cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conversion factors and accelerators in the formation of thrombin.

classical hypothesis of the coagulation of blood, Moraw’itz1 considered that the formation of thrombin ��‘as due simply to the interaction of prothrombin, thrombokinase (thromboplastin) and calcium. The results of investigations published during the last decade have complicated this rather simple scheme considerably and, in turn, have vindicated several forgotten observations of the past. . Other factors, besides those considered by Moraw’itz, have been demonstrat.ed either to take part in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, or to accelerate the progress of this reaction. These agents, described under different names, have been found in plasma, serum and platelets. Prot.hrombin and fibrinogen should be considered the fundamental materials for the formation of fibrin. Prothrombin is converted to thrombin and this enzyme, in turn, clots fibrinogen to fibrin. At least five other agents, however, have a role in the formation of thrombin. They may be divided into two groups: a) conversion factors,i.e., those which appear indispensable for the reactions leading to the formation of thrombin, and in which they participate according to definite quantitative proportions; b) accelerators, i.e., those which simply accelerate the formation of thrombin, but do not appear indispensable for the formation of this agent. The conversion factors include thromboplastin, calcium and another agent (labile factor of Quick, factor V of Owren, plasma Ac-globulin of Ware and Seegers) present in plasma; the accelerators include two agents present in serum and platelets respectively. It should not he forgotten, however, that other agents of less specific nature may actively convert prothrombin t.o thrombin in plasma. Thus foreign surfaces, such as glass, by lysing platelets, and therefore determining the formation of thromboplastin, cause the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin; and thrombin itself, as will be discussed later, accelerates its own formation powerfully.
Assimilating New Members into Organizations

(1984). Assimilating New Members into Organizations. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 8, Communication Yearbook 8, pp. 594-627.
Central Banks and Monetary Policy

After analyzing monetary policy in both Keynesian and rational expectations paradigms, and across emerging and developed economies, the time has finally come to explore the exact mechanism by which central banks enact monetary growth.
Associations between Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning among Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

To describe aerobic physical activity among middle-aged and older adults by their selfreported cognitive decline and their receipt of informal care for declines in cognitive functioning and most common type of physical activity. Cross-sectional study using data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Landline and cellular telephone survey. 93,082 respondents aged 45 years and older from 21 US states in 2011. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was defined as experiencing confusion or memory loss that was happening more often or getting worse during the past 12 months. Regular care was defined as always, usually, or sometimes receiving care from family or friends because of SCD. Using the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, respondents were classified as being inactive, insufficiently active, or sufficiently active based on their reported aerobic exercise. We calculated weighted proportions and used chi-square tests for differences across categories by SCD status and receipt of care. We estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) for being inactive, insufficiently active, and sufficiently active using separate log-binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates. 12.3% of respondents reported SCD and 23.1% of those with SCD received regular care. 29.6% (95%CI: 28.9-30.4) of respondents without SCD were inactive compared to 37.1% (95%CI: 34.7-39.5) of those with SCD who did not receive regular care and 50.2% (95%CI: 45.2-55.1) of those with SCD who received regular care. 52.4% (95%CI: 51.6-53.2) of respondents without SCD were sufficiently active compared to 46.4% (95%CI: 43.8-49.0) of respondents with SCD and received no regular care and 30.6% (95%CI: 26.1-35.6) of respondents with SCD who received regular care. After adjusting for demographic and health status differences, people receiving regular care for SCD had a significantly lower prevalence of meeting aerobic guidelines compared to people without SCD (PR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.69-0.93, p=0.005). The most prevalent physical activity was walking for adults aged ≥ 45 years old (41-52%) regardless of SCD status or receipt of care. Overall, the prevalence of inactivity was high, especially among people with SCD. These findings suggest a need to increase activity among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with SCD who receive care. Examining ways to increase walking, potentially by involving informal caregivers, could be a promising way for people with SCD to reduce inactivity and gain the health benefits associated with meeting physical activity guidelines.
COASTLINE CHANGES NEAR A TIDAL INLET

Extensive coastline changes around the Ponce de Leon Tidal Inlet, Florida, are described, discussed and explained. These changes started developing immediately after the beginning of the construction of two jetties on both sides of the inlet forming part of a plan to stabilize the inlet, improve navigation conditions and bypass sand effectively. The mean annual littoral transport of sand was considered to be from north to south. Rapid sand accretion south of the south jetty started immediately after the beginning of its construction in 1969, reaching by November, 1971, a volume of approximately 1,400,000 cu. yds. Aerial photographs suggest that the sand was transported there from the south during the summer periods of northerly drift and from the offshore bar by refracted waves from the north. The accumulated sand is well protected by the south jetty during the winter storms from the northeast. Coastline and duneline recession occurred north of the inlet due, at least partially, to the described sand retention. It is concluded that for inlets where the littoral drift reverses its direction, the net annual rate of littoral transport is not a unique design criterion. Instead the total sand volumes transported annually in either direction should be considered.
Evaluating the impact of current-generation screen-printed Ag paste on Si solar cell emitter saturation current density

Current-generation screen-printed (SP) Ag pastes have shown capability to contact lightly doped Si solar cell emitters displaying low saturation current density (J 0e ) with high fill factor (FF). However, we have observed that higher firing temperatures are needed to achieve low resistance Ag contact, which may degrade J 0e and result in lower open circuit voltage (V OC ). Higher firing temperatures have also resulted in rear SP Al film blistering. In order to decouple the effects of front and rear contact formation on cell performance, we present data on the impact of SP Ag contacts on n+ phosphorus (P) emitter J 0e for a range of doping densities and firing temperatures. Using a range of Ag coverage areas (A metal ) we extract the J 0e under SP Ag (Joe, me ta i)· We observe that the change in J 0e as a function of A metal (dJ 0 JdA meta j) increases as firing temperature increases, indicating increasing J 0e , metal . Calculated V OC loss at A metal = 7%, a typical coverage for SP Ag contacts, cannot fully account for experimental V OC loss, and Al back surface field (Al-BSF) degradation due to high temperature firing was found to dominate V OC losses.
MKL1 Promotes Megakaryocytic Differentiation Via Stimulation of Serum Response Factor Target Genes.

Our studies demonstrate a critical role for MKL1 (megakaryoblastic leukemia 1) in the molecular regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis. MKL1 is part of the fusion protein formed by the t (1; 22) translocation, which is found uniquely in Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL). The translocation fuses the RBM15 (also known as OTT) gene on chromosome 1 with the MKL1 (also known as MAL) gene on chromosome 22. Previous studies in muscle cells show that MKL1 is a positive cofactor for the transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), and works via the Rho-A pathway to turn on immediate early genes and muscle specific genes. Using qRT-PCR we show that MKL1 mRNA is markedly up-regulated during megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation of primary murine bone marrow and fetal liver cells. When we overexpress MKL1 in the human erythroleukemia (HEL) cell line and differentiate the cells to become MK by phorbol ester (TPA), there is far greater MK differentiation than in control HEL cells. Via analysis of Wright-Geimsa stained cytospins, MKL1 overexpression increases the average percentage of mature MK from 26% to 48%. Using flow cytometry, platelet glycoprotein V positive cells increase from 14% to 43% on average. The percentage of cells with greater than 4N ploidy increases from 13% to 34%. In order to assess the mechanisms by which MKL1 promotes MK differentiation, we tested whether SRF expression was required for the effects of MKL1. The stimulatory effects of MKL1 are strongly abrogated when cells are transfected with siRNA against SRF, proving that MKL1 acts via SRF to stimulate MK differentiation. Interestingly, SRF siRNA also causes a statistically significant decrease in ploidy in control cells stimulated with TPA. By microarray analyses using both Affymetrix and Illumina platforms, enforced MKL1 expression upregulates many cytoskeletal genes and adhesion molecules, enhances the expression of platelet specific genes such as glycoprotein V (consistent with the FACS data), and accelerates the loss of expression of genes associated with erythropoiesis, such as erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.2. These data indicate that MKL1 enhances MK differentiation by promoting endoduplication as well as increasing expression of platelet-specific genes and of multiple cytoskeletal proteins required for proplatelet formation.
Energetics of Adsorbed Methyl and Methyl Iodide on Ni(111) by Calorimetry: Comparison to Pt(111) and Implications for Catalysis

The heat of adsorption and sticking probability of methyl iodide were measured on Ni(111) at 100 and 160 K using single-crystal adsorption calorimetry (SCAC). At 100 K, methyl iodide adsorbs molecularly with a heat of 102 kJ/mol on terrace sites in the low-coverage limit, giving a standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHf°) of CH3I(ad) of −87 kJ/mol. A heat of 122 kJ/mol is also measured on defect sites, probably step edges. Calorimetry of the dissociative adsorption of methyl iodide on Ni(111) at 160 K yielded an integral heat of adsorption of −270 kJ/mol at 0.04 ML, providing the energetics of adsorbed methyl, with ΔHf°[CH3(ad)] = −71 kJ/mol and a CH3–Ni(111) bond enthalpy of 218 kJ/mol. This is 22 kJ/mol stronger than the reported value for H3C–Pt(111) bonds, explaining the greater activity of Ni catalysts for hydrogenolysis in comparison to Pt. The measured energetics for methyl were compared to density functional theory (DFT) calculations from previous literature, showing that these methods systematically ...
Reformed Banks and Corporate Governance in the Czech Republic, 1991-1996

A World Bank economist presents the highlights of his three-year study of the banking sector in the Czech Republic, tracing the role of large banks through the fall of 1996. Relying in part on interviews conducted in Prague in 1994 and 1996, the author focuses on the banking and enterprise reform program and its consequences for corporate governance. Coverage includes developments during the two waves of voucher privatization, the substance of investment funds managed by bank-owned subsidiaries, ownership and control after privatization, recapitalization of the state-bank sector, as well as bankruptcy laws and related legislation. Also covered and discussed are the consequences of large-bank dominance for enterprise governance, with some emphasis on the Czech government's continued control of banks and the inadequacy of measures to police and forestall financial collusion. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: E58, G21, G28, G38, P48. 6 tables, 122 references.
Fostering Curiosity, Inquiry, and Scientific Thinking in Elementary School Students: Impact of the NE STEM 4U Intervention

In this qualitative study, we assessed the impact of the NE STEM 4U intervention on elementary school youth in terms of excitement, curiosity, and STEM concepts. The NE STEM 4U intervention incorporates a problem-based learning theoretical framework in an after-school time, weekly or twice-weekly intervention. We assessed student performance over two academic years of participation in the intervention using the Dimensions of Success observational tool. Ultimately, we link this mentor-led program with increases in curiosity, inquiry, and STEM concept gains. Taken together, these findings support after-school interventions in STEM areas as key encouraging excitement in youth and motivation to pursue a career in a STEM content area.
Phosphoribulokinase: Mutagenesis of the Mobile Lid and “P-Loop”

Phosphoribulokinase (PRK) catalyzes the in-line transfer of ATP’s yphosphoryl to the Cl hydroxyl of ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P) forming ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, the Calvin cycle CO2 acceptor. Recently several acidic residues crucial to catalysis, D42 and D169, were identified in R. spheroides PRK (1). The mutation of these two residues to alanines profoundly reduced catalysis, with a 105-fold diminution in rate for D42 and a 104-fold diminution in rate for D169; E131 also has a significant influence on the catalytic efficiency. These acidic amino acids could function as activator cation ligands or as a catalytic base. A specific function in sugar phosphate substrate binding has been proposed for prokaryotic PRK’s R49, based on the large Km Ru5P, effect that is observed upon mutagenesis of this residue to glutamine (2).
Chapter 28 – Ménière's disease

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that meniere's syndrome is an inner ear disorder marked by spontaneous attacks of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus. When the syndrome is idiopathic and not attributable to a specifically identified cause, it is often referred to as meniere's disease. It is most commonly presented as a disorder affecting one ear. Subsequent involvement of the contralateral ear has been reported to vary between 2% and 78%. Lack of a consensus about diagnostic criteria and varying lengths of time, over which patients were followed are likely to be responsible for this wide range of values. The chapter discusses that the incidence of meniere's disease is elevated in individuals with a certain genetically acquired major histocompatability complexes (MHC). Specifically, human leucocyte antigens (HLA), B8/DR3 and Cw7, have been associated with meniere's disease. It also reviews that there is no proven cure for meniere's disease and current therapy is directed at the reduction of associated symptoms. The optimal treatment should stop vertigo, abolish tinnitus, and reverse hearing loss.
Defining SNAP by cross-sectional and longitudinal definitions of neurodegeneration.

Abstract Introduction Suspected non-Alzheimer's pathophysiology (SNAP) is a biomarker driven designation that represents a heterogeneous group in terms of etiology and prognosis. SNAP has only been identified by cross-sectional neurodegeneration measures, whereas longitudinal measures might better reflect “active” neurodegeneration and might be more tightly linked to prognosis. We compare neurodegeneration defined by cross-sectional ‘hippocampal volume’ only (SNAP/L−) versus both cross-sectional and longitudinal ‘hippocampal atrophy rate’ (SNAP/L+) and investigate how these definitions impact prevalence and the clinical and biomarker profile of SNAP in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Methods 276 MCI patients from ADNI-GO/2 were designated amyloid “positive” (A+) or “negative” (A−) based on their florbetapir scan and neurodegeneration ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ based on cross-sectional hippocampal volume and longitudinal hippocampal atrophy rate. Results 74.1% of all SNAP participants defined by the cross-sectional definition of neurodegeneration also met the longitudinal definition of neurodegeneration, whereas 25.9% did not. SNAP/L+ displayed larger white matter hyperintensity volume, a higher conversion rate to dementia over 5 years and a steeper decline on cognitive tasks compared to SNAP/L− and the A- CN group. SNAP/L− had more abnormal values on neuroimaging markers and worse performance on cognitive tasks than the A- CN group, but did not show a difference in dementia conversion rate or longitudinal cognition. Discussion Using a longitudinal definition of neurodegeneration in addition to a cross-sectional one identifies SNAP participants with significant cognitive decline and a worse clinical prognosis for which cerebrovascular disease may be an important driver.
In situ ergot alkaloid detection in three Balansia epichloe‐infected grass species

AIMS The objectives of this work were to characterize molecularly the morphologically described endophyte Balansia epichloe symbiotic on three grass species, and to determine the in situ production of ergot alkaloids on these three symbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS Balansia epichloe symbiotic with smut grass (Sporobolus poiretii), love grass (Eragrostis hirsuta) and lace grass (Eragrostis capillaries, a new host) were characterized using DNA barcoding. Laser ablation electro spray ionization (LAESI)-mass spectrometry was used to detect ergot alkaloids in situ for each symbiotum. CONCLUSIONS The three morphologically described symbionts on the three host grasses were indicated as belonging to the species B. epichloe, DNA barcoding suggested they were related although a cryptic species was suggested. LAESI-mass spectrometry showed that ergot alkaloids were produced in vivo in two hosts but not the third although this same symbiotum was related to one of the ergot alkaloid producing symbiota as revealed by the DNA-barcoding procedure. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These results established the accumulation of ergot alkaloids in pot culture by a morpho species although there were variations with each species of grass. Barcoding described divergence among species, but considering its limitation, the suggested existence of cryptic species among this morphospecies requires substantiation by studies that are more rigorous.
Organizational Study of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

The following paper is aimed at studying several aspects of a federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The agency selected was The Federal Emergency Management Agency, hereby referred to as FEMA. FEMA is one of the several organizations under the newly created agency of the Department of Homeland Security, thereby referred to as DHS. DHS was created after the terrorist attacks in U.S. soil of September 11th, 2001, as a way to integrate several, up to then either independent agencies or sub-agencies of other parent agencies, into one homeland parent agencies. All Agencies under the DHS are agencies which main mission and function is directly involved in the safety and security of Americans within U.S. soil and its territories outside the continental United States. The intent of this paper is to review the current state of the FEMA at the micro and macro levels by introducing the agency and analyzing and evaluating several factors, such as: theory, relationships, vision, mission, structure, culture and others.
AN EXTERNAL BLOOD FLOW DEVICE

Based upon equivalent circuit models of the aorta previously analyzed a system has been constructed which measures carotid and femoral pressure pulse waveforms on the outside of the body and computes aortic flow and cardiac output. In order to accommodate the obvious differences in aorta properties from subject to subject the system first computes a femoral pulse waveform from the carotid pulse waveform. The circuit parameters are then manually adjusted until the computed femoral pulse waveform appears the same as the measured femoral pulse waveform. For this condition, the circuit model is a good approximation of the hydraulic status of the real aorta. This circuit model is then used to produce a flow waveform from the carotid input pulse. This waveform is also used to compute cardiac output.
The Intertwined Roles of Teacher Content Knowledge and Knowledge of Scientific Practices in Support of a Science Learning Community

In this chapter we envision the science classroom as an authentic scientific community. In this vision, student ideas can influence the trajectory of scientific investigation. Teachers serve as experts and guides, but they also can learn alongside their students. To do this, they need to listen to the students and be able to build on students’ original ideas to help them learn. What knowledge does a teacher draw on in such a classroom? In this chapter we empirically investigate some ways in which a teacher can utilize both knowledge of the subject matter and knowledge of science practices to respond productively to student thinking. We present data from a large study of knowledge for teaching energy. The subjects of this study were high school physics teachers. We found that in some instructional situations, teachers with insufficient content knowledge cannot productively respond to student reasoning. We also found cases where teachers can compensate for lack of content knowledge if they are skilled in science practices. To explain our findings, we hypothesize the existence of two types of content knowledge: foundational content knowledge and elaborative content knowledge. Furthermore, we suggest that foundational content knowledge along with knowledge of scientific practices can allow teachers to compensate for insufficient elaborative content knowledge. We discuss the implications of our hypothesis for future research and for the preparation and professional development of physics teachers.
The Four Domains of Mental Illness: An Alternative to the DSM-5

The Four Domains of Mental Illness presents an authentic and valid alternative to the DSM-5, which author Rene J. Muller argues has resulted in many patients being incorrectly diagnosed and wrongly medicated. Dr. Muller points out where the DSM-5 is mistaken and offers a guide to diagnosis based on the psychobiology of psychiatrist Adolf Meyer and the insights of existential philosophy and psychiatry. His model identifies the phenomena of the mental illnesses that clinicians most often see, which are characterized by identifying their structure, or partial structure. Using the FDMI approach, clinicians can grasp how each mental illness is an aberration of Martin Heidegger’s being-in-the-world.
Gate-Tunable Plasmon-Induced Transparency Modulator Based on Stub-Resonator Waveguide with Epsilon-Near-Zero Materials

We demonstrate an electrically tunable ultracompact plasmonic modulator with large modulation strength (>10 dB) and a small footprint (~1 μm in length) via plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) configuration. The modulator based on a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) slot waveguide structure consists of two stubs embedded on the same side of a bus waveguide forming a coupled system. Heavily n-doped indium tin oxide (ITO) is used as the semiconductor in the MOS waveguide. A large modulation strength is realized due to the formation of the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) layer at the ITO-oxide interface at the wavelength of the modulated signal. Numerical simulation results reveal that such a significant modulation can be achieved with a small applied voltage of ~3V. This result shows promise in developing nanoscale modulators for next generation compact photonic/plasmonic integrated circuits.
Why Does Your Data Leak? Uncovering the Data Leakage in Cloud from Mobile Apps

Increasingly, more and more mobile applications (apps for short) are using the cloud as the back-end, in particular the cloud APIs, for data storage, data analytics, message notification, and monitoring. Unfortunately, we have recently witnessed massive data leaks from the cloud, ranging from personally identifiable information to corporate secrets. In this paper, we seek to understand why such significant leaks occur and design tools to automatically identify them. To our surprise, our study reveals that lack of authentication, misuse of various keys (e.g., normal user keys and superuser keys) in authentication, or misconfiguration of user permissions in authorization are the root causes. Then, we design a set of automated program analysis techniques including obfuscation-resilient cloud API identification and string value analysis, and implement them in a tool called LeakScope to identify the potential data leakage vulnerabilities from mobile apps based on how the cloud APIs are used. Our evaluation with over 1.6 million mobile apps from the Google Play Store has uncovered 15, 098 app servers managed by mainstream cloud providers such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft that are subject to data leakage attacks. We have made responsible disclosure to each of the cloud service providers, and they have all confirmed the vulnerabilities we have identified and are actively working with the mobile app developers to patch their vulnerable services.
Environmental, social, management and health factors associated with within- and between-individual variability in fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in zoo-housed Asian and African elephants

Abstract Identifying links between environmental, social, management, and health factors as they relate to physiological stress in captive elephants is crucial for the improvement of welfare and husbandry practices in North American zoos. Studies have examined the effects of short-term and chronic elevations in glucocorticoids in small groups of elephants, but few have examined adrenal activity on a large scale. This study evaluated 106 Asian (Elephas maximus) and 131 African (Loxodonta africana) elephants housed at 64 accredited facilities across North America. Fecal samples were collected every other week for 12 months and analyzed for glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations. Risk factors for mean and individual variability (CV) in FGM were subjected to univariate and multivariable analyses using epidemiological methods. Independent variables that included individual traits, social environment, housing and management factors were chosen based on their identification as risk factors in previously published models for the same North American population of elephants. Results indicate that African elephants are more responsive to social stressors than Asians, and that poor joint health is a stress-related welfare problem for Asian, but not African elephants. For both species, higher FGM concentrations were associated with zoos located at more northern latitudes and having free access to indoor/outdoor spaces, whereas spending more time in managed interactions with staff were associated with lower FGM concentrations. Also important for captive management, elephants having diverse enrichment options and belonging to compatible social groups exhibited lower mean and reduced intra-individual variability in FGM. Our findings show that aspects of the zoo environment can be potential sources of stress for captive elephants, and that there are management activities that can facilitate coping and adapting to zoo conditions. Given species differences in factors that affected FGM, targeted, species-specific management approaches likely are needed to ensure good welfare for all elephants.
Interval State Estimation With Uncertainty of Distributed Generation and Line Parameters in Unbalanced Distribution Systems

Distribution system state estimation, which provides critical information for system monitoring and control, is being challenged by multiple sources of uncertainties such as random meter errors, stochastic power output of distributed generation (DG), and imprecise network parameters. This paper originally proposes a general interval state estimation (ISE) model to simultaneously formulate these uncertainties in unbalanced distribution systems by interval arithmetic. Moreover, this model can accommodate partially available measurements of DG outputs and inaccurate line parameters. Furthermore, a modified Krawczyk-operator algorithm is proposed to solve the general ISE model efficiently, and effectively provides the upper and lower bounds of state variables under coordinated impacts of these uncertainties. The proposed algorithm is tested on unbalanced IEEE 13-bus and 123-bus systems. Comparison with various methods including Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the proposed algorithm is many orders of magnitude faster and encloses tighter boundaries of state variables.
Improving electronic properties and mechanical stability of Yb14MnSb11 via W compositing

Many of the missions proposed and successfully completed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration seek to scientifically investigate remote locations in our solar system, in particular to better understand the origin, evolution and structure of planetary systems. Long-lived, robust power systems are a fundamental capability for such missions, and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) have proven to be a reliable power for exploration missions in deep space for the past 50 years. With increasing power needs for future missions, the improvement of thermoelectric materials’ conversion efficiency is necessary. In this paper, we show how compositing with inert metallic inclusions can be efficiently used to improve the electronic properties of Yb14MnSb11. In this study, we found that the power factor of the p-type high temperature material, Yb14MnSb11, increases from ∼8 to ∼11.5 μW cm−1 K−2 when composited with 5 vol. % W particles. At the same time, the composite samples have a higher thermal conductivity and, therefore, the final zT remains unchanged (∼1.3 at 1273 K). Preliminary hardness tests indicated a qualitative increase in mechanical robustness for the tungsten composite samples. These results can play a relevant role in device design and performance, improving the thermoelectric impedance matching for leg segmentation and helping overcome the intrinsic brittleness of high temperature ceramics such as Yb14MnSb11 for advanced device fabrication.
Extension of ground-based testing for large space structures

A major concern for future large space structures is the ability to verify their dynamic characteristics by ground test. This article presents the results of the multiple boundary conditions test (MBCT) approach, which provides a complete ground test of a large structure that will provide, in turn, the data necessary to construct a test-verified final mathematical model. Theoretical studies indicate that this approach can provide a better final model than a ground test of the full-scale very flexible structure in a 1-g field. The approach is demonstrated by a mathematical simulation.
Improving Writing Self-Efficacy of Accounting Students

Students are often unmotivated to complete writing assignments offered in the accounting curriculum, leaving them unprepared for the communication requirements of the modern accounting career. We posit that this is at least partially attributable to accounting students’ low writing self-efficacy. In this paper, we discuss how to enhance student motivation by increasing self-efficacy. Drawing on psychology research, we explain that self-efficacy can be enhanced via the use of well-designed assignments and pedagogical tools. To address the four sources of self-efficacy, we provide eleven practical suggestions which can be easily implemented in the classroom to boost student motivation in writing assignments.
New experimental constraints in a new landscape for composite dark matter

Certain strongly interacting dark matter candidates could have evaded detection, and much work has been done on constraining their parameter space. Recently, it was shown theoretically that the scattering cross section for ${m}_{\ensuremath{\chi}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$ pointlike dark matter with a nucleus cannot be significantly larger than the geometric cross section of the nucleus. This realization closes the parameter space for pointlike strongly interacting dark matter. However, strongly interacting dark matter is still theoretically possible for composite particles, with much parameter space open. We set new, wide-ranging limits based on data from a novel detector at the University of Chicago. Backgrounds are greatly suppressed by requiring coincidence detection between two spatially separated liquid-scintillator modules. For dark matter ($v\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{c}$), the time of flight would be $\ensuremath{\sim}2\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$, whereas for cosmic rays, it would be $\ensuremath{\sim}2\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ns}$. We outline ways to greatly increase sensitivity at modest costs.
MiMSI - a deep multiple instance learning framework improves microsatellite instability detection from tumor next-generation sequencing

Abstract Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a critical phenotype of cancer genomes and an FDA-recognized biomarker that can guide treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent work has demonstrated that next-generation sequencing data can be used to identify samples with MSI-high phenotype. However, low tumor purity, as frequently observed in routine clinical samples, poses a challenge to the sensitivity of existing algorithms. To overcome this critical issue, we developed MiMSI, an MSI classifier based on deep neural networks and trained using a dataset that included low tumor purity MSI cases in a multiple instance learning framework. On a challenging yet representative set of cases, MiMSI showed higher sensitivity (0.940) and auROC (0.988) than MSISensor(sensitivity: 0.57; auROC: 0.911), an open-source software previously validated for clinical use at our institution using MSK-IMPACT large panel targeted NGS data.
Fabrication of biodegradable particles with tunable morphologies by the addition of resveratrol to oil in water emulsions.

Abstract Particles for biomedical applications can be produced by emulsifying biocompatible polymers dissolved in an organic solvent in water. The emulsion is then transferred to an extraction bath that removes the solvent from the dispersed droplets, which leads to polymer precipitation and particle formation. Typically, the particles are smooth and spherical, likely because the droplets remain fluid throughout the solvent extraction process allowing minimization of surface area as the volume decreases. Few modifications to this technique exist that alter the spherical geometry, even though particle performance, from drug delivery to engaging cells of the body, can be tuned with morphology. Here we demonstrate that incorporation of resveratrol, with the aid of ethanol, into the oil phase of an emulsion of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and dichloromethane in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) leads to a crumpled particle morphology. Video microscopy of particle formation revealed that during solvent extraction the droplet crumples in on itself, which does not occur when only ethanol is added to the emulsion. It is unclear why this occurs with resveratrol, but its hydroxyl groups appear to be optimally positioned because removal of the 4′ hydroxyl or addition of a 3′ hydroxyl resulted in a loss of crumpled particle morphology. We demonstrate that particle morphology can be tuned from that of a crumpled sheet of paper to a deflated sphere by switching out ethanol for a different cosolvent. We quantify the degree of particle deformation with surface area calculated from krypton adsorption isotherms and BET theory and find surface area correlates with resveratrol loading in the particle. Furthermore, spherical particles are achieved when ethyl acetate is used in lieu of dichloromethane and a cosolvent. We propose that during solvent extraction, resveratrol accumulates at the droplet surface where it inhibits polymer chain motion necessary to maintain a spherical geometry and the role of cosolvent is to redistribute resveratrol from the droplet bulk to its surface. This method of producing nonspherical particles extends to polycaprolactone and poly(L-lactic acid) and is compatible with the encapsulation of a hydrophobic fluorescent dye, suggesting hydrophobic bioactive agents could be encapsulated. Taken together, we demonstrate an ability to control morphology of biocompatible polymer particles produced by the widely practiced oil-in-water/solvent extraction protocol via the addition of resveratrol and a cosolvent to the oil phase. The methodology reported is straight forward, and scalable, and expected to be of utility in applications in which a deviation from the default smooth, spherical morphology is desired.
Our Failure to Prevent Known Risks: Occupational Safety and Health in the Healthcare Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hazards from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, should be addressed in line with the EU Biological Agents Directive and by means of a strengthened centralised capacity of the European Union for the monitoring of and response to health emergencies. Mitigating and preventing the impact of the illness, COVID-19, should be done by classifying it as an occupational disease, ensuring the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing for health workers, and engaging workers in all aspects of ‘work organisation’. The coronavirus crisis, which is the result of the impact of the nexus of austerity/virus/illness on society at large, should trigger a transformative change in the care economy, leading to the valuing of care work, pay transparency, full acknowledgement of psychosocial risks such as violence and harassment in the world of work, measures to promote occupational health equity, sustainable health workforce planning and the inclusion of the currently absent gender aspect in EU legislation on occupational safety and health.
Understanding the cultural orientations of fear appeal variables: a cross-cultural comparison of pandemic risk perceptions, efficacy perceptions, and behaviors

To understand the cultural nuances of fear appeal model variables, this study conducted a cross-cultural survey comparing risk perceptions, efficacy perceptions, and behaviors during the 2019-nCoV pandemic in China (N = 425) and in the U S (N = 352) Hofstede’s cultural orientations (collectivism, power distance, long-term orientations, and indulgence) were applied to examine variables in the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) (severity, susceptibility, self-efficacy, response efficacy, and compliance behavior) Findings show that, on the individual level, all the fear appeal variables, except for severity, are partially culturally rooted and are associated with at least two of the cultural orientations On a national level, after controlling for individual and cultural differences, the Chinese sample reported higher severity, susceptibility, and self-efficacy, but lower compliance behaviors than the U S sample No difference was found in response efficacy Results imply that different fear appeal variables (severity vs susceptibility, self-efficacy, and response efficacy) may function differently when it comes to their cultural orientations The study gives suggestions as to how risk communication efforts can be maximized based on each of the fear appeal variables’ relationships with the cultural orientations © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
An Economic Analysis of the Jones Act

The Jones Act, which requires the use of American ships on all domestic voyages, has been in place for nearly a century. Its purpose when enacted was to strengthen national security by creating a strong shipbuilding industry and merchant marine. But by denying American businesses access to the best shipping, the act has imposed large losses on American consumers. Recent developments in the world economy, including globalization of ownership, offshore outsourcing of ship components, and extensive use of flags of convenience, have made the act even more burdensome. Since recent contributions of the merchant marine to national security have been small or negative, major reform of the Jones Act is overdue. Such reform would be consistent with the goal of eliminating excessive regulation of the American economy.
Abortion in the Reformed Christian Tradition

Reformed Christianity refers to one of the two major Christian traditions stemming from the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. Through most of its history, Reformed churches and theologians opposed the destruction of human life in the womb but spoke about it only occasionally. When abortion emerged as a point of major social controversy in the twentieth century, Reformed churches and theologians became deeply engaged in the ongoing debates. Many (but not all) who identify with the liberal or progressive Reformed community have embraced a pro-choice view. They warn against a legalistic approach that emphasizes only the value of prenatal human life, and they defend the right of all women to make their own responsible choice, based upon a range of factors, about whether to continue their pregnancies. In contrast, nearly all those who identify with the conservative or confessional Reformed community have expressed pro-life or antiabortion convictions. Emphasizing obedience to God’s law and divine sovereignty over all human life, they argue that human beings should be treated as persons worthy of protection from the point of conception, relying primarily upon interpretation of a range of biblical texts. The latter theologians and churches have the stronger claim to represent the Reformed tradition as a whole.
Speaking with Substance: Methods of Language and Materials in African History

Archaeologists, historians and linguists have long debated how to bring archaeology and historical linguistics together to tell a textured narrative of the African past without literary sources. Sc...
Social Media Analyst Coverage of Socially Responsible Firms

We examine the influence of corporate social responsibility on the information dissemination behavior of social media analysts (SMAs). We find that SMAs give greater coverage to the earnings announcements of socially responsible firms (SRFs) compared to other firms, particularly for good news announcements. We further investigate whether the difference in coverage for SRFs and non-SRFs is due to superior disclosure practices by SRFs or to positive affective reactions by SMAs. Consistent with an affective response, we find that articles for SRFs appear less tethered to firm fundamentals—the sentiment in SMA articles more poorly predicts future earnings surprises and is less responsive to earnings announcement news for SRFs. Market-based tests similarly suggest that SMA analyses at earnings announcements are of lower quality for SRFs and potentially impair price efficiency. Overall, we attribute our results to SMAs’ desire to view SRFs in a favorable light no matter the disclosure news.
Defect Tolerance Mechanism Revealed! Influence of Polaron Occupied Surface Trap States on CsPbBr3 Nanocrystal Photoluminescence: Ab Initio Excited-State Dynamics.

Lead halide perovskite (LHP) nanocrystals (NCs) show exceptional defect tolerance which has been attributed to their unique electronic structure, where defect energy levels are not introduced inside the fundamental bandgap, and the role of polarons in screening charge carriers from defects. Here, we use ab initio atomistic simulations to explore the interplay between various surface chemistries (A = Cs+, R'NH3+; X = Br-, RCOO-) used to passivate a CsPbBr3 NC surface and their impact on the ground-state (GS) and excited-state (ES) photophysical properties. We investigate pristine fully passivated surfaces and A-X vacancy defects that reflect chemical reactions A+ + X- → AX on the surface, which result in ligand desorption. For each surface configuration, calculations are performed in the GS and lowest ES (L-ES) electronic configurations, approximating polaron formation after photoexcitation. For models with A-X surface vacancies, we find that localized electron surface trap (ST) states emerge ∼100-400 meV below the pristine Se band in the L-ES configuration due to polaronic nuclear reorganization. Surprisingly, these trap states contribute relatively bright Sh → ST spectral features. To test if these surface trap states remain bright in a dynamic (thermal) situation we implement excited-state molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the surface defected model shows an enhanced nonradiative recombination rate which reduces the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 95% for the pristine surface to 75%. This is accompanied by an order of magnitude reduction in PL intensity and a red shift of the transition energy. This study provides more evidence of the defect tolerance of LHP NCs along with evidence of surface trap states contributing to efficient photoluminescence. The observation of relatively bright surface trap states could provide insight into photophysical phenomena, such as size-dependent stretched-exponential photoluminescence decay and Stokes shifts.
"B" series RHIC arc quadrupoles

A series of pre-production superconducting quadrupoles has been constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. These magnets have an operating gradient of 71 Tesla/meter with a coil bore of 80 mm. The eight magnets are exact prototypes of the quadrupoles which will be used in the arcs. These magnets were tested and measured and met the accelerator specifications. >
Assay methods for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α in human urine : Comparison of chromatographic techniques with radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography—negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract 6-Keto-prostaglandin F 1α (6-keto-PGF 1α ) in human urine is considered to be a reflection of renal prostacyclin production. Because of the large amounts of unidentified eicosanoid metabolites in urine that may potentially bind to 6-keto-PGF 1α antisera, most radioimmunoassays include chromatographic purification of urine. A comparison of chromatographic techniques and of antisera to 6-keto-PGF 1α for the assay of human urine is described. Gas chromatography—negative-ion chemical-ionization mass spectrometry (GC—NICI-MS) was used as the reference method. Radioimmunoassays were performed with each of four antisera combined with each of three chromatographic purification systems (silicic acid, Sephadex LH-20, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography). There was marked variability in the results; however, there was at least one chromatographic method for each antiserum that yielded results comparable to GC—NICI-MS. Direct radioimmunoassay of urine without chromatography yielded markedly elevated and variable results for the four antisera. In contrast, the four antisera gave very similar results with direct assay of media from isolated perfused organs. Thus, for the radioimmunoassay of 6-keto-PGF 1α in human urine, each antiserum is sensitive to different contaminants in urine and must be individually matched to a chromatographic purification system.
Carbamazepine and the active epoxide metabolite are effectively cleared by hemodialysis followed by continuous venovenous hemodialysis in an acute overdose

Hemodialysis (HD) and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) have an unproven role in the management of carbamazepine overdose. Albumin-enhanced CVVHD may accelerate carbamazepine (CBZ) clearance, but no pharmacokinetic data has been reported for traditional CVVHD without albumin enhancement. In addition, it is unclear whether the active CBZ-epoxide metabolite is removed with either mode of dialysis. We present a case of CBZ intoxication successfully managed with sequential HD and CVVHD. The CBZ half-life during CVVHD was 14.7 hours, compared with the patient's endogenous half-life of 30.8 hours. The CBZ-epoxide half-life was 3.2 hours during HD. We conclude that HD and CVVHD provide effective clearance of CBZ and the epoxide metabolite and should be considered in the management of an acute toxic ingestion.