cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ensuring the Observability of Structural Test Obligations

Test adequacy criteria are widely used to guide test creation. However, many of these criteria are sensitive to statement structure or the choice of test oracle. This is because such criteria ensure that execution reaches the element of interest, but impose no constraints on the execution path after this point. We are not guaranteed to observe a failure just because a fault is triggered. To address this issue, we have proposed the concept of observability —an extension to coverage criteria based on Boolean expressions that combines the obligations of a host criterion with an additional path condition that increases the likelihood that a fault encountered will propagate to a monitored variable. Our study, conducted over five industrial systems and an additional forty open-source systems, has revealed that adding observability tends to improve efficacy over satisfaction of the traditional criteria, with average improvements of 125.98 percent in mutation detection with the common output-only test oracle and per-model improvements of up to 1760.52 percent. Ultimately, there is merit to our hypothesis—observability reduces sensitivity to the choice of oracle and to the program structure.
Racial/ethnic measurement invariance of the School Success Profile (SSP)'s future orientation scale

Future orientation (FO) has received increasing attention for its positive effects on adolescent well-being and successful transition to adulthood. Although numerous measures of FO exist, most are not developmentally appropriate for diverse populations of adolescents, do not assess all theoretical components of FO, and/or were not developed for administration in schools. Additionally, the invariance of existing measures across racial/ethnic groups has not been examined using appropriately rigorous procedures. Using data from 2575 students in grades 6-9, this study examined the psychometric quality and measurement invariance of the FO scale on the School Success Profile (SSP) across African American (34.8%), Latino (27.0%), and European American (38.1%) subsamples. A one-factor model fit the data well in all three groups. Analyses identified only a small number of noninvariant parameters, supporting the conclusion that the scale has partial measurement invariance across the three groups. On average, African Americans had significantly higher levels of FO than the other two groups; mean scores for Latinos and European Americans were lower and statistically equivalent to each other. Construct validity of the SSP FO scale was also supported by findings of medium-sized relationships of FO scores to scores on five other constructs: low grades, school engagement, parent educational support, psychological distress, and school behavior. Multiple group tests of the magnitude and direction of the validity relationships indicated statistical equivalence across the three groups. Results support the use of the SSP FO scale by school psychologists to assess FO and to evaluate the effects of interventions targeting FO as a promoter of well-being and school success.
Static and Dynamic Characterization of a 2.5 kV SiC MOSFET

In this work, a 2.5 kV discrete SiC MOSFET manufactured by GE with a 58 A current rating and a 40 m Ω on-resistance is characterized, both statically and dynamically. The high current capabilities within a discrete package at 2.5 kV MOSFET offers improved performance differentiation when compared to both traditional 1.7 kV discrete devices and 3.3 kV power modules. This device is characterized statically, dynamically and under increased temperature conditions up to 200°C. A clamped, inductive test circuit is used to conduct the double pulse tests necessary to determine the switching energy losses. These measurements are compared to a commercially available SiC MOSFET that is similarly rated.
Austin, Boston, Silicon Valley, and New York: Case studies in the location choices of entrepreneurs in maintaining the Technopolis

Abstract This study uses institutional theory and the “Technopolis” wheel to investigate the movement of technology entrepreneurs and why they “stick” to well-established entrepreneurial ecosystems in Silicon Valley, Austin, Boston, and New York City. We detail the historical development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in each location, with a particular focus on the institutions and support structures that link and sustain key resources that are central to technology clusters. We operationalize key segments of the Technopolis wheel including (1) networks and connectedness, (2) investment capital, and (3) innovation and R&D. The empirical analysis specifies models testing for location-specific variation in the influence of these factors on entrepreneur location choice. We supplement this with analysis of interview data from 45 technology entrepreneurs with direct experience in these locations. We find that higher degrees of connectedness in Austin and Silicon Valley are an important factor in retaining potential entrepreneurs and several institutions were linked to facilitating tie formation and accessing key resources within the Technopolis. We also find that the frequency of funding opportunities positively influences entrepreneurs moving to Austin, Boston, and Silicon Valley to immediately start a company. In Boston, we find a positive association between patents and staying in Boston to launch a startup and we find that older entrepreneurs living in New York and Silicon Valley are less likely to remain and start a company.
AID–RNA polymerase II transcription-dependent deamination of IgV DNA

Activation-induced deoxycytidine deaminase (AID) initiates somatic hypermutation (SHM) in immunoglobulin variable (IgV) genes to produce high-affinity antibodies. SHM requires IgV transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). A eukaryotic transcription system including AID has not been reported previously. Here, we reconstitute AID-catalyzed deamination during Pol II transcription elongation in conjunction with DSIF transcription factor. C→T mutations occur at similar frequencies on non-transcribed strand (NTS) and transcribed strand (TS) DNA. In contrast, bacteriophage T7 Pol generates NTS mutations predominantly. AID-Pol II mutations are strongly favored in WRC and WGCW overlapping hot motifs (W = A or T, R = A or G) on both DNA strands. Single mutations occur on 70% of transcribed DNA clones. Mutations are correlated over a 15 nt distance in multiply mutated clones, suggesting that deaminations are catalyzed processively within a stalled or backtracked transcription bubble. Site-by-site comparisons for biochemical and human memory B-cell mutational spectra in an IGHV3-23*01 target show strongly favored deaminations occurring in the antigen-binding complementarity determining regions (CDR) compared to the framework regions (FW). By exhibiting consistency with B-cell SHM, our in vitro data suggest that biochemically defined reconstituted Pol II transcription systems can be used to investigate how, when and where AID is targeted.
Use of Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) for Vestibular Rehabilitation

Corporal balance is composed by the vestibular, visual and proprioceptive systems [1]. The vestibular system acts as a gravity sensor controlling the dynamic posture..
Flattening filter free beam energy selection and its impact in multitarget intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery treatments

Abstract Extensive work has been done on the characteristics, dosimetry, and efficacy of flattening filter free (FFF) beams in radiosurgery. However, no study has addressed the dosimetric impact of FFF beam energy selection on treatment plan quality. This study aims to present a systematic dosimetric comparison of plan quality between 10 FFF vs 6 FFF beams in intracranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatments using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The dosimetric evaluation is based on radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) dose conformity (CIRTOG) and gradient (GIRTOG) indices, and irradiated normal brain tissue volume. Thirty-five VMAT-based intracranial SRS treatments to multiple brain metastases using a 2.5 mm multileaf collimator (MLC) and 10 MV FFF beam were replanned with a 6 MV FFF and same MLC. The replans incorporated the same arc arrangement, planning target volume (PTV) and organs at risk structures, PTV coverage and prescription isodose normalization. The 6 MV FFF had a sharper dose fall-off compared to the 10 MV FFF (GIRTOG-10 FFF = 4.70, GIRTOG-6 FFF = 4.56; p
This is your teen brain on drugs: In search of biological factors unique to dependence toxicity in adolescence

Response variability across the lifespan is an important consideration in toxicology and risk assessment, and the toxic effects of drugs and chemicals during adolescence need more research. This paper summarizes a workshop presented in March 2019, at the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, that brought together experts in research on drug dependence and toxicity related to nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs during adolescence. The goal of the workshop was to address the following issues: (1) Do the effects of adolescent exposure differ from the same exposure in adults? (2) Are there unique biological markers of adolescent brain development? If so, what are they and how reliable are they? (3) Since multiple factors influence substance use disorder, can we disentangle risk factors for abuse and/or toxicity? What are the underlying biological susceptibilities that lead to dependence and neurotoxicity? What are the social, psychosocial and environmental factors that contribute to abuse susceptibilities? This paper reviews drug policy and national trends in adolescent substance use; the public health consequences of e-cigarettes; rat models of adolescent-onset nicotine self-administration and persisting effects of gestational nicotine; sex-dependent effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on adolescent brain-behavior relationships; and translational approaches for identifying adolescent risk factors for transition to drug dependence. There is strong evidence that drug exposure prior to adulthood has longer lasting effects on behavior and the underlying neural circuitry. These effects, which are sex-dependent and influenced by stress, may be candidates as predictors of adolescent vulnerability. A major challenge to determining if adolescents have a unique susceptibility to dependence is whether and to what extent the human data allow distinction between the increased risk due to biological immaturity, an underlying biological susceptibility to dependence, or psychosocial and environmental factors for substance dependence. Factors important to consider for development of animal models include the timing and pattern of exposure as it relates to adolescence; age of assessment, and direct comparison with similar effects following exposures to adults to demonstrate that these effects are unique to adolescence. Here we provide a roadmap for further research into what makes adolescent brain development unique.
Quantifying the Optical and Physical Consequences of Daily Cleaning on Conventional and Wavefront-guided Scleral Lenses.

Significance An equivalent 12 months of cleaning did not induce significant changes in the optical aberrations or base curves of scleral lenses. Purpose This study aimed to test whether an equivalent of 12 months of manual cleaning alters the optical and physical properties of conventional and wavefront-guided scleral lenses. Methods Twelve scleral lenses (four repeats of three designs, termed A, B, and C) were manufactured in Boston XO material: design A, -5.00 D defocus; design B, -5.00 D defocus with -0.153-μm vertical coma; and design C, -5.00 D defocus with a full custom wavefront-guided correction (second to fifth Zernike radial orders) of an eye with severe keratoconus. One lens of each design group served as a control and was not cleaned. To simulate a year of cleaning, seven individuals cleaned nine lenses (three from each group) twice a day for 27 days using the palm technique and commercially available cleaners, resulting in 378 cleanings of each lens. Lens aberrations were optically profiled and base curve radii were measured at baseline and after every 42nd cleaning. Differences in higher-order root mean square (HORMS) wavefront error and base curve radii associated with cleaning were compared with clinical benchmarks and using sign tests. Results For the experimental lenses, median change in Seidel spherical dioptric power was +0.01 D (maximum, +0.025 D). Median change in HORMS wavefront error was 0.013 μm (maximum, 0.019 μm). All lenses exhibited HORMS changes less than one-eighth equivalent diopters (P = .002). Median percentage change in HORMS wavefront error in the three wavefront-guided lenses was 0.96% (maximum, 1.25%). Median change in base curve radii was 0.00 mm, with all lenses exhibiting changes (P = .002), less than the American National Standards Institute tolerance of 0.05 mm. Conclusions Cleaning over an equivalent 12-month period did not induce clinically significant changes in the optical or base curve properties of conventional or wavefront-guided scleral lenses.
De-Situating Spectrum: Rethinking Radio Policy Using Non-Spatial Metaphors

This paper proposes alternative mental models for wireless communication that are structurally similar to the prevailing spectrum-as-territory metaphor, but that use different referents. It explores several non-spatial metaphors, and then focuses in on trademark as a guiding analogy. In this new approach, a wireless communication system is described by a set of operating parameters that differentiate it from other systems, much as all the elements of a trademark are used to differentiate a particular product from others. Radio interference is likened to the unauthorized use of a trademark and its attendant potential to confuse a customer. The frequencies used in a communication are like the letters of a trade name. The regulator is like the trademark office. This approach inspires a system of rights different from those prompted by the spectrum-as-territory analogy. Rights and protections are obtained by registering system operating parameters such as transmitter and receiver masks, just as a trademark registration covers a variety of brand attributes. Any set of operating parameters that does not cause harmful interference with an existing operation can be registered. Auctions are possible, but are not essential. The definition of rights is driven by operators, not regulators. Importantly, rights can have an indefinite term, but also can be lost if not used. Non-spatial metaphors offer a way around the limitations of the existing approach, such as a fixation on frequency, and vague criteria for harmful interference. It restates wireless policy in terms of system operations rather than spectrum, and opens up new opportunities for innovation and use.
718 Investigating Decreased Positive Airway Pressure Compliance in a Veteran Affairs Sleep Medicine Clinic During the 2020 Pandemic

Introduction: Positive airway pressure (PAP) compliance for the treatment of sleep apnea at the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs (VA) Sleep Medicine clinic has been observed to be lower in new setup patients after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons for decreased PAP compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic are unclear. The primary outcome will be to identify if there is a common reason that patients at the Albuquerque VA were less compliant with PAP after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Compliance data for 4/1/2020 through 9/30/2020 was compared to compliance data for 4/1/2019 through 9/30/2019. Compliance after PAP machine setup was confirmed to be lower during the 2020 time period. Noncompliant patients will be selected by setup type, new versus machine replacement, and surveyed for reasons for noncompliance. The survey will be conducted at the Albuquerque VA Sleep Center and will include questions regarding beliefs, barriers, and challenges with the use of PAP therapy during the coronavirus pandemic. The definition for initial PAP compliance will be the use of PAP therapy for greater than or equal to four hours per night on at least 70% of nights. Results: For the 6-month time period of 4/1/2019 through 9/30/2019, there were 758 PAP setups at the Albuquerque VA. The 30-day compliance for the 758 setups was found to be 61.4%. Comparatively, for the six-month period of 4/1/2020 through 9/30/2020, there were 462 setups with a 30-day compliance result of 49.7%. A survey consisting of questions designed to elicit barriers to use as well as beliefs regarding PAP and COVID-19 will be administered to 20% (n = 46) of the non-compliant patients who were set up with a PAP machine during the 2020 study period. Conclusion: PAP compliance after machine setup was lower at the Albuquerque VA sleep center in 2020 versus 2019 (49.7% versus 61.4%). The reasons for the lower observed compliance are attributed to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. A random sampling of the non-compliant patients during the 2020 time period will be performed and the results will be presented once available.
Free downloadable app tracks functional glaucomatous loss

Purpose : In the covid crisis and beyond, it is critical that we find home-based monitoring tools to measure progressive glaucomatous damage. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between glaucomatous visual field loss and contrast sensitivity (CS) measured using a home based app. Methods : 30 patients across the glaucomatous disease spectrum and with good central visual acuity tested a home based app, the Berkeley Contrast Squares (BCSA), that measures CS. The BCSA is a free-downloadable tool that records users' binocular contrast sensitivity and is valid for varying degrees of visual acuity. Patients were sent a video (4min 46s) via email that contained detailed instructions on how to download and use the BCSA at home. The test-retest window was 15 weeks. Validity analyses was calculated using a mixed effects linear regression with log contrast sensitivity as the predictor and visual field as the outcome. Results : In glaucoma patients the overall correlation for test-retest reliability was 0.94. Validity analyses showed high correlations between home-based contrast testing and 10-2 VF (p=0.002) and 24-2 VF (p=0.05). A change in 0.1 Log Weber corresponded to a 0.8 dB decline in 24-2 VF MD (95%CI [0.24 to 18.0]) ) and a 1.3 dB decline in 10-2 VF MD (95% CI [5.2 to 21.0]). Conclusions : A free downloadable app provides a highly repeatable measure of CS. These results significantly correlate with functional visual field loss. This study suggests that the Berkeley Contrast Squares App has potential to be adopted as a home monitoring tool to track the progression of glaucoma between regular office visits.
JQ1 attenuates psychostimulant- but not opioid-induced conditioned place preference.

Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the neurobiology of substance use disorder. In particular, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins, a class of histone acetylation readers, have been found to regulate cocaine conditioned behaviors, but their role in the behavioral response to other drugs of abuse remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the effects of the BET inhibitor, JQ1, on nicotine, amphetamine , morphine, and oxycodone conditioned place preference (CPP). Similar to previous cocaine studies, systemic administration of JQ1 caused a dose-dependent reduction in the acquisition of amphetamine and nicotine CPP in male mice. However, in opioid studies, JQ1 did not alter morphine or oxycodone CPP. Investigating the effects of JQ1 on other types of learning and memory, we found that JQ1 did not alter the acquisition of contextual fear conditioning. Together, these results indicate that BET proteins play an important role in the acquisition of psychostimulant-induced CPP but not the acquisition of opioid-induced CPP nor contextual fear conditioning.
The Challenges of Abstract Concepts

Some have recently suggested that abstract concepts do not constitute a substantial challenge to embodied cognition because they do not form a unified category. In this chapter, I argue that abstract concepts are indeed heterogeneous but as such pose several distinct theoretical challenges. After surveying the current evidence for, and responses to, these challenges, I conclude that a comprehensive embodied account that addresses the diversity of abstract concepts remains possible. Several desiderata for a future theory emerge from this critical review. A successful theory will need to embrace not only distributed multimodal representations but also recognize the importance of the emotions and the language system; to posit a hierarchical architecture that includes cross-modal convergence zones or hubs; and to provide a robust explanation for the semantic flexibility of concepts in general and abstract concepts in particular.
SGLT-2 inhibitors in heart failure: Time for broader eligibility and earlier initiation.

SGLT-2 inhibitors remain vastly underused in clinical practice despite their broad cardiorenal benefits.
Predicting Scheduling and Attending for an Oral Cancer Examination

Background Oral and pharyngeal cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed early, yet late diagnosis is commonplace apparently because of delays in undergoing an oral cancer examination.
The Role of Information and Financial Reporting in Corporate Governance: A Review of the Evidence and the Implications for Banking Firms and the Financial Services Industry

We review recent literature on the role of corporate financial reporting and transparency in reducing governance-related agency conflicts between managers, directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders — most notably regulators — and suggest some avenues for future research. Key themes include the endogenous nature of governance mechanisms with respect to information asymmetry between contracting parties, the heterogeneous nature of the informational demands of contracting parties, and the corresponding heterogeneity of the associated governance mechanisms. We also emphasize the role of credible commitment to financial reporting transparency in facilitating informal multi-period contracts among managers, directors, and shareholders. Finally, we discuss the importance of regulatory supervision and oversight as a class of governance mechanisms that are particularly important for banks and financial services firms.
Two-group modeling of interfacial area transport in large diameter channels

Abstract A comparison of the existing two-group interfacial area transport equation source and sink terms for large diameter channels with recently collected interfacial area concentration measurements ( Schlegel et al., 2012 , Schlegel et al., 2014 . Int. J. Heat Fluid Flow 47, 42) has indicated that the model does not perform well in predicting interfacial area transport outside of the range of flow conditions used in the original benchmarking effort. In order to reduce the error in the prediction of interfacial area concentration by the interfacial area transport equation, several constitutive relations have been updated including the turbulence model and relative velocity correlation. The transport equation utilizing these updated models has been modified by updating the inter-group transfer and Group 2 coalescence and disintegration kernels using an expanded range of experimental conditions extending to pipe sizes of 0.304 m [12 in.], gas velocities of up to nearly 11 m/s [36.1 ft/s] and liquid velocities of up to 2 m/s [6.56 ft/s], as well as conditions with both bubbly flow and cap-bubbly flow injection ( Schlegel et al., 2012 , Schlegel et al., 2014 ). The modifications to the transport equation have resulted in a decrease in the RMS error for void fraction and interfacial area concentration from 17.32% to 12.3% and 21.26% to 19.6%. The combined RMS error, for both void fraction and interfacial area concentration, is below 15% for most of the experiments used in the comparison, a distinct improvement over the previous version of the model.
A Literature Review on Disciplinary Literacy

Current adolescent literacy rates cause concerns at the number of students who graduate high school with basic or below-basic reading skills. The Common Core State Standards promote disciplinary literacy, which presents advanced literacy skills embedded in content area instruction. Disciplinary literacy is argued as a way to raise adolescent literacy rates. This literature review examines how Discourse theory frames disciplinary literacy as an apprenticeship model, and how instruction in mathematical Discourses focuses on communication and reasoning at the secondary level. Mathematical standards are analyzed for literacy features, and then studies of secondary mathematics classrooms are reviewed in light of these features. The review is offered to help mathematics teachers and literacy specialists build a shared knowledge base of mathematical literacy in secondary classrooms.
The Decomposition-Separation Theorem for Finite Nonhomogeneous Markov Chains and Related Problems

Let M be a finite set, P be a stochastic matrix and U = f(Zn)g be the family of all finite Markov chains (MC) (Zn) defined by M;P, and all possible initial distributions. The behavior of a MC (Zn) is a classical result of Probability Theory derived in the 30's by A. Kolmogorov and W. Doeblin. If a stochastic matrix P is replaced by a sequence of stochastic matrices (Pn) and transitions at moment n are defined by Pn, then U becomes a family of nonhomogeneous MCs. There are numerous results concerning the behavior of such MCs given some specific properties of the sequence (Pn): But what if there are no assumptions about sequence (Pn)? Is it possible to say something about the behavior of the family U ? The surprising answer to this question is Yes. Such behavior is described by a theorem which we call a Decomposition- Separation (DS) Theorem, and which was initiated by a small paper of A. N. Kolmogorov (1936) and formulated and proved in a few stages in a series of papers including: D. Blackwell (1945), H. Cohn (1971, 1989) and I. Sonin (1987, 1991, 1996).
Factors predicting failure of AV “fistula first” policy in the elderly

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferential hemodialysis (HD) access. The goal of this study was to identify factors associated with pre-dialysis AVF failure in an elderly HD population. We used United States Renal Data System + Medicare claims data to identify patients ≥ 67 years old who had an AVF as their initial vascular access placed pre-dialysis. Failure of the AVF to be used for initial HD, was used as the outcome. Logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with AVF failure. The study cohort consisted of 20,360 subjects (76.2 ± 6.02 year old, 58.5% men). Forty-eight percent of patients initiated dialysis using an AVF, while 52% used a catheter or an AVG. The following variables found to be associated with AVF failure when an AVF was created at least 4 months pre-HD initiation: older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.02), female gender (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.55-1.83), black race (OR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26-1.58), history of diabetes (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.06-1.39), cardiac failure (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.15-1.37), and shorter duration of pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) nephrology care (OR for a nephrology care of less than 6 months prior to ESRD of 1.22 compared with a pre-ESRD nephrology follow up of more than 12 months; 95% CI 1.07-1.38). OR for AVF failure for the entire cohort showed similar findings. In an elderly HD population, there is an association of older age, female gender, black race, diabetes, cardiac failure and shorter pre-ESRD nephrology care with predialysis AVF failure.
Will to love, will to fear: the emotional politics of illegality and citizenship in the campaign against birthright citizenship in the US

Anti-immigration activists argue that the broad inclusivity of the birthright citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment is a national security concern that enables criminalized migrant mothers to give birth to citizens who can later harm the US through violence and resource consumption. Seeing this argument as representative of the problem of inclusivity inherent to citizenship in a liberal democracy, this essay asks how the children of undocumented and temporary migrants are constructed as what Mae Ngai calls ‘alien citizens.’ Drawing from Sara Ahmed's affective economy of emotion, I find that affect and emotion figure prominently in how citizens are made ‘alien.’ Specifically love and fear function as pivot points in the anti-birthright citizenship argument, wherein the ‘real citizen’ is ‘willed’ to love and be loved by the nation and to fear the nation's Others. Moreover, the emphasis on national feelings does not evacuate white supremacy or heteronormativity from its imagination of citizenship, but ins...
Regulation of carboxypeptidase E: Effect of Ca2+ on enzyme activity and stability

Carboxypeptidase E (CPE), an enzyme that functions in the post-translational processing of bioactive peptides, is a member of the metallocarboxypeptidase gene family. A 12-residue region of CPE has 70% amino acid identity with the bacterial enzyme carboxypeptidase T (CPT); in CPT, this region has been identified previously as the Ca(2+)-binding region (Teplyakov, A., Polyakov, K., Obmolova, G., Strokopytov, B., Kuranova, I., Osterman, A., Grishin, N., Smulevitch, S., Zagnitko, O., Galperina, O., Matz, M., and Stepanov, V. (1992) Eur. J. Biochem. 208, 281-288). Using 45Ca2+ binding, we determined that CPE binds Ca2+. To investigate the potential function for the interaction of CPE with Ca2+, we investigated the effect of Ca2+ on aggregation, thermostability, and enzyme activity of CPE. CPE does not aggregate under a variety of Ca2+ concentrations at either pH 5.5 or 7.5, and with protein concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 micrograms/ml. Whereas Ca2+ generally stabilizes proteins to thermal denaturation, CPE was destabilized by Ca2+ and stabilized by low concentrations of EGTA. The Ca(2+)-induced destabilization of CPE was more pronounced at pH 8 than at lower pH values. At pH 8, CPE was unstable even at 37 degrees C, with approximately 40% loss of activity upon incubation for 30 min in the absence of added Ca2+ and 70% loss of activity upon incubation in the presence of 10 mM CaCl2. Enzyme activity was not influenced by added Ca2+, but was stimulated by micromolar concentrations of EGTA; kinetic analysis showed this stimulation to be due to a change in Vmax, and not Km. Taken together, these data suggest that Ca2+ plays a role in the regulation of CPE activity.
Improving reperfusion therapy for acute ischaemic stroke.

Summary. Background: The first generation of clinical reperfusion treatment, intravenous (IV) fibrinolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), was a transformative breakthrough in stroke care, but is far from ideal. Objectives: To survey emerging strategies to increase the efficacy and safety of cerebral reperfusion therapy. Methods: Narrative review. Results and Conclusions: Innovative IV pharmacologic reperfusion strategies include: extending IV tPA use to patients with mild deficits; developing novel fibrinolytic agents (tenecteplase, desmetolplase, plasmin); using ultrasound to enhance enzymatic fibrinolysis; combination clot lysis therapies (fibrinolytics with GPIIb/IIIa agents or direct thrombin inhibitors); co-administration of MMP-9 inhibitors to deter haemorrhagic transformation; and prehospital neuroprotection to support threatened tissues until reperfusion. Endovascular recanalisation strategies are rapidly evolving, and include intra-arterial fibrinolysis, mechanical clot retrieval, suction thrombectomy, and primary stenting. Combined approaches appear especially promising, using IV fibrinolysis to rapidly initiate reperfusion, mechanical endovascular treatment to debulk large, proximal thrombi, and intra-arterial (IA) fibrinolysis to clear residual distal thrombus elements and emboli.
A s-plane analytic technique for lead-lag controller design

In this paper an analytic design technique for a lead-lag controller to satisfy specifications for transient and steady state response of a plant is proposed. Based on the s-plane, three closed loop roots after lead-lag compensation are forced to line up on one vertical line, then the prefiltering technique is used to cancel out undesired effects of the zero of the lead controller to satisfy the settling time and percent overshoot. The lead-lag controller values are analytically calculated by equating two characteristic equations: one is formed from desired root locations the authors specify based on their design criteria, and another one is formed from a nominal control structure. Thus the calculation of values of controllers are so straight forward that one can readily generate a lead-lag controller to satisfy given specifications. Different plant models are shown to test the proposed technique.
Nuclear Turnoff Times for ONeMg Novae Determined Using Ultraviolet Spectral Evolution

Classical novae go through a phase of constant bolometric luminosity as any remaining hydrogen in the accreted layers on the white dwarf is converted to helium. The length of this phase is dependent on many factors, including the amount of mass left on the white dwarf after the explosive phase of the outburst, the white dwarf's mass, and the efficiency of any secondary mass-loss mechanisms, such as radiation pressure–driven winds. Observations show that the end of nuclear burning is accompanied by a decline (or "turnoff") in the X-ray output of the novae, but this turnoff has been directly observed in the X-ray light curves of only two novae, GQ Mus and V1974 Cygni. In 1996, Shore, Starrfield, & Sonneborn showed that for V1974 Cyg the nuclear turnoff can also be indirectly obtained from the evolution of the ultraviolet emission lines. In this study, we analyze the IUE archive for novae that displayed a UV-line evolution like that of V1974 Cyg. We determine UV decline times and estimate nuclear turnoff times for the following novae: V693 Corona Austrinae 1981, QU Vul 1984, LMC 1990 No. 1, V838 Herculis 1991, and V351 Puppis 1991. The turnoff times of these novae, all of which occurred on ONeMg white dwarfs, were very rapid. Finally, the turnoff times are correlated with speed class such that the fastest novae show the shortest turnoff times.
Social Work Education and Practice in the Jail Setting

ABSTRACT Despite social work's historical commitment to social justice and the strength of the profession in terms of the number of persons holding master degrees in social work, we are guilty of ignoring the needs which confront us daily from inside one of the oldest institutions in this country: the jail. The jail setting offers social workers the opportunity to simultaneously address the various critical needs of a multi-client system, a system which includes rising numbers of persons with serious and persistent mental illnesses, overworked and underappreciated detention personnel, and an often tedious and impersonal judicial process. In this article, the fit between jail system needs and social work education is explored and encouraged. Envisioned is an interdependent relationship where the jail provides the Academy and its students access to an environment rich and ripe for study and, in turn, the Academy offers the jail both direct services and indirect support for identifying and intervening in inm...
Racial disparities in risk of second breast tumors after ductal carcinoma in situ.

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of race/ethnicity on second breast tumors among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). We identified 102,489 women diagnosed with primary DCIS between 1988 and 2009 from the 18 NCI-SEER Registries. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate race/ethnicity-associated relative risks (RRs) and their 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of ipsilateral breast tumors (IBT; defined as DCIS or invasive carcinoma in the ipsilateral breast) and contralateral breast tumors (CBT; defined as DCIS or invasive carcinoma in the contralateral breast). Overall, 2,925 women had IBT and 3,723 had CBT. Compared with white women, black (RR 1.46; 95 % CI 1.29–1.65), and Hispanic (RR 1.18; 95 % CI 1.03–1.36) women had higher IBT risk, which was similar for invasive IBT and ipsilateral DCIS. A significant increase in IBT risk among black women persisted, regardless of age at diagnosis, treatment, tumor grade, tumor size, and histology. The CBT risk was significantly increased among black (RR 1.21; 95 % CI 1.08–1.36) and Asian/PI (RR 1.16; 95 % CI 1.02–1.31) women compared with white women. The association was stronger for invasive CBT among black women and for contralateral DCIS among Asian/PI women (Pheterogeneity < 0.0001). The black race-associated CBT risk was more pronounced among women ≥50 years at diagnosis and those with comedo DCIS; in contrast, a significant increase in risk among Asian/PI women was restricted to those <50 years and those with noncomedo DCIS. Racial/ethnic differences in risks of second breast tumors after DCIS could not be explained by pathologic features and treatment.
A parametric investigation of a proposed Javelin split-fairing system.

Rigid body ejection dynamics of split-fairing system for four-stage Javelin sounding rocket under various parameter changes
Ruptured Ductus Arteriosus Aneurysm in an Infant: Report of a Survivor

Abstract The diagnosis of a large ductus arteriosus aneurysm was made in a 3½-month-old infant by cardiac catheterization following massive hemoptysis. Prompt surgical correction accounted for the patient's survival. Differential diagnosis of an intrathoracic mass should include a ductus arteriosus aneurysm even in the newborn period.
Glucose synthesis by isolated guinea-pig hepatocytes. Effect of cyclic AMP and dibutyryl cyclic AMP.

Abstract In isolated guinea-pig hepatocytes, dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulated gluconeogenesis from 2 mM galactose by 25 and 40% respectively. In the presence of 0.5 mM theophylline, cyclic AMP (0.1 mM) increased glucose synthesis from lactate and galactose by 26 and 34% respectively.
External exposure estimates for individuals near the Nevada Test Site

Individuals living near the Nevada Test Site were exposed to both β and γ radiations from fission products and activation products resulting from the atmospheric testing of nuclear devices. These exposures, and the resultant doses were functions of the amount of material deposited, the time of arrival of the debris, and the amount of shielding afforded by structures. Results are presented for each of nine generic life-styles. These are representative of the living patterns of people residing in the area. For each event at each location for which data exist. a representative of each life-style was closely followed for 30 d. The results of these detailed calculations were then extrapolated to the present, employing a stochastic model. Results displayed are the geometric means and standard deviations derived from 25 independent determinations of the various quantities shown. For each determination, required parameters were randomly selected from appropriate distributions. Calculations yielded estimates for: 1) whole-body and skin dose due to γ rays from material on the ground: 2) skin dose due to β particles from material deposited directly on the skin; and 3) skin dose due to β particles from material deposited on the ground. Organ dose estimates were established from the whole-body dose using appropriate conversion factors. For the homemaker life-style, the uterus dose was also calculated as a function of time for 9 mo. This assisted in estimating fetal dose as a function of gestation.
Specialized assessment and treatment of adolescent sex offenders

The accurate and appropriate assessment and treatment of juvenile sex offenders is necessary for public safety and for the juvenile's own development. A growing body of literature has reported on specialized assessment instruments and treatment strategies for use with juvenile sex offenders. The current article reviews the evidence regarding the reliability and validity of various assessment instruments and outcome research regarding treatments with this population. With regard to assessment, the authors conclude that the most promising area of specialized assessment is risk assessment. With regard to intervention, the authors argue that despite methodological limitations, research on the treatment of juvenile sex offenders suggests that treatments are successful in creating change. Specifically, cognitive behavioral treatment and mulitsystemic therapy have demonstrated decreased recidivism compared to a control group. Recommendations regarding future research for the area and implications with respect to uniqueness of this population are considered.
Low-temperature indium molybdenum oxide as a window layer in CIGS photovoltaic devices

High mobility transparent conductive oxides (HMTCO) have the distinguishing property of a higher near infrared (NIR) transmittance when compared with ordinary transparent conducting oxides (TCO). The use of HMTCO as a window layer in CIGS PV cells is expected to increase device efficiency by extending the spectral response and increasing photocurrent. In this work, low temperature sputter-deposited IMO (LTIMO) has been developed with resistivitiy of 10−3 Ω-cm, and an average optical transmittance of nearly 80% over the visible range. An investigation into the use of this LTIMO as a window layer in CIGS solar cell applications is presented. Results from a comparative study of CIGS PV devices shows that incorporating indium-tin-oxide (ITO) versus LTIMO yields modest improvements in photovoltaic conversion efficiency attributable to the benefits of LTIMO. Follow-on investigations are currently underway to further optimize the LTIMO sputtering process for additional PV device improvements.
Life stressors, emotional distress, and trauma-related thoughts occurring in the 24 h preceding active duty U.S. soldiers' suicide attempts.

External life events and internal experiences (i.e., emotional distress and trauma-related thoughts) occurring in the 24 h preceding suicide attempts were examined in a sample of active duty U.S. Soldiers. Seventy-two Soldiers (66 male, 6 female; 65.3% Caucasian, 9.7% African-American, 2.8% Asian, 2.8% Pacific Islander, 4.2% Native American, and 9.7% "other"; age M = 27.34, SD = 6.50) were interviewed using the Suicide Attempt Self Injury Interview to assess the occurrence of external events and internal experiences on the day of their suicide attempts, and to determine their associations with several dimensions of suicide risk: suicidal intent, lethality, and deliberation about attempting. Multiple external stressors and internal states were experienced by Soldiers in the 24 h preceding their suicide attempts, with emotional distress being the most common. Trauma-related thoughts were much less frequently reported in the 24 h preceding suicide attempts. Emotional experiences were directly associated with suicidal intent, and explained the relationship between external events and suicidal intent. Lethality was unrelated to any external events, emotional experiences, or trauma-related thoughts. Greater emotional distress and trauma-related thoughts were associated with shorter deliberation about whether or not to attempt suicide. Soldiers experience multiple sources of distress in the period immediately preceding their suicide attempts. Soldiers who experience more negative emotional experiences have a stronger desire for suicide and spend less time deliberating before an attempt. Language: en
Location, Extraction, and Removal of Endrin Residues on Alfalfa Hay

Abstract Endrin residues on alfalfa hay (9% moisture) were not removed by washing with hot or cold water. Oven heat removed approximately 35% of the endrin residue at this moisture content, but the residue removal was increased to 73% when the hay was saturated with water and heated. The residue was mainly in the wax-like materials of the plant cuticle. Endrin was almost completely removed by vapor washing with common solvents (benzene, 93%; water, 93%). The residue was correlated with respect to the plant surface area.
CYTOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NORMAL HUMAN PERIPHERAL BLOOD CELLS IN CULTURE BEFORE ESTABLISHMENT INTO LYMPHOCYTOID CELL LINES

Human peripheral blood cells were observed in culture. Attached cells and those floating in the supernatant fluid were classified as macrophages, lymphoid and fibroblastoid cells. Peroxidase positive granules were demonstrated in macrophages and fibroblastoid cells. It is concluded that (a) appearance of macrophages is dependent on the formation of a monolayer, (b) a gradient relationship between the attached and supernatant cells exists, (c) some fibroblastoid cells are derived from macrophages, and (d) lymphocytes alone are not able to form a monolayer.
Chemistry of toxic range plants. Highly oxygenated flavonol methyl ethers from Gutierrezia microcephala

Abstract The perennial American desert shrub, Gutierrezia microcephala, contains 20 flavonol methyl ethers displaying nine different oxygenation patterns. These include 11 new flavonols: 5,7-dihydroxy-3,6,8,3′,4′,5′-hexamethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6,8,3′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone, 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-3,6,8,4′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone, 5,7,2′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,6,8,5′-tetramethoxyflavone, 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7,8,3′,4′-pentahydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3′,4′-pentahydroxy-6,8-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6,8-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7,8,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,8,3′,4′-pentahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone and 5,7,8,4′-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone. In addition, the following known flavonols were isolated: 5,7-dihydroxy-3,8,3′,4′,5′-pentamethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,8,3′-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6,3′-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone, 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,6,7,8,3′-pentamethoxyflavone, 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,6,8,3′-tetramethoxyflavone and 3,5,7,4′-tetrahydroxy-6,8,3′-trimethoxyflavone.
The real world on a short leash: The (mis) application of constructivism to the design of educational technology

Constructivism, or more precisely, a constructivist metatheory, presently prevails throughout professional education circles. Most educators easily accept constructivism's central premise that learners approach tasks with prior knowledge and expectations based on their knowledge of the world around them. Naturally, then, constructivist educational technologists have been guided by the implicit (and increasingly explicit) desire to create “authentic” environments for learning: environments that correspond to the real world. In this paper, I argue that technologists have tended to paper over the critical epistemological dimension of constructivism by “preauthenticating” learning environments: creating environments that are predetermined to reflect the real world even though constructivist theory contrindicates precisely this. I suggest that a rhetorical perspective on constructivism offers a way out of this bind and I propose some guidelines to assist developers of educational technologies in accommodating the essentially dialogic nature of teaching and learning.