cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symmetric Differences Squared and Analysis of Variance Procedures for Estimating Genetic and Environmental Variances and Covariances for Beef Cattle Weaning Weight: II. Estimates from a Data Set

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and symmetric differences squared (SDS) methods were used to estimate additive genetic and environmental variances and covariances associated with weaning weight. The two methods were applied to 503 beef records collected over 19 yr from a relatively unselected university Angus herd. The SDS methodology was used with four models. The first model included direct (g) and maternal (gm) additive genetic effects, the genetic covariance between direct and maternal additive genetic effects (sigma ggm), permanent maternal environmental effects (m) and temporary environmental effects (e). The second model also allowed for a nonzero environmental covariance (sigma mem) between dam and offspring weaning weights. Models 3 and 4 were models 1 and 2, respectively, expanded to include a grandmaternal genetic effect (gn) and covariances sigma ggn and sigma gmgn. Two ANOVA solution sets for the parameters of model 4 were based on sire, dam, maternal grandsire, maternal grandam and phenotypic variances and offspring-dam (covOD), offspring-sire (covOS), offspring-grandam (covOGD) and offspring-maternal half-aunt or uncle (covOMH) covariances. Four ANOVA solution sets for the parameters of model 2 were based on sire, dam, within dam and maternal grandsire variances, covOD and either covOS or covOGD. Symmetric differences squared estimates of h2g and h2gm averaged .30 and .16, respectively. All SDS estimates of rho ggm (correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects) were less than -1. Estimates of sigma mem were positive. Both SDS estimates and one of the two ANOVA estimates of the grandmaternal variance were negative. The ANOVA model 4 estimates of h2g were .33. The estimates of h2gm were .44 and .39, while the estimates for rho ggm were -.88 and -.80. Both estimates of sigma mem were positive. The four ANOVA model 2 estimates of h2g and h2gm averaged .33 and .48, respectively. Three of the four estimates of rho ggm were less than -.97; the fourth was .35. Three of the four estimates of sigma mem were positive. Expectations show the extent to which SDS and ANOVA estimators were biased by nonzero grandmaternal components that were not accounted for. The extent to which dominance components bias the ANOVA estimators also is shown. Nonzero grandmaternal effects need to be taken into account in either SDS or ANOVA solution sets, or important biases occur with most of the estimators. More numerous, and generally more severe, biases occur with ANOVA estimators than with SDS estimators in solution sets that do not account for grandmaternal effects.
Ethnic differences in micronutrient intake in a rural biethnic population.

Differences in micronutrient intake have been observed between populations of differing socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity. This study reports micronutrient intake among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW) persons in the rural San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. Current diet was assessed for a geographically based sample of 552 Hispanic and 754 NHW adults 30–74 years of age in two counties of rural southern Colorado (1984–1988). Diet was assessed by 24-hour recall. NHWs reported higher mean calorie intakes than Hispanics of both genders. NHWs had greater intakes of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C than Hispanics, after accounting for ethnic differences in gender, age, and calorie intake. Differences in intake by gender were observed within and between ethnic groups. After adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, and calories, we observed no statistically significant trends by SES measures. We conclude that diets of Hispanic adults would benefit from the addition of fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-calcium foods.
Clinical correlations of osteoarthritis associated with a single-base mutation (arginine519 to cysteine) in type II procollagen gene. A newly defined pathogenesis.

Objective. To investigate the occurrence and clinical correlation of the arg519-to-cys mutation in the type II procollagen gene in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods. Sixty-six subjects from 7 families with a strong family history of generalized OA and 13 patients with erosive OA were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Blood samples from 58 subjects in the familial OA group and from all 13 patients with erosive OA were obtained for DNA analysis. Exon 31 of COL2A1, which spans residue 519, was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Results. The arg519-to-cys mutation was detected in 2 of the 7 families with generalized OA. In these 2 families, the mutation was present in the 2 probands and in 19 other clinically affected family members, as well as in 3 (so-far) clinically unaffected family members (ages 25, 14, and 11 years). It was absent in 18 clinically unaffected members tested. The mutation was associated with a distinctive pattern of early-onset, aggressive, generalized OA with a mild spinal chondrodysplasia. Inheritance was autosomal dominant. No mutation was found in any of the patients with erosive OA. Conclusion. The arg519-to-cys mutation defines a new pathogenic factor in generalized OA with characteristic clinical and radiologic features. The demonstration of a mutation in 3 of 8 families with OA studied thus far suggests a significant incidence of genetically related clinical OA.
Oxidized g-C 3 N 4 Nanospheres as Catalytically Photoactive Linkers in MOF/g-C 3 N 4 Composite of Hierarchical Pore Structure

A unique composite of the copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu-benzene tricarboxylic acid (BTC)) with oxidized graphitic carbon nitride nanospheres is synthesized. For comparison, a hybrid material consisting of g-C3 N4 and Cu-BTC is also obtained. Their surface features are analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, sorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results suggest that the formed nanospheres of oxidized g-C3 N4 act as linkers between the copper sites, playing a crucial role in the composite building process. Their incorporation to the Cu-BTC framework causes the development of new mesoporosity. Remarkable alterations in the optical properties, as a result of the coordination of oxygen containing functional groups of the oxidized graphitic carbon nitride to the copper atoms of the framework, suggest an increase in photoreactivity. On the other hand, for the hybrid material consisting of Cu-BTC and g-C3 N4 , the unaltered pore volume and optical properties support the formation of a physical mixture rather than of a composite. The tests on reactive adsorption and detoxification of G-series organophosphate nerve agent surrogate show the enhanced performance of the composite as catalysts and photocatalyst in visible light.
Mapping Religiously, or Religiously Minding the Map?

This essay explores the programmatic pedagogy that has long linked religion and maps. Through comparative juxtaposition of contemporary surfaces, it underscores the degree to which disciplinary constructs continue to shape cartographic representation of religiously defined space. It then examines this contemporary phenomenon in light of the historical role that religion has played in iteratively naming particular geographic landscapes authoritative. Extending the work of Catherine Delano-Smtih on “Maps as Art and Science” (1990; Cf. Maps in Bibles, 1991), it demonstrates the particular merits of melding “change” with “tradition” in a manner that troubles common cartographic nomenclature. Following Harley (in Cartographica 26:1–25, 1989), it simultaneously affirms the importance of deconstructing authoritative surfaces with more mindful utilization of contemporary cartographic tools. As religiously defined landscapes are here ‘re-drawn’ in ways that combine critical historical engagement with sophisticated digital artistry, both the most malleable, and the most stable maps are rendered less emphatic. Re-shaped and re-purposed, these surfaces no longer serve as static harbingers of hegemonic ‘truth’—or malleable registers of cultural idiosyncrasy—but symbolically supple interfaces that temper certainty. Absent an ideological agenda aimed at culturally affirming inherent authority, they effectively demonstrate the usefulness of inverting established pedagogies. As the traditional tactics that have dictated ‘mapping religiously’ are re-deployed, they serve as tools for ‘religiously minding the map.’ Persuasive influence, however, is contingent. Even as ‘the authority inherent in all mapped surfaces’ is re-defined, effective re-configuration remains grounded in shared cartographic assumptions.
Potential impact of a Moraxella catarrhalis vaccine in COPD

Moraxella catarrhalis is the second most common cause of exacerbations in adults with COPD, resulting in enormous morbidity and mortality in this clinical setting. Vaccine development for M. catarrhalis has lagged behind the other two important causes of exacerbations in COPD, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. While no licensed vaccine is currently available for M. catarrhalis, several promising candidate vaccine antigens have been identified and characterized and are close to entering clinical trials. Key steps that are required to advance vaccines for M. catarrhalis along the translational pipeline include standardization of assay systems to assess candidate antigens, identification of a reliable correlate of protection and expansion of partnerships between industry, academia and government to overcome regulatory hurdles. A vaccine to prevent M. catarrhalis infections in COPD would have a major impact in reducing morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in COPD.
Gradient ascent based optimization for a reconfigurable OTA chamber

A reconfigurable over-the-air chamber represents a reverberation chamber whose walls are lined with antennas that are terminated in reconfigurable impedances, allowing synthesis of a wide range of channel conditions for over-the-air testing of mobile wireless devices. While these chambers have potential for practical device testing, finding the right impedances to achieve the desired channel characteristics remains a challenging problem. This work explores the use of a simple gradient ascent optimization algorithm to determine the impedance states that achieve a specified spatial structure in the multipath, as characterized by the multipath power angular spectrum. The results highlight that the optimization is effective for synthesizing a desired power angular spectrum with a directive peak and a relatively low sidelobe level.
Connected Spaces: Helping Makers Know Their Neighbors

This paper presents Connected Spaces (C-S) -- a tool designed to promote collaboration in makerspaces. It also describes a pilot study designed to test C-S's effectiveness in enabling people to seek help from peers. In our pilot, some (but not all) students were able to leverage C-S's affordances. We explore both supporting and mitigating factors, and highlight design features for environments as well as tools to support divergent, open-ended exploration and learning.
Solubility of ZnSe and ZnTe in Ga and In

Abstract Gallium and indium have been found to dissolve ZnSe and ZnTe to appreciable extents at elevated temperatures. T - X phase diagrams were determined which indicate a simple binary system behavior. II–VI crystals were grown utilizing the data, and although heavily donor-doped, they exhibited relatively high resistivities. Attempts to uncompensate the donors resulted in the precipitation of the group III element.
Graphene-vertically aligned carbon nanotube hybrid on PDMS as stretchable electrodes.

Stretchable electrodes are a critical component for flexible electronics such as displays, energy devices, and wearable sensors. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have been considered for flexible electrode applications, due to their mechanical strength, high carrier mobility, and excellent thermal conductivity. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) provide the possibility to serve as interconnects to graphene sheets as stretchable electrodes that could maintain high electrical conductivity under large tensile strain. In this work, a graphene oxide (GO)-VACNT hybrid on a PDMS substrate was demonstrated. Here, 50 μm long VACNTs were grown on a Si/SiO2 wafer substrate via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. VACNTs were directly transferred by delamination from the Si/SiO2 to a semi-cured PDMS substrate, ensuring strong adhesion between VACNTs and PDMS upon full curing of the PDMS. GO ink was then printed on the surface of the VACNT carpet and thermally reduced to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The sheet resistance of the rGO-VACNT hybrid was measured under uniaxial tensile strains up to 300% applied to the substrate. Under applied strain, the rGO-VACNT hybrid maintained a sheet resistant of 386 ± 55 Ω/sq. Cyclic stretching of the rGO-VACNT hybrid was performed with up to 50 cycles at 100% maximum tensile strain, showing no increase in sheet resistance. These results demonstrate promising performance of the rGO-VACNT hybrid for flexible electronics applications.
Integrating science through authentic research in secondary schools

The growing recognition that interdisciplinary approaches are needed to solve the most pressing issues in the modern world has led to a renewed focus on pedagogical integration particularly across STEM disciplines. While valuable, the emphasis on combining STEM disciplines ignores the unique aspects of science and the need to integrate both across and within the scientific disciplines themselves. Using multiple examples of student research projects, we highlight the ways in which authentic research at the secondary school level provides a natural platform for science integration and offers distinct benefits compared to research at the undergraduate level. Recommendations for the implementation of an authentic and integrated student research program in a secondary school are discussed.
Animal Research Biosafety

The use of laboratory animals as experimental models of disease has been a critical tool for biomedical researchers for decades. Animal studies allow scientists to discover and understand the mecha...
Birch (Betula spp.)

Betula, the birch, is an important and diverse deciduous tree genus belonging to the family Betulaceae. It is widely distributed in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere in the form of almost 40 species that vary in size from small shrubs to some of the largest deciduous forest trees. Distinct species can be found in North America, Europe and Asia (Table 1) and some of these (B. papyrifera, B. pendula, and B. platyphylla) appear to fill similar ecological niches on the separate continents and have many superficially similar characteristics.
Drug Interactions With Antiepileptic Agents

The use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with a wide range of drug interactions. Many of these interactions are reciprocal, i.e. both drugs affect each other. The 3 most commonly occurring clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions with AEDs are: (i) induction of hepatic liver enzymes; (ii) inhibition of hepatic liver enzymes; and (iii) protein binding displacement. Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions can result in either loss of efficacy or signs of toxicity.
Effects of Diagnosis on Treatment Recommendations in Chronic Insomnia—A Report from the APA/NIMH DSM-IV Field Trial

The objective of this study was to determine whether sleep specialists and nonspecialists recommend different treatments for different insomnia diagnoses according to two different diagnostic classifications. Two hundred sixteen patients with chronic insomnia at five sites were each interviewed by two clinicians: one sleep specialist and one nonsleep specialist. All interviewers indicated diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV); sleep specialists also indicated diagnoses according to the International Classification for Sleep Disorders (ICSD). Interviewers then indicated how strongly they would recommend each item in a standard list of treatment and diagnostic interventions for each patient. We examined differences in treatment recommendations among the six most common DSM-IV diagnoses assigned by sleep specialists at different sites (n = 192), among the six most common ICSD diagnoses assigned by sleep specialists at different sites (n = 153), and among the six most common DSM-IV diagnoses assigned by nonspecialists at different sites (n = 186). In each analysis, specific treatment and polysomnography recommendations differed significantly for different diagnoses, using either DSM-IV or ICSD criteria. Conversely, different diagnoses were associated with different rank orderings of specific treatment and diagnostic recommendations. Sleep specialist and nonspecialist interviewers each distinguished treatment recommendations among different diagnoses, but in general, nonspecialists more strongly recommended medications and relaxation treatments. Significant site-related differences in treatment recommendations also emerged. Differences in treatment recommendations support the distinction between different DSM-IV and ICSD diagnoses, although they do not provide formal validation. Site-related differences suggest a lack of consensus in how these disorders are conceptualized and treated.
THE STRUCTURE OF WATER

Abstract There is little doubt that liquid water consists of water molecules joined together to a considerable extent by hydrogen bonds. The assumption that the principal aggregates of water molecules in liquid water have a structure similar to that of ice or have an analogous quartz-like structure is not compatible with some of the properties of water and with theoretical arguments. A structure for water has now been proposed that seems to be acceptable as a first approximation. This structure may be described as involving complexes of 21 water molecules, with icosahedral symmetry, or still larger complexes, perhaps with 41 molecules. The complexes are not stable and rigid, but are labile.
New Solutions for Cybersecurity

Experts from MIT explore recent advances in cybersecurity, bringing together management, technical, and sociological perspectives.Ongoing cyberattacks, hacks, data breaches, and privacy concerns demonstrate vividly the inadequacy of existing methods of cybersecurity and the need to develop new and better ones. This book brings together experts from across MIT to explore recent advances in cybersecurity from management, technical, and sociological perspectives. Leading researchers from MIT's Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab, the MIT Media Lab, MIT Sloan School of Management, and MIT Lincoln Lab, along with their counterparts at Draper Lab, the University of Cambridge, and SRI, discuss such varied topics as a systems perspective on managing risk, the development of inherently secure hardware, and the Dark Web. The contributors suggest approaches that range from the market-driven to the theoretical, describe problems that arise in a decentralized, IoT world, and reimagine what optimal systems architecture and effective management might look like.ContributorsYNadav Aharon, Yaniv Altshuler, Manuel Cebrian, Nazli Choucri, Andre DeHon, Ryan Ellis, Yuval Elovici, Harry Halpin, Thomas Hardjono, James Houghton, Keman Huang, Mohammad S. Jalali, Priscilla Koepke, Yang Lee, Stuart Madnick, Simon W. Moore, Katie Moussouris, Peter G. Neumann, Hamed Okhravi, Jothy Rosenberg, Hamid Salim,Michael Siegel, Diane Strong, Gregory T. Sullivan, Richard Wang, Robert N. M. Watson, Guy ZyskindAn MIT Connection Science and Engineering Book
Stable, high-order discretization for evolution of the wave equation in 1 + 1 dimensions

We carry forward the approach of Alpert, Greengard, and Hagstrom to construct stable high-order explicit discretizations for the wave equation in one space and one time dimension. They presented their scheme as an integral form of the Lax-Wendroff method. Our perspective is somewhat different from theirs; our focus is on the discretization of the evolution formula rather than on its form (integral, differential, etc.). A key feature of our approach is the independent computation of three discretizations, one for bulk (away from boundaries) propagation, one for propagation near boundaries, and a projection operator to enforce boundary conditions. This is done in a way that is straightforward to extend to more space dimensions.
Initiatives in Medical Volunteerism Aimed at Reducing the Burden of Orthopedic Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

While infectious disease garners much attention and research funding globally, initiatives aimed at treating traumatic orthopedic injuries are underfunded despite such injuries accounting for a significant degree of morbidity worldwide. In recent years, a number of organizations have sought to alleviate this burden through treatment and educational initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, emerging developments in orthopedic technology are allowing for more expansive treatment options in resource-poor environments. Distribution of both used and surplus orthopedic implants and components in LMICs and programs intended to encourage resident involvement with overseas volunteerism have proved beneficial in reducing the global burden of orthopedic disease. The goal of this manuscript is to educate readers about current initiatives in orthopedic volunteerism.
E-031 Radial access for cerebrovascular intervention using penumbra benchmark 071 guiding catheter

Introduction Radial access is increasingly being considered as first line access for neurovascular interventions. Currently, there are no dedicated guiding catheters designed for neurovascular procedures via radial approach. We sought to evaluate technical success, complications, and efficiency when using the Penumbra Benchmark 071 inch guiding catheter in conjunction with Penumbra Select diagnostic catheters for neuro interventional procedures. Methods A single-center retrospective review over 2 year period (1/2016 to 3/2018) of consecutive radial access procedures (using a 6F sheath) was performed via electronic query in patients undergoing neurovascular intervention when a Benchmark guiding catheter was used. Patient demographics, equipment, time from radial access to target vessel catheterization, procedure times, and complications were identified. Results 28 patients undergoing cerebrovascular intervention met criteria for inclusion. There was 100% technical success in accessing the target vessel using radial access as the first line approach. Average age: 63 Gender: 75% Female Target vessel: Right internal carotid artery −32%, left internal carotid artery – 36%, vertebral artery −25% Time from radial access to target vessel access: 14 min (including 2 patients with 37 and 33 min access required for LICA). Procedures Aneurysm treatment 10/28 (36%) primary coiling 2/28 (7%) Balloon assisted coiling (*1 patient was BAC with PED) 8/28 (29%) Stent-assisted coiling 4/28 (14%) Pipeline embolization] 2/28 (7%) Intracranial stenting Wingspan 1/28 (4%) AVM or dural AV fistula embolization 1/28 (l4%) Left Subclavian Stent Complications: With the exception of mild non-flow limiting spasm, no major catheter-related complications (iatrogenic dissection) or radial access site complications were encountered. No patients required conversion from radial to femoral access. One patient had in-stent thrombosis which was successfully treated with IA infusion of IIBIIA; no associated permanent neurologic deficits. Discussion Although not specifically designed for radial access, the Penumbra Benchmark 071 inch guiding catheter, we were able to use it to perform 32 consecutive neurovascular procedures without major access site or catheter related complication. When the catheter is placed in a high proximal intracranial position, there is sufficient internal diameter and a stable proximal construct can be established to perform a wide range of complex neurovascular interventions including pipeline embolization, balloon assisted coiling, and arteriovenous malformation embolization. Conclusion The Penumbra Benchmark 071 guiding catheter can be used to perform neurovascular interventions via a radial access and was found to be atraumatic, easily trackable, flexible and stable, with a large enough ID to perform most cerebrovascular procedures. Disclosures S. Satti: 2; C; Stryker Neurovascular, Penumbra Neurovascular. S. Rastogi: None. T. Eden: None. A. Vance: None.
Abstract 4181: Awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among men and women with oral cancer

Background There is a high level of public awareness of association human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and genital cancer. Though recent research showed that 26 million Americans have oral HPV infection, the information on awareness of association HPV infection with oral cancer among men and women is limited. Methods The objective of our study was to assess population awareness of and knowledge about the association between HPV and oral cancer among men and women. We obtained cross-sectional data from the National Cancer Institute9s Health Information National Trends Surveys (HINTS 2007-2015, N=25,410). We applied a Wald chi-square test to examine the association of HPV awareness in participants with oral cancer compared to participants with other forms of cancer stratified by gender. Results: Among men with oral cancer (N=10) 16 % were aware of HPV while among men with other forms of cancer (N=3557) 44% were aware of HPV (p=0.0924). Among women with oral cancer (N=5) 56 % were aware of HPV while among women with other forms of cancer (N=5631) 64% were aware of HPV (p=7971). Conclusion: There is decreased awareness and knowledge of HPV in men with oral cancer promoting opportunities to target communication about a vaccine. Citation Format: Assia Miller, Latrice Rollins, Ananya Banerjee. Awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among men and women with oral cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4181.
Cardiovascular outcome trials of the newer anti-diabetic medications

Concerns of elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with some anti-diabetic medications warranted phase 4 clinical trials to demonstrate CVD safety of newly marketed anti-diabetic drugs. Although initially designed to evaluate safety, some of these CVD outcome trials (CVOTs) have in fact shown CVD benefits. New medication classes, like glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogues and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, have shown reductions in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including, myocardial infarction, stroke, CV death, and heart failure (HF). Perhaps more importantly, SGLT2 inhibitors demonstrated reduction in the risk of HF hospitalizations, being the first class of anti-diabetic drugs to do so. Conversely, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors did not significantly affect atherosclerotic CVD end-points and some actually increased the risk of HF hospitalizations. Further, the adverse/beneficial CVD effects of these medications may not be class specific. This review focuses on the main results of these CVOTs while highlighting the heterogeneity of CVD end-points within each class and discusses important mechanistic insights and adverse effect profiles.
Optimal Controller and Quantizer Selection for Partially Observable Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian Systems.

In networked control systems, often the sensory signals are quantized before being transmitted to the controller.Consequently, performance is affected by the coarseness of this quantization process. Modern communication technologies allow users to obtain resolution-varying quantized measurements based on the prices paid. In this paper,we consider optimal controller synthesis of a partially observed Quantized-Feedback Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (QF-LQG) system, where the measurements are to be quantized before being sent to the controller. The system is presented with several choices of quantizers, along with the cost of using each quantizer. The objective is to jointly select the quantizers and the controller that would maintain an optimal balance between control performance and quantization cost. Under the assumption of quantizing the innovation signal, this problem can be decoupled into two optimization problems: one for optimal controller synthesis, and the other for optimal quantizer selection. We show that, similarly to the classical LQG problem, the optimal controller synthesis subproblem is characterized by Riccati equations. On the other hand, the optimal quantizer selection policy is found offline by solving a linear program (LP).
Trends in Mental and Physical Health-Related Quality of Life in Low-Income Older Persons in the United States, 2003 to 2017

This cross-sectional study of respondents to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey assesses trends between 2003 and 2017 in mental and physical health-related quality of life in low-income US individuals 60 years or older.
Preserving Composition and Crystal Structures of Chemical Compounds in Atomic Embedding

we develop a new representation learning method in the chemistry domain. Given a large set of compounds of inorganic crystals, the extraction model learns the embeddings of atoms so that the predictive model can place them into the periodic table correctly. Our method preserves not only the compounds’ compositions but also their crystal structures. Experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, compared to the state-of-the-art method (in PNAS 2018).
The Relationship Between Rape Myth Acceptance and Sexual Behaviors

An extensive amount of research has been devoted to understanding rape myths, especially in the context of sexual attitudes. Few studies have examined sexual actions as a correlate of rape myth acceptance (RMA). As such, this study utilizes the Updated Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (IRMA) and its four distinct subscales to examine adherence to rape myths and an individual's view of sex and sexuality in a sample of 1,310 college students. The IRMA was included in its entirety and separated into its four subscales: "She asked for it," "He didn't mean to," "It wasn't really rape," and "She lied." Results indicated that the most impactful variables for all four subscales were adversarial heterosexual beliefs, stereotypical gender beliefs, and being male. The main implications of this study pertain to implementation of programming. Intervention programming should focus on younger males due to their increased adherence to certain rape myths. Furthermore, programs that address not only rape myths but also other traditional and negative belief systems should be employed. Results of this study lend support to the supposition that it is not necessarily individual characteristics that have a large effect on RMA but is instead a strong adherence to traditional belief systems.
New Pavement Performance Indicators using Crack Fundamental Elements and 3D Pavement Surface Data with Multiple-Timestamp Registration for Crack Deterioration Analysis and Optimal Treatment Determination:

With the availability of pavement distress information with high granularity, there is a great opportunity to develop and apply new pavement performance indicators, including crack length, width, i...
Methodology and Validation of UAV-Based Video Analysis Approach for Tracking Earthquake-Induced Building Displacements

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery has recently emerged as a promising alternative for operational condition inspection and postdisaster damage assessment of civil structures (e.g., brid...
Assessment of asymmetrical rheological behavior of cementitious material for 3D printing application

Abstract Among the multiplicity of construction methods based on digital concrete technologies, the most common one remains the extrusion-based process. Two opposed strategies have been developed in order to print a concrete structure using extrusion: the first one emphasizes the ease-of-pumping of material which is massively accelerated to ensure the stability of the structure, when leaving the extruder; the second one uses a firm mortar able to sustain the own weight of the structure during the printing, without requiring any accelerator. Both methods have their pros and cons and don't imply the same rheological requirements. Most of the recent literature assumes that both types of material (fluid and firm) follow the same trend of behavior and obey to the Von Mises plasticity criterion, while it has been demonstrated that firm cement-based materials can exhibit a pressure dependent behavior. Moreover, rheological study is mainly based on shear rheometry, while the extrusion-based printing process requires a description of the rheological behavior in compression to predict the global stability of the structure, and in tension to prevent cracks formation. This paper investigates the fresh behavior of cement paste and mortar under different solicitations (shear, compression, tension) for different water to cement ratios. The analysis of these results allows to describe the transition between a ductile fluid material (symmetrical in tension and compression) that obeys to a Von Mises plasticity criterion, and a brittle and firm material (asymmetrical in tension and compression) that requires a pressure dependent plasticity criterion in order to predict its strength under a given solicitation.
Learning about the past through food

Food plays a central role in human life, both past and present. For much of human history, obtaining a sufficient amount of food was a daily priority. Eating not only engages the senses, but it is a vital form of social engagement, creating important and crucial social and familial bonds. The various steps and stages required in the procurement, production, preparation and consumption of food all leave their traces in the archaeological record. Much of the material culture we encounter at archaeological sites, from the macro to the micro, can in some way be connected to food. Archaeologists continue to develop new techniques and technologies that bring us closer to the ways in which people interacted with food, in its many variant forms, in the past. This thematic essay does not seek to provide a thorough review of archaeological food studies, but rather, in the words of Levi-Strauss, to provide something, like food, that is ‘good to think with’. The goal is to present some of the traditional research questions and methods surrounding food, along with explorations of some newer perspectives. It highlights the importance of environmental archaeology and archaeological sciences, and demonstrates how the integration of macro- and microremains, through microscopic techniques and the analysis of residues found on ceramics, can aid in our understanding of a wide range of foodways practices, from fermentation to storage, cooking and consumption. Now is the time to reorient both past and future research, to more clearly address the rich and engaging topic of what and how our ancestors ate, why they did so, and what every part of this great process might have meant to them.
Bacterial functional prediction tools detect but underestimate metabolic diversity compared to shotgun metagenomics in southwest Florida soils

Abstract Profiling the 16S-rRNA gene is a common method in microbial ecology to provide estimates of microbial diversity and abundance, but it cannot directly produce information about the functional potential of these taxa. While shotgun sequencing can provide functional information, the cost can be prohibitive for large scale comparative studies. Functional prediction tools have been developed to generate expected gene counts from 16S-rRNA amplicon data and allow for initial exploration of hypotheses prior to shotgun sequencing. PICRUSt2 and Tax4Fun2 are two such prediction tools that are becoming increasingly popular in microbial ecology studies. However, there are only a few benchmarking studies that have tested their performance, and none that focused on soils. The goal of the present study was to compare the performance of both prediction tools with each other and shotgun sequencing. We assessed prediction output from both tools used on the same samples from two sites in Southwest Florida and compared the predicted functional profiles with MG-RAST functional profiles on a shotgun-sequenced subset of samples. Shotgun and amplicon sequencing datasets showed comparable 16S rRNA gene profiles with observed differences likely stemming from PCR bias and taxa-dependent variability of 16S rRNA gene density in shotgun sequences. PICRUSt2 functional profiles represented greater relative abundances of genes in the pathway for oxidative phosphorylation, while Tax4Fun2 detected more genes from specialized metabolic pathways, such as for methane metabolism. PICRUSt2 functional profiles showed somewhat stronger correlations with shotgun-sequenced functional profiles than Tax4Fun2. However, both prediction tools significantly underestimated gene frequencies in many KEGG categories, including genes with biogeochemical significance for soil carbon- and nitrogen cycling.
Copyright's Techno-Pessimist Creep

Government investigations and public scrutiny of Big Tech—or, what I call techno-pessimism—are at an all-time high. While current legal scholarship and government focus have centered overwhelmingly on two areas: antitrust and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, scant attention has been paid to another, almost unseen attempt to regulate Big Tech’s platform dominance—by copyright law. The recent adoption, in Europe, of Article 17 of the Copyright Directive, which removes safe harbor protection for Internet platforms and holds them liable for the creative speech of their users, is the most direct example—and a natural corollary to similar arguments for holding platforms liable under Section 230. Contemplated changes in U.S. law would make similar changes to the copyright safe harbor. Regulating Big Tech by copyright may seem intuitively justified and even inevitable: after all, if one accepts the argument that antitrust laws or Section 230 should be updated to address the issue of Big Tech platform dominance, why shouldn’t our copyright laws, as well? This Article argues that attempts to reform or update copyright law to address platform dominance, while tempting, are, at best, misguided, and, at worst, dangerous. As this Article shows, certain U.S. copyright laws that are now under threat, such as the Section 512 safe, were enacted precisely with market power in mind—but the market power of content companies, of which a select handful continue to control the vast amount of copyrighted content. And there has been no marked shift in market power away from content holders towards content users, including technology companies, that would warrant changes or contemplated changes to copyright laws. If anything, content holders enjoy significant market power in a world of shifting consumer demand from ownership to access goods. Reshaping copyright law in techno-pessimism’s image will, far from punishing Big Tech, instead ensure their further entrenchment; they will, counterintuitively, harm the very content industries that advocated for these changes; and, in the final analysis, will undermine the very underlying premise of copyright law: fostering creativity. A rich and open participatory culture still needs techno-optimist copyright laws, now, more than ever.
How partnerships shaped the Dane CARES farm-to-food bank program

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Wisconsin’s food systems institutions into rapid innovation as they responded to rising community food insecurity. With support from the Dane County Executive’s office, federal relief funding eased previously onerous barriers to allow Dane County’s largest food bank to implement a unique local purchasing program: Dane CARES. The program sought to support Dane County producers experiencing reductions in market opportunities, while feeding the rising number of Dane County families experiencing food hardship. Drawing on existing food and agriculture partner­ships, Extension Dane County staff connected partners to assist with project expedition and docu­mented partners’ efforts through a series of semistructured interviews. The program achieved its two primary goals of replacing lost markets for local farmers and facilitating increased food distribution to communities in need. To elevate this multisector collaboration and inspire more great work like Dane CARES, we outline the evidence of program value to farmers’ livelihoods, demonstrate the growth of partner networks to support institutional purchasing of local food, and offer recommendations to improve future program iterations.
Integrated omics networks reveal the temporal signaling events of brassinosteroid response in Arabidopsis.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant steroid hormones that regulate cell division and stress response. Here we use a systems biology approach to integrate multi-omic datasets and unravel the molecular signaling events of BR response in Arabidopsis. We profile the levels of 26,669 transcripts, 9,533 protein groups, and 26,617 phosphorylation sites from Arabidopsis seedlings treated with brassinolide (BL) for six different lengths of time. We then construct a network inference pipeline called Spatiotemporal Clustering and Inference of Omics Networks (SC-ION) to integrate these data. We use our network predictions to identify putative phosphorylation sites on BES1 and experimentally validate their importance. Additionally, we identify BRONTOSAURUS (BRON) as a transcription factor that regulates cell division, and we show that BRON expression is modulated by BR-responsive kinases and transcription factors. This work demonstrates the power of integrative network analysis applied to multi-omic data and provides fundamental insights into the molecular signaling events occurring during BR response. Brassinosteroids (BR) regulate plant development and stress responses. Here, by integrating multiple omics datasets and inferring networks, the authors profile BR signaling in Arabidopsis and characterize BRONTOSAURUS, a BR-regulated transcription factor that impacts cell division in roots.
Photodissociation dynamics of methyl vinyl ketone oxide: A four-carbon unsaturated Criegee intermediate from isoprene ozonolysis.

The electronic spectrum of methyl vinyl ketone oxide (MVK-oxide), a four-carbon Criegee intermediate derived from isoprene ozonolysis, is examined on its second π* ← π transition, involving primarily the vinyl group, at UV wavelengths (λ) below 300 nm. A broad and unstructured spectrum is obtained by a UV-induced ground state depletion method with photoionization detection on the parent mass (m/z 86). Electronic excitation of MVK-oxide results in dissociation to O (1D) products that are characterized using velocity map imaging. Electronic excitation of MVK-oxide on the first π* ← π transition associated primarily with the carbonyl oxide group at λ > 300 nm results in a prompt dissociation and yields broad total kinetic energy release (TKER) and anisotropic angular distributions for the O (1D) + methyl vinyl ketone products. By contrast, electronic excitation at λ ≤ 300 nm results in bimodal TKER and angular distributions, indicating two distinct dissociation pathways to O (1D) products. One pathway is analogous to that at λ > 300 nm, while the second pathway results in very low TKER and isotropic angular distributions indicative of internal conversion to the ground electronic state and statistical unimolecular dissociation.
A Calculus of Abstract Edge Pseudodifferential Operators of Type $\rho,\delta$

In this paper, we expand on B.-W. Schulze’s abstract edge pseudodifferential calculus and introduce a larger class of operators that is modeled on Hormander’s \(\rho,\delta\) calculus, where \(0 \leq \delta < \rho \leq 1\). This expansion is motivated by recent work on boundary value problems for elliptic wedge operators with variable indicial roots by G. Mendoza and the author, where operators of type \(1,\delta\) for \(0 < \delta < 1\) appear naturally. Some of the results of this chapter also represent improvements over the existing literature on the standard abstract edge calculus of operators of type 1,0, such as trace class mapping properties of operators in abstract wedge Sobolev spaces. The presentation in this paper is largely self-contained to allow for an independent reading.
Using drawings and interviews to diagram entering preservice teachers' preconceived beliefs about technology integration

There is concern that colleges of education are not adequately preparing teachers to use technology in their classrooms. Programs find it hard to properly train preservice teachers for a variety of reasons, both structural and pedagogical. One reason is that students bring their prior beliefs about teaching with them into their preservice programs. In the past we lacked sufficient tools to uncover these entering beliefs. This study employs drawings and interviews to uncover preservice secondary teachers' prior beliefs and knowledge about the use of technology in teaching. These methods offer a counterpoint to quantitative approaches often used to study preservice teacher beliefs regarding technology. Our analysis of the data from preservice teacher interviews resulted in a diagram that illuminates incoming teachers' orientation toward their future technology-infused teaching. This study provides methodological guidance for examining and improving teachers' learning about technology integration.
CW Two-Photon Spectroscopy of Hydrogen 1s-2s and New Precision Measurements of Fundamental Constants

The 1s–2s transition of atomic hydrogen has an extremely narrow natural width which can give a resolution of 5 parts in 1016. In this paper we report on the first experiment using continuous wave ultraviolet radiation at 243 nm to excite this transition by Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy. The resolution of 5 parts in 109 is an order of magnitude better than achieved in any previous measurements, and the continuous wave (cw) excitation opens the way for large improvements in the future: In all experiments until now, the resolution has been limited by the bandwidth of the pulsed lasers which were used to generate the intense tunable ultraviolet (uv) radiation.
Caffeic Acid Metabolism by Bacteria of the Human Gastrointestinal Tract

The metabolism of caffeic acid, previously shown to be carried out by the intestinal microbiota of man and experimental animals, has now been examined in a number of bacteria isolated from human feces. It has been found that of the 12 organisms isolated none has the ability to catalyze more than one reaction of the series leading from caffeic acid to either m-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid or 4-ethylcatechol.