cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis: How Access to News from the Media Affects Citizen’s Interest in Public Affairs in Ghana and Nigeria

This paper attempts to examine how access to news from the media, affects citizen’s interest in public affairs or public issues in both Ghana and Nigeria. The study employs a sample size of 1200 and 2324 respectively for both Ghana and Nigeria in its analysis. The data comes from the African led series of the national public attitudes survey on democracy and governance (Afro barometer, 2008). This works seeks to identify and compare how access to news from the media affects the interest of citizens in public affairs, in both countries. Furthermore, to identify which channel (radio, television and newspaper) affects the interest of Ghanaians and Nigerians in public affairs. Also, to examine which of the two countries is performing well in relation to access to news and interest in public affairs. The study also controls for the basic external factors-access to news from family and friends.
Differentiated Platforms

This column discusses differentiation, where firms develop the ability to serve different types of customers, and considers whether platforms can differentiate.
Service-Learning and Management Education: The Bentley Experience

This article features the service learning program at Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts. Service-learning at Bentley plays a vital, ever-growing role in the education of our students–tomorr...
Analysis of Downlink Connectivity Models in a Heterogeneous Cellular Network via Stochastic Geometry

In this paper, a comprehensive study of the downlink performance in a heterogeneous cellular network (or HetNet) is conducted via stochastic geometry. A general HetNet model is considered consisting of an arbitrary number of open-access and closed-access tiers of base stations (BSs) arranged according to independent homogeneous Poisson point processes. The BSs within each tier have a constant transmission power, random fading factors with an arbitrary distribution and arbitrary path-loss exponent of the power-law path-loss model. For such a system, analytical characterizations for the coverage probability are derived for the max-SINR connectivity and nearest-BS connectivity models. Using stochastic ordering, interesting properties and simplifications for the HetNet downlink performance are derived by relating these two connectivity models to the maximum instantaneous received power (MIRP) connectivity model and the maximum biased received power (MBRP) connectivity models, providing good insights about HetNets and their downlink performance in these complex networks. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate the effectiveness and analytical tractability of the stochastic geometric approach to study the HetNet performance.
Nonlinear Optical Signatures of Electronic Quantum Tunneling Effects in Nanoplasmonic Systems

We present a quantum theory for electron tunneling applied to nanoplasmonic materials in the regime with electromagnetic fields are confined in sub-micron gaps. The theory predicts quantum-based nonlinear effects: two-photon absorption, second- and third-harmonic generation and optical rectification.
Public–Private Pay Comparisons An Analysis of Florida

As state and local governments attempt to manage fiscal stress created by the Great Recession, the level of compensation received by public sector workers has become an increasingly debated policy issue. A significant amount of research exists that addresses national public sector compensation trends, but relatively few state-level studies have been performed. This analysis provides a preliminary analysis of public and private sector compensation in Florida. Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau, sector-level comparisons are made between public and private sector workers within the state with regard to compensation, age and education. This sector-level comparison is then supplemented by an occupational analysis of career fields found in both sectors. The sector-level analysis suggests public sector workers in Florida are, on average, not only better compensated than those in the private sector in aggregate but are also considerably more educated and older. The occu...
[n]Imperilenes: stacked [n]trannulenes separated by planar cycloalkane rings.

Two trannulene moieties fused to each other by means of perfectly planar cycloalkane rings comprise an interesting class of molecules (above) named “imperilenes”. Based on computed geometries and NICSzz values, only the [5], [7], and [9]imperilene singlet states as well as the 4+ charged [4], [6], and [8]imperilenes and their higher energy neutral quintet states are aromatic. The π electron systems of the individual trannulene rings, rather than the overall electron count, determine the behavior.
Tuning the Selectivity of Dendron Micelles Through Variations of the Poly(ethylene glycol) Corona

Engineering controllable cellular interactions into nanoscale drug delivery systems is key to enable their full potential. Here, using folic acid (FA) as a model targeting ligand and dendron micelles (DM) as a nanoparticle (NP) platform, we present a comprehensive experimental and modeling investigation of the structural properties of DMs that govern the formation of controllable, FA-mediated cellular interactions. Our experimental results demonstrate that a high level of control over the specific cell interactions of FA-targeted DMs can be achieved through modulation of the PEG corona length and the FA content. Using various molecular weight PEGs (0.6K, 1K, and 2K g/mol) and contents of dendron-FA conjugate incorporated into DMs (0, 5, 10, 25 wt %), the cell interactions of the targeted DMs could be controlled to exhibit minimal to >25-fold enhancement over nontargeted DMs. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that structural characteristics, such as solvent accessible surface area of FA, local PEG d...
Models of Research and Productivity

In this chapter we develop the structure of our models for estimating the effects of U.S. public agricultural research on U.S. agricultural productivity. We begin by laying out a general model relating research spending to agricultural productivity. Because this general specification includes too many parameters to be estimated individually with any degree of precision, some restrictions must be imposed. A conventional approach is to model productivity as a function of knowledge stocks that are created as a result of past research and can be represented using a distributed lag model defined by a small number of parameters. In this chapter we describe our approach for creating research knowledge stocks, including the specification of the research lag structure and state-to-state (and federal-to-state) spillovers used to construct the knowledge stocks. In later chapters we evaluate the effects of specification choices on our estimates and the implied benefit-cost ratios.
Recruitment and Selection Decisions of SMEs

This research paper explores recruitment and selection process of Pakistani-owned SMEs in the UK. The study was aimed to discover some facts and figures about strategies of these enterprises in hiring and keeping right people with them. The overall investigation process was undertaken through a field survey around 100 respondents involved in recruitment decisions of these enterprises. These respondents were randomly selected from 50 enterprises located in major cities of the UK. To facilitate data gathering process a structured questionnaire comprising a wide range of close-ended questions was prepared and carefully distributed among selected respondents. The researcher did his best to ensure that data gathered through field survey was complete, correct and current. Analysis of the data revealed that majority of small companies preferred informal ways of testing and selecting people at all levels, particularly at administrative and operating levels. On the other hand, majority of medium companies preferred formal ways of recruitment at managerial level and mixed ways (both formal and informal) at lower levels. However, most recruitment and selection decisions were taken by owner managers of these companies. Findings of the study are expected to provide some useful guidelines to the UK based ethnic minority SMEs in general and Pakistani-owned SMEs in particular.
When should TSA PreCheck be offered at no cost to travelers

TSA PreCheck is the primary vehicle used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to promulgate its risk-based security strategy. To enroll in PreCheck requires travelers to pay a fee of $85 (or more, through programs like Global Entry or Nexus), which may provide an obstacle for some travelers. The TSA has promoted TSA PreCheck since it makes the air system more secure, provides faster security screening throughput for all travelers, and reduces TSA screening costs (both in manpower and equipment). This third point has led critics of the program to suggest that PreCheck should be offered at no cost to travelers. This paper explores this suggestion and suggests that for certain high volume travelers, offering them TSA PreCheck at no cost is economically attractive to the TSA. The additional benefits of a more secure air system and faster security screening throughput makes the no-cost option a viable strategy for ramping up the number of high volume travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
The Power of Fungal Genetics

ASM’s Cultures magazine traveled to Colombia for its recent food issue to capture its first digital multimedia story.
Accountability, Complacency, or Obfuscation? An Analysis of the U.S. Military’s Prevention and Response Efforts to Military Sexual Trauma

On December 3, 2015, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced the end of the combat exclusion policy prohibiting women from serving in direct combat roles, regardless of the service branch or military occupation. For many, this represented the final barrier to women’s opportunity for equality within the armed forces, since many jobs and promotions are tied to combat experience. However, this historically significant milestone is juxtaposed against a recurring problem for the military that threatens its state of readiness and national security: military sexual trauma (MST). This article explores the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the U.S. military, and the misleading, and often contradictory, data provided by military officials and the Department of Defense. The argument presented here is that the obfuscation of MST data has ethical implications for public administration, as it negatively impacts any meaningful prevention, intervention, and reform efforts. At a time of emerging g...
PERCEPTIONS OF IRAQI IMMIGRANT EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION IN THE METRO DETROIT AREA

Society is changing rapidly and the United States is a global community in transition. The Arab Spring, home grown terrorism, geopolitical conflict, nationalistic politics and amebic ideological groups such as ISIS have fueled interest in American Muslims. This phenomenological qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Iraqi American Muslim immigrants as it relates to perceived employment discrimination. The study also explored whether or not such perceptions of employment discrimination impacted Detroit area American Muslims motivation to apply to future employment opportunities. The results of the exploratory research indicate that nearly half of Iraqi American Muslims felt that discrimination increased negative perceptions reduced their likelihood of applying to similar open positions in the future. Keywords: Iraq-American, American Muslim, Employment Discrimination, Immigration, Integration
High potential but limited evidence: Using voice data from smartphones to monitor and diagnose mood disorders.

OBJECTIVE This article evaluates the potential of smartphone audio data to monitor individuals recovering from mood disorders. METHOD A comprehensive literature review was conducted based on searches in 9 bibliographic databases. RESULTS Seven articles were identified that used smartphone audio data to monitor participants with bipolar disorder from 4 to 14 weeks. The studies captured audio data in various contexts (e.g., in-person daily conversations, phone calls) and used common audio features (e.g., pitch and volume) to ascertain clinically relevant outcomes, including mood and social rhythm. Findings suggest that the utility of audio data in clinical and research contexts remains relatively unexplored and presents some challenges. For example, information on adherence and engagement among individuals recovering from bipolar disorder were often insufficient to gauge the generalizability of findings. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Despite growing interest, additional research is required to confirm clinical utility of smartphone audio data for mood disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record
Persuasion GO: An Activity for Increasing Students' Awareness of Approaches to Social Influence.

ABSTRACTCourses: Persuasion, Compliance GainingObjectives: In this single-class activity, based loosely on the video-game sensation Pokemon GO, students learn about, enact, and “capture” a variety of compliance-gaining tactics. Along the way, they gain awareness of various approaches to persuasion, the implications of using such approaches, habitual persuasion, and the goals-plans-action model.
Occupational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and serum levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in an aging population from upstate New York: a retrospective cohort study

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmentally persistent amphiphilic compounds. Exposure to two PFASs, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is linked to specific occupations and industries. This study examines the contribution of past occupational PFAS exposure to serum PFOS and PFOA levels among 154 older adults in New York State. Serum PFOS and PFOA levels were compared to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Potential occupational exposure to any PFAS was determined from work histories, reviewed by an industrial hygienist, and assessed in relation to current serum PFOS and PFOA levels using exposure probability, duration and cumulative exposure. We observed 25% higher serum PFOS and 80% higher PFOA levels in study participants compared to NHANES. No participants reported PFAS chemical manufacturing work, but n = 68 reported work in occupations and industries known to use PFASs. We found that participants with high cumulative workplace exposure had 34% higher serum PFOS levels compared to participants without occupational exposure, adjusted for age, sex and income. Serum PFOS levels were 26% higher for participants with longer occupational exposure durations. The probability of occupational PFAS exposure metric was not associated with serum PFOS. Serum PFOA was not associated with any measure of occupational exposure. Occupational exposure may contribute to total PFOS body burden in this study population, even among workers not directly involved in manufacturing PFASs. PFAS exposure assessments should evaluate the workplace as a potential source, even when workplace exposures are assumed to be low or moderate.
Marsupial, insectivore, and chiropteran anesthesia.

This article covers the manual restraint and anesthesia of marsupials, insectivores, and chiroptera. Marsupials commonly kept as pets in the U.S. [e.g., eastern gray kangaroos ( Macropus giganteus ), Bennett's wallabies ( Macropus rufogriseus ), and sugar gliders ( Petamus breviceps )] are covered in detail. Marsupial species kept in zoological parks [e.g., Tasmanian devils, koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus ), and common wombats ( Vombatus ursinus )] are covered in less detail. Of the insectivores, only the African hedgehog ( Atelerix albiventris ) and the European hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus ) are commonly kept as pets and, consequently, the insectivore section concentrates on discussing these two species. The section on chiropteran anesthesia is divided into two broad categories: the megachiropterans (flying foxes and fruit bats) and the microchiropterans (insectivorous bats). Most of the information on the species covered in this article is anecdotal, and this should be kept in mind when using the anesthesia protocols described.
Evidence for cooperative Mn-ATP binding with Bacillus sp. glutamine synthetase.

Abstract The binding of Mn-ATP with B. subtilis glutamine synthetase, observed kinetically at 37°, pH 7.0, is cooperative (Hill n = 2.3, S 0·5 = 0.36mM) , a phenomenon overlooked in earlier studies. The Arrhenius plot is biphasic with a break at 26°C. Similar behavior is observed with the thermophilic B. stearothermophilus enzyme, but is absent with the enzymes from E. coli , plant, and mammaliam sources under optimal assay conditions. The temperature dependence of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein is also non-linear, and the intersection point of 18° shifts to 30° upon binding of substrates. These results are interpreted as indicating that Bacillus sp . enzymes can assume multiple, functionally important conformational states related to Mn-ATP binding at 37°. They also emphasize further that critical differences in mechanism exist among glutamine synthetases from different sources.
Metagenomic shotgun sequencing to identify specific human gut microbes associated with immune checkpoint therapy efficacy in melanoma patients.

9516Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, ICT, achieves durable remissions in 30-50% of patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma (Larkin et al. NEJM 2015). It is still unclear what host f...
LIFE HISTORY TRAITS OF THE PERFORATE DOME SNAIL, VENTRIDENS DEMISSUS (BINNEY, 1843) (GASTROPODA: ZONITIDAE), FROM SEABROOK, TEXAS

Abstract Ventridens demissus is one of over 2,000 species of land snail in the United States and Canada. Like other zonitid snails, the species is small (10 mm in width) with a thin shell; its dist...
The effects of SFAS-123R on corporate investment

This study examines the effects of mandatory expensing of stock options on corporate investment after the passage of SFAS-123R. First, we find an increase in corporate investment such as R&D invest...
Multi-Flexible-Body Analysis for Application to Wind Turbine Control Design: September 10, 1999 -- October 31, 2003

A computational framework for aeroelastic analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT's) is presented. The structural model is separated into multi-rigid-body and flexible-body parts. Equations for the former are derived using Kane's method; and the flexible portions are assumed to be beam-like structures, described using a mixed formulation. The equations of motion are of a relatively low order in terms of geometrically-exact beam finite elements. The flexible and rigid subsystems are coupled with an aerodynamic model to form an aeroelastic analysis. A nonlinear, periodic, steady-state solution and a linearized transient solution about the periodic steady state are obtained. The computational framework for two-bladed, HAWT's is built using time finite elements over a half-period. The linearized ordinary differential equations have periodic coefficients in time, and a Floquet stability analysis for the linearized system is directly undertaken using periodic steady state results. Numerical results are presented for horizontal axis wind turbines including steady-state response and Floquet characteristic exponents and operating mode shapes. Effects on the dynamics of the system for pre-cone, rotor speed, teetering hinge lateral offset, teetering and yawing stiffness and damping, and composite blade properties are investigated. A user's guide for the computer program WTFlex is included in the appendix.
Chapter 60 – Hydrocephalus

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a discussion on hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus means water in the head, and it applies to a clinical condition of progressive neurological risk and injury resulting from unbalanced production and absorption of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Hydrocephalus is a dynamic condition that can cause severe and sometimes acute brain injury and death, but it can be managed by rectifying the flow of CSF. Hydrocephalus may occur at any age, and its clinical course is influenced by the time of onset, the rate at which the intracranial pressure increases, the duration of increased intracranial pressure, and the pre-existence of structural lesions. Previous divisions of hydrocephalus into communicating and non-communicating groups have become less useful, because newer diagnostic imaging modalities often allow clearer definition of the site of obstruction to CSF flow with certainty. Newer classification schemes are based on pathological processes leading to the dynamic abnormalities, including the actual point of obstruction. These advances have significant relevance to the treatment of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus has been recognized since antiquity, and the cerebrospinal fluid was certainly mysterious to the early observers. At present, three different imaging modalities are used to document hydrocephalus— ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic reasonance imaging (MRI). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Scratch-Resistant Porous Polymer Coatings with EnhancedAdhesion to Planar and Curved Substrates

Porous polymer coatings are useful for a broad range of applications including textiles, membranes, and implants. For practical applications, it is critical to have good adhesion between the substr...
Malcolm X’s 1964 Critique of American Law: a Call for Legal Revision

Malcolm X delivered 2 speeches less than a month apart in the spring of 1964, directly after his break from the nation of Islam. In these talks, Malcolm tied American law to injustice, highlighting the legal deceptions that often prevent full freedom for African Americans. His call demanded that audiences real and imagined see the law for what it was while warning of a new level of racial strife if white trickery persisted.
Upward Bound to a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Beyond

“Mom! I am the only kid in high school who knows what an NMR is!” My career path to a Ph.D. in chemistry included raising a son…as a single parent. Once I made the decision to go back to college and to earn a degree, I realized that a career and a family life were hard to balance, but it could be done. I wanted a better life for my family and realized that this included getting a college education. This path to a Ph.D. in chemistry started in a small way in high school though I must admit that I did not like high school chemistry. I can say that I embraced a career in chemistry after working with some amazing mentors who helped me navigate undergraduate and graduate school as a student and as a single mom.
A note on the stability of Morris-Thorne wormholes

Two critical issues in the study of Morris-Thorne wormholes concerns the stability of such structures, as well as their compatibility with quantum field theory. This note discusses an important subset characterized by zero tidal forces. It is shown that such wormholes (1) are in stable equilibrium using a criterion based on the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff (TOV) equation and (2) are not in direct conflict with quantum field theory.
Exposure to nanoceria impacts larval survival, life history traits and fecundity of Aedes aegypti.

Effectively controlling vector mosquito populations while avoiding the development of resistance remains a prevalent and increasing obstacle to integrated vector management. Although, metallic nanoparticles have previously shown promise in controlling larval populations via mechanisms which are less likely to spur resistance, the impacts of such particles on life history traits and fecundity of mosquitoes are understudied. Herein, we investigate the chemically well-defined cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) and silver-doped nanoceria (AgCNPs) for larvicidal potential and effects on life history traits and fecundity of Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes. When 3rd instar larvae were exposed to nanoceria in absence of larval food, the mortality count disclosed significant activity of AgCNPs over CNPs (57.8±3.68% and 17.2±2.81% lethality, respectively) and a comparable activity to Ag+ controls (62.8±3.60% lethality). The surviving larvae showed altered life history traits (e.g., reduced egg hatch proportion and varied sex ratios), indicating activities of these nanoceria beyond just that of a larvicide. In a separate set of experiments, impacts on oocyte growth and egg generation resulting from nanoceria-laced blood meals were studied using confocal fluorescence microscopy revealing oocytes growth-arrest at 16-24h after feeding with AgCNP-blood meals in some mosquitoes, thereby significantly reducing average egg clutch. AgCNPs caused ~60% mortality in 3rd instar larvae when larval food was absent, while CNPs yielded only ~20% mortality which contrasts with a previous report on green-synthesized nanoceria and highlights the level of detail required to accurately report and interpret such studies. Additionally, AgCNPs are estimated to contain much less silver (0.22 parts per billion, ppb) than the amount of Ag+ needed to achieve comparable larvicidal activity (4.2 parts per million, ppm), potentially making these nanoceria ecofriendly. Finally, this work is the first study to demonstrate the until-now-unappreciated impacts of nanoceria on life history traits and interference with mosquito egg development.
A Rare, Unreported Cognitive Side Effect of Topiramate: Do We Know It All Yet?

This report describes a unique, dose dependent side effect of a commonly used drug, topiramate. Although cognitive side effects of this drug have previously been reported in literature, we present a case of drug-induced amnesia, with support from Naranjo Nomogram, as a hitherto unreported side effect of topiramate. Here, we highlight the importance of being cognizant of such rare cognitive side effects, with the aim of improving patient outcome by timely recognition, and discontinuation of the offending drug, as the side effect was fortunately found to be reversible.
Posttransplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation A Clinicopathologic and Molecular Study

c Objectives.—To study the clinicopathologic and molecular genetic findings in posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) following pediatric liver transplantation and to determine the applicability of a recently proposed consensus classification system. Design.—The clinical, pathologic, and molecular genetic findings of 11 PTLDs that occurred in 10 patients are presented. These 10 patients were derived from a group of 121 pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation at the University of California, San Francisco. The PTLDs were classified using the proposed Society for Hematopathology scheme. Clonality was determined by immunohistochemical detection of monotypic immunoglobulin or by using polymerase chain reaction‐based methods to detect monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene rearrangements. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was detected by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, or polymerase chain reaction. Epstein-Barr virus typing and the presence of LMP1 gene deletions were also analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Results.—There were 3 early lesions, 4 polymorphic PTLDs, and 4 monomorphic PTLDs. Monoclonality was demonstrated in 8 of 9 cases assessed. Epstein-Barr virus was present in all cases; of 9 cases assessed by polymerase chain reaction, the virus was type A in 8 and type B in 1. No EBV LMP1 gene deletions were identified. The corresponding liver explants were negative for EBV in 8 cases and positive in 1 case. Greater than 3 foci of disease and monomorphic PTLD were associated with decreased actuarial survival (P , .05). Conclusions.—The prognosis of pediatric patients with PTLD is favorable for early lesions and polymorphous PTLD, particularly in patients with localized disease. Multifocal disease and monomorphic PTLD are associated with an unfavorable prognosis. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2001;125:337‐343)
Case 7. Tumor Mycosis Fungoides with Xanthomatized Atypical Lymphocytes

The xanthomatous changes are uncommon in lymphocytes but may be present in old persistent tumors. Akilov and colleagues present a case of tumor stage mycosis fungoides, where atypical cells contained lipid inclusions in a tumor neglected by the patient for 2 years.
Cross-border spillover of institutional activism: The monitoring role of locally-aggressive foreign institutional investors

Abstract Using data from 32 countries for the period 2008–2018, this study examines the previously unexplored monitoring role of foreign institutional investors that are aggressive monitors in their home markets. First, consistent with the short-termist view of cross-border activism spillover, we show that ownership by locally-aggressive foreign institutional investors is negatively associated with firm value. Second, using country-level investor protection and investment horizon, we find that the negative influence on value only holds for common-law and long term locally-aggressive foreign investors. Contrarily, we find that the association between foreign activists from civil-law countries and value is positive and consistent with the managerial-disciplining view of cross-border activism spillover. Findings for total foreign ownership and locally-acquiescent foreign ownership remain similar to those reported in previous studies. Our findings are robust to endogeneity concerns, multiple specifications, and alternative measures of monitoring aggression in home markets.
Factors related to medical neglect recurrence and foster care and adoption services.

Abstract Background Medical neglect is defined as the failure of a caretaker to heed obvious signs of serious illness, to seek medical care in a timely fashion, or to follow instructions once medical advice is obtained. It is reportable as a form of child maltreatment. Objectives (1) identify factors associated with referrals after medical neglect to adoption and foster care services; (2) describe a cohort of children with first-time cases; and (3) assess whether there were factors associated with recurrence. Participants and setting Data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System for 36 U.S. states. Methods A cohort of children was constructed with first confirmed reports of medical neglect in 2012 with matched confirmed reports durin g 2012–2017 to describe child, family, offender, and report factors associated with recurrence. These factors were then used in multivariate models, including logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models, to assess their effects on recurrence and with referral to foster care and adoption services. Results Complex family problems were associated with referral for foster care and adoption services, and 8.1% had recurrence within 5 years. Older children with medical problems, Black race, or who were reported by medical or legal personnel had increased risk for recurrence. Only referral to mental health care services was found to decrease this risk. Conclusions Medical neglect recurs within 5 years despite referrals to most services. Those trying to stop its recurrence should focus on mental health needs and families with children who are older, Black, or have complex medical problems.
Diode Physics: From Child-Langmuir to Paschen’s Law *

While extensive studies have characterized diode physics since the seminal derivation of the Child-Langmuir law (CLL) for space-charge limited current (SCLC) over a century ago, much of this work has focused on planar diodes at vacuum 1 . However, practical devices, even in vacuum electronics, rarely operate under this narrow range of conditions. This paper extends this traditional view of diode physics by performing matched asymptotic analyses to directly link electron emission and gas breakdown mechanisms for planar geometries, or “nexus theory 2 ,” and extending the CLL to include non-planar geometries 3 . Nexus theory permits simultaneously comparing multiple emission mechanisms, including quantum SCLC, thermionic emission, field emission, vacuum SCLC, SCLC with collisions, the coupled field emission/Townsend avalanche (FE/TA) regime, and Paschen’s law (PL) 2 . Nexus theory elucidates the suitability of applying a simple emission theory or the necessity of linking multiple mechanisms. We also applied variational calculus and conformal mapping to derive closed form solutions for SCLC for concentric cylinders and spheres and multi-dimensional diodes. Incorporating the appropriate electric field profile permits linking field emission to PL for non-planar geometries. Finally, we summarize ongoing extensions of these efforts, including incorporation of an orthogonal magnetic field in SCLC calculations, incorporation of an RF field in the FE/TA regime, improved characterization of the ionization coefficient at the high reduced electric fields typical for microscale and smaller gaps, and experimental assessments of emission for sub-microscale diodes at atmospheric pressure.
College and Lifecycle Earnings Inequality

Has a rising college earnings premium contributed to increased earnings inequality over the past 50 years? I answer this question with a model of college linked to a Ben-Porath human capital problem. The model is estimated from data on college attainment rates and lifecycle income profiles, which I document by education level. I find that lifetime earnings inequality within cohorts has risen significantly since the 1970s but little of this is directly attributable to the college premium. Higher tuition is also not particularly important. Increasing earnings risk seems to be the main driver, with higher college return dispersion a contributing factor.
Complex Litigation: CAFA and Retroactivity

Commentary and analysis of the problem of retroactive application of federal court jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 (CAFA). Congress enacted CAFA in 2005 to create new federal diversity jurisdiction especially for class actions. In order to gain access to federal court, the proponents of a class action must demonstrate diversity of citizenship between the class claimants and the defendants, that there are at least 100 members in the class, and that the amount in controversy exceeds $5 million. 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d). To satisfy these requirements, the proponents needs only to show minimal diversity among the parties, and may aggregate the claimants’ damages to reach the $5 million amount-in-controversy threshold. In addition, the CAFA statutory scheme created new removal jurisdiction for class actions filed in state courts. 28 U.S.C. § 1453. This article discusses the problem created by class actions that plaintiffs filed before enactment of CAFA in 2005, but pending class certification or subsequently amended. The issue centers on the question whether a post-CAFA amendment of a class action complaint commences a new lawsuit which then brings the action within the scope of CAFA’s provisions, rather than pre-existing class action principles in place before 2005.
Connexin 37-mediated growth regulation in primary endothelial cells (LB680)

We have previously shown that connexin 37 (Cx37) is growth suppressive in vivo, as suggested by increased in ischemia-induced angiogenesis and collateral vasculogenesis in Cx37-deficient mice (Am.J.Physiol. 301: H1872-H1881, 2011). To provide an in vitro system for studies of microvascular capillary growth control mediated by Cx37, we isolated primary skeletal muscle endothelial cells (ECs) from the hindlimb of both wild type (WT) and Cx37-/- mice. Using VE-cadherin as the positive selection marker and a live cell sorting strategy, we are able to culture primary ECs for 14-21 days before they lose endothelial character. Evidence for endothelial nature was provided by cell morphology and the continued presence of VE-cadherin. The growth of ECs was monitored and revealed that proliferation of ECs isolated from WT mice is slowed compared to ECs originating from Cx37-/- mice. Additionally, there is a 4-day difference between the time it takes to reach confluence of Cx37-/- EC cultures and WT ECs. These data i...
Social Capital: A Theory of Social Structure and Action

Part I. Theory and Research: 1. Theories of capital: the historical foundation 2. Social capital: capital captured through social relations 3. Resources, hierarchy, networks, and homophily: the structural foundation 4. Resources, motivations, and interactions: the action foundation 5. The theory and theoretical propositions 6. Social capital and status attainment: a research tradition 7. Inequality in social capital: a research agenda Part II. Conceptual Extensions: 8. Social capital and the emergence of social structure: a theory of rational choice 9. Reputation and social capital: the rational basis for social change 10. Social capital in hierarchical structures 11. Institutions, networks and capital building 12. Cybernetworks and the global village: the rise of social capital Part III. Epilogue: 13. The future of the theory.
Higher-Order Numerical Secular Planetary Theory

A more accurate first-order theory for the secular motion of the eight planets was constructed using the equinoctial element set and data from DE200. The secular disturbing function was developed through fourth order in the eccentricity and inclination elements. The corresponding equations of motion were numerically integrated backward in time for a one-million year simulation. Results are compared with the linear secular theory and a numerical integration of the full, unaveraged equations of motion.
Sip1 Is a Catabolite Repression-Specific Negative Regulator of Gal Gene Expression

The yeast Snf1p kinase is required for normal expression of many genes involved in utilization of non-glucose carbon. Snf1p is known to associate with several proteins. One is Sip1p, a protein that becomes phosphorylated in the presence of Snf1p and thus is a candidate Snf1p kinase substrate. We have isolated the SIP1 gene as a multicopy suppressor of the gal83-associated defect in glucose repression of GAL gene expression. Multicopy SIP1 also suppressed the gal82-associated defect in glucose repression, suggesting that SIP1, GAL83 and GAL82 function interdependently. Multicopy SIP1 gene reduces GAL1, GAL2, GAL7 and GAL10 gene expression three- to fourfold in cells grown in the presence of glucose but has no effect in cells grown on nonrepressing carbon. Sip1-deletion cells exhibited a two- to threefold increase in GAL gene expression compared to wild-type cells when grown on glucose. These studies show that SIP1 is a catabolite repression-specific negative regulator of GAL gene expression. Northern analysis revealed two SIP1 transcripts whose relative abundance changed with carbon source. Western blots revealed that Sip1p abundance is not markedly affected by carbon source, suggesting that Sip1p may be regulated post-translationally.
Mini-Sentinel's systematic reviews of validated methods for identifying health outcomes using administrative and claims data: methods and lessons learned.

Purpose To overview the methods used in the Mini-Sentinel systematic reviews of validation studies of algorithms to identify health outcomes in administrative and claims data and to describe lessons learned in the development of search strategies, including their ability to identify articles from previous systematic reviews which used different search strategies. Methods Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and the citation database of the Iowa Drug Information Service. Embase was searched for some outcomes. The searches were based on a strategy developed by the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) researchers. All citations were reviewed by two investigators. Exclusion criteria were applied at abstract and full-text review stages to ultimately identify algorithm validation studies that used data sources from the USA or Canada, as the results of these studies were considered most likely to generalize to Mini-Sentinel data. Nonvalidated algorithms were reviewed if fewer than five algorithm validation studies were identified. Results The results of this project are described in the separate articles and reports written on algorithms to identify each outcome of interest. Conclusions The Mini-Sentinel systematic reviews of algorithms to identify health outcomes in administrative and claims data are expected to be relatively complete, despite some limitations. Algorithm validation studies are inconsistently indexed in PubMed, creating challenges in conducting systematic reviews of these studies. Google Scholar searches, which can perform text word searches of electronically available articles, are suggested as a strategy to identify studies that are not captured through searches of standard citation databases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activation of mast cells by bile acids

To test whether bile acids interact with mast cells, dilute, aqueous solutions of five pure unconjugated natural bile acids and their corresponding glycine or taurine conjugates were incubated with murine PT-18 cells (a mast cell line functionally and cytochemically similar to mucosal mast cells) or with freshly isolated rat peritoneal mast cells. Bile acid solutions ranged in concentration from 0.3 to 10 mmol/L; histamine release was assessed by a fluorimetric assay, and cell lysis by cytosolic enzyme (lactate dehydrogenase) release. Lipophilic, dihydroxy bile acids (chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid as well as their glycine and taurine conjugates) caused histamine release in a dose-related manner; cholic acid and its conjugates caused much less or no histamine release. Two hydrophilic bile acids (ursodeoxycholic acid and ursocholic acid and their conjugates) were virtually devoid of activity. Histamine release, which was independent of extracellular Ca2+, occurred at 0.3 mmol/L, well below the critical micellization concentration. For a given concentration, unconjugated bile acids and glycine-conjugated bile acids induced more histamine release than taurine-conjugated bile acids; maximal release was observed at 3 mmol/L for lipophilic, dihydroxy bile acids. To test whether bile acids could also cause histamine release from cutaneous mast cells in vivo, rats were injected intradermally with bile acid solutions and histamine release assessed by capillary leakage of Evan's blue dye. Cutaneous blueing was greater with cytotoxic bile acids, chenodeoxycholyglycine or deoxycholylglycine, than with ursodeoxycholylglycine and was inhibited by prior antihistamine treatment. Histamine release correlated highly and positively with lipophilicity and with bile acid surface activity. It was concluded that lipophilic but not hydrophilic bile acids possess concentration-dependent cytotoxicity toward mast cells causing histamine release, that unconjugated and glycine-conjugated bile acids are more potent than taurine-conjugated bile acids, and that mast cell histamine release is highly correlated with lipophilicity of bile acids as well as their surface activity.
Genitourinary Fistula Experience in Sierra Leone : Review of 505 Cases

Purpose: We reviewed cases of genitourinary fistula resulting from birth trauma in Sierra Leone to determine factors predictive of successful operative repair.Materials and Methods: A total of 505 operative repairs of genitourinary fistula were completed at 2 centers in Sierra Leone from 2004 to 2006. Statistical analysis of patient demographics, fistula characteristics, outcomes and surgical complications was performed.Results: Primary repairs, defined as the first repair, accounted for 68% of repairs in the population with 92% classified as vesicovaginal fistula alone. Only 56% of women were deemed to have an intact urethra at presentation and 68% were diagnosed with moderate or severe fibrosis surrounding the fistula. On univariate analysis parameters that demonstrated significant differences with primary operative success were patient age at fistula occurrence (p = 0.0192), index pregnancy (p = 0.0061), location (p <0.0001), surface area (p <0.0001), urethral status (p <0.0001) and fibrosis (p <0.0001...
Precipitation at interphase boundaries

Three problems in precipitation at interphase boundaries are examined. 1) The classu argument as to the particular phase in which such a precipitate nucleates is shown to be irrelevant; except in a special situation, the critical nucleus must normally penetrate both phases forming the interphase boundary. 2) The relative penetrations into the two phases achieved during growth can be very different than those expected during nucleation; hence, deductions about the nucleation process based upon observations on growth morphologies can be quite misleading. 3) The observations of Honeycombe and others that the nucleation of carbides at austenite: ferrite boundaries occurs predominantly at the low energy, immobile broad faces of ledges rather than at the higher energy, mobile risers of ledges are accounted for theoretically on the basis of the high velocities of the risers preventing nucleation. Example calculations on a Ti-Ni alloy indicate that precipitation at the risers of ledges may become possible in substitutional systems, but only at lower homologous temperatures, and if the migration of these boundaries is still controlled by volume diffusion while nucleation is controlled by interfacial diffusion.
Interest in Behavioral and Psychological Treatments Delivered Face-to-Face, by Telephone, and by Internet

Little is known about the acceptability of internet and telephone treatments, or what factors might influence patient interest in receiving treatments via these media. This study examined the level of interest in face-to-face, telephone, and internet treatment and factors that might influence that interest. Six hundred fifty-eight primary care patients were surveyed. Among patients interested in some form of behavioral treatment, 91.9% were interested or would consider face-to-face care compared to 62.4% for telephone and 48.0% for internet care. Symptom severity was unrelated to interest in treatment delivery medium. Interest in specific treatment targeting mental health, lifestyle, or pain was more strongly predictive of interest in face-to-face treatment than telephone or internet treatments. Only interest in lifestyle intervention was predictive of interest in internet-delivered treatment. Time constraints as a barrier were more predictive of interest in telephone and internet treatments compared to face-to-face. These findings provide some support for the notion that telephone and internet treatments may overcome barriers. People who seek help with lifestyle change may be more open to internet-delivered treatments, while interest in internet intervention does not appear to be associated with the desire for help in mental health, pain, or tobacco use.
IC-processed electrostatic micromotors

Abstract We describe the design, fabrication and operation of several micromotors that have been produced using integrated-circuit processing. Both rotors and stators for these motors, which are driven by electrostatic forces, are formed from polycrystalline silicon 1.0–1.5 μm thick. The diameters of the rotors in the motors tested are between 60 and 120 μm. Motors with several friction-reducing designs have been fabricated using phosphosilicate glass (PSG) as a sacrificial material and either one or three polysilicon depositions.