cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Energy aware adaptive scheduler for a sensor node

Sensor nodes are battery driven and operate on a low energy budget, so every aspect of the sensor node design and operation needs to be energy-aware. We propose the EAAS (energy aware adaptive scheduler), which considers both the power/timing constraints and the mode dependency of the modules within a sensor node while minimizing the energy consumption. Further, EAAS defers the execution of the tasks without any violation of the timing and power constraints, thereby sensor node components are in their deepest sleep mode for most of the time, minimizing both the static and dynamic power consumption.
Memphis: Finding and fixing NUMA-related performance problems on multi-core platforms

Until recently, most high-end scientific applications have been immune to performance problems caused by Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA). However, current trends in microprocessor design are pushing NUMA to smaller and smaller scales. This paper examines the current state of NUMA and makes several contributions. First, we summarize the performance problems that NUMA can present for multi-threaded applications and describe methods of addressing them. Second, we demonstrate that NUMA can indeed be a significant problem for scientific applications, showing that it can mean the difference between an application scaling perfectly and failing to scale at all. Third, we describe, in increasing order of usefulness, three methods of using hardware performance counters to aid in finding NUMA-related problems. Finally, we introduce Memphis, a data-centric toolset that uses Instruction Based Sampling to help pinpoint problematic memory accesses, and demonstrate how we used it to improve the performance of several production-level codes - HYCOM, XGC1 and CAM - by 13%, 23% and 24% respectively.
Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize Anger and Visual Attention to Threats and Rewards

People's emotional states influence what they focus their attention on in their environment. For example, fear focuses people's attention on threats, whereas excitement may focus their attention on rewards. This study examined the effect of anger on overt visual attention to threats and rewards. Anger is an unpleasant emotion associated with approach motivation. If the effect of emotion on visual attention depends on valence, we would expect anger to focus people's attention on threats. If, however, the effect of emotion on visual attention depends on motivation, we would expect anger to focus people's attention on rewards. Using an eye tracker, we examined the effects of anger, fear, excitement, and a neutral emotional state on participants' overt visual attention to threatening, rewarding, and control images. We found that anger increased visual attention to rewarding information, but not to threatening information. These findings demonstrate that anger increases attention to potential rewards and suggest that the effects of emotions on visual attention are motivationally driven.
Environmental Effects on Subcritical Delamination of Dielectric and Metal Films from Organosilicate Glass (OSG) Thin Films

Subcritical delamination of dielectric and metal films from organosilicate glass (OSG) thin films was studied in controlled ambient with different levels of relative humidity and in aqueous environments of varying pH. The material systems studied include OSG/SiO2, OSG/TaN and OSG/SiNx. For both sets of experiments, subcritical crack growth in OSG is found to be described by a model originally developed for soda-lime silicate glass. The threshold energy release rate for water molecule-assisted cracking varies linearly with the natural logarithm of water partial pressure. In aqueous environments, the threshold value decreases linearly with increasing pH in accordance with a simple model. The slope of crack growth rate curve also decreases with increasing pH.
Coronagraph: The Ultimate Device To Monitor Orbiting Particulates In The Space Transport System (STS) Environment

To extract the maximum information content of orbiting particulates from a remote-sensing particulate monitor there are three instrument design requirements: (1) the monitor must be an imaging coronagraph; (2) it must be capable of range-finding; and (3) it must yield absolute photometric measurements. When all three requirements are met, the number, size, and velocity distributions of the vehicle-induced particulates can be deduced. Examples of each of these requirements, as realized during the Shuttle-3 and Skylab-3 missions, are discussed. A design is presented for a coronagraph suitable as a particulate monitor for Shuttle missions.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Auto-Amputated Adnexa: A Review of Findings in a Pediatric Population

Abstract Study Objective To quantify our experience and that of the literature with diagnosis and management of the auto-amputated adnexa in a pediatric population. Design Case series and literature review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Participants Case series of pediatric patients ( Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure Auto-amputated adnexa. Results In addition to the 3 cases discussed from our institution, 91 cases of auto-amputated adnexa were identified in the literature dating back to 1943, for a total of 94 cases. Forty-nine percent (46/94) of the cases involved girls in a pediatric population ( Conclusion The auto-amputated adnexa is a rare finding in the pediatric population, but it must be considered as a possible explanation for the incidental finding of absence of the fallopian tube or ovary in the subgroup of patients who undergo surgery for any reason. Patients with an antecedent history of pelvic pain either chronic or intermittent in nature may be diagnosed with torsion or less frequently auto-amputation of the adnexa. A fetal “pelvic mass” or “ovarian cyst” may predispose the adnexa to torsion and subsequent auto-amputation either in-utero or post-delivery. Many of these antenatally diagnosed cysts and even subsequent auto-amputations are completely asymptomatic, however, and do not compromise fertility assuming the contralateral adnexa are normal. Thus expectant management is appropriate for small (less than 4 cm), asymptomatic simple cysts and even suspected auto-amputated adnexa in an asymptomatic patient.
A growth factor-responsive gene of murine BALB/c 3T3 cells encodes a protein homologous to human tissue factor.

Polypeptide growth factors rapidly induce the transcription of a set of genes that appear to mediate cell growth. The authors report that one of the genes induced in BALB/c mouse 3T3 cells encodes a transmembrane protein (mTF) homologous to human tissue factor, which is involved in the proteolytic activation of blood clotting. mTF mRNA is present in many murine tissues and cell lines. The authors' results raise the possibility that mTF may also play a role in cell growth.
Scalable mechanisms for requirements interaction management

Capturing requirements, and managing tradeoffs among them, are critical yet complex activities. Well-designed computerized tools can effectively support these activities. A key challenge in construction of these support tools is how to scale them to handle a large volume of information. Particularly crucial are the ways in which large numbers of requirements and their interrelationships are presented to users. They need to be able to zoom in and out through the space of information so as to be able to see the big picture, and to locate and focus on specific details when needed. This paper describes a harmonious combination of techniques that support such scalability. The techniques have been embodied in a NASA tool, DDP, for defect detection and prevention. They have been exercised in uses of this tool for requirements/risk tradeoffs, and the use of this tool to capture institutional knowledge-bases of information.
Chemical Durability of Fluoride Glasses: III, The Effect of Solution pH

The aqueous corrosion behavior of glasses from two heavy-metal fluoride families (ZrF4-based and BaF2-ThF4-based) was studied as a function of controlled solution pH and of glass composition. Leach test results demonstrate a profound pH dependence of corrosion over the range pH 2 to 13. Whereas the glasses readily undergo congruent matrix dissolution in acidic media, they exhibit a marked increase in chemical durability in neutral and basic solutions, with the optimum aqueous environment occurring near pH 7. Results of this study are discussed and compared with results reported earlier for leach tests of these two compositional families in unbuffered de-ionized water. In addition, several testing methods, both static and dynamic, are described and point to the importance of appropriate test selection in predicting the corrosion resistance of these glasses over prolonged periods.
Microstructure and Properties of MoSi2/Nb Interfaces with and Without Alumina Coating

This study explores the relations between processing routes, microstructures and mechanical properties of the matrix/reinforcement interfaces in MoSi2/Nb composites. It was found that the fracture energy of the interfacial region depended on the interfacial bond strength, roughness of interface, and the nature of the interfacial compounds. The fracture energy between the oxide coating and intermetallic interfacial compounds was found to be lower than that between two intermetallics or between Nb and an intermetallic. Processing routes were found to affect the fracture energy of the interfacial region by changing interphase formation, changing microstructure of materials adjacent to the interface, or changing roughness of interface.
Technique: Laparoscopic Ventral/Incisional Hernia Repair

Ventral hernias may be primary or incisional. Primary central hernias may be classified as umbilical, paraumbilical, lumbar, epigastric, and spigelian. Incisional hernias have incidence rates greater than 15% and are likely related to incision size, as well as closure technique, postoperative complications such as infection and patient factors including diabetes, smoking, and immunosuppressant use. Patients seek repair most commonly for discomfort, decreased abdominal wall function, and less commonly for bowel obstruction or bowel ischemia. It is estimated that 300,000 ventral hernias are repaired in Europe and 400,000 in the USA each year.
Using Declarative Knowledge to Improve Information Search Performance

Knowledge acquisition theory holds that superior judgment/decision‐making performance depends on procedural knowledge, which, in turn, results from experience (practice and feedback). This research demonstrates that, under certain conditions, performance can be improved by exposure to declarative knowledge alone, without costly practice and feedback. Practicing tax accountants and graduate tax students participated in a computer‐interactive study to improve tax research performance. Using a pretest‐posttest design, knowledge and performance were measured prior to, and after, a treatment group (but not a control group) was exposed to a declarative knowledge intervention intended to enhance their knowledge of the content and structure of the Internal Revenue Code. Comparison of the treatment and control groups on posttest knowledge and posttest performance using commercial electronic tax research systems confirmed that the intervention was effective in improving both efficiency and effectiveness in research...
Drinking, Problem Drinking, and Productivity

This chapter surveys and critiques the recent economic literature dealing with the relationships between labor market productivity and alcohol use and misuse. The focus here is twofold. First is to present and discuss the relevant conceptual issues that must be appreciated in assessing such relationships. Second is to summarize and assess the empirical findings that have been offered in the literature.
Only the Bad Die Young: The Correlates of Organizational Death for Far-Right Extremist Groups

ABSTRACTThe domestic far-right movement has existed in the United States for many years. During that time, groups have appeared, disappeared, and reappeared. Unfortunately, very little is known about what causes these groups to disband. Prior research has focused on long-lived groups, but the majority of extremist or terrorist groups fail to survive for an extended period of time. This study examined a variety of external and internal correlates of organizational death identified from both terrorism and organizational literature, to empirically test which correlates lead to a group dying young.
Reaching Out: Evaluation of a Health Promotion Website for Children with Disabilities and Their Families

This article describes how a state health authority capitalized on the increased popularity of the Internet among consumers by launching a website devoted to improving communication among persons i...
The Effect of Inbreeding and Crossbreeding on Numbers of Insects

The possibility that inbreeding and crossbreeding may affect the numbers of insects in nature has been considered. Inbreeding Oncopeltus fasciatus Dal. resulted in fewer eggs and in some cases lower survival of progeny. Crossing the inbreds restored fecundity and survival, and in some cases resulted in more offspring than from the original strain. Hybrids of Oncopeltus from strains from Ontario, Canada, and Connecticut also showed evidence of hybrid vigor. This hypothesis meets the requirements of randomness proposed by Cole to account for cycles of abundance.
Synthesis of Poly(3-dodecyl-2,5-thienylene vinylene) by Solid-State Metathesis Polycondensation

The synthesis of poly(thienylene vinylenes) (PTV) has been attracting attention due to the low band gaps and high electrical conductivities of these materials, making them applicable for charge storage devices, transparent conductive coatings, and electrochromic devices. Unsubstituted PTV is an intractable polymer that is usually synthesized via a processable precursor. This article reports the synthesis of conjugated polymers using solid-state metathesis conditions, demonstrating the efficiency of this methodology for preparation of a processable polymer, such a 3-dodecyl PTV (P3DDTV). The 3-dodecyl-2,5-dipropenylthiophene was synthesized and subsequently polymerized using ADMET conditions with Grubbs’ second-generation catalyst. The prepolymer film (Mn = 4000 g/mol) was further polymerized in the solid state to give a final product with Mn = 14 000 g/mol (a 3.5-fold increase while in the solid state). The polymer obtained by this methodology exhibited thermal (Tg = 43 °C and Tm = 115 °C) and electrochem...
Common Schooling in the Politically Liberal Society: Implications for the Development of Citizens

The issue I would like to address concerns the ability of a system of common schooling to accomplish the goals of common education in a politically liberal society. I propose to argue that common schooling fails in its attempt to accomplish these goals and is detrimental to the production of citizens for the politically liberal society. In order to do this I will first define my use of the term political liberalism, outlining its requirements and thus the requirements of a conception of common education for the politically liberal society. I will then discuss how a system of common schooling in such a society can attempt to accomplish the goals of common education but ultimately fails in such attempts. The implications for this failure involve a necessary transition from a notion of common education as primarily embodied in common schooling to a broader conception of common education as taking place through the institutions of private life.
Doing the rite thing: cultural practices of commitment

Is not marriage an open question, when it is alleged, from the beginning of the world, that such as are in the institution wish to get out, and such as are out wish to get in? – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Representative Men On Valentine's Day 1999, Carol Moore and Judith Klein celebrated their six-year relationship in a commitment ceremony jointly officiated by a rabbi and a personal friend at a downtown Chicago synagogue. The ceremony contained many elements of a traditional Jewish wedding, but the ritual was also crafted to reflect the specific characteristics of the couple being united: same-sex, interfaith and feminist. Near the end of the ceremony, the rabbi invited ceremony guests to sign the couple's ketubah (Jewish wedding contract), which he called “a document which has far greater authority than any legal instrument,” and noted that Carol and Judith had taken each other as spouses “not yet in accordance with the laws of this state, but according to a much higher authority, the loving and justice-proclaiming law of the living God.” The ketubah listed several promises of mutual love and support and asserted the status of their commitment as a marriage, stating: “We make these promises intending our relationship to be treated as a marriage by ourselves and by all those we meet. This ketubah is evidence of our commitment to one another and should be construed by any government, court or public official as if the laws governing married persons applied to our relationship.”
Gene mutations and actionable genetic lesions in mantle cell lymphoma

// Makhdum Ahmed 1,2 , Leo Zhang 1 , Krystle Nomie 1 , Laura Lam 1 and Michael Wang 1 1 Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 2 The University of Texas Health Science Centre, Houston, Texas, USA Correspondence to: Michael Wang, email: // Keywords : MCL (mantle cell lymphoma), mutations, actionable genetic lesions, epigenetic, gene targets Received : May 13, 2016 Accepted : July 01, 2016 Published : July 19, 2016 Abstract Mutations and epigenetic alterations are key events in transforming normal cells to cancer cells. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the B-cell, is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis especially for those patients who are resistant to the frontline drugs. There is a great need to describe the molecular basis and mechanism of drug resistance in MCL to develop new strategies for treatment. We reviewed frequent somatic mutations and mutations involving the B-cell pathways in MCL and discussed clinical trials that attempted to disrupt these gene pathways and/or epigenetic events. Recurrent gene mutations were discussed in the light of prognostic and therapeutic opportunity and also the challenges of targeting these lesions. Mutations in the ATM, CCND1, TP53, MLL2, TRAF2 and NOTCH1 were most frequently encountered in mantle cell lymphoma. Translational models should be built that would assess mutations longitudinally to identify important compensatory, pro-survival and anti-apoptic pathways and actionable genetic targets.
THE ROLE OF LIFT IN THE RADIAL MIGRATION OF PARTICLES IN A PIPE FLOW

The motion of small spherical particles suspended in a fluid undergoing laminar flow through a circular pipe is considered. Under various conditions, the particles are observed to migrate radially across the pipe. It is concluded that the lift force acting on the particles must be the major reason behind the phenomenon of radial migration. A model for the lift force is proposed and applied to the problem of calculating particle trajectories. The equations of motion are formulated and solved by numerical means. Comparison of calculated and experimental trajectories indicates that the model is capable of explaining the various modes of radial migration which have been observed. The need for better description of the unsteady drag forces on particles as well as characterization of the effect of the pipe wall is indicated.
Gesture Based Training of Robots for Manufacturing Tasks

We report our work-in-progress on a new method to train an industrial robot that can learn from the demonstrations of manufacturing tasks by a skilled worker (trainer). A parametrized learning engine is trained based on identifiable features of the trainer’s body and objects. To achieve this, we collected a large number of depth data. Different objects in the scene are clustered using Gaussian mixture model and are manually labelled. Features are engineered to train random decision forest. Feature engineering is required since the number of dimensions (number of depth points) of samples vary because of variations in depth capture. Depth samples are transformed to a lower dimension space of 96 dimensions defined by means and covariance of data distribution. This method has a classification accuracy of 80.72%. Using these features, the robot can identify parts in real-time, tag as well as track them as the trainer moves them during the demonstration. Our ongoing work is on semantic classification of the tracked data into high level actions which will be combined using a set of rules called action-grammar.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Evaluation of the AASHTO LRFD strand debonding limitations in the context of bond-loss failure

AbstractDebonding of select strands is an effective means of controlling stresses and cracking at the ends of pretensioned concrete girders, but can also have adverse effect on shear capacity due to loss of strand-concrete bond. To ensure sufficient shear capacity, the current AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications recommend that strand debonding be limited to no more that 25% of strands. This paper analytically evaluates the conservatism of the 25% debonding limitation with respect to shear failures involving loss of strand-concrete bond (i.e. bond-loss failure). This is accomplished by calculating the bond-loss capacity of six in-service bridge girders from different states and for varying levels of strand debonding. Calculations are based on a model previously published by the authors. It is determined that limiting strand debonding to 25% is conservative for all girders; however, the degree of conservatism is inconsistent. The demonstrated methodology can be used to balance the competing criteria of...
Pregnancy-Related Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract Background Cardiac emergencies during pregnancy are rare but have significant associated morbidity and mortality when they do occur. The emergency physician must not only be aware of potentially life-threatening conditions in the pregnant woman, but also know the emergent management and treatment of these conditions to avoid worsening of the underlying condition. Pregnancy-related spontaneous coronary artery dissection has been described in the cardiology literature, but is not well-known in emergency medicine literature. Case Series We present a case series of six previously healthy women ages 27 to 39 years who presented 1 to 75 days after delivery with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. The left main coronary was involved in 5 of 6 cases. One patient died, 5 survived. Two survivors maintained significant long-term disability. The patient that died had the diagnosis made on autopsy, the others were diagnosed with coronary angiography. Two patients were treated with stents, 2 with coronary artery bypass surgery, and 2 with medical management. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Emergent coronary catheterization is indicated if this diagnosis is suspected. However, emergency care teams must also understand how and why management including coronary artery catheterization can exacerbate the underlying condition. The role of coronary artery computed tomography remains unknown, although it exposes the fetus to significant radiation if the woman is still pregnant at presentation. Medical management is indicated with diffuse or distal disease as pregnancy-related coronary artery dissections often resolve with time. Localized discrete lesions may be stented. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery may be considered if the left main artery is involved or there are multiple proximal lesions. Cardiac transplantation is indicated rarely.
A 190-GHz VCO With 20.7% Tuning Range Employing an Active Mode Switching Block in a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS

A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) incorporating a system of coupled oscillators with two active mode switching (AMS) blocks is presented. The AMS blocks excite the main VCOs to operate in two distinct frequency bands. An overlap between the two frequency bands has extended the tuning range of the VCO. By turning the AMS blocks off, low-loss and low-capacitance behaviors of these blocks result in wide tuning range and high harmonic output power at high millimeter-wave frequencies. On the other hand, by turning the AMS blocks on, their loss-canceling and capacitance-tuning behaviors yield to higher power and wider tuning range with a lower center frequency. By having sufficient frequency overlap between the two modes, the implemented VCO achieves record tuning range of 20.7% at 190.5 GHz with a maximum output power of –2.1 dBm. This tuning range is significantly higher than reported silicon-based VCOs with center frequencies higher than 120 GHz.
Going to the movies: Immersion, visual awareness, and memory.

Immersion describes the extent of which one feels involved in a virtual experience. In immersive environments, observers report high levels of sensory interaction, story engagement, and an impression of reality. According to the concept of Inattentional Blindness (IB), many people can miss an unexpected stimulus or object even if it is in their field of vision while attending to a task. Can immersion affect susceptibility to IB, and can it affect memory performance? To answer this question, two model theaters were used in order to manipulate a person's assessment of being immersed in two experiments. A realistic condition used a model of a movie theater complete with curtains, seats, wallpaper, working wall sconces, and patrons. A haphazard condition (control) used a model of the same size, but materials were used in a way that does not resemble a movie theater. Both conditions used an IB paradigm apparatus housed beneath the stage area that moved an unexpected stimulus (movie patron or bolt) in front of a movie screen. Upon completion of a movie clip, participants were first asked if they noticed the unexpected object, and to describe what they noticed. Immersion was then measured using Jennett et al.'s (2008; International Journal of Human Computer Studies) questionnaire, and memory was assessed with a 10-question multiple-choice test about the movie clip. Results did not show a clear relationship between immersion and IB. Differences between groups were marginal for immersion, IB, and memory.
Waveform diversity design for digital ultra-wideband radar architectures

Developed Programmable Architecture for Real-Time Reconfigurable Multi-Sensor Applications. This Architecture is Made-Up of Three Closely-Coupled Interacting Subsystems: Polyphase UWB Signal Channelizer, Coded (MC-CDMA) Sub-Channels, and Smart Antenna System. Architecture Applies to Simultaneous Comm, Radar, and EW Applications in Localized Region of Interest
Slippage in shale based on acyclic pore model

Abstract A significant fraction of the pore-throat size in the matrix of a shale formation is smaller than 100 nm. Nanofluidics, a field that deals with the transport properties of sub-100-nm conduits, indicates that the fluid flow is enhanced for this range of pore-throat size. However, it is unclear how the slippage at the pore scale (single conduit) controls the effective slippage at the core scale (∼1 in.). The present study reviews the slippage models for the gas and liquid flows inside a single conduit based on the experimental and theoretical studies in the literature. It then investigates the effective enhancement in shale formations using an acyclic pore model, which represents the effective connectivity of the shale pore space at the core scale as it captures the mercury injection capillary pressure measurements (drainage). The effective slippage is presented in terms of governing parameters such as pore pressure and wettability. This study presents the effective pore-throat size, whose corresponding slippage is equal to the effective gas slippage at the core scale, for three shale samples. The numerical simulations indicate that the effective pore-throat size for the gas flow depends on the pore pressure. In addition, the measured permeability with liquid is higher than the nominal permeability, often referred to as the Hagen–Poiseuille model, with no slippage. The presented results have major implications for reservoir characterization based on standard petrophysical measurements.
Development and Content Validation of the Health Care Transition Outcomes Inventory

Background: Much of the literature on the healthcare transition from pediatric to adult centered-care focuses on how to prepare adolescents and young adults with chronic illness for a successful healthcare transition, with much less emphasis on how to measure whether the healthcare transition was successful. Research on healthcare transition outcomes is fraught with methodological difficulties, making it difficult to generalize and compare findings across studies. To address these gaps, we began an integrative research agenda to develop a multidimensional, multi-informant (i.e., young adult, parent, and healthcare provider versions) measure of healthcare transition outcomes, the Healthcare Transition Outcomes Inventory (HCTOI). Our preliminary qualitative study defined six content domains for the measure. The current study describes the development and refinement of the HCTOI item pool. Results: Using rigorous measurement development methods including mixed qualitative and quantitative methods, the researchers developed a pool of 88 items evaluating the extent to which a young adult with T1D is successful on each of the six domains of healthcare transition outcomes. Ten physician and psychologist experts provided content validity ratings and feedback and the item pool was reduced and refined to 69 items. Cognitive interviews were then conducted on every item with end users (young adults, parents, and healthcare providers) and the item pool was further reduced to 54-item young adult- and parent-versions and a 47-item healthcare provider version. Conclusions: Each stage informed development and refinement of the item pool. The HCTOI represents the first multi-informant, rigorously developed item pool that comprehensively measures the multiple components of the transition from pediatric to adult specialty healthcare. Discussion includes clinical implications and next steps for validation, item reduction and refinement. Disclosure J. Pierce: None. T. Wysocki: None. A. Gannon: None.
How Not to Fight Corruption: Lessons from China

The most effective anticorruption strategies combine prevention and enforcement. Yet the political payoffs are greater for enforcement-centered strategies, even though they often fail to achieve du...
Evolution of Central Stars of Planetary Nebulae Theory

Before discussing observational inputs and actual model calculations, I want to give a very elementary review of the relevant parts of stellar evolution theory. We shall only be dealing with stellar masses M below the Chandrasekhar limiting mass M ch(~1.2–1.45 M ⊙,depending on chemical composition). The inequality M<M ch implies that relativistic effects are not of overriding importance and I will not mention them further (however, all quantitative model calculations which I will mention later include all the relativistic corrections to the equation of state, including radiation pressure which is also not very important). Let us try to estimate how the central temperature T c and (total bolometric) luminosity L varies with central density ρ c or radius R(ρ c~MR −3) for a star of fixed mass.
The Determinants of Life Expectancy—A Case of Four Largest Cities in China

With the sample data from the four largest cities in China, we have examined various impacts of economic growth and government expenditure in health-related fields on life expectancy. Our analysis shows that several factors have contributed to the increase of average life expectancy. In summary, each additional 100 units of GDP per capita, hospital bed and healthcare technician will improve average life expectancy by 1.6 days, 1.8 days and 1 day respectively. Our research will shed some lights on factors that impact life expectancy in Chinese urbanized areas and also help to make a global comparison between metropolitan cities around the world.
Opportunities and challenges of interlayer exciton control and manipulation.

Advances in van der Waals heterostructures allow the control of interlayer excitons by electrical and other means, promising exciting opportunities for high-temperature exciton condensation and valley–spin optoelectronics. This Commentary discusses practical prospects of using electrical control of interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterostructures for high-temperature exciton condensation and valley–spin optoelectronics.
Optimal Executive Compensation vs. Managerial Power: A Review of Lucian Bebchuk and Jesse Fried's

This essay reviews Bebchuk and Fried's "Pay without Performance: The Unfulfilled Promise of Executive Compensation". Bebchuk and Fried criticize the standard view of executive compensation, in which executives negotiate contracts with shareholders that provide incentives that motivate them to maximize the shareholders' welfare. In contrast, Bebchuk and Fried argue that executive compensation is more consistent with executives who control their own boards, and who maximize their own compensation subject to an "outrage constraint". They provide a host of evidence consistent with this alternative viewpoint. The book can be evaluated from both a positive and a normative perspective. From a positive perspective, much of the evidence they present, especially about the camouflage and risk-taking aspects of executive compensation systems, is fairly persuasive. However, from a normative perspective, the book conveys the idea that policy changes can dramatically improve executive compensation systems and consequently overall corporate performance. It is unclear to me how effective in practice are potential reforms designed to achieve such changes likely to be.
Template-based electrodeposition and characterization of niobium nanowires

Abstract Template-based electrodeposition is a versatile technique for the fabrication of freestanding nanowires. However, nanowires of refractory metals, like niobium, have remained inaccessible via this technique due to preferential hydrogen evolution in aqueous solutions. In this work, we have developed a synthetic strategy for template-based electrodeposition of niobium nanowires using an ionic liquid. Optimal growth conditions have been determined using cyclic voltammetry. Structural characterization using transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that the niobium nanowires were polycrystalline with an average grain size of 14 nm. The use of ionic liquid-based electrolytes for nanowire deposition could be expanded to other metals improving material quality due to their high stability, good conductivity, and wide electrochemical window.
High spatial resolution x-ray luminescence computed tomography and x-ray fluorescence computed tomography

X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) and X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) are two emerging technologies in X-ray imaging. In these modalities, images are formed through detection of secondary emissions (light in XLCT, or secondary X-rays in XFCT) following X-ray excitations. XLCT and XFCT enable us to leverage the widely used X-ray imaging for simultaneous in vivo molecular and functional imaging. Depending on the geometry of the excitation X-ray beam (pencil-, fan-, and cone-beam or coded apertures), optimal tradeoff between imaging efficiency and spatial resolution can be achieved. The novel imaging principles of XLCT/XFCT make it possible to achieve a spatial resolution comparable to that of anatomical X-ray imaging. Here, we summarize our studies in this area in the past decade and discuss their prospects.
Use of a Capture-Guidance Surgical Instrument to Minimize Muscle Stripping During Nuss Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Abstract Background: Pectus excavatum is an anomaly of chest wall development in which anterior ribs curve inward and the sternum is displaced toward the vertebral column. The Nuss procedure is a m...
Tissue-engineered transcatheter vein valve.

Abstract Chronic venous insufficiency affects over 2 million patients in the US alone, with severe cases involving thousands of patients with chronic leg ulcers and potential amputation. Current treatment options are limited, with surgical repair of vein valves being the most effective but challenging solution. A transcatheter vein valve made from a biologically-engineered matrix possessing the ability to regenerate has the potential to provide both valve function and long-term hemocompatibility and durability because the matrix becomes endothelialized and populated with host tissue cells. We have developed a novel tissue-engineered transcatheter vein valve (TEVV) on a Nitinol stent and demonstrated function and durability in vitro . Tissue was grown from fibroblasts in fibrin gel so as to embed the stent, with a tubular extension of the engineered tissue from one end of the stent that was stitched along opposite sides and everted into the stent to form a bileaflet valve. Following decellularization , to create an “off-the-shelf” TEVV comprised of the resulting collagenous matrix, it was tested in a pulse duplicator to evaluate hydrodynamic properties for a range of flow rates. The TEVV was shown to have forward pressure drops in the range of 2–4 mmHg, low closing volume , and nil regurgitation . Further hydrodynamic tests were performed after crimping and then again after 1 million cycle durability testing, showing no degradation of valve performance or any visual damage to the matrix. The TEVV held over 600 mmHg backpressure after the durability testing, ensuring the valve would withstand pressure spikes well outside of the normal in vivo range. Catheter-based delivery into the ovine iliac vein demonstrated TEVV closing 2 weeks p.o. and endothelialization without thrombosis 8 weeks p.o.
Impact of chemotherapy on symptoms and symptom clusters in postmenopausal women with breast cancer prior to aromatase inhibitor therapy.

Aims and objectives To examine and compare the differences in symptoms and symptom clusters between postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer who did and did not receive chemotherapy prior to aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. Background Women with breast cancer often experience multiple concurrent symptoms during AI therapy. The burden of symptoms prior to AI is associated with nonadherence to cancer treatment. To date, few studies have comprehensively explored the symptoms and symptom clusters occurring prior to AI therapy. Design Secondary analysis of a prospective repeated-measures study. Methods The sample comprised postmenopausal women (N = 339) with breast cancer who would receive AI therapy with or without chemotherapy. We collected information on 48 symptoms after surgery or chemotherapy but before AI therapy using different symptom assessment tools. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the differences in the severity of symptoms between groups. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine symptom clusters. This study followed STROBE guidelines. Results The most severe symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy were breast sensitivity, unhappy with the appearance of my body, general aches and pain, joint pain and muscle stiffness. Women who received chemotherapy prior to AI therapy experienced significantly higher severity of 22 symptoms than women who did not receive chemotherapy. Through EFA seven distinct symptom clusters were revealed in both groups: cognitive, musculoskeletal, psychological, vasomotor, weight, sexual and urinary, with additional gastrointestinal symptom cluster been identified in women who received chemotherapy. Conclusions This study indicates the presence of symptoms among women with breast cancer prior to AI therapy, with higher severity of symptoms and greater number of symptom clusters for women who received chemotherapy. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses should assess and be aware of symptoms and symptom clusters existed prior to AI therapy and manage them in advance.
Factors Shaping Students' Perceptions of Campus Climate for Civic Learning and Engagement.

This study examined the student characteristics, student engagement, and the campus climate for civic learning and engagement. Using 13,780 student responses to the Personal and Social Responsibili...
Aid Crowd-Out: The Effect of NGOs on Government-Provided Public Services

We document that in poor rural communities where government workers provide basic health services, the entry of an NGO that aims to provide similar services reduces the supply of government workers and total services. This is consistent with the NGO providing the combination of higher pay and stronger incentives for commercial activities. The decline in health services is most pronounced in villages where the NGO hires the government worker, where there is also an increase in infant mortality. In villages without any health worker beforehand, NGO entry unambiguously increases health services and reduces infant mortality.
Stiffness of HIV-1 Mimicking Polymer Nanoparticles Modulates Ganglioside-Mediated Cellular Uptake and Trafficking

The monosialodihexosylganglioside, GM3, and its binding to CD169 (Siglec-1) have been indicated as key factors in the glycoprotein-independent sequestration of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in virus-containing compartments (VCCs) in myeloid cells. Here, lipid-wrapped polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are applied as a virus-mimicking model to characterize the effect of core stiffness on NP uptake and intracellular fate triggered by GM3-CD169 binding in macrophages. GM3-functionalized lipid-wrapped NPs are assembled with poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) as well as with low and high molecular weight polylactic acid (PLAlMW and PLAhMW) cores. The NPs have an average diameter of 146 ± 17 nm and comparable surface properties defined by the self-assembled lipid layer. Due to differences in the glass transition temperature, the Young's modulus (E) differs substantially under physiological conditions between PLGA (E PLGA = 60 ± 32 MPa), PLAlMW (E PLA lMW = 86 ± 25 MPa), and PLAhMW (E PLA hMW = 1.41 ± 0.67 GPa) NPs. Only the stiff GM3-presenting PLAhMW NPs but not the softer PLGA or PLAlMW NPs avoid a lysosomal pathway and localize in tetraspanin (CD9)-positive compartments that resemble VCCs. These observations suggest that GM3-CD169-induced sequestration of NPs in nonlysosomal compartments is not entirely determined by ligand-receptor interactions but also depends on core stiffness.
In established atherosclerosis, P2Y12 inhibitor vs. aspirin monotherapy reduces MI but not stroke or mortality.

SOURCE CITATION Chiarito M, Sanz-Sanchez J, Cannata F, et al. Monotherapy with a P2Y12 inhibitor or aspirin for secondary prevention in patients with established atherosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. 2020;395;1487-95. 32386592.
Infrastructure provision and macroeconomic performance

This paper studies the differences between private and government provision of infrastructure. Capital utilization decisions and their differential role in determining market prices for capital goods under the two regimes of infrastructure provision serve as a critical transmission mechanism for fiscal policy. A subsidy to private providers of infrastructure is preferable to direct government provision irrespective of how the subsidy or expenditure is financed. The case for private provision is much stronger in economies characterized by high levels of congestion. The choice between private and government provision also has a crucial effect on the design of optimal fiscal policy. & 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Age-related differences in humerothoracic, scapulothoracic, and glenohumeral kinematics during elevation and rotation motions

Abstract Age affects gross shoulder range of motion (ROM), but biomechanical changes over a lifetime are typically only characterized for the humerothoracic joint. Suitable age-related baselines for the scapulothoracic and glenohumeral contributions to humerothoracic motion are needed to advance understanding of shoulder injuries and pathology. Notably, biomechanical comparisons between younger or older populations may obscure detected differences in underlying shoulder motion. Herein, biplane fluoroscopy and skin-marker motion analysis quantified humerothoracic, scapulothoracic, and glenohumeral motion during 3 static poses (resting neutral, internal rotation to L4-L5, and internal rotation to maximum reach) and 2 dynamic activities (scapular plane abduction and external rotation in adduction). Orientations during static poses and rotations during active ROM were compared between subjects 45 years of age (N = 10 subjects per group). Numerous age-related kinematic differences were measured, ranging 5–22°, where variations in scapular orientation and motion were consistently observed. These disparities are on par with or exceed mean clinically important differences and standard error of measurement of clinical ROM, which indicates that high resolution techniques and appropriately matched controls are required to avoid confounding results of studies that investigate shoulder kinematics. Understanding these dissimilarities will help clinicians manage expectations and treatment protocols where indications and prevalence between age groups tend to differ. Where possible, it is advised to select age-matched control cohorts when studying the kinematics of shoulder injury, pathology, or surgical/physical therapy interventions to ensure clinically important differences are not overlooked.