cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What Drives Dodd–Frank Act Compliance Costs for Private Funds?

This article assesses the effects of Dodd–Frank Act compliance costs on the private fund industry. Using hand-selected compliance cost estimates from private fund advisers (N = 94), the study shows with two independent datasets that the number of funds managed by private fund advisers is associated with Dodd–Frank Act compliance costs. The size of registered private fund advisers as measured by assets under management is not associated with the per-unit cost of Title IV compliance and other independent variables as proxies for cost. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the cost of financial regulation under the Dodd–Frank Act brings increasing returns to scale. Private fund advisers’ use of single versus multiple investment strategies does not have an effect on Title IV compliance costs.
Changes in Medicaid Utilization and Spending Associated with Homeless Adults' Entry into Permanent Supportive Housing.

There is growing interest in financing housing and supportive services for homeless individuals through Medicaid. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), which integrates non-time-limited housing with supportive services for people who are disabled and chronically homeless, has seen rapid growth in the last decade, but clear evidence on the long-term impacts of PSH, needed to guide state efforts to finance some PSH services through Medicaid, is lacking. Assess changes in Medicaid expenditures and utilization associated with receiving PSH. Cohort study using a difference-in-differences approach. A total of 1226 PA Medicaid enrollees who entered PSH 2011–2016 and remained in PSH for 180 days or more, and a matched comparison cohort of 970 enrollees experiencing housing instability who did not receive PSH. Medicaid spending in aggregate, and on behavioral and physical health services; emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospital stays. Three years after PSH entry, spending decreased by an average of $145/month in the PSH cohort relative to changes in the comparison cohort (p = 0.046), with the greatest relative spending reductions occurring for residential behavioral health ($64, p < 0.001) and inpatient non-behavioral health services ($89, p = 0.001). We also found relative reductions in ED use (4.7 visits/100 person-months, p = 0.010) and inpatient hospital stays (1.6 visits/100 person-months, p < 0.001). These results can inform emerging state efforts to finance PSH services through Medicaid. Additional state expenditures to expand financing for PSH services could be partially offset by reductions in Medicaid spending, in part by facilitating a shift in treatment to outpatient from acute care settings.
Outcomes and resource use for liver transplantation in the United States: Insights from the 2009-2017 National Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving treatment for end-stage liver disease patients that requires significant resources. We used national data to evaluate LT outcomes and factors associated with hospital resource use. METHODS Using the National Inpatient Sample, we identified all patients undergoing LT from 2009 to 2017 and defined high-resource use (HRU) as having costs ≥ 90th percentile. Hierarchical regression models were used to assess factors associated with length of stay (LOS) and HRU. RESULTS Over the study period, approximately 53,000 patients underwent LT, increasing from 5,582 in 2009 to 7,095 in 2017 (nptrend < 0.001). Morbidity and mortality were 42.2% and 3.9%, respectively, with a median post-LT LOS of 10 days. Hospitalization costs increased from $106,866 to $145,868 (nptrend < 0.001). Acute kidney injury (β:4.7 days, P < .001) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) with dialysis (β:4.3 days, P < .001) were associated with greater LOS while the Northeast region (AOR:5.2, P < .001), ESRD with dialysis (AOR:3.4, P < .001), heart failure (AOR:2.5, P < .001), and fulminant liver disease (AOR:1.8, P = .01) were associated with HRU. CONCLUSION The cost of LT has increased over time. Renal dysfunction, regional practice patterns, and patient acuity were associated with greater resource use. Transplanting patients before health deterioration may help contain costs, mitigate resource use, and improve LT outcomes.
Effect of Dispersity on the Conformation of Spherical Polymer Brushes

We show that dispersity (D) markedly alters the conformation of spherical polymer brushes. The average lengths (lb) of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PtBA) brushes of varying D grafted to nanoparticl...
Results of percutaneous hemiepiphysiodesis in adolescents with idiopathic genu valgum

Purpose: Multiple surgical techniques using bone blocks, screws, plates, and staples have been described to biologically manipulate the growth plate to correct leg length inequality, genu varum, and genu valgum. Genu valgum is part of a normal physiologic process in children, but when excessive can lead to detrimental alterations in gait and lower extremity alignment in adolescence. This study evaluated the outcomes of percutaneous hemiepiphysiodesis, as described by Bowen in 1984, in adolescents with idiopathic genu valgum. Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective review was …
Evaluation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 as Indicators of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have achieved impressive success in a subset of malignant tumors. Tumor mutation burden (TMB), programmed cell death ligand 1 expression, and deficient DNA mismatch repair are the few biomarkers known to be associated with response to ICIs. Breast cancer type 1 or 2 susceptibility gene (BRCA1 [OMIM 113705] and BRCA2 [OMIM 600185]) play critical roles in DNA repair. However, the roles of BRCA1/2 alteration in tumor immunotherapy remains uncharacterized, to our knowledge. Several early phase clinical trials are examining the combination of ICIs and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor in BRCA1/2 altered tumors. The role of BRCA1/2 alteration in immunotherapy remains controversial across different tumor types. We hypothesized that BRCA1/2 alteration is associated with TMB and may serve as a novel indicator associated with better treatment outcomes of ICIs.
“Teaching of Life”: Tolstoy’s Moral-Philosophical Aesthetics

This chapter outlines and evaluates Tolstoy’s theory of art as presented in his What is Art? I focus on his concept of emotion, moral emotions and their expression or elicitation in art works. Along the way I indicate where additional theorizing is required to defend his theory.
Association of patient engagement strategies with utilisation and spending for musculoskeletal problems in the USA: a cross-sectional analysis of Medicare patients and physician practices

Objective Musculoskeletal problems like hip and knee osteoarthritis and low-back pain are preference sensitive conditions. Patient engagement strategies (PES), such as shared decision-making and motivational interviewing, can help align patients’ preferences with treatment options and potentially reduce spending. We assess the association of physician practice-level adoption of PES with utilisation and spending. Design Cross-sectional study in which patients were matched across low, moderate and high levels of PES via coarsened exact matching. Setting Primary and secondary care in 2190 physician practices. Participants 39 336 hip, 48 362 knee and 67 940 low-back patients who were Medicare beneficiaries were matched to the 2017–2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems. Primary and secondary outcome measures Total hip replacement (THR), total knee replacement (TKR), 1–2 level posterior lumbar fusion (LF), total annual spending, components of total annual spending. Results Total annual spending for patients with musculoskeletal problems did not differ for practices with low versus moderate PES, low versus high PES or moderate versus high PES, but spending was significantly lower in some categories for practices with relatively higher PES adoption. For hospital-owned and health system-owned practices, the ORs of receiving LF were 0.632 (95% CI 0.396 to 1.009) for patients attributed to practices with high PES compared with patients attributed to practices with moderate PES. For independent practices, the odds of receiving THR were 1.403 (95% CI 1.035 to 1.902) for patients attributed to practices with moderate PES compared with patients attributed to practices with low PES. Conclusions Practice-level adoption of PES for patients with musculoskeletal problems was generally not associated with total spending. PES, however, may steer patients toward evidence-based treatments. Opportunities for overall spending reduction exist as indicated by the variation in the subcomponents of total spending by PES adoption.
The Shoe Cobbler

Some years before I had visited Umbria and met there a woman. She told me of her father, a shoe cobbler, who lived in a Polish village and carved poems in the soles he mended. The village could always be found by following the trail of poems left in the dirt streets which led away from it. This was her way, I supposed, of telling me I was a child, still to be told fairy tales. And maybe I proved her right, insisting to hear it all over again, challenging her when the details changed.
Internet Agents for Effective Collaboration

With the ever-growing Internet, distributed applications are gaining popularity. Going "online" to browse, to send/receive emails is an integral part of our daily lives. In fact, the majority of Internet users rely on email and web browsers as the de-facto tools for collaboration. Such popular tools, however, provide limited and inefficient mechanisms for collaboration, especially when several collaborators and resources are involved. Surprisingly, collaboration tools such as NetMeeting and Netscape Collabra are only used in limited applications despite their rich collaboration support. What is lacking is an invisible infrastructure that extends email and web browsing tools - to which most Internet users are accustomed and addicted - to intuitive interfaces of a full-fledged Web collaboration system. In this paper we present WAPM, a Web Agent Programming Model that uses mobile agents as the tool for coordination and describes a model that uses familiar tools such as the web and email for effective asynchronous collaboration. We introduce WAPM and give details of a simple scripting language used to direct agent actions, a pre-processor to check the validity of the script, an agent manager that creates and manages agents according to the script and a defined class hierarchy for developing application agents in WAPM. The mobile agents are based on the aZIMAs (almost Zero Infrastructure Mobile Agents) system that integrates mobile agents with web servers by providing mobility using HTTP.
A role congruity perspective on prejudice toward Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.

This research compares prejudice toward female politicians Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin through the lens of role congruity theory. We measured participants’ evaluations of stereotypicality, competence, warmth, and voting likelihood. Consistent with hypotheses, Clinton was evaluated as less stereotypically feminine and less warm than Palin, whereas Palin was evaluated as less competent than Clinton. Furthermore, participant gender, benevolent sexism, hostile sexism, and political orientation predicted differential voting likelihood for Clinton and Palin. Implications for role congruity, ambivalent sexism, and female politicians are discussed.
Electromagnetic Wave Scattering by Parallel Dielectric/Metamaterial Coated Elliptic Cylinders

An exact solution to the boundary value problem of multiple scattering by M parallel two-layer elliptic cylinders, based on the separation of variable technique and the addition theorem for Mathieu function is presented. It is expressed in terms of a system of simultaneous linear equations of infinite order. Numerical results for the special case of two parallel two-layer cylinders are presented and discussed for several geometrical cases and material parameters
Di­phenyl­amine

In the title compound, C12H11N, two phenyl rings are bound to a central N atom. These rings are rotated with respect to one another by an average dihedral angle of 43 (5)°. There are eight unique mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit and a total of 16 mol­ecules in the unit cell. The compound displays an interesting packing structure, where phenyl rings display both layered packing to nearest neighbors as well as rotation of phenyl rings to pack perpendicular to one other.
Developing Professionalism via Multisource Feedback in Team-Based Learning.

CGEA 2015 CONFERENCE ABSTRACT (EDITED) A Novel Approach to Assessing Professionalism in Preclinical Medical Students Using Paired Self- and Peer Evaluations. Amanda R. Emke, Steven Cheng, and Carolyn Dufault Construct: This study sought to assess the professionalism of 2nd-year medical students in the context of team-based learning. Background: Professionalism is an important attribute for physicians and a core competency throughout medical education. Preclinical training often focuses on individual knowledge acquisition with students working only indirectly with faculty assessors. As such, the assessment of professionalism in preclinical training continues to present challenges. We propose a novel approach to preclinical assessment of medical student professionalism to address these challenges. Approach: Second-year medical students completed self- and peer assessments of professionalism in two courses (Pediatrics and Renal/Genitourinary Diseases) following a series of team-based learning exercises. Asse...
Minimal-change nephrotic syndrome in a hematopoietic stem-cell transplant recipient

Background A 61-year-old woman received standard immunizations, including Haemophilus influenzae type B, diphtheria, tetanus toxoid, and unconjugated 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax®, Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ), 1 year after undergoing nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia. After 5 days, she developed fatigue with progressive weight gain and edema, and 14 days after immunization she presented with anasarca and was found to have acute renal failure and nephrotic proteinuria. Investigations Physical examination, serum chemistry, examination of urine sediment, renal ultrasound using Doppler scanning, 24 h urine collection, and renal biopsy. Diagnosis Minimal-change nephrotic syndrome with acute tubular injury. Management Aggressive diuresis and oral corticosteroid therapy.
Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Pancreatitis in a Non-Diabetic Pregnant Patient Requiring the Use of Total Parenteral Nutrition

Hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis in pregnancy is established and has been widely reported. However there are very scanty reports of cases involving the use of total parenteral nutrition. We report the case of a 37-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman at 34 weeks of gestation who presented with one day of severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea and bilious vomiting caused by pancreatitis induced by hypertriglyceridemia. Her initial serum triglyceride, amylase and lipase concentration were 6,552 mg/dl, 314 U/L and 537 U/L respectively. She initially received intravenous fluids and insulin with reduction of serum triglyceride levels to 583 mg/dl on the fifth day of admission. However attempts to refeed the patient with solid food resulted in induction of hypertriglyceridemia and relapse of pancreatitis. Lipid free total parenteral nutrition was commenced in the third week of admission and lead to a better control of triglyciderides and resolution of pancreatitis until delivery of a full term healthy neonate.
Element mobility during zeolitic and argillic alteration of volcanic ash in a closed-basin lacustrine environment: Case study Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Abstract Pliocene–Pleistocene Bed I of Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania provides an ideal test for models of element mobility during closed-basin saline–alkaline tephra alteration. Samples of a single phonolitic lapilli-rich layer of marker Tuff IF were collected across a transect of paleo-lake Olduvai, including authigenic K-feldspar and phillipsite bearing samples from the central saline–alkaline lake basin, less altered phillipsite and chabazite-bearing samples from the intermittently dry lacustrine and lake margin deposits, clay-dominated samples from the distal lake margin, and less altered or fresh samples from a freshwater wetlands deposit. In addition to authigenic mineral assemblage, bulk composition (as measured for lapilli separates) also varies across the basin. Of the major elements, Si and Al varied the least across the environments sampled. Ca, Na, and K were variable but did not display significant leaching as would occur under more dilute and neutral conditions. K in particular varied in concentration depending on environment, showing depletion in the lake margin argillic samples and concentration in the phillipsite and K-feldspar dominated zeolitic samples of the central basin. Mg followed the opposite pattern, with higher concentrations in the argillic samples. The overall pattern of element enrichment and depletion helps reconstruct the Olduvai Basin diagenetic history. Ordinarily immobile elements Ti and Zr showed significant variation, especially in the most altered samples. Zr concentrations were up to 50% lower in the zeolitized samples, while they were conserved or slightly enriched in the least altered and argillic samples. Of the trace elements analyzed, only Ta and Nb were consistently immobile, showing variations of under 10%. These observations suggest that Zr and Ti should not be treated as immobile elements if exposure to saline–alkaline fluids is suspected, as they can become more mobile under specific high-pH conditions.
Query size estimation by adaptive sampling

Abstract We present an adaptive, random sampling algorithm for estimating the size of general queries. The algorithm can be used for any query D over a database D such that (1) for some n, the answer to L can be partitioned into n disjoint subsets L 1, L 2, ..., L n, and (2) for 1 ≤ i ≤ n, the size of L i, is bounded by some function b(D, L ), and (3) there is some algorithm by which we can compute the size of L i, where i is chosen randomly. We consider the performance of the algorithm on three special cases of the algorithm: join queries, transitive closure queries, and general recursive Datalog queries.
Predicting exchange coupling constants in frustrated molecular magnets using density functional theory.

We study the Heisenberg exchange couplings in polynuclear transition-metal clusters with strong spin frustration using a variety of theoretical techniques. We present results for a trinuclear CrIII molecule, a tetranuclear FeIII complex, and an octanuclear FeIII molecular magnet. We explore the physics of the exchange couplings in these systems using standard broken-symmetry (BS) techniques and a more recently developed constrained density functional theory (C-DFT) approach. The calculations show that the expected picture of localized spin moments on the metal centers is appropriate, and in each case C-DFT predicts coupling constant values in good agreement with experiment. Furthermore, we demonstrate that all of the C-DFT spin states for a given cluster can be reasonably described by a single Heisenberg Hamiltonian. These findings are significant in part because standard BS calculations are in conflict with the experiments on a number of key points. For example, BS-DFT predicts a doublet (rather than qua...
Dual respiratory virus infections

We retrospectively reviewed eight prospective epidemiological studies conducted between 1991 and 1995 for dual respiratory virus infection (DRVI) to determine the frequency, associated comorbid conditions, clinical presentations, and morbidity related to DRVI among immunocompetent persons. Two viruses were identified as the cause of 67 (5.0%) of 1,341 acute respiratory virus infections. DRVI was detected in patients from < 1 year to 79 years of age, in both sexes, and in many races. Forty-two percent of patients with DRVI were < or = 4 years old. Fifty-eight percent of patients with DRVI had underlying chronic lung disease. DRVI was associated with upper respiratory tract illness; lower respiratory tract illness, including pneumonia; systemic influenza-like illnesses; and exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All of the common acute respiratory viruses were identified; picornaviruses and influenzavirus A were the most common. The rate of DRVI (11.6%) was highest in the epidemiological studies in which cell culture, serology, and polymerase chain reaction were used together. Patients with DRVI were hospitalized significantly more often than those with respiratory infection due to a single virus (46.3% vs. 21.7%; P < .01). The percentage of DRVIs increased proportionally with the number of diagnostic methods used.
Association of urodynamic function and brain neuropathology in elderly institutionalized patients

In order to examine the association between intracerebral lesions and urinary dysfunction in incontinent nursing home patients, cystometric studies were compared with postmortem brain examinations. Nine cases were identified which had both cystometric studies during life and postmortem neuropathological examination of the brain (mean age=87.6 years; eight females, one male). Cystometric studies revealed involuntary bladder contractions in all of the cases. On neuropathological examination, neurofibrillary tangle and senile plaque formation were found in eight of the nine subjects. There was evidence of old infarction in three subjects. There was no clear association between the degree of plaque and tangle formation and the characteristics of the involuntary bladder contractions (volume at which contraction occurs, contraction pressure, duration of contraction). While there is an understanding of the association of cerebral infarction and detrusor instability, the role of neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in urinary dysfunction is not well understood. Functional disability probably is an important contributor to urinary problems in patients with intracerebral lesions.
High-intensity single-mode laser theory

A high-intensity single-mode gas laser is analyzed by several mathematical methods. Exact numerical results are best obtained by solving for the coefficients of a Fourier series solution by using a backward recurrence scheme or a successive convergents method for evaluating a continued fraction. Numerical integration techniques can also be used to convert the periodic boundary conditions to initial conditions and then solve the resulting initial-value problem. Direct analytic integration leads to exact solutions in terms of Bessel functions for the special case of zero detuning, equal decay rates, and neglecting of collision broadening. For general single-mode operation, an improved analytic approximation [the second recursion relation approximation (2RCRA)] is obtained by taking an additional term in the recursion relations for the Fourier coefficients. This approximation predicts the existence of one of the secondary resonances in graphs of the spatially averaged population inversion and quadrature polarization coefficient densities and matches the exact solution from the position of the first resonance and outward independent of the intensity. The 2RCRA also matches the exact detuning curve except at small detunings. The first-order ("rate equation") approximation, by comparison, does not predict any secondary resonances and does not match the exact solution at higher intensities. A physical interpretation for the appearance of the secondary resonances is presented in terms of multiphoton interactions and a prediction for the positions of the resonances for the special case discussed above is obtained. As predicted by Greenstein the exact detuning curves show quantitatively that the Lamb dip decreases and disappears as the intensity increases for high excitations.
Quaternary sea-level events on northern San Clemente Island, California

Global sea-level changes are expressed in the coastal landforms and deposits of northern San Clemente Island. Stratigraphic, radiometric, amino acid, and pedologic dating techniques have allowed the development of a chronology of sea-level changes for about the last 500,000 yr. A uranium-series date on coral of about 127,000 yr for the 2nd terrace serves as a calibration point for amino acid age estimates of four other mapped terraces. Two of these terraces have age estimates of about 80,000–105,000 yr, another has an age estimate of about 127,000 yr, and the 5th terrace on the west side of the island is estimated to be about 415,000–575,000 yr old. These dates correlate reasonably well with marine terraces dated elsewhere and with stages of the oxygen-isotope record that are thought to represent high stands of the sea. Weakly cemented calcareous dune sands (eolianites) are moderately extensive on northern San Clemente Island and appear to represent low stands of the sea, since calcareous shelf sands were the most likely source. A radiocarbon date of about 22,000 yr suggests that the youngest eolianite was deposited during the last glacial maximum. An older eolianite is estimated to be about 140,000–195,000 yr old based on stratigraphic relations and degree of soil development. The suggested ages for the eolianites also correlate well with oxygen-isotope estimates of low sea levels.
Theory on thermal probe arrays for the distinction between the convective and the perfusive modalities of heat transfer in living tissues.

Recent suggestions for an improved model of heat transfer in living tissues emphasize the existence of a convective mode due to flowing blood in addition to, or even instead of, the perfusive mode, as proposed in Pennes' "classic" bioheat equation. In view of these suggestions, it might be beneficial to develop a technique that will enable one to distinguish between these two modes of bioheat transfer. To this end, a concept that utilizes a multiprobe array of thermistors in conjunction with a revised bioheat transfer equation has been derived to distinguish between, and to quantify the perfusive and convective contribution of blood to heat transfer in living tissues. The array consists of two or more temperature sensors one of which also serves to locally insert a short pulse of heat into the tissue prior to the temperature measurements. A theoretical analysis shows that such a concept is feasible. The construction of the system involves the selection of several important design parameters, i.e., the distance between the probes, the heating power, and the pulse duration. The choice of these parameters is based on computer simulations of the actual experiment.
A 22-bit 110ps time-interpolated Time-to-Digital Converter

This paper presents a 22-bit time-interpolated Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) with 110ps temporal resolution for biochemical sensing applications, which utilize time-resolve luminescence imaging technique. The TDC achieves wide dynamic range operation by incorporating a hybrid architecture that combines a 14-bit digital counter based coarse TDC and an 8-bit Voltage-Controlled Delay Line (VCDL) based fine TDC. We have proposed and implemented a novel readout algorithm for VCDL operation that achieves high throughput temporal measurement. A prototype chip has been fabricated in a 65nm standard CMOS process and it consumes 2.4mA power from a 1.2V supply. The measurement results on the fabricated TDC demonstrates a Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) of 0.49LSB and an Integral Nonlinearity (INL) or 1.67LSB (1LSB=110ps). The implemented TDC architecture and its fast readout circuit can be readily used in a variety of time-resolved biomedical sensing or high-speed imaging applications that require both wide dynamic range performance and high frame rate implementations.
Factors Influencing Behavior and Success of Foraging Reddish Egrets (Egretta rufescens)

The Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) is the rarest and least studied species of heron in North America and is a species of conservation concern throughout its range. Foraging behavior and foraging success of the Reddish Egret were studied by focusing on whether their foraging behavior or success varied with age, color morph, group size, and habitat measures. Foraging individuals (n = 372) were video-recorded in the Laguna Madre of Texas, USA, from March 2008-April 2010. Adult Reddish Egrets were 30–250% more successful foragers than juveniles, and groups were 32–44% more successful foragers than solitary foragers. Foraging success was similar between color morphs. The more specialized foraging behaviors of canopy feeding, wing flicking, and foot-stirring had the highest success, but were employed infrequently. Four environmental variables (wind speed, light intensity, water depth, and percent seagrass coverage) were found to influence foraging success, but accounted for only 3% of the variation in foraging behavior. Our results suggest that environmental variables have little influence on foraging behavior of Reddish Egrets in the Laguna Madre, and we suggest that characteristics of the prey have a stronger influence. An understanding of how environmental variables influence foraging behavior and success may allow us to better assess habitat quality or possibly aid in identification of highly productive foraging sites and allow for more targeted conservation actions to those habitats that promote high foraging success.
When Scavengers Meet Industrial Wireless

Recent standardization efforts on industrial low-power wireless communication technologies clearly bet for the Time Slotted Channel Hopping (TSCH) medium access control (MAC) layer as it proved to achieve 99.999% reliability while ensuring deterministic behavior. Standards such as WirelessHART, ISA100.11a, and IEEE802.15.4e rooted at the TSCH MAC layer are used to connect millions of industrial devices today, enabling the emergence of the Industrial Internet paradigm. At that point and due to the ultralow energy profile of TSCH networks, scavengers come into play, enabling autonomously powered control and monitoring systems on industries. However, putting these systems together requires a clear understanding of their behavior. Therefore, this paper presents a methodology and a model to reliably dimension scavenger properties to network requirements and application needs, allowing industries to optimize the adoption of that technologies while keeping technical risks low.
Production of glucosyltransferases by wild-type Leuconostoc mesenteroides in media containing sugars other than sucrose

produces glucosyltransferases (GTFs) and fructosyltransferases (FTFs) which are inducible enzymes which respectively synthesize dextrans and levans from sucrose. Except for a few mutant strains which produce high activities in glucose medium, L. mesenteroides is thought not to produce GTFs and FTFs unless sucrose is present. We show here that cultures of eight strains produced low, but detectable GTF activity when glucose, maltose or melibiose replaced sucrose as the growth substrate. Four strains also produced FTFs of approximately 130 kDa in medium with or without sucrose. The GTFs and FTFs produced on sugars other than sucrose could be detected as bands on SDS gels even when not detected by other methods. Except for strain B-523, the number, sizes and relative intensities of the bands were independent of the sugar used for growing the cultures. Alternansucrase from strains B-1355 and B-1501 in glucose or maltose medium was almost entirely associated with the cell fraction, ruling out binding to glucans as the cause of the association.
Developing global leaders

Abstract With respect to global leadership development, this article suggests that managers differentially benefit from a given intercultural training or developmental experience — depending on their individual aptitudes (i.e., knowledge, skills, abilities, and other personality characteristics). The main premise of this article is that offering the right people (those with the requisite individual aptitudes) the right developmental opportunities will produce leaders who can effectively perform global leadership tasks and activities.
Substance Abuse Among Veterans With a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia

Persons with chronic mental illness who abuse substances have recently received considerable attention, in part because ofdifficulties in treating them in traditional psychiatric on substance abuse programs. Mueser and associates (1) recently reviewed studies estimating the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in schizophncnic patients and found considerable variation due to differences in the populations studied and in data collection methods. In this study, structured instruments were used to examine demographic and clinical differences among three groups of schizophrenic
Cover Picture: Direct Correlation of Organic Semiconductor Film Structure to Field‐Effect Mobility (Adv. Mater. 19/2005)

The use of near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy as a non-destructive technique to quantify the simultaneous chemical conversion, molecular ordering, and defect formation of soluble oligothiophene precursor films intended for application in organic field-effect transistors is demonstrated on p. 2340 by DeLongchamp and co-workers. Illustrated from left to right, with increasing temperature: a) as-cast, the molecules are weakly oriented; b) at the conversion onset, they become isotropic; c) after full conversion, they are strongly oriented and exhibit maximum field-effect mobility; and d) overheating reduces film coverage and decreases their orientation, thus lowering their performance.
Obstructive sleep apnea in idiopathic intracranial hypertension: comparison with matched population data.

Patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) frequently have coexisting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to determine if the prevalence and severity of OSA is greater in patients with IIH than would be expected, given their other risk factors for OSA. We included 24 patients (20 women, four men) with newly-diagnosed IIH who had undergone overnight polysomnography. We calculated the expected apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) for each patient, based on their age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), and menopausal status, using a model derived from 1,741 randomly-sampled members of the general population who had undergone overnight polysomnography. We compared the AHI values obtained from polysomnography with those predicted by the model using a paired t test. Our study had 80 % power to detect a 10-unit change in mean AHI at α = 0.05. Eight patients (33.3 %; six women, two men) had OSA by polysomnography. AHIs from polysomnography were not significantly different from those predicted by the model (mean difference 3.5, 95 % CI: −3.0−9.9, p = 0.28). We conclude that the prevalence and severity of OSA in IIH patients is no greater than would be expected for their age, sex, race, BMI, and menopausal status. It remains unclear whether the presence or treatment of OSA influences the clinical course of IIH.
Training Supervisors of Practitioners: Analysis of Efficacy

ABSTRACT This article describes and discusses the efficacy of a training program for supervisors of practitioners offered on a yearly basis by the College of St. Catherine/University of St. Thomas School of Social Work Supervision Institute since 1994. Analysis of pre- and post-training data reveals that participants in the program are able to articulate how they benefited from the knowledge and skills they gained. Participants valued having time for consultation with their peers and with the group leaders. A follow-up study documented their continued use of what they learned and their desire for more training and/or support. The authors recommend a three-part program to provide community-focused training for supervisors of practitioners, including basic knowledge and skills in the practice of supervision, providing training on setting specific topics, and adding opportunities for supervisors to develop networks for peer consultation. Ongoing evaluations of training programs for supervisors of practitione...
The human operator as a link in closed-loop control systems

Human behavior is becoming an increasingly important factor in modern engineering design. As machines become more complex, closer cooperation between bioscientist and engineer is required to achieve a fuller understanding of the human operator.
On Introducing Engineering Strain

The normal component of engineering strain is identified as the tangential component of the relative displacement of the ends of a line segment divided by the initial length of the line segment. The shear strain associated with a pair of orthogonal line segments is the sum of angles obtained from the transverse components of the relative displacement of the line segments divided by the initial lengths of the line segments.
News Framing of Autism: Understanding Media Advocacy and the Combating Autism Act

This study explores agenda setting, framing, and the concepts of media advocacy and mobilizing information through content analysis of The New York Times and The Washington Post news coverage of autism from 1996 to 2006, the year the Combating Autism Act was passed. Findings revealed that science frames decreased over time, while policy frames increased. Medical, government, family, and nonprofit sources were most common in news coverage. Solutions were mentioned more frequently than causes; however, mobilizing information was limited. Theoretical implications and practical applications are discussed.
Selection of Initial Conditions for Ensemble Forecasts in a Simple Perfect Model Framework

Abstract An extremely simple chaotic model, the three-variable Lorenz convective model, is used in a perfect model setting to study the selection of initial conditions for ensemble forecasts. Observations with a known distribution of error are sampled from the “climate” of the simple model. Initial condition distributions that use only information about the observation and the observational error distribution (i.e., traditional Monte Carlo methods) are shown to differ from the correct initial condition distributions, which make use of additional information about the local structure of the model's attractor. Three relatively inexpensive algorithms for finding the local attractor structure in a simple model are examined; these make use of singular vectors. normal modes, and perturbed integrations. All of these are related to heuristic algorithms that have been applied to select ensemble members in operational forecast models. The method of perturbed integrations, which is somewhat similar to the “breeding”...
Convergent Validity with the BERS-2 Teacher Rating Scale and the Achenbach Teacher’s Report Form: A Replication and Extension

In the present study, we sought to extend instrument validation research for a strength-based emotional and behavior rating scale, the Teacher Rating Scale of the Behavior and Emotional Rating Scale-Second Edition (BERS-2; Epstein, M. H. (2004). Behavioral and emotional rating scale (2nd ed.). Austin, TX: PRO-ED) through the use of convergent validation techniques. The associations between the strength-based domains of the BERS-2 were examined in relation to problem syndrome subscales of the Teacher’s Report Form (TRF; Achenbach, T. M. (1991b). Manual for the teacher’s report form and 1991 profile. Burlington: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry). Both measures were conducted with 58 students with emotional disturbance in grades 2 through 12. The overall convergent validity of the BERS-2 and the TRF was strong, particularly for TRF externalizing problems and associated syndromes. However, less evidence emerged for the convergence of domain subscales characterized by behaviors of an internalizing nature. These results provide further support for the use of the BERS-2 in the assessment of the social and behavioral functioning of students with emotional disturbance.
Pituitary-adrenal response to ether vapor in the weanling animal: characterization of the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on adrenocorticotropin secretion.

Pituitary-Adrenal Response to Ether Vapor in the Weanling Animal: Characterization of the Inhibitory Effect of Glucocorticoids on Adrenocorticotropin Secretion
Early Region 4 Modulates Adenovirus DNA Replication by Two Genetically Separable Mechanisms

Three viral proteins, all products of early region 2 (E2), participate directly in adenovirus DNA replication. Three products of early region 4 (E4) also affect viral DNA synthesis: the product of E4 ORF4 inhibits viral DNA accumulation, while the products of E4 ORFs 3 and 6 antagonize that effect of ORF4 expression. Because no E4 products are required for DNA synthesis, these proteins probably act indirectly. The E4 ORF3, 4, and 6 proteins all participate in aspects of the regulation of viral gene expression. To determine whether they modulate DNA replication by effects on expression of viral replication proteins, we examined E2 expression in E4 mutant-infected cells. In cells infected by ORF3-, 6- mutants, expression of ORF4 substantially depressed the steady-state levels of replication proteins and E2 mRNAs, reduced E2 transcription rates, and profoundly inhibited viral DNA replication. Thus, in the absence of E4 ORFs 3 and 6, ORF4 acts as a transcriptional regulator of E2 expression, and reduced replication protein levels largely account for the inhibition of DNA replication by ORF4. Cells infected by viruses that express ORFs 3 and 6 in addition to ORF4 accumulated much larger quantities of viral DNA than did cells infected by the ORF3-, 6-, 4+ mutant. Increased DNA accumulation was not accompanied by a comparable increase in E2 expression. Therefore, the ORF3 and 6 products counteract the ORF4-induced reduction of DNA replication by a mechanism other than reversing the inhibitory effect of ORF4 on E2 expression. The effect of ORF4 on E2 expression is consistent with its ability to regulate levels of the transcription factor AP-1 (Muller et al., 1992, J. Virol. 66, 5867-5878); the mechanism by which ORFs 3 and 6 enhance replication is unknown.
The application of Poisson random-effects regression models to the analyses of adolescents' current level of smoking.

Abstract Background. In school-based smoking prevention research, it is still debatable whether parents or peers are most influential to maintained smoking among adolescents. As a result, this study examines the effects of parental and peer approval of smoking on adolescents' current levels of smoking. Methods. Poisson random-effects regression models were used to assess the effects of parental and peer approval of smoking on adolescents' ( n = 913) current level of smoking. Results. Results of these analyses indicate that a stronger relationship between parental approval of smoking and current level of smoking was found for female adolescents than for male adolescents. Conversely, a stronger relationship between peer approval of smoking and current level of smoking was found for male adolescents than for female adolescents. With respect to race, the influence of parental approval of smoking on adolescents' current level of smoking was generally more pronounced for minority adolescents, relative to white adolescents. However, the influence of peer approval of smoking on current level of smok ing was strongest for white adolescents and was less strong for black, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents. Conclusion. The findings of this study demonstrated that the effects of parental and peer approval of smoking on adolescents' current levels of smoking were varied by gender and race. These differential effects may have some implication for the development of future school-based smoking prevention and cessation programs.
Cassava mesophyll protoplasts: Isolation, proliferation, and shoot formation

Abstract Isolated mesophyll protoplasts of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) were induced to regenerate cell walls, divide and form calli via the potato protoplast system previously developed in this laboratory. Shoot formation was occasionally observed in cultivar Mexico No. 35 under the specific conditions described herein.
Effect of prolonged pneumoperitoneum on intraoperative urine output during laparoscopic gastric bypass

Abstract Background Intraoperative oliguria is common during laparoscopic operations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prolonged pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic gastric bypass (GBP) on intraoperative urine output and renal function. Methods 104 patients with a body mass index between 40 and 60 kg/m 2 were randomly assigned to laparoscopic (n = 54) or open (n = 50) GBP. Intraoperative urine output was recorded at 30-min intervals. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were measured at baseline and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Levels of antidiuretic hormone, aldosterone, and plasma renin activity were also measured in a subset of laparoscopic (n = 22) and open (n = 24) GBP patients at baseline, 2 hours after surgical incision, and in the recovery room. Results The laparoscopic and open groups were similar in age, gender, and body mass index. There was no significant difference in amount of intraoperative fluid administered between groups (5.4 ± 1.6 L, laparoscopic versus 5.8 ± 1.7 L, open), but operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (232 min versus 200 min, p Conclusion Prolonged pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic gastric bypass significantly reduced intraoperative urine output but did not adversely alter postoperative renal function.
A changing planning process

Abstract In 1984 the Royal Town Planning Institute celebrated its 70th anniversary. The promise of town planning, that leap in the dark, may not have been fully realized, but I want to argue that, despite the ideological fashions of the moment, we still require appropriate and adaptive policy mechanisms with which to confront future change.
Variational Calculation of R Matrices. Application to Ar Photoabsorption

An ab initio analytic Hartree-Fock procedure is introduced which yields directly eigenvalues and eigenvectors of an $R$ matrix to be matched with data extracted from different spectroscopic experiments. Results of a pilot calculation are presented.
DEFINING GEOLOGIC HAZARDS FOR NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT USING TREE-RING ANALYSIS

Landslides, avalanches, floods, and other geologic hazards impair natural resources management by jeopardizing public safety, damaging or restricting resource utilization, and necessitating expenditures for corrective measures The negative impact of geologic hazard events can be reduced by tailoring resources management to hazard potential of an area This requires assessment of where and how frequently the events occur National forests and other managed wildlands often lack monitoring or historical records to compute frequency of hazard occurrence Tree-ring analysis, based on internal growth response to external events such as tilting and abrasion, can provide frequency data Two examples of the use of tree-ring analysis to date landslide activity illustrate advantages and limitations of the technique An example from the Fishlake National Forest in central Utah illustrates assessment for planning purposes An example from the Sierra National Forest in east-central California shows assessment applied to project design Many geologic hazards in addition to landslides are suited to tree-ring analysis to establish frequency of occurrence Hazard reduction efforts in natural resources management could be enhanced by careful application of tree-ring analysis
An elementary proof of the maximum principle for optimal control problems governed by a Volterra integral equation

An elementary proof of the maximum principle for optimal control problems whose states are governed by Volterra integral equations is given. Our proof is motivated by the work of Michel (Ref. 7) and utilizes only elementary results from analysis and mathematical programming. By appealing to Pontryagin-type perturbations of the controls, the above optimal control problem is effectively reduced to a mathematical programming problem. The results are then obtained by appealing to well-known mathematical programming results.