cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE MODIFYING EFFECT OF BCG ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL INDUCTION OF T CELLS

The inhibition of activated T cells by products of the humoral immune response is almost abolished by systemic infection with BCG. As a result, BCG-infected mice develop very high levels of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in response to doses of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) that cause complete suppression of DTH in normal mice. This systemic effect of BCG is dose-dependent, and lasts for about 3 wk. Its main effect is to counteract the inhibition of T cells by products of the humoral response. As a result, and in contrast to the T-cell-potentiating effects of cyclophosphamide (CY) which depend on a diminished production of antibodies, increased levels of DTH in BCG-infected mice are associated with increased antibody production. Since BCG and CY act in different ways, their effects are additive. Very remarkable levels of DTH are achieved when they are used in combination.
Earlier financial literacy and later financial behaviour of college students

This study examined the association of earlier financial literacy and later financial behaviour of college students. Financial literacy was measured by both subjective and objective knowledge and financial behaviours were categorized into risky paying and borrowing behaviours. Based on data collected at two time points from a panel of college students at a major state university in the USA, the results showed that the association between earlier knowledge and later financial behaviours differed by the specific type of knowledge (subjective vs. objective), with stronger effect of subjective knowledge, compared with objective knowledge on both composite and individual measures of risky borrowing and paying behaviours. We found that only subjective knowledge was correlated with a reduction in both composite behaviours. Both subjective and objective knowledge, however, reduced some specific risky paying and borrowing behaviours. Finally, we found consistent differences for two of the control variables: higher GPA (Grade Point Average) was associated with fewer risky paying behaviours; and gender (male vs. female) was associated with more of both types of risky behaviours.
Interaction of Coatomer with Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Evidence That Coatomer Has at Least Two Dilysine Binding Sites

Coatomer is the soluble precursor of the COPI coat (coat protein I) involved in traffic among membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. We report herein that neomycin precipitates coatomer from cell extracts and from purified coatomer preparations. Precipitation first increased and then decreased as the neomycin concentration increased, analogous to the precipitation of a polyvalent antigen by divalent antibodies. This suggested that neomycin cross-linked coatomer into large aggregates and implies that coatomer has two or more binding sites for neomycin. A variety of other aminoglycoside antibiotics precipitated coatomer, or if they did not precipitate, they interfered with the ability of neomycin to precipitate. Coatomer is know to interact with a motif (KKXX) containing adjacent lysine residues at the carboxyl terminus of the cytoplasmic domains of some membrane proteins resident in the endoplasmic reticulum. All of the antibiotics that interacted with coatomer contain at least two close amino groups, suggesting that the antibiotics might be interacting with the di-lysine binding site of coatomer. Consistent with this idea, di-lysine itself blocked the interaction of antibiotics with coatomer. Moreover, di-lysine and antibiotics each blocked the coating of Golgi membranes by coatomer. These data suggest that certain aminoglycoside antibiotics interact with di-lysine binding sites on coatomer and that coatomer contains at least two of these di-lysine binding sites.
Comparative Pyrogenic Reactivity of Rabbit and Man to Bacterial Endotoxin

SummaryComparative reactivity of mature albino rabbits (1.8–2.2 kg) and of healthy man to the pyrogenic activity of purified S. typhosa, E. coli, and Pseudomonas endotoxins is presented. On a per kilogram basis, rabbit and man are approximately equally reactive to threshold pyrogenic quantities of endotoxin. When larger doses of endotoxin are employed, the dose-response relationships become considerably steeper for man. On a total dose basis, rabbits require smaller quantities of endotoxin to elicit threshold febrile responses, but as total toxin dose is increased, febrile responses of man rapidly exceed those of the rabbit. Subjective toxic responses of man parallel the pyrogenic responses. These data provide a more definitive base line for interpreting studies with bacterial endotoxin that involve extrapolation of rabbit febrile responses to man.
The effect of agricultural diversity and crop choice on functional capacity change in grassland conversions

Summary 1. Given that approximately one-quarter of grasslands worldwide have been converted to agriculture, understanding the consequences of agricultural conversion for ecosystem functioning can provide insight into potential changes in the world’s most intensively managed biomes. The Great PlainsoftheUnitedStatesrepresentsamajorgrasslandregionthathasexperiencedsubstantialconversion of prairie grassland ecosystems to agriculture, leading to widespread changes in plant species composition and functional trait diversity. While the converted system dramatically improves food, fuel and fibre production, changes in plant trait diversity may alter the capacity of these ecosystemstoprovide sustaining and regulatingservicesto society. 2. Using three key plant functional traits, we illustrate how the trait composition and trait diversity of theGreat Plainsplant communitieshasbeendramaticallyaltered when visualizedinmultidimensional trait space, showing strong displacement and a 10-fold reduction in trait space volumes, as systems have shifted from grassland to agricultural regimes. However, individual case studies demonstrate large variation in the direction and magnitude of trait diversity change during conversion, with some case studies exhibiting much larger reductions in trait diversity from the average on conversion, largely a consequence of the changes in species richness accompanying agricultural conversion. 3. Synthesis and applications. The conversion of grassland to agriculture does not necessarily lead to a loss of functional trait diversity, as crop choice and diversity can ameliorate the functional trait di!erences between native-dominated and agricultural communities. In this study, regardless of the sign and magnitude of change in trait space, a shift in trait range was observed, reflecting the dramatically di!erent selection that agricultural plant functional traits experience compared with their native counterparts. Historical agricultural policy and modern land-use patterns have led to a landscape with decreasing plant diversity and functional capacity. However, initiatives to increase agricultural diversity on-farm and at the landscape level through the implementation of cover crops of the perennialization of cropping systems may allow ecosystems to recover and maintain greater functional capacity.
RET protooncogene mutational analysis in multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2B Case report and review of the literature

Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2B (MEN 2B), is a phenotypic variant of a group of autosomal-dominant neurocristopathies. MEN 2B is associated with medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma with oral, ocular, and alimentary submucosal ganglioneuromas and Marfanoid body features. Approximately 50% of cases are thought to be spontaneous mutations. The RET protooncogene (RET) is a 21-exon gene encoding a tyrosine kinase receptor. A codon 918 germ line mutation, which converts a highly conserved methionine to a threonine in the intracellular tyrosine kinase portion of this receptor of RET, has been identified in 95% of patients with MEN 2B. This mutation is easily detected by a direct deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing or restriction enzyme (Fok 1) analysis of amplified polymerase chain reaction products. The RET gene is normally expressed in the oral and gastrointestinal submucosal neural ganglia, and the codon 918 mutation is thought to cause neuromas by virtue of its transforming activity in these ganglia. Identifying clinical features of MEN 2B in an 11-year-old boy by an oral pathologist led to confirmation by mutational analysis. Before genetic testing was available, the patient, and at a later date his mother, underwent thyroidectomies based solely on biochemical testing. Results indicated the patient had the codon 918 mutation, whereas his phenotypically normal mother, father, and older brother had normal RET analyses. Studies in families have demonstrated that the mutant allele is derived from the father with possible acquisition during spermatogenesis. We believe the mother of our affected patient to be normal; the absence of phenotypic features of MEN 2B and a normal genotype suggest her calcitonin abnormalities and minimal evidence for C-cell hyperplasia were inconsequential. Molecular analysis for RET abnormalities will likely supplant biochemical methods of diagnosis in patients with MEN 2B.
Spectral Tuning of Opponent Channels is Spatially Dependent

Psychophysical detection and appearance data suggest that the spectral tuning of opponent pathways varies with test size. The present study examines the effect on spectral sensitivity of the relative size of test and surround fields. Increment thresholds and flashed-field sensitivities were obtained for 580 nm and 641 nm targets. Three spatial configurations were used. The pattern of sensitivity loss is shown to depend on the spatial relation between test and field; the effect of the spatial relation in turn depends on test wavelength. The findings are explained by the activity of a changing network of spatially and spectrally opponent cells.
Changing microbiology of pediatric neck abscesses in iowa 2000–2010†‡§¶

Objectives/Hypothesis: To examine the changing microbiology of pediatric neck abscesses over a 10-year period with particular interest in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and their associated antibacterial-resistance patterns, including resistance to clindamycin, a frequently used antibiotic for Staphylococcus aureus. Study Design: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary academic medical center. Methods: One hundred and twenty-two consecutive pediatric patients managed between January 2000 and June 2010 with incision and drainage of a proven neck abscess. Results: Seventy-four patients with 76 abscesses were identified. A microorganism was found in 65 (85%) of the 76 abscesses. Forty-three percent grew Staphylococcus aureus (SA), 12% were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and 31% were methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). There was a significant increase in the incidence of MRSA infections during the study period, with only one case of MRSA diagnosed in the first half of the study (from 2000–2004) compared with seven in the second half (from 2005–2010) (P = 0.023). The second most common bacterial etiology or isolate was Streptococcus pyogenes in 27%, while the remaining 30% grew mixed oral flora and other microorganisms. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate a statistically significant rise in the proportion of MRSA neck infections in pediatric patients in Iowa. Resistance to clindamycin was highest among MSSA isolates. Clindamycin-resistant S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes are established pathogens in neck infections. In communities with similar microbiology patterns, empiric treatment with combination therapy of a beta lactam and vancomycin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should be initiated until culture results are available. Laryngoscope, 2013
Creativity in the speech classroom

This article is concerned with the relative emphasis placed, on the creative thinking process by the classroom, teacher. Certain conditions and techniques to stimulate creativity in classroom activities are presented.
Utilizing The Social Transaction Theory Of Social Ontology To Understand Organizational Culture Change

Recent popular literature has spawned an ever increasing amount of leadership and management advice on how to manage, lead, and institute organizational change. While some of this advice may be effective, the literature has shown that the majority of organizational change initiatives fail. Most current leadership and management practices prescribe organizational treatment without understanding the nature and underlying cause of organizational illness. In the case of organizational culture, failure to properly institute change can have long-term repercussions. This paper proposes that the social transaction theory of social ontology can be used to explain not only how organizational culture is formed, but also how it responds to attempts to change it. Thus, by understanding the underlying mechanisms of culture formation and transformation, effective approaches can be developed to demonstrate how lasting change can be instituted.
Gender Differences in Commitment to Roles, Work-family Conflict and Social Support

The purpose of this paper was to examine gender differences, if any, in commitment to various roles, the work environment, work-to-family conflict, types of strain, and social supports among employed parents with school going children belonging to the upper socio-economic status in urban India. Data was collected from employees working full time (N = 208) and belonging to dual-career families in Bombay. Survey method was used to collect data. Regarding commitment to various roles, only occupational role commitment was statistically significant but not marital role commitment, homemaker role commitment or parental role commitment. Regarding work environment, there was a significant difference between men and women in job variety but not in job complexity and work schedule flexibility. Of the various work-to-family conflict variables, there was a significant difference between men and women in work-to-parent conflict and energy-based strain but not in work-spouse conflict, work-leisure conflict or work-homemaker conflict. In general, employed parents in urban settings find it very challenging to balance their occupational and parental responsibilities. In this study, research participants were from the upper socio-economic strata with considerable resources at their disposal as compared to those from lower socio-economic strata. Men reported significantly more support than women in supervisor support, co- worker support and extended family support in managing work and family responsibilities.
Dynamic Characterization of Soft Materials

Soft materials, such as elastomers, foams, gels, and biological tissues, possess low stiffness, yield strength, and wave speeds. These characteristics pose challenges in experiment design to obtain the dynamic properties of soft materials at high rates of loading. The low wave speeds delay the stress equilibrium in the specimen. Low strength and stiffness require highly sensitive load detection system. Low strength also makes inertia effects significant. This chapter illustrates these challenges as they are encountered in high-rate experiments using Kolsky bars. Experimental solutions designed to overcome these difficulties are then introduced and demonstrated.
Cinematic Representations of Girls and War: The Displaced Protagonists of Johnny Mad Dog and War Witch

For over a decade, I have been analyzing literature and film dealing with the general subject of women and war in Africa, reading the creative works in terms of the research being done by feminist geographers and other social scientists attempting to include gender as a category in the analysis of Africas civil wars. The purpose of this paper will be to extend that project to include two feature film narratives about girls who have been forced to leave their homes because of violent conflict: Johnny Mad Dog (2008), a French film made in Liberia and based on Immanuel Dongala's novel, and War Witch (2012), a Canadian film shot largely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both films reflect the experiences of the over nine million persons displaced by the continents civil wars, and each confronts the differences that characterize displacement for girls as opposed to boys. My analysis will identify gender-specific elements in the narratives, considering them in relation to each other and to the research of social scientists such as Chris Coulter, Susan McKay, and Dyan Mazurana, whose scholarship focuses on girls in conflict zones.
On fuel choice and water balance during migratory bird flights.

It has been proposed that water loss in flight of migratory birds under high evaporative conditions can be offset by the production of water through increased protein catabolism. Indeed, oxidation of protein may supply 7-times more water/kJ than fat. However, the lack of a relative increase in protein catabolism over that of fat during long flights is indicative of alternative processes that may take place in birds under long and strenuous flights. Among them, release of stress hormones (which increase both protein and fat catabolism) and increased protein catabolism triggered by increased oxidative damage to muscle proteins elicited by phosphorylating mitochondria, processes not necessarily linked to water deprivation.
Abstract LB-25: Regulation of Np63α by IκB kinase-β

The p53 family (p53, p73, p63) plays an instrumental role in the cellular stress response, including induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage. In addition to p63 and p73 isotypes capable of transactivating downstream target gene expression (TA isotypes), both genes also express dominant negative inhibitory isoforms, such as ΔNp63α. ΔNp63 is degraded in response to DNA damaging agents, thereby enabling an effective cellular response to genotoxic agents. Here, we identify a key molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of ΔNp63α expression in response to extrinsic stimuli, such as chemotherapeutic agents or TNF-α. We show that ΔNp63α interacts with IκB kinase (IKK), a multisubunit protein kinase that consists of two catalytic subunits, IKKα and IKKβ, and a regulatory subunit, IKKγ (NEMO-NF-κB essential modifier). We find that IKK kinase promotes ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of ΔNp63α, whereas a kinase-deficient mutant IKK -K44A fails to do so. Cytokine- or chemotherapy-induced stimulation of IKKβ leads to degradation of ΔNp63α and augments trans-activation of p53 family-induced genes involved in the cellular response to DNA damage. Conversely, inhibition of IKKβ with a NEMO-binding peptide or siRNA-mediated silencing IKKβ expression attenuates cytokine- or chemotherapy induced degradation of ΔNp63α. These data demonstrate that IKKβ plays an essential role in regulating ΔNp63α in response to extrinsic stimuli. Our findings suggest that the activation of IKK may be a mechanism by which levels of ΔNp63α are reduced, thereby rendering the cells susceptible to cell death in the face of cellular stress or DNA damage. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-25.
Characterization of Dielectrics Over Broad Electrical Bandwidths

There is considerable recent interest in the dielectric properties of materials measured over broad electrical bandwidths. This follows from advances made in the performance of electronic devices which now produce pulses with risetimes in the order of 5 picoseconds. It is essential to know the dielectric constants and loss properties of the materials used in fabricating these devices and their interconnection structures, up to frequencies of about 100 GHz. Moreover, such information will be invaluable for the effective use of microwaves in materials processing [1]. The curing of polymers and the sintering of ceramics are two examples. Here, we discuss the recently developed coherent microwave transient spectroscopy (COMITS) technique which measures the complex dielectric constants of materials, from 10 GHz to about 125 GHz, in a single experiment [2,3].
Postharvest bitter pit detection and progression evaluation in ‘Honeycrisp’ apples using computed tomography images

Abstract Bitter pit is a physiological disorder that is defined as brown, corky and roundish lesions, which can develop in apples before and after harvest. This disorder greatly reduces the product utilization value of the fruit, and can result in several million dollar economic loss to the apple industry. Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is a non-destructive and rapid sensing technique that can be applied to packaged apples. In this study, healthy and bitter pit Honeycrisp apples were harvested from two field sites and stored for 63 days. CT images of the sampled apples were collected on 0, 7, 14, 21, 35 and 63 days after harvest. Images were analyzed to estimate the total pit area in each of the individual apples and were related to pit incidence and progression in different stages of storage. Results showed pit development during the storage period in bitter pitted apples. The rate of progression differed in samples collected from different field sites. Further analysis for pit distribution along each of the bitter pit affected apples showed 54% of pits located at the calyx-end of apples in comparison with middle and stem-end. Classification of healthy and bitter pitted apples using logistic regression based method resulted in false negative of 7–21%.
Abstract LB-198: Collagen remodeling and tissue mechanics at different stages of mammary tumor development

Discussion Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-198.
A novel chemically modified curcumin reduces inflammation-mediated connective tissue breakdown in a rat model of diabetes: periodontal and systemic effects

Background and Objective Periodontal disease is the most common chronic inflammatory disease known to mankind (and the major cause of tooth loss in the adult population) and has also been linked to various systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus. Based on the literature linking periodontal disease with diabetes in a “bidirectional manner”, the objectives of the current study were to determine: (i) the effect of a model of periodontitis, complicated by diabetes, on mechanisms of tissue breakdown including bone loss; and (ii) the response of the combination of this local and systemic phenotype to a novel pleiotropic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, chemically modified curcumin (CMC) 2.24. Material and Methods Diabetes was induced in adult male rats by intravenous injection of streptozotocin (nondiabetic rats served as controls), and Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) was repeatedly injected into the gingiva to induce periodontitis. CMC 2.24 was administered by oral gavage (30 mg/kg) daily; untreated diabetic rats received vehicle alone. After 3 wk of treatment, the rats were killed, and gingiva, jaws, tibia and skin were collected. The maxillary jaws and tibia were dissected and radiographed. The gingival tissues of each experimental group (n = 6 rats/group) were pooled, extracted, partially purified and, together with individual skin samples, analyzed for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography; MMP-8 was analyzed in gingival and skin tissue extracts, and in serum, by western blotting. The levels of three bone-resorptive cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α], were measured in gingival tissue extracts and serum by ELISA. Results Systemic administration of CMC 2.24 to diabetic rats with endotoxin-induced periodontitis significantly inhibited alveolar bone loss and attenuated the severity of local and systemic inflammation. Moreover, this novel tri-ketonic phenylaminocarbonyl curcumin (CMC 2.24) appeared to reduce the pathologically excessive levels of inducible MMPs to near-normal levels, but appeared to have no significant effect on the constitutive MMPs required for physiologic connective tissue turnover. In addition to the beneficial effects on periodontal disease, induced both locally and systemically, CMC 2.24 also favorably affected extra-oral connective tissues, skin and skeletal bone. Conclusion This study supports our hypothesis that CMC 2.24 is a potential therapeutic pleiotropic MMP inhibitor, with both intracellular and extracellular effects, which reduces local and systemic inflammation and prevents hyperglycemia- and bacteria-induced connective tissue destruction.
Lexicography to the Aid of a Problematic Pastoral Proverb: With What Should Christians Be Content in 1 Timothy 6.8?:

What are the essential needs for survival? One answer to this question lies in 1 Timothy 6.8. But a quick comparison of various Bible translations will reveal that the answer is not so easily discernible. Some translations use the word pair “food and clothing” while others have “food and shelter.” These are vastly different answers. This study will examine primary source materials in order to seek an accurate translation and interpretation of the word σκέπασμα in this important verse. An examination of primary source materials with an emphasis on synchronic evidence will demonstrate that 1 Timothy 6.8 most likely refers to clothing and not to housing or shelter.
Innovation in graduate medical education – using a competency based medical education curriculum

Abstract Each year the American Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) pays over 10 billion dollars for graduate medical education in the USA.1 Up until now there has been lack of evidence based research on the effectiveness of how American osteopathic trainees learn and are taught. An outcomes based delivery system has proven to be an important tool for measuring the status of graduate medical education (GME) in America. Competency based medical education (CBME) has shown to be an important part of the international medical education system. Since the ACGME (American Council on graduate medical education) started measuring the six core competencies over a decade ago, questions have arisen regarding traditional residency training methods and their benefits. Since the Single Accreditation System of the ACGME and AOA (American Osteopathic Association) was put in effect in July 2015, now is the best time for the osteopathic community, both nationally and internationally, to take a look at how we are teaching residents. Within this article, faculty training of residents, reflective practices, and the assessment of professionalism is specifically focused on. It is of utmost importance to research and reevaluate our medical education curriculum so that we will be able to help meet the needs of future generations, while also graduating competent, globally engaged, professional physicians. This article seeks to show the need for innovation in osteopathic GME and the role that competency based medical education (CBME) can play in the osteopathic profession to meet this need.
Quantum Entanglement Distribution for Secret Key Establishment in Metropolitan Optical Networks

Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) is the building block of entanglement-based and entanglement-assisted quantum communication protocols. Prior shared EPR pair and an authenticated classical channel allow two distant users to share a secret key. To build a network architecture where a centralized EPR source creates entangled states by the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) then routes the states to users in different access networks. We present a metropolitan optical network (MON) architecture for entanglement distribution in a typical telecommunication infrastructure. The architecture allows simultaneous transmission of classical and quantum signals in the network and provides a dynamic routing mechanism to serve the entire MON. However, the strong launch power of the classical signals impairs the weak quantum signals when they coexist in the same optical fiber. Raman scattering Stokes-shift is the major physical impairment on the higher wavelength quantum signals which, caused by the lower wavelength classical signals. Therefore, we also study the physical impairments in the network to reduce the nonlinear effects and improve the quality of the signals. In our architecture, quantum and classical signals travel in the same optical fiber, but in different spectral bands. We show Raman Stokes-shift wavelength range and the peak power gain when simultaneous transmission of both signals occur in the same optical fiber. Reducing the physical impairments increases the traveling distance of the signals and the number of the access networks in the MON.
Rolling manipulation control of the disk-on-disk on a two-link arm

In this paper, we design a feedback controller to stabilize the disk-on-disk system attached to a 2-link arm. The disk-on-disk consists of two disks in which the upper disk (object) is free to roll on top of the lower disk (hand) under the influence of gravity. In addition, the center of the hand is attached to the end point of the 2-link arm enabling the hand to move in translation as well as rotation. The proposed controller stabilizes the object disk on top of the hand at a target X-Y position in a vertical plane. The dynamic model of the system is derived and the dynamic feedback linearization method is used in the design of the controller. The performance of the controller is demonstrated through simulation results.
Sequence variation in two genes determines the efficacy of transmission of citrus tristeza virus by the brown citrus aphid

Vector transmission is an important part of the viral infection cycle, yet for many viruses little is known about this process, or how viral sequence variation affects transmission efficacy. Here we examined the effect of substituting genes from the highly transmissible FS577 isolate of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in to the poorly transmissible T36-based infectious clone. We found that introducing p65 or p61 sequences from FS577 significantly increased transmission efficacy. Interestingly, replacement of both genes produced a greater increase than either gene alone, suggesting that CTV transmission requires the concerted action of co-evolved p65 and p61 proteins.
A System-Wide Approach to Measure Connectivity in the Financial Sector

We develop and estimate a measure of network connectivity for a sample of very large financial institutions of the U.S. Our model takes a system-wide approach that explicitly recognizes the possibility of connectivity of all the firms in the network. This is in sharp contrast with extant measures of systemic risk that, either explicitly or implicitly, estimate such connections using pair-wise relationships between institutions. We show that such a pair-wise approach may not be able to identify the correct topology of the network, which in turn can result in improper classification of banks as systemically important institutions. Our system-wide approach, based on a recently developed Lasso penalized Vector Auto-Regression (LVAR) model, allows us to detect important systemic events and identify systemically important institutions in a statistically principled manner.
Clinical comparison of robotic, laparoscopic, and open hysterectomy procedures for endometrial cancer patients

The goal of this study was to compare outcomes for robotic, laparoscopic, and open hysterectomy procedures for endometrial cancer as well as to investigate whether specific patient demographic, comorbidity, and severity variables were associated with the type of hysterectomy performed. A retrospective review was conducted of hysterectomy procedures for patients discharged from October 1, 2008 and September 30, 2012. Preoperative characteristics included age, BMI, number of past abdominal surgeries, and comorbidities. Intraoperative and postoperative characteristics included uterine weight and diameter, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, lymph-vascular space involvement, FIGO stage and tumor grade. Outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, conversion to open, other intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmissions within 30 days and lymph node yield. The robotic and laparoscopic cohorts show no significant differences in patient or tumor characteristics, while the open cases represent patients with increased complexity. In general, laparoscopic cases were shorter than robotic and open cases. Laparoscopic cases had fewer conversions to open than robotic cases. Robotic and open cases had significantly higher lymph node yield than laparoscopic cases. The reduction in surgical time and conversion rates in the laparoscopic cohort may be related to the reduction in node dissection performed.
Association Between Neighborhood Violence and Biological Stress in Children.

Importance Exposure to violence continues to be a growing epidemic, particularly among children. An enhanced understanding of the biological effect of exposure to violence is critical. Objective To examine the association between neighborhood violence and cellular and biological stress in children. Design, Setting, and Participants A matched, cross-sectional study of 85 black children aged 5 to 16 years from 52 neighborhoods took place in the greater New Orleans, Louisiana, area between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013. Exposures Density of businesses where individuals can purchase alcohol as measured by rates per capita of liquor or convenience stores, and violence as measured by reports of violent crime and reports of domestic violence, operationalized as reports per capita of crime and domestic violence. Rates of exposure within a 500-, 1000-, and 2000-m radius from the child’s home were calculated. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary biological outcomes were telomere length and cortisol functioning. Results Among the 85 children in the study, (mean [SD] age, 9.8 [3.1] years; 50 girls and 35 boys) significant variation in telomere length and cortisol functioning was observed at the neighborhood level, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 6% for telomere length, 3.4% for waking cortisol levels, and 5.5% for peak cortisol levels following a stressor. Density of liquor or convenience stores within a 500-m radius of a child’s home was associated with a decrease in mean telomere length by 0.004 for each additional liquor store or convenience store (β [SE], –0.004 [0.002]; P = .02). The rate of domestic violence was significantly and inversely associated with a decrease in mean telomere length by 0.007 for each additional report of domestic violence in a 500-m radius of a child’s home (β [SE], –0.007 [0.001]; P P P = .047), as were children exposed to high rates of domestic violence (β, 0.088; P = .12) and violent crime (β, 0.029; P = .006). Children exposed to more liquor and convenience stores within 500 m of their home had a steeper diurnal decline in cortisol levels during the day (β [SE], –0.002 [0.001]; P = .04), as did children exposed to more violent crime within 500 m of their home (β [SE] –0.032 [0.014]; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance Neighborhoods are important targets for interventions to reduce the effect of exposure to violence in the lives of children. These findings provide the first evidence that objective exposures to neighborhood-level violence influence both physiological and cellular markers of stress, even in children.
A revision of the endemic Malagasy genus Beguea (Sapindaceae)

Abstract Schatz, G.E., R.E. Gereau & P.P. Lowry II (2017). A revision of the endemic Malagasy genus Beguea (Sapindaceae). Candollea 72: 45–65. In English, English and French abstracts. A taxonomic revision of the endemic Malagasy genus Beguea Capuron (Sapindaceae) is presented. While Capuron in 1969 originally recognized a single, variable species (Beguea apetala Capuron), a careful reevaluation of all available material allows us to recognize ten species, nine of which are described as new, on the basis of numerous floral and vegetative characters. Material of only two of the new species was available to Capuron, and was included in his broad circumscription of Beguea apetala, whereas all material of the remaining seven new species has been collected since 1992. The nine species are illustrated by line drawings, and several species are documented by field photographs. The geographic distribution of each species is presented and mapped, and a preliminary risk of extinction assessment is provided using the...
Cyclization Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, and Diterpenes

Terpene synthases catalyze the first committed steps in the biosynthesis of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. An overview is presented of the enzymology and mechanism of these terpene synthases, and their molecular cloning, expression, and sequence analysis. Detailed structural and functional evaluation of four representative monoterpene, sesquiterpene, and diterpene synthases is also presented.
Demographics, Identity, and the Matrixed Nature of Identity

This chapter explores the demographics and the tapestried nature of identity, and it provides insights for the ways that matrices can facilitate career development and career success, as defined by the individual. By examining different aspects of demographics, this chapter contributes to the overall construct that permeates the book—that is, that identity is socially constructed, fluid, and tapestried.
Sustaining effective individualized behavior support: Barriers and enablers

Function-based support is a widely researched and highly effective form of intervention for students with persistent problem behavior. However, individualized behavior support practices for student...
Intermediate (10-nm) Filaments in Muscle

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of 10-nm filaments in smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle with an emphasis on newer developments. The intent was not to provide an exhaustive literature review but, instead, to include a sampling of research from different laboratories. In this way, the reader can easily track research on a particular topic or from a certain laboratory. More detail is provided on 10-nm filaments from smooth muscle because that has been the tissue of choice for the majority of studies on 10-nm filaments from muscle. The sections on 10-nm filaments from skeletal and from cardiac muscle emphasize both unique properties and comparisons with the smooth muscle system.
Leading-Edge Receptivity of Acoustic Disturbances

Receptivity is the process by which disturbances impose their signatures on the boundary layer (Morkovin, 1969). This process provides the initial and/or boundary conditions for the subsequent growth or decay of the instability waves. The use of Parabolized Stability Equations (PSE) has allowed the efficient computation of the non-linear stages of transition. However, initial conditions must still be provided and therefore any transition-prediction scheme will require the consideration of receptivity.
A case study of an African American stepgrandmother raising adopted grandchildren

ABSTRACTResearch on the perspectives of older African American stepgrandparents raising adolescent grandchildren is underdeveloped. This case study research uses a culturally sensitive conceptual f...
Reflections on a Theme of Ulam

The annual Southeastern International Conference on Graph Theory, Combinatorics, and Computing is among the longest-running combinatorics conferences in the U.S. Launched in 1970, it was originally held in alternate years at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, FL. However, it is now held exclusively each year at FAU under the dedicated leadership of the redoubtable Fred Hoffman. (In fact, the 48th annual Conference took place in March, 2017.) Among the many attractions of this meeting, besides the marvelous climate of Florida in March, is the laid back atmosphere that permeates the meeting environment. The beach is nearby, the tennis courts are active (and in the old days, no one could defeat Ernie Cockayne and Steve Hedetniemi), and everyone who wants to give a talk can. (Of course, this policy can result in an interesting variety of presentations!)
Investigating the value of including depth during spatiotemporal index standardization

Abstract There are many methods available for estimating the current abundance of fish species. Design-based estimators, which assume random sampling within the sampling domain, have conventionally been used to provide relative indices of abundance. More recently, the use of spatiotemporal models has increased because of their ability to explicitly account for spatial heterogeneity and higher precision relative to design-based estimators. In theory, the inclusion of covariates (e.g., depth) should also improve precision by explaining a portion of the variability in fish abundance. We used a simulation experiment to evaluate the bias and precision of results from spatiotemporal index-standardization models when the true process was and was not governed by depth. The simulation was conditioned on fits to data for darkblotched rockfish (Sebastes crameri) because of the known preference of older individuals for deeper water, coupled with their limited migration after recruiting to the fishery. Trends in the simulated indices of abundance were estimated without bias, although individual parameters were not necessarily unbiased. Incorrectly including depth when it did not govern the true process was less problematic than not including it when it should have been included. Akaike Information Criterion correctly identified overfitting when the true dynamics were not governed by depth. Results illustrate how spatiotemporal models can include covariates, but additional testing is needed with respect to the utility of including dynamic covariates that vary in space and time or covariates that do not covary with latitude or longitude.
Induction of ependymal, glial, and neuronal transactivation by intraventricular administration of the SGLT1 Na+-D-glucose cotransporter inhibitor phlorizin.

Reports that food intake is stimulated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the SGLT1 Na+-D-glucose cotransport inhibitor, phlorizin, suggest that decreased central glucose uptake is a stimulus for compensatory motor activity underlying restoration of energy imbalance. In order to identify central cell populations that are functionally responsive to decreased SGLT1 function in the brain, the present study utilized immunocytochemical techniques to demonstrate cellular expression of the inducible activator protein-1 transcription factor, Fos, following i.c.v. delivery of phlorizin. Groups of adult male rats were treated with phlorizin at a dose of 10, 50, or 250 microg/animal, then sacrificed 2 hr later by transcardial perfusion. Ependymal expression of Fos-immunoreactivity (-ir) was observed throughout most of the cerebroventricular system, except the medullary fourth ventricle, at each dose examined. Higher doses of the transport inhibitor elicited immunostaining of periventricular glia, characterized by cytoplasmic glial fibrillary acidic protein-ir, underlying the lateral, third, and rostral fourth ventricles and cerebral aqueduct. These doses also resulted in the transcriptional activation of neurons in discrete brain sites, including the rostral medial preoptic area, median preoptic n., preoptic and hypothalamic periventricular n., subfornical organ, thalamic medial habenular and paraventricular n., hypothalamic paraventricular, ventromedial, and arcuate n., and n. of the solitary tract. These results show that nonexcitable cells located throughout much of the central neuroaxis and discrete populations of neurons in the brain are genomically responsive to pharmacological inhibition of central SGLT1 function. Evidence for the functional responsiveness of these cell types to manipulation of energy-dependent glucose transport suggests that cellular uptake of this metabolic fuel may serve as an indicator of central energy substrate availability, and that alterations in glucose uptake via this specific mechanism may be the source of regulatory signals involved in the maintenance of energy homeostasis.
Fast Techniques for Integrated Circuit Design

Do you want to deepen your understanding of complex systems and design integrated circuits more quickly? Learn how with this step-by-step guide that shows, from first principles, how to employ estimation techniques to analyze and solve complex problems in IC design using a simplified modeling approach. Applications are richly illustrated using real-world examples from across IC design, from simple circuit theory, to the electromagnetic effects and high frequency design, and systems such as data converters and phase-locked loops. Basic concepts like inductance and capacitance are related to one other and other RF phenomena inside a modern chip, enhancing understanding without the need for simulators. Use the easy-to-follow models presented to start designing your own products, from inductors and amplifiers to more complex systems. Whether you are an early-career professional or researcher, graduate student, or established IC engineer looking to reduce your reliance on commercial software packages, this is essential reading.
Impact of front-end wearout mechanisms on FinFET SRAM soft error rate

Abstract We build a modelling and simulation flow to study how the front-end wearout mechanisms affect the FinFET SRAM soft error rate. This flow incorporates process variation, such as device dimensions, and degradation parameters. We first checked the impact of process parameters on critical charge and soft error rate. It is found that a larger gate length and higher temperature help us obtain better reliability for a FinFET SRAM cell under radiation, with a higher Qcrit and lower SER. Then, the time-dependent shift of Qcrit and SER is displayed. Within its range between 0% and 50%, a lower duty ratio leads to worse reliability due to soft errors. Moreover, a higher transition rate causes worse reliability.
Meeting Power Constraints While Mitigating Contention on Clustered Multiprocessor System

Mobile and embedded devices have adopted the clustered multiprocessing architecture paradigm in order to serve the increasing workload demands and control/reduce their power consumption. Cores of the same type are integrated into clusters and cluster-wide voltage/frequency scaling mechanisms help them operate under specific power constraints. In this letter, we propose a methodology that: 1) enhances performance by addressing contention on shared resources of the cluster and 2) pro-actively predicts the maximum frequency under which the cluster should operate in order to meet a user-defined power threshold. Experimental results on an Odroid-XU3 board show that the proposed methodology meets the power thresholds, achieving at the same time high performance. Particularly for 7-W threshold, it achieved 5% performance gain over Linux which at the same time consumed 8-W approximately.
Fingerprints and Pulp: Nomadic Ethics in Research Practice

This paper thinks with Braidotti’s nomadic ethics through the process of making paper to consider the ethical marks and cuts of doing qualitative research. Through the process of making paper, cutting, soaking, blending, pressing, and drying the debris of my dissertation, I consider questions of representation, ethics, and responsibility in qualitative research. Simultaneously, I consider the relations and interactions made possible through an art installation where the handmade paper was displayed as part of my dissertation defense. I contemplate my interactions and conversations with the participants that attended the installation and how these encounters led to new considerations of ethics and representation through research methodology and art.