cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A measure of uncertainty for stock performance

The prediction of the future returns of individual stocks can be based on the growth rates of several fundamental factors, such as revenues, earnings per share, capital investment, debt, and market share, among others. A stock will be expected to perform well if the growth rates are large, and it will be expected to perform poorly if the growth rates are small or negative. Usually, the growth rates vary, however, and when the growth rates are mixed, that is, some of the rates are large and some are small, the appropriate prediction of stock performance is uncertain. A measure of the extent to which the growth rates are mixed provides a measure of uncertainty in the expected performance of the stock. The paper describes a method to measure the extent to which the growth rates are mixed, based on a fuzzy logic model for combination of evidence. The model was originally developed for a signal-detection task designed to identify situations in which a detection decision cannot be made with reasonable certainty. Identifying when a decision cannot be made is useful in applications such as medical diagnosis, where additional testing can be considered. Standard statistical detection techniques, such as Bayesian maximum likelihood detectors, determine the most probable choice between signal-present and signal-absent for every observed waveform, but they cannot conclude that a decision cannot be made. A signal detector that explicitly characterizes uncertainty can be constructed using fuzzy logic, with membership functions based on the observed values of the waveform features being used for detection.
Measurement of the volume growth rate of single budding yeast with the MOSFET-based microfluidic Coulter counter

We report on measurements of the volume growth rate of ten individual budding yeast cells using a recently developed MOSFET-based microfluidic Coulter counter. The MOSFET-based microfluidic Coulter counter is very sensitive, provides signals that are immune from the baseline drift, and can work with cell culture media of complex composition. These desirable features allow us to directly measure the volume growth rate of single cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae LYH3865 strain budding yeast in YNB culture media over a whole cell cycle. Results indicate that all budding yeast follow a sigmoid volume growth profile with reduced growth rates at the initial stage before the bud emerges and the final stage after the daughter gets mature. Analysis of the data indicates that even though all piecewise linear, Gomperitz, and Hill's function models can fit the global growth profile equally well, the data strongly support local exponential growth phenomenon. Accurate volume growth measurements are important for applications in systems biology where quantitative parameters are required for modeling and simulation.
Moral Emotions and Moral Reasoning from the Perspective of Affective Cognitive Neuroscience: A Selective Review

This paper selectively reviews the literature on the moral emotions (empathy, guilt, shame and embarrassment) and moral reasoning from the perspective of affective cognitive neuroscience. Simulation based accounts of emotional empathy based on the human mirror neuron system appear inadequate. Instead, emotional empathy may be better considered as another emotional response to a stimulus; we become fearful to objects associated with threat whether they are weapons or the frightened faces of other individuals. There appear to be two in terrelated neurocognitive components to the moral emotions of guilt, embarrassment and shame. The first involves dorsomedial and inferior frontal cortex activations and may relate to restitution and appeasement related behavior associated with these emotions. The second involves ventromedial prefrontal cortex, a region critical for representing emotional information. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, are consistently implicated in human neuroimaging studies investigating moral reasoning, stressing the importance of emotion in moral reasoning.
The German Service Bureau at the University of Wisconsin

HOW does one run a Service Bureau? So often have I had to answer that question in private, that it may be well to formulate a more public reply. But you must not expect an infallible prescription. There is none. I can only tell you what I have done; then you may follow me in some things, avoid others, and, it is hoped, feel inspiration towards some ideas that have remained hidden behind my own blind spot. Let us begin with the function of a Service Bureau. There is a large and growing crop of service institutions in modern life. The Reader's Digest for March and April, 1937, carried a two-part article called At Your Service, which tells about bureaus that furnish all manner of services from sewing on buttons to supplying live elephants. And perhaps you read in The New Yorker for April 25, 1936 an account of a service bureau for preachers, which will supply sermons, either the regular Sunday variety or sermons for special occasions or on special texts, promptly and at a nominal cost. The article in the Reader's Digest states that "if you want a thing well done, don't do it yourself" and that service agencies have found "it pays to do for others what others do not wish to do for themselves." Neither of these statements is true of a language bureau, for we do not assume in our correspondents either inefficiency or indolence, nor, God wot, does a language bureau find that it "pays" in the usual sense of the word! No, a language bureau stands apart, in that it does not exist for its own end, but for the profession it serves. The idea behind our German Service Bureau was to have a central office to which German teachers and leaders of German Clubs all over the United States might turn when in need of either advice or material for either club or classroom use. If this article uses I, we, Bureau indiscriminately, think nothing of it. For eight years I have eaten, slept, breathed Service Bureau, so that the feeling of merged identity is perfectly normal and not indicative of any megalomania. Rather does one as time goes on become humbler, for ever the gap grows wider between what is still to be done and what limited human strength can do. Ours was not the first language bureau. The Service Bureau for Classical Teachers, formerly under the direction of Miss Frances E. Sabin, now retired, is older and a great deal larger in staff, scope, and equipment. The first beginnings of our own bureau were, I should say, in 1927. In after years it is always difficult to give credit to the very first proponent of an idea. Several may father and foster it. I have been giving credit for first conception of our work to Dr. Martha Schreiber, now of Heidelberg. Warmly interested in the project were Professors A. R. Hohlfeld, A. B. Ernst, B. Q. Morgan, and E. Feise. Miss Schreiber left us in 1928.
Optimization of Mo-Si-B Intermetallics

Mo-Si-B intermetallics consisting of the phases Mo3Si, Mo5SiB2, and α-Mo (Mo solid solution) can be designed to exhibit some degree of oxidation resistance, fracture toughness, and creep strength, but not necessarily all of these at the same time. For example, microstructures that enhance the oxidation resistance are typically associated with low fracture toughness. Examples will be given illustrating the oxidation resistance, fracture toughness, and creep strength of Mo-Si-B intermetallics as a function of their phase volume fractions as well as the topology and length scale of their microstructures. Microstructures containing either individual α-Mo particles or a continuous α-Mo matrix will be described. The examples provide possible ways to control the composition and microstructure of Mo-Si-B alloys such as to optimize the desired balance of properties.
The first moment of the symmetric-square L-function

Abstract We find a twisted first moment of L ( sym 2 f , s ) at any point s on the critical line, over a basis of weight k Hecke eigenforms f for the full modular group, as k → ∞ . As a corollary we show that given any point on the critical line and large enough even k, there exists an eigenform f of weight k such that L ( sym 2 f , s ) is nonvanishing at that point.
Localization of the Cortex Lytic Enzyme CwlJ in Spores of Bacillus subtilis

The enzyme CwlJ is involved in the depolymerization of cortex peptidoglycan during germination of spores of Bacillus subtilis. CwlJ with a C-terminal His tag was functional and was extracted from spores by procedures that remove spore coat proteins. However, this CwlJ was not extracted from disrupted spores by dilute buffer, high salt concentrations, Triton X-100, Ca2+-dipicolinic acid, dithiothreitol, or peptidoglycan digestion, disappeared during spore germination, and was not present in cotE spores in which the spore coat is aberrant. These findings indicate the following: (i) the reason decoated and cotE spores germinate poorly with dipicolinic acid is the absence of CwlJ from these spores; and (ii) CwlJ is located in the spore coat, presumably tightly associated with one or more other coat proteins.
Problems in the case for psychotherapeutic integration

Abstract The arguments in favor of therapeutic integration are summarized and evaluated. Weaknesses of the position are: (1) the false claim that all therapies are equally effective; (2) the lack of a clear and accurate specifications of what makes a school of therapy “legitimate’; (3) the lack of a clear case for an accurate and comprehensive list of common elements across therapies; (4) a lack of clarity concerning “clinical strategy”; (5) the incorrect claim that cognitive therapy provides a useful and neutral meta-language; (6) inadequate evidence of trends toward integration; (7) fallacious reasoning based on these alleged trends; and (8) a misunderstanding of the history and philosophy of science.
Financial flexibility and short-term financing needs: Evidence from seasonal firms

Firms that face seasonal demand account for an important fraction of the U.S. economy. However, there is surprisingly little evidence on these firms’ financing decisions. Yet, studying these decisions provides a natural setting to shed light on the types of capital (i.e. cash or debt) that firms use to manage short-term financing needs. Using seasonal firms as a setting to examine this issue, I show that seasonal financing needs are met with debt with low exposure to information asymmetry, such as short-term debt and trade credit. I further show that cash reserves, which have high carrying costs and can at time lead to agency problems, are not used for seasonal financing needs. Further, as financial flexibility theory would predict, I document that seasonal firms maintain more conservative financial policies to increase the ability to use debt for short-term financing needs. Specifically, seasonal firms are less levered and have long-term debt with a longer average maturity. Further, seasonal firms adjust toward leverage targets slower during fiscal quarters when debt is used for short-term financing. Overall, my findings indicate that firms minimize costs associated with short-term financing needs by using debt with low issuance costs and that use of this debt impacts the overall capital structure of the firm.
A three-way relaying system with QoS constraints

A three-way relaying scheme is proposed, in which three single antenna users communicate with each other with the help of an amplify-and-forward relay equipped with multiple antennas. The communication is implemented in two slots. In the first slot the nodes transmit simultaneously, and in the second slot, the relay beamforms the signals received by its antennas. Two relaying strategies are proposed. In the first one, the relay is responsible of interference cancelation (IC) at the destinations via an appropriately designed beamforming matrix. In the second one, the destinations as well as the relay are responsible for IC. While the former strategy requires three antennas on the relay, it is shown that the latter strategy requires only two antennas. Power allocation for both cases is determined so that the transmit power of the users is minimized while individual users' QoS requirements and the relay power constraint are met. Assuming that the users transmit simultaneously and have distinct destinations, a throughput of 1.5 packets per slot can be achieved. A user packet buffering scheme is proposed to guarantee the above throughput even in cases where the destinations are not distinct.
Restorative Justice in Schools: The Influence of Race on Restorative Discipline

Schools today are more frequently using punitive discipline practices to control student behavior, despite the greater effectiveness of community-building techniques on compliance that are based on restorative justice principles found in the criminal justice system. Prior research testing the racial threat hypothesis has found that the racial composition of schools is associated with the use of more punitive and less reparative approaches to discipline, just as it has been associated with criminal justice harshness. However, no research to date has assessed the possibility that school-level racial composition may affect the likelihood that specific restorative justice techniques, which are the most commonly used alternative, will be implemented. This study is the first to test the racial threat perspective in relation to use of the restorative practices student conferences, peer mediation, restitution, and community service. Using a national random sample in logistic regression analyses, we find that scho...
Nothing Was Easy

Though my husband is a historian, I can't say that I know much about history. But recently I've been spending some time investigating the history of biology, particularly cell biology and botany. What has struck me is that all the information that we now take for granted, that we now see as simplistic and even self-evident, at one time was neither. I think this is a good thing to remember as we start a new school year, and many of us go back to teaching the basicsonce again covering the cell membrane, mitosis, photosynthesis, etc., etc. For students, these basic concepts are not nearly as straightforward as they are to us. While all this information may seem old hat to us, it isn't to our students, who in some ways are much like the researchers who studied living things in the 15th and 16th centuries. Looking at a little history can serve two purposes. It helps us to appreciate what was involved in forming the fundamental ideas of our discipline, and it reminds us that very few of the ideas we present to students are as obvious and comprehensible as we may think. It is only long exposureboth in terms of the history of the discipline and in terms of our own intellectual histories-that makes them so important to us. The Cell
Presentation, management, and outcomes of complications following prostate cancer therapy.

Objective: To characterize complications of prostate cancer therapy and operative management in patients referred to our institution for surgical intervention. Materials and methods: Data was abstracted from a retrospectively collected single surgeon database at a large tertiary care referral-based medical center. Variables included age, prostate cancer therapy, complication(s) and their management, and number of operations. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: From 2006-2010, 890 patients underwent genitourinary surgery, of which 139 were to treat complications arising from prostate cancer therapy. Complications stemmed from radical prostatectomy (RP) monotherapy, RP and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy (BT), EBRT only, BT only, and combination EBRT and BT. Complications included urinary incontinence (UI), urethral strictures, bladder neck contractures, and fistulas. UI and bladder neck contractures were more common in patients treated with RP or RP with EBRT or BT. Strictures and fistulas were common in patients treated with EBRT or BT. Interventions included direct vision internal urethrotomy, artificial urinary sphincter, urethral reconstruction, UroLume urethral stent, urethral sling, repair of fistulas, and balloon dilation. Forty eight percent of patients required multiple operations. The median number of interventions was two. Conclusions: We operatively managed patients treated with non-surgical and surgical modalities for prostate cancer. Complications included UI, fistulas, strictures, and bladder neck contractures. These were managed with a variety of operative interventions. As more men undergo treatment for localized disease, more will inevitably have complications stemming from interventions.
Polymorphisms in the Dopamine D4 and D2 Receptor Genes and Reproductive and Sexual Behaviors

Human reproductive and sexual behaviors are heritable and may represent integral life history traits that are likely partially subserved by the dopamine system. Two dopamine receptor polymorphisms,...
Biolaw: Cracking the Code

The neologism "biolaw" describes all areas of law informed by the life sciences. Health law, bioethics, environmental law, natural resources law, agricultural law, food and drug law, biotechnology, law and neuroscience, law and behavioral psychology, and evolutionary analysis of law all share a common scientific core. Lawyers and legal scholars too often address these topics in isolation. This piecemeal approach undermines the scientific cohesion that connects these areas of legal practice and theory. The common core, of course, is biology - all of the life sciences, unified in pursuit of subjects considered worthy of legal attention.This essay defines biolaw as the field of law and the life sciences in its entirety. Part I of this essay will provide a brief guide to the various branches of biolaw. Part II offers some thoughts on the intellectual significance of treating biolaw as a scientifically coherent enterprise. In other words, I will first define biolaw. Then I will explain why it matters.
Differentiating twin pregnancy with complete hydatidiform mole and placental mesenchymal dysplasia

preoperative imaging in a low risk population for endometrial cancer is low. However, themortality associatedwith undiagnosed pulmonary metastases is sufficiently high to warrant evaluation with radiographic imaging. Learning objective: Learners will be able to identify a low risk population for having distant disease and evaluate if their practice warrants preoperative imaging on this population.
Monosaccharide induction of 3-O-methyl glucose transport through the rat jejunum.

SummaryThe effects of a 48-hr intraduodenal perfusion of electrolyte solution, 50 mM 3-0-methyl glucose (3-0-MG), glucose, or fructose, 1.39 M glucose or fructose on the subsequent absorption of 3-0-MG were studied in 20-cm segments of rat jejenum perfused extracorporeally through the superior mesenteric artery. The feeding of glucose or fructose enhanced the transport of 3-0-MG while 3-0-MG itself had no effect. This adaptive change was independent of substrate concentration, calories fed, weight loss, bowel wall glucose content, and hexokinase activity of mucosal scrapings.The authors thank Doctor M. Strobel of the University of Montreal for assistance with the statistical analyses.
An unusual complication of endotracheal intubation

A 21-month-old girl was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) following a near drowning. Emergency medical services personnel intubated the child in the field, using a 3.0 mm inner-diameter endotracheal tube (ETT). There was an undocumented report of a second intubation attempt by emergency personnel in the field. After arrival in the outlying emergency room the child vomited, dislodging the ETT. She was then reintubated with a 4.0 mm ETT. No chest radiograph was done to confirm placement. The child was transported to our facility for further management. Because of a substantial air leak around the ETT the child was reintubated nasally with a 4.5 mm ETT, under direct vision, with no difficulty, by a resident physician under the direct supervision of an attending pediatric intensivist. After the ETT change the child had good breath sounds bilaterally and an appropriate colorimetric change on the carbon dioxide detector, consistent with tracheal intubation. A chest radiograph (Fig. 1) was obtained after this tube change. On repeated examinations during her early PICU stay, the patient’s breath sounds over the left chest were intermittently decreased. On further discussion with the resident physician the epiglottis, vocal cords, and a second tube, thought to be the nasogastric tube, were seen during laryngoscopy at the time the ETT was changed. A procedure was performed and ventilation improved.
Improvement and Application of a Small Signal Model for Boost Converter

Since Boost converters are pulsed nonlinear dynamic systems,it is difficult to analyze dynamic property with analytic method.Aiming at the incapacity of establishing an accurate mathematic model for the switch mode power supply,a small signal model of the Boost converter with the average state space method is set up to modify the simulation model of the Boost converter.Then the simulation results are derived from Matlab.At the same time a 40 V/120 V Boost converter is designed.The dynamic response of the circuit characteristics and stability using the real converter is analyzed.The simulative and experimental results prove the validity of model.
Stretch-induced depolarizations as a trigger of arrhythmias in isolated canine left ventricles

Transient diastolic stretch of the left ventricle predictably elicits arrhythmias. To investigate the mechanism of such stretch-induced arrhythmias, monophasic action potentials were recorded from ...
Chromatographic Analyses of Ether-Linked Lipids Involved in PAF Metabolism

A number of chromatographic separations were essential in elucidating the structure of l-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [(alkylacetyl-GPC) platelet activating factor (PAF)] (Benveniste et al., 1979; Blank et al., 1979; Demopoulos et al., 1979; Hanahan et al., 1980) and chromatography remains an indispensable tool for all biochemical studies involving PAF. The three main types of chromatography used in PAF research are (1) open-column chromatography with columns packed with silicic acid, (2) thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on layers of silica gel, and (3) high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with both normal- and reverse-phase columns. Rather than trying to describe the myriad of modifications of solvent systems that have appeared in the literature, we attempt to review what we consider as basic chromatographic systems for the analyses and isolation of PAF. Because it is important to determine the particular species of alkylacyl-GPC as precursors (reactions catalyzed by phospholipase A2 and acetyl-CoA: acetyltrans-ferase) in the biosynthesis of PAF and the molecular origin of the acyl moieties that acylate alkyllyso-GPC (the latter formed by acetylhydrolase inactivation of PAF), we describe a number of practical chromatographic methods that can be used to identify the subclasses and specific molecular species of the diradyl phospholipids involved. Chromatographic methods that we have used for analysis of alkylacetyl-glycerols (an alternate precursor of PAF) and their metabolites are also described in this chapter.
Sparking Innovation To Improve the Lives of People with Kidney Disease.

CKD has recaptured the attention of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Recent reports have illuminated the significant burden of CKD borne by veterans. Estimated to affect 16% of veterans ([1][1]), CKD is now the fourth most common diagnosis in the VA ([2][2]). Moreover, 13,000 veterans
Evaluation of Corticosteroid Dose in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Several recent studies have shown that both lower doses and shorter durations of systemic corticosteroids have similar efficacy for treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructiv...
Do shareholder rights influence the direct costs of issuing seasoned equity

We test the hypothesis that underwriters set higher gross spreads and deeper offer price discounts in seasoned equity offers of firms exhibiting weak shareholder rights as compensation for increased reputational risk and legal liability. Alternatively, if market participants are fully aware of the risks related to weak shareholder rights and efficiently price them, then underwriters arguably do not need to adjust issuance costs for firms with weak governance. Our results indicate that, on average, shareholder rights and direct issue costs are unrelated, supporting an efficient pricing view. However, upon closer examination, we find that underwriters charge higher gross spreads when the issuing firm has either an extremely low level of shareholder rights or a substantially lower level than expected, which are likely the cases in which the underwriter’s reputational risk is highest.
Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Nationwide 10-Year Experience.

PURPOSE To examine the US nationwide experience with transarterial radioembolization (TARE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the years 2003-2012 and the prognostic factors associated with overall survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study from the National Cancer Database included 110,139 adult patients with HCC between 2003 and 2012, of whom 1,222 received TARE. Primary outcome of interest was mortality after treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses for factors predicting mortality were performed for 961 patients treated between 2003 and 2011. Overall survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS There was a steady increase in utilization of TARE in the past decade. Most patients were white men with median age of 64 years. Of those patients, 67% received treatment at an academic institution, 42% were American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I or II, and 10% had metastatic disease at the time of treatment. Median overall survival was 13.3 months. Overall survival varied by patient and tumor characteristics. Female patients with tumors < 5 cm or stage I or II disease benefited the most from treatment. Outcomes were the same across all age groups. Patients who were African American or had metastatic disease tended to have worse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Use of TARE in patients with HCC has been increasing. Several factors are significantly associated with a less favorable outcome after TARE, including male sex, large tumors, and extrahepatic disease. These data can be used for designing future radioembolization trials.
Using “Equivalent Tax Rates” to Determine Tax-Efficient Retirement Investment and Withdrawal

The authors propose an equivalent tax rate framework to compare the tax-efficient accumulation and withdrawal of retirement funds across multiple investment vehicles. The method allows for the consideration of a given investment vehicle’s expected return, time horizon, and tax treatment relative to a tax-deferred retirement account receiving pre-tax contributions and possible employer matching of contributions. The metric is comparable across alternative investment accounts irrespective of the specific marginal tax rate in place during the accumulation or distribution stages.
Controlling pre-movement sensorimotor rhythm can improve finger extension after stroke

Author(s): Norman, SL; McFarland, DJ; Miner, A; Cramer, SC; Wolbrecht, ET; Wolpaw, JR; Reinkensmeyer, DJ | Abstract: ObjectiveBrain-computer interface (BCI) technology is attracting increasing interest as a tool for enhancing recovery of motor function after stroke, yet the optimal way to apply this technology is unknown. Here, we studied the immediate and therapeutic effects of BCI-based training to control pre-movement sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) amplitude on robot-assisted finger extension in people with stroke.ApproachEight people with moderate to severe hand impairment due to chronic stroke completed a four-week three-phase protocol during which they practiced finger extension with assistance from the FINGER robotic exoskeleton. In Phase 1, we identified spatiospectral SMR features for each person that correlated with the intent to extend the index and/or middle finger(s). In Phase 2, the participants learned to increase or decrease SMR features given visual feedback, without movement. In Phase 3, the participants were cued to increase or decrease their SMR features, and when successful, were then cued to immediately attempt to extend the finger(s) with robot assistance.Main resultsOf the four participants that achieved SMR control in Phase 2, three initiated finger extensions with a reduced reaction time after decreasing (versus increasing) pre-movement SMR amplitude during Phase 3. Two also extended at least one of their fingers more forcefully after decreasing pre-movement SMR amplitude. Hand function, measured by the box and block test (BBT), improved by 7.3 ± 7.5 blocks versus 3.5 ± 3.1 blocks in those with and without SMR control, respectively. Higher BBT scores at baseline correlated with a larger change in BBT score.SignificanceThese results suggest that learning to control person-specific pre-movement SMR features associated with finger extension can improve finger extension ability after stroke for some individuals. These results merit further investigation in a rehabilitation context.
Socioeconomic Determinants and Constraintsto Small-scale Sheep Marketing in GombeMetropolis, Gombe State Nigeria

The demand for sheep and their products is destined to increase by more than 250% in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially the West Africa [1]
Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on Amphibians and Reptiles

Anurans are highly vocal species that rely on acoustic communication for social behaviors. The advertisement (mating) calls of many anurans contain considerable energy within the predominant spectral range of traffic and other anthropogenic-noise sources. Whether and how these noise sources affect reproductive success and species viability is unclear. Data that address how anthropogenic sources affect the spatial distribution of breeding ponds, production and propagation of males’ vocal signals, and detection and discrimination of these signals by females are inconsistent. Anurans may respond to anthropogenic noise using many of the same strategies that they use to deal with biotic and abiotic noise. But there are considerable differences between species in their responses to noise, related to habitat and other variables. Interpretation of data is hampered by the small numbers of species that have been studied; moreover, experiments to date focus only on the perception of advertisement calls and do not address how other biologically important vocalizations, such as aggressive and courtship calls, might be affected by anthropogenic noise. Some species of reptiles are also vocal, but data on the effects of anthropogenic noise on reptile social behaviors are severely lacking. Extensive research is needed to determine the impact of acoustic habitat degradation on these classes of animals.
Benefits and Success of an Interdisciplinary Wellness Interest Group (iWIG) at a Modern Jesuit University

Aim: To highlight the early achievements and discuss the benefits of forming an Interdisciplinary Wellness Interest Group (iWIG) on a modern Jesuit University campus. Background: While wellness programs have a place in academic communities, universal perspectives on the best way to lead Wellness initiatives is lacking. An iWIG gives a common platform to share ideas, communicate across audiences, and provide important information to the campus community about health promotion and health patterns of the campus community. Methods: After assembling the iWIG team, on-campus meetings were held with members of the interdisciplinary group. These meetings include faculty, staff, and students from various departments. The iWIG continues to meet regularly to expand and develop wellness initiatives, research opportunities and to ensure a presence on campus. Results: The iWIG has impacted many initiatives on campus, a select few which are profiled in this manuscript. The group is involved in funded research studies, has received a "Healthy Workplace" designation, and continues to expand health and wellness into various departments on campus. Conclusions: The interdisciplinary group has provided those with an interest in health and wellness with a formal platform to express ideas and implement initiatives for all individuals to better the overall well-being of the university community.
Phosphorylation at Ser28 stabilizes the Arabidopsis nitrate transporter NRT2.1 in response to nitrate limitation.

Nitrate is one of the main inorganic nitrogen sources for plants. Nitrate absorption from soils is achieved through the combined activities of specific nitrate transporters. Nitrate transporter 2.1 (NRT2.1) is the major component of the root high-affinity nitrate transport system in Arabidopsis thaliana. Studies to date have mainly focused on transcriptional control of NRT2.1. Here, we show that NRT2.1 protein stability is also regulated in response to nitrogen nutrition availability. When seedlings were transferred to nitrate-limited conditions, the apparent half-life of NRT2.1 in roots increased from 3 to 9 h. This stabilization of NRT2.1 protein occurred rapidly, even prior to the transcriptional stimulation of NRT2.1. Furthermore, we revealed that phosphorylation at serine 28 (Ser28) of NRT2.1 is involved in regulating the stability of this protein. Substitution of Ser28 by alanine resulted in unstable NRT2.1, and this loss-of-phosphorylation mutant (NRT2.1S28A ) failed to complement the growth-restricted phenotype of the nrt2.1 mutant when a low concentration of nitrate was the sole nitrogen source. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation at Ser28 is crucial for NRT2.1 protein stabilization and accumulation in response to nitrate limitation.
Identification of a novel tedizolid resistance mutation in rpoB of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

A tedizolid-resistant isolate of MRSA was selected by serial passage. Whole genome sequencing revealed only a single nucleotide variant in rpoB. Cross-resistance to linezolid, chloramphenicol, and quinupristin-dalfopristin was observed but susceptibility to other drugs including rifampin was unchanged. Models of the RNA-polymerase-ribosomal complex revealed that the mutated residue was unlikely to interact directly with the oxazolidinone binding site. This is the first time that rpoB mutation has been associated with resistance to the PhLOPSa antimicrobials.
A Shawl Handkerchief and a Cabinet of Curiosities (1799–1806)

The sense of an “American” national identity was developing at the same time as trade with India grew. Letters between the Parsi agent-broker, Nusserwanji Maneckji Wadia, and Ichabod Nichols, a merchant mariner who was one of the founders of Salem’s East India Marine Society (EIMS) in 1799, provide insights into the commercial concerns of each community at the turn of the century. Many EIMS members brought back firsthand reports of their impressions of Bombay, including Ichabod’s son, George Nichols, who arrived there as a young supercargo in 1800. Cotton was the main focus of American trade interest in India during this period. Material examples of Parsi cultural interaction with their American counterparts formed part of the early nineteenth century collection of the EIMS, including cashmere shawls, a portrait of Nusserwanji, and a set of “Parsi” clothing donated by the broker himself. Such items were displayed in street parades through Salem before being placed in the EIMS collection.
The role of prenatal ultrasound and MRI in diagnosis of fetal agenesis of corpus callosum

Objective To discuss the value of prenatal ultrasound and MRI in diagnosis of fetal agenesis of corpus callosum (ACC). Methods Sixty-seven fetuses from Hubei Maternal and Children's Hospital performed fetal MRI from July 2013 to December 2014 were included in this study. All fetuses (67 cases) with suspected ACC were studied with a 1.5T MR unit within 3 days after ultrasound examination. Prenatal ultrasound and MRI findings were studied. Results All the 67 ACCs previously suspected on ultrasound were confirmed by MRI. Among the 67 ACCs, 58 cases were complete ACC and 9 cases were partial ACC. Corpus callosum body and/or splenium absence was found in all 9 partial ACC cases. In all cases, on MRI, corpus callosum complete or partial absence was showed on the median sagittal images, and mild to moderate ventriculomegaly and abnormal morphology in lateral ventricle was shown on the axial or coronary images. Conclusions MRI has high value in diagnosis of ACC. When ACC is found or suspected by ultrasonophy, MRI examination is suggested to confirm the diagnosis. Key words: Ultrasonography, prenatal; Magnetic resonance imaging; Fetus; Agenesis of corpus callosum
Plant diversity and litter accumulation mediate the loss of foliar endophyte fungal richness following nutrient addition

Foliar fungal endophytes are ubiquitous plant symbionts that can affect plant growth and reproduction via their roles in pathogen and stress tolerance, as well as plant hormonal signaling. Despite their importance, we have a limited understanding of how foliar fungal endophytes respond to varying environmental conditions such as nutrient inputs. The responses of foliar fungal endophyte communities to increased nutrient deposition may be mediated by the simultaneous effects on within-host competition as well as the indirect impacts of altered host population size, plant productivity, and plant community diversity and composition. Here, we leveraged a 7-year experiment manipulating nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients to investigate how nutrient-induced changes to plant diversity, plant productivity, and plant community composition relate to changes in foliar fungal endophyte diversity and richness in a focal native grass host, Andropogon gerardii. We found limited evidence of direct effects of nutrients on endophyte diversity. Instead, the effects of nutrients on endophyte diversity appeared to be mediated by accumulation of plant litter and plant diversity loss. Specifically, nitrogen addition is associated with a 40% decrease in plant diversity and an 11% decrease in endophyte richness. Although nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium addition increased aboveground live biomass and decreased relative Andropogon cover, endophyte diversity did not covary with live plant biomass or Andropogon cover. Our results suggest that fungal endophyte diversity within this focal host is determined in part by the diversity of the surrounding plant community and its potential impact on immigrant propagules and dispersal dynamics. Our results suggest that elemental nutrients reduce endophyte diversity indirectly via impacts on the local plant community, not direct response to nutrient addition. Thus, the effects of global change drivers, such as nutrient deposition, on characteristics of host populations and the diversity of their local communities are important for predicting the response of symbiont communities in a changing global environment.
Revising Diabetes Programming for Black Men and Their Families

Type-2 diabetes has increased 160% for African American males in the United States. This two-part study's purpose was to apply social marketing theory to understand the Type-2 diabetes education needs of men in Iowa. Study One was a preference assessment of Type-2 diabetes education strategies. Four African American men participated in a series of four focus groups and indicated that they were interested in diabetes prevention programming with their families but not in having it labeled as diabetes education. Participating men would rather increase their physical activity as opposed to tracking their food intake. As a follow-up to this study, nine other African American males took part in Study Two, which used cooking demonstrations and recipe taste-testing with the men to examine their relationship to food in the context of managing their Type-2 diabetes. The findings of both studies, which provided insight into these African American men's lifestyle as related to their Type-2 diabetes, could be useful for nursing professionals who have a critical role in navigating cultural, gender, and family norms while developing care plans, offering patient education, and promoting quality of life.
Effect of periodic surface temperature on heat transfer in layered saturated soil

This paper presents numerical analyses of one-dimensional heat transfer in layered saturated soil with effective porosity and under a periodic temperature boundary condition using the numerical model HT1. The model characterizes the soil layer using separate columns to represent solid matrix and mobile pore fluid components, and a series-parallel approach to model soil thermal conductivity. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effect of fluid velocity, thermal retardation factor, thermal conductivity of solid particles, effective porosity and layer heterogeneity. Numerical results indicate that increasing downward fluid velocity and decreasing retardation factor can increase the distance that temperature oscillations from the surface can propagate into the layer. In addition, decreasing fluid velocity, increasing retardation factor, and increasing thermal conductivity of solid particles can decrease the temperature oscillation amplitude in the soil. Temperature profiles also indicate the significance of soil effective porosity and multiple soil layers on heat transfer behavior.
Something's Going on Here: Psychological Predictors of Belief in Conspiracy Theories

Research on individual-difference factors predicting belief in conspiracy theories has proceeded along several independent lines that converge on a profile of conspiracy believers as individuals who are relatively untrusting, ideologically eccentric, concerned about personal safety, and prone to perceiving agency in actions and profundity in bullshit. The present research represents the first attempt at an integrative approach to testing the independent contributions of these diverse factors to conspiratorial thinking. Two studies (N=1,253) found that schizotypy, dangerous-world beliefs, and bullshit receptivity independently and additively predict endorsement of generic (i.e., nonpartisan) conspiracy beliefs. Results suggest that “hyperactive” agency detection and political orientation (and related variables) might also play a role. The studies found no effects of situational threats (mortality salience or a sense of powerlessness)—though it remains to be seen whether real-world instantiations of situational threats might move some people to seek refuge in conspiratorial ideation.
Migration of inclusions in a matrix due to a spatially varying interface energy

Abstract An interfacial energy can be a function of a bulk field such as temperature or electric field. We find that in a system with a gradient in temperature or electric potential, the resulting variation in interfacial energy can induce a particle to migrate by either surface or bulk diffusion. For a circular particle under a constant unidirectional gradient in the bulk field, the field dependence of the interfacial energy induces a circular particle to move as a circle at a constant velocity along the direction from higher to lower interfacial energy. A linear stability analysis of this steady state migration suggests that perturbations will damp out as time evolves, and thus under these conditions a migrating circular particle is morphologically stable. Other spatial distributions of interface energy can lead to the distortion of an initially circular shaped particle during migration. A phase field model is developed that captures these distortions and verifies the theoretical results mentioned above.
A Nonparametric Efficiency Methodology for Comparative Assessment of Infrastructure Agency Performance

Abstract Government legislatures require highway agencies to render account for their stewardship of the highway infrastructure by regularly assessing their highway performance outcomes against resource inputs (expenditures). This can be done by comparing the expenditures and resulting performance in each of multiple highway agencies (jurisdictions) and for a specific type of infrastructure. In addressing this research question, the paper first carries out adjustments to account for differences in attributes (inventory size, measurement bias, infrastructure age, climate severities, and traffic intensities) across the jurisdictions. The methodology develops an efficiency frontier using optimization, identifies frontier located jurisdictions (FLJs), removes the FLJs and re-develops the next frontier, and continues this cycle until all jurisdictions have been removed. The methodology is applied to interstate highway bridges in the various state agencies in the USA. The results yield an overall ranking of the agencies' efficiencies. Highway oversight agencies can use the paper's methodology to monitor the expenditure and performance stewardship of highway agencies in various jurisdictions that report to the oversight agency, and to rank the agencies in terms of their respective levels of efficiency. Also, agencies in the individual jurisdictions can use the methodology to identify which other agencies they could "learn" from, in order to move up to the efficiency frontier, and to estimate the anticipated benefits of moving up.
Understanding the Divorce Cycle: The Children of Divorce in their Own Marriages

1. Introduction 2. Why divorce begets divorce 3. Coupling and uncoupling 4. How strong is the divorce cycle? 5. Historical developments 6. The cohabitation revolution 7. Conclusion.
Chapter 2 InAs-Alloyed GaAs Substrates for Direct Ion Implantation

Publisher Summary Semi-insulating GaAs substrates for direct ion implantation fabrication of field effect transistors and integrated circuits have become increasingly available in the past few years. The generally preferred process for preparing semi-insulating GaAs is liquid encapsulated Czochralski (LEC) growth without the intentional addition of impurities, and many commercial suppliers are offering substrate wafers made from LEC material. The chapter discusses an approach to better uniformity based on eliminating dislocations from GaAs substrate crystals by replacing a small fraction of the Ga atoms with the isoelectronic substituent. The chapter explores the most useful technique for reducing or eliminating dislocations in GaAs while retaining the advantages of LEC growth is the substitution of In for part of the Ga. The resulting material is formally an alloy of InAs and GaAs, In x Gal 1-x As, with x usually smaller than 0.01. It seems best to designate these dilute alloys as InAs-alloyed GaAs to emphasize that the ratio of In + Ga to As is essentially unity. On the InAs-alloyed GaAs, the chapter discusses its growth, metallurgical and crystallographic behavior, electrical and optical properties, and effectiveness as a substrate for achieving uniform device properties.