cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Mutant Escherichia coli Primase Defective in Elongation of Primer RNA Chains

Earlier we showed by affinity cross-linking of initiating substrates to Escherichia coli primase that one or more of the residues Lys211, Lys229, and Lys241 were involved in the catalytic center of the enzyme (A. A. Mustaev and G. N. Godson, J. Biol. Chem. 270:15711–15718, 1995). We now demonstrate by mutagenesis that only Lys241 but not Lys211 and Lys229 is part of the catalytic center. Primase with a mutation of Arg to Lys at position 241 (defined as K241R-primase) is almost unable to synthesize primer RNA (pRNA) on the single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB)/R199G4oric template. However, it is able to synthesize a pppApG dimer plus trace amounts of 8- to 11-nucleotide (nt) pRNA transcribed from the 5′ CTG 3′ pRNA initiation site on phage G4 oric DNA. The amount of dimer synthesized by K241R-primase is similar to that synthesized by the wild-type primase, demonstrating that the K241R mutant can initiate pRNA synthesis normally but is deficient in chain elongation. In the general priming system, the K241R-primase also can synthesize only the dimer and very small amounts of 11-nt pRNA. The results of gel retardation experiments suggested that this deficiency in pRNA chain elongation of the K241R mutant primase is unlikely to be caused by impairment of the DNA binding activity. The K241R mutant primase, however, can still prime DNA synthesis in vivo and in vitro.
Placenta previa percreta with bladder invasion

Background : Although the clinical presentation and imaging techniques can raise suspicion for placenta previa percreta, this potentially catastrophic condition may remain undiagnosed or its extent underappreciated until delivery. The decision to proceed with definitive surgery in cases of placenta previa percreta should be carefully considered. Case : A case of placenta previa percreta with bladder invasion was diagnosed prenatally. This case illustrates the magnitude of complications that can arise despite aggressive multidisciplinary perioperative management. Conclusion : When possible, hysterectomy performed for placenta previa percreta is best avoided under anything other than ideal conditions. A multidisciplinary approach for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of placenta previa percreta optimizes maternal outcome.
Chemical Abundance Distributions of Galactic Halos and Their Satellite Systems in a ΛCDM Universe

We present a cosmologically motivated model for the hierarchical formation of the stellar halo that includes a semianalytic treatment of galactic chemical enrichment coupled to numerical simulations that track the orbital evolution and tidal disruption of satellites. A major motivating factor in this investigation is the observed systematic difference between the chemical abundances of stars in satellite galaxies and those in the Milky Way halo. Specifically, for the same [Fe/H] values, stars in neighboring satellite galaxies display significantly lower [α/Fe] ratios than stars in the halo. We find that the observed chemical abundance patterns are a natural outcome of the process of hierarchical assembly of the Galaxy. This result follows because the stellar halo in this context is built up from satellite galaxies accreted early on (more than 8-9 Gyr ago) and enriched in α-elements produced in Type II supernovae. In contrast, satellites that still survive today are typically accreted late (within the last 4-5 Gyr) with nearly solar [α/Fe] values as a result of contributions from both Type II and Type Ia supernovae. We use our model to investigate the abundance distribution functions (using both [Fe/H] and [α/Fe] ratios) for stars in the halo and in surviving satellites. Our results suggest that the shapes and peaks in the abundance distribution functions provide a direct probe of the accretion histories of galaxies.
Hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in rheumatic diseases—an update

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) for autoimmune diseases has been recognized as a potential treatment for patients who have failed conventional therapy. Autologous (self) donor cells have been preferred over allogeneic (HLA-matched) cells for rescue after high dose immunotherapy, given the previous higher rates of mortality, graft versus host disease (GVHD), and the need for more intense myeloablation associated with the latter. The European Group for bone Marrow Transplantation in Basel Switzerland (EBMT) and various groups within the US funded by the NIH (including the Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry (ABMTR)) have been pivotal in maintaining registries on patients transplanted as well as promoting homogeneity for future studies including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Although, patients transplanted for RA show initial success, relapse of the disease is common. In many, however, a second positive result can be obtained with the addition of DMARD therapy to which they were previously unresponsive, suggesting a "debulking" of disease by HSCT. SLE patients also have a high rate of success after HSCT, although current mortality rates appear high. Transplant in SSc patients has offered durable responses with improving transplant-related mortality related to careful patient selection.
Amplify-and-Forward in Wireless Relay Networks: Rate, Diversity, and Network Size

A wireless network with fading and a single source-destination pair is considered. The information reaches the destination via multiple hops through a sequence of layers of single-antenna relays. At high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the simple amplify-and-forward strategy is shown to be optimal in terms of degrees of freedom, because it achieves the degrees of freedom equal to a point-to-point multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. Hence, the lack of coordination in relay nodes does not reduce the achievable degrees of freedom. The performance of this amplify-and-forward strategy degrades with increasing network size. This phenomenon is analyzed by finding the tradeoffs between network size, rate, and diversity. A lower bound on the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff for concatenation of multiple random Gaussian matrices is obtained. Also, it is shown that achievable network size in the outage formulation (short codes) is a lot smaller than the ergodic formulation (long codes).
VISUALIZING UNCERTAIN INFORMATION

When a GIS is used to drive map-based visualization, exploration of potential relationships takes precedence over presentation of facts. In these early stages of scientific analysis or policy formulation, providing a way for analysts to assess uncertainty in the data they are exploring is critical to the perspectives they form and the approaches they decide to pursue. As a basis from which to develop methods for visualizing uncertain information, this paper addresses the difference between data quality and uncertainty, the application of Berlin's graphic variables to the representation of uncertainty, conceptual models of spatial uncertainty as they relate to kinds of cartographic symbolization, and categories of user interfaces suited to presenting data and uncertainty about that data. Also touched on is the issue of how we might evaluate our attempts to depict uncertain information on maps.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Arising in Bone

Abstract Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) represents approximately 2% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas according to the recent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Classification Project. As defined in the revise...
Periodic Porous Media Flows in Regenerators

Flow through porous media can be modeled and measured by focussing on the way that it differs from flow in an unobstructed regime. If this flow occurs within a highly transient periodic regime, the resulting flow begins to exhibit a dependency on the imposed transient pressure gradient and mass flow through the media. A model is offered to express this time dependency and the implications of this dependency on the resulting system of partial differential equations that represent periodic porous media flow in regenerators. Taking note of the resulting hyperbolic nature of this system and the boundary-condition-imposed temporal discontinuities in the entrance regions of the regenerator, a solution by the Method of Characteristics is proposed and the resulting characteristic lines and their compatibility equations are derived.
Environmental drivers of tree community turnover in western Amazonian forests

A more comprehensive understanding of the factors governing tropical tree community turnover at different spatial scales is needed to support land-management and biodiversity conservation. We used new forest inventory data from 263 permanent plots in the Carnegie Biodiversity-Biomass Forest Plot Network spanning the eastern Andes to the western Amazonian lowlands of Peru to examine environmental factors driving genus-level canopy tree compositional variation at regional and landscape scales. Across the full plot network, constrained ordination analysis indicated that all environmental variables together explained 23.8% of the variation in community composition, while soil, topographic, and climatic variables each explained 15.2, 10.9, and 17.0%, respectively. A satellite-derived metric of cloudiness was the single strongest predictor of community turnover, and constrained ordination revealed a primary gradient of environmentally-driven community turnover spanning from cloudy, high elevation sites to warm, wet, lowland sites. For three focal landscapes within the region, local environmental variation explained 13.4–30.8% of compositional variation. Community turnover at the landscape scale was strongly driven by topo-edaphic factors in the two lowland landscapes examined and strongly driven by potential insolation and topography in the montane landscape. At the regional scale, we found that the portion of compositional variation that was uniquely explained by spatial variation was relatively small (2.7%), and was effectively zero within the three focal landscapes. Overall, our results show strong canopy tree compositional turnover in response to environmental gradients at both regional and landscape scales, though the most important environmental drivers differed between scales and among landscapes. Our results also highlight the usefulness of key satellite-derived environmental covariates that should be considered when conducting biodiversity analyses in tropical forests.
Acute effects of paroxetine on genioglossus activity in obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine the acute effects of paroxetine on genioglossus activity during NREM sleep. DESIGN A single dose of Paroxetine (40 mg) or placebo was administered four hours before bedtime on nights separated by one week in a double blind randomized crossover manner. The moving time average of genioglossus muscle activity (EMGgg) expressed as a percentage of maximum was measured using a mouthpiece electrode customized for each subject. The peak inspiratory and tonic values of EMGgg and the corresponding esophageal pressure deflections (DP) during the last three occluded breaths of obstructive apneas during NREM sleep were analyzed. SETTING NA. PARTICIPANTS 8 adult men with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). INTERVENTIONS NA. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Paroxetine increased the peak inspiratory EMGgg (29.8+/-2.4 (SE) versus 24.4+/-2.7 % max, p<0.05) and peak EMGgg/DP ratio (0.78+/-0.12 versus 0.65+/-0.11 % max/cm H2O, p<0.01) but not the tonic EMGgg (11.6+/-0.9 versus 9.8+/-0.7 % max) nor the DP (39.4+/-2.2 versus 38.2+/-2.8 cm H2O). Linear regression analysis of the peak inspiratory EMGgg versus DP relationship showed that paroxetine increased the slope (0.62+/-0.11 versus 0.49+/-0.09 % max/cm H2O, p<0.01). However, the apnea + hypopnea index (paroxetine: 75.2+/-5.5 versus placebo: 73.7+/-6.9 events/hour) did not differ. CONCLUSIONS Paroxetine augmented peak inspiratory genioglossus activity during NREM sleep but this effect was not sufficient to decrease the frequency of obstructive apnea in this group with severe OSA.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

■ Skilled clinical examiners are capable of detecting the vast majority of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in neonates, and this remains the primary screening method in the United States. Ultrasound (US) is no better than these examiners but may improve DDH diagnosis or exclusion for less-experienced clinical examiners (strong evidence).
Preoperative Head and Neck Surgical Planning with Computer-Assisted Design and Modeling

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has significantly impacted modern head and neck surgery. Over the past decade, advancements in computer-assisted design (CAD) software have been applied to high-resolution three-dimensional imaging technology to generate powerful tools for planning complex craniofacial resections and reconstructions. These virtual surgical plans incorporate the design of intraoperative surgical guides that are generated through the process of computer-assisted manufacturing (CAM). Virtually planned procedures are then translated to the operating room where they are carried out with unparalleled precision and efficiency. This process allows for accurate operative design that reliably achieves predicted results. Surgical teams are now able to formulate single-staged ablative/reconstructive procedures all the way through to prosthetic dentition and expected soft-tissue outcomes. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of preoperative CAD/CAM surgical planning for oncologic resections with immediate reconstructions, severe facial trauma, complex orthognathic and temporomandibular joint procedures, esthetic surgery, and composite tissue allotransplantation. We provide an overview of CAD/CAM applications in head and neck surgery and review the evidence to date regarding the use of preoperative VSP in complex craniofacial reconstruction.
Yield Response of Corn Subjected to Western Corn Root worm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Infestation and Lodging

Lodging of corn, Zea mays L., is often attributed to injury by larvae of western corn root worm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Because leaves of lodged plants exhibit vertical and horizontal spatial aberrations, yield may be adversely affected because of reduced photosynthetic efficiency. In a 2-yr study, we used a factorial arrangement of root worm infestation (0 and 1,200 eggs per 30.5-cm row) and lodging treatments (lodged and upright) to determine effects on plant biomass and grain yield. In a second study, we examined how plants lodged from root worm injury differ from upright plants with respect to plant and ear height, root rating, total leaf area, and vertical leaf area distribution. In 1987, root worm-infested and lodged plants had significantly reduced plant dry weight and grain yield at nearly all sampling dates. Lodging treatments reduced grain yield of infested plants by an additional 11.9% over yield of upright, infested plants. In 1988, no differences in dry weight or yield occurred with infested plants, but lodging treatments reduced grain yield by 34.3%. In a severely lodged canopy, plant and ear height and light interception were significantly reduced in comparison with those of upright plants. Linear regressions of incident light versus leaf areas above each 0.31-m increment in the corn canopy resulted in significant slope (light extinction) differences. Because dry weight and yield were more consistently reduced by lodging than by root worm infestation treatments, lodging must be an important factor in the relation between root worm infestation and yield loss.
Interactive computer simulation and animation for improving student learning of particle kinetics

Computer simulation and animation CSA has been receiving growing attention and wide application in engineering education in recent years. A new interactive CSA module was developed in the present study to improve student learning of particle kinetics in an undergraduate engineering dynamics course. The unique feature of this CSA module is that it integrates computer visualization with mathematical modeling, so students can directly connect engineering dynamics phenomena to underlying mathematics. A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test research design including a comparison group n=65 and an intervention group n=77 was implemented to assess to what extent the developed CSA module improved student learning. The results show that this new CSA module increased students' class-average conceptual and procedural learning gains by 29% and 37% respectively. The difference in learning gains between the two groups is statistically significant Z=-4.526, p=0.000 based on a nonparametric statistical Mann-Whitney U test. It is found that the improvement of students' conceptual understanding and the improvement of their procedural skills are asymmetrical in this CSA learning environment. The CSA module can serve as an excellent tool to supplement traditional lectures, but cannot fully replace human teachers or tutors in teaching.
Student feedback to improve the United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fruit and vegetable consumption of children in the United States falls below recommendations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a national free-fruit and vegetable school distribution program designed to address this problem. This permanent, legislated program provides funding to qualified elementary schools for provision of additional fruit and vegetables outside of school meals. The objective of this study was to understand children’s perceptions of FFVP after the intervention and formulate recommendations that may improve success of the intervention. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary data were obtained from 5,265 4th-6th graders at 51 randomly-selected FFVP intervention schools in Indiana. Anonymous questionnaires were completed late in the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine associations between students’ perceptions of program effects (4 close-ended items) and their preference toward the program. Content analysis was applied to a single open-ended item for program comments. RESULTS: Over 47% of students reported greater intake of fruit and vegetables due to FFVP, and over 66% reported liking the program. Student-reported program effects were positively associated with preference for the program (P CONCLUSIONS: The degree that students liked FFVP may predict the program’s effects on fruit and vegetable intake. FFVP may become more acceptable to students by incorporating their suggestions. Program planners should consider these options for achieving program goals.
The antipole evolution effect of immature-low mature organic matter ——Report from low-temperature low-pressure artificial hydropyrolysis experiment

The low-temperature and low-pressure artificial hydropyrolysis experiment proves that at the immature-low mature thermal evolution stage of source rock, the condensation reaction and the thermal degradation reaction occur continuously and simultaneously in both soluble organic matter and insoluble organic matter. This process was called “antipole evolution”, which means transformation into two opposing extremes. The soluble organic matter and insoluble organic matter constitute an organic related integrity, transforming mutually in a dynamic equilibrium. Non-hydrocarbon and asphaltene are key intermediates between kerogen and hydrocarbon. Asphaltene is one of the major sources of immature hydrocarbons.
Study on the determination of functional components in bamboo shoot shell extraction by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Biological activity substances were extracted from bamboo shoot shell by ultrasonic-organic solvent method,and then purified by macroporous adsorption resin for further study on the composition of the extractions.The bamboo shoot shell extractions were derivatized with the N,O-pair(trimethyl silicon hydride) three fluorine acetamide(BSTFA,including 1% trimethyl chlorine silicon hrdrideTMCS).The functional components were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,and the relative contents of these compounds were determined by peak area normalization method.15 compounds were identified,including 11 kinds of familiar fatty acids,2 kinds of phenolic acids.Fatty acids and phenolic acids were 29.71% and 10.96% of total peak area,respectively.
Modeling the interaction between arousal and chemical drive in sleep-disordered breathing.

We have measured the ventilatory response to acoustically induced arousal in normal subjects and patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndome (OSAS). The arousal responses are similar in magnitude and time-course over the first 3 breaths, but in OSAS the subsequent response declines much more rapidly. Incorporation of these empirical findings into an existing model of sleep-disordered breathing allows an improved characterization of state-chemoreflex interactions. The shorter time-course of the arousal response in OSAS promotes greater ventilatory and state instability at low-to-intermediate levels of CO 2 gain.
Random Walk and Renewal Theory

Wald’s approximations to the power function and expected sample size of a sequential probability ratio test are based on ignoring the discrepancy between the (log) likelihood ratio and the stopping boundary, thus replacing a random variable by a constant. In what follows we develop methods to approximate this discrepancy and hence to obtain more accurate results. Some of the approximations have already been stated and used in III.5 and IV.3. The present chapter is concerned with linear stopping boundaries; and the more difficult non-linear case is discussed in Chapter IX. An alternative method for linear problems is given in Chapter X.
Tooling and Prototypes Produced by 3D Printing

(1991). Tooling and Prototypes Produced by 3D Printing. Materials and Processing Report: Vol. 5, No. 12, pp. 1-2.
Principles for educational game development for young children

The use of media devices such as tablets is increasing with 41% of children engaged in more than two hours of screen time per day. The number of educational games has also significantly increased b...
Two new species of Nemouridae (Plecoptera) from Vietnam

Two new species belonging to the family Nemouridae, Nemoura kontumensis sp. nov. and Amphinemura konplongensis sp. nov. are described from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Remarks on the affinities with related species are given.
Perinatal Delivery of Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor (AT2R) Antisense cDNA Increases Blood Pressure in Adult Normotensive Rats

71 Recent observations suggest that AT 2 R have a role in the counter-regulatory actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) in cardiovascular protection and angiogenesis. The objective of the current investigation was to provide evidence for this cardioprotective action of AT 2 R by utilizing antisense gene transfer technology in normotensive rats. A retroviral vector containing full length AT 2 receptor antisense cDNA (LNSV-AT 2 R-AS) or missense (LNSV-AT 2 R-MS) was constructed. The LNSV-AT 2 R-AS viral particles were highly efficient in the transduction of AT 2 R-AS in vitro . The efficacy and effectiveness of this transduction was demonstrated by the long-lasting expression of AT 2 R-AS transcript and a decrease in AT 2 R binding. In vivo administration of LNSV-AT 2 R-AS resulted in similar findings. Five-day old normotensive Sprague Dawley rats received a single intracardiac bolus (25 μl) administration of LNSV-AT 2 R-AS viral particles (1x10 9 cfu/ml), which resulted in a robust expression of AT 2 R-AS transcript in tissues such as heart, kidney, adrenals and brain as early as five days post-delivery. Control rats received either LNSV alone or LNSV-AT 2 R-MS under identical conditions. The expression of AT 2 R-AS was persistent through adulthood indicating a high degree of transgene transduction in vivo . Mean blood pressure (BP) was elevated in the adult LNSV-AT 2 R-AS-treated rats when compared to the age-matched LNSV-AT 2 R-MS or control rats (123±5 mmHg vs. 100±9 mmHg). In addition, the pressor responses produced by Ang I and Ang II were enhanced in the LNSV-AT 2 R-AS- treated rats. For example, administration of 0.1 μg/Kg Ang I elicited a maximal increase in BP of 35±6 mmHg in the LNSV-AT 2 R-AS-treated rats compared to an increase of 23±6 mmHg in the LNSV-AT 2 R-MS. These observations demonstrate for the first time, that persistant inhibition of AT 2 R in normotensive rats influence cardiovascular responsiveness. Collectively, these data suggest that use of the AT 1 receptor antagonist-based therapy, with the resultant increase in Ang II levels, might provide additional benefit to the hypertensive patient via increased AT 2 R stimulation.
Simulation-Based Testing of Pager Interruptions During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Objective To determine if pager interruptions affect operative time, safety, or complications and management of pager issues during a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Design Twelve surgery resident volunteers were tested on a Simbionix Lap Mentor II simulator. Each resident performed 6 randomized simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomies; 3 with pager interruptions (INT) and 3 without pager interruptions (NO-INT). The pager interruptions were sent in the form of standardized patient vignettes and timed to distract the resident during dissection of the critical view of safety and clipping of the cystic duct. The residents were graded on a pass/fail scale for eliciting appropriate patient history and management of the pager issue. Data was extracted from the simulator for the following endpoints: operative time, safety metrics, and incidence of operative complications. The Mann-Whitney U test and contingency table analysis were used to compare the 2 groups (INT vs. NO-INT). Setting Level I trauma center; Simulation laboratory. Participants Twelve general surgery residents. Results There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in any of the operative endpoints as measured by the simulator. However, in the INT group, only 25% of the time did the surgery residents both adequately address the issue and provide effective patient management in response to the pager interruption. Conclusion Pager interruptions did not affect operative time, safety, or complications during the simulated procedure. However, there were significant failures in the appropriate evaluations and management of pager issues. Consideration for diversion of patient care issues to fellow residents not operating to improve quality and safety of patient care outside the operating room requires further study.
Thermal Shock of Refractories

The quantitative description of the thermal shock of refractories is reviewed with emphasis focused on those physical properties pertinent to the calculation of damage resistance parameters. The excellent correspondence between theoretical damage resistance parameters and a variety of laboratory thermal shock tests of refractories is summarized. Microstructural features are discussed both from a crack propagation resistance viewpoint and their effects on other physical properties that affect thermal shock behavior.
THE NEST OF THE HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA L.)

The natural honey bee nest was studied in detail to better understand the honey bee's natural living conditions. To describe the nest site we made external observations on 39 nests in hollow trees. We collected and dissected 21 of these tree nests to describe the nest architecture. No one tree genus strongly predominates among bee trees. Nest cavities are vertically elongate and approximately cylindrical. Most are 30 to 60 liters in volume and at the base of trees. Nest entrances tend to be small, 10 to 40 cm2, and at the nest bottom. Rough bark outside the entrance is often smoothed by the bees. Inside the nest, a thin layer of hardened plant resins (propolis) coats the cavity walls. Combs are fastened to the walls along their tops and sides, but bees leave small passageways along the comb edges. The basic nest organization is honey storage above, brood nest below, and pollen storage in between. Associated with this arrangement are differences in comb structure. Compared to combs used for honey storage, combs of the brood nest are generally darker and more uniform in width and in cell form. Drone comb is located on the brood nest's periphery. Comparisons amongApis nests indicate the advanced characters inApis mellifera nests arose in response toApis mellifera's adoption of tree cavities for nest sites.
Recovering to Recovery Among Adolescent Youth

This chapter provides an overview of selected factors related to adolescents recovering from substance use, a framework for thinking about recovering, a critical overview of definitions of adolescent recovery, and factors that can support recovering. Recovering is an active and ongoing engagement in change over time rather than an endpoint and relapse is a part of the recovering process. However, specific recovering definitions and outcomes (e.g., abstinence, personal growth, wellness) for adolescents have not been established. This reflects that lack of research on adolescents more broadly, as well as the broader focus on treatment outcomes rather than long-term recovering outcomes. Recovering supports include recovery community centers, sober living environments, education, transportation, and life-skills development. Recovering support groups and self-help groups are promising practices, but additional data is needed to rise to the level of evidence based. Gender contributes to the risks and resiliencies that impact recovering outcomes, although the effects are complex and variable. As such, recovering supports which are not gender-responsive do not work. For recovering adolescent females, strength-based, trauma-informed recovery support is often indicated. More adolescent-centered research is essential to better understand the unmet needs of recovering adolescent and identify evidence-based recovering supports. Such research needs to be grounded in the experiences of adolescents and validated with instrumentation designed for adolescents.
Stock distributions and the Retained Earnings Hypothesis revisited

Abstract Large stock distributions may be accounted for as stock splits or stock dividends. The Retained Earnings Hypothesis (REH) suggests that the latter method of accounting signals improving future cash flows, but prior evidence is mixed and the debate is still open. We use a large sample of stock distribution and document economically significant evidence consistent with the REH which helps resolve the open debate.
Statistical analysis of democratization: a constructive critique

While statistical analysis of the origins and stability of democracy has received a great deal of scholarly effort, and made major contributions to comparative politics, valid causal inference in t...
Fast Solver for Large Scale Multistate Bennett Acceptance Ratio Equations

The multistate Bennett acceptance ratio method (MBAR) and unbinned weighted histogram analysis method (UWHAM) are widely employed approaches to calculate relative free energies of multiple thermody...
Selection and Socialization Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use: The Individual and Joint Contexts of Neighborhood Disadvantage and Population Density.

AbstractBackground: Neighborhood disadvantage (ND) and population density (PD) are two community characteristics contextualizing friends’ influence on adolescent alcohol use. However, these communi...
Interest and use of alternative/holistic therapies amongst cancer patients at a large urban safety-net hospital.

e18289Background: Patient interest in alternative/holistic therapies during cancer treatment is common in oncology. Studies have shown that 1 in 3 cancer patients in Europe turn to alternative ther...
Challenges and Approaches for Creating Inclusive Field Courses for Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

There has been little discussion regarding the design of geology courses (and programs) to be inclusive of students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we outline challenges instructors m...
Mothering Behind Bars: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Prison Nursery Programs on Recidivism Reduction:

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evidence-based review of evaluation studies of prison nursery programs to determine whether they are effective in reducing recidivism. Seven ...
Children with Developmental, Behavioral, or Emotional Problems Are Less Likely to Have a Medical Home

Background: Children with developmental, behavioral, and emotional (DBE) problems have complex medical needs. The medical home is a model for delivering accessible, comprehensive, family-centered primary care to all children and is associated with beneficial health care utilization and health-promoting behaviors. Socioeconomic, racial, and ethnicity-based disparities exist regarding access to a medical home; however, little is known about the accessibility of a medical home among children with DBE problems. Objective: To determine whether children with developmental, behavioral, …
Wandering Quantum Dots (WQDs) in the Structure of Disordered Condensed Matter

The article shows that in the framework of the cluster model of disordered condensed media in the structure of clusters with the most probable number of particles, the formation of quantum dots is possible, which are potential wells with wall heights determined by the parameters of the effective interaction potential between the nearest particles in the cluster. As a result of spontaneous cluster decay, the quantum dot disappears and appears in the structure of the newly formed cluster, thus the quantum dot “wanders” in the structure of disordered condensed media. It is also shown that the formation of toroidal potential traps is possible in cluster structures, which can lead to the emergence of closed proton currents and, as a consequence, strong magnetic fields.
Evaluation of bi-Pass for Parallel Simulation Optimization

Cheap parallel computing has greatly extended the reach of ranking & selection (R&S) for simulation optimization. In this paper we present an evaluation of bi-PASS, a R&S procedure created specifically for parallel implementation and very large numbers of system designs. We compare bi-PASS to the state-of-the-art Good Selection Procedure and an easy-to-implement subset selection procedure. This is one of the few papers to consider both computational and statistical comparison of parallel R&S procedures.
A Brief Retrospective of Roy Halling’s Contributions to Basidiomycete Systematics and Biogeography

Dr. Roy Halling retired in December, 2018 after 34 years as Curator of Fungi at the New York Botanical Garden. This brief retrospective recognizes Dr. Halling’s many contributions to the fields of basidiomycete systematics and biogeography through his scientific publications and field guides, field expeditions on five continents, international network of collaborators, training of students and parataxonomists, and contributions to infrastructure for field and collections-based research.
The World Turned Upside Down: IS Research in Difficult Terrain

British troops surrendering at Yorktown, Virginia in October of 1781 reportedly marched to the 17th century English song “The World Turned Upside Down.”2 Government embodied in the United States and built on the tradition of English Common Law changed the world over subsequent generations. The deceptively simple Enlightenment notion of the “consent of the governed” required majority rule, but to be sustainable also required protecting the interests of minorities and separation of power; much harder to accomplish. The Enlightenment took a long time to understand. In 1784 the philosopher Immanuel Kant explained it as “free thought.”3 It started more than a century earlier, and is widely considered an 18th Century phenomenon. Kant was right, but writing in 1784 his insight was a century late. Big ideas bring power and fear, pushing out long-established and powerful notions such as the divine right of kings. Understanding in retrospect makes objects in the mirror larger than they seem.4 But how big are they, really? IS brings many big ideas to choose among. The terrain is difficult. The IS field is about what Ellul called technique: technology and systems in the service of efficiency.5 IS researchers control neither the pace nor the consequences of changing technique. We must select what is important at the beginning of our research to be sure it is worthwhile at the end. We are tempted to choose relevance or rigor. Affecting practice early requires relevance. We attempt to understand the phenomenon before the results are in. Critics say, “that’s unconvincing.” Academic publications require rigor. We often have to wait to achieve understanding. If we
Ignition probabilities for compact ignition tokamak design points

In this paper a global reactor performance code employing Monte Carlo techniques developed to study the probability of ignition and applied to several configurations of a compact, high-field ignition tokamak to determine the relative benefits of raising the plasma current and peaking the density profile. Probability distributions for the critical physics parameters in the code are estimated using existing experimental data. An energy confinement scaling representing a 1 to 2.5 times improvement over the L mode is assumed; the range of this multiplier was chosen to reflect the uncertainty in extrapolating the energy confinement time to the high-field ignition regime. Even with fairly broad input probability distributions, the probability of ignition improves significantly with increasing plasma current and density profile peaking. Raising the plasma current by 2 MA has about the same impact as raising the peak-to-average density ratio from {approx}1 to {approx}3. With either this density peaking or a plasma current {ge}11 MA, the probability of ignition is computed to be {ge}40%. In other cases, values of Q (the ratio of the fusion power to the sum of the ohmic and auxiliary input powers) of the order of 10 are generally obtained. Comparisons of our empirically based confinement assumptionsmore » with two theory-based transport models yield conflicting results.« less
Race/ethnic and sex differences in large and small artery elasticity - Results of the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

Objective—Reduction in arterial elasticity marks progression toward cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Variability in arterial elasticity may help account for race/ethnic and gender differences in cardiovascular risk. Design—Cross-sectional study. Setting—Whites, African Americans, Hispanics and Chinese aged 45–84 years free of clinically recognized cardiovascular disease were recruited in six US communities. Participants—We examined 3,316 women and 3,020 men according to race/ethnicity and sex. Main Outcome Measures—Large (LAE) and small artery (SAE) elasticity, derived from radial artery diastolic pulse wave contour registration in all subjects in a supine position using tonometry. LAE and SAE were adjusted for ethnicity, age, clinical site, height, heart rate, blood pressure, antihypertensive medication and body mass index, diabetes, smoking, and circulating lipids. Results—Much of the sex difference in arterial elasticity was explained by height. After adjustment, LAE did not differ by race/ethnicity, but mean SAE in African Americans was 4.2 mL/mm Hg × 100 and 4.4 mL/mm Hg × 100 in Hispanics compared to means of 4.6 mL/mm Hg × 100 in Whites, and 4.8 mL/mm Hg × 100 in Chinese. Conclusions—Reduced SAE may indicate earlier vascular disease in African Americans and Hispanics than other groups.
Single-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid-specific Nuclease from Vaccinia Virus ENDONUCLEOLYTIC AND EXONUCLEOLYTIC ACTIVITIES

Abstract A deoxyribonuclease purified from vaccinia virus was shown to have a specificity for single-stranded DNA. Undenatured HeLa cell DNA was digested at less than 2 % of the rate of thermally denatured DNA. The low rate of digestion was probably due to single-stranded regions in the isolated HeLa cell DNA since no nicking of native T7 DNA was detected by alkaline sucrose gradient sedimentation. Evidence of endonucleolytic activity was obtained by sedimentation, gel filtration, and DEAE-cellulose chromatography of the digestion products. Exonucleolytic activity was also indicated by the high percentage of mononucleotides formed. The single-strand specificity and the endo- and exonucleolytic activities are similar to the previously described properties of the S1 nuclease from Aspergillus oryzae. The vaccinia deoxyribonuclease was also able to nick closed single-stranded circular DNA as well as closed superhelical double-stranded circles. The susceptibility of the latter probably resulted from the presence of weakly hydrogen-bonded regions in the DNA.
Cardiovascular risk and acute coronary syndrome in giant cell arteritis: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

Objective To assess the occurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) compared to subjects without GCA. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a population-based incidence cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents with GCA diagnosed in 1950–2009. We compared this cohort with a cohort of patients without GCA of similar age, sex, and calendar year from the same population. Results The study included 245 patients with GCA and 245 non-GCA subjects. The mean ± SD Framingham cardiovascular risk score was 30% ± 19% in GCA patients and 34% ± 23% in non-GCA subjects (P = 0.096) at the incidence/index date. Diabetes mellitus was significantly less common in GCA patients than non-GCA subjects at the index date. The mean high-density lipoprotein was higher and triglycerides were lower, with fewer patients taking lipid-lowering medications in the GCA cohort compared to the non-GCA cohort at the index date. During followup, no difference between the 2 cohorts was noted in the overall rate of ACS events (hazard ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.44–1.26). Overall thrombosis in myocardial infarction scores were similar in both cohorts. Revascularization procedures were done less frequently in GCA than in non-GCA subjects (19% versus 50%; P = 0.015). Post-ACS hospital length of stays and complications were similar in both cohorts. Conclusion Multiple cardiovascular risk factors are less atherogenic at incidence of GCA. There is no overall increased risk of ACS in patients with GCA.
P-glycoprotein inhibition promotes prednisone retention in human sinonasal polyp explants.

Background P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is an efflux pump, which is part of the innate chemo-immunity defense system and is overexpressed in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). P-gp is capable of regulating corticosteroid retention and thus P-gp upregulation has been implicated in steroid resistance in several inflammatory disorders. The goal of this study is to determine whether P-gp regulates intracellular steroid retention in CRSwNP. Methods This was a Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study in nasal polyp explants. Polyps were exposed to 50 μg/mL of prednisone for 30 minutes with or without the presence of a P-gp inhibitor (Verapamil 12.5 μM or Zosuquidar 0.31 μM) followed by a 40-minute washout period (n = 16 per group). Intracellular steroid retention was determined by quantifying the concentration of both intracytoplasmic and secreted steroid using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Concentrations relative to control were compared using a Student t test. Results The intracytoplasmic prednisone concentration was significantly greater relative to control following P-gp inhibition with Verapamil (155.28% ± 22.48%, p < 0.05) and Zosuquidar (125.81% ± 12.41%, p < 0.05). Similarly, the amount of prednisone secreted by the explant was significantly reduced at 30 minutes following P-gp inhibition with Zosuquidar (78.64% ± 2.98%, p < 0.05) and 40 minutes following P-gp inhibition with Verapamil (80.56% ± 5.02%, p < 0.05). Conclusion Inhibition of P-gp enhances the intracellular accumulation of prednisone in nasal polyps. This suggests that P-gp participates in regulation of glucocorticoid retention in sinonasal mucosa. These findings, coupled with the known overexpression of P-gp in CRSwNP, may point to a possible mechanism for steroid resistance in this patient population.
Nontraditional Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke: An Update.

Although it is encouraging that during the past decade there has been a notable decline in the incidence of stroke in several countries around the world,1–6 further reductions in stroke occurrence will require even better treatment of conventional risk factors, as well as the identification and treatment of nontraditional risk factors.7 Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking, atrial fibrillation, and carotid stenosis are definite causal risk factors because randomized controlled trials showed that treating them reduced the incidence of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) or because epidemiological studies have shown that they are prospectively and independently associated with incident risk of stroke.8 Several risk models and risk calculators are available for stroke. However, they include only a few traditional risk factors, and not all ischemic strokes are explained by these factors. About 60% to 80% of all ischemic strokes can be attributed to these factors.8 Adding more factors may improve the predictive values of the risk models for stroke, and controlling nontraditional risk factors may further reduce stroke risks. The INTERSTROKE study, which examined 10 factors including less traditional factors such as obesity, psychosocial stress and depression, and ratio of apolipoprotein B to A1, found that these conditions were linked to 90% of the risk of stroke.9 The carotid substudy of Northern Manhattan studies showed that traditional risk factors explain only a minority of the variability in carotid plaque, suggesting a possible role for unaccounted nontraditional risk factors in the development of atherosclerotic plaque.10,11 The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study confirmed the existence of a stroke belt in the southeastern United States, where the rates of stroke mortality were higher (>40%) than those of other regions.12 However, in this study, only modest differences were …
The interaction of propagating opening mode fractures with preexisting discontinuities in shale

Field observations show that hydraulic fracture growth in naturally fractured formations like shale is complex. Preexisting discontinuities in shale, including natural fractures and bedding, act as planes of weakness that divert fracture propagation. To investigate the influence of weak planes on hydraulic fracture propagation, we performed Semicircular Bend tests on Marcellus Shale core samples containing calcite-filled natural fractures (veins). The approach angle of the induced fracture to the veins and the thickness of the veins have a strong influence on propagation. As the approach angle becomes more oblique to the induced fracture plane, and as the vein gets thicker, the induced fracture is more likely to divert into the vein. Microstructural analysis of tested samples shows that the induced fracture propagates in the middle of the vein but not at the interface between the vein and the rock matrix. Cleavage planes and fluid inclusion trails in the vein cements exert some control on the fracture path. Combining the experimental results with theoretical fracture mechanics arguments, the fracture toughness of the calcite veins was estimated to range from 0.24 MPa m1/2 to 0.83 MPa m1/2, depending on the value used for the Young's modulus of the calcite vein material. Measured fracture toughness of unfractured Marcellus Shale was 0.47 MPa m1/2.