cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influenza Type A Virus Escape Mutants Emerge In Vivo in the Presence of Antibodies to the Ectodomain of Matrix Protein 2

The ectodomain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of human influenza type A virus strains has remained remarkably conserved since 1918. Because M2e-specific immunity has been shown to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with influenza virus infection in several animal models and because natural infection and current vaccines do not appear to induce a good M2e-specific antibody (Ab) response, M2e has been considered as potential vaccine for inducing cross-reactive protection against influenza type A viruses. The high degree of structural conservation of M2e could in part be the consequence of a poor M2e-specific Ab response and thus the absence of pressure for change. To assess this possibility, we studied the course of infection in SCID mice in the presence or absence of passive M2e-specific monoclonal Abs (MAbs). We found that virus mutants with antigenic changes in M2e emerged in 65% of virus-infected mice treated with M2e-specific but not control MAbs. However, the diversity of escape mutants was highly restricted since only two types were isolated from 22 mice, one with a proline-to-leucine and the other with a proline-to-histidine interchange at amino acid position 10 of M2e. The implications of these findings for the use of M2e as a broadly protective vaccine are discussed.
The role of ultracapacitors in an energy storage unit for vehicle power management

This paper extends a design methodology for a combined battery-ultracapacitor energy storage unit (BU-ESU) for vehicle power management into two areas. First, the model of the half-bridge converter replaces the generic models of the dc/dc converters used in the BU-ESU. This model is capable of determining the electric stresses present on the active and passive components during the operation of the vehicle. Second, an improved BU-ESU control strategy applicable to all operating conditions of the vehicle is determined. This control strategy is used to resize the BU-ESU. Finally, the vehicle fuel consumptions achieved when using this newly resized BU-ESU are compared using ADVISOR simulation results with those obtained for the BU-ESU designed in R.M. Schupbach et al. (June 2003).
THE ELLIPTICITY PRINCIPLE FOR SELF-SIMILAR POTENTIAL FLOWS

We consider self-similar potential flow for compressible gas with polytropic pressure law. Self-similar solutions arise as large-time asymptotes of general solutions, and as exact solutions of many important special cases like Mach reflection, multidimensional Riemann problems, or flow around corners. Self-similar potential flow is a quasilinear second-order PDE of mixed type which is hyperbolic at infinity (if the velocity is globally bounded). The type in each point is determined by the local pseudo-Mach number L, with L 1) corresponding to elliptic (respectively, hyperbolic) regions. We prove an ellipticity principle: the interior of a parabolic-elliptic region of a sufficiently smooth solution must be elliptic; in fact L must be bounded above away from 1 by a domain-dependent function. In particular there are no open parabolic regions. We also discuss the case of slip boundary conditions at straight solid walls.
Renal allograft protection with losartan in Fisher!Lewis rats: Hemodynamics, macrophages, and cytokines

Background. We sought to assess the effects of angiotensin macrophages, and macrophage-associated cytokines. receptor blockade on glomerular hypertension, macrophage recruitment, and cytokine expression, all of which contribute to the development of chronic graft injury in this model. Methods. The effects of treatment with the specific angioten- Recent experimental and clinical evidence emphasizes sin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, losartan, were assessed contributions from both antigen-independent and antiover 24 weeks in F344!LEW rats (LOS, N 5 9) versus vehicletreated F344!LEW controls (CON, N 5 9). gen-dependent factors in the pathogenesis of chronic Results. UprotV rose progressively in CON (from 7.0 6 2.9 renal allograft failure [1‐6]. A growing body of data to 41 6 17 mg/day at 24 wk) but remained at baseline in LOS also implicates injury processes associated with extensive (4.2 6 0.6 to 9.4 6 1.3 mg/day, P , 0.05 vs. CON). Glomerular nephron loss as a significant determinant of progressive capillary pressure (PGC) was increased in CON (71 6 1m m graft injury in the F344!LEW rat model of late renal Hg at week 20), but remained within the normal range in LOS rats (54 6 2m m Hg,P , 0.05). Glomerulosclerosis averaged allograft failure. Increased glomerular capillary hydrau0.3 6 0.2% in LOS versus 4 6 2% in CON rats (P , 0.05). lic pressure ("PGC) [7‐9] and glomerular hyperfiltration Tubulointerstitial injury was minimal in both LOS and CON [8, 9] have been observed in F344!LEW rats, suggesting rats (1). The overexpression of renal cortical cytokine mRNA that chronic glomerular injury in this model is driven, levels for the monocyte chemoattractants, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES, as well as interleu- at least in part, by glomerular hemodynamic factors. kin-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and transforming growth Evidence supporting this view came from studies confactor-b, assessed by competitive reverse transcription-poly- ducted in our laboratories showing that restoring total merase chain reaction, was suppressed in LOS versus CON recipient kidney mass essentially normalized PGC and rats at 20 weeks. Macrophage and T-cell numbers were de
Change in clinician-assessed measures of multiple sclerosis and subject-reported quality of life: results from the IMPACT study

Background The IMPACT study demonstrated the benefit of interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a, Avonex®) two-year change in disability measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SP-MS) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI). The IMPACT data permit a detailed assessment of the relation between clinical and self-reported measures.Methods IMPACT was an international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of SP-MS patients. As the MSQLI is only in English, this report includes US and Canadian subjects. Subjects were randomized to weekly intramuscular (im) injections of INb-1a (60 mg) or placebo for 24 months.Results At baseline and follow-up, MSQLI correlations were generally stronger with the EDSS than with the MSQLI, MSFC but comparable with MSFC components. Combining the two groups, MSQLI changes for those in the best and worst MSFC change quartiles demonstrated a stati...
A distributed spacecraft thermal control architecture using the Dallas Semiconductor MicroLan products

Distributing the functionality associated with low-level sensing and actuation, particularly for highly granular functions like thermal control, has been difficult because of the overhead associated with local signal processing and communications functions. The MicroLAN/sup TM/ serial data protocol and architecture implemented by the Dallas Semiconductor DS1820 Digital Thermometer and DS2407 Dual Addressable Switch provide an interesting approach implementing this functionality on spacecraft. Very low-power devices provide simple sophisticated serial bus interfaces which allow significant reductions in configuration management and cable mass. A detailed application architecture for temperature sensing and control is presented. Radiation effects test data, limitations and mitigation techniques are discussed. An application which demonstrates the virtues of one device, the DS1820, on the New Millennium Program's Deep Space One mission is described.
The Morality of Abortion

The term “abortion” is used in this discussion to refer to deliberate removal (or deliberate action to cause the expulsion) of a fetus2 from the womb of a human female, at the request or through the agency of the mother, so as in fact to result in the death of the fetus but with insignificantly small risk to the life or health of the mother. The question I raise is roughly whether abortion in that sense is morally wrong. I am not raising the question whether abortion should be prohibited by law. That is a very different question, and I am confining myself to the moral issue. There is another question I am not raising: whether a fetus should be removed, irrespective of the preferences of the mother, when there is good reason to think the child will be seriously defective, mentally or physically. Since it is a grave responsibility to bring a human being into the world, I think this latter is an important question; but I do not propose to discuss it here.
The Necessity of Being Comparative:Theory Confirmation in Quantitative Political Science:

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that comparative theory testing is necessary if political scientists wish to make positive statements regarding the confirmation of their theories. Using t...
Publication guidelines need widespread adoption

Abstract Objective During the past two decades teams of researchers and editors have developed a variety of publishing guidelines to improve the quality of published research reports. Journals and editorial groups have adopted many of these guidelines. Whereas some guidelines are widely used, others have yet to be generally applied, thwarting attainment of consistent reporting among published research reports. The aim of this study is to describe the development and adoption of general publication guidelines for various study designs, provide examples of guidelines adapted for specific topics, and recommend next steps. Study Design and Setting We reviewed generic guidelines for reporting research results and surveyed their use in PubMed and Science Citation Index. Results Existing guidelines cover a broad spectrum of research designs, but there are still gaps in topics and use. Appropriate next steps include increasing use of available guidelines and their adoption among journals, educating peer reviewers on their use, and incorporating guideline use into the curriculum of medical, nursing, and public health schools. Conclusion Wider adoption of existing guidelines should result in research that is increasingly reported in a standardized, consistent manner.
Membrane polarity in epithelial cells: protein sorting and establishment of polarized domains

Epithelial cells go to great trouble to organize the subdomains of their plasma membranes. The apical and basolateral surfaces of polarized epithelia are equipped with markedly distinct populations of channels, carriers, and pumps. This anisotropy is an absolute prerequisite for vectorial solute and fluid transport. The physiological properties of an individual epithelial cell type are determined not only by its census of transport proteins but also by the manner in which these proteins are segregated between the apical and basolateral portions of the plasmalemma (Curr. Top. Membr. 39: 37-86, 1991). To achieve this asymmetry, an epithelial cell must be able to establish distinct surface domains, to target newly synthesized transport proteins to their appropriate sites of functional residence, and to retain them there following their delivery. Studies of the cellular pathways involved in generating and maintaining the polarized state have begun to illuminate an elegant network of cell biological specializations that may be involved not only in establishing the distributions of transport proteins but in dynamically regulating their function as well.
Accessing Terahertz Complex Conductivity Dynamics in the Time-Domain

Time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is frequently utilized to measure conductivity dynamics on ultrafast time scales. Typically photo-induced changes in the transmission of the peak of the THz waveform are recorded and thought to represent the real conductivity dynamics. Here we evaluate a time-domain scheme that accesses both the real and imaginary conductivity dynamics by recording the photo-induced change in the transmitted THz pulse at its peak and its zero-crossing, respectively. The applicability and limitations of this method are investigated by modeling the THz response of material systems with known conductivity dynamics. The relationship between measured time-domain dynamics and the actual charge carrier dynamics is discussed.
Regions of Rhodobacter sphaeroides cytochrome c2 required for export, heme attachment, and function.

Cytochrome c2 is a periplasmic redox protein involved in both the aerobic and photosynthetic electron transport chains of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The process of cytochrome c2 maturation has been analyzed in order to understand the protein sequences involved in attachment of the essential heme moiety to the cytochrome c2 polypeptide and localization of the protein to the periplasm. To accomplish this, five different translational fusions which differ only in the cytochrome c2 fusion junction were constructed between cytochrome c2 and the Escherichia coli periplasmic alkaline phosphatase. All five of the fusion proteins are exported to the periplasmic space. The four fusion proteins that contain the NH2-terminal site of covalent heme attachment to cytochrome c2 are substrates for heme binding, suggesting that the COOH-terminal region of the protein is not required for heme attachment. Three of these hybrids possess heme peroxidase activity, which indicates that they are functional as electron carriers. Biological activity is possessed by one hybrid protein constructed five amino acids before the cytochrome c2 COOH terminus, since synthesis of this protein restores photosynthetic growth to a photosynthetically incompetent cytochrome c2-deficient derivative of R. sphaeroides. Biochemical analysis of these hybrids has confirmed CycA polypeptide sequences sufficient for export of the protein (A. R. Varga and S. Kaplan, J. Bacteriol. 171:5830-5839, 1989), and it has allowed us to identify regions of the protein sufficient for covalent heme attachment, heme peroxidase activity, docking to membrane-bound redox partners, or the capability to function as an electron carrier. Images
Modeling and estimation of total leakage current in nano-scaled-CMOS devices considering the effect of parameter variation

In this paper we have developed analytical models to estimate the mean and the standard deviation in the gate, the subthreshold, the reverse biased source/drain junction band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) and the total leakage in scaled CMOS devices considering variation in process parameters like device geometry, doping profile, flat-band voltage and supply voltage. We have verified the model using Monte Carlo simulation using an NMOS device of 50 nm effective length and analyzed the results to enumerate the effect of different process parameters on the individual components and the total leakage.
Wavelet-based feature extraction for improved endmember abundance estimation in linear unmixing of hyperspectral signals

This paper shows that the use of appropriate features, such as discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based features, can improve the least squares estimation of endmember abundances using remotely sensed hyperspectral signals. On average, the abundance estimation deviation is reduced by 30% to 50% when using the DWT-based features, as compared to the use of original hyperspectral signals or conventional principal component analysis (PCA)-based features. Theoretical analyses further reveal that the increase of endmember separability is a fundamental reason leading to this improvement. In addition, the robustness of the DWT-based features is verified experimentally. Finally, the idea is generalized as a point that the remote sensing community needs to investigate feature extraction (or dimensionality reduction) methods that are based on signal classification, such as the DWT approach, for linear unmixing problems, rather than using feature extraction methods that are based on signal representation, such as the conventional PCA approach.
Redescription of the Type Species for the Genus ‡Notogoneus (Teleostei: Gonorynchidae) Based on New, Well-Preserved Material

Abstract †Notogoneus osculus Cope, the type species for the geographically widespread Upper Cretaceous to Upper Oligocene genus †Notogoneus (Gonorynchidae), is redescribed in detail based on much new material. This species is known from the Early Eocene Fossil Butte Member of the Green River Formation, southwestern Wyoming. It is geologically the youngest known species of the family Gonorynchidae in North America, although the family is known from Oligocene and Miocene lacustrine deposits of Europe and Australia and is extant today in tropical marine environments of the Pacific (Gonorynchus spp.). In this paper we also correct a number of mistakes in previously published morphological descriptions of †N. osculus (e.g., in skull and caudal skeleton) based on a large, new sample of well-preserved, well-prepared specimens. Accurate description of this species is important because it is the type for the genus and it is also by far the best preserved of all known species of †Notogoneus. In addition, it may she...
The First Genome-Wide Linkage on Conservative-Liberal Ideologies

The assumption that the transmission of social behaviors and political preferences is purely cultural has been challenged repeatedly over the last forty years by the combined evidence of large studies of adult twins and their relatives, adoption studies and twins reared apart. Variance components and path modeling analyses using data from extended families quantified the overall genetic influence on political attitudes, but few studies have attempted to localize the parts of the genome which accounted for the heritability estimates found for political preferences. Here, we present the first genome-wide analysis of Conservative-Liberal attitudes from a sample of 13,000 respondents whose DNA was collected in conjunction with a 50 item socio-political attitude questionnaire. Several significant linkage peaks were identified and potential candidate genes discussed.
CUFF BLADDER SIZE IN A BLOOD PRESSURE SURVEY OF CHILDREN

To investigate whether cuff bladder dimensions relative to the length and circumference of the upper arm affect the outcome of epidemiologic blood pressure surveys, multiple observers took multiple measurements on each of 92 grade school children from Franklinton and 351 children from Bogalusa, Louisiana. For the present study, the broad, hard surrounding cuff of the Physiometrics blood pressure recorder using a transducer embedded in the ample cuff bladder gave "true readings." Baumanometer readings were performed using standard cuff sizes selected according to currently recommended criteria. "Excess pressure reading" equal to mean Baumanometer reading minus mean true reading. "Deficient cuff bladder length" equal to percentage of upperarm circumference not covered by the rubber bladder. Pearson correlation coefficients for the two groups of children supported the hypothesis (at the 5% level of significance) that deficient cuff bladder length is associated with excess pressure reading. The relevant correlation coefficients for the two groups of children were 0.18 and 0.31 (systolic pressure) and 0.24 and 0.19 (diastolic pressure). In addition to sufficient cuff width, the complete surrounding of the entire arm circumference by the rubber bladder is recommended for epidemiologic studies of children.
In vitro Exposure to the Herbicide Atrazine Inhibits T Cell Activation, Proliferation, and Cytokine Production and Significantly Increases the Frequency of Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells

The herbicide atrazine (2-chloro-4-[ethylamino]-6-[isopropylamino]-s-triazine) is the most common water contaminant in the United States. Atrazine is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and is classified as an estrogen disrupting compound because it elevates estrogen levels via induction of the enzyme aromatase. Previous studies have shown that atrazine exposure alters the function of innate immune cells such as NK cells, DC, mast cells, and macrophages. In this study we have examined the impact of in vitro atrazine exposure on the activation, proliferation, and effector cytokine production by primary murine CD4(+) T lymphocytes. We found that atrazine exposure significantly inhibited CD4(+) T cell proliferation and accumulation as well as the expression of the activation markers CD25 and CD69 in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the effects were more pronounced in cells from male animals. These effects were partially mimicked by pharmacological reagents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels and addition of exogenous rmIL-2 further inhibited proliferation and CD25 expression. Consistent with these findings, atrazine exposure during T cell activation resulted in a 2- to 5-fold increase in the frequency of Foxp3(+) CD4(+) T cells.
SUSTAINED AGRICULTURAL GROWTH AND ECONOMIC STRUCTURAL CHANGE:SOME REFLECTIONS ON FARMLAND CONSOLIDATION PROGRAMS IN TAIWAN AND MAINLAND CHINA

This paper reviews farmland consolidation programmes in Taiwan and Mainland China,and studies their role in promoting agricultural growth while the econ- omy underwent (undergoes) rapid structural changes,and in facilitating these changes by raising agricultural incomes and easing rural-urban migration pressures on cities.A model is developed of a farmer allocating time between three activities,farming,non- farming and urban employment,under conditions of small family farms.An important feature of the model is that while a farmer can simultaneously engage in rural farming and non-farming activities,he has to choose either urban employment or rural farming and non-farming activities.It is argued that,as well as directly contributing to labour productivity in farming,FC can play an important role in reconciling conflicts in"pat- terns of hours"and"pattern of labour inputs"between rural farming and non-farming activities,thereby enabling a farmer to effectively utilize both activities,and helping ease pressures of rural-urban migration on cities.
Psychosocial Factors Related to Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis: Results From Pooled Study Analyses.

Objective The goal is to assess the relationships between psychosocial factors and both medial and lateral epicondylitis after adjustment for personal and job physical exposures. Methods One thousand eight hundred twenty-four participants were included in pooled analyses. Ten psychosocial factors were assessed. Results One hundred twenty-one (6.6%) and 34 (1.9%) participants have lateral and medial epicondylitis, respectively. Nine psychosocial factors assessed had significant trends or associations with lateral epicondylitis, the largest of which was between physical exhaustion after work and lateral epicondylitis with and odds ratio of 7.04 (95% confidence interval = 2.02 to 24.51). Eight psychosocial factors had significant trends or relationships with medial epicondylitis, with the largest being between mental exhaustion after work with an odds ratio of 6.51 (95% confidence interval = 1.57 to 27.04). Conclusions The breadth and strength of these associations after adjustment for confounding factors demonstrate meaningful relationships that need to be further investigated in prospective analyses.
Koelle, Sigismund Wilhelm (1823–1902)

Sigismund Wilhelm Koelle is best known as author of the Polyglotta Africana, a compendium of comparative data from over 100 West African languages. Koelle collected information for the Polyglotta during his brief sojourn as a missionary in Sierra Leone, where he worked for the Church Missionary Society. Most of Koelle's informants were ex-slaves, and the stories they told him proved useful not only for linguistic analyses, but for deepening knowledge about the Atlantic and inter-African slave trades. As an Africanist linguist, Koelle also wrote grammars of both the Vai and Kanuri languages.
Religious and Spiritual Experiences: A smorgasbord of dangers and delights: the phenomenology of religious and spiritual experiences

INTRODUCTION Religious behaviors, beliefs, and experiences are astonishingly diverse – far more varied than most people realize. Some of these phenomena are exciting, life-changing events; some are mundane, everyday happenings; some are devastating and terrifying; some co-occur with psychologically anomalous experiences; some are profoundly threatening to mental stability and the fabric of social life. The best way to think about the whole range of religious behaviors, beliefs, and experiences without trivializing them or improperly taming their wildness is to find out about their diversity, the conditions that affect their expression, their functions in individual lives, and their social effects. After we know something about all this, we should repeatedly remind ourselves of it because we are apt to constrict our view to that with which we ourselves are personally most familiar, or that which our favorite theory of RSEs can most easily accommodate. Beyond simply knowing about and remembering the diversity and range of RSEs, it is also vital that our descriptive tools are well crafted to avoid accidentally nurturing a distorted interpretation of the nature, functions, and value of RSEs. This imposes a burden on the phenomenologist, the expert in richly describing phenomena. This burden is best shouldered by means of evidence-based arguments on behalf of the categories, distinctions, and multidisciplinary insights that the descriptions employ.
An artificial neural network for real-time hardwood lumber grading

A novel approach to computerized hardwood lumber grading is examined that takes a hybridized approach using projected yield from cut-up simulation and neural network methods.This new approach has the advantage of both accuracy and high-processing speed.This Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method achieved a higher overall accuracy of 80.2 versus 73.4% of earlier approaches.When compared with typical human lumber graders, computer-based approaches compare favorably. Computerized grading of hardwood lumber according to NHLA rules would permit fast assessment of sawn lumber and the evaluation of potential edging and trimming operations to improve lumber value. More importantly, to enable optimization of the hardwood lumber sawing process, a fast means of evaluating the potential value of boards before they are sawn is necessary. As log and lumber scanning systems become prevalent and common, these needs become more pressing. From an automation perspective, the NHLA lumber grades are difficult to implement efficiently in a computer program. Exhaustive approaches that examine every potential cutting size and combination to determine the grade give accurate grading solutions, at the cost of computation time. Other approaches have examined heuristic methods that implement key parts of the grading rules, or used artificial neural network methods, both with the loss of accuracy. Here, a different approach to computerized grading is examined that takes a hybridized approach using projected yield from cut-up simulation and neural network methods. This new hybrid approach has the advantage of both accuracy and high-processing speed. Such an approach lends itself to log sawing optimization with respect to NHLA grades and market values when internal log defect information is known.
STEREO superior solar conjunction mission phase

With its long duration and high gain antenna (HGA) feed thermal constraint; the NASA Solar-TErestrial RElations Observatory (STEREO) solar conjunction mission phase is quite unique to deep space operations. Originally designed for a two year heliocentric orbit mission to primarily study coronal mass ejection propagation, after 8 years of continuous science data collection, the twin STEREO observatories entered the solar conjunction mission phase, for which they were not designed. Nine months before entering conjunction, an unforeseen thermal constraint threatened to stop daily communications and science data collection for 15 months. With a 3.5 month long communication blackout from the superior solar conjunction, without ground commands, each observatory will reset every 3 days, resulting in 35 system resets at an Earth range of 2 AU. As the observatories will be conjoined for the first time in 8 years, a unique opportunity for calibrating the same instruments on identical spacecraft will occur. As each observatory has lost redundancy, and with only a limited fidelity hardware simulator, how can the new observatory configuration be adequately and safely tested on each spacecraft? Without ground commands, how would a 3-axis stabilized spacecraft safely manage the ever accumulating system momentum without using propellant for thrusters? Could science data still be collected for the duration of the solar conjunction mission phase? Would the observatories survive? In its second extended mission, operational resources were limited at best. This paper discusses the solutions to the STEREO superior solar conjunction operational challenges, science data impact, testing, mission operations, results, and lessons learned while implementing.
Photophysics of small semiconductor clusters: the effects of quantum confinement and dielectric confinement

Small semiconductor cluster in the size regime of tens to hundreds of A represents a fascinating new class of materials. The advancement in cluster syntheses now allows us to study their size-dependent properties systematically. In this paper we report recent progress towards the understanding of the quantum size effect and the dielectric confinement effect. The effects of surface-trapped electron-hole pair on the photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of CdS clusters as well as the exciton luminescent properties of ammonia-passivated CdS clusters will also be discussed.
Decontamination in the Microbiology Laboratory

To protect laboratory workers, the general public, and the environment, as well as to avoid release of infectious agents into the environment, laboratories use a combination of work practices and engineering controls, including decontamination strategies for work surfaces, items, and spaces within the laboratory, to mitigate this risk. “Decontamination” is a general term that usually refers to a process that makes an item safe to handle, or a space safe to occupy, and can include processes ranging from simple cleaning with soap and water to sterilization. This chapter discusses the factors necessary for environmentally mediated transmission of infection to occur and methods for decontamination (which includes cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization). Emphasis is placed on the general approaches to decontamination practices and not on the detailed protocols and methods. The principles of sterilization and disinfection are discussed and compared in the context of the decontamination procedures used in laboratories.
Value of Near-Peer Mentorship from Protégé and Mentor Perspectives: A Strategy to Increase Physician Workforce Diversity.

Abstract Purpose Mentorship is a critical aspect of personal and professional development in academic medicine and helps to improve career satisfaction, productivity, and social networking. However, individuals from communities underrepresented in medicine (URiM) across the training continuum experience difficulty obtaining mentors, even prior to college. The value of near-peer mentorship is less well studied in medicine relative to other fields. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore the mentorship experiences of high school student proteges and their medical student mentors, as well as provide a description of the key features of the Doctors of Tomorrow (DOT) program. Methods From November 2014 to September 2015, the authors used focus groups and critical incident narratives with 9th grade high school students as well as focus groups and semi-structured interviews with medical students to examine mentor-protege experiences in the Doctors of Tomorrow (DOT) program. In 2016, thirty-one medical student mentors were asked to complete an online survey about their mentor experiences. Focus group and interview data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All data were coded using thematic analysis and recurring codes were organized into categories, then compared, scrutinized and arranged into broader themes by all authors. Results The analysis of data from 70 medical students and 52 high school students revealed that mentors and proteges valued their mentor relationships based on regular in-person and electronic contact, shared common non-academic interests, and the anticipated prolonged nature of the relationship. Mentors also reported they initiated contact with their proteges every 2–3 weeks and monthly outside of program events, with email communication as the most common modality. Conclusions Near-peer relationships between high school and medical students may be an innovative strategy to promote health care careers, increase access to mentorship and develop meaningful mentorship relationships for URiM high school students.
Should Analysts Act Alone

Analysts and the financial press are often accused of paying too much attention to one another, instead of providing their own independent analyses of fundamental information. Prior research suggests that such mutual observation can render consensus forecasts too extreme, more redundant, and less informative, and that investors will fail to anticipate these effects, leading investors to hold overly extreme beliefs with excessive confidence. We find that mutual observation in a laboratory setting does increase the extremity of consensus forecasts, but not excessively, and improves accuracy when incentives for accuracy are high as a result of the target firm experiencing recent abnormal performance. A second experiment shows that investors account appropriately for the effects of mutual observation. Overall, the results are consistent with an economic model in which analysts and investors are effort-averse Bayesians.
White Matter Abnormalities in Children with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: A DTI and MEG Study

The widespread propagation of synchronized neuronal firing in seizure disorders may affect cortical and subcortical brain regions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the abnormal changes of white matter in children with focal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Eight children with clinically diagnosed TLE and eight age- and gender-matched healthy controls were studied. DTI images were obtained with a 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The epileptic foci were localized with MEG. Fractional anisotropy (FA), trace, 1-volume ratio (VR), parallel (λ||) and perpendicular (\(\lambda\bot\)) diffusivities in the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, external capsule, anterior limbs of the internal capsule, and the posterior limbs of the internal capsule were calculated. The DTI parameters in the same brain regions between patients and controls were statistically compared. The DTI parameters of white matter between the hemisphere with seizure foci and the hemisphere without seizure foci were statistically compared. In comparison to controls, patients with epilepsy had significantly lower FA and higher trace, 1-VR, λ|| and \(\lambda\bot\) in white matter structures. There was no significant difference between the hemisphere with seizure foci and the hemisphere without seizure foci in TLE patients in terms of FA, trace, 1-VR, λ|| and \(\lambda\bot\). The results of the present study indicate that children with TLE had significant abnormalities in the white matter in the hemisphere with seizure foci. Furthermore, these abnormal changes could be identified in the hemisphere without seizure foci. Though further investigation and more patients’ data are necessary, it seems that white matter abnormalities represent an underlying predisposing factor in the development of TLE.
The operating behaviour of multistage systems—I: The steady state

Abstract Small but constant variations in the composition of the feed to a multistage system produce steady state composition changes at every stage. The relation between these adjacent steady states is investigated theoretically by means of matrix algebra and the theory of continued fractions. Closed form equations for small changes are derived and then analysed to obtain four qualitative conclusions applicable to most practical systems. A proposal is advanced for reducing the need to vary reflux ratio to control product composition.
The Impact of Occipital Cortical Mantle Thinning on Visual Processing in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (S51.007)

Objective: To determine the functional consequences of thinning of the visual cortex in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to progressive loss of cortical tissue. Thinning of the cortex in adult MS patients is associated with impaired performance on neuropsychological tests including visual memory. We have demonstrated that, relative to other brain regions, thinning of the visual cortex is particularly prominent in POMS. Whether visual cortex thinning predicts impairment in visual acuity and cognitive measures of visual memory is unknown. Design/Methods: POMS patients (onset 3 T1-FLASH sequences using freesurfer. Participants completed monocular and binocular high- and low-contrast visual acuity testing and a neurocognitive battery with a focus on visual tasks (symbol digit modalities test [SDMT], Beery Visual Motor Integration [BVMI]). Cortical thickness and neurocognitive measures were adjusted for age and sex. General linear models were used to determine whether visual cortical mantle thinning predicted performance on the SDMT or BVMI, binocular acuity, and the magnitude of binocular summation. Results: 20 POMS participants and 22 HC were enrolled. Global cortical thinning of the cerebral hemispheres was observed in the POMS group (p=0.03), with notable thinning of the occipital cortex (p=0.002) compared to HC. The foveal confluence was spared. Occipital cortical mantle thinning predicted decreased z-scores on the written SDMT (p=0.001), even after adjusting for disease status (MS vs HC, p=0.009) and whole brain cortical thickness (p=0.029). No relationship was found between occipital cortex thickness and monocular or binocular acuity, nor with the magnitude of binocular summation. Conclusions: Cortical mantle thinning of the occipital lobe impacts higher-order visual processing in POMS. Sparing of the cortex dedicated to the fovea may explain the absence of a relationship between occipital cortex thickness and measures of visual acuity. Study Supported by: NIH (K23NS069806), CHOP Foerderer Award Disclosure: Dr. Waldman holds stock and/or stock options in Spark,Thermo Fisher. Dr. Sollee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lavery has nothing to disclose. Dr. Karoscik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Liu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shinohara has nothing to disclose. Dr Banwell has nothing to disclose. Dr. Datta has nothing to disclose.
Energy savings potential of passive chilled beams vs air systems in various US climatic zones with different system configurations

Abstract The energy savings potential of passive chilled beams in various climatic zones is analyzed in this study. A passive chilled beam model, developed based on full-scale experiments, is used as a system module in a whole building simulation tool to account for the convective and radiative effects of passive chilled beams. The model was validated with measurements from a field study in an open plan office equipped with multiple passive chilled beams. In addition, a parallel field study in an adjacent identical office space equipped with an air (VAV) system was conducted to compare the resulting energy consumption with the two systems. To further study the energy savings potential and indoor thermal conditions with passive chilled beams, four different chilled beam system configurations, combined with a parallel variable air volume system, were studied using the whole building model in different US climatic zones. The results showed that using a dedicated outdoor air system, or a separate chiller for the passive chilled beams, or a desiccant wheel after the cooling coil may result in significant relative energy savings depending on the location. The last option proved to be the most efficient, providing up to 12% for hot and humid climates and up to 20% for hot and dry climates –compared to a conventional variable air volume system. Finally, the radiative-to-total cooling effect of passive chilled beams varied between 7% and 8% and has only a small impact on energy savings and indoor thermal conditions.
Semantic Crosstalk in Timbre Perception

Many adjectives for musical timbre reflect cross-modal correspondence, particularly with vision and touch (e.g., “dark–bright,” “smooth–rough”). Although multisensory integration between visual/tac...
Target Date Defaults in a Public Sector Retirement Saving Plan

Little is known about whether employee retirement saving patterns change when public sector employers implement Target Date Funds (TDFs) as the default plan investment. We use administrative and survey data from a large government entity to track participation, contributions, and asset allocation impacts of TDF introduction. We show that those mapped into TDFs did not alter their holdings so that the reform resulted in higher equity shares, especially for women, younger workers, and low‐seniority employees. The least risk‐tolerant and financially literate employees held 12 percentage points more equity than previously. Moreover, defaulting public employees into TDF had a profoundly sticky effect on their subsequent investment behavior.
Attitudinal Learning in Large-Enrollment Classrooms: A Case Study.

How to provide effective attitudinal learning in large-enrollment classrooms is a continuing question in higher education. This qualitative single case study investigated instructional design strategies and activities that could effectively be applied to attitude change in large-enrollment learning contexts. By evaluating an undergraduate sustainability course from multiple perspectives, this study focused on answering four research questions: 1) Did students perceive that their attitudes towards sustainability changed after taking the course? 2) From expert instructional designers’ perspectives, to what extent was the course design aligned with the first principles for attitudinal instruction? 3) From both the instructor and students’ perspectives, what instructional activities were most effective for attitude change? 4) From the instructor’s perspective, what were the key instructional design strategies for promoting effective attitudinal instruction? Results showed that despite the challenges a large course might present, this course successfully helped students change their attitudes towards sustainability. A variety of instructional strategies and activities were applied in this course, including active learning, instructional videos, collaborative projects, and teamwork. This case study set a successful example of incorporating active learning strategies and activities in large classroom contexts.
Firm Suburbanization in the Context of Urban Sprawl: Neighborhood Effect and Sectoral Difference

This study explores spatial patterns and mechanisms of industrial growth in Salt Lake County, Utah, which vary with sectoral divisions and scales in the context of urban sprawl. We find that beside...
Global Perspectives in Controversies Related to the Management of Intra-Abdominal Infections

Background: Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) remain a substantial cause of worldwide morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost burden. The World Surgical Infection Society (WSIS) was organized to h...
Building an Interactive Workbench Environment for Single Cell Genomics Applications

We discuss the procedure to build an interactive workbench environment for single cell genomics applications with the Open OnDemand (OOD) science gateway. In our approach, an end-user submits a complex single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA) pipeline, checks the status of the job, and visualizes the output results. All of these tasks are accomplished through a web browser, relieving the users from the complexities involved in developing and handling a large-scale workflow. Our approach helped researchers in processing several input data sets of scRNA in the campus HPC cluster. Although the current work is focused on scRNA analysis, the same approach can be extended for any workflow.
The Big Shift: From Monetary to Fiscal Policy

This research note investigates why Congress is likely to gain importance with respect to financial market price impacts, relative to monetary policy. Economic theory that claims the primary constraint on government spending is inflation, rather than deficits, has rapidly moved into Overton window, freeing up fiscal policy to have nearly unlimited firepower for tackling underemployment, inequality, climate change, and healthcare. There's a potential Blue Wave eager to address social, economic, and environmental issues through sweeping legislation and rule-making. There's less room left to advance monetary policy, given actions taken already. There are practically infinite levers to pull through new legislation and regulation – this is not the case with the blunt instrument of monetary policy. Proposed policies have specific sets of winners and losers, which leads to more dispersion in prices across companies, relative to the blunter monetary policy tools. This is even more pronounced with Democratic proposals. Within-day-within-sector spread between winner and loser public companies is larger with Democratic proposed policies over the past 6 years of data. More fiscal policy (and especially more of it coming from Democrats) could lead to more policy-driven winners and losers in the public markets.
Pairwise Comparisons Using Ranks in the One-Way Model

The Wilcoxon rank sum test for two independent samples and the Kruskal–Wallis rank test for the one-way model with k independent samples are very competitive robust alternatives to the two-sample t...
Identification of UBE3A Protein in CSF and Extracellular Space of the Hippocampus Suggest a Potential Novel Function in Synaptic Plasticity

Disruptions to the maternally inherited allele UBE3A, encoding for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, leads to the manifestation of Angelman Syndrome (AS). While this disorder is rare, the symptoms are severe and lifelong including but not limited to: intractable seizures, abnormal EEG's, ataxic gait, lack of speech, and most notably an abnormally happy demeanor with easily provoked laughter. Currently, little is known about the neurophysiological underpinnings of UBE3A leading to such globally severe phenotypes. Utilizing the newest AS rat model, comprised of a full UBE3A deletion, we aimed to elucidate novel mechanistic actions and potential therapeutic targets. This report demonstrates for the first time that catalytically active UBE3A protein is detectable within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of wild type rats but distinctly absent in AS rat CSF. Microdialysis within the rat hippocampus also showed that UBE3A protein is located in the interstitial fluid of wild type rat brains but absent in AS animals. This protein maintains catalytic activity and appears to be regulated in a dynamic activity-dependent manner. LAY SUMMARY: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the loss of the UBE3A gene within the central nervous system. Although we have identified the gene responsible for AS, we still have a long way to go to fully understand its function in vivo. Here we report that UBE3A is present within normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but distinctly absent in AS CSF. Furthermore, we demonstrate that UBE3A is secreted and that this may occur in a dynamic activity-dependent fashion. Extracellular UBE3A maintained its ubiquitinating activity, thus suggesting that UBE3A may have a novel role outside of neurons. Autism Res 2021, 14: 645-655. © 2021 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.