cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping catalytically important regions of an enzyme using two-codon insertion mutagenesis: a case study correlating β-lactamase mutants with the three-dimensional structure

Abstract Two-codon insertion mutants throughout the β-lactamase (Bla)-encoding gene were characterized. Second site revertants of various mutants were isolated, mapped and sequenced. The activity of the mutants and the ability to get revertants showed a positive correlation with increasing distance from the active site, based on the three-dimensional structure of Bla. This observation is discussed as it may pertain to the generalized use of two-codon insertion mutagenesis in mapping important catalytic regions in enzymes.
An investigation of the influence of electric fields on spectral lines: preliminary note

In general the electrical fields used were those concomitant with the luminous electric discharge. An interferometer of the Michelson form and an echelon spectroscope of 18 plates were used to analyse the radiations. The results may be summarised as follows:— (1) End-on discharge tubes of special design, in which the light-source was a uniform column of luminous mercury vapour viewed in the direction of discharge, showed no change of wave-length as great as 1 part in 4,000,000 when the direction of the discharge was reversed. The pressure in the tube was varied from a few millimetres to a vacuum so high that there was but little luminosity. (2) The passage of Rontgen rays through the tube did not alter the wave-length nor the width of the mercury lines, to an extent sufficient to affect the visibility of interference fringes formed with a difference of path of 400,000 waves. When the luminous column was viewed at right angles to the direction of the discharge no polarisation effects in the radiation from it, due to the passage of the Rontgen rays, could be detected by a sensitive Savart plate and Nicol prism.
Enhancing Creativity Through “Mindless” Work: A Framework of Workday Design

We propose that organizations use a new framework of workday design to enhance the creativity of today's chronically overworked professionals. Although insights from creativity research have been integrated into models of work design to increase the stimulants of creativity (e.g., intrinsic motivation), this has not led to work design models that have effectively reduced the obstacles to creativity (e.g., workload pressures). As a consequence, creative output among professionals in high-workload contexts remains disappointing. In response, we offer a framework of work design that focuses on the design of entire workdays rather than the typical focus on designing either specific tasks or very broad job descriptions (e.g., as the job characteristics model in Hackman et al. 1975). Furthermore, we introduce the concept of “mindless” work (i.e., work that is low in both cognitive difficulty and performance pressures) as an integral part of this framework. We suggest that to enhance creativity among chronically overworked professionals, workdays should be designed to alternate between bouts of cognitively challenging and high-pressure work (as suggested in the original model by Hackman et al. 1975), and bouts of mindless work (as defined in this paper). We discuss the implications of our framework for theories of work design and creativity.
Contact Resistance Determination by a Point-Slope Method

An original method of predicting the resistance-force diagram of a particular contact configuration is presented. Mathematical theory utilizes the true stress-strain diagram in tension or compression to predict the slope of the linear-force diagram. The position of this slope is then determined by measuring contact resistance and the applied contact force at that resistance. The metals to be studied are fine silver and copper.
Role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in angiotensin II regulation of norepinephrine neuromodulation in brain neurons of the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Chronic stimulation of norepinephrine (NE) neuromodulation by angiotensin II (Ang II) involves activation of the Ras—Raf—MAP kinase signal transduction pathway in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat brain neurons. This pathway is only partially responsible for this heightened action of Ang II in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) brain neurons. In this study, we demonstrate that the MAP kinase-independent signaling pathway in the SHR neuron involves activation of PI3-kinase and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Ang II stimulated PI3-kinase activity in both WKY and SHR brain neurons and was accompanied by its translocation from the cytoplasmic to the nuclear compartment. Although the magnitude of stimulation by Ang II was comparable, the stimulation was more persistent in the SHR neuron compared with the WKY rat neuron. Inhibition of PI3-kinase had no significant effect in the WKY rat neuron. However, it caused a 40–50% attenuation of the Ang II-induced increase in norepinephrine transporter (NET) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNAs and [3H]-NE uptake in the SHR neuron. In contrast, inhibition of MAP kinase completely attenuated Ang II stimulation of NET and TH mRNA levels in the WKY rat neuron, whereas it caused only a 45% decrease in the SHR neuron. However, an additive attenuation was observed when both kinases of the SHR neurons were inhibited. Ang II also stimulated PKB/Akt activity in both WKY and SHR neurons. This stimulation was 30% higher and lasted longer in the SHR neuron compared with the WKY rat neuron. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate an exclusive involvement of PI3-kinase–PKB-dependent signaling pathway in a heightened NE neuromodulatory action of Ang II in the SHR neuron. Thus, this study offers an excellent potential for the development of new therapies for the treatment of centrally mediated hypertension.
VersaTutor: architecture for a constraint-based intelligent tutor generator

Intelligent tutoring systems have demonstrated their utility in a variety of domains. However, they are notoriously resource intensive to build. We report here on the development of a software tool that enables non-software developers to declaratively create intelligent tutors. This intelligent tutor generator creates applications with rich user interaction and powerful theory-based remediation capabilities. It utilizes the Constraint Based Tutoring paradigm and is generic enough to create tutors in several domains. It is easily extensible through plug-ins.
Chapter 10: Cervical cancer screening using visualization techniques.

There is a resurgence of interest in the use of visual techniques to identify cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). These visual techniques can be divided into two general categories. One is the simple visual screening method, such as direct visual inspection (DVI), during which the cervix is visualized with either the naked eye or a low-power magnification device after the application of a solution of 3% to 5% acetic acid that is used as a chemical contrast agent to highlight regions of CIN. DVI has been evaluated in a number of large clinical trials and is considered by some to be a possible alternative to cervical cytology for primary cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings. The advantages of DVI compared with cervical cytology for these settings are that it is inexpensive, it does not require a laboratory infrastructure, and it provides an immediate result, allowing the use of “screen and treat” protocols. The major disadvantage of DVI is that it is relatively nonspecific and that its sensitivity is low compared with testing for human papillomavirus. The other category of visual techniques includes devices that use electro-optical sensors and light of specific wavelengths produced by lasers or specialized light sources to identify and localize regions of CIN on the cervix. Although these “high-technology” devices are not yet in routine clinical use, several groups and companies have such devices in clinical trials. [J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2003;31:66–71] Over the last several decades, visualization techniques based on identifying cervical lesions using light of various wavelengths have been developed. These techniques could potentially be used for cervical cancer screening, either as an adjunct to cervical cytology or as a replacement for cytology. There are two general categories of visualization techniques. The first general category of visualization techniques includes approaches that use broad-band light (i.e., the entire spectrum of light composed of both wavelengths that are visible and nonvisible to the naked eye) to illuminate the cervix (Table 1). These techniques include direct visual inspection (DVI), which is the inspection of the cervix after the application of a dilute solution of 3%–5% acetic acid (also known as visual inspection, the acetic acid test, cervicoscopy, and visual inspection with acetic acid [VIA]); the Schiller’s iodine test, in which the cervix is inspected with the naked eye after the application of Lugol’s iodine; speculoscopy, which is the inspection of the cervix after the application of a 3%–5% solution of acetic acid using a low (×4)-magnification device and a special chemiluminescent light; and cervicography, which requires that a photograph be obtained of the cervix after the application of a 3%–5% solution of acetic acid and that the photograph be interpreted by a specially trained expert.
Spatially characterizing apparent electrical conductivity and water content of surface soils with time domain reflectometry

Unlike other measurement methods discussed in this special issue, time domain reflectometry (TDR) has the ability to measure both water content (@q) and apparent electrical conductivity (EC"a) of soils. From simultaneous knowledge of @q and EC"a, the soil solution electrical conductivity (EC"s) and even the concentration of specific ionic constituents such as NO"3-nitrogen may be estimated through soil-specific calibration. This paper provides an introduction, some theoretical background, and a practical review of the TDR method for spatially characterizing @q, EC"a, and related attributes in soils. Time domain reflectometry measurement principles for determining @q, EC"a, and EC"s, along with suggestions for inferring matric potential from dielectric measurements, are addressed. We discuss point, handheld, and vehicle-based measurement methods. Applications of TDR to spatially characterize @q in a hilly agricultural field using TDR and gravimetric methods, and to monitor @q and nitrate concentrations at three depths under peppermint production, are presented. A pickup-mounted TDR measured @q at 100mx100m grid spacing in two wheat fields in north-central Montana. Soil @q, as well as NO"3-N, grain yield, and grain protein increased from upper to lower slopes. Soil @q early in the growing seasons appeared critical to final yields in this rainfed system. An array of fixed TDR probes was monitored over two growing seasons under peppermint in northwest Montana, to estimate @q, EC"s, and NO"3-N every 6h at 12 field locations. Although the field soils appeared uniform, measured spatial patterns of @q, EC"s, and NO"3-N were highly space- and time-variant. These results indicate that TDR is a potentially useful tool for precision agriculture, and that fixed TDR arrays could serve as real-time monitoring systems for water and fertilizer salts in soil profiles. The primary limitation of the TDR method for spatially characterizing @q and EC at soil management scales using fixed arrays is the cable length limitation of about 20-30m. Mobile platforms are of high interest, and prototype designs have been reported in the literature. Truly 'on-the-fly' TDR measurements for large-scale applications may be feasible in the near future.
Peace, Justice, and Economic Reform

. Is justice necessary for peace? There can be no justice while people have unresolved grievances, but peace is more than the absence of strife. It is harmony. Justice is the principles of equality and evenhandedness that command and prohibit the use of force in resolving conflicts. Justice is not necessary for peace, but it does facilitate it. Conservative, majoritarian, egalitarian and contractarian efforts to specify justice all fail to respect persons in crucial ways and cannot be expected to lead to peace. The justice that leads to peace is classical liberalism, with its insistence that each person own himself or herself, augmented by the principle of equal rights to the opportunities provided by nature, as advanced by Henry George.
Impingement Heat Transfer on a Target Plate with Film Cooling Holes

Detailedheat-transferdistributionsarepresentedforanarray ofjetsimpinging onatargetplatewithastaggered array of e lm cooling holes. The e ow impinges on the target plate through a row of impingement holes and exits the channel from the sides and through the e lm holes. The top plate has 12 rows of impingement holes, and the target platehas11 rows ofe lm holes. Theimpingementholes and the e lm holes have thesame diameterandarestaggered such that the air from the impingement hole does not exit directly through the e lm hole. The setup is typical of an impingement/transpiration cooled gas turbine airfoil. Additional to the e ow exiting through the e lm holes, there is an exit for crosse ow after impingement. The exit opening of the impingement channel is changed to provide three different spent air exit directions. The detailed heat-transfer coefe cient distributions were measured using a transient liquid crystal technique. Results are presented for a range of jet Reynolds numbers between 0.4 ££ 10 3 and 2.0 ££ 10 4 with different exit e ow orientations. Heat-transfer results for the target plate with e lm holes are compared with those without e lm holes under the same e ow conditions. Film extraction reduces crosse ow effects on jet impingement heat transfer. However, overall averaged heat-transfer rates on the target surface appear less affected by presence of e lm hole for cases where the crosse ow is generated in only one direction.
Epidemiology of spontaneous abortions--the effect of previous abortions.

APROSPECTIVE EPIDEMIOLOGIC study of spontaneous abortions and fetal wastage was done in Oklahoma City U.S.A. from September 1980 to September 1981 for the purpose of delineating the etiologic effects of previous abortions. 1050 pregnant women were followed from their first prenatal visit till the termination of pregnancy. In addition to the available information in the patients' medical records, a detailed questionnaire was administered to all the patients. Detailed information was sought on the patients' previous abortion history. A relationship was found between the history of previous spontaneous abortion and subsequent non-live birth, but not between induced abortion and non- live birth.
History, Hermeneutics and the Unity of Luke-Acts:

This article attempts to raise questions on the basis of the early reception history of Luke and Acts about the relation between a literary-critical interpretation and an interpretation of Luke's w...
When Public Statements Reveal Private Beliefs: Assessing Operational Codes at a Distance

This article uses both public and private documents to measure the operational code of John F. Kennedy in the summer of 1962. Previous operational code research (and indeed, much of content analysis more generally) has relied exclusively on the analysis of public speeches and is thus open to charges that the speeches represent attempts at deception, persuasion, or impression management. This article tests the validity of using public speech data in operational code analysis by comparing the output to the results one gets by analyzing private statements from the same period. The results strongly indicate that one obtains the same results using either the public or the private data, thus providing tentative confirmation of the validity of using public speeches for assessing the operational codes of leaders.
Tissue culture specificity of the tobacco ASA2 promoter driving hpt as a selectable marker for soybean transformation selection

This study was carried out to determine if the tobacco anthranilate synthase ASA2 2.3 kb promoter drives tissue culture specific expression and if it is strong enough to drive hpt (hygromycin phosphotransferase) gene expression at a level sufficient to allow selection of transformed soybean embryogenic culture lines. A number of transformed cell lines were selected showing that the promoter was strong enough. Northern blot analysis of plant tissues did not detect hpt mRNA in the untransformed control or in the ASA2-hpt plants except in developing seeds while hpt mRNA was detected in all tissues of the CaMV35S-hpt positive control line plants. However, when the more sensitive RT-PCR assay was used all tissues of the ASA2-hpt plants except roots and mature seeds were found to contain detectable hpt mRNA. Embryogenic tissue cultures initiated from the ASA2-hpt plants contained hpt mRNA detectable by both northern and RT-PCR analysis and the cultures were hygromycin resistant. Friable callus initiated from leaves of ASA2-hpt plants did in some cases contain hpt mRNA that was only barely detectable by northern hybridization even though the callus was very hygromycin resistant. Thus the ASA2 promoter is strong enough to drive sufficient hpt expression in soybean embryogenic cultures for hygromycin selection and only very low levels of expression were found in most plant tissues with none in mature seeds.
Measuring Abusive Behaviors Is Economic Abuse a Unique Form of Abuse

Recent attention has been given by researchers to exploring economic abuse strategies used by abusers. However, little research has been conducted to understanding how to conceptualize economic abuse in relation to other forms of abuse. This article examines the factor structure of abusive items from the Scale of Economic Abuse–12 and the Abusive Behavior Inventory through confirmatory factor analyses using data collected with 457 female survivors of abuse. The findings provide evidence for conceptualizing economic abuse as a unique form of abuse moderately correlated with psychological, physical, and sexual forms of abuse.
Head and neck paragangliomas: Physiology and biochemistry

Paragangliomas of the head and neck are derivatives of neural crest cells, comprising part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Indeed, paragangliomas encompass a unique subset of tumors of the head and neck. Their biochemistry and physiology are similar to other neuroendocrine tumors unlike tumors based on location. This article discusses their distinct biologic attributes.
Low dose high energy x-ray in-line phase sensitive imaging prototype: Investigation of optimal geometric conditions and design parameters

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of a high energy in-line phase sensitive x-ray imaging prototype under different geometric and operating conditions for mammography application. A phase retrieval algorithm based on phase attenuation duality (PAD) was applied to the phase contrast images acquired by the prototype. Imaging performance was investigated at four magnification values of 1.67, 2, 2.5 and 3 using an acrylic edge, an American College of Radiology (ACR) mammography phantom and contrast detail (CD) phantom with tube potentials of 100, 120 and 140 kVp. The ACR and CD images were acquired at the same mean glandular dose (MGD) of 1.29 mGy with a computed radiography (CR) detector of 43.75 μm pixel pitch at a fixed source to image distance (SID) of 170 cm. The x-ray tube focal spot size was kept constant as 7 μm while a 2.5 mm thick aluminum (Al) filter was used for beam hardening. The performance of phase contrast and phase retrieved images were compared with computer simulations based on the relative phase contrast factor (RPF) at high x-ray energies. The imaging results showed that the x-ray tube operated at 100 kVp under the magnification of 2.5 exhibits superior imaging performance which is in accordance to the computer simulations. As compared to the phase contrast images, the phase retrieved images of the ACR and CD phantoms demonstrated improved imaging contrast and target discrimination. We compared the CD phantom images acquired in conventional contact mode with and without the anti-scatter grid using the same prototype at 1.295 mGy and 2.59 mGy using 40 kVp, a 25 μm rhodium (Rh) filter. At the same radiation dose, the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for both the large and small discs, while compared to the double dose image acquired in conventional mode, the observer study also indicated that the phase sensitive images provided improved detection capabilities for the large discs. This study therefore validates the potential of using high energy phase contrast x-ray imaging to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose for clinical applications such as mammography.
On the rate of convergence of the K x k block, k -line iterative methods: k → ∞

Some years ago there was a great interest in the asymptotic (as h → 0) rates of convergence of block iterative methods for elliptic difference equations ([V], [HV], [P1], [PS1], [PS2]). The k x k block iterative methods and the k-line iterative methods - for k a fixed finite integer - were analyzed in [BBP], [PS2], [P1], [P2]. These works dealt with rather general problems; general domains and general (variable coefficients, non-symmetric, etc.) elliptic operators which were definite (i.e. Reλ > 0 for all eigenvalues λ). The recent development of massively parallel computers and the associated interest in Domain Decomposition Methods ([M]) has led to an interest in the case where (1.1) k = k(h) → ∞ as h → 0. In this paper we limit ourselves to the model problem; the finite difference discretization of the Dirichlet problem for Poisson's equation in the unit square. That is: (1.2a) Δu = f in Ω = [0,1] x [0,1], (1.2b) u = 0 on ∂Ω We then obtain asymptotic formulae for the dominant eigenvalues p(k x k) and p(kL) of the Jacobi k x k block iterative method and the Jacobi k-Line iterative methods respectively. These estimates are given in the form (1.3) ρ 1 - μh 2 .
The Story of Double Taxation: A Clash Over the Control of Corporate Earnings

This chapter examines the circumstances leading up to repeal of the dividend exemption and the introduction of full double taxation. In the Revenue Act of 1936, President Roosevelt introduced a radical plan to combat corporate hoarding of earnings by replacing the corporate income tax with an undistributed profits tax and a repeal of the dividend exemption. If distributed as dividends, corporate income would only be subject to the individual income tax. If retained, however, corporate income would be subject to both a punitive undistributed profits tax and, upon distribution in later years, the individual income tax as well. In the face of opposition from managers and concerns about revenue if the corporate income tax was abandoned, Congress settled on a compromise. It adopted a more modest version of Roosevelt's plan for an undistributed profits tax while retaining the corporate income tax. No effort was made, though, to restore the dividend exemption. Thus, for the first time corporate earnings were fully subject to both the corporate and individual income taxes. This tax on dividends survived the repeal of the undistributed profits tax a few years later. Some have called the introduction of double taxation under the circumstances of the Revenue Act of 1936 inadvertent or a case of business talk[ing] itself into a higher tax bill. The story, however, is much more complicated than that, involving a clash over the control of corporate earnings. As this chapter will explain, the threat posed to managers by the undistributed profits tax led to the retention of the corporate income tax and the repeal of the dividend exemption. Far from being a typical New Deal assault on big business or an inadvertent by-product of the compromise over Roosevelt's original proposal, double taxation was a pro-manager measure adopted to blunt the force of the undistributed profits tax. Business leaders and their allies in Congress hoped that the repeal of the dividend exemption and the resulting imposition of double taxation would aid in aligning management-shareholder attitudes toward the retention of corporate earnings. Double taxation thus became a tool in the campaign against the undistributed profits tax. This paper will be published as a chapter in a book entitled Business Tax Stories, to be published by Foundation Press later this year (2005).
Practicality of Using Side-Channel Analysis for Software Integrity Checking of Embedded Systems

We explore practicality of using power consumption as a non-destructive non-interrupting method to check integrity of software in a microcontroller. We explore whether or not instructions can lead to consistently distinguishable side-channel information, and if so, how the side-channel characteristics differ. Our experiments show that data dependencies rather than instruction operation dependencies are dominant, and can be utilized to provide practical side-channel-based methods for software integrity checking. For a subset of the instruction set, we further show that the discovered data dependencies can guarantee transformation of a given input into a unique output, so that any tampering with the program by a side-channel-aware attacker can either be detected from power measurements, or lead to the same unique set of input and output.
HPV vaccine acceptability among Latinas on the Texas-Mexico border

A5 The Texas-Mexico border has one of the highest cervical cancer mortality rates in the US. If a majority of young women receive the recently available human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates should dramatically decline. We conducted a cross-sectional survey from June 2006-August 2007 to determine whether Latinas who were (n=319) and were not HPV positive (n=220) differed in their opinions about the HPV vaccine. A slightly lower percentage of women had heard of the HPV vaccine (58%) as had heard of HPV itself (60%). Although over 90% of women indicated they would have their daughters and sons vaccinated against warts/cervical cancer, women who were HPV positive were more likely than women who were HPV negative to do so (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-18.8). When asked about the proposed Texas law requiring girls receive the HPV vaccine before entry into sixth grade, HPV positive women were also more likely than HPV negative women to report they were in favor of the requirement (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4/9). Our findings indicate that most Latinas (>90%) living on the Texas-Mexico border find the HPV vaccine acceptable for their own daughters and sons. The challenge of informing the general public about the vaccine and paying for this vaccine remain.
Adult Japanese Beetles: Evaluation of Insecticides for Control

When adult Popilla japonica Newman were allowed to feed on soybean foliage sprayed with 25 candidate insecticides applied at 3 rates (4-, 8-, and 16-ounces active ingredient per 100 gallons of water), acephate caused greater mortality than the standard, carbaryl, when the residues were subjected to either very heavy or light rainfall. Also, Shell SD-9098 ( O -\[2-chloro-1-(2, 5-dichlorophenyl) vinyl\] ( O, O -diethyl phosphorothioate) caused greater mortality than carbaryl after a heavy rainfall and was about equally effective when conditions were drier; Imidan® ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(mercaptomethyl)phthalimide) caused more mortality than carbaryl with relatively dry conditions; and Bay 37289 ( O -ethyl O -(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) ethylphosphonothioate), trichlorfon, Pennwalt TD-5032 (hexamethylditin), and phosalone caused more mortality than carbaryl after a heavy rainfall but were inferior at drier conditions.
Safeguards and Profits: Civilian Nuclear Exports, Neo-Marxism, and the Statist Approach

The purpose of this article is to appraise the explanatory capacities of the Statist model and of structural Marxism-amended and elaborated here-as applied to the issue area of the regulation of civilian trade in sensitive nuclear facilities and fuel. During periods of 'happy convergence' between the interests of state managers and of pertinent societal groups, many scholars find little to chose between the two models. In moments of 'policy crisis' however, we find that structural Marxism provides the better account of the dynamics of conflict over policy formulation. The article indicates that the revised structural Marxist model warrants further applications in a limited but highly crucial set of policy problems which exhibit the characteristics of 'crisis' described herein.
Preimplantation genetic screening: who benefits?

Objective To compare IVF outcomes between women undergoing frozen transfers of blastocysts verified as euploid by preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) with patients undergoing fresh nonbiopsied blastocyst transfers. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) All patients undergoing IVF-PGS cycles between January 2010 and November 2014 were included (n = 274). Patients were compared with a control group consisting of all fresh blastocyst transfers that occurred during the same period (n = 863). Intervention(s) Patients underwent IVF-PGS with 24-chromosome screening. Patients with euploid embryos had transfer of one to two embryos in a subsequent frozen ET cycle. Main Outcome Measure(s) Implantation, clinical intrauterine gestation (CIG), miscarriage, biochemical pregnancy (BC), and live birth (LB) rates were compared. Result(s) Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for outcomes in women undergoing PGS versus controls. Among patients ≤37 years old, there were no differences in CIG and LB rates for single (adjusted ORs [aORs], 1.20 [95 %confidence interval {CI}, 0.66–2.21]; 1.21 [95% CI, 0.66–2.2]) and double ETs (aORs, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.54–2.18]; 0.87 [95% CI, 0.44–1.7]). BC and miscarriage rates were also similar. For patients >37 years old, CIG and LB rates were increased for single (aORs, 3.86 [95% CI, 1.25–11.9]; 8.2 [95% CI, 2.28–29.5]) and double ETs (aORs, 9.91 [95% CI, 2.0–49.6]; 8.67 [95% CI, 2.08–36.2]) with no difference in BC and miscarriage rates. A per-retrieval analysis of the >37 group failed to demonstrate any difference in CIG or LB rates. Conclusion(s) Among patients ≤37, IVF-PGS does not improve CIG, LB, and miscarriage rates. IVF-PGS in women >37 improved CIG and LB rates. However, per cycle, the PGS advantage in this age group does not persist.
Supplementary food composition table.

Cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids, animal and vegetable protein and fat in 81 fat-containing foods
Optical measurement of plasma-fluid interactions in dielectric barrier discharges in low reynolds flows

Atmospheric plasmas created using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) actuators have a wide variety of applications in flow control within gas turbines, struts, airfoils, inlets, and a variety of flow conditions. Though, the research presented here centers on flow control using a DBD actuator, atmospheric DBD plasmas have additional applications in other industries.
China’s Troubled Quest for Order: Leadership, Organization and the Contradictions of the Stability Maintenance Regime

AbstractChina’s pursuit of rapid growth has gone hand-in-hand with the development and elaboration of a stability maintenance regime. If there is a China model, then a key element of that model is the stability maintenance regime. This article traces the origins and evolution of the multiple institutions that make up this regime and reveals a confluence of technocratic leadership and organizational factors that have shaped the character and dynamics of this regime, including its intensification in the 2000s.As successive leaders of the regime have turned to seemingly rigorous mechanisms of measurement, discipline and control to curb petitions, reduce crime or improve court efficiency, all in the name of preserving stability, they also sowed the seeds of various forms of excesses. There have been efforts to address some of the most glaring abuses in recent years but the regime continues in the era of Xi Jinping, torn between a strong preoccupation with stability and a desire to promote law-based governance.
Organized Cooperation: A Behavioral Perspective on Volunteerism

In 2014 in the United States, an estimated 62.8 million people, or 25.3% of the population volunteered their time and money to a nonprofit organization, spending around 7.9 billion hours of volunteer time (“Volunteering in 2014,” 2015). Volunteerism accounts for a significant portion of the workforce, particularly among nonprofit organizations that rely heavily on community support to provide necessary, yet usually unprofitable services. Despite the importance of volunteer practices, volunteer retention is a pervasive issue and can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor for the organization. The current paper provides a review of behavior analytic literature of cooperation, altruism, and more generally in terms of verbally and socially-maintained behavior patterns to discuss how behavior science is suited for empirically investigating volunteer behavior. Furthermore, although behavior systems analysis has not specifically addressed volunteerism, this analytic approach could be beneficial to investigate ameliorating volunteer maintenance and retention on the large scale. The conclusion explores research suggestions and likely implications of expanding behavior analysis further into this domain.
Decelerating Suspend and Resume in Operating Systems

Short-lived tasks have a large impact on mobile computer's battery life. In executing such tasks, the whole system transitions in and out of the deep sleep mode. This suspend/resume procedure is controlled by the operating system (OS), which consumes a dominating portion of energy. Through characterizing the Linux kernel on a variety of modern system-on-chips (SoCs), we show that the OS suspend/resume mechanism is fundamentally slowed down by various IO devices, which frequently keep CPU waiting.To minimize energy consumption, we advocate offloading the OS suspend/resume to a miniature processor that waits more efficiently. To this end, we propose a new virtual executor that runs on a miniature core and directly executes the unmodified kernel binary of the main CPU. We construct the virtual executor centering on software-only, cross-ISA binary translation, an approach previously considered prohibitively expensive. Through novel designs and optimizations, we reduce the translation overhead by 5×. The preliminary benchmarks show promising energy efficiency.
Novel multiplexed low coherence interferometry endoscopic probe for analyzing the cervical epithelium in vivo (Conference Presentation)

The cervix is primarily composed of two types of epithelium: stratified squamous ectocervix and simple columnar endocervix. In between these two layers lies a metaplastic squamocolumnar junction commonly referred to as the transformation zone (T-zone). During puberty, the cervical epithelium undergoes dynamic changes including cervical ectropion and increased area and rates of metaplasia. Although these metaplastic changes have been linked to higher incidence of cervical cancer among young women, research in this field has been limited to surface analysis using computerized planimetry of colopophotographs. Here, we present a novel multiplexed low coherence interferometry (mLCI) system for interrogating the cervical epithelium. The system is comprised of 6 parallel Mach-Zehnder interferometers in a time-multiplexed configuration that increases throughput by 6-fold to realize a combined 36-channel acquisition. A custom designed endoscopic handheld probe is used to collect sparsely sampled, depth-resolved scattering intensity profiles (A-scans) from a large field of view (25 x 25 mm) on the cervical epithelium in vivo. The instrument incorporates white light imaging through a plastic fiber bundle to co-register the mLCI A-scans to colpophotographs which are analyzed by a clinician to manually segment the cervical epithelium. Our preliminary data shows significant differences in characteristic A-scans from endocervical and ectocervical epithelium. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using mLCI as both a research tool for studying the relationship between cervical ectopy and cancer as well as a clinical instrument for identifying the at-risk T-zone on the cervix in vivo as a means to improve biopsy targeting. Further analysis will be performed to develop an algorithm for distinguishing the mLCI A-scans of endocervical, ectocervical, and metaplastic epithelium in real time.
Adsorption of Methyl or Methoxy Species on Ni(110)

The electronic structure redistribution that occurs when CH3 or CH3O adsorb on the Ni(110) surface is investigated using the extended Huckel tight binding solid state approach. The solid is modeled as a three-atom thickness slab and the adsorbate is viewed as an approaching monolayer. Electron redistribution that occurs on adsorption is analyzed through projected density of state diagrams and changes in population of atomic orbitals of the adsorbate along with changes in electron population of atomic orbitals of surface atoms. Possible tilting of the CH3 or CH3O species on the surface is considered as preliminary steps before a C–H bond is broken. Calculations have been carried out at a coverage of 1/2. Molecular orbitals involved in bonding to Ni(110) are {2a1, 1e, 3a1} for CH3 and {1e, 5a1, 2e} for CH3O. Electron transfer from Ni(110) to the adsorbate depends on the site of adsorption and the geometrical structure and orientation of the adsorbate; for the sites and orientation considered the range of values seen for electron transfer are: CH3 0.674–1.183 e− and CH3O 0.821–0.893 e−.
Practical secure information flow in programming languages

If we classify variables in a program into various security levels, then a secure information flow analysis aims to verify statically that information in a program can flow only in ways consistent with the specified security levels. One well-studied approach is to formulate the rules of the secure information flow analysis as a type system. A major trend of recent research focuses on how to accommodate various sophisticated modern language features. However, this approach often leads to overly complicated and restrictive type systems, making them unfit for practical use. Also, problems essential to practical use, such as type inference and error reporting, have received little attention. This dissertation identified and solved major theoretical and practical hurdles to the application of secure information flow. We adopted a minimalist approach to designing our language to ensure a simple lenient type system. We started out with a small simple imperative language and only added features that we deemed most important for practical use. One language feature we addressed is arrays. Due to the various leaking channels associated with array operations, arrays have received complicated and restrictive typing rules in other secure languages. We presented a novel approach for lenient array operations, which lead to simple and lenient typing of arrays. Type inference is necessary because usually a user is only concerned with the security types for input/output variables of a program and would like to have all types for auxiliary variables inferred automatically. We presented a type inference algorithm B and proved its soundness and completeness. Moreover, algorithm B stays close to the program and the type system and therefore facilitates informative error reporting that is generated in a cascading fashion. Algorithm B and error reporting have been implemented and tested. Lastly, we presented a novel framework for developing applications that ensure user information privacy. In this framework, core computations are defined as code modules that involve input/output data from multiple parties. Incrementally, secure flow policies are refined based on feedback from the type checking/inference. Core computations only interact with code modules from involved parties through well-defined interfaces. All code modules are digitally signed to ensure their authenticity and integrity.
Limitations to the rapid adoption of M-payment services

M-payment services offer many advantages over traditional payment services and analysts have predicted their explosive growth for years. However, despite touted advantages, adoption has been slow. Recent announcements of m-payment services by high-profile providers such as Apple, Google, and PayPal, along with increased vendor support, may spark renewed interest. However, it is unclear whether this will be enough to trigger the long anticipated large-scale adoption. We present a study based on diffusion of innovation theory to investigate the impact of factors influencing m-payment service adoption. In addition, we explore the impact of perceived ubiquity, security, and privacy risk. A sample of 270 survey responses were collected using crowdsourcing and analyzed using SmartPLS. Results of the study indicated that ease of use, relative advantage, visibility and perceived security positively influence the individual's intention to use m-payment services. In addition, ubiquity and trialability positively influence the individual's perception of security while concerns over privacy risks negatively influences perceptions of security. We also discovered that over 46% of those responding to the survey identify as being current users of m-payment services which may suggest a renewed interest on the part of the consumer. Ease of use, relative advantage, visibility and perceived security impact usage.Ubiquity and trialability positively impacts perceived security.Perceived privacy risk negatively impacts perceived security.Study utilized crowdsourcing using Mechanical Turk.46.3% of respondents identified themselves as current users of m-payment services.
Division closed partially ordered rings

Fuchs called a partially-ordered integral domain, say D, division closed if it has the property that whenever a > 0 and ab > 0, then b > 0. He showed that if D is a lattice-ordered division closed field, then D is totally ordered. In fact, it is known that for a lattice-ordered division ring, the following three conditions are equivalent: a) squares are positive, b) the order is total, and c) the ring is division closed. In the present article, our aim is to study $${\ell}$$ -rings that possibly possess zerodivisors and focus on a natural generalization of the property of being division closed, what we call regular division closed. Our investigations lead us to the concept of a positive separating element in an $${\ell}$$ -ring, which is related to the well-known concept of a positive d-element.
Joint Crosstalk Aware Burst Error Fault Tolerance Mechanism for Reliable on-Chip Communication

In a Nano-scale technology, reliability is one of the main issues for on-chip communication systems. To make communication system more reliable, Joint Crosstalk Aware Multiple Error Correction with interleaving scheme is proposed for crosstalk errors. This technique is very useful while dealing with burst error. The number of burst errors which can be tolerated by this technique can be adjusted by changing the interleaving distance between adjacent bits of the same module. The burst of 9 adjacent errors can be corrected if 4 modules of encoder and decoder are used. The design is implemented on FPGA to calculate area overhead and delay. The proposed JMEC/JMEC-Inter encoder and decoder are both fast, with maximum operating frequencies of 163.308 MHz and 307.977 MHz respectively by trading off by I/O's pins (48.53 and 19.85 percent more I/O's than Hamming and JTEC respectively). The area consumed by the proposed technique is less than the 3 percent of the FPGA resources, making the technique good candidate on chip fault tolerance mechanism.
Optimal Laser Phototherapy Parameters for Pain Relief

Abstract Background and objective: Studies on laser phototherapy for pain relief have used parameters that vary widely and have reported varying outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine...
Phase stability, microstructure and high-temperature properties of NbSi 2 - and TaSi 2 -oxide conducting ceramic composites

NbSi2- and TaSi2-based electroconductive ceramic composites with the addition of 40–70 vol% Al2O3 and ZrO2 particles were fabricated by high-temperature sintering (1400–1600 °C) under argon. Their phase stability, microstructural evolution, oxidation kinetics and electrical properties were studied at high temperatures. The densification of the composites was improved by increasing the oxide phase content and sintering temperature. The interaction of the starting metal disilicides with residual oxygen sources resulted in the formation of the hexagonal-structured 5–3 metal silicide (Nb5Si3 and Ta5Si3) phases. The increasing sintering temperature and volume percentage of the oxide phase reduced the pest oxidation, particularly for the silicide–alumina composites, which exhibited lower oxidation-induced mass changes than their dense monolithic metal silicides. Depending on the silicide–oxide volume percentage, their electrical conductivities ranged from 5.3 to 111.3 S/cm at 900 °C. Their phase stability, reduced oxidation rates and high electrical conductivities at high temperatures show promise for future high-temperature applications in advanced sensing.
Using Deep Learning to Extract Scenery Information in Real Time Spatiotemporal Compressed Sensing

One of the problems of real time compressed sensing system is the computational cost of the reconstruction algorithms. It is especially problematic for close loop sensory applications where the sensory parameters needs to be constantly adjust to adapt to a dynamic scene. Through a preliminary experiment with MNIST dataset, we showed that we can extract some scene information (object recognition, scene movement direction and speed) based on the compressed samples using a deep convolutional neural network. It achieves 100% percent accuracy in distinguishing moving velocity, 96.22% in recognizing the digit and 90.04% in detecting moving direction after the code images are re-centered. Even though the classification accuracy drops slightly compared to using original videos, the computational speed is two time faster than classification on videos directly. This method also eliminates the need for sparse reconstruction prior to classification.
Hematologic Parameters and Viral Status for Zika, Chikungunya, Bluetongue, and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease in White-tailed Deer ( Odocoileus virginianus) on St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Abstract A population of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) resides throughout the island of St. John, US Virgin Islands, predominately in the Virgin Islands National Park. Adult deer (n=23), ranging from 1 yr to 8 yr old, were assessed to characterize body condition and health. Serologic samples were screened for important viral pathogens in the area, including Zika, chikungunya, bluetongue, and epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses. Samples were collected in July 2016; males were in velvet and all females were in diestrus. Deer had recovered from a severe drought the previous year but were generally healthy, with a low-level but high incidence of tick parasitism. Marked statistically significant changes in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were associated with the effects of the anesthetic mixture used for capture. No other statistically significant differences were observed. Serum from four deer induced reduction in Zika virus plaques, suggesting possible exposure. No serum was reactive for chik...