cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study protocol: Community Links to Establish Alcohol Recovery (CLEAR) for women leaving jail.

Abstract Purpose This article describes the protocol for a randomized effectiveness trial of a method to link alcohol use disordered women who are in pretrial jail detention with post-release 12-step mutual help groups. Background Jails serve 15 times more people per year than do prisons and have very short stays, posing few opportunities for treatment or treatment planning. Alcohol use is associated with poor post-jail psychosocial and health outcomes including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, especially for women. At least weekly 12-step self-help group attendance in the months after release from jail has been associated with improvements in alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences. Linkage strategies improve 12-step attendance and alcohol outcomes among outpatients, but have not previously been tested in criminal justice populations. Design In the intervention condition, a 12-step volunteer meets once individually with an incarcerated woman while she is in jail and arranges to be in contact after release to accompany her to 12-step meetings. The control condition provides schedules for local 12-step meetings. Outcomes include percent days abstinent from alcohol ( primary ), 12-step meeting involvement, and fewer unprotected sexual occasions ( secondary ) after release from jail. We hypothesize that (Minton, 2015) 12-step involvement will mediate the intervention's effect on alcohol use, and (O'Brien, 2001) percent days abstinent will mediate the intervention's effect on STI/HIV risk-taking outcomes. Research methods accommodate logistical and philosophical hurdles including rapid turnover of commitments and unpredictable release times at the jail, possible post-randomization ineligibility due to sentencing, 12-step principles such as Nonaffiliation, and use of volunteers as interventionists.
Value Stream Mapping of Rope Manufacturing: A Case Study

In today’s competitive market place, manufacturing companies must apply continuous process improvement in order to maintain a returning customer base. One way of achieving constant process improvement is through value stream mapping. Value stream mapping is used to visualize the current processes for easier understanding and problem identification. A well-defined problem statement will ensure a successful outcome of a project improvement process. This research provides a case study performed on a rope manufacturing process. A current state value stream map is created, and the possible improvements are suggested. The implemented results are shown in the form of future state map. The results show that, after waste elimination and structural revision, a manufacturing process becomes more efficient, enabling the customer to receive an order significantly faster.
Founders’ Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln. By Richard Brookhiser. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2014. Pp. xi, 347. $27.99.)

An embarrassment of riches confronts scholars and general readers in the history of the middle period of the nineteenth‐century United States. Due to the 2009 bicentennial of President Abraham Linc...
Clarisse’s Visit at CSLI Stanford, 1991–1992

Clarisse spent several months as a visiting researcher at the Center for the Study of Language and Information (CSLI) at Stanford in 1991–1992. In this chapter, I briefly recount the context of our work at Stanford during that time and relate it with Clarisse's own research interests. She recognized that help systems are not operating in a world of information, but as part of a semiotic conversation. I believe her visit at CSLI and her discussions with our research group played a role the genesis of her work in semiotic engineering.
Family and cultural contexts of parental discipline and children’s adjustment: Introduction to the special section

A special section of the International Journal of Behavioral Development (IJBD) devoted to the topic ‘Family and Cultural Contexts of Parental Discipline and Children’s Adjustment.’
Playful programming: introductory computer science using simple computer games and the freely-available, networked game engine: K-12 special session

This half-day workshop introduces the Freely-Available, Networked Game Engine (FANG Engine or just FANG). FANG is a pedagogical game engine, written in Java, designed to support beginning programmers in high school or college CS1 courses. FANG has been used successfully with several hundred students in various locations around the world.
Investigating surface effects of GaN nanowires using confocal microscopy at below-band gap excitation

We analyze the microscopic origins of subgap photoexcitations of individual gallium nitride (GaN) triangular cross-section nanowires (NWs), which are highly photoactive over a broadband spectral range. Using confocal hyperspectral photoluminescence (PL) microscopy, mid-gap states on the NWs were excited using subgap illumination, resulting in two distinct PL spectra corresponding to the polar (0001) and the semipolar $\left({\bar 1101} \right)/\left({1\bar 101} \right)$ surfaces. Emission spectra are well represented by Gaussian functions with fitted centers of 1.99 ± 0.01 eV and 2.26 ± 0.01 eV, respectively. PL collected from the end facets exhibits interference fringes and a relative blue shift. Furthermore, the PL spectrum shifts strongly to the blue when the excitation intensity is increased. These observations are consistent with a qualitative model in which the PL results from excitation into a broad manifold of surface-associated states which are rapidly populated at a high excitation intensity and can couple to etalon modes via longitudinal photon emission.
High-pressure shock compression processing of Nickel-Aluminides

Chemical reactions initiated by the passage of shock-waves through Ni and Al powder mixtures, are used for the synthesis of nickel aluminides. The extent of reaction and product structure are dependent on the intensity of shock compression processing conditions and initial powder packing density. The shock synthesis criterion and process mechanisms will be discussed based on one- and two-dimensional shock-loading effects.
Targeting a conserved epitope: A new chink in malaria’s armor

Human monoclonal antibodies targeting a specific epitope of the antigen from Plasmodium falciparum show protection in mice and may offer long-lasting therapies against malaria.
In the Data Kitchen: A Review (a design fiction on data science)

The story "In the Data Kitchen" appeared online in 2017, and went viral, receiving an astonishing degree of attention for an unattributed work with obscure origins. We review this provocative fiction, discussing its evident resonance with societal concerns and ongoing discussions of big-data ethics.
Parental sex effect of parthenogenesis on progeny production and performance of Chinese Painted Quail (Coturnix chinensis).

Embryonic development of an unfertilized egg, parthenogenesis, is known to occur in Chinese Painted quail. However, selection for parthenogenesis in both the dam and sire leads to a reduction in hatchability following mating. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if selection for parthenogenesis in the dam, sire, or both also impact their progeny performance. There were 2 lines of birds used in this trial: 1 line selected for parthenogenesis and 1 line not selected for parthenogenesis (control) yielding breeding pairs as follows: control dams + control sires (CC), control dams + parthenogenetic sires (CP), parthenogenetic dams + control sires (PC), and parthenogenetic dams + parthenogenetic sires (PP). For all progeny, a dam line main effect revealed that the parthenogenetic line dams had heavier offspring hatch weight and 4 wk body weight as well as higher 1st wk chick mortality versus control line dams. However, control line dams had the highest 4th wk chick mortality versus parthenogenetic line dams. In female virgin progeny, a dam by sire interaction revealed that PP, PC, and CP had the heaviest 1st egg in the clutch position versus CC. Also, eggs from PP had the highest number of eggs and the most female progeny exhibiting parthenogenesis versus CC. There was a linear increase in egg weight as clutch position increased for progeny from PP and CC yet a linear decline for CP. In conclusion, it appears that both the dam and sire selected for parthenogenesis impact progeny performance as parthenogenetic dams and sires additively contribute to the degree of parthenogenesis exhibited by virgin female progeny. Moreover, because parthenogenesis is known to exist in the modern poultry industry, even the accidental selection of the parthenogenetic trait in either males or females could have a negative impact on overall chick production and performance.
Definition of the Problem

The gross dimensions of the problem facing workers in the nutritional field are well known, but definition of the problem is difficult.
The abnormally large follicle during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: management and outcome of the cycle *

Objective To investigate if the presence of an abnormally large follicle during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) under pituitary suppression has any effect on the outcome of the cycle. Design Prospective, observational. Setting The reproductive endocrinology unit of a university hospital. Patients One hundred fifty patients undergoing COH for assisted reproductive techniques during a 6-month period (August 1990 to January 1991). Interventions Transvaginal follicular aspiration and IVF-uterine ET. Results A total of 19cycles had abnormally large follicles identified on day 8 of the stimulation cycle after normal baseline ultrasound. Gonadotropins were continued and hCG injection was indicated when two or more follicles of the main cohort achieved a diameter of 20 to 22mm. Twenty preovulatory oocytes were retrieved from 22 large follicles. Two were transferred for GIFT and 18 were inseminated in vitro, resulting in a 72.0% fertilization rate. The mean number of oocytes retrieved per patient was 10.9, 71.4% of which were mature with a fertilization rate of 67.7%. All these figures were comparable with the results obtained in the 131 patients of the control group undergoing IVF. No evidence of premature luteinization was observed in the study group, based on plasma P levels (×0.83ng/mL [conversion factor to SI unit, 3.180], range 0.31 to 1.40ng/mL). The clinical pregnancy rate for the group with abnormally large follicles did not differ from the control group (27.8% versus 28.2%, respectively). Conclusions The presence of an abnormally large follicle during COH under pituitary suppression does not affect the outcome of the cycle. Moreover, under these conditions, continuous gonadotropin stimulation of a follicle to diameters considerably larger than the standard ones does not have a detrimental effect on the oocyte contained in it, suggesting that oocyte aging is an independent process from follicular growth once LH surge is prevented.
A06 Plenary Lecture 2 : Cryosurgery as the anti-christ of cryopreservation

This presentation will attempt to relate some fundamental aspects of cryobiology to the problems of cryosurgery. Much understanding of the fundamentals has come from studies on cryopreservation, but cryopreservation and cryosurgery differ in important ways aside from their ultimate aims. The following are the topics to be discussed: A. Extrinsic factors or variables: • Extracellular medium • Cooling rate • Can be constant in cryopreservation • * Can not be constant in cryosurgical freezing • Temperature • Minimum temperature • Usually uniform in cryopreservation • Can not be uniform in cryosurgical freezing • Time at subzero temperature • Warming rate • Number of repeat freezing thawing cycles B. Physical events: • Extra-cellular and inter-cellular ice formation • Osmotic dehydration • Permeation of permeating solutes • Cell supercoiling • Is cell position perturbed by ice front? • Intracellular ice formation • Vitrification • Recrystallization of ice • Post-thaw osmotic excursions C. Intrinsic cellular factors • Cell size • Permeability to water • Permeability to solutes. • Possession of aquaporins or not • Chill sensitivity • Sensitivity to osmotic excursions D. Major differences between: Cryopreservation freezing Cryosurgical freezing Cooling is from outside-In Cooling is from inside-out All parts of the system reach equilibrium with temperature of −196 °C throughout System reaches steady state with temps.varying from −160 °C near probe to −0.5 °C at ice-ball surface Cryoprotective agents are always added Cryoprotective agents are never added. But.. Survivals of ⩾50% are usually acceptable Survivals of
Improved technique for measuring the ball volume removed in a ball-on-disk test

The volume removed from a ball as it slides against an abrasive surface is usually estimated by assuming that the wear scar formed on the ball is flat and circular and that the ball undergoes no plastic deformation. We show that these assumptions can lead to large errors. A simple alternative, in which we integrate the surface profile of the ball after wear, is demonstrated. This approach gives accurate results for wear scars that are not flat or circular, and it distinguishes plastic deformation from material removal.
Public perception of DDS versus DMD degrees.

There are currently two degrees awarded to dental graduates from U.S. dental schools. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the level of confusion among lay personnel concerning these degrees and (2) to identify and explore any basis for any public opinion. Five hundred and twenty-four lay persons were interviewed in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Chi-square analyses were employed to determine the effects of gender, frequency of dental visits, types of dental insurance, education level, age, income, and race on public perception of the DDS and DMD degrees. Fewer than 20% of those interviewed knew that a DDS and DMD received the same level of training. Of those who indicated there was a difference in training, 69% felt that DMDs had more training than DDSs. Since the majority of lay persons were confused about the two degrees, the establishment of one unified dental degree may contribute to a better public understanding of the education and capabilities of dentists.
Push, Pull, Tap and Switch: Understanding the Career Decisions of Charter School Leaders

Most research focuses on principal mobility generally, but little assesses charter leadership specifically. This exploratory study examines how leaders in stand-alone and charter management affilia...
Systemic response of coated-platelet and peripheral blood inflammatory cell indices after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and long-term clinical outcome.

Abstract Purpose Post-hemorrhage period after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has several systemic manifestations including prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory states. Inter-relationship between these states using established/routine laboratory biomarkers and its long-term effect on clinical outcome is not well-defined. Materials and methods Retrospective analysis of prospective cohort of 44 aSAH patients. Trend of procoagulant biomarkers [coated-platelets, mean platelet volume to platelet count (MPV:PLT)] and peripheral inflammatory biomarkers [platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-platelet ratio (NLR)] were analyzed using regression analysis. Occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), modified Rankin score (mRS) of 3–6 and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) of Results Patients with worse mRS and MoCA score had higher rise in coated-platelet compared to those with better scores [20.4 (IQR: 15.6, 32.9) vs. 10.95 (IQR: 6.1, 18.9), p = 0.003] and [16.9 (IQR: 13.4, 28.1) vs. 10.95 (IQR: 6.35, 18.65), p = 0.02] respectively. NLR and PLR trends showed significant initial decline followed by a gradual rise in NLR among those without DCI as compared to persistent low levels in those developing DCI (0.13 units/day vs. -0.07 units/day, p = 0.06). Conclusions Coated-platelet rise after aSAH is associated with adverse long-term clinical outcome. NLR and PLR trends show an early immune-depressed state after aSAH.
Quantum Hall quarks or Short distance physics of quantized Hall fluids

In order to obtain a local description of the short distance physics of fractionally quantized Hall states for realistic (e.g. Coulomb) interactions, I propose to view the zeros of the ground state wave function, as seen by an individual test electron from far away, as particles. I then present evidence in support of this interpretation, and argue that the electron effectively decomposes into quark-like constituent particles of fractional charge.
Manganese Levels in Plant-based Diets May Exceed U.S. Dietary Recommendations-an Examination of the Ornish and DASH Diets (P24-011-19)

Objectives Manganese (Mn) is a dietary mineral critical for life, yet high levels of Mn can lead to symptoms of toxicity. The Mn content in food varies considerably and is most concentrated in plant-based foods, whole grains, legumes, nuts, etc. The adult adequate intake (AI) for Mn is 1.8 mg/day for women and 2.3 mg/day for men while the tolerable upper intake level (UL) is 11 mg/day for men and women. Mn absorption and bioavailability of Mn is affected by an individual's nutrition status and dietary factors. When Fe status is low Fe absorption is enhanced, subsequently increasing Mn absorption as well. Increasing evidence in support of the heart health benefits of plant-based diets has led to a rise in medically prescribed modern diets such as the Ornish diet. By design, this and other plant-based diets have a higher propensity to include Mn-rich foods. It is hypothesized that the average Mn content of the plant-based, Ornish diet will be significantly higher than that of the omnivorous Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The objective of this research study is to assess the Mn levels in medically prescribed diets and compare them to current dietary standards.
Abstract 2762: Development of a novel peptide-formed nanoparticle for pancreatic cancer treatment

Background and objective: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common malignant tumor of pancreas with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Surgical operation is an curable treatment, however, only 10-20% of patients with PDAC are respectable at diagnosis. Taking advantage of the progression in nanoparticle study, we developed a novel peptide-formed nanoparticle (PF-Nano) and investigate its therapeutic effect in PDAC treatment. Methods: Phage display peptide library was used to screen a high-affinity tumor-homing peptide (THP) for pancreatic cancer (PC) cells. Ligation of THP with cell penetrating peptide was used to prepare a tandem peptide, which automatically formed a nanoparticle. We used this PF-Nano as a vehicle to load and deliver siRNA.Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was employed to define nanoparticle size; and fluorescence imaging was applied to assess PF-Nano siRNA delivery efficiency. In vitro, we used MTT assay and colony formation to evaluate cell growth; wound healing assay to detect cell migration, and flow cytometry to evaluate cell cycle and apoptosis. Therapeutic effect was evaluated by measuring final tumor weight in the mice receiving different treatments. qPCR and Western Blot (WB) were used to detect gene expression in mRNA and protein level. Immunoprecipitation in combination with mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence were used to identify THP’s ligands. Results: The screened peptide has a high-affinity with PC cells. DLS identified evenly distributed PF-Nano with a diameter of approximately 230nm. Detection of fluorescence signal from labeled siRNAs in PC cells and tumor tissue suggested that PF-Nano owned the capacity to successfully deliver siRNA in vitro and in vivo. In vitro treatment with PF-Nano significantly suppressed PC cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Also it caused cycle arrest in S phase (DNA synthesis) and increase in cell apoptosis. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with PF-Nano by intraperitoneal injection markedly suppressed tumor growth, evidenced by the reduction of tumor weight to 25% relevant to that in control mice without treatment. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry revealed that protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit gamma (PP1C) was a potential binding target of the specific THP. Mechanistically, PF-Nano treatment strongly suppressed RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT) phosphorylation, suggesting PP1-AKT signal pathway may be responsible for peptide effect in pancreatic tumor. Conclusion: The established PF-Nano is able to specifically deliver siRNAs to PC tumors and therapeutically suppresses PC tumor growth. Citation Format: Qiongling Wang, Kevin F. Staveley-O’Carroll, Guangfu Li. Development of a novel peptide-formed nanoparticle for pancreatic cancer treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2762.
Universities engaging social media users: an investigation of quantitative relationships between universities’ Facebook followers/interactions and university attributes

Social media is an important component of a university’s marketing plan. It has become one of the most efficient and cost-effective avenues for reaching a large, targeted population, which makes kn...
High-Throughput Yeast Aging Analysis for Cryptococcus (HYAAC) microfluidic device streamlines aging studies in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is a deadly fungal pathogen responsible for ~ 180,000 deaths per year and despite effective antifungals, treatment failure and resistance to antifungals are increasingly problematic. Aging and age-related phenotypes are prominent virulence traits that contribute to the resilience of Cn to host responses and antifungals. Traditional methods to study aging in Cn are expensive, inefficient and in need of improvement. Here, we demonstrate the development and use of a High-Throughput Yeast Aging Analysis for Cryptococcus (HYAAC) microfluidic device to better study aging and age-associated genes in Cn. Compared to traditional methods, the HYAAC is superior in its efficiency to isolate, manipulate and observe old cells for analysis. It allows for the trapping and tracking of individual cells over the course of their lifespan, allowing for more precise measurements of lifespan, tracking of age-related phenotypes with age, and a more high-throughput ability to investigate genes associated with aging. Orner et al. develops a microfluidic device called High-Throughput Yeast Aging Analysis for Cryptococcus (HYAAC) that can be used to measure lifespan, cell death, and dynamics of gene expression changes across age. This device may streamline aging studies in Cryptococcus neoformans and facilitate investigations in yeast pathogens.
Endoscopy Tower Setup and Troubleshooting

An understanding of endoscope function and endoscopy tower setup is required for safe and successful endoscopy. In this chapter we review the basics of endoscope design and function, endoscope tower setup and troubleshooting, as well as patient positioning and endoscopy suite organization. Setup specifics are included for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Calculating canopy stomatal conductance from eddy covariance measurements, in light of the energy budget closure problem

Abstract. Canopy stomatal conductance (gsV) is commonly estimated from eddy covariance (EC) measurements of latent heat flux (LE) by inverting the Penman-Monteith (PM) equation. That method implicitly represents the sensible heat flux (H) as the residual of all other terms in the site energy budget – even though H is measured at least as accurately as LE at every EC site while the rest of the energy budget almost never is. We argue that gsV should instead be calculated from EC measurements of both H and LE, using the flux-gradient formulation that defines conductance and underlies the PM equation. The flux-gradient formulation dispenses with unnecessary assumptions, is conceptually simpler, and provides more accurate values of gsV for all plausible scenarios in which the measured energy budget fails to close, as is common at EC sites. The PM equation, on the other hand, contributes biases and erroneous spatial and temporal patterns to gsV, skewing its relationships with drivers such as light and vapor pressure deficit. To minimize the impact of the energy budget closure problem on the PM equation, it was previously proposed that the eddy fluxes should be corrected to close the long-term energy budget while preserving the Bowen ratio (B = H/LE). We show that such a flux correction does not fully remedy the PM equation but should produce accurate values of gsV when combined with the flux-gradient formulation.
Trajectory Prediction of a Model Rocket Falling into the Towing Tank: Experimental Tests versus Numerical Simulations

AbstractThe SpaceX company has introduced a reusable first stage rocket that lands on a floating barge. In the event that the first stage rocket falls off the platform, the investigation of landing...
Efficient Low-Temperature Cycling of Lithium Metal Anodes by Tailoring the Solid-Electrolyte Interphase

Operation of Li-ion batteries below −20 °C is hindered by low electrolyte conductivity and sluggish solid-state diffusion in electrodes. Li metal anodes show promise for low-temperature operation, ...
A comparison of methods of assessing cue combination during navigation

Mobile organisms make use of spatial cues to navigate effectively in the world, such as visual and self-motion cues. Over the past decade, researchers have investigated how human navigators combine spatial cues, and whether cue combination is optimal according to statistical principles, by varying the number of cues available in homing tasks. The methodological approaches employed by researchers have varied, however. One important methodological difference exists in the number of cues available to the navigator during the outbound path for single-cue trials. In some studies, navigators have access to all spatial cues on the outbound path and all but one cue is eliminated prior to execution of the return path in the single-cue conditions; in other studies, navigators only have access to one spatial cue on the outbound and return paths in the single-cue conditions. If navigators can integrate cues along the outbound path, single-cue estimates may be contaminated by the undesired cue, which will in turn affect the predictions of models of optimal cue integration. In the current experiment, we manipulated the number of cues available during the outbound path for single-cue trials, while keeping dual-cue trials constant. This variable did not affect performance in the homing task; in particular, homing performance was better in dual-cue conditions than in single-cue conditions and was statistically optimal. Both methodological approaches to measuring spatial cue integration during navigation are appropriate.
Cap and Gap: The Fiscal Effects of Property Tax Levy Limits in New York

This is the first study to examine the fiscal effects of the New York property tax levy limit, using variation from the degree of fiscal stringency across school districts and over time in its firs...
Fair trade rebels: coffee production & struggles for autonomy in Chiapas: by Lindsay Naylor, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2019, 262 pp., US $27 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-5179-0578-1

More than two decades have passed since the movement known as ‘fair trade’ burst onto the scene. Fair trade began as an effort to ameliorate injustices in global food systems (especially coffee) by...
An efficient method for modeling terrain and complex terrain boundaries in constrained wind farm layout optimization

Abstract A novel and efficient approach for modeling irregular domain boundaries and enforcing complex land-based constraints in wind farm layout optimization is presented. The presented method can be used to enforce constraints and represent complex domains for which an analytical expression is not available. The developed approach uses support vector domain description to obtain an analytical expression of the domain from data points sampled from the various regions for wind turbine placements. Such an analytical, continuous, differentiable description can then be used for wind farm layout optimization using gradient based and non-gradient based optimization algorithms. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on a wind farm layout optimization problem where several regions of the terrain were restricted. The method was shown to accurately and efficiently model regular, irregular, convex, non-convex and discontinuous domains/regions using only scattered data sampled from the domains. An efficient method for terrain modeling and interpolation is also presented. The proposed interpolation method uses quadtree decomposition to decompose the large interpolation problem into several smaller interpolation problems thereby reducing the complexity of the interpolation. The framework developed (libSVDD) is also made publicly available.
Do Managers Time Securitization Transactions to Obtain Accounting Benefits

ABSTRACT: Relative to recording securitizations as collateralized borrowings, the “gain on sale” treatment has several accounting benefits such as reducing leverage, increasing earnings, and improving efficiency. We investigate whether managers engage in real transaction management to take advantages of these benefits. We predict that in order to maximize financial statement window‐dressing, managers will engage in securitizations toward the end of the quarter. We find that 41 percent of the quarter's transactions occur in the third month of the quarter and almost half of these occur in the last five days of the quarter. In addition, we show that when firms report securitization gains sufficient to beat earnings thresholds, the securitization transactions are more likely to have occurred in the last five days of the quarter. We also document that the impact of securitizations on leverage is large and material for many firms. Our results suggest that window‐dressing the financial statements appears to be a...
Clinical utility of the GAD-7 in identifying anxiety disorders after traumatic brain injury

To determine if the GAD-7 provides incremental value, predicting a final diagnosis of an anxiety disorder after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Retrospective analysis of archival data of 100 patients...
Vibrational exciton delocalization precludes the use of infrared intensities as proxies for surfactant accumulation on aqueous surfaces

Surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopy is a common tool for measuring molecular organization and intermolecular interactions at interfaces. Peak intensity ratios are typically used to extract molecular information from one-dimensional spectra but vibrational coupling between surfactant molecules can manifest as signal depletion in one-dimensional spectra. Through a combination of experiment and theory, we demonstrate the emergence of vibrational exciton delocalization in infrared reflection–absorption spectra of soluble and insoluble surfactants at the air/water interface. Vibrational coupling causes a significant decrease in peak intensities corresponding to C–F vibrational modes of perfluorooctanoic acid molecules. Vibrational excitons also form between arachidic acid surfactants within a compressed monolayer, manifesting as signal reduction of C–H stretching modes. Ionic composition of the aqueous phase impacts surfactant intermolecular distance, thereby modulating vibrational coupling strength between surfactants. Our results serve as a cautionary tale against employing alkyl and fluoroalkyl vibrational peak intensities as proxies for concentration, although such analysis is ubiquitous in interface science.
Association of pharmacist prescription and 12-month contraceptive continuation rates.

Background States have passed legislation to expand the scope of pharmacists to directly prescribe contraception. It is thought that pharmacist prescription of contraception may promote correct and consistent use of contraception by reducing barriers to access. However, it is not known how this may impact ongoing contraceptive use. Objective This study aimed to determine whether 12-month rates of continuation of an effective form of contraception or perfect use of contraception differ by prescribing provider (pharmacist or clinician). Study Design We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort study of 388 women seeking contraception in 139 pharmacies across 4 states (California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon). Our study was powered to detect a 10% difference in 12-month continuation of an effective form of contraception. We clarified women’s pregnancy intention at baseline and subsequent follow-ups. Women received a prescription directly from a pharmacist (n=149) or were filling a prescription from a clinician, our comparison group (n=239). We used multivariable logistic regression to measure the association between pharmacist prescriber and use of any effective contraceptive method or perfect use at 12 months. Model covariates included age, race, education, side effects experienced, payor, and contraceptive supply dispensed at baseline. Results Of the study cohort, 88% (n=340) completed 12 months of follow-up. Among women not planning to become pregnant, 7 women in the clinic-prescribed group vs 1 woman in the pharmacy-prescribed group (3.4% vs 0.8%; P>.05) reported a positive pregnancy test during the study period. The majority of the cohort was continuing to use an effective method of contraception at 12 months (clinician 89.3% vs pharmacist 90.4%; P=.86). Among women receiving a prescription from a clinician, 53.9% reported perfect use (no missed days) at 12 months, compared with 47% of the pharmacist-prescribed group (P=.69). Pharmacist prescriber type was not associated with continuation of an effective contraceptive method at 12 months (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70; confidence interval, 0.28–1.71) or with perfect use of contraception (adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; confidence interval, 0.51–1.48), controlling for other woman-level characteristics. Conclusion We found no difference in use of any effective contraception, perfect use, or switching at 12 months among those who received their baseline prescription from a pharmacist vs a clinician. This study is limited by not examining information on safety outcomes.
Rethinking the Relationship between Religion and Politics: A Test of the Life Cycle Theory

Surveys show that Democrats are less religious than Republicans. Academics and causal observers alike assume that this pattern has arisen because religious beliefs influence political identities. But, might political identities also affect religious beliefs? In this paper, I show that religious attitudes both shape and are shaped by political identities. I develop a theory that explains when and why partisanship ought to affect religious attitudes by drawing on the religious and political socialization literatures. Briefly, partisanship typically crystallizes in adolescence and early adulthood, which is the very time when religion is typically on the back burner for most individuals. As young people emerge into adulthood, however, they must decide whether to remain on the outskirts of religion or re-enter the religious realm. Political identity, which for many has been solidified since young adulthood, can help shape this new religious identity. Using both a natural and an Internet experiment to test my theory, I find that when people are in the process of raising children – a time that often pulls them back into the religious fold – their partisanship changes their reported religious behavior. In contrast to the common assumption that one’s religious beliefs drive political attitudes in a unidirectional fashion, I find that the relationship also works in the other direction. Although many bemoan religion’s role in creating a polarized political arena, this blame may be unfairly assigned as partisans themselves help produce an increasingly polarized electorate.
UDP-glucose:glycogen alpha-4-glucosyltransferase I kinase activity of purified muscle protein kinase. Cyclic nucleotide specificity.

Abstract A purified protein kinase obtained from rabbit skeletal muscle catalyzed the conversion of transferase I to transferase D. The same enzyme preparation also activated phosphorylase b kinase (phosphorylase b kinase kinase activity) and catalyzed the phosphorylation of casein. Under the conditions employed the transferase I kinase activity was essentially dependent upon cyclic AMP. The K A value of cyclic AMP for transferase I kinase activity was 70 nM. The activation was quite specific for cyclic AMP. Changing the base moiety (cyclic GMP, cyclic CMP or cyclic UMP) increased the K A value 60–100-fold. The binding was even more adversely affected by changes in the ribose moiety (cyclic dAMP and cyclic TMP). The maximum activation for all of the 3′,5′-cyclic nucleotides studied varied only about 20%. A 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphate group appeared to be a requirement for activation as 2′, 3′-cyclic AMP, 3′-AMP and 5′ AMP were without activity
Competing while shopping

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to better understand the experiences of women who were engaged in a competitive retail shopping event.Design/methodology/approach – This study employed the discovery‐oriented grounded theory approach, in order to interpret field data from observations and interviews from 30 women who participated in a bridal gown sale event.Findings – This paper exposes the manner in which the women shoppers shifted from competitive mindsets and behaviors, to cooperative ones, with other women shoppers. Four complimentary “trajectories” help explain how this takes place by demonstrating that the women progressed through mindsets of competition, co‐opetition, cooperation, and charity. The course of this process occurs within the realm of highly dynamic environments, which help foster the women's changing behaviors. The experiences of our participants converged such that this process of competition‐cooperation contributed to positive experiential value of the shopping trip.Research lim...
Kv1 channels control spike threshold dynamics and spike timing in cortical pyramidal neurones

Previous studies showed that cortical pyramidal neurones (PNs) have a dynamic spike threshold that functions as a high-pass filter, enhancing spike timing in response to high-frequency input. While it is commonly assumed that Na(+) channel inactivation is the primary mechanism of threshold accommodation, the possible role of K(+) channel activation in fast threshold changes has not been well characterized. The present study tested the hypothesis that low-voltage activated Kv1 channels affect threshold dynamics in layer 2-3 PNs, using α-dendrotoxin (DTX) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) to block these conductances. We found that Kv1 blockade reduced the dynamic changes of spike threshold in response to a variety of stimuli, including stimulus-evoked synaptic input, current steps and ramps of varied duration, and noise. Analysis of the responses to noise showed that Kv1 channels increased the coherence of spike output with high-frequency components of the stimulus. A simple model demonstrates that a dynamic spike threshold can account for this effect. Our results show that the Kv1 conductance is a major mechanism that contributes to the dynamic spike threshold and precise spike timing of cortical PNs.
Between a Rock and a Popular Music Survey Course: Technological Frames and Historical Narratives in Rock Music

This essay contends that drastic changes to the production and circulation of popular music over the past decade necessitate a reevaluation of undergraduate popular music pedagogy. It argues that frames and narratives derived from rock music originally used for popular music courses beginning in the 1980s no longer reflect contemporary practices, risking anachronistic course designs that fail to account for student experience. Through a discussion of pedagogical strategy in my introductory undergraduate popular music course, I detail how a materialist perspective based on technological change can both account for student experience and teach rock (and other genres) as historically delimited popular music forms.
A robust digital watermark procedure for still images using DCT phase modulation

A digital watermark is a short sequence of information containing an owner identity or copyright information embedded in a way that is difficult to erase. We present a new oblivious digital watermarking method for copyright protection of still images. The technique is based on modifying the sign of a subset of low frequency DCT magnitude coefficients. The embedding process is adaptive and maintains a compromise between robustness and imperceptibility. A major advantage of the technique is its complete suppression of the noise due to the host image. The robustness of the technique to a number of standard image processing attacks is demonstrated using the criteria of the latest StirMark benchmark test.
To clamp or not to clamp during partial nephrectomy.

Simply put, the benefit of partial nephrectomy (PN) in renal mass patients, compared with radical nephrectomy (RN), is preservation of renal function. This advantage is paramount in patients with imperative situations (bilateral renal tumors, solitary kidney, or impaired baseline renal function) but can also be a decided advantage in elective situations for those who subsequently develop either chronic kidney disease or a contralateral tumor. Within the past decade, multiple observations suggested that PN was associated with improved overall survival compared with RN, with the hypothesis that protection of renal function was responsible for apparently improved outcomes. An overall survival benefit for PN was additionally supported by meta-analyses and multiple institutional series comparing PN and RN for patients with benign renal
Actinomycetes-like organisms in wearers of intrauterine contraceptive devices

The presence of actinomycetelike organisms in cervicovaginal fast smears from women wearing an IUD is reported. Culture of 3 smears from IUD users showed the organisms to be Actinomyces israelii. 8 other cultures from IUD users were studied with fluorescein-conjugated antisera to Actinomyces israelii and the same conclusion was reached. In most of the cases of smears with antinomycetes the majority of the organisms were superficially located around the IUD on the surface of the endometrium. In some cases the organisms were found in pelvic abscesses. Although the presence of these organisms probably represent an infestation of the lower genital tract they may lead to tuboovarian abscesses or dissemination of the infection.
Turbulence, fractals, and mixing

Proposals and experimental evidence, from both numerical simulations and laboratory experiments, regarding the behavior of level sets in turbulent flows are reviewed. Isoscalar surfaces in turbulent flows, at least in liquid-phase turbulent jets, where extensive experiments have been undertaken, appear to have a geometry that is more complex than (constant-D) fractal. Their description requires an extension of the original, scale-invariant, fractal framework that can be cast in terms of a variable (scale-dependent) coverage dimension, Dd(λ). The extension to a scale-dependent framework allows level-set coverage statistics to be related to other quantities of interest. In addition to the pdf of point-spacings (in 1-D), it can be related to the scale-dependent surface-to-volume (perimeter-to-area in 2-D) ratio, as well as the distribution of distances to the level set. The application of this framework to the study of turbulent-jet mixing indicates that isoscalar geometric measures are both threshold and Reynolds-number dependent. As regards mixing, the analysis facilitated by the new tools, as well as by other criteria, indicates enhanced mixing with increasing Reynolds number, at least for the range of Reynolds numbers investigated. This results in a progressively less-complex level-set geometry, at least in liquid-phase turbulent jets, with increasing Reynolds number. In liquid-phase turbulent jets, the spacings in one-dimensional records, as well as the size distribution of individual“islands” and “lakes” in two-dimensional isoscalar slices, are found in accord with lognormal statistics in the inner-scale range. The coverage dimension, D d(λ), derived from such sets is also in accord with lognormal statistics, in the inner-scale range. Preliminary three-dimensional (2-D space 4+ time) isoscalar-surface data provide further evidence of a complex level-set geometrical structure in scalar fields generated by turbulence, at least in the case of turbulent jets.
Computer model for the Zebra fish brain

We are presenting an interdisciplinary Computer Science project (with the Biology Department at Wagner College). A group of faculty and a group of undergraduate students at Wagner College have been studying the microscopic structures of the Zebra-fish brain to better understand how the human brain is affected by the things we do.
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene from Zymomonas mobilis: cloning, sequencing, and identification of promoter region.

Abstract The gene encoding glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was isolated from a library of Zymomonas mobilis DNA fragments by complementing a deficient strain of Escherichia coli. It contained tandem promoters which were recognized by E. coli but appeared to function less efficiently than the enteric lac promoter in E. coli. The open reading frame for this gene encoded 337 amino acids with an aggregate molecular weight of 36,099 (including the N-terminal methionine). The primary amino acid sequence for this gene had considerable functional homology and amino acid identity with other eucaryotic and bacterial genes. Based on this comparison, the gap gene from Z. mobilis appeared to be most closely related to that of the thermophilic bacteria and to the chloroplast isozymes. Comparison of this gene with other glycolytic enzymes from Z. mobilis revealed a conserved pattern of codon bias and several common features of gene structure. A tentative transcriptional consensus sequence is proposed for Z. mobilis based on comparison of the five known promoters for three glycolytic enzymes.
Behavior, Genetic Influences on

Studies of twins have established that individual differences in intelligence, personality, and psychopathology are strongly associated with genetic variations. Environmental variations are also important. Keywords: heritability; intelligence; personality; psychopathology; evolution