cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automating the underwriting of insurance applications

An end-to-end system was created at Genworth Financial to automate the underwriting of Long Term Care (LTC) and Life Insurance applications. Relying heavily on Artiticial Intelligence techniques, the system has been in production since December 2002 and today completely automates the underwriting of 19.2% of the LTC applications. A fuzzy logic rules engine encodes the underwriter guidelines and an evolutionary algorithm optimizes the engine's performance. Finally, a natural language parser is used to improve the coverage of the underwriting system.
Sphincter preservation in rectal cancer with preoperative radiation therapy and coloanal anastomosis: long term follow-up.

Abstract Background: To determine if preoperative radiation therapy allows sphincter preservation in the treatment of rectal cancer. Methods: Thirty six patients with the diagnosis of invasive, resectable, primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum limited to the pelvis were enrolled on a Phase I/II trial of preoperative radiation therapy plus low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. By preoperative assessment, all patients had invasive tumors (5,T 2; 31,T 3 ) involving the distal half of the rectum and clinically required an abdominoperineal resection. The median tumor size was 3.8 cm [range: 1.5–7 cm] and the median distance from the anal verge was 4 cm [range: 3–7 cm]. The whole pelvis received 46.80 Gy followed by a 3.60 Gy boost to the primary tumor bed. The median follow-up was 56 months [range: 4–121 months]. Results: Of the 35 patients who underwent resection, 5 (14%) had a complete pathologic response and 27 (77%) were able to successfully undergo a low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. The incidence of local failure was crude: 17% and 5-year actuarial: 21%. The 5-year actuarial survival was 64%. Analysis of sphincter function using a previously published scale was performed at the time of last follow-up in the 27 patients who underwent a low anterior resection/coloanal anastomosis. Function was good or excellent in 85%. The median number of bowel movements/day was 2 (range: 0–8). Conclusions: Our data suggest that preoperative radiation therapy allows sphincter preservation in 77% of selected patients who would otherwise require an abdominoperineal resection, and 85% have good to excellent sphincter function. Given the moderate local failure rate, we now routinely use preoperative combined modality therapy plus postoperative chemotherapy for patients with clinical T 3 disease.
Decision-Making in Mathematics Education

At ICME IV, we were reminded that in the middle ages the long division algorithm was so new and advanced that at least one school decided to teach long division and advertised this in the hope of attracting students. This underscores two longstanding properties of the school curriculum: it is changeable and those who have made decisions to change it have done so for a variety of rationales regarding what is best for the people for whom the curriculum is intended. Yet mathematics students throughout the world seldom think of their school experiences as being shaped by people and subject to decision-making. They are more likely to believe that arithmetic and other aspects of mathematics are facts of life that have been part of the school curriculum since the beginning of time.
History and current status of trauma scoring systems.

The concept of scoring systems for trauma is relatively new. Triage systems were first developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Increased organization of trauma systems since that time has emphasized the importance of getting the right patient to the right hospital at the right time and has resulted in continued interest in triage systems. Increased organization has also spurred interest in sophisticated scoring systems for quantifying expected outcomes, assessing results of trauma care, and comparing large groups of patients. Ubiquitous use of acronyms for the different systems and the sometimes complex statistics on which they are based can make trauma scoring systems seem dauntingly complex. There are many potential uses of trauma scoring systems. 1 Field triage of patients to appropriate levels of care has already been mentioned. Quantifiable systems can also be used for quality assurance. Large groups of patients can be screened for unexpected outcomes, and
Recurrent Granulibacter bethesdensis Infections and Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by frequent infections, most of which are curable. Granulibacter bethesdensis is an emerging pathogen in patients with CGD that causes fever and necrotizing lymphadenitis. However, unlike typical CGD organisms, this organism can cause relapse after clinical quiescence. To better define whether infections were newly acquired or recrudesced, we use comparative bacterial genomic hybridization to characterize 11 isolates obtained from 5 patients with CGD from North and Central America. Genomic typing showed that 3 patients had recurrent infection months to years after apparent clinical cure. Two patients were infected with the same strain as previously isolated, and 1 was infected with a genetically distinct strain. This organism is multidrug resistant, and therapy required surgery and combination antimicrobial drugs, including long-term ceftriaxone. G. bethesdensis causes necrotizing lymphadenitis in CGD, which may recur or relapse.
VCC: Contract-based modular verification of concurrent C

Most system level software is written in C and executed concurrently. Because such software is often critical for system reliability, it is an ideal target for formal verification. Annotated C and the Verified C Compiler (VCC) form the first modular sound verification methodology for concurrent C that scales to real-world production code. VCC is integrated in Microsoft Visual Studio and it comes with support for verification debugging: an explorer for counter-examples of failed proofs helps to find errors in code or specifications, and a prover log analyzer helps debugging proof attempts that exhaust available resources (memory, time). VCC is currently used to verify the core of Microsoft Hyper-V, consisting of 50,000 lines of system-level C code.
The effect of fructose on hepatic synthesis of fatty acids.

. The synthesis of fatty acids from fructose and glucose has been compared in rat and human liver. In both species fructose is a better precursor of fatty acids than glucose, primarily as a result of the greater rate of glycolysis of fructose as compared to glucose. The high rate of fructose utilization and relatively low rates of glucose utilization by liver is reflected by the activity of fructokinase which is considerably greater than the total hexokinase and glucokinase activities. Although it is not possible to exclude that the high rate of fructolysis produces a metabolic intermediate which alters the functional state of the fatty acid synthesizing enzymes, the experimental evidence indicates that hepatic fatty acid synthesis in carbohydrate-fed animals is limited by the supply of substrate. Because the hepatic metabolism of fructose can supply acetyl CoA to the fatty acid synthesizing enzymes at greater rates than can glucose, hepatic fatty acid synthesis is enhanced in fructose- or sucrose-fed animals. Since estimates of maximum rates of fatty acid synthesis in human liver based on in vitro measurement of the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase suggest that de novo synthesis of fatty acids in human liver can be large in comparison to the turnover of triglycerides in very low density lipoproteins, the data are compatible with the conclusion that enhanced rates of hepatic fatty acid synthesis contribute significantly to fructose- or sucrose-induced hypertriglyceridemia in normal men.
Policy-based multi-datacenter resource management

Large enterprises operate two or more data centers for scaling and fault tolerance. Each data center maintains a certain degree of autonomy while sharing resources with other data centers. In this paper we describe how policy-based resource management can be used in existing commercial products such that each data center can control when, what, and how to share resources with other data centers.
Entanglement of Atomic Qubits Using an Optical Frequency Comb

We demonstrate the use of an optical frequency comb to coherently control and entangle atomic qubits. A train of off-resonant ultrafast laser pulses is used to efficiently and coherently transfer population between electronic and vibrational states of trapped atomic ions and implement an entangling quantum logic gate with high fidelity. This technique can be extended to the high field regime where operations can be performed faster than the trap frequency. This general approach can be applied to more complex quantum systems, such as large collections of interacting atoms or molecules.
Integrating multiple programme and policy approaches to hepatitis C prevention and care for injection drug users: a comprehensive approach.

Abstract Background New York State is home to an estimated 230,000 individuals chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and roughly 171,500 active injection drug users (IDUs). HCV/HIV co-infection is common and models of service delivery that effectively meet IDUs' needs are required. A HCV strategic plan has stressed integration. Methods HCV prevention and care are integrated within health and human service settings, including HIV/AIDS organisations and drug treatment programmes. Other measures that support comprehensive HCV services for IDUs include reimbursement, clinical guidelines, training and HCV prevention education. Community and provider collaborations inform programme and policy development. Results IDUs access 5 million syringes annually through harm reduction/syringe exchange programmes (SEPs) and a statewide syringe access programme. Declines in HCV prevalence amongst IDUs in New York City coincided with improved syringe availability. New models of care successfully link IDUs at SEPs and in drug treatment to health care. Over 7000 Medicaid recipients with HCV/HIV co-infection had health care encounters related to their HCV in a 12-month period and 10,547 claims for HCV-related medications were paid. The success rate of transitional case management referrals to drug treatment is over 90%. Training and clinical guidelines promote provider knowledge about HCV and contribute to quality HCV care for IDUs. Chart reviews of 2570 patients with HIV in 2004 documented HCV status 97.4% of the time, overall, in various settings. New HCV surveillance systems are operational. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Discussion A comprehensive, public health approach, using multiple strategies across systems and mobilizing multiple sectors, can enhance IDUs access to HCV prevention and care. A holisitic approach with integrated services, including for HCV–HIV co-infected IDUs is needed. Leadership, collaboration and resources are essential.
Why People Choose to Be Residential Child Care Workers

This qualitative study examines residential child care workers' subjective reasons for seeking this form of employment. It is suggested that motivation for work is a neglected area that may have bearing on treatment effectiveness in residential treatment for SED youth. The data show that the majority of workers in this study have personal and ideological reasons for seeking and maintaining childcare work. However, despite internally driven motivations, many workers feel that the conditions of their work are not conducive to long term employment and tend to view their positions as temporary. Suggestions are made for further research as well as for the examination of ways to promote and maintain workers' motivation.
Surface coat on the epithelium of developing palatine shelves in the mouse as revealed by electron microscopy

SUMMARY The fine structure of the surface epithelium of developing palatine shelves in the mouse was studied from days 11 through 14 of gestation. Ruthenium red, a cationic stain used as an ultrastructural indicator of acid mucopolysaccharides, was employed to detect the presence of any surface coat. Positive staining was first observed on day 12 of gestation and was seen to be present throughout the period of shelf elevation and fusion. It was seen over medial and lateral surfaces as well as the inferior tic of vertical shelves. The surface coat was found to be present along the entire length of the shelf, extending superiorly up the medial and lateral epithelial borders until it abruptly disappeared. Since this surface coat first appeared approximately 48 h prior to shelf elevation, it is suggested that its appearance may be associated with the ability of palatine shelves to undergo fusion as shown by previous in vitro experiments. The time of acquisition by the shelves of this 'fusing potential' is also in the range of 48 h before shelf elevation.
A Tribute to Alexander Saxton (1919-2012)

Amerasia Journal is honored to publish tributes to UCLA History Professor Alexander Saxton (1912-2012), who passed away on August 20, 2012 in Lone Pine, California.
Effectiveness of Rest, Abdominal Cold Packs, and Cold Showers in Relieving Fatigue

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare three methods of relieving fatigue between bouts of strenuous exercise—rest, abdominal cold packs, and cold showers. Fifteen subjects were used in the study; each subject participated in each of the three treatments, making a total of 45 measurements. The subjects ran on a treadmill which was set at 8 mph with a 10 percent elevation, until their pulse rates reached 180 beats per minute. One of the three treatments was then applied for 10 min., after which the subjects engaged in a second treadmill run until heart rates reached 180 beats per minute. The time of the second treadmill run was the main criterion measure. A complete randomized block design was used to test the differences among the three treatments for statistical significance. The Newman-Keuls sequential range test was employed to test differences between all possible pairs of treatment. Abdominal cold packs proved to be the most effective treatment, with the cold shower second and rest third.
Nuclear Radiation Tolerance of Single Crystal Aluminum Nitride Ultrasonic Transducer

Abstract Ultrasonic technologies offer the potential for high accuracy and resolution in-pile measurement of a range of parameters, including geometry changes, temperature, crack initiation and growth, gas pressure and composition, and microstructural changes. Many Department of Energy-Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) programs are exploring the use of ultrasonic technologies to provide enhanced sensors for in-pile instrumentation during irradiation testing. For example, the ability of small diameter ultrasonic thermometers (UTs) to provide a temperature profile in candidate metallic and oxide fuel would provide much needed data for validating new fuel performance models, (Rempe et al., 2011; Kazys et al., 2005). These efforts are limited by the lack of identified ultrasonic transducer materials capable of long term performance under irradiation test conditions. To address this need, the Pennsylvania State University (PSU) was awarded an Advanced Test Reactor National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) project to evaluate the performance of promising magnetostrictive and piezoelectric transducers in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Reactor (MITR) up to a fast fluence of at least 10 21 n/cm 2 . The irradiation is also supported by a multi-National Laboratory collaboration funded by the Nuclear Energy Enabling Technologies Advanced Sensors and Instrumentation (NEET ASI) program. The results from this irradiation, which started in February 2014, offer the potential to enable the development of novel radiation tolerant ultrasonic sensors for use in Material Testing Reactors (MTRs). As such, this test is an instrumented lead test and real-time transducer performance data is collected along with temperature and neutron and gamma flux data. Hence, results from this irradiation offer the potential to bridge the gap between proven out-of-pile ultrasonic techniques and in-pile deployment of ultrasonic sensors by acquiring the data necessary to demonstrate the performance of ultrasonic transducers. To date, very encouraging results have been attained as several transducers have continued to operate under irradiation. The irradiation is ongoing and will continue to approximately mid-2015.
“Purple Stem,” a New Indicator of Soybean Stem Resistance to Bean Flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

A purple pigment in the stem epidermis of wild soybean, Glycine soja Sieb and Zuec., varieties indicates that the underlying tissue contain specific traits for resistance to the agromyzid bean fly, Ophiomyia centrosematis (de Meijere). The anthocyanidin malvidin was identified as the cause of the purple color. This situation demonstrates interrelationships among this flavonoid and lignins and polyphenols which contribute to insect resistance in the stem of soybean.
The physiological and psychological effects of intravenously administered epinephrine and its metabolism in normal and schizophrenic men. I. Effects on heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose concentration and the electroencephalogram.

Abstract Observations were made on heart rate, intra-arterial blood pressure, blood glucose concentration and the electroencephalogram in alternate studies on twelve chronic, schizophrenic males and thirteen normal male volunteers, before, during and following the intravenous infusion of L -epinephrine bitartrate. The responses of the two groups to epinephrine were qualitatively similar but with significant quantitative differences. The rate of systolic pressure change from minimum to maximum during the first three minutes of epinephrine infusion was the circulatory variable which distinguished most clearly between the two groups, being on the average 43 per cent less in schizophrenic patients. The pulse rate increase during epinephrine infusion was significantly less in the schizophrenic group than in the normal volunteers. In the schizophrenic group, blood glucose concentrations taken during epinephrine infusion increased less rapidly than in the normal controls and the area under the glucose curve was smaller.
Real-time Estimation of UAV Attitude from Aerial Fisheye Video

Many autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles carry video cameras as part of their payload. Outdoor video captured by such cameras can be used to estimate vehicle attitude by detecting the horizon location and curvature in each video frame. These estimates can serve as redundant data used for fault-tolerance purposes, to augment inertial sensors for increased accuracy, or as primary pitch and roll sensors resulting in reduced vehicle cost, size, and weight. This paper presents a fast algorithm to estimate pitch and roll angles from real-time video frames that are captured using a downward pointing camera equipped with a fisheye lens. Preliminary results are presented and compared to estimates from a traditional inertial measurement unit.
Fine-Scale Chemical Exposure Differs in Point and Nonpoint Source Plumes

Increasing influxes of anthropogenic chemicals into aquatic ecosystems has led to growing global concern surrounding human and ecosystem health. As more freshwater systems are deemed not potable or usable for agricultural purposes, more attention is being paid to remediation and mitigation efforts. Predicting and preventing the impacts of the chemical inputs first requires a thorough understanding of the spatio-temporal distribution of chemical plumes in natural habitats. Plume dispersion is intimately tied to fluid mechanics; therefore, alterations in the way that chemical plumes are introduced to habitats can have profound effects on chemical distribution. Such alterations can subsequently alter the exposure to which organisms are subjected. This study examined the influence of point versus nonpoint sources in structuring the distribution of chemicals in a simulated flowing freshwater habitat. The fine-scale (molecular) spatio-temporal distribution of chemicals was measured in situ using an electrochemical detector. Molecular concentration at varying distance and height from the source was quantified using dopamine coupled with an electrochemical detection system. The fine-scale distribution of chemical plumes from point and nonpoint sources showed significant differences in how organisms will be exposed to chemicals. Overall, this study characterized plumes from nonpoint sources as having significantly longer peak lengths and rise times as well as greater peak heights and maximum slopes than plumes from point sources, thus providing a significantly different exposure paradigm. This quantification of how chemicals move differently throughout a fluid medium when introduced from point and nonpoint sources allows a greater understanding of how chemical plumes can potentially affect aquatic ecosystems.
Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology, 2nd edition

Written by Luis M. de la Maza, MD, PhD, Marie T. Pezzlo, MA, MT(ASCP)SMCM, Janet T. Shigei, MS, MT(ASCP), CLS, Grace L. Tan, MT(ASCP), Ellena M. Peterson, PhD, MT(ASCP) 353 pages. Washington, DC, ASM Press, 2013. $169.95. ISBN-13: 978-1555814755 I found the Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology, 2nd edition , to be a rich compilation of information, photographs, and illustrations that can aid clinical microbiologists on the bench. The authors’ extensive work on this text is evident; they have done a remarkable job of compiling high-quality color photos. After a brief preface, which discusses the traditional history of medical bacteriology, the authors acknowledge that bacteriology is more of a dynamic art than a science. This second edition provides updated photo illustrations of Gram stains, colony morphologies and biochemical tests and reactions frequently encountered in clinical microbiology laboratories. The authors have expanded the text by adding 2 additional chapters related to antimicrobial resistance and susceptibility testing, as well as novel molecular technologies and their incorporation into the routine clinical microbiology workflow. The text is divided into 40 chapters; each begins with a …
Damage in laminates from low-velocity impacts

Abstract This chapter provides an overview of impact damage on laminated composite structures with an emphasis on recent developments. The use of nano-size reinforcement to improve impact damage resistance, and approaches to detect the occurrence of damage, its location, and its size, are two areas that received considerable attention in recent years and are covered here. Assessing the current state of the art showed that, with the development of cohesive zone models and the availability of cohesive elements in commercial software, detailed impact damage predictions became possible. Coupled with improved experimental techniques, this new capability brings new insight into this problem.
Experimental observation on skin and vaginal mucosa irritation of Ainsliaea fragrans Champ Lotion on rabbits

Objective To observe the irritant reaction of skin and vaginal mucosa on rabbits caused by the Ainsliaea fragrans Champ lotion,To provide theoretical evidence for production and clinical safe medication. Methods The acute dermal irritation test and vaginal mucosa sequential irritation test were carried out,and to make safety assessment according to the Technical Standard For Disinfection(2002). Results The dermal irritation index was zero,vaginal mucosa irritation index of the four dilutions was1.45,0.67,0.11,0.11. Conclusion This lotion has no dermal irritation and has very light irritation on rabbits' vaginal mucosa.
The Effect of Antidepressants on Phospholipase A2 Activity in the Brain of Rats

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) cleaves fatty acids from the sn-2 position of phospholipids and plays an important role in phospholipid turnover of cell membranes, which in turn affects membrane fluidity and function. The products of PLA2 action are important factors in signal transduction (1). Moreover, there are suggestions that PLA2 participate in the pathogenesis of depression (2).
Accurate evacuation route planning using forward-backward shortest paths

We are living in the 21st century in which technological advances have greatly improved the quality of human lives. However nature keeps presenting its challenges in the form of tsunamis, floods, wild fires, hurricanes, volcanoes, etc. Excellent evacuation route planning is of paramount importance to reduce loss of lives during such disasters. The parameters of finite time lined capacity of evacuation paths and thousands to millions of evacuees for the problem of evacuation route planning makes it more complex than the problem of finding the shortest path which has been studied extensively in graph theory. Computation time (execution time hereafter) and evacuation time are two key properties which determine the efficiency and effectiveness of evacuation routing algorithms. This paper proposes a graph theory based evacuation routing algorithm called Forward Backward Shortest Path (FBSP). FBSP uses a novel idea to determine multiple routes by combining multiple paths at a time unlike other evacuation routing algorithms such as Shortest Multiple Path (SMP) that uses just the shortest paths between the source nodes and destination nodes. The experimental analysis on simulated graphs showed that FBSP improves evacuation time over SMP without significantly increasing execution time.
On the Telling of Stories

I owe much to those who have generously contributed to this collection; not only for their kindness in doing so, but also for their enduring insights, many of which have helped me immeasurably over the years to reach an understanding of phenomena otherwise beyond my ken. Reading these writings has confirmed this time and again, and I am deeply grateful for their words and intelligence. I have been warmed by the personal notes, charmed by their stories, captivated by their sensitive reasoning. Here, I want to give something in return, well beyond my past writings.
Advanced Technologies Lead iNto New Reprogramming Routes

Two recent papers provide new insights on transcriptional dynamics and epigenetic remodeling during reprogramming of induced neurons (iNs). Treutlein et al. (2016) applied single-cell transcriptomics to identify routes and detours during early iN induction, while in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Black et al. (2016) employed gene editing to activate endogenous loci of the reprogramming factors.
On the Desinence {-t(')} of the Early East Slavic Imperfect

L'A. etudie la variation dans la desinence de la 3 e pers. de l'imparfait dans la periode initiale du slave oriental. On trouve, d'une part, les morphemes finaux {-se} de la 3 e pers. du singulier et {-xu} de la 3 e pers. du pluriel et, d'autre part, des morphemes finaux de l'imparfait presentant un segment additionnel {-t (, ) }, respectivement {-set (, ) } et {-xut (, ) }. L'A. analyse particulierement des manuscrits anciens qui presentent une grande variation dans ces formes et montre que la distribution du {-t (, ) } est stable a travers les genres. Enfin, l'A. formule l'hypothese que cette forme finale constitue la forme heritee du proto-slave
Serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in relation to biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004

Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been associated with various adverse health outcomes related to liver, neural and endocrine systems. Some of these may be the result of PBDE-induced oxidative stress or inflammation, but these associations have been explored minimally in humans. In the present study we examined the relationship between PBDE concentrations and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation measured in blood samples among a representative US sample from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Oxidative stress biomarkers showed no significant associations with PBDEs in adjusted regression models. For inflammation biomarkers, we observed small but statistically significant positive associations between BDE-153 and alkaline phosphatase (percent change with an interquartile range [IQR] increase in BDE-153=0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.01, 1.65) and absolute neutrophil count (percent change with IQR increase in BDE-153=0.53%, 95% CI=0.03, 1.04). Associations with other PBDE congeners and inflammation markers were generally positive but did not reach statistical significance. These results are consistent with human research of oxidative stress and inflammation in response to PBDE congeners and mixtures, and support previous reports of inflammation in response to PBDE treatment in animal and in vitro studies. More detailed toxicological and epidemiologic research in humans is needed to confirm the present results, and to determine the potential clinical and public health significance of these findings.
Dialysis Shunt Surgery Using Autologous Material

BACKGROUND: In order to enable effective haemodialysis the dialysis shunt should provide function and good puncture capacity. Fistulae with autologous material are the best prerequisites. METHODS: The available vessels must be treated economically. The surgeon works from peripheral to central. The first-order shunt location is the forearm, second the upper arm and third the upper thigh. Cimino fistula in the distal forearm is the golden standard. However, in principle, an autologous fistula is possible at any point on the forearm. The ulnar fistula should also be considered for differential surgery. The brachial fistula affords many possibilities. RESULTS: Shunt revisions should be carried out in the early stage of a failing shunt. At this time, the revisions are still relatively simple in technical terms and avoid damage to the shunt extremity. Reanastomosis (also termed proximal displacement) affords the best preconditions. The aim is to achieve immediate reuse of the old puncture site and avoidance of a Shaldon catheter which is most frequently applied. CONCLUSIONS: Shunt surgery is a highly difficult procedure which requires great vascular surgical skill and the ability to improvise. It is hence not a suitable operation to be embarked on by the beginner in vascular surgery.
SIRT4 Is a Regulator of Insulin Secretion.

In a recent issue of Cell Metabolism, Anderson et al. (2017) report that SIRT4 regulates insulin sensitivity in the pancreas via activation of methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (MCCC1) by removal of dicarboxyacyl-lysine modifications. Thus, SIRT4 activates leucine catabolism and causes decreased secretion of insulin from the pancreas.
UBIT to the Defense! ESOPs and Government Entities

The unrelated business income tax is imposed on otherwise exempt organizations to prevent the shifting of business assets to exempt entities. Entities that are exempt (or believe they are exempt) from UBIT have recently acted as accommodation parties in transactions, allowing high-rate taxpayers to avoid tax on economic income that those taxpayers own in substance. This proposal would end the UBIT exemption for employee stock ownership plans, governmental pension funds, and other governmental affiliates.
Infants’ false belief understanding: A non-replication of the helping task

Abstract False belief understanding in infancy can be measured through helping tasks. However, there has been controversy surrounding the interpretation of such data. In order to better understand the nature of infants’ false belief understanding, replication of the original findings is critical. The objective of the present study was to conduct a conceptual replication of the helping task designed by Buttelmann, Carpenter, and Tomasello (2009). In Experiment 1, 41 18-month-olds were tested using the false belief task. A larger sample (n = 97) was tested in Experiment 2 with this task in order to increase statistical power. Additionally, 33 infants were tested on a true belief task. Results from both experiments failed to replicate those from the original study. The discussion addresses the potential reasons for this lack of replication, as well as the implication of these findings regarding the debate on the interpretation of infants’ behavior in this prompted-action task.
Other Useful Solid-State Devices

In handling analog data signals, there are several important considerations. One problem is how to switch a data signal on and off at the speed and reliability level required by a computer. A second is how to compare voltages; and a third is how to amplify and/or sample analog signals for computer data acquisition.
Phasor analysis of NADH FLIM identifies pharmacological disruptions to mitochondrial metabolic processes in the rodent cerebral cortex

Investigating cerebral metabolism in vivo at a microscopic level is essential for understanding brain function and its pathological alterations. The intricate signaling and metabolic dynamics between neurons, glia, and microvasculature requires much more detailed understanding to better comprehend the mechanisms governing brain function and its disease-related changes. We recently demonstrated that pharmacologically-induced alterations to different steps of cerebral metabolism can be distinguished utilizing 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging of endogenous reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence in vivo. Here, we evaluate the ability of the phasor analysis method to identify these pharmacological metabolic alterations and compare the method’s performance with more conventional nonlinear curve-fitting analysis. Visualization of phasor data, both at the fundamental laser repetition frequency and its second harmonic, enables resolution of pharmacologically-induced alterations to mitochondrial metabolic processes from baseline cerebral metabolism. Compared to our previous classification models based on nonlinear curve-fitting, phasor–based models required fewer parameters and yielded comparable or improved classification accuracy. Fluorescence lifetime imaging of NADH and phasor analysis shows utility for detecting metabolic alterations and will lead to a deeper understanding of cerebral energetics and its pathological changes.
Third Critique of the Fair and Equitable Health Care Act

Evaluating a healthcare system can be done from a number of perspectives including those that focus on legal, economic, and policy concerns. This article, however, analyzes the Fair and Equitable Healthcare Act (FEHCA) from a bioethical approach in order to determine if it would serve as a viable alternative to the current healthcare model. To this end, the ethics of rationing, no-fault compensation, and a discussion of what constitutes fair and reasonable treatment as outlined by the FEHCA proposal will be considered.
Model Evaluation Guidelines

So far, watershed modeling has been presented in this book with respect to underlying approaches to hydrology and ecology, existing models developed out of different academic traditions, how to approach model creation and applications, and modeling costs and benefits. While many models and modeling environments have been listed and cursorily reviewed, they have not been formally reviewed. Evaluation must be based on the particular needs and constraints of the watershed management group. This chapter lays a foundation that a group can use to evaluate models and modeling environments with respect to local needs.
Brief paper: The component connection model and structure preserving model order reduction

This paper uses the component connection model as a setting for model order reduction. The actual reduction occurs on the component level as opposed to the composite system level. A theorem with proof is given relating the component level reduction to the established singular perturbation method. Concepts of system structure preservation and nonstructure preservation are discussed using the framework of the component connection model. An example is presented where a single machine-infinite bus power system is reduced using the techniques presented in this paper.
Methods Based on Turbulence Measurements

Equations for the means, such as (3.44), (3.62) and (3.67) constitute the basis for the eddy-correlation method. This method consists of determining the turbulent fluxes of water vapor, momentum, sensible heat, or any other admixture from covariances. Hence, over a uniform surface under steady conditions, the surface fluxes E, H and u * can be obtained from (3.74), (3.75) and (3.76), respectively. In practice, the flux E is determined by measuring the fluctuations w′ and q′ and then computing the cross-correlation over a suitable averaging period, and similarly for u * and H. Equations (3.74) and (3.75) for scalars were first applied by Dyer (1961) and Swinbank (1951), respectively.
Charting an Unexplored Streptococcal Biosynthetic Landscape Reveals a Unique Peptide Cyclization Motif

Peptide natural products are often used as signals or antibiotics and contain unusual structural modifications, thus providing opportunities for expanding our understanding of Nature’s therapeutic and biosynthetic repertoires. Herein, we have investigated the under-explored biosynthetic potential of Streptococci, prevalent bacteria in mammalian microbiomes that include mutualistic, commensal, and pathogenic members. Using a new bioinformatic search strategy, in which we linked the versatile radical S-adenosylmethionine (RaS) enzyme superfamily to an emerging class of natural products in the context of quorum sensing control, we identified numerous, uncharted biosynthetic loci. Focusing on one such locus, we identified an unprecedented post-translational modification, consisting of a tetrahydro[5,6]benzindole cyclization motif in which four unactivated positions are linked by two C–C bonds in a regio- and stereospecific manner by a single RaS enzyme. Our results expand the scope of reactions that microbes ...
Identity Synthesis as a Pathway Linking Parenting and Emerging Adults’ Internalizing Problems

The present study examined identity synthesis as a linking pathway in the association between perceived parenting (autonomy support, dependency-oriented psychological control, and achievement-oriented psychological control) and emerging adults’ internalizing problems across three groups (European Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans). The sample comprised 471 European American, 241 African American, and 355 Asian American emerging adults (total N = 1067; 69% female; Mage = 20.47; SD = 1.79). The mediating role of identity synthesis was tested and compared across ethnic groups via multiple-group path analyses using bootstrapping technique. Findings revealed both similarities and differences across ethnic groups. Specifically, identity synthesis mediated the association between parental autonomy support and internalizing problems in all three ethnic groups. However, identity synthesis only mediated the association between parental dependency-oriented psychological control and internalizing problems for European American emerging adults, and the association between parental achievement-oriented psychological control and internalizing problems for African American and Asian American emerging adults. These findings illustrated the significant roles of parenting and identity development in emerging adults’ psychological adjustment across ethnic groups. Moreover, although parenting indirectly impacted emerging adults’ mental health in all groups, the specific patterns varied across different ethnic groups depending on the particular form of parenting, thus revealing both culturally-shared and -unique pathways from parents’ socialization practices to their offspring’s mental health outcomes.
Metacognitive changes and sources of confidence judgements in health professions classroom learning.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine sources of confidence during learning to better understand metacognition and if a metacognitive intervention improves student metacognition or assessment performance. Methods One-hundred fifty-eight doctor of pharmacy students participated in a semester-long intervention that included ratings of confidence as well as sources of their confidence judgments. Throughout the semester, students made metacognitive judgements on selected topics within the course. Students also completed a pre- and post-assessment which was used to examine changes in performance and metacognitive accuracy over time. Results Most students appeared to anchor their confidence (i.e. judgments of learning) on prior knowledge, particularly at the beginning of the course. Students' performance and judgements of learning (confidence) increased over the semester, but the gains in both were dependent on topic. Making metacognitive judgements on selected topics did not appear to help or hinder assessment performance or improve metacognitive accuracy for most topics. Conclusions Students may need assistance recognizing that their prior knowledge may not be adequate to judge their current learning. To improve their judgements of learning, students should utilize more external sources (e.g., the textbook) rather than internal cognitive resources. Instructional strategies should model the task and coach students to competency (i.e. scaffold).
Physics from Tristan

The TRISTAN e + e − storage ring has delivered a total of about 60 pb−1 to each of the three general purpose solenoidal detectors: AMY, TOPAZ and VENUS. The center-of-mass energy range, between 50 and 64 GeV, is where interference effects between the virtual photon and Z0 mediators of the annihilation process are largest. Experiments at TRISTAN study the electroweak interactions, QCD, and search for new phenomena. Among the reported results are: measurements of R; the observation of forward-backward charge asymmetries for e+e− → lepton pairs, \(e^ + e^ - \to b\bar b\), and \(e^ + e^ - \to q\bar q\); limits on lepton compositeness; determinations of \(\Lambda _{\overline {MS} }\); measurements of various multihadron event properties; evidence for differences between quark and gluon jets; the demonstration of the running of αs and the existence of the triple-gluon coupling; and searches for a variety of new particles. This report describes a few selected results from the AMY experiment.
PROMIS Physical Function 10-Item Short Form for Older Adults in an Emergency Setting.

BACKGROUND Functional status in older adults predicts hospital use and mortality, and offers insight into independence and quality of life. The Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was developed to improve and standardize patient-reported outcomes measurements. The PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS PF) 10-Item Short Form was not created specifically for older adults. By comparing PROMIS with the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (Katz), we evaluated PROMIS for measurement of physical function versus general function in an older adult population seen in the ED. METHODS A prospective, convenience sample of ED patients 65 years and older (from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015) completed Katz and PROMIS PF. Both were compared for scoring distributions and conventional scoring thresholds for severity of impairment (eg, minimal, moderate, severe). We assessed convergence through Spearman correlations, equivalents of conventional thresholds and ranges of physical function, and item-response frequencies. RESULTS A total of 357 completed both function surveys. PROMIS PF and Katz have a modest positive correlation (r = .50, p < .01). Mean PROMIS PF scores within Katz scoring ranges for minimal (43, SD = 10), moderate (32, SD = 7), and severe (24, SD = 7) impairment fell within respective PROMIS PF scoring ranges (severe = 14-29, moderate = 30-39, mild = 40-45), indicating convergence. PROMIS identified impairment in 3× as many patients as did Katz, as PROMIS assesses vigorous physical function (eg, running, heavy lifting) not queried by Katz. However, PROMIS does not assess select activities of daily living (ADLs; eg, feeding, continence) important for assessment of function in older adults. CONCLUSIONS There is a modest correlation between PROMIS and Katz. PROMIS may better assess physical function than Katz, but is not an adequate replacement for assessment of general functional status in older adults.
The Epistemological Interpretation of Transcendental Idealism and Its Unavoidable Slide into Compatibilism

This paper consists in two major parts. In the first part, I explain and defend Kant’s explicit rejection of compatibilist theories of freedom in the Critique of Practical Reason . I do this by a careful analysis of some contemporary compatibilist theories. In the second major part, I explain how the epistemological interpretation of Kant’s transcendental idealism inevitably degenerates into a compatibilist version of freedom. The upshot will be that epistemological interpretations of transcendental idealism are not viable because of their connection with compatibilism, which Kant rejected.
Hybrid LAE-CMOS Force-Sensing System Employing TFT-Based Compressed Sensing for Scalability of Tactile Sensing Skins

Tactile sensing requires form-fitting and dense sensor arrays over large-areas. Hybrid systems, combining Large-Area Electronics (LAE) and silicon-CMOS ICs to respectively provide diverse sensing and high-performance computation/control, enable a platform for such sensing. A key challenge is that hybrid systems require a large number of interfaces between the LAE and CMOS domains, particularly as the number of sensors scales. This paper presents an architecture that exploits the attribute of signal sparsity, commonly exhibited in large-scale tactile-sensing applications, to reduce the interfacing complexity to a level set by the sparsity rather than the number of sensors. This enhances scalability compared to sequential-scanning and active-matrix approaches. The architecture implements compressed sensing via thin-film-transistor (TFT) switches, and is demonstrated in a force-sensing system with 20 force sensors, a TFT die (with 161 ZnO TFTs) per sensor, and a custom CMOS IC for system readout and control. Acquisition error of 0.7 k $\Omega _{\text{RMS}}$ is achieved over a 100 k $\Omega$ -20 k $\Omega$ sensing range, at energy and rate of 2.46 $\mu$ J/frame and 31 fps.