cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overlapping Institutions, Forum Shopping, and Dispute Settlement in International Trade

Preferential trade agreements offer members an alternative to dispute settlement at the World Trade Organization. This gives rise to forum shopping, in that complainants can file regionally, multilaterally, or not at all. What explains this choice of forum? I argue that complainants strategically discriminate among overlapping memberships: on a given measure(s), some prefer to set a precedent that bears only on a subset of their trade relations, others a precedent that bears on all their trade relations, while still others prefer not to set a precedent. Thus, the key to forum shopping is not simply which institution is likely to come closest to the complainant's ideal ruling against the defendant, but where the resulting precedent will be more useful in the future, enabling the complainant to bring litigation against other members, rather than helping other members bring litigation against the complainant. I consider disputes over Mexican brooms and Canadian periodicals.For comments, I thank Vinod Aggarwal, Raj Bhala, Jane Bradley, Bill Davey, Rob Howse, Miles Kahler, Simon Lester, Rod Ludema, Ed Mansfield, Lisa Martin, Petros C. Mavroidis, John Odell, Joost Pauwelyn, Amy Porges, Eric Reinhardt, Peter Rosendorff, Ken Scheve, Ed Schwartz, Christina Sevilla, Michael Simon, Jay Smith, Debra Steger, Joel Trachtman, Todd Weiler, seminar participants in the Program on International Politics, Economics, and Security (PIPES) at the University of Chicago, and two anonymous referees. All shortcomings are, of course, my own. For research support, I thank the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. For research assistance, I thank Alex Muggah, Krzysztof Pelc, and Scott Winter.
Intern Evaluation in University Counseling Centers Process, Problems, and Recommendations

This article discusses the need for more rigorous evaluations due to the demands faced by today's intern, as well as the practical challenges faced by intern evaluators. Recommendations are provided to strengthen the process of intern evaluation. The strengths and weaknesses of scales that can be used to evaluate interns are discussed. A framework is given for developing an intern rating system, considering both what areas of intern training to evaluate and how to select appropriate content items. Finally, a 7-point intern professional growth scale is presented that focuses on the development of applied skills throughout the internship year. Exit criteria are offered.
Resveratrol Inhibits Growth of Orthotopic Pancreatic Tumors through Activation of FOXO Transcription Factors

Background: The forkhead transcription factors of the O class (FOXO) play a direct role in cellular proliferation, oxidative stress response, and tumorigenesis. The objectives of this study were to examine whether FOXOs regulate antitumor activities of resveratrol in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Methodology/Principal Findings: Pancreatic cancer cell lines were treated with resveratrol. Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis and cell cycle were measured by XTT, soft agar, TUNEL and flow cytometry assays, respectively. FOXO nuclear translocation, DNA binding and transcriptional activities were measured by fluorescence technique, gelshift and luciferase assay, respectively. Mice were orthotopically implanted with PANC1 cells and orally gavaged with resveratrol. The components of PI3K and ERK pathways, FOXOs and their target gene expressions were measured by the Western blot analysis. Resveratrol inhibited cell viability and colony formations, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation in four pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, Hs766T, and AsPC-1). Resveratrol induced cell cycle arrest by upregulating the expression of p21/CIP1, p27/KIP1 and inhibiting the expression of cyclin D1. Resveratrol induced apoptosis by up-regulating Bim and activating caspase-3. Resveratrol inhibited phosphorylation of FOXOs, and enhanced their nuclear translocation, FOXO-DNA binding and transcriptional activities. The inhibition of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways induced FOXO transcriptional activity and apoptosis. Furthermore, deletion of FOXO genes abrogated resveratrol-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Finally, resveratrol-treated mice showed significant inhibition in tumor growth which was associated with reduced phosphorylation of ERK, PI3K, AKT, FOXO1 and FOXO3a, and induction of apoptosis and FOXO target genes. Conclusions: These data suggest that inhibition of ERK and AKT pathways act together to activate FOXO transcription factors which are involved in resveratrol-mediated pancreatic tumor growth suppression.
Social dominance and stress hormones

In most cooperatively breeding birds and mammals, reproductive rates are lower for social subordinates than for dominants, and it is common for reproduction in subordinates to be completely suppressed. Early research conducted in captivity showed that losing fights can increase glucocorticoid (GC) secretion, a general response to stress. Because GCs can suppress reproduction, it has been widely argued that chronic stress might underlie reproductive suppression of social subordinates in cooperative breeders. Contradicting this hypothesis, recent studies of cooperative breeders in the wild show that dominant individuals have elevated GCs more often than do subordinates. The findings that elevated GCs can be a consequence of subordination or a cost of dominance complicate the conventional view of social stress, with broad ramifications for the evolution of dominance and reproductive suppression.
The outcome of alien tree invasions in Puerto Rico

Invasive alien tree species in Puerto Rico often form monospecific stands on deforested lands that were previously used for agriculture and then abandoned. Most native pioneer species are incapable of colonizing these sites, and thus introduced species have little competition from native trees. Alien trees may dominate sites for 30 to 40 years, but by that time native species begin to appear in the understory. By 60 to 80 years, unique communities comprising both alien and native species are found on these sites. This phenomenon is a response to a change in the disturbance regime of Puerto Rico's landscape, brought about by intensive agricultural land use and abandonment. The invasion of a site and the formation of an alien-dominated forest serve important ecological functions, such as repairing soil structure and fertility, and restoring forest cover and biodiversity at degraded sites.
A wide-band microstrip-fed log-periodic antenna

A wide-band microstrip-fed planar log-periodic antenna has been developed. The antenna exhibited a return loss of better than 10 dB over about 60% bandwidth from 3 to 11.6 GHz. It possessed a gain of 11 dBi and good radiation characteristics. The use of a microstrip feed produces a completely planar antenna which is compatible with microwave and millimeter-wave hybrid (MIC) and monolithic (MMIC) integrated circuits.
Sample Eigenvalue Based Detection of High-Dimensional Signals in White Noise Using Relatively Few Samples

The detection and estimation of signals in noisy, limited data is a problem of interest to many scientific and engineering communities. We present a mathematically justifiable, computationally simple, sample-eigenvalue-based procedure for estimating the number of high-dimensional signals in white noise using relatively few samples. The main motivation for considering a sample-eigenvalue-based scheme is the computational simplicity and the robustness to eigenvector modelling errors which can adversely impact the performance of estimators that exploit information in the sample eigenvectors. There is, however, a price we pay by discarding the information in the sample eigenvectors; we highlight a fundamental asymptotic limit of sample-eigenvalue-based detection of weak or closely spaced high-dimensional signals from a limited sample size. This motivates our heuristic definition of the effective number of identifiable signals which is equal to the number of ldquosignalrdquo eigenvalues of the population covariance matrix which exceed the noise variance by a factor strictly greater than . The fundamental asymptotic limit brings into sharp focus why, when there are too few samples available so that the effective number of signals is less than the actual number of signals, underestimation of the model order is unavoidable (in an asymptotic sense) when using any sample-eigenvalue-based detection scheme, including the one proposed herein. The analysis reveals why adding more sensors can only exacerbate the situation. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate that the proposed estimator, like Wax and Kailath's MDL-based estimator, consistently estimates the true number of signals in the dimension fixed, large sample size limit and the effective number of identifiable signals, unlike Wax and Kailath's MDL-based estimator, in the large dimension, (relatively) large sample size limit.
The Phosphoinositide Phosphatase Sjl2 Is Recruited to Cortical Actin Patches in the Control of Vesicle Formation and Fission during Endocytosis

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae synaptojanin-like proteins (Sjl1, Sjl2, and Sjl3) are phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases that regulate PI metabolism in the control of actin organization and membrane trafficking. However, the primary sites of action for each of the yeast synaptojanin-like proteins remain unclear. In this study, we show that Sjl2 is localized to cortical actin patches, sites of endocytosis. Cortical recruitment of Sjl2 requires the actin patch component Abp1. Consistent with this, the SH3 domain-containing protein Abp1 physically associates with Sjl2 through its proline-rich domain. Furthermore, abp1Delta mutations confer defects resembling loss of SJL2; sjl1Delta abp1Delta double-mutant cells exhibit invaginated plasma membranes and impaired endocytosis, findings similar to those for sjl1Delta sjl2Delta mutant cells. Thus, Abp1 acts as an adaptor protein in the localization or concentration of Sjl2 during late stages of endocytic vesicle formation. Overexpression of the Hip1-related protein Sla2 delayed the formation of extended plasma membrane invaginations in sjl2ts cells, indicating that Sla2 may become limiting or misregulated in cells with impaired PI phosphatase activity. Consistent with this, the cortical actin patch protein Sla2 is mislocalized in sjl1Delta sjl2Delta mutant cells. Together, our studies suggest that PI metabolism by the synaptojanin-like proteins coordinately directs actin dynamics and membrane invagination, in part by regulation of Sla2.
Reputation and e-commerce: eBay auctions and the asymmetrical impact of positive and negative ratings

This analysis explores the impact and nature of reputation as related to e-commerce by looking at the importance of a seller’s reputational rating on the final bid price associated with eBay auctions. Positive reputational ratings emerged as mildly influential in determining final bid price. However, negative reputational ratings emerged as highly influential and detrimental. Thus, we find strong evidence for the importance of reputation when engaging in e-commerce and equally strong evidence concerning the exaggerated influence of negative reputation.
The influence of continental ice, atmospheric CO2, and land albedo on the climate of the last glacial maximum

The contributions of expanded continental ice, reduced atm9spheric CO2, and changes in land albedo to the maintenance of the climate of the last glacial maximum (LGM) are examined. A series of experiments is perform- ed using an atmosphere-mixed layer ocean model in which these changes in boundary conditions are incorporated either singly or in combination. The model used has been shown to produce a reasonably reaJistic simulation of the reduced temperature of the LGM (Manabe and Broccoli 1985~). By comparing the results from pairs of ex- periments, the effects of each of these envirornnental changes can be determined. Expanded continental ice and reduced atmospheric CO2 are found to have a substantial impact on global mean temperature. The ice sheet effect is confined almost ex- clusively to the Northern Hemisphere, while lowered CO2 cools both hemispheres. Changes in land albedo over ice- free areas have only a minor thermal effect on a global basis. The reduction of CO2 content in the atmosphere is the primary contributor to the cooling of the Southern Hemisphere. The model sensitivity to both the ice sheet and CO2 effects is characterized by a high latitude amplification and a late autumn and early winter maximum.
Repellency and Toxicity of Mint Oil Granules to Red Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Repellency and toxicity of 2% mint oil granules were evaluated against worker red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, in a series of laboratory and field experiments. In continuous exposure experiments, LT50 values ranged from 1.2 h with 164.8 mg/cm2 of 2% mint oil granules to 15.3 h with 1.65 mg/cm2 of granules. LT50 values declined exponentially with increasing rate of mint oil granules. Limited exposure to 164.8 mg/cm2 mint oil granules resulted in >50% knock down (KD) after 30 min; however, there was no KD at 15 min. Twenty-four hour mortality increased linearly with increasing exposure time. Mean repellency of worker red imported fire ants ranged from 49.2 ± 5.4% for 0 mg/cm2 (untreated control) of mint oil granules at 30 min to 100% for 147.8 mg/cm2 of mint oil granules at 3 h. Repellency increased with increasing milligrams per square centimeter of mint oil granules and exposure time. In field tests, 100% of mounds opened and treated with mint oil granules were abandoned 5 d after treatment and ants had relocated or formed satellite mounds by 2 d after treatment. Unopened mounds treated topically with mint oil granules were not abandoned, but ants formed satellite mounds 2 d after treatment. Mint oil granules could provide another tool for red imported fire ant integrated pest management, particularly in situations in which conventional insecticides would be inappropriate.
Phase transitions in orthopyroxene (En90) to 49 GPa from single-crystal X-ray diffraction

Abstract Synchrotron-based high-pressure single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments were conducted on ∼Mg0.9Fe0.1SiO3 (En90) orthopyroxene crystals at room temperature to a maximum pressure of 48.5 GPa. The sample was compressed in a diamond anvil cell with a neon pressure-transmitting medium and a gold pressure calibrant. In addition to the previously described orthopyroxene to β-opx transition (designated HPCEN2 in previous studies), we observe two further phase transitions at 29.9 GPa and 40.3 GPa. However, we do not observe the γ-opx phase recently described in an Fe-rich orthopyroxene composition. The structures of both of the new phases were solved in space group Pca21. While their Mg–O layers remain pyroxene-like, their Si–O layers transform in a stepwise fashion to akimotoite-like sheets, with sites in 4-, 4+1-, or 6-fold coordination, depending on the specific structure and layer. Due to the increased Si–O coordination number, we designate the new structures α- and β-post-orthopyroxene (α-popx and β-popx). α-popx has one Si–O layer that is entirely tetrahedral, and one layer that contains both tetrahedra and 4+1-coordinated Si in distorted square pyramids. β-popx retains the mixed 4- and 4+1-coordinated Si layer found in α-popx, while the other Si layer adopts fully octahedral coordination. The α- and β-popx structures show a progressive transformation towards the arrangement of Si layers found in akimotoite, a potentially important phase in the earth’s transition zone. Metastable transformations in pyroxenes are of interest for understanding possible metastability in geological environments such as subducting slabs and meteorite impacts.
Abortion in the United States: barriers to access.

The legalization of abortion in the United States has brought a dramatic improvement in women's health and reductions in maternal and infant mortality. For young women, low-income women, and women of color, however, access to abortion has been increasingly restricted. This article describes the obstacles to abortion access, including lack of federal funding; restrictive laws, encompassing those requiring parental consent or notification for a minor seeking an abortion, as well as those attempting to ban a certain procedure; stigmatization and marginalization of abortion; decreasing abortion services; and a shortage of providers. The article connects the erosions in rights relating to abortion to policies undermining poor women's rights in relation to having children. /// La legalisation de l'avortement aux Etats-Unis a contribue a une amelioration importante de la sante de la femme et a la reduction de la mortalite maternelle et infantile. Toutefois, pour les femmes jeunes, les femmes a faibles revenus et les femmes de couleur, l'acces a l'avortement est de plus en plus restreint. Cet article decrit les obstacles a l'acces a l'avortement, notamment le manque de fonds du gouvernement federal, les lois restrictives, dont celles qui exigent le consentement parental ou la notification pour une personne mineure desirant avorter, de meme que les lois visant a interdire une certaine procedure, la stigmatisation et la marginalisation de l'avortement, la diminution des services d'avortement et le manque de prestataires. L'article relie l'erosion des droits relatifs a l'avortement aux politiques minant le droit des femmes se rapportant a la procreation. /// La legalizacion del aborto en los Estados Unidos ha resultado en mejoras espectaculares en la salud de la mujer y en la reduccion de las tasas de mortalidad de madres y e infantil. Sin embargo para las mujeres jovenes, mujeres de bajo ingresos, y las mujeres de color, el acceso al aborto se encuentra cada vez mas limitado. Este articulo describe los obstaculos que existen para llegar a obtener un aborto, incluyendo la falta de financiamiento publico; las leyes restrictivas, aquellas que requieren el consentimiento de los padres, o su notificacion, para menores de edad que buscan el aborto, y las que intentan prohibir ciertos procedimientos; la estigmatizacion y la marginalizacion del aborto; la cantidad decreciente de servicios de aborto; y la escasez de proveedores. El articulo muestra el enlace entre el desgaste de los derechos al aborto y las politicas que debilitan paulatinamente los derechos de mujeres sin recursos con respecto a tener hijos.
Transnational Advertising-to-Sales Ratios: Do They Follow the Rules?

Data obtained from 484 advertisers in 15 countries follow some of the propositions of Farris and Albion (1981) regarding advertising-to-sales (A/S) ratios. In agreement with the proposed rules, tra...
Talk abstract: Computational lighting design and band-sifting operators

In this talk, I will present two projects inspired by how photographers work. The abstracts are below. These projects are in collaboration with Ivo Boyadzhiev and Kavita Bala at Cornell University and Ted Adelson at MIT.
UREAL: Underwater Reflection-Enabled Acoustic-Based Localization

The underwater medium is an extreme environment for achieving accurate localization due to its many challenges, some of which includes propagation delay, multipath, rough surfaces, and more. Localization relies on accurate ranging information such as time of arrival, time difference of arrival, and angle of arrival (AOA). In the underwater environment, these ranging measurements will be prone to errors especially when the algorithm relies on the stability of the line-of-sight (LOS) link. This error is mainly attributed to the multipath nature of the underwater medium, most notably in shallow water setups. To circumvent these issues, we propose a novel underwater signal reflection-enabled acoustic-based localization scheme (UREAL) that employs both LOS and surface-reflected nonline-of-sight (NLOS) ranging information to locate a node that has drifted away. We classify both the LOS and surface-reflected NLOS links by leveraging our previous work, which uses homomorphic deconvolution to recover the channel IR containing the link information. Our UREAL scheme uses both azimuthal and elevation AOA measurements to provide the 3-D ranging required for the position estimation process. We then present a closed-form least squares method that is used to locate the lost node with either LOS AOA measurements and/or with surface-reflected AOA ranging information. The approach is validated using a 3-D underwater setup and is shown to outperform competing schemes.
Differential Fertility in California in 1930: The Racial Aspect

The population policy in economics has been one of drift, relegating to the external and "immutable" laws of nature the restoration of an equilibrium between numbers and resources. In the "new" political economy of population the emphasis is shifted to the ways and means of social control of numbers and the aims and objects of such regulation, due regard being paid to the qualitative and selective aspects of population changes.' Statistics and sociology now both help to forecast population in the future, and demographic planning which has so far been neglected is being dovetailed into economic planning by national etatisme. It is guided and coordinated by the objective of bringing the optimum nearer the actual population at the future date than if a policy of drift were followed. The "new" political economy is frankly deterministic; in recognizing the role and functions of the state in regulating population and population trend it seeks to analyze what factors in a population situation can come under control and what are beyond it, and this from both quantitative and qualitative standpoints of the optimum. 1 The work of the Swedish Population Commission and the writings of the Swedish economist, Gunnar Myrdal, show the direction taken by this new movement (See Gunnar Myrdal, Population, a Problem for Democracy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1940. Z37 pp.).
Method and Apparatus for the Thermal Stress of Complex Fluids: Application to Fuels

In this brief article we describe a simple apparatus that can produce sufficient quantities of thermally stressed complex fluids (such as fuels) to allow a full range of thermophysical property measurements to be performed on the resulting fluid. The apparatus operates in a continuous rather than batch mode, and consists of a high pressure pump, a reactor section, a quench, and a collection vessel. The apparatus is capable of operation to 55 MPa, 600 °C, with residence periods that are chosen on the basis of a wide range of fluid flow rates. Automation of the temperature and pressure control allows for safe, unattended operation. We have used this apparatus to generate thermally stressed rocket kerosene (RP-1 and RP-2) at 475 and 510 °C, and at a pressure of 17 MPa. We have verified that the thermally stressed fluid is comparable in composition to fluids that result from careful thermal decomposition kinetics measurements that are done in ampule reactors.
Stochastic coupled oscillator model of EEG for Alzheimer's disease

Coupled nonlinear oscillator models of EEG signals during resting eyes-closed and eyes-open conditions are presented based on Duffing-van der Pol oscillator dynamics. The frequency and information entropy contents of the output of the nonlinear model and the actual EEG signal is matched through an optimization algorithm. The framework is used to model and compare EEG signals recorded from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and age-matched healthy controls (CTL) subjects. The results show that 1) the generated model signal can capture the frequency and information entropy contents of the EEG signal with very similar power spectral distribution and non-periodic time history; 2) the EEG and the generated signal from the eyes-closed model are α band dominant for CTL subjects and θ band dominant for AD patients; and 3) statistically distinct models represent the EEG signals from AD patients and CTL subject during resting eyes-closed condition.
ECOLOGICAL CONTROL OF HYBRIDIZATION IN QUERCUS: A FACTOR IN THE MECHANISM OF EVOLUTION

An understanding of genetic plant geography is impossible without an understanding of the ecological filters through which genotypes of heterogeneous populations are sifted and various segregated. If genetic elements of ecologically diverse species are involved, the pattern of distribution and survival of individuals is strongly dependent upon the occurrence of certain elements of the habitat. This dependence has been clearly shown by Camp (1942), Camp and Gilly (1943), and by Anderson (1948) to be responsible for the occurrence of certain inter-
Local Networks Commodity Queens and the Management of Organic Solid Waste in Indigenous Open-Air Markets in Accra, Ghana

Indigenous open-air markets in Ghana’s urban areas generate significant quantities of market waste, which the present “collect and dispose” system is unable to handle. Waste accumulates in markets,...
Integrated Language Intervention for Children with Hearing Loss

Earlier generations of deaf children were educated with curricula based on models of learning that were hierarchically organized and modular, such that low-level perceptual processes operated without input from higher level processes or from other sensory systems. Information derived at each level of processing could only flow up in the system. However, research from a variety of sources is demonstrating that information flows more broadly in the nervous system, such that higher level processes can affect lower level processes and there is cross talk among sensory systems. Behavioral interventions that take advantage of these integrated systems facilitate optimal outcomes. This chapter describes an integrated approach to language intervention that can help shape educational and clinical treatments for all children with hearing loss, including those with cochlear implants.
Anhidrosis in multiple system atrophy involves pre- and postganglionic sudomotor dysfunction

Background The objective of this study was to characterize the degree, pattern, lesion site, and temporal evolution of sudomotor dysfunction in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and to evaluate differences by parkinsonian (MSA-parkinsonism) and cerebellar (MSA-cerebellar) subtypes. Methods All cases of MSA evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2005 and 2010 with postganglionic sudomotor testing and thermoregulatory sweat test were reviewed. Pattern and lesion site (preganglionic, postganglionic, or mixed) were determined based on thermoregulatory sweat test and postganglionic sudomotor testing. Results The majority of the 232 patients were MSA-parkinsonism (145, 63%). Initial postganglionic sudomotor testing was abnormal in 59%, whereas thermoregulatory sweat test was abnormal in 95% of all patients. MSA-parkinsonism patients were more likely to have an abnormal thermoregulatory sweat test compared with MSA-cerebellar (98% versus 90%, P = 0.006) and had a higher mean percentage of anhidrosis (57%) compared with MSA-cerebellar (48%; P = 0.033). Common anhidrosis patterns were regional (38%) and global (35%). The site of the lesion was preganglionic in 47% and mixed (preganglionic and postganglionic) in 41%. The increase in anhidrosis per year was 6.2% based on 70 repeat thermoregulatory sweat tests performed on 29 patients. The frequency of postganglionic sudomotor abnormalities increased over time. Conclusions Our findings suggest: (1) sudomotor dysfunction is almost invariably present in MSA and even more common and severe in MSA-parkinsonism than MSA-cerebellar; (2) a preganglionic pattern of sweat loss is common in MSA; however, pre- and postganglionic abnormalities may coexist; and (3) the increasing frequency of postganglionic sudomotor dysfunction over time suggests involvement of postganglionic fibers or sweat glands later in the disease course. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The associations between neighborhood constructs, physical activity, and childhood obesity: Understanding race and income disparities

ABSTRACTScholars suggest that children’s built and social environments play key roles in their physical activity (PA) levels and subsequent propensity toward obesity. This study examines the associations between neighborhood constructs and the race and income disparities in PA and health among children ages 10–17 years in the United States. Using the 2011–2012 National Survey of Children’s Health and a series of logistic and ordinary least squares regressions, this study compares obesity and PA levels of Black, Hispanic, and low-income children with their White and more affluent counterparts, interacting demographic and neighborhood characteristics with one another. Findings reveal that non-White respondents report having more amenities and more detractions; low-income respondents report having fewer amenities and more detractions; and non-White and low-income respondents report having less social cohesion. Additionally, though amenities and cohesion improve PA and health and detractions have the reverse ...
Distribution and ecology of lampreys Lethenteron spp. in interior Alaskan rivers

This study describes phenetic characteristics and examines the life history of anadromous Arctic lamprey Lethenteron camtschaticum and freshwater-resident Alaskan brook lamprey Lethenteron alaskense in two tributaries of the middle Yukon River, Alaska. Larval lampreys could not be identified to species using pigmentation density patterns or trunk myomere counts, but adults could be identified to species based on colouration, body size and oral-disc dentition. Although larvae were patchily distributed in both rivers, there was a greater proportion of sample locations where Lethenteron spp. were absent in upper reaches than in middle and lower reaches. Relative abundance, density and median and maximum total length (LT ) of larvae were highly variable among sampling locations. Current velocity, substratum type and coarse woody debris were most strongly correlated with larval Lethenteron spp. density; velocity and substratum size was negatively correlated, whereas woody debris was positively correlated. Water depth, dissolved oxygen levels and specific conductance did not influence habitat selection. Length-frequency distributions, diet composition (organic detritus ≥ 98%), assimilation efficiency (>70%) and gut fullness (<0·2 mg diet ash-free dry mass) were similar for larvae, regardless of river or sampling location. These results increase understanding of Lethenteron spp. biology and ecology in interior Alaska drainages and add to the existing literature on Lethenteron spp. life history.
Completely Isolated Retroperitoneal Enteric Duplication Cyst with Adenocarcinoma Transformation Managed with Robotic Radical Nephrectomy.

Abstract Background: Enteric duplication cysts are congenital malformations that typically affect children in infancy, but can also affect adults. Rarely, these cysts can be complicated by malignan...
The benefit of combination therapy depends on disease phenotype and duration in Crohn's disease

SummaryBackground The impact of combination therapy on disease-related morbidity in patients with established Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) remains to be well-defined. Aim To examine the effect of combination therapy on disease outcomes in CD and UC. Methods Using a multicenter prospective cohort, we classified CD and UC patients as being on monotherapy with anti-TNF or on combination with an immunomodulator. The primary outcome was a composite of new IBD-related surgery, hospitalisations, penetrating complications, need for corticosteroids or new biological at 1 year. Multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results We included 707 patients with CD (45% combination therapy) and 164 with UC (38% combination therapy). Combination therapy was not associated with reduction in the composite outcome in either CD (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63-1.22) or UC (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 0.63-3.38). However, while no difference was noted in those with nonstricturing, nonpenetrating CD, a significant reduction in the likelihood of the outcome was seen in those with stricturing or penetrating CD (30% vs 39%, OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90). A stronger effect was also observed in those with disease duration <5 years (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14-0.87) compared to those with a longer duration (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.45-1.27). A similar reduction in occurrence of composite outcome was noted with infliximab and with other anti-TNF biologics. Conclusion The benefit of combination immunomodulator-biological therapy is stronger in those with complicated Crohn's disease, particularly early on in their disease course.
Adapting the Ideas of Translational Science for Translational Family Science

Family science has been doing translational science since before it came into vogue. Nevertheless, the field has been subjected to the same forces in the broader academy that have created a widening chasm between discovery and practice. Thus, the primary objective of this article is to translate the principles, concepts, and models of translational science to solidify an identity for family science and help the field move forward in broader academic, care delivery, and policy arenas. Alternative models of translational science, primarily from biomedicine but also from other disciplines, are reviewed and critically analyzed, and core concepts and principles are isolated, elaborated, and applied to family science. Family science's long-standing commitment to the doctrine of evidence-based practice, and its ongoing endorsement of the principles of scientific duality and multidisciplinary utility, places it in a preeminent position for using the zeitgeist of translational science to move forward. Nonetheless, the field has important epistemological, practical, professional, and curricular steps to complete to better position itself as a distinct and valued body of scientists. Ultimately, we argue that embracing the principles, concepts, and models of translational science should be leveraged by family science to help brand itself as a unique and essential social science field for enhancing the human condition.
Assessing Heat Stress and Health among Construction Workers in a Changing Climate: A Review

Construction workers are at an elevated risk of heat stress, due to the strenuous nature of the work, high temperature work condition, and a changing climate. An increasing number of workers are at risk, as the industry’s growth has been fueled by high demand and vast numbers of immigrant workers entering into the U.S., the Middle East and Asia to meet the demand. The risk of heat-related illnesses is increased by the fact that little to no regulations are present and/or enforced to protect these workers. This review recognizes the issues by summarizing epidemiological studies both in the U.S. and internationally. These studies have assessed the severity with which construction workers are affected by heat stress, risk factors and co-morbidities associated with heat-related illnesses in the construction industry, vulnerable populations, and efforts in implementing preventive measures.
Insert-based microfluidics for 3D cell culture with analysis

We present an insert-based approach to fabricate scalable and multiplexable microfluidic devices for 3D cell culture and integration with downstream detection modules. Laser-cut inserts with a layer of electrospun fibers are used as a scaffold for 3D cell culture, with the inserts being easily assembled in a 3D-printed fluidic device for flow-based studies. With this approach, the number and types of cells (on the inserts) in one fluidic device can be customized. Moreover, after an investigation (i.e., stimulation) under flowing conditions, the cell-laden inserts can be removed easily for subsequent studies including imaging and cell lysis. In this paper, we first discuss the fabrication of the device and characterization of the fibrous inserts. Two device designs containing two (channel width = 260 μm) and four (channel width = 180 μm) inserts, respectively, were used for different experiments in this study. Cell adhesion on the inserts with flowing media through the device was tested by culturing endothelial cells. Macrophages were cultured and stimulated under different conditions, the results of which indicate that the fibrous scaffolds under flow conditions result in dramatic effects on the amount and kinetics of TNF-α production (after LPS stimulation). Finally, we show that the cell module can be integrated with a downstream absorbance detection scheme. Overall, this technology represents a new and versatile way to culture cells in a more in vivo fashion for in vitro studies with online detection modules.
The Presence of Hydraulic Barriers in Layered Snowpacks: TOUGH2 Simulations and Estimated Diversion Lengths

The distribution of snow across a landscape is an important component in the hydrologic cycle of many mountainous watersheds. Snow-dominated streams will vary in timing and volume of peak flow depending on when the snow melts and the lag time for the meltwater to reach the stream. As a snowpack accumulates during winter months, variable layers with different hydraulic properties can form hydraulic barriers. Hydraulic barriers were simulated in this study using data from three snow pits located in the Spring Creek Intensive Study Area (part of the NASA CLPX dataset) of Colorado. Data for north, south, and relatively flat aspect slopes were chosen to represent the variable metamorphism that occurs under different conditions. Simulations were conducted at steady-state infiltration rates of 0.1, 1.0, and 5.0 mm/h using the EOS9 module of TOUGH2. Additional diversion length estimates were calculated using existing soil physics approximations for capillary barriers. Results demonstrate that conditions are present within a layered snowpack to produce multiple permeability and capillary barriers, though capillary barriers were only identified in simulations on the north aspect snowpack. Diversion lengths of capillary barriers ranged from 1.0 m to greater than 25 m, and permeability barriers ranged from 2.5 to 9.5 m. Furthermore, a grain size of 0.6 mm or less in the layer above an interface is necessary to produce a capillary barrier. These results suggest that during snowmelt water has high potential to be redistributed downslope prior to infiltrating the ground surface. A better understanding of a snowpack as porous media will improve future hydrologic modeling.
New recommendation and coverage of low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening: uptake has increased but is still low

In 2013, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued recommendations for low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening (LDCT-LCS), but there continues to be a dearth of information on the adoption of LDCT-LCS in healthcare systems. Using a multilevel perspective, our study aims to assess referrals for LDCT-LCS and identify facilitators and barriers to adoption following recent policy changes. A retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data from patients aged 55–80 years with no history of lung cancer who visited a primary care provider in a large healthcare system in California during 2010–2016 (1,572,538 patient years). Trends in documentation of smoking history, number of eligible patients, and lung cancer screening orders were assessed. Using Hierarchical Generalized Linear Models, we also evaluated provider-level and patient-level factors associated with lung cancer screening orders among 970 primary care providers and 12,801 eligible patients according to USPSTF guidelines between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2016. Documentation of smoking history to determine eligibility (59.2% in 2010 to 77.8% in 2016) and LDCT-LCS orders (0% in 2010 to 7.3% in 2016) have increased since USPSTF guidelines. Patient factors associated with increased likelihood of lung cancer screening orders include: younger patient age (78–80 vs. 55–64 years old: OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3–0.7), Asian race (vs. Non-Hispanic White: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4), reported current smoking (vs. former smoker: OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4–2.0), no severe comorbidity (severe vs. no major comorbidity: OR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.3; moderate vs. no major comorbidity: OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.4–0.7), and making a visit to own primary care provider (vs. other primary care providers: OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7–3.4). Appropriate referral for lung cancer screening varies considerably across primary care providers. Provider factors include being a female physician (vs. male: OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.3) and receiving medical training in the US (foreign vs. US medical school graduates: OR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.3–0.7). Future interventions to improve lung cancer screening may be more effective if they focus on accurate documentation of smoking history and target former smokers who do not regularly see their own primary care providers.
Robust Beamforming Design in a NOMA Cognitive Radio Network Relying on SWIPT

This paper studies a multiple-input-single-output non-orthogonal multiple access cognitive radio network relying on simultaneous wireless information and power transfer. A realistic non- linear energy harvesting model is applied and a power splitting architecture is adopted at each secondary user. Since it is difficult to obtain the perfect channel state information (CSI) in practice, a bounded CSI error model is considered. Our robust beamforming and power splitting ratio are jointly designed for minimizing the transmission power of the cognitive base station. The original non-convex optimization problem is then converted into convex forms by using semi- definite relaxation. For the minimum transmission power problem, we prove that the optimal solution has a limited rank of less than or equal to 2. Our simulation results show that the proposed scheme significantly outperforms its traditional orthogonal multiple access counterpart.
Concepts and Illustrations of Optical Probing Diagnostics for Laser-Produced Plasmas

The laser-produced plasmas which occur in experimental studies of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), with laser drivers, present both challenges and opportunities for diagnostics. The challenges arise because of the small size, short duration and large inhomogeneity. Their small size is also an opportunity for a particularly simple type of interferometry; folded-wavefront interferometry. Actually, several rather simple diagnostics can be realized by utilizing properties of a probing laser beam, such as intensity, phase, polarization and angular scatter. Specific diagnostic concepts based on these properties are described and illustrated.
Evaluating the clinical implementation of structured exercise: A randomized controlled trial among non-insulin dependent type II diabetics.

Abstract Background The American Diabetes Association (ADA) currently recommends 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week and resistance exercise at least twice per week in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to improve overall health [ 1 ]. However, approximately 38% of patients with T2DM do not exercise at recommended levels and 31% do not exercise at all [ 2 ]. The efficacy of structured exercise interventions has been proven effective in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients, but practical approaches are needed to translate these findings into the clinical setting [ [3] , [4] , [5] , [6] , [7] ]. Objective The Initiate and Maintain Physical Activity in Clinics (IMPACT) Study aims to compare structured group exercise within the clinic to usual care in T2DM patients. The main purpose of the study is to determine the optimal and feasible level and weekly frequency of structured contact in a clinical setting needed to initiate and maintain physical activity recommendations long-term. Study design IMPACT is a longitudinal, randomized-controlled study designed to track study participants over 30 months. Once study participants have met eligibility and enrollment criteria, they are randomized and enrolled into one of three arms: 1× per week exercise, 3× per week exercise, or the usual care control group. After randomization, participants begin Phase 1: Initiate lasting 6 months. Over the course of Phase 1, participants in the exercise groups will attend instructor led group training at a Stanford approved physical fitness facility. At the end of 6 months, participants enter Phase 2: Maintain lasting 24 months. Over the course of Phase 2, participants in all three arms will attend periodic follow-up visits for clinical measurements and survey administration for their final two years of participation. These findings will enable the clinical implementation of a structured exercise regimen designed to specifically address the aerobic and resistance training recommendations for patients with T2DM.
Highly nonlinear amorphous silicon micro-cavity as a platform for secure authentication

We demonstrate the unclonability of an integrated photonic chaotic micro-cavity using highly nonlinear hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) as the material platform. Spectrally encoded ultrafast pulses are used to characterize the uniqueness of our devices.
History of forest soils knowledge and research

Abstract Human history is intricately linked to the soil. As human populations increased agricultural land use intensified. Wood availability was also important and resulted in the management of forested land for fuel, fiber and food. Soil mapping was an essential tool in planning future expansion of agriculture and resulted in an increased understanding in the factors that regulate soil formation. This understanding eventually lead to the formation of forest soil science as a separate area of research. Early forest soil research focused on silviculture, harvesting, soil chemistry and acid rain. As the science progressed areas of research broadened to include specialized forest harvest methods and eventually to ecosystem-related research designed to understand how soils function as an integral part of the forest.
The Influence of Instructor Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge on Implementation and Student Affective Outcomes

To investigate how instructors’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) influences the way they implement novel educational technologies and how this influences students’ affective responses to the technology, we looked at how instructors with varying amounts of TPACK with regard to a specific educational tool—the digital evolution platform Avida-ED—implemented it in their classrooms. We then compared the nature of these implementations to student affective outcomes as measured by a post-implementation student survey. We found that the degree of instructor expertise influences implementation decisions, and that these decisions in turn influence student affect. Effective implementation of new educational technologies requires significant pedagogical knowledge, and warrants opportunities for training and professional development with regard to those technologies.
Long-term Impact of Perioperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Background There is a known association between need for transfusion and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However long-term data are lacking in the contemporary literature. Methods All patients who underwent open cardiac surgery from 2010 to 2018 were included, except those undergoing transplant, with a ventricular-assist device, and requiring circulatory arrest. Primary outcome included short- and long-term mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and hospital readmissions. Results The total patient population included 14,281 patients with a median follow-up of 4.03 years (range, 2.25-6.1). Outcomes were stratified into patients with (n = 6239) or without (n = 8042) packed red blood cell (PRBC) use. Patients with PRBC transfusions had significantly (P Conclusions Patients with perioperative PRBC transfusions have increased operative and long-term mortality and hospital readmissions. Total units of PRBCs transfused were directly associated with mortality and readmissions.