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PARP inhibitors (PARPi)‐based synthetic lethal therapy demonstrates limited efficacy for most cancer types that are homologous recombination (HR) proficient. To potentiate the PARPi application, a nanocarrier based on 5‐azacytidine (AZA)‐conjugated polymer (PAZA) for the codelivery of AZA and a PARP inhibitor, BMN673 (BMN) is developed. AZA conjugation significantly decreased the nanoparticle (NP) size and increased BMN loading. Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental validations shed mechanistic insights into the self‐assembly of effective NPs. The small PAZA NPs demonstrated higher efficiency of tumor targeting and penetration than larger NPs, which is mediated by a new mechanism of active targeting that involves the recruitment of fibronectin from serum proteins following systemic administration of PAZA NPs. Furthermore, it is found that PAZA carrier sensitize the HR‐proficient nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to BMN, a combination therapy that is more effective at a lower AZA/BMN dosage. To investigate the underlying mechanism, the tumor immune microenvironment and various gene expressions by RNAseq are explored. Moreover, the BMN/PAZA combination increased the immunogenicity and synergized with PD‐1 antibody in improving the overall therapeutic effect in an orthotopic model of lung cancer (LLC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much research attention has been focused on learning through game playing. However, very little has been focused on student learning through game making, especially in science. Moreover, none of the studies on learning through making games has presented an account of how students engage in the process of game design in real time. The present study seeks to address that gap. We report an exploratory embedded case study in which three groups of students in one classroom created a computer game designed to teach peers about climate science, while drawing on scientific knowledge, principles of game design, and computational thinking practices. Data sources were student design sheets, computer video, and audio screen capture while students created their game, and interviews after completing the curriculum unit. A theme‐driven framework was used to code the data. A curricular emphasis on systems across climate systems, game design, and computational thinking practices provided a context designed to synergistically supported student learning. This embedded case study provides a rich example of what a collaborative game design task in a constructionist context looks like in a middle school science classroom, and how it supports student learning. Game design in a constructionist learning environment that emphasized learning through building a game allowed students to choose their pathways through the learning experience and resulted in learning for all despite various levels of programming experience. Our findings suggest that game design may be a promising context for supporting student learning in STEM disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal was to examine (a) whether fathers' role‐level and status‐level identity salience are associated with father involvement (engagement, affection, responsibility) following divorce and (b) whether barriers to father involvement (coparenting relationship, divorce decree dissatisfaction) moderate associations between identity and involvement. Background: Father identity has been established as a predictor of father involvement. However, little is known about the effects of role‐level identity domains (caregiver identity, provider identity). Also, contextual factors may interfere with or support the enactment of father identities. Method: Fathers from a southeastern state (n = 116) who had experienced divorce within the past 3 months were included. Hierarchical regression was used to examine direct associations and moderation effects among key indicators. Results: Fathers' identity status salience was positively associated with engagement. Caregiving role salience was positively associated with responsibility. Provider role salience was positively associated with affection when coparenting cooperation was high and negatively associated with both affection and responsibility when coparenting cooperation was low. Conclusion: Findings suggest the importance of both the general father identity and role‐level identities to father involvement shortly following divorce. Coparenting cooperation may be an important mechanism for fostering involvement, especially for fathers who more strongly identify as financial providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypercontractile esophagus (HE) is a disorder of increased esophageal body contractile strength on high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). Compartmentalized pressurization (CP) is a pattern with an isobaric contour of >30 mmHg extending from the contractile front to the lower esophageal sphincter on HREM. The relevance of CP to HE has yet to be explored. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on 830 HREM studies of patients to identify HE. HE patients' CP status and symptoms by Eckardt score (ES) were reviewed. Diagnoses were made using Chicago Classification (CC) v4.0. Key Results: Forty‐seven patients (5.6%) were identified as having HE by CCv3, 30 (3.6%) of which had HE by CCv4. 11/30 HE patients had CP, and 19/30 did not. CP was associated with chronic opioid use (36.4% vs. 5.3% p = 0.047). Presenting ES was greater for HE patients with CP (7 vs. 4). Seven HE patients with CP and 11 without CP were managed medically. ES after medical therapy was higher in HE patients with CP compared to those without CP (9 vs. 0). No HE patients with CP responded to medical therapy. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated significance of this association over time. 83% of all HE patients had all‐cause symptom remission. Conclusions & Inferences: HE patients with CP are associated with a higher presenting ES. HE patients with CP do not respond to medical therapy, while HE patients without CP frequently do respond. CP in HE may have prognostic value in determination of treatment strategy for patients with HE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic pain negatively affects sleep; it is unclear whether pain relief from acupuncture contributes to sleep quality improvements in cancer survivors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture versus usual care on sleep quality among cancer survivors with comorbid sleep disturbance and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: Sleep outcome data from the Personalized Electroacupuncture Versus Auricular Acupuncture Comparative Effectiveness (PEACE) randomized clinical trial were analyzed. Electroacupuncture or auricular acupuncture was compared with usual care for sleep quality improvement over 10 weeks of treatment among cancer survivors with clinically significant sleep disturbance and chronic musculoskeletal pain at baseline. Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score. Results: Among 268 participants (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age, 61.4 [12.6] years; 191 women [71.3%]; mean [SD] baseline PSQI global score, 10.3 [3.3] points), electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture resulted in greater reductions in the PSQI global score from baseline to 10 weeks in comparison with usual care: 1.42 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–2.38; p =.004) and 1.59 points (95% CI, 0.62–2.55; p =.001), respectively. The improvement in sleep quality for the acupuncture groups was sustained for 24 weeks from randomization. Furthermore, a greater proportion of patients in the electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture groups had clinically meaningful improvement in sleep quality compared to the usual care group (41.0% and 42.9% vs. 21.4%; p =.044). Conclusions: Among cancer survivors with comorbid sleep disturbance and chronic pain, electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture produced a clinically relevant and persistent improvement in sleep quality. These findings suggest that acupuncture may be an evidence‐based nonpharmacologic intervention to improve sleep health for cancer survivors with pain. Plain Language Summary: This study analyzed the sleep quality data from a published randomized clinical trial that evaluated the effect of electroacupuncture or auricular acupuncture versus usual care on pain relief among people who survived cancer.This analysis included a prespecified subgroup of 268 participants with co‐occurring sleep disturbance and chronic musculoskeletal pain at baseline and found that patients who used acupuncture for pain relief demonstrated greater improvements in sleep quality compared with patients who received usual care.Sleep quality improvement by acupuncture was sustained after the treatment ended. Among cancer survivors with comorbid sleep disturbance and chronic pain, both electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture improved sleep quality compared to usual care. The improvement in sleep quality by acupuncture treatment was sustained to 24 weeks after randomization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary members from psychology were Allport and his brilliant former student Jerome Bruner, along with Murray with his former Clinic lieutenant Robert White who was named Director of the new department's clinical psychology program. This book is based on a remarkable Harvard undergraduate honors thesis completed by Patrick Schmidt in 1978, now revisited and moderately updated following a long career in international law. Harvard's Department of Social Relations was formalized in 1946 in a merger of forces from sociology, social anthropology, and social and clinical psychology in an intended interdisciplinary collaboration. [Extracted from the article]

Functional regulation of cell signaling through dynamic changes in protein activity state as well as spatial organization represent two dynamic, complex, and conserved phenomena in biology. Seemingly separate areas of ‐omics method development have focused on building tools that can detect and quantify protein activity states, as well as map sub‐cellular and intercellular protein organization. Integration of these efforts, through the development of chemical tools and platforms that enable detection and quantification of protein functional states with spatial resolution provide opportunities to better understand heterogeneity in the proteome within cell organelles, multi‐cellular tissues, and whole organisms. This review provides an overview of and considerations for major classes of chemical proteomic probes and technologies that enable protein activity mapping from sub‐cellular compartments to live animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is prefaced with a useful family tree of the titular Huxleys, arising from "Darwin's Bulldog" Thomas Henry (TH) Huxley, and often considered part of the British "intellectual aristocracy." Bashford further shows that for all of these advantages, membership in the Huxley family conferred little protection against "maladies of thought" - TH's term to designate the severe melancholic episodes that periodically interrupted his own strenuous labors. A dustjacket blurb for this book asks why all history books can not share its "engaging intimacy of a novel", and indeed I The Huxleys i manifests many of the attractions and complexities of a novelistic family saga. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a book titled "Freud and psychoanalysis: Six introductory lectures" by John Forrester, a historian of science at the University of Cambridge. The book is based on recordings of Forrester's undergraduate lectures on Freud and psychoanalysis, reconstructed by his widow and daughter. The lectures cover a wide range of topics, including the historical foundations of psychoanalysis, dreams and sexuality, and the significance of psychoanalysis in the twentieth century. The article highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the book, noting that while it is engaging and thought-provoking, it may not be suitable as an introductory textbook due to its vast coverage and lack of editing for publication. The article also mentions some reservations about the book's treatment of Freud's critics and the omission of certain criticisms of his work. Overall, the article recommends the book for advanced students and scholars of psychoanalysis, but not as an introductory text. [Extracted from the article]

Data‐intensive discovery of water‐splitting catalysts can accelerate the development of sustainable energy technologies, such as the photocatalytic and/or electrocatalytic production of renewable hydrogen fuel. Through computational screening, 13 materials were recently predicted as potential water‐splitting photocatalysts: Cu3NbS4, CuYS2, SrCu2O2, CuGaO2, Na3BiO4, Sr2PbO4, LaCuOS, LaCuOSe, Na2TeO4, La4O4Se3, Cu2WS4, BaCu2O2, and CuAlO2. Herein, these materials are synthesized, their bandgaps and band alignments are experimentally determined, and their photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen evolution properties are assessed. Using cyclic voltammetry and chopped illumination experiments, 9 of the 13 materials are experimentally found to have bandgaps and band alignments that straddle the potentials required for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), as computationally predicted. During photocatalytic testing, 12 of the materials yield a measurable photocurrent. However, only three are found to be active for the HER, with Cu3NbS4, CuYS2, and Cu2WS4 producing H2 in amounts comparable to bare TiO2; a benchmark photocatalyst. This study provides experimental validation of computational bandgap and band alignment predictions while also successfully identifying active photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gale crater, the field site for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, contains a diverse and extensive record of aeolian deposition and erosion. This study focuses on a series of regularly spaced, curvilinear, and sometimes branching bedrock ridges that occur within the Glen Torridon region on the lower northwest flank of Aeolis Mons, the central mound within Gale crater. During Curiosity's exploration of Glen Torridon between sols ∼2300–3080, the rover drove through this field of ridges, providing the opportunity for in situ observation of these features. This study uses orbiter and rover data to characterize ridge morphology, spatial distribution, compositional and material properties, and association with other aeolian features in the area. Based on these observations, we find that the Glen Torridon ridges are consistent with an origin as wind‐eroded bedrock ridges, carved during the exhumation of Mount Sharp. Erosional features like the Glen Torridon ridges observed elsewhere on Mars, termed periodic bedrock ridges (PBRs), have been interpreted to form transverse to the dominant wind direction. The size and morphology of the Glen Torridon PBRs are consistent with transverse formative winds, but the orientation of nearby aeolian bedforms and bedrock erosional features raise the possibility of PBR formation by a net northeasterly wind regime. Although several formation models for the Glen Torridon PBRs are still under consideration, and questions persist about the nature of PBR‐forming paleowinds, the presence of PBRs at this site provides important constraints on the depositional and erosional history of Gale crater. Plain Language Summary: Wind has played a major role in sculpting the surface of Mars. Gale crater, the field site for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover since it landed there in 2012, contains a vast and varied record of deposition and erosion by the wind. This study focuses on a series of regularly spaced, generally straight bedrock ridges that occur within the clay‐bearing Glen Torridon region of Aeolis Mons (informally named Mount Sharp) in Gale crater. During Curiosity's exploration of the Glen Torridon region between sols ∼2300–3080 of the mission, the rover drove through this field of ridges, acquiring images and compositional observations along the way. This study characterizes the Glen Torridon ridges using orbiter and rover data to determine their shape, size, occurrence, and relationship to other wind‐formed features in the area. We find that the Glen Torridon ridges were carved by wind into the bedrock of Mount Sharp. Questions remain about the winds that formed these ridges, but this study provides important information about the history and environment of Gale crater and reports the first rover observations of this type of erosional feature on Mars. Key Points: Decameter‐long, regularly spaced bedrock ridges oriented northeast‐southwest occur throughout the Glen Torridon region of Aeolis MonsGlen Torridon ridges cross‐cut elevation contours and bedding, exhibit bifurcations, and are disrupted by small impact cratersGlen Torridon ridges are erosional periodic bedrock ridges whose formation places erosional and depositional constraints on Aeolis Mons [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal inertia is a key summary property describing the thermophysical characteristics of geologic materials. Orbital estimates of thermal inertia are especially useful in conjunction with rover‐based observations to provide additional constraints on material properties and to interpret the broader region surrounding the traverse. We have developed an approach to estimate apparent thermal inertias (ATI) from observations from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) at a much higher spatial resolution than is available from any other orbital data set. We apply this method to along‐track oversampled scene FRT00021C92 over Gale Crater within Glen Torridon, where the Curiosity rover has traversed; the retrieved values are then analyzed along with remote sensing and in‐situ observations by Curiosity to characterize surface properties in and around Glen Torridon. CRISM‐based ATI estimates of basaltic sand fields indicate a correlation between higher ATI values and the abundance of large (up to 3 mm in size) grains on the crests and flanks of large ripples. On the Vera Rubin ridge, ATI estimates are used to identify a west‐to‐east increase in the abundance of rock fragments within unconsolidated surface cover. On the Greenheugh pediment, an unmixing approach is used to identify a thin layer of wind‐blown sand sourced from the nearby Sands of Forvie. Finally, within Glen Torridon, a north‐to‐south increase in the mean and width of the ATI distribution is identified as a consequence of increased bench‐like bedrock exposures. Plain Language Summary: We used images taken by an instrument on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter to estimate a property called thermal inertia in the area surrounding the Curiosity rover, which can be used to distinguish solid rock from sand or other loose material. By correlating our orbital estimates with observations from Curiosity, we were able to constrain a variety of surface properties at various locations along Curiosity's traverse. In sand fields, we were able to determine whether large sand grains (up to a few mm in size) are present on ripple crests, which provides constraints on ripple activity. On the Vera Rubin ridge, we identified an increase in the amount of rock fragments when moving from west to east along the ridge. On the Greenheugh pediment, these estimates along with spectral data identified a thin layer of sand cover blown in from the nearby Sands of Forvie. Finally, within Glen Torridon, changes in thermal inertia have been identified that correspond to the presence of periodic bedrock ridge structures, which may help to constrain models of their formation. Key Points: Orbital thermal inertia is estimated from Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars data at a resolution of 12 m/pixelUnmixing models are applied to identify spatial changes in bedrock and regolith properties in Gale Crater [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dark‐toned, indurated, smooth horizon, and (or) bed (herein called "marker horizon") is exposed across much of the northwestern, southwestern, and southeastern portions of Mount Sharp in Gale crater. Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars spectra taken from the marker horizon exhibit evidence for the presence of high calcium pyroxene and other basaltic minerals in contrast to the hydrated sulfate signatures associated with strata above and below it. Mean dips for the marker horizon and sulfate‐bearing strata are 1–5° with almost all azimuths radially away from the center of Mount Sharp. The marker horizon thickness varies between <1 and 3 m and its elevation changes by 1.6 km across the mound. Surface slopes along the sulfate‐bearing strata above and below the marker horizon are typically 20°–40° compared to <5° surface slopes on the marker horizon. Features observed on the marker horizon include ridges, fractures, faults, layering, oval depressions, small craters, and possible yardangs/indurated bedforms. We interpret the marker horizon to be a single unit that formed contemporaneously across Mount Sharp during the same depositional sequence that created the sulfate‐bearing strata. Plausible formation mechanisms for the marker horizon include (1) emplacement of a more indurated sulfate unit, either from (a) primary deposition or (b) secondary diagenesis; (2) deposition of a more resistant sandstone unit during a brief drier period; (3) emplacement of a volcanic ash deposit laid down in the midst of the sulfate formation period; or (4) a lag deposit created during a drier period. Based on our observations, origins (1a) and (3) are the most plausible. Plain Language Summary: We investigated a marker horizon and/or bed within Gale crater on Mars, which we refer to as the "marker horizon," using several data sets collected by instruments in orbit around Mars. This horizon is darker, smoother, and stronger compared to the rocks around it, which is why it stands out in the images observed from orbit. The marker horizon appears as a ledge because it is much flatter than the surrounding sulfate‐bearing units. We found many features on the marker horizon, including ridges, fractures, faults, layering, and small oval depressions, including craters. There are several ways the horizon could have formed, such as it is the same as the sulfate‐bearing rocks found around it, but the bed became hardened either while it formed or later by water carrying minerals to cement it. It could also be a sandstone or lag deposit that formed when it was drier in Gale crater. Another possibility is that the horizon could be hardened volcanic ash that was laid down when a nearby volcano explosively erupted ash into the atmosphere. We will have to wait until the Curiosity rover reaches the marker horizon to determine which origin is most plausible. Key Points: We interpret the marker horizon to be one unit that formed during the time that the sulfate‐bearing strata accumulated across the moundThe horizon predominantly dips radially away from the center of the crater with dips and azimuths similar to the sulfate‐bearing strataOrigins for the marker horizon include a more indurated sulfate, a more resistant sandstone, a volcanic ash deposit, or a lag deposit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological materials have high carrier mobilities that can be maintained in the presence of crystal structure defects, which is useful for catalysis. Topological materials have been shown to be active catalysts, but it remains unclear if topology persists during catalysis. We studied the physical and chemical evolution of MoTe2 during photo‐ and electrocatalytic hydrogen production. This material offers a unique opportunity to directly compare a trivial semiconductor, 2H‐MoTe2, with a topological insulator, 1T'‐MoTe2, with comparable compositions, crystal structures, and surface roughnesses. We observed no major bulk changes in the materials after catalysis. The surfaces of the catalysts were significantly roughened and oxidized, but the carrier mobility of the topological phase remained high. These results suggest that topology persists during, and may be advantageous for, catalysis, and provide rationale for considering topology in the search for water‐splitting catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity data to investigate the origin and alteration of lithic types along the western rim of Noachian‐aged Endeavour crater on Meridiani Planum. Two geologic units are identified along the rim: the Shoemaker and Matijevic formations. The Shoemaker formation consists of two types of polymict impact breccia: clast‐rich with coarser clasts in upper units; clast‐poor with smaller clasts in lower units. Comparisons with terrestrial craters show that the lower units represent more distal ejecta from at least two earlier impacts, and the upper units are proximal ejecta from Endeavour crater. Both are mixtures of target rocks of basaltic composition with subtle compositional variations caused by differences in post‐impact alteration. The Matijevic formation and lower Shoemaker units represent pre‐Endeavour geology, which we equate with the regional Noachian subdued cratered unit. An alteration style unique to these rocks is formation of smectite and Si‐ and Al‐rich vein‐like structures crosscutting outcrops. Post‐Endeavour alteration is dominated by sulfate formation. Rim‐crossing fracture zones include regions of alteration that produced Mg‐sulfates as a dominant phase, plausibly closely associated in time with the Endeavour impact. Calcium‐sulfate vein formation occurred over extended time, including before the Endeavour impact and after the Endeavour rim had been substantially degraded, likely after deposition of the Burns formation that surrounds and embays the rim. Differences in Mg, Ca and Cl concentrations on rock surfaces and interiors indicate that mobilization of salts by transient water has occurred recently and may be ongoing. Plain Language Summary: Data returned by the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity was used to investigate rock origins along the western rim of Endeavour crater on Meridiani Planum, Mars. The Shoemaker formation consists of impact‐formed breccia of two types: coarser‐grained upper subunits and finer‐grained lower subunits. The lower units represent ejecta from at least two older, more distant craters, while the upper units are ejecta from Endeavour crater. Subtle compositional differences are caused by differences in post‐impact alteration along the crater rim. The lower Shoemaker units represent part of the pre‐Endeavour rock sequence. An alteration style unique to these rocks is formation of Si‐ and Al‐rich structures crosscutting bedrock. Post‐Endeavour alteration is dominated by sulfate formation. Fracture zones in the rim include regions of alteration that produced Mg‐sulfates as a dominant phase, plausibly closely associated in time with the Endeavour impact. Calcium‐sulfate vein formation occurred over extended time, some before the Endeavour impact and some much later, likely after deposition of the sulfate‐rich sandstones of Meridiani Planum. Differences in composition of rock surfaces and interiors indicate that mobilization of salts by transient water has occurred recently and may be ongoing on Mars. Key Points: Clast‐poor impact breccias on Endeavour crater rim are distal ejecta from at least two earlier impactsEnrichments in Si and Al, and smectite formation are unique to pre‐Endeavour rocks; post‐Endeavour alteration formed Ca‐ and Mg‐sulfatesMagnesium, Ca and Cl have been mobilized by transient thin films of water acting on salts very recently, and could be ongoing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Yoga is a meditative movement therapy focused on mind-body awareness. The impact of yoga on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is unclear. Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized wait-list controlled trial of 8 weeks of yoga (n = 21) versus wait-list control (n = 20) for CIPN in 41 breast and gynecological cancer survivors with persistent moderate to severe CIPN. HRQOL endpoints were Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The Treatment Expectancy Scale (TES) was administered at baseline. We estimated mean changes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from baseline to weeks 8 and 12 and compared arms using constrained linear mixed models. Results: At week 8, HADS anxiety scores decreased −1.61 (−2.75, −0.46) in the yoga arm and −0.32 (−1.38, 0.75) points in the wait-list control arm (p = 0.099). At week 12, HADS anxiety scores decreased −1.42 (−2.57, −0.28) in yoga compared to an increase of 0.46 (−0.60, 1.53) in wait-list control (p = 0.017). There were no significant differences in HADS depression, BFI, or ISI scores between yoga and waitlist control. Baseline TES was significantly higher in yoga than in wait-list control (14.9 vs. 12.7, p = 0.019). TES was not associated with HADS anxiety reduction and HADS anxiety reduction was not associated with CIPN pain reduction. Conclusions: Yoga may reduce anxiety in patients with CIPN. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of flash sintering boron carbide (B4C) was investigated using a direct current (DC) electric field across different electrodes, field strengths, and thermal profiles. Flash behavior was observed at furnace temperatures as low as 386°C with field strengths of 68‐278 V/cm, but only a small channel of the specimen was densified due to hot spot effects. Application of a 2.2 V/cm·s voltage ramp at a constant temperature of 550°C caused uniform heating, but at temperatures too low for sintering. Scalable densification of B4C at low furnace temperatures with flash sintering is theorized to be possible by applying a higher current density through power supply or specimen modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance This study reports the impact of laser surgery on quality of life in patients with oral cavity lesions. Objective: To compare postoperative pain and quality of life in patients treated with flexible fiberoptic CO2 laser vs electrocautery in patients with oral cavity precancerous lesions and early stage cancers. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Single center. Participants: Patients with premalignant oral cavity lesions and early stage oral cancer. Intervention: Patients were randomized to have surgical resection using either flexible fiber carbon dioxide laser (Laser) or electrocautery (EC). The patients were then followed over a period of 28 days to assess for outcomes including pain, quality of life, performance status, return to work, and return to diet. Quality of life was measured by the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire and the performance status score (PSS). Main outcome measure: The primary endpoint for this study was the numerical pain rating on postoperative day (POD) 7. Results: Sixty‐two patients were randomized (32 laser and 30 electrocautery). Lesions excised were carcinoma in 30(48%), dysplasia in 31(50%) and benign in 1(2%). There was no difference in the location of lesion, size of lesion, defect size, type of closure, resection time, and blood loss between Laser and EC arms. Patients who had Laser had less pain compared to EC (mean pain score on POD 7 L = 2.84 vs EC = 3.83, P = 0.11). better UW QOL scores and PSS scores, quicker return to normal diet (median days L = 26.0 vs EC = 28.5, P = 0.17) and faster return to work (median days L = 13.0 vs EC = 16.5, P = 0.14). However, these results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was a trend for patients treated with laser to have less pain and better quality of life scores but these result were not statistically significant. Based on the actual observed difference, a large multicenter RCT with 90 patients in each arm is required to determine the clinical relevance of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine (a) associations among coparental interaction (cooperation, overt conflict, covert conflict) and father involvement (engagement, in‐kind financial support), (b) associations among the three dimensions of coparental interaction, and (c) associations among the two dimensions of father involvement, shortly after divorce. Background: Family relationships change shortly after divorce, yet little research has examined coparental interaction and father involvement shortly after divorce and overt and covert conflict are often not included. Method: Mothers and fathers from different families in a southeastern state (N = 194) participated within 3 months after divorce (Time 1) and 3 to 6 months later (Time 2). A cross‐lagged structural equation model was used to examine reciprocal associations among dimensions of coparental interaction and father involvement. Results: Higher father engagement and lower overt conflict (Time 1) were associated with higher cooperation (Time 2). Covert conflict was associated with later overt conflict. In‐kind support was not associated with later father engagement or coparental interaction. No reciprocal associations among variables were found. Conclusion: Coparental conflict and father engagement may be salient to the development of later coparental relationships following divorce. Implications: Practitioners can help parents manage conflict and encourage father engagement to foster healthy coparental relationships after divorce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a conceptual model drawing from family systems theory that focuses on the intersection of coparenting and routine development and maintenance as a key process in family management. The importance of both coparenting and routines for family management has been clearly articulated in the literature; however, how they impact one another and work together in family management has not been conceptualized. After briefly reviewing the literature, we articulate a model of family management that includes the establishment, monitoring, and adjustment of routines, orchestrated by the coparental subsystem. We then explore the intersection of coparenting and routine development, examining how both systems of family management influence each other. We argue that when coparenting and routines work effectively together, the result is greater levels of family integrity and continuity. Finally, we provide suggestions for further empirical work and practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines) is the largest pathogenic cause of soybean yield loss. The Rhg1 locus is the most used and best characterized SCN resistance locus, and contains three genes including one encoding an α‐SNAP protein. Although the Rhg1 α‐SNAP is known to play an important role in vesicle trafficking and SCN resistance, the protein's binding partners and the molecular mechanisms underpinning SCN resistance remain unclear. In this report, we show that the Rhg1 α‐SNAP strongly interacts with two syntaxins of the t‐SNARE family (Glyma.12G194800 and Glyma.16G154200) in yeast and plants; importantly, the genes encoding these syntaxins co‐localize with SCN resistance quantitative trait loci. Fluorescent visualization revealed that the α‐SNAP and the two interacting syntaxins localize to the plasma membrane and perinuclear space in both tobacco epidermal and soybean root cells. The two syntaxins and their two homeologs were mutated, individually and in combination, using the CRISPR‐Cas9 system in the SCN‐resistant Peking and SCN‐susceptible Essex soybean lines. Peking roots with deletions introduced into syntaxin genes exhibited significantly reduced resistance to SCN, confirming that t‐SNAREs are critical to resisting SCN infection. The results presented here uncover a key step in the molecular mechanism of SCN resistance, and will be invaluable to soybean breeders aiming to develop highly SCN‐resistant soybean varieties. Significance Statement: Although the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most damaging pathogen of soybeans in the USA, resistance mechanisms are still only partially understood. In this study, we identify two genes encoding syntaxin proteins that interact with a key player in SCN resistance, the Rhg1 α‐SNAP protein. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we knockout these syntaxins in soybean roots and demonstrate they are essential to maintain SCN resistance. These findings will aid in the development of yield‐protecting SCN resistance traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Two Early Classic period (ca 250–600 CE) Maya carved, greenstone jade pendants, Specimens A and B, were recovered from the Pacbitun site in Belize in 1987. Mass scans of resolution ~600,000 were obtained for the jade pendants and two British Columbia jade ornaments. Methods: Polyatomic ions from jade grit have been observed using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR‐MS), specifically the Bruker Daltonics, SolariX XR, combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI); the matrix material was α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamicacid. Results: Presented here is an interpretation of the mass spectrometric observations from multiplicities of silicate materials. Observation of novel polyatomic ion species of m/z 800–1400 indicate the ejection of charged ensembles composed of 60–180 atoms from jade grit. The charged ensembles represent minute regions of jade grit that have retained many of the spatial relationships of atoms within the jade; the required ejection energy is provided by laser photons accumulated in the matrix. Acid solutions of grit from Specimens A and ornament KMM were analyzed by inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The novelty of this application of mass spectrometry to jade was reported in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Conclusions: Isotopic fine structure analysis can yield elemental compositions for ions composed of base isotopes together with stable isotope intensities arising from ions with one and two additional neutrons. The analysis is challenging as jade is a multiplicity of similar solid solutions; thus, a multiple isotopic fine structure approach has been explored. Attempts to compose ensembles of atoms, of those elements found normally in coloured silicates, to match the observed ion mass/charge ratios were unsuccessful without the addition of multiple hydrogen atoms. The production of polyatomic ions of siliceous material may permit impinging fine glass coatings onto construction materials for protection against fire and weather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloying metals can achieve enhanced kinetics for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but most known HER alloy catalysts combine metals that are miscible in the bulk. Theoretical studies suggest that bulk‐immiscible AgRh alloys will exhibit near‐zero hydrogen binding energies, which is important for high‐performing HER catalysts. Current routes to AgRh nanoparticles yield only small quantities or require specialized setups. Here, we establish a ligand‐free, scalable synthesis of AgRh nanoparticles and demonstrate their catalytic viability for the HER under acidic conditions. AgRh nanoparticle electrodes exhibited low operating potentials with current densities of −10 and −100 mA/cm2 at overpotentials of −17 and −32 mV, respectively. The electrodes were highly durable with very little change in overpotentials required to maintain hydrogen production for 24 h and after 400 successive cycles. These results establish bulk‐immiscible AgRh alloys as promising non‐Pt HER catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the development of an 18F‐labeled, activity‐based small‐molecule probe targeting the cancer‐associated serine hydrolase NCEH1. We undertook a focused medicinal chemistry campaign to simultaneously preserve potent and specific NCEH1 labeling in live cells and animals, while permitting facile 18F radionuclide incorporation required for PET imaging. The resulting molecule, [18F]JW199, labels active NCEH1 in live cells at nanomolar concentrations and greater than 1000‐fold selectivity relative to other serine hydrolases. [18F]JW199 displays rapid, NCEH1‐dependent accumulation in mouse tissues. Finally, we demonstrate that [18F]JW199 labels aggressive cancer tumor cells in vivo, which uncovered localized NCEH1 activity at the leading edge of triple‐negative breast cancer tumors, suggesting roles for NCEH1 in tumor aggressiveness and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A classical problem in fluid mechanics is the motion of an axisymmetric vortex sheet evolving under the action of surface tension, surrounded by an inviscid fluid. Lagrangian descriptions of these dynamics are well‐known, involving complex nonlocal expressions for the radial and longitudinal velocities in terms of elliptic integrals. Here we use these prior results to arrive at a remarkably compact and exact Eulerian evolution equation for the sheet radius r(z, t) in an explicit flux form associated with the conservation of enclosed volume. The flux appears as an integral involving the pairwise mutual induction formula for vortex loop pairs first derived by Helmholtz and Maxwell. We show how the well‐known linear stability results for cylindrical vortex sheets in the presence of surface tension and streaming flows [A. M. Sterling and C. A. Sleicher, J. Fluid Mech.68, 477 (1975)] can be obtained directly from this formulation. Furthermore, the inviscid limit of the empirical model of Eggers and Dupont [J. Fluid Mech.262 205 (1994); SIAM J. Appl. Math.60, 1997 (2000)], which has served as the basis for understanding singularity formation in droplet pinchoff, is derived within the present formalism as the leading‐order term in an asymptotic analysis for long slender axisymmetric vortex sheets and should provide the starting point for a rigorous analysis of singularity formation. © 2019 the Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics is published by the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a studbook, MULT is used in a parent ID field when the actual parent is unknown but the parent is known to be one of a set of possible parents. Probabilities of being the actual parent are assigned to each possible parent in the MULT group, and that information is used in the calculation of mean kinships (MKs). Parental probabilities are typically assigned based on the species biology and/or what was known about how the animals were being managed at the time of conception. If there is no additional information, the default is to assign each possible parent the same probability. What has not been considered to date is the impact of different MKs among the group of possible parents. Methods are developed which allow a combination of parental probabilities and MKs into parental weights. These weights replace parental probabilities in the analysis. One important conclusion is that even when the MKs of possible parents are quite different, the difference between the parental weights and probabilities is typically less than 30%. This highlights the importance of correct estimation of parental probabilities, whenever possible, instead of reliance on a default. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effect of efavirenz on the activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2, CYP2A6, xanthine oxidase (XO), and N‐acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), using caffeine as a probe. A single 150 mg oral dose of caffeine was administered to healthy volunteers (n = 58) on two separate occasions; with a single 600 mg oral dose of efavirenz and after treatment with 600 mg/day efavirenz for 17 days. Caffeine and its metabolites in plasma and urine were quantified using liquid chromatography/tandem‐mass spectrometry. DNA was genotyped for CYP2B6*4 (785A>G), CYP2B6*9 (516G>T), and CYP2B6*18 (983T>C) alleles using TaqMan assays. Relative to single‐dose efavirenz treatment, multiple doses of efavirenz decreased CYP1A2 (by 38%) and increased CYP2A6 (by 85%) activities (P < 0.05); XO and NAT2 activities were unaffected. CYP2B6*6*6 genotype was associated with lower CYP1A2 activity following both single and multiple doses of efavirenz. No similar association was noted for CYP2A6 activity. This is the first report showing that efavirenz reduces hepatic CYP1A2 and suggesting chronic efavirenz exposure likely enhances the elimination of CYP2A6 substrates. This is also the first to report the extent of efavirenz–CYP1A2 interaction may be efavirenz exposure‐dependent and CYP2B6 genotype‐dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a leading expert on the history of French psychology, Serge Nicolas of the Université de Paris has published frequently in English as well as his native French - the former in an effort to promote better understanding between the two often differing psychological cultures. Nicolas notes that the word "synesthesia", defined as "a mental phenomenon in which an objective stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary subjective experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway" (p. 9), became generally accepted only in the early 1900s. Virtually all of Nicolas's most recent sources are in English, and he notes with some sadness that his book is "the first to have been published on this issue in France for a long time" (p. 21). [Extracted from the article]

Nanoscale transition metal tellurides are important materials for a variety of applications. However, solution‐phase methods to synthesize nanoscale transition metal tellurides are not as well‐developed as for related sulfide and selenide systems. Here, we show that pre‐formed colloidal metal nanoparticles react with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride to form their corresponding tellurides. Nanoparticles of Pd, Pt, and Ni convert to nanoscale particles of the layered transition metal dichalcogenides PdTe2, PtTe2, and NiTe2 upon reaction with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride. When Pd nanoparticles instead react with a TOP‐Te complex (TOP = trioctylphosphine), PdTe forms. This result demonstrates that the metal telluride phase that forms can be controlled by the reactivity of the tellurium reagent. Other nanoparticles, including Co, Ag, and Rh, also form crystalline metal tellurides upon reaction with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride, which indicates that this approach to synthesizing nanoscale transition metal tellurides is general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon the death of Peter H. Dawson in 2015, mass spectrometry lost a major figure. Within the area of radiofrequency quadrupole electric fields applied to mass spectrometry, Dawson stands alongside its pioneers Wolfgang Paul, Nobelist and inventor of the technology, and Wilson Brubaker, who identified and overcame the deleterious effects of fringing electric fields on quadrupole mass filter performance. Seventy‐one of Dawson's 97 scientific publications are concerned with quadrupole mass analysers, ion traps and monopole mass spectrometers. Of especial note are his book and review articles in which he disseminated information on the theoretical fundamentals and practicalities of these systems to a wider audience, thereby having a major impact on the development of this important field of endeavour. The scientific researches of Dr Dawson, and his advice and counsel, influenced to a major degree, and to the better, the research careers, teachings and the lives of the authors of this piece. Their combined researches on quadrupole devices led to the commercialization of the ion trap as a mass spectrometer by which mass spectral information became available at greatly reduced cost. Thus, the advent of commercial ion trapping instruments permitted a greater use of mass spectrometry in both technically advanced countries and those less well advanced. The greatest impact in health services was mass spectrometric analysis of environmental problems, well and stream water, food free of pesticides, etc., and forensic sciences. Our combined indebtedness to Dr Dawson is manifested by this appreciation of his scientific work, the highlighting of his main contributions, and creation of a substantive reference source to his work that can be used by other scientists. A comprehensive list of Dr Dawson's publications, including abstracts or summaries, has been arranged in chronological order of date of submission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of Mars Exploration Rover Spirit Microscopic Imager (MI) operations and the calibration, processing, and analysis of MI data. The focus of this overview is on the last five Earth years (2005–2010) of Spirit's mission in Gusev crater, supplementing the previous overview of the first 450 sols of the Spirit MI investigation. Updates to radiometric calibration using in‐flight data and improvements in high‐level processing are summarized. Released data products are described, and a table of MI observations, including target/feature names and associated data sets, is appended. The MI observed natural and disturbed exposures of rocks and soils as well as magnets and other rover hardware. These hand‐lens‐scale observations have provided key constraints on interpretations of the formation and geologic history of features, rocks, and soils examined by Spirit. MI images complement observations by other Spirit instruments, and together show that impact and volcanic processes have dominated the origin and evolution of the rocks in Gusev crater, with aqueous activity indicated by the presence of silica‐rich rocks and sulfate‐rich soils. The textures of some of the silica‐rich rocks are similar to terrestrial hot spring deposits, and observations of subsurface cemented layers indicate recent aqueous mobilization of sulfates in places. Wind action has recently modified soils and abraded many of the rocks imaged by the MI, as observed at other Mars landing sites. Plain Language Summary: The Microscopic Imager (MI) on NASA's Spirit rover returned the highest‐resolution images of the Martian surface available at the time of the 2004–2010 mission. Designed to survive 90 Mars days (sols) and search for evidence of water in the past, Spirit returned data for 2210 sols, far exceeding all expectations. This paper summarizes the scientific insights gleaned from the thousands of MI images acquired during the last 5 years of the mission, supplementing the summary of the first 450 sols of the Spirit MI investigation published previously (Herkenhoff et al.,). Along with data from the other instruments on Spirit, MI images guided the scientific interpretation of the geologic history of the rocks and soils observed in Gusev crater on Mars. We conclude that the geologic history of the area explored by Spirit has been dominated by impacts and volcanism, and that water, perhaps very hot water, was involved in the evolution of some of the rocks and soils. More recently, winds have moved soil particles and abraded rocks, as observed elsewhere on Mars. These results have improved our understanding of Mars' history and informed planning of future missions to Mars. Key Points: During the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit mission, the Microscopic Imager returned 5,923 full‐frame imagesThese images have guided interpretations of the geologic history of Gusev crater on MarsA table summarizing the MI images chronologically is appended, including target/feature names and sequence identifiers for Pancam images that provide context [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, photophysical and photoacoustic characterization for a series of nine π‐extended quadrupolar curcumin dyes is presented. A systematic evaluation of the π‐bridging unit including the p‐phenyl, naphth‐4‐yl, thien‐2‐yl and hybrid 4‐naphthathien‐2‐yl groups is presented. Furthermore, evaluation of the strongly donating donor‐π‐acceptor‐π‐donor quadrupolar dimethylamino terminated derivatives is also included. Select dyes exhibit excited state absorption at increased laser fluence which translates to the production of a nonlinear enhanced photoacoustic response. In particular, the bis‐4‐dimethylaminonaphtha‐2‐thien‐5‐yl curcuminBF2 contrast agent DMA‐5 exhibits an excellent molar photoacoustics (PA) emission at both low (9.4 × 103 V M−1) and high (1.47 × 105 V M−1) laser fluence which is confirmed by its strong contrast by photoacoustic tomography (PAT). In summary, the strong absorbance and enhanced photoacoustic properties of naphthyl and thienyl curcuminoids here presented provides great promise for future photoacoustic imaging applications as demonstrated by preliminary PAT studies. The synthesis, photophysical and photoacoustic characterization for a series of donor‐π‐acceptor‐π‐donor quadrupolar dimethylamino terminated curcumins is presented. Select dyes exhibit excited state absorption which translates to a nonlinear enhanced photoacoustic response. In particular, the bis‐4‐dimethylaminonaphtha‐2‐thien‐5‐yl curcuminBF2 contrast agent exhibits an excellent molar PA emission at both low and high laser fluence which is confirmed by its strong contrast by photoacoustic tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net Promoter Score, touted as the "single customer metric you need" and calculated from customers' answer to one simple question about their loyalty, has been in use since 2003 and adopted in a wide variety of settings. However, it has not lived up to its claimed benefits. This article evaluates the NPS approach in terms of its positive and negative results. This article is for people interested in NPS, still considering implementing NPS in their company, or interested in its technical underpinnings. It points out the benefits and shortcomings and explains why, and it describes what can be done to achieve the outcomes NPS theory claimed it would produce, but has not. The article is written in two parts for quite distinct audiences: firstly, for executives and managers who need customer data and information to make marketing decisions; and secondly, for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts who are responsible for capturing and providing reliable, understandable, and meaningful customer data to the executives and managers who need the information. Consequently, the two sections are written in two different styles. The first section takes the form of a summary for managers and executives of our findings and recommendations in language aimed at business leaders; the second section provides a detailed analysis and critical review of NPS for market researchers, statisticians, and business analysts. Both sections present a better solution than NPS for understanding what customers value, delivering the best value to customers, winning market share, and creating truly loyal customers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorylation at aspartic acid residues represents an abundant and critical post‐translational modification (PTM) in prokaryotes. In contrast to most characterized PTMs, such as phosphorylation at serine or threonine, the phosphoaspartate moiety is intrinsically labile, and therefore incompatible with common proteomic profiling methods. Herein, we report a nucleophilic, desthiobiotin‐containing hydroxylamine (DBHA) chemical probe that covalently labels modified aspartic acid residues in native proteomes. DBHA treatment coupled with LC‐MS/MS analysis enabled detection of known phosphoaspartate modifications, as well as novel aspartic acid sites in the E. coli proteome. Coupled with isotopic labelling, DBHA‐dependent proteomic profiling also permitted global quantification of changes in endogenous protein modification status, as demonstrated with the detection of increased E. coli OmpR phosphorylation, but not abundance, in response to changes in osmolarity. Phosphoaspartate modifications: A desthiobiotin‐containing hydroxylamine (DBHA) chemical probe covalently labels modified aspartic acid residues in native proteomes. Coupled with isotopic labelling, DBHA‐dependent proteomic profiling enables global quantification of changes in phosphoaspartate modification levels and protein levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a rapidly growing field which offers high spatial resolution and high contrast for deep‐tissue imaging in vivo. PAI is nonionizing and noninvasive and combines the optical resolution of fluorescence imaging with the spatial resolution of ultrasound imaging. In particular, the development of exogenous PA contrast agents has gained significant momentum of late with a vastly expanding complexity of dye materials under investigation ranging from small molecules to macromolecular proteins, polymeric and inorganic nanoparticles. The goal of this review is to survey the current state of the art in molecular photoacoustic contrast agents (MPACs) for applications in biomedical imaging. The fundamental design principles of MPACs are presented and a review of prior reports spanning from early‐to‐current literature is put forth. The development of exogenous PA contrast agents has gained significant momentum of late with a vastly expanding complexity of dye materials under investigation. The goal of this review is to survey the current state of the art in molecular photoacoustic contrast agents (MPACs) for applications in biomedical imaging. The fundamental design principles of MPACs are presented, and a review of prior reports spanning from early‐to‐current literature is put forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effective management refers to the ability of a protected area or indigenous territory to meet its objectives, particularly as they relate to the protection of biodiversity and forest cover. Effective management is achieved through a process of consolidation, which among other things requires legally protecting sites, integrating sites into land‐use planning, developing and implementing management and resource‐use plans, and securing long‐term funding to pay for recurrent costs. Effectively managing all protected areas and indigenous territories in the Amazon may be needed to avoid a deforestation tipping point beyond which regional climatic feedbacks and global climate change interact to catalyze irreversible drying and savannization of large areas. At present, protected areas and indigenous territories cover 45.5% (3.55 million km2) of the Amazon, most of the 60–70% forest cover required to maintain hydrologic and climatic function. Three independent evaluations of a long‐term large‐scale philanthropic initiative in the Amazon yielded insights into the challenges and advances toward achieving effective management of protected areas and indigenous territories. Over the life of the initiative, management of sites has improved considerably, particularly with respect to management planning and capacity building, but few sites are effectively managed and many lack sufficient long‐term financing, adequate governance, support of nongovernmental organizations, and the means to withstand economic pressures. The time and money required to complete consolidation is still poorly understood, but it is clear that philanthropic funding is critical so long as essential funding needs are not met by governments and other sources, which could be on the order of decades. Despite challenges, it is encouraging that legal protection has expanded greatly and management of sites is improving steadily. Management of protected areas in other developing countries could be informed by improvements that have occurred in Amazonian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a study of technical professionals and technical managers in research and development laboratories. The basic premise which derives from John Holland's theory of vocational choice is that stable personality characteristics are associated with the different groups, and that these stable differences create an adaptive differentiation between the two groups. It is further suggested that this system of differentiated persons and occupational roles results in a partial key to the dilemma of autonomy versus control in organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article refers to studies by Poole and Pierce concerning the United States Federal Reserve Board and focuses on the monetary policy of Chairman Arthur Burns in the 1970s. The central bank is characterized as having a penchant for secrecy and obfuscation. The agency's stance against an audit by the General Accounting Office, Freedom of Information, and Government in the Sunshine is attributed to distrust of the legislative branch of government and efforts to preserve the Federal Reserve's independence. Topics include the Federal Reserve's short-run perspective on monetary policy and how it affected interest rates, the money supply, and forecasts of the gross national product.

Executive development is a rather general term which applies to many kinds of learning presumably aimed at increasing managerial competence. The learning may involve cognitive and intellectual skills which are easily modified through traditional classroom lecture and discussion techniques. In recent years, however, executives have become concerned about change and development at deeper levels of the personality and have begun to claim that the development of greater creativity. Other goals similar to creativity which are subsumed under human resource development programs include self-actualization, improved potential for adaptation and increased ability to test reality, all of which contribute to deep personal growth and the development of competence, as opposed to mere conformity with external standards and little internal change in the individual. A fundamental question the leader must ask is what conditions facilitate personal growth and improved adaptability among subordinates. Since leadership can be viewed as a special kind of interpersonal relationship, it is appropriate to start by looking at the nature of growth-promoting interpersonal relations.

The article presents commentary on several addresses included within the issue by David M. Wood, C. J. Kushell, and George W. Mitchell discussing the legal, administrative and economic aspects of tax-exempt revenue bond financing. A synthesis of the three different aspects of municipal finance is provided, reviewing the common trends of each writer. Particular questions are raised concerning the treatment of margins of protection in debt service in revenue bond finance and calls for additional examination on this topic are given.

Background and Aim: Endoscopic snare papillectomy (ESP) is an effective treatment for ampullary adenoma. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is widely used as an additional method to control bleeding or ablate the residual tumor. However, the efficacy of this procedure has not yet been fully evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of APC as an additional method to ESP. Methods: Patients who underwent ESP for ampullary adenoma between September 2005 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Using propensity score matching, we compared short‐ and long‐term outcomes between the ESP‐with‐additional‐APC group (ESP + APC group) and the ESP‐only group. Primary outcome was early post‐ESP adverse events (AE), and secondary outcomes were late AE and recurrence. Results: Among 109 patients, additional APC was carried out in 59 (54.1%) patients. After matching, 41 patients were included in both groups, respectively. Bleeding rate was significantly lower in the ESP + APC group than in the ESP‐only group (7.3% vs 31.7%, odds ratio = 0.180, P < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in other procedure‐related early AE such as pancreatitis (12.2% vs 19.5%, P = 0.365), cholangitis (2.4% vs 9.8%, P = 0.198), and perforation (2.4% vs 2.4%, P = 1.000) between the ESP + APC group and the ESP‐only group. During the follow‐up period (mean 904 ± 868 days), papillary stricture (9.8% vs 4.9%, P = 0.405) and recurrence rates (24.4% vs 24.4%, P = 0.797) were not significantly different between the ESP + APC group and the ESP‐only group. Conclusion: Additional APC during ESP may have a beneficial effect by decreasing bleeding rate without harmful effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States experienced a dramatic decline in crime during the 1990s. A number of explanations for this decline have been put forth, including demographic shifts, economic trends, stricter gun control laws, and changes in drug markets. A widely reported explanation is that the surge of immigration during the 1990s was the main cause for that decade's crime decline. Although the claim has received considerable attention, it has yet to be tested empirically using national‐level data. In order to fully test the immigration‐1990s crime decline relationship, we use national‐level homicide and Census data from 1990 to 2000. Our results reveal four key findings: (1) crime declined for nearly all groups during the 1990s; (2) non‐Latino blacks contributed the most to the crime decline, by a wide margin; (3) both overall and black homicide declined the least in areas with the highest levels of immigration; and (4) we find no evidence that immigration indirectly lowered non‐immigrant crime rates by revitalizing communities. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report the results of geological studies by the Opportunity Mars rover on the Endeavour Crater rim. Four major units occur in the region (oldest to youngest): the Matijevic, Shoemaker, Grasberg, and Burns formations. The Matijevic formation, consisting of fine‐grained clastic sediments, is the only pre‐Endeavour‐impact unit and might be part of the Noachian etched units of Meridiani Planum. The Shoemaker formation is a heterogeneous polymict impact breccia; its lowermost member incorporates material eroded from the underlying Matijevic formation. The Shoemaker formation is a close analog to the Bunte Breccia of the Ries Crater, although the average clast sizes are substantially larger in the latter. The Grasberg formation is a thin, fine‐grained, homogeneous sediment unconformably overlying the Shoemaker formation and likely formed as an airfall deposit of unknown areal extent. The Burns formation sandstone overlies the Grasberg, but compositions of the two units are distinct; there is no evidence that the Grasberg formation is a fine‐grained subfacies of the Burns formation. The rocks along the Endeavour Crater rim were affected by at least four episodes of alteration in the Noachian and Early Hesperian: (i) vein formation and alteration of preimpact Matijevic formation rocks, (ii) low‐water/rock alteration along the disconformity between the Matijevic and Shoemaker formations, (iii) alteration of the Shoemaker formation along fracture zones, and (iv) differential mobilization of Fe and Mn, and CaSO4‐vein formation in the Grasberg and Shoemaker formations. Episodes (ii) and (iii) possibly occurred together, but (i) and (iv) are distinct from either of these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, an invasive insect detected in the USA and Canada in 2002, is a threat to ash trees with both ecological and economic implications. Early detection of EAB‐infestation is difficult due to lack of visible signs and symptoms in the early stages of attack, but is essential to prevent ash mortality. An efficient and reliable tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation would be advantageous. Methods: A mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach, using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), has been used to investigate the leaf metabolites of both healthy and EAB‐infested trees. Results: Leaves from 40 healthy and 40 EAB‐infested trees were extracted and analyzed using LC/MS. Resulting data were examined to differentiate between foliage from healthy and EAB‐infested trees. Possible biomarkers of EAB attack have been detected. Twenty‐one metabolites with increased average ion intensity in EAB‐infested ash tree samples and nine metabolites with increased average ion intensity in healthy ash tree samples were identified. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that metabolomic screening of leaf samples using LC/MS can be useful as a potential tool for the early detection of EAB‐infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]