cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of Brief Problem Monitor, an abbreviated form of the Child Behavior Checklist.

AIM: The parent form of the 113 item Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is widely utilized by child psychiatrists and psychologists. This report examines the reliability and validity of a recently developed abbreviated version of the CBCL, the Brief Problem Monitor (BPM). METHODS: Caregivers (N=567) completed the CBCL online and the 19 BPM items were examined separately. RESULTS: Internal consistency of the BPM was high (Cronbach's alpha=0.91) and satisfactory for the Internalizing (0.78), Externalizing (0.86), and Attention (0.87) scales. High correlations between the CBCL and BPM were identified for the total score (r=0.95) as well as the Internalizing (0.86), Externalizing (0.93), and Attention (0.97) scales. The BPM and scales were sensitive and identified significantly higher behavioral and emotional problems among children whose caregiver reported a psychiatric diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, bipolar, depression, anxiety, developmental disabilities, or Autism Spectrum Disorders relative to a comparison group that had not been diagnosed with these disorders. BPM ratings also differed by the socioeconomic status and education of the caregiver. Mothers with higher annual incomes rated their children as having 38.8% fewer total problems (Cohen's d=0.62) as well as 42.8% lower Internalizing (d=0.53), 44.1% less Externalizing (d=0.62), and 30.9% decreased Attention (d=0.39). A similar pattern was evident for maternal education (d=0.30 to 0.65). CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings provide strong psychometric support for the BPM although the differences based on the characteristics of the parent indicates that additional information from other sources (e.g., teachers) should be obtained to complement parental reports. Language: en
Naturally occurring neomorphic PIK3R1 mutations activate the MAPK pathway, dictating therapeutic response to MAPK pathway inhibitors.

Summary PIK3R1 (p85α regulatory subunit of PI3K) is frequently mutated across cancer lineages. Herein, we demonstrate that the most common recurrent PIK3R1 mutation PIK3R1 R348∗ and a nearby mutation PIK3R1 L370fs , in contrast to wild-type and mutations in other regions of PIK3R1 , confers an unexpected sensitivity to MEK and JNK inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with the response to inhibitors, PIK3R1 R348∗ and PIK3R1 L370fs unexpectedly increase JNK and ERK phosphorylation. Surprisingly, p85α R348 ∗ and L370fs localize to the nucleus where the mutants provide a scaffold for multiple JNK pathway components facilitating nuclear JNK pathway activation. Our findings uncover an unexpected neomorphic role for PIK3R1 R348∗ and neighboring truncation mutations in cellular signaling, providing a rationale for therapeutic targeting of these mutant tumors.
Pediatric Dermatology: Past, Present, and Future

Up to 30% percent of pediatric primary care visits include a skin-related problem, and referrals are hampered by appointment wait times among the longest of any pediatric subspecialty. Despite the clear demand for pediatric dermatologists, there has been a long-standing shortage of providers, leaving dermatology as one of the most underserved pediatric subspecialties. Another consequence of the workforce shortage is the limited opportunity for pediatric dermatology training for residents and postgraduate general pediatricians and dermatologists. This review includes the evolution of the subspecialty from conception through the present, along with obstacles to workforce expansion and potential solutions to improve access to care for children with skin diseases.
More Alike than Different: Health Needs, Services Utilization, and Outcomes of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Populations Treated for Substance Use Disorders

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are often portrayed as a healthy group with minor substance use problems. Using data from two studies of patients treated in 44 community-based substance use treatment sites located in three states, 298 AAPIs and a matched comparison group of 298 non-AAPI patients were compared on demographic characteristics, treatment experiences, and 1-year outcomes. At treatment entry, more AAPIs reported recent drug use and fewer injected drugs, AAPIs had less severe medical and alcohol problems, and AAPIs reported worse general health but less desire for medical and alcohol services. After controlling for baseline problem severity, there were no differences in treatment retention, completion, or outcomes. Contrary to the model minority stereotype, AAPIs have mostly similar treatment needs, experiences, and outcomes as other racial/ethnic groups in drug treatment.
Using hybrid GA-ANN to predict biological activity of HIV protease inhibitors

The prediction of biological activity of a chemical compound from its structural features, representing its physico-chemical properties, plays an important role in drug discovery, design and development. Since the biological data is highly non-linear, the machine-learning techniques have been widely used for modeling it. In the present work, the clustering, genetic algorithm (GA) and artificial neural networks (ANN) are used to develop computational prediction models on a dataset of HIV protease inhibitors. The hybrid GA- ANN technique is used for feature selection. The ANN-QSAR prediction models are then developed to link the structures to their reported biological activity. These models can be useful for predicting the biological activity of new untested HIV protease inhibitors and virtual screening for identifying new lead compounds.
Factor XI, but not prekallikrein, blocks high molecular weight kininogen binding to human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Previous studies on the interaction of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) with endothelial cells have reported a large number of binding sites (106-107 sites/cell) with differing relative affinities (KD = 7-130 nm) and have implicated various receptors or receptor complexes. In this study, we examined the binding of HK to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with a novel assay system utilizing HUVEC immobilized on microcarrier beads, which eliminates the detection of the high affinity binding sites found nonspecifically in conventional microtiter well assays. We report that HK binds to 8.5 x 104 high affinity (KD = 21 nm) sites per HUVEC, i.e. 10-100-fold fewer than previously reported. Although HK binding is unaffected by the presence of a physiological concentration of prekallikrein, factor XI abrogates HK binding to HUVEC in a concentration-dependent manner. Disruption of the naturally occurring complex between factor XI and HK by the addition of a 31-amino acid peptide mimicking the factor XI-binding site on HK restored HK binding to HUVEC. Furthermore, HK inhibited thrombin-stimulated von Willebrand factor release by HUVEC but not thrombin receptor activation peptide (SFLLRN-amide)-stimulated von Willebrand factor release. Factor XI restored the ability of thrombin to stimulate von Willebrand factor release in the presence of low HK concentrations. These results suggest that free HK, or HK in complex with prekallikrein but not in complex with factor XI, interacts with the endothelium and can maintain endothelial cell quiescence by preventing endothelial stimulation by thrombin.
Pesticide retention by inorganic soil amendments

Abstract Pesticide retention by eight inorganic soil amendments, the majority of which are used in turf, was evaluated using a laboratory-based technique with radiolabeled pesticides. Amendments evaluated were derived from various naturally-occurring deposits of zeolites, diatomaceous earths, and fired clays and are intended to provide long-lived, stable, and uniformly sized particles that can contribute favorable water- and nutrient-retention properties to the root zone. Sand, sedge peat, and a Marvyn loamy sand soil (Ap horizon) were included for comparative purposes. Pesticides evaluated included the herbicides imazaquin and oxadiazon and the fungicide/herbicide fenarimol. Pesticide retention was evaluated with a soil solution technique. Amendments evaluated had considerable variation in cation exchange capacity (CEC), effective CEC (ECEC), surface area (SA), and field capacity with lesser variation in particle size distribution and particle density. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that surface t...
Formalizing first-order logic in the equational theory of 3-dimensional diagonal-free cylindric algebras

In this paper, we exhibit a relation algebra reduct of any diagonal-free cylindric algebra of dimension 3 having sufficiently strong projection and equality parameters. We also offer a complete (and corrected) proof that full first-order logic can be formalized in the calculus of binary relations (a result due to Maddux and Tarski). Finally, we use these constructions to recursively define a translation function from the sentences of first-order logic to the equational theory of Df3, which preserves validity.
Application of New Technology to the Detection, Identification, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacteria

Mycobacteria are reemerging as important causes of human disease. The increase in mycobacterial infections has prompted the development of more rapid and efficient ways of detecting and characterizing mycobacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory. Methods currently in use or under development include more sensitive methods of direct detection, improved techniques for culture, identification, and susceptibility testing, and the use of nucleic acid probes for identification and epidemiologic typing. Broad application of rapid and sensitive methods for detection and characterization of mycobacteria are essential if we are to limit the spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and provide optimal care for patients infected with TB or other Mycobacterium species
The Strategy of Civil Defense

(1950). The Strategy of Civil Defense. Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Vol. 6, Civil Defense Against Atomic Attack, pp. 241-243.
Pattern of cytoplasmic RNA in brain and liver of immature rats (39897).

SummaryThe nature and appearance of RNA species in rat brain and liver cytoplasm have been examined by polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis during the actively growing period. Accumulation of newly synthesized 28 and 18S rRNA is more rapid in immature than in mature liver cytoplasm. Two species of RNA heavier than 28S exist in cytoplasm of immature cerebrum, cerebellum, and liver and disappear from these tissues as they mature. Values of S based upon electrophoretic mobilities are 40 and 34S for these heavy RNAs.Their exact nature and function during development are not known.This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health Research Grant HD 06682 and National Foundation Grant 1-285.
Renormalization group circuits for gapless states

We show that a large class of gapless states are renormalization group fixed points in the sense that they can be grown scale by scale using local unitaries. This class of examples includes some theories with a dynamical exponent different from one, but does not include conformal field theories. The key property of the states we consider is that the ground-state wave function is related to the statistical weight of a local statistical model. We give several examples of our construction in the context of Ising magnetism.
Contamination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus in Shanghai Retail Markets and Its Risk Assessment

Objective To investigate the contamination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus in Shanghai and Ningbo retail markets and to assess the public health risks induced by V.parahaemolyticus.Method The counts of V.parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus were determined by the most probable number (MPN) technique.The consumption pattern of Portunus trituperculatus was investigated in Shanghai residents by retrospective dietary survey.The semi-quantitative risk assessment for V.parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus was made by a software of Risk Ranger.Result V.parahaemolyticus was isolated from 60.5% (23 /38) of samples from Shanghai while 13.3% (4 /30) from Ningbo with a mean of 0.75 MPN /g and 5.50 MPN /g respectively in positive samples.The daily intake of Portunus trituperculatus for a Shanghai resident was 2.95 g /d.The relative risk for V.parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus was 36.The probability of illness caused by V.parahaemolyticus in Portunus trituperculatus per day per consumer of interest was 8.22 × 10-9,and the total predicted patients per annum in the population of interest was 42.5 cases.Changing the selection of some risk factors in the model,the risk from the consumption of Portunus trituperculatus decreased for 10 times if good control measures were taken.Conclusion V.parahaemolyticus is frequently found in Portunus trituperculatus in Shanghai retail markets,which may cause higher risks to public health.Therefore,strengthening surveillance in the future is necessary.
Instance optimal learning of discrete distributions

We consider the following basic learning task: given independent draws from an unknown distribution over a discrete support, output an approximation of the distribution that is as accurate as possible in L1 distance (equivalently, total variation distance, or "statistical distance"). Perhaps surprisingly, it is often possible to "de-noise" the empirical distribution of the samples to return an approximation of the true distribution that is significantly more accurate than the empirical distribution, without relying on any prior assumptions on the distribution. We present an instance optimal learning algorithm which optimally performs this de-noising for every distribution for which such a de-noising is possible. More formally, given n independent draws from a distribution p, our algorithm returns a labelled vector whose expected distance from p is equal to the minimum possible expected error that could be obtained by any algorithm, even one that is given the true unlabeled vector of probabilities of distribution p and simply needs to assign labels---up to an additive subconstant term that is independent of p and goes to zero as n gets large. This somewhat surprising result has several conceptual implications, including the fact that, for any large sample from a distribution over discrete support, prior knowledge of the rates of decay of the tails of the distribution (e.g. power-law type assumptions) is not significantly helpful for the task of learning the distribution. As a consequence of our techniques, we also show that given a set of n samples from an arbitrary distribution, one can accurately estimate the expected number of distinct elements that will be observed in a sample of any size up to n log n. This sort of extrapolation is practically relevant, particularly to domains such as genomics where it is important to understand how much more might be discovered given larger sample sizes, and we are optimistic that our approach is practically viable.
Ordering and defects in self-assembled monolayers on nanoporous gold

Abstract Self-assembled monolayers are commonly used to tailor nanoporous structures for applications, and they also provide a model system for determining the effects of nanoscale structure on self-assembly. We have investigated the ordering and defects in alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers on nanoporous gold, a high surface area mesoporous material. Infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy was used to characterize the effects of alkyl chain length and nanoporous gold pore size on molecular layer ordering. Cyclic voltammetry was used to characterize the monolayer density and ordering, with ferrocenylalkylthiolates used to quantify and characterize defect sites. We find that dense and well-ordered molecular layers form quickly with low defect levels. However, we do not observe differences in molecular layer ordering or defects with changes in pore size.
Religion, Politics and Public Life

At least since the founding of the United States of America, the separation of religion and state has been a postulate of modem politics. It is true that this separation has never been complete nor universally maintained, even in the West. Irish politics is notorious for its religious character, and not just in Northern Ireland, although especially so there. In England, the monarch is head of state as well as of the Anglian Church. Italy and Germany, for example, have had Christian Democratic parties which have been dominant powers in the politics of those countries. Even in America, there has seldom in practice existed that ‘wall of separation’ that Jefferson wanted to see. But, nonetheless, the principle of separation has been largely accepted and practised.
Sex, Gender, and Christian Ethics: An interlude and a proposal

The first four chapters have undertaken to show that moral reflection on sex and gender need not become so befuddled at diversity that normative inquiry is a lost cause. With appropriate caveats and epistemological caution, we may consider sex and gender as representing human realities which are both bodily and social. If socialization is always culturally various, human existence in the body provides at least a base point for communication, empathy, and critical assessment of the relationships and institutions which mediate experiences of maleness, femaleness, and sexuality. In the next several chapters, Christian socializations of sex and gender will be addressed. Primitive Christian practice exalted virginity and sacramentalized marriage to transform dehumanizing socializations of the sexual, reproductive body. Yet Christian tradition has been ambiguous. It has defended marriage as good, and in many ways protected the freedom of spouses and the dignity of women against familial control. On the other hand, it has also produced oppressive socializations of the body, some of which have denigrated the reality of sexual experience, especially sexual pleasure, and divided women's virtue between asexual and reproductive roles. Even to offer this critical statement about Christianity as more than an expression of opinion or bias requires that one draw on some broad, inductive consensus about which expressions of maleness, femaleness, or sex are humanly fulfilling or vicious.
Interpretation and Authority: Separation of Powers and the Judiciary's Battle for Independence in New Hampshire, 1786–1818

In September of 1818, the youthful Justice Levi Woodbury boldly claimed for New Hampshire's Superior Court of Judicature the exclusive power of applying law in particular cases, and with it, the power of judicial review. Speaking for a unanimous court in the case of Merrill v. Sherburne,l Woodbury declared that legislation granting new trials in particular cases-known as "restoration to law"-was an unconstitutional
The Usage of ACCLUSTER for Peptide Binding Site Prediction

Peptides mediate up to 40 % of protein-protein interactions in a variety of cellular processes and are also attractive drug candidates. Thus, predicting peptide binding sites on the given protein structure is of great importance for mechanistic investigation of protein-peptide interactions and peptide therapeutics development. In this chapter, we describe the usage of our web server, referred to as ACCLUSTER, for peptide binding site prediction for a given protein structure. ACCLUSTER is freely available for users without registration at http://zougrouptoolkit.missouri.edu/accluster .
Correlation Between Professionalism, Job Satisfaction and Job Performance of the Physical Therapist

This study was conducted in order to understand the correlation between professionalism, job satisfaction, and job performance of physical therapists Methods: Subjects included 148 physiotherapists. We conducted a questionnaire survey on professionalism, job satisfaction, and busi ness performance. We then performed a correlation analysis. Results: The highest `compliance of professional organization` in professionalism, the lowest `vocation awareness of the profession`. In job satisfaction, the highest satisfaction was reported for `supervisor`, and the lowest satisfaction for `duty`. Professionalism and job satisfac tion/job satisfaction and job performance showed a clear positive correlation, and professionalism and job performance showed a weak positive correlation. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that, in order to improve the job performance of the physical therapist, it is necessary to improve professionalism and job satisfaction. Physical therapists should improve their professionalism in order to improve job perfor mance. In addition, research to improve job satisfaction and job performance of the physical therapist should be continued.
Amyloid-β Deposition Is Associated with Decreased Hippocampal Glucose Metabolism and Spatial Memory Impairment in APP/PS1 Mice

In Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, early memory dysfunction is associated with glucose hypometabolism and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Double transgenic (Tg) mice co-expressing the M146L presenilin 1 (PS1) and K670N/M671L, the double "Swedish" amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutations, are a model of AD amyloid-beta deposition (Abeta) that exhibits earlier and more profound impairments of working memory and learning than single APP mutant mice. In this study we compared performance on spatial memory tests, regional glucose metabolism, Abeta deposition, and neuronal loss in APP/PS1, PS1, and non-Tg (nTg) mice. At the age of 2 months no significant morphological and metabolic differences were detected between 3 studied genotypes. By 8 months, however, APP/PS1 mice developed selective impairment of spatial memory, which was significantly worse at 22 months and was accompanied by reduced glucose utilization in the hippocampus and a 35.8% dropout of neurons in the CA1 region. PS1 mice exhibited a similar degree of neuronal loss in CA1 but minimal memory deficit and no impairment of glucose utilization compared to nTg mice. Deficits in 22 month APP/PS1 mice were accompanied by a substantially elevated Abeta load, which rose from 2.5% +/- 0.4% at 8 months to 17.4% +/- 4.6%. These findings implicate Abeta or APP in the behavioral and metabolic impairments in APP/PS1 mice and the failure to compensate functionally for PS1-related hippocampal cell loss.
Fire scar growth and closure rates in white oak (Quercus alba) and the implications for prescribed burning

In burned forestlands, fire scar wounds commonly occur on tree stems as a result of cambial heating. In hardwood forests in particular, wounding can lead to stem decay with the extent of decay being related to scar size and exposure time. Therefore, wound closure rates are important to understand in the context of fire management such that allowing sufficient time for wound closure to occur between fires would enhance wood quality. Conversely, in the context of wildlife management, understanding wound closure rates would improve fire prescriptions needed for creating basal tree cavities as keeping wounds open prior to wound closure could enhance cavity development. The objectives of this study were to quantify growth and wound closure rates of white oaks (Quercus alba), one of the most valuable tree species in the central U.S. to both commercial forestry and wildlife. From historically burned, mature, oak-hickory forest site in Missouri, we sampled a wide range of tree sizes, fire scar sizes, and fire scar ages to determine the environmental and tree factors related to closure rates. Dendrochronological techniques were paired with new approaches of digitizing tree rings to capture malformed woundwood areas. The time required for wound closure ranged from 1 to 24 years and was significantly correlated to scar size. Surprisingly, post-fire growth trends were positive following scarring. Growth was positively related to scar and tree size. With this information, we expect that the process of basal wound closure and tree growth can be considered in a quantitative framework and used to guide fire management for wood quality or wildlife tree cavities.
Abstract P259: Endothelial Acid Sphingomyelinase Gene Determines Inflammasome Activation and Atherosclerotic Lesions in Carotid Arteries During Hypercholesterolemia

Nucleotide oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein with pyrin domain containing 3 (Nlrp3) inflammasome has been reported to be activated by atherogenic factors, thereby triggering endothelial injury and consequent atherosclerotic lesions in the arterial wall. However, the mechanism activating and regulating Nlrp3 inflammasomes remains poorly understood. The present study tested whether membrane raft (MR) signaling platforms associated with acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and its product ceramide (Ce) importantly contribute to the activation of Nlrp3 inflammasomes and atherosclerotic lesions during hypercholesterolemia (HC). By confocal microscopy and biochemical analyses, we demonstrated the formation and activation of Nlrp3 inflammasomes in the intima of the carotid arteries of Asm +/+ mice with HC (as shown by a 2-fold increase in caspase-1 activity and a 6-fold enhancement of IL-1β positive stain areas), but not in Asm -/- mice. In endothelium-specific ASM transgenic mice (EC-Asm trg ), this inflammasome formation and activation were enhanced. Correspondingly, HC-induced increases in IL-1β production, ASM expression, Ce level and MR-gp91 phox clustering in the carotid intima were abolished in Asm -/- mice, but enhanced in EC-Asm trg mice. Functionally, endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD) in carotid arteries in vivo (by ultrasound flowmetry) and in vitro (in perfused artery) was impaired by HC in Asm +/+ mice by 33% and 54%, respectively. This endothelial dysfunction was not observed in Asm -/- mice. The endothelial tight junction protein, ZO-1 was reduced by HC in both Asm +/+ and EC-Asm trg mice, but not in Asm -/- mice. It was also found that HC-increased neointimal formation, T-cell infiltration, and fibrosis in 2-week partially ligated carotid arteries (PLCA) occurred in Asm +/+ mice, but not in Asm -/- mice with HC. EC-Asm trg mice even exhibited more severe inflammatory and atherosclerotic lesions. All these results suggest that Asm gene and related MR clustering are essential to endothelial inflammasome activation and dysfunction in carotid arteries, ultimately determining the extent of atherosclerotic lesions.
Versatile Oxide Films Protect FeCrAl Alloys Under Normal Operation and Accident Conditions in Light Water Power Reactors

The US has currently a fleet of 99 nuclear power light water reactors which generate approximately 20% of the electricity consumed in the country. Near 90% of the reactors are at least 30 years old. There are incentives to make the existing reactors safer by using accident tolerant fuels (ATF). Compared to the standard UO2–zirconium-based system, ATF need to tolerate loss of active cooling in the core for a considerably longer time while maintaining or improving the fuel performance during normal operation conditions. Ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum (FeCrAl) alloys have been identified as an alternative to replace current zirconium alloys. They contain Fe (base) + 10–22 Cr + 4–6 Al and may contain smaller amounts of other elements such as molybdenum and traces of others. FeCrAl alloys offer outstanding resistance to attack by superheated steam by developing an alumina oxide on the surface in case of a loss of coolant accident like at Fukushima. FeCrAl alloys also perform well under normal operation conditions both in boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors because they are protected by a thin oxide rich in chromium. Under normal operation condition, the key element is Cr and under accident conditions it is Al.
Missed opportunities for improving practice performance in adult immunizations: a meta-narrative review of the literature.

We sought to characterize how the term “missed opportunities” is reported in the literature in the context of immunization rates and to assess how missed opportunities can be operationalized. Peer-reviewed literature searches were conducted in April – May, 2015, to answer: “What methods research studies used to operationalize missed opportunities to vaccinate?” A meta-narrative review methodology was used. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. The methodologies for quantifying missed opportunities fell into two general categories based on: 1. the number of healthcare encounters per patient without appropriate vaccination services, defined as a number of visits per patient with no vaccination related services (Missed opportunities per patient); 2. vaccination status as “non-vaccinated” among a group of patients who had a healthcare encounter where the vaccination should/could have had happened (Missed opportunities per population). Our study provided an initial overview of the methods reported in the literature, and concluded that the quantifiable missed opportunity holds promise as a measurable outcome (variable) for research and quality improvement projects aimed to increase adult immunization recommendation and uptake in primary care.
Development of CHARMM-compatible force-field parameters for cobalamin and related cofactors from quantum mechanical calculations

Corrinoid cofactors such as cobalamin are used by many enzymes and are essential for most living organisms. Therefore, there is broad interest in investigating cobalamin–protein interactions with molecular dynamics simulations. Previously developed parameters for cobalamins are based mainly on crystal structure data. Here, we report CHARMM-compatible force field parameters for several corrinoids developed from quantum mechanical calculations. We provide parameters for corrinoids in three oxidation states, Co3+, Co2+, and Co1+, and with various axial ligands. Lennard-Jones parameters for the cobalt center in the Co(II) and Co(I) states were optimized using a helium atom probe, and partial atomic charges were obtained with a combination of natural population analysis (NPA) and restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) fitting approaches. The Force Field Toolkit was used to optimize all bonded terms. The resulting parameters, determined solely from calculations of cobalamin alone or in water, were then valid...
State of the knowledge of vegetation impact on soil strength and trafficability

Abstract Researchers in a variety of fields have studied using vegetation to alter or reinforce soils. However, using vegetation for soil preservation in long-term land management of military training areas used for off-road vehicle maneuvers is more recent. Much of the work reported in the literature deals with trees and larger shrubs, appropriate for slope and bank stabilization. Other research efforts are for agricultural or forestry applications and involve crops, and again, large trees. This review discusses the issue of vegetation and its effect on a variety of soil strength parameters. It also reviews work regarding the effect of vehicle operations on vegetation and conversely the effect of vegetation on vehicle performance, or trafficability. The reviewed test methods and proposed soil strength models, based on a variety of soil properties, provide a basis for continuing work on models to evaluate areas used for off road military vehicle operations.
Using PowerPoint 2016 to Create Individualized Matching to Sample Sessions.

Discrete-trial-training procedures, particularly matching to sample (MTS), are often used to teach children with autism and/or intellectual disabilities. An example is touching a picture that corresponds to a spoken word. When conducted in a “tabletop” manner, the teacher must arrange several pictures on a table, provide the spoken word, and present response consequences, all while maintaining procedural integrity and collecting data. Using computer programs can greatly reduce the burden on practitioners, but many do not have the access, funding, or time to use complex and expensive software. This report serves as a guide to making MTS tasks that have many of the benefits of computerization using Microsoft® PowerPoint™ 2016, a program that many practitioners have basic knowledge of, and access to. Past papers have described the use of PowerPoint™ for whole classroom instruction. This report expands the use of PowerPoint™ to present individualized instruction that detects child responses and presents consequences based on those responses.
What’s What

An overview of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its hand maiden, the Multinational Corporation, together with a summary look at the economic theories impinging these activities, is in order as a prelude to examining the what and why of effective mechanisms for attracting FDI into developing countries.
Model of temperature, evaporation, and productivity in elevated experimental algae raceways and comparison with commercial raceways

Abstract Elevated Experimental Raceways (EERs) have been used at many research sites in the United States to evaluate algal biomass productivity. This paper develops temperature and evaporation models for EERs and then evaluates whether the temperature profile and resultant productivity in an EER is representative of large-scale commercial raceways. Open water surface evaporation and temperature models with shading algorithms were programmed in Python and calibrated with temperature and evaporation data from the EERs in the Regional Algal Feedstock Testbed (RAFT) experiments at the University of Arizona. The final calibrated model for EERs was named the EERTEM (Elevated Experimental Raceway Temperature and Evaporation Model). The energy balance algorithms in the Biomass Assessment Tool (BAT model) were also added to the Python code and used to develop temperature simulations of standard commercial paddlewheel raceways. A comparison of BAT and EERTEM simulations indicated that EER temperature fluctuations are not representative of in ground commercial paddlewheel raceways, primarily due to the buffering effect of soil heat flux in commercial raceways. With the different temperature profiles, biomass productivities of three algae species in the EERs were compared to productivities in commercial raceways. Differences in productivity between EERTEM and BAT model temperature profiles were observed when the maximum daytime temperature of one raceway was in the optimal growth range but the temperature of the other raceway exceeded or was below the optimal growth range.
Production Cross Sections for π + - and π − -Mesons by 340-Mev Protons on Carbon and Lead at 90° to the Beam

Carbon and lead targets were bombarded by 340-Mev protons produced by the Berkeley 184-inch synchrocyclotron. The spectrum of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$- and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$-mesons produced at 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}12\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to the beam was measured by the use of nuclear emulsions embedded in absorbers. The total cross section for the production of ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$-mesons from carbon at this angle is (2.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}28}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{ster}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, and the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ to ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ratio is 5.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.0. For lead the cross section for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$-mesons at this angle is (7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.1)\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}28}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ ${\mathrm{ster}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}$ to ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ ratio is 1.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4.
Snow's storm

In May 1959, Charles Percy Snow took the stage at the Senate House in Cambridge to give the annual Rede lecture. Snow9s talk, titled "The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution," broadly diagnosed a problem he believed challenged the future of all western democracies. For years, he had noted that British humanists and scientists shared "little but different kinds of incomprehension and dislike." The inability of literary scholars and scientists to understand and communicate with one another was not just an intellectual loss, Snow claimed, but something that threatened the ability of modern states to address the world9s problems. Besides transforming Snow into a well-known public intellectual, his lecture (and the rancorous debate it provoked) transformed "the two cultures" into a metonym. What was originally formulated to diagnose specific British conditions started to diffuse into American public discourse, where it was discussed as part of a much more expansive conversation about American education in the postwar period.
Ptychography of Organic Thin Films at Soft X-ray Energies

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) are a sustainable and inexpensive source of energy comprised of a mixture of an electron-donating and an electron-accepting material (often a polymer and fullerene deriv...
Colorado River flow dwindles as warming-driven loss of reflective snow energizes evaporation

The sensitivity of river discharge to climate-system warming is highly uncertain, and the processes that govern river discharge are poorly understood, which impedes climate-change adaptation. A prominent exemplar is the Colorado River, where meteorological drought and warming are shrinking a water resource that supports more than 1 trillion dollars of economic activity per year. A Monte Carlo simulation with a radiation-aware hydrologic model resolves the longstanding, wide disparity in sensitivity estimates and reveals the controlling physical processes. We estimate that annual mean discharge has been decreasing by 9.3% per degree Celsius of warming because of increased evapotranspiration, mainly driven by snow loss and a consequent decrease in reflection of solar radiation. Projected precipitation increases likely will not suffice to fully counter the robust, thermodynamically induced drying. Thus, an increasing risk of severe water shortages is expected.
Regional and TBX5-Dependent Gene Expression in the Atria: Implications for Pulmonary Vein Development and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation, characterized by irregular atrial depolarization leading to an uncoordinated contraction of the atrial muscle, is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The T-box transcription factor TBX5 regulates atrial rhythm and has been genetically associated with human atrial fibrillation by both familial and genome-wide association studies. Over the last 30 years, the pulmonary veins and peri-pulmonary region of the left atrium have been implicated as a physical locus that frequently initiates atrial fibrillation. Regional gene expression differences within the atria have been reported that may reflect distinct ontogeny of these regions and impact arrhythmia mechanisms. In this study, we investigated transcriptional differences between regions of the adult left atrium in the mouse. We performed and compared transcriptional profiling of the left atrial appendage and peri-pulmonary vein atrium of the adult mouse. We identified novel markers and transcriptional differences between the two regions, including of multiple known AF genes. Furthermore, we compared Tbx5-dependent genes between each region and identified Hcn4 as a novel dysregulated gene in the peri-pulmonary vein atrium. Regional and Tbx5-dependent gene expression differences between the left atrial appendage and peri-pulmonary vein atrium are considered in the context of the genetic basis of atrial fibrillation.
Enhancing the Acceptor Character of Conjugated Organoborane Macrocycles: A Highly Electron-Deficient Hexaboracyclophane

We introduce a new boron-doped cyclophane, the hexabora[16 ]cyclophane B6-F Mes, in which six tricoordinate borane moieties alternate with short conjugated p-phenylene linkers. Exocyclic 2,4,6-tris(trifluoromethyl)phenyl (F Mes) groups serve not only to further withdraw electron density but at the same time sterically shield the boron atoms, resulting in a macrocycle that is both highly electron-deficient and stable. The optical and electronic properties are compared with those of related linear oligomers and the electronic structure is further evaluated by computational methods. The studies uncover unique properties of B6-F Mes, including a low-lying and extensively delocalized LUMO and a wide HOMO-LUMO gap, which arise from the combination of a cyclic π-system, strong electronic communication between the closely spaced borons, and the attachment of electron-deficient pendent groups. The binding of small anions to the electron-deficient macrocycle and molecular model compounds is investigated and emissive exciplexes are detected in aromatic solvents.
The Response against Gilbert Ryle’s Myth of Volition

Volition or will power is considered to be important in order to explain and signify our action. Gilbert Ryle who is a classical figure in the realm of philosophy of mind argues against the myth of volition. The purpose of this paper is to the response against Gilbert Ryle’s conception of the myth of volition. In order to do that at first, I will describe the Cartesian doctrine of Rene Descartes. Then I will explain the official doctrine along with the categorical mistake. Afterward, I will describe Ryle’s myth of volition following the explanation of the four criticisms that he sets forward to refute this myth. And finally, I will response against each of these significant criticisms.
Assessment of Cardiac Function: First-Pass, Equilibrium Blood Pool, and Gated Myocardial SPECT

Radionuclide-based techniques have been used to measure ventricular function for over three decades [1–8]. The methods for measurement of ventricular function can be divided into two basic categories. The first category employs any tracer that can directly label the blood pool itself. One then examines the deformity of the cavitary blood pool as it is moved by the thickening and systolic motion of the myocardial walls. With these methods one can directly image the blood pool in the ventricular cavity throughout the cardiac cycle. The second category of methods for measurement of ventricular function uses tracers that label the myocardial walls (e.g., 99mTc-sestamibi, [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose). One then examines how those walls thicken and translate, move, or contract throughout the cardiac cycle. With this method one can directly image the myocardium throughout the cardiac cycle. Active movement or contraction of the inner endocardial wall of the ventricular chamber compresses the blood pool and deforms the ventricular cavity and is the conventional marker for systolic ventricular wall motion or function. Only this method permits the evaluation of myocardial wall thickening, a marker of systolic function and viability that can help separate passive systolic wall motion from active myocardial contraction. This method for measuring ventricular mechanical function simultaneously yields a measurement of myocardial perfusion or of metabolism (depending on the tracer used to label the myocardium). However, this advantage is also a source of one of the method’s disadvantages, namely, that if perfusion or metabolism is reduced in a particular segment of the myocardium, then that segment is not easily visualized, hampering visualization of wall motion or thickening in that segment. Temporal and spatial resolution of the related functional image data is not as good as the blood pool method.
High-Throughput Exploration of the Process Space in 18% Ni (350) Maraging Steels via Spherical Indentation Stress–Strain Protocols and Gaussian Process Models

Several challenges are encountered in the development of maraging steels with desired combinations of mechanical properties. These include the need to explore a large process design space, the time- and effort-consuming standardized testing protocols for property evaluations, and the lack of a formal design of experiments strategy that guides the selection of the process conditions for the next set of experiments based on a thorough analyses of the previously accumulated data. In this work, we explored the effect of the different combinations of the aging temperature and the aging time on the yield strength of 350-grade maraging steels using high-throughput protocols. For this purpose, a total of 21 small volumes of differently aged samples were produced and studied using spherical nanoindentation stress–strain protocols. Furthermore, the results of these tests were modeled using Gaussian process regression (GPR) to establish data-driven linkages between the yield strengths and the aging parameters. The predicted yield strengths were found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimentally measured ones. It is also demonstrated that the GPR model can provide objective guidance in the selection of the next set of experiments.
The CTD Is Not Essential for the Post-Initiation Control of RNA Polymerase II Activity

Interest in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RPB1 subunit of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) has been revived in recent years, owing to its numerous posttranslational modifications and its "phase-separation" properties. A large number of studies have shown that the status of CTD modifications is associated with the activity of Pol II during the transcription cycle. However, because this domain is essential in living cells, the functional requirement of the full CTD for the control of Pol II activity at endogenous mammalian genes has never been addressed directly in living cells. Using an inducible Pol II-degradation system that we previously established, we investigated here the roles of the CTD in the post-initiation control of Pol II. The selective ablation of the RPB1 CTD, post-initiation, at promoter-proximal pause-sites revealed that this domain, and by extension the CTD heptads and their modifications, is functionally neither absolutely required to maintain pausing in the absence of CDK9 activity nor essential for the release of Pol II into productive elongation.
Power Quality Conditioning

This chapter presents state-of-the-art solutions to power quality problems in more-electronics power systems. It begins with passive solutions. In particular, power electronics-based power conditioning equipment, including uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs), dynamic voltage restorers (DVRs), static compensators (STATCOMs), active power filters (APFs), and unified power quality conditioners (UPQCs), forms the main part of this chapter. The fundamental principles, modeling and control, and results of such power conditioning equipment are highlighted.
Local Labor Market Inequality in the Age of Mass Incarceration

We contend that the rise of mass incarceration in the United States can be framed through the lens of stratification economics, which views race- and class-based discrimination as a rational attemp...
Intrusion Detection Against MMS-Based Measurement Attacks at Digital Substations

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) supports the development of novel control and communication functions for monitoring, operation, and control of power systems. However, the high-level deployment of ICT also increases the risk of cyber intrusions for Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Attackers can gain access to the protected infrastructures of the grid and launch attacks to manipulate measurements at the substations. The fabricated measurements can mislead the operators in the control center to take undesirable actions. The Intrusion Detection System (IDS) proposed in this paper is deployed in IEC 61850 based substations. The proposed IDS identifies falsified measurements in Manufacturing Messaging Specification (MMS) messages. By cross-checking the consistency of electric circuit relationships at the substation level in a distributed manner, the falsified measurements can be detected and discarded before the malicious packets are sent out of the substations through DNP3 communication. A cyber-physical system testbed is used to validate the performance of the proposed IDS. Using the IEEE 39-bus test system, simulation results demonstrate high accuracy of the proposed substation-based intrusion detection system.