cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Venture Capitalists Influence the Decision to Manage Earnings in Initial Public Offerings

Prior studies suggest that VCs play a monitoring role. We predict and find that IPO-year abnormal accruals are lower in the presence of VCs for a sample of 2630 IPO firms during 1983-2001. Our findings are robust to controls for the endogenous choice of VC financing. We consistently find that the VC effect holds even when controlling for IPO lock-up provisions, VC partial cashing out subsequent to the IPO, and alternative proxies for earnings management. In addition, our findings do not support the claims of critics that VCs inflated earnings during the internet IPO bubble. Finally, we provide some evidence that the lower earnings management associated with VC monitoring partially explains the superior post-IPO returns of VC-backed firms.
Understanding technology: new concepts for air classification in waste processing and resource recovery

It is noted that mechanical separation of municipal solid waste for resource recovery or waste-to-energy production, while viewed with great optimism in the early 1970s, has failed to receive widespread application in the 1990s. Using mechanical separation as a focus, it has been possible at Duke University to educate engineers to be more effective in addressing solid waste management problems in particular and problems in science, engineering, and technology in general. >
Ligand efficiency indices for effective drug discovery

Successful drug discovery requires the optimization of a large number of variables ranging from strictly physicochemical parameters such as molecular weight to more complex parameters related to to...
Growth hormone-releasing peptides and the heart: secretagogues or cardioprotectors?

See article by Iwase et al. [13] in this issue. Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are multifunctional hormones with potent cardiotropic effects in prenatal and postnatal cardiac development. Evidence from animal and clinical studies has documented the beneficial effects of the GH-IGF-1 axis on cardiac hypertrophy and contractile function under conditions of GH deficiency, cardiomyopathy and ischemia reperfusion injury [1]. In rats with heart failure due to myocardial infarction, GH and IGF-1 increased cardiac output and decreased systemic vascular resistance [2]. More recently, Sussman's laboratory demonstrated that cardiac-specific overexpression attenuated dilated cardiomyopathy in tropomodulin-overexpressing transgenic mice and was associated with normalization of left ventricular (LV) mass, increased myocyte number and improved LV end diastolic pressure, d p /d t and −d p /d t [3]. A preliminary, uncontrolled clinical trial with seven patients indicated that GH improved myocardial mass and cardiac output and ventricular mechanical work [4]. However, a later double-blind, placebo-controlled trial … *Tel.: +1-205-934-5742; fax: +1-205-975-9028. lucchesi{at}physiology.uab.edu
Tailoring double negative metamaterial responses to achieve anomalous propagation effects along microstrip transmission lines

Several double negative (DNG) metamaterials, artificial materials with simultaneous negative permittivity and permeability, have been fabricated and tested experimentally at X-band frequencies. These include a negative index of refraction slab matched to free space and a perfect magnetic conducting slab. The basic concepts of propagation in DNG metamaterials, their designs and experimental verifications will be reviewed. These DNG metamaterials may indeed be very suitable for a variety of electromagnetic applications dealing with guided wave environments, sensors, and antennas. The use of a DNG metamaterial to tailor the propagation characteristics of a microstrip transmission line will be described in detail. It will be demonstrated that a DNG-loaded microstrip transmission line segment that exhibits a negative index of refraction can be matched to an ordinary microstrip fine.
Identification and characterization of small RNAs involved in RNA silencing

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a potent trigger of sequence-specific gene silencing mechanisms known as RNA silencing or RNA interference. The recognition of the target sequences is mediated by ribonucleoprotein complexes that contain 21- to 28-nucleotide (nt) guide RNAs derived from processing of the trigger dsRNA. Here, we review the experimental and bioinformatic approaches that were used to identify and characterize these small RNAs isolated from cells and tissues. The identification and characterization of small RNAs and their expression patterns is important for elucidating gene regulatory networks.
Reliability-based design of deep foundations based on differential settlement criterion

Load–displacement analysis of a single deep foundation element can be accomplished by utilizing a soil–structure interaction model, such as the “t–z” model. By combining the soil–structure interact...
Improving the development process for eukaryotic cell cycle models with a modeling support environment

Theoretical molecular biologists attempt to describe cellular processes and regulatory networks with continuous and discrete mathematical models. Previous practice has been to develop models largely by hand and then to validate them primarily by comparing time-series plots versus the observed experimental results. The authors report their experiences in designing and building a modeling support environment for cell cycle models. They describe improvements to the development process for molecular network models by (a) identifying the key elements of the existing modeling process, (b) incorporating simulation methodology into a revised modeling process, and (c) building and testing software that supports the revised modeling process.
A comparison of long-term trends and variability in populations of larvae of exploited and unexploited fishes in the Southern California region: A community approach

Abstract We have constructed an “expert-knowledge classification system” to categorize 309 fish taxa in the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations ichthyoplankton database into primary (coastal, coastal-oceanic, and oceanic) assemblages based on their principal ecological domains and subsequently, secondary assemblages according to the habitat affinities of adults. We examined effects of fishing, climate, adult habitat, and age-at-maturation on long-term variation of fish populations. We tested the hypothesis that populations of unexploited taxa track climatic trends more closely than those of exploited taxa insofar as climatic signals may be confounded by fishing effects. Most oceanic taxa (23/34) showed a significant relationship with environmental variables and followed the trend of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Very few coastal (3/10) and coastal-oceanic (3/23) taxa exhibited a significant relationship with environmental signals; however, several fluctuated coherently, and age-at-maturation is an important factor. The lack of close correlation between fish populations and environmental signals in the coastal and coastal-oceanic assemblages indicates that these species might show nonlinear biological responses to external forcing rather than a simple linear tracking of environmental variables. We did not find a systematic pattern indicating that fishing influenced population fluctuation of exploited species. Constrained comparisons of exploited to unexploited species living in the same habitat and reaching maturity at the same age revealed evidence of overexploitation for some species but not for all. Our results suggest that considering life history and ecological characteristics of fish species and applying a community approach are important in understanding fishing effects on fish populations in the context of a changing environment.
Open-path, quantum cascade-laser-based sensor for high-resolution atmospheric ammonia measurements

Abstract. We demonstrate a compact, open-path, quantum cascade-laser-based atmospheric ammonia sensor operating at 9.06 μm for high-sensitivity, high temporal resolution, ground-based measurements. Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) is a gas-phase precursor to fine particulate matter, with implications for air quality and climate change. Currently, NH3 sensing challenges have led to a lack of widespread in situ measurements. Our open-path sensor configuration minimizes sampling artifacts associated with NH3 surface adsorption onto inlet tubing and reduced pressure sampling cells, as well as condensed-phase partitioning ambiguities. Multi-harmonic wavelength modulation spectroscopy allows for selective and sensitive detection of atmospheric pressure-broadened absorption features. An in-line ethylene reference cell provides real-time calibration (±20% accuracy) and normalization for instrument drift under rapidly changing field conditions. The sensor has a sensitivity and noise-equivalent limit (1σ) of 0.15 ppbv NH3 at 10 Hz, a mass of ~ 5 kg and consumes ~ 50 W of electrical power. The total uncertainty in NH3 measurements is 0.20 ppbv NH3 ± 10%, based on a spectroscopic calibration method. Field performance of this open-path NH3 sensor is demonstrated, with 10 Hz time resolution and a large dynamic response for in situ NH3 measurements. This sensor provides the capabilities for improved in situ gas-phase NH3 sensing relevant for emission source characterization and flux measurements.
Effects of Prolonged Exposure to Darkness on Circadian Photic Responsiveness in the Mouse

Circadian rhythms in mammals are generated by an endogenous pacemaker but are modulated by environmental cycles, principally the alternation of light and darkness. Although much is known about nonparametric effects of light on the circadian system, little is known about other effects of photic stimulation. In the present study, which consists of a series of five experiments in mice, various manipulations of photic stimulation were used to dissect the mechanisms responsible for a variation in the magnitude of light-induced phase-shifts that results from prolonged exposure to darkness. The results confirmed previous observations that prolonged exposure to darkness causes an increase in the magnitude of phase shifts (both phase advances and phase delays) evoked by discrete light pulses. The results also indicated that the increase in responsiveness results from the lack of exposure to light per se and not from collateral effects of exposure to constant darkness such as the lack of previous entrainment. The lack of exposure to light causes the circadian system to undergo a process of dark adaptation similar to dark adaptation in the visual system but with a much slower temporal course. The results suggest that circadian dark adaptation may take place at the retinal level, but it is not clear whether it involves a change in the sensitivity or maximal responsiveness of the system.
MicroRNAs in embryonic stem cells and early embryonic development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of a broad range of biological processes. There is an extensive literature on the roles of miRNAs in metazoan development, from early embryogenesis to lineage commitment, and formation and maturation of cellular subtypes and complex tissues. This review will present the evidence that miRNAs are essential for the earliest stages of metazoan development, including establishment and maintenance of the pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from which all foetal tissues arise. We will also discuss specific miRNAs that have been associated with early embryogenesis and pluripotency. Finally, we will point out evidence showing that there is strong and highly redundant miRNA regulation of a common set of target genes in the early stages of embryonic development and in ESCs.
The clinical risk management of stalking: "someone is watching over me....".

The crime of stalking is the willful, malicious, and repeated following and harassing of another person that threatens his or her safety. The author offers ten guidelines for the clinical risk mana...
3-D Conformal Metasurfaces

This letter presents a method for mapping and fabricating metasurfaces on arbitrary 3-D surfaces. Metasurfaces are used for holographic leaky-wave antennas, reflectarray antennas, coatings for soft horn antennas, artificial magnetic conductors, high-impedance surfaces, frequency selective surfaces, electromagnetic band-gap structures, and surface-wave waveguides. They are typically fabricated as 2-D planar structures by printing a grid of metallic patches on a dielectric substrate, but for some applications, it is desirable to create a metasurface conformal to a 3-D surface. The methods presented here can be used with direct-write printing or with standard printed circuit board (PCB) techniques. The PCB method involves mapping the metasurface to a set of 2-D bands that are laminated to a 3-D substrate. As an example, a 3-D conformal, ellipsoidal, holographic, leaky-wave antenna was designed, fabricated, and measured.
Mindfulness, attention, and flow during music listening: An empirical investigation

This study investigated the effects of a brief mindfulness meditation induction technique on perceived attention, aesthetic response, and flow during music listening as measured by Continuous Response Digital Interface (CRDI) and questionnaire. Participants were students enrolled in music classes or ensembles at a comprehensive university in the southeastern United States (N = 132), and were randomly assigned to one of four groups: mindfulness induction paired with aesthetic response (n = 34), mindfulness induction paired with flow response (n = 35), aesthetic response (n = 32), or flow response (n = 31). Responses to questionnaire items suggests that participants experienced a subjective ‘heightening’ of attention during music listening compared to baseline in all conditions, with no specific modification attributable to the mindfulness task. However, a majority of respondents in the mindfulness groups reported that the task had modified their listening experience by increasing their ability to focus on ...
Equipment design for biosorption studies with microorganisms

Two laboratory devices have been designed for experimental use in biosorption studies involving the uptake and controlled release of elements from encapsulated living cells of microorganisms. The first device is an alginate bead maker capable of producing uniform (1.5 mm diameter) sodium alginate beads with encapsulated microorganisms. The second device is a flow-cell that can subject the encapsulated microorganisms to changing fluids, streaming gaseous microaerophyllic conditions, and which also allows for samples of fluid and beads to be extracted at any time during changing experimental conditions. Both devices are novel and simple in their design, and enable improved accuracy and precise handling of encapsulated specimens with minimal labour and expenditure.
NMR and mutagenesis of human Copper Transporter 1 (hCtr1) show that Cys-189 is required for correct folding and dimerization

The human high-affinity copper transporter (hCtr1) is a membrane protein that is predicted to have three transmembrane helices and two methionine-rich metal binding motifs. As an oligomeric polytopic membrane protein, hCtr1 is a challenging system for experimental structure determination. The results of an initial application of solution-state NMR methods to a truncated construct containing residues 45-190 in micelles and site-directed mutagenesis of the two cysteine residues demonstrate that Cys-189 but not Cys-161 is essential for both dimer formation and proper folding of the protein.
A Sixty-Cycle Bridge for the Study of Radio-Frequency Power Amplifiers

A selective bridge, consisting of three resistive arms and a fourth arm comprising a sinusoidal sixty-cycle voltage, has been devised and applied to the study of radio-frequency power amplifiers. In Part I the measuring circuits are described, and in Part II some typical data on a type 10 tube are presented. The observed linearity of contours of constant plate loss on a diagram plotted to the coordinates of output carrier-frequency voltage and plate-battery voltage is discussed, and a very simple circuit, based on this result and useful for rough measurements, is described.
Preparedness of educational speech-language pathologists to provide services to students with traumatic brain injury

This study used a questionnaire to survey South Carolina's educational speech-language pathologists (SLPs)to determine their perceived knowledge about TBI and their preparedness to provide services...
The Fracture Toughness of Polysilicon Microdevices

The development of polysilicon fracture mechanics specimens with characteristic dimensions comparable to those of typical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices is presented. The notched cantilever specimens are fully integrated with a simultaneously microfabricated electrostatic actuator, which allows on-chip testing of the specimens without the need of an external loading device, and without any possible influences from external sources. Under monotonic loading, the average maximum tensile stress (strength) and average nominal fracture toughness were measured as 4.2 GPa and 3.5 MPa-m½ for boron-doped specimens, and 5.0 GPa and 4.0 MPa-m½ for undoped specimens. An average modulus of rupture of 3.3 GPa and average nominal toughness of 2.7 MPa-m½ were measured for specimens cracked under cyclic resonance loading. The differences between the monotonic loading and cyclic loading data are attributed to fatigue initiation of a sharp crack from the 1 ýtm radius notch. The experimental data is consistent with a critical flaw size in the fabricated devices, a, that is related to the fracture toughness Klc by Klc/a1/2=4600 MPa.
Downdrafts as Linkages in Dynamic Cumulus Seeding Effects

Abstract Downdrafts are postulated as a primary linkage dynamically seeded invigorated cloud towers and those events near and below cloud bases which cause enhanced inflow, new tower growth leading to cloud expansion, and frequent merger with neighboring clouds. Evidence is taken from two series of seeding experiments on relatively isolated cumuli in the tropics and subtropics, and combined with evidence derived from observational material on downdrafts collected since the late 1960's. Because all the events discussed can occur naturally, postulates concerning the effects of the seeding and their detection are proposed. It is suggested how acceleration of the cloud tops invigorated by seeding can lead to enhanced dynamic entrainment, increased evaporation, and hence to more rapidly formed and stronger downdrafts than would be the case without seeding. Supporting model results on natural clouds are cited.
An Analysis Of Firm Motivation In The Defense Industry

This article considers the performance of firms in the defense industry. The analysis suggests that in terms of profitability and revenue there is no advantage to be gained by a firm from increasing the proportion of its total sales which go to the military. As a corollary to this proposition we find that the firms examined are profit maximizers and are not content to simply maximize revenue. Another conclusion to be drawn from the empirical analysis that there is a difference between high and low defense commitment firms and that this distinction occurs when the percentage of sale to the government reaches the seventeen percent level.
The Impact of Special Health Care Needs on Academic Achievement in Children Born Prematurely

Abstract Background Preterm, low-birth-weight (LBW) children are at increased risk for poor academic achievement and special health care needs (SHCN) compared to term-born peers. It is not known how having SHCN during childhood modifies the relationship between LBW and achievement over time. Methods We used data from the Infant Health and Development Program, a multisite randomized trial of an intervention for preterm, LBW infants with longitudinal follow-up. Primary outcome measures were Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Academic Achievement math and reading scores at age 8 and 18 years. Primary predictor was having a SHCN, defined by prescription medication and medical services use, receipt of special therapies, or any functional limitation. We used repeated measures multivariate analysis of covariance to test the effect of SHCN on achievement at 8 and 18 years and effect modification by IQ. Results The 576 participants had a mean body weight of 1798.1 ± 455.0 g and a median gestational age of 33 weeks (range, 26–37 weeks). Mean achievement scores were as follows: math (age 8) 97.5 ± 21.6, math (age 18) 90.1 ± 18.3, reading (age 8) 99.0 ± 20.1, and reading (age 18) 96.8 ± 23.5. Mean full scale IQ at age 8 was 92.3 ± 18.2. Eighty percent had a SHCN. Mean achievement scores were significantly different between those with and without SHCN in both math and reading. There was no evidence of effect modification by IQ. Conclusions SHCNs are associated with poor academic achievement. Targeted interventions for improving performance outcomes by reducing the burden of chronic health problems may be accomplished through prevention strategies or efforts to limit the frequency and severity of symptoms.
The Geography of Money and Politics: Population Density, Social Networks and Political Contributions

We examine the social antecedents for contributing to campaigns, with a particular focus on the role of population density. Using 10 years of US campaign contribution data from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), we find that the idea of contributing to a campaign is easier to spread in a densely populated region, where the daily opportunity of individuals being exposed to the same information via their social network is high, compared with people living in a less populous region. Furthermore, the effect of population density is heterogeneous with respect to the dynamics of residents’ mobility: if the given region has a relatively large population routinely commuting to other places, the chance of being mobilized from the place of residence decreases while the chance of being mobilized from the place of work increases. This analysis also reveals differences between political parties. Democrats are more dependent on the networks developed in population dense areas, and especially areas with a high density of affluent individuals. We confirm these party differences with respect to reliance on social networks and workplace mobilization using a national survey of 404 party leaders. Democrats’ advantage in affluence-dense regions of the country may partially explain how they remain competitive in the US money race despite wealth’s associated with being Republican and the persistence of noticeable “contribution deserts” in the Democratic fundraising map.
Financial Markets, Creation and Liquidation of Firms and Aggregate Dynamics

The evidence indicates that small and young firms respond differently to shocks in the financial markets than larger, older firms. Moreover, gross job flows indicate that the differences are mostly in the activation and liquidation decisions. In this dissertation we examine the impact of shocks that affect the economy via the interest rates and explore the transmission on the cross-section of active firms. In the model, due to the limited commitment of entrepreneurs, credit constraints arise endogenously. The solution of the optimal infinite horizon contract between banks and firms turns out to be very simple. Initially firms accumulate net worth as fast as possible and their size and survival probabilities grow over time. We provide a decentralization in which entrepreneurs trade in one-period securities, rationalizing solvency and borrowing constraints and making it natural to link the collateral of the entrepreneur with the size and age of the firm. The results are consistent with observed entry and exit behavior. The larger the collateral of firms, the less sensitive to interest rates is the exit probability, i.e. small, younger firms are more sensitive to interest rates than that of larger, more mature firms. With respect to entry, with higher interest rates, less firms are created, and a higher productivity is needed for activation, purifying the pool of entrants and increasing future survival. However, given their characteristics, firms created during recessions face tighter credit constraints and have lower survival probabilities. The model is qualitatively consistent with the evidence. Real interest rates comove negatively with aggregate output, gross creation, net growth, of jobs and firms, and positively with flows of job and firm destruction. With the frictions in the creation of firms, the model also compatible with the volatility of destruction flows being much larger than that of creation flows. The response in the mass of active firms provides a propagation mechanism. Output dynamics is asymmetric as recessions are shorter than expansions. Additionally, the destruction series are highly concentrated in short periods of times.
Regional Industrial Recruitment in Upstate New York

This article, by analyzing a major development initiative undertaken in upstate New York, seeks to broaden our understanding of a dominant model of economic development: industrial recruitment. Whereas prior studies have examined this model mainly within separate, individual communities, this article broadens the analysis to the regional level and examines how regional economic development organizations can help mediate local political fragmentation that can potentially undermine cross-jurisdictional economic development ventures. With this, we explore how these organizations can exploit the bonding and bridging social ties within and between communities to advance a project, the methods they employ to broaden cross-community consensus regarding a project, and how they can potentially mediate political conflict that may arise as a result of a development venture.
Life history of Gammarus mucronatus Say (Amphipoda: Gammaridae) in warm temperate estuarine habitats, York River, Virginia

ABSTRACT The life history of the amphipod Gammarus mucronatus was examined in two warm temperate estuarine habitats, a sea-grass (Zostera marina) bed and the macroalgae region (Ulva spp., Enteromorpha spp.) of a fouling community. Amphipod populations were present in the sea-grass habitat during most of the entire year ranging from <50 m―2 in late summer to 1,200 m―2 in June, while the algal habitat was occupied only from late winter to early summer, with maximum abundances as high as 6,800 m―2. Based on laboratory growth experiments, observations on field growth rates, and recognition of cohorts from size-frequency distributions, it is estimated that G. mucronatus is capable of producing approximately 6-9 cohorts per year. Rapid spring and summer growth is accompanied by maturation at smaller size and reduction in brood size, egg size, and development time.
Solvent desorption gas chromatographic method for determination of air n-butyl glycidyl ether in workplace

Objective To establish solvent desorption gas chromatographic method for determination of air n-butyl glycidyl ether in workplace.Method This method is based on "Standardization of methods for determination of toxic substances in workplace air".Result This method presents linear relation within 0—500μg/ml.The sample could be stored in the activated carbon tube at least for 10 days.Precision(RSD): 0.86%—2.58%.Detection limit:2.0 μg/ml.Desorption efficiencies were 95.41%—99.15%.Absorption efficiencies were 98.05%—100%.The breakthrough volume of 100mg of activated carbon was 5.4mg.In this determination,authors found without interferences from other volatile organic solvents,e.g.,diphenyl oxide.Conclusion This method might meet the requirement of"Standardization of methods for determination of toxic substances in workplace air".It is feasible for determination of n-butyl glycidyl ether in workplace air.
Design and Development of Efficiency Test System for Turbine Based on LabVIEW

The efficiency of turbine is an important characterization reflecting the performance of turbine.In this paper,the design and development of the experimental system for efficiency test of turbine based on LabVIEW are introduced,including the system architecture,software development and user interface.The system realizes real-time monitoring and post-analysis for the data in efficiency test of turbine,which meets the practical requirements.
Polyspermy: effect of varying stimulation protocols and inseminating sperm concentrations

Results from 198 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined to identify factors in the subsequent development of polyspermy. Polyspermy occurred in 24 of 235 fertilized oocytes and was equally likely in mature and immature oocytes. No significant difference in polyspermy was demonstrated between the stimulation protocol using human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and those using clomiphene citrate (CC) or combined hMG/CC. The incidence of polyspermy was no different after insemination of oocytes with concentrations of progressively motile sperm ranging from 250,000 to 500,000. Although polyspermy continues to be a problem in IVF, we have been unable to identify possible predisposing mechanisms for its development.
Economic Impact of Fractures

Publisher Summary Cost of illness studies estimate the overall economic burden of disease in a defined population. Estimates of total costs, which may be based on prevalent or incident cases, are the primary outcome of such studies. Prevalence-based cost of illness studies are helpful for drawing attention to the overall economic impact of a disease and for identifying patterns of resource consumption. Incidence-based cost of illness studies are required to assess the economic impact of interventions that affect disease incidence. Most cost of illness studies of osteoporosis and fractures have been based on prevalent cases. In contrast to cost of illness studies, cost-effectiveness analysesestimate the relative value of alternative health interventions and identify interventions that provide good value for the resources invested. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), an effectiveness measure that accounts for both length and quality of life, are recommended for assessing the cost effectiveness of interventions in health and medicine. Although the cost-effectiveness of interventions that affect osteoporosis and fracture incidence in women have been assessed, such studies have not addressed male populations.
Transportation, Preparation, and Storage of Frozen Soil Samples for Laboratory Testing

Increased construction activities in cold regions require a better understanding of the behavior of frozen soil. Although in situ testing procedures are being improved or developed, the highly variable and complicated conditions usually encountered in the field make it difficult to formulate interpretations that are useful in practice. Controlled laboratory tests on frozen soils are helpful, therefore, in determining behavior indicative of diverse field conditions and will assist in establishing design information. This paper is a review of the procedures used and the difficulties encountered in the transportation, preparation, and storage of naturally and artificially frozen soil samples required for testing in the laboratory. The effective control of sample disturbance by temperature variation and sublimation and the need for further investigation as to their effect on the mechanical properties of frozen soil are discussed.
Aldebarania arenitea, a new genus and species of Astropectinidae (Asteroidea; Echinodermata) from the Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) Peedee Formation of North Carolina

ABssTRACTr-Aldebarania arenitea (Astropectinidae; Asteroidea; Echinodermata) is described from the Rocky Point Member of the Maastrichtian (Upper Cretaceous) Peedee Formation of North Carolina. A turbulent, shallow-water environment is suggested by sedimentary features, a diverse marine fauna, and the morphology of Aldebarania. Aldebarania appears to be a partial ecological equivalent of living Astropecten and Luidia; however, phylogenetic relationships within the Astropectinidae are unstudied and the origin of similarities is unknown.
How Accurate Are the Minnesota Density Functionals for Noncovalent Interactions, Isomerization Energies, Thermochemistry, and Barrier Heights Involving Molecules Composed of Main-Group Elements?

The 14 Minnesota density functionals published between the years 2005 and early 2016 are benchmarked on a comprehensive database of 4986 data points (84 data sets) involving molecules composed of main-group elements. The database includes noncovalent interactions, isomerization energies, thermochemistry, and barrier heights, as well as equilibrium bond lengths and equilibrium binding energies of noncovalent dimers. Additionally, the sensitivity of the Minnesota density functionals to the choice of basis set and integration grid is explored for both noncovalent interactions and thermochemistry. Overall, the main strength of the hybrid Minnesota density functionals is that the best ones provide very good performance for thermochemistry (e.g., M06-2X), barrier heights (e.g., M08-HX, M08-SO, MN15), and systems heavily characterized by self-interaction error (e.g., M06-2X, M08-HX, M08-SO, MN15), while the main weakness is that none of them are state-of-the-art for the full spectrum of noncovalent interactions ...
Environmental surfaces used in entry-day corralling likely contribute to the spread of influenza A virus in swine at agricultural fairs.

Environmental surfaces used in entry-day corralling likely contribute to the spread of influenza A virus in swine at agricultural fairs
In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Microencapsulated Tributyrin for the Delivery of Butyrate

Butyrate possesses negative sensory qualities and is most effectively utilized in the intestine to provide energy to the colonocyte for the maintenance of intestinal health. Butyrate has also shown promise in the treatment of intestinal disorders and diseases such as short bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. To modify sensory properties, intestinal release, and butyrate production capabilities, tributyrin (TB) was microencapsulated in whey protein isolate (WPI)-based and gamma-cyclodextrin (GC)-based materials. Using an in vitro digestion and fermentation model, microcapsules containing TB were monitored for their release and production of butyrate in vitro. All samples containing TB showed limited butyrate release ( 0.05) across formulations. During the fermentation phase, GC-based microcapsules produced significantly more butyrate (P < 0.001) on a molar basis than all WPI-based microcapsules. Butyrate production increased significantly (P < 0.001) over each time interval with GC-based microcapsules having the highest during the 12 h of fermentation. The GC-based TB encapsulation systems were able to effectively deliver butyrate to the small intestine and generate butyrate in the large intestine. These microcapsules may, therefore, be beneficial for the maintenance of intestinal health and improvement of disease states across all areas of the gastrointestinal tract.
Habitat partitioning by native and alien fishes and decapods in novel habitats of the upper San Francisco Estuary

The rate of alien species introductions is increasing in aquatic ecosystems, but many invaders appear to co-exist with previous residents, resulting in persistent mixed assemblages of non-coevolved organisms. This study focuses on species’ habitat partitioning of edge habitats in the San Francisco Estuary, a highly altered novel ecosystem that supports mixed assemblages of native and alien fishes and macroinvertebrates. We used minnow traps to address two questions about the demersal assemblage along levees in large tidal sloughs: (1) What is the relative abundance of demersal fish and macroinvertebrate species in shallow water adjacent to levee edges? and (2) Do native and alien species occupy different habitat types? We used our findings to address the broader question: do native and non-native species show habitat segregation, suggesting development of assemblage structure similar to that of co-evolved assemblages? Results indicate that habitat partitioning occurs among some clusters of species, but not all. Native Prickly Sculpin was found most often near riprapped levee edges, while alien Yellowfin Goby occupied adjacent muddy habitat, and the alien Shimofuri Goby showed no preference. Where two non-native species of caridean shrimp co-occurred, Siberian Prawn occupied unvegetated mud, while Oriental Grass Shrimp used primarily riprap. However, when only Siberian Prawn was present, it showed no preference for habitat type. Habitat associations changed slightly in response to seasonal shifts in habitat and spawning requirements. This study demonstrates that non-coevolved assemblages of organisms can develop resource partitioning to assist co-existence in novel habitats.
Deprotonation, Chloride Abstraction, and Dehydrohalogenation as Synthetic Routes to Bis-Pyrazolate Pyridyl Iron(II) Complexes

The process of removal of H+ and of Cl-, dehydrohalogenation, from (H₂L)FeCl₂ is investigated systematically, to understand the reactivity of the implied transient LFe(II). Reaction of (H₂L)FeCl₂ with 2 equivalents of LiN(SiMe₃)₂ yields LiClFe₂L₂, as its dimer with every iron 5-coordinate in an FeN₄Cl environment. To avoid Li+ cation derived from base, reaction of Na₂L with FeCl₂ gives a product Na₂[NaFe(HL)(L)]₂(LFeO) from addition of water, which reveals Na/pyrazolate Nβ interactions and a five coordinate oxo group in the OFe₃Na₂ core. Dehydrohalogenation in the presence of Ph₂PC₂H₄PPh₂ gives diamagnetic [LFe(κ²-dppe)]₂(μ-dppe) and LFe(κ²-dppe)(κ¹-dppe). Dehydrohalogenation in the presence of tBuNC gives diamagnetic LFe(CNtBu)₃. This is selectively methylated at both pyrazolate β-N to give LMeFe(tBuNC)₃²+ which is reduced with KC₈ to diamagnetic LMeFe(tBuNC)². Structure determination of these and IR data on isonitrile bands, show L²- to be a stronger donor than LMe. First installing triflate (to avoid the more persistent Cl-) facilitates access to LFe(Lewis base)₃²+ complexes, but this cation shows relatively weak binding of CO to LFeII, which implicates weak π basicity of that d6 species. Production of bis-pincer complexes (H₂L)₂Fe²+ and (LMe)₂Fe²+ in the presence of abundant Lewis base in polar medium is demonstrated, which illustrates a pincer ligand redistribution challenge to be kept in mind when trying to maintain a 1:1 Fe:pincer ratio, for highest reactivity.
Measuring Argumentation Skills Through a Game-Enhanced Scenario-Based Assessment:

This project aimed to develop an engaging formative assessment that simulates the social and dialogic processes that are often missing in traditional instruction and assessment of argumentation. In...
Characterizing software engineering work with personas based on knowledge worker actions

Mistaking versatility for universal skills, some companies tend to categorize all software engineers the same not knowing a difference exists. For example, a company may select one of many software engineers to complete a task, later finding that the engineer's skills and style do not match those needed to successfully complete that task. This can result in delayed task completion and demonstrates that a one-size fits all concept should not apply to how software engineers work. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of different software engineers and their working styles we interviewed 21 participants and surveyed 868 software engineers at a large software company and asked them about their work in terms of knowledge worker actions. We identify how tasks, collaboration styles, and perspectives of autonomy can significantly effect different approaches to software engineering work. To characterize differences, we describe empirically informed personas on how they work. Our defined software engineering personas include those with focused debugging abilities, engineers with an active interest in learning, experienced advisors who serve as experts in their role, and more. Our study and results serve as a resource for building products, services, and tools around these software engineering personas.
International Medical Graduates and a Career as a Geriatric Psychiatrist

Abstract The population of the United States is aging. Currently people over the age of 65 years constitute 13% of the general population. By 2050 this number will rise to about 25% of the population. As the population ages, the number of older adults with mental illness will also rise. Available data indicates that there are inadequate numbers of trained geriatric psychiatrists in United States to care for older adults with mental illness. The additional burden for services in the future on an already strained healthcare system can lead to catastrophic failure of the system. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) constitute almost half of the work force of geriatric psychiatrists. The IMGs have had successful career as clinicians, educators, academics and researchers in geriatric psychiatry. In this symposium we will enumerate the unique challenges faced by the IMGs and strategies on enable them to integrate into the mainstream geriatric psychiatry workforce. We will review the roles of IMGs as private practitioners, educators, academicians and as researchers. We will also discuss how organizations like the AAGP can play a greater role in attracting larger number of IMGs to join the geriatric psychiatry workforce and also the AAGP. This will enable greater access to care for the older adults with mental illness and maintain the success of AAGP in being the national organization for geriatric psychiatry clinicians in the United States.
Polynomials with Low Height and Prescribed Vanishing

In a recent paper [2] we obtained an improved formulation of Siegel’s classical result([9],Bd. I,p. 213, Hilfssatz) on small solutions of systems of linear equations. Our purpose here is to illustrate the use of this new version of Siegel’s lemma in the problem of constructing a simple type of auxiliary polynomial. More precisely, let k be an algebraic number field, O k its ring of integers, α1,α2,…,αJ distinct, nonzero algebraic numbers (which are not necesarily in k), and m1,m2,…,mJ positive integers. We will be interested in determining nontrivial polynomials P(X) in 0 K [X] which have degree less than N, vanish at each αj with multiplicity at least mj and have low height. In particular, the height of such plynomials will be bounded from above by a simple function of the degrees and heights of the algebraic numbers αj and the remaining data in the problem: m1,m2,…mJ, N and the field constants associated with k.
Skill acquisition in parents of children with developmental disabilities: interaction between skill type and instructional format.

Abstract A variety of instructional formats have been used to teach parents of children with developmental disabilities how to implement treatments for problem behavior. Although several authors have suggested that the efficacy of various instructional methods might depend on the type of skill taught to parents, no studies have been designed to systematically explore this potential interaction. In this preliminary study, three parents who requested outpatient services for treatment of their children’s problem behavior were taught to implement multiple treatment components. Therapists employed the most cost-efficient method first (i.e., written and verbal instructions) to teach prescribed behavior management strategies (e.g., differential reinforcement). If the parent’s behavior failed to meet a performance criterion, feedback was included in training sessions. The efficacy of verbal and written instructions varied across different components of the child’s treatment program.
The Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection

The total reproductive value, due to Fisher, is of great importance in stable population theory.
ECG Arrythmia Analysis: Design and Evaluation Strategies

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Long-term ECG analysis is an important diagnostic technique for characterizing arrhythmias and documenting response to therapy. This paper reviews the technology of real-time automated ECG arrhythmia analysis, including principles of algorithm design, and the use of standard ECG databases in development and evaluation.
Building Bridges for New Immigrant Students Through Asset-Based Consultation

The number of immigrant students enrolling in California schools is increasing and teaching them effectively requires adapted approaches to affirm their linguistic and cultural diversity. Educators feel underprepared to meet the complex needs of students who represent hundreds of languages and cultures. Many immigrant children are frequently also dual-language or English learners who struggle to meet the academic demands of today’s fast-paced schools, and teachers need to know specific information about newcomer challenges to maintain and affirm their linguistic and cultural strengths. Given this cultural shift, how can school psychologists break down barriers and assist teachers in working with newly arrived immigrant students? This paper provides school psychologists with strength-based practices to begin building educational bridges for immigrant students through an adapted consultative approach. The proposed Asset-Based Consultation model combines instructional consultation and the Cultural Assets Identifier within a multicultural, response-to-intervention framework, individually tailored to support school psychologists as they consult with teachers on how to best address the academic, social, and emotional needs of newcomer students in our increasingly diverse educational landscape.
Go fund inequality: the politics of crowdfunding transgender medical care

Despite improvements in access to transition-related medical care, many transgender people still face numerous barriers to paying for gender-affirming procedures. Crowdfunding websites have gained ...
Harnessing Vehicular Broadcast Communications: DSRC-Actuated Traffic Control

Traffic congestion in major cities around the globe is a daunting problem that is getting worse as the speed of urbanization keeps increasing. The role of traffic lights (TLs) at intersections in regulating flows cannot be underestimated. Even though there are a variety of actuated traffic signals based on cameras or loop detectors, the vast majority of existing TLs in the world employ a timer-based decision logic which is clearly not very effective. In this paper, we present a new scheme for controlling traffic at intersections, which is known as dedicated short-range communications (DSRCs)-actuated traffic control. The proposed approach leverages the presence of DSRC radios in vehicles and gives priority (by displaying green light) to approaches (roads) that include DSRC-equipped vehicles (such as 10% or 20% of vehicles having DSRC radios). Using this priority mechanism, it is shown that the average waiting time at each TL can be significantly reduced. This, in turn, can reduce the average commute time of urban workers during rush hours substantially. One of the great advantages of the presented approach is that it can function well with even a low percentage of DSRC-equipped vehicles. Given that many industry forecasts predict a gradual penetration rate for the DSRC technology, this is a very attractive feature. It is also shown that the proposed new approach leads to a cost-effective solution for urban traffic control since the hardware and software platforms needed for its implementation are low cost.