cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proactive patient flow redesign for integration of multiple outpatient clinics

Successful merging or consolidation of interdependent healthcare clinics have been shown to have benefits with regards to decreasing operation costs while maintaining patients' quality of care. In order to achieve a successful merger or integration of clinics, an analysis of the effects of integrating patient flows should occur. This is especially important when the merger of clinics involves a transition into a new facility. We utilize a discrete event simulation model to study the effects of integrating three interdependent musculoskeletal clinics, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Radiology, into a new facility in advance of implementation. Through use of the simulation, unexpected bottlenecks in the check-in process are identified and the effects of implementing new patient flows, supported by Real-Time Location System (RTLS) technology, are analyzed.
GDF11 induces kidney fibrosis, renal cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and kidney dysfunction and failure

Abstract Background GDF11 modulates embryonic patterning and kidney organogenesis. Herein, we sought to define GDF11 function in the adult kidney and in renal diseases. Methods In vitro renal cell lines, genetic, and murine in vivo renal injury models were examined. Results Among tissues tested, Gdf11 was highest in normal adult mouse kidney. Expression was increased acutely after 5/6 nephrectomy, ischemia-reperfusion injury, kanamycin toxicity, or unilateral ureteric obstruction. Systemic, high-dose GDF11 administration in adult mice led to renal failure, with accompanying kidney atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells, and eventually death. These effects were associated with phosphorylation of SMAD2 and could be blocked by follistatin. In contrast, Gdf11 heterozygous mice showed reduced renal Gdf11 expression, renal fibrosis, and expression of fibrosis-associated genes both at baseline and after unilateral ureteric obstruction compared with wild-type littermates. The kidney-specific consequences of GDF11 dose modulation are direct effects on kidney cells. GDF11 induced proliferation and activation of NRK49f renal fibroblasts and also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of IMCD-3 tubular epithelial cells in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Conclusion Taken together, these data suggest that GDF11 and its downstream signals are critical in vivo mediators of renal injury. These effects are through direct actions of GDF11 on renal tubular cells and fibroblasts. Thus, regulation of GDF11 presents a therapeutic target for diseases involving renal fibrosis and impaired tubular function.
Acquiring Web Content From In-Memory Cache

Web content acquisition forms the foundation of value extraction of web data. Two main categories of acquisition methods are crawler based methods and transactional web archiving or server-side acquisition methods. In this poster, we propose a new method to acquire web content from web caches. Our method provides improvement in terms of reduced penalty on HTTP transaction, flexibility to accommodate peak web server loads and minimal involvement of System Administrator to set up the system.
In Office and Laboratory

A search for information on Werner’s relations with his students immediately uncovers inconsistencies and conflicting testimony. In interpreting the available data, we should take all the stories with a grain of salt and remember that students are often prone to rationalize their own inadequacies by criticizing their teachers.
The Application of RNA Fingerprinting and Sequencing to Viral Diagnosis

More than 600 different virus serotypes have been shown to infect animals. Fortunately only a minority are the etiologic agents of disease in man. Despite this, they are of major concern since currently only a few viral diseases can be cured and only a few can be prevented by vaccination.
The Role of in Vitro-in Vivo Correlations (IVIVC) to Regulatory Agencies

Dissolution testing remains a potentially powerful and nearly always useful method for obtaining data related to quality and, potentially, clinical performance of dosage forms, especially solid oral dosage forms. But, not surprisingly, dissolution is not always a surrogate for bioequivalence, which necessitates human testing for determination of bioequivalence in many instances. The key to confidence in dissolution testing is the strength of the relationship between dissolution and bioequivalence, in other words, the ability of dissolution testing to predict in vivo performance. Therefore, the availability of an IVIVC, as well as the type of dissolution testing conducted, are important considerations.
Early Peer Relations

First, what do we mean by the term “peer”? The term connotes equivalence between individuals, equivalence of developmental level or behavioral complexity (Lewis & Rosenblum, 1975). In most research on early peer relations, the term “peer” also implies same-age, since the context in which the children are studied is usually a graded classroom, a same-age situation (Hartup, 1980b). In history (Barker & Wright, 1955) and evolution (Konner, 1975), same-age peer relations during childhood are a recent development of advanced industrial states.
Polysaccharases and the Hydrolysis of Insoluble Substrates

Woods differ from each other in composition and structure to such an extent that relatively few of all of the fungi in nature are associated with the decay of any one particular wood. This is obvious from examination of any host index. Yet all wood-decay fungi have in common the ability to produce and secrete enzymes capable of degrading the polysaccharides of wood. Specificity, then, is not dependent upon the presence of these enzymes in fungi, though certainly rio action could take place in their absence.
Individual differences in social hypersensitivity predict the interpretation of ambiguous feedback and self-esteem

Abstract Objective Ambiguity may be an unavoidable part of everyday interactions. The reactions of socially hypersensitive people (i.e., self-esteem contingent on maintaining positive relationships) to ambiguous feedback may go beyond discomfort to injury to self-esteem. In the present research, we examined whether and how there might be a relationship between social hypersensitivity and self-esteem that depends on social feedback. Method In two experiments, participants read scripts containing different types of social feedback (Studies 1 and 2). In two correlational studies, we examined the relationships among social hypersensitivity, perceived valence of ambiguous events and self-esteem and among social hypersensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty and self-esteem (Studies 3a and 3b). Results Social hypersensitivity was negatively correlated with state self-esteem when participants imagined a conversation with a controversial statement followed by a pause, by explicit ambiguous feedback, or by explicit negative feedback (Studies 1 and 2). The perceived valence of ambiguous events and the amount of tolerance for uncertainty partially mediated the relationship between social hypersensitivity and trait self-esteem (Studies 3a and 3b). Conclusions Individuals who are socially hypersensitive interpret ambiguous feedback more negatively and have a lower tolerance for uncertainty than people who are less socially hypersensitive, and this in turn predicts lower self-esteem.
Productive Exchange of Thiols and Thioesters to Form Dynamic Polythioester-Based Polymers

Polymers that possess dynamic covalent bonds activated at ambient conditions are ideal platforms for smart, responsive materials. Herein, a class of dynamic covalent polymerizations is developed ba...
A Technique for Measuring the RCS of Free-Flying Honeybees with a 24 GHz CW Doppler Radar

Free-flying honeybees were observed with a very low power 24 GHz continuous-wave (CW) Doppler radar. The radar cross section (RCS) of foraging honeybees was derived from Doppler observations without explicitly measuring the target range. A very small dropped ball bearing with known RCS was used as a calibration target. The RCS of worker bees was found to be on average -50 dBsm at 24 GHz.
Testing the Retrospective Pretest with High School Youth in Out-of-School Time Programs

Practitioners and evaluators face several constraints in conducting rigorous evaluations to determine program effect. Researchers have offered the retrospective pretest/posttest design as a remedy to curb response-shift bias and better estimate program effects. This article presents an example of how After School Matters (ASM) tested the use of retrospective pretest/posttest design for evaluating out-of-school time (OST) programs for high school youth participants. Differences between traditional pretest and retrospective pretest scores were statistically significant, but effect sizes were negligible, indicating that both pretests yielded similar results. Interviews with youth led to 3 key findings that have implications for ASM using retrospective pretests with youth: response-shift bias was more prominent in youth interviews than in quantitative findings, youth recommended reordering the questions so that the retrospective pretest appears first to increase comprehension, and acquiescence bias emerged in the interviews. This study demonstrates that the retrospective pretest/posttest design can be an alternative to the traditional pretest/posttest design for OST at ASM. These findings are important for ASM and other youth-serving organizations, which often have limited capacity to survey youth multiple times within 1 program session.
Privacy and ethical challenges in next-generation sequencing

Introduction: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is expected to revolutionize health care. NGS allows for sequencing of the whole genome more cheaply and quickly than previous techniques. NGS offers ...
My patient died

How one student's traumatic experience inspired his educator to help students expect the unexpected in patient care.
Intrinsic Properties of Individual Inorganic Silicon–Electrolyte Interphase Constituents

Because of the complexity, high reactivity, and continuous evolution of the silicon-electrolyte interphase (SiEI), "individual" constituents of the SiEI were investigated to understand their physical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties. For the analysis of these intrinsic properties, known SiEI components (i.e., SiO2, Li2Si2O5, Li2SiO3, Li3SiOx, Li2O, and LiF) were selected and prepared as amorphous thin films. The chemical composition, purity, morphology, roughness, and thickness of prepared samples were characterized using a variety of analytical techniques. On the basis of subsequent analysis, LiF shows the lowest ionic conductivity and relatively weak, brittle mechanical properties, while lithium silicates demonstrate higher ionic conductivities and greater mechanical hardness. This research establishes a framework for identifying components critical for stabilization of the SiEI, thus enabling rational design of new electrolyte additives and functional binders for the development of next-generation advanced Li-ion batteries utilizing Si anodes.
Prospective validation of a clinical prediction score for survival in patients with spinal metastases: the New England Spinal Metastasis Score.

Abstract Background Context The New England Spinal Metastasis Score (NESMS) was proposed as an intuitive and accessible prognostic tool for predicting survival in patients with spinal metastases. We designed an appropriately powered, prospective, longitudinal investigation to validate the NESMS. Purpose To prospectively validate the NESMS. Study Design Prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. Patient Sample Patients, aged 18 and older, presenting for treatment with spinal metastatic disease. Outcome Measures One-year mortality (primary); 6-month mortality and mortality at any time point following enrollment (secondary). Methods The date of enrollment was set as time zero for all patients. The NESMS was assigned based on data collected at the time of enrollment. Patients were prospectively followed to one of two pre-determined end-points: death, or survival at 365 days following enrollment. Survival was visually assessed with Kaplan-Meier curves and then analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, followed by Bayesian regression to assess for robustness of point estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results This study included 180 patients enrolled between 2017-2018. Mortality within 1-year occurred in 56% of the cohort. Using NESMS 3 as the referent, those with a score of 2 had significantly greater odds of mortality (OR 7.04; 95% CI 2.47, 20.08), as did those with a score of 1 (OR 31.30; 95% CI 8.82, 111.04). A NESMS score of 0 was associated with perfect prediction, as 100% of individuals with this score were deceased at 1-year. Similar determinations were encountered for our mortality at 6-months and overall. Conclusions This study validates the NESMS and demonstrates its utility in prognosticating survival for patients with spinal metastatic disease, irrespective of selected treatment strategy. This is the first study to prospectively validate a prognostic utility for patients with spinal metastases. The NESMS can be directly applied to patient care, hospital-based practice and healthcare policy.
Disparities in first-course treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among different hospital types in the United States.

6568 Background: Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in various combinations depending upon stage. This study compares disparities i...
Group-Transfer Reactions of a Cationic Iridium Alkoxycarbene Generated by Ether Dehydrogenation

Despite broad interest in metal carbene complexes, there remain few examples of catalytic transformations of ethers that proceed via alkoxycarbene intermediates generated by α,α-dehydrogenation. We demonstrate that both neutral and cationic alkoxycarbene derivatives are accessible via ether dehydrogenation at a PNP(iPr)4 pincer-supported iridium complex (PNP(iPr)4 = 2,6-bis((diisopropylphosphino)methyl)pyridine). Both cationic and neutral alkoxycarbene complexes undergo group transfer imination with azides, with the cationic derivative serving as a more efficient catalyst for cyclopentyl ether imination. Mechanistic studies support an iridium(I)dinitrogen complex as the resting state in the dark and a role for light-promoted N2 dissociation. Isoamyl nitrite and phenyl ethyl ketene are also found to engage with the cationic alkoxycarbene complex in formal alkoxide and O atom transfer reactions, respectively. In the former case an isolable dialkoxyalkyliridium complex is obtained, representing only the second example of a structurally characterized dialkoxyalkyl complex of a transition metal.
Post-hoc assessment of the immunogenicity of three antibodies reveals distinct immune stimulatory mechanisms

Biologics have the potential to induce an immune response when used therapeutically. A number of in vitro assays are currently used preclinically to predict the risk of immunogenicity, but the vali...
Immigration Law's Adverse Impact on COVID-19

Immigration law has played a large and deleterious role during the pandemic. In early 2020, the Trump administration relied on the Immigration and Naturalization Act to bar entry of non-nationals from affected areas. Once the pandemic spread widely in the United States, the administration imposed broad restrictions on immigration, including blocking entry at land borders, effectively overriding asylum laws. While furthering the administration’s pre-pandemic, anti-immigration agenda, these measures did little to keep the virus out of the country, or reduce its impact. Immigrants have also suffered disproportionately from COVID-19 due to numerous factors, including high rates of employment as essential workers, substandard housing, and immigration-based restrictions on non-citizens’ access to public benefits, including Medicaid. The recently promulgated public charge rule, plus ongoing immigration enforcement activities and anti-immigrant rhetoric, have compounded these vulnerabilities, leaving many immigrants afraid to access health care or interact with public health workers. SARS-COV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) has also spread widely in immigration facilities, where detainees are unable to practice social distancing and lack access to adequate hygiene and health care. This paper was prepared as part of Assessing Legal Responses to COVID-19, a comprehensive report published by Public Health Law Watch in partnership with the de Beaumont Foundation and the American Public Health Association.
An Open Silicon Photonics Ecosystem for Computercom Applications

We present progress toward an open Silicon photonics ecosystem targeted at computercom applications. The ecosystem is centered around a development kit comprising verified devices that can be laid out and simulated using industry-standard tools and fabricated in a commercial foundry. The ecosystem includes partners for testing, attaching fiber, and packaging of the finished photonics integrated circuits.
Belonging in STEM: an interactive, iterative approach to create and maintain a diverse learning community

Diversity is a key driver of scientific innovation, yet fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have struggled to retain diverse communities. Research suggests that fostering a sense of belonging is critical for retaining diversity. We propose an iterative process that aims to improve sense of belonging among laboratory (lab) members through self-reflection and community collective action.
Arithmetic Algebraic Geometry

Introduction Joe P. Buhler, Elliptic curves, modular forms, and applications: Preface Elliptic curves Points on elliptic curves Elliptic curves over $\mathbf C$ Modular forms of level 1 L-series Modular forms of higher level $l$-adic representations The rank of elliptic curves over $\mathbf Q$ Applications of elliptic curves Bibliography Alice Silverberg, Open questions in arithmetic algebraic geometry: Overview Torsion subgroups Ranks Conjectures of Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer ABC and related conjectures Some other conjectures Bibliography Kenneth A. Ribet and William A. Stein, Lectures on Serre's conjectures: Preface Introduction to Serre's conjecture Optimizing the weight Optimizing the level Exercises Appendix by Brian Conrad: The Shimura construction in weight 2 Appendix by Kevin Buzzard: A mod $\ell$ multiplicity one result Bibliography Fernando Q. Gouvea, Deformations of Galois representations: Introduction Galois groups and their representations Deformations of representations The universal deformation: existence The universal deformation: properties Explicit deformations Deformations with prescribed properties Modular deformations $p$-adic families and infinite ferns Appendix 1 by Mark Dickinson: A criterion for existence of a universal deformation ring Appendix 2 by Tom Weston: An overview of a theorem of Flach Appendix 3 by Matthew Emerton: An introduction to the $p$-adic geometry of modular curves Bibliography Ralph Greenberg, Introduction to Iwasawa theory for elliptic curves: Preface Mordell-Weil groups Selmer groups $\Lambda$-modules Mazur's control theorem Bibliography John Tate, Galois cohomology: Galois cohomology Bibliography Wen-Ching Winnie Li, The arithmetic of modular forms: Introduction Introduction to elliptic curves, modular forms, and Calabi-Yau varieties The arithmetic of modular forms Connections among modular forms, elliptic curves, and representations of Galois groups Bibliography Noriko Yui, Arithmetic of certain Calabi-Yau varieties and mirror symmetry: Introduction The modularity conjecture for rigid Calabi-Yau threefolds over the field of rational numbers Arithmetic of orbifold Calabi-Yau varieties over number fields $K3$ surfaces, mirror moonshine phenomenon Bibliography.
Lumped element models of double negative metamaterial-based transmission lines

Realizations of double negative (DNG) metamaterials using lumped element representations of lossless and lossy transmission lines are reported. Double negative media are artificial materials in which the permittivity and permeability are both negative. Analytical and numerical results for a variety of transmission line network representations explain how they can exhibit low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass dispersion characteristics when a DNG medium is produced in a specified frequency region of interest. Detailed dispersion properties of these various configurations are given. Comparisons with previous formulations are provided. It is shown conclusively that the DNG metamaterials occur only when the overall equivalent transmission line per-unit-length impedance is capacitive and the overall equivalent transmission line per-unit-length admittance is inductive. A convenient categorization of the possible DNG medium designs in transmission line constructs or more complex 2-D or 3-D inclusion based structures thus is provided.
Proof Theory and Formal Grammars: Applications of Normalization

We survey results about the proof theoretic approach to formal grammars, concentrating on those that can be obtained from the normalization theorem. In particular, we survey results that relate proof theoretic grammars to context-free grammars and results on the strong generative capacity of proof theoretic grammars. The paper concludes with a list of open problems concerning different issues of complexity of proof theoretical grammars.
Temporal Processing with the TARSQI Toolkit

We present the TARSQI Toolkit (TTK), a modular system for automatic temporal and event annotation of natural language texts. TTK identifies temporal expressions and events in natural language texts, and parses the document to order events and to anchor them to temporal expressions.
Cutaneous Metastatic Melanoma

Malignant melanoma frequently metastasizes to the skin, either in proximity of the primary lesion or indeed anywhere on the entire body surface. In some cases, the cutaneous metastatic melanoma is the first sign of the neoplastic disease.
Growth Effects in a Stochastic Model of Currency Crisis

The main contributions of this paper are to introduce growth into a crisis framework and to derive the contingency plans for consumption and investment in a manner consistent with the stochastic nature of the state of the economy. The conclusion is that expected deviations from trend in the future rate of depreciation do reduce domestic investment and growth. Empirical evidence in support of this idea is also presented. While the intuition behind the "crowding out" effect of expected increases in government spending on domestic investment is familiar to any student of intermediate macroeconomics, formalizing this notion in the context of a crisis is an important step towards understanding a potential source of output losses. An implicit assumption is that markets of contingent claims are incomplete, so that private agents are unable to insure away the adverse income effects of the fiscal expansion.
Carrageenan ecology of Chondrus crispus stackhouse

Abstract Seasonal variations of carrageenan percentage and other biochemical properties for estuarine and open coastal populations of Chondrus crispus Stackhouse were recorded monthly during 1972–1973. Gel strengths, viscosities and percentage of carrageenan exhibited maximum values in the autumn and early winter. An inverse relationship was recorded between total carbohydrates, as well as carrageenan and proteins. Protein levels were highest when nutrients (nitrogenous) were highest and vice versa. Differential gelling properties occur in the tetrasporic and gametophytic stages of Chondrus. Lambda carrageenan, the non-gelling fraction, occurs in tetrasporic plants. Spatial variations of fractions may also be associated with exposure to wave action, for tetrasporic plants are primarily restricted to the subtidal zone, except at very exposed open coastal sites.
Mandated community treatment: a promising concept for world psychiatry?

Much of the international debate on "outpatient commitment" or "community treatment orders" assumes that court-ordered treatment in the community is simply an extension of long-existing policies authorizing involuntary commitment as a hospital inpatient. In fact, however, outpatient commitment is only one of many forms of "leverage" being used to mandate adherence to psychiatric treatment in community settings. In the social welfare system, benefits disbursed by money managers and the provision of subsidized housing are both used to assure treatment adherence. Similarly, for people who commit a criminal offense, adherence to psychiatric treatment may be made a condition of probation. Favorable disposition of a case by a mental health court may also be tied to treatment participation. Psychiatric advance directives can be thought of as a form of "selfmandated" treatment. The MacArthur Foundation's Research Network on Mandated Community Treatment is engaged in a broad program of research on the uses of leverage to promote adherence to psychiatric services in the United States.
Evaluation of companding-based spectral enhancement using simulated cochlear-implant processing

This study tested a time-domain spectral enhancement algorithm that was recently proposed by Turicchia and Sarpeshkar [IEEE Trans. Speech Audio Proc. 13, 243–253 (2005)]. The algorithm uses a filter bank, with each filter channel comprising broadly tuned amplitude compression, followed by more narrowly tuned expansion (companding). Normal-hearing listeners were tested in their ability to recognize sentences processed through a noise-excited envelope vocoder that simulates aspects of cochlear-implant processing. The sentences were presented in a steady background noise at signal-to-noise ratios of 0, 3, and 6dB and were either passed directly through an envelope vocoder, or were first processed by the companding algorithm. Using an eight-channel envelope vocoder, companding produced small but significant improvements in speech reception. Parametric variations of the companding algorithm showed that the improvement in intelligibility was robust to changes in filter tuning, whereas decreases in the time cons...
Sources and exposure of the New Hampshire population to arsenic in public and private drinking water supplies

Abstract Arsenic concentrations in drinking water from 2273 households and in rock samples from 307 sites throughout the state of New Hampshire were studied to understand potential links between bedrock geology and arsenic concentration in drinking water, and to calculate arsenic exposure estimates for the New Hampshire population. Though it remains clear that most of the arsenic in New Hampshire drinking water is likely from bedrock sources, a simple correlation between arsenic concentration in rock samples and arsenic concentration in drinking water was not observed. A combination of the Eh–pH status of the groundwater in the aquifer and proximity to high concentrations of arsenic in bedrock are suggested to be the most likely controlling mechanisms statewide. Utilizing the high sampling density of drinking water along with water source and population data from the 1990 and 2000 Census, maps of average arsenic exposure were plotted at the census tract level. Integrating exposure from all types of water sources — drilled bedrock wells, wells in surficial deposits, and municipal water systems — a comprehensive estimate of exposure to various arsenic concentrations was constructed. Domestic bedrock wells supply water to ∼120,000 households, with a median arsenic concentration of 1.9 μg/L, domestic surficial wells provide water to approximately 40,000 households with a median arsenic concentration of 0.15 μg/L, and municipal water systems provide water to 265,000 households with a median arsenic concentration of 0.41 μg/L. Above 0.61 μg/L, domestic bedrock wells supply the largest number of households with elevated concentrations of arsenic, while below this value; more arsenic is delivered via municipal water systems. While many studies focus on more readily available public water supply data, this study points out the importance of quantifying arsenic exposure from private water supplies, and provides a technique for correcting spatially variable water source parameters.
The West Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Initiative: practicum training for a new marketplace.

Abstract Context: Occupational medicine practice has experienced a shift from larger corporate medical departments to organizations providing services for a variety of industries. Specific training needs will accompany this shift in practice patterns; these may differ from those developed in the traditional industrial or corporate medical department setting. Methods: The West Virginia Occupational Health and Safety Initiative involves occupational medicine residents in consultation to a variety of small industries and businesses. It uses the expertise of occupational physicians, health and safety extension faculty, and faculty in engineering and industrial hygiene. Residents participate in multidisciplinary evaluations of worksites, and develop competencies in team-building, workplace health and safety evaluation, and occupational medical consulting. Outcome Measures: Specific competencies that address requirements for practicum training are used to measure the trainee’s acquisition of knowledge and skills. Particular attention is paid to the acquisition of group problem-solving expertise, skills relevant to the current market in practice opportunities, and the specific career interests of the resident physician. Preliminary evaluation indicates the usefulness of training in evaluation of diverse industries and worksites. Conclusions: We offer this program as a training model that can prepare residents for the challenges of a changing marketplace for occupational health and safety services.
The association between unexpected earnings and abnormal security returns in the presence of financial leverage

Abstract. This study extends the growing literature on the deteminants of the variation in the relationship between unexpected earnings and abnormal security returns (the earnings response coefficient). We hypothesize that the firm's default risk as measured by financial leverage would affect the earnings response coefficient. We test this hypothesis by partitioning firms according to (1) the existence of debt in the capital structure (all-equity versus levered firms) and (2) the level of leverage (low-leverage versus high-leverage firms). The results are generally consistent with our hypothesis. Specifically, we find that the earnings response coefficients are larger for all-equity and low-leverage firms vis-a-vis matched-levered and high-leverage firms, even after controlling for the effects of equity beta, persistence, risk premium, and measurement error in unexpected earnings. Our findings are also robust with respect to the choice of earnings measure, either before or after interest charges. Resume. L'etude s'inscrit dans le prolongement des travaux de plus en plus nombreux portant sur les determinants de la fluctuation de la relation entre les benefices imprevus et les rendements anormaux des titres (le coefficient de reponse des benefices). Les auteurs posent l'hypothese que le risque de non-paiement de l'entreprise, mesure en termes de levier financier, influe sur le coefficient de reponse des benefices. Les auteurs testent cette hypothese en classant les entreprises selon 1) l'existence ou non de capitaux empruntes dans la structure du capital (entreprises dont les capitaux sont exclusivement des capitaux propres par rapport aux entreprises dont les capitaux sont en partie empruntes) et 2) l'importance du levier financier (entreprises dont le levier financier est faible par rapport aux entreprises dont l'importance du levier financier est elevee). Dans l'ensemble. les resultats confirment l'hypothese. De facon plus precise, les coefficients de reponse des benefices sont plus eleves pour les entreprises dont les capitaux sont exclusivement des capitaux propres et les entreprises dont le levier financier est faible, par rapport aux entreprises, classees selon la taille et le secteur d'activite, dont les capitaux sont davantage constitues de capitaux empruntes et dont le levier financier est eleve, meme lorsque sont controlees les repercussions du beta des capitaux propres, de la persistance, de la prime de risque et de l'erreur de mesure des benefices imprevus. Les resultats de leur etude resistent egalement a l'analyse lorsqu'ils font intervenir le choix de la mesure des benefices, avant ou apres avoir tenu compte des interets debiteurs.
CRL4Cdt2-Mediated Destruction of the Histone Methyltransferase Set8 Prevents Premature Chromatin Compaction in S Phase

Summary The proper coordination between DNA replication and mitosis during cell-cycle progression is crucial for genomic stability. During G2 and mitosis, Set8 catalyzes monomethylation of histone H4 on lysine 20 (H4K20me1), which promotes chromatin compaction. Set8 levels decline in S phase, but why and how this occurs is unclear. Here, we show that Set8 is targeted for proteolysis in S phase and in response to DNA damage by the E3 ubiquitin ligase, CRL4 Cdt2 . Set8 ubiquitylation occurs on chromatin and is coupled to DNA replication via a specific degron in Set8 that binds PCNA. Inactivation of CRL4 Cdt2 leads to Set8 stabilization and aberrant H4K20me1 accumulation in replicating cells. Transient S phase expression of a Set8 mutant lacking the degron promotes premature H4K20me1 accumulation and chromatin compaction, and triggers a checkpoint-mediated G2 arrest. Thus, CRL4 Cdt2 -dependent destruction of Set8 in S phase preserves genome stability by preventing aberrant chromatin compaction during DNA synthesis.
Heat Transfer in Novel Internally-Finned Heat Exchange Passages

Heat exchange passages usually use internal fins to enhance heat transfer. These fins have ranged from simple ribs or turbulators to complex helical inserts. Applications of interest range from traditional heat exchangers to internal cooling of turbine blades. In the present paper, a novel fin design that combines the benefits of swirl, impingement and high heat transfer surface area is presented. Measurements of the internal heat transfer coefficients are provided using a liquid crystal technique. Pressure drop along the passage are also measured, therefore friction factors and thermal performance factors are presented. The experiments cover Reynolds number from 10,000 to 40,000 based on the hydraulic diameter of the main channel of the test section. Two models are tested, which have fins oriented at 30 degree and 45 degree to the flow direction, respectively. The results demonstrate that these novel designs produce overall heat transfer ratios greater than 3 compared to the smooth passage.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The role of property rights in bycatch reduction: Evidence from the British Columbia Groundfish fishery

Abstract We seek to contribute to the literature by examining the effectiveness of the individual vessel bycatch quota (IVBQ) system as an incentive structure for the mitigation of halibut bycatch in the British Columbia Groundfish fishery. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration is used as the empirical method. We find that the IVBQ system has proven to be highly effective, confirming the significance of private property rights as a tool for the reduction of bycatch within British Columbia. Policy makers can utilize the information provided in this paper to design more feasible and effective policy options to promote the preservation of ecological balance in the management of marine resources.
Development of a linearized model of a pressurized water reactor generating station for power system dynamic simulations

A pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant (NPP) model is introduced into Positive Sequence Load Flow (PSLF) software in order to evaluate the load-following capability of NPPs. The nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) consists of a reactor core, hot and cold legs, plenums, and a U-tube steam generator. The physical systems listed above are represented by mathematical models utilizing a state variable lumped parameter approach. A steady-state control program for the reactor, and simple turbine and governor models are also developed. Subsequently, the NSSS representation is incorporated into PSLF and coupled with built-in excitation system and generator models. Different simulation cases are run when sudden loss of generation occurs in a power system which includes hydroelectric and natural gas power plants besides the developed PWR NPP. The effect of the load-following operational mode on the key variables of the NSSS is observed.
Control of sensory transmission by electrical stimulation within the caudal raphe nuclei of the cat

Abstract These experiments used evoked potential techniques to define further the role of neurons in the caudal raphe nuclei (CRN) in the control of sensory transmission. In each experiment, single-pulse, low-intensity stimuli were tested for the ability to change the amplitude of potentials in the spinothalamic tract (ST) and medial lemniscus (ML) evoked by superficial radial nerve stimulation. It was shown that the effect of CRN stimulation was directed specifically to neurons of the ST because only a small and variable effect was seen on the sensory-evoked potential in the ML. Also, CRN sites were located in two discontinuous regions where electrical stimulation was most effective in inhibiting sensory-evoked activity in the ST. Finally, it was shown that the effect on inhibition of the ST included activity carried by both large-diameter and small-diameter primary afferent fibers.
Abstract 3044: A new paradigm for ABCB6: Role in growth and proliferation

ABCB6 is a mitochondrial ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter whose expression is upregulated in a broad spectrum of primary human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We recently demonstrated that in hepatoma cells ABCB6 expression promotes growth and proliferation. In contrast, loss of ABCB6 expression in these hepatomas precipitates a delay in progression through G2/M phase of the cell cycle. As histone H3 is specifically phopshorylated during mitosis, we took advantage of the H3 phosphorylated antibody to separate G2 phase of the cell cycle from the M-phase. Using this approach, we demonstrate that loss of ABCB6 expression leads to a delay in M phase and not the G2 phase of the cell cycle. However, it is not clear how a mitochondrial transporter, originally characterized as a transporter of porphyrins, regulates cell growth. We have proposed two broad hypotheses to evaluate the mechanism by which ABCB6 regulates growth and proliferation; 1) ABCB6 functionally interacts with one or more of the cell cycle regulatory components, thus precipitating M phase delay; 2) ABCB6s’ location and function as a mitochondrial membrane transporter alters mitochondrial dynamics leading to some level of control over cellular proliferation. To test our proposed first hypothesis we have begun a systematic evaluation of the expression and function of cell cycle regulatory components in response to ABCB6 expression. Results from these studies demonstrate that ABCB6 expression alters the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16, p21 and p27. In addition, yeast two-hybrid screening and protein interaction studies reveal that ABCB6 interacts with p21 and a novel tumor susceptibility protein-101 (TSG-101). TSG 101 co-localizes with microtubule organizing centers and mitotic spindles during mitosis and its deficiency is associated with abnormalities in microtubules, genetic instability and carcinogenesis. In this report, we provide evidence of the physical and functional interactions between ABCB6 and cell cycle regulatory components and explore the significance of these interactions to growth and proliferation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3044. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3044
Bacterial endocarditis presenting as acute myocardial infarction: a cautionary note for the era of reperfusion

Coronary embolism is a known complication of bacterial endocarditis that sometimes causes acute myocardial infarction. The necessity for rapidly restoring coronary artery perfusion and the time constraints governing clinical decisions may prevent endocarditis from being diagnosed before pharmacologic or mechanical thrombolysis. This report describes the first documented cases of coronary angioplasty in two patients with acute myocardial infarction caused by bacterial endocarditis, and reviews the literature on coronary artery complications of bacterial endocarditis. The first patient developed a coronary artery mycotic aneurysm at the dilatation site; the second experienced a small intracerebral hemorrhage following reperfusion. It is, of course, unwise to generalize from two cases, but we believe that in patients who are most likely to have endocarditis as the cause of acute myocardial infarction, the impulse to follow conventional strategies for coronary reperfusion should be tempered by thoughts of possible consequences.
The Effect of Protecting Groups on Chelation Control

Abstract Relative chelating abilities of alcohols, ethers and silyl ethers are rationalized in terms of the π accepting character of the group attached to oxygen. This in turn may be assessed by examination of the bond angle about oxygen.
Trends in co-prescribing of antidepressants and tamoxifen among women with breast cancer, 2004–2010

Nearly a decade ago, researchers identified a potential interaction between tamoxifen and strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, including several frequently used antidepressants. Based on evidence available at that time, a United States Food and Drug Administration advisory committee recommended tamoxifen’s label be changed in October 2006, noting that postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who are poor CYP2D6 metabolizers by genotype or drug interactions may be at increased risk of cancer recurrence. The impact of accumulating drug risk information on antidepressant use is unknown. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of 13,205 women aged 50–95 with breast cancer initiating tamoxifen between July 2004 and December 2009. We evaluated trends in strong, moderate, and weak CYP2D6-inhibitor antidepressants and tamoxifen co-prescribing and factors associated with ongoing strong inhibitor use. A propensity score matched control group (aromatase inhibitor initiators) was used to estimate changes in co-prescribing, accounting for secular trends. In each month, approximately 24 % of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor users were prescribed antidepressants. Among women using tamoxifen and antidepressants, 34 % used strong inhibitors between 2004 and 2006 versus 15 % in 2010. Strong inhibitor use decreased more among tamoxifen users than aromatase inhibitor users (difference-in-differences [DD] −0.09; 95 % confidence interval [CI] −0.15, −0.03). Weak inhibitor use increased among tamoxifen users from 32 % between 2004 and 2006 to 52 % in 2010, more rapidly than among aromatase inhibitor users (DD 0.15; CI 0.08, 0.23). The factor most strongly associated with strong inhibitor and tamoxifen co-prescribing after 2006 was prior strong inhibitor use (RR 4.73; CI 3.62–6.18). In conclusion, there were substantial declines in strong CYP2D6-inhibitor use among tamoxifen users following dissemination of information suggesting a potential for increased risk with co-prescribing. Whether patients and providers will continue to avoid strong inhibitor antidepressants is yet to be seen, but clinicians appear to be responsive to drug interaction risk information in this setting.
Dehydrogenative polymerization of conifery alcohol on macromolecular lignin templates

Abstract Lignins, the aromatic biopolymers present in all vascular plant cell walls, may embody as many as 10 different linkages between the constituent ( p -hydroxyphenyl)propane residues. The final step in lignin biosynthesis has traditionally been thought to involve the random coupling of radical intermediates produced during the dehydrogenative polymerization of monolignol precursors. However, the enzyme-catalysed dehydropolymerization of coniferyl alcohol in homogeneous solution has now been found to be strongly affected by small quantities of macromolecular lignin components. Under these circumstances, when the radical concentrations remained low, the molecular weight distributions of the dehydropolymerisates formed with horseradish peroxidase and H 2 O 2 exhibited dramatic increases in the populations of the largest species. The phenomenon was not suppressed by prior methylation of the aromatic hydroxyl groups on the causative lignin macromolecules—which, therefore, were able to promote the formation of large covalent species from the monolignol without direct participation in radical coupling. If operative in lignifying tissues, such an effect could provide the organization necessary for replicating sequences of interunit linkages along macromolecular lignin chains. In this regard, the enzyme-catalysed dehydropolymerization of coniferyl alcohol would display the character of a typical template polymerization reaction. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved
Thermodynamic Compatibility of Substrate Proteins Affects Their Cross-Linking by Transglutaminase

The formation of heterologous dimers and polymers between different proteins by transglutaminase reaction was studied. Although β-casein and β-lactoglobulin formed homologous polymers in single-substrate systems, only β-casein was polymerized; β-lactoglobulin became a nonreactive substrate in a β-casein/β-lactoglobulin binary system. In contrast, succinylated β-casein formed heterologous dimers, trimers, and oligomers with β-lactoglobulin. Also, β-casein did not form a heterologous dimer or polymer with bovine serum albumin (BSA), whereas α-lactalbumin formed a heterologous dimer and polymer with BSA. Analyses of reaction products of other binary systems, such as α-lactalbumin/β-casein, β-lactoglobulin/ovalbumin, and α-lactalbumin/ovalbumin, suggested that heterologous cross-linking between two proteins by transglutaminase probably depends on the thermodynamic compatibility of mixing of the substrate proteins at the enzyme's active site. Thus, cross-linking between dissimilar proteins, such as caseins and...
Tele-ultrasound and paramedics: real-time remote physician guidance of the Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma examination.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the capability of ultrasound-naive paramedics to obtain interpretable Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma (FAST) images under the remote direction of emergency physicians (EPs). Methods Paramedics without experience using ultrasound participated in a 20-minute lecture covering orientation to the ultrasound machine and the FAST examination. The paramedics subsequently performed FAST examinations on a model patient, whereas the EP remained in another room, out of visual contact. The EP communicated with the paramedic via radio, viewing video from the ultrasound machine on a monitor and directing the probe movements to obtain the views of the FAST examination. We examined the success rate, time to complete the examinations, and adequacy of images from the paramedics' first FAST examination. Results Fifty-one paramedics performed their first FAST examinations and were able to successfully complete 100% of the views of the FAST. The median time from probe placement to examination completion was 262 seconds (interquartile range, 206-343 seconds). The median time to complete right upper quadrant (RUQ) versus left upper quadrant (LUQ) views was 39 and 50 seconds, respectively. The time to complete the LUQ scan took significantly longer than the RUQ ( P Conclusions The study demonstrated that paramedics with no prior ultrasound experience could obtain FAST images under remote guidance from experienced EPs in less than 5 minutes. Given rapidly evolving data transmission technology, this has applicability in battlefield, remote, and rural prehospital settings.