cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal assessment of maternal zinc status during normal pregnancy

The purpose of this investigation was to assess longitudinally the zinc status of 55 healthy women throughout pregnancy and their neonates at delivery. Zinc status was assessed by quantifying the zinc concentrations in maternal plasma, red blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, as well as the total activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase and the fractions of this enzyme at 9, 17, 25, 34, and 40 weeks gestation and also in neonatal cord vein blood. The assessment of nutrient intake was conducted during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Significant time dependent changes (p {dollar}amp;lt;{dollar} 0.0001) throughout pregnancy were noted for the maternal zinc concentrations in plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils, as well as the activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase. Maternal lymphocyte zinc concentrations were not significantly different throughout gestation. Plasma zinc concentrations declined and were lower throughout pregnancy when compared to neonatal concentrations. Red blood cell and neutrophil zinc concentrations increased during gestation and were consistently higher than neonatal concentrations. Lymphocyte zinc concentrations were constant throughout pregnancy but higher than neonatal concentrations. The total activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase and the fractions of this enzyme increased throughout pregnancy. The total activity of neonatal plasma alkaline phosphatase was higher than the total enzyme activity in maternal plasma prior to 34 weeks gestation. Quantitative diet histories revealed that women consuming nutrients from food and vitamin/mineral supplement usage during their pregnancies met or exceeded the 1989 Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for pregnancy. Women who chose not to utilize vitamin/mineral supplements during pregnancy demonstrated that food alone could not meet the nutrient requirements of pregnancy for thiamin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc The normal expected changes in select maternal zinc indices throughout pregnancy have been described in a well-defined group of healthy pregnant women. These findings may help formulate standards for the assessment of maternal zinc nutriture in the future
An Elastic-Plastic Cylinder with Free Ends and Internal Heat Generation

The elastic-plastic deformation of a long cylinder subjected to uniform heat generation Q is considered using Tresca's yield function and an associated flow rule for perfectly plastic material. The ends of the cylinder are assumed to be free and all elastic and thermal parameters temperature-independent. It is supposed that the outer surface is insulated and that heat is removed from the inner surface. If Q is allowed to increase at a sufficiently slow rate so that time effects can be neglected, then yielding commences on the inner surface. For the Poisson ratio nu = 0.3, immediately after initiation of yield to inner plastic regions and an elastic region form. One of the plastic regions corresponds to a singular regime of the Tresca yield function. The interfaces of the regions propagate outward as Q is increased. For outer to inner cylinder radius ratio equal to 5 it was found that, for Q about 4 times the value giving the initial plastic yielding, a third plastic region formed in the interior of the elastic region. The equations involved were solved numerically. (auth)
Detection and attribution of climate extremes in the observed record

We present an overview of practices and challenges related to the detection and attribution of observed changes in climate extremes. Detection is the identification of a statistically significant change in the extreme values of a climate variable over some period of time. Issues in detection discussed include data quality, coverage, and completeness. Attribution takes that detection of a change and uses climate model simulations to evaluate whether a cause can be assigned to that change. Additionally, we discuss a newer field of attribution, event attribution, where individual extreme events are analyzed for the express purpose of assigning some measure of whether that event was directly influenced by anthropogenic forcing of the climate system.
Introduction to the Big Data and Analytics: Concepts, Techniques, Methods, and Applications Minitrack

The Big Data minitrack features a number of papers addressing methods and techniques, issues and challenges, and organizational approaches to processing and managing Big Data within an organizational environment. This year three papers focus on the financial domain, one on competitive sports, one on mobile advertising, and one paper on a framework for Big Data coordination and governance. These papers contribute to a growing body of practical technical techniques for using a variety of analytical methods to process Big Data in a business operations environment. And, they contribute to a framework for managing Big Data activities within a business environment.
Activity of Seven Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors Against Development of Stored Product Insects

Seven chitin synthesis-inhibiting compounds were evaluated for activity against stored product insects in wheat. None of the compounds was acutely toxic to any species. N-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy)-3, 5-dichlorophenyl amino carbonyl]-2-chlorobenzamide with ID95 values of 0.1, 0.1, 0.3, 0.7, 0.8, 0.3, and 0.5 ppm, was most effective as a suppressor of development of the confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal, granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.), lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), rice weevil, S. oryzae (L.), sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), almond moth Ephestia cautella (Walker), and Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), respectively. Other compounds were at least 10 times less effective.
On the Use of IEEE 802.11n for Industrial Communications

In the last years, IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANs (WLANs) have proved their effectiveness for a wide range of real-time industrial communication applications. Nonetheless, the introduction of the important IEEE 802.11n amendment, which is commonly implemented in commercial devices, has not been adequately addressed in this operational framework yet. IEEE 802.11n encompasses several enhancements at both physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers that may bring considerable improvements to the performance of WLANs deployed in real-time industrial communication systems. To this regard, in this paper, we present a thorough investigation of the most important IEEE 802.11n features, addressing in particular, specific performance indicators such as timeliness and reliability, which are crucial for industrial communication systems. To this aim, after an accurate theoretical analysis, we implemented a suitable experimental setup and carried out several measurement sessions to obtain an exhaustive performance assessment. The outcomes of these experiments, on one hand, revealed that the adoption of IEEE 802.11n can actually provide significant improvements to the performance of the IEEE 802.11 WLAN in the industrial communication scenario. On the other hand, the assessment allowed to select, among the various options of IEEE 802.11n, the parameter settings which may ensure the best behavior in this specific (and demanding) field of application.
Revisiting Planting Date and Cultivar Effects on Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome Development and Yield Loss

The impact of today’s optimal planting dates on sudden death syndrome (SDS) (caused by Fusarium virguliforme) development and soybean yield loss are not yet well understood. Field trials established in Hancock, Wisconsin during 2013 and 2014 investigated interactions between planting date and cultivar on SDS development and soybean yield. In 2013, disease index (DX) levels differed among cultivars, but results showed no difference between the 6 May and 24 May planting dates. Significantly lower DX levels were observed for the 17 June date. Greatest yields were found in the 6 May planting date, and yield losses were 720 (17%), 770 (20%), and 400 kg ha−1 (12%) for the 6 May, 24 May, 17 and June planting dates, respectively. In 2014, cultivars again differed for DX, but results showed highest DX levels in the 5 May planting date, with little disease observed in the 22 May and 11 June dates. Yield losses were 400 (12%) and 270 kg ha−1 (9%) for the 5 May and 22 May dates, respectively, but no difference was fo...
Modern Image-Guided Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Oropharynx Cancer and Severe Late Toxic Effects: Implications for Clinical Trial Design

Importance Late toxic effects are common after definitive radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for oropharynx cancer and are considered a significant contributor to decreased quality of life for survivors. The incidence of severe late toxic effects may be reduced by modern narrow-margin image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT), current supportive care improvements, and the changing epidemiology of oropharynx cancer. Objective Assess the incidence of severe late toxic effects after modern definitive non-operative treatment for oropharynx cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants For this single-institution retrospective review, 156 patients with stage I-IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx treated between April 2009 and February 2015 at a tertiary-referral academic multidisciplinary head and neck practice were recruited. Interventions Definitive narrow-margin IG-IMRT to a dose of 66 Gy (to convert milligray to rad, multiply by 0.1) or higher with or without concurrent cisplatin. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the prospectively collected 2-year cumulative incidence of severe late toxic effects (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3 or higher) occurring 3 months or more after radiotherapy. Toxic effect end points investigated included esophageal stricture requiring dilation, aspiration pneumonia hospitalization, vocal dysfunction, delayed feeding tube insertions, and osteoradionecrosis. Feeding tube dependence at 1 year was also considered a severe late toxic effect. Secondary outcomes collected include physician-reported grade 2 or higher neck fibrosis and xerostomia. The competing risks of recurrence and death were accounted for using the Gray method. Results One-hundred fifty-six patients (median [range] age, 58 [37-96] years) were identified; 130 patients (83%) were HPV positive. Concurrent cisplatin was delivered in 131 patients (84%) and 5 patients (3%) underwent an adjuvant neck dissection. The median (range) follow-up for survivors was 22 (4-73) months from diagnosis. The projected 2-year locoregional control was 93% (95% CI, 88.4%-97.6%) and overall survival was 88% (95% CI, 82.2%-94.0%). Thirty-eight patients (23%) required a feeding tube during treatment. The cumulative incidence of severe late toxic effects adjusted for competing risks at 2-year posttreatment was 2.3% (95% CI, 0%-5.6%). One patient required free-flap reconstruction for grade 3 osteoradionecrosis at 47 months. At 1 year, 2 patients (1%) experienced grade 2 neck fibrosis and 38 patients (23%) experienced grade 2 xerostomia. Conclusions and Relevance These results suggest that severe late toxic effects after modern definitive IG-IMRT, with or without cisplatin, for oropharynx cancer is likely uncommon. The importance of late toxic effect reduction in current and future investigational strategies, including clinical trials, should be considered.
High-mobility Hydrogenated Indium Oxide without Introducing Water During Sputtering

Abstract The key role of water to obtain high-mobility IO:H (hydrogenated indium oxide) layers has been well documented, but introducing the required tiny amount of water is technologically challenging. We first use simulations to evidence the key role of high mobility for the transparent conductive oxide for high-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cells. Then, we investigate an approach to fabricate high-mobility IO:H that circumvent the introduction of water vapor, relying on water vapor from ambient air. A sputtering tool equipped with a residual gas analyzer allows partial pressure monitoring of hydrogen and water in the system, and to link the gas composition to the properties of the deposited films. To vary the residual water pressure, we varied the pumping time after opening the chamber and before starting the deposition to reach different base pressures (1. 10 -5 mbar to 3. 10 -7 mbar), which are mostly composed of residual water. An optimum base pressure around 3. 10 -6 mbar—and not lower pressures—was found to yield the highest mobility values after annealing. An alternative approach by introducing a small flow of hydrogen together with argon and oxygen is also shown to provide promising results.
Parental Perceptions of Participation in 4-H Beef, Sheep and Swine Livestock Projects and the Fostering of Life Skill Development in Youth

Beef, sheep and swine 4-H youth livestock projects have a great deal of hands-on learning opportunities for members. However, what are parents’ perceptions about livestock projects and the development of life skills? The purpose of this research effort was to determine the life skill development gained by 4-H members participating in 4-H beef, sheep or swine projects in West Virginia. A total of 207 caregivers offered insight into the study and answered life skill development questions. These questions were related to decision making, relating to others, developing and maintaining records, accepting responsibility, building positive self esteem, self motivation, knowledge of the livestock industry, developing organizational skills, problem solving, developing oral communication skills, setting goals, developing self-discipline, and working in teams. The findings of this study provide positive insights into the relationship between the development of valuable life skills and 4-H beef, sheep and swine projects.
Using ChIP-seq Technology to Identify Targets of Zinc Finger Transcription Factors

Half of all human transcription factors are zinc finger proteins and yet very little is known concerning the biological role of the majority of these factors. In particular, very few genome-wide studies of the in vivo binding of zinc finger factors have been performed. Based on in vitro studies and other methods that allow selection of high affinity-binding sites in artificial conditions, a zinc finger code has been developed that can be used to compose a putative recognition motif for a particular zinc finger factor (ZNF). Theoretically, a simple bioinformatics analysis could then predict the genomic locations of all the binding sites for that ZNF. However, it is unlikely that all of the sequences in the human genome having a good match to a predicted motif are in fact occupied in vivo (due to negative influences from repressive chromatin, nucleosomal positioning, overlap of binding sites with other factors, etc). A powerful method to identify in vivo binding sites for transcription factors on a genome-wide scale is the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, followed by hybridization of the precipitated DNA to microarrays (ChIP-chip) or by high throughput DNA sequencing of the sample (ChIP-seq). Such comprehensive in vivo binding studies would not only identify target genes of a particular zinc finger factor, but also provide binding motif data that could be used to test the validity of the zinc finger code. This chapter describes in detail the steps needed to prepare ChIP samples and libraries for high throughput sequencing using the Illumina GA2 platform and includes descriptions of quality control steps necessary to ensure a successful ChIP-seq experiment.
Survival in patients with medullary thyroid cancer after less than the recommended initial operation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the disease specific-survival (DSS) of patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) confined to the central neck based on the extent of the initial operation. METHODS This retrospective review of patients with MTC from the SEER registry from 2004 to 2012 excluded patients with lateral neck involvement or distant metastases. RESULTS The cohort (n = 766) included 85(11%) less than total thyroidectomies (TT), 212(28%) TT alone, and 469(61%) TT with lymph node excision. Mean tumor size was similar (2.2cm for <TT, 1.9 for TT alone, and 2.2 for TT with nodes, p=0.13). Patients receiving a TT with nodal excision were more likely to have multifocal tumors (8% <TT, 22% TT alone, and 27% TT with nodes, P < 0.001), and extrathyroidal extension (1% <TT, 4% TT alone, and 9% TT with nodes, P = 0.005). Even after controlling for significant predictors of DSS, extent of the initial operation did not predict survival (HR 0.28 for <TT, 95% CI 0.26-3.11 and HR 0.62 for TT alone, 95% CI 0.17-2.22 compared to TT with nodes, P = NS for all). CONCLUSION According to population-based SEER registry data, the extent of initial resection may not significantly change DSS in patients with MTC confined to the central neck.
Intraoperative fluid restriction in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Abstract Background Multiple studies highlight the importance of liberal fluid administration in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Over-resuscitation can delay recovery and wound healing. We report an intraoperative protocol that restricts fluid administration and minimizes morbidity. Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis of 35 patients that underwent CRS-HIPEC for curative intent under fluid restriction protocol from June 2015 to July 2017 was performed. Protocol consists of continuous infusion of vasopressin 0.02 units/h and maintaining urine output at 0.5 mL/kg/h via crystalloid and colloid. Endpoint was Clavien-Dindo ≥3 events within 30 d of CRS-HIPEC. Results Median age was 56 y; 71% were female. Malignancies treated: appendix (49%), colon (31%), and other (20%). Median peritoneal cancer index was 15, complete cytoreduction was achieved in 91% of patients. Median time for return of bowel function was 5 d, median length of hospital stay was 7 d. There were 28 bowel anastomoses. Median intraoperative crystalloid, colloid, and packed red blood cells were (1900, 1500, and 700 mL), respectively. Clavien-Dindo grade 3-4 events occurred in five patients. There were no deaths 30 d after surgery. Conclusions A fluid restriction protocol appears to be safe and feasible in the setting of CRS-HIPEC for curative intent.
An analysis of the pineal hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase rhythm during the estrous cycle of the rat.

For the past few years our laboratory has been interested in the relationship between pineal gland rhythmicity and reproductive function in the rat. As an index of pineal rhythmicity we followed the diurnal variations in hydroxyindole-O-methyl transferase (HIOMT), the enzyme which forms melatonin, one of the pineal’s antigonadotropic hormones. We have interpreted the effects of endocrine and environmental manipulation in terms of changes in a mixed-wave equation.
The Role of OR in Emergency Evacuation from Hazmat Incidents

Hazardous materials incidents pose a threat to human lives and require protective actions. The appropriate response may be to shelter-in-place or evacuate, depending on the type of hazardous material and other factors. This chapter focuses on the latter response and illustrates how operations research (OR) has been used to model and simulate evacuation conditions and potential improvements to evacuation operations, guidance, and plans. These strategies include ramp management, crossing elimination, signal retiming, staged evacuation, destination and shelter assignment, and transit operations. The strategies and associated mathematical formulations build on existing models of traffic assignment and simulation systems. A discussion is presented of how to modify temporal and spatial parameters of the systems for evacuations and the hazmat event specific characteristics. Finally, the chapter presents a forward-looking discussion to examine the emerging frontiers of OR knowledge and research that is expected to one day permit ever greater complex to be dealt with.
Crowdturfers, Campaigns, and Social Media: Tracking and Revealing Crowdsourced Manipulation of Social Media

Crowdturfing has recently been identified as a sinister counterpart to the enormous positive opportunities of crowdsourcing. Crowdturfers leverage human-powered crowdsourcing platforms to spread malicious URLs in social media, form "astroturf" campaigns, and manipulate search engines, ultimately degrading the quality of online information and threatening the usefulness of these systems. In this paper we present a framework for "pulling back the curtain" on crowdturfers to reveal their underlying ecosystem. Concretely, we analyze the types of malicious tasks and the properties of requesters and workers in crowdsourcing sites such as Microworkers.com, ShortTask.com and Rapidworkers.com, and link these tasks (and their associated workers) on crowdsourcing sites to social media, by monitoring the activities of social media participants. Based on this linkage, we identify the relationship structure connecting these workers in social media, which can reveal the implicit power structure of crowdturfers identified on crowdsourcing sites. We identify three classes of crowdturfers -- professional workers, casual workers, and middlemen -- and we develop statistical user models to automatically differentiate these workers and regular social media users.
Ein neuer Speichel- und Schleimersatz für die oberen Luft- und Speisewege

Bei der Entwicklung eines wirksamen SpeichelSchleimersatzes mussen die physiologischen Besonderheiten des Schleimes berucksichtigt werden, der das Epithel des Aerodigestivtraktes bedeckt. Von groser biologischer Bedeutung ist die elektronegative Ladung der Neuraminsaure, die fur die protektive Funktion der Muzine verantwortlich ist. Dadurch erhalt das Epithel ein elektronegatives Ladungsschild, das es gegenuber der Umgebung schutzt (Abb. 1). Als Neuraminsaureersatz wurde aus der Gruppe der Uronsauren die Alginsaure ausgewahlt.
The Multidisciplinary Team in the Management of Obesity

This chapter describes the qualifications and functions of each of the members of a multidisciplinary team, suggests ways to organize the functioning of such a team, and discusses ways to capture many of the strengths of the multidisciplinary team in settings where such an on-site team is not feasible (Table 1). Examples of specific situations are provided to demonstrate how the complexities of obesity therapy can require a broad range of expertise. A treatment team comprising representatives of different disciplines can provide such a scope of knowledge and skills.
The connection between transcultural dispositions and translingual practices in academic writing

This article discusses how transculturalism and translingualism contribute to expanding epistemological landscapes in research on interculturality by analyzing the relationship between the two term...
A quantitative LC–MS/MS method for determination of a small molecule agonist of EphA2 in mouse plasma and brain tissue

Compound 27 {1, 12-bis[4-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxyquinazolin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]dodecane-1,12-dione} is a novel small molecule agonist of EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase. It showed much improved activity for the activation of EphA2 receptor compared with the parental compound doxazosin. To support further pharmacological and toxicological studies of the compound, a method using liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed for the quantification of this compound. Liquid-liquid extraction was used to extract the compound from mouse plasma and brain tissue homogenate. Reverse-phase chromatography with gradient elution was performed to separate compound 27 from the endogenous molecules in the matrix, followed by MS detection using positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode. Multiple reaction monitoring transitions m/z 387.3 → 290.1 and m/z 384.1 → 247.1 were selected for monitoring compound 27 and internal standard prazosin, respectively. The linear calibration range was 2-200 ng/mL with the intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy within the acceptable range. This method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of compound 27 in mouse plasma and brain tissue with different drug administration routes.
Probing GPCR structure: adenosine and P2Y nucleotide receptors.

Abstract The adenosine receptors (ARs) provide an example of how to accurately predict ligand recognition, even prior to the availability of a crystallographic structure. Homology modeling has been used to gain structural insight, in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis, and structure–activity relationships of small molecular ligands. Recent X-ray structures greatly improved the accuracy of knowledge of AR ligand recognition and furthermore characterized conformational changes induced by receptor activation. Now, homology modeling extends these structural insights to related GPCRs and suggests new ligand structures. This strategy is also being applied to the eight subtypes of P2Y receptors for extracellular nucleotides, which lack X-ray structures and are best modeled by homology to the CXCR4 (peptide) receptor. Neoceptors, as studied for three of the four AR subtypes, create a molecular complementarity between a mutant receptor and a chemically tailored agonist ligand to selectively enhance affinity, implying direct physical contact and thus validating docking hypotheses.
Dynamic strategic planning and firm competitive performance: A conceptualization and an empirical test

Using the dynamic capabilities and flexible planning framework, we propose a Dynamic strategic planning (DSP) scale. We test for the nomological validity of Dynamic strategic planning using operational capabilities (OC) as a mediator. Using a survey of 267 US-based SMEs, we test for the mediation effect of operational capabilities (disaster immunity, innovation, product quality, delivery reliability, process flexibility, and cost leadership) between Dynamic strategic planning scale (clarity of vision, understanding of core capabilities, selecting strategic targets, shared responsibility, and taking action) and financial performance. Supporting the nomological argument that Dynamic strategic planning will be less efficacious directly and would be more effective when it is manifested through operational capabilities, the findings show that Dynamic strategic planning has a negative but non-significant association with financial performance; however, it positively influences financial performance through operational capabilities. Implications of the results are discussed with theoretical contributions and future research directions.
3 – Transport properties

The chapter discusses a large selection of transport properties such as current density, critical currents, magnetoresistance, the Hall effect, thermal conductivity, entropy transport, photoconductivity, and various thermomagnetic effects such as: the Ettinghausen, Nernst, Peltier, Righi–Leduc, and Seebeck varieties. It discusses fields applied above and below Tc fluctuation conductivity and flux flow effects. Magnetic field effects and anisotropies of various types are covered. Data provided for the normal state above the transition temperature Tc as well as in the superconducting state below the transition temperature Tc.
Policy Lessons from Our Covid Experience.

Policy Lessons from Our Covid Experience As the U.S. economy reopens, it’s important to assess how we can be better prepared to stave off such enormous economic losses during the next Covid-19 wave...
Coherent structure colouring: identification of coherent structures from sparse data using graph theory

We present a frame-invariant method for detecting coherent structures from Lagrangian flow trajectories that can be sparse in number, as is the case in many fluid mechanics applications of practical interest. The method, based on principles used in graph colouring and spectral graph drawing algorithms, examines a measure of the kinematic dissimilarity of all pairs of fluid trajectories, measured either experimentally, e.g. using particle tracking velocimetry, or numerically, by advecting fluid particles in the Eulerian velocity field. Coherence is assigned to groups of particles whose kinematics remain similar throughout the time interval for which trajectory data are available, regardless of their physical proximity to one another. Through the use of several analytical and experimental validation cases, this algorithm is shown to robustly detect coherent structures using significantly less flow data than are required by existing spectral graph theory methods.
Cross-country Emission Tax Effect of Mergers:

Recent studies show that mergers among polluting firms could affect the regulatory landscape of the industry and trigger a policy change. Using a two-country model, this study examines the effect o...
Integrating an AI-Driven Discussion Platform: The Impact of Platform on Engagement and Quality

Online educators rely on asynchronous discussions to satisfy the bulk of student-student engagement that is lost when transferring from a face-to-face to an online format. However, not all discussion platforms are created equal and some specialized tools may offer advantages over standard tools embedded in more comprehensive learning management systems (LMS). In this study, we compare two online discussion platforms – one is the native discussion tool embedded within the Canvas LMS and the other is a specialized discussion platform, Packback, which supports students and instructors with gamified elements and artificial intelligence. Specifically, we assess whether post quality differs across these platforms, as measured by average word count, cited sources and weekly participation rate. The initial results are mixed and differ by course, leading us to conclude that the impact of platform on engagement and quality likely depends on the course content, instructor and protocol.
Zero skew clock routing in multiple-clock synchronous systems

A clock routing algorithm for two-phase clock systems is presented. The algorithm, which minimizes both intraclock skew and interclock skew, has been implemented on SPARC 1+ in C and has been tested on several industrial benchmarks as well as on randomly generated examples. In particular, the result was tested for a 267 synchronous component circuit at clock rates of 100 MHz. It is significant that this is the first ever result which deals with multiple clock routing with zero skew. >
“A more dreadful punishment Draco himself could not devise”: Loss of Caste in Anglo-Indian Fiction, 1790–1823

In response to the activities of the Baptist and Church Missionary Societies in India, British representations of Hindu loss of caste, a supposed consequence of Christian conversion, increased in t...
Resampling and data augmentation for short-term PV output prediction based on an imbalanced sky images dataset using convolutional neural networks

Abstract Integrating photovoltaics (PV) into electricity grids is challenged by potentially large fluctuations in power generation. In recent years, sky image-based PV output prediction using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has emerged as a promising approach to forecasting fluctuations. A key challenge is imbalanced sky image datasets: because of the geography of solar PV system installations, sky image datasets are often rich in sunny condition data but deficient in cloudy condition data. This imbalance contrasts with the fact that model errors are dominated by cloudy condition performance. In this study, we attempt to remedy this by exploring the enrichment and augmentation of an imbalanced sky images dataset for two PV output prediction tasks: nowcasting (predicting concurrent PV output) and forecasting (predicting 15-minute-ahead future PV output). We empirically examine the efficacy of using different resampling and data augmentation approaches to create a rebalanced dataset for model development. A three-stage greedy search is used to determine the optimal resampling approach, data augmentation techniques and over-sampling rate. The results show that for the nowcast problem, resampling and data augmentation can effectively enhance the model performance, reducing overall root mean squared error (RMSE) by an average of 4%, or a 15 std. (standard deviation) of improvement compared to the variability of the baseline model. In contrast, the treatment RMSE for the forecast problem nearly always overlaps the baseline performance at the ± 2 std. level. The optimal resampling approach expands on the original dataset by over-sampling the minority cloudy data, with the best results from large over-sampling rate (e.g., 4 ~ 6 times over-sampling of cloudy images).
Law in Conflict: The Technological Transformation of War and its Consequences for the International Criminal Court

Modern armed conflicts and military strategies have undergone dramatic shifts as a result of new technologies, and the next generation of innovations will have profound consequences for how wars are fought, where they are fought, and who fights them. This, in turn, will inevitably have a pronounced influence on the development of the laws of war and the justice mechanisms mandated with enforcing those laws. Therefore, as new strategies and dynamics of war emerge related to the use of new technologies, war crimes investigators and prosecutors must adapt in order to meet the goals of establishing the truth, protecting the historical record, and holding individuals accountable for grave violations of international law. This article examines the characteristics of contemporary armed conflicts related to the use of new technologies and asks how this technological transformation of warfare will affect the ability of the global community to reach the goals of international justice. First, it examines the development of the use of technology—what technologies are used, how they are used, and what impact they have on armed conflicts and military affairs generally. Second, it identifies the complex legal issues arising from the use of new technologies and advocates for needed revisions to the definitions of crimes and modes of liability. Finally, it looks at the impact of the technological transformation of warfare on the fact-finding process for international criminal investigators and recommends a modified approach to evidence and the rules of procedure. In sum, this article takes a big picture approach to examining a current revolution based on the complex interplay of technology, law, and investigations in armed conflicts, and uses this understanding to chart a new way forward for the International Criminal Court.
Role of metapneumoviral glycoproteins in the evasion of the host cell innate immune response.

Abstract Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), an unsegmented negative-strand RNA virus, is the second most detected respiratory pathogen and one of the leading causes of respiratory illness in infants and immunodeficient individuals. HMPV infection of permissive cells in culture triggers a transient IFN response, which is efficiently suppressed later in infection. We report that two structural glycoproteins of the virus – namely G (Glycoprotein) and SH (Small Hydrophobic) – suppress the type I interferon (IFN) response in cell culture. This is manifested by inhibition of diverse steps of IFN induction and response, such as phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IFN regulatory factor-3 and -7 (IRF3, IRF7), major transcription factors of the IFN gene. Furthermore, HMPV suppresses the cellular response to IFN by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT1 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1), required for the induction of IFN-stimulated genes that act as antivirals. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed an important role of critical cysteine (Cys) residues in the Cys-rich carboxy terminal region of the SH protein in IFN suppression, whereas for G, the ectodomain plays a role. These results shed light on the mechanism of IFN suppression by HMPV, and may also offer avenues for new antiviral approaches in the future.
Asthma, COPD and their overlap: coexistence or something more?

Asthma–COPD overlap syndrome has been around for a while and will continue to be!https://bit.ly/3fmpCUz
What do we gain by adding time perspective to mindfulness? Carpe Diem and mindfulness in a temporal framework

Abstract Researchers studying mindfulness point to the need for studies and analyses explaining and specifying the nature of this variable as compared to other similar constructs. The aim of this article is to examine the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and the Carpe Diem time perspective (CD) and their predictive value with reference to eudaimonic well-being, namely authenticity and basic needs satisfaction. The participants were 238 Poles (138 female and 100 male, aged 15 to 65 years). We obtained results suggesting that mindfulness and CD are separate constructs that do not correlate with each other. We point out that mindfulness is mainly concerned with the form of awareness, while CD is concerned with its content. The interaction of these two variables has a particularly positive effect on the functioning that enables the satisfaction of basic psychological needs.
Economic Plans, Programs Policies and Recommendation of 184 Nations

In the previous chapter we studied economic growth by modeling through MATLAB regression the growth of gross domestic product, interest rate, employment, value of capital stock, prices, and cumulative balance of payment. It is now a common observation that there is a 30-year gain in the last century of longevity which is related to good health and generation of wealth. Dr. Robert Butler of the International Longevity Center who has studied this for over fifty years affirms this 30-year gain. Furthermore those nations that have a five-year advance in longevity compared to other countries actually have a greater GDP.
A Review of “Talking to Terrorists: Concessions and the Renunciation of Violence”

There are some terrorist groups whose goals are so ambitious, if not outright fantastical, that any attempt to engage them in dialogue at best would be a waste of effort. Most terrorist leaders, ho...
Structure of Complexity Classes: Separations, Collapses, and Completeness

During the last few years, unprecedented progress has been made in structural complexity theory; class inclusions and relativized separations were discovered, and hierarchies collapsed. We survey this progress, highlighting the central role of counting techniques. We also present a new result whose proof demonstrates the power of combinatorial arguments: there is a relativized world in which UP has no Turing complete sets.
Replication factors required for SV40 DNA replication in vitro. I. DNA structure-specific recognition of a primer-template junction by eukaryotic DNA polymerases and their accessory proteins.

Eukaryotic DNA polymerase delta and its accessory proteins are essential for SV40 DNA replication in vitro. A multi-subunit protein complex, replication factor C (RF-C), which is composed of subunits with apparent molecular weights of 140,000, 41,000, and 37,000, has primer/template binding and DNA-dependent ATPase activities. UV-cross-linking experiments demonstrated that the Mr = 140,000 subunit recognizes and binds to the primer-template DNA, whereas the Mr = 41,000 polypeptide binds ATP. Assembly of a replication complex at a primer-template junction has been studied in detail with synthetic, hairpin DNAs. Following glutaraldehyde fixation, a gel shift assay demonstrated that RF-C alone forms a weak binding complex with the hairpin DNA. Addition of ATP or its nonhydrolyzable analogue, ATP gamma S, increased specific binding to the DNA. Footprinting experiments revealed that RF-C recognizes the primer-template junction, covering 15 bases of the primer DNA from the 3'-end and 20 bases of the template DNA. Another replication factor, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) binds to RF-C and the primer-template DNA forming a primer recognition complex and extends the protected region on the duplex DNA. This RF-C.PCNA complex has significant single-stranded DNA binding activity in addition to binding to a primer-template junction. However, addition of another replication factor, RF-A, completely blocked the nonspecific, single-stranded DNA binding by the RF-C.PCNA complex. RF-A therefore functions as a specificity factor for primer recognition. In the absence of RF-C, DNA polymerase delta (pol delta) and PCNA form a complex at the primer-template junction, protecting exactly the same site as the primer recognition complex. Addition of RF-C to this complex produced a higher order complex which is unstable unless its formation is coupled with translocation of pol delta. These results suggest that the sequential binding of RF-C, PCNA, and pol delta to a primer-template junction might directly account for the initiation of leading strand DNA synthesis at a replication origin. We demonstrate this directly in an accompanying paper (Tsurimoto, T., and Stillman, B. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 1961-1968).
Analytical applications of far infrared spectra—II: Spectra-structure correlations for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the cesium bromide region

Abstract The infrared absorption spectra of some 400 aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons have been investigated from 15 to 35 μ and the characteristic absorption frequencies incorporated into spectra-structure correlation charts. The classes of compounds studied were alkanes, alkenes, cyclopropanes, cyclopentanes, cyclohexanes, substituted benzenes, naphthalenes and biphenyls. The skeletal bending frequencies of the alkanes and alkenes and the non-planar bending frequencies of the aromatic hydrocarbons are the most useful for qualitative analysis in this region. The wavelength and intensity of the out-of-plane ring frequencies of aromatic molecules give some indication of the nature of the substituents. Typical infrared spectra of the hydrocarbons are presented.
Phase-matched harmonic generation in single microcrystals

The phase-matched harmonic generation parameters determining the conversion efficiency of a nonlinear material are the effective nonlinear coupling, angular sensitivity, and temperature bandwidth. In practice, it is very difficult to extract an accurate estimate of these parameters from the traditional powder measurements because of systematic bias in the orientational distributions of the particles and because several distinct phasematching conditions may contribute to the powder signal. Untill now, rapid unambiguous characterization of new nonlinear materials has been hampered by the perceived necessity of growing large (cm3) sized single crystals for linear and nonlinear optical measurements.
Trends and Disparities in Postpartum Sterilization after Cesarean Section, 2000 through 2008.

Abstract Purpose Tubal sterilization patterns are influenced by factors including patient race, ethnicity, level of education, method of payment, and hospital size and affiliation. However, less is known about how these factors influence tubal sterilizations performed as secondary procedures after cesarean sections (C-sections). Thus, this study examines variations in the prevalence of postpartum tubal sterilizations after C-sections from 2000 to 2008. Methods We used data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey to estimate odds ratios for patient-level (race, marital status, age) and system-level (hospital size, type, region) factors on the likelihood of receiving tubal sterilization after C-section. Results A disproportionate share of postpartum tubal sterilizations after C-section was covered by Medicaid. The likelihood of undergoing sterilization was increased for Black women, women of older age, and non-single women. Additionally, they were increased in proprietary and government hospitals, smaller hospital settings, and the Southern United States. Conclusions Our findings indicate that Black women and those with Medicaid coverage in particular were substantially more likely to undergo postpartum tubal sterilization after C-section. We also found that hospital characteristics and region were significant predictors. This adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that tubal sterilization may be a disparity issue patterned by multiple factors and calls for greater understanding of the role of patient-, provider-, and system-level characteristics on such outcomes.
Human MnSOD mRNA and protein expression in transfected mouse MnSOD knockout embryonic fibroblast cell lines: effects of the ala16val polymorphism

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4597 The ala16val polymorphism, found in the mitochondrial targeting signal of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), has been associated with a number of diseases, including breast cancer. MnSOD is an important antioxidant enzyme that functions in the mitochondrial matrix to dismutate superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. A single nucleotide polymorphism causes a change in the amino acid sequence from alanine (ala) to valine (val) at the 16th amino acid and is therefore referred to as the ala16val polymorphism. Previous studies have reported that the polymorphism may cause an increase in import of MnSOD to the mitochondrial matrix in vitro. Altered levels of MnSOD due to the polymorphism are hypothesized to disrupt the oxidative balance in the cell, making the cell more susceptible to oxidative stress. In order to assess the role of this polymorphism in situ, human MnSOD was cloned into the pcDNA3.1/Zeo expression vector with a CMV promoter and stably transfected into mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) developed from the MnSOD knockout mouse. Six cell lines were established, 3 that stably express MnSOD-Ala protein, and 3 that stably express MnSOD-Val. MnSOD enzymatic activity correlated fairly well with MnSOD protein levels determined by Western blot. MnSOD mRNA expression, evaluated by TaqMan™ real-time PCR, was significantly lower in MnSOD-Ala lines versus MnSOD-Val lines (p<0.05). The MnSOD-Ala lines produced significantly more MnSOD protein per unit mRNA than the MnSOD-Val lines (p<0.05). This suggests that the MnSOD-Ala lines are more efficient in their production of MnSOD protein than are MnSOD-Val lines. Studies are in progress to determine if differences in mRNA expression levels are due to human MnSOD DNA copy number and investigation of the effects of more efficient production of MnSOD by the MnSOD-Ala lines on the cellular redox balance is under way. (Supported by NIH grants R01CA94747 and T32ESO7141; MnSOD knockout MEF cells provided by Dr Simon Melov).
Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge, Contraceptive Self-Efficacy, and Contraceptive Behavior among Teenage Women

This research utilizes a social learning theory perspective to investigate the relationships among teenage women's Contraceptive Self-Efficacy (CSE), reproductive and contraceptive knowledge (RCK), and contraceptive behavior. It was posited that CSE might influence the way knowledge translates into behavior because individuals who feel they can and should use contraceptives may be more receptive to information. A secondary line of analysis examined the individual responses on the RCK to ascertain common knowledge and myths. The 521 respondents were from two diverse samples of teenage women attending family planning clinics. Although no significant relationships were found between RCK and behavior, the four-factor model of CSE explained 12% and 28% of the variance in RCK in the two samples. Results on the RCK items revealed sample differences and common areas of misinformation that are critical to effective contraceptive and prophylactic use. The findings are used to identify measurement issues that may account for the inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between RCK and behavior, and to recommend content for educational interventions.