cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does morality have a biological basis? An empirical test of the factors governing moral sentiments relating to incest.

Kin-recognition systems have been hypothesized to exist in humans, and adaptively to regulate altruism and incest avoidance among close genetic kin. This latter function allows the architecture of the kin recognition system to be mapped by quantitatively matching individual variation in opposition to incest to individual variation in developmental parameters, such as family structure and co-residence patterns. Methodological difficulties that appear when subjects are asked to disclose incestuous inclinations can be circumvented by measuring their opposition to incest in third parties, i.e. morality. This method allows a direct test of Westermarck's original hypothesis that childhood co-residence with an opposite-sex individual predicts the strength of moral sentiments regarding third-party sibling incest. Results support Westermarck's hypothesis and the model of kin recognition that it implies. Co-residence duration objectively predicts genetic relatedness, making it a reliable cue to kinship. Co-residence duration predicts the strength of opposition to incest, even after controlling for relatedness and even when co-residing individuals are genetically unrelated. This undercuts kin-recognition models requiring matching to self (through, for example, major histocompatibility complex or phenotypic markers). Subjects' beliefs about relatedness had no effect after controlling for co-residence, indicating that systems regulating kin-relevant behaviours are non-conscious, and calibrated by co-residence, not belief.
Panel data analysis of U.S. coal productivity

Abstract We analyze labor productivity in coal mining in the United States using indices of productivity change associated with the concepts of panel data modeling. This approach is valuable when there is extensive heterogeneity in production units, as with coal mines. We find substantial returns to scale for coal mining in all geographical regions, and find that smooth technical progress is exhibited by estimates of the fixed effects for coal mining. We carry out a variety of diagnostic analyses of our basic model and primary modeling assumptions, using recently proposed methods for addressing ‘errors-in-variables’ and ‘weak instrument bias’ problems in linear and nonlinear models.
Analysis of a Spindle Pole Body Mutant Reveals a Defect in Biorientation and Illuminates Spindle Forces

chromosomes. The SPB component Spc110p connects the ends of the spindle microtubules to the core of the SPB. We previously reported the isolation of a mutant allele spc110–226 that causes broken spindles and SPB disintegration 30 min after spindle formation. By live cell imaging of mutant cells with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Tub1p or Spc97p-GFP, we show that spc110–226 mutant cells have early defects in spindle assembly. Short spindles form but do not advance to the 1.5-m stage and frequently collapse. Kinetochores are not arranged properly in the mutant cells. In 70% of the cells, no stable biorientation occurs and all kinetochores are associated with only one SPB. Examination of the SPB remnants by electron microscopy tomography and fluorescence microscopy revealed that the Spc110 –226p/calmodulin complex is stripped off of the central plaque of the SPB and coalesces to from a nucleating structure in the nucleoplasm. The central plaque components Spc42p and Spc29p remain behind in the nuclear envelope. The delamination is likely due to a perturbed interaction between Spc42p and Spc110 –226p as detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis. We suggest that the force exerted on the SPB by biorientation of the chromosomes pulls the Spc110 –226p out of the SPB; removal of force exerted by coherence of the sister chromatids reduced fragmentation fourfold. Removal of the forces exerted by the cytoplasmic microtubules had no effect on fragmentation. Our results provide insights into the relative contributions of the kinetochore and cytoplasmic microtubules to the forces involved in formation of a bipolar spindle.
The Influence of Paternal Occupation on Social Interaction Measures in Elementary School Children.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to analyze the effect of paternal occupation as classified by Holland on the social interaction, vocational awareness, self-report and teacher expectations of their children in the elementary school. The paternal occupations of 1386 elementary school children in Corpus Christi, TX were identified. All of these children had taken the Barclay Classroom Climate Inventory, a multimethod needs assessment system which integrates self-report, sociometric, vocational, and teacher judgment data into a computerized report. A multivariate analysis was completed on 29 independent scales to determine differences between children in accordance with Holland's vocational classification system. The results indicated that social interaction differences in children are generally in agreement with environmental thrusts related to paternal occupation.
Human Rights Organizations as Agents of Change: An Experimental Examination of Framing and Micromobilization

Human Right Organizations (HROs) attempt to shape individuals’ values and mobilize them to act. Yet little systematic research has been done to evaluate the efficacy of these efforts. We identified the three most common messaging techniques: (1) informational frames; (2) personal frames; and (3) motivational frames. We tested their efficacy using an experimental research design in which participants were randomly assigned to the control group (shown no campaign materials) or one of the treatment groups shown a campaign against sleep deprivation featuring one of these framing strategies. We then surveyed participants regarding their attitudes and their willingness to act. Results demonstrate that all three framing strategies are more effective at mobilizing consensus than action. Personal narratives are the most consistently successful, increasing individuals’ sense of knowledge on the issue and their emotional reaction to the issue, leading them to reject the practice and participate in a campaign to demand its cessation.
Participation in Occupational Health Longitudinal Studies: Predictors of Missed Visits and Dropouts

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine whether demographics, health, and job factors influence continued participation of employed persons in a longitudinal intervention study of tertiary prevention for work-related low-back disorders (WR-LBDs). Methods Four hundred fifty-four actively employed persons had enrolled in an intervention study of back supports and education to promote recovery from a WR-LBD. Baseline values were examined according to whether individuals continued in the study, missed a visit, or dropped out; frequency of missed visits; and early or late dropouts at follow-up intervals of 1, 2, 6, and 12 months. Results Workers who did not complete all study visits were significantly more likely to be younger and have poorer self-reported health. Individuals with a greater percentage of body fat dropped out early. Significantly more missed visits were observed among those who had arthritis and longer duration of low-back pain symptoms. Job factors did not influence study participation. Conclusions Continued participation in a longitudinal study of working adults was influenced by age, health status, and factors related to the primary condition targeted by the intervention study. Strategies aimed at those who report lower levels of health and symptoms related to the condition under study may promote follow-up participation in longitudinal studies. Thus, even among actively employed persons, one should not assume that all workers are “healthy.”
The relevance of arterial wall microbiology to the treatment of prosthetic graft infections: Graft infection vs. arterial infection***

One potential, but poorly studied source for intraoperative contamination of vascular grafts is the native artery to which the prosthetic graft is attached. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between arterial wall microbiology and graft infection. Between July 1, 1981, and March 31, 1982, arterial specimens were cultured from 88 (30%) of 298 patients undergoing clean, elective arterial reconstructive procedures. Control cultures were obtained from adjacent adipose or lymph node tissue. Positive cultures were obtained from 38 of 88 (43%) of the arterial walls cultured but from none of the control cultures (0 of 20) (p less than 0.001). The most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus epidermidis (27 of 38; 71%). Our overall graft infection rate since January 1, 1981, is 0.9% (3 of 335). All three graft infections occurred in patients with positive arterial cultures. Arterial and graft cultures were also obtained from 20 patients treated for 22 graft infections over the past 13 years. Organisms recovered included staphylococcal species (36%), enteric organisms (46%), and mixtures of the two (18%). These patients with culture-positive graft infections were divided retrospectively into two groups: those with positive and those with negative arterial cultures. Positive arterial cultures were associated with suture line disruption in 8 of 14 cases (57%), but there were no arterial disruptions in patients with negative cultures (0 of 8) (p less than 0.01). These data document a significant correlation between positive arterial wall cultures and subsequent prosthetic infection and also suggest that infection involving the arterial wall is a major determinant of the morbidity and mortality associated with the treatment of prosthetic graft sepsis.
Point: Cancer Stem Cells—The Evidence Accumulates

The concept that cancers arise from “embryonic rests” and contain cell populations capable of self-renewal was proposed >100 years ago (1). Only within the past decade, however, has the accumulating research provided strong support for the cancer stem cell (CSC)2 hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that cancers arise in self-renewing cell populations and that the resulting cancers, like their normal organ counterparts, are composed of hierarchically organized cell populations. Self-renewing “cancer stem cells” maintain tumor growth and generate the diverse populations constituting the tumor bulk. The CSC hypothesis has tremendously important clinical implications. Despite the accelerating research in the CSC field, several aspects of CSC biology remain controversial. Despite these controversies, we argue that the preponderance of the evidence now suggests that many, if not most, human cancers follow a CSC model. Below we discuss 10 important areas that, despite controversy, provide support for a CSC model. A variety of markers and assays have been developed for isolating and characterizing CSCs. Interestingly, many of these markers, such as CD44, CD133, and aldehyde dehydrogenase, also are expressed in normal stem cells. Although these markers have been useful for CSC research, it is clear that the expression of these markers is highly dependent on the in vitro conditions (2) and does not always correlate with the results of functional assays. Therefore, most would agree that defining a CSC requires demonstrating that these cells are able to self-renew in vivo. It is important to acknowledge that all mouse models have limitations. Demonstration of self-renewal of human CSCs has generally involved the use of immunosuppressed mouse models. Studies of melanoma that demonstrated that tumor-initiating capacity is highly dependent on the degree of mouse immunosuppression have raised questions regarding the validity of such models (3); however, tumor-initiating cells have been prospectively isolated from mouse transgenic …
RISKS AND BENEFITS OF REPLACEMENT ESTROGEN

Many studies show that the risk of a coronary event is reduced by about 50% in postmenopausal women using unopposed oral estrogen compared to women not taking oral estrogens. This protection is biologically plausible, and the magnitude of the benefit would be large if selection factors could be excluded. Studies also show an approximate 50% reduction in hip fracture after three or more years of hormone replacement. An increased risk of endometrial cancer approximately equals the number of years of unopposed estrogen use and continues after estrogen has been discontinued. Use of estrogen for more than five years may increase the risk of breast cancer by 50%, but more data are needed to exclude the effects of selection and diagnostic detection bias. Until clinical trial data are available on estrogen-progestin use, no universal recommendation for hormone replacement or type and duration of treatment can be made.
'Today' Messages: Lightweight Support for Small Group Awareness via Email

'Today' messages are short status emails sent daily by members of a project team. We present the results of a field study of the use of 'today' messages by six small work groups over six weeks. The evaluation focuses on the benefits and costs of daily email messages, their effect on group work practice, and a careful investigation using Value Sensitive Design of the effect on human values such as privacy, accountability, and trust. We found that using 'today' messages resulted in a range of group benefits at low cost, particularly in enhancing group awareness. Contrary to our initial expectations, group members did not have significant privacy or accountability concerns with 'today' messages. We conclude with a discussion of the technical implications of our study for systems and practices that support group awareness, communication, and coordination.
SEM/EDX spectrum imaging and statistical analysis of a metal/ceramic braze

Energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrum imaging has been performed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) on a metal/ceramic braze to characterize the elemental distribution near the interface. Statistical methods were utilized to extract the relevant information (i.e., chemical phases and their distributions) from the spectrum image data set in a robust and unbiased way. The raw spectrum image was over 15 Mbytes (7500 spectra) while the statistical analysis resulted in five spectra and five images which describe the phases resolved above the noise level and their distribution in the microstructure.
Considering the role of affect in learning: monitoring students' self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and science identity

While emphasis is often placed on assessing students' conceptual knowledge, less has been placed on investigating affective aspects of student biology learning. In this paper, we explore self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and science identity, as well as emerging assessment tools to monitor these dimensions of students' learning.
Imbibition of Soybean Seeds in Warm Water Results in the Release of Copious Amounts of Bowman–Birk Protease Inhibitor, a Putative Anticarcinogenic Agent

Protease inhibitors play a protective role against pathogenic microorganisms and herbivorous insects. The two predominant protease inhibitors of soybean seeds are the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI). In this study, we report that soybean seeds incubated in warm water release large amounts of proteins into the surrounding media. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis of the seed exudates resulted in the separation of 93 distinct protein spots out of which 90 spots were identified by LC-MS/MS. The basic 7S globulin and the BBI are the two predominant proteins found in the soybean seed exudates. In addition to 7S and 11S seed storage proteins, others known to protect the seeds against pathogens and pests including KTI, peroxidase, α-galactosidase, and endo-1.3-β-glucanase were also identified in the seed exudates. Soybean seed exudate obtained by incubating the seeds in warm water was also able to inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Since soybean seeds release large amounts of enzymatically active BBI when immersed in warm water, our procedure could be exploited as a simplified alternative method for the preparation of BBI concentrate which is being used as a cancer chemoprotective agent.
The natural history of pancreatic lipoma: Does it need observation *

Abstract Background Pancreatic lipomas (PL) are a rare, benign mesenchymal neoplasm. Some patients diagnosed with PL are followed radiographically or referred to a second provider, while others are not followed after incidental diagnosis. In this study we describe 74 cases of intrapancreatic lipomas from a single institution over a 12-year period to elucidate the radiologic and clinical natural history of pancreatic lipoma. Methods In the period from January 2001 to December 2013, we selected patients over the age of 18 diagnosed with PL based on Ultrasound, CT, and MR imaging. Clinical data were coupled with review of the radiographic image. These patients were retrospectively followed to establish the significance of PL. Results PL was identified in 0.012% of all patients undergoing cross-sectional imaging during the studied interval. Lipomas ranged in size at diagnosis from 0.1 cm to 4.8 cm. The majority of patients were asymptomatic at presentation. No patient required intervention or exhibited a change in lipoma diagnosis over a median follow up interval of 41.5 months (range 2–145). 47 patients underwent subsequent imaging with a median of two additional exams (range 2–113) over 31 months (range 1–18). 46/47 (98%) patients with subsequent images showed no discernible growth; 1/47 (2%) had a resolution of the lipoma. Conclusions Pancreatic lipomas are rare benign mesenchymal neoplasms that exhibit stable size and morphology. They are overwhelmingly asymptomatic. The natural history of pancreatic lipoma is benign. Short-term interval observation is prudent to prove stability and help differentiate from early liposarcoma. Extensive follow-up is not likely necessary for this benign lesion.
Close encounters with SIDS

The use of apnea monitors at home to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in infants at risk is a debated issue. Several very difficult questions await answers: (1) Who should be monitored? (2) What kinds of monitors would be most effective? (3) Does monitoring work? (4) Are other approaches apt to be simpler and more efficacious, e.g., respiratory stimulants? What is known about SIDS is mostly epidemiologic information. The incidence is 2 to 3 per 1,000 live births, with a peak age distribution between 2 and 4 months. Most deaths are silent and occur when the infant is supposedly asleep.
Effect of Two Parasites, Anisopteromalus calandrae and Choetospila elegans upon Populations of the Maize Weevil Under Laboratory and Natural Conditions

Anisopteromatus calandrae (Howard) and Choetospila eleegans Westwood were found to be natural parasites of the immature stages of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamaize Motschulsky, in weevil-infested corn at several locations in Louisiana. A. calandrae was found more frequently than C. elegans . In a period of 4 months, under laboratory conditions, the numbers of adult weevils produced when A. calandrae ami C. elegane were present were ca. 5 and 11 %, respectively, of the number produced in the absence of parasites. Under laboratory and outdoor environmental conditions, the mean weevil progeny in the A. calandrae treatment was less than ½ that produced in the control under both environmental conditions. C. elegans was less effective under both conditions but appeared to reduce weevil populations by ½ and ¼ under outdoor and under laboratory conditions, respectively. Reproduction by C. elegans was found to he arrhenotokous.
Citrovorum factor, vitamin B12, and folic acid activity of whole blood of several species.

Summary(1) The whole blood of the rat, chick, ox, or sheep was found to contain little or no free L. citrovorum active material. However, demonstrable amounts of free S. faecalis activity were found. (2) The release of LCF and PGA during autolysis is dependent on the pH of the reaction mixture. Optimum values for LCF and PGA were obtained at pH 4.5 or 6.5-7.0 depending on the species involved. (3) Blood from rats on a B12 deficient diet containing iodinated casein had little LCF activity. However, blood from hyperthyroid rats receiving ample vit. B12 contained LCF levels similar to those of normal rats after fasting.
En bloc resection of upper thoracic chordoma via a combined simultaneous anterolateral thoracoscopic and posterior approach.

Background En bloc resection of chordomas is associated with increased patient survival. Achievement of en bloc resection, however, may present a great surgical challenge, particularly in the mobile spine. Novel multidisciplinary techniques may enable en bloc resection of lesions presenting in anatomically challenging locations. A combined simultaneous thoracoscopic and posterior approach in a patient with an upper thoracic chordoma is presented; en bloc resection was achieved. Objective To show the feasibility, safety, and utility of performing a thoracoscopy-assisted en bloc resection of a chordoma involving the upper thoracic spine. Methods A case study is presented of a patient with biopsy-proven chordoma of T2-3 with predominantly paravertebral involvement who underwent multilevel en bloc resection via a simultaneous combined anterolateral thoracoscopic and posterior approach. Thoracoscopic assistance achieved separation of the tumor and ventral spine from the adjacent mediastinal structures. En bloc resection proceeded without complication. The spine was stabilized with posterior instrumentation. Results A multilevel en bloc resection was achieved with negative margins, preserving more than half of the remaining vertebral bodies and allowing short segment posterior fixation without extension into the cervical spine. The patient remained neurologically intact. Conclusion A combined simultaneous thoracoscopic and posterior approach is safe and effective for en bloc resection of multilevel chordoma involving the upper thoracic spine. This technique allows for a plane to be established ventrally between the tumor and the mediastinum, thus assisting with safe osteotomies via the posterior approach.
Out-of-Pocket Costs for Men Undergoing Infertility Care and Associated Financial Strain

Abstract Introduction We determined the out-of-pocket expenses, measures taken to finance these expenses and associated financial strain for men seeking fertility care. Methods In this retrospective cohort the patients completed questionnaires recording the total amount of money spent on infertility care and on what aspect of care the money was spent. Participants also recorded measures taken to finance these costs, the amount of financial strain experienced, and how this strain impacted decisions to seek and continue care. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relationships of fertility characteristics to financial costs and financial strain. Results A total of 111 participants completed the full survey. During the course of care 16% of patients spent more than $50,000 dollars. 16% spent between $30,000 and $49,999, 32% spent between $15,000 and $29,999, and 37% spent less than $15,000. Procedures comprised the largest component of costs. Of the subjects 47% reported financial strain. On multivariate analysis patients who used savings and went into debt were significantly more likely to experience financial strain (p = 0.03 and Conclusions This study elucidates the previously uncharacterized economic hardships of male infertility care. Overall 64% of men who pursued fertility treatment had out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $15,000 dollars. Almost half reported financial strain and limitation of treatment options due to these expenses. These data give men and their partners a realistic expectation of the cost of pursuing fertility treatment, the extreme measures that many patients take to finance care and the financial strain associated with such options.
Bacteriophages and nanostructured materials

Although people taking different approaches in the field of nanotechnology may target different size ranges, broadly, nanotechnology has the goal of creating structures in the 1-100 nm size range. This is the same size range that bacteriophages synthesize capsids. Bacteriophages also have the desirable property of self-fabrication or self-assembly--much of capsid structural assembly information is a function of the capsid proteins themselves rather than requiring other proteins. This would seem to make bacteriophage protein-based materials ideal for some nanotechnology applications. So far, the majority of research has taken one of two approaches: first, using filamentous bacteriophage display techniques to identify inorganic nanocrystal-binding peptides and using those peptides and the filamentous phage virions to create novel materials, and second, using a variety of bacteriophage and bacteriophage receptor-binding proteins to functionalize surfaces to create biosensors for bacterial detection. Here, I review these two approaches and speculate on some of the challenges for further development of bacteriophage protein-based self-assembling nanomaterials.
Improved removal of volatile organic compounds for laser-based spectroscopy of water isotopes.

Rationale Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as methanol and ethanol in water extracted from plants cause spectral interference in isotope ratio infrared spectroscopy (IRIS). This contamination degrades the accuracy of measurements, limiting the use of IRIS. In response, this study presents a new decontamination method of VOCs for enhanced IRIS measurements. Methods The isotopic compositions of water from laboratory-made and field-collected plant samples pre- and post-treatment were analyzed using IRIS. Traditional treatment methods of activated charcoal and commercial pre-combustion systems (MCM) were compared with our new treatment method that implements solid-phase extraction (SPE). The absolute concentrations of contaminants pre- and post-treatment were determined using 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance to assess the effectiveness of the different treatments. Results SPE removes an average of 86.7% and 78.8% ethanol and methanol, respectively, significantly reducing spectral interference. SPE reduces errors to within instrumental noise for both ethanol and methanol at concentrations found in nature (<3.0% and 0.08%, respectively). Activated charcoal minimally affected alcohol concentrations. MCM significantly worsened ethanol-contaminated water isotope measurements by producing primary alcohol oxidation products such as formic acid, another compound that interferes with IRIS absorption. Conclusions SPE is an effective, low-cost method for eliminating errors in ethanol-contaminated samples. For samples where methanol is prevalent, combining SPE and MCM is more effective than the use of SPE alone. Hence, SPE treatment alone or in conjunction with MCM is recommended as an effective pre-analysis purification method for water extracted from plants. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelins and pulmonary diseases

Endothelins (ETs) are expressed in several types of cell in human lung, including airway epithelial cells, pulmonary vascular endothelial cells, submucosal glands, and type II pneumocytes. There is evidence for increased expression of ET-1 in several pulmonary diseases, including asthma, fibrosing alveolitis, and pulmonary hypertension, suggesting that ET-1 may play a pathophysiological role. ET binding sites are widely distributed and are localized to airway and pulmonary vascular smooth muscle, fibroblasts, submucosal glands, and airway nerves, indicating that ETs may have widespread effects. ET-1 and ET-3 are potent constrictors of human airway smooth muscle via a direct effect on ET receptors in airway smooth muscle; these receptors are probably ETB receptors. ETs may have other effects on airway function, including constriction of bronchial vessels, increased plasma exudation, increased mucus secretion, airway smooth muscle hyperplasia, and possibly increased fibrogenesis; these effects may be mediated via ETA receptors. ET-1 is a potent constrictor of human pulmonary vessels, whereas ET-3 is less effective, suggesting a predominance of ETA receptors. Similarly, chemotaxis and mitogenesis of pulmonary vascular fibroblasts and smooth muscle are mediated via ETA receptors. These findings implicate ETs in various pulmonary diseases and suggest that ET antagonists may be useful in their treatment.
Physical Activity and Preschool Children with and Without Developmental Delays: A National Health Challenge

Recently the Institute of Medicine (Early childhood obesity prevention policies, Washington, DC, 2011) established a US guideline for preschool children and recommended 15 min or more of total physical activity (i.e., total accumulated light, moderate, and vigorous activity) per hour or 3 h per day assuming 12 h of wake time. Nevertheless, researchers have found that many young children do not meet the proposed guideline in early care and education programs.
Governmental Support of Research in Fetal and Newborn Physiology

To support the investigators who labor to advance knowledge in a given field of scientific research, a critical element is that of the financial resources for such endeavors. In the earliest years of experimental investigation, the occasional King and other patron gave of their largesse to support the William Harveys and his ilk. Contributing to the advancement of science in a significant manner, such support was limited and irregular (Frank 1980). In Great Britain, it was in the mid- to late-nineteenth century that the predecessors of the Medical Research Council (MRC) developed. At this time, tuberculosis was one of the nation’s chief health problems. In 1901, a “Royal Commission Appointed to Inquire into the Relations of Human and Animal Tuberculosis” was established under the chairmanship of Sir Michael Foster, professor of physiology at the University of Cambridge, to determine whether the disease was the same in both species, and the extent to which they could infect one another. In a large part, and with recognition of the German and French governmental-sponsorship research to advances in medicine and healthcare, this study helped to crystallize in the minds of many leaders, political as well as academic, the concept that the promotion of medical research is a responsibility of the state. In 1891, “The British Institute of Preventative Medicine” had been established in London. In 1903, this title was changed to “The Lister Institute of Preventative Medicine.” The National Insurance Act of 1911 stipulated that research not be limited to tuberculosis, and 2 years later (1913) a Medical Research Committee was established.
The Americanization of Canadian Political Science? The Doctoral Training of Canadian Political Science Faculty

Fifty years ago, Canadian political science (CPS) debated whether there was an “Americanization problem” in the discipline. Today, the idea does not have the same force. This article revisits the debate by focusing on one of the main points of concerns: the doctoral training of CPS faculty. The article presents an original dataset of tenure and tenure-track faculty at CPS departments. It then provides analysis of where these tenure and tenure-track faculty received their doctorates, by sub-field and rank, paying particular attention to the country of doctoral training. Unlike fifty years ago, Canadian-trained scholars form a much larger share of the professoriate. There is no evidence of a trend towards more American-trained scholars among recent hires of assistant professors. However, the results also suggest a continuing status hierarchy between the two countries. It concludes by arguing that CPS needs to be more reflective about its position within this status hierarchy.
Tolerance of Native Wildflower Seedlings to Imazapic

Abstract Plateau (imazapic) at 0.0175 kg ai/ha (0.0156 lb ai/A) to 0.14 kg ai/ha (0.125 lb ai/A) was applied the day after seed of annual phlox (Phlox drummondii), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta), blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella), lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea), standing cypress (Ipomopsis rubra), and sundial lupine (Lupinus perennis), were sown on a commercial potting medium or a sandy field soil in plastic pots. All seed were from one commercial source, with additional seed of black-eyed susan, lanceleaf coreopsis, and blanketflower from a second source (Florida ecotype). At 28 days after treatment, slight stand thinning was observed on scarlet sage, blanketflower, and black-eyed susan but the major effect of Plateau was stunting on all species. Annual phlox was the most tolerant of Plateau, with only occasional slight stunting and no stand thinning even at the highest rate. Lanceleaf coreopsis and sundial lupine were slightly less tolerant, with scarle...
Architecting hierarchical coherence protocols for push-button parametric verification

Recent work in formal verification theory and verification-aware design has sought to bridge the divide between the class of protocols architects want to design and the class of protocols that are verifiable with state of the art tools. Particularly, the recent Neo work in formal verification theory, for the first time, formalizes how to compose flat subprotocols with an arbitrary number of nodes into a hierarchy while maintaining correct behavior. However, it is unclear if this theory scales to realistic systems. Moreover, there is a diversity of systems architects would be interested in, to which it is not clear if the theory applies.In this paper, we show how the abstract Neo theory can be leveraged to design a realistic hierarchical coherence protocol. As such, we present the first realistic hierarchical coherence protocol verified with fully-automated (push-button) verification tools for all scales and tree configurations. We explore the practical limitations posed by both the theory and the verification tools in designing this verifiable hierarchical protocol. We experimentally evaluate our protocol, comparing it to more complex protocols that have optimizations prohibited by the theory and verification tool. Finally, we discuss how a variety of system configurations and protocols architects might be interested in can be adapted to the Neo theory, which we hope opens up the theory to future work in verification-aware protocol design. CCS CONCEPTS • Computer systems organization $\rightarrow$ Multicore architectures; • Hardware $\rightarrow$ Model checking;
Measurement-based power system dynamic model reductions

Interconnected power systems experienced a significant increase in size and complexity. It is computationally burdensome to represent the entire system in detail to conduct power system analysis. Therefore, the model of the study system must be retained in detail while the external system can be reduced using system reduction techniques. This paper proposes a measurement-based dynamic equivalent in order to increase both model accuracy and simulation speed. The proposed method uses a set of measurements at the boundary nodes between the study area and external area for model parameter identification. Case studies demonstrate that the measurement-based technique can capture the main system behaviors accurately and improve computational efficiency.
The design of ultra low noise CMOS transimpedance amplifier for biosensing applications

This paper presents, a low-noise, low-power transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for amperiometric based blood glucose monitoring system for wearable devices. The proposed cascode common source multi-stage transimpedance amplifier circuit is implemented in a 180nm CMOS process. The TIA shows a transimpedance gain of 145MΩ and input referred current noise is 27.4fA/√Hz at 50kHz. When the input current is 5nA and the total power consumption is 110uW from 1V supply.
What Can We Learn About Vacuum Cleaners from Vampires?: Far More Than You May Think

It is a common trope in horror stories that a vampire cannot simply walk into your house. There is a sort of mystical protection from four walls, a roof, and your habitation that prevents this form of the undead from sneaking into your bedroom and sucking your blood. However, if you invite a vampire into your home, then that vampire has free rein to come and go as he or she pleases.
The Smell of Diabetes

In my everyday job as a research director, I work with endocrine fellows and staff on research. And because I have had type 1 diabetes since 1992, I also subtly look for teachable moments to promote a greater understanding about what it is like to live with diabetes. It is one thing to understand the treatments and textbook theory behind interventions and quite another to be the recipient of such health care measures. One teachable moment recently occurred when I was sitting with three fellows and an endocrinologist at a colleague’s retirement dinner. As a sugary dessert was being served, the junior …
Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography: A Wondrous Journey!

There are only two mistakes one can make along the path to truth: not going all the way, and not starting. —Buddha ([1][1]) This was in 1982. I was a clinical fellow in the Wadsworth Veterans Administration Hospital, Los Angeles cardiovascular training program, when I was first exposed to
A case study in plutonium radiochronometry using multiple isotope systems

Radiochronometry analyses of two Pu metals were performed using the 237Np–241Am–241Pu, 234U–238Pu, 235U–239Pu, and 236U–240Pu decay series. For one sample, all radiochronometers yield concordant model dates in 1959–1960, indicating that the aqueous processing method used to purify Pu effectively removed U, Am and Np decay products from the bulk Pu. The second sample yields discordant model dates that are also older than the known production date in 1982. The excess U, Am and Np present in the sample indicate that the sample was purified during at least two different episodes, using a combination of aqueous methods and molten salt extraction.
Genetic effects and gene-by-education interactions on episodic memory performance and decline in an aging population.

Abstract Both social and genetic factors contribute to cognitive impairment and decline, yet genetic factors identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explain only a small portion of trait variability. This “missing heritability” may be due to rare, potentially functional, genetic variants not assessed by GWAS, as well as gene-by-social factor interactions not explicitly modeled. Gene-by-social factor interactions may also operate differently across race/ethnic groups. We selected 39 genes that had significant, replicated associations with cognition, dementia, and related traits in published GWAS. Using gene-based analysis (SKAT/iSKAT), we tested whether common and/or rare variants were associated with episodic memory performance and decline either alone or through interaction with education in >10,000 European ancestry (EA) and >2200 African ancestry (AA) respondents from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Nine genes in EA and five genes in AA were associated with memory performance or decline (p
Potential Role of PET in Assessing Ventricular Arrhythmias

Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with structural heart disease. In the last decade, advanced imaging modalities, such as cardiac MR and nuclear imaging, have progressively demonstrated to play a central role in the diagnosis and management of patients presenting with VAs. PET is acquiring a growing role thanks to its capability to assess different pathophysiologic aspects of the arrhythmogenic substrate by evaluating abnormal myocardial perfusion, presence of inflammation, myocardial viability, and sympathetic innervation. This review describes the principles and main clinical applications of PET imaging in the setting of VAs.
Effects of salinity and light on growth and interspecific interactions between Myriophyllum spicatum L. and Ruppia maritima L.

Abstract Submerged macrophyte habitats provide significant benefits to estuarine systems. In southeast Louisiana, Myriophyllum spicatum L. (milfoil) and Ruppia maritima L. (widgeongrass) are dominant species existing across fresh to brackish areas. Though frequently co-occurring across the range of salinity and light conditions, their individual responses to changing environmental conditions from restoration, weather and climate may determine overall species distribution, and biomass abundance. We compared milfoil and widgeongrass growth (i.e., biomass increase) across a range of salinity and light, in monoculture (salinity: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20; light: high ˜ 50% ambient; low ˜ 20% ambient), and in mixture (salinity: 0, 10, 20; light: high, low). In monoculture, milfoil growth was reduced at high salinity (20) versus low salinity (0), while biomass allocation differed significantly with greater allocation to shoots under high light, compared to low light. Widgeongrass was minimally affected by salinity, with reduced stem densities at high salinity compared to low salinity. In mixture, both species under-yielded compared to monoculture with milfoil reduced with high salinity and light, and low salinity and light; widgeongrass under-yielded with low salinity and high light, and mid salinity (10) and low light. These differences in species’ responses suggest that salinity and light contribute to the distribution of milfoil and widgeongrass, with higher salinities and light favoring widgeongrass growth, and lower light possibly decreasing both species’ growth, and ultimately, distribution. With continued changes occurring and predicted from both coastal restoration and climate change, understanding drivers of habitat forming species remains critical to inform future landscapes.
Effects of packing density on the magnetic properties of cobalt nanowire assemblies

The magnetic properties of single crystalline hcp Co nanowire (NW) assemblies with different packing densities are investigated. The compacted assemblies exhibit an unusual increase in coercivity (HC) from 5.5 kOe to 6.1 kOe with the increase of the packing density from 2.1 to 4.5 g/cm3. While Hc decreases with further increase in packing density. A similar trend in Hc value variation with density has also been noticed at different temperatures. The initial increase in HC values is ascribed to magnetostatic interaction between the nanowires, which became stronger with the increased packing density. However, above the density of 4.5 g/cm3, the Hc decreases due to the proximity effect as shown in the δM plot. The δM plot shows a negative peak at high field and it becomes prominent with the increased density. Moreover, it has been found that the variation of HC with the packing density is also related to diameter of Co NWs. A larger diameter of the nanowires gives a negative dependence of the Hc value with the density in the whole investigated region.The magnetic properties of single crystalline hcp Co nanowire (NW) assemblies with different packing densities are investigated. The compacted assemblies exhibit an unusual increase in coercivity (HC) from 5.5 kOe to 6.1 kOe with the increase of the packing density from 2.1 to 4.5 g/cm3. While Hc decreases with further increase in packing density. A similar trend in Hc value variation with density has also been noticed at different temperatures. The initial increase in HC values is ascribed to magnetostatic interaction between the nanowires, which became stronger with the increased packing density. However, above the density of 4.5 g/cm3, the Hc decreases due to the proximity effect as shown in the δM plot. The δM plot shows a negative peak at high field and it becomes prominent with the increased density. Moreover, it has been found that the variation of HC with the packing density is also related to diameter of Co NWs. A larger diameter of the nanowires gives a negative dependence of the Hc value with t...
Comparison of orthogonal NLP methods for clinical phenotyping and assessment of bone scan utilization among prostate cancer patients.

Abstract Objective Clinical care guidelines recommend that newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients at high risk for metastatic spread receive a bone scan prior to treatment and that low risk patients not receive it. The objective was to develop an automated pipeline to interrogate heterogeneous data to evaluate the use of bone scans using a two different Natural Language Processing (NLP) approaches. Materials and Methods Our cohort was divided into risk groups based on Electronic Health Records (EHR). Information on bone scan utilization was identified in both structured data and free text from clinical notes. Our pipeline annotated sentences with a combination of a rule-based method using the ConText algorithm (a generalization of NegEx) and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) method using word2vec to produce word embeddings. Results A total of 5500 patients and 369,764 notes were included in the study. A total of 39% of patients were high-risk and 73% of these received a bone scan; of the 18% low risk patients, 10% received one. The accuracy of CNN model outperformed the rule-based model one (F-measure = 0.918 and 0.897 respectively). We demonstrate a combination of both models could maximize precision or recall, based on the study question. Conclusion Using structured data, we accurately classified patients’ cancer risk group, identified bone scan documentation with two NLP methods, and evaluated guideline adherence. Our pipeline can be used to provide concrete feedback to clinicians and guide treatment decisions.
Bribery and Corruption in Weak Institutional Environments: Connecting the Dots from a Comparative Perspective

Drawing on twenty years of research and observations, Li explains how bribery and corruption are carried out in countries with weak institutional environments, and how these activities become globalized. By distinguishing rule-based, relation-based and clan-based governance, this book offers a novel explanation to the age-old puzzle of why some countries thrive despite corruption. It also sheds lights on the symbiotic roles corruption and anticorruption campaigns play in maintaining dictatorships. Applying cost-benefit analysis to different governance environments, Li argues that as non-rule-based economies expand, the transition from relying on private relationships to relying on public rules is inevitable. However, by highlighting the globalization of corruption by non-rule-based countries, this book warns against the potential threats and consequences of bribery by powerful dictatorial governments. This book will appeal to scholars, analysts and graduate students studying corruption, as well as policymakers, business professionals and executives seeking insights into the characteristics of bribery and corruption within different institutional settings.