cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Global patterns in peatmoss biodiversity

DNA sequence data from the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the trnL-trnF chloroplast DNA regions were used to quantify geographical partitioning of global biodiversity in peatmosses (Sphagnum), and to compare patterns of molecular diversity with patterns of species richness. Molecular diversity was estimated for boreal, tropical, Neotropical, nonboreal (tropical plus Southern Hemisphere), Old World and New World partitions, based on a total of 436 accessions. Diversity was partitioned among geographical regions in terms of combined nuclear and chloroplast sequence data and separately for the ITS and trnL-trnF data sets. Levels of variation were estimated using phylogenetic diversity (PD), which incorporates branch lengths from a phylogenetic tree, and the number of polymorphic nucleotide sites. Estimates of species richness suggest that peatmoss diversity is higher in New World than Old World regions, and that the Neotropics constitute a ‘hotspot’ of diversity. Molecular estimates, in contrast, indicate that peatmoss biodiversity is almost evenly divided between New and Old World regions, and that the Neotropics account for only 20–35% of global peatmoss diversity. In general, levels of tropical and boreal peatmoss molecular diversity were comparable. Two species, S. sericeum from the Old World tropics and S. lapazense from Bolivia, are remarkably divergent in nucleotide sequences from all other Sphagna and together account for almost 20% of all peatmoss diversity, although they are represented by only three of the 436 accessions (0.7%). These species clearly demonstrate the nonequivalence of species biodiversity value.
Frequency domain simultaneous algebraic reconstruction techniques: algorithm and convergence

We propose an algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) in the frequency domain for linear imaging problems. This algorithm has the advantage of efficiently incorporating pixel correlations in an a priori image model. First it is shown that the generalized ART algorithm converges to the minimum weighted norm solution, where the weights represent a priori knowledge of the image. Then an implementation in the frequency domain is described. The performance of the new algorithm is demonstrated with a fan beam computed tomography (CT) example. Compared to the traditional ART, the new algorithm offers superior image quality, fast convergence, and moderate complexity.
Lightweight set buffer: low power data cache for multimedia application

A new architectural technique to reduce power dissipation in data caches is proposed. In multimedia applications, a major portion of data cache accesses hit in the same cache set continuously before going to a different set. This feature allows us to remove unnecessary driving power in data arrays as long as the same cache set is accessed incessantly. Power saving is achieved through buffering and accessing the cache set instead of the main data array. The proposed technique does not incur performance degradation and accomplishes up to 57% of power reduction for data caches.
Concentration dependence of NaCl ion distributions around DPPC lipid bilayers

We study the coordination of excess NaCl to zwitterionic DPPC lipid bilayers using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that Na ions directly coordinate with the DPPC lipid carbonyl groups. As the number of excess ions increases, the number of coordinated ions increases, until it reaches a plateau at a ratio near 1 ion per every four lipids at 310 K, and 1 ion per every six lipids at 323 K. The area per lipid decreases as the number of excess ions is increased. For low number of ions per lipids (1:16 and 1:8), most Na ions are bound to the lipid carbonyls, while the Cl form an ionic cloud around the lipid choline groups. As a result of the Na binding, the lipid has an effective positive charge density. The residence time of Na ions bound to the lipid is longer than 40 ns, while Cl ions exchange faster than the nanoseconds timescale. We find that the bound Na ions replace ordered water around the carbonyls. The net linear charge density near the carbonyl groups stays positive, regardless of the presence of excess salt in the solution.
Evaluation of the CERES-Maize water and nitrogen balances under tile-drained conditions

The CERES-Maize model was developed to investigate how variations in environmental conditions, management decisions, and genetics interact to aAect crop development and growth. A tile drainage subroutine was incorporated into CERES-Maize to improve soil-water and nitrogen leaching under subsurface tile drainage conditions. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the soil-water, soil-nitrogen, tile drainage, and tile-nitrogen loss routines of CERES-Maize for tile-drained fields in Iowa. An analysis was conducted based on information collected from a study of 36 plots consisting of five management systems during a 4-year period from 1993 to 1996, at Nashua, IA. The model was calibrated for each plot using data from 1994 and 1995, and validated using data from 1993 and 1996. Temporal soil-water contents and water flow from tile drains were calibrated to an average root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.036 cm 3 cm ˇ3 and 2.62 cm, respectively, compared to measured values. Validation trials gave an average RMSE for soil-water and tile drainage of 0.046 cm 3 cm ˇ3 and 5.3 cm, respectively. Soil-nitrate and tile-nitrogen flows were calibrated, with an RMSE of 6.27 m gN O3 g ˇ1 soil ˇ1 and 3.21 kg N ha ˇ1 soil ˇ1 , respectively. For the validation trials, the RMSE for soil-nitrate content and cumulative tile-nitrate flow was 6.82 m gN O3 g ˇ1 soil ˇ1 and 8.8 kg N ha ˇ1 , respectively. These results indicate that the new tile drainage algorithms describe water and nitrate movement reasonably well, which will improve the performance of CERES-Maize for artificially drained fields. # 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Contribution of opening and bending dynamics to specific recognition of DNA damage.

Abstract Guanine-uracil (G·U) wobble base-pairs are a detrimental lesion in DNA. Previous investigations have shown that such wobble base-pairs are more prone to base-opening than the normal G·C base-pairs. To investigate the sequence-dependence of base-pair opening we have performed 5 ns molecular dynamics simulations on G·U wobble base-pairs in two different sequence contexts, TGT/AUA and CGC/GUG. Furthermore, we have investigated the effect of replacing the guanine base in each sequence with a fluorescent guanine analogue, 6-methylisoxanthopterin (6MI). Our results indicate that each sequence opens spontaneously towards the major groove in the course of the simulations. The TGT/AUA sequence has a greater proportion of structures in the open state than the CGC/GUG sequence. Incorporation of 6MI yields wobble base-pairs that open more readily than their guanine counterparts. In order of increasing open population, the sequences are ordered as CGC
Derivation and functional characterization of a consensus DNA binding sequence for the tas transcriptional activator of simian foamy virus type 1.

Although DNA binding sites specific for the Bel-1 and Tas transcriptional activators, encoded, respectively, by the human and simian foamy viruses, have been mutationally defined, they show little evident sequence identity. As a result, the sequence determinants for DNA binding by both Bel-1 and Tas have remained unclear. Here, we report the use of a novel in vivo randomization and selection strategy to identify a Tas DNA binding site consensus. This approach takes advantage of the fact that Tas can effectively activate gene expression in yeast cells via a Tas DNA binding site derived from the simian foamy virus type 1 (SFV-1) internal promoter. The defined Tas DNA binding site consensus extends over approximately 25 bp and contains a critical core sequence of ∼5 bp. Positions adjacent to this core sequence, while clearly also subject to selection, show a significantly higher level of sequence variation. Surprisingly, the wild-type SFV-1 internal promoter Tas DNA binding site fails to conform to the consensus at several positions. Further analysis demonstrated that the consensus sequence bound Tas more effectively than did the wild-type sequence in vitro and could mediate an enhanced Tas response in vivo when substituted into the SFV-1 internal promoter context. These findings explain the limited sequence identity observed for mutationally defined Tas or Bel-1 response elements and should facilitate the identification of Tas DNA target sites located elsewhere in the SFV-1 genome.
Characteristics of local excitatory circuits studied with glutamate microapplication in the CA3 area of rat hippocampal slices.

1. Local neuronal circuits in CA3 of hippocampal slices were studied by recording excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs and IPSPs) intracellularly during glutamate microapplicati...
The Roots of Executive Power

How do America’s chief executives get what they want out of the legislative process when their only formal power comes when bills arrive on their desks? We argue that executives are often able to get what they want by using their veto pen as a positive power and by relying upon a variety of additional carrots and sticks. We illustrate the logic of our argument by adapting Romer and Rosenthals’s (1978) “setter model.” We explain the intuition behind our model using case studies and interviews with politicians and advisors who have participated in inter-branch negotiations. To test our model’s predictions about the determinants of gubernatorial success we have compiled a dataset of gubernatorial proposals from 52 State of the State addresses delivered in 27 states over two recent legislative sessions. We gauge success by asking whether legislators eventually passed what governors proposed, either in its original form or in “half-a-loaf” compromises. We supplement this data with institutional and political variables. Overall we show that governors get either most or some of what they want on over 50 percent of their legislative proposals. We also demonstrate that variation in success is often shaped by the governors’ policy preferences, veto powers, popularity, and time remaining in office.
Effect of an Open-air, Mixed-use Shopping Center on the Price of Nearby Residential Properties

In this paper, we examine the nonlinear effect of an open-air, mixed-use shopping center on residential property prices in the surrounding area. Using difference-in-difference estimators and accoun...
Nonmonotonic Composition Dependence of the Dielectric Response of Ba1-xCaxZrO3

We use first-principles density functional theory calculations to investigate the dielectric response of BaZrO 3 based perovskites. In this study we have substituted Ca for Ba over a range of compositions to understand what causes the recently reported (Levin et al., J. Solid State Chem. 2003, 175, 170) nonmonotonic dielectric response of Ba 1-x Ca x ZrO 3 (BCZ). We show that in all compositions studied there appear two new sets of IR active phonon modes that increase the dielectric constant e. One set occurs below the normal IR active A-O modes, due to the "rolling cation" motion of Ca about its O 12 cage. The second set of new phonon modes occurs between the normal A-O and B-O mode frequencies, caused by the displacement of Ca along one Cartesian direction. As more Ca is added to BCZ, Ca-Ca interactions increase, leading to Ca displacements in all three Cartesian directions, stronger Ca-O bonds and increased Ο 6 tilts. Such structural deformations decrease e. These effects are responsible for the anomalous compositional dependence of the BCZ dielectric response.
Mismatch repair enhances convergent transcription-induced cell death at trinucleotide repeats by activating ATR

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion beyond a certain threshold results in some 20 incurable neurodegenerative disorders where disease anticipation positively correlates with repeat length. Long TNRs typically display a bias toward further expansion during germinal transmission from parents to offspring, and then are highly unstable in somatic tissues of affected individuals. Understanding mechanisms of TNR instability will provide insights into disease pathogenesis. Previously, we showed that enhanced convergent transcription at long CAG repeat tracks induces TNR instability and cell death via ATR activation. Components of TC-NER (transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair) and RNaseH enzymes that resolve RNA/DNA hybrids oppose cell death, whereas the MSH2 component of MMR (mismatch repair) enhances cell death. The exact role of the MMR pathway during convergent transcription-induced cell death at CAG repeats is not well understood. In this study, we show that siRNA knockdowns of MMR components-MSH2, MSH3, MLHI, PMS2, and PCNA-reduce DNA toxicity. Furthermore, knockdown of MSH2, MLH1, and PMS2 significantly reduces the frequency of ATR foci formation. These observations suggest that MMR proteins activate DNA toxicity by modulating ATR foci formation during convergent transcription.
Hot and Easy in Florida: The Case of Economics Professors

The objective of this study is threefold. First, we seek to investigate whether overall quality ratings recorded by students on RateMyProfessors.com (henceforth RMP) are positively related to the perceived easiness and hotness RMP ratings for 173 economics professors at public universities in Florida. Second, the overall quality ratings on RMP are investigated to determine whether they are positively correlated with the overall in-class instructor ratings for a subset of public Florida universities. Third, this subset of overall in-class instructor ratings is examined to determine whether the ratings are significantly related to the easiness and hotness ratings recorded on RMP. For a sample of 173 overall quality ratings on RMP, our results indicate that students who utilize RMP reward easy and hot economics professors with a higher rating. On average, for every additional 10 percent of total ratings that indicate a professor is hot, that professor's RMP overall quality rating increases by approximately 0.125 points on a 1 to 5 scale. Similarly, for every additional point of perceived easiness on a 1 to 5 scale, the RMP overall quality rating increases by about 0.50 points. Moreover, the correlation coefficient between the RMP overall quality ratings and the overall in-class ratings for a subsample of 60 economics professors at five public universities in Florida is only 0.47. However, when regressing the overall in-class instructor ratings on easiness and hotness ratings from RMP, easiness is significant, but hotness is not. Interestingly, when the overall in-class instructor ratings are regressed on perceived easiness, helpfulness, and clarity ratings from RMP, only helpfulness is significant. The findings reported here support the view documented previously in the literature that students reward professors based on a criterion that arguably increases teaching productivity - helpfulness outside the classroom.
Application of Gray Hiberarchy Model in Fault Tree Analysis

The technology of fault tree analysis plays an important part in failure diagnosis of complex system.The fault tree is regarded as double-deck gray framework and an universal method for estimating the possibility of fault model in fault tree analysis is obtained by setting up gray hiberarchy model and using gray correlation analysis.This method is applied to fault tree analysis of the pressure vessel exploding accidents and the satisfied results have been obtained.This method can provide a scientific basis for knowing about the importance of the affecting factors,controlling accidents and improving the reliability of the system.
Design of a Dual-band Bandpass Filter Based on the SIR and UIR

A dual-band bandpass filter is proposed based on λ/2 stepped-impedance resonators(SIRs) and uniform impedance resonators(UIRs)introduced,and the equivalent circuit of the proposed filter is given.By adjusting the impedance ratio and length of SIR and UIR,the proposed filter operates at the expected two frequencies.The structure becomes more compact by folded the SIR and UIR.A basic agreement of the simulated and measured results shows that this proposed filter operates at 2.4GHz and 5.59 GHz with its insertion losses of 1.69 dB and 4.33 dB respectively.The presented filter has several characters such as small size,simple structure and easily designed and realized,and it suqqested that do could be widely used in the radio frequency(RF) front-ends.
Strain and Rate-Dependent Diffuse Axonal Injury of 3D Neuron Cultures Under Compression

In the United States over 1.7 million cases of traumatic brain injury are reported yearly, but predictive correlation of cellular injury to impact tissue strain is still lacking, particularly for diffuse axonal injury. This information is critically important for the development of mitigation and diagnosis strategies. Using a 3D in vitro neuronal compression model, we investigated the role of impact strain and strain rate on neuronal lifetime, viability, and pathomorphology. We find that strain magnitude and strain rate have profound, yet distinctively different effects on the injury pathology. While strain magnitude determines the time of neuronal death, strain rate governs the pathomorphology and extent of population injury. Cellular injury is not initiated through localized deformation of the cytoskeleton but rather driven by excess strain on the entire cell. Similarly important, mechanoporation, one of the key pathological trigger mechanisms in stretch and shear neuronal injuries, does not occur under compression.
Seven dubious methods to compute optimal Q for Bayesian stochastic particle flow

We describe several new algorithms for particle flow using non-zero diffusion with optimal Q as well as suboptimal Q. The purpose of using optimal Q is two fold: improve estimation accuracy of the state vector and improve the accuracy of uncertainty quantification. Q is the covariance matrix of the diffusion for particle flow corresponding to Bayes' rule.
History and Class Consciousness. Studies in Marxist Dialectics

(1974). History and Class Consciousness. Studies in Marxist Dialectics. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 167-170.
Gout Self-Management in African American Veterans: A Qualitative Exploration of Challenges and Solutions From Patients' Perspectives.

Objective: To explore gout self-management and associated challenges and solutions in African-Americans. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 African-Americans veterans with gout, who received healthcare at Birmingham or Philadelphia Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers, had filled urate-lowering therapy (ULT; most commonly allopurinol) for at least 6 months and had ULT a medication possession ratio ≥80%. The interview protocol was constructed to explore key concepts related to gout self-management, including: initial diagnosis of gout, beginning medical care for gout, the course of the gout, ULT medication adherence, dietary strategies, comorbidity and side effects, and social support. Results: 35 African-American veterans with gout who had ≥80% ULT adherence (most commonly, allopurinol) were interviewed at Birmingham (n=18) or Philadelphia (n=17) VA medical centers. Mean age was 65 years, mean BMI 31.9 kg/m2, 97% had hypertension, 23% coronary artery disease and 31% renal failure. The main themes motivating African-American veterans to better gout self-management were: fear of pain; adherence to medications, self-discipline, lifestyle changes, information gathering and developing a positive outlook. Birmingham participants more frequently revealed skipping gout medications. More Philadelphia participants discussed lifestyle/diet changes to prevent gout flares, indicated limiting social activities that involved drinking, and sought more information about gout self-management from health care providers and Internet sources. Conclusions: Identified themes, including cultural differences by site, led to the development of a patient-centered intervention to improve gout self-management in African-American men with gout. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Incidence and Demographics of Pediatric Intracranial Hypertension

Abstract Objective We analyzed the incidence and demographic features of pediatric intracranial hypertension. Methods Inpatient and outpatient encounters of children aged 18 years or younger who were diagnosed with primary (idiopathic) or secondary intracranial hypertension between January 2010 and December 2013 were identified. Data were collected from a subspecialty clinic devoted to intracranial hypertension and the sole children's hospital in a large Midwestern city of the United States. Estimated incidence rates were calculated based on the number of newly diagnosed patients in our hospital's primary service area, which includes seven central Ohio counties. Sex, race, body mass index, socioeconomic status, and geographic distribution were also noted. Results A total of 74 pediatric patients were diagnosed with intracranial hypertension (49 primary/idiopathic and 25 secondary) between January 2010 and December 2013. Using census data, we determined the pediatric population in our service area during the four-year period. The Ohio Hospital Association's database indicated that 92.3% of patients aged 0 to 17 years residing in the region sought care at our institution. By combining these data, we calculated an annual incidence of primary and secondary intracranial hypertension of 0.63 and 0.32 per 100,000 children, respectively. Conclusions The estimated annual incidence of pediatric primary intracranial hypertension in our seven county service area in central Ohio is similar to previous pediatric reports from other countries and is 67% of that reported in the US adult population.
Extrinsic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells in development, homeostasis and diseases

Lifelong generation of blood and immune cells depends on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Their function is precisely regulated by complex molecular networks that integrate and respond to ever changing physiological demands of the body. Over the past several years, significant advances have been made in understanding the extrinsic regulation of HSCs during development and in homeostasis. Propelled by technical advances in the field, the cellular and molecular components of the microenvironment that support HSCs in vivo are emerging. In addition, the interaction of HSCs with their niches is appreciated as a critical contributor to the pathogenesis of a number of hematologic disorders. Here, we review these advances in detail and highlight the extrinsic regulation of HSCs in the context of development, homeostasis, and diseases. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e279. doi: 10.1002/wdev.279 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Molecular beam epitaxy growth and structure of self-assembled Bi2Se3/Bi2MnSe4 multilayer heterostructures

We demonstrate that the introduction of an elemental beam of Mn during the molecular beam epitaxial growth of Bi2Se3 results in the formation of layers of Bi2MnSe4 that intersperse between layers of pure Bi2Se3. This study revises the assumption held by many who study magnetic topological insulators (TIs) that Mn incorporates randomly at Bi-substitutional sites during epitaxial growth of Mn:Bi2Se3. Here, we report the formation of thin film magnetic TI Bi2MnSe4 with stoichiometric composition that grows in a self-assembled multilayer heterostructure with layers of Bi2Se3, where the number of Bi2Se3 layers separating the single Bi2MnSe4 layers is approximately defined by the relative arrival rate of Mn ions to Bi and Se ions during growth, and we present its compositional, structural, and electronic properties. We support a model for the epitaxial growth of Bi2MnSe4 in a near-periodic self-assembled layered heterostructure with Bi2Se3 with corresponding theoretical calculations of the energetics of this material and those of similar compositions. Computationally derived electronic structure of these heterostructures demonstrates the existence of topologically nontrivial surface states at sufficient thickness.
Historical Perspectives on CBCT

There can be no denying that Cone Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) is an in-office diagnostic imaging technology that has taken maxillofacial imaging by storm (Farman 2006; Farman and Scarfe 2006; Farman et al. 2005, 2007a, b; Hayakawa et al. 2005; Kursaglu et al. 2005; Scarfe et al. 2006; Scarfe and Farman 2007) and the most significant advance in extraoral dental imaging since the introduction of rotational panoramic radiography.
Trauma and hemorrhagic shock activate molecular association of 5-lipoxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase-Activating protein in lung tissue.

Abstract Background Post-traumatic lung injury following trauma and hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) is associated with significant morbidity. Leukotriene-induced inflammation has been implicated in the development of post-traumatic lung injury through a mechanism that is only partially understood. Postshock mesenteric lymph returning to the systemic circulation is rich in arachidonic acid, the substrate of 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5). ALOX5 is the rate-limiting enzyme in leukotriene synthesis and, following T/HS, contributes to the development of lung dysfunction. ALOX5 colocalizes with its cofactor, 5-lipoxygenase–activating protein (ALOX5AP), which is thought to potentiate ALOX5 synthetic activity. We hypothesized that T/HS results in the molecular association and nuclear colocalization of ALOX5 and ALOX5AP, which ultimately increases leukotriene production and potentiates lung injury. Materials and methods To examine these molecular interactions, a rat T/HS model was used. Post-T/HS tissue was evaluated for lung injury through both histologic analysis of lung sections and biochemical analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Lung tissue was immunostained for ALOX5 and ALOX5AP with association and colocalization evaluated by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In addition, rats undergoing T/HS were treated with MK-886, a known ALOX5AP inhibitor. Results ALOX5 levels increase and ALOX5/ALOX5AP association occurred after T/HS, as evidenced by increases in total tissue fluorescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer signal intensity, respectively. These findings coincided with increased leukotriene production and with the histological changes characteristic of lung injury. ALOX5/ALOX5AP complex formation, leukotriene production, and lung injury were decreased after inhibition of ALOX5AP with MK-886. Conclusions These results suggest that the association of ALOX5/ALOX5AP contributes to leukotriene-induced inflammation and predisposes the T/HS animal to lung injury.
Communication of novel concepts

We are proud to present the second print-issue of the journal ' Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy ' (CDT), which is also available on a open-access basis at the journal web-site www. amepc.org/cdt. The current issue includes a variety of articles, including original data, review articles, and clinical perspectives. The on-line version includes selected content in Chinese (Mandarin).
Protein intake and the risk of premenstrual syndrome.

Objective To examine the relationship between protein intake and the risk of incident premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Design Nested case-control study. FFQ were completed every 4 years during follow-up. Our main analysis assessed protein intake 2-4 years before PMS diagnosis (for cases) or reference year (for controls). Baseline (1991) protein intake was also assessed. Setting Nurses' Health Study II (NHS2), a large prospective cohort study of registered female nurses in the USA.ParticipantsParticipants were premenopausal women between the ages of 27 and 44 years (mean: 34 years), without diagnosis of PMS at baseline, without a history of cancer, endometriosis, infertility, irregular menstrual cycles or hysterectomy. Incident cases of PMS (n 1234) were identified by self-reported diagnosis during 14 years of follow-up and validated by questionnaire. Controls (n 2426) were women who did not report a diagnosis of PMS during follow-up and confirmed experiencing minimal premenstrual symptoms. Results In logistic regression models adjusting for smoking, BMI, B-vitamins and other factors, total protein intake was not associated with PMS development. For example, the OR for women with the highest intake of total protein 2-4 years before their reference year (median: 103·6 g/d) v. those with the lowest (median: 66·6 g/d) was 0·94 (95 % CI 0·70, 1·27). Additionally, intakes of specific protein sources and amino acids were not associated with PMS. Furthermore, results substituting carbohydrates and fats for protein were also null. Conclusions Overall, protein consumption was not associated with risk of developing PMS.
Managing the Great Pretender

Both noncriminal and criminal psychopaths will mask or avoid acknowledging their problem behavior, and they lack insight into the nature and extent of their disturbance. Research supports that general guidelines for managing a psychopath include: (1) identify and know with what you are dealing (e.g., rely on evidence-based knowledge); (2) guard against ingratiation, manipulations, and seductive appeals, etc. (i.e., the primary tools of psychopathy); (3) take a broad view (i.e., keep your eyes wide open for subtle cues); (4) stay “on guard” for protection against a “sneak attack”; and (5) cultivate self-understanding and high self-esteem. A scintilla of evidence of threat, falsity, or violence should be the basis for immediately terminating contacts with and avoiding the particular person in the future.
Rehearsal for Reconstruction: Antebellum Origins of the Fourteenth Amendment

In this article Professor Finkelman explores the intent of the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment by looking at race relations in the North in the years leading up to the Civil War. While slavery had been abolished in the North, Blacks were far from political equals, but continued to migrate north in droves in the years leading up to the war. However, Professor Finkelman asserts that contrary to what most scholars have argued, Blacks living in the North had numerous legal rights and their legal position was improving during the antebellum period. Additionally, Professor Finkelman holds that the rehearsal for Reconstruction actually began as early as the 1830s.
The estimated prevalence of missed positive lymph nodes based on extent of lymphadenectomy at radical prostatectomy.

Abstract Purpose To determine practice patterns for the extent of lymphadenectomy at radical prostatectomy and associations with detection of pN1 prostate cancer, as well as the impact of lymphadenectomy extent on underdetection of pN1 disease and overall survival. Materials and methods Prostatectomy cases in the NCDB from 2004 to 2013 were included. Lymphadenectomy extent was defined by the number of nodes examined. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for the top quartile of lymph node count and pN1 disease. This model was created to estimate the expected prevalence of pN1, and generated observed over expected ratios. A Cox regression model was used to evaluate the effect of lymph node count on overall survival. Results Lymphadenectomy was performed in 209,789 (60%) of 358,522 surgeries, with pN1 in 6,428 (3.08%). Increasing quartiles for lymph node count was associated with pN1 (3–5 nodes OR 2.11; 6–8 nodes OR 3.12; ≥9 nodes OR 5.91, all P Conclusions Increasing lymphadenectomy extent was associated with pN1 disease on multivariate analysis, and logistic regression modeling suggested a substantial proportion of pN1 were missed due to low lymphadenectomy extent across all risk groups.
Pseudo-Goldstone Dark Matter in gauged $B-L$ extended Standard Model

Gauging the global $B-L$ (Baryon number minus Lepton number) symmetry in the Standard Model (SM) is well-motivated since anomaly cancellations require the introduction of three right-handed neutrinos (RHNs) which play an essential role in naturally generating tiny SM neutrino masses through the seesaw mechanism. In the context of the $B-L$ extended SM, we propose a pseudo-Goldstone boson dark matter (DM) scenario in which the imaginary component of a complex $B-L$ Higgs field serves as the DM in the universe. The DM relic density is determined by the SM Higgs boson mediated process, but its elastic scattering with nucleons through the exchange of Higgs bosons is highly suppressed due to its pseudo-Goldstone boson nature. The model is therefore free from the constraints arising from direct DM detection experiments. We identify regions of the model parameter space for reproducing the observed DM density compatible with the constraints from the Large Hadron Collider and the indirect DM searches by Fermi-LAT and MAGIC.
Chronic marijuana use moderates the correlations of serum cholesterol with systemic mitochondrial function and fluid cognition

Activating type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor decreases the particle size of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and inhibits reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). This study examined whether marijuana (MJ) use is associated with changes of RCT, and how the latter is associated with mitochondrial function and fluid cognition. We recruited 19 chronic MJ users and 20 nonusers with matched age, BMI, sex, ethnicity, and education. We measured their fluid cognition, mitochondrial function (basal and max respiration, ATP production) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cholesterol content in serum lipoprotein fractions, enterolactone/creatinine ratio in urine as a marker for dietary polyphenol intake, and lipase activity in serum. We found that higher percentage of large HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) correlated positively, while that of small HDL-C correlated inversely, with mitochondrial function among MJ users, but correlations of the opposite directions were found among nonusers. The concentrations of large and intermediate HDL-C correlated positively with mitochondrial function and fluid cognition among MJ users, but not among nonusers. Both percentage and concentration of large HDL-C correlated positively, while those of small HDL-C correlated inversely, with amounts of daily and lifetime MJ use. In all participants, higher urinary enterolactone/creatinine ratio and lower serum lipase activity were associated with higher large HDL-C/small HDL-C ratio, implying greater RCT. This study suggests that high MJ use may compromise RCT, which is strongly associated with mitochondrial function and fluid cognition among MJ users.
A Simple Fix for Convolutional Neural Network via Coordinate Embedding

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) has been widely applied in the realm of computer vision. However, given the fact that CNN models are translation invariant, they are not aware of the coordinate information of each pixel. Thus the generalization ability of CNN will be limited since the coordinate information is crucial for a model to learn affine transformations which directly operate on the coordinate of each pixel. In this project, we proposed a simple approach to incorporate the coordinate information to the CNN model through coordinate embedding. Our approach does not change the downstream model architecture and can be easily applied to the pre-trained models for the task like object detection. Our experiments on the German Traffic Sign Detection Benchmark show that our approach not only significantly improve the model performance but also have better robustness with respect to the affine transformation.
Chapter 22 – Radioactive Waste Disposal

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses safe disposal of radioactive waste in order to provide safety to workers and the public. Radioactive wastes arise from a great variety of sources, including the nuclear fuel cycle, and from beneficial uses of isotopes and radiation by institutions. Spent fuel contains uranium, plutonium, and highly radioactive fission products. In the United States spent fuel is accumulating, awaiting the development of a high-level waste repository. A multi-barrier system involving packaging and geological media will provide protection of the public over the centuries the waste must be isolated. The favored method of disposal is in a mined cavity deep underground. In other countries, reprocessing the fuel assemblies permits recycling of materials and disposal of smaller volumes of solidified waste. Transportation of wastes is by casks and containers designed to withstand severe accidents. Low-level wastes (LLWs) come from research and medical procedures and from a variety of activation and fission sources at a reactor site. They generally can be given near-surface burial. Isotopes of special interest are cobalt-60 and cesium-137. Transuranic wastes are being disposed of in the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. Establishment of regional disposal sites by interstate compacts has generally been unsuccessful in the United States. Decontamination of defense sites will be long and costly. Decommissioning of reactors in the future will contribute a great deal of low-level radioactive waste.
Chapter 20 – Transportation Systems

Publisher Summary Transportation has played a major role in shaping the industrialized world, influencing the location of economic activity, the form and size of cities, and the style and pace of life. Transportation systems foster economic growth by facilitating trade, permitting access to resources, and enabling greater economies of scale and specialization. They also expand cultural and social connections, increase employment and educational opportunities, and offer more options for the places to live. The transportation system integrates people, modes, and land uses. Industrialized nations have relatively fully developed transportation systems so that it is not possible to just build our way out of congestion and other problems. The various forms of transportation that have been developed over time are called modes. The distinctions among modes include uses, right of way, propulsion type, fuel source, support, fixed vs. variable route, and control.
Relationships between milk fat and rumination time recorded by commercial rumination sensing systems

Low rumination in the dairy cow is often assumed to result in reduction of saliva flow, rumen buffering, and milk fat, which is a major contributor to milk value in many pricing systems. Rumination time (RT) of individual cows can be measured with commercial rumination sensing systems, but our understanding of how daily RT (minutes per day) is related to milk fat production is limited. Our hypothesis was that between cows within a herd, greater RT would be associated with lower milk fat concentration. Data from 1,823 cows on 2 commercial dairy farms in Pennsylvania over 8 DHIA tests were analyzed for a total of 8,587 cow test-days. Rumination was measured on farm A with CowManager SensoOr ear tags (Agis Automatisering BV, Harmelen, the Netherlands) and on farm B with SCR Hi-Tag neck collars (SCR Engineers, Netanya, Israel). Rumination data were collected for 7 consecutive days leading up to each DHIA test, summed within day, and averaged across days. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with a repeated effect of test day. Daily RT reported by commercial rumination systems varied across and within cows and was strongly influenced by a cow effect. Greater RT tended to be associated with a small decrease in milk fat concentration in farm A, but was not related to milk fat in farm B. The reason for this difference is unclear, but may be related to a potentially greater prevalence of biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression on farm A. The significant, but small, model coefficients for milk fat and RT indicate that the relationship between these variables may not be strong enough to permit identification of cows with biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression based on RT from commercial systems alone. Research assessing changes in rumination before, during, and after onset of altered rumen fermentation is necessary to determine whether RT could be used to identify cows with altered rumen fermentation.
CURRENT AND FUTURE TRENDS IN PROSTAGLANDIN RESEARCH

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the current and future trends in prostaglandin research. The activity of phospholipase A2 represents a critical step in prostaglandin synthesis and is believed to be regulated by a calcium-dependent mechanism on the one hand, in which cyclic AMP and calmodulin are also involved, and by glucocorticoids, on the other, which exert an inhibitory effect. Once the released arachidonic acid combines with cyclo-oxygenase, the primary prostaglandins F2 and E2 are rapidly formed through an unstable common intermediate endoperoxide. One of the most significant discoveries in prostaglandin research has been the recognition that aspirin and other nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs are potent inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase. This finding offered not only a plausible explanation of the mode of action of aspirin-like drugs but also greatly contributed to one's knowledge about the role of prostaglandins in various physiological processes. It has been known for some time that the primary prostaglandins have a very short half-life because of their rapid breakdown in the pulmonary circulation. The metabolism of PGF2α and PGE2 usually start with oxidation at C-15 by the 15-hydroxprostaglandin dehydrogenase followed by reduction of the 13, 14 double bond.
Rent Seeking over Tradable Emission Permits

The allocation of emission permits at no cost during the establishment of a cap-and-trade program creates opportunities for rent-seeking. I examine the consequences of such rent-seeking by exploiting an unusual feature of the UK’s permit allocation procedure in Phase 1 of the EU’s CO $$_{2}$$ Emissions Trading Scheme, whereby it is possible to observe both a firm’s actual permit allocation as well as an earlier, technocratically-based provisional allocation that was never implemented. Firms had the opportunity to appeal their provisional allocation. I find that a firm’s financial connections to members of the House of Commons strongly predict its post-appeal allocation. Even after controlling for the provisional allocation, along with industry and financial characteristics, a connection to an additional member is associated with a significant increase in a firm’s actual permit allocation. Using results from a contest-theoretic framework, I estimate the welfare loss from rent-seeking to be over 100 million euros—a significant amount relative to the abatement costs firms incurred to reduce emissions.
Febrile Neutropenia in Intensive Care Unit

Febrile neutropenia is a serious complication of cancer treatment and causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially when these patients present with sepsis or septic shock requiring intensive care unit admission. Careful assessment and evaluation of these patients and appropriate empiric antibiotics can reduce mortality. Current guidelines recommend antipseudomonal antibiotics as empiric treatment; combination therapy is recommended in hemodynamic unstable patients. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor does not improve survival but decreases length of stay in cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Antifungals drugs are recommended in patients with prolonged, unexplained fever. Sepsis has a high mortality rate in these patients even with rapid and appropriate empiric antibiotic coverage. More studies on treatment and outcome in patients with febrile neutropenia are needed.
SemNet Software as an Assessment Tool

Publisher Summary The SemNet© software is a knowledge-representation tool that can help science students shift from rote to meaningful learning. Asking students to self-model their knowledge about a topic with SemNet is a viable alternative to essays for measuring conceptual understanding and it has several advantages over essays. The habit promoted by SemNet-based knowledge construction of retrieving more content in response to a question seems to have a lasting effect. There are at least two significant limitations to using the current version of SemNet as a generative assessment tool. First, students should have prior experience with the software before entering the testing situation. Second, each student must have access to a Macintosh computer. SemNet is a Macintosh-based tool that has been employed with third graders studying ecology; middle-school children exploring difficult topics such as drugs; high-school students studying biology; college students learning history, music, literature, and science; and students enrolled in music and physiology college courses being taught across the World Wide Web.
The Affordable Housing Element in Comprehensive Plans

The New Jersey Supreme Court's Mount Laurel doctrine requires all municipalities in the state to accept their fair share of regional housing need. Planning statutes that require housing elements in comprehensive plans have adopted the fair-share doctrine as a basis for assigning local affordable housing obligations. This Article argues that the assignment of numerical fair shares is not an acceptable basis for affordable housing policies in comprehensive plans. Alternate strategies should be considered.
An investigation into the incidence of abortion in baltimore

Abstract 1. 1. Report is made on 30,133 previous pregnancies of 10,397 patients on an obstetric service. 2. 2. Of these pregnancies 5,124, or 17.0 per cent, ended in abortion. 3. 3. The abortion ratio was higher among the previous pregnancies of aborting than of parturient women. 4. 4. The abortion ratio was 25.1 per cent for private patients (white), 15.4 per cent for white ward patients, and 16.6 per cent for Negro patients. 5. 5. With increasing number of previous pregnancies the abortion ratio increased for private patients, decreased for Negro patients, with no clear trend for white ward patients.
A BOUND ON THE LIGHT EMITTED DURING THE THERMALLY PULSING ASYMPTOTIC GIANT BRANCH PHASE

The integrated luminosity of the thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch (TP-AGB) phase is a major uncertainty in stellar population synthesis models. We revise the white dwarf initial-final mass relation (IFMR), incorporating the latest composition and distance measurements for several clusters. Using this IFMR and stellar interiors models, we demonstrate that a significant fraction of the core mass growth for intermediate (1.5 < M{sub sun} < 6) mass stars must take place during the TP-AGB phase. This conclusion holds using models both with and without convective overshoot. We find evidence that the peak fractional core mass contribution for TP-AGB stars is {approx}20% and occurs for stars between 2 M{sub sun} and 3.5 M{sub sun}. Using a simple fuel consumption argument we couple this core mass increase to a lower limit on the TP-AGB phase energy output. We demonstrate that the current TP-AGB models of Pietrinferni et al. and Bertelli et al. systematically grow the core less than we require while the latter predict sufficient integrated light. Our calculated lower bound, coupled with chemical evolution constraints, may provide an upper limit to the integrated luminosity of stars in the TP-AGB phase. Alternatively, a robust measurement of the emitted light in this phasemore » and our constraints could set strong constraints on helium enrichment from TP-AGB stars. We estimate the yields predicted by current models as a function of initial mass. Implications for stellar population studies and prospects for improvements are discussed.« less