cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insurance Companies as SIFIs: The MetLife Inc. Litigation

Perhaps the most controversial area of governmental oversight is whether insurance companies should be regulated as systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs). Because of Congressional legislation of 1945, US insurance companies came under the exclusive regulatory domain of the individual states rather than the federal government. As insurance companies increased in complexity expanding well beyond individual states to global entities, the issue arose whether it was necessary to have federal government oversight in addition to or in place of states’ supervision. Both the US Financial Stability Oversight Council and the Financial Stability Board established by the G20 have determined that such oversight was warranted. We examine the current ongoing litigation bitterly initiated by the MetLife against the Council which imposed SIFI prudential standards upon the company.
Allostatic load and reduced cortical thickness in schizophrenia

Structural imaging studies have consistently found reduced gray matter thickness of the cerebral cortex in schizophrenia, a finding that is evident in first episode psychosis and may be progressive in some cases. Although genetic predisposition and medication effects may contribute to cortical thinning, we hypothesize that the cumulative effects of stress may represent an environmental factor impacting brain morphology in schizophrenia. We examined the relationship between allostatic load, an index of peripheral biomarkers representing the cumulative effects of stress, and cortical thickness. Allostatic load was calculated for 44 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and 33 normal controls (NC) based on 13 cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic measurements. Controlling for age, SSD had significantly elevated allostatic load as compared with NC (p=0.008). Controlling for age, whole brain average cortical thickness was lower in SSD patients compared to NC (p=0.008). However, once allostatic load was accounted for, the group difference in cortical thickness became marginal (p=0.058). Exploratory analyses on subcomponents of allostatic load suggested that elevated immune marker C-reactive protein, stress hormones, and cardiovascular indices within allostatic load were more strongly associated with reduced cortical thickness in SSD. In NC, only the association between immune marker C-reactive protein and cortical thickness was replicated. These results support the hypothesis that allostatic load may account for some of the gray matter deficits observed in schizophrenia. Among the allostatic indices, the inflammatory mechanism appears particularly relevant to cortical thickness in both schizophrenia patients and normal controls.
Gromov-Witten Invariants and Quantum Cohomology

This article is based on the lectures given by the author at the University of Adelaide in 1998. In Section 1, we define GromovWitten invariants of symplectic manifolds as intersection pairings on the moduli space of pseudoholomorphic curves. The invariants are computed in various examples. We also study the quantum product structure on the cohomology groups and its associativity. In Section 2, we introduce relative Gromov—Witten invariants when there is a symplectic submanifold of (real) codimension two. Symplectic cutting can be regarded as the result of degeneration along such a submanifold. The Gromov—Witten invariants of the total space can be expressed in terms of the relative invariants of the symplectic cuts. In Section 3, we discuss the question of naturality of quantum cohomology, i.e., finding morphisms between symplectic manifolds that induce homomorphisms of quantum cohomology. After a review of Mori’s program of minimal models in three (complex) dimensions, we state various results and conjectures regarding naturality and in particular in relation to mirror symmetry.
Recruitment of calcineurin to the TCR positively regulates T cell activation

Calcineurin is a phosphatase whose primary targets in T cells are NFAT transcription factors, and inhibition of calcineurin activity by treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) or FK506 is a cornerstone of immunosuppressive therapies. Here we found that calcineurin was recruited to the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling complex, where it reversed inhibitory phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase Lck on Ser59 (LckS59). Loss of calcineurin activity impaired phosphorylation of Tyr493 of the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 (ZAP-70Y493), as well as some downstream pathways in a manner consistent with signaling in cells expressing LckS59A (Lck that cannot be phosphorylated) or LckS59E (a phosphomimetic mutant). Notably, CsA inhibited integrin-LFA-1-dependent and NFAT-independent adhesion of T cells to the intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1, with little effect on cells expressing mutant Lck. These results provide new understanding of how widely used immunosuppressive drugs interfere with essential processes in the immune response.
Giant field enhancement in longitudinal epsilon-near-zero films

We report that a longitudinal epsilon-near-zero (LENZ) film leads to giant field enhancement and strong radiation emission of sources in it and these features are superior to what was found in previous studies related to isotropic ENZ. LENZ films are uniaxially anisotropic films where relative permittivity along the normal direction to the film is much smaller than unity, whereas the permittivity in the transverse plane of the film is not vanishing. It has been shown previously that realistic isotropic ENZ films do not provide large field enhancement due to material losses, however, we show the loss effects can be overcome using LENZ films. We also prove that, in comparison to the (isotropic) ENZ case, the LENZ film's field enhancement not only is remarkably larger, but also occurs for a wider range of angles of incidence. Importantly, the field enhancement near the interface of the LENZ film is almost independent of the thickness unlike what happens in the isotropic ENZ case where extremely small thickness is required. We show that, for a LENZ structure consisting of a multilayer of dysprosium-doped cadmium oxide and silicon accounting for realistic losses, field intensity enhancement of 30 is obtained which is almost ten times larger than that obtained with realistic ENZ materials.
The effects of malpractice non-economic damage caps on the supply of physician labor: Heterogeneity by physician age and risk

Abstract We explore the impact of malpractice caps on non-economic damages that were enacted between 2003 and 2006 on the supply of physician labor, separately for high-malpractice risk and low-malpractice risk physician specialty types, and separately by young and old physicians. We use physician data from the Area Resource File for 2000–2011 and malpractice policy data from the Database of State Tort Law Reforms. We study the impact of these caps using a reverse natural experiment, comparing physician supply in nine states enacting new caps to physician supply in ten states that had malpractice caps in place throughout the full time period. We use an event study to evaluate changes in physician labor compared to the prior year. We find evidence that non-economic damage caps increased the supply of high-risk physicians
Potenziale von Location-based Services für die Marktforschung

Mit steigender Diffusionsrate von mobilen Anwendungen und zunehmender Nutzung von Smartphones steigt auch das Potenzial der Informationsbeschaffung uber mobile Devices. Die Studie zeigt, dass mobile Zielgruppen grundsatzlich aufgeschlossen gegenuber Location-based Services (LBS) sind und standortbezogene Anpassungen mobiler Anwendungen fur die Marktforschung zusatzliches Informationspotenzial liefern. So determinieren neben der Benutzerfreundlichkeit, Nutzlichkeit und Einstellung zur Nutzung vor allem die Informations- und Systemqualitat sowie das Wahrgenommene Vergnugen die Nutzungsabsicht von LBS. Die Herausforderungen fur die Marktforschung bezuglich der Verwendung standortbezogener Anwendungen liegen vor allem in den drei letztgenannten Einflussgrosen.
Stop Meddling in my Country! Governments’ Restrictions on Foreign Aid to NGOs

What motivates countries to enact laws that restrict foreign funding to domestically operating non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? We suggest governments often pass these laws to combat perceive...
Porous stamp-based reagent patterning for lateral flow immunoassays

The lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) is the most common bioassay format in low-resource settings around the world. The ability to reproducibly create uniform protein patterns on porous substrates is a critical requirement for high performance LFAs. Common methods for patterning capture reagents during the LFA fabrication process rely on expensive, sophisticated liquid dispensing instruments that cost upwards of tens of thousands of US dollars and require substantial operator training. In the current report, we describe a simple method of patterning antibody onto nitrocellulose substrates using a porous material stamp. The method reproducibly produces uniform mm-scale patterns with less than ∼10% coefficient of variation in the average signal within the plateau region across replicate patterns.
Chemical Exfoliation of Black Phosphorus for Nanoelectronics Applications

Chemically exfoliated two-dimensional (2D) materials have shown promise in a variety of applications such as thin film transistors and photovoltaic devices. Here, we present a scalable method for preparing black phosphorus membranes via direct liquid-phase exfoliation of the bulk crystal in organic solvents. The black phosphorus sheets are characterized by Raman and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. The properties of these chemically exfoliated black phosphorus was compared to mechanically exfoliated nanomembranes. The liquid-phase exfoliation nonetheless yields the potential for large-area scalability. Our results highlight the important aspects of forming solution dispersions of 2D black phosphorus which can subsequently be the stepping stone for future work on the ink-jet printing of such dispersions over a wide range of substrates.
Expertise in Counseling Psychology: A Concept in Search of Support

Despite the documented efficacy of counseling, evidence supporting a claim of “expertise” among counseling practitioners is found to be lacking. A review of selected literature finds that counselors frequently hold inacurate or biased cognitive schemata concerning clients and engage in faulty reasoning regarding clients' concerns—producing clinical judgments that appear no better than those of less experienced individuals (novices). The concept of “expertise” in counseling may be justified if clinical judgment is viewed as an ill-structured problem and the criterion for judging expertise is changed from enhanced clinical accuracy to one of enhanced clinical certainty.
The synthesis of methionine by enzymic transmethylation. IX. Formation of subunits of thetin-homocys-teine methylpherase by reaction with sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Abstract Treatment of thetin-homocysteine methylpherase with low concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulfate results in a disaggregation of the molecule into subunits of molecular weight of the order of 50 000. The enzyme does not dissociate into subunits in solutions of high ionic strength or at high pH values. In the absence of excess detergent, the subunits retain enzymic activity.
Extra-Articular Retained Missiles; Is Surveillance of Lead Levels Needed?

Background Although gunshot wounds are relatively common, lead toxicity associated with extra-articular retained missiles (EARMs) is an uncommon, yet potentially devastating, complication. Although the risk of lead toxicity with intra-articular retained missiles is well known, EARMs are routinely left in situ or only removed in selected circumstances secondary to the relatively rare occurrence of complications. Methods We first describe a patient with systemic lead poisoning associated with retained lead fragments after a gunshot-induced left femoral shaft fracture. We then performed a systematic review of the literature to answer the following questions: (1) In the setting of retained extra-articular bullets and/or bullet fragments, is regular monitoring and/or surveillance of lead levels in the blood routinely indicated? and, if so, (2) what are the selected factors that portend an increased risk for elevations in blood lead levels in the setting of retained extra-articular bullets and/or bullet fragments? The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines, of the English language literature utilizing Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL on the topic of lead poisoning, retained bullet, and gunshot wound, and then searched for additional references by manually searching of bibliographies of the included references. Studies were included if they provided clinical data on one or both of our study questions; included studies were evaluated using the accepted levels of evidence. Findings Routine monitoring or surveillance of lead levels in blood is recommended in all cases of EARM at the time of hospital admission and again at discharge, followed by monthly intervals until 3 mo post-injury and then again at 1 yr post-injury. The studies identified demonstrated significant risk factors for elevated blood lead levels in the setting of EARM, which included the number of retained missiles and concomitant fracture. Discussion Recommendations for routine monitoring and surveillance of blood lead levels in all cases of EARM are conflicting, but such monitoring appears to be warranted given that the potential risks and morbidity associated with systemic lead poisoning are outweighed by any potential harm of short-term, blood lead level monitoring. Outside of concomitant fracture, the evidence for making further clinical recommendations regarding selected risk factors that portend an increased risk for elevated blood lead levels after gunshot injury is weak. Larger level II and III studies are needed to determine the indications for and frequency of lead toxicity screening after retained EARM.
An economic cost analysis of an expanding, multi-state behavioural telehealth intervention

IntroductionIn this paper the economic costs associated with a growing, multi-state telepsychiatry intervention serving rural American Indian/Alaska Native populations were compared to costs of tra...
Analysis of Bilirubin in Three Dimensions

Lemberg’s prediction in 1935 (460) of the (Z)-configuration at the ene-amide exocyclic C=C double bonds of bilirubin and biliverdin was based insightfully on the thenknown structure of heme and its role as the biogenetic precursor to bile pigments: oxidative elision of the heme α-methine forms first biliverdin, which is reduced rapidly in mammals to produce bilirubin (Fig. 8.1a).
Glutamate-like immunoreactivity is present within cholinergic neurons of the laterodorsal tegmental and pedunculopontine nuclei.

For the last decade the functional organization pf cholinergic neurons has dominated studies of the basal forebrain. Cholinergic neurons in the brain, exclusive of motor neurons and interneurons, are found in two spatially separate groups (Armstrong et al., 1983, Mesulam et al., 1984). The rostral group, located in the basal forebrain, has received substantial attention because of its corticopedal projections (Mesulam et al., 1984) and its’ degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (Coyle et al., 1983). The caudal group is found in the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPT) within the pontine tegmentum (Vincent et al., 1983; Mesulam et al., 1984; Satoh and Fibiger, 1986), and is the source of cholinergic innervation to the basal forebrain, thalamus and brainstem (Sofroniew et al., 1985; Hallenger et al., 1987; Maley et al., 1988; Rye et al., 1988; Jones, 1990).
The Welfare Ingredients of Price Level Regulation: Incentives and Decisional Options

A shift from profit to price level regulation effects a shift of risks and benefits between the firm and its consumers. In purest theory profit level regulation assigns to consumers the risks of cost increases and the benefits of cost reductions, while price level regulation reassigns both to the firm. In turn, the transfer of these risks and benefits effects a major change in the firm’s incentives.
Head and neck cancer: The year 2000

Most planners for health care expound as the primary goal for the future that a given disease be controlled or, better yet, eliminated. In the case of the ‘cancers’ of the head and neck (and there are many), this is not likely to happen in the near future. Even if prevention would become optimal, we would still have to treat established disease with today’s remedies. If we accept that no significant new therapies will be available, the single most important advance should be the prescription of therapy based on scientific data rather than empirical information as we still do it today.
Secondary Neutron Dose From a Dynamic Collimation System During Intracranial Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy: A Monte Carlo Investigation

Purpose Patients receiving pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy with the addition of a dynamic collimation system (DCS) are potentially subject to an additional neutron dose from interactions between the incident proton beam and the trimmer blades. This study investigates the secondary neutron dose rates for both single-field uniform dose (SFUD) and intensity modulated proton therapy treatments. Methods and Materials Secondary neutron dose distributions were calculated for both a dynamically collimated and an uncollimated, dual-field chordoma treatment plan and compared with previously published neutron dose rates from other contemporary scanning treatment modalities. Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code was used to track all primary and secondary particles generated from nuclear reactions within the DCS during treatment through a model of the patient geometry acquired from the computed tomography planning data set. Secondary neutron ambient dose equivalent distributions were calculated throughout the patient using a meshgrid with a tally resolution equivalent to that of the treatment planning computed tomography. Results The median healthy-brain neutron ambient dose equivalent for a dynamically collimated intracranial chordoma treatment plan using a DCS was found to be 0.97 mSv/Gy for the right lateral SFUD field, 1.37 mSv/Gy for the apex SFUD field, and 1.24 mSv/Gy for the composite intensity modulated proton therapy distribution from 2 fields. Conclusions These results were at least 55% lower than what has been reported for uniform scanning modalities with brass apertures. However, they still reflect an increase in the excess relative risk of secondary cancer incidence compared with an uncollimated PBS treatment using only a graphite range shifter. Regardless, the secondary neutron dose expected from the DCS for these PBS proton therapy treatments appears to be on the order of, or below, what is expected for alternative collimated proton therapy techniques.
Mapping Class Dependencies for Fun and Profit

Classes depend on other classes to perform certain tasks. By mapping these dependencies, we may be able to improve software quality. We have developed a prototype framework for generating optimized groupings of classes coupled to targets of interest. From a pilot study investigating the value of coupling information in test generation, we have seen that coupled classes generally have minimal impact on results. However, we found 23 cases where the inclusion of coupled classes improves test suite efficacy, with an average improvement of 120.26% in the likelihood of fault detection. Seven faults were detected only through the inclusion of coupled classes. These results offer lessons on how coupling information could improve automated test generation.
The observational signatures of supermassive black hole seeds

The origin and properties of the initial black hole seeds that grow to produce the observed population of accreting sources remain to be determined. It is a challenge to uniquely disentangle signatures of seeding from fueling and dynamics that shapes the assembly history of growing black holes. To address this, we use a semi-analytic model developed to track the growth of supermassive black holes adopting multiple prescriptions for accretion. In contrast with earlier treatments, we explore the interplay between seeding models and two accretion modes. We find that signatures of the initial seeding do survive in the following observational probes: the black hole occupation fraction; contribution to the unresolved X-ray background; low-luminosity and high-redshift luminosity functions; and in gravitational wave event signatures. We find that the behaviour of the low-mass end of the M-sigma relation is dominated by uncertainties in the adopted accretion prescriptions and does not offer clear discrimination between seeding models. We make concrete predictions for future surveys, particularly for the Lynx X-ray surveyor and LISA (The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission, which will each provide different and yet strong constraints on the seed population. Black hole coalescences detected by LISA and high-redshift quasar luminosity functions observed by Lynx will offer the sharpest seeding discriminants. Although the signatures of the black hole seeding mechanism that persist remain linked to our understanding of black hole accretion and dynamics, we offer new insights on how these upcoming multi-wavelength observations could be leveraged to effectively disentangle them.
Foundations of Agnostic Statistics

Reflecting a sea change in how empirical research has been conducted over the past three decades, Foundations of Agnostic Statistics presents an innovative treatment of modern statistical theory for the social and health sciences. This book develops the fundamentals of what the authors call agnostic statistics, which considers what can be learned about the world without assuming that there exists a simple generative model that can be known to be true. Aronow and Miller provide the foundations for statistical inference for researchers unwilling to make assumptions beyond what they or their audience would find credible. Building from first principles, the book covers topics including estimation theory, regression, maximum likelihood, missing data, and causal inference. Using these principles, readers will be able to formally articulate their targets of inquiry, distinguish substantive assumptions from statistical assumptions, and ultimately engage in cutting-edge quantitative empirical research that contributes to human knowledge.
All functions are locally s-harmonic up to a small error

Abstract We prove that, if s ∉ { 1 , 2 , . . . } , then any C k ( B ¯ 1 ) -function can be approximated in the norm of this space by the functions which are s-harmonic in B 1 .
Future Research Needs

One of the major objectives of the Workshop was to identify those areas where future research is still needed, or where work needs to be done to move technology which has been demonstrated in the laboratory to practical applications in the field. This was accomplished in the Workshop in two ways. First, many of the principal review papers highlighted those areas where our knowledge is weak. More important, a session devoted to future research was held on the last day of the Workshop. Each participant had been asked earlier in the week to list the four or five most important research needs from their individual points of view. 37 lists were received from the 46 participants. These lists were then analyzed, and the needs aggregated. The following list is that aggregation, and indicates, in priority order, the needs which the participants felt were most important (the number at the right indicates the number of participants who listed the need among their most important).
Prediabetes, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and small fiber neuropathy

Introduction This study was conducted to evaluate the association between prediabetes (PD), elements of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Methods A total of 268 patients with SFN symptoms and normal electrophysiology underwent tests to assess small fibers. SFN was diagnosed based on abnormality of at least two among intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IEFND), quantitative sensory testing, and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing. Results There was no difference in IENFD or abnormal skin biopsy frequency between PD and normoglycemia (NG). However, IENFD was lower in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) than in those with NG. An association between HbA1C and IENFD was observed only if DM patients were included. Attributes of the MetS were more common in those with an abnormal skin biopsy but not among those with autonomic dysfunction or meeting SFN criteria. Discussion DM, but not PD alone, is associated with SFN. Other MetS elements appear to preferentially impact small fiber structure over function.
A Community School Reform Initiative for Middle Grades Urban and Newcomer Students: Using Mixed Methods to Examine Student Academic and Nonacademic Outcomes Over Time and Compared to a Matched Sample

In recent years, community school (CS) reform efforts have been established and implemented as a method of realizing comprehensive school reform in under-performing school districts. This study inv...
Volatile organic compounds from leaf litter decomposition alter soil microbial communities and carbon dynamics.

Investigations into the transfer of carbon from plant litter to underlying soil horizons has primarily focused on the leaching of soluble carbon from litter belowground or the mixing of litter directly into soil. However, previous work has largely ignored the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during litter decomposition. Unlike most leaf carbon, these litter-derived VOCs are able to diffuse directly into the soil matrix. Here, we used a 99-day microcosm experiment to track VOCs produced during microbial decomposition of 13 C-labeled leaf litter into soil carbon fractions where the decomposing litters were only sharing headspace with the soil samples, thus preventing direct contact and aqueous movement of litter carbon. We also determined the effects of these litter-derived VOCs on soil microbial community structure. We demonstrated that the litter VOCs contributed to all measured soil carbon pools. Specifically, VOC derived carbon accounted for 2.0, 0.61, 0.18, and 0.08% of carbon in the microbial biomass, dissolved organic matter, mineral associated organic matter, and particulate organic matter pools, respectively. We also show that litter-derived VOCs can affect soil bacterial and fungal community diversity and composition. These findings highlight the importance of an underappreciated pathway where VOCs alter soil microbial communities and carbon dynamics.
Volunteerism in Youth Development Programs: Editors' Note

Youth development programs are varied and diverse. Some rely on paid staff to deliver programming, but many rely on volunteers. While there is quite a bit of research on volunteers and volunteerism in general, there is little that goes in depth covering the nuances of volunteers in youth development organizations. The editors of this special issue introduce the articles, which cover themes of understanding the impacts of volunteers, volunteer competencies and skill development, support and motivation of volunteers, and evaluation of programs. In addition, a book review and a closing reflection are included. Finally, the editors close with their thoughts about exciting directions for the future of volunteer development research and practice.
Lymphatic Valves Separate Lymph Flow Into a Central Stream and a Slow-Moving Peri-Valvular Milieu.

The lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in the transport of fats, waste, and immune cells, while also serving as a metastatic route for select cancers. Using live imaging and particle tracking, we experimentally characterized the lymph flow field distal from the inguinal lymph node in the vicinity of normal bileaflet and malformed unileaflet intraluminal valves. Particle tracking experiments demonstrated that intraluminal lymphatic valves concentrate higher velocity lymph flow in the center of the vessel, while generating adjacent perivalvular recirculation zones. The recirculation zones are characterized by extended particle residence times and low wall shear stress magnitudes in comparison to the rest of the lymphangion. A malformed unileaflet valve skewed high momentum lymph flow toward the endothelium on the vessel wall, generating a stagnation point and a much larger recirculation zone on the opposite wall. These studies define physical consequences of bileaflet and unileaflet intraluminal lymphatic valves that affect lymph transport and the generation of a heterogeneous flow field that affects the lymphatic endothelium nonuniformly. The characterized flow fields were recreated in vitro connecting different flow environments present in the lymphangion to a lymphatic endothelial cell pro-inflammatory phenotype. Unique and detailed insight into lymphatic flow is provided, with potential applications to a variety of diseases that affect lymph transport and drug delivery.
Modified En Bloc Esophagectomy Compared With Standard Resection After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation.

Background Surgeons have shifted away from the practice of en bloc esophagectomy, particularly in the era of neoadjuvant therapies. Although some still advocate for this radical approach, contemporary data establishing its superiority are sparse. We hypothesized that a more complete, radical resection could be completed in the setting of chemoradiation without adding morbidity. Methods Patients undergoing esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal adenocarcinoma from 2006-2018 were evaluated. Outcomes after right transthoracic en bloc esophagectomy were compared with standard esophagectomy to determine the impact on outcomes. A Cox proportional hazard model was evaluated, and logistic regression was performed to determine the impact of en bloc resection on postoperative morbidity. Results A total of 604 patients were identified, including 133 (22%) who underwent modified en bloc esophagectomy. Positive margins were most likely to occur in standard esophagectomy (35 of 471, 7%) vs en bloc (3 of 133, 2%) (P = .026). En bloc resection yielded a greater lymph node harvest (27; interquartile range, 22-36), as compared to standard esophagectomy (22; interquartile range, 17-28), P Conclusions Our experience demonstrates improved locoregional disease control with en bloc esophagectomy, with equivalent morbidity. Although these results may be multifactorial, including adequate clearance of both primary tumor and nodal micrometastases, this approach is safe and feasible.
Unraveling the flaws of estimates of the infection fatality rate for COVID-19.

The infection fatality rate (IFR) of COVID-19 is of importance for policymaking. We show that there are significant flaws in many studies estimating the IFR and used as references by public health authorities.
Numerical Validation of the Continuous Time Markov Chain Approximation as a Service Level Estimation Method for Heterogeneous Customer Demand Classes

In this article, we study a threshold level based inventory allocation and replenishment problem for two priority-demand classes under the lot-for-lot replenishment policy. Demands of low-priority class are backordered when on-hand stock is at or below a certain threshold level, while high-priority class demands are lost in case of stock-out situations. We assume a continuous review lot-for-lot ordering policy with both deterministic and stochastic replenishment lead times. Both priority classes exhibit mutually independent, stationary, Poisson demand processes. There is no exact solution yet in the literature except for the special case of exponentially distributed lead times. In this complementary study, we aim to numerically validate the Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC) approximation as a service level approximation method by thoroughly analyzing the effect of the type of lead time distribution, lead time variability, and value of system parameters on the quality of the class-specific service level estimations. As long as expected lead times are identical, we also show empirically the near-insensitivity of the effect of the type of lead time distribution and the lead time variability on the achieved service levels. The CTMC approximation works well under variety of system parameters and lead time distributions. For the cases considered in the constant lead time scenarios with service levels which we expect to see in practice (with fill rate requirements at least 60 % and 90 % for the low-priority and high priority customer classes, respectively), the average absolute errors for the CTMC approximations are calculated as 0.09 % (for the low-priority class fill rate) and 0.05 % (for the high-priority class fill rate); while the maximum absolute errors for the CTMC approximations are calculated as 0.37 % (for the low-priority fill rate) and 0.18 % (for the high-priority fill rate). The CTMC approach also provides quality approximations for the Erlang, lognormal and gamma distributed lead times.
Sinusoidal endotheliopathy in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: therapeutic implications

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are distinct subtypes of endothelial cells lining a low flow vascular bed at the interface of the liver parenchyma and the circulating immune cells and so...
Consequences of phenological shifts and a compressed breeding period in Magellanic penguins.

Phenological shifts may ameliorate negative effects of climate change or create carryover effects and mismatches that decrease fitness. Identifying how phenological shifts affect performance is critical for understanding how individuals and populations will respond to climate change, but requires long-term, longitudinal data. Using 34 yr of data from the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) colony at Punta Tombo, Argentina, we examined the consequences of the delayed onset of breeding (i.e., arrival and egg-laying dates) that has occurred at the colony since 1983. To understand how the delay propagates through the rest of the reproductive cycle, we identified phenological trends in hatch and fledge dates. Median hatch dates were 0.29 d later each year, amounting to a 10-d shift over the course of the study. Median fledge dates did not shift over the 34-yr period, however, thus shortening the median nestling period duration by 14%. We tested several predictions regarding performance outcomes of the compressed nestling period, finding that later-hatched chicks fledged significantly younger than earlier-hatched chicks, and that younger fledglings left the colony with smaller bills and with more chick down. Interestingly, although younger chicks fledged significantly lighter and in worse body condition than older fledglings early in the study, this trend reversed over time, with younger chicks actually fledging heavier and in better body condition in more recent years. Smaller and lighter fledglings were less likely to recruit to the colony as adults. We find that delayed breeding has significantly compressed nestling periods at Punta Tombo, influencing chick growth and fledgling condition. These findings highlight the importance of studying phenology across multiple life events to understand the consequences of phenological shifts for organismal fitness.
Impact of COVID-19 on resource families: Unique challenges and strengths

The emergence of COVID-19 forced significant adaptations for families worldwide. Children and youth in foster care and their caregivers or resource parents experience unique stressors. The current ...
The perplexing role of RAGE in pulmonary fibrosis: causality or casualty?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease in which most patients die within 3 years of diagnosis. With an unknown etiology, IPF results in progressive fibrosis of ...
Overview of Variable-Speed Power-Turbine Research

The vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and high-speed cruise capability of the NASA Large Civil Tilt-Rotor (LCTR) notional vehicle is envisaged to enable increased throughput in the national airspace. A key challenge of the LCTR is the requirement to vary the main rotor speeds from 100% at take-off to near 50% at cruise as required to minimize mission fuel burn. The variable-speed power-turbine (VSPT), driving a fixed gear-ratio transmission, provides one approach for effecting this wide speed variation. The key aerodynamic and rotordynamic challenges of the VSPT were described in the FAP Conference presentation. The challenges include maintaining high turbine efficiency at high work factor, wide (60 deg.) of incidence variation in all blade rows due to the speed variation, and operation at low Reynolds numbers (with transitional flow). The PT -shaft of the VSPT must be designed for safe operation in the wide speed range required, and therefore poses challenges associated with rotordynamics. The technical challenges drive research activities underway at NASA. An overview of the NASA SRW VSPT research activities was provided. These activities included conceptual and preliminary aero and mechanical (rotordynamics) design of the VSPT for the LCTR application, experimental and computational research supporting the development of incidence tolerant blading, and steps toward component-level testing of a variable-speed power-turbine of relevance to the LCTR application.
Discussion of ASTM method for rating inclusions

Since nonmetallic inclusions are always present in steel, it is important to identify and classify the size and type of inclusion. ASTM has set up basic guidelines obtaining samples and rating the inclusion. Under microscopic examination, the size, distribution, number, and type of inclusions are examined and compared to various standard ASTM charts. The examination and rating of six samples taken in a systematic way as outlined by an ASTM procedure generates the nonmetallic inclusion rating for that heat. There are four ASTM bearing specifications that cover different grades of steel used in the bearing industry: ASTM Specification for High-Carbon-Chromium Ball and Roller-Bearing Steel (A 295-70); ASTM Specification for High Hardenability Bearing Steels (A 485-63); ASTM Specification for Carburizing Steels for Anti-Friction Bearings (A 534-65); and, ASTM Specification for Special Quality Ball and Roller Bearing Steel (A 535-65). The ASTM method of evaluating bearing steels is commercially oriented to enable the steel producer to consistently evaluate numerous heats of steel.
Kara, Siddharth. Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery

Kara was en route to a promising career as an investment banker when memories of the summer he spent as a volunteer in a refugee camp in Slovenia changed his path. That summer, he heard firsthand the devastating stories of young Muslim Bosnian women who were sold into the European sex industry. Several years later, he decided to devote himself to telling the story of these, and many other women worldwide, and embarked on a prolonged research expedition that spanned 12 countries in four continents. Sex Trafficking is the result of that decision. The book’s subtitle alludes to its unique contribution in the growing body of literature on the topic: Kara’s economic analysis of sexual slavery. Kara introduces the topic by addressing the ongoing discussion over the definition of trafficking, makes the case for the use of the word slavery instead of the more legalistic trafficking, and ends up using them interchangeably. Trying to understand the concepts underlying semantics, Kara distinguishes in his analysis between the slave trade, i.e., the process by which individuals loose personal freedom and become slaves, and the ongoing exploitation of individuals already in slavery. Discussing the root causes of the current trends of trafficking, Kara focuses his criticism on the macroeconomic measures imposed by global financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund, on poor countries. These policies, he argues, exacerbate extreme poverty and social inequality, thereby increasing social Hum Rights Rev (2011) 12:401–403 DOI 10.1007/s12142-011-0192-0
Arms trafficking and Colombia

Many factors have contributed to extreme political instability and violence in Colombia-the drug trade, a protracted insurgent conflict, corruption-but small arms proliferation remains one of the key underlying problems. The authors analyze the black- and gray-market sources of small/light arms, explosives, equipment, and materiel which are available to terrorist and insurgent organizations currently active in Colombia, as well as policy implications for the country and the United States.
Single-mode operation of a multi-mode fiber Raman laser

This paper reports the first demonstration of single-mode operation of a Raman fiber laser (RFL) that uses a multi-mode fiber as the Raman gain medium. The single-mode operation is achieved by exploiting the beam cleanup properties of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in multi-mode fibers, and provides a simpler and more efficient means of developing Raman fiber lasers.
Accelerated Pathological and Clinical Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Prone New Zealand Mixed 2328 Mice Doubly Deficient in TNF Receptor 1 and TNF Receptor 2 via a Th17-Associated Pathway

TNF-alpha has both proinflammatory and immunoregulatory functions. Whereas a protective role for TNF administration in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-prone (New Zealand Black x New Zealand White)F(1) mice has been established, it remains uncertain whether this effect segregates at the individual TNFR. We generated SLE-prone New Zealand Mixed 2328 mice genetically deficient in TNFR1, in TNFR2, or in both receptors. Doubly-deficient mice developed accelerated pathological and clinical nephritis with elevated levels of circulating IgG anti-dsDNA autoantibodies and increased numbers of CD4(+) T lymphocytes, especially activated memory (CD44(high)CD62L(low)) CD4(+) T cells. We show that these cells expressed a Th17 gene profile, were positive for IL-17 intracellular staining by FACS, and produced exogenous IL-17 in culture. In contrast, immunological, pathological, and clinical profiles of mice deficient in either TNFR alone did not differ from those in each other or from those in wild-type controls. Thus, total ablation of TNF-alpha-mediated signaling was highly deleterious to the host in the New Zealand Mixed 2328 SLE model. These observations may have profound ramifications for the use of TNF and TNFR antagonists in human SLE and related autoimmune disorders, as well as demonstrate, for the first time, the association of the Th17 pathway with an animal model of SLE.
Genetic Basis for MHC‐Dependent Mate Choice

Abstract Genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), best known for their role in immune recognition and transplantation success, are also involved in modulating mate choice in mice. Early studies with inbred, congenic mouse lines showed that mate choice tended to favor nonself MHC types. A similar phenomenon was demonstrated with semi‐wild mice as well. Subsequent studies showed that, rather than nonself choices, it was more accurate to say that mice chose nonparental MHC types for mates since preferences for nonself could be reversed if mice were fostered from birth on parents with nonself MHC types. Other studies have demonstrated that parent–offspring recognition is also regulated by MHC‐determined signals suggesting that this system is one of general importance for mouse behavior. Many studies have now demonstrated that volatile mouse body odors are regulated by MHC genes and it is presumably these odor differences that underlie mate choice and familial recognition. Recent studies have shown that many odorants are controlled by the MHC but the mechanism by which MHC genes exert their influence has not been identified. Surprisingly, not only are volatile body odors influenced by MHC genes but so too are nonvolatile signals. Peptides bound to the MHC protein may also function in individual recognition. The extent to which this system is involved in mate choice of other species is unclear although there are some suggestive studies. Indeed, there is tentative evidence that MHC differences, presumably acting via odor changes, may influence human partner selection. Further studies should clarify both the mechanism underlying MHC influence on body odors as well as the generality of their importance in mate selection.
A Dynamic Model of theEscherichia coliPhosphate-Starvation Response

Abstract A mathematical model of the Escherichia coli Pho regulon was developed to study the induction of the phoA gene by starvation for inorganic phosphate. The model includes phosphate transport, detection of the phosphate concentration at the cell surface, and the signal transduction cascade ultimately leading to the induction of various Pho-controlled genes. Four parameters were manipulated to match the dynamic response of a culture growing with phosphate as the growth-limiting substrate to available experimental data for alkaline phosphatase production and internal phosphate concentration. Steady-state analysis demonstrates that the cascade design of this genetic control system gives rise to a harp transition between the uninduced and induced state for a small change in the external phosphate concentration. Parameter sensitivity indicates that the dissociation constant of the repression complex (which holds PhoR in the inactive form when phosphate is in excess), the rate constants for PhoB and PhoR phosphorylation, and the rate constant for induced transcription of Pho genes have the most influence over the expression of Pho-controlled genes. Changes in the repression complex dissociation constant and the PhoB/PhoR phosphorylation rates alter the sensitivity of the phosphate-starvation response to external phosphate concentration, whereas changes in the transcription rate constant affect the gain of the system. The model also predicts that additional Pho promoter (i.e., for the production of a heterologous protein from the phoA promoter on a plasmid) titrate activator protein PhoB A , such that a lower phosphate concentration is required to initiate expression from a high-copy plasmid than from a single-copy plasmid or the chromosome.
Anti-Inflammatory Drug Therapy Alters β-Amyloid Processing and Deposition in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a microglial-mediated inflammatory response elicited by extensive amyloid deposition in the brain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment reduces AD risk, slows disease progression, and reduces microglial activation; however, the basis of these effects is unknown. We report that treatment of 11-month-old Tg2576 mice overexpressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the NSAID ibuprofen for 16 weeks resulted in the dramatic and selective reduction of SDS-soluble β-amyloid (Aβ)42, whereas it had smaller effects on SDS-soluble Aβ40 levels. Ibuprofen treatment resulted in 60% reduction of amyloid plaque load in the cortex of these animals. In vitro studies using APP-expressing 293 cells showed that ibuprofen directly affected APP processing, specifically reducing the production of Aβ42. Ibuprofen treatment resulted in a significant reduction in microglial activation in the Tg2576 mice, as measured by CD45 and CD11b expression. NSAIDs activate the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ); however, a potent agonist of this receptor, pioglitazone, only modestly reduced SDS-soluble Aβ levels and did not affect amyloid plaque burden or microglia activation, indicating that PPARγ activation is not involved in the Aβ lowering effect of NSAIDs. These data show that chronic NSAID treatment can reduce brain Aβ levels, amyloid plaque burden, and microglial activation in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.