cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A necessary and sufficient condition for diagnosability of stochastic discrete event systems

Stochastic discrete event systems (SDES) are systems whose evolution is described by the occurrence of a sequence of events, where each event has a defined probability of occurring from each state. The diagnosability problem for SDES is the problem of determining the conditions under which occurrences of a fault can be detected in finite time with arbitrarily high probability. (IEEE Trans Autom Control 50(4):476–492 2005) proposed a class of SDES and proposed two definitions of stochastic diagnosability for SDES called A- and A A-diagnosability and reported a necessary and sufficient condition for A-diagnosability, but only a sufficient condition for A A-diagnosability. In this paper, we provide a condition that is both necessary and sufficient for determining whether or not an SDES is A A-diagnosable. We also show that verification of A A-diagnosability is equivalent to verification of the termination of the cumulative sum (CUSUM) procedure for hidden Markov models, and that, for a specific class of SDES called fault-immediate systems, the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) minimizes the expected number of observable events required to distinguish between the normal and faulty modes.
Sovereign Debt, Government Spending Cycles, and Back-loaded Pension Reforms

This paper studies the effect of public pension obligations on a sovereign government’s commitment to repaying debt. In the model, the government can renege on its pension promises but suffers a cost from losing the trust of households about future pensions. Large pension promises act as a commitment device for debt because they require the government to have regular access to credit markets. The government's decision to default is driven by its total obligations, not just its debt. Thus, there is a range of pension obligations large enough to act as a commitment device without raising total obligations to the point of default. This otherwise deterministic economy has an endogenous cycle in which periods of high spending and increasing debt are followed by periods of pension reform and debt reduction. The model successfully produces high debt in excess of 100% GDP without default and back-loaded pension cuts that match salient features of recent reforms in six EU nations.
Analyses of alternative polyadenylation: from old school biochemistry to high-throughput technologies

Alternations in usage of polyadenylation sites during transcription termination yield transcript isoforms from a gene. Recent findings of transcriptome-wide alternative polyadenylation (APA) as a molecular response to changes in biology position APA not only as a molecular event of early transcriptional termination but also as a cellular regulatory step affecting various biological pathways. With the development of high-throughput profiling technologies at a single nucleotide level and their applications targeted to the 3'-end of mRNAs, dynamics in the landscape of mRNA 3'-end is measureable at a global scale. In this review, methods and technologies that have been adopted to study APA events are discussed. In addition, various bioinformatics algorithms for APA isoform analysis using publicly available RNA-seq datasets are introduced. [BMB Reports 2017; 50(4): 201-207].
Virologic suppression and CD4+ cell count recovery after initiation of raltegravir or efavirenz-containing HIV treatment regimens.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of raltegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) on treatment response among ART-naive patients seeking routine clinical care. Design Cohort study of adults enrolled in HIV care in the United States. Methods We compared virologic suppression and CD4 cell count recovery over a 2.5 year period after initiation of an ART regimen containing raltegravir or efavirenz using observational data from a US clinical cohort, generalized to the US population of people with diagnosed HIV. We accounted for nonrandom treatment assignment, informative censoring, and nonrandom selection from the US target population using inverse probability weights. Results Of the 2843 patients included in the study, 2476 initiated the efavirenz-containing regimen and 367 initiated the raltegravir-containing regimen. In the weighted intent-to-treat analysis, patients spent an average of 74 (95% confidence interval: 41, 106) additional days alive with a suppressed viral load on the raltegravir regimen than on the efavirenz regimen over the 2.5-year study period. CD4 cell count recovery was also superior under the raltegravir regimen. Conclusion Patients receiving raltegravir spent more time alive and suppressed than patients receiving efavirenz, but the probability of viral suppression by 2.5 years after treatment was similar between groups. Optimizing the amount of time spent in a state of viral suppression is important to improve survival among people living with HIV and to reduce onward transmission.
Abstract 15258: Radiation Induced Coronary Microvascular Compromise; a Novel Rodent Model of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Comorbidity-driven, coronary microvascular endothelial inflammation may be the fundamental pathophysiologic mechanism in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cardiomyocytes are resistant to radiation but radiation specifically induces microvascular endothelial cell damage and inflammation. Hypothesis: Cardiac radiation exposure produces isolated coronary microvascular compromise (RMVC) and recapitulates the HFpEF phenotype. Methods: Cardiac expression of rat sodium iodide symporter (NIS) was induced by cardiotropic gene delivery (AAV9-NIS; 2*10 10 vg/rat, tail vein injection) to Sprague Dawley rats at age 5 wks. SPECT-CT (I 125 ) measured cardiac iodine uptake to calculate appropriate I 131 doses to deliver 10 or 20 Gy cardiac radiation at age 10 wks (+ chronic T 4 replacement). RMVC and Control rats were studied at age 30 wks. Results: Table. Body weight, heart rate and blood pressure were similar across groups. EF was similar but LV diastolic volume (EDV) tended to be smaller and treadmill exercise capacity was markedly reduced in RMVC. Invasive pressure-volume analysis showed increased LV diastolic stiffness (β) and LV end-diastolic (EDP), central venous (CVP) and mean circulatory filling (Mcfp) pressures but similar preload recruitable stroke work and peak +dP/dt in RMVC, consistent with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Pathology revealed similar heart weight but reduced microvascular density and increased LV fibrosis in RMVC. In RMVC myocardium, fetal gene expression (ANP mRNA) was increased and correlated inversely with microvascular density (p Conclusion: In the absence of pressure overload, isolated coronary microvascular compromise produces a HFpEF phenotype. This model may be useful for testing HFpEF therapeutic strategies targeting microvascular compromise and its sequella.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Structures Using Carbon Particles

Abstract A wide variety of mesoporous ZSM-12, Zeolite Beta, Y Faujasite, SBA-15, and MCM-41 were prepared through hydrothermal synthesis by using carbon black particles as a “template” for mesoporosity. The intracrystalline mesopores were formed after the included carbon was burned off. It seems that this method of generating mesoporosity can be generalized for many other zeolites. Nitrogen physisorption determined that mesoporous networks were generated in all samples, and that the mesoporosity generated was controlled by the size and amount of the carbon particles. The mesoporous samples were found to be identical in composition to their non-carbon analogues, and further exhibited far greater catalytic capabilities due to reduced intracrystalline mass transfer resistances
Phase I Trial of the Combination of Docetaxel, Prednisone, and Pasireotide in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Background Pasireotide (SOM230; Novartis Inc, Basel, Switzerland) is a multitargeted somatostatin receptor analogue likely to treat the neuroendocrine, and docetaxel resistant components within metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This phase I trial tested the combination of pasireotide, docetaxel, and prednisone in pretreated mCRPC. Patients and Methods Chemotherapy naive mCRPC patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 intravenously every 21 days and pasireotide intramuscularly every 28 days at escalating dose levels of 40, 60, and 80 mg. Maximum tolerated dose and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) were assessed. Results Eighteen patients were enrolled with a median age of 65 (range, 49-75) years, and pretherapy prostate-specific antigen of 259.9 ng/mL. The dose-limiting toxicities were Grade 4 hyperglycemia unresponsive to therapy and Grade 4 neutropenia lasting for > 7 days in 1 patient each occurring at the 80-mg dose level of pasireotide. The RP2D was determined at 60 mg every 28 days. Four patients at the 60 mg dose had Grade 3 or 4 hyperglycemia, which responded adequately to therapy. Median time to progression and survival were 7.2 and 18.3 months, respectively. Three of 6 patients with circulating tumor cells ≥5 converted to circulating tumor cells Conclusion The addition of pasireotide to docetaxel and prednisone is clinically feasible at a dose level of 60 mg every 28 days. The combination showed potential for clinical efficacy but needs to be compared with the standard docetaxel and prednisone regimen.
Eighty-Eight Years: The Long Death of Slavery in the United States, 1777–1865. By Patrick Rael. (Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2015. Pp. xix, 329. $32.95.)

That slavery was fully entrenched in the economic, political, and social fabric of the United States is well accepted. So too is the fact that it took a bloody civil war to end the institution thro...
Soaking Effects on Strength Characteristics of Crushed Gravel and Limestone Unbound Aggregates

Strength characteristics of unbound aggregate materials critically affect base and sub-base thickness designs of construction working platforms and flexible pavements. Unsoaked California Bearing R...
Quick-brain MRI as first imaging modality to diagnose pediatric stroke (P4.261)

Objective: We describe use of quick-brain (QB) MRI in pediatric arterial ischemic stroke, exploring time to diagnosis with QB as first study. Background: Pediatric stroke is diagnosed 23 hours after presentation, with delays in diagnostic imaging a significant factor. QB-MRI is a rapidly acquired T2 sequence designed to evaluate ventricular size. Diffusion weighted imaging can be included. QB may be chosen over CT as first study for a child who would need sedation for full MRI. Design/Methods: We performed a chart review of children 1 month to 18 years with acute arterial ischemic stroke, hospitalized at our institution from January, 2013 to September, 2015. Patients were excluded for asymptomatic presentation, severe trauma, or unclear time of presentation. We evaluated if initial imaging study (CT, QB, or MRI) influenced time from first evaluation to diagnostic study. Results: Seventeen patients met inclusion criteria. Six patients were initially assessed with CT, 8 with QB, and 3 with MRI. Patients averaged 9.2 years at time of stroke; 4.2 years in the QB group, 13.0 years in the MRI group, and 14.1 years in the CT group. Six patients were hospitalized at time of stroke, and 5 of these received QB as first study. Median time to diagnosis was 4.5 hours overall; 2.5 hours in MRI group, 3.5 hours in QB group, and 7.4 hours in CT group. CT diagnosed stroke in one patient. No findings were missed on QB or MRI. Conclusions: QB was the most common first study, was sensitive for acute stroke, and resulted in rapid diagnosis, with no missed findings. This small study suggests that QB may be considered as a first study in children with symptoms of acute stroke. Disclosure: Dr. Christy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilson has nothing to disclose.
Relationship between International Normalized Ratio and Outcomes in Modern Trials with Warfarin Controls.

Introduction A target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2-3 has been recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and risk factors for thromboembolism. This recommendation is largely based on evidence from observational studies a decade ago. This study utilized collective data from modern trials with warfarin controls to examine the relationship of warfarin anticoagulation, as assessed by INR, on the clinical outcome events of interest. Methods Data on warfarin-treated patients from three clinical studies supporting the approval of dabigatran (Pradaxa), apixaban (Eliquis), and edoxaban (Savaysa) were pooled. Ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and all-cause death were selected as the outcome events of interest. Multivariate Cox regression modeling was performed to examine the association between time-dependent INR and each outcome event. Benefit-risk assessment was evaluated by summing the estimated annual event rate for ischemic stroke and ICH. Results A total of 21,883 patients representing 322 ischemic strokes, 288 ICHs, and 657 all-cause deaths were included in the analysis. The models used suggest that the risk of ischemic stroke is greatly reduced when INR exceeds 2; in contrast, the risk of ICH increases monotonically as INR increases. When combining ischemic stroke and ICH events, the lowest estimated annual event rate was observed between INR of 2 and 2.5; the risk only slightly increased between INR of 1.8 and 3.0. Similarly, a U-shaped relationship between INR and the risk of all-cause death was found. Conclusions This study using collective warfarin data from recent large prospective trials indicates that INR between 2 and 2.5 provides the best balance between ischemic stroke and ICH, as well as optimal protection against death in patients with AF.
Effects of Low Energy Availability on Bone Health in Exercising Premenopausal Women

The development of optimal peak bone mass during the adolescent years and the associated rate of decline in bone mass with aging are the key determinants of bone health. Because both are influenced by lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and dietary intake, an understanding of the effects of low energy availability and exercise on bone health in premenopausal women is paramount. Although exercise is osteogenic, in the context of low energy availability due to inadequate dietary intake, mechanotransduction and bone metabolism are compromised. If prolonged, both low energy availability and associated hypoestrogenism can cause bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporotic fracture and bone stress injury. The female athlete triad is the clinical and physiological context in which bone loss in exercising women occurs. Three decades of research have defined the causal relations between low energy availability, hypoestrogenism, and bone loss. Whether complete reversal of bone loss with improved energy availability and menstrual resumption is possible or unclear, recent studies are addressing this. Evidence-based recommendations for clinicians have recently been developed and include a user-friendly algorithm to predict the risk of bone loss and bone stress injury. Future research that capitalizes on improved imaging and quantitative approaches to determine bone strength and design effective dietary interventions to prevent and treat bone loss in exercising women are necessary.
Veiled aggression: Saudi women international students’ experiences of microcolonization in the United States

The 2016 presidential election in the United States entailed presidential candidates warning of ‘radical Islam,’ ‘Jihadist violence,’ and ‘refugee terrorism.’ At the same time, random and targeted ...
Effects of Protected Area Size on Conservation Return on Investment

The objective of this research is to examine how protected area size influences the conservation benefit and acquisition cost of creating a protected area, how the resulting effects influence the predicted rate of return on investment (ROI), and how those relationships change prioritization decision-making for selecting protected areas compared with decisions based only on conservation benefit and decisions based only on acquisition cost. The objective is accomplished in an econometric framework by analyzing the parcel-level acquisition cost and conservation benefit measured by the change in potential fragmentation patterns on the landscape resulting from protection. We focus on areas acquired by The Nature Conservancy in central and southern Appalachia, United States. As an indicator of the change in landscape fragmentation, we use a fragmentation statistic known as effective mesh size. Although the effect of protected parcel size on predicted ROI is inelastic, greater conservation effectiveness is obtained with larger protected parcels than with smaller ones on average. Protected parcel size influences parcels’ rankings for protection more (less) when only the predicted change in effective mesh size of protected area (only the predicted acquisition cost per area) is used for prioritizing parcels than when the ranking of parcels is determined by the predicted ROI. These findings imply that, although protected parcel size is important, failure to prioritize using ROI could result in an inappropriate level of emphasis being given to protected parcel size than is warranted.
Towards water-saving irrigation methodology: Field test of soil moisture profiling using flat thin mm-sized soil moisture sensors (MSMSs)

Abstract This study examined flat thin mm-sized soil moisture sensors (MSMS) fabricated using thermal press technology on thin compact disc (CD) to solve the long-standing problems of soil moisture profiling. The 10-month field tests conducted at a farm site compared three groups of MSMS with commercial capacitance-type soil moisture sensors (SMS) in terms of accuracy, sensitivity to environmental variations (e.g. water shock, temperatures, dry/wet seasons) and long-term stability. MSMS sensors were mounted on the shallow, middle and deep locations of a hollow plastic rod (length: 1.1 m) and installed along the soil depth to profile the soil moisture variation. The resistance readings of MSMS sensors along soil depth were recorded in a real-time mode. Due to soil settlement over time after installation, the MSMS sensors in the shallow soil suffered from unstable readings, while the MSMS sensors in the middle and deep soil exhibited high stability and had the best correlation with water content values of commercial sensors (R2 value: 0.6264). The contact between MSMS surface and soil particles appeared to be a critical factor determining the stability of MSMS readings. In addition, MSMS sensors showed a prompt response to the sharp change of soil moisture in the water shock tests. The soil moisture profiles collected from MSMS sensors captured the spatiotemporal variation of soil moisture, which enabled the simultaneous profiling at multiple locations. This field study demonstrated the great potential of mass deployment of low-cost but accurate MSMS sensors to achieve high resolution profiling for water-saving irrigation.
ModQuad-Vi: A Vision-Based Self-Assembling Modular Quadrotor

Flying modular robots have the potential to rapidly form temporary structures. In the literature, docking actions rely on external systems and indoor infrastructures for relative pose estimation. In contrast to related work, we provide local estimation during the self-assembly process to avoid dependency on external systems. In this paper, we introduce ModQuad-Vi, a flying modular robot that is aimed to operate in outdoor environments. We propose a new robot design and vision-based docking method. Our design is based on a quadrotor platform with onboard computation and visual perception. Our control method is able to accurately align modules for docking actions. Additionally, we present the dynamics and a geometric controller for the aerial modular system. Experiments validate the vision-based docking method with successful results.
Outcomes in patients with solid organ transplants undergoing cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective Long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery in solid organ transplant recipients are limited in the contemporary literature. The objective of this study is to evaluate postoperative outcomes in these patients, including variables associated with mortality and readmissions. Methods All adults undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve, or coronary artery bypass grafting + valve cardiac surgical procedures from 2011 to 2018 were included in this study. Patients with solid organ transplants undergoing cardiac surgery were studied. Primary outcomes included operative (30-day) and 5-year mortality. Results A total of 11,190 patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, isolated valve, or coronary artery bypass grafting + valve operations at our institution from 2011 to 2018. Of these, 129 patients (1%) had solid organ transplants and underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 84), isolated valve (n = 30), or coronary artery bypass grafting + valve (n = 15). Type of organ transplant included 84 patients (65%) with kidney, 27 patients (21%) with liver, 9 patients (7%) with heart, and 9 patients (7%) with lung transplants. The median Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk Of Mortality for the cohort was 2.73 (Q1-Q3: 1.67-6.33). Three patients (2%) had an operative (30-day) mortality. Significant variables associated with 5-year mortality on multivariable Cox regression analysis included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio, 2.44; 1.01-5.90; P = .048) and congestive heart failure (hazard ratio, 4.45; 1.81-10.9; P = .001). Significant variables associated with 5-year readmissions included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dialysis dependence, and concomittant valve surgery with coronary artery bypass grafting. Five-year readmission rate was 88%, and patients with valve operations (± coronary artery bypass grafting) had significantly lower (P = .009) freedom from readmission (6%). Conclusions Cardiac surgery can be performed with low operative mortality and good long-term survival in patients with solid organ transplants. Five-year hospital readmissions are common, with significantly more readmissions in patients who had valve procedures.
Hardly a Tweet Storm.

We read with interest the Social Media Vignette, “The Continued Rise in Professional Use of Social Media at Scientific Meetings: An Analysis of Twitter Use During the ASNR 2018 Annual Meeting.”[1][1] While we agree that there has been an increase in Twitter use during the 5-year period observed
Postoperative Bioresorbable Chitosan-Based Dressing for Endoscopic Middle Meatal Dacryocystorhinostomy With Balloon Dilation.

Purpose:To evaluate the improvement in epiphora and need for surgical revision in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction following balloon-assisted, middle meatal endoscopic dacryocys...
Animals as Intervention Agents

This chapter describes a second role animals may play in assisting intervention—a therapeutic agent. The animal-assisted intervention (AAI) literature describes investigation of a variety of outcomes (e.g., reduction of symptoms, improvements in behavior, changes in psychosocial constructs), and suggests potential theories to explain these outcomes (e.g., social support, attachment). I argue that the variety of outcomes is because of the innumerable goals targeted by AAI, and that an overarching construct can be helpful in framing the animal’s role in achieving any of these goals. Animals will be discussed as agents within the intervention process. Although not described in this way, the literature sometimes refers to the animal’s role as an agent or substitute. The chapter will cite literature on animal characteristics that make them potential agents (e.g., capacity for self-willed action, nonthreatening, unconditional positive regard) and describe research identifying animals as intervention agents. The roles of anodyne and agent are combined to introduce the anodyne-agent model, a framework for understanding the role of the therapy animal in AAI.
Demons, Angels, and Writing in Ancient Judaism

What did ancient Jews believe about demons and angels? This question has long been puzzling, not least because the Hebrew Bible says relatively little about such transmundane powers. In the centuries after the conquests of Alexander the Great, however, we find an explosion of explicit and systematic interest in, and detailed discussions of, demons and angels. In this book, Annette Yoshiko Reed considers the third century BCE as a critical moment for the beginnings of Jewish angelology and demonology. Drawing on early 'pseudepigrapha' and Aramaic Dead Sea Scrolls, she reconstructs the scribal settings in which transmundane powers became a topic of concerted Jewish interest. Reed also situates this development in relation to shifting ideas about scribes and writing across the Hellenistic Near East. Her book opens a window onto a forgotten era of Jewish literary creativity that nevertheless deeply shaped the discussion of angels and demons in Judaism and Christianity.
Examples of Creative Extensions in Music

We discuss creative extensions such as new counterpoint, rock jazz, and free jazz, which go beyond the original intention of a genre.
Vestibular function after cochlear implantation: A test battery and case-by-case approach.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cochlear implantation on the functional integrity of the horizontal semicircular canal using multiple methodologies, and to discuss and highlight the limitations of using isolated vestibular tests to assess vestibular function in surgical ears. Methods Ten cochlear implant patients were consented to undergo a preoperative and 3-month postoperative vestibular assessment. The horizontal semicircular canal (SCC) was assessed using three different vestibular test measures that assess function using different stimuli and at different frequencies ranges: caloric testing, sinusoidal harmonic acceleration testing in the rotary chair, and video head impulse testing in the plane of the horizontal SCC. Data was analyzed using different methods: descriptive, statistical, and by an examination of individual case studies. Results Each analysis method yielded a different interpretation. Statistical analysis showed no significant group mean differences between baseline pre-op vestibular test results and 3-month post-op vestibular test results. Descriptive analysis showed 30% of individuals presented with postoperative abnormal vestibular testing findings. A case study examination showed that only one patient presented with a post-op decrease in vestibular function in the implanted ear. Conclusions There are several limitations of conventional vestibular testing in postsurgical cochlear implant patients. A test-battery approach, including case history, and test interpretation made on a case-by-case basis is needed to determine whether the patient has undergone vestibular damage, is at risk for falling, or in need of further management. Level of evidence 2b individual cohort study.
Atypical meiosis can be adaptive in outcrossed Schizosaccharomyces pombe due to wtf meiotic drivers

Killer meiotic drivers are genetic parasites that destroy 'sibling' gametes lacking the driver allele. The fitness costs of drive can lead to selection of unlinked suppressors. This suppression could involve evolutionary tradeoffs that compromise gametogenesis and contribute to infertility. Schizosaccharomyces pombe, an organism containing numerous gamete (spore)-killing wtf drivers, offers a tractable system to test this hypothesis. Here, we demonstrate that in scenarios analogous to outcrossing, wtf drivers generate a fitness landscape in which atypical spores, such as aneuploids and diploids, are advantageous. In this context, wtf drivers can decrease the fitness costs of mutations that disrupt meiotic fidelity and, in some circumstances, can even make such mutations beneficial. Moreover, we find that S. pombe isolates vary greatly in their ability to make haploid spores, with some isolates generating up to 46% aneuploid or diploid spores. This work empirically demonstrates the potential for meiotic drivers to shape the evolution of gametogenesis.
Local Food, Agriculture, and Tourism in the Dominican Republic

The paper examines local food and food production in the Dominican Republic and how local agriculture intersects with the tourism and restaurant sectors. It argues that not only has tourism created a demand for local produce, and thus provided jobs and income for Dominicans far removed from the fabled beaches of Punta Cana; but local production of food, especially fruits and vegetables, has helped put the Dominican Republic on top as the most popular destination among the island nations of the Caribbean. The primary contribution of the paper is an empirical analysis of agricultural production and consumption using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization since 1961. The paper is historical as well as empirical. It first discusses the antecedents of the Dominican diet and the historical roots of the foods Dominicans produce and eat. It also traces the struggle, over the last 150 years, of forces that pushed toward export agriculture and others that pushed toward food self-sufficiency. The paper wraps up with a more focused discussion of the mutual benefits provided by agriculture, local food, and tourism in the Dominican Republic.
An Economic Framework for Vaccine Prioritization

We propose an economic framework for determining priority rules for allocating a scarce supply of vaccines that gradually become available during a public health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Agents differ in observable and unobservable characteristics, and the designer maximizes a social objective function over all feasible mechanisms accounting for those characteristics, as well as agents' endogenous behavior in the face of the pandemic. The framework emphasizes the role of externalities and incorporates equity as well as efficiency concerns. Our results provide an economic justification for providing the vaccines immediately and for free to some groups of agents, while at the same time showing that a carefully constructed pricing mechanism can improve outcomes by screening for individuals with the highest private and social benefits of receiving the vaccine.
Image-Guided Ablation for Colorectal Liver Metastasis: Principles, Current Evidence, and the Path Forward

Image-guided ablation can provide effective local tumor control in selected patients with CLM. A randomized controlled trial suggested that radiofrequency ablation combined with systemic chemotherapy resulted in a survival benefit for patients with unresectable CLM, compared to systemic chemotherapy alone. For small tumors, ablation with adequate margins can be considered as an alternative to resection. The improvement of ablation technologies can allow the treatment of tumors close to major vascular structures or bile ducts, on which the applicability of thermal ablation modalities is challenging. Several factors affect the outcomes of ablation, including but not limited to tumor size, number, location, minimal ablation margin, RAS mutation status, prior hepatectomy, and extrahepatic disease. Further understanding of the impact of tumor biology and advanced imaging guidance on overall patient outcomes might help to tailor its application, and improve outcomes of image-guided ablation.
A randomized iterative approach to optimizing an online substance use intervention for collegiate athletes.

BACKGROUND Rates of drug use among collegiate athletes are high, yet there are few evidence-based interventions for this population. myPlaybook, an online intervention for collegiate athletes, targets multiple predictors of drug use (i.e., norms, positive and negative expectancies about use, and harm prevention intentions). PURPOSE We aimed to optimize modules from myPlaybook. METHOD We evaluated modules through three sequential randomized factorial trials, using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy framework. We recruited and randomized 54 (Trial 1), 47 (Trial 2), and 42 (Trial 3) schools and invited all first-year and transfer collegiate athletes to participate. Athletes completed a baseline survey, their randomly assigned modules, and immediate posttest and 30-day follow-up surveys. Across trials, 3,244 (48.8% female), 2,837 (51.9% female), and 2,193 (51.4% female) athletes participated. In Trial 1, we evaluated and revised less effective modules (defined as d 0.35). The expectancies module improved alcohol positive expectancies (d = 0.3). The other modules were not effective. CONCLUSIONS After three trials, two myPlaybook modules substantially improved proximal outcomes, increasing the likelihood that the combined intervention will have a meaningful clinical impact on collegiate athletes' drug use.
Nonideal polar residues in the core of the coiled coil of FtsLB are critical for modulating its stability and activation in bacterial cell division

The FtsLB complex is a key regulator of bacterial cell division, existing in either an off or on state which supports the activation of septal peptidoglycan synthesis. In Escherichia coli, residues that are critical for this activation are located in a region near the C-terminal end of the periplasmic coiled coil of FtsLB, raising questions about the precise role of this conserved domain in the mechanism. Here, we investigate an unusual cluster of polar amino acids occurring within the core of the coiled coil. These amino acids likely reduce the structural stability of the domain and thus may be important for governing conformational changes. We found that mutating these positions to hydrophobic residues increased the thermal stability of FtsLB but caused cell division defects, suggesting that the coiled-coil domain is a "detuned" structural element. In addition, we identified suppressor mutations within the polar cluster, indicating that the precise identity of the polar amino acids is important for fine-tuning the structural balance between the off and on states. We propose a revised structural model of the tetrameric FtsLB (named the "Y-model") in which the periplasmic domain splits into a pair of coiled-coil branches. In this configuration, the hydrophilic terminal moieties of the polar amino acids remain more favorably exposed to water than in the original four-helix bundle model ("I-model"). We propose that a shift in this architecture, dependent on its marginal stability, is involved in activating the complex during the process that triggers septal cell wall reconstruction.
Cross-subsidization in institutional asset management firms

We study cross-subsidization among U.S. equity products managed by institutional asset management firms. We find returns-based evidence consistent with both cross-subsidization receipt by strong recent performers that are relatively small in their firms and provision by products that are relatively large in their firms. Tax-exempt investors and taxable investors do not have a clear ranking by expertise, but tax-exempt investors’ agency issues are more complex. Accordingly, taxable clients have more flow-performance nonlinearity and receive more (and provide less) cross-subsidization. Taxable investor flows appear more discerning, but only under the circumstances conducive to cross-subsidization, suggesting that “more discerning” likely means “more cross-subsidized.”Received May 11, 2015; editorial decision April 22, 2017 by Editor Andrew Karolyi.
Warm Ups: Tapping Into The Whole Student And Creating Community

Location: JC Room D International students feel anxiety about language proficiency, academic performance, and cultural identity. They benefit from opportunities to showcase their strengths in a variety of ways. Likewise, domestic students thrive in learning environments that tap into inner resources, build confidence, and let them feel valued within a course community. Because of time, class size, and curriculum constraints, instructors may feel that warm ups are not practical or helpful in their classes. However, we propose that strategically used warm up activities facilitate curriculum and course outcomes on many levels. For international students in particular, warm ups reduce anxieties of being in a new culture and using a second language. They also foster intimacy in the studentsâ relationship with the host culture. More importantly, for all students, they provide opportunities to reduce psychological barriers that affect learning. They enable students to share individual interests and build skills in a low-risk playful environment. Finally, they invite the student to participate as a whole person, which optimizes course work and student performance. The facilitators of this workshop will engage participants in a few of the warm ups they have used with undergraduate and graduate international and domestic students. They can be implemented in a range of courses, from general education classes to those with specialized content and skill development. They can also be adapted for small and large classroom sizes, as well as lecture hall or lab environments. Such warm ups include pair-, small-group- and whole-class-activities that promote communication and critical thinking skills while fostering community. Warm ups designed specifically for international students and using discussion topics related to U.S. culture and the process of acculturation will be shared. Following the experiential portion of the workshop, the facilitators will lead participants in a discussion of their experiences, questions, ideas, and concerns regarding the use of warm ups. Participants will generate and share ideas for warm ups to use in their own courses.
Blood flow velocity and wall shear stress estimation in forward-viewing intravascular ultrasound imaging: Comparison of Doppler and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) approaches

Locally elevated wall shear stress (WSS) has been linked with plaque rupture and erosion, which can then lead to major adverse cardiac events. We have previously demonstrated proof-of-concept for a catheter-based forward-viewing (FV) intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging system capable of imaging 3D velocity fields, from which WSS could be derived. To determine which velocity estimation techniques can best estimate blood flow velocity and WSS in an FV IVUS scenario, in this work, we quantitively compared the performance of two ultrasound-based velocity estimation techniques, Doppler and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in coronary artery phantoms both without stenosis and with an eccentric 54% diameter stenosis (% DS). For the case without stenosis, PIV estimation produced a root mean square error (RMSE) greater than 11 ± 2.82% throughout the entire cross-section compared to Doppler. With stenosis, Doppler estimation yielded a 2 ± 0.3% greater RMSE compared to PIV. In both cases, PIV overestimated WSS by 14% in the case without stenosis, and by 48.59% with stenosis. While further investigation is required, preliminary results of the current study suggest that when imaged in an FV orientation, a Doppler approach has higher accuracy in estimating WSS relative to PIV.
Reimagining the Power of Nucleic Acids as Therapeutic and Diagnostic Agents.

The central dogma of molecular biology proposes that in a typical cell, the flow of genetic information proceeds from DNA to RNA to polypeptide [...]
Chapter 9 The Relation of Speech to Reading and Writing

Publisher Summary The difference in naturalness between speech and reading/writing is an important fact for the psychology of language and the obvious point of departure for understanding the processes of literacy, yet it cannot be accounted for by the conventional theory of speech. Because this theory allows no linguistic specialization at the level of perception and action, it necessarily implies that the primary representations of speech are just like those of reading/writing: neither is specifically linguistic, hence both must first be translated into linguistic form if they are to serve a linguistic function. A less conventional view shows the primary motor and perceptual representations of speech to be specifically phonetic, the automatic results of a precognitive specialization for phonological communication. Accordingly, these representations are naturally appropriate for language, requiring no cognitive translation to make them so; in this important respect they differ from the representations of reading/writing. Understanding the source of this difference helps to see the things to be done if readers and writers are to exploit their natural language faculty—why reading and writing should be at least a little difficult for all, and why they might be very difficult for some.
A Cross Section of Global International Economic Models

The purpose of this volume is to survey the state of the art of global international economic modeling. This is a new and flourishing field as witnessed by the fact that the pioneering Project LINK model is little more than a decade old and most other models reviewed in this volume date from the late 1970s. The models all feature national or regional disaggregation of the world economy and linkages and interactions among the regions, but they emphasize different aspects of the world economic system. Macroeconometric, input–output, general equilibrium, and trade and exchange-rate models are included, as well as several hybrid systems. A few of the models are constructed for shortrun forecasting, but the primary focus is on long-run models and applications.
The effect of identical word pairs on people's metamemory judgments: What are the contributions of processing fluency and beliefs about memory?

Judgments of learning (JOLs) are higher for identical pairs (dog–dog) than for related pairs (dog–cat). This identical effect may be mediated (a) by processing fluency (i.e., identical pairs are processed faster than related pairs) or (b) by a belief that identical pairs are better remembered or (c) by both factors. In the present work, we assessed the contribution of both factors. We evaluated whether a measure of processing fluency (i.e., self-paced study) mediated the relationship between pair type and JOLs (Experiment 1) and attempted to disrupt processing fluency using an AlTeRnAtInG presentation format (Experiment 2). We also evaluated whether judgments made in the absence of processing fluency demonstrated the identical effect (Experiment 3), and, finally, we had participants read a vignette about an experiment that included both pair types and estimate which pairs would be best remembered (Experiment 4). Evidence from all experiments converged on the conclusion that people's beliefs about how vari...
Tissue transglutaminase is expressed, active, and directly involved in rat dermal wound healing and angiogenesis

Tissue transglutaminase (TG) is an enzyme that stabilizes the structure of tissues by covalently ligating extracellular matrix molecules. Expression and localization of TG are not well established during wound healing. We performed punch biopsy wounds on anesthetized rats and monitored the wound healing process by histological and immunohistochemical methods. The TG antigen and activity are expressed at sites of neovascularization in the provisional fibrin matrix within 24 h of wounding. Endothelial cells, macrophages, and skeletal muscle cells expressed TG throughout the healing process. The TG antigen within the wound was active in vivo based on the detection of isopeptide bonds. The TG antigen increased four- to fivefold by day 3 postwounding and was proteolytically degraded. TG expression occurred in association with TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and VEGF production in the wound. Recombinant TG increased vessel length density (a measure of angiogenesis) when applied topically in rat dorsal skin flap window chambers. We have established that TG is an important tissue stabilizing enzyme that is active during wound healing and can function to promote angiogenesis.
Microbiological and Pharmacological Behavior of 7-Chlorolincomycin

Abstract Replacement of the 7-(R) hydroxyl group of lincomycin by a 7-chloro-substituent produced a compound with greater in vitro activity than the parent. Laboratory studies of this compound showed it to be highly active against all of the following strains of gram-positive organisms examined, including penicillinase- and nonpenicillinase-producing staphylococci, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans and Streptococcus pyogenes. The enterococci, as well as all the gram-negative organisms tested, with the exception of some strains of Haemophilus, were uniformly insensitive to this agent. The activity of 7-chlorolincomycin was not affected by serum or inoculum size. Resistance developed in a slow stepwise pattern. Peak levels of approximately 2 μg/ml were achieved in the serum of volunteers after ingestion of 150 mg either in the fasting state or after a meal. No untoward effects were noted. The antibiotic appears to be of potential value in the treatment of infections due to gram-positive organisms, with the exception of enterococcus.
Naive Hypothesis Testing for Case Series Analysis with Time-Varying Exposure Onset Measurement Error: Inference for Infection-Cardiovascular Risk in Patients on Dialysis

The case series method is useful in studying the relationship between time-varying exposures, such as infections, and acute events observed during the observation periods of individuals. It provides estimates of the relative incidences of events in risk periods (e.g., 30-day period after infections) relative to the baseline periods. When the times of exposure onsets are not known precisely, application of the case series model ignoring exposure onset measurement error leads to biased estimates. Bias-correction is necessary in order to understand the true directions and effect sizes associated with exposure risk periods, although uncorrected estimators have smaller variance. Thus, inference via hypothesis testing based on uncorrected test statistics, if valid, is potentially more powerful. Furthermore, the tests can be implemented in standard software and do not require additional auxiliary data. In this work, we examine the validity and power of naive hypothesis testing, based on applying the case series analysis to the imprecise data without correcting for the error. Based on simulation studies and theoretical calculations, we determine the validity and relative power of common hypothesis tests of interest in case series analysis. In particular, we illustrate that the tests for the global null hypothesis, the overall null hypotheses associated with all risk periods or all age effects are valid. However, tests of individual risk period parameters are not generally valid. Practical guidelines are provided and illustrated with data from patients on dialysis.
To the Optimality of Projects' Spin-Offs

Firms are often facing a dilemma - whether to develop several innovative projects in-house or finance them as independent entities (spin-offs). This paper provides additional insight which helps to resolve this dilemma. We show that for relatively independent projects, spinning them off increases chances of success. If complementarity between projects is very strong, then they should be developed by the same firm.