cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Backdated Options are Unreasonable Compensation

In this article, Prof. Zelinsky observes that, in its enforcement of section 162(a)(1) and its rule of reasonable compensation, the IRS has focused its enforcement efforts exclusively on the compensation granted by successful closely held C corporations to their shareholder-employees. The IRS has ignored the enormous compensation packages that the nation's publicly traded corporations now routinely pay to their CEOs and other top executives. Judging from its response to the option backdating scandal, Zelinsky believes the IRS will either begin to rectify the anomaly that is the law of reasonable compensation or will compound the incoherence and unfairness of current law. Backdated options are in-the-money options disguised to look like at-the-money options by means of falsely reported issuance dates. Under section 162(m) and its regulations, gain from the exercise of in-the-money options is not performance-based income and therefore is typically nondeductible with respect to corporations' covered employees. Moreover, compensation earned by other executives from the exercise of backdated options is unreasonable and hence nondeductible to the corporations employing those executives. Zelinsky hopes the IRS will bring to bear on the publicly traded corporations issuing backdated options the same zeal with which it has enforced reasonable compensation limits against closely held corporations. In the final analysis, backdated options are unreasonable compensation.
Making Microfinance Transparent: ACCION Policy Paper on Transparency

Financial transparency - the widespread availability of relevant, accurate, and comparable information about an institution - is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone in the evolution of microfinance. Transparency opens the door for microfinance to become integrated into financial systems because the participants and guardians of the financial system demand high quality information to guide their informed judgments about microfinance institutions. This policy paper describes how ACCION's commitment to transparency is realized.
Continuous amortization and extensions

Subdivision-based algorithms recursively subdivide an input region until the smaller subregions can be processed. It is a challenge to analyze the complexity of such algorithms because the work they perform is not uniform across the input region. Continuous amortization was introduced in Burr et al. (2009) as a way to bound the complexity of subdivision-based algorithms. The main features of this new technique are that (1) the technique can be applied, uniformly, to a variety of subdivision-based algorithms, (2) the technique considers a function directly related to the subdivision-based algorithm under consideration, and (3) the output of the technique is often explicitly expressed in terms of the intrinsic complexity of the problem instance.In this paper, the theory of continuous amortization is generalized and applied in several directions. The theory is generalized (1) to allow the domain to be higher dimensional or an abstract measure space, (2) to allow more general subdivisions than bisections, and (3) to bound the value of general functions on the regions of the final partition. The theory is applied to seven examples of subdivision-based algorithms. These applications include (1) bounding the number of subdivisions performed by algorithms for isolating real and complex roots of polynomials, (2) bounding the bit-complexity of subdivision-based algorithms for isolating the real roots of polynomials, and (3) bounding the expected run-time of an algorithm for approximating a biased coin. In each of these applications, by using continuous amortization, we achieve or improve the best-known complexity bounds.
Reducing the Costs of TV Commercials by Use of Time Compressions

The amount of time needed to broadcast a television commercial can be reduced by means of an electronic process called time compression. A 30-second commercial can be broadcast in 24 seconds by thi...
FRI0119 Diclofenac Use and Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Spondyloarthropathy Patients

Background Ankylosing spondylyitis (AS) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Diclofenac use has been associated with MI in the general population and is commonly used in spondyloarthropathy (SpA) patients. However data on risk of MI with diclofenac use in the SpA population are not available. Objectives To examine the relation between diclofenac use and the risk of MI among SpA patients. Methods Using 1995-2012 data from The Health Improvement Network, a database of medical records from general practitioners in the United Kingdom, we identified patients with incident AS or PsA who had no history of ischemic heart disease or MI. Eligibility criteria included age 18-89 years, >1 year enrollment in THIN prior to SpA diagnosis, and ≥1 prescription for an NSAID (never users excluded to minimize confounding by indication). We identified subjects prescribed diclofenac after SpA diagnosis and generated a diclofenac-exposed cohort. We selected subjects who were not currently exposed to diclofenac for inclusion in the comparator cohort. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to calculate multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident MI. We conducted the equivalent cohort analyses for naproxen users (a negative control) and rofecoxib users (a positive control). Results Among individuals with incident AS or PsA, we identified 3480, 2176, and 527 incident users of diclofenac, naproxen and rofecoxib, respectively. Within the 3 cohorts studied, AS was present in 28-32% and 44-49% of all subjects were female. Crude incidence rate ratios for MI were 1.25 (0.86, 1.84) in the diclofenac cohort, 1.20 (0.78, 1.85) in the naproxen cohort, and 2.34 (1.24, 4.43) in the rofecoxib cohort relative to non-use. After multivariable adjustment, the hazard ratio for MI was 1.61 (1.08, 2.40) for diclofenac, 1.40 (0.90, 2.19) for naproxen, and 2.60 (1.30, 5.22) for rofecoxib (Table) compared with non-use. Restriction to AS subjects led to similar effect estimates, but did not reach statistical significance due to small numbers. Conclusions Diclofenac use among SpA patients was associated with a 61% increased risk of MI relative to non-use, while naproxen use was not associated with increased risk. Diclofenac use in persons with AS or PsA may increase MI risk beyond that associated with the underlying inflammatory disease. Disclosure of Interest None declared DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1665
Rerouting of subglacial water flow between neighboring glaciers in West Greenland

Investigations of the Greenland ice sheet's subglacial hydrological system show that the connectivity of different regions of the system influences how the glacier velocity responds to variations in surface melting. Here we examine whether subglacial water flow paths can be rerouted beneath three outlet glaciers in the ablation zone of western Greenland. We use Lamont-Doherty and Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets of University of Kansas (CReSIS) ice-penetrating radar data to create a new ice thickness map. We then use a simple subglacial water flow model to examine whether flow paths can be rerouted and identify the topographic conditions that are sensitive to subglacial rerouting. By varying water pressures within an observationally constrained range, we show that moderate changes in pressure can cause flow paths to reroute and exchange water from one subglacial catchment to another. Flow across subglacial overdeepenings is particularly sensitive to rerouting. These areas have low hydraulic gradients driving flow, so subtle water pressure variations have a strong influence on water flow direction. Based on correlations between water flow paths and ice velocity changes, we infer that water piracy between neighboring catchments can result in a different spatial pattern of hydrologically induced ice velocity speedup depending on the amount and timing of surface melt. The potential for subglacial water to reroute across different catchments suggests that multiple hydrographs from neighboring glaciers are likely necessary to accurately ascertain melt budgets from proglacial point measurements. The relationship between surface runoff, ice dynamics, and proglacial discharge can be altered by rerouting of subglacial water flow within and across outlet glaciers.
Acute metabolic acidosis inhibits the induction of osteoblastic egr-1 and type 1 collagen

Metabolic acidosis induces net calcium efflux from bone through a decrease in osteoblastic formation and an increase in osteoclastic resorption. We tested the hypothesis that changes in external pH would alter the expression of genes critical to the function of mouse calvarial bone cells, predominantly osteoblasts. Cells were cultured in physiologically neutral pH medium until confluent and then stimulated with fresh medium at either neutral or acidic pH. Among a group of immediate early response genes, including egr-1, junB, c-jun, junD, and c-fos, only egr-1 stimulation was modulated by changes in medium pH. At pH 7.4, RNA for egr-1 was stimulated approximately 10- to 30-fold, 40 min after medium change. A progressive decrease in pH to 6.8 led to a parallel reduction in egr-1 stimulation, and an increase in pH to 7.6 led to an increase in egr-1 stimulation. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide led to a superinduction of egr-1 with preservation of the pH dependency of expression. Osteoblasts synthesize collagen, which is subsequently mineralized. RNA for type 1 collagen was stimulated approximately three- to fivefold, 40 min after medium change. Again the stimulation was inhibited by acidosis and increased by alkalosis. Cycloheximide abolished the pH dependency of expression. These results suggest that small changes in external pH have a significant effect on the expression of certain genes important for osteoblastic function.
Chemical weathering as a mechanism for the climatic control of bedrock river incision

Climate-dependent chemical weathering is found to control the erodibility of bedrock-floored rivers across a rainfall gradient on the Kohala Peninsula, Hawai‘i; river erosion models that incorporate this process could improve the assessment of climatic controls from topographic data and the understanding of climatic feedbacks in landscape evolution models. It is widely assumed that there is a feedback between climate, erosion and tectonics over geological timescales, but the influence of local climate on landscape erosion rates remains poorly understood. Using new field constraints on geochemistry, rock mechanics, and erosion rates along rivers spanning an extreme climate gradient on the Big Island of Hawai'i, this study demonstrates that climate-dependent chemical weathering controls the erodibility of bedrock-floored rivers. Although the strength of this mechanism may vary with tectonic, lithologic and climatic conditions, the quantified relationship between local rainfall and rock erodibility can help with the assessment of climatic controls from topographic data and the incorporation of climatic feedbacks into landscape evolution models. Feedbacks between climate, erosion and tectonics influence the rates of chemical weathering reactions1,2, which can consume atmospheric CO2 and modulate global climate3,4. However, quantitative predictions for the coupling of these feedbacks are limited because the specific mechanisms by which climate controls erosion are poorly understood. Here we show that climate-dependent chemical weathering controls the erodibility of bedrock-floored rivers across a rainfall gradient on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Field data demonstrate that the physical strength of bedrock in streambeds varies with the degree of chemical weathering, which increases systematically with local rainfall rate. We find that incorporating the quantified relationships between local rainfall and erodibility into a commonly used river incision model is necessary to predict the rates and patterns of downcutting of these rivers. In contrast to using only precipitation-dependent river discharge to explain the climatic control of bedrock river incision5,6, the mechanism of chemical weathering can explain strong coupling between local climate and river incision.
407 IMPAIRED NEUTROPHIL EXTRACELLULAR TRAP FORMATION IN PLATELET-ACTIVATING FACTOR- AND LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-STIMULATED POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES ISOLATED FROM PRETERM INFANTS.

Background Activated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) participate in the innate immune response precipitated by tissue injury or bacterial invasion. As a recently described response to bacterial invasion, PMNs secrete lattices of DNA and antimicrobial proteins termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to effect extracellular killing of bacteria. However, PMNs isolated from infants born prematurely exhibit in vitro and in vivo functional deficits in bacterial killing. Whether these deficits result from impaired NET formation in preterm PMNs remains unknown. Hypothesis We hypothesize that preterm PMNs fail to robustly form NETs following activation in vitro. Methods We therefore stimulated human PMNs isolated from adults, term infants, and preterm infants with platelet-activating factor (PAF) (10−8M), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/mL), or live bacteria (Escherichia coli, 0.1-10 MOI) for 30 to 120 minutes. We visualized NET formation of live and fixed PMNs stained for extracellular DNA and myeloperoxidase expression via confocal microscopy, with and without time-lapse photography. We also obtained high-resolution images of NET formation in all three cell types via scanning electron microscopy of fixed PMNs following stimulation with PAF, LPS, or E. coli. Results We visualized limited or absent NET formation via confocal microscopy at 30 and 120 minutes in LPS- and E. coli-stimulated preterm PMNs compared with robust NET formation at 30 and 120 minutes in term and adult PMNs following the same stimuli. PAF failed to induce NET formation in preterm PMNs but did induce NET formation in term and adult PMNs at 30 minutes. Time-lapse confocal microscopy allowed visualization of NET formation in term and adult PMNs but failed to show NET formation in preterm PMN preparations. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy confirmed robust NET formation at 30 minutes in term and adult PMNs following stimulation with PAF, LPS, and E. coli but noted minimal NET formation under those conditions in preterm PMNs. Conclusion We conclude that in vitro NET formation is impaired in preterm PMNs when compared with term and adult PMNs. Speculation We speculate that impaired NET formation may contribute to bacterial killing deficits documented in preterm infants, thus contributing to the morbidity and mortality in preterm infants associated with neonatal sepsis.
Analysis of Cocoa Proanthocyanidins Using Reversed Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Electrochemical Detection: Application to Studies on the Effect of Alkaline Processing

Flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins play a key role in the health beneficial effects of cocoa. Here, we developed a new reversed phased high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method for the analysis of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins of degree of polymerization (DP) 2-7. We used this method to examine the effect of alkalization on polyphenol composition of cocoa powder. Treatment of cocoa powder with NaOH (final pH 8.0) at 92 °C for up to 1 h increased catechin content by 40%, but reduced epicatechin and proanthocyanidins by 23-66%. Proanthocyanidin loss could be modeled using a two-phase exponential decay model (R(2) > 0.7 for epicatchin and proanthocyanidins of odd DP). Alkalization resulted in a significant color change and 20% loss of total polyphenols. The present work demonstrates the first use of HPLC-ECD for the detection of proanthocyanidins up to DP 7 and provides an initial predictive model for the effect of alkali treatment on cocoa polyphenols.
Chapter 9 – Gonadal Steroid Action

The gonadal steroids—androgens, estrogens, and progestins—regulate reproductive function and sexual behavior in mammals in a coordinated manner across a variety of target organs, principally the mammary gland, ovary, uterus, and central nervous system (CNS) in females, and the prostate, testis, and CNS in males. Gonadal steroids modulate gene expression and cellular function via interactions with members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors, specifically the androgen receptor, estrogen receptors, and the progesterone receptor. These receptors, in addition to engaging coregulators to effect direct regulation of target genes, have been demonstrated to possess alternative modes of action involving cross talk with cellular effector pathways and other classes of transcription factors. This chapter adopts a global perspective that emphasizes the variety of mechanistic functions that underpin the complex spatiotemporal biology of the gonadal steroids.
Sri Lanka’s Sources of Growth

This paper uses the growth accounting framework to assess Sri Lanka's sources of growth. It finds that while labor was the dominant factor contributing to growth in the 1980s, labor's contribution declined over time and was overtaken, to a large extent, by total factor productivity (TFP) and, to a lower extent, by physical and human capital accumulation. A higher growth path over the medium term will depend on securing a stable political and macroeconomic environment; implementing structural reforms necessary to improve productivity and efficiency of investment; attaining fiscal consolidation; and creating space for the private sector.
Low Temperature Oxynitridation of SiGe in NO/N2O Ambients

X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and spectral ellipsometry have been used to study sub-35 A low temperature oxynitrides of SiGe. The oxynitridations steps have been performed at 550°C and 650°C, while the oxynitridation feed gases have been preheated to 900°C and 1000°C, respectively, before entering the reaction zone. XPS and SIMS data suggests that NO-assisted oxynitridation incorporates more nitrogen than the N2O-assisted one, while there is minimal Ge segregation towards the dielectric/substrate interface in both oxynitridation processes. SIMS data suggests that the nitrogen is distributed throughout the film in contrast to high temperature Si oxynitridation where nitrogen incorporation takes place near the dielectric/substrate interface. Spectral Ellipsometry has been used to measure the final thickness of the oxynitrides film. These results are discussed in the context of an overall mechanism of the oxynitridation of SiGe.
Development of voltammetric microelectrodes for use in corrosion studies

A gold-based mercury microelectrode was prepared by electroreducing Hg{sup 2+} on a gold wire of 25 {micro}m diameter encased in glass. The electrode reaction and analytical sensitivity for dissolved O{sub 2}, Mn, Fe, S ({minus}II), and H{sup +} using square wave voltammetry are investigated. The use of this voltammetric microelectrode takes advantage of fast scan voltammetric methods for the simultaneous measurement of the key redox species during a single potential scan from {minus}0.1 V to {minus}1.7 V (SCE). Various interfering factors and experimental parameters of the voltammetric measurements are discussed. By mounting the working electrode on a computerized micromanipulator, vertical microprofiles of the redox species were measured at 10 {micro}m depth resolution across seawater biofilms formed on metal coupons. Results revealed the heterogeneous nature of the biofilm and complex microbially mediated heavy metal (Mn and Fe) cycles within the biofilm system. Data interpretation provided further insight into the mechanism of the microbially influenced metal corrosion. 47 refs.
Foreign aid and economic growth: evidence from Cambodia

ABSTRACTThis paper attempts to examine the growth impact of foreign aid in Cambodia over the period 1980–2014, using the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach. The study also incorporates investment and trade openness into the model. The empirical findings show that trade openness has positive effects on growth in both the short run and the long run; investment has positively contributed to growth in the long run while foreign aid has positive impact on growth only for the short run. On the contrary, in the long run, it has negative impact on investment and growth. This can be suggested that dependence on foreign aid for long periods of time does not positively contribute to investment and growth in Cambodia. In order to achieve sustainable growth and enhanced industrialization, policy-makers should move from aid dependence to promote investments through elevating domestic and foreign capital in the country.
Book Review: Human Rights and State Security: Indonesia and the Philippines

(2015). Book Review: Human Rights and State Security: Indonesia and the Philippines. South East Asia Research: Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 443-447.
A hardware-friendly bilateral solver for real-time virtual reality video

Rendering 3D-360° VR video from a camera rig is computation-intensive and typically performed offline. In this paper, we target the most time-consuming step of the VR video creation process, high-quality flow estimation with the bilateral solver. We propose a new algorithm, the hardware-friendly bilateral solver, that enables faster runtimes than existing algorithms of similar quality. Our algorithm is easily parallelized, achieving a 4× speedup on CPU and 32× speedup on GPU over a baseline CPU implementation. We also design an FPGA-based hardware accelerator that utilizes reduced-precision computation and the parallelism inherent in our algorithm to achieve further speedups over our CPU and GPU implementations while consuming an order of magnitude less power. The FPGA design's power efficiency enables practical real-time VR video processing at the camera rig or in the cloud.
Quality control and authentication of packaged integrated circuits using enhanced-spatial-resolution terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging

Abstract In this paper, a comprehensive set of techniques for quality control and authentication of packaged integrated circuits (IC) using terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) is developed. By material characterization, the presence of unexpected materials in counterfeit components is revealed. Blacktopping layers are detected using THz time-of-flight tomography, and thickness of hidden layers is measured. Sanded and contaminated components are detected by THz reflection-mode imaging. Differences between inside structures of counterfeit and authentic components are revealed through developing THz transmission imaging. For enabling accurate measurement of features by THz transmission imaging, a novel resolution enhancement technique (RET) has been developed. This RET is based on deconvolution of the THz image and the THz point spread function (PSF). The THz PSF is mathematically modeled through incorporating the spectrum of the THz imaging system, the axis of propagation of the beam, and the intensity extinction coefficient of the object into a Gaussian beam distribution. As a result of implementing this RET, the accuracy of the measurements on THz images has been improved from 2.4 mm to 0.1 mm and bond wires as small as 550 µm inside the packaging of the ICs are imaged.
Passive smoking and Parkinson's disease in California Teachers.

Abstract Introduction Tobacco smoking is consistently inversely associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) in men and women; recently this has been related to reverse causation, prompting questions as to whether similar patterns exist for passive smoke exposure. We used baseline and follow-up data from the California Teachers Study, a prospective cohort of women, to investigate whether timing, location and cumulative measures of intensity and duration of passive smoke exposure are associated with PD risk. Methods Using a nested case-control approach, we included 224 diagnostically validated cases (158 with no history of personal smoking) and selected 3230 age- and race-matched controls (1973 with no history of personal smoking). We estimated odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) by fitting adjusted multivariable unconditional logistic regression models. Results Among lifelong non-smokers, passive smoke exposure combined across all settings and accumulated over a lifetime was not associated with PD risk (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.60, 2.30). Workplace exposure was also not associated with risk. Household exposure during adulthood but not childhood was inversely associated with PD (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.40, 0.87). Exposure to passive smoke in other social settings was positively associated with PD (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.11, 2.36). These contradictory results may be attributable to chance due to multiple comparisons in subgroup analyses. No pattern emerged to suggest that increasing years of passive smoke exposure, smokiness of the setting, or combined smokiness by exposure years was associated with lower PD risk. Conclusion Results do not convincingly support a protective effect of passive smoking in PD.
Verbal Working Memory in Children With Cochlear Implants

Purpose Verbal working memory in children with cochlear implants and children with normal hearing was examined. Participants Ninety-three fourth graders (47 with normal hearing, 46 with cochlear im...
Kemalist Turkey and the Middle East: International Relations in the Interwar Period

To better understand the lasting legacy of international relations in the post-Ottoman Middle East, we must first re-examine Turkey's engagement with the region during the interwar period. Long assumed to be a period of deliberate disengagement and ruptured ties between Turkey and its neighbours, Amit Bein instead argues that in the volatile 1930s, Turkey was in fact perceived as taking steps towards increasing its regional prominence. Bein examines the unstable situation along Turkey's Middle Eastern borders, the bilateral diplomatic relations Ankara established with fledgling governments in the region, grand plans for transforming Turkey into a major transit hub for Middle Eastern and Eurasian transportation and trade, and Ankara's effort to enhance its image as a model for modernization of non-Western societies. Through this, he offers a fresh, enlightening perspective on the Kemalist legacy that still resonates in the modern politics of the region today.
Investigating older adults' social networks and coproduction activities for health

In this survey study, we extend previous research by investigating the influence of both whole network and individual ego networks on older adults' perceived well-being from the perspective of salutogenesis. We especially take interest in their coproduction engagement where people actively involve one another in doing different types of activities to maintain health. Participants included 173 older adults aged 60 or older from retirement communities and people who age-in-place. Using social network analysis, we found network characteristics like density, degree centrality, or diameter were not associated with older adults' coproduction engagement and psychological well-being. We further found that coproduction activities may be an important mediator because our CCRC and AiP participants had similar level of coproductions and psychological well-being. Based on the results, we suggest that technological designs should facilitate older adults' coproduction by supporting diversity, expanding coproduction networks, and having customizations for different community structures in order to promote smart and connected health.
Getting a Read on Ready To Learn Media: A Meta‐analytic Review of Effects on Literacy

Most U.S. preschoolers have consumed media created with funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Ready To Learn (RTL) initiative, which was established to promote school readiness among children ages 2-8. Synthesizing data from 45 evaluations (N = 24,624 unique child participants), this meta-analysis examined the effects of RTL media exposure on young children's literacy skills. Results indicate positive effects of RTL media exposure on children's literacy outcomes, especially vocabulary and phonological concepts. These effects are equivalent to about one-and-a-half months of literacy learning above and beyond typical growth. Findings are robust across a variety of research designs and for exposure to both television and new media. These results are discussed in terms of accountability evidence for RTL and larger debates in scholarly understanding of educational media effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE OF VARC-2 AND BARC BLEEDING CRITERIA IN PREDICTING CLINICAL OUTCOMES AFTER TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Bleeding after cardiac procedures may be classified using Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC-2) or Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) criteria. Most transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) studies use a simplified VARC-2. We compared the performance of VARC-2 and BARC in
CHEK1 coordinates DNA damage signaling and meiotic progression in the male germline of mice

The continuity of life depends on mechanisms in the germline that ensure the integrity of the genome. The DNA damage response/checkpoint kinases ATM and ATR are essential signaling factors in the germline. However, it remains unknown how a downstream transducer, Checkpoint Kinase 1 (CHEK1 or CHK1), mediates signaling in the male germline. Here, we show that CHEK1 has distinct functions in both the mitotic and meiotic phases of the male germline in mice. In the mitotic phase, CHEK1 is required for the resumption of prospermatogonia proliferation after birth and the maintenance of spermatogonia. In the meiotic phase, we uncovered two functions for CHEK1: one is the stage-specific attenuation of DNA damage signaling on autosomes, and the other is coordination of meiotic stage progression. On autosomes, the loss of CHEK1 delays the removal of DNA damage signaling that manifests as phosphorylation of histone variant H2AX at serine 139 (γH2AX). Importantly, CHEK1 does not have a direct function in meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI), an essential event in male meiosis, in which ATR is a key regulator. Thus, the functions of ATR and CHEK1 are uncoupled in MSCI, in contrast to their roles in DNA damage signaling in somatic cells. Our study reveals stage-speciﬁc functions for CHEK1 that ensure the integrity of the male germline.
School- and Community-Based Interventions

For decades, school-based programs have constituted the primary approach for addressing the childhood obesity epidemic at the population level. School programs have the potential to reach many children and affect many factors in the causal path to obesity (i.e., diet, physical activity, knowledge, and other psychosocial factors); in theory, they have great promise for long-term sustainability through institutionalization of intervention components.
Animal Models for Evaluating Immune Responses of Human Effector Cells In Vivo

Studying the responses of the human immune system to specific antigens in vivo for vaccine development has been limited by ethical and practical concerns. Up to now all of the in vivo preclinical testing for cancer vaccine development have been performed in various animal models. Although successful stimulation of antitumor immunity has been demonstrated by many therapeutic maneuvers in animal models, the outcome of subsequent clinical applications is less encouraging due to, at least in part, the limitations of currently used animal models, the most important of which is the inability to accurately mimic the human immune system in initiating and maintaining the immune responses. Therefore, an animal model that mimics or consists of crucial components of the functional human immune system will be valuable for vaccine development and testing. The first breakthrough came with the discovery of the severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse and its ability to sustain engrafted human cells, albeit at a low level. Since that discovery, several new strains of mice have been developed to improve human leukocyte, including stem cell, engraftment and their differentiation to functional human immune cells. The most recent models consist of mice with a mutation of the interleukin-2 receptor γ chain (IL2Rγc null) in the NOD/SCID background. This IL2Rγc null genotype led to mice with significantly decreased innate immunity that allows increased levels of human cell engraftment and multilineage development of human immune cells. With further improvements, these mouse models may help in the understanding of the complex human immune responses to cancers and infectious diseases and assist in preclinical evaluation of vaccine regimens.
THE ONTOGENY OF IMMUNE RESPONSIVENESS TO SHEEP ERYTHROCYTES IN YOUNG PIGEONS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a study to examine the ontogeny of immune responsiveness to sheep erythrocytes in young pigeons. Sibling pairs of squabs of the French Mondain variety, ranging in age from 2 to 10 days post-hatching, were tested for their ability to generate a humoral immune response against sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) as measured by the direct hemagglutination assay. Squabs were immunized according to their age. 2–4-day-old squabs received 0.1 ml, 5–8-day-old squabs received 0.2 ml, and 9–10-day-old squabs received 0.3 ml of a 10% SRBC suspension. Animals were bled 3, 6, and 9 days after immunization; their sera harvested, decomplemented, and stored frozen until use. Those birds tested for the ability to generate an anti-SRBC response at a later time were immunized with 0.5 ml of 10% SRBC and bled 3, 5, and 7 days later.
Self-Regulation in an Evolutionary Perspective

In this chapter, I situate self-regulation in an evolutionary perspective, and explore the implications of an evolutionary approach for the study of individual differences in self-regulation. I begin by reviewing the two basic strategies of behavior control (feedback and feedforward control), compare their relative advantages and disadvantages, examine how they can be combined for optimal performance, and highlight the role of trade-offs in the evolution of control systems. I then discuss how organisms may flexibly shift the balance between feedback and feedforward control in a context- and task-specific manner, and outline an ecological theory of control strategies. Specifically, I analyze the differences between optimal self-regulation in predictable versus unpredictable environments, consider the role of delayed outcomes, and discuss the logic of defensive responses. I then go on to show how the same principles can be employed to understand stable individual differences in control strategies and impulsivity, usually characterized as “coping styles” in the biological literature. Finally, I introduce the framework of life history theory, and discuss how it provides a unifying perspective on the development of individual differences in self-regulation. After briefly introducing the fast-slow continuum of life history variation, I critically examine the associations between life history strategies and self-regulation in humans and nonhuman animals. I argue that, in humans, a primacy of feedforward regulation can be associated with both fast strategies characterized by high levels of impulsivity and slow strategies characterized by low impulsivity and high levels of future-oriented planning.
Complementary and Integrative Treatments: Tinnitus

This article discusses the use of an integrative approach to treating tinnitus. The authors begin with a discussion of their approach to tinnitus patients, followed by a detailed look at the physiology of tinnitus and several theories of its mechanism. The many viable options for tinnitus relief are discussed, including sound therapies, Western medical approaches, and herbal and traditional medicines that can be used as integrative and complementary treatments. It concludes with a reminder that a variety of treatment options are available to tinnitus patients to help them take control of their symptoms.
An Approximate Relation between the Variability of Wind and the Variability of Pressure or Height in the Atmosphere

The square of the standard deviation of the height (p = constant) or of the pressure (h = constant) and the square of the (vector) standard deviation of the wind are found to be approximately linearly related over large areas and through a deep layer extending well into the lower stratosphere. As a result, some statistical characteristics of the large scale motions of the atmosphere depart markedly from those expected on the basis of turbulence theory. An explanation of the empirical relation between the (vector) standard deviation of the wind and the density of the air is offered.
A new type of PU system architecture

Communication energy system input energy, electricity, oil, solar energy and wind energy, one or more of them together to the communication equipment to provide adequate energy. Solar energy is a green energy is paid more and more attention, it can separate, or energy and electricity, oil and other. This paper proposed a new PU system, the PU application in the communication system of energy, it can be very convenient with the traditional rectifier module mixed, and effectively reduce the cost and simplify the lightning protection system construction.
Nanoparticle emissions from residential wood combustion: A critical literature review, characterization, and recommendations

Abstract The increased use of wood as a heating fuel in residential and small commercial buildings has increased concern about potential environmental and safety impacts, specifically particulate matter (PM) emissions in the nanometer range. Larger particles (> 2.5 µm) can be effectively removed from exhaust streams by emission control devices. However, nanoparticles (NP), due to their size, are more difficult to capture in exhaust flue gases. In addition, NPs have a higher surface to volume ratio, allowing them to absorb organic compounds, causing them to be more reactive than their larger counterparts. This review focuses on the NPs produced from residential wood heating devices. Current emission regulations do not reflect the NP count or type produced from residential wood combustion, although most published studies show that a significant portion of the particles produced during combustion is in the nano-size range. Fuel type, device type and combustion periods have all shown to impact, at various degrees, the NPs produced. Contrary to common expectations, it appears that modern units may generate a higher count of NPs, although emitting less particulate mass than older units. This investigation supports arguments of needed particle type and count regulations in addition to the current mass based emission regulations. In addition to a critical review and analysis, recommendations are made regarding future testing, monitoring and environmental impact studies that address the significance of NP emissions.
Antitumor agents. 207. Design, synthesis, and biological testing of 4β-anilino-2-fluoro-4'-demethylpodophyllotoxin analogues as cytotoxic and antiviral agents

2-Fluoropodophyllotoxin (11) and several 4beta-anilino-2-fluoro-4'-O-demethyl analogues were synthesized and evaluated in both antineoplastic and antiviral assays. These compounds were moderately active against some cancer cell lines, but they were less active than the corresponding nonfluorinated analogues. Compound 11 exhibited the best activity against KB carcinoma with a GI(50) of approximately 30 nM. Most compounds exhibited moderate activity against HCMV with ID(50) and ID(90) values in the range of 1 microM and 4 microM, respectively. Both 9 and 11 showed an unusual 10-fold selectivity for HSV-2 compared to HSV-1.
The Productivity Impact of World War II Mobilization in the United States

Claims that the experience of economic mobilization between 1942 and 1945 laid the supply foundations for output and productivity growth in the United States after the war have formed the basis of the conventional wisdom for decades. In fact, between 1941 and 1948, total factor productivity within manufacturing declined, and fell even more sharply during the war. The war forced a radical shift towards goods in which the manufacturing sector had little experience, where initial productivity levels were low. The learning that took place in the mass production of ships, aircraft, and other munitions had little relevance for the postwar period because the wartime output mix and implicit factor prices were unique to that period. Considering together the effects on TFP, the labor force, and the physical capital stock, the longer term impact of mobilization on the level and trajectory of US potential output was, on balance, almost certainly negative.
Braille Keyboard for People with Low Vision

The estimated number of visually impaired people in the world is 285 million, 39 million blind and 246 million low-vision This project is about creating a device for people with faulty eyesight. Blindness is the phenomenon of partial or total losing of eyesight, named in the published literature as „poor eyesight", due to neurological or physiological factors.This device is a keyboard that can be connected to any computer, phone or tablet via cable. The keyboard will have twelve buttons, six of them are predefined, and the other 6 form the Braille language cell.
Safety and Efficacy of Initializing the Control-IQ Artificial Pancreas System Based on Total Daily Insulin in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a simplified initialization for the Tandem t:slim X2 Control-IQ hybrid closed-loop system, using parameters based on total daily insulin (“MyTDI”) in...
Chapter 7 – CLASSICAL EXAMPLES OF CONTINUOUS TIME MARKOV CHAINS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the classical examples of continuous time Markov chains. The chapter presents several important examples of continuous time, discrete state, Markov processes. It is usually more natural in investigating particular stochastic models based on physical phenomena to prescribe the so-called infinitesimal probabilities relating to the process and then derive from them an explicit expression for the transition probability function. The postulates for the Poisson process are reviewed. An illustrative example of the Poisson process, that of fishing, is reviewed in the chapter. Poisson processes arise naturally in many models of queuing phenomena. A natural generalization of the Poisson process is to permit the chance of an event occurring at a given instant of time to depend upon the number of events which have already occurred. An example of this phenomenon is the reproduction of having organisms, in which under certain conditions like, sufficient food, no mortality, no migration, the probability of a birth at a given instant is directly proportional to the population size at that time. This example is known as the Yule process.
Surgical Therapy for Pediatric Hepatoblastoma in the USA over the Last Decade: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is a rare childhood malignancy with hepatic resection (HR) or liver transplantation (LT) providing the best chance of cure. In this study, we analyze the National Cancer Database lacks (NCDB) to compare outcomes following HR and LT for HB. Review of the US experience with surgical (HR and LT) management of pediatric (< 18 years) HB over the last decade (2004–2014) using data extracted from the NCDB. A total of 628 children underwent surgical treatment for HB during the study period: HR in 525 (83.6%) and LT in 103 (16.4%). The two groups were comparable for age, sex, race, tumor size, and metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. LT group had significantly higher number of patients with bilobar disease (40 vs 21%; p < 0.001), longer median time from diagnosis to surgery (120 vs 78 days; p < 0.001), and longer post-operative length of stay (LOS) (14 vs 6 days; p < 0.001). There were no differences in rates of 30-day readmission and 30- or 90-day mortality between groups. Both groups had comparable 5-year overall survival (OS) (84.1% HR vs 80.0% LT; p = 0.4). Univariate analysis identified metastatic disease at initial presentation (HR 2.56, CI 1.51–4.35) and age ≥ 4 years (HR 2.68, CI 1.5–4.7) as risk factors for worse overall 5-yr OS, while administration of adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved 5-yr OS (92.3% with chemo vs 85.4% without chemo; HR 0.51, CI 0.31–0.84). The outcome of HB has improved compared with historical controls. Age at presentation, metastatic disease, and post-operative chemotherapy impact outcomes.
An analysis of epidemiological and clinical data of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Zibo City, Shandong Province in 2015

Objective To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), so as to provide a scientific basis for control of HFRS. Method Face to face questionnaires were used to investigate the HFRS patients' basic information, morbidity situation, clinical symptoms, living condition, disease history, exposure history, living environment and burden of the disease in Zibo City in 2015. Results A total of 84 HFRS cases were reported in Zibo City in 2015, 82 cases completed the questionnaire, most of the patients were 40-69 years old, accounting for 75.00% (63/84). Spring and autumn were the two peak incidence. The clinical manifestations were as follows: fever, acute onset, fatigue, headache, flushing, which accounted for 95.12% (78/82), 87.65% (71/81), 84.00% (63/75), 65.38% (51/78) and 60.56% (43/71), respectively. Laboratory test results showed blood platelet in 79.17% (57/72) cases was reduced. All of the HFRS cases had not been suffered from HFRS in the past; 72.84% (59/81) of them lived in rural areas; and 17.28% (14/81) of them had a history of contact with rodents. The median of direct cost for medicine, treatment, and inspection fees was 6 000 Yuan, and the median of indirect expenses was 1 000 Yuan. Conclusion The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HFRS in Zibo City have changed and there is a trend of infecting older people (> 60 years), clinical manifestations are not typical and the disease burden is heavy. Key words: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome; Epidemiology; Clinical features
Subcutaneous administration of triamcinolone as part of the management of feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis

ObjectivesThe aim of this retrospective case-control study was to report the efficacy of subcutaneous triamcinolone as part of a regimen for feline eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis (FEK).MethodsRe...
Age-Associated Proinflammatory Elastic Fiber Remodeling in Large Arteries.

Elastic fibers are the main components of the extracellular matrix of the large arterial wall. Elastic fiber remodeling is an intricate process of synthesis and degradation of the core elastin protein and microfibrils accompanied by the assembly and disassembly of accessory proteins. Age-related morphological, structural, and functional proinflammatory remodeling within the elastic fiber has a profound effect upon the integrity, elasticity, calcification, amyloidosis, and stiffness of the large arterial wall. An age-associated increase in arterial stiffness is a major risk factor for the pathogenesis of diseases of the large arteries such as hypertensive and atherosclerotic vasculopathy. This mini review is an update on the key molecular, cellular, functional, and structural mechanisms of elastic fiber proinflammatory remodeling in large arteries with aging. Targeting structural and functional integrity of the elastic fiber may be an effective approach to impede proinflammatory arterial remodeling with advancing age.
African American men who become mental health advocates.

Using a narrative approach, this study explored how African American men became mental health advocates. This ancillary study is part of a formative within an ongoing community based intervention p...