cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coli RcsA, a Positive Activator of Colanic Acid Capsular Polysaccharide Synthesis, Functions To Activate Its Own Expression

Capsule (cps) gene expression in Escherichia coli is controlled by a complex network of regulators. Transcription of the cps operon is controlled by at least two positive regulators, RcsA and RcsB. We show here that RcsA functions to activate its own expression, as seen by the 100-fold-increased expression of a rcsA::lacZ transcriptional fusion in strains with high levels of RcsA protein, either due to a mutation in lon or due to overexpression of RcsA from a multicopy plasmid. Expression of the rcsA::lacZ fusion is increased by but not dependent on the presence of RcsB. In addition, the effects of H-NS and RcsB on the expression of rcsA are independent of each other. A sequence motif, conserved between the E. coli cps promoter and the Erwinia amylovora ams promoter and previously shown to be the RcsA-RcsB binding site, was identified in the rcsA promoter region and shown to be required for high-level expression of rcsA.
Rules to Prevent Conflict of Interest for Clinical Investigators Conducting Human Subjects Research

Avoiding financial and other conflicts of interest is important for NIH, where the trust and protection of research subjects is vital to our mission to improve the public health and maintain the public trust. The number and complexity of laws and regulations in this area makes it difficult to know when there is a conflict or perceived conflict and what to do. To insure uniformity across the NIH, it has been necessary to develop a set of community standards to assure the integrity of the clinical research process and to establish common practices to review and uphold these standards.
The Stellar Population of the Inner 200 Parsecs

The central 200 pc of the Galaxy is obscured by 5-30 visual magnitudes of extinction and therefore may be studied only in the infrared. The central parsec consists of a mostly red star cluster (1RS 16) and a cluster of ≈ 10 Hel Wolf-Rayet or Of-like stars; this cluster is the best evidence for star formation in this region. The central 5 pc has an extended giant branch (to Mbol=-6) and long period variables. These stars are not extraordinarily bright; in the central 200 pc luminous asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars (Mbol < -5) concentrate toward the nucleus in a distribution more flattened than the general light. Candidates for relatively young objects include a rapidly rotating population of high outflow velocity OH/IR stars. The AGB luminosity function in the central 200 pc resembles that recently found in M32 and M31 bulge fields. Depending on how one interprets the extended giant branch, the population may be intermediate age with some ongoing star formation, or mostly old and metal rich, with star formation confined to the nucleus.
Design and optimization of permanent magnet inductors

Permanent magnet inductors (PMIs) utilize a permanent magnet (PM) to partially offset the flux in the magnetic core due to the dc component of the winding current. In this work two PMI architectures are modeled using magnetic equivalent circuits (MECs). Using these MECs, optimized PMI designs are achieved using a population-based design algorithm. By comparing Pareto-optimal fronts, it is shown that the mass of a PMI is less than that of a traditional EI core inductor for a given loss.
Variability in gene expression underlies incomplete penetrance

The phenotypic differences between individual organisms can often be ascribed to underlying genetic and environmental variation. However, even genetically identical organisms in homogeneous environments vary, indicating that randomness in developmental processes such as gene expression may also generate diversity. To examine the consequences of gene expression variability in multicellular organisms, we studied intestinal specification in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in which wild-type cell fate is invariant and controlled by a small transcriptional network. Mutations in elements of this network can have indeterminate effects: some mutant embryos fail to develop intestinal cells, whereas others produce intestinal precursors. By counting transcripts of the genes in this network in individual embryos, we show that the expression of an otherwise redundant gene becomes highly variable in the mutants and that this variation is subjected to a threshold, producing an ON/OFF expression pattern of the master regulatory gene of intestinal differentiation. Our results demonstrate that mutations in developmental networks can expose otherwise buffered stochastic variability in gene expression, leading to pronounced phenotypic variation.
CYTOMETRIC ASSAY OF TOXICITY OF BRUCELLA ANTIGENS FOR SENSITIZED AND NON-SENSITIZED CELLS FROM THE GUINEA PIG

1. A significant cytotoxic effect of trypsinized, sensitized cell cultures was observed when re-exposed to Brucella antigens in vitro . 2. The cytometric assay of the toxic effects of Brucella antigens using trypsinized cells from sensitized animals provides an objective measure of induced cellular hypersensitivity.
An improved prediction of catalytic residues in enzyme structures

The protein databases contain a huge number of function unknown proteins, including many proteins with newly determined 3D structures resulted from the Structural Genomics Projects. To accelerate experiment-based assignment of function, de novo prediction of protein functional sites, like active sites in enzymes, becomes increasingly important. Here, we attempted to improve the prediction of catalytic residues in enzyme structures by seeking and refining different encodings (i.e. residue properties) as well as employing new machine learning algorithms. In particular, considering that catalytic residues can often reveal specific network centrality when representing enzyme structure as a residue contact network, the corresponding measurement (i.e. closeness centrality) was used as one of the most important encodings in our new predictor. Meanwhile, a genetic algorithm integrated neural network (GANN) was also employed. Thanks to the above strategies, our GANN predictor demonstrated a high accuracy of 91.2% in the prediction of catalytic residues based on balanced datasets (i.e. the 1:1 ratio of catalytic to non-catalytic residues). When the GANN method was optimally applied to real enzyme structures, 73.9% of the tested structures had the active site correctly located. Compared with two existing methods, the proposed GANN method also demonstrated a better performance.
Properties of Small Bimetallic Ni−Cu Clusters

Geometric and electronic properties of planar configurations of Cu−Ni clusters containing up to five atoms are studied using density functional theory with effective core potentials, focusing on the differences between mono and bimetallic clusters. Reactivity is examined by testing hydrogen adsorption on bridge and on-top sites. It is found that geometric effects have strong effect on reactivity; however, the significant differences between the Cu and Ni atomic electronic structures are strong factors on the nucleation, stability, and adsorption properties.
Age and Task Differences in Functional Fitness in Older Women: Comparisons With Senior Fitness Test Normative and Criterion-Referenced Data

Age-related changes in physical abilities, such as strength and flexibility, contribute to functional losses. However, older individuals may be unaware of what specific physical abilities compromise independent functioning. Three groups of women, aged 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 92 years, were administered the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) to determine age differences in physical abilities and risk for functional losses. The oldest group showed significant differences in lower body strength, aerobic endurance, and agility and dynamic balance when compared with the other groups who performed similarly. Across all groups, a faster rate of decline was found for lower body strength (50.6%) and dynamic balance and agility (45.7%) than upper body strength (21.3%) and aerobic endurance (33.6%). Criterion-referenced (CR) fitness standards suggested that 45% of the individuals were at risk for loss of independent functioning. This study highlights age-related differences in physical abilities and the risk for the loss of independence in later life.
The evolution of build-up package technology and its design challenges

This paper reviews sequential build-up (SBU) laminate substrate development from its beginning in 1988. It reports on developments in this technology for IBM applications since its adoption in 2000. These laminated substrates are nonuniform structures composed of three elements: a core, build-up layers, and finishing layers. Each element has evolved to meet the demands of packaging applications. Thin-film processing has greatly enhanced the wiring capability of SBU laminate substrates and has made this technology very suitable for high-performance designs. This paper focuses on the challenges encountered by IBM during the design, manufacture, and reliability testing phases of development of SBU substrates as solutions for application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and microprocessor packaging applications.
Do side-effects/injuries from yoga practice result in discontinued use? Results of a national survey.

Context: Yoga-related injuries are of increasing concern as the use of yoga continues to rise. Aims: The aim of the following study is to examine whether a national sample of yoga practitioners would report discontinued use of yoga due to injury from the practice, assess what injuries resulted in discontinued use, determine what injuries were most common and identify injuries requiring medical attention. Methods: Secondary data analysis of a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States (n = 23,393). Results: Less than 1% of individuals who had ever practiced yoga (n = 2230) reported an injury from yoga that led to discontinued use. Of those reporting injury, less than one-third (n = 4) reported seeking medical attention. The most common side-effect was back pain. Approximately, half of those reporting back pain sought medical attention. Conclusions: Injury due to yoga is an infrequent barrier to continued practice and severe injury due to yoga is rare.
Profile of Richard Hill

Richard Hill, a graduate of Cambridge University, UK, in Economics and Modern Languages, is interviewed. Dr. Hill is an interculturalist and international communications consultant working principally in the European theater. His experience as an advisor to international organizations and multinational corporations has provided him with insights into the nature and mechanisms of European cultures. In 1992, he wrote his first book, We Europeans, which has become a nonfiction bestseller in English-language bookstores. This was followed by Euromanagers & Martians, an examination of the business cultures of Europe, which is now used as course material at over 50 universities. Information on these works and the publishing house can be found at www.europublic.com.
An empirical investigation of deception behavior in instant messaging

Various disciplines have extensively studied deception in human communication. With the increasing use of instant messaging (IM) for both informal communication and task performance in the work place, deception in IM is emerging as an important issue. In this study, we explored the behavioral indicators of deception in a group IM setting. The empirical results showed that three types of nonverbal behaviors and three types of verbal behaviors that were investigated could significantly differentiate deceivers from truth tellers. The findings potentially can broaden our knowledge of deception behavior in human communication and improve deception awareness and deception detection in the cyberspace.
Children with Learning Problems A Developmental View for Parents

The parent's role in treatment of children's learning problems is discussed. A developmental view of causation based on Piagetian theory is presented as well as this description of the plan for parent workshops in District 10 in New York City.
Modeling drowsy driving behaviors

Excessive sleepiness may result in an increased risk of a motor vehicle crash either because the motorist falls asleep while driving or because he/she experiences reduced attention to road events and driving tasks due to sleepiness/inattention. This study was designed to investigate noninvasive measurable patterns that predict driving-related sleepiness and inattention. Seventeen residents-in-training (residents) recruited from the Indiana University Hospital took five-session driving tests on a driving simulator. Driving, sleep diary, questionnaire, and electroencephalogram (EEG) information were recorded for subsequent data analysis. With statistical and computational intelligence tools, some basic driving behaviors associated with inattention and sleepiness were identified. Results suggest that a combination of standard deviation of lateral lane position and standard deviation of steering wheel angle is a possible measure of the relationships between driving behaviors and road risks. The derived patterns are also consistent with other non-invasive measurements of sleepiness such as Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Stanford Sleepiness Scale.
Optimized data acquisition, reconstruction and postprocessing techniques for quantitative sodium imaging

The paper discusses an integrated approach for optimal generation of in vivo tissue sodium concentration (TSC) maps using MR. It is demonstrated, with numerical simulations as well as experimental data, that the proposed approach generates TSC maps which exhibit less partial voluming effects and provide more accurate in vivo TSC estimates than those obtained by conventional means. >
Minimal spontaneously broken hidden sector and its impact on Higgs boson physics at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

Little experimental data bears on the question of whether there is a spontaneously broken hidden sector that has no Standard Model quantum numbers. Here we discuss the prospects of finding evidence for such a hidden sector through renormalizable interactions of the Standard Model Higgs boson with a Higgs boson of the hidden sector. We find that the lightest Higgs boson in this scenario has smaller rates in standard detection channels, and it can have a sizeable invisible final state branching fraction. Details of the hidden sector determine whether the overall width of the lightest state is smaller or larger than the Standard Model width. We compute observable rates, total widths and invisible decay branching fractions within the general framework. We also introduce the 'A-Higgs Model', which corresponds to the limit of a hidden sector Higgs boson weakly mixing with the Standard Model Higgs boson. This model has only one free parameter in addition to the mass of the light Higgs state and it illustrates most of the generic phenomenology issues, thereby enabling it to be a good benchmark theory for collider searches. We end by presenting an analogous supersymmetry model with similar phenomenology, which involves hidden sector Higgs bosons interactingmore » with MSSM Higgs bosons through D-terms.« less
THE TEACHING OF PROBLEM SOLVING

(1975). I. The Teaching of Problem Solving. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 5, pp. 466-470.
Experimental Correlation of Substrate Position with Reaction Outcome in the Aliphatic Halogenase, SyrB2

The iron(II)- and 2-(oxo)glutarate-dependent (Fe/2OG) oxygenases catalyze an array of challenging transformations, but how individual members of the enzyme family direct different outcomes is poorly understood. The Fe/2OG halogenase, SyrB2, chlorinates C4 of its native substrate, l-threonine appended to the carrier protein, SyrB1, but hydroxylates C5 of l-norvaline and, to a lesser extent, C4 of l-aminobutyric acid when SyrB1 presents these non-native amino acids. To test the hypothesis that positioning of the targeted carbon dictates the outcome, we defined the positions of these three substrates by measuring hyperfine couplings between substrate deuterium atoms and the stable, EPR-active iron-nitrosyl adduct, a surrogate for reaction intermediates. The Fe-(2)H distances and N-Fe-(2)H angles, which vary from 4.2 A and 85° for threonine to 3.4 A and 65° for norvaline, rationalize the trends in reactivity. This experimental correlation of position to outcome should aid in judging from structural data on other Fe/2OG enzymes whether they suppress hydroxylation or form hydroxylated intermediates on the pathways to other outcomes.
Editorial Commentary: The metabolic syndrome: What does the clinician need to know and do?

In this issue of Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, Scott Grundy, MD, reviews the “metabolic syndrome” and summarizes its possible pathogenesis, clinical importance, and treatment [1]. It is appropriate that Dr. Grundy assumed this task. He chaired both the second and third National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) reports on managing lipids [2,3], and ATP III was the first of these reports to note the importance of the metabolic syndrome. Dr. Grundy subsequently first-authored a position paper from the National Heart and Lung Institute and the American Heart Association on the importance of the metabolic syndrome [4]. So what do clinicians need to know about the metabolic syndrome? Clinicians need to know the markedly increased risk conferred by the metabolic syndrome, its diagnostic parameters, as well as its probable pathogenesis, and possible treatment strategies. This editorial seeks to provide this information for clinicians based on Dr. Grundy's review, other literature, and clinical experience. The metabolic syndrome doubles the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in individuals with or without diabetes and increases the risk of stroke four-fold. The mechanisms for this markedly increased risk are probably both the risk components of the syndrome itself as well as the observation that thrombotic and inflammatory factors are also increased in metabolic syndrome patients. The metabolic syndrome is typically diagnosed when 3 of the 5 following risk factors are present: a waist circumference measured at the iliac crests of Z102 cm (40 in.) in men or Z80 cm (31 in.) in women; blood triglycerides Z1.7 mmol/L
Preservationists as Qualitative Growth Actors: A Case Study of Saratoga Springs, New York

Using a case study of Saratoga Springs, NY, and the Saratoga Springs Open Space Project (OSP), this article explores how citizen-led land preservation organizations can form coalitions with diverse...
USPIO High Resolution Neurovascular Imaging in a Rat Stroke Model of Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Angiogenesis inducing agents, such as Sildenafil, can be used to treat stroke. In this study, USPIO-enhanced MRI was used to visualize collateral vessels in the penumbral area of lesions of rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(tMCAO), and the evaluate efficacy of the Sildenafil treatment. Here, P904, a USPIO agent, was used as a T1 reducing agent at a low dose for MR angiography and as a T2* reducing agent at a moderate dose for visualization of very small vessels on gradient echo susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI). SWI scans without/with USPIO injection were performed for the following cases: tMCAO without any treatment(n=5), tMCAO with Sildenafil treatment(n=6), and sham tMCAO(n=1) at four different time points(i.e., baseline, 24 h, two weeks and four weeks after tMCAO). The presence of newly developed vessels in the periphery of the ischemic core was only observed in those animals showing severe ischemic brain damage and at the same time received Sildenafil treatment at two weeks post tMCAO. This work suggests that, at 7 T, high resolution SWI in conjunction with USPIO injection at a moderate dose can be used to visualize post-stroke angiogenesis in the tMCAO rat model.
Foraging Behavior of Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins as Determined by New Radiotelemetry Techniques

-Analysis of radio signals from transmitters affixed to 7 Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and 6 Chinstrap (P. antarctica) penguins allowed us to track penguins at sea. Signal characteristics allowed us to distinguish among 5 foraging behaviors: porpoising, underwater swimming, horizontal diving, vertical diving, and resting or bathing. Gentoo Penguins spent a significantly greater portion of their foraging trips engaged in feeding behaviors than Chinstraps, which spent significantly more time traveling. Gentoos had significantly longer feeding dives than Chinstraps (128 s vs. 91 s) and significantly higher dive-pause ratios (3.4 vs. 2.6). These differences in foraging behavior suggest Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins may have different diving abilities and may forage at different depths. Received 3 June 1985, accepted 24 April 1986. THE trophic relationships among Pygoscelis penguins, the Adelie (P. adeliae), Chinstrap (P. antarctica), and Gentoo (P. papua), have been a major focal point of research in recent years, particularly with respect to the ecology of their major prey species, krill (Euphausia superba). To date, however, our knowledge of the birds' feeding ecology is largely derived from stomach samples obtained ashore (Emison 1968; Croxall and Furse 1980; Croxall and Prince 1980a; Volkman et al. 1980, 1986; Lishman 1985). Diving depth is one aspect of penguin foraging behavior that has been investigated in some detail. Multiple depth recorders, logging the number of dives within set depth ranges, have been deployed on King (Aptenodytes patagonica; Kooyman et al. 1982), Chinstrap (Lishman and Croxall 1983), and Gentoo (Costa pers. comm.) penguins. Maximum diving depths have been reported for Emperor (A. forsteri; Kooyman et al. 1971), Black-footed (Spheniscus demersus; Wilson and Bain 1984), and Gentoo (Adams and Brown 1983) penguins. Feeding range also has been investigated, but indirectly, using nest relief intervals (Williams and Siegfried 1980, Ainley et al. 1984, Croxall et al. 1984). We report a new method of tracking penguins at sea that allowed us to differentiate 1 Present address: National Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA/NMFS, 7600 San Point Way N.E., Seattle, Washington 98115 USA. among behaviors during foraging trips. This method improved our understanding of penguin feeding efficiencies, ranges, and traveling speeds, and permitted preliminary comparisons of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguin forag-
The mucosal barrier at a glance

Mucosal barriers separate self from non-self and are essential for life. These barriers, which are the first line of defense against external pathogens, are formed by epithelial cells and the substances they secrete. Rather than an absolute barrier, epithelia at mucosal surfaces must allow selective paracellular flux that discriminates between solutes and water while preventing the passage of bacteria and toxins. In vertebrates, tight junctions seal the paracellular space; flux across the tight junction can occur through two distinct routes that differ in selectivity, capacity, molecular composition and regulation. Dysregulation of either pathway can accompany disease. A third, tight-junction-independent route that reflects epithelial damage can also contribute to barrier loss during disease. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we present current knowledge on the molecular components and pathways that establish this selectively permeable barrier and the interactions that lead to barrier dysfunction during disease.
Computer's 50th Anniversary

With maturity comes reflection and enlightenment. In this golden anniversary year, Computer celebrates not only its impressive past, but also the promise of its future.
Measuring Nurse Leaders' and Direct Care Nurses' Perceptions of a Healthy Work Environment in Acute Care Settings, Part 3: Healthy Work Environment Scales for Nurse Leaders and Direct Care Nurses.

BACKGROUNDSurvey items on the Healthy Work Environment Scales (HWES) for nurse leaders (NLs) and direct care nurses (DCNs) were developed using statements from 2 qualitative research studies conducted in a healthcare system.PURPOSEThe purposes of 2 quantitative studies were to develop items on the H
The Use of Hospital-Based Simulation in Nursing Education—A Systematic Review

Abstract Background The purpose of this systematic review was to search, extract, appraise, and synthesize research related to the use of hospital-based simulation with clinical nurses. The research question that guided this study was as follows: what research related to hospital-based simulation with clinical nurses emerged in the literature between January 2012 and October 2015? The design of this review was reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data sources are as follows: literature search was completed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science using a combination of medical subject headings, or MeSH terms, as well as keywords to retrieve non-indexed citations. Methods The inclusion criteria for this review were broad in order to disseminate information on future research needed; however, the sample had to include clinical bedside nurses, either alone or in conjunction with another professional group. The intervention had to include simulation, although no limits were made on the type of simulation. The review considered studies that described original research, but no other design restrictions were imposed. The review was limited to studies published in the English language and between January 2012 and October 2015. Results The database search strategy yielded 224 citations. These results were narrowed down to 65 studies based on identified inclusion criteria. Conclusions More randomized controlled trials and studies with power analyses and validated measurement instruments are needed to fully understand the impact simulation has on the practicing nurses at the bedside. There is also a need to investigate the effects of simulation education on patient outcomes.
The Importance of Context: The Gunning of America's Sloppy Scholarship

Pamela Haag’s The Gunning of America: Business and the Making of American Gun Culture (Basic Books, 2015) demonstrates the importance of reading in context, especially when the falsification of history so produced will likely be cited in briefs and court decisions.
History of catfish breeding and its application in the United States: Lessonstobelearned?

The history of selective breeding in the US catfish industry is reviewed. The failures and suc- cesses of technology and germplasm transfer for catfish genetic enhancement are discussed.
Stability and violence in classical Greek democracies and oligarchies

Existing attempts to understand the relationship between violence and stability within Classical Athens are undermined by their failure to compare democracies with oligarchies. The exclusionary policies of oligarchies created a fragile political equilibrium that required considerable regulation if oligarchic regimes were to survive. By contrast, the inclusiveness of democracies largely defused the danger that disputes would lead to regime collapse. Citizens of democracies faced fewer incentives to police their behavior, resulting in higher levels of public disorder and violence; this violence, however, was at the same time less likely to escalate into deadly force and stasis . The distinctive cultures of democracies and oligarchies were determined in part by considerations of basic political order.
Multicentric Angiofollicular Lymph Node Hyperplasia (Castleman’s Disease) Followed by Kaposi’s Sarcoma in Two Homosexual Males With the Acquired Immunodefieieney Syndrome (AIDS)

Two homosexual men with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who developed a multicentric variant of angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia (AFLNH) (Castleman's disease) and Kaposi's sarcoma are reported. Both had diffuse adenopathy, splenomegaly, and a systemic inflammatory state. Both had an absolute increase in Leu 1 lymphocytes, which was associated with markedly decreased Leu 3 + lymphocytes, markedly increased Leu-2 lymphocytes, and a very low Leu 3/2 ratio. The lymphocytes of both patients had a normal blastogenic response to PHA. The lymphocytes of patient 1 had a poor response to autologous or allogenic cells in the mixed lymphocyte culture reaction. AFLNH represents another lymphoreticular complication of AIDS. Given the interrelationships between AFLNH, the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, and the aggressive clinical course seen in our two patients and those in the literature, the aggressive use of lymph node biopsy may be an important prognostic tool for the patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. (
Female Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis thurberi) produce male-like song in a territorial context during the early breeding season

Reports of female song, once considered a rarity, have recently increased across a variety of avian taxa. Females of many species can be induced to produce male-like song with exogenous testosterone, but observations of female song in free-living birds remain limited by incomplete sampling of females. Here, we report three independent observations of female dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) producing male-like song early in the breeding season (i.e. post-territory establishment, pre-nesting) in a recently established non-migratory, urban population. To elicit song, we presented 17 free-living junco pairs with a live, caged female conspecific. Three unique females responded to our trials by diving at the intruding female, chasing their (male) mate, fanning their tail feathers, and singing a trilled song similar in structure to male long-range (broadcast) song. We compared male and female songs quantitatively and found that the two sexes were statistically similar in many spectral and temporal characteristics, but female songs had significantly lower minimum and peak frequencies than males. This result is particularly surprising, as males in this urban population are known to sing at a significantly higher minimum frequency than males in a nearby montane population. Both the seasonal and social context in which these songs were observed suggest a potential function for female song in mate guarding and polygyny prevention, but more data are needed to test this hypothesis. Whether female song is common in all dark-eyed juncos during the early breeding season or if it is restricted to this particular urban and non-migratory population remains an important question for future research. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Review of J. L. Schwartz and A. L. Caplan, eds., Vaccination Ethics and Policy1

Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements in medicine and public health, making significant contributions to the welfare of individuals and populations. Yet vaccination continues to raise uni...
Essay in I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Certain Eminent Men and Women of Our Time

What do I now think of my own philosophy of life of almost 10 years ago? Have I grown dissatisfied with it? Or has it grown more real to me as a result of maturer experience?
Soil Mechanics, Plasticity and Landslides

Abstract After a brief historical introduction, the impact of D.C. Drucker's ideas on the modern development of the theory of soil plasticity is discussed. Recent achievements in plasticity as applied to soil mechanics are summarized with emphasis on applications to earthquake-induced landslide problems. To this end, a detailed description of the following three subjects is given: (1) stress—strain relations for soil; (2) limit analysis for seismic stability of slopes; and (3) finite element analysis for progressive failure behavior of slopes under earthquake loading. In this way, some of the interrelationships between the limit analysis of perfect plasticity and the finite element analysis of work-hardening plasticity are demonstrated, and their power and their relative merits and limitations for practical applications are evaluated within the context of their use in the seismic analyses of soil mass involving slope failures and landslides.
Hybrid Method of Selective Nonlinear Precoding and Interference Alignment

Interference alignment (IA) is a well known technique to boost the system capacity of MIMO interfering broadcast channels (IBCs) by aligning interferences into spatial dimensions, which are almost orthogonal to the dimensions occupied by the desired signals. However, the conventional IA algorithms with iterations suffer from large convergence times. We propose a novel hybrid method of nonlinear precoding (NLP) and IA for more efficient interference cancellation. Firstly, we modify the minimum mean squared error IA scheme by ignoring some interference. Then, we selectively apply the Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding (THP) NLP on top of selected IA beams. It is shown through the simulations that the bit error rate performances for all MIMO links with or without NLP are improved dramatically. Meanwhile, the computational complexity in terms of number of iterations is reduced significantly. In addition, to maximize the capacity and overcome the unfairness inherent in THP, that is the latter coded stream has smaller diversity gain, we propose to repeat the low-cost modified IA with random initializations. The optimal precoders and decoders are selected among the repetitions with the largest determinant factor related to the effective channel over the selected IA beams.
Partial attitude synchronization for networks of underactuated spacecraft

Abstract In this paper, the problem of partial attitude synchronization between spacecraft with fewer than three control torques is formulated and solved for the first time. Considering a network of N underactuated spacecraft, we propose two control strategies to align the uncontrolled axes of the spacecraft such that they all point along the same inertial direction. The first control law achieves this objective using inertial angular velocity feedback and, as a result, the final, common, pointing direction of the uncontrolled axes of all spacecraft remains fixed in inertial space. The final direction may also be prescribed with the presence of a leader. The second control law achieves the same objective by relying upon only relative angular velocity feedback. In this case the final pointing direction of the uncontrolled axes is no longer fixed in the inertial space. The control laws utilize a unique attitude parameterization capable of decoupling the motion between the uncontrolled axis of each spacecraft and the spacecraft’s angular orientation about this axis. Subject to the proposed control laws, it is shown that the spacecraft network’s partial consensus state is almost globally asymptotically stable.
Dimensions of Reproductive Attitudes and Knowledge Related to Unintended Childbearing Among U.S. Adolescents and Young Adults

Measures of attitudes and knowledge predict reproductive behavior, such as unintended fertility among adolescents and young adults. However, there is little consensus as to the underlying dimensions these measures represent, how to compare findings across surveys using different measures, or how to interpret the concepts captured by existing measures. To guide future research on reproductive behavior, we propose an organizing framework for existing measures. We suggest that two overarching multidimensional concepts—reproductive attitudes and reproductive knowledge—can be applied to understand existing research using various measures. We adapt psychometric analytic techniques to analyze two data sets: the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) and the Relationship Dynamics and Social Life study (RDSL). Although the specific survey measures and sample composition of the two data sets are different, the dimensionality of the concepts and the content of the items used to measure their latent factors are remarkably consistent across the two data sets, and the factors are predictive of subsequent contraceptive behavior. However, some survey items do not seem strongly related to any dimension of either construct, and some dimensions of the two concepts appear to be poorly measured with existing survey questions. Nonetheless, we argue that the concepts of reproductive attitudes and reproductive knowledge are useful for categorizing and analyzing social psychological measures related to unintended fertility. The results can be used to guide secondary data analyses to predict reproductive behavior, compare results across data sets, and structure future data collection efforts.
Microgrid Intra-day Scheduling Considering Reactive Power Capability of Electric Element

A mixed integer linear programming model, which can be used in microgrid (MG) intra-day scheduling, is put forward in order to conciliate further the desired attributes of accuracy and computational performance of solving existing model. The proposed model is the minimization of MG economic operation cost considering reactive power capability of distributed generation (DG). Compared with the literature of microgrid economical dispatching, the linearized constraint model, such as power flow with voltage amplitude limitation, DG reactive power characteristic and branch capability based on analytic geometry, exchange power and power factor of point of common couple, and et al, is included in the paper. The performance of the proposed model and accuracy of the results are verified by using an experimental microgrid for engineering practical purposes. Finally, the effects of different segments on the feasible region coverage of DG operating point are discussed.
Topological Magnetoelectric Effect

The chapter introduces the basic parameters that determine the topological magnetoelectric effect and discusses the anomalous quantum Hall effect in topological thin films.
Assessment of peripheral markers and ultrasonographic parameters in pregnant mares receiving intramuscular or intrauterine cloprostenol

Abstract The present study aimed to compare two methods of prostaglandin-induced abortion in mares by determining blood markers (progesterone, estradiol-17β, alpha-fetoprotein, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin-F2α (PGFM)), B-mode ultrasonographic parameters, and time until loss of fetal heartbeat. It was hypothesized that intrauterine infusion of cloprostenol results in earlier fetal compromise than intramuscular administration. Ovarian structures (number and sizes of follicles and corpora lutea area), fetal heartbeat, and fetal mobility of thirteen singleton pregnancies were assessed daily by transrectal ultrasonography until induction of pregnancy termination (60 ± 2 days of gestation). Mares received 500 μg of cloprostenol intramuscularly every 12 h (IM, n = 7) or once transcervically (TC, n = 6). After initial cloprostenol administration, ultrasonographic examinations were repeated at 6-h intervals until loss of fetal heartbeat was detected. Plasma progesterone, estradiol-17β, and alpha-fetoprotein were assessed for five days before and after pregnancy loss. In addition, plasma PGFM concentrations were assessed immediately before cloprostenol administration (0 min), and then 15, 30, and 45 min, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 h after administration. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure with repeated measures in SAS. Significance was set at P
The Dark Web and cannabis use in the United States: Evidence from a big data research design

Abstract Background Cannabis is one of the most commonly sold drugs on cryptomarkets. Because of the anonymity-granting functions of Tor, no study has traced the within-country effect of the Dark Web on cannabis consumption patterns. This article uses a big data research design to examine the association between revealed interest in the Dark Web and self-reported cannabis use within US states from 2011 when Silk Road launched to 2015 when Operation Onymous shuttered nine markets. Methods This study uses mixed effects ordinary least squared regressions to analyze U.S. state/year panel data, using robust standard errors to correct for heteroscedasticity. Marginal effect plots illustrate substantive effects. The dataset consists of state-level variables drawn from the Uniform Crime Report (UCR), the American Community Survey (ACS), the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the Correlates of State Policy Project, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics Justice Expenditure and Employment Extracts. Data for the Dark Web interest measure are drawn from Google Trends. The proxy for Dark Web interest is an index of eight Dark Web related search queries. Results The regression analysis indicates that Dark Web interest in US states positively correlates with cannabis consumption rates overall and among older adults (26+), but not youth (12–17) or younger adults (18–25). Additionally, Dark Web interest is positively associated with more frequent cannabis usage rates (i.e. use in the past month, excluding first time use) both overall and among older adults, but not among youth or younger adults. Dark Web interest does not correlate with casual use (i.e. use in the last year, excluding use in the past month) for any age bracket. Interacting Dark Web interest with state-level legalization regimes indicates that the association between Dark Web interest and cannabis consumption in the past year is no different in medically legalized states and amplified in states with recreational legalization. Lastly, the Dark Web interest term does not correlate with first time cannabis either overall or for any age category. Conclusions Interest in the Dark Web is associated with increased cannabis use in U.S. states from 2011–2015, but the effect is concentrated in states with more frequent cannabis users, older users, and in states with recreational legalization of cannabis.
Upper Extremity Pain and Overuse Injuries in Fly-Fishing: A North American Cross-Sectional Survey and Implications for Injury Prevention:

Background:Fly-fishing requires rhythmic, coordinated movements to successfully cast a fly line. Previous studies have shown that the biomechanical demands of fly-casting may cause some individuals...
Exploiting Untrustworthy Agents in Team Formation

This paper presents a trust-based mechanism for team formation wherein agents selectively pursue partners of varying trustworthiness. The mechanism is tested by using a market-based simulation to determine how pursuing partners with different trust ratings affects an agent's utility. Results from these experiments show that for jobs with few subtasks, an agent profits by selecting less trustworthy partners, rather than more trustworthy partners.
Contemporary Film and the Empathy Controversy: Part 1:

This article is written in two parts: Part 1 is a critique of Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion by social psychologist Paul Bloom, and Part 2 is a reading of three U.S. films, produ...
Do Pain-Related Anxiety and Difficulties With Emotion Regulation Impact Abstinence Expectancies or Motivation to Quit E-Cigarette Use?

OBJECTIVE Pain-related anxiety is a psychologically based construct that is associated with tobacco dependence and may have important relevance to e-cigarette use. Difficulties with emotion regulation, a relevant construct in motives for cigarette smoking, may interact with pain-related anxiety to yield worsened clinical outcomes among e-cigarette users. We evaluated whether pain-related anxiety and difficulties with emotion regulation independently and in interaction predict e-cigarette users' expectancies surrounding abstinence and their motivation to stop using e-cigarettes. METHOD Daily e-cigarette users (n = 290, mean age= 35.5, SD = 10.9, 56.6% male) completed an online survey about e-cigarette use. We conducted hierarchical multiple regression analyses to evaluate the main and interactive influence of pain-related anxiety and difficulties with emotion regulation on our outcomes. RESULTS Increased pain-related anxiety independently predicted negative abstinence expectancies and increased motivation to quit e-cigarette use (ps < .001). Increased difficulties with emotion regulation predicted only negative abstinence expectancies (ps < .01) when pain-related anxiety was included in the model. The interaction between pain-related anxiety and difficulties with emotion regulation was not significant. CONCLUSIONS As hypothesized, increased pain-related anxiety was associated with both negative expectancies of abstinence and increased motivation to quit e-cigarette use, but contrary to our hypothesis, difficulties with emotion regulation were not significantly associated with increased motivation to quit e-cigarette use when evaluated with pain-related anxiety in the model. These findings may elucidate processes influencing abstinence expectancies and motivation to quit in a sample of e-cigarette users, although replication in a larger, more diverse sample is warranted.
Islam, Traditions and Legislation: The Context of Human Rights’ Conventions in MENA

Islamic and other religion-based rules still lead legal frames and constitutions in Sudan and other countries within the MENA region. Christian and animist captives in the civil war are often enslaved and female prisoners are often used sexually, with their captors claiming that Islamic law grants them permission. According to CBS news, slaves have been sold for $50 a piece.
Material Texture Recognition using Ultrasonic Images with Transformer Neural Networks

Material texture recognition by estimating the grain size has been extensively used for characterization of material structures. Ultrasonic inspection can approximate material grain size nondestructively with advantages of one-sided measurement, high penetration depth and inspection accuracy. In ultrasonic testing, the energy of signal attenuates as ultrasonic signal propagates through the material. This attenuation is due to scattering and absorption, which are functions of the frequency and grain size distribution. Therefore, the attenuation and scattering of ultrasonic echoes can be used to evaluate grain size for microscopic texture. In this paper we propose to use the transformer neural networks to learn grain scattering features for material textures recognition. The transformer neural network utilizes the multi-head attention mechanism to substantially reduce the computation cost. An ultrasonic testbed platform is assembled to acquire the 3D ultrasonic data cube to train the neural networks for texture analysis. The 3D data cube consists of a sequence of 2D ultrasonic C-scan images and is obtained from three different heat-treated steel blocks. Several state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, the deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were trained and compared to classify the grain scattering textures of three heat-treated steel blocks. To build a data-efficient automatic system for ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications, a self-attention based transformer neural networks: Ultrasonic Texture Recognition Vision Transformer: UTRV Transformer, was proposed to classify material textures with high testing accuracy of 96.15%.