cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal variation of heavy metals in sediment cores from the calcasieu river/lake complex

Sediment cores were obtained from several locations in the Calcasieu River/Lake Complex (Lousiana), including Calcasieu Lake, Calcasieu River, two bayou tributaries, and Lake Charles, during the period from November 1983 to November 1985. The cores were analyzed for Cu, Zn, Cr, and Pb. The approximate sedimentation rate and a core chronology were determined by the use of 137Cs and 210Pb. The increase in metal concentrations after 1933, particularly along Bayou d'Inde where most industries are located, points to anthropogenic input of these metals to the system. The fact that metal concentrations tend to merge to a common value prior to 1940 throughout the system suggests that geological factors do not contribute to the observed variations in metal concentrations of heavy metals found in this area. The background concentrations of heavy metals found in this study for the Calcasieu River/Lake Complex were: Cu (10 mg kg−1), Cr (25 mg kg−1), Pb (8 mg kg−1), and Zn (40 mg kg−1), The main emphasis of the study focused along Bayou d'Inde due to the enhanced levels of heavy metals found.
An Introduction to Hydrocephalus: Congenital and Late-Life Onset

This chapter will commence with a basic introduction to the ventricular system and the subsequent development of hydrocephalus. Next, a review of the literature on congenital hydrocephalus will be presented addressing specific cognitive domains. This will be followed by a synopsis of the emotional and adaptive implications of this condition in children.
Purification and properties of vaccinia virus DNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Vaccinia virus DNA-dependent RNA polymerase has been solubilized from purified virions and purified over 2500-fold by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and phosphocellulose with a 64% yield. RNA synthesis catalyzed by the purified enzyme requires the presence of a DNA template, a divalent cation (Mn2’), and the four ribonucleoside triphosphates. The polymerase activity is inhibited by actinomycin, by monovalent salt concentrations in excess of 0.1 M, by N-ethylmaleimide, and by pyrophosphate, yet is insensitive to rifampicin and to a-amanitin. Single-stranded DNAs are the most effective templates for the vaccinia RNA polymerase. The enzyme is inactive with duplex DNAs, including vaccinia DNA. Superhelical DNAs do serve as template for vaccinia polymerase, yet their template activity is abolished by relaxation of the DNA by DNA topoisomerase. The binding of RNA polymerase to DNA is also most effective with single-stranded DNAs; duplex DNAs are inert. The binding of polymerase to superhelical DNAs may be eliminated by nicking-closing enzyme. The RNA product synthesized in the presence of single-stranded DNA is of large size (23 S), while RNA made in the presence of superhelical DNAs is very small (<4 S), suggesting that the polymerase binds to and transcribes short single-stranded regions present in superhelical DNAs. Although seemingly incapable of displacing and reading through DNA duplex structures, the vaccinia polymerase is capable of transcribing through an RNA:DNA hybrid with concomitant displacement of the RNA strand.
Hypocalcemia, seizures, and impairment of vision in a neonate

Osteopetrosis is a rare, heterogeneous group of inherited diseases characterized by increased bone mass and density due to defective osteoclasts, leading to failure in bone resorption. Pathological features are related to increase in bone mass density and altered craniofacial morphology. Cranial nerve compression due to narrowing of cranial foramina can lead to progressive blindness and deafness. Bone marrow failure can lead to pancytopenia and life-threatening infections. Early diagnosis is crucial due to a short window of opportunity for curative treatment and to prevent complications such as visual impairment. We present the case of a late-preterm infant who had recurrent hypocalcemic seizures and visual impairment. Genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal recessive osteopetrosis.
Machine learning of optical properties of materials – predicting spectra from images and images from spectra

As the materials science community seeks to capitalize on recent advancements in computer science, the sparsity of well-labelled experimental data and limited throughput by which it can be generated have inhibited deployment of machine learning algorithms to date. Several successful examples in computational chemistry have inspired further adoption of machine learning algorithms, and in the present work we present autoencoding algorithms for measured optical properties of metal oxides, which can serve as an exemplar for the breadth and depth of data required for modern algorithms to learn the underlying structure of experimental materials science data. Our set of 178 994 distinct materials samples spans 78 distinct composition spaces, includes 45 elements, and contains more than 80 000 unique quinary oxide and 67 000 unique quaternary oxide compositions, making it the largest and most diverse experimental materials set utilized in machine learning studies. The extensive dataset enabled training and validation of 3 distinct models for mapping between sample images and absorption spectra, including a conditional variational autoencoder that generates images of hypothetical materials with tailored absorption properties. The absorption patterns auto-generated from sample images capture the salient features of ground truth spectra, and band gap energies extracted from these auto-generated patterns are quite accurate with a mean absolute error of 180 meV, which is the approximate uncertainty from traditional extraction of the band gap energy from measurements of the full transmission and reflection spectra. Optical properties of materials are not only ubiquitous in materials applications but also emblematic of the confluence of underlying physical phenomena yielding the type of complex data relationships that merit and benefit from neural network-type modelling.
Diverse hydrocarbon biosynthetic enzymes can substitute for olefin synthase in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002.

Cyanobacteria are among only a few organisms that naturally synthesize long-chain alkane and alkene hydrocarbons. Cyanobacteria use one of two pathways to synthesize alka/enes, either acyl-ACP reductase (Aar) and aldehyde deformylating oxygenase (Ado) or olefin synthase (Ols). The genomes of cyanobacteria encode one of these pathways but never both, suggesting a mutual exclusivity. We studied hydrocarbon pathway compatibility using the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (S7002) by co-expressing Ado/Aar and Ols and by entirely replacing Ols with three other types of hydrocarbon biosynthetic pathways. We find that Ado/Aar and Ols can co-exist and that slower growth occurs only when Ado/Aar are overexpressed at 38 °C. Furthermore, Ado/Aar and the non-cyanobacterial enzymes UndA and fatty acid photodecarboxylase are able to substitute for Ols in a knockout strain and conditionally rescue slow growth. Production of hydrocarbons by UndA in S7002 required a rational mutation to increase substrate range. Expression of the non-native enzymes in S7002 afforded unique hydrocarbon profiles and alka/enes not naturally produced by cyanobacteria. This suggests that the biosynthetic enzyme and the resulting types of hydrocarbons are not critical to supporting growth. Exchanging or mixing hydrocarbon pathways could enable production of novel types of CO2-derived hydrocarbons in cyanobacteria.
How Smart is the 'Smart Money'? Evidence from Corporate Bond Mutual Funds

We examine the “smart money” hypothesis - the ability of mutual fund investors to select funds realizing superior future returns - using a sample of corporate bond funds over the period of 1991-2009. While Sapp and Tiwari (2004) attribute the smart money documented for equity mutual funds to the stock momentum effect, prior research finds no momentum effect in corporate bonds. In such a setting free of return momentum, we still find evidence of smart money. After evaluating alternative explanations for the smart money, we conclude that fund investors are smart largely to the extent that they chase past fund performance, rather than using superior information to predict fund performance.
Role of mitochondria in the regulation of kidney function and metabolism in type 2 diabetes

Abstract The kidney is the organ that regulates salt and water metabolism and finely tunes levels of electrolytes and minerals in the blood. This role of the kidney has allowed organisms to face many environmental challenges, such as reduced availability of sodium, potassium, and water. In addition to the regulation of inorganic molecules and water balance, the kidney is a major regulator of organic substances. These include organic nutrient sources such as sugars, fats, and proteins and likely many other organic acids that are byproducts of the metabolism of the mammalian host and also the microbiome. With this larger recognition of the role of the kidney, it is not surprising that the kidney is a susceptible target in nutrient stress conditions, with the prime example being type 2 diabetes.
Non-small cell lung cancer 2 cm or less: robotic segmentectomy sets the gold standard against non-surgical therapy.

Dr. Nguyen and colleagues presented a retrospective review of the long-term results of robotic anatomic segmentectomy for patients with clinically-staged T1a and T1bN0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (1). This is a well-written paper with a timeline that spans from 2004–2013, allowing for a minimum follow-up of 5 years. It appears that follow-up is complete in all patients. If true this is an important feature that few studies (including all of ours) have been able to accomplish.
Design of Tradable Permit Programs Under Imprecise Measurement

If the measurement of production in a commons is accurate and precise, it is possible to design a tradable permit program such that, under a fairly general set of conditions, the market equilibrium is efficient for the given aggregate permit level and everyone is better off after the permit program than before. Often, implementation of a tradable permit system is postponed or never undertaken because an inexpensive technology able to provide accurate and precise measurements does not exist. However, there often is an inexpensive technology which is accurate but not precise. I study the possibilities for the design of a tradable permit system when the measurement technology involves an imprecise, indirect measure of production that contains statistical uncertainty. To the best of my knowledge, this has not been studied before.
Expression of CCL5 (RANTES) and its receptors in prostate cancer

4696 Inflammation has long been considered a contributing factor in the development and advancement of cancer. Expression of the prototypic inflammatory chemokine CCL5 (RANTES) by tumor cells is thought to correlate with the progression of several cancers, through the recruitment of inflammatory leukocytes. Furthermore, CCL5 was shown to induce breast cancer cell migration, mediated by the receptor CCR5. A CCR5 antagonist was also demonstrated to inhibit experimental breast tumor growth. Recently, CCL5 and CCR5 mRNA expression was reported in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. In this study, we characterized CCL5 and CCR5 expression in cultures of PCa cells and explored possible functions of CCL5 in PCa progression. CCL5 mRNA and protein expression were found in human PCa cell lines (PC-3; DU-145; LNCaP) and primary prostate adenocarcioma cells by quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA. CCL5 was detected in human PCa tissues by immunohistochemical staining. CCR5 expression was demonstrated on the cell-surface of PCa cells by flow cytometry, as well as in large intracellular pools within the cells. To determine whether PCa cell-derived CCL5 may affect inflammatory cell infiltration, monocyte chemotaxis assays were performed. Conditioned media from PCa cells induced THP-1 monocyte chemotaxis, which was inhibited by anti-CCL5 antibodies. We further studied whether CCL5 directly affects PCa cells. We found that incubation with CCL5 (10-100 ng/ml) induced PCa cell proliferation, and that the CCR5 antagonist TAK-779 inhibited CCL5-induced proliferation. CCL5 was also found to stimulate PCa cell invasion through basement membrane gels, and TAK-779 inhibited CCL5-induced cell invasion. In light of growing evidence that inflammation influences the pathogenesis of PCa, these results suggest that chemokines, such as CCL5, expressed by prostate cells may affect the degree of local inflammatory infiltrates, as well as act directly on the growth and survival of PCa cells. Chemokine receptor antagonists may thus block both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms of PCa progression.
Dreaming about the Future: Abundant Clean Energy from Atomic Fusion

For a hundred years or so man has obtained most of his energy by using chemical reactions, such as the reaction of fossil fuels like coal with oxygen of the air. The heat given out in such reactions is used to vaporize water, producing steam power to drive turbines and generators, and give us electricity. In the preceding chapters, we have discussed the prospects for a transition from chemically generated energy to energy derived from atomic fission. Very small masses of fuel would be needed to give the same energy as that given by large masses of coal in a normal chemical electricity plant.
Successful robotic surgery for primary resection of a vaginal leiomyosarcoma: A case report.

Abstract Primary vaginal leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare entity with limited data on optimal treatment approach. Most previously reported cases utilize an open or transvaginal surgical approach for primary tumor resection. Minimally invasive surgery is an important tool in complex pelvic surgery and the limits of its utility continue to expand. Here, we report a rare case of an 11.7 cm primary vaginal LMS in a 45-year-old female that was successfully resected with a robotic approach. Our case demonstrates an innovative use of the robot and the feasibility and efficacy of this approach for primary resection of large vaginal tumors.
Efficacy assessment of peracetic acid in the removal of synthetic 17α-ethinyl estradiol contraceptive hormone in wastewater

Abstract Increasing concerns have been raised on endocrine disrupting chemicals like the sex hormone 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), the more since traditional wastewater (WW) treatments appear to be ineffective for their removal. The efficacy of the relatively novel disinfectant peracetic acid (PAA) in EE2 removal was evaluated, as well as its potential effects on WW quality parameters. The treatments tested for EE2 removal were also evaluated in terms of toxicity, through the determination of biochemical responses (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation and vitellogenin induction) using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a biological model. PAA contact times less than 20 min appeared insufficient regardless of the PAA dose tested, but a 100% EE2 removal was attained at a PAA concentration of 15 mg/L with a contact time of 20 min. Total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and pH in PAA treatments remained well within levels set in European legislation for WW discharge. EE2 induced significant increased vitellogenin (VTG) levels in both female and male fish, indicating increased estrogenic activity, especially in males suggesting an endocrine disruption effect. With the addition of PAA (15 mg/L), however, VTG levels in both sexes returned to control values. Although this PAA treatment showed increased levels of the antioxidant enzyme catalase, the lipid peroxidation levels were similar or even lower than in controls. Overall the results suggest that the use of PAA appears a promising way forward as a less toxic alternative to chlorine disinfection with high efficiency in the removal of EDC like EE2.
Engaging youth in computational thinking practices through designing place-based mobile games about local issues

In response to a need to equip youth to become successful contributors to our growing digital economy, educators and researchers are exploring ways to incorporate computational thinking (CT) for al...
Association between US Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph standards, generic entry and prescription drug costs

Despite the importance of pharmacopeial standards, little is known regarding their effect on drug competition. Such information is of particular relevance given the rising costs of prescription drugs and the focus of policy-makers and other stakeholders on addressing these costs. We examined 982 prescription drugs approved by U.S Food and Drug Administration since 1982 to examine the association between U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) standards, generic entry and prescription costs. The presence of a USP drug product monograph was not associated with the time to the third generic entrant or with the likelihood of having a generic competitor. However, on average, drugs with USP drug product monographs had approximately fifty percent more generic manufacturers in the U.S. than their counterparts after accounting for factors such as market volume, age, route of administration and vintage. This greater competition was associated with an approximate savings of $6.22 billion in 2016, suggesting that USP drug product monographs may play an important role in promoting pharmaceutical competition and reducing prescription drug costs.
Standardized Volume Dosing Protocol of 23.4% Hypertonic Saline for Pediatric Critical Care: Initial Experience:

Background: Standardized volume dosing of 23.4% hypertonic saline (HTS) exists for adults, but the concentration, dosing and administration of HTS in pediatrics is variable. With emerging pediatric experience of 23.4% HTS, a standard volume dose approach may be helpful. Objective: To describe initial experience with a standardized 23.4% HTS weight-based volume dosing protocol of 10, 20, or 30 mL in the pediatric intensive care unit. Methods: Standard volume doses of 23.4% HTS were developed from weight dosing equivalents of 3% HTS. Pre and post sodium and intracranial pressure (ICP) measurements were compared with paired t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The site of administration and complications were noted. Results: A total of 16 pediatric patients received 37 doses of 23.4% HTS, with the smallest patient weighing 11 kg. For protocol compliance, 17 doses (46%) followed recommended dosing, 19 were less volume than recommended (51%), and 1 dose (3%) was more than recommended. Mean increase in sodium was 3.5 mEq/L (95% CI = 2-5 mEq/L); P < 0.0001. The median decrease in ICP was 10.5 mm Hg (interquartile range [IQR] 8.3-19.5) for a 37% (IQR 25%-64%) reduction. Most doses were administered through central venous access, although peripheral intravenous administrations occurred in 4 patients without complication. Conclusion and Relevance: Three standard-volume dose options of 23.4% HTS based on weight increases sodium and reduces ICP in pediatric patients. Standard-volume doses may simplify weight-based dosing, storage and administration for pediatric emergencies, although the optimum dose, and safety of 23.4% HTS in children remains unknown.
Is Litigation the Way to Combat the Opioid Crisis

This paper examines the lawsuits brought by state and local government entities against prescription opioid producers and sellers. It examines their potential liability as well as some of the defenses they might raise. The paper also discusses multidistrict litigation and government lawsuits in state court. It concludes that litigation is not the best solution to the opioid crisis.
Therapeutic microbubbles make tumor cells pop

Combining ultrasound release and molecular targeting selectively delivered extremely toxic and hydrophobic drugs to tumor cells.
Management of Rheumatic Diseases During the COVID-19 pandemic: A National Veterans Affairs Survey of Rheumatologists.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience, views and opinions of rheumatology providers at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities about rheumatic disease healthcare issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We performed an anonymized cross-sectional survey, conducted from April 16 to May 18, 2020, of VA rheumatology providers. We assessed provider perspective on COVID-19 issues and resilience. RESULTS: Of the 153 eligible VA rheumatologists, 103 (67%) completed the survey. A significant proportion of providers reported ≥50% increase related to COVID-19 in visits by: (1) telephone, 53%; (2) video-based VA video connect (VVC), 44%; and (3) clinical video telehealth (CVT) with a facilitator, 29%. A majority of the responders were somewhat or very comfortable with technology for providing healthcare to established patients during COVID-19 pandemic using: (1) telephone, 87%; (2) VA video connect (VVC), 64%; and (3) in-person visits, 54%. A smaller proportion were comfortable with technology providing healthcare to new patients. At least 65% of rheumatologists considered telephone visits appropriate for established patients with gout, osteoporosis, polymyalgia rheumatica, stable rheumatoid arthritis, stable spondyloarthritis, or osteoarthritis; 32% reported a rheumatology medication shortage. Adjusted for age, sex and ethnicity, high provider resilience was associated with significantly higher odds ratio (OR) of comfort with technology for telephone (OR, 3.1 (95% CI, 1.1-9.7)) and VVC visits for new patients (OR, 4.7 (95% CI, 1.4-15.7)). CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of COVID-19 rheumatic disease healthcare issues using a health-system approach can better inform providers, improve provider satisfaction and have positive effects on the care of Veterans with rheumatic disease.
PEDOT:PSS/MnO2/CNT Ternary Nanocomposite Anodes for Supercapacitive Energy Storage in Cyanobacterial Biophotovoltaics

A high-performance supercapacitive anode integrated into cyanobacterial biophotovoltaics allows the energy produced by the biophotovoltaics to be capacitively stored and delivered through a signifi...
A Genomic-Pathologic Annotated Risk Model to Predict Recurrence in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Importance Recommendations for adjuvant therapy after surgical resection of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are based solely on TNM classification but are agnostic to genomic and high-risk clinicopathologic factors. Creation of a prediction model that integrates tumor genomic and clinicopathologic factors may better identify patients at risk for recurrence. Objective To identify tumor genomic factors independently associated with recurrence, even in the presence of aggressive, high-risk clinicopathologic variables, in patients with completely resected stages I to III LUAD, and to develop a computational machine-learning prediction model (PRecur) to determine whether the integration of genomic and clinicopathologic features could better predict risk of recurrence, compared with the TNM system. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study included 426 patients treated from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, at a single large cancer center and selected in consecutive samples. Eligibility criteria included complete surgical resection of stages I to III LUAD, broad-panel next-generation sequencing data with matched clinicopathologic data, and no neoadjuvant therapy. External validation of the PRecur prediction model was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Data were analyzed from 2014 to 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The study end point consisted of relapse-free survival (RFS), estimated using the Kaplan-Meier approach. Associations among clinicopathologic factors, genomic alterations, and RFS were established using Cox proportional hazards regression. The PRecur prediction model integrated genomic and clinicopathologic factors using gradient-boosting survival regression for risk group generation and prediction of RFS. A concordance probability estimate (CPE) was used to assess the predictive ability of the PRecur model. Results Of the 426 patients included in the analysis (286 women [67%]; median age at surgery, 69 [interquartile range, 62-75] years), 318 (75%) had stage I cancer. Association analysis showed that alterations inSMARCA4(clinicopathologic-adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.03-5.77;P = .042) andTP53(clinicopathologic-adjusted HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.09-2.73;P = .02) and the fraction of genome altered (clinicopathologic-adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.10-1.04;P = .005) were independently associated with RFS. The PRecur prediction model outperformed the TNM-based model (CPE, 0.73 vs 0.61; difference, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.05-0.19];P Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that integration of tumor genomics and clinicopathologic features improves risk stratification and prediction of recurrence after surgical resection of early-stage LUAD. Improved identification of patients at risk for recurrence could enrich and enhance accrual to adjuvant therapy clinical trials.
Getting the Picture Too Late: Handoffs and the Effectiveness of Idea Implementation in Creative Work

Past research on idea implementation has focused on employees trying to win social support for their own ideas, yet employees are often handed ideas to implement that were developed by others. We p...
Clinical Presentation and Multifactorial Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Preterm Infant.

Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious infection of the bowel wall induced by multiple pathological factors, which include inflammation and tissue invasion with bacteria known to cause severe infections. NEC is now understood to be several disease processes under one umbrella. The most common form occurs in premature infants and can exert significant impacts to preterm morbidity and mortality. Purpose This narrative review describes current knowledge of the clinical presentation and pathophysiology of NEC in premature infants. Methods/search strategy A review of literature was conducted using key words in PubMed and CINAHL with preference for years 2015 to 2020. Findings/results Several converging and interrelated factors including characteristics of the premature intestinal mucosa, gut ischemia, dysregulation of the microbiome, enteral feeding, and genetics create an environment where NEC is more likely to occur. Implications for practice To recognize and diagnose NEC in preterm infants, an understanding of underlying factors that create an optimal environment for disease acquisition in premature infants is essential. Implications for research Prevention of NEC remains the most important strategy for decreasing morbidity and mortality. Multiple areas of potential study exist for NEC pathophysiology including those that consider how the factors discussed in this review are interrelated and how each particular pathway can be optimized to prevent the onset of NEC.
"Into the Unknown": Supervising Teacher Candidates During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

In mid-March, our public schools ended classroom instruction due to COVID-19. The timing of the suspension of face-to-face instruction was in the middle of the student teaching clinical experience for our secondary education teacher candidates. Without preparation, teacher candidates were to guide their middle and high school students through online learning. University faculty were experiencing a similar challenge — how to support and direct their teacher candidates in mid-experience. This was a change in the logistics of teaching and in the focus of education. The first priority of the school was not high-stakes standardized testing, nor daily pacing guides, but rather the emotional and social health of students. This change in the schools’ priorities fit well with the preparation of our teacher candidates at our Midwest regional teaching university. Our focus was to prepare teachers of students, not teachers of mathematics or English. While our secondary teacher candidates did not have all the tools and technology skills needed to switch to online teaching immediately, they did know it was the relationship with the learner that was most important. The second change of the schools’ priorities was a time-allocation switch from mostly teaching to mostly planning, communicating, and supporting one another as teachers. Our teacher candidates already knew that effective communication makes everyone a better instructor and benefits student learning. In order to help our teacher candidates make this transition, we developed the Clinical Practice Interview Protocol and met with our candidates regularly online. A third aspect was teacher candidates’ prior experience as students of online classes themselves. Many had taken several online or hybrid university courses and knew what worked well and what they needed to avoid as an online teacher. In this reflective essay, we discuss how the university supervisor supported and facilitated our teacher candidates in preparing and implementing quality instruction.
The Integer Sequence Transform $a \mapsto b$ where $b_n$ is the Number of Real Roots of the Polynomial $a_0 + a_1x + a_2x^2 + \cdots + a_nx^n$

We discuss the integer sequence transform $a \mapsto b$ where $b_n$ is the number of real roots of the polynomial $a_0 + a_1x + a_2x^2 + \cdots + a_nx^n$. It is shown that several sequences $a$ give the trivial sequence $b = (0,1,0,1, 0,1,\ldots)$, i.e., ${b_n = n \bmod 2}$, among them the Catalan numbers, central binomial coefficients, $n!$ and $\binom{n+k}{n}$ for a fixed $k$. We also look at some sequences $a$ for which $b$ is more interesting such as $a_n = (n+1)^k$ for $k \geq 3$. Further, general procedures are given for constructing real sequences $a_n$ for which $b_n$ is either always maximal or minimal.
Earnings versus Cash Flows in Predicting Future Cash Flows: Evidence From Egypt and KSA

This study examines the role of accrual based earnings derived from accrual accounting basis in comparison with cash flows in the prediction of future operating cash flows of quoted non￾ financial companies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia . Using a sample of 55 Egyptian companies and 35 Saudi companies over a period of 5 years (2015 – 2019) and employing the OLS regression analysis, the results suggest that both earnings and cash flows have predictive ability in predicting future operating cash flows in both countries. However, the results show that cash flows are a better predictor of future operating cash flows than earnings in both countries. Our study findings are in contrast to the assertion of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) that earnings are a better predictor of future cash flows.
Wrist: Anatomy and MRI Optimization

Imaging of the wrist is a diagnostic challenge due to the delicate and complex nature of anatomic structures and relationships. For anatomic characterization, high spatial resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images with optimized contrast are crucial for diagnostic accuracy and pathologic characterization. Advances in MR imaging permit detailed observation of the wrist, leveraging advances in hardware and software. Familiarity with pertinent anatomy of the wrist on high-resolution MR imaging serves as the foundation for image interpretation. In this chapter, we address osseous anatomy as well as that of the carpal tunnel, Guyon’s canal, extensor tendons, intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments, and the triangular fibrocartilage complex.
Speech-Language Dissociations, Distractibility, and Childhood Stuttering

Purpose This study investigated the relation among speech-language dissociations, attentional distractibility, and childhood stuttering. Method Participants were 82 preschool-age children who stutter (CWS) and 120 who do not stutter (CWNS). Correlation-based statistics (Bates, Appelbaum, Salcedo, Saygin, & Pizzamiglio, 2003) identified dissociations across 5 norm-based speech-language subtests. The Behavioral Style Questionnaire Distractibility subscale measured attentional distractibility. Analyses addressed (a) between-groups differences in the number of children exhibiting speech-language dissociations; (b) between-groups distractibility differences; (c) the relation between distractibility and speech-language dissociations; and (d) whether interactions between distractibility and dissociations predicted the frequency of total, stuttered, and nonstuttered disfluencies. Results More preschool-age CWS exhibited speech-language dissociations compared with CWNS, and more boys exhibited dissociations compar...
Ciliary membrane tubulin: isolation and fractionation.

Publisher Summary Studies showed that membrane tubulin (but not brain tubulin) could be reincorporated into membranes of uniform buoyant density when the solubilizing detergent was removed. It was demonstrated by a number of approaches that the tubulin and associated minor proteins formed a large micellar complex with lipids and detergent on partial delipidation. Gentle delipidation with low concentrations of detergent suggests that membrane tubulin and associated proteins form a discrete “membrane skeleton” surrounding the axoneme. Tubulin has also been described as a prominent constituent of frog olfactory and of bovine retinal rod outer segment plasma but not disk membranes. Such observations, coupled with the consistent appearance of tubulin in mechanically sensitive cilia and in various neuronal tissues, have led to suggestions that membrane tubulin may serve some structural or functional role in sensory membranes. Tubulin is the major constituent of embryonic cilia in sea urchin embryos, whereas, in scallop cilia, it is lipid associated and can be recycled in vitro into membranes. Pulse-chase studies have demonstrated that this tubulin most likely is the precursor to the tubulin of the assembling axoneme. Most other newly synthesized axonemal protein are not found associated with the tubulin-rich detergent-solubilized membrane/matrix fraction but, rather, are associated with the axoneme proper, suggesting two separate or separable pathways for tubulin and lipids, on one hand, and the various structural proteins of the axoneme, on the other. The presence of “membrane” tubulin might be a measure of tubulin and lipid on the move. The chapter discusses preparation of membrane tubulin by reconstitution. This procedure uses in vitro membrane reconstitution to separate membrane tubulin and its associated proteins from soluble proteins of the axonemal matrix. The solutions needed and the procedure has been discussed in detail. There are some purification methods discussed—isopycnic centrifugation and Triton X-114 delipidation.
The Three Cultures: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and the Humanities in the 21st Century

In 1959 C. P. Snow delivered his now-famous Rede Lecture, 'The Two Cultures,' a reflection on the academy based on the premise that intellectual life was divided into two cultures: the arts and humanities on one side and science on the other. Since then, a third culture, generally termed 'social science' and comprised of fields such as sociology, political science, economics, and psychology, has emerged. Jerome Kagan's book describes the assumptions, vocabulary, and contributions of each of these cultures and argues that the meanings of many of the concepts used by each culture are unique to it and do not apply to the others because the source of evidence for the term is special. The text summarizes the contributions of the social sciences and humanities to our understanding of human nature and questions the popular belief that biological processes are the main determinant of variation in human behavior.
A routing algorithm for Multihop Packet Radio Networks with uni- and bi-directional links

Multihop Packet Radio Networks require routing algorithms which are distributed in nature and have the ability to timely detect changes in the network topology. These changes are mostly changes in connectivity caused by link or node failures and by the relative motion of the nodes. This paper describes and analyzes an adaptive decentralized routing algorithm for Frequency-Hopping Spread-Spectrum Packet Radio Networks. Unlike most of the algorithms found in the open literature the one proposed here can deal with networks having both uni- and bi-directional radio links. A detailed software simulation model has been built to investigate the performance of the algorithm. Examples are shown to illustrate the methodology. >
Oxidation of Some Intermetallic Compounds and Intermetallic Matrix Composites

Oxidation resistance (1,000--1,400 C) was characterized for intermetallics M{sub 2}Al, M{sub 3}Al, M{sub 2}Cr, and M{sub 5}Si{sub 3} (M = Nb, Nb+Ti), and metal-toughened intermetallic composite systems. Aluminides were poorest in oxidation, and Laves phases were best. Substitution of Ti for Nb was beneficial for each intermetallic. Addition of metal to produce two-phase castings had differing effects on oxidation, depending on the metal and intermetallic. Modulus and expansion were also measured.
Neuroimaging of individuals with Down's syndrome at-risk for dementia: evidence for possible compensatory events.

Abstract Background: We report functional and structural brain indicators that may precede the onset of dementia in individuals with Down’s syndrome (DS). Methods: Middle-aged adults with DS (n = 19), a group known to be at high risk for dementia, were studied with (1) positron emission tomography (PET) to determine cerebral glucose metabolic rate (GMR), (2) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine gray matter volume (GM), and (3) ratings of potential dementia indicators based on a structured interview of caregiver observations designed to evaluate individuals with low intelligence. Results: Although none of the participants showed clinical signs of dementia, ratings of dementia indicators were correlated to both functional and structural imaging. The strongest correlations (p Interpretation: The combination of increased GMR overlapping with less gray matter in these areas may be consistent with a compensatory brain response to an early stage of the disease process.
Toward Reliable Gold Nanoparticle Patterning On Self-Assembled DNA Nanoscaffold

Assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) into designer architectures with reliablity is important for nanophotonics and nanoelectronics applications. Toward this goal we present a new strategy to prepare AuNPs monofunctionalized with lipoic acid modified DNA oligos. This strategy offers increased bonding strength between DNA oligos and AuNP surface. These conjugates are further selectively mixed with other DNA strands and assembled into fixed sized DNA nanostructures carring a discrete number of AuNPs at desired positions. Atomic force microscopy imaging reveals a dramatically improved yield of the AuNPs on DNA tile structure compared to the ensembles using monothiolate AuNP-DNA conjugates.
On the interaction of cyclic AMP-binding protein and estrogen receptor in growth control.

Abstract An hypothesis has been presented suggesting that the interaction between cAMP and a steroid hormone may be involved in cellular regulatory mechanisms. The evidence in support of this hypothesis shows that: 1) the interaction between cAMP and estrogen in the growth control of hormone-dependent tumors is antagonistic and requires the respective binding proteins to be present in the cytoplasm; 2) the nuclear translocation of cAMP-binding protein, the regulatory subunit of protein kinase, type II, is inversely related to the nuclear translocation of estrogen receptors during growth and regression of hormone-dependent mammary tumors; 3) the stimulation and prevention of endogenous phosphorylation of nuclear proteins, RAP (regression-associated protein), by cAMP and estrogen in vivo and in vitro , suggest that the counteraction between cAMP and estrogen in growth control may be exerted by a specific action on nuclear protein phosphorylation. Continued investigation on transcriptional control mediated through cAMP and estrogen interaction should provide further insight into the biological regulatory mechanism of hormonal action.
Inaccuracy in Pediatric Outpatient Blood Pressure Measurement

OBJECTIVE Hypertension is common in the pediatric population. There is increasing evidence for early hypertensive target organ damage that may lead to substantial long-term morbidity. Because a critical aspect of any screening program for hypertension is the ability to measure blood pressure accurately, we compared typical blood pressure measurements at a vital sign station with those that were obtained following recommendations set forth in "The Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents." METHODS We compared the blood pressure measurements that were obtained with standard practice vital sign station screening with those that were obtained by trained personnel in accordance with Fourth Task Force recommendations. A total of 390 children were evaluated at 580 visits to the Pediatric Hypertension Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital. RESULTS Seventy-four percent of the readings were higher at the vital sign station, and only 12% differed by <5 mm Hg for both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The mean difference between vital sign station and examination room was 13.2 +/- 8.9 mm Hg for systolic blood pressure and 9.6 +/- 7.6 mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure. Multiple regression analyses revealed that age, gender, race, obesity, first versus subsequent visit, essential versus secondary, or white coat hypertension and antihypertensive medications made no statistically significant difference in the lack of correlation of the readings. CONCLUSION These results suggest that if pediatricians use vital sign station screening for blood pressure, children with elevated initial measurements must be reevaluated in the examination room.
Algebraic Approach to the Scattering Matrix

A purely algebraic procedure is presented for calculating recursion relations for S matrices belonging to problems associated with the group SU(1,1). The procedure involves supplementing a recently introduced group-theoretic approach to scattering by an algebraic framework that characterizes asymptotic behavior. Our formulation makes use of the Euclidean group, which contains the symmetry transformations for a free particle. The Coulomb and Poeschl-Teller potentials are discussed to illustrate our methods.
Vascular Fluid Damping of Flexible Multifunctional Composite Cantilevers: Experiment, Modeling and Analysis

Passive structural damping treatments based on viscoelastic polymers of elastomers are widely used in practice and have been the focus of numerous research studies and papers. Here we examine a multifunctional structure with vascular channels and investigate how the fluid in the channels provides damping to the system. While the vibration and stability of flow through a pipe has been extensively examined, internal fluid induced passive damping has not been well investigated in literature. Motivated by research in using vascular channels to provide self-cooling and autonomous healing of multifunctional composites, here we investigate the material and mechanical parameter dependence effects of internal fluid damping using an experimental study, modeling and numerical analysis of the dynamics of flexible cantilever beam conveying three types of internal vascular fluid flows.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Multiple-use forestry vs. forestland-use specialization revisited

Abstract Based on the comparative advantages of forestland in providing a variety of products and services, it is not arguable that different kinds of forestland should produce different compositions of outputs. To investigate the issue regarding forestland-use specialization or the pursuit of multiple uses on same piece of land, this paper starts by revisiting Vincent and Binkley's paper ‘Efficient Multiple-Use Forestry May Require Land-Use Specialization’ (see Land Economics 69 (3):370–376. I would like to argue that their reasoning may not be entirely correct, but their conclusions may be right for the following reasons: (1) the constraints of input factors (including time), (2) cross-spatial interaction, (3) changes in technology and relative prices and (4) ecological and economic thresholds of production and management. Some evidence related to and trends in forestland-use specialization from New Zealand, the USA, Canada and China are presented. It is suggested that to promote forestland-use specialization, it is necessary to re-allocate research funding, to implement various sustainable forest management criteria and forest ownership reforms, to zone land for priority use, and to promote market development.
Connection between the high-frequency crossover of the temperature dependence of the relaxation time and the change of intermolecular coupling in glass-forming liquids

In this paper, an interpretation of the high-frequency crossover, observed for glass formers at temperature far above the glass transition, is described in terms of the large change in the heterogeneous character of the dynamics. For five prototypical glass formers, dielectric relaxation data spanning many decades were analyzed. Unlike the temperature behavior of the dielectric (structural) relaxation times ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}},$ which deviate from a Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) relationship, the non-cooperative relaxation times, ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0},$ calculated using the coupling model, are well described by a single VFT over the entire temperature range. Thus, the dynamic crossover evident in ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ and other relaxation properties is suppressed for ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}.$ This result suggests that the crossover is a direct consequence of the strong increase in intermolecular cooperativity (many-body effects), which also causes the dynamics of the system to become heterogeneous and non-exponential. This interpretation is consistent with recent findings concerning the pressure and temperature dependence of the dynamic crossover. Finally, a possible relationship of ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$ to thermodynamic properties of the glass former is discussed.
Association Between Physical Fitness and Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis Does Disability Status Matter

Background. Cognitive impairment is a highly prevalent, poorly managed, and disabling consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise training that improves physical fitness represents a promising...
Emergency department communication links and patterns.

Study objective We characterize and describe the communication links and patterns between and within emergency department (ED) practitioner types. Methods This is a prospective, observational study of emergency physician and nursing staff communication patterns in an academic ED using link analysis techniques. Twenty ED staff members were observed in the pediatric and adult acute areas of the ED, including attending physicians, residents, nurses, and charge nurses. Data were recorded for each communication event, including duration, mode, partner, location, and interruptions. Because this study was intended to focus on professionally related communication between staff, social interactions and direct patient interactions were excluded. Frequency percentage and duration were calculated for each measure, and link analysis graphs were prepared to assist in interpretation of the data. Results One thousand six hundred sixty-five total communication events were recorded during a total of 39 hours 12 minutes of observation. Face-to-face communication was the most common mode. Communication links and patterns were described and graphically represented using a link analysis technique. Communication gaps were found between ambulance providers and the providers who would ultimately take care of the patient during their ED stay. Attending physicians communicated often despite caring for separate patients, and the charge nurse seemed to be the hub for communication, linking ED personnel with non-ED staff. In the adult area, interruption rates ranged from 6.9 per hour (attending physician) to 0.5 per hour (bedside nurse), and in the pediatric area they ranged from 3.6 per hour (attending physician) to 0.3 (bedside nurse). Conclusion Distinct patterns are identified. These results will be helpful in designing future communication adjuncts in the ED.