cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urban Disasters as Indicators of Global Environmental Change: Assessing Functional Varieties of Vulnerability

Cities are where a majority of the world’s population now lives and they are likely to become the overwhelmingly dominant habitat of mankind in the near future. Anything that threatens the viability of cities also threatens the survival of the human species. For this reason, it is important that students of global environmental change be able to assess the disaster potential of cities and the means by which unwelcome hazards might be mitigated. (Mitchell 1998, 1999) Such a task raises difficult methodological and philosophical problems for global change analysts. Not only are cities the most intensely human-constructed of places, where dramatic departures from natural baselines are routine; the same processes that contribute to negative environmental changes are often welcomed as agents of desired sociopolitical, economic and cultural shifts. These fundamental contradictions deeply complicate the process of urban hazard analysis. How best can researchers assess the environmental disaster potential of cities? Is it possible to devise a methodology that does justice to their societal as well as their environmental complexities; that takes account of their human functions as beacons of hope and crucibles of creativity while also addressing their social pathologies and inequities, the environmental burdens they impose, and the potential for catastrophic losses they possess. A comprehensive treatment of these questions would exceed the space available herein. So, for the sake of convenience and simplification the topic of climate change in large cities of More Developed Countries (MDCs) will serve as a surrogate for other kinds of global environmental change in other places. This emphasis has two additional advantages. First, it focuses
Marijuana and other illicit drug use and the risk of injury: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the associations between marijuana or other illicit drug use and injury risk. METHODS: Case-control study. Cases were emergency department patients with acute injury. Age-sex matched controls were interviewed by telephone. RESULTS: Marijuana use in the past seven days was associated with decreased risk, and use of other illicit drugs was associated with increased risk. Controlling for confounding had little effect. CONCLUSIONS: Marijuana use may be associated with a decreased risk of injury. Other illicit drug use was associated with increased risk. Language: en
Are We Spending Too Much on Print STEM Monographs? A Method and Analysis for Improving Monograph Allocations Based on Circulation Statistics

Circulation studies provide evidence of demand for monographs, but it is necessary to determine the goal of any analysis in order to select which statistics will be used. The goal of this analysis was to determine the appropriateness of expenditures on monographs within the STEM fields at Morris Library over a ten year period. Percentage of unique title circulation and average circulation per title are best suited for this purpose. Results show variation among discplines, but overexpenditure in all. Analysis of disciplines can aid in determining appropriate allocations for monographs, and analysis of subdisciplines can aid in targeting monograph acquisitions within any discipline.
Microgrid cooperative distributed energy scheduling (CoDES) considering battery degradation cost

Obtaining an optimal charging and discharging schedule of battery energy storage devices in a microgrid is essential to the economic and reliable operation of the system. The depth of discharge (DoD) is a key variable that affects the cycle life of a battery. In this paper, an energy scheduling problem is formulated for a microgrid considering battery degradation cost under different DoD scenarios. The formulated scheduling problem is solved by using the cooperative distributed energy scheduling (CoDES) algorithm in a distributed way. The operation of the CoDES algorithm is demonstrated and the economic benefit of using battery energy storage devices in a microgrid is analyzed under different DoD scenarios.
Relationships between seed number, gibberellin and abscisic acid levels and ripening in Cabernet Sauvignon grape berries

In grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, berry growth, content of anthocyanin and hormonal composition affected by seed number were investigated. Gibberellin-like substance content showed highest values 45 d after anthesis, while abscisic acid content (on a per-berry basis) had two peaks, the first one just after berry set, the second coinciding with ripening phenomenon. Seed number was positively correlated with the concentrations of gibberellinlike substances and abscisic acid (on a per-berry basis). One-seeded berries, however, had a higher amount of anthocyanin than two or three-seeded ones. Beziehungen zwischen Anzahl der Samen sowie Gibberellin- und Abscisinsauregehalt und Reifeverlauf der Traubenbeeren bei Cabernet Sauvignon Bei den Trauben von Cabernet Sauvignon wurden das Beerenwachstum, der Anthocyangehalt und die Zusammensetzung der Phytohormone in Beziehung zur Anzahl der Samen untersucht. Die Gibberellinaktivitat erreichte 45 d nach der Anthese ihren hochsten Stand, wahrend der Abscisinsauregehalt (je Beere) zwei Maxima zeigte; das erste trat kurz nach dem Beerenansatz auf, das zweite fiel mit dem Beginn der Beerenreife zusammen. Die Anzahl der Samen war positiv mit der Gibberellinaktivitat und der Abscisinsaurekonzentration (je Beere) korreliert. Einsamige Beeren. wiesen jedoch einen hoheren Anthocyangehalt als zwei- oder dreisamige Beeren auf.
Photo-electrochemical characterization of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite deposited on ZnO and TiO2 mesoporous structures during its dynamic restoration

Methylammonium lead iodide, CH3NH3PbI3, perovskite solar cells are the subject of substantial research due to their high efficiency and inexpensive fabrication. The implementation of liquid electrolyte offers fast charge transport in the device. However, the hygroscopic nature of methylammonium iodide poses a challenge in contact with it. Here, we presented electrochemical characterization results of a perovskite-based three-probe device with a novel liquid electrolyte. This liquid electrolyte contained methylammonium iodide (MAI) in addition to the ionic carriers (lithium perchlorate) in isopropanol. MAI restored the degraded part of perovskite material dynamically. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the constructive effect of this electrolyte on the morphology of perovskite crystalline structure. The performance of perovskite material deposited on two different mesoscopic structures, ZnO and TiO2, as active electrode in contact with this electrolyte was compared. The electrode coated with perovskite material on TiO2 demonstrated superior photovoltaic properties (i.e., higher photocurrent and photovoltage) compared to ZnO back contact. A detail electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study of both samples, in dark and light, suggested faster charge transport for the electrode with the TiO2 back contact. The consistency with the electrochemical results also indicated the stability of the perovskite material. Results from this study encourage making electrochemical perovskite solar cells with TiO2 as the electron collector with MAI-based electrolyte.
The emergence of climate change policy entrepreneurs in urban regions

The development of climate change policy in cities has been closely tied to the efforts of particular individuals, policy entrepreneurs. However, there is still much we do not know about the conditions underlying the emergence and spread of policy entrepreneurship both generally and in support of climate change policies specifically. In this paper, we shed light on these issues using data from 371 mid-sized cities throughout the Great Lakes region of the USA. Building upon scholarship from the public choice literature, we explore the role that fragmentation, that is, the number of independent but connected governmental units both within the city itself as well as in the city’s regional metropolitan or micropolitan area play in explaining the emergence of climate entrepreneurship. We show that not only does fragmentation at both of these levels help predict the emergence of climate change entrepreneurs in individual cities, but also exchanges between these levels could drive the rapid development of policy entrepreneurship and related policy innovations throughout urban systems.
Assessing preference for and reinforcing efficacy of components of social interaction in individuals with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract We evaluated the degree to which social interactions are reinforcing for two individuals with autism spectrum disorder by comparing individual components (i.e., edible, vocal, and physical interaction) alone and in combination. First, we conducted preference assessments to determine preference hierarchies within three stimulus classes: edible, vocal, and physical interaction. Second, we evaluated preference for individual stimuli across these classes. Third, we examined the relative reinforcing efficacy of highly preferred stimuli assessed individually. Fourth, with individuals for whom physical and vocal stimuli served as reinforcers, we evaluated if adding the other component, physical or vocal, increased the effectiveness of that consequence as a reinforcer. Results suggested differences in the relative reinforcing efficacy of components of social interaction. Additionally, combining components to form compound stimuli produced idiosyncratic differences in relative rates of responding.
Multi-modal neuroimaging of adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury: Amygdala functional connectivity.

Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant mental health problem among adolescents. Research is needed to clarify the neurobiology of NSSI and identify candidate neurobiological targets for interventions. Based on prior research implicating heightened negative affect and amygdala hyperactivity in NSSI, we pursued a systems approach to characterize amygdala functional connectivity networks during rest (resting-state functional connectivity [RSFC)]) and a task (task functional connectivity [TFC]) in adolescents with NSSI.
Studies on the Functions of Cell Surface Glycoproteins during Early Development in the Sea Urchin Embryo

At present there is a rather clear picture of the basic steps involved in assembly of cell surface glycoproteins containing N- and/or O-linked oligosaccharide chains. The earliest studies on the glycosylation of proteins utilized autoradiography and focused on the subcellular sites of protein synthesis and glycosylation. From these studies, it appeared that the assembly of the oligosaccharide chains of N-linked glycoproteins occurred in two phases: the initial phase was believed to take place in the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas the second occurred in the Golgi complex. These observations were followed by a series of important findings: the distinction between membrane-bound and free polysomes, the discovery of the signal peptide, the demonstration of the cotranslational glycosylation of ovalbumin, and the findings that, in accord with the signal hypothesis, newly translated and glycosylated proteins were sequestered within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and that viral coat proteins were inserted with their carbohydrate chains facing the lumen. These findings were solidified by a number of in-depth biochemical studies on the mechanisms of assembly of the oligosaccharide chains of the glycoproteins. As a result of these studies one can draw the following general conclusions: (1) All eukaryotic cells are capable of the synthesis of glycoproteins that are destined to become components of the plasma membrane. In addition, many cell types commit a significant portion of their protein biosynthetic activity to the synthesis of secreted and/or lysosome- packaged glycoproteins. (2) The synthesis of membrane, secretory, or lysosomal glycoproteins is a highly segregated process that occurs with an intracellular membrane system composed of the endoplasmic reticulum, transfer vesicles, Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles. During their translation, glycosylation, and processing the glycoproteins are completely isolated from the cytoplasm and travel to the cell surface (in the case of membrane glycoproteins), to the extracellular environment (in the case of secretory glycoproteins), or the lysosomes (in the case of lysosomal enzymes) as part of, or within, these membrane compartments.
An Analysis of Factors Influencing Membership Retention at a Children’s Museum

ABSTRACTMembership fees are an important source of sustained revenue for not-for-profit organizations. Moreover, these membership programs facilitate loyalty to the organization and provide certainty to a percentage of revenue intake. In this study, we examine how frequency of visits, satisfaction with membership programs, length of membership, age, average household income, and driving time affect membership retention in a children’s museum. Findings indicate that all of the factors above influence membership renewal intention. We summarize this study with recommendations for both member recruitment and retention for not-for-profit organizations that utilize membership programs.
Intermetallic compounds in titanium-hardened alloys

Aging reactions in 26 pct Ni-15 pct Cr alloys of the A-286 type have been investigated using light and electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction. Maximum dispersion hardening is provided by aluminum-poor γ′; η platelets are observed above 1400°F; G phase is a globular nickel-titanium silicide resulting from grain-boundary segregation; bulky Laves or σ phases appear depending on whether there is an excess of titanium or aluminum. Cellular precipitation involving a new phase occurs in vacuum-melted A-286 of negligible silicon content. Calculated Patterson-Harker sections show that the interatomic distances in G phase are not short.
Fabrication of Plant Virus-Based Thin Films to Modulate the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem cells can interact and respond to the extracellular nanoscale environment. Viral nanoparticles have been utilized as building blocks to control cell growth and differentiation. By integrating stem cell research and virus nanoparticle chemistry together, a systematic analysis of the effects of nanotopography on stem cell differentiation can be accomplished. The fabrication of thin films of the viral nanoparticles is particularly valuable for such studies. Here, we describe two methods to fabricate plant virus-based thin films and procedures to study the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on plant virus-based substrates. The method makes use of wild-type tobacco mosaic virus (wt-TMV), RGD-modified TMV (TMV-RGD), turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV), cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV), and potato virus X (PVX) for development of bone tissue engineering biomaterials.
Structural Optimization Method of Key Part of High Speed Machining Center

Aimed at the dynamical design of the column for a high speed machining center, an optimization design is carried on under the restrain of mass and frequency. Dynamical stiffness is the optimization target. Using the Ansys Workbench, the optimal thickness of ribs in column is solved, and the increment of dynamical stiffness is also given. Optimal model is analysised to verify the optimization design. It is a method to dynamical design typical parts in machining tools.
Fission Product Tellurium Release Behavior Under Severe Light Water Reactor Accident Conditions

Fission product release tests and control tests recently conducted at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have provided new experimental data that help characterize the mechanism of fission product tellu...
The Private Laboratory in Gentofte (1945–1947)

Following joyous welcomes from family and friends, August busily arranged his study and applied for funds to equip his new laboratory. His work was briefly interrupted when he developed pneumonia after a trip to Moen with the Buchtahls. He had brought with him the penicillin that I had asked for, but in the meantime my little son was cured of his ear infection by sulfa drugs. So August himself got the penicillin, which worked its usual miracle. In two days he was cured.
Assessment of zinc finger orientations by residual dipolar coupling constants

Residual dipolar coupling constants measured in anisotropic solution contain information on orientations between internuclear vectors and the magnetic field, providing long-range information that may help determine the relative orientations of distinct domains in biomolecules. Here we describe the measurement and use of residual dipolar coupling restraints in the refinement of the structure of the complex of DNA with three zinc fingers of transcription factor IIIA (TFIIIA), measured in a DMPC/DHPC bicelle solution. These dipolar restraints were applied on a variety of orientations of the zinc finger domains (derived from crystallography, previous NMR studies, and systematic modeling) in order to examine the validity and sensitivity of using residual dipolar splittings to study interdomain orientations. The spread in interdomain angles between zinc fingers is reduced from 24° to 9° upon incorporation of dipolar restraints. However, the results also show that the ability to determine relative orientations is strongly dependent on the structural accuracy of the local domain structures.
Quantitative Analysis for p53 Tetramerization Domain Mutants Reveals a Low Threshold for Tumor Suppressor Inactivation

The tumor suppressor p53, a 393 amino acid transcription factor, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress. Its inactivation via the mutation of its gene is a key step in tumor progression, and tetramer formation is critical for p53 post-translational modification and its ability to activate or repress the transcription of target genes vital in inhibiting tumor growth. About 50 % of human tumors have TP53 gene mutations; most are missense ones that presumably lower p53′s tumor suppressor activity. In this study, I explored the effects of known tumor-derived missense mutations on the stability and oligomeric structure of p53; these comprehensive, quantitative analyses encompassed the tetramerization domain peptides representing 50 such substitutions in humans. Their effects on tetrameric structure were broad, and the stability of the mutant peptides varied widely (ΔT m = 4.8~ -46.8 °C). Because formation of a tetrameric structure is critical for protein–protein interactions, DNA binding, and the post-translational modification of p53, a small destabilization of the tetrameric structure could result in dysfunction of tumor suppressor activity. I suggest that the threshold for loss of tumor suppressor activity in terms of the disruption of p53′s tetrameric structure could be extremely low. However, other properties of the tetramerization domain, such as electrostatic surface potential and its ability to bind partner proteins, also may be important.
Insomnia in Adolescence.

Adolescent insomnia is a common condition that negatively impacts a developing young adult’s mental and physical health. While the treatment of adult insomnia has been standardized, the treatment of pediatric insomnia is very practitioner-dependent and few large-scale studies are available to determine a standard recommended practice. There is great hope that as the adolescent medicine and sleep medicine fields flourish, larger cohort analyses will be performed to determine the prevalence and precipitating factors of adolescent insomnia, allowing for standardized treatment recommendations and systematic efforts to make these recommendations available to all adolescents.
Race, ethnicity, and telecommunications policy issues of access and representation: Centering communities of color and their concerns

Abstract This paper examines how and why activist groups representing marginalized communities of color are increasingly engaging in communications technology policy issues, particularly in relation to issues of digital access and representation. It explores three distinct but related case studies to disentangle the issues and concerns of a range of communities of color, and the challenges and opportunities for their advocates in navigating the highly technical communications technology policy arena: the first case study, which centers on the NAACP's original opposition to net neutrality, reveals the primacy of issues surrounding the “digital divide” to populations of color, and the difficulties of engaging in technical conversations surrounding Internet governance when issues of access persist. Meanwhile, the second case reviews the campaign by Free Press to promote set-top box liberalization as an issue of representation and diversity to both policymakers and citizens. The final case, which examines the work of the Tribal International Carrier to build an alternative internet service network for Native populations, highlights the precarity which organizations must strategically navigate in order to mitigate the influence of both the state and large corporations over Internet policy issues in order to both serve and represent their constituents. In all, this paper presents and extends upon a novel approach to communications policy research, foregrounding the need to integrate critical race frameworks and, relatedly, to center the breadth, depth, and lived experiences of communities of color, which can therein facilitate more inclusive digital media and communication environments and policy structures.
Simulation in Orthopedic Surgery

Simulation in orthopedic surgery has long focused on technical skill development. As arthroscopy has become increasingly important for clinical care, it has also emerged as a major target of surgical simulation. Since the 2013 American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery mandate that intern education include surgical simulation, the emphasis in orthopedics has increased dramatically. Important work has also begun on nontechnical aspects of orthopedic surgical care such as communication skills.
Jonas Salk: A Life

Charlotte DeCroes Jacobs’s Jonas Salk: A Life is an important biography of a man who became the symbol of one of America’s most significant medical triumphs: the conquest of polio. Jacobs’s insight...
Does Cellular Metabolism from Primary Fibroblasts and Oxidative Stress in Blood Differ between Mammals and Birds? The (Lack-thereof) Scaling of Oxidative Stress

As part of mitonuclear communication, retrograde and anterograde signaling helps maintain homeostasis under basal conditions. Basal conditions, however, vary across phylogeny. At the cell-level, some mitonuclear retrograde responses can be quantified by measuring the constitutive components of oxidative stress, the balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS are metabolic by-products produced by the mitochondria that can damage macromolecules by structurally altering proteins and inducing mutations in DNA, among other processes. To combat accumulating damage, organisms have evolved endogenous antioxidants and can consume exogenous antioxidants to sequester ROS before they cause cellular damage. ROS are also considered to be regulated through a retrograde signaling cascade from the mitochondria to the nucleus. These cellular pathways may have implications at the whole-animal level as well. For example, birds have higher basal metabolic rates, higher blood glucose concentration, and longer lifespans than similar sized mammals, however, the literature is divergent on whether oxidative stress is higher in birds compared with mammals. Herein, we collected literature values for whole-animal metabolism of birds and mammals. Then, we collected cellular metabolic rate data from primary fibroblast cells isolated from birds and mammals and we collected blood from a phylogenetically diverse group of birds and mammals housed at zoos and measured several parameters of oxidative stress. Additionally, we reviewed the literature on basal-level oxidative stress parameters between mammals and birds. We found that mass-specific metabolic rates were higher in birds compared with mammals. Our laboratory results suggest that cellular basal metabolism, total antioxidant capacity, circulating lipid damage, and catalase activity were significantly lower in birds compared with mammals. We found no body-size correlation on cellular metabolism or oxidative stress. We also found that most oxidative stress parameters significantly correlate with increasing age in mammals, but not in birds; and that correlations with reported maximum lifespans show different results compared with correlations with known aged birds. Our literature review revealed that basal levels of oxidative stress measurements for birds were rare, which made it difficult to draw conclusions.
DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND X-RAY CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STUDIES OF 7.3.1 AND 8.3.1 MACROCYCLIC FKBP-12 LIGANDS

Abstract The design, synthesis, and structure activity relationships of a series of novel macrocyclic FKBP-12 ligands 1 are reported. The crystal structure of the complex between 7 and human FKBP-12 is reported and some SAR results are discussed based on this complex.
Autism Beyond Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects many individuals worldwide. Researchers have identified effective interventions for teaching new skills and reducing challenging behaviors that have resulted in improvements in the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. Namely, assessments and interventions based on the science of behavior analysis have strong empirical support for improving the quality of life of individuals with ASD. Although beneficial, the majority of this research has involved young children, which is not always easily applied to adolescents and adults due to unique characteristics of this population. This special issue addresses the need for research with older individuals with ASD by presenting a variety of papers evaluating behavioral interventions for adolescents and adults and discussing the specific needs related to this population.
Use of Acid-Suppressant Medications After Diagnosis Increases Mortality in a Subset of Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients

Acid-suppressant medications, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), are frequently prescribed and have been linked to increased risk of some gastrointestinal cancers. We examined whether post-diagnosis use of PPIs/H2RAs is associated with the risk of mortality in gastrointestinal cancer patients. We used data from patients with esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, or hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in the national VA Central Cancer Registry diagnosed between 2002 and 2016. We identified PPI/H2RA prescriptions that were filled before and after cancer diagnosis and used time-dependent Cox regression models to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for mortality risk. We used a time-varying exposure to avoid immortal-time bias and a 3-month lag to reduce reverse causation. A sensitivity analysis was conducted varying the lag duration between the date of cancer diagnosis and the start of follow-up. PPIs were used by the majority (54% post-diagnosis use) of patients. We found no association between post-diagnosis PPI use and cancer-specific mortality in esophageal adenocarcinoma (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.84–1.02), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.87–1.12), or gastric cardia cancer (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.89–1.22) patients. Post-diagnosis PPI use was, however, associated with the increased risk of cancer-specific mortality for patients with gastric non-cardia cancer (HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.29–1.74) and HCC (HR 1.31; 95% CI 1.23–1.40). The results were similar for associations with post-diagnosis use of H2RAs. There was no association with pre-diagnosis PPI/H2RA use. Post-diagnosis PPI/H2RA use was associated with the increased mortality in gastric non-cardia cancer and HCC patients.
Computing and evolving variants of computational depth

The structure and organization of information in binary strings and (infinite) binary sequences are investigated using two computable measures of complexity related to computational depth. First, fundamental properties of recursive computational depth, a refinement of Bennett's original notion of computational depth, are developed, and it is shown that the recursively weakly (respectively, strongly) deep sequences form a proper subclass of the class of weakly (respectively, strongly) deep sequences. It is then shown that every weakly useful sequence is recursively strongly deep, strengthening a theorem by Juedes, Lathrop, and Lutz. It follows from these results that not every strongly deep sequence is weakly useful, thereby answering an open question posed by Juedes. Second, compression depth, a feasibly computable depth measurement, is developed based on the Lempel-Ziv compression algorithm. LZ compression depth is further formalized by introducing strongly (compression) deep sequences and showing that analogues of the main properties of computational depth hold for compression depth. Critical to these results, it is shown that a sequence that is not normal must be compressible by the Lempei-Ziv algorithm. This yields a new, simpler proof that the Champernowne sequence is normal. Compression depth is also used to measure the organization of genes in genetic algorithms. Using finite-state machines to control the actions of an automaton playing prisoner's dilemma, a genetic algorithm is used to evolve a population of finite-state machines (players) to play prisoner's dilemma against each other. Since the fitness function is based solely on how well a player performs against all other players in the population, any accumulation of compression depth (organization) in the genetic structure of the player can only by attributed to the fact that more fit players have a more highly organized genetic structure. It is shown experimentally that this is the case.
Shape morphology of dipolar domains in planar and spherical monolayers

We present a continuum theory for predicting the equilibrium shape and size of dipolar domains formed during liquid–liquid phase coexistence in planar and spherical monolayers. Our main objective is to assess the impact of the monolayer surface curvature on domain morphology. Following previous investigators, we base our analysis around minimizing the free energy, with contributions from line tension and electrostatic dipolar repulsions. Assuming a monodisperse system of circularly symmetric domains, we calculate self-energies and interaction energies for planar and spherical monolayers and determine the equilibrium domain size from the energy minima. We subsequently evaluate the stability of the circularly symmetric domain shapes to an arbitrary, circumferential distortion of the perimeter via a linear stability analysis. We find that the surface curvature generally promotes the formation of smaller, circularly symmetric domains instead of larger, elongated domains. We rationalize these results by examining the effect of the curvature on the intra- and inter-domain dipolar repulsions. We then present a phase diagram of domain shape morphologies, parameterized in terms of the domain area fraction and the monolayer curvature. For typical domain dimensions of 1–30 µm, our theoretical results are relevant to monolayers (and possibly also bilayers) in liquid–liquid phase coexistence with radii of curvature of 1–100 µm.
Liver regeneration: biological and pathological mechanisms and implications

The liver is the only solid organ that uses regenerative mechanisms to ensure that the liver-to-bodyweight ratio is always at 100% of what is required for body homeostasis. Other solid organs (such as the lungs, kidneys and pancreas) adjust to tissue loss but do not return to 100% of normal. The current state of knowledge of the regenerative pathways that underlie this ‘hepatostat’ will be presented in this Review. Liver regeneration from acute injury is always beneficial and has been extensively studied. Experimental models that involve partial hepatectomy or chemical injury have revealed extracellular and intracellular signalling pathways that are used to return the liver to equivalent size and weight to those prior to injury. On the other hand, chronic loss of hepatocytes, which can occur in chronic liver disease of any aetiology, often has adverse consequences, including fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver neoplasia. The regenerative activities of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes are typically characterized by phenotypic fidelity. However, when regeneration of one of the two cell types fails, hepatocytes and cholangiocytes function as facultative stem cells and transdifferentiate into each other to restore normal liver structure. Liver recolonization models have demonstrated that hepatocytes have an unlimited regenerative capacity. However, in normal liver, cell turnover is very slow. All zones of the resting liver lobules have been equally implicated in the maintenance of hepatocyte and cholangiocyte populations in normal liver. The liver has a broad range of regenerative capacities. In this Review, Michalopoulos and Bhushan describe the regenerative mechanisms employed by hepatic cells after liver injury as well as the experimental models used to investigate these mechanisms and discuss the clinical implications.
Do Suspense and Surprise Drive Entertainment Demand? Evidence from Twitch.tv

We measure the relative importance of suspense and surprise in the entertainment preferences of viewers of Twitch.tv, the largest online video game streaming platform. Using detailed viewership and game statistics data from broadcasts of tournaments of a popular video game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), we compute measures of suspense and surprise for a rational Bayesian viewer. We then develop and estimate a stylized utility model that underlies viewers' decisions to both join and to leave a game stream. Our method allows us to causally identify the direct effect of suspense and surprise on viewers' utilities, separating it out from other sources of entertainment value (e.g. team skill) and from indirect supply-side effects (e.g. advertising). We find that suspense enters a viewer's utility, but provide little evidence of the effect of surprise. The magnitudes simply that a one standard deviation increase in round-level suspense decreases the probability of leaving a stream by 0.2 percentage points. We fi nd no detectable effect of suspense and surprise on the decision to join a stream, ruling out indirect effects. Variation in suspense levels explains 8.1% of the observed range of the evolution of a stream's viewership. Finally, we evaluate several rule changes in the design of the CS:GO tournaments, and show that making team win probabilities more homogenous will make games longer and more suspenseful, increasing viewership. Together, these results illustrate the value of our method as a general tool to be used by content producers and platforms to evaluate and design media products.
Agile and Resilient Autonomous Flight

Flying robots, often called drones, are starting to play a major role in several tasks such as search and rescue, interaction with the environment, inspection, patrolling and monitoring. Agile and resilient navigation of Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) through unknown environments poses a number of challenges in terms of perception, state estimation, planning, and control. To achieve this, MAVs have to localize themselves and coordinate between each other in unstructured environments. In this talk, I will present some recent research results agile and resilient navigation of aerial robots for search and rescue, exploration, transportation, physical environment interaction, and human drone collaboration using a minimal on-board sensor suite composed by an IMU and camera sensors information.
Neuroethics Inside and Out: A Comparative Survey of Neural Device Industry Representatives and the General Public on Ethical Issues and Principles in Neurotechnology.

Neurotechnologies are rapidly being developed with the aim of alleviating suffering caused by disease and assisting individuals with various disabilities. As the capabilities and applications of ne...
Polymeric Micelles for Cancer Drug Delivery and Targeting

Over the past years, the emergence of various therapeutic approaches has attracted so much consideration, but chemotherapy remains the most effective way in experimental practice. However, due to obstacles and difficulties, there is a limitation for the additional clinical presentation of the outdated chemical treatments such as paclitaxel and doxorubicin. Some of the barriers are severe side effects, profound cytotoxicity, and low therapeutic efficacy. Drug delivery systems (DDS) such as polymeric micelles have been technologically advanced over the recent decades to advance the treatment efficacy and lessen the side effects incurred. The polymeric micelles self-assembled from amphiphilic polymers serve to sum up hydrophobic treatments in the core and regulate the discharge profile of the drugs through response towards stimuli of the tumor microenvironments, which in this case are pH, temperature, light, and reduction.
Economic impact of Comorbidities in Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Ankle Arthrodesis.

ABSTRACT Background: The demand for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle arthrodesis surgery is increasing. Findings from other orthopaedic populations suggest an increasing comorbidity burden among those planned for surgery, however, data on TAA and ankle arthrodesis is limited. The goal of this study is to study the comorbidity burden for TAA and ankle arthrodesis. Hypothesis: Comorbidity burden is associated with higher resource utilization for both TAA and ankle arthrodesis. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the nationwide Premier Healthcare Database (2006-2016) which contains inpatient claims on N=10,085 ankle arthrodesis and N=4,977 TAA procedures. Patients were categorized into Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index (DCCI) groups. Outcomes were cost of hospitalization, length of stay (LOS), total opioid utilization, discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), and 30-day readmission. Mixed-effects models estimated associations between DCCI and outcomes. We report odds ratios (OR, or % change for continuous outcomes) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: In the TAA group, 67.9% of patients were in DCCI category 0 while 22.4%, 6.6%, and 3.1% were in the 1, 2, and >2 DCCI categories, respectively. This was 61.3%, 18.1%, 9.8% and 10.9% in the ankle arthrodesis group. The most common comorbidities were obesity, diabetes mellitus, and chronic pulmonary disease. Particularly in the ankle arthrodesis group, the proportion of patients with comorbidities has increased over time. After adjustment for relevant covariates, patients in the DCCI group >2 (compared to ‘0’) were associated with stepwise effects of up to 77.1% (CI 70.9%; 83.6%) longer length of stay and up to 48.5% (CI 44.0%; 53.2%) higher cost of hospitalization. Discussions: Comorbidity burden is increasing among patients undergoing ankle arthrodesis where it is associated with significantly increased resource utilization. Our data demonstrate the potential impact of patient selection, which may be crucial in optimizing preoperative status. Level of Evidence: III
Channelrhodopsin: Potential Applications in Vision Restoration

Channelrhodopsins, the directly light-gated ion channels from green algae, provide a powerful tool for basic research in neuroscience as well as potential applications for treating neurological diseases and disorders. One of the promising clinical applications is to cure blindness caused by the death of rod and cone photoreceptors. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is one of diseases that causes blindness. Although photoreceptor cells are degenerated in the retina of RP patients, other retinal neurons such as retinal ganglion cells and on bipolar cells still survive. Owing to the inherent characteristics of chlamydomonas-derived channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), photosensitive neurons can be produced in the retina by the transfer of the ChR2 gene into survived retinal neurons. A single injection of a virus vector into the eye can achieve the vision restoration in rodent model that will be a useful treatment for the patients with blindness. Herein, we introduce the molecular properties of ChR2 and a potential as a new strategy for restoring vision in humans. Key Concepts Channelrhodopsins, microbial retinal binding proteins, transiently induce photo currents by light stimuli. Photocycle of channelrhodopsins remains preserved when they are heterologously expressed in animal and human cells. Channelrhodoposins functions as a directly light-gated cation channels with million second activation and deactivation kinetics. Artificial photoreceptor cells can be produced in various types of animal neurons by transducing a single gene. Converting surviving inner retinal neurons into directly photosensitive cells is a new strategy to treating blindness after the death of rod and cone photoreceptors. Using delivery by adeno-associated viral vectors, long-term expression of channelrhodopsin-2 can be achieved in rodent inner retinal neurons in vivo. ChR2 can be expressed without immunologically harmful reactions in vivo. Keywords: channelrhodopsins; directly light-gated ion channels; retinal blinding diseases; vision restoration
From Bayesian networks to causal networks

This paper demonstrates the use of graphs as a mathematical tool for expressing independencies, and as a formal language for communicating and processing causal information for decision analysis. We show how complex information about external interventions can be organized and represented graphically and, conversely, how the graphical representation can be used to facilitate quantitative predictions of the effects of interventions.
L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated short-term plasticity of GABAergic synapses

In the cerebral cortex, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) is released by GABAergic neurons1 onto GABAA and GABAB receptors, and regulates neuronal excitability, postsynaptic action potential firing, and dendritic and synaptic integration2. Various interneurons use either N- or P/Q-type Ca2+ channels for the Ca2+ influx into their terminals3, whereas L-type Ca2+ channels are not normally associated with GABA release. In dual recordings from hippocampal basket cells and granule cells, we now report that short-term plasticity of GABA release is controlled by L-type Ca2+ channels at presynaptic firing rates in the gamma-frequency (40 Hz) range4; at these GABAergic synapses, L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists converted post-tetanic potentiation into depression, identifying L-type Ca2+ channels as important modulators of plasticity at GABAergic synapses.
Surfactants as stimulants of enzyme production by microorganisms

The addition of Tween 80 and sucrose monopalmitate, nonionic surfactants, to fungal cultures resulted in marked increases in yields of the enzymes cellulase, amylase, sucrase, beta-1 --> 3 glucanase, xylanase, purine nucleosidase, and benzoyl esterase. The action appears to be an effect of the surfactant on cell permeability.
Consumer Price Neutral Tax Reform with Costly Transfers

Recent work on indirect tax reform shows that it is both welfare-enhancing and revenue-raising to increase the consumption taxes in a way to offset the effects of a reduction in tariffs on the consumer prices. We show that such a win-win outcome from a radial or selective reform is possible only under very restrictive conditions. The results are, in general, sensitive to the assumption regarding costs of transfers. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a win-win reform irrespective of costs of transfers. However, they seem to be of limited applicability for designing tax policy in developing countries.
Chemical Inducers of Oviposition for the Corn Earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie)

The corn earworm moth lays its eggs in the vicinity of triacetin, an ingredient of felt-tipped marking pens. Related compounds also induce this behavior. A bioassay was devised to measure the activity of chemicals as oviposition inducers.
To File Or Not To File? Systemic Incentives, Corporate Control, and the Bankruptcy Decision

This research investigates the distinctions between bankrupt firms and equally leveraged firms that avoid bankruptcy. Building upon the systemic incentives of bankruptcy law, and specifically those applicable to Chapter 11 reorganizations, the study argues that the firm’s governance and capital structure characteristics moderate the relationship between the firm’s financial condition and the filing decision. The results of this study indicate that, contrary to agency theoretical predictions, firms with high levels of inside equity ownership and secured indebtedness file in poorer financial condition than peer firms with low levels of these variables. By contrast, firms with high levels of outside equity ownership and short-term indebtedness file when in relatively better financial condition.
Compact parallel real-time programmable optical morphological image processor

Based on the parallel-processing and interconnection capabilities of optics, a novel, compact, real-time programmable parallel optical morphological filter is proposed and demonstrated. Using a real-time polarization-encoded image-casting scheme, some proof-of-principle experimental results are presented.
Design and construction of a high pressure xenon time projection chamber

Abstract The design and construction of a 300 1 high pressure xenon gas time projection chamber (TPC) is discussed. This detector has been built to perform a sensitive search for double beta decay of 136 Xe.
A Performance-Based Admissions Screening Program

The development of a competency-based admissions program for counselor education majors at James Madison University was begun in 1974. This program evolved as a result of dissatisfaction with traditional criteria used for selection of applicants to counselor training programs. The development progressed from a reference checklist to eventually include a career-goal essay, personality testing, and a required on-campus interview. Continued revision, including quantification of the various portions of the screening process, has led to its present state. Further refinement and change continue as additional research is completed.
Map Alignment in Traveling Multisegment Routes

Two hypotheses were based on previous research with simple path maps and you-are-here maps. First, when given a choice, observers prefer to align a map with the environment that it represents; second, performance on way finding tasks is better when the map is aligned than when it is not aligned with the environment. This latter phenomenon is called the map alignment effect. Both hypotheses were strongly supported in two experiments conducted in a relatively structured environment using four-segment paths. A third experiment was conducted in a larger, wooded, hilly environment. The observers carried the map and consulted it at will while finding a route from a starting point to a goal. In this setting, both hypotheses again found support. Observers did not consult the map at every turn, but when they did, they turned the map into map/environment alignment on two thirds of the instances. Errors occurred with greater frequency when the map was not aligned with the environment. The generality of the map align...