cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate drives shifts in grass reproductive phenology across the western USA

The capacity of grass species to alter their reproductive timing across space and through time can indicate their ability to cope with environmental variability and help predict their future performance under climate change. We determined the long-term (1895-2013) relationship between flowering times of grass species and climate in space and time using herbarium records across ecoregions of the western USA. There was widespread concordance of C3 grasses accelerating flowering time and general delays for C4 grasses with increasing mean annual temperature, with the largest changes for annuals and individuals occurring in more northerly, wetter ecoregions. Flowering time was delayed for most grass species with increasing mean annual precipitation across space, while phenology-precipitation relationships through time were more mixed. Our results suggest that the phenology of most grass species has the capacity to respond to increases in temperature and altered precipitation expected with climate change, but weak relationships for some species in time suggest that climate tracking via migration or adaptation may be required. Divergence in phenological responses among grass functional types, species, and ecoregions suggests that climate change will have unequal effects across the western USA.
Performance of Micro- and Nano-Modified Asphalt Mixtures Through Flow Number and Moisture Susceptibility Evaluations

The objective of this study was to utilize micro- and nano-materials to improve the overall performance of asphalt mixtures through flow number and moisture susceptibility evaluations. The materials included non-modified nanoclay and polymer modified nanoclay, carbon microfiber, nanomer material, and nanosilica. These materials were mixed with the control asphalt to prepare the modified asphalt, and then, the modified asphalt was mixed with the aggregates to compact the modified asphalt mixtures. The Superpave performance tests were employed to evaluate the resistance to permanent deformation and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures, including the flow number and indirect tensile strength tests. The microstructures of modified asphalt were examined by the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and the images helped to understand the modification mechanism. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the levels of impact of these modifiers on the improvement in performance. Based on the results of test data processing, (1) the flow number values of modified asphalt mixtures improved significantly, and it indicated that the rutting performance of modified mixtures was enhanced after the addition of these modifiers; the statistical analysis data revealed that all modifiers had a significant influence on the improvement in performance; (2) the dry and wet tensile strengths increased in most of the modified mixtures, and the statistical analysis results implied that most of the modifiers can greatly impact the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures.
One-Pot Process for Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin to Alkanes Using Ru-Based Bimetallic and Bifunctional Catalysts Supported on Zeolite Y

The synthesis of high-efficiency and low-cost catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of waste lignin to advanced biofuels is crucial for enhancing current biorefinery processes. Inexpensive transition metals, including Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn, were severally co-loaded with Ru on HY zeolite to form bimetallic and bifunctional catalysts. These catalysts were subsequently tested for HDO conversion of softwood lignin and several lignin model compounds. Results indicated that the inexpensive earth-abundant metals could modulate the hydrogenolysis activity of Ru and decrease the yield of low-molecular-weight gaseous products. Among these catalysts, Ru-Cu/HY showed the best HDO performance, affording the highest selectivity to hydrocarbon products. The improved catalytic performance of Ru-Cu/HY was probably a result of the following three factors: (1) high total and strong acid sites, (2) good dispersion of metal species and limited segregation, and (3) high adsorption capacity for polar fractions, including hydroxyl groups and ether bonds. Moreover, all bifunctional catalysts proved to be superior over the combination catalysts of Ru/Al2 O3 and HY zeolite.
The combined use of kartogenin and platelet-rich plasma promotes fibrocartilage formation in the wounded rat Achilles tendon entheses.

Objectives After an injury, the biological reattachment of tendon to bone is a challenge because healing takes place between a soft (tendon) and a hard (bone) tissue. Even after healing, the transition zone in the enthesis is not completely regenerated, making it susceptible to re-injury. In this study, we aimed to regenerate Achilles tendon entheses (ATEs) in wounded rats using a combination of kartogenin (KGN) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Methods Wounds created in rat ATEs were given three different treatments: kartogenin platelet-rich plasma (KGN-PRP); PRP; or saline (control), followed by histological and immunochemical analyses, and mechanical testing of the rat ATEs after three months of healing. Results Histological analysis showed well organised arrangement of collagen fibres and proteoglycan formation in the wounded ATEs in the KGN-PRP group. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis revealed fibrocartilage formation in the KGN-PRP-treated ATEs, evidenced by the presence of both collagen I and II in the healed ATE. Larger positively stained collagen III areas were found in both PRP and saline groups than those in the KGN-PRP group. Chondrocyte-related genes, SOX9 and collagen II, and tenocyte-related genes, collagen I and scleraxis (SCX), were also upregulated by KGN-PRP. Moreover, mechanical testing results showed higher ultimate tensile strength in the KGN-PRP group than in the saline control group. In contrast, PRP treatment appeared to have healed the injured ATE but induced no apparent formation of fibrocartilage. The saline-treated group showed poor healing without fibrocartilage tissue formation in the ATEs. Conclusions Our results show that injection of KGN-PRP induces fibrocartilage formation in the wounded rat ATEs. Hence, KGN-PRP may be a clinically relevant, biological approach to regenerate injured enthesis effectively. Cite this article: J. Zhang, T. Yuan, N. Zheng, Y. Zhou, M. V. Hogan, J. H-C. Wang. The combined use of kartogenin and platelet-rich plasma promotes fibrocartilage formation in the wounded rat Achilles tendon entheses. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:231–244. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.64.BJR-2017-0268.R1.
Discrimination Laundering: The Rise of Organizational Innocence and the Crisis of Equal Opportunity Law (Introduction)

While discrimination in the workplace is often perceived to be undertaken at the hands of individual or ‘rogue’ employees acting against the better interest of their employers, the truth is often the opposite: organizations are inciting discrimination through the work environments they create. Worse, the law increasingly ignores this reality and exacerbates the problem. In this groundbreaking book, Tristin K. Green describes the process of discrimination laundering, showing how judges are changing the law to protect employers, and why. By bringing organizations back into the discussion of discrimination, with real-world stories and extensive social science research, Green shows how organizational and legal efforts to minimize discrimination – usually by policing individuals over broader organizational change – are taking us in the wrong direction, and how the law can do better by creating incentives for organizational efforts that are likely to minimize discrimination, instead of inciting it.
Standardized high-sensitivity flow cytometry testing for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in children with acquired bone marrow failure disorders: A single center US study.

Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired hematopoietic stem cell disorder that has not been well documented in children, particularly those with acquired bone marrow failure disorders (ABMFD) – acquired aplastic anemia (AAA) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Therefore, we sought to determine the prevalence of PNH populations in children with ABMFD. Methods: PNH testing was performed in children with an ABMFD diagnosis using high sensitivity (≥0.01%) fluorescent aerolysin (FLAER)-based assay according to 2010 International Clinical Cytometry Society (ICCS) PNH Consensus Guidelines and 2012 Practical PNH Guidelines. FLAER/CD64/CD15/CD24/CD14/CD45 and CD235a/CD59 panels were used for white blood cell and red blood cell testing, respectively. Results: Thirty seven patients with ABMFD (34 AAA, 3 MDS) were included (17 M/20 F, age 2 to 18 years, median 9 years). PNH populations were identified in 17 of 37 (46%) patients. Of the 17 patients with PNH populations identified, 7 were PNH clones (> 1% PNH population) and 10 had minor PNH population or rare cells with PNH phenotype (≤ 1% PNH population). Conclusions: This is the first study to use a standardized high-sensitivity FLAER-based flow cytometry assay and the recommended cutoff of 0.01% to identify cells with PNH phenotype in pediatric patients with ABMFD in the United States. The identification of a PNH population in 46% of ABMFD supports the recommendation for high sensitivity PNH testing in children with these disorders, as a routine assay. Using a cutoff of ≥ 1% PNH population would have missed 10 (27%) patients with minor PNH population or rare cells with PNH phenotype. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Nightmares: Etiological, theoretical, and behavioral treatment considerations.

3 studies investigated the sleep patterns, test-measured anxiety, physiologically measured arousal, and nightmare characteristics of Ss with and without nightmares and implosive therapy therapy treatment of Ss with frequent nightmares. In Study I a questionnaire assessing manifest anxiety, nightmare frequency, and typical sleep patterns was administered. Significant positive relationships were found between nightmare frequency and report of insomnia, manifest anxiety, and various insomniac sleep patterns. In Study II Ss were administered a questionnaire assessing manifest anxiety, nightmare frequency and characteristics, and various sleep patterns; and frontalis electromyogram (EMG) measurements were taken. A significant positive relationship was found between EMG and manifest anxiety, the occurrence of recurrent nightmares, and rate of nighttime awakenings. Study III involved implosive therapy treatment of Ss with histories of frequent nightmares. The Ss demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in nightmare rate and intensity which was maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
The Genetic Basis of Pericentral Retinitis Pigmentosa—A Form of Mild Retinitis Pigmentosa

Pericentral retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an atypical form of RP that affects the near-peripheral retina first and tends to spare the far periphery. This study was performed to further define the genetic basis of this phenotype. We identified a cohort of 43 probands with pericentral RP based on a comprehensive analysis of their retinal phenotype. Genetic analyses of DNA samples from these patients were performed using panel-based next-generation sequencing, copy number variations, and whole exome sequencing (WES). Mutations provisionally responsible for disease were found in 19 of the 43 families (44%) analyzed. These include mutations in RHO (five patients), USH2A (four patients), and PDE6B (two patients). Of 28 putatively pathogenic alleles, 15 (54%) have been previously identified in patients with more common forms of typical RP, while the remaining 13 mutations (46%) were novel. Burden testing of WES data successfully identified HGSNAT as a cause of pericentral RP in at least two patients, suggesting it is also a relatively common cause of pericentral RP. While additional sequencing might uncover new genes specifically associated with pericentral RP, the current results suggest that genetically pericentral RP is not a separate clinical entity, but rather is part of the spectrum of mild RP phenotypes.
Decadal change of the south Atlantic ocean Angola–Benguela frontal zone since 1980

High-resolution simulations with a regional atmospheric model coupled to an intermediate-level mixed layer ocean model along with multiple atmospheric and oceanic reanalyses are analyzed to understand how and why the Angola–Benguela frontal Zone (ABFZ) has changed since 1980. A southward shift of 0.05°–0.55° latitude decade−1 in the annual mean ABFZ position accompanied by an intensification of + 0.05 to + 0.13 K/100-km decade−1 has occurred as ocean mixed layer temperatures have warmed (cooled) equatorward (poleward) of the front over the 1980–2014 period. These changes are captured in a 35-year model integration. The oceanic warming north of the ABFZ is associated with a weakening of vertical entrainment, reduced cooling associated with vertical diffusion, and a deepening of the mixed layer along the Angola coast. These changes coincide with a steady weakening of the onshore atmospheric flow as the zonal pressure gradient between the eastern equatorial Atlantic and the Congo Basin weakens. Oceanic cooling poleward of the ABFZ is primarily due to enhanced advection of cooler water from the south and east, increased cooling by vertical diffusion, and shoaling of the mixed layer depth. In the atmosphere, these changes are related to an intensification and poleward shift of the South Atlantic sub-tropical anticyclone as surface winds, hence the westward mixed layer ocean currents, intensify in the Benguela upwelling region along the Namibian coast. With a few caveats, these findings demonstrate that air/sea interactions play a prominent role in influencing the observed decadal variability of the ABFZ over the southeastern Atlantic since 1980.
Trends in Mysis diluviana abundance in the Great Lakes, 2006–2016

Abstract With the large Diporeia declines in lakes Michigan, Huron, and Ontario, there is concern that a similar decline of Mysis diluviana related to oligotrophication and increased fish predation may occur. Mysis density and biomass were assessed from 2006 to 2016 using samples collected by the Great Lakes National Program Office's biomonitoring program in April and August in all five Great Lakes. Summer densities and biomasses were generally greater than spring values and both increased with bottom depth. There were no significant time trends during these 10–11 years in lakes Ontario, Michigan, or Huron, but there was a significant increase in Lake Superior. Density and biomass were highest in lakes Ontario and Superior, somewhat lower in Lake Michigan, and substantially lower in Lake Huron. A few Mysis were collected in eastern Lake Erie, indicating a small population in the deep basin of that lake. On average, mysids contributed 12–18% (spring-summer, Michigan), 18–14% (spring-summer, Superior), 30–13% (spring-summer, Ontario), and 3% (Huron) of the total open-water crustacean biomass. Size distributions consisted of two peaks, indicating a 2-year life cycle in all four of the deep lakes. Mysis were larger in Lake Ontario than in lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. Comparisons with available historic data indicated that mysid densities were higher in the 1960s–1990s (5 times higher in Huron, 2 times higher in Ontario, and around 40% higher in Michigan and Superior) than in 2006–2016.
Minimax Bounds on Stochastic Batched Convex Optimization

We study the stochastic batched convex optimization problem, in which we use many \emph{parallel} observations to optimize a convex function given limited rounds of interaction. In each of \(M\) rounds, an algorithm may query for information at n points, and after issuing all \(n\) queries, it receives unbiased noisy function and/or (sub)gradient evaluations at the \(n\) points. After \(M\) such rounds, the algorithm must output an estimator. We provide lower and upper bounds on the performance of such batched convex optimization algorithms in zeroth and first-order settings for the collections of Lipschitz convex and smooth strongly convex functions. The rates we provide exhibit two interesting phenomena: (1) in terms of the batch size \(n\), the rate of convergence of batched algorithms (nearly) achieves the conventional fully sequential rate once \(M = O(d \log \log n)\), where d is the dimension of the domain, while (2) the rate may exponentially degrade as the dimension d increases, in distinction from fully sequential settings.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND STATUS CHANGE

This chapter discusses the physical development and status change at puberty. Physical transformation of the body at puberty marks the beginning of a status transition—from childhood to adulthood. A person's sense of identity is vulnerable during a period of marked status change, and this seems particularly true during adolescence. An adolescent's task is to integrate the physical changes of puberty with the psychological transformation into adulthood. At a critical level of maturity prior to puberty, the hypothalamus, a control center in the brain regulating states such as hunger and thirst, relays a message to the pituitary. Although the psychological ramifications of physical maturation have been taken into account, little has been said about the social transition into adulthood that also takes place during adolescence. Adulthood is no longer defined solely in terms of physical size or capacity for mature sexual functioning. Rather, economic and educational criteria are more often used to signify adulthood. Age at which indicators of adulthood are attained has been progressively postponed. In many nontechnological societies, dramatic ceremonies were traditionally held to confer adult status and, thereby, avoid the gap between physical and social maturity.
Methods of Tail Dependence Estimation

Characterization and quantification of climate extremes and their dependencies are fundamental to the studying of natural hazards. This chapter reviews various parametric and nonparametric tail dependence coefficient estimators. The tail dependence coefficient describes the dependence (degree of association) between concurrent extremes at different locations. Accurate and reliable knowledge of the spatial characteristics of extremes can help improve the existing methods of modeling the occurrence probabilities of extreme events. This chapter will review these methods and use two case studies to demonstrate the application of tail dependence analysis.
Sleep deprivation and human energy metabolism

Driven by the demands and opportunities of modern life many people now sleep less than 6 hrs per night. In the sleep clinic, this behavior may present as a diagnosis of insufficient sleep syndrome (ICSD-9, #307.49-4) which is receiving increased attention as a potential risk factor for obesity and related metabolic morbidity. A central theme of this chapter is the notion that extended wakefulness has higher metabolic cost, which triggers a set of neuroendocrine (e.g. more hunger and less satiety), metabolic (e.g. lower resting metabolic rate), and behavioral (e.g. reduced daily activity) adaptations aimed at increasing food intake and conserving energy. Although this coordinated response may have evolved to offset the metabolic demands of sleeplessness in natural habitats with limited food availability, it can become maladaptive in a modern environment which allows many to overeat while maintaining a sedentary lifestyle without sufficient sleep. Growing experimental evidence now suggests that such sleep-loss-related metabolic adaptation could: (a) lead to increased retention of fat when people aim to return to their usual weight after various life events associated with excessive food intake; and (b) undermine the success of therapies combining reduced food intake and increased physical activity to decrease metabolic risk in obesity-prone individuals. Emerging observational and clinical trial data are consistent with this experimental framework, making it prudent to recommend that overweight and obese individuals attempting to reduce their caloric intake and maintain increased physical activity should obtain adequate sleep and seek effective treatment for any coexisting sleep disorders.
Ethical Dimensions of Presidential Leadership

The character of an institution of higher education is developed and reflected in the administrative and managerial choices and decisions made each day. Many situations require sound, reasoned, ethically, or principally-based analysis upon which decisions can be based. In this chapter, cases are drawn from a president’s perspective and experience to demonstrate some of the conflicting values which can arise in the administration of a college or university. A president occupies a unique position within an institution, and among the many demands and expectations placed upon president leadership, is an imperative for ethical leadership.
Turner, Lorenzo Dow (1895–1972)

Lorenzo Dow Turner (1890–1972), the first African–American member of the Linguistic Society of America, is best known for his 1949 Africanisms in the Gullah dialect, the first ground-breaking monograph on the Gullah language (Sea Islands Creole English). Turner was dedicated to documenting African retentions in North and South America.
Tax Avoidance, Managerial Ability, and Investment Efficiency

In this paper, we examine the impact of managerial ability on the relation between corporate tax avoidance and investment efficiency. Using a sample of US firms from 1994–2015, we find that as tax avoidance increases, firms with high (low) managerial ability exhibit increased (reduced) investment efficiency, that is, smaller (greater) deviations from predicted levels of investment spending. Supplemental analysis also shows that as tax avoidance increases, strong (weak) corporate governance increases (decreases) investment efficiency. Overall, our findings shed light on whether corporate tax avoidance generates wealth for the firm's shareholders or simply exacerbates agency problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
An Evaluation of Inter-coder and Intra-coder Reliability for 24-Hour Dietary Recall Data Entered in WebNEERS.

Abstract Objective To evaluate inter-coder (between-coder) and intra-coder (within-coder) reliability among trained data coders who enter 24-hour dietary recall data collected through Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program operations in the state of Georgia. Design This study employed multiple cross-sectional evaluations of inter-coder reliability and a short-term longitudinal evaluation of intra-coder reliability. Participants/Setting Study participants consisted of trained data coders (n = 9) who were employed during the 12-month period of evaluation. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcome measures were inter-coder and intra-coder reliability across data entered into the Web-based Nutrition Education Evaluation and Reporting System. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS 24. Descriptive statistics were generated and inter-coder and intra-coder reliability were assessed using 2-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Results of this evaluation indicated good to excellent inter-coder reliability among all coders, and excellent intra-coder reliability among the majority of coders. However, some notable inconsistencies were identified within the intra-coder reliability analyses. Conclusions Future strategies to improve data quality within Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program operations might include enhanced training for data coders, implementation of error detection protocols, expansion of the Web-based Nutrition Education Evaluation and Reporting System database, and exploration of automated, computer-assisted administration of 24-hour dietary recalls.
Communalism Versus Race/Ethnicity: Which Predicts What Pedagogical Strategies Will Be Culturally Relevant? Or Do You Need Both?:

Research on Culturally Relevant Pedagogy claims that culture drives students’ attitudes and behaviors to determine what learning contexts best scaffold learning but operationalizes race/ethnicity. ...
Protective role of B cells in sterile particulate–induced lung injury

Susceptibility to chronic beryllium (Be) disease is linked to HLA-DP molecules possessing a glutamic acid at the 69th position of the β-chain (βGlu69), with the most prevalent βGlu69-containing molecule being HLA-DP2. We have previously shown that HLA-DP2 transgenic (Tg) mice exposed to Be oxide (BeO) develop mononuclear infiltrates in a peribronchovascular distribution and a beryllium-specific, HLA-DP2-restricted CD4+ T cell response. In addition to T cells, B cells constituted a major portion of infiltrated leukocytes in the lung of BeO-exposed HLA-DP2 Tg mice and sequester BeO particles within ectopic lymphoid aggregates and granulomas. B cell depletion was associated with a loss of lymphoid aggregates and granulomas as well as a significant increase in lung injury in BeO-exposed mice. The protective role of B cells was innate in origin, and BeO-induced B cell recruitment to the lung was dependent on MyD88 signaling. Similar to BeO-exposed HLA-DP2 mice, B cells also accumulate in the lungs of CBD subjects, located at the periphery and surrounding the granuloma. Overall, our data suggest a novel modulatory role for B cells in the protection of the lung against sterile particulate exposure, with B cell recruitment to the inflamed lung occurring in an antigen-independent and MyD88-dependent manner.
Medieval Activity at Mill Lane, Leeming, North Yorkshire

AbstractTwo phases of medieval activity were identified during excavation within three fields at Mill Lane, Leeming (centred at SE 290 890) in 2009 in advance of widening works during upgrading of ...
The Detailed Time-frequency Analysis of The HF/VHF Emissions Accompanied with CG Lightning Flashes

In order to obtain the time-frequency domain characteristics of the electromagnetic signal from the whole stages of the Cloud-to-Ground (CG) lightning flashes, including the preliminary breakdown processes, the stepped leaders, the return strokes and the subsequent strokes, we use the lightning signal acquisition platform to collect the electromagnetic signal waveforms concentrated at low frequency(LF), High frequency and Very High frequency (HF/VHF), and carry out the segmentation filtering and the Fourier transform. With the help of Lightning location system (LLS), the time and location of the CG lightning flashes are determined. In this paper, the radiated signal characteristics of CG lightning at different locations and different amplitudes are compared and analyzed. It is concluded that the amplitude of preliminary breakdown processes and return stroke processes is much higher than that of the leaders processes in the frequency range of 30- 350kHz, the preliminary breakdown process, leader and first return stroke of CG lightning have a wide radiation spectrum from 0 to 60MHz, and the subsequent return stroke signal spectra range is relatively concentrated below 10MHz.
Algorithms for stochastic optimization with function or expectation constraints

This paper considers the problem of minimizing an expectation function over a closed convex set, coupled with a function or expectation constraint on either decision variables or problem parameters. We first present a new stochastic approximation (SA) type algorithm, namely the cooperative SA (CSA), to handle problems with the constraint on devision variables. We show that this algorithm exhibits the optimal $${{{\mathcal {O}}}}(1/\epsilon ^2)$$ rate of convergence, in terms of both optimality gap and constraint violation, when the objective and constraint functions are generally convex, where $$\epsilon$$ denotes the optimality gap and infeasibility. Moreover, we show that this rate of convergence can be improved to $${{{\mathcal {O}}}}(1/\epsilon )$$ if the objective and constraint functions are strongly convex. We then present a variant of CSA, namely the cooperative stochastic parameter approximation (CSPA) algorithm, to deal with the situation when the constraint is defined over problem parameters and show that it exhibits similar optimal rate of convergence to CSA. It is worth noting that CSA and CSPA are primal methods which do not require the iterations on the dual space and/or the estimation on the size of the dual variables. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such optimal SA methods for solving function or expectation constrained stochastic optimization are presented in the literature.
Why GPUs are Slow at Executing NFAs and How to Make them Faster

Non-deterministic Finite Automata (NFA) are space-efficient finite state machines that have significant applications in domains such as pattern matching and data analytics. In this paper, we investigate why the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)---a massively parallel computational device with the highest memory bandwidth available on general-purpose processors---cannot efficiently execute NFAs. First, we identify excessive data movement in the GPU memory hierarchy and describe how to privatize reads effectively using GPU's on-chip memory hierarchy to reduce this excessive data movement. We also show that in several cases, indirect table lookups in NFAs can be eliminated by converting memory reads into computation, to further reduce the number of memory reads. Although our optimization techniques significantly alleviate these memory-related bottlenecks, a side effect of these techniques is the static assignment of work to cores. This leads to poor compute utilization, where GPU cores are wasted on idle NFA states. Therefore, we propose a new dynamic scheme that effectively balances compute utilization with reduced memory usage. Our combined optimizations provide a significant improvement over the previous state-of-the-art GPU implementations of NFAs. Moreover, they enable current GPUs to outperform the domain-specific accelerator for NFAs (i.e., Automata Processor) across several applications while performing within an order of magnitude for the rest of the applications.
Merlin regulates signaling events at the nexus of development and cancer.

In this review, we describe how the cytoskeletal protein Merlin, encoded by the Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene, orchestrates developmental signaling to ensure normal ontogeny, and we discuss how Merlin deficiency leads to aberrant activation of developmental pathways that enable tumor development and malignant progression. Parallels between embryonic development and cancer have underscored the activation of developmental signaling pathways. Hippo, WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), Notch, and Hedgehog pathways are key players in normal developmental biology. Unrestrained activity or loss of activity of these pathways causes adverse effects in developing tissues manifesting as developmental syndromes. Interestingly, these detrimental events also impact differentiated and functional tissues. By promoting cell proliferation, migration, and stem-cell like phenotypes, deregulated activity of these pathways promotes carcinogenesis and cancer progression. The NF2 gene product, Merlin, is a tumor suppressor classically known for its ability to induce contact-dependent growth inhibition. Merlin plays a role in different stages of an organism development, ranging from embryonic to mature states. While homozygous deletion of Nf2 in murine embryos causes embryonic lethality, Merlin loss in adult tissue is implicated in Neurofibromatosis type 2 disorder and cancer. These manifestations, cumulatively, are reminiscent of dysregulated developmental signaling. Understanding the molecular and cellular repercussions of Merlin loss provides fundamental insights into the etiology of developmental disorders and cancer and has the potential, in the long term, to identify new therapeutic strategies.
Stable and Flexible Sulfide Composite Electrolyte for High-Performance Solid-State Lithium Batteries

Sulfide-based lithium (Li)-ion conductors represent one of the most popular solid electrolytes (SEs) for solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLMBs) with high safety. However, the commercial application of sulfide SEs is significantly limited by their chemical instability in air and electrochemical instability with electrode materials (metallic Li anode and oxide cathodes). To address these difficulties, here, we design and successfully demonstrate a novel sulfide-incorporated composite electrolyte (SCE) through the combination of inorganic sulfide Li argyrodite (Li7PS6) with poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) polymer. In this composite structure, Li7PS6 is embedded in PVDF-HFP polymer matrix, making the SCE flexible and air-stable and achieve great chemical and electrochemical stability. Meanwhile, the presence of sulfide facilitates Li-ion transport in SCE, leading to a superior room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.1 × 10-4 S cm-1. Using the SCE with enhanced stability while maintaining high conductivity, Li||Li symmetric cells achieved stable cycling up to 1000 h at 0.2 mA cm-2. In addition, LiFePO4 (LFP)||SCE||Li cells can deliver an impressive specific capacity of 160 mAh g-1 over 150 cycles. These features indicate that Li7PS6/PVDF-HFP SCE is a promising candidate to contribute to the practical development of SSLMBs.
Tips for addressing common conditions affecting pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color

Pediatric and adolesent patients with skin of color are seen by dermatologists for common complaints such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and traction alopecia. Combining the understanding of cultural practices, empathetic patient communication, and social implications is useful in counseling and treating pediatric and adolescent patients with skin of color.
Fabrication of a complete-arch implant-supported fixed interim prosthesis by using a cone beam computed tomography digital scan for a patient with primordial dwarfism: A dental technique

A complete-arch implant-supported interim prosthesis was fabricated from a cone beam computed tomography digital scan of the implant abutments for a patient with primordial dwarfism. The patient presented with limited mouth opening, which hindered the use of a conventional impression technique. The described technique provided an alternative digital procedure to obtain a virtual implant definitive cast.
A New Modal Cycle

A new set of modals is appearing in contemporary English. The epistemic modals with perfect have are forming a new class including mighta, coulda, woulda, shoulda, and musta, when they are used with an additional have and without a (present) perfect meaning. I look at their structure and examine possible determinacy violations when they (and the core modals) move to C. The data come from corpus and internet sources; the study is not a quantitative one because the change is not yet particularly frequent.
3.3. Diffusion Studies

Publisher Summary The study of diffusion by means of slow neutron scattering techniques may be classified into two general categories. The focus should be on the motion of a single diffusing atom and to follow its motion as time evolves. The other is to observe the motion of a diffusing atom with respect to other diffusing or stationary atoms. In the former type of study, the self-correlation function of the migrating atom plays an essential role. In the latter, on the other hand, pair-correlation functions determine the neutron-scattering cross section. The self-correlation function determines the cross sections for incoherent scattering processes, and the pair-correlation function determines the coherent scattering cross sections. The most favorable incoherent scatterer is the proton for which the total incoherent scattering cross section is about 80 b, extremely large compared with the coherent scattering cross section. One of the main advantages of the slow-neutron-scattering techniques is that the wavelengths of thermal neutrons are of the same order of magnitude as the interatomic distances in condensed matter. Thus, studies can be made on atomic motions in the microscopic spatial scale; in the Fourier-transformed space—Q space—measurements may yield the Q dependence of various physical quantities, such as the line broadening due to diffusion.
Patterns of intraocular pressure elevation after aqueous humor outflow obstruction in rats.

Purpose To determine the diural intraocular pressure (IOP) response of Brown Norway rat eyes after sclerosis of the aqueous humor outflow pathways and its relationship to optic nerve damage. Methods Hypertonic saline was injected into a single episcleral vein in 17 animals and awake IOP measured in both the light and dark phases of the circadian cycle for 34 days. Mean IOP for light and dark phases during the experimental period were compared with the respective pressures of the uninjected fellow eyes. Optic nerve cross sections from each nerve were graded for injury by five independent masked observers. Results For fellow eyes, mean light- and dark-phase IOP was 21 +/- 1 and 31 +/- 1 mm Hg, respectively. For four experimental eyes, mean IOPs for both phases were not altered. Six eyes demonstrated significant mean IOP elevations only during the dark phase. Of these, five showed persistent, large circadian oscillations, and four had partial optic nerve lesions. The remaining seven eyes experienced significant IOP elevations during both phases, and all had extensive optic nerve damage. Conclusions Episcleral vein injection of hypertonic saline is more likely to increase IOP during the dark phase than the light. This is consistent with aqueous outflow obstruction superimposed on a circadian rhythm of aqueous humor production. Because these periodic IOP elevations produced optic nerve lesions, both light- and dark-phase IOP determinations are necessary for accurate correlation of IOP history to optic nerve damage in animals housed in a light- dark environment.
Compression Failure Mechanisms in Unidirectional Composites

Compression failure mechanisms in unidirectional composites were examined. Possible failure modes of constituent materials are summarized and analytical models for fiber microbuckling are reviewed from a unified viewpoint. Due to deficiencies in available models, a failure model based on nonlinear properties and initial fiber curvature is proposed. The effect of constituent properties on composite compression behavior was experimentally investigated using two different graphite fibers and four different epoxy resins. The predominant microscopic scale failure mode was found to be shear crippling. In a soft resin, shear crippling was in the form of buckling of fibers on a microscopic scale. However, stiff resins failure was characterized by the formation of a kink band. For unidirectional laminates, compressive strength, and compressive modulus to a less extent, were found to increase with increasing magnitude of resin modulus. The change in compressive strength with resin modulus was predicted using the proposed nonlinear model.
Collaborative, problem-based learning in computer science

Collaborative learning and problem-based learning are two approaches to pedagogy that have been used in many academic disciplines. Treisman was successful in creating a learning environment in first-year calculus that combines both of these approaches. His model has been replicated in many science and engineering programs, but few computer science programs have adopted it. This paper describes the design and implementation of such a learning environment for courses in the beginning sequence of a computer science program.
Research design in total institutions: problems, pitfalls, and possible solutions

Research in total institutions is fraught with problems and pitfalls rarely discussed in methodology and research design textbooks but regularly encountered in the literature. Five of the major relevant problems in research designs for this area are considered, examples of the pitfalls are given, and suggestions for minimizing or overcoming them are offered.
Absorption of solar radiation by alkali vapors

A theoretical study of the direct absorption of solar radiation by the working fluid of high temperature, high efficiency energy converters has been carried out. Alkali vapors and potassium vapor in particular were found to be very effective solar absorbers and suitable thermodynamically for practical high temperature cycles. Energy loss via reradiation from a solar boiler was shown to reduce the overall efficiency of radiation-heated energy converters, although a simple model of radiation transfer in a potassium vapor solar boiler revealed that self-trapping of the reradiation may reduce this loss considerably. A study was also made of the requirements for a radiation boiler window. It was found that for sapphire, one of the best solar transmitting materials, the severe environment in conjunction with high radiation densities will require some form of window protection. An aerodynamic shield is particularly advantageous in this capacity, separating the window from the absorbing vapor to prevent condensation and window corrosion and to reduce the radiation density at the window.
Reconstructing three-dimensional parameters of galaxy clusters via multifrequency Sunyaev–Zeldovich observations

ABSTRACT The Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) eﬀect is a promising tool to study physical properties ofthe hot X-ray emitting intracluster medium (ICM) in galaxy clusters. To date, most SZobservations have been interpreted in combination with X-ray follow-up measurementsin order to determine the ICM temperature and estimate the cluster mass. Futurehigh-resolution, multifrequency SZ observations promise to enable detailed studies ofthe ICM structures, by measuring the ICM temperature through the temperature-dependent relativistic corrections. In this work we develop a non-parametric methodto derive three-dimensional physical quantities, including temperature, pressure, totalmass, and peculiar velocities, of galaxy clusters from SZ observations alone. We testthe performance of this method using hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy clusters,in order to assess systematic uncertainties in the reconstructed physical parameters.In particular, we analyze mock Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope (CCAT) SZobservations,takinginto account varioussourcesofsystematic uncertainties associatedwith instrumental eﬀects and astrophysical foregrounds. We show that our methodenables accurate reconstruction of the three-dimensional ICM proﬁles, while retainingfull informationabout the gasdistribution. We discuss the application ofthis techniquefor ongoing and future multifrequency SZ observations.Keywords: cosmology: observations – galaxies: clusters: general – X-rays: galaxies:clusters – cosmic microwave background
Normalized plane wave spectra: Quantification of measured near-field distributions for the ISS-RapidScat using measured far-field patterns

The International Space Station Rapid Scatterometer (ISS-RapidScat) instrument was recently developed and launched to sense ocean winds. This recent addition to the ISS significantly improves the detection and sensing capabilities of the current satellite constellation. An important consideration in this antenna is the interference generated towards nearby space vehicles and humans due to its relatively high RF power output. To avoid this issue, our work aims to characterize the antenna's near-field distribution, whose knowledge could aid in blanker circuit design to shut off the RF power for certain time slots during the scan period. A generalized and customized procedure using Spectral Domain analysis, i.e. plane wave spectra, is proposed to predict the absolute near-field values in V/m for a given radiated power and measured far-field patterns.
Can We Predict Patient Wait Time

Abstract Purpose The importance of patient wait-time management and predictability can hardly be overestimated: For most hospitals, it is the patient queues that drive and define every bit of clinical workflow. The objective of this work was to study the predictability of patient wait time and identify its most influential predictors. Methods To solve this problem, we developed a comprehensive list of 25 wait-related parameters, suggested in earlier work and observed in our own experiments. All parameters were chosen as derivable from a typical Hospital Information System dataset. The parameters were fed into several time-predicting models, and the best parameter subsets, discovered through exhaustive model search, were applied to a large sample of actual patient wait data. Results We were able to discover the most efficient wait-time prediction factors and models, such as the line-size models introduced in this work. Moreover, these models proved to be equally accurate and computationally efficient. Finally, the selected models were implemented in our patient waiting areas, displaying predicted wait times on the monitors located at the front desks. The limitations of these models are also discussed. Conclusions Optimal regression models based on wait-line sizes can provide accurate and efficient predictions for patient wait time.
Phospholipids of adrenal cortex mitochondria and the steroid hydroxylases: the lipid-environment of cytochrome P-450.

Summary Adrenal cortex mitochondria have a high content of phospholipids with elevated ratios of phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl choline to diphosphatidyl glycerol, as compared with those of heart, liver, and kidney mitochondria. An extracted cytochrome P-450 preparation contained phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl choline as major components but no diphosphatidyl glycerol. After phospholipase-C pretreatment of the P-450 preparation, the reconstituted steroid 11 β-hydroxylase activity was inhibited, whereas the cholesterol desmolase activity was activated to a comparable extent.
Water Table Management, Nitrogen Dynamics, and Yields of Corn and Soybean

Concern about NO - 3 contamination of surface waters has prompted the development of agricultural water table management systems to reduce NO - 3 loss in subsurface drainage outflow by subirrigating through the existing subsurface drainage lines during the growing season and controlling off-season outflows. We hypothesized that soil N pools, crop yields, and N uptake in a corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean (Glycine max.) rotation differ between subirrigation (water table at 40 cm) with controlled drainage (SI/CD) vs. subsurface drainage (SD) alone on Omulga silt Ioam (Aeric Fragiaqualfs). Mean microbial biomass N, potentially mineralizable N, dissolved organic N, and ammonia N were not affected by the water table management system. Mean NO - 3 -N was not affected by the water table management system at 0- to 15-cm and 15- to 30-cm depths, but the 2-yr mean soil NO - 3 concentration at the 30- to 75-cm depth was 46% lower in SI/CD compared with SD. The average corn yield was 19% greater, and the average soybean yield was 64% greater, in SI/CD plots, compared with SD. Corn N uptake was 13% greater and soybean N uptake was 62% greater with SI/CD, compared with SD. The SI/CD water table management system increased plant N uptake and reduced deep-profile NO - 3 concentrations, thereby reducing the amount of NO - 3 potentially available to move via drains to surface waters.
Patient-Centered Research: Predictors of Rehospitalization for Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case-Contol Study.

PURPOSE Recent studies have shown that symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) frequently develops after hospital discharge following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Risk factors associated with the development of symptomatic VTE, and the efficacy of extended medical prophylaxis to prevent late VTE, are not well defined.
A novel series of [3.2.1] azabicyclic biaryl ethers as α3β4 and α6/4β4 nicotinic receptor agonists

Abstract We report the synthesis of a series of [3.2.1]azabicyclic biaryl ethers as selective agonists of α3- and α6-containing nicotinic receptors. In particular, compound 17a from this series is a potent α3β4 and α6/4β4 receptor agonist in terms of both binding and functional activity. Compound 17a also shows potent in vivo activity in CNS-mediated animal models that are sensitive to antipsychotic drugs. Compound 17a may thus be a useful tool for studying the role of α3β4 and α6/4β4 nicotinic receptors in CNS pharmacology.