cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conservative Government and Support for the Religious Institution in Singapore: An Uneasy Alliance

During the 1 980s various conservative governments tried to strengthen the public role of religion. This is understandable, given that there are affinities between political conservatism and religion. The argument developed in this paper is that when conservatives act in support of religion unforeseen problems develop that lead the conservatives to withdraw their support. The case of Singapore is considered in detail. In 1982, a conservative government passed a law requiring all secondary students to study a religion; in 1989, the same government effectively terminated the religious studies program. The reasons for this change of heart are analyzed. The article concludes with a discussion of which reasons may be peculiar to Singapore or Chinese societies generally and which reasons are likely to trouble any conservative government. During the 1980s conservative political parties in control of governments sought to strengthen the social role of religion. In the United States, Republican leaders courted the Christian right (Tamney and Johnson, 1987). In England, Thatcher's government passed an educational reform act meant to halt the decline in the prominence of Christianity by requiring, among other things, Christian worship services in most schools (Cox and Cairns, 1989). In Singapore, an avowedly secular government passed a law requiring all secondary students to study a religion. These examples suggest that during the last decade conservative governments welcomed alliances with the religious institution. However, in this article I argue that even conservative governments are not likely to stay with policies that reinforce the public influence of religion. After discussing the nature of political conservatism and its affinities with religion, the
Does Early Mathematics Intervention Change the Processes Underlying Children's Learning?

ABSTRACTEarly educational intervention effects typically fade in the years following treatment, and few studies have investigated why achievement impacts diminish over time. The current study tested the effects of a preschool mathematics intervention on two aspects of children's mathematical development. We tested for separate effects of the intervention on “state” (occasion-specific) and “trait” (relatively stable) variability in mathematics achievement. Results indicated that, although the treatment had a large impact on state mathematics, the treatment had no effect on trait mathematics, or the aspect of mathematics achievement that influences stable individual differences in mathematics achievement over time. Results did suggest, however, that the intervention could affect the underlying processes in children's mathematical development by inducing more transfer of knowledge immediately following the intervention for students in the treated group.
Report from the Open Problems Session at OPSFA13

These are the open problems presented at the 13th International Symposium on Orthogonal Polynomials, Special Functions and Applications (OPSFA13), Gaithersburg, Maryland, on June 4, 2015.
A prevalent intraresidue hydrogen bond stabilizes proteins.

Within polypeptides, C5 hydrogen bonds form between the amide proton and carbonyl oxygen of the same residue. This intraresidue interaction stabilizes β-sheets in particular and is widespread throughout structurally characterized proteins. Current limitations in de novo protein structure prediction and design suggest an incomplete understanding of the interactions that govern protein folding. Here we demonstrate that previously unappreciated hydrogen bonds occur within proteins between the amide proton and carbonyl oxygen of the same residue. Quantum calculations, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy show that these interactions share hallmark features of canonical hydrogen bonds. Biophysical analyses demonstrate that selective attenuation or enhancement of these C5 hydrogen bonds affects the stability of synthetic β-sheets. These interactions are common, affecting approximately 5% of all residues and 94% of proteins, and their cumulative impact provides several kilocalories per mole of conformational stability to a typical protein. C5 hydrogen bonds especially stabilize the flat β-sheets of the amyloid state, which is linked with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Inclusion of these interactions in computational force fields would improve models of protein folding, function, and dysfunction.
The perceived value of clinical pharmacy service provision by pharmacists and physicians: an initial assessment of family medicine and internal medicine providers.

Background Few publications have addressed the perceptions of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacist services. A survey-based study was conducted to determine whether Internal Medicine (IM) and Family Medicine (FM) pharmacists and physicians differed in their attitudes regarding the benefits of collaboration in an acute care setting. Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate perceived differences regarding self-assessment of value between IM and FM pharmacists. The secondary objective was to evaluate perceived differences of clinical pharmacist benefit between IM and FM physicians. Methods An eight-item questionnaire assessed the attitudes and beliefs of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacy services. Surveys were emailed and participants marked their responses using a 7-point Likert scale for each item. Demographic data and overall comments were collected from each participant. Key findings Overall, 167 surveys were completed. When comparing cumulative physician and pharmacist responses, none of the eight questions showed significant differences. Statistically significant differences were noted when comparing IM and FM clinical pharmacists on five of the eight survey items; for each of these items, FM pharmacists had more favourable perceptions than their IM counterparts. No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing responses of IM and FM physicians. Conclusions This study found that FM pharmacists perceived a greater benefit regarding participation in inpatient acute care rounds when compared to their IM pharmacist counterparts. Future studies are necessary to determine if other medical specialties’ perceptions of clinical pharmacy provision differ from our findings and to evaluate the rationale behind specific attitudes and behaviours.
Estimating the sensitivity of stomatal conductance to photosynthesis: a review.

A common approach for estimating fluxes of CO2 and water in canopy models is to couple a model of photosynthesis (An) to a semi-empirical model of stomatal conductance (gs) such as the widely validated and utilized Ball–Berry (BB) model. This coupling provides an effective way of predicting transpiration at multiple scales. However, the designated value of the slope parameter (m) in the BB model impacts transpiration estimates. There is a lack of consensus regarding how m varies among species or plant functional types (PFTs) or in response to growth conditions. Literature values are highly variable, with inter-species and intra-species variations of >100%, and comparisons are made more difficult because of differences in collection techniques. This paper reviews the various methods used to estimate m and highlights how variations in measurement techniques or the data utilized can influence the resultant m. Additionally, this review summarizes the reported responses of m to [CO2] and water stress, collates literature values by PFT and compiles nearly three decades of values into a useful compendium.
The effects of psychotherapy treatment on outcome in bulimia nervosa: Examining indirect effects through emotion regulation, self‐directed behavior, and self‐discrepancy within the mediation model

Objective The purpose of this investigation was to examine the indirect effects of Integrative Cognitive-Affective Therapy (ICAT-BN) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-Enhanced (CBT-E) on bulimia nervosa (BN) treatment outcome through three hypothesized maintenance variables: emotion regulation, self-directed behavior, and self-discrepancy. Method Eighty adults with BN were randomized to 21 sessions of ICAT-BN or CBT-E. A regression-based bootstrapping approach was used to test the indirect effects of treatment on outcome at end of treatment through emotion regulation and self-directed behavior measured at mid-treatment, as well as the indirect effects of treatment at follow-up through emotion regulation, self-directed behavior, and self-discrepancy measured at end of treatment. Results No significant differences in outcome between treatment conditions were observed, and no significant direct or indirect effects were found. Examination of the individual paths within the indirect effects models revealed comparable treatment effects. Across treatments, improvements in emotion regulation and self-directed behavior between baseline and mid-treatment predicted improvements in global eating disorder scores but not binge eating and purging frequency at end of treatment. Baseline to end of treatment improvements in emotion regulation and self-directed behavior also predicted improvements in global eating disorder scores at follow-up. Baseline to end of treatment improvements in emotion regulation predicted improvements in binge eating and baseline to end of treatment increases in positive self-directed behavior predicted improvements in purging at follow-up. Discussion These findings suggest that emotion regulation and self-directed behavior are important treatment targets and that ICAT-BN and CBT-E are comparable in modifying these psychological processes among individuals with BN.
A neglected dimension of good forecasting judgment: The questions we choose also matter

Abstract Forecasters are typically evaluated via proper scoring rules such as the Brier score. These scoring rules use only the reported forecasts for assessment, neglecting related variables such as the specific questions that a person chose to forecast. In this paper, we study whether information related to question selection influences our estimates of forecaster ability. In other words, do good and bad forecasters tend to select questions in different ways? If so, can we capitalize on these selections when estimating forecaster ability? We address these questions by extending a recently-developed psychometric model of forecasts to include question selection data. We compare the extended psychometric model to a simpler model, studying its unidimensionality assumption and highlighting the unique information that it can provide. We find that the model can make use of the fact that good forecasters tend to select more questions than bad forecasters, and we conclude that question selection data can be beneficial above and beyond reported forecasts. As a side benefit, the resulting model can potentially provide unique incentives for forecaster participation.
In Vitro Reconstitution of OxyA Enzymatic Activity Clarifies Late Steps in Vancomycin Biosynthesis

Studies on the biosynthesis of glycopeptide antibiotics have provided many insights into the strategies that Nature employs to build architecturally strained molecules. A key structural feature of vancomycin, the founding member of this class, is a set of three aromatic cross-links that are introduced via yet unknown mechanisms. Previous reports have identified three cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in this process and demonstrated enzymatic activity for OxyB, which installs the first aromatic cross-link. However, the activities of the remaining two P450 enzymes have not been recapitulated. Herein, we show that OxyA generates the second bis-aryl ether bond in vancomycin and that it exhibits strict substrate specificity toward the chlorinated, OxyB-cross-linked product. No OxyA product is detected with the unchlorinated substrate. Together with previous results, these data suggest that chlorination occurs after OxyB- but before OxyA-catalyzed cross-link formation. Our results have important implications fo...
Where’s the Risk? The Forward Premium Bias, the Carry-Trade Premium, and Risk-Reversals in General Equilibrium

Abstract This paper builds a two-country dynamic stochastic general equilibrium macro model to understand three empirical facts about international currency returns. They are the downward forward premium bias, the carry trade return, and the long-run risk reversal. Cross-country heterogeneity in unit-root productivity levels generates the systematic risk priced into currency returns. The risk can be magnified through monetary policy. Both a complete markets and an incomplete markets model are qualitatively consistent with these facts. Quantitatively, the incomplete markets model performs better.
Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement: Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mental Training Program With Collegiate Athletes

College is a stressful time for many students, including student-athletes, who may benefit from mindfulness interventions focusing on present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance. Mindful ...
“Time Is Not on My Side”: A College Student with ADHD and a Reading Disability

College students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities are more likely than their peers to encounter problems adjusting to school including utilizing less effective coping skills to meet the academic and social demands of higher education, experiencing more distraction, reporting higher rates of internal restlessness and depressive symptoms, achieving lower GPAs and being more likely to be placed on probation. This chapter describes the case of a young college student with ADHD and mild dyslexia who had trouble adapting to college life due to poor time management, deficient problem-solving skills and poor decision-making which led to his needing to take a medical leave. The case illustrates the need to assess how well college students with ADHD and related disorders can handle the executive functioning demands that college life requires. It reviews the key constituents of executive function including conscientiousness, self-management, self-control, distress tolerance (grit), and open mindset. It also emphasizes the need to prepare these students to confront their difficulties directly, to avail themselves of college resources (including accommodations and coaching), and to adhere as completely as possible to treatment recommendations. This includes thorough planning prior to leaving for school, use of techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medication management.
Microbiology of Nitrogen Fixation by Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacteria

Anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria conduct many specialized metabolic processes but one of the most important is nitrogen fixation, the reduction of N2 to NH3. Nitrogen fixation is catalyzed by the enzyme nitrogenase which is widely distributed among anoxygenic phototrophs. The most comprehensive understanding of N2 fixation in photosynthetic bacteria is among the nonsulfur purple bacteria, where the capacity to fix N2 is nearly universal. In this group N2 fixation occurs both in the light and in darkness and nitrogenase expression and activity is highly regulated. Available evidence indicates that N2 fixation is fairly widespread among purple and green sulfur bacteria and probably universal among heliobacteria. By contrast, the thermophilic phototroph Chloroflexus aurantiacus, a very few purple nonsulfur bacteria and green sulfur bacteria, and the ‘aerobic phototrophs’ are not diazotrophic. The recently discovered bacteriochlorophyll-containing rhizobia are also nitrogen fixers but their status as anoxygenic phototrophs is at present unclear. Although the ecological significance of N2 fixation by anoxygenic phototrophs is unknown, the widespread distribution of these organisms in nature and the fact that most species are diazotrophic, suggests that they may well be significant, particularly in specialized environments such as microbial mats and paddy soils.
Virus Infection of Peripheral Nerve

This chapter reviews the peripheral nerve diseases associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), hepatitis B virus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In contrast to the many viral infections of brain and spinal cord,1 peripheral nerve has not been generally recognized as a target tissue for viruses. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), like the analogous central nervous system (CNS) disease, postinfectious encephalomyelitis, is an autoimmune disease.1,2 Both may follow a systemic viral infection, but the mechanism for the autosensitization is unknown. The mechanism is better understood in hepatitis B virus neuropathy, where circulating immune complexes have been detected.3 Probably a wide variety of mechanisms are responsible for the peripheral nerve disorders that are associated with viral infection.
RETRAiN: a REcommendation tool for reconfiguration of retail bank branch

Customers in many developing regions (like India) use physical bank branch as primary and preferred banking channel, resulting in high footfall in the branch. This results in high wait time of customers and high pressure on organization's resources, impacting customer satisfaction (CSAT) as well as employee satisfaction (ESAT) adversely. A naive solution to handle this is to increase the service personnel to cater to the customers. However, this is an unviable alternative because this impacts top and bottom line of the bank. Therefore, organizations are strategically looking for intelligent systems which can help in fine tuning the overall business process to maximize their business objectives while incurring zero or very less investments. Towards this end, we present a system RETRAiN to enable such calibration of various components of bank operations. Based on real time data like waiting customers, service requests, availability of service personnel and business metrics, the system provides recommendations for reconfiguration of the operations. The reconfiguration includes selection of scheduling policy, number of service personnel and configuration of service personnel. We present the overall system along with analysis and optimization algorithms for generating the recommendations. To showcase the efficacy and usefulness of our system, we present results based on data collected over a period of four months from multiple branches of a leading bank in India.
Portable and permanent flumes with adjustable throats

The utility of developing vertically-adjustable flumes for canal flow measurement systems, is important to several problems in field practice. One involves the perception by some canal water users that flumes and weirs significantly and harmfully restrict flow. These perceptions, correct only sometimes, occur often enough to cause resistance to flow measurements and impedance to proper irrigation management. Parshall flumes and Cutthroat flumes require ponding depths upstream equal to about 40% of head reading while long-throated flumes and the related broad-crested weirs require only 10 to 15%. The actual head drop through all of these flumes is greater than hydraulically necessary for all but the maximum design discharge. The highly obvious excessive ponding is often misunderstood as a harmful restriction to flow. Also, the velocities at the low flows are reduced by this excessive ponding, which can aggravate sediment accumulation. The system described herein allows control of the ponding restriction from nearly zero to just enough restriction to gain measurement control of the flow at nearly all flow rates in the design range of a particular size. This reduces the amount of visible restriction. For a small structure size, with a control section less than 1 m wide and flowing under a head of less than about 25 to 30 cm, this restriction is about 10% to 15% of the head reading, or about 3 to 5 cm at maximum head. This maintains relatively high velocities in the approach channel for assisting sediment movement. The device is applicable to measuring flow rates in unlined and lined canals. The system described permits adjustment of the canal flow levels, reduces the perception of ponding, and minimizes the induced sediment problems.
Global convergence of consumer spending: Conceptualization and propositions

Abstract The convergence versus divergence debate has persistently presented a puzzle in the scholarly literature. Forces of globalization created a wave of convergence. Yet, the recent worldwide events have changed the course of globalization, slowing its seemingly unavoidable forward direction. It is, therefore, incumbent upon international business scholars to reexamine the convergence versus divergence debate in the contemporary world economy. Despite the central role that global convergence plays in international business decisions, the literature is lacking a conceptualization of the convergence construct in terms of consumer spending behavior. Offering a new perspective derived from the convergence-divergence-crossvergence (CDC) framework and the coevolution theory, the authors define and conceptualize the convergence construct associated with consumer spending behavior. The proposed conceptual framework is comprehensive, offers refinements to the convergence phenomenon, and leads the way for further development of new theories in the international marketing domain.
Effect of pregnancy loss on MS disease activity.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of pregnancy loss (PL) on MS disease activity. Methods Eleven women with first-trimester PLs were identified through a reproductive questionnaire. MS activity (MRI lesions and/or clinical relapses) was compared for the 12 months before conception and after PL. Results There was MS activity in 7/11 participants after, compared with 3/11 before PL (McNemar's test, p = .29), including MRI activity in 7/11 after, compared with 2/11 before PL (McNemar's test, p = .13). Conclusion Larger studies are needed to confirm this observed trend of increased MS activity following PL.
Developments in Illinois and Indiana in 1952

In Illinois and Indiana, 3,357 wells were drilled for oil and gas in 1952 as compared with 3,702 in 1951, a decrease of 9 per cent. Total oil production increased 1.6 per cent, from 70,841,000 barrels in 1951 to 72,008,000 barrels in 1952. Exploratory drilling decreased from 1,483 completions in 1951 to 1,181 in 1952. Forty-six new pools, 97 extensions, and 55 new producing zones were discovered in the two states in 1952. As in previous years, most of the discoveries in 1952 were in Mississippian formations. Six new pools produced from Pennsylvanian sandstones, 7 from Devonian or Silurian limestones, and 1 from Ordovician limestone.
A selective review of the finite element-ABC and the finite element-boundary integral methods for electromagnetic scattering

This paper reviews two hybrid (frequency domain) finite element methods for electromagnetic scattering applications. Specifically, the progress over the last five years or so is reviewed as it pertains to the finite element method when combined with the boundary integral or the absorbing boundary conditions for truncating the computational domain. After a brief presentation of the associated mathematical formulations, we review two and three dimensional applications of the aforementioned methods. In addition, a brief review section on the popular element shape functions is included.
Novel Imaging Approaches in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Novel imaging approaches, such as quantitative computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular imaging, are being applied to interstitial lung diseases to provide prognostic, functional, and molecular information. Here, we review such imaging approaches and their applicability to systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Quantitative CT can be used to quantify the radiographic response to SSc-ILD therapy. Due to advances in MRI sequence development, MRI can detect the presence of SSc-ILD with high accuracy. MRI can also be utilized to provide functional information as to SSc-ILD and paired with molecular probes to provide non-invasive molecular information. MRI and ultrasound have promising test characteristics for diagnosing ILD in SSc without the use of ionizing radiation. Novel imaging approaches can detect SSc-ILD without the use of ionizing radiation, provide non-invasive functional and molecular information, and quantify treatment response in SSc-ILD. These techniques hold promise for translation into clinical care and clinical trials.
Infrared Investigations of the Structure of Non-Oxide Chalcogenide Glasses

The structural nature of non-oxide chalcogenide glasses was investigated using infrared reflection and absorption techniques. The wave number corresponding to stretching mode vibrations for nine pairs of metal-chalcogen constituent atoms was identified using reflection and absorption spectra obtained from glasses representing fifteen chalcogenide glass systems containing IVA and/or VA elements. The validity of the vibrational assignments were verified by assuming them to represent simple diatomic stretching modes, applying Gordy’s simple diatomic force constant relation, and calculating the equilibrium interatomic distance for each bond pair. Comparison of calculated values with the sum of the appropriate covalent radii showed reasonable agreement in all cases, except for the As-S and As-Se vibrations, indicating the local symmetry for glasses containing these elements was different from the others. Using Somayajulu’s rule for calculating multi-bond force constants, the normal vibrational frequencies for nine constituent atom pairs were calculated for a X-Y2 linear symmetric triatomic configuration, a X-Y2 non-linear symmetric triatomic configuration, a X-Y3 pyramidal arrangement and a X-Y4 tetrahedral arrangement. Comparison between calculated and observed frequencies indicate that in most cases the IVA element forms a bridge between chalcogen atoms forming a X-Y2 non-linear symmetric triatomic configuration, while As in S and Se glasses exists in a pyramidal X-Y3 configuration.
Scalable and Interpretable Product Recommendations via Overlapping Co-Clustering

We consider the problem of generating interpretable recommendations by identifying overlapping co-clusters of clients and products, based only on positive or implicit feedback. Our approach is applicable on very large datasets because it exhibits almost linear complexity in the input examples and the number of co-clusters. We show, both on real industrial data and on publicly available datasets, that the recommendation accuracy of our algorithm is competitive to that of state-of-art matrix factorization techniques. In addition, our technique has the advantage of offering recommendations that are textually and visually interpretable. Finally, we examine how to implement our technique efficiently on Graphical Processing Units (GPUs).
The Art of Cinematography

Whether working with traditional film or with today’s digital tools, the cinematographer is an artist—not just a technician but a picture-maker, a storyteller, and a co-author. Focusing on the fictional narrative film, this chapter explains how cinematographers use a wide range of techniques, including film stocks, lighting, lens choice, camera movement, and post-production processing, to contribute to their films’ larger storytelling goals. These contributions justify the claim that the cinematographer is an important co-creator within the collaborative framework of cinematic authorship.
Coase and Kelo: Ominous Parallels and Lott on Rothbard on Coase

In its Kelo decision, the Supreme Court upheld Connecticut’s decision to use its eminent domain powers to take property from one set of private owners and give it to another set of private owners. The state defended this plan on the grounds that the former group of owners was using their property in a less efficient manner than would the latter. There are ominous parallels between this decision, which amounts to no more than thinly veiled theft, and the works of Ronald Coase and the “Law and Economics” movement spawned by his 1960 publication. To wit, this philosophy can be used to buttress Kelo. Indeed, we need look no further than this literature for a spirited albeit entirely wrong-headed notion that courts are justified in ruling, in property rights disputes, not in favor of the historical owners, but rather on the side of those they think can make the “best use” of the property; for example, so as to maximize economic welfare, or economic efficiency, or the gross domestic product (GDP), or as in Kelo, all of them plus the tax base. This topic is addressed in part I of the present chapter.
50 th aniversary of the mainframe computer: a reflective analysis

The year 2014 can be considered the 50th anniversary of the mainframe. After five decades, mainframes continue to have an important role in today's global economy. The objective of this paper is to explore the current state, identify courses and job offering and applicants in the field of mainframe computer to recognize the required skills in the next decade. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications and recommendations for academic programs.
Integration of ayurveda and conventional medicine for chronic wound healing

Background: Chronic wounds affect around 2.4 – 4.5 million patients in the United States. The burden of wound management is growing rapidly. Objective: Management of chronic wounds with integrated conventional medicine and Ayurveda treatment. Clinical Features: A 52-year-old female patient, presented with non-healing chronic wound on the right leg with pain persisting for 5 years. Initial measurement of the wound was 48 cm length × 13 cm width × 0.4 cm depth. Intervention and Outcomes: Wound depth was measured during different stages of healing along with photographic images. Patient was given Ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily for 10 days, compression leg wraps and diuretics along with washing of the wound with Triphala decoction daily and application of wound dressing with Turmeric powder, neem bark powder and Medihoney daily were done. Marma therapy was performed once a week. Patient was also suggested kapha pacifying diet and lifestyle. Results: The wound was completely healed with normal skin coloration by the sixth week. Conclusions: This case study discusses the use of integration of ayurvedic herbs with conventional medicine for the management of wound healing. Interventional studies should be conducted to better understand the effectiveness of this integrative approach for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Representing race: the race spectrum subjectivity of diversity in film

In order to understand how people from all major racial groups in the United States feel about racial representation in film, this study employed Q methodology to assess the motivations, attitudes,...
Hirohitler on the Rhine: Transnational Protest Against the Japanese Emperor’s 1971 West German State Visit:

This article explores transnational connections between anti-imperialist groups in West Germany and Japan through an examination of the protest around the Japanese Emperor’s state visit to Bonn in ...
Cardiovascular Comorbidity in Chronic Lung Disease: Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Diagnosis

Chronic lung diseases account for a substantial amount of morbidity and disability. Chronic lung diseases and cardiovascular disease are both very prevalent but their co-existence is not explained by chance but by the risk of atherosclerosis and deranged cardiopulmonary interactions conferred by the presence of chronic lung disease. A low index of suspicion should be maintained to evaluate for chronic lung or cardiovascular disease when one of these is present, especially when symptoms and functional impairment is deemed to be out of proportion for the existing diagnosis.
The γ-Ray Spectrum of Geminga and the Inverse Compton Model of Pulsar High-energy Emission

We reanalyze the Fermi spectra of the Geminga and Vela pulsars. We find that the spectrum of Geminga above the break is well approximated by a simple power law without the exponential cutoff, making Geminga's spectrum similar to that of Crab. Vela's broadband γ-ray spectrum is equally well fit with both the exponential cutoff and the double power-law shapes. In the broadband double power-law fits, for a typical Fermi spectrum of a bright γ-ray pulsar, most of the errors accumulate due to the arbitrary parameterization of the spectral roll-off. In addition, a power law with an exponential cutoff gives an acceptable fit for the underlying double power-law spectrum for a very broad range of parameters, making such fitting procedures insensitive to the underlying Fermi photon spectrum. Our results have important implications for the mechanism of pulsar high-energy emission. A number of observed properties of γ-ray pulsars—i.e., the broken power-law spectra without exponential cutoffs and stretching in the case of Crab beyond the maximal curvature limit, spectral breaks close to or exceeding the maximal breaks due to curvature emission, patterns of the relative intensities of the leading and trailing pulses in the Crab repeated in the X-ray and γ-ray regions, presence of profile peaks at lower energies aligned with γ-ray peaks—all point to the inverse Compton origin of the high-energy emission from majority of pulsars.
Does Facebook-Enabled Communication Influence Weak-Tie Relationships Over Time? a Longitudinal Investigation Into Mediated Relationship Maintenance

Although presumed to be a means of maintaining relationships, there is limited empirical evidence whether relationships are actually maintained over time by Facebook-enabled communication. Drawing ...
John Caldwell Calhoun and his political role in United States of America (1782-1850).

This research deals with the political role of one of the pioneers of American policy in the nineteenth century, John Caldwell Calhoun, and his ideas and philosophy in addressing the central issues in the domestic and foreign policy of the United States of America by virtue of the important sites that filled namely: Member of the Legislative Council of the State of South Carolina between 1807-1811 , a member of the House of Representatives between 1811-1817, Secretary of the Treasury between 1817 - 1825, Vice President between 1825-1832, a member of the Senate between 1833-1850, Foreign Minister between 1844-1845.
Implementation of a clinical guideline for nonoperative management of isolated blunt renal injury in children.

Abstract Background The aim was to evaluate the impact of a standardized nonoperative management protocol by comparing patients with isolated blunt renal injury before and after implementation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the trauma registry at our Level 1 pediatric trauma center. We compared consecutive patients (≤ 18 years) managed nonoperatively for blunt renal injury Pre (1/2010–9/2014) and Post (10/2014–3/2020) implementation of a clinical guideline. Outcomes included length of stay, intensive care unit admission, urinary catheter use, and imaging studies. Results We included 48 patients with isolated blunt renal injuries (29 Pre, 19 Post). There were no differences in age, sex, injury grade, or mechanism (P > .05). Postprotocol had decreased length of stay (P = .040), intensive care unit admissions (P = .015), urinary catheter use (P = .031), and ionizing radiation imaging (P Conclusion These data suggest improved outcomes and resource utilization following implementation of a nonoperative management protocol of pediatric isolated blunt renal injuries.
Socioemotional mechanisms of loneliness in subclinical psychosis.

Abstract Loneliness is an important predictor of physical and mental health in the general population and in individuals across the psychosis spectrum, including those experiencing subclinical psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). However, the mechanisms underlying loneliness in the psychosis spectrum are not well understood. Emotion processing deficits are well described across the psychosis spectrum, and socioemotional processing biases are critical for the development and maintenance of loneliness through altered social appraisal, including judgements of rejection. Therefore, we propose that PLEs are associated with increased loneliness, and the relationship is mediated by alterations in socioemotional processing. We also explored how this pathway may be affected by mood and anxiety symptoms, which have been associated with loneliness across the psychosis spectrum. As part of the Human Connectome Project, generally healthy adults (n = 1180) reported symptomatology and social functioning and completed the Penn Emotion Recognition Task to assess efficiency in identifying emotions. We found that higher reported PLEs were associated with elevated levels of loneliness and perceived rejection and that these factors were linked by multiple independent pathways. First, anxiety/depression and emotion processing efficiency independently mediated the PLE-loneliness relationship. Second, we found that the association between PLEs and loneliness was serially mediated through inefficient emotion recognition then higher levels of perceived rejection. These separable mechanisms of increased loneliness in subclinical psychosis have implications for treatment and continued study of social functioning in the psychosis spectrum.
Comparison of central laboratory HbA1c measurements obtained from a capillary collection versus a standard venous whole blood collection in the GRADE and EDIC studies.

Background We compared HbA1c values obtained from capillary blood collection kits versus venous whole blood collections in study participants with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Methods A total of 122 subjects, 64 with type 2 diabetes participating in the Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness (GRADE) Study and 58 with type 1 diabetes from the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) Study, participated in the validation study. Capillary tubes were filled by fingerstick by the participants on the same day as the collection of venous whole blood samples in EDTA-containing test tubes and were mailed to the central laboratory. HbA1c in all samples was measured with the same high-performance liquid chromatography. GRADE participants also completed a questionnaire on the ease of performing capillary collections. Results Participants from 22 clinical centers (GRADE n = 5, EDIC n = 17) were between 35 and 86 years of age, with 52% male and diverse race/ethnicities. Venous HbA1c results ranged between 5.4–11.9% (35.5–106.6 mmol/mol) with corresponding capillary results ranging between 4.2–11.9% (22.4–106.6 mmol/mol). The venous and capillary results were highly correlated (R2 = 0.993) and 96.7% differed by ≤0.2% (2.2 mmol/mol). Of participants surveyed, 69% indicated that the instructions and collection were easy to follow and 97% felt the collection method would be easy to do at home. Conclusions The capillary blood HbA1c results compared well with the conventional venous whole blood results. The capillary kits can be employed in other studies to reduce interruption of critical data collection and potentially to augment clinical care when in-person visits are not possible.
Does Opportunism Explain Markups in Laser Printer Toner and Memory? - No and Yes. Evidence on Pricing in Laser Printer Aftermarkets

Markups are often much higher on aftermarket products than on corresponding durable goods. Many theoretical explanations of this phenomenon have been advanced, but little empirical work has tested them. Using data on laser printer toner and memory pricing, this paper sheds some empirical light on the source of high aftermarket markups. It focuses on one explanation: that durable goods producers opportunistically raise aftermarket prices as foremarket sales decline. It finds no support for this hypothesis in the toner market, but strong support in the memory market. It also examines price discrimination-related hypotheses, and finds mixed support.
EFFECT OF MAINTENANCE OF "NORMAL" SKIN TEMPERATURE ON SURVIVAL OF INFANTS OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT

Survival rates of premature infants weighing 1,000-1,500 gm at birth were compared in a series of infants placed in a special incubator designed to regulate skin temperature at 36.0°C (96.5°F) by means of infrared radiation and in a group of controls placed in a standard incubator warmed only by circulating air to an ambient temperature of 31.1-32.2°C (88-90°F). Improvement in survival among the babies whose skin temperature was maintained at 36.0°C was significant principally in those infants weighing between 1,251 and 1,500 gm at birth. It is suggested that this increased survival was due to the avoidance of the metabolic stresses consequent to cooling in this group of small infants who lack maturity but who are potentially capable of living when their needs are adequately supplied.
Sloshing of Liquids in Circular Canals and Spherical Tanks

Abstract : Theoretical calculations are made of the natural modes and frequencies of small-amplitude sloshing of liquids in partially filled circular canals and spherical tanks. An integral-equation approach is used to analyze the circular canal for arbitrary depth of liquid. A similar approach for the spherical tank provides modes and frequencies for the nearly-full and half-full cases. These results, together with the known behavior of the nearly- empty tank, are used in conjunction with the trends established for the circular canal as a basis for estimating frequencies for arbitrary depth of liquid in the spherical tank. The dynamic analysis of the container-fluid system by means of the mode-superposition approach is discussed, and modal parameters required in such analyses are presented.
Fair Allocation of A Wireless Fading Channel: An Auction Approach

We study the use of auction algorithm in allocating a wireless fading channel among a set of non-cooperating users in both downlink and uplink communication scenarios. For the downlink case, we develop a novel auction-based algorithm to allow users to fairly compete for a wireless fading channel. We use the all-pay auction mechanism whereby user bid for the channel, during each time-slot, based on the fade state of the channel, and the user that makes the higher bid wins use of the channel. Under the assumption that each user has a limited budget for bidding, we show the existence of a unique Nash equilibrium strategy. We show that the strategy achieves a throughput allocation for each user that is proportional to the user’s budget and establish that the aggregate throughput received by the users using the Nash equilibrium strategy is at least 3/4 of what can be obtained using an optimal centralized allocation scheme that does not take fairness into account.
Detection of Listeria monocytogenes with a nonisotopic polymerase chain reaction-coupled ligase chain reaction assay.

Abstract A polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-coupled ligase chain reaction (LCR) assay for the specific detection of Listeria monocytogenes (M. Wiedmann, J. Czajka, F. Barany, and C. A. Batt, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 58:3443-3447, 1992) has been modified for detection of the LCR products with a nonisotopic readout. When a chemiluminescent or a colorimetric substrate for the nonisotopic detection of the LCR products was used, the PCR-coupled LCR gave a sensitivity of 10 CFU of L. monocytogenes. The detection method with the chemiluminescent substrate Lumi-Phos 530 permitted detection of the LCR products in less than 3 h, so that the whole assay can be completed within 10 h.
Decision Analysis and Cost Control: Assessing and Improving Costing in Organizations

The creation, operation, alteration, and cessation of every action and function in an organization -- whether within the private, public, or voluntary sector -- all consume economic resources. Measuring, accumulating, and assigning those resources to the organization’s various processes and outputs allows the structure and operation of the organization to be explained, understood, and improved. Costing, the accounting term that embraces these processes and expresses them using money as a common language, lies at the heart of managerial accountancy and, exercised intelligently, is among the most powerful disciplines available to professional accountants. Costing contributes to an understanding of how profits and value are created, and how efficiently and effectively operational processes transform input into output. It can be applied to resource, process, product/service, customer, and channel related information covering the organization and its value chain. Costing information can be used to provide feedback on past performance, and to motivate and change future performance. Costing is thus an essential tool in creating shareholder and stakeholder value. Given its importance and breadth of scope, it is unsurprising that many different costing methods exist, both in the literature and in practice. This can create confusion and uncertainty for managers, to need a sufficient understanding of sound costing principles to be able to select and apply useful approaches. Beyond the scope of many research papers and books that emphasize the role of professional accountants who are working in globally competitive arena. This analysis provides empirical advances to the organization by encouraging and facilitating the global development and exchange of knowledge and best practices to assesses and improve costing in organizations.
Transepithelial elimination in sarcoidosis: a frequent finding

Background Transepithelial elimination is a process by which dermal materials are expelled through an active epithelial-dermal connective tissue interaction. It has been described as a regular or sporadic occurrence in a variety of dermatologic conditions, including sarcoidosis. Observation Our patient demonstrated a rare presentation of sarcoidosis involving the genital region, with histopathologic evidence of transepithelial elimination of granulomas. This prompted us to conduct the first case series documenting the frequency of transepithelial elimination in sarcoidosis. Methods Slides of skin biopsies from patients (n = 50) with cutaneous sarcoidosis from the University of Alabama at Birmingham were evaluated for transepithelial elimination. Transepithelial elimination was defined as epithelial channel formation with a sarcoidal-type granuloma completely surrounded by squamous epithelium on the section examined. Results Transepithelial elimination was found in 9 of 50 cases (18%). Conclusion This is the first report of transepithelial elimination in a lesion of sarcoidosis localized to the vulvar area, and one of only six reports in the English literature documenting cutaneous sarcoidosis with histopathologic evidence of transepithelial elimination. These reports are reviewed herein. Surprisingly, the results from this case series indicate that transepithelial elimination is more common in cutaneous sarcoidosis than one may surmise from the current literature.
EFFECTS OF ADVANCED WEIGHT TRAINING ON BODY-CATHEXIS AND SELF-ESTEEM

27 college students participated in an advanced weight-training course while a control group of 30 completed a physical education major theory course. Both groups were administered the Rosenberg Se...
Metal-Carbon Bonds in Nature

In contrast to most metabolic processes, but similar to some industrial catalysts, vitamin B12 contains a cobalt-active species and is sometimes referred to as “nature9s organometallic catalyst.” Kovacs et al. provide background and commentary to accompany the research report by Kumar et al. (p. 628) describing a second organometallic intermediate in biology—an active nickel species that serves as a precursor to acetic acid through its reaction with carbon monoxide and acetyl-CoA synthase.