cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Drag-Free Control Concept for Missions in Low Earth Orbit

Atmospheric drag causes the greatest uncertainty in the equations of motion for spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). If atmospheric drag eflects can be continuously and autonomously counteracted through the use of a drag-fee control system, drag may essentially be eliminated from the equations of motion for the spacecraft. The main perturbations on the spacecraft will then be those due to the gravitational field, which are much more easily predicted Through dynamical analysis and numerical simulation, this paper presents some potential costs and benefits associated with the fuel used during continuous drag compensation. In light of this cost-benefit analysis, simulation results are used to validate the concept of drag-free control for LEO spacecraft missions having certain characteristics.
Differences in Mortality between Late-Preterm and Term Singleton Infants in the United States, 1995–2002

Objective To assess differences in mortality between late-preterm (34-36 weeks) and term (37-41 weeks) infants. Study design We used US period-linked birth/infant death files for 1995 to 2002 to compare overall and cause-specific early-neonatal, late-neonatal, postneonatal, and infant mortality rates between singleton late-preterm infants and term infants. Results Significant declines in mortality rates were observed for late-preterm and term infants at all age-at-death categories, except the late-neonatal period. Despite the decline in rates since 1995, infant mortality rates in 2002 were 3 times higher in late-preterm infants than term infants (7.9 versus 2.4 deaths per 1000 live births); early, late, and postneonatal rates were 6, 3, and 2 times higher, respectively. During infancy, late-preterm infants were approximately 4 times more likely than term infants to die of congenital malformations (leading cause), newborn bacterial sepsis, and complications of placenta, cord, and membranes. Early-neonatal cause-specific mortality rates were most disparate, especially deaths caused by atelectasis, maternal complications of pregnancy, and congenital malformations. Conclusions Late-preterm infants have higher mortality rates than term infants throughout infancy. Our findings may be used to guide obstetrical and pediatric decision-making.
Fibers from a low dielectric constant fluorinated polyimide: Solution spinning and morphology control

Control of the internal morphology of wet-spun fibers from a fluorinated polyimide has been achieved by varying the rate of polymer coagulation through adjustments in nonsolvent/solvent miscibility and precipitation strength of the coagulation bath. Filament internal morphologies ranged from very porous or sponge-like to fully solid. Intermediate structures included fibers containing a spongy core with a nonporous skin, sponge-like fibers containing large voids, and a relatively solid material containing randomly spaced small voids. The cross-sectional shape of the fiber is dependent upon the coagulation process as well as the volume contraction of the initial extrudate. Drawn fibers (3×) retained the original asspun cross-sectional shape and also lost porosity. Mechanical properties of poly(6FDA-4BDAF) fibers have an inverse relationship to filament porosity. Maximum modulus and break strength for drawn fibers is approximately 6 CPa and 200 MPa, respectively. Asspun mechanical properties were dependent upon the processing conditions and have moduli between 0.4–3.0 Gpa and break strengths of 10–160 MPa. A dielectric constant of 2.50 for nonporous films was measured over a frequency range between 1.0 MHz to 1.8 GHz, showing little dispersion. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Students' Grades and Ratings of Perceived Effectiveness of Behaviors Influencing Academic Performance

We studied undergraduate psychology students' grades and their ratings of the helpfulness of behaviors related to good academic performance. On average students desired an AB (3.5 on a 4-point scale) and would have been satisfied with a B; 31% of students expressed satisfaction with a BC or lower. Overall, students averaged a BC final grade, a B in nonintroductory courses. In every course but introductory psychology, students earned the grade they find satisfactory. Students rated only 7 of 59 behaviors as helping earn desired grades to a great extent; all involved basic studying. Moreover, they did not rate many potentially useful behaviors highly.
Omar sells: American advertisements based on The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, c.1910–1920

During the first decades of the twentieth century, a time when modern advertising grew in response to a burgeoning consumer culture, American stores displayed products tied to the name of Omar Khayyam. Motivated by Omariana, the intense response to the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam that contributed to an outpouring of illustrated editions, literary parodies, musical scores and dramatic productions, advertisers found a market ripe for Omar‐related consumables and ephemera. While typically discussed among other Oriental‐themed advertising schemes of the time, Omar products were unique in their attachment to a single text. Omar ads responded to the cultural phenomenon of Omariana by relying on the public’s familiarity with the text itself and contributing to the popular persona that had already formed around the imagined Omar. Two case studies – Maxfield Parrish’s design for Crane’s chocolates and the marketing of American Tobacco’s Omar cigarettes – investigate how these products appealed to consumers through bo...
Further Investigation of Local Moments in Metals

A previous schematic theory of local-moment formation in metals is freed from some of its approximations. The theory, which is based on the concept of a giant localized spin fluctuation, is extended by numerical methods to include all fluctuation frequencies, not just the dominant one. The relation to recent work by Izuyama on critical fluctuation near the Curie point of a uniform ferromagnetic electron gas is discussed. A conjecture is made concerning the distinction between itinerant electron ferromagnetism and "lattice paramagnetism" composed of disordered moments on lattice sites.
Femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron angular distributions probed during photodissociation of NO2.

Femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron angular distributions (PADs) are measured for the first time in the molecular frame of a dissociating molecule. Various stages of the dissociation process, NO{sub 2}{yields} NO(C {pi}{sup 2})+O(P{sup 3}) , are probed using ionization of the NO(C {pi}{sup 2}) fragment to NO{sup +}( X {sigma}{sup +1}) . The PADs evolve from forward-backward asymmetric with respect to the dissociation axis at short time delays ({ =}1 ps). Changes in the PADs directly reflect the time-dependent separation and reorientation of the dissociating photofragments. (c)
From disclosure to court: the facets of sexual abuse.

Abstract Sexual abuse of children is an emotional issue that affects the child, family, and professional. A child may not disclose the abuse verbally for a number of reasons. However, there are behavioral and somatic complaints that the molested child may exhibit. Furthermore, there are physical findings of sexual abuse that a trained examiner can identify. This article discusses the role of the nurse practitioner from disclosure of the sexual abuse to court proceedings, including a description of physical and historical findings and courtroom procedures. Guidelines are provided to help the nurse practitioner assist the family and child as they face this difficult situation.
The platelet glycoprotein Ib - von Willebrand Factor interaction activates the collagen receptor α2β1 to bind collagen: activation-dependent conformational change of the α2-I domain

Integrin alpha2beta1 (glycoprotein [GP] Ia/IIa) is a major platelet receptor for collagen, containing its collagen-binding site within the alpha2 I domain. alpha2beta1 changes conformation upon platelet activation, increasing its affinity for collagen. We observed that 2 antibodies known to bind within the alpha2I domain, 12F1 and 6F1, bound preferentially to adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated platelets. Interestingly, when whole blood was perfused over a surface coated with either 12F1 or 6F1, only 6F1 supported the adhesion of unstimulated platelets. To test whether the interaction of GP Ib with von Willebrand factor (VWF) directly activates alpha2beta1, we used 12F1 as a probe of integrin activation. We perfused blood over a surface coated with a mixture of VWF-A1 domain (a GP Ib ligand) and 12F1 or VWF-A1 and mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG). Platelets rolled and did not attach stably on the A1/IgG surface, but they firmly bound and covered the A1/12F1 surface. We corroborated that 12F1 binds an active conformation of the I domain by showing that it binds with higher affinity to a gain-of-function mutant than to either wild-type I domain or a loss-of-function mutant. These results strongly suggest that the interaction of platelet GP Ib with VWF mediates the activation of alpha2beta1, increasing its affinity for collagen.
Differences in air ambulance patient mix demonstrated by physiologic scoring

Severity of illness or injury should be the primary justification for aeromedical transport. To determine whether differences in patient severity were detectable in air transport programs, helicopter-transported patients were examined by three established physiologic scores: the Trauma Score, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Score, and the Rapid Acute Physiology Score. These scores were obtained prospectively on 1,868 consecutive patient transfer requests from six air medical services for periods ranging from two to six months. A patient meeting strict physiologic criteria was considered critically ill. Overall, 42.6% of the patients (range, 34.8% to 53.3%) were considered critically ill. Patients transported from inpatient hospital units and patients with cardiac disease were less likely to be critically ill than those transported emergently from scenes of accident or from emergency departments. There were also significant differences between programs with regard to the percentage of critically ill patients transported. This study suggests that physiologic scoring may be useful in comparing air ambulance programs and that a majority of patients transported by these services may not be critically ill.
WSULOG,microcomputer-based well-log evaluation for cabonate reservoirs in Kansas

Abstract Increasing use of microcomputers in the petroleum industry has created a demand for programs that aid the geologist in the evaluation of well logs. Most programs currently available are based on the Archie equation for sandstones in calculation of the formation saturation characteristics. A need is evident for such evaluation programs to handle the varieties of sandstones and carbonates. WSULOG is a program that will evaluate log parameters based on ten different lithologies. WSULOG was developed with the small independent Kansas petroleum operator in mind. The program is menu driven, runs in a query—response mode, checks input values for validity, and produces output in an easy to read format. Written in FORTRAN 77, the program could be adapted easily to BASIC or Pascal for different machines. Calculations within the program are based on standard equations used throughout the industry, as well as the most recent developments in evaluating carbonate reservoirs. One such development for carbonate reservoirs, is the Productivity Ratio Index (PRI), which is a calculated value of the relationship of sonic-derived water saturation to the neutron-density porosity. The PRI is a “flag” value indicating the production potential of a formation, whether oil, water, or both.
Maternal and fetal blood/brain distribution of d-propoxyphene and norpropoxyphene in rat and dog

Rat dams were orally dosed daily (Day 2 through 21 of pregnancy) with α-d-propoxyphene, or acutely (Day 21 of pregnancy) with α-d-propoxyphene or [1-14C]α-d-propoxyphene (20 mg/kg). Dog dams were orally dosed (t.i.d.) on Days 48 through 56 of pregnancy with 10 mg/kg α-d-propoxyphene. Brain and plasma samples from the fetuses and dams in these studies were assayed by gas chromatography-mass fragmentography for propoxyphene and its metabolites. The concentrations of propoxyphene in maternal plasma and brain tissue exceeded those in the respective fetal tissues in the rat. Norpropoxyphene concentrations in maternal plasma and brain, however, were similar to, or lower than, those in the respective fetal tissues. In the dog both propoxyphene and norpropoxyphene concentrations in maternal plasma and brain exceeded those in the respective fetal tissues. Propoxyphene appeared in both fetal and maternal tissues at a higher concentration than norpropoxyphene in the rat. The reverse was true in the dog. Repeated dosing in both dog and rat resulted in higher brain to plasma ratios of propoxyphene in the fetuses than in the dams. Transplacental passage of propoxyphene and its metabolites appeared to be more restricted in the dog than the rat, suggesting that the degree of restriction was related to the morphology of the placenta.
Development of a purine-scaffold novel class of Hsp90 binders that inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce the degradation of Her2 tyrosine kinase.

Abstract The first published synthesis and characterization of a purine-scaffold library of hsp90 inhibitors is presented. The purine-scaffold represents a platform for the creation of easily synthesizable and derivatizable soluble molecules that are amenable for oral administration. The most active compound of the series ( 71 ) exhibits binding to hsp90 comparable to the natural product derivative 17AAG that is now in Phase I clinical trial as a cancer therapeutic. 71 Induces the degradation of Her2 tyrosine kinase and arrests the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line at low micromolar concentrations (IC 50 =2 μM).
Facile Enzymatic Synthesis of Base J-Containing Oligodeoxyribonucleotides and an Analysis of the Impact of Base J on DNA Replication in Cells

We reported here the use of T4 bacteriophage β-glucosyltransferase (T4 β-GT) for the facile synthesis of base J-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs). We found that the enzyme could catalyze the glucosylation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-deoxyuridine (5hmU) in both single- and double-stranded ODNs, though the latter reaction occurred only when 5hmU was mispaired with a guanine. In addition, base J blocked moderately DNA replication, but it did not induce mutations during replication in human cells.
Design, synthesis, and biological testing of thiosalicylamides as a novel class of calcium channel blockers

The current research aimed to investigate the importance of the heterocyclic ring system in the structure of the cardiovascular drug diltiazem for its calcium channel blocking activity. The manuscript describes the design, synthesis, and biological testing of a total of 10 S-(p-methoxybenzyl), N-substituted thiosalicylamides as a series of non-cyclic compounds derived from diltiazem's structure. The new compounds maintained all diltiazem pharmacophores except the thiazepine ring system. In vitro evaluation of the new series for calcium channel blocking effects revealed moderate activities with IC50 values in the range of 4.8-56.0 microM. The data suggest that the ring system is not essential for activity; however, its absence leads to a considerable drop of activity relative to that of diltiazem (IC50=0.3 microM). Compounds of the current series showed optimum activity when the aliphatic alkyl chain on the salicylamide nitrogen is part of a piperidine or piperazine ring system substituted at the terminal nitrogen with a benzyl group.
Extended Parental Care and the Origin of Eusociality

Eusocial insects are striking both for their enormous ecological success and for the unusual reproductive altruism of their workers. An explanation for both may lie in the advantage of providing extended care of the young. In insects, a single adult lifetime is often too short to allow extended care of the young. However, groups of adults can successfully provide overlapping care even if individual lifetimes are short, and the resulting high offspring survivorship may help account for the ecological success of social insects compared with solitary competitors. Models developed here show that the same advantage may have been a major selective force at the origin of eusociality.
Host response to infection by Coxiella burneti.

A host response to infection by Coxiella burneti was investigated. Infected yolk sacs were harvested from embryonated eggs and assayed for glycolytic activity. Assays of glycolytic enzymes included glucose isomerase, aldolase, phosphofructokinase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, and pyruvate kinase. No significant differences in enzymatic activity between normal and infected tissues through the 12th day were observed. From the 13th day through the 16th day, the glycolytic activity of normal tissues decreased. Glycolytic activity of infected tissues did not decrease, but showed a gradual increase during this same time period. Embryos from infected eggs demonstrated a gradual decrease in total weight from the 12th day until death occurred on the 16th day.
Dynamic analysis of substation busbar structures

Abstract The usual method used to design substation busbar structures is to analyze the short circuit force loading with an equivalent static loading. However, it is shown here that the relatively slow response modes of the structure require that a dynamic analysis be performed for the higher frequency short circuit forces. Full scale test data is compared to simulation results obtained from a finite element model.
Percutaneous window chamber method for chronic intravital microscopy of sensor-tissue interactions.

Background A dorsal, two-sided skin-fold window chamber model was employed previously by Gough in glucose sensor research to characterize poorly understood physiological factors affecting sensor performance. We have extended this work by developing a percutaneous one-sided window chamber model for the rodent dorsum that offers both a larger subcutaneous area and a less restrictive tissue space than previous animal models.
The relationship of mucosal bacteria to duodenal histopathology, cytokine mRNA, and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract Feline inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term applied to a group of poorly understood enteropathies that are considered a consequence of uncontrolled intestinal inflammation in response to a combination of elusive environmental, enteric microbial, and immunoregulatory factors in genetically susceptible cats. The present study sought to examine the relationship of mucosal bacteria to intestinal inflammation and clinical disease activity in cats with inflammatory bowel disease. Duodenal biopsies were collected from 27 cats: 17 undergoing diagnostic investigation of signs of gastrointestinal disease, and 10 healthy controls. Subjective duodenal histopathology ranged from normal (10), through mild (6), moderate (8), and severe (3) IBD. The number and spatial distribution of mucosal bacteria was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes to 16S rDNA. Mucosal inflammation was evaluated by objective histopathology and cytokine profiles of duodenal biopsies. The number of mucosa-associated Enterobacteriaceae was higher in cats with signs of gastrointestinal disease than healthy cats (P These data establish that the density and composition of the mucosal flora is related to the presence and severity of intestinal inflammation in cats and suggest that mucosal bacteria are involved in the etiopathogenesis of feline IBD.
Surface Wind and Upper-Ocean Variability Associated with the Madden–Julian Oscillation Simulated by the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)

AbstractSimulation of surface wind and upper-ocean variability associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) by a regional coupled model, the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS), is evaluated by the comparison with in situ and satellite observations. COAMPS is configured for the tropical Indian Ocean domain with the horizontal resolution of 27 km for the atmospheric component and ⅛° for the ocean component. A high-resolution nested grid (9 km) for the atmospheric component is used for the central Indian Ocean. While observational data are assimilated into the atmospheric component, no data are assimilated into the ocean component. The model was integrated during 1 March–30 April 2009 when an active episode of large-scale convection associated with the MJO passed eastward across the Indian Ocean. During this MJO event, strong surface westerly winds (~8 m s−1) were observed in the central equatorial Indian Ocean, and they generated a strong eastward jet (~1 m s−1) on the equa...
Rationale, Design and Methodology for the Navajo Health and Nutrition Survey

As recently as 1990, there was no reservation-wide, population-based health status information about Navajo Indians. To remedy this shortcoming, the Navajo Health and Nutrition Survey was conducted from 1991 to 1992 to assess the health and nutritional status of Navajo Reservation residents using a population-based sample. Using a three-stage design, a representative sample of reservation households was selected for inclusion. All members of selected households 12 y of age and older were invited to participate. A total of 985 people in 459 households participated in the study. Survey protocols were modeled on those of previous national surveys and included a standard blood chemistry profile, complete blood count, oral glucose tolerance test, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, a single 24-h dietary recall and a questionnaire on health behaviors. The findings from this survey, reported in the accompanying papers, inform efforts to prevent and control chronic disease among the Navajo. Lessons learned from this survey may be of interest to those conducting similar surveys in other American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
Cellular Effects of Phosphotyrosine-Binding Domain Inhibitors on Insulin Receptor Signaling and Trafficking

Shc and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) are cytoplasmic substrates of tyrosine kinase receptors that engage, localize, and activate downstream SH2 enzymes. Each contains a phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain that is structurally unrelated to SH2 domains. We have designed high-affinity, cellular inhibitors of the Shc PTB domain by incorporating nonnatural, phosphatase-resistant amino acids into short peptides. None of the inhibitors bind the IRS-1 PTB domain, consistent with distinct specificities for domains. The best inhibitor of the Shc domain was introduced by electroporation into Rat1 fibroblasts that express human insulin receptors. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Shc was inhibited, with no effect on IRS-1, and downstream effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase and DNA synthesis were both inhibited. The PTB domain inhibitor had less influence on epidermal growth factor-induced effects and essentially no impact on serum- or phorbol ester-induced effects. The inhibitor did not affect insulin internalization and its degradation. We conclude that the PTB domain of Shc is critical for its phosphorylation by the insulin receptor, that Shc is an important mediator of insulin's mitogenic effects, and that Shc is not central to insulin receptor cycling in these cells. PTB domains can be inhibited selectively in cells and represent potential targets for drug discovery.
The vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1: molecular and biological properties of the virus

The vertical (mother-to-infant) transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1 ) occurs at an estimated rate of more than 30% and is the major cause of AIDS in children. Numerous maternal parameters, including advanced dinical stages, low CD4+ lymphocte counts, high viral load, immune response, and disease progression have been implicated in an increased risk of vertical transmission. While the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of vertical transmission, selective transmission of ART-resistant mutants has also been documented. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of vertical transmission might provide relevant information for the development of effective strategies for prevention and treatment. By using HIV-1 infected mother-infant pairs as a transmitter-recipient model, the minor genotypes of HIV-1 with macrophage-tropic and non-syncytium-inducing phenotypes (R5 viruses) in infected mothers were found to be transmitted to their infants and were initially maintained in the infants with the same properties. In addition, the transmission of major and multiple genotypes has been suggested. Furthermore, HIV-1 sequences found in non-transmitting mothers (mothers who failed to transmit HIV-1 to their infants in the absence of ART) were less heterogeneous than those from transmitting mothers, suggesting that viral heterogeneity may play an important role in vertical transmission. In the analysis of other regions of the HIV-1 genome, we have shown a high conservation of intact and functional gag p17, vif, vpr, vpu, tat, and nef open reading frames following mother-to-infant transmission. Moreover the accessory genes, vif and vpr, were less functionally conserved in the isolates of non-transmitting mothers than transmitting mothers and their infants. We, therefore, should target the properties of transmitted viruses to develop new and more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of HIV-1 infection.
Design and Implementation of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Dublin Core Metadata Schema

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has formed a team to design and implement a Dublin Core-based metadata schema to enhance the public's ability to retrieve pertinent public health information on the organization's Web site. The team decided to use the DC schema because it is a de facto standard and because of its flexibility. With a little customization the team has created an NIEHS-DC metadata schema. Using this schema, Web page content creators can produce metadata that is then stored in XML files.
Methods of assessing clients' priorities: a survey of adult physical dysfunction settings.

Objectives. Recent clinical reasoning literature has identified a collaborative model oftreatment - one that responds to clients' perceptions of theil' illness and disability experiences - as central to occupation­ al therapy practice. Assessing clients' priorities on ad­ mission is essential to that model. Method. Surveys from ofa convenience sample of 269 occupational therapy directors in adult physical rehabilitation facilities throughout the United States 00.2% response rate) were analyzed to see whether occupational therapists in those settings are assessing clients' priorities on admission, and ifso, how. Results. The majority of occupational therapists are using informal interview to determine clients' priorities on admission. Client goals obtained from these interviews are vague and do not specify mean­ ingful occupations; this finding suggests that therapists are setting treatment goals without specific input from clients about their valued activities. Conclusion. Occupational therapists have not yet successful~v translated their values about client­
ERROR BOUNDS FOR OCCUPATION MEASURE OF SINGULARLY PERTURBED MARKOV CHAINS INCLUDING TRANSIENT STATES

Motivated by many applications in production planning, system reliability, queueing networks, and wireless communication, this work is devoted to singularly perturbed Markov chains with finite states. Focusing on nonstationary processes with the inclusion of transient states, asymptotic error bounds of a sequence of suitably scaled occupation measures are derived. The main tools used include martingales and differential equations. The results are useful for analyzing structural properties of the underlying Markov chains and for designing nearly optimal and hierarchical controls of large-scale and complex systems.
A Setback to the Dialogue: Response to Huston Smith

Huston Smith's book, Why Religion Matters, offers an eloquent evocation of mystical sensibility. Unfortunately, along the way, he offers a strongly negative and often inaccurate account of the scientific worldview, the claim being that the science is laying siege to the spiritual.
Development and demonstration of an autonomous collision avoidance algorithm aboard the ISS

Since 2006 the SPHERES facility aboard the International Space Station has enabled research of high-risk autonomy algorithms which would not otherwise be conducted in a regular space mission. A thread of research with several demonstrations aboard the ISS is Collision Avoidance. Through two SPHERES test sessions over the course of a year, researchers have developed an efficient autonomous collision avoidance controller, deployed it on a representative microprocessor, and demonstrated its effectiveness as a reliable low-level safetey routine.
Shielded loops for wireless non-radiative power transfer

The concept of efficient mid-range wireless power transfer using strongly coupled magnetic resonators was recently proposed [1]. In this power transfer scheme, two resonators were coupled through the tails of their non-radiative near-fields, hence the name “wireless non-radiative power transfer” (WNPT). This technology is based on the well-known fact that two resonant objects interact strongly with each other and weakly with surrounding non-resonant objects. Theoretically, WNPT can be implemented using any electromagnetic resonators. In recent literature, WNPT operating through magnetic resonances was demonstrated [2]. This regime of operation is particularly useful because the interaction with other objects is further suppressed due to the non-magnetic nature of most common materials.
Cost-Benefit Analysis and the Knowledge Problem

In the modern regulatory state, there is a serious tension between two indispensable ideas. The first is that it is important to measure, both in advance and on a continuing basis, the effects of regulation on social welfare, usually through cost-benefit analysis. The second idea, attributable above all to Friedrich Hayek, is that knowledge is widely dispersed in society. As Hayek and his followers emphasize, governments planners cannot possibly know what individuals know, simply because they lack that dispersed knowledge. When important information is missing, cost-benefit analysis can be exceptionally difficult to conduct. There are three ways to respond to that problem. The first involves notice-and-comment rulemaking, which has particular promise in the modern era, where regulators are in a far better position to collect the dispersed information of the public. The second involves retrospective analysis, accompanied by a process for obtaining public comment. In many cases, retrospective analysis has found that the ex ante estimates were wrong, thus pointing the way toward potential improvements both in rules and in future estimates. The third, and potentially the most valuable, involves experiments, above all randomized controlled trials, which can give a clear understanding of the likely effects of regulations.
Ecology, culture, and management of Burbot: an introduction

Burbot Lota lota has many desirable qualities as a study organism and as an indicator species for the quality of freshwater systems in northern latitudes (Stapanian et al., 2010). It is the only truly freshwatermember of the cod family (Gadidae) and one of only two species of freshwater fish that have a circumpolar range (McPhail & Lindsey, 1970; McPhail & Paragamian, 2000). Burbot occupy the widest range of depths of all fishes found in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin (e.g., small streams to at least 300 m inLakeSuperior) (Boyer et al., 1989). Burbot are among the few freshwater fishes known to communicate via vocalizations (Cott, 2013; Cott et al., 2013). Burbot are sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances, particularly dams and increased water temperatures (reviewed by Stapanian et al., 2010). However, nearly extirpated Burbot populations have recovered in some systems without stocking, following improved water quality and decreased predation from invasive species (Stapanian & Madenjian, 2007; Stapanian et al., 2006, 2008, 2010). Although external sexual dimorphism is subtle and seasonal, the testes of Burbot are very large compared with most other fishes (Cott et al., 2013) and Burbot exhibit sexual differences in range (Stapanian et al., 2013a) and uptake of contaminants (Madenjian et al., 2013, 2014; Stapanian et al., 2013b). Burbot have been shown to be ideal organisms for studies of contaminants in freshwater systems, revealing, for example that latitudinal trends in polychlorinated biphenyl congener distributions are more complex than previously thought (Stapanian et al., 2014), and like in ‘‘higher’’ vertebrates, androgen levels may enhance mercury elimination in teleost fish (Madenjian et al., 2015). World-wide, many Burbot populations are threatened, endangered, or have been extirpated (reviewed by Stapanian et al., 2010). Although illegally stocked Burbot have spread in the upper Colorado River system (USA) (Gardunio et al., 2011), the species is often ignored in fish management and conservation programs (McPhail & Paragamian, 2000; Stapanian et al., 2010). This is due in part to its unpopularity as a sport and commercial fish in much of its range, despite studies indicating that Burbot meat is palatable and nutritious (Brannion, 1930; Tack et al., 1947; Staba, 1979; Addis, 1990; Stapanian & Kakuda, 2008 and references therein). Burbot ecology is poorly studied compared with that ofmost freshwater predators inNorthAmerica and Western Europe (McPhail & Paragamian, 2000). Guest editors: Martin A. Stapanian & Christopher A. Myrick / Ecology, Culture, and Management of Burbot
Developmental shifts and species selection in gastropods

The fossil record of marine gastropods has been used as evidence to support the operation of species selection; namely, that species with limited dispersal differ- entially increase in numbers because they are more likely to speciate than widely dispersing species. This conclusion is based on a tacit phylogenetic assumption that increases in species with limited dispersal are solely the result of speciation within monophyletic groups with low dispersal. To test this assumption, we reconstructed a phylogeny from nuclear se- quence data for 70 species of the marine gastropod genus Conus and used it to map the evolution of developmental mode. All eight species without planktonic life history phases re- cently and independently evolved this characteristic from ancestors with planktonic larval phases, showing that tran- sitions in developmental mode are common in this group. A simple model of species diversification shows that such shifts can control the relative numbers of species with and without dispersing larval stages, leading to apparent species selection. Such results challenge the conclusion that increases in the number of nonplanktonic species relative to species with planktonic larvae over geologic time is necessarily a result of higher rates of speciation of nonplanktonic lineages and show that demonstration of species selection requires a phyloge- netic framework.
Momentum and monthly effect: an anomaly within an anomaly!

This paper evaluates the relation between two well-known anomalies in stock returns, viz, momentum and monthly effect. The monthly effect anomaly refers to the fact that stocks earn positive average returns only during the first half of the month and zero average returns during the second half. In this paper, we show that although the monthly effect anomaly continues to hold for stocks in general (as well as for stocks grouped by size or book-to-market or other criteria), the monthly effect seems to break down for momentum portfolios. This result has implications for implementing a portfolio trading strategy based upon the momentum effect and the monthly effect. We further show that the profitability of momentum portfolios arises from the second half of the month because the monthly effect for winner and loser portfolios is asymmetric. We also examine the risk characteristics of the momentum returns. The risk-adjusted excess return (or alpha) for momentum portfolio was previously reported by other researchers as significant, but is statistically insignificant in recent years.
A Human Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporter 2 Isoform Acts as a Dominant-Negative Inhibitor of Ascorbic Acid Transport

Vitamin C is essential for human health. Most mammals produce vitamin C in the liver; however, humans and other primates are unable to synthesize ascorbic acid (AA) and must obtain it from the diet (9, 13). Vitamin C is transported into cells in the oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), via facilitative glucose transporters (GLUTs) (19, 24) and as AA in specialized cells by sodium-dependent AA transporters (23). Two isoforms of the sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) have been molecularly characterized in rats and humans (3, 10, 18, 23, 28, 29). Kyte-Doolittle hydropathy analysis (7) of the human SVCT2 (hSVCT2) amino acid sequence predicts a topographical model of a transporter with 12 transmembrane domains with both the N and C termini intracellular. The N-terminal (102-amino-acid) and the C-terminal (81-amino-acid) tails in the cytoplasm are long and hydrophilic. The extracellular loop between transmembrane domains 3 and 4 contains two potential sites for N-glycosylation (Asn-188 and Asn-196). The hSVCT1 transporter is highly homologous to hSVCT2 with the same predicted membrane topology. An obvious difference between hSVCT1 and hSVCT2 is the additional sequences of 12 and 44 amino acids present in the N terminus of hSVCT2 at positions 2 and 38, respectively (10). The two isoforms of hSVCT differ in tissue distribution, as determined by Northern blot analysis, with hSVCT2 widely expressed at the mRNA level compared to hSVCT1. For hSVCT2, a 7.5-kb transcript was detected in most tissues tested, with the notable exceptions of the lung and skeletal muscle (18, 29). Probing for hSVCT1 resulted in a strong signal at 2.4 kb in the kidney, liver, small intestine, colon, ovary, and prostate (28, 29). A comparison of the kinetic constants suggests that hSVCT2 has ∼10-fold higher affinity for AA than hSVCT1 (3, 23). Uptake of AA via both hSVCT1 and hSVCT2 is absolutely dependent on the presence of Na+, and the replacement of Na+ with either Li+ or choline results in >95% reduction in AA influx (3). Recent studies show that AA transport in mice (and probably in rats) is essential for perinatal survival. The knockout mouse lacking the mouse ortholog (Slc23a1 [for solute carrier family 23 member 1]) of a rat AA transporter died immediately after birth due to unexplained respiratory failure and cerebral hemorrhage (20). We cloned and expressed hSVCT2 from human fetal brain tissue and discovered a short isoform that does not function as a transporter but rather acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of AA transport through protein-protein interaction. The short isoform is widely expressed and can act as a regulator of AA uptake.
Effects of SEL-12 presenilin on LIN-12 localization and function in Caenorhabditis elegans

Presenilins have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer9s disease and in facilitating LIN-12/Notch activity. Here, we use genetic methods to explore the relationship between C. elegans LIN-12 and SEL-12 presenilin. Reducing sel-12 activity can suppress the effects of elevated lin-12 activity when LIN-12 is activated by missense mutations but not when LIN-12 is activated by removal of the extracellular and transmembrane domains. These results suggest that SEL-12 does not function downstream of activated LIN-12. An active SEL-12::GFP hybrid protein accumulates in the perinuclear region of the vulval precursor cells (VPCs) of living hermaphrodites, consistent with a localization in endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi membranes; when sel-12 activity is reduced, less LIN-12 protein accumulates in the plasma membranes of the VPCs. Together with the genetic interactions between lin-12 and sel-12, these observations suggest a role for SEL-12 in LIN-12 processing or trafficking. However, SEL-12 does not appear to be a general factor that influences membrane protein activity, since reducing sel-12 activity does not suppress or enhance hypomorphic mutations in other genes encoding membrane proteins. We discuss potential parallels for the role of SEL-12/presenilin in facilitating LIN-12/Notch activity and in amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.
United States v. Jicarilla Apache Nation: Its Importance and Potential Future Ramifications

This brief article considers the potential implications of the United States Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Jicarilla Apache Nation. The case differs procedurally from most cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in that the appeal to the Supreme Court came as a writ of mandamus by the United States to vacate an order requiring the United States to release certain documents in a breach of trust claim brought against the federal government in the Court of Federal Claims. Furthermore, the Court's decision builds on past precedent related to the federal government's trust relationship. The issue before the Court was whether the common-law fiduciary exception to the attorney-client privilege applied to the United States when acting in its capacity as trustee for tribal trust assets. In concluding that the fiduciary exception did not apply, the Court explained that the federal government resembles a private trustee in only limited instances.This article will discuss why this case was important for Indian country and some significant “takeaways” from the Court’s decision. This article builds on the article published by Dan Rey-Bear of the Nordhaus Law Firm, LLP in The Federal Lawyer, which also discussed the importance of the then-pending Jicarilla Apache Nation case.
Increased Exhaled Nitric Oxide Following Autologous Peripheral Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation: A Potential Marker of Idiopathic Pneumonia Syndrome

Background Increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and oxidative stress following bone marrow transplantation may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS). We hypothesize that patients who received high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (APHSCT) have increased exhaled NO. Method We measured exhaled lower respiratory tract NO concentration with a chemiluminescent NO analyzer during a slow vital capacity maneuver against a positive pressure of 16 cm H 2 O at an expiratory flow rate of 50 mL/s in 20 female patients who received high-dose chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, carmustine, and cisplatin) followed by APHSCT for the treatment of stage III or IV breast carcinoma. Pulmonary function tests were performed, and exhaled NO measurements and clinical and laboratory data were obtained before transplantation and at every 6-week visit after transplantation for 24 weeks. Results All study patients had evidence of IPS with dyspnea and reduction in diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D lco ). Lower respiratory tract exhaled NO was significantly higher after APHSCT and during the 6 months of follow-up. Mean (± SD) exhaled NO increased from (mean ± SD) 12.54 ± 1.32 parts per billion (ppb) before APHSCT to 21.26 ± 1.94 ppb at 6 weeks (p = 0.099), 21.26 ± 1.94 ppb (p = 0.006) at 12 weeks, 24.62 ± 2.55 ppb (p = 0.012) at 18 weeks, and 25.28 ± 3.31 ppb (p = 0.013) at 24 weeks (all p values were compared to baseline). There was a strong negative correlation between D lco and exhaled NO (regression coefficient − 0.60, p = 0.01). Conclusion Lower respiratory tract concentration of exhaled NO is significantly increased following APHSCT and correlates with reduction in D lco . Increase in lower respiratory tract concentration of NO is a potential marker of IPS.
The Systemic Change Process in Education: A Conceptual Framework

This paper provides a conceptual framework for a systemic change process, both to help researchers advance knowledge about how school districts can engage in paradigm change, and to help educators and policy makers understand the big picture for such change. The conceptual framework is comprised of key ideas that have emerged from the authors’ experiences in facilitating change in school districts, and from a review of the educational change literature. The authors first present an argument for the need for systemic change. They then present the conceptual framework, which is comprised of six elements that are important for any systemic change process to succeed: broad stakeholder ownership, learning organization, understanding the systemic change process, evolving mindsets about education, systems view of education, and systems design. The description of each element includes suggested activities for implementation. Finally, the authors recommend that policy makers address each of the elements within the framework, and that educators and scholars explore how the interrelationships and interdependencies of the elements can lead to successful educational reform.
Optimum Operations Model for Shasta-Trinity System

A computer model using state incremental dynamic programming is available to furnish daily optimum water and power operating strategy for a 30-day period for the Shasta-Trinity Division of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project in California. The increasing demands and the desire to operate the project more efficiently led to the conclusion that mathematical models are required to provide optimum operating information. The model selects the operating strategy which maximizes the electrical energy generation while satisfying firm water contracts, mandatory releases, and flood control commitments. The model has been tested in conjunction with standard operating procedures to substantiate the applicability of the optimization technique in the Central Valley Project’s real world environment. Input to the model consists of deterministic streamflow, storage, electrical, and precipitation data. The formulation of the model is reviewed. An example illustrates the application of the model.
The Problem of Pathological Self-Criticism

The subject of this book is self-criticism. Its central idea is that how persons exercise the role of critic with respect to themselves has enormous consequences for their personal happiness and for the quality of their lives. Unfortunately, countless individuals, including many who seek psychotherapeutic help, have learned to criticize themselves in ways that are highly destructive (Driscoll, 1981, 1989; McKay & Fanning, 1992; Rubin, 1975). This book is devoted to the therapeutic betterment of these individuals.
An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Balanced Scorecord Implementation and Improved Financial Performance

This paper uses a quasi-experimental research design in a field setting to investigate whether the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a significant treatment in explaining changes in financial performance of two divisions in a banking organization. Our paper reports the results of a longitudinal study that spans eighteen months and evaluates changes in financial performance at a commercial bank organized into two divisions. One division's branches implemented the BSC (experimental division) while another division's branches did not (control division). Our findings indicate financial performance of the experimental division improved significantly after implementation (p-value = .02), while financial performance of the control division decreased over the same time period. We also find that the change in financial performance for experimental division branches was significantly greater than then change in financial performance for control division branches (p-value = .005).