cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential Inflationary Consequences of Recent Quantitative Easing

While the current literature and the discussion among policymakers consists of a pessimistic view of growth in output and employment coupled with the fear of deflation, inflation has not been mentioned as a concern for quite some time. Although inflation does not appear to pose an immediate problem for the U.S. economy, the current high level of excess reserves on the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet warrants serious attention and concern with regard to potential future inflation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether current massive amounts of bank reserves will potentially turn into money and cause inflation. This analysis is conducted by running a simple bivariate regression model to determine the M2 money multiplier and then estimating the potential inflation rate using the quantity theory of money. Results suggest that if depository institutions should decide to drain their excess reserves, the potential inflation rate would be astronomical.
Characterization of Phosvitin Phosphopeptides using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

Putative phosphopeptides produced from enzymehydrolysis of phosvitin were identified and characterizedusing MALDI-TOF/MS. Phosvitin was heat-pretreated andthen hydrolyzed using pepsin, thermolysin, and trypsin attheir optimal pH and temperature conditions with or withoutpartial dephosphorylation. Pepsin and thermolysin were noteffective in producing phosphopeptides, but trypsinhydrolysis produced many peptides from phosvitin: 12peptides, 10 of which were phosphopeptides, were identifiedfrom the trypsin hydrolysate. Twelve peptides were alsoidentified from the trypsin hydrolysate of partiallydephosphorylated phosvitin, but the number of phosphategroups remaining with the peptides was much smaller thanthose from the trypsin hydrolysate of intact phosvitin. Thissuggested that the phosphopeptides produced from thepartially dephosphorylated phosvitin lost most of theirphosphate groups during the dephosphorylation step.Therefore, partial dephosphorylation of phosvitin beforetrypsin hydrolysis may not be always recommendable inproducing functional phosphopeptides if the phosphategroups play important roles for their functionalities.
Biofuels Done Right: Land Efficient Animal Feeds Enable Large Environmental and Energy Benefits

There is an intense ongoing debate regarding the potential scale of biofuel production without creating adverse effects on food supply. We explore the possibility of three land-efficient technologies for producing food (actually animal feed), including leaf protein concentrates, pretreated forages, and double crops to increase the total amount of plant biomass available for biofuels. Using less than 30% of total U.S. cropland, pasture, and range, 400 billion liters of ethanol can be produced annually without decreasing domestic food production or agricultural exports. This approach also reduces U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 670 Tg CO₂-equivalent per year, or over 10% of total U.S. annual emissions, while increasing soil fertility and promoting biodiversity. Thus we can replace a large fraction of U.S. petroleum consumption without indirect land use change.
INFLUENCE OF MICROHABITAT HETEROGENEITY ON GENE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION AND GAMETIC PHASE DISEQUILIBRIUM IN AVENA BARBATA.

Since its introduction into California some two-hundred years ago the slender wild oat (Avena barbata) has become established in a wide variety of habitats. While it is generally restricted to regions with a Mediterranean climate, A. barbata may be found on sites whose environments range from rich, mesic agricultural conditions to infertile, xeric ridgetop conditions. In some areas such as the Napa Valley of Northern California A. barbata may be found growing in environmentally diverse habitats which are located in close physical proximity to one another. Using five genetically determined allozyme loci, Hamrick and Allard (1972) demonstrated that spatial variation in allele frequencies was closely associated with environmental variation in Napa Valley populations of A. barbata. Populations which occur on infertile, xeric sites are usually monomorphic for a specific set of alleles (the xeric combination) while plants growing on fertile, mesic sites are typically monomorphic for a specific complementary combination
Abstract 5310: Regulation of metastatic breast cancer by E2F transcription factors

Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in breast cancer and the purpose of this study was to examine the role of the E2F transcription factors in mediating the dissemination of the primary cancer. E2F transcription factors have previously been demonstrated to play a critical role in regulation of cell cycle progression. However, in prior work we have demonstrated that gene expression signatures for the E2Fs have variable levels of activation in a heterogeneous tumor model. Using predictive bioinformatic methods to assess the probability of gene pathway activation, we have predicted variable roles for the E2Fs in key mouse models of breast cancer, including Myc, PyMT and Neu. We then genetically tested these computational predictions by interbreeding E2F knockout mice to the various transgenic tumor models. These crosses have revealed that the E2Fs have unique roles in tumor initiation and progression depending upon the oncogene driving the initial tumor. There are differential effects on tumor latency with the loss of individual E2F alleles, including decreased latency with E2F2 loss in the PyMT background but increased latency and reduced incidence in the Myc background. Moreover, we have observed key differences in tumor progression, with loss of E2Fs affecting the heterogeneity of the resulting tumors. In addition to tumor initiation, we have observed striking differences in tumor progression with loss of E2Fs increasing metastasis in the Myc model but reducing metastasis in the PyMT model. In order to determine the mechanism of action for these effects, we have undertaken a gene expression analysis from both primary tumors and the metastases. Comparison of tumor models in the various backgrounds has allowed us to generate a list of E2F target genes that have effects on metastasis. Comparison of these genes to human breast cancer has revealed that the key genes also have critical roles in metastatic human breast cancer survival. These E2F targets include genes that have previously been identified as metastasis suppressors and are being validated in this process. Taken together, this work suggests a critical role for the E2F transcription factors, not only as mediators of cell cycle but in regulating the metastatic progression of metastatic breast cancer. These data also illustrate the power of combining various genomic and gene expression analysis techniques with both mouse models and clinical data associated with gene expression analysis in human breast cancer. Using this approach we are able to predict and test for the role of critical pathways, such as the E2Fs, in the progression of breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5310. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5310
Collagen-collagen interactions mediated by plant-derived proanthocyanidins: A spectroscopic and atomic force microscopy study

Abstract Collagen cross-linkings are determinant of biological tissue stability and function. Plant-derived proanthocyanidins (PACs) mimic different hierarchical levels of collagen cross-links by non-enzymatic interactions resulting in the enhancement to the biomechanics and biostability of collagen-rich tissues such as dentin. This study investigated the interaction of PACs from Vitis vinifera grape seed extract with type I collagen in solubilized form and in the demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) by fluorescence spectral analysis; collagen-collagen binding forces in presence of cross-linking solutions by atomic force microscopy (AFM); and spectroscopic analysis of the DDM using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Glutaraldehyde (GA) and carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) with known cross-linking mechanisms were selected for comparative analyses. Changes in fluorescence upon interaction of solubilized type I collagen with PACs, EDC and GA reflected pronounced modifications in collagen conformation. PACs also promoted stronger collagen-collagen fibrils interaction than EDC and GA. A new feature was observed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopic analysis in PACs-treated collagen and DDM. The findings suggest covalent interactions between collagen and PACs. The mechanisms of interaction between PACs-collagen hold attractive and promising tissue-tailored biomedical applications and the binding forces that potentially drive such interaction were characterized. Statement of Significance Connective tissues such as skin, bone and dentin are mainly composed of type I collagen, which is cross-linked to promote tissue stability, strength and function. Novel therapies using substances that mimic cross-links have been proposed to promote repair of collagen-based-tissues. In dentistry, naturally occurring proanthocyanidins (PACs) have the potential to enhance dentin mechanical properties and reduce its enzymatic degradation, but their mechanisms of cross-linking are unclear. The present study investigated the specific interactions between PACs-type I collagen in purified and dentin collagen and compared to the well described cross-linking mechanisms promoted by synthetic chemical substances. Findings reveal that covalent-like bonds are induced by plant PACs in type I collagen as well as in complex dental native tissue, promoting strong collagen-collagen interactions.
Reliability Data Required for a Seismic Risk Assessment

The seismic risk methodology developed in the Seismic Safety Margins Research Program (SSMRP) [1] was demonstrated by its application to the Zion nuclear power plant [2], a pressurized water reactor (PWR). A detailed model of Zion, including plant logic models (initiating events, events trees, and fault trees), SSI and structure models, and piping models, was developed and analyzed. At the request of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) developed a simplified seismic risk assessment methodology [3]. The purpose of this methodology is to reduce cost while adequately assessing the seismic risk from a nuclear power plant. The simplified methodology was used to assess the seismic risk from the Zion nuclear power plant. These results were then compared with the results from the detailed analysis. It was found that the simplified method generally provides more conservative results than the detailed one. To demonstrate its applicability, and to provide a basis of comparison of seismic risk between a PWR and a BWR when analyzed with comparable methodology and assumptions, a seismic risk analysis is being performed on the LaSalle County Station nuclear power plant.
Factors Which Affect the Host Response to Biomaterials

The ability of a biomaterial to perform its intended in vivo function is ultimately dependent upon both the structural and biophysical properties of the material and the host response to the given material. Biomaterial-related factors affecting performance include its composition, mechanical and material properties, surface topography and molecular landscape, ability to resist infection, and proper surgical placement, among others. Host-related factors include age, nutritional status, body mass index, comorbidities such as diabetes, previous interventions at the treatment site, and medications being taken by the patient. The host response begins immediately upon implantation and consists of both the response to the inevitable iatrogenic tissue injury during device placement and the response to the material itself. The implantation-induced component resolves quickly as part of the normal wound healing process. However, the response to the material itself will last for the length of time the material is present in the host. The host response is the primary determinant of clinical success in most applications. Hence, the safety and efficacy of these technologies will be well served by placing emphasis upon the understanding of the host response and the dynamic interaction between biomaterial- and host-related factors that affect clinical outcomes.
The Evolution of Earnings Volatility During and After the Great Recession

This paper explores how men's and women's earnings volatility evolved during and after the Great Recession, the most severe downturn of the postwar era. Using matched March Current Population Survey data, I find that earnings volatility rose considerably after the Great Recession began and, particularly for men, the volatility increase was as large as in the severe recession of the early 1980s. These findings update the evidence on the counter-cyclicality of earnings volatility. I show that such counter-cyclicality is due mainly to counter-cyclical volatility in annual hours of work. In turn, the counter-cyclical volatility in work hours appears mainly among workers who experience unemployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Dike emplacement, footwall rotation, and the transition from magmatic to tectonic extension in the Whipple Mountains metamorphic core complex, southeastern California

The Chambers Well dike swarm and associated plutonic/volcanic rocks in the western footwall of the Whipple Detachment Fault (WDF) provide key insight into the evolution of this metamorphic core complex. New structural and geochronologic data suggest that the western 12-15 km of exposed footwall is steeply tilted to the SW, providing a cross sectional view of the upper crust, from the Miocene erosion surface to the top of the coeval mylonitization. Ages and compositions of dikes are indistinguishable from adjacent thick volcanic successions. Several kilometers of early Miocene extension (~20.5 to 19.0 Ma) was accommodated by magmatic accretion, but transitioned to rapid extensional faulting and tilting at 19.0-18.5 Ma. The sub-horizontal WDF in this area initiated as a northeast-dipping high angle (50-60°) normal fault that breached the surface locally, not in a breakaway tens of kilometers to the west. Large-scale tilting and differential uplift of the western footwall was in part coeval with mylonitization and dike emplacement, and was accomplished by block rotation in the hanging wall of additional normal faults, isostatic uplift, and flow of lower crust from beneath less extended regions to the west. The WDF is likely a composite surface with a western segment that had ceased moving by ~18.5 Ma, cut by successively younger and steeper fault(s) to the east. Perhaps the most important difference between seismogenic high-angle normal faults and low-angle “detachment faults” characteristic of metamorphic core complexes is one of magnitude and rate of total accumulated slip, not of initial failure conditions.
Mutations in the sodium channel Nav1.7 underlie inherited erythromelalgia

Mutations in sodium channel Na v 1.7, which is preferentially expressed within dorsal root ganglion and sympathetic ganglion neurons, underlie inherited erythromelalgia (IEM). IEM is characterized by severe pain in the extremities evoked by mild thermal stimuli. Functional studies have demonstrated altered biophysical properties of mutant channels, which decrease the threshold for single action potential and increase high-frequency firing in DRG neurons. IEM may be a model disease that holds lessons for other painful conditions.
Pierced Lasso Topology Controls Function in Leptin

Protein engineering is a powerful tool in drug design and therapeutics, where disulphide bridges are commonly introduced to stabilize proteins. However, these bonds also introduce covalent loops, which are often neglected. These loops may entrap the protein backbone on opposite sides, leading to a "knotted" topology, forming a so-called Pierced Lasso (PL). In this elegant system, the "knot" is held together with a single disulphide bridge where part of the polypeptide chain is threaded through. The size and position of these covalent loops can be manipulated through protein design in vitro, whereas nature uses polymorphism to switch the PL topology. The PL protein leptin shows genetic modification of an N-terminal residue, adding a third cysteine to the same sequence. In an effort to understand the mechanism of threading of these diverse topologies, we designed three loop variants to mimic the polymorphic sequence. This adds elegance to the system under study, as it allows the generation of three possible covalent loops; they are the original wild-type C-terminal loop protein, the fully circularized unthreaded protein, and the N-terminal loop protein, responsible for different lasso topologies. The size of the loop changes the threading mechanism from a slipknotting to a plugging mechanism, with increasing loop size. Interestingly, the ground state of the native protein structure is largely unaffected, but biological assays show that the activity is maximized by properly controlled dynamics in the threaded state. A threaded topology with proper conformational dynamics is important for receptor interaction and activation of the signaling pathways in vivo.
Seizures in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Treated with Endovascular Coiling (P3.197)

Objective: To examine the incidence of seizures and utilization of continuous video electroencephalogram (cvEEG) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated with endovascular coiling. Background: Long term observational and self-reporting data have shown higher incidence of seizures in patients treated with surgical clipping versus endovascular coiling. However, data on cvEEG during the acute treatment period is skewed towards patients treated with surgical clipping. Methods: Retrospective chart review from January 2010 through October 2015 was completed on all patients admitted with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and treated with endovascular coiling at our hospital. Variables recorded included age, gender, Hunt Hess and modified Fisher scores on admission, Glasgow Coma Scale on discharge from ICU, usage of cvEEG, and EEG reporting of seizure, status epilepticus, clinical seizures, non-convulsive seizures, and non-convulsive status epilepticus. Patients were excluded for age <18, aneurysmal ICH without SAH, and AVM-associated aneurysms. Results: 188 patients met inclusion criteria, 135 with Hunt Hess grade 1-3 (low grade), and 53 with Hunt Hess grade 4-5 (high grade). 70 patients were monitored with cvEEG (37.2[percnt]), and eight patients (4.3[percnt], 11.4[percnt] on cvEEG) had seizures; seven of these patients were high grade (13.2[percnt], 18.4[percnt] on cvEEG), and one was low grade (0.7[percnt], 3.1[percnt] on cvEEG). Of the 8 patients with seizures, four were discharged from the ICU with GCS 3, one with GCS 4-8, two with GCS 9-12, and one with GCS 13-15; five (67.5[percnt]) of these patients died. Conclusions: We are a high volume center for endovascular coiling, and in our experience the incidence of seizure is lower than that reported in the literature, even in high grade patients. Further refinement of current EEG monitoring guidelines, including that for all comatose patients, may be needed for appropriate resource allocation. Seizure onset during the acute period appears to be associated with bad outcomes. Disclosure: Dr. Allen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fakhar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Forgacs has nothing to disclose. Dr. Boddu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Murthy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stieg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gobin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mangat has nothing to disclose.
Indirect Effects of Events

Suppose that a book is sitting on a table in a living room, and an agent is in the living room. Normally, when the agent walks out of the room, the book remains in the living room; but, if the agent picks up the book and walks out of the living room, then the book is no longer in the living room. That is, an indirect effect or ramification of the agent walking out of the living room is that the book the agent is holding changes location. The problem of representing and reasoning about the indirect effects of events is known as the ramification problem. We present several methods for representing indirect effects and dealing with the ramification problem in the event calculus. We discuss the use of effect axioms, primitive and derived fluents, release axioms and state constraints, effect constraints, causal constraints, and trigger axioms.
EVALUATION OF ORAL UREA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

The rationale for the use of urea in treating or preventing sickle cell vaso-occlusive episodes is based on Murayama’s hypothesis that hemoglobin S molecules, when deoxygenated, polymerize by means of hydrophobic interaction to form microfilaments and microcables which result in distortion of the red cell (Murayama, 1971). The resulting sickle forms may then occlude the microcirculation with subsequent infarction and necrosis. Almost all of the clinical manifestations, symptomatology, and ultimate progressive disability seen in individuals with sickle cell anemia are the direct result of such vaso-occlusive phenomena. (Diggs, 1965). Nalbandian postulated that any agent or condition which could diminish hydrophobic bond strength should interfere with the mechanism of tetramer polymerization of hemoglobin S, and thus prevent or reverse sickling of hemoglobin S erythrocytes. (Nalbandian, 1971a). In a search for such an agent Nalbandian and co-workers found that urea was not only effective in disrupting hydrophobic bonds, but also possessed other desirable properties for in vivo use. These included molecular dimensions small enough to pass through the membrane of the intact red blood cell (rbc) and the fact that urea is water soluble, metabolically inert and non-toxic.
Comorbidity scores associated with limited life expectancy in the very elderly with nonmelanoma skin cancer

Background There is controversy regarding treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in very elderly individuals, with some suggesting that this population may not live long enough to benefit from invasive treatments. Tools to assess limited life expectancy (LLE) exist, but performance in the population of very elderly individuals with NMSC has not been well defined. Objective Define comorbidity scores associated with LLE in very elderly individuals presenting for management of NMSC. Methods A retrospective review of 488 patients age 85 or older presenting for NMSC management between July 1999 through December 2014 was performed. Comorbidities were scored by using the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) and age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI). Dates of death, follow-up, and overall survival were determined. Results ACE-27 and ACCI scores were associated with overall survival; at scores of 3 and 7+, respectively, both were associated with less than 50% survival at 4 years. Patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery survived a median of 20 months longer than patients who did not. Limitations Retrospective study design and referral bias. Conclusions ACE-27 and ACCI scores predicted LLE. The cohort presenting for Mohs micrographic surgery had improved survival, despite similar intercohort comorbidity. This suggests that additional factors contributed to survival and that age and comorbidities alone are inadequate for making NMSC treatment decisions in very elderly individuals.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and inhibition in dogs with cardiac disease and an angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphism.

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs and with and without an ACE polymorphism in the canine ACE gene, before and after treatmen...
Electron Transfer Dissociation and Collision-Induced Dissociation of Underivatized Metallated Oligosaccharides

Electron transfer dissociation (ETD) and collision-induced dissociation (CID) were used to investigate underivatized, metal-cationized oligosaccharides formed via electrospray ionization (ESI). Reducing and non-reducing sugars were studied including the tetrasaccharides maltotetraose, 3α,4β,3α-galactotetraose, stachyose, nystose, and a heptasaccharide, maltoheptaose. Univalent alkali, divalent alkaline earth, divalent and trivalent transition metal ions, and a boron group trivalent metal ion were adducted to the non-permethylated oligosaccharides. ESI generated [M + Met]+, [M + 2Met]2+, [M + Met]2+, [M + Met - H]+, and [M + Met - 2H]+ most intensely along with low intensity nitrate adducts, depending on the metal and sugar ionized. The ability of these metal ions to produce oligosaccharide adduct ions by ESI had the general trend: Ca(II) > Mg(II) > Ni(II) > Co(II) > Zn(II) > Cu(II) > Na(I) > K(I) > Al(III) ≈ Fe(III) ≈ Cr(III). Although trivalent metals were utilized, no triply charged ions were formed. Metal cations allowed for high ESI signal intensity without permethylation. ETD and CID on [M + Met]2+ produced various glycosidic and cross-ring cleavages, with ETD producing more cross-ring and internal ions, which are useful for structural analysis. Product ion intensities varied based on glycosidic-bond linkage and identity of monosaccharide sub-unit, and metal adducts. ETD and CID showed high fragmentation efficiency, often with complete precursor dissociation, depending on the identity of the adducted metal ion. Loss of water was occasionally observed, but elimination of small neutral molecules was not prevalent. For both ETD and CID, [M + Co]2+ produced the most uniform structurally informative dissociation with all oligosaccharides studied. The ETD and CID spectra were complementary. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
Inter- and intra-observer variability of radiologists evaluating CBIR systems

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer variability of the radiologists in evaluation of the similarity between the query and retrieved ulatasound images containing breast masses by the Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) CADx system. Three radiologists rated the similarity between the query masses and the computer-retrieved (ED-CBIR) masses. Three CBIR systems based on each radiologist's subjective similarity ratings (R-CBIRs) were formed and compared with the ED-CBIR. The intra-observer variability was smaller than the inter-observer variability for all three radiologists. The radiologists' performance with the R-CBIRs produced similarity ratings results close to the radiologists' performance with the ED-CBIR. The average difference in classification accuracy (Az) between the ED-CBIR and the R-CBIRs was slightly lower than the average difference in Az between the R-CBIRs. The relatively large intra- and inter-observer variability may make more difficult to evaluate the effect of the CBIR CADx systems on radiologists' performance.
Electron Transfer in Mixed-Valence Complexes in the Solid State

The factors influencing the rate of intramolecular electron transfer (ET) in the solid state have been investigated for mixed-valence oxo-bridged trinuclear metal acetate complexes and salts of biferrocenium cations. Mixed-valence complexes which have potential-energy barriers for ET and are trapped on the vibrational timescale are studied. These include mixed-valence [M3O(O2CR)6L3]-S, where M is either Fe or Mn, L is a substituted pyridine, and S is a solvate molecule such as C6H6, CHCl3, etc., and salts of the mixed-valence 1′,1″′-disubstituted biferrocenium cation. It is shown that it is not the level of intramolecular electronic coupling between metal centers which controls the rate of intramolecular ET. The environment about the mixed-valence complex controls the rate of ET. For salts of mixed-valence 1′,1″′-disubstituted biferrocenium cations the positioning of the counteranion relative to the cation controls the rate of ET. If the anion is positioned so that the two iron ions in a cation are inequivalent, the rate of ET is small and the cation is trapped in one valence description. In the case of Fe3O acetate complexes the positioning of the solvate molecule S can lead to valence trapping, even though only van der Waals interactions between the S and mixed-valence Fe3O complexes exist. Valence detrapping, where the rate of ET increases appreciably, occurs frequently in a phase transition. In the solid-state intermolecular interactions valence trap complexes. As the temperature is increased, the cooperative onset in a phase transition of motion associated with ligands, counterions, or even solvate molecules leads to valence detrapping. 57Fe Mossbauer, EPR, IR, solid-state 2H NMR and heat capacity data are used to probe these catastrophic events.
Taiwan and Tiananmen: An analysis of Taiwan’s policy toward the democracy movement

This article examines the Republic of Chin’s (Taiwan) policy toward the democracy movement that swept the People’s Republic of China during April, May, and June 1989. It outlines the evolution of Taiwan’s policy toward the campaign, explores other options that were available and explains why the policy adopted, a measured approach toward events on the mainland, was the best option available to Taiwan.
A Novel System Using the Expression of Chloramphenicol Acetyltransferase in Eukaryotic Cells Allows the Quantitative Study of Promoter Elements

As the number of isolated putative eukaryotic promoter sequences has increased, so has the need for an accurate means of measuring the function of these sequences. The in vitro transcription systems developed by Manley et al. (1980) and Weil et al. (1979) offer one approach. However, it is becoming clear that the in vitro transcription systems may respond to different regulatory signals and thus do not afford the ideal system for the study of in vivo transcriptional control (Benoist and Chambon, 1980). The study of promoters after introduction into tissue-culture cells is crucial.
Denial of Education

International and national laws guarantee that every child has the right to at least a basic education. Besides developing individuals’ sense of efficacy, an educated populace makes for successful democracies. Yet, this universal right is denied millions of children throughout the world due to religious extremism, cultural tradition, government indifference, and poverty, among other things. In addition, even in wealthy countries educational opportunities for the poor are often limited. Because of the efforts of UNICEF and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in recent decades progress has been made in providing many of the world’s children with at least a primary school education. But much, yet, needs to be done. Data on opportunities for and achievements in providing education in countries throughout the world are presented. Some of the major barriers to achieving universal access to education are discussed as are major issues associated with doing so. Special attention is devoted to the education of girls, who are still often unable to attend school or, if so attending, progress much beyond the primary level. Universal laws mandating that countries provide educational opportunities for all are described. Included are a number of local and international initiatives designed to compel governments to live up to these mandates.
SUBJECTIVITY AND OBJECTIVITY AS CO-ESSENTIAL DIMENSIONS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE

ABSTRACT The philosophical significance of present trends in scientific “quality of life” research is discussed, in terms of subjectivity and objectivity as dimentions of the quality of life, complementary modes of knowing, and different types of value. An analysis of the development of subjectivity and objectivity in the history of Western philosophy is included for purposes of clarification.
Covered Stent to Salvage Iatrogenic Vertebral Artery Injury with Uncontrolled Bleeding in the Operating Room Setting.

Background Iatrogenic vertebral artery injury is an uncommon but well recognized complication during cervical spine surgery. Intraoperative surgical repair is extremely challenging, and options for endovascular repair are limited because of the lack of proper equipment in the operating room setting. Case Description A 53-year-old woman who presented with myelopathy underwent anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion of C3-7. A significant laceration injury of the left vertebral artery was encountered during surgery, which was salvaged by intraoperative endovascular repair with a covered stent under portable fluoroscopy guidance. The salvage and repair led to the rest of the surgery being finished as planned preoperatively without any consequences. Conclusions Vertebral artery injury is an uncommon but severe complication of cervical spine surgery. For uncontrolled bleeding, intraoperative endovascular repair with portable fluoroscopy is warranted and possible. A covered stent can seal the laceration and stop the bleeding completely which enables completion of the surgery.
Phase-field modeling of metallic powder-substrate interaction in laser melting process

Abstract Understanding fusion dynamics of metallic powders and powder-substrate interactions is important for reducing the defects, and thus improving surface and bulk quality of additive manufactured (AM) parts. Albeit recent advances in AM technology, there is a great need of theoretical analysis at the powder level to quantify and predict relevant mesoscale dynamics in the manufacturing process. We present a thermodynamically consistent phase-field modeling framework to integrate relevant thermal fluid phenomena and elastic structure response, including phase transition, thermal capillarity, interfacial deformation, and thermal stress induced by spot laser heating. The 2D results show that the fusion of pure titanium powder and titanium substrate can be significantly enhanced by the capillary effect when the partially melted powder is bridging the molten substrate, whereas the thermal-elastic deformation has a longer range effect, which is primarily influenced by the heating power of the laser beam.
Perceived elderly traits and young people's helping tendencies in the U.S., Ireland, Nigeria & Brazil.

The traits young people (undergraduates) in the U.S., Ireland, Nigeria, andBrazil attribute to elderly people had implications on their tendencies tohelp or not to help them. Traits were classified as either ``attractive'' or``unattractive'' and they fell under Positive Personal, PositiveInterpersonal, and Positive Need on the one hand, and Negative Personal,Negative Interpersonal, and Negative Need on the other. The ``attractive''elderly traits were more likely to influence young people's tendency to helpelderly persons and elderly parents in both Western (the U.S.A. andIreland) and non-Western societies (Nigeria and Brazil) societies. Although``unattractive'' traits did not prevent young people from desiring to helptheir elderly parents in both Western and non-Western societies, it didhave a strong influence in their tendency to not help the elderly.The results were discussed within the frame-work ofindividualism/collectivism, with suggestion made for future research.
The neurobiology of sleep.

Purpose of Review: The basic circuitries that regulate wake-sleep cycles are described, along with how these are affected by different disease states and how those alterations lead to the clinical manifestations of those disorders.Recent Findings: The discovery of both sleep-promoting neurons in the
Selective separations by reactive ion exchange

Abstract A new procedure for simultaneous preconcentration, separation, and determination of permanganate, chromate and vanadate was developed for aqueous solutions containing p.p.b. levels of these anions (and molybdate). The presence of other (non-complexing) ions in p.p.m. concentrations did not interfere. The procedure consisted of reactive adsorption of all three anions as their reduced cations, on iron(II)-treated resin, followed by elution of vanadium(IV) with 0.01 M HNO 3 /H 2 O 2 , manganese(II) with 0.35 M HCl, and chromium(III) with 4 M HCl. Concentration factors of 40 were obtained with 1-l “samples” 10 p.p.b. concentrations were determined with standard deviations of 4–5 % by a.a.s. and conventional spectrophotometry.
Overbite depth indicator and anteroposterior dysplasia indicator cephalometric norms for African Americans

Objectives To examine normal Overbite Depth Indicator (ODI) and Anteroposterior Dysplasia Indicator (APDI) values in African Americans and to compare them with mean values from white patients. Secondary aims were to compare mean ODI and APDI values among different age, gender, and combined age-gender groups in African American patients. Materials and methods Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 160 African American patients (97 boys and 63 girls; age, 7 to 14 years) with normal occlusion and no history of orthodontic treatment were collected from the Bolton-Brush Growth Center. Cephalometric images were hand traced, and ODI and APDI values were assessed. Two-sample t tests were used to compare mean ODI and APDI values between African American and white patients; and between male and female African American patients. One-way analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test, was used to compare mean ODI and APDI values among different African American age and combined age-gender groups. Results Mean ODI and APDI values were significantly lower (P Conclusions The mean ODI and APDI values in 7- to 14-year-old African Americans with normal occlusion and no history of orthodontic treatment were 70.9° and 78.1°, respectively, and were significantly lower than the mean values for white patients in the same age range.
Equine herpesvirus-1 genotype did not significantly affect clinical signs and disease outcome in 65 horses diagnosed with equine herpesvirus-1 myeloencephalopathy.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if the genotype of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) impacted clinical disease and outcome of horses with laboratory confirmed equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). Medical records from 65 horses diagnosed with EHM from 2011 to 2019 were reviewed for signalment, presence and severity of clinical signs (lethargy, fever, ataxia, urinary incontinence) and outcome. Horses were further grouped based on the EHV-1 genotype into neuropathic (D752) or non-neuropathic (N752) EHV-1 infection. Between the two EHV-1 genotype groups, age and sex distributions were similar, although breed distribution was different (Quarter Horses and Saddlebreds were overrepresented and Warmbloods were underrepresented in the EHV-1 D752 group compared to the EHV-1 N752 group; P = 0.009). Lethargy, fever, ataxia and outcome were not significantly different between the two EHV-1 genotype groups (P > 0.05). However, urinary incontinence was significantly more frequently reported in horses infected with the D752 genotype of EHV-1 (P=0.04). Contrary to previous studies, the present study showed no difference in frequency of genotype (D752 or N752) among 65 horses with EHM and, with the exception of urinary incontinence, no difference in clinical disease or outcome related to the EHV-1 genotype.
BOREAS RSS-12 Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer Measurements

The BOREAS RSS-12 team collected both ground and airborne sunphotometer measurements for use in characterizing the aerosol optical properties of the atmosphere during the BOREAS data collection activities. These measurements are to be used to: 1) measure the magnitude and variability of the aerosol optical depth in both time and space; 2) determine the optical properties of the boreal aerosols; and 3) atmospherically correct remotely sensed data acquired during BOREAS. This data set contains airborne tracking sunphotometer data that were acquired from the C-130 aircraft during its flights over the BOREAS study areas. The data cover selected days and times from May to September 1994. The data are stored in tabular ASCII files. The data files are available on a CD-ROM (see document number 20010000884), or from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC).
The Politics and Pedagogy of Nationalism: Authentic Learning on Identity and Conflict

In recent decades, nationalism has emerged from the distant purview of history to become the primary driver of some of the world’s biggest news. Given the prominence of nationalist conflict, studen...
Imbalance accuracy metric for model selection in multi-class imbalance classification problems

Abstract The overall accuracy, macro precision, macro recall, F-score and class balance accuracy, due to their simplicity and easy interpretation, have been among the most popular metrics to measure the performance of classifiers on multi-class problems. However, on imbalance datasets, some of these metrics can be unfairly influenced by heavier classes. Therefore, it is recommended that they are used as a group and not individually. This strategy can unnecessarily complicate the model selection and evaluation in imbalance datasets. In this paper, we introduce a new metric, imbalance accuracy metric (IAM), that can be used as a solo measure for model evaluation and selection. The IAM is built up on top of the existing metrics, is simple to use, and easy to interpret. This metric is meant to be used as a bottom-line measure aiming to eliminate the need for group metric computation and simplify the model selection.
Student experiences in an academic support program to diversify the nursing workforce.

Abstract Background The current demographic of the Nursing workforce in the United States suggests a need to increase the percentage of minority nurses in practice. Diversifying the nursing workforce may change patient perceptions and improve the quality of care received by underserved patients. A college of nursing created the Nursing Endeavor Program to support first generation, low income, and/or underrepresented students from the point of acceptance in the nursing program to graduation. Nursing Endeavor students are guaranteed acceptance into the nursing major upon successful completion of these preliminary nursing courses. Despite application of some Jeffreys interventions, only 50% of Nursing Endeavor students enrolled in the preliminary nursing courses qualified to enter the major and graduated. One hundred percent of all Nursing Endeavor students who successfully transitioned into the final two years of the major had graduated. Therefore, this study focused on the efficacy of NEP interventions to support students in the first two years. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze student perspectives of the efficacy of interventions in the Nurse Endeavor Program designed to facilitate successful completion of the first two years of preliminary courses in the nursing major, which equates to a successful transition to student nurse. Design This study used a Qualitative Phenomenographic research design. Settings Individual interviews were conducted in the Principal Investigator's office in a Midwestern United States Research Universities' College of Nursing. Participants Eleven students who continued in the Nursing Endeavor Program to graduation, and eight former Nursing Endeavor students who withdrew from the nursing major during preliminary nursing courses. Methods Meleis transitions theory guided the study design. Institutional Review Board approval for study 17.272, and participant consent were obtained. Face-to-face interviews were conducted in the Principal Investigator's office and were transcribed verbatim. Phenomenographic methods were used for narrative analysis. Results Students reported nine interventions facilitated transition from preliminary nursing courses to the nursing major. Students reported three factors hindered transition: academic rigor, isolation, and living at home. Attendance at professional events was not mentioned. Conclusions Students credited Jeffreys' interventions for successful transitions. Additional factors influencing transition identified by students merit further study.
Does obesity affect long-term outcomes of extreme lateral interbody fusion with posterior stabilization?

Abstract Background Context Obese patients can pose significant challenges to spine surgeons in lumbar fusion procedures. The increased risk of complications has led surgeons to be wary in pursing operative interventions in these patients. Since the advent of minimally-invasive techniques in lumbar fusion, surgeons are turning to these procedures in an attempt to minimize operative time, blood loss and overall cost. With an increased proportion of obese patients in the population, it is imperative to understand the long-term outcomes in these minimally-invasive approaches. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) in the obese. Study Design/Setting Retrospective cohort study. Patient Sample A total of 115 patients (53 nonobese and 62 obese) who underwent XLIF with a minimum of 5-year follow-up. Outcome Measures (1) Patient reported outcome scores: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), (2) Reoperation rate, (3) Pelvic incidence (PI)- Lumbar lordosis (LL) mismatch correction, (4) Graft subsidence and fusion rate Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent XLIF with percutaneous posterior stabilization since 2007 with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Demographics including BMI were recorded and patients were subdivided into 2 cohorts: nonobese (BMI Results A total of 115 consecutive patients were included (53 nonobese and 62 obese) with a mean follow up of 95.3 months. Mean BMI was 25.3 in the nonobese group and 35.3 in the obese group (p Conclusion Obese patients have similar surgical outcomes to nonobese patients with respect to functional outcome scores, reoperation rates, graft subsidence and correction of PI-LL mismatch after long-term follow-up. With similar outcome and reoperation profiles, minimally-invasive approaches to the spine, such as XLIF, may be an acceptable alternative to traditional open procedures in obese patients.
in silico Assessment of Antibody Drug Resistance to Bamlanivimab of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.617

The highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617 with double mutations E484Q and L452R in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2s spike protein is worrisome. Demonstrated in crystal structures, the residues 452 and 484 in RBD are not in direct contact with interfacial residues in the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). This suggests that albeit there are some possibly nonlocal effects, the E484Q and L452R mutations might not significantly affect RBDs binding with ACE2, which is an important step for viral entry into host cells. Thus, without the known molecular mechanism, these two successful mutations (from the point of view of SARS-CoV-2) can be hypothesized to evade human antibodies. Using in silico all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as well as deep learning (DL) approaches, here we show that these two mutations significantly reduce the binding affinity between RBD and the antibody LY-CoV555 (also named as Bamlanivimab) that was proven to be efficacious for neutralizing the wide-type SARS-CoV-2. With the revealed molecular mechanism on how L452R and E484K evade LY-CoV555, we expect that more specific therapeutic antibodies can be accordingly designed and/or a precision mixing of antibodies can be achieved in a cocktail treatment for patients infected with the variant B.1.617. O_FIG_DISPLAY_L [Figure 1] M_FIG_DISPLAY C_FIG_DISPLAY