cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic Outcomes in Family-Owned Home-Based Businesses:

This study explored the financial success of 620 family-owned home businesses. Characteristics of the home business owner, of the business, and of the owner's managerial practices both within and outside the business arena were systematically evaluated. Personal and family characteristics of the owner-operator were more powerful variables in explaining the amount of income generated by the business than were dimensions of the business, although both categories played significant roles.
The Socioeconomic Return to Primary Schooling in Victorian England

In this article I provide a micro-level analysis of primary schooling in Victorian England. Using a new dataset of school-age males linked between the 1851 and 1881 population censuses, I examine the determinants of childhood school attendance and the impact of attendance on adult labor market outcomes. I find that schooling had a positive effect on adult occupational class and that the associated wage gains were likely to have outweighed the cost of schooling. However, this effect was small relative to father's class, and the effect of education on earnings appears to have been small relative to modern results.
Using pairwise difference features to measure temporal changes in the microbial ecology

The exponential affordability of DNA sequencing technologies has enabled not only the accessible and rapid sequencing of the human genome, but the opportunity to sequence vast numbers of multi-cellular organism and the tiniest microbes. Studying the microbes in the human body has led us to the view that the human body is not a single organism but rather a symbiotic ecology of microbes and human cells. The microbiome is referred to the collection of microorganisms in our body (consisting mostly of bacteria, archaea, and some eukarya) and outnumber our human cells ten to one. Numerous studies suggest that the microbiome may play a critical role in a number of autoimmune diseases, with most research on inflammatory bowel disease. The microbiome ecology can be thought of as a composition of the relative abundance of a large number of organisms that reside in our bodies. Numerous studies suggest that disruptions in the relative abundance of a healthy microbial ecology leads to a disease state. The challenge remains, however, in understanding how and what changes in the composition of the ecology leads to a disease state.
Impact of Maternal and Child Race on Maternal Ratings of ADHD Symptoms in Black and White Boys

Objective: Examine the influence of maternal and child race on ADHD symptom ratings. Method: Participants were Black (n = 63) and White (n = 68) mothers randomly assigned to view a 13-min videotape...
Electronic Packaging: Thermal, Mechanical, and Environmental Durability

Thermal and mechanical properties of an electronic packaging highly dictate its reliability. Thermal management is a critical issue because it controls the device temperature which in turn affects its performance and reliability. In addition, most of the reliability issues comes from mechanical failures resulting from thermal stresses, dynamic loading, or by moisture absorption and desorption. Thermal and mechanical issues particularly related to personal and mobile systems are reviewed in this study.
Photosensitive or congenital porphyria with hemolytic anemia. II. Isotopic studies of porphyrin and hemoglobin metabolism.

Abstract 1. Porphyrin and hemoglobin metabolism have been studied in a case of photosensitive or congenital porphyria with the aid of glycine containing N15. The case was that of a 4 year old girl who also exhibited splenomegaly and hemolytic anemia. The reticulocytes and fecal urobilinogen were markedly increased and the bone marrow was hyperplastic-normoblastic. The urine contained large amounts of uroporphyrin I and lesser amounts of coproporphyrin I, while the reverse was true in the feces. Splenectomy resulted in disappearance of anemia, together with marked reduction of porphyrin excretion. 2. In two separate periods of study a rapid incorporation of glycine N15 was observed in the hemoglobin protoporphyrin, in both coproporphyrin isomers of the urine and in the type I isomer in the feces; also in the uroporphyrin I of the urine, and in the protoporphyrin and stercobilin of the feces. 3. The N15 data obtained for the urinary and fecal coproporphyrin and the urinary uroporphyrin, clearly reveal a synthesis similar in character to that of the hemoglobin protoporphyrin. The striking decline in formation of copro- and uroporphyrin after splenectomy is believed to be correlated directly with the reduced erythropoiesis incident to removal of the excessive hemolysis. 4. In both experiments the peak concentration of N15 was earlier and greater in the copro- than in the uroporphyrin. This, together with the closely similar slopes of decrease of the N15 curves for the two substances, does not appear to support a transition of uro- to coproporphyrin in the present case. The data are more consistent with the view that coproporphyrin I is a precursor of uroporphyrin I, or that both porphyrins are synthesized independently from common precursors. 5. The amount of coproporphyrin III in the excreta was too small to permit N15 analysis except in one period early in the first experiment; here the value was approximately the same as that of the copro- I for the same period, indicating a closely related synthesis.
An American Field Guide to Court-Watching: Researching Current Activities of the U.S. Supreme Court

Over the years, the Supreme Court has engendered its own cohort of "Court-watchers" - a group of journalists, lawyers and academics who document the High Court's activities and predict its course. At one time, this activity was closed to all but the Washington insiders who could pick up slip opinions, follow the Court's docket in expensive services like the Bureau of National Affairs' U.S. Law Week, and hear rumors and predictions from members of the federal appellate bar. However, with the advent of the Internet and the blog, Court-watching is something anyone can do. This article discusses the websites and blogs where researchers can follow the Supreme Court's activities in real-time.
Assembly and Evolution of Amorphous Precursors in Zeolite L Crystallization

The formation of amorphous bulk phases in zeolite synthesis is a common phenomenon, yet there are many questions pertaining to the physicochemical properties of these precursors and their putative role(s) in the growth of microporous materials. Here, we study the formation of zeolite L, which is a large-pore framework (LTL type) with properties that are well-suited for catalysis, separations, photonics, and drug delivery, among other applications. We investigate the structural and morphological evolution of aluminosilicate precursors during zeolite L crystallization using a variety of colloidal and microscopy techniques. Dynamic light scattering measurements of growth solutions and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of extracted solids collectively reveal that zeolite L precursors assemble through a series of steps, leading to branched worm-like particles (WLPs). Transmission electron microscopy and electron dispersion spectroscopy show that WLPs have a heterogeneous composition that predominantly ...
Debonding Under Fatigue Loading at Polymer/Inorganic Interfaces

The mechanisms associated with cycle-by-cycle damage accumulation resulting in fatigue crack propagation between a highly constrained polymer layer and an adjacent elastic substrate are explored. Specifically, cyclic fatigue-induced crack growth between a bisphenol F model epoxy system and a passivated silicon substrate under Mode I loading is reported. Preliminary findings regarding the effects of fatigue load ratio on interfacial crack growth rates are presented. While intermediate crack growth rates were significantly accelerated under cyclic loading, the near-threshold crack growth behavior under cyclic and monotonic loading was surprisingly similar.
Solubility and Surface Properties of Finely Divided Hydroxyapatite.

Synthetic hydroxyapatite (OHAp), Ca5(PO4)3OH, was prepared by slow addition of phosphoric acid to a boiling Ca(OH)2 suspension. The solid, precipitated at a pH of about 12, was stabilized by prolonged boiling. The Ca/P ratio of the product was 1.69 ± 0.04 and it had a specific surface area of 26 m2/g. Samples of OHAp were equilibrated with phosphoric acid solutions. Within the pH range studied, 5 to 7, the solubility product, (Ca)5(PO4)3(OH), was found to be 6.3 ± 2.1 × 10-59 at 25 °C. Substantial deviations of the overall dissolution reaction from OHAp stoichiometry were observed and are attributed to nonstoichiometric reactions occurring at the surface. A linear dependence of excessive phosphorus on the surface with decrease in pH was found. Estimates on the extent of deviation from stoichiometry caused by the surface reaction are given.
The Prevalence of Serological Markers to Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B in Drug Abuse Personnel

A seroepidemiologic survey was conducted in 25 clinical and 31 nonclinical personnel engaged in substance abuse research and treatment. The antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) was identified in 16 percent of the clinical employees and 39 percent of the nonclinical personnel, for a total prevalence of 29 percent. The prevalence of anti-HAV was age related, and the overall frequency was not greater than expected attack rates. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers were present in 16 percent of the clinical personnel tested but in only 3 percent of nonclinical personnel, for a total prevalence of 9 percent among the two groups. The nonclinical risk did not exceed the background prevalence of the disease, but the risk for clinical employees was three to five times greater. This risk appeared to be associated with exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids; however, in no case could an employee with HBV markers recall a percutaneous injury, and covert means of transmission could not be excluded. Only one case (20 percent) of HBV infection manifested clinical symptomatology. Even though proper environmental safety measures may decrease the incidence of HBV infection in at-risk groups, some health care workers and researchers in the field of substance abuse may be at sufficiently increased risk of HBV infection to warrant immunization with hepatitis B vaccine.
Therapeutic anticoagulation in patients with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Background Therapeutic anticoagulation (TAC) is often required in trauma patients for various indications. However, it remains unknown whether TAC can be safely initiated in the postinjury period for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of TAC in TBI patients. Materials and methods We conducted a 7-y retrospective study. All TBI patients who received TAC within 60 d postinjury were included. In addition to patient and injury characteristics, detailed information regarding TAC was collected. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurologic deterioration or progression of hemorrhagic TBI on repeat head computed tomography (CT) after initiation of TAC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with progression of hemorrhagic TBI after TAC. Results A total of 3355 TBI patients were identified. Of those, 72 patients (2.1%) received TAC. Median age, 59; 76.4% male; median Injury Severity Score, 19; median admission Glasgow Coma Scale, 14; and median Rotterdam score on the initial head CT, 3. Although atrial fibrillation was the most common preinjury indication for TAC, venous thromboembolism was the most common postinjury indication. The median postinjury time of initiation of TAC was 9 d. Intravenous heparin infusion was the most commonly used agent for TAC (70.8%). None of our study patients developed any signs of neurologic deterioration due to TAC. Progression of hemorrhagic TBI on repeat head CT was observed in six patients. In a multiple logistic regression model, aged ≥65 y was significantly associated with progression of hemorrhagic TBI after TAC (odds ratio, 15.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-212.7; P = 0.04). Conclusions This study shows preliminary data regarding TAC initiated in patients with TBI. Further prospective study is warranted to determine the risks and benefits of TAC in this specific group of patients.
Finding Clues for Congenital Zika Syndrome: Zika Virus Selective Infection of Immature Neurons.

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in February 2016, due to the suspicion of a link between Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and fetal malformations, there has been an increasing effort by the scientific community to unravel the mechanism of infection and link to the neurological complications.
CFD Applications of Newton’s Method on Supercomputers

The development of high speed vector processors and the dramatic increase in supercomputer core memory has renewed interest in Newton’s method. This paper analyzes the vector operations of a banded solver and compares the numerical efficiency of Newton’s method with a line Gauss-Seidel iteration scheme for both inviscid and viscous test cases.
Small Intestine and Large Intestine

The small intestine is always visualized due to the normal hepatobiliary clearance of the99mTc MPI radiopharmaceuticals. Duodenogastric reflux of radioactive bile and “hot” jejunal activity can cause reconstruction processing artifacts. The large intestine may be seen if intestinal motility is relatively rapid, or there is a long interval between injection and imaging.
Chemotherapy-Induced Ca2+ Release Stimulates Breast Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a critical role in tumor recurrence and metastasis. Exposure of breast cancer cells to chemotherapy leads to an enrichment of BCSCs. Here, we find that chemotherapy induces the expression of glutathione S-transferase omega 1 (GSTO1), which is dependent on hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and HIF-2. Knockdown of GSTO1 expression abrogates carboplatin-induced BCSC enrichment, decreases tumor initiation and metastatic capacity, and delays tumor recurrence after chemotherapy. GSTO1 interacts with the ryanodine receptor RYR1 and promotes calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Increased cytosolic calcium levels activate PYK2 → SRC → STAT3 signaling, leading to increased expression of pluripotency factors and BCSC enrichment. HIF inhibition blocks chemotherapy-induced GSTO1 expression and BCSC enrichment. Combining HIF inhibitors with chemotherapy may improve clinical outcome in breast cancer.
Contrast Sensitivity and Lateral Inhibition Are Enhanced With Macular Carotenoid Supplementation.

Purpose Once deposited in the retina, the so-called macular carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z), and mesozeaxanthin (MZ) have been shown to enhance visual performance. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether increasing macular pigment optical density (MPOD) could enhance lateral inhibitory processes, and thereby improve contrast sensitivity (CS). Methods A total of 59 young (18-25 years), healthy individuals participated in this 1-year, double-masked, placebo-controlled study. MPOD was assessed via heterochromatic flicker photometry. Lateral inhibition sensitivity (LIS) was determined with a computer-based, user-adjustable Hermann grid. CS (at 8 cycles/degree) was determined with a two-alternative, forced-choice procedure. Subjects received either the placebo (n = 10), 12 mg total macular carotenoids (n = 24), or 24 mg total macular carotenoids (n = 25). Results MPOD, LIS, and CS increased significantly in treatment groups between baseline and 6 months, and between 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05 for all) versus placebo. The relationships between changes in MPOD and both LIS and CS were significant at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05 for both). Changes in CS and LIS over the 12-month study period were found to be significantly related (r = 0.41; P = 0.0014). Conclusions Increases in MPOD led to enhanced lateral inhibitory processes, which correspond to improved CS. Because optical filtering has the same net effect on dark versus light bars, it cannot explain these improvements. Improvement in CS with increases in MPOD therefore appears to involve enhancement of the fundamental physiological systems that give rise to edge detection.
RESEARCH ON IMPRECISION METHODS FOR QUALITY ENGINEERING DESIGN AT CALTECH

The mathematics of uncertainty in engineering design is being investigated at the Engineering Design Research Laboratory of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at the California Institute of Technology, supervised by Professor Erik Antonsson. Work has focused on the development of methods for manipulating preliminary engineering design models, when parameter values are imprecise. A semi-automated design method has been developed, termed the method of imprecision, to aid the designer in evaluating preliminary design models, even before the model has been completely designed. The reader is referred to [7, 8, 9]. In addition to designer’s uncertainty in choosing a particular value for a design parameter, probabilistic uncertainty is also present in engineering design. Manufacturing errors and measuring limitations all require the use of probability. Combining these effects within preliminary models is discussed in [10]. The appropriateness of fuzzy sets to model design imprecision, and a comparison with that of probability mathematics for the same modeling, are presented in [11]. This paper quantitatively demonstrates the superiority of fuzzy sets to model design imprecision, over probability methods. Comprehensive discussions of the method of imprecision are available in [6, 12, 13]. Current research has focused on extending the method of imprecision to the parametric stage of engineering design, where actual values of model parameters need to be determined. We have shown that utility theory, fuzzy sets, and probability all fail to provide all of the required features of this calculation [3]. Instead, the properties of general goal resolving operators are presented, similar to the properties of a T -norm. We then introduce specific operators (such as min or a product of power weightings) based on a specified design trade-off strategy. The reader is referred to [3, 4].
Family Structure and Adolescent Substance Use: An International Perspective.

ABSTRACTBackground: Numerous studies indicate that family structure is a key correlate of adolescent substance use. Yet there are some important limitations to this research. Studies have been cond...
Intracellular Colocalization of Influenza Viral RNA and Rab11A Is Dependent upon Microtubule Filaments.

ABSTRACT Influenza A virus (IAV) consists of eight viral RNA (vRNA) segments that are replicated in the host cell nucleus and transported to the plasma membrane for packaging into progeny virions. We have previously proposed a model where subcomplexes of vRNA are exported from the nucleus and assembled en route to the plasma membrane. However, the role of host cytoskeletal proteins in the cytoplasmic assembly of IAV vRNA segments remains unknown. Previous studies have suggested that IAV vRNA segments are transported via Rab11A-containing recycling endosomes (RE) and use both microtubules (MT) and actin. Rab11A RE transport primarily along MT; therefore, investigation of the role of MT in vRNA assembly is warranted. We explored the role of MT in vRNA assembly and replication by using multiple IAV strains in various cell types, including primary human airway epithelial cells. We observed that Rab11A localization was altered in the presence of MT-depolymerizing drugs, but growth of IAV in all of the cell types tested was unchanged. Fluorescent in situ hybridization was performed to determine the role of MT in the assembly of multiple vRNA segments. Unexpectedly, we found that vRNA-vRNA association in cytoplasmic foci was independent of MT. Given the disparity of localization between Rab11A and vRNA segments in the absence of intact MT filaments, we analyzed the three-dimensional spatial relationship between Rab11A and vRNA in the cytoplasm of infected cells. We found that Rab11A and vRNA colocalization is dependent upon dynamic MT filaments. Taken together, our data suggest that cytoplasmic transport of influenza vRNA may include a Rab11A RE-independent mechanism. IMPORTANCE IAV infections cause a large public health burden through seasonal epidemics and sporadic pandemics. Pandemic IAVs emerge through reassortment of vRNA in animal or human hosts. Elucidation of the mechanism of intracellular dynamics of IAV assembly is necessary to understand reassortment. Our results describing the role of MT in vRNA transport and assembly expand upon previous studies characterizing vRNA assembly. This study is the first to assess the role of MT in influenza virus replication in human bronchial airway epithelial cells. In addition, we present novel data on the role of MT in facilitating the association between distinct vRNA segments. Interestingly, our results suggest that progressive assembly of vRNA segments may be cell type dependent and that vRNA may be transported through the cytoplasm without Rab11A RE in the absence of intact MT. These results enhance our understanding of vRNA assembly and the role of cytoskeletal proteins in that process.
An in vitro Comparison of Laser Parameters for Photodynamic Therapy

Although the use of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) as a mode for the treatment of cancer is in an experimental stage, very little is known about the fundamental mechanism(s) behind the effect itself. The purpose of this study was to further characterize the light and/or heat induced destruction of cancerous cell in vitro. Comparisons were made of the effects of average irradiance, peak irradiance and energy fluence on cell kill.
SMITH: an efficient model-based two dimensional shape matching technique

Previous research in model-based 2 – D object recognition has compared the scene representation either with each model in a database of models or with each of a collection of features belonging to a database of models until the scene was completely analyzed. In other words, these techniques were model-driven and lacked a data-driven indexing mechanism for model retrieval. In this paper, we develop such an indexing mechanism. This mechanism is part of an overall scheme called SMITH (Shape Matching Utilizing Indexed Hypothesis Generation and Testing) for 2-D object recognition which is based on a dynamic programming implementation of attributed string matching. It is computationally efficient and works effectively for both non-occluded and occluded shapes. Another advantage of our technique is that models may be inserted or deleted with relatively little cost.
Frequency and duration of phototherapy in preterm infants <35 weeks gestation.

To evaluate the frequency, age at phototherapy (PT) initiation, and duration of PT use in infants 230/7 to 346/7 weeks of gestation in two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) over 4 time periods. We reviewed the charts of all infants born at 230/7–346/7 weeks of gestational age (GA) and admitted to the NICUs of two hospitals between January 2009 and September 2015. We calculated the proportion of infants who received PT and the total duration of PT exposure. Overall 2023 (81.8%) received PT, and PT use was inversely related to GA and birthweight. More infants received PT when GA was added as a criterion for initiating PT. The median duration (interquartile range (IQR)) of PT for all infants was 50 (27–85) h and in the lowest GA group was 74 (42–111) h. Recent US consensus guidelines appear to have led to an increased use of PT in our NICUs and studies from Norway indicate that we use PT considerably more frequently and for longer durations than do our Norwegian colleagues.
The Columbia Supercomputer Project: Physics Results Present Status and Future Plans

This talk is divided into two parts. In the first part, our present results on the deconfining phase transition for pure SO(3) theory will be discussed. The second part contains a brief description of our computers: the architecture of the three machines now in varying stages of operation/construction, their performance and the expected schedual for their completion.
Using Blockchain to Aggregate and Share Misconduct Issues across the Accounting Profession

SUMMARY A perennial challenge in the accounting profession is how to aggregate and share instances of practitioner misconduct among numerous relevant parties. At present, both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) offer solutions for centralized collection of misconduct, but both likely experience issues with incomplete reporting from key constituents. I propose a novel use of blockchain technology to address this issue, such that all key parties in the accounting profession leverage an accountancy blockchain to aggregate and share instances of practitioner misconduct across the country on a nearly real-time basis. Such a network creates an immutable record of misconduct and allows key constituents in the accounting profession to work together and share information as peers without the risk of one party taking control of the ledger. I close by discussing blockchain-specific roadblocks to realizing this proposed model.
Chemical validation and optimization of pharmacoperones targeting vasopressin type 2 receptor mutant

A series of compounds formerly identified by high-throughput screening was studied for their ability to serve as pharmacoperones for the vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) mutant L83Q, which is known to cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Three compounds were particularly effective in rerouting the mutant receptor in a concentration-dependent manner, were neither agonists nor antagonists, and displayed low cellular toxicity. Compound 1 was most effective and can be used as a molecular probe for future studies of how small molecules may affect NDI caused by mutant V2R. These compounds, however, failed to rescue the V2R Y128S mutant, indicating that the compounds described may not work in the rescue of all known mutants of V2R. Taken collectively, the present studies have now identified a promising lead compound that could function as a pharmacoperone to correct the trafficking defect of the NDI-associated mutant V2R L83Q and thus has the therapeutic potential for the treatment of NDI.
Ankle Arthrodesis with Free Vascularized Fibula Autograft Using Saphenous Vein Grafts: A Case Series

Background:In select high-risk cases of ankle arthrodesis, conventional techniques may lead to a high incidence of failure because of a combination of multiple operations; high risk of infection; avascular, often bulky allografts; and poor soft-tissue quality. In high-risk distal limb salvage, the a
External versus induced and free versus bound electric currents and related fundamental questions of the classical electrodynamics of continuous media: discussion.

Standard textbooks on classical electrodynamics frequently operate with the notions of free and bound currents (charges). Alternative terminology of external and induced currents also exists. However, a clear physical definition of these physical objects is rarely given. The term “free current” can refer in some cases to the conductivity current, which is subject to constitutive relations in a material sample. In other cases, free current refers to the current that is completely extrinsic to a given material sample and is assumed to be known a priori or manipulated by the experimentalist at will. Although one can argue that all currents flowing in material media are subject to some constitutive relations, there is a clear distinction in the construction of the classical electrodynamics between the external and induced currents. The aim of this paper is to clarify this distinction while pointing out that the traditional distinction between free and bound currents is arbitrary and can be abandoned. In addition, the paper considers some relevant fundamental questions of classical electrodynamics, including the derivation of macroscopic Maxwell’s equations, the properties of the external currents, and the physical interpretation of some auxiliary fields such as the field of polarization P.
A Proprioceptive, Force-Controlled, Non-Anthropomorphic Biped for Dynamic Locomotion

The performance of traditional humanoid robots is often limited by their design, with high DoF limbs and stiff actuation complicating their dynamics and impeding their ability to operate in unsupervised environments. In response to these deficiencies, this paper introduces the Non-Anthropomorphic Biped: Version 2 (NABi- V2), a bipedal robot that is a departure from the conventional humanoid paradigm in its morphology and actuation method. That is, NABi- V2 is a platform with a unique leg configuration that is designed around high torque back-drivable electric actuators that provide proprioception and force control capabilities. This paper details the concept and design of this system, and presents a simple yet robust compositional controller for performing in place, two-legged pronking, a form of continuous jumping locomotion that is typically realized with series elastic or hydraulic actuation.
Comparing three approaches to reconstructing streamflow using tree rings in the Wabash River basin in the Midwestern, US.

Abstract Tree-ring reconstructions of streamflow can provide long-term perspectives of flow variability that may be useful in management strategies for water resources. Relative to other portions of the United States, there is a dearth of tree-ring based streamflow reconstructions in the Midwest. The Wabash River is an important water resource in Indiana and Illinois where many sectors rely on it. Here, to better understand the historic hydroclimate within the Wabash River Basin, we reconstructed June–September streamflow for a tributary of the Wabash River using three statistical approaches: the traditional basin approach, and the recently-developed climate-footprint, and drought-reconstruction approaches. Our reconstructions explained 53–71% of the variance for the common period (1941–1984). We find that in our three reconstructions, there are extreme droughts and pluvials that exceed those during the instrumental period, including a sustained five-decade low-flow event in the early 19th century. Overall, we find that the traditional basin approach produced the most robust model but had the shortest reconstruction length of the three approaches, as it requires the predictor chronologies to be derived from within the basin. Our results indicate that there are merits and drawbacks to each approach with the general pattern of sacrificing variance explained for reconstruction length.
DREDGE: Dynamic Repartitioning during Dynamic Graph Execution

Graph-based algorithms have gained significant interest in several application domains. Solutions addressing the computational efficiency of such algorithms have mostly relied on many-core architectures. Cleverly laying out input graphs in storage, by placing adjacent vertices in a same storage unit (memory bank or cache unit), enables fast access during graph traversal. Dynamic graphs, however, must be continuously repartitioned to leverage this benefit. Yet software repartitioning solutions rely on costly, cross-vault communication to query and optimize the graph layout between algorithm iterations. In this work, we propose DREDGE, a novel hardware solution to provide heuristic repartitioning optimizations in the background without extra communication. Our evaluation indicates that we achieve a $1.9 x$ speedup, on average, over several graph algorithms and datasets, executing on a 24x24-core architecture, when compared against a baseline solution that does not repartition the dynamic graph. We estimated that DREDGE incurs only 1.5% area and 2.1% power overheads over an ARM A5 processor core. CCS CONCEPTS • Hardware $\rightarrow$ Hardware accelerators; Application specific processors; • Mathematics of computing $\rightarrow$ Graph theory;
Differential MicroRNA expression following head-down tilt bed rest: implications for cardiovascular responses to microgravity.

Head-down tilt bedrest (HDBR), an analog of spaceflight, elicits changes in cardiovascular function that adversely affect astronaut performance. It is therefore fundamental to elucidate the molecular regulators of these changes. Study aim was to determine if cardiovascular-related circulating microRNA (miRNA) are altered following HDBR and if they relate to changes in cardiac function and peak aerobic capacity. Eleven participants completed 30-days HDBR at an ambient CO2 of 0.5% (replicate the in-flight CO2 levels). Blood samples were obtained 3 days (BDC-3) prior to and immediately (R + 0) following HDBR. 44-targeted circulating miRNAs (c-miRNA) identified from published roles in cardiovascular structure/function were analyzed via RT-qPCR. Resting stroke volume was evaluated via ultrasonography. Peak oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 peak ) was determined using a graded exercise test on an electronically braked cycle ergometer. Ten cardiovascular-related miRNA were significantly increased following HDBR. The differentially expressed c-miRNA were grouped into clusters according to their expression profile. Cluster A included c-miRNA that have been identified as regulators of cardiac function and hypertrophy (c-miRNA-133), atrial fibrillation and mitochondrial function (c-miRNA-1), skeletal muscle atrophy (c-miRNA-1), and vascular control (c-miRNA-155). Cluster B contained c-miRNA identified as regulators of cardiac hypertrophy (c-miRNA-30, -15), fibrosis (c-miRNA-22, -18), mitochondrial function (miRNA-181), and aerobic capacity (c-miRNA-20a). Following HDBR resting stroke volume was decreased and correlated with changes in c-miRNA-378a and -18a. V ˙ O 2 peak was decreased and correlated with changes c-miRNA-133. In conclusion, we found that HDBR induced a distinct and specific cardiovascular-related miRNA response, which were associated with changes in cardiac function and peak aerobic capacity.
Consumer acceptance of blending plant-based ingredients into traditional meat-based foods: Evidence from the meat-mushroom blend

Abstract There is a growing trend towards shifting from meat-centric to plant-forward diets both within industry and society today. It is happening to improve impacts on the environment, public health, and animal welfare. Aligned with this, many new plant-based alternatives to traditional meat based foods and diets are being introduced. Research has focused on testing sensory characteristics and appeal with consumers. The current study responds to calls in the literature to extend learning about plant-forward foods, beyond sensory testing, and into consumer acceptance and adoption of these products. The objectives of this study are to examine the nature of consumer response to blending plant-based ingredients (mushrooms) into traditional meat-based foods and to understand the individual lifestyle and motivational differences that influence this response. Data is obtained through an online consumer survey and descriptive and structural equation analyses are employed. Results find that consumer acceptance is influenced greatly by their assessment of plant-based foods’ taste, health, sustainability, cost, and novelty. Results also find that assessment is influenced by individual differences in food values and lifestyle including healthy eating and food innovativeness. Contributions to marketing theory include the integration of new constructs with existing theory to establish new relationships that better explain and predict the acceptance of blending plant-based ingredients into meat-based foods. Understanding consumer context and motivations for adopting these products has important consequences for marketing positioning, messaging and promotion.
Teacher Victimization and Turnover: Focusing on Different Types and Multiple Victimization

A growing body of empirical research on teacher victimization indicates that it is widespread and yields negative consequences. However, limited research has investigated the relationship between t...
Divergent perceptions of Muslim Americans on being stereotyped as terrorists

Being labeled as terrorists has been one of the primary negative stereotypes used against Muslims in the USA. Muslim Americans are very diverse coming from different ethnic, historical, and cultura...
Outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) related diarrhea/colitis (IMDC) in cancer patients with superimposed GI infections.

e15166Background: ICI therapies have revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment. However, their increased use has also contributed to adverse events, e.g. IMDC. Clinically it is difficult to ...
MDM2 is a direct, p53-independent, negative regulator of p21

2534 MDM2 oncoprotein is overexpressed in many human malignancies and high MDM2 levels are associated with poor prognosis. The MDM2 oncogene has been shown to have both p53-dependent and p53-independent activities. We have previously reported that antisense MDM2 inhibitors have significant antitumor activity in multiple human cancer models with various p53 statuses (PNAS, 2003; 100: 11636-11641). We have also hypothesized that MDM2 has a direct role in regulation of p21WAF1/CIP1, which belongs to the CIP/KIP1 family of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors.P21 has long been characterized as an inhibitor of cell proliferation, but increasing evidence suggests that it plays a role in cell differentiation, senescence and modulation of apoptosis. Its transcription can be regulated through p53-dependent and -independent pathways; its degradation is also processed by ubiquitin-dependent and -independent pathways via proteasome-mediated mechanisms. In the present study, we provided evidence supporting direct interaction between MDM2 and p21 in vitro and in vivo. Since both MDM2 and p21 are p53 target genes, we have accomplished these experiments in human prostate cancer PC3 cells that are p53 null. At least four novel and significant results were generated. First, the treatment of parental PC3 cells with the novel, mixed-backbone anti-MDM2 antisense oligonucleotide or siRNA targeting MDM2 significantly activated p21 protein levels. In contrast, the transfection of pcDNA3-MDM2 decreased p21 levels in PC3 cells, shortening p21 half-life, which was reversed by the MDM2 antisense oligonucleotide. Second, MDM2 was shown to facilitate p21 degradation independent of ubiquitination and its E3 ligase function. Instead, MDM2 promoted p21 degradation via facilitating binding of p21 with the proteasomal C8-subunit. Third, the physical interaction between p21 protein and MDM2 protein was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The binding region was mapped to the region of AA 180-297 of the MDM2 protein. Fourth, the p21 protein has been shown to play an important role in tumor inhibitory effects induced by MDM2 inhibition. In summary, we provide evidence supporting the direct interaction of MDM2 and p21 and the function of MDM2 as a negative regulator of p21 by reducing p21 protein stability, an effect independent of p53 and ubiquitination. The newly identified mechanism may have therapeutic potential. (Supported by NIH/NCI grant CA80698.)
New Replay Attacks on ZigBee Devices for Internet-of-Things (IoT) Applications

The ZigBee wireless technologies have been widely applied in Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Among all identified security threats, replay attack is one of the major challenges. Although the firmware and authentication algorithms for ZigBee devices are being updated over the time, the security measures for ZigBee enabled IoT devices cannot efficiently thwart all replay attacks. As new sniffing devices are available on the market, new replay attacks will further challenge the integrity of the communication between ZigBee devices. This work proposes a new replay attack to reveal the security vulnerabilities of the existing commercial ZigBee devices, Phillips Hue bulbs and Xbee S1 and S2C modules. Two case studies performed in this work confirm that the proposed replay attack can successfully transmit the captured packets to the victim device in spite of the built-in countermeasures.
Glutamine Inhibition Reduces Iatrogenic Laryngotracheal Stenosis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS Glutamine inhibition has been demonstrated an antifibrotic effect in iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS) scar fibroblasts in vitro. We hypothesize that broadly active glutamine antagonist, DON will reduce collagen formation and fibrosis-associated gene expression in iLTS mice. STUDY DESIGN Prospective controlled animal study. METHODS iLTS in mice were induced by chemomechanical injury of the trachea using a bleomycin-coated wire brush. PBS or DON (1.3 mg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) every other day. Laryngotracheal complexes were harvested at days 7 and 14 after the initiation of DON treatment for the measurement of lamina propria thickness, trichrome stain, immunofluorescence staining of collagen 1, and fibrosis-associated gene expression. RESULTS The study demonstrated that DON treatment reduced lamina propria thickness (P = .025) and collagen formation in trichrome stain and immunofluorescence staining of collagen 1. In addition, DON decreased fibrosis-associated gene expression in iLTS mice. At day 7, DON inhibited Col1a1 (P < .0001), Col3a1 (P = .0046), Col5a1 (P < .0001), and Tgfβ (P = .023) expression. At day 14, DON reduced Co1a1 (P = .0076) and Tgfβ (P = .023) expression. CONCLUSIONS Broadly active glutamine antagonist, DON, significantly reduces fibrosis in iLTS mice. These results suggest that the concept of glutamine inhibition may be a therapeutic option to reduce fibrosis in the laryngotracheal stenosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A Laryngoscope, 131:E2125-E2130, 2021.
Compounders of the COVID crisis: the “perfect storm”

Cultural and societal factors have placed some demographic, racial, and ethnic groups at increased risk of contracting and dying from coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This commentary addresses these...
AI Enhances Femtosecond Spectral Interferometry

We report AI enabled spectral interferometry that infers the magnitude and phase of femtosecond pulses directly from single-shot interference patterns with a performance that is superior to the widely used Hilbert transform algorithm.
Bleak Prospects: Mapping Trade Union Membership in Europe Since 2000

This report details shifts in trade union membership and density in 32 European countries since 2000, with a particular focus on the age structure within trade unions. The report uncovers substantial variations in unionisation rates, with the least unionised countries in the 2000s having largely stayed at the bottom of the 'unionisation league' in the 2010s and countries with higher incidences maintaining their positions further up. Overall, however, membership and density rates are declining in most countries, particularly Central and Eastern Europe, and they are also ‘greying’. With the loss in membership going hand in hand with a decrease in revenues, it remains to be seen how and to what extent trade unions will address the membership and generational challenges.
Supply Chain Coordination via Additive Manufacturing

Abstract The impact of 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, on a supply chain, consisting of a manufacturer and retailer, that utilizes a wholesale-price contract and serves stochastic customer demand has been studied in this paper. 3D printing is an evolutionary manufacturing technology which is attracting many firms and governments. Its impact, however, on supply chains remains unexplored. A 3D printer can be purchased by either the manufacturer or, in a more novel situation, the retailer; we derive the equilibrium of Stackelberg games in both cases. We characterize the economic conditions where either firm adopts 3D printing; under a uniform distribution of demand, these conditions simplify to upper bounds on the acquisition cost of a 3D printer. If the firms do not naturally adopt 3D printing, we derive the minimum government subsidy that will induce each firm to adopt, and we find that the retailer subsidy is always at most the manufacturer subsidy. If the manufacturer adopts 3D printing, both firms benefit, with respect to a supply chain without 3D printing; however, the double marginalization effect is still present. If the retailer adopts 3D printing, the manufacturer benefits, but the retailer does not; however, the double marginalization effect is eliminated, and we discover that retailer 3D printing is a new mechanism for coordinating a supply chain. Thus, supply chain managers should carefully consider the possibility of a retailer manufacturing products via 3D printing.
ghOSt: Fast & Flexible User-Space Delegation of Linux Scheduling

We present ghOSt, our infrastructure for delegating kernel scheduling decisions to userspace code. ghOSt is designed to support the rapidly evolving needs of our data center workloads and platforms. Improving scheduling decisions can drastically improve the throughput, tail latency, scalability, and security of important workloads. However, kernel schedulers are difficult to implement, test, and deploy efficiently across a large fleet. Recent research suggests bespoke scheduling policies, within custom data plane operating systems, can provide compelling performance results in a data center setting. However, these gains have proved difficult to realize as it is impractical to deploy a custom OS image(s) at an application granularity, particularly in a multi-tenant environment, limiting the practical applications of these new techniques. ghOSt provides general-purpose delegation of scheduling policies to userspace processes in a Linux environment. ghOSt provides state encapsulation, communication, and action mechanisms that allow complex expression of scheduling policies within a userspace agent, while assisting in synchronization. Programmers use any language to develop and optimize policies, which are modified without a host reboot. ghOSt supports a wide range of scheduling models, from per-CPU to centralized, run-to-completion to preemptive, and incurs low overheads for scheduling actions. We demonstrate ghOSt's performance on both academic and real-world workloads, including Google Snap and Google Search. We show that by using ghOSt instead of the kernel scheduler, we can quickly achieve comparable throughput and latency while enabling policy optimization, non-disruptive upgrades, and fault isolation for our data center workloads. We open-source our implementation to enable future research and development based on ghOSt.