cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local magnetic characterization of (Ga,Mn)As continuous thin film using scanning probe force microscopy

We report spatially resolved measurements of the saturation magnetization, anisotropy field, and $g$ factor of a (Ga,Mn)As thin film using two different scanning probe techniques: ferromagnetic resonance force microscopy and probe-induced magnetic force microscopy. We find that the magnetic properties of the film are uniform within our 1-$\ensuremath{\mu}$m lateral resolution. We further demonstrate that these two powerful and complementary magnetic characterization approaches, the former dynamic and the latter static, obtain measurements of magnetic properties that are in excellent agreement with one another, enabling enhanced quantitative reliability.
Contribution of Lordotic Correction on C5 Palsy Following Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion.

Background C5 palsy is a well-reported complication of cervical spine surgery. The implication of sagittal cervical alignment parameters and their changes after surgery on the incidence of C5 palsy remains unclear. Objective We review cervical alignment changes in our cases of C5 palsy after cervical laminectomy and fusion. Methods Cases of C5 palsy were retrospectively compared with a control group. Preoperative and postoperative upright plain film radiographs were analyzed in blinded fashion. Results Spine registry analysis identified 148 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion by the senior author over 5 years. There were 18 (12%) cases complicated by postoperative C5 palsy. Nine of these 18 patients had prerequisite upright films and were compared with a randomly constructed case control group of 20 patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in age, proportion of males, and preoperative Nurick score. Measures of sagittal alignment did not differ significantly between the 2 groups on preoperative and postoperative imaging. When comparing the amount of alignment change between preoperative and postoperative upright imaging, however, patients with C5 palsy had a statistically higher amount of average C4-C5 Cobb angle change (-2.53 vs 0.78°; P = .01). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lordotic change in both C4-C5 and C2-C7 Cobb angles were associated with development of palsy. Conclusion Lordotic cervical correction, as measured on upright imaging, was statistically larger in patients who had C5 palsy. The role of deformity correction in C5 palsy deserves further study and may inform intraoperative decision making. Abbreviation CLF, cervical laminectomy and fusion.
Adaptive Harvesting in a Multiple-Species Coral-Reef Food Web

The utility of traditional bio-economic harvest models suffers from their dependence on two commonly used approaches. First, optimization is often assumed for harvester behavior despite system complexity and the often neglected costs associated with information gathering and deliberation. Second, ecosystem interactions are infrequently modeled despite a growing awareness that these interactions are important. This paper develops a simulation model to examine the consequences of harvesting at two trophic levels in a coral-reef food web. The model assumes adaptive rather than optimizing behavior among fishermen. The consequences of changing economic, biological, and social parameters are examined using resilience as an evaluative framework. Three general conclusions are reached. First, the simulated ecosystem is sensitive to small changes in economic, biological, and social parameters. Second, threshold effects are common. Third, as compared to results typical of traditional single-species optimization models, some results are counter-intuitive. Benefits of this approach are that the model affirms and adds to the results of traditional bio-economic harvest models, is empirically operational, and provides a richer selection of policy alternatives. Finally, the analysis of trade-offs in terms of resilience provides a useful evaluative framework for multiple-species harvest models.
Analysis of the frequency response of the saccadic circuit: system behavior.

To more thoroughly describe the system dynamics for the saccadic circuit in monkeys, we have determined the frequency response by applying a frequency modulated train of microstimulation pulses in ...
Autologous CD34+ cell therapy for refractory angina: 2-year outcomes from the ACT34-CMI study

An increasing number of patients have refractory angina despite optimal medical therapy and are without further revascularization options. Preclinical studies indicate that human CD34+ stem cells can stimulate new blood vessel formation in ischemic myocardium, improving perfusion and function. In ACT34-CMI (N = 167), patients treated with autologous CD34+ stem cells had improvements in angina and exercise time at 6 and 12 months compared to placebo; however, the longer-term effects of this treatment are unknown. ACT34 was a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing placebo, low dose (1 × 105 CD34/kg body weight), and high dose (5 × 105 CD34/kg) using intramyocardial delivery into the ischemic zone following NOGA® mapping. To obtain longer-term safety and efficacy in these patients, we compiled data of major adverse cardiac events (MACE; death, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, or heart failure hospitalization) up to 24 months as well as angina and quality...
Progress in Research and Application of Carbon Fiber and Its Composite Materials

Properties of carbon fiber and its reinforced composite materials were introduced.Classification,selection and application of matrix in the carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite materials were discussed.Development and application prospects of the carbon fiber and its composite materials were put forward.
The Application and Design Method of Long Variable Cross-Section Leaf Spring on Microbus

from the angle of practical application,this article researches the the application of long variable cross-section leaf spring on microbus,then confirm the main parameter using the analytic method(synthetizing common-curvature method and point load method),finally using CAE method(abaqus software) to detail design and validation.
SAT0642-HPR Mothers with Scleroderma and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Challenges, Limitations, and Adaptation

Background Becoming a mother fulfills a compelling central occupation for many women. Chronic diseases such as scleroderma and lupus frequently emerge and affect women during child bearing and rearing years.[1] Raising children while managing such a disease can be both highly valued yet overwhelming, but has received relatively little attention in both the general and occupational therapy literature. Objectives A qualitative interview study was conducted to identify the challenges to mothering experienced by mothers with scleroderma and/or lupus. Methods Mothers living in the community were recruited from the Scleroderma Foundation and Lupus Foundation of America websites and from local chapters. Women had to be diagnosed with scleroderma or lupus and have at least one child 18 years and under living with them. A purposive sampling of 27 mothers (14 with scleroderma, 9 with lupus, 4 both diseases; M age =40.0) participated in on-line focus groups. Questions were posted on a discussion board every 2-3 days over a period of weeks with probes added to stimulate conversation and interaction. The interviews consisted of questions regarding key information needed regarding parenting; aspects of scleroderma or lupus that interfered with parenting; what would make parenting with scleroderma or lupus easier; support that would make parenting easier, and advice to other mothers with scleroderma or lupus. Data analysis of transcripts from the focus groups included content analysis of the group data in response to individual questions. Thematic analysis based on an analysis technique called immersion and crystallization was preformed across the data set [2]. Results The analysis revealed 6 themes: surviving to raise the children, prioritizing the children9s needs, managing physical impairments, managing the environment, how children cope, and securing support. Mothers fear their own mortality but wanted to put their children9s needs first. They modified activities based on their physical impairments and the environment (cold for scleroderma, sun for lupus). Children and partners/spouses were for the most part were supportive, yet some were in denial. Conclusions Mothering is a key component of the lives of women with scleroderma and lupus. Many of the additional stressors of parenting with a chronic illness are not immediately apparent. Questions concerning parenting and needed support services should be a routine part of assessment of women with chronic disease. References Dziedzic K, Hammond A (2010). Rheumatology: Evidence-based practice for physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Edinburgh: Elsevier. Borkan J (1999). Immersion/crystallization. In Crabtree BF, Miller WL (Eds). Doing qualitative research (2nd ed., pp 179-194). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Disclosure of Interest None declared
Same-sex sexuality and educational attainment: the pathway to college

Research finds lower levels of academic performance among sexual minority high school students, but some studies suggest sexual minorities have higher levels of educational attainment in adulthood. To further our understanding of how and why sexual orientation is associated with educational success, this study turns attention to the pathways to college completion, examining points along educational trajectories in which sexual minorities fall behind or surpass their heterosexual peers. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we find that sexual minority women are less likely than women with no same-sex sexuality to complete college, in part due to their high school performance and transition into college. Men who experience same-sex sexuality only in adolescence struggle in high school, but men who experience same-sex sexuality for the first time in adulthood are more likely to earn a college degree than men who do not experience same-sex sexuality.
The core content of the Null Subject Parameter

Introduction The notion of a macro-parameter suggests that several grammatical properties should cluster together around one core property, a conception that facilitates language acquisition (see Hyams, 1986, 1992; Liceras, 1989; Hyams and Wexler, 1993, among others) and makes fairly strict predictions about sequence of acquisition, possible and impossible grammars, etc. In the case of the NSP, there have been several proposals regarding the core property (see Gilligan, 1987, 78–96 for a summary). Taraldsen (1980), for example, proposes that the subject position is potentially bound by AGR, which gives rise to the possibility of null non-thematic subjects. That availability of binding by AGR underlies that -trace filter violations: Since the subject position is bound in NSLs, extraction is licensed. Rizzi (1982) modifies this notion, arguing that rich AGR binds the postverbal subject position, so the availability of that -trace effect violations in NSLs is related to the possibility of extracting from the postverbal position. Long wh-extraction and null resumptive pronouns also follow from this basic asymmetry: in languages like Italian, the postverbal subject position is licensed (technically, governed) in a way that the preverbal position is not in English. The availability of postverbal positions, in turn, is overtly manifested in free inversion (cf. Sections 2.1.3 and 2.1.5 above). Gilligan (1987) tests the typological predictions of Rizzi's early account, and reaches certain implicational correlations between having null subjects, free inversion and that -trace violations, which Roberts and Holmberg (2010) further refine.
Electromyographic analysis using metal oxide semiconductor circuitry

The propagated action potential is the communications code of the sensorimotor system. Recordings of action potential discharge patterns supply the researcher with clues to human and animal adaptive behavior. This is the fundamental rationale behind electromyographic analysis of movement.
Improving the Performance of Simulations of the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminal Domain from P53

Signal transduction in intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is frequently understood in the context of binding-induced folding, but accurate simulations of IDP structures remain computationally challenging. Protein-solvent interactions, electrostatics, and prolyl isomerization all contribute to the complexity of the behavior of IDPs in solution. Previous studies have indicated a relationship between local alterations in Polyproline-II (PPII) propensities and hydrodynamic radius (RH) which serves as an indicator of global structural changes. Unfortunately, extension of these studies to long polypeptide sequences is computationally prohibitive. We are interested in the behavior of the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain (NTD) of the p53 protein, a 93-residue region involved in multiple protein binding and cell cycle control. In previous work, accurate simulation of hydrodynamic properties has been limited to simple sequences of 50 residues or less, excluding the possibility of modeling the full length NTD. This study builds upon established computational methods to create a more efficient Monte-Carlo simulation of the NTD that retains the chemically-realistic solvation energy calculations employed previously. Our modified simulation is shown to reproduce faithfully the hydrodynamic properties of the NTD, while at the same time running significantly faster for polypeptides larger than 80 amino acids.
Identification of first-price auctions with non-equilibrium beliefs: A measurement error approach

Abstract This paper studies identification and estimation of two models for first-price auctions: (1) bidders’ beliefs about their opponents’ bidding behavior are not in equilibrium but follow “level- k ” thinking, and (2) bidders’ values are asymmetrically distributed. Exploiting the nonparametric methodology developed for measurement error models (e.g., Hu, 2008), we show that both models can be identified by a unified methodology. The proposed methodology is applied to US Forest Service timber auction data and the estimation results suggest that bidders hold heterogeneous and non-equilibrium beliefs.
Three-dimensional plasmonic light concentrators for efficient terahertz generation

Photoconductive antennas are extensively used in time-domain terahertz imaging and spectroscopy systems to generate terahertz radiation [1, 2]. These emitters consist of a terahertz antenna fabricated on a photoconductive semiconductor. When the semiconductor is pumped by a femtosecond laser and a bias voltage is applied to the antenna arms, an ultrafast photocurrent is generated. As this photocurrent drives the antenna, a pulsed terahertz radiation is generated. However, only the carriers that drift to the antenna arms in a sub-picosecond time scale can efficiently contribute to the generation of terahertz radiation. The rest of the photocarriers, namely the slow photocarriers, cause extra thermal dissipation and degrade device reliability. To improve device reliability, short carrier lifetime semiconductors are often used, which recombine the slow carriers and prevent early thermal breakdown. However, short carrier lifetime semiconductors cannot offer high carrier drift velocities. Therefore, the radiation efficiency of photoconductive emitters fabricated on short carrier lifetime substrates is limited. In this work, we present a highly reliable and efficient photoconductive terahertz emitter that circumvents the use of short carrier lifetime substrates by utilizing three-dimensional plasmonic light concentrators.
Initial Experience With Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants for Short-Term Anticoagulation After Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

Left atrial appendage closure has been increasingly accepted as an alternative to long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients who are at increased bleeding risk [(1)][1]. PROTECT-AF (The Watchman Left Atrial Appendage System for Embolic Protection in
Exploring the cancer caregiver's journey through web-based Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy.

Objective Psychosocial interventions are historically underutilized by cancer caregivers, but support programs delivered flexibly over the Internet address multiple barriers to care. We adapted Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for cancer caregivers, an in-person psychotherapeutic intervention intended to augment caregivers' sense of meaning and purpose and ameliorate burden, for delivery in a self-administered web-based program, the Care for the Cancer Caregiver (CCC) Workshop. The present study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of this program. Methods Eighty-four caregivers were randomized to the CCC Workshop or waitlist control arm. Quantitative assessments of meaning, burden, anxiety, depression, benefit finding, and spiritual well-being were conducted preintervention (T1), within 2-weeks postintervention (T2), and 2- to 3-month follow-up (T3). In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants. Results Forty-two caregivers were randomized to the CCC Workshop. Attrition was moderate at T2 and T3, with caregiver burden and bereavement as key causes of drop-out. At T2 and T3, some observed mean change scores and effect sizes were consistent with hypothesized trends (eg, meaning in caregiving, benefit finding, and depressive symptomatology), though no pre-post significant differences emerged between groups. However, a longitudinal mixed-effects model found significant differential increases in benefit finding in favor of the CCC arm. Conclusions The CCC Workshop was feasible and acceptable. Based on effect sizes reported here, a larger study will likely establish the efficacy of the CCC Workshop, which has the potential to address unmet needs of caregivers who underutilize in-person supportive care services.
Exercise preconditioning diminishes skeletal muscle atrophy after hindlimb suspension in mice

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with disuse-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, whereas exercise is known to increase mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Here we provide evidence of short-t...
Sexual Liberalism as a Determinant of Consumer Response to Sex in Advertising

The use of sex in advertising continues unabated, public outcry against it notwithstanding. Although some sex in ads might sell, as advertisers obviously believe to be the case, the question is, when is the use of sex appropriate, and for which target audiences? The present research examines this question, with consumer data from a study where consumers were shown an ad with either low or high sexual content. Results show that while the ad with high sexual content was uniformly judged to be ethically more unjust (compared to ads with low sexual content), the adverse effect on attitude toward the ad is not obtained for all consumers. Our results show that it depends on the sexual liberalism of the audience and on whether or not the use of sex is considered manipulative. Our research suggests that advertising professionals should assess sexual liberalism of their target audience and use sex only within the requisites of the communication task.
The Surface Plant for the Long-Term Flow Test

Following the ICFT, work began to complete the design and installation of a permanent surface plant for the Long-Term Flow Test (LTFT), which was planned as a realistic demonstration of the viability of HDR technology under conditions closely approximating those of a commercial HDR power facility. The major difference was that no power would be produced (the thermal energy brought to the surface during circulation would simply be wasted to the atmosphere). The decision not to produce power was based on the following considerations:
Improving the Ability of Mining for Multi-dimensional Data

In this paper, we present continuous research on data analysis based on our previous work on similarity search problems. PanKNN[13] is a novel technique which explores the meaning of K nearest neighbors from a new perspective, redefines the distances between data points and a given query point Q, and efficiently and effectively selects data points which are closest to Q. It can be applied in various data mining fields. In this paper, we present our approach to improving the scalability of the PanKNN algorithm. This proposed approach can assist to improve the performance of existing data analysis technologies, such as data mining approaches in Bioinformatics.
Controlled Markov processes and mathematical finance

These lectures are concerned with optimal control of Markov diffusion processes with complete state information, and with some applications in financial economics. Problems on a finite time horizon, and on an infinite horizon with discounted cost or ergodic (average cost per unit time) criterion are considered. We also consider risk sensitive stochastic control on an infinite horizon, with expected exponential-of-integral cost criteria. These problems are related, through a logarithmic transformation, to infinite horizon ergodic stochastic control and stochastic differential games. Risk sensitive control provides a link between stochastic and deterministic (robust control) approaches to disturbance attenuation. This is done by considering the robust control model as a small noise intensity limit of a corresponding risk sensitive model. In mathematical finance, we consider some models of optimal portfolio choice which are extensions of the classical Merton model. Problems of optimal long-term growth of expected utility of wealth are reformulated as infinite horizon risk sensitive control problems. Explicit solutions are given in absence of investment control constraints. In addition, a robust control approach to the Black-Scholes formula for pricing stock options is mentioned.
Cognitive-perceptual load modulates hand selection in left-handers to a greater extent than in right-handers

Previous studies have proposed that selecting which hand to use for a reaching task appears to be modulated by a factor described as “task difficulty,” defined by either the requirement for spatial precision or movement sequences. However, we previously reported that analysis of the movement costs associated with even simple movements plays a major role in hand selection. We further demonstrated, in right-handers, that cognitive-perceptual loading modulates hand selection by interfering with the analysis of such costs. It has been reported that left-handers tend to show less dominant hand bias in selecting which hand to use during reaching. We, therefore, hypothesized that hand selection would be less affected by cognitive-perceptual loading in left-handers than in right-handers. We employed a visual search task that presented different levels of difficulty (cognitive-perceptual load), as established in previous studies. Our findings indicate that left-handed participants tend to show greater modulation of hand selection by cognitive-perceptual loading than right-handers. Left-handers showed lower dominant hand reaction times than right-handers, and greater high-cost movements that reached to extremes of the contralateral workspace under the most difficult task conditions. We previously showed in this task that midline crossing has high-energy and time costs and that they occur more frequently under cognitively demanding conditions. The current study revealed that midline crossing was associated with the lowest reaction times, in both handedness groups. The fact that left-handers showed lower dominant hand reaction times, and a greater number of high-cost cross-midline reaches under the most cognitively demanding conditions suggests that these actions were erroneous.
Music Therapy and Pain Management in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease: An Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement Project.

Abstract Background Pain can negatively affect the inpatient hospitalization experience; however, in patients with compromised metabolic pathways who are more vulnerable to medication side effects, pain control becomes even more challenging. Aims This evidence-based practice quality improvement project explored the feasibility of implementing a music therapy intervention for improved pain management (pain intensity, analgesic volume) and patient satisfaction among patients with a diagnosis of cirrhotic end-stage liver disease in the acute care setting. Design The plan–do–check–act cycle served as the implementation framework. Four nurse champions were trained to implement a 30-minute music intervention. Self-selected musical selections were delivered via unit-based iPads with earbud headphones during 3 consecutive days. Methods Data collection was performed using unit-based measures for pain and patient satisfaction and an investigator-developed audit tool. Bivariate analyses and descriptive statistics were used to assess the effect of the intervention on the three outcomes of interest. Results Overall results from data collected with eight participants during a 6-week period indicated a 10% reduction in pain intensity and a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction with pain management care. Conclusions Findings from this evidence-based practice quality improvement project provide support for the effectiveness of music therapy as an adjunct to traditional pharmacologic modalities for pain management of the end-stage liver disease patient population.
Multisided Platforms, Big Data, and a Little Antitrust Policy

Commentators on both the right and the left ends of the political spectrum have called for new and more forceful approaches to antitrust enforcement with respect to large multisided platforms: especially Amazon, Facebook, and Google. In part, these calls have been driven by the fact that these platforms have business models that make extensive use of data about their users. This article surveys what economics has to say about a wide range of antitrust issues—including the treatment of exclusionary conduct, merger, and privacy—that are raised by multisided platforms’ reliance on big data collected about their users.
Lipid association increases the potency against primary medulloblastoma cells and systemic exposure of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) in rats.

Purpose. To reduce the systemic toxicity and prolong the systemic presence of l-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea (CCNU), a lipid-based drug carrier was designed and characterized.
The diffusion of water through oil contributes to spontaneous emulsification during low salinity waterflooding

Abstract Increases in oil recovery due to Low Salinity Waterfloods (LSW) have been widely investigated. Literature is abundant with studies attempting to pinpoint the relevant mechanisms involved in the LSW process. Recently, there was clear evidence of spontaneous formation of emulsions during LSW under certain conditions. This work examines the diffusion of water through oil as a contributing factor for spontaneous emulsification during LSW. Experimental observations are pore scale using etched-silicon micromodels. Observations are accompanied by pore-scale mass transfer calculations. Spontaneous emulsification is observed as a result of so-called “low salinity water” and crude oil phases contacting under non-equilibrium conditions. The experimental observations provide clear evidence that physical contact between oil and low salinity water phases is imperative for emulsification. In addition, it is concluded that a larger salinity gradient results in greater emulsion concentrations. In such cases, the crude oil is preequilibrated through exposure to a formation brine that has substantial salinity and divalent cations. Emulsification results as the oil phase comes into equilibrium with a brine of lower salinity and different composition. A key mechanism is the osmotic pressure imbalance between water and oil phases that drives water into the oil phase by diffusion. Water reaches a supersaturated state and spontaneous nucleation of the water phase results in emulsions, under appropriate conditions. The experimental and numerical modeling schemes presented here demonstrate and quantify time scales of water-in-oil emulsion formation.
An association between bipolar disorder and Parkinson disease: When mood makes you move.

Disorders of mood, especially depressive disorders, are the most common psychiatric disturbances associated with Parkinson disease (PD)1 and may present before or after the onset of motor symptoms. Numerous studies have linked depression and other mental illnesses to an increased risk of a subsequent diagnosis of PD.2 Among the most compelling was a nested case-control study in a Swedish nationwide cohort that found that the odds ratio of being diagnosed with PD within the first year of depression was 3.2 (95% confidence interval 2.5–4.1).3 Furthermore, this study demonstrated a persistent association between depression and PD for >2 decades, a “dose-response” relationship between severity of depression and risk of PD as inferred by recurrent need for hospitalization, and a lack of familial coaggregation of depression and PD in sibling pairs, all of which suggest a direct and independent relationship between depression and subsequent PD. Although both major depression and bipolar disorder are mood disorders that may be characterized by recurrent episodes of low mood (depression), bipolar disorder also requires the presence of ≥1 manic or mixed episodes. Despite the clinical similarities and possibility of etiologic overlap, major depression and bipolar disorder have differing genetic risk. Therefore, the issue of whether bipolar disorder is associated with an increased risk of subsequent diagnosis of PD should be further explored.
Revealing Greater Cahokia, North America’s first Native city: rediscovery and large-scale excavations of the East St. Louis Precinct: edited by Thomas E. Emerson, Brad H. Koldehoff, and Tamira K. Brennan, Urbana-Champaign, IL, Illinois State Archaeological Survey, 2018, 568 pp., figures, boxes, bibliography, tables, $100.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 978-1- 930487-55-0

Imagine opening a large box and withdrawing a cage that held a living, breathing passenger pigeon or an ivory-billed woodpecker. To a younger generation of archaeologists, that’s the only way I can...
Disruption of hmgA by DNA Duplication is Responsible for Hyperpigmentation in a Vibrio anguillarum Strain

Vibrio anguillarum 531A, isolated from a diseased fish in the Atlantic Ocean, is a mixture composed of about 95 and 5% of highly pigmented cells (strain 531Ad) and cells with normal levels of pigmentation (strain 531Ac), respectively. Analysis of the V. anguillarum 531Ad DNA region encompassing genes involved in the tyrosine metabolism showed a 410-bp duplication within the hmgA gene that results in a frameshift and early termination of translation of the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase. We hypothesized that this mutation results in accumulation of homogentisate that is oxidized and polymerized to produce pyomelanin. Introduction in E. coli of recombinant clones carrying the V. anguillarum hppD (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate-dioxygenase), and a mutated hmgA produced brown colored colonies. Complementation with a recombinant clone harboring hmgA restored the original color to the colonies confirming that in the absence of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase the intermediary in tyrosine catabolism homogentisate accumulates and undergoes nonenzymatic oxidation and polymerization resulting in high amounts of the brown pigment. Whole-genome sequence analysis showed that V. anguillarum 531 Ac and 531Ad differ in the hmgA gene mutation and 23 mutations, most of which locate to intergenic regions and insertion sequences.
Hit the Ground Running: The Complete Opening Statement Supported by Empirical Research and Illustrations

Article focuses on the importance of a powerful compelling opening statement to maximize juror attention, comprehension, and retention. The article breaks opening statement into component parts: grab, personalization, chronology, list of key facts, mitigation of problematic facts, and conclusion. Every component is supported by research and illustrations.
Metabolic Reprogramming in CD8 + T Cells During Acute Viral Infections

CD8+ T cells represent one of the most versatile immune cells critical for clearing away viral infections. Due to their important role, CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation during viral infection have been the focus of several studies recently. Although CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation have been associated with metabolic alterations, the molecular understanding behind T cells choosing one type of metabolism over others based on their differentiation stage is still unclear. This review focuses on how the signaling molecules and cellular processes that are characteristic of CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation also play a critical role in selecting specific type of metabolism during viral infections. In addition, we will summarize the epigenetic factors regulating these metabolic alterations.
Has Medicaid expansion improved access to care among socioeconomically disadvantaged breast cancer patients? An NCDB analysis.

e19003Background: For socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals without insurance, expenses related to diagnosis and management of chronic conditions, such as cancer, may be too costly to afford....
Comparison of the Quantra QPlus System With Thromboelastography in Cardiac Surgery

Objectives Use of viscoelastic testing, such as thromboelastography (TEG), is recommended in cardiac surgery to monitor coagulation and to guide the transfusion of blood products. The Quantra QPlus System is a novel point-of-care platform that uses ultrasonic pulses to characterize dynamic changes in viscoelastic properties of a blood sample during coagulation. Despite the ability to assess similar aspects of clot formation, limited studies addressing the interchangeability of viscoelastic testing parameters exist. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the correlation and agreement between Quantra and TEG5000 results using blood samples from cardiac surgery patients. Design Tertiary care, academic medical center. Setting Prospective observational study. Participants Twenty-eight patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were evaluated. Measurements and Main Results Perioperative blood samples were collected and assessed using Quantra, and results were compared with TEG and conventional coagulation testing. Method comparison analysis demonstrated that Quantra parameters (Quantra clot time, clot stiffness, and fibrinogen contribution to clot stiffness) significantly correlated with TEG R and TEG G after induction of anesthesia, during cardiopulmonary bypass, and after rewarming (rs = 0.83, rs = 0.84, and rs = 0.73, respectively). However, Quantra parameters demonstrated poor agreement compared with equivalent TEG5000 parameters. Conclusions The Quantra QPlus System significantly correlated with TEG5000, suggesting that this test may be used in a similar clinical context. Despite the strength of correlation between Quantra and TEG parameters, measurements are not interchangeable.
Bullying and Cyberbullying among LGBQ and Heterosexual Youth from an Intersectional Perspective: Findings from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

While LGBTQ youth may be victims of bullying at greater rates than heterosexual youth, research examining in-school bullying and cyberbullying victimization disparities through an intersectional fr...
Neutron irradiation induced changes in isotopic abundance of 6Li and 3D nanoscale distribution of tritium in LiAlO2 pellets analyzed by atom probe tomography

Abstract Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen is produced by neutron irradiation of 6Li enriched LiAlO2 pellets in Tritium producing burnable absorber rods (TPBARs). Three-dimensional nanoscale mapping of Tritium in irradiated pellets is critical to understand its spatial variation and its association with various microstructural features in the pellets. Spatially resolved analysis of 6Li isotopic enrichment in such ceramic pellets before and after irradiation can provide insights to heterogeneities in Li isotopic distribution. However, Li being a light isotope, its spatially resolved compositional or isotopic analysis is a challenging task to most analytical methods. Here we used atom probe tomography, to evaluate the Li isotopic enrichment in both the LiAlO2 matrix and the Li deficient secondary phase LiAl5O8 before irradiation. These results were then compared with 6Li isotopic ratio measured by APT analysis of neutron irradiated pellets to clearly demonstrate the unique capability of APT to quantitatively analyze the isotopic enrichment of 6Li as well as for other light elements present in these materials. Evidence for heterogenous nanoscale distribution of 3H and O3H within irradiated pellet microstructure is also provided, which may be attributed to 3H trapping in irradiation induced vacancy clusters or voids within the LiAlO2 matrix. The characterization results given here, now prove the feasibility for using APT for analyzing nanoscale spatially resolved isotopic enrichment of Li as well as other light elements such as Tritium in TPBARs. This work also paves way to adopt APT for analyzing light elements such as Li and tritium in materials used for nuclear fusion reactor applications, geochemistry, astrophysics as well as for energy storage applications.
The haves and have-nots.

A Peace Corps physician working in Africa describes in his latest online journal entry the pay-for-service environment pervasive in Africa and calls for ethical standards of treatment to lessen the differences between the more- and less-fortunate members of society. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
End-user IT Security Policy Compliance: A Confidence-Building Measures Approach

Corporate information systems security managers are continuously investing in the latest technical security tools to make their defenses against internal and external attacks on their information systems effective and efficient. However, these technical tools do not provide complete protection and organizations are experiencing a rise in security breaches. The cause of some security breaches are attributed to the actions of employees within the organization. Based on literature in international relations, this study advances four propositions to explain how end-user compliance with organizational information security policy (ISP) can be achieved using a confidence-building measures approach. The set of four propositions developed involve trust, prior notification of information system security initiative(s), disclosure of observed non-compliant behavior and promotion of compliant behavior. A laboratory experiment has been proposed as a methodology to assess these propositions.
Hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis in experimental intrauterine growth retardation in the rat

Abstract Intrauterine growth retardation in the rat was induced by ligating the artery supplying one uterine horn on the seventeenth day of gestation. The artery of the opposite uterine horn was left untouched, permitting normal development of fetuses in this side. The latter served as experimental controls. In vitro studies with liver slices 3 hours after a spontaneous delivery have shown impaired glucose production from labeled alanine in the dysmature newborn rats. It is suggested that the delay in postnatal development of hepatic gluconeogenesis may be a contributory factor to the susceptibility to neonatal hypoglycemia known to exist in this situation. Hepatic phospholipogenesis was also less active in the intrauterine growth-retarded fetuses. This observation might reflect developmental immaturity of membranous systems, which play an important role in the control and integration of hepatic metabolism.
A Lyα Bright Jet from a Herbig Ae Star

We report the detection in Lyα of a collimated, bipolar outflow (HH 409) associated with the 1.5-10 Myr old Herbig Ae star HD 163296. A blueshifted jet is visible in Lyα and Si III extending toward the southwest for at least 6'' (725 AU). The combination of low line-of-sight extinction and relative faintness of the central star near Lyα enables us to trace the jet to within an unprecedented 006 (7.3 AU) of HD 163296. The jet has a radial velocity of 335-380 km s-1, which is common for protostellar outflows. We also detected redshifted Lyα emission southwest of the star that may be due to infall or a poorly collimated wind component. If the age of the star is correct, then protostellar outflows may last up to 10 times longer than previously believed.
Sodium-Stimulated Transport of Glutamate in Escherichia coli

Wild-type Escherichia coli B grew poorly on glutamate as the sole carbon source, except at very high concentrations of the amino acid. The addition of sodium ion markedly stimulated the growth. It had the same effect in a mutant of E. coli B selected for the ability to grow at low glutamate concentrations. Sodium ion also potentiated growth inhibition by analogues of glutamate. The uptake of glutamate by nongrowing cells of the mutant was markedly stimulated by sodium ion in the presence of an energy source, chloramphenicol, and arsenite, which retarded glutamate degradation.
Grasses in dry continental interiors

Before the advent of grasses, dry continental interiors would have been vegetated by other kinds of plants. What these plants were like is difficult to say because well drained soils of desert regions preserve plant material only under exceptional circumstances (Retallack 1984a), such as the urine-impregnated middens of packrats (Neotoma spp.). There are few lakes and streams in deserts where plant fossils could be preserved and oases are surrounded by a lush growth of local plants completely different from those found in the desert beyond. Hence, the fossil record of plants in dry regions is both meager and biased. Some indications of ancient aridland ecosystems are provided by fossil root traces (Loope 1988), bones (Olson 1985), and burrows (Olson & Bolles 1975, Smith 1987) in calcareous red paleosols. Large plants and animals play a conspicuous role in desert ecosystems, but productivity is limited and there is much bare earth exposed. Aridisols forming in such environments do not appear greatly different from calcareous paleosols as old as 1900 million years (Campbell & Cecile 1981). For many millions of years after the mid-Paleozoic advent of trees, forests may have graded out through dry woodland into scrubby desert vegetation in dry continental interiors.
The win–loss ratio as an ability signal of mutual fund managers: a measure that is less influenced by luck

To better identify skilled mutual fund managers, we develop a mutual fund performance predictor that is less influenced by luck. We posit that it is unlikely for a fund manager to consistently hold numerous above median performing stocks unless he has stock-picking ability. Using the number of above median performing stocks as a fund performance predictor (win–loss ratio), we find that a higher win–loss ratio in 1 year is associated with 2–4 % additional risk-adjusted return in the next. The ratio also has an economically and statistically significant predictive power after controlling for other fund performance predictors in the literature.
A Study of the Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid on Gastric Digestion In Vitro

Summary Casein was incubated aerobically and anaerobically at 37°C. using crude or purified pepsin preparations in HCl at pH 2. Ascorbic acid was added to some digestions. Amino nitrogen and ascorbic acid analyses indicate that ascorbic acid retards peptic proteolysis when crude pepsin is employed, and that oxidation of the vitamin to a point where the oxidized to reduced ratio reaches 0.225 results in a loss of the peptic inhibitory influence. No inhibitory effect was observed when, crystalline pepsin was used. The presence of another substance in crude pepsin, the actual inhibitor, and its mechanism of action in relation to the vitamin, is postulated.
Charles Horton Cooley, Pragmatist or Belletrist? The Complexity of Influence and the Decentering of Intellectual Traditions

This essay treats recent attempts to identify symbolic interaction (SI) founding theorist Charles Horton Cooley as a pragmatist sociologist exemplifying, and even influenced by, the pragmatism of Charles Saunders Peirce, as an example of the American exceptionalist character of SI. Beginning with Cooley's creative approach to conceptualizing the social, these attempts are scrutinized and measured against the contention that Cooley's thought can be equally if not more understood as a product of influence of the literary essay tradition. A close reading is given of the concordance of his personal journal with a selection of his published writings concerning the influence of members of Cooley's essayistic “genre matrix” – Emerson, Montaigne, and Walter Pater – on the development of his intellectual self and thought. Further substantiation is supplied by an analysis of the essayistic influence on Cooley's rigorous treatment of qualitative methodology. It is concluded that a decentered positioning of Cooley's work is preferable to a single-origin one.
Effects of phenylephrine or volume loading on right ventricular function in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization

The acute effects of phenylephrine (PHE) administration or intravascular volume loading on right ventricular (RV) function were examined in 34 patients undergoing elective coronary artery surgery. After anesthetic induction with sufentanil and midazolam, 20 patients received PHE to treat hypotension and increase systemic arterial pressure 20% above baseline values. PHE effectively restored arterial pressure without changing stroke index (SI), although RV ejection fraction (RVEF) declined (41.3% to 37.6%) with concomitant increases in RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) (86.3 to 97.5 mL/m2) and RV end-systolic volume index (51.8 to 63.4 mL/m2). In the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery, 18 patients received intravascular volume expansion with 5% albumin when the clinical perfusion state was inadequate and accompanied by pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) less than 15 mmHg and a hemoglobin level greater than 8 g/dL. Volume loading with 500 mL of albumin increased SI(27.0 to 31.8mL/m2), PAOP (12.2 to 15.4 mmHg) and RVEDVI (69.0 to 86.5 mL/m2), although RVEF declined (39.3% to 37.6%). Baseline values of RVEF and SI (but not PAOP or right atrial pressure [RAP]) were lower in 9 of 18 patients who exhibited declines in RVEF after volume loading, and RAP was a poor indicator of RVEDVI (r = 0.17). RVEDVI (but not RAP or PAOP) had significant correlation with SI during volume loading. There was no relationship between the presence of hemodynamically significant right coronary artery stenoses requiring revascularization or other perioperative factors with the response to PHE before revascularization or to volume loading after revascularization. It is concluded that RV adaptation to afterload and preload augmentation may be impaired in a significant proportion of patients undergoing elective coronary artery surgery. Monitoring of RV function is useful in these patients because preoperative and intraoperative characteristics do not allow prediction of the RV response to common interventions that alter load conditions before and after myocardial revascularization.