cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A C. elegans Model for the Study of RAGE-Related Neurodegeneration.

The receptor for advanced glycation products (RAGE) is a cell surface, multi-ligand receptor belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily; this receptor is implicated in a variety of maladies, via inflammatory pathways and induction of oxidative stress. Currently, RAGE is being studied using a limited number of mammalian in vivo, and some complementary in vitro, models. Here, we present a Caenorhabditis elegans model for the study of RAGE-related pathology: a transgenic strain, expressing RAGE in all neurons, was generated and subsequently tested behaviorally, developmentally, and morphologically. In addition to RAGE expression being associated with a significantly shorter lifespan, the following behavioral observations were made when RAGE-expressing worms were compared to the wild type: RAGE-expressing worms showed an impaired dopaminergic system, evaluated by measuring the fluorescent signal of GFP tagging; these worms exhibited decreased locomotion—both general and following ethanol exposure—as measured by counting body bends in adult worms; RAGE expression was also associated with impaired recovery of quiescence and pharyngeal pumping secondary to heat shock, as a significantly smaller fraction of RAGE-expressing worms engaged in these behaviors in the 2 h immediately following the heat shock. Finally, significant developmental differences were also found between the two strains: RAGE expression leads to a significantly smaller fraction of hatched eggs 24 h after laying and also to a significantly slower developmental speed overall. As evidence for the role of RAGE in a variety of neuropathologies accumulates, the use of this novel and expedient model should facilitate the elucidation of relevant underlying mechanisms and also the development of efficient therapeutic strategies.
Critical Care Management of Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis.

Objectives Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is considered an immune-mediated form of encephalitis with paraneoplastic and nonparaneoplastic forms. Delay in recognition is common and patients typically present to the ICU without a diagnosis or with complications following a delayed diagnosis. The aim of this review is to provide a focused overview for the ICU clinician regarding presentation, diagnosis, and critical care management. Data sources, study selection, and data extraction PubMed database search with manual review of articles involving anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Data synthesis Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is increasingly encountered in the ICU. The cascade of events initiating anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody formation may involve an infectious trigger particularly in the setting of teratoma. Following a prodrome, most patients develop psychiatric symptoms followed by movement disorder. Classical, psychiatric, and catatonic phenotypes may be distinguished based on the presence and severity of symptoms. Early immunotherapy and low initial cerebrospinal fluid inflammation are independent predictors of positive outcomes in ICU patients. Concomitant organ failure, status epilepticus, and the identification of a tumor did not influence outcome in critically ill patients. Supportive care in the ICU includes management of various manifestations of dyskinesia, status epilepticus, autonomic disorders, and the need for general sedation. Common treatment strategies and limitations are discussed including the emerging role of bortezomib. Conclusions Intensivists should be familiar with the presentation and management of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Early diagnosis and immediate implementation of steroids, immunoglobulins, and/or plasmapheresis and immune therapy are associated with a good neurologic outcome although response may be delayed. The selection and timing of second-line immune therapy requires further study.
Serial Studies in Subclinical Atherosclerosis During Menopausal Transition (from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation).

Cardiovascular disease risk increases in women after the menopausal transition; why this inflection point occurs remains uncertain. We aimed to characterize the influence of menopause on vascular aging by prospective assessment of change in indexes of subclinical atherosclerosis across the menopausal transition. We evaluated 411 healthy women from SWAN Heart, an ancillary study of SWAN (Study of Women's Health Across the Nation), for subclinical atherosclerosis at baseline and again after an average of 2.3 years. Carotid intima-media thickness and aortic pulse wave velocity were measured by ultrasound. Coronary artery calcium scores were obtained by computed tomography. Women were grouped by menopausal status as premenopausal, postmenopausal, or having undergone the transition during follow-up. Analyses of changes were adjusted for age at baseline and time between scans. Mean age at baseline was 51 ± 3 years; 93 (23%) subjects transitioned to menopause (Pre-Post), 147 (36%) remained premenopausal (Pre-Pre), while 171 (41%) were postmenopausal at baseline (Post-Post). Blood pressure readings did not differ between groups with similar increase noted in carotid intima-media thickness and log coronary artery calcium + 1 from baseline to follow-up. Change in aortic pulse wave velocity from baseline to follow-up was higher in Pre-Post (121 ± 23 cm/s) compared with Pre-Pre (38 ± 250 cm/s, p = 0.029) and Post-Post (41 ± 228 cm/s, p = 0.045). In conclusion, changes in aortic stiffness were more sensitive measures of perimenopausal vascular aging than morphologic indexes of subclinical atherosclerosis in women undergoing the menopausal transition. Serial assessment of such changes could potentially elucidate mechanisms of disease and identify women to target for aggressive lifestyle risk factor modification.
ON THE MECHANISM OF NOREPINEPHRINE DEPLETION BY RESERPINE, METARAMINOL AND RELATED COMPOUNDS AND ANTAGONISM BY MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanism of norepinephrine depletion by reserpine, metaraminol, and related compounds and antagonism by monoamine oxidase inhibition. The mechanism whereby α-methyldopa (α-MD) and α-methyl-m-tyrosine (α-MMT) lower the norepinephrine (NE) content of various tissues lies in the conversion of these amino acids to amine products which are the active NE releasers. Inhibition of the decarboxylation of α-MD or α-MMT also inhibits their ability to lower NE levels, while administration of amine products of the amino acids leads to NE depletion and amine products persist in tissues throughout NE depletion. Various doses of metaraminol were injected intraperitoneally into normal rats or into rats treated 18 h with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pheniprazine. Three hours later the animals were killed and heart NE content assayed. The dose–response curve of metaraminol-induced heart NE lowering was shifted to the right in a parallel fashion by pretreatment with pheniprazine.
The interview in qualitative research.

The interview is by far the most common method of qualitative data collection. Interviewing is a paradox. From a distance, it appears deceptively simple. Some studies, such as surveys, do require fairly basic skills. Yet scholarly qualitative nursing research often explores profound human experiences. Performing sensitive, focused, method-specific interviews is a skill requiring considerable knowledge and practice. In this article, the basics of successful research interviewing will be presented.
Cardiometabolic disease, depressive symptoms, and sleep disorders in middle-aged adults with functional disabilities: NHANES 2007-2014.

Purpose: This study examined whether depressive symptoms and sleep disorders modified the association between functional disabilities and cardiometabolic disease profiles in middle-aged adults (40–...
Robot and Drone Localization in GPS-Denied Areas

Robots and drones have recently become commonplace, with more advanced and affordable units available every year. While initially they may have been marketed primarily to hobbyists, consumer robots (and drones in particular) have become much more than just toys; they have garnered more and more attention from researchers across fields such as environmental sensing, surveillance, computer vision, machine learning, systems engineering, and networking. Robots and drones provide a rich playground in which to tackle challenging problems aimed at increasing the autonomy of machines. Moreover, as these machines become ever more ubiquitous, there arises both the desire and need to provide a way for them to coordinate their movements and actions so that they can accomplish tasks such as navigating without collision or mapping an area. Such coordination becomes more difficult once the space that must be navigated is in a GPS-denied area. In this chapter, the many facets of robot and drone coordination in GPS-denied areas are discussed, addressing issues associated with localization and coordinating multiple agents as they attempt to accomplish a common goal.
Spatially Localized Structures in Lattice Dynamical Systems

We investigate stationary, spatially localized patterns in lattice dynamical systems that exhibit bistability. The profiles associated with these patterns have a long plateau where the pattern resembles one of the bistable states, while the profile is close to the second bistable state outside this plateau. We show that the existence branches of such patterns generically form either an infinite stack of closed loops (isolas) or intertwined s-shaped curves (snaking). We then use bifurcation theory near the anti-continuum limit, where the coupling between edges in the lattice vanishes, to prove existence of isolas and snaking in a bistable discrete real Ginzburg–Landau equation. We also provide numerical evidence for the existence of snaking diagrams for planar localized patches on square and hexagonal lattices and outline a strategy to analyse them rigorously.
Should we consider a 'fourth 90' for tuberculosis?

The international community has committed to end the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic by 2030. To facilitate the meeting of the global incidence and mortality indicators set by the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy, the Stop TB Partnership launched the three 90-(90)-90 diagnostic and treatment targets in 2014. In this paper, we argue that a ‘fourth 90’—Ensuring that 90% of all people successfully completing treatment for TB can have a good health-related quality of life'—should be considered. Many individuals who successfully complete anti-TB treatment are burdened with lifelong comorbidities—human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diabetes mellitus, obstructive and restrictive lung disease, involving lung destruction, cavitation, fibrosis and bronchiectasis, that either pre-existed or developed as a result of TB (e.g., chronic pulmonary aspergillosis), permanent disabilities such as hearing loss resulting from second-line anti-TB drugs, and mental health disorders. These need to be identified during TB treatment and appropriate care and support provided after anti-TB treatment is successfully completed. A ‘fourth 90’ has also been proposed for the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets similar in scope to what is being suggested here for TB. Adoption by both HIV and TB control programmes would highlight the current focus on integrated person- and family-centred services.
An Examination of the Effectiveness of Online Adaptive Learning Technologies

Business faculty are trying to find new and innovative ways to enhance the learning of their students. The need to develop metacognitive as well as technical skills has grown as the business and accounting professions have become more dynamic. One tool that purports to aid in alleviating deficiencies in metacognition, as well as improving those skills, is an online, adaptive learning technology (OALT). Our study examines the impact that an OALT has on attributes associated with student learning, including students’ perceptions of preparation, engagement, and information retention. Our findings suggest that an OALT has a nonlinear impact on students’ perceptions, with both higher performing and lower performing peers indicating lower perceived benefits than their peers. Furthermore, for students who do feel that the OALT improved their level of preparation, their perception of engagement in classroom activities and interest in the course topics are similarly improved. These findings should help business faculty better understand the impact that an OALT can have on classroom activities and student learning.
Acute kidney injury, fluid balance and risks of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

Evaluate association between fluid balance and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Retrospective review of infants <30 weeks gestation admitted to Kentucky Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) had a 2.4-fold increased risk of IVH (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.46–3.87) and a 3.5-fold increased risk of severe IVH (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.98–6.04). Infants above birthweight on day 4 had a 1.9-fold increased risk of IVH (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.05–3.27) and a 2.0-fold increased risk of severe IVH (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.03–3.74). When controlling for confounding factors, infants with AKI or above birthweight on day 4 had a 4.6-fold (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 1.80–11.78) and 3.0-fold (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.01–8.65) increased risk of severe IVH, respectively. Infants with AKI during the first week of life had a higher association of severe IVH even after controlling for confounding factors.
Nonclinical Factors in Autism Diagnosis: Results From a National Health Care Provider Survey.

Objective The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased 10-fold in the past 40 years, and disparities have been noted by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, prompting concern about diagnostic accuracy. Provider perceptions of ASD diagnostic accuracy are not known. We conducted a survey of providers who diagnose ASD assessing how nonclinical factors might affect ASD diagnostic rates. Methods The mixed-mode survey was sent to the members of the Society of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics with clinical interest in ASD (n = 400). Respondents used a Likert-type scale to address how often they and their colleagues overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed ASD. They were also asked how families grouped by race/ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, and urbanicity perceived an ASD diagnosis. Results Sixty-three percent of providers completed the survey. Eight point seven percent of providers self-reported that they overdiagnose ASD at least sometimes. However, 58% of providers reported that local colleagues overdiagnose ASD at least sometimes. Seven point eight percent of providers self-reported underdiagnosing ASD at least sometimes and cited parents not wanting a diagnosis as one of the most common reasons they may underdiagnose. Providers reported that non-white and rural families were more likely to think that ASD diagnosis was "a bad thing" than "a good thing" than white and urban and suburban families, respectively. Conclusion Providers report moderate rates of ASD misdiagnosis and perceive differences in diagnostic preferences according to family characteristics. The study results may help explain the trends and disparities in ASD diagnosis.
Performative neutrality and rape culture in Naomi Iizuka’s Good Kids

I offer a critical reading of Naomi Iizuka’s play Good Kids, considering the script, the performance of the play I watched, and the talkback with the cast. I argue that Good Kids enacts performativ...
A 1200V/650V/160A SiC+Si IGBT 3-Level T-type NPC Power Module with Optimized Loop Inductance

Three-level inverters suffer from higher parasitic inductance due to the increased number of series-connected power switches in a single current commutation loop (CCL) and geometrically larger size of CCL with compared to their 2 level counterparts. As such semiconductors are subjected to higher voltage stress and severe ringing at the switching transient. To solve this problem, an optimized 3-level T-type NPC power module has been proposed with a hybrid combination of the switch (SiC MOSFET + Si IGBT) rated for 1200V/180A. A step by step design methodology has been presented in this work. A stacked DBC with via has been utilized to have a vertical power loop as such, lower loop inductance. All the commutation loop has been identified and corresponding loop inductances have been optimized as low as 4.5 nH and dynamic current sharing between paralleled devices has been ensured.
Species-specific sensitivity to TGFβ signaling and changes to the Mmp13 promoter underlie avian jaw development and evolution

Developmental control of jaw length is critical for survival. The jaw skeleton arises from neural crest mesenchyme and previously we demonstrated that these progenitors upregulate bone-resorbing enzymes including Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (Mmp13) when generating short quail beaks versus long duck bills. Inhibiting bone resorption or Mmp13 increases jaw length. Here, we uncover mechanisms establishing species-specific levels of Mmp13 and bone resorption. Quail show greater activation of, and sensitivity to Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF{beta}) signaling than duck; where mediators like SMADs and targets like Runx2, which bind Mmp13, become elevated. Inhibiting TGF{beta} signaling decreases bone resorption. We discover a SMAD binding element in the quail Mmp13 promoter not found in duck and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near a RUNX2 binding element that affect expression. Switching the SNPs and SMAD site abolishes TGF{beta}-sensitivity in the quail Mmp13 promoter but makes duck responsive. Thus, differential regulation of TGF{beta} signaling and Mmp13 promoter structure underlie avian jaw development and evolution.
Cytisine is neuroprotective in female but not male 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioned parkinsonian mice and acts in combination with 17‐β‐estradiol to inhibit apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress in dopaminergic neurons

Apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a major mechanism for dopaminergic (DA) loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). We assessed if low doses of the partial α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, cytisine attenuates apoptotic ER stress and exerts neuroprotection in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) DA neurons. Alternate day intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mg/kg cytisine were administered to female and male mice with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesions in the dorsolateral striatum, which caused unilateral degeneration of SNc DA neurons. Cytisine attenuated 6-OHDA-induced PD-related behaviors in female, but not in male mice. We also found significant reductions in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) loss within the lesioned SNc of female, but not male mice. In contrast to female mice, DA neurons within the lesioned SNc of male mice showed a cytisine-induced pathological increase in the nuclear translocation of the pro-apoptotic ER stress protein, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). To assess the role of estrogen in cytisine neuroprotection in female mice, we exposed primary mouse DA cultures to either 10 nM 17-β-estradiol and 200 nM cytisine or 10 nM 17-β-estradiol alone. 17-β-estradiol reduced expression of CHOP, whereas cytisine exposure reduced 6-OHDA-mediated nuclear translocation of two other ER stress proteins, activating transcription factor 6 and x-box-binding protein 1, but not CHOP. Taken together, these data show that cytisine and 17-β-estradiol work in combination to inhibit all three arms (activating transcription factor 6, x-box-binding protein 1, and CHOP) of apoptotic ER stress signaling in DA neurons, which can explain the neuroprotective effect of low-dose cytisine in female mice.
Long-Term Stability of 13 Fentanyl Analogs in Blood.

Fentanyl analogs continue to play a major role in proliferating the opioid epidemic in the USA. With high rates of overdose deaths, forensic laboratories experience backlogs, which may lead to false-negative results due to drug instability. To address this issue, a quantitative method was validated for fentanyl analogs (3-methylfentanyl, 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP), 4-fluoro-isobutyrylfentanyl (4-FIBF), acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, butyrylfentanyl, carfentanil, cyclopropylfentanyl, fentanyl, furanylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, p-fluorofentanyl and valerylfentanyl) in blood using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) and used to assess long-term stability under various temperature conditions (-20°C, 4°C, ∼25°C and 35°C) for 9 months. Authentic specimens were also analyzed 6 months apart for applicability to postmortem blood. Method validation resulted in calibration ranges of 1-100 ng/mL and limits of detection of 0.5 ng/mL. Precision and bias were acceptable (within ±7.2% coefficient of variation (CV) and ±15.2%, respectively). Matrix effects exhibited ion enhancement for all analytes, except carfentanil and 4-ANPP in low-quality control (>25%). For long-term stability, fentanyl analogs (except acrylfentanyl) remained stable under room temperature and refrigerated conditions at low and high concentrations (81.3-112.5% target) for 9 months. While most fentanyl analogs remained stable frozen, degradation was observed after 2 weeks (four freeze/thaw cycles). At elevated temperatures, most analytes were stable for 1 week (74.2-112.6% target). Acrylfentanyl was unstable after 24 h under elevated (70% loss) and room temperatures (53-60% loss), 48-72 h when refrigerated (28-40% loss) and 4 weeks when frozen (22% loss). In authentic bloods (n = 7), initial furanylfentanyl (FuF) and 4-ANPP concentrations were 1.1-3.6 and 1.4-6.4 ng/mL, respectively. Percentage loss of FuF and 4-ANPP over 6 months were 16.3-37.4% and 0.2-26.8%, respectively. Samples suspected to contain fentanyl analogs are recommended to be stored refrigerated or frozen with limited freeze/thaw cycles. Due to instability, in the event of an acrylfentanyl overdose, samples should be analyzed immediately or stored frozen with analysis within 1 month.
82 Effect of dental floating on ADF and NDF digestion after 8 weeks

Horses have hypsodont teeth that erupt from the jawbone throughout their lifetime in response to removal of enamel surfaces during feed grinding. Teeth must be floated yearly to remove sharp points that occur due to dental abnormalities and conformation defects that cause the teeth to not meet up correctly. This results in unequal wear on the grinding surface of the teeth. Diet also affects wear patterns, with horses primarily consuming grains needing more frequent floating than horses consuming primarily forages. The modern diet of horses is softer than that of their ancestors resulting in less wear during eating. Irregular wear patterns can cause poor feed digestion, weight loss, performance problems, and pain in the horse when wearing a halter or bridle. An improvement in feed digestion has been documented in horses consuming C3 forages, however this finding has not been tested in horses consuming C4 forages. C4 forages are higher in cellulose and lower in crude protein than C3 forages and these differences have an inherently negative effect on digestibility, reducing the percent of nutrients absorbed when compared with C3 forages. Improvements in digestion have been observed at 4 wks post dentistry in horses consuming C3 forages. The objective of this study was to evaluate acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility 8 wk after dental floating as compared with unfloated controls. The study was conducted on 16 non-pregnant mares of mature age (4–17) and stock type breeding that have not previously received dental care. A diet consisting of ad libitum Cynodon dactylon and 1.36 kg of a balancer concentrate was fed daily before and during the study. Eight mares received dental work and 8 served as untreated controls. All horses had a body condition score between 5 and 6. Four-day digestion trials were conducted before and 8 wks after dental work, whereby acid insoluble ash (AIA) was used as a marker of digestibility. Feces and feed were analyzed for dry matter, AIA, NDF, and ADF using standard wet chemistry laboratory techniques. NDF was not-affected by the time by treatment interaction or treatment (P > 0.1). However, NDF digestibility was greater in wk 8 (86.3 ± 1.3%) than wk 1 (67 ± 1.3%) across treatments (P 0.9) but was greater (P = 0.014) in dental treated horses (59.5 ± 0.8%) than controls (56.5+0.8) in wk 8. When measured at 8 wk post dental work, horses consuming Cynodon dactylon may have improved ADF digestion.
Keeping it Regulatory: Examining State Statutes Pertaining to Searches for Fish and Wildlife Violations

When it comes to warrantless search authority held by law enforcement for fish and wildlife violations, how far is too far? The argument has been made that the warrantless search exception for fish and wildlife enforcement creates an avenue through which police can search individuals and property in violation for the Fourth Amendment. An examination of state statutes authorizing warrantless searches during the course of fish and wildlife enforcement reveals a varying degree of search power in both the scope of search authority and the allocation of search authority to law enforcement. In addressing the issue of warrantless searches for fish and wildlife enforcement, statutes must permit the appropriate agency to properly regulate the applicable activity while preserving an individual’s privacy rights guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment. An examination of the history of conservation law enforcement along with case law studies provides an overview of the necessity of fish and wildlife regulation as well as the warrantless search exceptions that are generally deemed appropriate. Further, a comprehensive study of fish and wildlife enforcement statutes from all fifty states reveals patterns regarding the allocation of search authority for conservation law enforcement. By applying the most effectively constructed statutes to the issue of warrantless searches for fish and wildlife violations, this piece offers solutions to states on how to maintain effective conservation law enforcement without running afoul of the Fourth Amendment.
Ordering effects in clustering

Abstract Incremental systems like C obweb suffer from ordering effects: the clusters that they discover may differ with the presentation of objects. We introduce methods that retain C obweb ' s probabilistic bias, which are efficient, but which are nonincremental and order independent, and thus more appropriate to certain data analysis tasks.
Census tract income levels and outdoor physical activity opportunities for families with preschoolers (806.19)

The near home environment influences the PA and sedentary behaviors of adults and children. A valid, reliable, and easy to use self-report assessment of the PA environment of homes with preschoolers was used to determine availability and accessibility of PA equipment and space in yards (areas immediately outside the home) and neighborhood PA facilities (e.g., playgrounds, low-cost recreation centers). Scores for yard and neighborhood PA availability and accessibility were compared to the CTIL of the home’s address using 1-way ANOVA. Homes (n=44) were categorized in low, middle, moderate, and upper CTIL (9%, 9%, 57%, 25%). Significant (p<.05) group differences were found for yard accessibility score and neighborhood availability score, but not for others. Post hoc tests indicated that the highest CTIL homes had more accessible yard PA equipment and space than lower CTIL homes. Highest CTIL homes also had significantly more neighborhood PA availability than lowest CTIL homes and neared significance for neig...
Unnecessary diagnostic imaging: a review of the literature on preoperative imaging for boys with undescended testes

Cryptorchidism or undescended testis is one of the most common pediatric disorders of the male endocrine glands and the most common genital disorder identified at birth. Ultrasound is commonly ordered for boys with undescended testes prior to referral to a surgical specialist, but its sensitivity and specificity is insufficient to reliably localize non-palpable testes and thus confers unnecessary costs to the patient and the healthcare system. We review the ability of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reliably locate undescended testes and emphasize whether diagnostic imaging should change the decision to operate or the surgical approach for boys with cryptorchidism.
The January Effect

Analysis of broad samples of value-weighted and equal-weighted returns of U.S. equities documents that abnormally high rates of return on small-capitalization stocks continue to be observed during the month of January. This January effect in small-cap stock returns is remarkably consistent over time and does not appear to have been affected by passage of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. This finding brings new perspective to the tax-loss selling hypothesis and suggests that behavioral explanations are relevant to the January effect. After a generation of intensive study, the January effect continues to present a serious challenge to the efficient market hypothesis.
Phosphorus‐Containing Polymers and Oligomers

Various phosphorus polymers and oligomers, particularly phosphates and phosphonates, are commercially used as flame retardants. Some, such as phosphate oligomers with hydroxyl groups, are incorporated into polyurethanes, or into paper and textile finishes. Certain phosphonate or phosphinate structures are incorporated into thermoplastic polyesters, particularly textile fibers, for flame retardancy. Thermoset resins such as epoxy resins for circuit boards are rendered flame retardant by incorporation of phosphorus ester structures into the polymer structure. Flame-retardant cotton finishes utilizing phosphonium reagents to produce cross-linked phosphine oxide networks are commercially produced. Red phosphorus is a polymeric form of phosphorus and is used in Europe and the Far East as a flame-retardant additive. An oligomeric ammonium polyphosphate is used as a component of intumescent systems, especially for coatings and fire barrier materials. Some oligomeric phosphites are used as antioxidant components. Oligomers with phosphonic and phosphinic groups are used commercially in scale inhibition. Vinylphosphonic acid polymers have found specialized uses in coating photolithographic plates. Phosphorylated acrylic monomers have been found useful for improving adhesion of coatings and dental repair materials. Ion-exchange resins with phosphorus acid groups show promise for removal of water pollutants. Phosphorylated cellulose has a specialized medical use for binding calcium in the gastrointestinal tract. Phosphorylated starches have rheological applications in food products. Keywords: red phosphorus; polyphosphates; phosphine oxides; phosphites; phosphinates; phosphonates; phosphates; flame retardancy
New antivirals and antiviral resistance.

The field of antiviral therapy is relatively new. Whereas the first antibiotics were available in the 1940s, the first antiviral agent (idoxuridine) was not licensed until the 1960s. Furthermore, the number of antiviral agents available to clinicians today pale in comparison to the number of antibacterial agents. Conceptually it has been easier to develop antibacterial agents than antivirals. Bacteria replicate independent of the host whereas viruses are intracellular pathogens that depend upon viable host cells for their survival. Thus, it has been feared that agents toxic to viruses would also be toxic to host cells, whereas drugs active against bacteria are less likely to be toxic. However, an increasing understanding of molecular virology, including the identification of viral specific enzymatic and metabolic pathways, has facilitated the development of an increasing range of antiviral agents. Currently available antivirals have activity against the herpes family of viruses, influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis B and C, human papillomaviruses, lassavirus, and retroviruses (Kimberlin and Prober, 2003). Table 3.1 lists the non-antiretroviral antiviral agents licensed in the United States and the viruses against which they are active.
IRNS: a system for telerobotic surgical mentoring

The Integrated Remote Neurosurgical System (IRNS) is a robotic neurosurgical microscope remotely-operated through the utilization of high-speed communications and a surgeon-accessible computer interface. The intended use of this system is for surgical mentoring of a operating-room (OR) surgical team by a remote expert surgeon. In the design of the IRNS, we emphasized trying to give the remote surgeon the feeling of actually being in the OR-a sense of telepresence. This is accomplished through the use of bidirectional audio, video white-boarding on the microscope view, site cameras, voice recognition, bilateral access to the patient's images and an interface to our presurgical planning software. The IRNS also includes several methods to control the remote microscope and its functions, including rotation, translation, focus and zoom. Several safety precautions are implemented including the condition that any remote manipulation of the microscope is possible only when the local operator actively permits it by holding down a "dead-man" switch. The remote and local OR sites are integrated using an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switched network link.
Economic Performance Assessment for the Construction Industry in the Southeastern United States

AbstractThe construction industry has long been considered a staple of society in that the industry is imperative for the sustainability of economies. The relationship between the construction industry and macroeconomics has gained popularity in the research and professional literature. The purpose of this paper is to provide an economic performance assessment for the construction industry in the southeastern United States. The authors developed a three-step research methodology. First, descriptive statistics were used to assess the economic output of the southeastern United States, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Second, descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were utilized to assess the construction performance in these six states. Third, forecasts were presented for the construction industry in each state using economic output as the primary construct. When assessing each state’s construction sector through economic output [i.e., contribution ...
Highly efficient gate-tunable photocurrent generation in vertical heterostructures of layered materials

Layered materials of graphene and MoS2, for example, have recently emerged as an exciting material system for future electronics and optoelectronics. Vertical integration of layered materials can enable the design of novel electronic and photonic devices. Here, we report highly efficient photocurrent generation from vertical heterostructures of layered materials. We show that vertically stacked graphene–MoS2–graphene and graphene–MoS2–metal junctions can be created with a broad junction area for efficient photon harvesting. The weak electrostatic screening effect of graphene allows the integration of single or dual gates under and/or above the vertical heterostructure to tune the band slope and photocurrent generation. We demonstrate that the amplitude and polarity of the photocurrent in the gated vertical heterostructures can be readily modulated by the electric field of an external gate to achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency of 55% and internal quantum efficiency up to 85%. Our study establishes a method to control photocarrier generation, separation and transport processes using an external electric field. Efficient photocurrent generation, which can be tuned by the electric field of a gate to reach both high external and internal quantum efficiencies, is shown to occur in vertical heterostructures comprising graphene, MoS2 and metals.
Properties of erythrocruorin from Cirraformia grandis.

Abstract The respiratory protein erythrocruorin from the annelid worm Cirraformia grandis has been subjected to a detailed physicochemical characterization. The amino acid composition and heme content for this protein have been determined. Molecular weight measurements indicate a value of 3.0 × 106 for the native species and 18,500 for the subunit. The number of subunits in the intact molecule is estimated as 162 ± 24. Oxygen binding experiments revealed a high affinity for oxygen, an unusually large Bohr effect, and little or no interaction among the heme groups in the pH range of 6.5–7.2.
Use of an RNA folding algorithm to choose regions for amplification by the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract We have used the program FOLD, which employs the Zuker folding algorithm, to identify regions of stable secondary structure in three chicken proto-oncogene mRNAs: c-src, c-myc, and c-fos. We have found that use of reverse transcriptase to synthesize a cDNA template for amplification by the polymerase chain reaction is successful only if the region chosen for amplification does not contain stem structures with calculated free energies less than −14 kcal/mol.
Temperature dependence of the radiation damage microstructure in V-4Cr-4Ti neutron irradiated to low dose

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on a V–4Cr–4Ti alloy irradiated to damage levels of 0.1–0.5 displacements per atom (dpa) at 110–505°C. A high density of small faulted dislocation loops were observed at irradiation temperatures below 275°C. These dislocation loops became unfaulted at temperatures above ∼275°C, and a high density of small Ti-rich defect clusters lying on {0 0 1} planes appeared along with the unfaulted loops at temperatures above 300°C. Based on the TEM and tensile measurements, the dislocation barrier strengths of the faulted dislocation loops and {0 0 1} defect clusters are ∼0.4–0.5 and 0.25, respectively. This indicates that both types of defects can be easily sheared by dislocations during deformation. Cleared dislocation channels were observed following tensile deformation in a specimen irradiated at 268°C.
BER modeling for interference canceling FIR Wiener equalizer

The performance of a narrowband interference canceling FIR Wiener equalizer is analyzed. While mean squared error (MSE) relates to bit error rate (BER), their connection is not necessarily a direct one when the detector output noise is not Gaussian. We show that BER can be increasing for increasing signal power (or decreasing noise power) even though MSE is decreasing. A Gaussian BER model may not be accurate then. For digital modulation schemes using FIR Wiener equalizers in a narrowband interference dominated environment, a Gaussian sum model is derived for the Wiener filter output. The analytical evaluation of the probability of bit error based on the Gaussian sum model produces a BER prediction that is shown to provide a close match with observed/estimated BER, in particular for lower order equalizers.
Determination of inflammatory bowel disease activity by breath pentane analysis

PURPOSE: Quantitative determination of breath pentane, an alkane generated by peroxidation of cellular fatty acids, has been used as a noninvasive determinant of inflammation. Herein we report the first examination of the relationship between breath pentane and intestinal inflammation in humans. METHODS: Patients (N=33), either with a known history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with symptoms of relapse or with no known history of but having symptoms consistent with IBD, were evaluated with indium-111-labeled leukocyte imaging to assess the presence of active inflammation. At the time of the indium scan, the exhaled breath of the patients was obtainedviaa collecting tube. Gas chromatography was used to quantify the pentane content, and these values were compared with graded indium scans. RESULTS: The range of breath pentane found in our population (36 determinations in 33 patients) was from 0 to 38.4 nmol/ 1 of exhaled air. For patients with negative scans, the mean pentane was 2.1 nmol/l, for intermediate scans 3.1, for positive scans 4.3, and for nonintestinal nuclide imaging 5.5 [P=0.005 by analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. CONCLUSIONS: We have previously demonstrated the correlation of breath pentane with gross and histologic evidence of intestinal inflammation in a rodent colitis model. This current study also demonstrates that pentane analysis can be correlated with inflammatory bowel disease activity in humans.
Laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy as preparation for administration of systemic interleukin-2 in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a pilot study.

Abstract Objectives. Cytoreductive nephrectomy is commonly performed in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma before systemic interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy. Open nephrectomy is associated with prolonged recovery during which metastatic disease can progress. The feasibility of laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery in these patients with large renal tumors was examined. The role of tumor morcellation in reducing the recovery period and allowing earlier treatment with IL-2 was investigated. Methods. Patients with metastatic renal cancer underwent either open nephrectomy (group 1, n=19) or laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy (n = 11; 6 with tumor morcellation [group 2], 5 with removal of the tumor through a small incision [group 3]). The three groups were compared to evaluate relative recovery, suitability for treatment with IL-2, and laparoscopic port site seeding. Results. A group of 19 patients underwent open nephrectomy (group 1). Eleven patients with a median tumor volume of 377 cm 3 (median tumor diameter 9 cm) underwent laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy. Six of these patients underwent tumor morcellation (group 2) and 5 underwent laparoscopic assisted nephrectomy (group 3). There was no difference in patient age, sex, sites of metastatic disease, ECOG status, size of renal tumor, or surgical complication rates among groups. Patients whose tumor was morcellated had reduced postoperative parenteral narcotic requirements and were discharged sooner than patients undergoing open cytoreductive nephrectomy. Time to treatment with IL-2 was shortest in the morcellation group (median time to treatment 37 days). No port site seeding was observed. Conclusions. Laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy in patients with bulky renal disease is a safe procedure in selected patients. This pilot study demonstrated a significant association of laparoscopic tumor morcellation with less postoperative pain, faster time to discharge, and shorter time to treatment with IL-2. A randomized study is warranted to determine the role of laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy with tumor morcellation.
Reduced visuospatial performance in children with the D2 dopamine receptor A1 allele.

Previous studies suggest a reduced dopaminergic function in subjects with the A1 (minor) allele of the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene. To explore influences on visuospatial ability as a function of the DRD2 gene, 182 alcohol- and other drug-naive sons (age 10–14) of active alcoholic, recovered alcoholic, and nonalcoholic fathers were administered a visuospatial task (Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation Test) which makes minimal motoric/verbal demands. Visuospatial scores were lower for boys with the A1 allele and for sons of active alcoholics. A1-allele boys made more errors than A2 boys on all 11 of the template lines, with the effect being largest for the rightmost presentations. In contrast, the effect of family history for alcoholism was strongest on both right and left midquadrant presentations. Moreover, separate analyses of the two types of errors produced allele but not family history of alcoholism effects when the two lines were misjudged as farther apart than they actually were and family history but not allele effects where the two lines were misjudged as closer together. These results suggest that polymorphism of the DRD2 gene and family history of alcoholism are dissociable determinants of visuospatial ability and that visuospatial defects previously observed in alcoholics may, in part, be antecedent to their drinking behavior.
Fano resonance in concentric ring apertures

We demonstrate a polarization-independent mid-infrared Fano resonance with extraordinary transmission when light passes through two concentric metallic ring apertures. A high-Q dark mode is indirectly excitated by coupling with a low-Q bright mode. A coupled optical resonator model is used to analyze the coupling process between the bright and dark modes. We find the Q of the dark mode is 3~6 times higher than that of the bright mode. We show that the dark mode can be selectively disabled without affecting the bright mode.
Common errors in the design of orthopaedic studies

There are several issues that one has to take into consideration in order to avoid potential pitfalls in the design of orthopaedic studies. This article highlights how to avoid common errors and how to continue the drive towards the unattainable, but laudable, goal of perfection.
Lateral prediction for noise attenuation by t-x and f-x techniques

Attenuating random noise with a prediction filter in the time-space domain generally produces results similar to those of predictions done in the frequency-space domain. However, in the presence of moderate- to high-amplitude noise, time-space or t-x prediction passes less random noise than does frequency-space, or f-x prediction. The f-x prediction may also produce false events in the presence of parallel events where t-x prediction does not. These advantages of t-x prediction are the result of its ability to control the length of the prediction filter in time. An f-x prediction produces an effective t-x domain filter that is as long in time as the input data. Gulunay's f-x domain prediction tends to bias the predictions toward the traces nearest the output trace, allowing somewhat more noise to be passed, but this bias may be overcome by modifying the system of equations used to calculate the filter. The 3-D extension to the 2-D t-x and f-x prediction techniques allows improved noise attenuation because more samples are used in the predictions, and the requirement that events be strictly linear is relaxed.
Mass Transfer Characteristics of Hollow-Fiber Dialyzers and Hemoperfusion Devices

Clearance versus time tests were carried out on three charcoal-based hemoperfusion devices (Sandev, Becton-Dickinson and Gambro) using solutions of 1 gm/L sodium salicylate in a pH 7.4 buffer and in bovine blood at flow rates of 200 ml/min. Similar tests were performed on a Cordis Dow 2.5 m2 hollow-fiber dialyzer at a tube side flow rate (QB) of 200 ml/min. Buffer was pumped through the dialysate side at a flow rate (QD) of 400 ml/min. Two dialyzers were run in series at QB = 200 ml/min and QD = 500 or 1000 ml/min. Mass transfer resistances were computed from the test results. These values are useful in that they constitute an index of the intrinsic initial kinetics of solute transfer in each device. However, the clearance versus time curves indicate that these initial kinetics decrease at different rates for each hemoperfusion unit as sorption capacity begins to be depleted. In contrast, the initial clearances for the dialyzers remain at their initial values. These data reveal much about the relative mass transfer characteristics of these devices.