cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Video Modeling for Teaching Abduction Prevention Skills to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

There is little research on teaching abduction prevention skills to children with autism. Video modeling has been shown to be a cost-effective and easy to implement method to teach various skills to children with autism. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of video modeling for teaching abduction prevention skills to children with autism and evaluate in situ training if video modeling was not successful or if the skills failed to maintain. The results showed that video modeling was effective in teaching all four participants abduction prevention skills and that in situ training was needed to help maintain the skills for one participant.
When Does Institutional Research Rhetoric Create a Student Cause of Action

This chapter asserts that the use and reporting of institutional research (IR) data is an area ripe for litigation. The chapter explores possible student causes of action as they relate to institutional research (IR) data and compares the probable outcomes to reported student lawsuits. The chapter concludes with recommended liability-avoiding practices for IR offices.
Egg quality traits and predictors of embryo and fry viability in red snapper Lutjanus campechanus

Abstract The quality of red snapper eggs is highly variable and unpredictable in aquaculture, leading to high mortality during early larval rearing. In this work, the viability of red snapper eggs was monitored from fertilization until unfed larvae expired because of exhaustion of vitelline reserves to determine egg quality traits in this species. The spawns were obtained via strip spawning wild-caught females following hormonal induction with chorionic gonadotropin. Females were induced immediately after capture (wild group, n = 17) or held captive for the entire maturation period prior to induction (captive group, n = 7). Candidate predictors of egg quality measured on the female parent at the time of induction or on the spawn at ovulation were evaluated using correlation and multiple regression analysis. The fertilization rate, the hatching rate, and the duration of survival of unfed larvae post hatch were weakly correlated to each other (-0.23 r −0.08), revealing occurrence of distinct and independent components of egg quality. Spawns from captive females were characterized by a longer latency interval between hormonal induction and ovulation, lower fecundity, and lower hatching rates, as compared to those from wild females. Among the wild brood fish, a positive correlation was observed between the age of the female and the hatching rate. The best model optimized during stepwise multiple regression analysis of hatching rate data only explained 34% of the variance for this trait and no model could be optimized for the prediction of fertilization rate or the duration of survival post hatch. These results highlight the need to develop alternative egg quality measures to predict the viability of fry with confidence.
Abstract 089: A Genetic Variant of Human Aldosterone Synthase Gene Causes Salt-Dependent High Blood Pressure in Transgenic Mice

Aldosterone, synthesized by the enzyme CYP11B2, induces positive sodium-balance and predisposes to hypertension. Various investigators, using genomic DNA analyses, have linked -344T polymorphism in the hCYP11B2 gene to human hypertension. We have identified three SNPs, in linkage disequilibrium, in the hCYP11B2 gene: T/A at -663, T/C at -470 and C/T at -344. Variants ACT occur together and form the haplotype I (Hap I) while variants TTC constitute haplotype II (Hap II). We hypothesize that these SNPs, when present together, will lead to haplotype-dependent transcription of the hCYP11B2 gene, differentially increase aldosterone and affect blood pressure. To this end, novel transgenic (TG) mice with the hCYP11B2 gene, targeted to the mHPRT locus, with either haplotype II or I variant are used in the study. ChIP assay, using anti-RNA pol II antibody, shows increased Pol II binding to the chromatin from Hap I TG mice in adrenal (2.8 fold higher, p
The Association of Uric Acid Calculi with Obesity, Prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Hypertension

Objectives. To disclose the link between the composition of urolithiasis, especially that of uric acid calculi, and obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Materials and Methods. Patients who had urinary calculi and underwent surgical treatment were registered in the study. The composition of urinary calculi was analyzed and correlated with clinical features and biomedical profiles of the patients before surgical intervention. Results. A total of 666 patients with urolithiasis who underwent surgical management were registered and analyzed. In those who had uric acid calculi, there was a significant association with prediabetic (OR: 20.11, 95% CI: 7.40–54.63, ) and diabetic states (OR: 11.55, 95% CI: 4.41–29.97, ). It also seemed that uric acid calculi were related to obesity but there was no statistical significance (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 0.91–6.62, ). There was no association of uric acid calculi with hypertension (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.54–2.17, ) and concurrent urinary tract infection (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.44–1.96, ). Conclusion. There was a remarkable association of uric acid calculi with prediabetic and diabetic states. The uric acid calculi were also seemingly associated with obesity in patients with urolithiasis undergoing surgical management.
ExEP yield modeling tool and validation test results

EXOSIMS is an open-source simulation tool for parametric modeling of the detection yield and characterization of exoplanets. EXOSIMS has been adopted by the Exoplanet Exploration Programs Standards Definition and Evaluation Team (ExSDET) as a common mechanism for comparison of exoplanet mission concept studies. To ensure trustworthiness of the tool, we developed a validation test plan that leverages the Python-language unit-test framework, utilizes integration tests for selected module interactions, and performs end-to-end crossvalidation with other yield tools. This paper presents the test methods and results, with the physics-based tests such as photometry and integration time calculation treated in detail and the functional tests treated summarily. The test case utilized a 4m unobscured telescope with an idealized coronagraph and an exoplanet population from the IPAC radial velocity (RV) exoplanet catalog. The known RV planets were set at quadrature to allow deterministic validation of the calculation of physical parameters, such as working angle, photon counts and integration time. The observing keepout region was tested by generating plots and movies of the targets and the keepout zone over a year. Although the keepout integration test required the interpretation of a user, the test revealed problems in the L2 halo orbit and the parameterization of keepout applied to some solar system bodies, which the development team was able to address. The validation testing of EXOSIMS was performed iteratively with the developers of EXOSIMS and resulted in a more robust, stable, and trustworthy tool that the exoplanet community can use to simulate exoplanet direct-detection missions from probe class, to WFIRST, up to large mission concepts such as HabEx and LUVOIR.
Quicksilver: A Proxy App for the Monte Carlo Transport Code Mercury

Like many other code teams, the developers of the Mercury Monte Carlo Transport code at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are being forced by the arrival of GPUbased supercomputers to substantially refactor their application to obtain acceptable performance on new architectures. This paper describes how we have designed, developed, and used Quicksilver, a proxy application for Mercury, to assist in this process. We explain the goals and principles that informed Quicksilver’s design and describe the features of Mercury that are and are not represented by the proxy. We recount some experiences testing Quicksilver and changes made to improve its ability to represent Mercury. Finally we explore how we have used Quicksilver and QS lite, a proxy app for Quicksilver, as prototypes to test potential refactorings and provide performance results on GPU and CPU platforms.
Reflections on Heteropatriarchal Violence: A Proleptic Narrative?

This chapter is a brief synoptic essay on American violence. The chapter begins in the post-9/11 era of the “War on Terror” and reflects on the broader history of American violence in dialogue with Susan Faludi’s The Terror Dream and the biopolitical linkages of American violence to settler colonialism, slavery, lynching, and violent patterns of masculinity. The chapter poses questions to provoke dialogue among curriculum scholars and teachers on ways to pursue curriculum inquiry that complicates commonsense, institutionalized knowledges associated with the effects of disciplinary power.
Respiratory Complications and Management After Adult Cardiac Surgery

The respiratory system’s primary function is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide as part of metabolism. This is accomplished by moving blood and air into approximation in the alveoli through mass action driven by the heart and lung. The physical properties of the heart and lung dictate how the respiratory system functions and can dysfunction in pathologic states. These principles inform evidence-based strategies for mechanical ventilation and the rationale for treating frequently encountered respiratory complications following cardiac surgery.
Performance monitoring of self and other in a turn-taking piano duet: A dual-EEG study

During joint action tasks, expectations for outcomes of one's own and other's actions are collectively monitored. Recent evidence suggests that trait empathy levels may also influence performance monitoring processes. The present study investigated how outcome expectation and empathy interact during a turn-taking piano duet task, using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recording. During the performances, one note in each player's part was altered in pitch to elicit the feedback-related negativity (FRN) and subsequent P3 complex. Pianists memorized and performed pieces containing either a similar or dissimilar sequence as their partner. For additional blocks, pianists also played both sequence types with an audio-only computer partner. The FRN and P3a were larger in response to self than other, while P3b occurred only in response to self, suggesting greater online monitoring of self- compared to other-produced actions during turn-taking joint action. P3a was larger when pianists played a similar sequence as their partner. Finally, as trait empathy level increased, FRN in response to self decreased. This association was absent for FRN in response to other. This may reflect that highly-empathetic musicians during joint performance could use a strategy to suppress exclusive focus on self-monitoring.
Interleukin-1 induces interleukin-8 secretion from endothelial cells by a juxtacrine mechanism

Inflammation is characterized by migration of neutrophils through the endothelium, and the chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) appears to be involved. We asked whether adherence of cells bearing a membrane-form of interleukin 1 (IL-1) induces IL-8 secretion from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and fibroblasts. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated with endotoxin for 12 hours and then fixed for 4 hours with paraformaldehyde. When these cells were added to HUVEC or fibroblasts, IL-8 production was induced. This stimulation by fixed PBMC was attributed to IL-1, because pretreatment of HUVEC or fibroblasts with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) reduced the induction by 95% and 80%, respectively, P
Molecular Sieve Studies of Interacting Protein Systems VI. EFFECTS OF AXIAL DISPERSION ON BOUNDARY PROFILES OF ASSOCIATING MACROMOLECULES

Abstract The behavior of interacting macromolecules undergoing transport on molecular sieve columns (gel chromatography) has been investigated by computer simulation. Equations for chromatographic transport of multicomponent interacting solutes have been formulated to include axial dispersion effects within gel columns. Useful frames of reference for the expression of concentration, solute fluxes, and equilibrium constants have been described and flow equations for the total column volume frame of reference have been developed in detail. In this frame of reference, solute concentrations and fluxes are represented with respect to the total column as it would be "seen" by direct optical scanning. Relationships are presented which transform quantities from this frame of reference into corresponding quantities in the "free solution" frame of reference, which is most suitable for the description of elution chromatography. Numerical solutions of the flow equations have been obtained by the simulation method of Cox (Cox, D. J., Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 129, 106 (1969)). Resulting concentration profiles are presented for a reversibly dimerizing system. Axial dispersion coefficients and other column parameters used in the simulations are based on typical experimental values and experimentally verified relationships. The parameters investigated by simulation include development time, column flow rate, degree of molecular association, gel porosity, and gel particle size.
The annals of the history of computing and other journals

The history of computing is recorded in many places. The Annals of the History of Computing is the only journal dedicated to that purpose, and its origins and concerns occupy the bulk of this article. The closing section, including an extensive bibliography, surveys other publications where this history is also recorded.
Effects of market returns and market volatility on investor risk tolerance

The 2008 credit market debacle and subsequent “Great Recession” accompanied by the stock market crash of 2008 has caused many investors and their advisors to reevaluate their risk tolerance and investment asset allocation choices. Additionally, marketers for many financial institutions and investment advisors are rethinking the strategies and tactics they use for both individual and corporate clients about the level of risk that is appropriate to meet their investment objectives. This research shows that an investor’s risk tolerance is not as stable as it has been portrayed previously in the literature and can be affected by both the direction of movement and the volatility in the market. In addition, this research provides some suggestions on how to frame investment decisions for individual investors to better assess their actual risk tolerance in the face of a volatile market.
Cone concavity and multiple-payoff constrained n -person games

This paper investigates special cases of abstract economies, i.e., n-person games with multiple payoff functions. Dominances with certain convex cones and interactive strategies are introduced in such game settings. Gradients of payoff functions are involved to establish certain Lagrange or Kuhn–Tucker conditions which may lead to some algorithms to actually compute an equilibrium. Sufficient and necessary conditions for such multiple payoff constrained n-person games are obtained.
Circadian Pattern of Deaths Due to Suicide in Intoxicated Alcohol-Dependent Individuals.

OBJECTIVE Alcohol intoxication and dependence are risk factors for suicide, a leading cause of death in the United States. We examined the hours of peak and nadir in completed suicides over a 24-hour period among intoxicated, alcohol-dependent individuals. We also evaluated suicide-related factors associated with intoxication at different times of the day. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2003-2010 National Violent Death Reporting System provided by 16 US states. In the primary database, the deceased individuals' alcohol-dependent status was classified as "yes" or "no or unknown." We restricted the analysis to alcohol-dependent individuals with alcohol level data available (N = 3,661). The primary outcome measure was the reported time of death. Secondary outcome measures were predisposing and injury-related factors. Individuals were classified on the basis of their blood alcohol level (BAL) as heavy drinking (BALH [≥ 80 mg/dL]) or non-heavy drinking (BALO [< 80 mg/dL]). The time of injury was divided into 1-hour bins, which were used to compute the incidence of suicide over 24 hours. We also evaluated the association between clinical factors and BALH for each of six 4-hour time periods beginning at 00:01 hours. RESULTS The majority (73.4%) of individuals showed evidence of alcohol consumption prior to committing suicide. BALH was observed in 60.7% of all individuals. Peak incidences in suicide were identified at 21:00 for BALH and 12:00 for BALO, with nadirs at 05:00 and 03:00 hours, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, between 20:01 and 00:00 hours, BALH was associated with more risk and protective factors than BALO. CONCLUSIONS Identifying critical times and associated risk factors for suicidal behavior may contribute to suicide prevention efforts in intoxicated alcohol-dependent individuals.
Response to trametinib in recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer with NRAS mutation: A case report.

Abstract Low-grade serous ovarian cancer represents a minority of ovarian cancers and has distinctive features from high grade epithelial ovarian cancer. While less aggressive, in advanced stage they can be poorly chemo-responsive and incur a treatment challenge. Next generation sequencing of tumors has allowed for the potential for targeted therapy in cancer treatment, which can allow for avoidance of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. We present a case of a 56 year old female with advanced recurrent low grade serous ovarian cancer found to have NRAS mutation who underwent targeted therapy with trametinib with immediate and sustained disease response. We review the response and toxicity experienced by the patient, as well as treatment for her toxicity.
Septanose Carbohydrates: Synthesis and Conformational Studies of Methyl α-d-glycero-d-Idoseptanoside and Methyl β-d-glycero-d-Guloseptanoside

We report the synthesis of methyl alpha-D-glycero-D-idoseptanoside (1) and methyl beta-D-glycero-D-guloseptanoside (2) and the characterization of their preferred solution conformations by computational chemistry and (1)H NMR (3)J(H,H) coupling constant analysis. Central to the synthetic approach was the epoxidation of glucose-derived oxepine 3 using DMDO. Nucleophilic attack on the resulting 1,2-anhydroseptanose using NaOCH(3) in CH(3)OH followed by deprotection provided the 1,2-trans diastereomers 1 and 2. The computational approach for determining the preferred low energy septanose conformations began with a pseudo Monte Carlo search for each isomer using minimization with the AMBER force field. Single-point energy calculations (HF/6-31G *and B3LYP/6-31+G**) as well as full geometry optimizations in a model for aqueous solvent were then conducted using the conformers within 5 kcal/mol of the AMBER global minimum. Calculated (3)J(H,H) values, based on a Boltzmann distribution of the computed low energy conformers, were compared to experimental (3)J(H,H) values from (1)H NMR coupling constant analyses. The correlation between calculated and observed values suggest that septanose carbohydrates are not so flexible and should generally prefer one twist-chair (TC) conformation.
Among the Ashes of Emperors: Operation Hue City—January 1968

Operation Hue City marked a line of departure for the US Marine Corps in the Vietnam War. It was the first, largest, and costliest urban operation that Marines had waged since the urban operation in Seoul during the Korean War. The fighting in Hue dramatically differed from previous engagements that Marines had fought in Vietnam. Failure to respond to intelligence reports of heightened communist activity left US personnel largely unprepared for the onslaught. Marine units, however, quickly adapted to the situation and learned many useful lessons about effective urban operations. Operation Hue City proved militarily successful but politically damaging to American involvement in the Vietnam War. The initial fissures in America’s commitment to Vietnam emerged from among the ashes of emperors during Operation Hue City.
La determinación social de la enfermedad renal crónica de causas no tradicionales (ERCnT) en Guatemala

La Enfermedad Renal Cronica de Causas no Tradicionales (ERCnT) ha aumentado en los ultimos veinte anos, convirtiendose en un problema de salud publica importante que se observa principalmente en paises de Centroamerica y Asia, afectando principalmente a trabajadores agricolas jovenes. La presencia de factores de riesgo relacionados con toxinas, medio ambiente y condiciones laborales sugiere una causa multifactorial, la cual puede que involucre la exposicion a agroquimicos, contaminantes ambientales, y episodios repetidos de deshidratacion. La comprension de las condiciones sociales que unen estos factores en grupos especificos de poblacion es fundamental para el desarrollo de programas de salud publica tendientes a la prevencion de esta epidemia devastadora. Luego de presentar brevemente los antecedentes, este ensayo discute el paradigma de causalidad de la enfermedad implicito en la literatura disponible sobre ERCnT, concretamente la “multicausalidad”, situa el enfoque en su contexto historico, y presenta sus fortalezas y limitaciones. Luego, el ensayo presenta dos paradigmas de causalidad que podrian ayudar a avanzar en la investigacion sobre las causas de la enfermedad, especificamente los enfoques socioecologico y de determinacion social de la salud. El ensayo concluye con recomendaciones para una agenda de investigacion e intervencion que enfoque en explicar las causas de la ERCnT.
Identification of DNA damage-dependent checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) posttranslational modifications and associated proteins

801 DNA damage checkpoints are regulatory signal transduction pathways that allow cells to control DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and cell death by apoptosis. Most human tumors arise from multiple genetic changes, including defective DNA damage checkpoints that provide potential targets for therapeutic use of DNA-damaging agents. One strategy to enhance the impact of these agents is to inhibit the checkpoint signaling in cancer cells. The checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is one of the effector kinases that regulates cell cycle progression after DNA damage. Upon DNA damage, Chk1 is phosphorylated on Ser 345 and 317, and this phosphorylation is dependent on ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) or ATR (ATM and Rad 3-related). In addition to phosphorylation, DNA damage-dependent Chk1 activity could be modulated by other posttranslational modifications and protein-protein interaction. We have developed experimental procedures for identification of novel Chk1 posttranslational modifications and associated proteins. Using immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectroscopy analysis, we have found novel candidate Chk1-associated proteins. Potentially, interaction of these proteins with Chk1 could inhibit DNA damage-dependent Chk1 activation, leading to abrogation of checkpoint response and sensitization of cancer cells to DNA-damaging drugs.
Population structure of Salmonella enterica serotype Mbandaka reveals similar virulence potential irrespective of source and phylogenomic stratification

Background : Salmonella enterica serotype Mbandaka ( Salmonella ser. Mbandaka) is a multi-host adapted Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) that can cause foodborne illnesses in human. Outbreaks of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka contributed to the economic stress caused by NTS due to hospitalizations. Whole genome sequencing (WGS)-based phylogenomic analysis facilitates better understanding of the genomic features that may expedite the foodborne spread of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka. Methods : In the present study, we define the population structure, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and virulence profile of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka using WGS data of more than 400 isolates collected from different parts of the world. We validated the genotypic prediction of AMR and virulence phenotypically using an available set of representative isolates. Results : Phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka using Bayesian approaches revealed clustering of the population into two major groups; however, clustering of these groups and their subgroups showed no pattern based on the host or geographical origin. Instead, we found a uniform virulence gene repertoire in all isolates. Phenotypic analysis on a representative set of isolates showed a similar trend in cell invasion behavior and adaptation to a low pH environment. Both genotypic and phenotypic analysis revealed the carriage of multidrug resistance (MDR) genes in Salmonella ser. Mbandaka. Conclusions : Overall, our results show that the presence of multidrug resistance along with adaptation to broad range of hosts and uniformity in the virulence potential, isolates of Salmonella ser. Mbandaka from any source could have the potential to cause foodborne outbreaks as well as AMR dissemination.
Salicylate, Bile Acids and Extreme Acid Cause Fitness Tradeoffs for Multidrug Pumps in Escherichia coli K-12

ABSTRACT The aspirin derivative salicylate selects against bacterial multidrug efflux pumps of Escherichia coli K-12 such as MdtEF-TolC and EmrAB-TolC, and acid stress regulators such as GadE. Salicylate uptake is driven by the transmembrane pH gradient (ΔpH) and the proton motive force (PMF) which drives many efflux pumps. We used flow cytometry to measure the fitness tradeoffs of salicylate, bile acids, and extreme low pH for E. coli cultured with pump deletants. The AcrAB-TolC efflux pump conferred a fitness advantage in the presence of bile acids, an efflux substrate. Without bile acids, AcrA incurred a small fitness cost. The fitness advantage with bile acids was eliminated by the PMF uncoupler CCCP. The Gad acid fitness island encodes components of MdtEF-TolC (an acid-adapted efflux pump) as well as acid regulator GadE. The fitness advantage of E. coli cocultured with a Gad deletant (Δslp-gadX) was lost in the presence of salicylate. Salicylate caused an even larger fitness cost for GadE. MdtE incurred negative or neutral fitness under all media conditions, as did EmrA. But when the competition cycle included two hours at pH 2, MdtE conferred a fitness advantage. The MdtE advantage required the presence of bile acids. Thus, the MdtEF-TolC pump is useful to E. coli for transient extreme acid exposure comparable to passage through the acidic stomach. Salicylate selects against some multidrug efflux pumps, whereas bile acids selects for them; and these fitness tradeoffs are amplified by extreme acid. IMPORTANCE Control of drug resistance in gut microbial communities is a compelling problem for human health. Growth of gut bacteria is limited by host-produced acids such as bile acids, and may be modulated by plant-derived acids such as salicylic acid. Membrane-soluble organic acids can control bacterial growth by disrupting membranes, decreasing cell pH, and depleting PMF. Our flow cytometry assay measures the fitness effects of exposure to membrane-soluble organic acids, with growth cycles that may include a period of extreme acid. We find that extreme-acid exposure leads to a fitness advantage for a multidrug pump, MdtEF-TolC, which otherwise incurs a large fitness cost. Thus, organic acids and stomach acid may play important roles in controlling multidrug resistance in the gut microbiome. Therapeutic acids might be developed to limit the prevalence of multidrug resistance pumps in environmental and host-associated communities.
Chronic caloric restriction maintains a youthful phosphoproteome in aged skeletal muscle

Caloric restriction (CR) can prolong aged skeletal muscle function, yet the molecular mechanisms are not completely understood. We performed phosphoproteomic analysis on muscle from young and old mice fed an ad libitum diet, and old mice fed a CR diet. CR promoted a youthful phosphoproteomic signature, suppressing several known "pro-aging" pathways including Protein kinase A (PKA). This study validates global signaling changes in skeletal muscle during CR.
Identifying US County-level characteristics associated with high COVID-19 burden

Identifying county-level characteristics associated with high coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) burden can help allow for data-driven, equitable allocation of public health intervention resources and reduce burdens on health care systems. Synthesizing data from various government and nonprofit institutions for all 3142 United States (US) counties, we studied county-level characteristics that were associated with cumulative and weekly case and death rates through 12/21/2020. We used generalized linear mixed models to model cumulative and weekly (40 repeated measures per county) cases and deaths. Cumulative and weekly models included state fixed effects and county-specific random effects. Weekly models additionally allowed covariate effects to vary by season and included US Census region-specific B-splines to adjust for temporal trends. Rural counties, counties with more minorities and white/non-white segregation, and counties with more people with no high school diploma and with medical comorbidities were associated with higher cumulative COVID-19 case and death rates. In the spring, urban counties and counties with more minorities and white/non-white segregation were associated with increased weekly case and death rates. In the fall, rural counties were associated with larger weekly case and death rates. In the spring, summer, and fall, counties with more residents with socioeconomic disadvantage and medical comorbidities were associated greater weekly case and death rates. These county-level associations are based off complete data from the entire country, come from a single modeling framework that longitudinally analyzes the US COVID-19 pandemic at the county-level, and are applicable to guiding government resource allocation policies to different US counties.
Feature detection using curvature maps and the min-cut/max-flow algorithm

Automatic detection of features in three-dimensional objects is a critical part of shape matching tasks such as object registration and recognition. Previous approaches often required some type of user interaction to select features. Manual selection of corresponding features and subjective determination of the difference between objects are time consuming processes requiring a high level of expertise. The Curvature Map represents shape information for a point and its surrounding region and is robust with respect to grid resolution and mesh regularity. It can be used as a measure of local surface similarity. We use these curvature map properties to extract feature regions of an object. To make the selection of the feature region less subjective, we employ a min-cut/max-flow graph cut algorithm with vertex weights derived from the curvature map property. A multi-scale approach is used to minimize the dependence on user defined parameters. We show that by combining curvature maps and graph cuts in a multi-scale framework, we can extract meaningful features in a robust way.
Deep-submicron CMOS process integration of HfO/sub 2/ gate dielectric with poly-si gate

We demonstrate the integration of sputterdeposited ultra-thin HfO2 gate dielectric into a sub-100 nm gate length CMOS process using poly-Si as the gate material. Good device characteristics have been observed down to 70 nm physical gate length, and an equivalent gate oxide thickness (EOT) of 11A has been achieved. Both p-FETs and n-FETs with HfO2 gate dielectric show ~104 times lower gate leakage than Si02 with comparable EOT. Data and model suggest that the gate leakage of Hf02 will be lOO times lower than that of Si02 down to 5A EOT.
Instrument pointing, tracking, and vibration suppression using zero annihilation periodic control

In Zero Annihilation Periodic control, the control gains vary periodically in time, in sharp contrast to conventional controllers whose control gains are fixed in time.
Rainbow heterodyne detection

Summary form only given. We have derived a new form of heterodyne detection that allows an ordinary single element detector to act as if its endface is divided into multiple detector units. That is, one can determine the region on the surface where the photons struck. We have now experimentally realized a fifteen-element synthetic array on a single-element detector, allowing all the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel over one electrical connection.
Adaptive tactics in games

Abstract Crawford has presented a striking example in which plausible adaptive rules fail to locate s straightforward equilibrium. The puzzle is to find other adaptive rules which, like Crawford's are plausible but which, unlike Crawford's, do locate the equilibrium. This paper adds two more to the small number of solutions already available.
The effects of a semi-rigid ankle brace on a simulated isolated subtalar joint instability

Subtalar joint instability is hypothesized to occur after injuries to the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in isolation or in combination with the cervical and the talocalcaneal interosseous ligaments. A common treatment for hindfoot instability is the application of an ankle brace. However, the ability of an ankle brace to promote subtalar joint stability is not well established. We assessed the kinematics of the subtalar joint, ankle, and hindfoot in the presence of isolated subtalar instability, investigated the effect of bracing in a CFL deficient foot and with a total rupture of the intrinsic ligaments, and evaluated how maximum inversion range of motion is affected by the position of the ankle in the sagittal plane. Kinematics from nine cadaveric feet were collected with the foot placed in neutral, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion. Motion was applied with and without a brace on an intact foot and after sequentially sectioning the CFL and the intrinsic ligaments. Isolated CFL sectioning increased ankle joint inversion, while sectioning the CFL and intrinsic ligaments affected subtalar joint stability. The brace limited inversion at the subtalar and ankle joints. Additionally, examining the foot in dorsiflexion reduced ankle and subtalar joint motion.
An important connection between network motifs and parsimony models

We demonstrate an important connection between network motifs in certain biological networks and validity of evolutionary trees constructed using parsimony methods. Parsimony methods assume that taxa are described by a set of characters and infer phylogenetic trees by minimizing number of character changes required to explain observed character states. From the perspective of applicability of parsimony methods, it is important to assess whether the characters used to infer phylogeny are likely to provide a correct tree. We introduce a graph theoretical characterization that helps to select correct characters. Given a set of characters and a set of taxa, we construct a network called character overlap graph. We show that the character overlap graph for characters that are appropriate to use in parsimony methods is characterized by significant under-representation of subnetworks known as holes, and provide a mathematical validation for this observation. This characterization explains success in constructing evolutionary trees using parsimony method for some characters (e.g. protein domains) and lack of such success for other characters (e.g. introns). In the latter case, the understanding of mathematical obstacles to applying parsimony methods in a direct way has lead us to a new approach for dealing with inconsistent and/or noisy data. Namely, we introduce the concept of persistent characters which is similar but less restrictive than the well known concept of pairwise compatible characters. Application of this approach to introns produces the evolutionary tree consistent with the Coelomata hypothesis. In contrast, the direct application of a parsimony method, using introns as characters, produces a tree which is inconsistent with any of the two competing evolutionary hypotheses. Similarly, replacing persistence with pairwise compatibility does not lead to a correct tree. This indicates that the concept of persistence provides an important addition to the parsimony metohds.
Plasmonic nanoscale modulators and tunable metasurfaces

We experimentally demonstrate an ultracompact PlasMOStor, a plasmon slot waveguide field-effect modulator based on a transparent conducting oxide active region, as illustrated in Fig. 1. By electrically modulating the conducting oxide material deposited into the gaps of highly confined plasmonic slot waveguides, we demonstrate field-effect dynamics giving rise to modulation with high dynamic range (2.71 dB/μm) and low waveguide loss (−0.45 dB/μm). The large modulation strength is due to the large change in complex dielectric function when the signal wavelength approaches the surface plasmon resonance in the voltage-tuned conducting oxide accumulation layer. The results provide insight about the design of ultracompact, nanoscale modulators for future integrated nanophotonic circuits.
Introduction to papers from the AutoCarto 2014 conference

The AutoCarto 2014 Research Symposium was held on 5–7 October 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. This meeting was scheduled to be held immediately prior to the annual North American Cartographi...
Animal Diversity Web as a Teaching & Learning Tool to Improve Research & Writing Skills in College Biology Courses

Most teachers agree that writing is an important skill for students to master, yet not all teachers incorporate writing assignments in their courses. Employers agree that written communication is important for college graduates, yet in a survey, less than 10% of employers thought that colleges did a good job preparing students for work. Writing an animal species account for Animal Diversity Web (http://animaldiversity.org) provides students with a real-world example of writing skills and provides resources to instructors who want to incorporate writing in their classes.
Is It Time for a Rule 11 for the Patent Bar

The failure of the patent bar to be professionally candid in its dealings with the PTO is one of the reasons behind the patent quality problem in the United States. Although PTO regulations impose a duty of candor on both the patent applicant and his or her attorney, this duty of disclosure is limited to matters already known by the parties. There is no duty imposed to become educated about the technology that underlies a claimed invention; indeed, there are rational reasons why a patent applicant might seek an uneducated attorney and order him or her not to attempt to overcome any initial ignorance. An educated representative who knows the underlying technology is more likely to know an invalidating prior art reference which would have to be disclosed to the PTO. Similarly, a prior art search done by the representative may also lead to the discovery of a disqualifying example of prior art. A strong argument can be made that the most rational approach — particularly for a applicant who recognizes the weakness of the claims being made — is to require a patent attorney to be technologically ignorant as there is always a chance that the patent office will fail to discover a prior art reference during its search.The patent bar today operates in a way that is similar to the methods used by litigating attorneys until the 1980s. The courts of the time faced an increasing flood of inappropriate suits that were not justified by fact or law. The cost of allowing the suits to be screened by the court itself (through summary judgment, for example) became increasingly cost-prohibitive. Consequently, a heightened screening requirement was imposed on the attorneys who were filing claims or defenses. Under FRCP 11, the attorney was required to engage in a reasonable inquiry about both the law and facts before anything was filed and would be subject to sanctions should there be a failure to do so. This article argues that, to avoid the extraordinary expense of using litigation to invalidate patent claims that were anticipated, the PTO regulations requiring candor should be modified to require all applicants and patent attorneys to engage in reasonable prior art searches before a patent application is filed.
Spectroscopic characterization of trivalent f-element (Eu, Am) solid carbonates

Abstract Solubility studies show that trivalent f-element carbonate compounds are the predominant solids that primarily limit the soluble metal ion concentration under environmental conditions. We systematically investigated the spectroscopic characteristics of a series of solid f-element (Eu and 243 Am) carbonates. Varying pH, ionic strength, and carbonate concentration results in the formation of M(OH) 3 , MOHCO 3 , M 2 (CO 3 ) 3 ·nH 2 O, and NaM(CO 3 ) 2 ·nH 2 O, where M=Eu(III) or Am(III). Solids were characterized by FTIR, fluorescence, and EXAFS spectroscopies that determined and confirmed the coordination environment, and by their individual X-ray diffraction powder patterns. The number of coordinated crystal waters was determined to be 2–3 for Eu 2 (CO 3 ) 3 ·nH 2 O and 5 for NaEu(CO 3 ) 2 ·nH 2 O using thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and fluorescence lifetime. We report studies of the fluorescence of Am(III) and the effect of carbonate coordination on the 5 D 1 → 7 F 1 transition.
An overview of on-chip interconnect variation

On each manufactured chip, every wire and via is a little bit different. Most of this variation is accounted for by chip-to-chip, wafer-to-wafer, and lot-to-lot variation. These make chips different from each other, but affect all features on the same chip in the same way. These models predict, for example, that the thickness of a given metal layer may vary considerably, but on a single chip all wires on the same layer are the same thickness. However, there is also on-chip (also called intra-chip, or cross-chip) variation, causing even nominally identical wires and vias on the same chip to differ from each other. This survey looks at some of the physical reasons behind these differences (such as lithography, etching, polishing, alignment, and gradients), how these differences are currently treated by fabs, tools, and designers (in a very ad-hoc manner), and how this topic might be addressed in the future.
Laser Ablation of a Biliary Duct for Treatment of a Persistent Biliary–Cutaneous Fistula

A persistent biliary–cutaneous fistula detected after biliary drainage catheter removal could not be resolved with diversionary techniques and Gelfoam and fibrin glue administration in the fistulous tract. As an alternative approach for treatment of the fistula, obliteration of the contributing bile duct with laser ablation was performed.
Microbiological methods for quality control of membrane filters.

Microbiological methods are presented for quality control of membrane filters of 0.45 and 0.22 μ porosity.
An integrated methodology for sub-surface fracture characterization using microseismic data: A case study at the NW Geysers

Geothermal and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs are often characterized by low permeability and porosity. So, they are difficult to produce and require stimulation techniques, such as thermal shear deactivation and hydraulic fracturing. Fractures provide porosity for fluid storage and permeability for fluid movement and play an important role in production from this kind of reservoirs. Hence, characterization of fractures has become a vitally important consideration in every aspect of exploration, development and production so as to provide additional energy resources for the world. During the injection or production of fluid, induced seismicity (micro-seismic events) can be caused by reactivated shears created fractures or the natural fractures in shear zones and faults. Monitoring these events can help visualize fracture growth during injection stimulation. Although the locations of microseismic events can be a useful characterization tool and have been used by many authors, we go beyond these locations to characterize fractures more reliably. Tomographic inversion, fuzzy clustering, and shear wave splitting are three methods that can be applied to microseismic data to obtain reliable characteristics about fractured areas. In this article, we show how each method can help us in the characterization process. In addition, we demonstrate how they can be integrated with each other or with other data for a more holistic approach. The knowledge gained might be used to optimize drilling targets or stimulation jobs to reduce costs and maximize production.
Supraoptic neuronal activity in rats during five days of water deprivation

Abstract Maintained single cell activity was recorded from rats deprived of water for 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days; blood samples were obtained following recording. Mean supraoptic (Soa) cell firing rates were significantly elevated above Day 0 at Days 1, 3 and 4; rates of surrounding anterior hypothalamic (Haa) cells did not change with deprivation. Both plasma specific gravity and mean Soa cell firing rates showed increases on deprivation Day 1 and decreasing trends by Day 5, possibly suggesting a functional relationship. Significantly more Soa units (67%) than Haa units (15%) fired in a phasic pattern. The rate within bursts for Soa phasic neurons continued to rise with prolonged deprivation, much like plasma osmotic pressure, and may be more closely related to antidiuretic hormone depletion than overall mean rates.
Blood serum mercury test report

At the Maryland Dental Convention, 111 dentists and auxiliaries were tested for blood serum mercury levels. A clinical blood serum mercury test of 111 dentists and auxiliaries revealed that more than 50% had above normal serum mercury levels. This study showed that there may be a mercury health hazard in some dental environments. Acute mercury poisoning may be corrected simply by removing the cause, but long-term chronic effects are not known. Frequent screening of offices and personnel is advised. Experience reported here indicates that large amounts of mercury vapor are emitted when an amalgam carrier is heated over a flame to dislodge particles, and also, that water-covered amalgam scrap releases mercury vapor.
Analysis of a nonoverlapping domain decomposition method for elliptic partial differential equations

In this study we analyze a nonoverlapping domain decomposition method for the solution of elliptic Partial Differential Equation (PDE) problems. This domain decomposition method involves the solution of Dirichlet and Neumann PDE problems on each subdomain, coupled with smoothing operations on the interfaces of the subdomains. The convergence analysis of the method at the differential equation level is presented. The numerical results confirm the theoretical ones and exhibit the computational efficiency of the method.
Excited-state gradients via CPHF equations

A detailed derivation of the equations for the energy gradients for excited-state wave functions is presented. These excited states are generated by singles-only CI (CIS) from the Hartree–Fock ground-state wave function. The gradients are obtained from direct differentiation of the CIS energy expression. Since this expression contains explicit terms involving the derivative of the Hartree–Fock orbital coefficients, coupled perturbed Hartree–Fock (CPHF) equations are used to eliminate the need to evaluate these terms. The final equations are then transformed to the atomic orbital basis to avoid costly AO-to-MO transformations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Was China the first domino? Revisiting the Asian currency crisis

Abstract The link of baht devaluation to crisis identifies Thailand as the first domino in the Asian crisis. Others assign responsibility to the 1994 Chinese devaluation. Establishing first domino needs further academic scrutiny. We find Chinese devaluation presaging the crisis through export slow-down from her Asian partners.
Bound and Gagged: Sexual Silences, Gender Conformity and the Gay Male Teacher

This article is a call for dialogue about the relationship between gay male sex cultures, gender performances and life in classrooms. It begins by examining representations of gay male school teach...