cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role Strain in African-American Women: The Efficacy of Support Networks

Historically, African-American women in families have been responsible for the care and nurturance of their spouses, children, and aging family members (Campbell, 1987). Limited attention has been given, however, to their ability to carry out these responsibilities. Furthermore, few strategies have been suggested which may enable them to balance role responsibilities more effectively. This article reports the findings from a study investigating the use of support networks as a possible survival strategy adopted by AfricanAmerican women with children. African-American mothers are cognizant of the societal limitations confronting them as they undertake their economic, parental, and household maintenance tasks. They bear the stigma attached to their ethnic status, as well as that of being female, in many cases. While attempting to modify or execute the responsibilities attached to their roles, they are also influenced by the often "caste-like" restrictions prescribed to them in their ethnic status.1 Thus it may be posited that the execution of tasks may create a strain for African-American mothers who often have limited access to resources and institutional supports. Among the illustrations of the difficulties in this "balancing act" are the works of Johnson (1983) and Leggon (1983) who identified the stress related to the simultaneous fulfillment of the roles of mother and worker for African-American women. The United States continues to be the only industrialized nation without a universal child support or child benefit program (Kammerman and Kahn, 1981). Part-time, flexible work opportunities are limited for
Solubility of Solids in Supercritical Fluids: Consistency of Data and a New Model for Cosolvent Systems

The ability to correlate and predict the solubility of solids in supercritical fluids is important in the design and evaluation of supercritical extraction processes. However, a review of the literature reveals that solid solubility data obtained by different investigators often do not agree within the reported uncertainties of the measurements. We have shown previously that a simple theory of dilute solutions can be used to check the consistency of supercritical CO2−solid solubility data and also that such data can be reduced to a single straight line over a significant range of solvent density and temperature. In the present work, we first show that our binary solution model is applicable to systems in which the solvent is not CO2. We then extend the approach to ternary cosolvent systems and show that data over a range of temperatures, pressures, and cosolvent concentrations can be correlated within experimental error using a single equation. The new model has three parameters that are independent of te...
Development of a Novel GREB1 Monoclonal Antibody and Applications in Breast Cancer Research.

It has been well established that GREB1 mRNA expression is induced by estrogen in breast cancers and that GREB1 is critically involved in the estrogen-induced growth of breast cancer. To date, all studies of GREB1 have focused on mRNA levels using PCR and array technologies with very little known about GREB1 protein expression in normal and breast cancer cells. The lack of a specific antibody to GREB1 has inhibited protein-based investigations in target cells. Our collaborative research group has generated a novel monoclonal GREB1 antibody (GREB1ab) for research use in Western blotting as well as immunohistochemical (IHC) applications.Our team created a hybridoma expressing a murine monoclonal antibody against a 119 amino acid peptide specific to human GREB1. By Western Blot Analysis, GREB1ab detects a 216 kD protein corresponding to GREB1a in ER+ breast cancer cells expressing GREB1 as well as cells transfected with a GREB1a expression plasmid. GREB1ab specificity was verified using ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist to prevent GREB1 induction, as well as silencing siRNA targeting GREB1 mRNA expression. GREB1 protein expression was reduced in MCF-7 cells treated with estrogen plus ICI 182,780 compared with that of estrogen treatment. There was no detectable GREB1 protein expression when GREB1 mRNA is silenced by siRNA at 48 hours. In a time course study, inhibition of GREB1 protein occurred as early as 24 hours and lasted up to 72 hours. Thus, by Western Blot Analysis, the monoclonal GREB1ab is specific for GREB1 and can be employed to detect changes in GREB1 expression in breast cancer cell lines under various experimental conditions.GREB1ab was validated for detection of GREB1 by IHC in breast cancer cell lines and breast tissue microarrays (TMA). IHC staining with GREB1ab revealed GREB1 was strongly expressed in the ERα-positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, with weak GREB1 expression in ERα-negative MDA-231 cells. A panel of breast cancer cell lines was screened for endogenous expression of GREB1 protein in a TMA format using IHC. As expected, ER-positive cell lines (n=5) were observed to express GREB1 while ER-negative cell lines (n=11) did not express detectable levels. Using breast cancer tissue whole sections, IHC with the GREB1ab indicated protein expression in ERα positive breast cancer tissue as well as normal breast tissue, with little GREB1 expression in ERα negative breast cancer tissue.The monoclonal GREB1ab is specific for GREB1 protein. This antibody will serve as a tool for investigations focused on the expression, distribution and function of GREB1 in normal breast and breast cancer tissues. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2126.
Studies on the Mortality of Mosquitoes infected with Dirofilaria tenuis Chandler 1942.

Summary An attempt was made to study periodicity of D. tenuis through mosquito mortality, and determine the effect of the larvae of this filariid on mosquito mortality. Dirofilaria tenuis appears to be nocturnal in periodicity with the microfilariae being at their maximum in the peripheral blood at about midnight. Mosquitoes fed on a lightly infected raccoon reached a peak mortality on the third day. Mosquitoes fed on a heavily infected raccoon suffer greatest mortality on the second day, followed by a high ensuing mortality accented on the eighth and ninth day. As the number of microfilariae ingested by the mosquito increases, it appears that the time it takes the microfilariae to enter the tubules decreases. Generally mosquito mortality increased as the number of microfilariae ingested increased.
Recurrent Hepatitis C After Liver Transplantation

Infection with hepatitis C virus is the most common indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Although recurrence of hepatitis C virus infection is universal following transplantation, the natural history of posttransplantation hepatitis C varies. In general, however, posttransplant hepatitis C virus infection progresses relatively quickly, with 10%–20% of patients developing cirrhosis within 5 years. Risk factors for severe recurrent hepatitis C include donor age, female sex, treatment of rejection, preservation injury, and high viral load pretransplant or early posttransplant. Type of allograft, infection with cytomegalovirus, or type of calcineurin inhibitor used may not play a role. Treatment with interferon + ribavirin in recurrent hepatitis C virus shows mixed results. Sustained virologic response has been observed in only 8%–30% of patients, and side effects of these medications are considerable. Protease inhibitors are not yet approved for the posttransplant population, but clinical trials are under way. Mt Sinai J Med 79:190–198, 2012.© 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Analysis of a circular-disc printed-circuit antenna

The input impedance and the electromagnetic fields of a circular-disc printed-circuit antenna are found. The antenna is driven at an arbritrary point. The present analysis takes into account the radiation through the side wall and the fringe field at the edge of the printed-circuit antenna.
The Decerebrate State in the Primate: II. Studies in Man

Electromyographic analysis of postural reflexes in (1) patients considered "decerebrate," ie, manifesting the signs reported in monkeys with brain stem transection, (2) patients with upper motoneuron disorders, and (3) normal controls revealed in all groups a stereotyped extensor posturing especially of the forelimbs, called the reactive extensor postural synergy (REPS), with increased amplitude of response the only difference between patients with rostral brain disconnection and control subjects. Therefore, the primate central nervous system has an intrinsic pattern of extensor neck and limb responses, lacking in absolute reciprocal inhibition. Its threshold is lowered in relative isolation of the brain stem. The term decerebrate rigidity is rejected, as it implies a continually manifest condition of extension. Rather, the term decerebrate state indicates the collective sum of reflexes, including REPS, posture and tone as are seen in the brain stem transected monkey.
Security in storage: a call for participation

The present treatment of stored critical information, especially personal portable storage, provides inadequate protection. Through many means, the IEEE is examining the issue of security in storage and working to make technologies and standards available that advance the interests of society and protect its many critical functions.
Effects of altering alfalfa hay quality when feeding steam-flaked versus high-moisture corn grain on ruminal fermentation and lactational performance of dairy cows1

This experiment was performed to test a hypothesis that nutritive benefits of feeding high-moisture corn (HMC) would be different when fed with different qualities of alfalfa hay (AH) due to associative effects on ruminal fermentation and nutrient utilization efficiency. Eight multiparous lactating Holstein cows were used; 4 were surgically fitted with ruminal cannulas. Days in milk averaged 184 ± 10.7 at the start of the experiment. The experiment was performed in a duplicate 4 × 4 Latin square design. Within each square, cows were randomly assigned to a sequence of 4 diets during each of the four 21-d periods (14 d of treatment adaptation and 7 d of data collection and sampling). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used; fair-quality AH [FAH; 39.6% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 17.9% crude protein (CP)] or high-quality AH (HAH; 33.6% NDF and 21.9% CP) was combined with steamflaked corn (SFC) or HMC to form 4 treatments: FAH with SFC, FAH with HMC, HAH with SFC, and HAH with HMC. The AH was fed at 32% dry matter (DM) content, whereas SFC or HMC was included at 17% DM content. Quality of AH did not affect DM intake, whereas feeding HMC decreased DM intake, regardless of quality of AH. Digestibility of DM was greater for cows fed HAH compared with those fed FAH (70.1 vs. 67.6%). Digestibility of NDF increased by feeding HMC (67.6 vs. 58.4%), but not by quality of AH. Under FAH, starch digestibility decreased by feeding HMC compared with SFC (85.7 vs. 95.0%), but it was similar under HAH, resulting in an interaction between quality of AH and type of corn grain (CG). Feeding different qualities of AH did not affect milk yield; however, feeding HMC decreased milk yield in FAH diet, causing an AH × CG interaction. Efficiency of milk yield/DM intake was improved due to feeding HMC, regardless of the quality of the AH. In addition, dietary N utilization for milk N tended to increase by feeding HMC, but it was not influenced by quality of AH. Yield of microbial protein increased by feeding HAH diets compared with FAH diets, whereas feeding the HMC diet increased microbial protein yield under the HAH diet, leading to an interaction between and AH and CG. Overall results in this experiment indicate that feeding HMC in AH-based diets improved feed efficiency as well as N utilization efficiency, regardless of quality of AH.
Contemporary Management of Postcatheterization Pseudoaneurysms

A pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a contained rupture; there is a disruption in all 3 layers of the arterial wall (Figure 1). PSAs may occur under 4 circumstances: (1) after catheterization (Figure 2); (2) at the site of native artery and synthetic graft anastomosis (eg, aortofemoral bypass graft); (3) trauma; and (4) infection (eg, mycotic PSA) (Figure 3). This review will focus on PSAs that occur after cardiac and peripheral endovascular procedures. PSAs occur when an arterial puncture site does not adequately seal. Pulsatile blood tracks into the perivascular space and is contained by the perivascular structures, which then take on the appearance of a sac. Hematoma and the surrounding tissue form the wall of the PSA. Figure 1. Artist’s rendition of a postcatheterization PSA with proper placement of the needle for thrombin injection. There is a disruption in all 3 layers of the arterial wall. In essence, this represents a contained rupture. Figure 2. Arteriogram that demonstrates an axillary artery PSA after a diagnostic arteriographic procedure. Note the disruption in the vessel wall (white arrow) and the larger PSA sac (black arrow). Figure 3. Ultrasound of a spontaneous PSA in the left brachial artery. Note the absence of a tract. The PSA chamber is directly connected to the brachial artery. This type of PSA must be treated surgically. This patient had infective endocarditis. Postcatheterization PSA is one of the most common vascular complications of cardiac and peripheral angiographic procedures. The incidence of PSA after diagnostic catheterization ranges from 0.05% to 2%.1 When coronary or peripheral intervention is performed, the incidence increases to 2% to 6%. In 1 series where diagnostic ultrasound was performed on 536 consecutive patients who underwent catheterization, the incidence of PSA was 7.7%, with 83% of the PSAs associated with interventional procedures.2 Despite a low …
Early intervention in low-birth-weight premature infants. Results through age 5 years from the Infant Health and Development Program.

Objective. —To evaluate the persistence of effects on health and development at age 5 years of the Infant Health and Development Program, an early childhood intervention that was provided to low-birth-weight (LBW) premature infants from neonatal discharge through age 3 years. Design. —Randomized, controlled, multicenter trial, stratified by two LBW groups: lighter (≤2000 g) and heavier (2001 to 2500 g). Setting. —Eight socioeconomically heterogeneous clinical sites. Participants. —Of 985 eligible infants weighing 2500 g or less and at 37 weeks' or less gestational age, 377 infants were randomly assigned to the intervention group and 608 to the follow-up only group. About two thirds of the infants in each group were in the lighter LBW stratum, and one third were in the heavier LBW stratum. Intervention. —The intervention group received home visits (from neonatal discharge through age 3 years) as well as center-based schooling (from 1 to 3 years of age). Children in both groups received pediatric surveillance. Main Outcome Measures. —Cognitive development, behavioral competence, and health status. Results. —At age 5 years, the intervention group had full-scale IQ scores similar to children in the follow-up only group. However, in the heavier LBW stratum, children in the intervention group had higher full-scale IQ scores (3.7 points higher;P=.03) and higher verbal IQ scores (4.2 points higher;P=.02). No significant differences between intervention and follow-up only groups in cognitive measures at age 5 years were noted in the lighter LBW infants. The intervention and follow-up groups were similar in behavior and health measures regardless of LBW stratum. Conclusion. —The early childhood intervention provided in the first 3 years of life had effects on heavier LBW premature infants' IQ and verbal performance at age 5 years that were not observed for lighter LBW premature infants. The intervention did not affect health or behavior at age 5 years in either LBW stratum. (JAMA. 1994;272:1257-1262)
Amygdala Response to Mother.

In altricial species, like the human, the caregiver, very often the mother, is one of the most potent stimuli during development. The distinction between mothers and other adults is learned early in life and results in numerous behaviors in the child, most notably mother-approach and stranger wariness. The current study examined the influence of the maternal stimulus on amygdala activity and related circuitry in 25 developing children (n = 13) and adolescents (n = 12), and how this circuitry was associated with attachment-related behaviors. Results indicated that maternal stimuli were especially effective in recruiting activity in the left dorsal amygdala, and activity in this amygdala region showed increased functional connectivity with evaluative and motor regions during viewing of maternal stimuli. Increases in this left dorsal amygdala activity and related amygdala-cortical functional connectivity were associated with increased mother-approach behaviors as measured by in-scanner behavioral responding and out-of-scanner child-report. Moreover, age-related changes in amygdala activity to strangers statistically mediated the developmentally typical decline in stranger wariness seen across this period. These results suggest that mother-induced behaviors are enacted by maternal influence on amygdala-cortical circuitry during childhood and adolescence.
Thermal Conductivity Enhancement of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs) With Various Magnetic Nanoparticles

This paper reports an experimental study of thermal conductivity of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) based magnetic nanofluids. Various magnetic nanoparticles of metal oxides with high thermal conductivity, such as CuO, Al2O3, Fe3O4 and Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs), were used to prepare magnetic nanofluids, while RTIL, trihexyl (tetradecyl) posphonium dicyanamide was used as the base fluid. Two major parameters that affect to the thermal conductivity enhancement of fluids were investigated. The effect of particle concentration and external magnetic fields were tested. It was observed that the magnetic nanofluids thermal conductivities increase with increment of particle concentration and external magnetic field parallel to the temperature gradient. Besides, it was observed that under higher magnetic fields, thermal conductivity enhancement tends to approach a saturation state. Surfactant was used to disperse magnetic nanoparticles within the RTILs. The transient hot wire method was used for this investigation.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Real-time implementation of JPEG encoder/ decoder

With the immense size of images, compression has become a common way of minimizing the amount of storage necessary for images. This is also beneficial for transmission purposes. The Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard is frequently used for still images. This standard is very flexible and many of the same algorithms can be used for video applications. Video applications require large amounts of data to be processed every second. Therefore, the following describes the hardware design of a chip allowing for high-speed compression. The design uses the JPEG algorithms and is targeted towards ASIC design. Further plans include use of field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The hardware design is based on grayscale images and only works with the raw image data.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A multi-rate transcoder

The authors describe a single-chip, half-duplex multirate transcoder device. The device is pin selectable as a 32-kb/s ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) transcoder and a 16-kb/s subband coding transcoder, and it provides a 64-kb/s PCM passthrough option. The transcoder implementation is fully compatible with the 32-kb/s ADPCM standard defined by ANSI and CCITT recommendation G.721 bis. The subband coder (SBC) algorithm provides a high-quality, cost-effective medium bit-rate solution. The ADPCM and SBC implementations on the device produce toll quality speech. >
Bayesian feature selection in high‐dimensional regression in presence of correlated noise

We consider the problem of feature selection in a high-dimensional multiple predictors, multiple responses regression setting. Assuming that regression errors are i.i.d. when they are in fact dependent leads to inconsistent and inefficient feature estimates. We relax the i.i.d. assumption by allowing the errors to exhibit a tree-structured dependence. This allows a Bayesian problem formulation with the error dependence structure treated as an auxiliary variable that can be integrated out analytically with the help of the matrix-tree theorem. Mixing over trees results in a flexible technique for modelling the graphical structure for the regression errors. Furthermore, the analytic integration results in a collapsed Gibbs sampler for feature selection that is computationally efficient. Our approach offers significant performance gains over the competing methods in simulations, especially when the features themselves are correlated. In addition to comprehensive simulation studies, we apply our method to a high-dimensional breast cancer data set to identify markers significantly associated with the disease. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accounting Faculty Job Search in a Seller's Market

ABSTRACT: This research examines accounting faculty job search and selection in the tightening academic job market. Surveys were sent to all new accounting Ph.D.s and to faculty who relocated from ...
Analytical framework for dynamic light pulse atom interferometry at short interrogation times

High-precision inertial sensing demonstrations with light pulse atom interferometry have typically used Raman pulses having durations orders of magnitude shorter than the dwell time between interferometer pulses. Environmentally robust sensors operating at high-bandwidth will be required to operate at short (millisecond scale) dwell times between Raman pulses. In such an operational mode, the Raman pulse duration becomes an appreciable fraction of the dwell time between pulses. In addition, high-precision inertial sensing applications have typically been demonstrated in mildly dynamic or nondynamic environments having low rate of change of inertial input, ensuring that applied Raman pulses satisfy the Raman resonance condition. Application of nonresonant pulses will be inevitable in sensors registering time-varying inertial input. We present a diagrammatic technique for calculation of atomic output state populations for multipulse atom optics manipulations that explicitly account for the effects of finite pulse duration and finite Raman detuning effects on the laser-induced atomic phase. We analyze several atom interferometer sequences. We report accelerometer and gyroscope phase evolution for fixed Raman laser frequency difference incorporating corrections in powers of the ratio of pulse duration to time interval between interferometer pulses. Our accelerometer result agrees with other published results.
Experimental test of local oscillator-induced performance limitation for pulse-mode passive frequency standards

An experimental test of Local-Oscillator (L.O.) degradation of time-sequential passive oscillator performance was accomplished using the TAG-controlled crystal oscillator described in an accompanying paper. For this quantitative demonstration, an electronic frequency-counter discriminator replaced the trapped ion physics package in a closed-loop experiment. With a 10 second cycle time and 5 second dead time, L.O. limited stability was demonstrated in excellent agreement with theoretical calculations. The results are also in agreement with computer simulations and confirm previous noise analysis for the case of a passive standard with short pulse "Ramsey" interrogation.
A 2.5MHz, 97%-accuracy on-chip current sensor with dynamically-biased shunt feedback for current-mode switching DC-DC converters

A 2.5 MHz, 97%-accuracy on-chip current sensor for current-mode switching dc-dc converters is presented in this paper. By employing dynamically-biased shunt feedback, the non-dominant pole of the current sensor is pushed to higher frequencies, thereby improving the speed of the current sensor with low quiescent current consumption. Additionally, a feed-forward gain stage in the proposed current sensor increases the dc loop-gain magnitude and thus improves the accuracy of the current sensing. The proposed current sensor for the buck converter is designed using a standard 0.35 mum CMOS process. Results show that the proposed sensor achieves at least 97% sensing accuracy and <30 ns settling time by consuming the quiescent current of 43 muA. The sensor allows the current-mode buck converter to operate at switching frequencies up to 2.5 MHz with a duty cycle down to 0.2.
Seasonal and interannual variability in deep ocean particle fluxes at the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP)/Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS) site in the western Sargasso Sea near Bermuda

Abstract Since 1978, the Oceanic Flux Program (OFP) time-series sediment traps have measured particle fluxes in the deep Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. There is currently a 20+yr flux record at 3200-m depth, a 12+yr flux at 1500-m depth, and a 9+yr record at 500-m depth. Strong seasonality is observed in mass flux at all depths, with a flux maximum in February–March and a smaller maximum in December–January. There is also significant interannual variability in the flux, especially with respect to the presence/absence of the December–January flux maximum and in the duration of the high flux period in the spring. The flux records at the three depths are surprisingly coherent, with no statistically significant temporal lag between 500 and 3200-m fluxes at our biweekly sample resolution. Bulk compositional data indicate an extremely rapid decrease in the flux of organic constituents with depth between 500 and 1500-m, and a smaller decrease with depth between 1500 and 3200-m depth. In contrast, carbonate flux is uniform or increases slightly between 500 and 1500-m, possibly reflecting deep secondary calcification by foraminifera. The lithogenic flux increases by over 50% between 500 and 3200-m depth, indicating strong deep water scavenging/repackaging of suspended lithogenic material. Concurrent with the rapid changes in flux composition, there is a marked reduction in the heterogeneity of the sinking particle pool with depth, especially within the mesopelagic zone. By 3200-m depth, the bulk composition of the sinking particle pool is strikingly uniform, both seasonally and over variations in mass flux of more than an order of magnitude. These OFP results provide strong indirect evidence for the intensity of reprocessing of the particle pool by resident zooplankton within mesopelagic and bathypelagic waters. The rapid loss of organic components, the marked reduction in the heterogeneity of the bulk composition of the flux, and the increase in terrigenous fluxes with depth are most consistent with a model of rapid particle turnover and material scavenging from the suspended pool during new particle formation. We suggest that much of the deep mass flux is generated in situ by deep-dwelling zooplankton, and that mass flux, as well as scavenging of suspended materials from the deep water column, varies in proportion to changes in grazer activity. Labile, very rapidly sinking aggregates (e.g., salp fecal material) arriving in the bathypelagic zone within days of their upper ocean production may act to stimulate zooplankton grazing rates and increase large particle production and deep mass flux days to weeks in advance of the arrival of bulk of surface-produced material. This process could reconcile mean particle sinking rate estimates with the phase coherence observed between upper and deep ocean mass fluxes.
The rheumatoid thumb

Abstract The thumb is frequently involved in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Thumb postures can be grouped into a number of deformities. Deformity is determined by a complex interaction of the primary joint, the adjacent joints, and tendon function and integrity. Joints adjacent to the primarily affected one usually assume an opposite posture. If they do not, tendon ruptures should be suspected. Surgical treatment is individualized for each patient and each joint, with consideration given to adjacent joints. The treatment consists of synovectomy, capsular reconstruction, tendon reconstruction, joint stabilization, arthrodesis, or arthroplasty. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Couplings in GaAs/AlGaAs/Metal Photonic Waveguides with Metallic Variations

To have better light-emitting performance, semiconductor-metal periodic photonic waveguides can generate stable wavelengths. This work constructs a multi-parameter model to compute the backward-wave mode-coupling coefficients, which are important to the analysis and performance of photonic devices. For such a semiconductor-metal hybrid structure, a proper photonic technique needs to be utilized to solve this computational complexity. Numerical results demonstrate how the materials of metal gratings, the corrugation amplitudes of metal gratings, and the metallic aluminum mole fraction can affect the coupling coefficients. Further physical interpretation and discussion can support and explain the above results. The results can help engineers decide the values of parameters used in fabrication. Future work and applications will be proposed.
Long MDS codes for optimal repair bandwidth

MDS codes are erasure-correcting codes that can correct the maximum number of erasures given the number of redundancy or parity symbols. If an MDS code has r parities and no more than r erasures occur, then by transmitting all the remaining data in the code one can recover the original information. However, it was shown that in order to recover a single symbol erasure, only a fraction of 1/r of the information needs to be transmitted. This fraction is called the repair bandwidth (fraction). Explicit code constructions were given in previous works. If we view each symbol in the code as a vector or a column, then the code forms a 2D array and such codes are especially widely used in storage systems. In this paper, we ask the following question: given the length of the column l, can we construct high-rate MDS array codes with optimal repair bandwidth of 1/r, whose code length is as long as possible? In this paper, we give code constructions such that the code length is (r + l)log r l.
An Abf1p C-terminal region lacking transcriptional activation potential stimulates a yeast origin of replication

Although it has been demonstrated that eukaryotic cellular origins of DNA replication may harbor stimulatory elements that bind transcription factors, how these factors stimulate origin function is unknown. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the transcription factor Abf1p stimulates origin function of ARS121 and ARS1 . In the results presented here, an analysis of Abf1p function has been carried out utilizing LexA(BD)-Abf1p fusion proteins and an ARS 121 derivative harboring LexA DNA-binding sites. A minimal region which stimulates origin function mapped to 50 amino acids within the C-terminus of Abf1p. When tested for transcriptional activation of a LacZ reporter gene, the same LexA(BD)-Abf1p fusion protein had negligible transcriptional activation potential. Therefore, stimulation of ARS 121 may occur independently of a transcriptional activation domain. It has been previously observed that the Gal4p, Rap1p DNA-binding sites and the LexA-Gal4p fusion protein can replace the role of Abf1p in stimulating ARS 1 . Here we show that the stimulatory function of Abf1p at ARS 121 cannot be replaced by these alternative DNA-binding sites and the potent chimeric transcriptional activator LexA(BD)-Gal4(AD)p . Hence, these results strongly suggest that the Abf1p stimulation of replication may differ for ARS 121 and ARS 1 , and imply specificity in the Abf1p/ARS 121 relationship.
Paleomagnetic polarity reversals in Marinoan (ca. 600 Ma) glacial deposits of Australia: Implications for the duration of low-latitude glaciation in Neoproterozoic time

A paleomagnetic investigation of Marinoan glacial and preglacial deposits in Australia was conducted to reevaluate Australia’s paleogeographic position at the time of glaciation (ca. 610‐575 Ma). The paleomagnetic results from the Elatina Formation of the central Flinders Ranges yield the first positive regionalscale fold test (significant at the 99% level), as well as at least three magnetic polarity intervals. Stratigraphic discontinuities typical of glacial successions prevent the application of a magnetic polarity stratigraphy to regional correlation, but the positive fold test and multiple reversals confirm the previous low paleolatitude interpretation of these rocks (mean D = 214.9°, I = ‐14.7°, α 95 = 12.7°, paleolatitude = 7.5°). The underlying preglacial Yaltipena Formation also carries low magnetic inclinations (mean D = 204.0°, I = ‐16.4°, α 95 = 11.0°, paleolatitude = 8.4°), suggesting that Australia was located at low paleolatitude at the onset of glaciation. The number of magnetic polarity intervals present within the Elatina Formation and the Elatina’s lithostratigraphic relationship to other Marinoan glacial deposits suggest that glaciation persisted at low latitudes in Australia for a minimum of several hundreds of thousands to millions of years.
Effect of heterogeneity in burn severity on Mexican fox squirrels following the return of fire

After decades of suppression, fire has returned to many forested areas of the western United States. Understanding responses of wildlife species to fire is essential to native species conservation because contemporary fires may not have the same effects as historical fires. Recent fires in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona provided an opportunity to investigate effects of fire heterogeneity on habitat selection of a native wildlife species. We used radiotelemetry to determine home ranges of Mexican fox squirrels (Sciurus nayaritensis chiricahuae) within fire-influenced forests. We then applied resource-utilisation functions to evaluate associations of use intensity within home ranges to heterogeneity of burn severity at two spatial scales. Squirrels used areas with moderate levels of burn heterogeneity at large scale more than areas of low or high heterogeneity. Squirrels used small (<0.5 ha) or narrow (<120 m) severely burnt patches, but incorporated only edges of large patches into home ranges. Use of burnt forests by Mexican fox squirrels demonstrates the complexities of fire’s effects on wildlife. Our results contribute to an understanding of the role and effect of fire in forest ecosystems and implications for wildlife conservation.
Trajectory Calculations for Spherical Geodesic Grids in Cartesian Space

Abstract This paper shows how to obtain accurate and efficient trajectory calculations for spherical geodesic grids in Cartesian space. Determination of the departure points is essential to characteristic-based methods that trace the value of a function to the foot of the characteristics and then either integrate or interpolate at this location. In this paper, the departure points are all computed in relation to the spherical geodesic grids that are composed of a disjoint set of unstructured equilateral triangles. Interpolating and noninterpolating trajectory calculation approaches are both illustrated and the accuracy of both methods are compared. The noninterpolating method of McGregor results in the most accurate trajectories. The challenge in using McGregor’s method on unstructured triangular grids lies in the computation of the derivatives required in the high-order terms of the Taylor series expansion. This paper extends McGregor’s method to unstructured triangular grids by describing an accurate an...
Risky Business or Acceptable Risk? Open Arch Repair After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

Traditional open aortic arch surgery after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is challenging for both surgeons and patients. These high risk and technically difficult operations commonly necessitate full cardiopulmonary bypass (an “onpump” repair) and varying degrees of protective hypothermia; consequently, despite a proven track record of effectiveness and relative safety, they remain problematic. As a result, referring physicians, patients, and families tend to choose less invasive procedures like hybrid endovascular procedures. Because of the success of hybrid operations (that can be performed on-pump or off-pump) for various aortic arch pathologies, there is a clear pathway for encroachment on the treatment of such pathologies with endovascular techniques, especially as the patient population becomes older, sicker, and more frail. In this issue, Quintana et al 1 report findings suggesting that in those post-CABG surgery patients who need proximal aortic repair, optimal outcomes can be achieved even in reoperations with reimplantation of coronary arteries. The authors reviewed data from 650 patients who underwent aortic arch surgery with circulatory arrest from 2000-2014. Of these, 45 patients (7%) had previous CABG, these patients form the basis of the report, and nearly three-fourths of them had 3 or more coronary grafts. Indications for aortic arch surgery varied widely and included fusiform aneurysm (n ¼ 20, 44%), pseudoaneurysm (n ¼ 6, 13%), endocarditis (n ¼ 6, 13%), valvular disease (n ¼ 5, 11%), and acute aortic dissection (n ¼ 10, 22%). Via redo median sternotomy or clamshell incision, 80% underwent a hemiarch repair (n ¼ 36) and 20% (n ¼ 9) had total aortic arch replacement, with varying amounts of ascending aortic replacement. More than half of all patients underwent concomitant cardiac procedures. Deep (181C) hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) was used in all patients, with the addition of antegrade cerebral perfusion for more extensive repairs. The 7 surgeons included in the study (of whom 3 performed most of the operations) used various repair strategies, including different strategies for entering the chest, cannula
Firm Size, Dual Brokerage, and National Franchise Affiliation of Real Estate Brokerage Firms: Unexpected Results for the Period 2008–2013

In this study, we examine the impact of real estate brokerage firm characteristics on real estate prices from 2008 through 2013. We focus on single-family homes and condominiums from Duval County, the largest county in the Northeast Florida real estate market. We find strong evidence to suggest that both home buyers and home sellers will fare better if they associate with small brokerage firms to represent their interest in the purchase/sale transaction. Contrary to earlier published research, but in line with more recent empirical findings, in this study, firms associated with a national franchise garnered lower sales prices.
Early Program Enrollment in a Statewide Child Development Account Program

College Savings Plans (529 plans) and Child Development Accounts (CDAs) are two policy tools designed to encourage families to save for college. In Maine, a statewide CDA program has been established using the state's 529 plan platform and offering a $500 financial incentive for postsecondary education to every newborn. This program is designed to increase access to higher education by encouraging college savings at the beginning of a child's life. Survey data from eligible parents (N = 437) suggest that the $500 incentive was attractive and financially sophisticated parents were more likely to enroll their child. We conclude that financial incentives can increase enrollment in asset-building programs but are not the ideal strategy to achieve universal enrollment.
More Complex Arrangements

Dr. Hal Green was excited to be offered a partnership track position with Midwestern Pathology Associates, the strong regional pathology group serving most of his home state. The pay was good, and, if all worked well, Hal would be offered partnership after 3 years. Hal was excited because Midwestern was slowly growing, and they owned their own histology and cytology labs, as well as controlling the extensive courier network and what he had been told was a first-rate billing operation. The partners had referred to the 80 support personnel as Midwestern Diagnostic Services (MDS), and one partner had bragged about the periodic dividends paid by MDS to the partner pathologists. Hal was told he would have the opportunity to buy in to MDS once he was a partner. The partners seemed excited by this, so Hal assumed it would be a good thing. What should Hal be asking?
Present Situation and Countermeasures Research of Rural Household Biogas

The abstract of biogas in rural area will still be the primary countryside energy in a quite long time. In order to safeguard the biogas enterprise's healthy development, the problems which existing in the biogas' s use must be solved.Aiming at the questions which existing in rural biogas, based on analyzing policies and utilization of domestic household biogas, the countermeasures of the biogas' s development according to the present situation characteristic in biogas' s use were put forward.
Internet resources for law

Law-related information on the Internet is growing at a fast time. Sites are in various stages of development. Most of the sites contain combinations of judicial, legislative, executive, constitutional, state, and international law and could be included under several of th etopic areas listed in this article. Many of the sites lnk to each other. Our intention is to give as many stabler sites as possible and some of their features.
The BAI–PC as a Screen for Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD in Primary Care

Despite the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in medical settings, mental health problems often go undetected and patients do not receive appropriate treatment. The main goal of this study is to provide additional information about the Beck Anxiety Inventory – Primary Care (BAI–PC), a brief instrument that screens for patients with anxiety. This study provides information on the performance of the BAI–PC as a screening instrument for depression and PTSD in addition to its original purpose as a screening instrument for anxiety. This efficient tool can identify patients who can benefit from effective psychological treatments and facilitate referrals to psychologists working in medical settings.
Extreme bounds of subjective well-being: economic development and micro determinants of life satisfaction

ABSTRACTThis article presents a global sensitivity analysis of micro determinants of life satisfaction (LS), a subjective well-being (SWB) measure of quality of life, as it relates to economic development. We test 53 micro variables using extreme bound analysis on a pooled cross-section data from the World Value Survey representing 98 countries between 1989 and 2014. Several standard variables frequently included in SWB regressions are controlled for. The test variables are broadly categorized as demographic, personal–economic, individual traits and values, social attitudes and collectivism, social relationships and perceptions of control. We find subjective health status, household income rank, family savings, religiosity, most perceptions of control and several social attitudes and collectivism measures to be universal LS determinants. Generally, the determinants of LS vary by a country’s level of economic development. In particular, we provide suggestive evidence that as countries develop, certain need...
Reduced effects of age on dopamine D2 receptor levels in physically active adults

Physical activity has been shown to ameliorate dopaminergic degeneration in non-human animal models. However, the effects of regular physical activity on normal age-related changes in dopamine function in humans are unknown. Here we present cross-sectional data from forty-four healthy human subjects between 23 and 80 years old, showing that typical age-related dopamine D2 receptor loss, assessed with PET [18F]fallypride, was significantly reduced in physically active adults compared to less active adults.
Oxygen sensors as therapeutic targets in kidney disease.

Hypoxia is a common clinical problem that has profound effects on renal homeostasis. Prolyl-4-hydroxylases PHD1, 2 and 3 function as oxygen sensors and control the activity of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor that regulates a multitude of hypoxia responses, which help cells and tissues to adapt to low oxygen environments. This review provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms that govern these hypoxia responses and discusses clinical experience with compounds that inhibit prolyl-4-hydroxylases to harness HIF responses for therapy in nephrology.
Preoperative Counseling in Salvage Total Laryngectomy: Content Analysis of Electronic Medical Records:

Objective To study preoperative counseling in patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy (STL). Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care academic hospital. Subjects and Methods We reviewed charts of patients ≥18 years undergoing STL between 2005 and 2015. Fifty-eight patients were identified. Notes written within 2 months prior to surgery by head and neck surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and nurse practitioners were extracted and coded into 4 categories. Coded content was then analyzed using a simple tally within content areas. Results Nonphysicians documented patient values and priorities, exclusive of treatment desires, more frequently. These topics included apprehension about family obligations, fear about communication, questions regarding quality of life, and anxiety regarding job continuation. Physician notes documented priorities regarding preferences for surgical treatment. No patients were seen by palliative care preoperatively, and only 14% (n = 8) patients had documentation of an end-of-life discussion. Conclusions Preoperative counseling for STL patients that included nonphysicians had a higher frequency of discussion of patients' priorities. This suggests including these types of providers may lead to more patient-centered care. A prospective study evaluating patient and physician perceptions of preoperative counseling can better identify where discrepancies exists and help conceptualize a framework for preoperative counseling in STL patients and other patients undergoing high-risk surgery.
Global Digital Culture| Convergence and Disjuncture in Global Digital Culture — An Introduction

The question “Is there a global culture?” fueled heated debates in the 1980s and 1990s, when intellectual opponents grappled with the sociopolitical and cultural consequences of globalization. Deploying notions of dependency, imperialism, homogenization, and hybridization, dueling thinkers espoused rival scenarios of cultural domination, mixture, and resistance. A quarter century later, with the explosion of digital expression around the world, it is time to revisit the debate and ask: Is there a global digital culture?
LOW BURDEN RIGHT VENTRICULAR PACING AS A REVERSIBLE CAUSE OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR PACING-INDUCED MITRAL REGURGITATION

Right ventricular pacing (RVP)-induced mitral regurgitation (MR) due to ventricular dyssyncrony has been shown to occur with a high pacing burden and can be improved with bi-ventricular pacing (BiVP). We present a case of RVP induced MR occurring with a lower pacing burden, successfully reversed
Google-y Eyes: The Northumberland Remix

In the music industry, sampling is the use of existing, often disparate, audio content that is assembled, looped, and layered to create new arrangements. This practice is notoriously linked to 1980...
Materializing Nano Equity: Lessons from Design

Many engineers and designers got into their professions in large part because they wanted to create products that help people. Translating this desire into material objects is not a straightforward process. Contexts and complexities often make it difficult for such visions to be realized. In this chapter Dean Nieusma offers advice for designers who want to assist the world’s poor and disadvantaged. Unfortunately most of the existing structures and institutions that shape or direct the practice of designers are geared towards the wealthy and powerful. And, as Nieusma points out, understanding both the needs and the context of the “have nots” can be a significant challenge for the “haves.”