cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spermatid manchette: plugging proteins to zero into the sperm tail.

Spermiogenesis pursues three major objectives: (1) The safeguard of the male genome within the confines of a compact nucleus. (2) The accumulation of enzymes in the acrosome of be released at fertilization. (3) The development of a sperm propelling tail consisting of an axoneme surrounded by a scaffold of keratin-containing outer dense fibers and a fibrous sheath. Recent experimental data indicate that three keratins-Sak57, 0df1 and 0df2-and other proteins (the 26S proteasome and the 0df1-binding protein Spag4) are temporarily stored in the manchette before being sorted to the developing sperm tail. These findings support a general model for the manchette as an ephemeral structure timely developed and strategically positioned to provide a transient storage to both structural and signaling proteins. Some of the proteins are later sorted to the developing tail; others may participate in the reciprocal nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling pathways as the gene activity of the male genome gradually becomes silent. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59: 347-349, 2001.
Differences in the temporal dynamics of phenotypic selection among fitness components in the wild

The balance of selection acting through different fitness components (e.g. fecundity, mating success, survival) determines the potential tempo and trajectory of adaptive evolution. Yet the extent to which the temporal dynamics of phenotypic selection may vary among fitness components is poorly understood. Here, we compiled a database of 3978 linear selection coefficients from temporally replicated studies of selection in wild populations to address this question. Across studies, we find that multi-year selection through mating success and fecundity is stronger than selection through survival, but varies less in direction. We also report that selection through mating success varies more in long-term average strength than selection through either survival or fecundity. The consistency in direction and stronger long-term average strength of selection through mating success and fecundity suggests that selection through these fitness components should cause more persistent directional evolution relative to selection through survival. Similar patterns were apparent for the subset of studies that evaluated the temporal dynamics of selection on traits simultaneously using several different fitness components, but few such studies exist. Taken together, these results reveal key differences in the temporal dynamics of selection acting through different fitness components, but they also reveal important limitations in our understanding of how selection drives adaptive evolution.
Estimation of particle size variations for laser speckle rheology of materials

Laser speckle rheology (LSR) is an optical technique for assessing the viscoelastic properties of materials with several industrial, biological, and medical applications. In LSR, the viscoelastic modulus, G*(ω), of a material is quantified by analyzing the temporal fluctuations of speckle patterns. However, the size of scattering particles within the material also influences the rate of speckle fluctuations, independent of sample mechanical properties, and complicates the accurate estimation of G*(ω). Here, we demonstrate that the average particle size may be retrieved from the azimuth-angle dependence of time-averaged speckle intensities, permitting the accurate quantification of the viscoelastic moduli of materials with unknown particle size distribution using LSR.
Drug and Environmental Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Part I: Antiepileptic Drugs, Contraceptives, Smoking, and Folate

OBJECTIVE:Part I of this review examines the relationship between antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and pregnancy outcomes. Drug-induced folate deficiency and the role of AED metabolism are emphasized. Part II will discuss periconceptional folate supplementation for prevention of birth defects. Part III will discuss the mechanism of folate's protective effect, therapeutic recommendations, compliance, and cost.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search was conducted for journal articles published through December 1997. Additional sources were obtained from Current Contents and citations from the references obtained. Search terms included phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone, valproic acid, oral contraceptives, clomiphene, drug-induced abnormalities, spina bifida, anencephaly, neural tube defect, folate, folic acid, and folic acid deficiency.STUDY SELECTION:Relevant animal and human studies examining the effects of AEDs, smoking, and oral contraceptives on folate status and pregnancy outcome are reviewed.DATA EXT...
Corn, Klansmen, and Coolidge: Structure and Framing in Social Movements

This article examines how structural conditions and social movement frames interact to influence mobilization and political consequences of social movements. Mobilization efforts benefit when movement framing is congruent with local structural conditions. This mobilization, in turn, produces political leverage for the movement through its capacity to deliver support of its members and adherents. Its political advantage may be offset, however, if another of its key framing activities, the construction of collective identity boundaries, alienates the broader population and stimulates a backlash. Such backlash is also intimately connected to structural conditions because its potential is a function of the characteristics of the local population - specifically, the proportion of the population alienated by the movement's boundary construction. We apply these arguments to the case of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and show that while the Klan's diagnostic and prognostic framing may have resonated structurally and facilitated the Klan's mobilization efforts, its exclusionary boundaries frustrated its attempts to secure broader political gains.
CONSISTENCY OF MIST NETTING AND POINT COUNTS IN ASSESSING LANDBIRD SPECIES RICHNESS AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE DURING MIGRATION

Abstract We compared consistency of species richness and relative abundance data collected concurrently using mist netting and point counts during migration in riparian habitats along the middle Rio Grande of central New Mexico. Mist netting detected 74% and point counts detected 82% of the 197 species encountered during the study. Species that mist netting failed to capture were usually large, such as quails, raptors, owls, woodpeckers, jays, and crows, or those foraging on the wing, such as swallows and nighthawks; species that point counts failed to detect were usually small, such as sparrows, warblers, vireos, and wrens, or rare species. For the 110 species detected by both techniques, relative abundance was correlated (r = 0.75). However, point counts tended to provide lower estimates for species that were more likely to be captured by mist netting. The strength of the relationship of abundance estimates from the two methods varied by habitat type (cottonwood, agriculture, and willow). The discrepanc...
Circulating transforming growth factor ss-1: a partial molecular explanation for associations between hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and human disease involving fibrosis

Transforming growth factor beta-1 is involved in local signaling for a variety of human diseases including renal diseases, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in heart failure, hepatic fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Elevated levels of circulating transforming growth factor beta-1 result in organ fibrosis in animal models. In humans smoking, hypertension, diabetes and obesity appear to result in elevated circulating levels. This paper outlines a hypothesis that elevated circulating levels of transforming growth factor beta-1 are part of the molecular link between several entities that have epidemiologic ties including hypertension, diabetes, smoking and obesity on one hand and diseases resulting in organ fibrosis on the other including renal disease and cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in heart failure. Additionally, it is suggested that elevated levels are not simply a marker of a similar mechanism of disease production but that elevated levels of circulating transforming growth factor beta-1 lead to disease production and to the synergy of risk factors seen in production of human fibrotic diseases.
Crystal Growth and Glass Formation

Our concern in the present paper will be directed primarily to a kinetic treatment of glass formation, with some additional attention paid to the crystallization behavior of binary alkali silicate liquids. The problem of glass formation has been considered from several points of view, with attention being focused on various aspects of the problem by different investigators. Structural, thermodynamic or kinetic factors have been suggested by different workers to be decisive in the glass-forming behavior of materials. Our own preference for the kinetic approach is based not only upon its potential for developing quantitative treatments of glass-forming behavior, but also upon the consideration that glass formation (i.e., the formation of amorphous solids) seems primarily to involve considerations which are kinetic in character. It is well known, for example, that at least sore glass-formers are known in every category of material based on type of bonding, including metallic, Van der Waals, hydrogen, ionic and covalent. Further, it seems that nearly any liquid will form a glass if cooled sufficiently rapidly to a sufficiently low temperature, and will form a sensibly crystalline or partly crystalline body if cooled too slowly.
Polyadenylation-specific complexes undergo a transition early in the polymerization of a poly(A) tail.

Abstract We have analyzed several properties of the complex that forms between RNAs that end at the poly(A) site of simian virus 40 late mRNA and factors present in a HeLa cell nuclear extract. Formation of this polyadenylation-specific complex requires the sequence AAUAAA and a proximal 3' end. We have observed three changes in the polyadenylation complex early in the addition of the poly(A) tail. First, the complex becomes heparin sensitive after the addition of approximately 10 adenosines. Second, a 68-kilodalton protein present in the complex, which can be cross-linked by UV light to the RNA before polyadenylation has begun, no longer can be cross-linked after approximately 10 adenosines have been added. Third, after 30 adenosines have been added, the AAUAAA sequence becomes accessible to a complementary oligonucleotide and RNase H. This accessibility gradually increases with longer poly(A) tail lengths until, with the addition of 60 A's, all substrates are accessible at AAUAAA. Sheets and Wickens (Genes Dev. 3:1401-1412, 1989) have recently demonstrated two phases in the addition of a poly(A) tail: the first requires AAUAAA, whereas the second is independent of AAUAAA but requires a short oligo(A) primer. The data reported here further support a biphasic model for poly(A) addition and may indicate disengagement of specific factors from AAUAAA after the initiation phase.
Resource allocation for sensing-based device-to-device (D2D) networks

Resource allocation for sensing-based D2D networks is investigated in this paper. To be specific, we introduce the concept of spatial spectrum sensing where D2D users can sense spatial spectrum opportunities in a cellular network. By modeling the location of base stations and cellular users as Poisson point processes (PPP), the spatial spectrum sensing problem can be formulated using the framework of detection theory. The closed-form expressions are obtained for probabilities of spatial detection, probability of spatial false alarm, and sensing threshold. Accordingly, simulation results are provided to verity our analysis.
Clinical Spectrum of Stiff Person Syndrome: A Review of Recent Reports

Background: “Classic” stiff person syndrome (SPS) features stiffness, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies, and other findings. Anti-GAD antibodies are also detected in some neurological syndromes (such as ataxia) in which stiffness is inconsistently present. Patients with otherwise “classic” SPS may either lack anti-GAD antibodies or be seropositive for others. Hence, SPS cases appear to fall within a clinical spectrum that includes conditions such as progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), which exhibits brainstem and autonomic features. We have compiled herein SPS-spectrum cases reported since 2010, and have segregated them on the basis of likely disease mechanism (autoimmune, paraneoplastic, or cryptogenic) for analysis. Methods: The phrases “stiff person syndrome”, “PERM”, “anti-GAD antibody syndrome”, and “glycine receptor antibody neurological disorders” were searched for in PubMed in January 2015. The results were narrowed to 72 citations after excluding non-English and duplicate reports. Clinical descriptions, laboratory data, management, and outcomes were categorized, tabulated, and analyzed. Results: Sixty-nine autoimmune, 19 paraneoplastic, and 13 cryptogenic SPS-spectrum cases were identified. SPS was the predominant diagnosis among the groups. Roughly two-thirds of autoimmune and paraneoplastic cases were female. Anti-GAD antibodies were most frequently identified, followed by anti-amphiphysin among paraneoplastic cases and by anti-glycine receptor antibodies among autoimmune cases. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly used medications. Prognosis seemed best for cryptogenic cases; malignancy worsened that of paraneoplastic cases. Discussion: Grouping SPS-spectrum cases by pathophysiology provided insights into work-up, treatment, and prognosis. Ample phenotypic and serologic variations are present within the categories. Ruling out malignancy and autoimmunity is appropriate for suspected SPS-spectrum cases.
Permeability in Two-Component Porous Media: Effective-Medium Approximation Compared with Lattice-Boltzmann Simulations

Porous materials such as rocks, soils, and peats are typically complex mixtures built up of more than one component, with intrinsic permeabilities that depend on factors such as pore shape and surface area, tortuosity, and connectivity. In such media, the macroscopic permeability is an integrated combination of the permeabilities of the individual components. In this study, we numerically simulated fluid flow in binary mixtures of low- and high-permeability components constructed of spheres and ellipsoids using the lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method to model permeability in porous media. We then applied the effective-medium approximation (EMA) to predict permeability in the simulated binary mixtures. Our results indicate a very good match between predicted permeabilities by EMA and those simulated by LB in simple and body-centered cubic packs as long as the permeability of the high-permeability component K h is not substantially different than that of the low-permeability component K l . The upper limit of K h / K l for which the EMA approach results in very accurate permeability predictions depends on several factors, such as packing arrangement, grain shape, and porosity. Including all data, we found the EMA permeability predictions still within a factor of two of the LB simulations.
Sociological Scholarship on Gender Differences in Emotion and Emotional Well-Being in the United States: A Snapshot of the Field

This article provides a brief overview of scholarship on gender differences in emotion and emotional well-being among adults in the United States, highlighting major substantive findings, methodological innovations, and theoretical developments that have emerged in the sociologies of emotion and mental health. Sociological research consistently finds that men report more frequent positive and less frequent negative feelings than women as well as gender differences in both the experience and expression of emotional distress. Sociologists attribute these gendered patterns of emotion to the larger social, economic, and cultural context surrounding women and men. Overall, by identifying macro- and meso-level social causes of microlevel emotional processes, sociologists have made significant contributions to knowledge about gender differences in emotion and emotional well-being in the US.
New and emerging therapies for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: an update for gastroenterologists:

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, straining, urgency, incomplete evacuation, nausea, and bloating) that occur alongside bowel function alterations (i.e. constipation, diarrhea, or both). Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may also experience comorbid anxiety and depression. Irritable bowel syndrome is common, with a prevalence estimated between 3% and 28%, affecting patient health and quality of life. Patients with moderate or severe irritable bowel syndrome generally seek medical care, whereas those with milder symptoms may choose self-management. Most patients with irritable bowel syndrome receive outpatient care, but irritable bowel syndrome-related hospitalizations do occur. The pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome is multifactorial (i.e. genetics, immune components, changes in the gut microbiota, disturbances in physiologic stress response systems, and psychosocial factors). Management of irritable bowel syndrome can include lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, counseling, psychologic medication, and agents that affect gastrointestinal motility. A number of therapies have emerged in recent years with clinical trial data demonstrating efficacy and safety for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, including agents that target gastrointestinal motility (i.e. linaclotide), gastrointestinal opioid receptors (i.e. asimadoline, eluxadoline), and gut microbiota (i.e. rifaximin). Linaclotide has been shown to significantly improve stool frequency and abdominal pain compared with placebo in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (number needed to treat, 5.1). Asimadoline shows efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe irritable bowel syndrome-related pain. Rifaximin provided adequate relief of global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms versus placebo for a significantly greater percentage of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (p < 0.001). Management that encompasses all aspects of irritable bowel syndrome (gastrointestinal symptoms) and comorbid psychologic symptoms (e.g. anxiety or depression) is important for improving overall patient health and well-being.
Experimental analysis of high waste-gas temperature of DG1000/170-1 boilers

Using theoretical calculation and field test data,acuses of the high waste-gas temperature of the DG1000/170-1 boiler in Zouxian Power Plant are analyzed.The comprehensive countermeasures for the high waste-gas temperature are put forward,and the results are introduced.
Crop domestication facilitated rapid geographical expansion of a specialist pollinator, the squash bee Peponapis pruinosa.

Squash was first domesticated in Mexico and is now found throughout North America (NA) along with Peponapis pruinosa, a pollen specialist bee species of the squash genus Cucurbita. The origin and s...
Circadian Control of Body Temperature in Primates

As homeotherms, primates are capable of maintaining a stable body temperature in a wide variety of thermal environments. In addition to showing a stable 24-h mean, primates also display a prominent diurnal variation in body temperature. The purpose of this review is to examine the physiological regulation and control of this rhythm in primates.
How Much Is Too Much: Educational Loans and College Graduation.

This study examines the association between educational loans and college graduation rates, with a focus on differences by race and ethnicity. Data come from the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey o...
Future of rAAV Gene Therapy: Platform for RNAi, Gene Editing, and Beyond.

The use of recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) ushered in a new millennium of gene transfer for therapeutic treatment of a number of conditions, including congenital blindness, hemophilia, and spinal muscular atrophy. rAAV vectors have remarkable staying power from a therapeutic standpoint, withstanding several ebbs and flows. As new technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat genome editing emerge, it is now the delivery tool—the AAV vector—that is the stalwart. The long-standing safety of this vector in a multitude of clinical settings makes rAAV a selling point in the advancement of approaches for gene replacement, gene knockdown, gene editing, and genome modification/engineering. The research community is building on these advances to develop more tailored delivery approaches and to tweak the genome in new and unique ways. Intertwining these approaches with newly engineered rAAV vectors is greatly expanding the available tools to manipulate gene expression wi...
Polystyrene-Grafted Silica Nanoparticles: Investigating the Molecular Weight Dependence of Glass Transition and Fragility Behavior

Polymer-tethered nanoparticles provide a strategy to improve particle dispersion in polymer nanocomposites and as materials themselves can exhibit self-healing behavior and enhanced mechanical properties. The few studies that previously characterized the glass transition temperature (Tg) behavior of neat polymer-grafted nanoparticles in the absence of a polymer matrix largely focused on average Tg response. We synthesized polystyrene-grafted silica nanoparticles (Si-PS) via ARGET ATRP, achieving the densely grafted state. Using differential scanning calorimetry, we investigated the brush molecular weight (MW) dependence of Tg, Tg breadth, heat capacity jump (ΔCp), and fragility from 12 to 98 kg/mol. Compared with free PS chains of the same MW, brush Tg increases by 1–2 °C, brush Tg breadth remains unchanged within error down to 36 kg/mol and increases by 3–4 °C at brush MWs of 12 and 13 kg/mol, and brush ΔCp and fragility remain unchanged within error down to 52 kg/mol and then decrease with decreasing MW...
Right Ventricular Longitudinal Shortening Before and After Stage I Surgical Palliation Correlates with Outcomes.

Quantification of right ventricular function is difficult, but important, in patients with single ventricles. Tissue motion annular displacement (TMAD) is an echocardiographic tool that measures displacement of the tricuspid valve relative to the apex. We evaluated TMAD, lateral annular displacement (LAD), and fractional area change (FAC) for correlation with outcomes. We measured TMAD, LAD, FAC, and other variables that may affect prognosis in patients with single right ventricle physiology pre- and post-Stage I palliation and correlated them with outcomes up to the Glenn procedure. Intra- and inter-observer variability for TMAD measurements were 2.7% (1.2–3.5%) and 6.1% (3.3–8.1%), respectively. Sixty-six subjects met the inclusion criteria. Pre-Stage I TMAD was 13.7% (SD 3.9%). TMAD had a linear relationship with FAC (r2 = 0.76). There was a correlation between TMAD and hospital stay (p = 0.044) and ECMO/arrest (p = 0.024). LAD correlated with ECMO/arrest (p = 0.045) and mortality/transplant (p = 0.049). FAC correlated with in-hospital mortality (p = 0.028). Post-Stage I TMAD was 11.8% (SD 3.7%). TMAD, LAD, and FAC all correlated with in-hospital mortality and mortality/transplant. In multivariate models, TMAD was independently predictive of weight for age Z score pre-Glenn. TMAD, FAC, and LAD correlate with clinically significant outcomes after the first-stage palliation. TMAD correlated with more outcomes than FAC and was the only measure that was independently predictive of any outcome. TMAD is a reproducible measure of RV function in this population. TMAD has prognostic value before and after first-stage palliation and may outperform more traditional measures.
Problem-Oriented Policing in Suburban Low-Income Housing: A Quasi-Experiment:

Informed by the literature on prior problem-oriented policing evaluations, this study evaluated a response within a suburban public housing unit. Specifically, we examined the Crime Response Team (...
The Kadison–Singer and Paulsen Problems in Finite Frame Theory

We now know that some of the basic open problems in frame theory are equivalent to fundamental open problems in a dozen areas of research in both pure and applied mathematics, engineering, and others. These problems include the 1959 Kadison–Singer problem in C ∗-algebras, the paving conjecture in operator theory, the Bourgain–Tzafriri conjecture in Banach space theory, the Feichtinger conjecture and the R ϵ -conjecture in frame theory, and many more. In this chapter we will show these equivalences among others. We will also consider a slight weakening of the Kadison–Singer problem called the Sundberg problem. Then we will look at the recent advances on another deep problem in frame theory called the Paulsen problem. In particular, we will see that this problem is also equivalent to a fundamental open problem in operator theory. Namely, if a projection on a finite dimensional Hilbert space has a nearly constant diagonal, how close is it to a constant diagonal projection?
A Phenomenological Study of the Office Environments of Clinical Social Workers.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning and uses of the office space among licensed clinical social workers in private practice.Background:Previous research suggests the importance of the office space in clinical practice in regard to therapeutic alliance, client behavior, and the well-being of the therapist. However, therapist offices contain much variation in design. This study looked further into specifically how the therapy room is important through the perspective of the licensed clinical social workers in order to identify common themes.Methods:Seven licensed clinical social workers in private psychotherapy practice were interviewed in their offices. Phenomenological research methods were used to explore and analyze their experiences.Results:While the offices contained many physical differences, the intentions behind the designs were similar. Three themes emerged regarding how participants used and designed their spaces. First, participants used their offices to provide care f...
THE USE OF CARDIAC MRI TO DETECT MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF RESTRICTIVE CARDIAC PHYSIOLOGY AFTER HTX

Small vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with heart transplant is known to be associated with myocardial fibrosis (MF), which can be detected by increased T1 values on cardiac MRI; however, it is not clear whether MF detected on MRI is associated with the development of restrictive
“Your Kingdom Come”: Practical Theology as Living out Three Great Pillars of Christianity

This is to be a reflection on how to understand the discipline of theology, and practical theology in particular. The reflection entails what it means to engage in practical theology in the educati...
Target Blood Pressure for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Patients with CKD

Two recent publications have reignited debate about BP goals in patients with CKD—results from the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 BP guidelines ([1][1],[2][2]). The latter declares a class 1 (
An Ethnorelative Framework for Information Systems Design

IT artifacts are connected to our lives in significant and complex ways. The consideration of culture in designing information systems for a global context will become increasingly important. This paper develops the concept of cultural values in relation to information, technology, and people (ITP). In an effort to facilitate a more robust analysis of culture with respect to information systems design, I develop an ethnorelative framework in which designers can begin to assess the “cultural geography” of the target audience in relation to their own. This framework has implications for the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), but it is not focused on the evaluation of user behaviors in terms of perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use, per se. Its goal is to provide a heuristic for designers to understand their own cultural values relative to users of other national cultures.
A Direct Approach for Process Development Using Single Column Experiments Results in Predictable Streamlined Multi-Column Chromatography Bioprocesses.

An emphasis on continuous monoclonal antibody (mAb) bioprocessing in the pharmaceutical industry necessitates effective approaches for downstream process development (PD). With a PD strategy, the process parameters are optimized to directly develop streamlined three-step continuous chromatography processes. A design of experiment (DoE) approach with single column (batch mode) is used to simulate a multi-column (continuous mode) purification method and characterize each chromatography step: Protein A capture, anion exchange, and mixed mode cation exchange. A novel and targeted approach to quickly characterize a DoE design space was employed and empirical modeling was used to define the capacity for multi-column chromatography to accurately transfer the batch process to continuous mode of purification. This PD approach effectively mimics the continuous mode of operation and provides the flexibility to develop multiple continuous processes with target mAb recovery and purity. By implementing this PD strategy and the process parameters defined in batch mode, two robust and predictable continuous bioprocesses were developed within 7 weeks of investigation, which resulted in a total product yield of recovery at or above 74%, host cell protein (HCP) content below 5 ppm, and aggregate content below 1%.
Probabilistic models for ore body recognition

Four statistical models have been developed to aid in exploration drilling for ore deposits. The Austinville (Virginia) deposit, which is a Mississippi Valley-type deposit with 31 million metric tons of ore in 17 ore bodies, provides the data base. Because most ore bodies are not solid ore, holes drilled through them will intersect sub-ore mineralization as well as ore. The statistical models were designed to show whether drilling is through an ore body or not, depending on the mineralization intersected by holes. The models are based on a threefold classification of mineralization penetrated by surface drill holes and were developed for cases of fixed budgets with specified number of drill holes and floating budgets with variable number of drill holes. Two classifications were used: (1) binomial ore/non-ore classification and (2) trinomial ore/mineralized/barren. For the fixed budget model with the ore/non-ore classification, at least five holes need to be drilled to decide whether or not an ore body has been penetrated. For the fixed budget model with the ore/mineralized/barren classification, and for both floating budget models, at least three holes need to be drilled. All decisions are based on a 90% confidence level.
Natural nickel as a proton beam energy monitor for energies ranging from 15 to 30 MeV

Abstract The degradation of proton beam energy within a target stack was monitored via product nuclide ratios at the Los Alamos Isotope Production Facility (LANL-IPF). Nuclear reaction channels employed as energy monitors included NatNi(p,x)57Co and NatNi(p,x)57Ni. Natural nickel foils (thicknesses 0.025 mm) were used to determine proton beam energies ranging from 15 to 30 MeV. Energy values were estimated from a fitted 57Ni/57Co production activity ratio curve, which, in turn, was calculated from formation cross section data. Isotope production yields in the low energy “C” slot at LANL-IPF are very sensitive to beam energy, and differences of several MeV can translate into a drastic effect on overall production yields and radiochemical purity. Proton energies determined in this target stack position using nickel foils will serve as a basis to optimize radionuclide production in terms of product yield maximization and by-product minimization.
Coping with chemoresistance in prostate cancer—co-targeting of adipose stromal cells?

“Obesity begets cancer” is an apt adage considering increasing research pointing to obesity as an important causal factor for increased risk and aggressiveness of many cancer types (1-3). In prostate cancer (PCa), obesity plays a complex role with obesity reported to reduce the risk of localized, low grade, indolent PCa (4) while increasing the risk of aggressive, high grade disease (5). Obesity has been associated with increased PCa mortality as a result of aggressive disease (1,3). In addition, obesity leads to increased risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) (4). Considering the increasing prevalence of obesity across populations and increasing incidences and mortality of aggressive PCa, understanding the underlying mechanisms are vital and is currently an area of active investigations.
Supplementary Leverage Ratio and Repo Supply

While simpler than risk-based capital requirements, the leverage ratio may encourage bank risk-taking. This paper examines the activity of broker-dealers affiliated with bank holding companies (BHCs) and broker-dealers not affiliated with BHCs in the repurchase agreement (repo) market to test whether this may be occurring. Using data on the triparty repo market, the paper arrives at three findings. First, following the 2012 introduction of the supplementary leverage ratio (SLR), broker-dealer affiliates of BHCs decreased their repo borrowing but increased their use of repo backed by more price-volatile collateral. Second, the paper finds that regardless of whether a U.S. BHC-affiliated broker-dealer parent is above or below the SLR requirement, the announcement of the SLR rule has disincentivized those dealers affiliated with BHCs from borrowing in triparty repo. Finally, the paper finds an increase in the number of active nonbank-affiliated dealers in certain asset classes of triparty repo since the 2012 introduction of the supplementary leverage ratio. This illustrates how regulation can have competitive effects on the financial sector and may result in activities shifting among financial firms.
Cancer Drivers Affected by Aberrant DNA Methylation in MDS and AML

Abstract 1716 Cytosine methylation is an epigenetic mark affecting accessibility of DNA to transcription. Cancer is associated with hypermethylation in CpG islands (dense clusters of CpG sites frequently present around gene transcription starts) and hypomethylation of sparse CpG sites outside CpG islands. Complex changes of DNA methylation in leukemia permanently disturb epigenetic regulation and participate in leukemogenesis. To characterize epigenetic aberrations in myeloid neoplasms, we analyzed DNA methylation in 16 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 7 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 5 healthy controls. Using Digital Restriction Enzyme Analysis of Methylation, we quantified DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides within approximately 40,000 CCCGGG restriction sites across the genome. We analyzed methylation differences between healthy controls and patients with MDS and AML. CpG sites within CpG islands (CGI sites) are typically not methylated in normal tissues. We found 18,738 CGI sites with methylation 20% in these sites, ranging from 5 to 2720 (median 186) hypermethylated sites in individual patients. The median number of hypermethylated CGI sites was 146 in MDS and 1234 in AML patients. Altogether, we found 5069 CGI sites corresponding to 2183 genes differentially hypermethylated in MDS or AML. GpG sites outside CpG islands (NCGI sites) are generally methylated. We found only 3262 NCGI sites unmethylated ( 80% in normal controls. Methylation levels CBFA2T3 , FGFR3 , FLI1 , MLLT1 , PHOX2B and PRDM16 ) showed both hyper and hypomethylation in different parts of the gene when compared to normal controls. Interestingly, translocations involving 5 of these genes have been reported in blood malignancies. The number of ‘cancer’ genes affected by epigenetic events in individual patients was 1–29 (median 8) in MDS and 2–44 (median 20) in AML. In summary, we have detected tens to thousands of CpG sites with aberrant methylation in MDS and AML patients. Our data suggest that approximately 3% of DNA hypermethylation and hypomethylation events are potential drivers in the leukemogenic process in MDS and AML. DNA methylation changes were detected in 90 genes (13%) of the 457 cancer gene list. Our findings thus support the importance of epigenetics in leukemia. Disclosures: Neumann: Sanofi-Aventis: Employment. Issa: GSK: Consultancy; SYNDAX: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; J&J: Honoraria.
Building an Infrastructure and Standard Methodology for Actively Engaging Patients in Advance Care Planning

PURPOSE: With little to no infrastructure or standardized methodology in place to actively engage patients in advance care planning (ACP), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center set out ...
Direct-Write Fabrication of Integrated, Multilayer Ceramic Components

The need for advanced electronic ceramic components with smaller size, greater functionality and enhanced reliability requires the ability to integrate electronic ceramics in complex 3-D architectures. However, traditional tape casting and screen printing approaches are poorly suited to the requirements of rapid prototyping and small-lot manufacturing. To address this need, a direct-write approach for fabricating highly integrated, multilayer components using a Micropen to deposit slurries in precise patterns is being developed at Sandia. This approach provides the ability to fabricate multifunctional, multimaterial integrated ceramic components (MMICCs) in an agile and rapid way. Commercial ceramic thick-film pastes can be used directly in the system, as can polymer thick-film pastes (PTF). The quality of printed components depends on both the rheology and drying behavior of the pastes. Pastes with highly volatile solvents are inappropriate for the Micropen. This system has been used to make integrated passive devices such as RC filters, inductors, and voltage transformers.
Using video-stimulated recall to understand the reflections of ambitious social studies teachers

Abstract This multiple-case study sought to understand what ambitious history teachers focus their reflections on throughout a unit of study. Through video-stimulated recall methodology, reflective interviews were conducted with participants in four different schools within the same high-poverty public school district. The study built upon findings from research on ambitious teachers and found that teachers fixated on a range of problems while reflecting, among them: students’ historical thinking, cultural relevant pedagogy, and their framing of history through essential questions. That the teachers focused on these issues could be linked to their values and broader educational aims.
Chapter 5 – High Intensities

Publisher Summary Nonlinear effects, which occur when the sound intensity is sufficiently great, limit the amount of energy that a sound source can radiate into the ocean. The limitations include harmonic distortion and the consequent saturation of sound intensity output, cavitations which limit the pressure swing; and acoustic streaming, which can erode the face of a transducer or nearby object. On the positive side of the ledger, high intensities permit the use of small parametric sound sources that have extremely narrow beams and large bandwidths at very low frequency; they allow the determination of source intensity by the measurement of the radiation pressure of the sound. The streaming pattern is sensitive to the form of the primary acoustic field. When the correct divergent beam pattern is used and the physical constants of the medium are known, predictions of the streaming velocity can be within 2% of the measured values. The streaming technique is a practical means to determine the bulk viscosity of fluids from simple acoustical and drift measurements.
Unsolicited Justice: the Institutional Externality of FCPA Enforcement on Corruption and Investment

This paper examines the impact of transnational ant-corruption legal regimes, represented by the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), on firms’ behavior and performance. I argue that external...
Trends in Blood Pressure Control Among US Adults With Hypertension, 1999-2000 to 2017-2018

Importance Controlling blood pressure (BP) reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. Objective To determine whether BP control among US adults with hypertension changed from 1999-2000 through 2017-2018. Design, Setting, and Participants Serial cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, weighted to be representative of US adults, between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018 (10 cycles), including 18 262 US adults aged 18 years or older with hypertension defined as systolic BP level of 140 mm Hg or higher, diastolic BP level of 90 mm Hg or higher, or use of antihypertensive medication. The date of final data collection was 2018. Exposures Calendar year. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean BP was computed using 3 measurements. The primary outcome of BP control was defined as systolic BP level lower than 140 mm Hg and diastolic BP level lower than 90 mm Hg. Results Among the 51 761 participants included in this analysis, the mean (SD) age was 48 (19) years and 25 939 (50.1%) were women; 43.2% were non-Hispanic White adults; 21.6%, non-Hispanic Black adults; 5.3%, non-Hispanic Asian adults; and 26.1%, Hispanic adults. Among the 18 262 adults with hypertension, the age-adjusted estimated proportion with controlled BP increased from 31.8% (95% CI, 26.9%-36.7%) in 1999-2000 to 48.5% (95% CI, 45.5%-51.5%) in 2007-2008 (P Conclusions and Relevance In a series of cross-sectional surveys weighted to be representative of the adult US population, the prevalence of controlled BP increased between 1999-2000 and 2007-2008, did not significantly change from 2007-2008 through 2013-2014, and then decreased after 2013-2014.
Genomic data reveal similar genetic differentiation between species with vastly different dispersal capabilities and life histories

Abstract Little is known about the life histories, population connectivity, or dispersal mechanisms of shallow groundwater organisms. Here we used RAD-seq to analyze population structure in two aquifer species: Paraperla frontalis, a stonefly with groundwater larvae and aerial adults, and Stygobromus sp., a groundwater-obligate amphipod. We found similar levels of connectivity in each species between floodplains separated by ~70 river km in the Flathead River basin of NW Montana, USA. Given that Stygobromous lacks the aboveground life stage of P. frontalis, our findings suggest that aquifer-obligate species might have previously unrecognized dispersal capacity.
418. Comparison of the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG and DiaSorin LIASON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG Antibody Assays

Background: The Abbott Laboratories SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and the DiaSorin LIASON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay are both chemiluminescent immunoassays that qualitatively detect IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 antigens The Abbott assay detects IgG against the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein, while the DiaSorin assay uses antigen derived from the viral spike (S) protein Here we evaluate the performance of these two assays at our institution Methods: 45 patient samples (serum or plasma) were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG by both the Abbott and DiaSorin assays The samples were previously characterized at a national reference laboratory using the Abbott assay or by an in-house PCR-based test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Samples yielding discordant results across platforms were further tested using the EUROIMMUN Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) assay at the reference laboratory Results: 22 samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 by the reference lab Abbott assay, and 23 tested positive by the same reference lab test (n = 13) or by an in-house PCR-based test (n = 10) The 22 samples characterized as negative again tested negative by both the Abbott (in-house) and DiaSorin assays (100% NPA) Among the 23 samples characterized as positive, all 23 tested positive by the Abbott assay (100% PPA), while only 15 tested positive by the DiaSorin assay (65% PPA) For each of the 8 discordant cases, samples were further tested by EUROIMMUN assay, which targets the S protein;7 of the 8 samples tested negative by this assay, in agreement with the DiaSorin test results Thus, for the discordant cases, testing for IgG against N (in-house and reference lab Abbott assays) gave positive results, while testing for IgG against S (DiaSorin and EUROIMMUN assays) mostly gave negative results Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of the differences between various SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, and providers should be aware of the specific antigenic target(s) in each test Selection of a specific assay may depend on the need to assess past exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (for which a nucleocapsid target may be more sensitive) or to detect neutralizing antibodies (for which a spike target may be more relevant) This also has implications for disease surveillance as reliance on anti-spike antibodies alone may underestimate infection prevalence
Changes in the Performance of Students in Charter and District Sectors of U. S. Education: An Analysis of Nationwide Trends

We use a quadratic equation to estimate trends in cohort performances in the charter and district sectors on the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 4th and 8th grade between 2005 and 20...
Filter Bubbles, Echo Chambers and Fake News: How Social Media Conditions Individuals to be Less Critical of Political Misinformation

Social media platforms have been found to be the primary gateway through which individuals are exposed to fake news. The algorithmic filter bubbles and echo chambers that have popularized these pla...
Interfacility transfer communication of multidrug-resistant organism colonization or infection status: Practices and barriers in the acute-care setting.

Objective To describe interfacility transfer communication (IFTC) methods for notification of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) status in a diverse sample of acute-care hospitals. Design Cross-sectional survey. Participants Hospitals within the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Research Network (SRN). Methods SRN members completed an electronic survey on protocols and methods for IFTC. We assessed differences in IFTC frequency, barriers, and perceived benefit by presence of an IFTC protocol. Results Among 136 hospital representatives who were sent the survey, 54 (40%) responded, of whom 72% reported having an IFTC protocol in place. The presence of a protocol did not differ significantly by hospital size, academic affiliation, or international status. Of those with IFTC protocols, 44% reported consistent notification of MDRO status (>75% of the time) to receiving facilities, as opposed to 13% from those with no IFTC protocol (P = .04). Respondents from hospitals with IFTC protocols reported significantly fewer barriers to communication compared to those without (2.8 vs 4.3; P = .03). Overall, however, most respondents (56%) reported a lack of standardization in communication. Presence of an IFTC protocol did not affect whether respondents perceived IFTC protocols as having a significant impact on infection prevention or antimicrobial stewardship. Conclusions Most respondents reported having an IFTC protocol, which was associated with reduced communication barriers at transfer. Standardization of protocols and clarity about expectations for sending and receipt of information related to MDRO status may facilitate IFTC and promote appropriate and timely infection prevention practices.
Real-World Medication Treatment Patterns for Long-Term Care Residents with Dementia-Related Psychosis.

Objectives: This study evaluated treatment patterns and factors associated with medication treatment changes in residents with dementia-related psychosis in a long-term care (LTC) setting. Methods:...