cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Relaxor Single Crystals for Bending Mode Applications

Rhombohedral relaxor single crystals are a class of materials that includes PZN-PT and PMN-PT in a certain range of compositions. This work presents an approach to predicting the physical properties of relaxor single crystals with an engineered domain state. A model based on properties of crystal variants and volume averaging indicates large piezoelectric coefficient d31 (690 pC/N) and d32 (−1670 pC/N) for the cuts and a value over 4000 pC/N for d15 and the existence of d16 with a value as large as −2300 pC/N in orientation cuts. The predictive capability of the approach results in a computational tool for the design of engineered domain states with properties optimized for specific applications. This has resulted in the identification of a crystal cut optimized for actuator and sensor applications that utilizes the transverse mode piezoelectric coupling coefficients (d31 and d32 ).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Chimeric transcript discovery by paired-end transcriptome sequencing

Recurrent gene fusions are a prevalent class of mutations arising from the juxtaposition of 2 distinct regions, which can generate novel functional transcripts that could serve as valuable therapeutic targets in cancer. Therefore, we aim to establish a sensitive, high-throughput methodology to comprehensively catalog functional gene fusions in cancer by evaluating a paired-end transcriptome sequencing strategy. Not only did a paired-end approach provide a greater dynamic range in comparison with single read based approaches, but it clearly distinguished the high-level “driving” gene fusions, such as BCR-ABL1 and TMPRSS2-ERG, from potential lower level “passenger” gene fusions. Also, the comprehensiveness of a paired-end approach enabled the discovery of 12 previously undescribed gene fusions in 4 commonly used cell lines that eluded previous approaches. Using the paired-end transcriptome sequencing approach, we observed read-through mRNA chimeras, tissue-type restricted chimeras, converging transcripts, diverging transcripts, and overlapping mRNA transcripts. Last, we successfully used paired-end transcriptome sequencing to detect previously undescribed ETS gene fusions in prostate tumors. Together, this study establishes a highly specific and sensitive approach for accurately and comprehensively cataloguing chimeras within a sample using paired-end transcriptome sequencing.
Carcinoid syndrome with primary carcinoid tumor of the stomach.

Merling in 1808 was the first to describe histologically what are now designated carcinoid tumors. 1 Langhans2 in 1867, Beger3 in 1882, and Lubarsch4 in 1888 carefully studied these neoplasms and described them in greater detail. The term carcinoid was used by Oberndorfer5 in 1907 to differentiate them from usual malignancies because of their benign course. Masson and Martin6 in 1928 introduced the name argentaffinoma because of the presence of cytoplasmic granules in the cells of some which reduced silver salts. In 1952 Biorck ct aU reported an unusual case of curious flushing of the skin, pulmonary stenosis, and tricuspid insufficiency which at autopsy revealed a carcinoid tumor of the ileum with metastases to the liver. About this same time Isler and Hedinger8 from Zurich independently reported 3 similar cases. Waldenstrom9 ,10 a few months later reported 3 more patients with flushing attacks associated with metastasizing carcinoid tumors. Over the past 8 years original investigations and additional clinical cases have been added to the literature and numerous papers have been published elucidating' the metabolic pathways of some features of this disease. These reports introduced a symptom complex now known as the carcinoid syndrome. The syndrome, according to Thorson,l1 includes vasomotor changes of the skin, intestinal hyperperistalsis, attacks of bronchial spasm or asthma, telangiectatic widening of small cutaneous veins, edema,
Graph-based inverse optimal control for robot manipulation

Inverse optimal control (IOC) is a powerful approach for learning robotic controllers from demonstration that estimates a cost function which rationalizes demonstrated control trajectories. Unfortunately, its applicability is difficult in settings where optimal control can only be solved approximately. While local IOC approaches have been shown to successfully learn cost functions in such settings, they rely on the availability of good reference trajectories, which might not be available at test time. We address the problem of using IOC in these computationally challenging control tasks by using a graph-based discretization of the trajectory space. Our approach projects continuous demonstrations onto this discrete graph, where a cost function can be tractably learned via IOC. Discrete control trajectories from the graph are then projected back to the original space and locally optimized using the learned cost function. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach with experiments conducted on two 7-degree of freedom robotic arms.
Inactive Duty: Weight-Loss Television, Military Fatness, and Disciplinary Discrepancy

From U.S. Marine Corps helicopters rescuing “stranded” participants on The Biggest Loser to having individuals temporarily enlist in the Army on Extreme Weight Loss, these examples of military imagery work toward legitimizing the disciplinary logics put forth on reality weight-loss programs. Yet the military is simultaneously relying more on weight-loss and training practices originating in the commercial sector, including those found on TV, due to perceived “softness” and “fatness” within its ranks. This article thus examines the military-inspired disciplinary logics both reinforced and inadvertently challenged across weight-loss reality TV programs, the “fattening” and commercialization of the military, and the way each ultimately challenge the authority and expertise of the other, revealing numerous instances of disciplinary discrepancy.
The Role of Tissue Typing in Cutaneous Oncology

The typing of cells in the skin with specific monoclonal antibodies is now routine. Such tissue typing appears to play a critical role in the early diagnosis, accurate classification, and therapeutic decisions for cutaneous oncology, especially lymphomas. Identification and production of tumor-specific antibodies will further enhance the potential of these reagents in oncology.
Quantum Disentanglement: Electrical Analysis of the Complex Roles of Ions in Filling Vesicles with Glutamate.

By expressing vesicular glutamate transporters at high levels in plasma membrane and applying voltage clamp methods, Eriksen et al. (2016) have identified a Cl(-) channel in the transporter that is coactivated by protons and Cl(-).
A review on organic spintronic materials and devices: I. Magnetic field effect on organic light emitting diodes

Abstract Organic spintronics is an emerging and potential platform for future electronics and display due to the intriguing properties of organic semiconductors (OSCs). For the past decade, studies have focused on three types of organic spintronic phenomena: (i) magnetic field effect (MFE) in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), where spin mixing between singlet and triplet polaron pairs (PP) can be influenced by an external magnetic field leading to organic magnetoresistive effect (OMAR); (ii) magnetoresistance (MR) in organic spin valves (OSVs), where spin injection, transport, manipulation, and detection have been demonstrated; and (iii) magnetoelectroluminescence (MEL) bipolar OSVs or spin-OLEDs, where spin polarized electrons and holes are simultaneously injected into the OSC layer, leading to the dependence of electroluminescence intensity on relative magnetization of the electrodes. In this first of two review papers, we present major experimental results on OMAR studies and current understanding of OMAR using several spin dependent processes in organic semiconductors. During the discussion, we highlight some of the outstanding challenges in this promising research field. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future of organic spintronics.
Realism, Teleology, and Action

Durkheim’s The Rules of Sociological Method does not begin with a dialogue with fashionable peers, nor, indeed, are Durkheim’s philosophical peers seriously addressed in the text. He signals his aims by the striking assertion that methodology has been neglected in sociology. His audience might have thought of Spencer’s The Study of Sociology, by then itself two decades old, as a methodology book. Durkheim pointed out, properly, that it was not, and suggested that to find a methodological work of importance one must go back to Mill and Comte. In 1895, when the Rules appeared, almost thirty years had passed since the end of Mill’s productive scholarship, forty since the end of Comte’s and Quetelet’s.
Several New Genera and Species of New World Synchitini (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae)

Abstract Five new genera and 13 new species of Neotropical synchitine zopherids are described, and two new combinations are proposed. Globotrichus Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Globotrichus harti Lord and Ivie, new species) is described from Central and South America. Helonoton Lord and Ivie, new genus (type species Helonoton costaricense Lord and Ivie, new species) is described from Central America for Helonoton pascoei (Sharp, 1894), new combination (from Bitoma Herbst) and 11 new species: Helonoton amistad Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton ashei Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton bituberculatum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton chiriqui Lord and Ivie, new species; H. costaricense; Helonoton foleyi Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton mexicanum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton pustulosum Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton tatumbla Lord and Ivie, new species; Helonoton tico Lord and Ivie, new species; and Helonoton tripartum Lord and Ivie, new species. Paxillobitoma Lord and ...
Cell-free systems in the new age of synthetic biology

The advent of synthetic biology has ushered in new applications of cell-free transcription-translation systems. These cell-free systems are reconstituted using cellular proteins, and are amenable to modular control of their composition. Here, we discuss the historical advancement of cell-free systems, as well as their new applications in the rapid design of synthetic genetic circuits and components, directed evolution of biomolecules, diagnosis of infectious diseases, and synthesis of vaccines. Finally, we present our vision on the future direction of cell-free synthetic biology.
Autism Spectrum Disorders and Assisted Reproductive Technology: Massachusetts 2004-2010 Population-based Results from Data Linkage Efforts: IJPDS (2017) Issue 1, Vol 1:129, Proceedings of the IPDLN Conference (August 2016)

ABSTRACT ObjectivesThe etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is unknown. The impact, if any, of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on ASD has not been established. The study compares the prevalence of children 0-3 years with ASD conceived by mothers with infertility through ART (ART), mothers with infertility but not using ART (SUBFERT), and mothers without infertility spontaneously conceiving (FERTILE) – separately among singletons and twins. The importance of linked population-based data systems to this analysis will be highlighted. ApproachThis analysis requires linkage of three distinct data systems: the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Outcomes Reporting System (SART-CORS) clinical database; the Massachusetts Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal (PELL) public health data system (which includes birth certificate and hospital discharge data); and the Massachusetts’ children’s special needs Early Intervention (EI) program data. PELL data from 7/1/04-12/31/10 included 370,755 women with 474,784 deliveries resulting in 486,075 live births and fetal deaths. These were deterministically linked to 70,086 ART cycles among 28,490 women from SART-CORS; and then further linked to EI program participant data from 7/1/04-12/31/13. ASD was defined as a documented ASD diagnosis (ICD9 codes: 299) in the EI or hospital discharge records and/or claims documentation for autism-related EI specialty services. Chi-square and multivariate regression models estimated the association of ART, SUBFERT and FERTILE with ASD, controlling for maternal demographics, payer source, prenatal care, smoking, parity, delivery method, hypertension, obstetric or gynecologic health conditions, gender, paternal age and prematurity. ResultsOur final study population consisted of 481,575 children (460,117 singletons and 21,458 twins). Among singletons, the ASD prevalence was 1.7% and 1.3% in the ART and SUBFERT groups, respectively, compared to 1.0% in the FERTILE group. Among twins, the ASD prevalence was 2.3% and 2.4% in the ART and SUBFERT groups, respectively, compared to 2.0% in the FERTILE group. Among singletons, the adjusted odd ratios (aORs) were 1.0 [95% CI: 0.9-1.3] and 1.1 (95% CI: 0.9-1.4) for ART and SUBFERT compared to the FERTILE group. Among multiples, aORs were 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8-1.4) and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.8) for ART and SUBFERT compared to the FERTILE group. There were no significant differences in ASD prevalence between ART and SUBFERT groups. ConclusionsThe likelihood of an ASD diagnosis among singleton or twin children born to ART or SUBFERT mothers does not differ from FERTILE mothers. Population-based linkage of clinical and public health databases provides unique opportunities to examine longer-term outcomes of ART.
A Nonlinear Model Predictive Control Algorithm for Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract A nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) algorithm was developed to dose the chemotherapeutic tamoxifen to mice bearing breast cancer xenografts. A novel saturating rate cell-cycle model (SCM) was developed to capture unperturbed tumor growth dynamics, and a bilinear tumor kill term was included in the G-phase to account for the cycle-specific nature of tamoxifen and its active metabolite. Drug pharmacokinetics were modeled using a three-compartment linear model, which successfully approximated parent compound and metabolite (4-hydroxytamoxifen) plasma concentrations as a function of time. Using daily tumor measurements, the model predictive control algorithm successfully reduced tumor volume along a specified reference trajectory over a period of 4 months. A more clinicallyrelevant implementation using weekly or biweekly tumor measurements, and a prediction horizon seven days beyond the measurement interval, also led to reduced tumor volumes. In the mismatch case, a controller based on the simpler linear cell-cycle model (LCM) was unable to track desired reductions in tumor volume. Controllers based on a lumped-parameter saturating Gompertz model (GM), however, can yield similar performance to those using the more complex saturating rate cell-cycle model. This performance was dependent on the cellcycle phase of drug effect, with poorer results for M-phase targeted drugs. Overall, NMPC is a suitable algorithm for the class of chemotherapy problems with daily drug dosing, and the algorithm developed here may be adaptable to the clinical setting for the treatment of human breast cancer patients.
Abstract 15181: Female Sex Hormones Are Protective of Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Aortic-Banded Mini-Swine

Introduction: The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases disproportionately following menopause, and is associated with systemic vascular dysfunction and accelerated cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between cerebrovascular function and cognition in intact (CON) and ovariectomized (OVX) aortic-banded (AB; model of HFpEF) mini-swine. We hypothesized that the combination of OVX and AB, reflecting postmenopausal HFpEF, would result in pathological cerebral vasoconstriction associated with vascular cognitive impairment. Methods: Female Yucatan mini-swine were divided into 4 groups; CON (n=6), OVX (n=7), AB (n=6) and AB-OVX (n=7). OVX and AB procedures occurred at 7 and 8 mo. of age, respectively. Memory performance was tested using a spatial-holeboard task 4 mo. post-surgery. Carotid and cerebral blood flow (CBF; Doppler ultrasound) were measured in vivo during vena cava occlusion (autoregulation task) or at rest 6 mo. post-surgery, respectively. Myogenic tone and vasomotor responses to neuropeptide Y (NPY) were examined in vitro (pressurized myography) in cerebral resistance arteries. Significance is reported at P Results: Working and reference memory were impaired and CBF decreased in OVX animals (OVX main effect), with group differences in the AB-OVX vs. AB group. Average memory scores and CBF were positively correlated (R=0.54). Vascular resistance was increased (group main effect) and carotid blood flow decreased (group X time interaction) following vena cava occlusion in the AB-OVX group vs. CON. Vasoconstrictor responses to NPY in isolated cerebral resistance arteries were increased in AB-OVX vs. CON animals at all doses (group X dose interaction). Increased vasoconstriction to NPY was observed in the OVX and AB groups at higher doses only. Myogenic tone was similar between groups. Conclusion: Cognitive deficits were associated with reduced CBF and increased vasoconstriction to NPY in the AB-OVX group. AB alone did not cause cerebrovascular or cognitive impairment, suggesting female sex hormones protect against developing vascular cognitive impairment in a translational model of pressure-overload HF with potential relevance to human HFpEF.
To Be (Unitarian) or Not to Be (Unitarian): Presidential Power in the George W. Bush Administration

President George W. Bush pushed the envelope on presidential power while defending many controversial actions in the name of the unitary executive theory of presidential power. This left many in the public, including those in Congress, with the mistaken belief that 1) the theory originated there and 2) that its behavior is actually condoned by the theory itself. This paper seeks to dispel that opinion in the following ways: First, I will examine the theory’s core values, where it originated, and how it evolved to negate the opinion that it is a 21st century phenomena; Second, I will compare that actions of the Bush administration, particularly in its use of the presidential signing statement, to determine whether their was congruence or conflict; and third, I will look at whether the theory had been so damaged that it did not make it out of the Bush administration by examining, briefly, the actions of the Obama administration, and in particular how it has used the signing statement. I make the following conclusions: First, the Bush administration’s behavior violated the tenets of the unitary executive theory and his actions were admonished by many of its adherents, and second, so far the Obama administration has behaved consistent with the values of the theory, which was embraced by Presidents Reagan, Bush I, and Clinton, though there are some troubling signs in its use of the signing statement.
Language-Related and Learning Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, including language-related and learning disabilities, constitute a large percentage of the childhood disorders seen by child clinical neuropsychologists. Language impairments and learning disabilities resulting from phonological core deficits are featured, as are mathematics difficulties resulting from nonverbal, reasoning, and perceptual deficits. Recently these disorders have often been combined with the new term, learning and language impaired. A large body of research has burgeoned over the past decade. There are some children who simply exhibit a language delay as well as a few children with a learning disability without a significant language delay. For that reason we will discuss language disability somewhat separate from learning disabilities although they are related and should be viewed as such.
Synthesis and Recommendations

A variety of studies from Europe and North America have shown that soil chemistry is fairly dynamic, with substantial changes occurring over a period of decades. The causes behind such dynamics are less clear. Acidic precipitation certainly plays a role at some locations, but ecosystem dynamics are also likely to be important. Forest growth is sensitive to soil chemistry, as evidenced by response to fertilization. To date, forests in the South have responded most strongly to additions of phosphorus and nitrogen, but some evidence of limitation by other nutrients is available. Our conclusions about possible effects of acidic deposition are applicable to more general issues of forest nutrient cycling and productivity, and our suggested research directions would have value regardless of the degree of impact of acidic deposition. The recommended monitoring research, in particular, is needed for a wide range of forest health and productivity concerns.
SPIN ONE AND THE BARGMANN--WIGNER EQUATIONS.

Some dynamical properties of the bound two-quark system which obeys the Kemmer equation are presented. The second-order wave equation for the free spin-one particle exhibits a strong coupling term between the two constituent spin-one-half states. For the particle minimally coupled to external electromagnetic fields we derive the two linear equations (generalized Bargmann-Wigner equations) implied by the Kemmer equation. The second-order equation for the spin-one particle now exhibits both strong and electromagnetic coupling between the spin-one-half states. The latter is then analysed in terms of normal modes.
STRUCTURE AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF H-2 ANTIGENS

Abstract Physico–chemical studies and amino acid sequence analysis of H–2 antigens have provided a working model of these molecules that includes the size and arrangement of the subunits on the cell surface and in solution and the orientation of the molecules on the cell surface. Comparisons of the partial amino acid sequences of H–2Kb,H–2Kd, H–2Kk, H–2Db, and H–2Dd gene products support the hypothesis that the K and D loci evolved by gene duplication. A variety of evidence indicates that H–2 antigens can be physically associated with viral antigens on the cell and we have found that H–2 and viral antigens can co-cap and co-patch on the cell surface. We suggest that one function of H–2 antigens is to serve as adaptors that combine with foreign antigens to form hybrid antigens, which are recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Amil and the Health Care System in Brazil

Dr. Edson Bueno created Amil, Brazil's largest health insurer. Unlike many others, it is vertically integrated. Dr. Bueno has two opportunities for growth. Which, if any, should he pursue?Learning Objective:1.) Opportunities for health care innovation in developing countries. 2.) Pros & cons of vertical integration in health care delivery & insurance.
Modulatory Mechanisms Controlling Auditory Processing

The importance of neuromodulation for auditory processing is, essentially, that “tone” matters. The tone of a message can carry as much information as the ­message itself, and clearly there are parallels in everyday experience as illustrated by the above quote. In the brain, the tone of auditory processing is determined by neural systems that also contribute to changes in behavioral state, such as arousal and attention. The extent to which these changes involve neuromodulation depends, at least in part, on how one defines the term. Yet the end result – setting the tone of a message – is fundamental to auditory function. The goals of this chapter is to explain what neuromodulation is (hint: it depends on who you’re talking to) and to describe some of its mechanisms and how they affect neural processing. To illustrate the main points, examples of neural processing focus on the auditory system where possible, and examples of neuromodulation focus on cholinergic modulation of auditory processing.
Effects of Mismatched Training on Adaptive Detection

Interference cancelation in the adaptive radar detection context typically relies on training samples to estimate the covariance matrix of interference and noise in the test vector. Adaptive detection algorithms are generally developed under the assumption that the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix of the test vector (say C) is the same as the interference-plus-noise covariance matrix of the training vectors (say Σ). When the two covariance matrices are not perfectly matched the constant false alarm rate (CFAR) feature of adaptive detectors is no longer valid. For mismatched conditions, standard scalar CFAR techniques can be applied on adaptive detector outputs to regain the CFAR feature. In this paper we consider the Adaptive Matched Filter (AMF) statistic based CFAR detector and shown that the effects of covariance matrix mismatch can be condensed into a single scalar quantity referred to as the loss factor ρ. The loss factor is a random variable if the estimate of Σ is a random matrix. Sample results are provided for the deterministic case.
Seeing by the Starbucks: The Social Context of Mobile Maps and Users’ Geographic Knowledges

Locating places using maps on mobile devices is an increasingly common practice in modern life. Such maps, including Google Maps and Apple Maps, inform and shape users’ geographic understandings. Existing research finds that those who navigate with mobile devices tend to recall landmarks rather than more comprehensive forms of geographic knowledge. However, most of that research gives minimal consideration to social context. Utilizing a qualitative approach and drawing on critical work on vision, maps, and digital data, we explore the contextual, economic circumstances that partially shape the production of users’ geographic knowledge through their consumption of mobile device maps. In a focus group experiment, mobile device map users frequently referred to a particular business, a Starbucks location, in a location-finding task. This indicates that social, contextual considerations are important to informing geographic knowledges; the map application providers’ business strategies, chiefly advertising, lead to an emphasis on business-type points of interest in mobile maps, which could shape users’ subsequent geographic knowledges. This has implications not only for mobile device use, but how technology companies’ maps potentially affect everyday understandings of the world around us.
Civilizations and modes of production: Conflicts and convergences

The main problem . . . is that of the dialectic of the specific (the factor of nationality, of national culture, of civilization) and the universal (the syncretic civilization that will emerge out of the human species through the mediation of science and technology). In the first stage, the principal danger is not that of accentuating the dimension of nationality but rather that of imposing hegemonic molds that are asserted to be universal, and which will ensure, even more than previous ways, the denaturing of nonWestern world civilizations, destined to be sub-products of technicality and productivism; economic, demographic, ethnographic reserves; an alienated underworld.
Agent-Based Modeling for Causal Exploration of Social Systems

Agent-based modeling has been criticized for its apparent lack of establishing causality of social phenomena. However, we demonstrate that when coupled with evolutionary computation techniques, agent-based models can be used to evolve plausible agent behaviors that are able to recreate patterns observed in real-world data, from which valuable insights into candidate explanations of the macro-phenomenon can be drawn. Existing methodologies have suggested the manual assembly and comparison or automated selection of pre-built models on their ability to fit patterns in data. We discuss the cons of existing manual approaches and how evolutionary model discovery, an evolutionary approach to explore the space of agent behaviors for plausible rule-sets, can overcome these issues. We couple evolutionary model discovery with concepts from the Agent_Zero framework, ensuring social connectivity, emotional theory components and rational mechanisms. In this study, we revisit the farm-seeking strategy of the Artificial Anasazi model, originally designed to simply select the closest potential farm plot as their next farming location. We use evolutionary model discovery to explore plausible farm seeking strategies, extending our previous study by testing four social connectivity strategies, four emotional theory components and five rational mechanisms for a more complex human-like approach towards farm plot selection. Our results confirm that, plot quality, dryness and community presence were more important in the farm selection process of the Anasazi than distance, and discover farm selection strategies that generate simulations that produce a closer fit to the archaeological data.
Prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease.

Purpose of reviewProlyl-hydroxylase inhibitors are a novel class of orally administered drugs that are under development for the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. This review discusses the biology of these drugs and their target – hypoxia-inducible factor and potential adv
Regulator of G protein signaling 5 restricts neutrophil chemotaxis and trafficking

Neutrophils are white blood cells that are mobilized to damaged tissues and to sites of pathogen invasion, providing the first line of host defense. Chemokines displayed on the surface of blood vessels promote migration of neutrophils to these sites, and tissue- and pathogen-derived chemoattractant signals, including N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP), elicit further migration to sites of infection. Although nearly all chemoattractant receptors use heterotrimeric G proteins to transmit signals, many of the mechanisms lying downstream of chemoattractant receptors that either promote or limit neutrophil motility are incompletely defined. Here, we show that regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5), a protein that modulates G protein activity, is expressed in both human and murine neutrophils. We detected significantly more neutrophils in the airways of Rgs5−/− mice than WT counterparts following acute respiratory virus infection and in the peritoneum in response to injection of thioglycollate, a biochemical proinflammatory stimulus. RGS5-deficient neutrophils responded with increased chemotaxis elicited by the chemokines CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2, and CXCL12 but not fMLP. Moreover, adhesion of these cells was increased in the presence of both CXCL2 and fMLP. In summary, our results indicate that RGS5 deficiency increases chemotaxis and adhesion, leading to more efficient neutrophil mobilization to inflamed tissues in mice. These findings suggest that RGS5 expression and activity in neutrophils determine their migrational patterns in the complex microenvironments characteristic of inflamed tissues.
Share repurchases and stock market reactions: Messages from the restaurant industry

Abstract It is generally accepted that investors tend to react favorably to share repurchases. However, it is actually not uncommon for investors to underreact to some share repurchases. Recently, a number of restaurant firms have spent huge amounts of internal cash on share repurchases but little is known regarding the market’s underreaction to share repurchases in the restaurant industry. Hence, this study attempted to identify factors that could mitigate market reactions to share repurchases. Analyzing U.S. restaurant firms, this study revealed that growth opportunities, franchising, dividend payments, and spending excessive free cash flows on share repurchases negatively impacted market reactions. However, the negative impact of growth opportunities was weaker for franchise restaurants than for non-franchise restaurants. This study provides useful managerial information regarding the timing of and the amount that can be spent on restaurant firms’ share repurchases.
Tau and Axonal Transport Misregulation in Tauopathies

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that is involved in both normal and pathological processes in neurons. Since the discovery and characterization of tau over 40 years ago, our understanding of tau’s normal functions and toxic roles in neurodegenerative tauopathies has continued to expand. Fast axonal transport is a critical process for maintaining axons and functioning synapses, critical subcellular compartments underlying neuronal connectivity. Signs of fast axonal transport disruption are pervasive in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies and various mechanisms have been proposed for regulation of fast axonal transport by tau. Post-translational modifications of tau including phosphorylation at specific sites, FTDP-17 point mutations, and oligomerization, confer upon tau a toxic effect on fast axonal transport. Consistent with the well-established dependence of axons on fast axonal transport, these disease-related modifications are closely associated temporally and spatially with axonal degeneration in the early disease stages. These factors position tau as a potentially critical factor mediating the disruption of fast axonal transport that precedes synaptic dysfunction and axonal degeneration at later disease stages. In this chapter, we review the evidence that tau affects fast axonal transport and examine several potential mechanisms proposed to underlie this toxicity.
Foreign direct investment and financial markets influences: Results from the United States

Abstract This paper investigates the linkages among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI-greenfield and mergers and acquisitions (M&A)) decisions and equity market returns and volatilities. The central premise is that FDI decisions by Multinational Enterprises (MNE) are influenced, among other factors, by risk and uncertainty indicated by equity market returns and volatilities in the destination (host) countries. This is because of the events on the stock markets in general, and their volatilities, in particular, signal the vitality of the investment climate of the target country. Including capital market variables among the determinants of FDI is important for assessing the cost of capital and for evaluating direct investment and asset allocation decisions. Secondary time-series data (quarterly) were used on incoming US FDI from 1994 to 2018 along with data on independent variables such as exchange rates, inflation, market size, equity market returns, and equity market volatilities. Thus, the paper endeavors to contribute to the International Business literature by highlighting the role played of equity returns and volatilities in FDI decisions and therewith attempts to integrate finance (capital markets) with International Business/Strategic Decision making. Several different regression specifications (OLS, Fixed, and random-effects and VAR) were utilized to analyze the data, and capital market variables (stock returns and volatilities) were found to influence the location of production facilities by a multinational enterprise (MNE). In other words, the share of production capacity optimally located abroad, as well as M&A decisions, are influenced by capital market returns and volatilities.
Adversarial Examples on Power Systems State Estimation

The number of cyber-attacks targeting power system infrastructures is increasing at an alarming rate. Among them, False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs) can disturb the normal operation of state estimation routines in power systems and potentially lead to outages. Several studies utilize machine learning algorithms to detect FDIAs with high accuracy. However, such algorithms can be susceptible to adversarial examples able to lower the accuracy of the detection model. Adversarial examples are crafted inputs intentionally designed to falsify machine learning algorithms. In this paper, we examine the effect of adversarial examples on machine learning algorithms that are used to detect FDIAs in state estimation. Specifically, we demonstrate the impact on Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Multilayer Perceptrons (MLP) against poisoning and evasion adversarial attacks. The algorithms are tested on IEEE 14 bus system using load data collected from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
Novel coronavirus-related acute respiratory distress syndrome in a patient with twin pregnancy: A case report.

Abstract We present the case of a 39-year-old woman, G1P0, who had conceived twins via in-vitro fertilization, who presented at 27 weeks of gestation with nasal congestion and dry cough for 7 days. On presentation, her physical examination was benign, except for sinus tachycardia, and she was oxygenating adequately on room air. Laboratory studies were unremarkable, except a PCR test positive for SARS-COV2, and a CT scan of her chest showed bilateral multi-focal ground-glass opacities. A fetal non-stress test was reassuring. She was treated with intravenous fluids, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and hydroxychloroquine. During her hospital stay, she developed progressively worsening respiratory failure, initially requiring non-invasive ventilation, and subsequently progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring mechanical ventilation. She then suffered from sudden hypoxemia and hemodynamic collapse, on maximal ventilatory support, prompting an emergency cesarean section at bedside. This led to rapid stabilization of hemodynamic parameters, and of her overall respiratory status. Both the twins were born prematurely, and one of them tested positive for SARS-COV2.
Onset of Fogging and Degradation in Polyvinyl Toluene-Based Scintillators

Plastic-based gamma-ray detector materials such as polyvinyl toluene (PVT) occasionally suffer from loss of optical light transmission due to internal defects or “fogging” when exposed to some environmental conditions over time. Fogging results in reduced scintillation light propagated to the photomultiplier tube for collection. Investigations of the physical cause of these defects and their associated environmental conditions are ongoing. The goal of this article was to characterize the signs and effects of fogging over a simulated 22-year lifespan of the PVT in outdoor environments. Two potential mitigation methods were also evaluated, and one successfully mitigated the phenomena.
COVID-19 in the geriatric population.

Objectives The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused rapid and monumental changes around the world. Older people, who already experience higher rates of social isolation and loneliness, are more susceptible to adverse effects as a result of the social distancing protocols enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19. Based on prior outbreaks, we speculate the detrimental outcomes and offer solutions. Methods Reviewing the literature on the detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness and higher mortality in the older population. Utilizing psychological study outcomes from prior major outbreaks such as in SARS, Ebola, H1N1 influenza, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) offer predictions and the susceptibility in the geriatric age group. Results Organizations such as the WHO, CDC, and AARP have put measures in place to provide networking on a local, regional and national level. These efforts are designed to start mitigating such detrimental effects. A necessary follow-up to this pandemic will be gathering data on unique populations such as the geriatric community, to better mitigate adverse outcomes given the certainty that COVID-19 will not be the last global viral outbreak. Conclusions The results of worsened social isolation and loneliness is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality in the geriatric population. Various solutions including virtual interactions with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, continuing any spiritual or religious prayers remotely, and community services to provide aid for the older population are all efforts to minimize social isolation and loneliness. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
L’usage des stéréotypes nationaux et ethniques et la structuration des dialogues interculturels dans Fußnoten de Nacha Vollenweider et Im Land der Frühaufsteher de Paula Bulling

This article compares the use of statements and assertions that rely heavily on stereotypes in Paula Bulling’s Im Land der Fruhaufsteher (2012) and Nacha Vollenweider’s Fusnoten (2017). Through the...
Sensor Data Visualization on Google Maps using AWS, and IoT Discovery Board

The changing environment plays a vital role in the health of humans as well as animals. Due to the grave impacts of pollution and increased temperature on human health, it is of utmost importance to monitor the environment parameters at every step. With the recent developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), monitoring these parameters in real-time has become possible and cost-effective. In this paper, we have designed and implemented a web application to demonstrate an intelligent temperature and humidity reporting system using IoT and cloud. This application aims to provide a visual map for the users to analyze the temperature and humidity in different areas to make an informed decision. The proposed system provides a new solution by utilizing the sensor activity on various applications using Amazon Web Services that can be used as a prototype in strengthening real-time localized temperature and humidity data monitoring in many applications such as Nest, activating farm sprinklers based on weather data, and helping patients sensitive to high temperature and high humidity to take prompt action upon real-time notification on change in temperature or humidity.
Asynchronous diffusion adaptation over networks

This work studies the asynchronous behavior of diffusion adaptation strategies for distributed optimization over networks. Under the assumed model, agents in the network may stop updating their estimates or may stop exchanging information at random times. It is expected that asynchronous behavior degrades performance. The analysis quantifies by how much performance degrades and reveals that the learning rate and the mean-square stability conditions of the network are influenced by the rates of occurrence of the asynchronous events.
Mortality and readmission rates in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure: a comparison between cardiology and general-medicine service outcomes in an underserved population.

Background With recent legislation imposing penalties on hospitals for above-average 30-day all-cause readmissions for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), there is concern these penalties will more heavily impact hospitals serving socioeconomically vulnerable and underserved populations. Hypothesis Patients with ADHF and low socioeconomic status have better postdischarge mortality and readmission outcomes when cardiologists are involved in their in-hospital care. Methods We retrospectively searched the electronic medical record for patients hospitalized for ADHF from 2001 to 2010 in 3 urban hospitals within a large university-based health system. These patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether a cardiologist was involved in their care or not. Measured outcomes were 30- and 60-day postdischarge mortality and readmission rates. Results Out of the 7516 ADHF patients, 1434 patients were seen by a cardiologist (19%). These patients had lower 60-day mortality (5.4% vs 7.0%; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52-0.96, P = 0.034) and lower 30- and 60-day readmission rates (16.7% vs 20.6%; HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66-0.89, P = 0.002, and 26.1% vs 30.2%; HR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.92, P = 0.003, respectively). There was no significant difference in the in-hospital mortality between the 2 groups. Compared with other races, whites with systolic HF have marginally lower HF-related readmission rates when treated by cardiologists. Conclusions In this cohort of ADHF patients from the Bronx, New York, involvement of a cardiologist resulted in improved short-term mortality and readmission outcomes compared with treatment by general internal medicine.
The Referential Process as a Common Factor Across Treatment Modalities

The paper emphasizes the need for a process component in psychotherapy re-search, and the need for a theoretical framework within which process measures may be designed and validated. The referential process, defined in the context of multiple code theory, provides a general psychological framework for understand-ing the mechanisms of therapeutic change in different treatment modalities. The referential process includes three major phases: arousal/activation; narra-tive/symbolizing and reorganizing/reflection. The paper reviews the theoretical roots of psychodynamic treatments, and several forms of cognitive behavioral treatments, including schema therapy for borderline personality disorder and expo-sure treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder, and shows how the phases of the referential process provide common mechanisms of change in each of these ap-proaches. Computerized measures of the referential process, in English and Italian versions, which have been applied and validated in clinical and experimental studies, are discussed.
Functional and Neuroanatomic Specificity of Episodic Memory Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of the Relational and Item-Specific Encoding Task.

Importance Individuals with schizophrenia can encode item-specific information to support familiarity-based recognition but are disproportionately impaired encoding interitem relationships (relational encoding) and recollecting information. The Relational and Item-Specific Encoding (RiSE) paradigm has been used to disentangle these encoding and retrieval processes, which may depend on specific medial temporal lobe (MTL) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) subregions. Functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) imaging during RiSE task performance could help to specify dysfunctional neural circuits in schizophrenia that can be targeted for interventions to improve memory and functioning in the illness. Objectives To use fMRI to test the hypothesis that schizophrenia disproportionately affects MTL and PFC subregions during relational encoding and retrieval relative to item-specific memory processes, and to use fMRI results from healthy individuals serving as controls to establish neural construct validity for RiSE. Design, Setting, and Participants This multisite, case-control, cross-sectional fMRI study was conducted between November 1, 2010, and May 30, 2012, at 5 Cognitive Neuroscience Test Reliability and Clinical Applications for Schizophrenia sites. The final sample included 52 outpatients with clinically stable schizophrenia and 57 demographically matched healthy control participants. Data analysis was performed between February 1, 2013, and May 30, 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Behavioral performance speed and accuracy ( d ′) on item recognition and associative recognition tasks. Voxelwise statistical parametric maps for a priori MTL and PFC regions of interest to test activation differences between relational and item-specific memory during encoding and retrieval. Results Item recognition was disproportionately impaired in patients with schizophrenia relative to healthy control participants following relational encoding ( F 1,107 = 4.7; P = .03). The differential deficit was accompanied by reduced dorsolateral PFC activation during relational encoding in patients with schizophrenia compared with healthy control participants ( z > 2.3; P misses) was associated with hippocampal activation in healthy control participants during relational item recognition and associative recognition conditions, and hippocampal activation was specifically reduced in schizophrenia for recognition of relational but not item-specific information ( z > 2.3; P Conclusions and Relevance In this unique, multisite fMRI study, results in the healthy control group supported RiSE construct validity by revealing expected memory effects in PFC and MTL subregions during encoding and retrieval. Comparison of schizophrenic and healthy control participants revealed disproportionate memory deficits in schizophrenia for relational vs item-specific information, accompanied by regionally and functionally specific deficits in dorsolateral PFC and hippocampal activation.