cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low Copy Number Stochastic Results

Commercial multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) DNA typing kits used in crime laboratories work optimally under a narrow range of conditions. Even if prior DNA quantitation steps detect no DNA, amplifiable DNA may be present. Low copy number (LCN) is defined as less than 100 picograms of DNA. This is the stochastic threshold beyond which polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification is not reliable. LCN DNA may also be referred to as touch DNA, trace DNA and low-level DNA.In this experiment, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will be performed to evaluate the production of the STR profile for low copy number DNA samples serially diluted from a known stock sample of a standard DNA template. Three sets of PCR primers will be used to probe the D7S820, D5S818, and Penta D loci and produce heterozygous amplicons. Real-time (or standard) PCR will be conducted using standard K562 DNA, the three sets of PowerPlex16 PCR primers, and Bio-Rad’s iQ SYBR Green Supermix employing SYBR Green I. The reaction mix will be pipetted to a 96-well plate and amplifed using a Bio-Rad iQ5 or similar instrument. Evaluation of the melting temperature using a melt curve and first derivative plot will be used to qualitatively determine the production of the correct amplicons for the three size ranges. At the completion of the PCR experiment, the plate may be frozen until the next laboratory session in which 2% agarose gels of the PCR products will be run to confirm the length of the amplicon with an appropriate low molecular weight DNA ladder to detect heterozygous peak imbalance resulting in only one detectable allele from a heterozygous pair or total allele dropout. The observed alleles will be assigned and the results will be tabulated for each locus and dilution.
THE PROBLEMS RAISED BY THE INFLUENCE OF NEUTRON IRRADIATION ON THE STRESS–STRAIN RELATIONSHIPS OF GRAPHITE

It is known that the elastic moduli of graphite increase as a result of neutron irradiation. A novel problem arises when graphite is irradiated stressed (or strained) and the stress–strain behavior is examined. This can be illustrated by considering a spring supporting a free weight. One can visualize two extremes of behavior: on the one hand the change in modulus causes the weight to be lifted while on the other hand, the weight remains stationary but a permanent set is observed on removal of the weight. Furthermore, irradiation may induce some degree of “plasticity” which will result in a relaxation of strain (or stress). The available experimental evidence has been examined in this new light and the existence of an irradiation-induced plasticity is clearly demonstrated. The simplest interpretation of the effects suggests that the weight will not be lifted but will sag at a rate independent of the temperature. It appears that ungraphitized carbon deforms more rapidly than graphite. These conclusions support the view that irradiation shrinkage is a manifestation of this irradiation-induced plasticity.
3D High-Content Screening of Organoids for Drug Discovery

We are entering a new era of biomedical research that is driven by the demand for more effective therapeutics to prevent and treat human disease. Organoids, cultured ex vivo, are the future of this new era of biomedical research and are poised to replace preclinical 2D cell models, and in some cases animal models of human disease. Therefore, the drug discovery and development pipeline is retooling high-throughput technologies to accommodate organoids as the model of choice. In particular, the marriage of high-content screening (HCS) with organoid models for drug discovery will be a critical component in this new era of drug development. This book chapter is focused on the state-of-the-art HCS technology and how this technology is being retooled for drug discovery and development with human organoids.
Accelerating the Mobile cloud: Using Amazon Mobile Analytics and k-means clustering

Current trends show a move away from desktop computing and toward the rise in popularity of mobile devices. Yet mobile devices suffer from limitations in memory, storage, computational power, and battery life. Many of these limitations can be solved by offloading computations and storage to cloud-based platforms. E-commerce mobile applications designed to serve the global customer base of a retail outlet experience fluctuations in demand for resources based on the location of the users. Given a traditional client-server architecture, where the server application and database are deployed to a single geographic location, this can cause large disparities in response time perceived by users close to the server location and those at a much further distance. This could cause a loss of business or slow user growth in more distant regions. Using several Amazon Web Services(AWS), this paper tests a proxy system and k-means analysis based data partitioning solution to this issue. The discussion of k-means database partitioning describes a preprocessing methodology for adapting raw AWS Mobile Analytics log data for use in the k-means algorithm. The paper also compares a few alternatives for distance measurements and centroid computations for use in the k-means algorithm. Experimental results confirm that this approach significantly reduces response time. It also shows that the approach significantly increases server-side throughput.
Survival and growth of C57BL/6J mice lacking the BK channel, Kcnma1: lower adult body weight occurs together with higher body fat.

Abstract Big conductance potassium (BK) channels contribute to K + flow and electrical behavior in many cell types. Mice made null for the gene ( Kcnma1 ) producing the BK channel (BK KO ) exhibit numerous deficits in physiological functions. Breeding mice lacking a single allele of Kcnma1 (C57BL/6J background) had litter sizes of approximately eight pups. For the period of maternal care (P0–P21), pup deaths peaked at P1 with a second less severe interval of death peaking near P13. Early deaths were twice as likely during a 20‐month period of building construction compared with the quiescent period after cessation of construction. Births during construction were not consistent with Mendelian predictions indicating the likelihood of a specific disadvantage induced by this environmental stressor. Later BK KO pup deaths (~P13) also were more numerous than Mendelian expectations. After weaning, weight gain was slower for BK KO mice compared with wild‐type littermates: 5 g less for male BK KO mice and 4 g less for female BK KO mice. Body composition determined by quantitative magnetic resonance indicated a higher fat proportion for wild‐type female mice compared with males, as well as a higher hydration ratio. Both male and female BK KO mice showed higher fat proportions than wild‐type, with female BK KO mice exhibiting greater variation. Together, these results indicate that BK KO mice suffered disadvantages that lead to prenatal and perinatal death. A metabolic difference likely related to glucose handling led to the smaller body size and distinct composition for BK KO mice, suggesting a diversion of energy supplies from growth to fat storage.
Value-Based Software Engineering: Seven Key Elements and Ethical Considerations

This chapter presents seven key elements that provide candidate foundations for value-based software engineering: 1. Benefits Realization Analysis 2. Stakeholder Value Proposition Elicitation and Reconciliation 3. Business Case Analysis 4. Continuous Risk and Opportunity Management 5. Concurrent System and Software Engineering 6. Value-Based Monitoring and Control 7. Change as Opportunity Using a case study we show how some of these elements can be used to incorporate ethical considerations into daily software engineering practice.
Design of flow control devices in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) completion

Commercialization of the steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process has made recovery of heavy oil/bitumen possible in a number of reservoirs hindered by hydrocarbon immobility. However, the economics of this process are highly sensitive to the efficiency of steam creation, delivery, and use, with a successful and unsuccessful SAGD well pair often separated by how effectively thermal inefficiencies can be mitigated in the flow profiles of steam injection and/or in emulsion recovery. To improve flow profiles, Albertan SAGD completions have experimented with the addition of flow control devices (FCDs). These completion tools have historically been used to regulate liquid inflow across long producing laterals, adding a variable pressure drop along the lateral to improve the conformance of hydrocarbon production and delay water breakthrough; within SAGD completions, FCDs find novel use to force a more even flow distribution of steam in the injector and a thermally dependent inflow profile in the producer to maximize recovery of heavy oil/bitumen. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of different FCD designs, discussing their respective methods of regulation, the fluid-adaptive behavior of “autonomous” FCDs, operational strengths and weaknesses of different commercial offerings, and suggestions on how to use existing pressure loss models for FCDs and apply them to the non-traditional application of regulating SAGD flow profiles, both for equipment sizing and estimation of pressure loss/flow rates across the device. From this work, it is proposed that use of autonomous FCDs in the production lateral are of greater value than use of flow control in the injector; however maximum benefits are achieved by coupling simple orifice-style FCDs in the injector lateral with autonomous, large flow path (non-orifice) FCDs capable of controlling steam flash events in the production well.
Distortions in time perceptions during task switching

Abstract Perceived time passage and time duration were examined in a between-subjects design with four conditions: watching a sitcom, reading a journal article, occasional switching between sitcom and article, frequent switching between sitcom and article. Consistent with our prediction, time “flew by” in the high-entertainment condition that involved watching a sitcom, whereas time “dragged on” in the low-entertainment condition that involved reading a journal article. Switching between the two led to quicker passage of time than the low-entertainment condition, but not the high-entertainment condition. A different pattern was evident for duration estimation, with no difference between the low- and high-entertainment conditions, but a longer estimation of duration in the switching condition. Further, frequency of switching between the sitcom and article did not make a difference. These findings suggest that switching between tasks leads to overestimations of time spent on media.
Adverse cognitive effect of gabapentin in individuals with spinal cord injury: preliminary findings.

Prospective observational cohort study. To assess the effects of gabapentin on neuropsychological variables including memory, attention, and executive function in individuals with spinal cord injury. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center inpatient spinal cord injury unit. Ten patients (three females, seven males) with traumatic spinal cord injury underwent testing, with a mean age of 35.6 years (range 19–59, SD ±15.74). There were five patients with tetraplegia and five with paraplegia. Nine tests to assess neuropsychological function and two tests to assess pain were performed at 1 week post initiation of therapy, and at 4 weeks post initiation of therapy. The neuropsychological tests assessed aspects of memory, attention, and executive function. The average score for six out of the nine neuropsychological items administered at 1 week post initiation of gabapentin displayed a decrease in cognitive function when compared to baseline. The average score for five out of nine neuropsychological items improved from 1 week post initiation of treatment to 4 weeks post initiation of treatment. Gabapentin therapy is associated with a tangible decline in memory, executive function, and attention in individuals with spinal cord injury. However, owing to small sample size, loss of patient follow-up at the 4 week post-treatment assessment, and lack of a control group, we cannot definitively state that any decreases in cognition are solely attributable to treatment with gabapentin.
Promoting adolescents' compliance with therapeutic regimens.

Early detection or anticipation of noncompliance is facilitated by an understanding of the psychological and social issues that influence adolescents’ cooperation with regimens. Use of variety of intervention techniques has the potential to promote regimen adherence in teenagers.
The dutch connection: On the social origins of the Pickelhering

While scholars today are generally agreed that the stage figure of the Pickelhering or Clown has its genesis in the troupe of itinerant English Comedians led by John Green in the period 1605–1610, scant attention has been paid to this figure as a social type prior to his first appearance on the stage. This article argues that the pickelhering as a social type originated in Holland and made his way to England, perhaps mediated by the Earl of Leicester's Players who performed in Leyden in 1586 or perhaps through the Robert Browne troupe which appeared in Leyden in 1590 and which was later to count John Green as one of its more important members.
The Abative Effect: A New Term to Describe the Action of Antecedents that Reduce Operant Responding

Behavior-analytic terminology concerning the so-called inhibitory effect of operant antecedents lacks precision. The present paper describes the problem with current nomenclature concerning the effects of antecedent events that reduce operant responding and offers a solution to this problem. The solution consists of adopting a new term, abative, for the effect in question. This paper suggests that the new term has several advantages over terms currently used and that adopting this term will yield a variety of practical and theoretical benefits, including, but not limited to, a more consistent vocabulary to describe antecedent—behavior relations.
Do regulators of animal welfare need to develop a theory of psychological well-being?

The quest for a ``theory of nonhuman minds'' to assessclaims about the moral status of animals is misguided. Misframedquestions about animal minds facilitate the appropriation ofanimal welfare by the animal user industry. When misframed, thesequestions shift the burden of proof unreasonably to animalwelfare regulators. An illustrative instance of misframing can befound in the US National Research Council's 1998 publication thatreports professional efforts to define the psychologicalwell-being of nonhuman primates, a condition that the US 1985animal welfare act requires users of primates to promote. Thereport claims that ``psychological well-being'' is a hypotheticalconstruct whose validity can only be determined by a theory thatdefines its properties and links it to observed data. Thisconception is used to contest common knowledge about animalwelfare by treating psychological well-being as a mentalcondition whose properties are difficult to discover. Thisframework limits regulatory efforts to treat animal subjects lessoppressively and serves the interests of the user industry. A more liberatory framework can be constructed by recognizing thecontested nature of welfare norms, where competing conceptions ofanimal welfare have implications about norm-setting authority, asit does in other regulatory contexts, e.g., food safety. Properlyconceptualized welfare should include both the avoidance ofdistressful circumstances and the relationship between ananimal's capacities to engage in enjoyable activities and itsopportunities to exercise these capacities. This conception ofanimal welfare avoids appropriation by scientific experts. The development of the psychological well-being regulation is agood illustration of how social norms are contested and thenappropriated, and a critique of this appropriation shows how itcan be challenged.
Imaging of Postoperative Infections

The efficient recognition of infection is essential to the correct management of any postoperative patient. Although there are signs, that may lead a clinician to suspect postoperative infection, the radiologist is often called on to help confirm or identify the source of the infection.
Brain imaging in preterm infants <32 weeks gestation: a clinical review and algorithm for the use of cranial ultrasound and qualitative brain MRI

The aim is to review the evidence about the utility of term-equivalent age (TEA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm neonates. Preterm birth accounts for ~12% of all deliveries in the United States and is the leading cause of neurologic disabilities in children. From the neonatologist perspective, it is critically important to identify preterm infants at risk of subsequent neurodevelopmental disability who may benefit from early intervention services. However “the choose wisely campaign” also emphasizes the need to have ongoing cost/benefit discussions regarding care of preterm newborns to avoid waste that comes from subjecting infants to procedures that do not help. We performed a MEDLINE EMBASE database review from 2000 to 2018 to account for the technical evolution in the cranial ultrasound machines and introduction of MRI imaging in the NICU. Studies were graded based on the strength of their design using the GRADE guidelines and summarized with respect to brain MRI vs. cranial US (1) detection of white matter injury; (2) cerebellar hemorrhage; (3) long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and impact on parental anxiety. We conclude with a hospital-specific guideline algorithm for performing TEA MRI based on risk evaluations ≤32 weeks.
Small molecule reaction networks that model the ROS dynamics of the rhizosphere

Spontaneous reactions between plant and bacterial redox active metabolites can result in reaction-diffusion networks that regulate redox gradients and ROS concentrations. Our model system mimics known biological processes observed in plants, including the oxidative burst, travelling waves, and chemical pattern formation. Similar non-enzymatic reactions between natural products may play a role in plant–bacteria interactions, including biofilm and microbiome regulation, and be useful for the development of narrow range antibiotics.
The relative efficiency of time-to-progression and continuous measures of cognition in presymptomatic Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Introduction Clinical trials on preclinical Alzheimer’s disease are challenging because of the slow rate of disease progression. We use a simulation study to demonstrate that models of repeated cognitive assessments detect treatment effects more efficiently than models of time to progression. Methods Multivariate continuous data are simulated from a Bayesian joint mixed-effects model fit to data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Simulated progression events are algorithmically derived from the continuous assessments using a random forest model fit to the same data. Results We find that power is approximately doubled with models of repeated continuous outcomes compared with the time-to-progression analysis. The simulations also demonstrate that a plausible informative missing data pattern can induce a bias that inflates treatment effects, yet 5% type I error is maintained. Discussion Given the relative inefficiency of time to progression, it should be avoided as a primary analysis approach in clinical trials of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
Group Performance Trajectories of Athletic Training and Physical Therapy Students Engaged in Case-Based Learning Activities

PURPOSE This study examines the group performance trajectories of athletic training and physical therapy students as they engaged in case-based learning experiences over the course of a semester. METHODS We apply Tuckman and Jensen’s (1977) model of group development which predicts a non-linear performance trend as groups progress through the stages of forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. We also examine the extent to which performance trajectories differ between interprofessional and uniprofessional groups. RESULTS As predicted, results suggest a significant non-linear trajectory of group performance across case-study trials. Specifically, a significant cubic trajectory was observed, such that group performance was characterized by two inflections points over time. Although we observed raw mean differences in performance ratings between interprofessional and uniprofessional groups, no significant differences were found across trials. We offer some speculative explanations for why this occurred. CONCLUSION Ultimately, our findings provide insight to educators and practitioners regarding why and when groups may need additional support.
Introduction—Topic models: What they are and why they matter

We provide a brief, non-technical introduction to the text mining methodology known as topic modeling. We summarize the theory and background of the method and discuss just what kinds of things are found by topic models. Using a text corpus comprised of the eight articles from the special issue of Poetics on the subject of topic models, we run a topic model on these papers both as a way to introduce the methodology and also to help summarize some of the ways in which social and cultural scientists are using topic models. We review some of the critiques and debates over the use of the method and finally, we link these developments back to some of the original innovations in the field of content analysis that were pioneered by Harold D. Lasswell and colleagues during and just after World War II.
Efficient Flywheel-Based All-Wheel-Drive Electric Powertrain

All-wheel-drive (AWD) multimotor electric powertrains offer greater potential for system performance, efficiency, and reliability improvements. In this article, a new AWD electric powertrain that can increase the overall powertrain efficiency and battery lifetime is introduced. The proposed powertrain is based on a compact and efficient flywheel-based kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) that overcomes most of the shortcomings of the conventional electric KERS. Here, a significant part of the mechanical power transfer takes place without conversion to electrical power. Therefore, a selectable fraction of the recoverable kinetic energy is processed by power electronics. Thus, no energy exchange is necessary between the battery and the powertrain during acceleration and deceleration, resulting in a reduced battery power rating. This article compares the proposed powertrain with a conventional AWD electric powertrain. Mathematical modeling and simulations based on the space vector method were used for both powertrains that show the advantage of the proposed powertrain over the conventional one. The experimental data are also presented from our proof of the concept laboratory setup.
Plant pathogenic fungi are harbored as endophytes in Rhododendron spp. native to the Eastern U.S.A.

Abstract Invasive plant pathogens cause a substantial loss of yearly revenue and often lead to environmental change. The movement of plants is considered to be the main avenue for introduction of invasive plant pathogens. Government agencies attempt to reduce the risk of introductions by legislation and inspections. However, inspectors may not consider that plant pathogens can infect plants as endophytes that are not considered hosts without showing symptoms. This study surveyed endophytes in rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum and Rhododendron catawbiense) plants in four native stands in the Eastern U.S.A. We isolated associated endophytes from the plant leaves and identified them using a molecular sequencing method. Fifteen (21%) of the identified samples matched with a known plant pathogen not reported to be pathogenic on rhododendron. We demonstrated pathogenicity of selected rhododendron endophytes on red oak, flowering dogwood and lupine. This study is important because it highlights that present detection methods and techniques may not be adequate to detect the potential importation and spread of invasive species.
Modulation format and number of users classification in multipoint free-space optical communication using convolutional neural network

A methodology based on convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed for joint classification of transmitting user number and modulation format in a multiuser free-space optical communication (FSOC) link. The proposed methodology relies on amplitude information of received mixed signal. In-phase and quadrature components of users that are sharing time and bandwidth resources transmitting into the same optical wireless access point and interfering within each other are analyzed. The proposed approach utilizes the constellation diagrams of the received mixed symbols to generate image data sets that are fed into CNN input. The designed CNN model with three convolutional layers was tested for: varying image resolutions, image-data set size, varying number of received symbols, and atmospheric turbulence to identify optimal parameters and processing time for system design and implementation. The results indicate that the CNN model can blindly and accurately identify the communicating device number and their optical modulation format with classification accuracy up to 100% for various SNRs. Moreover, the CNN demonstrated robustness against atmospheric turbulence and suggested immunity to additive noise. Therefore, the proposed methodology proved to be a promising and feasible solution for practical implementation of an intelligent optical wireless receiver for aerial and terrestrial FSOC links.
Hypothalamic circuitry underlying stress-induced insomnia and peripheral immunosuppression

The neural substrates of insomnia/hyperarousal induced by stress remain unknown. Here, we show that restraint stress leads to hyperarousal associated with strong activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (CRHPVN) and hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (HcrtLH). CRHPVN neurons directly innervate HcrtLH neurons, and optogenetic stimulation of LH-projecting CRHPVN neurons elicits hyperarousal. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockdown of the crh gene in CRHPVN neurons abolishes hyperarousal induced by stimulating LH-projecting CRHPVN neurons. Genetic ablation of Hcrt neurons or crh gene knockdown significantly counteracts restraint stress-induced hyperarousal. Single-cell mass cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) revealed extensive changes to immune cell distribution and functional responses in peripheral blood during hyperarousal upon optogenetic stimulation of CRHPVN neurons simulating stress-induced insomnia. Our findings suggest both central and peripheral systems are synergistically engaged in the response to stress via CRHPVN circuitry.
Deterministic calculation of elasto-plastic stress-strain behavior from arbitrary deformation fields

A system of partial differential equations is derived to compute the full-field stress from an observed strain field when the plastic component of the material constitutive equation is unknown. These equations generalize previously proposed equations that are valid in the case where the elastic strain is negligible. The system of equations assume that the constitutive relations are isotropic, but otherwise make few assumptions and can be directly applied (without modification) to cases of finite deformation, non-linear elasticity and plasticity, compressible materials, rate dependent materials, and a variety of different yield surface shapes and hardening laws. Unlike the prior linear hyperbolic partial differential equations, this system of equations is non-linear and time dependent. The newly proposed equations can be used to solve for the stress field (and hence constitutive equation), for arbitrary geometries and loading conditions when the full-field strain is known. This generalization resolves a significant challenge in computing the stress during elasto-plastic deformations: some regions of the material will be elastically unloading while others are undergoing significant plastic deformation. This problem significantly limited applications of the previously proposed equations, but is fully resolved here. A two-dimensional case study of necking in a uniaxial tensile test specimen is investigated to illustrate the method. The governing equations are numerically solved using an algorithm based on on the finite volume method developed in an accompanying work. This is validated against the solution to the forward problem and shown to give accurate results (within numerical error of the true solution). This case study thus demonstrates that the developed approach has unique capabilities, including the first theoretically exact solution to this well studied problem.
Clock model interpolation and symmetry breaking in O(2) models

We define an extended-O(2) model by adding a $\gamma \cos(q\varphi)$ term to the ordinary O(2) model with angular values restricted to a $2\pi$ interval. In the $\gamma \rightarrow \infty$ limit, the model becomes an extended $q$-state clock model that reduces to the ordinary $q$-state clock model when $q$ is an integer and otherwise is a continuation of the clock model for non-integer $q$. By shifting the $2\pi$ integration interval, the number of angles selected can change discontinuously and two cases need to be considered. What we call case $1$ has one more angle than what we call case $2$. We investigate this class of clock models in two space-time dimensions using Monte Carlo and tensor renormalization group methods. Both the specific heat and the magnetic susceptibility show a double-peak structure for fractional $q$. In case $1$, the small-$\beta$ peak is associated with a crossover, and the large-$\beta$ peak is associated with an Ising critical point, while both peaks are crossovers in case $2$. When $q$ is close to an integer and the system is close to the small-$\beta$ Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, the system has a magnetic susceptibility that scales as $\sim 1 / (\Delta q)^{1 - 1/\delta'}$ with $\delta'$ estimates consistent with the magnetic critical exponent $\delta = 15$. The crossover peak and the Ising critical point move to Berezinskii-Kosterlitz-Thouless transition points with the same power-law scaling. A phase diagram for this model in the $(\beta, q)$ plane is sketched.
Post-Retirement Labor and Non-Retirement Risky Asset Allocation

This article studies how post-retirement labor is related to non-retirement risky asset allocation. By using panel data from the 1992–2018 Health and Retirement Study, this article empirically finds a negative relationship over time between non-retirement risky asset allocation and post-retirement labor. Furthermore, this article explores the forced retirement risk (a type of labor income risk) for the post-retirement labor group. Descriptive findings indicate that members of the post-retirement labor group have a greater risk of being forced to retire, and the trend of forced retirement risk is inversely related to equity returns. This latter finding suggests a potential correlation between forced retirement risk and stock returns. If an individual’s human capital is at greater risk or becomes more stock-like (i.e., labor income risk correlates with stock returns), then investing in fewer risky assets would be justifiable. When both of these findings are accounted for, they corroborate the findings of this article: Post-retirement labor is negatively associated with risky asset allocation. TOPICS:Retirement, risk management, performance measurement, legal/regulatory/public policy Key Findings ▪ Post-retirement labor is negatively associated with non-retirement risky asset allocation. ▪ Forced retirement risk, a labor income risk, may be correlated with equity returns, explaining the current findings in light of previous literature and theory. ▪ Ex-retirees may rely on investment advice that is inherently founded on a view of their human capital as a bond-like asset. However, the risk characteristics of their human capital may differ fundamentally from those of other labor groups, requiring more tailored financial advice.
Kidney pathological changes alter cell clustering features in single-cell RNA sequencing

The kidney is composed of multiple cell types, each with specific physiological functions. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) is useful for classifying cell-specific gene expression profiles in kidney tissue. Because viable cells are critical in scRNA-Seq analyses, we report an optimized cell dissociation process and the necessity for histological screening of human kidney sections prior to performing scRNA-Seq. We show that glomerular injury can result in loss of select cell types during the cell clustering process. Subsequent fluorescence microscopy confirmed reductions in cell-specific markers among the injured cells seen on kidney sections and these changes need to be considered when interpreting results of scRNA-Seq.
A Closed-Loop Current Source Gate Driver with Active Voltage Balancing Control for Series-Connected GaN HEMTs

The voltage rating of the commercial Gallium Ni-tride (GaN) power devices are limited to 600/650 V due to the lateral structure. Stacking the low-voltage rating devices is a straightforward approach to block higher dc-link voltage. However, the unbalanced voltage sharing can occur due to the discrepancies in the gate driving loops, the device parameter tolerance and the device-to-ground displacement currents for the series-connected devices in the stack. In this paper, a novel closed-loop current source gate driver is proposed, which addresses the voltage imbalance issue of series-connected GaN HEMTs for both hard switching and soft switching scenarios. The proposed current source gate driver controls the device switching timing and the dv/dt with fine accuracy by directly regulating the device gate current. Without the employment of the lossy snubber circuit or the external Miller capacitor, the switching energy and the switching speed are almost not compromised for each individual device. Meanwhile, the closed-loop strategy improves the adaptivity to different operating conditions. A series-connected GaN-based multiple pulse tester is built to validate the proposed current source gate driver and the voltage balancing strategies in different switching scenarios.
A Review of “Information and Communication Technology Geographies: Strategies for Bridging the Digital Divide”

Melissa R. Gilbert and Michele Masucci have written an important book that will surely make a lasting contribution to geography and beyond. It will be of great interest to scholars working in the f...
Experience with three different models of the Copper T intrauterine contraceptive device in nulliparous women.

Abstract The Copper T intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) has been found to be an effective method of contraception for nulliparous women. It has been postulated that increasing the amount of copper on the IUD would decrease the pregnancy rate. The TCu 200, 300, and 380A devices were compared during sequential time periods in a nonrandomized clinic population of nulliparous women, and life-table analysis of first-segment event rates was performed at the end of one year. The findings suggest that additional copper reduces the pregnancy rate without increasing the rate of expulsion or removal for bleeding and/or pain. A randomized trial with these devices should be performed to determine if the trends observed in this study are valid.
Developing successful entrepreneurial ecosystems : Lessons from a comparison of an Asian tiger and a Baltic tiger

Purpose– There are strong similarities and striking differences in Estonia's and South Korea's entrepreneurial ecosystems. The purpose of this paper is to seek to compare and contrast these two economies in terms of key indicators related to impacts, performance measures and determinants of entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approach– The approach of this study can be described as theory building from multiple case studies. The analysis is based on secondary data from a number of sources related to impacts, performance measures and determinants of entrepreneurship.Findings– Among the major findings is that in order to shift to a higher gear, South Korea's entrepreneurial weakness must be addressed through broad institutional reforms that include the corporate governance, and policies and attitudes toward immigrants and immigration. In Estonia's case, while continuing attention must be paid to institutional reforms, immediate action is needed to improve policies that affect basic economic, technological and infrastructural conditions.Research limitations/implications– A crucial lesson from a comparison of these two economies is that multiple paths of entrepreneurial success exist.Practical implications– The lessons each can learn from the other to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem are suggested. Other emerging, developing and less developed economies also have much to learn from the success paths of these two economies.Originality/value– This paper provides unique insights into alternative ways that emerging economies can follow to develop successful entrepreneurial ecosystems and achieve entrepreneurial success as well as advantages and limitations of the alternatives.
Modeling Spatial Variability with One and Multidimensional Continuous-Lag Markov Chains

The continuous-lag Markov chain provides a conceptually simple, mathematically compact, and theoretically powerful model of spatial variability for categorical variables. Markov chains have a long-standing record of applicability to one-dimensional (1-D) geologic data, but 2- and 3-D applications are rare. Theoretically, a multidimensional Markov chain may assume that 1-D Markov chains characterize spatial variability in all directions. Given that a 1-D continuous Markov chain can be described concisely by a transition rate matrix, this paper develops 3-D continuous-lag Markov chain models by interpolating transition rate matrices established for three principal directions, say strike, dip, and vertical. The transition rate matrix for each principal direction can be developed directly from data or indirectly by conceptual approaches. Application of Sylvester's theorem facilitates establishment of the transition rate matrix, as well as calculation of transition probabilities. The resulting 3-D continuous-lag Markov chain models then can be applied to geo-statistical estimation and simulation techniques, such as indicator cokriging, disjunctive kriging, sequential indicator simulation, and simulated annealing.
Structure of Cre recombinase complexed with DNA in a site-specific recombination synapse

During site-specific DNA recombination, which brings about genetic rearrangement in processes such as viral integration and excision and chromosomal segregation, recombinase enzymes recognize specific DNA sequences and catalyse the reciprocal exchange of DNA strands between these sites. The bacteriophage recombinase Cre catalyses site-specific recombination between two 34-base-pair loxP sites. The crystal structure at 2.4 A resolution of Cre bound to a loxP substrate reveals an intermediate in the recombination reaction, in which a Cre molecule has cleaved the substrate to form a covalent 3'-phosphotyrosine linkage with the DNA. Four recombinases and two loxP sites form a synapsed structure in which the DNA resembles models of four-way Holliday-Junction intermediates. The Cre-loxP complex challenges models of site-specific recombination that require large changes in quaternary structure. Subtle allosteric changes at the carboxy termini of the Cre subunits may instead coordinate the cleavage and strand-exchange reactions.
Oct1 and OCA-B are selectively required for CD4 memory T cell function

Epigenetic changes are crucial for the generation of immunological memory. Failure to generate or maintain these changes will result in poor memory responses. Similarly, augmenting or stabilizing the correct epigenetic states offers a potential method of enhancing memory. Yet the transcription factors that regulate these processes are poorly defined. We find that the transcription factor Oct1 and its cofactor OCA-B are selectively required for the in vivo generation of CD4(+) memory T cells. More importantly, the memory cells that are formed do not respond properly to antigen reencounter. In vitro, both proteins are required to maintain a poised state at the Il2 target locus in resting but previously stimulated CD4(+) T cells. OCA-B is also required for the robust reexpression of multiple other genes including Ifng. ChIPseq identifies ∼50 differentially expressed direct Oct1 and OCA-B targets. We identify an underlying mechanism involving OCA-B recruitment of the histone lysine demethylase Jmjd1a to targets such as Il2, Ifng, and Zbtb32. The findings pinpoint Oct1 and OCA-B as central mediators of CD4(+) T cell memory.
A hybrid medium access control protocol for wireless LANs

The author describes a medium access control protocol for efficient use of the radio channel in a cell. Channel time is structured as a sequence of frames of equal duration. The MAC protocol is a hybrid of centrally scheduled, contention-free data transfer (reservation-based) and decentralized, contention-based (slotted-ALOHA) protocols. The protocol relies on the use of broadcast messages from a central controller that demarcates contention-free intervals and the contention-based intervals in a frame. An adaptively movable boundary separates the contention-free and contention-based portions in each frame. This provides for flexibility of bandwidth allocation to meet a variety of asynchronous and isochronous services that are anticipated in future wireless LAN applications. >
The use of STADIUM statistical TCAD simulation methodology in industrial environments

The software program called STADIUM has been developed by researchers at Florida Institute of Technology. The purpose of STADIUM is to facilitate the statistical design and simulation of integrated processes, devices and products. It is a software shell which uses existing simulators in a design of experiments statistical methodology, and which allows the estimation of the statistical response of the manufacturing environment. Some of the details of STADIUM are described together with activities of the Florida SEMATECH Center of Excellence to implement this software in several industrial environments. >
Electrophysiology study: a comprehensive review.

An EPS provides valuable information about cardiac arrhythmias by recording intracardiac electrograms and using programmed stimulation techniques. Although the sequence of study protocols may vary with each institution, an EPS routinely begins with baseline measurement of conduction intervals. Subsequently, clinical arrhythmias are induced either by incremental or decremental pacing and extrastimulus techniques. Nurses must understand the technical and psychosocial aspects of an EPS to ensure adequate care. The primary role of nurses is to maintain a safe environment for the patient in the electrophysiology laboratory (i.e., maintain aseptic techniques and intervene when complications occur). Rapid technological advances and the increasing number of well-educated patients require that nurses be knowledgeable and skilled in providing progressive care, such as developing educational programs and support groups for patients and patients' families.
The solubility of carbon in solid gold, copper, and silver

Temperature dependence of equilibrium solid solubility of C in Au, Cu and Ag foils with respect to graphite
Persistent neutrophil (PMN) activation 24 hr after ischemia and reperfusion.

Abstract Neutrophils have been implicated as mediators of the reperfusion injury which occurs in skeletal muscle after ischemia. The purpose of this study is to determine if PMN chemotaxis occur 24 hr after an ischemic injury followed by reperfusion. Rabbit hindlimbs were made ischemic by clamping the right iliac and femoral arteries for 2 or 3 hr after ligating all pelvic collaterals. The limb was then reperfused by removing the clamps. After 24 hr of reperfusion, blood samples were drawn from the carotid artery and right iliac vein. Serum and PMN were isolated from each blood sample. Chemotaxis, as determined by migration across a filter, was measured in each group. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated a significant increase in chemotaxis in PMN isolated from the venous effluent of hind limbs which had undergone 3 hr of ischemia and 24 hr of reperfusion. PMN isolated from the carotid artery of the same animals had significantly less chemotactic activity. There were no significant differences from control in PMN chemotaxis in specimens from sham animals or animals exposed to 2 hr of ischemia and 24 hr of reperfusion. Those rabbits which had undergone 3 hr of ischemia had a clinically stiff and edematous hindlimb, whereas those which had undergone 2 hr of ischemia and the sham animals had a normal hindlimb after 24 hr of reperfusion. PMN isolated from the venous effluent of an ischemic limb after 3 hr of ischemia and 24 hr of reperfusion demonstrated increased chemotaxis while systemic arterial PMN from the same animals showed no more chemotaxis than control cells. Regional changes in PMN continue to be present 24 hr after the injury and may contribute to an ongoing reperfusion injury despite adequate blood inflow being present.
A complex issue: special education in corrections

Abstract Correctional administrators generally cite three reasons for their inability to comply with The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (PL 94-142). The uniqueness of the correctional setting, lack of interagency cooperation, and lack of trained correctional special educators are typical reasons for noncompliance. The current status of each noncompliance issue is discussed. Emphasis, however, is placed on the need to train correctional special educators to help implement the law.
Excitation functions for actinides produced in the interactions of 31P with 248Cm.

Excitation functions have been measured for the production of various isotopes of Bk, Cf, Es, and Fm from the interactions of 174- and 239-MeV {sup 31}P projectiles with {sup 248}Cm. The isotopic distributions were symmetric and displayed full widths at half maximum of 2.5, 2.5, and 2.25 mass units for Bk, Cf, and Fm, respectively. The maxima of the isotopic distributions occur for those reaction channels which involve the exchange of the fewest number of nucleons between the target and projectile for which the calculated excitation energy is a positive quantity. The maxima of the excitation functions occur at those projectile energies which are consistent with the calculated reaction barriers based upon a binary reaction mechanism. The effects of the odd proton in the {sup 31}P projectile on the final isotopic distributions are discussed.