cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amyloidosis in Bone

Amyloidosis is the deposition of protein in the extracellular space of various tissues. It occurs as a manifestation of plasma cell dyscrasia or long-term dialysis. Amyloidosis complicates 5–15 % of cases of multiple myeloma and may present as radiolytic bone lesions that may be solitary, amyloidomas. The most common sites are the skull and spine. The average age of patients is 57 years. Radiologically, amyloidoma of the bone is an expansile lytic lesion; stippled radiodensity may be present. Waxy eosinophilic Congo red-positive deposits are present in the marrow space, synovial membrane, and juxta-articular soft tissues. Plasma cells are monoclonal with kappa and lambda light-chain immunostains. Solitary amyloidoma of the bone almost always progresses to disseminated amyloidosis or multiple myeloma.
The Laws of Karma and Causation

In the previous chapters we raised questions concerning the relation of the law of karma to the law of universal causation. In this chapter it will be our intent first to clarify the relation between these two laws. Then we will inquire concerning the epistemological status of the law of karma. Is the law of karma a convenient fiction which, though it enables the believer to resolve certain philosophical and practical problems, is not descriptive of empirical states of affairs? Or is it an empirical generalization from certain experiences known by a person whose self-advancement makes possible extraordinary perceptual states? Or is it to be considered a necessary, presuppositional postulate with empirical content? The answer to this question should help us to understand better how the law of karma is to function in discussions which invoke it and provide direction for the remainder of our study.
Semi-Supervision Dramatically Improves Time Series Clustering under Dynamic Time Warping

The research community seems to have converged in agreement that for time series classification problems, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW)-based nearest-neighbor classifiers are exceptionally hard to beat. Obtaining the best performance from DTW requires setting its only parameter, the warping window width (w). This is typically set by cross validation in the training stage. However, for clustering, by definition we do not have access to such labeled data. This issue seems to have been largely ignored in the literature, with many practitioners simply assuming that "the larger the better" for the value of w, and using as large a value of w as computational resources permit. In this work we show that this is a naive approach which in most circumstances produces inferior clusterings. To address this problem, we introduce a novel semi-supervised technique that allows us to set the best value of w. Unlike virtually all other semi-supervised techniques, our ideas are completely independent of the clustering algorithm used, and can be utilized to improve time series clustering under partitional, hierarchical, spectral or density-based clustering. Our approach requires very little human intervention; moreover, we show that in many cases, true human annotation efforts can be replaced with automatically-generated "pseudo" supervision information. We demonstrate our technique by testing with more than one hundred publicly available datasets.
Comparison of clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of collagenous sprue, celiac disease, and collagenous colitis.

BACKGROUND Collagenous sprue (CS) is a rare form of enteropathy that had been reported to be associated with celiac disease (CD) and collagenous colitis (CC). The aim of our study was to compare the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of CS, CD, and CC. METHODS All patients with histologic diagnosis of CS, CD, or CC with complete clinical data were extracted from our pathology database between 1990 and 2015. Demographic and clinical features were recorded along with treatments and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 21 patients with CS were included. Overall CS patients were more symptomatic with 17 (81.0%) patients with diarrhea and 15 (71.4%) with unintentional weight loss. Positive celiac serology was noted in 5 (23.8%) CS patients. CS patients had higher rates for disease-related temporary total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use (38.1% vs. 1.1% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.0001) and disease-related hospitalization (52.4% vs. 3.3% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.0001) than that in CD and CC patients. Twenty CS patients received treatments, including the combination of gluten-free diet (GFD) and corticosteroids (n = 12), GFD only (n = 2), and corticosteroids only (n = 6). All CS patients showed symptomatic reliefs with treatment. Although CS patients had a higher rate for hospitalization and TPN use, disease-related death was not observed in all three groups. CONCLUSIONS Collagenous sprue patients had more severe clinical presentation than patients with CD and CC and therefore had higher demand for temporary TPN and hospitalization. Nevertheless, a prompt use of steroids and/or GFD upon histologic diagnosis of CS may have contributed to an overall excellent prognosis.
Between detection and neutralization

Security system analytical performance analysis is generally based on the probability of system effectiveness. The probability of effectiveness is a function of the probabilities of interruption and neutralization. Interruption occurs if the response forces are notified in sufficient time to engage the adversary. Neutralization occurs if the adversary attack is defeated after the security forces have actively engaged the adversary. Both depend upon communications of data. This paper explores details of embedded communications functions that are often assumed to be inconsequential. It is the intent of the authors to bring focus to an issue in security system modeling that, if not well understood, has the potential to be a deciding factor in the overall system failure or effectiveness
Smoking and Health.

Cigarette smoking is the leading behavioral cause of preventable, premature death, killing 6 million people annually. This article describes the burden of smoking, explains how epidemiological science unearthed the principal tobacco-related disease connections, and summarizes the causes of tobacco consumption. The article then describes the efforts of social and behavioral scientists to improve the effectiveness of smoking cessation techniques and contribute to the formulation of effective tobacco control programs and policies.
Screening for Behavioral Disturbances in Huntington's Disease (HD) with the Huntington's Disease-Behavioral Questionnaire (HD-BQ) (P1.056)

Objective: To examine the usefulness of a new behavioral questionnaire for patients with, and at risk for, Huntingon’s disease (HD). Background: Behavioral changes, including apathy, depression, anxiety, and difficulty prioritizing and initiating activities, are characteristic features of HD. For families and caregivers, they are often the most distressing aspect of the disease. There is evidence that behavioral manifestations may predate motor signs by a decade in HD. The assessment of these behavioral disturbances is therefore important. Methods: The UCSD HD-BQ was administered to 65 HD, 35 at-risk gene positive (AR+), and 22 normal control (NC) subjects at our Center. The UCSD HD-BQ was also administered to 37 HD caregivers. We used Cronbach9s alpha analysis to examine the internal consistency of the HD-BQ components; One-Way ANOVA/Tukey Posthoc to compare groups on dependent variables; Pearson product-moment correlations to compare HD-BQ scores with other variables. Results: The HD-BQ showed substantial internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.94). It showed construct validity with high-very high correlations with other behavioral measures (PBA r=0.65; HADS r=0.76), and poor correlations with measures of cognitive functioning and motor impairment (r=-0.01 to -0.10 and 0.01, respectively). The HD-BQ discriminated between HD (mean 30.8), preHD (mean 27.6), and control subjects (mean 8.1) (p=0.000). When questionnaires were completed independently by 37 HD subject/caregiver pairs, there was a discrepancy in the perception of impairment between patients and their caregivers, with caregivers identifying more behavioral changes (mean difference=16.22 points). Items with the largest discrepancies included less insight with regard to symptoms, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and difficulty initiating activities. Conclusions: The HD-BQ is a quick, reliable instrument for screening behavioral changes in patients with, and at risk for, HD. When possible, information regarding behavior should be corroborated by an informant since HD patients tend to underestimate their impairment. Disclosure: Dr. Corey-Bloom has received research support from PRANA, Omeros, Teva, HSG, and CHDI. Dr. Nam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Herndon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Park has nothing to disclose. Dr. Haque has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilbert has nothing to disclose.
Overview of ESD impacts over industry yield: Technical consideration to control ESD during prototype development and production, advanced inspection techniques for ESD failure analysis

This paper outlines how ESD occurs, its influences during Proto Type development / Production and Technical factors that's required to consider to effectively prevent the ESD failures. Also illustrate how ESD failure can be analyzed through advanced Inspection Techniques. And also helps to explore the hidden cost of ESD failure and to take necessary preventive measures to address the “invisible foe” of ESD damages.
The Merchant of Venice: Shylock and Covenantal Interplay

Reformation preoccupation with the Hebrew Bible and covenant theology encouraged a connection to biblical Jews and patriarchal religion that opens a more sympathetic early modern reading of Shylock. Shylock’s “merry bond,” Kietzman argues, is a covenantal commitment to respond beyond the letter of law to the other, which he does when he breaks his custom to dine with the Christians. Shylock’s identification with Jacob the wrestler enables his interfaith reach, but the Christians claim identity with Jacob the thief; and when the Christians steal Shylock’s daughter, he breaks his covenant and reduces the bond to a contract in order to claim the pound of flesh penalty.
Plasmatic coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy and Otostrongylus-affected Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris).

Background Prepatent Otostrongylus arteritis results in hemorrhagic diathesis in free-ranging Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) attributed to aberrant larval migration of the lungworm, Otostrongylus circumlitus. Clinical signs are often nonspecific, including lethargy, anorexia, and blepharospasm, but can progress to spontaneous frank hemorrhage and death within 72 hours of onset. Previously published case reports describe coagulopathy with prolonged PT and APTT, normal to elevated platelet counts, normal antithrombin concentrations, and low concentrations of fibrinogen degradation products. Disseminated intravascular coagulation was proposed as the cause of hemorrhage, but is inconsistent with some of the reported clinicopathologic changes. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare plasmatic coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy and Otostrongylus-affected elephant seals, in order to identify potential therapy. We hypothesized that hyperfibrinolysis contributed to hemorrhage in these cases. Methods Citrated plasma samples were collected from 3- to 4-month-old Northern elephant seals in a wildlife rehabilitation hospital. The sampled population included 25 healthy, prerelease seals and 32 clinically ill seals diagnosed with presumptive Otostrongylus arteritis. Twenty-one of the included seals had Otostrongylus infestation confirmed at necropsy. Standard coagulation tests and plasma thromboelastography were performed for a complete assessment of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Results Northern elephant seals with definitive Otostrongylus infestation were hypocoagulable and hypofibrinolytic compared to healthy controls. Conclusions Results were most consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Treatment with antifibrinolytic drugs to control hemorrhage may be unrewarding; alternative therapies such as plasma transfusions or coagulation factor concentrates should be investigated.
Caring as Competent: Small Talk in Medical Visits

Small talk in medical visits affords the opportunity for nurse practitioners (NPs) and patients to create relationships by engaging in nontransactional talk. In addition, it may also provide insights into a patient’s life, revealing medically relevant information. Although small talk may be viewed as taking time away from the transactional work of the visit (Roter & Hall, Doctors talking with patients/patients talking with doctors: Improving communication in medical visits, Praeger, 1993), it is also a way for NPs to perform their professional competency by taking a holistic approach and constructing positive relationships. Small talk, despite being a departure from the transactional work of the visit, can also contribute to it.
IMPACT OF HEART FAILURE ON OUTCOMES OF SEPSIS RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS

Aggressive fluid resuscitation is a key factor behind successful outcomes of critical conditions such as sepsis. However clinicians may be hesitant to adequately volume resuscitate patients with co-existing diagnosis of heart failure (HF) due to concern of volume overload and respiratory failure.
Mental Health Counseling in Ukraine

In the past two decades, some profound changes have occurred in the former Soviet Ukraine.These changes have significantly affected Ukrainian mental health counseling. This article provides a synopsis of the historical and social influences on Soviet and Ukrainian mental health services, transformations that are occurring within the mental health field of the present day Ukraine, and specific mental health issues faced by Ukrainian women and men. The conclusion shares potential implications of this information about Ukrainian mental health issues for U.S. mental health counselors.
When States Cannot Reverse Course: Lessons About Nuclear Reversal Drawn from Comparing the Southern Cone to South Asia

Nuclear proliferation has emerged as one of the most important policy concerns of the post-Cold War era. Policy-makers, in great and in rising powers alike, perceive the acquisition and maintenance of nuclear weapons as the key deterrent in their quest for autonomy and survival. This perceived guarantee of policy autonomy serves to only increase the desirability of nuclear weapons by all those regimes whose actions can be perceived as inherently inimical to the international system and especially to the great powers of the international system. If so, why did Argentina and Brazil abandon their nuclear weapons programs and join the NPT whereas India and Pakistan continue upon a course of nuclear weapons acquisition that led to the competing nuclear explosions in 1998? Unlike expectations that stress external security threats, domestic coalitions and ideational factors, I stress the causal importance of different levels of concentration of veto authority. Put succinctly, even when state-level elites decide the reverse the course of nuclear weapons, they find out that they do not have the actual operational capacity to implement these decisions in situations where veto authority is widely dispersed. As such, the lower a state’s concentration of veto authority, the greater the chances that it will not be able to reverse course and give up on its policy of nuclear weapons acquisition, regardless of other causal factors. I test my argument and demonstrate my findings by engaging in a structured, focused comparative case study of the Southern Cone (Brazil and Argentina) dyad’s decision to reverse nuclear proliferation with the South Asia dyad’s (India and Pakistan) incapacity to do so.
Epigenetic analysis of the human alpha- and beta-globin gene clusters.

K562 erythroleukemia cells have been widely used as a model for the study of globin gene regulation. A number of agents have been shown to activate or suppress globin gene expression in these cells. However, the molecular effects of these agents on the epigenetic configuration of the α- and γ-globin genes that encode HbF are not known. In this report, we investigated the relationship between globin expression and histone acetylation of the human α- and β-globin clusters in the fetal erythroid environment of K562 cells. Our studies suggest that acetylation of histone H3 may be important in regulating developmental stage-specific expression of the different β-like globin genes while acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 may be important for the regulation of tissue-specific expression of these genes. In contrast, acetylation of both histones H3 and H4 at the α-like globin promoters appears to be important for both developmental stage- and tissue specific-expression. Interestingly, butyrate-induced activation of α-globin gene expression in K562 cells is associated with significant increase in histone acetylation levels while TPA-induced inhibition is associated with decreased histone acetylation at its promoters. In contrast, changes in histone acetylation and DNA methylation do not appear to be important in the regulation of γ-globin gene expression by the same agents. These data suggest that the butyrate-mediated induction of the fetal γ-globin genes in K562 cells is not a direct result of its histone deacetylase inhibitor activity of butyrate on the chromatin of the γ-globin promoters, while the induction of the α-globin genes could be a result of a direct effect of butyrate on chromatin at its promoters. This is another example of the important differences in the molecular mechanisms of regulation of the genes of the α- and β-like globin clusters.
Longitudinal associations between susceptibility to tobacco use and the onset of other substances among U.S. youth.

Abstract We examined whether tobacco susceptibility at Wave (W) 1 (2013–2014) predicts the onset of tobacco and other substances at W2 (2014–2015) among 5325 U.S. youth (12–17 years) never substance users at W1 in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Tobacco susceptibility was based on curiosity, use intentions, and response to a best friend's offer to use. Onset of use included past 12-month use of a specific substance or group of substances at W2 among those who had never used any substance at W1. Approximately, 31.3% of W1 youth were susceptible to tobacco use. W2 onset was 8.2% (SE = 0.4) for alcohol exclusively, 5.0% (SE = 0.4) for polysubstance including tobacco, 4.4% (SE = 0.3) for tobacco exclusively, 3.1% (SE = 0.3) for other drugs (misused prescription stimulants and painkillers, cocaine, other stimulants, heroin, inhalants, solvents and hallucinogens) exclusively, 1.4% (SE = 0.2) for polysubstance excluding tobacco, and 0.9% (SE = 0.1) for marijuana exclusively. Tobacco-susceptible compared with non-tobacco susceptible youth had higher odds of onset of exclusive tobacco use (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.3), exclusive alcohol use (AOR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.8), and polysubstance use (AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 2.8, 5.6 including tobacco and AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.0 excluding tobacco) compared with W2 never substance use. In this national study, tobacco susceptibility identified U.S. youth at risk for onset of tobacco and other substances, perhaps reflecting common etiology and clustering of substance use in youth. Identifying and preventing tobacco-susceptible youth from progressing to using addictive substances must remain a public health priority.
In-Situ Observation of π-Allyl c-C6H9 Intermediate during High-Pressure Cyclohexene Catalytic Reactions on Pt(111) Using Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy

Surface vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) has been used to identify surface species in situ during catalytic reactions of 1.5 Torr cyclohexene (C 6 H 1 0 ) in the presence and absence of 15 Torr H 2 on Pt(111) crystal surfaces. Various surface species were observed during the reactions in the range 303-483 K. Upon adsorption at 303 K in the absence of H 2 , cyclohexene is dehydrogenated to form 1,4-cyclohexadiene (C 6 H 8 ). At 323 K, this species converts to π-allyl c-C 6 H 9 intermediate. At temperature higher than 423 K, benzene coexists with C 6 H 9 on the surface. Similar results were obtained in the presence of 15 Torr H 2 except that in this circumstance 1,3-cyclohexadiene coexists with 1,4- cyclohexadiene at 303 K, and with C 6 H 9 at temperature higher than 403 K. This study reports, for the first time, the existence of π-allyl c-C 6 H 9 as a major surface species in the presence of high-pressure cyclohexene and H 2 on Pt(111). In addition, adsorbed 1,3-cyclohexadiene has been observed as a reactive intermediate in the process of dehydrogenation to benzene. Finally, it has been found that excess hydrogen increases the disordering and decreases the surface coverage of the C 6 H 9 on the surface.
Extreme Fuzzy Association of an Intrinsically Disordered Protein with Acidic Membranes

Abstract Many physiological and pathophysiological processes, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cell division, may involve fuzzy membrane association by proteins via intrinsically disordered regions. The fuzziness is extreme when the conformation and pose of the bound protein and the composition of the proximal lipids are all highly dynamic. Here we tackled the challenge in characterizing the extreme fuzzy membrane association of the disordered, cytoplasmic N-terminal region (NT) of ChiZ, an Mtb divisome protein, by combining solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. In a typical pose, NT is anchored to acidic membranes by Arg residues in the midsection. Competition for Arg interactions between lipids and acidic residues, all in the first half of NT, makes the second half more prominent in membrane association. This asymmetry is accentuated by membrane tethering of the downstream transmembrane helix. These insights into sequence-interaction relations may serve as a paradigm for understanding fuzzy membrane association.
Rapid prototyping airway and vascular models from 3D rotational angiography: Beans to cup 3D printing

Abstract Introduction The application of three-dimensional printed models (3DPM) to facilitate the understanding of complex anatomy is continuously evolving. The use of newer imaging modalities like three-dimensional rotational angiograms (3DRA) as source data to create 3DPM has been scarcely reported; however, this feasibility has highlighted another imaging modality useful for creating accurate anatomical replicas that facilitate evaluation before complex procedures. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 61 patients who had 3DPM produced from a 3DRA after cardiac catheterization at Children's Hospital Colorado between January 2018 and December 2019. Quantitative validation was performed to accurately determine these models' ability to replicate airway and vascular structures and their relationships. Results Radiation and contrast doses were not altered when a 3DRA was performed during the procedure to create a 3DPM. When the measurements were compared to validate the models' accuracy in comparison with 3DRA images, a mean difference of less than 0.1 mm was found when assessing vascular and airway diameters. Standard 3DRA protocols were followed in all cases with no additional angiograms, fluoroscopy, contrast doses, or procedural changes made to facilitate the production of a 3DPM. Conclusion 3DPM can be routinely printed from 3DRA, allowing the evaluation of vascular and airway structures and their relationships without any changes to standard 3DRA or procedural protocols.
Janelle Monáe vs. Katy Perry: Depiction of Bi + Identities and Relationship to Depression and Stigma

The present study examined whether positive media representation of bi + attraction would relate to reduced internalized stigma for bi + participants. In the pilot phase, bi + participants (N = 12)...
Pulmonary Fibrosis After COVID-19 Pneumonia

A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread across the world. Today, we present an interesting case of a patient with no prior history of pulmonary disease who was diagnosed with COVID-19, recovered after a prolonged hospital course, and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis requiring oxygen therapy thereafter. The patient is currently on pirfenidone and has had a significant improvement in his functional status. His oxygen requirements have decreased, and repeat computed tomography (CT) scanning has demonstrated improvement in the extent of his pulmonary fibrosis. This case highlights the possibility of pulmonary fibrosis being a major complication among COVID-19 survivors and the importance of using pirfenidone in the management of such cases.
ESL Teacher Certification Policy: Current Trends and Best Practices

Utilizing aspects of the Standards for Initial TESOL Pre-K-12 Teacher Preparation Programs (2018), this study seeks to review and critique current trends in ESL teacher certification policy nationwide. Data collection involved triangulating state policies found online with a brief questionnaire sent to teacher certification boards nationwide (51 in total). The researchers focused on whether or not state policies: 1) offer initial and/or add-on ESL certification; 2) have a test-out option for add-on ESL certification; 3) require a certain number of credits for add-on ESL certification; 4) align their coursework topic requirements with guidelines set forth by TESOL. Data analysis highlighted changes in policy from a previous survey conducted during the NCLB era (Reeves, 2010), and compared requirements in each state’s policy to the Standards for Initial TESOL Pre-K-12 Teacher Preparation Programs (2018). Findings reveal an alarming trend towards less rigorous add-on certification (i.e., endorsement) pathways as well as a number of states either no longer offering initial certification or providing options for testing-out of coursework altogether. Additionally, many state policies outline required coursework, but few follow ESL teacher preparation guidelines set by TESOL (2018). This has led to a notable rift between current ESL teacher education policy and evidence-based best practices such as coursework on the linguistic and cultural aspects of second language learning.
The Effect of Statutory Tax Rates on the CEO Performance-Turnover Relation

Although theory predicts boards should replace underperforming CEOs, archival studies estimate that CEO underperformance has only a modest effect on turnover. Higher corporate statutory tax rates increase the sharing of corporate profits and losses with the government, partially shielding shareholders from the consequences of CEO underperformance and reducing the expected net after-tax benefits of improved performance by a replacement CEO. Thus, we predict higher corporate tax rates contribute to the modest documented effect of CEO performance on turnover. We use the corporate tax rate reduction enacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to test our prediction. Consistent with expectations, we estimate an increased sensitivity of CEO turnover to firm performance after the Tax Cuts and Job Act. Furthermore, this increased sensitivity is stronger among firms for which the expected net after-tax benefits of replacing an underperforming CEO are greatest either because the firms expect a larger gross benefit from the rate reduction or have lower estimated replacement costs. Our study extends the literature on CEO turnover and suggests statutory tax rates are an important friction in the CEO replacement decision.
Development and dispersal of P-protein in the phloem of Coleus blumei Benth.

SUMMARY The development of P-protein (slime) in the phloem of Coleus stem apices has been studied electron microscopically using material fixed in glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide. In phloem parenchyma cells the earliest-appearing groups of tubular P-protein commonly are seen in close association with clusters of ' spiny' vesicles similar to those reported in Phaseolus phloem (Newcomb, 1967). The vesicles break down as the P-protein masses enlarge, and are assumed to contribute to P-protein formation. Subsequently the groups of tubules are consolidated into a single spindle-shaped body aligned longitudinally in each phloem parenchyma cell or sieve element. The microtubules observed frequently in the vicinity of the young P-protein body may play a role in its consolidation or in the longitudinal alignment of its constituent tubules. Some P-protein bodies acquire a highly organized structure in which the tubules are arranged hexagonally around lightly staining centres. Disaggregation of the P-protein body occurs during disintegration of the cytoplasm and nucleus, and results initially in the presence of swirls of packed fibrils. During disaggregation, the tubules of the mature P-protein body, which are about 200 A in diameter, are converted to fibrils about 70 A in diameter in a process apparently with several intermediate stages. In longitudinal view the fibrils exhibit alternate electron transparent and dense bands that impart a striated appearance to the mass. During maturation of the sieve element the swirls of fibrillar masses separate into individual fibrils which become dispersed through the cell lumen.
Incentives, Clienteles, and Information Production: New Evidence from Investor-paid and Issuer-Paid Agency Credit Ratings and Equity Analyst Recommendations

We compare the timeliness of the information signals produced by investor-paid credit rating agencies (Egan and Jones), issuer-paid credit rating agencies (Standard and Poor's), and by sell-side equity analysts, and study the predictive power of this information for the bond and equity markets and for firm investment levels. We conjecture that the three information producing intermediaries differ in two important dimensions: first, in their compensation structure, giving rise to differences in their incentives to produce and transmit timely information signals; and second, in their information consuming clientele, giving rise to differences in the aspects of firms' future cash flow distribution on which they focus. We develop testable hypotheses based on the above two differences. Consistent with our hypotheses, we find the following. First, information signals produced by the investor-paid rating agency are the most timely, and anticipates those produced by the issuer-paid agency and equity analysts. Second, while investor-paid agency rating changes have the greatest predictive power for bond yield spreads, equity analyst recommendations have the greatest predictive power for excess stock returns. Third, credit rating changes by the investor-paid rating agency have the greatest predictive power for firms' investment levels.
Trends in rotator cuff repair rates and comorbidity burden among commercially insured patients younger than the age of 65 years, United States 2007-2016

Background Prior US studies have shown increasing rotator cuff repair rates through 2009. We hypothesize that rotator cuff repair rates are continuing to increase and the comorbidity profiles of patients are becoming more complex over time. Methods We identified rotator cuff repairs in a large US cohort of people 18-64 years of age with ≥1 year of commercial insurance coverage. Repair rate trends across time were standardized by age, sex, and geographic region. Procedures were categorized as inpatient vs. outpatient and as arthroscopic vs. open. Prevalent comorbidities were defined as 1 inpatient diagnosis claim or 2 outpatient diagnosis claims during the year before rotator cuff repair. General population comorbidity prevalence was determined based on a random 5% sample of the commercially insured population and compared with patients with rotator cuff repair using standardized morbidity ratios. Results From 2007 to 2016, 314,239 rotator cuff repairs were identified (165 repairs per 100,000 person-years). Rotator cuff repairs were performed more frequently in men, older people, and in the Midwest. Across time, cuff repair rates increased by 1.6% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = +1.4%-1.7%) adjusting for demographics. The highest increases in repair rates were observed among patients aged 50-64 years (+2.0%, 95% CI = +1.8%-2.2%). Rotator cuff repairs were more frequently performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting in later calendar years. In 2016, 83% of rotator cuff repairs were arthroscopic procedures and 99% were performed as outpatient procedures. Comorbidity prevalence in rotator cuff repair patients increased across calendar time by 4.5% per year for hypertension (95% CI = +4.2%-4.7%), 2.3% per year for diabetes (+1.9%-2.7%), 0.9% per year for hypercholesterolemia (+0.3%-1.5%), 2.9% for congestive heart failure (+0.8%-4.9%), 4.2% for peripheral vascular disease (+2.4%-6.0%), and 4.2% for chronic pulmonary disease (+3.6%-4.8%). Comorbidity prevalence in repair patients was higher than prevalence in the general population, and prevalence relative to the general population was most heightened during later calendar years. For example, hypertension prevalence was 1.58 times higher in repair patients than the general population in 2007 (95% CI = 1.53-1.62), and 2.06 times higher in 2016 (95% CI = 2.02-2.11). Conclusion Rotator cuff repair is becoming more frequent in the US commercially insured population, particularly in those 50-64 years of age. More rotator cuff repairs are being performed using an arthroscopic approach and in an outpatient setting. Over time, the comorbidity profile of patients undergoing rotator cuff repair is becoming more complex with greater prevalence of numerous conditions, including hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease.
Do Gloves Provide Adequate Protection Against Infection

In the early 1800s gloves were a foreign concept to surgeons, as a result, patient care suffered, and mortality was high due to poor sanitary conditions in the operating room. This all changed in 1889, where the introduction of the surgical glove completely revolutionized surgical aseptic ideals. Through the work of William Halsted and his desire to help his nurse, Caroline Hampton, who was from suffering contact dermatitis, the first pair of rubber gloves were created. Since this invention, there have been significant advancements in glove technology including the use of latex and non-latex gloves. However, significant problems remain including, perioperative contamination in longer procedures, a false sense of sterility, and no consensus in optimal glove donning procedures. Additional measures including patient preparation, limited handling of tissue specimens, minimal coagulation, and in particular a no-touch strategy need to be continued and optimized to minimize iatrogenic infection and sequelae. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
The Isospin Dependence of Nuclear Reactions at Intermediate Energies

The isospin dependence of nuclear reactions at intermediate energies can provide insight into the nuclear equation of state, in-medium nucleon-nucleon scattering cross sections, and the mechanism of the production of intermediate mass fragments (IMFs) in these collisions. In paper we will present results for the isospin dependence of in-plane collective transverse flow and the production of IMFs as a function of charged particle multiplicity. The flow results are compared with BUU model calculations while the IMF results are compared with the percolation model.
The Condition Called Muscle-Bound

(1932). The Condition Called Muscle-Bound. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 43-54.
Transduction in Bacillus cereus by each of two bacteriophages.

The ability of phage CP-51 to mediate transduction both homologously and heterologously in some of its hosts was investigated. CP-51 was shown to transduce Bacillus cereus strains 6464, 9139, and T in addition to 569 which was reported earlier from this laboratory. Furthermore, CP-51 grown on B. thuringiensis was shown to transduce some mutants of B. cereus . During this investigation, a second transducing phage for B. cereus 569 was isolated from lysates of phage CP-51 grown on B. cereus 6464. This phage, designated CP-53, is carried by wild-type strain 6464 possibly as prophage. All auxotrophic mutants of B. cereus 569 tested, those requiring tryptophan, histidine, methionine, and leucine, were transduced to prototrophy by CP-53. Electron micrographs of the two phages revealed that CP-51 has a tail core surrounded by a contractile sheath and CP-53 has a long flexible tail without a contractile sheath. CP-53 is stable in the cold, whereas CP-51 is rapidly inactivated at 4 C. Images
An Economics-Based Intelligence (EI) Tool for Pressure Vessel and Piping (PVP) Failure Consequence Estimation

This paper is built around ASTM E 2506, Standard Guide for Developing a Cost-Effective Risk Mitigation Plan for New and Existing Constructed Facilities. E 2506 establishes a three-step protocol—perform risk assessment, specify combinations of risk mitigation strategies for evaluation, and perform economic evaluation—to insure that the decision maker is provided the requisite information to choose the most cost effective combination of risk mitigation strategies. Because decisions associated with low-probability, high-consequence events involve uncertainty both in terms of appropriate evaluation procedures and event-related measures of likelihood and consequence, NIST developed a Risk Mitigation Toolkit. This paper uses (a) a data center undergoing renovation for improved security, and (b) a PVP-related failure event to illustrate how to perform the E 2506 three-step protocol with particular emphasis on the third step—perform economic evaluation. The third step is built around the Cost-Effectiveness Tool for Capital Asset Protection (CET), which was developed by NIST. Version 4.0 of CET is used to analyze the security- or failure-related event with a focus on consequence estimation and consequence assessment via Monte Carlo techniques. CET 4.0 includes detailed analysis and reporting features designed to identify key cost drivers, measure their impacts, and deliver estimated consequence parameters with uncertainty bounds. Significance of this economics-based intelligence (EI) tool is presented and discussed for security- or failure-consequence estimation to risk assessment of failure of critical structures or components.
Group theory of the Landau — Thermodynamic theory of continuous phase transitions in crystals

A review is given of group-theory related aspects of the Landau-Thermodynamic Theory of continuous phase transitions in crystals. The review discusses developments of the theory during several time intervals. First interval: the 25 years (1937–62) after the theory was presented; Second interval (1962-77) covers the recent 15 years; Third interval (1977- ) presents some possible directions for work in the future. Thus the first 40 years of this theory were characterized inter alia by elaborations and applications of the group theory aspects of the problem which Landau examined: Given a system with group G; What groups G → G′,... may be achieved by continuous transitions i.e. G → G′,...? What order parameters are consistent with transitions G → G′, or G → G′, ...?
A Rapid Extraction and Quantification of Total Lipids and Lipid Fractions in Blood and Feces

An analytical system for plasma lipids suitable for use in the large and small clinical laboratory is presented. Lipids are extracted into a chloroform— methanol solvent and concentrated into a chloroform phase by a wash with an aqueous CaCl2 solution. This extract is used to estimate total lipids and (after separation by thin-layer chromatography) the major lipid fractions. A single acid dichromate reagent is used for all quantification steps. Normal ranges for the proposed method are presented. The method with minor modifications is also used for quantification of fecal lipids. Lipids in other body fluids can be conveniently analyzed with this flexible method.
Marijuana, Nitrous Oxide, and Other Inhaled Drugs

Inhalation of many substances has been part of civilization for thousands of years, for both pleasure and medicinal reasons. Abuse of this practice has become indigenous to our society. While tobacco is probably the most abused inhalant, many other agents have been sniffed and inhaled through the respiratory tract by all segments of our population. In addition to agents produced specifically for the purpose of recreational inhalation, there exist a number of readily obtained and easily abused volatile compounds with the potential to complicate an anesthetic procedure.
Influence of suckling on gonadotropin secretion in the postpartum rhesus monkey.

This study investigated whether the observed failure of gonadotropins to rise in lactating suckling monkeys was a result of suckling or its sequelae overriding the negative feedback control system that governs tonic gonadotropin secretion. 8 lactating monkeys were ovariectomized on Days 24-25 postpartum. 5 of these were allowed to nurse their young whereas the infants of the remaining 3 were weaned at time of surgery. Blood samples were taken to determine by radioimmunoassay the concentrations of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Monkeys who continued to suckle their young showed a marked retardation in the rise of serum luteinizing hormone after ovariectomy; however this small mean increase documented was merely attributable to 1 animal because the other 4 showed no change at all in luteinizing hormone level. In the weaned group serum luteinizing hormone concentrations rose to expected levels after a delay of 6-8 days. The postovariectomy rise in serum follicle stimulating hormone was also inhibited in lactating animals but not as severely as the luteinizing hormone level. The luteinizing hormone content from pituitaries from lactating monkeys averaged less than 8% of that seen in normal cycling adults whereas the follicle stimulating content varied from 38-98% of that in pregestational adults. These data suggest that the suckling stimulus and or its sequelae inhibit pituitary luteinizing hormone secretion and to a lesser extent that of follicle stimulating hormone. This effect was clearly independent of the ovary.
Plasma endothelin levels in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) together with pulmonary hypoplasia accounts for high mortality among patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Endothelin (ET) is a recently described endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor peptide with a potent and sustained effect. The authors examined plasma ET levels in eight patients with CDH who had respirtory distress at birth and in 15 agematched controls. The plasma ET levels were measured using a highly sensitive and specific enzyme immunometeric assay (EIA) preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. The mean preoperative plasma ET level (53.9 ± 21.1 pg/mL) of the patients was significantly ( P
Pb, Cd and Hg contents of bivalves collected during the different seasons of the year.

Abstract Levels of lead, cadmium and mercury were determined in talaba ( Ostrea malabonensis, F.), tahong ( Perna viridis, L.), halaan ( Arca spp.) and tulya ( Corbicula manilensis, P.) including the seawater where the saltwater bivalves were harvested. The bivalves were sampled during the dry (March–June), wet (July–October) and cold (November–February) seasons of the years 1983–1985. The heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The solutions for Pb and Cd determination were prepared by dry ashing at 400°C with the use of 20% H 2 SO 4 as ashing aid followed by wet oxidation of the residue with sulfuric acid and 30% H 2 O 2 . Samples for total mercury determination were prepared by solubilization at 50°C with concentrated H 2 SO 4 , oxidized with 6% KMnO 4 solution and reduced with stannous chloride solution. The average concentration of Pb, Cd and Hg in the bivalves ( talaba, tahong, halaan and tulya ) ranged from 0·64 to 2·24 ppm, 0·06 to 0·66 ppm and 0·62 to 11·68 ppb, respectively. However, the variations due to sample and season of the Pb and Cd contents in the bivalves were found insignificant. In contrast, the Hg content of the bivalves varied significantly with the sample and the season. The same trends were also noted in the Pb, Cd and Hg content in the seawater which ranged from 0·66 to 1·66 ppm, 0·07 to 0·10 ppm and 1·8 to 2·6 ppb, respectively. The saltwater bivalves exhibited low bio-accumulation factors for the three metals studied. Overall, the findings demonstrated that the four bivalves are safe for human consumption and that the ecosystems where they were harvested do not pose any hazard to man or to marine life. However, caution should be taken if these bivalves are to be considered for feeding children. For example, the FAO/WHO recommendation for Pb is 5 μg/kg body weight/day for adults. However, children have about five times the gastrointestinal absorption rate of adults and consumption of these bivalves by children may predispose them to Pb exposure.
Oscillating Flow in Adverse Pressure Gradients

Separating oscillating flow in an internal adverse pressure gradient geometry is studied experimentally. Phase-locked PIV measurements and simultaneous pressure measurements reveal that during the accelerating portion of the cycle, the flow remains attached in spite of a very large adverse pressure gradient. During the decelerating portion of the cycle, the flow is more prone to separation. The duration and extent of the separation depend strongly on the oscillation displacement amplitude relative to the cross-stream dimension. In some cases, the flow separates but reattaches as the separated shear layer is accelerated temporally. The time-varying pressure measurements are used to determine the resultant minor losses for the flow in each direction. These are found to be an increasing function of displacement amplitude and independent of the Reynolds number.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Stopping with anticipated regret

Abstract This paper analyzes a stopping problem where the decision maker is driven by anticipated ex-post regret. There are two sources of potential dynamic inconsistency, one is arrival of information and the other is changing choice opportunities over time—discarding the current stopping option may change how she stops the game in the future. First we consider a naive planner who prescribes a commitment solution, and illustrate the nature of the inconsistency problem. Then we consider a sophisticated planner who plays backward induction against her ‘successive selves’. The resolution of dynamic inconsistency does not in general allow the use of standard dynamic programming technique. We provide, however, a simple characterization of the backward induction strategy, which is given in a recursive formula. We also provide a behavioral implication, that larger indeterminacy of belief may lead to a more aggressive behavior, that is, continuing the gamble longer, which contrasts to the implication of ambiguity aversion.