cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Isotopes 241 Cf and 240 Cf

Two new isotopes of californium have been identified through bombardments of $^{235}\mathrm{U}$, $^{234}\mathrm{U}$, and $^{233}\mathrm{U}$ with $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ ions from the Oak Ridge isochronous cyclotron. They decay with half-lives of 3.78 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.70 and 1.06 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.15 min and with the emission of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles of 7.335 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.005 and 7.590 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.010 MeV, respectively. Analysis of the excitation functions for these $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emitters favors the assignment of mass 241 to the former and mass 240 to the latter; also, the 7.335-MeV activity was shown to be chemically similar to californium. New values for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particle energies of $^{242}\mathrm{Cf}$ were obtained: 7.385 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.004 and 7.351 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.006 MeV, assigned, respectively, to $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-decay transitions to the ground and first excited states of $^{238}\mathrm{Cm}$.
Air traffic communications in routine and emergency contexts: A case study of Flight 1549 ‘miracle on the Hudson’ ☆

Abstract This paper is a conversation analytic investigation of Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications with U.S. Air Flight 1549 and other flights before, during, and after a critical emergency in which the plane (safely) landed in the Hudson River. While foundational conversation analytic research on air traffic communications has already been done, this method has not yet been systematically applied to air traffic communications during actual emergencies. This project will therefore fill a gap in previous research by analyzing ATC/plane interactions during an actual emergency and investigating whether routinized procedures alone are the most effective when emergency situations occur. I will show how routine interactional conventions in this work setting (e.g., the use of scripted talk and ‘positional’ grammar) help participants to maintain the safe flow of air traffic and to accommodate emergencies when they occur. I will show that during the critical emergency the ATCO and the pilot of Flight 1549 switched from a routinized (scripted) form of interaction to a conversational form of interaction, and at times to a ‘hybrid’ format which combined elements of routine ATC talk with elements of the speech exchange system of ordinary conversation.
Reflections on Patricia Cranton's work as mentor and friend

Scholar, mentor, and humanist, Patricia Cranton touched the lives of numerous scholars and students, and leaves a formidable legacy to the field of education. Her passing in early 2016 left a significant gap in many lives and an important legacy in the adult education literature. This article provides an account of Patricia Cranton's influential contributions to the field of Education from the perspective of an international colleague and friend. It reveals aspects of mentoring and contributions to lifelong and lifewide learning. The article brings to the fore the wisdom she imparted through her publications in addition to noting some of the awards of highest order Patricia Cranton received during her life time.
Topical tacrolimus for the treatment of secondary lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema, a life-long complication of cancer treatment, currently has no cure. Lymphedema patients have decreased quality of life and recurrent infections with treatments limited to palliative measures. Accumulating evidence indicates that T cells play a key role in the pathology of lymphedema by promoting tissue fibrosis and inhibiting lymphangiogenesis. Here using mouse models, we show that topical therapy with tacrolimus, an anti-T-cell immunosuppressive drug, is highly effective in preventing lymphedema development and treating established lymphedema. This intervention markedly decreases swelling, T-cell infiltration and tissue fibrosis while significantly increasing formation of lymphatic collaterals with minimal systemic absorption. Animals treated with tacrolimus have markedly improved lymphatic function with increased collecting vessel contraction frequency and decreased dermal backflow. These results have profound implications for lymphedema treatment as topical tacrolimus is FDA-approved for other chronic skin conditions and has an established record of safety and tolerability.
Lessons Learned from Working with Roy J. Lewicki

This article includes four essays in tribute to our colleague, Roy J. Lewicki, recipient of the International Association for Conflict Management 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award. Although he has made many contributions to the conflict and negotiation literature, we focus in particular on our experiences in collaborating with him on his research on leader influence on subordinate discretionary behavior, interpersonal trust, framing in environmental conflicts, and negotiation pedagogy. Each essay describes key lessons we learned from Roy. The end of the article features a closing commentary by Roy.
Inducible, tunable and multiplex human gene regulation using CRISPR-Cpf1-based transcription factors

Targeted and inducible regulation of mammalian gene expression is a broadly important research capability that may also enable development of novel therapeutics for treating human diseases. Here we demonstrate that a catalytically inactive RNA-guided CRISPR-Cpf1 nuclease fused to transcriptional activation domains can up-regulate endogenous human gene expression. We engineered drug-inducible Cpf1-based activators and show how this system can be used to tune the regulation of endogenous gene transcription in human cells. Leveraging the simpler multiplex capability of the Cpf1 platform, we show that we can induce both synergistic and combinatorial gene expression in human cells. Our work should enable the creation of other Cpf1-based gene regulatory fusion proteins and the development of multiplex gene perturbation library screens for understanding complex cellular phenotypes.
The Organizational Trace of an Insurgent Moment: Occupy Wall Street and New York City’s Social Movement Field, 2004 to 2015

The relationship between social movements and formal organizations has long been a concern to scholars of collective action. Many have argued that social movement organizations (SMOs) provide resou...
Abstract 1422: Enhancing the therapeutic effects of PARP inhibitors in combination DNA methyl transferase inhibitors, using low doses of ionizing radiation in non small cell lung cancers

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Treatment most commonly relies on ionizing radiation (IR) and platinum-based DNA damaging agents, but long-term survival is poor and patients tend to suffer chronic side-effects due to the high radiation dose to the surrounding normal tissues. Therefore, new treatments are needed that can be used in combination lower radiation doses. We have recently reported that low, non-cytotoxic doses Poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) Talazoparib in combination with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) Decitabine (DAC) or azacytidine (AZA) significantly increase cytotoxicity in acute myeloid leukemia and breast cancer models in vitro and anti-tumor effects in vivo. Simultaneous administration of both inhibitors result in increased PARP binding in DNA, leading to higher levels of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), yielding increased cytotoxicity, compared with each agent treatment alone. We first studied the efficacy of Talazoparib and AZA combination therapy in multiple NSCLC cell lines (A549, H358 and H838) in vitro through colony forming assays. Results showed, compared to single agent treatments, combination drug treatment significantly decreased colony formation. Cell viability was also significantly decreased with the drug combination in MTS assays (P Citation Format: Christopher Biondi, Daniel Fontaine, Lora Stojanovic, Pratik Nagaria, Rena Lapidus, Eun Yong Choi, Javed Mahmood, Stephen Baylin, Feyruz V. Rassool. Enhancing the therapeutic effects of PARP inhibitors in combination DNA methyl transferase inhibitors, using low doses of ionizing radiation in non small cell lung cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1422. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1422
Early Outcomes of a Multilevel Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Pilot Intervention in Federally Qualified Health Centers

Abstract Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage in the United States remains low compared with other adolescent vaccines. As the largest primary care network in the United States, safety net clinics such as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) serve patients at a disproportionate risk of HPV-related cancers. In this pilot project, the American Cancer Society (ACS) leveraged its primary care workforce to implement quality improvement interventions in the unique context of 30 FQHC systems across the country, including 130 clinic sites reaching >20,000 adolescents in a variety of geographic settings. Methods FQHC systems were randomly selected to receive either a $90,000 2-year grant, a $10,000 3-month grant, or training and technical assistance without funding. All 3 intervention groups conducted provider training and education, completed a capacity assessment tool, and measured HPV vaccination rates. Annual HPV vaccine series initiation and completion rates for active, 11- to 12-year-old patients were measured to evaluate project outcomes. Results HPV vaccine series initiation rates among 11- to 12-year-old patients increased by 14.6 percentage points from a baseline of 41.2% before the intervention (2014) to the intervention year (2015). Changes in HPV second dose and series completion rates were not statistically significant. Meningococcal and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccination rates also increased significantly, by 13.9 and 9.9 percentage points from baseline rates of 49.1% and 52.5%, respectively. Conclusions The first year of this pilot project showed early success, particularly with HPV vaccine series initiation. On the basis of these promising results, ACS is expanding clinical quality improvement projects to increase HPV vaccination across the country.
Beyond 'Sex Slaves' and 'Tiny Terrorists': Toward a More Nuanced Understanding of Human Trafficking Crimes Perpetrated by Da’esh

This article addresses sex trafficking committed by the terrorist group Da’esh in the Syrian Arab Republic and its neighboring Republic of Iraq. It proposes primarily that sex trafficking perpetrated by Da’esh falls into at least two unique categories of trafficking — “combat trafficking” and “institutional trafficking” — that require markedly different legal responses in order to ensure accountability and justice. The article outlines the divergent factual patterns and characteristics of each form of trafficking, exploring how “combat trafficking” occurs through the active invasion of territory, whereby Da’esh forcibly captures women and girls and subjects them to sexual slavery, and how “institutional trafficking” occurs outside the active conflict, whereby Da’esh recruits women and girls to join the group and subjects them to forced marriage and domestic servitude. It discusses how institutional trafficking has been largely overlooked in discussions of accountability for Da'esh's trafficking crimes. This article then argues for accountability for institutional trafficking under the international system of Transnational Criminal Law (“TCL”). It delineates how the crime of trafficking has been interpreted and defined to date within this system and how that definition applies to Da’esh’s acts of institutional trafficking. It explains how TCL is best suited to addressing this form of trafficking. The article then argues that full accountability for perpetrators of this form of trafficking is two-fold, requiring recognition of the crime and enforcement of the criminalization of it. Notably, it ties the necessity of recognition to the issue that survivors of combat trafficking to date are more often treated and assisted as victims of violence while survivors of institutional trafficking are often condemned as terrorists and criminalized. It addresses this discrepant experience, calling for solutions that afford all survivors justice, support, and resources. This article concludes that it is only with regard to the broad base of Da’esh’s sexual and gender-based crimes that the international community’s response to the crimes committed in the conflict can ever be considered adequate or complete.
A nonlinear packing model for multi-sized particle mixtures

Abstract Linear packing models are commonly used to predict the specific volume of a packing mixture composed of several size classes of particles. In a linear packing model, the specific volume of a packing mixture is a linear function of the volume fractions of each size class of particles. However, predictions from linear packing model have been observed to deviate from measured experimental results of both binary and ternary mixtures. For some cases, the deviation is significant. The concept of dominant size is an important element in the packing model. In the linear packing model, the dominant size is assumed to be one of the size class of the particle mixture. However, this assumption is not suitable for mixtures of particles with certain solid volume fractions. In the present model, we recognized that the dominant skeleton is composed of more than one class of particles. To represent the state of dominant skeleton, we hypothesize a dominant size, which is a continuous variable. Using this hypothesis, a non-linear packing model is developed. The proposed model is evaluated by experimental results obtained from binary mixtures of sand-silt and ternary mixtures of steel ball bearings, steel shots, glass beads, and washed sand. Comparison of the predicted and measured results indicates that this model is able to capture the non-linear behavior of density variation with respect to solid volume fractions.
Secessionism and the state: Violence in a non-violent conflict

One crucial event has taken place between our roundtable on “Secessionism and the State: Violence in a Non-violent Conflict” in May of 2017 and now, December of 2017, when I am about to submit my t...
Functionals of a Wiener Process

The purpose of this chapter is to derive representations of square-integrable functionals on Wiener space. This is a topic of importance in the theory of nonlinear prediction and filtering. The three main results in the literature derive for a square-integrable functional of a Wiener process (see definition below) (a) An L 2-convergent expansion in terms of Hermite functionals—Cameron-Martin (b) An L 2-convergent expansion in terms of multiple Wiener integrals—Ito (c) An Ito stochastic integral representation.
Systems Management for Information Technology and Software Engineering

Systems Engineering Process Lifecycles. Risk Management. Systematic Measurements. Systematic Assessments of Cost. Strategic Quality Assurance and Management. Organizational Leadership, Cultures, and Process Maturity. Reengineering. Index.
Gas Chromatography of Free and Conjugated Estrogens in Blood Plasma

Several studies describing estrogen levels in blood have been reported (1, 2, 3). These studies have evaluated the total concentration rather than differentiating between free and conjugated estrogens. A preliminary report (4) from this laboratory showed the concentrations of estrone, estradiol-17s and estriol in the free, sulfate, and glucosiduronate fractions of extracts of blood plasma. The present report describes the methods used for determination of estrogens from these fractions by GLC.
Understanding the Relationship between Mathematics and Science Coursework Patterns.

Background/ContextThere has been little research on the relationship between mathematics and science coursework in secondary school.Purpose of StudyThe present analysis explored the patterns of sci...
Novel real-time PCR assays for genomic group identification of tick-borne relapsing fever species Borrelia hermsii.

Abstract Borrelia hermsii is a non-Lyme borreliosis pathogen that is responsible for causing tick-borne relapsing fever in humans and animals in the western United States. B. hermsii has been described to encompass two divergent genomic groups, GGI and GGII, which have been suggested to maintain a unique geographical distribution and potential range of pathogenicity. Though the genomic groups have been extensively documented in the literature, a real-time PCR tool for identifying these genomic groups is lacking. This study describes the development and validation of two flaB -based quantitative real-time PCR assays for differentiating between the two genomic groups of B. hermsii while also maintaining specificity against other closely related Borrelia species. The diagnostic specificity of the assays were evaluated using a large panel of various Borrelia species, including a collection of 22 B. hermsii culture isolates purified from various hosts. The high sensitivity and specificity of the assays provide a useful tool for supporting future studies aimed at evaluating the geographical distribution as well as potential intraspecies pathogenicity within arthropod vectors and mammalian hosts.
Microbial Transformations: The Japanese Domestication of Penicillin Production, 1946–1951

The domestication of penicillin production in Japan was a priority for the Allied occupation government (1945–1952) immediately after World War II, since manufacturing the drug using raw materials available locally would lower the cost of the occupation. In place of employing the analytical concept of technology transfer, this article explores processes of domestication ( kokusanka ) using the records of the Japan Penicillin Research Association (Nihon penishirin gakujutsu kyōgikai), an interdisciplinary academic association set up to mediate between government policy and industrial manufacturers, and which directed research in the critical early years of penicillin production. I argue that an examination of the occupation period is especially revealing of the contribution of indigenous knowledge from the World War II and prewar periods to the development of microbiology during Japan’s “economic miracle” (1950s to early 1970s), and I highlight the intellectual dimensions that were specific to Japanese science by comparison with other national cases of penicillin domestication. Beyond the transfer of submerged culture fermentation technology for antibiotic mass production, a distinctive engagement with agricultural chemistry’s longstanding perception of microbes—as alchemists of the environment, with the ability to transform resource scarcity into productive abundance—organized the knowledge by which penicillin scientists made the domestic environment work, and deeply shaped antibiotic research in the subsequent decades in Japan.
BLUEWATER EYE: using satellite as a low cost water pollution sensor: analytics for deriving long term pollution insights based on mapping water turbidity

Bluewater EYE analytics bring the power of remote sensing backed by artificial intelligence to address several water pollution related challenges at low cost as it requires minimal calibration with Internet of Things (IoT) data and can provide useful water quality insights via spatio-temporal pollution signatures mapped over possibly large distances, applicable to any global water body. We leverage geo-spatial data analytics in combination with cloud based, real-time in-situ sensing, that is capable of mapping changes in water turbidity of a water resource. Spatio-temporal pollution insights are derived and represented via color-based heatmaps and matrices that are overlaid on Google maps and facilitate visualization and identification of pollution hotspots. Methods include first-order correlations derived from surface reflectance of different satellite band/s (single or a normalized difference combination) and high resolution, geo-tagged, in-situ turbidity sensing via a moving multi-parameter sensor platform. Significant improvements in correlation (upto 80%) were obtained by using statistical methods such as moving average for filtering out the sensing data associated noise. Moreover, we use machine learning based approach for training a turbidity model based on Support vector machine (SVM) regression with Radial Basis Kernel (RBF). The predicted turbidity values for the selected region based on Landsat 8 Level 2 surface reflectance data, was then applied for time-series data for historical years of 2016 and 2017. The turbidity time series so obtained is analyzed to capture any significant variations in water quality due to various factors (event or season based). We propose a method to analyze pollution contributions from different individual sources, that is based on assigning an individual spatio-temporal signature in the form of a color-coded matrix. Overall, Bluewater EYE could be useful for capturing water quality spatio-temporal information and trends, providing data driven proofs for timely alerts and advisory and other useful insights for implementation of appropriate remediation measures and interventions– all this at an affordable cost.
The Clean Air Act's Blind Spot: Microclimates and Hotspot Pollution

The Clean Air Act (CAA) has delivered enormous pollution reductions in its almost fifty-year history, produced huge health benefits, and saved thousands of lives. Its ambient focus has led to the almost complete elimination of lead and dramatic drops in the other pollutants it regulates. Nevertheless, the CAA has a major blind spot: small “microclimates” that contain levels of deadly pollutants that can far exceed federal standards. These hotspots contain pollutants that exacerbate asthma, increase respiratory and cardiac deaths, may cause developmental problems in children, and increase cancer risks. The most prevalent of these pollution hotspots occur in predictable patterns around heavily trafficked roads and industrial facilities. Low-income communities and communities of color are much more likely to live in polluted microclimates and suffer health effects as a result. This Article argues that the ambient focus of the CAA, which requires the monitoring and regulation of large air districts to produce background levels of pollution that meet stringent federal standards, actually masks pollution hotspots. Residents who live in air districts that receive the imprimatur of “attainment” under the CAA may nevertheless experience air quality that is considerably worse than federal air standards. Paradoxically, residents of air districts that are out of attainment, even with extreme designations, may be breathing background air that is cleaner than residents in attainment zones who are exposed to hotspot pollution. Our regulatory system helps shape our understanding of health and safety risks, in other words, in ways that are inconsistent with scientific reality. Unfortunately, using the traditional CAA mechanisms, primarily the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), to regulate conventional pollutants is an awkward fit for hotspot pollution. States are the primary regulators of these pollutants, yet they have little authority over the biggest causes of hotspot pollution: cars, heavy-duty trucks, and other vehicles. Nevertheless, the Article offers suggestions for how states and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may be able to address microclimate pollution using existing statutory authority. Indeed the most effective strategy for dramatically reducing hotspot pollution, electrifying the transportation fleet, also happens to be one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing the immediate health benefits that greening the fleet would deliver could make action on climate change mitigation more palatable.
The Organization of a Physiotherapy Department for Industrial Accident Cases

(1921). The Organization of a Physiotherapy Department for Industrial Accident Cases. American Physical Education Review: Vol. 26, No. 8, pp. 359-361.
Far-red radiation interacts with relative and absolute blue and red photon flux densities to regulate growth, morphology, and pigmentation of lettuce and basil seedlings

Abstract Although outside the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) waveband (400–700 nm), far-red (FR; 700–800 nm) radiation regulates photomorphogenesis and photochemistry, thereby meriting consideration in sole-source plant-lighting applications. We investigated how FR radiation interacted with the ratio of blue (B; 400–500 nm) to red (R; 600–700 nm) radiation (B:R) (experiment I) and PPFD (experiment II) to regulate seedling growth under sole-source lighting. We postulated that adding FR radiation to B + R radiation would increase leaf expansion and thus radiation capture to promote whole-plant photosynthesis, but that FR effects would depend on B:R and PPFD. In experiment I, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) ‘Rex’ and ‘Cherokee’ and basil (Ocimum basilicum) ‘Genovese’ were continuously irradiated by 180 μmol m–2 s–1 of B and/or R radiation [B30R150 (low B:R), B90R90 (high B:R), R180, or B180, where subscripts indicate respective photon flux densities in μmol m–2 s–1] with or without 30 μmol m–2 s–1 of FR radiation. Twelve and 16 days after seed sow for lettuce and basil, respectively, the addition of FR radiation increased leaf length and shoot weight of all crops with more pronounced impacts under high B:R than low B:R. It also increased root dry weight of basil and lettuce ‘Cherokee’. Adding FR to B + R radiation reduced specific chlorophyll content in lettuce by 10–20%, but not in basil. Red pigmentation of lettuce ‘Cherokee’ increased with increasing B:R but decreased with the inclusion of FR radiation. In experiment II, we grew lettuce ‘Rex’ (for 8 days) and ‘Rouxai’ (for 10 days) under B90R90 (low PPFD) or B180R180 (high PPFD) at the same B:R with or without FR radiation at 30 or 75 μmol m–2 s–1. Additional FR radiation increased lettuce shoot weight and extension growth but reduced relative specific chlorophyll content under both PPFDs, although FR effects were attenuated under the high PPFD. Shoot dry weight, relative specific chlorophyll content, and red foliage pigmentation increased with PPFD. We conclude that FR enrichment improves photosynthetic radiation capture and thus promotes crop growth under sole-source lighting, and that its effects are especially pronounced under high B:R and a low PPFD.
Designing a Socially Assistive Robot for Long-Term In-Home Use for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Socially assistive robotics (SAR) research has shown great potential for supplementing and augmenting therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the vast majority of SAR research has been limited to short-term studies in highly controlled environments. The design and development of a SAR system capable of interacting autonomously in situ for long periods of time involves many engineering and computing challenges. This paper presents the design of a fully autonomous SAR system for long-term, in-home use with children with ASD. We address design decisions based on robustness and adaptability needs, discuss the development of the robot’s character and interactions, and provide insights from the month-long, in-home data collections with children with ASD. This work contributes to a larger research program that is exploring how SAR can be used for enhancing the social and cognitive development of children with ASD.
The UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5 Brief Form: A Screening Tool for Trauma-Exposed Youths.

Objective Children and adolescents who experience potentially traumatic events are at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although psychometrically sound measures are now available to assess these youths, brief tools are currently needed for screening purposes. Two studies were conducted to develop and validate the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5–Brief Form (RI-5-BF). Method Study 1 used item response theory models to derive the RI-5-BF from the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5 and assess its internal consistency using a sample of 486 trauma-exposed youths (mean age = 13.32 years, SD = 2.90) recruited through a practice research network. Study 2 used receiver operating characteristic analyses and diagnostic efficiency statistics to assess the discriminant-groups validity and clinical utility of the RI-5-BF in identifying children at different levels of PTSD risk using a sample of 41 treatment-seeking youths (mean age = 12.44 years, SD = 2.99). Results In study 1, item response theory models identified the 11 most informative items across their respective subscales. The RI-5-BF exhibited excellent internal consistency in both studies (α > .93). In study 2, receiver operating characteristic analyses indicated that an RI-5-BF score of 21 maximized sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, diagnostic likelihood ratios across multiple levels of scores provided support for the measure’s clinical utility in identifying different levels of PTSD risk. Conclusion These findings provide support for both the psychometric properties of the RI-5-BF as a brief screening measure for PTSD in children and adolescents and its utility for identifying youths meriting further assessment and consideration for treatment.
Overview of Some Advances in Higher Order Frequency-Domain CEM Techniques

We present some advances in several major components of higher order computational electromagnetics (CEM) techniques based on the finite element method (FEM) and the method of moments (MoM) in the surface integral equation (SIE) formulation in the frequency domain. Examples include a novel singularity extraction technique for curvilinear MoM-SIE integration and novel application of adaptive FEM discretization refinement based on adjoint-informed error estimation.
F0 as a secondary cue for consonant aspiration in Mandarin Chinese

Previous studies on stop production in Mandarin Chinese have reported conflicting results on consonant-induced F0 perturbation (e.g., Xu and Xu, 2003, Luo, 2018). This study investigates whether Mandarin listeners use F0 information as a cue for consonant aspiration when F0 perturbation is limited and inconsistent in production. Specifically, we examine Mandarin listeners' perception of phonological /th/-/t/ contrast, focusing on how voice onset time (VOT) and post-stop F0 influence their perceptual judgments. Mandarin listeners heard /tu/∼/thu/ syllables with the initial stop co-varying in its VOT and post-stop F0 in the four lexical tone contexts, and were asked to identify the syllable they heard. Results demonstrate Mandarin listeners relied mainly on VOT for /th/-/t/ contrast, but the effect of VOT interacted with post-stop F0 and lexical tone. F0 did not influence the perceptual judgments when VOT was unambiguous. However, when VOT was ambiguous, Mandarin listeners identified the stops with high F0 as /th/, and those with low F0 as /t/. Lexical tones mediated this effect: Tones with low pitch onset elicited more unaspirated responses than those with high pitch onset. These findings suggest that Mandarin listeners use F0 as a secondary cue for consonant aspiration, but to different extent in different lexical tones.
The Inescapable Effects of Parent Support on Black Males and HIV Testing

Focusing on parental communication is a promising way to extend the reach of HIV-related interventions and prevention programs to underserved adolescents and their families in the US. One highly relevant population in need of services is Black males who constitute more than one-third of all new HIV infection cases in the US. We sought to determine whether the family context (i.e., parent support, parent relationships) impacted HIV testing over time. For this study, we used the first and third waves of the Add Health restricted dataset from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health of Black males (average age 16.1 years). Descriptive statistics found that over 75% of the sample had never been tested for HIV/AIDS, while only 58% reported using a condom. Bivariate regression analysis followed by multinomial analysis was conducted to identify the factors that were associated with the likelihood of one-time or continued HIV/AIDS testing. Major study findings indicate that Black males, who reported positive parent support and/or had visited the doctor, were more likely to get tested for HIV/AIDS. Males who had parents or peers that possessed negative attitudes about sex were less likely to get tested for HIV. The findings of this study suggest several implications for prevention and intervention aimed at optimal ways to increase HIV testing among Black males warranting further investigation.
Morality, Deterrability, and Offender Decision Making

Deterrence describes a process in which perceived risks and rewards influence offending decisions, whereas deterrability refers to the capacity or inclination to engage in this process. There are a...
Alexa, What Should I Eat? : A Personalized Virtual Nutrition Coach for Native American Diabetes Patients Using Amazon’s Smart Speaker Technology

Native Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes and diabetes complications. To control this disease, self-management, especially diet management is very important. There have appeared many electronic tools to help diabetic patients to manage their diet and control their blood glucose level. However, due to their lack of consideration of the special requirement of this ethical group, these tools are not well-accepted by Native American communities. In this paper, we propose a culturally appropriate tool to help this population to manage their disease. Specifically, we propose a voice-based Artificial Intelligence-powered virtual assistant to help Native American diabetic patients to manage their daily diet, and to learn food and nutrition-related knowledge. Voice is the most natural communication modality and it is easy to use without any technical background. In addition, the communication and recommendation provided by the system are personalized based on each user’s physical, social, and cultural profile. Therefore, it would be easy to be accepted by the target audience. The proposed virtual assistant has been implemented on the Amazon Alexa platform. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated the usefulness of the virtual assistant.
Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy—Methods, Rationale, Outcomes, and Future Directions

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) describes a contemporary external beam radiotherapy method that utilizes hypofractionation, delivering a small number of large doses per fraction, potentially exploiting a radiobiologic advantage unique to prostate cancer, whose cells are thought to have a high sensitivity to fraction size. Although prostate cancer may have a greater sensitivity to fraction size than surrounding normal tissues such as rectum and bladder, translating to a theoretical therapeutic ratio improvement by SBRT hypofractionation, these surrounding normal tissues also have a relatively high sensitivity to fraction size, meaning they too are potentially damaged by large dose per fraction radiotherapy treatment. As such, tight margins and extreme accuracy are also a necessary prerequisite when delivering hypofractionated radiation treatment. Several very precise radiotherapy delivery technologies have emerged that satisfy this technical requirement, including both image-guided noncoplanar and image-guided or electromagnetic-guided gantry based systems. Considering the relatively narrow margins and high purported central biologic potency of SBRT, there are three different potential uses of this modality against prostate cancer: SBRT used as monotherapy for clinically localized lesions that have a minimal risk of tumor extension beyond the immediate peri-prostatic region SBRT used as a prostate boost, in conjunction with wider field “conventional” pelvic radiotherapy, against high-risk lesions that have a substantially greater risk of tumor extension beyond the immediate peri-prostatic region (i.e.—significant risk of positive seminal vesicles, lymph nodes) SBRT used as a narrow margin salvage method used against recurrent prostate cancer—either following failed prior prostate radiotherapy (local retreatment) or against limited metastatic foci.
The role of dopamine signaling in prairie vole peer relationships.

Abstract Dopamine signaling mediates the formation of some types of social relationships, including reproductive pair bonds in the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). In addition to these pair bonds with mates, prairie voles demonstrate selective preferences for familiar same-sex peers. The dependence of peer relationships on dopamine signaling has not been tested, and the mechanisms supporting these relationships may differ from those underlying pair bonds. We examined the effects of pharmacological manipulations of dopamine signaling on peer partner preference and socially conditioned place preference in female prairie voles. Haloperidol blockade of dopamine receptors at multiple doses did not alter selective preferences for familiar same-sex partners, suggesting that dopamine neurotransmission is not necessary for the formation of prairie vole peer relationships, unlike mate relationships. Dopamine receptor agonist apomorphine facilitated peer partner preferences under conditions normally insufficient for partner preference formation; however, in the absence of effects from blockade, it is difficult to distinguish between a role for dopamine in partner preference formation and the generally rewarding properties of a dopamine agonist. Prairie voles exhibited socially conditioned place preferences for new but not long-term same-sex peers, and these preferences were not blocked by haloperidol. These results suggest that prairie vole peer relationships are less dependent on dopamine signaling than pair bonds, while still being rewarding. The data support distinct roles of dopamine and motivation in prairie vole peer relationships relative to mate relationships, suggesting that reproductive bonds are mediated differently from non-reproductive ones.
CowN sustains nitrogenase turnover in the presence of the inhibitor carbon monoxide.

Nitrogenase is the only enzyme capable of catalyzing nitrogen fixation, the reduction of dinitrogen gas (N2) to ammonia (NH3). Nitrogenase is tightly inhibited by the environmental gas carbon monoxide (CO). Nitrogen-fixing bacteria rely on the protein CowN to grow in the presence of CO. However, the mechanism by which CowN operates is unknown. Here, we present the biochemical characterization of CowN and examine how CowN protects nitrogenase from CO. We determine that CowN interacts directly with nitrogenase and that CowN protection observes hyperbolic kinetics with respect to CowN concentration. At a CO concentration of 0.001 atm, CowN restores nearly full nitrogenase activity. Our results further indicate that CowN's protection mechanism involves decreasing the binding affinity of CO to nitrogenase's active site approximately tenfold without interrupting substrate turnover. Taken together, our work suggests CowN is an important auxiliary protein in nitrogen fixation that engenders CO tolerance to nitrogenase.
Active Cross-Commutated (ACC) Buck Converter

To address the hard-switching issue of conventional buck converter and high voltage/current stress issue of soft-switched converter like resonant cross-commutated buck converter, a new soft-switched dc-dc topology with two-phase operation is proposed in this work. The ac current generated from the floating half-bridge of one phase is injected into the switching node of another phase to realize zero-voltage switching for all MOSFETs and zero-current switching for the low-side MOSFETs. This method is named as active cross-commutation (Acc). The benefits of AccBuck converter include soft switching, low voltage stress of low-side switches, low current stress for all switches, and fixed switching frequency. The operation principles with and without parasitic output capacitance (Coss) are analyzed by using the state-plane method. Clamped diodes are added to reduce the Coss-related ringing. The analytical formula of voltage gain is derived, which is related to the duty ratio, Coss, inductance, load current, and switching frequency. A prototype was fabricated to demonstrate the proposed converter. During the fixed-duty-ratio operation, the converter achieves 97.8% peak efficiency and 1410 W/in3 power density at 50 A output current, 54 V input, and 9 V output. The calculated load line and regulation capability are also verified experimentally.
Supporting the pursuit of professionalism during a crisis

Background Crisis plans for healthcare organisations most often focus on operational needs including staffing, supplies and physical plant needs. Less attention is focused on how leaders can support and encourage individual clinical team members to conduct themselves as professionals during a crisis. Methods This qualitative study analysed observations from 79 leaders at 160 hospitals that participate in two national professionalism programmes who shared their observations in focus group discussions about what they believed were the essential elements of leading and addressing professional accountability during a crisis. Results Analysis of focus group responses identified six leadership practices adopted by healthcare organisations, which were felt to be essential for organisations to navigate the crisis successfully. Unique aspects of maintaining professionalism during each phase of the pandemic were identified and described. Conclusions Leaders need a plan to support an organiation’s pursuit of professionalism during a crisis. Leaders participating in this study identified practices that should be carefully woven into efforts to support the ongoing safety and quality of the care delivered by healthcare organisations before, during and after a crisis. The lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic may be useful during subsequent crises and challenges that a healthcare organisation might experience.
Measures of Personality and Social Psychological Attitudes: An Index to the Instruments and Their Authors.

This index is intended to facilitate finding information on instruments discussed in Robinson, Shaver, and Wrightsman (1991). The book has a detailed table of contents, but no index. When required to find information quickly on a particular instrucment, librarians and researchers would rather consult an index than peruse a lengthy table of contents.
Methods for Neural Ensemble Recordings

Neuroscientists have long recognized the importance of understanding the underlying principles of information processing by large populations of neurons. Methods for Neural Ensemble Recordings explores methods for using electrophysiological techniques for monitoring the concurrent activity of ensembles of single neurons. Since current methods allow one to simultaneously record the extracellular activity of up to 100-150 neurons for days or even weeks, neural ensemble recordings have been used to address long-standing issues in development, learning, memory, sensorimotor integration, sensory information processing, and neuronal plasticity.This title examines the many possible applications for this revolutionarymethod. Each chapter offers a step-by-step description for the implementation of a particular technique or experimental paradigm employing simultaneous multiple electrode recordings. The techniques described can be used in applications that impact a large group of life scientists, including: drug screening (pharmacology) in both in vitro and in vivo preparations, developmental studies and studies of neuronal plasticity, chronic monitoring of neuronal function in behavioral studies, physiological monitoring of neuronal activity in cell cultures and brain slices, physiological monitoring of neuronal activity in neurons trafected with genetic vectors, and chronic monitoring of physiological changes in populations of neurons during learning of new sensorimotor and cognitive tasks.
Dual-frequency comb measurements of atmospheric absorption: Comparison with HITRAN database parameters

Near-infrared frequency-comb spectroscopy is used to measure CO 2 absorption over a 2-km outdoor path under well-mixed atmospheric conditions. We compare integrated area, linecenter, and Lorentz widths extracted from Voigt fits to the data with HITRAN. Work of the U.S. government, not subject to copyright.
Mechanism of Action of Ribonucleic Acid-directed Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerase I. TRANSCRIPTION OF GLOBIN MESSENGER RIBONUCLEIC ACID

Abstract The synthesis of DNA complementary to rabbit globin mRNA by the enzyme RNA-directed DNA polymerase (from avian myeloblastosis virus) has been studied. The reaction is dependent on mRNA as template, oligo(dT) as primer, and the four deoxynucleoside triphosphates as substrates. The 28 S, 18 S, and 4 S RNA are not effective templates; oligo(dG), oligo(dC), and oligo(dA) are not effective primers. The product of the reaction is a DNA-RNA hybrid, the DNA of which has an electrophoretic mobility of 7 to 10 S. The DNA hybridizes with globin 10 S mRNA but not with 28 S, 18 S, or 4 S RNA, nor does it hybridize with an 8 to 12 S RNA fraction isolated from rabbit liver polysomes. Thus, the RNA-directed DNA polymerase is capable of synthesizing a DNA molecule complementary to globin mRNA; however, based on its size the product does not appear to be a complete copy of the RNA template. Using rabbit reticulocyte 10 S globin mRNA or rabbit liver mRNA as template the RNA-directed DNA polymerase can synthesize poly(dT) when dTTP is the only substrate present; no reaction occurs in the presence of any other single deoxynucleoside triphosphate. A high molecular weight poly(dT) polymer is formed, presumably transcribed from the poly(A) region of the mRNA. Thus, under some conditions, the enzyme may "slip" during transcription so that parts of the RNA are transcribed more than once in the synthesis of a single DNA molecule.
Optical band gap and lattice constant of Cd/sub x/Zn/sub 1-x/ Se/sub y/S/sub 1-y/ thin film alloys for heterojunction photovoltaic cells

The fabrication and characterization of thin film quaternary alloys of Cd/sub x/Zn/sub 1-x/Se/sub y/S/sub 1-y/ from combinations of the II-VI binaries are discussed. Measurements were made of optical bandgaps and lattice constants of the quaternary alloys by spectrophotometry and X-ray diffractometry, respectively, as a function of composition. The optical bandgaps range from 1.68 to 3.66 eV, and the lattice constants range from 5.41 to 6.05 AA. A matrix of optical bandgaps and lattice constants for the quaternary alloys is presented, from which one can choose a junction partner for a given absorber in a heterojunction photovoltaic cell. >
Sequence Analysis of the Washington/1964 strain of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 1 (HPIV1) and Recovery and Characterization of Wild Type Recombinant HPIV1 Produced by Reverse Genetics

A complete consensus sequence was determined for the genomic RNA of human parainfluenza virus type 1 (HPIV1) strain Washington/20993/1964 (HPIV1 WASH/64), a clinical isolate that previously was shown to be virulent in adults. The sequence exhibited a high degree of relatedness to both Sendai virus, a PIV1 virus recovered from mice, and human PIV3 (HPIV3) with regard to cis-acting regulatory regions and protein-coding sequences. This consensus sequence was used to generate a full-length antigenomic cDNA and to recover a recombinant wild-type HPIV1 (rHPIV1). Interestingly, the rHPIV1 could be rescued from full-length antigenomic rHPIV1 cDNA using HPIV3 support plasmids, HPIV1 support plasmids, or a mixture thereof. The replication of rHPIV1 in vitro and in the respiratory tract of hamsters was similar to that of its biologically derived parent virus. The similar biological properties of rHPIV1 and HPIV1 WASH/64 in vitro and in vivo, together with the previous demonstration of the virulence of this specific isolate in humans, authenticates the rHPIV1 sequence as that of a wild-type virus. This rHPIV1 can now be used to study the biological properties of HPIV1 and as a substrate to introduce attenuating mutations for the generation of live-attenuated HPIV1 vaccine candidates.