cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
cognac: rapid generation of concatenated gene alignments for phylogenetic inference from large whole genome sequencing datasets

The quantity of genomic data is expanding at an increasing rate. Tools for phylogenetic analysis which scale to the quantity of available data are required. We present cognac, a user-friendly software package to rapidly generate concatenated gene alignments for phylogenetic analysis. We applied this tool to generate core gene alignments for very large genomic datasets, including a dataset of over 11,000 genomes from the genus ​ Escherichia ​ containing 1,353 genes, which was constructed in less than 17 hours. We have released cognac as an R package (​ https://github.com/rdcrawford/cognac​ ) with customizable parameters for adaptation to diverse applications.
Novel Compound Heterozygous Pathogenic Variants in SUOX Cause Isolated Sulfite Oxidase Deficiency in a Chinese Han Family

Aim To explore the clinical imaging and laboratory and genetic characteristics of a newborn boy with isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD) in a Chinese mainland cohort. Methods Homocysteine and uric acid in plasma and cysteine and total homocysteine in the blood spot were assessed in a Chinese newborn patient with progressive encephalopathy, tonic seizures, abnormal muscle tone, and feeding difficulties. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing facilitated an accurate diagnosis. The pathogenicity predictions and conservation analysis of the identified mutations were conducted by bioinformatics tools. Results Low cysteine and total homocysteine were detected in the blood spot, while homocysteine and uric acid levels were normal in the plasma. S-sulfocysteine was abnormally elevated in urine, while cystine was normal. A follow-up examination revealed several progressive neuropathological findings. Also, intermittent convulsions and axial dystonia were observed. However, the coordination of sucking and swallowing was slightly improved. A novel paternal nonsense variant c.475G>T (p.Glu159*) and a maternal missense variant c.1201A>G (p.Lys401Glu) in SUOX were identified in this case by co-segregation verification. Conclusion This is the second report of early-onset ISOD case in a non-consanguineous Chinese mainland family. Combined with the clinical characteristics and biochemical indexes, we speculated that these two novel pathogenic variants of the SUOX gene underlie the cause of the disease in this patient. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and Sanger sequencing provided reliable basis for clinical and prenatal diagnoses of this family. It also enriched the mutation spectrum of the SUOX gene.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Viral Infections in the Transplant Population

Abstract Viral infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Due to their immunocompromised status, transplant recipients are at a higher risk for community-acquired and reactivated viral infections. Serologic screening prior to transplantation can assist with risk stratification of patients and guide decisions regarding the use of pre-emptive antiviral therapy. Following transplantation, molecular testing has become the most common method to detect viral infections, with histopathology of infected tissue often being required to confirm a diagnosis. Quantitative nucleic acid amplification tests have been the standard to detect and monitor viral infections in transplant patients; however, important challenges remain, including lack of standardization across many testing laboratories, limited availability of FDA-approved viral load assays, and the absence of universal viral load thresholds that can be used to diagnose disease and guide management decisions.
COVID-Datathon: Biomarker identification for COVID-19 severity based on BALF scRNA-seq data.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergence began in late 2019 and has since spread rapidly worldwide. The characteristics of respiratory immune response to this emerging virus is not clear. Recently, Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptome profiling of Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells has been done to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying in COVID-19. With the aim of better utilizing this atlas of BALF cells in response to the virus, here we propose a bioinformatics pipeline to identify candidate biomarkers of COVID-19 severity, which may help characterize BALF cells to have better mechanistic understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The proposed pipeline is implemented in R and is available at this https URL
Social Media Marketing in Luxury Retail

This study examines the potentials of social media marketing for luxury retailers. Social media marketing tactics of three luxury retail brands Barneys New York, Net-a-Porter.com, and Saks Fifth Avenue were examined across three major social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All posts by the three retailers' posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were recorded on over the course of a week. A content analysis revealed that different social media networks may be effectively used in different ways by luxury retailers. Facebook allows for the greatest connection with consumers all three retailers had the most followers on Facebook while Twitter allows for the largest volume of posts; consumer feedback was highest on Instagram. Overall, social media marketing proved an effective, low-cost tool for the three retailers, with payoff well justifying the effort. For example, all three retailers had over 1,200 shares and retweets on Facebook and Twitter.
Not Everyone Has (the) Balls: Urban Exploration and the Persistence of Masculinist Geography

In geographic scholarship, urban exploration (urbex) has been examined as an embodied practice with radical potential for re-appropriating urban spaces. However, geographic literature on urban exploration has largely ignored the particular qualities of the urban explorer as a subject and neglected feminist scholarship on embodiment and social difference. Based on our examination of both popular and academic treatments of urbex we identify a prevalent and largely unacknowledged culture of masculinism. We ask: Whose bodies explore? What counts as experience? What constitutes the exchange between body and place? And, with what effects? Addressing these questions permits considerations of exclusions and marginalizations left unaddressed in much geographic literature on urbex.
Applications of Hierarchical Verification in Model Checking

The LTL model checker that we use provides sound decomposition mechanisms within a purely model checking environment.We have exploited these mechanisms to successfully verify a wide spectrum of large and complex circuits. This paper describes a variety of the decomposition techniques that we have used as part of a large industrial formal verification effort on the Intel Pentium® 4 (Willamette) processor.
Base analysis of RNA: Implications for RNA analysis of effects of heating purines and pyrimidine nucleotides with 1 N HCl at 100° for one hour

Abstract Heating (a) adenine-8-14C, (b) guanine-8-14C, (c) UMP-2-14C, and (d) CMP-2-14C with 1 N HCl at 100° for 60 min, conditions normally employed to hydrolyze RNA for base analysis, yielded the following results: (a) 5% destruction of A, 2 5 of which could be accounted for as Hx, (b) G unaffected, recovery 100%, (c) 3% UMP disappearance, the major portion converted to UR, (d) 9% CMP disappearance, half of which could be isolated as derivatives—UMP and CR. Implications for RNA analysis are discussed.
Abstract T MP38: A Simple Bedside Grading Scale Can Predict Severe Post-Stroke Upper-Limb Spasticity

Background: Upper-limb spasticity is a disabling complication after stroke; however, there is no clinical standard grading scale to predict spasticity. This study aims to identify a bedside grading scale with the information collected during the acute stroke phase to predict upper-limb spasticity in the chronic phase. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 44 patients with first-ever acute ischemic strokes with various degrees of motor impairment. Modified Ashworth Spasticity Scale (MASS) was used as a clinical assessment tool for spasticity assessment with biceps, wrist and finger flexors at 90 days (± 14 days). The highest value was used and severe spasticity is defined as MASS>=3. NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is assessed between 2 to 5 days after stroke and 90 days (± 14 days) after stroke. Infarction volume was measured based on the lesion on MRI/DWI. Independent predictors of upper-limb spasticity at days were identified by logistic regression. A risk stratification scale was developed with weighting of independent predictors based on strength of association. Results: Factors independently associated with upper-limb spasticity are NIHSS Arm score at baseline (p =20 cc (1 point), <20cc (0 point). None of 12 patients with score of 0 (0%) and 9 out of 10 patients with score of 3 (90%) developed severe spasticity. The likelihood of developing severe upper-limb spasticity increases steadily with grading scale score. Conclusion: A simple bedside grading scale can predict severe post-stroke limb spasticity at 90 days. It needs validation with an external dataset. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Geometric quantization: Regular representations and modular algebras

A link is established between the geometric quantization programme and the decomposition theory of the regular representation of the Weyl group for homogeneous manifolds of constant curvature K ≤ 0.
Irregular sampling theory and scattered-center radial Gaussian networks

Several new theorems in network approximation theory indicate that the use of a regular lattice for the centers of a radial basis function expansion may be very conservative in certain situations. The need for a regular grid is relaxed in the present work by using irregular sampling theory to extend the Gaussian network construction procedure. In particular, it is shown that if the chosen sample points correspond to frequencies of complex exponentials which form a frame for a square integrable function defined on a compact neighborhood of the origin K/sub Delta / contained in/implied by R/sup d/, the ability of the resulting radial Gaussian network expansion to approximate functions bandlimited to K/sub Delta / can be quantified, and the individual contributions of each network parameter to the approximation identified. >
Phenolic Compounds of Barley Grain and Their Implication in Food Product Discoloration

Barley grains contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds that may play a major role in the discoloration of food products. Phenolic acid and proanthocyanidin (PA) composition of 11 barley ge...
Circulation, Diffusion and Frontal Dynamics in the Coastal Zone

Abstract A status report on coastal boundary layer research in the Great Lakes is given. The “first order” or longshore flow is now understood in terms of the conceptual models of coastal jets, Kelvin waves and topographic waves. Secondary flow perpendicular to shore (“cross-flow” for short) is less well understood, although its understanding is crucial for a parametrization of the mass exchange between coastal zone and midlake. Various contributions to cross-flow are discussed and their importance in the mass exchange process estimated.
An Economic History of Sweden . By Lars Magnusson. London: Routledge, 2000. Pp. xvii, 305. $70.00.

This book is an English translation of the abridged edition of Professor Magnusson's grand survey of Swedish economic history. The latter has emerged as the standard introductory text on the subject within Sweden, and this book is likely finally to replace Eli Heckscher's venerable work of the same title (actually a translation of a “popular” work first published in 1957) as the Anglophone's introduction of choice to Swedish economic history. In exchange for later coverage and a more up-to-date approach, however, the reader will have to forego any discussion of the period before 1750. While Magnusson's Swedish text covers earlier centuries, this material was apparently deemed inessential for Anglo-Saxons. Unfortunately, there will also be some loss of reading pleasure. Although certainly competent and understandable, the present translation is excessively mechanical. The book's Swedish origin is apparent, without, however, preserving the smooth flow of Magnusson's prose. Nor is it up to the—admittedly very high—standard established by Goran Ohlin (with the active participation of Alexander Gerschenkron) with his translation of Heckscher.
Sustainable Interlibrary Loan Packaging

Sustainability is a growing issue in many academic libraries. This paper will evaluate the sustainability of the following interlibrary loan packaging materials: mailers, padded envelopes, corrugated boxes, and cohesive corrugated wrap.
Taxi Travel Should Be Subsidized

Abstract In a first-best environment, taxi travel should be subsidized. The result derives from economies of density—doubling trips and taxis reduces waiting time. The subsidy should cover the shadow cost of taxis' idle time, evaluated at the optimum. The paper provides a proof of the result for dispatch taxis and then discusses the practicality of its implementation.
Immunology: Stillbirth prevented by signal blockade.

Bacterial infections during pregnancy can cause fetal death. The identification of a cell-signalling pathway induced during infection that recruits dangerous immune cells to the placenta may open up avenues to prevent this.
Free-Radical Frontal Polymerization with a Microencapsulated Initiator: Characterization of Microcapsules and Their Effect on Pot Life, Front Velocity, and Mechanical Properties

In this study, microcapsules containing a cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) core were produced by interfacial polymerization and tested in a variety of free-radical frontal polymerization systems. It was observed that the microcapsules could be used successfully in number of systems, and comparisons were made with typical frontal polymerization systems. The effect of encapsulation of CHP on the pot life was tested in a variety of systems, and it was observed that systems containing microcapsules underwent a dramatic increase in pot life, from hours to weeks in certain systems and from a few days to several weeks in other systems. Polymer samples that were produced from 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) systems with and without microcapsules were tested for modulus and toughness. It was observed that the use of CHP microcapsules resulted in an increase in the modulus and toughness (up to 2×) of polymer samples.
MAP3S: An investigation of atmospheric, energy related pollutants in the Northeastern United States

Abstract The Multi-State Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) is a major new atmospheric research program of the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration. The goal of the MAP3S program is to develop and demonstrate an improved, verified capability to simulate the present and potential future changes in pollutant concentration, atmospheric behavior and precipitation chemistry as a result of pollutant releases to the atmosphere from large-scale power production processes, primarily coal combustion. A major motivation of this program is to be able to provide those agencies charged with the task of meeting the nation's energy needs with the knowledge required to assess alternative strategies for generating power while ensuring ample protection of human health and adequate preservation of the natural environment Since coal is the most abundant domestic fossil energy resource and since electric power production is a major and growing sector of our energy economy, this study focuses on the effects of emissions from coal fired electric power plants, particularly sulfur oxide emissions. The study domain is the high population, energy intensive northeastern quadrant of the United States. Research projects are underway to measure present sulfur oxide concentrations and composition, to assess the potential for long range transport to investigate transformation processes in plumes from point and urban sources, to sample precipitation chemistry and improve understanding of scavenging mechanisms and to develop numerical models that can simulate future air quality on sub-continental scales given patterns of anticipated combustion emissions.
Hepatic subcellular distribution of [3H]T-2 toxin

The subcellular distribution of T-2 mycotoxin and its metabolites was studied in isolated rat livers perfused with [3H]T-2 toxin. After a 120-min perfusion, the distribution of radiolabel was to bile 53%, perfusate 38% and liver 7%. Livers were fractionated into mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (smooth and rough), plasma membrane and nuclei. Plasma membrane fractions contained 38% of the radiolabel within 5 min, decreasing to less than 1% at the end of the 120-min perfusion. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum contained 27% of the radiolabel by 5 min and increased to 43% over the 120-min perfusion. The mitochondrial fraction contained 3% of the radiolabel by 30 min and increased to 10% after 120-min perfusion. Label in the nuclear fraction remained constant at 7% from 30 to 120 min. By 15 min, only the parent toxin was detected in the mitochondrial fraction. In the other fractions, radiolabel was associated with HT-2, 4-deacetylneosolaniol, T-2 tetraol, and glucuronide conjugates. Glucuronide conjugates accounted for radiolabel eliminated via the bile. The time course for distribution of radiolabel in liver suggested an immediate association of [3H]T-2 with plasma membranes and a subsequent association of toxin and metabolites with endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and nuclei, the known sites of action of this toxin.
The Influence of Antiobesity Media Content on Intention to Eat Healthily and Exercise: A Test of the Ordered Protection Motivation Theory

This study extended the ordered protection motivation framework to determine whether exposure and attention to antiobesity media content increases people's appraisals of threat and their ability to cope with it. It also assesses whether these cognitive processes, in turn, affected people's intention to abide by the practices recommended to prevent obesity. The results of a national online survey using a nonprobability sample indicate that attention to mediated obesity and related information significantly increased people's intention to exercise as well as their overall coping appraisals (the perceived effectiveness of the recommended behaviors and their ability to perform them). Likewise, increased threat and coping appraisals were both found to significantly influence people's intention to exercise and diet. Coping (rather than threat) appraisals more strongly predicted behavioral intent. Following the attitude-behavior literature, behavioral intention was used as the most proximate predictor of actual behavior (i.e., stronger intentions increase the likelihood of behavior change).
Following mitochondrial footprints through a long mucosal path to lung cancer.

Background Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are reported in different tumors. However, there is no information on the temporal development of the mtDNA mutations/content alteration and their extent in normal and abnormal mucosa continuously exposed to tobacco smoke in lung cancer patients. Methodology We examined the pattern of mtDNA alteration (mtDNA mutation and content index) in 25 airway mucosal biopsies, corresponding tumors and normal lymph nodes obtained from three patients with primary lung cancers. In addition, we examined the pattern of mtDNA mutation in corresponding tumors and normal lymph nodes obtained from eight other patients with primary lung cancers. The entire 16.5 kb mitochondrial genome was sequenced on Affymetrix Mitochip v2.0 sequencing platform in every sample. To examine mtDNA content index, we performed real-time PCR analysis. Principal Findings The airway mucosal biopsies obtained from three lung cancer patients were histopathologically negative but exhibited multiple clonal mtDNA mutations detectable in the corresponding tumors. One of the patients was operated twice for the removal of tumor from the right upper and left lower lobe respectively within a span of two years. Both of these tumors exhibited twenty identical mtDNA mutations. MtDNA content increased significantly (P<0.001) in the lung cancer and all the histologically negative mucosal biopsies except one compared to the control lymph node. Conclusions/Significance: Our results document the extent of massive clonal patches that develop in lifetime smokers and ultimately give rise to clinically significant cancers. These observations shed light on the extent of disease in the airway of smokers traceable through mtDNA mutation. MtDNA mutation could be a reliable tool for molecular assessment of respiratory epithelium exposed to continuous smoke as well as disease detection and monitoring. Functional analysis of the pathogenic mtDNA mutations may be useful to understand their role in lung tumorigenesis.
Research Note: The Economic Attractiveness of Runners: Are They ‘Healthy’ Tourists?

This research note takes a brief empirical look at the expenditure patterns and tourist behaviours of road-race tourists to Charleston, South Carolina during the city�s annual Cooper River Bridge Run, which last year attracted more than 45,000 participants. The findings suggest that runners/walkers are less than ideal tourists for the community. The note concludes with suggestions to tourism officials in other communities that may be considering the addition of a road race to their annual events calendar.
Detection of resin acid compounds in airborne particulate generated from rosin used as a soldering flux

Various uses of rosin and exposure to its resin acid constituents have been associated with dermal and pulmonary sensitization. Methodology is presented to detect resin acids common to rosin (such as abietic and dehydroabietic acid) found in aerosol from heated rosin flux. Air filtration, solvent filter extraction, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were used to provide qualitative and quantitative information on the resin acid content of aerosol produced during soldering with rosin flux. Abietic acid and dehydroabietic acid were identified and quantified in aerosol derived from heated rosin flux, in samples collected in the field and in laboratory generated samples. Other resin acids (including several apparently oxidized resin acids) were detected, but not quantified. Laboratory mass balance experiments using soldering temperatures and liquid rosin flux showed that much of the nonvolatile material originally present in unheated flux may be captured on a sampling filter following heating and aeroso...
Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Breast Cancer

AbstractMost treatment decisions for breast cancer patients are based on an assessment of prognostic and predictive factors. The traditional staging variables (tumor size, axillary nodal status, and distant metastasis) remain the most important and powerful prognostic factors. Estrogen and progesterone receptor status as assessed by biochemical ligand binding assays are the only predictive factors recommended for routine clinical use. However, most laboratories today are evaluating hormone receptors, and often many other factors (eg, Ki67, c-erbB-2, p53, angiogenesis, micrometastasis), almost exclusively by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on fixed archival tissue. None of these tests currently meets the guidelines for prognostic and predictive factors agreed upon by expert panels of pathologists and oncologists. Although many studies suggest that these factors as assessed by IHC may indeed be helpful in making treatment decisions, overall their clinical utility is still controversial and there are important un...
Interactions between Twist and other core epithelial–mesenchymal transition factors are controlled by GSK3-mediated phosphorylation

Twist is an epithelial–mesenchymal transition regulatory factor that is implicated in neural crest development and cancer. Lander and colleagues show that Twist interacts with Snail proteins to inhibit their function, and that this interaction is regulated by phosphorylation of the Twist C terminus.
Gallium Containing Glass Polyalkenoate Bone Cements: Ion Release and E. coli Inhibition

The Glass Polyalkenoate Cement (GPC) series (LCon., LGa-1 and LGa-2) containing gallium (Ga) and a 50 wt% addition of E11 polyacrylic acid (PAA), previously developed, was evaluated for ion release, specifically Si, Ca, Zn and Ga, and E. coli inhibition. The maximum inhibition was observed in the t = 0 samples and was 0.35 mm for LCon. and 0.65 mm for LGa-1 and LGa-2.
The New York Times' construction of the post-cold war Russia: More "false endings"

A discourse analysis of the New York Times' coverage of the Russian Parliament crisis of 1993 and the failed Soviet coup of 1991 shows that the construction of the post- Cold War Russia has not changed much from that of the Soviet Union during the Cold-War era. Through linguistic choices, these events were presented as rivalry between hard-core communists and reformers, and between state-controlled and free market economy.
A methodology for forming manufacturing cells using manufacturing and design attributes

Abstract This study develops a methodology for forming machine cells using part's design and manufacturing dissimilarities. The proposed methodology is divided into two sequential phases. In phase I parts are grouped into families based upon their design and manufacturing attributes. In phase II, the machines are grouped into manufacturing cells based on relevant operational costs and the various cells are assigned part families using an optimization technique.
Determination of choline, picrate, dodecyl sulfate, and several quaternary ammonium salts on an electrified liquid/liquid microinterface

Abstract The current-potential response of a very small interface formed between two immiscible solutions of electrolytes is examined. The diameter of the contact area between two solvents is 50 to ~300 μm. Ion transport across the nitrobenzene-water interface is studied by addition of semihydrophobic ion probes, such as tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, picrate, choline, and dodecyl sulfate to either the aqueous or the nonaqueous phase. The voltammetric behavior observed with the microinterface generally resembles that of a solid microelectrode of a similar radius. With decreasing interface area, the contribution of the IR drop becomes unimportant. This phenomenon permits voltammetric measurements without using a potentiostat, and solvent resistance is a lesser problem. Gel-solidified interfaces can also be used as potentiometric probes.
Coupled Petri nets for computer network risk analysis

This paper presents a framework for quantifying the risk induced by the potential for cyber attacks levied against network-supported operations. It also permits a formal assessment of candidate risk management policies that address network host vulnerabilities and host-process coupling. The framework incorporates a novel application of Petri net state coverability analysis coupled with process failure mode analysis. It extends previous work on Petri nets for attack analysis in three ways: (i) new metrics that quantify risk as a function of Petri net state and techniques for evaluating the metrics based on the minimal coverability set of a Petri net; (ii) a new method for coupling a Petri net representation of a computer network attack to a process failure modes model; and (iii) a new method for identifying high-value risk management opportunities. The paper concludes by presenting an application of the analysis techniques to evaluate risk in process control networks.
Mechanisms of microbial traversal of the blood–brain barrier

Central nervous system (CNS) infections continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Microbial invasion and traversal of the blood-brain barrier is a prerequisite for CNS infections. Pathogens can cross the blood-brain barrier transcellularly, paracellularly and/or in infected phagocytes (the so-called Trojan-horse mechanism). Consequently, pathogens can cause blood-brain barrier dysfunction, including increased permeability, pleocytosis and encephalopathy. A more complete understanding of the microbial-host interactions that are involved in microbial traversal of the blood-brain barrier and the associated barrier dysfunction should help to develop new strategies to prevent CNS infections.
A Prototype Matching Approach to Understanding the Role of Applicant Gender and Age in the Evaluation of Job Applicants1

This research uses a prototype matching approach to understand how job applicant evaluations are made and the role that applicant gender and age play in these evaluations. It is hypothesized that raters represent information about jobs and jobholders in person-in-job prototypes. Raters evaluate applicants by matching information about applicants to the person-in-job prototype associated with the job for which the applicant is applying. Person-in-job prototypes are comprised of features that are more (i.e., central) or less (i.e., peripheral) strongly associated with the prototype. Three laboratory studies examined several hypotheses derived from a prototype matching approach. Results indicated that applicants who matched on more central features were evaluated more favorably than applicants who matched on fewer central features of person-in-job prototypes. In addition, applicants who matched on age were evaluated more favorably than applicants who did not match on age when age was a central but not a peripheral feature of a person-in-job prototype. However, applicants who matched on gender were not evaluated differently from applicants who did not match on gender when gender was a central or a peripheral feature of a person-in-job prototype. Finally, there was some evidence that raters used applicant gender in a complex manner when evaluating applicants. Implications for theory and research on bias in selection are discussed.
Post-graduate educational requirements and entry into the CPA profession

Forty-one states require educational requirements for CPA licensure to include 30 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. This study, using state-level panel data of CPA examination pass rates, examines two hypothesized effects of this requirement: one, it improves the quality of new CPAs, and two, it restricts entry into the profession reducing the supply of potential CPAs. Empirical findings reveal that raising minimum educational requirements increases the success rate of first-time CPA exam takers, leading to improved entrant quality. However, increased success rates are associated with significant declines in the number of exam takers and, hence, reduced supply.
A national police survey on the use of juvenile curfews

Advocates of juvenile curfews claim that they are useful for both minimizing victimization of young people, as well as a tool to aid in the deterrence of offenses by youthful offenders. Opponents claim that curfews have only interim, short-term effects on youth misconduct and violate the civil rights of young people. This research note reports initial data from a national survey of police agencies to determine the extent of curfew use and its perceived effects. The study found that most jurisdictions with curfews had the ordinances in effect for several years. In the vast majority of cases, they felt that curfew was an effective tool to control vandalism, graffiti, nighttime burglary, and auto theft. Those jurisdictions that did not have curfews typically reported that the nonexistence of a curfew was largely a result of political reasons, even if the police supported such an ordinance.
The use of multivariate regression analysis in contrast‐detail studies of CT scanners

Previous studies of the imaging performance of computed tomography(CT) scanners, and other imaging modalities, have failed to apply appropriate statistical methods to data analysis, thus impairing the accuracy and significance of results. Given that imaging performance involves a number of interrelated variables and an element of randomness, its empirical assessment requires multivariate regression analysis. This method is used here to analyze anew a set of contrast‐detail data from a previous study on CT scanners. The main issues considered are the specification of the proper functional form linking perceptibility, dose and contrast, the estimation of the contrast and dose coefficients, and of scanner‐specific constants to be used in computing indices of imaging quality. One of the main empirical findings is that the dose coefficient of the CT scanners studied is significantly less than that predicted by the theoretical model: 1/5 instead of 1/3. This result suggests that actual dose used in routine clinical studies could be reduced substantially without impairing much the quality of the images. On the other hand, the coefficient of contrast does correspond to its predicted value, i.e., 2/3. The methodology used here is not limited to the contrast‐detail framework, but is applicable to, and indeed essential in, empirical studies of the performance of any imaging modality.
How MHC class II molecules work: peptide-dependent completion of protein folding

It is now clear that peptides play a key role in stabilizing the structure of MHC class II molecules. Here, Scheherazade Sadegh-Nasseri and Ron Germain propose that newly synthesized MHC class II, and indeed class I, molecules behave like partially folded proteins, with peptides acting as a surrogate portion of the MHC polypeptide structure that is necessary for completion of conformational maturation.
The spatial influence of aboveground diversity on belowground communities

Little is known about the effect of diversity surrounding a focal plant species on the belowground community under that species. At least two alternative hypotheses exist. First, studies involving a range of ecosystems and taxonomic groups have shown that changes in diversity in one group of species can promote diversity in other groups. Alternatively, many studies in soil ecology have shown that belowground communities are strongly determined by the dominant aboveground species. To better understand the role of aboveground diversity on belowground communities, we examined soil nematode communities directly under Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in areas of high and low surrounding plant diversity. We found that soil nematode diversity under switchgrass in areas of high plant diversity (native prairies) was not significantly different from soil nematode diversity under switchgrass in areas of extremely low plant diversity (switchgrass monocultures), indicating that an agricultural monoculture can maintain high levels of belowground diversity on a plant scale. However, reduced plant diversity surrounding focal switchgrass plants resulted in a compositional shift in the belowground community toward fewer herbivorous nematodes. This evidence for the influence of surrounding diversity on belowground communities under a focal plant species is a major shift in perspective from the conventional view on belowground community ecology. Furthermore, the work has broad implications for ecological perspectives on agricultural systems.
Optical reflectance technique for observations of submonolayer adsorbed films

An optical technique is described for detecting and measuring thicknesses of adsorbed films with subangstrom sensitivity. The technique relies on optical interference from an antireflecting thin-film structure that is predeposited on a transparent cell window: the reflectivity of the window depends linearly on the thickness of the molecular layer adsorbed from the gas in the cell.
Aspiration of coronary thrombus during angioplasty for postmyocardial infarction ischemia

We report the use of direct coronary aspiration to remove obstructing thrombus from a proximal right coronary artery after failure of balloon angioplasty to resolve the thrombus responsible for postmyocardial infarction ischemia. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Utilization of solid-phase microextraction-high-performance liquid chromatography in the determination of aromatic analyte partitioning to imidazolium-based ionic liquid micelles.

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME)–high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach is used, for the first time, to study the partitioning behavior of eight aromatic analytes to three imidazolium-based ionic liquid micelles, namely, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (HDMIm-Br), 1-hexadecyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide (HDBIm-Br), and 1,3-didodecylimidazolium bromide (DDDDIm-Br). The model used to calculate the partition coefficients is improved by determining the accurate critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of the studied IL-micelles, which considers the nature and amount of organic modifier used in the experiments. Proper CMC values in the model improve the quality of the results and decrease the differences between theoretical and experimental intercepts. Surface tensiometry has been utilized to determine the CMC values for the micelles at different acetonitrile contents (1% and 1.5%, v/v). The calculated partition coefficient values for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) oscillate between 631 and 5980, whereas aromatic analytes with a lower number of fused rings in their structures suffer non-partitioning to any of the IL-micelles. The obtained partition coefficients to IL-micelles were highest with the DDDDIm-Br IL and were always higher than those obtained with the traditional surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB).
The Four Places That Belong to the Lord (Jubilees 4.26)

This article argues that the original name for the mountain on which Enoch made his offering in Eden was the mountain of incense (Jub. 4.25) and that it and the first mountain in 4.26 (the mountain of Eden/Paradise) are the same mountain. The second mountain in 4.26, the mountain of the east, is Mt Lubar where the ark landed at the end of the flood and where Noah lived until his death. All four mountains in 4.26 are places where God had or would specially reveal himself to chosen individuals and for that reason were holy to the Lord.
Emotional and behavioral sequelae of childhood maltreatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize research on the emotional and behavioral consequences of childhood maltreatment published between January 2009 and April 2010. RECENT FINDINGS: Many studies published during this time frame replicated prior research studies that have shown that childhood maltreatment is a nonspecific risk factor for a range of different emotional and behavioral problems. Two research groups highlighted the high revictimization rate among abused girls, with more than one in five abused girls found to have subsequent experiences of rape by young adulthood. The association between physical and sexual abuse and subsequent perpetration of violence toward self and other was also demonstrated, with one study noting the particular vulnerability of sexually abused boys to these negative outcomes. In this study, sexually abused boys had a 15-fold increased risk of making a suicide attempt, and a 45-fold increased risk of perpetrating domestic violence. A three-generation longitudinal study of the intergenerational transmission of abuse is also highlighted in the review, together with emerging findings on genetic and environmental risk and protective factors associated with variability in child outcomes. SUMMARY: Maltreated children are at-risk for a host of negative outcomes. Although marked gains have been made in treating trauma-related psychopathology, these recent studies highlight the need to examine long-term outcomes of youths who have received state-of-the-art evidence-based interventions, and determine if there is a need for more comprehensive and sustained intervention approaches. Language: en
Multidimensional scaling: a brief overview.

>Background: Multidimensional scaling (MDS) is an exploratory technique used to identify unrecognized dimensions affecting behavior. Using MDS reduces large amounts of data to relatively simple, easy-to-visualize structures that reveal important relationships in an economical way and provides general solutions to many problems in perception, emotion, and cognition, where the stimuli are too complex to be quantified by other means. > Objective: To provide a basic introduction to MDS for the nonmathematician, in particular, the spatial distance model, which maps objects as points in a multidimensional space. > Methods: This introductory article is focused on the spatial distance model, which is used to map objects as points in a multidimensional space. A brief overview of MDS is provided, the procedure is outlined with examples, and nursing implications are discussed. > Results: Individual and aggregate analyses and individual differences scaling results are presented. > Discussion: Using MDS is ideal for the study of such complicated issues as a patient's perception of cancer pain, breathlessness in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the assessment of vulnerable populations where social desirability bias is an issue.
Ordered trees with prescribed root degrees, node degrees, and branch lengths

A new decomposition of ordered trees is introduced. It turns out to be very convenient for finding multivariate generating functions according to branch related statistics. Same decomposition is used to enumerate, according to size, trees that have prescribed sets of root degrees, node degrees, and branch lengths.
Solution of the Free-Fall Guidance and Control Problem in N-Body Space

The solution of the free-fall guidance and control problem in an inverse-square central force field is treated as an introduction. Circular, elliptical, parabolic and hyperbolic trajectories are covered. Consideration of the control problem (steering and thrust cutoff signals) is applied to the case of a rocket where only the direction of the thrust vector and thrust cutoff are controllable. Consideration is given to the energy aspects, and to launch and atmospheric conditions as they affect guidance and control. These techniques are then extended to the solution of the free-fall guidance problem in N-body space. In this latter category, Bonnet's Theorem, as extended by Egorov, is covered to show its application to the solution of the N-body problem by superimposing solutions of the inverse-square central force field problem. The theorem is applied to treat the problem of finding possible conic trajectories in two-body space. The problem of finding possible conic and nonconic trajectories in three-body space is also covered and a solution to the guidance problem for these trajectories is included. The libration points of the N-body problem are treated as special cases of the solutions discussed. The equations discussed are valid for a vehicle of negligible mass acted upon by forces due only to N inverse-square central force fields. No attempt has been made to cover the effects of noninverse-square central force fields, although Bonnet's Theorem can be applied to constrained trajectories such as those that will be made possible with a continuous low thrust vehicle.
HEDGING PERFORMANCE AND HEDGING OBJECTIVES: TESTS OF NEW PERFORMANCE MEASURES IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY MARKET

Two related approaches are introduced for measuring the performance of hedging strategies. The first summarizes the risk-return trade-off as a single annotated numerical value, and the second displays it as a performance curve. Two bounded sets of hedging strategies are used to evaluate empirically the performance measures. One set is divided according to whether it best satisfies short or long hedging objectives. Results show that market conditions often provide opportunities to reduce variance and increase expected return. They also suggest that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's typical definition of “bona fide” hedging should be reconsidered.
Evolution of pore structure during gas-solid reactions: Discrete models

Abstract Discrete numerical models were developed to describe pore structure transformations in gas-solid reacting systems. Computational grids with up to 16 million cells are employed to simulate random phenomena. Regions of various phases are defined and allowed to grow or interact according to rules modeling gas-solid reactions. This approach accurately tracks the loss of surface area due to pore overlap and transient profiles of porosities and surface areas can be obtained as functions of conversion. These models were used to simulate the noncatalytic gasification of coal chars containing ash and having unimodal, bimodal and trimodal pore size distributions. Simulation results of diffusional limitations in the micropores were used to interpret experimentally observed behavior of microporous chars under different reactive atmospheres. Model predictions for combustion with strong diffusional limitations indicate the macropore structure of some chars can lead to particle fragmentation at low conversions and enhancement of the gasification rate.
Exercise decreases risk of future active disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission.

Background Although exercise impacts quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), little is known about its role in disease activity. Among IBD patients in remission, we aimed to evaluate the association between exercise and subsequent active disease.
Priority setting for evaluation: Developing a strategic evaluation portfolio

Resources for evaluation are frequently scarce and best use should be made of them to deliver against the typical purposes of an evaluation function to (i) enhance accountability and (ii) promote operational improvement and learning. This paper presents a method for analyzing and prioritizing potential evaluations to improve the selection of a portfolio of activities that give the greatest pay-off. The method establishes the relative priority of 'evaluation opportunities' against criteria that relate to the usual primary purposes of an evaluation function. The method was developed in the context of a multilateral organization but is of general utility to the wider evaluation community and, with suitable adaptation can be applied to help ensure that scarce evaluation resources are used to their best advantage. A range of benefits are expected to accrue to an organization from adopting a more thorough, analytical priority setting process. These include: The paper describes a priority setting method, including the key criteria that are used to assess 'evaluation opportunities', and presents different analyses of an evaluation portfolio. Examples from a practical application of the approach to the preparation of an evaluation work plan in a multilateral environmental agency are given.
Gas chromatographic separtion of low molecular weight fluorocarbons

Abstract Application of gas-solid chromatography techiques to the separation of low molecular weight fluorocarbons incorporates a number of advantages over previous analysis techniques. These advantages include isothermal operation up to 200°, elimination of substrate bleed, stability of the base line, minimum retention times and convenience. The relative retention volumes with respect to perfluoroethane of a number of low molecular weight fluorocarbons as a function of column support material and operating conditios are reported. The separation of a number of important species which are formed during the thermal oxidation of low molecular weight fluorocarbons are also discussed.