cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wireless Internet and student-centered learning: A Partial Least-Squares model

Wireless Internet technology is gaining a foothold on more and more campuses, yet few studies have investigated how wireless Internet supports and enhances a student-centered learning environment. This study seeks to fill the gap by developing an instrument to measure how wireless Internet supports student-centered learning. A web survey was designed and administered at a public university in the USA where participants were student wireless Internet users. Structural equation modeling employing Partial Least-Squares approach was used to test the research model. The model explains 77% of the variance (R^2) in student-centered learning environment. The survey results suggest that wireless Internet has a positive and significant influence on student-centered learning in three dimensions: pedagogical, technological, and cultural learning.
Evaluating landside transportation operations for general aviation airports: estimating vehicle efficiency and pedestrian safety

The geometrical characteristics of landside facilities at general aviation airports are not always designed to provide safe and efficient flow for vehicles and pedestrians. The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology to evaluate proposed site plan improvements on pedestrian safety and vehicular flow on general aviation airports while minimising the environmental impact and cost of construction. Site plan alternatives are modelled in VISSIM 5.10 and further evaluated with the Federal Highways Administration Surrogate Safety Assessment Model. These models provided a comparison of the proposed site plan alternatives on vehicular efficiency and pedestrian safety. With the proposed methodology applied to the Vero Beach General Aviation Airport in Florida the solution site plan provides for a 75% decrease in vehicular delay and a reduction of vehicle to pedestrian conflicts of 84% at a cost of approximately US$70,000 all while maintaining environmental stewardship.
On multiuser detection in noncoherent CDMA channels

The problem of noncoherent demodulation of differentially phase-shift keyed signals over an additive Gaussian code-division multiple-access (CDMA) channel is considered. A minimax robust multiuser detection strategy which optimizes the worst-case multiuser asymptotic efficiency over the interfering signal energies and phases is derived. In the limit as the packet length tends to infinity, this detection is shown to be equivalent to a time-invariant K-input, K-output decorrelating filter followed by a time-invariant differential decision logic. The significant property of this detector is its invariance of error probability to the interfering signal energies and phases, thereby alleviating the near-far problem. >
Beyond Knowledge Gaps: Examining Socioeconomic Differences in Response to Cancer News

This article tested a model, informed by the knowledge gap hypothesis, to predict information seeking about cancer immediately following news about the diagnosis or death from cancer of a national celebrity. I identified five celebrity news events and examined their impact using data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey. News coverage about celebrity news events was more likely to promote information seeking among people with greater education than among those with less education. These differences were explained, at least in part, by the fact that highly educated people had greater health knowledge and community involvement than less-educated people. These factors may contribute to widening socioeconomic gaps in prevention behaviors. I suggest strategies to address these gaps.
A herpes simplex virus 1 US11-expressing cell line is resistant to herpes simplex virus infection at a step in viral entry mediated by glycoprotein D

A baby hamster kidney [BHK(tk-)] cell line (US11cl19) which stably expresses the US11 and alpha 4 genes of herpes simplex virus 1 strain F [HSV-1(F)] was found to be resistant to infection with HSV-1. Although wild-type HSV-1(F) attached with normal kinetics to the surface of US11cl19 cells, most cells showed no evidence of infection and failed to accumulate detectable amounts of alpha mRNAs. The relationship between the expression of UL11 and resistance to HSV infection in US11cl19 cells has not been defined, but the block to infection with wild-type HSV-1 was overcome by exposing cells with attached virus on their surface to the fusogen polyethylene glycol, suggesting that the block to infection preceded the fusion of viral and cellular membranes. An escape mutant of HSV-1(F), designated R5000, that forms plaques on US11cl19 cells was selected. This mutant was found to contain a mutation in the glycoprotein D (gD) coding sequence that results in the substitution of the serine at position 140 in the mature protein to asparagine. A recombinant virus, designated R5001, was constructed in which the wild-type gD gene was replaced with the R5000 gD gene. The recombinant formed plaques on US11cl19 cells with an efficiency comparable to that of the escape mutant R5000, suggesting that the mutation in gD determines the ability of the mutant R5000 to grow on US11cl19 cells. The observation that the US11cl19 cells were slightly more resistant to fusion by polyethylene glycol than parental BHK(tk-) cells led to the selection and testing of clonal lines from unselected and polyethylene glycol-selected BHK(tk-) cells. The results were that 16% of unselected to as much as 36% of the clones selected for relative resistance to polyethylene glycol fusion exhibited various degrees of resistance to infection. The exact step at which the infection was blocked is not known, but the results illustrate the ease of selection of cell clones with one or more sites at which infection could be blocked.
Genetic Instability in DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER: The Induction of Specific Chromosome 2 Deletions by MR Elements

We describe the spontaneous induction of deletions by MR elements at the l(2)gl, net, pr and cn loci. The frequent induction of l(2)gl deletions mimics the high frequency of l(2)gl alleles found in wild populations of D. melanogaster. We suggest that these and other data that we present militate for the conclusion that, in the wild, autonomous MR elements occur and function as mutators. We contend that MR elements are not simply the by-products of hybridization between wild and laboratory strains.
A consortium for Electric Reliability technology research under competition

In 1998, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and what is now the Electric Power Group (EPG), initiated development of the Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) as the national laboratory/electricity industry partnership. in November 1998, DOE convened a workshop of leaders from all segments of the electricity industry for the purpose of defining the appropriate Federal role and agenda for electric reliability technology research under emerging competitive markets. This workshop brought into focus the inextricably linked relationship between efficient operation of competitive markets under restructuring, and the reliable operation of the electric power system. The general research needs identified were the collection and dissemination of real time information to operate markets and the power system, and an examination of the appropriate balance between ideal economic market mechanisms and traditional system operating practices. A third general research activity addresses the integration of distributed energy resources (distributed generation, energy storage, and demand-side management) into the electric distribution system, and into competitive markets. The research agenda and requirements developed by the Department working with CERTS and industry stakeholders clearly calls for a multi-disciplinary approach from experts in areas of electric power engineering, economics, regulation, computation, and communications.
A Framework for Assessing Environmental Implications of an Urban Area

Increased consciousness of the environment progressively put more pressure on policy makers and urban planners to ensure sustainability of built environment. The single biggest obstacle to devise environmentally sound urban development plans is the insufficient understanding of the urban system. The interactions between various components of urban environment as well as the large number of factors affecting its’ environmental performance, makes it impossible to model todays metropolitans in every detail. Therefore some sort of simplification is inevitable for urban environmental modeling. However, in order to avoid subjective assessment of impact factors, it is necessary to define appropriate quantitative cut-off rules based on needs and available resources. This study proposes a framework for assessing the environmental impacts of an urban area based on the concept of statistical “parameter variation and scenario analysis”. The method is capable of considering any sector in an urban development with desired level of details, and provides information about the significance of environmental impacts of that sector as well as uncertainty of the results. A case study is also provided to elaborate the capabilities of the framework.
Effects of testosterone on spatial activity in free-ranging male dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis

Abstract Abstract. Several of the reported costs and benefits of testosterone-induced changes in avian breeding behaviour may be mediated by the hormone's effects on spatial activity. Therefore, radiotelemetry was used to monitor the effects of experimentally elevated testosterone on the movements of free-ranging male dark-eyed juncos. Juncos were located every 0·5 h over periods of 3-5 days. During the incubation period and while feeding nestlings, males with testosterone-filled silastic implants (T-males) showed significant changes in spatial activity compared with males with empty implants (C-males). On average, T-males had home ranges approximately 200% larger, and within these home ranges occupied core areas (areas encompassing 95% or 50% of all activity) over 300% larger, than those occupied by C-males. T-males were at the nest less often, were found at greater maximum distances from the nest, and sang more often than C-males. Males with experimentally elevated testosterone are less attentive to their nests and young, but may benefit from reduced intrusion rates by other males onto their territories, attraction of females to their large territories, or greater opportunities for extra-pair copulations within their expansive home ranges.
The effect of solution heat treatment on a single-crystal Ni-based superalloy

Understanding of the solution heat treatment response of a second generation, single-crystal nickel-based superalloy, CMSX-4, is necessary before the process can be shortened in an effort to save money. The current solution heat treatment used for CMSX-4 involves high temperatures for long durations and can be quite expensive. This investigation helps to characterize the heat-treatment process for this alloy. The achieved microstructure is described for both the as-cast and fully solution-annealed conditions. In addition, an alternate, less expensive heat treatment was selected for its lower temperatures and shorter overall duration. Microstructures and differential thermal analysis are presented for all three conditions.
Internet use and interest among individuals with traumatic brain injury: A consumer survey

Purpose. To examine experiences among individuals in the USA with traumatic brain injury (TBI) regarding their access to and use of the Internet, problems encountered, and desire for improved Inter...
Torsion of Cylinders with Multiple Reinforcement

An exact solution is presented for the Saint-Venant torsion of a circular cylinder reinforced by multiple rings of circular rods. The number of equally spaced rods in each ring is the same, and these are arranged in such a way that the corresponding rods in each ring are located on the same radial line. The problem simulates that encountered in matrix rods reinforced by longitudinal fibers, and also in corresponding problems of reinforced concrete. Formulas are obtained for the boundary stress distributions and torsional rigidities. Stress function formulations are made for the torsion of cylinders having multiply connected composite sections. The stress function for each rod is expressed in terms of different polar coordinates, and use is made both of periodicity and symmetry. The degenerate case of a circular cylinder having multiple rings of holes is also considered. Several numerical examples are worked out, and the results are presented in tabular and graphical form.
Atomic precision etch using a low-electron temperature plasma

Sub-nm precision is increasingly being required of many critical plasma etching processes in the semiconductor industry. Accurate control over ion energy and ion/radical composition is needed during plasma processing to meet these stringent requirements. Described in this work is a new plasma etch system which has been designed with the requirements of atomic precision plasma processing in mind. In this system, an electron sheet beam parallel to the substrate surface produces a plasma with an order of magnitude lower electron temperature Te (~ 0.3 eV) and ion energy Ei (< 3 eV without applied bias) compared to conventional radio-frequency (RF) plasma technologies. Electron beam plasmas are characterized by higher ion-to-radical fraction compared to RF plasmas, so a separate radical source is used to provide accurate control over relative ion and radical concentrations. Another important element in this plasma system is low frequency RF bias capability which allows control of ion energy in the 2-50 eV range. Presented in this work are the results of etching of a variety of materials and structures performed in this system. In addition to high selectivity and low controllable etch rate, an important requirement of atomic precision etch processes is no (or minimal) damage to the remaining material surface. It has traditionally not been possible to avoid damage in RF plasma processing systems, even during atomic layer etch. The experiments for Si etch in Cl2 based plasmas in the aforementioned etch system show that damage can be minimized if the ion energy is kept below 10 eV. Layer-by-layer etch of Si is also demonstrated in this etch system using electrical and gas pulsing.
(When) Do Anti-Poverty Programs Reduce Violence? India's Rural Employment Guarantee and Maoist Conflict

Theory and extensive evidence connect poverty and underdevelopment to civil conflict, yet evidence on the impact of development programs on violence is surprisingly mixed. To break this impasse, we exploit a within-country policy experiment to examine the conditions under which anti-poverty programs reduce violence. The roll-out of India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme caused a large long-run reduction in Maoist conflict violence, as measured with an original data set based on local language press sources. These pacifying effects were not uniform, however, but overwhelmingly concentrated in districts with sufficient pre-existing local state capacity to implement the program effectively. The results demonstrate the potential for anti-poverty programs to mitigate violent civil conflict by improving livelihoods, but also highlight the crucial role of state capacity in shaping these effects.
Hand Placement in Manual Materials Handling

This paper reviews the use of handles on containers and manually propelled vehicles. It is concluded that handle shape and size are relatively easy to define, but placement of handles on containers represents a more difficult problem. Laboratory and field studies of hand and handle placement are reviewed with the conclusion that handles should be placed so as to give both horizontal and vertical stability, except for heavy lifting, in which a symmetrical handle placement may be preferred, as it minimizes arm forces.
De novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Liver Transplantation

Liver transplantation is the definitive therapy for patients with advanced liver disease and its complications. Patients who are transplanted with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are at risk of recurrent cancer, and these patients are monitored on a regular basis for recurrence. In contrast, de novo HCC following liver transplantation is a very rare complication, and recipients without HCC at the time of transplantation are not screened. We describe the clinical features of de novo HCC over a decade after achieving a sustained viral response with treatment of hepatitis C and two decades after liver transplantation. Our case highlights the necessity of screening for HCC in the post-transplant patient with advanced liver disease even after viral clearance.
Bond energies of ThO+ and ThC+: A guided ion beam and quantum chemical investigation of the reactions of thorium cation with O2 and CO

Kinetic energy dependent reactions of Th(+) with O2 and CO are studied using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The formation of ThO(+) in the reaction of Th(+) with O2 is observed to be exothermic and barrierless with a reaction efficiency at low energies of k/kLGS = 1.21 ± 0.24 similar to the efficiency observed in ion cyclotron resonance experiments. Formation of ThO(+) and ThC(+) in the reaction of Th(+) with CO is endothermic in both cases. The kinetic energy dependent cross sections for formation of these product ions were evaluated to determine 0 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of D0(Th(+)-O) = 8.57 ± 0.14 eV and D0(Th(+)-C) = 4.82 ± 0.29 eV. The present value of D0 (Th(+)-O) is within experimental uncertainty of previously reported experimental values, whereas this is the first report of D0 (Th(+)-C). Both BDEs are observed to be larger than those of their transition metal congeners, TiL(+), ZrL(+), and HfL(+) (L = O and C), believed to be a result of lanthanide contraction. Additionally, the reactions were explored by quantum chemical calculations, including a full Feller-Peterson-Dixon composite approach with correlation contributions up to coupled-cluster singles and doubles with iterative triples and quadruples (CCSDTQ) for ThC, ThC(+), ThO, and ThO(+), as well as more approximate CCSD with perturbative (triples) [CCSD(T)] calculations where a semi-empirical model was used to estimate spin-orbit energy contributions. Finally, the ThO(+) BDE is compared to other actinide (An) oxide cation BDEs and a simple model utilizing An(+) promotion energies to the reactive state is used to estimate AnO(+) and AnC(+) BDEs. For AnO(+), this model yields predictions that are typically within experimental uncertainty and performs better than density functional theory calculations presented previously.
Antidepressants to Treat Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Although antidepressants have been shown to be superior to placebo in some forms of chronic pain, they do not reduce pain or improve functional status or depression in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
Electrokinetic Trapping of Proteins in Cast-to-Shape Matrices

Controlled trapping and release of protein analytes has been achieved in a novel porous polymer monolith (PPM). The PPM is a silica/acrylate hybrid that is cast in a capillary tube by UV-initiated polymerization of a mixture of acrylate monomer reagents. The material immobilizes protein analytes via an elecrokinetic trapping mechanism, yet releases the protein analytes under HPLC mode. This property enables the material to serve as a protein preconcentrator in microfluidic devices. Results with a series of proteins will be presented.
Molecular Engineering of Layered Structures II. Synthetic Approaches to Some New Pillared Derivatives

This paper focuses on two new strategies for the preparation of new pillared clays. The first concerns efforts to design “supergallery” materials in which the gallery heights are substantially larger than the thickness of the host layers. The direct intercalation of metal oxide sol particles in the galleries of a host is one promising method of achieving super gallery materials. The second topic concerns the pillaring of anionic clays or layered double hydroxides (LDHs) by polyoxometalate anions. LDHs are the only known class of ionic lamellar compounds in which the layers are two-dimensional cations. Consequently, they provide a special opportunity for intercalation of a very diverse family of polyoxometalate anions of potential catalytic interest.
Characterization of marine seismic survey inter-pulse sound field in an Arctic shallow-water environment

In this study, we analyzed continuous acoustic recordings collected from a bottom-mounted hydrophone deployed in coastal shallow waters of the U.S. Beaufort Sea during a marine seismic survey in the summer of 2012. Two quantitative methods were developed to compare the inter-pulse sound field, defined as the acoustic field between two consecutive airgun pulses, with the ambient noise level. Results show that during periods when seismic airguns were active, inter-pulse sound field could exceed ambient noise levels by as much as 9 dB. Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample tests between inter-pulse sound levels and ambient noise levels showed significant differences in median SPLs. Spectral analysis of inter-pulse sound fiend in one-third-octave bands in relation with known and hypothetical marine mammal hearing sensitivities indicates potential acoustic masking during a seismic survey, even for animals at relative far distances from a survey vessel. Degrees of acoustic masking are related to frequency-depended hearing sensitivities of marine mammals. For the endangered bowhead whales, which are most sensitive to low-frequency sounds, acoustic masking is expected to be most severe as most energy from seismic airgun pulses is below 500 Hz. These results underscore the need for further research on reverberant field of marine seismic surveys and its potential impacts on marine animals.
Atrapados sin salida: de nuevo con Sor Juana en Los empeños de una casa

The seductiveness of The House of Desires (also translated as House of Trials) by Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz is so powerful that once again we feel compelled to return to the text wanting to know more about its first representation. How and when did it take place? References to the historical context mentioned in the play suggest a probable representation date, but the mention of certain authors and characters from other plays in the same text suggests a different date. Is the first representation date of the comedy settled, then? Moreover, considering its extension, was it initially performed in full? The minor pieces accompanying the play’s three stages –a playlet or loa, three songs, two verse plays, and a sarao– offer keys to locate Sor Juana’s comedy within the context of the theatre season of the time. Even if the exact date of its first representation may never be definitively settled, its relation to another two Novohispanic plays –also performed during the 17th century– is clear. The theatrical triptych has Los empenos de una casa in its centre, and its minor pieces are essential to complete the spectacular and baroque celebration.
KVC's Bridging the Way Home: An innovative approach to the application of Trauma Systems Therapy in child welfare

Abstract This article presents implementation study findings from a large-scale evaluation of an intervention model for children in foster care, aimed to improve care within the services system. This Bridging the Way Home Initiative, funded by the Anne E. Casey Foundation, and conducted under the auspices of KVC Kansas (KVC) in Kansas created processes by which a defined trauma-informed intervention model (Trauma Systems Therapy-TST) could inform the work of all those involved in the care of a foster child (i.e., clinical and non-clinical providers, and foster parents). This study focuses on how effectively TST was integrated into the full continuum of care at KVC, an organization that provides out-of-home care to children served by the Kansas Department for Children and Families in the Kansas City Metropolitan and East Kansas regions. The implementation study helps explain findings from a complementary outcomes study—covered in a separate article also submitted for review. We found the process of implementing and expanding TST demanding, iterative and complex, yet ultimately TST was implemented across levels. The majority of staff and foster parents completed training in TST, and fidelity measures showed progress in TST use over time. KVC's implementation of TST provided both the knowledge and the tools necessary for foster parents to better care for the children in their homes. KVC's efforts show it is possible to infuse trauma-informed care into a large child welfare organization across all levels of care.
Sclerostin and Adipose Tissue

Since its discovery 15 years ago, inhibition of sclerostin has come to be identified as a potent anabolic agent. The sclerostin neutralizing antibody, romosozumab, is a promising treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Animal studies also show a role of sclerostin in regulating hematopoietic cells and, more recently, adipocytes. This review will summarize the newly discovered effects of sclerostin on white, beige, and bone marrow adipocytes. Sclerostin treatment of a preadipocytic cell line shows dose-dependent increase in differentiation of white adipocytes. The supraphysiological increase in circulating sclerostin in mice shows an increase in beige adipocytes, i.e., brown adipocyte-like cells in white adipose tissue depots. Sclerostin treatment also increases bone marrow adipogenesis. Moreover, sclerostin-deficient mice show decreased whole body fat due to increased fatty acid oxidation. These recent findings show that circulating sclerostin could affect the development of all types of adipocytes. However, sclerostin levels vary significantly depending on age, gender, and disease conditions. Moreover, significant variation is present among adipocytes depending on developmental stage and tissue location. Further studies are needed to determine the more precise role of sclerostin on adipocytes.
Estimating Cardiovascular Risk.

The primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) depends on accurate estimation of cardiovascular risk. However, a recent systematic review identified 363 prediction models.
Key Pioneers of Two-Person Relational Psychology

This chapter reviews some of the leading experts who have contributed to the field of child and adolescent two-person relational psychotherapy through their research. The list is by no means complete as it would be beyond the scope of this book to include all of those who contributed to further expand the understanding of the complexities of infant development . We limit this review to the authors who pursued infant–caregiver research—the “baby watchers,”—and spawned the concepts most applicable to the two-person relational psychodynamic psychotherapy of children and adolescents.
Presentations on Global Energy Demand in Transition: Informal Notes

The Global Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization for global issues and frontier problems in science, organized this conference to explore the technological prospects and long term availability of environmentally benign energy sources for generating electricity, in the expectation that such an exploration would be useful to the governments in formulating energy policies and to the public utilities for their long term planning. The specific objectives of the Conference were to: 1) assess the increase and diversification in the use of electricity 2) assess technological prospects for clean energy sources 3) assess the roles of nonmarket forces 4) make concrete recommendations 5) study cost impact and national security implications 6) provide analysis of transition from fossil to electrical transportation 7) assess the role of nuclear energy, and 8) optimize use of plutonium and HEU from dismantled warheads.
Lessons from the 2008-2009 US Banking Crisis

More than 70 per cent of the largest 1,200 US banks of 2011 avoided annual losses in 2008 or 2009 largely because their operations were controlled. Bankers, faced with unexpected reverses, worked to reestablish control and profitability. Our examination of banking’s record leading up to the 2008-2009 financial crisis indicates there were several abnormal changes bankers might have observed between 2005 and 2007 to put their organizations on alert. Such alerts before the crisis could have helped some banks minimize their losses or even avoid them. Looking ahead, bankers who apply the lessons identified, herein, should report more stable profitability during the volatile phases of future business cycles. Analysts and regulators alike should be able to use these same lessons to sort resilient banks from the rest.
Making the Science Classroom a Place for Wonder

What is the role of wonder in a classroom? And how does a teacher activate this most human of emotions? This paper investigates the role wonder—and the subjects most closely associated with it, art and science—should play in our students' school lives. The work connects my lived experiences as a high school teacher and college professor with the philosophy of John Dewey and contemporary literature on pedagogical practices. My findings suggest that it is a moral imperative to encourage wonder in our classrooms and to do so in an authentic way.
Probing the Structures of Solvent-Complexed Ions Formed in Electrospray Ionization Using Cryogenic Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy

The gas-phase infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectra of solvent-tagged small biomolecules are studied in a cryogenic ion trap at 17 K. In this study para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and tyramine molecules are noncovalently tagged with water or acetonitrile in the electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The complexes are then cooled in the cryogenic trap prior to spectroscopic measurements. These molecules provide two putative sites for solvent attachment: the protonated amine (NH3+) and the OH groups. Comparisons of the experimental IR spectra to theoretical spectra obtained with density functional theory show that the NH3+ site is mainly favored. Evidence for the formation of both NH3-bound and OH-bound conformers is found only in tyramine, despite having similar solution- and gas-phase energetics to that of PABA. Since the structures cannot interconvert in the gas phase, this suggests an isomerization during the electrospray process.
Creating Personas on Which to Build Services for Latinx Users: A Proof of Concept

The current article presents a proof of concept wherein personas were created that could support library services and collections for Latinx community members in the Midwestern United States. Perso...
Prognostic factors in breast cancer patients evaluated by positron-emission tomography/computed tomography before neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a significant modality in breast cancer therapy. We sought to characterize prognostic factors in patients scheduled for NAC who had a pretreatment positron-emission tomography paired with diagnostic quality contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) (positron-emission tomography/CT [PET/CT]). A total of 118 breast cancer patients were analyzed through chart review who underwent pretreatment PET/CT imaging and received NAC from 2008 to 2014. We collected information on molecular markers, PET/CT, pathologic complete response (pCR), survival, and disease status. Pretreatment standard uptake value (SUV) max of the primary breast tumor showed no relationship to pCR; however, there was a statistically significant relationship with relapse-free survival (RFS) using univariate cox regression (P = 0.03, odds ratio (OR) = 1.06 [1.01–1.12]) with comparable findings observed with overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed SUV max to be significantly correlated with shortened OS (P = 0.022, OR = 1.08 [1.01–1.16]), with a similar trend reported for RFS. By pathological subtype, this correlation was the strongest within hormone receptor (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2−) tumors. In addition, Kaplan–Meier estimates demonstrated a significant difference between the RFS of triple-negative tumors and HER2 positive tumors (P = 0.001). Interestingly, within this cohort, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed HER2 positivity to be associated with favorable outcome (P = 0.04, HR = 0.22 [0.05–0.94]). These findings demonstrate a significant association between SUV max of HR+/HER2−− tumors and relapse-free and OS. Furthermore, highlighted here is the favorable survival in the once classically aggressive HER2+ breast cancer subgroup.
Cross-Sex Hormones and Acute Cardiovascular Events in Transgender Persons

Venous thromboembolism, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction in transgender persons may be related to hormone use. The electronic medical records of Kaiser Permanente sites in Georgia and nor...
Consumer Protection after a Global Financial Crisis

Like other major events, the Global Financial Crisis generated a large and diffuse body of academic analysis. As part of a broader call for operationalizing the study of crises as policy shocks and resulting responses, which inevitably derail from elegant theories, we examine how regulatory protagonists approached consumer protection after the GFC, guided by six elements that should be considered in any policy shock context. After reviewing the introduction and philosophy of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, created as part of the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, we consider four examples of how consumer protection unfolded in the crises’ aftermath that have received less attention. Our case studies investigate a common set of queries. We sought to identify the parties who cared sufficiently about a given issue to engage with it and try to shape policy, as well as the evolving nature of the relevant policy agenda. We also looked for key changes in policy, which could be reflected in various forms—whether establishing an entirely new regulatory agency, formulating novel enforcement strategies, or deflecting policy reforms. The first of our case studies focuses on operations of the Federal Trade Commission in the GFC’s aftermath. Although the Dodd-Frank Act shifted some obligations toward the CFPB, we find that the FTC continued to worry about and seek to address fraud against consumers. But it tended to focus on shady practices that arose in response to the GFC rather than those that facilitated it. Our second case study examines the Congressional adoption of a carveout from CFPB authority for auto dealers, which resulted from strong lobbying by car companies worried about a cratering sales environment, and the aftermath of the policy. Here, we observe that this carveout allowed a significant amount of troubling auto lending activity to continue and expand, with potentially systemic consequences. Loan servicer misbehavior, particularly in the form of robosigning, is the focus of our third case study. Although Dodd-Frank did not explicitly address robosigning, the new agency it created, the CFPB, was able to draw on its broad authority to address this newly arising problem. And, because the CFPB had authority over student loan servicers, the agency could pivot relatively quickly from the mortgage context to the student loan context. Our fourth and final case study is the rise and fall of Operation Choke Point, an understandably controversial interagency program, convened by the U.S. Department of Justice, which, with the GFC fresh in mind, attempted to curtail fraudulent activities by cutting off access to online payment mechanisms. Here, we see an anti-fraud effort that was particularly vulnerable to a change in presidential administration and political climate because its designers had invested little effort in building public awareness and support for the program. The Article concludes with an overall assessment and suggestions for other focal points for which our approach would be useful. The examples span a range of other domestic and global policy contexts.
Distributed Learning in Network Games: a Dual Averaging Approach

In this paper, we propose a distributed no-regret learning algorithm for network games using a primal-dual method, i.e., dual averaging. With only locally available observations, we consider the scenario where each player optimizes a global objective, formed by local objective functions on the nodes of a given communication graph. Our learning algorithm for each player involves taking steps along their individual payoff gradients, dictated by local observations of the other player’s actions. The output is then projected back-again locally–to the set of admissible actions for each player. We provide the regret analysis of this distributed learning algorithm for the case of a deterministic network that is subjected to two teams with distinct objectives, and obtain an $O(\sqrt T \log (T))$ regret bound. Our analysis indicates the key correlation between the rate of convergence and network connectivity that also appears in the distributed optimization setup via dual averaging. Furthermore, we show that the point of convergence of the proposed algorithm would be a Nash Equilibrium of the game. Finally, we showcase by an illustrative example the performance of our algorithm in relation to the size and connectivity of the network.
Hyperviscosity Syndrome in Paraprotein Secreting Conditions Including Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Hyperviscosity syndrome is a serious complication associated with high levels of paraproteins in patients with hematological malignancies. Therapeutic advances in disease control may reduce the incidence of hyperviscosity syndrome; however, management of acute cases requires an understanding of key symptoms and prompt treatment to mitigate serious consequences.
Performance of Manufactured Housing during Hurricanes Irma and Michael

AbstractManufactured homes historically have been some of the most vulnerable structures to earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes. More than 20 million people reside in manufactured homes in the U...
Extremely 54Cr- and 50Ti-rich presolar oxide grains in a primitive meteorite: Formation in rare types of supernovae and implications for the astrophysical context of solar system birth.

We report the identification of 19 presolar oxide grains from the Orgueil CI meteorite with substantial enrichments in 54Cr, with 54Cr/52Cr ratios ranging from 1.2 to 56 times the solar value. The most enriched grains also exhibit enrichments at mass 50, most likely due in part to 50Ti, but close-to-normal or depleted 53Cr/52Cr ratios. There is a strong inverse relationship between 54Cr enrichment and grain size; the most extreme grains are all <80 nm in diameter. Comparison of the isotopic data with predictions of nucleosynthesis calculations indicate that these grains most likely originated in either rare, high-density Type Ia supernovae (SNIa), or in electron-capture supernovae (ECSN) which may occur as the end stage of evolution for stars of mass 8−10 M⊙. This is the first evidence for preserved presolar grains from either type of supernova. An ECSN origin is attractive since these likely occur much more frequently than high-density SNIa, and their evolutionary timescales (~20 Myr) are comparable to those of molecular clouds. Self-pollution of the Sun’s parent cloud from an ECSN may explain the heterogeneous distribution of n-rich isotopic anomalies in planetary materials, including a recently reported dichotomy in Mo isotopes in the solar system. The stellar origins of three grains with solar 54Cr/52Cr, but anomalies in 50Cr or 53Cr, as well as of a grain enriched in 57Fe, are unclear.
Beetles Collected in Light-Traps During the North American Total Solar Eclipse of 21 August 2017 with a Review of Arthropod Behavior During Solar Eclipses

Insect behavior during solar eclipses has been the subject of numerous observations and studies. A total solar eclipse that passed through Clemson, South Carolina, USA, during 21 August 2017 offered a rare opportunity to test for beetle flight activity during the short-lived daytime-darkness. Ultraviolet light traps were run during three periods: 1) during the eclipse; 2) again the next day (22 August) at the same time; and 3) later in the evening the day after the eclipse. Forty-nine specimens within 16 species and eight families of Coleoptera were collected. The number of specimens collected was not significantly different between the eclipse and the next day, indicating the eclipse had no effect on beetle flight activity. A list is provided of all published studies and notes that could be found on insect behavior during solar eclipses.
Leucoselect Phytosome Modulates Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Docosahexaenoic Acid, and Prostaglandin E3 in a Phase I Lung Cancer Chemoprevention Study.

Grape seed procyanidin extract (GSE) has been shown to exert antineoplastic properties in preclinical studies. Recently, we reported findings from a modified phase I, open-label, dose escalation clinical study conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, MTD, and potential chemopreventive effects of leucoselect phytosome, a standardized GSE complexed with soy phospholipids to enhance bioavailability, in heavy active and former smokers. Three months of leucoselect phytosome treatment significantly decreased bronchial Ki-67 labeling index (LI), a marker of cell proliferation on the bronchial epithelium. Because GSE is widely used as a supplement to support cardiovascular health, we evaluate the impact of oral leucoselect phytosome on the fasting serum complex lipid metabolomics profiles in our participants. One month of leucoselect phytosome treatment significantly increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) with well-established anticancer properties. Leucoselect phytosome also significantly increased unsaturated phosphatidylcholines (PC), likely from soy phospolipids in the phytosome and functioning as transporters for these PUFAs. Furthermore, 3-month leucoselect phytosome treatment significantly increased serum prostaglandin (PG) E3 (PGE3), a metabolite of EPA with anti-inflammatory and antineoplastic properties. Such increases in PGE3 correlated with reductions of bronchial Ki-67 LI (r = −0.9; P = 0.0374). Moreover, posttreatment plasma samples from trial participants significantly inhibited proliferation of human lung cancer cell lines A549 (adenocarcinoma), H520 (squamous cell carcinoma), DMS114 (small cell carcinoma), and 1198 (preneoplastic cell line). Our findings further support the potential utility of leucoselect phytosome in reducing cardiovascular and neoplastic risks in heavy former and active smokers. Prevention Relevance: In this correlative study of leucoselect phytosome for lung cancer chemoprevention in heavy active and former smokers, we demonstrate for the first time, favorable modulations of n-3PUFA and downstream PGE3 in fasting serum, further supporting the chemopreventive potential of leucoselect phytosome against lung cancer.
Activation of PPARα Stimulates Hippocampal Neurogenesis

Little is known about the molecular mechanism of hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we delineate an important role of PPARα, a lipid-lowering transcription factor, in hippocampal neurogenesis. Interestingly, progenitor cells derived from hippocampus of Ppara-null mice displayed significant impairment in neuronal differentiation as compared to that of wild-type mice. BrdU incorporation assay into PparaΔHip (hippocampus-specific knockout), PparaΔHep (liver-specific knockout) and PparaΔAst (astrocyte-specific knockout) mice revealed that the absence of PPARα in neurons, but neither astroglia nor liver, impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. Detailed genomic analyses including RNA array, STRING, chromatin immunoprecipitation, site-directed mutagenesis, and promoter reporter assay have identified prototype neurogenesis marker DCX as a new target of PPARα. Furthermore, analysis of human postmortem brain of no-cognitive impairment (NCI) and Alzheimer (AD) patients as well as FAD5X mice indicated that PPARα directly regulated the expression of DCX in dentate gyrus (DG). Interestingly, oral administration of 9-octadecenamide (OCT), an endogenous ligand of PPARα from hippocampus and a sleep-inducing supplement in humans, increased the level of PPARα and DCX in the DG and improved spatial learning and memory in FAD5X, but not FAD5X/Ppara-null, mice. These results indicate a new role of PPARα in controlling hippocampal neurogenesis and suggest that OCT may be repurposed for preserving hippocampal neurogenesis and improving memory and learning in AD and dementia.
Written Testimony of Daniel Epps on “Court Expansion and Other Changes to the Court’s Composition” for The Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States

In my remarks, I will focus on three points. First, I will address what I see as a set of pressing problems with the current system governing the composition of the Supreme Court. Second, I will discuss in general terms the various kinds of reforms that might address those problems, and some of the tradeoffs that they involve. Third, I’ll briefly discuss why I hope the Commission will not attempt to foreclose future reform efforts by declaring any particular proposal constitutionally out of bounds.
Toward autonomous large eddy simulations of turbulence based on interscale energy transfer among resolved scales

Is an autonomous large eddy simulation (LES) possible where a subgrid-scale (SGS) model is extracted in a bootstrapping way from LES fields? We show how the SGS energy transfer among resolved scales and its wave number distribution can be obtained from evolving LES fields. This information, supplemented by known asymptotic properties of energy flux in the inertial range, allows self-contained LES without prescribing extraneous SGS models. The method is tested in LES of isotropic turbulence at high Reynolds number (Re) where inertial range dynamics is expected and for lower Re decaying turbulence under conditions of the classical Comte-Bellot and Corrsin experiments (energy spectra in figure).
Synchronization of Chaotic Systems

Synchronization among dynamical variables in coupled chaotic systems would appear to be almost an oxymoron as the definition of chaos includes the rapid decorrelation of nearby orbits due to the instabilities throughout phase space. Nonetheless [FY83, AVR86, PC90], it is quite straightforward to establish situations where synchronization occurs between signals, each of which is chaotic. This synchronization has clear applications to communications [VR93] and control [Pyr92, RTA94]. Further, it may be responsible for the saturation of the invariant characteristics of chaos in chains of coupled nonlinear oscillators and in more complicated systems [GRS84, WR90].