cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Free Energy Landscape of Cellulose as a Driving Factor in the Mobility of Adsorbed Water.

The diffusion coefficient of water adsorbed in hydrophilic porous materials, such as noncrystalline cellulose, depends on water activity. Faster diffusion at higher water concentrations is observed in experimental and modeling studies. In this paper, two asymptotic water concentrations, near-vacuum and fully saturated, are investigated at the surface of crystalline cellulose with molecular dynamics simulations. An increasing water concentration leads to significant changes in the free energy landscape due to perturbation of local electrostatic potential. Smoothening of strong energy minima, corresponding to sorption sites, and formation of layered structure facilitates water transport in the vicinity of cellulose. The determined transition probabilities and hydrogen bond stability reflect the changes in the energy landscape. As a result of a concentration increase, the emerging basins of attraction and spreading out of those existing in the diluted state lead to an increase in water entropy. Thermal fluct...
The design of a legal analysis program

The analysis of legal problems is a relatively new domain for AI. This paper outlines a model of legal reasoning, giving special attention to the unique characteristics of the domain, and describes a program based on the model. Major features include (1) distinguishing between questions the program has enough information to resolve and questions that competent lawyers could argue either way; (2) using incompletely defined ("open-textured") technical concepts; (3) combining the use of knowledge expressed as rules and knowledge expressed as examples; and (4) combining the use of professional knowledge and commonsense knowledge, All these features may prove important in other domains besides law, but previous Al research has left them largely unexplored.
Efficient Hierarchical Performance Modeling for Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuits via Bayesian Co-Learning

With the continuous drive toward integrated circuits scaling, efficient performance modeling is becoming more crucial yet more challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel method of hierarchical performance modeling based on Bayesian co-learning. We exploit the hierarchical structure of a circuit to establish a Bayesian framework where unlabeled data samples are generated to improve modeling accuracy without running additional simulation. Consequently, our proposed method only requires a small number of labeled samples, along with a large number of unlabeled samples obtained at almost no-cost, to accurately learn a performance model. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves up to ${3.6 \times }$ runtime speed-up over the state-of-the-art modeling technique without surrendering any accuracy.
Peri-operative Management of the Orthognathic Surgery Patient

Orthognathic surgery exists as one of the cornerstones for correcting dentofacial deformities. While these surgical procedures are reliable and safe, proper preoperative evaluation is essential for optimal patient outcomes. Surgical planning and data collection have evolved to provide more optimal patient care with the adoption of virtual surgical planning. Proper patient management requires intense attention to detail during preoperative evaluation and planning, as well as an in-depth understanding of anatomy and physiology both intraoperatively and postoperatively in order to prevent any potential complications.
A B-ARR-mediated cytokinin transcriptional network directs hormone cross-regulation and shoot development

Cytokinin fulfills its diverse roles in planta through a series of transcriptional responses. We identify the in vivo DNA binding site profiles for three genetically redundant type-B ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS (B-ARRs): ARR1, ARR10, and ARR12. The expression and genome-wide DNA binding locations of the three B-ARRs extensively overlap. Constructing a primary cytokinin response transcriptional network reveals a recurring theme of widespread cross-regulation between the components of the cytokinin pathway and other plant hormone pathways. The B-ARRs are found to have similar DNA binding motifs, though sequences flanking the core motif were degenerate. Cytokinin treatments amalgamate the three different B-ARRs motifs to identical DNA binding signatures (AGATHY, H(a/t/c), Y(t/c)) which suggests cytokinin may regulate binding activity of B-ARR family members. Furthermore, we find that WUSCHEL, a key gene required for apical meristem maintenance, is a cytokinin-dependent B-ARR target gene, demonstrating the importance of the cytokinin transcription factor network in shoot development.
Availability of Investigational Medicines Through the US Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access and Compassionate Use Programs

Importance The Right to Try Act of 2017 allows patients with life-threatening conditions to access investigational medicines outside clinical trials without oversight from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A better understanding of existing expanded access programs can inform the consideration and implementation of both the federal Right to Try Act and state right-to-try laws. Objective To determine the timing and duration of expanded access programs for investigational medicines initiated prior to FDA approval. Design and Setting This cross-sectional study examined expanded access and compassionate use programs registered through August 1, 2017, identified from ClinicalTrials.gov and publicly available FDA documents. Main Outcomes and Measures Start date of each program and 3 key regulatory dates (investigational new drug application activation, initial new drug application submission, and FDA approval), and timing and duration of expanded access availability in relation to new drug application submission and FDA approval. Results Through ClinicalTrials.gov, 92 FDA-approved drugs and biologics with associated expanded access programs initiated prior to FDA approval were identified. These programs were initiated between September 1996 and June 2017 for medicines that were most commonly used to treat cancer (n = 46 [50.0%]); metabolic, endocrine, and genetic diseases (n = 16 [17.4%]); and infectious diseases (n = 14 [15.2%]). The median (interquartile range) premarket expanded access availability was 10.0 (6.0-19.5) months, constituting a median (interquartile range) of 14% (7%-25%) of the premarket clinical development period (investigational new drug application activation to FDA approval). Of 92 expanded access programs, 64 (69.6%) were initiated just before or after new drug application submission: 24 (26.1%) were initiated during the 6-month period before, and 40 (43.5%) in the 6 months after. Conclusions and Relevance Over the past 2 decades, expanded access programs have provided access to investigational medicines for which evidence of safety and effectiveness was established. For medicines that ultimately receive FDA approval, these findings suggest that the FDA and pharmaceutical industry have established a balance between investigational new drug access and protection of patients from therapies without established safety. This balance may be compromised by policy makers seeking to speed access to investigational medicines through the Right to Try Act.
Collective Narcissism: Americans Exaggerate the Role of Their Home State in Appraising U.S. History.

Collective narcissism—a phenomenon in which individuals show excessively high regard for their own group—is ubiquitous in studies of small groups. We examined how Americans from the 50 U.S. states (N = 2,898) remembered U.S. history by asking them, “In terms of percentage, what do you think was your home state’s contribution to the history of the United States?” The mean state estimates ranged from 9% (Iowa) to 41% (Virginia), with the total contribution for all states equaling 907%, indicating strong collective narcissism. In comparison, ratings provided by nonresidents for states were much lower (but still high). Surprisingly, asking people questions about U.S. history before they made their judgment did not lower estimates. We argue that this ethnocentric bias is due to ego protection, selective memory retrieval processes involving the availability heuristic, and poor statistical reasoning. This study shows that biases that influence individual remembering also influence collective remembering.
Non-adiabatic quantum reactive scattering calculations for the ultracold hydrogen exchange reaction: H + H2(v=4-8,j=0) → H + H2(v′,j′)

Abstract A non-adiabatic quantum dynamics methodology based on a time-independent coupled-channel approach is applied to the fully symmetric H + H2( v = 4 - 8 , j = 0 ) → H + H2( v ′ , j ′ ) reaction for the first time. A two-state diabatic representation is used which includes the effects of the geometric phase (GP) and other non-adiabatic couplings. Ultracold rate coefficients are reported as a function of collision energy between 1 μ K and 100 K . A second set of adiabatic calculations are also performed both with and without the GP. The results for v > 4 are reported here for the first time and a new experimentally detectable signature of the GP is discovered associated with the dramatic appearance of an l = 1 shape resonance near 1 K in the total rate coefficient for v = 6 which is absent for v = 4 and 5.
A Historical Perspective of Mechanical Ventilation

The fascinating history of mechanical ventilation reveals many approaches to support failing respiration. New technologies continue to evolve. Understanding the intricacies of the patient-machine interface and the use, abuse, and mystique of certain methods of mechanical ventilation such as positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) are considered in this article. The future promises exciting new approaches in mechanical ventilation.
Expression of Genes Involved in Stress, Toxicity, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity in Relation to Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Human Blood: A Pilot Study.

There is growing evidence of immunotoxicity related to exposure to toxic trace metals, and an examination of gene expression patterns in peripheral blood samples may provide insights into the potential development of these outcomes. This pilot study aimed to correlate the blood levels of three heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, and lead) with differences in gene expression in 24 participants from the Long Island Study of Seafood Consumption. We measured the peripheral blood mRNA expression of 98 genes that are implicated in stress, toxicity, inflammation, and autoimmunity. We fit multiple linear regression models with multiple testing correction to correlate exposure biomarkers with mRNA abundance. The mean blood Hg in this cohort was 16.1 µg/L, which was nearly three times the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference dose (5.8 µg/L). The levels of the other metals were consistent with those in the general population: the mean Pb was 26.8 µg/L, and the mean Cd was 0.43 µg/L. The expression of three genes was associated with mercury, four were associated with cadmium, and five were associated with lead, although none were significant after multiple testing correction. Little evidence was found to associate metal exposure with mRNA abundance for the tested genes that were associated with stress, toxicity, inflammation, or autoimmunity. Future work should provide a more complete picture of physiological reactions to heavy metal exposure.
Shortening-induced tension enhancement: implication for length-tension relations.

Length-tension relations come in two types—the classical type with linearly descending limb, and the “flat,” higher type. The classical type, now confirmed in several laboratories, is obtained when sarcomeres are servo-controlled to maintain constant length. The flat type, also confirmed in several laboratories, is obtained in fixed-end contractions, where some sarcomeres have the opportunity to shorten at least slightly. We find that the higher tensions seen in the flat type are indeed the result of very small shortening: when isometric sarcomeres shorten to a slightly shorter (e.g., by 40 nm) length, they go on to produce considerably more isometric tension than if they had remained at the shorter length throughout contraction. We term this phenomenon “shortening-induced tension enhancement.” The phenomenon accounts not only for the higher, flatter length-tension relation seen in fixed-end contractions but can explain the creep of tension that occurs in extended tetani. Thus, several issues concerning the interpretation of length-tension relations are resolved by this newly discovered phenomenon.
Second-Harmonic Power Generation Limits in Harmonic Oscillators

Based on piecewise linear modeling of field-effect transistors, harmonic translations are deployed to analyze the fundamental limits for a maximum second-harmonic power generation for any given field-effect transistor. Optimum waveforms at the gate–source and drain–source terminals, which yield high second-harmonic power generation by the given transistor, are derived. Two oscillators are implemented in a TSMC 65-nm CMOS process. Transistors in these oscillators have optimum voltage waveforms at their terminals. Thus, they deliver a state-of-the-art second-harmonic output power while operating at relatively higher frequencies than related arts. One of the proposed oscillators has the maximum output power of 4.9 dBm and a peak dc-to-RF efficiency of 3% at 300 GHz. Each of the implemented oscillators occupies 0.16 mm2 of the chip area.
Linkage and association analysis of dihydrochalcones phloridzin, sieboldin, and trilobatin in Malus

Dihydrochalcones (DHCs) are a distinctive characteristic of Malus species, with phloridzin as the major DHC in most Malus species, including cultivated apple. DHCs in apple have unique chemical properties with commercial and nutritional value and may yield important insights into the evolution and physiology of apple. A few species produce sieboldin and trilobatin instead of phloridzin, and interspecific hybridization produce offspring with combinations of phloridzin, sieboldin, and trilobatin. Using Malus prunifolia PI 89816 as a common male parent, five F1 populations were developed to understand the genetic basis of these DHCs in Malus. We measured DHC content in each population and observed segregation into five distinct DHC profiles, which fit a model for three independently segregating loci. QTL associated with DHC content were identified on linkage groups 7 and 8 of the Malus genome using linkage analysis with a cross of NY-152 by M. prunifolia PI 589816 and association mapping with a Malus germplasm collection. In addition to DHC segregation, we observed variation in the relative proportions of phloridzin, sieboldin, and trilobatin. The QTL identified represent a critical step in understanding the genetic controllers of DHC content in Malus.
A GMCSF-Neuroantigen Tolerogenic Vaccine Elicits Systemic Lymphocytosis of CD4+ CD25high FOXP3+ Regulatory T Cells in Myelin-Specific TCR Transgenic Mice Contingent Upon Low-Efficiency T Cell Antigen Receptor Recognition.

Previous studies showed that single-chain fusion proteins comprised of GM-CSF and major encephalitogenic peptides of myelin, when injected subcutaneously in saline, were potent tolerogenic vaccines that suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rats and mice. These tolerogenic vaccines exhibited dominant suppressive activity in inflammatory environments even when emulsified in Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). The current study provides evidence that the mechanism of tolerance was dependent upon vaccine-induced regulatory CD25+ T cells (Tregs), because treatment of mice with the Treg-depleting anti-CD25 mAb PC61 reversed tolerance. To assess tolerogenic mechanisms, we focused on 2D2-FIG mice, which have a transgenic T cell repertoire that recognizes myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide MOG35-55 as a low-affinity ligand and the neurofilament medium peptide NFM13-37 as a high-affinity ligand. Notably, a single subcutaneous vaccination of GMCSF-MOG in saline elicited a major population of FOXP3+ Tregs that appeared within 3 days, was sustained over several weeks, expressed canonical Treg markers, and was present systemically at high frequencies in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes. Subcutaneous and intravenous injections of GMCSF-MOG were equally effective for induction of FOXP3+ Tregs. Repeated booster vaccinations with GMCSF-MOG elicited FOXP3 expression in over 40% of all circulating T cells. Covalent linkage of GM-CSF with MOG35-55 was required for Treg induction whereas vaccination with GM-CSF and MOG35-55 as separate molecules lacked Treg-inductive activity. GMCSF-MOG elicited high levels of Tregs even when administered in immunogenic adjuvants such as CFA or Alum. Conversely, incorporation of GM-CSF and MOG35-55 as separate molecules in CFA did not support Treg induction. The ability of the vaccine to induce Tregs was dependent upon the efficiency of T cell antigen recognition, because vaccination of 2D2-FIG or OTII-FIG mice with the high-affinity ligands GMCSF-NFM or GMCSF-OVA (Ovalbumin323-339), respectively, did not elicit Tregs. Comparison of 2D2-FIG and 2D2-FIG-Rag1 -/- strains revealed that GMCSF-MOG may predominantly drive Treg expansion because the kinetics of vaccine-induced Treg emergence was a function of pre-existing Treg levels. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the antigenic domain of the GMCSF-NAg tolerogenic vaccine is critical in setting the balance between regulatory and conventional T cell responses in both quiescent and inflammatory environments.
Reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries

Hospital-acquired pressure injury is a common preventable condition. Our hospital is a 144-bed governmental hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that was found to have a 7.5% prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injury in 2016. The aim of the improvement project was to reduce the prevalence of pressure injuries in our hospital from 7.5% to below 4% by the end of 2017. Our strategy for improvement was based on the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement. The change strategy was based on implementing an evidence-based risk assessment tool and a bundled evidence-based pressure injury prevention (PIP) intervention termed PIP bundle. After implementing the change package, we observed a reduction in the prevalence of pressure injuries by 84% (RR 0.16;95% CI 0.07 to 0.3; p value <0.0001) over a period of 12 weeks, in addition to an improvement in the compliance of pressure injury risk assessment and PIP interventions. The use of an evidenced-based bundled approach to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries has resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of pressure injuries. Improvement results were sustainable. In addition, our outcome measure exhibited minimal variability.
Effects of Assistive Robot Behavior on Impressions of Patient Psychological Attributes: Vignette-Based Human-Robot Interaction Study.

Background: As robots are increasingly designed for health management applications, it is critical to not only consider the effects robots will have on patients but also consider a patient’s wider social network, including the patient’s caregivers and health care providers, among others. Objective: In this paper we investigated how people evaluate robots that provide care and how they form impressions of the patient the robot cares for, based on how the robot represents the patient. Methods: We have used a vignette-based study, showing participants hypothetical scenarios describing behaviors of assistive robots (patient-centered or task-centered) and measured their influence on people’s evaluations of the robot itself (emotional intelligence [EI], trustworthiness, and acceptability) as well as people’s perceptions of the patient for whom the robot provides care. Results: We found that for scenarios describing a robot that acts in a patient-centered manner, the robot will not only be perceived as having higher EI (P=.003) but will also cause people to form more positive impressions of the patient that the robot cares for (P<.001). We replicated and expanded these results to other domains such as dieting, learning, and job training. Conclusions: These results imply that robots could be used to enhance human-human relationships in the health care context and beyond.
Comparative methods for measurement of VOT

Measures of voice onset time (VOT) were compared for CV utterances embedded in a carrier phrase for two distinct methods of measurement. The two comparative methods included: (1) oscillographic traces, consisting of simultaneous recordings of intraoral air pressure (PIO) and the voicing signal; and (2) computer generated spectral displays (MacSpeech Lab II), which included two measurement variations of the waveform (spectrum) display. The phrases were spoken by a group of 12 young adult females who exhibited normal speech and hearing. The two methods yielded comparable measures of VOT for the phonemes /p/, /b/, /t/ and /d/. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.
A Way Forward: The Future of Cancer Health Disparities Research in Latinos

The conference Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos brought together researchers, scientists, physicians, health care professionals, patient advocates, and students from across the nation and beyond, engaging them in open dialogue. The intent was to move beyond documented health disparities in Latinos to set a new agenda for future initiatives that specifically address cancer health disparities and improve outcomes in Latino communities. Toward that end, conference participants made recommendations for future research that will advance the science of cancer in Latinos and eventually lead to lives saved.
Adsorption of several acid dyes from aqueous solution using activated carbon derived from teak sawdust: effect of surface acidity

The adsorption of acid blue 9, acid blue 7 4 and acid orange 51 from aqueous solution using activated carbon derived from teak sawdust was studied in terms of dye molecular size, pore size and surface acidity of activated carbon. The experimental adsorption data were correlated with Langmuir equation. It was found that Langmuir equation could describe the adsorption data well with R 2 higher than 0.95. The surface acidity of activated carbon plays a key role in dye adsorption on modified activated carbon. The interaction between the oxygen-free Lewis basic sites and the free electrons of the dye molecule were the main adsorption mechanism in the adsorption process on modified activated carbon. The adsorption capacities of activated carbon on the adsorption of acid dyes decreased in the order unmodified > modified at 100 o C > modified at 150 o C. Keywords: Activated Carbon, Adsorption, Pore Size, Surface Acidity Abstrak Adsorpsi zat warna acid blue 9, acid blue 74, dan orange 51 dari larutan dengan menggunakan karbon aktif yang terbuat dari serbuk gergaji kayu jati dipelajari sebagai fungsi ukuran molekul zat warna, ukuran pori, dan sifat asampermukaan karbon aktif. Data percobaan adsorpsi kemudian dikorelasikan dengan menggunakan persamaan Langmuir. Dari hasil percobaan yang diperoleh dapat dilihat bahwa persamaan Langmuir dapat menggambarkan data adsorpsi isotermal dengan baik dengan Ro lebih besar dari 0,95. Sifat asam permukaan memegang peranan yang sangat penting pada proses adsorpsi zat warna pada proses adsorpsi zat warna pada karbon aktif yang telah dimodifikasi. Interaksi antara bagian oxygen-free Lewis yang bersifat basa dan elektron-elektron bebas dari molekul zat warna merupakan mekanisme adsorpsi utama pada proses adsorpsi dengan menggunakan karbon aktif yang telah dimodifikasi. Kemampuan adsorpsi karbon aktif terhadap zat warna yang bersifat asam menurun dengan tingkatan karbon aktif tidak dimodifikasi > modifikasi 100 oC > modifikasi pada 100 oC > modifikasi pada 150 oC. Kata kunci: Adsorpsi, karbon aktif, sifat asam permukaan, ukuran pori
Enhanced Wound Healing- and Inflammasome-Associated Gene Expression in TNFAIP3-Interacting Protein 1- (TNIP1-) Deficient HaCaT Keratinocytes Parallels Reduced Reepithelialization

TNIP1 protein is a widely expressed, cytoplasmic inhibitor of inflammatory signaling initiated by membrane receptors such as TLRs which recognize pathogen-associated and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs). Keratinocyte TNIP1 deficiency sensitizes cells to PAMPs and DAMPs promoting hyperresponsive expression and secretion of cytokine markers (e.g., IL-8 and IL-6) relevant to cases of chronic inflammation, like psoriasis, where TNIP1 deficiency has been reported. Here, we examined the impact of TNIP1 deficiency on gene expression and cellular responses (migration and viability) relevant to acute inflammation as typically occurs in wound healing. Using siRNA-mediated TNIP1 expression knockdown in cultured HaCaT keratinocytes, we investigated TNIP1 deficiency effects on signaling downstream of TLR3 agonism with low-concentration poly (I:C), a representative PAMP/DAMP. The combination of TNIP1 knockdown and PAMP/DAMP signaling disrupted expression of specific keratinocyte differentiation markers (e.g., transglutaminase 1 and involucrin). These same conditions promoted synergistically increased expression of wound-associated markers (e.g., S100A8, TGFβ, and CCN2) suggesting potential benefit of increased inflammatory response from reduced TNIP1 protein. Unexpectedly, poly (I:C) challenge of TNIP1-deficient cells restricted reepithelialization and reduced cell viability. In these cells, there was not only increased expression for genes associated with inflammasome assembly (e.g., ASC, procaspase 1) but also for A20, a TNIP1 partner protein that represses cell-death signaling. Despite this possibly compensatory increase in A20 mRNA, there was a decrease in phospho-A20 protein, the form necessary for quenching inflammation. Hyperresponsiveness to poly (I:C) in TNIP1-deficient keratinocytes was in part mediated through p38 and JNK pathways. Taken together, we conclude that TNIP1 deficiency promotes enhanced expression of factors associated with promoting wound healing. However, the coupled, increased potential priming of the inflammasome and reduced compensatory activity of A20 has a net negative effect on overall cell recovery potential manifested by poor reepithelialization and viability. These findings suggest a previously unrecognized role for TNIP1 protein in limiting inflammation during successful progression through early wound healing stages.
ArticleReviews and comments on alcohol research

This section of the journal is designed to provide readers with reviews of recent literature, and to stimulate research on questions that are important in the treatment and prevention of alcohol addiction. Research can provide insight into the causes of alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as answers to questions concerning the biomedical and psychological consequences of alcohol consumption. The ideas and critique expressed in this department are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, editorial board, or publisher of Alcohol. Reference to the original articles is recommended before quoting any of this material in scientific publications.
Electrostatic driven transport enhances penetration of positively charged peptide surfaces through tumor extracellular matrix.

Abstract Drug carriers achieve poor and heterogeneous distribution within solid tumors due to limited transport through the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM). The tumor ECM forms a net negatively charged network that interacts with and hinders the transport of molecules in part due to electrostatic interactions. Traditionally, the surfaces of drug delivery systems are passivated to minimize these interactions, but the mechanism of how charge interactions impact transport and penetration within the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not well understood. Here, we used T7 bacteriophage as a model biological nanoparticle to display peptides of different charges on its surface and elucidate how charge-based binding drives transport, uptake, and retention within tumor tissue. In contrast to current studies with neutrally charged surfaces, we discovered that a positively charged peptide displayed on T7 enhanced its penetration through a tumor-like ECM when compared to neutrally and negatively charged peptides. The positively charged peptide displayed on T7 facilitated weak and reversible binding with the TME to achieve Donnan partitioning and deep penetration into ex vivo tumor tissue. Additionally, the positively charged peptide-presenting T7 has a high number of intra-tissue binding sites in the TME (~4 µM) that enables almost 100% retention in the tumor tissue for up to 24 h. These results, coupled with transport studies of systematically mutated T7, show that electrostatic interactions can be responsible for uptake and retention of the positively charged peptide-presenting T7 within the net negatively charged TME. Statement of significance The TME selectively hinders the transport of drugs and drug delivery systems due to their size, shape, and intermolecular interactions. Typically, the focus in drug delivery has been to develop delivery systems smaller than the pore size of the tumor ECM and/or develop inert surface coatings that have negligible interactions with the tumor ECM for diffusive transport. While there is an association of the surface charge of carriers with their transport through the tumor ECM, the mechanism of charge-driven transport is poorly understood. In this work, we elucidate the mechanism and find that interestingly, particles with a weakly positive surface charge interact with the net negatively charged tumor ECM to significantly improve their uptake, penetration, and retention in tumor tissue.
Learning is inhibited by heat exposure, both internationally and within the United States

Human capital generally, and cognitive skills specifically, play a crucial role in determining economic mobility and macroeconomic growth. While elevated temperatures have been shown to impair short-run cognitive performance, much less is known about whether heat exposure affects the rate of skill formation. We combine standardized achievement data for 58 countries and 12,000 US school districts with detailed weather and academic calendar information to show that the rate of learning decreases with an increase in the number of hot school days. These results provide evidence that climatic differences may contribute to differences in educational achievement both across countries and within countries by socioeconomic status and that may have important implications for the magnitude and functional form of climate damages in coupled human-natural systems.
Smoking Doubles the Mortality Risk in COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis of Recent Reports and Potential Mechanisms

Introduction Studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effect of smoking on outcome in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but the results have been conflicting. In this meta-analysis, we systematically examined the association between smoking and mortality in COVID-19. Methods PubMed database was searched to look for relevant articles. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) cohort studies or case series studies; (2) study population included individuals with a confirmed COVID-19 infection; (3) the status of smoking was reported, regardless if it was current or in the past; and (4) mortality among smokers was reported in the study or could be calculated and compared to non-smokers. Mortality rates were pooled using a random effects model. Risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated using the same model. Another meta-analysis was then performed to assess the difference in mortality between current and former smokers. Results Ten studies with a total of 11,189 patients were included. Mortality among smokers was 29.4% compared to 17.0% among non-smokers. RR was 2.07 (95% CI: 1.59, 2.69). Based on analysis of four studies (532 patients), there was no difference in mortality risk between current and former smokers (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.75, 1.40). Conclusions Smoking, current or past, is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients. Mortality among current smokers was about 50% greater than former smokers, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Variationally derived interface stabilization for discrete multiphase flows and relation with the ghost-penalty method

Abstract This paper presents an interface stabilized method for moving and deforming interface problems in immiscible, discrete, multi-phase flows. The evolution of the interface is represented in the momentum balance equations written in an Eulerian frame via the dependence of the local value of density and viscosity of the fluids on the spatial location of the interphase boundary. The motion of the interface is tracked via a hyperbolic equation that is driven by the velocity field furnished by the Navier–Stokes equations. Zero contour of the level set field marks the boundary which is permitted to traverse through the elements. The jump in viscosity and density of the fluids across the arbitrarily deforming phase boundaries can trigger numerical instabilities in the solution. A main contribution in this work is the mathematical analysis of interface stabilization terms that appear naturally when the Variational Multiscale (VMS) method is applied to the coupled system of partial differential equations (PDEs). Two specific forms are developed: full gradient form in R n sd over subdomain Ω I around the embedded interface, and a reduced form in R n sd − 1 for face stabilization at the embedded interface Γ I . Benchmark problems in 2D and 3D are presented to highlight the salient features of the proposed interface stabilization method and to show its range of application.
Biological Metaphors for Whiteness: Beyond Merit and Malice

The problem of persistent racial inequality is grounded in a failure of imagination. The general mainstream conception is that unfair racial inequality occurs only when there is intentional racism. Absent conscious racial malice, no racism is seen to exist. The only generally available alternative explanation for racial inequality is the meritocratic system. Viewing the distribution of resources as a product of a generally fair meritocratic system provides a defense against any charge of racism, and justifies the status quo. But in economics, business, computer science, and even biology, observers of complexity are coming to understand how dominant systems can prevail without superior merit, can maintain their position without any conscious guidance or intent, and can be organized without any collusion or direction. Markets, organisms, and ecologies coordinate themselves efficiently and organically, with surprising resilience. Whiteness operates like these other systems. This essay re-imagines Whiteness using images from perhaps unusual sources. Whiteness coalesces through the actions of multitudes of independent individuals, in the same way that slime mold forms when spore cells join together on the forest floor. Racial segregation results from simple self-organizing mathematical algorithms realized in the collective behavior of human beings moving in and out of neighborhoods. Whiteness sustains itself in the same way that cultural practices and self-serving beliefs do, without conscious intent. Whiteness carefully organizes itself in the same way that snowflakes and ants do, without anyone being in charge or giving direction.
Trends in obesity and adiposity measures by race or ethnicity among adults in the United States 2011-18: population based study.

Abstract Objective To examine the trends in obesity and adiposity measures, including body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and lean mass, by race or ethnicity among adults in the United States from 2011 to 2018. Design Population based study. Setting National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2011-18. Participants A nationally representative sample of US adults aged 20 years or older. Main outcome measures Weight, height, and waist circumference among adults aged 20 years or older were measured by trained technicians using standardized protocols. Obesity was defined as body mass index of 30 or higher for non-Asians and 27.5 or higher for Asians. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist circumference of 102 cm or larger for men and 88 cm or larger for women. Body fat percentage and lean mass were measured among adults aged 20-59 years by using dual energy x ray absorptiometry. Results This study included 21 399 adults from NHANES 2011-18. Body mass index was measured for 21 093 adults, waist circumference for 20 080 adults, and body fat percentage for 10 864 adults. For the overall population, age adjusted prevalence of general obesity increased from 35.4% (95% confidence interval 32.5% to 38.3%) in 2011-12 to 43.4% (39.8% to 47.0%) in 2017-18 (P for trend Conclusions Among US adults, an increasing trend was found in obesity and adiposity measures from 2011 to 2018, although disparities exist among racial or ethnic groups.
The sine addition and subtraction formulas on semigroups

The sine addition formula on a semigroup S is the functional equation $$f(xy) = f(x)g(y) + g(x)f(y)$$ for all $$x,y \in S$$ . For some time the solutions have been known on groups, regular semigroups, and semigroups which are generated by their squares. The obstacle to finding the solution on all semigroups arose in the special case that g is a multiplicative function. We overcome this obstacle and find the general solution on all semigroups using a transfinite induction argument. A new type of solution appears which is not seen on regular semigroups or semigroups generated by their squares. We also give the general solution of the sine subtraction formula $$f(x\sigma(y)) = f(x)g(y) - g(x)f(y)$$ on monoids, where $$\sigma$$ is an automorphic involution. The solutions of both equations can be described in terms of additive and multiplicative functions, with a slight new twist. The general continuous solutions on topological semigroups are also found. A variety of examples are given to illustrate the results.
A Compensation Technique for Threshold Mismatch in Sub-threshold Current Mirror

A novel compensation method is proposed to eliminate the threshold mismatch in sub-threshold current mirror. The gate voltage of transistor pair in basic current mirror is modified through negative feedback loop during tuning phase, thereby compensates the threshold variation from imperfect fabrication process. The circuit is implemented and simulated with 1.8V supply using standard 0.18µm CMOS technology and it accomplishes less than 1% inaccuracy with ±5% threshold variation in the 500nA input current range. The presented approach provides an accurate and continuous current copy in a wide current range while still preserving the original structure of transistor pair, which means this technique can be implemented in various current mirror design without affecting its input and output characteristic.
Stapled hemorrhoidectomy

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy or “hemorrhoidopexy” has gained popularity for the treatment of grade 3–4 hemorrhoids, largely due to decreased pain as compared to traditional surgical hemorrhoidectomy. This decreased pain, along with proven short term efficacy, has been supported by numerous randomized controlled trials. Despite this evidence in support of stapled hemorrhoidectomy, controversy exists due to rare but occasionally life threatening complications, and also due to significant chronic pain experienced by a small but significant subset of patients. Attention to the technical details of the operation will limit these deleterious outcomes, and allow stapled emorrhoidectomy to maintain it's niche role in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids.
Non-specific pain and 30-day readmission in acute coronary syndromes: findings from the TRACE-CORE prospective cohort.

BACKGROUND Patients with acute coronary syndromes often experience non-specific (generic) pain after hospital discharge. However, evidence about the association between post-discharge non-specific pain and rehospitalization remains limited. METHODS We analyzed data from the Transitions, Risks, and Actions in Coronary Events Center for Outcomes Research and Education (TRACE-CORE) prospective cohort. TRACE-CORE followed patients with acute coronary syndromes for 24 months post-discharge from the index hospitalization, collected patient-reported generic pain (using SF-36) and chest pain (using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and rehospitalization events. We assessed the association between generic pain and 30-day rehospitalization using multivariable logistic regression (N = 787). We also examined the associations among patient-reported pain, pain documentation identified by natural language processing (NLP) from electronic health record (EHR) notes, and the outcome. RESULTS Patients were 62 years old (SD = 11.4), with 5.1% Black or Hispanic individuals and 29.9% women. Within 30 days post-discharge, 87 (11.1%) patients were re-hospitalized. Patient-reported mild-to-moderate pain, without EHR documentation, was associated with 30-day rehospitalization (odds ratio [OR]: 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-3.62, reference: no pain) after adjusting for baseline characteristics; while patient-reported mild-to-moderate pain with EHR documentation (presumably addressed) was not (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.52-2.90). Severe pain was also associated with 30-day rehospitalization (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.32-7.54), even after further adjusting for chest pain (OR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.06-6.35). CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported post-discharge generic pain was positively associated with 30-day rehospitalization. Future studies should further disentangle the impact of cardiac and non-cardiac pain on rehospitalization and develop strategies to support the timely management of post-discharge pain by healthcare providers.
Programming and execution models for parallel bounded exhaustive testing

Bounded-exhaustive testing (BET), which exercises a program under test for all inputs up to some bounds, is an effective method for detecting software bugs. Systematic property-based testing is a BET approach where developers write test generation programs that describe properties of test inputs. Hybrid test generation programs offer the most expressive way to write desired properties by freely combining declarative filters and imperative generators. However, exploring hybrid test generation programs, to obtain test inputs, is both computationally demanding and challenging to parallelize. We present the first programming and execution models, dubbed Tempo, for parallel exploration of hybrid test generation programs. We describe two different strategies for mapping the computation to parallel hardware and implement them both for GPUs and CPUs. We evaluated Tempo by generating instances of various data structures commonly used for benchmarking in the BET domain. Additionally, we generated CUDA programs to stress test CUDA compilers, finding four bugs confirmed by the developers.
Role of angular position of the seat in control of posture in response to external perturbation.

Ability of the human body to regain balance after being externally perturbed is important in the maintenance of vertical posture. The goal of this study was to investigate trunk and leg muscle response to external perturbation while sitting on a stool with varying seat inclinations. Ten healthy subjects were required to receive a perturbation applied to the upper body while sitting on an adjustable stool with 0°, 10° forward or 10° backward inclination of the seat and without footrest and leg support. Electromyographic activities of the trunk and leg muscles and center of pressure displacements were recorded and analyzed during the anticipatory (APA) and compensatory (CPA) phases of postural control. APAs and CPAs were generated in response to an external perturbation. Delays in the onset of anticipatory muscle activity were seen when seated on the inclined seat compared to sitting on the horizontal seat (p < 0.05). To maintain balance after a perturbation, participants activated the trunk and thigh muscles, the activity of which was modulated to a greater degree than that of leg muscles. Moreover, they utilized co-contraction of muscles as the main mechanism of balance control in sitting. Furthermore, there was no effect of a seat inclination on COP displacements. The outcome provides a background for future investigations of the effect of seat inclination on control of balance in sitting.
11 Phylogenomics Enabling Genome-Based Mycology

Evolutionary studies of microbes, including fungi, have changed completely with the application of molecular phylogenetics to understand species relationships and define populations. The postmolecular wave of innovation has included the complete sequencing of genomes, which has enabled an even deeper perspective on phylogeny, the history of genes within species, and the impact of ecology and lifestyle on the genomic composition. The standardization of sample preparation, sequencing, and methods of analysis will lower the barrier of entry so that all model and nonmodel systems can benefit from these tools in mycological studies. The application of genomics and transcriptomics to studies of fungi has shaped and will continue to shape our understanding of microfungi and macrofungi and their interactions with hosts and the environment.
Handbook of micro/nano tribology

Basic Studies Introduction, B. Bhushan Properties of Solid Surfaces, K. Miyoshi Characterization and Modeling of Surface Roughness, A. Majumdar and B. Bhushan Atomic-Scale Friction, C.M. Mate Microwear, R. Kaneko, T. Miyamoto, and E. Hamada Lubrication Studied by Friction Force Microscopy, E. Meyer, R.M. Overney, and J. Frommer STM Images of Molecules Absorbed from Liquids, R. Kaneko and Y. Andoh Surfaces Forces and Microrheology of Molecularly Thin Liquid Films, J.N. Israelachvili Nanomechanical Properties of Solid Surfaces and Thin Films, B. Bhushan Atomic-Scale Simulation of Tribological Phenomena, J.A. Harrison and D.W. Brenner Applications Micro/Nanotribology and Micro/Nanomechanics of Magnetic Storage Devices and MEMs, B. Bhushan Contaminant Particles: The Microtribology Approach, B. Hiller Molecular Gas Film Lubrication, S. Fukui and R. Kaneko Index
A Stylized Fact of Asset Allocation

The study forms pairs of asset allocation mutual funds that are controlled for all informational attributes, except for the level of risk aversion. Standard mean-variance models of portfolio choice predict that the rebalancing of common stocks in aggressive funds would be proportional to the rebalancing of common stocks in conservative funds. Dynamic models of portfolio choice with time varying expected returns suggest that aggressive funds are more aggressive market timers than conservative funds. However, the study finds that the rebalancing of common stocks in conservative funds to be disproportionally more intense.