cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optically Transparent Glass Fiber Reinforced Poly(methylmethacrylate) Laminates

Transparent composites have been made at the University of Missouri-Rolla, USA. The refractive index of optical glass fibers was adjusted to match the refractive index of poly(methyl methacrylate) for the middle of the visible spectrum at 25 °C. A 1.5 mm thick composite made in this manner containing 8% glass fiber has 80% transmission and forms clear images of distant objects. Dissimilar thermooptic coefficients (dn/dT) between the glass and PMMA cause a decrease in transmission as a function of temperature change. However there is good transmission of light over a broad temperature range (approx. ±25 °C from the temperature at which the refractive index was matched between the glass and the PMMA). These composites are made by two processes: a polymerized in place method, and by hot pressing glass fiber/PMMA prepregs to form laminates. The hot pressing process allows fiber to be placed on the surfaces of a cast sheet of PMMA core. Since bending stresses occur at or near the surfaces this results in increased strength with less fiber and therefore a more highly transparent composite.
Limit-cycle oscillations in floating-point digital filters

In a digital filter realized with fixed-point arithmetic, there is a peculiar phenomenon known as limit-cycle oscillation, which is due to roundoff errors. For floating-point arithmetic, it has been conjectured that its amplitude is negligibly small, if it does exist. This paper shows that limit-cycle oscillations can exist in floating-point digital filters and that their amplitude can be large. Also, conditions for the existence of limit-cycle oscillations are derived.
Should he stay or should he go: male influence on offspring sex ratio via postcopulatory attendance

In species without nuptial gifts or parental care, postcopulatory attendance of females by males has generally been interpreted as males guarding against sperm competition. Guarding benefits may be concurrent with attendance (the guarding-now hypothesis), or male behavior during attendance may make the female unreceptive (the guarding in absentia hypothesis). However, in addition to guarding functions, attendance may provide the male with an opportunity to influence the female's use of sperm. In haplodiploids such as hymenopterans, doing so may be beneficial because only daughters and not sons are produced sexually and so influence male reproductive success (the sex ratio hypothesis). In the parasitoid wasp Urolepis rufipes, postcopulatory attendance involved the male remaining mounted after copulation and resuming courtship. Support for the guarding-now hypothesis was limited. A male's presence on a female did not reduce the probability, or quickness, of another male mounting, and second-mounted males frequently copulated. The guarding in absentia hypothesis was not supported. Females became unreceptive soon after mating even when copulation and postcopulatory attendance were experimentally prevented. The sex ratio hypothesis was supported. Postcopulatory attendance caused females to produce more daughters. They also produced more total offspring. Thus, a male should stay and should not go even in the absence of other males, at least when opportunities for other matings are absent as in the present study. Although most studies of offspring sex ratios have focused on maternal control, this study provides an example of apparently adaptive male influence on sex ratio.
Reduced graphene oxide molecular sensors.

We demonstrate reduced graphene oxide as the active material for high-performance molecular sensors. Sensors are fabricated from exfoliated graphene oxide platelets that are deposited to form an ultrathin continuous network. These graphene oxide networks are tunably reduced toward graphene by varying the exposure time to a hydrazine hydrate vapor. The conductance change of the networks upon exposure to trace levels of vapor is measured as a function of the chemical reduction. The level of reduction affects both the sensitivity and the level of 1/f noise. The sensors are capable of detecting 10 s exposures to simulants of the three main classes of chemical-warfare agents and an explosive at parts-per-billion concentrations.
Children with Reading Disabilities: Does Dynamic Assessment Help in the Classification?

This study was conducted to determine whether the cognitive performance of reading disabled and poor readers can be separated under dynamic assessment procedures, and whether measures related to dynamic assessment add unique variance, beyond IQ, in predicting reading achievement scores. The sample consisted of 70 children (39 females and 31 males). Within this sample four groups of children were compared: children with reading disabilities (n=12), children with math/reading disabili- ties (n=19), poor readers (n=14), and skilled readers (n=25). Intelligence, reading and math tests, and verbal working memory (WM) measures were administered (presented under static and dynamic testing conditions). Two important findings emerged: (a) hierarchical regression analyses found that a dynamic assess- ment measure factor score contributed unique variance to pre- dicting reading and mathematics, beyond what is attributed to verbal IQ and initial scores related to WM; and (b) poor readers and skilled readers were more likely to change and maintain their WM score gained under the dynamic testing conditions than children with reading disabilities or children with a combination of math/reading disabilities. Implications for a valid classification of reading disabilities are discussed.
TEXTURED soy PROTEINS FOR USE IN BLENDED GROUND BEEF PATTIES

Three experiments were conducted in which ground beef patties were prepared to contain 20 or 30% fat and O-50% of rehydrated textured soy protein (TSP). Among patties with 20% fat, those with 20, 25 or 30% of a reference soy protein (TSP I) were desirable in appearance on the first day of retail display; among patties with 30% fat only those with 20% soy protein (TSP I) were desirable in appearance on day-l of retail display. Comparison of 7 brands of textured soy protein (TSP Ill through TSP IX) revealed differences among blended beef patties in cooking loss, appearance and palatability traits. Not all soy products that were available for these tests were of equal efficacy for use in blended ground beef patties. Selection of an appropriate soy protein can overcome deficiencies in appearance, can materially reduce cooking shrinkage and can be used without significantly detracting from the palatability of cooked beef patties. The choice of a specific soy protein for use in blended-beef patties should be predicated upon organoleptic evaluation of the products under consideration and knowledge of intended form of sale (cooked vs raw). If the product is to be sold in cooked form, the fat percentage should exceed 20% to optimize flavor desirability and overall palatability. If the product is to be sold at retail in the raw form, the combined proportion of fat plus textured soy protein should not exceed 50% of the final batch composition.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in young (≤ 55 years) patients: a comprehensive analysis of prognostic factors and outcomes.

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of younger (≤55 years) patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the era of modern prognostic biomarkers and chemoimmunotherapy are not well understood. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia ≤55 years who were seen at the Mayo Clinic between January 1995 and April 2012 were compared with those of patients >55 years. The overall survival of patients ≤55 years was compared to that of the age- and sex-matched normal population. The characteristics of 844 newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients ≤55 years old (median, 50 years) were compared to those of 2324 patients >55 years old (median, 67 years). Younger patients were more likely to have Rai stage I or II disease (P 55 years old, their survival relative to the age- and sex-matched normal population is profoundly shortened.
Disasters as Crisis Triggers for Critical Junctures? The 1976 Guatemala Case

This article focuses on the 1976 Guatemala earthquake disaster as a possible crisis trigger, in a relatively strict application of the critical juncture analytical approach. It expands to include the broader question of what conditions might cause disasters to trigger crises that open critical junctures for nation-states. The research concludes that the 1976 Guatemala disaster led to a high degree of community self-organizing and alliance-building across Guatemala, which the Guatemalan national security state at that time perceived as a fundamental crisis requiring a response. This reaction generated significant debate and policy conflict within the state; the resulting decision was massively repressive violence, with legacies that continue to this day. Another conclusion is that strictly applied, critical juncture analysis can untangle often very complicated disaster postimpact emergency, recovery, and reconstruction situations.
A Proposed Methodology for Strain-Based Failure Criteria

This paper proposes an alternative methodology to determine the failure criteria for use in dynamic simulations of radioactive material shipping packages in the events of hypothetical accident conditions. The current stress failure criteria defined in the Nuclear Regulatory Guide 7.6 [1] and the ASME Code, Section III, Appendix F [2] for Level D Service Loads are based on the ultimate strength of uniaxial tensile test specimen rather than on the material fracture in the state of multi-axial stresses. On the other hand, the proposed strain-based failure criteria are directly related to the material failure mechanisms in multi-axial stresses. In addition, unlike the stress-based criteria, the strain-based failure criteria are applicable to the evaluation of cumulative damages caused by the sequential loads in the hypothetical accident events as required by the Nuclear Regulatory Guide 7.8 [4].
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Therapy Reduces Failure and Recurrence in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Skin Abscesses after Surgical Drainage

Objective To determine whether a 3-day vs 10-day course of antibiotics after surgical drainage of skin abscesses is associated with different failure and recurrence rates. Study design Patients age 3 months to 17 years seeking care at a pediatric emergency department with an uncomplicated skin abscess that required surgical drainage were randomized to receive 3 or 10 days of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy. Patients were evaluated 10-14 days later to assess clinical outcome. Patients were followed for 6 months to determine the cumulative rate of recurrent skin infections. Results Among the 249 patients who were enrolled, 87% of wound cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus ( S aureus ) (55% methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA], 32% methicillin-sensitive S aureus ), 11% other organisms, and 2% no growth. Thirteen patients experienced treatment failure. Among all patients, no significant difference in failure rates between the 3- and 10-day treatment groups was found. After we stratified patients by the infecting organism, only patients with MRSA infection were more likely to experience treatment failure in the 3-day group than the 10-day group ( P = .03, rate difference 10.1%, 95% CI 2.1%-18.2%) Recurrent infection within 1 month of surgical drainage was more likely in patients infected with MRSA who received 3 days of antibiotics. ( P = .046, rate difference 10.3%, 95% CI 0.8%-19.9%). Conclusion Patients with MRSA skin abscesses are more likely to experience treatment failure and recurrent skin infection if given 3 rather than 10 days of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole after surgical drainage. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02024867.
Using Semiotics to Teach Rational Numbers to Prospective Elementary School Teachers

Prospective elementary mathematics teachers should be able to understand how their future students understand number concepts. A difficult concept is that of rational numbers. Rational numbers often have complicated means of representation, signifiers and signifieds, making them difficult for students to understand and teach. In this paper, we describe how one teacher integrates a theory of semiotics when instructing prospective elementary school teachers about rational numbers. We propose that by teaching prospective teachers about semiotics, connections between signs and units are made explicit and prospective teachers will be more equipped to approach the instruction of rational numbers to future students.
USE OF MAXIMUM ENTROPY IN ESTIMATING THE DAMAGE DISTRIBUTION OF A SINGLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM SYSTEM SUBJECTED TO RANDOM LOADING

Principle of maximum entropy is used t o predict the probability distribution function of damage of a single degree of freedom system subjected t o narrowband Gaussian excitation. Palmgren-Miner hypothesis is used for the fatigue failure criterion. From the probability distribution functions obtained, reliability of the vibrating system is derived as a function of the expected number of cycles up t o any finite arbitrary t i m e T . It is assumed that the expected value of damage and the variance of damage can be obtained from Miles' and Mark's work. It is shown that at any finite t i m e T I the damage has a Gaussian distribution.
Effects of Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of 3Y-TZP/Ba-M Type Ferrite Composite

The present work focused on developping textile microstructure and improving magnetic properties of the 3Y-ZrO2/Ba-hexaferrite composite by post-plastic deformation. In summary, A 3Y-ZrO2/Ba-hexaferrite composite has been fabricated by powder metallurgical processes. Because BaFe12O19 particles behave like "small magnets", agglomerated particles (5 to 10μm) were observed in the composite. However, they homogeneously dispersed in the TZP matrix from a macroscopic viewpoint.The deformation mechanism of the composite at 1200-1300° was very likely associated with the dislocation motion of the relatively large hexaferrite particles. The composite had sufficient deformability at low flow stress.Post-plastic deformation on the composite improved both saturation magnetization and coercivity, probably due to the alignment of the hexaferrite platelet particles. In order to obtain good magnetic properties for magnetic-particlesdispersed composites, the post-plastic deformation can be a new complemental technique to the conventional slurry pressing under the magnetic field.
Surveillance on six foodborne pathogens in raw meat in Shenzhen

Objective To investigate and identify the contamination of main foodborne pathogens in Shenzhen, and provide a scientific basis for the prevention of foodborne disease and food safety warning. Methods A collection of 576 raw meat samples was obtained from supermarkets and farmers′ market in Shenzhen using GB method and analyzed by automated microbiology analyzer. Results Among 576 samples, 198(34.38%) pathogens strains were detected. In which, 105 isolates were Salmonella spp. 60 isolates were Staphylococcus aureus; 30 isolates were Listeria monocytogenes; 3 isolates were Campylobacter jejuni. Shigella and Escherichia coli O157∶ H7 were not detected. In 312 poultry samples, 70(22.44%) pathogens strains were detected. Among 264 livestock meat samples, 128(48.48%) pathogens strains were detected. Conclusion The status of contamination of raw meat by bacterial pathogens was severe in Shenzhen, in which were mainly contaminated by Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. Therefore, preventive measures should be strengthened to ensure the food quality and health of consumers.
Preliminary experience of single-port multiple-channel transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy

Objective:To briefly discuss the preliminary application and experience of single-port multiple-channel transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy.Methods:The transumbilical single-port multiple-channel laparoscopic-assisted Meckel's diverticulectomy was performed on 33 patients.Results:The operation was performed successfully in all cases.The mean opration time was(35~110min),the mean length of incision was(2.1~3.3cm),the mean flatus defecation time was 27.2h(22~38h),and the mean postoperative hospital stay was(4~5 d).No complications occurred and the therapy was srtisfactory.Conclusion:This new method is a safe and effective procedure with advantages of less trauma and more cosmetic benefit,and is of a fine clinical applicational prospect.
Facilities for Measuring (n,z) Reactions

Reactions of the type (n,z), where z denotes an outgoing charged particle, are quite difficult to study. If the charged particle is to be detected, a thin target is usually required, making the signal small compared to the background.
Emtricitabine/tenofovir (Truvada) for HIV prophylaxis.

When used with a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy, emtricitabine/tenofovir effectively prevents HIV-1 infection in high-risk patients. Adherence to daily dosing is important to maintain protection. The cost of therapy may limit access, and not all insurance companies currently cover its use for HIV prophylaxis.
Expectations and fulfillment of course engagement, gained skills, and non-academic usage of college students utilizing tablets in an undergraduate skills course

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to compare the expectations and fulfillment of undergraduate students enrolled in a skills class that utilized iPads in the classroom. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to students at the beginning and end of the semester. A series of t-tests (n = 78) showed the tablet did not meet their expectations in terms of course engagement and benefits/skills they anticipated receiving from class activities and coursework. However, their non-academic use of the iPad, for both entertainment and social media purposes, was higher than they predicted. The qualitative portion of the study resulted in three themes: acceptance of tablet technology, student excitement and engagement, and how teacher preparation and proficiency with the technology affects classroom usage. This study suggests a need for teacher training in application selection and ample in-class device usage.
Optimal Filtering for Grid Event Detection from Real-time Synchrophasor Data

Abstract This paper shows the use of optimal filter estimation for real-time data processing to automatically detect dynamic transient effects in phasor data produced in a synchrophasor vector processing systems. The optimal filters are estimated on the basis of phasor data where no disturbances are present and the estimation problem is formulated as a least squares optimization. Event detection bounds are computed from variance estimates and events are detected by formulating conditions on the number of consecutive samples for which the filtered phasor signals are outside of the bounds. Event detection is illustrated on the phasor data obtained from a microPMU system developed by Power Standards Lab.
Perspectives on the Atmosphere

The most striking aspect of the development of atmospheric research over the last decade has been the widening interest in problems relating to climate on all time- and space-scales. This is reflected in the increased number of scientific journals publishing climate research studies and of specialised textbooks. The topics of interest range from questions of mesometeorological and topoclimatic scale (urban climates and mountain/valley circulations) to global problems concerning increases in atmospheric aerosols, trace gases and CO2; from historical impacts of climate on society, to possible human-induced desertification effects on climate and ‘nuclear winter’ scenarios; and from observational studies of climate variability to paleoclimatic reconstructions using numerical climate models. The roots of this revitalisation of climatology can be traced to the Global Atmospheric Research Programme (GARP) of the World Meteorological Organisation (see their Publication No. 16 of 1975). A report prepared in conjunction with the GARP focused on the physical basis of climate and climate change. It documented the nature and scope of ‘the climate system’ which encompasses not only the atmosphere but also the oceans, biosphere, cryosphere and lithosphere. Factors internal to this system produce weather and climate variability on an interannual time-scale, while other factors external to it may account for longer term changes in climate.
Reducing NoC and Memory Contention for Manycores

Platforms consisting of many computing cores have become the mainstream in high performance computing, general purpose-computing and, lately, embedded systems. Such systems provide increased processing power and system availability, but often impose latencies and contention for memory accesses as multiple cores try to reference data at the same time. This may result in sub-optimal performance unless special allocation policies are employed. On a multi-processor board with 50 or more processing cores, the NoC Network On Chip adds to this challenge. This work evaluates the impact of bank-aware and controller-aware allocation on NoC contention. Experiments show that targeted memory allocation results in reduced execution times and NoC contention, the latter of which has not been studied before at this scale.
Dysregulation Of Cyclin D1 Or Activation Of KRAS Accelerate The Development Of Monoclonal Gammopathy and Cooperate To Cause Its Progression

We have previously proposed the dysregulation of the D type cyclins by chromosome translocations to the IgH locus or by not fully characterized mechanisms in hyperdyploid patients as a unifying genetic event in the pathogenesis of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Uncertain Significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM). However, no experimental data are available to evaluate the direct consequences of cyclin Ds overexpression in plasma cells. Similarly, activating mutations of KRAS have been identified in 15% of MM patients, but never in MGUS, and have been proposed to contribute to the progression of MGUS to MM, but this hypothesis has never been experimentally validated. We evaluated the contribution of CyclinD1 and KRAS to the development and progression of monoclonal gammopathy (MG) that develops spontaneously in C57BL/6 mice. We aged a cohort of EuCCND1 mice, and lslKRASV12 mice crossed to three different CRE expressing mice: IgG1CRE, CD19CRE or Vk* CRE (KRAS/CRE). A cohort of Vk* MYC mice, Vk* MYC x EuCCND1 (MYC/CD1) and triple transgenic mice (CD1/KRAS/CRE) was also analyzed. Mice were bled every 10 weeks beginning at 30 weeks, and the presence of MG was evaluated by serum protein electrophoresis. The median Time To M-Spike (mTTS) detection was 97 weeks in C57Bl/6, 63w in EuCCND1, 54w in KRAS/CRE, 54w in Vk* MYC, 38w in CD1/KRAS/CRE and 36w in MYC/CD1 mice. This indicates that acceleration of the development of MG occurs in all these strain of mice. However, we noticed that the spontaneous MG in C57BL/6 wt, EuCCND1 or KRAS/CRE rarely progresses (as determined by detection of a M-spike >7 g/L), while in the other mouse strains it frequently progresses, with a mTTS >7 g/L around 65w. A clear progression of MGUS to MM was observed only in Vk* MYC mice, and was further accelerated in MYC/CD1 mice, which are characterized by extra-medullary disease and shorter overall survival. In conclusion, these data support our hypothesis that Cyclin Ds dysregulation in plasma cells is the initial transformation step leading to MGUS. Further oncogenic events, like activating mutations of KRAS are required to expand the monoclonal plasma cells. Among the oncogenes examined MYC provides the greatest acceleration of the MG in wildtype and EuCCND1 mice, and results in a disease with the malignant features of MM. ![Graphic][1] Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Pulled-in-two syndrome: a multicenter survey of risk factors, management and outcomes.

Background Pulled-in-two syndrome (PITS) is a serious complication of strabismus surgery that occurs when an extraocular muscle ruptures under tension. The purpose of this study was to establish a database of PITS patients to identify risk factors and management of PITS. Methods Strabismus surgeons from around the world contributed cases of PITS through an online survey. Risk factors, management, and outcomes were identified. Results A total of 40 cases of PITS from 29 physicians in 6 countries were collected. The most commonly involved muscles were the medial rectus (18/40 [45%]) and the inferior rectus (17/40 [43%]). The most commonly identified risk factors were previous ocular surgery (11/40 [28%]) and cranial nerve palsy (11/40 [28%]). Advanced age was also a significant risk factor, with 28/40 (70%) of reported patients being ≥50 years of age. In most cases the muscle was found and reattached to the globe (28/40 [70%]). The muscle was lost in 12 cases (30%). Half of these patients received a transposition surgery; the other half were followed by observation. Conclusions Our data suggests that strabismus surgeons might encounter one case of PITS approximately every 10 years. Major risk factors for PITS appear to be changes in the extraocular muscle due to cranial nerve palsy, prior surgery, and advancing age. The preferred management for PITS is surgical recovery and reattachment of the muscle; however, if the muscle is lost, transposition surgery or observation are common forms of management.
Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Counselor Characteristics and Session Variables

Mindfulness has garnered interest as a counselor development tool for enhancing the therapeutic relationship and increasing counselor trainee effectiveness, yet empirical study of counselor mindfulness is limited. A study of the relationship between mindfulness and client perceived empathy among 55 client-counselor trainee dyads is reported. The relationships between counselor trainee mindfulness, self-compassion and ambiguity tolerance, experiential avoidance, and session depth were also examined in this exploratory study. Counselor trainee mindfulness was associated with client perceived empathy and both mindfulness and self-compassion were associated with lower experiential avoidance and greater session depth as rated by the counselor trainee. Self compassion was positively related to tolerance for ambiguity. Implications for counselors, educators, and supervisors and suggestions for practical application of mindfulness for counselor development are discussed.
Research meets practice: Holding off and holding on

At the recent CLTA-S2 conference, a spirited debate occurred between critics of second language acquisition (SLA) research and researchers who embraced it. Fascinating as it was, neither camp appeared to have convinced the other, but, more important, the debate left much of the audience flummoxed. In this paper, I intend to provide a follow-up, attempting to clarify a) the relationship between research and teaching in the context of Chinese as a second language (CSL), b) misunderstandings on the part of critics over research findings, and c) potential pitfalls in interpreting the SLA literature. My goal is to encourage, as well as contribute to, further communication between the two camps, for the ultimate good of CSL instruction and learning.
Topical 0.25% desoximetasone spray efficacy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Traditionally, ointments were the vehicle of choice for psoriasis. Poor adherence of traditional vehicles limits the use of topical corticosteroids. Alternative formulations have gained...
Tumor necrosis factor-α levels and non-surgical bleeding in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices.

Background Non-surgical bleeding (NSB) due to angiodysplasia is common in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Thrombin-induced angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) expression in LVAD patients leads to altered angiogenesis and is associated with lower angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and increased NSB. However, the mechanism for decreased Ang-1, made by pericytes, is unknown and the origin of thrombin in LVAD patients is unclear. We hypothesized that high tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in LVAD patients induce pericyte apoptosis, tissue factor (TF) expression and vascular instability. Methods We incubated cultured pericytes with serum from patients with heart failure (HF), LVAD or orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), with or without TNF-α blockade. We performed several measurements: Ang-1 expression was assessed by reverse transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and pericyte death fluorescently; TF expression was assessed by RT-PCR in cultured endothelial cells incubated with patient plasma with or without TNF-α blockade; and TF expression was assessed in endothelial biopsy samples from these patients by immunofluorescence. We incubated cultured endothelial cells on Matrigel with patient serum with or without TNF-α blockade and determined tube formation by microscopy. Results Serum from LVAD patients had higher levels of TNF-α, suppressed Ang-1 expression in pericytes, and induced pericyte death, and there was accelerated endothelial tube formation compared with serum from patients without LVADs. TF was higher in both plasma and endothelial cells from LVAD patients, and plasma from LVAD patients induced more endothelial TF expression. All of these effects were reversed or reduced with TNF-α blockade. High levels of TNF-α were associated with increased risk of NSB. Conclusions Elevated TNF-α in LVAD patients is a central regulator of altered angiogenesis, pericyte apoptosis and expression of TF and Ang-1.
Summary of the Up-to-Date 3-D Nuclear Analyses of ITER Diagnostics Generic Equatorial Port Plug (GEPP) Performed with the Attila Design Code

AbstractThe upper, equatorial, and lower diagnostics port plugs in ITER will include numerous intermingling labyrinths and many streaming paths whose impact should be carefully studied. For this purpose, the 3-D Discrete Ordinates code, Attila, has been routinely used by PPPL/UCLA to assess the nuclear field in these geometrically complex plugs both during operation and after shutdown. In this paper we describe the calculation procedure followed and the input parameters/assumptions applied to assess the shutdown dose rates (SDDR) everywhere with emphasize on their values inside the generic equatorial port plug (GEPP) and its inter-space extension area. Factors inherent in the Discrete Ordinates method that impact the accuracy of the results (e.g. quadrature sets used, boundary conditions applied, etc.) are discussed. Means to minimize streaming through straight gaps and open channels present in the GEPP are presented in this paper, along with an examination of their effectiveness in reducing the SDDR in t...
Electronic Narcissism: College Students' Experiences of Walkman Listening

In an effort to investigate the consequences of the electronic media on the audience, the author examines the impact of the Walkman on the experiences of the listeners. To study the experience of Walkman listeners, the author analyzed the journals of 40 college students regarding their experiences in listening to their Walkmans. In the study, the technological features of the Walkman, the expressive bias and the privatization, are specified and their impact on the nature of the experiences of the listeners are analyzed. The author argues that narcissism best describes the experiences fostered by the expressive bias and the privatization of the Walkman. Narcissism is used here to refer to the visceral sensation and the social segregation one experiences as one listens to the Walkman. The author concludes that electronic narcissism, far from being a pathological act, is in fact a sign of mental health.
Diabetes and Natural Products

This work presents information to the scientific as well as lay community on selected botanicals of potential value for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). After giving a historical account of the rise of metformin, a plant-derived drug now extensively used for the treatment of T2DM, this chapter argues that drug leads for T2DM are still abundant in the natural world, and that we ought to seek them out. For this purpose, species of potential importance, determined by a rank by score analysis of 95 plant species newly studied in vivo since 1995, are given in hopes of encouraging their future research. As T2DM is intrinsically related to the diet, and is important in prevention as well as treatment, this chapter presents the public with some rank by score results of commonly available foods with known antidiabetic activity in humans. Together, this work seeks to provide clarity and weight to the current understanding of the T2DM-related activities of plants, and encourage the continuation of the study of plants for supplementation and lead acquisition for the treatment of T2DM in the future.
Evaluating a Model of Snow Cover Area versus Runoff against a Concurrent Flow Correlation Model in the Western Himalayas

This study evaluates the estimates of seasonal snowmelt runoff in the Sutlej, Indus, Kabul and Chenab rivers derived from the model of snow cover area vs. runoff against those obtained from cross correlation of concurrent flows in the rivers. The concurrent flow correlation model explains more than 90 percent of the variability in flow of these rivers. Compared to this model, the model of snow-cover area vs. runoff explains less of the variability in flow. However, unlike the snow-cover model, the concurrent flow correlation model cannot be used for operational forecasting procedures. Where the strength of correlation is high, the concurrent flow correlation model has potential for use in retrospective analysis of flow for estimating missing data, extending time series and for evaluating estimates derived from other models. In the Himalayan basins under study and at least for the period under observation, the concurrent flow correlation model provides a set of results with which to compare the estimates from the snow cover model.
Error Analysis on the Use of Noun Article: A Case Study of a Second Language Learner in the U.S.

The present study examines error analysis of second language learner of English. It aims to describe the errors made by the learner especially in her written production and to explain the reasons why the errors occur. The focus of explaining the error is the use of article since the article has been widely known to be one error often found in the L2 learners. Cloze tests (filling in the blanks), multiple choice questions, essay writing (the participant was asked to write a 250 word essay), and in-depth interview were conducted to collect the data from the participant. In addition, observation on the learner’s performance for oral production was also conducted. The learner’s native languages are Javanese and Indonesian language. She has been exposed to English language since she was the fourth grader, but she admits that writing is difficult for her. The result of analysis found that the learner indeed made error in the use of article, and she inconsistently used the article and the nouns that follow the article. It happened because of interlingual transfer (negative transfer from L1 to L2) and intralingual transfer in which she made false analogy and misanalysis on the second language.
Optimized large-message broadcast for deep learning workloads: MPI, MPI+NCCL, or NCCL2?

Abstract Traditionally, MPI runtimes have been designed for clusters with a large number of nodes. However, with the advent of MPI+CUDA applications and GPU clusters with a relatively smaller number of nodes, efficient communication schemes need to be designed for such systems. This coupled with new application workloads brought forward by Deep Learning (DL) frameworks like Caffe and Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit (CNTK) pose additional design constraints due to very large message communication of GPU buffers during the training phase. In this context, special-purpose libraries like NVIDIA NCCL have emerged to deal with DL workloads. In this paper, we address these new challenges for MPI runtimes and propose two new designs to deal with them: (1) A pipelined chain (PC) design for MPI_Bcast that provides efficient intra- and inter-node communication of GPU buffers, and (2) A Topology-Aware pipelined chain (TA-PC) design for systems with multiple GPUs to fully exploit all the available PCIe links available within a multi-GPU node. To highlight the benefits of our designs, we present an in-depth performance landscape for the proposed MPI_Bcast (MPI) designs, our earlier NCCL-based MPI_Bcast (MPI+NCCL1) design, and ncclBroadcast (NCCL2) design. The proposed designs offer up to 14 × and 16.6 × better performance than MPI+NCCL1 based solutions for intra- and inter-node broadcast latency, respectively. With the recent introduction of NCCL2 (inter-node capable) library, we have enhanced our performance results by adding comparisons for the proposed MPI_Bcast designs as well as ncclBroadcast (NCCL2) design. We report up to 10 × better performance for small and medium message sizes and comparable performance for large message sizes. We also observed that the TA-PC design is up to 50% better than the PC design for MPI_Bcast to 64 GPUs. Furthermore, we provide application level performance comparison using a CUDA-Aware version of CNTK called CA-CNTK. The proposed MPI_Bcast designs provide up to 7% improvement over MPI+NCCL based solutions for data parallel training of the VGG network on 128 GPUs. We present our performance evaluation on three GPU clusters with diverse characteristics: (1) KESCH; a dense multi-GPU system with 8 K80 GPU cards per node, (2) RI2; with a single K80 GPU card per node, and (3) Owens; with a single P100 GPU per node.
Reverse osmosis membrane element integrity evaluation using imperfection model

Abstract The operational efficacy of membrane separation processes such as reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) can be compromised by the lack of mechanical or chemical integrity of the membrane element. Currently, there are several methods applied to analyse membrane and membrane element integrity. However, given that most of them are somewhat inaccurate, expensive or time consuming, the motivation of this study was to implement a simple model-based evaluation method for a single element. The approach was built based on the solution-diffusion-imperfection model and its subsequent revised versions of this model. The models were fitted to experimental data obtained for three types of elements: new, damaged under controlled laboratory conditions and damaged during full scale operation. Based on the experimental results and the fitting of two model parameters, which are the leakage factor and the solute permeability, a criterion for diagnosis of the damage type was formulated. The results confirm the applicability of the modeling approaches. Finally, a decision tree is presented with the aim to help the plant operator to diagnose the type of damage the membrane element suffers.
Epigenetically bistable regions across neuron-specific genes govern neuron eligibility to a coding ensemble in the hippocampus

Summary Episodic memories are stored in distributed neurons but how eligibility of individual neurons to coding ensembles is determined remains elusive. We identified thousands of predominantly bistable (CpG methylated or unmethylated) regions within neuronal gene bodies, established during the development of the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus. Reducing DNA methylation and the proportion of the methylated epialleles at bistable regions compromised novel context-induced neuronal activation and spatial memory. Conversely, increasing methylation and the frequency of the methylated epialleles at bistable regions enhanced intrinsic excitability and spatial memory but impaired spatial working memory, indicating that the developmentally established methylated-unmethylated epiallelic balance at bistable regions is essential for proper neuronal excitability and hippocampal cognitive functions. Single-nucleus profiling revealed the enrichment of specific epialleles from a subset of bistable regions, primarily exonic, in encoding neurons. We propose a model in which epigenetically bistable regions create neuron heterogeneity, and specific constellations of exonic epialleles dictate, via modulating neuronal excitability, eligibility to a coding ensemble.
Free energy barriers for TMEA+, TMA+, and BF4- ion diffusion through nanoporous carbon electrodes

Abstract The energy storage of supercapacitors can be enhanced by utilizing porous carbon electrodes with nanometer or even sub-nanometer sized pores that exhibit close match of the pore and ion size. In these highly confined regimes, ion diffusion barriers may be substantial, leading to a tradeoff between power output and energy storage. In this work, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to quantify free energy barriers for ion diffusion through nanometer and sub-nanometer sized pores in carbon electrodes. We focus on prototypical electrolytes composed of trimethylethylammonium (TMEA+) and tetramethylammonium (TMA+) cations, and tetrafluoroborate ( BF 4 - ) anions, with both acetonitrile and 1,2-dichloroethane solvents. We quantify the dependence of diffusion barriers on nanopore width and pore length as a function of solvent and ion type. Our overarching conclusion is that sub-nanometer sized pores of 7.5–10 A diameter, as previously demonstrated to be optimal for energy storage, lie exactly at the limit of diffusion accessibility at low voltage. We show that nanopore accessibility depends sensitively on the solvent dielectric strength, and that for low dielectric solvents, barriers are dictated by diffusion of ion pairs rather than single ions.
Tuning trophoblast invasion in a gelatin hydrogel via soluble cues from the maternal-fetal interface

ABSTRACT Trophoblast cells play multiple critical roles in pregnancy, notably modulating blastocyst attachment to the endometrium as well as invading into and actively remodeling the endometrium to facilitate biotransport needs of the growing embryo. Despite the importance of trophoblast invasion for processes essential at early stages of pregnancy, much remains unknown regarding the balance of signaling molecules that may influence trophoblast invasion into the endometrium. The goal of this study was to use a three-dimensional trophoblast spheroid invasion assays to examine the effect of cues from the maternal-fetal interface on trophoblast invasion. We report use of a methacrylamide-functionalized gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel to support quantitative analysis of trophoblast outgrowth area and cell viability. We show this multidimensional model of trophoblast invasion can resolve quantifiable differences in outgrowth area and viability in the presence of a known invasion promoter, epidermal growth factor, and a known invasion inhibitor, transforming growth factor β1. We then investigate the sensitivity of trophoblast invasion to cortisol, a hormone associated with exogenous stressors. Together, this approach provides a toolset to investigate the coordinated action of physiological and pathophysiological processes on early stages of trophoblast invasion. IMPACT STATEMENT Trophoblast cells from the invading blastocyst play crucial roles in pregnancy, including remodeling endometrial structure to support embryonic biotransport needs; however, much remains unknown regarding the balance of signaling molecules that may influence trophoblast invasion. We show this multidimensional model of invasion can resolve quantifiable differences in outgrowth area and viability in the presence of known invasion promoters and inhibitors and then investigate invasion sensitivity to cortisol, a hormone associated with exogenous stressors. This approach provides a toolset to investigate the coordinated action of molecules from the maternal-fetal interface on trophoblast invasion that may be challenging to study in humans.
It wasn't supposed to be a coronavirus: The quest for an influenza A(H5N1)-derived vaccine and the limits of pandemic preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about what efforts were made across the world to prepare governments and healthcare systems for such an event. This spotlight article looks at developments made in “pre-pandemic preparedness planning” following a number of outbreaks of influenza type A virus in 1997. At that time, a specific avian influenza subtype, referred to as A(H5N1), wreaked havoc among fowl but also infected humans through direct transmission. The potential for slight genetic mutations that could make A(H5N1) more infectious, allowing human-to-human transmission, presented the threat of a deadly influenza pandemic. As a result, the U.S. government (and others coordinating through the World Health Organization) launched a pandemic preparation plan, including strategies to develop vaccines against A(H5N1) and its genetic lineages each year. This spotlight article discusses the events that led to the specific concern about A(H5N1) among public health officials, as well as early efforts to derive and stockpile an appropriate vaccine to protect against a possible pandemic. This perspective presents the challenges the world has faced, in recent history, in striving to keep one step ahead of pandemic threats.
Genetic adaptation of Tibetan poplar (Populus szechuanica var. tibetica) to high altitudes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Plant adaptation to high altitudes has long been a substantial focus of ecological and evolutionary research. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying such adaptation remain poorly understood. Here, we address this issue by sampling, genotyping, and comparing populations of Tibetan poplar, Populus szechuanica var. tibetica, distributed from low (~2,000 m) to high altitudes (~3,000 m) of Sejila Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Population structure analyses allow clear classification of two groups according to their altitudinal distributions. However, in contrast to the genetic variation within each population, differences between the two populations only explain a small portion of the total genetic variation (3.64%). We identified asymmetrical gene flow from high- to low-altitude populations. Integrating population genomic and landscape genomic analyses, we detected two hotspot regions, one containing four genes associated with altitudinal variation, and the other containing ten genes associated with response to solar radiation. These genes participate in abiotic stress resistance and regulation of reproductive processes. Our results provide insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan poplar.
Electro-optical Measurements of Ultrashort 45 MeV Electron Beam Bunch

We have made an observation of 45 MeV electron beam bunches using the nondestructive electro-optical (EO) technique. The amplitude of the EO modulation was found to increase linearly with electron beam charge and decrease inversely with the optical beam path distance from the electron beam. The risetime of the signal was bandwidth limited by our detection system to ~ 70 ps. An EO signal due to ionization caused by the electrons traversing the EO crystal was also observed. The EO technique may be ideal for the measurement of bunch structure with femtosecond resolution of relativistic charged particle beam bunches.
Use of remote patient monitoring in the care of COVID-positive patients in oncology

1554Background: Cancer patients face an increased risk of developing acute complications from COVID-19. Remote monitoring can help with the critical need for early detection of symptoms among those...
Mechanical Analysis of Hair Cell Microstructure and Motility

In the past few years, a number of important discoveries have been made which deal with the microstructure of the cochlea and the possible relation with the active process in the normal function. The purpose of this paper is to summarize some considerations on the mechanical interpretation of these discoveries. Specifically, the implications of the tip and lateral fibers connecting the cilia on the inner and outer hair cells, and the motility of the outer hair cells is treated.