cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations between neighborhood socioeconomic environment and physical activity in Cuban immigrants

Physical inactivity is a major public health concern because it is a determinant of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Few longitudinal studies have examined the association between neighborhood socioeconomic (SES) environment and change in physical activity behaviors. Additionally, few studies have examined this association in immigrant groups or Hispanic subgroups such as Cubans. This research aimed to determine if neighborhood SES is associated with longitudinal change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Cuban immigrants who participate in the Cuban Health Study in Miami, Florida. Data on 280 participants [mean age: 37.4 (± 4.6), 48.9% women, mean body mass index: 25.0 (± 2.5)] collected at baseline, 12 months and 24 months were analyzed. Minutes of MVPA were objectively measured during each data collection period using accelerometers. A neighborhood SES score was calculated for each participant's residential census tract from American Community Survey data on median household income, median housing value, educational attainment and occupation. The neighborhood SES score was grouped into tertiles, reflecting low, moderate and high neighborhood SES environment. Multilevel linear models were used to examine the relationship between neighborhood SES and change in MVPA over 24 months. At baseline, 94 (33.6%), 108 (38.6%) and 78 (27.9%) participants resided in low, moderate, and high SES neighborhoods, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, no difference in average change in MVPA over time was observed between participants residing in low and moderate SES neighborhoods (p=0.48) or low and high SES neighborhoods (p=0.62). In Cuban immigrants, longitudinal change in MVPA may not vary by neighborhood socioeconomic environment.
2013 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship: drug discovery targeting allosteric sites.

The identification of sites on receptors topographically distinct from the orthosteric sites, so-called allosteric sites, has heralded novel approaches and modes of pharmacology for target modulation. Over the past 20 years, our understanding of allosteric modulation has grown significantly, and numerous advantages, as well as caveats (e.g., flat structure–activity relationships, species differences, “molecular switches”), have been identified. For multiple receptors and proteins, numerous examples have been described where unprecedented levels of selectivity are achieved along with improved physiochemical properties. While not a panacea, these novel approaches represent exciting opportunities for tool compound development to probe the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of discrete molecular targets, as well as new medicines. In this Perspective, in commemoration of the 2013 Philip S. Portoghese Medicinal Chemistry Lectureship (Lindsley, C. W. Adventures in allosteric drug discovery. Presented at the ...
The Elusive Fixed Point Property

(1969). The Elusive Fixed Point Property. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 119-132.
Review: Thomas Day: Master Craftsman and Free Man of Color by Patricia Phillips Marshall, Jo Ramsey Leimenstoll

Patricia Phillips Marshall and Jo Ramsey Leimenstoll Thomas Day: Master Craftsman and Free Man of Color . Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2010, 320 pp., 20 color and 243 b/w illus. $40, ISBN 9780807833414 In 1850 Thomas Day, a free man of color, owned the most successful cabinetmaking shop in the state of North Carolina. In their book Thomas Day: Master Craftsman and Free Man of Color , Patricia Phillips Marshall and Jo Ramsey Leimenstoll outline the unique life of this artist, who was an anomaly in this region. They examine the idiosyncrasies of Day's style of furniture and architectural woodwork, which made him so sought after by the elite white population of the Dan River region of North Carolina and Virginia. To unravel the personal and professional history of an extraordinary man of the antebellum South, the authors make extensive use of primary source materials, such as census records, correspondence, real estate records, pattern books, and advertisements in local newspapers, as well as numerous examples of Thomas Day's works, many of which appear in this richly illustrated book. Marshall and Leimenstoll set Day's life story and professional output within the larger political, social, and cultural climate of North Carolina during the three decades preceding the Civil War. They argue that Thomas Day was able to achieve his great success, and amass a large fortune, despite his race through a combination of business acumen, hard work, and immense talent, …
Characterizing new compositions of [001]C relaxor ferroelectric single crystals using a work-energy model

The desired operating range of ferroelectric materials with compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary is limited by field induced phase transformations. In [001]C cut and poled relaxor ferroelectric single crystals the mechanically driven ferroelectric rhombohedral to ferroelectric orthorhombic phase transformation is hindered by antagonistic electrical loading. Instability around the phase transformation makes the current experimental technique for characterization of the large field behavior very time consuming. Characterization requires specialized equipment and involves an extensive set of measurements under combined electrical, mechanical, and thermal loads. In this work a mechanism-based model is combined with a more limited set of experiments to obtain the same results. The model utilizes a work-energy criterion that calculates the mechanical work required to induce the transformation and the required electrical work that is removed to reverse the transformation. This is done by defining energy barriers to the transformation. The results of the combined experiment and modeling approach are compared to the fully experimental approach and error is discussed. The model shows excellent predictive capability and is used to substantially reduce the total number of experiments required for characterization. This decreases the time and resources required for characterization of new compositions.
Pilot assessment of a human extracellular matrix-based vascular graft in a rabbit model

Background Herein we describe a small-diameter vascular graft constructed from rolled human amniotic membrane ( h AM), with in vitro evaluation and subsequent in vivo assessment of its mechanical and initial biologic viability in the early postimplantation period. This approach for graft construction allows customization of graft dimensions, with wide-ranging potential clinical applicability as a nonautologous, allogeneic, cell-free graft material. Methods Acellular h AMs were rolled into layered conduits (3.2-mm diameter) that were bound with fibrin and lyophilized. Constructs were seeded with human smooth muscle cells and cultured under controlled arterial hemodynamic conditions in vitro. Additionally, the acellular h AM conduits were surgically implanted as arterial interposition grafts into the carotid arteries of immunocompetent rabbits. Results On in vitro analysis, smooth muscle cells were shown to adhere to, proliferate within, and remodel the scaffold during a 4-week culture period. At the end of the culture period, there was histologic and biomechanical evidence of graft wall layer coalescence. In vivo analysis demonstrated graft patency after 4 weeks (n = 3), with no hyperacute rejection or thrombotic occlusion. Explants displayed histologic evidence of active cellular remodeling, with endogenous cell repopulation of the graft wall concurrent with degradation of initial graft material. Cells were shown to align circumferentially to resemble a vascular medial layer. Conclusions The vascular grafts were shown to provide a supportive scaffold allowing cellular infiltration and remodeling by host cell populations in vivo. By use of this approach, "off-the-shelf" vascular grafts can be created with specified diameters and wall thicknesses to satisfy specific anatomic requirements in diverse populations of patients.
Formalization Technique for Communication Protocol Automatic Testing

The study of formalization of natural language text of communication protocol is the premise of protocol automatic testing.Therefore,it is an important field of Data Link Protocol Automatic Testing.There is not any effective solution though this problem has been presented for a long time.Potential Wordform Theory of Case Grammar is an effective grammar in disambiguation.After Potential Wordform characters of the words in an protocol text are given,a Potential Wordform dictionary,a group of Potential Wordform grammar rules and a group of FSM generation rules can be created.On this basis,an automat,corresponding to the protocol text,can be created too.Abovementioned technique helps automatically formalizing the protocol text,and thus helps comprehensive automation of communication protocol testing.
Student Affairs: Moving from Theories and Theorists to Practice and Practitioners

Student affairs and student services practices are concepts that can replace traditional models of student development, now emphasizing student identity, student voice, and emancipatory advocacy. A new identity is suggested to replace the title for student affairs professionals and student affairs programs in community colleges: student success professionals and student success programs.
Pathology of superficial bladder cancer with emphasis on carcinoma in situ.

Risk factors for the development of nosocomial infection, i.e., diabetes, immunosuppressive therapy, etc., are reviewed. In most cases, the patient's own fecal flora is the primary reservoir for potentially infecting pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Proteus, Serratia, and enterococcus. Hospitalized patients are likely to have antibiotic-related changes in fecal flora. Abnormal urethral flora in men, as well as high rates of vaginal and urethral colonization in women, increase the risk of infection associated with urinary catheterization or instrumentation. The costs of nosocomial urinary tract infections, both in economic and health terms, are briefly discussed. After a review of the causes and consequences of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the issue of perioperative prophylaxis is addressed. It is concluded that the most important aspects of effective perioperative prophylaxis are achievement of suitable drug-tissue levels at the time of surgery and a limited period of postoperative antibiotic administration. The problem and probable causes of cross contamination are described. Recommendations for reducing nosocomial infections are offered.
A close reading and concept-oriented rhetorical and literary analysis of Margaret Sanger's eugenics-based discourse

Margaret Sanger, a well-known nurse, women’s rights and birth control activist, and sex educator is known for her influence on the birth control movement and the establishment of what is now known as Planned Parenthood, a national organization that has assisted women with their sexual and reproductive health for decades. Sanger, one of the most influential advocates for women’s self-empowerment, manipulated popular eugenics-based language constructions of the time to gain elite followers for her birth control movement. Although many historical, theological, feminist, and social scientific scholars have studied Sanger’s underlying eugenic agenda, Sanger’s deliberate use of specific rhetorical strategies have not yet been analyzed. Through a close reading and concept-oriented rhetorical analysis of Sanger’s 1921 speech, “The Morality of Birth Control,” and 1922 publication, The Pivot of Civilization, this thesis will explore Sanger’s deliberate and predetermined use of antithesis, scapegoating, and ethos to promote her birth control movement.
Effects of increased cloud-cover on a montane forest landscape

Abstract:Although increased cloud-cover may reduce global temperature response to trace gas emissions, it is an important climatic change from an ecological perspective. For plants, cloud-cover reduces photosynthesis and alters establishment; these effects differ among species. The differential effects may be modified, however, by pattern at the landscape level, such as forest edges. Here we include cloud-cover and the edge effects of a snow avalanche path in a simulation of the dynamics of a montane forest using a spatially explicit implementation of the JABOWA-FORET model. Cloud cover is simulated by a 10% reduction in ambient light. Alternately we forced constant full sunlight, constant mortality for conifers, or both, on a strip of simulated cells in order to maintain an avalanche path. Higher light levels maintained on the path allow the persistence of shade-intolerant species that otherwise decline under a scenario of increased cloud-cover (deciduous proportion on 800 cells changes from 0.19 to 0.11...
Abstract 2728: Correlation of p62/ubiquitin IHC expression with clinicopathologic outcome in gastrointestinal carcinomas

Background:P62 and ubiquitin are small regulatory proteins demonstrated to have implications in the prognosis and survival of various malignancies including: hepatocellular, breast, ovarian, and some gastrointestinal carcinomas. They play a vital role in controlling the process of cell death and survival. In order to understand the roles p62/ubiquitin play in gastrointestinal carcinomas, we carried out immunohistochemical analyses of p62/ubiquitin expression in a cohort of patients with annotated clinicopathologic data. Methods:Tissue microarrays (TMAs) of two 1mm cores each of 130 gastrointestinal carcinomas were immunostained for p62 and ubiquitin expression. Normal gastric, colon and pancreatic tissues were included as negative controls. Subjects were categorized into positive and negative groups based on the 20% cutoff of staining area. The staging of these three types of cancer were classified into early (Stage 0-3A) and advanced stage (equal or more than stage 3B).Chi-square or Fisher9s exact test was used for assessing the comparability of cancer staging (pathologic stage, tumor size, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases) between positive and negative groups. A two-sample t-test was used to evaluate the association between log-transformed survival time and the positivity of tumor cells. All the statistical analyses were conducted using SAS statistical software version 9.3 (SAS Institute, Inc.,Cary, NC), and P Results:Of 130 carcinoma, there were 45 gastric, 70 colorectal and 15 pancreatic carcinoma. In gastric carcinoma (45), positive p62 nuclear expression was noted in 25 (53%) and cytoplasmic in 26 (57%), while positive ubiquitin was nuclear expressed in 36 (80%), and cytoplasmic in 11 (24%). In colon carcinoma (70), positive p62 nuclear expression was noted in 29 (41%) and cytoplasmic in 48 (68.5%), while positive ubiquitin was nuclear in 40 (57%) and cytoplasmic in 30 (42%). In pancreatic cancer (15), positive p62 nuclear expression was noted in 13 (86%) and cytoplasmic in 9 (60%), while positive ubiquitin was nuclear in 15 (100%) and cytoplasmic in 12 (80%). Normal gastric (6), colon (4) and pancreatic (4) tissues were negative for both p62 and ubiquitin (nuclear and cytoplasmic staining Conclusion:This study revealed that both p62 and ubiquitin are highly expressed in nuclei and cytoplasm of gastrointestinal carcinomas (gastric, colonic and pancreatic carcinomas). High ubiquitin expression was noted to have an impact on overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Amr Mohamed, Ayman AlKhoder, Wang Tengteng, Charles Kovach, Ahmed Kaseb, Momin T. Siddiqui, Cynthia Cohen. Correlation of p62/ubiquitin IHC expression with clinicopathologic outcome in gastrointestinal carcinomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2728. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2728
Zika Virus Infection of the Human Glomerular Cells: Implications for Viral Reservoirs and Renal Pathogenesis.

Background Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the human renal compartment has not been reported. Several clinical reports have describe high-level persistent viral shedding in the urine of infected patients, but the associated mechanisms have not been explored until now. The current study examined cellular components of the glomerulus of the human kidney for ZIKV infectivity. Methods I infected primary human podocytes, renal glomerular endothelial cells (GECs), and mesangial cells with ZIKV. Viral infectivity was analyzed by means of microscopy, immunofluorescence, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β, interferon β, and RANTES (regulated on activation of normal T cells expressed and secreted) were assessed using qRT-PCR. Results I show that glomerular podocytes, renal GECs, and mesangial cells are permissive for ZIKV infection. ZIKV infectivity was confirmed in all 3 cell types by means of immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, and qRT-PCR, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased transcriptional induction of interleukin 1β, interferon β, and RANTES in ZIKV-infected podocytes at 72 hours, compared with renal GECs and mesangial cells. Conclusions The findings of this study support the notion that the glomerulus may serve as an amplification reservoir for ZIKV in the renal compartment. The impact of ZIKV infection in the human renal compartment is unknown and will require further study.
A comparison of local and general models of leaf area and biomass of urban trees in USA

Abstract Ecosystem service estimation is a very popular topic. Many urban studies use the i-Tree Eco model developed by US Forest Service to estimate ecosystem services. Several ecosystem service estimation studies have been conducted acting upon the assumption that relationships developed elsewhere are applicable to sites that vary in species, site, climate, and environmental conditions. This study tested the accuracy of highly used existing leaf area and biomass models when used outside the region in which it was developed. To do this, we measured 74 urban trees from five species in Stevens Point, Wisconsin collecting data such as diameter at breast height (Dbh), tree height, height to the base of live crown, crown width, crown volume, leaf area, and leaf dry weight biomass. Using the data, we developed two models each to predict leaf area and biomass. Using ten independent samples, we compared our predictions with predictions from the existing models which are also used in i-Tree. Our results indicated that the local models developed in the current study predicted leaf area and biomass better than existing models which had higher prediction error. The difference in prediction will ultimately affect ecosystem services estimation when. using i-Tree, and future studies should acknowledge the difference.
Management of osteomalacia.

This excess of unmineralized bone can be definitively diagnosed only by bone biopsy. Vitamin D therapy, with or without adjuncts, is consistently effective, but dosages vary widely for the 30 or so known etiologies of this all-too-common osteopenia.
Front lines: soldiers’ writing in the early modern Hispanic world

La escritura soldadesca ha sido tradicionalmente considerada como un fenomeno residual dentro de la creciente produccion textual de la alta modernidad hispanica; no desde su valor historico, cultur...
A Importância do Gerenciamento do Escopo e de suas Mudanças a Fim de Identificar os Impactos Gerados nas Áreas de Prazo, Custo e Qualidade de um Projeto de Exploração Offshore de Petróleo

This article presents important aspects related to the project management process, mostly based on the PMI (Project Management Institute) methodology. It addresses key issues for project success, such as what should be observed in managing the scope to minimize impacts on project timing, cost, and quality. In the case study item, greater emphasis is given to the issue, addressing real examples of how the lack of a well-defined scope contributes to inopportune changes to the schedule, cost increase, and declining quality of an offshore oil exploration project. These types of projects, due to their size, complexity and interdisciplinarity, are subject to the scope analysis, making interventions from the basic engineering phase to the execution phase, making management of the scope fundamental for the project to achieve its goals.
Pruning algorithm for the least expected travel time path on stochastic and time-dependent networks

Abstract This study addresses the problem of determining the path with the least expected travel time on stochastic and time-dependent networks. The Bellman’s optimality principle is not applicable to this problem —because of its non-linear objective function— making it difficult to solve. In this light, we propose a pruning-based algorithm that progressively determines subpaths from the source and eliminates those that are non-optimal. The algorithm uses a novel bi-level, bounds-based pruning criterion to determine whether subpath can belong to the optimal path. We show that the pruning criterion is valid and that the algorithm terminates with an exact solution. Computational experiments demonstrate that the algorithm can successfully solve the problem even on large real-world networks and that its practical computational complexity is polynomial. Finally, we show that the pruning algorithm outperforms the existing non-dominance based procedure by a factor proportional to the network size on medium-sized networks and more so on large-sized networks. This work has the potential to aid in a wider application of stochastic time-dependent networks for modeling and analysis.
1126 A new practical procedure for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness in workplace health check-ups

Introduction Japan faces a serious national issue of declining worker numbers due to low birth-rate and longevity. There is an increased need to maintain workers’ health and extend the working years prior to workforce retirement. Hence, research in workers’ physical fitness will play a significant role in occupational health issues. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) assessed by maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2max ) plays an important role in workers’ health. However, measuring VO 2max can be burdensome for subjects and requires skilled examiners. This is a practical disadvantage for including VO 2max in workplace health check-ups. In this study, we developed a new CRF measurement procedure in lieu of measuring VO 2max . Methods Our study participants included 101 Japanese workers (55 men and 46 women, aged 30 to 59 years). We measured subjects’ VO 2max by the Bruce protocol using treadmill exercise and an indirect calorimeter. Subjects also completed two newly devised assessments: (1) a step-test consisting of a 3 min stepping exercise followed by a 2 min rest and (2) a questionnaire measuring workers’ physical activity level during working time and during non-working time on workdays and non-workdays. We conducted multiple regression analyses with VO 2max as a dependent variable and parameters obtained from the procedure as independent variables. Results We chose the combined heart rates during the step-test’s exercise and recovery periods and the questionnaire’s total score as significant (p 2max variance. Conclusion The procedure we developed can be performed without a heavy exercise burden on the subject or special skills of the examiner. This study suggests that the procedure can potentially be used to assess CRF in the worker’s health check-ups where VO 2max measurements are not available.
Studies of Human Natural Killer Cytotoxic Factor (NKCF): Characterization and Analysis of its Mode of Action

Soluble natural killer cytotoxic factors (NKCF) have been detected in the supernatant of normal mouse, rat, and human lymphocytes stimulated in vitro for 1 to 3 days in serum-free medium. Stimulation of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) with NK-sensitive targets or mitogens has resulted in high levels of NKCF production. Previous studies in the mouse and human systems have analyzed the cells responsible for production, specificity, and general characteristics of NKCF. In the present study, using human NKCF as a model for cytolysis by LGL, we have analyzed a variety of agents previously demonstrated to inhibit NK activity. These have included: (i) phosphorylated sugars; (ii) protease inhibitors; (iii) antibodies to rat LGL granules; (iv) Ca++, and Mg++; (v) lipomodulin; (vi) nucleotides; (vii) prostaglandins; and (viii) inhibitors of lysosomal enzymes. All inhibitors were tested for their effects on production of NKCF after target cell interaction, binding of NKCF to target cells, and target cell lysis (after 6-hour NKCF absorption and washing of targets). Phosphorylated sugars and antibodies to rat LGL granules were found to inhibit the lysis of targets by NKCF, whereas the other agents tested had no detectable effect (ATP, cyclic AMP, protease inhibitors, prostaglandin E2). In regard to the production of NKCF, the data indicated that (i) the absence of calcium and magnesium, (ii) prostaglandin E2, and (iii) ATP inhibited production, whereas phosphorylated sugars did not. Studies with these types of agents will now enable us to dissect the sites at which these agents function within the lytic process. In addition to the above studies, purification studies were performed using tritiated arginine to label NKCF to begin biochemical characterization of human NKCF. The results indicated that radiolabeled NKCF has an apparent molecular weight between 20,000 and 40,000. This material demonstrated a pattern of binding to target cells which was similar to the pattern of lysis by NKCF. In addition, the binding of this material was competitively inhibited by unlabeled NKCF preparations. Such approaches with radiolabeled NKCF should be useful for the further study of the biochemical characteristics of human NKCF and of its mechanism of action.
Stromal acidosis modulates corneal swelling.

PURPOSE Studies have shown that stromal acidosis reduces the rate of corneal thickness recovery after induced edema, providing the first human in vivo evidence that corneal pH can influence corneal hydration control. This finding raises the question of the possible effect that pH may have on induced corneal swelling. To explore this question, the corneal swelling response to hypoxia was measured while stromal pH was controlled. METHODS Corneal edema and stromal acidosis was induced in ten subjects by passing a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas across the eyes through tight-fitting goggles. One eye of each subject received 100% N2, whereas the contralateral eye received a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2. Exposures of 95% N2 + 5% CO2 lower pH on average to 7.16 versus 7.34 for 100% N2 alone. Before and after 2.5 hours of gas exposure, central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured. RESULTS Eyes exposed to the lower pH environment (eg, N2 + CO2) developed less change in CCT compared to the eyes receiving N2 alone. Overall increase in CCT was 29.9 +/- 5.3 microns for eyes exposed to the 95% N2 + 5% CO2 gas mixture, versus 37.1 +/- 4.8 microns for 100% N2 eyes (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The corneal swelling response to hypoxia can be reduced by lowering stromal pH. Because changes in corneal pH alone have not been found to alter steady-state CCT, it is proposed that pH exerts its effect only under non-steady-state conditions (ie, corneal swelling and deswelling). This suggests that acidosis may produce changes in the rate of lactate metabolism or alter endothelial hydraulic conductivity.
The Germinal Cell and Histogenesis of the Nervous System

One of the most enduring concepts of developmental neurobiology is that of the germinal cells situated in well-defined germinal zones located in characteristic places in the developing nervous system. Identification of these specialized cells, from which all neurons originate, was made almost a century ago, and hundreds of publications have appeared dealing with their identification and location and with many aspects of their proliferation. Nevertheless, we still do not know how the different types of neurons and glia are generated from the apparently homogeneous population of germinal cells, and how their proliferation is controlled so as to produce the correct numbers of different cells in each part of the nervous system.
The Social Context of Clinical Practice With Sexual Minority Clients: Commentary on the Special Issue

Abstract Clinical research with sexual minority clients has evolved and has contributed to recognition and affirmation of sexual minorities. This commentary traces a history of research that was at one time based on heteronormative biases, what we refer to as a “first wave” to a movement through a “second wave” of research comparing sexual minorities to heterosexual counterparts in order to adapt existing clinical practices and advocate for them in the context of political challenges and social opposition. We look at the articles in this special issue as exemplary of what may be considered the “third wave” of this research that begins with the assumption that sexual minority populations are unique and valued subcultures and proposes best practices with these populations.
Find It and Tax It: From TIEAs to IGAs

Today, more than ever the battle against tax evasion is taking a center stage in the global political agenda. Hence, leading countries are intensifying their efforts and adding tools to assist in the pursuit of information concerning the international business activities of their taxpayers. The efforts to reveal illicit money are being undertaken through independent initiatives, or under the auspices of the OECD. Currently, the U.S. employs three methods to reveal its taxpayers’ offshore income: TIEAs, bilateral tax treaties, and FATCA/IGAs. In our opinion, FATCA has in fact been buried by the IGAs. However, we still believe that both FATCA and the IGAs have had an enormous psychological effect on taxpayers. Our view is not only supported by the record number of U.S. citizens who renounced their U.S. citizenship in 2014, but also by the popularity of the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program offered to U.S. taxpayers.We believe that relying on IGAs rather than on FATCA will change little in the field of exchange of information at the government level: Namely, those countries that have always been willing to co-operate with the U.S. will continue in this manner, and those who have imposed difficulties (i.e. Swiss) will continue to do so. However, at the bottom of the pyramid, the escalating law-enforcement exposes the unwillingness of more and more taxpayers to pay with their freedom by being locked up in prison, where their money can no longer be part of any game.
A 65nm Silicon-on-Thin-Box (SOTB) Embedded 2T-MONOS Flash Achieving 0.22 pJ/bit Read Energy with 64 MHz Access for IoT Applications

To expand IoT application ranges, ultra-low active energy operations are expected to edge devices. Especially, read energy reduction in embedded Flash (eFlash) is strongly required to enable real-time sensing with limited energy generated by energy harvesting (EH). In this work, 1.5MB 2T-MONOS eFlash macro is fabricated with 65nm SOTB technology, using low-energy sense amplifier and data transmission circuit techniques which enhance advantages of SOTB devices. The proposed eFlash achieves 0.22 pJ/bit read energy with 64MHz read access, which is low enough to utilize EH technologies as energy sources.
Person-Work Mismatch, Retirement Context, and the Progression of Depressive Symptoms Over Mid-Later Years: A Dyadic Analysis of Couples in Enduring Marriages.

Objectives: This study investigates how person–work mismatch (PWM) and subsequent pre-retirement work circumstances lead to poor mental health in later years for husbands and wives in enduring marr...
Can Familial Risk for ADHD Be Detected in the First Two Years of Life

Objective: We evaluated trajectories of attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD)-relevant behaviors in a sample of infants at high and low familial risk for ADHD who were prospectively evaluated at 12, 18, and 24 months of age.Method: Participants included 43 infants at risk for ADHD based on family history (i.e., diagnosed first-degree relative) and 40 low-risk infants (i.e., no family history of ADHD). Instances of inattention, out-of-seat, and grabbing behavior were coded from video; analogous constructs were rated by examiners unaware of familial risk status after completing structured standardized assessments with the infants/toddlers. At the end of each study visit, examiners solicited parents' concerns about their child's behavior. Differences in ADHD-related behaviors and parent concerns were examined between 12 and 24 months of age.Results: Infants with an older sibling or parent diagnosed with ADHD were distinguishable from infants with no family history of ADHD as early as 12 months of age based on directly observed and examiner reports of behavior, particularly with respect to hyperactive-impulsive behavior. Parents of infants at familial risk for ADHD also reported significantly more behavior/temperament concerns as early as 12 months of age compared to parents of infants at low risk for ADHD.Conclusions: These findings highlight the ability to detect genetic liability for ADHD by the end of the first year of life, suggesting that well-designed family risk studies of ADHD are feasible and may be clinically valuable. They also suggest the potential for earlier detection of risk for ADHD than has previously been possible.
Mitral Valve Aneurysm in Mitral Valve Endocarditis:A Case Report.

Mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) is an ominous complication of infective endocarditis (IE), with worse outcomes seen among patients with preexisting valvular disease or intravenous drug use. Valve aneurysms can perforate or lead to rupture of the chordae tendineae, with the consequent development of severe mitral regurgitation and acute pulmonary edema. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman with hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peptic ulcer disease, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, intravenous drug abuse and bipolar disorder who developed MVA one month after being discharged for IE. Decline in the clinical status of patients with IE is a troubling sign that may indicate an IE complication such as MVA. Physicians should diligently monitor patients with IE for changes in signs and symptoms, as early recognition and surgical intervention are key to prevent further morbidity and mortality.
Identifying Unwanted Signal In A Spread Spectrum Band

In May, 1985, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed the unlicensed use of spread spectrum (SS) in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band for commercial transmission without the need for a license as long as the user follows certain guideline in terms of transmission power level. The scarcity of communication bandwidth has lead researchers to investigate algorithms to identify busy channels over the airwave so they can be avoided and not add to communication degradation. This is very salient in the over used ISM band. In the ISM band the solution lies in developing efficient algorithms to detect which parts of the band are being used and utilize an agile communication system to hop to the available parts which support good communication. In addition, a solution of this nature can find application in electronic warfare, where fire fighters in the field would like to identify enemy attacks on their frequency hop spread spectrum (FHSS) channels and take appropriate measures to protect their communication channels from a jammer’s interference. This paper is based on a scaled down version of the Bluetooth FHSS channel model. It proposes the use a polyphase channelizer to identify an active channel.
Association between digoxin use and gastrointestinal bleeding in contemporary continuous flow left ventricular assist device support

Purpose Digoxin use has been associated with reduced rate of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in a previous study of patients on left ventricular assistive device (LVAD) support. The purpose of this study was to test the association between digoxin use and GIB events in a large, multicenter, contemporary dataset inclusive of HeartMate 3 devices. Methods Patients with complete data on GIB events and digoxin use from two medical centers were included in the analysis (total n=650). GI bleeding events were captured out to 2 years of follow up and digoxin use was defined as digoxin prescribed at discharge or within the first 3 months after LVAD implantation. A negative binomial regression model was performed to determine association between digoxin use and number of GI bleeding events over 2 years of LVAD support. Results Mean age of the study cohort was 57 years (±14), 45 % were bridge to transplant (BTT), and 78% had HeartMate 2 devices. Thirteen % received HeartMate 3 devices. Digoxin was prescribed in 31% of patients. Patients on digoxin had better renal function at the time of LVAD implantation (1.19 vs 1.21, P= 0.037), lower INTERMACS profile (INTERMACS 2-3: 56 % vs. 48 %, P Conclusion In this large multicenter study, inclusive of the most contemporary devices, digoxin use was associated with reduced GI bleeding events. Prospective data will be required to confirm this hypothesis.
The Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement on Mitral Valve Function.

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure provides a way to treat severe aortic stenosis in the large population of patients who are not candidates for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Mitral regurgitation is often concomitant to aortic stenosis in these patients due to the high pressure of the left ventricle and long-term damage to the mitral valve. Due to the proximity of the aortic valve to the mitral valve, TAVR can impact the functional status of the mitral valve by affecting left ventricular outlet obstruction and the mitral valve annular shape. As TAVR becomes increasingly prevalent to treat aortic stenosis (AS), consideration into the impact of TAVR on mitral valve function is important in order determine whether patients will be able to undergo mitral valve repair or replacement whether surgically or percutaneously. In this review, we seek to explore the effect of TAVR on the mitral annular geometry, mitral valve flow and the impact of TAVR on the mitral valve in the presence of mitral annular calcification.
Endogenous Direct Democracy: The Case of Mexico:

Direct democracy (DD) – including initiatives and referendums – is increasingly used by citizens and governments to establish new policies around the world. Although framed as a tool that benefits ...
A POLÍTICA DO TEMPO NO TRABALHO DIGITAL POR PEÇA BASEADO EM DOMICÍLIO

Traducao para o portugues de Rodrigo de Lacerda Carelli do texto “The Time Politics of Home-Based Digital Piecework”, de autoria de Veena B. Dubal, apresentado inicialmente ao Center for Ethics Journal: Perspectives on Ethics , no simposio “The Future of Work in the Age of Automation and AI” e com versao original disponivel em: https://c4ejournal.net/2020/07/04/v-b-dubal-the-time-politics-of-home-based-digital-piecework-2020-c4ej-xxx/ RESUMO: As mudancas na tecnologia digital transformaram radicalmente os processos de trabalho do seculo passado mediante a reordenacao dos espacos fisicos e cognitivos. Mas aspectos centrais da organizacao do Tecnocapital no seculo XXI emprestam e intensificam praticas de producao do seculo XX ja abolidas. Os industriais da automacao, por exemplo, redescobriram a flexibilidade e a velocidade de producao e a mais-valia em um resquicio da fabricacao de pecas de vestuario: o trabalho por peca. Como os fabricantes estadunidenses do inicio do seculo XX que pagavam as mulheres que trabalhavam em casa por peca (Boris, 1994), os industriais de tecnologia pagam as pessoas dispersas ao longo da cadeia de producao de dados pela conclusao de uma tarefa ao inves de paga-la por hora (Irani, 2015). Este trabalho desregulado, que as maquinas nao podem realizar, forma o alicerce das mudancas na automacao e na inteligencia artificial. Como os trabalhadores baseados em domicilio digitais de hoje concebem e experimentam o tempo no contexto deste trabalho por peca? Examinando narrativas de processadores de dados da Amazon Mechanical Turk, sediada nos EUA, atraves de um quadro historico, defendo que, embora os trabalhadores digitais contemporâneos trabalhem "em seu 'proprio' tempo", surge uma politica na qual o tempo, visivel e contabilizado no trabalho assalariado, torna-se um no invisivel de poder (Sharma, 2014). Este poder disciplinador medeia a vida ansiosa dos precarios trabalhadores digitais por peca e alimenta o ritmo frenetico do capitalismo tecnologico. Eu apresento as implicacoes de potenciais intervencoes regulatorias nesta politica do tempo.
The Rowman & Littlefield Guide for Peer Tutors

Supervisors of peer education programs and directors of learning assistance centers recognize the scarcity of substantive student paraprofessional training textbooks available on the market during ...
Easy and fast in situ functionalization of exfoliated 2D black phosphorus with gold nanoparticles

Heterostructures of single- and few-layer black phosphorus (2D bP) functionalized with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been recently reported in the literature, exploiting their intriguing properties and biocompatibility for catalytic, therapeutical and diagnostic applications. However, a deeper insight on the structural and electronic properties at the interface of the 2D bP/Au NP heterostructure is still lacking. In this work, 2D bP is functionalized with Au nanoparticles (NPs) through in situ deposition–precipitation heterogeneous reaction. The smallest realized Au NPs have a diameter around 10 nm as revealed by atomic-force and scanning electron microscopy, and are partially positively charged as revealed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). XPS, UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy, supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, confirmed that while the structural and electronic properties of 2D bP are overall preserved, a soft-pairing between P atoms at the surface of 2D bP and Au atoms at the surface of Au NPs occurs, leading to a partial charge transfer at the 2D bP/Au interface, with a positive charge being localized on the Au atoms directly bonded to 2D bP. DFT calculations also predicted a band gap lowering, by 0.8 eV, for phosphorene functionalized with a tetranuclear Au cluster. Larger effects are expected as the Au cluster nuclearity (and coverage) increases.
Research Methods with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations

* About the Contributors * Foreword: Toward the Future of Research on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * Acknowledgments * Exploring Current Themes in Research on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * When Interviewing "Family": Maximizing the Insider Advantage in the Qualitative Study of Lesbians and Gay Men * Researching Gay and Lesbian Domestic Violence: The Journey of a Non-LGBT Researcher * Empowering Gay and Lesbian Caregivers and Uncovering Their Unique Experiences Through the Use of Qualitative Methods * Methodological Issues in Conducting Community-Based Health and Social Services Research Among Urban Black and African American LGBT Populations * Research with Gay Drug Users and the Interface with HIV: Current Methodological Issues for Social Work Research * Self-Disclosure Stress: Trauma as an Example of an Intervening Variable in Research with Lesbian Women * Dimensions of Lesbian Identity During Adolescence and Young Adulthood * 8,000 Miles and Still Counting...Reaching Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents for Research * A Study of Sampling in Research in the Field of Lesbian and Gay Studies * Matching AIDS Service Organizations' Philosophy of Service Provision with a Compatible Style of Program Evaluation * Applying Ethical Standards to Research and Evaluations Involving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations * Index * Reference Notes Included
A software tool in Java for teaching CPU scheduling

This paper describes a concept-specific simulator designed for teaching CPU scheduling in operating system courses. The simulator takes the execution information of a set of processes as input. It outputs a report showing the wait time, termination time, turnaround time of each process, the system's average wait time, and the system's average turnaround time.
Hemorrhagic shock resuscitation using a polymerized hemoglobin oxygen carrier versus whole blood (707.5)

The development of an efficient alternative to blood transfusion to treat severe hemorrhage is of great public health importance, especially in far forward scenarios where blood is not available. Hemoglobin (Hb) based oxygen (O2) carriers (HBOCs) have been developed to address this need. Hemopure® (HBOC-201, bovine Hb glutamer-250, OPK Biotech,Cambridge, MA, USA), a polymerized Hb based HBOC, has been approved for clinical use in South Africa and Russia. At the time of its approval, however, few studies aimed to understand Hemopure’s function, administration, and adverse effects compared to blood. We have used intravital microscopy to study the microcirculation hemodynamics (arteriolar and venular diameters and blood flow and functional capillary density (FCD)) and oxygenation outcomes of Hemopure® administration at different Hb concentrations _4, 8, and 12 gHb/dL_ compared to fresh blood transfusion for resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock. Experiments are performed in unanesthetized hamsters instrumente...
Political Strategy for Cyber Security

This essay focuses on how David Krone, Chief of Staff for Senator Harry Reid, could influence the political debate surrounding cyber security.
Pizza-Box Contracts: True Tales of Consumer Contracting Culture

Do you ask for contract or purchase terms prior to completing your everyday purchases? Do you first read the pizza box before paying the pizza delivery guy or gal? Typical consumers do not ask for or read their contracts prepurchase, and companies have become accustomed to burying purchase terms in product packaging or Internet links. These postpurchase, rolling, or “pizza-box” contracts have therefore become the norm in the consumer marketplace, and courts generally enforce them as legitimate contracts. This Article discusses varying theoretical perspectives on enforcement of these pizza-box contracts, and explores the available empirical data bearing on the legitimacy of post-purchase consent. It also adds some relevant results from the recent e-survey I conducted of consumers’ contracting behavior. The Article concludes by inviting further study and debate regarding enforcement of postpurchase terms. Further study and consideration of the meaning of contractual consent is especially important in light of the increasing prevalence of postpurchase terms with respect to online/e-contracts.