cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frequency Assignment Games and Strategies

The way the spectrum is committed through the processes of allocation and assignment has a definite bearing on spectrum utilization. Both processes are stochastic in nature and nearly irreversible. Decisions are made with respect to each applicant as time progresses without knowing the requirements of future applicants, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to revoke or change an assignment once given. This paper examines the frequency assignment game to determine the effect of assignment strategy on spectrum utilization, and to define the principle underlying the development of optimum strategies. The results of this investigation show that there is an effect of strategy, that the effect bears on spectrum utilization, that there is an optimum strategy, and that there are some very useful near-optimum ones as well. Finally, there is evidence that we may not be doing things quite the right way, and some recommendations are offered.
Modeling and validation of electrostatic actuation in aqueous ionic media

Operation of electrostatic actuators in liquid media has various proposed applications, especially in biological environments. We present circuit models based on electric double layer theories to estimate the frequency-dependent force response of electrostatic actuators in ionic media. This model is particularly useful for predicting the characteristic frequency required to operate the devices. Further, the impedance characteristics of test structures are measured and matched to determine the relevant circuit components. The values obtained from impedance and actuation experiments are compared with the predictions from theory to validate the models.
Labyrinth Seal Leakage Tests: Tooth Profile, Tooth Thickness, and Eccentricity Effects

The effects of two seal design parameters, namely blade (tooth) thickness and blade profile, on labyrinth seal leakage, as well as the effect of operating a seal in an off-center position, were examined through a series of non-rotating tests. Two reconfigurable seal designs were used, which enabled testing of two- four-, and six-bladed see-through labyrinth seals with different geometries using the same sets of seal blades. Leakage and cavity pressure measurements were made on each of twenty-three seal configurations with a four inch (101.6 mm) diameter journal. Tests were carried out with air as the working fluid at supply pressures of up to 100 psi-a (6.89 bar-a). Experimental results showed that doubling the thickness of the labyrinth blades significantly influenced leakage, reducing the flow-rate through the seals by up to 20%. Tests to determine the effect of blade-tip profile produced more equivocal results, with the results of experiments using each of the two test seal designs contradicting each other. Tests on one set of hardware indicated that beveling blades on the downstream side was most effective in limiting leakage whereas tests on newer hardware with tighter clearances indicated that seals with flat-tipped blades were superior. The test results illustrated that both blade profile and blade thickness could be manipulated so as to reduce seal leakage. However, an examination of the effects of both factors together indicated that the influence of one of these parameters can, to some extent, negate the influence of the other (especially in cases with tighter clearances). Lastly, for all configurations tested, results showed that leakage through a seal increases with increased eccentricity and that this phenomenon was considerably more pronounced at lower supply pressures.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
BCL2 inhibits cell adhesion, spreading, and motility by enhancing actin polymerization

BCL2 is best known as a multifunctional anti-apoptotic protein. However, little is known about its role in cell-adhesive and motility events. Here, we show that BCL2 may play a role in the regulation of cell adhesion, spreading, and motility. When BCL2 was overexpressed in cultured murine and human cell lines, cell spreading, adhesion, and motility were impaired. Consistent with these results, the loss of Bcl2 resulted in higher motility observed in Bcl2-null mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells compared to wild type. The mechanism of BCL2 regulation of cell adhesion and motility may involve formation of a complex containing BCL2, actin, and gelsolin, which appears to functionally decrease the severing activity of gelsolin. We have observed that the lysate from MCF-7 and NIH3T3 cells that overexpressed BCL2 enhanced actin polymerization in cell-free in vitro assays. Confocal immunofluorescent localization of BCL2 and F-actin during spreading consistently showed that increased expression of BCL2 resulted in increased F-actin polymerization. Thus, the formation of BCL2 and gelsolin complexes (which possibly contain other proteins) appears to play a critical role in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration. Given the established correlation of cell motility with cancer metastasis, this result may explain why the expression of BCL2 in some tumor cell types reduces the potential for metastasis and is associated with improved patient prognosis.
Vedolizumab An α4β7 Integrin Inhibitor for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Objectives: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of vedolizumab in the treatment of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Data Sources: A literature search through clinicialtrials.gov, EMBASE and MEDLINE was conducted (January 1966-June 2014) using the terms vedolizumab and MLN0002. References from retrieved articles were reviewed for any additional material. Additionally, the prescribing information was retrieved. Study Selection/Data Extraction: Phase 1, 2, and 3 human and animal studies describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of vedolizumab were identified. Data Synthesis: Vedolizumab, an α4β7 integrin inhibitor, was recently approved for adult patients with moderate to severe active UC or CD who are refractory or intolerant to standard therapies or who are dependent on corticosteroids. Trial data have demonstrated that vedolizumab 300 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 6 followed by every 8 weeks is effective at inducing and maintaining clinical res...
Multiscaling analysis of high resolution space-time lidar-rainfall

In this study, we report results from scaling anal- ysis of 2.5 m spatial and 1 s temporal resolution lidar-rainfall data. The high resolution spatial and temporal data from the same observing system allows us to investigate the variabil- ity of rainfall at very small scales ranging from few meters to 1 km in space and few seconds to 30 min in time. The re- sults suggest multiscaling behaviour in the lidar-rainfall with the scaling regime extending down to the resolution of the data. The results also indicate the existence of a space-time transformation of the form t L z at very small scales, where t is the time lag, L is the spatial averaging scale and z is the dynamic scaling exponent.
Lack of integrase can markedly affect human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particle production in the presence of an active viral protease.

The Gag-Pol polyprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is not required for efficient viral particle assembly or release. However, in this report we demonstrate that the synthesis of a truncated Gag-Pol precursor due to a premature termination codon in polcan reduce the ability of a full-length provirus to direct the formation of viral particles. Marked effects on particle production were seen when premature termination codons were introduced into the integrase (IN)-coding region. By contrast, a mutant which lacked both IN and reverse transcriptase (RT) formed particles with normal efficiency. Particle production by IN mutants was restored to wild-type levels when a second premature termination codon was introduced at the 5* end of the RT-coding sequence. Particle formation was similarly restored by a second site mutation in the viral protease (PR) gene which prevented proteolytic processing of the Gag polyprotein. Finally, particle formation was restored in the presence of A77003, a specific inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 PR. These resultssuggestthattheeffectsofalackofINsequencesonparticleformationrequirethesynthesisofaGag-Pol precursor which contains RT sequences and are due to inappropriate PR activity. The formation of infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions requires the coordinated assembly of the viral internal structural proteins, replicative enzymes, envelope glycoproteins, and genomic viral RNA at the cell membrane. However, expression of the internal structural proteins alone is sufficient for the formation of noninfectious, membrane-enveloped particles which morphologically resemble HIV-1 virions (13). The internal structural proteins of the virion are encoded by the viralgaggene and are synthesized in
A Compact Separation Column For Hazardous Chemicals

This paper reports a miniaturized reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column for chemically hazardous molecules. The mini-column is designed to generate a phase delay for mixed sample molecules by the reverse-phase separation mechanism. The reverse-phase separation is performed by silica-based nano-pore beads (C-18) as stationary phase and a mixture of methanol and DI water as mobile phase. The C-18 beads are packed inside the compact chamber enclosed by a custom built PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) housing, equipped with microfluidic channels, inlet/outlet ports, and connectors. The mobile phase and target analytes are controlled by a syringe pump capable of manipulating two different flow rates using LabVIEW interface. The mini-column successfully separates two sample chemical molecules: acetaminophen and aspirin. The intensity ratio of two molecules decreases 35% from two different samples collecting at 3 and 8 min.
A Robust Learning Controller for Time-Varying Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems

A learning controller is proposed for nonstationary nonlinear discrete-time systems. It is shown that under the conditions given in the paper, this controller can drive the output to any desired trajectory and it is robust in the sense of bounded disturbance rejection.
Effects of dietary fatty acid composition from a high fat meal on satiety

The composition of fats within a high-fat (HF) meal may differentially affect hunger and satiety. Purpose: Compare HF meals rich in either monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), or saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on the satiety hormone, peptide YY (PYY), and subjective feelings of hunger and fullness. Methods: Fifteen normal weight women (18–45 year) were randomized in a crossover design to complete three study visits. The three treatments (three visits) were HF meals (70% of energy from fat) rich in MUFAs (42% of total energy), PUFAs (42% of total energy), or SFAs (45% of total energy). At each visit, subjects consumed a HF meal and eight blood draws were collected over a 5 h period. A visual analog scale (VAS) was completed at the same time as each blood draw for subjective feelings of hunger and fullness. Results: The postprandial PYY response (area under the curve) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for the MUFA-rich meal (MUFA: 534.5 ± 27.2 pg/mL/5 h) vs. the SFA-rich or PUFA-rich meals (SFA: 607.3 ± 51.6 pg/mL/5 h, PUFA: 633.1 ± 35.8 pg/mL/5 h). The SFA-rich meal elicited greater subjective feelings of fullness compared to MUFA- and PUFA-rich meals (288.1 ± 9.6 vs. 236.8 ± 7.9 and 220.9 ± 7.4 mm/5 h; p = 0.04, for 5 h AUC for SFA, MUFA, and PUFA, respectively). The only significant correlations between PYY levels and VAS measures were found with the SFA-rich meal. Conclusion: Our data shows that liquid meals rich in MUFAs may elicit a weaker satiety response based on PYY levels compared to liquid meals rich in PUFAs or SFAs in normal weight women.
Wind-induced error in the measurement of soil respiration using closed dynamic chambers

We assess errors in soil respiration fluxes of CO2 obtained using the closed dynamic chamber method. Particular attention is given to small pressure gradients between the chamber headspace and the external environment that may induce mass flow of soil air, leading to overestimation of soil respiration. These pressure gradients develop as air movement creates a Venturi effect at the vent that is designed to insure pressure equilibration, leading to aspiration of air from within the chamber. During field experiments at the Harvard Forest, the Venturi effect produced pressure gradients of approximately 1 Pa per 1 m s 1 for a chamber sealed to an impermeable plate, but no pressure gradient was observed in an identical system deployed on the forest soil. Mass flow of soil air compensated for the wind-driven pressure gradients, and increases in CO2 fluxes exceeding a factor of 2 were observed in response to wind events even under a dense forest canopy. The high porosity of forest soils allows pressure artifacts induced by winds or by sampling flows to perturb the diffusive flux from soils, potentially affecting virtually all chamber methods. Associated errors in soil respiration measurements must be addressed through chamber design and evaluation. # 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
The Role of Eddy Transfer in Setting the Stratification and Transport of a Circumpolar Current

Abstract High resolution numerical experiments of a circumpolar current are diagnosed to study how lateral and vertical transfer of buoyancy by geostrophic eddies balances advection by a meridional circulation driven by surface wind stresses and buoyancy fluxes. A theory is developed in the framework of the “residual circulation” to relate the vertical and horizontal stratification set up to the transfer properties of eddies and the patterns of imposed wind and buoyancy forcing. Simple expressions are found for the depth of penetration, stratification, baroclinic transport, and residual circulation of the current. Finally, the ideas are applied to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) and yield predictions for how its properties depend on wind and buoyancy forcing.
Deep learning-based goal recognition in open-ended digital games

While many open-ended digital games feature non-linear storylines and multiple solution paths, it is challenging for game developers to create effective game experiences in these settings due to the freedom given to the player. To address these challenges, goal recognition, a computational player-modeling task, has been investigated to enable digital games to dynamically predict players' goals. This paper presents a goal recognition framework based on stacked denoising autoencoders, a variant of deep learning. The learned goal recognition models, which are trained from a corpus of player interactions, not only offer improved performance, but also offer the substantial advantage of eliminating the need for labor-intensive feature engineering. An evaluation demonstrates that the deep learning-based goal recognition framework significantly outperforms the previous state-of-the-art goal recognition approach based on Markov logic networks.
National Security Challenges of the Philippines under the Aquino Administration: A Human Security Approach

What are the national security challenges facing the new administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III of the Philippines? This paper examines several primary documents and gives an account of the security environment in which the Philippines is situated. It also gives an overview of the national security policy framework that the Aquino Administration uses in responding to security challenges. The main findings are 1) the Philippines is beset by various global, regional, and domestic challenges; 2) these challenges are traditional and non-traditional in nature and thus taken comprehensively by the Philippines; and 3) the Philippines uses a human security approach to its national security concerns. This approach has been accepted by the armed and defense services as the means by which they will also implement their mandates. Such an approach is only a fulfillment of the Philippines’ own constitutional provision which identifies the people as the source of sovereignty. The human security approach however, needs to be further institutionalized through implementation and effective policy frameworks.
African American Women and HIV-Risk-Reduction Issues

AIDS has become a major health problem in African American women between the ages of 18 and 44, making it one of the five leading causes of death among African American women in the United States [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1992]. In New York and New Jersey, AIDS is already the number one cause of death among African American women ages 15–44 (Chu, Buehler, & Berkelman, 1990). Hence, African American women are disproportionately burdened by AIDS. Only 12% of the population in the United States is African American, yet 52% of women with AIDS are African American (CDC., 1991). For instance, through September 1993, there were 40,702 AIDS cases among women in the United States. Of these, 21,728 cases, or more than half, were African American women (CDC., 1993). It is estimated that over half of HIV-infected African American women (50%) are infected as a result of injection-drug use, and another 33% as a result of unprotected sex with HIV-infected partners (CDC., 1994). In addition, African American women are 9 times more likely to die from HIV infection than are white females (Department of Health and Human Services, 1992).
Functionalization of carbon dioxide and carbon disulfide using a stable uranium(III) alkyl complex.

A rare uranium(III) alkyl complex, Tp*(2)U(CH(2)Ph) (2) (Tp* = hydrotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate), was synthesized by salt metathesis from Tp*(2)UI (1) and KCH(2)Ph and fully characterized using (1)H NMR, infrared, and electronic absorption spectroscopies as well as X-ray crystallography. This complex has a uranium-carbon distance of 2.57(2) A, which is comparable to other uranium alkyls reported. Treating this compound with either carbon dioxide or carbon disulfide results in insertion into the uranium-carbon bond to generate Tp*(2)U(κ(2)-O(2)CCH(2)Ph) (3) and Tp*(2)U(SC(S)CH(2)Ph) (4), respectively. These species, characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray crystallography, feature new carboxylate and dithiocarboxylate ligands. Analysis by electronic absorption spectroscopy supports the trivalent oxidation state of the uranium center in both of these derivatives. Addition of trimethylsilylhalides (Me(3)SiX; X = Cl, I) to 3 results in the release of the free silyl ester, Me(3)SiOC(O)CH(2)Ph, forming the initial uranium monohalide species, Tp*(2)UX, which can then be used over multiple cycles for the functionalization of carbon dioxide.
Small-City Management Experience: Does It Matter for Getting and Keeping the Large-City Managerial Job?

Does small-city management experience ( 1 00,000 population), and does it help them to keep the large-city jobs? The answers to these questions are important for city managers planning a move to a larger city and for young professionals planning a career in city management. This study indicates that the large-city assistant city manager (ACM) position is the prevalent route for getting a large-city manager's position, while small-city experience by itself may have a negative influence on managers' job tenure in large cities. A career path combining both large-city ACM and small-city management experiences helps large-city managers keep their jobs.
Is surgical resection superior to transplantation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with either liver resection or transplantation. METHODS A retrospective, single-institution analysis of 413 HCC patients from 1999 to 2009. RESULTS A total of 413 patients with HCC underwent surgical resection (n = 106) and transplantation (n = 270) or were listed without receiving transplantation (n = 37). Excluding transplanted patients with incidental tumors (n = 50), 257 patients with suspected HCC were listed with the intent to transplant (ITT). The median diameter of the largest tumor by radiography was 6.0 cm in resected, 3.0 cm in transplanted, and 3.4 cm in the listed-but-not-transplanted patients. Median time to transplant was 48 days. Recurrence rates were 19.8% for resection and 12.1% for all ITT patients. Overall, patient survival for resection versus ITT patients was similar (5-year survival of 53.0% vs 52.0%, not significant). However, for HCC patients with model end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores less than 10 and who radiologically met Milan or UCSF (University of California, San Francisco) criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival rates were significantly improved in resected patients. For patients with MELD score less than 10 and who met Milan criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival were 92.0% and 63.0% for resection (n = 26) versus 83.0% and 41.0% for ITT (n = 73, P = 0.036). For those with MELD score less than 10 and met UCSF criteria, 1-year and 5-year survival was 94.0% and 62.0% for resection (n = 33) versus 81.0% and 40.0% for ITT (n = 78, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Among known HCC patients with preserved liver function, resection was associated with superior patient survival versus transplantation. These results suggest that surgical resection should remain the first line therapy for patients with HCC and compensated liver function who are candidates for resection.
Parmenides and The Need for Eternity

ly geometrical and in no way amount to a characterization of time as against space. The clearest indication that this proof is a formal exercise is the total absence of any refutation of perishing, even though the title and two statements of the conclusion mention both generation and perishing as if defeated by the same reasoning.16 Plainly the reader is left to supply the refutation of perishing himself, developing the symmetrical argument. In the process he is exercised to identify the principles it turns on, for they must be maintained unchanged. We will accept that challenge later on. But first we must spell out the structure of the side of the proof that we are given. The most economical way to introduce my interpretation is to imper sonate the missing interlocutor and recount the argument as a dialogue. An informal tone will help give the proper weight to the concrete images in the text on which I build. Thea, the goddess, will speak what I find in the text. Kouros, the lad, will provoke and thus help explain its strange transitions.17 THEA Let's take ?ungenerate? to start with. I say there is no birth* 6b What birth whould you seek for it?
Contaminant Robust Water Extraction from Lunar and Martian Soil for In Situ Resource Utilization - System Testing

Water has been identified on a number of planets and celestial bodies with the potential for future manned exploration, including Mars. Water is a crucial resource for any extended duration mission carrying humans. The ability to generate propellants and life support consumables from available water and other in-situ resources is vital to any mission success that does not solely rely on carrying full supplies from Earth. However, many of the water sources on extraterrestrial surfaces are assumed to be contaminated with compounds that are difficult to separate from water and are damaging to downstream processing equipment. A water clean-up system is key to the implementation of water extraction from planetary sources. An ionomer-membrane based Contaminant Robust In-situ Water Extractor (CRIWE) is currently being developed to clean water for in-situ processing. Various system architectures employing CRIWE technology for both Lunar and Martian environments in the context of water electrolysis were previously reported. A full-scale water extractor EDU based on a Martian architecture has since been developed. The EDU was tested at full-scale conditions. A contaminated water vapor stream was delivered to the EDU. The water vapor that transported across the membrane was collected as condensate and sent to a lab for analysis. Test results including extracted water purity and recovery rates are presented.
THE HAZARDOUS EFFECTS OF ANTIDUMPING

We investigate the extent to which antidumping actions eliminate trade altogether. Using quarterly 10-digit HS-level export data for products involved in U.S. antidumping cases we find that antidumping actions increase the hazard rate by more than 50%. We find strong evidence of investigation effects with the impact during the initiation and preliminary duty phases considerably larger than once final duties are imposed. There are also important differences with respect to the size of duties with cases with large duties experiencing very large investigation effects. We show the antidumping (AD)-affected countries are less likely to return to the market even after the AD order is removed. (JEL F13, F14)
Genomic Profile, Radiological and Clinical Features of IDH Wild-Type WHO Grades II and III Glioma (P5.254)

BACKGROUND: The majority of grades II-III gliomas harbors an IDH mutation, a known favorable prognostic marker. However, less is known about clinical and molecular characteristics of IDH wild-type (IDHwt) grades II-III gliomas, with some suggesting these tumors should be grouped with glioblastomas. METHODS: We reviewed patients with IDHwt WHO grades II-III gliomas undergoing next generation sequencing with the MSK-IMPACT assay, which provides full exon coverage of 410 cancer-related genes. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included; median age=54y (3-81y); grade II N=3; grade III N=21. Oligodendroglial features were seen in N=2, the remainder were astrocytoma variants. Although only one patient had gliomatosis cerebri, other 7 had highly infiltrative, unresectable tumors. Tumors involved primarily the temporal lobe in 17(71[percnt]) patients and deep structures in 13(54[percnt]). Thirteen (54[percnt]) demonstrated contrast enhancement; four(31[percnt]) had necrosis on imaging and 9/13(69[percnt]) showed hyperperfusion on DCE-MRI. The median PFS was 10m and median OS was 72m. TERT was the most commonly mutated gene(63[percnt]). The RTK/RAS/PI3K signaling pathway was disrupted in 18(75[percnt]), while the p53 and RB pathways were altered in 13(54[percnt]) patients each. There was no 1p/19q codeletion or CIC/FUBP1 mutation; two (8[percnt]) had ATRX mutation. A large variety of molecular signatures were observed, which in addition to glioblastoma-like signatures consisted of unusual findings such as pediatric glioma-like features arising in adults >50yo (N=2), as well as profiles atypical for gliomas (e.g., no specific mutation, with 1p and 3p loss, N=1). CONCLUSIONS: IDHwt grade II-III gliomas are highly heterogeneous, with varying imaging and molecular characteristics. As a whole, PFS and OS seemed more favorable than glioblastoma, but there was a wide spectrum of clinical presentation and outcomes. While confirming the distinct characteristics compared to IDH mutant tumors, our findings do not support grouping these patients with glioblastoma in clinical trials without proper stratification. Disclosure: Dr. Lin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brennan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Zehir has nothing to disclose. Dr. Berger has nothing to disclose. Dr. Solit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hyman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rosenblum has nothing to disclose. Dr. Huse has nothing to disclose. Dr. Omuro has received personal compensation for activities with Stemline, Novartis, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Zen and the Brain: The Path

The Path of Zen emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha: human suffering is rooted in our longings, loathings, and ignorance. Zen training evolves during years of a restrained lifestyle that includes regular meditation, close relations with an authentic teacher and a support group, and regular meditative retreats. The Path evolves through the superficial “quickenings” and absorptions into more advanced, extraordinary, alternate states of consciousness. These brief experiences, conveying successively deeper levels of insight-wisdom, are moments of “awakening,” of realizing the “way things really are.” They are states described (imperfectly) using such terms as kensho, satori, and Ultimate Pure Being. Rarely—and usually in a monastic context—do the deepest transformations proceed to the advanced level of genuine “sage wisdom.” This is an ongoing stage of enlightened traits.
MicroRNA Expression Shows Inflammatory Dysregulation and Tumor-Like Proliferative Responses in Joints of Patients With Postinfectious Lyme Arthritis.

Objective Lyme arthritis (LA) is caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi and usually resolves following spirochetal killing with antibiotics. However, in some patients, arthritis persists after antibiotic therapy. To provide insights into underlying pathogenic processes associated with antibiotic-refractory LA (postinfectious LA), we analyzed differences in microRNA (miRNA) expression between LA patients with active infection and those with postinfectious LA. Methods MicroRNA expression was assayed in synovial fluid (SF) from LA patients before and after oral and intravenous antibiotic therapy, and in synovial tissue obtained months after antibiotic therapy from patients with postinfectious LA. SF and tissue from patients with other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, were used for comparison. Results SF from LA patients during active infection had marked elevations of white blood cells, particularly polymorphonuclear leukocytes, accompanied by elevated levels of microRNA-223 (miR-223). In contrast, SF from postantibiotic LA patients contained greater percentages of lymphocytes and mononuclear cells. SF from postantibiotic LA patients also exhibited marked inflammatory (miR-146a, miR-155), wound repair (miR-142), and proliferative (miR-17–92) miRNA signatures, and higher levels of these miRNAs correlated with longer arthritis duration. Levels of miR-146a, miR-155, miR-142, miR-223, and miR-17–92 were also elevated in synovial tissue in late postinfectious LA, and levels of let-7a were reduced, similar to RA. Conclusion During active infection, miRNA expression in SF reflected an immune response associated with bacterial killing, while in postinfectious LA, miRNA expression in SF and synovial tissue reflected chronic inflammation, synovial proliferation, and breakdown of wound repair processes, showing that the nature of the arthritis was altered after spirochetal killing.
ANTIPLATELET THERAPY CHANGES FOR MI PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT ISCHEMIC EVENTS: INSIGHTS INTO CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE FROM THE TRANSLATE-ACS STUDY

Background: P2Y12 inhibitor therapy is recommended for 1 year post-MI, yet little guidance is provided on antiplatelet management for patients with recurrent ischemic events during that year. Methods: The TRANSLATE-ACS study enrolled 12,365 MI patients treated with PCI; we examined the 1,414
Agenda Crossover in the U.S. Congress

After handily winning his first two campaigns for reelection in 2008 and 2010, Representative Dean Heller (R-NV) began his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2011 among widespread speculation that he was interested in running for statewide office (Coolican and Mascaro 2009; Riley 2009). This speculation was not surprising given that, according to the Las Vegas Sun , in 2009 Heller had been courted by the Republican Party to challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for a seat in the Senate. Heller declined to challenge Reid, opting to run for reelection to the House in 2010. Heller's decision not to challenge Reid was, perhaps, due in part to John Ensign (R-NV), the other senator from Nevada, publicly admitting to a extramarital affair with a campaign staffer in 2009. Although Ensign would not announce his intent to retire at the conclusion of his term until March 2011, it is likely that Heller saw the writing on the wall for Ensign even back in 2009. At the very least, Ensign's admission of the affair back in 2009 gave Heller the possibility of running for statewide office without having to challenge the Senate's Majority Leader. However, if Heller was going to make a successful bid for the Senate, he needed to expand his constituency. Heller's congressional district, the second district of Nevada, is traditionally the most conservative of the districts in the state. Heller's district never elected a Democrat to the U.S. House nor had a majority vote for the Democratic nominee for president. For Heller to win statewide office he needed to broaden his appeal, especially in the southern tip of Nevada – an area including Las Vegas – which voted for Barack Obama over John McCain by a sixty-four to thirty-four margin in 2008. Perhaps recognizing the importance of expanding his constituency to gain statewide appeal, in July 2010 Heller introduced a green energy bill in the House, H.R. 5735, The Clean Energy, Community Investment, and Wildlife Conservation Act. The bill requires the secretary of the interior “to establish a wind and solar leasing plot program for land administered by the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service.”
THE EFFECTS OF THE ALKALOID SCOPOLAMINE ON THE PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR OF TWO CATERPILLAR SPECIES.

Plants have evolved many defenses against insect herbivores, including numerous chemicals that can reduce herbivore growth, performance, and fitness. One group of chemicals, the tropane alkaloids, is commonly found in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) and has been thought to reduce performance and fitness in insects. We examined the effects of the tropane alkaloid scopolamine, an alkaloid constituent of Datura wrightii, which is the most frequent host plant for the abundant and widespread insect herbivore Manduca sexta in the southwestern United States. We exposed caterpillars of two different species to scopolamine: M. sexta, which has a shared evolutionary history with Datura and other solanaceous plants, and Galleria mellonella, which does not. We showed that the addition of ecologically realistic levels of scopolamine to both the diet and the hemolymph of these two caterpillar species (M. sexta and G. mellonella) had no effect on the growth of either species. We also showed that M. sexta has no behavioral preference for or against scopolamine incorporated into an artificial diet. These results are contrary to other work showing marked differences in performance for other insect species when exposed to scopolamine, and provide evidence that scopolamine might not provide the broad-spectrum herbivore resistance typically attributed to it. It also helps to clarify the coevolutionary relationship between M. sexta and one of its main host plants, as well as the physiological mechanism of resistance against scopolamine.
Profitability of irrigation and value of water in Oklahoma and Texas agriculture

ABSTRACTThis article evaluates profitability of irrigated versus non-irrigated agricultural production of major crops (corn, cotton, wheat, soybeans, sorghum) in 2010 (a wet year) and 2011 (an exceptional drought year) in Oklahoma and Texas. It also estimates the economic value of water for agricultural production in both states to answer the question of added value generated with irrigation. Answering those questions is critical in the face of exceptional and severe droughts affecting Oklahoma and Texas in the past decade, in addition to steeply declining groundwater resources in the Ogalalla Aquifer. The results can help with designing mitigation and adaptation measures to water scarcity.
Multiple Linear Regression

In the previous chapter, we discussed situations where we had only one independent variable (X ) and evaluated its relationship with a dependent variable (Y ). This chapter goes beyond that and deals with the analysis of situations where we have more than one X (predictor) variable, using a technique called multiple regression. Similarly to simple regression, the objective here is to specify mathematical models that can describe the relationship between Y and more than one X and that can be used to predict the outcome at given values of the predictors. As we did in Chap. 14, we focus on linear models.
Effect of capping layer on formation and magnetic properties of MnBi thin films

We report on the effect of varied capping layers on the formation of thin film MnBi, and the associated magnetic and crystalline properties for use in magnetic memory. MnBi thin films with a capping layer of either Ta, SiO2, Cr, or Au were grown, and it was observed that the magnetic properties vary significantly depending on the capping layer. Continuous 20 nm MnBi thin films capped with Ta and SiO2 show ferromagnetism with large perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy, however, films capped with Cr and Au show no ferromagnetic behavior. In this work, MnBi thin films have been characterized utilizing magnetization vs. field, x-ray diffraction, cross-section transmission electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. We show that the capping layer plays a significant role in the formation of the low temperature phase MnBi structure and propose that the underlying cause is due to a surface energy difference for the MnBi//Au and MnBi//Cr interface, which allows for Mn oxidation, and prevents the formation...
Time-series InSAR analysis of Cascade landslide complex, Washington, USA

Detection of slow landslide movement in forested terrains has long been problematic, particularly for Cascade landslide complex in Washington, USA. Although parts of the landslide have been found reactivated, the timing and magnitude of landslide motions have not been systematically monitored. Here we apply time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) strategies to map the landslide movement using two overlapping L-band ALOS-1 PALSAR-1 tracks. Our results show that the reactivated part of the landslide moved ∼700 mm downslope between 2007 and 2011. The seasonal oscillations are correlated with precipitation records, suggesting the landslide motions are hydrologically driven. The temporal frequency of landslide motions is similar to that of GPS-derived regional ground oscillations but the former has much larger magnitude, suggesting stronger hydrological loading effects. Analysis of time-series radar amplitude on the headscarp allows us to re-evaluate the incipient motion of 2008 Greenleaf Basin rock avalanche.
Continuously differentiable PIC shape functions for triangular meshes

Abstract A new class of continuously-differentiable shape functions is developed and applied to two-dimensional electrostatic PIC simulation on an unstructured simplex (triangle) mesh. It is shown that troublesome aliasing instabilities are avoided for cold plasma simulation in which the Debye length is as small as 0.01 cell sizes. These new shape functions satisfy all requirements for PIC particle shape. They are non-negative, have compact support, and partition unity. They are given explicitly by cubic expressions in the usual triangle logical (areal) coordinates. The shape functions are not finite elements because their structure depends on the topology of the mesh, in particular, the number of triangles neighboring each mesh vertex. Nevertheless, they may be useful as approximations to solution of other problems in which continuity of derivatives is required or desired.
TRANSCATHETER VERSUS SURGICAL VALVE REPLACEMENT IN NON-ELDERLY (AGE LESS THAN 65): IN-HOSPITAL OUTCOMES FROM THE NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE

Comparative outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in non-elderly patients are scarce. We queried the data from National Inpatient Sample 2011-2014 for patients aged over 18 and under 65 who underwent transarterial TAVR and
Women’s Health Reforms in Japan at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

By focusing on women’s health reforms, this chapter discusses the ways that women’s bodies were colonized by the encroachment of modern bio-power. The Japanese state sought in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to bolster its national strength through the health of the women who would bear the next generation of Japanese men and women. Women’s bodies became an object of scientific study and reform. Medical researchers scrutinized Japanese women’s bodies through the taxonomies of sex and race. They attempted to recreate women’s bodies by introducing physical education and reformed clothes. The adoption of health science in women’s education reshaped their understanding of their own bodies—colonizing them from the inside out—but women, at times, resisted the imposition of new health regimens and reformed fashion.
Phoma Leaf Spot Susceptibility and Horticultural Characteristics of Table Beet Cultivars in New York

Phoma leaf spot (PLS), caused by Phoma betae (syn. Neocamarosporium betae), is an important fungal disease affecting table beet (Beta vulgaris L. subsp. vulgaris) production in New York. PLS lesion...
Influence of cure parameters in polymer matrix composites using embedded optical fibers

The influence of cure processing parameters was investigated using strain distributions from embedded optical fibers. The determination of optimized cure parameters is often needed to achieve mater...
Towards Robust and Scalable Power System State Estimation

Power system state estimation is an important instance of data-driven decision making in power systems. Yet due to the nonconvexity of the problem, existing approaches based on local search methods are susceptible to spurious local minima. In this study, we propose a linear basis of representation that succinctly captures the topology of the network and enables an efficient two-stage estimation method when the amount of measured data is not too low. Furthermore, we develop a robustness metric called "mutual incoherence," which provides robustness guarantees in the presence of bad data. The proposed method demonstrates superior performance over existing methods in terms of both estimation accuracy and bad data detection for an array of benchmark systems. This technique is shown to be scalable to large systems with more than 13,000 nodes and can achieve an accurate estimation within a minute.
Lepidopteran Cell Lines: Tools for Research in Physiology, Development, and Genetics

Publisher Summary Great interest in research on insects by developmental and molecular biologists has provided an eager clientele for advances in tissue culture with insect species. One approach to the control of lepidopteran pest species is the use of targeted microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria. Insects are defined by their exoskeleton morphologically, developmentally, and physiologically. Despite a substantial interest in the establishment of cell lines from specialized tissues, early efforts in this regard had little or no success. The characterization of insect cell lines so that they can be readily distinguished from each other has been problematic. Considerable attention has been devoted to investigations of the mode of action of inhibitors of chitin synthesis because of the potential significance of such chemicals for the control of insect pests.
Digital inclusion and parity: Implications for community development

This paper introduces the concept of digital parity – similar levels of connectivity, devices, and skills between groups – that can lead to more digital inclusive communities. Utilizing a household...
BPFs with parametrically compensated passband insertion loss and selectivity

A new technique is proposed to improve the passband selectivity (equivalently, the compensation bandwidth) for loss-compensated bandpass filters (BPFs) that make use of the negative-resistance parametric amplification effect. The key principle of this technique is to control the resonator-to-resonator coupling properly at two selected frequencies. Theoretically, the passband response of a lossy filter can be recovered to that of the lossless case. A prototype third-order filter with a fractional bandwidth of 8% has been designed and implemented to demonstrate the idea.
3 Stars on Yelp, 4 Stars on Google Maps: A Cross-Platform Examination of Restaurant Ratings

Even though a restaurant may receive different ratings across review platforms, people often see only one rating during a local search (e.g. 'best burgers near me'). In this paper, we examine the differences in ratings between two commonly used review platforms-Google Maps and Yelp. We found that restaurant ratings on Google Maps are, on average, 0.7 stars higher than those on Yelp, with the increase being driven in large part by higher ratings for chain restaurants on Google Maps. We also found extensive diversity i¬¬n top-ranked restaurants by geographic region across platforms. For example, for a given metropolitan area, there exists little overlap in its top ten lists of restaurants on Google Maps and Yelp. Our results problematize the use of a single review platform in local search and have implications for end users of ratings and local search technologies. We outline concrete design recommendations to improve communication of restaurant evaluation and discuss the potential causes for the divergence we observed.
Predictive Maintenance on Aircraft and Applications with Digital Twin

The concept of predictive maintenance in aiding the manufacturing and operation of equipment is moving several industries forward, allowing for a more detailed description and justification of maintenance routines. This paper provides several methods of describing the remaining useful life of given parts for aircraft maintenance through two separate aircraft data sets. It is then shown how these results, in conjunction with a digital twin model, can be used to aid in designing a sufficiently stable supply chain and maintenance strategy.
Elemental composition of indoor and outdoor coarse particulate matter at an inner-city high school

Abstract Paired PM10 and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) samples were collected indoor and outdoor at a fully mechanically ventilated high school in the ultraindustrialized ship channel region of Houston, Texas over a two-month period. The primary foci of this research are to measure the elemental composition of ambient outdoor and indoor coarse particulate matter (PM10-2.5), characterize aerosol infiltration/ventilation, and obtain clues to their origins. Several metallic hazardous air pollutants were detected inside the school but at concentrations lower than even the most rigorous indoor air quality benchmarks. Only chromium may have potentially posed a hazard based on indoor air quality standards set by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) mass abundance ratios for some metals (Li, Be, Si, Ti, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Zr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hf, and Pb) were significantly greater than 1 in PM10-2.5, suggesting corresponding indoor sources in the PM10-2.5 size range. Some other metals (Al, K, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Yb, and U) in PM10-2.5 had I/O ratios close to one suggesting they had predominantly outdoor origins. Enrichment factors of several metals including light rare earths (e.g. Cu, Sb, Pb, Mo, Cd, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and Sm) with respect to local soil were overall the highest both indoors and outdoors, illustrating their anthropogenic origins. Several lines of evidence including light lanthanoid ratios, simultaneous La–Ce-Sm variations (ternary diagrams), and correlations with cracking catalysts indicated that petroleum refineries are principally responsible for the elevated lanthanoid concentrations. Rare earth element analysis revealed shifts between transient catalyst releases from petroleum refining operations and windblown soil resuspension as their dominant sources.