cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Building a Motivational Interviewing Dataset.

This paper contributes a novel psychological dataset consisting of counselors’ behaviors during Motivational Interviewing encounters. Annotations were conducted using the Motivational Interviewing Integrity Treatment (MITI). We describe relevant aspects associated with the construction of a dataset that relies on behavioral coding such as data acquisition, transcription, expert data annotations, and reliability assessments. The dataset contains a total of 22,719 counselor utterances extracted from 277 motivational interviewing sessions that are annotated with 10 counselor behavioral codes. The reliability analysis showed that annotators achieved excellent agreement at session level, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) scores in the range of 0.75 to 1, and fair to good agreement at utterance level, with Cohen’s Kappa scores ranging from 0.31 to 0.64. Behavioral interventions are a promising approach to address public health issues such as smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and reducing substance abuse, among others (Resnicow et al., 2002). In particular, Motivational Interviewing (MI), a client centered psychotherapy style, has been receiving increasing attention from the clinical psychology community due to its established efficacy for treating addiction and other behaviors (Moyers et al., 2009; Apodaca et al., 2014; Barnett et al., 2014; Catley et al., 2012). Despite its potential benefits in combating addiction and in providing broader disease prevention and management, implementing MI counseling at larger scale or in other domains is limited by the need for human-based evaluations. Currently, this requires a human either watching or listening to video-tapes and then providing evaluative feedback. Recently, computational approaches have been proposed to aid the MI evaluation process (Atkins et al., 2014; Xiao et al., 2014; Klonek et al., 2015). However, learning resources for this task are not readily available. Having such resources will enable the application of data-driven strategies for the automatic coding of counseling behaviors, thus providing researchers with automatic means for the evaluation of MI. Moreover, this can also be useful to explore how MI works by relating MI behaviors to health outcomes, and to provide counselors with evaluative feedback that helps them improve their MI skills. In this paper, we present the construction and validation of a dataset annotated with counselor verbal behaviours using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity 4.0 (MITI), which is the current gold standard for MI-based psychology interventions. The dataset is derived from 277 MI sessions containing a total of 22,719 coded utterances. 1 Motivational Interviewing Miller and Rollnick define MI as a collaborative, goal-oriented style of psychotherapy with particular attention to the language of change (Miller and Rollnick, 2013). MI has been widely used as a treatment method in clinical trials on psychotherapy research to address addictive behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use; promote healthier habits such as nutrition and fitness; and help clients with
Beyond perforation: Influence of peritoneal contamination on clinical severity and resource utilization in children with perforated appendicitis

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the degree of peritoneal contamination and postoperative resource utilization in children with complicated appendicitis. Methods Intraoperative findings were collected prospectively at a single children's hospital from 2012 to 2014. The degree of peritoneal contamination was categorized as either "localized" (confined to the right lower quadrant and pelvis) or "extensive" (extending to the liver). Imaging utilization, postoperative length of stay (pLOS), hospital cost, and readmission rates were compared between groups. Results Of 88 patients with complicated appendicitis, 38% had extensive contamination. Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups. Patients with extensive contamination had higher rates of postoperative imaging (58.8% vs 27.7%, P P =0.003), a 30% higher median hospital cost ($17,663 [IQR $12,564–$23,697] vs $13,516 [IQR $10,546–$16,686], P =0.004), and a nearly four-fold higher readmission rate (20.6% vs 5.6%, P =0.04) compared to children with localized contamination. Conclusion Extensive peritoneal contamination is associated with significantly higher resource utilization compared to localized contamination in children with complicated appendicitis. These findings may have important severity-adjustment implications for reimbursement and readmission rate reporting for hospitals that serve populations where late presentation is common.
Individualizing instruction in elementary school mathematics for prospective teachers

March 1966 the writer [2] indicating the inadequacy of teaching procedures based upon lecture discussion, and group assignments. 2 Since concepts involved in understanding division of fractions seemed to be dependent upon the recall of subordinate knowledge (especially multiplication of fractions), the use of programmed materials for careful review and r teaching of subordinate knowledge would enable students to master basic concepts involved in division of fr ctions. This assumption was supported by the writer's experience in earlier studies and by the research of Gagne [5]. 3 There would be significant gains (.01 percent level of significance) in mean cores on a test measuring understanding of basic mathematical concepts given at the beginning and at the close of the instructional period.
Reasoning about privacy using axioms

In statistical privacy, privacy definitions are contracts that guide the behavior of algorithms that take in sensitive data and produce sanitized data. Historically, data privacy breaches have been the result of fundamental misunderstandings about what a particular privacy definition guarantees.
A microwave photonic canceller for improved interference rejection in full duplex radio

A same-channel full duplex radio demonstrated >22 dB of interference rejection improvement with the addition of a microwave photonic self-interference canceller in the RF front end. The radio was operated at both 2.2 GHz and 2.46 GHz while using the same microwave photonic canceller.
Medical Students as Systems Ethnographers: Exploring Patient Experiences and Systems Vulnerabilities in the Emergency Department.

Objectives The objectives were 1) to design systems ethnography roles for first-year medical students that could enhance student learning with regard to healthcare systems, ethnography, and systems thinking and 2) to describe strategies for other education programs seeking to implement systems ethnography roles in clinical settings. Methods Fourteen medical students were educated about ethnography and systems thinking and linked with patients in the emergency department (ED) for 12 to 15 hours to observe patient experiences and clinical processes. Students submitted written assignments, participated in a debriefing exercise with ED and medical education leadership, and completed an electronic survey regarding educational benefits and perceived clinical value conferred to the ED using 5-point Likert-scale questions. Qualitative methods were used to analyze both students’ assignments and notes taken during the debriefing session, including small-group report-outs and discussions, and to identify vulnerabilities in the patient experience. Results Students identified one overarching theme of the patient experience—prolonged waiting in close proximity to the fast-paced, hectic “world” of the ED. Four key categories of systems vulnerabilities were identified through student observations: 1) patient experience; 2) communication and collaboration; 3) processes, physical space, and resources; and 4) professionalism. Students reported improved appreciation for challenges experienced by patients (3.92/5), importance of communication between providers and patients (3.92/5), and improved understanding of the patient experience while receiving care (3.77/5). Conclusions These results demonstrate how innovative systems ethnography experiences for medical students can provide unique educational opportunities while at the same time adding value by highlighting shortcomings in the care environment that can be used for system improvement.
The Peierls Bracket

The Peierls bracket, defined in terms of Green’s functions for the Jacobi field operator, is presented as a global replacement for the conventional Poisson bracket of field theory. It is applicable to bosonic and fermionic observables equally. It is as well defined for systems with constraints as those without. If the constraints are associated with local invariances it is defined for observables (invariants) only, and its use avoids the necessity of introducing (1) brackets for non-observables and (2) bigger-than-physical Hilbert or Fock spaces. It also carries one easily, indeed irresistably, forward to the quantization rules embodied in the Schwinger variational principle and the Feynman sum over histories.
THE EFFECT OF FENOXYCARB ON ALATES OF THE RED IMPORTED FIRE ANT

Female alates of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren did not develop ovaries when exposed to dosages as low as 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg per colony of the insect growth regulator,...
Land cover classification and wetland inundation mapping using MODIS

Abstract Hydrologic models of wetlands enable water resources managers to quantify the environmental and societal roles of wetlands and manage them in ways that sustain their valuable services. However, reliable wetland models require data that are not typically available from in-situ measurements. In this article, we use satellite information from MODIS (500-meter, 8-day composite land surface reflectance product) and limited ground data to quantify the seasonal and inter-annual changes of wetland extent. This information is used to calibrate a new, non-parametric land cover classification approach. Extensive tests demonstrate that the new approach performs well in (i) classifying accurately land cover classes and (ii) delineating reliably seasonal and inter-annual wetland area changes. The new approach is applied to the Sudd wetland in South Sudan, a vast wetland of vital socioeconomic and environmental services, toward developing better, policy-relevant information and tools.
Antiseptics Commonly Used in Total Joint Arthroplasty Interact and May Form Toxic Products.

Abstract Background Multiple antiseptics have been described for use in total joint arthroplasty infection, and the use of multiple antiseptic solutions during a single operation has been described. Our clinical experience is that chlorhexidine (CHX) and Dakin's solution (NaOCl) interact and form a precipitate. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this reaction could be replicated in a laboratory setting, and to determine if other commonly used antiseptics also visibly react when mixed. Methods Four percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 3% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and 10% povidone-iodine (BTD) solutions were obtained and all possible combinations were mixed. Any visible reactions were noted and recorded, and a literature search was performed to characterize the reaction and products. Results CHX and NaOCl, CHX and H2O2, and CHX and BTD reacted instantly, forming a precipitate. NaOCl and H2O2 reacted to produce a gas. NaOCl and BTD reacted and produced a color change. The literature review revealed that at least 2 of the reactions tested (CHX + NaOCl and NaOCl + H2O2) could result in byproducts toxic to humans. Conclusion Surgeons must be aware of these interactions when using antiseptic solutions during procedures. Caution should be used combining or mixing antiseptics, and we recommend against concomitant introduction in a surgical wound.
Using Estimated Missing Spatial Data with the 2-Median Model

Spatial operations research problems seek “best” locations, often points of minimum aggregate weighted distance, requiring georeferenced data as input. Frequently maps of such data are incomplete, with holes in their geographic distributions. Spatial statistical procedures are available to complete these data sets with best estimates of the missing values. Impacts such imputations have on 2-median facility location–allocation solutions are explored. The sampling distribution of the spatial mean and standard distance of these medians are studied. Population density is used as the weight attribute in determining location-allocation solutions because it can be accurately described with a relatively simple spatial statistical model.
Influence of the Antiferromagnetic Fluctuations on the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in the CU-O High Temperature Superconductors

We explore the influence of the antiferromagnetic correlations on the NMR experiments in the YBa2Cu3O7 and YBa2Cu3O6.63. We discuss several ways of determining the Cu and O hyperfine couplings. It is demonstrated that with an antiferromagnetic correlation length ξ(T) which is growing with decreasing temperature it is possible to give a consistent account of the Knight shift and spin lattice relaxation time experiments in both materials.
Endomycetales, Protomycetales, and Taphrinales

The current state of yeast systematics is somewhat different from that in most filamentous fungi. We have had the benefit of having undertaken DNA reassociation studies for over 20 years and correlating these data with genetic definitions of species. The species concept in yeasts is thus now approaching that of a biological one. Further, if we have a certain amount of DNA relatedness we can now be confident we can define a species. The species concept is not a major problem in yeasts, but definition of genera can cause difficulties.
Disorders of the external ear.

SUMMARY External ear disorders are diffuse, varying from cosmetically unacceptable anomalies to serious neoplasms. Between these extremes lie the more common problems presenting to the primary care physician in an ambulatory setting. These problems include trauma, obstructions, dermatoses, and infections, some or all of which may be vexing to the busy clinician. Most of these problems are not serious and can be approached with the confidence of a salutary outcome with appropriate therapy.
Cardiorenal Syndrome Revisited

Heart failure and renal dysfunction frequently coexist, and this combination has been labeled as the “cardiorenal syndrome” (CRS). This chapter highlights the epidemiology and prognostic significance of CRS before centering on the pathophysiology and treatment. The importance of neurohormonal changes and venous congestion in the development of the CRS will be extensively discussed. In addition, inflammation and oxidative stress have their significance in all types of the CRS. Neurohormonal blockade remains vital to prevent progressive cardiorenal disease. Many other aspects of prevention and treatment will be touched before revealing a glimpse on future treatments.
Anderson localization in subwavelength plasmonic structures

We used the FDTD simulation to study photon propagation in arrays of plasmonic particles. In such systems, structural randomness can lead to localization of light in the deep subwavelength regime, similar to Anderson localization of electrons.
An Empirical Upper Bound on Secrecy Capacity of Multipath Fading Channels

Extraction of shared secret keys from random state of multipath fading channels is a growing trend in symmetric cryptography. In this context, an essential question is the rate at which the secret keys can be extracted (number of bits per unit of time). This question is addressed in this paper by establishing an empirical upper bound on the extraction rate of the secret bits. A coherent set of signal processing techniques is proposed to numerically estimate this bound from empirical data generated by commercial radios. It is emphasized to solely rely on empirical data rather than mathematical models of fading channels.
A luciferase-based assay identifies niclosamide derivatives antagonizing Mcl-1 through post-translational down-regulation

Abstract The up-regulation of Mcl-1 expression is a major mechanism of cancer cell survival and therapy resistance. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains incompletely understood, limiting the number of druggable approaches to selectively inhibit Mcl-1 function. In this study, we designed and employed a novel mechanistic high-throughput screening system to selectively uncover post-translational modulators of Mcl-1. We generated a cell-based high-throughput screening assay in which myeloid leukemia K562 cells constitutively express Mcl-1 or Bcl-xL fused with luciferase (Luc-Mcl-1 or Luc-Bcl-xL, respectively) under a viral promoter. 1,650 bioactive compounds were screened for their ability to selectively induce Mcl-1 down-regulation in a 2-hour assay. A family of niclosamide derivatives were eventually identified for their remarkable ability to decrease Mcl-1 protein stability, exemplified by N007. These salicylate derivatives did not alter Mcl-1 mRNA levels, but selectively induced proteasome-dependent Mcl-1 down-regulation independent of Noxa, Mule, or GSK3β. We also demonstrate that N007 potently induced cell death in leukemia cell lines, including those resistant to Bcl-2 inhibitors. Our work highlights the versatility of the mechanistic high-throughput screening approach as a valuable tool in identifying novel agents with the ability to down-regulate proteins crucial to human diseases.
Structure−Activity Studies of 6-(Tetrazolylalkyl)-Substituted Decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic Acid AMPA Receptor Antagonists. 1. Effects of Stereochemistry, Chain Length, and Chain Substitution

A series of 6-substituted decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acids were prepared as excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonists. These compounds are antagonists at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) subclasses of ligand gated ion channel (ionotropic) EAA receptors. (3S,4aR, 6R,8aR)-6-(2-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)ethyl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (9) is a potent, selective and systemically active AMPA antagonist. Other analogs from this series, including (3S,4aR,6S,8aR)-6-((1H-tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (32) and (3S,4aR,6S,8aR)-6- (phosphonomethyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-decahydroisoquinoline-3-ca rboxylic acid (61) are potent, selective, and systemically active NMDA antagonists. This and the subsequent publication look at the AMPA antagonist aspects of this SAR. Herein we report the effects of varying stereochemistry around the hydroisoquinoline ring; of tetrahydro-versus decahydroisoquinoline; of having the carboxylic acid at C-1 versus C-3; of varying the length of the carbon chain connecting a tetrazole to the bicyclic nucleus; and of holding the connecting chain constant at two atoms, the effect of heteroatom substitution in the position adjacent to the bicyclic nucleus and substitution with methyl or phenyl on the chain. Compounds were evaluated on rat cortical tissue for their ability to inhibit the binding of radioligands selective for AMPA ([3H]AMPA), NMDA ([3H]CGS 19755), and kainic acid ([3H]-kainic acid) receptors and for their ability to inhibit depolarizations induced by AMPA (40 microM), NMDA (40 microM), and kainic acid (10 microM). Our findings revealed that the optimal stereochemical array was the same for both NMDA (32 and 61) and AMPA (9) antagonists identified in this series and that the tetrahydroisoquinoline (25) and the C-1 carboxy (30) analogs of 9 are inactive. With a tetrazole in the distal acid position, an ethylene spacer (9) is optimal; substitution with oxygen or nitrogen on the chain in the position adjacent to the bicyclic nucleus significantly reduced activity, while substitution with a methyl or phenyl group on the chain was well tolerated.
Resonant Hamiltonian systems associated to the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with harmonic trapping

AbstractWe study two resonant Hamiltonian systems on the phase space L2(R→C): the quintic one-dimensional continuous resonant equation, and a cubic resonant system that has appeared in the literatu...
Sharing the pain? An examination of CEO and executive compensation of publicly traded newspaper companies:

This study examines the compensation of newspaper company chief executive officers (CEOs) and other top executives, comparing compensation with key measures of the companies’ financial performance ...
Amelioration of visual deficits and visual system pathology after mild TBI via the cannabinoid Type-2 receptor inverse agonism of raloxifene

Abstract Visual deficits after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common, but interventions that limit the post-trauma impairments have not been identified. We have found that treatment with the cannabinoid type-2 receptor (CB2) inverse agonist SMM-189 for 2 weeks after closed-head blast TBI greatly attenuates the visual deficits and retinal pathology this otherwise produces in mice, by modulating the deleterious role of microglia in the injury process after trauma. SMM-189, however, has not yet been approved for human use. Raloxifene is an FDA-approved estrogen receptor drug that is used to treat osteoporosis, but it was recently found to also show noteworthy CB2 inverse agonism. In the current studies, we found that a high pressure air blast in the absence of raloxifene treatment yields deficits in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, reductions in the A-wave and B-wave of the scotopic electroretinogram (ERG), light aversion, and increased pupil constriction to light. Raloxifene delivered daily for two weeks after blast at 5–10 mg/kg mitigates or eliminates these abnormalities (with the higher dose generally more effective). This functional rescue with raloxifene is accompanied by a biasing of microglia from the harmful M1 to the helpful M2 state, and reductions in retinal, optic nerve, and oculomotor nucleus pathology. We also found that raloxifene treatment is still effective even when delayed until 48 h after TBI, and that raloxifene benefit appears attributable to its CB2 inverse agonism rather than its estrogenic actions. Our studies show raloxifene is effective in treating visual injury after brain and/or eye trauma, and they provide basis for phase-2 efficacy testing in human clinical trials.
Toward universal laws of technology evolution: modeling multi-century advances in mobile direct-fire systems:

This paper explores the question of whether a single regularity of technological growth might apply to a broad range of technologies, over a period of multiple centuries. To this end, the paper inv...
Monte Carlo simulation of coherently scattered photons based on the inverse-sampling technique

The acceptance-rejection technique has been widely used in several Monte Carlo simulation packages for Rayleigh scattering of photons. However, the models implemented in these packages might fail to reproduce the corresponding experimental and theoretical results. The discrepancy is attributed to the fact that all current simulations implement an elastic scattering model for the angular distribution of photons without considering anomalous scattering effects. In this study, a novel Rayleigh scattering model using anomalous scattering factors based on the inverse-sampling technique is presented. Its performance was evaluated against other simulation algorithms in terms of simulation accuracy and computational efficiency. The computational efficiency was tested with a general-purpose Monte Carlo package named Particle Transport in Media (PTM). The evaluation showed that a Monte Carlo model using both atomic form factors and anomalous scattering factors for the angular distribution of photons (instead of the atomic form factors alone) produced Rayleigh scattering results in closer agreement with experimental data. The comparison and evaluation confirmed that the inverse-sampling technique using atomic form factors and anomalous scattering factors exhibited improved computational efficiency and performed the best in reproducing experimental measurements and related scattering matrix calculations. Furthermore, using this model to sample coherent scattering can provide scientific insight for complex systems.
Bouncing Back: Closing Thoughts

After a brief synopsis of the biblical leaders not covered in this book, this final chapter offers insights into how modern leaders can develop resilience by reflecting on the practices of ancient leaders. Samson, Esther, and the Apostle John are presented as exemplars of resilient leadership along with a discussion on the servant-leadership nature of Jesus’ and Paul’s ministry. Finally, this chapter summarizes the resilience principles found in the previous chapters, which may serve as the best defense for leadership fatigue and the fallout that comes with ethical and moral failure.
A Slow Motion Lynching? The War on Drugs, Mass Incarceration, Doing Kimbrough Justice, and a Response to Two Third Circuit Judges

A federal district court judge who has sentenced more than 4000 defendants reflects on federal sentencing and its role in mass incarceration. The focus of the article is on federal sentencing in crack cocaine cases and policy disagreements with the United States Sentencing Guidelines (Guidelines) in drug trafficking cases. The article explores the U.S. Supreme Court cases in Kimbrough v. United States, United States v. Spears, and Pepper v. United States, the only U.S. Supreme Court cases that address sentencing judges’ policy disagreements with the guidelines. Ironically, or perhaps serendipitously, the author was the sentencing judge in both Spears and Pepper, where he was reversed a whopping 5 times by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit (twice by an en banc court) before both defendants’ sentencing positions were vindicated by the U.S. Supreme Court. The article takes exception to two Third Circuit judges who have argued in law review articles that federal sentencing judges should be concerned about "legislative backlash" if they sentence outside the now advisory guidelines. In the arc of the history of federal sentencing and its impact on mass incarceration, we are perched at a cresting point where the gravity of reason and our Nation’s experience with mass incarceration hopefully will pull towards greater justice in sentencing.
Consideration of skills in assembly lines and seru production systems

Seru production system is the modern version of manufacturing strategy evolved from Toyota Production System (TPS), just-in-time (JIT) and lean. It has been found in recent research works that for a product that has high skill variation and short life cycle, it is useful to use seru manufacturing system. Since this approach is relatively new, there are fewer guidelines regarding when to use seru in contrast with classical assembly line. In this study, worker skill levels have been considered to gain insight about selection of manufacturing strategy between classical assembly line and seru. In this study, seven skill levels from 1 to 7 for workers have been considered and it is assumed that the skill levels are normally distributed. Based on the output and high standard deviation value for skill levels it is found that when the standard deviation of worker skills are high then it is better to use classical assembly line. On the other hand, if workers are highly skilled at all tasks it is better to use seru.
Being present: Examining the efficacy of an Internet Mantram Program on RN-delivered patient-centered care.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted nurses’ compassionate presence during stressful conditions. Strategies to reduce workplace stress are needed. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate a stress reduction strategy, an Internet-based Mantram Repetition Program (MRP), for nurses caring for hospitalized Veterans. Methods A one group pre-/post-test design was used to assess change in nurses’ perceived outcomes after participating in the MRP. A post-test-only design was used to assess hospitalized Veterans’ perceptions of nursing presence and satisfaction with care. Qualitative interviews were used to supplement quantitative data. Findings Patients perceived high levels of presence and satisfaction with care. Post MRP, nurses perceived increased mindfulness, compassion satisfaction, spiritual well-being, and nursing presence. Increased mindfulness was associated with greater compassion satisfaction and less burnout. Discussion For nurses working on the front lines of patient care, the potential for experiencing stress and burnout is a reality. Participating in a MRP could lessen these effects and facilitate nursing presence.
Shared and distinct roles of Esc2 and Mms21 in suppressing genome rearrangements and regulating intracellular sumoylation

Protein sumoylation, especially when catalyzed by the Mms21 SUMO E3 ligase, plays a major role in suppressing duplication-mediated gross chromosomal rearrangements (dGCRs). How Mms21 targets its substrates in the cell is insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that Esc2, a protein with SUMO-like domains (SLDs), recruits the Ubc9 SUMO conjugating enzyme to specifically facilitate Mms21-dependent sumoylation and suppress dGCRs. The D430R mutation in Esc2 impairs its binding to Ubc9 and causes a synergistic growth defect and accumulation of dGCRs with mutations that delete the Siz1 and Siz2 E3 ligases. By contrast, esc2-D430R does not appreciably affect sensitivity to DNA damage or the dGCRs caused by the catalytically inactive mms21-CH. Moreover, proteome-wide analysis of intracellular sumoylation demonstrates that esc2-D430R specifically down-regulates sumoylation levels of Mms21-preferred targets, including the nucleolar proteins, components of the SMC complexes and the MCM complex that acts as the catalytic core of the replicative DNA helicase. These effects closely resemble those caused by mms21-CH, and are relatively unaffected by deleting Siz1 and Siz2. Thus, by recruiting Ubc9, Esc2 facilitates Mms21-dependent sumoylation to suppress the accumulation of dGCRs independent of Siz1 and Siz2.
Social capital and hurricane warning response

Abstract Social capital — resources that are available as a result of social relationships and connections — has been shown to be an important component across the various stages of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane. Additionally, research has shown that the importance of the different types of social capital — bonding, bridging, and linking — can vary as the disaster progresses from preparation, to the immediate aftermath, to long-term recovery. Yet, findings are not consistent regarding the impact of social capital on taking protective action (e.g., evacuation, shelter in home or community) following a hurricane warning. In this paper, we leverage an original survey of 1450 residents living in coastal communities in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States to examine the role of social capital in stated behaviors in response to a hurricane warning. Additionally, we examine the stated likelihood of evacuating if advised to by close contacts (friends, family, and co-workers) and elite sources (emergency management officials, elected officials, and the media). We find that bonding social capital is associated with an increased likelihood to evacuate and shelter in home as well as an increased likelihood to listen to close contacts that encourage evacuation. In addition, we find that linking social capital is associated with an increased likelihood of evacuation if encouraged to by elite sources.
Expanding eVision’s Scope of Influenza Forecasting

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 39 and 56 million people in the United States experienced flu like symptoms in the 2019-20 flue season. From which, 410 to 740 thousand were hospitalized and 24 to 62 thousand (most of them children or elderly) succumbed to the disease. Hence, the presence of an early warning mechanism that can alert pharmaceuticals, hospitals, and governments to the trends of the influenza season, would serve as a significant step in helping combat communicable diseases and reduce the mortality of child under the age of five. Both of which are among the targets for the 3rd United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.As reported in the [ACM Special Interest Group in Computers and Society (SIGCAS) 2020 Computers and Sustainable Societies (COMPASS)] and [IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society (TEMS) 2020 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Good (AI4G)] Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks are utilized by Santa Clara University’s EPIC (Ethical, Pragmatic, and Intelligent Computing) and BioInnovation & Design laboratories for continued research and development of an eVision (Epidemic Vision) tool to predict the trend of influenza cases throughout the flu season. There we reported eVision’s success in making 3 to 7 weeks in advance predictions for the 2018-2019 United States flu season with 90.15% accuracy on 7 week predictions and delineated future steps of 1) expanding eVision’s scope to study the effects of augmenting predictions with concurrent data from neighboring, near by, and developmentally similar countries/states with similar environmental conditions and 2) the introduction of confidence intervals for the predictions in order to account for the average error and thus increase the trustworthiness of eVision’s results. This paper is to report that as a result of those steps, both the Californian and Chilean 7 week forecasts improved by 1.98% and 7.89% respectively.
Loss of DRAK2 Signaling Enhances Allogeneic Transplant Survival by Limiting Effector and Memory T Cell Responses

Here, we demonstrate that loss of DRAK2 signaling significantly promotes the acceptance of allogeneic engraftment in two separate transplant models without promoting generalized immunosuppression. Drak2-/- T cells failed to reject allogeneic tumors, and were defective in rejecting Balb/C allogeneic skin grafts on C57BL6/J recipients. A significant fraction of alloreactive Drak2-/- T cells underwent apoptosis following activation, whereas enforced expression of Bcl-xL in Drak2-/- T cells restored allograft rejection. Formation of allogeneic memory was also greatly hampered in T cells lacking the Drak2 gene. Adoptive transfer of memory T cells from Drak2-/- mice failed to promote the rejection of allogeneic tumors, and such cells led to significantly delayed rejection of skin allografts in the Balb/C->C57BL/6J model. Costimulatory blockade by in vivo administration of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 fusion protein (CTLA4-Ig) synergized with the DRAK2 deficiency and led to long-term allogeneic skin graft acceptance. Overall, these results demonstrate that DRAK2 plays an important role in primary and memory T cell responsiveness to allografts. Because previous studies have demonstrated that a loss of DRAK2 does not negatively impact antiviral immunity, the studies here underscore the potential utility of pharmacological blockade of DRAK2 to achieve transplant maintenance without the imposition of generalized immunosuppression.
Electoral Backlash against Climate Policy: A Natural Experiment on Retrospective Voting and Local Resistance to Public Policy

Retrospective voting studies typically examine policies where the public has common interests. By contrast, climate policy has broad public support but concentrated opposition in communities where costs are imposed. This spatial distribution of weak supporters and strong local opponents mirrors opposition to other policies with diffuse public benefits and concentrated local costs. I use a natural experiment to investigate whether citizens living in proximity to wind energy projects retrospectively punished an incumbent government because of its climate policy. Using both fixed effects and instrumental variable estimators, I identify electoral losses for the incumbent party ranging from 4 to 10%, with the effect persisting 3 km from wind turbines. There is also evidence that voters are informed, only punishing the government responsible for the policy. I conclude that the spatial distribution of citizens' policy preferences can affect democratic accountability through ‘spatially distorted signalling’, which can exacerbate political barriers to addressing climate change.
Teaching engineers how to analyze problems

Unaware that a team of engineers had failed to obtain approval for any of their six proposed renovations, the author excitedly approached his first instructions, "Design a laboratory layout for an old building". Less than two weeks into the project, he presented plant management with a new problem statement, "How do we perform the ten critical chemical tests quickly and economically" and proposed a creative location for a new laboratory. By crossing disciplines to identify the true problem and a new solution, he became their first summer intern to lead a major capital project which was approved before he began fall classes. Over the past five years, the company saved millions of dollars with his proposed laboratory. As an engineering educator, the author wants his students to achieve similar success in identifying the problem drivers and developing approaches. One of his greatest concerns for engineering students is that they learn how to assess a problem and determine an appropriate solution method. Too often students and even practicing engineers expect a problem to come with a problem type label.
Three- and four-way parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis of photochemically induced excitation–emission kinetic fluorescence spectra

Independently emerging fluorescence profiles of unknown, photochemically induced degradation products of several naturally non-fluorescent pesticides were monitored using single exposure excitation–emission fluorescence spectroscopy. Three-way parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) was employed to uniquely resolve the pure fluorescent spectra of the overlapping photolysis products. The quantitative utility of EEM photolysis-based determinations was demonstrated by employing four-way PARAFAC models built from EEM time cubes of multiple fenvalerate samples. The 4-way PARAFAC models were then used to predict original pesticide concentrations resulting in conservative limit of detection and root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEC) of 3 µM each.
Elaborations on surface structural effects and optical waveguide properties of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and gadolinium oxide europium doped (Gd2O3:Eu3+) sol-gel films

In this research, the authors give an analysis of surface structural morphology and optical waveguide properties of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) and gadolinium oxide europium doped (Gd2O3:Eu3+) films as prepared via the sol-gel and dip coating methods under atmospheric and clean room conditions. After describing sol-gel preparation routines, the authors further give observations of homogeneous surface morphological as characterized with scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. In addition, FTIR measurements of the Gd2O3 and Gd2O3:Eu3+ films and sol gels were made to monitor the decomposition and oxidation reactions that occur during processing. The samples' structural and resulting optical properties were studied and compared according to film thickness and surface morphological features.
CNTF overproduction hastens onset of symptoms in motor neuron degeneration (mnd) mice.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) promotes the survival of motor neurons, in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, CNTF can block the degeneration of injured or diseased motor neurons in young rodents. Motor neuron degeneration (mnd) mutant mice display adult onset symptoms reflecting progressive motor debilitation and provide a model in which to test the hypothesis that CNTF can prevent the loss of these motor functions. We generated mnd mice that harbor a genomically integrated transgene, resulting in overexpression of the encoded CNTF protein in these mice. In contrast to the beneficial effects of CNTF in preventing motor neuron degeneration in other experimental paradigms, we report that overproduction of CNTF increased the rate of onset of motor disease symptoms in mnd mice and the presence of the transgene correlated with low adult body weight in mnd and wild-type genetic backgrounds. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Magnetic penetration depth and flux melting in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br

Abstract We have performed muon spin relaxation studies in the quasi-2 dimensional organic superconductor κ-(ET) 2 Cu[N(CN) 2 ]Br, applying an external field of 3 kG perpendicular to the conducting planes of single crystal specimens. The relaxation rate in field-cooled measurements shows a linear variation for T ≤ 0.4 T c . This behavior is consistent with an anisotropic pairing state with line nodes in the superconducting energy gap. Zero-field-cooling measurements reveal that magnetic flux is not well-pinned until T ≤ 5 K, well below T c = 12 K.
Does the choice of poverty index matter in practice

This paper addresses the following question: In an empirical investgation of poverty in the United States, is the choice of poverty index likely, in practice, to affect the results? The consistency of ten alternative poverty indices is examined using 1980 United States census data. The analysis suggests that most of the indices will provide consistent results in empirical investigations.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis Of The Math Anxiety Rating Scale–Revised

Psychometric properties of recently developed measures of mathematics anxiety have not adequately been studied. Using a large sample (N = 815), the construct validity of the revised Math Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS-R) was assessed. Participants were randomly assigned to a validation or a replication sample. In the validation sample, confirmatory analyses revealed that the original model fits data poorly. The instrument was modified, resulting in the elimination of 12 items, and the fit of the two-factor model was improved considerably. The revised measure was applied to the replication sample, with comparable fit indices obtained and excellent generalization across male and female participants. Internal consistency reliability coefficients of the revised measure were strong, and good convergent and divergent validity was shown with the original MARS-R and other anxiety-related measures. The revised measure may represent a more parsimonious and valid measurement approach for assessing mathematics anxiety.
Spatial configuration of mRNA 5′-terminus

Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation has revealed that the 5′-terminus m7 G5′ ppp5′ Am of mRNA displays a spatial configuration in which the bases form stacked arrays. Details of the conformation as derived from coupling constants, shift trends and ring current considerations are discussed.
Chronology of Awareness About US National Park External Threats

The objective of this paper is to raise understanding of the history of protected area external threat awareness in the United States and at World Protected Area Congresses. The earliest concerns about external threats to US national parks began in the late nineteenth century: a potential railroad transgression of Yellowstone National Park in the 1880s. During the early and mid 1930s, George Wright and colleagues focused on outside boundary concerns like of hunting and trapping of furbearers, grazing, logging, disease and hybridization between species. In the 1960s, a worldwide recognition began about the role of outside habitat fragmentation/isolation on nature reserves and human generated stressors crossing their boundaries. The State of the Park Report 1980 added a plethora of threats: oil/gas and geothermal exploration and development, hydropower and reclamation projects, urban encroachment, roads, resorts, and recreational facilities. The early 1980s ushered in political interference with NPS threats abatement efforts as well as Congressional legislative initiatives to support the abatement challenges of the agency. By 1987, the Government Accounting Office issued its first report on National Park Service (NPS) progress in dealing with external threats. Climate change impacts on parks, especially in terms of animals adjusting their temperature and moisture requirements by latitude and altitude, surfaced in the technical literature by the mid-1980s. By 1992, the world parks community stressed the need to integrate protected areas into the surrounding landscape and human community. The importance of the matrix has gradually gained appreciation in the scientific community. This chronology represents one example of national park and protected areas’ institutional history contributing to the breath of modern conservation science.
UNCONSCIONABLE CONDUCT AND THE UNIFORM CONSUMER CREDIT CODE

PROFESSOR JOHNSON HAS DESCRIBED in his paper the major economic objectives of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code, particularly the rationale of the provisions concerning rate ceilings, disclosure and entry into the market of extending consumer credit. All too frequently, political discussions of what ought or ought not to be stop before the necessary theoretical basis is reached. Much more frequently the discussions concerning whether there ought to be a law treating with a particular social evil existing or alleged to exist stop before the question of how law can produce the desired result is reached. Almost 100 years ago, Mr. Justice Holmes, the Yankee from Olympus, described contract law as the answer which the law gave a promisor when he asked the question: "What will it cost me if I do not perform my promise?" Although this has been sometimes described as the "bad man" approach to law and as devoid of moral judgment about breakers of promises, it is actually a very useful method of analysis. It is an especially useful method of analyzing or describing a law which intentionally thwarts some practices and expectations in the market place. In my paper today I will primarily describe some of the pains and rewards and the theory of the pains and rewards found in this new Code designed to induce the course of conduct which the Code permits. Thus, if the Code provides that the maximum finance charge for a credit sale or cash loan is rate X, or if the Code provides that the agreed upon finance charge must be described to the prospective debtor in a particular way, I am asking you to consider the answer to the question which Mr. Justice Holmes' bad man asks: "WVhat will it cost me as a creditor if the statutorily required or permitted result does not occur?" As Professor Johnson's paper has stated, the Code in totality is dealing with "unconscionable conduct" in the relationship between debtors and creditors. Notwithstanding the firm commitment to freedom of contract which the American commercial law exhibits, there has always been intervention by law into the commercial relationships of the contracting parties and this Code is both a codification and an extension of that intervention. Besides giving binding force to the provisions of agreements, the commercial law has always provided that agreements shall be entered into only in a permissible manner; that they shall be entered into voluntarily and not be induced by fraud, unlawful coercion or other factors indicating the absence of voluntariness; and that the agreements reflect either a uniquely individual understanding of the contracting parties or a commonly understood set of assumptions. Finally with the rise in commercial life of standardized forms the law has moved more and more into developing a series of rules designed both to safeguard the forms