cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding Cognitive Styles from User-Generated Social Media Content

The linguistic analyses on easily accessible, user-generated social media content offers great opportunities to identify individual characteristics such as their cognitive styles. In this paper, We explore the potential to use social media content to identify individuals' cognitive styles. We first employed crowdsourcing to collect Twitter users' cognitive styles using standard psychometric instruments. Then, we extracted the linguistic features of their social media postings. Leveraging these features, we build prediction models that provide estimates of cognitive styles through statistical regression and classification. We find that user generated content in social media provide useful information for characterizing people's cognitive styles. The models' performance indicates that the cognitive styles automatically inferred from social media are good proxies for the ground truth, and hence provides a promising and scalable way to automatically identify a large number of people's cognitive styles without reaching them individually.
Effect of Microstructure and Anisotropy of Copper on Reliability in Nanoscale Interconnects

The mechanical behavior of copper is highly anisotropic. Although it is a face centered cubic crystal, the elastic constants vary considerably for different crystallographic orientations. Typically, the copper metal conductor lines in integrated circuits are polycrystalline in nature. In this paper, we utilize Voronoi tessellation to model the polycrystalline microstructure for the copper metal lines in test structures and then assign textured orientation to each grain and assign corresponding anisotropic elastic constants based on the assigned orientation. By subjecting the test structure through a thermal stress, we observe over 10x variation in normal stresses along the grain boundaries depending on the orientation, dimensions, surroundings, and location of the grains. This may introduce new weak points within the metal interconnects where normal stresses can be very high depending on the orientation of the grains leading to delamination and accumulation sites for vacancies. Hence, inclusion of microstructures and corresponding anisotropic properties for copper grains is critical to conduct a realistic study of both stress voiding and electromigration phenomena, especially at smaller nodes where the anisotropic effects are significant. Further, a comparison between stress levels in test structures with SiCOH and SiO2 as the inter level dielectric was conducted.
Discovery of a novel oocyte-specific Krüppel-associated box domain-containing zinc finger protein required for early embryogenesis in cattle

Zinc finger (ZNF) transcription factors interact with DNA through zinc finger motifs and play important roles in a variety of cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, development, apoptosis, and intracellular signal transduction. One-third of ZNF proteins in metazoans contain a highly conserved N-terminal motif known as the Kruppel-associated box (KRAB) domain, which acts as a potent, DNA-binding dependent transcriptional repression module. Analysis of RNA-Seq data generated from a bovine oocyte cDNA library identified a novel transcript, which encodes a KRAB-containing ZNF transcription factor (named ZNFO). Characterization of ZNFO mRNA expression revealed that it is exclusively expressed in bovine oocytes and early embryos. A GFP reporter assay demonstrated that ZNFO protein localizes specifically to the nucleus, supporting its role in transcriptional regulation. To test the role of ZNFO in early embryonic development, zygotes were generated by in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes, and injected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) designed to knockdown ZNFO. Cleavage rates were not affected by ZNFO siRNA injection. However, embryonic development to 8- to 16-cell stage and blastocyst stage was significantly reduced relative to the uninjected and negative control siRNA-injected embryos. Further, interaction of ZNFO with the highly conserved co-factor, KRAB-associated protein-1 (KAP1), was demonstrated, and evidence supporting transcriptional repression by ZNFO was demonstrated using a GAL4-luciferase reporter system. Results of described studies demonstrate that ZNFO is a maternally-derived oocyte-specific nuclear factor required for early embryonic development in cattle, presumably functioning by repressing transcription.
Determining the presence of asthma-related molecules and salivary contamination in exhaled breath condensate

Researchers investigating lung diseases, such as asthma, have questioned whether certain compounds previously reported in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) originate from saliva contamination. Moreover, despite its increasing use in ‘omics profiling studies, the constituents of EBC remain largely uncharacterized. The present study aims to define the usefulness of EBC in investigating lung disease by comparing EBC, saliva, and saliva-contaminated EBC using targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry and the potential of metabolite loss from adsorption to EBC sample collection tubes. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to analyze samples from 133 individuals from three different cohorts. Levels of amino acids and eicosanoids, two classes of molecules previously reported in EBC and saliva, were measured using targeted LC-MS. Cohort 1 was used to examine contamination of EBC by saliva. Samples from Cohort 1 consisted of clean EBC, saliva-contaminated EBC, and clean saliva from 13 healthy volunteers; samples were analyzed using untargeted LC-MS. Cohort 2 was used to compare eicosanoid levels from matched EBC and saliva collected from 107 asthmatic subjects. Samples were analyzed using both targeted and untargeted LC-MS. Cohort 3 samples consisted of clean-EBC collected from 13 subjects, including smokers and non-smokers, and were used to independently confirm findings; samples were analyzed using targeted LC-MS, untargeted LC-MS, and proteomics. In addition to human samples, an in-house developed nebulizing system was used to determine the potential for EBC samples to be contaminated by saliva. Out of the 400 metabolites detected in both EBC and saliva, 77 were specific to EBC; however, EBC samples were concentrated 20-fold to achieve this level of sensitivity. Amino acid concentrations ranged from 196 pg/mL – 4 μg/mL (clean EBC), 1.98 ng/mL – 6 μg/mL (saliva-contaminated EBC), and 13.84 ng/mL – 1256 mg/mL (saliva). Eicosanoid concentration ranges were an order of magnitude lower; 10 pg/mL – 76.5 ng/mL (clean EBC), 10 pg/mL – 898 ng/mL (saliva-contaminated EBC), and 2.54 ng/mL – 272.9 mg/mL (saliva). Although the sample size of the replication cohort (Cohort 3) did not allow for statistical comparisons, two proteins and 19 eicosanoids were detected in smoker vs. non-smoker clean-EBC. We conclude that metabolites are present and detectable in EBC using LC-MS; however, a large starting volume of sample is required.
Real-time measurement of needle forces and acute pressure changes during intravitreal injections.

Background The purpose of this study was to use a physiological pressure transducer to measure real-time, continuous pressure changes in an ex-vivo study model of porcine eyes to record the amount of force needed for scleral penetration and to measure acute IOP rise during intravitreal injections. Methods A pressure transducer was inserted into the anterior chamber of 30 fresh porcine eyes and intraocular pressure was measured two seconds prior to intravitreal injection until two seconds after. A force transducer plate was used to insert various gauge needles into the vitreous cavity and the amount of force in Newtons (N) required for scleral penetration was recorded. Results 32 and 30 gauge needles required 0.44 N and 0.45 N for scleral perforation, significantly less than larger gauge needles (p < 0.05). Similarly, 27 and 25 gauge needles required more force than smaller gauge needles but less than 19 gauge (p < 0.05). Intraocular pressure (IOP) increased an average of 64.5 mmHg during intravitreal injection. Two seconds post injection IOP readings showed a residual IOP increase of 11.1 mmHg from pre-injection baseline. Conclusion Real-time continuous recordings of pressure reveal that an instantaneous IOP spike occurs during intravitreal injection and appears to be separate from the IOP spike that occurs during needle insertion. This pressure spike is transient, and has not been captured by previous methods of IOP measurement which rely on single time point measurements. The clinical significance of this brief IOP spike is unknown and warrants further investigation.
Late Archaic to Early Puebloan Occupation on the Arizona Strip, Northwestern Arizona: A View from Rock Canyon Shelter

The Arizona Strip, a sparsely populated region in the northwest corner of Arizona, is poorly known archaeologically, especially for the Pre-Puebloan periods. Recorded Archaic sites on the Strip tend to date after 4,000 years ago, although few sites of that age have been investigated and reported in the extreme western area. Modest tests at Rock Canyon Shelter on the Uinkaret Plateau yielded insights into late Archaic use of the region, while Zea mays dates document Basketmaker II at the shelter nearly 2000 years ago. Comparisons with contemporary assemblages at open sites to the east along Short Creek provide insights into regional dietary shifts from wild resources to greater reliance on domesticates and weedy plants as well as a diminishing importance of large game once domesticates are introduced.
Hydrolysis of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate by the Cyclic Tetramer of Zirconium Hydroxide

We present hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations of hydrolysis of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) by the cyclic tetramer of zirconium hydroxide [Zr4(OH)16]. Various binding configurations of DMMP and its hydrolysis products on the tetramer as well as transition structures connecting them were explored using structure optimizations based on multiple, randomly selected initial structures. We find that DMMP can bind to the tetramer through the phosphoryl O, forming either a strong hydrogen bond to a bridging hydroxyl or a coordinate bond to a coordinatively unsaturated Zr atom. The resulting hydrogen-bonded complexes and Lewis adducts have similar energies. We also find that hydrolysis of a P–OCH3 bond can occur either via an addition−elimination mechanism involving a same-site terminal hydroxyl or direct interchange between a terminal hydroxyl and a methoxy group of DMMP. The computed activation and reaction enthalpies show that the addition–elimination is both kinetically and thermodynamica...
Abstract 281: HO-1 Induction Increases ßENaC in Ischemic Placentas and Cultured Cytotrophoblasts

Preeclampsia is characterized by abnormal placentation that is thought to arise from inadequate cytotrophoblast migration and invasion of the spiral arteries. The resulting reduced perfusion of the utero-placental unit promotes the development of hypertension in preeclampsia. Beta Epithelial Na+ Channel (βENaC) protein, a mediator of cytotrophoblast migration in vitro, is decreased in placentas of preeclamptic patients. We have recently reported that hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its by-products reduce blood pressure in placental ischemic rats. Since HO and its byproducts can regulate ENaC expression, including βENaC, are important mediators of migration, the goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that HO-1 induction 1) stimulates βENaC expression and migration in cultured cytotrophoblasts and 2) restores βENaC expression in ischemic placentas. Cobalt protoporhyrin (CoPP, 1 - 10 μM, 48 hrs) stimulated HO-1 induction in cultured cytotrophoblasts (BEWO cells), upregulated βENaC expression, and increased spontaneous migration by 39.2 ± 6.0% (n=7, p
Predictors of dental implant survival.

Purpose To summarize dental implant survival rates under a variety of clinical conditions and identify prognostic variables associated with implant survival. Materials/methods The articles reviewed in this paper were designed as retrospective cohort studies and composed of three subject cohorts having implants placed between 1992 and 2003. The prognostic variables were categorized as demographic/health status, anatomic, implant-specific, prosthetic, and perioperative/operative. The primary outcome variable was duration of implant survival. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to estimate implant survival rates. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify prognostic variables. RESULTS-During the study interval, 921 subjects had 2996 implants placed. Implant survival rates at one year ranged from 90.3 percent for immediate-load implants to 96.2 percent for implants inserted into grafted sinuses. The five-year survivals ranged from 87.9 percent (sinus graft cases) to 91.2 percent (all implants). Frequently cited prognostic variables included tobacco use and implant staging. Other prognostic variables identified included implant length, well size, implant coating, and timing of implant placement relative to tooth extraction. Conclusion Using implants to replace missing teeth is a predictable procedure with five-year survival rates approximating 90 percent. Some of the prognostic variables identified in these studies are under the control, at least to some degree, of the clinician and may be manipulated to enhance implant survival.
Genetic suppressor screens in haploids.

Abstract As a vertebrate genetic model, the zebrafish has been well recognized for its strength in studying a variety of biological processes and human diseases. Traditional forward genetic screens in zebrafish have generated a large pool of mutants with interesting phenotypes resembling human diseases but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. A powerful approach to elucidate the mechanisms of these mutants is the modifier screen, which identifies 2 nd -site mutations that specifically enhance or block the phenotype of a given mutant. Here we described the first genetic suppressor screen in zebrafish, which identifies a novel transcriptional mechanism regulating erythropoiesis. In combination with the haploid genetics in zebrafish, we have shown the feasibility and strength of a modifier screen in zebrafish. This strategy will greatly broaden the utility of the zebrafish as a model for making original discoveries and establishing novel paradigms for understanding vertebrate biology.
Developing competencies for applied epidemiology: from process to product.

Objectives.We developed competencies for applied epidemiologic practice by using a process that is based on existing competency frameworks, that engages professionals in academic and applied epidem...
Price momentum and the premium for meeting or beating analysts' forecasts of earnings

Abstract This study provides a theoretical rationale and empirical support that relates the existence and magnitude of the premium for meeting/beating analysts' EPS forecasts to the existence of preannouncement price momentum. The study is based on the theoretical work that suggests that extreme levels of price momentum can cause security prices to deviate from fundamental values even in the presence of well-informed and well-financed rational arbitrageurs. Differences of opinion regarding the extent of mispricing and/or optimal exit time to exit the position allow this mispricing to persist ( Abreu and Brunnermeier, 2002 , Abreu and Brunnermeier, 2003 ). To correct mispricing, a news event, like an earnings announcement, is necessary to synchronize investors' exit strategy beliefs ( Abreu and Brunnermeier, 2002 , Abreu and Brunnermeier, 2003 ). In the case of an earnings announcement, this synchronization of beliefs triggers a price reaction of such magnitude that it cannot be explained by unexpected earnings. Instead, we hypothesize and show that the abnormal price reaction is largely captured in what empirical researchers have identified as the meet/beat market premium. Our findings provide a cohesive argument for the temporal variation in meet/beat premiums documented by Koh, Matsumoto and Rajgopal (2008).
A nucleus-like compartment shields bacteriophage DNA from CRISPR-Cas and restriction nucleases

All viruses require strategies to inhibit or evade the immunity pathways of cells they infect. The viruses that infect bacteria, bacteriophages (phages), must avoid nucleic-acid targeting immune pathways such as CRISPR-Cas and restriction endonucleases to replicate efficiently1. Here, we show that a jumbo phage infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa, phage φKZ, is resistant to many immune systems in vivo, including CRISPR-Cas3 (Type I-C), Cas9 (Type II-A), Cas12 (Cpf1, Type V-A), and Type I restriction-modification (R-M) systems. We propose that φKZ utilizes a nucleus-like shell to protect its DNA from attack. Supporting this, we demonstrate that Cas9 is able to cleave φKZ DNA in vitro, but not in vivo and that Cas9 is physically occluded from the shell assembled by the phage during infection. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Achilles heel for this phage is the mRNA, as translation occurs outside of the shell, rendering the phage sensitive to the RNA targeting CRISPR-Cas enzyme, Cas13a (C2c2, Type VI-A). Collectively, we propose that the nucleus-like shell assembled by jumbo phages enables potent, broad spectrum evasion of DNA-targeting nucleases.
Recent developments in statistical methods for GWAS and high-throughput sequencing association studies of complex traits

ABSTRACTThe advent of large-scale genetic studies has helped bring a new era of biomedical research on dissecting the genetic architecture of complex human disease. Genome-wide association studies ...
Advice for Policymakers

In the preceding chapters we have described a complex, highly technical research effort based on a large scale survey of disorder in the nation’s public schools. Those data are the best data currently available to bring to bear on this problem. The earlier chapters summarize our best efforts, and although we regard the results as sometimes confusing or inconsistent, in this chapter we explain in direct language what we believe to be the major implications of the research to date.
Alcohol intake patterns for cancer and non-cancer individuals: a population study

Background: Alcohol intake is a leading modifiable cause related to cancer-specific deaths. Various alcohol intake patterns have shown to impact cancer progression differently, however, many studies only evaluated simplified patterns (such as heavy vs. non-heavy drinking) of alcohol intake for cancer survivors. The objective of this study is to provide population-based prevalence of the complex alcohol drinking patterns for cancer survivors, and compare it with that of non-cancer individuals. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of cancer related factors (binary, alcohol-related cancer type, and length of cancer history) to the alcohol intake patterns adjusted for the selected factors. Methods: A total of 193,197 individuals, including 16,504 cancer survivors, with age ≥18 years old in the 2012–2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were included in this study. The population-based prevalence of alcohol patterns was estimated. To evaluate cancer related factors associated with the alcohol intake patterns, we applied multinomial logistic models with the appropriate sampling weights and adjusted the selected demographic factors and smoking status. Results: There were 62.1% of cancer survivors and 66.0% of non-cancer individuals who were current alcohol drinkers in the past year. The prevalence of heavy drinking was identical for 5.2% of cancer and non-cancer individuals. For frequent binge drinking, cancer survivors tended to have less frequent binge than non-cancer individuals (2.8% vs . 4.9%). After adjusting for the selected demographic factors and smoking status, the cancer survivors were less likely to have the intermediate level of alcohol intake (light/moderate or occasional binge drinking) compared with non-cancer individuals, but no difference for the excessive alcohol intake (heavy or frequent binge drinking) was observed for those with and without cancer. As for cancer type, those with non-alcohol related cancer tended to be a current drinker compared with those with alcohol-related cancer. Compared with cancer survivors with a short cancer history (2–4 years), survivors with a cancer history of 5–9 years were more likely to be current drinkers after adjusting for the selected factors. Cancer status, alcohol-related cancer type and length of cancer history had no impact on excessive alcohol intake. Conclusions: In summary, cancer survivors have similar excessive alcohol drinking patterns but were less likely to have the intermediate level of alcohol intake compared to non-cancer individuals. Alcohol intake may enhance cancer progression, interfere with cancer treatments and increase cancer-related mortality. To improve cancer survivors’ health, custom alcohol interventions and cessation programs should be conducted to minimize alcohol intake for cancer survivors, especially for excessive alcohol drinkers.
Engineering Behavior of Warm Mix Asphalt Mixtures

Production of asphalt mixtures have always been challenging in terms of environmental friendliness and workers’ health. Various efforts are taken to address these concerns in paving industry.
Normal Bowel Gas Pattern

Normal bowel gas pattern is important to identify in order to diagnose and locate radiologically abnormal bowel gas patterns. Bowel may be visible on abdominal radiograph when it contains gas/air within the lumen because gas, being of low density, forms a natural contrast with its surrounding structures. When the bowel is filled completely with fluid, it may not be seen on a radiograph. The stomach usually contains a small volume of air in fundus, visible in the left upper quadrant, and has mucosal markings called rugae. The small bowel normally contains little or no gas, is located centrally within the abdomen and consists of mucosal folds (valvulae conniventes) that traverse the bowel lumen. The large bowel has the largest amount of gas, with the ascending and descending colons fixed laterally, transverse colon and sigmoid located variably on a mesentery, and the cecum being the widest segment in the right iliac fossa. The large bowel has characteristic haustral folds that do not traverse the entire bowel lumen and contains faeces which have a mottled appearance.
A randomized trial of the bactericidal effects of chlorhexidine vs povidone-iodine vaginal preparation

Background Precesarean vaginal preparation significantly reduces postpartum infections. Although povidone-iodine is the most commonly used vaginal antiseptic, evidence suggests that chlorhexidine gluconate may be more effective. Objective We aimed to compare the bactericidal effect of chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine on vaginal bacterial colony counts in pregnancy. Materials and Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of vaginal preparation with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate vs 10% povidone-iodine vs saline in women undergoing cesarean delivery at ≥34 weeks’ gestation. Women in labor or those with ruptured membranes, chorioamnionitis, abnormal placentation, or allergy to study agents were excluded. Vaginal specimens were collected aseptically in the operating room immediately before and 5–10 minutes after vaginal cleansing with 3 sterile sponge sticks. Our primary outcome was postintervention aerobic and anaerobic bacterial colony counts, assessed by blinded investigators. Two-way analysis of variance with simple-effects analysis and Tukey post hoc test were used for multiple group comparisons. Secondary outcomes included baseline colony counts, change in colony counts, adverse events, and maternal infections. Results A total of 29 women consented and underwent vaginal preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate (n=10), povidone-iodine (n=9), or saline (n=10). Groups were similar with respect to maternal age, body mass index, race, ethnicity, parity, group B streptococcus status, and gestational age. There were no differences in baseline colony counts. Vaginal preparation with povidone-iodine resulted in lower aerobic and anaerobic colony counts compared with chlorhexidine gluconate and saline (P≤.01 and P≤.0001, respectively). Povidone-iodine eliminated more than 99.9% of bacteria, whereas chlorhexidine gluconate and saline eliminated more than 99% and 95% of bacteria, respectively. Although all agents decreased aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts, 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate was no more effective than saline in reducing anaerobic bacteria. There were no reported adverse effects or postpartum infections. Conclusion Compared with 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate, 10% povidone-iodine was more effective in reducing vaginal bacterial colony counts before cesarean delivery.
Prosecuting Government Fraud Despite the 'CSI Effect': Getting the Jury to Follow the Money

Prosecutors have complained that jurors who think they are educated in crime scene investigations by watching television have made it difficult to prove cases even when the charges are white collar in nature because they expect the forensics they see on the popular TV show CSI. Most episodes of CSI involve crimes that are violent and sometimes gruesome. However instead of using a gun or knife to prove the prosecution's case, government corruption trials must use dry and sometimes even dull financial evidence like bank records and government documents. No matter how complex a government fraud case may be each public corruption investigation and trial have the same common denominator. The prosecutor simply must get the jury to follow the money. For the prosecutor in a government fraud case, the challenge is to present the case in a simple, well organized fashion to show the jury how to follow the money. In the age of CSI it is not enough to instruct the jury to follow the money. The prosecutor must also show the jury how to follow the money.
Quantum signatures for screening metavalent solids.

The objective of this paper is to describe a new data-driven framework for computational screening and discovery of a class of materials termed “metavalent” solids. “Metavalent” solids possess characteristics that are nominally associated with metallic and covalent bonding (in terms of conductivity and coordination numbers) but are distinctly different from both because they show anomalously large response properties and a unique bond-breaking mechanism that is not observed in either covalent or metallic solids. The paper introduces the use of Hirshfeld surface analysis to provide quantum level descriptors that can be used for rapid screening of crystallographic data to identify potentially new “metavalent” solids with novel and emergent properties.
Effects of the GluN2B-selective antagonist Ro 63-1908 on acquisition and expression of methamphetamine conditioned place preference in male and female rats.

Abstract Background Methamphetamine abuse has increased significantly in recent years. Currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder. The goal of the current study was to determine if the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) GluN2B-selective antagonist Ro 63-1908 can block the conditioned rewarding effects of methamphetamine as assessed in conditioned place preference (CPP). Methods Two main experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, male (n = 24) and female (n = 24) rats received either vehicle or Ro 63-1908 (1.0–10.0 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the posttest to determine if blocking the GluN2B subunit attenuates expression of methamphetamine CPP. In the second experiment, male (n = 18) and female (n = 18) rats received either vehicle or Ro 63-1908 (1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg) 30 min prior to each conditioning session to determine if blocking the GluN2B subunit attenuates acquisition of methamphetamine CPP. Results Ro 63-1908 (3.0 mg/kg) blocked acquisition of methamphetamine CPP in male rats, but only attenuated CPP in female rats. Ro 63-1908 did not alter expression of CPP in either sex. Increasing the dose of Ro 63-1908 (10.0 mg/kg) failed to block acquisition of CPP in an additional group of female rats (n = 6). A control experiment showed that Ro 63-1908 (3.0 mg/kg) did not produce CPP or conditioned place aversion in male rats (n = 6) or in female rats (n = 6). Conclusions The results of this study show that Ro 63-1908 is able to decrease the conditioned rewarding effects of methamphetamine.
Physical Abuse Creating Cauliflower Ear in an Infant: A Discussion of Mechanism and Review of the Literature

We evaluated an infant with flagrantly abusive injury. However, he had a history of prior isolated ear hematoma that was not properly recognized as a sign of trauma, harshly illustrating a missed opportunity when early diagnosis may have prevented escalating abusive injury. In addition, we reviewed and summarized the last two decades of literature related to this topic to better understand previously described findings in similar populations; these were scant. This case report emphasizes the importance of detecting sentinel injuries that forebode child maltreatment.
Physiology and Genomics of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea

This chapter is divided into two major sections: a brief comparative description of the physiology of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in relation to the better-characterized ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB); and a discussion of features that have been gleaned from the genome sequence and its relevance to environmental genomic studies. An understanding of copper homeostasis is fundamental to the understanding of ecological success of the AOA. The genome sequence points to two types of enzyme systems that may be involved in copper handling or response to oxidative stress: genes encoding multicopper oxidases and DsbA-type proteins. Early metagenomics studies and the genome sequence of the sponge symbiont C. symbiosum provided an indication of a capacity for ammonia oxidation. Genomic and metagenomic studies have now shed initial light on the gene inventory of mesophilic AOA. These studies indicate not only that a tremendous diversity of Crenarchaeota may thrive by ammonia oxidation but also that a distinct biochemistry of ammonia oxidation serves energy conservation in these organisms. Broad temperature range, as well as oligotrophy among AOA, shows that apparently unfavorable thermodynamics of ammonia oxidation and the requirement of reverse electron transport for biosynthetic needs do not pose significant limitations on the competitiveness of archaeal nitrifiers for scarce energy resources such as ammonia.
Nontaxation and Representation: The Fiscal Foundations of Political Stability

1. Introduction 2. Taxation leads to instability, not representation 3. Nontax revenue lowers taxation and increases spending 4. Nontax revenue (therefore) leads to stability 5. This happens at subnational levels of governments too 6. Conclusions and implications.
SU-E-J-80: A Comparative Analysis of MIM and Pinnacle Software for Adaptive Planning

Purpose: IMRT treatment is often administered with image guidance and small PTV margins. Change in body habitus such as weight loss and tumor response during the course of a treatment could be significant, thus warranting re-simulation and re-planning. Adaptive planning is challenging and places significant burden on the staff, as such some commercial vendors are now offering adaptive planning software to stream line the process of re-planning and dose accumulation between different CT data set. The purpose of this abstract is to compare the adaptive planning tools between Pinnacle version 9.8 and MIM 6.4 software. Methods: Head and Neck cases of previously treated patients that experienced anatomical changes during the course of their treatment were chosen for evaluation. The new CT data set from the re-simulation was imported to Pinnacle and MIM software. The dynamic planning tool in pinnacle was used to calculate the old plan with fixed MU setting on the new CT data. In MIM, the old CT was registered to the new data set, followed by a dose transformation to the new CT. The dose distribution to the PTV and critical structures from each software were analyzed and compared. Results: 9% difference was observed between the Globalmore » maximum doses reported by both software. Mean doses to organs at risk and PTV’s were within 6 % however pinnacle showed greater difference in PTV coverage change. Conclusion: MIM software adaptive planning corrects for geometrical changes without consideration for the effect of radiological path length on dose distribution; however Pinnacle corrects for both geometric and radiological effect on the dose distribution. Pinnacle gives a better estimate of the dosimetric impact due to anatomical changes.« less
Surgical Maze procedure as a treatment for atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Surgical or modified Maze procedures have been promoted to treat atrial fibrillation (AF); however, few randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) examine their outcomes. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of surgical Maze procedures performed concomitantly with referral cardiac surgery versus pharmacologic therapy for the treatment of AF. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane database, FDA web-portal, and clinicaltrials.gov for all RCTs comparing surgical Maze procedures with medical therapy for sinus rhythm maintenance. Primary outcomes were either freedom from AF within 12 months postprocedure off antiarrhythmic drug (AAD), or freedom from AF while taking an AAD. Secondary outcomes included operative mortality, all-cause mortality, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications. Both fixed- and random-effects models were used for a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials (n = 472, of which 249 underwent a Maze procedure and 213 underwent referral surgery alone). The surgical Maze procedure significantly increased the odds of freedom from AF within 12 months compared with cardiac surgery alone (OR 5.22, 95% CI 1.71-15.88). There was significant heterogeneity among the trials for freedom from AF (chi-square = 15.98 for 4 degrees of freedom, P= 0.003). Among the two studies that fully reported AAD use, there was no evidence of improved survival free from AF and AAD therapy (OR 1.78, 95% CI 0.73-4.34). Among patients with valvular AF, surgical Maze procedures are associated with a decrease in AF one year postprocedure without significant increase in mean length of hospital stay, perioperative complications, operative, or all-cause mortality. Large RCTs defining rates of freedom from AF without AADs postprocedure, are still needed to evaluate outcomes and determine the appropriate role for surgical Maze procedures in the management of AF.
Towards Reduction Argumentf for FINite Learning

This paper deals with the ability of cooperating teams of learners to learn classes of total recursive functions. The main contribution of the research described here is the development of analytical tools which permit the determination of team learning capabilities. The basis of our analytical framework is a reduction technique. We extend the notion of finite learning in order to successfully apply the reduction technique.
Intellectual Property and the Digital Economy: Why the Anti-Circumvention Regulations Need to Be Revised

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 ("DMCA") prohibits the circumvention of technological protection measures used by copyright owners to control access to their works. It also bans devices whose primary purpose is to enable circumvention of technical protection systems. The Clinton administration proposed these anti-circumvention rules as implementations of U.S. obligations under the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty. However, the DMCA's provisions are significantly broader than the treaty required. They violate the Administration's stated goal of only imposing "predictable, minimalist, consistent, and simple" regulations on the budding digital economy. Although Congress heeded some concerns of digital economy firms by crafting certain exceptions to authorize legitimate circumvention, those exceptions are overly narrow and shortsighted. They should be supplemented by a more general "other legitimate purposes" exception. The DMCA's anti-device provisions are, moreover, overbroad and unclear, especially on the question whether it is legal to develop a technology necessary to engage in a privileged act of circumvention (e.g., a fair use). Either Congress or the courts will be forced to constrain the reach of the anti-device rules so as not to undermine Congressional intent to preserve fair uses and so as not to harm competition and innovation in the information technology sector. Finally, though the DMCA provides © 1999 Pamela Samuelson. t Professor of Information Management and of Law, University of California at Berkeley; Co-Director of the Berkeley Center for Law and Technology. This paper is an outgrowth of work initially done for an Emory Law School conference on the law of cyberspace held in February 1996. The draft article produced for that conference entitled Technical Protection for Copyrighted Works discussed a 1995 legislative proposal for regulating the circumvention of technical protection systems. I am deeply indebted to Benjamin Black who was my research assistant during preparation of this draft. He subsequently collaborated with me on a derivative work of that paper. Although that project was never completed, this article builds on the base of that collaboration. I am also grateful for comments on this draft from Hal Abelson, Jonathan Band, Yochai Benkler, Julie Cohen, Gideon Frieder, Joan Feigenbaum, Bob Glushko, Peter Huang, Laurel Jamtgaard, and Kurt Opsahl. HeinOnline -14 Berkeley Tech. L.J. 519 1999 BERKELEY TECHNOLOGY LAW JOURNAL for a study of one class of potentially harmful impacts of the anticircumvention rules, this study needs to be broadened to consider the full impact of this unprecedented legislation.
Blood Groups and Ulcerative Colitis

Summary The distribution of blood groups in 170 ulcerative colitis patients has been studied. No relation was found between the ABO system and ulcerative colitis. The data, although not in complete agreement with the previously reported findings of increased incidence of CC homozygotes, do show a decreased incidence of cc homozygotes. Evidence suggests that homozygous CC is more common and homozygous cc less common in Jews and, since the disease is more prevalent in Jewish people, observed differences may be on an ethnic basis. Data on Rh and other blood groups in ulcerative colitis are presented.
A multiclass cell transmission model for shared human and autonomous vehicle roads

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve link and intersection traffic behavior. Computer reaction times may admit reduced following headways and increase capacity and backwards wave speed. The degree of these improvements will depend on the proportion of autonomous vehicles in the network. To model arbitrary shared road scenarios, the authors develop a multiclass cell transmission model that admits variations in capacity and backwards wave speed in response to class proportions within each cell. The multiclass cell transmission model is shown to be consistent with the hydrodynamic theory. This paper then develops a car following model incorporating driver reaction time to predict capacity and backwards wave speed for multiclass scenarios. For intersection modeling, the authors adapt the legacy early method for intelligent traffic management (Bento et al., 2013) to general simulation-based dynamic traffic assignment models. Empirical results on a city network show that intersection controls are a major bottleneck in the model, and that the legacy early method improves over traffic signals when the autonomous vehicle proportion is sufficiently high.
Electron Transport System of the Protoheme-requiring Anaerobe Bacteroides melaninogenicus

Protoheme is essential for the growth of some strains of Bacteroides melaninogenicus. At low concentrations in the growth medium, protoheme determines the doubling time, total cell yield, and amount of cytochrome per bacterium. At high protoheme concentrations, the doubling time, total cell yield, and amount of enzymatically reducible cytochrome appear to remain nearly constant, and protoheme is accumulated by the cell. The accumulated protoheme can support the growth of the bacterium for at least eight generations in a protoheme-free medium. When growth and cytochrome content are proportional during growth at low protoheme concentrations, the bacteria incorporate 10 to 20% of the total available protoheme into a membrane-bound respiratory system. This respiratory system includes cytochrome c, a carbon monoxide-binding pigment, and possibly flavoproteins. The pigments can be reversibly reduced by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or endogenous metabolism and can be oxidized anaerobically by fumarate or by shaking in air. Electron transport is inhibited by 2-n-nonyl-4-hydroxy-quinoline-N-oxide.
Engaging Non-Science Majors in Biology, One Disease at a Time.

We designed a human biology course that interests nonmajors while improving science literacy through student engagement, using a constructivist-inspired, topic-centered approach. This way of learning highlights common diseases that provide a basis to incorporate specific biological concepts. The topic-centered approach triggers interest and increases positive perceptions of learning science, and students find applicability in what they learn. In alignment with the Vision and Change report of AAAS, this course addresses the need to focus on connecting biology principles with real-world concerns, while incorporating students’ experiences into the learning process.
Thermal comparison between ceiling diffusers and fabric ductwork diffusers for green buildings

Abstract Continuously increasing energy standards have driven the need for increasing the efficiency of buildings. Most enhancements to building efficiency have been a result of changes to the heating/cooling systems, improvements in construction materials, or building design code improvements. These approaches neglect the way in which air is dispersed into individual rooms or in a building – i.e., the ducting system. This opens up the possibility of significant energy savings by making ductwork systems lighter and better insulating while ensuring cost effectiveness. The current study explores this idea by comparing the performance of conventional ductwork with recent advancements in fabric-based ductwork. We focus on the transient behavior of an on/off control system, as well as the steady state behavior of the two ductwork systems. Transient, fully three dimensional validated computational (CFD) simulations are performed to determine flow patterns and thermal evolution in rooms containing either conventional or fabric ductwork. This analysis is used to construct metrics on efficiency. A number of different flow rates are examined to determine the performance over a range of operating conditions. Transient finite volume simulations consisted of over 13 million degrees of freedom for over 10,000 time steps. The simulations utilized HPC (High Performance Computing) for the large scale analysis. The results conclusively show that fabric ducting systems are superior to the conventional systems in terms of efficiency. Observations from the data show that fabric ducting systems heat the room faster, more uniformly, and more efficiently. The increase in performance demonstrates the potential benefits of moving away from conventional systems to fabric systems for the construction of green buildings: particularly in conjunction with adaptive control systems.
Silicon-based metalloprotease inhibitors: synthesis and evaluation of silanol and silanediol peptide analogues as inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Silanols are best known as unstable precursors of siloxane (silicone) polymers, substances generally considered stable and inert, but have the potential to mimic a hydrated carbonyl and inhibit protease enzymes. While previous testing of simple silanediol and silanetriol species as inhibitors of hydrolase enzymes found them ineffective, this study reports polypeptide mimics with a central methylsilanol [SiMeOH] or silanediol [Si(OH)2] group and their assessment as effective transition state analogue inhibitors of the well-studied metalloprotease angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Central to the synthesis strategy, phenylsilanes were employed as acid-hydrolyzable precursors of the silanol group. The N-benzoyl Leu-[SiMeOH]-Gly benzyl amides proved to be stable and readily characterized. In contrast, the Leu-[Si(OH)2]-Gly structure was difficult to characterize, possibly because of self-association. Capping the silanediol with chlorotrimethylsilane gave a well-defined trisiloxane, demonstrating that the si...
Alvin Philip Shapiro, MD 1920–1998

Alvin Philip Shapiro, born December 27, 1920, died November 20, 1998. In the intervening 78 years, he made seminal contributions through writing (>250 publications) and teaching to our understanding of hypertension, the relationship of renal disease, and of psychological factors in the development and maintenance of elevated blood pressure. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Al was the son of a Russian immigrant peddler and socialist who had come to this country after the failure of the 1905 revolution in Russia. In the mid-nineteen twenties, his father moved the family, which was then a wife and two children, to New York because the elder Shapiro feared the intolerance of a place that would support the Scopes trial on the teaching of evolution. Al attended New York City Public Schools and then entered Cornell University, receiving his AB in the spring of 1941. On graduation from Long Island College of Medicine in 1944, he interned at Long Island College Hospital and then began an internal medicine residency at the Columbia Division, Goldwater Memorial Hospital, New York. In …
The magnetic hysteresis of NiFe-31% thin films under isotropic in-plane stress

Abstract We investigated the magneto-elastic properties of 500 nm thick sputtered NiFe-31% thin films. The hysteresis curves were measured as function of an externally applied isotropic in-plane stress. Coercivity and hysteresis loss decrease linearly as a function of tensile stress. Reduced pinning of the domain walls is believed to be responsible for the stress dependence.
Stability analysis of systems with periodic coefficients: An approximate approach

Abstract The paper deals with an approximate method of stability analysis for second order linear systems with periodic coefficients. The periodic functions are approximated during the first period of motion by a constant, a linear or a quadratic function of time such that the resulting approximate equations have known closed form solutions. The approximate equivalent equations are generated through an expansion of periodic coefficients into ultraspherical polynomials. The stability criteria is determined from the solution of approximate equivalent system and the generalized Floquet theory. The technique is quite general and does not require any restriction on the magnitudes of system parameters. In particular, the method has been applied to construct approximate stability chart for the Mathieu equation. A close agreement between the approximate and the exact result is found even for large values of system parameters.