cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communications at megamile ranges

Megamile communications call for the fullest use of advanced modern technology. This paper surveys the design of a deep-space communication system. The basic constraints and capabilities of a low-noise ground receiving system are covered in detail, including antenna temperature contributions from galactic noise, tropospheric and ionospheric attenuation, and earth radiation through antenna side lobes. Low-noise preamplifiers, large high-gain antennas, and narrow-band phase-lock receivers are also considered. Digital biphase modulation, used in Pioneer V, is compared with more sophisticated bi-orthogonal coding systems. Both types of coding systems are compared with error rate as a parameter, with the ideal error-free Shannon limit. The design of Pioneer V and its record of achievement are described. Included are explanations of the coherent transponder within the spacecraft, and of the command transmitter and telemetry reception equipment at the ground stations.
The effect of gingival fiberotomy on the rate of tooth movement

This study was designed to assess the gingival tissue resistance to remodeling in determining the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Closed coil spring orthodontic appliances were stretched bilaterally between the first molars and incisors in the maxillary arches of 18 adult rats. The resistance of gingival tissues was eliminated around the randomly chosen first molars by a circumferential fiberotomy procedure. Movements of teeth were measured on submental vertex radiographs against the metallic implants that were placed in zygomatic processes. The data were analyzed by randomized block design analysis of variance. During the 30-day experimental period, the teeth that underwent the fiberotomy procedure moved faster (0.63 mm versus 0.51 mm, P less than 0.05), indicating that the resistance of gingival tissues may be a rate-limiting factor in orthodontic tooth movement.
Measurement of the Neutron Capture and Fission Cross Sections of 239Pu and 235U, 0.02 eV to 200 keV, the Neutron Capture Cross Sections of 197Au, 10 to 50 keV, and Neutron Fission Cross Sections of 233U, 5 to 20

The neutron absorption and fission cross sections for $sup 239$Pu and $sup 235$U have been measured over the neutron energy range from 0.02 eV to 200 keV. In addition, the neutron capture cross section for $sup 197$Au was measured from 10 to 50 keV and the fission cross section of $sup 233$U was measured from 0.1 to 100 keV. Normalization of the $sup 239$Pu and $sup 235$U data was made over the energy region from 0.02 to 0.4 eV to the ENDF/B-III neutron cross sections for these isotopes, Mat 1159 and 1157, respectively. The capture cross section for $sup 197$Au was normalized using the saturated resonance method for the 4.9-eV resonance. For $sup 233$U fission, the normalization was made using the results of Weston et al. The neutron flux was measured using the $sup 10$B(n,$alpha$) reaction; the energy variation used for this reaction was that given in ENDF/B-III. A large liquid scintillator about 40 m from the neutron source was used to detect the prompt gamma-ray cascades resulting from neutron absorption in the sample. In general for $sup 239$Pu and $sup 235$U, these experiments indicated lower neutron fission cross sections than contained in ENDF/ B-III for energies above 10 keV.more » The measured values of the ratio $alpha$, neutron capture-to-neutron fission, for $sup 239$Pu agree within errors with those derived from ENDF/B-III, Mat 1159. For the present measurements, the uncertainty on $alpha$ for $sup 239$Pu is approximately 11 percent at 10 keV and increases to approximately 30 percent at 100 keV. The experimental results for the neutron capture cross section for $sup 197$Au are approximately 15 percent lower than the ENDF/B-III values. The measurements of the ratio of the neutron fission cross section for $sup 233$U to that for $sup 235$U are generally higher than the ENDF/B-III values by approximately 5 percent. 15 tables, 11 figures. (auth)« less
Reply to Comments on: 'The Effect of Independence on Decisions Concerning Additional Audit Work: A European Perspective'

We wish to thank the sponsors of this symposium for providing us with the opportunity to present our research. We also wish to thank our anonymous reviewers, our discussants Professor Linda Thorne and Mr. Bruce Jenkins, and all our colleagues who attended the symposium for their insightful comments on our research. These comments form the basis for the additional analysis and extensions of our original study since the symposium. In responding to our discussants' comments, we will first reply to those concerns provided by Thorne (2000) and then those of Jenkins (2000). Thorne's concerns can be broken down into four categories: (1) justifying the use of the individualism construct; (2) the age of Hofstede's (1991, 1980) data; (3) why more recent constructs such as Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner (1993) were not used; and, (4) interpretation of the data. Jenkins's comments are made up of (1) an evaluation of the case studies we used in this research and (2) the applicability of the research findings to the international accounting environment.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacy Specialists on the Design and Implementation of a Quality Improvement Initiative to Decrease Inappropriate Medications in a Veterans Affairs Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: As the proportion of older adult patients who interface with the health care system grows, clinical pharmacy specialists (CPS) have a pivotal role in reducing potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in this population. OBJECTIVES: To (a) describe CPS involvement in the design and implementation of a quality improvement (QI) initiative to decrease PIM prescribing in a Veterans Affairs (VA) emergency department (ED) and (b) report on changes in PIM prescribing before and after the initiative. METHODS: Enhancing Quality of Prescribing Practices for Veterans Discharged from the Emergency Department (EQUiPPED) is an ongoing multisite QI project that aims to decrease ED PIM prescribing. We used a mixed-method approach that applied qualitative and quantitative measures in describing the CPS role and evaluating PIM rates. PIMs were defined using the 2012 Beers Criteria. We reported monthly PIM rates in patients aged 65 years and older who were discharged from the ED from January 2012 to Novembe...
Duration of acquired immunity to Trypanosoma equiperdum in the rat.

Received for publication June 16, 1957. This work was supported by a research grant (G-4117) from the National Microbiological Institute of the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service. large an igen doses are used for immu ization, i.e., when the infection intensity is allowed to develop to a level of abou 100,000 trypanosomes per cmm of blood b f re drug is given and for at least 87 days when very small antigen doses are used, such as 9 trypanosomes p r cmm of blood at the time of cure.
But the Scores Don't Show How I Really Function: A Feedback Method to Reveal Cognitive Distortions Regarding Normal Neuropsychological Test Performance

ABSTRACTNeuropsychologists commonly provide feedback to patients with a high degree of cognitive complaints in the context of normal neuropsychological test performance. Patients are sometimes not reassured by this feedback because they blame external factors (e.g., the tests are wrong) and do not develop insight about internal factors (e.g., distorted self-perception) that could lead to better understanding about why high symptom reporting is present in the context of normal test results. This article presents the first formal feedback model for neuropsychologists to use with such patients that helps reveal the presence of cognitive distortions that result in high cognitive complaints. The critical elements of this model incorporate self-ratings of neuropsychological test performance, comparing those ratings to actual test performance, and presenting discrepancies to patients in an objective, professional, and respectful manner. Ways in which this feedback model may lead to improved patient outcomes and ...
Thirty Days Feeding Experiment of Flaxseed Oil Soft Capsule Contained Chinese Medicines to Rats

To study the safety of flaxseed oil soft capsule contained Chinese medicines possessing activity of relieving eye fatigue,thirty days feeding experiment of rats was conducted.Results showed that there were no marked differences in appearance,body weight,food intake,food utilization rate,complete blood count,organ relative weight and pathological examination of rates between all treated groups and the control.So the soft capsule ranked as nontoxic class and could be developed into functional food.
The changes of pathogen distribution and their drug-resistance of gram-negative bacteria from Sputum Sample 2008-2010 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital

Objective To investigate the changes of pathogen distribution and their drug-resistance of gram-negative bacteria in children's sputum culture in Shenzhen Children's Hospital in recent 3years.Methods A retrospective study on clinical distribution from sputum sample.VITEK2automicroscan system was used to identify the species and conduct drug resistance test.The data was analyzed by WHONET5.4software.Results A total of 8516strains were isolated from sputum sample(21201),with Gram-negative bacteria 6345(29.93%).The antibiotic remaining the most active against all of the gram-negative bacteria was piperacillin/tazobactam,amikacin(90%).The susceptibility rate of Escherichina coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae to carbopenems and cefotetan above 90%.The three bacteria were almost antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin.The susceptibility rate of Escherichina coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae to ampicillin/sulbactam,the first and the third generation cephalosporins were low.The rate of ESBLs-producing to Escherichina coli was 53.68%,49.09%,49.89%,and to Klebsiella pneumoniae was 49.19%,41.48%,38.80%in the recent 3years.Conclusion The main pathogenic bacteria from sputum sample is gram-negative bacteria in Shenzhen Children's Hospital,and the drug resistance hadn't been obviously vicissitudes.
Evaluation of methods to improve detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh produce by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to detect two genes encoding Shiga-like toxins (stx1 and stx2) and a universal Escherichia coli gene (gadA/B) in fresh produce spiked with E. coli O157:H7. Current U.S. Food and Drug Administration procedures for the analysis of fresh produce include the use of the rinsate from an initial rinse for the analysis of several potential pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7. In this study, several procedures were evaluated for their ability to increase the sensitivity of PCR analysis of rinsates from 15 types of produce. The procedures evaluated included the preliminary clarification and concentration of templates by centrifugation and the treatment of templates with compounds reported to facilitate nucleic acid amplification, including polyvinlypolypyrrolidone (PVPP), nonfat dry milk (NFDM), and InstaGene. The preliminary concentration of rinsates resulted in moderate improvements in detection sensitivity. The use of PVPP-treated templates in PCR reac...
Ally, friend, or mentor? Creating and maintaining effective cross-class alliances

ABSTRACTThis essay (re)examines the notion of intercultural alliances in one U.S. nonprofit organization trying to end poverty. The nonprofit, referred to as Transforming Poverty Partnerships, has built their program around building relationships between people in poverty and middle-class “Allies.” This analysis reveals a number of problematic themes that emerge from previous conceptions of cross-class alliances and implications for improving such alliances within various contexts.
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by the Ablation of Localized Sources: CONFIRM (Conventional Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation With or Without Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation) Trial

Objectives We hypothesized that human atrial fibrillation (AF) may be sustained by localized sources (electrical rotors and focal impulses), whose elimination (focal impulse and rotor modulation [FIRM]) may improve outcome from AF ablation. Background Catheter ablation for AF is a promising therapy, whose success is limited in part by uncertainty in the mechanisms that sustain AF. We developed a computational approach to map whether AF is sustained by several meandering waves (the prevailing hypothesis) or localized sources, then prospectively tested whether targeting patient-specific mechanisms revealed by mapping would improve AF ablation outcome. Methods We recruited 92 subjects during 107 consecutive ablation procedures for paroxysmal or persistent (72%) AF. Cases were prospectively treated, in a 2-arm 1:2 design, by ablation at sources (FIRM-guided) followed by conventional ablation (n = 36), or conventional ablation alone (n = 71; FIRM-blinded). Results Localized rotors or focal impulses were detected in 98 (97%) of 101 cases with sustained AF, each exhibiting 2.1 ± 1.0 sources. The acute endpoint (AF termination or consistent slowing) was achieved in 86% of FIRM-guided cases versus 20% of FIRM-blinded cases (p < 0.001). FIRM ablation alone at the primary source terminated AF in a median 2.5 min (interquartile range: 1.0 to 3.1 min). Total ablation time did not differ between groups (57.8 ± 22.8 min vs. 52.1 ± 17.8 min, p = 0.16). During a median 273 days (interquartile range: 132 to 681 days) after a single procedure, FIRM-guided cases had higher freedom from AF (82.4% vs. 44.9%; p < 0.001) after a single procedure than FIRM-blinded cases with rigorous, often implanted, electrocardiography monitoring. Adverse events did not differ between groups. Conclusions Localized electrical rotors and focal impulse sources are prevalent sustaining mechanisms for human AF. FIRM ablation at patient-specific sources acutely terminated or slowed AF, and improved outcome. These results offer a novel mechanistic framework and treatment paradigm for AF. (Conventional Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation With or Without Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation [CONFIRM]; [NCT01008722][1]) [1]: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01008722?term=NCT01008722%26rank=1
Modeling Surface Runoff with Kinematic, Diffusion, and Dynamic Waves

Surface runoff can be modeled deteiministically with kinematic, diffusion, or dynamic waves. Kinematic waves convect runoff, but do not diffuse it. Diffusion waves convect runoff under a small but perceptible amount of diffusion. Dynamic waves convect runoff and strongly diffuse it. Kinematic and dynamic waves are well established in hydrologic engineering research and practice. Diffusion waves, however, have only recently been accepted in practice, as shown by their inclusion in Version 4.0 of HEC-1: Flood Hydrograph Package (Hydrologic Engineering Center, 1990). Given the current emphasis on computational modeling of surface runoff, a review of these three models is warranted at this time. This paper focuses on the following: (1) definition and properties of kinematic, diffusion, and dynamic waves, (2) role of numerical diffusion in kinematic wave modeling, (3) nature of kinematic shock, and (4) role of Vedernikov number in surface runoff modeling.
Urban Organic Aerosol Exposure: Spatial Variations in Composition and Source Impacts

We conducted a mobile sampling campaign in a historically industrialized terrain (Pittsburgh, PA) targeting spatial heterogeneity of organic aerosol. Thirty-six sampling sites were chosen based on stratification of traffic, industrial source density, and elevation. We collected organic carbon (OC) on quartz filters, quantified different OC components with thermal-optical analysis, and grouped them based on volatility in decreasing order (OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4, and pyrolyzed carbon (PC)). We compared our ambient OC concentrations (both gas and particle phase) to similar measurements from vehicle dynamometer tests, cooking emissions, biomass burning emissions, and a highway traffic tunnel. OC2 and OC3 loading on ambient filters showed a strong correlation with primary emissions while OC4 and PC were more spatially homogeneous. While we tested our hypothesis of OC2 and OC3 as markers of fresh source exposure for Pittsburgh, the relationship seemed to hold at a national level. Land use regression (LUR) models we...
Early illness recognition in older adults using transfer learning

Predicting early signs of illness in older adults by utilizing a continuous, unobtrusive nursing home monitoring system has been shown to increase the quality of life and decrease the cost of care. Illness prediction is based on sensor data such as motion and bed and uses algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM) or k-nearest neighbor (kNN). One of the greatest challenges in developing prediction algorithms for sensor networks is utilizing knowledge from previous residents for predicting behavior in new ones. In this paper, we employ a transfer learning approach for addressing the cross resident training problem. We validate our method by conducting a retrospective study on three residents from TigerPlace, a retirement community in Columbia, MO, where apartments are fitted with wireless networks of motion and bed sensors. The ground truth, the daily presence or absence of the illness, was manually evaluated using nursing visit reports from an homegrown electronic medical record (EMR) system. In this study, transfer learning SVM approach outperformed other three methods, regular SVM, one class SVM, and one class kNN, resulting in average areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.74, 0.52, 0.60 and 0.62 for three residents, respectively.
Genetic studies as a tool for identifying novel potential targets for treatment of COPD.

Genetic studies are a useful tool for identification of novel causal biomarkers and therapeutic targets for COPD http://ow.ly/zZKC30fNecz
Secondary flow vortical structures in a 180 ∘ elastic curved vessel with torsion under steady and pulsatile inflow conditions

Multiple vortex-pair morphologies were studied using particle image velocimetry in steady and pulsatile flows through elastic curved vessels. Torsion effects were more profound than local vessel compliance (elasticity) effects. Torsion induces asymmetry in the vortical structures and causes like-signed vortices to merge.
Finite element modeling of nanoscale-enabled microinductors for power electronics

This article focuses on the finite element modeling of toroidal microinductors, employing first-of-its-kind nanocomposite magnetic core material and superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles covalently cross-linked in an epoxy network. Energy loss mechanisms in existing inductor core materials are covered as well as discussions on how this novel core material eliminates them providing a path toward realizing these low form factor devices. Designs for both a 2 µH output and a 500 nH input microinductor are created via the model for a high-performance buck converter. Both modeled inductors have 50 wire turns, less than 1 cm3 form factors, less than 1 Ω AC resistance, and quality factors, Q’s, of 27 at 1 MHz. In addition, the output microinductor is calculated to have an average output power of 7 W and a power density of 3.9 kW/in3 by modeling with the 1st generation iron nanocomposite core material.
Actinomycete Development, Antibiotic Production, and Phylogeny: Questions and Challenges

Much of the genetic and physiological experimentation on developmental regulation focuses on the two streptomycete species Streptomyces coelicolor and S. griseus because they are relatively tractable as experimental organisms, but the diversity in morphological forms and bioactive compounds found among streptomycetes and their relatives in the genus Actinobacteria is enormous. The actinomycetes produce an enormous variety of bioactive molecules. The enzyme activity responsible for doxorubicin chain synthesis, classified as a polyketide synthase, is evolutionarily related to bacterial fatty acid synthases. Two significant observations have suggested that temporal regulation of actII-ORF4 transcription is largely responsible for growth phase-dependent antibiotic production in defined media. First, accumulation of the actII-ORF4 transcript is limited to the postexponential growth period. Second, introduction of extra plasmid-borne copies of actll-ORF4 causes exponential-phase actinorhodin production. Disruption mutations in certain other genes identified for a physiological attribute also produce a Bld phenotype, indicating that Bld mutant hunts have not saturated the phenotype. The examples discussed in this chapter include mutations generated in relA and cya. The genetic elements responsible for global regulation are now being discovered through a variety of experimental approaches, primarily utilizing S. coelicolor and the closely related S. lividans. Among the numerous complex nutritional, physiological, and environmental effects on antibiotic synthesis and morphogenesis that have been documented, the carbon metabolism, cyclic AMP (cAMP), GTP levels, ppGpp S. coelicolor phenomena have been genetically analyzed. Some streptomycetes have a tendency to genetic instability, particularly affecting morphogenesis and antibiotic production.
Serine is the molecular source of the NH(CH2)2 bridgehead moiety of the in vitro assembled [FeFe] hydrogenase H-cluster

The active site of [FeFe] hydrogenase, the H-cluster, consists of a canonical [4Fe-4S]H subcluster linked to a unique binuclear [2Fe]H subcluster containing three CO, two CN- and a bridging azadithiolate (adt, NH(CH2S-)2) ligand. While it is known that all five diatomic ligands are derived from tyrosine, there has been little knowledge as to the formation and installation of the adt ligand. Here, by using a combination of a cell-free in vitro maturation approach with pulse electronic paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we discover that serine donates the nitrogen atom and the CH2 group to the assembly of the adt ligand. More specifically, both CH2 groups in adt are sourced from the C3 methylene of serine.
Combination Therapy for Invasive Fungal Infections

The purpose of this review is to summarize and evaluate relevant literature on combination antifungal therapy for invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Cryptococcal meningitis has the largest body and highest quality in support of combination therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine. More recent data in treatment of invasive aspergillosis suggest combination therapy with voriconazole and echinocandins may be effective in select patients. Quality studies are needed to define combination therapy in rare mold infections. Multiple strategies have been employed to optimize treatment of the growing incidence of IFIs. With exceptions as noted above, justification for the use of combination antifungal therapy is most often based on uncontrolled and/or underpowered studies, in vitro data, and case reports.
Interstitial microRNA miR-214 attenuates inflammation and polycystic kidney disease progression

Renal cysts are the defining feature of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD); however, the substantial interstitial inflammation is an often-overlooked aspect of this disorder. Recent studies suggest that immune cells in the cyst microenvironment affect ADPKD progression. Here we report that microRNAs (miRNAs) are new molecular signals in this crosstalk. We found that miR-214 and its host long noncoding RNA Dnm3os are upregulated in orthologous ADPKD mouse models and cystic kidneys from humans with ADPKD. In situ hybridization revealed that interstitial cells in the cyst microenvironment are the primary source of miR-214. While genetic deletion of miR-214 does not affect kidney development or homeostasis, surprisingly, its inhibition in Pkd2- and Pkd1-mutant mice aggravates cyst growth. Mechanistically, the proinflammatory TLR4/IFN-γ/STAT1 pathways transactivate the miR-214 host gene. miR-214, in turn as a negative feedback loop, directly inhibits Tlr4. Accordingly, miR-214 deletion is associated with increased Tlr4 expression and enhanced pericystic macrophage accumulation. Thus, miR-214 upregulation is a compensatory protective response in the cyst microenvironment that restrains inflammation and cyst growth.
CD319 (SLAMF7) an alternative marker for detecting plasma cells in the presence of daratumumab or elotuzumab

Background Daratumumab is an anti-CD38 immunotherapeutic drug that has increasingly been used to treat patients with heavily pre-treated and relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In so doing, the detection of CD38 antigen on plasma cells by flow cytometry is impeded. We hypothesized that alternative markers can be used in place or in addition to CD38 when detecting plasma cells post-treated with daratumumab. Methods A total of 16 alternative markers were tested using 22 bone marrow aspirates from patients with plasma cell neoplasm. The ability of selected markers to discern plasma cells from other hematopoietic cells were evaluated. The stability of tested markers when stored at 4 or 25°C after T = 0, 24, 48, and 72 h was also established. Finally, selected markers were incorporated into a panel used for monitoring multiple myeloma measurable residual disease to test their utility to identify plasma cells in the presence of daratumumab and/or elotuzumab (anti-CD319) drugs. Results Out of the 16 tested markers, CD319, CD54, CD229, CD317, and p63 were expressed by >90% of the plasma cells. Only CD319, CD54, and CD229 achieved 100% detection sensitivity. Further analysis showed that CD319 was better than CD229 and CD54 at resolving plasma cells from background hematopoietic cells, with CD54 being the worst (resolution metric, mean ± SD: CD319 [2.04 ± 0.86]; CD229 [1.47 ± 0.45]; and CD54 [1.22 ± 0.60]). CD229 was expressed by >90% of T lymphocytes, whereas CD319 was expressed preferentially by the CD8+ T cells and less frequently in CD4+ T cells. Additionally, CD229 was found on >60% of B and NK cells, as well as minor subsets of monocytes and granulocytes. CD319 was expressed on most NK cells and a minor subset of B cells, granulocytes, and monocytes. Even though CD229 and CD319 were expressed by different leukocyte subsets, their expression levels were highest on plasma cells. The expression of CD138 on plasma cells was significantly lower after storage at 4°C, while the expression levels of CD38, CD229, and CD319 remained stable at 4 or 25°C. Using limiting dilution experiments, the treatment of cells with daratumumab severely impeded the detection of CD38 antigen on plasma cells, whereas elotuzumab treatment did not block detection of CD319 on plasma cells. Conclusions CD319 is a suitable alternative to CD38 for identifying plasma cells. Our results showed that a panel used for monitoring multiple myeloma measurable residual disease could be modified by using CD319 alone or in combination with CD38 to detect PCs in daratumumab or elotuzumab treated patients.
Is Listening Teachable? A Study in Teacher Attitudes

Listening is both academically and institutionally the most neglected skill within Indian academia. Though it may be due to colonial factors, there has been inadequate postcolonial awakening among stakeholders like teachers, parents, and learners to the reality that speech is primary and that listening is the gateway to acquisition of speaking skills and word power. While (effective & intensive) listening is prerequisite to speaking, it is the most important academic skill from the view of the learner. It facilitates students to follow lectures, take notes, and to do all that is imperative in their study. In fact, the amount of students’ exposure to listening at the institution becomes the defining criterion for it to be recognized either as an English medium or a regional medium institution. It is therefore a necessity that listening finds appropriate slot within the descriptive and prescriptive syllabi of all English courses at all levels. Furthermore, the teaching and learning of listening in ESL classroom is qualitatively different from that of the mother tongue. Diagnosis of the root cause of the problems in teaching and learning ought to precede strategies and solutions. Teachers as facilitators and students as learners are the starting point for this twin tasks. This empirical study attempts to elicit the teacher attitudes toward teaching listening and learner attitudes toward learning listening. Besides, it also discusses a few pedagogically viable strategies to teaching and learning listening.
Appraising and Handling COVID-19 Information: A Qualitative Study.

Background. The coronavirus pandemic brought vast quantities of new information to the public for rapid consumption. This study explored how people most impacted by the pandemic have judged and perceived the quality of information regarding COVID-19 and regulated the information flow. Methods. This was a qualitative study of semi-structured interviews developed as a pragmatic study targeting several groups most impacted by the pandemic. Participants were identified through convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling methods. They were interviewed by phone or video conference. Results. Twenty-five participants were interviewed between 6 April 2020 and 1 May 2020. In terms of verifying information and judging its quality, people judged information by the source. People compared information across sources and attempted to verify the quality. Most felt self-assured about their capacity to judge information. Regarding the quality of information, many participants felt the information was skewed or inaccurate. Contradictory information was confusing, especially with a strong suspicion of ulterior motives of information sources impacting trust in the provided information. Yet, some recognized the iterative process of healthcare-related information. In terms of regulating information flow, many participants perceived flooding with information. To counter information overload, some became selective with types of information input. Many developed the habit of taking breaks periodically. Conclusion. Improving risk communication in a pandemic is of paramount importance. Organizations working in public health must develop ways to regulate information flow in collaboration with trusted community partners. Individuals also must develop strategies to improve information management.
Effect of Density-Dependent Harvest Rates on Inferences About Compensatory Mortality

The hypothesis of compensatory mortality is fundamental to understanding the effect of harvest on the dynamics of exploited populations. A testable prediction of compensatory mortality is that nonhunting survival is density-dependent at some time of the year. Unfortunately, annual survival rates (rather than nonhunting survival rates) often are the only statistics available for survivorship, and previous tests have been based on the assumption that harvest rates are independent of density. We show that the relationship between annual survival and density is not an appropriate test, because the relationship can be affected by density-dependent harvest rates. Also, we evaluate the power of the test of the correlation (p) between post-harvest survival and post-harvest population size. We found the power of this test to be sufficient (≥50%) only if parameter estimates are precise (CV ≤ 10%), the relationship is strong (|p| ≥ 0.70), and studies are conducted for more than seven years.
Faint, Far Away and Invisible

After seeing the title of this chapter you’re probably wondering what possible objects exist are that can be listed as faint, far away and invisible, and still be of interest to an amateur astronomer! But there are a few, if you think about it. Up to this point we have just covered objects that are familiar to nearly every amateur astronomer – stars, nebulae and galaxies – but in fact you’re familiar with quite a few other objects that you undoubtedly have read about in other books or astronomy magazines but always assumed they were not visible using amateur equipment.
An orbivirus of mosquitoes which induces CO2 sensitivity in mosquitoes and is lethal for rabbits.

Abstract An orbivirus, JKT-7400, isolated from Culex mosquitoes in Indonesia, replicated to a high titer and induced cytopathic effects in Aedes albopictus cell cultures. The virus produced lethal sensitivity to carbon dioxide in Culex and Aedes mosquitoes as well as in Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies but was not the agent of the hereditary sensitivity to carbon dioxide previously described for Culex quinquefasciatus. When injected intravenously in high doses, JKT-7400 virus was lethal for rabbits, apparently without replicating to a significant extent. It was not pathogenic for adult mice inoculated intravenously or for adult or suckling mice inoculated intracerebrally and intraperitoneally. Unlike an orbivirus isolated from Culex mosquitoes in China, JKT-7400 did not interfere with the replication of Japanese encephalitis virus in mosquitoes.
Photonic crystal superlattices

Theoretical investigations are presented for several new super-lattice photonic crystal configurations: the static superlattice and hybrid structures based on this geometry incorporating nonlinear and electro-optic materials. Their potential for switching, out-coupling and beam steering is presented.
Black Power Movement Book Publishing: Trends and Issues

Among the Black Power Movement's legacies are independent black presses. The justification for such presses, to produce culturally relevant books for black audiences and to create a space for black authors to publish, is now a staple of mainstream presses as well. Arguably, this particular legacy of the movement has far surpassed its original objective. Moreover, the interaction between the various types of publisher is not a simple competitive one in which the goal is to control the black book market. Rather, it is symbiotic in a number of ways, including the relations authors and publishers are able to negotiate with one another as well as those the publishers maintain among themselves.
FLT3 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition as a Paradigm for Targeted Drug Development in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Therapy targeting specific somatic mutations has become an increasingly important part of cancer therapy over the past 20 years. In particular, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become a critical component of treatment for both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Since mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ( FLT3 ) gene are relatively common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), activating mutations in FLT3 represent an appealing target for drug development. Efforts are well underway to develop FLT3 inhibitors and to incorporate these agents into AML therapy. As the genetic landscape of AML has been mapped, other attractive targets for therapy have been discovered, including C-KIT, IDH1 and IDH2, NPM1, and MEK . Some lessons from the ongoing endeavor to develop FLT3 inhibitors may be applicable to the development of other targeted agents for AML.
Health and Human Development

A life-span developmental perspective can enhance our understanding of the determinants of health behaviors across life stages and suggest appropriate strategies for intervention. In this chapter, the biological, cognitive, and social developmental influences on health behaviors during five life stages—infancy, childhood, adolescence, midlife, and older adulthood—are explored. Examples of these influences from the empirical literature on physical activity and diabetes self-care are used for purposes of illustration. Important areas for future research on developmental determinants of health behaviors include the effect of health behaviors at one life stage on health outcomes during subsequent stages, the midlife period, health behavior theory development that incorporates a lifespan perspective, examination of the extent to which conceptualizations of key concepts (e.g., self-efficacy, perceived control, social support) are age invariant, and the interaction between developmental phenomena and extrinsic factors such as socioeconomic status, race, culture, and gender. Keywords: diabetes; health; human development; life-span perspective; physical activity; self-efficacy; social development; social support
Estimating Transition Probabilities for Ignorable Intermittent Missing Data in a Discrete-Time Markov Chain

This article considers a discrete-time Markov chain for modeling transition probabilities when multiple successive observations are missing at random between two observed outcomes using three methods: a na\"ive analog of complete-case analysis using the observed one-step transitions alone, a non data-augmentation method (NL) by solving nonlinear equations, and a data-augmentation method, the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. The explicit form of the conditional log-likelihood given the observed information as required by the E step is provided, and the iterative formula in the M step is expressed in a closed form. An empirical study was performed to examine the accuracy and precision of the estimates obtained in the three methods under ignorable missing mechanisms of missing completely at random and missing at random. A dataset from the mental health arena was used for illustration. It was found that both data-augmentation and nonaugmentation methods provide accurate and precise point estimation, a...
Managing for Wood Quality

During the 20th century, the Pacific Northwest (western Oregon and Washington, coastal British Columbia, and southeastern Alaska) produced some of the highest quality timber in North America. Forests were old and trees were large; wood products from this region were easily distinguished from those made from timber produced in other regions in North America. In some cases, the timber had unique visual characteristics; its slow growth produced clear wood and tight grain patterns and its superior mechanical properties were prized. The sheer size of the trees made it possible to manufacture extremely large pieces. Early in the century, Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) (at the time also known as Oregon pine) that were tall and cylindrical possessed a stiffness that made them valuable as ships’ masts (Allin 1995). Later, these same characteristics made this species important as electric power transmission poles. Long spans, made possible by the high strength and stiffness of Douglas-fir, allowed architects to create distinctive open interior spaces. Several mills specialized in beams up to 185 feet (57 meters (m)) long and several feet deep. The fine grain and infrequent knots in large old trees permitted manufacture of clear, straight-grained moulding and millwork that was valued around the world in door and window manufacturing. The high strength-to-weight ratio of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) was attractive to early airplane manufacturers and to musical instrument craftsmen who valued the tonal quality derived from its straight, even grain (Burns and Honkala 1990).
Electronic Mathematics Journals

In the Forum section of the November, 1993 Notices of the American Mathematical Society, John Franks discussed the electronic journal of the future. Since then, the New York Journal of Mathematics, the first electronic general mathematics journal, has begun publication. In this article, we explore the issues of electronic journal publishing in the context of this new project. We also discuss future developments.
Succession planning and staff development – a winning combination

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to explain the importance of succession planning. Departures of retiring employees and colleagues moving to another workplace can have significant consequences on the organization. A well-designed and coordinated succession plan that is integrated with leadership development can enable the library administrator to avoid reliance on a replacement process that is narrowly focused on finding a new version of the departed colleague. Selecting the most qualified and well-prepared candidate for a leadership position is a critical decision because of its paramount impact on current and future activities. The library or information center benefits when transitions and professional development become opportunities to embed succession planning into the organizational culture. Design/methodology/approach – The column is an opinion piece based on literature review. Findings – A well-designed and coordinated succession plan that is integrated with leadership development can enab...
ANALYSIS OF THE GENETIC HIERARCHY GUIDING WING VEIN DEVELOPMENT IN DROSOPHILA

The Drosophila rhomboid (rho) and Egf-r genes are members of a small group of genes required for the differentiation of various specific embryonic and adult structures. During larval and early pupal development expression of rho in longitudinal vein primordia mediates the localized formation of wing veins. In this paper we investigate the genetic hierarchy guiding vein development, by testing for genetic interactions between rho alleles and a wide variety of wing vein mutations and by examining the pattern of rho expression in mutant developing wing primordia. We identify a small group of wing vein mutants that interact strongly with rho. Examination of rho expression in these and other key vein mutants reveals when vein development first becomes abnormal. Based on these data and on previous genetic analyses of vein formation we present a sequential model for establishment and differentiation of wing veins.
Components of the Neuropsychological Evaluation

Neuropsychological evaluation examines brain–behavior relationships as they pertain to cognitive, emotional and behavioral manifestations of central nervous system trauma, disease or dysfunction. Neuropsychological evaluation includes examination of sensory, motor and perceptual functioning as prerequisite for evaluation of increasingly complex cognitive, emotional and behavioral functions. Evaluation is typically on an ordinal scale (i.e., impaired/non-impaired) for sensory and perceptual skills and progresses to an integral scale for more complex functions (i.e., percentile relative to normative group). Rapid bedside or interview assessment of functions such as attention, language and memory can be done; however, it is important to note a brief evaluation will yield less precise information than formal testing. Brief evaluation has several advantages. These evaluations are quick to perform and can be repeated as necessary to mark progress or suspected deterioration. Information from such evaluations are typically used to assist in patient management, set immediate goals and assist in treatment planning. In later chapters, we discuss brief assessment methods in each domain of cognition.
Rearing the colorless marine dinoflagellate Cryptothecodinium cohnii for use as a biochemical tool.

SYNOPSIS. A Puerto Rican isolate of the colorless, marine, superficially athecate, extremely euryhaline, marine dinoflagellate Cryptothecodinium cohnii grows well in simple defined acidic media prepared from a dry mix. Long-lasting inocula are prepared as biphasic cultures. Refrigerated slants last for months and the organisms resume motility in minutes when slants are flooded with distilled water at room temperature.
Regional comparison of a Miocene geomagnetic transition in Oregon and Nevada

Abstract A reverse-to-normal geomagnetic transition has been recorded in a sequence of Late Miocene volcanics dated at about 15 my in the Santa Rosa Range, northcentral Nevada. This transition, probably the same as that previously described in southern Oregon, exhibits large-scale east-west oscillations of the local field directions. A composite transition path, made by combining those of Oregon and Nevada, is sufficiently complete to permit analysis of the relative contributions of the dipole and non-dipole components during the reversal through mathematical modeling. Conclusions are that the non-dipole components predominated for most of the transition period and that the best estimate of the minimum time required for the reversal is 2000 yr.
Patch testing in Japanese subjects

Experience with various patch tests, usage tests, and other studies on Japanese and Caucasian subjects is presented. Differences between the races are noted by their responses.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Protects the Retinal Pigment Epithelium against Advanced Glycation End Product–Induced Barrier Dysfunction

In diabetic retinopathy, vision loss is usually secondary to macular edema, which is thought to depend on the functional integrity of the blood-retina barrier. The levels of advanced glycation end products in the vitreous correlate with the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Natriuretic peptides (NP) are expressed in the eye and their receptors are present in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Here, we investigated the effect of glycated-albumin (Glyc-alb), an advanced glycation end product model, on RPE-barrier function and the ability of NP to suppress this response. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements were used to assess the barrier function of ARPE-19 and human fetal RPE (hfRPE) monolayers. The monolayers were treated with 0.1–100 μg/ml Glyc-alb in the absence or presence of 1 pM to 100 nM apical atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), or C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). Glyc-alb induced a significant reduction in TEER within 2 hours. This response was concentration-dependent (EC50= 2.3 μg/ml) with a maximal reduction of 40 ± 2% for ARPE-19 and 27 ± 7% for hfRPE at 100 μg/ml 6 hours post-treatment. One hour pretreatment with ANP, BNP, or CNP blocked the reduction in TEER induced by Glyc-alb (100 μg/ml). The suppression of the Glyc-alb response by NP was dependent on the generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and exhibited a rank order of agonist potency consistent with the activation of natriuretic-peptide-receptor-2 (NPR2) subtype (CNP >> BNP ≥ ANP). Our data demonstrate that Glyc-alb is effective in reducing RPE-barrier function, and this response is suppressed by NP. Moreover, these studies support the idea that NPR2 agonists can be potential candidates for treating retinal edema in diabetic patients.
“I Know One When I See One” — Differentiating LD and Non-LD Students

This study examined the extent to which school personnel were able to differentiate learning disabled students from low achievers by examining patterns of scores on psychometric measures. Subjects were 65 school psychologists, 38 special education teachers, and a “naive” group of 21 university students enrolled in programs unrelated to education or psychology. Provided with forms containing information on 41 test or subtest scores of 9 school-identified LD students and 9 non-LD students, judges were instructed to indicate which students they believed were learning disabled and which were non-learning disabled. Accuracy and inter-judge agreement confirmed the difficulty of differentially diagnosing students with learning disabilities suggesting that having information from a battery of tests does not increase the decision maker's ability to discriminate between LD and non-LD students. Considering the extreme difficulty of integrating empirical and non-empirical information, it is recommended that current a...