cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Paradoxes of Big Data

Big data is all the rage. Its proponents tout the use of sophisticated analytics to mine large data sets for insight as the solution to many of our society’s problems. These big data evangelists insist that data-driven decisionmaking can now give us better predictions in areas ranging from college admissions to dating to hiring to medicine to national security and crime prevention. But much of the rhetoric of big data contains no meaningful analysis of its potential perils, only the promise. We don’t deny that big data holds substantial potential for the future, and that large dataset analysis has important uses today. But we would like to sound a cautionary note and pause to consider big data’s potential more critically. In particular, we want to highlight three paradoxes in the current rhetoric about big data to help move us toward a more complete understanding of the big data picture. First, while big data pervasively collects all manner of private information, the operations of big data itself are almost entirely shrouded in legal and commercial secrecy. We call this the Transparency Paradox. Second, though big data evangelists talk in terms of miraculous outcomes, this rhetoric ignores the fact that big data seeks to identify at the expense of individual and collective identity. We call this the Identity Paradox. And third, the rhetoric of big data is characterized by its power to transform society, but big data has power effects of its own, which privilege large government and corporate entities at the expense of ordinary individuals. We call this the Power Paradox. Recognizing the paradoxes of big data, which show its perils alongside its potential, will help us to better understand this revolution. It may also allow us to craft solutions to produce a revolution that will be as good as its evangelists predict.
Testing the predictive ability of a requirements pattern language

This paper looks at a case study in the commercial procurement of an IT system to support learners on short educational courses. It compares the use case model created before the system was built with the use case model after the system was delivered. The original use case model was created through the application of a requirements pattern language designed to be employed during the procurement phase of an IT system. The final use case model was reverse engineered from the working application. The objective was to discover how accurately the original model represented the final application to provide a measure of the potential usefulness of the pattern language during procurement.
Initial CTR-based bunch length measurements of linac beams following the APS bunch compressor

The interest in generation and characterization of ultrabright electron beams for experiments at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) resulted in the installation of a four-dipole chicane bunch compressor within the linac. Both RF thermionic guns and an RF photocathode (PC) gun can be used to generate the electron beams with ps-regime bunch lengths. The bunch compressor can then be used to produce subps bunches. In support of this initiative, a coherent transition radiation (CTR) bunch length monitor based on a far-infrared (FIR) Michelson interferometer was also installed at a location just downstream of the compressor. It used a room-temperature Golay cell as the FIR detector. Processing of the autocorrelation data indicated that structures shorter than 500 fs were being generated.
Solution-Derived, Chloride-Containing Minerals as a Waste Form for Alkali Chlorides

Sodalite (Na8(AlSiO4)6Cl2) and cancrinite ((Na,K)6Ca2(AlSiO4)6Cl4) are environmentally stable, chloride-containing minerals that are a logical waste form option for the mixed alkali chloride salt waste stream that is generated from a proposed electrochemical separations process during nuclear fuel reprocessing. Here, we discuss a low-temperature, solution-based process to make these phases where sodalite particles are produced in the form of a fine powder with particle sizes on the order of 1–10 μm. Due to the small particle size, these powders require additional treatment to form a monolith. In this study, the powders were pressed into pellets and fired to achieve >90% of the theoretical density of sodalite (2.27 × 10−3 kg/m3). The cancrinite structure, identified as the best candidate mineral form in terms of waste loading capacity, was only produced on a limited basis but was converted to sodalite upon firing. Here, we discuss the specifics of the solution-based approach, the chemical durability of select waste forms as well as the steps taken to maximize the chloride-containing phases, decrease chloride loss during pellet firing, and to increase pellet densities.
Two‐level Haseman‐Elston regression for general pedigree data analysis

The Haseman-Elston (HE) (Haseman and Elston [1972] Behav Genet 2:3-19) method is widely used in genetic linkage studies for quantitative traits. We propose a new version of the HE regression model, a two-level HE regression model (tHE) in which the variance-covariance structure of family data is modeled under the framework of multiple-level regression. An iterative generalized least squares (IGLS) algorithm is adopted to handle the varying variance-covariance structures across families in a simple fashion. In this way, the tHE can compete favorably with any current version of HE in that it can naturally make use of all the trait information available in any general pedigree, simultaneously incorporate individual-level and pedigree-level covariates, marker genotypes for linkage (i.e., the number of allele shared identically by descent [IBD]), and marker alleles for association. Under the assumption of normality, the method is asymptotically equivalent to the usual variance component model for detecting linkage. For the situation where the assumption of normality is critical, a robust globally consistent estimator of the quantitative trait locus (QTL) variance is available. Complex genetic mechanisms, including gene-gene interaction, gene-environmental interaction, and imprinting, can be directly modeled in this version of HE regression.
Re-examination of Porcine and Bovine Hypothalamic Fractions for Additional Luteinizing Hormone and Follicle Stimulating Hormone-Releasing Activities

More than 150 hypothalamic fractions were reassayed for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and follicle stimulating hormone-releasing hormone (FSHRH) activities in search for LHRH and FSHRH which differ from the decapeptide (pyro)Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Try-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2 (I). Among the porcine fractions tested were those obtained: 1) from the isolation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone; 2) from two isolation procedures for LHRH; and 3) from methanolic and aqueous 2N acetic acid extracts which were subjected to Biogel P-2 filtration and partition chromatography. Some bovine hypothalamic fractions were also tested. Both in vivo and in vitro assays were used for measuring LHRH and FSHRH activities. The values obtained were in each case compared with those resulting from the administration of pure natural or synthetic LHRH decapeptide I. A radioimmunoassay for LHRH (I) was also utilized for some fractions. In all the purification steps the location of LHRH and FSHRH activity, as determined by in vivo assays, corresponded to that of the decapeptide I. Purification of hypothalamic extracts on Biogel P-2 and by partition chromatography separated a fraction from the decapeptide I, which released more FSH than LH in vitro from the pituitaries of immature female rats. However, this material was inactive in vivo and in other in vitro systems, so that its significance is obscure. The results suggest that if material with LHRH and FSHRH activity other than the decapeptide I is present in acid extracts of porcine hypothalami, then its FSHRH and LHRH activity would be a minor part of the total LHRH/FSHRH activity in the extracts. (Pyro)-Glu-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2 appears to account for most of all of the LHRH and FSHRH activity found.
A Synopsis of Synthesis: A Review of Major and Savin-Baden's An Introduction to Qualitative Research Synthesis

This review looks at the book An Introduction to Qualitative Research Synthesis: Managing the Information Explosion in Social Science Research, by Claire Howell Major and Maggi Savin-Baden. Following the format for reviewing a book presented by the University of Alberta (2010), this review analyzes the book by audience, point by point, and then gives a general overview of the reviewer’s opinion of the book. The book has several strong features, such as the procedural explanations and the clear defense of criticisms of synthesis, few failings, and presents a strong introduction for several audiences. Overall, this is a book well worth reading due to the strong content and the valuable procedures which Major and Savin-Baden provide.
Reproductive Notes on Shrews (Family Soricidae) in Louisiana

Abstract. Little information is known about reproduction in the 3 species of shrews in Louisiana. We examined reproductive notes from specimen records for the southern short-tailed shrew (Blarina carolinensis), least shrew (Cryptotis parva), and southeastern shrew (Sorex longirostris). Most breeding activity occurred from March to December for B. carolinensis and C. parva. Average number of embryos was 3.75 for B. carolinensis and 5.5 for C. parva. The average length of testes was 5.2 mm for B. carolinensis and 3.8 mm for C. parva. One male S. longirostris possessed a testis length of 3 mm.
Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: a future potential for neuroprotection from traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant socioeconomic burden in the world. The long lasting consequences in cognitive impairments are often underreported and its mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective, cholinergic dysfunction and therapeutic strategy targeting this will be reviewed. Novel agents that can target specific subtype of acetylcholine receptors have been developed over the recent years and are at various stages of development, which include AR-R 17779, GTS-21, SSR-180711A, AR-{"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"R17779","term_id":"771389","term_text":"R17779"}}R17779, and PNU-282987. A detailed review on this topic has been previously published (Shin and Dixon, 2015).
A Closer Look at Green Mountain Chrysler v. Crombie

Hailed as a “major victory for states’ efforts to combat global warming,” Green Mountain Chrysler Plymouth Dodge Jeep v. Crombie was the first case in the nation to rule on an alleged conflict between federal fuel economy laws and a set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for new motor vehicles. Chief Judge William K. Sessions III of the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont found no conflict between the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and Clean Air Act emission standards that have been adopted by states throughout the country. Interestingly, until Chief Judge Sessions issued his 240-page landmark decision, Green Mountain went largely unnoticed, especially as compared to parallel litigation underway in California. This Article takes a closer look at the Green Mountain case. It first briefly reviews the provisions of the two federal statutes principally at issue: the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA)5 and the Clean Air Act (CAA). Next, it describes the background of the case, including the GHG emissions standards7 and the claims set forth by the automobile industry. The Article then details the various pre-trial motions and concludes by analyzing the court' decision on the pivotal issue of EPCA preemption.
Dispatches from the Tort Wars: A Review Essay

It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that, as a political matter, the modern tort reform movement has been very successful. This essay reviews three books that either rebut the tort reform movement's central theses or analyze the strategies that allowed the movement to prevail. I discuss Tom Baker's The Medical Malpractice Myth, Herbert Kritzer's Risks, Reputations, and Rewards: Contingency Fee Legal Practice in the United States, and William Haltom & Michael McCann's Distorting the Law: Politics, Media, and the Litigation Crisis. Although each book has a very different focus from the other two, I argue that a common theme which runs through all three books is that the tort reformers' success relies on promoting myths about how plaintiff's lawyers put their own interests above those of their clients and reject the political culture of individualism that forms the bedrock of American civil society. While I do not want to deny that there is a need for a rebuttal of this part of tort reformers' worldview, I argue that rebutting it has limited value to those who want to defend the current tort system. I argue that an exclusive focus on the myths that the tort reformers have told leaves unanswered other critiques of the current tort system which cannot be so easily dismissed. For example, the tort reformers, as well as others, have noted that the tort system dramatically expanded and changed in the 1960's and 1970's, and that this expansion was often based on academic and political arguments that celebrated the tort system's ability to perform certain functions beyond private redress for wrongs, such as cost-spreading or providing regulation in the face of legislative inaction. By failing to recognize these possible criticisms, the authors of the three books, I argue, leave the hardest battles for another day.
A Note on Ethical Decision Making

This technical note provides a framework for the discussion of ethical issues in business and defines some of the key vocabulary and theories used in defining ethical decisions and situations.
Electrical vs. Hydraulic Rock Types in Clastic Reservoirs: Pore-Scale Understanding Verified with Field Observations in the Gulf of Mexico, U.S.

Summary This paper compares the theoretical models of electrical conductivity and hydraulic conductivity of a pore network system to assess whether resistivity logs are sensitive to hydraulic rock types. Pore-scale modeling work suggests that both electrical conductivity and hydraulic conductivity are inversely proportional to formation factor. In a fully water-saturated rock, however, hydraulic conductivity is dominantly controlled by pore size whereas electrical conductivity is only marginally affected by pore size. Consequently, rock types of different pore sizes in a similar porosity range cannot be effectively differentiated by resistivity logs in a water-bearing zone. In a hydrocarbonbearing zone, capillary pressure induces different desaturation behavior in different rock types, thereby resulting in differentiable resistivity log signatures that are suitable for rock typing. A field case of turbidite oil reservoir in the Gulf of Mexico shows that inclusion of resistivity logs in the classification workflow can significantly improve the accuracy of hydraulic rock typing compared to rock types derived from nuclear magnetic resonance logs.
Trends in antihypertensive medication use among persons with resistant hypertension in the U.S. from 2008-2013

Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulation is considered a cornerstone of hypertension therapy and ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor (AR) blockers are among the most widely used anti-hypertensive drugs. The expected effects on the RAS are an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) together with a reduction of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), proportional to the efficacy of ACE or AR blockade. Aim: evaluation of real-life clinical-practice efficacy of stable therapies based on ACE or AR blockers, using PRA / PAC ratio values. We studied 184 essential hypertensives (59.2 11.9 years, 63% males) in stable treatment for at least three months with an ACEI or ARB as part of the treatment. PRA was expressed as ng/ml and PAC as ng/dl, then the ratio was multiplied by 100. Tertiles of PRA/PAC ratio were considered for the analysis. ABPM was performed to evaluate the BP control. Tertiles of PRA/PAC: 1st 0.2 to 5.7; 2nd 5.9 to 28.4; 3rd 29.4 to 509.8. There was no difference by age, sex, BMI and eGFR between PRA/PAC tertiles. A significant reduction in 24hour, daytime and nighttime BP values was associated with increasing PRA/PAC tertiles (all p<0.05). An increase of PRA/ PAC tertiles was associated with a higher prevalence of controlled patients during the nighttime period (1st: 14.5%; 2nd: 43.3%; 3rd: 45.9%; p<0.001 for trend). PRA/PAC ratio was also a predictor of nighttime BP control, as shown by ROC curve (AUC: 0.664, 95% CI: 0.582-0.745; p<0.001). An increasing PRA/PAC ratio reflects, in most cases, reduced values of PAC despite higher values of PRA as expression of a more effective RAS blockade by ACEIs or ARBs. These findings are associated with lower BP values and better BP control, especially in nighttime period, highlighting the effectiveness and compliance to the anti-hypertensive therapy with ACEI or ARB. Therefore, PRA/PAC ratio may be not only a useful biomarker of effective treatment based on ACEI or ARB, but also it can be used as an indirect index of drug intake and therapy compliance.
Q-PCR in Combination with ChIP Assays to Detect Changes in Chromatin Acetylation

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) allows for the accurate and reproducible determination of the amount of target DNA in a sample through the measurement of PCR product accumulation in "real time." This method determines starting target DNA quantity over a large assay dynamic range and requires no post-PCR sample manipulation. When used in combination with the method of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), the amount of protein binding to a specific region of DNA can be accurately and rapidly determined. A method for quantifying the presence of acetylated histones H3 and H4 on different regions of a target locus using Q-PCR after ChIP is described.
Complement activation in the context of stem cells and tissue repair

The complement pathway is best known for its role in immune surveillance and inflammation. However, its ability of opsonizing and removing not only pathogens, but also necrotic and apoptotic cells, is a phylogenetically ancient means of initiating tissue repair. The means and mechanisms of complement-mediated tissue repair are discussed in this review. There is increasing evidence that complement activation contributes to tissue repair at several levels. These range from the chemo-attraction of stem and progenitor cells to areas of complement activation, to increased survival of various cell types in the presence of split products of complement, and to the production of trophic factors by cells activated by the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a. This repair aspect of complement biology has not found sufficient appreciation until recently. The following will examine this aspect of complement biology with an emphasis on the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a.
Targeting neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease: evidence for NSAIDs and novel therapeutics

ABSTRACTIntroduction: There is an increasing recognition of the immune system as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As immune system modulators, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) garnered initial enthusiasm from pre-clinical and epidemiologic studies as agents to reduce the risk of AD.Areas covered: This article will examine the evidence for the use of NSAIDs in AD by discussing the proposed mechanism of action, results from epidemiologic studies, and data from randomized controlled trials. In addition, a survey of several novel approaches to targeting inflammatory pathways currently in pre-clinical and clinical phases of development is presented. These agents primarily act to modulate microglial functioning, enhance amyloid-β phagocytosis, suppress potentially harmful pro-inflammatory responses, or enhance systemic immunity.Expert commentary: While long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with a reduced incidence of AD in epidemiologic studies, randomized con...
Graph-Theoretic Analysis of Nanocarbon Structures

Nanostructures tend to comprise distinct and measurable forms, which can be referred to in this context as nanopatterns. Far from being random, these patterns reflect the order of well-understood chemical and physical laws. Under the aegis of said physical and chemical laws, atoms and molecules coalesce and form discrete and measurable geometric structures ranging from repeating lattices to complicated polygons. Rules from several areas of pure mathematics such as graph theory can be used to analyze and predict properties from these well-defined structures. Nanocarbons have several distinct allotropes that build upon the basic honeycomb lattice of graphene. Because these allotropes have clear commonalities with respect to geometric properties, this paper reviews some approaches to the use of graph theory to enumerate structures and potential properties of nanocarbons. Graph theoretic treatment of the honeycomb lattice that forms the foundation of graphene is completed, and parameters for further analysis of this structure are analyzed. Analogues for modelling graphene and potentially other carbon allotropes are presented.
Human Lymphocyte Biology and Its Application to Humanized Mice

This chapter describes lymphocyte maturation and differentiation. Interactions of lymphoid tissues with the central and peripheral nervous systems play a fundamental role in health and disease. Recent advances in xenobiology has opened new approaches to study relationships between peripheral immunity and nervous system development, homeostasis, response to injuries, and disease in animal models. Humanized animal models help to study the complexity of human immune system development and adaptive immune responses. Humanization of a mouse brain with human glial cells provides an additional tool to study hemato-lymphoid brain interactions in small animals.
The mortality risk of deferring optimal medical therapy in heart failure: a systematic comparison against norms for surgical consent and patient information leaflets.

Aims The prescription of optimal medical therapy for heart failure is often delayed despite compelling evidence of a reduction in mortality. We calculated the absolute risk resulting from delayed prescription of therapy. For comparison, we established the threshold applied by clinicians when discussing the risk for death associated with an intervention, and the threshold used in official patient information leaflets. Methods and results We undertook a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to calculate the excess mortality caused by deferral of medical therapy for 1 year. Risk ratios for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists were 0.80, 0.73 and 0.77, respectively. In patients who might achieve a 1-year survival rate of 90% if treated, a 1-year deferral of treatment reduced survival to 78% (i.e. an annual absolute increase in mortality of 12 in 100 patients). This corresponds to an additional absolute mortality risk per month of 1%. A survey of clinicians carried out to establish the risk threshold at which they would obtain written consent showed the majority (85%) sought written consent for interventions associated with a 12-fold lower mortality risk: one in 100 patients. A systematic review of UK patient information leaflets to establish the magnitude of risk considered sufficient to be stated explicitly showed that leaflets begin to mention death at a ∼18 000-fold lower mortality risk of just 0.0007 in 100 patients. Conclusions Deferring heart failure treatment for 1 year carries far greater risk than the level at which most doctors seek written consent, and 18 000 times more risk than the level at which patient information leaflets begin to mention death.
The Dietary Intervention to Enhance Tracking with Mobile Devices (DIET Mobile) Study: A 6-Month Randomized Weight Loss Trial.

Objective To examine the use of two different mobile dietary self-monitoring methods for weight loss. Methods Adults with overweight (n = 81; mean BMI 34.7 ± 5.6 kg/m2) were randomized to self-monitor their diet with a mobile app (App, n = 42) or wearable Bite Counter device (Bite, n = 39). Both groups received the same behavioral weight loss information via twice-weekly podcasts. Weight, physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and energy intake (two dietary recalls) were assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Results At 6 months, 75% of participants completed the trial. The App group lost significantly more weight (−6.8 ± 0.8 kg) than the Bite group (−3.0 ± 0.8 kg; group × time interaction: P < 0.001). Changes in energy intake (kcal/d) (−621 ± 157 App, −456 ± 167 Bite; P = 0.47) or number of days diet was tracked (90.7 ± 9.1 App, 68.4 ± 9.8 Bite; P = 0.09) did not differ between groups, but the Bite group had significant increases in physical activity metabolic equivalents (+2015.4 ± 684.6 min/wk; P = 0.02) compared to little change in the App group (−136.5 ± 630.6; P = 0.02). Total weight loss was significantly correlated with number of podcasts downloaded (r = −0.33, P < 0.01) and number of days diet was tracked (r = −0.33, P < 0.01). Conclusions While frequency of diet tracking was similar between the App and Bite groups, there was greater weight loss observed in the App group.
Dietary gap assessment: an approach for evaluating whether a country's food supply can support healthy diets at the population level.

Author(s): Kuyper, Edye M; Engle-Stone, Reina; Arsenault, Joanne E; Arimond, Mary; Adams, Katherine P; Dewey, Kathryn G | Abstract: ObjectiveDietary diversity, and in particular consumption of nutrient-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and animal-source foods, is linked to greater nutrient adequacy. We developed a 'dietary gap assessment' to evaluate the degree to which a nation's food supply could support healthy diets at the population level. Design/Setting In the absence of global food-based dietary guidelines, we selected the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet as an example because there is evidence it prevents diet-related chronic disease and supports adequate micronutrient intakes. We used the DASH guidelines to shape a hypothetical 'healthy' diet for the test country of Cameroon. Food availability was estimated using FAO Food Balance Sheet data on country-level food supply. For each of the seven food groups in the 'healthy' diet, we calculated the difference between the estimated national supply (in kcal, edible portion only) and the target amounts.ResultsIn Cameroon, dairy and other animal-source foods were not adequately available to meet healthy diet recommendations: the deficit was -365 kcal (-1527 kJ)/capita per d for dairy products and -185 kcal (-774 kJ)/capita per d for meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Adequacy of fruits and vegetables depended on food group categorization. When tubers and plantains were categorized as vegetables and fruits, respectively, supply nearly met recommendations. Categorizing tubers and plantains as starchy staples resulted in pronounced supply shortfalls: -109 kcal (-457 kJ)/capita per d for fruits and -94 kcal (-393 kJ)/capita per d for vegetables.ConclusionsThe dietary gap assessment illustrates an approach for better understanding how food supply patterns need to change to achieve healthier dietary patterns.
Superconductivity of barium-VI synthesized via compression at low temperatures

Using a membrane-driven diamond anvil cell and both ac magnetic susceptibility and electrical resistivity measurements, we have characterized the superconducting phase diagram of elemental barium to pressures as high as 65 GPa. We have determined the superconducting properties of the recently discovered Ba-VI crystal structure, which can only be accessed via the application of pressure at low temperature. We find that Ba-VI exhibits a maximum ${T}_{c}$ near 8 K, which is substantially higher than the maximum ${T}_{c}$ found when pressure is applied at room temperature. We discuss our results in terms of the implications for pressure-induced superconductivity in other elements exhibiting complex/modulated structures at high pressure. Finally, we highlight the potential of cryogenic compression to reveal additional richness in previously explored high-pressure phase diagrams.
Optical potential for light nuclei and momentum-space eikonal phase function

The space radiation environment comprises all of the nuclei in the periodic table with energies that extend from a fraction of an MeV/n to TeV/n. The vast range of projectile–target and energy comb...
An auto-associative residual based approach for railway point system fault detection and diagnosis

Abstract Railway point systems are highly reliable systems the failure of which could lead to significant system delay and have a high chance of causing a fatal accident. It is therefore necessary to develop an online monitoring system to detect incipient failures and prevent faults from happening by applying appropriate maintenance. This paper proposes a novel auto-associative residual (AAR) based approach to evaluate point machine heath condition and diagnose faults from multiple failure modes. The AAR based approach developed in this paper employs auto-associative model to generate residuals from low cost on-board multivariate time series signal, then applies fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) models based on residuals. Commonly used FDD models are applied to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Self-organizing Map (SOM), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes Classifier(NBC) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier. Compared with existing approaches, the AAR based approach requires less expert knowledge for model development and minimizes human effort for diagnostic feature extraction. The AAR based approach for FDD achieves more than 97% fault diagnosis accuracy which outperforms existing approaches in the case study.
Was Muller's 1946 Nobel Prize research for radiation-induced gene mutations peer-reviewed?

This historical analysis indicates that it is highly unlikely that the Nobel Prize winning research of Hermann J. Muller was peer-reviewed. The published paper of Muller lacked a research methods section, cited no references, and failed to acknowledge and discuss the work of Gager and Blakeslee (PNAS 13:75-79, 1927) that claimed to have induced gene mutation via ionizing radiation six months prior to Muller’s non-data Science paper (Muller, Science 66(1699):84-87, 1927a). Despite being well acclimated into the scientific world of peer-review, Muller choose to avoid the peer-review process on his most significant publication. It appears that Muller’s actions were strongly influenced by his desire to claim primacy for the discovery of gene mutation. The actions of Muller have important ethical lessons and implications today, when self-interest trumps one’s obligations to society and the scientific culture that supports the quest for new knowledge and discovery.
Groupoid C *-Algebras and Their Relation to Inverse Semigroup Covariance C *-Algebras

Let G be a locally compact groupoid. We recall (Definition 2.2.2) that G is equipped with a left Haar system {λ u }.
Correlation of United States medical licensing examination step 2 and obstetrics and gynecology clerkship final examination scores with clerkship clinical evaluation scores.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a student's subjective clinical evaluation score (CES) correlates with United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 or Step 2, obstetrics/gynecology clerkship final examination or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores. STUDY DESIGN: The test scores for all students rotating at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at Amarillo from 1994 to 2002 were obtained. Regression models were used to compare the CES and examination scores. The 10th percentile of the CES was statistically compared with each examination score as well as its 10th percentiles. RESULTS: The mean scores for the 285 students were USMLE Step 1, 204.4; USMLE Step 2, 205.0; MCAT, 29.1; obstetrics/gynecology final, 86.0; CES, 88.5. Linear correlations were found between the CES and USMLE Step 2 (r = 0.26, p < 0.001) and the obstetrics/gynecology final (r=0.25, p<0.001). Students with a poor CES (<10th percentile) had lower USMLE Step 2 scores (188.2 vs. 206.3, p<0.001) and more examination failures (odds ratio [OR] 8.9 [2.3-33.9]) as well as both lower obstetrics/gynecology final examination scores (81.1 vs. 86.3, p < 0.001) and more clerkship failures (OR 14.2 [1.9-107.4]). CONCLUSION: Students' subjective CESs correlate linearly with performance on both the USMLE Step 2 and obstetrics/gynecology final examinations. Poor CESs (< 10th percentile) predicted lower scores on the future standardized examinations studied.
Molecular genetics of hemophilia A

Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder resulting from a defect in coagulation factor VIII. Clinical severity, the level of factor VIII activity and coagulant antigen vary widely. However, the three parameters breed true in families, indicating that the phenotypic expression directly reflects the genetic defect. In about 5%, hemophilia A results from partial deletion of the factor VIII gene and is clinically severe. In another 5% single base mutations have been found, which destroy the binding sites for the restriction enzyme TaqI. They can be "nonsense" mutations resulting in stop codons and clinically severe hemophilia, or "missense" mutations resulting in amino acid changes and milder forms of hemophilia. By the use of the polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis we have detected several point mutations. The formation of anti-factor VIII antibodies appears to be more frequent in patients with defects resulting in absence of factor VIII protein. Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis can be made with 100% certainty in families with identified mutations. In their absence, polymorphisms affecting recognition sequences for 2 restriction enzymes (BclI and XbaI) within or outside the factor VIII gene can serve as a tag for the mutation and be followed through the pedigree. In the absence of any informative polymorphism the conventional methods for carrier detection are still helpful.--In roughly 1/3 of the patients, the mutation appears "sporadic". However, it can usually be traced within one or two generations of the proband. --Some patients have mosaicism for sporadic mutations, indicating that mutagenesis not necessarily occurs at the level of the gametes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Fluorocarbons and the Environment: The Public Policy Perspective

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the public policy perspective of fluorocarbons and their impact on the environment. The problem is an exceptionally peculiar issue of public policy in which scientists, industrialists, economists, government officials, and the general public will have to work together to arrive at difficult decisions affecting them all. The possible hazards resulting from fluorocarbons were not even imagined when the substances were first developed in the 1930s, and the hazards later identified would result from the very characteristics that made them so attractive in the first place. Rapid expansion of the fluorocarbon industry has occurred recently and any ozone reduction occurring from fluorocarbon emissions would not reach its maximum effect until a decade or more following release of those fluorocarbons at the ground, because of the atmospheric residence times and the slowness of atmospheric transport.
A Statistical Study on the Correlation between Christianity and Democracy and Corruption

In this essay, we will discuss three major Christian traditions — Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism and their impact on the democracy and corruption. Using the global Christian population rates, the democracy indexes and corruption perception indexes (CPI) for each country, with ordinary least square (OLS) regression, we can clearly see Christian population rate is correlated with democracy and CPI. To further study how much of this correlation depends on different culture traditions, we divide the countries into four groups based on the continents: Asia, Africa, America and Europe. We find that Protestantism is always positively correlated with democracy and CPI; the impact of Catholicism is ambiguous; but Orthodoxy has negative impact. The correlation between democracy and corruption has also been shown, and we see a “phase transition” phenomenal, which means only when democracy is above some level it can have big impact in reducing corruption.
Ambient Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis with High Selectivity on Fe/Fe Oxide Catalyst

Electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 under ambient conditions can provide an alternative to the Haber–Bosch process for distributed NH3 production that can be powered by renewable electricity. Th...
An Estrogen-Related Dietary Pattern and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Risk in a Cohort of Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer

Background: The results of previous studies on diet and postmenopausal breast cancer risk have been inconclusive, but there is some evidence that dietary patterns developed to correlate with estrogen levels are associated with breast cancer. We aimed to examine the association of a previously developed estrogen-related dietary pattern (ERDP) with postmenopausal breast cancer in the Sister Study.Methods: The ERDP was calculated from food frequency questionnaire responses among Sister Study participants without a personal history of cancer and who contributed postmenopausal person-time at risk. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals for the association between the ERDP and postmenopausal breast cancer.Results: With more than 261,959 person-years of follow-up and 1,968 incident cases, the ERDP was not associated with total, invasive, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or ER-negative subtypes of breast cancer. Results were robust to various sensitivity analyses.Conclusions: The results do not support previous studies observing a positive association between a proestrogenic dietary pattern and postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Null results may be partially explained by high levels of other breast cancer risk factors within the study population, such as a family history of breast cancer.Impact: An estrogen-related dietary pattern may not be a strong predictor of breast cancer risk in all populations. Future studies of diet and breast cancer should evaluate the potential for effect modification by family history and consider differences in dietary assessment tools when comparing results across study populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(10); 1223-6. ©2018 AACR.
Can we see fade? A survey of anesthesia providers and our ability to detect partial neuromuscular block in dogs.

Abstract Objective To assess the ability to visually detect fade during train-of-four (TOF) or double burst stimulation (DBS) in anesthetized dogs recovering from nondepolarizing neuromuscular block. Study design Online anonymous survey. Population Data from 112 participants. Methods A web-based survey containing 12 videos of the response to ulnar nerve stimulation with TOF and 12 with DBS obtained at different levels of recovery from rocuronium-induced block was distributed to participants of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and the Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Anesthesia and Analgesia e-mail lists. Participants were asked to provide their highest training degree in anesthesiology, watch each video no more than twice, and determine whether fade was present. The probability to correctly recognize fade was calculated using binomial general linear models. General linear models and Tukey’s tests were used to assess the effects of level of neuromuscular block, pattern of stimulation, and observers’ training on the probability to detect fade. Results The survey was completed by 53 diplomates, 29 licensed veterinary technicians, 24 residents and six doctors of veterinary medicine (DVMs). The probability to detect fade decreased as partial neuromuscular block became more shallow (p Conclusions and clinical relevance Detection of fade from observations of the response to TOF in dogs is unreliable. Advance training in anesthesiology or the use of DBS confers little to no advantage for this subjective test.
Assessing Southern Pine 2x4 and 2x6 Lumber Quality: Longitudinal and Transverse Vibration

A primary goal of structural lumber grading is the identification of the strength-reducing characteristics that impact the modulus of rupture (MOR). Non-destructive evaluation technology can be used to identify material of greater stiffness. This study investigates the use of longitudinal and transverse vibration methods to evaluate the mechanical properties of 2x4 and 2x6 southern yellow pine lumber. A total of 1240 samples were conditioned to 12% equilibrium moisture content. All samples were first non-destructive tested using transverse vibration equipment (Metriguard E-computer) in edgewise and flatwise directions and three different longitudinal vibration devices (Fakopp Portable Lumber Grader, Director HM200, and Falcon A-grader) to obtain the vibration properties using transverse and longitudinal methods. The dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) of each sample was calculated based on the fundamental wave equation. Static bending was subsequently conducted according to ASTM 198 (2012), and the rate of loading followed ASTM D4761 (ASTM 2012). The results showed statistically significant correlations between static MOE and the dynamic MOE measured by non-destructive techniques. Weaker correlations were found between MOR and the dynamic MOE values. Likely this finding is because it is related to the ultimate strength of material, often associated with the existence of localized defects, such as a knot, on the lumber piece. This study indicates that non-destructive techniques can potentially be used to evaluate 2x4 and 2x6 stiffness and improvements can be done for a better evaluation of southern pine lumber.
Emotional Birds—Or Advanced Cognitive Processing?

Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) have been shown to exhibit many complex cognitive and communicative abilities in a laboratory setting. The parrots’ successes likely rely on two factors: (a) an underlying neurological architecture that supports complex information processing, and (b) training involving social interaction and contextually-applicable rewards that enables them to express their capacities in ways measurable by human researchers (Pepperberg, The Alex Studies, 1999). Sometimes their behavior could not, however, be predicted from either their biology or their training, but rather involved what, in humans, would be called an emotional response to a situation. This paper describes four such situations, involving object permanence, phonation, insightful string-pulling, and numerical concepts. Each of these situations also required considerable cognitive processing; interestingly, such processing was seemingly stimulated by the concomitant emotional state. I thus suggest the possible existence in Grey parrots of a connection between emotional responses and cognitive processing such that their interaction synergistically supports successful outcomes, possibly related to how affect influences mental processing in humans.
High Time for Criminal Justice Reform: Marijuana Expungement Statutes in States with Legalized or Decriminalized Marijuana Laws

As states continue to legalize or decriminalize recreational marijuana, there is a chasm within our society. One segment of the population can use, possess, transport, and cultivate marijuana without fear of prosecution. Another segment of the population suffers from the collateral consequences of previous marijuana-related offenses. This Article argues that any state that enacts marijuana legalization or decriminalization statutes should automatically include an expungement provision that clears the criminal record of individuals who engaged in activities now deemed lawful under the new legalization and decriminalization laws. This Article proposes model language for an expungement statute that serves as a guide for legislators, judges, and attorneys. The proposed expungement statute will help individuals obtain access to opportunities and benefits now denied them because of their marijuana-related criminal records including employment, professional licenses, financial aid, public housing, travel abroad, firearms’ purchases, the right to vote, and jury service. Changes to the law will also benefit communities that have been disproportionately targeted by the War on Drugs and marijuana prohibition.
Isoflavone daidzein regulates immune responses in the B6C3F1 and non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice.

Abstract Daidzein (DAZ), a dominant isoflavone in various natural products such as soybeans, has been gaining attention due to the beneficial health effects (e.g., protection against cancer and diabetes) of its metabolites. Our major hypothesis was that dietary exposure to the soy phytoestrogen DAZ could modulate the immune responses toward a protective effect and lead to improved metabolic functions (such as glucose metabolism). In this study, we applied complementary mouse models, the hybrid B6C3F1 and inbred type 1 diabetes prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, to investigate if DAZ exposure modulated the immune responses. The animals were orally administered DAZ at various physiological doses (2–20 mg/kg body weight) during adulthood. DAZ significantly altered the relative organ weights in female B6C3F1 mice and decreased the B cell population (represented by CD3−IgM+), while the T cell populations (represented by CD3+IgM−, CD4+CD8− and CD4−CD8+) were increased. In addition, DAZ dosing produced a decrease in the percentage of late apoptotic thymocytes. However, the activities cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells were not altered in the B6C3F1 mice. In NOD mice, the blood glucose level and glucose tolerance were not affected by DAZ exposure, but DAZ modulated the antibody production, as shown by increased levels of IgG2b in NOD females and IgG1 in NOD males. Further, DAZ increased CD8+CD25+ splenocytes in NOD females. Taken together, DAZ induced an immunomodulatory effect in both NOD and B6C3F1 mouse strains; however, minimal effects on glucose homeostasis were observed.
Distributed Approaches for Inter-Cell Interference Coordination in UAV-Based LTE-Advanced HetNets

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can supplement the existing ground-based heterogeneous cellular networks (Het-Nets), by replacing/supporting damaged infrastructure, providing real-time video support at the site of an emergency, offloading traffic in congested areas, extending coverage, and filling coverage gaps. In this paper, we introduce distributed algorithms that leverage UAV mobility, enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC), and cell range expansion (CRE) techniques defined in 3GPP Release-10 and 3GPP Release-11. Through Monte-Carlo simulations, we compare the system-wide 5th percentile spectral efficiency (5pSE) while optimizing the performance using a brute force algorithm, a heuristic-based sequential algorithm, and a deep Q-learning algorithm. The autonomous UAVs jointly optimize their location, ICIC parameters, and CRE to maximize 5pSE gains and minimize the outage probability. Our results show that the ICIC technique relying on a simple heuristic outperforms the ICIC technique based on deep Q-learning. Taking advantage of the multiple optimization parameters for interference coordination, the heuristic based ICIC technique can achieve 5pSE values that are reasonably close to those achieved with exhaustive brute force search techniques, at a significantly lower computational complexity.
Hexagonal Bipyramidal [Ta2B6]‐/0 Clusters: B6 Rings as Structural Motifs.

The title clusters are obtained by laser ablation of cold-pressed targets composed of Ta, 11B, and Ag or Bi as binders and calibrants for subsequent photoelectron spectroscopy.