cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A physics-based reliability method for components adopted in new series systems

New system development may not require designing all components; existing components can be used. Although the reliability of each component may be available, it is still difficult to accurately predict the system reliability in the early design stage. The system designers may not access all details of component design to consider components dependencies. This work attempts to explore the feasibility of addressing this issue. A physics-based reliability method is developed from both perspectives of component designers and system designers. For the component design, the relationship between the component reliability and the common load of the system is provided through the physics-based reliability analysis. On the other hand, from the perspective of the new system designers, they could use the information about component reliabilities to rebuild component limit-state functions, which will then lead to an accurate prediction of the system reliability. The results show that it is possible to accurately predict series system reliability without revealing the proprietary information of component suppliers who design and manufacture the components independently.
An autoradiographic evaluation of AV-1451 Tau PET in dementia.

It is essential to determine the specificity of AV-1451 PET for tau in brain imaging by using pathological comparisons. We performed autoradiography in autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders to evaluate the specificity of AV-1451 binding for tau aggregates. Tissue samples were selected that had a variety of dementia-related neuropathologies including Alzheimer disease, primary age-related tauopathy, tangle predominant dementia, non-Alzheimer disease tauopathies, frontotemporal dementia, parkinsonism, Lewy body disease and multiple system atrophy (n = 38). Brain tissue sections were stained for tau, TAR DNA-binding protein-43, and α-synuclein and compared to AV-1451 autoradiography on adjacent sections. AV-1451 preferentially localized to neurofibrillary tangles, with less binding to areas enriched in neuritic pathology and less mature tau. The strength of AV-1451 binding with respect to tau isoforms in various neurodegenerative disorders was: 3R + 4R tau (e.g., AD) > 3R tau (e.g., Pick disease) or 4R tau. Only minimal binding of AV-1451 to TAR DNA-binding protein-43 positive regions was detected. No binding of AV-1451 to α-synuclein was detected. “Off-target” binding was seen in vessels, iron-associated regions, substantia nigra, calcifications in the choroid plexus, and leptomeningeal melanin. Reduced AV-1451 binding in neuritic pathology compared to neurofibrillary tangles suggests that the maturity of tau pathology may affect AV-1451 binding and suggests complexity in AV-1451 binding. Poor association of AV-1451 with tauopathies that have preferential accumulation of either 4R tau or 3R tau suggests limited clinical utility in detecting these pathologies. In contrast, for disorders associated with 3R + 4R tau, such as Alzheimer disease, AV-1451 binds tau avidly but does not completely reflect the early stage tau progression suggested by Braak neurofibrillary tangle staging. AV-1451 binding to TAR DNA-binding protein-43 or TAR DNA-binding protein-43 positive regions can be weakly positive. Clinical use of AV-1451 will require a familiarity with distinct types of “off-target” binding.
Nonlinear Behavior in Metallic Thin Films and Nanostructures

Abstract In this chapter the nonlinear and chaotic behavior in primarily metallic nanostructures is reviewed. The article starts with a general discussion of macrospin dynamics and the ways one may characterize and study the nonlinear and chaotic regimes. Then thin films are discussed and in particular nonlinear thresholds and nonlinear damping will be overviewed. Finally, some interesting results for nanostrips and for structures that are nanometer-sized in all three spatial dimensions will be shown.
A high order characteristic discontinuous Galerkin scheme for advection on unstructured meshes

A new characteristic discontinuous Galerkin (CDG) advection scheme is presented. In contrast to standard discontinuous Galerkin schemes, the test functions themselves follow characteristics in order to ensure conservation and the edges of each element are also traced backwards along characteristics in order to create a swept region, which is integrated in order to determine the mass flux across the edge. Both the accuracy and performance of the scheme are greatly improved by the use of large Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy numbers for a shear flow test case and the scheme is shown to scale sublinearly with the number of tracers being advected, outperforming a standard flux corrected transport scheme for 10 or more tracers with a linear basis. Moreover the CDG scheme may be run to arbitrarily high order spatial accuracy and on unstructured grids, and is shown to give the correct order of error convergence for piecewise linear and quadratic bases on regular quadrilateral and hexahedral planar grids. Using a modal Taylor series basis, the scheme may be made monotone while preserving conservation with the use of a standard slope limiter, although this reduces the formal accuracy of the scheme to first order. The second order scheme is roughly as accurate as the incremental remap scheme with nonlocal gradient reconstruction at half the horizontal resolution. The scheme is being developed for implementation within the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) Ocean model, an unstructured grid finite volume ocean model.
Discrete Lagrange equations for reacting thermofluid dynamics in arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian frames

Abstract Interest in the development of multiscale methods has focused attention on the marked differences in the numerical modeling techniques typically applied at different scales. Most continuum dynamics models construct approximate solutions to partial differential equations, while most nanoscale models employ a discrete Hamiltonian approach. Previous research has demonstrated that the introduction of entropies or internal energies as generalized coordinates, along with separation of the discretization and model formulation steps, allows general thermomechanical models to be developed, at the continuum scale, using a nonholonomic Hamiltonian or Lagrange equation formulation. With the introduction of additional state variables and nonholonomic constraints, the latter work may be further extended in order to model reacting systems. Employing a finite element interpolation and a Lagrangian, an Eulerian, or an ALE mesh, the new formulation has been validated by solving several one-dimensional reacting shock physics problems. The result is a continuum dynamics modeling approach highly compatible with the discrete energy methods normally used at the nanoscale.
Dialectic of design, rhetoric of representation

This paper examines the role of representation in mediating contentious developments. To the extent that contentions over form may arise from concerns about future development, design-based communi...
Pouch-Related Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard surgical treatment for the majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who require colectomy. We evaluated the prevalence of pouch-related symptoms among the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Partners cohort and the effect of pouch-related symptoms on Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System measures. METHODS We performed analyses nested in the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Partners cohort. We used bivariate analyses to compare demographics and medication use among patients with ulcerative colitis or indeterminate colitis and pouch-related symptoms and those with IPAA without symptoms. We also compared Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System domains (measured in T-scores) and short IBD questionnaire quality of life scales between symptomatic pouch patients (over the past 6 mo) and those without symptoms. RESULTS Among 243 patients reporting a history of IPAA, 199 (82%) reported a history of pouch symptoms. Patients with recent pouch symptoms demonstrated higher mean T-scores in pain interference (53.0 versus 45.3; P < 0.001), depression (51.0 versus 46.4; P = 0.002), and fatigue (56.3 versus 47.0; P < 0.001). Symptomatic pouch patients reported lower mean scores in social role satisfaction (47.4 versus 54.6) and short IBD questionnaire (4.8 versus 5.8) (both P < 0.001). These differences were all clinically meaningful. CONCLUSIONS In a large sample of patients with IBD, nearly all patients with IPAA reported a history of pouch symptoms. Patients experiencing symptoms within the 6 months before the survey assessment demonstrated clinically meaningful decrements in patient-reported outcomes in multiple domains of physical and psychosocial functioning.
Glycemic control and the risk of multiple microvascular diabetic complications.

Background and objectives Tight glycemic control in type 2 diabetes reduces risk of certain end-organ complications. However, among patients with one complication already, it is unknown whether tight glycemic control reduces the risk of subsequent complications in another organ. We sought to determine if glycemic control is associated with the risk of a second, distinct, end-organ diabetic complication. Methods Subjects were a retrospective cohort of 250 patients with type 2 diabetes, at least one microvascular diabetic complication, and at least one hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurement after that complication. Proportional hazard models estimated the relative hazard of developing another diabetic complication in a second organ system, as predicted by either (1) mean HbA1c level over the study period or (2) first HbA1c after the initial complication. Results Thirty-eight patients had a second complication; the average follow-up duration was 3.7 years. The mean HbA1c model showed an adjusted relative hazard of 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04, 1.51) per percentage-point elevation in mean HbA1c. The first HbA1c model showed an adjusted relative hazard of 1.23 (95% CI=1.08, 1.40) per percentage-point elevation in first HbA1c. Conclusions Among these type 2 diabetes patients with an initial complication, tight glycemic control was associated with reduced risk of additional complications in other organs.
Recent Development of Boron Nitride towards Electronic Applications

Boron nitride occurs in several polymorphs, among which cubic and hexagonal varieties have been extensively studied over many years and have found numerous practical applications. Although various forms of BN have been used as lubricant and abrasive material for many years, the unique electronic properties of BN have not been yet utilized. Due to their wide optical bandgaps (the widest among nitride semiconductors), cubic and hexagonal polymorphs of BN are promising candidates for optoelectronic devices operating in the deep-ultraviolet range and for high-power electronic devices for switching and radio-frequency applications. The layered structure of hexagonal BN allows preparation of ultrathin nanosheets with very smooth surfaces and low defect density, which are proved to be useful as supporting substrates and gate dielectric layers in graphene-based structures. The first device demonstrations are very encouraging. In this contribution, the recent progress in properties, fabrication technologies, and emerging applications of BN as a wide-gap semiconductor material is reviewed.
Erratum: An Hi survey of highly flattened, edge-on, pure disk galaxies

In the paper “An H survey of highly flattened, edge-on, pure disk galaxies” by Matthews & van Driel (A&AS 143, 421), the spectra shown in Fig. 2 have their velocity axes plotted using the radio velocity convention rather than the optical convention , as stated in the caption. All spectral measurements presented in the paper were performed using the optical velocity convention and are unaffected. However, the apparent velocity centroids of the plotted line profiles will show small offsets compared with the measured values quoted in the text.
Recent and future climate suitability for whitebark pine mortality from mountain pine beetles varies across the western US

Abstract Recent mountain pine beetle outbreaks in whitebark pine forests have been extensive and severe. Understanding the climate influences on these outbreaks is essential for developing management plans that account for potential future mountain pine beetle outbreaks, among other threats, and informing listing decisions under the Endangered Species Act. Prior research has focused on one geographic region, but geographic variability in beetle and tree physiological responses to climate conditions have been documented. Here we evaluate geographic variability in climate influences on recent beetle outbreaks in whitebark pine and estimate future climate suitability for outbreaks across much of the range of whitebark pine in the western US. To accomplish these objectives, we developed and analyzed statistical models for three different geographic regions as well as a Westwide model, then applied the Westwide model to a suite of climate projections. The general patterns of climate-tree mortality relationships were similar across the three regions of our study. However, the relative importance of individual climate metrics preceding and during the recent outbreaks varied geographically because of the different climates in the regions. Winter minimum temperatures appeared to be limiting prior to outbreaks in the colder regions. All regions experienced low summer precipitation prior to or during outbreak initiation. Future climate suitability for beetle outbreaks is estimated to increase or remain stable in the coldest regions and decline slightly in the warmest region by the end of this century. Across the study area, projections of higher winter temperatures and decreased summer precipitation (with lower confidence than for temperatures) contribute to increased climate suitability for outbreaks, while projected higher fall/spring/summer temperatures contribute to decreased suitability. Some regional variability exists; in particular, the effect of winter warming is muted in the warmest region (Cascades) where winter temperatures appear to be less limiting. However, all regions are projected to experience fewer years with very low suitability, which commonly occurred prior to the recent outbreaks and may have limited beetle populations. Given the inherent uncertainty in climate projections and ecological responses to novel climates, management plans that incorporate sites that are expected to experience a range of expected future climate conditions might increase the chances of whitebark pine persistence in a warmer future.
Backchannel opportunity prediction for social robot listeners

This paper investigates how a robot that can produce contingent listener response, i.e., backchannel, can deeply engage children as a storyteller. We propose a backchannel opportunity prediction (BOP) model trained from a dataset of children's dyad storytelling and listening activities. Using this dataset, we gain better understanding of what speaker cues children can decode to find backchannel timing, and what type of nonverbal behaviors they produce to indicate engagement status as a listener. Applying our BOP model, we conducted two studies, within- and between-subjects, using our social robot platform, Tega. Behavioral and self-reported analyses from the two studies consistently suggest that children are more engaged with a contingent backchanneling robot listener. Children perceived the contingent robot as more attentive and more interested in their story compared to a non-contingent robot. We find that children significantly gaze more at the contingent robot while storytelling and speak more with higher energy to a contingent robot.
Monique R. Balbuena. Homeless Tongues: Poetry and Languages of the Sephardic Diaspora. Stanford UP, 2016. 239 pp.

Monique Balbuena's timely offering joins a growing body of current work in the long-neglected Sephardic division of Jewish studies. Focusing on contemporary poetry, Balbuena insists on the worthine...
Brief Report: Drugs Implicated in Systemic Autoimmunity Modulate Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation.

Objective Aberrant neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation has been implicated as a mechanism to induce auto-reactivity in at-risk individuals. The study objective was to assess whether medications implicated in cases of drug-induced autoimmunity (hydralazine and procainamide) and medications less commonly associated with drug-induced autoimmunity (minocycline and clozapine) induce NET formation and/or prevent NET degradation. Methods Human neutrophils were incubated with the drugs of interest and resultant NET formation was quantified by fluorescent microscopy. The ability of these drugs to interfere with NET degradation by serum nucleases was assessed. Pathways of drug-induced NET formation were studied with pharmacologic inhibitors of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs), and muscarinic receptors, and by assessment of intracellular calcium levels by flow cytometry. To determine if NET protein cargo varies by drug stimuli and/or neutrophil source, proteomic analysis of NET lysates induced by specific medications was compared using neutrophils from healthy donors and from patients with autoimmune diseases. Results Hydralazine and procainamide significantly induced NET formation while minocycline and clozapine did not. None of the medications significantly impaired NET degradation. NETosis induced by these drugs required NADPH oxidase and PAD4 activation. Procainamide triggered NETs via muscarinic receptor engagement on neutrophils, while hydralazine modulated calcium release from intracellular stores. Differences in protein cargo, particularly histone content, were observed in NETs induced by hydralazine and procainamide. Conclusion Medications commonly implicated in drug-induced autoimmunity trigger NET formation displaying distinct protein cargo, via common and specific pathways. NETosis may play a role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced autoimmunity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Reasoning about the interaction of knowlege, time and concurrent actions in the situation calculus

A formal framework for specifying and developing agents/robots must handle not only knowledge and sensing actions, but also time and concurrency. Researchers have extended the situation calculus to handle knowledge and sensing actions. Other researchers have addressed the issue of adding time and concurrent actions. Here both of these features are combined into a united logical theory of knowledge, sensing, time, and concurrency. The result preserves the solution to the frame problem of previous work, maintains the distinction between indexical and objective knowledge of time, and is capable of representing the various ways in which concurrency interacts with time and knowledge. Furthermore, a method based on regression is developed for solving the projection problem for theories specified in this version of the situation calculus.
New families in the homotopy of the motivic sphere spectrum

In [1] Adams constructed a non-nilpotent map v 1 : Σ S/2 −→ S/2. Using iterates of this map one constructs infinite families of elements in the stable homotopy groups of spheres, the v1-periodic elements of order 2. In this paper we work motivically over C and construct a nonnilpotent self map w 1 : Σ S/η −→ S/η. We then construct some infinite families of elements in the homotopy of the motivic sphere spectrum, w1-periodic elements killed by η.
Tipping the Native-Exotic Balance: Succession in Restored Upland Prairies in Oregon's Willamette Valley

Restoration projects are usually assessed using short-term measures, leaving a dearth of detailed long-term successional data from restoration sites. This study examines the effects of microsite variation and restoration treatment on successional trajectories and three-to-eight-year restoration outcomes in upland prairies in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I sought first to determine whether different upland prairie restoration units show similar successional trajectories, second, to identify which exotic species have persistent effects on restoration outcomes, and finally, to determine how variation in restoration treatment, topography, and aspect affect restoration outcomes. Permanent plots in two replicate units showed very similar trends over five years, and similar outcomes to restoration units at a second upland site. Exotic annuals were short-lived and did not prevent establishment of the primary planted species, the native grass Festuca roemeri (Roemer’s fescue). Festuca roemeri established well mid-slope and in valleys but not on ridges. Where native forbs were seeded, forb abundance was higher in plots with less F. roemeri cover, suggesting that it is not cost-effective to seed forbs along with high rates of native grasses. However, seeding F. roemeri at high rates may be an effective strategy when forb seed is not available. A suite of exotic perennial forbs, including Hypochaeris radicata (false dandelion), contributed to diversity and provided nectar resources for pollinators without becoming dominant, while other exotic forbs such as Cirsium spp. (thistle) and Dipsacus fullonum (Fuller’s teasel) required active management.
Fine-Tuned Protein Production in Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A

Methanogenic archaea can be integrated into a sustainable, carbon-neutral cycle for producing organic chemicals from C1 compounds if the rate, yield, and titer of product synthesis can be improved using metabolic engineering. However, metabolic engineering techniques are limited in methanogens by insufficient methods for controlling cellular protein levels. We conducted a systematic approach to tune protein levels in Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A, a model methanogen, by regulating transcription and translation initiation. Rationally designed core promoter and ribosome binding site mutations in M. acetivorans C2A resulted in a predicable change in protein levels over a 60 fold range. The overall range of protein levels was increased an additional 3 fold by introducing the 5′ untranslated region of the mcrB transcript. This work demonstrates a wide range of precisely controlled protein levels in M. acetivorans C2A, which will help facilitate systematic metabolic engineering efforts in methanogens.
Lesbian and Gay Parents and the Dilemma of Difference

The debate between opponents and supporters of lesbian and gay parents is often centered around the meaning of the research literature that has studied lesbian and gay families. Opponents argue that the research shows that the preferences and behavior of children of lesbians and gay men are different in significant ways from those of children of heterosexuals. Supporters usually deny the existence of difference. Rather than continue back and forth with this debate, I assume in this paper that the opponents of parenting by lesbians and gay men are correct on one issue: that there are differences in the gender preferences and behavior of the children of lesbians and gay men. The purpose of this assumption is to proceed to explore the implications of difference for the equality claims of current and prospective lesbian and gay parents, including adoptive parents. I argue that not all differences in the preferences and behavior of children should be equated with harm, especially when those differences are associated with nonconformity with traditional gender roles and expectations. I also argue that our social norms relating to parental autonomy counsel against state interference in internal family matters in the absence of clear harm. The value of parental autonomy fosters a kind of pluralism and diversity in the preferences and behavior of children that should be encouraged and celebrated rather than feared. Finally, I argue that if a state were to try to prohibit lesbians and gay men from adopting on the basis of the differences in gender preferences and behaviors of their children, such a justification would fail to pass constitutional muster under the equal protection clause.
Toward the Synthesis of Solutions of Dynamic Games

Publisher Summary The advent of computers has allowed the building of experience through simulation of the competition and has opened the possibility of evaluating conflicts numerically. The latter possibility brings the logic of mathematics to bear on important events, which were intuitively evaluated. A branch of mathematics, called game theory, is concerned with finding solutions to mathematical models of conflict, competition, and cooperation. The approximate numerical methods are the most reasonable approach to use for real game situations. This chapter presents a conversion of the game situation to a mathematical programming problem, and demonstrates that even for simple situations, exact analytical solutions are difficult or impossible to obtain. The principle of optimality and the method of dual cones were brought together and extended such that it is possible to synthesize approximate numerical solutions to an important class of dynamic games. The dynamic games are viewed as a sequence of parametrized static games, each of which can be solved as a parametrized mathematical programming problem.
Natural Resistance Mechanisms in Herpesvirus Infections

Natural resistance mechanisms require no presensitization and are ready to immediately respond against an invading microorganism (1). Although other barriers may participate in such responses against herpesvirus infections, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, and the rapid production of interferon appear to play central roles in host defense. Since the role of macrophages will be covered elsewhere in this book by Soren Mogensen, this chapter will concentrate on the role of NK cells and interferon.
Variations in Citizenship Profiling by Generational Status: Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics of Latina/os Questioned by Law Enforcement About Their Legal Status

Although racial profiling is widely studied, the related issue of citizenship profiling by law enforcement has received little scholarly attention. In this study we begin to address citizenship profiling, which may be highly salient in light of the increasing policing of immigration in the United States through Secure Communities and other federal, state and local efforts to localize the enforcement of immigration laws. Using a sample of 563 Latina/o adults residing in 46 neighborhoods in El Paso County, Texas, USA, we assess the impacts of a variety of individual and neighborhood characteristics on the likelihood of being questioned about citizenship status by law enforcement. Results using hierarchical generalized linear models (HGLMs) show that, at the individual-level, first-generation Latina/o immigrants and second-Latina/os are more likely to be questioned about citizenship status than third- and later-generation Latina/os. At the neighborhood-level, living in a neighborhood with a mid-level of Latina/o immigrant characteristics increased the probability of being questioned. The implications of these findings for citizenship profiling are discussed.
A Multi-Level Test of Team Processes and Team Interventions on Performance and Informal Learning.

Team effectiveness can be measured by both team-level outcomes and their influences on individual members. We present a multi-level model of individual informal learning as influenced by team-level...
Pathways, mechanisms, and kinetics: a strategy to examine byproduct selectivity in partial oxidation catalytic transformations on reducible oxides

Oxidative transformations of organic molecules over reducible oxides provide essential routes for synthesis of high-value unsaturated or oxygen-containing organic compounds that serve as feedstock for synthesis of plastics and resins. Inherent in these transformations are thermodynamic and kinetic challenges associated with unselective and over-oxidation pathways. This review highlights experimental and data analysis techniques effective in elucidating sequential and parallel reaction pathways and mechanisms pervasive in catalytic partial oxidation over reducible oxides, (i) application of Wojciechowski's criteria to first-rank delplots, (ii) product co-feed experiments, (iii) isotopic labeling co-feed experiments, and (iv) probe molecule co-feed experiments. We illustrate that byproduct generation routes during partial oxidation of organic molecules over oxide catalysts exhibit commonalities in pathways that (i) preserve reactant C–C backbone structure, (ii) break C–C bonds, and (iii) form C–C bonds. Further, we show that kinetic modeling invoking either pseudo-first order rate expressions or reactions involving proposed surface intermediates enables quantitative description of consumption and production of byproduct species during catalytic partial oxidation reactions over reducible oxides.
104) The Aging Lumbosacral Spine and Development of Chronic Lower Back Pain

Chronic lower back pain continues to be a leading cause of disability, loss of work, and medical expenditures in the United States. As our baby-boom generation continues to age, medical healthcare will become increasingly tailored to providing care for the elderly. The World Health Organization speculates the geriatric population will reach two billion by 2050.1 This is a literature review describing the anatomic changes in the lumbosacral spine angle that occur with aging possibly contributing to chronic lower back pain. Using PubMed database, a literature review was performed particularly focusing on lumbosacral spine angle, aging, and chronic pain. Conclusions: During advanced age the lumbar spine shows continuous loss of the lumbar lordotic curvature.2 Sagittal spine alignment measured prospectively over 10 years in elderly patients showed a decrease in lumbar lordosis and sacral inclination angle that occurred progressively with aging.3 Additionally, significantly decreased lumbar lordosis angle, sacral tilt and lumbosacral disc angle occurred in elderly compared to non-geriatric patients with lower back pain.4 The loss of lumbar lordosis and sacral inclination in the aging spine is related to degeneration of the lumbar discs resulting in decreased disc height and asymmetric wedging3. Additionally, increased lumbar spine extension is thought to augment pressure on the posterior ligaments and lumbar facet joints.2 Using CT lumbar spine images advanced lumbar facet joint degeneration was associated with increase in sacral slope, L1-L5 lumbar lordosis angle and decrease in sacral table and L5 vertebra posterior angle.5 Addressing the significant role of lumbosacral alignment angle in the painful aging spine may lead to innovative treatment strategies in the future. (1. Drzal-Grabiec, BMC Geriatr, 2013; 2. Chun, Spine J, 2017; 3. Takeda, J Orthop Sci, 2009; 4. Kocyigit, Pak J Med Sci, 2018; 5. Sahin, Spine [Phila Pa 1976], 2015).
Consultation and Human Diversity: First Things First

The research and practice of consultation, by nature and definition, affect people from across the range of human diversity. The emergent literature of cross-cultural consultation, including the co...
A microsphere molecule: The interaction of two charged microspheres in a magneto-gravitational trap

Optomechanical systems composed of levitated particles in vacuum provide excellent conditions to test the predictions of both classical and quantum physics. While similar in approach, differing experimental setups used to achieve levitation and trapping provide unique parameter regimes for study. In this work, we show that the highly anisotropic and deep potential well provided by a magnetogravitational trap allows the creation of a micrometer-scale “molecule” consisting of two like-charged microspheres in a harmonic potential. We demonstrate the detection and manipulation (excitation and cooling) of two distinct modes of the microsphere molecule motion along the weakest trap axis.
Academic Motivation Theories Revisited: An Interactive Dialog between Motivation Scholars on Recent Contributions, Underexplored Issues, and Future Directions

Abstract In this article, I introduce the current special issue, which brings together leading scholars who either initiated or played subsequent central roles in the inception and development of five prominent theories of academic motivation: attribution theory, expectancy-value theory, social-cognitive theory, achievement goal theory, and self-determination theory. I begin by discussing the need for a special issue devoted to these theories and then summarize its overarching goals: (1) provide an outlet for leading theorists to update their work; (2) cast a spotlight on three underexplored and timely issues regarding motivation theory (diversity, methodology, and interventions); (3) have leading scholars discuss their recommendations for future directions; and (4) facilitate an interactive dialog between and among the theorists and three commentators who suggest alternative perspectives on the study of motivation. I conclude with an overview of the five theory articles and three commentaries included in this special issue.
Age-dependent stress response DNA demethylation and gene upregulation accompany nuclear and skeletal muscle remodeling following acute resistance-type exercise in rats

Efficacy of high-intensity resistance exercise becomes progressively compromised with aging. Previously, to investigate this, we developed a rodent model of high-intensity training consisting of stretch-shortening contractions (SSCs) and determined that following one month of training, young rats exhibit a robust stress response and 20% performance increase, whereas old rats display a muted stress response and 30% performance decrease. Whether these age-specific responses occur early in training and constitute primary factors in adaptation/maladaptation was not addressed. The aim of the present study was to characterize performance, remodeling, and stress response transcriptional profile 6-120 h following acute SSC exposure. For young rats, the stress response pathway was highly regulated (≥20 differentially expressed genes at each time point) and was accompanied by robust DNA demethylation, tissue remodeling, and isometric torque recovery. For old rats, a muted transcriptional profile (13 and 2 differentially expressed genes at 6 and 120 h, respectively) coincided with deficiencies in demethylation, muscle remodeling, and torque recovery. These findings occurred in the context of heightened chronic levels of stress response gene expression with aging. This demonstrates that age-related constitutive elevations in stress response gene expression was accompanied by diminished SSC-induced responsiveness in epigenomic regulation and tissue remodeling.
Investment, depreciation and obsolescence of R&D

Abstract Time-varying depreciation rates are estimated for research and development of the United States aggregate economy and innovation-intensive industries. Mean annual R&D depreciation rates are 31.5% for software, 41% for pharmaceuticals, 42% for semiconductors, and 30.4% for aggregate economy during 1978–2014. R&D depreciation rates vary across industries. R&D investment demand has separate elasticities in time-varying depreciation, interest rate and price growth, allowing for different rates of technology shifts across industries. Software R&D investment has the same magnitude of elasticities to depreciation, interest rate and price, supporting a user cost to apply. For pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, depreciation leads to more R&D investment that implies the effect of scale. For aggregate economy, depreciation reduces R&D investment more than interest rate, indicating obsolescence. Forecasting of R&D investment is improved at both industry and aggregate level. Forecastable time-varying depreciation, interest rate and price growth predict R&D investment based on the estimated demand function. The in-sample forecast comparison for 2015–2019 confirms the superiority to the alternative methods. Out-of-sample forecasts of R&D investment are carried out through 2025, and R&D capital stocks are constructed across industries and aggregate U.S. economy.
A Model of Market Discipline

We develop an equilibrium model where cash holdings, costly refinancing policies, and managerial incentives are jointly determined to quantify the market's influence on management's ex ante behavior. We also derive a general formula that shows how agency and financing distortions shape payouts and compensation, two easily measured quantities. Our calibrated model estimates agency conflicts are nearly 10 times more severe than financial frictions for US public firms. Our analysis suggests that cutting corporate income taxes while introducing a tax on refinancing can reduce the relative severity of agency.
Duodenal mucosal secretory disturbances in functional dyspepsia

BACKGROUND There is increased recognition of duodenal disturbances (inflammation, altered mucosal protein expression, and chemosensitivity) in functional dyspepsia (FD). Besides sensorimotor functions, enteric submucosal neurons also regulate epithelial ion transport. We hypothesized that duodenal mucosal ion transport and expression of associated genes are altered in FD. METHODS Duodenal mucosal ion transport (basal and acetylcholine- and glucose-evoked changes in short-circuit current [Isc]) and expression of associated genes and regulatory miRNAs were evaluated in 40 FD patients and 24 healthy controls. RESULTS Basal Isc (FD: 88.2 [52.6] μA/cm2 vs healthy: 20.3 [50.2] μA/cm2 ; P ≤ .0001), acetylcholine-evoked Isc (FD: Emax 50.4 [35.8] μA/cm2 vs healthy: 16.6 [15] μA/cm2 ; P ≤ .001), and glucose-evoked Isc responses (FD: Emax 69.8 [42.1] μA/cm2 vs healthy: 40.3 [24.6] μA/cm2 ; P = .02) were greater in FD than in controls. The Emax for glucose was greater in FD patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In FD, the mRNA expression of SLC4A7 and SLC4A4, which transport bicarbonate into cells at the basolateral surface, and the apical anion exchanger SLC26A3 were reduced (false discovery rate <0.05), the serotonin receptor HTR4 was increased, and the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 was decreased. Selected miRNAs (hsa-miR-590-3p, hsa-miR-32-5p) that target genes associated with ionic transport were upregulated in FD. CONCLUSIONS Compared to controls, FD patients had greater baseline and agonist-evoked duodenal mucosal secretory responses. These findings may be explained by reduced gene expression, which would be anticipated to reduce luminal bicarbonate secretion. The upregulated miRNAs may partly explain the downregulation of these genes in FD.
Eruv and Establishment

An examination of how the Orthodox Jewish practice known as an "eruv", based in Jewish religious law, can help illustrate the tension between the Establishment and Free Exercise clauses of the First Amendment
Can Blockchain Revolutionize Tax Administration

Experts predict that the use of smart contracts and other applications of blockchain technology can potentially revolutionize the manner in which we do business. Blockchain promises the elimination of middlemen, as well as trust, transparency, and improved access to shared information and records. Thus, it is no surprise that companies and entrepreneurs are now developing blockchain solutions for an array of markets, ranging from real estate to health care. But, can this new technology revolutionize tax administration? Our current tax administration system suffers from a large tax gap, high compliance and administrative costs, and many inefficiencies. Blockchain’s core attributes may present a solution to these shortcomings. This Article is the first to consider the technology’s potential role in revolutionizing tax administration and the challenges that must be overcome before incorporating blockchain technology into the tax space. The Article demonstrates that implementing a blockchain-based platform for tax administration would present significant opportunities to digitalize and automate certain tax processes, minimize government information constraints, increase the transparency and trustworthiness of tax-related transactions, and reduce costs, data redundancies, and other inefficiencies involved in the tax administration process. The Article concludes, however, that many blockchain tax initiatives are merely aspirational at this point. Governments need to overcome significant challenges and limitations in order to meaningfully take advantage of blockchain technology. It, therefore, sets forth normative steps for policymakers to take in supporting the development of blockchain technology and helping it to realize its full potential in the tax space. By doing so, the Article aims to promote a proactive approach to exploring and understanding the technology’s benefits, limitations and implications, and thereby to place the government in the best position to harness the advantages of blockchain technology and modernize our system of tax administration.
Examining the Effects of Social Determinants of Health on COVID-19 Related Stress, Family's Stress and Discord, and Personal Diagnosis of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a significant threat to people's mental health and social well-being. The research examined the effects of social determinants of health on COVID-19 related stress, family's stress and discord, and personal diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS: In November 2020, the data collection was conducted from 97 counties in North Carolina (Nâ¯=â¯1500). Adult residents in North Carolina completed an online COVID-19 impact survey conducted using quota-based sampling on race, income, and county to provide a rapid quasi-representative assessment of COVID impact. The study investigated the variables in a structural model through structural equation modeling. For data analysis, IBM SPSS and AMOS were deployed. RESULTS: Social determinants of health had direct effects on COVID-19 related stress (sâ¯=â¯.66, p < .001, r2â¯=â¯.43), family's stress and discord (sâ¯=â¯.73, p < .001, r2â¯=â¯.53), and personal diagnosis of COVID-19 (sâ¯=â¯.52, p < .001, r2â¯=â¯.27). These findings indicate that underserved populations experienced higher stress and discord at both individual and family levels and more severe COVID-19 symptoms. Moreover, black participants, whose family income and food access declined significantly more, had worse stress, discord, and COVID-19 symptoms than white participants. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that the government and health professionals enhance mental health and family support service accessibility for underprivileged populations through telehealth and community health programs to prevent associated social and health issues such as suicide, violence, and cancer.
A Measure of Partisan Advantage in Redistricting

I propose a new measure of partisan advantage in redistricting. This measure compares the observed seat outcome in each state to a seat benchmark based on the state's jurisdictional map. The jurisd...
Home Hospital for Orthopaedic Surgery: Opportunities and Challenges of a New Delivery Model.

ABSTRACT Home Hospital (HH) is a clinical service involving the delivery of acute inpatient care in the home setting. Acute care services provided via HH include continuous telemonitoring, intravenous fluids and medications, nursing care, point-of-care imaging and laboratory tests, and in-person and virtual clinician visits. Despite offering an inpatient level of care, HH has lower fixed costs and less overhead than conventional hospital settings and offers rapid scalability. Originally implemented for acute medical conditions, HH has proven to be a safe and value-based care-delivery model for a variety of medical conditions, ranging from heart failure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. For surgical conditions, HH represents an opportunity to reduce adverse hospital-acquired conditions, improve patient and caregiver satisfaction, and decrease cost. The patient profile of orthopaedic surgery inpatients matches that of patients who are most likely to benefit from HH-namely, those who are prone to functional decline, delirium, and nosocomial infections. A focus on surgeon leadership, quality and safety, and digital health with collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) will ensure that the potential of HH is realized as implementation and widespread rollout proceed.
MACROPARTICLE TRAFFIC SIMULATION MODEL TO INVESTIGATE PEAK-PERIOD COMMUTER DECISION DYNAMICS.

A special-purpose, macroscopic highway corridor traffic simulation model is presented. The model views traffic as discrete vehicle bunches or macroparticles that are moved according to local speeds defined by local concentrations, resulting in high computational efficiency. The model allows the investigation of commuter decision dynamics and their interrelation with timedependent congestion patterns. Two applications of the model are described illustrating its use (a) in conjunction with behavioral rules by which commuters respond to experienced congestion and (b) as part of an interactive experiment involving decision making by real commuters.
An integrated roadway controller and its evaluation by microscopic simulator VISSIM

A roadway control system that integrates variable speed limits and ramp metering is designed to relieve congestion, suppress shock waves and improve safety on a freeway stretch. The speed control design is only based on the fundamental flow density relationship and can be easily implemented in real-time applications. In order to closely evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the controller on a real transportation network, a microscopic traffic simulation model is implemented, which can capture a greater level of details of the network. This model is constructed based on the Berkeley Highway Laboratory (BHL) and is validated with field data. Simulations of different congestion scenarios show that the designed roadway control system reduces congestion and improves freeway efficiency.
Looking Beneath the Surface

Global climate change is expected to have ecological consequences. Field studies attempting to simulate these effects often do not investigate multiple environmental factors and may therefore miss some important feedbacks. In his Perspective, Morgan highlights the multiple-factor, 3-year field study reported by Shawet al., who find that increasing COmay inhibit plant growth. Morgan discusses possible explanations for this counterintuitive result, but cautions that short-term, transient responses may not reflect the long-term ecological response.
Cytological diagnosis of metastatic glioblastoma in the pleural effusion of a lung transplant patient.

The extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma is a rare event. We report the case of a patient who developed metastatic glioblastoma in pleural effusion 15 months after lung transplant, with emphasis on differential diagnosis based on cytological material. In our case, tumor cells had pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and fine vesicular chromatin. Some were arranged in a poorly formed pseudo-glandular architecture, mimicking a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The cytological diagnosis of metastatic glioblastoma is difficult and depends critically on clinical history and suspicion, particularly in the transplant setting. Review of the literature indicates that transmission/metastasis of intracranial malignancy occurs rarely following organ transplantation, with some debate on the suitability for transplant of organs from affected donors. Although the situation is uncommon, this report of the cytological findings of extracranial glioblastoma may extend our current knowledge and provide additional differential diagnostic information for this entity. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:619–623. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.