cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Spatial-temporal characteristics of other infectious diarrhea in Jiangsu province, 2010-2017].

Objective To analyze the spatial-temporal characteristics of other infectious diarrhea (OID) in Jiangsu province from 2010 to 2017, and to provide evidence for setting up prevention and control programs of the disease. Methods Data was from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Statistics Bureau of Jiangsu province. Descriptive methods were used to illustrate the epidemiological characteristics of OID from 2010 to 2017. Global autocorrelation statistics method (Moran’s I) was used to detect the spatial autocorrelation of OID, annually. Kulldorff M spatiotemporal scan statistics was used to analyze the spatial-temporal clustering of OID. ArcGIS 10.0 software, SaTScan 9.4 software and Excel 2017 software were also applied. Results A total of 126 341 OID cases were found in Jiangsu province from 2010 to 2017 with an average annual incidence as 19.96/100 000. Children under five accounted for 55.08% (69 590/126 341) of the total cases. Obvious seasonal backshift with the increasing trends of the OID was noticed. There appeared four areas with high incidence of OID in the whole province, including Wuxi, Suzhou, Yancheng and Xuzhou. OID showed positive spatial autocorrelation at the county level with higher Moran’s I from 0.19 to 0.33 (P<0.01). There appeared four positive clusters, all occurred in the high incidence period of OID, including the cluster area from the intersection areas of Changzhou and Wuxi (RR=7.61, LLR=2 605.80, P<0.01), respectively. Conclusion With the increasing trends and the seasonal backshift of OID cases, pathogen surveillance programs set for those scattered children under five, in clustered regions and epidemic seasons should be strengthened. Key words: Other infectious diarrhea; Epidemiological characteristics; Spatial-temporal clustering
Geochemical data indicate highly similar sediment compositions for the Grasberg and Burns formations on Meridiani Planum, Mars

Abstract The hematite-bearing, sulfate-rich sandstones of the Burns formation at Meridiani Planum are underlain by a thin stratigraphic unit referred to as the Grasberg formation. The sulfate-bearing Grasberg rocks are fine-grained and lack bedding structures, and were previously interpreted to be a distinct lithologic unit based on morphological and chemical differences from the overlying Burns formation. However, reanalysis of the data indicates that, except for variable amounts of Mg, Ni, SO3 and Mn, the chemical compositions of the Grasberg and Burns rocks are very similar. The relatively low levels of Mg, Ni, and SO3 in the Grasberg rocks indicates that they have experienced diagenetic loss of Mg sulfates similar to that observed in a subset of eleven Burns formation rocks depleted in the same elements, including two Burns rocks immediately above the Grasberg contact. The Grasberg formation and Burns rocks near the contact have also evidently lost Mn during diagenesis. When compensated for diagenetic losses, rocks from the Grasberg and Burns formations are found to have nearly identical chemical compositions, albeit Grasberg rocks contained a few wt.% less SO3. These observations suggest that the sediment sources for the Grasberg and Burns formations are genetically related, and that both formations experienced some of the same diagenetic processes after deposition. Furthermore, the apparent loss of Mg, Ni, SO3, and Mn from the Grasberg formation and immediately overlying Burns rocks is mirrored by enrichments of these same elements in fractures within the underlying Shoemaker formation, suggesting downward movement of fluids during some diagenetic events.
Using Simulation to Evaluate Operational Trade-Offs Associated with the use of Care Teams in Specialty Care Settings

New approaches for designing delivery of care in specialty outpatient clinics are emerging as a result of the use of care-teams and shared resources. However, questions remain surrounding how shared resources, e.g., exam rooms or support staff, should be allocated to balance the competing performance objectives in specialty care settings. We develop a discrete-event simulation model to evaluate resource allocation policies in an outpatient specialty clinic. Different resource allocation policies, ranging from fully dedicated to partially flexible to fully flexible for multiple resource types, are evaluated based on multiple performance measures. We find that a proposed policy based on strategic capping of flexibility achieves desired access to resources from a provider’s perspective while also maintaining high utilization rates.
Do liberals want curbside pickup more than conservatives? Contactless shopping as protectionary action against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consumers showed a dramatically increased interest in contactless shopping in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the protection motivation theory, this study investigated how contactless shopping grew as a protectionary action against COVID-19. Findings from a nationwide online survey (n = 311) confirmed the impact of politicization of the pandemic on consumer responses for contactless shopping intention and the significance of threat and coping appraisals in taking protectionary actions. This study adds knowledge to the existing literature on contactless shopping and protection motivation theory. Results imply that retailers must invest in contactless shopping and provide an in-store shopping environment that prioritizes the health and safety of shoppers and employees to decrease the threat of virus infection during shopping. However, in doing so, retailers are recommended to develop different marketing strategies regarding contactless shopping based on consumers' political orientations.
An LPV-MPC Inspired Battery SOP Estimation Algorithm Using a Coupled Electro-Thermal Model

A coupled electro-thermal (CET) model is used in conjunction with linear parameter-varying model predictive control (LPV-MPC) to compute dynamic state of power (SOP) limits for lithium-ion batteries. The LPV approach uses the previous-step ‘tail’ to improve MPC prediction accuracy, while a linearized CET model enables constraints on current, voltage and temperature for accurate and safe power estimation. Improved SOP limits can be used in battery management systems (BMS) for improved long-term battery performance.
The Structure of Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation (IM) is key for persistence at work. When they are intrinsically motivated, people experience work activities as an end in itself, such that the activity and its goal collide. ...
Role of HPC in Advancing Computational Aeroelasticity

On behalf of the High Performance Computing and Modernization Program (HPCMP) and NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division (NAS) a study is conducted to assess the role of supercomputers on computational aeroelasticity of aerospace vehicles. The study is mostly based on the responses to a web based questionnaire that was designed to capture the nuances of high performance computational aeroelasticity, particularly on parallel computers. A procedure is presented to assign a fidelity-complexity index to each application. Case studies based on major applications using HPCMP resources are presented.
Design of a LabVIEW-Based Virtual Instrument for Langendorff-Prepared Isolated Heart Experiments

Isolated heart preparations have the advantage of being void of confounding humoral and neuronal input when studying its response to drugs or other interventions. Dynamic changes in left ventricular pressure (LVP) and its derivatives, coronary flow and perfusion pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other variables can be assessed over time. However, a reliable data acquisition system (DAS) is critical to successfully conduct a meaningful experiment. Plug-and-play DAS often have the disadvantage of limited flexibility because of proprietary software, limited programmability and/or required specific signal conditioning systems. In contrast, LabVIEW allows maximal user flexibility, but requires a significant amount of programming before use. We report the design and operation of a LabVIEW-based Virtual Instrument (VI) for Langendorff-prepared isolated heart experiments. All analog inputs from various signal conditioners are fed into an analog-digital converter controlled by the VI's DA assistant and sample...
Reversible depletion of specific RNAs by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide-targeted degradation in frog oocytes.

Publisher Summary Reversible, specific depletion of an RNA species is essential in studying the function of that molecule. RNA depletion in frog oocytes is particularly important for RNA species unknown in yeast. Experiments in whole cells are crucial for processes that cannot be reproduced yet in cell-free systems, such as mRNA-precursor cleavage-processing steps that are dependent on the addition of an exogenous small nucleolar RNA. Antisense olgonucleotide-targeted degradation of specific RNAs in X. laevis oocytes is a unique experimental system. Its value has been proven for various RNA molecules. For RNA species whose yeast homolog is unknown, it is often the only available system to test the functional effect of the reversible depletion of a specific RNA molecule. There are many metazoan non-mRNA species whose function is unknown and probably many more yet to be discovered; the yeast functional homolog of some of them may be difficult to recognize or may not exist. In these cases, RNA depletion experiments in frog oocytes may be very valuable. This experimental system may be particularly useful in testing the function of multiple RNA mutants or RNA fragments, including competition experiments.
Differences and Similarities in Rural Residents’ Health and Cardiac Risk Factors

Purpose: The current U.S. population exceeds three hundred million with approximately 20% living in non-urban rural areas. A higher percentage of rural residents have diagnosed heart disease and report poorer health compared to non-rural residents; however, it is not known whether risk factor modification for heart disease and health status differ based on degree of rurality. The purposes of this study were: 1) to compare differences in health status and cardiac risk factors between cardiac patients living in large and small/isolated rural areas, and 2) to compare the health status of rural cardiac patients with a national sample. Method : A secondary analysis using data from three separate studies was completed using a comparative descriptive design. The Cardiac Rehabilitation participant sample (n-191) included individuals 3 to 12 months post-cardiac event. The Arizona Heart Institute and Foundation Heart Test measured risk factors and the eight subscales of the Short-Form, Medical Outcomes study measured health status. Findings: No significant differences in health status were found; all participants rated their health moderately high. However, individuals in large rural areas reported significantly better general health than those in the normative sample. No differences in smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, or overweight/obese BMI were found between the two rural groups. Differences in exercise, and anger were present between the two groups. Significant differences were identified in waist circumference between the genders placing women at higher risk for heart disease. Conclusions: Identifying health status and cardiovascular risk factors of rural individuals informs interventions to be tested for rural residents. Key Words: Cardiac risk factors, Rural, Cardiac rehabilitation
Conceptualizing RTI in 21st-Century Secondary Science Classrooms: Video Games' Potential to Provide Tiered Support and Progress Monitoring for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Secondary schools across the United States are adopting response to intervention (RTI) as a means to identify students with learning disabilities (LD) and provide tiered instructional interventions that benefit all students. The majority of current RTI research focuses on students with reading difficulties in elementary school classrooms. Recommendations for practice that stem from this empirical work are not generalizable to high school classrooms, where adolescents with LD experience unique learning challenges. This is especially true in secondary science classes, where an emphasis on complex vocabulary and sophisticated phenomenological investigations places added cognitive requirements on these students.This article presents a foundation for conceptualizing the role of technology in RTI implementation at the secondary level. We examine how video games can enhance RTI instructional practices by providing multiple tiers of academic supports and realtime progress monitoring in secondary science classroom...
Effect of operating conditions on solid substrate fermentation.

In this work the effects of environmental parameters on the performance of solid substrate fermentation (SSF) for protein production are studied. These parameters are (i) air flow rate, (ii) inlet air relative humidity, (iii) inlet air temperature, and (iv) the heat transfer coefficient between the outer wall of the fermentor and the air in the incubator. The air flow is supplied to effect cooling of the fermented mass by evaporation of water. A dynamic model is developed, which permits estimation of biomass content, total dry matter, moisture content, and temperature of the fermented matter. The model includes the effects of temperature and moisture content on both the maximum specific growth rate and the maximum attainable biomass content. The results of the simulation are compared with actual experimental data and show good agreement with them. The most important conclusions are that (i) the evaporative cooling of the biomass is very effective for temperature control and (ii) the air flow rate and the heat transfer coefficient have strong effects but they affect the biomass morphology and are not controllable easily. Also, a simple technique for the determination of the optimum temperature and moisture content profile for cell protein production is applied. The simulated biomass production increases considerably employing the optimum temperature and moisture content profiles. The ultimate goal is to implement the determined effects of the environmental parameters on the SSF biomass production and the temperature and moisture variation profiles to effectively control the SSF and optimize the biomass production. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pruritus, an uncommon but important symptom of systemic carcinoma.

A distinctive pruritic syndrome associated with systemic cancer is described. Prolonged, variably severe pruritus with a tendency to localization on the legs, upper trunk, and extensor surfaces of the upper extremities is the presenting symptom. Patients with unexplained persistent itching as herein described should be investigated for a hidden malignancy. The persistence or recurrence of itching, months or even years after apparent cure of a systemic carcinoma, suggests that destruction or removal of the primary tumor was incomplete, or that metastasis has supervened. A small carcinomatous focus may exist for many months and at times for years before cinical recognition is possible with diagnostic methods currently available.
Multichannel Quantum-Defect Theory for Slow Atomic Collisions

We present a multichannel quantum-defect theory for slow atomic collisions that takes advantages of the analytic solutions for the long-range potential and both the energy and angular momentum insensitivities of the short-range parameters. The theory provides an accurate and complete account of scattering processes, including shape and Feshbach resonances, in terms of a few parameters such as the singlet and triplet scattering lengths. As an example, results for $^{23}\mathrm{Na}\ensuremath{-}^{23}\mathrm{Na}$ scattering are presented and compared to close-coupling calculations.
Kinetics of gasification of Douglas Fir and Cottonwood chars by carbon dioxide

Abstract Arrhenius kinetic parameters have been determined for the CO 2 gasification of chars (heat treatment at 1000 °C) prepared from well-characterized samples of a hardwood, a softwood and a Montana lignite. The effects of pre-pyrolysis addition of inorganic salts of the alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal groups to the wood samples have also been determined. The reactivities of the chars of the cottonwood and lignite samples exceeded that of Douglas fir char by a factor of four to seven between 700 and 900 °C. The reactivity of the wood char was related to the inorganic content of the sample. There was very little difference in the reactivity of chars prepared from the hardwood and the softwood after treatment with similar quantities of inorganic salts. The inorganic content of the lignite char was more than five times greater than that of cottonwood char, but its reactivity was similar. The carbonates of sodium and potassium were equally effective gasification catalysts. The transition metal salts were the most effective catalysts initially, but they lost their activity well before the gasification was complete. The data indicate that treatment of wood with aqueous salts results in replacement of some of the natural minerals by ion exchange, and that these exchangeable ions play a major role in controlling reactivity of the chars.
The prospective, observational, multicenter, major trauma transfusion (PROMMTT) study: Comparative effectiveness of a time-varying treatment with competing risks

Objective To relate in-hospital mortality to early transfusion of plasma and/or platelets and to time-varying plasma:red blood cell (RBC) and platelet:RBC ratios. Design Prospective cohort study documenting the timing of transfusions during active resuscitation and patient outcomes. Data were analyzed using time-dependent proportional hazards models. Setting Ten US level I trauma centers. Patients Adult trauma patients surviving for 30 minutes after admission who received a transfusion of at least 1 unit of RBCs within 6 hours of admission (n = 1245, the original study group) and at least 3 total units (of RBCs, plasma, or platelets) within 24 hours (n = 905, the analysis group). Main Outcome Measure In-hospital mortality. Results Plasma:RBC and platelet:RBC ratios were not constant during the first 24 hours (P Conclusions Higher plasma and platelet ratios early in resuscitation were associated with decreased mortality in patients who received transfusions of at least 3 units of blood products during the first 24 hours after admission. Among survivors at 24 hours, the subsequent risk of death by day 30 was not associated with plasma or platelet ratios.
Toward an ecology of environmental education and learning

Environmental education traditionally has focused on changing individual knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Concern about environmental education's lack of effectiveness in instilling an understanding of human's role within ecosystems has led us to an exploration of the relationship of learning and education to the larger social-ecological systems in which they are embedded. We draw from socio-cultural learning theory and from frameworks developed by long-term ecological research, hierarchy theory, and social-ecological systems resilience to suggest an “ecology of learning” and an “ecology of environmental education.” In so doing, we hope to open up new research and practices that consider possibilities for environmental education to act in consort with other initiatives, such as local stewardship efforts, to foster social capital, ecosystem services, and other attributes of resilient social-ecological systems.
Penning trap mass measurements of rare isotopes produced by projectile fragmentation with LEBIT at NSCL

The Low-Energy Beam and Ion Trap facility LEBIT at the NSCL at MSU has demonstrated that rare isotopes produced by fast-beam fragmentation can be slowed down and prepared for precision experiments with low-energy beams. High-pressure gas-stopping was combined with advanced ion manipulation techniques to carry out these studies with a high-precision 9.4-Tesla Penning trap mass spectrometer. The spectrometer has been used for a series of high precision mass measurements of short-lived neutron- and proton-rich isotopes during the past year. This paper presents an overview of the LEBIT facility and summarizes the first mass measurement results. The mass measurements of 81Se, where ground and isomeric states have been resolved, and of 80As will be discussed in detail.
A Rotor Time Constant Identification Method with Compensation Algorithm

In the vector control the time constant of rotor changes will affect the system, generally required online identification. This paper puts forward a identification method based on model reference adaptive, using popov exceed stable to design a adaptive rate. Analyses identification system by torque effects, and proposes a kind of compensation algorithm, to improve the system robustness. Under the MATLAB/Simulink environment build simulation model to verify the correctness of the algorithm, and points out the advantages of compensation algorithm.
Soy isoflavones: are they useful in menopause?

In October 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the use on food labels of health claims associated with soy protein and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Several studies have indicated that a total daily intake of 25 g of soy protein paired with a low-fat diet resulted in clinically important reductions of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens found predominantly in legumes and beans. Soy isoflavones are heterocyclic phenols with structural similarity to estradiol-17β and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Actions at the cellular level depend on the target tissue, receptor status of the tissue, and the level of endogenous estrogen. Studies of soy-based diets evaluating the relation between soy consumption and serum lipid concentrations revealed that soy consumption significantly decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. However, the soy isoflavones do not increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels. The effects of soy protein on other target tissues reflect estrogenlike agonist and antagonist effects. Epidemiological studies suggest a protective effect of soy protein on breast tissue as evidenced by the lower rates of breast cancer in East Asian countries where soy is a predominant part of the diet. Data available from human studies on the effect of isoflavones on osteoporosis are limited, and additional studies are needed to support a role in osteoporosis prevention. Thus far, there is no evidence for a stimulatory effect of isoflavones on the endometrium. A few studies reveal a minimal effect of soy on hot flashes, with soy reducing hot flashes 45% and placebo causing a 30% re duction compared with an approximate 70% reduction in hot flashes with estrogen replacement therapy. Evidence from laboratory studies reveals neither a positive nor a negative effect of soy isoflavones on cognition. To date, no adverse effects of short- or long-term use of soy proteins are known in humans. The only adverse effects known are those reported in animals (infertility in sheep and quails grazing on phytoestrogen-rich pastures). In conclusion, soy isoflavones are biologically active compounds. Current data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the use of isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Although epidemiological and basic laboratory studies allude to the possible protective effects of soy isoflavones at specific target tissues, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to address these important issues.
Oral administration of supracide to lactating cows: effect on consumption, production, ration utilization, and residue levels in milk and certain tissues.

Abstract In two experiments, thirty-two cows and four steers were utilized to study the effect of oral administration of Supracide, a new organophosphate insecticide. In Experiment 1, Supracide was given by capsule twice daily at levels of 30, 15, 7.5, and zero ppm of the total air dry feed consumed. Level of treatment had no observed effect on voluntary hay or total feed consumption, milk production, blood cholinesterase, or transaminase activity, nor on digestibility of proximate components. In a balance trial, neither Supracide nor its oxygen analogue was detected in the milk, urine, or feces at a sensitivity of 0.005 and 0.025ppm, respectively. Analysis of several tissue samples from a cow and steer at the two highest treatments revealed no pesticide residues. In Experiment 2, hay harvested the day following field treatment with GS-13005 at twice an effective control level was fed to cows at three levels of intake beginning seven days after cutting and continued for 35 days. Neither voluntary intake nor production was affected. Milk sampled on Day 35 of treatment did not contain Supracide nor its oxygen analogue.
An unexpected effect of glucocorticoids on stimulation of c-fms proto-oncogene expression in choriocarcinoma cells that express little glucocorticoid receptor.

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism by which glucocorticoids stimulate c-fms proto-oncogene expression in JAR choriocarcinoma cells, which are reported to lack the glucocorticoid receptor. Study design Glucocorticoid action on c-fms was tested with the use of ligand binding assays, Northern and Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, and nuclear run-off experiments. Results Dexamethasone stimulated c-fms (EC 50 =1 nmol/L) in JAR cells in a specific manner. Both RU 486 and actinomycin D inhibited dexamethasone stimulation, which suggests receptor-mediated and transcriptionally regulated actions. Neither cytosol or whole cell binding assays nor immunohistochemistry detected glucocorticoid receptor in JAR cells. However, Southern blot analysis of reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction products revealed levels of glucocorticoid receptor messenger RNA in JAR cells that were approximately 100-fold lower than in HeLa control cells. In all but 1 clone among several JAR clones that were tested, there was concordance between presence or absence of glucocorticoid receptor messenger RNA and glucocorticoid sensitivity. Conclusion Some JAR cells contain low levels of glucocorticoid receptor, which mediate dexamethasone stimulation of c-fms expression. Such sensitivity to circulating glucocorticoids confers a survival advantage to these cells by stimulating the c-fms –related invasive behavior so characteristic of choriocarcinomas.
Fire frequency, agricultural history and the multivariate control of pine savanna understorey plant diversity

Question: Human-altered disturbance regimes and agricultural land uses are broadly associated with reduced plant species diversity in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we seek to understand how fire frequency and agricultural landusehistory influence savannaunderstorey plant diversity throughcomplex relationships (i.e. indirect effects) among multiple biophysical variables.
Simulation technology for resuscitation training: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To summarize current available data on simulation-based training in resuscitation for health care professionals. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus and reference lists of published reviews. Study selection Published studies of any language or date that enrolled health professions' learners to investigate the use of technology-enhanced simulation to teach resuscitation in comparison with no intervention or alternative training. Data extraction Data were abstracted in duplicate. We identified themes examining different approaches to curriculum design. We pooled results using random effects meta-analysis. Data synthesis 182 studies were identified involving 16,636 participants. Overall, simulation-based training of resuscitation skills, in comparison to no intervention, appears effective regardless of assessed outcome, level of learner, study design, or specific task trained. In comparison to no intervention, simulation training improved outcomes of knowledge (Hedges' g ) 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 0.81–1.29), process skill 1.13 (0.99–1.27), product skill 1.92 (1.26–2.60), time skill 1.77 (1.13–2.42) and patient outcomes 0.26 (0.047–0.48). In comparison with non-simulation intervention, learner satisfaction 0.79 (0.27–1.31) and process skill 0.35 (0.12–0.59) outcomes favored simulation. Studies investigating how to optimize simulation training found higher process skill outcomes in courses employing "booster" practice 0.13 (0.03–0.22), team/group dynamics 0.51 (0.06–0.97), distraction 1.76 (1.02–2.50) and integrated feedback 0.49 (0.17–0.80) compared to courses without these features. Most analyses reflected high between-study inconsistency ( I 2 values >50%). Conclusions Simulation-based training for resuscitation is highly effective. Design features of "booster" practice, team/group dynamics, distraction and integrated feedback improve effectiveness.
Reflection as a Critical Component in the Preparation of Teacher Candidates

(2008). Reflection as a Critical Component in the Preparation of Teacher Candidates. Strategies: Vol. 21, No. 6, pp. 15-18.
People are sensitive to distractor motion in multiple object tracking

Cavanagh, P., & Alvarez, G. A. (2005). Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 9(7), 349-354. Drew, T., McCollough, A. W., Horowitz, T. S., & Vogel, E. K. (2009). Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 16(2), 411-417. Flombaum, J. I., Scholl, B. J., & Pylyshyn, Z. W. (2008). Cognition, 107(3), 904-931. Pylyshyn, Z. W. (2006). Visual Cognition, 14(2), 175-198. St.Clair, R., Huff, M., & Seiffert, A. E. (2010). Journal of Vision, 10(4), 1-13. Vul, E., Frank, M. C., Tenenbaum, J. B., & Alvarez, G. A. (2009). NIPS (pp. 1955-1963). Discussion
Sneaking in the back door? An evaluation of reverse mergers and IPOs

I examine whether the financial reporting quality of firms that access capital markets through reverse mergers differs from that of firms that rely on the traditional and more onerous IPO process. Using a broad sample of reverse merger firms and a propensity-score matched sample of IPOs, I find that reverse merger firms exhibit lower earnings quality as measured by several earnings attributes established in prior literature: accrual quality, earnings persistence, earnings predictability, cash persistence, cash predictability, earnings smoothness, timeliness, and value relevance. I document similar results for firms with low levels of institutional ownership. Differences in earnings quality, however, are attenuated for reverse merger firms with higher levels of institutional ownership. Given recent U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission enforcement actions against Chinese reverse merger firms, I also use a difference-in-differences technique and find that the lower financial reporting of reverse merger firms is actually driven by the non-Chinese reverse merger firms.
Electrochemical Modeling of Lithium-Ion Positive Electrodes during Hybrid Pulse Power Characterization Tests

An electrochemical model was developed to examine hybrid pulsed power characterization (HPPC) tests on the positive electrode of lithium-ion cells. By utilizing the same fundamental equations as in previous electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies, this investigation serves as an extension of the earlier work and a comparison of the two techniques. The electrochemical model was used to examine performance characteristics and limitations for the positive electrode during HPPC tests. Parametric studies using the electrochemical model and focusing on the positive electrode thickness were employed to examine methods of slowing electrode aging and improving performance.
DayStar: Modeling and test results of a balloon-borne daytime star tracker

High altitude balloons are capable of supporting astronomical observations with virtually no image degradation due to atmospheric turbulence. To take advantage of this space-like seeing, a telescope must be pointed and stabilized with sub-arcsecond precision. This problem consists of two parts: providing an error signal, and using it to correct the pointing. This paper addresses error signal acquisition, specifically focusing on modeling and flight testing of the DayStar star tracker.
Investigating sorption on iron-oxyhydroxide soil minerals by solid-state NMR spectroscopy: a 6Li MAS NMR study of adsorption and absorption on goethite.

High-resolution 2H MAS NMR spectra can be obtained for nanocrystalline particles of goethite (α-FeOOH, particle size ≈ 4−10 nm) at room temperature, facilitating NMR studies of sorption under environmentally relevant conditions. Li sorption was investigated as a function of pH, the system representing an ideal model system for NMR studies. 6Li resonances with large hyperfine shifts (approximately 145 ppm) were observed above the goethite point of zero charge, providing clear evidence for the presence of Li−O−Fe connectivities, and thus the formation of an inner sphere Li+ complex on the goethite surface. Even larger Li hyperfine shifts (289 ppm) were observed for Li+-exchanged goethite, which contains lithium ions in the tunnels of the goethite structure, confirming the Li assignment of the 145 ppm Li resonance to the surface sites.
Enhanced heat capacity of molten salt nano - Materials for concentrated solar power application

Storage of thermal energy using molten salt materials has been widely explored for concentrating solar power. Since these power plants use thermodynamic cycle, the overall system cycle efficiency significantly relies on the thermal energy storage temperature. Therefore, increasing the thermal energy storage temperature and decreasing the amount of material needed can result in reducing the cost of solar energy. Molten salts are stable up to 700°C, relatively cheap, and safe to the environment. However, the heat capacity of the molten salts is typically low (∼1.5 J/gK) compared to other thermal storage materials. The low heat capacity of molten salts can be improved by dispersing nanoparticles. In this study, we synthesized molten salt nanomaterial by dispersing oxide nanoparticles into selected molten salts. Heat capacity measurements were performed using a modulated differential scanning calorimeter. Materials characterization studies were performed using a scanning electron microscopy. Hence, we evaluated the use of the molten salt nanomaterials as thermal energy storage media in concentrated solar power applications. Increase in the specific heat capacity of the molten salt is also demonstrated on addition with Nano materials of specific size and quantity.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN BUMETANIDE-SENSITIVE COTRANSPORT AND N-ETHYLMALEIMIDE-STIMULATED POTASSIUM EFFLUX

Racial differences in erythrocyte potassium effluxes mediated by two loop-diuretic sensitive modes of cotransport were compared. In red cells loaded to contain approximately equimolar amounts of sodium and potassium, black subjects had lower bumetanide-sensitive sodium-dependent net potassium effluxes as compared to whites. In fresh, washed erythrocytes pretreated with N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), maximal net potassium efflux was greater in blacks than in whites. NEM-stimulated potassium efflux was partially inhibited by bumetanide but only at very high concentrations. The quantitative differences in these two modes of potassium efflux suggest that NEM-stimulated potassium efflux is not an altered mode of sodium-dependent potassium efflux.
‘Is That What We’re Here about?’: A Lawyer’s Use of Impression Management in a Closing Argument at Trial

Although lawyers’ courtroom language has been the subject of sociolinguistic research, most of this research has focused on the questioning of witnesses; thus few studies have examined the processe...
The Accelerated Development of Youth: Beard Growth as a Biological Marker

Anyone who sees today's high schoolers sporting beards will be surprised— or incredulous—to read in Homer's Iliad that Achilles, the greatest warrior among the Greeks at Troy, was still beardless. Yet Plato accepted it as a wellknown and unsurprising tradition.
BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER GENOMICS AND CLONING OF A NOVEL ORGANIC ANION TRANSPORTER

A novel organic anion transporter selectively expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), originally designated BBB-specific anion transporter type 1 (BSAT1), and now classified as Slco1c1, has been cloned from a BBB genomics program as a partial cDNA; this study describes the cloning and expression of the full-length cDNA from a rat brain capillary cDNA library. Northern analysis revealed the selective expression of the transporter at the BBB, and the transporter was expressed after permanent transfection of human 293 cells with cDNA encoding either the full length or open reading frame mRNA. The full-length transporter cDNA was 2.6 kb, and the mRNA was highly expressed at the rat brain microvasculature, but not in kidney, liver, heart, or lung, or in glial cells or brain glial tumors. Blood-brain barrier-specific anion transporter type 1 expression in 293 cells was poor after the transfection of the full-length cDNA, whereas transporter expression in 293 cells was high after transfection of the open reading frame. The transporter showed asymmetric kinetic properties in comparison of the influx and efflux of model substrates, thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and estradiol-glucuronide (E2G). Thyroxine and T3 inhibited the influx of E2G, but E2G did not inhibit thyroxine influx, and T3 only weakly inhibited the influx of T4. Extracellular E2G stimulated the transefflux of intracellular T4. Blood-brain barrier-specific anion transporter type 1 is a novel organic anion transporter that is a sodium-independent exchanger that may participate in the active efflux of iodothyronines and steroid conjugates at the BBB.
David Walsh's Theory and Practice

The July–September 2010 issue of this journal featured a symposium on the political thought of David Walsh, which concluded with David's “Response to Symposiasts.” This response, unsurprisingly, wa...
The effect of low temperature on Streptococcus lactis

When milk cultures of Streptococcus lactis are held near 00, the number of living cells decreases rather slowly for about one month. Even after 3 months, viable cells are still present, though reduced to a few thousands. The death is partly due to accumulation of acid, but mainly to oxygen. Neutralization and replacement of the free oxygen by nitrogen in the culture prolong the viability.
Theoretical study of the structure of phenol–ammonia complexes subject to proton transfer

Abstract Structures and energies are reported of several phenol–ammonia complexes before and after excited-state proton transfer. Structures stable after this transfer are found for four 1:5 conformers, two 1:4 conformers and one 1:3 conformer. In two excited 1:5 conformers and one excited 1:4 conformer transfer is exothermic across a fairly low barrier. The results are used to analyze the observed transfer dynamics.
The man who talks a lot

In April and May of 1994, Sydney Brenner sat down in front of a video camera and talked to Lewis Wolpert, recording enough to fill 15 videotapes. Errol Friedberg and Eleanor Lawrence have taken sections from the transcript of the interviews and woven them, with linking and explanatory passages added by Friedberg, into My Life in Science, an 'autobiography' of Brenner's more than 50 years of research. I opened this book with considerable misgivings. Of all the ways to set words on paper, transcription is the least satisfactory, as anyone who has had to edit a transcript knows. The most polished phrases can be reduced to mere platitudes or worse, while every hesitation, deviation and non sequitur is recorded for the continuing embarrassment of the speaker. I am glad to say that in the present case my fears were misplaced; Brenner, Wolpert, Friedberg and Lawrence have produced an informative and entertaining book, redolent with Brenner's voice.
Considerations for focused surgical intervention in the presence of adult spinal deformity.

STUDY DESIGN Case studies, literature review. OBJECTIVES The goal of this review is to raise awareness and stimulate contributions on this topic. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Surgical management of adult patients presenting with intractable back and leg pain in conjunction with spinal deformity often raises the question of need for curve arthrodesis. Meticulous patient assessment is essential in determining if the deformity underlies patient symptoms. If so, then the deformity must be stabilized according to criteria established in the literature. However, when patient evaluation suggests that the deformity is not the source of symptoms, other surgical options may be considered. These include limited decompression without fusion or decompression with short fusion limited only to the site of pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three cases are presented illustrating situations where decompression alone or decompression with short fusion was indicated. RESULTS When an adult spinal deformity is stable and is not the source of symptoms, symptomatic relief may be provided through limited decompression within the curve but without curve arthrodesis. Similarly, symptomatic pathology arising from levels adjacent to or remote from the deformity may be addressed with short-segment decompression and fusion. CONCLUSIONS This brief and limited communication reviews some of the pertinent issues and provides several examples of selective surgical treatment options without curve arthrodesis in patients with deformity. These options are typically much smaller surgical undertakings, particularly in adult patients who generally have complicating comorbidities. Little has been published to guide surgical management for these conditions.
Nonketotic hypoglycemia: An early indicator of systemic carnitine deficiency

In systemic carnitine deficiency, an early phase of nonketotic hypoglycemia and liver dysfunction may precede a late phase of encephalopathy and myopathy. We studied two children with recurrent episodes of nonketotic hypoglycemia who were found to have systemic carnitine deficiency without myopathy or encephalopathy. Early institution of appropriate therapy prevented the onset of late debilitating complications in one patient, whereas therapeutic noncompliance in the other patient led to an episode of encephalopathy and myopathy. Metabolic studies indicated that decreased availability of alanine may be a factor in the genesis of hypoglycemia; concurrent depletion of cerebral glucose, ketones, and glycogen may be the cause of the encephalopathy.
OPTICAL ABSORPTION SPECTRUM OF Nd$sup 3+$-DOPED LaF$sub 3$ SINGLE CRYSTAL: THE EVIDENCE OF A HIDDEN SELECTION RULE

The symmetry of the ${\mathrm{La}}^{+3}$ site in La${\mathrm{F}}_{3}$ has been determined by x-ray and paramagnetic resonance. The x-ray results show a ${C}_{2v}$ site symmetry in agreement with paramagnetic resonance. The optical absorption spectrum shows conclusive evidence of a selection rule contrary to the fact that a ${C}_{2v}$ site symmetry gives no selection rule. Hence, there exists a hidden selection rule.
Peripheral axotomy induces neurofilament decrease, atrophy, demyelination and degeneration of root and fasciculus gracilis fibers

We have recently shown that peripheral axotomy by hindlimb amputation in adult cats sequentially results in neurofilament and microtubule decrease and axonal atrophy, myelin wrinkling, myelin remodeling (de- and remyelination), more atrophy and axonal degeneration in proximal sciatic and L7 segmental nerve fibers. The neuropathologic, morphometric and teased fiber alterations in the myelinated fibers (MF) of roots and sampled levels of fasciculus gracilis in groups of adult cats 24 months after hindlimb amputation have now been studied. We found: a severe decrease of neurofilaments, axonal atrophy, myelin wrinkling, de- and remyelination and axonal loss in posterior root axons; that these morphologic abnormalities extended up the fasciculus gracilis in the appropriate territories established from degenerative studies; that the retrograde effect was less severe in ventral root fibers, although atrophy and sprouting were demonstrated here, and that the cellular sequence of retrograde atrophic degeneration of ascending axons was similar to that observed in proximal stump axons. These findings confirm that primary afferent neurons are more vulnerable to axotomy than lower motor neurons and may provide an additional explanation for the poorer functional restoration of sensory than of motor deficit after root compression and in delayed nerve reconnection. Our observations also have important implications for interpretation of neuropathologic alterations in roots and fasciculus gracilis, since the observed features may be secondary to axotomy of peripheral nerve fibers induced by disease and not evidence of a primary derangement.
Humic matter content vs. organic matter content for making herbicide recommendations

Abstract Because soil organic matter (OM) influences preemergent herbicide performance, many herbicide rates are based on soil OM content. Recent studies have found large inter‐laboratory differences in OM values whether determined by either similar or different methods. Making herbicide rate recommendations can therefore be difficult. A NaOH extraction method for determining humic matter (HM) is used by only a few laboratories but is gaining acceptance. Previous studies have shown that soil HM content also correlates with herbicidal activity. This study with several sulfonylurea herbicides found that both adsorption and herbicidal activity correlated more strongly with soil HM content than soil OM content.
‘Forty acres and a mule’ for women: Rawls and feminism

This article assesses the development of Rawls’s thinking in response to a generation of feminist critique. Two principle criticisms are sustainable throughout his work: first, that the family, as a basic institution of society, must be subject to the principles of justice if its members are to be free and equal members of society; and, second, that without such social and political equality, justice as fairness is as meaningful to women as the unrealized promise of ‘Forty acres and a mule’ was to the newly freed slaves.
Central and peripheral influences on tactual reading.

Subjects attempted to read two-, three-, or four-letter words printed on their palms, wrists, or fingers. Successive letters were either drawn over each other at the same location or were spatially separated on skin surfaces. A peripheral source of masking was suggested, since reading was aided by writing letters at different cutaneous locations. Two-letter words were easy to read when two palms or the palm and wrist were used. Due to interdigit masking, however, spatial separation of letters did not help when they were printed on the fingers of one hand. Central contributions to tactual reading were indicated, since categorical information aided reading, as did knowledge of (constant) orientation. The difficulties found in reading Print-On-Palm (POP) were ascribed to aftersensations derived from drawing a point across the skin, a passive form of touch. It was proposed that passive touch may be limited in performance when memory is severely loaded. However, passive touch may suffice for simple patterns, since passive POP was better than active touch for letter recognition.