cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Approaches to Protein Structural Analyses Using Combinations of Optical Spectroscopic Methods (Electronic and Vibrational Circular Dichroism and Ftir Studies)

We have developed a general approach for optimization of structural information derivable from a combination of protein vibrational and electronic circular dichroism (VCD, ECD) and FTIR spectra which goes beyond the traditional interpretation of these spectra in terms of the fractional composition (FC) of different secondary structure types. This approach stems from our observation [1] that for all these methods, the optimal prediction of the protein secondary structural composition requires reduction of the available spectral information. In other words, there are observable spectral features in protein spectra that are related to other structural features of the protein. We have first focussed on structural factors that might induce observable spectral changes in the optical spectra. Novel structural descriptors that can quantify these structural factors were developed for proteins whose structure is known from x-ray crystallography. Then a systematically obtained set of various types of optical spectra was measured for a reference set of proteins. Finally mathematical algorithms were developed for determination of relationship between the spectra and the selected structural descriptor.
Ivermectin-compounded Feed Compared with Topical Moxidectin–Imidacloprid for Eradication of Demodex musculi in Laboratory Mice

Demodex musculi is a prostigmatid follicular mite that has rarely been reported in laboratory mice. Although prevalence of this species has not been assessed formally, we have found that many imported mouse strains from noncommercial sources harbor Demodex mites. To assess whether an acaricide can be used to eradicate this mite, infested immunocompromised mice were provided ivermectin-compounded (12 ppm) feed without restriction for 8 wk (n = 10), were treated topically with moxidectin and imidacloprid (MI; 3 and 13 mg/kg, respectively) weekly for 8 wk (n = 10), or remained untreated (n = 10). Mice were confirmed to be mite-infested before treatment and were tested after treatment by using fur plucks (FP), deep skin scrapes (DSS), and PCR analysis of fur swabs. In addition, the presence of mites was confirmed through skin biopsies at 2 study endpoints (1 wk [n = 5] and 12 wk [ n = 5] after treatment). Samples collected before treatment and from untreated mice were positive for D. musculi at all time points and by all test modalities. After treatment, all ivermectin-treated animals remained infested, whereas mice treated with MI were repeatedly negative by all test modalities. An additional shortened treatment trial revealed that 4 wk of MI (n = 7) was insufficient to eradicate mites. Neither treatment produced any evidence of adverse effects according to hematology, serum chemistry parameters, behavior, body weight, and histopathology. Of the 70 PCR assays performed in treated mice, 14 were positive when FP+DSS was negative. In 6 cases where PCR results were negative, 5 were positive by FP+DSS and a single sample was positive on skin biopsy. Although PCR analysis has a high detection rate for D. musculi, FP+DSS can further enhance the detection rate. In conclusion, topical MI administered for 8 consecutive weeks can safely eradicate D. musculi from an immunocompromised mouse strain.
Adenosine 2a Receptor Signal Blockade of Murine Autoimmune Arthritis via Inhibition of Pathogenic Germinal Center-Follicular Helper T Cells.

Objective CD4 germinal center (GC)-follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are important in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. Previous studies have shown that adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR; Adora2a) signaling can divert CD4 T cells away from the GC-Tfh cell lineage during the primary response to foreign antigens. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of A2aR signaling on CD4 T cells during the recognition of self antigen in a murine model of autoimmune arthritis. Methods Wild-type and Adora2a-deficient mouse KRN T cell receptor-transgenic CD4 T cells specific for glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI)/I-Ag7 were transferred into immunodeficient Tcra-/- I-Ag7 -expressing mice to induce arthritis. Recipients were then treated with either the selective A2aR agonist CGS-21680 (CGS) or phosphate buffered saline alone. Severity of disease, autoantibody titers, KRN T cell numbers and phenotype, and GPI-specific isotype class-switched plasmablasts were tracked. Results CGS treatment inhibited the development of arthritis and differentiation of KRN GC-Tfh cells, blocked the appearance of high-affinity GPI-specific and IgG1 isotype class-switched polyclonal plasmablasts, and led to a reduction in serum titers of anti-GPI IgG1. In addition, therapeutic administration of CGS after the onset of arthritis blocked further disease progression in association with reductions in the number of KRN GC-Tfh cells and anti-GPI IgG1 serum titers. Conclusion Strong A2aR signaling diverts autoreactive CD4 T cell differentiation away from the GC-Tfh cell lineage, thus reducing help for the differentiation of dangerous autoreactive B cells that promote arthritis. These data in a mouse model of autoimmune arthritis suggest that A2aR and its downstream signaling pathways in CD4 T cells may be promising therapeutic targets for interfering with potentially dangerous autoreactive GC-Tfh cell differentiation.
Impact of prevalence and case distribution in lab-based diagnostic imaging studies.

We investigated effects of prevalence and case distribution on radiologist diagnostic performance as measured by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and sensitivity-specificity in lab-based reader studies evaluating imaging devices. Our retrospective reader studies compared full-field digital mammography (FFDM) to screen-film mammography (SFM) for women with dense breasts. Mammograms were acquired from the prospective Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial. We performed five reader studies that differed in terms of cancer prevalence and the distribution of noncancers. Twenty radiologists participated in each reader study. Using split-plot study designs, we collected recall decisions and multilevel scores from the radiologists for calculating sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. Differences in reader-averaged AUCs slightly favored SFM over FFDM (biggest AUC difference: 0.047, SE = 0.023, p = 0.047), where standard error accounts for reader and case variability. The differences were not significant at a level of 0.01 (0.05/5 reader studies). The differences in sensitivities and specificities were also indeterminate. Prevalence had little effect on AUC (largest difference: 0.02), whereas sensitivity increased and specificity decreased as prevalence increased. We found that AUC is robust to changes in prevalence, while radiologists were more aggressive with recall decisions as prevalence increased.
Revival of water table experiment in fluid mechanics courses, part II:

In a classroom environment, after a comprehensive theoretical discussion of compressible flows, it is beneficial to conduct a visual experiment in which students can observe these flows and some of...
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor: Long-Term Complications After Cytoreduction and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare intra-abdominal soft tissue sarcoma affecting adolescents and young adults. Cytoreduction, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC), and adjuvant radiotherapy may improve local control. We review our experience with patients who undergo CRS/HIPEC and adjuvant radiotherapy for DSRCT. A retrospective review was performed for patients with DSRCT from 2013 to 2017 who underwent CRS/HIPEC. Clinicopathologic, operative, and outcome data were reviewed. Ten CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed for nine patients (7 males, 6 Caucasian, median age 19 years (range 10–24)). Four patients presented with extra-abdominal disease; five had liver involvement. The median peritoneal cancer index was 16 (range 5–20). All received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CCR 0/1 resection was possible in nine patients. Major complications occurred in four with no operative mortalities. All received adjuvant chemotherapy, seven received radiation therapy, and three received stem-cell transplant. All but one patient recurred after treatment. The median recurrence-free and overall survival (OS) were 12 and 45 months (95% confidence interval 35.1–54.9) respectively, with a 3-year OS of 55%. Long-term parenteral nutrition was required in eight for a median of 261 days (range 37–997). Clinically significant long-term complications requiring further surgery included gastroparesis (N = 1), small bowel obstruction (N = 3) and hemorrhagic cystitis (N = 2). Multimodal therapy for DSRCT consisting of multiagent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, CRS/HIPEC, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is associated with potential cumulative toxicity. Recurrence after resection is common. Prolonged parenteral nutrition may be necessary, and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications may require additional treatment.
On the Dynamic Response of Flow-Induced Vibration of Nonlinear Structures

Fundamentals of Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) of a nonlinear structure placed in the wake of a prismatic bluff body is studied, experimentally. Elastically mounted prismatic structures placed in flow can undergo Flow-Induced Vibration (FIV). Flow forces acting on these structures consist of a main frequency, close to the natural frequency of the system, as well as its higher harmonic components. Mostly in FIV studies, the structural stiffness is provided through linear springs. The linearity of the structure limits occurrence of potential large amplitude oscillations at higher harmonics of the main frequency. In this study, an inherently nonlinear structure is implemented in FIV study of a prismatic structure. The results show that large amplitude, low frequency galloping type oscillation is accompanied by large contributions from the higher harmonics in the frequency content of the oscillations. Numerical simulation using Differential Quadrature Method was conducted to identify the optimum structural configurations for coupling between the higher harmonics and natural frequencies of the system.
Tailored medication adherence incentives for high-risk children with asthma: a pilot study

Objective: While reminder-based electronic monitoring systems have shown promise in enhancing inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) adherence in select populations, more engaging strategies may be needed in...
Trigger Rate Monitoring Tools at CMS

One of the major challenges for the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS)experiment, is the task of reducing event rate from roughly 40 MHz down to a more manageable 1 kHz while keeping as many interesting physics events as possible. This is accomplished through the use of a Level-1 (L1) hardware based trigger as well as a software based High-Level Trigger (HLT). Monitoring and understanding the output rates of the L1 and HLT triggers is of key importance for determining the overall performance of the trigger system and is intimately tied to what type of data is being recorded for physics analyses. We present here a collection of tools used by CMS to monitor the L1 and HLT trigger rates. One of these tools is a script (run in the CMS control room) that gives valuable real-time feedback of trigger rates to the shift crew. Another useful tool is a plotting library, that is used for observing how trigger rates vary over a range of beam and detector conditions, in particular how the rates of individual triggers scale with event pile-up.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) Detection with Nanoprobes for Biological Applications: A Mini-review

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important member of the reactive oxygen species, playing various roles in biology and medicine. The conventional detection methods for H2O2 are often restricted by their limited sensitivity, poor selectivity towards H2O2, inappropriate physicochemical properties for detection in biological environments, long response time, etc. We briefly review here some recent nanotechnology--based approaches for H2O2 detection, which present an effective improvement, overcoming some of the limitations of the conventional H2O2 sensing techniques.
Long-term changes in mole cricket body size associated with enemy-free space and a novel range

Exotic species can cause ecosystem and landscape-level changes in their novel ranges, but factors associated with novel ranges can also change the invaders. By tracking trait changes over space and time, we can learn about the future ecological and economic implications of invasive species’ dispersal. Here, we investigated body size changes of two invasive mole cricket species, Neoscapteriscus borellii and N. vicinus, introduced to the U.S. from South America (≈ 1904) without natural enemies, and later exposed to them (≈ 1980) through classical biological control. We compared body sizes of N. vicinus and N. borellii in the novel range from before biological control and 30 years after, as well as N. borellii in its native range at the same time period. Contrary to expectations, our data suggest that N. borellii and N. vicinus body sizes have increased since re-establishment of interactions with their natural enemies. Our results also suggest that N. borellii body size decreased in enemy-free space after U.S. invasion and prior to biological control. Selection or reduced intraspecific competition, both likely associated with biological control, may explain the changes in body size over time. Although these results warrant further research, they provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of invasion and classical biological control.
Alu insertion polymorphisms shared by Papio baboons and Theropithecus gelada reveal an intertwined common ancestry

Baboons (genus Papio) and geladas (Theropithecus gelada) are now generally recognized as close phylogenetic relatives, though morphologically quite distinct and generally classified in separate genera. Primate specific Alu retrotransposons are well-established genomic markers for the study of phylogenetic and population genetic relationships. We previously reported a computational reconstruction of Papio phylogeny using large-scale whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis of Alu insertion polymorphisms. Recently, high coverage WGS was generated for Theropithecus gelada. The objective of this study was to apply the high-throughput “poly-Detect” method to computationally determine the number of Alu insertion polymorphisms shared by T. gelada and Papio, and vice versa, by each individual Papio species and T. gelada. Secondly, we performed locus-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays on a diverse DNA panel to complement the computational data. We identified 27,700 Alu insertions from T. gelada WGS that were also present among six Papio species, with nearly half (12,956) remaining unfixed among 12 Papio individuals. Similarly, each of the six Papio species had species-indicative Alu insertions that were also present in T. gelada. In general, P. kindae shared more insertion polymorphisms with T. gelada than did any of the other five Papio species. PCR-based genotype data provided additional support for the computational findings. Our discovery that several thousand Alu insertion polymorphisms are shared by T. gelada and Papio baboons suggests a much more permeable reproductive barrier between the two genera then previously suspected. Their intertwined evolution likely involves a long history of admixture, gene flow and incomplete lineage sorting.
Increasing the Pleasure and Enjoyment of Exercise: A Novel Resistance-Training Protocol.

This study was designed to test the effect of an increasing- (UP) or decreasing-intensity (DOWN) resistance-training (RT) protocol on the pleasure and enjoyment of RT. The participants (N = 40; mean age = 35.0 ± 9.2 years) completed two RT sessions comprising 3 × 10 repetitions of six exercises. In the UP condition, load progressively increased from 55% to 75% of 1-repetition maximum, while in the DOWN condition, this pattern was reversed (i.e., 75-55% 1-repetition maximum). The DOWN condition resulted in more overall pleasure compared with UP and a slope of increasing pleasure, while the UP condition resulted in decreasing pleasure. Enjoyment of RT, postexercise pleasure, and remembered pleasure were all significantly greater for DOWN compared with UP (all ps > .01). These findings suggest that decreasing RT intensity throughout an exercise bout can elicit a positive slope of pleasure and enhance affective evaluations of exercise.
Reexamining the Mission Architecture Decision of Project Apollo: A New Parametric Perspective

Although the historical and technical details of Project Apollo have been extensively documented in literature, current records indicate that there is still a lack of an early-design-phase, physics...
Early Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity in U.S. Adults

Purpose: To examine the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in U.S. adults, and whether changes in physical activity levels differed by demographics. Method: U.S. adults (N = 262) completed an online survey between April 10-May 5, 2020. Using the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), participants reported minutes of vigorous, moderate, and walking physical activity for a typical week in February 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and for the past 7 days (early-COVID-19). Results: Participants (82% female, 20% Hispanic, 41% overweight/obese) ranged in age from 18-79 (M=32.9, SD=12.3) years. On average, vigorous intensity (-61.7 min/week, 37% decrease), moderate intensity (-84.1 min/week, 47% decrease), and walking (-104.4 min/week, 33% decrease) physical activity were significantly reduced, with greater reductions for adults who were not working, Hispanic, or from lower income households. Conclusion: Vulnerable population sub-groups may be harder hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of its impact on health-related behaviors.
Association between birth attendant and early newborn care in Senegal

Abstract Objective To examine the association between type of birth attendant and early newborn care in Senegal. Design This was a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2017 Continuous Demographic and Health Survey. Participants The study included data on 6328 women with live births in the three years preceding the survey. Measurements The main exposure was the type of birth attendant (doctor, nurse/midwife, auxiliary midwife/matrone, traditional birth attendant, or “others (friend, relative, or no one)). We assessed three outcomes: 1) early initiation of breastfeeding, 2) breastfeeding support, and 3) cord examination. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of early newborn care after adjusting for potential confounders. Findings The coverage of all three newborn care indicators of interest was low. In the adjusted regression models, women whose births were assisted by a nurse/midwife were nearly twice as likely to initiate breastfeeding early compared to those assisted by doctors (odds ratio: 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-3.45). Women assisted at birth by doctors were significantly more likely to report breastfeeding support and newborn cord examination than those assisted by other types of birth attendants. Conclusions and implications for practice Although most recent births were facility-based and assisted by skilled birth attendants, the prevalence of early newborn care was suboptimal. This presents a missed opportunity to improve neonatal outcomes. Training and supporting skilled birth attendants may bridge the gap between opportunity and practice, and lead to improved coverage and quality of newborn care in Senegal.
Virtual audits of the urban streetscape: comparing the inter-rater reliability of GigaPan® to Google Street View

Although previous research has highlighted the association between the built environment and individual health, methodological challenges in assessing the built environment remain. In particular, many researchers have demonstrated the high inter-rater reliability of assessing large or objective built environment features and the low inter-rater reliability of assessing small or subjective built environment features using Google Street View. New methods for auditing the built environment must be evaluated to understand if there are alternative tools through which researchers can assess all types of built environment features with high agreement. This paper investigates measures of inter-rater reliability of GigaPan®, a tool that assists with capturing high-definition panoramic images, relative to Google Street View. Street segments (n = 614) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the United States were randomly selected to audit using GigaPan® and Google Street View. Each audit assessed features related to land use, traffic and safety, and public amenities. Inter-rater reliability statistics, including percent agreement, Cohen’s kappa, and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) were calculated for 106 street segments that were coded by two, different, human auditors. Most large-scale, objective features (e.g. bus stop presence or stop sign presence) demonstrated at least substantial inter-rater reliability for both methods, but significant differences emerged across finely detailed features (e.g. trash) and features at segment endpoints (e.g. sidewalk continuity). After adjusting for the effects of bias and prevalence, the inter-rater reliability estimates were consistently higher for almost all built environment features across GigaPan® and Google Street View. GigaPan® is a reliable, alternative audit tool to Google Street View for studying the built environment. GigaPan® may be particularly well-suited for built environment projects with study settings in areas where Google Street View imagery is nonexistent or updated infrequently. The potential for enhanced, detailed imagery using GigaPan® will be most beneficial in studies in which current, time sensitive data are needed or microscale built environment features would be challenging to see in Google Street View. Furthermore, to better understand the effects of prevalence and bias in future reliability studies, researchers should consider using PABAK to supplement or expand upon Cohen’s kappa findings.
A systematic review examining the relationship between food insecurity and early childhood physiological health outcomes

Food insecurity, or limited access to nutritious foods, is a significant public health concern especially among vulnerable populations including infants and young children in low-income households. While literature to date has thoroughly examined the psychological and behavioral impacts of food insecurity on children, no known study to date has specifically synthesized the literature exploring the relationship between food insecurity and physiological health outcomes during early childhood. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on physiological health outcomes associated with food insecurity during early childhood among children aged 0-5 years in developed countries. Our literature search sources included PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Embase databases. A total of 657 articles published up to September 2019 were reviewed for eligibility by two coders, with a third reviewer in cases of disagreement. Eighty-three articles remained after screening by abstract, with a final 27 studies ultimately included in the final synthesis. This review is registered with PROSPERO and adhered to PRISMA guidelines. In total, 20 articles (74%) noted significant relationships between food insecurity and physiological health outcomes in young children. Findings included an association with overweight or obesity (n = 9), anemia (n = 3), poor child health (n = 3), low birth weight (n = 3), chronic illness (n = 1), special health care needs (n = 1), and increased cortisol (n = 1), in young children who experience food insecurity. Identifying relationships between food insecurity and health outcomes during early childhood has the potential to inform future prevention interventions to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable populations.
Transcriptional co-activator regulates melanocyte differentiation and oncogenesis by integrating cAMP and MAPK/ERK pathways

Summary The cyclic AMP pathway promotes melanocyte differentiation in part by triggering gene expression changes mediated by CREB and its coactivators (CRTC1-3). Differentiation is dysregulated in melanomas, although the contributions of different cAMP effectors in this setting is unclear. We report a selective differentiation impairment in CRTC3 KO melanocytes and melanoma cells, due to downregulation of OCA2 and block of melanosome maturation. CRTC3 stimulated OCA2 expression via binding to CREB on a conserved enhancer, a regulatory site for pigmentation and melanoma risk in humans. Response to cellular signaling differed between CRTC3 and its family members; CRTC3 was uniquely activated by ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation at Ser391 and by low levels of cAMP. Phosphorylation at Ser391 was constitutively elevated in human melanoma cells with hyperactivated ERK1/2 signaling; knockout of CRTC3 in this setting impaired anchorage-independent growth, migration and invasiveness while CRTC3 overexpression supported cell survival in response to MAPK inhibition by vemurafenib. Human melanomas expressing gain of function mutations in CRTC3 were associated with poorer clinical outcome. Our results suggest that CRTC3 inhibition may provide benefit in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and melanoma, and potentially other disorders with deregulated cAMP/MAPK crosstalk.
An evaluation of palbociclib as a breast cancer treatment option: a current update

Patients with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer have benefitted from treatment with palbociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor capable of ...
Oligomerization of the Human Adenosine A2A Receptor Is Driven by the Intrinsically Disordered C-Terminus

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have long been shown to exist as oligomers with functional properties distinct from those of the monomeric counterparts, but the driving factors of GPCR oligomerization remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we focus on the human adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), a model GPCR that forms oligomers both in vitro and in vivo. Combining experimental and computational approaches, we discover that the intrinsically disordered C-terminus of A2AR drives the homo-oligomerization of the receptor. The formation of A2AR oligomers declines progressively and systematically with the shortening of the C-terminus. Multiple interaction sites and types are responsible for A2AR oligomerization, including disulfide linkages, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. These interactions are enhanced by depletion interactions along the C-terminus, forming a tunable network of bonds that allow A2AR oligomers to adopt multiple interfaces. This study uncovers the disordered C-terminus as a prominent driving factor for the oligomerization of a GPCR, offering important guidance for structure-function studies of A2AR and other GPCRs.
Thawing out: understanding adjustment to housing first through an ecological and trauma-informed lens

In 2017, a small community with a population of approximately thirty-thousand people opened a new facility to serve homeless residents. This facility was organized around Housing First (HF) princip...
Electronic surface and heterostructure: band offsets in ternary wurtzite and zincblende III-nitrides

The band structures of wurtzite and zincblende III-nitrides are aligned by the electron affinities and the band gaps calculated using a unified hybrid density-functional theory. Based on the Anderson’s electron-affinity rule, the conduction (and valence) band offsets of 1.60 (1.15), 2.47 (0.30), and 4.07 (1.45) eV have been extracted for wurtzite GaN/InN, AlN/GaN, and AlN/InN interfaces, where the conduction (and valence) band offsets of 1.85 (0.89), 1.32 (0.43), and 3.17 (1.32) eV have been procured for zincblende GaN/InN, AlN/GaN, and AlN/InN interfaces, respectively. The valence band edges of both wurtzite and zincblende ternary III-nitrides could be linearly interpolated because the dominant anion compositions at the valence band maximum have a weak dependence on the cation mole fractions. Contrarily, the large bowings on the conduction band edges are attributed to the cation-like nature. Both wurtzite and zincblende AlGaN behaves differently from InGaN and AlInN because (1) the conduction band edges at Γ-valley are composed of anion orbitals, which account for the linear relationship between the conduction band edges and the cation mole fractions, and (2) the conduction band edges of zincblende AlxGa1-xN shift from Γ- to X-valley when x > 0.65, which results in an anion-to- cation transition and leads to a large conduction-band-edge bowing.
What Drives Water Utility Selection of Pricing Methods? Evidence from California

Water pricing is a demand management strategy to address the looming challenge of greater water scarcity in arid regions. Much of the literature on residential water rates focuses on evaluating the impact of pricing on household conservation. A separate, but rarely addressed question is what motivates a water utility to select a particular rate structure and the timing of doing so. We assess utilities’ decisions to adopt pro-conservation rate structures, such as increasing block rates and water budget rates. We develop a conceptual model of utility decision-making regarding the transition to pro-conservation rates and apply it to California. We examine the relationship between rate adoption and characteristics of utilities and customers using logistic regression and a balanced panel dataset of 323 California water systems from 2006-2015. We find a notable shift towards pro-conservation rates, which 71% of California utilities had by 2015, compared to 44% in 2006. Capacity factors associated with adoption include size of service population and customer income level, while motivating factors include peer adoption, greater customer engagement, and special district governance. Overall, this study provides insight into barriers to pro-conservation pricing, which can inform policies to enable transitions and advance conservation goals.
Explanation and Understanding in History

One of the main themes of von Wright’s book Explanation and Understanding is the claim that “the practical syllogism provides the sciences of man with… an explanation model in its own right [and one] which is a definite alternative to the subsumption-theoretic covering law model”. He continues, “Broadly speaking, what the subsumption-theoretic [or Hempelian D-N] model is to causal explanation and explanation in the natural sciences, the practical syllogism is to teleological explanation and explanation in history and the social sciences” (EU, 27).1
EXPLORING THE FRUSTRATED QUEST FOR GREATER EQUALITY IN THE U.S.

The ideal of greater equality has been an important part of America's self‐image. From the time of the U.S. revolution, when equality was a component in our battle cry for freedom, various political movements have held the ideal of greater equality as central to their programs. More than mere political rhetoric, reducing inequality has been the goal of a broad array of public measures. Yet despite all efforts, wealth and income distribution have changed relatively little in U.S. history.
Accuracy enhancement of parameter estimation for noisy NMR spectra

An ARMA(M,M-1) modeling is implemented by the multi-stage linear least squares. This modeling technique is applied to the analysis of noisy NMR signals. A new method is proposed to eliminate the spurious peaks by utilizing the phase angle difference between the real and imaginary data. The proposed method is tested to simulated and experimental17O, NMR spectra with seven peaks. The results are compared to those by the autoregressive (AR) Householder triangularization decomposition (QRD). The proposed ARMA(M,M-1) model yields more accurate and consistent parameter estimation than AR model in the noisy spectra.
Measurement Characteristics of the Finding Embedded Figures Test: A Comparison Across Three Samples and Two Response Formats:

This study applied classical measurement theory to investigate the measurement characteristics of both parts of the Finding Embedded Figures Test (FEFT), when the test is administered in either a "no guessing" supply format or a multiple-choice selection format, and when the FEFT is administered to either undergraduate college students or to middle-school students. Coefficient alpha for the FEFT ranged between 0.81 and 0.90 across samples and administration formats. Items generally had desirable psychometric characteristics across studies.
Dispersionless single-mode fibers with trapezoidal-index profiles in the wavelength region near 1.5 microm

The transmission performance of trapezoidal-index profile single-mode fibers that can operate with zero dispersion in the 1.5-microm region has been investigated. The exact numerical calculations of propagation characteristics for these lightguides established a variety of relationships in terms of the parameters of a trapezoidal-index profile. One of the profile parameters that defines the shape of a trapezoid is the aspect ratio S, which ranges between 0 and 1. It was found that as the aspect ratio decreases from 1.0 to 0.3 the optimum core radius of the fiber gradually increases. But when S is <0.3, it approaches a constant equal to the value of the triangular-index profile (S = 0).
Novel S‐Adenosylmethionine‐Dependent Indole‐N‐Methylation of β‐Carbolines in Brain Particulate Fractions

Guinea pig brain S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent N-methyltransferase activity toward physiologically relevant beta-carboline (BC) substrates was examined with reverse-phase HPLC and radiochemical detection. Representative BCs, norharman and harmine, were enzymatically methylated on the 2[beta]-nitrogen by [3H]CH3-SAM in undialyzed homogenates to yield 2[beta]-methylated BCs and subsequently on the 9[indole]-nitrogen to generate 2,9-dimethylated BC products. This may be the first account of mammalian indole N-methyl transfer. There was no HPLC evidence for 9-methyl BC or (from carbon methylation) 2,6-dimethyl BC products. Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the structures of the 2,9-dimethyl and 2-methyl products of norharman. The 2[beta]- and 9[indole]-N-methylation activities were mainly in the nuclear fractions and were negligible in undialyzed cytosol. This differs from the cytosolic SAM-dependent N-methylations reported with other azaheterocyclics, including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-BCs. The involvement of a single enzyme was suggested because the two N-methyl transfers with BC substrate had similar subcellular activity patterns, regional brain distributions, and Km and Vmax values. Sequential N-methylation of various BCs that have been observed in vivo may be a unique route to centrally retained N2,N9-dimethylated beta-carbolinium ions. Because they resemble the synthetic parkinsonian toxicant, N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, with respect to structure and neurotoxic activity, such "bioactivated" carbolinium ions could be endogenous causative factors in Parkinson's disease.
One Semester or Two? No Student Advantage With a Two-Semester Introductory Psychology Course

A 2-semester introductory course sequence in any discipline may be justified on the basis that there is too much material to cover in 1 semester and that more in-depth consideration of material will provide students with a better foundation from which to approach subsequent courses. This study took advantage of a natural situation to compare students who had taken a 1-semester introductory psychology course and those who had taken a 2-semester sequence. Analyses of student performance (grades) in upper level psychology courses indicated no advantage associated with a 2-semester introductory course. Students incur a 100% cost increase (the additional introductory course) for 0% benefit.
Covalently Linked AcrB Giant Offers a New Powerful Tool for Mechanistic Analysis of Multidrug Efflux in Bacteria

In gram-negative bacteria, multidrug transporters belonging to the r esistance- n odulation-cell d ivision (RND) superfamily of proteins are responsible for high intrinsic and acquired levels of antibiotic resistance. Since their discovery in 1993 ([2][1]), RND transporters have been the focus of
Modulation spectroscopy characterization of InP and GaAs solar cells

Abstract We used modulation spectroscopy to characterize InP and GaAs photovoltaic solar cells. The clear-cut Franz-Keldysh oscillations displayed by solar cell modulation spectra make it possible to directly measure the electric field at the p-n junction of typical devices. Byperforming this measurement under different bias conditions, the impurity concentration in the base of the solar cells was obtained. Measurements were made both using electrical modulation and electrical bias and, alternatively, using contactless optical modulation and optical bias.
Generation Y and the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Match: A Cross-sectional Study of the 2011 Match Outcomes.

Plastic surgery ranks among the most competitive specialties in medicine. Traditionally, plastic surgery training took place following completion of general surgery, otolaryngology, neurosurgery, orthopedic, or oral maxillofacial surgery in what is termed the independent track. Since the integrated track for plastic surgery residency training was formally sanctioned approximately 20 years ago,1 it has become a popular choice for students seeking plastic surgery training. The advantages of the integrated track include entering the specialty directly out of medical school and integrating general surgery training into the plastic surgery curriculum. The total number of integrated plastic surgery positions available has increased over the past decade.2 However, the number of integrated plastic surgery applicants has increased accordingly over the same time, maintaining a net match rate of approximately 50% over this period of time. Interestingly, the proportion of applicants ranking only integrated plastic surgery programs has increased linearly from 12.7% in 2002 to 38.0% in 2010.2 Though the applicants ranking only plastic surgery had increased odds of matching compared to applicants who ranked other specialties as well, those ranking only plastic surgery programs run the risk of failing to match altogether given the competitive nature of the application process. The present-day plastic surgery training paradigm has changed significantly compared to a prior generation. Likewise, applicants seeking to enter plastic surgery training today may have different goals and expectations compared to those from prior generations. Generation Y is the most educated generation in history, and although members tend to set high expectations of themselves, unlike generation X-ers, generation Y-ers tend to be more optimistic and are more likely to believe that they can change the world.3 Plastic surgery training remains highly competitive and continues to attract academically accomplished applicants. We sought to characterize the predictors of successful matching into integrated plastic surgery programs in the context of the recently increasing proportion of applicants hailing from the millennial generation.
Facilitating Failure: Parole, Reentry, and Obstacles to Success

The emergence of the “Prisoner Reentry Industry (PRI)” has produced a multitude of mechanisms that now control the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals. These mechanisms and the resulting practices of the politically, socially, and economically advantaged entities afforded such control has resulted in adverse effects on the individuals directly affected by what is seemingly coercive action. New York State Parole began to contract private entities to provide parolee programs and services in an effort to reduce costs in the wake of a shrinking parole budget. This practice has created adverse effects on the daily lives of parolees and serves to inhibit the reintegration process, resulting in negative consequences for parolees, their families, and the public.
Helioseismic Observation of the Structure and Dynamics of a Rotating Sunspot Beneath the Solar Surface

Time-distance helioseismology is applied to study the subphotospheric structures and dynamics of an unusually fast-rotating sunspot observed by the Michelson Doppler Imager on bead SOH0 in 2000 August. The subsurface sound speed structures and velocity fields are obtained for the sunspot region at different depths from 0 to 12 Mm. By comparing the subsurface sound speed variations with the surface magnetic field, we find evidence for structural twists beneath the visible surface of this active region, which may indicate that magnetic twists often seen at the photosphere also exist beneath the photosphere. We also report on the observation of subsurface horizontal vortical flows that extend to a depth of 5 Mm around this rotating sunspot and present evidence that opposite vortical flows may exist below 9 Mm. It is suggested that the vortical flows around this active region may build up a significant amount of magnetic helicity and energy to power solar eruptions. Monte Carlo simulation has been performed to estimate the error propagation, and in addition the sunspot umbra is masked to test the reliability of our inversion results. On the basis of the three-dimensional velocity fields obtained from the time-distance helioseismology inversions, we estimate the subsurface kinetic helicity at different depths for the first time and conclude that it is comparable to the current helicity estimated from vector magnetograms.
Prospective assessment of survival, morbidity, and cost associated with lymphadenectomy in low-risk endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objective Since 1999, patients with low risk endometrial cancer (EC) as defined by the Mayo criteria have preferably not undergone lymphadenectomy (LND) at our institution. Here we prospectively assess survival, sites of recurrence, morbidity, and cost in this low risk cohort. Methods Cause-specific survival (CSS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Complications were graded per the Accordion Classification. Thirty-day cost analyses were expressed in 2010 Medicare dollars. Results Among 1393 consecutive surgically managed cases, 385 (27.6%) met inclusion criteria, accounting for 34.1% of type I EC. There were 80 LND and 305 non-LND cases. Complications in the first 30days were significantly more common in the LND cohort (37.5% vs. 19.3%; P P =0.32). None of the 11 total recurrences occurred in the pelvic or para-aortic nodal areas. Median 30-day cost of care was $15,678 for LND cases compared to $11,028 for non-LND cases ( P Conclusion Lymphadenectomy dramatically increases morbidity and cost of care without discernible benefits in low-risk EC as defined by the Mayo criteria. In these low-risk patients, hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy alone is appropriate surgical management and should be standard of care.
An analysis of the effect of friction on sheet drawing

Abstract A detailed analysis of sheet drawing has been undertaken, employing the slipline field approach, that includes the effect of friction. The calculations indicate that, for a given die semiangle and reduction, increasing the friction decreases the die pressure and increases both the mean drawing stress (the work of deformation) and the midplane hydrostatic tension. Because of this last effect, die friction will enhance structural damage during sheet drawing. Experimental confirmation of the results was obtained from sheet drawing experiments, where, for a variety of drawing conditions, measured separating forces and drawing stresses closely agreed with those analytically determined. Further, agreement was obtained from comparative density measurements on commercially pure titanium drawn under conditions of good and poor lubrication.
Inhibitor of adenosine3′ ,5′-monophosphate binding and protein kinase activity in leucocyte lysosomes

Abstract In contrast to other tissues (e.g. brain, heart), no cAMP dependent protein kinase activity and little cAMP-binding activity could be detected in crude homogenates of purified human PMN leucocytes. This was due to the presence of an inhibitor of cAMP binding and protein kinase activity in PMN leucocytes. Since the inhibitor was entirely segregated in PMN lysosomes (rich in β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase), lysosomefree supernatants yielded cAMP-dependent protein kinase (> 5-fold stimulation with 5 μM cAMP) and considerable cAMP binding activity. The inhibitor was not dialyzable, and unlike the usual protein kinase modulators, was heat-labile. Preparations of beef-heart protein kinase, treated with the PMN inhibitor, lost cAMP-binding and protein kinase activities simultaneously. The presence of this lysosomal inhibitor may invalidate studies of cAMP binding and protein kinase activities in crude homogenates prepared from lysosome-rich tissues.
Why Do Social Work Students Engage in Lesbian and Gay Rights Activism

This paper considers the contexts and motivations as to why some social work students engage in lesbian and gay rights activism. To explain electoral and protesting modes of activism, this study utilized variables from resource, mobilizing, and framing theories of political participation to explain activism related to gay and lesbian rights. After gathering data on 159 undergraduate social work majors, regressions suggest that economic resources failed to explain participation in gay and lesbian politics. Instead, the predictors of gay and lesbian activism more closely aligned with four key variables: educational attainment, communicating with full-fledged activists, having an ability to recognize heterosexism, and maintaining a commitment to social justice.
Immunization with Outer Surface Protein (Osp) A, but Not OspC, Provides Cross-Protection of Mice Challenged with North American Isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi

The identification of antigens with the capacity to induce a broad spectrum of protective immunity is an important consideration in the design of a Lyme disease vaccine. In this study, the range of protection provided by outer surface protein (Osp) A or OspC vaccination was compared. Mice actively immunized with OspA or OspC were challenged with 3 North American isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi. OspA-immunized mice were fully protected from infection with each of the isolates, whereas mice immunized with OspC were protected from infection with the homologous isolate but not with 2 heterologous isolates. Sequence analysis revealed that the ospA genes from these 3 isolates were >99% homologous, whereas the ospC genes shared only 81%-85% homology. Western blot analysis suggested antigenic heterogeneity associated with OspC but not OspA. These results indicate that genetic and antigenic heterogeneity may limit the usefulness of OspC as a vaccine constituent.