cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on Induction of Beginning Special Educators: Research Summary, Key Program Features, and the State of State-Level Policies.

The call to provide beginning special educators with induction support is widespread, due in part to teacher turnover and the need to develop a highly qualified teaching force. The scholarly founda...
Types and forms of knowledge (patterns): decision trees

Decision trees are introduced in their role of concept definitions. Their acceptance criteria are discussed, as well as their applications, strengths, limitations, and relations to other forms of knowledge.
Infectivity of Borrelia burgdorferi Correlates with Resistance to Elimination by Phagocytic Cells

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, causes a disseminated infection in vivo, implying resistance to clearance by phagocytic cells. Because B. burgdorferi loses its infectivity after in vitro cultivation, the relationships between serial passaging of the organism in vitro, its susceptibility to elimination by phagocytes, and its infectivity were examined. When three different high-passage strains were incubated for 4 h at 37 degrees C with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, macrophages, or polymorphonuclear neutrophils, 45%-67% of the organisms were eliminated. In contrast, two low-passage strains were resistant to elimination by phagocytes, and only 5%-6% of the organisms were removed after 4 h. All five strains equally stimulated the neutrophil oxidative burst, indicating that evasion of phagocytes was not a result of avoidance of recognition by these cells. The two low-passage strains were infective when injected into mice, whereas the three high-passage ones were not. These observations indicate that infectivity of the Lyme disease spirochete correlates with resistance to elimination by phagocytic cells.
Postsynaptic ERG Potassium Channels Limit Muscle Excitability to Allow Distinct Egg-Laying Behavior States in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans regulates egg laying by alternating between an inactive phase and a serotonin-triggered active phase. We found that the conserved ERG [ether-a-go-go (EAG) related gene] potassium channel UNC-103 enables this two-state behavior by limiting excitability of the egg-laying muscles. Using both high-speed video recording and calcium imaging of egg-laying muscles in behaving animals, we found that the muscles appear to be excited at a particular phase of each locomotor body bend. During the inactive phase, this rhythmic excitation infrequently evokes calcium transients or contraction of the egg-laying muscles. During the serotonin-triggered active phase, however, these muscles are more excitable and each body bend is accompanied by a calcium transient that drives twitching or full contraction of the egg-laying muscles. We found that ERG-null mutants lay eggs too frequently, and that ERG function is necessary and sufficient in the egg-laying muscles to limit egg laying. ERG K(+) channels localize to postsynaptic sites in the egg-laying muscle, and mutants lacking ERG have more frequent calcium transients and contractions of the egg-laying muscles even during the inactive phase. Thus ERG channels set postsynaptic excitability at a threshold so that further adjustments of excitability by serotonin generate two distinct behavioral states.
Patterns of “wild” plant consumption in Oaxaca, Mexico

Although the maize‐beans‐squash complex of the Mesoamerican native diet is usually stressed, the utilization of wild greens may supply an important addition to the nutritive intake of these people, especially during times of crop failure. Field work in Abasolo, Oaxaca, Mexico has shown the number of species used, and the quantities of the individual species employed are regulated by both the natural limits of the ecosystem and the cultural prescriptions of what is edible. Cultural practices which alter the nature of the ecosystem assure that certain species will be more widely available throughout the year.
Free Cash Flow and Stockholder Gains in Going Private Transactions Revisited

Lehn and Poulsen (1983) are frequently cited as providing evidence supporting the applicability of Jensen’s (1986) ‘free cash flow’ hypothesis to going private transactions. The paper re-examines the Lehn and Poulsen data and arrives at different inferences about the applicability of Jensen’s ‘free cash flow’ hypothesis to their sample. First, I find that neither the level of a public corporation’s pre-transaction ‘free cash flows’ nor its prior growth rate are significant determinants of its probability of going private. Second, I find a firm’s size and its potential for reducing taxes, rather than its pre-transaction level of ‘free cash flows’, are significant determinants of the premium paid to take it private. And finally, comparing their 1980–1983 subsample to their 1984–1987 subsample reveals that firms that went private during the 1984–1987 period demonstrate a greater incidence of prior takeover interest, lower prior tax burdens, and slower prior growth than firms that went private during the 1980–1983 period: all of which supports Kaplan and Stein’s (1993) overheated buyout market hypothesis.
Environmental Embrittlement of Binary and Zr-Doped Ni3Al

This paper summarizes results of our recent work on moisture-induced environmental embrittlement in Ni3Al. We took the unconventional approach of starting with single crystals of B-free Ni3Al, which were cold rolled and recrystallized to produce crack-free polycrystalline material. Our results show that the intrinsic ductility (~16%) of Ni3Al (23.4 at.% Al) is considerably higher than previously thought; however, it is severely embrittled by moisture in air (ductility dropping from a high of ~16% when tested in oxygen to a low of ~3% in air). Since B-doped Ni3Al does not show such embrittlement (i.e., ductilities high in both air and oxygen), we conclude that a significant part of the beneficial effect of B must be related to suppression of this environmental effect. However, B must also improve grain boundary (GB) cohesion in Ni3Al, since our B-free alloy fractures intergranularly whereas B-doped alloys in general fracture transgranularly. Addition of a small amount (0.26 at.%) of Zr to Ni3Al significantly improves its ductility: to 11-13% in air, and 48-51% in oxygen. The ductilities observed in oxygen are comparable to the highest ever ductility observed in B-doped Ni3Al, indicating that the GBs in this Zr-doped alloy are not intrinsically brittle (rather, environmental embrittlement is the main reason for its brittleness). Zr dramatically increases the resistance of Ni3Al to GB fracture—perhaps by increasing GB cohesion. However, Auger analysis shows little or no Zr segregation on the GBs of Ni3Al, making it unclear how it might actually affect GB cohesion. Zr does not significantly increase the resistance of Ni3Al to environmental embrittlement; nor does it suppress intergranular fracture. In both these respects Zr behaves differently than B.
Skimming the Profit Pool: The American Mutual Fund Scandals and the Risk for Japan

This paper examines conditions and structures that led to abuses in the American mutual fund industry. The scandals unfolded in 2003 when a whistleblower alerted authorities to illegal and unethical trading practices between institutional investors and mutual fund companies. The abuses included late trading, market timing, illegal sales practices, and excessive fees, with damages estimated at well over US $4 billion per year. While this scandal involved American companies, there are indications that other countries could be at risk of similar wrongdoing. Archival data are used to understand the regulatory conditions that allowed for illegal practices to proliferate throughout the American mutual fund industry. These conditions are compared to those in Japan to assess the potential for similar abuses and how they might best be prevented.
Genome‐wide atlas of transcription during maize development

Maize is an important model species and a major constituent of human and animal diets. It has also emerged as a potential feedstock and model system for bioenergy research due to recent worldwide interest in developing plant biomass-based, carbon-neutral liquid fuels. To understand how the underlying genome sequence results in specific plant phenotypes, information on the temporal and spatial transcription patterns of genes is crucial. Here we present a comprehensive atlas of global transcription profiles across developmental stages and plant organs. We used a NimbleGen microarray containing 80,301 probe sets to profile transcription patterns in 60 distinct tissues representing 11 major organ systems of inbred line B73. Of the 30,892 probe sets representing the filtered B73 gene models, 91.4% were expressed in at least one tissue. Interestingly, 44.5% of the probe sets were expressed in all tissues, indicating a substantial overlap of gene expression among plant organs. Clustering of maize tissues based on global gene expression profiles resulted in formation of groups of biologically related tissues. We utilized this dataset to examine the expression of genes that encode enzymes in the lignin biosynthetic pathway, and found that expansion of distinct gene families was accompanied by divergent, tissue-specific transcription patterns of the paralogs. This comprehensive expression atlas represents a valuable resource for gene discovery and functional characterization in maize.
Risk of recurrent or refractory strictures and outcome of endoscopic dilation for radiation-induced esophageal strictures

Background Radiation therapy for head, neck, and esophageal cancer can result in esophageal strictures that may be difficult to manage. Radiation-induced esophageal strictures often require repeat dilation to obtain relief of dysphagia. This study aimed to determine the long-term clinical success and rates of recurrent and refractory stenosis in patients with radiation-induced strictures undergoing dilation.
Fatty acid analysis as a tool to infer the diet in Illinois river otters (Lontra canadensis).

Fatty acids (FA) have recently been used in several studies to infer the diet in a number of species. While these studies have been largely successful, most have dealt with predators that have a fairly specialized diet. In this paper, we used FA analysis as a tool to infer the diet of the nearctic river otter (Lontra canadensis). The river otter is an opportunistic predator known to subsist on a wide variety of prey including, fishes, crayfish, molluscs, reptiles and amphibians, among others. We analyzed the principle components of 60 FA from otters and 25 potential prey species in Illinois, USA. Prey species came from 4 major taxonomic divisions: fishes, crayfish, molluscs and amphibians. Within each division, most, but not all, species had significantly different profiles. Using quantitative FA signature analysis, our results suggest that, by mass, fish species are the most significant component of Illinois River otters’ diet (37.7 ± 1.0%). Molluscs ranked second (32.0 ± 0.8%), followed by amphibians (27.3 ± 4.3%), and finally, crayfish (3.0 ± 0.6%). Our analysis indicates that molluscs make up a larger portion of the otter diet than previously reported. Throughout much of the Midwest there have been numerous otter reintroduction efforts, many of which appear to be successful. In regions where mollusc species are endangered, these data are essential for management agencies to better understand the potential impact of otters on these species. Our analysis further suggests that quantitative FA signature analysis can be used to infer diet even when prey species are diverse, to the extent that their FA profiles differ. Better understanding of the otter’s metabolism of FA would improve inferences of diet from FA analysis.
A Critique of the Bush Education Proposal

Will No Child Left Behind Be Left Behind? Congress has been arguing about the future direction of the No Child Left Behind Act, which had been slated for reauthorization this year. Although significant changes in the Act now seem unlikely until 2008, many of the Act's flaws were apparent at the time of the Act's birth in 2001. This Article describes some of the problems of the Act that were apparent in 2001, and argues as well that other, additional educational solutions are needed to create the world-class educational system promised by the No Child Left Behind Act. In general, the No Child Left Behind Act requires annual testing in math and reading for all children in grades three through eight in public schools. The law was passed pursuant to the spending power: if a state wants to receive federal aid to education under Title I, it must agree to the testing conditions. An early criticism of the testing scheme was that allowing each state to create its own set of tests would make it difficult to make interstate comparisons. In addition, the penalty provisions of the law were considered too draconian. If schools fail to make adequate yearly progress, students can transfer to other public schools and schools can even ultimately be made to reorganize as charter schools or be taken over by the state. Most of the foregoing criticisms of the law discussed in the Article have been validated by time, and more than thirty bills have been introduced in Congress to amend the Act's many shortcomings. The concluding sections of the Article argue that the Supreme Court should recognize a fundamental right to an adequate public education, overruling the 1973 case of San Antonio Independent School District v. Rodriquez. This would form a strong constitutional foundation for educational developments at the state level, where reformers are far more interested in actual education adequacy rather than the mere implementation of superficial testing regimes such as No Child Left Behind Act.
Effect of Manganese on Bone Formation Studied With Radioactive Isotopes

Abstract THE importance of manganese in the development of normal bones and the prevention of perosis was demonstrated several years ago by Wilgus et al. (1936). Numerous subsequent investigations have confirmed the role of manganese in the prevention of certain types of perosis. However, there is still very little information available concerning the specific functions of manganese in bone development. Chemical analyses, X-ray examinations and bone sections stained with silver nitrate have indicated that calcification of bones from manganese deficient animals is not greatly impaired, even though the lack of this element does cause the formation of structurally weak, crooked bones. Gallup and Norris (1938) reported that calcification of the bones of chickens fed a low-manganese diet appeared to be normal by X-ray examination even though the bones were perceptibly shorter and thicker than normal. Caskey et al. (1939) found that the ash content of the bones of chicks fed a …
War, region, and social welfare: federal aid to servicemen's dependents in the South, 1917-1921.

In its sudden growth, wide distribution of benefits, and bureaucratic administration, the system of federal payments to the dependents of World War I servicemen was a milestone in the development of the American welfare state. When the system was in effect (between November 1, 1917, and July 31, 1921), 2.1 million beneficiaries "in almost every State, city, town, and hamlet of the United States" received such payments, officially entitled "Allotments and Allowances" and provided under the War Risk Insurance Act (WRiA) of October 1917. The Bureau of War Risk Insurance (BWRI), a small agency established in the Treasury Department in 1914 to insure ships and crews engaged in the Atlantic trade during the war, quickly grew into one of the largest federal agencies after it was charged with administering benefits created by WRIA. The BWRI had 15,480 employees by July 1919. It dispensed almost $570 million in allotments and allowances, a sum equivalent to two-thirds of the federal budget for the last fiscal year before the outbreak of war in 1914. Monthly payments amounted to not less than $30 for wives-the largest group of beneficiaries-and as much as $65 for wives and children. Often benefits exceeded prewar family income, especially in rural and low-income regions such as the South. The system of family support payments, officials of the BWRI proudly stated, represented "one of the largest financial undertakings the country has ever known."1
COMMENTS ON TIDAL ENTRANCES ON SANDY COASTS

The information necessary for computation of the tidal prism is available in charts and tide tables for many inlet-bay systems. Empirical correlations have been developed by Le Conte in 1905, O'Brien in 1931 and 1969, and others, which showed the flow area to be a unique function of the tidal prism for the sets of data studied. However, the data underlying these correlations were derived from inlets with semidiurnal tides, typical of the Atlantic and. Pacific Coasts of the United States. Jarrett in 1976 showed that such correlations are not valid for diurnal and mixed tides, such as occur along the Gulf Coast. Stevenson in 1874 pointed out that the scouring capacity of the tide must include the number of tidal cycles per year. Since the number of tidal cycles in any period of time is inversely proportional to their duration, the integrated scouring capacity of the tidal flow through an inlet channel should be independent of the duration of the tidal cycle and should depend primarily on the tidal discharge. If the maximum rate of tidal discharge (Qmax) and the variation of discharge throughout the tidal cycle are identical for two inlets subjected to tidal cycles of different duration, the scouring capacity of the two inlets would be the same over equal periods of time. The conclusion is that Qmax should provide a more generally valid basis for correlation with the flow area than does the tidal prism alone and one which may be valid at hydraulic model scale and for inlets maintained by the seiching of nontidal lakes, as at Duluth. Bruun (1978) used the correlation of the flow area with 0 in his studies.
From Apes to Whistleblowers How Scientists Inform, Defend, and Excite in Newspaper Op-Eds

Scientists are being called upon to communicate more clearly, strategically, and frequently with the public. An understudied, but influential, outreach method is writing newspaper op-ed commentaries. Using speech act theory as a framework, this qualitative analysis of the objectives and strategies scientists enact when writing op-eds found that writers focus on informing, defending, and exciting about science through personal stories, accessible descriptions of research, and references to history and popular culture. This study’s application of speech act theory to empirically derived objectives expressed by scientists and enacted in a specific mode of communication helps advance science communication beyond deficit-oriented models toward styles of outreach that take the audience’s interpretive agency into account.
Talimogene Laherparepvec for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a first-in-class oncolytic virus that mediates local and systemic antitumor activity by direct cancer cell lysis and an "in situ vaccine" effect. Based on an increased durable response rate compared with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor in a randomized phase III trial, it was approved by the FDA for the treatment of melanoma metastatic to skin or lymph nodes. The drug is currently in clinical trials as monotherapy and in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy in melanoma and other cancers. The mechanism of action, toxicity, and efficacy as well as its role in current clinical practice and potential future applications are reviewed. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3127-31. ©2016 AACR.
Fast Estimation of Regression Parameters in a Broken-Stick Model for Longitudinal Data

ABSTRACTEstimation of change-point locations in the broken-stick model has significant applications in modeling important biological phenomena. In this article, we present a computationally economical likelihood-based approach for estimating change-point(s) efficiently in both cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Our method, based on local smoothing in a shrinking neighborhood of each change-point, is shown via simulations to be computationally more viable than existing methods that rely on search procedures, with dramatic gains in the multiple change-point case. The proposed estimates are shown to have n-consistency and asymptotic normality—in particular, they are asymptotically efficient in the cross-sectional setting—allowing us to provide meaningful statistical inference. As our primary and motivating (longitudinal) application, we study the Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism Study cohort data to describe patterns of change in log estradiol levels, before and after the final menstrual period, ...
Elements of Nonlinear Analysis

This section is devoted to the fundamental concepts of differentiability and analyticity of mappings from a Banach space X to a Banach space Y. We let L(X, Y) denote the Banach space of bounded linear operators from X to Y with the operator topology. We also assume the reader is familiar with integration of functions with values in a Banach space. For h in a Banach space, the symbol 0(|h|) as |h| → 0 denotes a function such that 0(|h|)/|h| is bounded for h in a neighborhood of zero, o(|h|)denotes a function such that o(|h|)/|h| → 0 as |h| → 0.
Eternal Recurrence and Joyful Acceptance

Finally we come to Zarathustra’s, and Nietzsche’s, joyful acceptance. In the preceding several chapters we have put in place the background against which we must silhouette Nietzsche’s acceptance if we are to perceive its distinctive form. Now we may draw it in against that backdrop. What Nietzsche evokes in Thus Spoke Zarathustra is not merely an image or conception of joyful acceptance; he evokes a movement in the interior of a human life, the life of Nietzsche’s alter ego, Zarathustra, that expresses his conception. Important for Nietzsche’s conception, or for his evocation of it, is Zarathustra’s endurance of a moral trial. Interlaced with Zarathustra’s speeches in Thus Spoke Zarathustra are Zarathustra’s encounters with others, his journeys — and his two trials. As Abraham in Fear and Trembling underwent a trial of faith, so Zarathustra undergoes two moral trials. Each of his trials is of some importance for Zarathustra’s character and for Nietzsche’s message. Moreover the two trials he must undergo are connected. But one of them is particularly relevant to our concern in that the full character of Zarathustra’s joyful acceptance emerges as we follow him through the ordeal of that trial. From it he issues joyful in his acceptance of all that is.
Gender Differences in Learning Outcomes from the College Experiences of Engineering Students

Background Although prior studies have shown how female students' college experiences influence persistence, graduation, and career choice, we consider how specific college experiences may produce different learning outcomes for men and women in engineering programs. Purpose This article explores how curricular emphases, instructional approaches, and co-curricular participation affect learning outcomes differently by gender. Design/Method This study used a nationally representative weighted survey sample of 4,901 students in 120 Untied States engineering programs. We used a multilevel regression approach to test for the interaction effects between gender and college students' experiences on learning outcomes deemed critical for career success. Results We identified the curricular emphases, instructional approaches, and co-curricular participation that affected learning outcomes differently by gender. Greater curricular emphasis on professional skills and a greater frequency of student-centered teaching led to greater self-reported design skills for women. Being more active in nonengineering clubs increased female students' self-reports of fundamental, design, and communication skills. Conclusions The findings of this study support investigation of ideas that might help female students develop learning outcomes more effectively. Future research should consider applying our analytical approach to identify how college experiences affect different groups of students differently.
Patient-Centered Care, Glycemic Control, Diabetes Self-Care, and Quality of Life in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract Background: The Affordable Care Act places a newfound emphasis on patient-centered medical home and patient-centered care (PCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PCC, diabetes self-care, glycemic control, and quality of life (QOL) in a sample of adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Six hundred fifteen patients were recruited from two adult primary care clinics in the southeastern United States. Primary outcome variables were self-care behaviors (medication adherence, diet, exercise, blood sugar testing, and foot care), glycemic control, and QOL (physical component summary [PCS] score and mental component summary [MCS] score of SF12). PCC was assessed using a modified 7-item Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire. Regression modeling was used to assess independent associations while adjusting for relevant covariates. Results: In adjusted analyses, PCC was significantly associated with PCS QOL (β = −0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.05 to −0.01), MCS QOL (β =...
Mining Electronic Health Records Data: Domestic Violence and Adverse Health Effects

Intimate partner violence (IPV) often culminates in acute physical injury, sexual assault, and mental health issues. It is crucial to understand the healthcare habits of victims to develop interventions that can drastically improve a victim's quality of life and prevent future abuse. The objective of this study is to mine de-identified and aggregated Electronic Health Record data to identify women's health issues that are potentially associated with IPV. In this study we compared health issues of female domestic abuse victims to female non-domestic abuse victims. The Domestic abuse population contained 5870 patients, while the Non-Domestic Abuse population contained 14,315,140 patients. Explorys provides National Big Data from the entire USA. Statistical analysis identified 2429 terms as significantly more prevalent among victims of domestic abuse, compared to the general population. These terms were classified into broad categories, including acute injury, chronic conditions, substance abuse, mental health, disorders, gynecological and pregnancy related problems.
Erratum to: Measuring Crime Concentration Across Cities of Varying Sizes: Complications Based on the Spatial and Temporal Scale Employed

We argue that assessing the level of crime concentration across cities has four challenges: (1) how much variability should we expect to observe; (2) whether concentration should be measured across different types of macro units of different sizes; (3) a statistical challenge for measuring crime concentration; (4) the temporal assumption employed when measuring high crime locations. We use data for 42 cities in southern California with at least 40,000 population to assess the level of crime concentration in them for five different Part 1 crimes and total Part 1 crimes over 2005–2012. We demonstrate that the traditional measure of crime concentration is confounded by crimes that may simply spatially locate due to random chance. We also use two measures employing different temporal assumptions: a historically adjusted crime concentration measure, and a temporally adjusted crime concentration measure (a novel approximate solution that is simple for researchers to implement). There is much variability in crime concentration over cities in the top 5 % of street segments. The standard deviation across cities over years for the temporally adjusted crime concentration measure is between 10 and 20 % across crime types (with the average range typically being about 15–90 %). The historically adjusted concentration has similar variability and typically ranges from about 35 to 100 %. The study provides evidence of variability in the level of crime concentration across cities, but also raises important questions about the temporal scale when measuring this concentration. The results open an exciting new area of research exploring why levels of crime concentration may vary over cities? Either micro- or macro- theories may help researchers in exploring this new direction.
Process-level model evaluation: A Snow and Heat Transfer Metric

Abstract. Land models require evaluation in order to understand results and guide future development. Examining functional relationships between model variables can provide insight into the ability of models to capture fundamental processes and aid in minimizing uncertainties or deficiencies in model forcing. This study quantifies the proficiency of land models to appropriately transfer heat from the soil through a snowpack to the atmosphere during the cooling season (Northern Hemisphere: October–March). Using the basic physics of heat diffusion, we investigate the relationship between seasonal amplitudes of soil versus air temperatures due to insulation from seasonal snow. Observations demonstrate the anticipated exponential relationship of attenuated soil temperature amplitude with increasing snow depth and indicate that the marginal influence of snow insulation diminishes beyond an effective snow depth of about 50 cm. A snow and heat transfer metric (SHTM) is developed to quantify model skill compared to observations. Land models within the CMIP5 experiment vary widely in SHTM scores, and deficiencies can often be traced to model structural weaknesses. The SHTM value for individual models is stable over 150 years of climate, 1850–2005, indicating that the metric is insensitive to climate forcing and can be used to evaluate each model's representation of the insulation process.
Decreasing Sedentary Behavior: Effects on Academic Performance, Meta-Cognition, and Sleep

There is growing interest in using activity workstations as a method of increasing light physical activity in normally sedentary environments. The current study (N=117) compared the effects of studying in college students while slowly pedaling a stationary bike with a desktop with studying at traditional desks across 10 weeks in an academic semester. The students were assigned to study either on the stationary bike or at a traditional desk located in the campus library for a minimum of 2 hours a week. During the 10 weeks, the students studied for tests or worked on other required academic activities while working at their assigned desk. In addition, the participants completed a pre survey, weekly surveys, and a post survey. We found that although students studying at the traditional desks reported more ease of studying and more effective studying than those using the stationary bikes, the two groups performed equally well on tests in an introductory psychology course. Moreover, the students using the traditional desks reported a decrease in sleep quality later in the semester while those using the activity workstation reported stable levels of sleep quality. The current results indicate that activity workstations could be implemented in university settings to encourage light physical activity without negatively affecting academic performance while providing possible long-term health and well-being benefits. Furthermore, the results suggests that activity workstations could be a means of combating sedentary behavior in environments where individuals are expected to sit either while waiting (e.g., doctor’s waiting rooms, airports) or when completing a necessary task (e.g., the workplace, educational settings).
Average and Local Crystal Structure of β-Er:Yb:NaYF4 Upconverting Nanocrystals Probed by X-ray Total Scattering

The average and local structures of ∼22 nm β-Er:Yb:NaYF4 upconverting nanocrystals were probed using a dual-space approach combining Rietveld and pair distribution function analysis of X-ray total scattering. Comparison of the fits provided by the structural models derived from P62m, P6, and P63/m space groups demonstrates that the latter yields a crystallochemically meaningful description of the nanocrystals’ average and local structures. This result is in line with those previously reported for bulk β-Na3xRE2–xF6 (x ∼ 0.45; RE = Y, Er, Tm, Yb) using powder X-ray diffraction,1 and for β-NaREF4 (RE = Y, Lu) nanocrystals using solid-state NMR;2 however, it differs from those reported in studies of β-NaREF4 (RE = La, Gd, Er) single crystals, which favored the structural model derived from the P6 space group.3 The proposed structural model features sodium cations distributed in four translation-equivalent chains, each shifted relative to the others along the c axis. Interestingly, the structural model der...
Optimization of Pyrazoles as Phenol Surrogates to Yield Potent Inhibitors of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is implicated in the regulation of inflammation, cell proliferation, and neurological disorders. MIF is also an enzyme that functions as a keto-enol tautomerase. Most potent MIF tautomerase inhibitors incorporate a phenol, which hydrogen bonds to Asn97 in the active site. Starting from a 113-μm docking hit, we report results of structure-based and computer-aided design that have provided substituted pyrazoles as phenol alternatives with potencies of 60-70 nm. Crystal structures of complexes of MIF with the pyrazoles highlight the contributions of hydrogen bonding with Lys32 and Asn97, and aryl-aryl interactions with Tyr36, Tyr95, and Phe113 to the binding.
Influences of Detailed Chemistry on Asymptotic Approximations for Flame Structure

Traditionally there have been two distinct approaches to the calculation of flame structure. The earliest approach employed analytical methods in which approximations to the solutions of the ordinary differential equations describing steady, planar flames were obtained — initially through physical reasoning, without even identifying the differential equations. In more recent years, systematic development of the analytical methods has been provided by asymptotic anlaysis, which also enabled error estimates to be made. The second approach, which awaited the advent of computers, involved numerical integration of the differential equations. Today it is generally accepted that, if truly accurate descriptions of flame structures are sought for real flames, then numerical methods must be employed.
Survival after in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Background The use of postarrest variables to predict survival after discharge following in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation has not been definitive. This study evaluates whether the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other variables affect discharge rates and survival rates after discharge. Methods Prospective cohort survival data and arrest variables were collected, including initial observed rhythm, duration of CPR, time of arrest, and number of arrests. Arrests on unmonitored general medical units, monitored telemetry units, and critical care units were included. Outcome measures were: survival after CPR, 24 hours post-CPR, survival to discharge, and to six months postdischarge. Results At both discharge and six months after discharge, ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia were associated with better survival rates than other initial rhythms (P 10 minutes. Multiple versus single arrests and monitored versus unmonitored arrests approached significance. The time of day of the arrest was not a significant factor. Conclusions Duration of CPR >10 minutes was predictive of significantly decreased survival to discharge and six months postdischarge. Low six-month survival rates may reflect the relatively high proportion of initial rhythms other than ventricular in the study group.
An estimation of global volume of surgically treatable epilepsy based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of epilepsy

OBJECTIVEEpilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, yet its global surgical burden has yet to be characterized. The authors sought to compile the most current epidemiological data to quantify global prevalence and incidence, and estimate global surgically treatable epilepsy. Understanding regional and global epilepsy trends and potential surgical volume is crucial for future policy efforts and resource allocation.METHODSThe authors performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the global incidence, lifetime prevalence, and active prevalence of epilepsy; to estimate surgically treatable epilepsy volume; and to evaluate regional trends by WHO regions and World Bank income levels. Data were extracted from all population-based studies with prespecified methodological quality across all countries and demographics, performed between 1990 and 2016 and indexed on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. The current and annual new case volumes for surgically treatable epilepsy were derived from global epilepsy prevalence and incidence.RESULTSThis systematic review yielded 167 articles, across all WHO regions and income levels. Meta-analysis showed a raw global prevalence of lifetime epilepsy of 1099 per 100,000 people, whereas active epilepsy prevalence is slightly lower at 690 per 100,000 people. Global incidence was found to be 62 cases per 100,000 person-years. The meta-analysis predicted 4.6 million new cases of epilepsy annually worldwide, a prevalence of 51.7 million active epilepsy cases, and 82.3 million people with any lifetime epilepsy diagnosis. Differences across WHO regions and country incomes were significant. The authors estimate that currently 10.1 million patients with epilepsy may be surgical treatment candidates, and 1.4 million new surgically treatable epilepsy cases arise annually. The highest prevalences are found in Africa and Latin America, although the highest incidences are reported in the Middle East and Latin America. These regions are primarily low- and middle-income countries; as expected, the highest disease burden falls disproportionately on regions with the fewest healthcare resources.CONCLUSIONSUnderstanding of the global epilepsy burden has evolved as more regions have been studied. This up-to-date worldwide analysis provides the first estimate of surgical epilepsy volume and an updated comprehensive overview of current epidemiological trends. The disproportionate burden of epilepsy on low- and middle-income countries will require targeted diagnostic and treatment efforts to reduce the global disparities in care and cost. Quantifying global epilepsy provides the first step toward restructuring the allocation of healthcare resources as part of global healthcare system strengthening.
First order frequency-domain analytical model for resonant converters in CCM

Fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA) is a general analysis method for diode-bridge rectifier in resonant converters. However, the accuracy of FHA is low in some wireless power transfer (WPT) applications, as the current has distortions due to different compensation networks. Also, there are researches on increasing the power density of resonant converters by injecting third harmonic. In such case, FHA no longer holds true. As the diode-bridge rectifier is a well-known harmonic source, numerous modeling methods for Grid connected AC/DC converters have been addressed. However, most of them have all kinds of limitations and cannot be applied to resonant converter directly. This paper proposes a frequency-domain analytical model for resonant converters in CCM, considering any load and source situation. The advantage of the proposed model is a truly first order solution and a general model for all resonant converters. Two test systems have been constructed in simulation and calculation to verify the proposed model. One is a resonant converter with both fundamental and third harmonic components, the other one is an LCC compensated wireless charger.
T2 Candida versus beta-D-glucan to facilitate antifungal discontinuation in the intensive care unit

Abstract T2 Magnetic Resonance Candida Panel (T2MR) detects Candida directly in blood. Rapid turnaround time and high negative predictive value make it a useful diagnostic test to support antifungal discontinuation. This retrospective quasi-experiment compared empiric anidulafungin days of therapy (DOTs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with suspected candidemia that had negative blood cultures and negative 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG) versus negative blood cultures and negative T2MR. In 206 ICU patients, median anidulafungin DOTs were 2 (1, 5) compared to 1 (1, 2), respectively (P T2MR testing supports safe, early discontinuation of empiric antifungal therapy in ICU patients with suspected candidemia. Prospective studies to better define the role of T2MR in antifungal stewardship are warranted.
Childhood homelessness, resilience, and adolescent mental health: A prospective, person-centered approach

School districts and other service providers are increasingly aware of the substantial mental health needs of students experiencing family homelessness. Past findings are mixed regarding whether homelessness conveys unique risk beyond the risks associated with extreme poverty. With prospective longitudinal data on homelessness experiences across childhood, we utilized latent profile analysis as a person-centered approach to conceptualizing mental health outcomes in adolescence for 3,778 youth. We considered literal family homelessness as well as families living doubled-up, and we employed propensity score matching to identify a comparison group of non-homeless students balanced across a range of covariates to address systematic bias. Results indicated that students who experienced literal homelessness during childhood were significantly less likely to demonstrate profiles of resilience in mental health functioning. We considered our approach and findings in light of challenges and opportunities particularly relevant to the school context.
Nuclear space-valued stochastic differential equations with applications

Stochastic differential equations governing processes taking values either in Hilbert spaces or in duals of nuclear spaces arise in studying stochastic models of the behavior of voltage potentials of spatially extended neurons.A brief survey of the theory developed so far will be given in as self-contained a manner as possible. The asymptotic behavior of large systems of interacting neurons will also be considered.
Coronavirus Spectrum Infections (COVID-19, MERS, SARS) in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world to become a global pandemic. There is limited data on the impact of COVID-19 among patients with cancer. A systematic review was perf...
Cell competition between wild-type and JAK2V617F mutant cells in a murine model of a myeloproliferative neoplasm

The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal stem cell disorders characterized by overproduction of mature blood cells and increased risk of transformation to frank leukemia. The acquired kinase mutation JAK2V617F plays a central role in a majority of these disorders. The hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) compartment in MPN is heterogeneous with the presence of both JAK2 wild-type and JAK2V617F mutant cells in most patients with MPN. Utilizing in vitro co-culture assays and in vivo competitive transplantation assays, we found that the presence of wild-type cells altered the behavior of co-existing JAK2V617F mutant cells, and a mutant microenvironment (niche) could overcome the competition between wild-type and mutant cells, leading to mutant clonal expansion and overt MPN. We also demonstrated that competition between wild-type and JAK2V617F mutant cells triggered a significant immune response, and there was a dynamic PD-L1 deregulation in the mutant stem/progenitor cells caused by their interactions with the neighboring wild-type cells and the microenvironment. Therefore, while accumulation of oncogenic mutations is unavoidable during aging, our data suggest that, if we could therapeutically enhance normal cells ability to compete, we might be better able to control neoplastic cell expansion and prevent the development of a full-blown malignancy. Key PointsO_LIThe presence of wild-type cells alters the behavior of co-existing JAK2V617F mutant cells C_LIO_LIA mutant microenvironment overcomes the competition between wild-type and JAK2V617F mutant cells, leading to the development of a MPN C_LI
Chiarella v. United States and its Indelible Impact on Insider Trading Law

The case of Chiarella v. United States occupies a special place in history. It was the first prosecution under the federal securities laws for the crime of insider trading. And the U.S. Supreme Court’s iconic holding—regarding the circumstances under which insider trading constitutes securities fraud—not only profoundly changed the law in 1980 but also continues to define insider trading’s contours right up to the present day. While the case is famous, important aspects of Chiarella have gone unnoticed or been long since forgotten. This essay sets out to explore these aspects in order to better understand how a seemingly mundane SEC settlement involving just over $30,000 in ill-gotten gains morphed into the groundbreaking insider trading prosecution and Supreme Court decision. The exploration draws from a close analysis of the civil and criminal litigation record as well as interviews with most of the principal attorneys involved in the case at its various stages. Chiarella’s backstory suggests that the case’s indelible impact results as much from its lawyering as from the ruling announced by the Court in its landmark decision.
Risk-taking behaviors of homeless youth: moderation by parental monitoring and social support

Adolescence is a critical developmental period when youth are transitioning to be more independent while also being at heightened risk for negative developmental trajectories. This is especially tr...
Genome-wide association analysis for response of Senegalese sorghum accessions to Texas isolates of anthracnose

Anthracnose disease of sorghum is caused by Colletotrichum sublineola, a filamentous fungus. The genetic basis of resistance to anthracnose in sorghum is largely unclear, especially in Senegalese sorghum germplasm. In this study, 163 Senegalese sorghum accessions were evaluated for response to C. sublineola, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify genetic variation associated with response to C. sublineola using 193,727 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) throughout the genome. Germplasm diversity analysis showed low genetic diversity and slow linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay among the Senegalese accessions. Phenotypic analysis resulted in relatively low differences to C. sublineola among the tested population. Genome-wide association study did not identify any significant association based on a strict threshold for the number of SNPs available. However, individual analysis of the top eight SNPs associated with relative susceptibility and resistance identified candidate genes that have been shown to play important roles in plant stress tolerance in previous studies. This study identifies sorghum genes whose annotated properties have known roles in host defense and thus identify them as candidates for use in breeding for resistance to anthracnose.