cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell biology: Lipid code for membrane recycling.

The sequential action of enzymes has been shown to modify members of a class of membrane lipid called phosphoinositides to direct integral membrane proteins for recycling. See Letter p.408 Directional membrane traffic requires regulated conversion of phosphoinositides (PIs) — membrane phospholipids that act as determinants of membrane identity — by PI metabolizing enzymes. Volker Haucke and co-workers studied the mechanism of PI identity shifts during trafficking from the endosomal system — defined by phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI(3)P) — to the secretory compartments and the plasma membrane, dominated by phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P) and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). The authors find that endosomal cargo en route to intracellular destinations can change direction and make its way back to the cell surface by the action of two enzymes. Specifically, PI(3)P on the membrane of these compartments is hydrolysed by the phosphatase MTM1, an enzyme whose loss of function leads to X-linked centronuclear myopathy in humans. This hydrolysis of PI(3)P is accompanied by the generation of PI(4)P through the action of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, as well as the recruitment of the exocyst tethering complex to enable subsequent membrane fusion.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequence of Low-pH-Active Veillonella parvula Strain SHI-1, Isolated from Human Saliva within an In Vitro Oral Biofilm Model

ABSTRACT We announce here a draft genome sequence of Veillonella parvula strain SHI-1, obtained from healthy human saliva, discovered to be active at low pH using metatranscriptomics within an in vitro oral biofilm model. The genome is composed of 7 contigs, for a total of 2,200,064 bp.
ENDOMYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS DUE TO HYPEREOSINOPHILIC SYNDROME MIMICKING EBSTEIN'S ANOMALY

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is associated with cardiac manifestations including thrombi, endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF), and valvular abnormalities. Fibrosis of the right ventricle (RV) with apical retraction of the tricuspid valve (TV) has been reported. Distinguishing Ebstein's from EMF has
Modulatory Effects of Somatosensory Tasks on Pain Thresholds and Cortical Excitability (P01.172)

Objective: The study aimed to test the effects of three different somatosensory tasks including somatosensory learning with and without visual feedback and simple somatosensory input on pressure pain threshold and motor cortex activation using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Background Chronic pain is linked to brain dysfunctions, whose precise neural correlates still remain not completely understood. Recent investigations on novel therapies for pain are targeting these malfunctioning processes inside the brain. The activation of the motor cortex via non-invasive brain stimulation has been proven to be effective in the treatment of pain conditions. Thus, this cortical area has been proposed to play a role in central pain processing. Since it is known that the motor and somatosensory cortices are functionally connected, somatosensory input may be used in order to activate motor cortex mediated analgesic effects. Design/Methods: This single-blinded, randomized, untreated-controlled, and parallel designed trial included forty healthy right-handed male subjects. Statistical analyses involved t-tests and a mixed ANOVA model for TMS and pain threshold levels, respectively. Results: Results showed a significant reduction of pain perception of the ipsilateral hand induced by somatosensory learning and a pain sensitization of the contralateral hand due to simple somatosensory input. Comparing pain and TMS measurements revealed a significant effect of hand and task. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study shows that somatosensory learning is effective to alleviate pain perception and that somatosensory input can change motor cortex excitability in a task-dependent manner. These findings may help lead to the development of novel approaches for the treatment of pain syndromes based on an adjunct and multimodal method. Disclosure: Dr. Volz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Suarez-Contreras has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mendonca has nothing to disclose. Dr. Santos Pinheiro has nothing to disclose. Dr. Merabet has nothing to disclose. Dr. Fregni has received research support from Highland Instruments and First One.
STUDY OF HEAT TREATMENT FOR FORMATION WATER BLOCK DAMAGE

The damage of water block is that capillary force existing in gas-liquid interface of formation pore passage obstructs the flow of oil and gas. Results studied in worldwide have shown that the water block affects seriously development effects and becomes one type of the major damages for low permeability gas reservoirs. It has resulted in serious consequences. Bench-scale heating tests have been carried out to water sensitive sandstone core to determine the effect of heat on effective permeability. Results indicate that heat treatment can improve the damage of water block. Experimental results show that the intense heat vaporizes bound and blocked water, destroys clay lattices, and ultimately increases the permeability of clay-rich formations, then removes or postpones water block damage.
Continuation of A Comparison between Su Shi's and Xin Qiji's Classical Poetry by Critics

This paper is a continuation of the author's on comparison between Su Shi's and Xin Qiji's classical poetry. Explanation is made in the classical poetry by Su Shi and Xin Qiji in remarks like "elegant sentiments and virility", "style and verve", "depressed temperament and lovesickness".
Design of analyzing experiments on mechanical properties of composite materials

The samples of analyzing experiments on mechanical properties of composite materials, adopting two kinds of macromolecule materials ( high elasticity rubber and polyurethane) , constituted the mechanics models. Based on the infinite small theory of viscoelastic mechanics, by means of measuring the deformation values of samples in the process of compression, and applying the knowledge of material mechanics, the elastic modulus of the measured samples was established; by means of the compression experiment of high elasticity rubber, polyurethane and mechanics models of composite materials, the linear relation between deformation and load was gained, and the experimental results were analyzed and calculated theoretically. By means of designing experiments and practicing experiments, students not only realize the composition structure and many characteristics of composite material mechanics , but also preliminarily understand analyzing and testing methods on mechanical properties of composite materials , observe and realize the mechanical behaviors of viscoelastic materials, and cultivate their practical ability and design ability.
Shape-morphing composites with designed micro-architectures

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are attractive materials due to their unique mechanical properties, including high deformation capacity and shape recovery. SMPs are easier to process, lightweight, and inexpensive compared to their metallic counterparts, shape memory alloys. However, SMPs are limited to relatively small form factors due to their low recovery stresses. Lightweight, micro-architected composite SMPs may overcome these size limitations and offer the ability to combine functional properties (e.g., electrical conductivity) with shape memory behavior. Fabrication of 3D SMP thermoset structures via traditional manufacturing methods is challenging, especially for designs that are composed of multiple materials within porous microarchitectures designed for specific shape change strategies, e.g. sequential shape recovery. We report thermoset SMP composite inks containing some materials from renewable resources that can be 3D printed into complex, multi-material architectures that exhibit programmable shape changes with temperature and time. Through addition of fiber-based fillers, we demonstrate printing of electrically conductive SMPs where multiple shape states may induce functional changes in a device and that shape changes can be actuated via heating of printed composites. The ability of SMPs to recover their original shapes will be advantageous for a broad range of applications, including medical, aerospace, and robotic devices.
Flipping Out Over Online Library Instruction: A Case Study in Faculty-Librarian Collaboration

ABSTRACTThis case study both shines a light on the flipped classroom paradigm and exemplifies successful faculty-librarian collaboration. The co-authors leveraged an existing collegial relationship into a productive partnership to create a multi-faceted flipped classroom module. The module, developed over the course of three and a half years, was designed to address reported student difficulty using the online library for graduate research. The case study also examines the special needs of online learners and adult/non-traditional students in graduate programs, and addresses research support for the various types of instructional materials described.
Maskable associative memory design for VLSI pattern inspection

High-speed pattern matching systems are required in many applications, especially in the area of pattern recognition. The associative memory is an ideal pattern matching unit because of its parallel matching capability. Furthermore, the advances in VLSI technology have made it possible to fabricate the high-speed associative memory in an integrated circuit. This paper describes a maskable associative memory design for implementing a VLSI pattern inspection system.
Conditionally Linear and Non-Gaussian Processes

A new theory and corresponding methodology is evolving for certain classes of nonlinear non-Gaussian signal processing. This research considers particular statistical model structures such as conditionally linear or bilinear. Some non-Gaussian distributions, which arise in underwater acoustical signal processing, are included, as are others. The results are based on rigorous developments related to, but not limited to, bilinear and conditionally Gaussian processes. Parameter or state estimation (e.g., acoustic source location) are studied as well as preliminary results in information transmission and coding.
Patient Transfer, En Route Care, and Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT)

The effective movement of casualties through increasingly capable levels of care is a hallmark of the modern combat casualty care system. In contemporary military operations, surgical capabilities are positioned as far forward as possible in order to provide lifesaving trauma resuscitations and urgent operative hemorrhage control. While surgeons are generally not deployed as en route care providers, surgical judgment in the planning for and execution of patient transfers is paramount for patient safety and mission success. Transport is an extremely dangerous process for a critically injured casualty, and a heroic surgical save can be quickly negated by simple, unanticipated problems arising during transport. The three distinct categories of patient movement occurring in the operational environment are described in this chapter, CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), MEDEVAC (medical evacuation), and AE (aeromedical evacuation).
Risk and reliability evaluation of gas connector systems using fuzzy theory and expert elicitation

Gas connectors are installed in almost every home in the United States and around the world. The reliability of these connectors is quintessential in protecting people, property and the environment...
Conventional Test Methods

With shrinking sizes of devices and increasing chip densities, circuits have become so fast, compact, and inaccessible that the use of conventional methods based on mechanical probe has become limited and inadequate. The conventional test methods or the mechanical probe techniques used for functional and internal fault testing face increasingly difficult challenges. This chapter discusses these limitations of conventional methods and highlights the importance of alternative probing solutions to address the upcoming challenges.
A remark on the number field analogue of Waring's constant

Let K be a number field, and let k be an integer with k≥2. Let O≥0 be the collection of totally nonnegative integers in K (i.e., the totally positive integers together with zero). We let g(k,K) denote the smallest positive integer with the following property: Every element of O≥0 that is a sum of kth powers of elements of O≥0 is the sum of g such kth powers. Work of Siegel in the 1940s shows that g(k,K) is well‐defined for all k and K. In this note, we prove that g(k,K) cannot be bounded by a function of k alone: For each k≥2, supKg(k,K)=∞.
Health behaviors among unaffected participants following receipt of variants of uncertain significance in cardiomyopathy-associated genes

Studies on returning variants of uncertain significance (VUS) results have predominantly included patients with a personal or family history of cancer and cancer-associated gene VUS. This study examined health behaviors among participants with cardiomyopathy-associated gene VUS, but without a personal history of cardiomyopathy. Sixty-eight eligible participants without apparent cardiomyopathy but with VUS in cardiomyopathy-associated genes completed a survey of health behaviors, disclosure, distress, uncertainty, positive experiences, decisional conflict, and perceived value. The medical records of participants who reported cardiac testing because of their VUS were reviewed for testing indication(s). Two participants had cardiac testing due to their VUS alone. Four had cardiac testing because of their VUS and other clinical indications. Twelve changed health behaviors, including one participant who was subsequently diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Distress, uncertainty, and decisional conflict were low (means = 1.2, 4.2, and 24.5 (scale ranges = 0–30, 0–45, and 15–75), respectively), and positive experiences and perceived value were moderate (means = 12.4 and 14.4 (scale ranges = 0–20 and 4–20), respectively). Greater perceived value was associated with greater likelihood to engage in health behaviors (P = 0.04). Positive VUS results can be returned to apparently unaffected individuals with modest use of healthcare resources, minimal behavioral changes, and favorable psychological reactions.
The mythical man-month (anniversary ed.)

Few books on software project management have been as influential and timeless as The Mythical Man-Month. With a blend of software engineering facts and thought-provoking opinions, Fred Brooks offers insight for anyone managing complex projects. These essays draw from his experience as project manager for the IBM System/360 computer family and then for OS/360, its massive software system. Now, 20 years after the initial publication of his book, Brooks has revisited his original ideas and added new thoughts and advice, both for readers already familiar with his work and for readers discovering it for the first time.The added chapters contain (1) a crisp condensation of all the propositions asserted in the original book, including Brooks' central argument in The Mythical Man-Month: that large programming projects suffer management problems different from small ones due to the division of labor; that the conceptual integrity of the product is therefore critical; and that it is difficult but possible to achieve this unity; (2) Brooks' view of these propositions a generation later; (3) a reprint of his classic 1986 paper "No Silver Bullet"; and (4) today's thoughts on the 1986 assertion, "There will be no silver bullet within ten years." 0201835959B04262002
Custody decisions in Alabama before and after the abolition of the tender years doctrine

This study investigated the impact of the abolition of the tender years doctrine on custody decisions in divorce cases. This doctrine supported the presumption that the mother is the more suitable parent for young children. In March of 1981, the Supreme Court of the State of Alabama found this doctrine to be unconstitutional. To assess the hypothesis that this ruling had a significant effect on custodyrelated decisions, a sample of court records for divorce cases in an Alabama county was examined as representative of the state on a number of key variables. Overall, no significant differences were found on indicator variables for the comparisons before and after the ruling. There was neither an increase in custody grants to fathers nor an increase in custody requests by fathers.
Conformational regulation of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase V by RecA and ATP

Mutagenic translesion DNA polymerase V (UmuD'2C) is induced as part of the DNA damage-induced SOS response in Escherichia coli, and is subjected to multiple levels of regulation. The UmuC subunit is sequestered on the cell membrane (spatial regulation) and enters the cytosol after forming a UmuD'2C complex, ~ 45 min post-SOS induction (temporal regulation). However, DNA binding and synthesis cannot occur until pol V interacts with a RecA nucleoprotein filament (RecA*) and ATP to form a mutasome complex, pol V Mut = UmuD'2C-RecA-ATP. The location of RecA relative to UmuC determines whether pol V Mut is catalytically on or off (conformational regulation). Here, we present three interrelated experiments to address the biochemical basis of conformational regulation. We first investigate dynamic deactivation during DNA synthesis and static deactivation in the absence of DNA synthesis. Single-molecule (sm) TIRF-FRET microscopy is then used to explore multiple aspects of pol V Mut dynamics. Binding of ATP/ATPγS triggers a conformational switch that reorients RecA relative to UmuC to activate pol V Mut. This process is required for polymerase-DNA binding and synthesis. Both dynamic and static deactivation processes are governed by temperature and time, in which on → off switching is "rapid" at 37°C (~ 1 to 1.5 h), "slow" at 30°C (~ 3 to 4 h) and does not require ATP hydrolysis. Pol V Mut retains RecA in activated and deactivated states, but binding to primer-template (p/t) DNA occurs only when activated. Studies are performed with two forms of the polymerase, pol V Mut-RecA wt, and the constitutively induced and hypermutagenic pol V Mut-RecA E38K/ΔC17. We discuss conformational regulation of pol V Mut, determined from biochemical analysis in vitro, in relation to the properties of pol V Mut in RecA wild-type and SOS constitutive genetic backgrounds in vivo.
Abstract P426: Association Between Neighborhood Characteristics, Personal Resilience, and Arterial Stiffness Among Blacks: Results From the Morehouse-Emory Cardiovascular (MECA) Center for Health Equity

Introduction: Arterial stiffness is associated with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and adverse cardiovascular events. While inter-racial differences in arterial stiffness have been reported, fact...
Overview of Testing Platform for Development of Integrated Robotic Systems at NIST

Technology standards facilitate the transparency in market and supply of good quality products by manufacturers. Standards make it possible to reduce cost by mass productions, and enhance system adaptabilities by integrating system modules with standardized interfaces. International standards on industrial robots (ISO-9283) were developed in 1998; due to every-increasing applications of robots in complex systems, there is a need to advance existing standards on robots for a broader scope of system components and system integration. This paper focuses on the introduction of the endeavors by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), recent progresses on the standardized tests of robotic systems and components are overviewed. The purpose of the presented work is to discuss the limitations of existing works and clarify the trend of technology standardization in industrial robotic systems.
Bacterial and fungal endophyte communities differ in trees of natural versus wastewater-treatment wetlands

Little is known about the microbiota that form symbioses with wetland plants. We describe how endophytes from leaves and roots of baldcypress trees changed along a nutrient gradient and differed in wastewater treated versus untreated wetlands. Cultured bacterial and fungal endophytes were most abundant and diverse in baldcypress roots (compared to leaves) for both treated and untreated wetlands. Bacterial endophyte abundance increased with increasing distance from the wastewater outfall pipe, while fungal endophytes decreased with increasing distance from the wastewater outfall pipe—showing a greater abundance of fungi where nutrients were greatest. Bacterial endophyte abundance and species richness were greater in the wastewater-treatment compared to untreated wetlands, but diversity metrics suggested this was due to incomplete sampling at some sites. Community composition of endophytes in the treated wetland differed from some but not all of the communities observed in untreated wetlands. Since baldcypress is a key restoration species for declining swamps in the southeastern US, our descriptive work provides a foundation for future studies to understand the functional roles of plant-microbial interactions and community patterns.
A review of popular smartphone apps for depression and anxiety: Assessing the inclusion of evidence-based content.

Abstract Smartphone applications for the treatment of depression and anxiety have acquired millions of users, yet little is known about whether they include evidence-based therapeutic content. We examined the extent to which popular mental health applications (MH apps) for depression and anxiety contain treatment elements found in empirically supported psychotherapy protocols (i.e., “common elements”). Of the 27 MH apps reviewed, 23 included at least one common element, with a median of three elements. Psychoeducation (in 52% of apps), relaxation (44%), meditation (41%), mindfulness (37%), and assessment (37%) were the most frequent elements, whereas several elements (e.g., problem solving) were not found in any apps. We also identified gaps between app content and empirically supported treatments. Cognitive restructuring was more common in depression protocols than in depression apps (75% of protocols vs. 31% of apps), as was problem solving (34% vs. 0%). For anxiety, exposure (85%, 12%), cognitive restructuring (60%, 12%), and problem solving (25%, 0%) were more common in protocols than apps. Overall, our findings highlight empirically supported treatment elements that are poorly represented in current MH apps. The absence of several core treatment elements underscores the need for future research, including randomized trials testing the effectiveness of popular MH apps.
Imaging of surface plasmon polaritons in low-loss highly metallic titanium nitride thin films in visible and infrared regimes

Titanium nitride (TiN) has been identified as a promising refractory material for high temperature plasmonic applications such as surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) waveguides, lasers and light sources, and near field optics. Such SPPs are sensitive not only to the highly metallic nature of the TiN, but also to its low loss. We have formed highly metallic, low-loss TiN thin films on MgO substrates to create SPPs with resonances between 775-825 nm. Scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) allowed imaging of the SPP fringes, the accurate determination of the effective wavelength of the SPP modes, and propagation lengths greater than 10 microns. Further, we show the engineering of the band structure of the plasmonic modes in TiN in the mid-IR regime and experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, the ability of TiN to support Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons in the mid-IR (6 microns wavelength).
Mendelian randomization analysis to characterize causal association between coronary artery disease and COVID-19

Observational studies have suggested that having coronary artery disease increases the risk of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility and severity, but it remains unclear if this association is causal. Inferring causation is critical to facilitate the development of appropriate policies and/or individual decisions to reduce the incidence and burden of COVID-19. We applied Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis and found that genetically predicted CAD was significantly associated with higher risk of COVID-19: the odds ratio was 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.49; P = 0.001) per unit higher log odds of having CAD.
Discrete element modeling for continuous powder feeding operation: Calibration and system analysis

Abstract Research emphases on extensive experimental studies and modeling efforts have been on the rise for the development of accurate predictive models of pharmaceutical unit operations and ‘digital-twin’ framework for continuous manufacturing lines. These exhaustive studies have been conducted at different process conditions to acquire comprehensive knowledge of effects of process parameters on the overall process dynamics. However, there still lacks a detailed understanding of material property effects of pharmaceutical powders on process operation. To address this issue, a discrete element modeling (DEM) approach combined with material calibration is applied for simulation of feeder unit to obtain particle-level insight into effects of material properties on feeder performance with focus on particle flow and powder mixing within the feeder unit. Bulk calibration is implemented to accurately represent powder material properties within the DEM framework. Different refill situations are simulated using DEM to observe powder mixing, measured at the outlet. Feeder DEM simulations are further applied to understand correlations of material properties on feeder operation. These studies provide a detailed physical insight and particle-scale information into the powder mechanics during powder feeding operation.
Is Physical Activity Associated With Physical Performance in Adults With Intellectual Disability

Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior may contribute to physical function in adults with intellectual disability (ID). This study examined whether objectively measured PA and sedentary behavior levels are associated with physical performance in adults with ID. Fifty-eight adults with ID (29 women and 29 men, age 44 ± 14 years) underwent a measurement of physical performance with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and PA and sedentary time using a hip-worn accelerometer (wGT3X-BT; ActiGraph, Pensacola, FL). Moderate PA and age were significantly associated with the SPPB score (r = .39 and .34, respectively; p < .01). A hierarchical-regression model with moderate PA and age as independent variables indicated that moderate PA was a significant predictor of SPPB (p < .001; R2 = .153), but age was not (p = .123; R2 change = .036). Overall, moderate PA was significantly associated with the SPPB score, even after accounting for age, in adults with ID.
A role for terpenoid cyclization in the atom economical polymerization of terpenoids with sulfur to yield durable composites

Renewably-sourced, recyclable materials that can replace or extend the service life of existing technologies are essential to accomplish humanity's quest for sustainable living. In this contribution, remeltable composites were prepared in a highly atom-economical reaction between plant-derived terpenoid alcohols (10 wt% citronellol, geraniol, or farnesol) and elemental sulfur (90 wt%). Investigation into the microstructures led to elucidation of a mechanism for terpenoid polyene cyclization initiated by sulfur-centered radicals. The formation of these cyclic structures contributes significantly to understanding the mechanical properties of the materials and the extent to which linear versus crosslinked network materials are formed. The terpenoid–sulfur composites can be thermally processed at low temperatures of 120 °C without loss of mechanical properties, and the farnesol–sulfur composite so processed exhibits compressive strength 70% higher than required of concrete for residential building. The terpenoid–sulfur composites also resist degradation by oxidizing acid under conditions that disintegrate many commercial composites and cements. In addition to being stronger and more chemically resistant than some commercial products, the terpenoid–sulfur composites can be used to improve the acid resistance of mineral-based Portland cement as well. These terpenoid–sulfur composites thus hold promise as elements of sustainable construction on their own or as additives to extend the operational life of existing technologies, while the cyclization behaviour could be an important contributor in other polymerizations of terpenoids.
Disproportionalities in Gifted and Talented Education Enrollment Rates: An Analysis of the U.S. Civil Rights Data Collection Series.

Particular racial/ethnic and class groups remain underrepresented within gifted and talented education (GATE). However, students who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) or gifted and di...
The Use of MMR and Diversity-Based Reranking for Reodering Documents and Producing Summaries

This paper presents a method for combining query-relevance with information-novelty in the context of text retrieval and summarization. The Maximal Marginal Relevance (MMR) criterion strives to reduce redundancy while maintaining query relevance in re-ranking retrieved documents and in selecting appropriate passages for text summarization. Preliminary results indicate some benefits for MMR diversity ranking in document retrieval and in single document summarization. The latter are borne out by the recent results of the SUMMAC conference in the evaluation of summarization systems. However, the clearest advantage is demonstrated in constructing non-redundant multi-document summaries, where MMR results are clearly superior to non-MMR passage selection.
Regional Anaesthesia for Lower Extremity Amputation is Associated with Reduced Post-operative Complications Compared with General Anaesthesia

Objective Primary and secondary lower extremity amputation, performed for patients with lower extremity arterial disease, is associated with increased post-operative morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regional anaesthesia vs. general anaesthesia on post-operative pulmonary complications. Methods A retrospective analysis of 45 492 patients undergoing lower extremity amputation between 2005 and 2018 was conducted using data from the American College of Surgeons National Safety Quality Improvement Program database. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to assess differences in primary outcome of post-operative pulmonary complications (pneumonia or respiratory failure requiring re-intubation) within 48 hours and 30 days after surgery between patients receiving regional (RA) or general anaesthesia (GA). Secondary outcomes included post-operative blood transfusion, septic shock, re-operation, and post-operative death within 30 days. Results Of 45 492 patients, 40 026 (88.0%) received GA and 5 466 (12.0%) RA. Patients who received GA had higher odds of developing pulmonary complications at 48 hours (2.1% vs. 1.4%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 – 1.78; p = .007) and within 30 days (6.3% vs. 5.9%; aOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09 – 1.78; p = .039). The odds of blood transfusions (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02 – 1.21; p = .017), septic shock (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03 – 1.60; p = .025) and re-operation (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03 – 1.53; p = .023) were also higher for patients who received GA vs. patients who received RA. No difference in mortality rate was observed between patients who received GA and those who received RA (5.7% vs. 7.1%; odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 – 1.07). Conclusion A statistically significant reduction in pulmonary complications was observed in patients who received RA for lower extremity amputation compared with GA.
Sustainability behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge: comparing university students and the general public

Sustainability science integrates many academic fields, requiring a broad understanding of diverse scientific concepts. Additionally, its focus on real-world issues means that researchers must also understand sustainability behaviors and attitudes. Research in this area, however, has primarily been conducted on university students with no demonstration of the generalizability of these findings. We compare the results from sustainability measures of behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge administered to a sample of university students (n = 1710) and the general public (n = 418). Independent t-tests revealed that university students reported significantly more sustainability behaviors, stronger attitudes, and greater knowledge than the general public sample. Demographic variables explained less variance in our outcome variables among the general public, suggesting that the factors that contribute to greater sustainability behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge differ between students and non-students. We suggest that sustainability scientists use caution when generalizing results obtained from university student samples.
Why Do M&A Advisors use Trailing Multiples? Accounting Reports as Arbiters of Value

We examine M&A advisors’ use of historical vs. forecasted performance measures in the valuation multiples they provide to directors and shareholders. Forward multiples are more relevant for valuation, and predominant in other valuation-advisory settings. But M&A advisors rarely use them. We seek to explain this choice. Building on DeAngelo (1990), we hypothesize and find that advisors are more likely to use historical measures in more contentious transactions, with higher perceived conflicts of interest and scrutiny. When control and valuation are contentious, they appeal to reported summary accounting measures as ‘arbiters’ for valuation. This use case for accounting has implications for frameworks in accounting research and standards
Safety Considerations in the Ground Environment

In the history of humankind, every great space adventure has begun on the ground. While this seems to be stating the obvious, mission and spacecraft designers who have overlooked this fact have paid a high price, either in loss or damage to the spacecraft pre-launch, or in mission failure or reduction. Spacecraft personnel may risk not only their flight hardware, but they may also risk their lives, their co-workers lives and even the general public by not heeding safety on the ground. Their eyes may be on the stars but their feet are on the ground! One additional comment: Although the design requirements are very different for human rated and nonhuman rated flight hardware, while on the ground that flight hardware (and its ground support equipment) doesn't care about what it is flying on. On the ground, additional requirements are often levied to protect the work force and general public. (Authors' Note: The source material for this chapter is primarily taken from the Kennedy Space Center Handbook (KHB) 1700.7/45 SW Handbook S-100 Space Shuttle Payload Ground Safety Handbook and the authors' personal experiences.
Self-Assessed Disability and Self-Rated Health Among Rural Villagers in Peru: A Brief Report

Context: Risks for poor self-rated overall health in rural areas of developing nations have not been thoroughly investigated. Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess potential risk factors for poor self-rated health among rural villagers in Peru. Methods: A door-to-door survey of villagers residing in the Pampas Grande region in Peru, which is in the Andes Mountains, yielded complete data for 337 adults. Findings: Adjusting for age and gender using multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that having self-reported disabilities was inversely and independently related to good self-rated health (OR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.26-0.88]). Joint pain also was related to self-rated health (OR 0.23 [95% CI, 0.13-0.41]). Conclusions: Increasing access to affordable, effective analgesics may reduce this disparity. Health agencies should consider these actions as possible planning priorities for the region.
Approaches to study neurogenesis in the zebrafish retina.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the approaches to study neurogenesis in the zebrafish retina. The chapter illustrates that, the zebrafish retina is simpler than the other regions of the central nervous system (CNS). Relative simplicity, rapid development, and accessibility to genetic analysis make the zebrafish retina an excellent model system for the study of neurogenesis in the vertebrate CNS. Furthermore, impressive progress has been made in the characterization of the zebrafish genome. Genetic screens for visual system defects continues in the future and progressively more sophisticated screening approaches will make it possible to detect a variety of subtle mutant phenotypes in retinal development. The remarkable evolutionary conservation of the vertebrate eye provides basis for the use of the zebrafish retina as a model of human disorders. Some of the genetic defects of the zebrafish retina indeed resemble human retinopathies. As new techniques are being introduced and improved at a rapid pace, the zebrafish continues to be an important organism for studies of the vertebrate visual system.
Hiroshima: The World's Bomb – By Andrew J. Rotter

In this volume, the author offers a synthetic history of the scientific, political, military, and diplomatic developments that culminated in the American use of nuclear weapons against Japan in Aug...
Measures of health status and quality of life in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Rheumatology Module 3.0, Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JAQQ), Paediatric Rheumatology Quality of Life Scale (PRQL), and Childhood Arthritis Health Profile (CAHP)

Pediatric researchers and clinicians increasingly recognize the importance of measuring the impact of childhood disease across many aspects of a child’s life. In this review, we describe four measures of health related quality of life (HRQOL) designed specifically for children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). HRQOL generally refers to how an individual feels about aspects of their life in relation to their health. The World Health Organization originally described HRQOL as minimally including: physical, mental, and social health dimensions.1 Subsequent HRQOL definitions, while varied, have incorporated the notion that individuals have an important and distinct viewpoint regarding their disease and the quality of their life.2 They have also often emphasized HRQOL’s subjective nature.2 These features present unique challenges when measuring HRQOL in children. Cognizant of these issues, we review the development and psychometric properties of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Rheumatology Module 3.0, the Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JAQQ), the Paediatric Rheumatology Quality of Life Scale (PRQL), and the Childhood Arthritis Health Profile (CAHP).
Studies on Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Tadpole Liver during Metamorphosis Induced by Thyroxine II. ANALYSIS OF RIBONUCLEIC ACID FRACTIONS

Abstract A method of preparing ribonucleic acid from tadpole liver has been described. It was found that tadpole liver RNA is unstable during the isolation procedure. Various factors, including temperature, the concentration of Mg++ in the homogenizing medium, and the presence of ribonuclease inhibitors, were found to be of importance in protecting RNA during its preparation. Three peaks with sedimentation coefficients of 29 S, 18 S, and 6 S were obtained by zonal sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The 6 S RNA was found in the purified ribosomes from mitochondrial and postmitochondrial fractions. The base ratios of 6 S RNA were different from those of the 18 S and 29 S fractions and the bulk RNA, showing in particular a low concentration of UMP. Some properties of RNase from tadpole liver have been described and discussed in relation to the base composition of 6 S RNA. The most rapidly labeled RNA appeared in the transfer RNA fraction when orotic-acid-14C was administered to untreated tadpoles. The RNA heavier than transfer RNA has the highest specific radioactivity 2 days after thyroxine treatment. The base composition of this RNA was analyzed with the use of 32Pi and found to be high in uridine 5'-phosphate (25 to 35%) in spite of the low value of the UMP in bulk RNA in this area. Rapidly labeled RNA which appears in the 6 to 10 S area has the properties of messenger RNA needed for induction of the enzymes in liver associated with metamorphosis.
Upward Mobility In Public Accounting: A Gender-Specific Student Perspective

This paper reports the results of a survey of 552 accounting majors from seven colleges and universities. Respondents were asked their opinions in four areas: general interest in entering public accounting, factors influencing progress toward partnership, expected overtime hours and the perceived importance of critical success factors and requisite capabilities necessary for ascendency to partnership. Given that approximately 50 percent of todays accounting graduates are female, the results were analyzed across gender to discern any significant differences. Among the most notable difference found was that females rated nine of the 11 critical success factors as more important than their male counterparts. The results should be of interest to educators. Although not bound by student perceptions, it is helpful to be aware of them. Where their expectations are unrealistic, educators can provide counsel and a clearer understanding of the requisite skills and capabilities necessary for success in public accounting.
Maximum likelihood training of subspaces for inverse covariance modeling

Speech recognition systems typically use mixtures of diagonal Gaussians to model the acoustics. Using Gaussians with a more general covariance structure can give improved performance; EM-LLT and SPAM models give improvements by restricting the inverse covariance to a linear/affine subspace spanned by rank one and full rank matrices respectively. We consider training these subspaces to maximize likelihood. For EMLLT ML training the subspace results in significant gains over the scheme proposed by Olsen and Gopinath (see Proceedings of ICASSP, 2002). For SPAM ML training of the subspace slightly improves performance over the method reported by Axelrod, Gopinath and Olsen (see Proceedings of ICSLP, 2002). For the same subspace size an EMLLT model is more efficient computationally than a SPAM model, while the SPAM model is more accurate. This paper proposes a hybrid method of structuring the inverse covariances that both has good accuracy and is computationally efficient.
Simplex method and groups generated by reflections

A detailed account of the simplex method applied to a class of polyhedra (called Coxeter complexes) is given. The specific geometric properties of these polyhedra enable their use as a ‘testing-ground’ for comparison of various linear programming algorithms. Applications to sorting problems are given.
T-Cell Immunity to Subclinical Cytomegalovirus Infection Reduces Cardiac Allograft Disease

Background— Asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication is frequent after cardiac transplantation in recipients with pretransplantation CMV infection. How subclinical viral replication influences cardiac allograft disease remains poorly understood, as does the importance of T-cell immunity in controlling such replication. Methods and Results— Thirty-nine cardiac recipients who were pretransplantation CMV antibody positive were longitudinally studied for circulating CMV-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses, CMV viral load in blood neutrophils, and allograft rejection during the first posttransplantation year. Nineteen of these recipients were also analyzed for changes of coronary artery intimal, lumen, and whole-vessel area. All recipients received early prophylactic therapy with ganciclovir. No recipients developed overt CMV disease. Those with detectable levels of CMV-specific CD4 T cells in the first month after transplantation were significantly protected from high mean and peak posttransplantation...
Marijuana and memory for feelings

Abstract 1. This experiment tested the hypothesis that marijuana intoxication results in an impaired memory for feeling states. 2. Marijuana intoxication during memory testing--that is, after the subjects had observed and recorded their feelings, decreased accuracy of memory for feelings of fatigue, as measured by the Profile on Mood States (POMS). 3. Marijuana given prior to the period of self-observation, impaired accuracy of memory for feelings as measured by several POMS scales.
Neutron Imaging Feasibility of Liquid Metal Coolant Behaviors Inside a High-Temperature Alloy Heat Pipe

Experimental study has been conducted for multiscale characterization of liquid metal (Na) transport within a heat pipe using a neutron imaging technique. Feasibility of nonintrusive imaging of liquid sodium contained inside a nickel alloy heat pipe has been examined for the imaging resolution, exposure time requirements, background noises, and other basic considerations associated with neutron beam scattering. Preliminary results of neutron imaging show fairly acceptable feasibility of neutron imaging of liquid sodium contained inside an alloy jacket. Furthermore, challenges are identified to enhance the spatial and thermal resolutions in order to achieve more physically demanding imaging of the liquid metal thermal transport behaviors.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A study of integration methods of aerial imagery and LIDAR data for a high level of automation in 3D building reconstruction

This paper describes integration methods to increase the level of automation in building reconstruction. Aerial imagery has been used as a major source in mapping fields and, in recent years, LIDAR data became popular as another type of mapping resources. Regarding to their performances, aerial imagery has abilities to delineate object boundaries but leaves many missing parts of boundaries during feature extraction. LIDAR data provide direct information about heights of object surfaces but have limitation for boundary localization. Efficient methods using complementary characteristics of two sensors are described to generate hypotheses of building boundaries and localize the object features. Tree structures for grid contours of LIDAR data are used for interpretation of contours. Buildings are recognized by analyzing the contour trees and modeled with surface patches with LIDAR data. Hypotheses of building models are generated as combination of wing models and verified by assessing the consistency between the corresponding data sets. Experiments using aerial imagery and laser data are presented. Our approach shows that the building boundaries are successfully recognized through our contour analysis approach and the inference from contours and our modeling method using wing model increase the level of automation in hypothesis generation/verification steps.