cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Game-based Pedagogy in the Writing Classroom

Abstract Games enhance writing pedagogy because they are multimodal systems with their own active genre ecologies. However, not many writing teachers use games to teach writing possibly because there are currently no textbooks on teaching writing with games and most scholarship on game-based pedagogy consists of case studies conducted by individual teachers. To provide writing teachers with a broader perspective on how to teach with games, I conducted interviews with writing teachers within the fields of rhetoric and composition and technical communication about how they use games to teach writing and what their rationales were for doing so to build a scheme of approaches. I found that writing teachers used game-based pedagogy in order to help students rhetorically analyze the procedural and multimodal affordances in games and to foster rhetorically sensitive multimodal design. They also used games to concretely illustrate theories, especially theories about new media design and critical theory. They used games as an interactive way to illustrate how paratexts and game design documents circulate within their discourse communities. Teachers also used the networked genre ecologies of games as an active writing and research space. Finally, along with reflection, teachers used games to foster critical thinking and transfer about writing.
Photocatalytic fuel production

The conversion of carbon dioxide and water to fuel in artificial systems requires efficient coupling of light absorbers and catalysts, and assembly of the components into hierarchical structures to close the photocatalytic cycle. Recent breakthroughs in the embodiment of molecular photoactive components in ultrathin oxide layers, and the introduction of new materials approaches for interfacial charge transfer have led to substantially improved coupling of chromophores and catalysts. These advances are accelerating the exploration of novel architectures for reducing CO2 by H2O in scalable, single integrated photosystems to reach the high power efficiencies recently demonstrated with photovoltaic-assisted approaches.
A simple method for inferring habitats of extinct turtles

Abstract We present a simple method of inferring extinct turtle habitats based on four measurements of the shell (two ratios). These ratios are the maximum width of the carapace to the width of the abdominal-femoral sulcus of the plastron, and the ratio of the carapace length to the total height of the shell. Based on an extensive database, extant terrestrial turtles do not have a carapace-width-to-plastron-width ratio that exceeds 1.76. This carapace-width-to-plastron-width ratio in the Triassic turtle Proganochelys is ∼2.1, and the length-to-height ratio of Proganochelys is ∼2, which suggest an aquatic habitus. Triassic Proterochersis has a carapace-to-plastron-width ratio of 1.89, and a length-to-height ratio of 1.82, which are in the terrestrial range based on discriminant analysis. Inferences based on forelimb proportions and shell bone histology indicate a terrestrial paleoecology for Proganochelys . Conversely, femur morphology and shell cross sections indicate a semi-terrestrial to aquatic paleoecology of Proganochelys . The new method presented here indicates the early turtle Proganochelys was aquatic and Proterochersis was terrestrial in habitus.
Relative Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Characteristics among Seriously Emotionally Disturbed and Nonhandicapped Students.

This study examined depression among 237 students served in special education programs for the seriously emotionally disturbed and among 577 nonhandicapped peers. These students, aged 6-18 years of age, were assessed on measures of depression, hyperactivity, social status, intelligence, school placement, and various aspects of educational achievement. Group contrasts were made and correlations were computed among the variables under study. The seriously emotionally disturbed students showed greater depression than the nonhandicapped. The patterns of intercorrelations were considerably different for nonhandicapped and seriously emotionally disturbed students. These results are discussed in terms of implications for further research and special education practices.
Evaluating Asphalt Binders Prepared with Different Processes to Meet the Same Performance Grade

This paper summarizes the results of a laboratory testing program conducted to evaluate the microstructure, adhesion, and other mechanical properties of asphalt binders meeting the same performance grade (PG) but produced by using different processes and modifiers. To that end, atomic force microscope (AFM) tapping mode imaging and force spectroscopy experiments were conducted on different straight-run and modified asphalt binders meeting the same PG. In addition, bitumen bond strength and semicircular beam (SCB) tests were conducted on the different binders evaluated and on the mixes prepared by using those binders, respectively, for comparison. The AFM images indicated that the microstructure of the modified binders was different from those of the straight-run binders. The AFM force spectroscopy test results showed that binders with the same PG could have significantly different adhesion properties. The results of the SCB tests indicated that the fatigue performance was affected by the adhesion properti...
1010 A quality improvement (qi) collaborative to improve influenza immunisation rates for disease-specific paediatric populations

Background Influenza outbreaks are a major public health concern yet the majority of work to improve immunisation rates has occurred within primary care settings. Children and patients with medical complexity are particularly at risk for complications due to influenza. Emphasis on immunising all patients against the flu, including patients seen in specialty clinics, is essential to help prevent the acquisition and spread of the influenza virus. Objectives To improve flu immunisation rates for paediatric patients with chronic diseases across multiple medical divisions representing unique patient populations. Methods Over a five year period we oversaw a multi-disciplinary, nursing-focused QI collaborative including primary care and specialty clinics at a freestanding children’s hospital. The QI collaborative included monthly meetings with divisional champions, nursing leadership, pharmacy, and marketing for data review and synergistic learning. Key improvement initiatives included the development of standardised division-specific processes, implementation of a web-based dashboard for real-time data feedback, phone calls to patients and families to encourage and document flu immunizations, and a hospital-wide marketing campaign focused on patient and provider education. Five divisions followed the same disease-specific population, tracking data monthly, over the five year period. Results From the 2013 to the 2017 flu season, immunisation rates increased significantly (p=0.0270). Populations included patients with sickle cell disease (58% to 84%), inflammatory bowel disease (35% to 65%), cystic fibrosis (79% to 89%), diabetes (20% to 70%), and patients on dialysis (89% to 100%). Conclusions The creation of a multidisciplinary, nursing-focused collaborative was associated with significant improvements in influenza immunisation rates in specialty populations.
Behavioral Addictions and Criminal Responsibility

Certain behavioral addictions pose difficult and unresolved problems for the criminal justice system. These disorders are characterized by strong desire states and may be associated with illegal behaviors that are committed to support the addiction. In this article, we begin with a general account of criminal responsibility and provide the legally relevant phenomenology and cognitive features of behavioral addictions. We then discuss how the legal system has approached two behavioral addictions, gambling disorder and kleptomania, during criminal trials and at sentencing. The conclusion summarizes an approach to the adjudication of behavioral addiction-related criminal behavior.
Initial Assessment, Risk Stratification, and Early Management of Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

Inhospital mortality from nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding has improved with advances in medical and endoscopy therapy. Initial management includes resuscitation, hemodynamic monitoring, proton pump inhibitor therapy, and restrictive blood transfusion. Risk stratification scores help triage bleeding severity and provide prognosis. Upper endoscopy is recommended within 24 hours of presentation; select patients at lowest risk may be effectively treated as outpatients. Emergent endoscopy within 12 hours does not improve clinical outcomes, including mortality, rebleeding, or need for surgery, despite an increased use of endoscopic treatment. There may be a benefit to emergent endoscopy in patients with evidence of active bleeding.
Associations among teachers' depressive symptoms and students' classroom instructional experiences in third grade.

Recent studies have established connections among teachers' mental health and student outcomes, however there is limited understanding of how these teacher characteristics manifest in the classroom to affect students. The present study informed this gap by examining the associations among third grade teachers' (N = 32) self-reported symptoms of clinical depression and their students' (N = 326) classroom instructional experiences. Eight student experiences described by the Individualizing Student Instruction framework were investigated, including academic instruction facilitated by the teacher in various student groupings, students' independent and group work, teachers' planning/organizing instruction, and students' time off-task and in transitions. Multilevel modeling revealed negative associations between teachers' depressive symptoms and (a) teacher-facilitated academic instruction provided to the whole class and (b) teachers' planning/organizing instruction. Results suggest that teachers experiencing more symptoms may under-utilize instructional approaches that require more effort on their part. We discussed the implications of our findings for students' academic and social-emotional learning, and the potential benefits of incorporating mental health support components into teacher training and professional development aimed at improving instructional practices.
Influence of native catfish mucus on Flavobacterium columnare growth and proteolytic activity.

Flavobacterium columnare causes columnaris disease of farmed and wild freshwater fish. Skin mucus is an important factor in early stages of columnaris pathogenesis, albeit little studied. Our objectives were to (a) characterize the terminal glycosylation pattern (TGP) of catfish mucus, (b) determine the growth of F. columnare in formulated water (FW)-containing channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) or hybrid catfish (Ictalurus punctatus X Ictalurus furcatus) mucus and (c) examine extracellular protease activity of two F. columnare isolates differing in virulence. The TGP of catfish mucus by lectin binding was as follows: alpha-D-mannose/alpha-D-glucose >N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine >N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine/N-acetylneuraminic acid >N-acetyl-D-galactosamine >alpha-D-galactose/N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine >beta-D-galactose = alpha-L-fucose. Virulence studies demonstrated isolate AL-02-36 was highly virulent in channel catfish fry (0.1 g) with cumulative mortality of 90%-100% versus 60% for isolate ALG-00-530 at equivalent doses (~3 × 106 CFU/ml); a similar result was observed in larger (0.7 g) catfish. In multiple experiments, F. columnare replicated (2-3 logs) and survived (28 days) in formulated water-containing catfish mucus. Highly virulent isolate AL-02-36 possessed at least 2.5- to fivefold higher protease activity following growth in mucus than the less virulent ALG-00-530. Flavobacterium columnare utilized catfish mucus as a nutrient source and mucus presence modulated extracellular protease production.
Left Off the Route: A Qualitative Examination of Urban Bus Drivers Wanting to be Players in the Bully Prevention Solution.

Every school day millions of children board the bus from home and school oftentimes with 90 others including a bus driver. Perhaps not found in a bus drivers’ job description are the details to mon...
Phorbol ester treatment increases paracellular permeability across IEC-18 gastrointestinal epithelium in vitro.

The phorbol ester, TPA, transiently increases the transepithelial permeability across the gastrointestinal epithelium formed by IEC-18. There was a significant decrease in transepithelial resistance (RT) between 0 and 1.5 hr, accompanied by increased flux of polyethylene glycol (4000 MW), suggesting that the increase was across the tight junction. By 2 hr, the decrease in RT reversed and maintained control level. The transepithelial permeability increase was prevented by coincubation with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide. There was a rapid (within 15 min) translocation of PKC-α from the cytosolic to the “membrane-associated” compartment, followed by a down-regulation that was detectable within 60 min of TPA treatment. The down-regulation of PKC-α from the membrane was prevented by either calpain inhibitor I or MG-132 and resulted in a sustained permeability increase. The permeability changes were not accompanied by significant effects on the amount or localization of the tight junctional proteins, occludin and ZO-1. However, occludin did show a reversible increase in phosphorylation with TPA treatment. Together these data support a role for PKC-α-mediated regulation of barrier permeability in an in vitro model of small intestinal epithelium, perhaps through modulation of the phosphorylation state of the tight junctional protein, occludin.
Intrahepatic portal-venous shunts during PVE.

Abstract Portal venous embolization (PVE) is a well-validated technique to promote contralateral liver lobe hypertrophy prior to hepatic resection. We present a case of a patient with Type IV cholangiocarcinoma undergoing PVE prior to hepatic surgical resection. However, intrahepatic portal-venous shunts were incidentally found during the procedure and were subsequently embolized using embolic coils and N-butyl cyanoacrylate. While most patients with congenital portal-venous shunts remain asymptomatic, an unrecognized shunt during PVE could have resulted in a devastating complication secondary to nontarget embolization through the fistula. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a portal-venous shunt being discovered during a PVE.
OS after Allogeneic HSCT for AML Stratified at the Time of Transplant By CIBMTR and IWG Response Criteria

Introduction Disease Status of AML patients at the time of HSCT is an important factor in predicting their survival. We hypothesize that MLFS (as per IWG criteria) identifies a group of patients that have better outcome than PIF (as per CIBMTR criteria). Objectives • To identify group of patients previously categorized as PIF by CIBMTR pretransplant that may have favorable outcome with HSCT. • To assess the outcome of patients with primary refractory disease by IWG criteria with HSCT. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 78 patients with AML who underwent allogeneic HSCT between June 2008 and December 2017 at our institution. We assessed the disease status at time of transplant as per CIBMTR criteria as complete remission (CR) defined as 1000, platelets >100,000 with transfusion independence, and primary induction failure (PIF) defined as not achieved CR or CRi. We also assessed the patients at time of transplant as per IWG criteria as CR (similar to CR as per CIBMTR but does not require normal maturation), morphologic leukemic-free state (MLFS) defined as 5%. We compared the OS at one year for the above groups. The patients received myeloablative conditioning with FBT or reduced intensity conditioning with FB2. Results Per IWG criteria, The OS at 1 year was 62 % in the CR group (n=29), 65% in the MLFS group (n=17) and 22% in the PRD group (n= 32). Our analysis revealed an overall statistically significant difference between CR v PRD, p=0.0009 and MLFS v PRD, p=0.0006. When we used the CIBMTR criteria, both MLFS and PRD were reclassified into the PIF group with OS of 34% (n=49). Conclusion Disease status prior to transplant is a predictor of outcome after allogeneic HSCT. Our analysis shows better survival for patients who achieved MLFS prior to transplant according to IWG criteria as compared to patients who were classified as primary induction failure by CIBMTR criteria. We intend to prospectively use the IWG criteria pre-transplant in our patients to help predict their survival at one year.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH NORMAL FLOW LOW GRADIENT SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS

Few data exist on patients with normal-flow, low-gradient severe aortic valve stenosis (NFLG-AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes in these patients and compare it to those with classic Low-flow, low gradient AS (LFLG-AS) and
The effect of ipilimumab on natural killer cells identifies the subset of advanced melanoma patients with clinical response.

9065 Background: The concept of immune cell exhaustion in the context of metastatic melanoma has been reinforced by the success of immunotherapies targeting the exhaustion markers CTLA-4 and PD-1. ...
A Comparison of Ideal-Point and Dominance Response Processes with a Trust in Science Thurstone Scale

The purpose of this study is to compare the dominance and ideal-point response process models for a trust in science measure developed from Thurstone’s (Am J Sociol 33(4):529–554, 1928; Psychol Rev 36(3):222–241, 1929) scaling procedures. The trust in science scale was scored in four different ways: (1) a dominance response approach using observed scores, (2) a dominance response approach using model-based trait estimates, (3) an ideal-point response observed score approach using Thurstone scoring, and (4) an ideal-point response approach using model-based trait estimates. Comparisons were made between the four approaches in terms of psychometric properties and correlations with political beliefs, education level, and beliefs about scientific consensus in a convenience sample of 401 adults. Results suggest that both the ideal-point and two-parameter IRT models fit equally well in terms of overall model fit. However, two items demonstrated poor item fit in the two-parameter model. Correlations with political beliefs, education level, and science-related items revealed very little differences in magnitude across the four scoring procedures. This study shows support for the flexibility of the ideal-point IRT model for capturing non-ideal-point response patterns. The study also demonstrates the use of using IRT to examine item parameters and item fit.
Issues with Fertility in Young Women with Breast Cancer.

There are competing risks and benefits of cancer therapies and fertility preservation in young women with breast cancer. Here we discuss the impact of therapy on fertility, fertility preservation options, and emerging information in fertility issues for the breast cancer patient. All systemic forms of breast cancer treatment can impact future fertility. Pre-therapy fertility preservation may offer the best opportunity for future fertility. Shared decision making with the individual patient and clinical scenario is important. Early referral to a fertility specialist should be offered to young patients. We find that fertility preservation options for young women diagnosed with breast cancer are currently available, but potentially under-utilized. We conclude that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary, with discussion of potential risks and benefits of fertility preservation options in the context of the patient’s clinical disease.
The Impact of Diet on Breast Cancer Outcomes

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, yet conclusive evidence of the effects of dietary modification in breast cancer survivors is lacking. Here, we summarize the literature and highlight important data regarding the association between dietary interventions and breast cancer outcomes. Long-term follow-up and secondary analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative study demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival for women who were randomized to the low-fat diet pattern compared with those in the usual-diet group. Dietary quality as measured by Healthy Eating Index score was also associated with both a decrease in cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality. Despite current evidence on the role of diet and nutrition in breast cancer outcomes, conclusive data to translate current findings to clinical practice is lacking and requires multidisciplinary prospective research to advance the field.
Increased cardiovascular and atherosclerosis markers in blood of older patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with increased systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Although previous studies have found increased inflammatory proteins in the blood of patients with AD, detailed comparison among patients with AD of different ages is unavailable. Objective To characterize the blood proteomic signature of patients with AD as a function of age. Methods We used the OLINK high-throughput proteomic assay to measure serum inflammatory and cardiovascular risk proteins in 71 patients with moderate to severe AD from 3 age groups (18-40 years old [n = 26], 41-60 years old [n = 24], and >60 years old [n = 21]) compared with 37 age-matched controls. Total and allergen-specific serum IgEs were also measured. Results When we compared patients with AD from 3 different age groups with their respective controls, we identified a total of 172 differentially expressed proteins. TH2 chemokines (CCL13, CCL17) were consistently elevated in patients with AD across all ages (P 60 years old) exhibited striking upregulation of key proinflammatory proteins, including markers of atherosclerosis (CCL4, CCL7, SORT1), cardiovascular risk (GDF15, MPO, ST2), cell adhesion (CDH3), and apoptosis (FAS; all P Conclusion Elderly patients with AD had increased levels of systemic inflammatory markers, including those associated with cardiovascular and atherosclerosis risk, which may explain their increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. This finding suggests that older patients with AD may benefit from cardiovascular disease screening and prevention.
Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous.

This paper studies the feasibility of the use of an atmospheric rendezvous concept to increase the efficiency and flexibility of space transportation systems. In this concept the second stage of a recoverable orbital launch vehicle or hypersonic transport would be built without wings, landing gear, or subsonic flight propulsion, and would be received in an atmospheric rendezvous by a carrier vehicle at the terminal point of flight for subsequent ferry to a landing site. Significant possibilities for weight improvement are shown and the attractiveness of a subsonic form of atmospheric rendezvous in either a towing or docking mode is illustrated.
Perspectives on Cellular Receptors as Determinants of Viral Tropism

Coxsackievirus (CV) infections of humans were recently reviewed1 and are also discussed elsewhere in this volume. These agents cause a wide variety of syndromes, including meningitis, pleurodynia, myositis, herpangina, myocarditis, pericarditis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, nephritis, orchitis, gastroenteritis, exanthems, acute respiratory disease, and congenitally acquired disease. In addition, inapparent or mild infections may be common and provide a source of virus to help explain the ubiquitous spread of infections. No conclusive evidence is available to explain why some individuals develop acute self-limiting infections, while others develop a severe or chronic disease. Nevertheless, it is predicted that cellular receptors play an important role in determining the tropism of CV in the pathogenesis of infection.
Demand for task performance and workforce replacement: undertakers in honeybee, Apis mellifera, colonies.

Undertakers are a specialized task group of honey bees that remove dead bees from the colony. The mean adult age of undertakers is 12.5 days; this is similar to that of other specialized task groups, such as guards. The mean number of undertakers in colonies was 544. However, because the number of bees expressing this behavior is dependent on the demand for task performance, undertaker estimates vary depending on the experimental technique. Increasing the demand for undertaking resulted in more bees engaging in the task. Depleting the number of undertakers by removal of bees carrying corpses resulted in new bees assuming undertaking duties. These results support a response-threshold model for engagement of worker bees in task performance.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Justice Involvement Among Military Veterans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

There is evidence of an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and criminal justice involvement among military veterans. For this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to examine the association between PTSD and criminal justice involvement among military veterans, assess the magnitude of this association, and identify strengths and limitations of the underlying evidence. Five databases were searched for a larger scoping review, and observational studies that assessed PTSD and criminal justice involvement were selected from the scoping review database (N = 191). Meta-analyses were conducted, pooling odds ratios (ORs) via restricted maximum likelihood random-effects models. The main outcomes were criminal justice involvement (i.e., documentation of arrest) and PTSD (i.e., PTSD assessment score indicating probable PTSD). Of 143 unique articles identified, 10 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. Veterans with PTSD had higher odds of criminal justice involvement (OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.16, 2.23], p = .002) and arrest for violent offenses (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.15, 2.19], p = .002) compared to veterans without PTSD. The odds ratio of criminal justice involvement among military veterans with PTSD assessed using the PTSD Checklist was 1.98, 95% CI [1.08, 3.63], p = .014. Considerable heterogeneity was identified, but no evidence of publication bias was found. Criminal justice involvement and PTSD are linked among military veterans, highlighting an important need for clinicians and healthcare systems working with this population to prioritize PTSD treatment to reduce veterans' new and recurring risk of criminal justice involvement.
Ignition of zirconium powders placed near an electrostatic discharge

Abstract Electrostatic discharge (ESD) or spark produced by breakdown of a gap while discharging a capacitor is a common ignition stimulus for powders of reactive and energetic materials. It is a safety hazard, but is also used to initiate pyrotechnic formulations and as a characterization method of reactivity of energetic materials. In previous experimental studies, the powder served as one of the ESD electrodes. Ignition was found to be caused by Joule heating, with the main heat release by current passing through points of contact between particles. However, ignition may occur when the ESD does not pass directly through the powder. ESD generates a shock wave, which can lift the powder from a substrate even if the substrate is not an electrode. ESD also generates a plasma kernel heated to ca. 10,000 K, which exists for hundreds of µs, often much longer than the ESD current. Here, the effect of the ESD-induced shock and plasma on a reactive powder was studied experimentally for the first time. A thin layer of Zr powder was placed on a substrate located under a spark gap between two pin electrodes. Photo-sensors and high-speed video were used to document ignition and combustion events. The ESD energy and distance from the spark gap and powder were varied. At close distances, particles ignited consistently. Distance limits were determined, beyond which ignition was no longer observed. Higher ESD energies as well as longer ESD pulses led to ignition at greater distances. Ignition involved two distinct processes. First, submicron particles were lifted from the substrate on a time scale of single microseconds, interacted directly with the plasma kernel, and combusted. Optical emissions from this combustion lasted 100 – 600 µs, as expected for the burn time of submicron Zr particles in air. The second ignition event occurred several milliseconds later. It involved a flame propagating through Zr powder aerosol or combustion of individual lifted particles. This event was caused by coarser Zr particles radiatively heated during ESD. Importantly, the powder was aerosolized by convective flows caused by the rising plasma kernel making it possible for the self-heating of particles oxidizing in air to eventually lead to their ignition and combustion. Observed times for these delayed ignition and combustion events were in the order of tens of milliseconds.
Replication Is Important for Educational Psychology: Recent Developments and Key Issues.

Replication is a key activity in scientific endeavors. Yet explicit replications are rare in many fields, including education and psychology. In this article, we discuss the relevance and value of ...
Welfare Consequences of Approximation: When and Where Does Nonlinearity Matter?

This paper investigates the welfare consequences of approximation methods conventionally used in business cycle analysis: the log-linear approximation of model dynamics and the second-order approximation of social welfare. In a canonical sticky-price business cycle model, the approximation around the deterministic steady state substantially understates the welfare losses associated with price rigidities as it fails to capture the misallocations in a steady state induced by precautionary behavior. Instead, the approximation around the risky steady state, which takes the precautionary behavior into account, delivers much smaller approximation errors. Implications to the optimal monetary policy and those in extended models are explored.
Resource curse for human development

Progress in child mortality reduction and education attainment varies widely among oil-rich countries. We investigate the sources of this variation for 14 oil-rich countries and find five main factors: public spending on health and education, economic growth, caloric sufficiency, initial levels of child mortality and education attainment, and population density. We find that conditional convergence explains much of the cross-country variation in the rate of decline in child mortality and the rate of increase in school enrollment. As for policy factors, the level of caloric sufficiency makes a difference, whereas the contribution of public spending is not as important.
The Origin of Firm Boundaries: Ancestral Connection and Corporate Alliances

This paper studies the cultural origin of firm boundaries. We first measure ancestral connection between different areas, using historical immigration from different countries to different areas of the U.S., and demonstrate its role in transmitting exogenous ideological shocks. Next, we show that, when forming business alliances, the ancestral composition of the area in which firms locate plays an important role in their choices of partners and the location of new ventures. Exploiting immigration to the U.S. cities induced by WWI and the immigration acts of the 1920s, we find that ancestral connection driven by the supply-push component of the historical immigrant inflows increases alliance formation today. Further, partnering firms experience significantly better performance when the ancestral connection between their headquarters or between their inventors is stronger. Shared values and beliefs between firms’ key stakeholders, as opposed to connections between corporate leaders, likely underlie the role of ancestral connection.
A retrospective evaluation of the steroid sparing effects of oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an adjunct immunosuppressant for the treatment of canine pemphigus foliaceus

Background Oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is currently considered a low-risk steroid-sparing therapeutic option the management of canine pemphigus foliaceus (PF). Objectives This retrospective study evaluates the therapeutic outcomes of dogs with PF treated with the combination of oral MMF and GC. Clinical outcomes and side effects are reported. Animals Eleven dogs diagnosed with PF. Methods and materials Retrospective review of medical records from dogs presented with PF to the dermatology service of a veterinary teaching hospital 2015-2020. Results Eleven dogs were identified which had received concurrent GCs and MMF. The MMF dose range was 19.8-45 mg/kg/day. Only two dogs (2/11) treated with a mean MMF dosage of 39 mg/kg/day along with oral prednisone or dexamethasone achieved complete remission (CR). Partial remission (PR) was achieved in 4/11 dogs who received either prednisone, prednisolone or dexamethasone along with MMF (mean dosage 26 mg/kg/day). Four dogs (4/11) showed poor response to MMF given at 28.5 mg/kg/day along with prednisone or dexamethasone. In one dog (1/11) MMF was discontinued due to severe GI upset; transient vomiting and diarrhea was observed in 4/11 dogs. The median duration of MMF therapy in conjunction with GC for all groups was 70.5 days. Tapering of oral GCs while continuing MMF administration at the same dosage and frequency led to recurrence of lesions in all PF patients. Conclusion Oral MMF combined with GC achieved CR in 2 out of 11 PF dogs included in this study. Further research of MMF efficacy in PF may need to be performed.
H-index is a sensitive indicator of academic activity in highly productive anaesthesiologists: results of a bibliometric analysis

Background H-index distinguishes differences in scholarly output across faculty ranks in anaesthesiologists, but whether h-index also identifies differences in other aspects of productivity is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that h-index is an indicator of not only publication record, but also grant funding and mentoring in highly productive US academic anaesthesiologists. Methods We conducted an internet analysis of the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research Academy of Research Mentors in Anesthesiology (n = 43). Publications, citations, citations per publication, and h-index for each investigator were obtained using the Scopus®. Total grants, active grants, years of funding, and duration of longest funded grant were recorded using the USNational Institutes of Health Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools®. Members were surveyed to identify the number of their career trainees and those who obtained independent funding. Results The median [IRQ (Interquartile range)] h-index of members was 23 [17–32 (8–50)]. Members published 136 [100–225 (39–461)] papers with 3573 [1832–5090 (150–11,601)] citations and 21 [15–32 (4–59)] citations per publication. Members received four [3–7 (0–10)] grants and were funded for 29 [17–45 (0–115)] grant-years. Survey respondents (79%) mentored 40 [26–69 (15–191)] trainees, three [2–6 (0–20)] of which subsequently received funding. Members with h-indices greater than the median had more publications, citations, citations per publication, grants, and years of funding compared with their counterparts. H-index was associated with total citations, active grants, and the number of trainees. Conclusions In addition to publication record, h-index sensitively indicates grant funding and mentoring in highly productive US academic anaesthesiologists.
Hematologic Changes in Man Resulting from a Regimen of Isometric Exercise

Abstract Twelve human subjects were assigned to two groups of equal numbers. One group trained isometrically; the other served as a control. Resting blood samples were taken 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8½ weeks after initiation of training, and 2 and 3 weeks after cessation of training. Blood was examined for coagulation time, hemoglobin concentration, and for erythrocyte, leucocyte, and platelet counts. Packed cell volumes were determined before and after training. Scores indicative of muscular strength were recorded throughout training. Isometric training may have produced a chronic decrease in coagulation time; it had no effect on hemoglobin concentration or on erythrocyte, leucocyte, and platelet counts. Increases in scores indicative of muscular strength were statistically significant (1 percent level of probability).
Medication Nonadherence Is Associated With Increased Subsequent Acute Care Utilization Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Objective We examined whether nonadherence to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or immunosuppressive medications (ISMs) was associated with higher subsequent acute care utilization among Medicaid beneficiaries with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We utilized US Medicaid data from 2000–2006 to identify adults ages 18–64 years with SLE who were new users of HCQ or ISMs. We defined the index date as receipt of HCQ or ISMs without use in the prior 6 months. We measured adherence using the medication possession ratio (MPR), the proportion of days covered by total days’ supply dispensed, for the 1-year post-index date. Our outcomes were all-cause and SLE-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the subsequent year. We used multivariable Poisson regression models to examine the association between nonadherence (MPR <80%) and acute care utilization, adjusting for sociodemographics and comorbidities. Results We identified 9,600 HCQ new users and 3,829 ISM new users with SLE. The mean ± SD MPR for HCQ was 47.8% ± 30.3% and for ISMs was 42.7% ± 30.7%. Seventy-nine percent of HCQ users and 83% of ISM users were nonadherent (MPR <80%). In multivariable models, among HCQ users, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of ED visits was 1.55 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.43–1.69) and the IRR of hospitalizations was 1.37 (95% CI 1.25–1.50), comparing nonadherers to adherers. For ISM users, the IRR of ED visits was 1.64 (95% CI 1.42–1.89) and of hospitalizations was 1.67 (95% CI 1.41–1.96) for nonadherers versus adherers. Conclusion In this cohort, nonadherence to HCQ and ISMs was common and was associated with significantly higher subsequent acute care utilization.
Talk Radio, Political

Radio has always had the potential to change public life. Ordinary citizens participate in programs during which they call in to the radio station and express their opinion. As such, these programs are part of the public sphere, as well as an entertainment form. These programs are taken as a service in public stations, and as a revenue source in commercial stations. In the commercial stations, the shows promote the one-sided political agenda of their hosts' stars. In the public stations, the shows facilitate a balanced discussion between different citizens. All participants in both types of programs use argumentative practices, including the use of rhetoric. Yet, the host is the power holder in the interactions. The programs and interactions in them also encode other power relations, as these programs may promote conservative, at times racist views. Radio is still a masculine medium, and participants in talk radio adhere to the normative gender order. Keywords: activism; gender; language and social interaction; political communication; radio
Mapping of cingulate motor function by cortical stimulation

An 8-year-old boy with intractable left mesiofrontal lobe epilepsy underwent placement of stereotactic intracerebral depth electrodes to better localise the epileptogenic zone. Co-registration of preoperative MRI and post-electrode implantation CAT allowed for anatomical localisation of electrode contacts. Electrical stimulation of electrodes over the dorsal and ventral banks of the cingulate cortex on the left produced right foot dorsiflexion and right wrist and elbow flexion, respectively, demonstrating detailed representation of cingulate motor function in humans, somatotopically distributed along the banks of the cingulate sulcus, as seen in the non-human primate. [Published with video sequences].
Gleithernie der Harnblase

Anhand des Fallberichts eines 72Jahrigen Patienten mit einer Gleithernie der Harnblase werden diagnostische und therapeutische Aspekte der in einer Haufigkeit von 1–4% auftretenden Harnblasenbeteiligung bei Inguinal- und Femoralhernien diskutiert.
Effects of fructose feeding on lipid parameters in obese and lean, diabetic and nondiabetic Zucker rats.

Effects of fructose feeding in moderate amounts on lipid metabolism of obese versus lean, and diabetic versus nondiabetic Zucker rats, were studied. Forty pairs of male lean and obese animals were assigned to two dietary groups, fructose and glucose. For each diet, one-half of lean and obese animals were injected with streptozotocin intraperitoneally (i.p.) to induce diabetes, and the other half were injected with buffer i.p. as a nondiabetic control group. After 9 wk of feeding, animals were fasted overnight, decapitated and exsanguinated. Organs were removed and weighed. Blood glucose, insulin, lactic acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, total liver lipids and urinary glucose were determined. Hyperphagia was observed in obese, non-diabetic and lean-diabetic animals. Streptozotocin injection drastically reduced insulin levels, and produced an impairment of growth, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, polydipsia and polyuria. Fructose feeding increased organ weights in kidney, liver and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, regardless of diabetic state. However, lactic acid levels were lower in fructose-fed groups than glucose-fed groups. In obese rats serum triglyceride levels were also lower in fructose-fed groups than in glucose-fed groups. Serum cholesterol was not affected by fructose feeding. The results indicated that fructose feeding did not produce hyperlipemia and lactic acidosis in the blood circulation in Zucker rats. However, fructose feeding did not improve glucose intolerance in diabetic animals, rather fructose feeding produced hyperinsulinemia in nondiabetic, obese animals.
Signal detection in 1/f noise of SQUID magnetometers

We have shown that the variance on the SQUID power spectrum in the 1/f low frequency region is well behaved, i.e., any small frequency band may be treated as white noise in standard power spectrum estimation theory. Specifically we have taken a claibration signal at 0.017 Hz with an equivalent energy referred to the SQUID input coil of 1×10−30 J and digitally recorded and analyzed a record of 140 hr duration obtaining an optimum S/N better than 400. The results are in good agreement with theory. In addition we have seen no deviation form the 1/f dependence of the noise energy spectrum down to frequencies below 10−5 Hz. A commercially available SQUID and electronics system were used.
Design and Test Hardware for a Solar Array Switching Unit

This paper describes the control of a pulse width modulated (PWM) type sequential shunt switching unit (SSU) for spacecraft applications. It is found that the solar cell output capacitance has a significant impact on SSU design. Shorting of this cell capacitance by the PWM switch causes input current surges. These surges are minimized by the use of a series filter inductor. The system with a filter is analyzed for ripple and the control to output-voltage transfer function. Stable closed loop design considerations are discussed. The results are supported by modeling and measurements of loop gain and of closed-loop bus impedance on test hardware for NASA's 120 V Earth Observation System (EOS). The analysis and modeling are also applicable to NASA's 160 V Space Station power system.
Evaluation and sizing of energy storage systems for microgrids

This paper evaluates the energy storage systems (ESS) in the microgrids. The ESS unit is regarded as an added energy resource in microgrid system to support the power balance when regular distributed energy resources (DERs) are incapable of matching the load demand. Sizing and specifications of ESS are investigated in this paper using several test case scenarios. An overall evaluation of the energy storage functionality is carried out for the microgrid by looking at different storage options for diverse operating scenarios.
Narratives of Jewish Identity

Sojourners: The Return of German Jews and the Question of Identity. John Borneman and Jeffrey M. Peck. Lincoln Recovered Roots: Collective Memory and the Making of Israeli National Tradition. Yael Zerubavel. Chicago The Masada Myth: Collective Memory and Mythmaking in Israel. Nachman Ben-Yehuda. Madison
MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE 16 E6 CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMMORTALIZATION OF MAMMARY EPITHELIAL CELLS

The E6 proteins from cervical cancer-associated human papillomavirus (HPV) types such as HPV type 16 (HPV-16) induce proteolysis of the p53 tumor suppressor protein through interaction with E6-AP. We have previously shown that human mammary epithelial cells (MECs) immortalized by HPV-16 E6 display low levels of p53. HPV-16 E6 as well as other cancer-related papillomavirus E6 proteins also binds the cellular protein E6BP (ERC-55). To explore the potential functional significance of these interactions, we created and analyzed a series of E6 mutants for their ability to interact with E6-AP, p53, and E6BP in vitro. While there was a similar pattern of binding among these E6 targets, a subset of mutants differentiated E6-AP binding, p53 binding, and p53 degradation activities. These results demonstrated that E6 binding to E6-AP is not sufficient for binding to p53 and that E6 binding to p53 is not sufficient for inducing p53 degradation. The in vivo activity of these HPV-16 E6 mutants was tested in MECs. In agreement with the in vitro results, most of these p53 degradation-defective E6 mutants were unable to reduce the p53 level in early-passage MECs. Interestingly, several mutants that showed severely reduced ability for interacting with E6-AP, p53, and E6BP in vitro efficiently immortalized MECs. These immortalized cells exhibited low p53 levels at late passage. Furthermore, mutants defective for p53 degradation but able to immortalize MECs were also identified, and the immortal cells retained normal levels of p53 protein. These results imply that multiple functions of HPV-16 E6 contribute to MEC immortalization.