cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization of the essential GTP-binding protein Obg of Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract An essential guanine nucleotide-binding protein, Obg, of Bacillus subtilis has been characterized with respect to its enzymatic activity for GTP. The protein was seen to hydrolyze GTP with a Km of 5.4 microM and a kcat of 0.0061 min-1 at 37 degrees C. GDP was a competitive inhibitor of this hydrolysis, with an inhibition constant of 1.7 microM at 37 degrees C. The dissociation constant for GDP from the Obg protein was 0.5 microM at 4 degrees C and was estimated to be 1.3 microM at 37 degrees C. Approximately 80% of the purified protein was capable of binding GDP. In addition to hydrolysis of GTP, Obg was seen to autophosphorylate with this substrate. Subsequent release of the covalent phosphate proceeds at too slow a rate to account for the overall rate of GTP hydrolysis, indicating that in vitro hydrolysis does not proceed via the observed phosphoamidate intermediate. It was speculated that the phosphorylated form of the enzyme may represent either a switched-on or a switched-off configuration, either of which may be normally induced by an effector molecule. This enzyme from a temperature-sensitive mutant of Obg did not show significantly altered GTPase activity at the nonpermissive temperature.
Medical evaluation of abandoned infants less than 61 days of age.

Case: An infant was dropped off in the emergency center by a family who expressed no intent to return. It was presumed that the infant was born the day before admission based on information gathered by the emergency center. However, no information was provided regarding the infant’s name or place of birth. The patient appeared well and was admitted to the newborn nursery. Vital signs were reassuring, including heart rate 142 beats per minute, respiratory rate 50 breaths per minute, rectal temperature 98.2°F, and pulse oximetry 100% on room air. The gestational age of the infant was estimated to be 39 weeks based on Ballard examination. Growth percentiles were appropriate for gestational age, including weight 3396 g (70%), length 49.5 cm (60%), and head circumference 34 cm (60%). Question: What laws are in place regarding infant abandonment and what are our responsibilities as health care providers? Discussion: The Baby Moses Law was created in an attempt to provide parents a way to safely relinquish custody of infants <61 days old and thereby prevent infants from being abandoned in unsafe locations. It allows a parent to voluntarily deliver a child <61 days of age to a designated emergency infant care (DEIC) provider without intent to return. Texas was the first state to enact this law in 1999 and most states have since adopted similar laws. Each state has slight variations in their law, particularly with regard to patient age and parental privacy. As long as the patient appears healthy, Texas state law does not require parents to provide DEIC providers with any information about the patient. Over the past decade, there has been a decrease in the number of abandoned infants in Texas and a larger percentage have been surrendered under the Baby Moses Law (Table 1). Infant abandonment is a …
The reduction of laser damage resistance of optical coatings to subpicosecond pulse trains under vacuum

Optical multilayer materials HfO 2 and SiO 2 exhibit subpicosecond laser damage thresholds of just 10% of their intrinsic value when tested in vacuum. A few Torr of water vapor is shown to remedy this effect.
Alpha contamination monitoring of surfaces, objects, and enclosed areas

The usefulness of traditional alpha detectors for contamination monitoring is limited by the size and sensitivity of the detectors and by the short range of alpha particles in air. The long-range alpha detector (LRAD) detects the ions produced by the alpha particles passing through air, rather than the alpha particles themselves, limiting LRAD detection by the range of the ions (tens of meters), rather than the range of the alpha particles (a few centimeters). Since the LRAD collects all ions simultaneously, an LRAD monitor is sensitive to all of the sources of contamination contained within it. The electronic noise within the LRAD can be reduced so that better sensitivity than traditional detectors is also possible. These advantages are used in the object, pipe, and duct, floor, and soil surface monitors discussed. The design of these monitors and field test results are presented. >
Desensitization of the Response of Adenylate Cyclase to Catecholamines

Publisher Summary The observation that chronic exposure to catecholamines of the βAR-linked adenylate cyclase system leads to a reduction in responsiveness has been verified in studies of intact animals and humans. In addition, it is shown that chronic underexposure to catecholamines in intact animals leads to an increase in responsiveness. Thus, the concept has evolved that this receptor-enzyme system exists in vivo in various states of responsiveness that depend, inversely, on the recent level of exposure to catecholamines. This chapter reviews the biochemical mechanisms involved in such adaptive responses, primarily as they are understood from experiments utilizing either cultured mammalian cells or erythrocytes from mammals, birds, and frogs. 1321N1 cells respond to both catecholamines and prostaglandins, so it was possible to determine if agonist-induced desensitization was selective for the inducing hormone or if cross-desensitization occurred. The specificity of the desensitization process of 1321Nl cells is high at short times of incubation, but eventually a 40–60% heterologous desensitization is observed. In this protocol, the agonist concentrations used were high enough to fully saturate the receptors and fully activate cyclic AMP (CAMP) production.
Impasse and Transformation: Negotiating Ruptures in the Therapeutic Alliance

After approximately a half century of psychotherapy research, one of the most consistent findings is that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is the most robust predictor of treatment success. This finding has been evident across a wide range of treatment modalities, including cognitive therapy. A related finding is that poor outcome cases show greater evidence of negative interpersonal process (i.e., hostile and complex interactions between therapists and patients) than good outcome cases. Another related finding is that some therapists are consistently more helpful than others; differences in therapist ability seem to be more important than therapeutic modality, and the more helpful therapists appear better able to facilitate the development of a therapeutic alliance.
Chemical Elements of the Blood of Man in Health: X-Ray Spectrochemical Studies

X-ray spectrochemical analysis was used to obtain an estimate of the mean level of 66 chemical elements in blood serum from a group of humans in ostensible health. Principles of x-ray emission spectroscopy are discussed and the analytical procedure used is described. (C.H.)
Climate Justice and the Elusive Climate Tort

The Supreme Court's decision in American Electric Power Co. v. Connecticut (AEP) closes another door for those most vulnerable to climate change. The corrective justice goals of tort law and the associated possibilities for redress -- particularly vital to the most vulnerable -- remain elusive due to the Court's restricted view of tort law's relevance to climate change. This Essay analyzes these climate justice implications of AEP.
Legal Strategies to Address Child Support Obligations

The legal and practical issues surrounding child support obligations have enormous impact on families in the child welfare system. Unfortunately, these issues are often ignored, overlooked, or misunderstood. Efforts to engage nonresident fathers in the child welfare system are underway, but those efforts will often be derailed if child support is not properly addressed. This chapter examines legal and policy concerns regarding child support enforcement in child welfare cases and shares legal strategies to address those concerns. While aimed at advocates for nonresident fathers, this chapter should also benefit advocates for custodial parents and for children as child support issues affect all parties in the child welfare system.
Some early cases of aphasia and the capacity to sing

This chapter examines early cases of aphasia that include observations of the capacity to sing. Although the majority of these cases were published in the late nineteenth century, earlier reports exist and provide insights into the early thinking about the capacity to sing in aphasia, a topic that continues to the present day. The observation that some patients with aphasia and limited speech output were able to sing the texts of songs inspired scholars to examine the relationship between music and language. Early ideas about the capacity to sing were provided by well-known neurologists, such as John Hughlings Jackson and Adolf Kussmaul. The work of Herbert Spencer about the origins and function of music heavily influenced Jackson and others in their thinking about aphasia. This work also led to an increased interest in understanding music abilities in persons with aphasia and, later, in the brain mechanisms of music. The chapter provides a background as to why there was an interest in the capacity to sing in persons with aphasia and what influenced early thinking on this topic.
Boosting the Photovoltage of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Thiolated Gold Nanoclusters

Glutathione-capped gold nanoclusters (Aux-GSH NCs) are anchored along with a sensitizing squaraine dye on a TiO2 surface to evaluate the cosensitizing role of Aux-GSH NCs in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Photoelectrochemical measurements show an increase in the photoconversion efficiency of DSSCs when both sensitizers are present. The observed photoelectrochemical improvements in cosensitized DSSCs are more than additive effects as evident from the increase in photovoltage (ΔV as high as 0.24 V) when Aux-GSH NCs are present. Electron equilibration and accumulation within gold nanoclusters increase the quasi-Fermi level of TiO2 closer to the conduction band and thus decrease the photovoltage penalty. A similar beneficial role of gold nanoclusters toward boosting the Voc and enhancing the efficiency of Ru(II) polypyridyl complex-sensitized solar cells is also discussed.
COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae PATHOTYPES, THE PATHOGEN OF RICE BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT IN INDONESIA

This research aimed to determine the composition and pathotype distribution of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae ( Xoo ) in several rice producing centers in Indonesia during the growing season of 2010-2013. The studies were conducted into three phases of activities, namely: sampling and collection of infected leaves from the representative rice growing areas; isolation and purification of the Xoo isolates; and evaluation of composition and pathotype of Xoo on five rice differential varieties. Results indicated that a total of 2,658 isolates Xoo have been isolated from 10 provinces representing rice ecosystem in Indonesia during the growing season from 2010-2013. Evaluating these Xoo isolates against five differential varieties revealed that these Xoo isolates consisted of three pathotypes III, IV, and VIII with a total of 30, 36, and 34%, respectively. The data also indicated that two pathotypes III and IV were dominant in three provinces, while the pathotype VIII was dominant in four provinces. As mentioned previously, such information are useful in designing strategy of integrating components of technologies combined in the management of Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) occurrences in a particular endemic areas.
The South Asia Crisis in 1971 and the Reaction of the Nixon Administration

This research is mainly on the background,evolution,outcome,and the causes of the US policy on the South Asia Crisis in 1971.In 1971,the turmoil in East Pakistan broke out,and then evolved the Indo-Pakistan War and the rivalry between the US and the USSR.With the development of the crisis,the US policy changed from neutrality to intervention,and finally,to the "tilt".Based on the global Cold War,Richard Nixon's strategy of equilibrium,"the Great Powers’ Dilemma in South Asia",Nixon's likes and dislikes to the leaders of India and Pakistan,the author concluded that the "tilt" policy accords with the US interests in South Asia and Nixon's Grand Strategy.
Clinical observation of erythrormycin injection in treatment of children mycoplasmal pneumonia

Objective:To study the effect and adverse reactions of erythromycin injection in treating children mycoplasmal pneumonia.Methods:180 children patients with mycoplasmal pneumonia were randomly divided into the therapy group(90 cases) and the control group(90 cases).The therapy group was given erythromycin injection 30 mg/(kg·d) by intravenous drip for 5~7 d,while the control group was treated with azithromycin injection 10 mg/(kg·d) by intravenous drip for 5~7 d.The therapeutic effect and adverse reactions after 5~7 d of treatment were observed and compared between 2 groups.Results:The evident effective rate in the therapy group was significantly higher than that in the control group.The total effective rate had statistical difference between the two groups(P0.05).Conclusion:The evident effective rate and safety of erythromycin are higher than those of azithromycin for treating mycoplasmal pneumonia.So erythromycin is worthy of being selected for application in clinical pediatrics.
Sizing Power Components of an Electrically Driven Tail Cone Thruster and a Range Extender

The aeronautics industry has been challenged on many fronts to increase efficiency, reduce emissions, and decrease dependency on carbon-based fuels. The NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate has identified a suite of investments to meet long term research demands beyond the purview of commercial investment. Electrification of aviation propulsion through turboelectric or hybrid electric propulsion is one of many exciting research areas which has the potential to revolutionize the aviation industry. This paper will provide an overview of the turboelectric and hybrid electric technologies being developed under NASAs Advanced Air Transportation Technology (AATT) Project, and how these technologies can impact vehicle design. An overview will be presented of vehicle system studies and the electric drive system assumptions for successful turboelectric and hybrid electric propulsion in single aisle size commercial aircraft. Key performance parameters for electric drive system technologies will be reviewed, and the technical investment made in materials, electric machines, power electronics, and integrated power systems will be discussed. Finally, power components for a single aisle turboelectric aircraft with an electrically driven tail cone thruster and a hybrid electric nine passenger aircraft with a range extender will be parametrically sized.
Dosimetric comparison of axilla and groin radiotherapy techniques for high-risk and locally advanced skin cancer

Purpose Radiation therapy targeting axilla and groin lymph nodes improves regional disease control in locally advanced and high-risk skin cancers. However, trials generally used conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy (2D-RT), contributing towards relatively high rates of side effects from treatment. The goal of this study is to determine if three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) may improve radiation delivery to the target while avoiding organs at risk in the clinical context of skin cancer regional nodal irradiation. Materials and methods Twenty patients with locally advanced/high-risk skin cancers underwent computed tomography simulation. The relevant axilla or groin planning target volumes and organs at risk were delineated using standard definitions. Paired t-tests were used to compare the mean values of several dose-volumetric parameters for each of the 4 techniques. Results In the axilla, the largest improvement for 3D-CRT compared to 2D-RT was for homogeneity index (13.9 vs. 54.3), at the expense of higher lung V20 (28.0% vs. 12.6%). In the groin, the largest improvements for 3D-CRT compared to 2D-RT were for anorectum Dmax (13.6 vs. 38.9 Gy), bowel D200cc (7.3 vs. 23.1 Gy), femur D50 (34.6 vs. 57.2 Gy), and genitalia Dmax (37.6 vs. 51.1 Gy). IMRT had further improvements compared to 3D-CRT for humerus Dmean (16.9 vs. 22.4 Gy), brachial plexus D5 (57.4 vs. 61.3 Gy), bladder D5 (26.8 vs. 36.5 Gy), and femur D50 (18.7 vs. 34.6 Gy). Fewer differences were observed between IMRT and VMAT. Conclusion Compared to 2D-RT and 3D-CRT, IMRT and VMAT had dosimetric advantages in the treatment of nodal regions of skin cancer patients.
Numerical Modeling of Blunt-Body Flows—Problems and Prospects

The problems associated with numerical modeling of blunt-body flows are discussed. An efficient modeling technique should ideally incorporate the interactions between the turbulent boundary layer near the body, the unsteady, highly vortical wake flow behind the body, and the potential-flow regions outside these. The incomplete understanding of vortical unsteady flow fields, in particular, turbulent boundary layers and their separation behavior, will for the foreseeable future preclude accurate modeling; but even coarse modeling methods could serve an important role in establishing cause-and-effect relationships. In particular, one should aim at finding methods which can be used to predict, at least qualitatively, the effect of small local body changes on local flow patterns and on the overall drag. A case is made for flow-field calculation methods based on the vorticity equations. Such methods have proved successful in aeronautical and meteorological applications. The overall drag and lift can be calculated in terms of the vorticity shed into the wake; in particular, the vortex drag associated with longitudinal vortices due to aerodynamic lift can be analyzed.
The Ironic Touch

The word “memory” invokes commemoration, a natural result of remembering. But it might be just as necessary in 2001 to dismember as remember – to analyze the details of the World War II past, provoke, and confront the audience with a stimulus to moral as well as historical awareness. A number of recent films have succeeded in creating fertile discomfort through the use of dark humor, from Michael Verhoeven's The Nasty Girl and My Mother's Courage to such controversial “comedies” as Genghis Cohn . Others, such as Train of Life, Life Is Beautiful , and Jakob the Liar , use humor as a balm and buffer, with comic heroes whose ruses are tantamount to resistance. The Nasty Girl ( Das Schreckliche Madchen , 1990) is based on the real experiences of Anja Rosmus, born in 1960 in the Bavarian town of Passau. She won the Scholl Prize, an annual award in honor ofHans and Sophie Scholl – martyrs of the resistance movement about which Verhoeven earlier made The White Rose – for her work as a historian unearthing the Nazi past of her hometown. On the night of the awards, she was seated at the same table as Verhoeven; within two years, he had directed a fictionalized version of her story, starring Lena Stolze (who played Sophie Scholl in both The White Rose and Percy Adlon's The Last Five Days! ). The Nasty Girl won the prize for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival – and the New York Film Critics Award for Best Foreign Film – not simply because of the compelling story or the fine acting, but for the ironic style with which Verhoeven chose to tell it.
Food Environments around American Indian Reservations: A Mixed Methods Study

Objectives To describe the food environments experienced by American Indians living on tribal lands in California.
Skin Vibrations Created During Touch

Tactile perception, also known as “somatic sense” or “touch”, is accomplished by scanning a surface with a finger.
Results of an Exploratory Study of Oral (po) and Intravenous (iv) Clofarabine in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Clofarabine (CLO) is an adenosine nucleoside analog with activity in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Its activity in MDS is less well defined. To evaluate the activity and safety of CLO in MDS we designed two phase II studies with iv CLO and po CLO, respectively. Pts were eligible if they had MDS with ≥ 5% blasts, fell into IPSS intermediate-2 and high-risk groups, or had CMML. No prior intensive chemotherapy or high-dose cytarabine was allowed. Hematopoietic growth factor support was permitted. In the iv study pts were adaptively randomized to receive CLO 15 or 30 mg/m 2 iv daily x 5 every 4–6 weeks. The second study used a starting dose of CLO 40 mg/m 2 orally daily x 5 every 4–6 weeks (assuming oral bioavailability about 50%), which was then decreased to 30 mg/m 2 orally daily x 5. Thirty pts (18 RAEB, 6 RAEB-T, 6 CMML) have been treated. Assignment by IPSS for RAEB and RAEB-T pts: 10 high-risk, 10 intermediate-2, and 4 intermediate-1. Fifteen pts received iv CLO and 15 po CLO. Median age was 68 yrs (range 57–86). Median number of prior therapies was 1 (0–4). Twenty (67%) pts received prior decitabine or azacitidine. Karyotype was abnormal in 24 (80%) pts, including 10 pts with −5/−7 abnormalities. Responses were determined according to International Working Group criteria (IWG). Twenty-seven pts were evaluable for response (2 pts too early, one refused further treatment on day 4 of first course). Eleven (41%) pts responded [7 (26%) CR, 2 (7%) HI, 2 (7%) clinical benefit (CB)] (see table). Response by IPSS: 67% intermediate-1, 44% intermediate-2, 40% high. Twenty-seven pts are evaluable for toxicities. Grade ≥ 3 toxicities occurred in 8 of 13 pts on iv CLO (rash, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated transaminases, elevations of creatinine, acute renal failure) and 4 of 14 pts with po CLO (rash, hyperbilirubinemia, elevated transaminases). Myelosuppression resulting in febrile episodes and hospitalizations with both iv and po CLO was ubiquitous, but prolonged myelosuppression (> 42 days) was rare. In summary, CLO has activity in pts with higher-risk MDS. The optimal dose and schedule for po and iv CLO have not been defined yet. Lower doses of CLO are associated with responses. Correlative PK studies may help to provide further support for optimal dose and route of administration of CLO in pts with MDS.
Trastuzumab and pertuzumab-based versus other therapy as second-line therapy in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: A retrospective study from single center.

616 Background: First line treatment with dual anti-HER2 therapy (Rx) with trastuzumab plus pertuzumab (HP), and a taxane led to significant improvement in outcomes for patients (pts) with HER2+ me...
The Medicare Access And CHIP Reauthorization Act: Effects On Medicare Payment Policy And Spending.

In 2015, Congress repealed the Sustainable Growth Rate formula for Medicare physician payment, eliminating mandatory payment cuts when spending exceeded what was budgeted. In its place, Congress enacted the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), which established a two-track performance-based payment system that encourages physicians to participate in alternative payment models. MACRA could have huge effects on health care delivery, but the nature of those effects is highly uncertain. Using the RAND Corporation’s Health Care Payment and Delivery Simulation Model, we estimated the effects of MACRA on Medicare spending and utilization and examined how effects would differ under various scenarios. We estimate that MACRA will decrease Medicare spending on physician services by −$35 to −$106 billion (−2.3 percent to −7.1 percent) and change spending on hospital services by $32 to −$250 billion (0.7 percent to −5.1 percent) in 2015–30. The spending effects are critically dependent on the strength...
General Methodologies Toward cis-Fused Quinone Sesquiterpenoids. Enantiospecific Synthesis of the epi-Ilimaquinone Core Featuring Sc-Catalyzed Ring Expansion.

A stereocontrolled approach to the cis-decalin framework of clerodane diterpenes and biologically active quinone sesquiterpenes is reported. Starting from an inexpensive optically pure tetrahydroindanone, Birch reductive alkylation builds two new contiguous chiral centers—one of which is quaternary and all-carbon-substituted. Also featured is a highly regioselective diazoalkane—carbonyl homologation reaction to prepare the 6,6-bicyclic skeleton. Therein, the utility of Sc(OTf)3 as a mild catalyst for formal 1C insertion in complex settings is demonstrated.
Anion gap and cancer mortality: Insight from NHANES database.

e13068Background: The serum anion gap is an effective tool to analyze acid- base disorders for the past 40 years. Anion gap and non-anion gap acidosis is prevalent in cancer patients and contributes to morbidity and mortality The aim of the present study was to investigate the independent association of serum anion gap with cancer mortality. Methods: We examined the 34,370 participants ( ≥ 20years of age) using National Health and Nutrition Examination survey data (1999-2010) combined with National Death Index for mortality status through December 2011.The serum anion gap was calculated by subtracting sum of chloride and bicarbonate from sodium concentrations in meq/l. We divided the data set in to four quartiles of serum anion gap. Cox proportional hazard models were made to estimate the hazard ratios for cancer mortality for each unit increase in serum anion gap. The models were adjusted from demographic and confoundig variables. Results: The mean age of participants was 49.59±18.42 years. Out of total ...
Nonlinear System Identification with Limited Time Data 1

Abstract With disturbances modeled by arbitrary solutions to a linear homogeneous differential equation, a deterministic least squares theory is developed for parameter identification using data over a limited time interval which has application to certain classes of nonlinear and time varying systems. The least squares technique seeks to determine the parameters characterizing the disturbance modes in addition to the system parameters, based on input-output data collected over the finite time interval. The approach circumvents the need to estimate unknown initial conditions through the use of a certain projection operator.
The Mean and Median Criteria for Kernel Bandwidth Selection for Support Vector Data Description

Support vector data description (SVDD) is a popular technique for detecting anomalies. The SVDD classifier partitions the whole space into an inlier region, which consists of the region near the training data, and an outlier region, which consists of points away from the training data. The computation of the SVDD classifier requires a kernel function, and the Gaussian kernel is a common choice for the kernel function. The Gaussian kernel has a bandwidth parameter, whose value is important for good results. A small bandwidth leads to overfitting, and the resulting SVDD classifier overestimates the number of anomalies. A large bandwidth leads to underfitting, and the classifier fails to detect many anomalies. In this paper we present a new automatic, unsupervised method for selecting the Gaussian kernel bandwidth. The selected value can be computed quickly, and it is competitive with existing bandwidth selection methods.
Single-beam dielectric-microsphere trapping with optical heterodyne detection

A technique to levitate and measure the three-dimensional position of micrometer-sized dielectric spheres with heterodyne detection is presented. The two radial degrees of freedom are measured by interfering light transmitted through the microsphere with a reference wavefront, while the axial degree of freedom is measured from the phase of the light reflected from the surface of the microsphere. This method pairs the simplicity and accessibility of single-beam optical traps to a measurement of displacement that is intrinsically calibrated by the wavelength of the trapping light and has exceptional immunity to stray light. A theoretical shot noise limit of $1.3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}\mathrm{m}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ for the radial degrees of freedom, and $3.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}\mathrm{m}/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$ for the axial degree of freedom can be obtained in the system described. The measured acceleration noise in the radial direction is $7.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(\mathrm{m}/{\mathrm{s}}^{2})/\sqrt{\mathrm{Hz}}$.
Feeling the Pressure to Be Perfect: Effect on Pain-Related Distress and Dysfunction in Youth With Chronic Pain

Abstract Despite clinical observation of perfectionistic tendencies among youth with chronic pain and their parents as well as established relationships between perfectionism and functional somatic symptoms in adults and youth, no research in the pediatric pain literature has examined perfectionism. This study explored the role of various types of youth and parent perfectionism on youth and parent pain-related distress and behavior and youth pain-related dysfunction. At admission, 239 parent–child pairs from outpatient and day-treatment rehabilitation settings completed several questionnaires assessing perfectionism, pain-related distress, and pain-related dysfunction. Bivariate correlations indicated that socially prescribed perfectionism in youth and parents was linked to youth pain duration, parent and youth pain-related distress and behavior, and youth somatization. Indirect relations showed that youth socially prescribed perfectionism was the only form of perfectionism directly associated with youth somatization whereas all forms of youth perfectionism were indirectly associated with somatization and functional disability through increases in youth pain-related fear and catastrophizing. Additionally, socially prescribed perfectionism was the only type of parent perfectionism linked to youth pain-related dysfunction (somatization, functional disability) through its association with youth pain-related fear. Findings support clinical observations that parent and youth perfectionism is a psychosocial factor that should be targeted in pediatric chronic pain treatment. Perspective Perfectionism in youth with chronic pain and their parents was indirectly linked to youth pain-related dysfunction through its effect on youth pain-related catastrophizing and fear. Findings support clinical observations that parent and youth perfectionism is a psychosocial factor that should be targeted in pediatric chronic pain treatment.
Assessing Writing: Basic considerations in assessing writing

In Chapters 1 and 2, the nature of writing ability and the use of writing by different groups of language learners were considered. In this chapter, I will focus more specifically on issues related to the assessment of language in general, and writing in particular. As noted earlier, the models of the writing process presented in Chapter 2 were developed primarily with first-language writers in mind; thus, they are not concerned specifically with the development of language ability as expressed through writing, but assume a more or less stable language system and focus on the development of cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies that are involved in generating coherent texts for specific audiences and purposes. In this chapter I will discuss writing assessment from the point of view of language testing, which has traditionally concerned itself with defining what is meant by language ability in general, as an underlying cognitive ability and as manifested through the traditional skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For the purposes of this chapter I will therefore be looking at writing tests as a specific type of language test, keeping in mind, however, that the degree to which a writing test is specifically measuring language as opposed to measuring other cognitive skills is not always clear-cut. The framework for much of the discussion in this chapter comes from Bachman and Palmer's (1996) volume on language testing. The chapter is organized as follows. First, various test purposes are described.
A Financial Evaluation of the Centralized Repackaging of Intracameral Moxifloxacin for Cataract Surgery and Its Impact on Cost Reduction.

Background: Extensive evidence-based literature supports the use of intracameral (IC) moxifloxacin for the prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. The Aurora Pharmacy Packaging Center (APPC) has developed a process for centrally preparing IC moxifloxacin. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the centralized preparation of IC moxifloxacin production for quality assurance and to quantify a potential reduction in costs. Methods: The APPC’s compounding procedure of IC moxifloxacin was evaluated using United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Convention 797 standard and compared with practices described in evidence-based literature. Patients who received IC moxifloxacin intraoperatively from one of 3 ophthalmologists during cataract surgery performed between February 15, 2016, and August 15, 2016, were identified using electronic health records. Cost savings were calculated by reviewing costs associated with drug supplies used by the APPC. Results: The APPC process for the centrali...
It could have been much worse: The Minnesota measles outbreak of 2017.

Abstract In 2017, Minnesota battled its largest measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with 79 cases, most of them Somali-American children. In this study, we gathered vaccination and enrollment data for incoming kindergarteners in Minnesota over fall 2012–2016 from the Minnesota Department of Health. We also gathered the number of measles cases by county in 2017. We found that MMR coverage has substantial variation across districts and district types. The minimum MMR coverage is 58.3% and the maximum is 100%. Private schools, which represent approximately six percent of Minnesota’s kindergarten enrollment, have a substantially lower coverage rate, with an overall coverage of 83.00%. The 2017 outbreak was relatively isolated. However, the MMR coverage data suggests that other communities could have been at risk given their geographic proximity to the outbreak and modest coverage rates.
GreenIT Service Level Agreements

In this paper we are introducing a framework towards the inclusion of Green IT metrics as part of service level agreements for future Grids and Clouds. As part of this effort we need to revisit Green IT metrics and proxies that we consider optimizing against in order to develop GreenIT as a Services (GaaS) that can be reused as part of a Software as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure Infrastructureas a service (IaaS) framework. We report on some of our ongoing efforts and demonstrate how we already achieve impact on the environment with our services.
Designing for the cooperative use of multi-user, multi-device museum exhibits

This work explores software-based museum exhibits that allow groups of visitors to employ their own personal mobile devices as impromptu user interfaces to the exhibits. Personal devices commandeered into service in this fashion are dubbed Opportunistic User Interfaces (O-UIs). Because visitors usually prefer to engage in shared learning experiences, emphasis is placed on how to design software interfaces to support collaborative learning. To study the issue, a Design-Based Research approach was taken to construct an externally valid exemplar of this type of exhibit, while also conducting more traditional experiments on specific features of the O-UI design. Three analyses, of—(1) museums as a context, (2) existing computer-based museum exhibits, and (3) computer support of collaborative processes in both work and classroom contexts—produced guidelines that informed the design of the software-based exhibit created as a testbed for O-UI design. The exhibit was refined via extensive formative testing on a museum floor. The experimental phase of this work examined the impact of O-UI design on (1) the visual attention and (2) collaborative learning behaviors of visitors. Specifically, an O-UI design that did not display any graphical output (the "simple" condition) was contrasted against an O-UI design that displayed multi-element, dynamically animated graphics (the "complex" condition). The "complex" O-UIs promoted poor visual attention management, an effect known as the heads-down phenomenon, wherein visitors get so enmeshed with their OUIs that they miss out on the shared context, to the detriment of group outcomes. Despite this shortcoming, the "complex" O-UIs better promoted goal awareness, on-task interactions between visitors, and equity in participation and performance. The tight output coupling (visitors see only one shared display) of the "simple" O-UI condition promoted emergent competition, and it encouraged some visitors (especially males) to become more engaged than others. Two design recommendations emerge: (1) incorporating devices with private displays (e.g., O-UIs with output) as interfaces to a single large display better promotes collaboration (especially equity), and (2) O-UIs with "complex" displays may be used in museum exhibits, but visitors would benefit from mechanisms to remind or encourage them to direct their attention to the shared display periodically.
Stimulation as well as inhibition by antibiotics of the formation of GlcNAc-lipids of the dolichol pathway.

The antiobiotics, diumycin, amphomycin, bacitracin, and showdomycin have been shown previously to block the synthesis of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol and GlcNAc-GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol. In view of inconsistencies in the literature concerning the sites of inhibition, we have reinvestigated the influence of these drugs on the formation of these early intermediates of the dolichol pathway. Unexpectedly, when the individual products of the reactions were examined, instead of inhibition, showdomycin and bacitracin were found to stimulate the formation of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol, and diumycin stimulated at low concentrations. Three derivatives of showdomycin were examined with similar results, showing stimulations of GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol formation of up to two-fold over controls. Amphomycin specifically inhibited GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol formation, an effect that was reversed by a high concentration of dolichyl phosphate. In contrast, with the exception of amphomycin, each compound directly inhibited the formation of GlcNAc-GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol. Using chemically synthesized GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol as substrate, the kinetics of inhibition of GlcNAc-GlcNAc-P-P-dolichol formation by showdomycin, bacitracin and diumycin was examined. The apparent Ki values calculated from these studies indicated that showdomycin was the most active inhibitor. These findings provide a new understanding of the action of these compounds on the GlcNAc-transferases of the dolichol pathway. © 1998 Rapid Science Ltd
Understanding Evolution of Institutions: The Land Ownership Recording System in the U.S.

This paper analyzes the evolution of the land ownership recording system in the United States to understand how the system has come to allow poor record keeping. My analysis covers the system’s evolution from the 1630s colonial recording statutes through four reform efforts: the introduction of 1) title abstracting in 1840s, 2) title insurance in the 1870s, 3) Torrens registration in the 1890s, and 4) the Mortgage Electronic Registration System (MERS) in the 1990s. The paper investigates why these efforts failed to improve the public recordkeeping quality, with a particular focus on MERS–as the most recent effort to modernize recordkeeping practices. After tracing the developments in the recording system before MERS, I compare MERS to the Depository Trust Corporation (DTC), a private company that digitized the trade clearance on U.S. stock exchanges in the 1970s, and served as a model for MERS. The comparison sheds light on institutional differences that prevented MERS from fully adopting the DTC model. I...
Why does a heterotrophic marine protist produce carotenoids? Genetic approaches to investigate the ecophysiology of the thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium limacinum

Thraustochytrids are abundant and ubiquitous osmoheterotrophic marine protists (labyrinthulomycetes, stramenopiles) thought to function ecologically as fungus-like decomposers. Some thraustochytrids have the ability to synthesize carotenoids, including carotenes (e.g. beta-carotene) and xanthophylls (e.g. astaxanthin), which is uncommon among heterotrophic eukaryotes. Carotenogenic thraustochytrids appear to have acquired carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes by horizontal gene transfer from bacteria. Heterotrophic production of carotenoids is typically associated with protection against oxidative stress, and in thraustochytrids may be particularly associated with protecting large amounts of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids stored in lipid droplets. To gain better understanding of carotenoid function in thraustochytrids, and thus new insight into the ecophysiology of these organisms, we have produced mutants of the thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium limacinum in which the trifunctional gene Aurli_150841, encoding the first three carotenogenesis-specific reactions (phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase, lycopene cyclase), has been interrupted by double homologous recombination with a construct containing a zeocin resistance (BleoR, shble) expression cassette. As predicted, the Aurli_150841 knockout mutants lack the carotenoid pigmentation found in the wild-type. Complementation with the wild-type Aurli_150841 to confirm that this phenotype is due to the knockout is in progress. Differences between the wild-type and Aurli_150841 knockout mutants in features such as growth rate and biomass yield, lipid content, survival in stationary phase and response to oxidative stress are being evaluated under growth conditions that induce different amounts of carotenoid accumulation in the wild-type.
Patterns of major surgeries among patients diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).

e21034Background: CSCC is the second most common skin cancer. Most CSCC cases can be cured with surgical excision alone (5-year cure rate > 95%). We sought to evaluate patterns of major surgeries a...
Impact of granular carriers to improve the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi against wireworms in spring wheat

Wireworms are a major concern for wheat growers and several other crops around the globe. Environmentally friendly management strategies are needed because the present conventional chemical seed treatments can be ineffective and pose environmental risks. While biological control of wireworms in a general sense has not been practical, use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) is one environmentally friendly solution for this problem. In 2017, granular formulations of three EPFs, on polenta and millet spent substrate carriers, were applied in furrow at planting, at two rates, against a water control and imidacloprid seed treatment in spring wheat in Montana, USA. The selected EPFs were Beauveria bassiana GHA, Metarhizium robertsii DWR356, M. robertsii DWR2009, applied as granular formulations at 11 kg ha−1 or 22 kg ha−1. In 2017, at Valier, DWR356, DWR2009 on millet carrier at 22.4 kg ha−1 provided greater yield, but all the treatments at lower rate were still cost-effective. In 2018, B. bassiana GHA and M. robertsii DWR2009 were retested along with B. bassiana ERL836 and M. brunneum F52. Millet carrier alone, GHA and ERL836 on millet carrier obtained cost-effective results at irrigated and non-irrigated sites in 2018. However, these were less cost-effective than imidacloprid as a seed treatment. The overall cost–benefit ratio of using EPF granules was higher in both the years compared to control. Millet on which the fungi were grown worked better than the other carriers. Further evaluation of the effect of the carrier while applying EPFs in furrow as granules is required.
Exploring the Taxation of New York's New Paid Family Medical Leave Benefit

This article examines the taxation of benefits received under New York’s new Paid Family Leave Act. The article argues that New York’s Paid Family Leave Act is unique when compared to similar provisions enacted in other states to date and that benefits paid under the tax are excluded from federal gross income by operation of Internal Revenue Code Sections 104 and 105. Additionally, the article contends that New York’s Department of Taxation and Finance’s Notice N-17-12 errs in concluding that amounts paid under the Act are includible in federal gross income. The article contends that insurance policies issued in compliance with the Act are “health insurance” and that income replacement benefits paid under the Act are paid for “sickness” as described in Code Sections 104 and 105.
Corrigendum: 1q21.1 deletion and a rare functional polymorphism in siblings with thrombocytopenia-absent radius-like phenotypes.

Thrombocytopenia-absent radii (TAR) syndrome, characterized by neonatal thrombocytopenia and bilateral radial aplasia with thumbs present, is typically caused by the inheritance of a 1q21.1 deletion and a single-nucelotide polymorphism in RBM8A on the nondeleted allele. We evaluated two siblings with TAR-like dysmorphology but lacking thrombocytopenia in infancy. Family NCI-107 participated in an IRB-approved cohort study and underwent comprehensive clinical and genomic evaluations, including aCGH, whole-exome, whole-genome, and targeted sequencing. Gene expression assays and electromobility shift assays (EMSAs) were performed to evaluate the variant of interest. The previously identified TAR-associated 1q21.1 deletion was present in the affected siblings and one healthy parent. Multiple sequencing approaches did not identify previously described TAR-associated SNPs or mutations in relevant genes. We discovered rs61746197 A > G heterozygosity in the parent without the deletion and apparent hemizygosity in both siblings. rs61746197 A > G overlaps a RelA-p65 binding motif, and EMSAs indicate the A allele has higher transcription factor binding efficiency than the G allele. Stimulation of K562 cells to induce megakaryocyte differentiation abrogated the shift of both reference and alternative probes. The 1q21.1 TAR-associated deletion in combination with the G variant of rs61746197 on the nondeleted allele is associated with a TAR-like phenotype. rs61746197 G could be a functional enhancer/repressor element, but more studies are required to identify the specific factor(s) responsible. Overall, our findings suggest a role of rs61746197 A > G and human disease in the setting of a 1q21.1 deletion on the other chromosome.