cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bulk-edge correspondence in fractional quantum Hall states

We substantiate a complete picture of the ``bulk-edge correspondence'' conjecture for topological phases. By studying the eigenstates in the entanglement spectrum for both the ideal and realistic Coulomb ground states of the fractional quantum Hall system, it is verified that the eigenstates in the universal part of the entanglement spectrum purely lie in the Hilbert space of the edge excitations projected onto the physical Hilbert space of the subsystem itself. Hence, not only are the eigenlevels in the entanglement spectrum in one-to-one correspondence with the eigenenergies of an effective dynamical edge Hamiltonian, but all the eigenstates are confirmed to be the actual (projected) edge excitations of the subsystem. This result also reveals the possibility of extracting the full information of the edge excitations from the state of the subsystem reduced from a geometric cut of the pure ground state of the total system in topological phases.
miR-128 inhibits telomerase activity by targeting TERT mRNA

Telomerase is a unique cellular reverse transcriptase (RT) essential for maintaining telomere stability and required for the unlimited proliferation of cancer cells. The limiting determinant of telomerase activity is the catalytic component TERT, and TERT expression is closely correlated with telomerase activity and cancer initiation and disease progression. For this reason the regulation of TERT levels in the cell is of great importance. microRNAs (miRs) function as an additional regulatory level in cells, crucial for defining expression boundaries, proper cell fate decisions, cell cycle control, genome integrity, cell death and metastasis. We performed an anti-miR library screen to identity novel miRs, which participate in the control of telomerase. We identified the tumor suppressor miR (miR-128) as a novel endogenous telomerase inhibitor and determined that miR-128 significantly reduces the mRNA and protein levels of Tert in a panel of cancer cell lines. We further evaluated the mechanism by which miR-128 regulates TERT and demonstrated that miR-128 interacts directly with the coding sequence of TERT mRNA in both HeLa cells and teratoma cells. Interestingly, the functional miR-128 binding site in TERT mRNA, is conserved between TERT and the other cellular reverse transcriptase encoded by Long Interspersed Elements-1 (LINE-1 or L1), which can also contribute to the oncogenic phenotype of cancer. This finding supports the novel idea that miRs may function in parallel pathways to inhibit tumorigenesis, by regulating a group of enzymes (such as RT) by targeting conserved binding sites in the coding region of both enzymes.
Does Competition Lead Firms to Bribery? A Firm-Level Study in Southeast Asia

Economists have paid close attention to economic development in Southeast Asia, where corruption and bribery are believed to be ubiquitous. In this article, we study the reasons why firms bribe. Specifically, we study the effects of the competition encountered by Southeast Asian firms on their bribing behavior. This article focuses on two types of bribing behavior: (1) informal payments given to the government so that it will ignore rule violations and (2) informal payments to the government to secure a contract. Using firm-level and country-level data from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam between 2009 and 2014, we find that the market competition will increase bribing behavior, while political competition within the country will reduce the likelihood of bribing.
The Impact of Big Data on Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation

We examine the impact of "big data" on firm performance in the context of forecast accuracy using proprietary retail sales data obtained from Amazon. We measure the accuracy of forecasts in two relevant dimensions: the number of products (N), and the number of time periods for which a product is available for sale (T). Theory suggests diminishing returns to larger N and T, with relative forecast errors diminishing at rate 1/sqrt(N)+1/sqrt(T). Empirical results indicate gains in forecast improvement in the T dimension but essentially flat N effects.
The effects of placement and school stability on academic growth trajectories of students in foster care

Abstract As a result of the Every Student Succeeds Act and its requirement that students in foster care be included in education report cards, states have a renewed sense of urgency surrounding accountability for the academic achievement of this vulnerable group of students. This study examined the effects of placement and school stability on students' academic growth before, during, and after out-of-home placements. The sample consisted of 7674 youth in 4th through 10th grades from one Mountain region state who were also in foster care at any point between 2008 and 2014. The findings from the current study underscore the importance of: (a) supporting “catch-up” growth when students initially enter the child welfare system; (b) considering the detrimental effects of co-occurring placement changes and school moves in case planning for students in foster care; (c) maintaining academic progress for those students who are meeting grade-level expectations; and, (d) implementing supports and services that extend beyond the duration of time that students are in foster care.
In children, the microbiota of the nasopharynx and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid are both similar and different

Rationale Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) are often obtained to elucidate the lower airway microbiota in adults. Acquiring sputum samples from children is difficult and obtaining samples via bronchoscopy in children proves challenging due to the need for anesthesia and specialized procedural expertise; therefore nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are often used as surrogates when investigating the pediatric airway microbiota. In adults, the airway microbiota differs significantly between NP and BALF samples however, minimal data exist in children. Objectives To compare NP and BALF samples in children undergoing clinically indicated bronchoscopy. Methods NP and BALF samples were collected during clinically indicated bronchoscopy. Bacterial DNA was extracted from 72 samples (36 NP/BALF pairs); the bacterial V1-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced on the Illumina Miseq platform. Analysis was performed using mothur software. Results Compared to NP samples, BALF had increased richness and diversity. Similarity between paired NP and BALF (intra-subject) samples was greater than inter-subject samples (P = 0.0006). NP samples contained more Actinobacteria (2.2% vs 21%; adjusted P = 1.4 × 10-6 ), while BALF contained more Bacteroidetes (29.5% vs 3.2%; adjusted P = 1.2 × 10-9 ). At the genus level several differences existed, however Streptococcus abundance was similar in both sample types (NP 37.3% vs BAL 36.1%; adjusted P = 0.8). Conclusion Our results provide evidence that NP samples can be used to distinguish differences between children, but the relative abundance of organisms may differ between the nasopharynx and lower airway in pediatric patients. Studies utilizing NP samples as surrogates for the lower airway should be interpreted with caution.
Modular assembly of the nucleolar pre-60S ribosomal subunit

Cryo-electron microscopy structures of multiple states along the assembly pathway of the nucleolar pre-60S ribosomal subunit suggest that folding of the pre-ribosomal RNA and sequential binding of transient assembly factors are regulated by steric hindrance among these factors. Cryo-electron microscopy approaches provide unprecedented views of how large molecular complexes assemble in cells. Sebastian Klinge and colleagues used these techniques to analyse the formation of the large pre-60S ribosomal subunit at a resolution of 3.4 A. These analyses show that the concerted activity of several assembly factors is important for the stabilization and remodelling of intermediate structures of RNA and proteins while avoiding premature folding states. Progress through sequential steps of this assembly pathway is needed to achieve the correct conformation of the polypeptide exit tunnel of the ribosome. Early co-transcriptional events during eukaryotic ribosome assembly result in the formation of precursors of the small (40S) and large (60S) ribosomal subunits1. A multitude of transient assembly factors regulate and chaperone the systematic folding of pre-ribosomal RNA subdomains. However, owing to a lack of structural information, the role of these factors during early nucleolar 60S assembly is not fully understood. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstructions of the nucleolar pre-60S ribosomal subunit in different conformational states at resolutions of up to 3.4 A. These reconstructions reveal how steric hindrance and molecular mimicry are used to prevent both premature folding states and binding of later factors. This is accomplished by the concerted activity of 21 ribosome assembly factors that stabilize and remodel pre-ribosomal RNA and ribosomal proteins. Among these factors, three Brix-domain proteins and their binding partners form a ring-like structure at ribosomal RNA (rRNA) domain boundaries to support the architecture of the maturing particle. The existence of mutually exclusive conformations of these pre-60S particles suggests that the formation of the polypeptide exit tunnel is achieved through different folding pathways during subsequent stages of ribosome assembly. These structures rationalize previous genetic and biochemical data and highlight the mechanisms that drive eukaryotic ribosome assembly in a unidirectional manner.
Telecom déjà vu: a model for sharing in the broadband Internet

There is significant debate over whether there remains a last-mile broadband bottleneck. In this paper, we explore what might be the nature of this bottleneck and review options for regulatory resp...
Job tasks and the comparative structure of income and employment: Routine task intensity and offshorability for the LIS*:

Comparative sociologists have long considered occupations to be a key source of inequality. However, data constraints make comparative research on two of the more important contemporary drivers of ...
Infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa : a scorecard

Infrastructure is viewed as a crucial ingredient to foster growth and productivity. Amid the post -- global financial crisis slowdown, Sub-Saharan Africa is in dire need to continue the growth momentum it experienced during the period of the Africa Rising narrative. An emerging consensus in the empirical literature is that, under the right circumstances, an adequate supply of infrastructure can help foster growth in the region. This paper provides a scorecard on infrastructure development in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past decades along four sectors (telecommunications, electric power, transportation, and water and sanitation) and three dimensions (quantity, quality, and access). First, it documents the existence of a large gap in infrastructure in the region—although the magnitude of the gap depends on the sector, dimension, and country/group. Second, the potential growth benefits from closing the infrastructure gap are large. Third, the infrastructure financing needs are very large, and the public sector so far is unable to meet these needs. Other options that involve the private sector may be available for the region. Finally, there is room for improving the efficiency of public infrastructure spending (that is, the quality of public investment management systems and procurement methods), which, in turn, may increase the output multiplier of investment spending.
Medico-Legal Collaboration Regarding the Sex Offender: Othering and Resistance

We examined medico-legal collaboration regarding dangerous sex offenders where state legislators have adopted statutes that determine the criteria for commitment to and discharge from civil commitment programs. The application of these statutes relies on medical diagnoses of pathologies such as paraphilia, anti-social personality disorder, and pedophilia along with prognoses for cure or recidivism. In our study, we examined court opinions from commitment hearings and observed a trial in federal court on the constitutionality of these commitments. We found that one result of this medico-legal collaboration is the marginalization or othering of sex offenders by essentializing, dividing, shaming, and impeaching them. We also found that this group attempted to resist othering by rhetorical strategies such as providing evidence of change in character, distinction within the othered group, and proof of internal controls over unacceptable impulses. Finally, we discovered that such othering relies heavily on medical expertise, even though some medical practitioners may disagree with, or be hesitant in, their roles in this medico-legal collaboration.
A high-performance atmospheric radiation package: With applications to the radiative energy budgets of giant planets

A High-performance Atmospheric Radiation Package (HARP) is developed for studying multiple-scattering planetary atmospheres. HARP is an open-source program written in C++ that utilizes high-level data structure and parallel-computing algorithms. It is generic in three aspects. First, the construction of the model atmospheric profile is generic. The program can either take in an atmospheric profile or construct an adiabatic thermal and compositional profile, taking into account the clouds and latent heat release due to condensation. Second, the calculation of opacity is generic, based on line-by-line molecular transitions and tabulated continuum data, along with a table of correlated-k opacity provided as an option to speed up the calculation of energy fluxes. Third, the selection of the solver for the radiative transfer equation is generic. The solver is not hardwired in the program. Instead, based on the purpose, a variety of radiative transfer solvers can be chosen to couple with the atmosphere model and the opacity model. We use the program to investigate the radiative heating and cooling rates of all four giant planets in the Solar System. Our Jupiter's result is consistent with previous publications. Saturn has nearly perfect balance between the heating rate and cooling rate. Uranus has the least radiative fluxes because of the lack of CH_4 and its photochemical products. Both Uranus and Neptune suffer from a severe energy deficit in their stratospheres. Possible ways to resolve this issue are discussed. Finally, we recalculate the radiative time constants of all four giant planet atmospheres and find that the traditional values from (Conrath BJ, Gierasch PJ, Leroy SS. Temperature and Circulation in the Stratosphere of the Outer Planets. Icar. 1990;83:255-81) are significantly overestimated.
Student Experiences of High-stakes Testing for Progression in One Undergraduate Nursing Program

Each year, thousands of students throughout the world are required to complete one or more high-stakes tests as a measure of competency in undergraduate nursing education. Currently, the trend in nursing education is to use high-stakes tests to establish program progression policies. However, use of these tests to block student progression is of serious concern. This article describes findings of a pilot study that used a phenomenographic approach to understand senior nursing students' experiences of completing multiple high-stakes tests for successful progression within one undergraduate nursing program. Eighteen graduating senior nursing students participated in the study via individual interviews. Students described a multitude of experiences, organized into five main categories of descriptions: high-stakes tests as a value; high-stakes tests as a stressor; high-stakes tests as a high expectation; high-stakes tests as various inconsistencies; and high-stakes tests affecting the transfer of learning. Student perspectives with high-stakes testing contributed valuable insight lacking in the current nursing education literature. Findings suggested if high-stakes tests are to be used for program progression, it is imperative for nurse educators to convene and explore strategies to support student preparation and success with testing, and develop well-defined structures of teaching and learning for the delivery of course content.
Boundary Layer Diabatic Processes, the Virtual Effect, and Convective Self-Aggregation

Author(s): Yang, D | Abstract: The atmosphere can self-organize into long-lasting large-scale overturning circulations over an ocean surface with uniform temperature. This phenomenon is referred to as convective self-aggregation and has been argued to be important for tropical weather and climate systems. Here we present a boundary layer centric framework based on the available potential energy budget of convective self-aggregation. We show that boundary layer diabatic processes dominate the available potential energy production and are, therefore, essential to convective self-aggregation. We further show that the enhanced virtual effect of water vapor can lead to convective self-aggregation.
The symmetry and cyclicality of R&D spending in advanced economies

This paper explores the impact of cyclical macroeconomic fluctuations on corporate R&D spending. Most existing studies are conducted at the industry or firm level and find procyclical corporate R&D. Some of these studies also provide evidence suggesting credit constraints play an important role in explaining the cyclical behavior of R&D. Our analysis of the relationship between GDP, credit, and R&D begins with a theoretical model that allows for the possibility of credit constraints. We then turn to an empirical analysis of a panel of 22 advanced economies. Our most robust empirical finding is that R&D is symmetrically procyclical even after controlling for credit market conditions. We conclude that credit market conditions are not sufficient to fully explain the procyclical behavior of R&D and that procyclical incentives for innovative activity are also likely to play an important role.
Rich Chromatin Structure Prediction from Hi-C Data

Recent studies involving the 3-dimensional conformation of chromatin have revealed the important role it has to play in different processes within the cell. These studies have also led to the discovery of densely interacting segments of the chromosome, called topologically associating domains. The accurate identification of these domains from Hi-C interaction data is an interesting and important computational problem for which numerous methods have been proposed. Unfortunately, most existing algorithms designed to identify these domains assume that they are non-overlapping whereas there is substantial evidence to believe a nested structure exists. We present a methodology to predict hierarchical chromatin domains using chromatin conformation capture data. Our method predicts domains at different resolutions, calculated using intrinsic properties of the chromatin data, and effectively clusters these to construct the hierarchy. At each individual level, the domains are non-overlapping in such a way that the intra-domain interaction frequencies are maximized. We show that our predicted structure is highly enriched for actively transcribing housekeeping genes and various chromatin markers, including CTCF, around the domain boundaries. We also show that large-scale domains, at multiple resolutions within our hierarchy, are conserved across cell types and species. We also provide comparisons against existing tools for extracting hierarchical domains. Our software, Matryoshka, is written in C++11 and licensed under GPL v3; it is available at https://github.com/COMBINE-lab/matryoshka.
Entropic effects in cell lineage tree packings

Optimal packings [1, 2] of unconnected objects have been studied for centuries [3-6], but the packing principles of linked objects, such as topologically complex polymers [7, 8] or cell lineages [9, 10], are yet to be fully explored. Here, we identify and investigate a generic class of geometrically frustrated tree packing problems, arising during the initial stages of animal development when interconnected cells assemble within a convex enclosure [10]. Using a combination of 3D imaging, computational image analysis, and mathematical modelling, we study the tree packing problem in Drosophila egg chambers, where 16 germline cells are linked by cytoplasmic bridges to form a branched tree. Our imaging data reveal non-uniformly distributed tree packings, in agreement with predictions from energy-based computations. This departure from uniformity is entropic and affects cell organization during the first stages of the animal's development. Considering mathematical models of increasing complexity, we investigate spherically confined tree packing problems on convex polyhedrons [11] that generalize Platonic and Archimedean solids. Our experimental and theoretical results provide a basis for understanding the principles that govern positional ordering in linked multicellular structures, with implications for tissue organization and dynamics [12, 13].
Sedimentary signals of recent faulting along an old strand of the San Andreas Fault, USA

Continental transform fault systems are fundamental features in plate tectonics. These complex systems often constitute multiple fault strands with variable spatio-temporal histories. Here, we re-evaluate the complex history of the San Andreas Fault along a restraining bend in southern California (USA). The Mission Creek strand of the San Andreas Fault is a major geologic structure with ~90 km of strike-slip displacement but is currently mapped as inactive. Quaternary deposits record sediment dispersal across the fault from upland catchments and yield key markers of the fault’s displacement history. Our sediment provenance analysis from the Deformed Gravels of Whitewater and the Cabezon Fanglomerate provide detrital geochronologic and lithologic signatures of potential sources within the San Bernardino Mountains and Little San Bernardino Mountains. Statistical analysis shows that the Cabezon Fanglomerate is most compatible with the Mission Creek and Morongo Valley Canyon sources, rather than the Whitewater Canyon as previously suggested. We propose that displacement since deposition ~500–100 ka across the Mission Creek strand has separated these deposits from their original sources. These findings challenge the current paradigm that the Mission Creek strand is inactive and suggest that the fault continues to be a primary structure in accommodating deformation along the Pacific-North American plate boundary.
Impact of donor lung pathogenic bacteria on patient outcomes in the immediate post‐transplant period

BACKGROUND Patient outcomes post-lung transplant remain inferior to other types of solid organ transplantation. We investigated whether the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria (PPB) in donor lung bronchial cultures was associated with adverse outcomes postoperatively. METHODS All patients who underwent lung transplantation between August 2015 and April 2017 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed. Retransplants, patients with bronchiectasis (including cystic fibrosis), and individuals who received organs from donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors were excluded. The remaining subjects were separated into two groups: individuals whose donor bronchial cultures grew PPB, and those whose cultures either returned negative for PPB or were sterile. 30-day mortality rates as well as the incidence of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) at both 24 and 72 hours post-transplant were calculated. The duration of mechanical ventilation postoperatively was also recorded. RESULTS Thirty two subjects comprised the study population. 20 patients (63%) had growth of PPB on donor cultures, while 12 (37%) did not. Patients with PPB had a significantly greater number of days on the ventilator postoperatively compared to those with no PPB (mean = 11.3 and median = 5.0 vs mean = 5.8 and median = 3.0, respectively, P = 0.0232). Subsequent regression analysis revealed this association to not be influenced by recipient lung allocation score (LAS), donor age, donor smoking history, recipient mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) value, and/or use of cardiopulmonary bypass at the time of transplantation. Neither 30-day survival nor incidence of Grade 3 PGD and AKI at 24 or 72 hours post-transplant differed between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The recovery of PPB in donor lung cultures was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation postoperatively in lung transplant recipients.
Game-theoretic optimal portfolios in continuous time

We consider a two-person trading game in continuous time where each player chooses a constant rebalancing rule b that he must adhere to over [0, t]. If $$V_t(b)$$ denotes the final wealth of the rebalancing rule b, then Player 1 (the “numerator player”) picks b so as to maximize $$E[V_t(b)/V_t(c)]$$ , while Player 2 (the “denominator player”) picks c so as to minimize it. In the unique Nash equilibrium, both players use the continuous-time Kelly rule $$b^*=c^*=\varSigma ^{-1}(\mu -r\mathbf 1 )$$ , where $$\varSigma $$ is the covariance of instantaneous returns per unit time, $$\mu $$ is the drift vector, and $$\mathbf 1 $$ is a vector of ones. Thus, even over very short intervals of time [0, t], the desire to perform well relative to other traders leads one to adopt the Kelly rule, which is ordinarily derived by maximizing the asymptotic exponential growth rate of wealth. Hence, we find agreement with Bell and Cover’s ( Manag Sci 34(6):724–733, 1988) result in discrete time.
An Open-Source Plate Reader

Microplate readers are foundational instruments in experimental biology and bioengineering that enable multiplexed spectrophotometric measurements. To enhance their accessibility, we here report the design, construction, validation, and benchmarking of an open-source microplate reader. The system features full-spectrum absorbance and fluorescence emission detection, in situ optogenetic stimulation, and stand-alone touch screen programming of automated assay protocols. The total system costs less than $3500, a fraction of the cost of commercial plate readers, and can detect the fluorescence of common dyes at concentrations as low as ∼10 nM. Functional capabilities were demonstrated in the context of synthetic biology, optogenetics, and photosensory biology: by steady-state measurements of ligand-induced reporter gene expression in a model of bacterial quorum sensing and by flavin photocycling kinetic measurements of a LOV (light–oxygen–voltage) domain photoreceptor used for optogenetic transcriptional acti...
Endovascular Treatment Options for the Aortic Arch

Endovascular aortic repair to treat aortic arch abnormality has rapidly expanded in the last 2 decades, and surgeons now have options to treat patients who are poor candidates for open surgery. The devices and techniques should be tailored to the extension of the aortic abnormality and anatomy of the individual. Recent studies demonstrate promising results with branched endografts, but one of the major drawbacks of the devices is that considerable time is required to prepare the custom-made graft, which may not be available for emergent or urgent cases. Introduction of commercially available devices is forthcoming.
A novel technique for direct visualization of reservoir placement for penoscrotal inflatable penile prostheses using a single incision.

Introduction: We aim to present a modified technique and outcomes of a novel method allowing for direct visualization of the reservoir placement during a penoscrotal inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Methods: Out of165 patients who underwent IPP placement from August 2012 to March 2015, 157 underwent a modified technique and comprised the cohort of this study. A Deaver's retractor was placed lateral to the penis and over the pubic bone to allow for direct visualization of the tissues overlying the lower abdomen. After dissecting through the superficial layers, the Deaver's was slowly advanced, allowing for visualization of the fascia, which was incised. Using blunt dissection, a space for the reservoir was created between the bladder and the pubic bone. The reservoir was then placed safely into this space and the Deaver's retractor was removed. Results: The causes of ED in the study cohort included postprostatectomy ED (n = 107), organic impotence (n = 40), Peyronie's disease (n = 3), ED following cystoprostatectomy (n = 2), ED due to spinal cord injury (n = 2), ED resulting from priapism (n = 2), and ED after pelvic injury (n = 1); all of which were refractory to medical management. The median age of study population was 66 years and the mean (standard deviation) operative time was 72.8 (14.7) min. Eighty percent of the procedures were performed on outpatient basis. Complication rates were low (<5%), with four infections, one proximal pump migration, one scrotal hematoma, and one urinary tract infection. Conclusion: The modified technique for placement of the IPP's spherical reservoir under direct visualization through a penoscrotal incision is quick, safe, and effective.
A model for inertial particles in curvilinear flows

The recent popularity of inertial microfluidic devices has driven attention towards the behavior of particles in flows within curvilinear microchannels for particle separation and concentration applications. The robust technique of inertial focusing is particularly advantageous in such applications, not only because curved geometries can greatly reduce the footprint of a lab-on-chip devices, but also because the coupling of secondary Dean flows to inertial forces allows for exquisite particle manipulations. However, the ability to accurately predict the behavior of inertial particles in a curvilinear channel is often based on empirical results, as the commonly used theoretical models treat the effects of Dean flow on an inertial particle to be a consequence of the undisturbed velocity field. In particular, this simplification is problematic when the size of the particle is comparable to that of the confining channel. Here we present the first complete direct numerical model that directly simulates a particle within a confined curvilinear flow. This numerical model allows us to not only investigate the three-dimensional focusing behavior of inertial particles but also determine the applicability of the point particle assumptions previous researchers have proposed. Finally, we propose a more computationally efficient second-order model that takes into account the full physics by relying on a perturbation expansion of the lateral forces, where the perturbation parameter is the curvature ratio of the channel. This simpler model can be used to efficiently and accurately predict the behavior of particles in complex channel geometries where the curvature may not be constant.
The determinants of agricultural output and the role of food aid: the case of Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper investigates factors that influence agricultural output in a group of Sub-Saharan African countries, with special emphasis on the role of food aid. A three-sector trade theoretic framework of an agrarian economy, comprising of exportables, importables and non-traded goods, serves as a basis for the study. This sectorial analysis allows us to analyse movement of resources and demand across sectors, resulting from changes in relative prices, due to food aid. The theoretical model provides various hypotheses that are tested empirically. Results indicate that food aid had a significant negative impact on all three categories of agricultural output. The effect of other variables on the output of the three sectors was also analysed. Factors of production along with a durable and stable regime generally impacted output positively. Drought and conflicts had a significant negative impact on importables and non-traded goods.
Kinetics of Enzymatic Mercury Methylation at Nanomolar Concentrations Catalyzed by HgcAB.

ABSTRACT Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent bioaccumulative neurotoxin that is produced by certain anaerobic bacteria and archaea. Mercury (Hg) methylation has been linked to the gene pair hgcAB , which encodes a membrane-associated corrinoid protein and a ferredoxin. Although microbial Hg methylation has been characterized in vivo , the cellular biochemistry and the specific roles of the gene products HgcA and HgcB in Hg methylation are not well understood. Here, we report the kinetics of Hg methylation in cell lysates of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ND132 at nanomolar Hg concentrations. The enzymatic Hg methylation mediated by HgcAB is highly oxygen sensitive, irreversible, and follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with an apparent K m of 3.2 nM and V max of 19.7 fmol · min −1 · mg −1 total protein for the substrate Hg(II). Although the abundance of HgcAB in the cell lysates is extremely low, Hg(II) was quantitatively converted to MeHg at subnanomolar substrate concentrations. Interestingly, increasing thiol/Hg(II) ratios did not impact Hg methylation rates, which suggests that HgcAB-mediated Hg methylation effectively competes with cellular thiols for Hg(II), consistent with the low apparent K m . Supplementation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or pyruvate did not enhance MeHg production, while both ATP and a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog decreased Hg methylation rates in cell lysates under the experimental conditions. These studies provide insights into the biomolecular processes associated with Hg methylation in anaerobic bacteria. IMPORTANCE The concentration of Hg in the biosphere has increased dramatically over the last century as a result of industrial activities. The microbial conversion of inorganic Hg to MeHg is a global public health concern due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification of MeHg in food webs. Exposure to neurotoxic MeHg through the consumption of fish represents a significant risk to human health and can result in neuropathies and developmental disorders. Anaerobic microbial communities in sediments and periphyton biofilms have been identified as sources of MeHg in aquatic systems, but the associated biomolecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigate the biochemical mechanisms and kinetics of MeHg formation by HgcAB in sulfate-reducing bacteria. These findings advance our understanding of microbial MeHg production and may help inform strategies to limit the formation of MeHg in the environment.
A high-avidity biosensor reveals plasma membrane PI(3,4)P2 is predominantly a class I PI3K signaling product

Class I phosphoinositide 3-OH kinase (PI3K) signaling is central to animal growth and metabolism, and pathological disruption of this pathway affects cancer and diabetes. However, the specific spatial/temporal dynamics and signaling roles of its minor lipid messenger, phosphatidylinositol (3,4)-bisphosphate (PI(3,4)P2), are not well understood. This owes principally to a lack of tools to study this scarce lipid. Here we developed a high-sensitivity genetically encoded biosensor for PI(3,4)P2, demonstrating high selectivity and specificity of the sensor for the lipid. We show that despite clear evidence for class II PI3K in PI(3,4)P2-driven function, the overwhelming majority of the lipid accumulates through degradation of class I PI3K-produced PIP3 However, we show that PI(3,4)P2 is also subject to hydrolysis by the tumor suppressor lipid phosphatase PTEN. Collectively, our results show that PI(3,4)P2 is potentially an important driver of class I PI3K-driven signaling and provides powerful new tools to begin to resolve the biological functions of this lipid downstream of class I and II PI3K.
Speak Up! Prosocial Intervention Verbalizations Predict Successful Bystander Intervention for a Laboratory Analogue of Sexual Aggression.

This study evaluated a mechanism by which men’s self-efficacy to intervene increases their likelihood of preventing a laboratory analogue of sexual aggression (SA) via specific verbalizations and w...
Turner syndrome: New insights from prenatal genomics and transcriptomics

In some parts of the world, prenatal screening using analysis of circulating cell-free (cf) DNA in the plasma of pregnant women has become part of routine prenatal care with limited professional guidelines and without significant input from the Turner syndrome community. In contrast to the very high positive predictive values (PPVs) achieved with cfDNA analysis for trisomy 21 (91% for high-risk and 82% for low-risk cases), the PPVs for monosomy X are much lower (~26%). This is because the maternal plasma sample contains both maternal cfDNA and placental DNA, which is a proxy for the fetal genome. Underlying biological mechanisms for false positive monosomy X screening results include confined placental mosaicism, co-twin demise, and maternal mosaicism. Somatic loss of a single X chromosome in the mother is a natural phenomenon that occurs with aging; this could explain many of the false positive cfDNA results. There is also increased awareness of women who have constitutional mosaicism for 45, X who are fertile. It is important to recognize that a positive cfDNA screen for 45, X does not mean that the fetus has Turner syndrome. A follow-up diagnostic test, either amniocentesis or neonatal karyotype/chromosome microarray, is recommended. Research studies on cell-free mRNA in second trimester amniotic fluid, which is almost exclusively fetal, demonstrate consistent dysregulation of genes involved in the hematologic, immune, and neurologic systems. This suggests that some of the pathophysiology of Turner syndrome occurs early in fetal life and presents novel opportunities for consideration of antenatal treatments.
Diagnosis and relining techniques for delayed type IIIB endoleaks with the second-generation AFX endograft

Abstract Type IIIB endoleaks resulting from endograft fabric tear are an uncommon but serious late complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The Strata fabric used in the earlier generation AFX endograft (updated to Duraply in October 2014) has been associated with an increased frequency of these events. Herein we report on two patients exhibiting delayed type IIIB endoleaks after AFX device insertion to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm and discuss optimal relining techniques.
Political party tenure and MNE location choices

We develop a theoretical framework to explain how political party tenure affects MNE entries into an economy. We leverage insights from the upper echelon and public administration literatures to argue that there is a curvilinear relationship between political party tenure and MNE entries. Moreover, we argue that political parties with an excessive tenure are less responsive to MNEs and more corrupt. Therefore, we further explain the mediating effects of government bureaucratic responsiveness and government corruption on that relationship. We test our theory using a sample of manufacturing MNEs entering into Mexican cities. The results support our theory.
Global role for chromatin remodeling enzymes in mitotic gene expression

Regulation of eukaryotic gene expression requires ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, such as SWI/SNF, and histone acetyltransferases, such as Gcn5p. Here we show that SWI/SNF remodeling controls recruitment of Gcn5p HAT activity to many genes in late mitosis and that these chromatin remodeling enzymes play a role in regulating mitotic exit. In contrast, interphase expression of GAL1, HIS3, PHO5, and PHO8 is accompanied by SWI/SNF-independent recruitment of Gcn5p HAT activity. Surprisingly, prearresting cells in late mitosis imposes a requirement for SWI/SNF in recruiting Gcn5p HAT activity to the GAL1 promoter, and GAL1 expression also becomes dependent on both chromatin remodeling enzymes. We propose that SWI/SNF and Gcn5p are globally required for mitotic gene expression due to the condensed state of mitotic chromatin.
Novel early life risk factors for adult pulmonary hypertension.

The role of perinatal insults in the development of adult onset pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unclear. We surveyed patients with and without PH for a history of early life risk factors, and identi...
Using weighting algorithms to refine source direction determinations in all-sky gravitational wave burst searches with two-detector networks II: The case of elliptical polarization

I expand on the results of a recent work in which a novel weighting algorithm was shown to substantially increase the accuracy of an old, non-Bayesian computational approach for inferring the source direction of a gravitational wave from the output of a two-detector network. While that work was limited to the consideration of circularly polarized gravitational waves, the current analysis shows that the same approach is even more successful when applied to the generic case of elliptically polarized gravitational waves.
The Benefit of Mean Auditors: The Influence of Social Interaction and the Dark Triad on Unjustified Auditor Trust

Regulators and researchers have expressed concerns that social interaction leads auditors to unjustifiably trust managers, constituting a lack of sufficient professional skepticism. Using both an abstract laboratory experiment and a contextually rich experiment with practicing auditors we predict and find that higher Dark Triad auditors (those with higher levels of the shared core between psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) are relatively more resistant to lapses in professional skepticism due to the effects of social interaction. This is likely driven by higher Dark Triad auditors' callousness, lack of empathy, and lack of response to social stimuli. In contrast, while higher social interaction initially increases lower Dark Triad auditors' unjustified trust in managers, this effect reverses in subsequent interactions when lower Dark Triad auditors observe evidence suggesting managers have reported aggressively. These findings add to research on the effect of auditor personality traits, audit‐client social interaction, and the interaction of these two variables, and suggest that practitioners and researchers account for the interplay of Dark Triad traits and social interaction and their effect on professional skepticism. L'avantage des « vilains » auditeurs : L'influence des interactions sociales et de la « triade noire » sur la confiance injustifiee accordee par les auditeurs Des responsables de la reglementation et des chercheurs se disent preoccupes de l'influence des interactions sociales qui portent certains auditeurs a accorder une confiance injustifiee aux gestionnaires, compromettant ainsi leur scepticisme professionnel. A l'aide d'une experience abstraite en laboratoire et d'une experience contextuellement riche avec des auditeurs en exercice, nous confirmons nos predictions voulant que les auditeurs affichant un degre plus prononce des traits de la triade noire (psychopathie, narcissisme et machiavelisme) sont relativement moins susceptibles de voir leur scepticisme professionnel compromis a la suite d'interactions sociales. Cela est probablement attribuable a leur plus grande insensibilite et a leur manque d'empathie et de reaction aux stimuli sociaux. En revanche, dans le cas des auditeurs chez qui les traits de la triade noire sont moins prononces, un niveau d'interactions sociales plus eleve augmente initialement la confiance injustifiee accordee aux gestionnaires, mais cet effet s'inverse dans les interactions subsequentes lorsque ces auditeurs observent des elements d'information portant a croire que les gestionnaires ont surevalue leurs resultats. Ces constatations viennent enrichir la recherche sur l'influence des traits de personnalite des auditeurs et les rapports sociaux entre auditeurs et clients, ainsi que sur l'interaction de ces deux variables, et laissent entendre que les praticiens et les chercheurs prennent en compte l'action reciproque des traits de la triade noire et des interactions sociales, de meme que la facon dont ces facteurs influencent leur scepticisme professionnel.
Active Perception and Control From Temporal Logic Specifications

Next-generation autonomous systems must execute complex tasks in uncertain environments. Active perception, where an autonomous agent selects actions to increase knowledge about the environment, has gained traction in recent years for motion planning under uncertainty. One prominent approach is planning in the belief space. However, most belief-space planning starts with a known reward function, which can be difficult to specify for complex tasks. On the other hand, symbolic control methods automatically synthesize controllers to achieve logical specifications, but often do not deal well with uncertainty. In this letter, we propose a framework for scalable task and motion planning in uncertain environments that combines the best of belief-space planning and symbolic control. Specifically, we provide a counterexample-guided-inductive-synthesis algorithm for probabilistic temporal logic over reals (PRTL) specifications in the belief space. Our method automatically generates actions that improve confidence in a belief when necessary, thus using active perception to satisfy PRTL specifications.
A signature of power law network dynamics

Can one hear the sound of a growing network? We address the problem of recognizing the topology of evolving biological or social networks. Starting from percolation theory, we analytically prove a linear inverse relationship between two simple graph parametersthe logarithm of the average cluster size and logarithm of the ratio of the edges of the graph to the theoretically maximum number of edges for that graphthat holds for all growing power law graphs. The result establishes a novel property of evolving power-law networks in the asymptotic limit of network size. Numerical simulations as well as fitting to real-world citation co-authorship networks demonstrate that the result holds for networks of finite sizes, and provides a convenient measure of the extent to which an evolving family of networks belongs to the same power-law class.
Composite reflective/absorptive IR-blocking filters embedded in metamaterial antireflection-coated silicon.

Infrared (IR)-blocking filters are crucial for controlling the radiative loading on cryogenic systems and for optimizing the sensitivity of bolometric detectors in the far-IR. We present a new IR filter approach based on a combination of patterned frequency-selective structures on silicon and a thin (25–75 μm thick) absorptive composite based on powdered reststrahlen absorbing materials. For a 300 K blackbody, this combination reflects ∼50% of the incoming light and blocks >99.8% of the total power with negligible thermal gradients and excellent low-frequency transmission. This allows a reduction in the IR thermal loading to negligible levels in a single cold filter. These composite filters are fabricated on silicon substrates, which provide excellent thermal transport laterally through the filter and ensure that the entire area of the absorptive filter stays near the bath temperature. A metamaterial antireflection coating cut into these substrates reduces in-band reflections to below 1%, and the in-band absorption of the powder mix is below 1% for signal bands below 750 GHz. This type of filter can be directly incorporated into silicon refractive optical elements.
Synthesis of chiral γ-lactams via Rh(II) catalyzed intramolecular C–H insertion: α-substituents and conformational effects

Highly functionalized chiral γ-lactams are efficiently synthesized via Rh(II) catalyzed intramolecular C–H insertion from various α-diazoamides. Independent of α-substituents, regio- and stereoselectivities are enhanced through a conformational effect exerted by a bicyclic transition state.