cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diel variation of molybdenum and iron in marine diazotrophic cyanobacteria

Measurements of Mo:C and Fe :C ratios in cultured cells of two N2-fixing cyanobacteria, Crocosphaera watsonii strain WH8501 and Trichodesmium erythraeum strain IMS101, agree with estimated metal : carbon ratios based on growth rate and the metal use efficiency of the nitrogenase enzyme. Crocosphaera, a single-celled nocturnal N2 fixer, showed two- to eightfold increases in Mo and Fe cellular concentrations in response to nitrogen fixation activity. Mo required for N2 assimilation can account for almost the entire Mo pool measured in the cells, implying that Crocosphaera synthesizes its entire nitrogenase pool de novo each night. In contrast, cultures of Trichodesmium, a filamentous, diurnal N2-fixing cyanobacterium, did not show diel variations in Mo or Fe carbon ratios or in cellular metal concentrations. Trichodesmium appears to maintain an internal pool of Mo. In Trichodesmium cultures, Mo concentrations were up to 30% higher than needed to support measured N2 fixation. Trichodesmium colonies collected from the field had Mo:C ratios 10-fold larger than those measured in culture, far in excess of what is needed to fix N2 at rates normally measured in the field, despite equivalent Fe :C ratios (66 ± 39 [field samples] and 87 ± 64 [cultures] µmol mol−1). The average Fe :C ratio measured in N2-fixing Crocosphaera (16 ± 11 µmol mol−1) was equivalent to theoretical estimates of Fe demand based on nitrogenase requirements (13 ± 5 µmol mol−1). These results demonstrate the extremely efficient use of Fe by these organisms and provide support for the use of theoretical estimates of Fe :C ratios to calculate biological Fe demand for N2 fixation.
Tissue-specific Distribution and Dynamic Changes of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in Mammalian Genomes

Cytosine residues in the vertebrate genome are enzymatically modified to 5-methylcytosine, which participates in transcriptional repression of genes during development and disease progression. 5-Methylcytosine can be further enzymatically modified to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by the TET family of methylcytosine dioxygenases. Analysis of 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is confounded, as these modifications are indistinguishable by traditional sequencing methods even when supplemented by bisulfite conversion. Here we demonstrate a simple enzymatic approach that involves cloning, identification, and quantification of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in various CCGG loci within murine and human genomes. 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine was prevalent in human and murine brain and heart genomic DNAs at several regions. The cultured cell lines NIH3T3 and HeLa both displayed very low or undetectable amounts of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at the examined loci. Interestingly, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in mouse embryonic stem cell DNA first increased then slowly decreased upon differentiation to embryoid bodies, whereas 5-methylcytosine levels increased gradually over time. Finally, using a quantitative PCR approach, we established that a portion of VANGL1 and EGFR gene body methylation in human tissue DNA samples is indeed hydroxymethylation.
Scaling rules for optimizing 2R regenerators

We show through detailed numerical simulations that the ratio of accumulated dispersion to the maximum nonlinear phase shift inside a highly nonlinear fiber can be used to predict the regenerative capability of regenerators making use of fibers with very different lengths, dispersions, and nonlinear parameters.
Changes in Patients’ Beliefs About the Causes of their Depression Following Successful Treatment

Research suggests that depressed patients’ beliefs about the causes of their depression affect the course and outcomes of treatment. However, changes in such beliefs during treatment have not been investigated. Before and after treatment, participants in a randomized control trial comparing cognitive therapy (CT) with antidepressant medication (ADM) in the treatment of depression were asked about their beliefs concerning the reasons for their depression. The reason clusters of interest were: Characterological, conceptually related to CT; and Biological, conceptually related to ADM. Contrary to predictions, endorsement of treatment-relevant reasons did not increase after a successful treatment. Rather, endorsement of treatment-irrelevant reasons decreased significantly. Thus, successful treatment may preserve people’s beliefs in causes of depression most closely related to the treatment, and diminish beliefs in unrelated causes.
Synergistic In vivo Antitumor Effect of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor MS-275 in Combination with Interleukin 2 in a Murine Model of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: High-dose interleukin 2 (IL-2) is a Food and Drug Administration–approved regimen for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. However, the toxicity and limited clinical benefit associated with IL-2 has hampered its use. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have been shown to have antitumor activity in different tumor models including renal cell carcinoma, and to have immunomodulatory properties. In our study, we tested the effectiveness of combination therapy of IL-2 with the HDAC inhibitor MS-275 in a murine renal cell carcinoma (RENCA) model. Experimental Design: RENCA luciferase–expressing cells were implanted in the left kidney of BALB/C mice. Animals were randomly divided into four groups and treated with either vehicle, 150,000 IU of IL-2 twice daily by i.p. injections (twice weekly), 5 mg/kg of MS-275 daily by oral gavage (5 d/wk), or its combination. Treatment was started either 3 or 9 days following tumor cell injection. Results: Weekly luciferase images and tumor weight after 2 weeks of treatment showed significant tumor inhibition (>80%) in the combination treatment as compared with the IL-2 (no significant inhibition) or MS-275 (∼40% inhibition) treatment groups. Spontaneous lung metastases were also inhibited in the combination treatment (>90% inhibition) as compared with the single treatment group. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed statistically significant increased survival in the combination group as compared with controls and single agents. Splenocytes from mice treated with combination treatment showed greater lysis of RENCA cells than splenocytes from mice treated with single agents. The percentage of CD4 + CD25 + T cells and Foxp3 + T cells (T regulatory cells) was increased or reduced, respectively, in lymph nodes from tumor-bearing animals treated with the combination of MS-275 and IL-2 as compared with control and single agents. Depletion of CD8 + T cells abrogated the survival benefit from MS-275 + IL-2 combination. Conclusions: These results show that the combination of IL-2 and MS-275 has a synergistic antitumor effect in vivo in an immunocompetent murine model of renal cell carcinoma. The antitumor effect was associated with the decreased number of T regulatory cells and the increased antitumor cytotoxicity by splenocytes. In conclusion, these preclinical data provide the rationale for clinical testing of the combination of IL-2 and HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Evaluation of the Functional Equivalence of Crospovidone NF from Different Sources. I. Physical Characterization

In the past two decades, three categories of newer disintegrants have come into widespread use. These substances are a synthetic polymer (crospovidone), chemically modified starch (sodium starch glycolate) and cellulose (croscarmellose sodium). Multiple suppliers are now available for each category. Current NF monographs do not provide tests which reflect on their functionality and one cannot assume reliable performance of disintegrants from different sources meeting NF standards. The objective of this study was to identify differences in physical properties thought to be related to functionality among crospovidones from multiple sources. Physical properties examined included particle size and distribution, surface area, porosity and surface morphology. Disintegration and dissolution were performed on a model tablet formulation using either an insoluble or a soluble filler. Substantial differences in particle size and distribution, surface area, porosity and surface morphology were observed which correlated with differences in disintegration time and dissolution rate of the model drug from an insoluble tablet core. None of the differences in physical properties resulted in any differences in the disintegration or dissolution of the model drug from a soluble tablet core.
Capillary reactor for cyclohexane oxidation with oxygen

Abstract Cyclohexane oxidation is the first step in the currently used technology for production of Nylon-6 and Nylon-6,6 which employs a two-stage process. In the first stage 80% selectivity to two main products, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA oil) is obtained at 4–8% cyclohexane conversion in staged bubble columns or stirred tanks. There have been reports that increased oxygen concentration in the gas phase or pure oxygen is beneficial to cyclohexane oxidation and this was confirmed in our previous study ( Jevtic et al., 2009 ). To fully utilize this advantage here, we present a novel, safer capillary reactor for cyclohexane oxidation with pure oxygen. The discrepancy between the experimental and modeling results was attributed to lower than expected mass transfer achieved in the capillary. With a better design for gas–liquid mixing and contacting this type of a reactor could potentially become attractive for gas–liquid reactions of similar nature.
Family Mediation of Mathematically Based Concepts While Engaged in a Problem-Solving Activity With Their Young Deaf Children

This qualitative study examined the relationship between young deaf children's level of mathematics ability ("high" and "low," as defined by test score on the Test of Early Mathematics Ability-3) and opportunities available for the construction of early mathematics knowledge during a problem-solving task implemented by their parents. Findings indicate that the manner in which the mathematically based concepts (number/counting, quantity, time/sequence, and categorization) were incorporated into the activity was more meaningful for children who demonstrated high levels of mathematical ability. In addition, children who demonstrated high levels of mathematical ability experienced a more purposeful use of mediation during activity implementation; however, overall use of mediated learning experience was limited for children from both ability groups.
Reconsidering the Missile Crisis and Its Interpretation

Book reviewed in this article: Graham Allison and Philip Zelikow, Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis
Introgression in Artocarpus Moraceae) in Micronesia.

A discussion of the nomenclature and taxonomy of the members of the genusArtocarpus found in Micronesia is presented, principally concerningA. altilis andA. mariannensis; the former is a widespread usually sterile cultivated species; the latter is considered a native forest tree in the Marianas Islands and planted elsewhere in Micronesia. Brief descriptions are presented of a number of variants and intergrades between these species, these variants are interpreted as the results of introgression. Processes are suggested, by means of which introgression involving a sterile parent could take place. Man’s influence both in transporting the parents and progeny over large distances between islands and in shaping the resulting populations, is discussed. Desirability of a much more intensive study, both morphological and experimental, is stressed. The fact that such a study is being undertaken by Dr. Barrau is announced with satisfaction.
Ethanol Ingestion during Pregnancy: Effects on Pregnant Rats and Their Offspring

A dose-response effect of ethanol intake on pregnant rats and their offspring has been studied. Ingestion of 36%ethanol diet reduced daily food consumption and attenuated gain in body weight relative to mothers fed control diet ad libitum. Mean values of survived litter size and body weight of offspring were significantly less than those of controls, although pair-fed controls ingested the same amount of food as ethanol-fed mothers. Offspring of 36% ethanol-fed animals failed to "catch up" in body weight relative to control pups. In contrast, feeding of 20% or 13% ethanol liquid diet did not adversely affect mothers and their offspring. Finally, administration of ethanol as 20% v/v drinking solution ad libitum resulted in decreased food intake as well as gain in body weight of pregnant rats and their offspring. The data suggest that ethanol ingestion in relatively smaller doses had no effect on maternal weight, litter size survival and growth of offspring, whereas relatively high ethanol doses adversely affected pregnant rats and their offspring. J. Nutr. 112: 98- 103, 1982.
From Zero Hour to Eleventh Hour?: German Fiction of the Nuclear Age Between 1945 and 1963

This essay investigates five German literary post-war dystopias by Oskar Maria Graf, Hans Henny Jahnn, Hans-Helmuth Kirst, Gilbert Merlin, and Hans Worner, depicting global nuclear war. Although not recognized as canonical Nachkriegsliteratur , these pieces offer remarkable evidence that the years after 1945, leading up to Germany’s economic miracle, were suffused with tremendous pessimism that not only questioned the validity of the Zero Hour, a democratic reboot after 1945, but also anticipated the dawning Cold War and its potential for total destruction. Through an innovative narrative technique that dismantles the coordinates of time and space, these texts explore new realms and also accomplish an early productive confrontation with the Third Reich and its aftermath during a time that lacked a more substantial public debate about Germany’s past. Their deep moral skepticism suggests that the world has been irrevocably changed through modern science and that our entire civilization is at stake. (WL)
Evaluation of a Fourier-Transform-Based Pattern-Recognition Algorithm for Two-Dimensional Fluorescence Data

A pattern-recognition algorithm for two-dimensional fluorescence data previously reported is critically evaluated. The three spectral matching criteria—sum of the absolute value of the imaginary coefficients of the frequency-domain correlation function, sum of the absolute value of the real-negative coefficients of the frequency-domain correlation function, and the intervector distance between the abbreviated Fourier transforms of two spectra—are calculated. Spectra simulated with a computer as well as data acquired with a video fluorometer are examined. Results indicate that all three parameters are sensitive to changes in peak position, peak width, relative peak height, and intensity of background noises.
CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3− T-Regulatory Cells Produce both Gamma Interferon and Interleukin-10 during Acute Severe Murine Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis

Spotted fever group rickettsiae cause life-threatening human infections worldwide. Until now, the immune regulatory mechanisms involved in fatal rickettsial infection have been unknown. C3H/HeN mice infected with 3 × 105 PFU of Rickettsia conorii developed an acute progressive disease, and all mice succumbed to this infection. A sublethal infection induced protective immunity, and mice survived. Compared to splenic T cells from sublethally infected mice, splenic T cells from lethally infected mice produced significantly lower levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and a higher level of IL-10, but not of IL-4 or transforming growth factor β, and there was markedly suppressed CD4+ T-cell proliferation in response to antigen-specific stimulation with R. conorii. Furthermore, lethal infection induced significant expansion of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3− T cells in infected organs compared to the levels in naive and sublethally infected mice. In a lethal infection, splenic CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3− T cells, which were CTLA-4high T-bet+ and secreted both IFN-γ and IL-10, suppressed the proliferation of and IL-2 production by splenic CD4+ CD25− Foxp3− T cells in vitro. Interestingly, depletion of CD25+ T cells in vivo did not change the disease progression, but it increased the bacterial load in the lung and liver, significantly reduced the number of IFN-γ-producing Th1 cells in the spleen, and increased the serum levels of IFN-γ. These results suggested that CD4+ CD25+ T cells generated in acute murine spotted fever rickettsiosis are Th1-cell-related adaptive T-regulatory cells, which substantially contribute to suppressing the systemic immune response, possibly by a mechanism involving IL-10 and/or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4.
The Partner-Specific Sexual Liking and Sexual Wanting Scale: Psychometric Properties

Inspired by research showing that wanting (one's motivation to engage in an activity) often diverges from liking (one's enjoyment of the activity), this article details the development and validation of a new measure to examine the distinction between sexual wanting and liking within a relationship: the partner-specific sexual liking and wanting (PSSLW) scale. In Study 1, participants (N = 1145; 63% female) completed items intended to measure PSSLW. Factor analysis supported a 15-item two-factor solution that explained 64.7% of the total variance. The partner-specific sexual liking (PSSL) subscale (Cronbach's α = .93) and the partner-specific sexual wanting (PSSW) subscale (Cronbach's α = .87) showed good internal validity. Test-retest reliability on a subsample (n = 30) was high (Pearson's r = .75). In Study 2, participants (N = 67; 71.6% female) completed the PSSLW scale and additional measures of satisfaction and desire. Both scales displayed satisfactory discriminant and convergent validity. In Study 3, participants (N = 2589; 45.3% female) completed the PSSLW scale and answered questions about sexual behavior within their relationships. The two subscales were distinctly correlated with measures of self-reported behavior. Moreover, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) yielded a good-fit two-factor model, where the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .97, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = .96, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .06. Data from these three studies suggested that PSSLW were distinct, measurable, and valid constructs that have the potential to enrich future studies of sexual experience and behavior within sexual partnerships.
Conditional Niemann-Pick C mice demonstrate cell autonomous Purkinje cell neurodegeneration

Pathways regulating neuronal vulnerability are poorly understood, yet are central to identifying therapeutic targets for degenerative neurological diseases. Here, we characterize mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by impaired cholesterol trafficking. To date, the relative contributions of neuronal and glial defects to neuron loss are poorly defined. Using gene targeting, we generate Npc1 conditional null mutant mice. Deletion of Npc1 in mature cerebellar Purkinje cells leads to an age-dependent impairment in motor tasks, including rotarod and balance beam performance. Surprisingly, these mice did not show the early death or weight loss that are characteristic of global Npc1 null mice, suggesting that Purkinje cell degeneration does not underlie these phenotypes. Histological examination revealed the progressive loss of Purkinje cells in an anterior-to-posterior gradient. This cell autonomous neurodegeneration occurs in a spatiotemporal pattern similar to that of global knockout mice. A subpopulation of Purkinje cells in the posterior cerebellum exhibits marked resistance to cell death despite Npc1 deletion. To explore this selective response, we investigated the electrophysiological properties of vulnerable and susceptible Purkinje cell subpopulations. Unexpectedly, Purkinje cells in both subpopulations displayed no electrophysiological abnormalities prior to degeneration. Our data establish that Npc1 deficiency leads to cell autonomous, selective neurodegeneration and suggest that the ataxic symptoms of NPC disease arise from Purkinje cell death rather than cellular dysfunction.
Studies on filariasis. IV The rate of escape of the third-stage larvae of Brugia pahangi from the mouthparts of Aedes togoi during the blood meal

The rate of escape of the third-stage larvae of Brugia pahangi from Aedes togoi which were allowed to probe on a cat and a mouse at time intervals of 5, 10, 20. 30 and 60 seconds was studied. The rate of escape of third-stage larvae at all time intervals was greater during probing on the cat than on the mouse, and was in a logarithmic linear relation to the length of probing time by the mosquito host. The greatest loss (91.35%) of third-stage larvae was in mosquitoes which fed on a cat until fully engorged. There was a remarkable rate of escape (57.41%) within 5 seconds. This striking rate of escape of third-stage larvae may have important implications on filariasis transmission. Most larvae migrated towards the proboscis and head of mosquitoes during these feeding periods. Nearly equal numbers of third-stage larvae escaped from mosquitoes which fed to repletion for more than 60 seconds on a mouse and from those which probed for more than 60 seconds on the same mouse but did not engorge. This confirmed our view that filling up of the stomach with blood does not constitute the single factor in causing the release of third-stage larvae from the mosquito host.
Revelation as Liberation from Oppression: Black Theology's Challenge for American Catholic Theology

Based on a reading of James Cone's and Avery Dulles' analyses of revelation, this article raises questions about the adequacy of the American Catholic theology of revelation. In A Black Theology of Liberation, Cone criticizes contemporary American theology's understanding of revelation for not including the category of liberation from oppression in its definition of revelation. Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives defines revelation as symbolic communication, but does not include the category of liberation from oppression. Dulles' omission, in light of Cone's criticism, suggests the possibility of and the need for revising the American Catholic theology of revelation. In pursuing this question, the article begins with an examination of Cone's notion of revelation and the challenge which it presents to American Catholic theology. This is followed by an investigation of some of Dulles' other writings to consider if such a revision would be compatible with his thought. In the final section, drawing upon the works of Dulles, Mark Kline Taylor, Cone, and other black theologians, suggestions for a revision are made.
Risk of unintended pregnancy based on intended compared to actual contraceptive use.

Background After initiating a new contraceptive method, the provider has little control of how or whether that method is used. Objective We sought to compare unintended pregnancy rates by the initial chosen contraceptive method after counseling to traditional contraceptive effectiveness in the same study population. Study Design The Contraceptive CHOICE Project provided reversible contraception to 9252 women at no cost during 2-3 years of follow-up. We performed 2 analyses of contraceptive efficacy in this prospective cohort: (1) intent-to-use (ITU), grouping participants based on their chosen method at enrollment; and (2) as-used, categorizing participant time according to the method used. In ITU analysis, switching of methods and method continuation were not considered, as we wanted to assess outcomes based on the method chosen at baseline. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare rates of unintended pregnancy. Results During 20,017 person-years, we identified 615 unintended pregnancies. In ITU analysis, pregnancy rates were 5.3, 5.5, 2.0, 1.7, and 1.9 per 100 person-years for women initiating oral, injectable, implantable, copper, and hormonal intrauterine contraception (IUC) at baseline, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio for injectable contraception compared to hormonal IUC was 2.4 (95% confidence interval, 1.8–3.3). Delaying initiation of IUC or implantable contraception increased unintended pregnancies by 60% (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–2.0). In as-used analysis, pregnancy rates were 6.7, 1.6, 0.2, 0.6, and 0.2 per 100 person-years for women using oral, injectable, implantable, copper, and hormonal IUC, respectively. Conclusion Although highly effective in the as-used analysis, women initially choosing injectable contraception had pregnancy rates similar to oral contraception and significantly worse than IUC or implantable contraception. Despite switching and discontinuation, women choosing an IUC or implantable contraception at baseline were much less likely to have an unintended pregnancy compared to those selecting other methods.
CRT-400.32 The Impact of Frailty on Long-Term Outcome in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Frailty assessment and its impact in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term impact of frailty and assess for specific predictors of mortality. All patients who underwent TAVR from May 2007 through May 2015 were
Inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells by farnesol: lack of effect on membrane fluidity and Ca2+-ATPase activities.

Background Previous studies have shown that farnesol, a 15-carbon nonsterol derivative of mevalonic acid, inhibits vasoconstriction. Because of its lipophilic properties, we hypothesized that farnesol increased membrane dynamics, thus reducing uptake of Ca 2+ and contraction. Objective To characterize the effect of farnesol on cell membrane fluidity. Design The study was conducted using A7r5 cells, a rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line. Inhibition of Ca 2+ uptake by farnesol was first established in these cells. Then, the effect of farnesol on membrane dynamics was determined. Finally, to ascertain that activation of Ca 2+ extrusion and reuptake processes by farnesol did not occur, Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was examined. Methods Membrane fluidity in cell homogenates was estimated using two fluorescent dyes (1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) and (1-[-(trimethylamino)-phenyll-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene). Ca 2+ uptake was determined by monitoring the changes in cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in fura-2-loaded cells after addition of KCI. Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was measured in 100 000 x g cell fractions. Results Farnesol reduced KCI-induced [Ca 2) ] i transients significantly (P< 0.001), but did not modify membrane dynamic properties [0.214 ± 0.007 versus 0.218 ± 0.007 (n = 10) and 0.142 ± 0.002 versus 0.146 ± 0.003 (n = 5) for 1-[-(trimethylamino)-phenyl]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene anisotropies, respectively; NS]. Administration of up to 30 μmol/l farnesol did not affect Ca 2+ -ATPase activity. Conclusion Farnesol inhibits KCI-dependent rise of [Ca 2+ ] i in A7r5 cells. This effect of farnesol is not related to a global change in plasma membrane lipid organization or to activation of Ca 2+ pumps. Other mechanisms such as direct inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels could therefore explain the biologic action of farnesol in the vascular tissue.
Modeling the Impact of Health Care Reform on Consumers

This paper studies the impact of the Health Insurance Marketplace (the Marketplace) on consumers. The aim is to study the motivation behind the consumer choice and the roles that insurers and government play. It also provide insights in improving the efficiency in the Marketplace.This paper introduces a cost point of view in modeling consumer decision. Consumers make rational choice by optimizing the objective function. The objective function includes the actual costs and the cost equivalent of health utilization. It is driven by the evidence that consumers value their costs most importantly. Moreover, this paper presents a conceptual framework of dividing health utilization into regions. This captures the practical features such as over utilization in healthcare. Bounded rationality is also discussed and three potential directions are provided. This paper also builds a model to predict medical expenditure which consists of a regression, a transition, and an evolution of the parameters. This model is the first to use the number of service visits as predictors. This is consistent with the collecting process of data which is at an service event base. Moreover, it incorporates the behavior considerations of the different insurance status of consumers. Aside from this model, two alternatives models are considered for comparison. They reflect two existing approaches: regression on personal characteristics and log transformation for nonzero expenditures. The predictors are selected and their coefficients are evaluated using the longitudinal data from Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The two alternatives are compared with the model and it turns out that the model outperforms them in both prediction accuracy and variability explanation. Finally this paper presents simulation of consumer choice. The results suggest that the cost saver better matches the statistics from the federal government than the utility maximizer. The results provides implications to the share between insurers and consumers. The actuarial values (the share of expenditure paid by insurers) is calculated based on simulated participation. They demonstrates inconsistency with the standard ones. Therefore inefficiency exits in the actuarial value calculation. This paper also evaluates the government involvements in the Marketplace. The results suggest that its involvements, especially the government subsidies, effectively encourage the broader participation of insurance plans.
Partial sleep deprivation impacts impulsive action but not impulsive decision-making

Sleep deprivation may lead to increased impulsivity, however, previous literature has focused on examining effects of total sleep deprivation (TSD) rather than the more common condition, partial sleep deprivation (PSD) or 'short sleep'. Moreover, it has been unclear whether PSD impacts impulse-related cognitive processes, and specifically if it differentially affects impulsive action versus impulsive decision-making. We sought to determine if short compared to long sleep (6 vs. 9h/night) impacts impulsive action via behavioral inhibition (Go/No-Go), and/or impulsive decision-making processes of risk taking (Balloon Analogue Risk Task [BART]) and preferences for immediate over delayed rewards (Delay Discounting). In a within-subject design, 34 participants (71% female, mean age=37.0years, SD=10.54) were assigned to four consecutive nights of 6h/night (short sleep) and 9h/night (long sleep) in their own home in random counterbalanced order. Sleep was measured via wrist-worn actigraphs to confirm adherence to the sleep schedules (mean short sleep=5.9h, SD=0.3; mean long sleep=8.6h, SD=0.3, p 0.4). Overall, these results indicate that four days of PSD diminishes behavioral inhibition abilities, but may not alter impulsive decision-making. These findings contribute to the emerging understanding of how partial sleep deprivation, currently an epidemic, impacts cognitive ability. Future research should continue to explore the connection between PSD and cognitive functions, and ways to minimize the occurrence and negative consequences of short sleep.
Human–Canine Relationships in China

In this chapter, I examine human–canine relationships as they are understood and practiced in China, situating them in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. I begin by looking at the origins of Canis familiaris in China, and from there, briefly trace the history of the human–dog relationship into the twenty-first century. In doing so, I highlight particular historical settings in which dogs featured prominently, such as in the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), wherein certain types of dogs functioned as symbols of royalty, the Cultural Revolution (1963–1973) during which a ban on keeping dogs as pets was in place, and the twenty-first century in which purebred dogs increasingly function as markers of wealth for the rising middle and upper middle classes. The chapter looks at how dogs have symbolically represented such values as loyalty and fertility as well as signified cruelty and suffering, have been eaten as delicacies in restaurants, and been used for ceremonial purposes as in the recently banned 600-year-old dog-eating festival held every year in Jinhua city, Zhejiang province. The chapter concludes by suggesting what future work might be done to elucidate how the canine body functions as contested terrain for political, economic, and social relationships among humans in China.
Correlation of seizure frequency and medication down-titration rate during video-EEG monitoring

Abstract Objective The three important questions in video-EEG monitoring are (1) whether it is productive to monitor patients with low outpatient seizure frequency, (2) whether rapid down-titration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during EMU admission helps generate more recorded seizures, and (3) how long a patient who has not yet had a seizure should be monitored in the EMU. This study aimed to answer these three questions. Methods Preadmission seizure frequency, times of AED administration, and times of seizure occurrence were collected on all adult patients admitted to the EMU at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) between 2012 and 2014 — a total of 439 patients. The correlations between EMU seizure frequency and both (1) preadmission seizure frequency and (2) rate of antiepileptic drug (AED) down-titration were evaluated. The time of occurrence of seizures was evaluated. Results There was no correlation between patient-reported outpatient seizure frequency and EMU seizure frequency. In patients who were tapered off AEDs during monitoring, the rate of AED taper correlated with the EMU seizure frequency. Patients whose AEDs were more quickly tapered had higher EMU seizure frequencies. In order to record a first event in patients of unknown seizure type, approximately 3.5 days of EMU monitoring was required. Significance Clinicians should not hesitate to admit patients with low preadmission seizure frequency to the EMU since many of these patients will have a seizure during monitoring. Faster AED down-titration in the EMU increases EMU seizure frequency. In patients who have not yet had a seizure in the EMU, monitoring should continue for at least four days.
A theoretical study of the relative importance of chemical and geometric effects for ce-based scintillation in La and Y aluminum perovskites

The purpose of this work is to understand, for Ce doped materials, how the effect of the local crystal environment of Ce compared to the character of the host cation, influences the scintillation and fluorescence of different materials. In the case of YAP (YAlO 3 ) and LAP (LaAlO 3 ) while very similar materials, YAP is a moderately bright Ce activated scintillator while LAP shows no Ce activation. It is known from experimental work that in the case of LAP the Ce 5d states lie in the conduction band of the host, quenching any scintillation. Since YAP and LAP have different crystal structures it is not possible to know from experiment if the change in the local environment of the Ce or the different host cation are responsible for the very different scintillation properties. To isolate the di fferent effects of local environment compared to host cation, two theoretically synthesized systems obtained by swapping La and Y in LAP and YAP geometries were created. In this way we artificially create a La version of YAP (and Y version of LAP) where the local environment of Ce is the same as YAP and only the next nearest neighbour cation differs. We then perform first principles density functional based calculations for all four systems to determine the positions of the 4f and 5d Ce states relative t o the conduction and valence bands of the host. Our preliminary results show that LAP in the YAP geometry still has the Ce 5d in the conduction band, quenching scintillation while YAP in the LAP geometry still has the 5d below the conduction band. This su ggests the cation character, which typically determines the conduction band character and position, is more important in determining Ce activation properties than the local dopant environment for these materials.
Improvements on action parsing and action interpolation for learning through demonstration

Programming humanoid robots with new motor skills through human demonstration is a promising approach to endowing humanoids with new capabilities in a relatively quick and intuitive manner. This paper presents an automated software system to enable our humanoid robot to learn a generalized dexterous motor skill from relatively few demonstrations provided by a human operator wearing a telemetry suit. Movement, end-effector, stereovision, and tactile information are analyzed to automatically segment movement streams along goal-directed boundaries. Further combinatorial selection of subsets of markers allows final episodic boundary selection and time alignment of tasks. The task trials are then analyzed spatially using radial basis functions [RBFs] to interpolate between demonstrations using the position of the target object as the motion blending parameter. A secondary RBF solution, using end-effector paths in the object coordinate frame, provides precise end-effector positioning and orienting relative to the object. Blending of these two solutions is shown to both preserve quality of motion while increasing accuracy and robustness of object manipulation.
Unravelling the genomic architecture of bull fertility in Holstein cattle.

Background Fertility is considered an important economic trait in dairy cattle. Most studies have investigated cow fertility while bull fertility has received much less consideration. The main objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive genomic analysis in order to unravel the genomic architecture underlying sire fertility in Holstein dairy cattle. The analysis included the application of alternative genome-wide association mapping approaches and the subsequent use of diverse gene set enrichment tools.
Professionalization of surgical abdominal organ recovery leading to an increase in pancreatic allografts accepted for transplantation in the Netherlands: a serial analysis

Professional abdominal organ recovery with certification has been mandatory in the Netherlands since 2010. This study analyses the effects of certification (January 2010-September 2015) on pancreas transplantation and compares it to an era before certification (February 2002-May 2008) for surgical injuries and the number of pancreases transplanted. A total of 264 cases were analysed. Eighty-four recovered pancreases (31.8%) with surgically injuries were encountered. Forty-six of those were surgically salvaged for transplantation, resulting in a total of 226 (85.6%) being transplanted. It was found that certified surgeons recovered grafts from older donors (36.8 vs. 33.3; P = 0.021), more often from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors (18% vs. 0%; P < 0.001) and had less surgical injuries (21.6% vs. 41.0%; P < 0.001). Certification (OR: 0.285; P < 0.001) and surgeons from a pancreas transplant centre (OR: 0.420; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for surgical organ injury. Predictors for proceeding to the actual pancreas transplantation were a recovering surgeon from a pancreas transplantation centre (OR: 3.230; P = 0.003), certification (OR: 3.750; P = 0.004), donation after brain death (DBD) (OR: 8.313; P = 0.002) and donor body mass index (BMI) (OR: 0.851; P = 0.023). It is concluded that certification in abdominal organ recovery will limit the number of surgical injuries in pancreas grafts which will translate in more pancreases available for transplantation.
Abstract 321: The E12/id3 Axis Regulates Ccr6 Expression In B Cells Which Are Associated With Human Atherosclerosis

Background Aortic homing of B cells and B cell mediated atheroprotection depend on the helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factor Id3. We identified that CCR6, a downstream target of Id3, is also essential for B cell homing to the aorta. Id3 functions through dominant negative inhibition of basic-HLH transcription factors such as E proteins. We have shown that a non-synonomous single nucleotide polymorphism in Id3 correlates with human carotid intimal medial thickness (cIMT). The protein encoded by this risk allele shows attenuated interaction with E12 yet whether this property is shared with other E proteins and the potential impact of Id3 and E12 on CCR6 expression in B cell subsets is unknown. Results Co-IPs of ancestral and polymorphic Id3 with the four known E proteins showed that E12, and not other E proteins, had significantly decreased interaction with polymorphic Id3. To address the regulatory role of Id3 on CCR6 in B cells, B cell subsetting by flow cytometry was done showing that B cell specific Id3 knockout mice (Id3fl/flApoe-/-CD19cre/+) indeed have significantly fewer CCR6 positive B cells which is in agreement with our previous findings in global Id3 knockout mice. To address the regulatory role of E12 on CCR6 expression similar subsetting of global E12 knockout mice (E12-/-Apoe-/-) was done showing they have significantly more CCR6 positive B cells of all subsets (B1a, B1b, B2) compared to wildtype. In particular the atheroprotective B1a subset had the greatest percentage increase due to loss of E12 compared to other subsets. Finally, we addressed whether CCR6 on human B cells correlates with human atherosclerosis. We found that coronary plaque burden and stenosis as measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients undergoing coronary catheterization correlated inversely with the average amount of CCR6 on B cells. Conclusions Our data suggests that Id3 is a key activator of CCR6 expression in B cells through dominant negative inhibition of E12. Furthermore, it raises the interesting possibility that CCR6 could play an important atheroprotective role through its regulation of B cell homing in humans.
PDSA Cycle and Implementation of World-wide Best Practices to Achieve Faster Door to Needle (P7.328)

Objective: Using the PDSA (plan, do, study, act) model of performance improvement, to develop a faster door to needle (DTN) time for the acute ischemic stroke patients. Background TPA is the FDA approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke, yet door to needle time improvement has been limited. Methods: Every two week DTN taskforce meetings with emergency department, pharmacy, nursing, radiology, and stroke neurology stakeholders were held starting April 2013. Review of prior tpa cases identified gaps in care delivery. Review of the literature revealed best practices including: pre-screening of patients prior to ED arrival, en route communication with receiving hospital providers, direct to CT scan for select patients, and rapid coordinated decision making. New care processes included triage nurses empowered to activate stroke codes prior to patient arrival, nurses using predefined stroke code order set to activate cascade of diagnostics and imaging, appropriate patients brought directly to CT, neurologist and ED huddle and medical assessment for joint decision making. In situ simulation identified other improvement opportunities. Implementation of new care processes occurred in September 2013 with continued evaluation of results and troubleshooting pitfalls. Results: The collaboration across disciplines continues with every two week meetings now. This has provided a forum that sustains our door to needle improvements. This resulted in a dramatic improvement in door to needle times from 27[percnt] receiving iv tpa (Q2, 2013) to 73[percnt] (Q2, 2014) receiving iv tpa in less than 60 minutes, and DTN= 56 minutes (from 80 minutes). Door to CT was also improved for patients with EMS pre-notification to 94[percnt] of patients receiving CT < 25 minutes. Conclusions We successfully created a delivery model of faster iv tpa with concerted efforts and implementation across multiple disciplines and departments. Further work for other DTN metrics are in place using the same infrastructure. Disclosure: Dr. Tai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Casal has nothing to disclose. Dr. Baumann has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marsh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Albers has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Inc. and Lundbeck Research USA, Inc. as an advisor.
CHEMCompete: An Organic Chemistry Card Game To Differentiate between Substitution and Elimination Reactions of Alkyl Halides

Understanding substitution and elimination reactions is a critically important key to comprehending chemical reactions and their mechanisms. Memorizing differences between these reactions is one of the most commonly used strategies to learn this subject. A card game is a helpful supplement to teaching substitution and elimination reactions. A new organic chemistry card game, CHEMCompete, is presented that helps students predict the products of substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides and classify the types of these reactions. This game encourages cooperative learning in an enjoyable setting. Significant improvements were observed in both students’ self-rated survey responses and quiz scores evaluating their understanding of this topic. CHEMCompete is an effective study tool for learning substitution and elimination reactions of alkyl halides.
Two-country study of engagement, supervisors and performance appraisal

Purpose Multinational enterprises are increasingly interested in improving employee engagement across diverse geographies, signifying the importance of understanding antecedents of engagement across different national business systems. This study aims to explore the relationship between an important job resource, perceived performance appraisal fairness and employee engagement in two countries: the UK and India. Critically, the mediating role of perceived supervisor support in these contrasting cultural contexts is investigated, as well as differentiating between two types of engagement: work and organization. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on a UK-based multinational enterprise operating in its home country and in India, survey data from 249 employees are analyzed. Findings The survey results indicate that there are positive relationships between elements of perceived performance appraisal fairness and engagement in both countries, and that supervisor support plays an important mediating role. There are, however, important differences between the two countries’ results. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional data from a single firm are a limitation of this study, as well as using national culture as an explanatory variable although this is not measured. Future research should attempt to measure culture, especially in India, where cultural heterogeneity is high. Practical implications The study demonstrates the importance of ensuring appropriate mechanisms in different overseas operations to achieve engagement when implementing performance appraisal. Originality/value This study expands significantly our knowledge surrounding the engagement construct by including both work and organization engagement, measured simultaneously in two contrasting national contexts. Furthermore, it highlights the value of national business systems cultural theorizing to explain differences in employee workplace experiences.