cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Power-Aware Cost Model for HPC Procurement

With the supercomputing community headed toward the era of exascalecomputing, power has become one of the foremost concern. Today's fastestsupercomputer, Tianhe-2, already consumes 17.8MW to achieves a peakperformance of 33.86PFlops [1]. At least an order of magnitude improvementin performance while maintaining the power envelope is required for exascale. Yet, manufacturing variations are increasingly creating a heterogeneous computingenvironment, even when identical processing components are deployed, particularly when operating under controlled power ceiling. This work contributes a procurement model to aid in the design of acapability system that achieves maximum performance while consideringmanufacturing variations. It appropriately partitions a single, compoundsystem budget into the CAPEX (infrastructure cost) and the OPEX (operatingpower cost). Early results indicate that aggressive infrastructure procurementdisregarding such operational needs can lead to severe performance degradation, or significant hidden operating cost will be incurred after procurement.
Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Bone Health: Ancillary Studies in the VITAL Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin D is widely used to support skeletal health, but results of its effects on bone are inconsistent. The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL): Effects on Fractures and Bone Structure and Architecture are 2 ancillary studies to VITAL, which are testing effects of daily vitamin D on fracture risk and bone health measures. Fractures are adjudicated through medical record review in the VITAL cohort and bone health measures assessed in a sub-cohort. VITAL will clarify the relationship between supplemental vitamin D and bone health, and inform public health guidelines on use of vitamin D for the prevention of fractures.
Stable Reduced-Noise 'Macro' SSA - Based Correlations for Long-Term Counterparty Risk Management

We introduce a methodology from geophysics, Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA), to obtain stable, noise-cleaned correlations for long term risk (e.g. counterparty risk). SSA is applied to time series to smooth them in a robust manner. The SSA-smoothed time series are then used to obtain the correlations. We call these “macro” correlations because they are determined with macroscopic time scales. Stable correlations are desirable to suppress noise from short time scales that make risk measures unstable. If correlations move around, risk measures also move around, making business decisions difficult. SSA-based correlations ameliorate this business problem.
PMMA-based ophthalmic contact lens for vision correction of strabismus

In this work we present the design of a novel ophthalmic prismatic contact lens to correct for strabismus. Strabismus, colloquially called "crossed-eyes" or "wall eyes," is a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. To our knowledge there are no contact lenses that allow for strabismus correction. To address this, we have designed a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) based prismatic correction contact lens. Therefore, we modeled a Fresnel lens with the appropriate optical properties and a human eye in COMSOL Multiphysics Ray Optics module. Our first design was created by mapping Fresnel lenses onto the curved surface of the eye, the focus of light on retina was suboptimal. Next we determined two more potential solutions and improved the light focus on the retina but there were still some issues. A small fraction of light (~5%) diverged and could not be focused. Due to dispersive characteristic of PMMA, chromatic aberration was present. We will use our ray optics solution and convert into a metasurface nanophotonic lens that has the identical behavior and mitigates the issues related with prismatic lens.
Activation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome Is Associated with Valosin-Containing Protein Myopathy

Aberrant activation of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggers a pathogenic inflammatory response in many inherited neurodegenerative disorders. Inflammation has recently been associated with valosin-containing protein (VCP)-associated diseases, caused by missense mutations in the VCP gene. This prompted us to investigate whether NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in VCP-associated diseases, which classically affects the muscles, bones, and brain. In this report, we demonstrate (i) an elevated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in VCP myoblasts, derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of VCP patients, which was significantly decreased following in vitro treatment with the MCC950, a potent and specific inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome; (ii) a significant increase in the expression of NLRP3, caspase 1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the quadriceps muscles of VCPR155H/+ heterozygote mice, an experimental mouse model that has many clinical features of human VCP-associated myopathy; (iii) a significant increase of number of IL-1β(+)F4/80(+)Ly6C(+) inflammatory macrophages that infiltrate the muscles of VCPR155H/+ mice; (iv) NLRP3 inflammasome activation and accumulation IL-1β(+)F4/80(+)Ly6C(+) macrophages positively correlated with high expression of TDP-43 and p62/SQSTM1 markers of VCP pathology in damaged muscle; and (v) treatment of VCPR155H/+ mice with MCC950 inhibitor suppressed activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, reduced the F4/80(+)Ly6C(+)IL-1β(+) macrophage infiltrates in the muscle, and significantly ameliorated muscle strength. Together, these results suggest that (i) NLRP3 inflammasome and local IL-1β(+)F4/80(+)Ly6C(+) inflammatory macrophages contribute to pathogenesis of VCP-associated myopathy and (ii) identified MCC950 specific inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome with promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of VCP-associated myopathy.
Optimizing the Benefits of Self-Monitoring Among Patients With Cancer

Purpose/objectives To investigate oncology professionals' perspectives about, experience with, and envisioned feasibility of incorporating patient self-monitoring as a patient-centered practice. . Research approach An interpretive, descriptive study. . Setting Four health systems and five cancer centers in three states. . Participants 38 nurses, nurse practitioners, oncologists, physician assistants, and radiation therapists. . Methodologic approach Individual and focus group interviews. . Findings Three themes were revealed. Conclusions This study uncovers the potential contribution of patient self-monitoring as a means of providing patient-generated data that informs clinical decision making, going beyond self-monitoring for self-management only. Because the term self-monitoring is not used by clinicians, adoption of an agreed-upon term is recommended as the first step toward developing and implementing a self-monitoring strategy. Findings support the need to reenvision patient education to ensure self-monitoring is clinically useful while preventing an excessive focus on the negative, which may contribute to patient anxiety. . Interpretation The full potential for self-monitoring by patients is not entirely reached. Because nurses are charged with providing patient education, they are strategically positioned to adopt the term self-monitoring and integrate a self-monitoring strategy into patient-centered practice.
mRNA decapping in 3D

The degradation of mRNAs involves removal of the 5′ protective cap via a decapping-enzyme complex, in a largely irreversible process that commits the transcript for destruction. Understanding how the decapping reaction is catalyzed and regulated are major goals in the field. New data suggest how the chemistry of decapping is controlled and orchestrated within the cell.
Management of Post-Liver Transplant Recurrence of Hepatitis C

Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is the leading indication for liver transplantation in North America and Europe. HCV re-infection post-transplant is nearly universal and if left untreated negatively affects patient and graft survival. Until recently, treatment options for HCV were limited to interferon (IFN)-based therapies which had low sustained viral response (SVR) rates and were poorly tolerated in the post-transplant setting. In the last 3 years, the promise of the directly acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of HCV has been fulfilled with high sustained viral response (SVR) rates and a low side effect profile demonstrated in both registration trials and real-world studies. This innovation has allowed post-liver transplant patients with HCV recurrence access to interferon-free therapies with extraordinary efficacy, safety, tolerability, and fewer drug–drug interactions.
Low Molecular Weight and Unfractionated Heparins Induce a down Regulation of Inflammation: Decreased Levels of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Nuclear Factor-kB in LPS-Stimulated Human Monocytes.

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are highly sulphated proteoglycans widely applied as anticoagulant drugs. They represent pivotal agents for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders, pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation and unstable angina. Several different studies have suggested that aside from their anticoagulant capacity, heparins possess anti-inflammatory properties, however reports have been conflicting. UFH and sulfated heparin derivatives have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human mononuclear cells and to inhibit the nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) activation in a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) stimulated human endothelial cell line. However, other studies indicate that heparin in fact amplifies the inflammatory cytokine release in monocytes. Nevertheless, heparin appeared in several clinical trials to have the potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, rhinitis, and human asthma, with an anti-inflammatory effect dissociable from its anticoagulant activity. In the present study, we assessed the effect of LPS stimulation on heparin pre-treated and untreated pure human monocytes. Cells were isolated from whole blood and resuspended in RPMI supplemented with 10% platelet free autologous serum, before addition of unfractionated and low molecular weight heparins (1IU=10μg/ml and 0.1IU=1μg/ml per million cells) 15 minutes before LPS stimulation (1ng per million cells). Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels produced were measured by ELISA and NF-κB translocation using the TransAM Chemi Transcription Factor Assay. The production of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6 and IL-1β was upregulated by LPS, and their levels significantly reduced when the cells were exposed to heparin, up to 3 fold with 0.1IU UFH. LPS-induced NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was also significantly reduced in heparin pre-treated cells; even at low heparin doses, as shown by a 1.5-fold reduction induced with 0.1IU UFH. NF-κB activation, a critical phenomenon in host inflammatory response, is implicated in a wide range of inflammatory diseases and therefore represents an ideal and novel molecular target. Here we report that both unfractionated and low molecular weight heparins possess the equal ability to significantly reduce the monocytic inflammatory reaction through inhibition of NF-κB activation. This indicates a potential mechanism responsible, in part, for the protective effect of the drug in inflammatory disorders. In clinical practice, heparin use as an anti-inflammatory agent is restricted by its potential to induce bleeding complications. Further investigations are required to elucidate the precise mechanism of action of the drug at the cellular level, and optimise the development of non-anticoagulant variants.
Stability and Use of Sweet Sorghum Bagasse

With sweet sorghum production and subsequent accumulation of bagasse on the rise, it is important to look for novel uses for its by-products. Bagasse, the solid fibrous product left after sweet sorghum stalks are crushed to remove juice, is partially reapplied to the field to enhance subsequent crops. The majority of bagasse remains largely underutilized because more is produced than can be practically applied to fields. This study determined sweet sorghum bagasse chemical and microbiological properties for use as a fuel source. It was determined that sweet sorghum variety had no major effect on fuel value. Microbes have the potential to consume sugars and other beneficial compounds in bagasse, but our analysis of microbial counts showed that microorganisms did not reduce the fuel value of the bagasse tested. Sweet sorghum bagasse was also found to have favorable fuel value when compared to sugarcane bagasse, due to its lower ash and higher fixed carbon contents.
Effects of energetic ion irradiation on WSe2/SiC heterostructures.

The remarkable electronic properties of layered semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) make them promising candidates for next-generation ultrathin, low-power, high-speed electronics. It has been suggested that electronics based upon ultra-thin TMDs may be appropriate for use in high radiation environments such as space. Here, we present the effects of irradiation by protons, iron, and silver ions at MeV-level energies on a WSe2/6H-SiC vertical heterostructure studied using XPS and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. It was found that with 2 MeV protons, a fluence of 1016 protons/cm2 was necessary to induce a significant charge transfer from SiC to WSe2, where a reduction of valence band offset was observed. Simultaneously, a new absorption edge appeared at 1.1 eV below the conduction band of SiC. The irradiation with heavy ions at 1016 ions/cm2 converts WSe2 into a mixture of WOx and Se-deficient WSe2. The valence band is also heavily altered due to oxidation and amorphization. However, these doses are in excess of the doses needed to damage TMD-based electronics due to defects generated in common dielectric and substrate materials. As such, the radiation stability of WSe2-based electronics is not expected to be limited by the radiation hardness of WSe2, but rather by the dielectric and substrate.
Arthroplasty of the Shoulder

Shoulder arthroplasty is performed for a variety of clinical reasons. A detailed history and physical examination are essential to evaluate symptoms, chronology, physical findings, function, and patient needs prior to surgery. A detailed cervical spine examination is also essential. Common diagnostics include plain radiographs, CT scan to evaluate the bony architecture, and MRI to evaluate the soft tissues. The three primary types of arthroplasty are hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Hemiarthroplasty involves replacement of the humeral head and is commonly used for fracture, avascular necrosis, and degenerative disease in young active patients. Total shoulder arthroplasty involves replacement of the humeral head and glenoid articular surfaces. It is used for glenohumeral degeneration in the presence of an intact functional rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty involves placing a ball on the glenoid socket and a socket on the humerus. Its primary indication is degeneration or fracture in the presence of a dysfunctional or unreconstructable rotator cuff.
Richard Rorty on the American Left in the Era of Trump

This paper revisits some of the arguments in Richard Rorty’s Achieving Our Country , twenty years after the book first appeared. Not only are many of Rorty’s diagnoses and predictions eerily prescient in the wake of the rise of Donald Trump to the US presidency, but there is also perceptive political advice in Rorty’s book that I argue the contemporary American Left would do well to heed. While many post-election commentators have tended to read Achieving Our Country as an admonishment of so-called “identity politics” in favor of an “old Left” politics of redistribution and economic justice, I argue that the main distinction on which the analysis in Achieving Our Country hangs is between what Rorty calls “real politics” and “cultural politics”, a conclusion that is confirmed, I argue, by examining the three concrete suggestions for the American Left that together form the core positive argument in Rorty’s book.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy, accounting for 90% of primary liver neoplasms and is responsible for up to 1 million deaths annually worldwide (Fung and Marsh, 2002). The major risk factor for HCC is cirrhosis. All types of cirrhoses predispose to HCC, but the incidence is particularly high in patients with chronic hepatitis B (HBV), chronic hepatitis C (HCV), and in alcoholic liver disease. HCC develops by sequential steps from low grade dysplastic nodules to frank malignant HCC. The recognition of HCC is critical because curative treatment (including surgical resection and liver transplantation) and prognosis depend on early diagnosis. The 5-year survival rate for untreated, symptomatic HCC is < 5% (El-Serag and Mason, 1999), whereas the 5-year survival rate in patients with cirrhosis who have a small (< 2 cm) HCC lesion and undergo liver transplantation is 80%; therefore, the detection of small HCC is highly critical to patient outcome (Mazzaferro et al., 1996). MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TECHNIQUE
The health and economic outcomes of early egg introduction strategies.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest early egg introduction (EEI) in the first year of life is associated with reduced risk of developing egg allergy. No US recommendations exist regarding optimally implementing EEI. METHODS Using simulation and Markov modelling over a 20-year horizon, we explored optimal EEI strategies applied to US, European and Canadian populations, comparing screening of high-risk infants (skin prick testing [SPT] or serum-specific IgE[sIgE]) before introducing cooked egg at 6 months of life vs egg introduction at home, without screening, for all infants. RESULTS A no-screen approach dominated egg SPT screening of high-risk infants with early-onset eczema. Base model per-patient incremental costs of SPT were $6865 US dollars (USD), 6801 euros and $10 610 Canadian dollars (CAD). For egg sIgE screening in primary care settings, base model incremental costs were $16 722 USD, 18 072 euros and $28 193 CAD. As the simulation concluded 2.5% were egg allergic without screening vs 9.5%, 12% and 21.4% of children undergoing SPT, delayed introduction or sIgE screening. Incremental societal costs from screening reached $2 009 351 175 USD for SPT and $4 894 445 790 USD for sIgE testing. In sensitivity analyses, if the risk of reaction with initial egg ingestion was ≥22.5%, SPT before EEI became a preferred strategy. A no-screen approach dominated both EEI of raw pasteurized egg and delayed cooked egg introduction approaches. CONCLUSIONS Assuming initial reaction rates < 22.5%, a no-screening EEI cooked egg approach has superior health and economic benefits in terms of number of egg allergy cases prevented and total healthcare costs vs screening testing.
In Situ Thermal Resistance Testing of an Energy Efficient Building Envelope in the Canadian Arctic

A structural insulated panel (SIP) demonstration house was commissioned in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, along with instrumentation to assess thermal performance. Instrumentation panels were developed to perform in situ measurements. Laboratory testing was completed to confirm the accuracy of the instrumentation panels and measure the thermal resistance of the insulation panels at various mean temperatures. In situ testing confirmed the variability in R-value with temperature seen in laboratory testing. The thermal resistance decreases with decreasing temperature, which is of concern in this particularly cold climate. Regardless, the envelope thermal performance was consistently superior to a 2″ × 6″ (38 mm × 89 mm) wood stud construction with batt insulation. The in situ R-value of the SIP varied from approximately RSI 4.4 (R25) to RSI 5.3 (R30) between October, 2016 and April, 2017. The cumulative apparent R-value was also calculated according to the method defined in ISO 9869, resulting in values of RSI 5.07 (R28.8), 4.84 (R27.5), and 4.97 (R28.2) for the wall, floor, and ceiling modules, respectively.
Post-operative Management of Aortic Valve Disease

Provided a systematic approach to assessment and management of patients immediately following aortic valve (AV) surgery is used, the post-operative course is usually straightforward. However, as the patient population ages and concomitantly the number of co-morbidities (cardiac and noncardiac) rises, increasingly complex patients will require post-operative management on the intensive care unit (ICU).
Summary, Conclusions, and Implications

Historically, African-Americans in the general population have been disadvantaged when it comes to mortality compared to non-Hispanic whites. While mortality disparities between races have diminished over time, their persistence serves as a reminder of inequalities in American life. In special populations of professional athletes, between-race mortality discordance, favoring non-Hispanic whites, is similarly observed. In addition, while not always statistically significant, the findings in this study demonstrate elevated mortality risk among African-American relative to Hispanic players. There is little or no difference in mortality risk between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white players when educational attainment is controlled in the analysis, although this may be due to a statistical anomaly. Alternatively, the empirical study findings point to the existence of a Hispanic Paradox. Because of the way mortality data were collected in the current study, this paradox cannot be explained by the “salmon bias.”
Thermally-induced optical reflection of sound (THORS) for photoacoustic sensing

The ability to precisely control and manipulate acoustic waves can be highly limiting in applications and environments where placement of physical barriers for acoustic steering cannot be employed (e.g. tissues, air, etc.) In this work, we describe the ability to generate acoustic waveguides via thermally-induced optical reflection of sound (THORS) for the manipulation of acoustic waves in free space (i.e., air). Abrupt, density barriers are formed by photothermally depleting the sample in a laser beam’s path via photothermal processes, resulting in sharp differences in compressibility and significant acoustic reflection (greater than 30%). Optical waveguiding of sound can be achieved by generating THORS channels with a cylindrical (ring shaped) laser beam. By containing the acoustic waves inside a THORS cylindrical channel, a dramatically reduced acoustic decay profile of 1/r0.6 with distance is achieved. Additionally, we describe the effects that optical modulation frequency of the THORS channel has on the efficiency of acoustic waveguiding. We also show how external acoustic waves, incident to a THORS channel are suppressed, increasing the signal-to-background ratio of the internally waveguided acoustic signals. Optical waveguiding of acoustic waves offers a new paradigm in the manipulation of sound over extended distances, providing potentially significant improvements to photoacoustic sensing, secure communications, and many other applications.
Climatology for Wildfire Management

Forest and wildfire managers in the western United States are very familiar with weather information and forecasts provided by various public and private sources . Even very sophisticated users of these products, however, may be less familiar with climate information and forecasts and their applications . Partly this is because the scientific community has made rapid progress in climate, and particularly climate forecasting, as a field of applied study in recent decades . Integrating these new research findings into management systems is a difficult and time-consuming process . Sophisticated users of weather information may also be less comfortable using climate information because, conceptually, the two are so different: weather is something we all experience every day, while climate is an abstraction . As an abstraction, however, climate provides powerful tools for understanding recent developments in forest wildfire in the western United States . Climate and wildfire research, and the practical experience of many forest managers, show that summer drought is a very important driver of interannual variability in forest wildfire (Balling et al . 1992, Swetnam and Betancourt 1998, Kipfmueller and Swetnam 2000, Veblen et al . 2000, Donnegan et al . 2001, Heyerdahl, Brubaker and Agee 2002, Westerling et al . 2003b) . In turn, the duration and severity of summer drought in western forests is highly sensitive to variability in spring and summer temperature at higher latitudes and elevations and its effect on snow (Westerling et al . 2006) . Trends in temperature and the timing of the spring snowmelt explain much of the dramatic increase in large forest wildfire frequency in the West in recent decades (Westerling et al . 2006), and these trends in wildfire are probably driving most of a similar increase in fire suppression costs . Recent research has demonstrated the feasibility of producing seasonal forecasts of temperature, drought, and wildfire activity in the western United States (Alfaro et al . 2005a, Alfaro et al . 2005b, Westerling et al . 2002, Westerling et al . 2003a) . Based on surveys of fire managers in California and the Southwest (conducted by Corringham, Westerling and Morehouse, in press), these forecasts may be useful for planning wildfire suppression budgets, allocating resources within the annual cycle of fire seasons in different parts of the United States, and prioritizing fuels management projects . Obstacles remain however, from
Cycle-by-Cycle Digital Control of a Multi-Megahertz Variable-Frequency Boost Converter for Automatic Power Control of LiDAR

Dynamic voltage scaling is needed to support efficient operation despite rapidly fluctuating power demand, which is exemplified in the automatic power control of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for autonomous ground and airborne vehicles. This is especially challenging in boost converters because of more complicated dynamics. A current-mode boost converter using constant-off-time (variable-frequency) is particularly advantageous because inductor current settles in one switching cycle. Digital control is needed for programmable flexibility over a wide operating range. However, variable frequency power conversion and high speed digital control are difficult to combine in a traditional digital control framework. In this paper, we apply and demonstrate in hardware a recently published theoretical framework for cycle-by-cycle digital control of variable frequency power converters. The prototype variable-frequency boost converter with a 3 MHz peak switching frequency shows an exceptionally fast dynamic response over a wide operating range.
The Power of Motherhood: Black and White Activist Women Redefine the "Political"

This chapter focuses on the African-American women's club movement to illuminate both the texts and contexts of motherhood as a political platform. It explores the potential compatibility of equality with difference. The chapter discusses the use of motherhood by white women reformers who also sought to better the homes of working-class women. It argues that white women shared less with their "clients," a social group distinguishable from themselves by class and ethnicity, than black club women did with masses of African Americans. The chapter considers how the feminist discourse on motherhood, even as it redefined the subjects and objects of politics in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, never escaped legal definitions of motherhood, as seen in labor legislation which sought to protect mothers, but excluded the paid labor of African -American women. Recognizing that the mothers of their race often had to leave their children to work, the club women accepted the working mother as a worthy mother.
Geopolitical ecology of solar geoengineering: from a 'logic of multilateralism' to logics of militarization

Solar geoengineering technologies intended to slow climate change by injecting sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere are gaining traction in climate policy. Solar geoengineering is considered "fast, cheap, and imperfect" in that it could rapidly reduce planetary temperatures with low cost technology, but potentially generate catastrophic consequences for climate, weather, and biodiversity. Governance has therefore been central to solar geoengineering debates, particularly the question of unilateral deployment, whereby a state or group of states could deploy the technology against the wishes of the international community. In this context, recent, influential scenarios posit that – given technological and political complexities – solar geoengineering deployment will likely be guided by a "logic of multilateralism." I challenge this assertion by arguing that solar geoengineering is defined by equally compelling 'logics of militarization.' I detail recent involvement in solar geoengineering development on the part of U.S. defense, intelligence, and foreign policy institutions, geoengineering scenarios that adopt militarized logics and expertise, and Realist international relations theories that undergird leading governance scenarios. I then demonstrate that the U.S. military has a strategic interest in solar geoengineering, as U.S. hegemony is predicated on expanding fossil fuels, but the military deems climate change a threat to national security. The unique spatio-temporal qualities of solar geoengineering can bridge the gap between these contradictory positions. In examining the militarization of solar geoengineering, I aim to ground recent conceptions of "planetary sovereignty" in the emergent field of "geopolitical ecology" through the latter's more granular approach to the world-making powers of key geopolitical-ecological actors. Key Words: solar geoengineering, geopolitical ecology, militarization, U.S. hegemony, climate intervention
Erythroid Lineage Cells in the Liver: Novel Immune Regulators and Beyond

The lineage of the erythroid cell has been revisited in recent years. Instead of being classified as simply inert oxygen carriers, emerging evidence has shown that they are a tightly regulated in immune potent population with potential developmental plasticity for lineage crossing. Erythroid cells have been reported to exert immune regulatory function through secreted cytokines, or cell-cell contact, depending on the conditions of the microenvironment and disease models. In this review, we explain the natural history of erythroid cells in the liver through a developmental lens, as it offers perspectives into newly recognized roles of this lineage in liver biology. Here, we review the known immune roles of erythroid cells and discuss the mechanisms in the context of disease models and stages. Then, we explore the capability of erythroid lineage as a cell source for regenerative medicine. We propose that the versatile lineage of erythroid cells provides an underappreciated and potentially promising area for basic and translational research in the field of liver disease.
Psychotic Features Abated with Vitamin D Treatment in a Patient with Major Depressive Disorder.

Introduction. Vitamin D deficiency is common in psychiatric populations, and vitamin D has been used as an add-on medication in major depressive disorder. Case Report. Here, we present the case of a 49-year-old man diagnosed with major depressive disorder, severe, with psychotic features, who was treated with antidepressants and underwent multiple antipsychotic trials. The patient was found to have low serum levels of vitamin D. During treatment with vitamin D, serum levels normalized and the patient’s psychotic symptoms abated. Conclusion. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels could be a method of focus for the augmentation or treatment of psychotic features in major depressive disorder.
IPRO+/−: Computational Protein Design Tool Allowing for Insertions and Deletions

Summary Insertions and deletions (indels) in protein sequences alter the residue spacing along the polypeptide backbone and consequently open up possibilities for tuning protein function in a way that is inaccessible by amino acid substitution alone. We describe an optimization-based computational protein redesign approach centered around predicting beneficial combinations of indels along with substitutions and also obtain putative substrate-docked structures for these protein variants. This modified algorithmic capability would be of interest for enzyme engineering and broadly inform other protein design tasks. We highlight this capability by (1) identifying active variants of a bacterial thioesterase enzyme (‘TesA) with experimental corroboration, (2) recapitulating existing active TEM-1 β-Lactamase sequences of different sizes, and (3) identifying shorter 4-Coumarate:CoA ligases with enhanced in vitro activities toward non-native substrates. A separate PyRosetta-based open-source tool, Indel-Maker ( http://www.maranasgroup.com/software.htm ), has also been created to construct computational models of user-defined protein variants with specific indels and substitutions.
Nanostructural evolution in vapor deposited phase-separating binary alloy films of non-equimolar compositions: Insights from a 3D phase-field approach

A rich variety of self-organized nanoscale patterns evolve during physical vapor deposition of phase-separating alloy films. However, our limited understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of morphological evolution during the vapor deposition of multi-component metallic films is a major hurdle in optimizing their mechanical and functional properties. Diffuse interface approaches, such as the phase-field method, can enable the prediction of nanostructured morphologies in a broad class of immiscible binary alloys by achieving a fundamental understanding of self-assembly mechanisms down to the nanometer scale. Here, we adopt a three-dimensional phase-field approach to numerically investigate the role of alloy compositions, deposition rates, and temperature on the morphological self-assembly of nanostructures in vapor deposited alloy films. We explain the influence of alloy composition and deposition parameters on the evolution of novel film morphologies such as perforated layered and aligned rods. Following an extensive parametric study, we construct morphology maps that help expand our knowledge of the different combinations of processing conditions that generate distinct nanoscaled morphologies. Finally, we expand and elucidate a theory based on the minimization of interfacial energy that underpins the mechanisms of morphological transitions in vapor deposition of immiscible alloy films for an entire composition range.
Surface modification of BaTiO3 with catechol surfactant and effects on cold sintering

The sintering of functionalized particles is an approach often used to obtain high performance functional ceramics. When molecular surfactants are used to functionalize particles, conventional sintering cannot be applied due to extremely high processing temperatures. Here, BaTiO3 particles are grafted with different coverages using a catechol (CA) surfactant, and then these particles are densified under cold sintering with a (BaOH2)⋅8H2O transient flux. The adsorption of CA is equilibrated with various concentrations on BaTiO3 particles at room temperature. The modeling (Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption) and the quantification (UV–vis absorption and thermogravimetric analysis) of CA coverage enable us to rigorously determine the degree of functionalization and conduct thorough cold sintering kinetics investigations as a function of CA coverage using a dilatometer. Microstructure is observed with electron microscopy techniques to determine the grain and grain boundary interfaces that result with the competition of surfactant coverage and densification driven by the dissolution and reprecipitation processes at the interfaces. A mechanism with the retardation of cold sintering kinetics is discussed based on these experimental observations.
The Lost World of the Administrative Procedure Act: A Literature Review

Despite dramatic changes in the regulatory state over the last seventy-five years, Westlaw reports that Congress has only amended the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) sixteen times since its enactment in 1946. But that does not mean the APA has remained unchanged. The statutory text bears little resemblance to modern administrative law doctrine and regulatory practice. In response to developments in administrative governance, federal courts have substantially refashioned the APA’s requirements for administrative procedure and judicial review of agency action. As part of the George Mason Law Review’s Administrative Procedure Act at 75 Symposium, this Essay seeks to chronicle these mismatches between statutory text and doctrinal and regulatory reality. It focuses on the APA’s administrative procedure and judicial review provisions, as well as key aspects of presidential administration that operate outside of the APA. Through presenting this annotation and literature review of the lost world of the APA, the Essay identifies areas for further scholarly attention, potential legislative reform, and perhaps even judicial engagement.
Trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer: The role of surgical and radiation treatment parameters in the development of anastomotic complications.

Background Here, we investigated the relationship between clinical parameters, including the site of surgical anastomosis and radiation dose to the anastomotic region, and anastomotic complications in esophageal cancer patients treated with trimodality therapy. Methods Between 2007 and 2016, esophageal cancer patients treated with trimodality therapy at a tertiary academic cancer center were identified. Patient, treatment, and outcome parameters were collected. Radiation dose to the gastric regions were extracted. Anastomotic complication was defined as leak and/or stricture. We used Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare the association between clinical parameters and anastomotic complications. Results Of 89 patients identified, the median age was 63 years, 82% (n = 73) were male, and 82% had distal (n = 47) or gastroesophageal junction (n = 26) tumors. Median follow-up was 25.8 months. Esophagectomies were performed with cervical (65%, n = 58) or thoracic anastomoses (35%, n = 31). Anastomotic complications developed in 60% (n = 53). Cervical anastomosis was associated with anastomotic complications (83%, n = 44/53, p 0.05). In the subset of patients with distal/gastroesophageal junction tumors undergoing esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis where radiation was delivered to the future neoesophagus, 80% (n = 35/44) developed anastomotic complications. In this high-risk subgroup, radiation was not associated with anastomotic complications (p > 0.05). Conclusions Our analysis did not demonstrate an association between radiation dose to gastric substructures and anastomotic complications. However, it showed an association between esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis and anastomotic complications. Patients with distal/gastroesophageal junction tumors who undergo esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis have higher rates of anastomotic complications unrelated to radiation to gastric substructures.
Vascular expression of glucose transporter in experimental brain neoplasms.

Abstract Vascular abnormalities in brain neoplasms are important to tumor biology and therapy. Glucose transporter (GLUT1) expression is a differentiated property of normal cerebral microvessels typically associated with expression of the blood-brain barrier. We investigated the relationship of GLUT1 expression to other vascular characteristics in F98, 9L, and C6 gliomas and Walker 256 carcinomas implanted into adult rat brains. The percentages of microvessels with immunohistochemically detectable GLUT1 were 95.5 +/- 3.9 in F98, 60.9 +/- 3.9 in 9L, 45.4 +/- 5.6 in C6, and 1.2 +/- 0.3 in Walker 256 (mean +/- SEM). The percentage of GLUT1-positive vessels in F98 was not statistically different from that in normal brain. GLUT1 expression was not dependent on restricted permeability as all tumors were highly permeable to Evans blue. GLUT1 expression was unrelated to vascular density, vascular morphology, and parenchymal GFAP expression. The expression of GLUT1, a marker of cerebral endothelial differentiation, is a newly described property of glial tumor vessels that may have diagnostic and prognostic significance.
Procurement and Maintenance of Germ-Free Swine for Microbiological Investigations

Germ-free swine were routinely procured by both hysterectomy and hysterotomy (Caesarian section). By means of light-weight portable equipment, piglets could be obtained and transported to the laboratory (without contamination) over distances in excess of 100 miles. The isolators employed in rearing were constructed of stainless steel and flexible plastic film. At weekly intervals, fecal swabs and waste from the floor of the isolator were cultured on blood-agar and in thioglycolate broth, as well as being examined microscopically for the presence of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The presence of pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) and viruses in such material was not demonstrable, either by the use of enriched PPLO media or primary porcine-kidney cell cultures. Tissues, body fluids, and cecal contents of piglets sacrificed specifically for microbiological examination were also negative for PPLO, viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Prenatal infestations by ascarids were not observed. Nutritional problems related to rearing of germ-free piglets, such as hypoglycemia, were not encountered, and the use of an autoclaved commercial sow's milk replacer proved quite satisfactory. The temperature to which piglets were subjected during the first few days of life, however, was very important. The isolator design and application of gnotobiotic techniques to the procurement and rearing of a large germ-free animal such as the pig proved feasible and less difficult than anticipated.
The two-step leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) assay. Its use in evaluation of cellular immune function in patients with immunodeficiency diseases.

Abstract The in vitro production of leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LIF) by cells derived from normal volunteers and patients with a variety of immunodeficiency diseases has been evaluated. Antigenic specificity was studied with soluble antigens from Candida albicans and streptokinase-streptodornase (SK-SD) while the mitogens concanavalin-A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) served as non-specific stimuli for LIF synthesis. In normal volunteers, LIF production to antigens was found to be a good in vitro correlate of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity. All volunteers also had mitogen-responsive cells. In contrast, certain patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMCC) had an antigen-specific defect when their lymphocytes were stimulated with Candida antigen. This defect was associated with active candidiasis and was corrected following successful therapy with amphotericin B and transfer factor. These patients had LIF-producing cells that were responsive to mitogens and SK-SD-induced LIF production correlated with skin test responses irrespective of the activity of the candidiasis. Patients with more profound immunodeficiencies such as SCID and an anergic patient with disseminated mycobacteriosis did not respond to either mitogenic or antigenic stimulation with LIF production. This correlated with their cutaneous energy, quantitative deficiencies of T-lymphocytes and subnormal lymphocyte transformation to mitogens and antigens.
Solution properties of γ-crystallins: hydration of fish and mammal γ-crystallins.

Lens γ crystallins are found at the highest protein concentration of any tissue, ranging from 300 mg/mL in some mammals to over 1000 mg/mL in fish. Such high concentrations are necessary for the refraction of light, but impose extreme requirements for protein stability and solubility. γ-crystallins, small stable monomeric proteins, are particularly associated with the lowest hydration regions of the lens. Here, we examine the solvation of selected γ-crystallins from mammals (human γD and mouse γS) and fish (zebrafish γM2b and γM7). The thermodynamic water binding coefficient B1 could be probed by sucrose expulsion, and the hydrodynamic hydration shell of tightly bound water was probed by translational diffusion and structure-based hydrodynamic boundary element modeling. While the amount of tightly bound water of human γD was consistent with that of average proteins, the water binding of mouse γS was found to be relatively low. γM2b and γM7 crystallins were found to exhibit extremely low degrees hydration, consistent with their role in the fish lens. γM crystallins have a very high methionine content, in some species up to 15%. Structure-based modeling of hydration in γM7 crystallin suggests low hydration is associated with the large number of surface methionine residues, likely in adaptation to the extremely high concentration and low hydration environment in fish lenses. Overall, the degree of hydration appears to balance stability and tissue density requirements required to produce and maintain the optical properties of the lens in different vertebrate species.
The Turbotax Defense

This Article analyzes the “TurboTax defense” under section 6664(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Article addresses the issue of whether reliance on computer tax software may be permitted as reasonable cause in good faith exempting taxpayers from the accuracy-related penalty of section 6662(a). It suggests (1) the courts have missed an opportunity to clarify when a TurboTax defense is justifiable, (2) the software companies, in conjunction with the IRS, should work together to promote a more equitable, efficient, and effective use of computer tax software, (3) the Treasury should promulgate detailed guidelines or regulations establishing when a TurboTax defense can be used by an individual taxpayer, (4) the IRS should consider offering taxpayers the option of assessing their tax due or refund owing, and (5) the current informal partnership between the software companies and the IRS should be critically assessed to address advances in software technology and increasing taxpayer reliance on commercial tax preparation software.
A theoretical framework for knowledge discovery in databases based on probabilistic logic

In order to further improve the KDD process in terms of both the degree of automation achieved and types of knowledge discovered, we argue that a formal logical foundation is needed and suggest that Bacchus' probability logic is a good choice. By completely staying within the expressiveness of Bacchus' probability logic language, we give formal definitions of a "pattern" as well as its determiners, which are "previously unknown" and "potentially useful". These definitions provide a sound foundation to overcome several deficiencies of current KDD systems with respect to novelty and usefulness judgment. Furthermore, based on this logic, we propose a logic induction operator that defines a standard process through which all the potentially useful patterns embedded in the given data can be discovered. This logic induction operator provides a formal characterization of the "discovery" process itself.
Studies of optimal conditions for the measurement of circulating endogenous lipoprotein lipase activity

Summary In 63 of 86 experiments there was a significantly greater release of free fatty acids when platelet-rich human plasma was incubated with coconut oil than when platelet-poor plasma was used. In 19 of 20 experiments fatty acid-poor albumin enhanced the lipolysis of coconut oil. The results of this study indicate that platelet-rich plasma and fatty acid-poor albumin should be used when endogenous plasma lipoprotein lipase activity is determined in vitro .