cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comments on "A power comparison of the F and L tests--I".

Boersma, Dejonge, and Stellwagen (1964) fail to consider any sitution except that where the specific ordered alternative of the L test is true. They thus fail to consider the general statistical inference consequences of using ordered-hypothesis tests vs. omnibus tests. The power comparison provides little useful information on the parametric vs. nonparametric choice of tests in either the ordered-hypothesis or omnibus test situations. The conclusion of consistently superior power of the L test is somewhat dubious in that the authors failed to demonstrate equal risks of Type I error in the 2 tests and used computer simulation of data that was inappropriate for either the randomizedblocks analysis of variance or the L test.
Composite right/left-handed substrate integrated waveguide and half-mode substrate integrated waveguide

Composite right/left-handed (CRLH) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) and half mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) are investigated and presented in this paper. By introducing series interdigital capacitors, which are realized by etching slots on the waveguide surface, both balanced and unbalanced CRLH waveguide transmission lines (TLs) are implemented. These proposed guided-wave structures support the propagation of backward waves below the characteristic waveguide cutoff frequency. Waveguide miniaturization is thus achieved. Dispersion diagram and transmission responses are discussed. In particular, a 3-dB backward wave directional coupler is investigated using CRLH HMSIW TLs. Measured results are presented to verify the analysis.
DryadLINQ for Scientific Analyses

Applying high level parallel runtimes to data/compute intensive applications is becoming increasingly common. The simplicity of the MapReduce programming model and the availability of open source MapReduce runtimes such as Hadoop, are attracting more users to the MapReduce programming model. Recently, Microsoft has released DryadLINQ for academic use, allowing users to experience a new programming model and a runtime that is capable of performing large scale data/compute intensive analyses. In this paper, we present our experience in applying DryadLINQ for a series of scientific data analysis applications, identify their mapping to the DryadLINQ programming model, and compare their performances with Hadoop implementations of the same applications.
Effective directed tests for models with ordered categorical data

Summary This paper offers a new method for testing one-sided hypotheses in discrete multivariate data models. One-sided alternatives mean that there are restrictions on the multidimensional parameter space. The focus is on models dealing with ordered categorical data. In particular, applications are concerned with R×C contingency tables. The method has advantages over other general approaches. All tests are exact in the sense that no large sample theory or large sample distribution theory is required. Testing is unconditional although its execution is done conditionally, section by section, where a section is determined by marginal totals. This eliminates any potential nuisance parameter issues. The power of the tests is more robust than the power of the typical linear tests often recommended. Furthermore, computer programs are available to carry out the tests efficiently regardless of the sample sizes or the order of the contingency tables. Both censored data and uncensored data models are discussed.
A hybrid Yee algorithm/scalar-wave equation approach

In this paper, two alternate formulations of the Yee algorithm, namely, the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) vector-wave algorithm and the FDTD scalar-wave algorithm are examined and compared to determine their relative merits and computational efficiency. By using the central-difference divergence relation the conventional Yee algorithm is rewritten as a hybrid Yee/FDTD scalar-wave algorithm. It is found that this can reduce the computation time for many 3-D open geometries, in particular planar structures, by approximately two times as well as reduce the computer-memory requirements by approximately one-third. Moreover, it is demonstrated both mathematically and verified by numerical simulation of a coplanar strip transmission line that this hybrid algorithm is entirely equivalent to the Yee algorithm. In addition, an alternate but mathematically equivalent reformulation of the Enquist-Majda absorbing boundary condition based on the normal field component (relative to the absorbing boundary wall) is given to increase the efficiency of the hybrid algorithm in the modeling of open region problems. Numerical results generated by the hybrid Yee/scalar-wave algorithm for the Vivaldi antenna are given and compared with published experimental work. >
Improving backdrivability in geared rehabilitation robots

Many rehabilitation robots use electric motors with gears. The backdrivability of geared drives is poor due to friction. While it is common practice to use velocity measurements to compensate for kinetic friction, breakaway friction usually cannot be compensated for without the use of an additional force sensor that directly measures the interaction force between the human and the robot. Therefore, in robots without force sensors, subjects must overcome a large breakaway torque to initiate user-driven movements, which are important for motor learning. In this technical note, a new methodology to compensate for both kinetic and breakaway friction is presented. The basic strategy is to take advantage of the fact that, for rehabilitation exercises, the direction of the desired motion is often known. By applying the new method to three implementation examples, including drives with gear reduction ratios 100-435, the peak breakaway torque could be reduced by 60-80%.
The Fruits of Good Work: Early Work Experiences and Adolescent Deviance

Some theories of crime suggest that “adultlike” work conditions diminish adolescent delinquency, whereas others suggest that precocious entry into adult work roles increases youth problem behaviors. The authors consider the relationship between delinquency and several dimensions of adolescent employment, including learning opportunities, freedom and autonomy, social status, demands and stress, wages, and compatibility between work and school. They find the lowest rates of 12th-grade school deviance, alcohol use, and arrest among adolescents whose jobs supported rather than displaced academic roles and provided opportunities for them to learn new things. In contrast, many qualities of work considered desirable for adults (autonomy, social status, and wages) appear to increase delinquency in adolescence. The authors conclude that work conditions have age-graded effects on delinquency that are contingent on the life course stage of the worker.
Haptic feedback of kinematic conditioning for telerobotic applications

Kinematic conditioning of robot manipulators is the problem where small motions in Cartesian space cause excessive joint velocities. This problem is significant in teleoperation. Haptic feedback provides the bi-directional flow of information which allows the operator to control the telerobot interactively. Haptic feedback of kinematic conditioning is proposed as a new approach to achieve better performance in telerobotic control near kinematic singularities. Four different singularity force feedback methods are defined and studied. Experimental results with a force feedback master and simulated slave system show that teleoperation performance near singular configurations was affected and improved by using singularity force feedback.
Obtaining an isolate of Ancylostoma braziliense from cats without the need for necropsy.

Abstract: Because the eggs of Ancylostoma species of dogs and cats are difficult to readily distinguish morphologically, isolation of a certain species often requires the humane death of the source animal or holding an animal after treatment to obtain worms for specific identification or to harvest ex utero eggs. The objective of this study was to obtain an isolate of Ancylostoma braziliense from 1-time, field-collected samples of feline feces without the need for the killing of any animals. During a collection trip to Florida, fecal samples (n = 40) were collected and identified as containing A. braziliense eggs (n = 26) using centrifugal sugar flotation. Eggs from hookworm-positive slides were washed into tubes, DNA was extracted, and 10 samples were identified as containing A. braziliense using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Hinf1. Six of these samples also contained DNA of Ancylostoma tubaeforme and, thus, only 4 samples were from cats infected only with A. braziliense. Larva...
Measuring the displacement and replacement of government health expenditure.

Research assessing the relationship between government health expenditure and development assistance for health channeled to governments (DAHG) has not considered that this relationship may depend on whether DAHG is increasing or decreasing. We explore this issue using general method of moments estimation and a panel of financial flows data spanning 119 countries and 16 years. Our primary concern is how DAHG affects government health expenditure as source (GHES). We disaggregate the average effect of DAHG and separately identify the effects of increases versus decreases in DAHG. We find that a $1 year-over-year increase in DAHG leads to a $0.62 (90% confidence interval (CI): 0.15, 1.09) decrease in GHES, whereas a $1 year-over-year decrease in DAHG does not have an effect on GHES that is statistically different from zero (CI: −0.67, 1.17). Simulation shows that the displacement of GHES between 1995 and 2010 reduced total government health expenditure by $152.8 billion (CI: 46.9, 277.6). Moreover, the irregular disbursement of DAHG reduced total government expenditure by $96.9 billion (CI: 0.5, 212.4). Thus, this research shows that health aid is fungible and highlights the cost of displacement and erratic aid disbursement.
Hydrostatic Pressure Differentially Regulates Outer and Inner Annulus Fibrosus Cell Matrix Production in 3D Scaffolds

Mechanical stimulation may be used to enhance the development of engineered constructs for the replacement of load bearing tissues, such as the intervertebral disc. This study examined the effects of dynamic hydrostatic pressure (HP) on outer and inner annulus (OA, IA) fibrosus cells seeded on fibrous poly(glycolic acid)-poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds. Constructs were pressurized (5 MPa, 0.5 Hz) for 4 h/day from day 3 to day 14 of culture and analyzed using ELISAs and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess extracellular matrix (ECM) production. Both cell types were viable, with OA cells exhibiting more infiltration into the scaffold, which was enhanced by HP. ELISA analyses revealed that HP had no effect on type I collagen production while a significant increase in type II collagen (COL II) was measured in pressurized OA constructs compared to day 14 unloaded controls. Both OA and IA dynamically loaded scaffolds exhibited more uniform COL II elaboration as shown by IHC analyses, which was most pronounced in OA-seeded scaffolds. Overall, HP resulted in enhanced ECM elaboration and organization by OA-seeded constructs, while IA-seeded scaffolds were less responsive. As such, hydrostatic pressurization may be beneficial in annulus fibrosus tissue engineering when applied in concert with an appropriate cell source and scaffold material.
Controlling gene networks and cell fate with precision-targeted DNA-binding proteins and small-molecule-based genome readers

Transcription factors control the fate of a cell by regulating the expression of genes and regulatory networks. Recent successes in inducing pluripotency in terminally differentiated cells as well as directing differentiation with natural transcription factors has lent credence to the efforts that aim to direct cell fate with rationally designed transcription factors. Because DNA-binding factors are modular in design, they can be engineered to target specific genomic sequences and perform pre-programmed regulatory functions upon binding. Such precision-tailored factors can serve as molecular tools to reprogramme or differentiate cells in a targeted manner. Using different types of engineered DNA binders, both regulatory transcriptional controls of gene networks, as well as permanent alteration of genomic content, can be implemented to study cell fate decisions. In the present review, we describe the current state of the art in artificial transcription factor design and the exciting prospect of employing artificial DNA-binding factors to manipulate the transcriptional networks as well as epigenetic landscapes that govern cell fate.
Performance evaluation of a probabilistic replica selection algorithm

When executing time-sensitive distributed applications, a middleware that provides dependability and timeliness is faced with the important problem of preventing timing failures both under normal conditions and when the quality of service is degraded due to replica failures and transient overload on the server. To address this problem, we have designed a probabilistic model-based replica selection algorithm that allows a middleware to choose a set of replicas to service a client based on their ability to meet a client's timeliness requirements. This selection is done based on the prediction made by a probabilistic model that uses the performance history of replicas as inputs. In this paper, we describe the experiments we have conducted to evaluate the ability of this dynamic selection algorithm to meet a client's timing requirements, and compare it with that of a static and round-robin selection scheme under different scenarios.
Adipose Tissue Biology and Cardiomyopathy: Translational Implications

It is epidemiologically established that obesity is frequently associated with the metabolic syndrome and poses an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. The molecular links that connect the phenomenon of obesity, per se, with insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease are still not fully elucidated. It is increasingly apparent that fully functional adipose tissue can be cardioprotective by reducing lipotoxic effects in other peripheral tissues and by maintaining a healthy balance of critical adipokines, thereby allowing the heart to maintain its full metabolic flexibility. The present review highlights both basic and clinical findings that emphasize the complex interplay of adipose tissue physiology and adipokine-mediated effects on the heart exerted by either direct effects on cardiac myocytes or indirect actions via central mechanisms through sympathetic outflow to the heart.
Courage and Comedy in Plato's Laches

Plato's Socrates is in some sense the hero of the Laches; he embodies courage in both word and deed. As such, the casual reader is invited to reflect on a possible harmony between civic courage and the quality of soul characteristic of philosophy. However, Plato's pervasive use of comic irony in this dialogue reveals an enduring tension between the limits of political courage and the requirements of philosophic self-possession. Comedy is the vehicle by which Plato reveals a disproportion between the apologetic surface of the dialogue and a deeper, irreducibly problematic, teaching about courage.
Food prices, energy and climate shocks in Uganda

The objective of this paper is to examine the importance of energy and climate shocks in Uganda’s food price processes. The unique features of this paper are threefold: first, we identify climate shocks computed as the deviations of monthly temperature and rainfall realisations from their respective long term means. Second, controlling for external and domestic shocks, we examine the possible role of energy prices in food price processes. Third, we examine these issues in a single equation model exploiting cointegration techniques and general-to-specific methods. Results indicate that energy prices have a long run cointegrating relationship with food prices. In addition, temperature shocks are more important than rainfall shocks in explaining food price variability.
A Review of “The Memory of All Ancient Customs: Native American Diplomacy in the Colonial Hudson Valley”

Numerous studies of the Hudson Valley from the perspective of burgeoning Euro-American empires have appeared in the last decade. Among the relatively few studies of Hudson Valley Indians, interacti...
Pifithrin-α, an experimental inhibitor of cancer therapy toxicity, is a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist.

2029 Pifithrin-α (PFTa) is a chemical compound that inhibits p53-dependent apoptosis through an undetermined mechanism. Since the toxicities of most chemotherapeutic agents are most frequently associated with p53 activation and apoptosis in healthy cells, PFTa is currently being evaluated in pre-clinical trials for its ability to alleviate these side effects. Given the structural similarities between PFTa and AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) agonists, we hypothesized that PFTa may act as an AhR ligand. Activation of AhR results in translocation to the nucleus, dimerization to its DNA-binding partner (ARNT), and regulation of gene transcription through binding of DNA at dioxin-response elements (DREs). A well-characterized effect of AhR ligands β-naphthoflavone (BNF) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD) is the up-regulation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1. In this study, we have characterized PFTa as a potent AhR agonist by demonstrating that PFTa is able to 1) activate gene expression through the CYP1A1 gene promoter as well as DREs, 2) induce expression of CYP1A1, 3) induce DNA binding by AhR/ARNT, as well as 4) competitively displace [ 3 H]TCDD from AhR. These studies imply that the ability of PFTa to inhibit p53-mediated apoptosis may require its activation of the AhR signaling pathway.
Thermochemical Characterization of Bio- and Petro-diesel Fuels Using a Novel Laser-Heating Technique

A state-of-the-art, rapid laser-heating technique, referred to as the laser-driven thermal reactor, was used to characterize National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material (SRM) diesel and biodiesel fuels, as well as a prototype biodiesel fuel. Also described are the various issues associated with carrying out these measurements under different operating conditions (i.e., temperature, pressure, heating rate, and sample mass). The technique provides measurement of various relevant thermochemical characteristics; for this investigation the focus was on the sample endothermic/exothermic behavior, specific heat release rate, and total specific heat release. The experimental apparatus consists of a copper sphere-shaped reactor mounted within a vacuum chamber, along with integrated optical, gas-supply, and computer-controlled data-acquisition subsystems. At the center of the reactor, the sample and substrate rest on a thermocouple. The reactor is heated from opposing sides by a near-...
Environmental Policy Choices: The Importance of the Preferential Option for the Poor in Laudato si'

The November/December 2015 issue of Environment contained an editorial and eight invited reflections on the encyclical Laudato si' by a variety of scholars, which might make further commentary seem...
Oxidation of Protoporphyrinogen to Protoporphyrin, a Step in Chlorophyll and Heme Biosynthesis: Purification and Partial Characterization of the Enzyme from Barley Mitochondria and Etioplasts

Protoporphyrinogen, an intermediate common to the heme and chlorophyll synthesis pathway (Fig. 1), can be enzymatically oxidized to protoporphyrin in mammalian, yeast, bacterial and plant cells (1–20). High levels of this activity are found in barley mitochondria and etioplasts (17, 18). Since etioplasts are capable of rapid chlorophyll synthesis (21–25), a role for this enzyme in chlorophyll synthesis is likely. Although the enzyme has been partially purified and characterized from mammalian and yeast mitochondria (3, 4) , no obvious cofactors were found and the mechanism of oxidation is unknown. Our previous studies with bacterial systems (10, 11) have indicated involvement of quinones and other electron transport components as carriers in anaerobic protoporphyrinogen oxidation. The enzyme has not been purified from a plant source, although preliminary studies in crude extracts of barley and spinach organelles suggested properties different from those of mammalian and bacterial systems (18, 26). An important question is whether this enzyme differs in cells capable of both chlorophyll and heme synthesis as compared to cells only capable of heme synthesis. The present study reports the purification and partial characterization of the enzyme from barley mitochondria and etioplasts.
Malaise Trap Sampling Efficiency for Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) in a Restored Tallgrass Prairie

Summary Effective assessment of bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) diversity is essential for informed bee conservation policies. In this study, the effectiveness of Malaise traps in assessing bee species richness in a westcentral Illinois restored prairie was examined using the Chao1 nonparametric richness estimator. Individual traps varied greatly in abundance and species richness of bees collected, and substantially greater trapping effort would have been needed to achieve Chao1 estimates. Malaise traps provide a potentially effective means of augmenting bowl trap inventories, but more studies on Malaise trap performance and comparisons with bowl traps are needed, particularly in heterogeneous environments.
Exploring the Hypothesis of Personal Survival

In the exploration of alleged evidence for survival, we are immediately confronted with a fundamental conceptual issue. What is the meaning of the survival hypothesis? What exactly is being affirmed (and denied) by this hypothesis? The generic idea of survival or life after death may be understood in different ways. Survivalists—those who believe in life after death—have taken different views concerning what exactly survives death, the manner in which it survives, and the general nature of postmortem existence and the afterlife. Moreover, the range of survival hypotheses is widened even further if we consider, in addition to the actual positions of survivalists, the mere theoretical possibilities or conceivable survival hypotheses at this juncture. As prominent philosophers such as C.J. Ducasse (1951: 484–502; 1961: 121–31) and C.D. Broad (1962: 387–430) have discussed in their seminal explorations of survival, there are many ways to conceive of postmortem survival. So while we might speak rather generically about “the survival hypothesis,” there is actually a range of such hypotheses.
Patient-provider communication and hormonal therapy side effects in breast cancer survivors

Side effects from hormonal therapy (HT) for breast cancer treatment occur frequently and are associated with worse quality of life and HT non-adherence. Whether improved patient-physician communication is associated with patients' reporting of side effects is unknown. We undertook this study to assess factors associated with women's reports of HT side effects. Between December 2012 and April 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of breast cancer patients undergoing HT in an urban medical center. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate associations. Of the 100 participants, 67% reported having HT side effects. However, when prompted, an additional 9% reported experiencing specific HT-related symptoms. Despite very high communication scores, one-third of participants reported they had not discussed side effects with providers. Multivariate analysis showed that after controlling for age, education, race, and medication beliefs, women who had difficulty asking providers for more information were more likely to report side effects (odds ratio 8.27, 95% confidence interval 1.01-69.88). Although HT side effects often occur and are bothersome, patient-provider discussions about side effects remain suboptimal. Providers should actively ask patients about medication side effects so that they can be addressed to improve quality of life and potentially, medication adherence.
Integrin Cross-Talk Regulates the Human Neutrophil Response to Fungal β-Glucan in the Context of the Extracellular Matrix: A Prominent Role for VLA3 in the Antifungal Response

Candida albicans infection produces elongated hyphae resistant to phagocytic clearance compelling alternative neutrophil effector mechanisms to destroy these physically large microbial structures. Additionally, all tissue-based neutrophilic responses to fungal infections necessitate contact with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Neutrophils undergo a rapid, ECM-dependent mechanism of homotypic aggregation and NETosis in response to C. albicans mediated by the β2 integrin, complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18, αMβ2). Neither homotypic aggregation nor NETosis occurs when human neutrophils are exposed either to immobilized fungal β-glucan or to C. albicans hyphae without ECM. The current study provides a mechanistic basis to explain how matrix controls the antifungal effector functions of neutrophils under conditions that preclude phagocytosis. We show that CR3 ligation initiates a complex mechanism of integrin cross-talk resulting in differential regulation of the β1 integrins VLA3 (α3β1) and VLA5 (α5β1). These β1 integrins control distinct antifungal effector functions in response to either fungal β-glucan or C. albicans hyphae and fibronectin, with VLA3 inducing homotypic aggregation and VLA5 regulating NETosis. These integrin-dependent effector functions are controlled temporally whereby VLA5 and CR3 induce rapid, focal NETosis early after binding fibronectin and β-glucan. Within minutes, CR3 undergoes inside-out auto-activation that drives the downregulation of VLA5 and the upregulation of VLA3 to support neutrophil swarming and aggregation. Forcing VLA5 to remain in the activated state permits NETosis but prevents homotypic aggregation. Therefore, CR3 serves as a master regulator during the antifungal neutrophil response, controlling the affinity states of two different β1 integrins, which in turn elicit distinct effector functions.
A dynamic simulation study of networked microgrids in active distribution system

The Active distribution system (ADS) is a promising operational framework for integrating and coordinating distributed energy resources (DERs) at high penetration levels. In this paper, the detailed electromagnetic model of an ADS has been constructed in PSCAD. The model is used to study the dynamic performances of the ADS under various operational scenarios. The simulation case studies have demonstrated the operational feasibility of DERs in performing economic dispatch and grid ancillary services for the bulk transmission and the local distribution systems. Our studies show that the ADS is able to maintain frequency and voltage response characteristics under both grid-connected and standalone operating conditions. In the meantime, the ADS presents itself with desirable operational characteristics to the upstream transmission system, such as frequency droop response and reactive power support capability.
A Confocal Super-Resolution Approach to Study the Dynamics of Golgi Apparatus in Lung Cancer Metastasis

The Golgi apparatus is a critical effector of tumor cell polarization and directional motility during EMT, but how the organization and functions of the Golgi are regulated during EMT remains unclear. Here, we present a quantitative assay to measure the structure-function dynamics of the Golgi apparatus at below the diffraction limit, using HyVolution - a combination of high sensitivity detector equipped confocal platforms to acquire diffraction limited high-resolution images using defined sets of acquisition parameters and subsequent computational super-resolution by image deconvolution. HyVolution has been reported to achieve a lateral resolution of 140 nm, which is approximately 1.6 times higher than the resolution achievable with conventional confocal microscopy. This assay is amenable to fixed and live cell and tissue imaging formats, using commercially available fluorophores and enabled screening of the Golgi morphology and function in panels of cell lines. Using this approach, we found that the EMT- activating transcription factor ZEB1 leads to the formation of a polarized and compact Golgi structure with improved ribbon linking, enhanced Golgi matrix connectivity, and increased anterograde vesicle trafficking. Progestin and adiponectin q receptor 11 (PAQR11), a ZEB1 derepressed Golgi-resident protein is required for ZEB1 to induce the structure-function changes in the Golgi, anterograde trafficking, cell migration and metastasis. Prevalent optical microscopy based assays of Golgi structure and function allows diffraction-limited quantitative assessment of Golgi compaction but does not allow precise measurement of Golgi element size and number, ribbon linking or compares compactness across several cell types. Our HyVolution based technique allowed comparison of panels of murine and human lung cancer cells based on their Golgi compaction, element size, number, ribbon linking and correlate the same with cell migration, invasion and metastasis.
Landscape Genomics of Angiosperm Trees: From Historic Roots to Discovering New Branches of Adaptive Evolution

Landscape genomic studies analyze spatial patterns of genetic variation to test hypotheses about how demographic history, gene flow, and natural selection have shaped populations. For decades, angiosperm trees have served as outstanding model systems for landscape-scale genetic studies due to their extensive geographic ranges, large effective population sizes, abundant genetic diversity, and high gene flow. These characteristics were recognized early in the landscape genetics literature, and studies on angiosperm trees, particularly Populus and Quercus, tested hypotheses about how landscape features shaped neutral patterns of gene flow and population divergence. More recently, advances in sequencing and analysis methodologies have allowed for greater opportunities to directly test how natural selection acting locally across the landscape has shaped the genome-wide diversity of populations, often in the context of broad climatic gradients in growing season length. Despite, the methodological gains and successes of the last decade, landscape genomics studies face new challenges of study design, hypothesis testing, and validation. Here, we explore the development of landscape genetics and genomics in angiosperm trees and what we have learned from investigating the evolutionary consequences of life as a tree in heterogeneous landscapes. We outline the past, present, and potential future of landscape genomic studies in angiosperm trees, highlighting successes of the field, challenges to overcome, and ideas that scientists from all backgrounds engaged in landscape genomics should consider.
Efficiency optimization of a thermionic converter array

Intensive study of the outer planets of the solar system requires the use of nuclear power for electric propulsion of spacecraft. Among the power conversion devices being considered for this application are thermionic converters. This paper presents the results of computer modeling of thermionic converters to identify the major design variables and select an optimum size for each of the thermionic converters for the power conversion system under consideration. Among the variables investigated were electrical and thermal losses in electrodes, leads and heat chokes. Those elements which minimized the electrical losses tended to increase thermal losses and system weight. Overall mechanical design and relative positioning of components also had impacts on converter efficiency and the power subsystem weight. Numerical calculations were made using the computer heat transfer code SINDA coupled with electrical loss parameters. The results of the computations are presented in this paper.
The Neonatal Fc Receptor and Complement Fixation Facilitate Prophylactic Vaccine-Mediated Humoral Protection against Viral Infection in the Ocular Mucosa

The capacity of licensed vaccines to protect the ocular surface against infection is limited. Common ocular pathogens, such as HSV-1, are increasingly recognized as major contributors to visual morbidity worldwide. Humoral immunity is an essential correlate of protection against HSV-1 pathogenesis and ocular pathology, yet the ability of Ab to protect against HSV-1 is deemed limited due to the slow IgG diffusion rate in the healthy cornea. We show that a live-attenuated HSV-1 vaccine elicits humoral immune responses that are unparalleled by a glycoprotein subunit vaccine vis-a-vis Ab persistence and host protection. The live-attenuated vaccine was used to assess the impact of the immunization route on vaccine efficacy. The hierarchical rankings of primary immunization route with respect to efficacy were s.c. ≥ mucosal > i.m. Prime-boost vaccination via sequential s.c. and i.m. administration yielded greater efficacy than any other primary immunization route alone. Moreover, our data support a role for complement in prophylactic protection, as evidenced by intracellular deposition of C3d in the corneal epithelium of vaccinated animals following challenge and delayed viral clearance in C3-deficient mice. We also identify that the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is upregulated in the cornea following infection or injury concomitant with increased Ab perfusion. Lastly, selective small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of FcRn in the cornea impeded protection against ocular HSV-1 challenge in vaccinated mice. Collectively, these findings establish a novel mechanism of humoral protection in the eye involving FcRn and may facilitate vaccine and therapeutic development for other ocular surface diseases.
Neuroendocrine Control of Gonadotropin Secretion: Comparative Aspects

In this chapter, I describe the similarities and differences among species in the neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin secretion. The discussion focuses on mice and rats, sheep, and primates because considerable data are available on these mammals, and information from reflex ovulators, guinea pigs, and other domestic animals is also included. I first describe species differences in ovarian cycles and review the development of current concepts for the feedback relationships between the ovary and hypothalamo–hypophysial unit underlying these cycles. I then consider species differences in the feedback control of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, tonic LH secretion, and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Next I present an overview of the anatomical areas necessary for tonic and surge secretion of LH, the sites of steroid feedback, and the roles of norepinephrine, endogenous opioid peptides, and kisspeptin. Finally, the mechanisms responsible for the physiological suppression of reproduction that occurs prior to puberty, during lactation and periods of undernutrition, in response to social stimuli stressors, and in seasonal breeders are briefly compared among mammals.
Regulating under conditions of uncertainty and risk: Lessons learned from state regulation of hydraulic fracturing

ABSTRACTUncertainty and risk can often characterize the conditions under which new policy is developed. This has been particularly true in the case of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and its regulation within America’s federal system of governance. During the George W. Bush administration, the federal government intentionally limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s legal authority to regulate processes associated with fracking. This decision shifted the primary responsibility for the regulation of fracking to the states. Some states, in the interest of economic development, were quick to adopt policies that promoted the use of fracking despite environmental concerns regarding the risks. Other states were more cautious, instituting moratoriums on its use. In this study, we develop a typology that can explain the actions of states in response to uncertainty. We also provide seven lessons that can be learned from the regulation of hydraulic fracturing in the United States.
Distribution of Initiation Times Reveals Mechanisms of Transcriptional Regulation in Single Cells.

Abstract Transcription is the dominant point of control of gene expression. Biochemical studies have revealed key molecular components of transcription and their interactions, but the dynamics of transcription initiation in cells is still poorly understood. This state of affairs is being remedied with experiments that observe transcriptional dynamics in single cells using fluorescent reporters. Quantitative information about transcription initiation dynamics can also be extracted from experiments that use electron micrographs of RNA polymerases caught in the act of transcribing a gene (Miller spreads). Inspired by these data, we analyze a general stochastic model of transcription initiation and elongation and compute the distribution of transcription initiation times. We show that different mechanisms of initiation leave distinct signatures in the distribution of initiation times that can be compared to experiments. We analyze published data from micrographs of RNA polymerases transcribing ribosomal RNA genes in Escherichia coli and compare the observed distributions of interpolymerase distances with the predictions from previously hypothesized mechanisms for the regulation of these genes. Our analysis demonstrates the potential of measuring the distribution of time intervals between initiation events as a probe for dissecting mechanisms of transcription initiation in live cells.
Factorization in B→Kπℓ + ℓ - decays

We derive factorization relations for the transverse helicity amplitudes in $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ at leading order in $\ensuremath{\Lambda}/{m}_{b}$, in the kinematical region with an energetic kaon and a soft pion. We identify and compute a new contribution of leading order in $\ensuremath{\Lambda}/{m}_{b}$ to the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ amplitude which is not present in the one-body decay $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{*}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. As an application we study the forward-backward asymmetry (FBA) of the lepton momentum angular distribution in $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decays on and off the ${K}^{*}$ resonance. The FBA in these decays has a zero at ${q}_{0}^{2}={q}_{0}^{2}({M}_{K\ensuremath{\pi}})$, which can be used, in principle, for determining the Wilson coefficients ${C}_{7,9}$ and testing the standard model. We point out that the slope of the ${q}_{0}^{2}({M}_{K\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2})$ curve contains the same information about the Wilson coefficients as the location of the zero, but is less sensitive to unknown nonperturbative dynamics. We estimate the location of the zero at leading order in factorization, and using a resonant model for the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K\ensuremath{\pi}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ nonfactorizable amplitude.
Characterizations and applications of thiol monolayers adsorbed at gold electrodes

58 Introduction 58 Experimental 61 Results and Discussion 64 Conclusions 68 Acknowledgements 69 References 69 CHAPTER 3. DIFFERENCES IN THE KINETICS OF ALKANETfflOL MONOLAYER FORMATION AS MONITORED BY ELECTROCHEMICAL REDUCTIVE DESORPTION 84 Abstract 84 Introduction 85 Experimental 90 Results and Discussion 91 Conclusions 9884 Introduction 85 Experimental 90 Results and Discussion 91 Conclusions 98
Is the Cerebellum too old to Learn

When people get a new prescription for glasses that involves a sudden increase of several diopters, they often complain of dizziness and disorientation. Fortunately, it disappears in a few days. What caused it? Well, suppose the new glasses magnified everything by 20%. If the patient turns his head to the left at 100 deg/sec (a modest velocity) the visual world turns to the right (relative to the head) at 120 deg/sec, with his new glasses on. But the vestibuloocular reflex (vor) is only moving the eyes in a compensatory movement at 100 deg/sec to the right, just like it used to before the new glasses. Thus, the images of the world now appear to slip to the right at 20 deg/sec.
Defect engineering activating (Boosting) zinc storage capacity of MoS2

Abstract Rechargeable aqueous zinc ion batteries are particularly attractive for large-scale application due to their low cost, environmental friendliness and safety. However, the development of zinc ion batteries is seriously impeded by the limited choice of suitable cathode materials owing to their low reversibility and slow diffusion of divalent zinc cations in cathodes. Herein, we report defect engineered MoS2-x nanosheets as cathode for Zn ion cells. These MoS2-x nanosheets show a preferential insertion of Zn ions into sulfur vacancies, allowing a much greater capacity to be obtained compared to pure MoS2. Combined STEM analysis, electrochemical study, and theoretical modeling reveal that numerous edge sites and sulfur vacancies act as preferential intercalation sites for the zinc ions, leading to a much greater capacity than that of defect-free MoS2. After 1,000 cycles at a specific current of 1,000 mA/g, the defect engineered MoS2-x electrode can still deliver a reversible capacity of 88.6 mAh/g, accounting for 87.8% of the initial capacity. The MoS2-x electrode displays excellent electrochemical performance, making it a highly promising cathode material for future zinc ion batteries. It is believed that our strategy to use the chemistry of defects to unlock the electrochemical activity of known materials can be applied to other materials for practical divalent/multivalent batteries.
Psychiatric Disability Examinations and Worker’s Compensation

A robust part of our practice deals with disability examinations and constitutes what arguably is the “bread and butter” of forensic psychiatry. Again, as is common throughout this area of mental health and forensics, this too proves to be less straightforward than is initially apparent. An assessment is requested when a worker desires the collection of an insured financial compensation and often is defined by an inability to perform work functions. As you may have already begun to ascertain, a crucial way of organizing, condensing, and synthesizing the hours of reading and consolidating information gathered throughout the first stage of the “fact-finding process” is to help recognize in the subject patterns of feelings, thinking, behaving, and reacting that are characteristic of this individual and provides us with clues of how this particular person negotiate both, adversity and recreation. Much like we do in clinical practice, we will have to modify our hypothesis based on the data we find. It is not enough to take down the symptoms that the examinee reports to arrive at a diagnosis and based on this assess disability. To this end, you will see that we are constantly on the hunt for consistencies and discrepancies in the wealth of verbal and nonverbal information expressed by the examinee from the records reviewed through the in-person examination. It is always essential to begin any evaluation in search for the premorbid or baseline level of functioning. Once found, this will serve as the basis to which change has reportedly occurred and must be assessed in the context of the individual’s educational, professional/work, home/social, and personal life. I will define some key terms in the beginning texts of some case narratives where it is important to establish prior to moving through a report. I begin to introduce some of these cases with overviews of crucial psychiatric diagnoses to consider and include brief definitions. As you begin to familiarize yourselves with the flow of the cases and expectations involved in an IME, a differential diagnosis is a very useful way to pay attention to what many others have deemed minutia. It is important to be wary, however, that our role oftentimes does not include providing a diagnosis but rather tends to the question at hand that may already include a diagnosis in question that must be ruled in or out. This will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and we will try to present these narratives as true to the process as it was in “real life” as possible.
Using Lichenometry, Dendrochronology, and Historical Data to Establish the Relative Age of an Abandoned Cemetery in Northern Arkansas

Folklore surrounding an abandoned cemetery located in Johnson County, Arkansas (a part of the Louisiana Purchase) suggested that it was used by early settlers. Historical records were combined with several dating techniques to determine the approximate time periods that Cedar Grove Cemetery was established and abandoned. Cores extracted from trees located adjacent to or on graves provided evidence that the cemetery was abandoned in the 1920s. These results coincide with the last burial event in 1922. The approximate age of undated gravesites was determined using lichenometry. A lichen growth rate of 0.0685 cm/year was determined for lichens present on two gravestones with known dates. This growth rate was then applied to the undated graves to establish their approximate ages. Death dates from historical records of individuals buried in the cemetery matched the dates established by the lichen growth rate. Our results show that many of the unmarked graves date prior to the first documented private ownership of the land. The results of this study support local folklore passed down over several generations about the origin of the cemetery.
Multiomic approaches to delineate the pathogenesis of cardiac disease.

Purpose of reviewComprehensive analyses of the genome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome are instrumental in identifying biomarkers of disease, to gain insight into mechanisms underlying the development of cardiovascular disease, and show promise for better stratifying patients according to dis
Context-dependent EMT programs in cancer metastasis

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process whereby stationary, adherent cells acquire the ability to migrate. EMT is critical for dramatic cellular movements during embryogenesis; however, tumor cells can reactivate EMT programs, which increases their aggressiveness. In addition to motility, EMT is associated with enhanced stem cell properties and drug resistance; thus it can drive metastasis, tumor recurrence, and therapy resistance in the context of cancer. However, the precise requirements for EMT in metastasis have not been fully delineated, with different tumor types relying on discrete EMT effectors. Most tumor cells do not undergo a full EMT, but rather adopt some qualities of mesenchymal cells and maintain some epithelial characteristics. Emerging evidence suggests that partial EMT can drive distinct migratory properties and enhance the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells as well as cell fate plasticity. This review discusses the diverse regulatory mechanisms and functional consequences of EMT, with an emphasis on the importance of partial EMT.
Analysis and Improvement of Adversarial Training in DQN Agents With Adversarially-Guided Exploration (AGE).

This paper investigates the effectiveness of adversarial training in enhancing the robustness of Deep Q-Network (DQN) policies to state-space perturbations. We first present a formal analysis of adversarial training in DQN agents and its performance with respect to the proportion of adversarial perturbations to nominal observations used for training. Next, we consider the sample-inefficiency of current adversarial training techniques, and propose a novel Adversarially-Guided Exploration (AGE) mechanism based on a modified hybrid of the $\epsilon$-greedy algorithm and Boltzmann exploration. We verify the feasibility of this exploration mechanism through experimental evaluation of its performance in comparison with the traditional decaying $\epsilon$-greedy and parameter-space noise exploration algorithms.