cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemoradiation Therapy for Unresected Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Unresected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (uEHCC) remains a deadly disease. Guidelines for uEHCC recommend either chemotherapy alone (CT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to compare outcomes for patients treated with CT and those who underwent CRT. Patients with initially diagnosed non-metastatic uEHCC from 2004 to 2014 were identified. Using Chi square analysis, patients who underwent CT were compared with those who received CRT. Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to compare characteristics related to survival. Propensity score matching and shared frailty analysis were undertaken to correct for baseline differences between the two groups. Additional analyses were performed to compare survival for the minority of patients who underwent surgery and advanced-stage patients. The study identified 2996 patients with uEHCC. Chemoradiation was associated with better survival (median survival [MS], 14.5 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.84; p < 0.001) than CT alone (MS, 12.6 months). Induction of CT before CRT was associated with a trend toward decreased risk of death compared with concurrent CRT (HR 0.81; p = 0.051). For the patients able to undergo surgery after initial treatment, MS was 24.5 months (HR 0.38; p < 0.001) versus 12.2 months for those who had no surgery. For these patients, CRT also was associated with better survival (MS, 31.2 months; HR 0.66; p = 0.001) than CT (MS, 22.1 months). Positive margins at surgery yielded survival equivalent to that with no surgery. Although CRT may be associated with slightly better survival in uEHCC than CT alone, the majority of the benefit was observed for patients able to undergo eventual surgery.
Establishing rates of lateral expansion of cyanobacterial biological soil crusts for optimal restoration

Biocrusts that form on topsoils contribute ecosystem services to drylands, and their loss under anthropogenic pressure has negative ecological consequences. Therefore, development of biocrust inoculation technology for restoration is of interest. This requires knowledge of biocrust growth and dispersal. To contribute to this, we determined the speed at which biocrusts expand laterally based on the self-propelled motility of cyanobacteria. We inoculated sterile soil with natural biocrusts and incubated them over a year in a greenhouse under conditions mimicking local precipitation, monitoring the crust’s lateral expansion using time-course photography, chlorophyll a content, and microscopic inspection. Concurrent uninoculated controls served to monitor, and discount, natural inoculation by aeolian propagules. While the expansion front was highly variable in space, biocrusts expanded in the order of 2 cm month−1, but only in seasons with moderate temperatures (Spring and Fall). Microcoleus vaginatus, Microcoleus steenstrupii, and Scytonema spp. advanced at averages of 1 cm month−1, the crust advance front being preferentially driven by specialized propagules (hormogonia). These rates are within expectations based on instantaneous gliding motility speeds of cyanobacteria. Based on the expansion capability of biocrusts during growth seasons, greenhouse inoculum units can be optimally spaced to fill 4–8 cm gaps.
Linking autonomic physiology and emotion regulation in preschoolers: The role of reactivity and recovery

Physiological recovery from negative emotions may be important for effective self-regulation, but little is known about recovery processes in children. The current study investigated links between autonomic physiology, anger expressions, and emotion regulation in a sample of eighty-three 3.5-year-olds. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia and pre-ejection period were measured during an anger induction task as parasympathetic and sympathetic indices, respectively. We examined whether preschoolers' anger expressions and emotion regulation behaviors were associated with individual differences in physiology. Autonomic changes were more strongly linked with emotion regulation than with expressed anger. Verbalized regulatory strategies were linked with greater sympathetic reactivity and also with greater recovery. In contrast, attention diversion was associated with blunted patterns of sympathetic reactivity followed by increased sympathetic arousal in the recovery phase. Disengaging from an emotional challenge may be linked with reduced physiological arousal in the short term, this behavior but also appears to have delayed consequences for physiological recovery.
Positron Emission Tomography-based Analysis Can Accurately Predict Bone Marrow Involvement With Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Abstract Introduction Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare subtype of non–Hodgkin lymphoma and requires both bone marrow biopsy and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to correctly stage the disease at diagnosis. However, accurate identification of bone marrow involvement by lymphoma on FDG PET/CT scans has not been previously demonstrated. We hypothesized that a voxel-based analysis of the iliac bones on the FDG PET/CT scan might provide insight into bone marrow involvement. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of MCL who had undergone both single iliac bone marrow biopsy and FDG-PET/CT scan from 1 study site were included in the development phase (n = 10). An additional 12 patients from a second institution were included in the validation phase. Using a semiautomated workflow, a voxel-based data set of FDG uptake within the bilateral iliac bones was captured for each patient. In the development phase, empirical receiver operating characteristic curves for each data set were fit. We then identified the standardized uptake value (SUV) threshold cutpoints at which the sensitivity and specificity were optimized to 100%. In the validation phase, we evaluated the performance of these candidate SUV threshold cutpoints in 15 additional patients from a second institution. Results We found that 1 cutpoint, > 38% of voxels with activity Conclusion The ability to correctly identify bone marrow involvement using FDG PET/CT-based voxel analysis provides promise as a novel noninvasive method of accurate staging.
Structural and mechanistic studies of Trypanosoma brucei ornithine decarboxylase

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is a pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the first committed step in the biosynthesis of polyamines. The polyamines are ubiquitous cell growth factors and the biosynthetic enzymes have been of interest as potential drug targets for the treatment of proliferative diseases. X-ray structural analysis of the eukaryotic ODCs shows that the enzyme is a homodimer with two identical active sites that are formed at the dimer interface. A number of active site residues have been identified that have similar mechanistic roles to the analogous residues in other PLP-dependent enzymes, whereas others provide the basis for the reaction and substrate specificity required by ODC.
Scattering Of Chiral Electrons By Chiral Molecules

In 1811, Arago demonstrated that when linearly-polarized light passes through a chiral medium, its plane of polarization is rotated. This experimental result, called optical activity, was analyzed by Fresnel in 1825, who showed that it was complementary to a second effect, circular dichroism, in which, e.g., left-handed circularly polarized light is scattered more strongly in a chiral medium than is light with right-handed circular polarization. Optically active substances that cause clockwise rotation of the polarization plane with respect to an observer looking at the light source are called dextrorotatory, or “right-handed.” Substances that cause anti-clockwise rotations are levorotatory, or “left-handed.” These phenomena have been well-characterized in the intervening years.2 Since electrons, like photons, can be polarized,3 it is interesting to speculate that similar phenomena might be observed in electron scattering from chiral targets. Such electronic analogs would be of physical significance in their own right, but would also have interesting implications for biophysics.
Information systems: A data distribution model for distributed relational databases with dissimilar computers and network costs

This paper introduces a generalized model for the allocation of data in a distributed relational database. Introduced is a generalized data distribution model applicable to a network of computers where there are different communication, update and retrieval costs at the various sites. The benefit of allocating data to to a site is computed as the difference between allocating the data to the site and not allocating the data to that site. The cost of allocating the data to a site is computed exactly while the cost of not allocating the data to a site is determined heuristically. The algorithm attempts to maximize the total benefits for the network. The distribution model will determine the data allocation in polynomial time. The model also achieves a near optimal allocation of data through maximizing the benefits for the sites in the network.
Math Difficulties and Working Memory Growth in English Language Learner Children: Does Bilingual Proficiency Play a Significant Role?

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine those components of working memory (WM) that play a significant role in predicting math growth in children who are English language learners (N = ...
A “Soil Lorax” Perspective on Corn Stover for Advanced Biofuels

Crop residues like corn (Zea mays L) stover are potential feedstock for production of advanced biofuels (e.g., cellulosic ethanol). Utilization of residue like stover for biofuel feedstock may provide economic and greenhouse gas mitigation benefits; however, harvesting these materials must be done in a manner that protects the soil. This paper summarizes an introductory overview presented at the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) workshop in Sacramento, CA, on crop residue removal for advanced biofuel production. Corn stover has been identified as an advanced biofuel feedstock, which could provide agronomic, economic and greenhouse gas mitigation benefits. However, stover harvest may result in soil exposed to erosive forces, and inadequate residue input for sustaining soil organic matter, resulting in soil degradation and other negative environmental consequences. Thus, strategies to protect the soil resource to balance current and future societal needs are required. Returning adequate residue and/or adding cover crops can mitigate or reduce risks to soil properties, which may be adversely impacted by harvesting crop residue. It is paramount to safeguard the soil so this indispensable resource continues providing a wide range of services including feeding and clothing a growing population.
Why Intermarried Couples Avoid Jewish Neighborhoods: The Case of Chicago

In-married Jews are more likely than intermarried Jews to live in high Jewish density “core” areas. Using Chicago as a case study, I found that intermarried couples are less likely to live in a high Jewish density area because (1) they have fewer economic resources (2) intermarried Jewish respondents are less motivated to do so than in-married Jewish respondents, and (3) the independent influence of the non-Jewish spouse not to be limited to a few high-density Jews areas.
Embedded Therapy Dog: Bringing a Therapy Dog into Your Counseling Center.

This article describes the design and implementation of an embedded therapy dog program through the counseling center at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. This program involves having a cert...
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Medical and Psychological Considerations

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a form of life support for patients with severe cardiac and/or respiratory failure. Use of ECMO has increased worldwide to support carefully selected patients with a severe cardiac or respiratory disorder to disease recovery or cardiothoracic transplant. Depending on the indication, ECMO support generally involves either a venous-venous or venous-arterial support configuration with involvement of a multidisciplinary team to minimize complications and to facilitate active rehabilitation and recovery. Psychological conditions, including delirium, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, occur frequently during and following ECMO support necessitating ongoing psychologic assessment and intervention.
Design Guarantees for Resilient Robot Formations on Lattices

This letter presents guarantees to satisfy resilience on the communication network of robot formations. In these resilient networks, cooperative robots can achieve consensus in the presence of faulty or malicious robots. We propose a design framework on triangular and square lattices, providing an underlying structure for proximity-based robot networks. We present sufficient conditions on the robot communication range to guarantee resilient consensus. Our results can be used to design robot formations considering obstacles, number of robots, and energy usage. Additionally, robot networks with homogeneous and heterogeneous communication range are studied. We support our theoretical analysis with simulations on selected scenarios.
Wanting without enjoying: The social value of sharing experiences

Social connection can be a rich source of happiness. Humans routinely go out of their way to seek out social connection and avoid social isolation. What are the proximal forces that motivate people to share experiences with others? Here we used a novel experience-sharing and decision-making paradigm to understand the value of shared experiences. In seven experiments across Studies 1 and 2, participants demonstrated a strong motivation to engage in shared experiences. At the same time, participants did not report a commensurate increase in hedonic value or emotional amplification, suggesting that the motivation to share experiences need not derive from their immediate hedonic value. In Study 3, participants reported their explicit beliefs about the reasons people engage in shared experiences: Participants reported being motivated by the desire to forge a social connection. Together, these findings suggest that the desire to share an experience may be distinct from the subjective experience of achieving that state. People may be so driven to connect with each other that social experiences remain valuable even in the most minimalistic contexts.
Language Assessment: Issues in the Use and Interpretation of Tests and Measures

Issues related to the purpose, theoretical bases, administration, scoring, and validity of language tests used with young school-aged children are presented and discussed. It is argued that authors...
American Registry of Pathology Expert Opinions: Evaluation of poorly differentiated malignant neoplasms on limited samples - Gastrointestinal mucosal biopsies

This review reflects a collaboration between the American Registry of Pathology (the publisher of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Fascicles) and Annals of Diagnostic Pathology. It is part of a series of expert recommendations on topics encountered in daily practice. The authors, three pathologists with expertise in gastrointestinal tract pathology and immunohistochemistry, met on 30 July 2019 tasked with developing expert recommendations for evaluating poorly differentiated and undifferentiated malignant neoplasms encountered on mucosal biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract. We focused on esophageal, gastric, small intestinal, colorectal, and anal (i.e., tubal gut) samples. When faced with diagnostic uncertainty on the initial HE p40 for squamous cell carcinoma; chromogranin A and synaptophysin or INSM1 for neuroendocrine neoplasms). Every small biopsy containing tumor should be considered a potential molecular pathology sample; cutting extra unstained slides with this testing in mind is strongly encouraged.
Continuously choosy males and seasonally faithful females: sex and season differences underlie size-assortative pairing

In monogamous mating systems, pair mates frequently share similar characteristics, such as size or ornamentation, a pattern suggesting mutual mate choice. When pairs persist across multiple seasons, preferences for familiar pair mates can either reinforce or disrupt patterns of assortative pairing. Snapping shrimp (Alpheus angulosus) are socially monogamous shrimp that can be found in size-assortative pairs year-round; both sexes could benefit from pairing with larger individuals. To determine the role of pair mate preferences for either size or established pair mates in size-assortative pairing, we performed simultaneous choice trials to test whether (1) either or both sexes prefer larger pair mates, (2) females prefer males with larger claws, or (3) either or both sexes prefer current pair mates over size-matched unfamiliar potential mates. Males, but not females, preferred larger potential pair mates in both the reproductive and nonreproductive seasons; males also showed more mate-searching behaviour, switching more frequently between choice options than females. Females, but not males, preferred their current pair mate over a novel potential pair mate; females also engaged in more frequent switching between pair mates and novel males, but only during the nonreproductive season. Thus, while both males and females exhibit preferences in pairing, size-assortative pairing in snapping shrimp does not result from mutual mate choice for size, but rather preferences for size in one sex, with size-assortative pairing reinforced by preferences for established pair mates in the other. Furthermore, pairing behaviour may be dynamic, shifting across seasons even in a year-round socially monogamous species.
Slave Society in the Danish West Indies: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix

Part 1 Empire without dominion - the Danish West Indies, 1671-1848: early colonization of St Thomas Dutch cultural and commercial hegemony in St Thomas and St John Danish settlement and English influences in St Croix language, amelioration and national identity the economics of foriegn domination foreign domination and internal security slaves and intermal security deepened difficulties and challenges in the 19th century. Part 2 "The doom of the Almighty" - slaveowning ideology: the sanctions of ancient law economic expediency the curse of Ham the civilizing mission sin and salvation racial arguments the emergence of anti-slavery ideology. Part 3 "Part and parcel of property" - slaves and the law in the 18th century: Gardelin's Code of 1733 Frederik V's Reglement of 1755 subsequent concessions Lindemann's Draft of 1783 abolition, amelioration and the law. Part 4 The rural milieu - slavery on the plantations: roots plantation labour housing food and clothing the world the slaves made family, kinship and demographic survival. Part 5 the urban milieu - slavery in Christiansted, Frederiksted and Charlotte Amalie: domestics, hucksters, artisans conditions of life urban-rural interaction communal interaction social control crime and punishment. Part 6 An oasis of humanity - independent slave activity: God mammon dances and other diversions cultural creation. Part 7 Maritime maroons - grand maronage: early patterns legilsation and diplomacy new routes to freedom strategies. Part 8 "An intermediate sort of class" - the emergence and growth of the freedman population: manumission accumulation of wealth population size and growth restrictive legislation gender and demographic concerns social control. Part 9 "The rights and privileges of rational creatures" - the Freedman Petition of 1816: white attitudes interaction with slaves internal differentiation challenging inequality the Petition of 1816 after 1816. Part 10 Strangers within the gate - emigre freedmen in the 19th century: origins white fears emigres and the freedman community the census of 1831. Part 11 "Religion and enlightenment" - education, amelioration and the road to abolition: early attempts at slave education effects of metropolitan humanitarianism Von Scholten's initiatives metropolitan and local opposition the 1846 Ordinance. Part 12 The victor vanquished - emancipation and its aftermath: the court martial the trial evidence - prolegomenon to revolt violence manque 2-3 July 1848 attitudes to the future - race and class property destruction - 4-5 July 1848 women differential responses.
Variants in LRRC34 reveal distinct mechanisms for predisposition to papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) demonstrates high heritability and a low somatic mutation burden relative to other cancers. Therefore, the genetic risk predisposing to PTC is likely due to a combination of low penetrance variants. A recent genome-wide association study revealed the association of PTC with a missense variant, rs6793295, at 3q26 in a gene called Leucine Repeat Rich Containing 34 (LRRC34). Methods We report the mechanisms of PTC risk at 3q26 using a combination of overexpression, mass spectroscopy, knockdown, transcriptome profiling, migration assays and genetic analysis. Results We observed differential binding of wild-type and missense LRRC34 to RANBP1. Overexpression of missense LRRC34 reduced RanGTP levels and increased apoptosis. We also identified a second linkage disequilibrium (LD) block upstream of LRRC34 containing regulatory variants with allele-specific expression. Transcriptome profiling of LRRC34 knockdown cells showed changes in genes involved with cellular movement. LRRC34 knockdown reduced the migration of thyroid cancer cell lines. Lastly, we assessed the relative contribution of PTC risk from each locus using haplotype analysis. Conclusions Our study demonstrates two separate mechanisms, one in G protein signalling and the other in transcriptional control, dictating PTC risk at 3q26 using both biochemical and genetic techniques.
Sulfenate Esters of Simple Phenols Exhibit Enhanced Activity against Biofilms.

The recalcitrance exhibited by microbial biofilms to conventional disinfectants has motivated the development of new chemical strategies to control and eradicate biofilms. The activities of several...
A Philosophical Approach to the Rehabilitation of the Patient with Persistent Pain

The use of hypnosis to promote hypnoanalgesia has a long history and has been written about anecdotally as well as having been researched in the last several decades. Research has been both clinical in nature and, in the laboratory, trying to understand the brain physiology and processes involved. This article is not about a review of the research. It is about sharing what I have learned to do clinically using hypnosis to treat patients with persistent pain over the last 40 plus years. Due to the restraints of limited space, I can only discuss the various techniques briefly. I will describe a philosophical perspective that has served me well and driven my approach to treatment. I will discuss the concept of self-regulation training along the dimensions of Sensation, Affect, Cognition, and Behavior and share how hypnosis has been incorporated in working within each of those aspects of experiencing.
Assessment of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Calculator in Predicting Outcomes and Length of Stay After Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy: A Single-Center Experience.

Abstract Background The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) calculator is a useful tool used by physicians to better inform patients on the surgical risk of postoperative complications. It makes use of the NSQIP database to derive the chance for several adverse outcomes to occur postoperatively given certain patient's factors. The aim of this study was to assess its applicability in a series of patients undergoing an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Methods Data from 100 consecutive patients who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy between September 2013 and November 2017 at our institution were reviewed. Each patient was assessed using the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator. Actual events in this group were compared with their particular NSQIP-assessed risk. Logistic regression models were used to compare surgical risk calculator estimates binary outcomes such as incidence of postoperative complications such as cardiac events, renal events, surgical site infection, and death. Mixed linear model was used for length of stay (LOS) duration versus observed LOS. C-statistic was for predictive accuracy each binary outcome and intraclass correlation was used for LOS. Results C-statistic values were higher than the cutoff (0.75) for surgical site infection and death. The ACS NSQIP risk calculator was poorly predictive of other reported outcomes by the calculator such as cardiac or renal complications. Corroboration between observed LOS and predicted LOS was weak (8 d versus 11 d, respectively, intraclass coefficient 0.04). Conclusions This study suggests that the risk calculator is useful for identifying risk of death or surgical site infection but poor at discriminating likelihood of other reported outcomes occurring, such as pneumonia, acute renal failure and cardiac complications for patients who underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Estimations for procedure-specific complications for esophagectomy may need reevaluated.
The Costs of Conflict and Support for the Use of Force: Accounting for Information Equivalence in Survey Experiments

How do the costs of conflict influence public support for the use of force? Existing research finds that weapons that eliminate the possibility of military casualties, such as drones, increase popular support for engaging in conflict. We argue that this effect may be overstated because the choice of weapons technology is endogenous to conflict. Leaders may select to use drones in conflicts where the risk of harm to ground forces is especially high. To address this, we replicate and extend the research design of Walsh and Schulzke across three survey experiments. The key innovation in our experiments is that subjects are led to believe that the choice of attack type – drones or ground troops – is determined by weather conditions rather than strategic considerations. We find that support for military action does not differ across treatments in which subjects are told that the attack involves drone strikes or ground troops.
The Ophthalmology Mini-Elective Gives Vision to Preclinical Medical Students.

Introduction Ophthalmology education during medical school is often very limited. To provide exposure to areas beyond its standard curriculum, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine offers...
Results, Potentials and Limitations of Josephson Mixer Receivers at MM and Long Submm Wavelengths

Josephson mixers with a conversion loss L C ≤ 13 db and a noise temperature T ∼ 100 K are reported for λ ≥ 0.95 mm. Their potentials and limitations in noise, bandwidth, drive power and stability are discussed.
Weaning from Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Management of Difficulties

Weaning from the mechanical support of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) comprises the period from completion of the surgical procedure up to the termination of circulatory and respiratory support as delivered by CPB. At most hospitals, a checklist is used during weaning. Clear, closed-loop communication between all members of the anesthesia, perfusion, and surgical teams during this critical time is necessary and optimizes patient safety. Anticipation of problems that emerge after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and proper preparation based upon patient-specific and procedure-specific elements are important for a smooth separation from CPB.
Tampa Bay Mangroves

I have hiked in the Florida Panhandle, slogged through the marshes of the state’s northeast coast near St. Augustine, enjoyed bracingly cold swims in springs and rivers in the state’s heart, baked in the humid cypress domes of the Everglades, and snorkeled for delicious lobster in the Keys. The Sunshine State is rich in natural wonders, but my favorite Florida place is just minutes from downtown St. Petersburg: the mangroves of Tampa Bay.
Crop Sensing and Its Application in Precision Agriculture and Crop Phenotyping

Sensing and measurement of morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits of plants and crops in an automated and high-throughput fashion play an important role in modern agriculture. These techniques enable various applications in precision agriculture where real-time measurements regarding the crop status are needed. The techniques also enable high-throughput plant phenotyping to elucidate the genetic control of plant phenotypes for gene discovery and trait improvement, as well as the interactions between genotype and environment. In this chapter, we introduced a number of commonly used techniques for plant/crop measurement in the greenhouse and field conditions, including spectroscopy, imaging, and LiDAR scanning. The imaging technique was further categorized into RGB, multispectral, thermal infrared, and hyperspectral imaging. Examples of these sensing modules to measure various crop traits and their deployment in the agricultural settings were described. Applications of crop sensing systems in variable rate fertilization, variable rate irrigation, and site-specific mechanical weeding were briefly discussed. The chapter was concluded by presenting an outlook of the future sensing systems for crop measurement that are light-weight, low-cost, more robust, and accurate and their integration into robotic systems for improved precision agriculture and plant phenotyping applications.
Comparison of U.S. 4-year and community college librarians’ perspectives on competencies, challenges, and educational preparation for the instructional role:

The purpose of this study is to explore and compare community (2-year) college librarians’ perceptions of their competencies, challenges, and educational preparation with those of librarians at 4-y...
Simulated hypogravity and synaptogenesis in culture.

A study on the effects of simulated microgravity on spinal neurons and myocytes cultured from X. laevis, is performed. Horizontal clinorotation at 1-10 rpm lasted from 16-36 hours, a sufficient time for cells to proceed through ontogenetic maturation. Late appearance of striations, retarded consumpton of yolk platelets and fewer and thinner neurites indicate subnormal expression of cell functions. Furthermore, these cells do not respond normally to environmental cues like trophic substances or surface contact. The observed delay in cell maturation is consistent with a hypothesis that cellular graviperception may effect the centriole and cytoskeleton.
Spatial analysis of the distribution and determinants of bank branch presence in Ghana

Purpose – Expanding access to financial services for the 70 percent of Ghanaians who are unbanked is critical. Bank branches have been the primary channel for financial service delivery, but this may be changing because of technological innovations. Analysts believe branch-based banking still has a role in promoting financial inclusion. The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern of bank branch presence across rural and urban Ghana; the disparities in the spatial distribution of domestic, foreign, and rural and community bank branches; and the district level characteristics associated with the pattern of spatial distribution of bank branches. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses spatial analyst tools, geographically weighted Poisson regression, and data from Ghana’s banking sector to show the inequality in availability of branch-based services and to highlight the district and regional level differences in the determinants of branch allocation. Findings – The study finds evidence of inequa...
Monoclonal antibody specific for Listeria monocytogenes associated with a 66-kilodalton cell surface antigen.

Abstract A monoclonal antibody (MAb), EM-7G1, specific for Listeria monocytogenes was developed by using a previously developed MAb, C11E9 (A. K. Bhunia, P. H. Ball, A. T. Fuad, B. W. Kurz, J. W. Emerson, and M. G. Johnson, Infect. Immun. 59:3176-3184, 1991), to mask epitopes shared by L. monocytogenes and Listeria innocua in a 66-kDa cell surface protein. MAb EM-7G1 was an immunoglobulin subclass G1 antibody with kappa light chains. This MAb reacted with all 34 strains of L. monocytogenes tested and showed no cross-reaction with other Listeria spp. or other gram-positive or gram-negative organisms tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, dot blotting, and colony blotting. A second MAb, EM-6E11, reacted with all Listeria spp. tested but no other bacteria. In a Western blot (immunoblot) assay, EM-7G1 reacted with a crude cell surface protein of 66 kDa with a pI value of 6.7, while EM-6E11 reacted with two protein bands of 43 and 94 to 97 kDa with pI values of 4.0 and 4.3, respectively. Results with trypsin or pronase treatments indicated that the cell antigen reacting with EM-7G1 was on the surface of L. monocytogenes V7 and Scott A cells.
Thickness and Bending Effects

We see diffraction contrast in an image for two reasons: either the thickness of the specimen varies or the diffraction conditions change across the specimen: the t effect and the s effect! The thickness effect: when the thickness of the specimen is not uniform, the coupling (interference) of the direct and diffracted beams occurs over different distances, thus producing a thickness effect. Don’t confuse diffraction contrast due to thickness changes with mass-thickness contrast discussed in the previous chapter. The effects are very different. The diffraction contrast changes with small changes in tilt, but the mass-thickness contrast doesn’t.
Distribution and Properties of Superclusters

The distribution and properties of superclusters and their relation to the large-scale structure of the universe are discussed. Different types of observations are reviewed including the spatial distribution of galaxies, clusters of galaxies, narrow pencilbeam surveys, and quasars. A consistent picture regarding supercusters and the largescale structure they trace appears to be emerging from the above observations. A network of large-scale superclusters, up to ~ 100 ~ 150 Mpc in scale, is suggested. The supercluster network surrounds low-density regions of similar scales, suggesting a “cellular” structure of the universe. (Ho = 100 km /s/ Mpc is used throughout.)
Globalization of financial markets

Abstract Clifford Smith provides a useful discussion of the incentives driving the increasing globalization of financial markets and offers his views on several policy issues that may affect the international competitiveness of U.S. financial markets. I agree with most of Smith's arguments, which makes his paper a difficult one on which to comment. However, there are three topics on which I would like to offer some observations: ownership structure, market centralization and regulation.
Probabilistic Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential

A procedure for predicting probability of liquefaction is used to estimate the probability of liquefaction for a given design earthquake magnitude and acceleration or when the earthquake loading is considered as random. Reasonable comparison is obtained between the probabilities computed and the field observations of liquefaction occurrences. Uncertainty analysis of the Seed and Idriss simplified method reveals that the uncertainties in the load parameters exceed those in the resistance parameters. Thus, the seismic activity of the region should be given serious consideration, as well as the attenuation characteristics. When the maximum acceleration and earthquake magnitude are specified, the probability of liquefaction will be governed by the uncertainties in the relative density and cyclic shear strength parameters. As an alternative tool of analysis the probabilistic model could complement the deterministic procedures by providing information on the relative risk of liquefaction between design alternatives.
The feasibility of a brain-computer interface functional electrical stimulation system for the restoration of overground walking after paraplegia

Direct brain control of overground walking in those with paraplegia due to spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been achieved. Invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) may provide a permanent solution to this problem by directly linking the brain to lower extremity prostheses. To justify the pursuit of such invasive systems, the feasibility of BCI controlled overground walking should first be established in a noninvasive manner. To accomplish this goal, we developed an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based BCI to control a functional electrical stimulation (FES) system for overground walking and assessed its performance in an individual with paraplegia due to SCI. An individual with SCI (T6 AIS B) was recruited for the study and was trained to operate an EEG-based BCI system using an attempted walking/idling control strategy. He also underwent muscle reconditioning to facilitate standing and overground walking with a commercial FES system. Subsequently, the BCI and FES systems were integrated and the participant engaged in several real-time walking tests using the BCI-FES system. This was done in both a suspended, off-the-ground condition, and an overground walking condition. BCI states, gyroscope, laser distance meter, and video recording data were used to assess the BCI performance. During the course of 19 weeks, the participant performed 30 real-time, BCI-FES controlled overground walking tests, and demonstrated the ability to purposefully operate the BCI-FES system by following verbal cues. Based on the comparison between the ground truth and decoded BCI states, he achieved information transfer rates >3 bit/s and correlations >0.9. No adverse events directly related to the study were observed. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates for the first time that restoring brain-controlled overground walking after paraplegia due to SCI is feasible. Further studies are warranted to establish the generalizability of these results in a population of individuals with paraplegia due to SCI. If this noninvasive system is successfully tested in population studies, the pursuit of permanent, invasive BCI walking prostheses may be justified. In addition, a simplified version of the current system may be explored as a noninvasive neurorehabilitative therapy in those with incomplete motor SCI.
Characterization of a selective protein kinase C substrate derived from the MARCKS phosphorylation site domain for use in brain tissue homogenates.

Abstract Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes play crucial roles in neuronal signal transduction and can regulate transmitter release, ion channels, neural development, and plasticity. In vitro assays of PKC are frequently used to associate PKC activity with cellular function, and the availability of selective PKC substrates can facilitate such studies. We have characterized a commercially available 12 amino acid peptide derived from the myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS-PSD, Calbiochem) for use in crude rat brain homogenates. Assays were performed at 25°C for 10 min (linear up to 12 min) using optimal concentrations of calcium and lipid cofactors. Kinetic analysis of MARCKS-PSD phosphorylation by PKC purified from rat brain gave a Km of 2.3 μM, which was similar to the Km of 2.8 μM obtained using rat brain cortical homogenates. The selective PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide reduced phosphorylation of MARCKS-PSD in a concentration-dependent manner, with greater than 95% inhibition at 1.0 μM. MARCKS-PSD was more potent than another widely used selective PKC substrate (neurogranin(28–43) and was a good substrate for human recombinant PKC α, δ, and ϵ but not ζ. The ontogeny of PKC activity was examined in the cortex and cerebellum. PKC activity was low at birth and reached adult levels by 21 days of age in both regions. Calcium-independent PKC activity in brain homogenates could be measured with MARCKS-PSD and accounted for approximately 25 and 10% of total activity in 1-day-old and adult rat cortex, respectively. These results suggest that the MARCKS-PSD peptide can be used as a selective PKC substrate in rat brain homogenates.
Cholinergic Axonal Dystrophy and Mitochondrial Pathology in Prosimian Primates

Abstract Progressive cholinergic axonal dystrophy, cholinergic denervation, and generalized gliosis begin in the prosimian primate species Otolemur at 10% of maximum life span. In these same animals, extensive cerebral β-amyloidosis follows relatively more abruptly at 50% of maximum life span. In contrast, even at maximum life span, the prosimian primate species Galago senegalensis Moholi, Microcebus murinus, and Eulemur fulvus collaris and insectivore species T. belangeri are either spared or much less affected. In this report, we further document this progressive cholinergic denervation in Otolemur which involves first projections of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN, CH5-6) and later projections of CH1-4 cholinergic nuclei, as well as other noncholinergic pathways. Affected cholinergic cell bodies and axons contain abnormal mitochondria with increased content of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). This syndrome correlates with moderate copper deficiency marked by diminished liver copper levels and cuproenzyme activities, carnitine deficiency possibly secondary to renal Fanconi syndrome, and evidence for stress inflammatory response activation. Mitochondrial pathology was observed in pancreatic islet cells, proximal renal tubule epithelial cells, and choroid plexus epithelial cells, and it involved central cholinergic neurons. In Otolemur garnetti, the degree of central cholinergic injury directly correlated to depression of liver copper stores. The Otolemur syndrome involves “sentinel” central cholinergic injury and selective mitochondrial pathology in cell classes defined by high mitochondrial content and/or metabolic activity and high content of nitric oxide synthetase and MnSOD. Environmental factors affecting copper and carnitine metabolism could interact with genetic defects or traits to produce abnormal and aggressive aging of Otolemur. Subclinical, cell-class specific mitochondrial dysfunction in these prosimian primates may be a model for human neurodegenerative diseases.
German lessons in local government: The opportunities and pitfalls of managing change

Management change in local authorities has increased interest in lessons from abroad The German Land Nordrhein‐Westfalen offers particularly fruitful scope for comparison because it is undertaking a change which is also being contemplated here. Its local authorities are abandoning their leadership structure, which consisted of a mayor elected by the council and a chief executive officer appointed as the administrative head of the local government, replacing it with American‐style directly elected executive mayors. The old and new offices are assessed both in terms of their roles as co‐ordinators of internal management and as ambassadors to business and other governments for their communities.
The achievement of an early complete cytogenetic response is a major determinant for outcome in patients with early chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors

We analyzed the association between achievement of early complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) and event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase treated with imatinib 400 mg (n = 73), or imatinib 800 mg daily (n = 208), or second- generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (n = 154). The overall CCyR rates were 87%, 91%, and 96%, respectively (P = .06); and major molecular response (MMR) rates were 77%, 87%, and 89%, respectively (P = .05). Their 3-year EFS rates were 85%, 92%, and 97% (P = .01), and OS rates were 93%, 97%, and 100% (P = .18), respectively. By landmark analysis, patients with 3-, 6-, and 12-month CCyR had significantly better outcome: 3-year EFS rates of 98%, 97%, and 98% and OS rates of 99%, 99%, and 99%, respectively, compared with 83%, 72%, and 67% and 95%, 90%, and 94%, in patients who did not achieve a CCyR. Among patients achieving CCyR at 12 months, the depth of molecular response was not associated with differences in OS or EFS. In conclusion, second tyrosine kinase inhibitors induced higher rates of CCyR and MMR than imatinib. The achievement of early CCyR remains a major determinant of chronic myeloid leukemia outcome regardless of whether MMR is achieved or not.
Functional connectivity-based parcellation and connectome of cortical midline structures in the mouse: a perfusion autoradiography study.

Rodent cortical midline structures (CMS) are involved in emotional, cognitive and attentional processes. Tract tracing has revealed complex patterns of structural connectivity demonstrating connectivity-based integration and segregation for the prelimbic, cingulate area 1, retrosplenial dysgranular cortices dorsally, and infralimbic, cingulate area 2, and retrosplenial granular cortices ventrally. Understanding of CMS functional connectivity (FC) remains more limited. Here we present the first subregion-level FC analysis of the mouse CMS, and assess whether fear results in state-dependent FC changes analogous to what has been reported in humans. Brain mapping using [14C]-iodoantipyrine was performed in mice during auditory-cued fear conditioned recall and in controls. Regional cerebral blood flow was analyzed in 3-D images reconstructed from brain autoradiographs. Regions-of-interest were selected along the CMS anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes. In controls, pairwise correlation and graph theoretical analyses showed strong FC within each CMS structure, strong FC along the dorsal-ventral axis, with segregation of anterior from posterior structures. Seed correlation showed FC of anterior regions to limbic/paralimbic areas, and FC of posterior regions to sensory areas--findings consistent with functional segregation noted in humans. Fear recall increased FC between the cingulate and retrosplenial cortices, but decreased FC between dorsal and ventral structures. In agreement with reports in humans, fear recall broadened FC of anterior structures to the amygdala and to somatosensory areas, suggesting integration and processing of both limbic and sensory information. Organizational principles learned from animal models at the mesoscopic level (brain regions and pathways) will not only critically inform future work at the microscopic (single neurons and synapses) level, but also have translational value to advance our understanding of human brain architecture.
A Discourse Analysis of the Online Mathematics Classroom

Abstract Thirteen online mathematics classes were analyzed using a discourse coding system created by Bellack et al. (1966). Findings suggest that the ratio of teacher-to-student discourse is far lower in online than in face-to-face classes and varies widely from instructor to instructor. A strong positive correlation was shown between instructor posts and posts per student. Results point to the value of a particular kind of instructor presence in an online class and refute the idea that more collaboration occurs in the absence of an instructor. Instructor posts that were evaluative (by rating, clarifying, and expanding what was said) had a positive correlation with posts per student, and when the instructor's evaluations contained more mathematics, so did the student's. Direct answers from the instructor, on the other hand, correlated negatively with posts per student. The ideal style to encourage student posts, collaboration, and engagement with the material seems to be a gentle Socratic questioning.