cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-consistent rate-equation approach to transitions in critical island size in metal (100) and metal (111) homoepitaxy

A self-consistent rate-equation approach to the study of transitions in the critical island size i in submonolayer growth from i5 1t o i 52 and from i5 1t o i 53, corresponding to homoepitaxial growth on metal ~111! and ~100! surfaces, is presented. In contrast to previous standard rate-equation results, the average island density and monomer density are well predicted along with the transition temperature from i51 to a higher critical island size. It is shown that the method’s implicit short-range correlations between attachment/ detachment rates, together with a careful estimate of the escape rates for small clusters, are important factors for a good agreement with the kinetic Monte Carlo simulation results. @S0163-1829~98!00227-6#
Broad-band injection seeding of an erbium-doped fiber ring laser

We present a broad-band (40 MHz) injection-seeded erbium-doped fiber ring laser with a low finesse cavity. Broad-band operation is achieved by seeding an arbitrary number of longitudinal modes in this cavity. This fiber laser is advantageous because it has the potential to substantially suppress stimulated Brillouin scattering for lidar applications.
Strategic Waiting: When Does it Make Sense?

Our analysis shows that in entering a new market a firm should not just focus its attention solely on the prize that a market awards to a pioneer or the trade-off between first mover advantages and disadvantages. It should also consider the adverse consequences of being a laggard. Thus, in a competitive context, an optimal decision may call for a firm to strive to become a market pioneer when pioneering advantages to the firm are minimal or to be a prudent laggard when pioneering advantages to the firm are substantial. This is because a firm may or may not have the ability to overcome late mover disadvantages. We characterize different equilibrium outcomes for different market conditions. Our analysis also sheds some new light on past empirical research on pioneering advantages. Since firms may race into a market solely to avoid market penalties of a laggard, pioneers need not be the firms that are best positioned to establish, exploit, and maintain pioneering advantages. Therefore, it is not surprising that a large percentage of pioneers fail and persistent market share advantages for pioneers are quite small.
Report to the Administrative Conference - Reforming the Administrative Naturalization Process: Reducing Delays While Increasing Fairness

This article includes the Report to the Administrative Conference of the United States which commissioned a study by Professor Arnold Rochvarg of the naturalization process as it existed in 1995. Many problems were identified in the naturalization process based on over 200 questionnaires, 120 telephone interviews, and interviews with government officials. Numerous recommendations concerning all phases of the naturalization process are proposed. This article was the subject of a Symposium at Georgetown University Law School, and was the basis of several pieces of legislation in Congress. Despite some efforts to improve the naturalization process, many, if not most, of the problems discussed in this article still exist.
Faces and Figures of Fortune: Astrological Physiognomy in Tamburlaine Part 1

Critics have long noted the preponderance of astrological references in Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine Part 1 (c. 1587) . They have found it difficult, however, to explain the stars’ centrality to this famous early modern play. At the same time, scholars have largely focused on Tamburlaine’s use of rhetoric to achieve his empery of Asia, and when they have attended to the role of his body in this project, they have turned their attention to the maimed, injured bodies within the play. In this article, I apply the largely overlooked context of astrological physiognomy to Tamburlaine Part 1 as a means of considering the relationship between and crucial role of the stars and the body in Tamburlaine’s rise to power. Astrological physiognomy is a specific subset of physiognomy (the practice of discerning a person’s nature through bodily features, especially the face) practiced in Renaissance England in which people examined signs and symbols inscribed by the stars upon the body, typically the face, in order to discern another’s fortune. While the language and concepts of astrological physiognomy do not appear in Renaissance drama as prevalently as astrological or physiognomic concepts on their own, astrological physiognomic discourse and tenets are notable and central in Tamburlaine Part 1. Exploring the significance of astrological physiognomy to the play provides an additional tool for understanding and clarifying the role of the unmaimed body in the negotiation of interpersonal relations for social advancement, the play’s engagement with concepts of fortune, and Tamburlaine’s at times seemingly contradictory rhetoric.
Effects of lambda-phage infection on bacterial synthesis.

Abstract RNA and protein synthesis in λ infected cells have been studied. A marked depression of the synthesis of these macromolecules was observed, and was found to depend on the multiplicity of infection. This effect occurs in sensitive cells as well as in lysogenic immune cells. Depression of RNA synthesis takes place even if the cells have been pretreated with chloramphenicol and this depression seems to affect all molecular species of RNA equally. The types of newly synthesized proteins are substantially similar to those of the uninfected control. Host restricted λ or ghosts of phage λ do not show this effect, suggesting that the effects are not due to a protein component of the phage itself.
Surface Catalyzed Reaction Efficiencies in Air Plasmas Using Laser Induced Fluorescence Measurements

Recent efforts to advance laser diagnostics in plasma facilities have resulted in the capability to measure gradients of temperature and species in the reacting zone above a hightemperature material. These measurements allow a direct quantitative estimate of the surface-catalyzed reaction efficiency when the spatial distribution of the reactive species is compared with measurements over reference materials. Measurements of temperature, relative nitrogen atom density, relative oxygen atom density, and relative NO molecule density in a chemically reacting boundary layer were performed in air plasmas to elucidate the behavior of catalytic efficiencies.
What's the Buzz? How to Build a Word-Of-Mouth Campaign in 2012

Copyright: © 2012 Thomas E. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Word-of-mouth advertising is still the very best kind of advertising. Marketers have known this for decades, but social media has created so many new ways to get people talking – or buzzing – about products and services that many are scrambling to keep up. Buzz can be simply defined as “any person-to-person conversation about someone or something.”
Cardiovascular health among Philadelphia adolescents: analysis of youth risk behaviour data, 2011

Improving population-level cardiovascular health is a public health priority. Guided by the American Heart Association's metrics for ideal heart health, we examined the prevalence of behavioural heart health indicators using a representative sample of urban adolescents. Less than 1% (0.6%) of the sample had ideal heart health. The alarmingly low percentage of ideal behavioural heart health suggests that primary prevention approaches to address cardiovascular health in youth are warranted.
The Ubiquitous Paddle-Wheel Building Block in Two-Dimensional Coordination Polymers with Square Grid Structure

AbstractThis work describes design of a series of new paddle-wheel binuclear clusters containing 2-D coordination polymers based on ditopic carboxylate linkers, 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC) or 2-amino,1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (Am-BDC). The strategic use of strongly coordinating base/solvent as blocking ligand to restrict the structure in 2-D space is explored, and the role of organic base on the overall structure formation is further elaborated. The isostructural [Zn(BDC)(Py)]n (1) and [Co(BDC(Py)]n (2) were formed by the use of strong base pyridine (Py) as a blocking ligand whereas reaction using N-methylimidazole (Mim) in place of pyridine gives [Co(BDC)(Mim)]n (3) with similar topology and coordination environment. The use of weak/non-coordinating base such as 2-chloropyrimidine, pyrazine, and tetramethylammoniumhexafluorophosphate [(CH3)4 N(PF6)] gives the DMF-coordinated 2-D frameworks, [Cu(BDC)(DMF)]n (4), [Zn(BDC)(DMF)]n (5), and [Zn(AmBDC)(DMF)]n (6). All the structures crystallize in monoclinic...
Who's Eligible Anyway? Risk Modeling for Clinical Trial Accrual

Accrual continues to be a challenge for oncology clinical trials. Interventions to enhance accrual after study activation exist, including corrective action plans for NCI-sponsored trials. Clinical trials would benefit from a proactive approach rather than a reactive approach. Accrual strategy planning early in trial development is suggested. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5397–9. ©2016 AACR. See related article by Massett et al., p. 5408
Adrenal imaging. Computed tomographic scanning and magnetic resonance imaging

On the basis of this review and others, adrenal imaging using MRI requires functional biochemical data, such as scintigraphy (NP-59 and MIBG), for cortical adrenal assessment. For medullary hyperfunction such as intra-adrenal pheochromocytomas and neuroblastomas, MRI provides excellent staging and localization. Computed tomography is preferred for biochemically established hyperfunction such as Cushing's and Conn's syndromes.
Associations between microvascular function and short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution and particulate matter oxidative potential

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with acute increases in cardiovascular hospitalization and mortality. However, causative chemical components and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be clarified. We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction would be associated with mobile-source (traffic) air pollution and that pollutant components with higher oxidative potential to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) would have stronger associations. We carried out a cohort panel study in 93 elderly non-smoking adults living in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, during July 2012-February 2014. Microvascular function, represented by reactive hyperemia index (RHI), was measured weekly for up to 12 weeks (N = 845). Air pollutant data included daily data from regional air-monitoring stations, five-day average PM chemical components and oxidative potential in three PM size-fractions, and weekly personal nitrogen oxides (NOx). Linear mixed-effect models estimated adjusted changes in microvascular function with exposure. RHI was inversely associated with traffic-related pollutants such as ambient PM2.5 black carbon (BC), NOx, and carbon monoxide (CO). An interquartile range change increase (1.06 μg/m3) in 5-day average BC was associated with decreased RHI, −0.093 (95 % CI: −0.151, −0.035). RHI was inversely associated with other mobile-source components/tracers (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, elemental carbon, and hopanes), and PM oxidative potential as quantified in two independent assays (dithiothreitol and in vitro macrophage ROS) in accumulation and ultrafine PM, and transition metals. Our findings suggest that short-term exposures to traffic-related air pollutants with high oxidative potential are major components contributing to microvascular dysfunction.
Optimal Control Problems and Riccati Equations for Systems with Unbounded Controls and Partially Analytic Generators-Applications to Boundary and Point Control Problems

1. Introduction I. Abstract Theory 2. Mathematical Setting and Formulation of the Control Problem 2.1. Dynamics and Related Control Problem 2.2. Singular Estimate Assumptions 2.3. Examples of Point and Boundary Control Models 3. Abstract Results for Control Problems with Singular Estimate 3.1. Finite Horizon Control Problem - Differential Riccati Equation (DRE) 3.2. Infinite Horizon Control Problem - Algebraic Riccati Equations (ARE) 4. Finite Horizon Problem - Proofs 4.1. Characterization of Optimal Solution 4.2. Continuity in Time of Optimal Solutions 4.3. Regularity of Evolution \(\Phi (t,s)\) and of Riccati Operator P(t) 4.4. Singular Estimate and Left-differentiability for the Evolution Operator 4.5. Differential Riccati Equation - DRE 4.6. The Function r(t) II. Applications to Point and Boundary Control Problems 5. Boundary Control Problems for Thermoelastic Plates 5.1. PDE Model 5.2. Semigroup Formulation 5.3. Main Result 5.4. Proof of Theorem 5.1 6. Composite Beam Models with Boundary Control 6.1. PDE Model and Main Results 6.2. Transformations of the Model 6.3. Semigroup Formulation 6.4. Singular Estimate and Completion and Proper Proof of Theorem 6.1 7. Point and Boundary Control Problems in Acoustic-structure Interactions 7.1. Description of the Model 7.2. Semigroup Formulation 7.3. Finite Horizon Control Problem 7.4. Infinite Horizon Control Problem References
Fault diagnosis of HVAC: Air Handling Units and Variable Air Volume boxes

As major modules of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes are used to condition and circulate air to rooms. To save energy and satisfy human comfort and ventilation requirements, accurately and timely diagnosing their faults is critical. The problem, however, is challenging since (1) Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) can capture coupling among components, but many states are required to represent failure modes and fault severities; and (2) diagnosing faults of many VAV boxes leads to high computational requirements. In this paper, dynamic HMMs are used to identify state transitions of components since (1) component processes have long time constants; and (2) dynamic HMMs have various state transition matrices under different conditions, thus can capture fault propagations. Dynamic HMMs are used to identify failure modes but not fault severities to reduce computational effort. To diagnose faults of VAV boxes with low computational effort, faults are localized in all VAV boxes. Unscented particle filter and statistical process control are used to further localize faults down to individual VAV level and to assess fault severities. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can accurately diagnose dependent faults.
Analytical calculation of mutual information between weakly coupled poisson-spiking neurons in models of dynamically gated communication

Mutual information is a commonly used measure of communication between neurons, but little theory exists describing the relationship between mutual information and the parameters of the underlying neuronal interaction. Such a theory could help us understand how specific physiological changes affect the capacity of neurons to synaptically communicate, and, in particular, they could help us characterize the mechanisms by which neuronal dynamics gate the flow of information in the brain. Here we study a pair of linear-nonlinear-Poisson neurons coupled by a weak synapse. We derive an analytical expression describing the mutual information between their spike trains in terms of synapse strength, neuronal activation function, the time course of postsynaptic currents, and the time course of the background input received by the two neurons. This expression allows mutual information calculations that would otherwise be computationally intractable. We use this expression to analytically explore the interaction of excitation, information transmission, and the convexity of the activation function. Then, using this expression to quantify mutual information in simulations, we illustrate the information-gating effects of neural oscillations and oscillatory coherence, which may either increase or decrease the mutual information across the synapse depending on parameters. Finally, we show analytically that our results can quantitatively describe the selection of one information pathway over another when multiple sending neurons project weakly to a single receiving neuron.
128. Targeting a High-Expression FVIII Transgene to Exogenous Locations in the Genome without Disrupting Endogenous Gene Expression

The technology that is now available for targeted genome editing consists of artificial nucleases that create double stranded breaks at specific genomic locations that can then be corrected by intrinsic cellular repair processes. Genome editing can be achieved by exploiting the repair mechanism of homologous recombination by providing a donor vector containing the gene(s) of interest flanked by sequences homologous to the site of the double strand break. To date, gene addition in this manner is targeted to defined inert safe harbor loci. We developed an innovative targeting strategy in which homologous recombination could be utilized to target a transcriptionally active genomic locus without disrupting expression of the endogenous gene. In this manner, essentially any location in the genome becomes a potential safe harbor for homologous recombination-mediated genome editing. One advantage to this strategy is that it allows for transgene expression to be under the precise control of endogenous regulatory elements, rather than using heterologous promoters. Therefore, the optimal locus with the most advantageous regulatory elements to drive transgene expression can be selected for gene addition. Pilot experiments confirmed the expression of exogenous reporter genes (such as the green fluorescent protein or the more therapeutically relevant biologically inert surface selectable marker delta NGFR) from either an exogenous ubiquitous promoter or from the exogenous promoter due to the addition of a T2A element incorporated downstream of the endogenous gene. Notably, expression of the endogenous gene was confirmed to be unaltered. These experiments were performed at three separate genomic locations. To demonstrate the feasibility of this strategy therapeutically however, a high-expression FVIII chimeric transgene (HPFVIII) was incorporated into two distinctly active genomic loci: the IL2R gamma chain locus and the adenosine deaminase locus. The donor vectors utilized contained the cDNA for the endogenous gene locus (either the IL2R gamma chain gene or the adenosine deaminase gene) followed by a ubiquitous promoter intended to drive the expression of HPFVIII, all of which was flanked by one kilobase arms of homology. Both the myeloid erythroid-leukemic K562 cell line and the acute T cell leukemic Jurkat cell line were modified upon nucleofection and confirmed to be targeted by sequencing. Single cell clones were produced and assessed for HPFVIII expression by a one-stage APTT based coagulation assay. Clones were found to express therapeutic levels of FVIII from both loci in both cell types (1 Unit / 2 million cells / 24 hrs). These experiments set the stage for targeting of HPFVIII into hematopoietic stem and progenitor CD34+ cells for the purpose of treating Hemophilia A.
Simulated Microgravity Conditions Modulate Ca2+ Transport through TRPV4 Channels

Astronauts in space tend to lose ten times as much bone mass each month as severe osteoporosis patients on Earth. Multiple reports on unloading-induced osteoporosis in bed-ridden patients indicate that bone mass correlates positively with mechanical stress. The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel which responds to mechanical and osmotic signals in multiple musculoskeletal tissues. This channel links mechanically triggered molecular signaling and Ca2+ levels as contributors of the same molecular pathway leading to increased osteoclast differentiation. In this line of investigation, we simulated microgravity conditions to detect modulation of Ca2+ transport from internal stores through TRPV4 channels using yeast luminescent reporters. The cell culture was introduced to capacity into a cylindrical High Aspect to Ratio Vessel (HARV) in a horizontal (1g, control) or vertical (simulated micro-gravity) position in the Rotary Cell Culture System. The experimental approach required design and implementation of custom optical equipment, which proved successful in determining minute changes in Ca2+ transport by either luminescence or fluorescence measurements. The increase of cytosolic Ca2+ upon release from internal stores was assessed using the luminescence signal generated by the aequorin-coelenterazine system in the presence of Ca2+. Fluorescence measurements of Ca2+ release employed the cell-membrane permeant Ca2+ indicator Fluo-4 AM. The set of experimental data provided in this report demonstrates directly that simulated microgravity conditions induce measurable changes of Ca2+ transport through TRPV4 channels. This modulation of Ca2+ transport was similar to results from hypo-osmotic stress conditions previously described by several studies on the same cells. A better molecular understanding of the contribution of reduced mechanical loading to the decline in bone mass and quality during extended space flight missions and Earth-based bed-ridden conditions is crucial for mitigating pathologies which manifest as severe bone loss.
Does the Approximate Number System Serve as a Foundation for Symbolic Mathematics

ABSTRACTIn this article we first review evidence for the approximate number system (ANS), an evolutionarily ancient and developmentally conservative cognitive mechanism for representing number without language. We then critically review five different lines of support for the proposal that symbolic representations of number build upon the ANS, and discuss potential causes of conflicting findings in the literature. Finally, we consider potential mechanisms that could drive a relationship between the ANS and symbolic math. We conclude that while there is considerable evidence the relationship between the ANS and symbolic math is meaningful, we are far from understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms that underlie this relationship.
Improved survival in 211 patients with stage IV carcinoid tumor treated with high dose I-131 MIBG is predicted by response at initial follow up and by multiple rounds of I-131 MIBG.

469 Objectives Knowledge of survivorship and progression in carcinoid tumor patients treated with high dose iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) has been limited by small cohorts and short follow up intervals. We report response and progression-free survival in a cohort of n=211 carcinoid tumor patients treated with palliative 131I-MIBG between 1991 and 2014, mean follow up of 39 months, total of 685 person-years follow-up. Methods Retrospective chart review of a registry of patients receiving median dose 18,500 MBq (500 mCi) 131I-MIBG at an academic tertiary referral center. Imaging response (n=158) was assessed via Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 where imaging was available (n=76) or by official CT report (n=82) where images were not available for review. Symptomatic response (n=143) was assessed via chart review of clinical encounters with the oncology service. Lab response (n=60) was assessed by a 20% change in 2 consecutive values from baseline in either 5HIAA or chromogranin A. 19% of patients received additional subsequent rounds of 131I-MIBG. Results At first follow up, 71% of patients reported improvement in pre-treatment symptoms, primarily reduction in GI symptoms (diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, 80%), fatigue (40%), flushing (32%), and pain (28%). 33% experienced no symptomatic progression through follow-up; median time to symptomatic progression was 1.4y ± SE 0.3. Initial follow up imaging demonstrated 2% complete response, 18% partial response, 60% stability and 20% progression. 43% of patients showed no post MIBG imaging progression with median time to progression 1.7y ± 0.2. 34% of patients demonstrated lab response and 48% were stable on initial lab follow up. 43% of patients remained without lab progression throughout follow-up, with median time to laboratory progression 2.5y ± 0.5. Overall median survival from time of diagnosis was 6.3y ± 0.5, with 5, 10 and 20 year survival of 59, 31 and 10%. Median survival post diagnosis of metastatic disease was 5y ± 0.5. Survival post treatment was 2.4y ± 0.2. Improved survival was predicted by the following: a) multiple MIBG treatments vs. one treatment (4.0y ± 0.5 vs. 2.0y ± 0.3, p Conclusions Initial imaging, symptomatic and laboratory response to high dose 131I-MIBG predict long term outcomes in a large cohort with stage IV carcinoid tumor. Stratification by these factors may provide clinical advantage in post therapy clinical decision making by oncologists, radiologists and patients. Multiple rounds of MIBG therapy was also associated with prolonged survival, which may also be valuable to inform the management of stage IV carcinoid.
Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay-Based Quantitative Measurement of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) in Dried Blood Spots, a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of mortality in both higher and lower income countries. Here, we adapted an enzyme-linked im...
Changes in Cerebral Oxygenation in Preterm Infants With Progressive Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation

Abstract Background Optimal timing of intervention in neonatal progressive posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus is often a difficult decision. Unchecked hydrocephalus can lead to irreversible brain injury through impaired perfusion, while placement of a shunt is not without long-term morbidity. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to measure changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation as an indicator of cerebral perfusion in infants with progressive posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Methods Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure regional cerebral oxygen saturation for more than a one-hour period in infants within 24 hours of cranial ultrasound. Simultaneous pulse oximetry was recorded and oxygen extraction was calculated. Ventricular size was measured by ultrasound using the frontal-occipital horn ratio and compared with average oxygen saturation and oxygen extraction. Statistical analysis was done using the Spearman rank test and analysis of variance. Results Ventricular measurements were made in 20 very low birth weight premature infants with periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage and 12 infants with normal ultrasound scans. Ventricular dilatation was associated with lower cerebral oxygen saturation and higher oxygen extraction ( P P Conclusions Progressive posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation is associated with a significant decrease in cerebral oxygenation and increase in oxygen extraction suggesting a decrease in cerebral perfusion. Near-infrared spectroscopy could potentially provide additional clinical information to assist in determining optimal timing of surgical intervention in preterm infants with progressive ventricular enlargement.
Replicating Test Track Protocols in a Simulator: What Needs to be Matched?

Many different experimental methods are used to evaluate driving performance as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of various vehicle safety systems but the results often do not match between different experimental approaches. This study aimed to determine the extent to which results can be matched between a driving simulator and a test track when carefully designed studies are used to replicate findings. This study collected simulator data on the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS) at the University of Iowa to replicate findings concerning Forward-Crash-Warning interface effectiveness at the Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC), East Liberty Ohio. The simulator used a virtual replica of the test track as well as a road course. Event choreography and scanning behavior were compared. Results indicate that results from the simulator were similar to those obtained on the test track. This indicates simulators can replicate findings for the test track and are a valuable tool. Careful experimental design is required to match the event choreography to insure an appropriate comparison. An exact match of the driving environment was not needed for this interface evaluation to obtain comparable results. The extent to which matching motion cues was not evaluated and may prove challenging in simulators without motion systems.
Atomistic and continuum scale modeling of functionalized graphyne membranes for water desalination

Recent theoretical and experimental studies reported ultra-high water permeability and salt rejection in nanoporous single-layer graphene. However, creating and controlling the size and distribution of nanometer-scale pores pose significant challenges to application of these membranes for water desalination. Graphyne and hydrogenated graphyne have tremendous potential as ultra-permeable membranes for desalination and wastewater reclamation due to their uniform pore-distribution, atomic thickness and mechano-chemical stability. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and upscale continuum analysis, the desalination performance of bare and hydrogenated α-graphyne and γ-{2,3,4}-graphyne membranes is evaluated as a function of pore size, pore geometry, chemical functionalization and applied pressure. MD simulations show that pores ranging from 20 to 50 A2 reject in excess of 90% of the ions for pressures up to 1 GPa. Water permeability is found to range up to 85 L cm−2 day−1 MPa−1, which is up to three orders of magnitude larger than commercial seawater reverse osmosis (RO) membranes and up to ten times that of nanoporous graphene. Pore chemistry, functionalization and geometry are shown to play a critical role in modulating the water flux, and these observations are explained by water velocity, density, and energy barriers in the pores. The atomistic scale investigations are complemented by upscale continuum analysis to examine the performance of these membranes in application to cross-flow RO systems. This upscale analysis, however, shows that the significant increase in permeability, observed from MD simulations, does not fully translate to current RO systems due to transport limitations. Nevertheless, upscale calculations predict that the higher permeability of graphyne membranes would allow up to six times higher permeate recovery or up to 6% less energy consumption as compared to thin-film composite membranes at currently accessible operating conditions. Significantly higher energy savings and permeate recovery can be achieved if higher feed-flow rates can be realized.
A critical role for nucleoporin 358 (Nup358) in transposon silencing and piRNA biogenesis in Drosophila.

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that bind Piwi proteins to silence transposons and to regulate gene expression. In Drosophila germ cells, the Aubergine (Aub)-Argonaute 3 (Ago3)–dependent ping-pong cycle generates most germline piRNAs. Loading of antisense piRNAs amplified by this cycle enables Piwi to enter the nucleus and silence transposons. Nuclear localization is crucial for Piwi function in transposon silencing, but how this process is regulated remains unknown. It is also not known whether any of the components of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) directly function in the piRNA pathway. Here, we show that nucleoporin 358 (Nup358) and Piwi interact with each other and that a germline knockdown (GLKD) of Nup358 with short hairpin RNA prevents Piwi entry into the nucleus. The Nup358 GLKD also activated transposons, increased genomic instability, and derailed piRNA biogenesis because of a combination of decreased piRNA precursor transcription and a collapse of the ping-pong cycle. Our results point to a critical role for Nup358 in the piRNA pathway, laying the foundation for future studies to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which Nup358 contributes to piRNA biogenesis and transposon silencing.
Liver Trauma: Parenchymal Repair and Resectional Debridement

The liver is one of the most commonly injured organs following abdominal trauma. The management of liver injuries, however, has evolved significantly over the past 25 years. Operative intervention, for the most part, has given way to a nonoperative approach. Nevertheless, surgical intervention is at times required most often for the patient who presents with hemodynamic instability. Once a decision has been made to perform a laparotomy for hepatic trauma, the surgeon must have an extensive armamentarium, in effect, a “toolbox” full of operative techniques at his or her disposal. Perhaps, the most widely utilized of these techniques is hepatic repair and resectional debridement.
Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and its association with incident all-cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia in large national surveys

Abstract Introduction Infectious agents were recently implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and etiology of other dementias, notably Helicobacter pylori . Methods We tested associations of H. pylori seropositivity with incident all-cause and AD dementia and with AD-related mortality among US adults in a retrospective cohort study. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys III, phase 1 (1988–1991) and 1999–2000 linked with Medicare and National Death Index registries, were used (baseline age ≥45 y, follow-up to 2013, N pooled = 5927). Results A positive association between H. pylori seropositivity and AD mortality was found in men (hazard ratio adj, pooled = 4.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.51–12.41, P = .006), which was replicated for incident AD and all-cause dementia, with hazard ratio adj, pooled = 1.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.03–2.04, P = .035) and hazard ratio adj, III = 1.44 (95% confidence interval: 1.05–1.98, P = .022), respectively. These associations were also positive among higher socioeconomic status groups. Discussion In sum, H. pylori seropositivity's direct association with AD mortality, all-cause dementia, and AD dementia was restricted to men and to higher socioeconomic status groups.
Phospholipase D, Arfaptins and Arfophilin

The effects of Arfs on three potential effectors (phospholipase D, Arfaptins and Arfophilin) are described. Arfs activate mammalian PLD1 in vitro, but their roles in the regulation of PLD in vivo are not well defined. Direct binding of Arfs to PLD1 has not been demonstrated in vitro and activation may involve PI(4,5)P2, which binds to the enzyme. Evidence for a role of Arf6 in the regulation of PLD in vivo is accumulating and may partly involve a PIP kinase that is activated by this Arf. The role of Arf-stimulated PLD in Golgi traffic remains controversial and evidence for and against this is presented. The properties of the Arf-binding proteins Arfaptins 1 and 2 are described, and interactions of POR1, a truncated form of Arfaptin 2, with Arfs and Rac1 are discussed. A hypothesis for Arfaptin 2 as a communicator between these two small GTPases in vivo is presented. A possible role of Arfaptin 2 in Huntington’s disease is discussed. Finally, the properties of Arfophilin, which selectively binds ARFs 4, 5 and 6 are described.
Expression and Function of Siglec-8 in Human Eosinophils, Basophils, and Mast Cells

Siglec-8, the eighth member of the sialic acid-binding, immunoglobulin [Ig]-like lectin family, was initially discovered as a cell surface protein selectively expressed on human eosinophils. It is now know to also be expressed by mast cells and basophils. Siglec-8 engagement with specific antibodies causes apoptosis via caspase and mitochondrial-dependent pathways. For mast cells, inhibition of mediator release, but no apoptosis, is observed. Siglec-F is the closest mouse paralog to Siglec-8, and both selectively bind the sulfated glycan 6’-sulfo-sialyl Lewis X. Antibodies to Siglec-F reduce blood and tissue eosinophil numbers in vivo. This suggests that Siglec-8 may be a useful future therapeutic target for allergic and other eosinophilic disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Tobacco Use Disorder in Primary Care for Resident Physicians.

Introduction Though the prevalence of smoking has decreased, it remains the second leading risk for early death and disability worldwide. At the primary care level, the combined use of behavioral i...
Bid-Based Priority Signal Control in a Connected Environment: Concept:

Though the loss of time is considered equivalent to opportunity loss, little research has been conducted in the field of signal control that accounts for individual differences in subjective opport...
Digital-Filter Implementation

Digital filters and signal-processing systems are implemented in two basic ways: software in general-purpose computers, and special purpose hardware. The software approach is relatively straightforward, given the computational structures derived in previous chapters. Questions such as the numbers of multiplications and adds, coefficient sensitivity, roundoff noise, in-place FFT computation, etc., must be addressed; but the hardware considerations in that case are restricted to how fast the computer must be, how much storage is required, whether to add a high-speed floatingpoint unit, and so forth. In the highest-speed applications or for production quantities, however, it is often necessary to design special-purpose hardware to satisfy the system specifications at an acceptable cost. The advent of custom VLSI (very-large-scale integration) has made this approach even more attractive and powerful, and has provided systems of ever-increasing complexity and speed. In this chapter, we described special-purpose hardware systems that take advantage of the highly parallel computational structure of these systems. This material assumes a basic knowledge of binary number systems and digital logic.
Related factors on sexual partners regarding receipt of HIV test among HIV positive men who have sex with men in Zhejiang province

Objective To understand the situation and influencing factors related to the promotion of HIV testing program among sex partners in newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM in Zhejiang province during 2015 to 2017. Methods Newly diagnosed HIV positive MSM in Zhejiang province from 2015 to 2017 were collected and provided four rounds of testing services to their sexual partners so as to study the consequences. Chi-square test was conducted to compare the difference between groups while multivariate logistic regression was conducted to analyze the related influencing factors. Results A total of 6 269 HIV positive MSM were provided with four rounds of testing services to their sexual partners. 1 925 HIV positive MSM (30.7%, 1 925/6 269) were successfully persuaded in mobilizing their sexual partners to participate in the HIV testing services. However, 4 344 HIV positive MSM (69.3%, 4 344/6 269) refused to do so. A total of 2 126 sexual partners received HIV testing and the HIV positive rates of those sexual partners appeared as 13.0% (277/2 126, 95%CI:11.6%-14.5%) and 78.7% (218/277, 95%CI: 73.8%-83.6%). Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that factors as: HIV positive MSM that participated in the study in 2016 (compared with participated in the study in 2015, OR=1.581, 95%CI: 1.370-1.823), in 2017 (compared with participated in the study in 2015, OR=1.394, 95%CI: 1.208-1.608), living in the reporting city (compared with lived outside the reporting city, OR=1.518, 95%CI: 1.320-1.745), being married (compared with unmarried/divorced/widowed, OR=4.449, 95%CI: 3.837-5.160), having education level of junior high school or below (compared with education level of senior high school or above, OR=1.203, 95%CI: 1.058-1.367), numbers of homosexual partners >5, (compared with numbers of homosexual partner from past between 1-5, OR=1.236, 95%CI: 1.095-1.395), active detection (compared with passive detection, OR=1.340, 95%CI: 1.193-1.506) were more likely to relate to the successful persuasion on their sexual partners to receive the HIV testing. There was no statistical difference noticed between HIV-infected homosexual partners and their corresponding HIV positive MSM, in terms of socio-demographic situations. Conclusions HIV positive MSM should promote their sexual partners to receive HIV testing. This seemed an important role in expanding the HIV testing in this population. However, the program needs to be further improved and included in daily work, focusing on those partners with similar social and demographic characteristics with those infected MSM. Key words: HIV; Men who have sex with men; Sexual partners testing; Related factors
Elucidation of molecular links between obesity and cancer through microRNA regulation

Obesity contributes to high cancer risk in humans and the mechanistic links between these two pathologies are not yet understood. Recent emerging evidence has associated obesity and cancer with metabolic abnormalities and inflammation where microRNA regulation has a strong implication. In this study, we have developed an integrated framework to unravel obesity-cancer linkage from a microRNA regulation perspective. Different from traditional means of identifying static microRNA targets based on sequence and structure properties, our approach focused on the discovery of context-dependent microRNA-mRNA interactions that are potentially associated with disease progression via large-scale genomic analysis. Specifically, a meta-regression analysis and the integration of multi-omics information from obesity and cancers were presented to investigate the microRNA regulation in a dynamic and systematic manner. Our analysis has identified a total number of 2,143 unique microRNA-gene interactions in obesity and seven types of cancer. Common interactions in obesity and obesity-associated cancers are found to regulate genes in key metabolic processes such as fatty acid and arachidonic acid metabolism and various signaling pathways related to cell growth and inflammation. Additionally, modulated co-regulations among microRNAs targeting the same functional processes were reflected through the analysis. We demonstrated the statistical modeling of microRNA-mediated gene regulation can facilitate the association study between obesity and cancer. The entire framework provides a powerful tool to understand multifaceted gene regulation in complex human diseases that can be generalized in other biomedical applications.
Generalized augmented alternating links and hyperbolic volumes

Augmented alternating links are links obtained by adding trivial components that bound twice-punctured disks to nonsplit reduced non-2–braid prime alternating projections. These links are known to be hyperbolic. Here, we extend to show that generalized augmented alternating links, which allow for new trivial components that bound n–punctured disks, are also hyperbolic. As an application we consider generalized belted sums of links and compute their volumes.
Temperature-dependent collective magnetization reversal in a network of ferromagnetic nanowires

The collective behavior of geometrically frustrated magnetization in connected networks of ferromagnetic nanowires, known as artificial spin ice, leads to complex magnetotransport behavior in those structures. Here, we present temperature- and current-dependent magnetotransport studies on a connected square artificial spin-ice system and correlate our observations to micromagnetic simulations. We find that the field at which the lattice magnetization collectively switches increases as the temperature is lowered. Our experimental findings highlight the importance of the global and local temperatures for the onset of a collective magnetization reversal in the connected system. These studies may also provide useful insights into novel storage concepts and applications in neuromorphic computing.
Menstrual Dignity and the Bar Exam

This Article examines the issue of menstruation and the administration of the bar exam. Over the summer and fall of 2020, test takers and commentators took to social media to critique state board of law examiners’ (BOLE) policies regarding menstruation. Menstruators worry that if they unexpectedly bleed during the exam, they may not have access to appropriately sized and constructed menstrual products or may be prohibited from accessing the bathroom. Personal products that are permitted often must be carried in a clear, plastic bag. Some express privacy concerns that the see-through bag outs test takers’ menstruation as well as their birth-assigned sex, an especially difficult problem for transgender, genderqueer/nonbinary and intersex individuals who do not wish to share that information. The authors conducted a study documenting experiences with menstruation and the bar exam and examined BOLE policies and practices relevant to menstruation. The Article uses the new data from these studies to delineate the contours and substance of the problem. To guide this analysis, the Article also analyzes BOLE policies under the Equal Protection Clause and local human rights laws, determining that current policies are likely unconstitutional and discriminatory. Finally, the Article proposes a detailed and comprehensive Model Policy that appropriately balances BOLE concerns against the important principles of privacy and respect, fairness and nondiscrimination, health and security, accommodations, and transparency. If adopted, the Model Policy would bring BOLE policies closer to the critical intersectional movements urging diversification of the legal profession, bar exam reform, and menstrual justice.
A Fair Income Tax on the Trillion-dollar Behemoths

Our trillion-dollar market capitalization behemoths, Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft, pay effective tax rates of between 0.65 percent and 2.9 percent because they deduct immediately ("expense") their intangible investments that have value beyond the end of the year. Current regulations allow expensing of investments that cannot be sold or seized apart from the business as a whole, but they also permit mandatory capitalization of expenditures with value beyond the tax year upon publication in the Federal Register. Treating the investments as creating basis, not expensing, and correcting prior year's error of allowing expensing of costs with continuing value would raise $6 trillion revenue, under income tax norms, without the participation of Congress.
The Political Preferences of Activist CEOs

Recent scholarship on the political preferences and behaviors of CEOs report that CEOs hold conservative political views and that these views influence both their firms’ and employees’ behavior. Most recently, Chatterji and Toffel (2019) suggest CEOs are just as effective as politicians at shaping public opinion. Yet, little is known about the CEOs most likely to influence public opinion by issuing public statements. This research hypothesizes that although most CEOs hold Republican preferences, CEO activism has a Democratic tilt, whereby CEOs who are Democrats engage in it more often than CEOs who are Republicans. Using Bonica’s CF scores, self-collected data on CEO activism, and in-depth case studies, this research finds strong evidence to support its hypothesis. Additionally, this research finds that CEO activism frequency is significantly influenced by a CEO’s partisan preferences and not the characteristics associated with investment in other forms of corporate political activity (CPA), confirming recent suggestions that CEO activism is distinct from CPA. These findings provide insight into the ideology of the CEOs most likely to be influencing public opinion by making public statements and contradicts the perceived homogeneity of CEOs’ political preferences.
Toward authentic university-community engagement

University-community engagement (UCE) tends to be unequal, yielding greater benefits to the university. This creates mistrust, particularly between the university and African American neighborhoods...