cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAD Gates—Memristor Logic Design Using Driver Circuitry

Memristors have recently begun to be explored in arithmetic applications. However, all prior designs for memristor-based gates have had shortcomings in terms of scalability, applicability, completeness, and performance. In this brief, a new low-power gate design, i.e., memristors-as-drivers gates, is proposed, which overcomes each of these issues by combining sense circuitry with the IMPLY operation. By sensing the values of the input memristors as the driver for the output memristor, the delay is reduced to a single step for any Boolean operation, including xor. The area is reduced to at most three memristors for each gate and consumes only 30 fJ. An ${N}$-bit ripple carry adder implementation is proposed, which uses these gates to achieve a total delay of ${N}+1$ with an area of 8${N}$ memristors and their drivers. The individual bits of the proposed adder can be also pipelined, reducing the latency to four steps per addition.
Education and Accreditation in Forensic Science

Forensic science continues to expand its scope and diversity. Many new and highly specialized disciplines have evolved. As these expansions have occurred, along with a call for more research and scientific inquiry, there is an increasing need for education in all aspects of the field of forensic science. A properly focused education in forensic science is essential not only for future forensic scientists, but also as a means to keep current practitioners abreast of emerging new technologies. The NIJ sponsored two major studies which concluded that education was a vital element in improving the status and effectiveness of forensic science services. The TWGED report established the first set of curriculum and program requirements. With accreditation programs, such as FEPAC, it is now possible for students and laboratories seeking new recruits to ensure that the new hires will have a sound scientific and forensic science-based education. The level and quality of education is likely to progress on a global level.
E-Journal Metrics for Collection Management: Exploring Disciplinary Usage Differences in Scopus and Web of Science

Objective – The purpose was to determine whether a relationship exists between journal downloads and either faculty authoring venue or citations to these faculty, or whether a relationship exists between journal rankings and local authoring venues or citations. A related purpose was to determine if any such relationship varied between or within disciplines. A final purpose was to determine if specific tools for ranking journals or indexing authorship and citation were demonstrably better than alternatives. Methods – Multiple years of journal usage, ranking, and citation data for twelve disciplines were combined in Excel, and the strength of relationships were determined using rank correlation coefficients. Results – The results illustrated marked disciplinary variation as to the degree that faculty decisions to download a journal article can be used as a proxy to predict which journals they will publish in or which journals will cite faculty’s work. While journal access requests show moderate to strong relationships with the journals in which faculty publish, as well as journals whose articles cite local faculty, the data suggest that Scopus may be the better resource to find such information for these journals in the health sciences and Web of Science may be the better resource for all other disciplines analyzed. The same can be said for the ability of external ranking mechanisms to predict faculty publishing behaviours. Eigenfactor is more predictive for both authoring and citing-by-others across most of the representative disciplines in the social sciences as well as the physical and natural sciences. With the health sciences, no clear pattern emerges. Conclusion – Collecting and correlating authorship and citation data allows patterns of use to emerge, resulting in a more accurate picture of use activity than the commonly used cost-per-use method. To find the best information on authoring activity by local faculty for subscribed journals, use Scopus. To find the best information on citing activity by faculty peers for subscribed titles use Thomson Reuters’ customized Local Journal Use Reports (LJUR), or limit a Web of Science search to local institution. The Eigenfactor and SNIP journal quality metrics results can better inform selection decisions, and are publicly available. Given the trend toward more centralized collection development, it is still critical to obtain liaison input no matter what datasets are used for decision making. This evidence of value can be used to defend any local library “tax” that academic departments pay as well as promote services to help faculty demonstrate their research impact.
DNA-Interactive Agents

This chapter illustrates DNA structure and properties and classes of drugs that interact with DNA. DNA is composed of four deoxyribonucleotides, containing two purine bases called adenine (A) and guanine (G) and two pyrimidine bases called cytosine (C) and thymine (T), which are linked by bonds joining the 5'-phosphate group of one nucleotide to a 3'-hydroxyl group on the sugar of the adjacent nucleotide to form 3' 5'-phosphodiester linkages. The chapter also illustrates DNA-interactive drugs that are toxic to normal cells. These drugs are reserved only for life-threatening diseases. It describes the organic chemistry of DNA-interactive drugs and the ways in which DNA damage relates to cancer chemotherapy. There are three major classes of clinically important DNA-interactive drugs: reversible binders, which interact with DNA through the reversible formation of noncovalent interactions; alkylators, which react covalently with DNA bases; and DNA strand breakers, which generate reactive radicals that produce cleavage of the polynucleotide strands. Research have been carried out to determine cleavage site preferences in the minor groove for each of the strand breakers. The preferences are rationalized as occurring because of the selective binding at particular sites based on the structure of the compound.
How monocytes guard the glomerulus.

In most tissues the leukocyte response to inflammatory stimuli takes place in postcapillary venules (1). Leukocytes and endothelial cells undergo a coordinated and stereotyped series of increasingly tight adhesive interactions designed to capture leukocytes from the bloodstream (2⇓⇓–5). This process generally culminates in migration of leukocytes across the endothelial cells lining the postcapillary venules en route to the site of inflammation. Some notable exceptions occur in specialized capillary beds, such as those that supply the pulmonary alveoli (6, 7) and those that comprise the renal glomerulus (8, 9). Hickey and colleagues recently used intravital microscopy to study the behavior of neutrophils and monocytes in murine glomeruli in the presence and absence of inflammation (9). The authors reported that neutrophils and monocytes normally spend extended periods of time (several minutes) stationary or crawling slowly within the renal capillary lumen. In the presence of local inflammatory stimuli, the duration of these interactions (dwell time) increased and the leukocytes showed signs of intravascular activation (9). In PNAS the group takes these observations to the next level, providing some mechanistic insight into these phenomena (10). The Finsterbusch et al. study sheds some light on how the inflammatory response is regulated in the glomerulus, and also raises some interesting questions for future research. First, the monocytes that spend time interacting with the glomerular capillaries are overwhelmingly the “nonclassical” subset (10). These cells, sometimes called “patrolling monocytes,” are best referred to by the surface markers that they display when isolated. In the mouse, these cells express high levels of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 and low or undetectable levels of the chemokine receptor CCR2 and the myeloid marker Ly6C, and are referred to as CX3CR1hi CCR2− Ly6C−. In contrast, “classical” monocytes, sometimes called … [↵][1]1Email: wamuller{at}northwestern.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
The Emergence of Social Meaning: A Theory of Action Construal

Part IV focuses on organizational, institutional, societal, and intercultural issues. In this chapter, John Adamopoulos presents a theory of action construal with an emphasis on the emergence of social meaning. He reviews the theoretical framework within which models concerning the meaning of interpersonal behavior were generated. These models are based on the assumption that all social behavior involves the exchange of material and psychological resources, a process that is guided by a number of constraints operating on interpersonal interaction. Adamopoulos’ analysis relies substantially on research findings and insights obtained in the context of social resource theory and thus constitutes in some ways an extension and application of the theory to the area of interpersonal structure in general and, in particular, to topics like individualism-collectivism, human values, and sociality.
As Simple as Black and White: The Presence of Racial Diversity in Simulation Product Advertisements

Abstract Background This study examined 2,035 body parts and 395 full-sized manikins within simulation catalogues/brochures distributed at an international simulation conference. Method This study employed a quantitative, descriptive design. Results Ninety-four percent of the body parts displayed were White and 6% were Black. Of the manikins, 94% were White and 6% were Black, a disproportionate representation of the population. Conclusion We recommend changing policy in simulation to require diversity as a standard to influence manufacturers and educators to provide inclusive learning environments.
DNA Topoisomerases: Type II

The three-dimensional properties of DNA dramatically affect how the cell accesses and reproduces its genetic information. Some of the most important three-dimensional relationships in DNA are topological in nature, including underwinding and overwinding, knotting, and tangling. Enzymes that modulate the topological properties of DNA are called topoisomerases. There are two classes of topoisomerases that can be distinguished by the number of DNA strands that they cleave during their catalytic cycles. Type I enzymes create transient single-stranded DNA breaks, while type II enzymes create transient double-stranded breaks. Both classes of enzymes can regulate DNA underwinding and overwinding. However, because type II topoisomerases cut both strands of the double helix, they can also resolve knots and tangles in the genetic material. Type II topoisomerases are essential to all species. Beyond their critical physiological functions, these enzymes are the targets for a number of clinically important anticancer and antibacterial drugs.
The Big 4 premium: Does it survive an auditor change? Evidence from Europe

Abstract This study presents new evidence on the effects of auditor changes on audit pricing, with a particular focus on the Big 4 premium. We link the fee cutting and Big 4 premium research fields and examine whether the Big 4 premium is influenced by a firm’s decision to change its auditor. Applying matching analysis, we compare the audit fees of firms switching to a Big 4 auditor with those switching to a non-Big 4 auditor. Compared with non-switching firms, we find that audit pricing strongly differs for existing versus new clients of Big 4 auditors. The Big 4 premium only exists for mandates in which firms do not change their auditor, whereas upon auditor changes Big 4 auditors are willing to give up their premium or even accept lower fees than non-Big 4 auditors. This discount prevails in most post-change years. We conclude that Big 4 auditors apply a foot-in-the-door strategy and request lower fees to win new clients. Therefore, the existence of the well-known Big 4 premium is strongly influenced by a firm's decision to change its auditor. These findings are based on a data set including all listed German, Italian, Belgian, and Finnish firms from 2007 to 2010.
Clinical Diagnosis of the Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty

Periprosthetic joint infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication. The reported incidence of infection following a primary TKA is 1–3% and 8–10% following revision surgery. This diagnosis is associated with poor patient-reported outcomes, high complication rates, and increased mortality. Treatment of an infected TKA costs anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000 and requires a tremendous amount of healthcare resource allocation for successful eradication of the disease. By the year 2020, diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is projected to cost the American healthcare system $1.6 billion.
Post-marketing surveillance study of the safety and efficacy of nalfurafine hydrochloride (Remitch® capsules 2.5 μg) in 3,762 hemodialysis patients with intractable pruritus.

Background Intractable pruritus in hemodialysis patients can significantly decrease their quality of life and is also associated with poor vital prognosis. Although combined multiple causes of intractable pruritus in these patients have been identified, no existing treatments are proven to be sufficiently effective. We conducted a post-marketing surveillance to follow-up and assess the safety and efficacy of nalfurafine, a selective κ-opioid receptor agonist, for the treatment of intractable pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Patients and methods Hemodialysis patients with intractable pruritus from institutions in Japan who received oral nalfurafine hydrochloride between January 2010 and December 2013 were enrolled in the surveillance. Surveillance was completed in July 2015. Safety data during 1 year after nalfurafine treatment onset, and efficacy data of nalfurafine evaluating the first 12-week treatment period and the following period until 1 year after the initial dose of nalfurafine (using global assessment of the itch improvement by the physician, Visual Analog Scale, and the Shiratori's severity scores) were collected and analyzed. Results In total, 3,762 patients were analyzed for safety. Adverse drug reactions were experienced by 402/3,762 (10.69%) patients. The most frequent adverse drug reactions were insomnia (127/3,762 [3.38%] patients), constipation (34 [0.90%]), somnolence (32 [0.85%]), dizziness (23 [0.61%]), nausea (13 [0.35%]), and malaise (9 [0.24%]). No patients developed dependence on nalfurafine. Nalfurafine was effective in 82.50% (2,880/3,491) of patients during the first 12 weeks and in 84.95% (2,167/2,551) on treatment during the subsequent period until 1 year after nalfurafine treatment initiation. Statistically significant decreases were reported in the Visual Analog Scale and the Shiratori's severity scores (p<0.001). Conclusion Oral nalfurafine hydrochloride (from 2.5 μg/day to a maximum of 5.0 μg/day) continues to be safe and effective for the treatment of intractable pruritus in hemodialysis patients in real-world clinical settings.
Motivating Smoking Cessation Text Messages: Perspectives from Pregnant Smokers

The purpose of this research is to analyze cessation text-messages written by pregnant smokers to elucidate the target population’s preferred content and message attributes. To achieve this goal, the objectives of this study are three-fold; to qualitatively code messages written by pregnant smokers for frame, type of appeal, and intended target. Study participants were recruited as part of a larger trial of pregnant smokers who were enrolled in a text-messaging program or control group and surveyed 1 month post-enrollment. Each participant was asked to write a brief message to another pregnant smoker and two independent coders qualitatively analyzed responses. User generated messages (N = 51) were equally loss and gain framed, and the most common appeals were: fear, guilt, cognitive, hope and empathy, in order of most to least frequent. The target of the majority of the messages was the baby. Allowing pregnant smokers to write cessation text-messages for other pregnant women can provide relevant insight into intervention content. Specifically, pregnant smokers appear to equally promote gain and loss frames, but may prefer messages that include components of fear and guilt related to the impact of smoking on their baby. Additional research is needed to systematically uncover perspectives of pregnant smokers to ensure interventions are optimally effective.
The gendered nature of stereotypes about climate change opinion groups

We document the gendered nature and valence of stereotypes about each of the Six Americas climate change opinion groups that represent a continuum of climate change opinions from Dismissive to Alar...
Sleep, Sloth, and Sanctification:

I develop a spiritual theology of the physical act of sleep. The spiritual significance of the physical act of sleep ought to be a relational trust that recognizes my place as a creature that depen...
ANALYSIS OF XENOBIOTICS IN AIR

The sources, levels, distribution, fate, physical properties and analysis of airborne residues of higher molecular weight organic toxicants are discussed with particular emphasis on areas requiring further study. These needs include improved methods for discriminating between vapor and particulate forms, collecting deposition data, determining vapor pressure, and conducting multiclass analysis of complex mixtures in air residues. They also include the application of analytical methods to quantifying emissions, following ambient levels of airborne toxicants within defined air basins, determining xenobiotic reactivities in air, and delineating the role of physical processes in removing xenobiotics from air.
Interpretable Multimodal Deception Detection in Videos

There are various real-world applications such as video ads, airport screenings, courtroom trials, and job interviews where deception detection can play a crucial role. Hence, there are immense demands on deception detection in videos. Videos contain rich information including acoustic, visual, temporal, and/or linguistic information, which provides great opportunities for advanced deception detection. However, videos are inherently complex; moreover, they lack detective labels in many real-world applications, which poses tremendous challenges to traditional deception detection. In this manuscript, I present my Ph.D. research on the problem of deception detection in videos. In particular, I provide a principled way to capture rich information into a coherent model and propose an end-to-end framework DEV to detect DEceptive Videos automatically. Preliminary results on real-world videos demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Pretreatment counseling experiences, stressors, and support differences between transgender and cisgender university students seeking mental healthcare.

OBJECTIVES Our aim was to explore rates of prior counseling experiences as well as pretreatment stressors and supports among transgender university students seeking psychotherapy services in university counseling centers. METHODS We used regression models to explore relationships between gender identity and prior mental health experiences, risk-related experiences, traumatic experiences, and support among clients (cisgender: n = 162,305; transgender: n = 545) seeking treatment at 136 university counseling centers. RESULTS Results demonstrate more previous mental health service utilization and greater frequency of some prior stressors transgender clients. Findings indicate the odds of transgender clients reporting drug and alcohol concerns are lower than the reference group. Additionally, transgender clients report less familial support but more social support than cisgender clients. CONCLUSION We discuss the importance of these findings through a more holistic lens that recognizes both stressors as well as positive factors that may more accurately characterize the experiences of transgender clients.
Calculations of neon nuclear-spin optical rotation, Verdet and hyperfine constants with configuration-interaction many-body perturbation theory

The nuclear-spin optical rotation (NSOR) effect can enable correlated optical-NMR spectroscopy and imaging. The calculation of NSOR constants is very challenging owing to the high sensitivity to various interactions and neon arguably is a relatively simple atom for calculations. While the neon NSOR effect was not observed and characterized, it can be measured similarly to xenon NSOR to provide data for testing theories. One goal of this paper is to give an estimate of the effect for future experiments in neon. We have calculated the neon NSOR constant using relativistic configuration-interaction many-body perturbation (CI-MBPT). In order to evaluate the accuracy of the CI-MBPT, it was tested on neon energies, oscillator strengths, hyperfine constants and Verdet constants to show a good agreement with experiment. However, the NSOR constant calculations turned out to be more sensitive to the basis set choice, correlation corrections and relativistic effects, which were studied using the CI-MBPT framework. Apart from providing data for future neon NSOR experiments, the CI-MBPT results can be useful for comparison with molecular-structure calculations, as we illustrated on the example of Dalton calculations.The neon atom NSOR is similar to the NSOR of fluorine-containing molecules, to which DALTON calculations can be applied, unlike the atomic CI-MBPT method, so the performance of DALTON calculations in neon can be a good testing ground for F-containing molecules as well.
Shooter Bias and Socioeconomic Status in Virtual Reality

This poster details an ongoing experiment aiming to test the prevalence of shooter bias in virtual reality. Further, we examine the interaction between shooter bias and perceived socioeconomic status. Even though shooter bias is a well-documented topic in psychology research, little experimentation has used virtual reality, instead opting for unrealistic two-dimensional simulations. This study will yield new insight into shooter bias, especially concerning virtual reality as a tool for use in future work, and will provide new understanding about the relationship between socioeconomic status and shooter bias.
Combining Intranuclear-Cascade and Preequilibrium Hauser-Feshbach Models for Nuclear Cross-Section Calculations Between 1 MeV and 5 GeV

High-energy transport codes for the design of accelerator-driven systems such as the Spallation Neutron Source use nuclear reaction models as the incident particle, and the secondary particles are transported through various materials. These reaction models are computationally fast but are unreliable at energies below {approx}200 MeV. As a partial remedy, an evaluated cross-section library up to 150 MeV known as LA150 was developed by international cooperation and made available for such design work. In the present project we have been developing a model code suitable for improving LA150 and extending it to higher energies. This new model code combines microscopically the semiclassical results of an intranuclear-cascade model with the spin-dependent counterparts of a preequilibrium Hauser-Feshbach model. To achieve this microscopic combination, an approximation, explained in this paper, is needed to add spin distributions to the semiclassical excitation spectra in every residual nuclide. The initial capability of this code is demonstrated by comparisons with experimental production cross sections of the radioisotopes {sup 56}Co, {sup 55}Co, {sup 54}Mn, {sup 52}Mn, {sup 52}Fe, {sup 51}Cr, {sup 48}Cr, {sup 48}V, {sup 47}Sc, and {sup 46}Sc induced by proton projectiles on Fe from reaction thresholds to 3 GeV. The overall agreement of our calculated resultsmore » with experimental data looks very good in view of the 29 contributions in recent model code intercomparisons with measurements.« less
Computer-Navigated versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Functional Outcomes from Level I and II Randomized Controlled Trials.

The main purpose of this article is to provide an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis comparing functional outcomes of total knee arthroplasty using either computer navigation (NAV-TKA) or conventional methods (CON-TKA) from the latest assemblage of evidence. This study was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. All Level I and II randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane that compared functional outcomes after NAV- and CON-TKA were included in the review. Selected end points for random effects, pairwise meta-analysis included Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), KS Function Score (KSFS), KS Total Score (KSTS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion at three arbitrary follow-up times. A total of 24 prospective RCTs comprising 3,778 knees were included from the initial search. At long-term follow-up (>5 years), NAV-TKA exhibited significantly better raw KSKS (p = 0.001) (low-quality evidence), contrary to CON-TKA, which reflected significantly better raw KSTS (p = 0.004) (high-quality evidence). While change scores (KSKS, WOMAC) from preoperative values favor CON-TKA at short-term (
Redefining Gender in the Classroom

In recent times, paradigm shifts have propelled cultural change, and our society is continually attempting to integrate these shifts into a new consensus. The purpose of this proposed teaching exercise is twofold. First, to teach students how individuals representing a range of gender identities express their gender and the extent to which dress and appearance cues plays a role in such expression. Second, to assess student awareness and appreciation for diverse genders. The first part of the strategy was to prompt students to reflect on how dress has been used in the past. Students were asked to detail how gender was expressed through dress at different periods throughout history. A quasi-experiment was proposed for part 2 of the teaching strategy that both enabled additional reflection on gender and assessment of Part 1. Students were recruited from two courses (one at a Northeastern University and one at a Midwestern university). Students in both groups were given a pre-test to assess their characteristics to ensure both student groups were matched on demographics and other relevant traits, and to assess their extant knowledge of the concept of gender identity. Then students were given the treatment (information obtained from part 1 of the research). The results revealed students:1) Recognized multiple ways that the impact of dress and body images affect human behavior. 2) Related concepts and theories of human behavior to marketplace interactions between fashion products and everyday life 3) Developed empowerment and a sense of social commitment that results in effective advocacy and influence positive change. 4) Developed critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving processes to issues and concerns in psychology of appearance and dress. This exercise will be conducted again, with a larger student body in Gender, Dress, & Society courses where the depth of the 31 different genders can further be discussed along with the differences in gender, dress, and gender history.
The impact of coupling assessments on conceptual understanding and connection-making in chemical equilibrium and acid–base chemistry

Science educators have developed a variety of assessment techniques to help students connect their scientific knowledge and bridge conceptual gaps. In chemistry, concept maps and creative exercises are the two notable assessments that have been implemented into multiple chemistry courses and indicated promising effects on students’ conceptual learning and connection-making between chemistry concepts. These two assessment techniques were usually implemented individually in research studies. Herein, we employed a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods approach to explore whether combining concept maps and creative exercises would reveal any synergistic effects for student learning of chemical equilibrium and acid–base chemistry in a college general chemistry course. In this study, student perceptions of the use of the two assessments were examined by open-ended surveys. Interestingly, students perceived creative exercises as an assessment technique while concept maps were viewed as a learning tool for studying or reviewing exams. Additionally, Students believed that concept maps assisted them in answering creative exercises, but not vice versa. The four study groups (control group, concept maps only, creative exercises only, and both concept maps and creative exercises) were compared through concept inventory pre and post-test questions. The results of an ANCOVA indicated that participation in the experimental groups did not significantly impact conceptual learning gains, as measured by the concept inventory post-test scores. However, focus group interviews indicated students from the experimental group that used both concept maps and creative exercises were able to provide more sophisticated scientific explanations for conceptual questions related to the topics of chemical equilibrium and acid–base chemistry. Implications of these research results, best practices for implementation of the two assessments, and future research are discussed.
Why Age Matters: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Intergenerational Contact With Older Adults With Dementia

This integrated mixed methods analysis examined outcomes for students enrolled in an experiential course (BATL), a didactic psychology of aging course, and introductory psychology courses. Students in the experiential course showed increased empathy, F(2, 345) = 29.058, p = .000 (M = 47.52, SD = .75), improved attitudes towards persons with dementia (PWDs), F(2,355) = 8.98, p < .0001 (M = 14.25, SD = .36), and greater increased interest in working with older adults, F(2,361) = 30.228, p=.000 compared to the other courses. A qualitative phase II follow-up explanations model (Creswell et. al., 2003) of participants’ journals using a hermeneutic coding process was employed to explore underlying mechanisms for such changes. These identified underlying mechanisms have significant implications for increasing interest and ability among students to work effectively with older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Further, this information yields insights for addressing workforce shortages in geriatric care.
International Students Need Not Apply: Impact of US Immigration Policy in the Trump Era on International Student Enrollment and Campus Experiences

This chapter chronicles the devastating effects the Trump Administration’s immigration policies have had not only on the dwindling number of international students that attend university in the United States, but also on their mental and physical well-being as they navigate increasingly xenophobic and nationalist discourses both on and off campus. The states of Delaware and Kentucky are highlighted as unique examples of policies to maintain and increase international student enrollments, while also revealing the dubious neoliberal underpinnings driving these initiatives. International students generated $45 billion in revenue to the US economy, as of 2018. With stricter immigration policies and the 2020 global pandemic threatening a number of US institution’s very survival, a continued decrease in international student enrollments will potentially have irreversible fiscal and intellectual costs to the American Academy that cannot be overstated.
Conformational Changes of RORγ During Response Element Recognition and Coregulator Engagement.

The retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor {gamma} (ROR{gamma}) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor of the nuclear receptor super family that underpins metabolic activity, immune function, and cancer progression. Despite being a valuable drug target in health and disease, our understanding of the ligand-dependent activities of ROR{gamma} is far from complete. Like most nuclear receptors, ROR{gamma} must recruit coregulatory protein to enact the ROR{gamma} target gene program. To date, a majority of structural studies have been focused exclusively on the ROR{gamma} ligand-binding domain and the ligand-dependent recruitment of small peptide segments of coregulators. Herein, we examine the ligand-dependent assembly of full length ROR{gamma}:coregulator complexes on cognate DNA response elements using structural proteomics and small angle x-ray scattering. The results from our studies suggest that ROR{gamma} becomes elongated upon DNA recognition, preventing long range interdomain crosstalk. We also determined that the DNA binding domain adopts a sequence-specific conformation, and that coregulatory proteins may be able to sense the ligand- and DNA-bound status of ROR{gamma}. We propose a model where ligand-dependent coregulator recruitment may be influenced by the sequence of the DNA to which ROR{gamma} is bound. Overall, the efforts described herein will illuminate important aspects of full length ROR{gamma} and monomeric orphan nuclear receptor target gene regulation through DNA-dependent conformational changes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=81 SRC="FIGDIR/small/445650v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (29K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f0a067org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@b2e9f6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e15d5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@12b8546_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG
Achievement Effects of Individual Performance Incentives in a Teacher Merit Pay Tournament

This paper estimates the effect of the individual incentives teachers face in a teacher-based value-added merit pay tournament on student achievement. We first build an illustrative model in which teachers use proximity to an award threshold to update their information about their own ability, which informs their expected marginal return to effort. The model predicts that those who are closer to an award cutoff in a given year will increase effort and thus will have higher achievement gains in the subsequent year. However, if value-added scores are too noisy, teachers will not respond. Using administrative teacher-student linked data, we test this prediction employing a method akin to the bunching estimator of Saez (2010). Specifically, we examine whether teachers who are proximal to a cutoff in one year exhibit excess gains in test score growth in the next year. Our results show consistent evidence that teachers do not respond to the incentives they face under this program. In line with our model, we argue that a likely reason for the lack of responsiveness is that the value-added measures used to determine awards were too noisy to provide informative feedback about one's ability. This highlights the importance of value-added precision in the design of incentive pay systems.Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Functional differences in echolocation call design in an adaptive radiation of bats.

All organisms have specialized systems to sense their environment. Most bat species use echolocation for navigation and foraging, but which and how ecological factors shaped echolocation call diversity remains unclear for the most diverse clades, including the adaptive radiation of neotropical leaf-nosed bats (Phyllostomidae). This is because phyllostomids emit low-intensity echolocation calls and many inhabit dense forests, leading to low representation in acoustic surveys. We present a field-collected, echolocation call dataset spanning 35 species and all phyllostomid dietary guilds. We analyze these data under a phylogenetic framework to test the hypothesis that echolocation call design and parameters are specialized for the acoustic demands of different diets, and investigate the contributions of phylogeny and body size to echolocation call diversity. We further link call parameters to dietary ecology by contrasting minimum detectable prey size estimates (MDPSE) across species. We find phylogeny and body size explain a substantial proportion of echolocation call parameter diversity, but most species can be correctly assigned to taxonomic (61%) or functional (77%) dietary guilds based on call parameters. This suggests a degree of acoustic ecological specialization, albeit with interspecific similarities in call structure. Theoretical MDPSE are greatest for omnivores and smallest for insectivores. Omnivores significantly differ from other dietary guilds in MDPSE when phylogeny is not considered, but there are no differences among taxonomic dietary guilds within a phylogenetic context. Similarly, predators of non-mobile/non-evasive prey and predators of mobile/evasive prey differ in estimated MDPSE when phylogeny is not considered. Phyllostomid echolocation call structure may be primarily specialized for overcoming acoustic challenges of foraging in dense habitats, and then secondarily specialized for the detection of food items according to functional dietary guilds. Our results give insight into the possible ecological mechanisms shaping the diversity of sensory systems, and their reciprocal influence on resource use.
Who's at Risk in a Changing Climate? Mapping Electricity-Dependent Patient Populations in a Coastal City.

BACKGROUND Climate change is causing increasingly frequent extreme weather events. This pilot study demonstrates a GIS-based approach for assessing risk to electricity-dependent patients of a coastal academic medical center during future hurricanes. Methods: A single-center retrospective chart review was conducted and the spatial distribution of patients with prescriptions for nebulized medications was mapped. Census blocks at risk of flooding in future hurricanes were identified; summary statistics describing proportion of patients at risk are reported. Results: Out of a local population of 2,101 patients with prescriptions for nebulized medications in the preceding year, 521 (24.8%) were found to live in a hurricane flood zone. Conclusions: Healthcare systems can assess risk to climate-vulnerable patient populations using publicly available data in combination with hospital medical records. The approach described here could be applied to a variety of environmental hazards and can inform institutional and individual disaster preparedness efforts.
The use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the separation of radiolabeled arachidonic acid and its metabolites produced by thrombin-treated human platelets: II. Establishment of optimal assay conditions

We have utilized HPLC to develop optimal conditions for assaying the transformation of arachidonic acid in thrombin-treated human platelets. In the presence of increasing amounts of albumin, the total amount of radioactivity released from thrombin-treated platelets pre-labeled with 3H-arachidonic acid is first enhanced and then inhibited. Maximal release, reflecting primarily enhanced amounts of free labeled arachidonic acid, occurs at a final albumin concentration of 0.5 mg/ml. Calcium promoted the release of all radiolabeled metabolites, but it specifically enhanced HETE formation and release. Magnesium was without effect. Cyclo-oxygenase derived products constituted the bulk of released label at short time intervals, but after ten minutes exposure to thrombin in the presence of albumin (0.5 mg/ml) and 3 mM calcium, radioactivity in the released products was equally distributed among cyclo-oxygenase derived products (TXB2 + PGD2 + HHT), HETE and free arachidonic acid.
Now for the laboratory experience! The view from four different undergraduate computer science curricula

There is much discussion about the undergraduate computer science curriculum. With the rapid changes in computer science, the need to stay current is mandatory while the ability to develop and implement a contemporary undergraduate curriculum is extremely time-consuming and costly. Four schools have each developed a different model to undergraduate computer science education. Each school believes the work done has been successfully implemented at the respective institutions. They also believe that these works can be successfully adapted by others. An overview is given of the laboratory models and topics developed for a laboratory activity.
Molecular Genetics of Tomato Golden Mosaic Virus Replication: Progress Toward Defining Gene Functions, Transcription Units and the Origin of DNA Replication

The geminiviruses are a unique group of infectious agents that replicate and cause disease in a wide variety of plant species. Because of their small DNA genomes and their ability to multiply to high copy number, these viruses have the potential to serve as important model systems for the processes of transcription and DNA replication in their hosts. Geminiviruses also have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to be modified for use as amplifiable vectors for stable plant transformation and transient expression assays. As a result, a great deal of effort has been directed toward understanding the molecular biology of these pathogens, and in the past few years considerable progress has been made with several group members. Many excellent reviews documenting this progress are available (Stanley, 1985; Harrison, 1985; Davies et al., 1987; Lazarowitz, 1987; Davies and Stanley, 1989). As this paper is based primarily on recent work done in this laboratory and on earlier work done in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Stephen G. Rogers, it will focus mainly on tomato golden mosaic virus and other bipartite geminiviruses. However, pertinent information about other group members will be discussed where appropriate.
Allergen1 regulates polysaccharide structure in Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human, fungal pathogen that sheds polysaccharide (exo-PS) into host tissues. While shed exo-PS mediates numerous untoward effects (including promoting increased intracranial pressure), little is known about the regulation of this phenomenon. Since down-regulation of the Allergen 1 (ALL1) gene is associated with high ICP, we investigated the relationship between ALL1 expression and exo-PS structure using a variety of biophysical techniques. The Δall1 mutants of two serotypes produced a shorter exo-PS with less branching and structural complexity than the parental strains. Consistent with lower branching, these exo-PSs manifested higher intrinsic viscosity than the parental strains. The Δall1 mutant strains manifested differences in epitope expression and significant resistance to phagocytosis. Exo-PS of Δall1 mutant exhibited anti-phagocytic properties. Comparative transcriptome analysis of mutant and parental strainunder iron-deprived conditions indicateda role of ALL1 in iron homeostasis, characterized by differential regulation of genes that mediate iron reduction and transport. Together, our results demonstrate a role of ALL1 in regulating conformational aspects of PS structure and iron homeostasis. These findings provide a mechanism to explain how changes in ALL1 expression influence virulence of switch variants and suggest that structural changes and polymer length are epigenetically regulated.
Tight coupling between soil moisture and the surface radiation budget in semiarid environments: Implications for land‐atmosphere interactions

Received 11 March 2002; revised 2 May 2003; accepted 20 June 2003; published 4 October 2003. [1] Observations are used to examine how soil moisture influences the surface radiation budget, ground heat flux, and available energy in semiarid environments. Defining this relationship is critical to understand interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere, in particular assessing if a feedback exists between soil moisture and rainfall anomalies. We use two summers of data collected from semiarid grassland and shrubland ecosystems in central New Mexico. The response of surface radiation budget components and other variables to soil moisture variations are quantified via linear regression. Then, the variations are scaled over the observed range of soil moisture (15% volumetric water content). The soil temperature is lower by >10� C when the surface soil is wet, compared to when the soil is dry. This temperature decrease results in a measured decrease of 85–100 W m � 2 in longwave radiation emitted at the surface. The increase in net longwave radiation is equal in magnitude because downward longwave radiation does not vary with soil moisture. The observed changes in net shortwave radiation are relatively minor (<10 W m � 2 ), as the surface albedo decreases by only 1.5% when soil is wet. Net radiation increases by an amount roughly equal to the decrease in emitted longwave radiation (� 85–100 W m � 2 ). Changes in ground heat flux are not detectable, given the noise in the data. Therefore the available energy, Qa, is higher by 80 W m � 2 when the soil is wet. This change is 22% of average Qa at the shrubland site and 19% at the grassland site. The observed soil moisture-induced Qa variations are large compared to other sources of Qa variability, so they should influence boundary layer moist static energy. However, the intervals during which soil moisture is high and therefore Rn and Qa are enhanced are short, on the order of several days. Therefore feedbacks to rainfall may be limited. Compared to other environments, the influence of soil moisture on Rn and Qa is likely greater in semiarid environments because soil moisture-induced fluctuations in evaporative fraction and surface temperature are relatively large. INDEX TERMS: 1818 Hydrology: Evapotranspiration; 1833 Hydrology: Hydroclimatology; 1866 Hydrology: Soil moisture; 3322 Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics: Land/ atmosphere interactions; KEYWORDS: soil moisture, ground heat flux, soil temperature, net radiation, evapotranspiration, land-atmosphere interactions
THE SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL EDUCATION: Class, Status, and Party Influences on Occupational Closure, 1902–1919

Applying Weber's theorizing on action and stratification, this study examines whether the early 20th-century extinction of half of the medical schools in the United States resulted from actions intended to serve class, status, and party interests by achieving social closure. Analyses reveal closure intentions in the school ratings assigned by the American Medical Association, although not in the recommendations in the 1910 Carnegie-sponsored Flexner report. In contrast to claims that schools failed largely because of economic exigencies, analyses indicate that failures were influenced by the AMA's and Flexner's assessments, as well as by state regulatory regimes and school characteristics.
Posttranslational Oxidative Modifications of Proteins

This manuscript represents an update to our previous article in this encyclopedia, focusing on posttranslational oxidative protein modifications. This update focuses specifically on the development of enrichment strategies for oxidatively modified peptides and/or proteins for proteomic applications and on the improvement of mass spectrometric characterization of peptides containing oxidative modifications.