cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Did Intraday Trading by Leveraged and Inverse Leveraged ETFs Create Excess Price Volatility? A Look at REITs and the Broad Market

Executive Summary. Leveraged exchange traded funds (ETFs) and inverse leveraged ETFs offer investors a multiple of the daily return on a specific stock index. This study examines whether the daily rebalancing activity associated with leveraged and inverse leveraged ETFs impacted the price volatility of real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the Dow Jones Index. We find that the daily rebalancing increased the price volatility of their underlying REIT stocks 75% of the time and broad market securities 69% of the time between July 2007 and October 2010; it also decreased the price volatility 25% and 31% of the time respectively. These impacts were especially significant during periods of high overall market volatility. The highest volatility occurred between June 2008 and May 2009. This volatility occurred between 12:00 PM and market close. In general, the volatility of REIT prices was twice the volatility of the broad market index over the July 2007 through October 2010 period.
SEXUAL SELECTION FOR SIZE AND SYMMETRY IN A DIVERSIFYING SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTER IN DROSOPHILA BIPECTINATA DUDA (DIPTERA: DROSOPHILIDAE)

Results of intrapopulation studies of sexual selection and genetic variation and covariation underlying elements of the sex comb of Drosophila bipectinata are presented. The magnitude of the sex comb, a sexual ornament, varies significantly among Australasian populations, motivating research into the evolutionary mechanisms responsible for its incipient diversification. The comb is composed of stout black teeth on the front legs of males arranged in three distinct segments: C1, C2, and C3. Significant sexual selection in field populations in northeastern Queensland, Australia, was detected for increasing C2 and body size, and simultaneously for reducing comb positional fluctuating asymmetry. In contrast, sexual selection was not detected for other comb segments, nor for sternopleural bristle number or symmetry. Selection intensities for C2 and comb positional fluctuating asymmetry were similar in magnitude, and although they were opposite in sign, values across twelve sampling dates, or selection episodes, were uncorrelated. Heritability estimates for C2 were high and significant across years, whereas heritability estimates for comb positional asymmetry were small, and generally nonsignificant. The major sex comb segments (C1 and C2) were significantly and positively correlated genetically, indicating the potential for correlated evolution of these components of the comb under sexual selection. The original finding of a significant positive genetic correlation between the magnitude of this sex trait and its positional asymmetry indicates that the counteracting and independent selection pressures detected could contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation sustaining sexual selection. The study documents the simultaneous presence of sexual selection in nature and of heritable genetic variation underlying expression of the sex comb, fundamental conditions necessary for its adaptive diversification. Drosophila bipectinata may be a valuable model for studies of adaptive diversification and incipient speciation by sexual selection.
REVISED WAVE FORECASTING RELATIONSHIPS

Data on the generation and decay of wind-generated gravity waves have been collected for several years by the University of California. These data together with the original data by Sverdrup and Munk have been analyzed, and the results were presented in dimensionless graphs suitable for use in wave forecasting (Bretschneider, 1951). No analysis was made of the effect of following or opposing winds.
Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Implant Surfaces With or Without High Surface Free Energy: Experimental and Clinical Background

The scientifically most investigated technique for creating a micro-rough surface topography on dental implants is the sandblasting and acid-etching procedure, creating the well-known, moderately rough SLA surface topography. The sandblasting procedure induces a macro-rough surface topography and is followed by an acid-etching procedure that superimposes the micro-rough topography. This SLA surface can be produced on commercially pure titanium as well as on titanium-zirconium alloys or on zirconium dioxide ceramics. In recent years, this hydrophobic SLA surface has been further developed, by a completely new and elaborated production process, creating a similar SLA topography but with increased chemical activity resulting in surface hydrophilicity and surface energy (modSLA surface). In vitro studies have shown that osteoblasts grown on the SLA surface exhibit properties of highly differentiated bone cells, which suggest that this surface is more osteoconductive compared to smoother surfaces. Compared to SLA, modSLA titanium surfaces further decreased cell proliferation and osteoclast activity and additionally enhanced osteoblastic cell differentiation and production of angiogenic factors. In vivo studies have demonstrated that, in comparison to implants with turned/machined surfaces, the increased roughness topography enhances bone tissue responses, such as greater bone–implant contact (BIC) and increased removal torque-out values (RTQ). These implants with increased surface hydrophilicity revealed accelerated bone (significantly increased BIC, RTQ) and soft tissue healing within the first 4 weeks after placement compared to implants with an SLA surface. Clinically, it has been shown that implants with an SLA surface topography can be successfully loaded 6–8 weeks after implant placement, thus, significantly reducing the healing period compared to implants with a turned or machined surface topography. With regard to the modSLA surface, it has been demonstrated that implants can successfully be loaded immediately or 3–6 weeks after placement, thus, further reducing the healing time. The SLA as well as the modSLA implant surface revealed comparable survival and success rates of more than 95 % up to and after 3 years of investigation; however, for SLA, also similar survival and success rates up to and after 10 years are available. Thus, both types of implant surfaces (SLA and modSLA) show highly successful comparable clinical outcomes; however, the modSLA surfaces allow for earlier bone and soft tissue healing and implant loading without compromising the overall survival and success rates.
The Use and Creation of Windows Help Files in the Laboratory

Windows help files are an efficient way to disseminate information to users in a convenient, secure, and easy-to-use format. A computer capable of displaying online help files can be accessed whenever a user requires clarification of an instruction or procedural step. Windows help files can be created easily using a word processor or specifically designed programs. Graphics, color, and a variety of fonts emphasize important aspects of the document. The document cannot be altered or misplaced. In many facilities, computers are connected to a network, allowing updated help files to be distributed electronically. In the current health-care environment, help files can make employees more productive and effective. This is the third article in a four-part continuing education series on computers. By the end of the series, participants will understand the principles of the Internet and the World Wide Web, understand the driving forces behind the development of regional health care information networks, use and create Windows help files for the laboratory, and learn how a computerized system can improve efficiency in surgical pathology.
Numerical simulations of high frequency respiratory flows in a model bifurcating lung geometry

Numerical studies of 2D cases are conducted using a CFD code FLUENT to analyze the flow patterns and gas transport at high oscillatory frequencies through a two-generation bifurcating lung model. The geometry corresponds to fifth to seventh generations of airways with the dimensions based on the Wiebel’s symmetric pulmonary model. Computations are carried out for the Reynolds numbers Re = 400 and Re = 1000, while the Womersley number is Wo = 4.0 and Wo = 16.0. The average mass distribution in the entire lung model is also investigated to analyze the influence of flow frequency on the mass diffusion efficiency. The numerical results of the current study pointed to: i) the numerical model successfully reproduces many results observed in the experiments; and ii) there is practically no net effect of the high frequency on the increased mass diffusion in the bifurcation geometry. The developed numerical model may be further used in more complicated 3D geometries and for determining the optimal conditions for artificial lung ventilation.
The Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis patients in,2009-2012

Objective To understand the characteristics and epidemiological features of tuberculosis(TB)patients in Tengchong County from 2009 to 2012a. Methods The historically recorded data of TB patients confirmed by X radiation, CT, and DR,PPD and sputum culture in national online case reporting system were collected and the cases reported by nonlocal units or organizations were excluded. The case was classified into 6 age groups including20,20～29,30～39,40～49, 50～59,≥60. Results A total of 717 TB patients were included, and the prevalence was 27.4/100000. The average age of cases infected with TB was 40.6 years and the highest proportion of TB patients was in the age group of 20-40 years accounted for 46.0%(331/717). Male cases accounted for 69.6%(499/717),2.29:1times higher than females,and 82.8% of the cases were Farmers and farmer workers 594/717),7.5%(54/717)of them were minority group. Conclusions Significant differences were observed among TB cases number in age,gender,and occupation,ethnic group distribution in Tengchong County.Thus stratified management and guidance in TB control is indicated based on the demographic characteristics of TB cases in the future.
Reading and Writing with Cursors

Batch processing can be extended to work with individual records within GIS data tables. Previous chapters listed fields in multiple files within nested directories; this chapter adds another dimension to data exploration. Each data table is made of records, the rows of values in the attribute table, which can also be listed within a script. Though the term ‘records’ may be more familiar to database users, we’ll use the term ‘rows’ to refer to data records for consistency with the arcpy documentation. Cursors and file input/output techniques, enable reading and writing individual rows within data tables. The focus of this chapter is arcpy cursor functions, which work with the rows in Esri attribute tables, such as feature class tables. Open image in new window
RibScore: A novel radiographic score based on fracture pattern that predicts pneumonia, respiratory failure, and tracheostomy.

BACKGROUNDThere is currently no scoring system for rib fractures that relates detailed anatomic variables to patient outcomes. Our objective was to develop and validate a radiographic rib fracture scoring system based on computed tomographic chest findings.METHODSWe reviewed our trauma registry from
Alternating Current Potentiometric Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (AC-PSICM)

Studies of ion transport at small length scales inform the fundamental understanding of various biophysical processes. Here, we describe a new method, alternating current potentiometric scanning ion conductance microscopy (AC-PSICM), which measures ion transport through nanopores as a function of AC perturbations over a range of frequencies (5 Hz to 50 kHz). Phase and amplitude of local potential in the vicinity of nanopores in polymer membranes were captured with a nanopipet. Phase was found to be sensitive to local conductive pathways (nanopores in this case) and can be used to quantify single nanopore resistance. Investigation of phase approach curves and lateral phase distributions with single nanopore samples predicted four distinct frequency ranges for resolving heterogeneous conductive pathways within a sample, which were confirmed with line profile measurements of the phase response in samples with different sized nanopores. AC-PSICM is suitable for ion transport studies at the nanometer scale and...
Characterizing the 2.4 GHz Spectrum in a Hospital Environment: Modeling and Applicability to Coexistence Testing of Medical Devices

The increasing use of shared, unlicensed spectrum bands by medical devices and nonmedical products highlights the need to address wireless coexistence to ensure medical device safety and effectiveness. This paper provides the first step to approximate the probability of a device coexisting in its intended environment by providing a generalized framework for modeling the environment. The application of this framework is shown through an 84-day spectrum survey of the 2.4–2.48 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical band in a hospital environment in the United States. A custom platform was used to monitor power flux spectral density and record received power. Channel utilization of three nonoverlapping channels of 20 MHz bandwidth—relative to IEEE 802.11 channels 1, 6, and 11—were calculated and fitted to a generalized extreme value distribution. Low channel utilization was observed ( $ 10%) in the surveyed environment with sporadic occurrences of higher channel utilization ( $ >$ 50%). Reported findings can be complementary to wireless coexistence testing. This paper can provide input to the development of a consensus standard for wireless device coexistence test methods and a consensus document focused on wireless medical device coexistence risk management.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Hydrogen in Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Ionic Liquids under Anaerobic and Aerobic Conditions

The electrochemical behavior of hydrogen oxidation on a platinum electrode in two aprotic room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs)—1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Bmim][NTf2] and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Bmpy][NTf2]—was investigated in both anaerobic and aerobic conditions. At platinum electrode in the ILs, the first step of hydrogen oxidation is the formation of Pt–H(ad) (the Tafel step), which is similar to those observed in the aqueous electrolytes. However, there are differences in the oxidation steps (the Heyrovsky and Volmer steps). In ILs, the oxidation of Pt–H(ad) forms a hydrogen radical and a proton rather than a proton or a water in aqueous acid or alkaline electrolytes, respectively. This difference is significant as it results in a completely different following reaction pathway in the anaerobic vs aerobic conditions. A coupled chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen oxidation intermediates was observed in aerobic cond...
Economic Evidence for US Asthma Self-Management Education and Home-Based Interventions.

The health and economic burden of asthma in the United States is substantial. Asthma self-management education (AS-ME) and home-based interventions for asthma can improve asthma control and prevent asthma exacerbations, and interest in health care-public health collaboration regarding asthma is increasing. However, outpatient AS-ME and home-based asthma intervention programs are not widely available; economic sustainability is a common concern. Thus, we conducted a narrative review of existing literature regarding economic outcomes of outpatient AS-ME and home-based intervention programs for asthma in the United States. We identified 9 outpatient AS-ME programs and 17 home-based intervention programs with return on investment (ROI) data. Most programs were associated with a positive ROI; a few programs observed positive ROIs only among selected populations (eg, higher health care utilization). Interpretation of existing data is limited by heterogeneous ROI calculations. Nevertheless, the literature suggests promise for sustainable opportunities to expand access to outpatient AS-ME and home-based asthma intervention programs in the United States. More definitive knowledge about how to maximize program benefit and sustainability could be gained through more controlled studies of specific populations and increased uniformity in economic assessments.
Review: Embedded Librarians: Moving Beyond One-Shot Instruction

For the first time last year, my library tried an “embedded” relationship with a required freshman class. As a Reference & Instruction Librarian, I attended the lectures, worked with each of the class sections, and created and staffed a “Help Station” with a rotating display of relevant books and articles. This book, Embedded Librarians: Moving Beyond One-Shot Instruction, was, therefore, of interest to me and helped me to formulate ideas about how I wanted to implement my own program. I also began to wonder how many other librarians out there are walking in my shoes as they consider EL programs. If the listservs and news items I’ve read are any indication, “embeddedness” is becoming popular in librarianship and, in fact, is no longer new. So while it’s no surprise to see Kvenild and Calkins’ edited volume on the subject, the only question is, “why did it take so long?”
Single-input - multi-output (SIMO) converter for nano-grids applications

A nano-grid is a smaller version of a smart grid with the ability to function as separate power generator. This modification to the typical smart grid allows for a system focusing on single load with using special converters. This grid takes the concept of separate loads and uses it in its ability to multiple applications. This paper exemplifies the success in the converter and its use in a nano-grid system. This positive result shows a system that is both stable and reliable in regards to power supply. A DC-DC modified converter is designed, this converter is a single-input-multi-output converter that takes the process of boosting its inputs into 3 outputs respectively of various higher voltages. Furthermore a coupled inductor process is used to reduce conduction losses as well as include soft clamping processes. This converter is implemented with the use of MATLAB/Simulink. It can be concluded that the converter has a high step-up ratio, highly efficient converter with varying output voltages.
Acquirers' Abnormal Returns, Audit Firm Size, and the Small Auditor Clientele Effect

I analyze the effect of auditor choice on acquirers' market values around merger announcements and the factors affecting the interaction between auditor size and the market reaction to the merger announcements. Surprisingly, I find that acquirers audited by the largest accounting firms significantly under-perform those audited by smaller firms at merger announcements. The results indicate that the clients of the major firms under-perform the clients of the smaller firms significantly more at merger announcements if the targets are privately-held companies. There is also some indication that the small audit firm effect is more pronounced as the likelihood that the auditors play a prominent advising role in the merger process increases. These effects are significantly stronger in cash acquisitions as opposed to stock swaps and are robust to controlling for the usual factors affecting the market reaction to merger announcements and potential self-selection biases. While the major auditing firms are usually assumed to offer better services than the smaller ones, the study suggests that small audit firms have a comparative advantage in serving their clientele. The study also has implications for the small audit firms' arguments for an exemption of their merger consulting activities from the provision of Section 201 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act that prohibits auditing firms from providing clients "appraisals, valuations and fairness opinions."
Exemplar Variability Facilitates Retention of Word Learning by Children With Specific Language Impairment

Purpose Variability in the input plays an important role in language learning. The current study examined the role of object variability for new word learning by preschoolers with specific language...
What’s in a Word? Historicising the Term ‘Caffre’ in European Discourses about Southern Africa between 1500 and 1800

In the 19th and 20th centuries, southern Africa’s white colonists used the word ‘Caffre’ to characterise the region’s black majority as an inferior race of African origins. While this historical context explains why the term ‘Caffre’ is considered hate speech in post-apartheid South Africa, the word’s history dates back to the beginning of Europe’s engagement with the region in c. 1500. Based on primary sources in multiple languages, this article explores this deeper history and shows that Europeans imbued the word ‘Caffre’ with racialising ideas from the start. The Portuguese first racialised the term by linking it explicitly to black skin colour in the 16th century. In the 17th century, Cape Colony officials reinforced its racialisation by creating a ‘Hottentot–Caffre’ race dichotomy, a racial divide of long-term significance in southern African history. By the end of the 18th century, most European naturalists argued that ‘Caffre’ identified a people racially distinct from ‘Hottentots’ and ‘true Negroe...
Complexity in Attitudes Toward Abortion Access: Results from Two Studies

State governments in the US continue to pass legislation restricting access to abortion, suggesting that public opinion supports increased restriction. Research assessing the extent to which people’s abortion opinions are complex and nuanced (i.e., people’s opinions deviate from strictly pro-choice/pro-life stances) is lacking. Using an explanatory, sequential mixed-methods research design, the current study explores the complexity in people’s abortion opinions via two studies. Study 1 demonstrates the need for a more nuanced understanding of abortion attitudes, while Study 2 provides an initial assessment of potential complexity in people’s attitudes toward abortion. In Study 1, data from the General Social Survey (n = 1572) were used to examine responses to six abortion scenarios and assess demographic characteristics predictive of abortion opinions and complexity. In Study 2, surveys were administered to college students (n = 483) residing in politically conservative states asking about abortion self-identification and circumstances under which women should/should not have access. Data were analyzed using an inductive coding approach. According to Study 1, education, religious affiliation, living in a rural setting, and political affiliation were significantly related to abortion opinions and abortion complexity. According to Study 2, participants’ responses ranged widely. Pro-choice and pro-life identifying individuals cited numerous circumstances under which they believed women should/should not have access to abortion. Findings suggest that abortion opinions are highly complex and contextual. Although most recent legislation regarding abortion restricts and/or eliminates access, the majority of individuals remain somewhat or mostly in favor of access.
Sickle Cell Disease in the Emergency Department: Complications and Management

Abstract Sickle cell disease is the most common blood disorder in the United States, affecting 100 000 people. A genetic mutation creates hemoglobin S. In the deoxygenated state, hemoglobin S polymerizes, creating sickled hemoglobin. Sickled hemoglobin causes a cascade of complex pathophysiologic events that lead to hemolysis, chronic anemia and endothelial damage. This results in clinical complications, end organ dysfunction and a shortened life expectancy. The acute nature of many sickle cell complications makes the emergency department a common setting where sickle cell patients present. Common complications (vaso-occlusive episode, fever, acute chest syndrome, stroke) and less common complications (splenic sequestration, priapism, aplastic crisis, ocular emergencies) will be discussed. Public health implications will be discussed briefly.
Biliary Tract Abnormalities as a Cause of Distal Bowel Gas in Neonatal Duodenal Atresia

Background. The presence of distal bowel gas in an infant does not exclude the diagnosis of duodenal atresia. Case Presentation. We report a term neonate with Down syndrome. The infant developed vomiting and cyanosis with each feeding soon after birth. Plain film abdominal X-rays showed a nonspecific gas-filled stomach and small bowel. Duodenal atresia and an anomalous common bile were noted on an upper GI study and exploratory laparotomy. Conclusion. In the absence of a “double bubble” appearance and intestinal gas distally on a plain radiograph, one must not exclude duodenal atresia as the differential diagnosis.
Informatics Approach to the Rational Design of siRNA Libraries

This chapter surveys the literature for state-of-the-art methods for the rational design of siRNA libraries. It identifies and presents major milestones in the field of computational modeling of siRNA's gene silencing efficacy. Commonly used features of siRNAs are summarized along with major machine learning techniques employed to build the predictive models. It has also outlined several web-enabled siRNA design tools. To face the challenge of modeling and rational design of chemically modified siRNAs, it also proposes a new cheminformatics approach for the representation and characterization of siRNA molecules. Some preliminary results with this new approach are presented to demonstrate the promising potential of this method for the modeling of siRNA's efficacy. Together with novel delivery technologies and chemical modification techniques, rational siRNA design algorithms will ultimately contribute to chemical biology research and the efficient development of siRNA therapeutics.
Estimates of genetic parameters for carcass measures of body composition and growth in swine.

Records for pigs included in an experiment on reciprocal recurrent selection conducted from 1956 through 1971 at the USDA Beltsville Agriculture Research Center were analyzed to obtain estimates of heritabilities and genetic correlations and to derive prediction equations for estimating weight of lean cuts (WTLC) and percentage of lean cuts of shrunk slaughter weight (LCPC). Lean cuts growth rate (LCGR) was then estimated as WTLC/age of pig at slaughter. The base population consisted of two unrelated crossbred strains. A total of 1,294 records of F1 and F2 crossbred pigs were analyzed with one barrow and one gilt from each litter. Estimates of heritabilities and genetic correlations were computed with sire components of variance and covariance from a nested analysis of variance with an assumed model of years, strain-lines within years, sire within strain-lines, dams within sires and residual. Degrees of freedom were 307 for sires in strain-lines, 270 for dams in sires and 646 for residual. Heritability (h2) estimates were .42 +/- .13, .41 +/- .13 and .27 +/- .18 for WTLC, LCPC and LCGR, respectively, and .71 +/- .16, .38 +/- .13, .31 +/- .13 and .25 +/- .15 for carcass length, average backfat thickness, longissimus muscle area and ADG in BW, respectively. These estimates were apparently the first published genetic estimates involving LCGR based on carcass data. It was recommended that prediction equations to estimate WTLC, LCPC and LCGR for use in swine testing programs be derived from current meat-type pigs.
Pediatric contact lenses: case reports.

Background: Contact lenses may be a useful, even essential, treatment modality for children with a variety of optometric needs. Many clinicians who are experienced and capable contact lens practitioners but do not specialize in the care of children may refrain from considering contact lenses as a treatment option because of a host of perceived problems. Most of these concerns can be readily overcome with patience, planning, and education. Case Reports: Five cases are presented to illustrate specific clinical problems and the clinical application of contact lenses in the pediatric population. Conclusion: The case reports illustrate the clinical application of contact lens fitting in children with a variety of clinical needs. The use of contact lenses in children is an ongoing process, requiring great flexibility and creativity on the part of the optometrist. Educating the child and the family is an integral part of the treatment. The use of contact lenses in children is both an opportunity and a challenge that may result in great satisfaction for the child, the family, and the optometrist.
ISLA: How implicit or how explicit should it be? Theoretical, empirical, and pedagogical/curricular issues

Instructed second language acquisition (ISLA) research has recently attracted more focal attention due to the publications of three books and as the theme of the 2016 Second Language Research Forum...
Convergent Solution-Phase Combinatorial Synthesis with Multiplication of Diversity through Rigid Biaryl and Diarylacetylene Couplings

The solution-phase synthesis of iminodiacetic acid diamide libraries linked to aryl iodides and their Pd-catalyzed dimerization are detailed. Mixtures containing 64 980 components are synthesized in only 4 steps from N-BOC-iminodiacetic acid anhydride (1) and 21 readily available starting materials, demonstrating the multiplication of diversity achievable by the convergent assembly of building blocks. Both biaryl formation and sequential Stille couplings with bis(tributylstannyl)acetylene are utilized to dimerize the functionalized iminodiacetic acid diamide precursors resulting in product libraries with two sets of binding groups separated by variable length rigid linkers suitable for probing protein−protein interactions. Deconvolution libraries synthesized alongside the full mixtures allow for identification of active components.
Assessment of impinged flame structure in high-pressure direct diesel injection:

Spray impingement often occurs during cold-start in direct-injection diesel engines, affecting the subsequent combustion process by altering the local flow condition. This work has investigated the...
Obstruction of the Central Retinal Artery

In a woman of sixty-seven years, who had general arteriosclerosis, had had several paralytic strokes, and died a little later from coronary thrombosis, sudden blindness occurred in association with the ophthalmoscopic picture of obstruction of the central artery of the retina, together with the striking appearance of fragmentation of the retinal blood stream, as illustrated in the color drawings by the author which form the frontispiece to this issue.
Tafamidis Increases Serum TTR (Prealbumin) Levels in both ATTRh and ATTRwt Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) is caused by misfolded monomers or oligomers of the normally tetrameric protein transthyretin (TTR or prealbumin) that deposit in the myocardium. Tafamidis, a TTR stabilizer, binds to TTR, preventing dissociation of TTR, the rate-limiting step in amyloidgenesis and reduces morbidity and mortality in subjects with ATTR-CA. We evaluated whether administration of tafamidis was associated with increases in TTR levels. Methods 31 patients with ATTR-CA 78±7.4 years (mean±SD), 81% males including 7 with ATTRh (6 with Val122Ile and 1 with Thr60Ala) and 25 with ATTRwt had serum TTR measures performed clinically before and after administration of tafamidis for at least 1.7 months (52 days). Serum TTR (prealbumin) levels were measured by immunoturbidimetric assay. Results Serum TTR levels pre-stabilize administration were 20.6±5.6 mg/dL (mean±SD) and did differ between ATTRwt and ATTRh patients. TTR levels increased in from 18.5±7.2 to 28±7.4 mg/dl in ATTRh subjects (a median increase of 37%. p=0.046) and from 21.3±4.8 to 29.9±6.0 in ATTRwt subjects (a median increase of 40%. p Conclusion Tafamidis administration results in significant increases in TTR concentrations suggesting target engagement. Whether such increases are associated with clinical outcomes requires further study.
Anxiety and depressive symptoms and missing breast cancer and cervical screening: results from Brazos valley community health survey

Breast and cervical cancer screening are associated with dramatically reduced cancer mortality. Mental illnesses have been demonstrated to influence preventative behaviours. This study aims to expl...
Musical anhedonia and rewards of music listening: current advances and a proposed model

Music frequently elicits intense emotional responses, a phenomenon that has been scrutinized from multiple disciplines that span the sciences and arts. While most people enjoy music and find it rewarding, there is substantial individual variability in the experience and degree of music-induced reward. Here, we review current work on the neural substrates of hedonic responses to music. In particular, we focus the present review on specific musical anhedonia, a selective lack of pleasure from music. Based on evidence from neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and brain stimulation studies, we derive a neuroanatomical model of the experience of pleasure during music listening. Our model posits that hedonic responses to music are the result of connectivity between structures involved in auditory perception as a predictive process, and those involved in the brain's dopaminergic reward system. We conclude with open questions and implications of this model for future research on why humans appreciate music.
Astrocytes Amplify Neuronal Dendritic Volume Transmission Stimulated by Norepinephrine.

In addition to their support role in neurotransmitter and ion buffering, astrocytes directly regulate neurotransmission at synapses via local bidirectional signaling with neurons. Here, we reveal a form of neuronal-astrocytic signaling that transmits retrograde dendritic signals to distal upstream neurons in order to activate recurrent synaptic circuits. Norepinephrine activates α1 adrenoreceptors in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons to stimulate dendritic release, which triggers an astrocytic calcium response and release of ATP; ATP stimulates action potentials in upstream glutamate and GABA neurons to activate recurrent excitatory and inhibitory synaptic circuits to the CRH neurons. Thus, norepinephrine activates a retrograde signaling mechanism in CRH neurons that engages astrocytes in order to extend dendritic volume transmission to reach distal presynaptic glutamate and GABA neurons, thereby amplifying volume transmission mediated by dendritic release.
Higher-order oligomerization of a chimeric αβγ bifunctional diterpene synthase with prenyltransferase and class II cyclase activities is concentration-dependent.

Abstract The unusual diterpene (C20) synthase copalyl diphosphate synthase from Penicillium verruculosum (PvCPS) is the first bifunctional terpene synthase identified with both prenyltransferase and class II cyclase activities in a single polypeptide chain with αβγ domain architecture. The C-terminal prenyltransferase α domain generates geranylgeranyl diphosphate which is then cyclized to form copalyl diphosphate at the N-terminal βγ domain interface. We now demonstrate that PvCPS exists as a hexamer at high concentrations – a unique quaternary structure for known αβγ terpene synthases. Hexamer assembly is corroborated by a 2.41 A-resolution crystal structure of the α domain prenyltransferase obtained from limited proteolysis of full-length PvCPS, as well as the ab initio model of full-length PvCPS derived from small-angle X-ray scattering data. Hexamerization of the prenyltransferase α domain appears to drive the hexamerization of full-length PvCPS. The PvCPS hexamer dissociates into lower-order species at lower concentrations, as evidenced by size-exclusion chromatography in-line with multiangle light scattering, sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis experiments, suggesting that oligomerization is concentration dependent. Even so, PvCPS oligomer assembly does not affect prenyltransferase activity in vitro.
Advanced Characterization of Multifunctional Nanocomposites

As the field of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites (MNCs) grows to provide new avenues for advancement of aerospace materials, some challenges remain for optimizing material properties. Characterization of local properties of nanocomposites, especially at the interphase region, has been of prime interest for a long time. Interphase is defined by a localized region between a filler particle and the surrounding matrix, which is known to influence the performance of MNCs. Detailed characterization at this length scale is critical for understanding the influence of nanofiller on the composite. Such information is vital for the development of advanced materials and next-generation high-performance computational models. This chapter is focused on methods of interphase characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy with infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). Each characterization technique is able to independently give useful information about a sample; however, the ability to compare AFM-IR, AFM, and SEM images of the same region is invaluable for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the material. While AFM and AFM-IR are able to nondestructively inspect mechanical and chemical properties on the smallest possible length scales, SEM is vital for ensuring that the AFM and AFM-IR images are accurate representations of morphology, free of scanning artifacts.
The roles of thought and affect on entrepreneurship – A new hope

Abstract We challenge the current, psychology-based model ​of affect’s influences on the entrepreneurial process (and some of its past empirical support). We review the current model and identify its limitations. We analyze the relevance of ’hope’ as a cognitive capability underlying the entrepreneurial process and assess why it has yet to be leveraged in our field. We then use hope and the recent studies on emotional control to argue a new, and more prescriptive model of the role of affect in entrepreneurial cognition and action.
Assessing the potential of riparian reforestation to facilitate watershed climate adaptation.

Abstract Transformations of forested areas to agricultural and urban uses are known to degrade freshwater ecosystems, in part, because of increased surface runoff and soil erosion. Changes in climate are expected to exacerbate these impacts, particularly through increases and intensification of precipitation events during various times of the year. While decreases in greenhouse gas emissions are ultimately necessary to minimize changes in climate, best management practices (BMPs), such as reforestation, can serve as watershed climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of changes in air temperature and precipitation. The Meramec River Basin (MRB) in eastern Missouri is of economic and recreational importance and supports high levels of biodiversity. While much of the MRB is forested, various land transformations are increasing sediment inputs throughout the basin, and these contributions are expected to increase as climate changes. To address the potential of riparian reforestation to serve as a climate adaptation strategy in the MRB, we developed a Soil and Water Assessment Tool model to simulate streamflow and sediment transport throughout the basin. We then used model outputs characterizing spatial variation in sediment yields to identify critical source areas (CSAs) at the subbasin level. The application of a riparian buffer BMP was simulated in each CSA to quantify the effectiveness of this strategy in reducing sediment for contemporary conditions (1990–2009) as well as under three future climate scenarios for two time periods, 2040–2059 (mid-century) and 2080–2099 (late-century). For the contemporary period, the simulated addition of a riparian buffer BMP resulted in a projected 12.1% average reduction in surface sediment yield among CSAs. For the mid-century projection, subbasin surface sediment output is projected to increase by an average of 277.5% and 221.8% for the climate change scenario and the climate change + BMP scenario, respectively. In the late-century, respective increases in sediment for CSAs are estimated to be, on average, 690.7% and 528.3% for the climate change scenario and the climate change + BMP scenario. Results suggest that surface sediment yields will increase with climate change even with riparian buffer BMP applications. While adding a riparian buffer can potentially reduce sediment outputs, the reduction, on average, is likely inadequate to fully offset the impacts from changes in climate.
Layered assemblers for scalable parallel integration.

Many complex natural and artificial systems are composed of large numbers of elementary building blocks, such as organisms made of many biological cells or processors made of many electronic transistors. This modular substrate is essential to the evolution of biological and technological complexity, but has been difficult to replicate for mechanical systems. This study seeks to answer if layered assembly can engender exponential gains in the speed and efficacy of block or cell-based manufacturing processes. A key challenge is how to deterministically assemble large numbers of small building blocks in a scalable manner. Here, we describe two new layered assembly principles that allow assembly faster than linear time, integrating n modules in O(n2/3) and O(n1/3) time: one process uses a novel opto-capillary effect to selectively deposit entire layers of building blocks at a time, and a second process jets building block rows in rapid succession. We demonstrate the fabrication of multi-component structures out of up to 20 000 millimetre scale spherical building blocks in 3 h. While these building blocks and structures are still simple, we suggest that scalable layered assembly approaches, combined with a growing repertoire of standardized passive and active building blocks could help bridge the meso-scale assembly gap, and open the door to the fabrication of increasingly complex, adaptive and recyclable systems.
Individualized learning potential in stressful times: How to leverage intensive longitudinal data to inform online learning

Societal events - such as natural disasters, political shifts, or economic downturns - are time-varying and impact the learning potential of students in unique ways. These impacts are likely accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which precipitated an abrupt and wholesale transition to online education. Unfortunately, the individual-level consequences of these events are difficult to determine because the extant literature focuses on single-occasion surveys that produce only group-level inferences. To better understand individual-level variability in stress and learning, intensive longitudinal data can be leveraged. The goal of this paper is to illustrate this by discussing three different techniques for the analysis of intensive longitudinal data: (1) regression analyses; (2) multilevel models; and (3) person-specific network models, (e.g., group iterative multiple model estimation; GIMME). For each technique, a brief background in the context of education research is provided, an illustrative analysis is presented using data from college students who completed a 75-day intensive longitudinal study of cognition, somatic symptoms, anxiety, and intellectual interests during the 2016 U.S. Presidential election - a period of heightened sociopolitical stress - and strengths and limitations are considered. The paper ends with recommendations for future research, especially for intensive longitudinal studies of online education during COVID-19.
Parallel Field Test Architecture for Boot-ROMs in Safety-Critical SoCs

In safety-critical automotive devices with functional Read-only-memories (ROMs), boot-up time and periodic check of correctness of the ROM code is of utmost importance for the overall operation of the device from safety perspective. Current solutions use a hardware/software Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to validate the ROM contents. However, CRC comes with a significant test time overhead, which can impact the boot-up time of device. In this paper, we present a novel non-destructive field-test architecture which validates the ROM contents parallelly and reduces test-time significantly by 99% as compared to native CRC. We also present a novel methodology using which we can perform parallel test on boot-ROMs without disturbing the boot flow during power-up.
Intensive Care Unit Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and represent a major source of morbidity and increased length of stay. Arrhythmias are most likely to occur in patients with structural heart disease. The inciting factor for an arrhythmia in a given patient may be a transient imbalance, often related to hypoxia, infection, cardiac ischemia, catecholamine excess (endogenous or exogenous), or an electrolyte abnormality. Management includes correction of these imbalances as well as medical therapy directed at the arrhythmia itself.
Industry Specialization and Discretionary Accruals for Big 4 and Non-Big 4 Auditors

x 1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Research Questions and Motivation 1 1.2 Contributions 2 1.3 Summary of Results 3 1.4 Organization of Paper 3 2 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 4 2.1 Audit Quality 4 2.2 Auditor Size and Audit Quality 6 2.3 Industry Specialization and Audit Quality 8 2.3.1 Experimental Research 9 2.3.2 Archival Research 10 2.4 Auditor Size and Industry Specialization 14 2.5 Industry Specialization in Local Markets 16 2.6 Local vs. National Industry Specialization 20 2.7 Auditor Size Partitions 22 3 CHAPTER 3: HYPOTHESES DEVELOPMENT 27 3.1 Industry Specialization and Audit Quality 27 3.2 Audit Quality and Audit Firm Size 28 3.3 Industry Specialization in Local Markets and Intra-Tier Differences in Audit Quality 30 3.4 Industry Specialization in Local Markets and Inter-Tier Differences in Audit Quality 31 4 CHAPTER 4: DATA AND VARIABLE DEFINITIONS 33 4.1 Data Sources 33 4.2 Variables of Interest 33 4.2.1 Discretionary Accruals Estimation 35 4.2.2 Auditors’ Market Shares 37 4.2.3 Local Audit Markets 39 4.2.4 Industry Specialists in Local Markets 41
Bifurcating families of periodic traveling waves in rarefied plasmas

A necessary condition for the existence of undamped spatially periodic traveling waves near spatially uniform equilibria is derived. When the necessary condition is satisfied, a bifurcation analysis of Berstein-Greene-Kruskal modes is used to construct branches of such waves with wavelength equal to the fundamental wavelength. Expansions of the bifurcating potential for these waves are derived, and the reconstruction of the distribution function is discussed.
Electroless Deposition of TiO2 ∕ Ti onto Aluminum Substrates

The stability of titanium-based biomaterials has been linked to TiO 2 film covering the Ti metal. However, the conventional techniques for depositing TiO 2 render its surface modification very difficult. A unique alternative approach appears to be the use of electroless plating. This work discusses an approach for designing TiO 2 /Ti membrane using electroless deposition. Deposition was achieved via the chemical reduction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide on aluminum substrates in aqueous-alcoholic media (80% propanol:20% water) using anthracene as reducing agent. The aluminum substrates were initially sensitized and activated with SnCl 2 and PtCl 4 in that order, to induce the selective reduction of titanium metal ions. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was used as complexing agent while 2-mercaptobenzothiazole served as stabilizer. Subsequent characterization using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques confirmed that titanium oxides/titanium metals have been electrolessly deposited. Note that aluminum substrates that were not sensitized did not show any evidence of the presence of titanium, indicating that the sensitization and activation steps were necessary to initiate the electroless deposition of titanium. XPS confirmed that the electrolessly deposited surfaces contained Ti atoms in two different chemical environments, specifically TiO x /Ti atoms.