cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Future of Feminism Requires Understanding Conservative Women

The question of whether or not we still need a women's movement is legitimate and important, but it usually presumes a conflation of women with feminist. Certainly, significant gains in women's rights and status are due to decades of feminist activism, but feminists have not been the only ones advocating on behalf of women. Indeed, as long as there have been feminist women's movements, there have been conservative women contesting them. The increase in the number of conservative women running for office and the growth of a conservative women's movement prompts further questions about identity and representation, women's interests, and the future of feminism itself.
Speaking and breathing in high respiratory drive.

Pulmonary ventilation during speech breathing reflects the sum of the airflow changes used to speak and to meet the metabolic needs of the body. Studying interactions between speaking and breathing...
A kite-based aerial imaging as a freshman engineering design project

Freshman engineering design students were given the problem of seeking a kite-based lifting platform that incorporated a camera system for aerial imaging purposes. The unique nature of the assignment lies in its support of precision agriculture efforts on campus by reducing cost and difficulty of operation for an aerial imaging platform.
AdaptiviTree: Adaptive Tree Visualization for Tournament-Style Brackets

Online pick'em games, such as the recent NCAA college basketball March Madness tournament, form a large and rapidly growing industry. In these games, players make predictions on a tournament bracket that defines which competitors play each other and how they proceed toward a single champion. Throughout the course of the tournament, players monitor the brackets to track progress and to compare predictions made by multiple players. This is often a complex sense making task. The classic bracket visualization was designed for use on paper and utilizes an incrementally additive system in which the winner of each match-up is rewritten in the next round as the tournament progresses. Unfortunately, this representation requires a significant amount of space and makes it relatively difficult to get a quick overview of the tournament state since competitors take arbitrary paths through the static bracket. In this paper, we present AdaptiviTree, a novel visualization that adaptively deforms the representation of the tree and uses its shape to convey outcome information. AdaptiviTree not only provides a more compact and understandable representation, but also allows overlays that display predictions as well as other statistics. We describe results from a lab study we conducted to explore the efficacy of AdaptiviTree, as well as from a deployment of the system in a recent real-world sports tournament.
Parastatal-Led Development: The Financial Sector in Kenya, 1971–1987

: Kenya has one of the best developed financial sectors in Africa. Much of the dynamism of the financial sector is due to the role of government, via parastatal financial institutions. Parastatal banks spurred growth generally in the seventies, and since 1979 stimulated growth outside major urban areas in particular. They were important in increased lending to Kenyans of African origin, the creation of non-bank financial institutions, and extensive rural branching. Financial parastatals played a key role in changing the behavior of what was once a tight oligopoly, making it more dynamic and competitive. This paper reviews the growth and development of depository institutions, including commercial banks (CB) and non-bank financial institutions (NBFI) from 1971–87. An account is given of the entry of the Kenya government into direct participation in the sector. The performance of the parastatal firms is compared with the performance of the financial sector as a whole. Resume Le Kenya possede un des secteurs financiers les mieux developpes en Afrique. Le dynamisme du secteur financier decoule du role de l'Etat par le biais des etablissements financiers parapublics. Les banques semietatiques ont, de facon generale, favorise la croissance dans lesannees 70 et l'ont stirnulee, depuis 1979, en dehors des principaux centresurbains en particulier. Elles ont joue un role important dans le volume accru des prets octroyes aux Kenyans d'origine africaine, dans la creation d'etablissements financiers non bancaires et dans l'ouverture de nombreuses agences rurales. Les etablissements financiers parapublics ont joue un role cle dans la modification du comportement de ce qui etait jadis un oligopole ferme, le rendant plus dynamique et plus competitif. La presente analyse traite de la croissance et du developpement des institutions de depot, y compris les banques commerciales et les etablissements financiers non bancaires a partir de la periode 1971-87. On rend compte dela participation directe de 1'Etat Kenyan dans ce secteur. Et on rapproche la performance des entreprises parapubliques de celle de i'ensemble du secteur financier.
Liquid surface oscillations in longitudinally excited rigid cylindrical containers.

Harmonic and superharmonic liquid surface motions observed for longitudinally excited rigid cylindrical tank
CXC Receptor-1 Silencing Inhibits Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer

The CXC receptor-1 (CXCR1) is a coreceptor for interleukin-8 (IL-8) and is expressed on both normal and tumor cells. The function of CXCR1 in prostate cancer was investigated by silencing its expression, using RNA interference. We established stable cell colonies of PC-3 cells, depleted of CXCR1, using lentiviral plasmids (pLK0.1puro) generating small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against CXCR1 mRNA. Stable shRNA transfectants (PLK1-PLK5) that express significantly reduced CXCR1 mRNA (>or=90% down) and protein (>or=43% down) or vector-only transfectants (PC-3V) were characterized. PLK cells showed reduced cell proliferation (down, >or=66%), due to cell cycle arrest at G(1)-S phase, decreases in Cyclin D1, CDK4, phosphorylated Rb, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 levels compared with those in PC-3V cells. CXCR1 depletion lead to increases in spontaneous apoptosis by mitochondria-mediated intrinsic mechanism and increases in proapoptotic proteins (BAD, 40%; BAX, 12%), but decreases in antiapoptotic proteins (BCL2, down 38%; BCL(xL), 20%). PLK2 cells grew as slow-growing tumors (decrease of 54%), compared with that of PC3V tumors in athymic mice. Ex vivo analyses of PLK2 tumor tissues showed reduced expression of Cyclin D1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, and increased apoptosis activity. Other IL-8-expressing prostate cancer cell lines also exhibited similar phenotypes when CXCR1 was depleted by CXCR1 shRNA transfection. In contrast to these cells, CXCR1 depletion had little effect on IL-8 ligand-deficient LNCaP cells. RNA interference rescue using mutated CXCR1 plasmids reversed the silencing effect of PLK2, thus demonstrating the specificity of phenotypic alteration by CXCR1 shRNA. These studies establish that CXCR1 promotes IL-8-mediated tumor growth.
An augmented phase-leg configuration with shoot-through immunity and improvements for high-current operation

The augmented phase-leg configuration (APLC) features inherent immunity to shoot-through failures and a simplified gate drive circuit that eliminates the need for control dead time. This paper addresses several key design issues that must be resolved in order to successfully apply the APLC in applications with elevated current levels (>100A). The importance of minimizing key parasitic inductances is investigated, and the net reduction of the phase-leg efficiency caused by the series diode is found to be small (<1%) for bus voltages above 100 V/sub dc/. An alternative APLC topology is presented using a synchronous rectifier MOSFET that offers reduced losses by decreasing the forward conduction drop of the series diode. A combination of analysis, simulation, and experimental tests is used to confirm the basic scalability of the APLC to current levels of 100 A or higher.
Interleukin 18: tipping the balance towards a T helper cell 1 response.

IL-18 was identified as a factor promoting IFN-γ production 1 and it was originally called IFN-γ–inducing factor (IGIF). Further study indicated IL-18 had a structure related to IL-1 2 and later it was found that the IL-18 receptor resembles that for IL-1 34. IL-18, like IL-1 and agents interacting with Toll receptors, signals via MyD88 which activates TNF receptor–associated factor and ultimately nuclear factor κB 5. Like IL-1, IL-18 is made as an inactive precursor that is cleaved by caspase-1 (interleukin-1–converting enzyme) to produce active cytokine 6. Many cell types have been reported to produce IL-18, including macrophages and dendritic cells 7; IL-18 mRNA or protein is also seen in Kupffer cells 8, astrocytes and microglia 9, intestinal and airway epithelial cells 10, and in kerotinocytes 11 and osteoblasts 12. What induces IL-18 has not been extensively studied, but IL-18 is found after bacterial 13 and viral 14 infection and, by inference, in many other infectious diseases. IL-18 production from many cells is constitutive or prolonged after induction 15. An important, but not well-explored, role for IL-18 can also be inferred from the fact that poxviruses make a homologue of IL-18–binding protein, a natural suppressor of IL-18 16 and also an inhibitor of interleukin-1–converting enzyme 17.
Catalyst regeneration kinetics in the presence of pore blockage

A model is developed for fluid-solid reaction kinetics in a porous solid. The model is based on a convergent-divergent pore structure and accounts for pore blockage and inside cavities. A numerical study applied the model to the process of coke removal for catalyst regeneration. The calculated results show that in the presence of pore occlusion, the reaction rates are significantly reduced at the beginning of reaction. At higher levels of coke loading the reaction behavior can be especially affected by the volume fraction of the divergent pores. This behavior can be used to select catalysts with pore structures that improve control of the regeneration process.
A Comparison of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Versus Inhaled Epoprostenol for Acute Pulmonary Hypertension Following Cardiac Surgery

Background: Direct comparisons of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) to inhaled epoprostenol (iEPO) in patients with acute pulmonary hypertension (PHT) following cardiac surgery are lacking. Objective: To compare the relative efficacy, safety, and cost of iNO versus iEPO in patients with acute PHT following cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective, observational, cohort study comparing iNO to iEPO for acute postoperative PHT following cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was reduction of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) to < 30 mm Hg, 6 hours after ICU admission from the operating room. Secondary outcomes, included ICU and hospital length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, bleeding complications, hypotension, in-hospital mortality, and cost. Results: A total of 98 patients met inclusion criteria (iNO, n = 49; iEPO, n = 49). There was no difference in the primary outcome of reduction of mPAP to < 30 mm Hg 6 hours after ICU admission (iNO, 33 [67%] vs iEPO, 35 [71%]; P = 0.83)...
Surface and near-surface effects on seismic waves—theory and borehole seismometer results

A simple plane wave model is adequate to explain many surface versus borehole seismometer data sets. Using such a model, we present a series of examples which demonstrate the effects of the free-surface, near-surface velocity gradients, and low impedance surface layers on the amplitudes of upcoming body waves. In some cases, these amplitudes are predictable from simple free-surface and impedance contrast expressions. However, in other cases these expressions are an unreliable guide to the complete response, and the full plane wave calculation must be performed. Large surface amplifications are possible, even without focusing due to lateral heterogeneities or nonlinear effects. Both surface and borehole seismometer site responses are almost always frequency-dependent. Ocean bottom versus borehole seismic data from the 1983 Ngendei Seismic Experiment in the southwest Pacific are consistent with both a simple plane wave model and a more complete synthetic seismogram calculation. The borehole seismic response to upcoming P waves is reduced at high frequencies because of interference between the upgoing P wave and downgoing P and SV waves reflected from the sediment-basement interface. However, because of much lower borehole noise levels, the borehole seismometer enjoys a P -wave signal-to-noise advantage of 3 to 7 dB over nearby ocean bottom instruments.
Abstract 15695: Hematopoietic Deficiency of miR-223 Attenuates Thrombosis in Response to Photochemical Injury in Mice

Background: MicroRNA (miR)-223 is highly expressed in platelets (PLT) and may serve as a biomarker of PLT activation. Some studies have shown that plasma levels of miR-223 are reduced following inhibition of PLT function, while others have shown a correlation between low plasma miR-223 levels and high on-treatment PLT reactivity. The present study is to investigate the role of miR-223 on arterial thrombosis following endothelial injury. Methods and Results: A model of rose bengal-induced photochemical injury was performed on carotid arteries of male C57BL/6 (C57B6), B6.SJL-Ptprc a Pepc b /BoyJ (B6.SJL), and miR-223 deficient mice on C57B6-B6.SJL genetic background. Following carotid injury, miR-223 deficient mice showed significantly prolonged times to occlusive thrombosis compared to C57BL/6 and B6.SJL mice (90.0±5.4 vs 44.7±5.7 and 40.8±5.0 mins. n=6 per group, p 3 /[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]l) compared with C57B6 and B6.SJL mice (901.8±67.1 x 10 3 /[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]l and 896.8±30.3 x 10 3 /[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]l) (n=5 per group, P 3 /[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]l vs 925.4±21.1 x 10 3 /[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]l, n=5 per group, p Conclusion: Hematopoietic miR-223 is a potent regulator of arterial thrombosis following endothelial injury. This study indicates that miR-223 is a potential therapeutic target for prevention of arterial thrombosis.
Investigation of an Active Stressing Technique for Delaying Fracture During Laser Cutting of Alumina

During a variety of high-speed laser cutting operations, full work-piece support is not always practical or possible. As a result, costly premature fractures and associated damage such as chips, burrs, and cracks (ranging from the micro- all the way to the macro-scale) can result. In most instances, the resulting stresses are primarily mechanical in nature and arise from the bending and/or twisting moments from the still attached scrap. Even if the scrap weight remains relatively constant (as is usually the case), mixed-mode fracture is all but inevitable since the remaining (supporting) section is continuously diminishing as the cut progresses. Given the predominantly mechanical, and therefore predictable nature of the resulting stresses, it is conceivable that intentionally induced compressive stresses due to an off-focus laser might be used to control (or at least, delay) such fractures. In this paper, the possibility of using a tailored laser-heating scenario ahead of a progressing cut to “actively” induce compressive thermal-stresses to control fracture, during cutting of cantilevered plate, was investigated. A numerical simulation of this active stressing approach was achieved by using a customized finite-element formulation that was previously employed to model dual-beam laser machining. During the complex 3-D simulations, probabilistic fracture mechanics was used to quantify the influence of the induced compressive stresses on the time and nature of the fracture. The effect of important parameters such as laser beam diameter, incident power density, positioning of the laser with respect to cut, as well as timing were then studied with respect to the goal of reducing and/or delaying the likelihood of fracture.© 2004 ASME
RECURRENT MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN THE YOUNG FROM CORONARY THROMBOSIS AS THE FIRST PRESENTATION OF LIFE-CHANGING DIAGNOSIS

Myocardial infarction (MI) in the young is rare. Non-atherosclerosis is the predominant etiology. We herein report a young patient with recurrent MI within 6 weeks, which led to a newly diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. A 29-year-old man presented with heartburn symptoms and
Immunologic and Histologic Observations in Reo Virus-Induced Otitis Media in the Mouse

The goals of this study were to develop a mouse model for virally induced otitis media, and to study the immune response to infection. Intranasal inoculation of mice by reovirus was used to induce otitis media. Immunohistochemical evidence for the presence of reovirus in the nasopharynx, eustachian tubes, and middle ears and the amount of infiltrating B-cells and T-cells in those sites were serially evaluated by painlessly sacrificing animals over a 21 -day period. Reovirus antigen was detected in the middle ear mucosa by day 4 in 75% of infected animals, and histologic evidence for otitis media was found in 54% of all infected animals. A significant increase in B-cells in the nasopharynx and eustachian tubes was noted 7 to 10 days following infection. The number of infiltrating T-cells did not vary significantly from that in the control animals at any of the sites. These results provide a basis for further investigations of the immune response in otitis media.
On the Greatest Order of an Element of the Symmetric Group

Let f(n) denote the greatest order of a permutation in the symmetric group S". Since Sn is isomorphic to a subgroup of S,+1, it follows that f(n) ? f(n + 1), and so f increases monotonically. Using the prime number theorem, Landau [2, p. 225] showed that logf(n) is asymptotic to In log n, and Shah [3] has slightly strengthened this result. In this note I give an elementary proof that f(n) grows faster than any power of n. All lower case latin letters stand for integers. The greatest common divisor and least common multiple of a1,, ak are denoted (a1, *,ak) and [a1, ak] respectively.
Goals for Human Milk Feeding in Mothers of Very Low Birth Weight Infants: How Do Goals Change and Are They Achieved During the NICU Hospitalization?

Abstract Background: Little is known about human milk (HM) feeding goals for mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1,500 g birth weight) infants, especially for black mothers, for whom rates of VLBW birth are higher and lactation rates lower. This study examined the establishment, modification, and achievement of HM feeding goals during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization for mothers of VLBW infants and the influence of maternal race and income. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study measured maternal HM feeding goals (exclusive [EHM], partial, none) predelivery and during three time intervals: day of life (DOL) 1–14, 15–28, and 29–72. Goal achievement compared the goal for the time interval with the proportion of HM feedings received by the infant. Goal establishment, modification, and achievement were examined using chi-squared and contingency tables. Results: Three hundred fifty-two mother–infant dyads (53% black; 70% low-income; mean birth weight, 1,048 g) were studied. ...
A Dynamic Model for Digital Advertising: The Effects of Creative Format, Message Content, and Targeting on Engagement

AbstractThe authors study the joint effects of creative format, message content, and targeting on the performance of digital ads over time. Specifically, they present a dynamic model to measure the effects of various sizes of static (GIF) and animated (Flash) display ad formats and consider whether different ad contents, related to the brand or a price offer, are more or less effective for different ad formats and targeted or retargeted customer segments. To this end, the authors obtain six months of data on daily impressions, clicks, targeting, and ad creative content from a major U.S. retailer, and they develop a dynamic zero-inflated count model. Given the sparse, nonlinear, and non-Gaussian nature of the data, the study designs a particle filter/Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme for estimation. Results show that carry-over rates for dynamic formats are greater than those for static formats; however, static formats can still be effective for price ads and retargeting. Most notably, results also show that...
Geometric- and mosaic-wavelength multiplexing for volume holographic storage

Wavelength multiplexing is a technique for recording a number of holograms for datastorage, optical-interconnect, and optical-wavelength filter architectures. The system capacity is limited by the space–bandwidth product of the signal beam, the number of usable wavelengths, and the cross talk. The available peripheral devices and laser sources limit the first two quantities, and cross talk is minimized in the coun-terpropagating geometry for wavelength multiplexing. When system and material noise sources are not significant, capacity may be increased straightforwardly through improvement in peripheral devices by increasing the space-bandwidth product of the signal beam or the number of available wavelengths.
WINDS Salinity and Nitrogen Algorithms

This chapter introduces the WINDS (Water-use, Irrigation, Nitrogen, Drainage, and Salinity) model, which simulates water, salts, and nitrate in agricultural fields. The WINDS model uses daily time steps and allows for up to 13 soil layers and multiple field positions in simulations. The focus of this chapter is the nitrogen and salinity models in WINDS. The input salinity parameters include initial concentration in each soil layer, date of manure application, manure salinity, crop salinity equation threshold and slope, and irrigation water salinity. Unlike the salinity model, the nitrate model includes reaction terms: mineralization, denitrification, and plant uptake. Because nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen used by plants, the mass balance for nitrogen focuses on the sources and sinks for nitrate. The rate of microbial activity (mineralization and denitrification) is strongly dependent on temperature; thus, this chapter presents algorithms for calculating annual and diurnal temperature variation in soils. The input nitrate parameters include initial concentration in layers (mg/kg), organic matter distribution with depth, fertilization application dates and depths, and irrigation water nitrate concentration. Reaction terms include mineralization rate constants, Michaelis-Menton uptake coefficients, seasonal nitrate requirement, optimal soil nitrate concentration, fraction of plant nitrogen uptake as nitrate, nitrogen dissolution rate, and nitrogen stress factors.
Si Heterojunction Solar Cells: A Simulation Study of the Design Issues

Silicon heterojunction solar cells having semiconducting oxide-selective contacts can revolutionize the photovoltaic industry with the promise of low cost and high efficiency. In this paper, we have identified the potential design issues of silicon heterojunction cell using simulation. This paper compares two possible electron-selective oxides (TiO2 and ZnO) and two possible hole-selective oxides (CuAlO2 and NiO). The Fermi level in the oxide at the oxide/metal interface is pinned by the metal (its workfunction and eventual interface dipoles). We considered this effect, which determines the effective workfunction of the metal contact as opposed to the actual metal workfunction. Our simulation suggests that Fermi level pinning has significant impact on the device performance. We also considered different interface passivation effects and oxide dopings in our simulation. The simulation suggests that high doping in oxides is beneficial to counter balance the effect of poor surface passivation. This paper provides an extensive understanding of the design of Si heterojunction solar cell using band-engineered semiconducting oxide as the selective contact replacing highly doped emitter and back surface field.
Effect of microstructural parameters on the mechanical behavior of TiAlNb(Cr,Mo) alloys with γ+σ microstructure at ambient temperature

Abstract The mechanical properties of novel alloys with two-phase γ-TiAl + σ-Nb2Al microstructures were evaluated under compression at room temperature. Microstructures of varying scales were developed through solutionizing and aging heat treatments and the volume fraction of phases were varied with changes in composition. Ultra-fine, aged γ+σ microstructures were achieved for the alloys which effectively retained high volume fractions of the parent β-phase upon quenching from the solutionizing temperature. The yield strength and compressive strain to failure of these alloys show a strong dependence on the relative scale and volume fraction of phases. Surprisingly, the hard brittle σ-phase particles were not found to control fracture in the refined microstructures.
Comitative versus phrasal conjunction

This paper investigates and defines the relationship between comitative and phrasal conjunction structures in Mandarin Chinese, with a view to determine the directionality of derivation between the two. Phrasal conjunction as discussed in previous works is examined under situational, lexical, and logical constraints, and it is shown here that phrasal conjunction associated with lexical constraint is but a surface structure phenomenon. ‘Principality’ is observed to underlie comitative constructions, which distinguishes the two otherwise closely related structures. With the clarification and establishment of the ‘unidirectional’ structure, which together with the comitative structure constitutes ‘association’ constructions, the conclusion that comitative is derived from phrasal conjunction is reached. Implications in English are also discussed.
Risk of malignant childhood germ cell tumors in relation to demographic, gestational, and perinatal characteristics.

Abstract Background Childhood germ cell tumors (GCTs) are a rare assortment of neoplasms, with mostly unknown etiology, that are believed to originate very early in life. Few studies have examined risk factors by histologic subtype, despite evidence of different risk profiles. Materials and methods In this population-based case-control study, 451 childhood malignant GCT cases ages 0–5 years were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Differentiating between common histologic subtypes, we identified 181 yolk sac tumors, 216 teratomas, and 54 rarer subtypes. Cases were linked to their birth certificates and 271,381 controls, frequency matched by birth year, were randomly selected from California birthrolls to investigate the contributions of demographic, gestational, and pregnancy factors using unconditional logistic regression analysis. Results Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Asian/Pacific Islander children were at an increased risk for developing GCTs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.47, 2.56). Among pregnancy complications and procedures, yolk sac tumors were positively associated with the presence of fetopelvic disproportion (OR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.55, 5.68), while teratomas were strongly associated with polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios (OR = 14.76; 95% CI = 7.21, 30.19) and the presence of an ear, face, or neck anomaly at birth (OR = 93.70; 95% CI = 42.14, 208.82). Conclusions Malignant yolk sac tumors and malignant teratomas exhibited distinct demographic and gestational characteristics; additionally, complications in pregnancy and labor may be brought on by specific histologic subtypes.
Research prioritization of men's health and urologic diseases.

ABSTRACT Objectives We sought to determine whether disease representation in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) reflects disease burden, measured by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study as disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Materials and Methods Two investigators performed independent assessment of ten men’s health and urologic diseases (MHUDs) in CDSR for systematic review and protocol representation, which were compared with percentage of total 2010 DALYs for the ten conditions. Data were analyzed for correlation using Spearman rank analysis. Results Nine of ten MHUDs were represented by at least one CDSR review. There was a poor and statistically insignificant positive correlation between CDSR representation and disease burden (rho = 0.42, p = 0.23). CDSR representation was aligned with disease burden for three conditions, greater than disease burden for one condition, and less than disease burden for six conditions. Conclusions These results yield high-quality estimates to inform future research prioritization for MHUDs. While prioritization processes are complex and multi-faceted, disease burden should be strongly considered. Awareness of research priority setting has the potential to minimize research disparities on a global scale.
MELD Stratified Outcomes Among Recipients With Diabetes or Hypertension: Simultaneous Liver Kidney Versus Liver Alone.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Data are scanty on allocating simultaneous liver kidney (SLK) based on model for end-stage disease (MELD) score. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are frequent in cirrhosis patients. We analyzed transplant recipients with DM and/or HTN to compare MELD-based outcomes of SLK to liver transplantation alone (LTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 13,584 first deceased donor liver transplantation among patients with DM and/or HTN (1530 or 11.2% SLK), MELD score predicted SLK [1.02 (1.01-1.03)]. SLK was beneficial for 5-year patient survival at MELD score ≥43 (78.6% vs. 62.6%, P=0.017), but not at MELD score <29 (74.8% vs. 76.2%, P=0.63). Among 11,405 recipients (976 SLK) at MELD score <29, SLK (n=816) was beneficial compared with 706 LTA [75% vs. 64%, P<0.001; 0.71 (0.55-0.91)] at serum creatinine (SC) ≥2 but not at SC<2 [73% vs. 76%, P=0.32; 0.85 (0.60-1.2)]. Among patients with MELD score 29 to 42, SLK (n=484) and LTA (n=1403) had similar survival [69% vs. 69%, P=0.58; 0.9 (0.7-1.5)]. Among patients with MELD score ≥43, SLK (n=70) was associated with 35% improved patient survival at 5 years compared with 222 LTA [0.65 (0.46-0.93)]. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with DM and/or HTN, SLK is useful at: (a) MELD score <29 and SC≥2 and (b) MELD score ≥43. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings as basis to optimize use of SLK.
Soap films and GeoGebra in the study of Fermat and Steiner points

ABSTRACTWe discuss how mathematics and secondary mathematics education majors developed an understanding of Fermat points for the triangle as well as Steiner points for the square and regular pentagon, and also of soap film configurations between parallel plates where forces are in equilibrium. The activities included the use of soap films and the interactive geometry program GeoGebra. Students worked in small groups using these tools to investigate the properties of Fermat and Steiner points and then justified the results of their investigations using geometrical arguments. These activities are specific approaches of how to encourage prospective teachers to use physical experiments to support students’ development of mathematical curiosity and mathematical justifications.
Computed tomography characteristics of the aortic valve and the geometry of SAPIEN 3 transcatheter heart valve in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease.

Aims We assessed the geometry of transcatheter heart valve (THV) and valve function associated with SAPIEN 3 implantation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis. Methods and results We included 280 consecutive patients who had a contrast computed tomography (CT) before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in our institution. Each THV was assessed by CT at five cross-sectional levels: inflow, annulus, mid, sinus, and outflow. The geometry of THV was assessed for eccentricity (1 - minimum diameter/maximum diameter) and expansion (CT derived external valve area/nominal external valve area). CT measurements and transthoracic echocardiogram data were compared between BAV and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). Among 280 patients, 41 patients were diagnosed as BAV. Compared to TAV, BAV was associated with lower expansion at mid-level, sinus-level, and outflow-level (mid 94.1 ± 6.8% vs. 98.1 ± 7.8%; P = 0.002, sinus 95.9 ± 7.2% vs. 101.6 ± 8.5%; P < 0.001, outflow 107.6 ± 6.2% vs. 109.9 ± 6.6%; P = 0.043), and higher eccentricity at all levels [inflow 3.5% (1.9-5.3) vs. 6.0% (3.2-7.5); P < 0.001, annulus 3.1% (1.6-5.2) vs. 5.4% (3.1-7.8); P = 0.002, mid 3.0% (1.4-4.9) vs. 6.0% (3.3-10.4); P < 0.001, sinus 3.0% (1.7-5.1) vs. 7.6% (4.0-11.4); P < 0.001, and outflow 2.5% (1.3-4.3) vs. 4.9% (2.2-7.5); P < 0.001]. There were no differences in frequency of paravalvular leak ≥ moderate and mean post-procedural gradient between BAV and TAV. Conclusion BAV patients have greater THV eccentricity at all levels and lower THV expansion at mid, sinus, and outflow levels than the TAV patients. There were no differences in parameters of valve function between BAV and TAV patients. Despite the observed geometrical differences, TAVI with SAPIEN 3 in BAV patients allows for feasible valve function.
International Investment Law

Investment claims by Philip Morris against Australian and Uruguayan tobacco packaging regulations have not only signaled the opening of a new front in tobacco litigation, but have highlighted the broader potential implications of international investment law for prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This chapter examines those potential implications and highlights how efforts to induce investment may tie the hands of health regulators. The discussion first examines state contracts, drawing upon examples from the tobacco sector where limits on regulation have been imposed by contracts for the sale of state-owned enterprises and to host international sporting events. The chapter then examines the implications of international investment agreements (IIAs) for regulation. Although IIAs leave host states a wide degree of regulatory autonomy, there are legal risks associated with attempts to induce investment in the food, beverage and tobacco sectors that states should manage carefully.
Academic Conferences: When Small is Beautiful

How can we create smaller academic events that promote genuine dialogue and intellectual exchange, while perhaps moving at a slower pace? Large, impersonal academic conferences may be a necessary element toward building a career, but for many they are far from pleasant and at some point deliver more burden than benefit. This essay makes a case for organizing and hosting more personal events on a smaller, more manageable scale.This essay grew out of the author's hosting of, and participation in, a small conference on therapeutic jurisprudence at Suffolk University Law School in 2014.
Linkages of the Agricultural Sector: Models and Precautions

Because of the agricultural sector’s economic linkages, the proper use and application of economic models to estimate economic, employment, and household income impacts from changes in agricultural sector’s activity due to droughts, disasters, expansion of export sales, or changes in public policies is of interest. This article provides an overview of economic impact model metrics, the importance of study area designation, and the different types of economic models used to derive these impacts. Advantages and disadvantages of these economic models are discussed and how these models could be properly used to derive agricultural sector’s linkages and impacts. Although the examples used in this discussion are drawn from the US experience, the underlying theory, methods, and modeling issues apply in any market-based agricultural economy.
Perception of breast cancer: eye-position analysis of mammogram interpretation

Abstract Rationale and Objective The author performed this study to determine how image-based elements are translated into decisions by radiologists with different levels of experience in the reading of mammograms. Materials and Methods Three full-time mammographers and four radiology residents read 40 two-view mammogram cases. The observers' eye position was tracked while they searched the mammograms for malignancies. Spatial frequency analysis was performed to relate what the observers reported with where they looked. Results Statistically significant differences were found between lesion-containing areas that attracted visual attention and were correctly interpreted and those that were visually inspected but not reported. In addition, an artificial neural network was successfully trained to map the image characteristics in the visually selected areas on a mammogram and to link them to a likely decision by the observer. Conclusion Spatial frequency analysis can be used to derive trends for how mammographers and radiology residents will respond to mammograms.
A Bibliography of Littleton’s Tenures as an Archetype for the Study of Early English Legal Printing

AbstractFor hundreds of years, bibliographies have been invaluable tools for researchers, collectors, and institutions, to provide contextual understanding as well as adding depth to collections. In this piece, the author uses his updated bibliography of the first 200 years of Littleton's Tenures to examine many aspects of early English legal printing. These include the development and evolution of the content of early legal materials, as well economic and other factors driving the market for printed law books. Preceding the bibliography is a list of fundamental bibliographic terms concerning early printing, contextually applied to Littleton's Tenures.
Effect of substrate interactions on the glass transition and length-scale of correlated dynamics in ultra-thin molecular glass films.

Interfacial interactions can play an important role in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and relaxation dynamics of ultra-thin glass polymer films. We have recently shown that similar to the polymeric systems in ultra-thin molecular glass films of N, N′-Bis(3-methylphenyl)-N, N′-diphenylbenzidine (TPD), the Tg is reduced and dynamics are enhanced. Furthermore, in molecular glass systems, as the film thickness is reduced below ∼30 nm, the dynamics at the two interfaces correlate such that the range of the gradients in the dynamics induced by the free surface narrows compared to thicker films. These observations indicate that the dynamics of the glassy thin films are strongly correlated and cannot be explained by a simple two-layer model consisting of a bulk and a thin interfacial layer with a constant thickness and constant range of dynamical gradients. Here, we investigate the effect of film/substrate interactions on the film dynamics by varying the TPD/substrate interfacial interactions. We show that thin TPD films with thicknesses below ∼60 nm show a smaller extent of Tg reduction and enhanced dynamics when supported on a near-neutral substrate (wetting) compared to a weakly interacting (dewetting) substrate. However, the ∼30 nm length scale, where the activation energy significantly reduces from its bulk value as measured by the onset of the glass transition remains unchanged. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation also shows a narrowing in the range of relaxation times once the thickness is sufficiently reduced for the two interfaces to dynamically correlate, consistent with previous work. These results suggest that the length-scale for the correlated dynamics is independent of interfacial interactions and the polymeric nature of the film and may originate from the bulk glass properties.
What About Us? Addressing the Needs of First Responders in Behavioral Health Disaster Planning in Chicago

Introduction:Behavioral health needs of first responders often receive less attention than those of survivors. Fire, police, medical, and other personnel frequently witness direct loss of life, assaultive violence, and other stressors during disasters. Evidence indicates a greater incidence of psychiatric sequelae among disaster workers. What role do emergency management authorities have in addressing the needs of such personnel?Aim:To evaluate integration of first responder behavioral health needs among a metropolitan healthcare coalition, the Chicago Healthcare System Coalition for Preparedness and Response (CHSCPR).Methods:CHSCPR developed a Behavioral Health Annex providing uniform guidance on behavioral health integration into emergency operations with attention to first responders. An electronic Behavioral Health Capability Survey of coalition members was performed in March 2017 to assess implementation of these recommendations. Qualitative and quantitative responses were recorded.Results:Fifteen of thirty-five institutions responded, including academic and private community hospitals. Many reported no services. Where services existed, most facilities endorsed use of employee assistance programs or external vendors for staff support. 4/15 (26.7%) reported proactive strategies to mitigate stress such as information sheets on healthy coping. Measures for family support of affected emergency personnel were varied and typically outsourced to online resources, or reported as “in development.”Discussion:Findings suggest that recognition of emergency personnel behavioral health needs is lacking in city-wide disaster planning with greater emphasis on post-disaster needs than preventative efforts. Increased awareness of risk for psychological decompensation among first responders, and inclusive efforts to mitigate this risk, are warranted in future disaster planning.
TASP1 mutation in a female with craniofacial anomalies, anterior segment dysgenesis, congenital immunodeficiency and macrocytic anemia.

Background Threonine Aspartase 1 (Taspase 1) is a highly conserved site-specific protease whose substrates are broad-acting nuclear transcription factors that govern diverse biological programs, such as organogenesis, oncogenesis, and tumor progression. To date, no single base pair mutations in Taspase 1 have been implicated in human disease. Methods A female infant with a new pattern of diagnostic abnormalities was identified, including severe craniofacial anomalies, anterior and posterior segment dysgenesis, immunodeficiency, and macrocytic anemia. Trio-based whole exome sequencing was performed to identify disease-causing variants. Results Whole exome sequencing revealed a normal female karyotype (46,XX) without increased regions of homozygosity. The proband was heterozygous for a de novo missense variant, c.1027G>A predicting p.(Val343Met), in the TASP1 gene (NM_017714.2). This variant has not been observed in population databases and is predicted to be deleterious. Conclusion One human patient has been reported previously with a large TASP1 deletion and substantial evidence exists regarding the role of several known Taspase 1 substrates in human craniofacial and hematopoietic disorders. Moreover, Taspase 1 deficiency in mice results in craniofacial, ophthalmological and structural brain defects. Taken together, there exists substantial evidence to conclude that the TASP1 variant, p.(Val343Met), is pathogenic in this patient.
Self-deception and selectivity

This article explores the alleged “selectivity problem” for Alfred Mele’s deflationary position on self-deception, a problem that can allegedly be solved only by appealing to intentions to bring it about that one acquires certain beliefs, or to make it easier for oneself to acquire certain beliefs, or to deceive oneself into believing that p. This article argues for the following thesis: (1) the selectivity problem does not undermine this deflationary position on self-deception, and (2) anyone who takes it to be a problem for this position should regard it as being just as serious a problem for those who advocate the intention-featuring solution at issue.
Choosing the Right Implant

This chapter reviews the various implant options that have been utilized for medialization thyroplasty surgery over the years since it was first described. While autologous implants created from cartilage were initially used, medialization thyroplasty has evolved to employ synthetic implants. These include implants designed from silicone (Silastic, Montgomery, and Netterville Phonoform), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex), hydroxyapatite (VoCoM), and titanium (TVFMI). For each implant type, details are provided about the implant material, advantages/disadvantages, and specific technical points. Additionally, guidance is offered regarding implant selection in special scenarios such as anatomical variants, revision surgery, previously irradiated patients, post ablative cancer surgery, and medialization thyroplasty performed in conjunction with other procedures.
Real-Time Traffic Incidence dataset

This paper focuses on developing (i) a benchmark dataset for identification of traffic incidences, (ii) a congestion aware navigation application which uses this dataset for real-time detection and classification of traffic incidents, (iii) the System Level Software (or Middleware) required for Distributed Computing in such a system with Rapid Mobility, and (iv) a hardware prototype of the distributed computing and storage infrastructure. The video bandwidth requirement of 10-100 GigaBytes of data per minute per vehicular camera makes it a Big Data problem. With millions of smart vehicles predicted to be deployed within the next 5 years, BigData from a single vehicle, multiplied with the large number of vehicles, presents a Big-Squared-Data computing space which will easily overwhelm any Cloud infrastructure with its Real-Time or near Real-Time demands. Hence the need for a Fog tier between the Edge nodes and the Cloud to bring distributed computation (servers) and storage closer to the Edge nodes. Such a Fog consists of multiple Fog instances, each one of which services cells or Virtual Clusters of Edge nodes. Results show that Fog-Cloud computing framework outperforms a Cloud-only platform by 55.8% reduction in total latency or response time.
Black Male Bellies and Red Female Throats: Color Changes with Breeding Status in a Threespine Stickleback

This paper provides the first report of black nuptial coloration on the ventral side for a population of threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, in Northern California. Black nuptial coloration was least intense during precourtship. Although the black coloration intensified during courtship, it was not a significant predictor of female choice and, unlike the red throat and blue eyes, was not inversely correlated with the number of female introductions necessary before spawning occurred. Black coloration was the most intense for males who successfully hatched embryos, supporting a parental-defense role late in the cycle. Unsuccessful fathers had more intensely colored red throats, blue eyes, and black bellies during most of the reproductive cycle than successful fathers. Some females in this study developed red coloration on their throat, although none to the intensity or distribution typical of a breeding male.
Culturally Situated Do-It-Yourself Instructions for Making Protective Masks: Teaching the Genre of Instructional Design in the Age of COVID-19

This article employs cross-cultural communication approaches to teaching instructional design in the times of COVID-19 pandemic Focusing on instructions from France, India, Spain, and the United States for making protective masks, the authors highlight how the writers and designers of these four documents from each culture approach their audiences, organize their DIY instructions, make language choices, employ images and other illustration devices, and culturally persuade users While acknowledging cultural differences, the authors urge students to identify and adopt design strengths from diverse cultures in their own ideas about composing instructions