cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calculation of two-dimensional turbulent boundary layers using the Baldwin-Lomax model

THE algebraic turbulent eddy-viscosity model of Baldwin and Lomax is critically evaluated for a class of twodimensional, nonseparated, turbulent boundary-layer flows exhibiting adverse and favorable pressure gradients, and boundary-layer bleed. The flows are computed using the twodimensional, mass-averaged, boundary-layer equations. Overall, the results obtained using the Baldwin-Lomax model compare favorably with the experimental data. Two quantities in the outer eddy-viscosity formulation are examined by comparison with the eddy-viscosity model of Cebeci and Smith. Contents The present capabilities for numerical simulation of highspeed turbulent flows are based on a variety of turbulence models. Algebraic eddy-viscosity models are still among the most popular. Certain algebraic models require the determination of the boundary-layer edge velocity and thickness, which can result in large variations in the computed outer eddy viscosity due to the uncertainty in determining the boundarylayer edge.1 Baldwin and Lomax1 have developed a two-layer, algebraic eddy-viscosity model in an attempt to eliminate this difficulty. This model has been patterned after the model of Cebeci and Smith2; however, it does not require the determination of the boundary-layer edge. The Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model was evaluated by its originators for several cases, including a shock-wave, turbulent boundary-layer interaction on a flat plate, a supersonic turbulent compression corner, and a transonic airfoil.1 Visbal and Knight3 noted that the constants Ccp and CKleb in the Baldwin-Lomax outer formulation were dependent on flow Mach number. They also identified difficulties with the determination of the length scale in the outer eddy viscosity. Similar difficulties have been encountered by other computers.4 Despite the difficulties identified with the BaldwinLomax model, and its increasing popularity and extensive application to two- and three-dimensional flows with strong viscous-inviscid interaction, a critical evaluation of this model for nonseparated, two-dimensional, turbulent boundary-layer flows has not been performed. The present investigation seeks to contribute to the evaluation of the model by critically examining its performance for a class of turbulent boundarylayer flows. Baldwin and Lomax determined the constants Ccp and CKleb appearing in the outer formulation1 by comparison with the Cebeci-Smith model for transonic, constant-pressure,
Neoclerodane Diterpenes as a Novel Scaffold for μ Opioid Receptor Ligands

Structural modification of salvinorin A, the active component of Salvia divinorum, has resulted in the synthesis of novel neoclerodane diterpenes with opioid receptor affinity and activity. We report in this study a nonnitrogenous neoclerodane diterpene with μ opioid receptor affinity (13) that is an agonist at μ opioid receptors. This represents the identification of a novel structural class of μ opioid receptor agonists.
Power of the Noncentral F-Test: Effect of Additional Variates on Hotelling's T2-Test

Abstract We show that the power of the noncentral F-test increases with the number of denominator d.f. and decreases with the numerator d.f. Hence, increasing the dimension of the observed vectors may decrease the power of Hotelling's T 2-test for means, unless the additional non-centrality provided by the extra variates is sufficiently large. A function determining the exact increase in noncentrality required for increased power is studied and tabulated We present procedures designed to test, on the basis of a preliminary sample, whether the increase in noncentrality is sufficiently large to justify inclusion of the extra variates.
A comparison of Bayesian/sampling global optimization techniques

A survey of current global optimization techniques for continuous variables is presented, inspired by recent publications of computer coding of several popular Bayesian/sampling methods. The methods of C.D. Perttunen (1990), B.E. Stuckman (1988), J.B. Mockus (1989), A. Zilinskas (1980), and V.K. Shaltenis and G. Dzemyda (1982) are compared with a clustering algorithm, a simulated annealing algorithm, and the Monte Carlo method. Results are given for these methods based upon the experimental rate of convergence on a series of standard test functions. A new test function is presented which has a global solution within an area which is small in comparison with the search space. >
Anterior cruciate ligament strain in-vivo: A review of previous work

Abstract Disruption of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a primary stabilizer of the knee, can produce disability. The purpose of our work has been to study the normal ACL in humans, in the presence of normal muscle function and body weight, and develop clinical criteria for reconstruction, establish a basis for rehabilitation programs, and evaluate how knee braces protect this important ligament. The strain behavior of the ACL has been measured by arthroscopic implantation of the Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer while subjects are under local anesthesia. Movement of the knee from a flexed to an extended position, either passively or through contraction of the leg muscles, produces an increase in ACL strain values. Isolated contraction of the dominant quadriceps with the knee between 50° and extension creates substantial increases in strain. In contrast, isolated contraction of the hamstrings at any knee position does not increase strain. With the knee un-weighted, the protective strain shielding effect of a functional knee brace decreases as the magnitude of anterior shear load applied to the tibia increases. A different behavior occurs during weight bearing, the strain shielding effect of the brace remains constant as the magnitude of anterior load increases. Our approach is novel in that it can be used to measure on important portion of the ACLs strain distribution while clinically relevant loads are applied to the knee, subjects perform rehabilitation exercises, or in the presence of different orthoses such as functional knee braces.
Functional Characterization of Steam Jet-Cooked β-Glucan-Rich Barley Flour as an Oil Barrier in Frying Batters

The effect of steam jet-cooking on the hydration, pasting, and rheological properties of barley flour was investigated. The thermo-mechanical shear during steam jet-cooking led to significant increases in the water absorption, water solubility, and swelling power of the barley flour. Also, the pasting profile showed elevated initial viscosity and reduced final viscosity. In addition, the suspensions of the steam jet-cooked barley flour demonstrated typical shear thinning and dynamic viscoelastic responses of random coil polysaccharides with entanglements. The steam jet-cooked barley flour was also evaluated as an oil barrier in fried foods. Its incorporation into frying batters increased batter pickup and viscosity while the moisture loss of fried batters was reduced. These combined effects significantly lowered the oil uptake of batters.
A Complex of the Bacteriophage T7 Primase-Helicase and DNA Polymerase Directs Primer Utilization

The lagging strand of the replication fork is initially copied as short Okazaki fragments produced by the coupled activities of two template-dependent enzymes, a primase that synthesizes RNA primers and a DNA polymerase that elongates them. Gene 4 of bacteriophage T7 encodes a bifunctional primase-helicase that assembles into a ring-shaped hexamer with both DNA unwinding and primer synthesis activities. The primase is also required for the utilization of RNA primers by T7 DNA polymerase. It is not known how many subunits of the primase-helicase hexamer participate directly in the priming of DNA synthesis. In order to determine the minimal requirements for RNA primer utilization by T7 DNA polymerase, we created an altered gene 4 protein that does not form functional hexamers and consequently lacks detectable DNA unwinding activity. Remarkably, this monomeric primase readily primes DNA synthesis by T7 DNA polymerase on single-stranded templates. The monomeric gene 4 protein forms a specific and stable complex with T7 DNA polymerase and thereby delivers the RNA primer to the polymerase for the onset of DNA synthesis. These results show that a single subunit of the primase-helicase hexamer contains all of the residues required for primer synthesis and for utilization of primers by T7 DNA polymerase.
Searching with Tags: Do Tags Help Users Find Things?

This study examines the question of whether tags can be useful in the process of information retrieval. Participants were asked to search a social bookmarking tool specialising in academic articles (CiteULike) and an online journal database (Pubmed) in order to determine if users found tags were useful in their search process. The actions of each participants were captured using screen capture software and they were asked to describe their search process. The preliminary study showed that users did indeed make use of tags in their search process, as a guide to searching and as hyperlinks to potentially useful articles. However, users also made use of controlled vocabularies in the journal database.
Model predictive control for constrained discrete time systems: An Integrated perturbation analysis and sequential quadratic programming approach

Further improvements in computational efficiency of numerical optimization algorithms is a promising venue to extend the applicability of model predictive control (MPC) to broader classes of embedded systems with fast dynamics and limited computing resources. Along these lines, we develop a novel numerical optimization algorithm based on integrated perturbation analysis and sequential quadratic programming (IPA-SQP), which exploits special structure of the optimization problem and complementary features of perturbation analysis and SQP methods, to improve computational efficiency in general MPC problems with mixed state and input constraints. An example is reported to illustrate the reduction in on-line computing time achieved with IPA-SQP approach.
Analytical expression of HD3 due to non-linear MOS switch in MOSFET-C sample and hold circuits

An analytical expression for HD3 (third harmonic distortion) due to the input-dependent, non-linear ON resistance of the MOS switch in a MOSFET-C sample and hold circuit is developed. The developed expression is suitable for hand calculation, and for a given target value of HD3, it can be used for an initial design of the MOS switch. The accuracy of the developed expression has been verified through simulation in 0.18 /spl mu/m and 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS processes.
Duikers of Africa: Masters of the African Forest Floor: A Study of Duikers, Hunting, People, and Bushmeat

V. J. Wilson 2001. Duikers of Africa: Masters of the African Forest Floor: A Study of Duikers, Hunting, People, and Bushmeat. Chipangali Wildlife Trust, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 798 pp, Reprinted in 2005 by Zimbi Books, Pretoria, South Africa (www.zimbibooks.com). No ISBN number, price (hardbound), R650 (trade) and R990 (limited) + shipping to North America, approximately R955. Duikers, small forest antelopes that traditionally have supplied protein to countless African village meals, are a relatively poorly studied taxon. Duikers of Africa , by Vivian J. Wilson, corrects that oversight in a grand fashion and represents the 1st comprehensive study of this important group of antelopes. The 800-page, 5.4-kg volume compiles previous research and adds the author's vast field and market experience to place duikers and their conservation in an ecological, social, and economic context. The author spent more than a decade traversing more than 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in search of duikers, clues to their ecology, and their role in local communities. Extensive information came from duikers for sale in bushmeat markets and by accompanying local hunters. When possible, stomach contents and reproductive tracts were preserved, often along with skulls, all of which were returned to Zimbabwe for further study. It is an understatement when Wilson writes in his Preface , “Apart from my learning about these fascinating little animals, I also learnt how to work in many difficult situations in Africa.” In an essentially self-published book Wilson enjoys the luxury of including his personal experiences and his commentary on the wonders …
Challenging Heteronormative and Gendered Assumptions in Work–Family Research: An Examination of LGB Identity-Based Work–Family Conflict

Despite growing recognition of the importance in understanding LGB-related issues in organizations, little is known regarding the work-family conflict (WFC) experiences of LGB individuals. This chapter suggests that challenging certain heteronormative assumptions, which exclude LGB families from the traditional WFC literature, may reveal different meanings and experiences of WFC among LGB individuals relative to their heterosexual counterparts. Specifically, we argue that LGB discrimination creates disconnects between the work and family domains, which forcibly separate these domains for LGB employees and restrict their ability to freely mix elements of their work and family lives like their heterosexual peers. In turn, current measures of WFC may suffer from heterosexual bias in that such measures consist of items that may be differentially interpreted by LGB individuals. We further suggest an additional dimension (identity-based conflict) may be necessary to more fully capture the WFC experiences of LGB employees. The chapter concludes by discussing implications for future research and practice.
Analyzing Common Themes in Legal Scholarship on Professionalism

The ABA is going to change the accreditation standards to require more emphasis on fostering each student’s ethical professional formation. This requires a paradigm shift in legal education from a focus on educational inputs like a course on professional responsibility to a focus on clearly articulated learning outcomes relating to each student’s ethical development.Law schools need help to define assessable learning outcomes for professional formation. This paper provides an analysis of existing scholarship on professionalism that will guide faculties in defining specific learning outcomes for professional formation in the context of existing scholarship in the field. There is substantial consensus among scholars that professionalism’s foundation in an internalized moral core or personal conscience. Several scholars emphasize the critically important point that a student’s understanding of professionalism is developmental meaning a student grows over time toward a fully-internalized understanding of professionalism. This means that legal educators must tailor educational engagements to each student’s stage of development.
The shallows: how the internet is changing our brains a response #2

Each year, Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) chooses a book to read as a whole campus, called The Common Read. In 2014-2015 the book chosen was "The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains." Three professors wrote a response that was then read aloud and discussed at a lunch presentation on campus. The questions the responders were asked included: How do we use the internet and related technology well? How do we opt out of cultural changes that aren't life giving? How do we retain the ability to read and engage the 'long-form' book? What does academic excellence mean in an age of The Shallows?
Improvements in Laboratory Rearing of the Southern Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpuncta howardi Barber (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), on an Artificial Diet and Corn

Modifications of published procedures for rearing southern corn rootworms, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, on an artificial diet and corn are described. Approximately 30% of the larvae reared on the improved diet reach 18 mg (pupation weight) in 10 days, with <8% bacterial contamination of the diet. After six generations of selection for larval vigor, a diet strain was developed that parallels corn, with most larvae reaching 18 mg in 10 days. Using corn seedlings, a rearing technique that significantly reduces labor input and contamination is described.
Real-time quantitatie polymerase chain reaction(PCR) fluorescence detection intestinal EV71 virus

【Objective】To establish fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) technology for detection intestinal EV71 virus.【Methods】Clinical diagnosis or suspected of hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases of swabs or rectal swab,using quantitative fluorescence 387 PCR detection EV71 virus infection.【Results】The infection EV71 virus for 50.90%.Age for 2 months-6 years,including,for example,men 51.95% 231 infection(120 /231),For example,women 49.36% for 156 infection(77),minimum 156 /5 months,most people infected 6 years old.【Conclusion】real-time PCR technology can be used for quantitative fluorescence detection of intestinal EV71 virus,infection of early detection and treatment of patients.
Analysis of risk factors of indwelling catheter-related urinary tract infections in children

OBJECTIVE To explore the risk factors of catheter-related urinary tract infections(CAUTIs)in children and propose the prevention measures,so as to decrease the incidence of CAUTIs.METHODS A total of 304cases with indwelling catheter of urology surgery between 2009to 2010were selected,and the incidence rate of CAUTIs as well as related factors were observed.RESULTS Among 304patients with indwelling catheter,51patients got CAUTIs,and the infection rate was 16.8%.The infection rate in female infants(42.1%)was significantly higher than the rate in male infants(15.1%).The infection rate of primary upper urinary tract disease(31.9%)was significantly higher than the rate of lower urinary tract disease(14.0%).The infection rate increased significantly with the prolongation of the time of indwelling catheter,the infection rate of indwelling for 1to 4days was 1.9%, for 5to 9days was 25.0%,for more than 10days was 64.3%;Enterococcus fecalis was the most common pathogen isolated;the others were Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae,et al.CONCLUSION Long duration of indwelling catheter,female infants,the upper urinary tract diseases are the important risk factors of CAUTIs, and comprehensive prevention measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence of CAUTIs.
Budesonide Extended-Release in Patients With Mild to Moderate Ulcerative Colitis.

This column is based on a 2014 ACG presentation sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals. Dr Kornbluth has served as a speaker and on the advisory board for Salix Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals, and Prometheus Therapeutics & Diagnostics. He has served on the advisory board or as a consultant for Jans-sen Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, and Pfizer. He has served on the speakers bureau for Janssen Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Prometheus Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Millennium/Takeda, and Salix Pharmaceuticals.
SERS Discrimination of Closely Related Molecules: A Systematic Study of Natural Red Dyes in Binary Mixtures

Recent methodological and instrumental advances have afforded surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) wide recognition in the cultural heritage field as a powerful tool for the analysis of organic colorants. The many advantages of SERS are counterbalanced by the fact that it has limited ability to resolve dye mixtures. In this work, a systematic study was conducted to determine the technique’s ability to discriminate closely related molecules in binary mixtures for a selection of natural red dyes widely used in painting and textile dyeing (alizarin, purpurin, carminic and laccaic acids, brazilein). Spectra were recorded on two different metal substrates, i.e., citrate-reduced silver colloids and silver films over nanospheres (AgFONs). After working on reference systems, the study was expanded to include analysis of red lake oil paint reconstructions upon hydrolysis with hydrofluoric acid, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of how varying the experimental conditions may affect dye identification. It ...
Lasting Connections: Using Internships to Retain Recent College Graduates in New England

This policy brief discusses one promising short-term strategy for retaining the region's recent college graduates: expanding the use of internships within the region to help college students — including non-native — learn more about local job opportunities. The brief summarizes analysis in NEPPC research report 08-1: The Future of the Skilled Labor Force in the Region: The Supply of Recent College Graduates.
Modeling and Commissioning of Clinical Photon Beams for Monte Carlo Treatment Planning

Monte Carlo treatment planning requires accurate beam information as input to generate accurate dose distributions. The phase space data of a clinical photon beam can be obtained by simulating the accelerator treatment head using a Monte Carlo code, such as BEAM [1–2]. The simulated phase space data (or the subsequently derived multiple source model) can be used for Monte Carlo treatment planning dose calculation [3]. However, it is not practical to simulate every individual clinical photon beam in a routine clinic [4–5].
Combined Environments Facility for Externally Carried Aircraft Stores

Raytheon Company, Electromagnetic Systems Division (ESD), Goleta, California, has recently completed a facility that simulates the environments measured on the AN/ALQ-184 EW Jammer Pod during a series of flight tests.The laboratory uses high-intensity acoustic excitation to duplicate the effects of turbulent aerodynamic flow, vibration exciters to drive the lower frequency air frame structural motions, temperature-conditioned air across the store to simulate the effects of frictional skin heating or frigid conditions, and temperature-conditioned coldplate fluid to create the correct thermal effect on the high voltage section of the pod (see Figure 1).This approach to testing externally carried stores builds on the work that has been done by the Navy at the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC), Point Mugu, California. The primary differences are in the use of two distinct thermal profiles applied simultaneously to different portions of the test item, and the use of multiple accelerometers in the control of t...
A gene expression signature of eventual brain metastases in patients with breast cancer

1019 Background: The incidence of brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer may be increasing, in part due to more effective systemic therapy. A metastatic signature of bone or lung metastases has been identified in mice but not for BM in human. We hypothesized that gene expression patterns of primary breast cancers may provide a specific metastatic signature for eventual BM. Methods: Core biopsies from primary breast cancers of 11 patients with BM and 12 patients who have other non-brain metastases were identified. Double- stranded cDNA was synthesized using an oligo-dT primer containing a T7 RNA polymerase promoter, followed by in vitro transcription with biotinylated ribonucleotides. The labeled cRNA was hybridized to Affymetrix U133-A chips. Results: Of the patients with BM, 55% were ER negative/HER-2 positive while 36% were ER positive/HER-2 negative. Of the patients with non brain metastases, 42% were ER negative/HER-2 positive and 50% were ER positive/HER-2 negative, with. A differential pattern of ...
Nontrivial Berry phase in magnetic BaMnSb2 semimetal.

Abstract The subject of topological materials has attracted immense attention in condensed-matter physics because they host new quantum states of matter containing Dirac, Majorana, or Weyl fermions. Although Majorana fermions can only exist on the surface of topological superconductors, Dirac and Weyl fermions can be realized in both 2D and 3D materials. The latter are semimetals with Dirac/Weyl cones either not tilted (type I) or tilted (type II). Although both Dirac and Weyl fermions have massless nature with the nontrivial Berry phase, the formation of Weyl fermions in 3D semimetals require either time-reversal or inversion symmetry breaking to lift degeneracy at Dirac points. Here we demonstrate experimentally that canted antiferromagnetic BaMnSb2 is a 3D Weyl semimetal with a 2D electronic structure. The Shubnikov–de Hass oscillations of the magnetoresistance give nearly zero effective mass with high mobility and the nontrivial Berry phase. The ordered magnetic arrangement (ferromagnetic ordering in the ab plane and antiferromagnetic ordering along the c axis below 286 K) breaks the time-reversal symmetry, thus offering us an ideal platform to study magnetic Weyl fermions in a centrosymmetric material.
Phytoremediation and Bioremediation of Soils and Waters

Toxic metals are problematic in soils because not only are they adsorbed into the zeolite soil structure, but they are also absorbed into the humus and biomass present in soils. These humic and fulvic substances in soils contain compounds that act as chelating agents to these metals, thereby contributing to the difficulty of their removal. In addition, these substances often contain redox active agents that can convert the adsorbed metals into ones that have different oxidation states, or reduce metal ions down to the metallic state. Although the removal of metals from soils poses several challenges, the presence of good chelating agents in humic and fulvic substances is one of the obstacles that must be overcome if phytoremediation or bioremediation is to be the method of choice for metal removal. Phytoremediation is the use of green plants to remove pollutants from the environment. Two recent reviews have been written on this subject.1,2 Among the types of phytoremediation currently in use are phytoextraction and rhizofiltration. Phytoextraction is defined as the use of metal-accumulating plants that concentrate them into the harvestable parts. Rhizofiltration is the use of plant roots to absorb metals from aqueous waste streams. Phytoextraction can be carried out either with or without added chelate complexant to assist in removing the metals. In certain cases the addition of chelating agents enhances the accumulation of metals by plants, especially if the chelate has a strong affinity for the targeted metal. Nevertheless, a consideration when using this method is the requirement that the chosen chelate must be biodegradable or readily removed from the contaminated site. Alternatively, phytoremediation can rely only on the physiological processes that allow plants themselves to accumulate metals. A disadvantage of this approach is that growth rates are slow, and the selectivity for particular metals is likely to be low. In the future, however, genetic engineering could be useful in producing plants that have both higher growth rates and metal selectivities. Bioremediation involves the use of biological remedies for pollution reduction.3 For metals this detoxification process must involve processes such as the oxidation or reduction of the metal center to make it either more water soluble, so that it precipitates and can be removed in solid form, or converted to a more volatile form that can be removed in the gas phase. In choosing a bioremediation strategy for metals, the biological system must be able to tolerate the concentration of metal that is present at the site.
Abstract 371: DPPIV Inhibitor MK0626 Prevents Western Diet Induced Renal Injury via Suppression of Kidney Tissue Ras

Objectives: Obesity is an independent risk factor for development and progression of renal injury. High fructose corn syrup consumption has coincided with the obesity epidemic in the United States. High fructose (60%) diets have been demonstrated to be associated with elevation in BP and worsening insulin resistance along with renal injury via increased hepatic production of uric acid. Recently, DPPIV inhibitors have been shown to improve diabetic changes and sodium excretion, effects that are beyond glycemic control. Therefore, the renal protective benefits of DPPIV inhibition in a clinically relevant Western diet fed mouse model were examined. Methods: Mice fed a high fat/high fructose (WD) diet for 16 weeks and given a DPPIV inhibitor MK0626 in their diet were examined for metabolic parameters, inflammation, kidney renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress. Renal injury was assessed by biochemical, immunohistological and electron microscopy techniques. In vitro , angiotensin II (Ang II) effects on OKP-PTCs were assessed for mechanism. Results: MK0626 ameliorated WD-induced increases in serum uric acid, oxidative stress and RAS. WD induced suppression of IL-10 was reversed by MK0626. There was a tendency to improve HOMA-IR by MK0626 but no effect on BP and body weights. Diet induced DPPIV activation in the plasma and kidney of WD mice was abrogated by MK0626 (~80%). WD mice were characterized by increased proteinuria (~3-fold), mesangial expansion and podocyte effacement and these changes were prevented by MK0626. In addition, the PTC endocytosis protein megalin and basilar canalicular network and mitochondrial ultrastructure abnormalities were reversed by MK0626. WD mice had decreased sodium excretion which was improved by MK0626. Ang II directly increased DPPIV activity and sodium hydrogen exchanger activity in PTCs and decreased megalin protein, which was effectively prevented by MK0626. Conclusion: Thus, WD induced increases in DPPIV activity is associated with elevations in uric acid, renal RAS, inflammation and oxidative stress which may result in renal injury. These results suggest that DPPIV inhibitors prevent WD induced renal injury and offer a novel therapy for diabetic and obesity associated renal disease.
Expression of calcium-binding proteins S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 in otitis media

Abstract Objectives Calgranulins (calcium-binding proteins S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12) are predominant cytoplasmic proteins of neutrophils and produced by various cells, playing multiple functions in innate immunity and the inflammatory process. Although up-regulated expression of S100A8 and S100A9 genes were observed in an animal model of otitis media (OM), their expressions have not been studied in human middle ear epithelial cells in response to the OM pathogen or in patients with recurrent or chronic OM (recurrent OM/RecOM or chronic OM with effusion/COME). Study design Gene expressions were compared between Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP)-infected and non-infected human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs) as well as between chronic OM patients and control patients (CI). Methods Gene expressions were profiled by quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). S100 proteins in OM patient and CI middle ear biopsies were detected by immunostaining. Results S100A8, S100A9 and S100A12 gene expressions were elevated in SP-infected HMEECs in time-dependent manner. S100A8 and S100A9 but not S100A12 gene expression was significantly elevated in the middle ear mucosa of OM patients. S100A8 and S100A9 protein were observed in middle ear mucosa of OM, but not CI patients. Minimal co-localization was observed between S100A8 and S100A9 with neutrophil elastase and cytokeratin in ME sections of OM patients. Conclusion Elevated S100A8 and S100A9 gene expression in SP-infected HMEECs and in the middle ear mucosa of OM, minor co-localized with neutrophil markers suggests that middle ear epithelial cell secretion of S100A8 and S100A9 may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic OM.
Withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement hurts the US

The Trump administration's domestic plans would have curtailed the nation's climate action even if it had stayed in the Paris Agreement. Yet, the decision to leave the agreement undermines US international energy and climate leadership and the prospects of ramping up global climate policy ambition.
Induced thermoluminescence as a method for dating recent volcanism: Hawaii County, Hawaii, USA

Abstract We have measured the induced thermoluminescence (TL) properties of fifteen samples of basalts collected from the Big Island of Hawaii in order to continue our investigation into the possible utility of this technique as a chronometer. Previous studies of basalts from Idaho have suggested the induced TL of basalts increases with age. Meteorite data suggest two possible explanations for this observation which are that (1) the initial glassy or amorphous phases crystalize with time to produce feldspar, the mineral producing the TL signal, and (2) feldspars lose Fe as they equilibrate and since Fe is a quencher of TL this would cause an increase in TL. The old basalts from Kohala (> 100 ka), which are mostly alkali basalts, have TL sensitivities 10–100 times higher than the much younger tholeiites from Kilauea and Mauna Loa (
Comparing Field-Teaching Experiences: A Longitudinal Examination of Preservice and First-Year Teacher Perspectives:

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine preservice and first-year music educators’ perspectives on fieldwork activities embedded within a music teacher preparation program. One cohort...
An evaluation of the HF/VHF synthetic aperture radar system for ocean wave spectra measurement

The directional spectrum of ocean waves is an important parameter characterizing the air-sea interaction. Its accurate measurement is practically possible only with remote sensing means. Microwave SAR systems currently used to this effect measure the directional spectrum of meter- and longer ocean waves only indirectly through different modulation effects. As a result, the interpretation of microwave SAR images of the ocean surface in terms of wave spectra encounters difficulties. In this paper, it is discussed how the directional spectrum of relatively long ocean waves can be measured using HF/VHF aperture synthetic radar technique recently proposed by the authors. This approach can be used even in the case when the radar platform is moving non-steadily and/or along the curvilinear trajectory. Here we analyze the behavior of a signal transfer function of the system which determines a spectral resolution of the method for various observation scenarios. The emphasis is made on the comparison between measurements from a platform which moves along the straight-line and the circular trajectory.
Patterns in the Semantics of Generic Sentences

Generic and habitual sentences have a number of general properties that any analysis will need to give some account of. It is well-known that they tolerate exceptions. They are intensional in their semantics. They seem able to cover a wide notional range of generalizations (e.g. speak of habits, customs, propensities, abilities, etc.). Finally, and less often noted, their negation is unexpectedly strong, amounting to a near-total prohibition (for instance, if sheep don’t eat meat, virtually no sheep may do it). The analysis offered here attempts to provide an account of all these properties simultaneously. Generic and habitual sentences express a pattern of occurrences of events. Patterns are essentially constraints on sequences of events that constrain occurrences, with unconstrained occurrence amounting to chaotic (random) sequencing. Truth and falsity of generic sentences then depends on whether the pattern is exemplified by a subsequence of its events in a world. The exceptions, and the intensionality, result from the definition of what a pattern is.
Improving Performance of OpenCL Workloads on Intel Processors with Profiling Tools

We present techniques for improving OpenCL workload performance with Intel profiling tools on modern heterogeneous hardware. We discuss how the profiling tools interface with heterogeneous hardware and the hardware's correspondence with architectural metrics derived from profiling. By leveraging metrics, we demonstrate improvements to OpenCL workload subscription of hardware with particular attention paid to CPU versus graphics coprocessor residency. With source code examples, we observe metrics to show the performance advantages of contemporary OpenCL extensions such as subgroups, as well as extensions enabling access to special function hardware features outside of the standard execution unit array.
Investigations of Issues for Using Multiple Acoustic Models to Improve Continuous Speech Recognition

This paper investigates two important issues in constructing and combining ensembles of acoustic models for reducing recognition errors. First, we investigate the applicability of the AnyBoost algorithm for acoustic model training. AnyBoost is a generalized Boosting method that allows the use of an arbitrary loss function as the training criterion to construct ensemble of classifiers. We choose the MCE discriminative objective function for our experiments. Initial test results on a real-world meeting recognition corpus show that AnyBoost is a competitive alternate to the standard AdaBoost algorithm. Second, we investigate ROVER-based combination, focusing on the technique for selecting correct hypothesized words from aligned WTN. We propose a neural network based insertion detection and word scoring scheme for this. Our approach consistently outperforms the current voting technique used by ROVER in the experiments.
Eindhoven Univ. of Technology’s System

Eindhoven University of Technology’s (Eindhoven Silicon Compiler) system performs scheduling and data path synthesis (EASY —Eindhoven Architecture Synthesis), logic synthesis, and layout synthesis. Several synthesis techniques have been explored.
Backtracking analysis approach for effectiveness of air defense operation system of systems based on force-sparsed stacked-autoencoding neural networks

To reduce the difficulty of traditional data-mining methods in deep analysis of emerging capacity index mechanisms for a complex air defense system of systems (ADSOS), a novel backtracking analysis approach based on force-sparsed stacked-autoencoding (FS-SAE) neural networks is proposed. Using the method of big-data correlation analysis, community structure analysis in complex networks, and principle component analysis based on the mission task, the networked structure of an index system for ADSOS, which was a relatively complete architecture with a well-defined meaning, was obtained. An FS-SAE backtracking analysis model was build based on heuristic knowledge from the obtained networked index system structure. The emerging relations between the capacity indices of an ADSOS were formalized. Then, the formation mechanism and contribution rate of capacity indices were studied, and the validity of this approach was validated by the simulation data. The experimental results show that formalized presentation for the emergence process of capacity indices of ADSOS based on the proposed model not only reflects the complexity characteristics of nonlinearity and uncertainty in the emergence process, but also give a general defined meaning for the index structure of the ADSOS. It provides a feasible method for commanders to deeply understand, manage, and control the complex operation system of systems.
Long-range ordering of stable, surface-bound intermediates: RAIRS, TPRS and STM studies of toluene oxidation on Ag(110)

There is long-term interest in catalyst poisoning due to the buildup of carbonaceous species on catalytic metal surfaces. These species are often derived from the reactants themselves in reactions ...
Exosomes in perspective: a potential surrogate for stem cell therapy

Exosomes as a unique subtype of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have attracted increasing interest in recent years in the fields of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) research. Studies have confirmed that exosomes derived from MSCs preserve immunosuppressive phenotype and can mimic therapeutic benefits of their parent cells. This review briefly summarizes most recent findings on the potential of exosomes as an alternative of therapeutic MSCs, focusing on the role of MSCs and their secreted exosomes in regulation of immune cells, preclinical and clinical evidence of therapeutic outcomes of MSC exosomes, and the biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profile of systemically administered exosomes. It is appreciated that exosomes from MSCs of different sources have variable contents including inflammatory mediators, tropic factors, signaling molecules, and nucleic acids (DNA, mRNA, microRNA and long non-coding RNA). Diverse functions of exosomes derived from different sources are expected. More importantly, exosomes isolated in vitro may not mirror that from in vivo, where donor MSCs are exposed to specific disease or injury-related conditions. Simulating in vivo microenvironment by pretreatment of MSCs with relevant chemical mediators may lead to their secretion of therapeutically more efficient exosomes/sEVs. However, we know very little about the key molecules involved and the differences between exosomes released under different conditions. These issues would be of tremendous interest to preclinical research that pursues exosome biology-underlain therapeutic mechanisms of MSCs. Further studies are expected to demonstrate the superiority of MSC-derived exsomes/sEVs as a pharmaceutical entity with regard to efficacy, safety, and practicability.
California’s Senate Bill 277: Local Health Jurisdictions’ Experiences With the Elimination of Nonmedical Vaccine Exemptions

Objectives. To understand the experiences of local health jurisdictions with Senate Bill 277 (SB277), the California law that eliminated nonmedical vaccine exemptions for public- and private-school entry.Methods. We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with health officers and local health department (LHD) staff in California between August and September 2017.Results. Two overall themes emerged: (1) vague legislative and regulatory language led to variation in the interpretation and implementation of SB277, and (2) lack of centralized review of medical exemptions allowed medical exemptions that are not consistent with valid contraindications for immunizations to be accepted. Variation in the interpretation and implementation was commonly reported with provisions related to individualized education programs and special education, and independent study programs and homeschooling. Without a centralized review of medical exemption requests, respondents reported variation in the interpretation of which specialties of physicians can write medical exemptions, which conditions constitute a valid contraindication for immunization, and the process for reporting a questionable or suspicious medical exemption.Conclusions. The regulatory language within SB277 led to variation in how the law was interpreted and implemented within and across LHD jurisdictions and school districts.
Authenticity, Interactivity, and Collaboration in VR Learning Games.

Decreasing cost and increasing technology access in schools places 3D immersive virtual reality (VR) within the reach of K-12 classrooms (Korbey, 2017). Educators have great interest in incorporating VR into classrooms because they are engaging and often novel experiences. However, long-term curriculum development must be positioned on how to best leverage the unique affordances of VR, be informed by theory and research, and integrate VR in meaningful ways that continue to motivate students even after experiences are no longer novel. We propose the theoretical framework of embodied learning and discuss how VR and reflect on current research findings to outline effective applications of VR for guidelines in developing educational materials using those tools. We discuss two particular examples: spatial awareness and collaboration. We share our perspectives on the benefits and challenges of applying these principles in a learning game about cellular biology.
Impact of Initial Stressor(s) on Cascading Failures in Power Grids

Cascading failures in the power grid refer to a chain of events triggered by an initial event such as a single or a combination of failures in a generator, a transmission line, communication or control action. The initial event can be attributed to a natural disaster or an intentional human-made attack. In this paper, cascading failures in the power grid are analyzed under various initial conditions. First, Gaussian, circular and linear stressor(s) are used as the initial events to model the probability of transmission line failure due to the stressor(s). Second, Monte-Carlo simulations are used to analyze the impact of cascading failures in the power grid based on the initial failure patterns. The reported results show that upon the occurrence of an initial triggering event, a combination of parameters (e.g., the number of stressor(s), the number of failed transmission lines in each stressor location, the capacity of the failed transmission lines, the power-grid loading level, the load-shedding constraints at the time of the stressor event) strongly influence the dynamics of cascading failures and may lead to massive blackouts.
GLOBALIZATION, GENDER AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES IN LATIN AMERICA

Although a large body of literature deals with the concept of globalization, the study of the relationship between globalization and entrepreneurship is an unchartered territory. We look at data fr...
A General Approach to Stereospecific Cross-Coupling Reactions of Nitrogen-Containing Stereocenters

Summary A novel strategy employing cyclohexyl spectator ligands in Stille cross-coupling reactions has been developed as a general solution to the long-standing challenge of conducting stereospecific cross-coupling reactions at nitrogen-containing stereocenters. This method enables direct access to enantioenriched products that are difficult (or impossible) to obtain via alternative preparative methods. Selective and predictable transfer of a single secondary alkyl unit can be achieved under reaction conditions that exploit subtle electronic differences between activated and unactivated alkyl units. Through this approach, enantioenriched α-stannylated nitrogen-containing stereocenters undergo Pd-catalyzed arylation and acylation reactions with exceptionally high stereofidelity in all instances investigated. We demonstrate this process by using α-stannylated pyrrolidine, azetidine, and open-chain (benzylic and non-benzylic) nucleophiles in stereospecific reactions. This process will facilitate rapid and reliable access to enantioenriched compounds possessing nitrogen-substituted stereocenters, which constitute ubiquitous structural motifs in biologically active compounds emerging from the drug-discovery process.
Citizen Science in the Digital Age: Rhetoric, Science, and Public Engagement

Thousands of people have contributed their free time to Galaxy Zoo, using the online platform to study images of galaxies and classify them based on their spiral arms and shape. Galaxy Zoo particip...