cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Genetic and Epigenetic Analysis of Occult Hepatitis B from Liver Tissue Samples

Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in the serum or liver of individuals with test results negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) [1]. Occult HBV infection has been detected in diverse groups of individuals, including those with cryptogenic advanced liver fibrosis [2], parenteral blood exposure [3, 4], and chronic hepatitis C infection [1, 5]. The clinical consequences of occult HBV infection are incompletely defined, but current data potentially link occult HBV infection to liver enzyme flares [6], advanced fibrosis [2], and hepatocellular carcinoma [7]. The mechanisms leading to occult HBV are poorly understood but may include: (1) mutations in the surface protein that cause decreased immune recognition [8], (2) deletions in the pre-S1 region that impair HBV packaging [9, 10], (3) various mutations in HBV-regulatory regions that lead to decreased HBsAg expression [10, 11], and (4) mutations affecting posttranslation protein production [12]. In addition to these potential mechanisms, the HBV genome can be methylated [13], and histone acetylation can regulate viral gene expression [14], suggesting a potential role for epigenetic regulation of HBV. Finally, HBV DNA can undergo massive hyperediting from APOBEC3G [15, 16], 1 member of a family of deaminating proteins that are part of the innate immune system's defense against viral infection. These findings raise the possibility that extensive editing of the HBV genome by deaminating proteins could contribute to the development of occult HBV. Taken together, these observations suggest that multiple mechanisms may be relevant to occult HBV infection. Thus, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of the genetic and epigenetic changes in occult HBV, investigating the potential role of mutations and deletions, APOBEC3G hyperediting, and HBV methylation.
Hydrocarbon Selective Catalytic Reduction Using a Silver- Alumina Catalyst with Light Alcohols and Other Reductants

Previously reported work with a full-scale ethanol-SCR system featuring a Ag-Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated that this particular system has potential to reduce NOx emissions 80-90% for engine operating conditions that allow catalyst temperatures above 340°C. A concept explored was utilization of a fuel-borne reductant, in this case ethanol “stripped” from an ethanol-diesel microemulsion fuel. Increased tailpipe-out emissions of hydrocarbons, acetaldehyde and ammonia were measured, but very little N2O was detected. In the current increment of work, a number of light alcohols and other hydrocarbons were used in experiments to map their performance with the same Ag-Al2O3 catalyst. These exploratory tests are aimed at identification of compounds or organic functional groups that could be candidates for fuel-borne reductants in a compression ignition fuel, or could be produced by some workable method of fuel reforming. A second important goal was to improve understanding of the possible reaction mechanisms and other phenomena that influence performance of this SCR system. Test results revealed that diesel engine exhaust NOx emissions can be reduced by more than 80%, utilizing ethanol as the reductant for a space velocity near 50,000/h and catalyst temperatures between 330 and 490 o C. Similar results
The other 90% of the protein: Assessment beyond the Cαs for CASP8 template-based and high-accuracy models

For template-based modeling in the CASP8 Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction, this work develops and applies six new full-model metrics. They are designed to complement and add value to the traditional template-based assessment by the global distance test (GDT) and related scores (based on multiple superpositions of Calpha atoms between target structure and predictions labeled "Model 1"). The new metrics evaluate each predictor group on each target, using all atoms of their best model with above-average GDT. Two metrics evaluate how "protein-like" the predicted model is: the MolProbity score used for validating experimental structures, and a mainchain reality score using all-atom steric clashes, bond length and angle outliers, and backbone dihedrals. Four other new metrics evaluate match of model to target for mainchain and sidechain hydrogen bonds, sidechain end positioning, and sidechain rotamers. Group-average Z-score across the six full-model measures is averaged with group-average GDT Z-score to produce the overall ranking for full-model, high-accuracy performance. Separate assessments are reported for specific aspects of predictor-group performance, such as robustness of approximately correct template or fold identification, and self-scoring ability at identifying the best of their models. Fold identification is distinct from but correlated with group-average GDT Z-score if target difficulty is taken into account, whereas self-scoring is done best by servers and is uncorrelated with GDT performance. Outstanding individual models on specific targets are identified and discussed. Predictor groups excelled at different aspects, highlighting the diversity of current methodologies. However, good full-model scores correlate robustly with high Calpha accuracy.
Random Linear Network Coding for Time-Division Duplexing: Field Size Considerations

We study the effect of the field size on the performance of random linear network coding for time division duplexing channels proposed in [1]. In particular, we study the case of a node broadcasting to several receivers. We show that the effect of the field size can be included in the transition probabilities of the Markov chain model of the system. Also, an improved upper bound on the mean number of coded packets required to decode M original data packets using random linear network coding is presented. This bound shows that even if the field size is 2, i.e. we perform XORs amongst randomly selected packets from the pool of M original ones, we will need on average at most M + 2 coded packets in order to decode. Thus, there will be only a very small degradation in performance if M is large. We present numerical results showing that the mean completion time of our scheme with a field size of 2 is close in performance to our scheme when we use larger field sizes. We also show that as M increases, the difference between using a field size of 2 and larger field sizes decreases. Finally, we show that we can get very close to the optimal performance with small field sizes, e.g. a field size of 4 or 8, even when M is not very large.
Problem-Solving Therapy for Depression in Adults: A Systematic Review

Objectives: This article presents a systematic review of the evidence on problem-solving therapy (PST) for depressive disorders in noninstitutionalized adults. Method: Intervention studies using randomized controlled designs are included and methodological quality is assessed using a standard set of criteria from the Cochrane Collaborative Review Initiative. Results: Twenty-two studies investigating PST for adult depression are compiled and examined. Studies differ in scope and methodological rigor. Sample sizes vary widely; all study outcomes include depression measures; problems in masking of group assignment and randomization are noted. Conclusions: Mixed evidence for PST as a depression treatment is found. The combined use of PST and antidepressant treatment has more favorable outcomes compared with PST alone for social work practice.
An RBAC framework for time constrained secure interoperation in multi-domain environments

In emerging e-commerce applications, time constrained information sharing between different systems is becoming a common phenomenon. A flexible and efficient mechanism is needed to support short term time-based sharing policies between transient partners. In particular, the interacting domains need to establish a time-based inter-domain access policy without violating the original time-based security policies of the individual systems. In this paper, we address this issue using the generalized temporal role based access control (GTRBAC) framework. The proposed mechanism involves a system processing an inter-domain access requirement specification to extend or restructure its local GTRBAC policy with proper temporal constraints to allow its external partner domain to access its resources. The transformed local GTRBAC policy facilitates the inter-domain accesses while still conforming to the original local policy requirements.
Technology, teachers, and training: combining theory with Macedonia's experience

Numerous developing countries are currently executing or planning---pouring both hope and money into---projects that introduce technology into their educational systems. This paper puts forth the assertion that developing world ICT-in-education projects will continue to disappoint until they are reconceptualized and redesigned to incorporate three transformative concepts: teachers play the key role in determining the success or failure of such projects; change is a years-long process and not a one-time event; and teachers need ongoing support to adopt the technology and should be treated as stakeholders in the innovation-adoption process. In the Macedonian nationwide computers-in-schools project herein described, teachers received extremely comprehensive advance training in both computer use and methods of actively incorporating technology into their curriculum and teaching. Still, the majority of teachers are not successfully employing technology in the classroom three years after the training and deployment were carried out. This paper applies the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (or CBAM, which describes how individuals' concerns evolve as they undergo the process of change and how these concerns may be addressed over time) to Macedonia's experience. CBAM serves as a lens through which to examine ICT-in-education efforts and determine whether they effectively match up with how teachers experience change and where there is room for improvement in such efforts.
A different kind of representation: Black and Latino descriptive representation and the role of ideological cuing

Most scholarship on minority descriptive representation focuses on whether minority legislators are “more” supportive of minority concerns than white legislators but does not address how descriptive representatives differ in the use of decision-making cues when advocating for minority interests. Drawing on data from four Congresses and comparing two sets of minority group representatives with their white counterparts and each other, the authors show that an important effect of descriptive representation is that racial/ethnic minority representatives are uniquely influenced in their advocacy of minority interests by cues that stand apart from the conventional liberal/conservative political ideological frame.
ODP sets 4‐year plan

The Ocean Drilling Program, a consortium of countries led by the United States, with a broad mandate to drill in the world's oceans, has set the direction of its drilling vessel for the next 4 years. During the various upcoming legs, researchers will address some of the themes considered to be high priority by ODP's advisory panels and will develop the drilling technology to achieve these goals. Scheduled legs of the ODP program include: Leg 150, New Jersey Sea Level, May 30– July 25, 1993. The primary objectives are to determine the geometry and age of Oligocene to Miocene depositional sequences and evaluate the role of relative sea-level changes in developing this record. The drilling will consist of a transect across the continental slope and rise.
Development of model-based computer-aided engine control systems

Systems engineering and computer-aided control system design methods are playing critical roles in today's automotive control system development process. The increased complexity and tight coupling of powertrain subsystems have rendered the traditional subsystem-oriented development process ineffective in meeting the new challenges faced by the industry. In this paper, we delineate a systems engineering-oriented control design process which takes advantage of the readily available, advanced computer-aided tools and process models. It is shown that optimisation and sensitivity analysis can be used effectively to derive reasonable subsystem requirements from higher (potentially competing) system level requirements. Since these techniques can be carried out using computer-based simulation and system models, design and trade-off analysis can be completed rather quickly at the early stage. Thus, the development time and cost can be reduced.
Electromagnetic source localization of cognitive processes related to attention to single or omitted tones

Magnetic and electric recordings have confirmed that the P300, a late positive component of the human event-related potentials (ERP), can be evoked not only by a target discrimination task but also by the omission of targets [1],[2],[3]. Recently it was shown that also single target stimuli, delivered without distractors, can evoke a P300 response [4]. In this case the task is simpler than the oddball paradigm which may render it more useful for clinical applications. However, the analogy of the single stimulus P300 to the classical P300 needs to be shown.
The Value of Multiple Database Searching to Scholarly Research Productivity

Abstract The substantial value of scientific and technical information has been demonstrated in a number of publications. Keeping up with the literature, efficiently finding the most relevant literature, and conducting comprehensive literature searches are extremely important in the highly competitive world of writing grant proposals for scientific and engineering research, and in the subsequent publication of journal articles. In academia, trends of recent years have been toward Web access to single database searches and electronic journals. Multiple database searching has been relegated to a status of lesser importance. This paper supports the thesis that comprehensive multiple database literature searching has major value to graduate students working on their theses and dissertations, and hence, to research productivity. It also argues for support for a centralized collection of databases in support of U.S. research and development.
Reconfigurable supercomputing

Summary form only given. The synergistic advances in high-performance computing and in reconfigurable computing, based on field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), form the basis for a new paradigm in supercomputing, namely reconfigurable supercomputing. This can be achieved through hybrid systems of microprocessors and FPGA modules that can leverage the system level concepts from high-performance computing and extend them to accommodate reconfigurations. Such systems inherently support both fine-grain and coarse-grain parallelism, and can dynamically tune their architecture to fit the applications. Many researchers have recognized this and advances are proceeding at three system levels. At the networked computing level, researchers have extended job management systems to recognize networked reconfigurable resources and exploit their power, in a grid computing fashion. Progress has been also made in programming and managing computer clusters, with reconfigurable co-processors. Finally, steps have been taken towards the development of massively parallel systems of conventional microprocessors and reconfigurable computing capabilities. Programming such systems can be quite challenging as programming FPGA devices can essentially involve hardware design. However, there have been very significant developments in compiler technologies and programming tools for some of these systems. This paper introduces the field of reconfigurable supercomputing and its advances in systems, programming, applications, and compiler technology.
Postoperative Pain Relief Using Local Anesthetic Instillation

Effective pain control following surgery is a concern. Oral narcotic agents may be effective yet have many side effects. Parenteral agents are impractical in outpatient procedures. Local blocks may distort tissue planes and require additional time and technical skill to administer. We have found that instillation of local anesthetic (0.5% bupivacaine [Marcaine, Sensorcaine]) into the wound prior to closure is a safe and effective means of providing significant reduction in postoperative foot pain.
Behavioral Responses to High Temperatures in Three Species of California Bats

Myotis yumanensis, Antrozous pallidas , and Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana , in the loft of a large barn, were exposed to frequent heat stress during the summer. However, while temperatures near 50° C commonly occurred in the roost during the day, thermal gradients were steep, and the full impact of the heat stress was avoided by slight movements. Most bats began to move when ambient temperatures approached 40° C. Congregations of bats on beams or in crevices near the ceiling gradually dispersed downward while increasing the spacing between individuals. On very hot days bats usually abandoned positions near the ceiling and sought refuge in cooler parts of the loft. There appeared to be a compromise between avoidance of high temperatures and preference for high or sheltered roosts. Consequently, bats were voluntarily exposed to relatively high temperatures (40° C or above) for many hours during the day, despite the availability of cooler temperatures in the loft. Tadarida and Antrozous tended to face higher temperatures than Myotis because of their greater reluctance to use the cooler, exposed roosting sites. Interspecific differences in the avoidance of high temperature were also evident in laboratory thermal gradients, Tadarida being the most tolerant to heat and Antrozous the least.
Phantom setup for precise perfusion measurement by microwave

Toward the objective of using microwave methods to measure blood perfusion, a setup is constructed to obtain thermal washout curves after microwave heating. The setup features an omnidirectional flow in a porous medium irradiated by microwave power. Flow levels in the range of 0–5 mL/min can be precisely set. Such small flow levels realistically correspond to the blood perfusion within tissues. The medium's temperature is raised by 0.2 °C, through irradiating 1.1 W at 900 MHz. Results indicate that small flow levels could be distinctly differentiated by the thermal decay curve. However, the observed heating depth extending beyond 2 cm indicates that higher frequencies may be necessary for shallower perfusion measurements (e.g. in skin).
Robust execution of plans for human-robot teams

Humans and robots working together can efficiently complete tasks that are very difficult for either to accomplish alone. To collaborate fluidly, robots must recognize the humans' intentions and adapt to their actions appropriately. Pike is an online executive introduced previously in the literature that unifies intent recognition and plan adaptation for temporally flexible plans with choice. While successful at coordinating human-robot teams, Pike had limited robustness to temporal uncertainty about the durations of actions. This paper presents two extensions to Pike that make it much more robust to temporal uncertainty. First, we extend Pike to handle uncontrollable action durations by enforcing strong temporal controllability. We accomplish this by generalizing standard strong controllability algorithms for STNUs to plans with choice. Second, in case a realized duration exceeds even the specified bounds and makes the entire plan infeasible, we attempt to intelligently negotiate with a human to relax some of the temporal constraints and restore feasibility, rather than immediately failing and halting execution. This negotiation is guided by a state-of-the-art conflict directed relaxation algorithm, which has previously only been used offline.
Increased precursor microRNA-21 following status epilepticus can compete with mature microRNA-21 to alter translation.

Abstract MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is consistently up-regulated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Here, we show that the biogenesis of miR-21 is altered following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) with an increase in precursor miR-21 (pre-miR-21) in rats. We demonstrate that pre-miR-21 has an energetically favorable site overlapping with the miR-21 binding site and competes with mature miR-21 for binding in the 3′UTR of TGFBR2 mRNA, but not NT-3 mRNA in vitro. This binding competition influences miR-21-mediated repression in vitro and correlates with the increase in TGFBR2 and decrease in NT-3 following SE. Polysome profiling reveals co-localization of pre-miR-21 in the ribosome fraction with translating mRNAs in U-87 cells. The current work suggests that pre-miR-21 may post-transcriptionally counteract miR-21-mediated suppression following SE and could potentially lead to prolonged TGF-β receptor expression impacting epileptogenesis. The study further supports that the ratio of the pre to mature miRNA may be important in determining the regulatory effects of a miRNA gene.
Famine politics in Maoist China and the Soviet Union

This important book sheds new light on the background and circumstances of the devastating Soviet and Chinese famines that took millions of lives in the Soviet Union (SU) in the early 1930s and dur...
Genetic male sterility in the pea (Pisum sativum L.). I: Inheritance, allelism and linkage

Relatively few male sterile (ms) genes have been reported in the pea despite description of numerous qualitative genes for other traits. This study was undertaken to characterize genetic male sterility in the pea. Male sterility may facilitate outcrossing because the pea is cleistogamous. Of fourteen lines carrying male sterility, tests of allelism revealed nine unique ms genes. According to F2 and F3 data, all ms genes segregated as single recessive genes. Linkage relations were determined for all but two. The genes appeared to be distributed randomly across the chromosomes. Two ms genes (ms-3 and ms-10) exhibited reduced female fertility in addition to male sterility. These mutants may have utility in increasing genetic recombination, particularly where hand hybridization is used.
Systematic management of simulation state for multi-branch simulations in simulink

Systematic simulation is a technique related and motivated by the formal analysis of hybrid dynamic systems. It combines the exhaustive and conservative nature of traditional model checking with numerical simulation for providing efficient algorithms to manage simulations. Multi-branch simulation is the concept advancing simulation efficiency by reducing the number of state transitions. This paper introduces an approach to implement multi-branch simulation into a popular industrial modeling and simulation tool, Simulink®. The notion of simulation state which is distinctly different from the dynamic system state, is introduced for Simulink models. From this, a novel semantics based on transition systems is then developed. In a prototype implementation, these semantics are encoded in the current architecture of the Simulink engine and enable demonstrating the benefit of such type of a simulation by three case studies.
Pyoderma gangrenosum: combination therapy with excellent results in a patient with underlying hepatitis C.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is defined as a neutrophilic dermatosis, not related to any infections or gangrenous causes.1 It usually appears with an underlying systemic disease. We report a 55-year-old man who presented with painful bilateral skin lesions on legs with no associated constitutional symptoms. Patient had a history of untreated hepatitis C infection with negative cryoglobulinaemia screen. Surgical debridement was performed in the emergency department, at that time without a diagnosis and a biopsy plus culture of the skin was done which disclosed no evidence of microorganism, …
Treatment of Sarcoma Lung Metastases with Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy

Background. The most common site of sarcoma metastasis is the lung. Surgical resection of pulmonary metastases and chemotherapy are treatment options that have been employed, but many patients are poor candidates for these treatments for multiple host or tumor-related reasons. In this group of patients, radiation might provide a less morbid treatment alternative. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in the treatment of metastatic sarcoma to the lung. Methods. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) was used to treat 117 pulmonary metastases in 44 patients. Patients were followed with serial computed tomography imaging of the chest. The primary endpoint was failure of control of a pulmonary lesion as measured by continued growth. Radiation-associated complications were recorded. Results. The majority of patients (84%) received a total dose of 50 Gy per metastatic nodule utilizing an image-guided SBRT technique. The median interval follow-up was 14.2 months (range 1.6–98.6 months). Overall survival was 82% at two years and 50% at five years. Of 117 metastatic nodules treated, six nodules showed failure of treatment (95% control rate). Twenty patients (27%) developed new metastatic lesions and underwent further SBRT. The side effects of SBRT included transient radiation pneumonitis , cough , rib fracture , chronic pain , dermatitis , and dyspnea . Conclusion. Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an effective and safe treatment for the ablation of pulmonary metastasis from sarcoma. Further work is needed to evaluate the optimal role of SBRT relative to surgery or chemotherapy for treatment of metastatic sarcoma.
Light-controlled spintronic device based on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites

We have fabricated a spin photovoltaic device composed of a vertical spin-valve based on hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite as a spacer layer, of which resistance may be tuned by external light illumination. The magnetoconductivity of this device may be tuned from zero to reach exceptionally high values of 100 k% by controlling the illumination intensity close to the open circuit voltage. In addition, the device photocurrent can be also turned by sweeping the external magnetic field when the effects of the light intensity and applied bias voltage are judicially balanced.
Gromov’s theorem in n-symplectic geometry on LRn

If M is an n-dimensional manifold, then the associated bundle of linear frames LM of M supports the canonically defined Rn-valued soldering 1-form θ^. The pair (LM,dθ^) is an n-symplectic manifold, where dθ^ is the n-symplectic 2-form. We adapt the proofs of de Gosson and McDuff and Salamon of Gromov’s non-squeezing theorem on R2n to give a proof of Gromov’s theorem for affine n-symplectomorphisms on LRn.
Nitric Oxide Interactions with Red Blood Cell Hemoglobin in a Novel Bioreactor

Bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is important in maintaining numerous physiologic processes and a lack there of results in pathologic conditions. Nitric oxide homeostasis in vasculature leads to smooth muscle cells vasorelaxation. This depends on factors including NO production by endothelial nitric oxide synthase and NO consumption by red blood cells (RBC). Using a novel bioreactor, we studied the effects of NO concentrations and hematocrit on NO–RBC interactions. The novel bioreactor used gaseous NO delivery to a RBC suspension and simulated mass transport resistance similar to the NO-RBC interactions in vivo. Using the bioreactor, a 10 ml volume of DI water and 5% RBC suspension were reacted with 1.33 μM of equilibrium NO concentration. The experiments were conducted for 10 min and samples were collected every 2 min. Nitrite and total nitrogen species (total NOx) contents of all samples were measured by chemiluminescence assay. Nitrite and total NOx concentrations in aqueous media increased linearly with time. We established that a constant NO flux to the RBC suspension can be achieved in the bioreactor. Using the bioreactor, a wide range of physiologically relevant NO:Hb ratios can be obtained to study in vitro NO-RBC interactions.
It´s the economy, stupid!

Why are our intuitive beliefs about economic issues often so misguided, asks psychologist Pascal Boyer
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Autism Spectrum and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders: A Review of the Literature

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are prevalent childhood disorders characterized by disruptive behavior. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is...
“You stick up for all kids”: (De)Politicizing the enactment of LGBTQ+ teacher ally work

Abstract This paper analyzes a particularly volatile focus group discussion to consider the ways that a group of pre-service teachers worked to verbally define and categorize teaching and LGBTQ+ teacher allies. We draw from literature on social justice and teacher allies, as well as theories of teacher development and the politics of teaching, to approach the data. Through data analysis we found that, when discussing what teacher allies can actually do in classrooms, the majority of pre-service teachers invoked the language of “all” in an attempt to establish a neutral stance, while simultaneously working to depoliticize the classroom.
A computational avenue towards understanding and design of zwitterionic anti-biofouling materials

This review introduces a computational avenue towards understanding and design of zwitterionic anti-biofouling materials. Biofouling means nonspecific adsorption of proteins, cells, and bacteria on...
The Legacy of Nuremberg

This article is a defense of the Nuremberg Trials. It addresses the standard criticism of the trials and outlines six principles of international law that constitute the legacy of Nuremberg.
Human caspase-1 autoproteolysis is required for ASC-dependent and -independent inflammasome activation

Abstract Pathogen-related signals induce a number of cytosolic pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) to form canonical inflammasomes, which activate pro-caspase-1 and trigger pyroptotic cell death. All well-studied PRRs oligomerize with the pro-caspase-1-adapter protein ASC to generate a single large structure in the cytosol, which induces the autoproteolysis and activation of the pro-caspase-1 zymogen. However, several PRRs can also directly interact with pro-caspase-1 without ASC, forming much smaller “ASC-independent” inflammasomes. It is currently thought that pro-caspase-1 autoproteolysis does not occur during, and is not required for, ASC-independent inflammasome activation. Here, we show that the related human PRRs NLRP1 and CARD8 exclusively form ASC-dependent and ASC-independent inflammasomes, respectively, identifying CARD8 as the first PRR that cannot form an ASC-containing signaling platform. Despite their different structures, we discovered that both the NLRP1 and CARD8 inflammasomes require pro-caspase-1 autoproteolysis between the small and large catalytic subunits to induce pyroptosis. Thus, pro-caspase-1 self-cleavage is an obligate regulatory step in the activation of human canonical inflammasomes.
Ellipsoidal path connections for time-gated rendering

During the last decade, we have been witnessing the continued development of new time-of-flight imaging devices, and their increased use in numerous and varied applications. However, physics-based rendering techniques that can accurately simulate these devices are still lacking: while existing algorithms are adequate for certain tasks, such as simulating transient cameras, they are very inefficient for simulating time-gated cameras because of the large number of wasted path samples. We take steps towards addressing these deficiencies, by introducing a procedure for efficiently sampling paths with a predetermined length, and incorporating it within rendering frameworks tailored towards simulating time-gated imaging. We use our open-source implementation of the above to empirically demonstrate improved rendering performance in a variety of applications, including simulating proximity sensors, imaging through occlusions, depth-selective cameras, transient imaging in dynamic scenes, and non-line-of-sight imaging.
Human behavior or taphonomy? On the breakage of Eastern North American Paleoindian endscrapers

Endscrapers, the most abundant tool class at Eastern North American Paleoindian sites, are flaked stone specimens predominately used for scraping hides. They are found broken in high frequencies at these sites, a pattern that has been attributed to use. However, previous experimental and ethnographic research on endscrapers suggests that they are difficult to break. We present a series of replication experiments assessing the amount of force required for endscraper breakage, as well as the amount of force generated during human use. We also analyze which morphometric variable best predicts the breakage force. Our results demonstrate that the force humans can generate is far below the breakage force, which is best predicted by endscraper thickness. Finally, we examine an actual Paleoindian endscraper assemblage, concluding that human use was not the cause for breakage. Taphonomic factors such as plowing, or trampling, are a much better potential explanation for the high breakage frequencies present at Paleoindian sites.
Electromagnetic Analysis of the ngVLA Reference Design Antenna

This paper presents computed efficiency, efficiency loss and increase in crosspolarization due to feed positioning errors on the Next Generation Very Large Array antenna. The rationale behind the choice of configuration of the antenna is explained. The design of the proposed feed is shown.
It's Time for the Supreme Court to Review the Economic Substance Doctrine

In United States v. Woods, this writer submitted an amicus brief arguing that the Supreme Court should reserve its judgment about the economic substance doctrine, which the district court had applied below. The Supreme Court agreed with that argument, expressly leaving its opinion about the proper application of the economic substance doctrine to a future case.That future case has arrived. This amicus brief, supporting the taxpayer’s petition in WFC Holdings v. United States, explains why this case presents the perfect opportunity for the Court to explain what weight, if any, legislative enactments enjoy in deciding economic substance cases. Although this brief is directed to the Justices, it should appeal to anyone who follows developments related to the economic substance doctrine.
Low-Temperature Mechanical Instabilities Govern High-Temperature Thermodynamics in the Austenite Phase of Shape Memory Alloy Constituents: Ab Initio Simulations of NiTi, NiZr, NiHf, PdTi, and PtTi

Abstract Recent studies on the constituent binaries of common NiTi-based shape memory alloys (NiTi, NiZr, NiHf, PdTi, PtTi) have led to questions regarding the accuracy of current phase diagrams, including the existence of theoretical phases, and the atomistic nature of stability in observed martensitic and austenitic phases. These issues are investigated here with ab initio molecular dynamics. Theoretically identified ground state structures are found to become mechanically unstable well below room temperature, while the experimentally determined martensite structures are found to be stabilized by anharmonic effects at elevated temperatures. The martensite phases of all binaries are found to transition to a common austenite structure (cubic B2), with transition temperatures in agreement with available experiments. Interestingly, the B2 structures are unstable at low temperature but are stabilized by large anharmonic effects that also govern the martensitic transition. An observed signature of this anharmonicity is the transitory symmetry breaking of B2 to a distorted, glassy structure known as B2’. The energy of the observed B2’ structure is quantified at low temperatures and, across the binaries, is found to be linearly correlated to the anharmonic energy and entropy of transition from the martensite phases to high-temperature B2. The implication of this finding is the properties of the low-temperature B2’ structure govern anharmonicity and ultimately the high-temperature transitions to B2. Means of utilizing these results to simplify the characterization of the austenite thermodynamics and associated transitions important to the shape memory effect are discussed. A reduced order model is presented that captures the competition between crystal lattice energy differences (B2 vs martensite) and the degree of anharmonicity characterized by the B2-B2’ energy differences for these sytems.
Validation of a nasal SedLine® sensor placement: Going beyond the forehead when depth of anesthesia is important

Abstract Introduction Since the inception of general anesthesia, the assessment of anesthetic depth has been challenging and a goal that anesthesiologists constantly strive for. Nowadays, an increasing number of monitors allow us to have a more specific assessment of depth of anesthesia. However, the conventional sensor-lead positioning on the forehead recommended by manufacturers may sometimes coincide with the surgical field thereby posing a clinical challenge. This study compares the conventional frontal placement on the forehead with an experimental nasal placement for the standard Masimo SedLine® EEG sensor in surgical neuromonitoring, analyzing and comparing numeric values (Patient State Index-PSi) and EEG waveform traces. Methods Authors performed a single-center, observational, prospective study enrolling 40 patients under a standardized anesthesia protocol. Three contiguous time periods (induction, steady-state anesthesia and awakening) were used to stratify data analysis so that within-patient correlations between nasal and frontal readings could be examined by time period independently. Results A total of 106,209 matched numeric values and 3,543 min of EEG data from each sensor’s positions were collected from 40 patients. Total average alignment between two sensor positions, keeping in mind that 5 PSi units were used as acceptable limit of agreement, was 83.01% and p-values associated with R2 correlation coefficients were statistically significant at 0.001 level. Steady-state anesthesia phase alignment (with full muscle-relaxation), which present 73% of all collected data, show a concordance within 5 PSi unit alignment in 95.77%. One hundred and twenty tracings from 40 patients were presented to two epileptologists and inter-rater agreement or reliability was achieved in 88% of EEG-traces’ analysis. Conclusions The current results suggest that SedLine® Brain Function Monitoring sensor is acceptable for clinical use when standard sensor position in the forehead is not possible. This allows for the possibility of utilization of the sensor whenever the forehead placement cannot be utilized.
Documents in a Field of Action: Using Documents to Address Research Questions About Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations

In this article we show the potential of using documents to answer research questions pertinent to nonprofit and voluntary sector studies. We start by introducing what the methodological literature has to say about how documents are employed as a data source, along with their strengths and weaknesses. Then, we review 178 articles in three main nonprofit journals to analyze how researchers have used documents to understand nonprofit and voluntary sector organizations. We also provide a case example of document analysis to reveal the processes involved in using documents as a source of evidence. We emphasize that situating documents in a field of action invites researchers to pay attention not only to the information they contain but also what their production and consumption reveal about organizational life. Finally, we conclude with the implications and considerations for using documents in nonprofit and voluntary sector research.
Normalization by Valence and Motivational Intensity in the Primary Sensorimotor Cortices (PMd, M1 and S1)

Abstract Our brain’s ability to represent vast amounts of information, such as continuous ranges of reward spanning orders of magnitude, with limited dynamic range neurons, may be possible due to normalization. Recently our group and others have shown that the sensorimotor cortices are sensitive to reward value. In order to determine if normalization plays a role in the sensorimotor cortices when considering non-sensorimotor variables, such as valence and motivational intensity, we had two non-human primate (NHP) subjects (one male bonnet macaque and one female rhesus macaque) make cued grip-force movements while simultaneously cueing the level of possible reward if successful, or time-out punishment if unsuccessful. We recorded simultaneously from 96 electrodes in each the somatosensory, motor and dorsal premotor cortices (S1, M1, PMd). We utilized several normalization models for valence, and motivational intensity in all three regions. We found three types of divisive normalized relationships between neural activity and the representation of reward and punishment, linear, sigmodal and hyperbolic. The hyperbolic relationships resemble receptive fields in psychological affect space, where a unit is particularly sensitive to a small range of the valence/motivational space. We found that these cortical regions have both strong valence and motivational intensity representations. Significance Statement Brain machine interfaces (BMIs) are likely to make their way into the clinical setting in the future. Increasing stability of brain derived control of such BMI systems is one essential aspect towards user acceptance, and stability must be maintained no matter the emotional state of the user. However, it is well known that we move faster for rewards of higher magnitude, indicating that emotions influence the motor control system, where BMI control signals come from. Here we report widespread affective modulation of the sensorimotor regions (PMd, PMv, M1 and S1) by cued levels of possible reward if successful and time-out punishment if unsuccessful in non-human primates, and that affect divisively normalizes these regions activity.
Still Alone at the Table? Women Working in Technology Organizations

Women working in information technology (IT) organizations experience a variety of challenges related to traditionally male dominated IT organizational cultures. As competition for IT staff has become global, IT organizations must realize that a great source for staff can be found in women. Unfortunately, the gendered elements of organizations, particularly IT environments, tend to promote male traditions, processes, and environments. Organizations must start reducing barriers, becoming more diverse, and invest in creating opportunities for women to enter and succeed in IT professions. Women seeking IT careers and advancement must understand gendered hegemonies and pursue actions to address and overcome challenges they encounter so they are no longer alone at the table.
A unique histidine-rich polypeptide from the malaria parasite, Plasmodium lophurae.

Abstract A single basic polypeptide was found to be the main chemical constituent of the characteristic cytoplasmic granules of Plasmodium lophurae. When sonicated suspensions of parasites (freed from host erythrocytes) were centrifuged through 1.7 m sucrose, the resulting pellet on examination by electron microscopy showed only a mixture of the granules and contaminating hemozoin (malarial pigment). The granules could be extracted completely with 0.9 n acetic acid either after removal of hemozoin with 0.1 n NaOH or directly from the sucrose pellet. Only hemozoin was left as residue in the latter case. The acid extracts from both procedures subjected to electrophoresis gave a single band on polyacrylamide gels. In 6 m guanidine hydrochloride, the polypeptide eluted as a single peak from a calibrated Sephadex G-200 column at an estimated molecular weight of 35,000 to 40,000. The soluble polypeptide reaggregated into granules on dialysis in slightly alkaline buffers. The amino acid analysis of the polypeptide showed a most unusual composition with five amino acids accounting for 95% of the total mole ratio: 73% histidine, 7.5% proline, 7% alanine, 6% glutamic acid, and 2.1% aspartic acid. The polypeptide accounts for about 11% of the dry weight of multinucleate and 3% of uninucleate malaria trophozoites.
Minimizing the statistical impact of LSB steganography

This paper explores the statistics of least-significant bit (LSB) steganography. The problem of encoding a bit sequence (message) to match the statistics of a random bit-sequence (cover) is considered. A method of hiding information in the least significant bits (LSBs) of JPEG coefficients is described; the method mimics either the chi-square statistic of JPEG coefficients or their distribution. The method uses two-bit codes to encode the message bits. It is shown to be very effective on JPEG images of natural scenes.
ICE CORE METHODS | Glaciochemistry

Glaciochemical measurements in polar and alpine ice cores provide a unique opportunity to study natural and anthropogenic impacts on atmospheric chemistry, as well as interpret past changes in climate dynamics and biogeochemistry. While many different soluble mineral and organic constituents can be measured in snow and ice, most studies focus on the major ions (Na + , Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , K + , NH 4 + , Cl − , NO 3 − , and SO 4 2− ) that represent a majority of the soluble chemistry of the atmosphere, as well as organic acids (e.g., methylsulfonate, CH 3 SO 3 − ). Sources for these ions include sea salt, terrestrial dust, and biological and anthropogenic emissions, and in many cases these ions are important components of the sulfur and nitrogen biogeochemical cycles. Because several of the major ions have multiple sources, measurement of the full suite of ions in conjunction with statistical analysis can lead to detailed interpretation of past atmospheric conditions. Improvements in analytical measurement techniques have led to a global distribution of ice core glaciochemical datasets on timescales ranging from seasonal to glacial/interglacial that can be used to study the spatial and temporal variability in chemical source, transport, and depositional processes.
Multiple replicons constituting the genome of Pseudomonas cepacia 17616.

Abstract Macrorestriction fragment analysis of DNA from Pseudomonas cepacia 17616, in conjunction with Southern hybridization experiments using junction fragments containing rare restriction enzyme sites as probes, indicated that this bacterium contains three large circular replicons of 3.4, 2.5, and 0.9 megabases (Mb). Inclusion of the 170-kb cryptic plasmid present in this strain gave an overall estimate of genome size of 7 Mb. Other Southern hybridization experiments indicated that the three large replicons contained rRNA genes as well as insertion sequence elements identified previously in this strain. The distribution of SwaI, PacI, and PmeI sites on the three replicons was determined. A derivative of Tn5-751 carrying a SwaI site was used to inactivate and map genes on the 2.5- and 3.4-Mb replicons. Mutants were isolated in which the 2.5- and 0.9-Mb replicons had been reduced in size to 1.8 and 0.65 Mb, respectively. The loss of DNA from the 2.5-Mb replicon was associated with lysine auxotrophy, beta-lactamase deficiency, and failure to utilize ribitol and trehalose as carbon and energy sources. DNA fragments corresponding in size to randomly linearized forms of the different replicons were detected in unrestricted DNA by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The results provide a framework for further genetic analysis of strain 17616 and for evaluation of the genomic complexities of other P. cepacia isolates.