cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central Planning and Unintended Consequences: Creating the Soviet Financial System, 1930-1939

We use the Soviet state and party archives to study the creation of the Soviet financial system. Although its framers intended to centralize all emission and monitoring of money and credit, in practice the system was characterized by informal mechanisms involving multiple players, soft budget constraints, and massive moral hazards. Enterprises issued "illegal" commercial credits and surrogate monies, causing liquidity growth to far outpace real economic activity. When confronted with the choice of solvency versus plan fulfillment, firms always chose the latter: credit risks were passed on to solvent enterprises, the state bank, and the state budget. The framers of the Soviet financial system began with what appeared to be a simple principle: All money and credit operations were to be concentrated in a single monopoly bank. This bank would be privy to all financial transactions, and would have the power to ensure that they were in accordance with administrative plans. Currency and bank money would be strictly segregated: inter-enterprise transactions would be cashless, whereas household budgets would be purely cash based. Thus credit needed only follow the output plans, and cash needed only follow labor-staffing plans. Wage incomes would be kept in balance with the supply of consumer goods at prevailing prices. The important decisions, therefore, could be made by the physical planners, who would build balances of capital, raw materials, and labor based upon general directives from the communist party. The framers began to build this "simple" system in 1930. Nine years later, those who survived the Purges must have been astonished by the discrepancy between intentions and outcomes. On the principle that "money follows the plan," money and credit should have expanded at the same rate as real economic activity. Between 1932 and 1936 real GDP expanded by 50 percent at most, and the supply of consumer goods scarcely increased, if at all; but over the same period the narrow money supply tripled, while the currency stock and liquidity as a whole both doubled. Thus the Soviet monetary system, which had been conceived as the passive handmaiden of central
Charles B. Davenport

Charles Benedict Davenport (1866–1944) was one of the most prominent public figures of the eugenics movement in the early decades of the twentieth century in the United States. Trained as a morphologist, biologist and geneticist, he is most remembered for his eugenic studies. Under his direction of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, New York, the research conducted by the laboratory's Eugenics Record Office supported the early eugenics movement by serving as the leading repository of eugenic information and as a primary centre for the training of eugenic field workers. Keywords: eugenics; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Eugenics Record Office; human heredity; genetics
Developing tactile feedback for wearable presentation: observations from using a participatory approach

In this paper, we describe a participatory-based approach to developing tactile feedback for a head-mounted device. Three focus groups iteratively designed and evaluated tactile interaction concepts for user-generated use-case scenarios. Results showed productive design insights from the groups regarding approaches to tactile coding schemes addressing the scenario conditions, as well as method-innovations to participatory design techniques for interaction development in unfamiliar sensory modalities such as touch. The study has culminated in the development of a library of tactile icons relating to spatial concepts, which will be tested as part of future work.
Estimation of tire cornering stiffness using GPS to improve model based estimation of vehicle states

This paper demonstrates a method of obtaining key vehicle states using GPS and INS measurements with an adaptive model based estimator. A dual antenna GPS attitude system is used to estimate tire cornering stiffness. This estimated parameter is updated in the estimator model to provide more accurate estimates of the vehicle states. The experimental results for the estimate of sideslip and yaw rate using the updated estimator model compare favorable to values predicted by the theoretical model.
Molluscum contagiosum in a horse with granulomatous enteritis.

Abstract Widespread cutaneous papules in a yearling Standardbred filly were attributed by light and electron microscopic examination to molluscum contagiosum. Concomitant granulomatous enteritis, suspected clinically due to protein-losing enteropathy, was verified histopathologically. An associated altered immune response is suggested as the reason for the widespread poxvirus infection.
Impact of Nativity and Race on “Stroke Belt” Mortality

Abstract —The southeastern region of the United States has been recognized for 6 decades as an area of excess cerebrovascular mortality rates. While the reasons for the disease variation remain an enigma, South Carolina has consistently been the forerunner of the “Stroke Belt.” To determine the effects of nativity (birthplace) on stroke mortality rates in South Carolina, proportional mortality ratios (PMRs) were calculated for stroke deaths in South Carolina during 1980–1996 according to birthplace and stratified by gender, race, age, and educational status. The analyses revealed a graded risk of stroke by birthplace, with the highest PMRs (95% CI) among individuals born in South Carolina (104.8 [103.4 to 106.3]), intermediate PMRs in those born in the Southeast other than South Carolina (92.5 [90.2 to 94.9]), and lowest PMRs for those born outside the Southeast (77.4 [74.9 to 80.1]). The lower stroke PMRs for individuals born outside the Southeast were more striking in blacks (51.8 [45.2 to 59.3]) than in whites (84.9 [82.0 to 88.0]) and for men (73.3 [69.5 to 77.3]) than women (83.5 [79.9 to 87.3]). The findings, particularly in blacks, were not explainable by gender, differences in age, and/or markers of educational and socioeconomic status. These findings suggest that nativity is a significant risk marker for the geographic variation in stroke mortality. Moreover, the regional disparities for nativity and subsequent stroke mortality appear to be greater in blacks than in whites and for men than for women. An understanding of factors linking birthplace to risk for cerebrovascular mortality could facilitate efforts directed at stroke prevention.
Acute multiple cranial neuropathy: a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Three patients with acute multiple cranial neuropathy following benign infectious disease are reported. Complete or partial ophthalmoplegia, as well as facial and bulbar dysfunction, were noted in all. Cranial nerve involvement was bilateral. Other neurological deficits included sensory loss in two patients and transiently reduced tendon reflexes in the left arm in one. One patient had positive serum anti-GQ1b immunoglobulin G antibody during the acute phase of the illness. The cerebrospinal fluid had a normal cell count in all three patients, with raised protein concentrations in two. Electrophysiological evaluation showed peripheral nerve dysfunction in two patients. All three patients improved either spontaneously or coincident with immunotherapy. Our patients had many clinical features resembling those of typical Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and hence their disorder may represent a regional variant, that is, a cranial form, of GBS. This form of GBS accounted for 5% of the GBS patient population in our series.
A robust solution for preprocessing terrain profiles for use with ray-tracing propagation models

In order for ray-tracing propagation models to analyze scattering from irregular terrain, some form of preprocessing must be performed to create a linearized terrain profile to approximate the actual profile. This paper describes a preprocessing algorithm that has proven effective in working with large terrain-data files (over 2,000 points) and a 16-ray, geometric theory of diffraction propagation model. The algorithm is based upon Fermat's principle, and it enables a quantitative evaluation of how well the linearized profile created approximates the actual terrain profile in terms of its effect on propagation. The accuracy of the fit can be adjusted to achieve a balance between overall model accuracy and propagation model execution time.
CHILDREN OF HOMOSEXUALS MORE APT TO BE HOMOSEXUALS? A REPLY TO MORRISON AND TO CAMERON BASED ON AN EXAMINATION OF MULTIPLE SOURCES OF DATA

Ten narrative studies involving family histories of 262 children of gay fathers and lesbian mothers were evaluated statistically in response to Morrison's (2007) concerns about Cameron's (2006) research that had involved three narrative studies. Despite numerous attempts to bias the results in favour of the null hypothesis and allowing for up to 20 (of 63, 32%) coding errors, Cameron's (2006) hypothesis that gay and lesbian parents would be more likely to have gay, lesbian, bisexual or unsure (of sexual orientation) sons and daughters was confirmed. Percentages of children of gay and lesbian parents who adopted non-heterosexual identities ranged between 16% and 57%, with odds ratios of 1.7 to 12.1, depending on the mix of child and parent genders. Daughters of lesbian mothers were most likely (33% to 57%; odds ratios from 4.5 to 12.1) to report non-heterosexual identities. Data from ethnographic sources and from previous studies on gay and lesbian parenting were re-examined and found to support the hypothesis that social and parental influences may influence the expression of non-heterosexual identities and/or behaviour. Thus, evidence is presented from three different sources, contrary to most previous scientific opinion, even most previous scientific consensus, that suggests intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation can occur at statistically significant and substantial rates, especially for female parents or female children. In some analyses for sons, intergenerational transfer was not significant. Further research is needed with respect to pathways by which intergenerational transfer of sexual orientation may occur. The results confirm an evolving tendency among scholars to cite the possibility of some degree of intergenerational crossover of sexual orientation.
Yet Another, But This Time Realistic, Polar Synthesis, Meta-Analysis, and Outlook: Protecting Ice, Snow, People, Species, Habitats, and Global Temperatures for Good?

This final chapter provides a meta-analysis and synthesis of the chapters in this book. It is based on reflections about things that are gone, already forgotten, or will be gone any time soon. Here I cover the broken trust with governments and with big NGOs, whether wild landscapes create wild men, sustainable societies, and the first synthesis of the three poles (Arctic, Antarctic, and Hindu Kush–Himalayas). From all the reviewed evidence it becomes clear we are in a global crisis (financially, socially, environmentally, and with the atmosphere), and that change is required if we really want to maintain world temperatures in good standing and for future generations. Business as usual is no longer an option. Although governmental and institutional mission statements make clear what should be done, here it is shown with many examples what we are still missing and why. The failure of the current legal system to halt the destruction of (sea) ice and glaciers, to reverse the decline of endemic species and wilderness, becomes clear. Unsustainable concepts such as overcommitted landscapes and seascapes, soft money funding schemes, and political overruling fail us all. What not to do for the poles is emphasized, for example, embarking even further on an economic growth scheme, and it is stated what must be done instead. Critical action items such as Open Access online data delivery, a tax reform, institutional change, proactive science management, implementing protected areas for more than 30% of the globe, and Mother Earth rights are suggested as alternatives. This book promotes moving with reason toward sustainability research and management of the poles, which makes for a safe science investment for the benefit of mankind, for the earth, and for the atmosphere overall. Unless we want a polar meltdown and subsequently our globe to crash, we have no other option.
Mixing in the Thermohaline Staircase East of Barbados

Abstract During the C-SALT measurements in November 1985 the average dissipation rate, e, in the well-defined thermohaline staircase east of Barbados was only 2% of that expected. When driven by thermal convection, turbulent boundary layers in the atmosphere, ocean, and laboratory exhibit e≈JB, where JB is the buoyancy flux into the layer. Using observed ΔT and Δs across the steps in flux laws obtained for laboratory salt fingering experiments (McDougall and Taylor, 1984) gives JB about 50 times the observed dissipation rates. The average Cox numbers across the stair-case were slightly higher than those found at the same N in thermoclines lacking staircases. The dominant thermal microstructure consisted of nearly continuous temperature inversions 5–10 cm thick throughout the interfaces. They may be signatures of salt fingers strongly tilted from the vertical by interfacial shear; average velocity differences across the interfaces were usually 15–25 mm s-1, much greater than estimated vertical velocities in salt fingers. In summary, the sharpness of the layers and the thermal microstructure in the interfaces are evidence of active mixing by strongly tilted salt fingers; the unexpectedly low dissipation rates, however, demonstrated that the turbulent buoyancy fluxes driving the mixing are apparently much weaker than expected. The horizontal structures found by other C-SALT investigators suggest that it may not be possible to understand the staircase simply by vertical processes and that it must be considered as a three-dimensional field.
Theory of Optical Switching in a Model Based on Electron Transfer in H 2

The purpose of this note is to study optically driven molecular bistable systems. It will be argued that certain electron transfer systems, placed in a polar medium (such as a ferroelectric polymer) have two stable states which, if the right conditions obtain, can be connected by optical excitation.
Why Advertising and Promotional Costs Vary: Some Cross-Sectional Analyses:

Economic theory and conventional marketing wisdom suggest many factors that are responsible for variations in advertising and promotion costs among firms and industries. This article tests empirica...
Effects of glutamate on the potentiating action of certain ataraxics.

SummaryGlutamate moderately increased the mean sleeping time in mice that received hexobarbital. Reserpine markedly potentiated the action of the barbiturate. Administration of glutamate prior to reserpine-hexobarbital combinations caused a further and pronounced increase in the sleeping time. This “potentiation of the potentiation” by MSG was not observed when proclorperazine is substituted for the reserpine although proclorperazine also increased the duration of hexobarbital-hypnosis. This suggests that the specificity of this effect of monosodium glutamate is probably dependent upon the type of tranquilizer. Regardless of which of the 2 ataraxics was used there was an overall sex difference in response to the combination of these drugs, male mice being more sensitive to the depressant drugs.
Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Bladder: Favorable Prognostic Significance of Deoxyribonucleic Acid Diploidy Measured by Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometric nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy analysis was done successfully on 38 specimens of primary bladder adenocarcinoma treated between 1954 and 1985. Of the specimens 10 (26%) were deoxyribonucleic acid diploid, 8 (21%) were tetraploid and 20 (53%) were aneuploid. Distribution of ploidy patterns between the 14 histological low grade and 24 high grade tumors was similar. Of 38 tumors 35 (92%) showed muscle invasion. One tumor arose in a previously exstrophied bladder, 10 were of urachal origin and 27 arose in an anatomically normal bladder. Of the urachal origin tumors 80% were deoxyribonucleic acid aneuploid. At 5 and 10 years after diagnosis 80 and 70%, respectively, of the patients with diploid tumors were free of disease. By contrast, at 5 and 10 years after treatment only 20 and 12%, respectively, of the patients with nondiploid tumors have not had disease progression (p less than 0.001 log-rank test). None of the 6 patients with diploid, high grade, high stage, muscle invasive tumors had subsequent progression. In contrast, 16 of 17 patients (94%) with high grade, high stage, nondiploid tumors had either local or distant tumor recurrence (p less than 0.0005). Nuclear deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy pattern appears to be the most significant prognostic information currently available to stratify expected prognosis for patients with muscle invasive adenocarcinoma of the bladder. This test probably should be a standard tool in the clinical management of patients with this rare bladder malignancy.
Analyzing and predicting effort associated with finding and fixing software faults

Context: Software developers spend a significant amount of time fixing faults. However, not many papers have addressed the actual effort needed to fix software faults. Objective: The objective of this paper is twofold: (1) analysis of the effort needed to fix software faults and how it was affected by several factors and (2) prediction of the level of fix implementation effort based on the information provided in software change requests. Method: The work is based on data related to 1200 failures, extracted from the change tracking system of a large NASA mission. The analysis includes descriptive and inferential statistics. Predictions are made using three supervised machine learning algorithms and three sampling techniques aimed at addressing the imbalanced data problem. Results: Our results show that (1) 83% of the total fix implementation effort was associated with only 20% of failures. (2) Both safety critical failures and post-release failures required three times more effort to fix compared to non-critical and pre-release counterparts, respectively. (3) Failures with fixes spread across multiple components or across multiple types of software artifacts required more effort. The spread across artifacts was more costly than spread across components. (4) Surprisingly, some types of faults associated with later life-cycle activities did not require significant effort. (5) The level of fix implementation effort was predicted with 73% overall accuracy using the original, imbalanced data. Using oversampling techniques improved the overall accuracy up to 77%. More importantly, oversampling significantly improved the prediction of the high level effort, from 31% to around 85%. Conclusions: This paper shows the importance of tying software failures to changes made to fix all associated faults, in one or more software components and/or in one or more software artifacts, and the benefit of studying how the spread of faults and other factors affect the fix implementation effort.
Lecture 5 – The Oxidation Chain and the Topography of the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

Was it bullets or a wind or a rip-cord fouled on chance Artifacts the natives find Decorate them when they dance.
Engineering Flavin-Dependent Halogenases

In the two decades since the discovery of the first flavin-dependent halogenase (FDH), great strides have been made in elucidating the diversity of enzymes in this class as well as their structures and functions. More recently, efforts to engineer these enzymes for synthetic applications have yielded their first successes. FDH variants with improved stability, expanded substrate scope, and altered regioselectivity have been developed. Here, we review these efforts and provide representative protocols that have been employed for FDH engineering. Random and structure-guided mutagenesis approaches and screening methods, including HPLC, mass spectrometry, and spectrophotometric methods, are discussed. The protocols described herein should be generalizable to many FDHs and a wide variety of engineering goals.
Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and Gene Expression Analysis of Fos-expressing Neurons from Fresh and Frozen Rat Brain Tissue

The study of neuroplasticity and molecular alterations in learned behaviors is switching from the study of whole brain regions to the study of specific sets of sparsely distributed activated neurons called neuronal ensembles that mediate learned associations. Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) has recently been optimized for adult rat brain tissue and allowed isolation of activated neurons using antibodies against the neuronal marker NeuN and Fos protein, a marker of strongly activated neurons. Until now, Fos-expressing neurons and other cell types were isolated from fresh tissue, which entailed long processing days and allowed very limited numbers of brain samples to be assessed after lengthy and complex behavioral procedures. Here we found that yields of Fos-expressing neurons and Fos mRNA from dorsal striatum were similar between freshly dissected tissue and tissue frozen at -80 oC for 3 - 21 days. In addition, we confirmed the phenotype of the NeuN-positive and NeuN-negative sorted cells by assessing gene expression of neuronal (NeuN), astrocytic (GFAP), oligodendrocytic (Oligo2) and microgial (Iba1) markers, which indicates that frozen tissue can also be used for FACS isolation of glial cell types. Overall, it is possible to collect, dissect and freeze brain tissue for multiple FACS sessions. This maximizes the amount of data obtained from valuable animal subjects that have often undergone long and complex behavioral procedures.
Humoral Immunity Provides Resident Intestinal Eosinophils Access to Luminal Antigen via Eosinophil-Expressed Low-Affinity Fcγ Receptors

Eosinophils are native to the healthy gastrointestinal tract and are associated with inflammatory diseases likely triggered by exposure to food allergens (e.g., food allergies and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders). In models of allergic respiratory diseases and in vitro studies, direct Ag engagement elicits eosinophil effector functions, including degranulation and Ag presentation. However, it was not known whether intestinal tissue eosinophils that are separated from luminal food Ags by a columnar epithelium might similarly engage food Ags. Using an intestinal ligated loop model in mice, in this study we determined that resident intestinal eosinophils acquire Ag from the lumen of Ag-sensitized but not naive mice in vivo. Ag acquisition was Ig-dependent; intestinal eosinophils were unable to acquire Ag in sensitized Ig-deficient mice, and passive immunization with immune serum or Ag-specific IgG was sufficient to enable intestinal eosinophils in otherwise naive mice to acquire Ag in vivo. Intestinal eosinophils expressed low-affinity IgG receptors, and the activating receptor FcγRIII was necessary for Ig-mediated acquisition of Ags by isolated intestinal eosinophils in vitro. Our combined data suggest that intestinal eosinophils acquire lumen-derived food Ags in sensitized mice via FcγRIII Ag focusing and that they may therefore participate in Ag-driven secondary immune responses to oral Ags.
Article 19 [Living Independently and Being Included in the Community]

Article 19 turns into normative terms one of the most fundamental objectives of the CRPD: full inclusion and effective participation in society of persons with disabilities, to be achieved by respecting their freedom of choice and the principle of control by them over their own lives. States Parties to the Convention have the obligation to provide legal recognition of the right of persons with disabilities to community living by including it in their national legislation. States Parties are also under an obligation to adopt effective measures aimed at ensuring free choice of residence for persons with disabilities and prohibiting forced institutionalization, providing individualized support services, and ensuring accessibility to mainstream community services. The monitoring activity carried out by the CRPD Committee reveals that the most problematic issues in the implementation of Article 19 concern deinstitutionalization, and development of community support services.
Detection of Semivolatile Organic Compounds in Permeable Pavement Infiltrate.

AbstractThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Edison Environmental Center (EEC) has a research and demonstration permeable parking lot comprised of three different permeable systems: permeable...
An Examination of Employee Participation during New Technology Implementation

The purpose of this study was to examine how end user perceptions of (1) their inputs into the implementation of a new technology, (2) their inputs into the design of a new technology, and (3) the ...
Temporal deformation of wink sinkholes in west texas observed by spaceborne SAR imagery

Sinkhole is ground depression and/or collapse over the subsurface cavity in the karst terrain underlain by the carbonates, evaporites, and other soluble soils and rocks. The geohazards have been considered as a “hidden threat” to human life, infrastructures and properties. Sinkholes in West Texas have developed due to the dissolution of the subsurface evaporite deposits in contact with groundwater. Two Wink sinkholes in Wink, Texas, collapsed in 1980 and 2002, respectively. However, monitoring the sinkholes in no man's lands has been challenging due to the lack of availability of appropriate ground-based or remote sensing observations. We employ spaceborne SAR imagery to capture the status quo and forthcoming evolution of Wink sinkholes and neighboring regions. Finally, our study discusses the relationship among the sinkhole deformation, anthropogenic activities, and natural causes taking place in dense oil patch region and with low precipitation.
Intellectual disability and mental disorders in a US population representative sample of adolescents.

Background Most research on the prevalence, distribution, and psychiatric comorbidity of intellectual disability (ID) relies on clinical samples, limiting the generalizability and utility of ID assessment in a legal context. This study assessed ID prevalence in a population-representative sample of US adolescents and examined associations of ID with socio-demographic factors and mental disorders. Methods Data were drawn from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement (N = 6256). ID was defined as: (1) IQ ⩽ 76, measured using the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test; (2) an adaptive behavior score ⩽76, and (3) age of onset ⩽18 measured using a validated scale. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview assessed 15 lifetime mental disorders. The Sheehan disability scale assessed disorder severity. We used logistic regression models to estimate differences in lifetime disorders for adolescents with and without ID. Results ID prevalence was 3.2%. Among adolescents with ID, 65.1% met lifetime criteria for a mental disorder. ID status was associated with specific phobia, agoraphobia, and bipolar disorder, but not behavior disorders after adjustment for socio-demographics. Adolescents with ID and mental disorders were significantly more likely to exhibit severe impairment than those without ID. Conclusions These findings highlight how sample selection and overlap between ID and psychopathology symptoms might bias understanding of the mental health consequences of ID. For example, associations between ID and behavior disorders widely reported in clinical samples were not observed in a population-representative sample after adjustment for socio-demographic confounders. Valid assessment and understanding of these constructs may prove influential in the legal system by influencing treatment referrals and capital punishment decisions.General Scientific SummaryCurrent definitions of intellectual disability (ID) are based on three criteria: formal designation of low intelligence through artificial problem-solving tasks, impairment in one's ability to function in his/her social environment, and early age of onset. In a national population sample of adolescents, the majority of those with ID met criteria for a lifetime mental disorder. Phobias and bipolar disorder, but not behavior disorders, were elevated in adolescents with ID. Findings highlight the need to consider how behavioral problems are conceptualized and classified in people with ID.
Hardware and Application Profiling Tools

Abstract This chapter describes hardware and application profiling tools used by researchers and application developers. With over 30 years of research, there have been numerous tools developed and used, and it will be too difficult to include all of them here. Therefore, in this chapter, we describe various areas with a selection of widely accepted and recent tools. This chapter is intended for the beginning reader interested in exploring more about these topics. Numerous references are provided to help jump-start the interested reader into the area of hardware simulation and application profiling. We make an effort to clarify and correctly classify application profiling tools based on their scope, interdependence, and operation mechanisms. To visualize these features, we provide diagrams that explain various development relationships between interdependent tools. Hardware simulation tools are described into categories that elaborate on their scope. Therefore, we have covered areas of single to full-system simulation, power modeling, and network processors.
The Conflict of Visions in NFIB v. Sebelius

In 2010, few anticipated the fate of health care reform would rest with the Supreme Court. Yet National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius emerged as a watershed case that could remake the constitutional landscape. NFIB presented a conflict between two constitutional visions of federal power, and the role of the courts in policing such limits – an unconstrained vision, under which limits on federal power are enforced primarily through the political process, and a constrained vision, under which constitutional limits on federal power are enforced by the courts. The contrasting views of the constitutionality of the individual mandate and the Medicaid expansion did not reflect different applications of settled principles so much as allegiance to competing visions of federal power. This essay, prepared for Drake University Constitutional Law Center’s 2014 Symposium on “The U.S. Supreme Court’s Obamacare Decision and Its Significance for the 50th Anniversary of LBJ’s Great Society,” details this conflict, its resolution by the NFIB, and possible future implications.
Assessment of Caregiver Burden in Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease associated with disability and loss of patient independence. The caregivers of HD patients are at high risk for burnout. We aimed to identify variables that impact caregiver burden, as measured by the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) and the Huntington's disease Quality of Life Battery for Carers Short Form (HD-SF). Total functional capacity and being sole caregiver were significantly associated with higher caregiver burden via MCSI. There was not good correlation between MCSI and HDQoLC-SF. This study highlights the need for more research to effectively identify at-risk caregivers for early intervention.
Health Claims in Food Marketing: Evidence on Knowledge and Behavior in the Cereal Market:

This study examines the ready-to-eat cereal market during a period in which producers were initially prohibited from advertising cereals’ health benefits but were later permitted to make health cla...
Temperature-driven asexual reproduction and strobilation in three scyphozoan jellyfish polyps

Abstract Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and subsequent climate warming is a critical threat to our oceans. Increased ocean temperatures are speculated to be a driving factor in controlling jellyfish populations worldwide; warmer temperatures increase asexual budding of benthic polyps, and many species strobilate in the spring as water temperatures begin to warm following cold winters. As ocean temperatures rise, it is important to determine thermal triggers in reproduction in jellyfish populations. This study investigated the effects of temperature on 1) asexual (budding) reproductive rates, 2) timing of strobilation, and 3) strobilation success (number of polyps strobilating and number of ephyrae per polyp), for Aurelia aurita, Chrysaora quinquecirrha, and Chrysaora fuscescens polyps exposed to constant temperatures of 5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C. Asexual reproduction rates were similar for all species and increased with increasing temperature. Strobilation occurred at 10 °C for all species and all three species began strobilation at the same time (21–23 days). Aurelia aurita and C. fuscescens also strobilated at 15 °C, but strobilated later, had less polyps strobilating, and produced less ephyrae per polyp than the same species at 10 °C. If temperature contributes to instigation of strobilation, ocean temperatures and the timing of warming will be a primary control of the size and distribution of adult populations. Slight warming may benefit temperate species such as A. aurita that can strobilate successfully at increased temperatures, but other species may be restricted by warming waters. Further, if warming is such that proper overwintering temperatures do not occur, polyps may not be exposed to conditions enabling strobilation. While it has been speculated that jellyfish will be favored under warmer ocean conditions, future climate change may prohibit species that require specific conditions to strobilate.
Dissecting the Functional Contributions of the Intrinsically Disordered C-terminal Tail of Bacillus subtilis FtsZ

FtsZ is a bacterial GTPase that is central to the spatial and temporal control of cell division. It is a filament-forming enzyme that encompasses a well-folded core domain and a disordered C-terminal tail (CTT). The CTT is essential for ensuring proper assembly of the cytokinetic ring, and its deletion leads to mis-localization of FtsZ, aberrant assembly, and cell death. In this work, we dissect the contributions of modules within the disordered CTT to assembly and enzymatic activity of Bacillus subtilis FtsZ (Bs-FtsZ). The CTT features a hypervariable C-terminal linker (CTL) and a conserved C-terminal peptide (CTP). Our in vitro studies show that the CTL weakens the driving forces for forming single-stranded active polymers and suppresses lateral associations of these polymers, whereas the CTP promotes the formation of alternative assemblies. Accordingly, in full-length Bs-FtsZ, the CTL acts as a spacer that spatially separates the CTP sticker from the core, thus ensuring filament formation through core-driven polymerization and lateral associations through CTP-mediated interactions. We also find that the CTL weakens GTP binding while enhancing the catalytic rate, whereas the CTP has opposite effects. The joint contributions of the CTL and CTP make Bs-FtsZ, an enzyme that is only half as efficient as a truncated version that lacks the CTT. Overall, our data suggest that the CTT acts as an auto-regulator of Bs-FtsZ assembly and as an auto-inhibitor of enzymatic activity. Based on our results, we propose hypotheses regarding the hypervariability of CTLs and compare FtsZs to other bacterial proteins with tethered IDRs.
Incorporating Diversity Into Undergraduate Nonprofit Management Education: Can Reading Diverse Narratives Increase Students’ Perspective-Taking Capacity?

Although the use of narratives has been shown to increase students’ ability to empathize, which can be an indicator of their perspective-taking ability, no studies have focused on the use of narratives specifically within the context of nonprofit management education. In this study, we tested a pedagogical technique designed to increase students’ perspective-taking capacity. Specifically, we incorporated reading assignments of personal narratives by a diverse body of nonprofit leaders into two undergraduate nonprofit management courses: one an in-person course at a large public land-grant university in the Southeastern United States ( n = 85) and the other an online course at a large public university in the Northeastern United States ( n = 20). We conducted pre- and postinstruction assessments to explore whether the use of these narratives enhanced students’ empathy and perspective-taking abilities. Our findings indicate that narratives are effective in improving perspective-taking skills and can be effective in both online courses and in-person courses. These findings should be of interest to nonprofit management educators. Subscribe to JNEL
Virtual Mentoring: Two Adaptive Models for Supporting Early-Career Simulation Investigators in the Era of Social Distancing

Abstract Background Early-career simulation investigators identify limited mentorship as a common barrier to disseminating scholarship and launching a successful academic career in emergency medicine Conferences often bridge this gap, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced their indefinite delay Virtual solutions are needed to capitalize on the breadth of national simulation research experts and grow mentorship in a post-pandemic world Methods We developed two complementary innovations to facilitate scholarship development and minimize COVID-associated career challenges resulting from social distancing requirements The e-Fellows Forum provides a capstone experience for works-in-progress and the e-Consultation Service supports simulation research during the earlier project stages of design and development In conjunction with the Society for Academic Medicine?s Simulation Academy, we applied videoconferencing technology for both of these novel, virtual innovations We analyzed corresponding chat transcripts and detailed field notes for emerging themes In addition, we collected quantitative data via participant surveys regarding their experiences and impact on their projects Results Nine simulation fellows presented at the e-Fellows Forum and seven junior simulation investigators participated in the e-Consultation Service sessions Most preferred the virtual format (56% e-Fellows Forum [FF], 66% e-Consultation Service [CS]) and found the sessions to be helpful in project advancement (66% FF, 100% CS) COVID-19 affected most projects (89% FF, 67% CS) We identified 3 themes via qualitative analysis: design concerns and inquiries, validation or support shown by mentors and peers, and professional cohesion Conclusions Participants felt both virtual mentorship innovations advanced their simulation research projects and fostered a sense of professional cohesion within a greater community of practice These benefits can be powerful at a time where simulation researchers in emergency medicine feel disconnected in an era of social distancing Our future work will include adaptations to a hybrid model with both virtual and in-person modalities as well as creation of more e-mentorship opportunities, thus broadening the early-career simulation research community of practice
Detection of NMMW Radiation with Mercury Cadmium Telluride

The need for semiconductors with a variable valence to conduction bandgap has led to the study of various ternary compounds. Among these, [Hg,Cd]Te has been developed for use as detectors [1] and lasers [2,3] in the 8 to 14-μm spectral region. We report the first observation of hot-electron photoconductive detection of near-millimeter wave (NMMW) radiation using [Hg,Cd]Te.
Absorbing Waste, Displacing Labor: Family, Environment, and the Disposable Diaper in the 1970s

AbstractBetween 1965 and 1980, disposable diapers became the norm among middle-class American families, altering resource flows as they became more popular. Diapers crafted from wood and water of t...
Acute morphine blocks spinal respiratory motor plasticity via long-latency mechanisms that require toll-like receptor 4 signalling

Key points While respiratory complications following opioid use are mainly mediated via activation of mu opioid receptors, long-latency off-target signalling via innate immune toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) may impair other essential elements of breathing control such as respiratory motor plasticity. In adult rats, pre-treatment with a single dose of morphine blocked long-term facilitation (LTF) of phrenic motor output via a long-latency TLR4-dependent mechanism. In the phrenic motor nucleus, morphine triggered TLR4-dependent activation of microglial p38 MAPK - a key enzyme that orchestrates inflammatory signalling and is known to undermine phrenic LTF. Morphine-induced LTF loss may destabilize breathing, potentially contributing to respiratory side effects. Therefore, we suggest minimizing TLR-4 signalling may improve breathing stability during opioid therapy. Abstract Opioid-induced respiratory dysfunction is a significant public health burden. While respiratory effects are mediated via mu opioid receptors, long-latency off-target opioid signalling through innate immune toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) may modulate essential elements of breathing control, particularly respiratory motor plasticity. Plasticity in respiratory motor circuits contributes to the preservation of breathing in the face of destabilizing influences. For example, respiratory long-term facilitation (LTF), a well-studied model of respiratory motor plasticity triggered by acute intermittent hypoxia, promotes breathing stability by increasing respiratory motor drive to breathing muscles. Some forms of respiratory LTF are exquisitely sensitive to inflammation and are abolished by even a mild inflammation triggered by TLR4 activation (e.g. via systemic lipopolysaccharides). Since opioids induce inflammation and TLR4 activation, we hypothesized that opioids would abolish LTF through a TLR4-dependent mechanism. In adult Sprague Dawley rats, pre-treatment with a single systemic injection of the prototypical opioid agonist morphine blocks LTF expression several hours later in the phrenic motor system - the motor pool driving diaphragm muscle contractions. Morphine blocked phrenic LTF via TLR4-dependent mechanisms because pre-treatment with (+)-naloxone - the opioid inactive stereoisomer and novel small molecule TLR4 inhibitor - prevented impairment of phrenic LTF in morphine-treated rats. Morphine triggered TLR4-dependent activation of microglial p38 MAPK within the phrenic motor system - a key enzyme that orchestrates inflammatory signalling and undermines phrenic LTF. Morphine-induced LTF loss may destabilize breathing, potentially contributing to respiratory side effects. We suggest minimizing TLR-4 signalling may improve breathing stability during opioid therapy by restoring endogenous mechanisms of plasticity within respiratory motor circuits.
PEERING OVER ILLINOIS' FISCALL CLIFF

Are we looking at a crisis or a chronic condition? Illinois’ fiscal situation has been precarious for at least a decade – and much longer if pension liabilities are considered. From FY 2003 to 2008, which were good years for economic activity and revenue collection, the General Assembly and governor approved budgets with spending well in excess of revenue. From that shaky starting point, the Great Recession of 2008 triggered several years of fiscal crisis for the state. It is reasonable to ask whether the situation can still be defined as a crisis, “an unstable condition…involving an impending abrupt or decisive change,” but that would miss a more important point. Illinois is still mired in a chronic condition that predates the recession and constrains government’s ability to implement and administer policies. Illinois’ fiscal condition contributes to economic and policy uncertainty for citizens, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local government. After the recession tipped the state from chronic shortfall to crisis, Illinois muddled through several years by taking on more debt, using one-time sources of revenue, paying bills late, and with substantial fiscal help from the federal government. By late 2010 it had become clear that major adjustments would be necessary to operate in a fiscally responsible manner. Faced with intense pressure to take some corrective action, the Illinois legislature and governor agreed on a package of fiscal policies in January 2011. The policies included temporary increases in the personal and corporate income tax rates and limits to General Funds spending. In terms of revenue, the most important changes were the increase in the personal and corporate income tax rates. Illinois has a chronic, structural fiscal problem and must either take action to reduce spending, increase revenue, or some combination, to avoid facing fiscal imbalances for many years to come.
Women and apparel entrepreneurship: An exploration of small business challenges and strategies in three countries

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to explore strategies used by successful female entrepreneurs to manage the challenges of running a small apparel business. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative research design was used. Primary and secondary data were collected on small business in three countries: Russia, South Africa and Thailand. In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 11 female small apparel business owners. Businesses ranged from tailoring and custom clothing shops, to small-scale design and production, as well as small apparel retail stores. Findings – Three emergent themes highlight the similarities and differences that surfaced across the participants’ narratives. Key issues within the thematic areas point to the need for these women to be creative in finding resources to start and grow their small apparel businesses, and to manage the competition that they face within this industry. Research limitations/implications – It is difficult to generalize the findings of this stu...
Satellite Data Analysis and Ecosystem Modeling for Carbon Sequestration Assessments in the Western United States

The active management of long-term carbon pools in terrestrial vegetation and soils is an important tool for mitigating the rise in atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. This paper demonstrates the use ofremote sensing, climate records, and a vegetation-soil model National Aeronautics and Space Administration―Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach to estimate the past and future carbon balance in vegetation and soils. Using the western United States (WUS) as a case study, we describe spatially detailed (<10-km resolution) terrestrial carbon budgets for ecosystems of the Rocky Mountain and Pacific regions of the country. Net primary production increased on a western region-wide basis during the 1990s to 0.9 ± 0.1 Pg C/year, but the total terrestrial sink in all western U.S. ecosystems did not exceed 0.01 Pg C/year between 1982 and 1997. Over the entire period of 1982―1997, the total estimated net ecosystem production (NEP) flux from WUS ecosystems was 1.3 Pg C lost to the atmosphere (1 Pg = 1 billion metric tons). Forested mountain areas of the Cascades, the Sierra Nevada Range, the northern California Coast Range, and the southern Rockies were estimated as the only consistent ecosystem carbon sinks up to 1997. Most of the remaining vegetated (nondesert) lands of the western states were estimated to lose between 50 and 350 g C m ―2 as net ecosystem fluxes were summed over the period 1982―1997. Future climate scenario tests imply major ecosystem carbon losses in the west will continue in all but the most isolated forest areas of the mountain regions. Carbon pools in surface soils and woody litter pools in all WUS ecosystems are estimated currently at 12 Pg C. These baseline carbon pools are likely to become more susceptible to loss under climate model predictions for the western states over the next 50―100 years.