cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves over Tropical Africa during the Boreal Summer: Structure and Variability

The structure and variability of convectively coupled Kelvin waves during the boreal summer are explored using satellite-observed brightness temperature data and ECMWF reanalyses. Kelvin wave activity is most prominent between the central and eastern Pacific, across Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Composite analysis shows that over sub-Saharan Africa Kelvin wave convection is peaked north of the equator, while the dynamical fields tend to be symmetric with respect to the equator. Convectively coupled Kelvin waves propagate faster over the Pacific and western Atlantic (24 m s 1 ), and slow down over tropical Africa (14 m s 1 ), consistent with stronger coupling between the dynamics and convection over tropical Africa. The Kelvin waves observed over Africa generally propagate into the region from anywhere between the eastern Pacific and the Atlantic, and decay over the eastern Indian Ocean basin. Results show marked interannual variability of Kelvin wave activity over Africa. Anomalously high Kelvin wave variance tends to occur during dry years, while low variance occurs during wet years. African Kelvin wave activity is positively correlated with SST anomalies in the equatorial east Pacific. The same warm SST anomalies that are favorable for enhanced Kelvin wave activity suppress the mean rainfall over tropical Africa via a more slowly varying teleconnection and associated subsidence. A brief analysis of an intense Kelvin wave in August 1987 (a dry year) shows a clear impact of the wave on convective development and daily rainfall over tropical Africa. This Kelvin wave was also associated with a series of easterly wave initiations over tropical Africa.
Power allocation for multi-band OFDM UWB communication networks

Ultra wideband (UWB) technology has shown significant advantages over other existing ones for short- or medium-range high speed communications. It can adopt different modulation and signaling formats, among which multi-band OFDM is a more favorable candidate for the upcoming standard. Though extensive study on the physical layer has been conducted, limited work exists in the literature on design of medium access control (MAC) layer protocols. This paper proposes an efficient low-complexity power allocation technique for clustered multi-band OFDM UWB networks. The idea is to assign a unique power for each cluster while maximizing the total throughput. The method shows much superiority over an existing framework that selects only the cluster with the highest quality each time. Its performance also approaches the standard water-filling scheme in many cases but with much reduced complexity. The method is tested for a mandatory 1.8 GHz UWB band suggested in a standard proposal.
The Postmodern Self: Personal Persistence and Its Absence in Contemporary Life Narratives

Chandler, Lalonde, Sokol, and Hallett created the Personal Persistence Interview in an effort to determine how persons defend their sense of personal persistence. In other words, these researchers ...
Species and site differences influence climate-shrub growth responses in West Greenland

Abstract We examined the suitability of two deciduous arctic shrubs (Salix glauca L. and Betula nana L., hereafter Salix and Betula, respectively) for dendroclimatological analysis at two sites in West Greenland. Chronologies were successfully cross-dated, and the oldest covered the period 1954–2010 (Expressed Population Signal [EPS] > 0.85, 1977–2010). Distinctive pointer years, also called micro-rings, including those from a known outbreak of the irruptive moth Eurois occulta L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) that peaked in 2005, assisted in the dating process. Climate-growth analyses were performed in two ways: first, using correlation analysis between residual site-level chronologies and monthly and seasonal climate data, and second, using linear mixed effects models (LMM) with seasonal climate data and standardized chronologies for each individual. We used climate data for the current and previous years for a given growth ring for both analyses. Both analyses revealed differences in climate-growth response among species and among sites of contrasting topography. Salix ring widths from south facing slopes correlated positively with current year’s summer temperatures, while those on gentle slopes associated negatively with current year’s spring precipitation. Betula was only sampled at one site (flat), and displayed associations with temperature and precipitation in spring. Results from the LMM largely corroborated the correlations for Betula and Salix on south facing slopes. Salix at the flat site displayed significant associations with a large number of climate variables, most strongly previous year’s summer and autumn temperatures, though precipitation in multiple seasons of the current and prior year did a better job of accounting for the variation in the data. Many dendrochronological studies in the Arctic illustrate clear summer temperature responses, but the majority were conducted on a single topographic position. Due to the heterogeneity of West Greenland’s landscapes, it is important to examine individuals from varying topographies. We found that samples collected from south facing slopes do appear to respond positively to summer temperatures, while those on shallow slopes respond to a wider array of seasonal temperature and precipitation parameters. Accounting for these species and topographic differences, when sampling, is imperative for improving our understanding of how plant communities in the Arctic will respond to ongoing and expected warming.
Online Interaction and Instructional Context Design and Learner Success

A critical proposition of research literature on culture- or diversity-sensitive instructional design is to empirically examine the relationship between online learning environment design features and online learning participation and success. In this chapter we focus on describing the salient features of diverse online interaction arrangements and instructional contexts across academic disciplines, and illustrate potential associations between online instructional design features and learners’ participation and satisfaction.
Peak shifts produced by correlated response to selection

Traits may evolve both as a consequence of direct selection and also as a correlated response to selection on other traits. While correlated response may be important for both the production of evolutionary novelty and in the build-up of complex characters, its potential role in peak shifts has been neglected empirically and theoretically. We use a quantitative genetic model to investigate the conditions under which a character, Y, which has two alternative optima, can be dragged from one optimum to the other as a correlated response to selection on a second character, X. High genetic correlations between the two characters make the transition, or peak shift, easier, as does weak selection tending to restore Y to the optimum from which it is being dragged. When selection on Y is very weak, the conditions for a peak shift depend only on the location of the new optimum for X and are independent of the strength of selection moving it there. Thus, if the "adaptive valley" for Y is very shallow, little reduction in mean fitness is needed to produce a shift. If the selection acts strongly to keep Y at its current optimum, very intense directional selection on X, associated with a dramatic drop in mean fitness, is required for a peak shift. When strong selection is required, the conditions for peak shifts driven by correlated response might occur rarely, but still with sufficient frequency on a geological timescale to be evolutionarily important.
An Approach to Modeling Error in Air-Midas Using Contextual Control Model

Predictability of the possible avenues of human error is important for designing error recovery mechanisms in systems' interfaces. Our approach for modeling errors during the taxiing and pre-flight phase, involves using Hollnagel's (1993) Contextual Control Model (CoCoM). Hollnagel postulates that changes in the human's operational context make her switch control modes or cognitive strategies. Previously, Verma & Corker (2002) encoded rules to implement CoCoM for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCo) in the Air-MIDAS (Man-Machine Integrated Design and Analysis System) architecture. They defined the operational context as the number of simultaneous goals and the event horizon time required to successfully complete those goals, and also encoded behavior associated with three types of cognitive strategies- unplanned, tactical, and strategic. In this study, new sets of rules are being coded for the pilots, such mat changes in the context will cause the simulated operator to change cognitive strategies. The dependent...
Partial purification and characterization of a Ca2+-stimulated lipoxygenase from soybean seeds

A highly purified Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase was isolated from the Hill variety of soybean seeds. Separation of Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase from lipoxygenase active in the absence of Ca(2+) (lipoxygenase-1) was readily obtained using a DEAE-cellulose column. Sample size applied to the ion exchange column was found to be critical. Both enzymes were bound to the column, although some highly active Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase eluted with buffer in the presence of bound lipoxygenase-1. Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase bound to DAAE-cellulose required the use of a NaCl gradient for elution. Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase showed an apparent isoelectric point at pH 5.90 and optimum activity at pH 7.5 and at 1.1 mM calcium. Lipoxygenase-1 was inhibited over 95% in the presence of 60 μM methyl mercuric chloride, while Ca(2+)-stimulated lipoxygenase showed a maximum of only 20% inhibition under the same conditions.
A Biblical Investigation of Matriarchal Structures in Ancient Semitic Life

This article demonstrates that a gender-stratified template for the leadership of family and government believed to be modeled after ancient Semitic patriarchal structures according to a pattern found in Old Testament biblical texts is erroneous. It shall demonstrate that strong elements of matriarchalism existed alongside of patriarchalism and that Old Testament texts offer no accurate template for gender-based governance.
Activation of protein kinase in the bovine corpus luteum by phospholipid and Ca2

A new species of protein kinase has been identified in cytosol preparations from bovine corpora lutea. Enzyme activity required the simultaneous presence of Ca2+ and phospholipid, and was also enhanced by glyceryl dioleate. Phosphatidylserine was the most effective phospholipid for stimulating histone phosphorylation. Other phospholipids capable of supporting enzymic activity were, in order of decreasing activity, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidic acid, cardiolipin and phosphatidylglycerol. Several other phospholipids tested were ineffective. A cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was also present in the luteal cytosol. This enzyme activity was eliminated by protein kinase inhibitor without affecting the Ca2+- and phospholipid-stimulated activity. Lysine-rich histone (IIIS) was a much better substrate than type-IIA histone for Ca2+- and phospholipid-dependent phosphorylation. Ca2+ and phospholipid also enhanced phosphorylation of endogenous luteal cytosol protein. Calmodulin, alone or in the presence of Ca2+, was unable to increase phosphorylation. Trifluoperazine inhibited protein kinase activity stimulated by Ca2+ and phospholipid. These data suggest that a phospholipid-sensitive, Ca2+-dependent protein kinase may provide an important link between hormonally-induced changes in phospholipid metabolism and corpus-luteum function.
Game analysis on the agricultural produce E-auction

With the state's more importance of "three dimensional rural" issues,using modern transaction way of agricultural produce to improve the price mechanism and the circulation of agricultural produce has been widely concerned.The paper establish a model in the game framework,which is how to choose the transaction way for buyers and sellers about agricultural produce based on prices and characteristics of agricultural produce.And concludes its Nash Equilibrium-buyers and sellers both choose E-auction transaction.Thusl,aid the theoretical basis of the Agricultural produce E-auction.
Analysis of results of hygiene monitoring in kindergartens in Mingyue Town during 2002～2006

Objective:To investigate the hygiene status of kindergartens in Mingyue Town of our county for improvement of management.Methods:The samples were collected and detected based on relevant national standards in the kindergartens.Results:The mean qualification rate of disinfection was 65.54% in the kindergartens of Mingyue Town in our county during 2002~2006.The state-owned kindergartens were better than private ones in the hygiene condition.Conclusion:The hygiene status of the kindergartens should be closely monitored to provide a healthy environment for preschool children.
Study on the Cultivation of Applied Creative Talents by the Industry-Academia-Research Cooperation for High Vocational Education

The cooperation of industry-academia-research was the most effective way to cultivate the creative talents,and played a vital role in creative ability and creative spirit,which was the requirement of the vocational education development.The current status,pathway and noticeable problems of creative talents by industry-academia research were described.The cooperation of industry-academia-research for food engineering major to cultivate applied creative talents in our school was analyzed and discussed.
Ultra-wideband communication using a SAW correlator zero-IF architecture

A communication system has been demonstrated using surface acoustic wave (SAW) correlators in a direct conversion, ultra-wideband architecture. High frequency SAW correlators were used to passively detect a BPSK input signal and provide a direct RF-to-baseband conversion. SAW correlators were used to build transmitters and receivers with 3.3%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% fractional bandwidths centered at 900 MHz and 2.45 GHz.
Processing of Intraoral Olfactory and Gustatory Signals in the Gustatory Cortex of Awake Rats.

The integration of gustatory and olfactory information is essential to the perception of flavor. Human neuroimaging experiments have pointed to the gustatory cortex (GC) as one of the areas involved in mediating flavor perception. Although GC9s involvement in encoding the chemical identity and hedonic value of taste stimuli is well studied, it is unknown how single GC neurons process olfactory stimuli emanating from the mouth. In this study, we relied on multielectrode recordings to investigate how single GC neurons respond to intraorally delivered tastants and tasteless odorants dissolved in water and whether/how these two modalities converge in the same neurons. We found that GC neurons could either be unimodal, responding exclusively to taste (taste-only) or odor (odor-only), or bimodal, responding to both gustatory and olfactory stimuli. Odor responses were confirmed to result from retronasal olfaction: monitoring respiration revealed that exhalation preceded odor-evoked activity and reversible inactivation of olfactory receptors in the nasal epithelium significantly reduced responses to intraoral odorants but not to tastants. Analysis of bimodal neurons revealed that they encode palatability significantly better than the unimodal taste-only group. Bimodal neurons exhibited similar responses to palatable tastants and odorants dissolved in water. This result suggested that odorized water could be palatable. This interpretation was further supported with a brief access task, where rats avoided consuming aversive taste stimuli and consumed the palatable tastants and dissolved odorants. These results demonstrate the convergence of the chemosensory components of flavor onto single GC neurons and provide evidence for the integration of flavor with palatability coding. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Food perception and choice depend upon the concurrent processing of olfactory and gustatory signals from the mouth. The primary gustatory cortex has been proposed to integrate chemosensory stimuli; however, no study has examined the single-unit responses to intraoral odorant presentation. Here we found that neurons in gustatory cortex can respond either exclusively to tastants, exclusively to odorants, or to both (bimodal). Several differences exist between these groups9 responses; notably, bimodal neurons code palatability significantly better than unimodal neurons. This group of neurons might represent a substrate for how odorants gain the quality of tastants.
Fluid Therapy in Lung Disease

Fluid therapy is the cornerstone of supportive care in veterinary medicine. In dogs and cats with preexisting confirmed or suspected pulmonary disease, concerns may exist that the fluid therapy may impair gas exchange, either through increases in hydrostatic pressures or extravasation. Colloidal therapy is more likely to magnify lung injury compared with isotonic crystalloids. Radiographic evidence of fluid overload is a late-stage finding, whereas point-of-care ultrasound may provide earlier information that can also be assessed periodically at the patient side. Cases should be evaluated individually, but generally a conservative fluid therapy plan is preferred with close monitoring of its tolerance.
Epigenetic Silencing of MORT Is an Early Event in Cancer and Is Associated with Luminal, Receptor Positive Breast Tumor Subtypes

Immortality is an essential characteristic of cancer cells; a recent transcriptomic study of epithelial cell immortalization has linked epigenetic silencing of the long noncoding RNA Mortal Obligate RNA Transcript (MORT; alias ZNF667-AS1) to this process. This study evaluated the epigenetic and transcriptional state of MORT in two premalignant conditions-ductal carcinomas in situ and colon adenomas. Results show that MORT silencing is an early epigenetic event in human carcinogenesis, likely occurring near the point where premalignant cells gain immortality; this epigenetic silencing is maintained throughout malignant transformation and metastatic growth. Additional associations between MORT loss and clinical and molecular features of breast tumors showed that silencing of MORT occurs predominantly in luminal, receptor-positive breast cancer; is associated with overexpression of CCND1 and mutations of GATA3; and is negatively correlated with TP53 mutations. Taken in toto, MORT silencing occurs early in breast carcinogenesis, probably during cellular immortalization, and precedes the development of invasive luminal breast cancer.
Simulating the experience of home environments

Growing evidence indicates that transitioning patients are often unprepared for the self-management role they must assume when they return home. Over the past twenty five years, LiDAR scanning has emerged as a fascinating technology that allows for the rapid acquisition of three dimensional data of real world environments while new virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to experience simulated environments. However, combining these two technologies can be difficult as previous approaches to interactively rendering large point clouds have generally created a trade-off between interactivity and quality. For instance, many techniques used in commercially available software have utilized methods to sub-sample data during interaction, only showing a high-quality render when the viewpoint is kept static. Unfortunately, for displays in which viewpoints are rarely static, such as virtual reality systems, these methods are not useful. This paper presents a novel approach to the problem of quality-interactivity trade-off through a progressive feedback-driven rendering algorithm. This technique uses reprojections of past views to accelerate the reconstruction of the current view and can be used to extend existing point cloud viewing algorithms. The presented method is tested against previous methods, demonstrating marked improvements in both rendering quality and interactivity. This algorithm and rendering application could serve as a tool to enable virtual rehabilitation within 3D models of one's own home from a remote location.
The Changing Face of Angel Investing

Angel investors Ram Shriram, Mike Maples, Eric Paley, James Geshweiler, and Jim Southern discuss their investment philosophies and the changing landscape of angel investing. Questions include: How has angel investing changed in the last few years? How do you evaluate a prospective investment's attractiveness? How do you think about risk and reward in angel investing? Is it possible for Angel funds to be too big?Learning Objective: To provide background understanding on how a variety of angels think and invest.
ACHIEVING DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES WITH BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE

Business intelligence (BI) is one of the technology areas that have grown tremendously. BI describes a set of concepts and methods based on data for improving business decision making. BI capabilities have become one of the important business and technical capabilities. However, BI capabilities have remained largely unexamined in academic literature. Current understandings of BI capabilities are limited and lack systematic view. In this conceptual paper, we develop a framework to define BI capabilities as a multi-dimension concept. It consists of BI infrastructure maturity, data management capability, analytical capability, collaborative governance capability, and analytics-based process capability. We also examine how BI capabilities facilitate and support sense and respond strategies in current dynamic business environment.
A carbon nanotube-embedded conjugated polymer mesh with controlled oil absorption and surface regeneration via in situ wettability switch.

Abstract This paper presents a mesh-type absorbent made of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-embedded polypyrrole dodecylbenzenesulfonate (PPy(DBS)) surface for controlled absorption and release of oils and regeneration of polymer surfaces toward continuous oil/water separation. The mesh absorbs dichloromethane (DCM) under oxidation in aqueous environment and releases them under reduction via in situ switching of underwater wettability. CNTs were grown out of stainless steel surfaces and embedded into the PPy(DBS) film, which enhanced the switchable wettability as well as the surface regeneration. The CNT-embedded morphology improved oil retention by a factor of two in an oxidized state and decreased wettability switch time by 16% in a reduced state over the mesh without CNT embedment during 250 redox cyclic testing. A rolled 2 cm × 3 cm CNT-embedded PPy(DBS) mesh was furthermore used to demonstrate the continuous absorption and release of oils, during which DCM of 16 times of the absorbent weight was collected in 50 redox cycles.
The state of the science in paediatric pain management practices in low‐middle income countries: An integrative review

Aim Examine the state of the science for pain management in children living in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Background Significant challenges exist in pain management for children living in LMIC. Methods An integrative review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines for quality of reporting. Literature searches were completed using Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL databases for publications between January 2006 and August 2016 using MeSH and primary search terms pain and LMIC. Full text publications were evaluated using GRADE criterion and methodology specific evaluation tools. Results Of 1510 publications identified, 31 met the criteria for inclusion. Data were categorized into three broad themes: (1) magnitude of the pain problem with subthemes describing the burden of and resources for paediatric pain management; (2) perceptions, experience, and practices for managing pain in children residing in LMIC with subthemes addressing health care providers, parent/caregiver and children, respectively; and (3) pain management practices with pain assessment and treatment strategies as subthemes. Conclusion Current data on paediatric pain management in LMIC are limited with respect to describing the burden of pain, children's pain perceptions and experiences, and pain management practices. Rigorous investigations are needed to expand knowledge and address the pervasive problem of pain for children in LMIC.
Does Bill James's Pythagorean Formula Apply to England's Premier League?

Bill James’s Pythagorean formula relates runs scored and runs allowed to team winning in Major League Baseball. Researchers have applied James’s Pythagorean formula to basketball, ice hockey, and tennis, among other sports. Current literature, however, questions the applicability of the Pythagorean approach to soccer. This paper finds that such results may be because the dependent variable is based on the Federation Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) point system rather than wins and losses. The authors successfully apply James’s Pythagorean formula to soccer and, in particular, England’s Premier League (EPL). Between 2000/01 and 2016/17, there is a statistically significant relationship between a team’s goal ratio (defined as goals scored divided by goals allowed) and a team’s win-loss ratio. A one percent increase in the goal ratio is associated with a 1.70 percent increase in the win-loss ratio.
The Influence of Teacher–Child Relationships on Preschool Children’s Cortisol Levels

A central component of the stress response system, the HPA axis, is shaped in part by environmental inputs throughout early childhood. In particular, the relationships children have during this time are associated with levels of cortisol, the hormonal by-product of the HPA axis. High levels or aberrant patterns of cortisol in young children are related to a variety of deleterious outcomes. Encouragingly, sensitive, responsive parent–child relationships support adaptive cortisol levels and can protect the child in the face of adverse life events. For many children, relationships with teachers in early care and education (ECE) settings are also necessary. This chapter outlines the unique role of ECE teachers on preschool children’s developing stress response system. Children with close, supportive relationships with their ECE teachers are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally. Further, close relationships and responsive, sensitive ECE classrooms support cortisol patterns for children that align with the expected decline across the day. Results from relationship-focused interventions indicate that a focus on these types of supports may lead to positive change in children’s cortisol at child care. Implications for practice, policies, and families are discussed.
Custom 3-Dimensional Printed Ultrasound-Compatible Vascular Access Models: Training Medical Students for Vascular Access.

Abstract Purpose To generate 3-dimensional (3D) printed ultrasound (US)-compatible vascular models (3DPVAM) and test them for noninferiority in training medical students in femoral artery access. Materials and Methods A 3DPVAM of normal femoral artery (FA) anatomy was developed from an anonymized computerized tomography (CT) examination. Students were randomized to a 3DPVAM or a commercial model (CM) simulation experience (SE) for US-guided FA access. Students completed a pre-SE questionnaire ranking their self-confidence in accessing the artery on a 5-point Likert scale. A standardized SE was administered by interventional radiology faculty or trainees. Students completed a post-SE questionnaire ranking comfort with FA access on a Likert scale. Student questionnaire results from the 3DPVAM group were compared with those from the CM group by using chi-square, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and noninferiority analyses. Results Twenty-six and twenty-three students were randomized to 3DPVAM and commercial model training, respectively. A total of 76.9% of 3DPVAM trainees and 82.6% of CM trainees did not feel confident performing FA access prior to the SE. In both groups, training increased student confidence by 2 Likert points (3DPVAM: P Conclusions Generation of a custom-made 3DPVAM is feasible, producing comparable subjective training outcomes to those of CM. Custom-made 3D-printed training models, including incorporation of more complex anatomical configurations, could be used to instruct medical students in procedural skills.
Medicaid Work Requirements In Arkansas: Two-Year Impacts On Coverage, Employment, And Affordability Of Care.

In June 2018 Arkansas became the first US state to implement work requirements in Medicaid, requiring adults ages 30–49 to work twenty hours a week, participate in “community engagement” activities...
Modular Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis Cell with Anthraquinone-Modified Polyaniline Electrocatalyst

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) target the chemical destruction of a wide range of nonbiodegradable, toxic, and recalcitrant organic pollutants instead of removal via physical separation, which...
Functional Neuroanatomy of the Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System

This chapter briefly reviews functional neuroanatomy of the peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) and concludes by citing an example of “fright-fight-flight” reaction with critical commentary. Traditionally, the ANS has been divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. However, a third division called the enteric nervous system (ENS) received acknowledgment in 1970, although the Cambridge physiologist Langley first recognized it in 1898. The ANS controls the body’s internal environment without conscious perception, whereas the somatic (voluntary) nervous system is responsive to external environment with conscious awareness. These two systems work in unison to control the body’s homeostasis to stabilize and maintain the body’s vital functions. The sympathetic division works through thoracolumbar spinal cord outflow, and the parasympathetic division utilizes craniosacral outflow to control internal homeostasis. These two peripheral divisions of the ANS are influenced by the central autonomic network (CAN) in the brainstem with its reciprocal ascending projections to forebrain and other parts of the cerebral hemispheres as well as descending projections to medulla and spinal cord. Two major neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and norepinephrine, are responsible for transmission through three divisions of the ANS. The sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation in general produces opposing physiological effects in different organs and systems in the body with some exceptions. The dysautonomic symptoms following failure of the ANS are characteristic for each system of the body, and may include features of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (e.g., orthostatic hypotension associated with orthostatic intolerance symptoms of dizziness, syncope, presyncope, or blurring of vision), esophago-gastro-enteropathy (e.g., dysphagia, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome), genitourinary neuropathy (e.g., erectile dysfunction in men, nocturia, urinary incontinence). These symptoms may result from failure of the peripheral ANS or CAN.
Development of a Remote Public Health Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Response to COVID-19.

Objectives:In order to meet the needs of the COVID-19 public health crisis and to actively engage students in patient care opportunities, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College o...
The Effects of Pre-K on Later Grade Enrollments: Is Pre-K a Welfare Magnet?

Economists sometimes argue that a government cannot simultaneously have open borders and strong welfare programs. Yet within America, local school districts often adopt policies that entail significant resource transfers to parents, in spite of ostensibly open school-district borders. One recent example is the introduction of public pre-kindergarten (pre-k) programs. In this paper, we study whether the adoption of a pre-k program leads to an inflow of families to a school district, analogous to the “magnet hypothesis” where welfare programs draw immigrants into a state or nation. To shed light on this question, we study a national panel of public school districts in the Common Core of Data from 1986 through 2015 and use a difference-in-differences design to estimate the relationship between adopting a pre-k program and district kindergarten and first grade enrollments a year or two later, respectively. We find that adopting a pre-k program is associated with a statistically significant increase in a district's first grade enrollments two years later by between 1% and 1.5%. Falsification tests suggest this is a causal effect. Similar effects are found on kindergarten enrollments one year later, and at the school-level for schools that adopt pre-k programs and that already had attached kindergartens and first grades. However, we find relatively weak evidence that the adoption of pre-k programs affects district minority shares. Thus, this particular welfare program may not necessarily attract disadvantaged families. Implications for education and immigration policy are discussed.
The Importance of Financial Misconduct of Institutional Investors on Corporate Social Responsibility

This study analyzes the effect of institutional investors with disciplinary history (IDH) on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities of investee firms. We use Registered Investment Advisers’ reported violations of laws and regulations to the Securities and Exchange Commission to identify IDH. We find that IDH discourage firms’ engagement in CSR activities and attribute this regularity to institutions’ disregard for social norms. Further, we find that both activist and non-monitoring IDH appear to drive the discouragement of CSR activities but that the investment horizon of investors does not appear to drive our results. We conduct extensive robustness tests to address endogeneity issues by employing two-stage least squares regression, regression discontinuity and difference-in-difference identification strategies. The results continue to hold when we conduct additional robustness tests such as propensity-score matching (PSM) methodology of entropy balancing approach. Overall, our results suggest that institutional investors’ track record of financial misconduct has an economically significant negative impact on investee firms’ CSR activities.
Development of Keratinocyte Cell Lines Containing Extrachromosomal Human Papillomavirus Genomes

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause persistent infections in stratified cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. In these infections, the viral DNA replicates as low-copy-number, extrachromosomal, double-stranded-DNA circular plasmids in the nucleus of the dividing basal cells. When the infected cells begin the process of differentiation, the viral DNA amplifies to a high copy number and virions are assembled in the superficial cells. To study HPV DNA replication, our laboratory generates primary keratinocyte cell lines that contain replicating extrachromosomal HPV genomes. Here, we describe protocols to culture human keratinocytes, to transfect viral DNA into cells using electroporation, to determine the efficiency of genome establishment in cells with a colony-forming assay, and to measure the copy number and extrachromosomal status of viral genomes using Southern blotting. These methods can be used to study DNA replication of different oncogenic Alphapapillomavirus HPV types. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol 1: Electroporation to transfect keratinocytes with recircularized HPV genomes Alternate Protocol: Use of HPV replicon containing selection marker in keratinocyte transfection Support Protocol 1: Rheinwald-Green method of co-culture of irradiated J2 3T3 feeders and human keratinocytes Support Protocol 2: Recircularization of HPV genomes Basic Protocol 2: Quantitative colony formation assay to measure the efficiency of HPV genome establishment Basic Protocol 3: Southern blot analysis of extrachromosomal viral DNA Support Protocol 3: Hirt extraction of low-molecular-weight DNA Support Protocol 4: Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue DNA extraction Support Protocol 5: Generation of a 32 P-labeled HPV DNA probe.
The Psychological Construction of Emotion – A Non-Essentialist Philosophy of Science:

Advocates for the psychological construction of emotion view themselves as articulating a non-essentialist alternative to basic emotion theory's essentialist notion of affect programs. Psychologica...
Visions of Empire in the Nazi-Occupied Netherlands

1. War comes to the kingdom 2. The landscape of resistance and the clandestine press 3. 'Look to the East!' collaboration, colonialism, and compensatory schemes 4. 'Indies lost, disaster born': the trauma of early 1942 5. Mutuality, equality, and a Dutch commonwealth: the Queen's speech of December 7, 1942 6. Countering the commonwealth: the center and right enter the fray 7. 'After our liberation, that of Indonesia': preparing for battle 8. Wartime consensus and post-war pressures Conclusion: the end of an era.
The Use of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Cancer Therapy

The expansion in culture of lymphocytes directly from a tumor offers the possibility of generating a specific immune response to a malignancy. The idea that lymphocytes may be selected in vivo to recognize a tumor and then be expanded in the presence of the lymphokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) has led to the subject of this paper, namely, the large-scale production of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for the treatment of human cancers.
Substrate independence of molecular weight of triphosphopyridine nucleotide-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase.

The techniques of gel filtration and light scattering were used to evaluate a report that the molecular weight of the TPN-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase of pig heart can be influenced by its substrates. The results here presented indicate that the elution position of the enzyme from a column of Sephadex G-150 is not appreciably altered by the addition of isocitrate, manganous ion, TPN, α-ketoglutarate, or TPNH. The Stokes radius is estimated as 39.3 A. Similarly the weight average molecular weight of the enzyme, as measured by light scattering, does not vary significantly from 58,000 when isocitrate, α-ketoglutarate, metal ion, and the coenzymes are added. It is concluded that the pig heart TPN-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase exists as a single molecular weight species independent of the presence of substrates.
Calibration of Permeation and Diffusion Devices by an Absolute Pressure Method

By following the change in absolute pressure above a permeation device, calibration of such sources can be performed in substantially less than one hundredth the time required using conventional gravimetric procedures. The sensitivity of the Brookhaven calibration procedure is achieved by combining high resolution pressure and temperature measuring instruments with newly designed permeation wafer devices giving low total volume when connected to the pressure measuring device. Using Brookhaven low (<20 nl/min at 30°C) and ultra-low (<1 nl/min) calibrated permeation devices, the inaccuracies and expense associated with the use of exponential dilution flasks and large quantities of diluent "zero" gas for providing part-per-billion calibration gases are reduced markedly. In addition, controlled flow rates of noncondensable gases such as carbon monoxide and methane can be provided at microlitre-per-minute rates using Brookhaven porous glass diffusion devices.
Initial diagnoses of patients ultimately diagnosed with prion disease.

Background: Prion diseases are rapidly progressive neurodegenerative diseases that frequently mimic other forms of dementia making them difficult to diagnose. 17 18 Objective: To explore factors associated with the initial diagnoses of cases later determined to be caused by prion disease in an attempt to recognize key clinical variables that impact the timely diagnosis of prion disease. 19 20 Methods: A retrospective chart review performed at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System (1995‐2008) was conducted. Ninety-two subjects with definite or probable prion disease were included in the analyses. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic test results, neuropathologic, molecular, and genetic data were collected using a standardized instrument and compared between initial diagnosis groups. 21 22 23 24 Results: Cases were separated into five broad categories pertaining to their initial diagnoses: prion disease, non-prion-related dementia,psychiatricdisorder,stroke,andother.Themajorityofcasesdidnotreceiveaninitialdiagnosisofpriondisease(n=76, 83%). The plurality of subjects received an initial diagnosis of a non-prion disease related dementia (n=33, 36%). Mean survival timesvariedbetweeninitialdiagnosisgroups(p=0.042).Timestocerebrospinalfluid14-3-3analysisandelectroencephalogram also differed between initial diagnosis groups. 25 26 27 28 29 Conclusions:Most patients with prion disease are initially diagnosed with a non-prion disease related dementia. Several clinical features were associated with initial diagnoses including survival time, onset of specific symptoms, and times to 14-3-3 analyses and electroencephalogram. Expanding our knowledge of the various clinical presentations of prion disease, especially dementia, may aid in the earlier diagnoses of these rapidly progressive diseases. 30 31 32 33
Banking Sector Competition in Russia

The Russian banking sector includes approximately 1,000 banks, but is it competitive? This paper analyzes bank competition in Russia during 2002-2008. The authors examine indicators of concentration and contestability, and compute non-structural measures of competition. They compare competition in Russia to that in Brazil, China, and India, and contrast competition across different groups of banks within Russia. Contestability in Russia is obstructed by uneven supervisory practices and an unclear exit process. Non-structural measures reveal that banks in Russia are less competitive than those in Brazil. Within Russia, large banks and state-owned banks exert more market power than the smaller and privately-owned institutions. Finally, business-oriented banks are more competitive than those concentrating on lending to individuals.
The effect of sidewall forest canopies on the formation of cold‐air pools: A numerical study

[1] While the evolution and dynamics of cold-air pools in basins and valleys continue to be an active area of research, the influence of vegetation cover on cold-air pools remains largely unexamined. Recently, the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) atmospheric model has been modified to allow simulation of flow through a multilayer canopy (ARPS-CANOPY). In this study, two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed with ARPS-CANOPY to examine the impact of sidewall forest cover on diurnal cold-air pool formation inside an idealized valley. A cold-air pool develops regardless of the presence or absence of sidewall vegetation. However, the strength of the temperature inversion and the overall cooling appear to be substantially modified by sidewall vegetation. The coldest overall valley temperature occurs with no sidewall vegetation cover while the warmest occurs when the valley sidewalls are fully covered with vegetation. In simulations with partial forest cover, the nocturnal cooling in approximately the upper two thirds (lower one third) of the valley atmosphere is shown to be most sensitive to forest cover along the upper half (lower half) of the sidewall. The sidewall forest cover also affects downslope flows through a combination of weaker surface cooling beneath the forest canopy and increased drag on air flowing down the sidewalls. Finally, the strength of downslope flow is shown to be highly sensitive to the presence or absence of trees farther up the slope.
Plasma Waves Produced by the Xenon Ion Beam Experiment on the Porcupine Sounding Rocket

The production of electrostatic ion cyclotron waves by a perpendicular ion beam in the F-region ionosphere is described. The ion beam experiment was part of the Porcupine program and produced electrostatic hydrogen cyclotron waves just above harmonics of the hydrogen cyclotron frequency. The plasma process may be thought of as a magnetized background ionosphere through which an unmagnetized beam is flowing. The dispersion equation for this hypothesis is constructed and solved. Preliminary solutions agree well with the observed plasma waves.
This Coincidence Cannot Be Accidental

Metal superconductors such as lead and niobium were thought fully understood 40 years ago, but they have now presented some fresh puzzles.
On Empirical Bayes Selection Rules for Negative Binomial Populations

This paper deals with the problem of selecting good negative binomial populations as compared with a standard or a control. The main results are based on the use of the empirical Bayes approach. First we derive the monotone empirical Bayes estimators of the concerned parameters. Based on these estimators, we construct monotone empirical Bayes selection rules. Asymptotic optimality properties of the monotone empirical Bayes estimators and the monotone empirical Bayes selection rules are investigated. The respective convergence rates for the estimation problem and for the selection problem are studied, under some conditions.
Dempster-Shafer fusion for personnel detection: Application of Dempster-Shafer theory with ultrasonic micro-Doppler and PIR sensors

This paper proposes an approach to the fusion of multi-modal sensor data for the purpose of personnel intrusion detection. The focus is on using low cost non-imaging sensors for applications such as border crossings where issues of rapid deployment and power consumption are prevalent. The main challenge of fusing data from such sensors lies in the wide variation of granularity of classification that they may provide. While some sensors may provide detailed characteristics of the motion in a scene and therefore a very fine classification, others may only provide simple alerts and little detail. In order to fuse data from a wide range of sensors that are often designed for disparate applications, an approach based on the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence is used. The implicit handling of uncertainty and ambiguous propositions leads to a convenient hierarchical approach that can represent data from numerous sensor modalities.
Software Cost Estimation

The sections in this article are 1 Software Cost Estimation for the Practicing Software Engineer 2 Research Directions in Software Cost Modeling 3 Acknowledgements
AUUUA Sequences Direct mRNA Deadenylation Uncoupled from Decay during Xenopus Early Development

To study the regulation of AUUUA-mediated RNA deadenylation and destabilization during Xenopus early development, we microinjected chimeric mRNAs containing Xenopus or mammalian 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) sequences into Xenopus oocytes, mature eggs, or fertilized embryos. We found that the AU-rich elements (ARE) of Xenopus c-myc II and the human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene (GMCSF) both direct deadenylation of chimeric mRNAs in an AUUUA-dependent manner. In the case of the Xenopus c-myc II ARE, mutation of a single AUUUA within an absolutely conserved 11-nucleotide region in c-myc 3′-UTRs prevents ARE-mediated deadenylation. AUUUA-specific deadenylation appears to be developmentally regulated: low deadenylation activity is observed in the oocyte, whereas rapid deadenylation occurs following egg activation or fertilization. Deadenylation results in the accumulation of stable deadenylated RNAs that become degraded only following mid-blastula transition. We conclude that ARE-mediated mRNA deadenylation can be uncoupled from ARE-mediated mRNA decay and that AUUUAs directly signal deadenylation during Xenopus early development.