cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
I/Q channel reversal correcting properties of an SQPSK Costas loop with integrated symbol synchronization

An integrated-carrier loop/symbol synchronizer, using a digital Costas loop with matched arm filters to demodulate staggered quaternary phase-shift keyed (QPSK) signals, is analyzed. An expression is derived for the S curve, parameterized by bit synchronization error. This result suggests that the demodulator structure offers an inherent I/Q channel reversal correcting capability. Computer simulation results are presented that support this conclusion, and suggest that ambiguity resolution performance depends on the ratio of carrier and synchronization loop bandwidths. >
The Rb/E2F pathway and cancer

Over the past decade, studies focusing on the mechanisms controlling cellular proliferation have converged with equally intensive efforts directed at the analysis of oncogenic pathways associated with human cancer. These convergent studies have revealed the central role played by the pathway that controls the activity of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (Rb), which in turn regulates the E2F transcription factor. In particular, it is now clear that the Rb/E2F pathway is critical in regulating the initiation of DNA replication. It is also clear that the control of the pathway is disrupted in virtually all human cancers. Questions remain, however, as to the specific role played by individual activities within the pathway in the control of cell growth and their participation in the development of cancer.
Rheumatoid-associated meningitis and vasculopathy.

A 63-year-old woman with a 9-year history of rheumatoid arthritis presented with headaches and paraparesis. Neuroimaging showed abnormal enhancement and arterial narrowing (figure 1), suggestive of vasculitis. Despite treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, her symptoms persisted 7 months, and meningeal biopsy was performed. Biopsy showed palisading necrotizing-granulomatous meningitis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of small vessels (figure 2). ANCA (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) serology and IgG4 immunohistochemistry were negative. Special stains and cultures were negative for bacterial, spirochete, acid fast, and fungal organisms, consistent with rheumatoid-associated CNS disease. CNS involvement by rheumatoid arthritis is rare, usually manifesting as rheumatoid nodules in pachymeninges; leptomeningeal involvement is even more unusual.1
A comparison of the oxygen dissociation curves of the bloods of maternal, fetal and newborn sheep at various pHs.

Oxygen dissociation curves of the bloods of pregnant sheep, fetal and newborn lambs have been prepared at plasma hydrogen-ion concentrations in the physiological range. At pH 7·4, the fetal blood was half saturated at about 16·0 mm.Hg oxygen pressure. The maternal oxygen dissociation curves of the blood different animals showed variability in their positions; half saturation occurred at values of oxygen pressure ranging from 31·6 to 37·5 mm. Hg. The curves bloods of newborn lambs had positions intermediate between fetal and adult types.
Circadian abnormalities, molecular clock genes and chronobiological treatments in depression.

Background: A long-standing challenge in the treatment of depression is the development of a rapidly acting antidepressant. Conventional antidepressants typically require 2–8 weeks for clinical remission. In contrast, chronobiological interventions such as sleep deprivation treatment dramatically reduce depressive symptoms within 24–48 h in 40–60% of depressed subjects. It is hypothesized that fast-acting treatments for depression may alter circadian rhythms through chronobiological mechanisms relevant to clock gene function. Sources of data: A bibliographic review using Entrez PubMed w with Boolean search terms ‘circadian’ and ‘depressive’ identified more than 1000 clinical papers published over a 40-year period (1966–present).
The prognostic value of estimated creatinine clearance alongside functional capacity in ambulatory patients with chronic congestive heart failure.

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl) in relation to 6-min walk distance in ambulatory patients with congestive heart failure (HF). Background Although measurement of renal function is integral to the management of chronic congestive HF, its prognostic implications are not well described and have not been formally evaluated relative to measures of functional capacity. Methods We analyzed outcomes of the 585 participants of the 6-min walk substudy of the Digitalis Investigation Group (DIG) trial. The CrCl was estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Predictors of all-cause mortality were identified using semiparametric Cox proportional hazards regression and completely parametric hazard analyses. Results Most subjects (85%) were New York Heart Association functional class II and III. Mean age was 65 (±12) years and mean ejection fraction (EF) 35% (±13%). There were 153 (26%) deaths during a median of 2.6 years of follow-up. Mortality by increasing quartiles of estimated CrCl was 37% (18 to 48 ml/min), 29% (47 to 64 ml/min), 18% (64 to 86 ml/min), and 21% (86 to 194 ml/min) with corresponding hazard ratios (HRs) relative to the top quartile of 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 3.3), 1.6 (95% CI, 1.0 to 2.5), and 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5 to 1.5), respectively. In Cox regression analyses, independent predictors of mortality were estimated CrCl (adjusted HR [quartile 1:quartile 4] 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.1), 6-min walk distance ≤262 m [adjusted HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.12 to 2.27]), EF, recent hospitalization for worsening HF, and need for diuretic treatment. Parametric (hazard) analysis confirmed consistent effects of estimated CrCl on mortality in several subgroups including that of patients with EF >45%. Conclusions In ambulatory patients with congestive HF, estimated CrCl predicts all-cause mortality independently of established prognostic variables.
Evaluation of the impact of viscosity, injection volume, and injection flow rate on subcutaneous injection tolerance

Aim The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of fluid injection viscosity in combination with different injection volumes and flow rates on subcutaneous (SC) injection pain tolerance.
Chapter 15 Marketing-mix models

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the literature concerning models that involve more than one marketing decision variable. The chapter discusses models to estimate the impact of marketing-mix variables and their interactions. The chapter also reviews normative marketing models. It includes a review of optimal marketing-mix allocation rules based on econometrically estimated models, decision-calculus models, empirically based marketing-mix models developed for the purpose of establishing norms, and analytical models which derive an optimal allocation of resources across the marketing-mix elements.
Pro-/Anti-Coagulants and Oxygen Transport in Tissue

Haemostasis is systematically organized multiple processes that prevent blood flowing through a damaged vessel. In other words, haemostasis is a physiological state in which the concentration of coagulants in a human body is well balanced with that of anticoagulants. The normal human body has an excellent automatic control system for activating pro/anti-coagulants at an appropriate time. When there is any injury in the vessel, a clotting cascade is immediately activated to prevent leaking of blood from the vessel. Upon injury, vascular endothelium activates the haemostasis process (both activating and inhibiting the clots simultaneously) and platelets start to adhere. With platelet adhesion and contact activation stimulates thrombin, which aggregates platelets. Then fibrinogen becomes fibrin, which eventually forms fibrin meshes.3,9,12,16 These meshes trap blood cells and form blood clots. On the process of wound healing, anti-coagulants become activated to dissolve the clot inside of the vessel and, finally, to let the blood go through the healed and recanalized vessel. When haemostasis fails due to an imbalance in necessary coagulants and anticoagulants, it can lead to disastrous physiological conditions, such as bleeding in major organs, embolism, and even sudden death. Without maintaining haemostasis, human blood cannot be transported to various organs properly. Since oxygen is transported through hemoglobin in red blood cells, haemostasis is one of the most important physiological mechanisms and the crucial process for appropriate oxygen transport in the human body.
Is There a Relationship Between Tic Frequency and Physiological Arousal? Examination in a Sample of Children with Co-Occurring Tic and Anxiety Disorders

Stress is the contextual variable most commonly implicated in tic exacerbations. However, research examining associations between tics, stressors, and the biological stress response has yielded mixed results. This study examined whether tics occur at a greater frequency during discrete periods of heightened physiological arousal. Children with co-occurring tic and anxiety disorders (n = 8) completed two stress induction tasks (discussion of family conflict, public speech). Observational (tic frequencies) and physiological (heart rate) data were synchronized using The Observer XT, and tic frequencies were compared across periods of high and low heart rate. Tic frequencies across the entire experiment did not increase during periods of higher heart rate. During the speech task, tic frequencies were significantly lower during periods of higher heart rate. Results suggest that tic exacerbations may not be associated with heightened physiological arousal and highlight the need for further tic research using integrated measurement of behavioral and biological processes.
The role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in infectious complications during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND Despite increasing data on the impact of the microbiome on cancer, the dynamics and role of the microbiome in infection during therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are unknown. Therefore, the authors sought to determine correlations between microbiome composition and infectious outcomes in patients with AML who were receiving induction chemotherapy (IC). METHODS Buccal and fecal specimens (478 samples) were collected twice weekly from 34 patients with AML who were undergoing IC. Oral and stool microbiomes were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq system. Microbial diversity and genera composition were associated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS Baseline stool α-diversity was significantly lower in patients who developed infections during IC compared with those who did not (P = .047). Significant decreases in both oral and stool microbial α-diversity were observed over the course of IC, with a linear correlation between α-diversity change at the 2 sites (P = .02). Loss of both oral and stool α-diversity was associated significantly with the receipt of a carbapenem P < 0.001. Domination events by the majority of genera were transient (median duration, 1 sample), whereas the number of domination events by pathogenic genera increased significantly over the course of IC (P = .002). Moreover, patients who lost microbial diversity over the course of IC were significantly more likely to contract a microbiologically documented infection within the 90 days after IC neutrophil recovery (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS The current data present the largest longitudinal analyses to date of oral and stool microbiomes in patients with AML and suggest that microbiome measurements could assist with the mitigation of infectious complications of AML therapy. Cancer 2016;122:2186–96. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Exposure is not enough

Child language researchers have often assumed that progress in first language learning depends heavily on language exposure. For example, Hart and Risley (1995) compared children in middle class families with children in lower class families. Based on recordings made across several years in the home, they estimated that by the time the children from lower SES families entered first grade they had heard 30 million fewer words than the middle class children. Researchers and educators have argued that this ‘30 million word gap’ is a primary cause for academic failure of lower SES children in the primary grades in the United States. Researchers in second language acquisition (SLA) research have often postulated a similar linkage between exposure and attainment, both for early and simultaneous bilingual children and later second language learning. Carroll (Carroll) expresses justifiable skepticism regarding such claims regarding the effect of amount of exposure on language attainment. Despite some important differences in conceptualization of the nature of the input, I find her overall analysis compelling and important.
Primary processing of specimens and isolation and cultivation of mycobacteria.

Processing of specimens for mycobacteria need to proceed as rapidly as possible to provide 24-hour turnaround for smears and 21-day turnaround for the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If these goals are to be accomplished, a broth culture or microcolony plate method must be part of the media and in the planting process. Use of conventional solid media alone does not provide adequate turnaround time.
High efficiency thin‐film amorphous silicon solar cells

Enhancing light absorption within thin film amorphous silicon (a-Si) solar cells should lead to higher efficiency. This improvement is typically done using various light trapping techniques such as utilizing textured back reflectors for pronounced light scattering within the cell thus achieving higher absorption. It is believed that embedding metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) inside the structure could increase light scattering. However, embedding MNPs can also cause significant structure defects and pronounced efficiency drop as well – it has been indicated by many experiments that disproved this belief. In search of ways to improve efficiency, we have investigated the impact of MNP's size, and location within the solar cell, in addition to the effect of defects, and doping levels on the overall efficiency. On the basis of our 3D multiphysics (optical-electric) modeling, we developed a design guideline for embedding these MNPs and reducing the impact of defects created in the embedding process. The results of simulations were compared to relevant measured data, and it showed a good agreement. Subsequently, models were used to predict performance, and over 30% improvement in solar cell efficiency (~13% is predicted); which is beyond the state of the art. This was predicted by optimizing the size and location of the MNPs and tailoring the doping levels to have better forward light trapping and absorption.
Qing ethics: an alternative perspective?

Through a careful reading of the excavated early Chinese bamboo manuscript Xingzimingchu 性自命出 from the Guodian tombs, this paper proposes that the Confucian concepts xing 性 (natural tendencies) and qing 情 (natural feelings) are the fundamental sensibilities for Confucian moral, religious, social, and political constructions. This understanding further suggests the possibility of constructing a qing perspective in Confucian ethics. Confucian qing ethics supports an alternative reading of the five cardinal relationships in its historical context. Qing ethics also emphasizes the centrality of natural feelings as well as the natural tendencies in our family and human relationships. It is fundamental because it encompasses all of humanity’s concrete feelings as well as the profound emotional and spiritual experiences upon which the Confucian social and political system is built. Qing ethics can also help to articulate a new understanding and mutual construction between Confucianism as a philosophical system and women. A constructive interpretation of women and family experience may also assist in resolving certain problems that Confucian ren ethics faces, for example, the deep impact of the patriarchy and its unfavorable effects on women.
Electronic structure of some complex thermoelectrics - role of dimensional confinement and nanostructuring

Thermoelectric materials are of great current interest for a number of energy-related applications such as waste heat recovery, terrestrial cooling, and thermoelectric power generation. There have been several significant recent advances in improving the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT; in some instances, ZT > 2 at high temperatures. Concepts like electron-crystal phonon-glass, dimensional confinement, nanostructuring, energy filtering, and intrinsic lattice anharmonicity have not only acted as guiding principles in synthesizing new materials but also for electronic structure engineering using theoretical calculations. In this review paper, we discuss these concepts and present a few examples of theoretical studies of electronic structure and transport properties illustrating how some of these ideas work. The four types of systems we discuss are quaternary chalcogenides LAST-m, nanoscale mixtures of half-Heusler and Heusler compounds, ternary chalcogenide compounds of type ABX2 where the electronic structure near the band gap depends sensitively on the ordering of A and B atoms, and naturally occurring bulk superlattices formed out of alternating ionic and semiconducting bilayers as in SrFAgTe.
When Pain Hurts: Nociceptive Stimulation Induces a State of Maladaptive Plasticity and Impairs Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is often accompanied by other tissue damage (polytrauma) that provides a source of pain (nociceptive) input. Recent findings are reviewed that show SCI places the caudal tissue in a vulnerable state that exaggerates the effects nociceptive stimuli and promotes the development of nociceptive sensitization. Stimulation that is both unpredictable and uncontrollable induces a form of maladaptive plasticity that enhances nociceptive sensitization and impairs spinally mediated learning. In contrast, relational learning induces a form of adaptive plasticity that counters these adverse effects. SCI sets the stage for nociceptive sensitization by disrupting serotonergic (5HT) fibers that quell overexcitation. The loss of 5HT can enhance neural excitability by reducing membrane-bound K+-Cl- cotransporter 2, a cotransporter that regulates the outward flow of Cl-. This increases the intracellular concentration of Cl-, which reduces the hyperpolarizing (inhibitory) effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Uncontrollable noxious stimulation also undermines the recovery of locomotor function, and increases behavioral signs of chronic pain, after a contusion injury. Nociceptive stimulation has a greater effect if experienced soon after SCI. This adverse effect has been linked to a downregulation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and an upregulation in the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor. Noxious input enhances tissue loss at the site of injury by increasing the extent of hemorrhage and apoptotic/pyroptotic cell death. Intrathecal lidocaine blocks nociception-induced hemorrhage, cellular indices of cell death, and its adverse effect on behavioral recovery. Clinical implications are discussed.
Understanding the mechanisms underlying pulsating aerosol delivery to the maxillary sinus: In vitro tests and computational simulations.

Abstract Background Pulsating aerosol delivery has been demonstrated in depositing medications into paranasal sinuses. However, its mechanisms are not fully understood. Influences of the nasal anatomy and sound frequency on intrasinus delivery are not yet clear. Objectives This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms for enhanced intrasinus delivery with pulsating sound. Specifically, effects of the pulsation frequency, ostium size, and sinus shape on the intrasinus dosage and resonance frequency would be examined. Methods and materials Both experiments and computational modeling were conducted to understand the pulsating aerosol delivery in both idealized (two-bottle) and realistic nose-sinus models. A computational model of intrasinus pulsation delivery was developed using COMSOL and was cross-validated with both experimental and theoretical results. Results In contrast to previous studies, seemingly erratic relations between the intrasinus dosage and ostium diameter were observed in experiments, which suggested a more complicated particle transport mechanism. Improved agreement was achieved when grouping the ostium size and sinus volume into the resonance frequency, and therefore, validated the hypothesis that intrasinus deposition strongly depends on the resonance frequency. Extensive computational simulations revealed that the deposition was highest at the resonance frequency and decreased gradually at off-resonance frequencies. The resonance frequency depended on the ostium and sinus morphology, but was independent of the nasal cavity. Conclusion Results of this study verified the hypothesis of resonance being the mechanism for enhanced particle deposition in the maxillary sinus. A better knowledge of the relationship between sinus dosages, pulsating frequency, and nasal morphometry is essential for improving the design of intrasinus delivery devices.
Two-Dimensional Active Tuning of an Aluminum Plasmonic Array for Full-Spectrum Response

Color pixels composed of plasmonic nanostructures provide a highly promising approach for new display technologies, capable of vivid, robust coloration and incorporating the use of low-cost plasmonic materials, such as aluminum. Here we report a plasmonic device that can be tuned continuously across the entire visible spectrum, based on integrating a square array of aluminum nanostructures into an elastomeric substrate. By stretching the substrate in either of its two dimensions, the period and therefore the scattering color can be modified to the blue or the red of the at-rest structure, spanning the entire visible spectrum. The unique two-dimensional design of this structure enables active mechanical color tuning, under gentle elastic modulation with no more than 35% strain. We also demonstrate active image switching with this structure. This design strategy has the potential to open the door for next-generation flexible photonic devices for a wide variety of visible-light applications.
Extension of Intramolecular Charge-Transfer State Lifetime by Encapsulation in Porous Frameworks

Control over excited-state lifetimes and relaxation pathways in chromophoric materials is a major challenge in the optimization of photovoltaic energy conversion and photochemical energy storage mechanisms. In light of experimental evidence that the charge-transfer excited-state lifetime of 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium ion (MesAcr+) can be dramatically extended via encapsulation in the mesoporous aluminosilicate AlMCM-41, we employ multiscale simulations to uncover a mechanism for the suppression of charge recombination of MesAcr+ in AlMCM-41. The simulations reveal that solvation in acetonitrile and encapsulation in AlMCM-41 have opposing effects on the reorganization energy of MesAcr+: solvation substantially raises the reorganization energy while the encapsulation lowers it. Because charge recombination in MesAcr+ takes place deep within the Marcus inverted region, the smaller reorganization energy observed in solvent-free AlMCM-41 raises the activation barrier for excited-state charge recombination. ...
Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Gabapentin

Gabapentin is frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, there are no randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of this medication in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and there are only a few case reports. We present a case of a 59-year-old female with a psychiatric history of GAD. The patient discontinued benzodiazepines after more than 7 years of daily treatment which led to rebound anxiety, benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, and suicidal ideation. She was psychiatrically hospitalized and started on gabapentin. Over the next 10 months of outpatient follow-up, she attempted to taper off gabapentin due to personal preference to limit medications. During this time, we observed a clear dose-response pattern of gabapentin on GAD symptoms. In the absence of controlled studies, these findings may offer important information about the effectiveness of gabapentin in GAD.
A joint frailty model provides for risk stratification of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients based on unobserved heterogeneity.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association between recurrent AIDS-defining events and a semicompeting risk of death in patients with advanced, multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus infection and to identify individuals at increased risk for these events using a joint frailty model. Study Design and Setting Three hundred sixty-eight patients with antiretroviral treatment failure in the Options in Management of Antiretrovirals Trial randomized to two antiretroviral treatment strategies using a 2 × 2 factorial design, intensive vs. standard and interruption vs. continuation, and followed for development of AIDS-defining events and death. Results Participants were heterogeneous for risk of AIDS-defining events and death (P Conclusion The joint frailty model permits classification of individuals into risk groups based on unobserved heterogeneity that may be identifiable based on observed covariates, providing advantages over the traditional Cox model.
Classification of Crohn's Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surgery-Related Fistulae

Abstract The transmural inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease predisposes patients to the development of fistulae. Fistulae come in a variety of phenotypes based on anatomic location, outer (enterocutaneous), inner (enteroenteric), simple, and complex. Appropriate treatment of fistulas first requires a detailed knowledge of fistula classification, pharmacologic and surgical interventions, and classification of fistula healing. Misclassification of the fistula and anatomy can lead to recurrence of the fistula and associated abscesses or can result in a fistula progressing from a simple to complex form. One complex, fistulas are more difficult to treat and are associated with worse outcomes. Unfortunately, regardless of classification, Crohn's fistulae remain notoriously difficult to treat despite maximal intervention, and often require a multidisciplinary specialized team for their appropriate classification and management.
Self-assembled biomaterials using host-guest interactions

Abstract Host-guest interactions have increasingly been utilized to engineer materials with tunable, specific, and modular molecular recognition motifs that drive self-assembly or other functionality. The nature of these interactions has been mainly explored through cavitands such as cyclodextrins, calix[n]arenes, and cucurbit[n]urils. These host molecules are able to incorporate a large variety of hydrophobic guest with high specificity and binding affinities, which has allowed researchers to build gels, theranostics, supramolecular capsules, adhesive surfaces, and materials for 3-D printing. Herein, we exhibit the preparation of host-guest interactions for building materials and discuss the ways they have been exploited as a central functional feature for a biomaterials application.
Cooling the Itch via TRPM8

Cooling is an effective temporary remedy for itch, bringing welcome relief to itchy insect bites, nettle stings, poison ivy, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Menthol, causing a cooling sensation, has similar itch-relieving effects. Palkar et al. demonstrate that TRPM8, a menthol- and cold-activated ion channel, is essential for cooling to relieve itch, suggesting that pharmacologic TRPM8 activation should be explored further as an antipruritic strategy.
Teachers in History

were almost entirely men. That has changed in the last 100 years; only 30% of teachers are males, and those teach primarily in secondary schools. The public’s appraisal of teachers has reflected their perception of the relevance and effectiveness of teachers’ contribution to the future of society. While never well paid, in some periods of history, teachers have been highly honored and respected, while at other times, scorned for their ineffectiveness – a roller-coaster ride with crests and valleys that ushered in new modes of education. Teachers have been held accountable by those funding them. In ancient Athens, teachers were accountable to the parents of children they were tutoring; monks and priests were accountable to the church in the middle ages; teachers in America by a school board representing their communities. The state and federal governments are increasingly holding schools and teachers accountable for student achievement through legislation, such as No Child Left Behind (2001). While the specific regulations will be changed in future years, the trend toward accountability for student learning is likely to define teacher competence, characteristics, and compensation for years to come. Throughout history, teachers and teaching have tended to reflect the culture and needs of the society in which they were located. In Athens, boys were taught to be productive citizens while in Sparta, the emphasis was on military prowess; Chinese education emphasized the literature of the great philosophers Confucius and Lao-tse. During the Middle Ages the emphasis was on promulgating religious ideals, and in twenty-first century America, content knowledge and skills have become paramount. Education was and is inseparable from culture and its historic period, is deeply buried in the technology of that period, and is radically transformed when that culture changes. Expectations of teachers reflect their culture – the extent of their knowledge and skills, their status in the community, and their moral dispositions. In different centuries and different environments, teachers had strong military experience, dexterous writing skills, were philosophically oriented, or exhibited a broad knowledge of history or mathematics. Some were required to be priests or novices training for the priesthood, others male, and others slaves or poor but educated (Houston, 1990). TEACHERS IN HISTORY
Inscription: Thwarting ActionScript Web Attacks From Within

The design and implementation of Inscription, the first fully automated Adobe Flash binary code transformation system that can guard major Flash vulnerability categories without modifying vulnerable Flash VMs, is presented and evaluated. Inscription affords a means of mitigating the significant class of web attacks that target unpatched, legacy Flash VMs and their apps. Such legacy VMs, and the new and legacy Flash apps that they run, continue to abound in a staggering number of web clients and hosts today; their security issues routinely star in major annual threat reports and exploit kits worldwide. Through two complementary binary transformation approaches based on in-lined reference monitoring, it is shown that many of these exploits can be thwarted by a third-party principal (e.g., web page publisher, ad network, network firewall, or web browser) lacking the ability to universally patch all end-user VMs—write-access to the untrusted Flash apps (prior to execution) suffices. Detailed case-studies describing proof-of-concept exploits and mitigations for five major vulnerability categories are reported.
Anion Adsorption, Ti3C2Tz MXene Multilayers, and Their Effect on Claylike Swelling

MXenes are a relatively new and large family of two-dimensional early transition-metal carbides derived typically by etching the MAX phases in fluoride-containing solutions. Although numerous studies have investigated the role of cations in the interlayer distance (d0002) between MXene multilayers (MLs), little is known about the role of anions. Herein, using mainly X-ray diffraction, the effect of anions on d0002 of Ti3C2Tz MLs, where Tz represents various terminations, was systematically studied. The MLs were produced by etching Ti3AlC2 powders in hydrofluoric (HF) acid alone or in mixtures of HF and mineral acids with anions larger than F, viz., hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, or phosphoric acids. The nature of the cations present in the postetching washing solutions was also varied. The results show that the presence of the larger anions demonstrably facilitates water intercalation and deintercalation. The fact that, for the most part, d0002 in fully dried MLs is not a function of min...
Nonpolar GaN-Based Superluminescent Diode with 2.5 GHz Modulation Bandwidth

We report the fabrication and electro-optic characterization of nonpolar GaN-based superluminescent diodes with a tapered waveguide design. The devices were grown and fabricated on freestanding m-plane GaN. An electrical −3dB modulation bandwidth of 2.5 GHz is reported at the highest current density.
The evolving landscape of biomarkers for checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy

Checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapies that target cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) or the programmed cell death 1 (PD1) pathway have achieved impressive success in the treatment of different cancer types. Yet, only a subset of patients derive clinical benefit. It is thus critical to understand the determinants driving response, resistance and adverse effects. In this Review, we discuss recent work demonstrating that immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy is affected by a combination of factors involving tumour genomics, host germline genetics, PD1 ligand 1 (PDL1) levels and other features of the tumour microenvironment, as well as the gut microbiome. We focus on recently identified molecular and cellular determinants of response. A better understanding of how these variables cooperate to affect tumour-host interactions is needed to optimize the implementation of precision immunotherapy.
Techno-economic analysis of alternative aqueous phase treatment methods for microalgae hydrothermal liquefaction and biocrude upgrading system

Abstract An economic analysis was conducted for an algae hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and biocrude upgrading system with alternative aqueous phase treatment methods. Using experimental data, three different methods were modeled and compared: 1) direct recycle of HTL aqueous phase to the algae farm, 2) catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG), and 3) anaerobic digestion (AD). Direct recycle consumes the most natural gas because unlike AD and CHG, no methane is generated from the aqueous phase organics conversion. However, direct recycle has the lowest cost compared to other two cases because it only requires the addition of pumps and buffer tankage related to the aqueous phase recycle. The CHG and AD cases require significant capital and operating costs for aqueous phase treatment, which increase the minimum fuel selling price (MFSP) over the direct recycle case by 11% and 2.9%, respectively. The CHG and AD respectively increase the conversion cost only (excludes the cost to grow, harvest, and dewater algae) by 75% and 21%. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the key factors affecting the total cost of fuel production are the feedstock cost, the biocrude yield, the plant scale, and the method of aqueous phase treatment.
Association of Mandatory-Access Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs With Opioid Prescriptions Among Medicare Patients Treated by a Medical or Hematologic Oncologist.

This cohort study examines the association between prescription drug monitoring program mandates with and without a cancer exemption and the percent of oncologists’ patients with any opioid prescription covered by Medicare Part D.
Citation Classics in Urban Sociology: Mapping the Intellectual Evolution of a Research Specialty

This study identifies, describes, and analyzes the most highly cited works in the urban sociology literature to investigate empirically the subfield’s intellectual foundations, its future research ...
Risk Factors for Early Port Infections in Adult Oncologic Patients.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate risk factors for chest port (port) infections within 30 days of placement (early port infections) in adult oncologic patients. Materials and Methods This single-institution, three-center retrospective study identified 1,714 patients (868 males, 846 females; median age 60.0 years old) who underwent port placement between January 2013 and August 2017. All patients received an intravenous antibiotic prior to port placement. The median absolute neutrophil count was 5,260 cells/μL, the median white blood cell (WBC) count was 7,700 cells/μL, and the median serum albumin was 4.00 g/dL at the time of port placement. Double-lumen ports were most commonly implanted (74.85%) more frequently in an outpatient setting (72.69%). Risk factors for early port infections were elucidated using univariate and multivariate proportional subdistribution hazard regression analyses. Results A total of 20 patients (1.2%) had early port infections; 15 patients (0.9%) had positive blood cultures. The mean time to infection was 20 days (range, 9–30 days). The port-related 30-day mortality rate was 0.2% (4 of 1,714 patients). Most bloodstream infections were attributed to Staphylococcus spp. (n = 11). In multivariate analysis, hematologic malignancy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.15–5.92.; P = .02), hypoalbuminemia (albumin Conclusions Hematologic malignancy, hypoalbuminemia, leukopenia, and diabetes mellitus at the time of port placement were independent risk factors for early port infections.
Anti-Oxidant Nutrients and Nutraceuticals in Aging

Nutrition plays a strong role in aging. Therefore, the absorption and metabolism of nutrients along with diet are a strong risk factor for aging related diseases. The nutritional requirements for the elderly are different as compared to the younger adults due to factors like drug and nutrient interactions, aging associated conditions, socioeconomic factors, etc. The amount and dosage of minerals, vitamins, and macronutrients are different in the elder population. Assessment of proper nutritional diet is important because in this age group, many people are malnourished that leads to various age-related disorders. Different nutraceuticals like the phytochemicals, carotenoids, vitamin B, D, E, various plant extracts have been reported to have rejuvenating properties. The use of nutraceuticals has beneficial effect on the metabolic and immune systems as they possess anti-oxidant properties.
Novel genetic risk factors influence progression of islet autoimmunity to type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes arises from the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas, resulting in dependence on exogenously administered insulin to maintain glucose homeostasis. In this study, our aim was to identify genetic risk factors that contribute to progression from islet autoimmunity to clinical type 1 diabetes. We analyzed 6.8 million variants derived from whole genome sequencing of 160 islet autoantibody positive subjects, including 87 who had progressed to type 1 diabetes. The Cox proportional-hazard model for survival analysis was used to identify genetic variants associated with progression. We identified one novel region, 20p12.1 (TASP1; genome-wide P < 5 × 10–8) and three regions, 1q21.3 (MRPS21–PRPF3), 2p25.2 (NRIR), 3q22.1 (COL6A6), with suggestive evidence of association (P < 8.5 × 10–8) with progression from islet autoimmunity to type 1 diabetes. Once islet autoimmunity is initiated, functional mapping identified two critical pathways, response to viral infections and interferon signaling, as contributing to disease progression. These results provide evidence that genetic pathways involved in progression from islet autoimmunity differ from those pathways identified once disease has been established. These results support the need for further investigation of genetic risk factors that modulate initiation and progression of subclinical disease to inform efforts in development of novel strategies for prediction and intervention of type 1 diabetes.
Light Field Endoscopy Using a GRIN Lens Array

We present the optical design and proof of concept implementation of a fully portable system for single-shot, quantitative, volumetric light field endoscopy based on a GRIN lens array.
What about tocilizumab? A retrospective study from a NYC Hospital during the COVID-19 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor blocker, has been used in the inflammatory phase of COVID-19, but its impact independent of corticosteroids remains unclear in patients with severe disease. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis of patients with COVID-19 admitted between March 2 and April 14, 2020 to a large academic medical center in New York City, we describe outcomes associated with tocilizumab 400 mg (without methylprednisolone) compared to a propensity-matched control. The primary endpoints were change in a 7-point ordinal scale of oxygenation and ventilator free survival, both at days 14 and 28. Secondary endpoints include incidence of bacterial superinfections and gastrointestinal perforation. Primary outcomes were evaluated using t-test. RESULTS: We identified 33 patients who received tocilizumab and matched 74 controls based on demographics and health measures upon admission. After adjusting for illness severity and baseline ordinal scale, we failed to find evidence of an improvement in hypoxemia based on an ordinal scale at hospital day 14 in the tocilizumab group (OR 2.2; 95% CI, 0.7-6.5; p = 0.157) or day 28 (OR 1.1; 95% CI, 0.4-3.6; p = 0.82). There also was no evidence of an improvement in ventilator-free survival at day 14 (OR 0.8; 95% CI, 0.18-3.5; p = 0.75) or day 28 (OR 1.1; 95% CI, 0.1-1.8; p = 0.23). There was no increase in secondary bacterial infection rates in the tocilizumab group compared to controls (OR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.09-1.53; p = 0.168). CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence to support an improvement in hypoxemia or ventilator-free survival with use of tocilizumab 400 mg in the absence of corticosteroids. No increase in secondary bacterial infections was observed in the group receiving tocilizumab.
Fitting anxiety and prudent anxiety

Most agree that, in some special scenarios, prudence can speak against feeling a fitting emotion. Some go further, arguing that the tension between fittingness and prudence afflicts some emotions in a fairly general way. (Perhaps, for instance, it’s best for human well-being that we generally grieve much less than is fitting.) This paper goes even further: it argues that, when it comes to anxiety, the tension between fittingness and prudence is nearly inescapable. On any plausible theory, an enormous array of possible outcomes are both bad and epistemically uncertain in the right way to ground fitting anxiety. What’s more, the fittingness of an emotion is a demanding, not a permissive, normative status. So the norms of fitting emotion demand a great deal of anxiety. For almost any realistic agent, it would be deeply imprudent to feel anxiety in a way that meets the demands set by norms of fitting emotion.
Well-Defined Economic Efficiency and the Common Law: The Rise, Fall and Rebirth of Economic Efficiency Applied to Law

This article addresses the question of what economic efficiency is and why a proper understanding of it affects the economic efficiency claim that is made for common law. This understanding shows that a good deal of the criticism of the efficiency claim in fact are consistent with it. Justice and economic efficiency, properly defined have similar outcomes and similar and comparable roots so that a correspondence between them is not surprising. This article builds on the Rubin-Zywicki model to suggest additional support for elements of the efficiency claim and shows also additional reasons why it may be less strong than formerly. For example, the common law in its distributive role, where efficiency is often opaque so that the cost to judges of making rules that are inefficient are less than in other areas of the law, inefficiency is more likely to be found.
Prevalence of Injuries Among Medicaid Enrolled Infants Prior to Child Abuse and Neglect.

Prior research has identified common injuries among children who experience child maltreatment; however, most of this work has focused on inpatient settings and has excluded many cases of neglect. ...
Individualizing Criminal Law’s Justice Judgments: Shortcomings in the Doctrines of Culpability, Mitigation, and Excuse

In judging an offender’s culpability, mitigation, or excuse, there seems to be general agreement that it is appropriate for the criminal law to take into account such things as the offender’s youthfulness or her significantly low IQ. There is even support for taking account of their distorted perceptions and reasoning induced by traumatic experiences, as in battered spouse syndrome. On the other hand, there seems to be equally strong opposition to taking account of things such as racism or homophobia that played a role in bringing about the offense. In between these two clear points, however, exists a large collection of individual offender characteristics and circumstances for which there is lack of clarity as to whether the criminal law should take them into account. Should our assessment of an offender’s criminal liability be adjusted for their cultural background? Their religious beliefs? Their past life experiences? The pedophilic tendencies they have always had but usually suppressed? The question of how much to individualize the criminal liability judgment is not peripheral or unusual but rather common in a wide range of formal criminal law doctrines including, for example, the culpability requirements of recklessness and negligence, the mitigation of provocation and its more modern form of extreme emotional disturbance, and the excuse defenses of mistake as to a justification, duress, and involuntary intoxication. indeed, it turns out that the problem of individualizing factors is present, if often obscured, in all criminal law doctrines of culpability, mitigation, and excuse. The Article reviews the appeal of criminal law adhering to a purely objective standard, where the problem of the individualizing factors is sought to be avoided altogether. But the resulting stream of injustices has forced most jurisdictions to adopt a partially individualized standard in some cases involving some doctrines. But this leaves the jurisdiction’s criminal law in an awkward and unstable state. Without a guiding principle for determining which individualizing factors are to be taken into account under what circumstances, the law is inevitably unprincipled and internally inconsistent. And without guidance, different decision-makers inevitably come to different conclusions in similar cases. The Article proposes a solution to the individualizing factors puzzle and a statutory codification that would provide guidance in the adjudication of the many cases in which the issue arises.
CoPlace: Effectively Mitigating Cache Conflicts in Modern Clouds

Substantial renovations in hardware cache have been focused on reducing cache interference between workloads recently. However, cache conflicts within each workload are surprisingly overlooked. The paper identifies that cache conflicts cannot be effectively reduced in virtualized clouds. Enhancements for cache partitioning, such as Intel cache allocation technology, make cache conflicts even more serious for cloud workloads. The paper proposes CoPlace as a low overhead and highly portable solution for virtualized clouds. CoPlace enhances the page placement mechanisms implemented in the host OS, such that it can collaborate with the guest OS to reduce cache conflicts. With CoPlace, the guest OS makes page placement decisions; and the host OS helps enforce the decisions. Evaluation based on the prototype implementation in Linux and KVM and diverse real world applications shows that CoPlace can significantly reduce cache conflicts and improve application performance.