cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accounting Conservatism and Debt Contract Efficiency: The Role of Non-Accounting Information

This paper shows how accounting conservatism affects the efficiency of debt contracting in the presence of other non-accounting information. I show that conservative accounting will increase the efficiency of debt contracting when the other information is incrementally conservative to accounting information (the notion of incremental conservatism will be defined in the paper). However, when the non-accounting information is incrementally aggressive, conservative accounting is detrimental to the efficiency of debt contracting. Thus, whether more conservative financial reporting is good for debt contracting depends on the interaction between the informational characteristics of the accounting information and other non-accounting information. Interestingly, the result that the informational characteristics of the accounting system should be the same as those of the other information provides theoretical support for the conjecture proposed in prior studies (e.g., LaFond and Watts (2008)) -- that conservative accounting serves as a benchmark for other information sources that provide more informative information about gains. Although originated in the debt contracting framework, the conclusion that complementary information systems improves the efficiency of decision making is more general and can be adapted to any decision-making setting with correlated information sources.
Integrated nonlinear optical imaging microscope for on-axis crystal detection and centering at a synchrotron beamline.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) instrumentation has been integrated with synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) for combined single-platform analysis, initially targeting applications for automated crystal centering. Second-harmonic-generation microscopy and two-photon-excited ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy were evaluated for crystal detection and assessed by X-ray raster scanning. Two optical designs were constructed and characterized; one positioned downstream of the sample and one integrated into the upstream optical path of the diffractometer. Both instruments enabled protein crystal identification with integration times between 80 and 150 µs per pixel, representing a ∼103–104-fold reduction in the per-pixel exposure time relative to X-ray raster scanning. Quantitative centering and analysis of phenylalanine hydroxylase from Chromobacterium violaceum cPAH, Trichinella spiralis deubiquitinating enzyme TsUCH37, human κ-opioid receptor complex kOR-T4L produced in lipidic cubic phase (LCP), intimin prepared in LCP, and α-cellulose samples were performed by collecting multiple NLO images. The crystalline samples were characterized by single-crystal diffraction patterns, while α-cellulose was characterized by fiber diffraction. Good agreement was observed between the sample positions identified by NLO and XRD raster measurements for all samples studied.
Effects of temporal flow acceleration on the detachment of microparticles from surfaces

The detachment of microparticles from surfaces subjected to various temporal accelerations of air was studied experimentally. Stainless microspheres, approximately 70m in diameter, deposited as a sparse monolayer on smooth glass substrates, were subjected to temporal accelerations ranging from 0.01 to 2.0 m/s 2 . Higher accelerations up to 23 m/s 2 were investigated without particles on the surface to further characterize the temporally evolving flow. Microvideographic images of the particles on the surfaces were acquired. These were used to determine the detachment fraction of the particles versus the free-stream flow velocity at different temporal flow accelerations. For the relatively slower flow accelerations, approximately 0.3 m/s 2 or less, microparticle detachment was independent of acceleration to within the experimental uncertainty. For the relatively more rapid accelerations, from approximately 0.3 m/s 2 to at least 2.0 m/s 2 , the flow velocity required to detach one half of the microparticles increased with acceleration. Near-wall velocity measurements supported that rapid temporal acceleration delayed the onset of turbulence, thereby affecting the boundary layer characteristics, causing a decline of turbulent bursting in the wall-layer, and, hence, suppressing the detachment process. 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Polymer-Encapsulated Reverse Micelles: A Composite Material Design for the Optical Detection of Weak Magnetic Fields

Certain supramolecular assemblies exhibit magnetic-field dependent chemistry only in solution. When incorporated into optically clear polymer-encapsulated reverse micelles composite materials (PERMs), these assemblies experience a fluid nanoenvironment allowing their magnetic field-dependent chemistry. These macroscopically robust solid PERMs give optical responses to magnetic fields of <50 mT, analogous to the assembly's behavior in solution.
Dual-channel wavelength-division multiplexing using a composite resonator vertical-cavity laser

We demonstrate the use of a dual-resonator vertical-cavity laser diode as a coarse wavelength-division-multiplexing optical source. Binary data is encoded onto each of the two longitudinal modes, which can be independently modulated through current injection into each cavity. Using a single laser, we demonstrate data transmission on two independent channels.
Effects of Through-BOX Vias on SOI MOSFETs

The metal-filled vias through the buried oxide are integrated with silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs. The FET temperature, measured directly using integrated junction diodes, can be lowered by as much as 25degC with these vias. In addition to enhanced DC characteristics, lowered gate resistance and output conductance further improve the RF performance and the extent of improvement is dependent on the FET design.
Conduction studies in peripheral cat nerve using implanted electrodes: I. Methods and findings in controls

Silicone rubber cuff and patch electrodes with multiple contacts were implanted along the sciatic-tibial-plantar nerves in cat for repeated studies of conduction properties of normal peripheral nerve over periods of time. The contacts were used in various combinations for precise localization of changes in conduction velocities and excitability along the extent of normal nerves. In this paper the particular characteristics and limitations associated with cuff-electrode recordings of neural activity are discussed. The nerve action potential was recorded using a tripolar configuration with a central lead flanked by two shunted leads at symmetrical distances. This configuration records the spatial derivative of the action potential and rejects potentials from sources outside the cuff. The voltage changes are restricted by the silicone cuff, and the dynamic range is therefore very high, allowing detection from single myelinated fibers to whole nerve responses. The electrodes are well suited for following the development of regeneration and degeneration following experimental lesions.
Classification of Fungi through Nucleic Acid Relatedness

The separation of species in the genera Aspergillus anti Penicillium is primarily based, as with many groups of fungi, on differences in morphology and ability to grow under various conditions. The genetic complexity of these phenotypic characteristics is generally unknown and consequently their phylogenetic significance can only be guessed. Because mutation as well as selection resulting from prolonged cultivation on common culture media sometimes provokes sufficient change in strains to allow reclassification as different species, we can begin to appreciate the ephemeral nature of the characteristics upon which we presently define taxa. Species should be viewed as populations which are reproductively isolated from other populations or species (Dobzhansky, 1976). Consequently, a species so defined becomes a product of nature and not of the taxonomist. Definition of imperfect taxa on the extent of their reproductive isolation would seem unrealistic but, as I hope to demonstrate, this is attainable with reasonable accuracy though comparisons of nucleic acid relatedness.
The Molecular Basis of Cerebrovascular Malformations

Four categories of cerebrovascular lesions have been identified: telangiectasias, venous malformations, arteri-ovenous malformations, and cavernous malformations. Telangiectasias are vascular lesions composed of small vessels separated by normal brain tissue. Small (0.3–1.0 cm) and rarely symptomatic, telangiectasias are usually identified as an incidental finding upon autopsy. Venous malformations, also usually benign, appear to be a normal variant of veins separated by normal brain tissue. With no definitive arterial input, venous malformations rarely cause hemorrhage or seizures.
Macroglosia: amyloidosis misdiagnosed as angio-oedema.

A 74-year-old Hispanic woman was admitted to our institution, with swelling of the tongue and lips. She had arrived in the USA 1 week before admission. In her native country, she had been diagnosed with angio-oedema and treated for more than 9 months, with no improvement. The records from the institution, located in the patient's country, were never obtained. The patient's daughter confirmed that amyloidosis was never considered and biopsy was never obtained, and that she had decided to bring her mother to the USA for better care. Physical examination of …
A comparative seismic hazard study for Azerbaijan Province in Iran

Different seismic source models are used to estimate regional seismic hazard. Commonly used point, line, and area seismic sources are considered in addition to a new method which is obtained by modifying the line source model to take into account the uncertainty associated with the exact location of the line (i.e., fault). The results are presented in terms of cumulative functions of peak ground acceleration for major sites in the Azerbaijan Province of northwest Iran. Iso-acceleration maps for two different return periods are also developed for each seismic source model and a comparison is made among the results of the models. The point source model is shown to be unrealistic when used to model large shocks ( Ms > 6.5), which correspond to long ruptures. The model cannot incorporate the fault length, thus ignoring possible spatial migration of seismicity along the fault. In addition, the actual attenuation of ground motion departs considerably from that associated with point source assumption. The conventional line source model, while providing a good representation of vertical strike-slip faults, cannot accurately model the seismicity in other cases, such as reverse faults in general, and thrust (low angle reverse) faults in particular. Epicenters for these latter cases do not lie along a line, as they do in case of vertical strike-slip faults. The area source model is used for those cases where the distribution of earthquake epicenters in a region does not follow any identifiable geological fault pattern. The spatial migration of seismicity along an active fault during a given exposure time is of vital importance in seismic hazard analysis. An analysis based on an area source model corresponds to assuming this migration will be equal in all directions. The theory of plate tectonics, however, suggests an elongated narrow zone corresponding to each fault. A fault line model is developed which exhibits less sensitivity of near-field ground motion to precise fault location than the line source model. This model is referred to as the strip source model. According to this model, the seismicity on a fault is spatially distributed in a long and narrow zone along the margins of the corresponding plates or microplates, and decreases with distance from the fault on either side. It is believed that this kind of modeling closely represents the seismicity corresponding to interplate earthquakes, especially when the type of faulting is thrust. Uncertainties due to the location and orientation of faults will be considerable, particularly for the buried faults, and these uncertainties can be incorporated in the strip source model.
Predictors of Alternative Scheduling: Age, Level, & Tenure

Employees (N = 3,129) were surveyed to determine their likelihood to use three types of alternative work schedules: fewer hours (e. g., part-time), at home hours (e. g., occasional or part-time work at home) and more flexible hours (e. g., a flexitime schedule) if offered by the employer, in the next five years. It was found that half of the employees indicated that the schedules might apply to them (n = 1,290). Regression analyses tested the relationship of need for childcare, age, organizational level, and tenure with the alternative schedules. It was found that respondents who needed childcare were more likely to use all three types of alternative work schedules than those who did not need childcare. Younger respondents were more likely to use all three types of alternative work schedules than were older respondents. Higher level employees were found to be as likely to use alternative schedules as lower level employees. While employees of differing tenure were equally likely to work alternative schedul...
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome associated with use of phenytoin, divalproex sodium, and phenobarbital.

Purpose A probable case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) associated with consecutive use of three medications for seizure control is reported. Summary A 36-year-old woman was treated at a community hospital for a mild fever (37.9°C) and diffuse raised maculopapular rash with erythema. Three weeks previously, she had been diagnosed with a seizure disorder and initiated on phenytoin (dose unknown) at that time; about two weeks later, she developed a rash, prompting a switch from phenytoin to extended-release divalproex sodium 250 mg orally twice daily. During the week after discontinuation of phenytoin, the rash was improving, but about five days after the initiation of divalproex therapy, she had worsening rash and pruritus requiring urgent treatment; the divalproex was discontinued, and phenobarbital 30 mg three times daily was initiated for continued seizure control. Despite the discontinuation of phenytoin and divalproex, the patient’s hepatic function worsened over five days, and phenobarbital therapy was discontinued. With continued deterioration of the patient’s condition to fulminant hepatic failure, a transfer to a liver transplant facility was arranged. The use of the adverse reaction probability scale of Naranjo et al. in this case yielded a score of 8, indicating a probable relationship between DRESS and the serial use of phenytoin, divalproex, and phenobarbital. Conclusion After receiving phenytoin for treatment of seizure disorder, a 36-year-old woman developed a fever and maculopapular rash with erythema. This reaction continued even after drug therapy was switched to extended-release divalproex and then phenobarbital. The patient’s liver function deteriorated despite discontinuation of all seizure medications. Am J Health-Syst Pharm 2013; 70:507–10
Local Path Replanning for UCAV Based on Mix-state Dynamic Bayesian Networks

The principle to construct local path diagram with sudden appear threats is established,and a local path replanning scheme for unmanned combat air vehicle(UCAV)is developed.Firstly,constructing and searching an improved voronoi diagram based on the locations of the different threats,an initial reference threat-avoiding flight path to the target is generated using Dijkstra algorithm.Secondly,switching linear dynamic system(SLDS)based on Mix-state dynamic bayesian networks(DBN)is uesd for apperceiving battlefield's situation change.The location and threat of sudden appear threats are estimated using Viterbi approximation algorithm.The next,a best local path can be found out using base principle.In the end,cubic spline theory and sequential quadratic programming are used for optimizing the initial reference path.The optimized path is flyable to the unmanned combat air vehicle.The Matlab simulation result demonstrates the local path planning algorithm is effective.
Stimulation of phospholipase D activity and phosphatidic acid production by norepinephrine in rat aorta.

We sought to relate norepinephrine (NE) stimulation of phosphatidic acid (PA) production to functional responses of rat aorta and pathways for PA production. The time course for changes in PA was closely related to Ca-dependent tonic responses in 42K efflux and contraction. NE (30 microM for 1 min) increased PA and reduced phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) based on Pi analyses and 32P labeling of phospholipids. The 32P-to-Pi ratio in PA (0.8 +/- 0.2, n = 13) was similar to PC (0.8 +/- 0.1, n = 14) but was significantly lower (P 3 h. It is concluded that NE stimulates PLD in rat aorta, which forms a significant amount of PA from the hydrolysis of PC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computer-Aided Management of the Southeastern U.S. Reservoir System

A recent model application to the real-time management of a large multiobjective reservoir system is presented. Emphasis is placed on model features and potential usage within the responsible management organizations. Demonstration computer runs show that the model can effectively assist the decision-making process.
Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions

Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions Blood transfusion is very safe; occasionally, however, the recipient has an adverse reaction to the donor blood. This review summarizes the types of transfusion reac...
Fatty Acid Binding to the Allosteric Subunit of Cyclooxygenase-2 Relieves a Tonic Inhibition of the Catalytic Subunit

Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase-2 (PGHS-2), also called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), converts arachidonic acid to PGH2 PGHS-2 is a conformational heterodimer composed of allosteric (Eallo) and catalytic (Ecat) subunits. Fatty acids (FAs) bind to Arg-120 of Eallo increasing to different degrees, depending on the FA, the Vmax of its Ecat partner. We report here that movement of helical residues 120-122 and loop residues 123-129 of Eallo underlies the allosteric effects of FAs and allosteric COX-2 inhibitors, including naproxen and flurbiprofen. An S121P substitution in both PGHS-2 monomers yields a variant (S121P/S121P PGHS-2) that has 1.7-1.8 times the Vmax of native PGHS-2 and is relatively insensitive to activation by FAs or inhibition by allosteric inhibitors. The S121P substitution in Eallo is primarily responsible for these effects. In X-ray crystal structures, the Cα atoms of helical residues 119-122 of S121P/S121P PGHS-2 are displaced from their normal positions. Additionally, the S121P/S121P PGHS-2 variants in which Pro-127 and Ser-541 are replaced by cysteines spontaneously forms Cys-127 to Cys-541 cross-links between monomers. This is unlike the corresponding native PGHS-2 variant and suggests that S121P substitutions also unhinge the loop involving residues 123-129. We conclude the following: (a) the region involving residues 120-129 of unoccupied Eallo tonically inhibits Ecat; (b) binding of an activating FA (e.g. arachidonic, palmitic, or oleic acid) to Eallo or an S121P substitution in Eallo repositions this region to increase Ecat activity; and (c) allosteric COX inhibitors act by preventing FA binding to Eallo and additionally by relocating Eallo residues to inhibit Ecat.
Some Suggestions for Reclassification of Ontogenetically Relevant Early Psychomotor Behavior

In psychology “responses,” or action patterns (or other descriptions of movement), form the operational basis on which the science has been built. Developmental psychology attempts to describe the ontogenetic changes in these patterns and their underlying processes. However, this is complicated by the fact that in addition to changes brought about by experience, there is evidence to suggest that the child’s behavioral “base” is changing. Because these changes have gross systematic species characteristics, it is tempting to talk about basic, age-related motor patterns as though these existed as entities independently of theoretical and methodological constraints. This is, in some respects, similar to the way psychology previously approached the description and measurement of sensory processes. That is, the procedures employed were built on the assumption that the minimal sensitivity of the sensory organs could be estimated independently of the person’s motivation, cognition, learning, perceptual strategies, etc. (Corso, 1963). However, with recent signal detection models (Swets, 1961), these factors have all been shown to play a role in the production of the levels of behavior that index “when” a signal has been sensed.
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and Mars, Incorporated: Merger Negotiation Application (Simulation)

The cases "Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company" (UVA-F-1607) and "Mars, Incorporated" (UVA-F-1612) serve as two sides of a merger negotiation exercise set in April 2008. Students are asked to represent either Mars, the acquirer, or Wrigley, the target company.The Mars–Wrigley multimedia application allows the instructor to collect and analyze the intermediate and final negotiation results and automatically creates a slide deck for final debrief (UVA-F-1612TNP). Excerpt UVA-F-1708 Rev. May 23, 2016 Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and Mars, Incorporated: Merger Negotiation Application Simulation The cases “Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company” (UVA-F-1607) and “Mars, Incorporated” (UVA-F-1612) serve as two sides of a merger negotiation exercise set in April 2008. Students are asked to represent either Mars, the acquirer, or Wrigley, the target company. Half of the class is assigned the Wrigley case and half the Mars case; students then form teams of two or three on either side. In preparing for the class, students consider strategic, valuation, and negotiation issues as they seek to value Wrigley and negotiate the price Mars should pay Wrigley's shareholders. The negotiation is followed by an in-class debrief and a discussion of the results. . . .
Connecting the dots: Embodied visual perception from first-person cameras

A computer has a complete photographical memory. It creates massive but isolated sensory moments. Unlike such fragmented photographic memory, human memories are highly connected through episodes that allow us to relate past experiences and predict future actions. How to computationally model a human-like episodic memory system that connects photographically accurate sensory moments? Our insight is that an active interaction is a key to link between episodes because sensory moments are fundamentally centered on an active person-self. Our experiences are created by and shared through our social and physical interactions, i.e., we connect episodes driven by similar actions and, in turn, recall these past connected episodes to take a future actions. Therefore, connecting the dotted moments to create an episodic memory requires understanding the purposeful interaction between human (person-self) and world.
Asymptotic properties of Turing’s formula in relative error

Turing’s formula allows one to estimate the total probability associated with letters from an alphabet, which are not observed in a random sample. In this paper we give conditions for the consistency and asymptotic normality of the relative error of Turing’s formula of any order. We then show that these conditions always hold when the distribution is regularly varying with index $$\alpha \in (0,1]$$ .
Community-Based Healthy Living Medicine, With a Focus on K-12, Physical Education, and Nutrition

Childhood obesity is one of the country's most significant health problems. Researchers estimate that 32.2% of children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 in the United States are overweight and obese (Skinner and Skelton, 2014). The prevalence of childhood obesity in 2011-2014 was 17.0% and extreme obesity was 5.8% among US children and adolescents aged 2 to 19years (Ogden et al., 2016). The high rates of obesity and diabetes, poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity in children and adolescents makes cardiovascular risk reduction in this population critical. There is a strong body of evidence that showed practicing healthful lifestyle behaviors can reduce the risk of these chronic diseases. The goal of this article is to outline the current research and evaluation with policy and practice efforts, and strategies to accelerate the translation of replicable nutrition and physical education interventions for successful implementation of Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Medicine among children and adolescents K-12.
City Scanner: Building and Scheduling a Mobile Sensing Platform for Smart City Services

A large number of vehicles routinely navigate through city streets; with on-board sensors, they can be transformed into a dynamic network that monitors the urban environment comprehensively and efficiently. In this paper, drive-by approaches are discussed as a form of mobile sensing, that offer a number of advantages over more traditional sensing approaches. It is shown that the physical properties of the urban environment that can be captured using drive-by sensing include ambient fluid, electromagnetic, urban envelope, photonic, and acoustic properties, which comprise the FEELS classification. In addition, the spatiotemporal variations of these phenomena are discussed as well as their implications on discrete-time sampling. The mobility patterns of sensor-hosting vehicles play a major role in drive-by sensing. Vehicles with scheduled trajectories, e.g., buses, and those with less predictable mobility patterns, e.g., taxis, are investigated for sensing efficacy in terms of spatial and temporal coverage. City Scanner is a drive-by approach with a modular sensing architecture, which enables cost-effective mass data acquisition on a multitude of city features. The City Scanner framework follows a centralized IoT regime to generate a near real-time visualization of sensed data. The sensing platform was mounted on top of garbage trucks and collected drive-by data for eight months in Cambridge, MA, USA. Acquired data were streamed to the cloud for processing and subsequent analyses. Based on a real-world application, we discuss and show the potential of using drive-by approaches to collect environmental data in urban areas using a variety of nondedicated land vehicles to optimize data collection in terms of spatiotemporal coverage.
Synthesis and X-ray structure of a fluorinated 1,1-dialkoxy-3-iminoisoindoline acetal, an elusive phthalocyanine precursor

Abstract The synthesis of a fluoroalkylated 1,1-dimethoxy-3-iminoisoindoline acetal, the first representative of the halogenated 3-imino-amino-1-acetal class is reported. In contrast to the protio compound, fluoroalkyl groups make the presence of a base unnecessary for its synthesis while stabilizing the amino tautomer as revealed by an X-ray structural analysis - the first atomic-level structural characterization of the 1,1-alkoxy-3-amino(imino) isoindoline scaffold. Dimers present in solid-state are H-bonded and define a motif similar to the stabilizing, reverse wobble one encountered in adenine-cytosine pairs of tRNA. The fluoro acetal forms easily both metallo- and metal-free phthalocyanines, supporting the proposal that acetals might be phthalocyanine intermediates.
Abnormal Ventilation–Perfusion Scan is Associated with Pulmonary Hypertension in Sickle Cell Adults

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with early mortality. Chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) is an important complication and contributor to PH in SCD but is likely underappreciated. Guidelines recommend ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy as the imaging modality of choice to exclude CTEPH. Data on V/Q scanning are limited in SCD. Our objective was to compare the performance of V/Q scanning with that of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and to report clinical outcomes associated with abnormal V/Q findings. Methods: Laboratory data, echocardiography, 6-min-walk testing, V/Q scanning, CTPA, and right heart catheterization (RHC) were prospectively obtained. High-probability and intermediate-probability V/Q findings were considered to be abnormal. Included for analysis were 142 SCD adults (aged 40.1 ± 13.7 y, 83 women, 87% hemoglobin SS) in a stable state enrolled consecutively between March 13, 2002, and June 8, 2017. Results: V/Q results were abnormal in 65 of 142 patients (45.8%). CTPA was positive for pulmonary embolism in 16 of 60 (26.7%). RHC confirmed PH (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mmHg) in 46 of 64 (71.9%), of whom 34 (73.9%) had abnormal V/Q findings. Among those without PH by RHC (n = 18), 2 of 18 patients had abnormal V/Q findings. Thirty-three patients had a complete dataset (V/Q scanning, CTPA, and RHC); 29 of 33 had abnormal RHC findings, of whom 26 had abnormal V/Q findings, compared with 11 who had abnormal CTPA findings. There was greater concordance between V/Q findings and RHC (κ-value = 0.53; P < 0.001) than between CTPA and RHC (κ-value = 0.13; P = 0.065). The sensitivity and specificity for V/Q scanning was 89.7% and 75.0%, respectively, whereas CTPA had sensitivity of 37.3% and specificity of 100%. Abnormal V/Q finding swere associated with hemodynamic severity (mean pulmonary artery pressure, 35.2 ± 9.6 vs. 26.9 ± 10.5 mm Hg, P = 0.002; transpulmonary gradient, 21.5 ± 9.7 vs. 12.16 ± 11 mmHg, P = 0.005; and pulmonary vascular resistance, 226.5 ± 135 vs. 140.7 ± 123.7 dynes⋅s⋅cm-5, P = 0.013) and exercise capacity (6-min-walk distance, 382.8 ± 122.3 vs. 442.3 ± 110.6 m, P < 0.010). Thirty-four deaths were observed over 15 y. All-cause mortality was higher in the abnormal-V/Q group (21 [61.8%]) than in the normal-V/Q group (13 [38.2%]) (log-rank test, P = 0.006; hazard ratio, 2.54). Conclusion: V/Q scanning is superior to CTPA in detecting thrombotic events in SCD. Abnormal V/Q findings are associated with PH, worse hemodynamics, lower functional capacity, and higher mortality. Despite high sensitivity in detecting CTEPH, V/Q scanning is underutilized. We recommend the use of V/Q scanning in the evaluation of dyspnea in adult SCD patients given the important implications toward management.
Changes in Hypothalamic Control of ACTH and Adrenal Cortical Functions during Aging

Early identification of endocrine regulation of body function, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction, has historically generated several hypotheses suggesting that changes in endocrine function were closely related to biological aging. Many early gerontologists hypothesized that reductions of metabolic and reproductive endocrine secretion were directly involved in the decline in function which occurs in most organ systems during aging. Except for the menopausal loss of ovarian steroids, the current understanding of the effects of aging on endocrine function indicates that clear hormonal deficiencies rarely occur. However, it became evident that subtle alterations in endocrine function can contribute to deterioration of physiological functions with aging, keeping the hypothesis of endocrine involvement viable.
Investigating RNAs Involved in Translational Control by NMR and SAXS

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are solution-based methods that can be used to analyze and determine molecular structure. Here, we review the use of NMR and SAXS for the structural analysis of RNA molecules, with a focus on RNAs involved in translational control. Practical considerations, experimental requirements, and data analysis are discussed. We also review a recently developed hybrid approach that combines NMR and SAXS. The hybrid NMR-SAXS approach shows great promise for expanding the scope of biophysical studies on biological molecules in solution. Finally, we review examples of these methods applied to RNA systems such as programmed ribosomal frameshift sites, internal ribosome entry sites, ribosome-binding structural elements, RNA thermometers, and riboswitches.
Nonparametric Repeated Significance Tests

Publisher Summary The individuals or the experimental units constituting the sample in a study do not enter into the scheme all at the same point of time. For example, in a clinical trial intended for studying the effectiveness of two competing drugs for a particular treatment, patients undergoing the treatment are allotted to one of the drugs and statistical conclusions are drawn on the basis of the responses of these drugs. As is the case with many infrequently occurring diseases, there might not be a steady flow of arrivals of patients in the clinic for the particular treatment, so that the recruitment of the desired number of patients in the clinical trial might require a considerable amount of waiting time. On the other hand, drawing a reliable and valid statistical inference in such a case requires setting a target sample size on which to base the statistical tests. A terminal test based on the target sample size might involve a considerable amount of waiting time before it can be administered. From time and cost considerations, under such a sequential entry plan of experimental units in the scheme, it might be advisable to monitor the experiment from the beginning with the objective of a possible early statistical decision.
Facets for single module and multi-module capacitated lot-sizing problems without backlogging

Abstract In this paper, we consider the well-known constant-batch lot-sizing problem, which we refer to as the single module capacitated lot-sizing (SMLS) problem, and multi-module capacitated lot-sizing (MMLS) problem. We provide sufficient conditions under which the ( k , l , S , I ) inequalities of Pochet and Wolsey 1993, the mixed ( k , l , S , I ) inequalities, derived using mixing procedure, and the paired ( k , l , S , I ) inequalities, derived using sequential pairing procedure, are facet-defining for the SMLS problem without backlogging. We also provide conditions under which the inequalities derived using the sequential pairing and the n -mixing procedures are facet-defining for the MMLS problem without backlogging. All aforementioned inequalities are special cases of n -step ( k , l , S , C ) cycle inequalities of Bansal and Kianfar 2015.
Home Prices and Income in the UK: Uncovering an Elusive Relationship Through Accounting for Nonlinearities.

Asset prices and fundamentals can move apart, as during bubble episodes. However, in the long run, they should exhibit a stable relationship. For UK housing, previous studies have investigated whether home values share a long run relationship with income. However, results thus far have not yet found such stability in the interaction between the two variables. These previous papers have imposed linear adjustment on the relationship. Nonlinear adjustment, however, has been shown to be a feature in a number of housing market relationships. Determining which variables are the most important fundamentals and attaining proper measurement present challenges in such an investigation. In this study, we utilize a data set consisting of home prices relative to first time buyer income for the UK and its thirteen constituent regions, which gives us a direct measure of affordability. Following previous studies, we test for the stationarity of the home price/first time buyer income ratio with linear tests, and, as in past studies, fail to find a long run relationship. However, we then employ the nonlinear Enders Granger test, and find a stationary relationship between home values and income for the UK and seven of the thirteen regions. In particular, the regions closest to London appear most clearly to have a stationary relationship between home values and income.
Thermally Activated Slip in Rare Earth Containing Mg-Mn-Ce Alloy, ME10, Compared with Traditional Mg-Al-Zn Alloy, AZ31

The thermally activated deformation of textured Mg alloys is evaluated using repeated stress relaxation tests analyzed with the assistance of elasto-viscoplastic self-consistent (EVPSC) polycrystal modeling. The data, presented in a Haasen plot, suggests that the superposition of at least two mechanisms controls the thermally activated glide of dislocations in both a rare-earth containing alloy, ME10, and the conventional alloy, AZ31: forest dislocation interactions and a mechanism with a lower activation volume (solute–dislocation interaction and/or cross-slip).
Aerosolized Antibiotics for Treatment of Pneumonia in Mechanically Ventilated Subjects

Mechanical ventilation is a well-established and commonly employed modality of treatment for critically ill patients in the ICU. Pneumonia is a frequent complication in mechanically ventilated patients. Patients who develop ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) incur higher medical costs, have prolonged ICU and hospital stays, and have increased mortality risk. There is growing interest in finding new treatment modalities for this condition because the success rate for treating VAP with systemic antibiotics continues to be < 70%. Accordingly, clinicians are reevaluating the role of aerosolized antibiotics, either as a sole therapy or as adjuncts to systemic antibiotics, in an attempt to improve clinical outcomes in patients with VAP. There are several clinical settings in which aerosolized antibiotics could be used for treating pneumonia, including their use for prevention, as monotherapy, as adjunctive therapy with systemic antibiotics, and for treatment of extensively drug-resistant or pan drug-resistant pathogens. However, aerosolized antibiotics have not been uniformly effective for improving clinical outcomes of patients with VAP, and local and systemic side effects could complicate their use. Moreover, many questions about aerosolized antibiotics, such as optimal formulations and dosage and treatment regimens, remain unanswered and warrant future investigations.
Influence of a Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitor on Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Growth and Development Over Successive Generations

The influence of leupeptin, a cysteine and serine proteinase inhibitor, on alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), growth and development was investigated over nine successive generations. Conc...
Assessment of transparent and reproducible research practices in the psychiatry literature

Background Reproducibility is a cornerstone of scientific advancement; however, many published works may lack the core components needed for study reproducibility. Aims In this study, we evaluate the state of transparency and reproducibility in the field of psychiatry using specific indicators as proxies for these practices. Methods An increasing number of publications have investigated indicators of reproducibility, including research by Harwicke et al, from which we based the methodology for our observational, cross-sectional study. From a random 5-year sample of 300 publications in PubMed-indexed psychiatry journals, two researchers extracted data in a duplicate, blinded fashion using a piloted Google form. The publications were examined for indicators of reproducibility and transparency, which included availability of: materials, data, protocol, analysis script, open-access, conflict of interest, funding and online preregistration. Results This study ultimately evaluated 296 randomly-selected publications with a 3.20 median impact factor. Only 107 were available online. Most primary authors originated from USA, UK and the Netherlands. The top three publication types were cohort studies, surveys and clinical trials. Regarding indicators of reproducibility, 17 publications gave access to necessary materials, four provided in-depth protocol and one contained raw data required to reproduce the outcomes. One publication offered its analysis script on request; four provided a protocol availability statement. Only 107 publications were publicly available: 13 were registered in online repositories and four, ten and eight publications included their hypothesis, methods and analysis, respectively. Conflict of interest was addressed by 177 and reported by 31 publications. Of 185 publications with a funding statement, 153 publications were funded and 32 were unfunded. Conclusions Currently, Psychiatry research has significant potential to improve adherence to reproducibility and transparency practices. Thus, this study presents a reference point for the state of reproducibility and transparency in Psychiatry literature. Future assessments are recommended to evaluate and encourage progress.
What Metadata Matters?: Correlation of Metadata Elements with Click-Through Rates for E-Books and Streaming Video in the Academic Library Catalog

The relationship between metadata and a user’s ability to effectively locate and select a given resource has been a primary interest of library and information professionals. Important questions ab...
The impact of vertical integration on losses from collusion

Abstract Upstream collusion that increases the price of an input can harm an independent downstream producer (D). We ask whether this harm is more or less pronounced when D’s downstream rival is a vertically integrated producer. We find that such vertical integration increases D’s loss from collusion when D is not a particularly strong competitor. However, when D is a sufficiently strong competitor, vertical integration can reduce D’s loss from collusion when price competition prevails downstream.
Association of Cost Sharing With Delayed and Complicated Presentation of Acute Appendicitis or Diverticulitis

Importance Treatment delays are associated with increased morbidity and cost of disease, although the extent to which cost sharing influences timely presentation and management of acute surgical disease remains unknown. Given recent policy changes using cost sharing to modify health care behavior, this study examines the association of cost sharing with the health of the patient at presentation and with receipt of optimal or minimally invasive surgery. Objective To assess whether cost sharing is associated with the likelihood of early, uncomplicated patient presentation or with surgical management of 2 representative emergency general surgery diagnoses: acute appendicitis and acute diverticulitis. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used Health Care Cost Institute claims from January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2017, to analyze data of commercially insured individuals hospitalized for acute appendicitis or diverticulitis. In total, 151 852 patients in the data set aged 18 to 64 years and presenting with acute appendicitis or diverticulitis were included as identified using theInternational Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revisionand theInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision. Data were analyzed from January 2020 through February 2021. Exposures The primary exposure was patient total cost sharing incurred for the index hospitalization, defined as their summed deductible, copayments, and coinsurance. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was early, uncomplicated disease presentation. Secondary outcomes were receipt of optimal surgical care and minimally invasive surgery if undergoing an operation. Analyses were conducted with multivariable logistic regression models to adjust for patient characteristics and community-level socioeconomic and geographic factors. High cost sharing was defined as quartile 4 (>$3082), and low cost sharing as quartile 1 ($0-$502). Results Among 151 852 patients, 52.4% were men, and the total cost-sharing median was $1725 (interquartile range, $503-$3082). Higher cost sharing was associated with lower odds of early, uncomplicated disease presentation (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61-0.65). Patients with higher cost sharing were less likely to receive optimal surgical care (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99) or minimally invasive surgery (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that, as policymakers debate the degree of cost sharing in public and private insurance plans, attention should be given to the clinical and financial implications associated with care delays.
Relationship Between Design for Manufacturing, a Responsive Manufacturing Approach, and Continuous Improvement

Low volume and custom designed products cannot realistically be designed and produced with static or “frozen” design definitions. Rather, design refinement continues throughout the development and production life of the product. Design changes and iterations are a way of life in such an environment, and can be (and should be) a powerful part of “continuous improvement”. To take advantage of this powerful potential, design changes must be introduced in a controlled manner, and should be introduced rapidly and efficiently.
Reexamining the Massachusetts Nondelegation Doctrine: Is the "Areas of Critical Environmental Concern" Program an Unconstitutional Delegation of Legislative Authority?"

In 1974, the Massachusetts Legislature delegated authority to develop statewide policies "regarding the acquisition, protection, and use of areas of critical environmental concern" to the Executive Office of Environmental Mfairs (EOEA). As of 2003, this power has been parlayed into a program that regulates nearly a quarter of a million acres across seventy-five Massachusetts municipalities, and in some instances affects the vast majority of all land in a particular community. To be certain, delegations of legislative power like the one given to EOEA are necessary to make government work. It is also possible, however, for these delegations to be overbroad, as federal and state non-delegation doctrines draw lines in the sand that delegations cannot cross. In Massachusetts, one might be tempted to conclude that this limitation no longer exists, since the state judiciary has not invalidated a delegation of legislative power in thirty years. This Note examines whether the powers given to EOEA could reverse this trend, and revive the Massachusetts nondelegation doctrine.
Sustainable economic development

Summary I have discussed several aspects of sustainable development, beginning with the three fundamental issues: 1. Who speaks for the environment and future generations? 2. How rosy is the future? 3. Are environmental resources unique in production? Answering these questions is inherently difficult. The second topic was an examination of economic theory as giving a decomposition of the economy such that a free market can produce outcomes as efficient as the best central planner can. However, the decomposition runs afoul of the assumption that externalities cannot be present. Internalizing externalities, such as environmental pollution, has been done by command and control regulation. Market mechanisms, such as effluent fees and cap and trade schemes provide more efficient mechanisms for controlling the externalities. The experiment with trading allowances for sulfur dioxide emissions showed that these mechanisms could achieve the goal at must less cost and more quickly. In order to have efficient regulation or to set effluent fees, decision makers need to know the full life cycle implications of a decision. For example, I commented that California's requirement for zero emissions cars likely harms environmental quality by substituting a large amount of lead discharges to the environment for a tiny reduction in ozone concentrations. I described a better tool for calculating the life cycle of a product, process, or material. Sustainable consumption paths depend on the level of renewable resources and the technology for using them. I described a neo-classical growth model the examined the interrelationships among the endowment of fossil fuels, the ability to accomplish R&D, and the willingness to sacrifice current consumption in order to improve the well-being of future generations. Finally, I discussed the role of uncertainty in making decisions about greenhouse policy. The differences between American and European policies on greenhouse policy are more closely related to their view about what to do under uncertainty than their perceptions of the seriousness of the problem. Although long term environmental issues are difficult to model and put into policy analysis, there are some helpful approaches and tools that have been developed.