cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stigmatization of posttraumatic stress disorder is altered by PTSD Knowledge and the precipitating trauma of the sufferer

Background: Reducing stigma could improve well-being and decrease discrimination toward persons with mental illness.Aim: The current study investigated the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (...
An Empirical Investigation of Bayesian Clinical Trial Design in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Over the past 20 years, there has been increasing interest in the use of Bayesian statistical methods for the analysis of clinical trials used to support regulatory decisions. Bayesian methods for the analysis of clinical trials are an attractive option when good prior information is available. Yet, in many cases, prior information is scarce and only tentative or proprietary prior information exists. In these situations, it is necessary to use noninformative type or skeptical-type priors. We undertook a systematic study of Bayesian methods and applied them to 13 randomized clinical trials in metastatic breast cancer submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for registrational purposes. Across all 13 studies, there were a total of 10,521 patients using 10 experimental agents. Our results demonstrated that Bayesian analyses with noninformative priors provided similar results to more traditional analyses. We also found that early interim looks at the study results can vary widely based upon the type of prior used. Finally, we found that pre-defined threshold stopping rules need to be relatively strong to prevent trials from stopping very early. Our results suggest that, when prior information is limited and a noninformative prior is used, there is little numerical difference between Bayesian methods and more traditional analysis methods. Bayesian methods, however, may provide additional summaries of the data that are more easily interpretable than means and confidence intervals.
The leadership baseline: Assessing servant leadership and leadership self-efficacy in first-year health professions students

Abstract Background Despite the importance of a collaborative leadership approach for successful interprofessional practice, little is known about the leadership capabilities and attitudes of health professions students at the beginning of their educational program. Purpose Evaluate the association of self-perceived servant leadership (SL) and leadership self-efficacy (LSE) ability with degree program and demographics of first-semester health professions students. Method A survey measuring SL and LSE was administered to 1014 students from 17 academic programs enrolled in the first semester of an interprofessional health curriculum. Discussion 453 students (45%) responded to the survey. No individual academic program differences for either SL or LSE were identified on post-hoc testing. SL and LSE scores were correlated with additional previous leadership roles and previous leadership trainings. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher total SL score (p Conclusions This single-site, cross-sectional evaluation of leadership self-perception identified an exposure-dependent increase in SL and LSE scores with additional leadership experience (both leadership training and leadership roles) along with higher SL scores in students from low socioeconomic status.
Transcriptomic and epigenomic dynamics associated with development of human iPSC-derived GABAergic interneurons.

GABAergic interneurons (GINs) are a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons that collectively contribute to the maintenance of normal neuronal excitability and network activity. Identification of the genetic regulatory elements and transcription factors that contribute toward GIN function may provide new insight into the pathways underlying proper GIN activity while also indicating potential therapeutic targets for GIN-associated disorders, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. In this study, we examined the temporal changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility during GIN development by performing transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons at 22, 50 and 78 days (D) post-differentiation. We observed 13 221 differentially accessible regions (DARs) of chromatin that associate with temporal changes in gene expression at D78 and D50, relative to D22. We also classified families of transcription factors that are increasingly enriched at DARs during differentiation, indicating regulatory networks that likely drive GIN development. Collectively, these data provide a resource for examining the molecular networks regulating GIN functionality.
From Prohibition to Liquor Dispensaries: Explaining the Rise and Fall of State and Municipal Liquor Stores, 1891–1907

This article investigates the reasons for the adoption and rejection of liquor dispensaries in the years prior to the adoption of national prohibition in the United States. Southern municipalities were the primary dispensary locations, largely due to the permissiveness of local option laws in the South. Municipalities with dispensaries were often retreating from prohibition and dispensary supporters argued that publically run liquor stores were the next best thing. Beyond the South, states that explored dispensary adoption also were those repealing prohibition laws, suggesting a larger pattern whereby prohibition preceded dispensaries rather than following them.
Why Does Financial Strength Forecast Stock Returns? Evidence from Subsequent Demand by Institutional Investors

Using institutional investor demand as a proxy for revisions in sophisticated investors' expectations, we test whether financial strength information is gradually impounded over time. Consistent with the gradual incorporation of information, financial strength predicts both future returns and future institutional investor demand. Further consistent with the gradual incorporation of information, more sophisticated transient (high-turnover) institutions respond to financial strength signals prior to less sophisticated, nontransient institutions. A number of additional tests suggest that financial strength forecasts stock returns, at least in part, because it forecasts institutional demand, and institutional demand drives prices. The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com., Oxford University Press.
Computational analysis of spoken language in acute psychosis and mania.

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to (1) determine the feasibility of collecting behavioral data from participants hospitalized with acute psychosis and (2) begin to evaluate the clinical information that can be computationally derived from such data. Methods Behavioral data was collected across 99 sessions from 38 participants recruited from an inpatient psychiatric unit. Each session started with a semi-structured interview modeled on a typical “clinical rounds” encounter and included administration of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Analysis We quantified aspects of participants' verbal behavior during the interview using lexical, coherence, and disfluency features. We then used two complementary approaches to explore our second objective. The first approach used predictive models to estimate participants' PANSS scores from their language features. Our second approach used inferential models to quantify the relationships between individual language features and symptom measures. Results Our predictive models showed promise but lacked sufficient data to achieve clinically useful accuracy. Our inferential models identified statistically significant relationships between numerous language features and symptom domains. Conclusion Our interview recording procedures were well-tolerated and produced adequate data for transcription and analysis. The results of our inferential modeling suggest that automatic measurements of expressive language contain signals highly relevant to the assessment of psychosis. These findings establish the potential of measuring language during a clinical interview in a naturalistic setting and generate specific hypotheses that can be tested in future studies. This, in turn, will lead to more accurate modeling and better understanding of the relationships between expressive language and psychosis.
Accuracy and Efficiency of Fusion Robotics™ Versus Mazor-X™ in Single-Level Lumbar Pedicle Screw Placement.

Introduction There has been a surge in robot utilization in spine surgery over the past five years with the rapid development of new spine robotic platforms. This study aimed to compare a new robotic spine platform from Fusion RoboticsTM (Fusion Robotics, Helena, MT) with the widely used Mazor-XTM Stealth Edition robotic platform (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) in terms of workflow and lumbar pedicle screw placement accuracy. Methods A cadaver lab was conducted, which included four procedures with single-level lumbar pedicle screw placement using the Fusion RoboticsTM system. These four procedures were compared to four propensity-score matched cases with single-level lumbar pedicle screw placement using the Mazor-XTM Stealth Edition. A single surgeon performed all surgeries. The cases were matched in terms of demographics (age, sex, race, BMI) and comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index score). The primary outcome measure was the operative workflow efficiency (duration as measured with a stopwatch by an independent observer). The secondary outcome measures were pedicle screw accuracy and accuracy to plan. Results After propensity-score matching, there were four cases in each group with no significant between-group differences in terms of sex, race, BMI, or surgical levels; however, there were significant differences in terms of age (p=0.01) and comorbidities (p<0.001). The workflow efficiency measurement showed that the Fusion RoboticsTM platform had a significantly shorter duration in terms of the system set-up time, planning to in-position time, and total procedure time (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the robotic platforms in terms of creating a sterile barrier, scanning and importing images, creating a plan, screw placement, screw accuracy, and screw accuracy to plan. Conclusion Based on our findings, the Fusion RoboticsTM platform had a significantly shorter procedure workflow duration while maintaining the same accuracy as the most commonly used robotic platform (Mazor-XTM). This is the first study to directly compare different spine surgery robotic systems.
The Failure of Opportunity Zones in Oregon: Lifeless Place-Based Economic Development Implementation through a Policy Network

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created a new place-based economic development tool to induce economic activity in identified low-income census tracts throughout the US. In response, the State of Oregon established 86 Opportunity Zones (OZs) at the direction of Governor Kate Brown (Business Oregon 2020). This article examines the rollout of Opportunity Zones in Oregon and what policymakers can learn from its implementation. It looks at how well Opportunity Zones are understood in Oregon by local governments and economic development agencies, and how local governments, local economic development agencies, and the private sector are using and marketing OZs. To assess these questions, we surveyed individuals in the public sector in areas with Opportunity Zones across the state to assess these actions. To supplement the survey, we conducted interviews with private sector actors and shadowed developers in the Portland area to assess their engagement with Opportunity Zones. We used the policy tools and networked implementation literatures as a theoretical foundation. We conclude that Oregon lacks a hierarchal system to implement OZs, so the network has to take a more substantial role in implementation. Opportunity Zones are a clear example of third-party implementation; as the government funds economic development activity through tax expenditures, the private sector is taking the leading role in implementing these projects.
On 'Confetti Regulation''”: The Wrong Way to Regulate Gamified Investing

Zero-commission investing apps like Robinhood have a business model that requires clients to trade as much as possible. To that end, these apps incorporate design features sometimes called “gamification”: behavioral prompts and flashy casino-like design elements that encourage trading. Securities regulators have focused on elements that encourage repeat engagement and trading. In principle there are many ways both to define the problem and to address it through policy. In this Essay, we focus on one approach to the problem—direct regulation of software design—and warn securities regulators away from it. Regulators might find it tempting to ban objectionable design features like a burst of confetti after the successful execution of a trade, or what we call “confetti regulation.” There are two problems with “confetti regulation.” It may be hard to implement and justify. But to our mind the greater problem is that it would attract a lot of deregulatory energy from technology attorneys who cast informational molehills as free-speech mountains. Securities regulation is largely about information and communication—yet it has somehow avoided serious First Amendment scrutiny (read: judicial interference) for decades. The SEC, meanwhile, has lost many important appeals before the Supreme Court. And in light of recent changes to First Amendment law, in our view it would be unwise for the agency to pursue regulatory strategies that would precipitate more deregulatory constitutional challenges. We argue that in addressing gamification regulators should avoid asserting direct control over “bad” software design, and instead focus on the business model that drives it. In addition, regulators should justify regulatory action in terms of settled policies that are technology-neutral. Our essay discusses these implications and tees up for future preliminary components of a framework for assessing behavioral design against the securities laws’ goals.
Understanding the Association Between School Climate and Future Orientation.

Promoting students’ future orientation is inherently a goal of the educational system. Recently, it has received more explicit attention given the increased focus on career readiness. This study aimed to examine the association between school climate and adolescents’ report of future orientation using data from youth (N = 27,698; 49.4 % female) across 58 high schools. Three-level hierarchical linear models indicated that perceptions of available emotional and service supports, rules and consequences, and parent engagement were positively related to adolescents’ future orientation. Additionally, the school-level average future orientation was significantly related to individuals’ future orientation, indicating a potential influence of contextual effects on this construct. Taken together, these findings suggest that interventions targeting school climate may hold promise for promoting future orientation.
Comprehensive Economic Sanctions, the Right to Development, and Constitutionally Impermissible Violations of International Law

This Comment examines the legality of the comprehensive unilateral embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba within the framework of international law. It argues that, independent of its humanitarian impact or the dubious legality of its extra-jurisdictional components, the comprehensive embargo violates international law because it undermines Cuba’s right to development. International law is, and has always been, a component part of U.S. law—it is enforceable in U.S. courts, it informs judicial interpretation of U.S. statutes, and it guides legislative and executive action in matters of both foreign and domestic policy. In addition to its supplementary interpretive function in our legal system, international law is, through the Supremacy Clause, binding on the United States as a constitutional matter. Because of the role international law plays in the United States, a direct conflict between federal and international law is constitutional anathema. This Comment argues that the tension must be resolved by reference to the substance and timing of the federal enactments that violate international law. Thus, of the coordinate branches, the legislative branch is in the best position to correct the constitutional imbalance. The Comment concludes that Congress must either pass new legislation explicitly renouncing the right to development as an international legal norm, or, in light of the role of international law in our constitutional system, execute faithfully its duty to interpret and uphold the Constitution by repealing the legislation that has created the decades-old
High performance distributed coordination function for wireless LANs

The performance of DCF, the basic MAC scheme in IEEE 802.11, degrades under larger network sizes, and higher loads due to higher contention and so more idle slots and higher collision rates. We propose a new high-performance DCF (HDCF) protocol that achieves a higher and more stable performance while providing fair access among all users. In HDCF, the transmitting stations randomly select the next transmitter and so active stations do not contend for the channel, and an interrupt scheme is used by newly transmitting stations without contending with the existing active stations. Thus, HDCF achieves collision avoidance and fairness without idle slots added by the backoff algorithm used in DCF. For evaluation, we provide Opnet simulation that considers saturated and non-saturated stations. Results show that HDCF outperforms DCF in terms of throughput, and long-term and short-term fairness with gains up to 391.2% of normalized throughput and 26.8% of fairness index.
Determination of Disulfide‐Bond Linkages in Proteins

The formation of disulfide bonds in proteins is an important post-translational modification that is critical for stabilizing the native structures of proteins. The disulfide linkages in a protein cannot be predicted from its amino acid sequence; therefore, determination of disulfide bond linkages in the protein will provide insights into its three-dimensional structure and contribute to the understanding of its structural-functional relationship. This unit details a series of protocols that have been applied successfully to locate disulfide bonds in proteins. The general strategy involves chemical or proteolytic cleavage of the protein followed by chromatographic separation of the resultant peptides. Disulfide-containing peptides are identified by the alteration of mobility as a consequence of disulfide bond reduction, and are further characterized by mass spectrometry and/or N-terminal sequencing. A partial reduction and alkylation strategy for mapping disulfide linkages in peptides with multiple disulfide bonds is also presented.
phnE and glpT Genes Enhance Utilization of Organophosphates in Escherichia coli K-12

Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) constitute the largest class of pesticides currently used in industrialized and developing nations. They are also produced for a variety of other applications in agriculture, industry, medicine, and chemical warfare (5, 10, 34). Many of these compounds are known to inhibit mammalian cholinesterases, including acetylcholinesterase, which leads to accumulation of acetylcholine at all cholinergic terminals and a resultant blockage of neural signal transmissions. The immediate and long-term effects that result from the impairment of the central nervous system and muscarinic and nicotinic receptors are broad and complex and vary from mild discomfort to coma and death (1, 21, 22, 45). The breadth and magnitude of OPC applications have resulted in high numbers of incidents of human poisoning and environmental concern (5, 28, 34). Microbial degradation is a very important part of the metabolism of OPCs in the environment (5, 14, 18, 19, 34, 39, 42). Although microorganisms capable of degrading many of the OPC pesticides have been isolated, knowledge about the biochemical pathways and the genes involved in degradation is sparse (5, 19, 34). We studied microbial utilization of the model OPC diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) (used in ophthalmic medications and in the treatment of myasthenia gravis) and its breakdown product, diisopropyl phosphate (DIPP), in Escherichia coli K-12. It has been reported previously that E. coli K-12 possesses hydrolytic enzymes that detoxify OPCs, including DFP, soman, and paraoxon (16, 17, 54). Crude extracts of E. coli K-12 strain JA221 are capable of hydrolyzing DFP to DIPP and hydrofluoric acid (unpublished data). This hydrolysis can also take place at a slower rate spontaneously in an aqueous environment. Further utilization of DIPP as a phosphorus source is presumed to proceed through phosphoester hydrolysis, yielding monoester and finally inorganic phosphate (19). However, certain E. coli strains (e.g., ATCC 11775) do not grow well on phosphodiester (dimethyl phosphate) or phosphomonoester (methyl phosphate) substrates as sole phosphorus sources (52), indicating that the initial breakdown of DFP to its phosphodiester product, DIPP, may not be the rate-limiting step for its ultimate utilization. In this study, we show that the wild-type E. coli strain JA221 does not effectively utilize low concentrations of DFP and DIPP as sole phosphorus sources. To understand the metabolism of organophosphates, we isolated mutants of JA221 that exhibit enhanced utilization of DFP and DIPP as sole phosphorus sources. Here we report characterization of these mutants and cloning and characterization of two genes involved in utilization of these OPCs by E. coli.
The use of a novel MUC1 antibody to identify cancer stem cells and circulating MUC1 in mice and patients with pancreatic cancer.

Background and Objectives MUC1 is over-expressed and aberrantly glycosylated in >60% of human pancreatic cancer (PC). Development of novel approaches for detection and/or targeting of MUC1 are critically needed and should be able to detect MUC1 on PC cells (including cancer stem cells) and in serum.
Advancements in mechanical strength and reliability of optical fibers

This paper reviews recent advancements in the area of mechanical reliability of optical fiber, building upon previously published reviews in this area. 1-5 Of particular significance is progress in the area of establishing reliability programs. This review considers efforts made to reduce early failures and to establish reliability programs with an emphasis on functional reliability.
Experiences in deploying model-driven engineering

In this paper, we describe how Motorola has deployed model-driven engineering in product development, in particular for the development of highly reliable telecommunications systems, and outline the benefits obtained. Model-driven engineering has dramatically increased both the quality and the reliability of software developed in our organization, as well as the productivity of our software engineers. Our experience demonstrates that model-driven engineering significantly improves the development process for telecommunications systems. We discuss the elements we found most important for deployment of model-driven engineering in a large product development organization: An appropriate modeling language, a powerful domain-specific code generator, and a deployment support team.
The 2014 coral bleaching and freshwater flood events in Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi

Until recently, subtropical Hawaiʻi escaped the major bleaching events that have devastated many tropical regions, but the continued increases in global long-term mean temperatures and the apparent ending of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) cool phase have increased the risk of bleaching events. Climate models and observations predict that bleaching in Hawaiʻi will occur with increasing frequency and increasing severity over future decades. A freshwater “kill” event occurred during July 2014 in the northern part of Kāneʻohe Bay that reduced coral cover by 22.5% in the area directly impacted by flooding. A subsequent major bleaching event during September 2014 caused extensive coral bleaching and mortality throughout the bay and further reduced coral cover in the freshwater kill area by 60.0%. The high temperature bleaching event only caused a 1.0% reduction in live coral throughout the portion of the bay not directly impacted by the freshwater event. Thus, the combined impact of the low salinity event and the thermal bleaching event appears to be more than simply additive. The temperature regime during the September 2014 bleaching event was analogous in duration and intensity to that of the large bleaching event that occurred previously during August 1996, but resulted in a much larger area of bleaching and coral mortality. Apparently seasonal timing as well as duration and magnitude of heating is important. Coral spawning in the dominant coral species occurs early in the summer, so reservoirs of stored lipid in the corals had been depleted by spawning prior to the September 2014 event. Warm months above 27 °C result in lower coral growth and presumably could further decrease lipid reserves, leading to a bleaching event that was more severe than would have happened if the high temperatures occurred earlier in the summer. Hawaiian reef corals decrease skeletal growth at temperatures above 27 °C, so perhaps the “stress period” actually started long before the bleaching threshold of 29 °C was reached. Hawaiʻi is directly influenced by the PDO which may become a factor influencing bleaching events in subtropical Hawaiʻi in much the same manner as variations in the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences bleaching events at low latitudes in the tropical Pacific. Records show that offshore temperatures measured by satellite will not always predict inshore bleaching because other factors (high cloud cover, high wind and wave action, tidal exchange rate) can limit inshore heating and prevent temperatures in the bay from reaching the bleaching threshold. Low light levels due to cloud cover or high turbidity can also serve to prevent bleaching.
Tests on Instrumented Piles, Ogeechee River Site

The paper presents and analyzes the results of a series of field tests with instrumented 18-in.-diameter steel pipe piles and 16-in.-diameter square prestressed concrete piles in a deep deposit of uniform, dense sand. The pile lengths were varied from 10 ft to 50 ft in order to establish the variation of point and skin resistances with depth. It is found that these resistances increase approximately linearly with depth only over a limited zone not exceeding 10-pile diam., reaching nearly constant final values, which appear to depend on relative density of the sand only, beyond depths of approximately 20-pile diameter. An excellent correlation is found between these resistances and static, Dutch, cone penetration resistances. Empirical formulas are proposed for determination of pile settlements under load as well as for evaluation for deformation moduli from the results of static penetration tests.
Macroenzymes: biochemical characterization, clinical significance, and laboratory detection.

"Macroenzymes" are enzymes in serum that have formed high-molecular-mass complexes, either by self-polymerization or by association with other serum components. Many enzymes in serum that are measured in clinical chemistry laboratories can occur in a macroenzyme form. Macroenzymes are interesting clinically because of their association with several diseases, including autoimmune diseases and liver disease, and are being investigated as possible diagnostic markers. Most importantly, macroenzymes frequently interfere with the interpretation of serum enzyme results, and as a result can cause diagnostic and therapeutic errors. We review the biochemical characterization, clinical significance, and laboratory detection of macroenzymes.
Testing multiple laser systems on the Chameleon EO system: a single target approach

Over the last few decades, laser weapon systems have evolved rapidly. This evolution has resulted in a proliferation of many different laser system types. In the past, nearly all weapons systems contained primarily Ng:Yag lasers. Today, a wide range of lasers including eyesafe lasers and long wavelength CO/sub 2/ lasers are commonplace. When these lasers are integrated into weapon systems they take on many different forms. During the same time, Strong DoD initiatives for standardized test equipment have emerged with the goal of testing a wide variety of systems on a single set of common test equipment. This paper describes the basic performance parameters and system design approaches of laser weapon systems, the challenges they present to test equipment standardization, and the proposed solutions provided by use of the Chameleon Target.
Many-body theory of BCC transition-metal surfaces

Abstract An exactly soluble many-body model for BCC transition-metal surfaces is presented within the context of a periodic small-cluster approach. The effort is concentrated on understanding the many-body effects dominated by strong short-range correlations among the d electrons. Applications to BCC Fe(0 0 1) and Co(0 0 1) surfaces are reported. The local-density-approximation band-structure results are taken as starting point. Interactions fully allowed by the atomic symmetry are built in using a tight-binding scheme. Many-body electronic structures, thermodynamic properties and inverse photoemission spectra have been calculated. Features induced by many-body effects have been obtained and discussed.
International joint venture partner origin, strategic choice, and performance: A comparative analysis in an emerging economy in Africa

This study examines the competitive strategic choices of international joint ventures (IJVs) and their performance implications in a low-income emerging economy in Sub-Saharan Africa — Ghana. Using the resource-based view of the firm, it is argued that IJVs with partners from emerging economies are more likely to pursue an efficiency-oriented business strategy to strengthen their strategic positioning, competitiveness and performance. Conversely, IJVs with partners from advanced industrialized economies would be more likely to pursue a market effectiveness-oriented strategy to strengthen their strategic positioning, competitiveness and performance. The findings from 76 IJVs offer support for the hypothesized relationships. IJVs with partners from emerging economies implementing an efficiency-oriented strategy of cost leadership outperform those with partners from advanced industrialized economies implementing the same strategy. In contrast, IJVs with partners from advanced industrialized economies implementing a differentiation strategy outperform those with partners from emerging economies implementing a differentiation strategy.
Perceived Racial Discrimination in Health Care and Race Differences in Physician Trust

Racial discrimination in health care is more often perceived by racial minority patients than by whites. In this study, we explored whether two types of perceived racial discrimination, perceptions that the healthcare system is racially biased in general (perceived institutional racial discrimination) and perceptions that one has personally encountered racial discrimination while seeking health care (perceived interpersonal racial discrimination), mediated racial differences in patients’ trust in physicians. We examined this in a sample of black (N = 127) and white (N = 303) patients being treated in two Veterans Affairs orthopedic clinics for advanced osteoarthritis. Patients completed measures of perceived institutional and interpersonal racial discrimination in health care before meeting with an orthopedic surgeon and a measure of physician trust after the visit. Using a multiple mediator bootstrapping procedure, we tested whether perceived institutional and/or interpersonal racial discrimination mediated the association between race and trust. Compared to whites, blacks reported lower physician trust (M = 4.00 vs. 4.17, β = −0.15, 95 % CI = −0.25, −0.05), more perceived institutional racial discrimination (M = 3.13 vs. 2.60, β = 0.43, 95 % CI = 0.25, 0.61), and more perceived interpersonal racial discrimination (M = 1.94 vs. 1.21, β = 0.60, 95 % CI = 0.47, 0.74). Perceived interpersonal, but not institutional, racial discrimination mediated the race difference in physician trust and accounted for 55 % of the variance. Our finding that lower physician trust among black patients than white patients was explained by perceptions of interpersonal racial discrimination in health care suggests that issues of racial discrimination may need to be addressed in order to foster minority patients’ trust in physicians.
Kv7.1 ion channels require a lipid to couple voltage sensing to pore opening

Voltage-gated ion channels generate dynamic ionic currents that are vital to the physiological functions of many tissues. These proteins contain separate voltage-sensing domains, which detect changes in transmembrane voltage, and pore domains, which conduct ions. Coupling of voltage sensing and pore opening is critical to the channel function and has been modeled as a protein–protein interaction between the two domains. Here, we show that coupling in Kv7.1 channels requires the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We found that voltage-sensing domain activation failed to open the pore in the absence of PIP2. This result is due to loss of coupling because PIP2 was also required for pore opening to affect voltage-sensing domain activation. We identified a critical site for PIP2-dependent coupling at the interface between the voltage-sensing domain and the pore domain. This site is actually a conserved lipid-binding site among different K+ channels, suggesting that lipids play an important role in coupling in many ion channels.
Conservative surgical management of isthmic ectopic pregnancies.

During the 12-month study interval ending March 30, 1986, there were 203 ectopic pregnancies at Grady Memorial Hospital, a ratio of one ectopic gestation per 34 deliveries. Twenty patients with isthmic ectopic pregnancies were selected for treatment by one of three operative modalities. Seven patients with ruptured isthmic ectopic pregnancies underwent segmental tubal resection without reanastomosis. All four patients who underwent segmental tuba) resection with primary microsurgical reanastomosis had postoperative hysterosalpingograms demonstrating bilateral tubal patency. One pregnancy has occurred in this group. Nine patients underwent linear salpingostomy. In five of the six patients who had postoperative hysterosalpingography, patency of the involved fallopian tube was demonstrated. Four of these nine patients, including one patient with contralateral tubal occlusion, have conceived. We conclude that linear salpingostomy for isthmic ectopic pregnancies is as effective as segmental tubal resection with primary microsurgical reanastomosis in achieving tubal patency.
Conformal invariance, the KdV equation and coadjoint orbits of the Virasoro algebra

Abstract We use the transformation properties of the energy-momentum tensor of 2-dimensional conformal field theories to study the symplectic geometry of DiffS 1 /S 1 together with the other coadjoint orbits of the Virasoro algebra in the space of quadratic differentials. Also, we examine orbits of the N = 1 and N = 2 super-Virasoro algebras and investigate the connections with nonlinear differential equations of KdV type. The importance that the dual of the Virasoro algebra may have in the geometric formulation of string theory is discussed as well.
Mechanisms controlling glycogen levels in injured brain, normal brain, liver, and heart

Abstract The present study was performed to determine whether different mechanisms initiate glycogenolysis in the brain, liver, and heart. Tissue anoxia was produced by asphyxia (a stressful procedure which stimulates the release and circulation of hormones) or decapitation (which rapidly produces ischemic anoxia). Cerebral glycogen decreased more promptly during ischemia than asphyxia whereas cardiac glycogen decreased more during asphyxia than ischemia. Hepatic glycogen was relatively unaffected by ischemia or asphyxia. Theophylline (a drug which potentiates glycogenolysis by inhibiting the destruction of cyclic AMP) reduced the glycogen content of heart and liver but not of brain. However, administration of theophylline enhanced the reduction of cerebral glycogen that occurs in response to anoxia. We concluded that in brain, heart, and liver, glycogenolysis is regulated by the adenyl cyclase - cyclic AMP system, but that these organs differ in the mechanism by which this system is activated. Circulating hormones such as epinephrine probably activate adenyl cyclase in heart whereas some intrinsic metabolic mechanism initiates this process in brain.
An X-ray fluorescence method of analysing thin films of indium antimonide

Abstract A precision method of measuring the atomic composition and thickness of thin films containing indium and antimony is described. This method relies on measuring the attenuation by the film of fluorescent X-rays from the calcium atoms in the glass substrate. The results are independent of layering or compositional variations in the direction perpendicular to the substrate. Measurements are made at two calcium emission wavelengths selected so that one of these lies between the L absorption edges for indium and antimony and the other lies outside that region. Experimental results confirm the validity of the technique, and an error analysis is presented. The method is applicable to films of other compositions including those containing more than two elements; examples are given, and suitable fluorescing substrate atoms are listed.
Advanced Administration and Interpretation of Multiple Validity Tests

Professional organizations recommend inclusion of multiple performance (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) (Bush et al., Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 20, 419–426, 2005; Heilbronner et al., The Clinical Neuropsychologist, 23(7), 1093–1129, 2009). However, to date, empirically driven recommendations for interpretation of multiple validity indicators are largely absent, and the generalizability of available psychometric data is questionable in clinical practice. The current aim is to provide base rate data and recommendations for interpretation of multiple validity indicators, assuming varying correlations between each PVT at a range of specificity and sensitivity rates. As an initial step, Monte Carlo methodology was validated across 24 embedded and stand-alone validity indicators in seven extant noncompensation-seeking clinical samples. Samples were comprised of patients with psychotic and nonpsychotic psychiatric disorders, as well as different neurological conditions. Strategies are outlined for clinical integration of base rate data for advanced administration and interpretation of multiple validity indicators. In light of the current findings, recommendations are provided to reduce false-positive rates associated with making determinations regarding noncredible test performance.
A three-dimensional hybrid finite element-volume tracking model for mould filling in casting processes

Metal casting is a complicated process in which flow momentum plays a crucial role in the mould filling process due to the high velocity of the liquid metal. Inertia and gravity effects may cause splashing, jetting or undesirable filling of the metal flow into the mould cavity. When considering complex parts, the accurate prediction of mould filling behaviour using empirical knowledge and intuition is nearly impossible, Therefore, numerical modelling and simulation are essential to predict such a complex physical problem and assist in part with mould design. A mould filling analysis can help the mould designer to determine the size and location of the gate as well as a proper runner system design for ensuring a complete and balanced filling of the part. Such an analysis can also be used to predict potential product defects, such as air entrapment, porosities, and help in correct positioning of overflows and venting systems. A three-dimensional finite element model combined with a volume tracking method has been developed in this work to simulate the cavity filling for casting processes. A mixed formulation based on a four node tetrahedral element with a bubble function at the centroid (P + /P1) is employed to solve the flow equations
Beverage- and brand-specific binge alcohol consumption among underage youth in the US

Background and objectives: Binge drinking is a common and risky pattern of alcohol consumption among youth; beverage- and brand-specific consumption during binge drinking is poorly understood. The ...
Water Gas Shift Catalysis Using Iron Aerogels Doped with Palladium by the Gas-Phase Incorporation Method

Iron aerogels possessing high surface areas (∼422 m2 g−1) were synthesized and characterized. Catalytic activity of iron aerogels doped with 1% and 2% palladium (Pd) by weight in the water gas shift (WGS) reaction was investigated. Iron aerogels were synthesized using propylene oxide as the proton scavenger for the initiation of hydrolysis and polycondensation of iron(III) chloride hexahydrate precursor. Palladium was doped onto iron aerogels by the gas-phase incorporation (GPI) technique using (η3-allyl)(η5-cyclopentadienyl)palladium as the volatile organometallic Pd precursor. Water gas shift catalytic activities were evaluated in a six-channel fixed-bed reactor at atmospheric pressure and reaction temperatures ranging from 150 to 350 °C. Both 1% and 2% Pd iron aerogels showed good WGS activity and conversion of CO compared to undoped iron aerogels. The WGS activity of 2% Pd iron aerogel was higher by 50% than that of 1% Pd incorporated iron aerogel.
Recursive Multi-Directional Image Filters

Recursive image filters are computationally more efficient than nonrecursive ones. The phase of recursive filters is normally nonlinear, but it can become linear (actually zero) by the use of multi-directional filtering, in which the overall system is a cascade or parallel combination of the same simple recursive filter applied in different directions. The same concept is generalized to include nonlinear recursive multi-directional image filters. Non-linear recursive filters have not been investigated in the literature due to their analytic difficulty and their lack of general stability criteria. A useful task requiring nonlinear operation is to differentiate the high spatial frequency components of a picture into those due to edges and those due to noise. A linear low-pass filter will simultaneously smooth noise and blur edges. A linear high-pass filter will simultaneously crisp edges and enhance noise. We propose a specific nonlinear multi-directional recursive scheme for simultaneous edge enhancement and noise smoothing of images. The filter has low complexity and is guaranteed to be stable. It can be used for image enhancement or restoration purposes, or as a pre-processor for spatial coding techniques, in which case the compression ratio can be increased without deterioration of quality by eliminating useless information form the original signal.
Engineering Description of the IBM Type 701 Computer

The IBM Electronic Data Processing Machines Type 701 and Associated Equipment constitute a large scale electronic digital calculator. These machines, which incorporate the newest devices for input, output, and storage, are currently in production at the IBM Plant 2, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. This paper presents a general engineering description of the 701 with emphasis on what are believed to be new techniques and concepts.
Human interferon-alpha gene transfer improve engraftment of CD34+ cells in scid mice

Abstract Systemic administration of Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) enhances survival of CML patients, however, it is associated with deleterious side effects. Gene transfer of IFN-α into CD34 + stem cells represents a novel strategy to achieve long-term expression of IFN-α. IFN-α gene transfer using adenoviral and retroviral vectors was associated with normal proliferation of CD34 + progenitors as measured by CFU-GM and BFU-E assays. Flow Cytometric Analysis revealed no significant difference in cell viability and analysis of mRNA from CD34 + harvested CFU-GM progenitors by RT/PCR demonstrated the expression of human IFN-α mRNA. RIA revealed that IFN-α infected CD34 + cells produced 72.2 ± 15.4 U/ml/10 6 cells/24 hs compared to 8.3 ± 2.1 and 4.3 ± 1.2 U/ml/10 6 cells/24 hs in control vector infected and non-infected cells respectively. We evaluated the In Vivo long-term expression of IFN-α gene by transplanting the infected CD34 + cells into severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice. Engraftment of CD34 + cells infected with IFN-α gene in NOD/SCID mice was successful for 30 days. Next, we studied the effects of local IFN-α expression on the cellular adhesion molecules, VLA-4, Mac-1, ICAM-1, and L-Selectin in K562 cells and human umbilical endothelial vein cells. K562 cells infected with IFN-α gene showed significantly higher levels of VLA-4, Mac-1 and ICAM-1. We conclude that viral expression of IFN-α gene may provide feasible approach to enhance stem cells engraftment in bone marrow transplantation.
Analysis of the role of shear waves in transcranial photoacoustic tomography with a planar geometry

We report on an investigation of the role of shear waves in transcranial PAT brain imaging. Using a recently developed PAT image reconstruction method for use with layered media, we quantify the extent to which accounting for shear waves in the reconstruction method can improve image quality. The effects of shear waves propagating in the solid layer on the ability to estimate Fourier components of the object are investigated as a function of the thickness of the layer supporting shear waves as well as the incidence angle of the field in the planewave representation. These results clarify the role of shear waves in transcranial PAT image formation and indicate that further research is warranted to develop reconstruction algorithms that account for shear waves.
Seepage investigation using geophysical techniques at Coursier Lake Dam, British Columbia, Canada

Geophysical investigations were conducted at Coursier Lake Dam, British Columbia, Canada, for detection of seepage flow within the embankment and/or its foundation. The geophysical investigation consisted of self-potential (SP), electrical resistivity, and magnetic surveys, as well as telluric monitoring. The results are reported.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Allelopathic interactions among algae

Five species of green algae isolated from the Cleveland County, Oklahoma, area and a commercially obtained yellow-green alga were tested for allelopathic interactions. Axenic cultures ofPandorina morum Bory were stimulated in three sterile filtrates from nonaxenic cultures ofScenedesmus incrassatulus var.mononae G.M. Smith, with the oldest filtrate showing the least stimulation. By measuring the growth of axenic cultures inoculated into sterile filtrates of old cultures, instances of inhibition and stimulation were recorded in three screening experiments.Cosmarium vexatum West filtrate was inhibitory to the five other species, a characteristic probably important in its role of producing waterblooms in ponds and swamps. The allelopathic effects of filtrates of the five other species onBolrydium becherianum Vischer could be a key to its restriction to terrestrial sites. Instances of heat lability of the active substances were noted. These interactions, both allelopathic and stimulatory, probably play a significant role in the succession of algal blooms in nature.