cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Peritubercle Lucency Sign is a Common and Early Radiographic Finding in Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

Background A rotational mechanism of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in which the epiphyseal tubercle acts as a fulcrum has been recently described. However, there is limited radiographic evidence supporting this theory. We aimed to investigate whether a radiographic lucency around the epiphyseal tubercle (peritubercle lucency sign) could be observed before or at the diagnosis of a subsequent slip in patients initially presenting with unilateral SCFE. Methods We evaluated 70 patients with unilateral SCFE who were followed until a contralateral slip was diagnosed, and 180 patients with unilateral SCFE who had no contralateral slip until skeletal maturity between 2000 and 2017. We revised anteroposterior and lateral radiographs from the initial presentation, surveillance, and diagnosis of a contralateral SCFE. The presence or absence of the peritubercle lucency sign in the contralateral initially uninvolved hip was recorded for every radiograph. The presence of hip pain, and the presence of classic radiographic parameters for SCFE diagnosis (epiphyseal tilt and Klein's line) were recorded when the peritubercle lucency sign became noticeable. Results The peritubercle lucency sign was observed in 84% [59/70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 73%-92%] of the patients who developed contralateral slip. Most patients (46/59=78%; 95% CI, 65%-87%; P Conclusions A peritubercle lucency is an early imaging sign, present in >80% of contralateral slips following an initial presentation of unilateral SCFE. The presence of the peritubercle lucency sign may be helpful for contralateral hip surveillance. Future studies are necessary to establish the clinical validity of the peritubercle lucency sign and whether it may serve as a predictor of contralateral involvement. Level of evidence Diagnostic level III.
Store-Operated Calcium Entry Channels in Pulmonary Endothelium: The Emerging Story of TRPCS and Orai1

Cells of diverse origin utilize shifts in cytosolic calcium concentrations as intracellular signals to elicit physiological responses. In endothelium, inflammatory first messengers increase cytosolic calcium as a signal to disrupt cell-cell borders and produce inter-cellular gaps. Calcium influx across the plasma membrane is required to initiate barrier disruption, although the calcium entry mechanism responsible for this effect remains poorly understood. This chapter highlights recent efforts to define the molecular anatomy of the ion channel responsible for triggering endothelial cell gap formation. Resolving the identity and function of this calcium channel will pave the way for new anti-inflammatory therapeutic targets.
Non-intrusive Uncertainty Propagation with Error Bounds for Conservation Laws Containing Discontinuities

The propagation of statistical model parameter uncertainty in the numerical approximation of nonlinear conservation laws is considered. Of particular interest are nonlinear conservation laws containing uncertain parameters resulting in stochastic solutions with discontinuities in both physical and random variable dimensions. Using a finite number of deterministic numerical realizations, our objective is the accurate estimation of output uncertainty statistics (e.g. expectation and variance) for quantities of interest such as functionals, graphs, and fields. Given the error in numerical realizations, error bounds for output statistics are derived that may be numerically estimated and included in the calculation of output statistics. Unfortunately, the calculation of output statistics using classical techniques such as polynomial chaos, stochastic collocation, and sparse grid quadrature can be severely compromised by the presence of discontinuities in random variable dimensions. An alternative technique utilizing localized piecewise approximation combined with localized subscale recovery is shown to significantly improve the quality of calculated statistics when discontinuities are present. The success of this localized technique motivates the development of the HYbrid Global and Adaptive Polynomial (HYGAP) method described in Sect. 4.4. HYGAP employs a high accuracy global approximation when the solution data varies smoothly in a random variable dimension and local adaptive polynomial approximation with local postprocessing when the solution is non-smooth. To illustrate strengths and weaknesses of classical and newly proposed uncertainty propagation methods, a number of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model problems containing various sources of parameter uncertainty are calculated including 1-D Burgers’ equation, subsonic and transonic flow over 2-D single-element and multi-element airfoils, transonic Navier-Stokes flow over a 3-D ONERA M6 wing, and supersonic Navier-Stokes flow over a greatly simplified Saturn-V rocket.
‘The Lord Is My Shock Absorber’: A Sociohistorical Integrationist Approach to Mid-Twentieth-Century Literacy Practices in Ghana

Taking a sociohistorical perspective, this chapter analyses the language practices of taxi inscriptions in Ghana during the mid-twentieth century. Through the lens of Integrationism, the chapter explores whether recent scholarship in sociolinguistics has advanced African linguistic scholarship beyond existing ideologies of named, countable African languages.
A human induced pluripotent stem cell line (TRNDi007-B) from an infantile onset Pompe patient carrying p.R854X mutation in the GAA gene.

Abstract Pompe disease is an autosomal inherent genetic disease caused by mutations in the GAA gene that encodes acid alpha-glucosidase. The disease affects patients in heart, skeletal muscles, liver, and central nervous system. A human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line was generated from the skin dermal fibroblasts of a Pompe patient with homozygosity for a c.2560C > T (p.R854X) mutation in exon 18 of the GAA gene. This human iPSC line provides a useful resource for disease modeling and drug discovery.
Safety and environmental comparisons of stainless steel with alternative structural materials for fusion reactors

Using the FuseDose II computer code, we calculated and compared several indices of safety and environmental (S&E) hazards for conceptual magnetic-fusion reactor designs based on a variety of struct...
Vocational Psychology: Expanding the Vision and Enhancing the Impact ψ:

In this contribution, we provide a critical analysis of the current status of vocational psychology and present an expansive vision for the future. We begin with an overview of the importance of vo...
Randomized controlled trial of Family Connects: Effects on child emergency medical care from birth to 24 months

One of Tom Dishion's most significant contributions to prevention science was the development of affordable, ecologically valid interventions, such as the Family Check-Up, that screen for child and family risk factors broadly, but concentrate family-specific interventions on those with greatest potential for population impact. In the spirit of this approach, investigators examined effects of a brief, universal postnatal home visiting program on child emergency medical care and billing costs from birth to age 24 months. Family Connects is a community-wide public health intervention that combines identification and alignment of community services and resources with brief, postpartum nurse home visits designed to assess risk, provide supportive guidance, and connect families with identified risk to community resources. Over 18 months, families of all 4,777 resident Durham County, North Carolina, births were randomly assigned based on even or odd birth date to receive a postnatal nurse home visiting intervention or services as usual (control). Independently, 549 of these families were randomly selected and participated in an impact evaluation study. Families, blind to study goals, provided written consent to access hospital administrative records. Results indicate that children randomly assigned to Family Connects had significantly less total emergency medical care (by 37%) through age 24 months, with results observed across almost all subgroups. Examination of billing records indicate a $3.17 decrease in total billing costs for each $1 in program costs. Overall, results suggest that community-wide postpartum support program can significantly reduce population rates of child emergency medical care through age 24 months while being cost-beneficial to communities.
Tumor treating fields in the management of Glioblastoma: opportunities for advanced imaging

Alternating electric fields have been successfully applied to cancer cells in-vitro to disrupt malignant progression and this antimitotic therapy has now been proven to be efficacious in Phase II and Phase III randomized clinical trials of patients with glioblastoma. With additional clinical trials ongoing in a number of other malignancies, there is a crucial need for a better understanding of the radiographic predictors of response and standardization of surveillance imaging interpretation. However, many radiologists have yet to become familiarized with this emerging cancer therapy and there is little active investigation to develop prognostic or predictive imaging biomarkers. This article provides an overview of the pre-clinical data that elucidate the biologic mechanisms of alternating electric fields as a cancer therapy. Results from clinical trials in patients with glioblastoma are then reviewed while elaborating on the several limitations to adoption of this promising line of treatment. Finally, a proposal for the development of imaging markers as a means of overcoming some of these limitations is made, which may improve treatment utilization by augmenting patient selection not only in glioblastoma, but also other malignant conditions for which this therapy is currently being evaluated.
Loss of tyrosine kinase receptor Ephb2 impairs proliferation and stem cell activity of spermatogonia in culture

Germline stem and progenitor cells can be extracted from the adult mouse testis and maintained long-term in vitro. Yet, the optimal culture conditions for preserving stem cell activity are unknown. Recently, multiple members of the Eph receptor family were detected in murine spermatogonia, but their roles remain obscure. One such gene, Ephb2, is crucial for maintenance of somatic stem cells and was previously found enriched at the level of mRNA in murine spermatogonia. We detected Ephb2 mRNA and protein in primary adult spermatogonial cultures and hypothesized that Ephb2 plays a role in maintenance of stem cells in vitro. We employed CRISPR-Cas9 targeting and generated stable mutant SSC lines with complete loss of Ephb2. The characteristics of Ephb2-KO cells were interrogated using phenotypic and functional assays. Ephb2-KO SSCs exhibited reduced proliferation compared to wild-type cells, while apoptosis was unaffected. Therefore, we examined whether Ephb2 loss correlates with activity of canonical pathways involved in stem cell self-renewal and proliferation. Ephb2-KO cells had reduced ERK MAPK signaling. Using a lentiviral transgene, Ephb2 expression was rescued in Ephb2-KO cells, which partially restored signaling and proliferation. Transplantation analysis revealed that Ephb2-KO SSCs cultures formed significantly fewer colonies than WT, indicating a role for Ephb2 in preserving stem cell activity of cultured cells. Transcriptome analysis of wild-type and Ephb2-KO SSCs identified Dppa4 and Bnc1 as differentially expressed, Ephb2-dependent genes that are potentially involved in stem cell function. These data uncover for the first time a crucial role for Ephb2 signaling in cultured SSCs.
Explicit vs. statistical targeting in affirmative action: Theory and evidence from Chicago's exam schools

Abstract Prohibitions on using race in affirmative action have spurred a number of admissions systems to adopt race-neutral alternatives that encourage diversity without appearing to explicitly advantage any particular group. The new affirmative action system for Chicago's exam schools reserves seats for students based on their neighborhood and leaves the rest to be assigned via merit. Neighborhoods are divided into four tiers based on an index of socioeconomic disadvantage. At each school, an equal fraction of seats are reserved for each tier. We show that the order in which seats are processed at schools provides an additional lever to explicitly target disadvantaged applicants. We then characterize tier-blind processing rules that do not explicitly discriminate between tiers. Even under these rules, it is possible to favor certain applicants by exploiting the score distribution across tiers, a phenomenon we call statistical targeting. When disadvantaged applicants systematically have lower scores than other applicants, the optimal tier-blind processing order first assigns merit seats and then the tier seats. Our analysis shows that Chicago has been providing an additional boost to applicants from disadvantaged tiers beyond their reserved slots, a benefit comparable to what they received from the 2012 increase in reserve size.
Open Repair of Large Symptomatic Subclavian/Axillary Artery Aneurysm with Partial Claviculectomy

Open repair of a large symptomatic subclavian/axillary artery aneurysm was performed. Partial thrombosis of the aneurysm resulted in ischemic symptoms in the hand. Partial claviculectomy was used for tunneling the interposition PTFE graft.
Examining building blocks of well-being beyond PERMA and self-report bias

Recent debates in the Journal of Positive Psychology about the nature and usefulness of PERMA have created confusion about its contribution toward the understanding and prediction of well-being. Th...
Feeding and eating disorders

Eating disorders (EDs) are a group of prevalent psychiatric illnesses with an onset in early to late adolescence-a time of significant neural development, physical and psychologic growth, and self-exploration. The etiology and neurobiology of EDs are not well understood, but EDs are recognized as brain-based illnesses with serious acute and long-term consequences if undertreated or ignored. Two EDs, anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), have historically been the primary EDs of focus. The DSM-5 updated diagnostic criteria for these disorders added two more: binge-eating disorder (BED) and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). EDs severely impact males as well as females across the weight spectrum. Comorbidity is high; mortality rates for AN and BN are the highest in psychiatric conditions and higher than many medical conditions. Several treatment options are available to treat an ED ranging from inpatient hospitalization to outpatient services and different psychotherapy options. This chapter reviews the diagnostic criteria, clinical presentation, and treatment for these disorders. Where available, sex differences and developmental considerations will be noted. For all EDs, early recognition and swift treatment are necessary to avoid a chronic course.
Translating Humour in The Song of Roland

Although The Song of Roland has the comedic quality of ending happily for the protagonists—those who die go to heaven, and those who live triumph for their emperor and their religion—it feels intensely tragic. Nobody would describe this epic poem as comic or anticipate humour in it, yet like all great works of literature, it covers a huge range of emotions. Part of my responsibility in translating The Song of Roland (Hackett Publishers, 2012) was to discover humour where it is easy to overlook, suppress unintended humour, and convey humour when it does occur. This case study describes my own efforts to do justice to the humour in The Song of Roland. It reveals key problems encountered in doing so: the loss of meaning sometimes tied up with preserving the humour of the original, and the tension between humorous potential and author-intentionality.
Introduction to Dodge v. Ford Motor Co.: Primary Source and Commentary Material

Original documents in historic cases provide a uniquely valuable perspective on the cases themselves and the surrounding circumstances and history that contribute to the development of legal principles. Understanding that access to historical materials can be difficult, the Chapman Law Review has endeavored to collect source documents regarding the case of Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. After a short introduction to this compilation, including a discussion of research methodologies, several key historical documents are reproduced and transcribed that we hope will aid future researchers.
Multidimensional Strategic Communication with Uncertain Salience

In many areas where strategic communication models are applied (e.g., lobbying by interest groups), the relevant uncertainty about the sender is not over the direction of their bias, but their priority over different issues. Within a model of multidimensional cheap talk, if the salience of different issues to the sender is unknown by the receiver, the expert may use the dimensions that are of less importance (to them) in order to achieve further manipulation of the policy-maker. The sender will do this unless he is sufficiently unbiased such that he has little conflict of interest with the receiver. This is inefficient from the policy-maker’s perspective, as she will be taking a loss (relative to babbling) from the dimensions on which she is receiving “false” information. Moreover, even with two senders, one is not able to recreate the reporting mechanism of Battaglini (2002), and instead potentially ends up with less information transmission than with a single sender. I propose a novel linear tax on lobbying along different dimensions in order to align the incentives of the receiver and sender when it comes to information acquisition and cross-dimensional manipulation.
Assessment of isochromosome 12p and 12p abnormalities in germ cell tumors using fluorescence in situ hybridization, single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and next-generation sequencing/mate-pair sequencing

Summary The identification of isochromosome 12p [i(12p)] and 12p gains have significant clinical utility in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors (GCTs). We have summarized the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays to identify i(12p), performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-validated setting for 536 specimens. In addition, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project GENIE registry and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets were evaluated for chromosome 12p gains, and a limited number of cases were concurrently evaluated using FISH, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS; including mate-pair sequencing). Specimens submitted for FISH testing were frequently from potential sites of metastases (male: 70.9% and female: 69.3%), and polysomy of chromosome 12 with or without concurrent i(12p) was a frequent finding, seen in 3% (16/536) and 35% (186/536) of cases, respectively. Our analysis suggests that 12p gains are likely to be present in approximately 73% of male GCT and in 32% of female GCT (AACR GENIE, n = 555). When comparing TCGA cases of testicular GCT (n = 149) to combined cases of sarcoma, colorectal, prostate, and urothelial carcinoma (n = 1754), 12p gains had a sensitivity of 77.2% and specificity of 97.3% for GCT. Some advantages of FISH over SNP arrays/NGS include relatively lower cost, rapid turnaround time, the ability to analyze biopsy material with a limited number of tumor cells (50 cells), and the ability to distinguish i(12p) from polysomy. The ability to spatially restrict the analysis to cells of interest is critical, as specimens submitted for testing often have low tumor purity. Disadvantages include false negative results due to an inability to detect segmental gains due to FISH probe design. With the availability of numerous testing modalities, including FISH, SNP arrays, and NGS-based assays, a nuanced understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology, as has been presented in this study, may inform appropriate testing strategies.
Pseudo-Goldstone dark matter in a gauged B − L extended standard model

Gauging the global $B\ensuremath{-}L$ (Baryon number minus Lepton number) symmetry in the standard model (SM) is well motivated since anomaly cancellations require the introduction of three right-handed neutrinos which play an essential role in naturally generating tiny SM neutrino masses through the seesaw mechanism. In the context of the $B\ensuremath{-}L$ extended SM, we propose a pseudo-Goldstone boson dark matter (DM) scenario in which the imaginary component of a complex $B\ensuremath{-}L$ Higgs field serves as the DM in the universe. The DM relic density is determined by the SM Higgs boson mediated process, but its elastic scattering with nucleons through the exchange of Higgs bosons is highly suppressed due to its pseudo-Goldstone boson nature. The model is therefore free from the constraints arising from direct DM detection experiments. We identify regions of the model parameter space for reproducing the observed DM density compatible with the constraints from the Large Hadron Collider and the indirect DM searches by Fermi Large Area Telescope and Major Atmospheric Gamma Imaging Cherenkov.
The teachers’ lounge and the debate hall: Anonymous self-directed learning in two teaching-related subreddits

Abstract Social media platforms host various self-directed educator professional activities. There are signs of substantial educator use of the discussion forum website Reddit, which offers affordances around anonymity. However, educators' Reddit use has received limited attention from researchers. To address this literature gap, we collected 42 months of activity in two subreddits: r/education and r/Teachers. Qualitative analysis of 1600 purposefully sampled contributions suggested that the subreddits were distinct, with r/Teachers functioning as a virtual teachers' lounge and r/education primarily hosting education policy discussion. Spaces that feature moderated anonymity may offer supportive opportunities for educators’ professional learning.
Inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) facilitates reactivation of gamma-herpesviruses and their elimination

Both Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establish the persistent, life-long infection primarily at the latent status, and associate with certain types of tumors, such as B cell lymphomas, especially in immuno-compromised individuals including people living with HIV (PLWH). Lytic reactivation of these viruses can be employed to kill tumor cells harboring latently infected viral episomes through the viral cytopathic effects and the subsequent antiviral immune responses. In this study, we identified that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is induced by KSHV de novo infection as well as lytic switch from KSHV latency. We further demonstrated that PLK1 depletion or inhibition facilitates KSHV reactivation and promotes cell death of KSHV-infected lymphoma cells. Mechanistically, PLK1 regulates Myc that is critical to both maintenance of KSHV latency and support of cell survival, and preferentially affects the level of H3K27me3 inactive mark both globally and at certain loci of KSHV viral episomes. Furthremore, we recognized that PLK1 inhibition synergizes with STAT3 inhibition to efficiently induce KSHV reactivation. We also confirmed that PLK1 depletion or inhibition yields the similar effect on EBV lytic reactivation and cell death of EBV-infected lymphoma cells. Lastly, we noticed that PLK1 in B cells is elevated in the context of HIV infection and caused by HIV Nef protein to favor KSHV/EBV latency.
DC–DC Topology for Interfacing a Wireless Power Transfer System to an On-Board Conductive Charger for Plug-In Electric Vehicles

This article proposes a novel dc–dc topology, enabling a plug-in electric vehicle to charge its high-voltage battery using a wireless power transfer system. By interfacing the wireless power transfer system's receiver coil to the electric vehicle's on-board bidirectional conductive charger, a common rectifier and secondary matching capacitors are shared between the two subsystems. The bidirectional dc–dc converter within the on-board charger is optimized to operate over two frequency bands; thus, guaranteeing compliance with the working frequency and interoperability requirements proposed by the SAE J2954 for a wireless power transfer system without degrading the power density requirement of a bidirectional on-board charger. Through component sharing between the two subsystems, a reduction in the overall size and cost of the on-board electronics is achieved. Simulation results are provided to validate the fundamental operation of the proposed circuit. Finally, a prototype is built to validate the assumptions.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics for soft matter made easy(er)

We use straightforward energy and entropy balances to test the thermodynamic consistency of microstructural rheological models. The method utilizes the same mathematical methods as classical transport phenomena, so it is much simpler to use than the much more rigorous GENERIC formalism. The cost of this simplicity is that fewer restrictions are actually tested than those in either the single-generator or the two-generator formalisms. The proposed test does provide, however, a separation of energy and entropy, leading to an interesting internal energy balance. More importantly, it leads to two requirements for non-negative entropy production: one closely related to a virtual work argument, important during flow, and a second that guarantees adherence to the second law of thermodynamics during microstructural relaxation. These criteria do not appear to be in conflict with the requirements of the more rigorous formulations and are much simpler to implement. Several illustrative examples are given with models using the conformation tensor level of description. As expected, the models that use a relaxation function that is proportional to the free energy gradient are straightforward to check. These include the Hookean dumbbell, the FENE-P, and the Giesekus models, which are shown to satisfy the first and second laws. With a little more work, models with relaxation functions not driven by the free energy gradient only can also be checked for thermodynamic compliance with the proposed formalism. Examples of these are the GLaMM and Rolie–Poly models; they violate the first and second laws of thermodynamics, respectively. A recently proposed FENE-mode model is also checked, which superficially satisfies both laws, but fails to have an analytic free energy. Finally, the application of the formalism to a nonlinear dumbbell model that uses the probability density for chain conformations is also illustrated. In that case, satisfaction of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and a positive mobility guarantee compliance with the first and second laws.
Comparison of Various Modalities Utilized for Preoperative Planning in Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgery.

Background The benefits of preoperative perforator imaging for microsurgical reconstruction have been well established in the literature. Methods An extensive literature review was performed to determine the most commonly used modalities, and their applicability, advantages and disadvantages. Results The review demonstrated varioius findings including decreases in operative time and cost with the use of CT angiography to identification of perforators for inclusion in flap design with hand-held Doppler ultrasound. Modalities like MR angiography offer alternatives for patients with contrast allergies or renal dysfunction while maintaining a high level of clarity and fidelity. Although the use of conventional angiography has decreased due to the availability of less invasive alternatives, it continues to serve a role in the preoperative evaluation of patients for lower extremity reconstruction. Duplex ultrasonography has been of great interest recently as an inexpensive, risk free, and extraordinarily accurate diagnostic tool. Emerging technologies such as indocyanine green fluorescence angiography and dynamic infrared thermography provide real-time information about tissue vascularity and perfusion without requiring radiation exposure. Conclusion This article presents an in-depth review of the various imaging modalities available to reconstructive surgeons and includes hand held Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, conventional angiography, duplex ultrasonography, Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography and Dynamic Infrared Thermography.
Register, Genre, and Style

A fully updated and expanded second edition of this flagship work, which introduces methodological techniques to carry out analyses of text varieties, and provides descriptions of the most important text varieties in English. Part I introduces an analytical framework for studying registers, genre conventions, and styles, while Part II provides more detailed corpus-based descriptions of text varieties in English, including spoken interpersonal varieties, general and professional written varieties and emerging electronic varieties. Part III introduces more advanced analytical approaches and deals with larger theoretical concerns, such as the relationship between register studies and other sub-disciplines of linguistics, and practical applications of register analysis. A new chapter on EAP and ESP has been added, with new sections on the important differences between academic writing in the humanities and sciences, and a case study on engineering reports as an ESP register and genre. Coverage of new electronic registers has been updated, and a new analysis of hybrid registers has been added.
Individuated Finger Movements: Rejecting the Labeled-Line Hypothesis

Publisher Summary Individuated finger movements underlie ability to manipulate objects, and to express cognitive output in acts like typing or playing musical instruments. It is found that whenever any given finger is moved, many different muscles are active, some muscles acting to move that finger and other muscles acting to stabilize other fingers. In primates and in humans, the distal portion of each extremity is most densely represented caudally in primary motor cortex (M1), and the proximal portion rostrally. Movements of the distal and proximal portions of a given extremity are more mechanically interdependent, however, and M1 outputs to distal and proximal parts of the limb correspondingly show substantial overlap and/or intermingling. Within the macaque hand, movements of different fingers rely on the same set of muscles, and Ml's representations of these different muscles and finger movements are extensively intermingled. It is suggested that generation of any given finger movement is likely to involve distributed activation of neurons spread throughout the M1 hand area.
Financial industry groups' adaptation to the post‐crisis regulatory environment: Changing approaches to the policy cycle

This article explores the advocacy efforts of financial industry groups since the financial crisis. I describe key changes in the post-crisis financial regulatory environment and argue that financial industry groups have adapted their advocacy strategies to these new conditions in innovative ways. Faced with a more challenging environment, financial industry groups have shifted their emphasis along the different stages of the policy cycle. Specifically, increased issue salience and a strained policy network have weakened financial industry groups’ capacity to veto regulatory proposals at the stage of actual policy formulation. Focusing on the advocacy strategies of the global banking and derivatives industries, I show evidence that the response has been to invest in more subtle advocacy strategies which focus on other stages of the policymaking cycle. Selfregulatory moves attempt to affect the agenda setting stage of policymaking, and a strong focus on the timing, rather than the content of new regulations, has attempted to affect the implementation stage. Such a transformation of advocacy strategies differs sharply from most depictions of financial industry groups simply “blocking” regulatory change since the global financial crisis.
On Allee effects in structured populations

Maps f(x) = A(x)x of the nonnegative cone C of R k into itself are considered where A(x) are nonnegative, primitive matrices with nondecreasing entries and at least one increasing entry. Let A(x) denote the dominant eigenvalue of A(x) and λ(∞) = sup x ∈ C A(x). These maps are shown to exhibit a dynamical trichotomy. First, if A(0) > 1, then lim n→ ∞ ∥f n (x)∥ = ∞ for all nonzero x ∈ C. Second, if λ(∞) 1, then there exists a compact invariant hypersurface Γ separating C. For x below Γ, lim n→ ∞ f n (x) = 0, while for x above, lim n→ ∞ ∥f n (x)∥ = ∞. An application to nonlinear Leslie matrices is given.
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SEX CHANGE IN LABRIDAE SUPPORTS THE SIZE ADVANTAGE HYPOTHESIS

The size advantage hypothesis (SAH) predicts that the rate of increase in male and female fitness with size (the size advantage) drives the evolution of sequential hermaphroditism or sex change. Despite qualitative agreement between empirical patterns and SAH, only one comparative study tested SAH quantitatively. Here, we perform the first comparative analysis of sex change in Labridae, a group of hermaphroditic and dioecious (non-sex changer) fish with several model sex-changing species. We also estimate, for the first time, rates of evolutionary transitions between sex change and dioecy. Our analyses support SAH and indicate that the evolution of hermaphroditism is correlated to the size advantage. Furthermore, we find that transitions from sex change to dioecy are less likely under stronger size advantage. We cannot determine, however, how the size advantage affects transitions from dioecy to sex change. Finally, contrary to what is generally expected, we find that transitions from dioecy to sex change are more likely than transitions from sex change to dioecy. The similarity of sexual differentiation in hermaphroditic and dioecious labrids might underlie this pattern. We suggest that elucidating the developmental basis of sex change is critical to predict and explain patterns of the evolutionary history of sequential hermaphroditism.
Novel pneumocystis antigen discovery and validation using RNA sequencing and proteomics (VAC7P.977)

Pneumocystis (PC) is a fungus that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals and remains the most common serious opportunistic infection in individuals diagnosed with HIV. Furthermore, PC has re-emerged in the HIV-negative population, as patients on immunosuppressive therapies for transplantation or malignancy are increasingly susceptible to PC pneumonia. As the at-risk population increases, the discovery of conserved PC antigens could lead to the development of vaccines, enhanced diagnostic tests and monoclonal antibody therapies. To that end, we have used RNA sequencing of separated PC life forms and surface biotinylation of whole PC to identify differentially expressed surface antigens. Histone 2B (H2B) appears to be an extracellular antigen with increased expression in the cyst life form, while a GPI-anchored protein (GPI) is more abundant on the troph life form. We used DNA vaccination to assess the immunogenicity of these antigens followed by CD4 depletion and challenge with live PC. H2B vaccination resulted in a significant increase in PC-specific IgG. After PC challenge, H2B vaccinated mice had a significant half-log reduction in PC lung burden when compared to unvaccinated controls. Similarly, GPI vaccinated mice had an increase in PC- and GPI-specific IgG, while also having a half-log reduction in PC lung burden. Taken together, these results suggest that H2B and GPI are novel PC antigens with vaccine potential in need of further exploration.
Detection of FGF15 in Plasma by Stable Isotope Standards and Capture by Anti-peptide Antibodies and Targeted Mass Spectrometry

Fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) has been proposed as a postprandial hormone that signals from intestine to liver to regulate bile acid and carbohydrate homeostasis. However, detecting FGF15 in blood using conventional techniques has proven difficult. Here, we describe a stable isotope standards and capture by anti-peptide antibodies (SISCAPA) assay that combines immuno-enrichment with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry to overcome this issue. Using this assay, we show that FGF15 circulates in plasma in an FXR and circadian rhythm-dependent manner at concentrations that activate its receptor. Consistent with the proposed endocrine role for FGF15 in liver, mice lacking hepatocyte expression of the obligate FGF15 co-receptor, β-Klotho, have increased bile acid synthesis and reduced glycogen storage despite having supraphysiological plasma FGF15 concentrations. Collectively, these data demonstrate that FGF15 functions as a hormone and highlight the utility of SISCAPA-SRM as a sensitive assay for detecting low-abundance proteins in plasma.
Exploring the relation between people’s theories of intelligence and beliefs about brain development

A person’s belief about whether intelligence can change (called their implicit theory of intelligence) predicts something about that person’s thinking and behavior. People who believe intelligence is fixed (called entity theorists) attribute failure to traits (i.e., “I failed the test because I’m not smart.”) and tend to be less motivated in school; those who believe intelligence is malleable (called incremental theorists) tend to attribute failure to behavior (i.e., “I failed the test because I didn’t study.”) and are more motivated in school. In previous studies, researchers have characterized participants as either entity or incremental theorists based on their agreement or disagreement with three statements. The present study further explored the theories-of-intelligence (TOI) construct in two ways: first, we asked whether these theories are coherent, in the sense that they show up not only in participants’ responses to the three standard assessment items, but on a broad range of questions about intelligence and the brain. Second, we asked whether these theories are discrete or continuous. In other words, we asked whether people believe one thing or the other (i.e., that intelligence is malleable or fixed), or if there is a continuous range of beliefs (i.e., people believe in malleability to a greater or lesser degree). Study (1) asked participants a range of general questions about the malleability of intelligence and the brain. Study (2) asked participants more specific questions about the brains of a pair of identical twins who were separated at birth. Results showed that TOI are coherent: participants’ responses to the three standard survey items are correlated with their responses to questions about the brain. But the theories are not discrete: although responses to the three standard survey items fell into a bimodal distribution, responses to the broader range of questions fell into a normal distribution suggesting the theories are continuous.
Validating the accuracy of activity and rumination monitor data from dairy cows housed in a pasture-based automatic milking system.

Abstract Behavioral observations are important in detecting illness, injury, and reproductive status as well as performance of normal behaviors. However, conducting live observations in extensive systems, such as pasture-based dairies, can be difficult and time consuming. Activity monitors, such as those created for use with automatic milking systems (AMS), have been developed to automatically and remotely collect individual behavioral data. Each cow wears a collar transponder for identification by the AMS, which can collect data on individual activity and rumination. The first aim of this study was to examine whether cow activity levels as reported by the AMS activity monitor (ACT) are accurate compared with live observations and previously validated pedometers [IceQube (IQ), IceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK]. The second aim of the study was to determine if the AMS rumination monitors (RUM) provide an accurate account of time spent ruminating compared with live observations. Fifteen lactating Holstein cows with pasture access were fitted with ACT, RUM, and IQ. Continuous focal observations (0600–2000h) generated data on lying and active behaviors (standing and walking), as well as rumination. Activity recorded by live observation and IQ included walking and standing, whereas IQ steps measured cow movement (i.e., acceleration). Active behaviors were analyzed separately and in combination to ascertain exactly what behavioral components contributed to calculation of ACT "activity." Pearson correlations (r p ) were computed between variables related to ACT, RUM, IQ, and live observations of behavior. A linear model was used to assess significance differences in the correlation coefficients of the 4 most relevant groups of variables. Significant but moderate correlations were found between ACT and observations of walking (r p =0.61), standing (r p =0.46), lying (r p =−0.57), and activity (r p =0.52), and between ACT and IQ steps (r p =0.75) and activity (r p =0.58) as well as between RUM and observations of rumination (r p =0.65). These data indicate that ACT and RUM do reflect cow walking and rumination, respectively, but not with a high degree of accuracy, and lying cannot be distinguished from standing.
Evidence against a role for human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-I) in the pathogenesis of American cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

We used a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/Southern blot assay (sensitivity > 10 −5 ) to detect human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-I) proviral pX, pol, and env genes in the lesional skin of 42 American patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). As in some prior reports using similar methods, a variable proportion of PCR tests were positive (seven of 42 for pX, three of 42 for pol, and two of 37 for env), resulting in an overall positive test rate of 12 of 121 (10%). To determine the significance of these positive test results, we performed several additional studies. D1S80 polymorphism analysis of CTCL cases and HTLV-I PCR analysis of non-CTCL dermatosis controls showed no evidence that positive PCR tests resulted from sample mislabeling, gross HTLV-I contamination, or human endogenous retro-viruses. We then modified the standard PCR assay to incorporate ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy low-level PCR contamination. With this modified assay (sensitivity > 10 −5 , only three of 12 previously positive cases were still positive, suggesting that the earlier positives were due to trace contamination of PCR reagents or trace contamination of sample DNA. This interpretation was also supported by: (i) a match between pX and pol sequences cloned from one PCR-positive specimen and the MT4-positive control, (ii) our inability to confirm HTLV-I in any PCR-positive case using genomic dot blotting (sensitivity > 10 −2 ), and (iii) negative PCR results when new samples from two of the remaining positive cases were analyzed. Finally, we used our modified UV/PCR/Southern blot assay to test an additional 28 cases of American CTCL for pX. All of them were negative. Although these studies of 70 cases of American CTCL do not exclude the possibility that another virus is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, they provide strong evidence against a role for HTLV-I. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for special strategies to control for false-positive PCR tests that can result from even trace levels of contamination with viral DNA. As a consequence, assciations between disease and viruses should be viewed skeptically if they are based primarily on conventional PCR data.
Landcover classification of small-footprint, full-waveform lidar data

Full-waveform lidar data are emerging into the commercial sector and provide a unique ability to characterize the landscape. The returned laser waveforms indicate specific reflectors within the footprint (vertical structure), while the shape of the return convolves surface reflectance and physical topography. These data are especially effective in vegetative regions with respect to canopy structure characterization. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of waveform-derived parameters as input into a supervised classifier. Extracted waveform metrics include Gaussian amplitude, Gaussian standard deviation, canopy energy, ground energy, total waveform energy, ratio between canopy and ground energy, rise time to the first peak, fall time of the last peak, and height of median energy (HOME). The classifier utilizes a feature selection methodology which provides information on the value of waveform parameters for discriminating between class pairs. For this study area, energy ratio and Gaussian amplitude were selected most frequently, but rise time and fall time were also important for discriminating different tree types and densities. The lidar classification accuracy for this study area was 85.8% versus 71.2% for Quickbird imagery. Since the lidar-based input data are structural parameters derived from the waveforms, the classification is improved for classes that are spectrally similar but structurally different.
DOFETILIDE LONG-TERM EFFICACY DESPITE INABILITY TO CONVERT TO SINUS RHYTHM DURING ADMISSION FOR DRUG-INITIATION

Dofetilide is indicated for pharmacological cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation or flutter. Though most patients achieve SR during the drug loading, there is no evidence to guide the most appropriate next clinical steps for those that
The role of microbes in the formation of modern and ancient phosphatic mineral deposits.

The formation of marine phosphatic mineral deposits remains incompletely understood, despite decades of research. The involvement of bacteria in this process has long been suspected, and both modern and ancient associations between bacteria and phosphorites have been recorded. Only recently has a specific bacterial metabolic process associated with the formation of phosphorites been discovered. Recent studies demonstrate that polyphosphate utilization by sulfide-oxidizing bacteria results in the rapid precipitation of apatite – providing at least a partial mechanism to explain the close spatial correlation between accumulations of sulfide-oxidizing bacteria and modern phosphorites. Possible fossilized bacteria are known from ancient phosphatic mineral deposits. Potentially, the fossilized cells represent the remains of bacteria that induced the formation of those phosphorites. However, robust criteria for the recognition of these bacteria have yet to be identified.
Amides of heterocyclic amines: highly effective as repellents against four species of cockroach.

n -Alkanamides prepared from 11 heterocyclic amines were highly effective as repellents in tests against the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.), the brownbanded cockroach, Supella longipalpa (F.), and the oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis L. Of the 43 amides that had a C4–C7 alkanoyl moiety, 27 were highly effective (80–100% repellency) against the 4 species. 1-Hexanoylpiperidine, 1-hexanoyl-3-pipecoline, 1-pentanoyl-2, 6-dimethylpiperidine, and 1-hexanoyl-2, 6-dimethylpiperidine had 100% repellency against all 4 species, 5 other compounds had a minimum of 98% repellency, and 8 had a minimum of 90–96% repellency.