cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
System-level PVT variation-aware power exploration of on-chip communication architectures

With the shift towards deep submicron (DSM) technologies, the increase in leakage power and the adoption of power-aware design methodologies have resulted in potentially significant variations in power consumption under different process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) corners. In this article, we first investigate the impact of PVT corners on power consumption at the system-on-chip (SoC) level, especially for the on-chip communication infrastructure. Given a target technology library, we then show how it is possible to “scale up” and abstract the PVT variability at the system level, allowing characterization of the PVT-aware design space early in the design flow. We conducted several experiments to estimate power for PVT corner cases, at the gate level, as well as at the higher system level. Our preliminary results are very interesting, and indicate that (i) there are significant variations in power consumption across PVT corners; and (ii) the PVT-aware power estimation problem may be amenable to a reasonably simple abstraction at the system level.
The pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury at a glance

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an impact, penetration or rapid movement of the brain within the skull that results in altered mental state. TBI occurs more than any other disease, including breast cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, and affects all age groups and both genders. In the US and Europe, the magnitude of this epidemic has drawn national attention owing to the publicity received by injured athletes and military personnel. This increased public awareness has uncovered a number of unanswered questions concerning TBI, and we are increasingly aware of the lack of treatment options for a crisis that affects millions. Although each case of TBI is unique and affected individuals display different degrees of injury, different regional patterns of injury and different recovery profiles, this review and accompanying poster aim to illustrate some of the common underlying neurochemical and metabolic responses to TBI. Recognition of these recurrent features could allow elucidation of potential therapeutic targets for early intervention.
Governing the invisible commons: Ozone regulation and the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is generally credited as a successful example of international cooperation in response to a global environmental problem. As a result, the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances has declined rapidly, and it is expected that atmospheric ozone concentrations will return to their normal ranges toward the end of this century. This paper applies the social-ecological system framework and common-pool resource theory to explore the congruence between successful resolution of small-scale appropriation problems and ozone regulation, a large-scale pollution problem. The results of our analysis correspond closely to past studies of the Protocol that highlight the importance of attributes such as a limited number of major industrial producers, advances in scientific knowledge, and the availability of technological substitutes. However, in contrast to previous theoretical accounts that focus on one or a few variables, our analysis suggests that its success may have been the result of interactions between a wider range of SES attributes, many of which are associated with successful small-scale environmental governance. Although carefully noting the limitations of drawing conclusions from the analysis of a single case, our analysis reveals the potential for fruitful interplay between common-pool resource theory and large-scale pollution problems.
Modeling the cost and outcomes of pharmacist-prescribed emergency contraception.

Objectives. This study investigated the effect on the risk and cost of unintended pregnancies of emergency contraceptive pills obtained directly from a pharmacist. Methods. We used a decision model to compare outcomes for private and public payers following unprotected intercourse from. Results. Obtaining emergency contraceptive pills from a pharmacy, compared with obtaining them from a physician or clinic, resulted in a $158 (95% confidence interval (CI) = $76, $269) reduction in costs for private payers and a $48 (95% CI = $16, $93) reduction for public payers. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that under varied assumptions, obtaining emergency contraceptive pills directly from a pharmacist reduces the number of unintended pregnancies and is cost saving.
In vivo transcription of a cloned prosimian primate SINE sequence

SINE transcription was studied by introducing a galago Monomer family member (gal39), into the mouse Ltk- cell line. Cells transiently transfected with gal39 produce gal39-specific RNA polymerase III-directed transcripts. In permanent cell lines gal39 expression was largely shut off. Genomic environment, copy number and tandem repetition of integrated SINE sequences influenced whether or not RNA polymerase III-directed gal39 transcripts were detectable. These transcripts differ in length from the observed endogenous transcript in cultured galago cells which hybridizes to this repetitive DNA family.
Inferring thermodynamic properties from CCN activation experiments: single-component and binary aerosols

This study presents a new method, K¨ ohler The- ory Analysis (KTA), to infer the molar volume and solubil- ity of organic aerosol constituents. The method is based on measurements of surface tension, chemical composition, and CCN activity coupled with K¨ ohler theory. KTA is evaluated by inferring the molar volume of six known organics (four dicarboxylic acids, one amino acid, and one sugar) in pure form and in mixtures with ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4). The average error in inferred molar volumes are to within 18% of their expected value for organic fractions between 50 and 90%. This suggests that KTA is a potentially powerful tool for determining the CCN characteristic of ambient water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), providing physically-based constraints for aerosol-cloud interaction parameterizations.
Cytochrome P450 Conformational Diversity

Cytochrome P450s display a remarkable range of conformations in parallel with activity toward a great diversity of substrates. This aspect of P450s now extends to include the dynamic behavior of the protein, as shown by recent crystal structures of Cyp51.
Characteristics of the chromaffin granule aspartic proteinase involved in proenkephalin processing

Proteolytic processing of neuropeptide precursors is required for production of active neurotransmitters and hormones. In this study, a chromaffin granule (CG) aspartic proteinase of 70 kDa was found to contribute to enkephalin precursor cleaving activity, as assayed with recombinant ([ 35 S]Met)preproenkephalin. The 70-kDa CG aspartic proteinase was purified by concanavalin A-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200, and pepstatin A agarose affinity chromatography. The proteinase showed optimal activity at pH 5.5. It was potently inhibited by pepstatin A, a selective aspartic proteinase inhibitor, but not by inhibitors of serine, cysteine, or metalloproteinases. Lack of inhibition by Val-D-Leu-Pro-Phe-Val-D-Leu-an inhibitor of pepsin, cathepsin D, and cathepsin E-distinguishes the CG aspartic proteinase from classical members of the aspartic proteinase family. The CG aspartic proteinase cleaved recombinant proenkephalin between the Lys 172 -Arg 173 pair located at the COOH-terminus of (Met)enkephalin-Arg 6 -Gly 7 -Leu 8 , as assessed by peptide microsequencing. The importance of full-length prohormone as substrate was demonstrated by the enzyme's ability to hydrolyze 35 S-labeled proenkephalin and proopiomelanocortin and its inability to cleave tri- and tetrapeptide substrates containing dibasic or monobasic cleavage sites. In this study, results provide evidence for the role of an aspartic proteinase in proenkephalin and prohormone processing.
Investigation of Polymer-Impregnated Brick Masonry

Brick, brick prisms, and mortar specimens were impregnated with methyl methacrylate and polymerized by either a thermal-catalytic process or irradiation. Common brick and high-strength brick were used in the investigation. Compressive strength of polymer-impregnated common brick prisms increased 200% to 300% over the strength with a maximum of 18,088 psi, apparently the highest ever reported. Brick compressive strength and moduli of rupture, and mortar compressive and tensile strength also showed significant increases due to polymerization. The mortar-brick bond strength increased by more than 10 times. Thermal-catalytic polymerization produced higher strengths for common brick prisms and mortar specimens while polymerization achieved by irradiation produced higher strengths in the high-strength brick prisms. No significant differences were observed in the strengths of the brick polymerized by the two methods.
A critique of prokaryotic species concepts

Developments in DNA sequencing and population genetics analyses have revealed unanticipated complexity in prokaryotic variation. The observation that genetic traits are horizontally inherited at unexpected rates within and between closely related asexually reproducing lineages impacts our comprehension of prokaryotic evolution and ecology. As a result, the concepts that point to species as being discrete clusters or monophyletic lineages are at odds with most of the data, suggesting that taxon circumscription can only proceed by informed compromise, pragmatism, and subjectivity.
Two spheres translating in tandem through a colloidal suspension.

Using laser tweezers, two colloidal particles are held parallel to a uniformly flowing suspension of similarly sized bath particles at an effective volume fraction ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{\mathrm{eff}}=0.41$. The local deformation in the bath suspension is imaged by confocal microscopy, and, concurrently, the drag forces exerted on both the leading and the trailing probe particles are measured as a function of probe separation and velocity. The bath structure changes in response to the velocity and separation of the probes. A depleted region between probes is observed at sufficiently high velocities. Both probes experience the same drag force and the drag force increases with probe separation. The results indicate that bath-probe and probe-probe hydrodynamic interactions contribute microstructure and drag force and that drag exerted by direct bath-probe collisions is reduced compared to an isolated probe.
Conceptual Design of Aeropropulsion Engine Heat Exchangers Part 2: Offset Fin Micro channels

A major challenge which emerged while looking at approaches for reduction of aviation Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions was the design of a core exhaust heat recovery system. As a part of the FAA program under US Department of Transportation Contract Number DTRT57-11-P-80083, an LP Turbine Exhaust Driven (TED-T) secondary cycle was proposed for contrail mitigation as well as an increment of 3% pts. in overall powerplant efficiency [1]. The compact heat exchanger emerged as a critical component for the realization of TED-T. In this series of papers, Paper #1[2] identified & presented some of the existing advanced compact heat exchanger (HEX) technologies. A 1-D steady state code was developed for heat transfer calculations. A parametric analysis was carried out for the baseline configuration. In this paper, a similar parametric study is presented for an off-set finned HEX operating at the proposed TED-T cycle conditions.
Management of hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants

While diagnoses of hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in preterm infants may be based on criteria similar to those in term infants, management approaches often differ. In preterm infants, HRF can be classified as 'early' or 'late' based on an arbitrary threshold of 28 postnatal days. Among preterm infants with late HRF, the pulmonary vascular abnormalities associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represent a therapeutic challenge for clinicians. Surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), sildenafil, prostacyclin and endothelin receptor blockers have been used to manage infants with both early and late HRF. However, evidence is lacking for most therapies currently in use. Chronic oral sildenafil therapy for BPD-associated PH has demonstrated some preliminary efficacy. A favorable response to iNO has been documented in some preterm infants with early PH following premature prolonged rupture of membranes and oligohydramnios. Management is complicated by a lack of clear demarcation between interventions designed to manage respiratory distress syndrome, prevent BPD and treat HRF. Heterogeneity in clinical phenotype, pathobiology and genomic underpinnings of BPD pose challenges for evidence-based management recommendations. Greater insight into the spectrum of disease phenotypes represented by BPD can optimize existing therapies and promote development of new treatments. In addition, better understanding of an individual's phenotype, genotype and biomarkers may suggest targeted personalized interventions. Initiatives such as the Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program provide a framework to address these challenges using genetic, environmental, physiological and clinical data as well as large repositories of patient samples.
New Dates for Old Pots: A Comment on Cortez Black-on-White

ABSTRACTThe traditional end date for the Pueblo II ceramic type, Cortez Black-on-white, may be as much as 50 years too early. Several independent dates from a recently excavated Mesa Verde Anasazi site in Colorado—5MT 1786—suggest a modified end date of a.d. 1050 for this ceramic. This revision is significant to type-dependent survey and excavation temporal interpretations, particularly in cultural resource management and for sites with only limited testing.
Risk factors following first spontaneous epileptic seizure in children below 3 years of age.

ABSTRACTAim of the study: To assess the recurrence rate after the first spontaneous epileptic seizure in pediatric patients, and determine the related risk factors. Materials and Methods: Data from 190 infants (aged between one month and three years) admitted after first spontaneous epileptic seizure to Soochow University Affiliated Children's Hospital between April 2009 and April 2011 were retrospectively analyzed; patients were followed up until April 2014. The recurrence rate and risk factors of recurrence were analyzed based on central nervous system imaging data (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging), electroencephalogram (EEG) and developmental quotient assessment. Results: Of the 190 infants, 11 cases (5.79%) were lost to follow-up. The cumulative recurrence rate of spontaneous epileptic seizure after five years was 52%. A total of 82% recurrence cases occurred within the first year. Age > 24 months (odds ratio (OR) = 0.498༌95% confidence interval (CI): 0.285–0.869) was an independent ...
Push or Pull: Changes in the Relative Risk and Growth of Entrepreneurship Among Older Households.

Purpose of the study Amid insufficient retirement savings and the growing need to work longer, it is important to understand why self-employment, especially entrepreneurship, has grown among older households. Older households may have been pushed into entrepreneurship by the growing risks of wage-and-salary employment as wages and jobs have become less stable. Alternatively, older households may have been pulled into entrepreneurship as the associated risks have declined, for instance, due to greater opportunities to diversify income away from risky business income. We examine the economic causes of the rise in entrepreneurship among older households. Design and Methods We use summary statistics and multinomial logit regressions to analyze the link between economic pressures in wage-and-salary employment, financial strength of entrepreneurship, and the presence and change of entrepreneurship among older households-aged 50 years or older. We use household data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances from 1989 to 2013. Results We find little support for the claim that increased economic pressures are correlated with rising entrepreneurship. Instead, our results suggest that the growth of older entrepreneurship is coincident with increasing access to dividend and interest income. We also find some evidence that access to Social Security and other annuity benefits increases the likelihood of self-employment. Implications: Entrepreneurship among older households increasingly correlates with income diversification. Policymakers interested in encouraging more entrepreneurship among older households could consider increased access to income diversification through social insurance.
Time until Transfusion Independence in Haplo-Cord Transplant Is Comparable to Matched Unrelated Stem Cell Transplant, a Single Institution Experience

Abstract Introduction: Stem cell transplant (SCT) is a curative therapy for several advanced hematologic malignancies. In the peri-transplant period, red blood cell (RBC) and platelet (PLT) transfusions are often necessary until engraftment. Time until transfusion independence (TI) is influenced mainly by time to engraftment. Haplo-cord (HC) transplant combines an umbilical cord blood unit graft with a CD34 selected adult haplo-identical graft for the purpose of establishing long term cord engraftment. No prior studies have compared TI between HLA matched related donors (MRD), unrelated donors (MUD) and HC allotransplant recipients. Methods: Patient demographics, ASBMT disease risk classification, relapse and mortality data for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) patients undergoing MRD, MUD, and HC SCT between 1/2012-1/2015 were included. Time until TI for RBC and PLT was defined as the day of the last transfusion with no transfusions in the following 30 days (d). The cohorts were followed for 180d post-transplant. Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to compare time until RBC and PLT transfusion independence between different transplant types and ASBMT risk categories. Data were censored on disease relapse or death. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival probabilities. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4.0 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Results: A total of 194 AML/MDS patients received MRD (n=63, 32%), MUD (n=76, 39%), and HC (n=55, 28%) SCT. TI was achieved for RBC transfusion in 84%, 74%, and 67% of patients, and for PLT transfusion in 84%, 91%, and 85% of patients for MRD, MUD, and HC respectively. The time to attain RBC and PLT TI was not statistically different between HC and MUD transplants (log-rank p=0.16 and 0.09 respectively) (Fig. 1: A, C). Within the ASBMT high risk strata, no statistical differences in the time to attain RBC (log-rank p=0.15) and PLT (log-rank p=0.55) TI between any transplant types could be detected (Fig. 1: B, D). Conclusion: Recipients of SCT often have substantial transfusion requirements. No statistically significant difference in time to TI was seen between HC and MUD recipients. No statistically significant differences in time to TI were seen between HC, MUD and MRD recipients in the ASBMT high risk strata. Time until transfusion independence in haplo-cord transplant is comparable to matched unrelated stem cell transplant. Download : Download high-res image (103KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Disclosures van Besien: Miltenyi Biotec: Research Funding.
Trajectory learning from demonstration with canal surfaces: A parameter-free approach

We present a novel geometric framework for intuitively encoding and learning a wide range of trajectory-based skills from human demonstrations. Our approach identifies and extracts the main characteristics of the demonstrated skill, which are spatial correlations across different demonstrations. Using the extracted characteristics, the proposed approach generates a continuous representation of the skill based on the concept of canal surfaces. Canal surfaces are Euclidean surfaces formed as the envelope of a family of regular surfaces (e.g. spheres) whose centers lie on a space curve. The learned skill can be reproduced, as a time-independent trajectory, and generalized to unforeseen situations inside the canal while its main characteristics are preserved. The main advantages of the proposed approach include: (a) requiring no parameter tuning, (b) maintaining the main characteristics and implicit boundaries of the skill, and (c) generalizing the learned skill over the initial condition of the movement, while exploiting the whole demonstration space to reproduce a variety of successful movements. Evaluations using simulated and real-world data exemplify the feasibility and robustness of our approach.
Framework for Exploration of Performance Space

This paper presents a framework for the analysis and exploration of performance space. It enables the user to visualize performances in relation to other performances of the same piece based on a set of features extracted from audio. A performance space is formed from a set of performances through spectral analysis, alignment, dimensionality reduction and visualization. Operation of the system is demonstrated initially with synthetic MIDI performances and then with a case study of recorded piano performances.
De Novo Whole-Genome Sequence of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex Strain BB01 Isolated from a Blueberry in Georgia, USA.

ABSTRACT This study reports a de novo-assembled draft genome sequence of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex strain BB01 causing blueberry bacterial leaf scorch in Georgia, USA. The BB01 genome is 2,517,579 bp, with a G+C content of 51.8%, 2,943 open reading frames (ORFs), and 48 RNA genes.
Full-Scale Pyroshock Separation Test: Attenuation with Distance

Pyroshock events in space vehicles lead to high-magnitude short-duration structural transient events that can cause malfunction or degradation of electronic components, cracks or fractures in britt...
Text mining in business libraries

ABSTRACTThis article considers the increase in business research that involves text-mining techniques. The authors provide a brief survey of possible text-mining applications in business school research, the steps and life cycle of text-mining projects, and a text-mining case study from Vanderbilt University Library and the Owen Graduate School of Management. The authors give suggestions on how libraries and librarians can increase skills and services to partner with researchers and support this form of research.
Regulation of the Sphingosine Kinase/Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Pathway

Sphingolipids have emerged as pleiotropic signaling molecules with roles in numerous cellular and biological functions. Defining the regulatory mechanisms governing sphingolipid metabolism is crucial in order to develop a complete understanding of the biological functions of sphingolipid metabolites. The sphingosine kinase/ sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway was originally thought to function in the irreversible breakdown of sphingoid bases; however, in the last few decades it has materialized as an extremely important signaling pathway involved in a plethora of cellular events contributing to both normal and pathophysiological events. Recognition of the SK/S1P pathway as a second messaging system has aided in the identification of many mechanisms of its regulation; however, a cohesive, global understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling the SK/S1P pathway is lacking. In this chapter, the role of the SK/S1P pathway as a second messenger is discussed, and its role in mediating TNF-α- and EGF-induced biologies is examined. This work provides a comprehensive look into the roles and regulation of the sphingosine kinase/ sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway and highlights the potential of the pathway as a therapeutic target.
Thermodynamic assessment of the magmatic history of Blue Rock shield volcano, Jackson Co., Oregon: application of a new DNi (olivine-melt) geothermometer and other models

Blue Rock is a basaltic shield volcano in the southern Oregon Cascades, north of Mt. McLoughlin, showing bulk phenocryst abundances ranging from 5 to 28 vol%, and a variety of groundmass textures. Compositional analyses of olivine and plagioclase phenocrysts and glomerocrysts allowed for the sequential application of a new $$ {D}_{\mathrm{Ni}}^{\mathrm{olivine}-\mathrm{melt}} $$ thermometer, a plagioclase-melt hygrometer, and a viscosity model to define olivine-in conditions for a suite of lavas erupted from this edifice. Calculated olivine-in temperatures were compared to results from the anhydrous MELTS model, and the D (Mg) model of Beattie (1993). Model results were consistent with experimental data for hydrous arc basalts with respect to temperature (1053–1146 °C), dissolved-H2O contents (0.9–2.4 wt% H2O), and viscosity (1.9–2.2 log10 Pa s), confirming the utility of these models in assessing the thermodynamic properties of mafic, hydrous arc lavas over a broad range in crystallinity, requiring only the completion of bulk geochemical and microprobe analyses. These studies also reinforced the significant and predictable role of water, affecting the compositions of crystals grown during magmatic ascent, and allowed the definition of a reasonable multi-stage eruptive sequence consistent with the degassing of magmas on ascent in the formation of this small-scale basaltic edifice.
Ambiguity, Risk, and Payout Policy

We study the effect of ambiguity — Knightian uncertainty — on payout policy. We find that firm-level ambiguity increases and accelerates payout, via both dividends and share repurchases. This positive effect of ambiguity is distinct from the known negative effect of risk on payout policy. Ambiguity leads ambiguity-averse investors to overweight the likelihoods of bad outcomes and underweight the likelihoods of good outcomes, so the attractiveness of investment opportunities decreases in ambiguity, which may increase investors’ preferences for cash payout. Consistent with this positive effect of ambiguity on payout, we find that dividend initiation announcement returns increase in ambiguity.
Cadmium Sulfide Is a Very Unusual Model Semiconductor

CdS has three states that are thermodynamically stable, one at low fields and two at high fields when stationary high-field domains are initiated in a range of negative differential conductivity, one when the domain is attached to the cathode then the CdS is n-type. And the other one when the domain is attached to the anode and the CdS is turned p-type. When the photoconductivity of CdS is field quenched stronger than linearly, a band of lowest conductivity is introduced between the electrodes, the field in this band is increased to maintain current continuity. This is the high-field domain, that limits the current to a low, constant value. With increased bias the domain expands, but current and domain field remain constant. As long as the domain is attached to the cathode, stationarity is achieved by the limited supply of electrons from the blocking cathode. When the domain is expanded to reach the anode, then a new, higher field domain is generated at the anode that expands toward the cathode and stability is maintained because of the limited supply of holes from the blocking anode. The Minimum Entropy principle forces the current to remain constant by adjusting the width of the higher field, anode-adjacent domain: the transition from the cathode to the anode adjacent domain is not visible in the current that remains saturated, but the conductivity changes from n- to p-type, and now attains the third stable thermodynamic state. This is the first time CdS is p-type that can never be achieved by doping (where the CdS is self-compensating by a strong intrinsic donor). This is very unusual since the current in both cases is carried by drift alone: j = e n μn Fc = e p μp Fa and is forced to remain the same, even though carrier density and mobility are substantially different. All of this is accomplished by adjusting the width and the field of the high-field domain. There is one more unusual coincidence, because both domains require that they are created in a range of overcritical negative conductivity. That needs to have a defect distribution of donors and acceptors for providing this negative differential conductivity at a similar field for electron- and for hole-quenching. It is given by field excitation from Coulomb attractive traps that all lie in the kV cm−1 range. Cadmium sulfide which has an extensive distribution of Coulomb attractive electron and hole traps that can produce such conditions that no other known semiconductor can provide. This is believed to make CdS such an unusual model semiconductor that can perform the many applications, foremost in combination with p-type solar cells without pn-junction that with a thin layer of CdS create highly efficient solar cells.
The Evolution of Universal Preschool Education in a Global Age

This chapter introduces the notion of universal preschool education as an equitable option for public schools in a global age. Discussions around six essential questions identify the various definitions of universal preschool education, examine its genesis and historical antecedents, present current international trendsetting models, and consider challenges in promoting governmental support for furthering the goal of preschool for all in the United States. This chapter serves as an international and national overview of Part I Section of the book, which focuses on two states’ efforts to further universal preschool education in the United States. The chapter also touches on international and national organizations, agencies, mandates, and concepts developed in the subsequent chapters of Parts II and III. The chapter seeks to address issues in early childhood practices, while it provides pathways to move early education forward in a global age.
Accelerated and Improved Differentiation of Retinal Organoids from Pluripotent Stem Cells in Rotating-Wall Vessel Bioreactors

Summary Pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into 3D retinal organoids, with major cell types self-patterning into a polarized, laminated architecture. In static cultures, organoid development may be hindered by limitations in diffusion of oxygen and nutrients. Herein, we report a bioprocess using rotating-wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors to culture retinal organoids derived from mouse pluripotent stem cells. Organoids in RWV demonstrate enhanced proliferation, with well-defined morphology and improved differentiation of neurons including ganglion cells and S-cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, RWV organoids at day 25 (D25) reveal similar maturation and transcriptome profile as those at D32 in static culture, closely recapitulating spatiotemporal development of postnatal day 6 mouse retina in vivo . Interestingly, however, retinal organoids do not differentiate further under any in vitro condition tested here, suggesting additional requirements for functional maturation. Our studies demonstrate that bioreactors can accelerate and improve organoid growth and differentiation for modeling retinal disease and evaluation of therapies.
Let-7 microRNA as a potential therapeutic target with implications for immunotherapy.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a class of small non-coding RNA that play a major role in various cellular processes by negatively regulating gene expression. In the past decade, miRNA dysregul...
The fitness consequences of synonymous mutations in Escherichia coli: Experimental evidence for a pleiotropic effect of translational selection.

Abstract Codon usage bias (CUB) is a universal feature of genomes, and in most species CUB of protein coding genes is positively correlated with expression level and degree of evolutionary conservation. There is mounting experimental evidence that CUB is due in part to selection for translational efficiency and/or accuracy, i.e., translational selection. However, there is a paucity of experimental data on whether and how CUB acts in trans – does the usage of preferred codons in a highly expressed gene affect the translation of other genes by freeing up more ribosomes, thereby increasing their availability to translate all mRNA transcripts in the cell? We investigated this question by creating two extreme versions of the highly expressed Escherichia coli β-lactamase (bla) gene, one comprised almost entirely of unpreferred codons, and a second comprised almost entirely of preferred codons. We monitored the fitness effects of these synonymous mutations over hundreds of generations in two selective environments that allowed us to disentangle translational effects acting in cis from those acting in trans. In a selective environment for maximizing translational efficiency in trans of a gene (tetA) encoding a tetracycline resistance protein, unpreferred synonymous mutations had a negative impact on long-term fitness, whereas preferred mutations had a positive impact on long-term fitness, providing strong experimental evidence for a pleiotropic effect of translational selection.
Examining the Effects of Partisan Redistricting on Candidate Entry Decisions

Abstract Redistricting has been a highly contentious topic in American politics for many decades. The many instances of politicians exploiting the redistricting process to achieve a partisan goal h...
Approach for Semi-Automated Measurement of Fiber Diameter in Murine and Canine Skeletal Muscle

Abstract Currently available software tools for automated segmentation and analysis of muscle cross-section images often perform poorly in cases of weak or non-uniform staining conditions. To address these issues, our group has developed the MyoSAT (Myofiber Segmentation and Analysis Tool) image-processing pipeline. MyoSAT combines several unconventional approaches including advanced background leveling, Perona-Malik anisotropic diffusion filtering, and Steger’s line detection algorithm to aid in pre-processing and enhancement of the muscle image. Final segmentation is based upon marker-based watershed segmentation. Validation tests using collagen V labeled murine and canine muscle tissue demonstrate that MyoSAT can determine mean muscle fiber diameter with an average accuracy of ~97%. The software has been tested to work on full muscle cross-sections and works well even under non-optimal staining conditions. The MyoSAT software tool has been implemented as a macro for the freely available ImageJ software platform. This new segmentation tool allows scientists to efficiently analyze large muscle cross-sections for use in research studies and diagnostics.
Work-Related Symptoms, Safety Concerns, and Health Service Utilization Among Korean and Chinese Nail Salon Workers in the Greater New York City Area.

The purpose of this study was to determine similarities and differences in health effects, safety concerns, and health service utilization among Korean and Chinese immigrant women working in nail s...
Protecting cave life

Abstract We review significant threats facing subterranean biodiversity around the world and major legislation and initiatives aimed at the conservation and protection of this unique and often endemic fauna. This includes significant international, national, and regional legislation that has been passed or proposed to directly and indirectly protect subterranean fauna as well as conservation initiatives, such as the IUCN Red List, to assess objectively the conservation status of biodiversity and assist in setting priorities for funding and research and developing sound conservation policies and practices. We also identify shortfalls and other constraints that limit our ability to conserve and protect cave and groundwater species and offer several recommendations to overcome these limitations and better facilitate subterranean biological conservation in the future.
Efficacy of digital single-operator cholangioscopy and factors affecting its accuracy in the evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture.

Background and Aims Indeterminate biliary stricture remains a significant diagnostic challenge. The current method of ERCP with bile duct brush cytology has substantial room for improvement. We aimed to determine the efficacy of a digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) in evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture. Methods An observational cohort study was conducted among the patients who underwent DSOC for the indication of indeterminate biliary stricture at a tertiary academic medical center. The outcomes of interests were the accuracy of DSOC in visual interpretation and bile duct sample and identification of any factor(s) that could influence its effectiveness. Results One hundred five patients were included. The overall accuracy of DSOC in visual interpretation was 89.5%, whereas the accuracy of bile duct sample was 83.2%. The sensitivities of visual impression and bile duct sample were 89.1% and 69.8% and their specificities were 90% and 97.9%, respectively. The degree of endoscopists' experience with fewer than 25 cases and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia negatively impacted the accuracy of DSOC. Among 55 patients with definitive diagnosis of malignant stricture, the sensitivity of combined intraductal forceps biopsy sampling and brush cytology was 80.6%, whereas the sensitivity of brush cytology alone was 47.1%. Conclusions DSOC augments ERCP in evaluating indeterminate biliary stricture. The acquisition of intraductal forceps biopsy samples should be a requisite in evaluation of indeterminate biliary stricture with DSOC. Discovery of modifiable factors such as the degree of endoscopists’ expertise and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia, which can influence the accuracy of DSOC, warrants further studies on patient preprocedure optimization and an endoscopic training program that will cultivate procedural competency.
Demographic and Tumor Characteristic Impact on Laryngeal Cancer Outcomes in a Minority Underserved Patient Population

ObjectiveAdvanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma remains associated with approximately 50% mortality at 5 years. Delivery of multimodality treatment remains critical to maximizing survival for t...
β Spectrum of I 129 and Its Decay Scheme

The decay of ${\mathrm{I}}^{129}$ has been studied with several instruments including a magnetic lens spectrometer, a scintillation spectrometer utilizing a technique in which the activity is introduced into a NaI(Tl) crystal, and a proportional counter. A soft beta radiation whose end-point value is measured to be 150\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 kev and a gamma radiation of 38 kev are observed. The shape of the beta spectrum is studied and the $K$-conversion coefficient and the $\frac{K}{L}$ conversion ratio for the 38-kev gamma radiation are determined. The beta and gamma radiations are shown to be in coincidence and an upper limit is set for a possible beta branch to the ground state of ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{129}$. Spin assignments are made which agree with shell model theories of the nucleus and with data available on the decay of the 8-day isomer of ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{129}$.
TWENTY – INTRODUCTION TO VECTOR ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of vector analysis. The notion of a vector field is central to the subject of vector analysis. The chapter presents a definition of vector field in R2 that states, “Let Ω be a region in R2, then f is a vector field in R2 if f assigns to every x in Ω a unique vector f(x) in R2.” This definition can be extended to R3. A vector field in R3 is a function of which domain and range are subsets of R3. Vector fields arise in a great number of physical applications. There are, for example, mechanical force fields, magnetic fields, electric fields, velocity fields, and direction fields. The chapter presents a general definition of the line integral in the plane and discusses a result that gives an important relationship between line integrals and double integrals. It discusses Green's theorem in the plane, which provides a relationship between a line integral over a closed curve and a double integral over a region enclosed by that curve. As in the plane, the computation of a line integral in space is very easy if the integral is independent of the path. The chapter discusses the notion of a surface integral. This will enable to extend Green's theorem to integrals over regions in space. It discusses the divergence and curl of a vector field in R3 and discusses how these are used in the statement of two very important theorems about surface integrals—Stokes' theorem and the divergence theorem. The chapter discusses how, under certain conditions, it is possible to convert from one set of coordinates to another in double and triple integrals.
In-Situ Mechanics: Experimental Tools and Techniques

This chapter introduces the tools and techniques useful for in-situ mechanical characterization of materials at multiple length scales. The chapter begins with an introduction to focused ion beam machining for sample preparation. Steps and strategies to fabricate miniature samples using ion beam milling are presented, along with some precautions and limitations that need to be taken into consideration. Thereafter, imaging tools for in-situ observation at multiples length scales are discussed, such as optical, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopes. Some specific techniques under each class are also presented, such as high-speed camera, optical tweezer, electron backscatter diffraction, and dynamic transmission electron microscope. The final segment of the chapter covers mechanical instrumentation for studying deformation at different length scales, such as atomic force microscope inside electron microscopes, nanoindenters, microelectromechanical systems, micro-mesomechanical stages/testers, and macroscale bulk sample testers. These instrumentation cover a wide range of loads and displacements, specimen sizes, and nature of loading. In addition to the introduction and application of different techniques, the chapter also discusses useful fundamental principles to provide the users a deeper understanding of how these techniques work, and what are some key scientific/technological considerations one needs to know. The applicability of the tools and techniques is elucidated by relevant case studies. A schematic summarizing the content of this chapter is shown in Fig. 2.1. For clear demarcation and logical flow, the sections of the chapter are categorized divided into three parts: Sect. 2.1 on sample preparation, Sect. 2.2 on in-situ imaging tools, and Sect 2.3 on in-situ mechanical instrumentation. The division of the chapter into three parts is necessitated by a wide diversity of tools required for the in-situ mechanical characterization of materials, and we believe this categorization will provide clarity to the readers.
Short-Term Outcomes of Transcatheter Versus Isolated Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Mediastinal Radiation-Associated Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with radiation-associated aortic stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may imp...
“Harvey Weinstein, monster”: antiblackness and the myth of the monstrous rapist

Rape myths are prominent social narratives that circulate harmful stereotypes that normalize and even sanction sexual violence. In this essay, we argue that the myth of the monstrous rapist in US r...
Development of atrial fibrillation following trauma increases short term risk of cardiovascular events.

CONTEXT New onset atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with poor outcomes in several different patient populations. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of developing AF on cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) during the acute index hospitalization for trauma patients. METHODS The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases for California and Florida were used to identify adult trauma patients (18 years of age or older) who were admitted between 2007 and 2010. After excluding patients with a history of AF and prior history of cardiovascular events, patients were evaluated for MI, CVA, and death during the index hospitalization. A secondary analysis was performed using matched propensity scoring based on age, race, and preexisting comorbidities. RESULTS During the study period, 1,224,828 trauma patients were admitted. A total of 195,715 patients were excluded for a prior history of AF, MI, or CVA. Of the remaining patients, 15,424 (1.5%) met inclusion criteria and had new onset AF after trauma. There was an associated increase in incidence of MI (2.9 vs. 0.7%; p<0.001), CVA (2.6 vs. 0.4%; p<0.001), and inpatient mortality (8.5 vs. 2.1%; p<0.001) during the index hospitalization in patients who developed new onset AF compared with those who did not. Cox proportional hazards regression demonstrated an increased risk of MI (odds ratio [OR], 2.35 [2.13-2.60]), CVA (OR, 3.90 [3.49-4.35]), and inpatient mortality (OR, 2.83 [2.66-3.00]) for patients with new onset AF after controlling for all other potential risk factors. CONCLUSIONS New onset AF in trauma patients was associated with increased incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), cerebral vascular accident (CVA), and mortality during index hospitalization in this study.
IL-23 inhibition for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex, polygenic immune-mediated disease with varying clinical presentations involving the skin, nails, entheses, and axial/peripheral skeleton.Areas covered: Pathophysiology of PsA with special focus on IL-23/IL-17 axis. Novel classes of targeted therapies for psoriatic arthritis. Pharmacologic properties, efficacy and safety of guselkumab, the only FDA approved agent from IL-23p19 inhibitor class. Data regarding other IL-23 inhibitors (Ustekinumab - an IL-12/IL-23p40 inhibitor, Risankizumab and Tildrakizumab - both IL23p19 inhibitors), in the treatment of PsA.Expert opinion: There are seven classes of novel targeted therapies approved by the FDA for the treatment of PsA. IL-23p19 inhibitors are the newest class of medications that has shown efficacy and reasonable safety profile in the treatment of PsA in Phase 2 and phase 3 studies, and Guselkumab is the only biologic within this class that is FDA approved for this indication. While no head-to-head studies of IL-23p19 inhibitors with any other targeted therapies are available in PsA, the efficacy of these agents on musculoskeletal system appear to be comparable to that of TNF inhibitors (TNFi), and the efficacy on the skin appears to be comparable, or modestly superior to the IL-17 inhibitors (IL-17i). With a superior safety profile compared to TNFi and IL-17i, IL-23p19 inhibitors have the potential to become a first-line biologic in the treatment of PsA.
Interpreters, Reformers, Communicators: Constitutional Scholars and the Unwritten Constitution

This paper considers the role of scholars as constitutional actors. While focused primarily on New Zealand's constitution, it draws on, and contributes to, comparative insights. Part II argues that scholars ought to be recognized as constitutional actors, part of the "interpretive community" that creates and changes the unwritten constitution. Part III considers three functions performed by scholars: descriptive/interpretive; evaluative/normative (and in particular, the standpoint of "reform"); and educative/communicative. While these three functions can be discretely described, they are closely interconnected. Part IV concludes with some suggestions for academic practice.
Does the Heart Want What It Wants? A Case for Self-Adapting, Mechano-Sensitive Therapies After Infarction.

There is a critical need for interventions to control the development and remodeling of scar tissue after myocardial infarction. A significant hurdle to fibrosis-related therapy candidates is presented by the complex spatial needs of the infarcted ventricle, namely that collagenous buildup is beneficial in the ischemic zone but detrimental in the border and remote zones. As a new, alternative approach, we present a case to develop self-adapting, mechano-sensitive drug targets in order to leverage local, microenvironmental mechanics to modulate a therapy’s pharmacologic effect. Such approaches could provide self-tuning control to either promote fibrosis or reduce fibrosis only when and where it is beneficial to do so.