cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PARalyzer: definition of RNA binding sites from PAR-CLIP short-read sequence data

Crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) protocols have made it possible to identify transcriptome-wide RNA-protein interaction sites. In particular, PAR-CLIP utilizes a photoactivatable nucleoside for more efficient crosslinking. We present an approach, centered on the novel PARalyzer tool, for mapping high-confidence sites from PAR-CLIP deep-sequencing data. We show that PARalyzer delineates sites with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Motif finding identifies the sequence preferences of RNA-binding proteins, as well as seed-matches for highly expressed microRNAs when profiling Argonaute proteins. Our study describes tailored analytical methods and provides guidelines for future efforts to utilize high-throughput sequencing in RNA biology. PARalyzer is available at http://www.genome.duke.edu/labs/ohler/research/PARalyzer/.
Prediction of the solubility of hydrophobic compounds in nonideal solvent mixtures

Abstract The solubility of hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) in partially-miscible solvent mixtures was investigated. In agreement with previous findings, it was observed that there is a limited domain in which nonideality effects are important; appreciable concentrations of partially-miscible (with water) organic solvents are required in order to observe significant effects on solubility. Deviations from the log-linear cosolvency model were attributed to solvent-solvent interactions, and hence quantified by the degree of nonideality of the solvent mixture. An expression was proposed for estimating the deviations from the log-linear model. For each solvent component, a nonideality term closely related to its partial excess free energy of mixing was added to the log-linear model. Predictions of solubility in binary and ternary solvent mixtures were in good agreement with experimental data. Deviations from the log-linear model were attributed to solvent nonideality which implies that there is no fundamental or mechanistic difference between the cosolvencies of partially-and completely- miscible solvents. The observed differences in cosolvencies are only in magnitude, which results from a combination of the degree of nonideality of the mixture (activity coefficients) and concentrations of the components. Examples of the application of the proposed expression are presented.
A synchrotron design for macromolecular structure determination

A 2.5 GeV 200 mA synchrotron has been conceptually designed with superconducting bend magnets and superconducting RF cavities. The preliminary design optimizes the synchrotron parameters for protein structure determination by considering both the acceptance phase space and the radiation flux limit of atypical protein crystal. By exploiting 5 Tesla superconducting dipoles and 500 MHz superconducting RF cavities the synchrotron can be facilitated within a 20 meter diameter. The periodic magnet lattice utilizes 8 double bend achromat (DBA) cells to produce an X-ray source with a brightness typical of second generation storage rings. The synchrotron radiation from the 5 Tesla bends would have a spectral brightness of 2.1/spl times/10/sup 14/ photons/s/mr/sup 2//mm/sup 2//(0.1%bandwidth) at the K-edge of selenium which is well suited for multiwavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) measurements.
Effective use of molecular recognition in gas sensing: results from acoustic wave and in situ FT-IR measurements.

To probe directly the analyte/film interactions that characterize molecular recognition in gas sensors, we recorded changes to the in-situ surface vibrational spectra of specifically fictionalized surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices concurrently with analyte exposure and SAW measurement of the extent of sorption. Fourier-lmnsform infrared external- reflectance spectra (FTIR-ERS) were collected from operating 97-MH2 SAW delay lines during exposure to a range of analytes as they interacted with thin-film coatings previously shown to be selective: cyclodextrins for chiral recognition, Ni-camphorates for Lewis bases such as pyridine and organophosphonates, and phthalocyanines for aromatic compounds. In most cases where specific chemical interactions-metal coordination, "cage" compound inclusion, or z stacking-were expected, analyte dosing caused distinctive changes in the IR spectr~ together with anomalously large SAW sensor responses. In contrast, control experiments involving the physisorption of the same analytes by conventional organic polymers did not cause similar changes in the IR spectra, and the SAW responses were smaller. For a given conventional polymer, the partition coefficients (or SAW sensor signals) roughly followed the analyte fraction of saturation vapor pressure. These SAW/FTIR results support earlier conclusions derived from thickness-shear mode resonator data.
Measuring convergence of mixed finite element discretizations: an application to shell structures

Abstract We consider the problem of assessing the convergence of mixed-formulated finite elements. When displacement-based formulations are considered, convergence measures of finite element solutions to the exact solution of the mathematical problem are well known. However when mixed formulations are considered, there is no well-established method to measure the convergence of the finite element solution. We first review a number of approaches that have been employed and discuss their limitations. After having stated the properties that an ideal error measure would possess, we introduce a new physics-based procedure. The new proposed error measure can be used for many different types of mixed formulations and physical problems. We illustrate its use in an assessment of the performance of the MITC family of shell elements.
Analysis of Absorbing Sets for Array-Based LDPC Codes

Low density parity check codes (LDPC) are known to perform very well under iterative decoding. However, these codes also exhibit a change in the slope of the bit error rate (BER) vs. signal to noise ratio (SNR) curve in the very low BER region. In our earlier work using hardware emulation in this deep BER regime we argue that this behavior can be attributed to specific structures within the Tanner graph associated with an LDPC code, called absorbing sets. In this paper we provide a detailed theoretical analysis of absorbing sets for array-based LDPC codes Cp.gamma. Specifically, we identify and enumerate all the smallest absorbing sets for these array-based LDPC codes with gamma = 2,3,4 with standard parity check matrix. Experiments carried out on the emulation platform show excellent agreement with our theoretical results.
Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Chronic Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus for Cervical Dystonia

Objectives. Medically refractory cervical dystonia has recently been treated using deep brain stimulation (DBS), targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN). There has been limited literature regarding short-term outcomes and no literature regarding long-term outcomes for refractory cervical dystonia following DBS of the STN. Materials and Methods. Two patients with medically refractory cervical dystonia underwent STN DBS. Patients were rated using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) preoperatively and immediately postoperatively as well as just prior to turning on the stimulators and subsequently at 24-48 hours, six months, one, two, and three years after stimulation. Microrecordings were used to identify the STN and substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). Results. Significant immediate and sustained long-term improvements were seen in motor, disability, pain, and total TWSTRS scores. In one patient, only unilateral stimulation was required. The STN and SNr were easily identified as having activity similar to off-state Parkinson's patients. Conclusions. DBS therapy for cervical dystonia utilizing the STN as the surgical target may be novel and may be an alternative target to the globus pallidus internus as supported by this first long-term outcome report. Further studies need to be performed to confirm these conclusions.
Student empowerment in an environmental science classroom: Toward a framework for social justice science education

Social justice education is undertheorized in science education. Given the wide range of goals and purposes proposed within both social justice education and social justice science education scholarship, these fields require reconciliation. In this paper, I suggest a student empowerment framework for conceptualizing teaching and learning social justice science education in classroom settings. I utilize this framework to analyze the case study of a high school environmental science classroom in the United States where the teacher and students created environmental action projects that were relevant to their community. I examine how social, political, and academic empowerment were or were not enacted within the classroom and argue for educators to give heed to all three simultaneously to mediate student empowerment while working toward social justice science education. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 96: 990–1012, 2012
Choosing Not to Choose in Comparative Policy Research Design: The Case of the Research Network on Gender, Politics, and the State

This research note presents the research design for an in -progress comparative study on women's policy offices being conducted by the Research Network on Gender. Politics. and the State. The goal of this article is to examine how this project has been integrating a combined approach into its core research design. It argues that rather than conceptualizing the research design enterprise in terms of a zero-sum game, where a decision to use either quantitative or qualitative methodology compromises potential research findings, researchers may want to combine the strength of each approach in a single project.
Routine Cell Phone Activity and Exposure to Sext Messages Extending the Generality of Routine Activity Theory and Exploring the Etiology of a Risky Teenage Behavior

Increased cell phone use among adolescents has created new opportunities for deviance and victimization in recent years. One teenage cell phone−based behavior that has received increased attention from a variety of sources including public health researchers, parents, and law enforcement is “sexting” (i.e., a minor receiving sexually explicit photos or videos of another adolescent or adult via cell phone or sending such material to another teenager). Research has revealed that sexting is a risky form of adolescent deviance that is linked with a host of potential negative health consequences (e.g., risky sexual behavior and drug use) and legal ramifications. Despite the importance of the issue, research exploring the risk factors associated with exposure to sexts is virtually nonexistent. Using telephone interview data from a representative sample of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, the present study applies routine activity theory to explain the receiving of sexts. The results confirm expectations that bo...
Tofacitinib The First Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitor for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety, dosage administration, and adverse effects of tofacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Data Sources: Primary sources of information were obtained from clinical studies, which were identified through PubMed (1966 to June 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970 to March 2013) using terms: tofacitinib, tasocitinib, CP-690550, and CP-690,550. Information was used from tofacitinib package insert, guidelines, and published abstracts from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Data search was limited to include publications in English language and from human subjects. Data Synthesis: Tofacitinib is the first oral Janus kinase inhibitor indicated for treatment of moderate to severe RA. Tofacitinib demonstrated efficacy and safety comparable to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Tofacitinib was efficacious in...
Formation mechanism of fullerene peapods and coaxial tubes: a path to large scale synthesis

Abstract A method to functionalize nanotubes by filling could enable the creation of new materials for molecular scale devices. Here we report the synthesis of chains of C60 molecules inside single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). C60 molecules are seen to deposit on the surfaces of SWNTs from the gas phase and to enter the tubes, ostensibly via defects. They subsequently self-assemble into Van der Waals interacting chains, called `bucky-peapods.' Upon high temperature annealing, encapsulated C60 molecules coalesce into interior tubes, forming pairs of nested graphene cylinders. The synthesis methods described herein suggest a more general way in which nanotubes may be functionalized.
Efficient political contributions with conditional Coasian contracts

The externalities associated with political contributions imply agents choose a socially inefficient level. A typical market solution to these externalities would involve Coase bargaining where agents form contracts with payments conditional on the actions of others. These contracts, however, are hard to enforce because political contributions can be unobservable or unmeasurable. In this study, we modify these Coasian contracts, making the payments conditional on the outcome of the political election. We show the agents that form these contracts contribute the socially efficient amount.
Career paths in medical information science

We speak among ourselves ardently about the need for developing the field of medical information science (MIS) as an academic discipline. We express the importance of attracting and increasing the numbers of those individuals suitably trained and experienced in MIS, who will make commitments to, and identify with, the field as their primary professional activity. Indeed, these two goals of developing the academic field and attracting the academic professional are mutually interdependent, in that good science is created by good scientists, and good scientists are attracted by good science.
The Need for Executive Management to Positively Apply Social Learning Theory within the Banking Industry

Within this essay, I describe social learning theory, its benefits, and then propose how it can be applied among executive leadership within the banking industry to mitigate unethical conduct within the banking industry. In order to explain how social learning theory can be applied, I examine the economic and ethical environment which prevailed in major U.S. banks leading up to and during the financial crisis of 2007-2009. I present a theoretical model which depicts the unethical conduct of banks as a direct contributor to the 2007-2009 financial crisis. The model portrays bank leadership as moderator of the relationship between banks’ unethical conduct and the financial crisis of 2007-2009. Further, I discuss the benefits of social learning theory and propose that the positive application of social learning theory by banks’ executive leadership teams could have promoted ethical conduct within the banking industry and lessened the impact of the crisis. Moreover, I propose that the positive application of social learning theory can reduce the propensity for future crises within the banking industry.
Erythrocyte Mucoids in Acquired Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Erythrocyte membrane mucoid composition has been quantitated in 13 normal subjects, 11 subjects with Coombs’ negative hemolytic or blood-loss anemia with reticulocytosis and 7 subjects with acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The stromal protein value was increased in all subjects with anemia and reticulocytosis. The increase in protein paralleled the reticulocyte count. An abnormality of the erythrocyte mucoid composition was observed in acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia as evidenced by a significant decrease in the fucose to protein ratio. A lesser change was observed in the sialic acid to protein ratio. It is speculated that these changes in membrane mucoid composition may be related to the selective modification of certain red cell, fucose-containing receptors by endogenous enzymes, possibly activated by antigenantibody interaction.
Differences in Males and Females in When and Why They Become Interested in Information Systems Majors.

Determining when and why students become interested in careers in information systems is a critical step in filling the pipeline of majors to become information systems workers. Although students who have chosen a particular major may find it difficult to indicate or even understand all of the reasons for their choice, it is possible to tease out several criteria that seem to significantly affect such choices. For computing and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) majors in particular, a person’s comfort level with STEM coursework perhaps as early as in elementary school seems to play a role. Also, their perceptions of how intellectually stimulating STEM courses were for them throughout their school years seems to affect their choice of a major. This paper aims at distinguishing when and why such majors are chosen through a survey instrument geared toward STEM majors and separates the results by gender and major, identifying when and why each group selected the major they did. The potential value of this research is in determining where efforts could be more specifically focused to recruit into STEM majors.
The Alcestis project: Split britches at Hampshire college

The piece which follows explores a particular project. Split Britches' residency at Hampshire College,from three vantage points. In the first section, Rhonda Blair,faculty member in the Hampshire Theater Program, and author of the grant which funded the Company's extended residency at Hampshire, discusses her experience of working with her students and the Company on The Alcestis Project. The second section is an edited interview with Lois Weaver, Peggy Shaw and Deb Margolin and myself in which the members of Split Britches reflect on their experience of the residency and discuss their process of working with the students. The final section is the "text" of a culminating "performance," Deb invited commencement address to the students of Hampshire at the end of the academic year in which the residency took place (19891990). As this issue of Women and Performance goes to press, Split Britches is off to do another residency at the University of Hawaii. —Lisa Merrill
Molecular dynamics of equilibrium and pressure-driven transport properties of water through LTA-type zeolites.

We consider an atomistic model to investigate the flux of water through thin Linde type A (LTA) zeolite membranes with differing surface chemistries. Using molecular dynamics, we have studied the f...
Toxicity of Pesticides to Scirtothrips citri (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and Implications to Resistance Management

The historical pattern of pesticide use for control of citrus thrips, Sclrtothrips citri (Moulton), and rapid development of resistance to several control materials are discussed. Toxicities of nine thripsicides to adult females from three colonies collected in 1981, 1983, and 1984 from commercial navel orange groves in California’s San Joaquin Valley were evaluated by standard techniques and probit regression analysis. Resistance (as indicated by LC90’s in excess of the field rate) in at least one colony to dimethoate, bendiocarb, DDT, fluvalinate, flucythrinate, and avermectin was observed. In addition, increased tolerance to acephate, formetanate, and carbosulfan was correlated with increased use of these materials. Because the number of efficacious pesticides is limited and resistance appears to develop quite rapidly, future S. citri management strategies should emphasize minimal use of chemical control.
Propagation of Fruit, Nut, and Vegetable Crops — Overview

In April, 1980, a conference on nursery production of fruit plants through tissue culture was held at Beltsville to stimulate interest among U.S. nurserymen in the potential of micropropagation for temperate tree and small fruit crops (48). At that time, use of tissue culture for propagation of fruit crops was well under way and expanding rapidly in Europe but was used very little in North America. In the succeeding five and one-half years, micropropagation of these crops has increased significantly throughout the world, both in terms of crops being propagated and in total number of plants produced. Micropropagation methods are now employed for a number of vegetable crops as well, while production of ornamental plants using this technology continues to expand and remains the largest segment of this young industry.
An Overview of The Methods of Ethics

It is evident that Henry Sidgwick was a utilitarian, from his writings and from the testimony of people closest to him. For example, in The Elements of Politics, Sidgwick asserts that there is a general assent among people that the ultimate criterion for determining right and wrong in legislation is a utilitarian one (Sidgwick 1891, Ch. 3 Sec. 2 pp. 34–5; 3rd edn, 1908, pp. 37–8). In his 1897 essay, he also states that ‘for those who, like myself, hold that the only true basis for morality is a utilitarian basis’ (‘Public Morality’, in Sidgwick 1898, p. 63).
Innovation impacts of using social bookmarking systems

Many organizational innovations can be explained by the movement of ideas and information from one social context to another, "from where they are known to where they are not" (Hargadon 2002, p. 41). A relatively new technology, social bookmarking, is increasingly being used in many organizations (McAfee 2006), and may enhance employee innovativeness by providing a new, socially mediated channel for discovering information. Users of such systems create publicly viewable lists of bookmarks (each being a hyperlink to an information resource) and often assign searchable keywords ("tags") to these bookmarks. We explore two different perspectives on how accessing others' bookmarks could enhance how innovative an individual is at work. First, we develop two hypotheses around the idea that quantity may be a proxy for diversity, following a well established literature that holds that the more information obtained and the larger the number of sources consulted, the higher the likelihood an individual will come across novel ideas. Next, we offer two hypotheses adapted from social network research that argue that the shape of the network of connections that is created when individuals access each others' bookmarks can reflect information novelty, and that individuals whose networks bridge more structural holes and have greater effective reach are likely to be more innovative. An analysis of bookmarking system use in a global professional services firm provides strong support for the social diversity of information sources as a predictor of employee innovativeness, but no support that the number of bookmarks accessed matters. By extending the social networks literature to theorize the functionalities offered by social bookmarking systems, this research establishes structural holes theory as a valuable lens through which social technologies may be understood.
Team-Based Learning in Large Enrollment Classes.

The goal of this review is to highlight the key elements needed to successfully deploy team-based learning (TBL) in any class, but especially in large enrolment classes, where smooth logistics are essential. The text is based on a lecture and workshop given at the American Physiological Society's Institute on Teaching and Learning in Madison, WI, in June 2016. After a short overview of the TBL method, its underpinning in learning theory, and a summary of current evidence for its effectiveness, we present two case studies from our own teaching practices in a new medical school. The first case study explores critical elements of design and planning for a TBL module, and the second explores best practices in classroom management. As medical educators in the fields of physiology, pediatrics, nephrology, and family medicine, we present the objective views of subject matter experts who adopted TBL as one teaching method rather than TBL experts or advocates per se. The review is aimed primarily at faculty contemplating using TBL for the first time who are interested in exploring the significant benefits and challenges of TBL.
Nonurgent and urgent emergency department use during pregnancy: an observational study

Background Emergency department use is common among pregnant women. Nonurgent emergency department use may represent care that would be better provided by an established obstetric provider in an ambulatory setting. Objective The objective of the study was to identify sociodemographic factors associated with nonurgent emergency department use in pregnancy. Study Design This is a cross-sectional study of women recruited during their postpartum hospitalization. Data regarding prenatal care and emergency department visits were collected from medical records; participants completed a survey with questions regarding demographics and emergency department use. Urgency of an emergency department visit was prespecified based on a priori criteria abstracted from medical record review. Women with any nonurgent emergency department use were compared with women without nonurgent emergency department use. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with nonurgent emergency department use. Results Two hundred thirty-three women participated in this study; 197 (84%) received care in the emergency department during pregnancy. Eighty-three women (35.6%) had at least 1 visit to the emergency department that was nonurgent. In a regression analysis, the increased odds of nonurgent emergency department use was associated with a preferred language other than English (odds ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval,1.01–4.05) and lack of private insurance (odds ratio, 5.55; 95% confidence interval, 2.54–12.12). The 2 most common reasons for presentation to the emergency department were concern that there was an emergency (45%) or being referred by a health care provider (36%). Conclusion Women frequently use the emergency department during pregnancy, including visits for nonurgent indications. Identifying risk factors for nonurgent emergency department use in pregnancy is important for identifying women likely to use the emergency department, including for nonurgent visits, and the development of strategies to decrease nonurgent emergency department utilization in pregnancy.
Impacts of Playing after School on Academic Performance: A Propensity Score Matching Approach.

ABSTRACTWe present a plausible causal analysis of the impact of playing after school on academic performance and investigate parental support as a potential channel. We exploit the data from the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Survey to evaluate the effects by using a propensity score matching approach. The results show that playing after school increases math and science scores of fourth grade students. We find that White students benefit from playing after school, but non-White students do not. Furthermore, we present evidence that parental support enhances the effects of playing after school.
Ultra-wideband dual-linear polarized phased array with 60° scanning for simultaneous transmit and receive systems

We present a novel ultra-wideband (UWB) dual-linear polarized phased array designed for simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) monostatic antenna systems. The dual-linear polarized array employs a tightly coupled dipole topology that achieves an UWB operation from 2GHz to 18GHz, viz 9∶1 bandwidth. Also, its port to port isolation is at least 45dB at broadside. The array consists of tightly coupled dipoles that are integrated with a folded Marchand balun. The latter serves as a balanced feed to a 50Ω source. One of the array polarizations is used for transmission and the other for reception. To improve scanning performance, the traditional dielectric superstrate is replaced with a frequency selective surface. Notably, the proposed tightly coupled dipole array (TCDA) scans down to 60° in both E and H planes with a port to port isolation of at least 35dB across the entire 9∶1 band.
Feasibility study of ultrasound imaging for stereotactic body radiation therapy with active breathing coordinator in pancreatic cancer

Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) allows for high radiation doses to be delivered to the pancreatic tumors with limited toxicity. Nevertheless, the respiratory motion of the pancreas introduces major uncertainty during SBRT. Ultrasound imaging is a non-ionizing, non-invasive, and real-time technique for intrafraction monitoring. A configuration is not available to place the ultrasound probe during pancreas SBRT for monitoring. Methods and Materials An arm-bridge system was designed and built. A CT scan of the bridge-held ultrasound probe was acquired and fused to ten previously treated pancreatic SBRT patient CTs as virtual simulation CTs. Both step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning were performed on virtual simulation CT. The accuracy of our tracking algorithm was evaluated by programmed motion phantom with simulated breath-hold 3D movement. An IRB-approved volunteer study was also performed to evaluate feasibility of system setup. Three healthy subjects underwent the same patient setup required for pancreas SBRT with active breath control (ABC). 4D ultrasound images were acquired for monitoring. Ten breath-hold cycles were monitored for both phantom and volunteers. For the phantom study, the target motion tracked by ultrasound was compared with motion tracked by the infrared camera. For the volunteer study, the reproducibility of ABC breath-hold was assessed. Results The volunteer study results showed that the arm-bridge system allows placement of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound monitoring showed less than 2 mm reproducibility of ABC breath-hold in healthy volunteers. The phantom monitoring accuracy is 0.14 ± 0.08 mm, 0.04 ± 0.1 mm, and 0.25 ± 0.09 mm in three directions. On dosimetry part, 100% of virtual simulation plans passed protocol criteria. Conclusions Our ultrasound system can be potentially used for real-time monitoring during pancreas SBRT without compromising planning quality. The phantom study showed high monitoring accuracy of the system, and the volunteer study showed feasibility of the clinical workflow.
Low QRS Voltage on Presenting Electrocardiogram Predicts Multi-vessel Disease in Anterior ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Abstract Background Low QRS voltage was reported to predict adverse outcomes in acute myocardial infarction in the pre-thrombolytic era. However, the association between low voltage and angiographic findings has not been fully addressed. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Low QRS voltage was defined as either peak to peak QRS complex voltage Results Among 190 patients, 37 patients (19%) had low voltage. Patients with low voltage had a higher rate of multi-vessel disease (MVD) (76% vs. 52%, p = 0.01). Patients with low voltage were more likely to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during admission (11% vs. 2%, p = 0.028). Low voltage was an independent predictor for MVD (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.12 to 6.03; p = 0.032). Conclusion Low QRS voltage was associated with MVD and in-hospital CABG in anterior STEMI.
Stabilization of ferroelectric phase in tungsten capped Hf0.8Zr0.2O2

We report on the stabilization of the ferroelectric phase in Hf0.8Zr0.2O2 with a tungsten capping layer. Ferroelectricity is obtained in both metal-insulator-metal (MIM) and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors with highly-doped Si serving as the bottom electrode in the MIS structure. Ferroelectricity is confirmed from both the electrical polarization-voltage (P-V) measurement and X-Ray Diffraction analysis that shows the presence of an orthorhombic phase. High-resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy show minimal diffusion of W into the underlying Hf0.8Zr0.2O2 after the crystallization anneal. This is in contrast to significant Ti and N diffusion observed in ferroelectric HfxZr1-xO2 commonly capped with TiN.
Plasmodium gametocytes in field studies: do we measure commitment to transmission or detectability?

The proportion of Plasmodium spp. infections carrying gametocytes, and gametocyte densities, are often reported as surrogate markers for transmission potential. It remains unclear whether parasites under natural conditions adjust commitment to transmission depending on external factors. Population-based surveys comprising mostly asymptomatic low-density infections are always impacted by the sensitivity of the assays used to diagnose infections and detect gametocytes. Asexual parasite density is an important predictor for the probability of detecting gametocytes, and in many cases it can explain patterns in gametocyte carriage without the need for an adjustment of the gametocyte conversion rate. When reporting gametocyte data, quantification of blood-stage parasitemia and its inclusion as a confounder in multivariable analyses is essential.
Molecular analysis of an AIDS-associated Burkitt's lymphoma: near-identity with endemic cases.

The most completely studied B-cell malignancy is Burkitt’s lymphoma, an understanding of which has been facilitated by a cytogenetic and molecular analyses of the chromosome translocations which are consistently exhibited by these tumors (reviewed in Haluska et al., 1987a). The translocations seen in Burkitt’s lymphomas abnormally juxtapose one of the immunoglobulin loci with the c-myc proto-oncogene. A small proportion of these chromosome translocations involve the light chain loci. Thus, the t(2;8)(p11;q24) translocation approximates the kchain genes on chromosome 2 with the c-myc gene on chromosome 8; similarly, the t(8;22)(q24;q11) translocation juxtaposes the c-myc gene and the λ chain genes. But in over 80% of cases, the relevant translocation is the t(8;14)(q24;q32). In this instance, the c-myc gene is translocated into the immunoglobulin heavy chain region. Consequently, normal regulation of c-myc expression is abrogated, and malignancy ensues.
Catalysis by Molybdena-Alumina and Related Oxide Systems

During the past 30 years, modern surface science and a variety of new spectroscopies have evolved, together with the ability to achieve, easily and routinely ultra-high-vacuum conditions. At first, tungsten surfaces were studied almost exclusively because of the ease with which they could be cleaned, used, and regenerated reproducibly. Today, experiments are carried out on single-crystal planes of many metals of catalytic interest. Similar studies of oxide and sulfide surfaces are just now beginning and they provide the investigator with some new and challenging problems. No longer will the surface be composed of atoms of a single element in various geometric arrangements all having similar chemistry. Instead the surface will contain a variety of configurations of both anions and cations, each having its own chemistry and at times acting cooperatively with each other to activate molecules.
Early Development of Behavior and the Nervous System, An Embryological Perspective

A primary motivation for writing our original chapter 15 years ago (Oppenheim & Haverkamp, 1986) was to bring to the attention of developmental psychologists and psychobiologists a conceptual framework for studying neurobehavioral development that is derived principally from the field of embryology or developmental biology. It was our view that this perspective had been ignored and neglected in many conceptualizations of behavioral development. Although a casual perusal of textbooks and reviews in the areas of child psychology, developmental psychology, and developmental psychobiology that have since appeared indicates modest progress on this score, we are nonetheless discouraged that our efforts (Hall & Oppenheim, 1987) as well as that of others along these lines (Michel & Moore, 1995) have not had a greater impact on conceptualizations in those disciplines. For that reason, as well as because much of what we said in our previous review is as true now as it was then, I have agreed (at the suggestion of the editor) to republish the original chapter together with some brief thoughts on a few areas of major empirical progress in the field that have occurred since 1986. (See the original chapter beginning on page 23.)
Cognitive Radio Architecture

In this chapter we discuss some of the architectural constraints and boundaries within which a cognitive radio operates. We begin by listing the interfaces that a cognitive radio uses or implements. Then we present a brief overview of the cognitive architectures studied (primarily) in Artificial Intelligence. We then present an example architecture developed by the DARPA XG program and used as a reference in the IEEE P1900.5 standardization effort. Finally, we briefly discuss software defined radio as a platform for the implementation of cognitive radio.
A Robust Low-Cost EEG Motor Imagery-Based Brain-Computer Interface

Motor imagery (MI) based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are a viable option for giving locked-in syndrome patients independence and communicability. BCIs comprising expensive medical-grade EEG systems evaluated in carefully-controlled, artificial environments are impractical for take-home use. Previous studies evaluated low-cost systems; however, performance was suboptimal or inconclusive. Here we evaluated a low-cost EEG system, OpenBCI, in a natural environment and leveraged neurofeedback, deep learning, and wider temporal windows to improve performance. $\mu-$rhythm data collected over the sensorimotor cortex from healthy participants performing relaxation and right-handed MI tasks were used to train a multi-layer perceptron binary classifier using deep learning. We showed that our method outperforms previous OpenBCI MI-based BCIs, thereby extending the BCI capabilities of this low-cost device.
The impact of squamous histology on survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Abstract Background Bladder cancer is the ninth most common noncutaneous malignancy worldwide, though a fraction (2%–5%) are diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the Western world. Current understanding is based on small, single-institution studies and SEER-database reviews with conflicting results. We used the National Cancer Database to explore clinical characteristics and outcomes from a large cohort of invasive bladder SCC. Methods We queried the National Cancer Database for diagnoses of urothelial carcinoma (UC) or SCC using International Classification of Disease-O-3 morphologic codes from cases reported between 2004 and 2015. Primary outcome was overall survival in cT2-4N0M0 bladder cancer. Statistical analysis performed using chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier survival, binomial logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards. Results The final cohort included 394,979 bladder cancer patients, of which 4,783 (1.2%) were classified as SCC histology. In comparison to UC, patients with SCC were more likely female (49% vs. 24%; P Conclusions Invasive SCC of the bladder carries a worse prognosis as compared to UC histology, both overall and on a stage-for-stage basis. As opposed to UC, we did not observe a survival benefit for NAC among SCC patients treated with cystectomy.
Recent Advances in the Neurobiology of Altered Motivation Following Bariatric Surgery

There is compelling evidence in the clinical population that long-term weight loss secondary to bariatric surgery is mitigated by the reemergence of maladaptive feeding behaviors and in some cases new onset substance abuse. A review of the current literature suggests that physical restructuring of the GI tract during WLS alters secretion of feeding peptides and nutrient-sensing mechanisms that directly target the brain’s endogenous reward system, the mesolimbic dopamine system. Post-surgical changes in GI physiology augment activation of the mesolimbic system. In some patients, this process may contribute to a reduced appetite for palatable food whereas in others it may support maladaptive motivated behavior for food and chemical drugs. It is concluded that future studies are required to detail the timing and duration of surgical-induced changes in GI-mesolimbic communication to more fully understand this phenomenon.
Power Reserve for Grid-Forming PV Sources with Stability Enhancement in Mixed-Source Microgrids

Mixed-source microgrids that include grid-forming photovoltaic (PV) microsources and synchronous generators suffer from high vulnerability to survivability challenges. The drop in system frequency, current overshoots, and PV dc bus voltage sag can be severe during PV dynamic overloading conditions. Control strategies to enhance the power reserve capabilities of grid-forming PV microsources are presented in this paper. The proposed strategies improve the microgrid's transient dynamics, strengthening the frequency and PV de bus voltage regulation characteristics in mixed-source microgrids under high-load conditions. Two versions of the power reserve control strategies are presented. Simulation results are provided that demonstrate the effectiveness of both proposed strategies. Performance comparisons of the two strategies are provided that highlight differences in their abilities to autonomously retain the same reserve margins following load changes.
Even in a global pandemic, there’s no such thing as a crisis

In my 2019 publication, Constructing Crisis: Leaders, Crisis, and Claims of Urgency, I argued that “crisis” is a label, a claim of urgency employed, typically by leaders, to characterize a set of c...
Questioning Bonhoeffer on Temptation

This article engages critically and constructively with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s biblical study ‘Temptation’ (1938). His study does not always do justice to the text of the New Testament or the theodi...
Dayr al-Zur from Revolution to ISIS: Local Networks, Hybrid Identities, and Outside Authorities

This chapter examines local-level dynamics in Syria’s Dayr al-Zur governorate from the beginning of the 2011 uprising through the ascendance of ISIS in late 2014. The governorate was the site of both intense armed conflict and a range of experiments in governance. The violent struggle between al-Qaʿida-affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra and its offshoot, Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/al-Sham (ISIS), unfolded primarily in Dayr al-Zur, creating new enmities between local communities and providing a forum for pursuing old rivalries. At the same time, the absence of a central political authority created space for new local arrangements to deliver services, provide local security, and render legal judgments. The chapter argues that tribal linkages and symbols played an important role in patterns of contestation, alliance, and violence, but not through formal tribal hierarchies, nor at the level of entire tribes. Local networks contained within sub-tribal groupings formed the core of many military formations, while broader tribal affiliations were used only in transactional, often ephemeral ways. Men occupying the historical positions of status and prestige in their tribes were all but irrelevant to these dynamics. Understanding patterns of alliance, service delivery, and violence in wartime provides needed context for theorizing post-conflict governance.
Interventions to improve medication adherence in adolescents with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

As of 2017, 1.8 million people living with HIV (PLWH) were adolescents between ages 10 and 19, accounting for 5% of all PLWH and 590,000 people between the ages 15 and 24 were newly infected with HIV. Between 2004 and 2011, AIDS-related deaths increased 50% among adolescents, and optimal adolescent adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is estimated at only 62% of adolescents worldwide. While there have been great strides toward achieving the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, adolescents remain a group lacking appropriate resources and research to achieve these. This review analyzes current interventions aimed toward increasing adolescent ART adherence. Systematic searches of EMBASE, PubMed and PsycINFO were performed using the keywords ‘adolescent HIV medication adherence interventions’. The Gain Score effect size was calculated for studies reporting the Cohen’s d and variance to include both prestudy and poststudy values. A random-effects model analyzed intervention significance. Authors were contacted to obtain additional data values and study clarification. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences seen between control and intervention groups in medication adherence (z=−1.4714, p
The Absence of a Validated English-Language Survey to Assess Prosthesis Satisfaction: A Prospective Cohort Using the Sexual Quality of Life After Penile Prosthesis.

Abstract Background Prior assessments of sexual quality of life (SQoL) after penile prosthesis implantation have been performed without validated implant-specific tools. The Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) questionnaire was designed and validated in Italian to specifically evaluate SQoL after a penile prosthesis is placed. Aim We aim to better characterize prosthesis-specific SQoL after inflatable penile prosthesis placement using the English translation of the QoLSPP questionnaire. Methods A total of 395 consecutive patients received an inflatable penile prosthesis between January 1, 2009 and November 27, 2017, and 270 had functional emails to whom the QoLSPP questionnaire was sent. 90 surveys were completed by 75 first-time implantees and 15 patients who underwent removal/replacement surgery. Responses were considered positive if ≥ 3. Among first-time implantees, subpopulation analysis was carried out by age at survey completion ( 5 years), device model (Coloplast Titan, AMS 700 CX, and AMS LGX), history of a psychiatric diagnosis, etiology of erectile dysfunction, total device length > or ≤ 21 cm, diabetes status, and body mass index Outcomes The main outcome measure of this study was sexual quality of life assessed by QoLSPP. Results Patients completed the survey on average 3.15 years from their most recent prosthesis placement. 84% of first-time implantees had positive responses. Among them, there were no significant differences in the proportion of positive responses by device type, age, history of a psychiatric diagnosis, total implanted device length, etiology of erectile dysfunction, diabetes, or body mass index statuses (all P > .05). There was no difference in SQoL between first-time implantees and those who underwent removal/replacement surgery (P = 1.0). Clinical Implications Patients experience a positive impact on their SQoL following implantation of a penile prosthesis. Strengths & Limitations Our study is the first to apply the English language QoLSPP which demonstrates high prosthesis specific SQoL but is limited by size and a lack of a validated English language tool. Conclusions The positive impact on patients’ SQoL with penile prosthesis is 84% when assessed by the English QoLSPP questionnaire. While these results mirror those reported from Italy, the English-speaking patient population is plagued with a lack of a validated tool to assess satisfaction, a void the academic and prosthetic community must fill to better understand the impact prostheses have on their patients. Carlos EC, Nose BD, Barton GJ, et al. The Absence of a Validated English-Language Survey to Assess Prosthesis Satisfaction: A Prospective Cohort Using the Sexual Quality of Life After Penile Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2020;17:2307–2310.