ratio (SHR) = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.05–2.12, P = 0.025), but no ethnicity-specific differences were observed. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics had significantly lower probability of receiving LT (SHR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54–0.98, P = 0.035). Among patients with PSC and end-stage liver disease who underwent LT, African Americans had significantly higher risk of post-LT death compared with non-Hispanic whites (SHR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.21–2.32, P = 0.002). Conclusions Among a large cohort of US adults with PSC awaiting LT, significant ethnicity-specific disparities in LT outcomes were observed. Lower probability of LT in Hispanics and significantly higher risk of post-LT death in African Americans were observed.
A Single Institution Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Power-Assisted Liposuction for the Management of Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVE To implement and evaluate outcomes from a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program in the United States. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Interest in and access to surgical treatment for chronic lymphedema (LE) in the United States have increased in recent years, yet there remains little attention on liposuction, or debulking, as an effective treatment option. In some other countries, debulking is a common procedure for the surgical treatment of LE, is covered by insurance, and has demonstrated excellent, reproducible outcomes. In this study we describe our experience implementing a debulking technique from Sweden in the United States. METHODS Patients who presented with chronic lymphedema followed a systematic multi-disciplinary work-up. For debulking with power assisted liposuction, the surgical protocol was modeled after that developed by Hakan Brorson. A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent debulking at our institution was conducted. RESULTS Between December 2017 and January 2020, 39 patients underwent 41 debulking procedures with power assisted liposuction, including 23 upper and 18 lower extremities. Mean patient age was 58 years and 85% of patients had LE secondary to cancer, the majority of which (64%) was breast cancer. Patients experienced excess volume reductions of 111% and 115% in the upper and lower extremities, respectively, at one year post-operatively. Overall quality of life (LYMQOL) improved by a mean of 33%. Finally, patients reported a decreased incidence of cellulitis and decreased reliance on conservative therapy modalities post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS Debulking with power assisted liposuction is an effective treatment for patients with chronic extremity lymphedema. The operation addresses patient goals and improves quality of life, and additionally reduces extremity volumes, infection rates and reliance on outpatient therapy. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary debulking program can be successfully implemented in the United States healthcare system.
Strategic position taking: optimal strategy for Senate candidates in the Obama era

In this paper, we test the optimal position taking strategy for senators running for reelection vis-a-vis their party’s president. Using data from a survey experiment conducted using a national sam...
A Critical Evaluation of Dyslexia Information on the Internet.

The internet is a common source of information for parents, educators, and the general public. However, researchers who analyze the quality of internet sources have found they often contain inaccur...
Prolapsed Rectum and Risk Factors in Prader–Willi Syndrome: A Case-Based Review

A 14-year-old boy with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) with maternal disomy 15 is reported with rectal prolapse as only the second patient in the literature. With predisposing risk factors present for rectal damage and prolapse in this syndrome, the incidence must be higher and therefore underreported. These risk factors include skin and rectal picking, self-stimulation, altered pain sensation, decreased muscle mass, strength and physical activity with hypotonia, and gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances. Pertinent literature was reviewed and analyzed that focused on clinical features and behavior seen in PWS as underrecognized risk factors for developing rectal damage and prolapse. An illustrative case is presented as the second patient reported with PWS and a prolapsed rectum. A discussion of predisposing behavioral and clinical risk factors is presented including for self-stimulation, rectal picking, chronic constipation, decreased gut motility, reduced water intake, and a restricted diet. Although a paucity of cases do exist, physical, behavioral, and GI findings common in PWS may contribute to rectal prolapse requiring better awareness and proactive surveillance, management, and treatment protocols for patients affected with this rare obesity-related genetic disorder.
Who Are the People in Your Gayborhood? Understanding Population Change and Cultural Shifts in LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods

Gay neighborhoods, like all neighborhoods, are in a state of continual change. The relevance of gay neighborhoods—originally formed to promote segregation of individuals who identify as sexual minorities—is lately challenged by advances in technology, experiences with pandemics, shifts in generational opinion and social values, increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, and (in certain places) increased rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. This confluence of change has created for many people anxiety related to the belief that gay neighborhoods may be dissolving or even disappearing altogether. Seeking to address these concerns, this opening chapter of the book The Life and Afterlife of Gay Neighborhoods: Renaissance and Resurgence presents eight important takeaway messages distilled from the chapters in this volume that, taken together, provide an in-depth overview of the formation, maturation, current challenges, and future prospects of LGBTQ+ spaces in urban environments. Findings suggest that shifts in patterns of residence, socialization, and entertainment for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors across metropolitan space have resulted in certain gay neighborhoods becoming less gay while other neighborhoods become more gay. In this time of social change, economic inequities, public health crises, and technological evolution, gay neighborhoods provide a culturally and historically significant template for communities in confronting adversity, fear, and discrimination. At this point in their maturity, gay neighborhoods have reached a plateau in their evolution; from here we pause to consider the current state of gay neighborhoods—and trajectories that might describe their future form—as we contemplate the importance of gay neighborhoods in the ongoing advancement of LGBTQ+ people everywhere. We conclude by observing that while gayborhoods have experienced a certain level of de-gaying, the trend toward viewing gayborhoods as inclusive and gay-friendly places de-emphasizes the self-segregation aspects of gayborhoods that were important to their initial formation; consequently, while gay neighborhoods may become less gay, other neighborhoods may also become more gay.
Changes in canid cranial morphology induced by captivity and conservation implications

Abstract Hypercarnivorous mammal species are among the most vulnerable to population losses and endangerment. Among species belonging to Family Canidae, hypercarnivores are frequently subject to intense conservation efforts including captive breeding and reintroduction attempts. However, hypercarnivorous species may be most vulnerable to morphological changes in captivity, potentially altering their cranial functionality and limiting their reintroduction success. Other canid species with varying dietary preferences are also maintained in captivity, although it is unknown if morphological changes are prevalent across all captive canid populations or if these changes are concentrated primarily within hypercarnivores. To examine whether canids display morphological changes in captivity regardless of dietary preference, we assessed cranial and mandibular shape of 1621 specimens representing 15 canid species using geometric morphometric techniques. All hypercarnivores (4 species) and many hypocarnivores (5 of 7 species) differed between captive and wild populations in at least one shape variable. None of the mesocarnivores (4 species) differed in any shape variable. Among the carnivory types, hypercarnivorous species had the most pronounced differences in shape, particularly associated with a widening and shortening of the cranium within captive populations. Changes in cranial shape may impact an animal's ability to successfully capture and consume prey, therefore differences in cranial shape in captive populations may represent an obstacle to future reintroduction success. By examining cranial and mandibular shape differences between captive and wild populations, we explore the long-term impacts of captivity in canids in an effort to mitigate these negative effects in the future and increase the potential for reintroduction success.
C.A.R.E. in Natural Products Research

The acronym C.A.R.E. is used to explore some of the parameters in creating research awareness in the contemporary natural product sciences and to encourage graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, ...