cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vectors for high-level, inducible expression of cloned genes in yeast.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the design and application of vectors that permit high-level, inducible synthesis of the product of a cloned gene in yeast. These vectors have been developed in recognition of the increasing need for obtaining reasonable amounts of the product of a cloned gene in research projects. For instance, given the variety of cloning strategies currently available, it is often easier to clone DNA encoding a particular gene than to purify the product of that gene. However, appreciation of the biological function of such a gene usually requires the subsequent identification and characterization of its product. There are a number of host-vector systems currently available for the high-level expression of cloned genes. However, there are a number of reasons why yeast systems should be included in the arsenal of genetic engineers. First, the codon bias in yeast is significantly different from that in Escherichia coli, as is, undoubtedly, the spectrum of endogenous proteolytic enzymes. In addition, yeast is capable of promoting glycosylation of newly synthesized proteins.
Constructive ways to prevent, identify, and remediate deficiencies of "challenging trainees" in experiential education.

The practice of pharmacy is highly influenced by the training pharmacy clinicians receive through experiential education (EE) programs, for it is within this “total practice immersion” that their skills are shaped, honed, and refined.[1][1] However, not all rotation experiences are positive for
Introducing security and responsible coding into introductory computer science courses

The CS2013 curriculum draft recommends that Information Security and Assurance be pervasive across all knowledge areas. However, introducing security in CS0, CS1, CS2, and Computer Literacy is challenging because of a lack of appropriate teaching resources and training. This workshop will provide a well-tested strategy for introducing secure and responsible coding concepts in these courses using self-contained, hands-on modules. These lab modules have been evaluated using large-scale quasi-experimental strategies and have been found to be effective (see references below). We will introduce attendees to secure coding through hands-on exercises, and provide self-contained, lab-based modules designed to be injected into CS0/CS1/CS2 and Literacy with minimal impact on the course (www.towson.edu/securityinjections).
Engineering prokaryotic channels for control of mammalian tissue excitability

The ability to directly enhance electrical excitability of human cells is hampered by the lack of methods to efficiently overexpress large mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). Here we describe the use of small prokaryotic sodium channels (BacNav) to create de novo excitable human tissues and augment impaired action potential conduction in vitro. Lentiviral co-expression of specific BacNav orthologues, an inward-rectifying potassium channel, and connexin-43 in primary human fibroblasts from the heart, skin or brain yields actively conducting cells with customizable electrophysiological phenotypes. Engineered fibroblasts ('E-Fibs') retain stable functional properties following extensive subculture or differentiation into myofibroblasts and rescue conduction slowing in an in vitro model of cardiac interstitial fibrosis. Co-expression of engineered BacNav with endogenous mammalian VGSCs enhances action potential conduction and prevents conduction failure during depolarization by elevated extracellular K+, decoupling or ischaemia. These studies establish the utility of engineered BacNav channels for induction, control and recovery of mammalian tissue excitability.
Natriuretic Peptides: Physiology for the Clinician

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are a family of hormones that have significant cardiorenal properties. As an important component of blood pressure homeostasis in humans, NPs are potent vasodilatory hormones that mediate diuresis, natriuresis and cardiac remodeling (Levin et al., N Engl J Med 339(5):321–328, 1998). Neurohormonal signaling plays an essential role in cardiovascular disease. Whereas antagonism of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathway, a mediator of pro-vascocontriction, leads to improved outcomes in heart failure, the potentiation of the NPs leads to vasodilation and improved cardiac remodeling. Therefore, NPs have been investigated both as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease as well as a potential treatment agent.
Apolipoprotein-E4 (ApoE4) carriers show altered small-world properties in the default mode network of the brain

Apolipoprotein-E (ApoE), specifically the e4 allele, has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The prevalence of the gene in 25% to 30% of the population necessitates careful examination of its role in neuroregulation and its impact on distributed brain networks. In this study, large-scale and small-world anatomical cortical networks are assessed in cognitive normal (CN) subjects with differing apolipoprotein-E4 (ApoE4) gene expression. The large-scale anatomical networks are estimated from cortical thickness measurements derived from magnetic resonance imaging in 147 CN subjects examined in relation to the ApoE4 genotype (e4+ carriers (n = 41) versus e4− non-carriers (n = 106)). Brain networks were constructed by thresholding anatomical cortical thickness correlation matrices of 68 bilateral brain regions analyzed using well-established graph theoretical approaches. Compared to non-carriers, carriers showed increased interregional correlation coefficients in regions such as the precentral, superior frontal and inferior temporal lobes, and most of the altered connections were intra-hemispheric and limited primarily to the right hemisphere. The number of long-length anatomic connections in carriers (26.1%) was significantly higher compared to non-carriers (17.9%). Carriers showed a reduced amount of short connections in the frontal lobe as compared to non-carriers, but an increased presence of long-range connections was observed in the frontal lobe. Furthermore, ApoE4 carriers demonstrated abnormal small-world architecture in the cortical networks with increased clustering coefficient and path lengths as compared to non-carriers, suggesting a less optimal topological organization of their brain networks. Finally, as compared to non-carriers, ApoE4 carriers demonstrated higher betweenness in regions such as middle temporal, parahippocampal gyrus, posterior cingulate and insula of the default mode network, also seen in subjects with AD and mild cognitive impairment. The results suggest that the complex morphological cortical connectivity patterns are altered in ApoE4 carriers, providing evidence for disruption of integrity in large-scale anatomical brain networks in asymptomatic ApoE4 carriers.
A Concise Guide to Feature Histograms with Applications to LIDAR-Based Spacecraft Relative Navigation

With the availability and popularity of 3D sensors, it is advantageous to re-examine the use of point cloud descriptors for the purpose of pose estimation and spacecraft relative navigation. One popular descriptor is the oriented unique repeatable clustered viewpoint feature histogram (OUR-CVFH), which is most often utilized in personal and industrial robotics to simultaneously recognize and navigate relative to an object. Recent research into using the OUR-CVFH descriptor for spacecraft navigation has produced favorable results. Since OUR-CVFH is the most recent innovation in a large family of feature histogram point cloud descriptors, discussions of parameter settings and insights into its functionality are spread among various publications and online resources. This paper organizes the history of feature histogram point cloud descriptors for a straightforward explanation of their evolution. This article compiles all the requisite information needed to implement OUR-CVFH into one location, as well as providing useful suggestions on how to tune the generation parameters. This work is beneficial for anyone interested in using this histogram descriptor for object recognition or navigation – may it be personal robotics or spacecraft navigation.
Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: a systematic review

Background Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is an uncommon form of stroke that, when severe, can be a therapeutic challenge. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) techniques have significantly evolved over the past decade, but data regarding the efficacy and safety of EMT for CVST are poorly defined. Objective To summarize the large number of case series on this relatively rare condition and establish trends in the outcomes of EMT for CVST. Methods A literature review was performed using PubMed and Medline to identify reports of three or more patients with CVST treated with EMT. Baseline and outcomes data, including radiographic resolution, neurological outcome, recurrence, and treatment-related complications, were extracted for analysis. Results A total of 17 studies comprising 235 patients treated with EMT were included for analysis. Based on pooled data, 40.2% of patients presented with encephalopathy or coma. Concurrent endovascular thrombolysis was employed in 87.6% of patients. Complete radiographic resolution of CVST was achieved in 69.0% of patients. At follow-up (range 0.5–3.5 years), 34.7% of patients were neurologically intact and the mortality rate was 14.3%. CVST recurrence was evident in 1.2%. Worsening or new intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurred in 8.7% of cases. ORs of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and development of ICH with sole EMT versus concurrent thrombolytic therapy were 1.51 (95% CI 0.29 to 8.15, p=0.61) and 1.15 (95% CI 0.12 to 10.80, p=0.90), respectively. Conclusions EMT is an effective salvage therapy for refractory CVST, with a reasonable safety profile. Chemical thrombolysis, in conjunction with EMT, did not appear to result in additional harm or benefit. Further analysis is warranted to determine predictors of success after EMT for CVST.
A Modularized Efficient Framework for Non-Markov Time Series Estimation

We present a compartmentalized approach to finding the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate of a latent time series that obeys a dynamic stochastic model and is observed through noisy measurements. We specifically consider modern signal processing problems with non-Markov signal dynamics (e.g., group sparsity) and/or non-Gaussian measurement models (e.g., point process observation models used in neuroscience). Through the use of auxiliary variables in the MAP estimation problem, we show that a consensus formulation of the alternating direction method of multipliers enables iteratively computing separate estimates based on the likelihood and prior and subsequently “averaging” them in an appropriate sense using a Kalman smoother. As such, this can be applied to a broad class of problem settings and only requires modular adjustments when interchanging various aspects of the statistical model. Under broad log-concavity assumptions, we show that the separate estimation problems are convex optimization problems and that the iterative algorithm converges to the MAP estimate. As such, this framework can capture non-Markov latent time series models and non-Gaussian measurement models. We provide example applications involving 1) group-sparsity priors, within the context of electrophysiologic specrotemporal estimation, and 2) non-Gaussian measurement models, within the context of dynamic analyses of learning with neural spiking and behavioral observations.
Failure to Diagnose Hyperparathyroidism in 10,432 Patients With Hypercalcemia: Opportunities for System-level Intervention to Increase Surgical Referrals and Cure.

Objective:To determine whether a significant number of patients with hyperparathyroidism remain undiagnosed and untreated.Background:Failure to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism and refer patients to surgeons leads to impaired quality of life and increased costs. We hypothesized that many patient
EMG Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Training in the Treatment of Reactive Depression in Chronic Pain Patients

Eight chronic pain patients (6 males and 2 females) diagnosed as presenting reactive depression were randomly divided into two groups. Following individual assessment with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), prescription of antidepressant medication, and electromyographic (EMG) measurement of forehead muscle tension, one group received EMG biofeedback-assisted relaxation training (BRT) and another group conventional medical treatment (TC). A final assessment was carried out on both (BRT and TC) groups immediately after 4 months of treatment. The BRT subjects showed significant reductions in EMG forehead muscle tension, T scores on the MMPI scale 2 (depression), and antidepressant medication following treatment compared to TC subjects. It is concluded that EMG biofeedback-assisted relaxation training is an effective biobehavioral treatment modality for reducing forehead muscle tension, elective antidepressant medication, and reactive depression of pain patients.
The diffusion of a Ga atom on GaAs(001)β2(2 × 4): Local superbasin kinetic Monte Carlo.

We use first-principles density-functional theory to characterize the binding sites and diffusion mechanisms for a Ga adatom on the GaAs(001)β2(2 × 4) surface. Diffusion in this system is a complex process involving eleven unique binding sites and sixteen different hops between neighboring binding sites. Among the binding sites, we can identify four different superbasins such that the motion between binding sites within a superbasin is much faster than hops exiting the superbasin. To describe diffusion, we use a recently developed local superbasin kinetic Monte Carlo (LSKMC) method, which accelerates a conventional kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation by describing the superbasins as absorbing Markov chains. We find that LSKMC is up to 4300 times faster than KMC for the conditions probed in this study. We characterize the distribution of exit times from the superbasins and find that these are sometimes, but not always, exponential and we characterize the conditions under which the superbasin exit-time dis...
Evil and the God of Abraham, Anselm, and Murphy

Mark Murphy's attempt to solve the problem of evil appeals to the hypothesis, which I call ‘Murphy's hypothesis’, that an Anselmian God only has justifying reasons and not requiring reasons to promote the well-being of Her sentient creatures. Given this hypothesis, the distribution of benefits and harms that we observe in the world is not unexpected on Anselmian theism. I argue that Murphy fails to solve the problem of evil for two reasons. First, he incorrectly equates the probability of the distribution of benefits and harms given theism with the probability of that distribution given theism conjoined with Murphy's hypothesis. Second, he fails to solve the evidential problem of immorality for Christian Anselmian theists and in fact his views make that problem significantly worse.
The Role of the Psychologist in the Management of the Bariatric Patient

Multidisciplinary teams are utilized to assess and treat morbid obesity and are considered standard of care for patients seeking bariatric surgery. In addition to the medical comorbidities associated with morbid obesity, there are negative psychological consequences. Research on predictive psychosocial factors is inconsistent, but common findings suggest that psychiatric disorders, cognitive functioning, personality factors, and eating pathology can affect both short- and long-term outcomes of weight loss surgery. While practice standards have not been defined for psychological evaluations, this chapter aims to describe general domains that have been agreed upon by clinicians. Information obtained during the clinical interview is key for assessing a patient’s readiness for surgery and for improving postsurgical outcomes. Thus, in addition to reviewing the role of a psychologist in conducting presurgical evaluations, this chapter will describe the role of a psychologist in facilitating psychosocial interventions in the preoperative phase as well as providing long-term care for patients with postoperative issues.
Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) Regulates Neuronal Activity by Controlling GABABR Trafficking.

Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) has been postulated as a key regulator of learning and memory. We previously reported that specific hippocampal ATF4 down-regulation causes deficits in synaptic plasticity and memory and reduction of glutamatergic functionality. Here we extend our studies to address ATF49s role in neuronal excitability. We find that long-term ATF4 knockdown in cultured rat hippocampal neurons significantly increases the frequency of spontaneous action potentials. This effect is associated with decreased functionality of metabotropic GABA B receptors (GABA B Rs). Knocking down ATF4 results in significant reduction of GABA B R-induced GIRK-currents and increased mIPSCs frequency. Furthermore, reducing ATF4 significantly decreases expression of membrane-exposed, but not total, GABA B R 1a and 1b subunits, indicating that ATF4 regulates GABA B R trafficking. In contrast, ATF4 knockdown has no effect on surface expression of GABA B R2s, several GABA B R-coupled ion channels or β2 and Ɣ2 GABA A Rs. Pharmacologic manipulations confirmed the relationship between GABA B R functionality and action potential frequency in our cultures. Specifically, the effects of ATF4 down-regulation cited-above are fully rescued by transcriptionally active, but not by transcriptionally-inactive, shRNA-resistant, ATF4. We previously reported that ATF4 promotes stabilization of the actin-regulatory protein Cdc42 by a transcription-dependent mechanism. To test the hypothesis that this action underlies the mechanism by which ATF4 loss affects neuronal firing rates and GABA B R trafficking, we down-regulated Cdc42 and found that this phenocopies the effects of ATF4 knockdown on these properties. In conclusion, our data favor a model in which ATF4, by regulating Cdc42 expression, affects trafficking of GABA B Rs, which in turn modulates the excitability properties of neurons. Significance statement: GABA B receptors (GABA B Rs), the metabotropic receptors for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, have crucial roles in controlling the firing rate of neurons. Deficits in trafficking/functionality of GABA B Rs have been linked to a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including epilepsy, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, addiction, and pain. Here we show that GABA B Rs trafficking is influenced by Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4), a protein that has a pivotal role in hippocampal memory processes. We found that ATF4 down-regulation in hippocampal neurons reduces membrane-bound GABA B R levels and thereby increases intrinsic excitability. These effects are mediated by loss of the small GTPase Cdc42 following ATF4 down-regulation. These findings reveal a critical role for ATF4 in regulating the modulation of neuronal excitability by GABA B Rs.
A Multidisciplinary Team Approach Enhances the Positive Impact of a Heart Failure Community Paramedicine Program

Introduction High risk heart failure (HF) patients with complex clinical and social barriers often do not respond to or qualify for traditional interventions and supportive services. These patients unfortunately fail at home due to a lack of adequate resources. There is a need to provide additional support to this high risk population. A comprehensive approach utilizing a multidisciplinary team in conjunction with Community Paramedicine can benefit this challenging group. The team (HF Nurse Practitioner, HF Nurse Navigator, HF Clinical Social Worker, Community Paramedic, HF Clinic Nurse and ACO Program Manager) meet weekly to review active community paramedic patients. They identify and act upon ongoing barriers that may impact patient success. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of this diverse team approach in conjunction with a Community Paramedicine Program. A multidisciplinary team approach to Community Paramedicine allows for enhanced communication and better support for high risk heart failure patients. Timely resolution of complex medical and social needs assists with reducing hospital utilization in this group. Method This was a retrospective database research design. Medical records were utilized to assess hospitalization and Emergency Department visit data in 65 patients either actively or formerly enrolled in the Community Paramedicine program. A control group consisting of similar heart failure patients not enrolled in the Community Paramedicine Program was developed for comparison. Results The study data indicates that participants in the Multidisciplinary Community Paramedicine Program had a 53% (p Conclusions A multidisciplinary team approach to Community Paramedicine allows for better identification of medical and social barriers that may impact patient outcomes. This team in collaboration with an Advanced Heart Failure Clinic is successful in reducing overall hospital usage and enhances the positive impact made by a Community Paramedicine Program particularly for high risk heart failure patients. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the benefits found in this study.
Sparse modeling of space- and time-varying diffraction response of a progressively loaded aluminum alloy

Abstract High energy X-ray diffraction data collected in situ during loading experiments permits probing of the crystal structure of a plastically deforming material sample. An elastoplastic deformation is associated with heterogeneity in both crystal orientation and lattice spacing—each manifesting as azimuthal broadening and radial broadening of diffraction peaks respectively. Quantifying the spreading effect is challenging, especially in cases where the sample has a granularity between that of a single crystal and fine grain or powder material. The approach developed in this paper begins by modeling the intensity signal in the vicinity of a Debye-Scherrer ring as a sparse, nonnegative superposition of Gaussian basis functions drawn from an over-complete dictionary. Processing automatically selects from the dictionary basis functions whose widths and amplitudes are representative of the data. The chosen basis functions are used to compute scalar measures of radial and azimuthal broadening for the set of diffraction peaks composing a Debye-Scherrer ring. To demonstrate the utility of the approach, we show that analysis of diffraction peak shape information from an aluminum alloy 7075 T651 (AA7075 T651) sample provides insight into the origin of material state that would have otherwise have been difficult if not impossible to extract using conventional methods. Furthermore, the extracted information revealed a deformation response linked to the processing history of the sample.
Serum folate receptor α (sFR) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and surveillance

Novelty and Impact Statement: Our findings suggest that soluble folate receptor (sFR) could be used in both the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer. Our cohort constitutes one of the largest comparison groups for sFR analyzed so far. We have defined the background level of sFR using healthy volunteers. This is also the first study to prospectively follow patients in the surveillance setting to concurrently identify differential changes in tumor markers CA-125 and sFR.
Building Capacity to Engage Culturally Diverse Families Through Interprofessional Partnerships and Training

Students with disabilities who come from diverse families face challenges and potential educational disparities beyond their special educational needs. Recommendations for engaging English language learning (EL) families include providing adequate training and professional development for educators and collaborating with all stakeholders and families. In this chapter, we describe how several organizations, including parent advocacy centers, school districts, and an interpreter stakeholder group, are partnering in Minnesota to improve communication and engagement with immigrant and refugee families of children with disabilities, such as providing training and developing resources to foster effective communication between schools and EL families of students with disabilities. Eighty-eight percent of the interpreters strongly agreed that they gained knowledge from the training. The impact of this partnership also led to changes in an educational Code of Ethics which defines professional practices when working with EL families and their children with disabilities.
Cyclohexenone Annelation by Alkylidene C−H Insertion: Synthesis of Oxo-T-cadinol

A new procedure for cyclohexenone annelation has been developed. Thus, alkylation of 4-isopropylcyclohexanone with allyl bromide gives, over several steps, ketone 8. Exposure to (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane and MeLi smoothly cyclized 8 to the cyclopentene 9 by insertion of the intermediate alkylidene carbene into the unactivated methylene CH. On debenzylation, ozonolysis, and subsequent aldol condensation, 9 is transformed into oxo-T-cadinol (1).
Criminogenic Factors Associated with Noncompliance and Rearrest of Mental Health Court Participants

There is a considerable overrepresentation of individuals with mental health issues within the U.S. criminal justice system as compared with the general population. Mental health courts (MHCs) aros...
Lorentz TEM investigation of chiral spin textures and Néel Skyrmions in asymmetric [Pt /(Co /Ni)M /Ir ] N multi-layer thin films

We examine magnetic domain patterns in symmetric ${[\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Ni}]}_{M}$ and asymmetric ${[\mathrm{Pt}/{(\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Ni})}_{M}/\mathrm{Ir}]}_{N}$ multi-layers by using Fresnel mode Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM). In the symmetric multi-layers, where the Dzyaloshinskii--Moriya interaction is expected to be negligible, we observe Bloch-type domain walls with no preferred chirality. In the asymmetric multi-layers, where significant interfacial DMI is present, we observe domain patterns with chiral N\'eel domain walls, which evolve into sub-100 nm isolated N\'eel Skyrmions with the application of a perpendicular field at room temperature. The impact of layer thickness and film stack on interfacial magnetic properties is discussed in the context of developing a tunable multi-layer system for future spintronic applications.
'What One Man Can Invent Another Can Discover:' The British Patent Controversy and the Sherlock Holmes Canon

Over the course of the 19th Century in Great Britain, patent law and policy developed quickly in an atmosphere of heated debate. In the first half of the century, some advocated for a patent system that provided greater ownership to inventors, while others advocated for abolition of patents altogether. The one thing people could agree on, it seemed, was that the then-existing system was flawed. In the latter half of the 19th Century and beginning of the 20th, Parliament overhauled the patent system, including unifying the patent systems of England, Ireland, and Scotland, establishing the Patent Office, and passing the Patents Designs and Trademarks Act. In the midst of this atmosphere of debate and change, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote 54 stories and 4 novels about the detective Sherlock Holmes, some of which address inventions. This chapter considers the treatment of patents and patent law in the Sherlock Holmes novels and stories to illuminate popular Victorian and Edwardian understandings of, and ambivalence about, the patent law of the time.
Application of a mind-body tool in a rural population to improve post-operative outcomes in women with breast cancer: A pilot study

Abstract Background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. While improvements in treatment have improved mortality, they can negatively impact quality of life (QOL). Mindfulness-based programs are low-cost interventions shown to improve QOL. The study aim was to evaluate a well-validated mind-body program – determining its feasibility, acceptability, and improvement in symptomatology in post-operative breast cancer patients in a rural setting. Methods We recruited patients during post-operative appointments following mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer. Each participant completed 3 surveys before and after the intervention: (8 PROMIS-29, PROMIS –Global QOL, and MAAS (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale). The intervention was an 8-week course: “The Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) - Relaxation Response and Resiliency Program (3RP)”, which has been well-validated for the treatment of various clinical problems. Feasibility, acceptability, quantitative survey data, and demographics were analyzed. Results SMART-3RP was highly acceptable with greater than >80% completion rate. 23% of the invited participants enrolled, although over 70% of patients approached (34/48) expressed interest. The principal recruitment deterrent was scheduling. Sleep and anxiety/depression were improved in participants although not significantly due to small sample size. We also demonstrated improving trends in other QOL measures. Conclusions This small pilot study proved feasibility, showed excellent acceptability, and demonstrated a benefit in post-operative breast cancer patients. Even with our small sample size, we found trends in improvement in certain QOL measures which emphasizes SMART-3RP's potential effectiveness. A large-scale randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Adverse selection and the effect of health insurance on utilization of prescribed medicine among patients with chronic conditions.

Purpose – To examine the effects of health insurance types on the use of prescribed medication that treat patients with hypertension, diabetes, and asthma. The study distinguishes between individuals with private health maintenance organization (HMO) plans and private non-HMO plans. The study also distinguishes between people with health insurance and drug coverage and people with health insurance and no drug coverage. Methods – Joint discrete factor models are estimated to control for endogeneity of each type of coverage. Findings – The main findings suggest that the effect of health insurance varies across patients with different conditions. The strongest and most significant effect is evident among patients with hypertension while the weakest and least significant is among patients with asthma. These findings suggest that patients with asymptomatic conditions are more likely to exhibit moral hazard than patients with conditions that impose immediate impairment. Additional results suggest that, relative to the uninsured and people with health insurance but no drug coverage, patients with drug coverage are more likely to initiate drug therapy and to consume more medications. Originality – The results of the study indicate that moral hazard of drug utilization is condition specific. The variation in “silence” of conditions’ symptoms could be a key reason for difference in insurance effects among patients with hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.
Chapter 2 Analysis of multistage production systems

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews optimization-based methods for solving low sizing problems for a range of serial, assembly, distribution, and other more general system structures with constant demand rates. Furthermore, a class of algorithms has been studied that has a provable bound on their performance. The models and algorithms that can be used to determine the consistent and realistic reorder intervals for each stage in each of the types of systems have been presented. The classic economic order quantity (EOQ) model has been formulated in terms of lot sizes, and there are several important reasons for formulating the model in terms of reorder intervals. The chapter examines several different multi-stage generalizations of the powers-of-two model. A system having a serial structure has been studied. A system with an assembly system structure has been examined, and a model and an algorithm for a distribution system have been discussed.
Creating and exploiting diversity in wireless systems: a signal processing perspective

Diversity techniques have a critical role to play in counteracting the effects of signal-to-noise ratio variation due to multipath-propagation in wireless communication systems. We give an overview of some key ways in which computationally efficient signal processing algorithms can be used at the transmitters and receivers of multiuser communication systems to realize effective forms of diversity. Such diversity is achieved by, in effect, spreading the transmission of symbols spectrally, temporally, and/or spatially to within the limits imposed by bandwidth, delay, and other physical system constraints. We discuss how both recently introduced spread-signature CDMA protocols and suitably designed multiple-element transmitter antenna arrays can be used to realize spreading of this type. All such techniques have the characteristic that they improve both average and worst-case performance, and can be used in conjunction with-or as an alternative to-coding in such systems.
Restructuring an Industry During Transition: A Two-Period Model

This paper develops a two-period model of enterprise shutdown during post-Soviet transition, when firm performance is at best a highly noisy signal of its viability in the evolving market economy. The paper focuses at the industry level, taking a normative industrial-policy perspective, and deriving an optimal shutdown-rule for choosing which firms should exit the industry, when shutdown entails rapidly rising social and economic costs in its scale. The optimal policy is shown to be rather conservative, balancing at the margin the costs of shutdown against the expected costs of allowing a potentially value- destroying operation to continue, together with the opportunity cost of tying up resources in the existing operation. It is, however, also "front-loaded" in that it is more aggressive in shutting down potentially bad firms in the first period, despite the 'option value' to waiting (learning from future performance). This is related, in part, to an 'entry effect' from the release of production factors and resources controlled by the closed enterprises. Results on the value of information and the optimal timing of the shutdown decision are also derived.
Technology innovation (TI) R&D budget flexibility

Traditional organizational budgeting model in BPA are developed to help managers control costs and live within established rate cases. Technology Innovation has an increasing complex budget as we continue to ramp of our program to half of one percent of the agencys total revenue approximately $17M we required to comply with BPAs policy of spending 100% of our funding. Given Technology Innovation board scope of work we believe a successful approach to manage a dynamic portfolio where negative outcomes can not be either predict nor control budget flexibility is a must. I am suggesting a budget of plus or minus 10% is needed in any given year. This flexibility within Technology Innovation would not force us to continue work on projects that and not progressing just to meet finical goals.
Hepatic encephalopathy: Application of visual evoked responses to test hypotheses of its pathogenesis in rats

Summary A previous study of the patterns of visual evoked responses (VERs) in rats was interpreted as providing support for the synergistic neurotoxins hypothesis of the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) due to fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). In contrast, other studies of the patterns of VERs in rabbits with different encephalopathies were interpreted as providing support for the concept that increased GABA-ergic tone may contribute to the neural inhibition of HE due to FHF. To attempt to resolve the discordant findings in these studies, additional studies of VERs have been undertaken in rats. To induce increased tissue levels of ammonia, mercaptans and fatty acids which are found in HE due to FHF, carefully predetermined doses of urease, dimethyldisulphide and octanoic acid were administered. The (pre-seizure) encephalopathy induced by these three agents was associated with abnormalities of the VER waveform that were fundamentally different from the abnormalities of the VER waveform associated with HE due to thioacetamide-induced FHF. However, the VER waveform in this model of HE due to FHF resembled closely that associated with pentobarbital-induced encephalopathy. These findings are in satisfactory agreement with those in the previous analogous studies in rabbits. They do not provide support for the synergistic neurotoxins hypothesis of the pathogenesis of HE, but are entirely consistent with increased GABA-ergic tone contributing to the neural inhibition of HE due to FHF.
Ambiguity in Acquiring Spatial Representation from Descriptions Compared to Depictions: The Role of Spatial Orientation

Adults can make judgments about multiple spatial relations based on information gained from different kinds of input, including maps, descriptions, and through navigation [1]. However, factors such as spatial orientation influence performance. We investigated spatial orientation effects on learning from different media. In Experiment 1, participants learned a house from a map or a description. They then judged surrounding locations while imagining being in each room and they reconstructed the house. Participants who learned from a description performed worse on both tasks. Errors suggested they interpreted the term "in front" differently than intended [2]. Experiment 2 tested this hypothesis by examining two factors influencing interpretation of "in front", specific interpretation instructions and orientation information. The orientation information influenced performance more than the explicit interpretation of "in front." Taken together, the results indicate multiple influences on the spatial reference frame participants use to interpret spatial terms.
Circulating lymphocyte populations in Hodgkin's disease after mantle and paraaortic irradiation

The effect of mantle and paraaortic radiation on peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied in 11 previously untreated patients with early stage Hodgkin's disease using a series of monoclonal antibodies defining immunoregulatory lymphoid cells. Immediately following the completion of radiotherapy, there was a significant reduction in the number of lymphocytes and the percent of circulating T cells. This acute decrease in T cells was due to a marked diminution in the number of inducer T cells, while the fraction of suppressor T cells remained constant. These changes persisted for up to 12 mo and were accompanied by a later increase in the fraction of circulating B lymphocytes and cells bearing surface Ia. It thus appears that mantle and paraaortic radiotherapy causes a relatively selective reduction in the inducer T-cell population. The implications of a change in the ratio of inducer to suppressor T cells is discussed.
FKLF-2: a novel Krüppel-like transcriptional factor that activates globin and other erythroid lineage genes.

FKLF-2, a novel Kruppel-type zinc finger protein, was cloned from murine yolk sac. The deduced polypeptide sequence of 289 amino acids has 3 contiguous zinc fingers at the near carboxyl-terminal end, an amino-terminal domain characterized by its high content of alanine and proline residues and a carboxyl-terminal domain rich in serine residues. By Northern blot hybridization, the human homologue of FKLF-2 is expressed in the bone marrow and striated muscles and not in 12 other human tissues analyzed. FKLF-2 is constitutively expressed in established cell lines with an erythroid phenotype, but it is inconsistently expressed in cell lines with myeloid or lymphoid phenotypes. The expression of FKLF-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) is up-regulated after induction of mouse erythroleukemia cells. In luciferase assays, FKLF-2 activates predominantly the gamma, and to a lesser degree, the epsilon and beta globin gene promoters. The activation of gamma gene promoter does not depend on the presence of an HS2 enhancer. FKLF-2 activates the gamma promoter predominantly by interacting with the gamma CACCC box, and to a lesser degree through interaction with the TATA box or its surrounding DNA sequences. FKLF-2 also activated all the other erythroid specific promoters we tested (GATA-1, glycophorin B, ferrochelatase, porphobilinogen deaminase, and 5-aminolevulinate synthase). These results suggest that in addition to globin, FKLF-2 may be involved in activation of transcription of a wide range of genes in the cells of the erythroid lineage.
Task Technology Fit, The Social Technical Gap and Social Networking Sites.

Social networking sites are a form of collaborative software used by millions of people worldwide. While important descriptive and exploratory studies of these sites have been conducted, there has been little discussion of how to relate information systems theory to the use of social networking sites. This research will combine two theoretical frameworks to assist in understanding the dynamics of these sites. Task technology fit theory is applied to analyze the task requirements of relationship development and match those requirements to technical features. The Social technical gap is also applied to discover the social requirements that evolve from the use of these sites, and determine how effectively these requirements can be supported in a socio-technical system with millions of members.
Heritability, Phenotypic and Genetic Correlations Between Type Ratings and Milk Fat Production in Ayrshire Cattle,

Summary Intra-sire-herd variances and covariances of daughters and dams were used to estimate heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations on 8,165 daughter-dam pairs located in 2,924 sire-herd groups. The average of all available type and production records was used. Heritability estimates for final type rating, components of type, and milk fat production, converted to a single record basis, and 95% confidence limits were as follows: Final type, 0.18±.054; head and neck, 0.27±.062; shoulders and chest, 0.16±.063; middle and loin, 0.16±.066; rump and thighs, 0.22±.064; feet and legs, 0.16±.065; udder shape and size, 0.06±.072; udder attachments, 0.05±.062; teats, veins, and quality, 0.07±.054; general quality, 0.13±.056; breed character, 0.22±.054; and milk fat production, 0.15±.055. Phenotypic correlations, converted to a single record basis, between the components of type and milk fat production, and final type rating with milk fat production were low, ranging from 0.03 to 0.13. The phenotypic correlations between the various type ratings ranged from 0.14 to 0.62 with a standard error The genetic correlations between the components of type and milk fat production were low, ranging from −0.15 to 0.16, whereas the genetic correlation between final type rating and milk fat production was 0.02. The genetic correlations between the various type ratings ranged from 0.17 to 1.00, with a standard error
Characteristic infra-red absorption frequencies of organophosphorus compounds—V: Phosphorus—carbon bonds

Abstract No direct correlation for PC vibrations can be found, but indirect correlations enable the presence of PCH3, PC2H5, PPh, PCN and PCH2P grouping in organophosphorus molecules to be deduced. These indirect correlations are discussed and it is shown that the frequency of the PCH3 band near 1300 cm−1 varies with ΣΠ. It is concluded that the majority of compounds purporting to contain a bond exist largely in the form. When a true PC bond exists this is characterized by an absorption band in the region 1180–1230 cm−1.
Allies against Sexism: The Role of Men in Confronting Sexism

This article reviews the small but emerging literature on men who become allies against sexism. Although men are less likely than women­ to recognize sexism, male allies possess psychological belief systems that allow them to overcome barriers to seeing sexism and thus recognize the unfair treatment of women. We review research demonstrating that relative to women who confront sexism, men who act as allies are evaluated more positively, while their confrontations are taken as more serious and legitimate efforts to combat sexism. We discuss the implications of this research, including a discussion of how individuals and organizations can encourage men to become allies. We also identify how women can take advantage of the insights gleaned from men's confrontations to become more effective when they confront sexism.
Novel Potential Mechanism-Based Inhibitors of Human Leukocyte Elastase and Cathepsin G: Derivatives of Isothiazolidin-3-one

Abstract A series of heterocydic compounds designed to function as mechanism-based inhibitors of human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G has been synthesized and their inhibitory activity was investigated. These isothiazolidin-3-one derivatives were found to be effective inhibitors of cathepsin G.
Vertical particulate spires or walls within the Florida Current and near the Antilles Current

Spires or humps of particulate material extending from the bottom of the oceanic mixed layer to near the ocean's surface have been observed in the Florida Current and in the regions of other current systems, using an ultrasensitive, 20-kHz acoustical echo sounding system. These spires may be the result of oceanic circulation rather than a purely biological phenomenon.
Global perspectives on sexuality and equity in education

(1987). Global perspectives on sexuality and equity in education. Peabody Journal of Education: Vol. 64, Sex Equity and Sexuality in Education, pp. 25-43.
Discussion of 'Comparison of turbulence models for the natural convection boundary layer along a heated vertical plate'

The paper presents a critical comment on the work of Henkes and Hoogendoorn. In particular, it is argued that the model of To and Humphrey (TH) (1986) has been implemented incorrectly, rendering invalid the conclusion that the TH model considerably deviates from the other models evaluated. In their response to the criticism, the authors present arguments in support of the correctness of their implementation of the TH model and of the validity of the conclusions reached in their work.
Determination of the absolute configuration of chiral α-aryloxypropanoic acids using vibrational circular dichroism studies: 2-(2-chlorophenoxy) propanoic acid and 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propanoic acid

The enantiomers of 2-(2-chlorophenoxy) propanoic acid and 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propanoic acid were resolved on a chiral HPLC column and investigated using mid-infrared vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). Experimental infrared vibrational absorption and VCD spectra were measured in CDCl3 solution in the 2000-900 cm-1 region and compared with the ab initio predictions of absorption and VCD spectra. The predicted spectra were obtained with density functional theory using B3LYP/6-31G* basis set for the stable and dominant conformers. But the predicted spectra did not provide unambiguous structural information due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding in solution. To eliminate the hydrogen bonding effects, the acids were converted to the corresponding methyl esters and the experimental absorbance and VCD spectra of methyl esters were measured. B3LYP predicted spectra were also obtained for the stable and dominant conformers of the esters. From a comparison of the experimental VCD spectra of methyl esters with corresponding ab initio predictions, the absolute configurations of esters, and therefore of their parent acids, are unambiguously determined to be (+)-(R).