cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kistler launch assist platform return burn control

The thrust vector control (TVC) design for the Return Burn segment of the Kistler K-l Launch Assist Platform (LAP) is presented. The design features a two mode controller that initially provides state dependent pre-ignition orientation of the rocket engine, and upon ignition, rapid. reorientation of the vehicle x-axis back towards the launch zone. Following this pitch reversal, the controller seamlessly .switches to a second mode that features integral control with acceleration direction estimation. This second mode provides the fine pointing required by guidance to ballistically loft the .LAP back to the launch zone. Control gains for the design are pre-computed prior to launch through an automated design procedure that searches over a broad family of gains. The automated design tool simultaneously applies frequency domain and time domain constraints, which results in a controller that achieves, stable response with adequate margin and minimal settling time.
360 HEPATITIS C VIRAL LOAD AND THE RISK OF BACTEREMIA IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS WITH VASCULAR CATHETERS.

Hemodialysis (HD) patients with double-lumen vascular access catheters (D-VAC) are at increased risk of bacteremia. Coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be an additional risk factor for bacteremia in these patients. In this regard, we have shown that HCV-seropositive HD patients with D-VAC have an increased incidence of bacteremia when compared with patients seronegative for the virus (Sullivan et al. J Invest Med 2006;54:S289; Zaiden et al. JASN in press). On this basis, we theorized that the circulating HCV viral load may correlate with bacteremic events in these patients. To address this question, we reviewed the most recent records of the cohort from our previous work (in press). In this study, we surveyed for the presence of bacteremia during a 5-month period (5/06-10/06). In addition, we prospectively assessed the HCV viral load by measuring HCV RNA (RT-PCR) in all HCV-positive patients. Results Ninety-nine patients were studied; mean age of 59 years, 38% male, and 64% African American. Twenty-one (21%) patients were HCV positive. For the 5-month study period, bacteremia data were available in 72 of 78 seronegative and 19 of 21 seropositive patients. The HCV-positive subjects demonstrated a numeric trend toward more frequent bacteremic events (5/19 [26%] vs 14/72 [19%] for HCV seropositive vs seronegative, respectively, p = .51). There was no difference in age of D-VAC between HCV-negative and -positive patients (mean ± SEM, 321 ± 20 vs 418 ± 41, respectively). Circulating viral titers were obtained in 18 of 21 HCV-positive patients. Eight of 18 (44%) had undetectable HCV levels, and 10 patients had measurable viral loads ((thousands) 778 ± 328 IU/mL). Sixteen patients with viral titers had bacteremia data available. In this group, there were no differences in viral titers between bacteremic and nonbacteremic patients (323 ± 458 vs 425 ± 264 IU/mL, respectively). In contrast, when patients with measurable titers (n = 8) were compared with patients with no detectable viral RNA (n = 8), there was a significant increase in bacteremic events (4/8 [50%] vs 0/8 respectively, p = .009, Chi-squared). These data support the contention that HCV infection may be a negative immunomodulator in HD patients with D-VAC and thus constitute a risk factor for infection from bacteremia. Conclusion HD patients with D-VAC and HCV infection may be at increased risk of bacteremic events. These data suggest that the presence of detectable HCV RNA may be more important than the absolute circulating level of virus. Following HCV RNA expression in HD patients with D-VAC may allow for risk stratification for bacteremia and modulate the approach to management in these patients.
2D-IR Spectroscopy of Porous Silica Nanoparticles: Measuring the Distance Sensitivity of Spectral Diffusion

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D-IR) was used to investigate the sensitivity of a vibrational mode to spectral diffusion on the nanometer length scale. A confined volume within a porous silica nanoparticle was used as the model system. Utilizing a novel grafting technique, silane probes were covalently secured to the pore surface for a series of templated mesoporous silica nanoparticles with variable pore sizes. 2D-IR measurements determined that isopropanol exhibited two dominant time scales of ultrafast motions within the pores with time scales of a few picoseconds and tens of picoseconds. The unique perspective of the probe on a surface revealed that the vibrational dynamics of the reporting mode were perturbed by molecules up to ∼5 nm away. The data were modeled well by a 1/d2 distance dependence for the coupling of solvent dynamics to frequency fluctuations and a logistic radial distribution of fast and slow dynamic populations.
The role of suffering in human flourishing : contributions from positive psychology, theology, and philosophy

Should alleviating suffering always be the primary goal in treatment? This paper proposes that suffering can best be understood in the context of the flourishing life, from the intersecting vantage...
Beyond evolutionary algorithms for search-based software engineering

Abstract Context Evolutionary algorithms typically require large number of evaluations (of solutions) to converge – which can be very slow and expensive to evaluate. Objective To solve search-based software engineering (SE) problems, using fewer evaluations than evolutionary methods. Method Instead of mutating a small population, we build a very large initial population which is then culled using a recursive bi-clustering chop approach. We evaluate this approach on multiple SE models, unconstrained as well as constrained, and compare its performance with standard evolutionary algorithms. Results Using just a few evaluations (under 100), we can obtain comparable results to state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms. Conclusion Just because something works, and is widespread use, does not necessarily mean that there is no value in seeking methods to improve that method. Before undertaking search-based SE optimization tasks using traditional EAs, it is recommended to try other techniques, like those explored here, to obtain the same results with fewer evaluations.
Software Component Replication for Improved Fault-Tolerance: Can Multicore Processors Make It Work?

Programs increasingly rely on the use of complex component libraries, such as in-memory databases. As any other software, these libraries have bugs that may lead to the application failure. In this work we revisit the idea of software component replication for masking software bugs in the context of multi-core systems. We propose a new abstraction: a Macro-Component. A Macro-Component is a software component that includes several internal replicas with diverse implementations to detect and mask bugs. By relying on modern multicores processing capacity it is possible to execute the same operation in multiple replicas concurrently, thus incurring in minimal overhead. Also, by exploring the multiple existent implementations of well-known interfaces, it is possible to use the idea without incurring in additional development cost.
A Boy With Red Ears

Vague complaints of ear pain can bring frustration in the neurology office as the differential is broad and often nonneurologic. Herein, we present a case of red ear syndrome, a treatable migraine variant that can cause significant distress and lead to delayed treatment if not considered as a diagnostic possibility.
Abstract WMP49: Temporal Trends in the Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in the United States

Background: Large scale data on atrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is sparse since approval of dabigatran for non-valvular AF in 2010. We studied recent trends in pr...
Surgical management of strabismus following choroidal melanoma plaque brachytherapy.

Purpose To characterize intraoperative findings, surgical approach, and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing strabismus surgery following plaque brachytherapy for ocular melanoma. Methods The records of all patients who underwent plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma between May 2007 and June 2016 were reviewed retrospectively to identify those who subsequently required strabismus surgery. Results Of the 461 patients who underwent plaque brachytherapy during the study period, 13 (2.8%) met inclusion criteria. Visual acuity of the affected eye was 20/40 or better in 9 patients (69%). Preoperative horizontal deviation ranged from 0Δ to 52Δ; vertical deviation, from 2Δ to 25Δ. At final follow-up mean horizontal deviation ranged from 0 to 4Δ; vertical deviation, from 0Δ to 12Δ. Intraoperatively, all muscles directly adjacent to the treated area appeared macroscopically thicker than normal despite being functionally underacting. Magnetic resonance imaging showed enlarged muscles adjacent to the plaque radiotherapy. Microscopic examination of muscles in 2 patients showed reactive enlargement of the muscle fibers, granulation tissue, and inflammation. Conclusions Persistent strabismus after plaque brachytherapy is rare. Typical findings include enlarged, underacting rectus muscles adjacent to the area of the plaque, restrictive connective tissue, and incomitant strabismus. Previously disinserted muscles may be found in abnormal locations. In this patient cohort scar tissue removal in conjunction with tightening procedures on the muscle adjacent to the plaque combined with recession of the antagonist muscle frequently resulted in good anatomical outcome.
Scan Sampling Techniques for Behavioral Validation in Nursery Pigs

Behavioral observations are a type of “assay” that is used to quantify animal biological responses. As with physiological measurements, methods of behavioral observation should be validated and selected based on the objectives of the particular study. The objective of this study was to validate the accuracy of scan samples at various predetermined intervals for confined nursery pigs. Twenty, 35 day old, crossbred PIC (USA) nursery pigs were housed in five pens within a confinement building. Eight scan sample treatments (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes) were individually compared to continuous observation. Scan sample was defined as the first second for each scan interval (1 minute scan sample intervals provided 60 selected scans of one second duration per pig per hour). The percentage of the total time observed for each behavior and posture then calculated for each pen. Drinking differed (P = 0.0019) from the continuous data at intervals greater than 5 minutes or more. For all other behaviors and postures there were no (P > 0.05) differences between scan treatments and the continuous data. In conclusion, scan samples under these experimental conditions were accurate for all behaviors and postures except drinking.
What’s in a #Name? An Experimental Study Examining Perceived Credibility and Impact of Winter Storm Names

AbstractThe practice of naming winter storms has generated a large amount of discussion within the meteorology community of late. While storm naming has typically been reserved for tropical systems, some media organizations in the United States recently began naming winter storms but oftentimes using differing criteria. Anecdotal comments have labeled this practice as a marketing initiative and other forecasting organizations have criticized The Weather Channel for naming storms (Palmer), but little to no research has investigated whether naming winter storms serves useful to forecasters, practitioners, and the general public. The purpose of this study is twofold. First, the hope is to further the discussion and investigation of naming winter storms. This study provides empirical evidence that suggests that little difference exists between individual perceptions dependent on whether a name is used or the type of name used. The results indicate that individuals do not differ in levels of perceived severity...
Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction and the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease.

Brain capillary endothelial cells form the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is covered with basement membranes and is also surrounded by pericytes and astrocyte end-feet in the neurovascular unit. The BBB tightly regulates the molecular exchange between the blood flow and brain parenchyma, thereby regulating the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, dysfunction of the BBB is likely involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangle formation in the brain are central pathological hallmarks in AD, cerebrovascular lesions and BBB alteration have also been shown to frequently coexist. Although further clinical studies should clarify whether BBB disruption is a specific feature of AD pathogenesis, increasing evidence indicates that each component of the neurovascular unit is significantly affected in the presence of AD-related pathologies in animal models and human patients. Conversely, since some portions of Aβ are eliminated along the neurovascular unit and across the BBB, disturbing the pathways may result in exacerbated Aβ accumulation in the brain. Thus, current evidence suggests that BBB dysfunction may causatively and consequently contribute to AD pathogenesis, forming a vicious cycle between brain Aβ accumulation and neurovascular unit impairments during disease progression.
Glucocorticoid and inflammatory reactivity to a repeated physiological stressor in insomnia disorder

Abstract Despite known associations of insomnia disorder with alterations in cytokine and glucocorticoid (GC) production, neither the sensitivity of immune cells to a GC signal nor the reactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammatory system to stress, or adaptation of these systems to repeated stress have been assessed in patients with insomnia. To investigate potential dysregulation in stress reactivity and adaptation to repeated exposure, a physiological stressor (the cold pressor test; CPT) was repeatedly administered to N = 20 participants with insomnia disorder (based on DSM-V, 18 females, age 30 ± 2.5 years) and N = 20 sex-matched healthy controls following an at-home actigraphy and in-laboratory PSG. HPA and inflammatory markers (serum cortisol, plasma interleukin [IL]-6) were measured at baseline/resting levels and following each of the three CPTs. In addition, sensitivity of monocytes to the synthetic GC dexamethasone was assessed in-vitro at baseline levels in order to examine the cortisol-IL-6 interplay at the cell level. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with insomnia disorder exhibited shorter sleep duration as assessed by actigraphy and PSG (p ≤ 0.05). HPA, but not inflammatory reactivity to the repeated CPT challenge was greater in insomnia disorder (p ≤ 0.05 for group effect), due to greater cortisol responses to the initial CPT (p ≤ 0.05). There were no between-group differences in the ability of the HPA to adapt to stress repetition nor in basal/resting levels of cortisol, IL-6, and GC sensitivity. These findings suggest that insomnia disorder potentiates HPA axis reactivity to initial/novel stressors, which may constitute a pathway underlying adverse health consequences in the long term.
Natural Infrastructure to Mitigate Inundation and Coastal Degradation

The ocean is life sustaining. But, it is also a mighty force which can pose great danger to those living along its coasts. As a means of protection, we’ve armored our coastlines with grey infrastructure. However, these structures are expensive to build and maintain, encourage further development in areas particularly susceptible to flooding and storm damage, and often fail. In order for coastal communities across the globe to survive in a climate-changed future, nature must be prioritized in our regulatory, financial, and social systems in ways which empower, encourage, and incentivize smart and necessary investments in natural infrastructure.
Shoreham’s Construction

The Atomic Energy Commission gave LILCO a construction permit for Shoreham in April, 1973. Over ten years later Shoreham was the most expensive nuclear plant in the nation on the basis of cost per kilowatt (See Table 9, in Chapter 2). A review of the Shoreham project by the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) concluded in 1985 that about one- third of the plant’s costs were incurred imprudently, indicating the scope and magnitude of Shoreham’s construction, engineering, and managerial problems. In the 1970s other nuclear projects ran far over budget, and planning and control failures were widespread in the industry (United States Office of Technology Assessment, 1984; Cook, 1985; Leigland and Lamb, 1986; Tomaine, 1987; Campbell, 1988; Morone and Woodhouse, 1989). Thus, while the Shoreham project evolved into a distinctively large failure, many of its fundamental problems were common in the industry.
A Social Analgesic? Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Reduces Positive Empathy

Acetaminophen – a potent physical painkiller that also reduces psychological reactivity, including empathy for other people’s pain – blunts physical and social pain by reducing activation in brain areas thought to be related to emotional awareness and motivation, such as the anterior insula and anterior parts of the cingulate cortex. Some neuroimaging research on positive empathy (i.e., the perception and sharing of positive affect in other people), suggests that the experience of positive empathy also recruits these paralimbic cortical brain areas. We thus hypothesized that acetaminophen may also impair affective processes related to the experience of positive empathy. We tested this hypothesis in a double-blind randomized-controlled experiment. Specifically, we administered 1000 mg acetaminophen or a placebo and measured effects on different measures of positive empathy while participants read scenarios about the uplifting experiences of other people. Results showed that acetaminophen reduced personal pleasure and other-directed empathic feelings in response to these scenarios. In contrast, effects on perceived positivity of the described experiences or perceived pleasure in scenario protagonists, were not significant. These findings suggest that (a) acetaminophen reduces affective reactivity to other people’s positive experiences, and (b) the experience of physical pain and positive empathy may have a more similar neurochemical basis than previously assumed. Because the experience of positive empathy is related to prosocial behavior, our findings also raise questions about the societal impact of excessive acetaminophen consumption.
CRISPR–Cas9 a boon or bane: the bumpy road ahead to cancer therapeutics

Genome editing allows for the precise manipulation of DNA sequences in a cell making this technology essential for understanding gene function. CRISPR/Cas9 is a targeted genome-editing platform derived from bacterial adaptive immune system and has been repurposed into a genome-editing tool. The RNA-guided DNA endonuclease, Cas9 can be easily programmed to target new sites by altering its guide RNA sequence, making this technology easier, more efficient, scalable and an indispensable tool in biological research. This technology has helped genetically engineer animal models to understand disease mechanisms and elucidate molecular details that can be exploited for improved therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we describe the CRISPR–Cas9 gene-editing mechanism, CRISPR-screening methods, therapeutic targeting of CRISPR in animal models and in cancer immunotherapy. We also discuss the ongoing clinical trials using this tool, limitations of this tool that might impede the clinical applicability of CRISPR–Cas9 and future directions for developing effective CRISPR–Cas9 delivery systems that may improve cancer therapeutics.
Magnetic Fusion Energy and Its Cryogenic Applications

Magnetic Fusion Energy has been evolving towards a greater use of cryogenics for advanced confinement experiments and reactor development. Most significant has been the large superconducting magnet systems used in the Mirror Fusion Test Facility, the Elmo Bumpy Torus, and the Large Coil Project. These systems are approaching reactor capability as defined in the Mirror Advanced Reactor Study and STARFIRE. In conjunction with these magnet systems new superconducting and structural materials are needed. Also cryopumping of confinement chambers and neutral beam lines are significant applications. Additional cryosorption pumps are needed for helium gas and alpha particle removal.
A Note on Brill–Noether Theory and Rank-Determining Sets for Metric Graphs

We produce open subsets of the moduli space of metric graphs without separating edges where the dimensions of Brill‐Noether loci are larger than the corresponding Brill‐Noether numbers. These graphs also have minimal rank-determining sets that are larger than expected, giving counterexamples to a conjecture of Luo. Furthermore, limits of these graphs have Brill‐Noether loci of the expected dimension, so dimensions of Brill‐Noether loci of metric graphs do not vary upper semicontinuously in families. Motivated by these examples, we study a notion of rank for the Brill‐Noether locus of a metric graph, closely analogous to the Baker‐Norine definition of the rank of a divisor. We show that ranks of Brill‐Noether loci vary upper semicontinuously in families of metric graphs and are related to dimensions of Brill‐Noether loci of algebraic curves by as pecialization inequality.
Mechanics and structure of cross-bridges during contractions initiated by photolysis of caged Ca2+

Cross-bridge structure and mechanics were studied during development of skinned frog muscle fiber contractions initiated by photolysis of DM-nitrophen (a caged Ca2+). Stiffness rises earlier than tension following photo-release of Ca2+. A similar lead of stiffness in electrically stimulated fibers and the early rise of the I11/I10 ratio of equatorial X-ray reflections are thought to signal attachment of cross-bridges into states with lower force than in steady-state contraction. We investigated the structure of the early attachments by electron microscopy of fibers activated by photolysis of DM-nitrophen and then ultra-rapidly frozen and freeze substituted with tannic acid and OsO4. Sections from relaxed fibers show helical tracks of myosin heads on the thick filaments surface. Optical diffraction patterns show strong meridional intensities and layer lines up to the 6th order of 1/43 nm, indicating preservation and resolution of periodic structures smaller than 10 nm. Following photo-release of Ca2+, the 1/43 nm myosin layer line becomes less intense, and higher orders disappear. A ∼1/36 nm layer line appears early (12–15 ms) and becomes stronger at later times. The 1/14.3 nm meridional spot weakens initially and recovers at a later time, while it broadens laterally. The 1/43 nm meridional spot is present during contraction, but the 2nd order meridional spot (1/21.5 nm) is weak or absent. These results are consistent with time resolved X-ray diffraction data on the periodic structures within the fiber. In sections along the 1,1 plane of activated fibers, the individual cross-bridges have a wide range of shapes and angles, perpendicular to the fiber axis or pointing toward or away from the Z-line. Fibers frozen at 13 ms, 33 ms, and 220 ms after photolysis all show surprisingly similar cross-bridges. Thus, a highly variable distribution of cross-bridge shapes and angles is established early in contraction.
Artificial Oocyte and Artificial Ovary Development

Germ cells are the most essential components of mammalian life cycle to ensure reproduction and heredity. The last decade heralds the marked progress of our understanding of the germ cell developmental pathways in mice and humans, which culminated in the reconstitution of gametogenesis, at least in part, in a dish using pluripotent stem cells. Here, we discuss the history, current state, and future prospective of mammalian in vitro gametogenesis, especially in humans.
Examining the Influence of Academic Nurse Educator Doctoral Degree Preparation on National League for Nursing Core Competency Skill Acquisition.

Aim The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of academic nurse educator doctoral degree preparation on National League for Nursing (NLN) core competency skill acquisition. Background Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and doctor of philosophy (PhD) graduates frequently seek faculty positions, yet neither degree exclusively prepares graduates for careers in academia. Method A descriptive, correlational design was utilized to examine the influence of doctoral degree preparation on NLN core competency skill acquisition. A randomized, nationwide sample (N = 160) of full-time nurse educators teaching in American Association of Colleges of Nursing member schools across the United States completed the Nurse Educator Skill Acquisition Assessment. Results PhD-prepared educators reported higher NLN core competency skill acquisition scores than DNP-prepared nurse educators. There were statistically significant differences in overall skill acquisition scores between DNP- and PhD-prepared nurse educators and for the "use assessment and evaluation" and "engage in scholarship" domains. Conclusion These findings provide opportunities for NLN core competency skill acquisition among DNP- and PhD-prepared faculty.
Intermittent Ethanol Access Increases Sensitivity to Social Defeat Stress.

Background Comorbidity between alcoholism and depression is extremely common. Recent evidence supports a relationship between alcohol exposure and stress sensitivity, an underlying factor in the development of depression. Our laboratory has recently shown that chronic alcohol gavage increases sensitivity to social defeat stress (SDS). However, the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption, resulting from protocols such as intermittent ethanol access (IEA), on defeat stress sensitivity have yet to be elucidated. Methods We first assessed the effects of 4 weeks of IEA to 20% alcohol on sensitivity to subthreshold SDS exposure. Next, to examine neuroinflammatory mechanisms, we analyzed gene expression of inhibitor of NFkB (IkB) following IEA or chronic alcohol exposure (10 days of 3.0 g/kg alcohol via intragastric gavage). Then, we quantified NFkB activation via β-galactosidase immunohistochemistry following IEA or chronic alcohol gavage in NFkB-LacZ mice. Results IEA-exposed mice displayed an increase in sensitivity to subthreshold SDS compared to water-drinking controls. We also found that IkB gene expression was decreased in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and amygdala (AMY) following IEA but was not altered following chronic alcohol gavage. Finally, we observed increased NFkB activity in the central amygdala (CEA), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and medial amygdala (MEA) after IEA, and increased NFkB activity solely in the CEA following chronic alcohol gavage. Conclusions These findings further corroborate that prior alcohol exposure, in this case intermittent voluntary consumption, can impact development of depressive-like behavior by altering stress sensitivity. Furthermore, our results suggest the CEA as a potential mediator of alcohol's effects on stress sensitivity, as NFkB was activated in this region following both IEA and chronic alcohol gavage. Thus, this study provides novel insight on alterations in the NFkB pathway and identifies specific regions to target in future experiments assessing the functional role of NFkB in these processes.
Potential frameworks to support evaluation of mechanistic data for developmental neurotoxicity outcomes: A symposium report

A key challenge in systematically incorporating mechanistic data into human health assessments is that, compared to studies of apical health endpoints, these data are both more abundant (mechanistic studies routinely outnumber other studies by several orders of magnitude) and more heterogeneous (e.g. different species, test system, tissue, cell type, exposure paradigm, or specific assays performed). A structured decision-making process for organizing, integrating, and weighing mechanistic DNT data for use in human health risk assessments will improve the consistency and efficiency of such evaluations. At the Developmental Neurotoxicology Society (DNTS) 2016 annual meeting, a symposium was held to address the application of existing organizing principles and frameworks for evaluation of mechanistic data relevant to interpreting neurotoxicology data. Speakers identified considerations with potential to advance the use of mechanistic DNT data in risk assessment, including considering the context of each exposure, since epigenetics, tissue type, sex, stress, nutrition and other factors can modify toxicity responses in organisms. It was also suggested that, because behavior is a manifestation of complex nervous system function, the presence and absence of behavioral change itself could be used to organize the interpretation of multiple complex simultaneous mechanistic changes. Several challenges were identified with frameworks and their implementation, and ongoing research to develop these approaches represents an early step toward full evaluation of mechanistic DNT data for assessments.
Acknowledgements as a Window into Legal Academia

Legal scholarship in the United States is an oddity—an institution built on student editorship, a lack of peer review, and a dramatically high proportion of solo authorship. It is often argued that this makes legal scholarship fundamentally different from scholarship in other fields, which is largely peer-reviewed by academics. We use acknowledgments in biographical footnotes from law-review articles to probe the nature of legal knowledge co-production and de facto peer review in legal literature. Using a survey of authors and editors and a textual analysis of approximately thirty thousand law-review articles from 2008 to 2017, we examined the nature of knowledge coproduction and peer review in U.S. legal academia. Our results are consistent with the idea that substantial peer-review-like vetting occurs in the field. We also found evidence that both authors and editors use the information in acknowledgment footnotes as a factor in article submission and selection. Further , the characteristics of acknowledgment footnotes in articles in high-ranking law reviews differ dramatically from those in low-ranking law reviews in ways that are not simply due to differences in article quality. Finally, there are problematic gender differences in who is being acknowledged. We propose some modest changes to current practices that would help maximize transparency and minimize bias in legal scholarly networks and law-review article selection.
Amicus Brief of Tax Scholars in Support of Appellants

It is hard to describe tax law succinctly. The federal Internal Revenue Code is over 6,000 pages and contains over 4 million words. As scholars who write about taxation, we are well aware of this challenge. Nevertheless, the 100-word summary that appeared on Invest in Education’s petitions accurately describes its proposed change to Arizona tax law. Arizona's Invest in Education initiative would establish a new, separate surcharge of 3.5% on taxable income above certain threshold amounts. This new surcharge shall be imposed “[i]n addition to any other tax imposed by this chapter” and, it will be “collected regardless of whether the income tax rate brackets in this chapter are changed, replaced or eliminated by an act of the legislature.” Invest in Education’s 100-word summary described this provision as “establishing a 3.5% surcharge on taxable income above $250,000 annually for single persons or married persons filing separately, and on taxable income above $500,000 annually for married persons filing jointly or head of household filers.” This description straightforwardly describes the tax law change proposed in the initiative text. The Arizona trial court held there were three tax-related problems with the 100-word summary. The trial court concluded that the use of the term “surcharge” rather than “tax” was misleading, and it held that the description omitted two principal provisions: the relative percentage change in the marginal tax rate and the fact that the definition of taxable income includes income that individuals earn as owners of pass-through entities. The trial court’s conclusions are based in confusion about tax law and a misreading of the Arizona Supreme Court's decision in Molera v. Reagan. As this brief explains, there is nothing misleading about the 100-word summary, and it accurately described the principal tax provision.
Spin–orbit torque driven by a planar Hall current

Spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in multilayers of ferromagnetic (FM) and non-magnetic (NM) metals can manipulate the magnetization of the FM layer efficiently. This is employed, for example, in non-volatile magnetic memories for energy-efficient mobile electronics1,2 and spin torque nano-oscillators3–7 for neuromorphic computing8. Recently, spin torque nano-oscillators also found use in microwave-assisted magnetic recording, which enables ultrahigh-capacity hard disk drives9. Most SOT devices employ spin Hall10,11 and Rashba12 effects, which originate from spin–orbit coupling within the NM layer and at the FM/NM interfaces, respectively. Recently, SOTs generated by the anomalous Hall effect in FM/NM/FM multilayers were predicted13 and experimentally realized14. The control of SOTs through crystal symmetry was demonstrated as well15. Understanding all the types of SOTs that can arise in magnetic multilayers is needed for a formulation of a comprehensive SOT theory and for engineering practical SOT devices. Here we show that a spin-polarized electric current known to give rise to anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and the planar Hall effect (PHE) in a FM16 can additionally generate large antidamping SOTs with an unusual angular symmetry in NM1/FM/NM2 multilayers. This effect can be described by a recently proposed magnonic mechanism17. Our measurements reveal that this torque can be large in multilayers in which both spin Hall and Rashba torques are negligible. Furthermore, we demonstrate the operation of a spin torque nano-oscillator driven by this SOT. These findings significantly expand the class of materials that exhibit giant SOTs. A spin-polarized current responsible for the planar Hall effect and anisotropic magnetoresistance is found to generate large antidamping spin–orbit torque in normal metal/ferromagnet/normal metal trilayers.
Multivariate Independence Set Search via Progressive Addition for Conditional Markov Acyclic Networks

Estimation of conditional dependencies over a joint multivariate probability distribution is a difficult task for big data, e.g. –omics datasets, and it becomes quickly intractable when the number of variables involved grows large. For instance, structure learning in Bayesian networks has super-exponential complexity. Dimension reduction techniques such as principal component analysis can be useful but often transform the original space and can still pose problems with scalability. This substantially limits characterization of joint probability: in general, only pairwise or k-level correlations can be analyzed efficiently. We introduce the Multivariate Independence Set Search via Progressive Addition for Conditional Markov Acyclic Networks (MISS-PACMAN), which operates a greedy selection of jointly independent feature sets from a larger set of covariates, given a variable ordering. The method is non-parametric and can be used with any kernel function. MISS-PACMAN is therefore suitable for heterogeneous big data, as it combines flexibility and scalability. In our tests on both simulated and real-world data, using random forests as kernel, MISS-PACMAN was able to select independence feature sets linearly with the number of features. Further, by combining multiple independence sets, MISS-PACMAN well-approximates the underlying conditional structure of data variables (according to the generating Bayesian network), and compares favorably with other network structure discovery algorithms, such as the Peter-Clark and the fast incremental association Markov blanket.
Feasibility Determination When the Feasible Region is Defined by Non-Linear Inequalities

A number of heuristic algorithms exist for determining whether each of r systems, characterized by m performance measures estimated through Monte Carlo simulation, belongs to a given set, which is defined by a finite collection of linear inequalities. The work here provides a heuristic for addressing a version of this problem in which the feasible region is defined by a finite collection of nonlinear inequalities. This approach allows the user to choose a desired level of confidence with which a system is correctly classified. The algorithm then uses appropriate-sized confidence rectangles centered at the estimated means to decide when a system can be classified with that level of confidence. While the worst-case behavior could potentially be bad, computational experiments show that the performance of the algorithm on randomly generated problems is satisfactory.
Systemic Factors Associated with a Thinner Choroid in Preterm Infants

Purpose To identify systemic health factors associated with a thinner choroid, which has been hypothesized as a cause of poor visual outcomes in low–birth weight infants. Design The prospective, observational Study of Eye Imaging in Preterm Infants (BabySTEPS) enrolled infants recommended for retinopathy of prematurity screening based on the American Association of Pediatrics guidelines. Participants Infants who underwent imaging with investigational handheld OCT at 36 ± 1 weeks’ postmenstrual age (PMA) as part of BabySTEPS. Methods Average choroidal thickness was measured across the central subfoveal 1 mm. We concurrently collected maternal and infant clinical health data. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with choroidal thickness. The left and right eyes showed similar thicknesses, so their average was used for analysis. Main Outcomes Measures Association between infant health factors and subfoveal choroidal thickness. Results Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measurable in 82 of 85 infants and 94% of eyes. Mean choroidal thickness was 231 ± 78 μm. In the univariate analysis, a thinner choroid was associated with decreased growth velocity (P Conclusions A thinner choroid is associated independently with growth velocity and receiving oxygen support at 36 ± 1 weeks PMA. This suggests that choroidal development in preterm infants may be related to growth rate in the first weeks of life and the prolonged use of supplemental oxygen. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess differences in choroidal thickness before 36 weeks PMA and to assess their impact on visual outcomes.
Cranberry Juice Extract Rapidly Protects Demineralized Dentin against Digestion and Inhibits Its Gelatinolytic Activity.

Improving the longevity of composite restorations has proven to be difficult when they are bonded to dentin. Dentin demineralization leaves collagen fibrils susceptible to enzymatic digestion, which causes breakdown of the resin–dentin interface. Therefore, measures for counteracting the enzymatic environment by enhancing dentin collagen’s resistance to degradation have the potential to improve the durability of dental composite restorations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyphenol-rich extracts and a chemical cross-linker on the cross-linking interaction, resistance to digestion, and endogenous matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities of dentin collagen under clinically relevant conditions. Ten-µm-thick films were cut from dentin slabs of non-carious extracted human third molars. Following demineralization, polyphenol-rich extracts—including grape seed (GSE), green tea (GTE), and cranberry juice (CJE)—or chemical cross-linker carbodiimide with n-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) were applied to the demineralized dentin surfaces for 30 s. The collagen cross-linking, bio-stabilization, and gelatinolytic activities of MMPs 2 and 9 were studied by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, hydroxyproline release, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, and in situ zymography. All treatments significantly increased resistance to collagenase degradation and reduced the gelatinolytic MMP activity of dentin collagen compared to the untreated control. The CJE- and GSE-treated groups were more resistant to digestion than the GTE- or EDC/NHS-treated ones (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the cross-linking interaction found with FTIR and the in situ performance on the acid-etched dentin surface found with SEM/TEM. The collagen films treated with CJE showed the lowest MMP activity, followed by GSE, GTE, and, finally, EDC/NHS. The CJE-treated dentin collagen rapidly increased its resistance to digestion and MMP inhibition. An application of CJE as short as 30 s may be a clinically feasible approach to improving the longevity of dentin bonding in composite restorations.
Estimating influences of unemployment and underemployment on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: who suffers the most?

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate whether unemployment and underemployment are associated with mental distress and whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design This is a population-based longitudinal study. Methods Data came from the Understanding America Study, a population-based panel in the United States. Between April and May 2020, 3548 adults who were not out of the labor force were surveyed. Analyses using targeted maximum likelihood estimation examined the association of employment insecurity with depression, assessed using the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and anxiety, measured with the 2-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Stratified models were evaluated to examine whether employment insecurity and its mental health consequences are disproportionately concentrated among specific social groups. Results Being unemployed or underemployed was associated with increased odds of having depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36–2.02) and anxiety (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.79), relative to having a full-time job. Employment insecurity was disproportionately concentrated among Hispanics (54.3%), Blacks (60.6%), women (55.9%), young adults (aged 18–29 years; 57.0%), and those without a college degree (62.7%). Furthermore, Hispanic workers, subsequent to employment insecurity, experienced worse effects on depression (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.28, 3.40) and anxiety (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.24, 3.09). Those who completed high school or less reported worse depression subsequent to employment insecurity (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.55, 3.85). Conclusions Both unemployment and underemployment threaten mental health during the pandemic, and the mental health repercussions are not felt equally across the population. Employment insecurity during the pandemic should be considered an important public health concern that may exacerbate pre-existing mental health disparities during and after the pandemic.
Research Ethics: A Philosophical Guide to the Responsible Conduct of Research

Education in the responsible conduct of research typically takes the form of online instructions about rules, regulations, and policies. Research Ethics takes a novel approach and emphasizes the art of philosophical decision-making. Part A introduces egoism and explains that it is in the individual's own interest to avoid misconduct, fabrication of data, plagiarism and bias. Part B explains contractualism and covers issues of authorship, peer review and responsible use of statistics. Part C introduces moral rights as the basis of informed consent, the use of humans in research, mentoring, intellectual property and conflicts of interests. Part D uses two-level utilitarianism to explore the possibilities and limits of the experimental use of animals, duties to the environment and future generations, and the social responsibilities of researchers. This book brings a fresh perspective to research ethics and will engage the moral imaginations of graduate students in all disciplines.
Looking at the earth from space

Some of the scientific accomplishments attained in observing the earth from space are discussed. A brief overview of findings concerning the atmosphere, the oceans and sea ice, the solid earth, and the terrestrial hydrosphere and biosphere is presented, and six examples are examined in which space data have provided unique information enabling new knowledge concerning the workings of the earth to be derived. These examples concern stratospheric water vapor, hemispheric differences in surface and atmosphere parameters, Seasat altimeter mesoscale variability, variability of Antarctic sea ice, variations in the length of day, and spaceborne radar imaging of ancient rivers. Future space observations of the earth are briefly addressed.
Measurements of umbilical blood flow and vascular volume by dye dilution

Abstract The dye dilution principle was applied to the measurement of blood flow in the fetal placental circulation of goats under barbiturate or halothane anesthesia and with the fetus in utero. Dye dilution curves obtained from the umbilical vein after dye injection into the umbilical artery showed no evidence of major arteriovenous anastomoses to account for the known finding that a significant portion of umbilical arterial blood flow does not participate in placental gaseous exchange. Values for umbilical blood flow and fetal oxygen consumption were obtained which are similar to those determined by other methods. The dye dilution method allows evaluation of short-term changes in blood flow at short time intervals and also permits calculation of the volume of dye distribution. The values for blood volume in the placenta obtained from our data average 40 ml. per kilogram of fetus, representing nearly one third of the total volume of fetal blood.
Computer-aided detection in mammography: an assessment of performance on current and prior images.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The authors assessed and compared the performance of a computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme for the detection of masses and microcalcification clusters on a set of images collected from two consecutive (“current” and “prior”) mammographic examinations. Materials and Methods A previously developed CAD scheme was used to assess two consecutive screening mammograms from 200 cases in which the current mammogram showed a mass or cluster of microcalcifications that resulted in breast biopsy. The latest prior examinations had been initially interpreted as negative or definitely benign findings (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System rating, 1 or 2). The study involved images of 400 examinations acquired in 200 patients. Radiologists identified 172 masses and 128 clusters of microcalcifications on the current images. The performance of the CAD scheme was analyzed and compared for the current and latest prior images. Results There were significant differences (P Conclusion CAD schemes can detect a substantial fraction of masses and microcalcification clusters depicted on prior images. To improve performance with prior images, the scheme may have to be adaptively reoptimized with increasingly more subtle abnormalities.