cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Discrimination and Income Inequality

Discrimination against particular groups has existed throughout history and in all types of societies. Few would challenge the idea that inequality of income based on discrimination is unjust. The more problematic issues are the extent to which discrimination is in fact a significant source of inequality and whether such discrimination-based inequality is inherent in a capitalist system.There is little doubt that discrimination can affect a group's income. But the link is by no means automatic or certain. Thus, the incomes of blacks, particularly in past decades, seem surely to have been lowered by discrimination. Yet other examples are less clear. Jewish and Japanese Americans, for instance, have had incomes substantially above those of white non-Jewish groups, despite evidence of discrimination against them.
Triazines. XX.1 s-triazine as a new co-reactant in polymer synthesis

Trimeric hydrogen cyanide, the structure of which has recently been established as striazine, exhibits as most characteristic phenomenon a marked readiness to undergo ring cleavage upon the action of nucleophilic reagents. This susceptibility to ring cleavage makes s-triazine an important source for methine (CH) groups by means of which other functional groups can be linked each other. Advantage has been taken of the methinylation capability of s-triazine to link the functional groups in diamines. While the lower members of the aliphatic diamine series, i.e., ethylenediamine and 1,3-propanediamine, react With s-triazine to give cyclic compounds, higher diamine homologs like 1,5-pentanediamine and 1,6-hexanediamine furnish exclusively open chain polymers termed polyamidines. 1,4-Butanediamine, being on the verge of these two diamine categories, forms both the cyclic compound and the open chain polymer. In the polyamidine synthesis, the successful isolation of intermediates furnishes an informative picture of the mode of formation. In view of the fact that other functional groups, e.g., SH, NHNH2, and OH, are amenable to this reaction also, s-triazine may be considered as a novel important starting material for new types of chain-like polymers containing hetero atoms.
Improving software quality via code searching and mining

Enormous amount of open source code is available on the Internet and various code search engines (CSE) are available to serve as a means for searching in open source code. However, usage of CSEs is often limited to simple tasks such as searching for relevant code examples. In this paper, we present a generic life-cycle model that can be used to improve software quality by exploiting CSEs. We present three example software development tasks that can be assisted by our life-cycle model and show how these three tasks can contribute to improve the software quality. We also show the application of our life-cycle model with a preliminary evaluation.
A Covariant Field Theory of Inertia

A central problem in the conventional elementary particle theory that is based on the formal structure of quantum mechanics, and in Einstein’s original theory of gravitation, has to do with the origin of the inertial mass of matter. To resolve the problem, it would perhaps be significant to keep in view two outstanding empirical features of inertial mass. The first one, which has been known since the earliest observations of planetary motion, is that the masses of all interacting matter seem to have the same polarity. This is evidenced by the observation that the force of gravity has always been observed to be attractive. The second feature of inertial mass, which has only been known since the onset of high-energy elementary particle research, is that the inertial mass values in the microscopic domain lie in a sharply peaked distribution of values, not unlike the spectral distribution of frequencies of a radiating gas. It is suggested in the present analysis that a satisfactory understanding of the origin of inertial mass may not emerge until both of these observed properties can be derived from a common theoretical base.
Trends, Issues, Perspectives, and Values for the Aging of the Baby Boom Cohorts

The contours of population aging are well known. As a result of birth and mortality trends and the aging of the baby boom cohorts, the population aged 65 and over and, to an even greater extent, the population aged 85 and over, are expected to grow very rapidly over the next 60 years, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the entire population. Under its middle series projection, the U.S. Bureau of the Census (Day, 1992) projects that there will be 54 million people aged 65 or over in 2020 (20.2% of the population) and 79 million in 2050 (20.6% of the population), compared to 31 million (12.5%) in 1990. Baby boomers — the 76 million persons born between 1946 and 1964 — will represent about 60 million of the projected 70 million people aged 65 or over in 2030. More significantly, given the association between advanced old age and functional disabilities, the Bureau projects that by 2050 almost 18 million people (4.6% of the population) — virtually all baby boomers — will be age 85 and over, compared to 3.1 million (1.3%) in 1990. These trends are combining with political and economic change to spark a growing national debate about the implications of the aging of America or, more popularly, the anticipated aging of "the baby boom generation." Increasingly, this debate is framed around the question of whether the U.S. can financially afford to continue its current array of "old age" entitlements and other "aging programs," and if not, how the programs should be made affordable. Indeed, for a good many people, including many younger persons who support Social Security and Medicare but doubt whether the programs will be available for them in old age, the first question has been answered. The debate is over the extent of changes to be made. U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey (D-Nebraska), Chair of the Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform, has called for "an honest national conversation about how best to plan for a future in which our population will be fundamentally different from what it was
Electrical centrality measures for electric power grid vulnerability analysis

Centrality measures are used in network science to rank the relative importance of nodes and edges of a graph. Here we define new measures of centrality for power grid structure that are based on its functionality. We show that the relative importance analysis based on centrality in graph theory can be generalized to power grid network with its electrical parameters taken into account. In the paper we experiment with the proposed electrical centrality measures on the NYISO-2935 system and the IEEE 300-bus system. We analyze the centrality distribution in order to identify important nodes or branches in the system which are of essential importance in terms of system vulnerability. We also present and discuss a number of interesting discoveries regarding the importance rank of power grid nodes and branches.
School Racial Composition Effects on Avoidance, Separatism, and Integrationist Attitudes of Adolescents*

Support for integration versus separatism and approach versus avoldance reactions among junior and senior high school students was examined in integrated and segregated schools. Two surveys of a panel of black and white students in selected Milwaukee public schools were conducted in the spring of 1974 and the spring of 1975. The approach-avoidance and integration-separatism dimensions emerged from a factor analysis of racial attitude items. Black students in all-black schools scored more on the avoidance end of the approach-avoidance dimension while the black students in the integrated schools scored more on the approach end. The black students in the all-black schools, however, tended to score on the integration end of the integration-separatism dimension while the black students in the integrated schools tended to score on the separatism end. The attitudes of the students in the all-black schools changed towards those in the integrated school during the year between interviews. Reasons for the changes are suggested and partially tested with additional analysis. White students in essentially all-white schools scored on the avoidance and separatism end of the two dimensions. White students in mixed Latin schools were more acceptant of the minority students than the white students in the mixed black schools.
Fair Value Accounting vs. Historical Cost Accounting

This paper reviews fair value accounting method relative to historical cost accounting. Although both methods are widely used by entities in computing their income and financial positions, there is controversy over superiority. Historical cost accounting reports assets and liabilities at the initial price they were exchanged for at the time of the transaction. Conversely, fair value accounting quotes the prevailing price in the market. Nevertheless, while both methods of accounting affect financial statements, the impact of fair value accounting on the balance sheet and income statement is extreme due to the potential volatility of the method. Fair value accounting is deemed superior when compared to historical cost accounting because it reflects the current situation in the market whereas the later is based on the past. In addition, in relative terms, fair value accounting provides users with more current financial information and visibility.
The Fine-Gray model under interval censored competing risks data

We consider semiparametric analysis of competing risks data subject to mixed case interval censoring. The Fine-Gray model (Fine and Gray, 1999) is used to model the cumulative incidence function and is coupled with sieve semiparametric maximum likelihood estimation based on univariate or multivariate likelihood. The univariate likelihood of cause-specific data enables separate estimation of cumulative incidence function for each competing risk, in contrast with the multivariate likelihood of full data which estimates cumulative incidence functions for multiple competing risks jointly. Under both likelihoods and certain regularity conditions, we show that the regression parameter estimator is asymptotically normal and semiparametrically efficient, although the spline-based sieve estimator of the baseline cumulative subdistribution hazard converges at a rate slower than root- n . The proposed method is evaluated by simulation studies regarding its finite sample performance and is illustrated by a competing risk analysis of data from a dementia cohort study.
A Personalized Molecular Pathogenesis of MDS

The past few years have witnessed rapid progress in the understanding of disease initiation in MDS. Chromosomal abnormalities are seen in about 50 % of patients, with chromosome 5, 7, 8, 11, and 20 most commonly affected. In those with normal karyotype, evidence of recurrent structural abnormalities is missed even with more sophisticated technology such as single-nucleotide polymorphism array (SNPa). In recent years, molecular alterations have deepened our perception of disease heterogeneity and reinforced the clinical observation that treatment response does not occur in stereotyped patterns. In fact, there is growing and convincing evidence that disease heterogeneity and response to treatment are strongly associated with genotypic and epigenetic abnormalities. Globally, MDS genome is impacted by specific mutations that can be classified as mutations that induce chromatin modification, mutations altering spliceosome machinery, and those affecting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The link between chromosomal abnormalities, mutations, disease phenotype, and patterns of treatment response represents a promising challenge that continues to be unraveled.
Coexistence of two types of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in rat renal arterioles.

Single-channel K+ currents were characterized in vascular smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from preglomerular arterioles (15–40 microns OD) of the rat. Under conditions of symmetrical K+ (145 mM), two types of single-channel K+ currents with unitary slope conductances of 68 +/- 2.6 and 251 +/- 4.9 pS were recorded from excised inside-out membrane patches. The open state probability (NPo) of these two types of K+ channels was voltage sensitive and the channels were highly selective for K+ over Na+. Elevation of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) from 0.1 to 0.5 microM on the cytoplasmic face of inside-out patches increased the frequency of opening and the NPo of both the 68-pS and the 251-pS K+ channels. Application of ATP (0.1–1 mM) to the internal surface of inside-out patches had no effect on the activities of both channel types. Internally applied Ba2+ (1 mM) blocked both of these channels. Externally applied tetraethylammonium (0.1–0.3 mM) or charybdotoxin (50 nM) blocked both the 68-pS and the 251-pS K+ channels. Externally applied apamin (50 nM), however, selectively blocked the 68-pS K+ channel but had no effect on the frequency of opening of the 251-pS K+ channel. Apamin also reduced macroscopic K+ current recorded from voltage-clamped rat renal arteriolar muscle cells by 25–30%. These results indicate the coexistence of two types of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in the membranes of vascular smooth muscle cell isolated from renal preglomerular arterioles of the rat that differ in unitary conductances and pharmacological properties.
CONGESTION PRICING: A PARKING QUEUE MODEL

Drivers in urban neighborhoods who patrol streets, seeking inexpensive on-street parking create a significant fraction of measured traffic congestion. The pool of drivers patrolling at any time can be modeled as a queue, where ‘queue service’ is the act of parking in a recently vacated parking space and queue discipline is SIRO – Service In Random Order. We develop a queueing model of such driver behavior, allowing impatient drivers to abandon the queue and to settle for more expensive off-street parking. We then relate the model to the economic theory of congestion pricing, arguing that price differentials between on-street and off-street parking should be reduced in order to reduce traffic congestion. Reducing the number of “patrolling drivers” often can reduce urban road congestion significantly, in some cases as effectively as technologically expensive road pricing schemes that cordon off the center city.
Mediating Program Evaluations The Role of Funding Agencies

Organizations conduct external evaluations for several reasons. They might want an independent assessment showing that their program is effective to garner community support, favorably influence public policy related to their mission, support their future bids for financial support, provide critical information for continuous quality assessment (although much of the latter is conducted internally by the organizations themselves), or because an external evaluation is required under the terms of a grant they received. The author focuses on the latter and argues that the quality of these evaluations is dependent on the continued involvement of funding agencies after the grant is awarded. He suggests four things that funders can do to address this challenge.
The α-glucosidases of Dictyostelium discoideum: I. Identification and characterization

Abstract We have identified four isozymes of α-glucosidase in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum . The isozymes can be distinguished by their physical and enzymatic properties. α-Glucosidase-1, α-glucosidase-2, and α-gluocosidase-3 are all present in vegetative cells, while α-glucosidase-4 is present only after the cells have proceeded through aggregation. Three of the four enzymes, α-glucosidase-1, α-glucosidase-3, and α-glucosidase-4, have acidic pH optima of 3.5, 2.2, and 4.0, respectively. In contrast, α-glucosidase-2 has a neutral pH optimum, 7.25. α-Glucosidase-1, α-glucosidase-2, and α-glucosidase-3 are distinguishable by electrophoresis in native polyacrylamide gels. α-Glucosidase-4 comigrates with α-glucosidase-2 on native gels but they can be resolved by isoelectric focusing. The isozymes also differ with respect to affinity for the substrates p -nitrophenyl-α- d -glucoside and 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-α- d -glucopyranoside and the relative maximal rates of hydrolysis of these substrates. α-Glucosidases-1, -2, and -4 have apparent K m 's in the millimolar range while the apparent K m of α-glucosidase-3 for p -nitrophenyl-α- d -glucoside is much higher. This may suggest that isozyme 3 is an endoglycosidase or may have greater affinity for other sugar substrates. α-Glucosidase-1 is the major isozyme in vegetative cells.
Outcomes of Patients Who Undergo Cardiac Surgical Procedures After Liver Transplantation

Background There is a paucity of information available regarding the impact of cardiac surgical procedures on patients who have undergone previous liver transplantation. The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain the survival rate and predictors of death in this specific patient population. Methods This retrospective cohort study consisted of a consecutive series of patients with a functioning liver allograft who subsequently underwent cardiac surgical procedures between January 1991 and December 2012. The optimal Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score for predicting late death was identified using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Risk of postoperative death was determined by parametric hazard analysis. Results Between January 1991 and December 2012, 43 patients (median age, 60 years) underwent cardiac surgical procedures after liver transplantation. The median interval between liver transplant and cardiac operation was 63 months (range, 1.1 to 217 months). Three operative deaths and 24 late deaths occurred. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the optimal preoperative and postoperative MELD score cut points for predicting late death as greater than 13.8 (area under the curve = 0.674) and greater than 17 (area under the curve = 0.633), respectively. Patients with a preoperative MELD score of 13.8 or less had significantly greater survival rates than those with a MELD score greater than 13.8 ( p = 0.028); patients with a postoperative MELD score of 17 of less had significantly greater survival rates than those with a MELD score greater than 17 ( p p = 0.01). The 1-, 5-, and 10-year Kaplan-Meier survival rates were 90%, 51%, and 35%, respectively; postoperative mortality rates followed a constant phase model with a hazard of death of 10% per year. Conclusions Cardiac surgical procedures can be performed with acceptable short-term and long-term outcomes in liver transplant recipients. Elevated preoperative and postoperative MELD scores and postoperative peak creatinine level may portend death in this cohort. There is a constant hazard of death of 10% per year.
DNA Occupancy of Polymerizing Transcription Factors: A Chemical Model of the ETS Family Factor Yan

Transcription factors use both protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions to assemble appropriate complexes to regulate gene expression. Although most transcription factors operate as monomers or dimers, a few, including the E26 transformation-specific family repressors Drosophila melanogaster Yan and its human homolog TEL/ETV6, can polymerize. Although polymerization is required for both the normal and oncogenic function of Yan and TEL/ETV6, the mechanisms by which it influences the recruitment, organization, and stability of transcriptional complexes remain poorly understood. Further, a quantitative description of the DNA occupancy of a polymerizing transcription factor is lacking, and such a description would have broader applications to the conceptually related area of polymerizing chromatin regulators. To expand the theoretical basis for understanding how the oligomeric state of a transcriptional regulator influences its chromatin occupancy and function, we leveraged the extensive biochemical characterization of E26 transformation-specific factors to develop a mathematical model of Yan occupancy at chemical equilibrium. We find that spreading condensation from a specific binding site can take place in a path-independent manner given reasonable values of the free energies of specific and non-specific DNA binding and protein-protein cooperativity. Our calculations show that polymerization confers upon a transcription factor the unique ability to extend occupancy across DNA regions far from specific binding sites. In contrast, dimerization promotes recruitment to clustered binding sites and maximizes discrimination between specific and non-specific sites. We speculate that the association with non-specific DNA afforded by polymerization may enable regulatory behaviors that are well-suited to transcriptional repressors but perhaps incompatible with precise activation.
Depositional trends of travertines in the type area of Tivoli (Italy)

A study of a late Pleistocene 30 m-thick travertine borecore drilled in the north-western sector of the Acque Albule basin (Tivoli, Rome), type area for these freshwater calcareous deposits, it is here presented. The Tivoli travertines have been traced sideways from the core into wire-cut surfaces well exposed in nearby active quarries. They normally appear well bedded and show erosional-non depositional discontinuities, recurring at a centimetric to metric–decametric scale and show a variable penetration by younger sediments (Ca-carbonates as well as reddish soils), as evidenced by their karstic and/or pedogenetic features. The microstratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis has revealed a number of lithofacies grouped in three associations, suggesting environmental domains spanning from gentle slope to shallow lake. This sedimentary organization and stable isotope (O, C) analyses carried out at cm scale have allowed to recognize a hierarchy of higher to lower frequency cycles. On these bases, it is argued and proposed that the higher frequency cyclicity is due to water table fluctuations, as a consequence of millennial-scale climatic changes that in turn may be linked to the solar perturbations (short-term cycles). The lower frequency, instead, cycles (metres to decametres in thickness) suggest medium-term (sub-Milankovitch) and longer term, precession-driven (Milankovitch) periodicities. These conclusions are supported by the correlation of the hierarchical organization of the travertine cycles with a number of radiometrically dated discontinuity surfaces outcropping along the quarry walls and traceable into the borecore. This correlation allows the cyclostratigraphic analysis to be constrained into late Quaternary geochronology and fits well within the precession and obliquity periodicities, as predicted for this time interval.
Mountaintop removal coal mining and emergent cases of psychological disorder in Kentucky

Although mountaintop removal (MTR) coal extraction techniques have been employed in Appalachia for decades, relatively little research has examined its potential psychological impact on people living in close proximity to MTR activity. The current study taps the State Emergency Department Database (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Kentucky State Emergency Department Database, 2008) to examine the relative risk for diagnoses of depressive, substance use, and anxiety disorders originating in areas with and without MTR activity. Logistical regression analyses, controlling for ethnicity, rurality, mean income, and gender, indicated that MTR independently predicts greater risk for depressive (OR 1.37) and substance use disorders (OR 1.41), but not anxiety disorders. Overall, these findings have public health policy implications, build on other evidence of increased risk of negative mental health outcomes related to MTR, and lend some support to the validity of solastalgia related to environmental change.
Programmable Payload Release from Transient Polymer Microcapsules Triggered by a Specific Ion Coactivation Effect

Stimuli-responsive materials activated by a pair of molecular or ionic species are of interest in the design of chemical logic gates and signal amplification schemes. There are relatively few materials whose coactivated response has been well-characterized. Here, we demonstrate a specific ion coactivation (SICA) effect at the interfaces of transient polymer solids and liquid solutions. We found that depolymerization of the transient polymer, cyclic poly(phthalaldehyde) (cPPA), exhibited a SICA effect when the cPPA core-shell microcapsules were suspended in ion-containing acidic methanol solutions. Significant acceleration in cPPA depolymerization rate is triggered by the combination of acid and ion coactivators. Intriguingly, the SICA effect is related to the Hofmeister behavior. The SICA effect is primarily determined by anions, and cations exhibit a secondary effect that modulates the coactivation strength. Based on these observations, we developed cPPA programmable microcapsules whose payload release rates depend on the composition and concentration of the salt/acidic-methanol solutions.
Reframing the popular: A new approach to parody

Abstract The ubiquity of intertextuality in internet culture has ignited long-standing debates about the cultural significance of parody as a device of commentary and as civic speech. It also raises concerns about the legal implications of unprecedented uses of copyrighted material. This paper examines how YouTube videos, self-labeled by their creators as “parody”, reframe the meaning structures of copyrighted material. Focusing on representations of gender in the music industry, it probes 100 music video parodies through a qualitative textual analysis. The paper offers a typology of five interpretive configurations underscoring the relationships between originals and their renditions. While the majority of parodies did not convey the critical commentary that their label promised, most of them did aspire to transform the meaning of the music videos. The typology, which presents a discrepancy between textual and societal forms of critique, is discussed in relation to its contribution to broader evaluations of media audiences and user-generated-content.
Regeneration of Pt Electrode Activity in H3PO4/PBI Doped PEMFC Membrane Following CO Poisoning

An investigation has been made on a high temperature polybenzimidazole (PBI) proton exchange membrane doped with phosphoric acid. Two and five percent concentrations of CO in the hydrogen were evaluated to determine the effect of high CO concentrations on the performance of the PBI membrane under conditions that are representative of reformed fuels. A 3 × 3 matrix of fuel composition, temperature and air stoichiometry was studied at two pressures: one atmosphere and one bar gage. A controlled experiment using hydrogen of 99.997% purity was used as a baseline fuel before and after the exposure to higher CO concentrations. A comparison between the pure hydrogen runs and those where CO was also present in the fuel showed a significant reduction in cell performance. Subsequent runs with pure hydrogen restored the cell performance. The mechanism that led to the cell recovery with pure hydrogen will be discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The Early History of Mammalian Somatic Cell Fusion

Probably the primary value of recounting the early history of any subject is to preserve for some future scholar a chronology and a bibliography that otherwise might be difficult to reconstruct. Accordingly, this brief review of the way in which the technique of mammalian cell fusion or hybridization originated includes both the key original papers and all the significant early reviews concerning this topic known to this author, from 1960, when experiments on fusion began, until about 1975. During the subsequent 10 years up to the present, the use of cell fusion techniques has been extensive and diverse, often in directions that were not apparent in 1975.
The Concept of Strain Facies

For our present purpose it is necessary to decide whether the three structural assemblages described from Trollheimen’s rocks — the sahlfold, norfold, and discfold facies — are significantly different from each other physically. These assemblages are composed of cleavages, mineral lineations, elongate augen, folds, and boudins. Of these features, folds display the most obvious and varied physical differences and are thus the most useful for characterizing the assemblages. We begin, therefore, by examining the three fold types.
Medicolegal Complications of Apnoea Testing for Determination of Brain Death

Recently, there have been a number of lawsuits in the United States in which families objected to performance of apnoea testing for determination of brain death. The courts reached conflicting determinations in these cases. We discuss the medicolegal complications associated with apnoea testing that are highlighted by these cases and our position that the decision to perform apnoea testing should be made by clinicians, not families, judges, or juries.
The evolution of metastable borides in a TiAlB alloy

Additions of boron to titanium aluminides in the α2 to γ composition range leads to the formation of a variety of boride particles. Information available on the ternary phase diagram indicates that the equilibrium borides are TiB(B27), Ti3B4(D7b) and TiB2(C32). Conventional and high resolution transmission microscopy of the borides produced in a dilute Ti-40.97Al-0.97B alloy revealed the presence of numerous monoboride particles with the Bƒ(CrB-type) structure. This metastable form of TiB evolves during solidification, nucleating on preexisting particles of the same compound with the normal B27 structure. In addition, the Bƒ particles contain faults equivalent to nanoscale intergrowths of the D7b and C32 structures. The evolution of the boride phases in this system was analyzed in terms of crystallographic relationships elicited from structural models, all of which are based on th same trigonal building block of 6 metal atoms around each B atom. A Mie potential calculation was used to assess the relative stability of the monoboride forms. It is proposed that the Bƒ structure arises in response to a change in the melt chemistry which would produce Ti3B4 or TiB2 under equilibrium conditions. The preferential formation of Bƒ is ascribed to its closer crystallographic relationship with the B27 structure, which facilitates its nucleation on existing TiB crystals.
Valproic acid as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for the treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. A significant challenge in treating breast cancer is the limited array of therapeutic options and the rapid development of resistance to existing agents. Indeed, breast cancer patients, particularly those with hormone-receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer, initially respond to systemic treatment with cytotoxic, hormonal, and immunotherapeutic agents but frequently progress to a more advanced disease that is refractory to therapy. Thus, new agents are needed to improve the effectiveness of current agents, decrease the emergence of resistance, and increase disease-free survival. To this end, numerous agents have been investigated for use in combination with existing therapies. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a class of potent epigenetic modulators that have been investigated recently for their potential use in the treatment of breast cancer. In this review, we will discuss the underlying molecular rationale for using HDAC inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer. In particular, we will focus our discussion on the FDA approved HDAC inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) which has been shown to alter proliferation, survival, cell migration, and hormone receptor expression of breast cancer cells in both the pre-clinical and clinical settings. We also discuss the promising pre-clinical data suggesting that VPA can be repurposed as an adjunctive agent in combination with many cytotoxic, hormonal, and immunotherapeutic agents for the treatment of breast cancer. Finally, we will examine the current models used to study the actions of VPA on breast cancer alone and in tandem with other agents.
Heterogeneity in the Effect of Managerial Equity Incentives on Firm Value

We document significant heterogeneity in the relation between chief executive officer (CEO) equity incentives and firm value using quantile regression. We show that CEO delta is more effective in the presence of ample investment opportunities, while CEO vega is more beneficial for firms lacking investment opportunities. Further, Tobin's Q increases in CEO delta for more risk‐tolerant firms but increases in CEO vega for more risk‐averse firms. We also observe that higher monitoring intensity after the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act reduces CEO delta's role in compensation. Risk aversion alters the optimal incentive‐value relation, and the nature of this relation also depends on the level of Tobin's Q.
Reconstruction of the Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 + δ Fermi surface

The effects of structural supermodulation with the period $\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\approx}26$ \AA{} along the $b$ axis of ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ have been observed in photoemission studies from the early days as the presence of ``diffraction replicas'' of the intrinsic electronic structure. Although predicted to affect the electronic structure of the Cu-O plane, the influence of supermodulation potential on Cu-O electrons has never been observed in photoemission. In the present study, we clearly see the effects on the ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{2}{\mathrm{CaCu}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8+\ensuremath{\delta}}$ electronic structure; we observe a hybridization of the intrinsic bands with the supermodulation replica bands in the form of avoided crossings and a corresponding reconstruction of the Fermi surface. We estimate the hybridization gap, $2{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{h}\ensuremath{\sim}25$ meV, in the slightly underdoped samples. The hybridization weakens with doping and the anticrossing can no longer be resolved in strongly overdoped samples. In contrast, the ``shadow'' replica, shifted by $(\ensuremath{\pi},\ensuremath{\pi})$, is found not to hybridize with the original bands within our detection limits.
Admission Braden Skin Score Independently Predicts Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Patients.

Abstract Objective To determine whether a low Braden skin score (BSS), reflecting increased risk for skin pressure injury, would predict lower survival in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients after adjustment for illness severity and comorbidities. Patients and Methods This retrospective cohort study included consecutive unique adult patients admitted to a single tertiary care referral hospital CICU from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2015, who had a BSS documented on CICU admission. The primary outcome was all-cause hospital mortality, using elastic net penalized logistic regression to determine predictors of hospital mortality. The secondary outcome was all-cause post-discharge mortality, using Cox proportional hazards models to determine predictors of post-discharge mortality. Results The study included 9552 patients with a mean age of 67.4±15.2 years (3589 [37.6%] were females) and a hospital mortality rate of 8.3%. Admission BSS was inversely associated with hospital mortality (unadjusted odds ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.68-0.72; P Conclusion The admission BSS, a simple inexpensive bedside nursing assessment potentially reflecting frailty and overall illness acuity, was independently associated with hospital and post-discharge mortality when added to established multiparametric illness severity scores among contemporary CICU patients.
Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Adoption in U.S. Transport for Policy

Despite a noteworthy uptake of Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV s) in a short time frame and governmental strategies to encourage use, the adoption of PEV s is still a challenge. This study views the adoption of PEVs as one pathway towards more sustainable transportation and lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and explores demographic factors that can be attributed to household-level PEV adoption. An aim of this study is to estimate nationwide adoption patterns in the U.S. and explore public sector strategies and innovation policies to accelerate PEV adoption. Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis is applied to the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) dataset. The model explored a broad set of variables including electricity consumption choices, participation in energy-efficiency programs, and demographic characteristics to explore the relationships between PEV adoption and potentially influential factors. Findings indicated that PEV adoption is correlated with a household's income level, the use of home solar technology, and the electricity consumption from backup generator. A better understanding of individual adopter characteristics that are correlated with PEV adoption can inform policy for optimizing feasible strategies to accelerate PEV adoption in the U.S. Keywords: Plug-in Electric Vehicle Adoption, RECS, Demographic characteristics
Colorless to black electrochromic devices using subtractive color mixing of two electrochromes: A conjugated polymer with a small organic molecule

Abstract Herein, we present a facile method for color-tuning an electrochromic device that switched between two neutral colors through simple color mixing of a conjugated polymer, poly(2,2-dimethyl-3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) and an electrochromic small molecule aromatic diester, diethyl-4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylate. The resulting device had a photopic contrast of ca. 57% across the visible spectrum. In addition, the device exhibited color uniformity and stability over 2,000 switches. Using these mixed coloring materials, a large area electrochromic device of 140 cm2 was fabricated, exceeding the size of ophthalmic lenses and small displays.
Light-Field Displays: a View-Dependent Approach

Most 3D displays suffer from the vergence-accommodation conflict, which is a significant contributor to eyestrain. Light-field displays avoid this conflict by directly supporting accommodation but they are viewed as requiring too much resolution to be practical, due to the tradeoff between spatial and angular resolution. We demo three light-field display prototypes that show a view-dependent approach which sacrifices viewer independence to achieve acceptable performance with reasonable display resolutions. When combined with a directional backlight and eye tracking system, this approach can provide a 3D volume from which a viewer can see 3D objects with accommodation, without wearing special glasses.
On the Long-term Density Prediction of Peak Electricity Load with demand side management in buildings

Abstract Long-term daily peak demand forecast plays an important role in the effective and economic operations and planning of power systems. However, many uncertainties and building demand variability, which are associated with climate and socio-economic changes, complicate demand forecasting and expose power system operators to the risk of failing to meet electricity demand. This study presents a new approach to provide the long-term density prediction of the daily peak demand. Specifically, we make use of temperature projections from physics-based global climate models and calibrate the projections to address possible biases. In addition, the effects of population growth and demand side management efforts in buildings are taken into consideration. Finally, the daily peak demands are modeled with the nonhomogeneous generalized extreme value distribution where the parameters are allowed to vary, depending on the predicted temperature and population. A case study using actual building use data in the south-central region in Texas demonstrates that the proposed approach can quantify the uncertainties in an integrative framework and provide useful insights into the long-term evolution of peak demand density. A well-established building demand saving strategy is predicted to buffer against the growing needs of long-term peak electricity demand.
Observation and Theory of Magneto-Electric Field-Induced Second Harmonic Generation

We report induced second harmonic generation mediated by a new rectification nonlinearity in polycrystalline pentacene. Results with tilted pulse fronts confirm its magneto-electric origin, ultrafast character and capability of supporting all-optical switching at right angles.
A novel technique of robotic preperitoneal approach for Morgagni hernia repair.

Introduction Morgagni hernia (MH) is a rare, congenital diaphragmatic hernia. We developed a novel robotic-assisted technique to repair MH which enables dissection into the preperitoneal space, facilitating closure of the diaphragmatic defect and placement of a synthetic mesh. Materials and surgical technique Between August 2017 and August 2020, 8 consecutive patients with MH were repaired by robotic-assisted transabdominal preperitoneal (r-TAPP) approach. A preperitoneal plane is developed at the level of the falciform ligament and extended toward the diaphragmatic defect. The pocket is dissected inferior to the defect to allow 3 to 5 cm overlap of synthetic mesh. Excision of the hernia sac followed by closure of defect is performed. A synthetic mesh is deployed in the preperitoneal space with wide overlap. This technique using the robot provides superior optics and ergonomics for dissection while isolating the mesh from underlying viscera and avoiding the need for suturing or tacking of the mesh. Data of patients who underwent r-TAPP were reviewed. Mean operating time was 113 minutes. Mean pain visual analog scale score was 5/2 on post-operative days 1/7. Average hospital stay was 1.8 days. One patient developed superficial cellulitis related to the abdominal drain. There were no procedure-related complications, 30-day readmissions, or hernia recurrences at a mean follow-up of 10 months. Discussion A robotic-assisted preperitoneal approach is a novel, safe, and anatomically justified alternative technique for MH repair that may lead to improved post-operative outcomes.
Acute Heart Failure Post Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose Acute severe heart failure (HF) developing shortly, within hours or days, after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a known but poorly understood phenomenon. The pattern of echocardiographic changes with profound drop in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and regional wall motion abnormalities typically matches Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Our purpose is to conduct a literature review and analysis of all the published cases that had acute severe HF after OLT. Methods We found 20 published peer reviewed case studies that described cases of HF after OLT with individual patient data available. We excluded cases of patients that had any transplant other than liver. We compiled and analyzed all the available data from each of these cases using an Excel spreadsheet. Results Our final sample had 63 patients, 56% of which were males, who developed acute HF post OLT with a mean age of 55±10, median of 57, and ranging 26-73.The average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 26 ±8. In 31 patients, ischemic evaluations were performed with either a nuclear stress, dobutamine stress, or angiography and almost all (97%) of them had no evidence of ischemia. Of the 49 patients with Biomarker data, 45 (92%) had a rise in cardiac markers (troponin or CKMB). Of the 17 patients with ECG data, 10 (59%) had abnormalities at the time of HF and 8 out of 9 (89%) had a prolonged QTc. On average, acute HF developed in 1.9 ± 2.7 days after OLT (median 1 day). The mean Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) prior to surgery was 62.2% ±7.3 and dropping to a mean of 23.2% ± 8.2 after surgery. Of the 39 cases with known outcomes, 9 (23%) had died and five of them for cardiac reasons. 28 (72%) had full EF recovery, 5 (13%) had incomplete EF recovery, and 6 (15%) had no EF recovery. The average Recovered LVEF was 51.4% ± 13.1. Of 54 patients with reported echocardiographic findings, 52 (96%) had findings that were consistent with Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. Conclusion Acute HF post liver transplant is diagnosed within hours to days after OLT and results in high mortality (23%). A rapid drop in LVEF with frequent recovery (85%), elevated cardiac enzymes, negative ischemic evaluation, and ECG changes suggest Takotsubo-like syndrome. The timing of changes suggests that most cases of takotsubo post liver transplant get triggered intraoperatively. Patients should be aggressively supported as they have a good potential for recovery.
'Ice' flavoured e-cigarette use among young adults.

Background ‘Ice’ e-cigarette flavours—marketed as a combination of fruity/sweet and cooling flavours (eg, ‘blueberry ice’ or ‘melon ice’)—recently entered the US market. The prevalence and correlates of ice flavoured e-cigarette use in young adults are unknown. Methods This cross-sectional study of a Los Angeles, California, USA, cohort analysed data from the past 30-day e-cigarette (current) users (n=344; M (SD)=21.2 (0.4) years old) who completed web-based surveys from May–August 2020. The exposure variable was self-reported e-cigarette flavour used most often in the past month (menthol/mint, fruit/sweet or ice). Outcomes included self-reported combustible tobacco use, vaping dependence symptoms, frequency of use and device type used. Results Among current e-cigarette users, 48.8% reported using ice flavours most often, 33.7% predominately used fruit/sweet and 17.4% used menthol/mint. Using primarily ice-flavour was associated with reporting more past-30-day vaping days (vs menthol/mint: b=4.4, 95% CI (1 to 7.7); vs fruit/sweet: b=3.6, 95% CI (0.8 to 6.4)) and more episodes per vaping day versus fruit/sweet users (b=2.4, 95% CI (0.5 to 4.3)). Ice-flavour users were less likely than menthol/mint users to use JUUL/cartridge-based rechargeable (OR=0.1, 95% CI (0.03 to 0.45)) and more likely than sweet/fruit users to use disposable non-cartridge (OR=3.9, 95% CI (2.1 to 7.4)) devices than refillable/rechargeable tank/pen or other devices. Ice users had greater odds of past 30-day combustible tobacco use versus menthol/mint users (OR=2.7, 95% CI (1.3 to 5.7)) and vaping dependence symptoms than versus sweet/fruit users (OR=2.6, 95% CI (1.5 to 4.4)). Conclusion Young adult use of ice flavoured e-cigarettes may be common and positively associated with combustible tobacco use, nicotine vaping frequency and dependence and use of disposable e-cigarette devices. Further study of the prevalence, determinants and health effects of ice flavoured e-cigarette use is warranted.
Celebrating STEM Virtually: The Bay Area Science Festival during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Founded in 2011, the Bay Area Science Festival (BASF), led by the Science & Health Education Partnership (SEP) at UC San Francisco, brings together academic, scientific, corporate and civic groups to develop and lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) events for all ages. From 2011-2019, the Festival hosted over 50 events each year, reaching tens of thousands of people. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Festival pivoted to a virtual format, offering nearly 150 virtual events over five days. Events included hands-on science experiments, STEM storytimes, live interviews with scientists, demonstrations, behind-the-scenes tours and more. Nearly 18,700 unique users from over 35 countries have logged 82,100 views of Festival events to date. In a post-Festival survey, attendees rated their experience similarly to previous years and over 60% of attendees are interested in attending virtual events even when in-person events are again possible. Like many aspects of our lives, the Bay Area Science Festival will look different in future years as a result of the pandemic: a hybrid Festival made up of virtual and in-person events. While there are great benefits to in-person events, we have also come to better understand the benefits of virtual ones.
‘Why is Anne Frank always so durn happy?’ Happy objects and bad encounters in teacher education

This three-year, living inquiry into how preservice English Education students composed and analyzed visual-verbal journals (VVJs) in relation to Anne Frank’s Diary is grounded in Ahmed’s concepts ...