cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ab initio studies of the conformers of 2-propene-1-imine

Abstract Ab initio molecular orbital calculations employing both the minimal STO-3G and the split-valence 4-31G basis sets have been applied to the four planar conformers of 2-propene-1-imine. Initial calculations revealed that geometry optimizations were needed and partial geometry optimizations using the STO-3G method have been performed. Contrary to experiment, however, the STO-3G favors the wrong conformer (TS) as the lower energy structure. 4-31G calculations, on the other hand, are in reasonable agreement with the microwave study of the compound which predicts the TA conformer as the lower energy conformer with the TS conformer being 0.9 kcal mole−1 higher in energy. The most significant geometric variation in going from the TA to the TS conformer is an opening up of the CCN angle by about 5°. A comparison of the cis—trans rotamers of 1,3-butadiene, glyoxal and acrolein with 2-propene-1-imine is also made. The 4-31G calculations indicate that the TA — CA energy difference for 2-propene-1-imine is about 2 kcal mole−1 while the corresponding value for the TS — CS pair is 2.8 kcal mole−1.
Chapter 33 – Lattice Boltzmann simulations of magnetohydrodynamic slip flow in micro-channels

Publisher Summary This chapter presents results of an analytical and numerical investigation into gaseous slip flow with small rarefaction through a long microchannel in the presence of magnetic field. These flows occur in magnetic thin films and other electromagnetic microscale devices. In obtaining the microfluidic solutions in the presence of a magnetic field, a number of physical, mathematical, and numerical issues need to be considered. These issues deal with the scaling laws for microscale magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flows and the relevant parameters such as Mach number, Reynolds number, Hartmann number, magnetic Reynolds number, and Knudsen number. For planar constant area microchannel, it is possible to obtain an analytical solution for pressure-driven flow. The numerical solution using lattice BGK (LBGK) method requires the construction of an appropriate particle distribution function that recovers both the continuum MHD flow equations and magnetic induction equations in low Mach number limit. For the test cases considered in the chapter, the LBGK results agree well with the analytical solutions for velocity and pressure field. The results also show that the higher value of the magnetic field (higher Hartmann number) flattens the velocity profile in the channel.
A Genome-Wide Search for Synaptic Vesicle Cycle Proteins in Drosophila

The recent completion of the Drosophila genome sequence opens new avenues for neurobiology research. We screened the fly genome sequence for homologs of mammalian genes implicated directly or indirectly in exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. We identified fly homologs for 93% of the vertebrate genes that were screened. These are on average 60% identical and 74% similar to their vertebrate counterparts. This high degree of conservation suggests that little protein diversification has been tolerated in the evolution of synaptic transmission. Finally, and perhaps most exciting for Drosophila neurobiologists, the genomic sequence allows us to identify P element transposon insertions in or near genes, thereby allowing rapid isolation of mutations in genes of interest. Analysis of the phenotypes of these mutants should accelerate our understanding of the role of numerous proteins implicated in synaptic transmission.
Thousands of exon skipping events differentiate among splicing patterns in sixteen human tissues

Alternative splicing is widely recognized for its roles in regulating genes and creating gene diversity. However, despite many efforts, the repertoire of gene splicing variation is still incompletely characterized, even in humans. Here we describe a new computational system, ASprofile, and its application to RNA-seq data from Illumina’s Human Body Map project (>2.5 billion reads). Using the system, we identified putative alternative splicing events in 16 different human tissues, which provide a dynamic picture of splicing variation across the tissues. We detected 26,989 potential exon skipping events representing differences in splicing patterns among the tissues. A large proportion of the events (>60%) were novel, involving new exons (~3000), new introns (~16000), or both. When tracing these events across the sixteen tissues, only a small number (4-7%) appeared to be differentially expressed (‘switched’) between two tissues, while 30-45% showed little variation, and the remaining 50-65% were not present in one or both tissues compared. Novel exon skipping events appeared to be slightly less variable than known events, but were more tissue-specific. Our study represents the first effort to build a comprehensive catalog of alternative splicing in normal human tissues from RNA-seq data, while providing insights into the role of alternative splicing in shaping tissue transcriptome differences. The catalog of events and the ASprofile software are freely available from the Zenodo repository ( http://zenodo.org/record/7068 ; doi: 10.5281/zenodo.7068 ) and from our web site http://ccb.jhu.edu/software/ASprofile .
Earthquakes and Aftershocks: Race, Direct Democracy, and Partisan Change

Although dramatic partisan change among the electorate is infrequent, the issue agendas of parties may produce large shifts. A major cause of such change is the politics of race. In a political environment charged with racially oriented issues, racial groups often align themselves with different parties (as witnessed most recently in the American South). Yet, if racial appeals violate norms of equality, these appeals may rebound on the party using them. Consequently, members of the (white) racial majority and racially targeted minority may both move away from the offending party. Using data from the California Field Poll, we find that racially charged ballot propositions sponsored by the Republican party during the 1990s in California reversed the trend among Latinos and Anglos toward identifying as Republican, ceteris paribus, by shifting party attachments toward the Democratic party. Our results raise serious questions about the long-term efficacy of racially divisive strategies for electoral gain.
Heavy quark hybrids, decay puzzles, and BES/CLEO/RHIC experiments

Abstract We estimate the energy of the lowest charmonium and upsilon states with hybrid admixtures using the method of QCD Sum Rules. Our results show that the Ψ ′ ( 2 S ) and ϒ ( 3 S ) states both have about a 50% admixture of hybrid and meson components. From this we find explanations of both the famous ρ − π puzzle for charmonium, and the unusual pattern of σ decays that have been found in ϒ decays. Moreover, this picture can be used for predictions of heavy quark production with the octet model for RHIC.
The grammar of thought

Abstract The ‘Grammar of thought’ addresses the problem of deductive inference from the standpoint of a cognitive process as well as from the standpoint of a formal model. I argue that the former consideration requires us to think of the form of propositions in close correspondence with the grammar of natural language. Thus, logical form must be the form of sentences of natural language and not the form of sentences of an artificial language. Modern logic has great inference power but fails as a model of actual inference. On the other hand, the older traditional logic, which was weak in inference power, did attempt to adhere to the constraints of natural grammar. The paper sketches a theory of logical structure designed to satisfy the two requirements of conformity to natural syntax and of inference power.
Factors affecting gel formation of inulin

Abstract Inulin gel can be made from shearing or heating–cooling of inulin suspension. Heating of inulin suspension solubilized inulin, cooling caused precipitation of dissolved inulin, especially when a less hydrophilic solvent such as ethanol or glycerol is added. For gel made from heating—cooling process, volumetric gel index (VGI), i.e. the ratio of gel to total volume, was a function of heating temperature, inulin concentration, pH, and solvent added. Minimal inulin concentration required for gel formation increased with increasing heating temperature. High heating temperature (>80°C) causes some degree of hydrolysis of dissolved inulin molecules leading to lower VGI's. A low degree of hydrolysis of inulin and a critical concentration of inulin are important for gel formation. The heating–cooling process formed gels with stronger strength, smoother texture, more uniform and smaller particle size as compared to that obtained with a shearing process.
Diffusion Monte Carlo Calculations of Zero-Point Structures of Partially Deuterated Isotopologues of H7+

Diffusion Monte Carlo calculations for all the deuterated H7+ isotopologues and isotopomers were performed to determine their zero-point energies, and thus the stability of them. Based on these calculations, we conclude that the deuterium atom prefers the unbonded position in the central H3+, and then the bonded position in H3+. When two deuterium atoms are in the outer H2 units, forming a D2 is more stable than one deuterium in each H2 unit. We also discovered that some unstable isotopomers can rearrange to a more stable isotopomer through two types of isomerization: one is that a new H3+ core is formed with more deuterium atoms in it; the other is that the deuterium in the central H3+ goes from the interior (the bonded position) to the exterior (the unbonded position) while the number of deuterium atoms in the H3+ does not change. Three transition states related to the isomerization were identified, two of which have not been reported previously. The corresponding reaction paths were also determined.
Revisiting WalMart’s Impact on Iowa Small-Town Retail 25 Years Later

Ken Stone conducted the first study of WalMart stores’ economic impact in Iowa in 1988. Since then, research on WalMart’s impacts has exploded. Recent studies employ sophisticated statistical techniques to more accurately measure the size and direction of effects. Many reach conclusions similar to Stone’s original work. This article updates the original Stone study with additional years of data. It draws on recent methodological advances to help account for the effects of WalMart’s strategic location decisions on estimated retail sales in Iowa. As is consistent with previous studies, we find that WalMart’s entry into smaller trade centers in Iowa had a big initial impact on host-town retail sales, with some categories experiencing significant increases while others saw declines in sales per capita. WalMart’s presence helped stabilize or even expand the local retail sector of most rural Iowa host communities. To conclude, we discuss policy implications for local economic development officials.
The design of the cell tree: an object-oriented index structure for geometric databases

The design of the cell tree, an object-oriented dynamic index structure for geometric databases, is described. The data objects in the database are represented as unions of convex point sets (cells). The cell tree is a balanced tree structure whose leaves contain the cells and whose interior nodes correspond to a hierarchy of nested convex polyhedra. This index structure allows quick access to the cells (and thereby to the data objects) that occupy a given location in space. The cell tree is designed for paged secondary memory to minimize the number of disk accesses occurring during a tree search. Point locations and range searches can be carried out very efficiently using the cell tree. >
Polar and neutral lipids of epithelium and connective tissue of pig gingiva.

Pig gingiva was separated by collagenase treatment into epithelium and connective tissue components. No difference in DNA content was noted, but the RNA was significantly decreased during the separation procedure, especially in connective tissue. The collagen content of the connective tissue component was twice as high as that of epithelium. The neutral lipid and phospholipid content of each component was determined, and the phospholipid content of epithelium was found to be significantly higher. Significant differences between the layers were also found in triglycerides and cholesterol, which were higher in connective tissue. Most of the free fatty acids, previously found to be rather high in whole gingiva, were found in the epithelium. The fatty acid composition of each of the neutral lipids and phospholipids is reported.
The small area predictors of ambulatory care sensitive hospitalizations: a comparison of changes over time.

The hospital admission for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) is a validated indicator of impeded access to good primary and preventive care services. The authors examine the predictors of ACSC admissions in small geographic areas in two cross-sections spanning an 11-year time interval (1995–2005). Using hospital discharge data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York for the years 1995 and 2005, the study includes a multivariate cross-sectional design, using compositional factors describing the hospitalized populations and the contextual factors, all aggregated at the primary care service area level. The study uses ordinary least squares regressions with and without state fixed effects, adjusting for heteroscedasticity. Data is pooled over 2 years to assess the statistically significant changes in associations over time. ACSC admission rates were inversely related...
Bacterial phospholipases and their role in virulence.

Virulence of many bacterial pathogens is based, at least in part, on the action of phospholipases. The consequences may be immediate and direct, as in the action of Clostridium perfringens α toxin on red cells or platelets, or subtle, as with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases of Listeria monocytogenes and other bacteria.
42 V architecture for automobiles

The 42 V based architecture is being considered for automotive systems as the technical solution for improved emissions, lower fuel consumption, and for meeting the need for higher electrical power on-board the vehicle. In this paper, the functions requiring more electrical power, the reasons for selecting 42 V, the architectures proposed, and the limitations of the 42 V systems are presented.
Soluble tumor antigen‐induced lymphocyte proliferation: Effects of serum from normal and tumor‐bearing mice

The effect of serum from mice bearing methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas on the lympho-proliferative responses of their spleen and lymph-node cells to 3 M KCl-solubilized tumor antigens has been investigated. Low concentrations of serum (less than or equal to 2.5%) collected throughout the course of tumor growth were inhibitory. Normal sera collected from age-matched control mice were often slightly inhibitory, but to a significantly lesser extent at identical serum concentrations. The inhibitory effect of tumor-bearing serum was not limited to homologous tumors, but was also observed when cross-reacting syngeneic tumor antigens or serum from animals bearing other syngeneic tumors were added to the assay mixture. At the low concentrations used, tumor-bearing sera inhibited only tumor-antigen-induced proliferation, and not proliferation induced by T cell mitogens. The inhibitory effects of tumor-bearing sera on lympho-proliferative responses to soluble tumor antigens appear to be similar to the inhibition seen as "serum blocking" in other assays of tumor immunity.
High-performance tantalum oxide capacitors fabricated by a novel reoxidation scheme

High-performance tantalum oxide capacitors with excellent reliability that were developed by a two-step oxidation scheme are discussed. An anodic reoxidation process is applied to the reactively sputter-deposited tantalum oxide films to make the densified oxide structure. The electrical and physical properties as well as the reliability of these two-step oxidized sputtered/anodized tantalum oxide films are shown to be much superior to those of conventional tantalum oxide films prepared by either anodization or sputtering alone. Capacitors made of the sputtered/anodized tantalum oxide film have greatly improved electrical properties and better reliability than anodized or sputtered tantalum oxide capacitors and are very useful for applications to high-capacity storage capacitors in future high-density VLSI memories. >
Laboratory Exercise: Study of Digestive and Regulatory Processes through the Exploration of Fasted and Postprandial Blood Glucose.

Digestive physiology laboratory exercises often explore the regulation of enzyme action rather than systems physiology. This laboratory exercise provides a systems approach to digestive and regulat...
University-wide curriculum reform: two processes to aid in decision making

Reform of engineering education can take a variety of forms. At Kettering University, a primarily undergraduate engineering institution, the Faculty Senate decided that the curriculum structure needed to be critically evaluated and possibly reformed. The Senate appointed a task force to coordinate the evaluation of the existing curriculum structure and the consideration of a variety of alternatives. The task force used systematic processes for decision making which were also helpful in identifying reasons for change and developing faculty buy-in for curriculum reform. The paper describes the reasons why these processes were needed, the circumstances under which they were applied, how the processes work, and how the results were used. The first formal decision-making process is a modified version of the widely-accepted SWOT exercise. The technique involved identifying strengths and weaknesses of various curriculum structures. It was used in large group settings to which all faculty and administrators were invited. A principle advantage of this approach is that all opinions were heard and equally weighted. In a second formal decision-making process, a weighted criteria matrix was constructed to systematically evaluate the alternative curriculum structures. The matrix was developed via a series of brainstorming sessions by the task force. The task force used their personal opinions, data from the strength-weakness exercises, and the expertise of university administrators in ranking the attributes of each alternative. This process allowed the task force to identify positive attributes of a proposed curriculum structure and to develop a hybrid structure featuring the best characteristics of each alternative.
Abstract 1441: Adapting the Syngraft mouse model to study metastatic recurrence of pancreatic cancer

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human malignancies with a 5-year survival rate for all stages of only 6%. While surgery remains the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, the majority of patients that undergo resection go on to die of pancreatic cancer recurrence. The biology of pancreatic recurrence is poorly understood due to the lack of sufficient mouse models to study this aspect of the disease. Our laboratory has adapted the Syngraft mouse model in order to study metastatic recurrence of pancreatic cancer. The Syngraft model is an orthotopic syngeneic mouse model using a pancreatic tumor cell line derived from the genetically engineered model (KrasG12D/+; Ink4a flox/flox) that has been modified with lentiviral vectors expressing mCherry and luciferase. After orthotopic injection, tumor formation was detected with the IVIS Spectrum using injected luciferin. Mice underwent distal pancreatectomy with spleenectomy when the primary pancreatic tumor measured ∼107 photons/sec/cm2, with a mean time to surgical resection at 19 days. Mice were then followed for metastatic recurrence to the liver using the IVIS Spectrum, with a mean time to recurrence of 23 days. We were able to establish a rate of metastatic recurrence in the Syngraft mouse model of 41% to the liver. Research is ongoing to enhance the metastatic efficiency of the injected cell lines and to further characterize the model for evidence of single cell and micrometastases in the liver. This model holds potential to be a useful tool to study the cell and molecular biology of pancreatic cancer recurrence. Citation Format: Crissy Dudgeon, Ashley Tsang, Neil Campbell, Eric Collisson, Darren Carpizo. Adapting the Syngraft mouse model to study metastatic recurrence of pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1441. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1441
Biomedical image visualization research using the Visible Human Datasets

The practice of medicine and conduct of research in major segments of the biologic sciences have always relied on visualizations to study the relationship of anatomic structure to biologic function. Traditionally, these visualizations have either been direct, via vivisection and postmortem examination, or have required extensive mental reconstruction. The revolutionary capabilities of 3-D and 4-D medical imaging modalities, together with computer reconstruction and rendering of multidimensional medical and histological volume image data, obviate the need for physical dissection or abstract assembly. The availability of the Visible Human Datasets from the National Library of Medicine, coupled with the development of advanced computer algorithms to accurately and rapidly process, segment, register, measure, and display high resolution 3-D images, has provided a rich opportunity to help advance these important new imaging, visualization, and analysis methodologies from scientific theory to clinical practice. Clin. Anat. 19:240–253, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Working with the medically underserved.

> An imbalance between rich and poor is the oldest and most fatal ailment of all republics. > > Plutarch Working with the medically underserved is not for everyone. It can be difficult to gain the perspective necessary to understanding the vicious cycle of indigence and social injustice. Many
Light shadowing effect of large breast lesions imaged by optical tomography in reflection geometry

When a large, highly absorbing breast lesion is imaged by optical tomography in reflection geometry, most of the photons are absorbed by the top portion of the lesion. As a result, the lower portion of the lesion is not quantified correctly. This posterior light shadowing effect is similar to the sound shadowing effect frequently seen in pulse-echo ultrasound images. The presence of significant posterior shadowing of a lesion in ultrasound images suggests malignance. The light shadowing effect due to optical contrast is characterized using a simple measure and validated by the Monte Carlo photon-tracking method and phantom experiments. Clinical examples of large malignant and benign lesions are presented to demonstrate the shadowing effect and the utility of the measure. Understanding and quantifying the shadowing effect due to optical contrast is important for characterizing larger malignant cancers from benign lesions.
Infrared spectra of silyl and silyl-d3 cyanides

Abstract The infrared spectra of silyl and silyl-d3 cyanides in the gaseous state have been examined over the region from 300 to 3500 cm−1. In each case seven of the eight fundamental vibrations are observed directly; the low frequency skeletal bending fundamental is inferred from its first overtone. Coarse rotational structure of two of the perpendicular fundamentals of SiH3CN are analyzed in terms of the Coriolis coefficients. Isotopic shifts produced by 13C and 15N in the CN stretching mode of SiD3CN provide strong evidence for the normal cyanide structure rather than the earlier postulated isocyanide form.
The Tree of Life: Metaphor, Model, and Heuristic Device

The tree of life (ToL) is used variously as metaphor, model, and research tool to explore life’s evolution and genealogical relationships. It has broad appeal for multiple scientific communities and the public as a descriptive term covering life’s diversity. However, as biologists identify more entities and events to describe—including species, organisms, cells, genomes, gene families, extra-chromosomal genetic elements, endosymbioses, hybridizations, recombination types, and lateral gene transfer (LGT) events—the ToL strains under the weight of multiple uses and expectations. The multiple uses span levels of biological organization, from genes to clades, and they extend to all life forms despite their disparate mechanisms of reproduction and inheritance. Furthermore, some biologists consider the purpose of the ToL to be communicating patterns of relationship, whereas others consider evolutionary
Diffusion coded photography for extended depth of field

In recent years, several cameras have been introduced which extend depth of field (DOF) by producing a depth-invariant point spread function (PSF). These cameras extend DOF by deblurring a captured image with a single spatially-invariant PSF. For these cameras, the quality of recovered images depends both on the magnitude of the PSF spectrum (MTF) of the camera, and the similarity between PSFs at different depths. While researchers have compared the MTFs of different extended DOF cameras, relatively little attention has been paid to evaluating their depth invariances. In this paper, we compare the depth invariance of several cameras, and introduce a new camera that improves in this regard over existing designs, while still maintaining a good MTF.Our technique utilizes a novel optical element placed in the pupil plane of an imaging system. Whereas previous approaches use optical elements characterized by their amplitude or phase profile, our approach utilizes one whose behavior is characterized by its scattering properties. Such an element is commonly referred to as an optical diffuser, and thus we refer to our new approach as diffusion coding. We show that diffusion coding can be analyzed in a simple and intuitive way by modeling the effect of a diffuser as a kernel in light field space. We provide detailed analysis of diffusion coded cameras and show results from an implementation using a custom designed diffuser.
Assessing the population health impact of market interventions to improve access to antiretroviral treatment

Accepted 12 July 2011 Despite extraordinary global progress in increasing coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART), the majority of people needing ART currently are not receiving treatment. Both the number of people needing ART and the average ART price per patient-year are expected to increase in coming years, which will dramatically raise funding needs for ART. Several international organizations are using interventions in ART markets to decrease ART price or to improve ART quality, delivery and innovation, with the ultimate goal of improving population health. These organizations need to select those market interventions that are most likely to substantially affect population health outcomes (ex ante assessment) and to evaluate whether implemented interventions have improved health outcomes (ex post assessment). We develop a framework to structure ex ante and ex post assessment of the population health impact of market interventions, which is transmitted through effects in markets and health systems. Ex ante assessment should include evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the ART products whose markets will be affected by the intervention; theoretical consideration of the mechanisms through which the intervention will affect population health; and predictive modelling to estimate the potential population health impact of the intervention. For ex post assessment, analysts need to consider which outcomes to estimate empirically and which to model based on empirical findings and understanding of the economic and biological mechanisms along the causal pathway from market intervention to population health. We discuss methods for ex post assessment and analyse assessment issues (unintended intervention effects, interaction effects between different interventions, and assessment impartiality and cost). We offer seven recommendations for ex ante and ex post assessment of population health impact of market interventions.
International Audit Approaches in the Insurance Sector

This paper identifies twelve procedures deemed challenging to the auditors in the insurance sector. Semi structured interviews with the technical partners of two Big Four firms based in Texas reveal that the US auditors use the Practice Note 20 (The audit of insurers in the United Kingdom) issued by the Auditing Practices Board (UK) as a basis to conduct the audits. Due to complexity, the auditors need to be diligent while discharging their duties of care. Results have implications to the public policy authorities, stakeholders and audit profession.
The effects of strong suction on laminar boundary layers

The title problem is investigated with the view of clarifying the nature of the separation in an adverse pressure gradient when the suction υ 0 is very strong. A linear model is investigated, but it is argued that this must contain many of the essential features of the exact (non-linear) problem. With a free-stream U = 1 − x the similarity solution u = (1 − x ) f ( y ) is appropriate when (υ 0 x − y ) ≫ 1, x = O (1), 1−x = O (1). There is an O (1) layer centred on y = υ 0 x in which more complex x -dependence first appears and then, when ( y − υ 0 x ) ≫ 1, the solution assumes its final asymptotic behaviour. The y = υ 0 x layer is non-uniform in x and exhibits a marked change in behaviour when (1 − x ;) = O (l/υ 0 ). The solution in this narrow rectangle is singular like (1 − x ) −2 at the trailing edge. It is these singular terms that induce separation and reversed flow in an exponentially small neighbourhood of the trailing-edge.
Diagnosing Discrimination: Stress from Perceived Racism and the Mental and Physical Health Effects*: STRESS FROM RACISM AND THE HEALTH EFFECTS

Differences in health between racial groups in the United States are significant and persistent. Many studies have documented these differences as a result of a variety of different social factors. An emerging emphasis is the impact of racism in its various forms on physical and mental health. Social stress theory conceptualizes racism as a social stresssor which can produce negative health consequences for racial minorities. This study uses binary logit and negative binomial regression models of four items from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to test social stress theory and examine the relationship between stress symptoms from perceived racism and overall health (N = 32,585). The effect of race on the experience of emotional and physical stress symptoms from racism is substantial. Furthermore, experiencing both emotional and physical stress from perceived racist treatment is an important factor in predicting the number of poor mental and physical health days, indicating that the experience of stress from perceived racism is related to overall poorer health.
RZ versus NRZ pulse shape in duobinary modulation

We present experimental data comparing RZ versus NRZ pulse shapes for optical duobinary modulation at 10 Gb/s. The NRZ pulse shape is found to be superior for duobinary systems dominated by ASE noise and/or dispersion.
Electrophysiological evidence of the time course of attentional bias in non-patients reporting symptoms of depression with and without co-occurring anxiety.

Anxiety is characterized by attentional biases to threat, but findings are inconsistent for depression. To address this inconsistency, the present study systematically assessed the role of co-occurring anxiety in attentional bias in depression. In addition, the role of emotional valence, arousal, and gender was explored. Ninety-two nonpatients completed the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ; Meyer et al., 1990; Molina & Borkovec, 1994) and portions of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (MASQ; Watson, Clark, et al., 1995; Watson, Weber, et al., 1995). Individuals reporting high levels of depression and low levels of anxiety (depression only), high levels of depression and anxiety (combined), or low levels of both (control) completed an emotion-word Stroop task during event-related brain potential (ERP) recording. Pleasant and unpleasant words were matched on emotional arousal level. An attentional bias was not evident in the depression-only group. Women in the combined group had larger N200 amplitude for pleasant than unpleasant stimuli, and the combined group as a whole had larger right-lateralized P300 amplitude for pleasant than unpleasant stimuli, consistent with an early and later attentional bias that is specific to unpleasant valence in the combined group. Men in the control group had larger N200 amplitude for pleasant than unpleasant stimuli, consistent with an early attentional bias that is specific to pleasant valence. The present study indicates that the nature and time course of attention prompted by emotional valence and not arousal differentiates depression with and without anxiety, with some evidence of gender moderating early effects. Overall, results suggest that co-occurring anxiety is more important than previously acknowledged in demonstrating evidence of attentional biases in depression.
Cultural Parallax and Content Analysis: Images of Black Women in High School History Textbooks.

This study investigates the representation of Black women in high school history textbooks. To examine the extent to which Black women are represented visually and to explore how they are portrayed, the authors use a mixed-methods approach that draws on analytical techniques in content analysis and from visual culture studies. Their findings reveal that Black women are marginalized in high school history textbooks. Also, the authors argue that despite this dearth of Black women, they are portrayed in a greater variety of roles in the major Black history textbook on the market for secondary students. The study concludes by deriving a framework by which others may interpret the representation of Black women in texts and other curricular materials and by challenging traditional content analyses by bringing the notion of cultural parallax to bear on the widely used content analysis methodology.
The Interaction between Influenza HA Fusion Peptide and Transmembrane Domain Affects Membrane Structure.

Viral glycoproteins, such as influenza hemagglutinin (HA) and human immunodeficiency virus gp41, are anchored by a single helical segment transmembrane domain (TMD) on the viral envelope membrane. The fusion peptides (FP) of the glycoproteins insert into the host membrane and initiate membrane fusion. Our previous study showed that the FP or TMD alone perturbs membrane structure. Interaction between the influenza HA FP and TMD has previously been shown, but its role is unclear. We used PC spin labels dipalmitoylphospatidyl-tempo-choline (on the headgroup), 5PC and 14PC (5-C and 14-C positions on the acyl chain) to detect the combined effect of FP-TMD interaction by titrating HA FP to TMD-reconstituted 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1’-rac-glycerol)/cholesterol lipid bilayers using electron spin resonance. We found that the FP-TMD increases the lipid order at all positions, which has a greater lipid ordering effect than the sum of the FP or TMD alone, and this effect reaches deeper into the membranes. Although HA-mediated membrane fusion is pH dependent, this combined effect is observed at both pH 5 and pH 7. In addition to increasing lipid order, multiple components are found for 5PC at increased concentration of FP-TMD, indicating that distinct domains are induced. However, the mutation of Gly1 in the FP and L187 in the TMD eliminates the perturbations, consistent with their fusogenic phenotypes. Electron spin resonance on spin-labeled peptides confirms these observations. We suggest that this interaction may provide a driving force in different stages of membrane fusion: initialization, transition from hemifusion stalk to transmembrane contact, and fusion pore formation.
The Tax Lives of Uber Drivers: Evidence from Internet Discussion Forums

In this Article, we investigate the tax issues and challenges facing Uber and Lyft drivers by studying their online interactions in three internet discussion forums. Using descriptive statistics and content analysis, we examine (1) the substantive tax concerns facing forum participants, (2) how taxes affect their driving and profitability decisions, and (3) the degree of user sophistication, accuracy of legal advising, and other cultural features of the forums. We find that while forum participants displayed generally accurate understandings of tax filing and income inclusion obligations, their approaches to expenses and deductions were less accurate and more varied in sophistication and willingness to comply with tax law. Forum participants also frequently discussed whether driving was profitable and exhibited a range of awareness concerning how taxes affected profitability. Finally, while the forums contained a surprising degree of sophisticated and accurate tax and legal advice, they also contained many examples of inaccurate or confusing information. It is thus uncertain whether readers can successfully distinguish between accurate and inaccurate advice dispensed in the forums. Based on our findings, we make tentative recommendations for effective tax administration in the ridesharing and related sectors, including use of industry-specific guidance, clarification of how existing tax rules apply to ridesharing, and guidance on Form 1099-K interpretation. We analyze the implications of our findings regarding taxes and profitability for Uber’s business model and its potential regulation. Finally, we discuss the possible impacts of targeted tax compliance initiatives on internet communities.
Systematic Engineering of Waveguide-Resonator Coupling for Silicon Microring/Microdisk Resonators

Systematic engineering of waveguide-resonator coupling for optimum phase-matching and field-overlap is proposed. Adding a thin silicon layer underneath the resonator dramatically improves the coupling. Coupling Q control over an extremely wide-range (104–106) is demonstrated.
A difficult road ahead: Fleet fuel economy, footprint-based CAFE compliance, and manufacturer incentives

Abstract Using detailed vehicle specifications, this paper analyzes the impact identifiable vehicle characteristics and technological progress has on fleet fuel economy by vehicle type and class. The results suggest manufacturers will face a difficult task complying with the new footprint-based CAFE standards if compliance is met by only changing identifiable vehicle characteristics. I find evidence that the stringent footprint-based standards create a manufacturer incentive to increase vehicle size to lower the burden of compliance. This undermines the standards' potential to create expected fuel savings and lower emissions levels.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Stenosis with Patent Ductus Arteriousus in Children by Echocardiography

Purpose:Though ultrasound was proven accurate in illustrating pulmonary stenosis(PS) as well as patent ductus arteriousus(PDA) in children,it is very difficult for ultrasound to diagnose PS complicated with PDA.The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of diagnostic ultrasound in the complicated disease.Materials and Methods:The aorta peak velocity(Vp),mean velocity(Vm),velocity time integrate(VTI) were measured by pulse wave Doppler echocardiography(PWDE) in 16 cases of PS+PDA and 16 of pure PS.In addition to the routine parasternal aortic root short axis view,the parasternal pulmonary artery branch,suprasternal aortic arch short axis and subcostal pulmonary artery long axis views were employed with color and pulse wave Doppler flow imaging for the detection of the abnormalities.Results:Twelve of 16 cases of PS+PDA were correctly diagnosed,but 4 missed.The aortic Vp in patients with PS+PDA was higher than that in patients with pure PS.Conclusion:The extra views might be of help in discovering PS+PDA better and the rise in aortic Vp in PS patients might suggest the co-existing PDA.
Research on inverse time current relay based on the absolute value of zero-sequence power

The protective zone of the zero-sequence current depends on the variety of parameter of electric power system. The widely used short transmit lines makes it difficult for the zero-sequence current relay to be matched well, which leads to the emergence of inverse time current relay. This paper presents a method by use of the absolute value of zero-sequence power(U0×I0) for achieving inverse time zero-sequence current relay. The method enhances the inverse time for the fault point, and the attached fixed time for each step of the inverse time is largely decreased. Moreover,the method is more suitable for the variation of the operation of electric power system. The inverse time current relay based on the absolute value of zero-sequence power is good for the quick response of the back-up protection and provides significant importance for improving the relay sensitivity and shortening the operating time of protection. Several principles based on this method are discussed in detail, which may provide valuable guides for researchers and manufacturers.
Computer science education in secondary schools in western New York: faculty poster

This research investigates the status of computer science (CS) education in the secondary schools of Western New York (WNY). Nationally, enrollment in computer related majors is declining in secondary schools. Prior studies show that (1) most state education departments do not certify (CS) as an academic area in K-12, (2) K-12 teachers who teach computer courses are most commonly trained in other disciplines, and (3) too few opportunities exist for professional development for such teachers. The primary purpose of the current study is to design professional development opportunities for secondary teachers teaching CS or related courses. Thus, secondary school teachers teaching CS or computer related courses will constitute the target sample for this research. Data about the current status of CS education in high schools will be collected from the teachers through an online survey. The survey has 3 sections: (1) demographic questions related to the teachers and their schools; (2) types of CS or related courses taught in the schools; and (3) self-identified areas of need and interest for professional development among the teachers. The survey is comprised of a combination of items we deem relevant to the study and questions derived from the pertinent literature [1, 2] on this topic. An initial survey will serve as a pilot study to test receptiveness of teacher to participate in the online survey, as well as the suitability of the questions. Soon thereafter, the survey will be administered to teachers at all high schools in the WNY area. Results from analysis of this data will be available for and featured at the conference. The primary significance of the results of this study lies in the analysis of the current status of Computing Education in WNY High Schools; result will help inform the design and development of professional development opportunities to benefit WNY high school computing teachers and provide information to help broaden participation and diversity in computing fields. Future research will include a more comprehensive survey of computer teachers across the entire state of New York.
Contrasting Potato Foliage and Tuber Defense Mechanisms against the Late Blight Pathogen Phytophthora infestans.

The late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans can attack both potato foliage and tubers. When inoculated with P. infestans, foliage of nontransformed ‘Russet Burbank’ (WT) develops late blight disease while that of transgenic ‘Russet Burbank’ line SP2211 (+RB) does not. We compared the foliar transcriptome responses of these two lines to P. infestans inoculation using an RNA-seq approach. A total of 515 million paired end RNA-seq reads were generated, representing the transcription of 29,970 genes. We also compared the differences and similarities of defense mechanisms against P. infestans in potato foliage and tubers. Differentially expressed genes, gene groups and ontology bins were identified to show similarities and differences in foliage and tuber defense mechanisms. Our results suggest that R gene dosage and shared biochemical pathways (such as ethylene and stress bins) contribute to RB-mediated incompatible potato-P. infestans interactions in both the foliage and tubers. Certain ontology bins such as cell wall and lipid metabolisms are potentially organ-specific.
Different cognitive functions discriminate gait performance in younger and older women: A pilot study

Abstract Aim Cognitive dysfunction is associated with slower gait speed in older women, but whether cognitive function affects gait performance earlier in life has yet to be investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that cognitive function will discriminate gait performance in healthy younger women. Methods Fast-pace and dual-task gait speed were measured in 30 young to middle-aged (30–45 y) and 26 older (61–80 y) women without mild cognitive impairment. Visuoperceptual ability, working memory, executive function, and learning ability were assessed using neuropsychological tests. Within each age group, women were divided by the median into lower and higher cognitive function groups to compare gait performance. Results Younger women with higher visuoperceptual ability had faster fast-pace (2.25 ± 0.30 vs. 1.98 ± 0.18 m/s, p ≤ 0.01) and dual-task gait speed (2.02 ± 0.27 vs. 1.69 ± 0.25 m/s, p ≤ 0.01) than women with lower visuoperceptual ability. The difference in dual-task gait speed remained significant (p = 0.02) after adjusting for age, years of education, and other covariates. Dividing younger women based on other cognitive domains showed no difference in gait performance. In contrast, working memory and executive function discriminated dual-task gait speed (p Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that poorer cognitive function even at a relatively young age can negatively impact mobility. Different cognitive functions discriminated gait performance based on age, highlighting a possible influence of aging in the relationship between cognitive function and mobility in women.
Management of the Patient with a Genetic Predisposition for Breast Cancer

The identification and management of individuals with a genetic risk for breast cancer have changed dramatically over the past few years. Mutations in genes besides BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been associated with hereditary breast cancer risk. Genetic testing technology has improved allowing for the testing of numerous genes at once. As our understanding of the cancer risks conferred by different mutations has deepened, cancer screening and risk reduction recommendations for affected individuals have changed. Many families with a history of breast cancer have no identifiable causative genetic mutation, however, they are still at increased risk due to a combination of unknown genetic factors, as well as environmental and lifestyle effects. Current methods for risk assessment, genetic counseling and testing, and management of individuals at hereditary risk for breast cancer will be covered, as well as resources for including these activities into clinical practice.
Social Entrepreneurship: A Call for Collective Action

Social entrepreneurship presents great opportunities for higher education, international development, philanthropy, advocacy, and community organizing. Yet it also presents real dilemmas. More definition is needed about the endeavor’s paramount aims. This chapter argues that social entrepreneurs should rethink their relationship with collective action; that they should revisit old ideas while also looking for new ones; and that critical thought be given to the field’s implicit assumptions about social innovation and markets.