cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring distal regions of the A3 adenosine receptor binding site: sterically constrained N6-(2-phenylethyl)adenosine derivatives as potent ligands.

We synthesized phenyl ring-substituted analogues of N6-(1S,2R)-(2-phenyl-1-cyclopropyl)adenosine, which is highly potent in binding to the human A3AR with a Ki value of 0.63 nM. The effects of these structural changes on affinity at human and rat adenosine receptors and on intrinsic efficacy at the hA3AR were measured. A 3-nitrophenyl analogue was resolved chromatographically into pure diastereomers, which displayed 10-fold stereoselectivity in A3AR binding in favor of the 1S,2R isomer. A molecular model defined a hydrophobic region (Phe168) in the putative A3AR binding site around the phenyl moiety. A heteroaromatic group (3-thienyl) could substitute for the phenyl moiety with retention of high affinity of A3AR binding. Other related N6-substituted adenosine derivatives were included for comparison. Although the N6-(2-phenyl-1-cyclopropyl) derivatives were full A3AR agonists, several other derivatives had greatly reduced efficacy. N6-Cyclopropyladenosine was an A3AR antagonist, and adding either one or two phenyl rings at the 2-position of the cyclopropyl moiety restored efficacy. N6-(2,2-Diphenylethyl)adenosine was an A3AR antagonist, and either adding a bond between the two phenyl rings (N6-9-fluorenylmethyl) or shortening the ethyl moiety (N6-diphenylmethyl) restored efficacy. A QSAR study of the N6 region provided a model that was complementary to the putative A3AR binding site in a rhodopsin-based homology model. Thus, a new series of high-affinity A3AR agonists and related nucleoside antagonists was explored through both empirical and theoretical approaches.
Individual differences in acute pain-induced endogenous analgesia predict time to resolution of postoperative pain in the rat.

BACKGROUND Chronic postsurgical pain, a significant public health problem, occurs in 10 to 50% of patients undergoing major surgery. Acute pain induces endogenous analgesia termed conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and the strength of CPM preoperatively predicts the likelihood of chronic postsurgical pain. The relation between CPM and recovery from surgery has not been examined in preclinical models. METHODS CPM was assessed in individual rats and correlated with each animal's time course of recovery of hypersensitivity after partial spinal nerve ligation. The role of descending noradrenergic pathways in the spinal cord to mechanisms of CPM and recovery was tested using idazoxan to block noradrenergic receptors or antidopamine β-hydroxylase-conjugated saporin to ablate these pathways. Behavioral hypersensitivity, static weight bearing, and spinal glial activation were measured after partial spinal nerve ligation. RESULTS The strength of CPM varied over two-fold between individuals and was directly correlated with the slope of recovery from hypersensitivity after surgery (P < 0.0001; r = 0.660). CPM induced the release of norepinephrine in the spinal cord and was partially blocked by intrathecal idazoxan or dopamine β-hydroxylase-saporin. Dopamine β-hydroxylase-saporin also slowed recovery and enhanced spinal glial activation after partial spinal nerve ligation surgery. Ongoing activation of these pathways was critical to sustained recovery because intrathecal dopamine β-hydroxylase-saporin given 7 weeks after recovery reinstituted hypersensitivity, while having no effect in animals without previous surgery. CONCLUSION Collectively, these studies provide a clear back-translation from clinical observations of CPM and chronic postsurgical pain and suggest that the ability to engage ongoing descending endogenous noradrenergic signaling may be critical in determining time course of recovery from hypersensitivity after surgery.
Use of interleukin 15 to enhance interferon-γ production by antigen-specific stimulated lymphocytes from rhesus macaques

The enzyme-linked immune spot (ELISPOT) assay is receiving increased attention as a means for quantifying antigen-specific CD8 T-cell responses in rhesus macaques. Further improving the sensitivity of this assay could aid in the evaluation of vaccine candidates and/or immune therapeutic candidates. Interleukin (IL)-15 has been demonstrated to stimulate expansion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and to regulate homeostatic proliferation of CD8+ memory cells. We evaluated the in vitro effect of IL-15 to increase the detection of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by antigen-specific stimulated lymphocytes from a group of rhesus macaques exposed to simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) and a second group infected with SIVmac251, before and after antiretroviral treatment (ART). Results from these studies demonstrate that the presence of IL-15 during stimulation in a peptide-based ELISPOT assay greatly enhanced IFN-γ production in both SHIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques. IFN-γ production was mainly mediated by CD8 lymphocytes. The optimal concentrations of IL-15 that give enhancement of IFN-γ production to specific antigen, without a significant increase in the spontaneous IFN-γ release, ranged from 0.5 to 2.5 ng/ml. The mean number of IFN-γ spots was increased 3.1- to 3.6-fold in response to SIV gag or HIV env peptide pools, respectively, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from SHIV-infected macaques. Similarly, in SIV-infected macaques, IL-15 increased the mean number of IFN-γ spots 2.7-fold in response to both SIV gag and env peptide pools. In samples obtained after ART in the same macaques, the increase factor was 2.5 for SIV gag and 1.8 for the env peptide pools. Thus, the sensitivity of the ELISPOT assay can be enhanced by addition of IL-15. This modified assay will be useful for detection of low frequencies of IFN-γ producing cells in rhesus macaques.
Analysis of segmental piers consisted of concrete filled FRP tubes

Abstract Precast segmental construction technique is an excellent candidate for economic rapid bridge construction in highly congested urban environments and environmentally sensitive regions. This paper presents three dimensional nonlinear finite element models using ABAQUS⧹Standard for evaluating the behavior of segmental precast post-tensioned piers under lateral loads. The piers were constructed by stacking precast concrete filled fiber reinforced polymer tube segments one on top of the other and then connecting the assembly structurally with vertical post-tensioning tendons passing through ducts located in the precast segments. A stress–strain relationship for confined concrete was used to model the concrete. The post-tensioning tendons were modeled with beam elements. The model was able to predict the backbone curves for two piers subjected to cyclic loads. A parametric study indicated that increasing the applied post-tensioning force increases nominal strength. Finally, the model showed that the pier aspect ratio, cross sectional diameter size, pier size, and confinement have significant effects on the performance of the investigated piers.
Modeling response to repetitive promotional stimuli

Marketers frequently include promotional stimuli which elicit some form of response from the recipient among the tactics used to market products or services. Print ads, including 800 numbers which allow consumers to respond, and direct mail campaigns are examples of such activities. Promotions of this nature are often repeated a number of times, thus providing several opportunities to respond. Understanding consumer response to such campaigns is critical for more efficient design and use of these activities. A conceptual framework of response to repetitive stimuli is proposed, and stochastic models of alternative response patterns are developed. Alternative contexts in which such models are useful are also noted. Variations of the models are provided for those situations when only a fraction of the target population will ever respond. Estimation of model parameters is discussed, and data from actual campaigns are used to demonstrate how to apply the models.
Quadrifilar Helical Antenna Array for Line-of-Sight Communications in an Ocean Environment

This paper describes the design of a vertically stacked array of quadrifilar helix antennas that is installed on a buoy that floats along the ocean surface for the purpose of supporting both transmit and receive communications along line-of-sight paths. These antennas are capable of providing hemispherical coverage overhead with sufficient gain and low sensitivity to multipath interference
How to read a burst duration code

Abstract Brief, high-frequency bursts are commonly observed in neuronal recordings and are thought to represent a special neural code. Bursts have variable durations and spike counts which can encode stimulus variables. Here we examine how a burst duration code can be read out by synapses with short-term dynamics. We find that synapses can be tuned to preferentially respond to specific burst durations and the published range of facilitation and depression time-scales matches the typical burst patterns. These findings demonstrate the decodability of a neural code based on burst duration.
Measuring the Quality of Edits to Wikipedia

Wikipedia is unique among reference works both in its scale and in the openness of its editing interface. The question of how it can achieve and maintain high-quality encyclopedic articles is an area of active research. In order to address this question, researchers need to build consensus around a sensible metric to assess the quality of contributions to articles. This measure must not only reflect an intuitive concept of "quality," but must also be scalable and run efficiently. Building on prior work in this area, this paper uses human raters through Amazon Mechanical Turk to validate an efficient, automated quality metric.
Tertiary flexural evolution of the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin, Canada

Abstract Seismic reflection data indicate that more than 14–16 km of clastic materials are preserved in the Beaufort-Mackenzie Basin. These correspond to tectonic activity and sediment loading from the Upper Cretaceous to the present day. To understand better how the basement movement responds to the thick sediment loading, an inverse flexural model has been used to simulate the evolutionary process. The results of the inverse flexural model simulation show that the basin subsidence developed dominantly as an elastic flexural response to sediment loading, with a minor component due to lateral compressive stress. The forward model results show that the Late Eocene to Pleistocene subsidence of the basin included three stages with different rates of subsidence. The Koponoar, Kugmallit and Iperk sequences represent products of two rapid subsidence stages, whereas the Mackenzie Bay and Akpak sequences reflect the products of a more stable and slower subsidence stage.
Differential inhibition of androst-4-en-3,17-dione aromatization by carbon monoxide in the presence of estr-4-en-3,17-dione.

Abstract The aromatization of androst-4-en-3,17-dione or 17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (testosterone) is not inhibited by carbon monoxide under normal incubation conditions, whereas the aromatization of corresponding 19-nor steroids (estr-4-en-3,17-dione and 17β-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one) is readily inhibited under the same conditions. A possible explanation was found when it was shown that androst-4-en-3,17-dione and testosterone could displace bound carbon monoxide from human placental microsomal cytochrome P-450. The 19-nor steroids did not displace carbon monoxide, even at very high concentrations. These C-18 compounds appeared to facilitate complex formation and reversed the effects of the C-19 steroids. A mutual antagonism was observed with regard to effects on the formation of the carbon monoxide-cytochrome complex and opposing actions could be titrated. These observations suggested that the aromatization of androst-4-en-3,17-dione should be inhibited by carbon monoxide if sufficient concentrations of the 19-nor steroids were present in reaction flasks. This hypotheses was tested and positive results were obtained, providing strong evidence for the involvement of cytochrome P-450 in normal estrogen biosynthesis.
Voltammetry in the absence of a solution phase with solids prepared by a sol-gel process as the electrolytes: facilitation of an electrocatalytic anodic process in the presence of ammonia

Abstract An interdigitated microelectrode (IME) coated with a glassy polymer of V 2 O 5 by a sol-gel process is demonstrated to serve as a solid electrolyte for voltammetric studies in the absence of a contacting solution phase. The oxidation of iron(II) 1,10-phenanthroline immobilized therein occurs at the same potential as in solution-phase experiments at a Pt working electrode; however, the current limiting process in the solid-state system is dependent on the time scale of the experiment. Cyclic voltammetry at scan rates of 0.1 to 1.0 V s −1 yields currents limited by planar diffusion, but below 3 mV s −1 the peak currents are independent of scan rate. This steady-state behavior in the coated IME is indicative of current limitation by semi-cylindrical diffusion to the 10 μm× 5mm Pt surfaces at slow scan rates; potential step chronoamperometry verifies this interpretation. When one set of Pt fingers in the IME is a quasi-reference and the other set is modified with a polymeric ruthenium oxide catalyst, the presence of ammonia in the surrounding gas phase causes an anodic process. Indirect evidence that this process is the electrocatalytic oxidation of ammonia is presented. This anodic behavior is not observed when the voltammetry is performed in a conventional solution cell under otherwise-identical conditions.
Intramolecular Charge Transfer Luminescence of a donorethylsubstituted pyridinium ion

The dimethoxyphenyl-ethyl-substituted pyridinium ion 1 shows a long-wave absorption and fluorescence, which are attributed to an intramolecular electron donor-acceptor complex. In contrast to electrically neutral complexes the fluorescence quantum yield of 1 in polar solvents is comparatively high and the radiative decay time is rather small. The excited complex can also be generated by electrochemical methods.
Flagellated but Not Hyperfimbriated Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Attaches to and Forms Biofilms on Cholesterol-Coated Surfaces

The asymptomatic, chronic carrier state of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi occurs in the bile-rich gallbladder and is frequently associated with the presence of cholesterol gallstones. We have previously demonstrated that salmonellae form biofilms on human gallstones and cholesterol-coated surfaces in vitro and that bile-induced biofilm formation on cholesterol gallstones promotes gallbladder colonization and maintenance of the carrier state. Random transposon mutants of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium were screened for impaired adherence to and biofilm formation on cholesterol-coated Eppendorf tubes but not on glass and plastic surfaces. We identified 49 mutants with this phenotype. The results indicate that genes involved in flagellum biosynthesis and structure primarily mediated attachment to cholesterol. Subsequent analysis suggested that the presence of the flagellar filament enhanced binding and biofilm formation in the presence of bile, while flagellar motility and expression of type 1 fimbriae were unimportant. Purified Salmonella flagellar proteins used in a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that FliC was the critical subunit mediating binding to cholesterol. These studies provide a better understanding of early events during biofilm development, specifically how salmonellae bind to cholesterol, and suggest a target for therapies that may alleviate biofilm formation on cholesterol gallstones and the chronic carrier state.
Thermally Induced Intracellular Alteration of Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid

Heating at 55 C causes the intracellular degradation of ribosomes of Staphylococcus aureus MF-31. The 30S subunit of heated cells appears to be selectively attacked. Analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) showed that 16S RNA was destroyed and that the secondary structure of 23S RNA was altered.
Mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in mice with endothelium-specific deletion of the PPAR-δ gene

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-δ is a nuclear hormone receptor that is mainly involved in lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that PPAR-δ agonists exert vascular prot...
An educational experiment to address infrastructure needs

Over recent years, it has become clear that engineering of the built environment is more than designing structures and infrastructure that satisfy codified values of resistances and loads. The creation of sustainable communities that enhance current and future standards of living is an outcome of tradeoff analyses that reflect economic, scientific and social decisions. Advances in analytical models and computational capabilities in the last decade have enabled concepts of probabilistic performance-based design, risk analysis and sustainability to become part of the research lexicon and will soon be a physical reality. This paper describes a new graduate programme and consortium at the University of Colorado at Boulder that attempt to address the need for broadly educated engineers who are familiar with the range of issues of future infrastructure design while working within the constraints of current engineering practice requirements. This paper presents the motivation, objectives, core areas of knowledge, and the initial outcomes of this formative programme.
Form of Government and Collective Bargaining Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to determine which form of government, city manager or elected mayor, is more successful in minimizing labor costs. The two competing theories are the city manager efficiency theory, which argues that city managers are more successful than mayors in restraining labor costs, and the equal incentive theory, which argues that both forms of government are equally adept at restraining labor costs. Differing from earlier studies, these theories are examined here explicitly within a collective bargaining framework, where labor costs are frequently determined in the local public sector. To empirically test which theory is valid, national cross-sectional samples of cities with bargaining units for police and firefighters were collected. Contrary to previous studies, it is found for the police sample that mayors are actually more efficient than city managers. For the firefighter sample the results support the equal incentive theory. The general conclusion from both samples is that city ...
Transient Study of Mode III Fracture in an Elastic Solid With a Single Plane of Material Symmetry

Diffraction of a plane SH-wave causes semi-infinite mode 111 crack extension in an unbounded linear elastic solid. The solid is nonorthotropic, with a single plane of material symmetry that is perpendicular to the crack edge. The crack plane itself lies at an arbitrary angle to the axes of material symmetry, the SH-wave direction is largely arbitrary, and extension is not necessarily instantaneous or at a constant speed. An exact transient study produces the fracture energy release rate, and uses a full-field analytical solution to derive the dynamic stress intensity factor on any plane radiating from the moving crack edge. A crack path stability analysis of the factor indicates that crack extension in the original plane can occur in directions associated with maximum and minimum values of the shear wave speed. The energy release rate ―for.filch extensions shows that, if an isotropic solid subjected to the same type of loading has the same specific fracture energy, then the nonorthotropic solid may fracture first.
SPATIAL HABITAT HETEROGENEITY INFLUENCES COMPETITION AND COEXISTENCE IN AN AFRICAN ACACIA ANT GUILD

Spatial mosaics in resource productivity may facilitate competitive coexis- tence when species differ in their ability to exploit resource-rich vs. resource-poor con- ditions. In this study, I investigated the influence of a termite-generated spatial mosaic in resource productivity on the dynamics of competition and coexistence in a guild of four acacia ants that reside on Acacia drepanolobium. Near termite mounds, both new shoot production of A. drepanolobiumand densities of litter-dwelling invertebrates (an important food source of the acacia ants) are higher than in ''matrix'' habitats between mounds. This resource variation is spatially correlated with the outcome of competition among acacia ants for host trees; near the mounds, competitively dominant species are more likely to supplant subordinates, whereas the likelihood of subordinates replacing dominants on host trees increases with distance from mounds. Variation in competitive outcomes among patch types appears to result from differential responses among acacia ant species to resource heterogeneity. Analysis of average tissue d 15 N levels indicated that acacia ant colonies near termite mounds had higher ratios of animal prey in their diets than colonies in matrix areas. Bait trials and analysis of average nest size in mound and matrix habitats suggest that competitively dominant species are disproportionately successful in exploiting higher prey densities near termite mounds. Increased dietary uptake of nitrogen-rich prey may fuel more rapid colony growth in competitively dominant acacia ants, resulting in more pro- nounced asymmetries in colony size between dominant and subordinate species in mound areas. Because colony size asymmetry is a key determinant of interspecific competitive outcomes, colonies of subordinate species near termite mounds may be more vulnerable to aggressive take-overs by dominants. In lower-productivity matrix habitats, increased tolerance to low-resource conditions may afford subordinate species greater persistence. Overall, these results suggest that termite-induced habitat heterogeneity plays a significant role in the dynamics of the acacia ant community, and may contribute to species coexistence in this intensely competitive community.
Synthesis of erythrocyte-specific proteins in cultured friend leukemia cells

We have studied synthesis of specific proteins in two permanent lines of Friend virus-induced erythroleukemia cells (Friend line 745 and Ostertag line FSD-1, both derived from DBA/2 mice). By 96 hr following treatment with 1-2% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), up to 25% of the protein being synthesized by both these cultures is hemoglobin. At that time, hemoglobin constitutes up to 10% of the cellular soluble protein. Both lines synthesize heme and globin coordinately, and alpha and beta globin chains in a nearly balanced 1:1 ratio. However, the ratio of betaMajor:betaMinor chains synthesized by these induced Friend leukemia (FL) cells is approximately 9 in the FSD-1 line and 1.3 in the Friend Clone 745 line, whereas it is 4 in normal adult DBA/2 mouse erythrocytes. Evidence for the latter conclusion was obtained by electrophoresis of FL hemoglobins on cellulose acetate membranes, and also by chromatographic separation of alpha, betaMajor, and betaMinor globins on carboxymethylcellulose in 8 M urea at 20 degrees C. Carbonic anhydrase activity per mg protein is 3 times higher in induced than in control cultures. 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid is not found in induced FL cells. Induced and control FL cells agglutinate strongly and equally with Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin. The developmental process in these cultured leukemia cells appears to be an aberrant erythropoiesis.
Properties of Self-Aligned Short-Channel Graphene Field-Effect Transistors Based on Boron-Nitride-Dielectric Encapsulation and Edge Contacts

We present the characterization of ballistic graphene field-effect transistors (GFETs) with an effective oxide thickness of 3.5 nm. Graphene channels are fully encapsulated within hexagonal boron nitride, and self-aligned contacts are formed to the edge of the single-layer graphene. Devices of channel lengths ( $L_{G})$ down to 67 nm are fabricated, and a virtual-source transport model is used to model the resulting current–voltage characteristics. The mobility and source-injection velocity as a function of $L_{G}$ yields a mean-free-path, ballistic velocity, and effective mobility of 850 nm, $9.3\times 10^{7}$ cm/s, and 13 700 cm2/Vs, respectively, which are among the highest velocities and mobilities reported for GFETs. Despite these best-in-class attributes, these devices achieve transconductance ( $g_{m})$ and output conductance ( $g_{{\mathrm{ds}}})$ of only 600 and 300 $\mu \text{S}/\mu \text{m}$ , respectively, due to the fundamental limitations of graphene’s quantum capacitance and zero-bandgap. $g_{m}$ values, which are less than those of comparable ballistic silicon devices, benefit from the high ballistic velocity in graphene but are degraded by an effective gate capacitance reduced by the quantum capacitance. The $g_{{\mathrm{ds}}}$ values, which limit the effective power gain achievable in these devices, are significantly worse than comparable silicon devices due to the properties of the zero-bandgap graphene channel.
Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Fractionated CO(2) lasers are a new treatment modality for skin resurfacing. These lasers have been shown efficacious in treating facial photoaging changes and scars. These lasers have an improved safety and recovery profile compared with traditional CO(2) laser resurfacing. Precise treatment parameters vary between patients, the pathology treated, and the details of the particular laser.
Detection, fate, and bioavailability of erythromycin in environmental matrices

iv CHAPTER 1 – THESIS ORGANIZATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW 1 Thesis Organization 1 Abstract 1 Background Entry and detection of antibiotics in the environment 2 Movement and transport of erythromycin in the environment 5 Effects of antibiotics on organisms 8 Potential for the development of bacterial resistance in the environment 10 Problem formulation and research objectives 10 References 12 Figures 18 CHAPTER 2 – OPTIMIZATION OF ANALYTICAL METHODS TO IMPROVE DETECTION OF ERYTHROMYCIN FROM WATER AND SEDIMENT 20 Abstract 20 Introduction 21 Material and Methods 23 Results 25 Discussion 27 Conclusions 29 Acknowledgements 29 References 29 Figures 33 Tables 34
Neuraminidase Inhibitors for Critically Ill Children With Influenza

OBJECTIVE: Timely treatment with neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) drugs appears to improve survival in adults hospitalized with influenza. We analyzed California surveillance data to determine whether NAI treatment improves survival in critically ill children with influenza. METHODS: We analyzed data abstracted from medical records to characterize the outcomes of patients aged 0 to 17 years hospitalized in ICUs with laboratory-confirmed influenza from April 3, 2009, through September 30, 2012. RESULTS: Seven hundred eighty-four influenza cases aged P P = .04). Cases with NAI treatment initiated earlier in illness were less likely to die. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt treatment with NAIs may improve survival of children critically ill with influenza. Recent decreased frequency of NAI treatment of influenza may be placing untreated critically ill children at an increased risk of death.
Familial hypercholesterolemia: Current treatment options and patient selection for low-density lipoprotein apheresis

Options for treatment of severe heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia prior to the statin era were limited by significant side effects and morbidity. The advent of both the statins and technology for the selective removal of LDL via apheresis have revolutionized management but challenges remain.
An Overview of Food and Drug Administration Regulation of Drugs, Biologies, and Devices to Be Used for Management of Periodontal Diseases

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively involved in assuring the safety and effectiveness of medical products since 1906. The FDA was granted increased authority to regulate drugs in 1938 and devices in 1976. The regulatory requirements for marketing in the United States vary according to the type of product and the degree of risk associated with it. One route to the market is through the premarket notification [510(k)] process in which devices are evaluated according to their substantial equivalence to devices marketed prior to May 28, 1976. Many devices specifically intended to treat periodontal conditions have progressed through the 510(k) process based on their substantial equivalence to predicate devices. In some cases manufacturers have needed to provide clinical data in the form of Investigational Device Exemptions (IDE) to support an equivalence determination. Certain devices with indications for use in periodontal evaluation or therapy, specifically, those determined by ...
Tensor and Torsion Products

Let G be a right R-module and A a left R-module — a situation we may indicate as G R , R A. Their tensor product G⊗ R A is the abelian group generated by the symbols g⊗a for g∈G and a∈A subject to the relations $$(g + g') \otimes a = g \otimes a + g' \otimes a,g \otimes (a + a') = g \otimes a + g \otimes a',$$ (1.1) $$gr \otimes a = g \otimes \gamma a,a \in A,\gamma \in R,g \in G.$$ (1.2)
Population Pressure and Other Factors Affecting Net Rural-Urban Migration

return a chi square of 41.30, convertible to P < .001. Our second hypothesis cannot, then, be reasonably rejected. The subjects who restructured the system, in that they abrogated authority, found the performance of their status obligation capable of being postponed six times as often as those affirming authority. (See Table 3.) In the control group seven in ten held their duty non-postponable (Figure 1, Item A-3), but only a fourth of the experimental group did likewise (Item B-4). These results are in keeping with our third hypothesis: for reallocation to take place smoothly, the structural change will be apperceptively eased by the individual's belief in a temporary suspension of institutionalized behavior. The subjects who obeyed authority tended to believe the offending students would be absent again if they escaped punishment the first time. But about the same proportion of those disobeying reasoned that the violators would not be delinquent again if they were not punished for their present offense. Only a small proportion of the experimental groupthe 26 percent adopting B-4 as a responsethought the offenders would be recidivists. Still a smaller segment of the controls felt they would have no trouble with the violators in the future. Hence, the person who contravenes a status norm reasons, "It is only this once, but not again." The future is considered bright. It will allow a return to established ways. He who feels he must enact his role tends to do so in the conviction that a single defection is fruitless. In his mind, as it were, the future is entirely compromised unless social expectations are honored. One violation will only lead to repeated violations, and it is this that cannot be tolerated. Computed CR values for the differences between groups here are 12.85 and 8.87 (Table 3). Like those in connection with the earlier hypotheses, these are significant beyond the .0001 level. Chi-square analysis of these data shows them strongly corroborative.
Supraventricular tachycardia in a man with unstable angina.

A 71-year-old man with unstable angina was admitted to the hospital. He had had occasional anginal attacks after unusual exertion for several years, but in the past two weeks had several episodes while at rest; one occurred during the night. He had hypertension and type 2 diabetes; he managed the latter with diet alone. His only medications were sublingual nitroglycerin, aspirin, and nifedipine.He appeared to be in no acute distress. His pulse was 68; blood pressure, 142/84; respirations, 16; and temperature, 36.9°C. The only notable physical finding was a regular pulse with frequent premature beats. The admission ECG was normal except for occasional atrial premature complexes and borderline R-wave progression in V1 to V3; the findings were unchanged from those in an ECG performed one year ago. An ECG taken eight hours after admission is shown.
Red Indian Road West: Native American Poetry from California

Review of Kurt Schweigman and Lucille Lang Day. Red Indian Road West: Native American Poetry from California . Oakland: Scarlet Tanager Books, 2016. 110 pp.
Factors influencing health data sharing preferences of consumers: A critical review

Abstract The purpose of this critical review is to synthesize available literature and identify factors influencing consumer data sharing preferences, while presenting a logic model for legal / public policy development that aligns with consumer expectations for management of ePHI. Eighteen articles were included for the critical review; including 16 studies from three countries. The fourteen cross-sectional studies were evaluated using Olsen and St. George׳s (2004) Cross-sectional Study Design and Data Analysis framework and two qualitative studies were assessed using Kuper, Lingard, & Levinson (2008) [14] Critically Appraising Qualitative Research strategies. An emerging classification schema of statistically significant factors identified in this critical review shows that, (1) Trust relationship, (2) Harm Threshold, (3) Balance Risk and Benefits, (4) Transparency of Data Exchange and (5) Access and Control of Data are important when considering how to best include the consumer voice in the development of legal / public policies related to the privacy, security and consent management of ePHI.
The Ayurveda of Baba Ramdev: Biomoral Consumerism, National Duty and the Biopolitics of ‘Homegrown’ Medicine in India

This paper examines a cultural politics of nationalism and alternative medicine in India. It investigates the rhetoric of a popular guru, Ramdev, who criticises ‘the West’ and promotes ‘homegrown’ ...
Does Combat Hearing Preservation Equipment Affect Balance

ABSTRACTObjectives: (1) To investigate whether the occlusion effect and hearing attenuation produced by 3M Combat Arms Ear Plugs (CAEP) affects balance when compared to no hearing protection and (2) to investigate whether the occlusion effect and noise-canceling capabilities of the Nacre QuietPro system affects balance when compared to no hearing protection. Methods: This prospective study collected pilot data for investigation of mechanisms of balance. 20 subjects with normal hearing and no vestibular dysfunction were tested with blackened goggles in three conditions—no hearing protection, CAEP, and with the Nacre QuietPro. Results: A static posturogrpahy forceplate was used to measure center of gravity angular acceleration for a period of 20 seconds. The order of the conditions tested was randomized for each individual. Mean angular acceleration and standard deviation (degrees/second) of the three conditions were: (1) no hearing protection (control), 0.65 + 0.19, (2) CAEP, 0.69 + 0.23, and (3) QuietPro,...
Parallel Newton's Method Using Sparsity

Abstract In this paper, we present Newton's methods which are designed to be used on parallel computers. The presented methods are developed for solving a large-scale optimization problem and they take advantage of the randomly sparse zero/nonzero structure which is often found in such a problem. The convergence and the rate of convergence are discussed for these Newton's methods. At each iteration of these methods, a randomly sparse set of linear algebraic equations is solved and, for this solution, a block Jacobi appraoch is employed.
Red Dragon drill missions to Mars

Abstract We present the concept of using a variant of a Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) Dragon space capsule as a low-cost, large-capacity, near-term, Mars lander (dubbed “Red Dragon”) for scientific and human precursor missions. SpaceX initially designed the Dragon capsule for flight near Earth, and Dragon has successfully flown many times to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and successfully returned the Dragon spacecraft to Earth. Here we present capsule hardware modifications that are required to enable flight to Mars and operations on the martian surface. We discuss the use of the Dragon system to support NASA Discovery class missions to Mars and focus in particular on Dragon's applications for drilling missions. We find that a Red Dragon platform is well suited for missions capable of drilling deeper on Mars (at least 2 m) than has been accomplished to date due to its ability to land in a powered controlled mode, accommodate a long drill string, and provide payload space for sample processing and analysis. We show that a Red Dragon drill lander could conduct surface missions at three possible targets including the ice-cemented ground at the Phoenix landing site (68 °N), the subsurface ice discovered near the Viking 2 (49 °N) site by fresh impact craters, and the dark sedimentary subsurface material at the Curiosity site (4.5 °S).
Introduction of New CEO Incentive Structure and Effects on Firm Policies

We investigate the impact of the creation of a new incentive structure for CEOs resulting from firms initiating equity-based compensation (EBC) as a means of paying top executives on firm policy decisions. Contrasting firm stock and operating performance in the period the CEO is compensated with EBC (EBC period) and the period when EBC is not a component of the executive’s pay (No EBC period) leads us to conclude that awarding stock options and restricted shares to executives is not associated with higher firm value. However, firms have higher unsystematic and total risk levels in the EBC period suggesting that awarding equity-based compensation to CEOs influences their risk-taking behavior. While there is no change in R&D expenses and cash ratios there is a decrease in capital expenditures in the EBC period, which is consistent with reduced overinvestment agency costs. Finally, leverage and dividend payout ratios are similar in EBC and No EBC periods implying that EBC does not impact a firm’s financing policy.
Winging it: maternal perspectives and experiences of breastfeeding newborns with complex congenital surgical anomalies

Objective To describe the experience of breastfeeding (inclusive of breast milk expression/pumping, provision of breast milk via devices, and at-breastfeeding) among mothers of newborns with complex congenital surgical anomalies and the contexts under which pro-breastfeeding behaviors and attitudes are facilitated or compromised. Study design We used qualitative description to analyze 23 interviews conducted with 15 mothers of newborns undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal, cardiac, or neural tube defects. Results Breastfeeding experiences were characterized by naivety regarding the importance and rationale for exclusive breast milk feedings and best practices to facilitate milk supply maintenance and transition to at-breast feeds. Maternal breastfeeding views and behaviors were impacted by indeterminate prenatal plans to breastfeed/provide breast milk, limited prior breastfeeding exposure and knowledge, and gaps in postnatal lactation support. Conclusion Future research should investigate methods to improve exclusive breast milk feeding and facilitate transitions to at-breast feeds among mothers of newborns with surgical congenital anomalies, with consideration of identified barriers.
Exploring videos to support SWPBIS initiatives: A survey study

AbstractSchools can use School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) videos as a tool for teaching school-wide expectations and other targeted skills. Although some schools int...
Alienation, Quality of Life, and DBS for Depression.

Lawrence and colleagues’ (2019) results are a timely contribution to the growing empirical neuroethics literature on deep brain stimulation (DBS). We found their report of a near-universal belief a...
Defining region-specific masks for reliable depth-dependent analysis of fMRI data

In high-field fMRI research, anatomical reference information (e.g., gray matter (GM) segmentation, cortical depth delineation) is often defined in volumes acquired with pulse sequences subject to different distortions than those in functional volumes. In these cases, reliable interpretation of ultra-high resolution fMRI data depends on excellent cross-modal registration of functional volumes to reference anatomical volumes. In this paper, we describe a two-step approach to automating assessments of cross-modal registration quality for the purpose of guiding depth-dependent analysis. First, each functional/anatomical registration was scored by the ratio of the number of GM voxels in the functional data overlapping anatomical GM to the number of GM voxels in the functional data overlapping anatomical white matter (WM). This GM:WM overlap ratio provided an objective metric for determining whether an alignment algorithm had converged on a solution that would pass visual inspection. Second, surface-based maps indicating the consistency of overlap between functional and anatomical GM throughout the GM depth were generated for the entire region of cortex covered by the experiment. These maps served as a mask for the purpose of excluding regions where registration between functional and anatomical data was inadequate and thus unable to support depth-dependent analyses. We found, for both real and simulated data, that functional response profiles that were less biased toward superficial responses in regions where these metrics indicated satisfactory registration.
Communities of classes: A network approach to social mobility

Abstract Based on recent insights in network analysis, a new approach to the analysis and interpretation of social mobility data is presented. The approach advocates using community detection methods to identify communities of classes within which classes share members at above expected rates and between which classes share members at below expected rates. This approach, when applied to mobility data, offers novel interpretations of mobility patterns and may be used to substantially improve the fit of models of social mobility. To illustrate, the community structure of social mobility is analyzed using data from the General Social Survey. Several models are employed to demonstrate both the interpretation of the community structure of social mobility as well as how the community structure may be implemented to improve model fit.
Changes in microbial functional genes within the soil metagenome during forest ecosystem restoration

Abstract As important mediators of numerous ecological processes, soil microorganisms play essential roles in the recovery of ecosystems after disturbance. Using next-generation sequencing techniques, microbial taxonomic changes during ecosystem restoration have been widely studied, but data describing microbial community structure alone can be difficult to link to ecosystem processes mediated by microorganisms. Shotgun metagenome sequencing provides a chance to examine changes among thousands of functional genes during the recovery of microbial communities and ecological function. We analyzed 15 soil metagenomes from a chronosequence of mine soils spanning 6–31 years since reforestation along with unmined reference soils. Taxonomic and functional changes indicate a shift from copiotrophic to oligotrophic groups, increasing metabolism of recalcitrant carbon sources and the influence of vegetation. Increases in genes involved in transposable elements, virulence, defense, and stress response suggest more cooperative and competitive interactions among microorganisms with chronosequence age. Within N cycling groups, ammonia and nitrite oxidizing bacteria increased significantly during restoration, but few significant changes were observed in key N-cycle functional genes. The low relative abundances of methanotrophs and methane monooxygenase genes in all reforested soils explains previous observations that methane consumption has not recovered at these sites 31 years after reforestation. This work helps identify possible mechanisms linking the soil microbiome to ecosystem recovery, with a specific focus on N cycling and greenhouse gas emission, to better understand the roles soil microorganisms play in the restoration of ecosystem functions.
Revisiting the International Normalized Ratio Threshold for Bleeding Risk and Mortality in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis of 17,567 Patients.

BACKGROUND Efforts to identify preoperative risk factors for primary total hip arthroplasty have amplified with its increasing incidence. The international normalized ratio (INR) is 1 measure that may influence postoperative outcomes. This study of a national database assessed whether there exists an association between preoperative INR and postoperative bleeding and mortality among patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 17,567 adult patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) between 2005 and 2016. Patients were stratified by preoperative INR into 4 groups: INR <1.0, 1.0 to <1.25, 1.25 to <1.5, and ≥1.5. Bleeding necessitating transfusion was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included mortality, infection, and readmission. Multivariable logistic regressions controlled for baseline differences. RESULTS Among the patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty, 20.5% had INR <1.0, 73.6% had INR 1.0 to <1.25, 4.2% had INR 1.25 to <1.5, and 1.8% had INR ≥1.5. Mortality increased incrementally from 0.3% for INR <1.0 to 4.9% for INR ≥1.5 (p < 0.001), and bleeding risk increased from 13.2% for INR <1.0 to 29.3% for INR ≥1.5 (p < 0.001). After adjustment, bleeding risk was increased for INR 1.25 to <1.5 (odds ratio [OR], 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26 to 1.92]) and INR ≥1.5 (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.15 to 2.08]) compared with INR <1.0. The only group associated with increased mortality was INR ≥1.5 (OR, 2.69 [95% CI, 1.07 to 6.76]). The length of stay significantly increased with increasing INR, from 3.6 to 6.3 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study found a significant, independent effect between increased preoperative INR and increased bleeding and mortality. Bleeding risk becomes evident at INR ≥1.25, and those patients with INR ≥1.5 are at significantly increased risk of mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
SEVERE ANGINA AND STRESS TEST-INDUCED GLOBAL ISCHEMIA WITHOUT OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE: THINK COARCTATION!

The presence of angina with remarkably positive treadmill stress echocardiogram (TSE) carries a high specificity for flow-limiting coronary artery disease (CAD). However, angina due to aortic pathology is unusual. A 55 years old male with history of CAD and coronary artery bypass grafting,
Repeat Femoral Posterior Tibial Bypass Using Spliced Cephalic Vein

Repeat femoral posterior tibial bypass was performed using non-reversed spliced cephalic vein in a patient with critical limb ischemia. Patient required thrombectomy of the graft due to retained valve at 3 months follow-up; the graft is patent with relief of symptoms.