cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 45: Interleukin-19 Increases Angiogenic Gene Expression and Perfusion in Ischemic Hind-Limbs

Introduction: Peripheral vascular disease affects over ten million Americans. Hypoxia in ischemic limbs typically initiates angiogenic and inflammatory factors to promote angiogenesis in attempt to restore perfusion. Little is known about the inflammatory nature of angiogenesis particularly with respect to anti-inflammatory factors. Interleukin-19 is a uniquely anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokine that promotes angiogenesis in cellular assays. We hypothesized that IL-19 could drive angiogenesis in vivo; the purpose of this study is to characterize a role for IL-19 in restoration of blood flow in the hind-limb ischemia model, and define potential mechanisms. Methods and Results: Three complimentary experiments were designed to clarify IL-19’s angiogenic role. 1- C57BL/6 (n=12) were subject to induced hindlimb ischemia by femoral artery ligation and subject to daily i.p. injections of recombinant mouse IL-19 (10ng/g/day) or PBS for 14 days. Mice were subsequently imaged using Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI). Perfusion index was evaluated by comparing values between ligated and unligated contralateral limbs. C57BL/6 mice injected with rIL-19 showed significantly increased levels of perfusion when compared to PBS injected age-matched cohorts (p<0.01 at day 7, <0.05 at day 10). 2- hindlimb ischemia was similarly induced in both C57BL/6 and IL-19-/- mice on a C57BL/6 background. LDPI values are significantly decreased in IL-19-/- mice when compared to C57BL/6 mice (p<0.05 at day 7). 3- IL-19-/- mice subject to limb ischemia were given daily i.p. injections of rIL-19 or PBS. IL-19-/- mice administered rIL-19 trended (P=0.058) higher perfusion when compared to PBS injected control mice. Immunohistochemistry using CD31 antibody on adductor muscle recovered from these mice showed significantly increased capillary density in IL-19 treated mice compared with controls (P<0.05). cDNA microarray analysis of human microvascular endothelial cells treated with IL-19 determined increased expression of angiogenic cytokines, which was verified by qRT-PCR and western blot. Conclusions: This study is the first to implicate IL-19 as a novel pro-angiogenic cytokine with potential to promote neovascularization and restore blood flow in ischemic tissue.
Stable vices and trailer problems

Stable vices include oral vices such as cribbing, wood chewing, and coprophagia, as well as stall walking, weaving, pawing, and stall kicking. Some of these behaviors are escape behaviors; others are forms of self-stimulation. Most can be eliminated by pasturing rather than stall confinment. Trailering problems include failure to load, scrambling in the moving trailer, struggling in the stationary trailer, and refusal to unload. Gradual habituation to entering the trailer, the presence of another horse, or a change in trailer type can be used to treat these problems.
Effects of fuel composition on critical equivalence ratio for autoignition

In a companion study, the critical equivalence ratio (ϕ) for several fuels (defined as the minimum equivalence ratio at which a fuel can autoignite) was examined in a motored engine as a metric to ...
Physico-chemical examination and analysis of drinking water for Shunyi in 2008

Objective:To study on state of the quality of drinking water in Shunyi district in 2008,some physico-chemical index was examined.Methods:975 samples of drinking water were collected,preserved and carried to the lab for analysis.Results:For 975 samples of drinking water,the qualified rate of turbidity was 85.1%,following it,arsenic was 93.5% and chroma was 94.5%.Conclusion:The quality of daily drinking water is very important for the health of people and we should strengthen improvement and inspection of drinking water.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Characteristics in Patients with Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) (P4.385)

Objective: To describe the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles of patients with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Background: PRES is a well-described syndrome of clinical symptoms (headache, vision changes, seizure, encephalopathy) and radiographic ﬁndings suggestive of vasogenic edema in cerebral white matter. CSF findings in patients with PRES have not been systematically described. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with PRES who also underwent lumbar puncture were identified by searching databases of radiology reports, neurologic ICU notes, and hospital billing diagnoses within the University of Pennsylvania Healthcare System from 2006-2015. Chart reviews were performed to confirm that patients met the following criteria for PRES: (1) acute-subacute neurologic symptoms, (2) neuroimaging evidence of vasogenic edema, and (3) clinical and/or radiographic evidence of reversibility. Results: 59 episodes of PRES with CSF sampling occurred in 57 unique patients. CSF profile was abnormal in the majority of patients (36/59, 61[percnt]). Elevated CSF protein was the most common finding (34/59, 58[percnt]; median CSF protein 52 mg/dL, range 16-151 mg/dL). Four patients had elevated corrected white blood cells (range 6-28 WBC/uL); in these four patients, two had lymphocyte predominance and two had neutrophil predominance. One patient had positive oligoclonal bands of 5 who were tested. Other commonly performed CSF tests were negative/normal in all tested patients, including gram stain and culture (performed in 59/59), fungal culture (33/59), cryptococcal antigen (29/59), cytology (21/59), HSV PCR (21/59), VZV PCR (14/59), JCV PCR (6/59), CMV PCR (6/59), toxoplasma PCR (5/59), and AFB (5/59). Conclusions: Elevated CSF protein is a common finding in patients with PRES, and may reflect blood brain barrier breakdown. CSF pleocytosis, while uncommon, can be seen and its presence should not exclude the diagnosis of PRES. The significance of an inflammatory CSF profile is unclear and requires further investigation. Disclosure: Dr. Ellis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Balu has nothing to disclose.
Africa and the Afro-American: the changing Negro identity.

(1969). Africa and the Afro-American: The Changing Negro Identity. Psychiatry: Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 127-136.
Early First-Trimester Abortion Induction by Silastic Vaginal Devices for Continuous Release of 15(S)-15-Methyl Prostaglandin F2α Methyl Ester * †

The abortifacient efficacy of four Silastic devices containing 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2α methyl ester (15-Me-PGF2α methyl ester) was evaluated by single vaginal insertion and retention for 24 hours in four groups of ten patients each at 31 to 49 days beyond the 1st day of the last menstrual period. There were eight complete and two incomplete abortions in the group receiving a device with a drug concentration of 0.5% and a surface area of 20 sq cm. Four complete abortions, four incomplete abortions, and two failures occurred with a 0.2%, 10 sq cm device. Seven complete and two incomplete abortions were obtained with a 0.5%, 10 sq cm device; one patient in this group was found to have aborted prior to treatment. A 0.5%, 20 sq cm device with one-half the thickness of the other 0.5% devices yielded five complete abortions, one incomplete abortion, and four failures. Side effects were minor and well tolerated in each group. Serial determinations of plasma progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and 15-Me-PGFF2α were obtained and related to the outcome of therapy. Because of failure to achieve sustained blood levels of drug or satisfactory rates of complete abortion, this technique, with the devices used in this study, is not believed to be acceptable for routine early first-trimester pregnancy termination.
Altered motor neuron excitability in myotonic dystrophy.

Using standard electrophysiologic techniques motor conduction velocity (MCV), motor action potential amplitude (Mmax), minimum F latency (Flat), maximum F amplitude (Fmax), F chronodispersion (Fdisp), Fmax/Mmax, and F persistence (Fpers) were measured in median, ulnar, peroneal, and tibial nerves (N = 60) in 15 patients with myotonic muscular dystrophy (DM). The results were compared to data from 80 nerves in 20 healthy controls. The DM group (mean age = 39.7 yrs, mean duration of symptoms = 20.8 yrs) had diminished or absent biceps, triceps, knee, and ankle reflexes but retained 4- or better strength (modified MRC Scale) in the respective muscles. Thirteen nerves in 6 patients had absent F waves. For the remaining 47 nerves, no statistically significant difference was noted in parameters primarily related to conduction through peripheral nerve fibers (MVC, Flat, Fdisp) or Fmax/Mmax. Fmax, Fpers and Mmax were significant (p less than or equal to .02) diminished in all nerve subgroups in the DM patients. The results indicate that in DM there is altered excitability of the motorneuron pool. This may underlie the early loss of DTR's and produce the characteristic distal pattern weakness.
Pentaleno[1,2-a:4,5′]diacenaphthylenes: Uniquely Stabilized Pentalene Derivatives

We demonstrate the preparation of diacenaphthopentalene derivatives via a palladium-catalyzed dimerization of 1-iodo-2-arylethynyl-acenaphthylenes. The resulting 7,14-diarylpentaleno[1,2-a:4,5a′]diacenaphthylenes, which contain four linearly fused five-membered rings, are benchtop stable and behave as hole-transporting or ambipolar semiconductors in organic field effect transistors. The X-ray crystal structure shows the important role of the fused naphthalene unit that enforces a formal pentalene subunit at the central five-membered rings and [5]-radialene-like structures at the proximal five-membered rings. Nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) calculations show the internal pentalene rings are intermediate in antiaromaticity character between known pentalene and dibenzopentalenes derivatives. The diacenaphthopentalene derivatives give high optical gap materials owing to a forbidden HOMO to LUMO transition, yet have narrow electrochemical gaps and are reduced at small negative potentials giving LUMO ...
How Much Iron is Needed for Breastfeeding Infants

The iron requirement for breastfed infants remains controversial. Given the impact of iron on neurodevelopmental outcomes and the questionable impact of iron supplements after iron deficiency has occurred, its importance as a nutrient in this population cannot be down played. Infants are born with relatively large body stores of iron that are marginally related to maternal iron status in developed countries. Delayed cord clamping may increase these fetal stores, but at the present time this is only recommended for preterm infants who are born with low iron stores. The diagnosis of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains problematic though new laboratory tests (measures of reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration and serum transferrin receptor) hold promise in developed countries. The present evidence supports the potential benefits of iron supplementation of exclusively breastfed infants after 4 months of age, by which time the iron stores present at birth are depleted. This deficit cannot be made up even if the small amounts of iron in human milk are completely absorbed.
The neuritic plaque facilitates pathological conversion of tau in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model

A central question in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is whether the neuritic plaque is necessary and sufficient for the development of tau pathology. Hyperphosphorylation of tau is found within dystrophic neurites surrounding β-amyloid deposits in AD mouse models but the pathological conversion of tau is absent. Likewise, expression of a human tau repeat domain in mice is insufficient to drive the pathological conversion of tau. Here we developed an Aβ-amyloidosis mouse model that expresses the human tau repeat domain and show that in these mice, the neuritic plaque facilitates the pathological conversion of wild-type tau. We show that this tau fragment seeds the neuritic plaque-dependent pathological conversion of wild-type tau that spreads from the cortex and hippocampus to the brain stem. These results establish that in addition to the neuritic plaque, a second determinant is required to drive the conversion of wild-type tau.
Quality Improvement, Professional Competence, and the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct

The American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (APA, 2010) are foundational partly because they prove the ethical and legal definition of how psychologists ought to behave and conduct themselves professionally. Failure to abide by the enforceable standards advanced by the APA may result in a wide range of negative consequences ranging from harm, to the client as well as potentially embarrassing and consequential disciplinary hearings, to the loss of one’s professional license. Due to these implications, for these ethical standards to be useful to both the mental health professionals and consumers of mental health services, it is important that they are clear, effective, and continue to meet the need of the diverse stakeholders that they are designed to serve (Gaumnitz & Lere, 2004).
Klinefelter syndrome: fertility considerations and gaps in knowledge.

We would like to thank Drs. Rogol and Skakkebaek for their timely and insightful commentary about medical and ethical issues with regard to sperm retrieval in adolescents with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (1); the authors present key points discussed at the recent International Workshop on Klinefelter syndrome, in addition to summarizing our pilot clinical trial investigating sperm retrieval rates in adolescents and young adults with KS published in The Journal of Pediatrics (2,3). As was acknowledged in the original manuscript, Drs. Rogol and Skakkebaek emphasize potential selection bias in the study, as the sample size was small and many of the eligible subjects declined to participate due to “lack of psychological readiness to focus on fertility”; additionally, none of the patients had been treated with testosterone, indicating a “milder” end of the spectrum (1,2). The potential impact of prior testosterone therapy and other agents on sperm retrieval in this population was identified as a necessary issue for investigation (1,4).
The Italian Roots of Neorealism

This chapter offers an overview of the literary and cinematographic origin of the neorealist movement. After the war, Italian narrative literature attracted international attention and authors such as Silone (whose successful books were first published abroad), Moravia, Levi, and Vittorini won a new respect for Italian literature. At the same time, a significant number of motion pictures and a uniquely Italian style of movie-making based on attentiveness to the most unpretentious details of everyday life made Italian scenery familiar to movie viewers all over the world.
Plaque Removal and Gingival Health after Use of a Novel Dental Gel: A Clinical Study.

Background: Goal of this in vivo prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded, cross over study was to compare the level of plaque control and gingivitis after use of a novel dental gel (test) vs. A Triclosan/copolymer dentifrice (control). Methods: After coronal polishing, 22 subjects with moderate gingivitis were randomly assigned to brush twice daily with test or control dentifrice for the first study Arm. Plaque, gingival and sulcus bleeding indices were recorded at baseline, week 2 and week 4. Professional coronal polishing was repeated, and then subjects brushed with the second dentifrice for 4 weeks. Clinical indices were again recorded at Baseline, week 2 and week 4. The effects of each dentifrice on clinical indices were compared using Student’s t-test. Results: Brushing with the test gel produced significantly greater levels of plaque reduction versus the Triclosan/copolymer control dentifrice at each time point. 45% less plaque was measured after 4 weeks of test agent use than after control agent use (p<0.000000005). A significant reduction in gingival inflammation from test vs control agent over w\4 weeks was also observed (p=0.000342). Conclusions: An activated edathamil dental gel formulation provides effective plaque control and reduced gingival inflammation compared to a Triclosan/Co-polymer dental gel. Practical Implications: A novel dental gel formulation that does not contain abrasives, detergents or antimicrobials may provide effective plaque control and support gingival health.
At the End: Opening the Question of Legacy

At the End: Opening the Question of Legacy: What is Kenyatta’s legacy? Starting with consideration in the UK; the government, press, and so on, Chapter 6 provides an analysis of why he comes to be regarded by the UK (and the West in general) as Africa’s greatest post-colonial leader. This analysis is extended to the USA, looking at the major publications. Also in the USA, for the first time there is an analysis of how Kenyatta is remembered and his political legacy considered in the African American press. This press had once hailed him as the “burning spear” of African and Pan African radical nationalism. Had this changed after many years in power? I provide a detailed account and analysis of how the African media remembered Kenyatta. I also cover how he was remembered in the key Caribbean Islands of Jamaica and Trinidad Tobago. There is a lot of attention paid on Kenyatta’s complex and divided legacy in Kenya, affected by ideology, ethnicity, and the long-term impact of his policies on current Kenya.
Light Source Influences Color Stability and Lipid Oxidation in Steaks from Low Color Stability Beef Triceps brachii Muscle

AbstractColor of retail fresh meat is one of the most important quality attributes affecting purchasing decisions for consumers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different light sources on surface color and lipid oxidation during retail display of fresh steaks from beef Triceps brachii (TB), a muscle with low color and lipid oxidative stabilities. Steaks (n = 12) from 20 TB muscles were overwrapped with oxygen-permeable polyvinyl chloride, and assigned to one of three lighting treatments, i.e., high UV fluorescent (HFLO), low UV fluorescent (FLO), and light emitting diode (LED), in temperature-controlled deli cases. Steaks were removed on retail display d 1, 3, 5, and 7 for evaluating instrumental color (L*, a*, and b* values), surface myoglobin redox forms, metmyoglobin reducing ability, and lipid oxidation. Surface redness (a* values) of TB steaks decreased (P < 0.05) during retail display. Light source influenced a* values, with HFLO-displayed steaks having higher (P < 0.05) a* values than steaks exposed to both FLO and LED light sources. Oxymyoglobin levels were higher (P < 0.05) for TB steaks displayed under HFLO lights than those displayed under FLO (on d 3 and 7) or LED (on d 5 and 7) lights. Steaks displayed under HFLO lights had lower (P < 0.05) metmyoglobin levels than those exposed to both FLO and LED lights on d 5 and 7. Lipid oxidation increased over retail display time, and on d 7 of retail display, steaks exposed to HFLO had less (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation than those displayed in FLO or LED. The results of the present study indicated that color stability and lipid oxidation in TB steaks during retail display are impacted by light source. The HFLO lighting may help to minimize surface discoloration and lipid oxidation in low color stability beef muscles.
AFRICAN AMERICANS HAVE BETTER OUTCOMES FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN HOSPITALS WITH MORE RACIALLY DIVERSE PATIENTS: A NATIONWIDE ANALYSIS

Limited data is available regarding the relationship between African-American (AA) patients’ outcomes and the hospital's racial diversity. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) is a validated database of discharges from a representative sampling of U.S. hospitals. We identified patients with ICD-
Algorithmic affordances for productive resistance

Although overarching if not foundational conceptualizations of digital governance in the field of critical data studies aptly account for and explain subjection, calculated resistance is left conce...
Potential Biases in Patients Selected for Drip and Ship Thrombolysis (P04.053)

OBJECTIVE: To assess patient selection biases for drip and ship thrombolysis compared to those treated at our stroke center (direct presenters). BACKGROUND: The drip and ship model is a method to deliver thrombolysis to acute stroke patients in facilities lacking onsite neurology coverage. To date, no study has examined if there are biases in how patients are selected for this treatment. DESIGN/METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received thrombolysis at an outside facility with subsequent transfer to our stroke center between 2009 and 2011. Patients received thrombolysis after telephone consultation with a stroke specialist. We examined demographics, vascular risk factors, laboratory values, stroke severity and short term outcomes including risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were identified who received thrombolysis by drip and ship: median NIHSS 9 (IQR 4, 15) vs 8 (IQR 5, 14) in direct presenters (p=0.368). The two groups did not differ with respect to gender, ethnicity, vascular risk factors, admission glucose, or smoking history. The drip and ship median age was 63 (IQR: 50, 75) compared to 68 (IQR: 55, 82) in direct presenters (p 80 was 0.31 (CI 0.15-0.61, p CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a smaller proportion of Blacks and elderly in the drip and ship population compared to direct presenters. This may be due to a failure to present within a treatment window or may represent a bias in patient selection for transfer to a higher level of care. Disclosure: Dr. Lyerly has nothing to disclose. Dr. Albright has received research support from The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), National Institutes of Health. Dr. Boehme has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bavarsad Shahripour has nothing to disclose. Dr. Houston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rawal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kapoor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alvi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sisson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alexandrov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alexandrov has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech. Dr. Alexandrov has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Genentech. Dr. Alexandrov holds stock and/or stock options in Genentech, which sponsored research in which Dr. Alexandrov was involved as an investigator. Dr. Alexandrov holds stock and/or stock options in Genentech. Dr. Alexandrov has received research support from Genentech.
Infertility, ICSI, and the Epididymis

It is estimated that about 30 to 40% of couples seeking fertility treatments are diagnosed with male factor infertility. These males have a range of gonadal dysfunctions that includes azoospermia (i.e., no sperm in the ejaculate), oligozoospermia (i.e., sperm count less than 20 million/ml), asthenozoospermia (i.e., sperm motility less than 50%) and teratozoospermia (i.e., sperm with normal morphology less than 30%). The group of patients with azoospermia represents about 25% of the total and, of these, about 30% have an obstructive process (obstructive azoospermia) while the remaining have a primary testicular failure (non-obstructive azoospermia). In the obstructive azoospermia group, about 25% have congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), while the incidence among all infertile males is about 2% (approximately 16,000 males are affected by CBAVD in USA) (Patrizio and Leonard, 2000). Other obstructive conditions are represented by vasectomy, failed vasectomy reversal operations, post-inflammatory scarring of the epididymis, inoperable ejaculatory ducts blockage or distal vasal obstructions and functional obstructions seen in patients after extensive retroperitoneal lymph-node dissections.
Superhelical DNA in Streptococcus sanguis: role in recombination in vivo.

Competent Streptococcus sanguis treated with non-lethal doses of coumermycin Al immediately before or after uptake of radioactive transforming DNA were reduced in their capacity to yield transformants. This treatment did not alter bacterial ability to bind DNA in DNase I-resistant form, nor did it prevent the single-stranded donor DNA-recipient protein complexes formed upon uptake at the surface of the bacteria from translocating to chromosomal sites. Inhibition of transformation by heterospecific DNA was greater than that by homospecific DNA. The reduction in transformant yield was not accompanied by any loss of donor counts incorporated into the recipient chromosome, but rather by a loss of genetic activity of incorporated donor material indicating a failure of genetic integration and degradation of donor DNA as a consequence of coumermycin treatment. The inhibitory effect of coumermycin on transformation was associated with in vivo loss of chromosomal DNA superhelicity. The chromosomal DNA remained intact, however, indicative of inhibition of a gyrase-like enzyme responsible for the maintenance of negative supercoiling of the S. sanguis chromosome. Upon treatment with the drug, a coumermycin-resistant mutant strain showed neither loss of chromosomal superhelicity nor any inhibitory effect on genetic integration of donor DNA. The evidence supports the idea that chromosomal superhelicity promotes genetic recombination in vivo.
A Psychoanalytic Approach to the Complexity of Understanding and Treating Patients with ADHD Beyond Childhood: The Experiences of Two Psychoanalytic Candidates: An Introduction to the Section

At the core of this section are two clinical papers written by analytic candidates that provide us with a close look at how patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) present uni...
Seed depredation negates the benefits of midstory hardwood removal on longleaf pine seedling establishment

Midstory hardwoods are traditionally removed to restore longleaf pine on fire‐excluded savannas. However, recent evidence demonstrating midstory hardwood facilitation on longleaf pine seedling survival has brought this practice into question on xeric sites. Also, midstory hardwoods could facilitate longleaf pine seedling establishment, as hardwood litter may conceal seeds from seed predators or improve micro‐environmental conditions for seedling establishment. However, little is known about these potential mechanisms. In this study, we tracked longleaf pine seed depredation and germination in artificially seeded plots (11 seeds/m²) in a factorial design fully crossing hardwood retention or removal with vertebrate seed predator access or exclusion in the Sandhills Ecoregion of North Carolina, U.S.A. Seed depredation averaged 78% across treatments and was greatest in unexcluded plots. Hardwood retention did not affect seed depredation. Longleaf pine averaged 3.6 germinants/4 m² across treatments, and was six times more abundant where vertebrates had been excluded. Hardwood removal had a strong positive effect on seedling germination, likely due to the removal of litter, but only when vertebrates were excluded. Our results indicated midstory hardwoods are not facilitating longleaf pine seedling establishment. Nevertheless, our results indicated that hardwood removal may not increase longleaf pine seedling establishment, as seed depredation diminished the effectiveness of hardwood removal under mast seed availability. Collectively, these results demonstrate the underlying complexity of the longleaf pine ecosystem, and suggest that planting may need to be part of the restoration strategy on sites where seed depredation limits longleaf pine natural regeneration.
Worker Power and Class Polarization in Intra-Year Work Hour Volatility

Precarious work, which has become more prevalent in the United States in recent decades, is disproportionately experienced by workers of lower socioeconomic classes, and research suggests that the erosion of worker power has contributed to this class polarization in precarity. One dimension of precarious work of growing interest to scholars and policymakers is instability faced by workers in the amount and regularity of their work hours. However, we know little about the magnitude of month-to-month or week-to-week (intra-year) volatility in hours worked, the extent of class-based polarization in this measure of job quality, and whether worker power moderates this polarization. In this paper, we make novel use of the panel nature of the nationally-representative Current Population Survey (CPS) to estimate intra-year volatility in the actual hours respondents report working in the previous week across four consecutive survey months. Using this new measure, we then show that, net of demographic characteristics and controls for occupation and industry, low-wage workers experience disproportionately greater work hour volatility. Finally, we find evidence that reductions in marketplace bargaining power-as measured by higher state-level unemployment rates-increase wage- and education-based polarization in work hour volatility, while increases in associational power-as measured by union coverage-reduce wage-based polarization in work hour volatility.
Estimation of Line Cross Sections Using Critical-Dimension Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering

Author(s): Freychet, G; Kumar, D; Pandolfi, RJ; Naulleau, P; Cordova, I; Ercius, P; Song, C; Strzalka, J; Hexemer, A | Abstract: The semiconductor industry is continuously pushing the limits of photolithography, with feature sizes now smaller than 10 nm. To ensure quality, it has become necessary to look beyond the conventional metrological techniques. X-ray scattering has emerged as a possible contender to determine the average shape of a line grating with subnanometer precision. However, to fulfill its promise, faster algorithms must also be developed to interpret and extract metrics from reciprocal-space scattering data. In this paper, we present a fast and accurate x-ray technique and analysis algorithm: critical-dimension grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (CD GISAXS). The CD GISAXS technique is used in grazing-incidence configuration with a continuous azimuthal rotation of the sample, and thus does not require high-energy x-rays to penetrate the wafer and greatly reduces the data-acquisition times, permitting analysis within the framework of the distorted-wave Born approximation.
Testimony on the 'State of Competition in the Digital Marketplace' before the U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law

The extraordinary success of the digital sector of the domestic economy is indisputable. With this level of market success, growth, and influence, both economically and culturally, it is perhaps inevitable that these businesses are increasingly at the forefront of public policy discussions. Most relevant for our purposes are the now-common claims that these firms have systematically engaged in anticompetitive conduct, or are otherwise insulated from competitive forces, and that digital platforms’ exercise of monopoly power has remained unchecked at least in part due to gaps in our antitrust laws or lax enforcement of existing laws. This testimony provides insights on three important questions concerning the state of competition in the digital marketplace: (1) Are existing antitrust laws that prohibit monopolization and monopolistic conduct adequate for digital platforms?; (2) Are existing laws adequate to prohibit anticompetitive transactions including for vertical and conglomerate mergers, serial acquisitions, data acquisitions, or acquisitions of potential competitors?; and (3) Is the institutional structure of antitrust enforcement — including the current levels of appropriations to the antitrust agencies, existing agency authorities, congressional oversight of enforcement, and current statutes and case law — adequate to promote the robust enforcement of the antitrust laws?
Deterioration in health-related quality of life is associated with lower lung resection rates in older adults.

Abstract Background Lung cancer disproportionately affects older adults. Surgical treatment may result in decreased functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Population-based data about patient-reported health outcomes for patients with early-stage lung cancer who do not undergo surgery is lacking. Methods We identified lung cancer patients with localized disease from the SEER-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) linked database. Patients with baseline HRQOL survey prior to cancer diagnosis and follow-up survey ≥1 year after diagnosis were selected. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to compare patients who underwent surgery versus those who did not by demographics and HRQOL measures. Results Overall, 108 patients were evaluated, of whom 75 (69%) underwent surgery. Surgical patients were younger (mean 73 versus 80 years, p Conclusions Patients undergoing lung cancer surgery experience significant declines in functional status and HRQOL. However, similar declines are seen in non-surgical patients. More information is needed about long term QOL trajectories with and without surgery so that patients and surgeons can make informed decisions balancing survival benefit and QOL interests.
(Invited) Low-Temperature Growth of Strained Germanium Quantum Wells for High Mobility Applications

The extremely high hole mobilities attainable in strained germanium quantum wells (QW) provide a unique pathway to develop novel devices in the emerging field of quantum electronics. A major challenge associated with the growth of Ge QW structures using the industrial standard reduced-pressure chemical vapor deposition (RP-CVD) technique is the incorporation of unintentional impurities in the growing film. We will show that a compromise exists between the growth conditions that minimize the various impurities (mainly O and Si) and the abruptness of the QW. The purity of the incoming gas plays a central role in this compromise and will be discussed.
Failed Elections and the Legislative Selection of Presidential Electors

Questions about the state legislative role in determining the identity of presidential electors and electoral slates, and the permissible extent of a departure from regular legislative order, have recently reached peak prominence. Much of the controversy, including several cases to reach the Supreme Court, has concerned the constitutional delegation of power over pre-election rules. But a substantial amount of attention has also focused on the ability of state legislatures to appoint electors in the period between Election Day and the electors’ vote. An asserted legislative role in the post-election period has two ostensible sources: one constitutional and one statutory. The constitutional provision — the portion of Article II allowing states to appoint electors in the manner the legislature directs — has received substantial scholarly and judicial attention. In contrast, there has been no prominent exploration of the federal statute, 3 U.S.C. § 2, despite text similar to the constitutional provision. This piece appears to represent the first exploration of that federal statute as an ostensible basis for legislative appointment of electors in the aftermath of an election, when that election has “failed to make a choice.” After reviewing the constitutional controversy, the essay canvasses the history of the statute and its context. And it discovers a previously unreported historical anomaly, which might well affect construction not only of the statutory text, but the constitutional predicate, in the event of a disputed presidential election.
Narrative review of penile prosthetic implant technology and surgical results, including transgender patients

Over the past 40 years, the technological and surgical advancements in penile prostheses have led to increased patient satisfaction rates and decreased complication and infection rates. In cis males with erectile dysfunction (ED), these technological improvements tremendously improve quality of life. In female to male transgender patients, prostheses provide the ability to engage in penetrative intercourse and to urinate standing. This review evaluates technological and surgical advancements in penile prosthetics in the context of documented patient satisfaction and complication rates from prosthesis surgeries. Retrospective studies of penile implant usage in female to male gender-affirming surgeries report that infection and complication rates are higher than those seen in cis males. There are newer prostheses developed specifically for female to male reassignment surgeries, but outcome data is limited. Continued research and development are needed to develop more efficacious penile implantation options for gender affirmation surgery.
A policy note on telecommunications reform in Algeria

By the end of the 1990s, most industrial and many developing countries had liberalized their telecommunications markets to improve service accessibility and affordability for both businesses and households. In contrast, Algeria still managed its telecommunications sector as public property. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications set the policy, enforced regulation, and was in charge of service provision. The sector suffered from huge supply shortages, the waiting list lengthened, the quality of service deteriorated and unbalanced the overall fiscal situation. In 1999, a new government appointed in the aftermath of President Bouteflika's election decided to change the situation and launched a comprehensive sector reform. This note reviews progress made in implementing this reform, discusses its preliminary impact, and comments on the main lessons learned. The author shows that by restraining arbitrary administrative action during the reform implementation, the government of Algeria laid the foundation for sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector. This paper - a product of the Finance and Private Sector Development Division, World Bank Institute - is part of a larger effort in the institute to better understand infrastructure regulation.
It Is Impossible to Understand Keynes’s Logical Theory of Probability without An Understanding of Part II of Keynes’s a Treatise on Probability: The McCann-Bateman Exchanges Over Ramsey’s Critique of Keynes of 1992

The crucial differences between Keynes’s and Ramsey’s theories of logical and subjective probability are insurmountable Keynes’s theory is based on propositions, imprecise, Inexact, interval valued probability (or decision weights that are non-additive), and deals with degrees of rational belief while Ramsey’s theory is based on actual events or outcomes, is precise and exact, additive, and deals with degrees of belief. The only overlap between the two theories occurs if, and only if, Keynes’s w, 0≤w≤1, which measures the completeness of the evidential weight of the Argument, V(a/h), equals 1 and probability preferences are linear. L J Savage’s important restriction, ignored by most all economists ,that his subjective theory of probability can only be applied to Small worlds (micro and short run) and never to Large worlds (macro and long run), would be a compromise that Keynes would most likely have accepted, since the question of Keynesian weight measured by w, usually does not show up in short run, micro applications, but only in long run, macro and intertemporal applications. However, Ramsey never inserted any such restriction to his theory. The McCann-Bateman exchanges demonstrate that neither McCann nor Bateman understand the great, yawning abyss that separates the precise theory of Ramsey from the imprecise theory of Keynes. There are no extant philosophers or economists, as of 2021, who understand this point, as well as why it was simply impossible for Keynes to have accepted Ramsey’s theory in any way, shape or form or to have ever been the slightest bit worried about the so called “points” Ramsey thought he was making against Keynes’s alleged “non numerical “ probabilities, which Part II of the A Treatise on Probability demonstrate are interval valued.
Challenges and Approaches to Crop Improvement Through C3-to-C4 Engineering

With a rapidly growing world population and dwindling natural resources, we are now facing the enormous challenge of increasing crop yields while simultaneously improving the efficiency of resource utilization. Introduction of C4 photosynthesis into C3 crops is widely accepted as a key strategy to meet this challenge because C4 plants are more efficient than C3 plants in photosynthesis and resource usage, particularly in hot climates, where the potential for productivity is high. Lending support to the feasibility of this C3-to-C4 engineering, evidence indicates that C4 photosynthesis has evolved from C3 photosynthesis in multiple lineages. Nevertheless, C3-to-C4 engineering is not an easy task, as several features essential to C4 photosynthesis must be introduced into C3 plants. One such feature is the spatial separation of the two phases of photosynthesis (CO2 fixation and carbohydrate synthesis) into the mesophyll and bundle sheath cells, respectively. Another feature is the Kranz anatomy, characterized by a close association between the mesophyll and bundle sheath (BS) cells (1:1 ratio). These anatomical features, along with a C4-specific carbon fixation enzyme (PEPC), form a CO2-concentration mechanism that ensures a high photosynthetic efficiency. Much effort has been taken in the past to introduce the C4 mechanism into C3 plants, but none of these attempts has met with success, which is in my opinion due to a lack of system-level understanding and manipulation of the C3 and C4 pathways. As a prerequisite for the C3-to-C4 engineering, I propose that not only the mechanisms that control the Kranz anatomy and cell-type-specific expression in C3 and C4 plants must be elucidated, but also a good understanding of the gene regulatory network underlying C3 and C4 photosynthesis must be achieved. In this review, I first describe the past and current efforts to increase photosynthetic efficiency in C3 plants and their limitations; I then discuss a systems approach to tackling down this challenge, some practical issues, and recent technical innovations that would help us to solve these problems.
SU-E-T-353: Effects of Time and Temperature On a Potential Reusable 3D Dosimeter

Purpose: Preliminary studies of a novel, optically-clearing PRESAGE 3D dosimeter formulation (Presage-RU) demonstrated potential reusability. This study investigates the effects of time and temperature on the accuracy and reusability of Presage-RU, and reports on progress toward developing a reusable 3D dosimeter. Methods: Presage-RU was cast as small volume samples (1×1×4.5cm). The effect of dose response sensitivity with reirradiation and time was evaluated by irradiating samples from 0–10Gy, measuring change in optical density (ΔOD), clearing at room temperature (RT) (5–7 days to fully clear), and then repeating for a total of 5 irradiations. Effects of heating on clearing rate were investigated by irradiating samples to 8Gy, then tracking measurements with samples held at RT, 35°C, and 45°C. Two cylindrical dosimeters (11cm diameter, 9.5cm length) were evaluated for dosimetric accuracy when stored at RT and −3°C prior to irradiation. Plans delivered were 2 overlapping AP fields (RT) and VMAT (-3°C). Results: Heating the dosimeters reduced the clearing half-life from 16.3h at RT to 5.8h (35°C) and 5.1h (45°C), but also increased background ΔOD by 1.7x (35°C) and 2.3x (45°C). Reductions in dose response were more closely linked to age than reirradiation, and storage at RT showed pronounced desensitization from dosimeter edges. These results suggest desensitization from oxygen diffusion. It should be noted that atmospheric diffusion into the dosimeter is not seen in standard, single-use PRESAGE, and is likely caused by differences in the Presage-RU polyurethane matrix. The dosimeter kept in cold storage, however, showed no evidence of desensitization and exhibited accuracy on par with standard PRESAGE with a 3%/3mm 3D gamma passing rate of 98.1%. Conclusions: Presage-RU is sensitive to storage temperatures and time, both of which affect oxygen diffusion and subsequent desensitization. Development shows promising progress with further formulation optimization as the next step toward achieving a successful reusable 3D dosimeter. This work was supported by NIH R01CA100835. John Adamovics is the president of Heuris Inc., which commercializes PRESAGE.
Outcome Measures in Cutaneous Autoimmune Disease: Dermatomyositis and Lupus Erythematosus

Publisher Summary This chapter describes some general experiences with outcome instruments in dermatology and the development of outcome instruments based on the experience in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and dermatomyositis (DM).The development of two skin-specific outcome instruments for autoimmune diseases within one year is an important step forward. However, this small step only makes painfully clear that these instruments are lacking for all the other diseases. From the beginning the development of a new outcome instrument for a disease must be an interactive process in as broad a disease community as possible. The experience with systemic LE (SLE) illustrates that a large community can develop a variety of instruments. This abundance makes the comparison of clinical trials more difficult and limits the experience with each instrument. To avoid this, an open and interactive development process is needed.
What cognitive processes drive response biases? A diffusion model analysis.

We used a diffusion model to examine the effects of response-bias manipulations on response time (RT) and accuracy data collected in two experiments involving a two-choice decision making task. We asked 18 subjects to respond ``low'' or ``high'' to the number of asterisks in a 10x10 grid, based on an experimenter-determined decision cutoff. In the model, evidence is accumulated until either a ``low'' or ``high'' decision criterion is reached, and this, in turn, initiates a response. We performed two experiments with four experimental conditions. In conditions 1 and 2, the decision cutoff between low and high judgments was fixed at 50. In condition 1, we manipulated the frequency with which low- and high-stimuli were presented. In condition 2, we used payoff structures that mimicked the frequency manipulation. We found that manipulating stimulus frequency resulted in a larger effect on RT and accuracy than did manipulating payoff structure. In the model, we found that manipulating stimulus frequency produced greater changes in the starting point of the evidence accumulation process than did manipulating payoff structure. In conditions 3 and 4, we set the decision cutoff at 40, 50, or 60 (Experiment 1) and at 45 or 55 (Experiment 2). In condition 3, there was an equal number of low- and high-stimuli, whereas in condition 4 there were unequal proportions of low- and high-stimuli. The model analyses showed that starting-point changes accounted for biases produced by changes in stimulus proportions, whereas evidence biases accounted for changes in the decision cutoff.