cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communal governance, equity and payment for ecosystem services.

Abstract Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) presents a number of complex equity concerns when implemented in the context of communal resource management. This analysis contributes to our understanding of intracommunity equity and the role of communal governance in determining distributional equity outcomes, specifically in collective PES arrangements. The study examines the relationship between local governance and the distribution of collective payments in an Ecuadorian payment for conservation program implemented in communities in the Andean highlands. We use data from approximately 200 households living in six participating communities to examine how communities distribute collective payments across community members, and identify the household and communal attributes that influence (i) the likelihood that a household will receive a benefit, (ii) perceive the distribution of benefits to be fair, and (iii) perceive that the PES program itself is fair. The results highlight the important role of communal governance mechanisms in promoting participatory and transparent decision processes, and the resultant distribution of benefits. Households in more organized communities are more likely to receive a benefit and are more likely to perceive that the distribution is fair. In contrast, those in less organized communities are less likely to have budgetary information or agree with how the collective payment is spent. The results also indicate that communities generally distribute the benefits based on egalitarian principles and point to a potential disjuncture between communal equity principles and the individual costs incurred under the PES program land-use restrictions. Findings suggest that PES practitioners and researchers pay greater attention to, and support, the governance capacities of communities prior to implementing a PES program. The findings also call attention to the potential conflict between PES distributional principles and communal distributional norms.
Atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease: A review of options for therapeutic anticoagulation to reduce thromboembolism risk

Atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly occur together, which poses a therapeutic dilemma due to increased risk of both systemic thromboembolism and bleeding. Chronic kidney disease also has implications for medication selection. The objective of this review is to evaluate the options for anticoagulation for thromboembolism prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. We searched PubMed for studies of patients with atrial fibrillation and CKD on warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) for thromboembolism prevention through January 1 2018, in addition to evaluating major trials evaluating DOACs and warfarin use as well as society guidelines. For patients with mild to moderate chronic kidney disease, primarily observational data supports the use of warfarin, and high quality trial data and meta-analyses support the use and possible superiority of DOACs. For patients with severe chronic kidney disease, there are limited data on warfarin which supports its use, and data for DOACs is limited primarily to pharmacologic studies which support dose reductions but lack information on patient outcomes. For patients with end-stage renal disease, studies on warfarin are conflicting, but the majority suggest a lack of benefit and possible harm; studies in DOACs are very limited, but apixaban is the least renally cleared and may be both safe and effective. In conclusion, warfarin or DOACs may be used based on the degree of severity of chronic kidney disease, but further study in needed in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Performance and characterization of dynamically-loaded engine bearings with provision for misalignment

Abstract The influence of misalignment on a dynamically-loaded engine bearing is investigated using a mass-conserving cavitation algorithm. Whereas in statically loaded bearings misalignment can be conveniently characterized using two parameters known as the degree of misalignment DM and the misalignment angle α, an alternative approach is needed when the load changes direction. In this paper, the complication is treated by representing the severity of misalignment using two deflection angles θx and θy since these deflection angles remain constant in an engine bearing during operation. Effects of the variation of load, rotating speed, oil viscosity, supply pressure, journal mass and deflection angles are presented.
An acute application of transcranial random noise stimulation does not enhance motor skill acquisition or retention in a golf putting task.

Abstract Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a brain stimulation technique that has been shown to increase motor performance in simple motor tasks. The purpose was to determine the influence of tRNS on motor skill acquisition and retention in a complex golf putting task. Thirty-four young adults were randomly assigned to a tRNS group or a SHAM stimulation group. Each subject completed a practice session followed by a retention session. In the practice session, subjects performed golf putting trials in a baseline test block, four practice blocks, and a post test block. Twenty-four hours later subjects completed the retention test block. The golf putting task involved performing putts to a small target located 3 m away. tRNS or SHAM was applied during the practice blocks concurrently with the golf putting task. tRNS was applied over the first dorsal interosseus muscle representation area of the motor cortex for 20 min at a current strength of 2 mA. Endpoint error and endpoint variance were reduced across the both the practice blocks and the test blocks, but these reductions were not different between groups. These findings suggest that an acute application of tRNS failed to enhance skill acquisition or retention in a golf putting task.
Preexposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection: Evidence report and systematic review for the US preventive services task force

Importance Effective prevention strategies for HIV infection are an important public health priority. Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) daily or before and after sex to decrease risk of acquiring HIV infection. Objective To synthesize the evidence on the benefits and harms of PrEP, instruments for predicting incident HIV infection, and PrEP adherence to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force. Data Sources Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EMBASE through June 2018, with surveillance through January 2019. Study Selection English-language placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials of oral PrEP with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate monotherapy; studies on the diagnostic accuracy of instruments for predicting incident HIV infection; and studies on PrEP adherence. Data Extraction and Synthesis Dual review of titles and abstracts, full-text articles, study quality, and data abstraction. Data were pooled using the Dersimonian and Laird random-effects model for effects of PrEP on HIV infection, mortality, and harms. Main Outcomes and Measures HIV acquisition, mortality, and harms; adherence to PrEP; and diagnostic test accuracy and discrimination. Results Fourteen RCTs (N = 18 837), 8 observational studies (N = 3884), and 7 studies of diagnostic accuracy (N = 32 279) were included. PrEP was associated with decreased risk of HIV infection vs placebo or no PrEP after 4 months to 4 years (11 trials; relative risk [RR], 0.46 [95% CI, 0.33-0.66];I2 = 67%; absolute risk reduction [ARD], −2.0% [95% CI, −2.8% to −1.2%]). Greater adherence was associated with greater efficacy (RR with adherence ≥70%, 0.27 [95% CI, 0.19-0.39];I2 = 0%) in 6 trials. PrEP was associated with an increased risk of renal adverse events (12 trials; RR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.18-1.75];I2 = 0%; ARD, 0.56% [95% CI, 0.09%-1.04%]) and gastrointestinal adverse events (12 trials; RR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.26-2.11];I2 = 43%; ARD, 1.95% [95% CI, 0.48%-3.43%]); most adverse events were mild and reversible. Instruments for predicting incident HIV infection had moderate discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.49-0.72) and require further validation. Adherence to PrEP in the United States in men who have sex with men varied widely (22%-90%). Conclusions and Relevance In adults at increased risk of HIV infection, PrEP with oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate monotherapy or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine was associated with decreased risk of acquiring HIV infection compared with placebo or no PrEP, although effectiveness decreased with suboptimal adherence.
The Logic in Philosophy of Science

Major figures of twentieth-century philosophy were enthralled by the revolution in formal logic, and many of their arguments are based on novel mathematical discoveries. Hilary Putnam claimed that the Lowenheim-Skolem theorem refutes the existence of an objective, observer-independent world; Bas van Fraassen claimed that arguments against empiricism in philosophy of science are ineffective against a semantic approach to scientific theories; W. V. O. Quine claimed that the distinction between analytic and synthetic truths is trivialized by the fact that any theory can be reduced to one in which all truths are analytic. This book dissects these and other arguments through in-depth investigation of the mathematical facts undergirding them. It presents a systematic, mathematically rigorous account of the key notions arising from such debates, including theory, equivalence, translation, reduction, and model. The result is a far-reaching reconceptualization of the role of formal methods in answering philosophical questions.
The One-Way Communication Complexity of Subgroup Membership

This paper studies the one-way communication complexity of the subgroup membership problem , a classical problem closely related to basic questions in qua ntum computing. Here Alice receives, as input, a subgroup H of a finite group G; Bob receives an element x ∈ G. Alice is permitted to send a single message to Bob, after which he must decide if his input x is an element of H. We prove the following upper bounds on the classical communication complexity of this problem in the bounded-error setting: 1. The problem can be solved with O(log |G|) communication, provided the subgroup H is normal.
The Angiotensin-(1-7) Axis: Formation and Metabolism Pathways

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) constitutes a key hormonal system in the physiological regulation of blood pressure via peripheral and central mechanisms. Dysregulation of the RAS is considered a major factor in the development of cardiovascular pathologies and pharmacologic blockade of this system by the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or antagonism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) is an effective therapeutic regimen. The RAS is now defined as a more complex system composed of different angiotensin peptides with diverse biological actions mediated by distinct receptor subtypes. The classic RAS comprises the ACE-Ang II-AT1R axis that promotes vasoconstriction, water intake, sodium retention and increased oxidative stress, fibrosis, cellular growth, and inflammation. The non-classical or alternative RAS is composed primarily of the ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-AT7R pathway that opposes many actions of the Ang II-AT1R axis. In lieu of the complexity of this system, the chapter discusses the current evidence on the enzymatic cascade of the Ang-(1-7) axis of the RAS regarding the peptidases that contribute to the formation and degradation of the peptide in the circulation and various tissues.
The Oxford handbook of political networks

Over the past century, many public policy and management scholars have advanced our knowledge associated with interdependent and contextual phenomena in the political world using network methods, t...
In the age of the smart artificial intelligence: AI’s dual capacities for automating and informating work:

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have generated tidal waves, which are shaking the foundation of organizations and businesses. Even though AI is considered an unprecedented disru...
On the Elliptic 2 + 1 Toda Equation

The elliptic version of the Toda equation in two continuous and one discrete variable is considered. Conditions on the scattering data are found which allow a unique solution to be constructed. In one case a radiation condition, analogous to the well known Sommerfeld radiation condition used in certain solutions of linear problems, is required.
A kinase of many talents: non-neuronal functions of CDK5 in development and disease

The cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) represents an unusual member of the family of cyclin-dependent kinases, which is activated upon binding to non-cyclin p35 and p39 proteins. The role of CDK5 in the nervous system has been very well established. In addition, there is growing evidence that CDK5 is also active in non-neuronal tissues, where it has been postulated to affect a variety of functions such as the immune response, angiogenesis, myogenesis, melanogenesis and regulation of insulin levels. Moreover, high levels of CDK5 have been observed in different tumour types, and CDK5 was proposed to play various roles in the tumorigenic process. In this review, we discuss these various CDK5 functions in normal physiology and disease, and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting CDK5.
Obesity Is Associated With Pulmonary Hypertension and Modifies Outcomes.

Background Experimental studies support a link between obesity and pulmonary hypertension (PH), yet clinical studies have been limited. This study sought to determine the association of obesity and...
Integrated genomics and comprehensive validation reveal novel drivers of genomic evolution in esophageal adenocarcinoma

Abstract Identification of genes driving genomic evolution can provide novel targets for cancer treatment and prevention. Here we show identification of a genomic instability gene signature, using an integrated genomics approach. Elevated expression of this signature correlated with poor survival in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) as well as three other human cancers. Knockout and overexpression screens confirmed the relevance of this signature to genomic instability. Indepth evaluation of TTK (a kinase), TPX2 (spindle assembly factor) and RAD54B (recombination protein) further confirmed their role in genomic instability and tumor growth. Mutational signatures identified by whole genome sequencing and functional studies demonstrated that DNA damage and homologous recombination were common mechanisms of genomic instability induced by these genes. Consistently, a TTK inhibitor impaired EAC cell growth in vivo, and increased chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity while inhibiting genomic instability in surviving cells. Thus inhibitors of TTK and other genes identified in this study have potential to inhibit/delay genomic evolution and tumor growth. Such inhibitors also have potential to increase chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity while reducing its harmful genomic impact in EAC and possibly other cancers.
Synthesis of Phosphonomethyl Tetrahydrofurans via the Mori-Tamaru Reaction of Phosphonodienes.

Nickel-catalyzed reductive addition of phosphonodienes to aldehydes (the Mori–Tamaru reaction) gives hydroxy vinyl phosphonates in good yields with excellent control of the relative stereochemistry...
Bias Testing of the Public Safety Assessment: Error Rate Balance Between Whites and Blacks for New Arrests:

This study is an evaluation of predictive bias by race when using a pretrial risk assessment. We use data from Kentucky from July 2013 through December 2014 (n = 164,597) to evaluate differences ac...
Null Lagrangian Measures in Subspaces, Compensated Compactness and Conservation Laws

Compensated compactness is an important method used to solve nonlinear PDEs, in particular in the study of hyperbolic conservation laws. One of the simplest formulations of a compensated compactness problem is to ask for conditions on a compact set $${\mathcal {K}}\subset M^{m\times n}$$ such that 1 $$\begin{aligned}&\lim _{j\rightarrow \infty } \Vert \mathrm {dist}(Du_j,{\mathcal {K}})\Vert _{L^p}= 0 \text { and } \sup _{j}\Vert u_j\Vert _{W^{1,p}}<\infty \nonumber \\&\quad \Rightarrow \{Du_{j}\}_{j}\text { is precompact in } L^p. \end{aligned}$$ Let $$M_1,M_2,\dots , M_q$$ denote the set of all minors of $$M^{m\times n}$$ . A sufficient condition for (1) is that any probability measure $$\mu $$ supported on $${\mathcal {K}}$$ satisfying 2 $$\begin{aligned} \int M_k(X) \hbox {d}\mu (X)=M_k\left( \int X \hbox {d}\mu (X)\right) \text { for all } k \end{aligned}$$ is a Dirac measure. We call measures that satisfy (2) Null Lagrangian Measures and following [21], we denote the set of Null Lagrangian Measures supported on $${\mathcal {K}}$$ by $${\mathcal {M}}^{pc}({\mathcal {K}})$$ . For general m, n, a necessary and sufficient condition for triviality of $${\mathcal {M}}^{pc}({\mathcal {K}})$$ was an open question even in the case where $${\mathcal {K}}$$ is a linear subspace of $$M^{m\times n}$$ . We answer this question and provide a necessary and sufficient condition for any linear subspace $${\mathcal {K}}\subset M^{m\times n}$$ . The ideas also allow us to show that for any $$d\in \left\{ 1,2,3\right\} $$ , d-dimensional subspaces $${\mathcal {K}}\subset M^{m\times n}$$ support non-trivial Null Lagrangian Measures if and only if $${\mathcal {K}}$$ has Rank-1 connections. This is known to be false for $$d\ge 4$$ from [5]. Further using the ideas developed we are able to answer a question of Kirchheim et al. [18]. Let $$P_1(u,v):=\left( \begin{matrix} u &{} v\\ a(v) &{} u\\ ua(v) &{} \frac{1}{2}u^2+ F(v)\\ \end{matrix}\right) $$ and $${\mathcal {K}}_1 := \left\{ P_1(u,v): u,v\in \mathrm {I\!R}\right\} $$ for some function a and its primitive F. The set $${\mathcal {K}}_1$$ arises in the study of entropy solutions to the $$2\times 2$$ system of conservation laws $$\begin{aligned} u_t=a(v)_x \quad \text { and }\quad v_t=u_x. \end{aligned}$$ In [18], the authors asked what are the conditions on the function a such that $${\mathcal {M}}^{pc}({\mathcal {K}}_1\cap U)$$ consists of Dirac measures, where U is an open neighborhood of an arbitrary matrix in $${\mathcal {K}}_1$$ . Given $$\alpha =(\alpha _1,\alpha _2)\in \mathrm {I\!R}^2$$ , if $$a'(\alpha _2)>0$$ then we construct non-trivial measures in $${\mathcal {M}}^{pc}({\mathcal {K}}_1\cap B_{\delta }\left( P_1(\alpha )\right) )$$ for any $$\delta >0$$ . On the other hand if $$a'(\alpha _2)<0$$ then for sufficiently small $$\delta >0$$ , we show that $${\mathcal {M}}^{pc}({\mathcal {K}}_1\cap B_{\delta }\left( P_1(\alpha )\right) )$$ consists of Dirac measures.
Development of bilateral parietal activation for complex visual-spatial function: Evidence from a visual-spatial construction task.

The neural representation of visual-spatial functions has traditionally been ascribed to the right hemisphere, but little is known about these representations in children, including whether and how lateralization of function changes over the course of development. Some studies suggest bilateral activation early in life that develops toward right-lateralization in adulthood, while others find evidence of right-hemispheric dominance in both children and adults. We used a complex visual-spatial construction task to examine the nature of lateralization and its developmental time course in children ages 5-11 years. Participants were shown two puzzle pieces and were asked whether the pieces could fit together to make a square; responses required either mental translation of the pieces (Translation condition) or both mental translation and rotation of the pieces (Rotation condition). Both conditions were compared to a matched Luminance control condition that was similar in terms of visual content and difficulty but required no spatial analysis. Group and single-subject analyses revealed that the Rotation and Translation conditions elicited strongly bilateral activation in the same parietal and occipital locations as have been previously found for adults. These findings show that visual-spatial construction consistently elicits robust bilateral activation from age 5 through adulthood. This challenges the idea that spatial functions are all right-lateralized, either during early development or in adulthood. More generally, these findings provide insights into the developmental course of lateralization across different spatial skills and how this may be influenced by the computational requirements of the particular functions involved.
“Normally I Try and Capture a Moment, and With This I Had to Create a Moment”: Implications of Anonymous Photography Protocols in Photovoice Research with People Who Inject Drugs:

Photovoice collaborations are designed to promote critical consciousness and advocate for change. People who inject drugs (PWID) are systematically silenced from advocacy for fear of being “outed.”...
Long-Horizon Forecasts

We study security analysts’ production of long-horizon forecasts. While forecasts produced early in the horizon schedule have the potential to be the most helpful to clients, and these forecasts make up a nontrivial portion of analysts’ forecast production, prior literature essentially ignores the drivers and implications of long-horizon forecasts. We find that long-horizon forecast production is more common among analysts with lower reputation and less workload, and when analysts are initiating coverage. Additionally, long-horizon forecast production is higher for firms held by investors with longer investing horizons and firms that derive more of their value from distant cash flows. Analysts who issue long-horizon forecasts have a greater ability to affect prices, have better career outcomes, and are more likely to be voted all-stars.
“China Virus” and “Kung-Flu”: A Critical Race Case Study of Asian American Journalists’ Experiences During COVID-19

The researchers designed a critical race case study to represent media coverage by and experiences of Asian American1 journalists during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. After analyzing data inductively, the researchers drew upon critical race theory scholarship to apply the theoretical concepts of race consciousness, whiteness as property, and the hegemony of racial hierarchy to analyze Asian American journalists’ experience during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers used the Asian American Journalists Association’s repository of news coverage, webinars, and panels written and presented by Asian American journalists;in-depth interviews with Asian American journalists;and their social media posts about Asian American experience and the pandemic as data sources. Triangulated across the data sources, the following themes are represented: (a) Asian American Journalists: Living and Reporting Multiple, Intersecting Crises;(b) Anti-Asian American Discrimination and Racism;and (c) The Paradox of Asian American hypervisibility and invisibility;the subtheme is “Calling for Diversity, Equity, and Transformation in the Newsroom.” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Cultural Studies/Critical Methodologies is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Modern nanoscience: Convergence of AI, robotics, and colloidal synthesis

Autonomous experimentation and chemical discovery strategies are rapidly rising across multiple fields of science. However, closed-loop material development approaches have not been widely employed in colloidal nanoscience mainly due to the challenges in synthesis space size, sensitivity to reaction conditions, and the complexity of monitoring multiple synthesis outputs. Recent advancements in automated reactor designs for controlled and reproducible nanocrystal synthesis and intelligent experiment selection algorithms are leading to wider propagation of artificial intelligence-guided autonomous experimentation techniques in colloidal nanoscience. This review will cover the current literature on closed-loop, autonomous platforms for accelerated development of colloidal nanomaterials and discuss the critical features and strategies for developing autonomous robotic experimentation systems suitable to problems in colloidal nanoscience, while providing the context, effectiveness, and prospects of each technique. Then, we will discuss some immediate opportunities in the field for more rapid technological advancement and colloidal nanomaterial discovery.
Book-or-Drive: The Impact of Ridesharing on the Automobile Industry

This paper empirically examines the impact of Uber, an online ridesharing platform, on automobile registrations, a sales performance indicator in the traditional, mature automobile industry in the United States. We leverage the sequential entry of Uber in different locations in a natural experiment setting and use the staggered difference-in-differences (DID) econometric model to estimate this impact. Our dataset includes yearly observations of Uber’s entry and automobile registration that span more than 600 counties from 2010 to 2017. The results suggest that Uber’s entry has an overall negative effect on automobile registrations, and this effect sustains for another year after entry. The negative effect manifests significantly for counties with larger values of GDP, population, and population density but can become insignificant for counties with smaller values. Our results are robust to matching, placebo tests, and the consideration of Uber’s endogenous entry decision, and are reinforced by the analysis of Uber’s search intensity on Google. Our findings have important managerial and policy implications and contribute to the growing stream of research on the social and economic impacts of sharing economy.
Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) for the Determination of Salmonella Levels in Lairage

The sensitivity of the quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay (qPCR) was shown to be 10,000 Salmonella colony forming units (cfu) of bacteria per gram of fecal matter; this means that this rapid and specific test is a useful tool for the industry. The study found a trend toward a reduced, but not statistically significant, amount of Salmonella in lairage pens from standard hygiene practices of washing pens between groups of swine. This reduction of Salmonella in lairage pens may result in decrease transmission between groups, and, ultimately, in fewer numbers of contaminated carcasses at slaughter. It might also allow one to determine if on farm and transport methods are reducing Salmonella fecal incidence in lairage pens. The lack of significance is partially due to the low number of positive pens in this study before washing. Due to the low numbers found in pens in this study, samples were not collected from transport as they would have not lead to significant differences between various treatments.
Evidence-Based Practice with Children and Adolescents Experiencing Anxiety

Publisher Summary Anxiety is a substantial problem for children and adolescents. The combined prevalence of anxiety disorders is higher than that of virtually all other mental disorders of childhood and adolescence. The 1-year prevalence of anxiety disorders in children ages 9–17 is 13%. Kashani and Orvaschel found an 8.7% rate of one or more anxiety disorder among adolescents, making it one of the most prevalent emotional disorders among children and adolescents. Kendall et al. believe that anxiety may continue into adulthood, causing significant impairment if left untreated. The Brown University Psychopharmacology Update (2007, January) reports that anxiety affects physical health and that a clear relationship exists between anxiety in children and adolescents and at least one and often multiple somatic complaints, usually restlessness, stomachaches and palpitations. Complicating the assessment and treatment of childhood anxiety is research suggesting that parents and children often disagree on the existence of the problem and its severity. This chapter discusses common child and adolescent anxiety problems, including separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as the more effective treatment approaches from the research literature.
The Rise of Global Powers: International Politics in the Era of the World Wars

1. The great powers at the dawn of world politics 2. Global origins of World War One: from the China scramble to the world crisis of 1904-1906 3. Global origins of World War One: a chain of revolutionary events around the world island 4. Balance and revolution, 1914-1918 5. A ragged peace, 1919 6. Scramble for Eurasia, 1919-1922 7. Drastic acts of unhappy powers, 1922-1923 8. Storms in the lull, 1924-1927 9. Politics and economics of the Great Slump, 1928-1933 10. A vogue for national economy 11. Mussolini's moment, 1933-1935 12. Global civil war, 1936-1937 13. Last years of peace, 1937-1939 14. The European War, 1939-1941 15. The World War, 1941-1945 16. Balance and hegemony.
A Comparison of Income, Expenditures, and Home Market Value Distributions Using Luxembourg Income Study Data from the 1990's

The purpose of this paper is to review recent data made available through the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS) that include expenditures and asset valuations. The LIS data are augmented with comparable data from the U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey. The surveys with expenditure data are reviewed in terms of collection units and variable definitions. Inequality statistics are produced and compared using income, expenditures, and market value of owned home. Rankings of countries by income and expenditure inequality are similar but not the same across the countries studied. Suggestions are made for the LIS to improve the expenditure data available following the COICOPS framework.
Concurrent Bilateral Vim and STN DBS in a Patient with ET/PD (P7.055)

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcome of a patient with essential tremor (ET) treated with bilateral thalamic (ViM) DBS who underwent adjunctive bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS for treatment of new onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). BACKGROUND: ET and PD do not commonly co-exist in the same patient, but each may cause refractory symptoms amenable to DBS. Concurrent ViM and STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) is infrequently employed, and may pose technical and management challenges. DESIGN/METHODS: A 77 year old male with ET since his 20s under went bilateral ViM DBS in 2008 with good tremor control but limited by stimulation-related dysarthria, dysphagia and gait instability, leading to intermittent use of stimulation. In 2011, gait was wide based, cautious with good initiation with DBS “off”, and with marked limitations in standing and gait initiation, stooped posture and shuffling when “on”. After reprogramming he had slight gait instability only. A year later, he had persistent gait shuffling and impaired balance even with DBS “off”, with bradykinesia and rigidity. MRI showed adequate lead placement and DaT scan was positive. Gait improved with levodopa but tremor did not. He underwent bilateral STN DBS in 2013 without complications. RESULTS: At the 1 st DBS programming “off” medications, MDS-UPDRS-III improved from 51 (total tremor score, TTS=25) “off” stimulation to 35 with both ViM and STN DBS “on”. TTS improved by 5 points with only ViM “on” and by 14 points with both ViM and STN “on”. Rigidity, gait and postural instability all improved. At 6 months, (“off” medications) blinded MDS-UPDRS-III with ViM/STN OFF/OFF, OFF/ON, ON/OFF, and ON/ON were rated 55, 49, 45 and 40 respectively. Speech worsened with bilateral ViM ON CONCLUSIONS: In this case, concurrent bilateral ViM and STN DBS was safely placed and well-tolerated, and effectively controlled symptoms of both ET and PD. Study Supported by: None Disclosure: Dr. Wijemanne has nothing to disclose. Dr. Waln has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez-Shahed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Allergan Inc., Merz Pharma, Medtronic Inc. and Lundbeck Research USA, Inc.
C-6 functionalized analogs of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: synthesis and binding analysis with vitamin D-binding protein and vitamin D receptor

Abstract In this article, we describe the development of a general synthetic strategy to functionalize the C-6 position of vitamin D3 and its biologically important metabolites, i.e. 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. We employed Mazur’s cyclovitamin D method to synthesize vitamin D3 analogs with several functionalities at the C-6 position. In addition, we synthesized 6-(3-hydroxypropyl) and 6-[(2-bromoacetoxy)propyl] derivatives of 25-OH-D3 15 and 16, respectively, and 6-(3-hydroxypropyl) derivative of 1,25(OH)2D3 17. Competitive binding assays of 15–17 with human serum vitamin D-binding protein showed that all these analogs specifically bound to this protein, although with significantly lower affinity than the 25-OH-D3, the strongest natural binder, but with comparable affinity with 1,25(OH)2D3, the hormone. On the other hand, 6-[3-hydroxypropyl], 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 17 did not show any specific binding for recombinant nuclear vitamin D receptor. These results indicated that the region containing the C-6 position of the parent seco-steroid [1,25(OH)2D3] may be an important recognition marker towards vitamin D receptor binding. Information, delineated in this article, will be important for evaluating structure-activity relationship in synthetic analogs of vitamin D and its metabolites.
The electrical properties of dislocations in silicon—II: The effects on conductivity

Abstract Conductivity measurements were made on both n -type and p -type silicon which contained parallel arrays of edge dislocations. The dislocation densities were of the order of 10 6 -10 7 per cm 2 and were introduced by plastic deformation at 750°. Measurements parallel and perpendicular to the array show that the conductivity is highly anisotropic, indicating that space charge cylinders surround the dislocation in both material types. These results imply that the dislocation has an acceptor state which is active in n -type material and a donor state which is active in p -type material. In n -type material, the data are consistent with the cylindrical void model of Read if the model is modified to include scattering by the space charge cylinder. For the current parallel to the dislocation this modification results in the electrons within one mean free path of the space charge cylinder having a mobility reduced by 50 per cent at low temperatures and by 80 per cent at high temperatures. In p -type material the data cannot be as easily explained. The data are, however, qualitatively in agreement with the donor band model suggested earlier, if it is assumed that the density of donor states decreases with increasing electron energy.
Requirements based test prioritization using risk factors

ContextSoftware testing is an expensive and time-consuming process. Software engineering teams are often forced to terminate their testing efforts due to budgetary and time constraints, which inevitably lead to long term issues with quality and customer satisfaction. Test case prioritization (TCP) has shown to improve test effectiveness. ObjectiveThe results of our prior work on requirements-based test prioritization showed improved rate of fault detection on industrial projects; the customer priority (CP) and the fault proneness (FP) were the biggest contributing factors to test effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to further investigate these two factors and apply prioritization based on these factors in a different domain: an enterprise level cloud application. We aim to provide an effective prioritization scheme that practitioners can implement with minimum effort. The other objective is to compare the results and the benefits of these two factors with two risk-based prioritization approaches that extract risks from the system requirements categories. MethodOur approach involved analyzing and assigning values to each requirement based on two important factors, CP and FP, so that the test cases for high-value requirements are prioritized earlier for execution. We also proposed two requirements-based TCP approaches that use risk information of the system. ResultsOur results indicate that the use of CP and FP can improve the effectiveness of TCP. The results also show that the risk-based prioritization can be effective in improving the TCP. ConclusionWe performed an experiment on an enterprise cloud application to measure the fault detection rate of different test suites that are prioritized based on CP, FP, and risks. The results depict that all approaches outperform the random prioritization approach, which is prevalent in the industry. Furthermore, the proposed approaches can easily be used in the industry to address the schedule and budget constraints at the testing phase.
Pre- and post-processing for optimal noise reduction in cyclic prefix based channel equalizers

Cyclic prefix based equalizers are widely used for high-speed data transmission over frequency selective channels. Their use in conjunction with DFT filterbanks is especially attractive, given the low complexity of implementation. Some examples include the DFT-based DMT systems. We consider a general cyclic prefix based system for communication and show that the equalization performance can be improved by simple pre- and post-processing aimed at reducing the noise at the receiver. This processing is done independently of the ISI cancellation performed by the frequency domain equalizer.
The harmonic currents of commercial office buildings due to non-linear electronic equipment

In recent years there has been a growing concern for power system distortion. This is due in part to a proliferation of nonlinear electronic equipment such as personal computers, printers, fax machines, and medical test equipment. The power supplies used in this equipment are predominantly of the switching-mode variety which generate harmonic currents presenting serious problems to electric utilities. Of particular importance is the effect of harmonic distortion on three-phase, four-wire distribution systems which exist in most commercial and industrial buildings. This type of distribution system is susceptible to excessive neutral current and transformer heating which can lead to the eventual failure of the neutral conductor or the transformer. In this paper, the problems of high neutral currents and additional transformer losses due to harmonic currents are addressed. Harmonic current measurement results at an educational office building are presented. Finally, recommendations are made for overcoming the problems of harmonic current distortion.
PTK6 Potentiates Gemcitabine-Induced Apoptosis by Prolonging S-phase and Enhancing DNA Damage in Pancreatic Cancer

Protein Tyrosine Kinase 6 (PTK6) is a non-receptor–type tyrosine kinase known to be expressed in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. The role of PTK6 in cancer chemoresistance remains unclear. Therefore, it was hypothesized that PTK6 mechanistically regulates gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine treatment stimulated endogenous PTK6 overexpression in MIAPaCa2 and Panc1 cells. PTK6 gene silencing increased cell survival after gemcitabine treatment and decreased apoptosis, whereas PTK6 overexpression decreased cell survival and increased apoptosis. Selection for gemcitabine resistance revealed substantially lower PTK6 expression in the gemcitabine-resistant subclones compared with the parental lines, while restoring PTK6 rescued gemcitabine sensitivity. Gemcitabine induced phosphorylation of H2AX (γ-H2AX) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (pATM), specific markers for DNA double-strand breaks. Both gemcitabine-induced phosphorylation of H2AX and ATM were reduced by PTK6 knockdown and increased by PTK6 overexpression. PTK6 overexpression also increased the S-phase fraction 48 hours after gemcitabine treatment. Although gemcitabine activated both caspase-8 (CASP8) and caspase-9 (CASP9), the effect of PTK6 on gemcitabine-induced apoptosis required CASP8 but not CASP9. In mouse xenografts, PTK6 overexpression in subcutaneous tumors attenuated tumor growth after gemcitabine treatment. In conclusion, PTK6 prolongs S-phase and increases the ability of gemcitabine to cause DNA damage in vitro and in vivo . Implications: PTK6 affects cell cycle and DNA damage, thus making it an important therapeutic target to improve the outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(8); 1174–84. ©2015 AACR .
Developmental differences between distributed and face-to-face groups in electronically supported meeting environments: An exploratory investigation

This longitudinal pilot study compared the developmental patterns of groups in three types of electronically supported meeting modes: face-to-face, dispersed-synchronous, and dispersed-asynchronous. The modes differed primarily in interactivity, channel capacity, and synchronicity. Comparisons were made along several behavioral and socio-technical dimensions which influence the group development process. Face-to-face groups tended to exhibit more effective leadership and coordination competence over time as compared to the distributed groups. However, along several other group process dimensions such as cohesiveness and equality of participation, dispersed groups did not differ from their face-to-face counterparts. Moreover, groups in all three modes performed equally well in terms of the quality of outputs. These results suggest that electronically distributed work groups—with adequate time and training—can become cohesive and perform effectively in the long run.
Cysteine-mediated redox signalling in the mitochondria

The mitochondria are critical mediators of cellular redox homeostasis due to their role in the generation and dissipation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Modulations in ROS/RNS levels in the mitochondria are often reflected through oxidation/nitrosation of highly redox-sensitive cysteine residues within this organelle. Oxidation/nitrosation of functional cysteines on mitochondrial proteins serves to modulate protein activity, localization, and complexation in response to cellular stress, thereby controlling critical processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, apoptosis, and redox signalling. In this review, we describe mitochondrial sources of ROS/RNS, cysteine modifications that are triggered by increased mitochondrial ROS/RNS, and examples of key mitochondrial proteins that are regulated through cysteine-mediated redox signalling. We highlight recent advancements in proteomic methods to study cysteine posttranslational modifications. These tools will further aid in illuminating the important role of cysteine in maintaining and transducing redox signals in the mitochondria.
The experience and legacy of French colonial urban planning in sub‐Saharan Africa

This paper examines the activities of French colonial authorities in the urban planning arena in sub‐Saharan Africa. It reveals that, despite the dearth of information on these activities, especially in the relevant English language literature, the French were very active in the planning field before and during their colonial era in the region. While these activities might have been intended to do no more than facilitate the attainment of French colonial development objectives, they have far‐reaching implications for contemporary development efforts. It is argued that French colonial urban designs, schemes and legislation have negative implications for urban transportation, housing, land tenure and the growth and development of urban centres vis‐a‐vis the rural areas. Problems in these areas are aggravated by the fact that post‐colonial authorities in the region have opted to inherit and vigorously enforce the planning legislation and schemes crafted by their colonial predecessors.
Glass Ceilings and Productivity: The Effects of Ethnicity and Sex in the Presence of Agreed-upon Productivity Measures among Collegiate Basketball Coaches

Workers from traditionally disadvantaged groups sometimes find their career paths blocked by glass ceilings that prevent them from acquiring top jobs. In the presence of clear and agreed-upon measures of productivity, however, employers should be able to set aside stereotypical proxies of productivity that may favor white male workers and hire the most productive candidates regardless of ethnicity and sex. In this paper, I utilize bivariate probit analyses of 3,642 managerial workers in an industry (collegiate basketball) with readily available and agreed-upon measures of productivity to examine whether glass ceilings persist under such conditions. Results suggest that women supervising women experience no disadvantage in achieving top jobs, but minority workers experience a glass ceiling. In addition, groups receive different returns to their productivity.
Baby M, Surrogate Parenting and Public Policy

This article analyzes the legal and politiml controversies that have arisen in response to the contemporary phenomenon of surrogate parenting. Despite the fact that by the late 1980s 1,000 or more such agreements had been efected, prior to the Baby M litigation no relevant statutes had been passed by state or federal legislafures. The practice continued to exist in a virtual vacuum of public policy with respect to its legality andor the relative rights of the various parties involved. Special attention is paid to the Baby M ruling of the New Jersey Supreme Court as a model for public policy on the subject. The signifimnce of the Court's ruling in shaping subsequent political activity on surrogacy is also noted.