cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional modeling of outcrop‐to‐outcrop hydrothermal circulation on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge

We present three-dimensional simulations of coupled fluid and heat transport in the ocean crust, to explore patterns and controls on ridge-flank hydrothermal circulation on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Field studies have shown that there is large-scale fluid flow in the volcanic ocean crust in this region, including local convection and circulation between two basement outcrops separated by ~50 km. New simulations include an assessment of crustal permeability and aquifer thickness, outcrop permeability, the potential influence of multiple discharging outcrops, and a comparison between two-dimensional (profile) and three-dimensional representations of the natural system. Field observations that help to constrain new simulations include a modest range of flow rates between recharging and discharging outcrops, secondary convection adjacent to the recharging outcrop, crustal permeability determinations made in boreholes, and the lack of a regional seafloor heat flux anomaly as a consequence of advective heat loss from the crust. Three-dimensional simulations are most consistent with field observations when models use a crustal permeability of 3 × 10−13 to 2 × 10−12 m2, and the crustal aquifer is ≤300 m thick, values consistent with borehole observations. We find fluid flow rates and crustal cooling efficiencies that are an order of magnitude greater in three-dimensional simulations than in two-dimensional simulations using equivalent properties. Simulations including discharge from an additional outcrop can also replicate field observations but tend to increase the overall rate of recharge and reduce the flow rate at the primary discharge site.
A Novel Biodegradable Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Foam for Bone Regeneration

We present a novel method for manufacturing three-dimensional, biodegradable poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) foam scaffolds for use in bone regeneration. The technique involves the formation of a composite material consisting of gelatin microspheres surrounded by a PLGA matrix. The gelatin microspheres are leached out leaving an open-cell foam with a pore size and morphology defined by the gelatin microspheres. The foam porosity can be controlled by altering the volume fraction of gelatin used to make the composite material. PLGA 50:50 was used as a model degradable polymer to establish the effect of porosity, pore size, and degradation on foam mechanical properties. The compressive strengths and moduli of PLGA 50:50 foams were found to decrease with increasing porosity but were largely unaffected by pore size. Foams with compressive strengths up to 2.5 MPa were manufactured. From in vitro degradation studies we established that for PLGA 50:50 foams the mechanical properties declined in parallel with the decrease in molecular weight. Below a weight average molecular weight of 10,000 the foam had very little mechanical strength (0.02 MPa). These results indicate that PLGA 50:50 would not be suitable as a scaffold material for bone regeneration. However, the dependence of mechanical properties on porosity, pore size, and degree of degradation which we have determined will aid us in designing a PLGA foam (with a comonomer ratio other than 50:50) suitable for bone regeneration.
Toward Complete Inclusion: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Military Service Members after Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

The 2010 repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) is one example of how U.S. public policy has shifted toward greater inclusion of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. The repeal of DADT reversed the practice of discharging LGB service members on the basis of sexual identity. LGB service members may now serve their country without fear of direct repercussions stemming from sexual identity. Though it is a statutory step toward parity, DADT repeal does not address a number of cultural and institutional inequities that continue to hinder full inclusion of sexual minority service members. Notably, as discussed in this article, DADT largely ignores issues facing the transgender population. This study examines remaining inequities and their ramifications for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender service members and their families. The article concludes with practice and policy recommendations for culturally competent social work practice with military service members across the sexual identity spectrum.
WISEngineering: Achieving Scalability and Extensibility in Massive Online Learning

Massive Open Online Courses MOOCs have raised many unique challenges to online learning platforms. For example, the low teacher-student ratio in MOOCs often means lack of feedback to students and poor learning experiences. We present WISEngineering, a MOOCs platform that provides a rich set of features for overcoming these challenges. The system embraces social media for fostering student reflection. Its automated grading system adopts an open-architecture and uses stack generalization to blend multiple machine learning algorithms. A Zookeeper based computing cluster runs behind auto-grading and provides instant feedback. A behavior tracking system collects user behavior and can be later used for learning outcome analysis. We report the design and implementation details of WISEngineering, and present the design decisions that allow the system to achieve performance, scalability and extensibility in massive online learning.
Small Random Perturbations of Dynamical Systems

This chapter discusses the function I T (ϕ) and presents an assumption that a(x), b(x) are uniformly Lipschitz continuous in compact subsets of R n . The function I T (ϕ), is lower semicontinuous, that is, if ϕ m → ϕ in C T , then I T (ϕ) ≤ lim m →∞ I T (ϕ m ). The chapter explains the application to the first initial-boundary value problem, behavior of the fundamental solution p ∈ , as ∈ → 0, and the behavior of q ∈ as ∈ → 0. It also discusses behavior of Green's function as ∈ → 0.
The Extended Standard Theory

This chapter discusses the term Extended Standard Theory (EST) that has generally been used to refer to any model incorporating a set of transformational rules, the lexicalist hypothesis, and surface structure rules of semantic interpretation. The earliest versions of the EST hypothesized rules of semantic interpretation applying to both deep structure and surface structure. The most important treatment of semantics in the early EST was Ray Jackendoff's Semantic Interpretation in Generative Grammar . For Jackendoff, as for interpretivists in general, there was no single formal object called a semantic representation. Rather, different types of rules filled in different aspects of the meaning. Despite Jackendoff's work and the general importance that the counterexamples to the Katz–Postal hypothesis played in the development of the EST, most of the semantic analyses undertaken by generative grammarians before the mid 1970s were by generative semanticists. The neglect of semantics by interpretivists was partly a result of the all-absorbing work taking place constraining the syntactic rules, which seemed to be yielding such promising results. But it resulted as well from a lingering feeling that semantics was, for the time being at least, simply not doable—too nebulous and unsystemizable to admit formalization with the descriptive tools then available.
Section II Discussion: Student Growth Measures in Evaluation: Illusions of Fairness?

Student growth measures (SGMs) were introduced as a remedy for the technical problems and fairness issues linked to status measures such as percent proficient. However, extensive research and painful experience has yielded insights and evidence that call into question the promise of greater fairness. This chapter provides a critical discussion of—and elaboration on—four chapters in the present volume that apply different perspectives on the use of SGM in high-stakes settings. In addition to the expected technical and validity concerns, they also introduce ethical and legal considerations that, heretofore, have not been accorded adequate attention. The four chapters, together with the discussion, offer a sobering analysis of how SGM can undermine—rather than enhance—fairness in school and educator evaluations.
Modeling AMI network for real-time simulation in NS-3

Utility companies have several challenges: renewable energy generation, greenhouse gas emission regulations, and outages due to power scarcity. To overcome them, it is indispensable to have a smart grid, which combines Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and power systems engineering. Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) network is an integral part of this grid. It collects data in a Neighborhood Area Network (NAN) and forwards it to the utility data collection server via Wide Area Network (WAN). In this paper, we present the architecture of a testbed that emulates sensors, smart meters, and data collection servers in an AMI network. The proposed testbed uses the real-time simulation environment of Network Simulator 3 (NS-3) to interact with real computers. With this platform we compare wireless technologies for NAN, such as WiFi 802.11ah, WiMAX and LTE in terms of throughput of AMI messages and latency of control signaling, including a cyber attack scenario.
Indiana bats roost in ephemeral, fire-dependent pine snags in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA

Abstract The Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis), a species that is federally endangered in the U.S., is being impacted by white-nose syndrome and habitat loss across much of its range. A better understanding of summer roost ecology of the species will enable us to develop management strategies that promote summer survival for breeding adult females and their pups. We conducted a 5 year investigation of Indiana bat roost habitat selection and roosting behavior in a large (>250,000 ha) forested area of the southern Appalachian Mountains and compared our results to populations in different landscapes across the species’ range. From May to August 2008–2012, we attached radio transmitters to 50 adult females, 3 juveniles, and 7 adult males captured at sites on the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We radiotracked bats to 95 roosts and measured characteristics of trees, 0.1 ha plots, and landscape attributes for 69 of these roosts and associated random trees. We used an AIC approach to compare 14 candidate conditional logistic regression models. The only plausible model, which carried 95% of total model weights, had 3 important terms. Indiana bats showed strong selection for yellow pine (Pinus subgenus Diploxylon) snags that were significantly taller than random trees and in areas with a greater number of snags within 0.1 ha. During this study, tree and stand structure were more important for roost selection than larger scale factors and Indiana bats responded to a pulsed and highly ephemeral resource, dead yellow pines, which were a significant component of the large forest tracts. Roosting behavior differed from what has been observed for Indiana bats in other parts of the eastern U.S.; maternity colonies tended to be smaller (
Waveguide development using wafer fused GaP/GaAs in THz quantum cascade lasers

A wafer fused GaP/GaAs waveguide was developed for THz QCLs to achieve high confinement factor benefiting from its lower refractive index in THz regime. The modal simulation of several waveguide structures using COMSOL showed an increase of confinement factor up to 2 as compared to regular waveguide; however it also resulted in high losses. Experimental results showed good electric characteristics but poor optical performance, which is mainly due to the degradation of crystal quality after high temperature process, confirmed by stress analysis and XRD. Therefore, a low temperature fusion process is necessary to fabricate GaP/GaAs THz waveguide.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in the Neck of the Pancreas Involving the Celiac Trunk (Appleby Procedure)

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a devastating disease. Despite progress in other malignancies, the only chance for cure remains complete surgical extirpation of locally confined disease. In this chapter, we detail our preoperative workup with laboratory and imaging analysis, and highlight the key considerations before entertaining surgical resection via a modified Appleby procedure.
Depression Screening at a Community Health Fair: Descriptives and Treatment Linkage.

Abstract OBJECTIVE Health fairs are a cost-efficient platform for dissemination of preventive services to vulnerable populations. Effectiveness of depression screenings and associated treatment linkage via community health fairs warrants investigation. METHODS This study offers the first examination of a depression screening at a community health fair in 261 adult men (18–87 years). The PHQ-9 was administered via interview by graduate students and on-site psychiatric nurses were available for a brief consultation for those interested. RESULTS Over a quarter of participants screened positive for at least moderate depressive symptomatology. Of those who screened positive, 35.8% met with an on-site psychiatric nurse for a consultation. At six-month follow-up, none of the participants given a referral made an appointment at the community mental health agency. CONCLUSION This suggests the importance of providing on-site clinician consultations at health fairs and the need for a more coordinated system to schedule future appointments while at the event. IMPACT STATEMENT Community health fairs reach vulnerable populations, such as those who are uninsured and who have not spoken with a professional about mental health concerns. By conducting depression screening and providing onsite access to a mental health consultation at community health fairs, participants are better able to identify their depressive symptoms and are introduced to ways to treat depression.
BioGrid: a collaborative environment for Life Science Research

Health-care-related research and practice often produce tremendous amounts of data. These are usually geographically distributed among hospitals, clinics, research labs, radiology centres, etc. For research, training, or clinical purposes, physicians and medical researchers often need to consult and analyse medical data from distributed sites. Anefficient software and hardware infrastructure to support on-demand information extraction as well as automated data integration and analysis in a real-time manner would provide significant convenience and is therefore increasingly needed. However, due to the sensitive nature of these data and the lack of an effective integration approach, medical data are often stored and archived within individual sites and are usually disconnected from the outside network in order to enforce security issues.
The Role of Precursors in Molecular Chemisorption and Thermal Desorption

The concept of a “mobile precursor” to molecular chemisorption and thermal desorption is not new /1/; the theoretical foundation was established in 1932 with the discovery of physical adsorption. Seminal calculations performed by Lennard-Jones /2/ revealed that a molecule incident on a metal surface passes through a shallow potential energy minimum resulting from an attractive Van der Waals interaction. Indirect experimental evidence for the existence of a mobile precursor or intermediate state in chemisorption was presented in 1933. The adsorption or sticking coefficient for cesium atoms on a tungsten substrate was determined to remain close to unity even near saturation coverage. Taylor and Langmuir /1/ invoked a mobile intermediate state to interpret this functional dependence of the adsorption coefficient on adsorbate coverage.
The Policy Implications of the Effects of Education, Health and Social Security on Fertility in Developing Countries

The effects of various types of social programs on fertility is of interest to help in understanding the demographic transition and also to enable social engineering to accelerate fertility decline. The nature of the evidence needed to test various hypotheses differs. The effect of educationis the easiest to study for two reasons: (1) it is primarily the effect of an individual’s education on his or her own fertility that is most important and not the effect of the community’s education, and (2) the individual’s education is established prior to the fertility decision. This is not to say that the community’s level of education has no effect nor that the decision on one’s own fertility is not made to some degree simultaneously with the decision on how much schooling to get, but these effects are of a secondary order of magnitude compared to the direct effect and recursive decision-making. The effect of infant and child mortality on fertility is harder to study because, fertility effects mortality as well as the converse and apart of the effect of mortality on fertility operates at the community level. The effect of social security on fertility is the most complex factor to study, because: (1) it is difficult to assess the motivations of individuals, (2) the time lags between fertility decisions and old-age are very long, (3) it is the community’s social security system that is believed to affect individual fertility, and (4) aggregate fertility can affect the institution of social security programs as well as the converse.
Alternate pathways of D-fructose transport and metabolism in Arthrobacterpyridinolis

Abstract Phosphoenolpyruvate: fructose phosphotransferase negative mutants of Arthrobacter pyridinolis used fructose in the presence of malate. In isolated membrane vesicles from fructose-grown wild type cells, fructose uptake was stimulated by malate, but not by a variety of other compounds, to almost the same extent as by phosphoenolpyruvate. The stimulation by malate but not that by phosphoenolpyruvate was prevented by 2,4-dinitrophenol or potassium cyanide. D-Fructokinase activity was elevated in cells grown in malate plus fructose or sucrose.
Hypofractionated Whole-Breast Irradiation in Large-Breasted Women-Is There a Dosimetric Predictor for Acute Skin Toxicities?

Purpose Underutilization of hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (HF-WBI) in large-breasted women may be partially explained by concerns about dose heterogeneity. Although modern planning may mitigate this issue, validated dosimetric guidelines are lacking. Our clinical pathway mandates hypofractionation, guided by institutional dosimetric criteria for plan evaluation. We examined acute radiation dermatitis rates with HF-WBI in large-breasted patients when our guidelines are followed and evaluated factors predictive for dermatitis. Methods and Materials Patients with whole-breast clinical target volumes (WB-CTV) of ≥1000 cm3 treated with HF-WBI were reviewed. WB-CTV V105, V107, and V110 were assessed. Our guidelines recommend limiting V105 to Results From 2012 to 2017, 505 breasts in 502 patients were treated with HF-WBI. The median WB-CTV was 1261.3 cm3 (interquartile range [IQR], 1115.3-1510.0). Most plans (99%) delivered 42.56 Gy in 16 fractions. A cavity boost of 10 Gy in 4 fractions was delivered in 99% of plans. Electrons were used in 69% of boost plans. Three-dimensional field-in-field technique was used in 68% of plans and inverse-planned intensity modulated radiation therapy in 32%. The median WB-CTV V105 was 9.7% (IQR, 5.6%-13.3%); the median WB-CTV V107 was 0.8% (IQR, 0.0%-2.5%). The WB-CTV V110 was 0% in 97.4% of plans (median, 0.0%; IQR, 0.0%-0.0%). Grade 1, 2, and 3 dermatitis rates were 55.0%, 40.8%, and 3.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age >64 years (P = .016; odds ratio [OR] 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-12.3), WB-CTV >1500 cm3 (P = .006; OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.5-12.3), body mass index ≥34 (P = .044; OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.0-14.5), and WB-CTV V105 >10% (P = .011; OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.5-19.3) predicted for grade 3 dermatitis. Conclusions With our institutional dosimetric guidelines, grade 3 dermatitis rates with HF-WBI in large-breasted women was
Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in wild Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) after single intramuscular administration

Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that possesses potent analgesic activity comparable to morphine. The opioid shortage in the United States has led to an unreliable supply of opioids for use in rehabilitation facilities, thus underscoring the need for research on the safe and effective use of nonopioid alternatives. The goal of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of ketorolac after a single 0.25 mg/kg intramuscular injection administered to injured Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). A sparse blood sampling protocol was used to collect samples from 32 wild turtles that presented to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University for traumatic injuries. Blood was collected from 0 to 24 hr after injection and analyzed via high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). A nonlinear mixed-effects (NLME) model was fitted to the data to obtain typical values for population parameters. Using this approach, we identified a long half-life (T1/2 ) of 9.78 hr and a volume of distribution (Vss ) of 0.26 L/kg. We have concluded that this long T1/2 for a dose of 0.25 mg/kg ketorolac-injected IM provides plasma levels above a previously published target level for 24-hour analgesia to allow for once daily dosing.
Design Automation for Intelligent Automotive Systems

With rapid advancement of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions, modern vehicles have become ever more intelligent than before. Sophisticated machine learning techniques have being developed for vehicle perception, planning and control. However, this also brings significant challenges to the design, implementation and validation of automotive systems, stemming from the fast-growing functional complexity, the adoption of advanced architectural components such as multicore CPUs and GPUs, the dynamic and uncertain physical environment, and the stringent requirements on various system metrics such as safety, security, reliability, performance, fault tolerance, extensibility, and cost. To address these challenges, new design methodologies, algorithms and tools are greatly needed. This paper will discuss the challenges in designing next-generation connected and autonomous vehicles, and the need of design automation techniques to tackle them.
Light Scattering from Composition Fluctuations in the Superspinodal Region of a Phase-Separating Oxide Glass

Light scattering was used to observe composition fluctuations at temperatures in the single phase region of a phase-separating borosilicate glass. We report the first study of equilibrium fluctuations and the kinetics of their growth by means of light scattering from quenched samples. From the results the spinodal temperature for the glass is obtained. At each temperature observed the relaxation time for the fluctuations was determined. The results are discussed in terms of the classical and mode-mode coupling theories of critical fluctuations.
Polymer–Mineral Composites Mimic Human Kidney Stones in Laser Lithotripsy Experiments

Despite the widespread use of laser lithotripsy to fragment kidney stones in vivo, there is a lack of robust artificial stone models to replicate the behavior of human stones during lithotripsy procedures. This need for accurate stone models is particularly important as novel laser technologies are introduced in the field of lithotripsy. In this work, we present a method to prepare composite materials that replicate the properties of human kidney stones during laser lithotripsy. Their behavior is understood through the lens of near-IR spectroscopy and helps to elucidate the mechanism of laser lithotripsy in kidney stone materials.
Hormonal Fertility Therapy as Potential Risk Factor for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak After Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Case Study and Literature Review.

Background Endoscopic endonasal approaches have been shown to be as effective as transcranial approaches for sinonasal malignancies involving the skull base. Although they are associated with less risk than an open cranial resection, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks remain a main concern. Some drugs can raise the intracranial pressure and exacerbate the risk of a postoperative CSF leak. In this case report, we present a 32-year-old woman who was treated via endoscopic endonasal approach for an olfactory neuroblastoma and later underwent fertility preservation treatment with leuprolide, which likely led to a delayed CSF leak. Case Description A 32-year-old woman diagnosed with a large invasive olfactory neuroblastoma underwent resection via an endonasal transcribriform approach and repair of skull base defect using a pericranial flap. Forty-seven days post operation the patient returned, presenting with a clear nasal discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging raised concern for focal flap necrosis, while computed tomography cisternogram revealed a defect in the pericranial flap. The defect was debrided and repaired; a postoperative lumbar drain was placed and showed an opening pressure of 26 cm of water. Discussion with the patient revealed that she received fertility preservation treatment with leuprolide followed by oocyte retrieval 32 days before presentation of her delayed CSF leak. Conclusions Leuprolide or any drug that can potentially increase intracranial pressure should be held for 3 months after surgery or until after a skull base defect has fully healed.
Immorality or Immortality? An Argument for Virtue

In the 5th century a number of sophists challenged the orthodox understanding of morality and claimed that practicing injustice was the best and most profitable way for an individual to live. Although a number of responses to sophistic immoralism were made, one argument, in fact coming from a pair of sophists, has not received the attention it deserves. According to the argument I call Immortal Repute, self-interested individuals should reject immorality and cultivate virtue instead, for only a virtuous agent can win the sort of everlasting reputation that makes a life truly admirable and successful.
Intravaginal torsion of undescended testes.

A 5-month-old male infant status post routine neonatal circumcision with known left inguinal testis presented to the emergency room with swelling and redness in the left inguinal region for over 24 hours. Physical examination revealed an indurated inguinal bulge with associated erythema ([figure 1
Civilizing Civilization (and beyond)

Historical game studies is a nascent field formed around the study of games which engage with discourses about history and the past. Beginning with a prominent object of study in wider games scholarship, Sid Meier's Civilization, historical game studies gradually cohered around several key discursive threads anchored by a small set of focal texts. Out of these core texts, historical game studies developed its own metalanguage, critical discourses, and taxonomic structures which enabled a broad cross-pollination across scholarship engaging with games and the past. As a distinct field closely associated with wider game studies scholarship, historical game studies affords games scholars numerous methodological and theoretical contributions which aid in studying digital games; it also represents a valuable interdisciplinary scholarly community connecting games scholars with research in history, education, heritage studies, and numerous other disciplinary spaces. As such, this historiographic review of historical game studies is intended to highlight the evolution of scholarship in the field, presenting key scholarly works, discursive shifts, objects of study, field sub-groupings, and theoretical contributions in order to facilitate further interdisciplinary scholarship oriented around history and digital games.
Why do term structures in different currencies co-move?

Abstract Yield curve fluctuations across different currencies are highly correlated. This paper investigates this phenomenon by exploring the channels through which macroeconomic shocks are transmitted across borders. Macroeconomic shocks affect current and expected future short-term rates as central banks react to changing economic environments. Investors could also respond to these shocks by altering their required compensation for risk. Macroeconomic shocks thus influence bond yields both through a policy channel and through a risk compensation channel. Using data from the US, the UK, and Germany, we find that world inflation and US yield level together explain over two-thirds of the covariance of yields at all maturities. Further, these effects operate largely through the risk compensation channel for long-term bonds.
What do we know about export diversification in oil-producing countries?

Abstract Oil-exporting countries are often advised to diversify their economies, yet surprisingly little is known about how this can be done. Research on this issue has been constrained by missing and inconsistent data, selection bias, and the use of uninformative measures of diversification. This paper uses a novel measure of export concentration from the IMF to describe diversification trends between 1962 and 2010 among the 38 largest oil producers. It documents three empirical patterns: a rising gap in export diversification between oil-producing states and non-oil states; the heightened concentration of exports in most oil and mineral producing states from 1980 to 2010; and the heterogeneous performances of the oil producers over the long run. Four striking patterns stand out: the oil exporters have developed the most narrowly-specialized economies in the global market, making them uniquely vulnerable to price shocks; among the oil exporters, the African states have the poorest diversification record; successful diversification is broadly associated with lower levels of oil wealth, which is consistent with a Dutch Disease effect; and success is not strongly associated with population, government effectiveness or democratic accountability.
Axonal transport of Hrs is activity-dependent and rate limiting for synaptic vesicle protein degradation

Abstract Turnover of synaptic vesicle (SV) proteins is vital for the maintenance of healthy and functional synapses. SV protein turnover is driven by neuronal activity in an ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport)-dependent manner. Here, we characterize a critical step in this process: axonal transport of ESCRT-0 component Hrs, necessary for sorting proteins into the ESCRT pathway and recruiting downstream ESCRT machinery to catalyze multivesicular body (MVB) formation. We find that neuronal activity stimulates the formation of presynaptic endosomes and MVBs, as well as the motility of Hrs+ vesicles in axons and their delivery to SV pools. Hrs+ vesicles co-transport ESCRT-0 component STAM1 and comprise a subset of Rab5+ vesicles, likely representing pro-degradative early endosomes. Furthermore, we identify kinesin motor protein KIF13A as essential for the activity-dependent transport of Hrs to SV pools and the degradation of SV membrane proteins. Together, these data demonstrate a novel activity- and KIF13A-dependent mechanism for mobilizing axonal transport of ESCRT machinery to facilitate the degradation of SV membrane proteins.
Maternal Decision-Making and Family-to-Work Spillover: Does Gender Ideology Matter?

Making parenting decisions is inherent in the responsibility of raising children. Past research suggests that employed mothers may designate themselves “in charge” of these decisions in order to re...
Superimposition of metabolic syndrome magnifies post-stenotic kidney injury in dyslipidemic pigs.

BACKGROUND Dyslipidemia aggravates kidney injury distal to atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). Besides dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS) also involves development of obesity and insulin-resistance (IR). We hypothesized that concurrent obesity and IR magnify swine stenotic-kidney damage beyond dyslipidemia. METHODS Pigs with unilateral RAS were studied after 16 weeks of atherogenic diets without (ARAS) or with (MetS + RAS) development of obesity/IR (n=6 each). Additional pigs on normal diet served as normal or non-dyslipidemic RAS controls (n=6 each). Stenotic-kidney renal blood flow (RBF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and microvascular architecture were studied using CT, and oxygenation was studied using blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic-resonance-imaging. We further compared kidney adiposity, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and systemic levels of oxidative and inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS ARAS and MetS + RAS developed hypertension and dyslipidemia, and MetS + RAS also developed obesity and IR. RBF and GFR were similarly decreased in all post-stenotic pig kidneys compared to normal pig kidneys, yet MetS + RAS aggravated and expanded medullary hypoxia and microvascular loss. RAS and ARAS increased systemic levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, which were further elevated in MetS + RAS. Renal oxidative stress and TNF-α expression increased in ARAS and further in MetS + RAS, which also upregulated expression of anti-angiogenic angiostatin, and magnified apoptosis, tubular injury, and fibrosis. CONCLUSION Beyond dyslipidemia, obesity and insulin-resistance aggravate damage in the post-stenotic kidney in MetS, despite relative hyperfiltration-related preservation of renal function. These observations underscore the need to control systemic metabolic disturbances in order to curb renal damage in subjects with ischemic kidney disease.
Elbow Torque May be Predictive of Anatomic Adaptations to the Elbow After a Season of Collegiate Pitching: A Dynamic Ultrasound Study

Purpose To determine whether elbow torque was associated with anatomic adaptations of the medial elbow following a season of competitive pitching. Methods Pitchers from 3 collegiate baseball teams were recruited during the preseason for participation. Before the season, pitchers were recorded throwing 5 “game-speed” fastball pitches from a standard distance off a mound while wearing a wearable sensor baseball compression sleeve that calculates elbow torque, arm speed, arm slot, and arm rotation. Participants subsequently underwent dynamic ultrasound imaging of the medial elbow, including measurements of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and ulnohumeral joint space to assess elbow laxity. Following a full season of competitive pitching, all testing was repeated, and statistical analysis comparing preseason to postseason sonographic findings was performed. Results Twenty-eight collegiate pitchers underwent preseason sonographic and kinematic testing. Nineteen pitchers were available for postseason testing. The average age (standard deviation) and playing experience was 19.9 (1.2) and 14.7 (1.5) years. Compared with preseason, there were significant increases in postseason UCL thickness (1.92 ± 0.09 vs 1.56 ± 0.09 mm, P Conclusions After a season of competitive pitching, adaptive changes of the medial elbow were demonstrated on dynamic ultrasound. However, the influence of pitching kinematic measurements on these adaptations are of small magnitude and unknown clinical significance. Although wearable sensor technology may have value in trending individual pitcher kinematics, no discrete threshold appears to predict the development of adaptive changes at the elbow. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective observational study.
An industry survey of implementation strategies for clinical supply chain management of cell and gene therapies.

Abstract Background aims The novelty of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) has introduced unique supply chain challenges and considerations not seen by chemically synthesized (small-molecule) drugs. These complexities increase during the clinical phases, where drug safety and efficacy milestones are still underdeveloped. For example, for autologous therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, in which the treatment is developed from the patient's own cells, supply chain management plays an integral role in chemistry, manufacturing and control processes. Supply chain management requires proactive planning because of the strict cold chain requirements and time sensitivity of CGTs. This research examines strategies and responses to challenges experienced by industry stakeholders (e.g., sponsors and manufacturers) during the implementation phases of clinical supply chain management. This research further evaluates the adequacy of the current regulatory framework for distribution and supply chain management of CGTs in the US. Methods A survey methodology was used to query subject matter experts from the biopharmaceutical industry who were familiar with the clinical supply management of CGTs in the US. The survey instrument was developed using an implementation framework and disseminated electronically to mid- and senior-level subject matter experts who had experience with clinical trials, supply chain management and CGTs. Results A total of 128 respondents accessed the survey, and 105 respondents answered at least one question. Seventy-five respondents completed the survey. Results showed that a lack of harmonization in regulations across the supply chain, limited resources, challenges with vendor management, high costs and complexities in the supply chain due to product specificity and customization proved to be impediments for the industry. In addition, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had a significant impact on supply chain implementation. The results revealed that less than half of the respondents had business continuity plans in place. These challenges increased for smaller and mid-size organizations. Thirty percent of small and mid-size organizations were less prepared to scale up than larger companies. Conclusions Suggestions from industry stakeholders were to adopt and enforce Good Distribution Practices in the US (81%), pre-plan distribution strategies with internal and external stakeholders along the supply chain and develop agile systems and robust processes end to end. Hurdles in scaling up and scaling out from the clinical to commercial phases for time- and temperature-sensitive CGT products make it difficult to predict the supply chain's long-term feasibility. Although there are initiatives to improve these impediments, such as improving industry partnerships and creating global CGT transportation standards, there are still regulatory knowledge gaps present for CGTs. Therefore, it is essential to establish a baseline and foundation for CGT supply chains extending beyond the loading dock.
Use of proteasome inhibitors in anticancer therapy

The importance of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to cellular function has brought it to the forefront in the search for new anticancer therapies. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has proven promising in targeting various human cancers. The approval of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib for clinical treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma has validated the ubiquitin-proteasome as a rational target. Bortezomib has shown positive results in clinical use but some toxicity and side effects, as well as resistance, have been observed, indicating that further development of novel, less toxic drugs is necessary. Because less toxic drugs are necessary and drug development can be expensive and time-consuming, using existing drugs that can target the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in new applications, such as cancer therapy, may be effective in expediting the regulatory process and bringing new drugs to the clinic. Toward this goal, previously approved drugs, such as disulfiram, as well as natural compounds found in common foods, such as green tea polyphenol (-)-EGCG and the flavonoid apigenin, have been investigated for their possible proteasome inhibitory and cell death inducing abilities. These compounds proved quite promising in preclinical studies and have now moved into clinical trials, with preliminary results that are encouraging. In addition to targeting the catalytic activity of the proteasome pathway, upstream regulators, such as the 19S regulatory cap, as well as E1, E2, and E3, are now being investigated as potential drug targets. This review outlines the development of novel proteasome inhibitors from preclinical to clinical studies, highlighting their abilities to inhibit the tumor proteasome and induce apoptosis in several human cancers.
Evaluation of the NPS PHOENIX autonomous underwater vehicle hybrid control system

This paper describes recent work with the NPS PHOENIX vehicle in the further development of the intelligent control software incorporating hover control behaviors. Of particular interest is the use of the TRITECH ST1000 and ST725 high frequency sonars to provide data about the environment. Vehicle positioning is proposed to be based in a local relative sense, augmenting global positioning by LBL transponders. Motion behaviors around a target area have been implemented including: diving and pitch control under thruster power; heading control at zero speed; lateral and longitudinal positioning; and the automatic initiation of filters as needed for target tracking. A tri-level controller architecture is discussed as part of an ongoing evaluation for coordinating the task based control of vehicle robotic behaviors.
hCG in Assisted Reproduction

Classical expression of the LH/hCG receptor has been well established in cells of testis, ovarian theca, granulose, and luteal cells. LH regulates both steroid hormone synthesis and gametogenesis in both males and females. hCG is secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the early blastocyst and later by the placenta. Many other tissues are also known to produce hCG, including the human pituitary. The use of hCG occupies an extraordinarily prominent place in the field of reproductive medicine. The use of hCG can be partitioned into two major categories: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic uses of hCG include detection, monitoring, and management of normal pregnancy. hCG is also widely used in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of abnormal pregnancies, including ectopic pregnancies and persistent trophoblastic disease. Therapeutic uses of hCG in reproductive medicine have found greatest utility in controlled ovarian stimulation protocol for IVF (including in vitro maturation of oocytes) and in protocols for ovulation induction for intrauterine insemination. Several isoforms of hCG resulting from posttranslational modification of the native molecule have been recently identified. These will, undoubtedly, find utility in the diagnosis and treatment of both disease states and in ovarian stimulation protocols used in assisted reproduction.
Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain

A milestone is marked in our understanding of the brain with the recent acceptance, contrary to early dogma, that the adult nervous system can generate new neurons. One could wonder how this dogma originally came about, particularly because all organisms have some cells that continue to divide,
Channel decoding implementation in downlink of CDMA systems

In this paper, an analytical model for expected convolutional code performance for IS-95-A CDMA systems is given. This model incorporates both the aspects of random and deterministic puncturing associated with IS-95-A, and variable rate source coding which is utilized in IS-95-A CDMA. As a result of this analysis, particular implementation issues are addressed for channel decoding in IS-95-A.
Comparative study of chromeless and attenuated phase-shift mask for 0.3-k1 ArF lithography of DRAM

The purpose of this paper is to do the direct comparison of between the novel chrome-less phase shift mask (CLM), which is suggest by Chen et. al. recently, and attenuated phase shift mask which has been in the main stream of DRAM lithography. Our study is focused on the question of whether the CLM technology has a potential advantages compared with attenuated PSM, so as to substitute the position of it in 0.3 k1 lithography era of DRAM. Firstly, some basic characteristics of both masks are studied, that is intensity distribution of diffraction orders and optical proximity effect etc. And then mask layouts are optimized through the resist patterning simulation for various critical layers of DRAM with CLM and attenuated PSM, respectively. Resolution performances such as exposure latitude and DOF margin and mask error enhancing factor etc. are compared through the simulations and experiments. In addition, it is also studied in the point of mask manufacturing of CLM such as phase control issues, defect printability, mask polarity, and so forth.
Conditioning of bovine muscle. I. Composition of the proteins of the myofibril.

By selective extraction, precipitation and separation on diethylaminoethyl cellulose the proteins of the myofibril have been divided into a number of fractions which, quantitatively, do not vary in the longissimus dorsi muscles of six different beef animals. The fractions have been analysed by starch-gel electrophoresis and some have been found to consist of almost pure proteins while others are complexes. About 80–85 % of the myofibrillar protein could be extracted of which 47% was myosin, 12% tropomyosin and 3% troponin. The amount of actin could not be determined since it appeared partly as complexes with α-actinin, with troponin, and with the insoluble residue.
A prospective analysis of vascular access device-related infections in children.

Abstract To identify significant predictors of device-related infections, we performed a prospective, nonrandomized analysis of our experience with vascular access devices over a 2-year period in a pediatric oncology population. Variables analyzed included: (1) age at placement, (2) sex, (3) underlying disease, (4) type of device used (catheter v port), and (5) total white blood cell count at placement. Quantitative microbiologic criteria were used for diagnosis of bacteremia while clinical and microbiologic criteria were used in diagnosis of tunnel/port/site infections. During the study period a total of 351 devices, comprising 78, 159 days in situ, were placed and data for univariate and multivariate analysis were available on 271 (77%). The mean age at placement was 7.2 ± 4.7 years for catheters and 9.5 ± 4.8 years for implantable devices ( P ≤ .01). Significant predictors of device-related infections in univariate analysis were type of device ( P ≤ .0001) and age ( P ≤ .002). External catheters and age ≤ 7 years were associated with increased risk of infection. Underlying disease had a marginal effect on the infection rate ( P = .08). In multivariate analysis, device type ( P ≤ .0001) and age ( P ≤ .002) continued to affect infections, whereas underlying disease demonstrated only a borderline effect ( P = .14). We conclude that device type and age significantly affect the rate of device-related infections. These data support increased use of implantable devices in pediatric oncology patients.
Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water over SrTiO3 crystal surfaces, electron spectroscopy studies of adsorbed H2, O2 and H2O

Abstract Hydrogen production from metal-free, as well as from platinized, SrTiO 3 crystals has been observed upon illumination in water vapor saturated films of soluble ionic compounds and in aqueous electrolytes. Hydrogen production occurs at the illuminated surface of metal-free crystals, implying a mechanism rather different from that operating in SrTiO 3 /Pt photoelectrochemical cells. Hydrogen production rates increase with increasing hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte. This [OH − ] dependence of the rate is particularly strong in the 5N–20N concentration range. Photoemission studies have identified a reduced surface species ascribed to Ti 3 and hydroxyl groups on SrTiO 3 (111). This surfacc species is involved in, photoactivity related to oxygen adsorption and photodesorption. The concentration of surface hydroxyl groups can be monitored with UPS.
Comparison of two factorial analyses

A Bi-factor analysis is made of Professor Thurstone's battery of fifty-seven tests employing his tetrachoric correlations. Although this analysis is made entirely independent of his multiple factor analysis, a very close agreement is found between the group factors obtained here and Thurstone's verbal descriptions previously published.