cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating student performance on an assessment tool to support the development of English learners’ argumentation skills

The goal of this project was to design a scaffolded learning activity that develops English learners’ (ELs) argumentation skills. In this study, we investigated how middle school ELs interacted wit...
Evaluation of serum irisin, retinol-binding protein-4 in human obesity

Retinol-binding protein 4(RBP4), and irisin originally described as an adipocyte-specific hormone, has been suggested to be an important link between obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes. To test the hypothesis that irisin and RBP4, and insulin concentrations will be higher in obese subject than in normal weight. A total of 176 individuals were evaluated, which divided into three groups according to BMI. Group I (Normal Weight group n=75), Group II (Over Weight group, n=50), Group III (Obese group, n=51). Serum irisin RBP4and insulin levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The statistical analysis (students t-test) exhibited significant (P> 0.0001)elevation for Serum RBP4 , Irisin, and insulin in over weight and obese groups compared with normal weight groups{(57.6 ± 16.0), and (70.1 ± 19.9)vs (41.8 ± 13.3) µg/ml ; p< 0.001},{(168.19 ± 11.71) and (171.35 ± 11.81) vs(146.19 ± 9.13) ng/mL: p< 0.05},{(7.25 ± 2.04), and (9.02 ± 4.75) vs (4.91±1.87) mU/mL; p< 0.001} respectively. Linear regression analysis showed significant positive correlations between serum insulin with RBP4 and, Irisin. Conclusion: In the cross sectional study, obese individuals had significant upregulation of circulating irisin, and RBP4 compared to non-obese subjects.
Lessons Learned: Implementation of a Concept-Based Curriculum in the Development of a New Prelicensure Nursing Program.

ABSTRACT Nursing programs throughout the United States are making changes to curricula to decrease content overload, increase critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills of graduates, and prepare students to care for the complex needs of today's health care consumer. In a student-centered approach, students are no longer passive recipients in the classroom but active learners. A concept-based curriculum is a design focused on a student-centered learning approach. This article provides lessons learned throughout the development and implementation of a concept-based curriculum in a new prelicensure nursing program.
Resecting the Dominant Lesion: Patient Outcomes after Surgery and Radiosurgery vs Stand-Alone Radiosurgery in the Setting of Multiple Brain Metastases

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Brain metastases are the most common central nervous system (CNS) tumors, occurring in 300,000 people per year in the US. While there are immediate local benefits to surgical resection for dominant lesions, including reduction of tumor burden and edema, the survival benefits of surgical resection, over radiosurgery, remains unclear. METHODS The University of Pennsylvania Health System database was retrospectively reviewed for patients presenting with multiple brain metastases from 1/1/16 to 8/31/18 with one dominant lesion > 2 cm in diameter, who underwent initial treatment with either resection of the dominant lesion or Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS). Inclusion criteria were age > 18, >1 brain metastasis, and presence of a dominant lesion (>2 cm). We analyzed factors associated with mortality. RESULTS 129 patients were identified (surgery=84, GKS=45). The median number of intracranial metastases was 3 (IQR: 2-5). The median diameter of the largest lesion was 31 mm (IQR: 25-38) in the surgery group vs 21 mm (IQR: 20-24) in the GKS group (p CONCLUSION In our institution, patients with multiple brain metastases and one symptomatic dominant lesion demonstrated similar survival after GKS when compared with up-front surgical resection of the dominant lesion.
PUBLIC POLICY MEETS PUBLIC SURVEILLANCE

This research examines cases of several ‘smart cities’ deploying camera technologies, particularly those augmented by AI and video data capture. Constituent groups including technology companies, city government employees, and a variety of citizen groups both directly and indirectly shape the policies for using these systems and the data they produce, presaging how society might deal with the escalating presence of the Internet of Things. The social shaping of technology approach contributes to the research's conceptual foundations while a political economy perspective frames a consideration of the ethical dynamics in play. The study investigates how seven urban communities frame and articulate the values and dangers of such systems operating in networked environments. Using archival data from official documents, the press, local and State ordinances, the study concludes that police interests have been significant drivers of these systems, alongside new environmental and management promises for improved cost savings. Public engagement practices vary, but in general are either nonexistent or anemic. Oversight practices likewise are under-developed. provides a descriptive picture of how cities view and experience this surveillance infrastructure and highlights of the policy problems associated with the city surveillance systems.
Interface roughness and interface roughness scattering in amorphous oxide thin-film transistors

In amorphous oxide semiconductors, rough interfaces influence transport in two main ways: changing the trap distributions and interface roughness scattering. Interface roughness scattering is expected to become important in high-mobility semiconductors in which charge transport takes place through a combination of trapping and band transport. Interface roughness scattering is quantitatively analyzed for amorphous oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) within the framework of the Boltzmann transport equation. It is shown to be the main mobility limiting mechanism at room temperature under the conditions when carrier concentration is high and the interface is rough. The use of the precise extent of wavefunction overlap with the interface is important and the use of a finite potential barrier height at the insulator–semiconductor interface leads to more accurate calculations. The specific semiconductors considered are zinc tin oxide and indium gallium zinc oxide. It is shown that the consideration of interface roughness scattering can become important in evaluating transport in high-mobility TFTs.
Self-reported assessment of dry eye in a population-based setting.

Purpose To report on a subjective dry eye assessment method for use in large-scale research, to evaluate its application in a population-based study of dry eye among elderly persons in the United States, and to apply novel techniques to improve simple questionnaire item summaries. Methods A dry eye questionnaire was administered to a population-based sample of 2520 volunteers ages 65 to 84 years in Salisbury, Maryland. Individual symptoms and signs, counts of symptoms and signs, and latent class model summary of item responses were evaluated for validity and internal consistency. Results Approximately 15% of participants reported experiencing one or more of six dry eye symptoms often or all the time; 20% reported experiencing three or more symptoms sometimes, often or all the time. Four groups were derived on the basis of symptomatology, using latent class analysis. The groups exhibited face validity, revealed symptom patterns that added specificity to simple symptom counts, and were qualitatively similar when derived separately within population subgroups. Internal consistency was moderate (Cronbach's alpha = 0.61), indicating some variability in reporting. Conclusions Dry eye symptoms are commonly reported in a representative elderly population. Symptom data were moderately consistent, suggesting their usefulness for dry eye assessment if properly summarized. A latent class summary revealed biologically meaningful summary patterns of symptoms reported in this population and holds promise for use in risk factor investigations and in clinical trials.
A Critical Analysis of the Use of Computers in Education.

world of algorithmic logic rather than the lived-experience of historical logic. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.124 on Wed, 22 Jun 2016 05:26:37 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Detection of roads and linear structures in low-resolution aerial imagery using a multisource knowledge integration technique

This paper describes a computer-based approach to the problem of detecting and precisely delineating roads, and similar “line-like” structures, appearing in low-resolution aerial imagery. The approach is based on a new paradigm for combining local information from multiple, and possibly incommensurate, sources, including various line and edge detection operators, map knowledge about the likely path of roads through an image, and generic knowledge about roads (e.g., connectivity, curvature, and width constraints). The final interpretation of the scene is achieved by using either a graph search or dynamic programming technique to optimize a global figure of merit. Implementation details and experimental results are included.
Self-Efficacy for Sexual Risk Reduction and Partner HIV Status as Correlates of Sexual Risk Behavior Among HIV-Positive Adolescent Girls and Women.

Abstract Little is known about the correlates of sexual risk behavior among HIV-positive adolescent girls and women in the United States. This study investigates two potential factors related to unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse (UVAI) that have yet to be thoroughly studied in this group: self-efficacy for sexual risk reduction and partner HIV status. Data was analyzed from 331 HIV-positive adolescent girls and women between 12 and 24 years old who reported vaginal and/or anal intercourse with a male partner in the past 3 months at fifteen sites across the United States. Results show that overall self-efficacy (B = −0.15, p=0.01), self-efficacy to discuss safe sex with one's partner (B = −0.14, p=0.01), and self-efficacy to refuse unsafe sex (B = −0.21, p=0.01) are related to UVAI episodes. Participants with only HIV-positive partners or with both HIV-positive and HIV-negative partners showed a trend towards higher percentages of UVAI episodes compared to participants with only HIV-negative partner...
A new integrated 3D pulsed losses and heat removal code for ICCS magnets

A 3D transient heat transfer code has been developed for ICCS magnets, which is integrated with the dynamic cable pulsed loads self-consistently. It also takes into account the layer-to-layer and pancake-to-pancake thermal diffusion, and extends the simulation to the supercritical helium coolant headers. Two modes of operation are possible: one with fixed inlet and outlet coolant pressures, the other with specified inlet mass flow rate. This enables the code to model possible flow instabilities and gain insight into the optimum coolant flow control. Simulation results on TPX PF coils are presented as an example.
On the Role of Lengthscale in the Prediction of Failure of Composite Structures: Assessment and Needs

The role of modeling in the design of structural composite components against failure is discussed. Composite materials fail due to damage processes operating at several lengthscales. The interactions between these processes offer the principal challenges to applying mechanism-based models at structural scales beyond the ply level. A methodology is proposed to increase the efficiency of the design process, analogous to the 'building block' approach, which provides a framework for integrating mechanism-based models with the current experimentally-based design process. Available models are reviewed and their key elements identified. General concepts are illustrated via a discussion of the particular issues pertaining to notched components. Key steps needed to allow the evolution of the design process to the envisioned process are identified.
Signed Graphs and Geometry

These lecture notes are a personal introduction to signed graphs, concentrating on the aspects that have been most persistently interesting to me. They are just a few corners of signed graph theory; I am leaving out a great deal. The emphasis is on the way signed graphs arise naturally from geometry, especially from the geometry of the classical root systems. Most of the properties I discuss generalize those of unsigned graphs, but the constructions and proofs are often more complicated. My aim is a coherent presentation of the subject, with a few illustrative proofs and adequate references. Hence the arrangement of the notes is topical with only occasional remarks about the historical course of development. Though this is mainly an expository survey, some of the results have not hitherto been published.
Influence of formulation and aging on the dielectric response of ethylene propylene rubber insulation compounds

An electric-utility-sponsored research project was undertaken to systematically explore the effect of compounding on the wet electrical aging behavior of ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) insulating compounds used for medium-voltage power distribution cables. A series of EPR compounds, analogs of commercially available systems, have been prepared for this research. The number, type, and amount of each functional ingredient has been altered in a systematic way so that its effect on the performance of the insulation system can be assessed. A matrix of 72 compounds was developed, where the functional ingredients expected to have a major impact were treated in a full factorial matrix. The functional ingredients that were considered are base polymers, clay fillers, processing aids, antioxidants, ion scavenger levels, and degree of crosslinking. The fundamental dielectric behavior of this series of compounds was characterized using time domain dielectric spectroscopy and thermally stimulated current measurements. >
In Vitro Selection of Cancer Cell-Specific Molecular Recognition Elements from Amino Acid Libraries

Differential cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) is an in vitro selection method for obtaining molecular recognition elements (MREs) that specifically bind to individual cell types with high affinity. MREs are selected from initial large libraries of different nucleic or amino acids. This review outlines the construction of peptide and antibody fragment libraries as well as their different host types. Common methods of selection are also reviewed. Additionally, examples of cancer cell MREs are discussed, as well as their potential applications.
THE ROLE OF THE SPO11 GENE IN MEIOTIC RECOMBINATION IN YEAST

Several complementary experimental approaches were used to demonstrate that the SPO11 gene is specifically required for meiotic recombination. First, sporulating cultures of spo11-1 mutant diploids were examined for landmark biochemical, cytological and genetic events of meiosis and ascosporogenesis. Cells entered sporulation with high efficiency and showed a near-doubling of DNA content. Synaptonemal complexes, hallmarks of intimate homologous pairing, and polycomplex structures appeared during meiotic prophase. Although spontaneous mitotic intra- and intergenic recombination occurred at normal levels, no meiotic recombination was observed. Whereas greater than 50% of cells completed both meiotic divisions, packaging of the four meiotic products into mature ascospores took place in only a small subset of asci. Haploidization occurred in less than 1% of viable colony-forming units. Second, the Rec- meiotic defect conferred by spo11-1 was confirmed by dyad analysis of spores derived from spo13-1 single-division meiosis in which recombination is not a requirement for viable ascospore production. Diploids homozygous for the spo13-1 mutation undergo meiotic levels of exchange followed by a single predominantly equational division and form asci containing two near-diploid spores. With the introduction of the spo11-1 mutation, high spore viability was retained, whereas intergenic recombination was reduced by more than 100-fold.
Finding the loopholes: a cross-sectional qualitative study of systemic barriers to treatment access for women drug court participants

Therapeutic diversion courts seek to address justice-involved participants’ underlying problems leading to their legal system involvement, including substance use disorder, psychiatric illness, and intimate partner violence. The courts have not addressed systemic hurdles, which can contribute to a cycle of substance use disorder and recidivism, which in turn hinder health and wellness. The study purpose is to explore the systemic issues faced by women participants in drug treatment court from multiple perspectives to understand how these issues may relate to health and wellness in their lives. Qualitative thematic framework analysis of five separate focus groups consisting of female drug treatment court participants, community providers, and court staff (n = 25). Themes were mapped across the socio-ecological framework and contextualized according to social determinants of health. Numerous systemic factors impacted women’s access to treatment. Laws and legal policies (governance) excluded those who could potentially have benefitted from therapeutic court and did not allow consideration of parenting issues. Macroeconomic policies limit housing options for those with convictions. Social policies limited transportation, education, and employment options. Public policies limited healthcare and social protection and ability to access available resources. Culture and societal values, including stigma, limited treatment options. By understanding the social determinant of health for women in drug treatment court and stakeholder’s perceptions, the legal system can implement public policy to better address the health needs of women drug court participants.
High-fat diet differentially regulates metabolic parameters in obesity-resistant S5B/Pl rats and obesity-prone Osborne-Mendel rats

The current experiment tested the hypothesis that consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) would differentially affect metabolic parameters in obesity-prone Osborne-Mendel (OM) and obesity-resistant S5...
The Glucose Transporter PfHT1 Is an Antimalarial Target of the HIV Protease Inhibitor Lopinavir

Malaria and HIV infection are coendemic in a large portion of the world and remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Growing resistance of Plasmodium species to existing therapies has increased the need for new therapeutic approaches. The Plasmodium glucose transporter PfHT is known to be essential for parasite growth and survival. We have previously shown that HIV protease inhibitors (PIs) act as antagonists of mammalian glucose transporters. While the PI lopinavir is known to have antimalarial activity, the mechanism of action is unknown. We report here that lopinavir blocks glucose uptake into isolated malaria parasites at therapeutically relevant drug levels. Malaria parasites depend on a constant supply of glucose as their primary source of energy, and decreasing the available concentration of glucose leads to parasite death. We identified the malarial glucose transporter PfHT as a target for inhibition by lopinavir that leads to parasite death. This discovery provides a mechanistic basis for the antimalarial effect of lopinavir and provides a direct target for novel drug design with utility beyond the HIV-infected population.
Increased sensitivity of the Roche COBAS AMPLICOR HCV test, version 2.0, using modified extraction techniques.

Processing modifications were made to the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV version 2.0 assay to enhance sensitivity. Two methods of specimen concentration, centrifugation ("ultraspin") and cationic detergent plus silica membrane ("ultracolumn"), were compared to the standard method. The effect of these changes on assay sensitivity and specificity was examined using commercial hepatitis C virus (HCV) preparations. The limits of detection (LOD, defined as detection of HCV RNA in ≥ 95% of replicates) of genotype 1a were 50, 12, and 6 by standard method, ultraspin and ultracolumn, respectively. For genotype 1b, the LOD was 25 IU/ml, 12 IU/ml, and 3 IU/ml; for 2b, it was 50, 12, and 3; for 3a, it was 25, 12, and 1.5; for 4 it was 18, 4, and 2; for 5a, it was 38, 9, and 2; and for 6a it was 47, 6, and 3. No false positives were detected after ultraspin when controls containing high or low HCV concentrations were alternated with normal human plasma. Plasmas in which HCV RNA was not detected by the standard assay were re-tested with modified methods to assess the effect of altered processing in clinical specimens. Three of 152 specimens with no detectable HCV RNA by the standard method were positive by ultraspin and 2 of 109 were positive by ultracolumn, suggesting that these methods may increase assay sensitivity in clinical specimens.
Glatiramer acetate for treatment of MS: regulatory B cells join the cast of players.

Abstract Glatiramer acetate (GA, copolymer-1, Copaxone®) is a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). However, its mechanism of action remains ill-defined. The available evidence indicates that GA induces antigen-presenting cells with anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the generation of immunoregulatory T cells that suppress pathogenic T cells. A new study by Kala et al. (2010) now shows that B lymphocytes, which are best known for their antibody-secreting properties, contribute to the beneficial effects of GA against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. This commentary discusses these new findings in the context of the pathogenesis of MS and EAE, the emerging immunoregulatory role of B cells in autoimmunity, and the relevance of B cells as targets for immunotherapy in MS.
Structure of magnetic domains surrounding metallic glass shear bands

Abstract Magnetic domain structure, induced in Fe81B13.5Si3.5C2 metallic glass (Allied, 2605SC) at shear bonds produced by bending deformation, was observed by the Bitter pattern technique. The domain structure patterns developed at the two sides of the shear step are different, indicating different residual stresses. These stresses can be represented as being due to edge dislocations which are created at the surface and are distributed along the shear band.
More than meets the eye: transforming the user experience of home network management

As computing migrates from the workplace to the home, householders must tackle problems of home network maintenance. Often they lack the technical knowledge or motivation to complete these tasks, making the user experience of home network maintenance frustrating. In response to these difficulties, many householders rely on handwritten reminders or interactive networking tools that are ill-suited for the home environment. In this paper, we seek to understand how to design better home network management tools through a study of sketches created by 40 people in 18 households. In our study, we obtained information about householders' knowledge, practices and needs with respect to home networking. Based on our results, we present guidelines for transforming the user experience of home network management.
Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight and Kernel Damage in a Winter Wheat Recombinant Inbred Line Population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [teleomorph: Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch], is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), causing low yields and poor quality kernels that may be contaminated by the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The objective of this study was to examine kernel damage resistance and to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FHB resistance in wheat. A population of 269 recombinant inbred lines (RILS) derived from a cross between IL94-1653 x Patton was evaluated for FHB resistance in greenhouse and field trials at Urbana, IL. The RIL population exhibited a broad and continuous distribution for all FHB resistance measurements. The correlation of disease severity with kernel damage was 0.78 in the greenhouse trial and 0.58 in the field trial. Grain DON concentration appeared to be environmentally affected, and correlated the most consistently with the ISK index, an index combining incidence, severity, and kernel damage measurements. Four severity QTL were identified on chromosomes 2B, 3B, 4B, and 6B, each explaining about 4 to 6% of the phenotypic variation. The same severity QTL were not detected in both the field and greenhouse trials. Three kernel damage QTL were identified on chromosomes 2B, 4B, and 6B, with the 4B QTL explaining 7 and 12.3% of the phenotypic variation for kernel damage in the greenhouse and field trials, respectively. This is the second report of a kernel damage QTL in this region of chromosome 4B, indicating that this QTL may contribute to reducing Fusarium-damaged kernels percentage.
The other side of conditional convergence

Abstract The empirics of conditional convergence of Mankiw et al. ( Quarterly Journal of Economics , 1992, 407–437) imply a peculiar result: on average, countries with a lower income per adult are above their steady-state positions, while countries with a higher income are below their steady-state positions.
Innovations in disk file manufacturing

This paper discusses the important innovations in disk file manufacturing at IBM over the past twenty-five years. Technology advances in the key components of disk files- the magnetic read/write head, its air bearing support, and the disk substrate and magnetic coating- have permitted almost four orders of magnitude increase in areal recording density since the first disk file, the IBM 350, was shipped in 1957. Manufacturing capability for these basic recording technology components has been the key to realizing the cost/performance promise of each new technology. The evolution of this manufacturing capability is discussed with an emphasis on important innovations in processes, materials, tools, and testing techniques.
Effects of three courses of maternally administered dexamethasone at 0.7, 0.75, and 0.8 of gestation on prenatal and postnatal growth in sheep.

Objectives. To evaluate the effects of repeated low doses of maternally administered dexamethasone (DM) on growth in sheep during fetal life and the first 2 years of postnatal life. Methods. Ewes received 3 courses of DM (1 course: four 2-mg intramuscular injections at 12-hour intervals) or saline beginning at 103, 110, and 117 days of gestation (dGA). At 119 dGA, fetal BW and organ weight were recorded. Total placentome number, weight, and morphologic distributions were recorded. Placentome glucocorticoid receptor expression was determined by immunocytochemistry. Newborn BW and organ weight were recorded within 12 hours of birth. Duration of gestation was recorded. Measurements were collected on body weight (BW), biparietal diameter (BPD), crown-to-rump length, thoracic girth circumference, abdominal girth circumference, and radial bone length for 2 months. Maternal estradiol and progesterone levels were measured daily from 135 dGA. Results. At 119 dGA, DM significantly decreased BW. Placentome glucocorticoid receptor expression increased after DM exposure. DM did not significantly decrease BW at birth but did prolong gestation length. DM decreased maternal estradiol before lambing. DM decreased newborn brain weight and BPD. After 2 weeks of age, no effect of DM on postnatal growth could be found. Conclusions. This study shows that repeated maternal DM treatment at doses threefold lower than what women in preterm labor receive results in decreased fetal BW, prolonged gestation length, decreased newborn brain weight, and BPD.
Misogyny: It’s Still the Law—An Empirical Assessment of the Missouri Juvenile Court System’s Processing of Rape and Robbery Offenders

Patriarchal societies have long used their legal systems as a vehicle of oppression. This article examines the extent to which bias against women can still be discerned in the content of the criminal law by comparing and contrasting Missouri’s forcible rape and robbery in the first degree statutes. The study then analyzes the application of these statutes by examining all of the forcible rape and robbery in the first degree cases processed by Missouri’s juvenile court system between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004 (N = 617). The results of these analyses suggest that Missouri’s robbery statute is more protective of victims than is its rape statute. They also indicate that at least among juveniles, robbery offenders are sanctioned more severely than rape offenders in terms of detention, informal adjustment and adjudication.
Arthroscopic Treatment of the Painful “Internal” Snapping Hip Results of a New Endoscopic Technique and Imaging Protocol

BackgroundTraditional surgical treatment for a painful snapping iliopsoas tendon has been an open lengthening of the tendon.HypothesisAn endoscopic release will alleviate painful snapping of the tendon.Study DesignCase series; Level of evidence, 4.MethodsSix patients with painful snapping hips who had no pain relief after magnetic resonance arthrography, which included injection of bupivacaine into the hip joint, subsequently had an ultrasound evaluation of their iliopsoas tendons and an anesthetic injection into the psoas bursa. In all 6 patients, the injection relieved their hip pain, and in 4, real-time imaging demonstrated snapping of the tendon. All hips were evaluated with the 100-point Harris hip scoring system before and at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsPreoperative hip scores averaged 58 points. After surgery, all patients had hip flexor weakness, used crutches for 5 weeks, and had 6-week scores that averaged 62 points. The patients continued to improve, and at 6 and 12 months, th...
Dynamical inverse problem on a metric tree

We consider the problem of reconstruction of the potential for the wave equation on a specific star graph using the dynamical Dirichlet-to-Neumann map. Our algorithm is based on the boundary control method. We reduce the problem of reconstruction to a second kind Fredholm integral equation, the kernel and the right-hand side of which arise from an auxiliary second kind Volterra integral equation. A second-order accurate numerical method for the equations is described and implemented. Then several numerical examples demonstrate that the algorithm works and can be used to reconstruct an unknown potential accurately.
Cross-sectional impact analysis: Bias from dropouts

Microfinance institutions receive tremendous amounts of development aid and publicity. This chapter measures dropout bias by replicating the cross-sectional tool developed by Assessing the Impact of Microenterprise Services (AIMS) using a longitudinal dataset that includes dropout. It uses data from a longitudinal study in Peru of Mibanco borrowers and non-borrowers to quantify some, but not all, of the biases in the cross-sectional approach. The chapter summarizes the biases discussed in the Karlan study, describes the data, and analyzes the data using first the cross-sectional approach, and then with the recalculated cross-sectional approach. It examines whether evidence exists to support other assumptions inherent in the cross-sectional methodology, such as the requirement that selection criteria do not change over time. It also examines whether the composition of new borrowers changed over the two years, and invalidating another key assumption of the cross-sectional methodology. Keywords:bias; cross-sectional methodology; dropouts; microfinance; Peru
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach to Construct Validation

A multitrait-multimethod matrix containing two methods of measuring 12 personality traits was analyzed. Because earlier studies disagreed on the effects of method variance on construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the data. Although unexplained variance remained, method factors and a general personality factor significantly improved the fit of a model containing only trait factors. It was concluded that confirmatory factor analysis merits wider use in situations where researchers can formulate specific hypotheses about the structure of data.
Invasion Speed in Cellular Automaton Models for T. cruzi Vector Migration

The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, known for causing Chagas’ disease, is spread via insect vectors from the triatomine family. T. cruzi is maintained in sylvatic vector-host transmission cycles in certain parts of the Americas. Communication between the cycles occurs mainly through movement (migration) of the insect vectors. In this study, we develop a cellular automaton (CA) model in order to study invasion of a hypothetical strain of T. cruzi through the region defined by the primary sylvatic cycles in northern Mexico and parts of the southeastern United States. The model given is a deterministic CA, which can be described as a large metapopulation model in the format of a dynamical system with 9,376 equations. The migration rates in the model, used as coupling parameters between cells in the CA, are estimated by summing up the proportion of vectors crossing patch boundaries (i.e., crossing from one cell to another). Specifically, we develop methods for estimating speed and direction of invasion as a function of vector migration rates, including preference for a particular direction of migration. We develop two methods for estimating invasion speed: via orthogonal local velocity components and by direct computation of magnitude and direction of an overall velocity vector given a front created by cells identified as being invaded by the epidemic. Results indicate that invasion speed is greatly affected by both the physical and the epidemiological landscapes through which the infection wave passes. A power-law fit suggests that invasion speed increases at slightly less than the square root of increases in migration rate.
Treatment of painful caliceal stones

Nonmobile caliceal stones cause pain more often than previously appreciated. The character and intensity of the pain differs from typical renal colic. Twenty-six patients with caliceal stones and pain underwent attempted treatment for pain control via stone removal or disintegration: 15 were treated with percutaneous stone extraction (PSE), 10 with extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and 1 required open surgery after failing PSE. One patient had persistent pain after ESWL and subsequently underwent PSE; 25 of 26 patients had complete relief of pain. Morbidity was minimal. Patients with painful caliceal stones should be offered ESWL, followed by PSE if pain persists.
Assessing CZCS time-series data globally, regionally, and zonally: 1979–1985

Abstract Examination of the weekly CZCS-derived ocean pigment time-series from 1979 to 1985 reveals interesting seasonal, monsoonal, and ENSO variability. These measurements provide biological information at time and space scales that have never been available by conventional means. A major volcanic eruption [El Chichon] in 1982 has also been examined for an overall effect on hypothesized oceanic productivity, due to an extended period of diminished insolation in the tropics. Relatively minor changes are noted, but evidence exists for a more significant monsoonal response resulting in changes in regional productivity. Computations are presented that represent sum aggregates of annual production in all of the areas examined, such as: both northern and southern hemisphere tropics, Caribbean Sea, and Arabian Sea. The results show a reasonable year-to-year stability in ocean productivity and provide good benchmark values to continue these assessments with the SeaWiFS color data slated to be available later in 1995. Undoubtedly, this newer pigment data will be a valuable contribution to global climate monitoring as we examine oceanic responses for signals of both long and short-term changes in current systems and strive for composite basin-wide productivity.
Advancing the use of community pharmacy quality measures: A qualitative study

Objectives To describe consumers' ability to interpret pharmacy quality measures data presented in a report card, to examine the tools that consumers require to interpret the information available in a pharmacy quality report card, and to determine whether pharmacy quality measures influence consumers' choice of a pharmacy. Design Qualitative study. Setting Three semistructured focus groups conducted in a private meeting space at a public library in Sioux Falls, SD, from April 2011 to May 2011. Participants 29 laypeople. Intervention Participants' skills interpreting and using pharmacy quality information were examined based on mock report cards containing the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) quality measures. Main outcome measures Consumer perceptions of pharmacy quality data. Results Participants reported difficulty understanding quality measures because of knowledge deficits. They wanted supportive resources on drug class of their medications to help them understand the measures. Participants had different opinions on whether their pharmacies should be compared with other pharmacies based on specific quality measures. For example, they favored the use of drug–drug interactions as a quality measure for comparing pharmacies, while medication adherence was deemed of limited use for comparison. Participants stated that pharmacy report cards would be useful information but would not prompt a change in pharmacy. However, participants perceived that this information would be useful in selecting a new pharmacy. Conclusion The results suggest that consumers require simplification of PQA quality measures and supportive resources to interpret the measures. Consumers may favor certain quality measures based on their perception of the role of the pharmacist. Education is required before full use of this quality-of-care information can be realized.
Measurable rigidity and disjointness for Z k actions by toral automorphisms

We investigate joinings of strongly irreducible totally non-symplectic Anosov Z k , k ≥ 2 actions by toral automorphisms. We show that the existence of a non-trivial joining has strong implications for these actions, in particular, that the restrictions of the actions to a finite index subgroup of Z k are conjugate over Q. We also obtain a description of the joining measures modulo the classification of zero entropy measures for the actions.
The Influence of Fish Length on Tissue Mercury Dynamics: Implications for Natural Resource Management and Human Health Risk

Consumption of fish has well-known human health benefits, though some fish may contain elevated levels of mercury (Hg) that are especially harmful to developing children. Fish length is most often the basis for establishing fishery harvest regulations that determine which fish will ultimately be consumed by humans. It is, therefore, essential to quantify the relationship between fish length and Hg accumulation in regard to harvest regulations for effective fishery and public health policy. We examined this relationship for three sportfish from six lakes across North Carolina, USA. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) had the lowest Hg levels and only the very largest fish in the most contaminated site exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Hg screening level. Black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) had an intermediate level of Hg and larger individuals exceeded the USEPA screening level; however, they tended not to exceed this level before reaching the harvest length limit. Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) exceeded the USEPA screening level at sizes below the fishery length limit in two lakes, leaving only higher risk fish for anglers to harvest and consume. Removing the effects of fish age and trophic position, we found strong positive correlations between Hg and fish length for largemouth bass and black crappie. We suggest public health officials and wildlife managers collaborate to structure fishery regulations and length-based fish consumption advisories that protect consumers from Hg exposure and communicate the relative risk of fish consumption.
HIF-1, O2, and the 3 PHDs: How Animal Cells Signal Hypoxia to the Nucleus

Abstract Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a global regulator of cellular and systemic O 2 homeostasis in animals. A molecular basis for O 2 -regulated expression of the HIF-1α subunit has now been determined, providing a mechanism for changes in gene expression in response to changes in cellular oxygenation.
Conserved Eukaryotic Histone-Fold Residues Substituted into an Archaeal Histone Increase DNA Affinity but Reduce Complex Flexibility

Although the archaeal and eukaryotic nucleosome core histones evolved from a common ancestor, conserved lysine residues are present at DNA-binding locations in all four eukaryotic histones that are not present in the archaeal histones. Introduction of lysine residues at the corresponding locations into an archaeal histone, HMfB, generated a variant with increased affinity for DNA that formed more compact complexes with DNA. However, these complexes no longer facilitated the circularization of short DNA molecules and had lost the flexibility to wrap DNA alternatively in either a negative or positive supercoil.
On the asymptotics of maximum likelihood estimation for spatial linear models on a lattice

Spatial linear models and the corresponding likelihood-based statistical inference are important tools for the analysis of spatial lattice data and have been applied in a wide range of disciplines. However, understanding of the asymptotic properties of maximum likelihood estimates is limited. Here we consider a unified asymptotic framework that encompasses increasing domain, infill, and a combination of increasing domain and infill asymptotics. Under each type of asymptotics, we derive the asymptotic properties of maximum likelihood estimates. Our results show that the rates of convergence vary for different asymptotic types and under infill asymptotics, some of the model parameters estimates are inconsistent. A simulation study is conducted to examine the finite-sample properties of the maximum likelihood estimates.
What is the role of calcium scoring in the age of coronary computed tomographic angiography

Non-contrast-enhanced CT for coronary artery calcification (CAC) as a marker of coronary atherosclerosis has been studied extensively in the primary prevention setting. With rapidly evolving multidetector CT technology, contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has emerged as the non-invasive method of choice for detailed imaging of the coronary tree. In this review, we systematically evaluate the role of CAC testing in the age of CCTA in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, across varying levels of risk. Although the role of CAC testing is well established in asymptomatic subjects, its use in evaluating those with stable symptoms that represent possible obstructive coronary artery disease is controversial. Nevertheless, available data suggest that in low-to-intermediate risk symptomatic patients, CAC scanning may serve as an appropriate gatekeeper to further testing with either CCTA (if no or only mild CAC present) versus functional imaging or invasive coronary angiography (when moderate or severe CAC present). Given the strong short-term prognostic value of CAC = 0, studies are needed to further evaluate the role of CAC scanning in low-risk patients with acute chest pain presenting to the emergency room.
Performance of Coimmobilized Yeast and Amyloglucosidase in a Fluidized Bed Reactor for Fuel Ethanol Production

The performance of coimmobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae and amyloglucosidase (AG) was evaluated in a fluidized-bed reactor. Soluble starch and yeast extracts were used as feed stocks. Conversion of soluble starch streams to ethanol has potential practical applications in corn dry and wet milling and in developmental lignocellulosic processes. The biocatalyst performed well, and demonstrated no significant loss of activity or physical integrity during 10 wk of continuous operation. The reactor was easily operated and required no pH control. No operational problems were encountered from bacterial contaminants even though the reactor was operated under nonsterile conditions over the entire course of experiments. Productivities ranged between 25 and 44 g ethanol/L/h/. The experiments demonstrated that ethanol inhibition and bed loading had significant effects on reactor performance.
Induction of endogenous telomerase (hTERT) by c-Myc in WI-38 fibroblasts transformed with specific genetic elements

Elucidation of the mechanisms governing expression of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is important for understanding cancer pathogenesis. Approximately 90% of tumors express hTERT, the major catalytic component of telomerase. Activation of telomerase is an early event, and high levels of this activity correlate with poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that the transcription factors c-Myc and Mad1 activate and repress hTERT, respectively. It is not clear how these transcription factors compete for the same recognition sequence in the hTERT core promoter region. Studies have shown that the combined expression of SV40 large T antigen (T-Ag), hTERT, and H-Ras is able to transform human cells. In this study, we used a distinct human cell type, WI-38 fetal lung fibroblasts used extensively for senescence studies. We transduced cells with amphotropic retroviral constructs containing SV40 T antigen, hTERT, and activated H-ras. Transduced cells exhibited anchorage independence in soft agar and expressed increased levels of c-Myc and endogenous hTERT. These effects were observed by 25 population doublings (PDs) following the establishment of the neoplastic cell line. During the process of transformation, we observed a switch from Mad1/Max to c-Myc/Max binding to oligonucleotide sequences containing the hTERT promoter distal and proximal E-boxes. c-Myc can bind specifically to the hTERT promoter in vitro, indicating that c-Myc expression in tumors may account for the increased expression of hTERT observed in vivo. These findings indicate that the widely used model system of WI-38 fibroblasts can be employed for transformation studies using defined genetic elements and that the endogenous hTERT and c-Myc are induced in these cells during early tumorigenesis. Such studies should have important implications in the mechanisms of hTERT and c-Myc induction in the beginning stages of tumorigenesis and facilitate extension of these studies to novel models of tumorigenesis in cellular senescence.
An analytic derivation of the cost of deposit insurance and loan guarantees An application of modern option pricing theory

Abstract It is not uncommon in the arrangement of a loan to include as part of the financial package a guarantee of the loan by a third party. Examples are guarantees by a parent company of loans made to its subsidiaries or government guarantees of loans made to private corporations. Also included would be guarantees of bank deposits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. As with other forms of insurance, the issuing of a guarantee imposes a liability or cost on the guarantor. In this paper, a formula is derived to evaluate this cost. The method used is to demonstrate an isomorphic correspondence between loan guarantees and common stock put options, and then to use the well developed theory of option pricing to derive the formula.
Trait-Based Personality Theory, Ontogenic Behavioral Continuity, and Behavior Analysis

Abstract Behavior analysts can and should but rarely do account for the ontogenic continuity of behavior, thus leaving the field open to the reified, biological-deterministic traits of personality theorists. This comment is in reaction to: Roberts, B. W. (2002) “Organizational behavior management and personality psychology: Reunited and it feels so good?” Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 22(2).