cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The truth about metagenomics: quantifying and counteracting bias in 16S rRNA studies

Characterizing microbial communities via next-generation sequencing is subject to a number of pitfalls involving sample processing. The observed community composition can be a severe distortion of the quantities of bacteria actually present in the microbiome, hampering analysis and threatening the validity of conclusions from metagenomic studies. We introduce an experimental protocol using mock communities for quantifying and characterizing bias introduced in the sample processing pipeline. We used 80 bacterial mock communities comprised of prescribed proportions of cells from seven vaginally-relevant bacterial strains to assess the bias introduced in the sample processing pipeline. We created two additional sets of 80 mock communities by mixing prescribed quantities of DNA and PCR product to quantify the relative contribution to bias of (1) DNA extraction, (2) PCR amplification, and (3) sequencing and taxonomic classification for particular choices of protocols for each step. We developed models to predict the “true” composition of environmental samples based on the observed proportions, and applied them to a set of clinical vaginal samples from a single subject during four visits. We observed that using different DNA extraction kits can produce dramatically different results but bias is introduced regardless of the choice of kit. We observed error rates from bias of over 85% in some samples, while technical variation was very low at less than 5% for most bacteria. The effects of DNA extraction and PCR amplification for our protocols were much larger than those due to sequencing and classification. The processing steps affected different bacteria in different ways, resulting in amplified and suppressed observed proportions of a community. When predictive models were applied to clinical samples from a subject, the predicted microbiome profiles were better reflections of the physiology and diagnosis of the subject at the visits than the observed community compositions. Bias in 16S studies due to DNA extraction and PCR amplification will continue to require attention despite further advances in sequencing technology. Analysis of mock communities can help assess bias and facilitate the interpretation of results from environmental samples.
Feminist Social Justice Orientation An Indicator of Optimal Functioning

This article underscores several themes evident in Yoder, Snell, and Tobias’s research; these include the conceptualization of feminism and social justice as inextricably linked, the conceptualization and operationalization of optimal functioning at intrapersonal, interpersonal, and collective levels, and potential connections and disconnections between empowerment and liberation from oppression. In addition, selected patterns of findings from Yoder et al.’s study are elaborated on in the context of prior research on feminism in order to probe potential connections and disconnections among empowerment, oppression consciousness, and optimal functioning. This analysis culminates in the following question: Is feminist social justice orientation, with its potential accompanying sense of discontent, itself a form of optimal functioning? This question is posed, with an invitation to critically evaluate it and its implications, and with the hope of informing future scholarship, practice, and training in feminist...
Ascorbic acid does not enhance hypoxia‐induced vasodilation in healthy older men

In response to hypoxia, a net vasodilation occurs in the limb vasculature in young healthy humans and this is referred to as “hypoxia-induced vasodilation”. We performed two separate experiments to determine (1) if hypoxiainduced forearm vasodilation is impaired in older men (n = 8) compared to young men (n = 7) and (2) if acute systemic infusion of ascorbic acid would enhance hypoxia-induced vasodilation in older men (n = 8). Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, minute ventilation, forearm vascular conductance (FVC, Doppler ultrasound), and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC, laser Doppler flowmetry) were recorded continuously while subjects breathed 10% oxygen for 5 min. Changes from baseline were compared between groups and between treatments. The older adults had a significantly attenuated increase in FBF (13 4 vs. 30 7%) and FVC (16 4 vs. 30 7%) in response to 5 min of hypoxia. However, skin blood flow responses were comparable between groups (young: 35 9, older: 30 6%). In Experiment 2, FVC responses to 5 min of breathing 10% oxygen were not significantly different following saline (3 10%) and ascorbic acid (8 10%) in the older men. Ascorbic acid also had no physiological effects in the young men. These findings advance our basic understanding of how aging influences vascular responses to hypoxia and suggest that, in healthy humans, hypoxiainduced vasodilation is not restrained by reactive oxygen species.
Genetic Fine Structure Analysis of the AMYLOSE-EXTENDER Locus in ZEA MAYS L

On the basis of interallelic recombination frequencies measured in diallelic crosses of the 5 amylose-extender alleles in maize, ae, B1, B3, M2 and i1, it was possible to construct a unique linear genetic map ordering all 5 alleles within the locus. The reciprocal diallelic crosses each gave comparable frequency estimates. The relative order is ae, i1, B3, B1, M2 or the reverse. Even though F1 endosperms resulting from all possible diallelic crosses were phenotypically mutant, therefore non-complementing, no decision as to whether or not these alleles exhibit functional complementation should be made without biochemical characterization of the starches from the various heteroallelic genotypes.
Flux creep and vortex potential well structure in high-temperature superconductors

Abstract The resistive transition and the V-I characteristics in the presence of a magnetic field in epitaxial films of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 , Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 , YBa 2 Cu 2.985 Ag 0.015 O 7 , and GdBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 / YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 multilayers have been investigated. The common qualitative features of all the systems are the current dependent thermally activated resistivity and the power law V-I characteristics at elevated current densities. An extended flux creep model, which incorporates the shape of the vortex potential well, is shown to account for these results.
The AirWand: Design and characterization of a large-workspace haptic device

Almost all commercially available haptic interfaces share a common pitfall, a small shoebox-sized workspace; these devices typically rely on rigid-link manipulator design concepts. In this paper we outline our design for a new kinesthetic haptic system that drastically increases the usable haptic workspace. We present a proof-of-concept prototype, along with our analysis of its capabilities. Our design uses optical tracking to sense the position of the device, and air jet actuation to generate forces. By combining these two technologies, we are able to detach our device from the ground, thus sidestepping many problems that have plagued traditional haptic devices including workspace size, friction, and inertia. We show that optical tracking and air jet actuation successfully enable kinesthetic haptic interaction with virtual environments. Given an appropriately large volume high-pressure air source, and a reasonably high speed tracking system, this design paradigm has many desirable qualities when compared to traditional haptic design schemes.
Improved program activities are associated with decreasing tuberculosis incidence in the United States

a SYNOPSIS Objective. This study was conducted to determine whether improvements in tuberculosis (TB) program activities correlate with incident TB cases. Methods. National TB surveillance data and program data from patients with pulmonary and laryngeal TB and their contacts were collected. These data were analyzed using regression models to assess the association between changes in incident TB cases and indicators of program performance (a time series of percent changes in program indices). Results. A total of 1,361,113 contacts exposed to 150,668 TB patients were identified through contact investigations. From 1987 to 1992 (the period of TB resurgence and antedating increased funding), there was a decline in several measures used by TB programs for outcomes of contact investigations. From 1993 to 1998 (the period after increases in TB funds), there was an observable improvement in the program indices. Four program indices for contacts and two for TB cases (directly observed therapy and completion of therapy) were statistically associated (p0.01) with the decline in TB incident cases. Conclusions. These analyses suggest that expanded TB program activities resulted in the reduction in national TB cases and underscore the importance of treatment completion for TB disease and latent TB infection. Based on these results, we propose that further improvements in these activities will accelerate the decline of TB in the United States.
Seasonal reversal of the influence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation on very large wildfire occurrence in the interior northwestern United States

Satellite-mapped fire perimeters and the multivariate El Nino–Southern Oscillation index were used to examine the impact of concurrent El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase on very large fire (VLF) occurrences over the intermountain northwestern United States (U.S.) from 1984 to 2012. While the warm phase of ENSO promotes drier and warmer than normal conditions across the region during winter and spring that favor widespread fire activity the following summer, a reduction in VLFs was found during the warm phase of ENSO during summer concurrent with the fire season. This paradox is primarily tied to an anomalous upper level trough over the western U.S. and positive anomalies in integrated water vapor that extend over the northwestern U.S. during summers when the warm phase of ENSO is present. Collectively, these features result in widespread increases in precipitation amount during the summer and a curtailment of periods of critically low-fuel moistures that can carry wildfire.
Leaf‐out phenology of temperate woody plants: from trees to ecosystems

Leafing-out of woody plants begins the growing season in temperate forests and is one of the most important drivers of ecosystem processes. There is substantial variation in the timing of leaf-out, both within and among species, but the leaf development of almost all temperate tree and shrub species is highly sensitive to temperature. As a result, leaf-out times of temperate forests are valuable for observing the effects of climate change. Analysis of phenology data from around the world indicates that leaf-out is generally earlier in warmer years than in cooler years and that the onset of leaf-out has advanced in many locations. Changes in the timing of leaf-out will affect carbon sequestration, plant-animal interactions, and other essential ecosystem processes. The development of remote sensing methods has expanded the scope of leaf-out monitoring from the level of an individual plant or forest to an entire region. Meanwhile, historical data have informed modeling and experimental studies addressing questions about leaf-out timing. For most species, onset of leaf-out will continue to advance, although advancement may be slowed for some species because of unmet chilling requirements. More information is needed to reduce the uncertainty in predicting the timing of future spring onset.
Design Standards as Urban Planning: From Technical Specification to Community “Look” in Northeast Illinois Suburbs

Design standards, an urban and municipal branding device that originated as a practice in the United States some two decades ago, have become one of the most powerful place-making forces currently operating in U.S. suburbs. This article addresses how these standards work to shape development decisions by various stakeholders in localities in Cook County, Illinois. Drawing on observations from several 2010 public architectural review commission hearings in nine different suburbs, I argue that design standards are forward-looking and ideology-based practices that are open to negotiation over the short run but ultimately end up shaping the “look” of the community over the long run. Implicit in such strategies is a reliance on an imputed agency of design in the built environment.
Concurrent dual-band digital predistortion

With a power amplifier (PA) being able to support widely separated frequency bands, dual-band digital predistortion techniques have been proposed as an efficient alternative to traditional wideband digital predistortion by only compensating nonlinear distortions around the signal bands of interest. In this paper, we provide theoretic analysis of the connection between wideband and dual-band memory polynomial models and propose two efficient implementation schemes based on lookup tables. Performance was evaluated with an experimental test setup using a symmetric Doherty PA and a dual-band signal (10 MHz LTE and 2-carrier WCDMA) with 97 MHz center separation. Drain efficiency of 31% was achieved with 41.2 dBm output power and both bands meeting −45 dBc ACLR requirement.
Managing Urban Growth: Can the Policy Tools Approach Improve Effectiveness?

Research shows the social and economic costs of uncontrolled or rapid urbanization, yet promoting growth remains synonymous with urban development in most American communities into the 21st century. Growth management consists of public policy initiatives by city officials to lessen the adverse impacts of urban sprawl. This article examines local growth management in terms of the mechanisms of policy implementation tools. The emerging body of research and theory on instruments of public policy implementation gives a new perspective on the effectiveness of urban growth management efforts. The author tests policy tools theory by adapting Peter’s three-way matching analytical approach, which includes policy tool, management strategy, and policy community, using urban growth management as the policy area for analysis. The author asks whether the tools approach can improve the effectiveness of urban growth management efforts. A case study of one municipality’s effort in growth management provides the data.
The numerical computation of connecting orbits in dynamical systems: a rational spectral approach

Abstract Structural changes in dynamical systems are often related to the appearance or disappearance of orbits connecting two stationary points (either heteroclinic or homoclinic). To compute the connecting orbits, the boundary value problem which is posed on the real line is frequently replaced by one on a finite interval. Then the problem is solved on the finite interval using appropriate numerical methods. In this work, we use a rational spectral approach to compute the connecting orbits. This method avoids truncating the problem to a finite interval and produces very accurate numerical solutions with a fairly small number of computational points. Numerical examples indicate that the method compares favorably with the existing ones.
Medstract - The Next Generation

We present MedstractPlus, a resource for mining relations from the Medline bibliographic database. It was built on the remains of Medstract, a previously created resource that included a bio-relation server and an acronym database. MedstractPlus uses simple and scalable natural language processing modules to structure text and is designed with reusability and extendibility in mind.
Can enriching emotional intelligence improve medical students' proactivity and adaptability during OB/GYN clerkships?

Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine our hypothesis that enriching workplace emotional intelligence through resident coaches could improve third-year medical students’ adaptability and proactivity on the Obstetrics and Gynecology clerkship. Methods: An observational pilot study was conducted in a teaching hospital. Fourteen 3rd year medical students from two cohorts of clerkships were randomly divided into two groups, and equally assigned to trained resident coaches and untrained resident coaches. Data was collected through onsite naturalistic observation of students’ adaptability and proactivity in clinical settings using a checklist with a 4point Likert scale (1=poor to 4=excellent). Wilcoxon ranksum test was used to compare the differences between these two groups. Results: A total of 280 data points were collected through onsite observations conducted by investigators. All (n=14) students’ adaptability and proactivity performance significantly improved from an average of 3.04 to 3.45 (p=0.014) over 6-week clerkship. Overall, students with trained resident coaches adapted significantly faster and were more proactive in the obstetrics and gynecology clinical setting than the students with untrained coaches (3.31 vs. 3.24, p=0.019). Conclusions: Findings from our pilot study supported our hypothesis that enriching workplace emotional intelligence knowledge through resident coaches was able to help medical students adapt into obstetrics and gynecology clinical settings faster and become more proactive in learning. Clerkship programs can incorporate the concept of a resident coach in their curriculum to help bridge medical students into clinical settings and to help them engage in self-directed learning throughout the rotation.
Problem solving in user networks: complex communication issues and item-to-item collaborative filtering

This paper argues that online communication products should employ item-to-item collaborative filtering algorithms to equip readers with the best potential sets of information that fits their specific contexts. Many online resources are utilizing item-to-item collaborative filtering algorithms which harness the decisions of users to affect their experience. Examples include the recommendation engine used by Amazon.com to help steer customers to products they might enjoy, the "Music Genome Project" used by the internet radio platform, Pandora, and various user interfaces that quickly determine the best user experience to present each individual user.
Design and process variation analysis of CNTFET-based ternary memory cells

Two novel ternary CNTFET-based SRAM cells are proposed in this paper. The first proposed CNTFET SRAM uses additional CNTFETs to sink the bit lines to ground; its operation is nearly independent of the ternary values. The second cell utilizes the traditional voltage controller (or supply) of a binary SRAM in a ternary SRAM; it consists of adding two CNTFETs to the first proposed cell. CNTFET features (such as sizing and density) and performance metrics (such as SNM and PDP) and write/read times are considered and assessed in detail. The impact of different features (such as chirality and CNT density) is also analyzed with respect to the operations of the memory cells. The effects of different process variations (such as lithography and density/number of CNTs) are extensively evaluated with respect to performance metrics. In nearly all cases, the proposed cells outperform existing CNTFET-based cells by showing a small standard deviation in the simulated memory circuits. Two novel ternary CNTFET-based SRAM cells are proposed in this paper.
The Intrastate Contagion of Ethnic Civil War

Studies of civil war have shown the strategic influence of geography and space on the occurrence of conflict. While civil wars cluster and spread between states in international neighborhoods, ethnic groups within states consider their geography and location in choosing to foment rebellion. In answering why some ethnic groups turn to civil war, I unify and build on these ideas to develop a theory that ethnic civil wars follow patterns of contagion within states. I contend that ongoing conflicts in groups’ geographic proximity provides increased logistic and strategic opportunity for successful rebellion. Using spatially weighted regressions, I find evidence that ethnic civil wars are contagious within states and that such intrastate contagion is robust to other intra- and interstate neighborhood effects that may alter groups’ calculus of rebellion. These insights consistently demonstrate that accounting for groups’ broader strategic surroundings yields important implications for the study of civil war.
Consociational Cradle of Federalism

Except for the time of its painful-consociational-birth, federalism in its theory and practice does not entail a rejection of a majoritarian mode of decisionmaking. Differently at different times on different issues decisional modes will most probably vary along a continuum from consociationalism to majority rule. When the governing elites adopt consociationalpractices, with regard to some issues, such practices result from factors other than the federal nature of the system. Most of these factors would lead to consociationalism in a unitary system as well. In contrast, consociationalism is bound to be the dominant decisional mode in loose confederations, including those whose component units do not practice consociational or majoritarian democracy either within their own confines or at the confederal summit.
Exploration on the screening of Aflatoxin M_1 in milks by SNAP~(TM) System

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of screening Aflatoxin M 1 in milk by SNAP TMSystem. [Methods] 10 kinds of simulation samples , 45 milk samples form 8 sorts of product in 8 brands were tested by SNAP TMSystem. Three aspects of SNAP TMSystem including testing limit, sample categories and quality control were analyzed. [Results] Samples with concentration of Aflatoxin M 1 higher than 0.3μg/kg could be confirmed. Among the 45 milk samples, 5 could not be confirmed by SNAP TMSystem directly. [Conclusion] The total solid matter in milk is the chief factor that influences the SNAP TMSystem. In order to ensure the reliability of the data it is necessary to make tow inner standards (including 0.3μg/kg and 0.5μg/kg)in sample testing.
Research progress in wall materials of probiotic microencapsulation

In the past decade, the technology of probiotic microencapsulation had been developed quickly in China. The natural polymer was used more comprehensive than the man-made polymers and half man-made polymers. This paper is to summarize the utilization and development of some polymer materials (such as algin, chitosan and Gelatin) for probiotic microencapsulation, so as to research the better preparation technology in probiotic microencapsulation with biopolymers.
Looking Beyond Structure: Membrane Phospholipids of Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria

Skeletal muscle mitochondria are highly dynamic and are capable of tremendous expansion to meet cellular energetic demands. Such proliferation in mitochondrial mass requires a synchronized supply of enzymes and structural phospholipids. While transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial enzymes has been extensively studied, there is limited information on how mitochondrial membrane lipids are generated in skeletal muscle. Herein we describe how each class of phospholipids that constitute mitochondrial membranes are synthesized and/or imported, and summarize genetic evidence indicating that membrane phospholipid composition represents a significant modulator of skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiratory function. We also discuss how skeletal muscle mitochondrial phospholipids may mediate the effect of diet and exercise on oxidative metabolism.
Paraventricular Hypothalamic Mechanisms of Chronic Stress Adaptation.

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is the primary driver of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical responses. At least part of the role of the PVN is managing the demands of chronic stress exposure. With repeated exposure to stress, hypophysiotrophic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons of the PVN display a remarkable cellular, synaptic and connectional plasticity that serves to maximize the ability of the HPA axis to maintain response vigor and flexibility. At the cellular level, chronic stress enhances production of CRH and its co-secretagogue arginine vasopressin (AVP), and rearranges neurotransmitter receptor expression so as to maximize cellular excitatbility. There is also evidence to suggest that efficacy of local glucocorticoid feedback is reduced following chronic stress. At the level of the synapse, chronic stress enhances cellular excitability and reduces inhibitory tone. Finally, chronic stress causes a structural enhancement of excitatory innervation, increasing the density of glutamate and noradrenergic/adrenergic terminals on CRH neuronal cell somata and dendrites. Together, these neuroplastic changes favor the ability of the HPA axis to retain responsiveness even under conditions of considerable adversity. Thus, chronic stress appears able to drive PVN neurons via a number of convergent mechanisms, processes that may play a major role in HPA axis dysfunction seen in variety of stress-linked disease states.
Optimizing Seed Aging for Single Crystal Gold Nanorod Growth: The Critical Role of Gold Nanocluster Crystal Structure

Controlled synthesis of single crystal gold nanorods (Au NRs) with desired dimensions, narrow polydispersity, and minimal byproducts depends critically on the state of the seed solution. Herein, we clarify the growth of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide stabilized Au seeds and their impact on conventional seed-mediated growth of Au NRs. UV–vis spectroscopy, TEM microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering reveal that during aging of the seed solution, constituents evolve from solubilized Au-salt precursors (Au[III]) to Au nanoclusters (Aun) to multitwinned Au nanocrystals. The most consistent single crystal Au NR growth, with minimal byproducts, occurs when the seed solution contains the maximum concentration of small (<1 nm) nanoclusters (n < 55, 1 min < tage < 10 min at T = 25 °C). This point can be identified spectroscopically between 300 and 480 nm. Additionally, the optimal clusters coincide approximately with a relative shift in structural equilibrium of closed-shell Au nanoclusters from predominately ...
Disruption of the SUMO Pathway in a High-Risk B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Pedigree

Taken together, B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphoma, multiple myeloma and leukemia) are the fourth most common form of cancer. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a specific sub-type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), is the most common adult leukemia in Western countries. Despite its prevalence, the underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for CLL remain largely unknown. The strong familial clustering seen in CLL suggests that genetic variants contributing to its pathogenesis may be inherited. Our lab is dedicated to identifying inherited genetic risk variants associated with hematological malignancies with a specific focus on CLL. We hypothesize that there are multiple germline genetic variants (both common and rare) involved in risk of CLL. In order to identify rare variants, our lab uses the Utah Population Database (UPDB) to identify extended high-risk pedigrees with statistical excess of familial CLL. We then use next generation sequencing to identify genetic variants segregating in these high-risk pedigrees. This powerful study design for identifying rare variants and has previously been proven successful for identifying variants associated with other cancers. We have performed whole-exome sequencing in one particularly high-risk pedigree containing 3 CLL cases and a mantle cell lymphoma case within 2 generations. We have identified variants in multiple genes associated with the SUMO pathway. We find rare variants in RANBP2 , SP100 , PML , IL1RL2 (paralog of IL1R ) and CREBRF (transcriptional regulation through RNA pol II) that are shared by all NHL cases in this pedigree. Other genes in this pathway have been identified by previous CLL genome wide association studies, specifically FAS , TNF and SUMO1 . Furthermore, a strong role has been previously suggested for the SUMO pathway in cancer cell survival and tumor progression, lending support to the potential role of this pathway in NHL risk. We are currently validating our sequence findings and determining the prevalence of these variants in other NHL cases included in the UPDB. Our high-risk pedigree findings are supportive that disruption of the SUMO pathway contributes to pathogenesis of NHL. Identification of the specific variants involved will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to NHL and has the potential to provide genetic markers that can be used for diagnosis and new avenues for treatment of these diseases. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Feeding vitamin E may reverse sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane instability caused by feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles to cattle

ABSTRACT Research has shown feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in beef feedlot diets increases PUFA concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, thereby altering membrane integrity, resulting in more rapid postmortem calcium leakage and improving tenderness through early activation of calcium-dependent proteases. Supplementation with antioxidants may mitigate such effects. A total of 160 steers were finished on a corn-based diet with 0 or 30% WDGS and 4 antioxidant treatments [no supplementation; vitamin E; Agrado; vitamin E plus Agrado]. Ten strip loins from each treatment were collected, aged, cut into steaks, and placed under retail display. Tenderness, free calcium, sarcomere lengths, proteolysis, and SR membrane phospholipid and fatty acid profiles were measured. The 30% WDGS diet increased ( P P = 0.05) phosphatidylcholine in the SR membrane but less ( P P P > 0.10). These results suggest that the alteration of SR membrane fatty acid profile in WDGS-fed cattle may affect the ratio of SR membrane phospholipids, creating membrane instability, and thereby increasing proteolysis, whereas feeding vitamin E mitigates such effects.
The Human Performance Division

In our final case study, we’re going to look at HealthTech through a different lens: that of human performance. For the last four years or so, I’ve been working as a collaborator with Red Bull’s human performance division.
Case 51: An “Old Trick” but a Potential Serious Problem

You have anesthetized an 18-month-old child with a facial deformity which requires surgical correction. He is otherwise healthy and is classified as an ASA 1. Unfortunately, there is more blood loss than anticipated, and the blood pressure is beginning to drop to nearly unacceptable levels. You call for blood and start infusing albumin 5% (250 ml glass bottle), but it is going very slowly through your 22 G IV in the hand. By aspirating 20 ml albumin from the albumin bottle via an in-line stopcock, in the IV administration set, you are able to inject the albumin more rapidly into the patient. But this is time-consuming, minimizes your ability to observe the vital signs, and can potentially damage the vein leading to extravasation.
Does Online Piracy Make Computers Insecure? Evidence from Panel Data

Using a panel data of more than 250 users for over a year, we examine the relation between user visits to content infringing sites and the number of malware found on their machines. A key aspect of our data is that the users are observed in the real world, at their homes, and the data is captured unobtrusively via background sensors. Thus the data provides an unbiased insight into how users navigate infringing sites and how it affects the health of their computers. We are able to classify user activities into various categories including visits to infringing sites. We then estimate a within-user model and find that when users spend more time on infringing sites in a given month, they are also more likely to download malware files on their machines in the same time period. In particular, we estimate that doubling the time spent on infringing sites leads to 20 percent increase in total malware files and 20 percent increase in malware files after removing potential adware. We also find no evidence that users who visit infringing sites more take more precautions. In particular, users visiting infringing sites are less (not more) likely to install an antivirus (AV) software.
Paternal perception of infant sleep risks and safety.

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) results in 3400 sleep-related deaths yearly in the United States, yet caregivers’ compliance with safe sleep recommendations remains less than optimal. Paternal caregiver’s attitudes toward infant safe sleep messages are largely unaddressed, despite established differences between female and male caregiver perceptions. This study aimed to explore the determinants of safe sleep practices among male caregivers. Focus groups were conducted in Arkansas with male caregivers of infants ages 2–12 months to discuss infant sleep routines, parental roles, sources for safe sleep information, and messaging suggestions for safe sleep promotion. The Health Belief Model of behavior change framed a moderator guide. Transcript-based analysis was used, and data were managed using HyperRESEARCH (version 2.8.3). The transcribed data were coded to identify significant themes. Ten focus groups were conducted with 46 participants. Inconsistent adherence to safe sleep practices was reported. Participants were more likely to describe safe location (57% of participants) and supine position behaviors (42%) than an uncluttered bed environment (26%). Caregivers acknowledged the importance of recommended safe sleep behavior, but admitted to unsafe practices, such as co-sleeping and unsafe daytime sleep. Lack of perceived risk, comfort, and/or resources, and disagreement among family members about safety practices were identified as barriers. Participants voiced concerns that current advertising portrays males as incompetent caregivers. Suggestions included portraying positive images of fathers and male caregivers acting to promote safety and the incorporation of statistics about the hazards of unsafe sleep to better engage fathers. Potential distribution venues included sporting events, home improvement and/or automotive stores, and social media from trusted sites (e.g. hospitals or medical professionals). Male caregivers demonstrate some knowledge base about infant sleep safety, but are not fully practicing all aspects of safe sleep. Targeted messaging towards male caregivers that includes factual information and statistics along with representing males in a positive light is desired.
Health Care Utilization and Expenditures of Homeless Family Members Before and After Emergency Housing.

Objectives. To describe longitudinal health service utilization and expenditures for homeless family members before and after entering an emergency shelter.Methods. We linked Massachusetts emergency housing assistance data with Medicaid claims between July 2008 and June 2015, constructing episodes of health care 12 months before and 12 months after families entered a shelter. We modeled emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and expenditures over the 24-month period separately for children and adults.Results. Emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and expenditures rose steadily before shelter entry and declined gradually afterward, ending, in most cases, near the starting point. Infants, pregnant women, and individuals with depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder had significantly higher rates of all outcomes. Many children’s emergency department visits were potentially preventable.Conclusions. Increased service utilization and expenditures begin months before families become ...
Resolving the Compositional and Structural Defects of Degraded LiNixCoyMnzO2 Particles to Directly Regenerate High-Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes

Layered oxide LiNixCoyMnzO2 (0 < x,y,z < 1, x + y + z = 1) or NCM is becoming the dominating cathode material in high-energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which have degradation issues after cycling due to Li loss and phase changes. Directly resolving these issues to generate new cathodes cannot only reduce the high cost but also prevent environmental pollution from disposal of used LIBs. However, currently there is no effective approach to tackle this challenge. Here we demonstrate a nondestructive process to directly regenerate degraded NCM cathode particles to obtain new active particles. Using this method, nearly ideal stoichiometry, low cation mixing, and high phase purity were achieved in the regenerated NCM particles, which offer high specific capacity, good cycling stability, and high rate capability, all reaching pristine materials. Our work represents a simple yet efficient approach to directly regenerate high-performance NCM cathodes with distinct advantages over traditional hydrometallurgical ...
Specific Interaction between RNA Phage Coat Proteins and RNA

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the biochemistry of the interaction of phage coat protein with RNA and attempt to provide a molecular understanding of its high specificity. Coat protein binding is believed to serve two functions in the life cycle of the phage: 1) it acts as a translational repressor of the replicase gene early in infection, and 2) as an initiation site of phage assembly late in infection. This interaction has been extensively a prototype of sequence specific RNA-protein interactions. It is now clear that the phage coat proteins can be considered an example of a class of RNA hairpin binding proteins that are quite common in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In case of bacteriophage coat protein, the coat protein assembles into phage-like capsids that can be purified by differential centrifugation and ion-exchange chromatography. Most coat proteins can be successfully renatured by the transfer from storage buffer directly into a variety of neutral buffers of moderate ionic strength. In many cases, these renatured proteins are fully active in both RNA binding and capsid assembly.
The primordial soup framework

The “primordial soup algorithm” [Janssen et al., 1992] is a metaphor for the more abstract notion of a parsing schema. One specifies which trees can be constructed during parsing and how these can be constructed; one does not specify how these trees are to be searched for and stored.
Coincidental cognitive content

Uno de los hechos notables del pensamiento es que una persona puede pensar, en distintas ocasiones, el mismo pensamiento de distintas maneras, quizas para recordar o contar lo que se ha percibido, o para proyectar o predecir lo que se percibira. En este ensayo presento un fragmento de una teoria filosofica sobre el pensamiento que muestra, considerando la esencia del pensamiento, lo que hace posible que una persona piense el mismo pensamiento de distintas maneras en distintos momentos. La teoria que propongo utiliza el lenguaje como un modelo del pensamiento; postula que distintas clases o especies del pensamiento son clases o especies de lenguajes mentales relacionados linguisticamente. Estos siguen reglas semejantes a las de los lenguajes convencionales. El modelo aclara las relaciones entre las diferentes clases o especies del pensamiento sensorio e indica la manera en que el pensamiento puramente contemplativo o abstracto puede surgir del pensamiento sensorio. [J.C.M.]
Effects of Object Arrangement on Counting Correspondence Errors and on the Indicating Act

In this chapter the effects of two different nonlinear array shapes on correspondence errors in children’s counting are reported. Unlike a row in which the pointing finger separates the uncounted from the counted objects, both of these array shapes require children to remember which objects they have counted. One study contrasts the kinds of correspondence errors children make when counting objects in a maximally disorganized array with those made when counting objects in a row. The correspondence errors are those outlined in Table 3-1 and discussed in chapter 3. Two studies focus on children’s ability to use a stop-rule when counting objects arranged in a circular loop. In the maximally disorganized array, children must remember for all the objects which ones have been counted, while the linearly ordered circular arrays require only remembering with which object one started counted. Children’s use of two indicating acts other than pointing are also explored. One is moving objects from an uncounted to a counted pile, and the other is a microcomputer pen.
Simulation of Tax Incidence and Redistribution Effects of the Tax Proposal

This chapter takes the forthcoming adoption of the real property tax in China as a natural social experiment, estimating the potential ability and willingness to pay the property tax by Chinese urban households and simulating the tax burden distribution and the redistribution effect of the tax under several exemption proposals. The chapter uses a publicly available survey data set to calculate ability-to-pay indexes and willingness-to-pay measures; then, based on the indexes and measures, it conducts simulations. The results show that under the tax scheme proposed by authors of this book, the broad-base, low-rate local property tax is affordable to the great majority of homeowners, that low-income families get more net benefit than high-income families, and that this tax design is horizontally and vertically equitable, thereby politically acceptable; it is also efficient and administratively feasible. We can conclude that this design will generate adequate revenue to provide public services.
Creating a Molecular Atmosphere: Phase 2

We pondered the set-up of the molecular section within the Microbiology department during the process of deciding on which instruments to purchase. As with the implementation of any new assay, we had to look at specific facility requirements, personnel requirements, and workflow issues. However, more details than usual were involved with the creation of this new molecular atmosphere; bringing in molecular assays was not as simple as other implementations had been. I was completely out of my comfort zone and had no idea where to begin. As I started the site visits, I began to understand the complexity of building a molecular atmosphere; these visits gave me a first-hand look at what I needed to create. It was scary and exciting—it became evident that I would need lots of time for this project. While visiting the various facilities, I took detailed notes and asked lots of questions encompassing the general topic of how to create a molecular atmosphere and specific topics related to the assays themselves. The technologists appreciated my questions, understanding that this type of testing was new to many, and were extremely helpful in offering their knowledge in the field. I returned with the information I had learned and started thinking about the guidelines that we would need to implement at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Our system laboratory was certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and we followed guidelines proposed by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). At the time, these … [↵][1]* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: stephanie.e.wallace{at}osfhealthcare.org [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Latinx perceptions of Spanish in Miami: Dialect variation, personality attributes and language use

Abstract This study examines the ways in which Cuban, Colombian, and Peninsular Spanish in Miami-Dade County (MDC) are conceptualized by Latinx participants in terms of implicit perceptions. We examine how Latinx college students – all residents of Miami – perceive Spanish language variation in Miami and predict putative differences in two domains: 1) personality characteristics related to warmth and competence traits (e.g., friendliness and intelligence), and 2) differences in usage and maintenance of Spanish. Data were analyzed for significance using a three by four within-subjects ANOVA with a series of specific statistical contrasts. Results show effects of both the language variety alone as well as interaction effects between the dialects and labels indicating ostensible family origin information.
Suture Augmented Versus Standard Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Matched Comparative Analysis.

Purpose To compare outcomes between standard anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using hamstring grafts with and without suture augmentation (SA). Methods Patients who underwent ACLR with hamstring autografts or allografts with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients undergoing ACLR with SA were matched 1:1 by age, gender, body mass index, graft type, and revision status to standard ACLR. Range of motion, pain, postoperative activity, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and complications were collected. Paired 2-tailed Student's t -tests and Pearson's χ 2 -tests were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A multivariate analysis of variance was conducted. Return to preinjury activity level was assessed using Spearman's rho and Pearson's χ 2 -tests. Results Sixty patients at a mean age of 29.50 ± 6.60 years, 43.4% male, body mass index 26.27 ± 3.37, and follow-up of 29.54 ± 5.37 months were included. Preoperative PROMs were not significantly different ( P >. 05). Postoperative range of motion was similar between groups ( P = .457). Postoperative average daily (0.60 ± 1.25 vs 1.66 ± 1.90) and maximum daily pain (1.57 ± 1.83 vs 3.35 ± 2.28) were significantly lower for SA ( P P P = .001). SA was significantly correlated with improved time to return to preinjury activity level (9.17 ± 2.06 vs 12.88 ± 3.94 months; P = .002) and percentage of preinjury activity level (93.33% ± 13.22% vs 83.17% ± 17.69%; P = .010). There was a trend toward improved rate of return to preinjury activity level for SA (76.7% vs 56.7%; P = .100). Conclusions Our study demonstrates that SA hamstring ACLRs were associated with improved PROMs, less pain, and a higher percentage of and earlier return to preinjury activity level when compared with standard hamstring ACLRs without evidence of overconstraint. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.