cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Audio scene analysis as a control system for hearing aids

It is well known that simple amplification cannot help many hearing-impaired listeners. As a consequence of this, numerous signal enhancement algorithms have been proposed for digital hearing aids. Many of these algorithms are only effective in certain environments. The ability to quickly and correctly detect elements of the auditory scene can permit the selection/parameterization of enhancement algorithms from a library of available routines. In this work, the authors examine the real time parameterization of a frequency-domain compression algorithm which preserves formant ratios and thus enhances speech understanding for some individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss in the 2-3 kHz range. The optimal compression ratio is dependent upon qualities of the acoustical signal. We briefly review the frequency-compression technology and describe a Gaussian mixture model classifier which can dynamically set the frequency compression ratio according to broad acoustic categories which we call cohorts. We discuss the results of a prototype simulator which has been implemented on a general purpose computer.
Efficient isochronous traffic management in DQDB

The pre-arbitrated scheme in the DQDB network is suitable for constant-rate and connection-oriented transmission. The authors propose a periodic assignment scheme, which classifies isochronous connections into several harmonic classes according to their periods. The main advantage of the proposed scheme is that by assigning the same unit channel to connections of the same class, these connections can be established as long as the total required bandwidth is no greater than the available bandwidth of the unit channel. The authors study three assignment policies based on the harmonic case of the pinwheel algorithm. These assignment policies are evaluated in terms of their blocking probabilities through both simulation and analysis. It is found that the busy-first policy, which tries to assign a new isochronous connection with a unit channel already carrying other connections of the same class, is the most suitable one.
Operant responding in the common crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos )

Common crows can be shaped to keypeck for food reinforcement, using conventional operant conditioning apparatus. They will respond for a variety of foods, but live mealworms and Prime dog food are the most effective of those studied here. The crow would appear to be an interesting avian species for study, because it possesses a number of more complex behavioral characteristics than the pigeon.
Asymptotic performance analysis for signature waveform estimation in synchronous CDMA systems

In this correspondence, we present an asymptotic performance analysis of a subspace-based method proposed by Liu and Xu for blind signature waveform estimation in synchronous code-division multiple-access systems. In particular, we derive asymptotic, i.e., as the number of samples becomes large, expressions for the covariance of the estimated channel parameters. We also derive an algorithm independent bound on the covariance of the estimated parameters. This bound can be used as a measure against the theoretically predicted algorithmic performance. Some insight into the achievable performance of this algorithm is obtained by numerical evaluation of the bound for two cases of interest, and the results are compared to that obtained by numerical evaluation of the theoretically predicted performance, Monte Carlo simulations are used to verify the theoretical analysis.
Induction of integral membrane PAM expression in AtT-20 cells alters the storage and trafficking of POMC and PC1

Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the COOH-terminal amidation of many neuroendocrine peptides. The bifunctional PAM protein contains an NH2-terminal monooxygenase (PHM) domain followed by a lyase (PAL) domain and a transmembrane domain. The cytosolic tail of PAM interacts with proteins that can affect cytoskeletal organization. A reverse tetracycline-regulated inducible expression system was used to construct an AtT-20 corticotrope cell line capable of inducible PAM-1 expression. Upon induction, cells displayed a time- and dose-dependent increase in enzyme activity, PAM mRNA, and protein. Induction of increased PAM-1 expression produced graded changes in PAM-1 metabolism. Increased expression of PAM-1 also caused decreased immunofluorescent staining for ACTH, a product of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) in granules at the tips of processes. Expression of PAM-1 resulted in decreased ACTH and PHM secretion in response to secretagogue stimulation, and decreased cleavage of PC1, POMC, and PAM. Increased expression of a soluble form of PAM did not alter POMC and PC1 localization and metabolism. Using the inducible cell line model, we show that expression of integral membrane PAM alters the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Altered cytoskeletal organization may then influence the trafficking and cleavage of lumenal proteins and eliminate the ability of AtT-20 cells to secrete ACTH in response to a secretagogue.
Composition and cloning in modeling and meta-modeling

The Generic Modeling Environment (GME) is a configurable tool suite that facilitates the rapid creation of domain-specific model-integrated program synthesis environments. There are three characteristics of the GME that make it a valuable tool for the construction of domain-specific modeling environments. First, the GME provides generic modeling primitives that assist an environment designer in the specification of new graphical modeling environments. Second, these generic primitives are specialized to create the domain-specific modeling concepts through meta-modeling. The meta-models explicitly support composition enabling the creation of composite modeling languages supporting multiple paradigms. Third, several ideas from prototype-based programming languages have been integrated with the inherent model containment hierarchy, which gives the domain expert the ability to clone graphical models. This paper explores the details of these three ideas and their implications.
Using variable-MHz microprocessors to efficiently handle uncertainty in real-time systems

Guaranteed performance is critical in real-time systems because correct operation requires tasks complete on time. Meanwhile, as software complexity increases and deadlines tighten, embedded processors inherit high-performance techniques such as pipelining, caches, and branch prediction. Guaranteeing the performance of complex pipelines is difficult and worst-case analysis often under-estimates the microarchitecture for correctness. Ultimately, the designer must turn to clock frequency as a reliable source of performance. The chosen processor has a higher frequency than is needed most of the time, to compensate for uncertain hardware enhancements --- partly defeating their intended purpose.We propose using microarchitecture simulation to produce accurate but not guaranteed-correct worst-case performance bounds. The primary clock frequency is chosen based on simulated-worst-case performance. Since static analysis cannot confirm simulated-worst-case bounds, the microarchitecture is also backed up by clock frequency reserves. When running a task, the processor periodically checks for interim microarchitecture performance failures. These are expected to be rare, but frequency reserves are available to guarantee the final deadline is met in spite of interim failures.Experiments demonstrate significant frequency reductions, e.g., -100 MHz for a peak 300 MHz processor. The more conservative worst-case analysis is, the larger the frequency reduction. The shorter the deadline, the larger the frequency reduction. And reserve frequency is generally no worse than the high frequency produced by conventional worst-case analysis, i.e., the system degrades gracefully in the presence of transient performance faults.
HeatmapGenerator: high performance RNAseq and microarray visualization software suite to examine differential gene expression levels using an R and C++ hybrid computational pipeline

The graphical visualization of gene expression data using heatmaps has become an integral component of modern-day medical research. Heatmaps are used extensively to plot quantitative differences in gene expression levels, such as those measured with RNAseq and microarray experiments, to provide qualitative large-scale views of the transcriptonomic landscape. Creating high-quality heatmaps is a computationally intensive task, often requiring considerable programming experience, particularly for customizing features to a specific dataset at hand. Software to create publication-quality heatmaps is developed with the R programming language, C++ programming language, and OpenGL application programming interface (API) to create industry-grade high performance graphics. We create a graphical user interface (GUI) software package called HeatmapGenerator for Windows OS and Mac OS X as an intuitive, user-friendly alternative to researchers with minimal prior coding experience to allow them to create publication-quality heatmaps using R graphics without sacrificing their desired level of customization. The simplicity of HeatmapGenerator is that it only requires the user to upload a preformatted input file and download the publicly available R software language, among a few other operating system-specific requirements. Advanced features such as color, text labels, scaling, legend construction, and even database storage can be easily customized with no prior programming knowledge. We provide an intuitive and user-friendly software package, HeatmapGenerator, to create high-quality, customizable heatmaps generated using the high-resolution color graphics capabilities of R. The software is available for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X. HeatmapGenerator is released under the GNU General Public License and publicly available at: http://sourceforge.net/projects/heatmapgenerator/ . The Mac OS X direct download is available at: http://sourceforge.net/projects/heatmapgenerator/files/HeatmapGenerator_MAC_OSX.tar.gz/download . The Windows OS direct download is available at: http://sourceforge.net/projects/heatmapgenerator/files/HeatmapGenerator_WINDOWS.zip/download .
Newton waveform relaxation techniques for tightly coupled systems

An algorithm, called Newton waveform relaxation (NWR), for solving large differential algebraic systems (DASs) that arise from circuit simulation is presented. Analytical and experimental comparisons will be made with waveform relaxation (WR), waveform relaxation Newton (WRN), and direct methods. This approach has been implemented in a circuit simulator called WCAzM and was found to be as much as three times faster than a direct method and always faster than waveform relaxation Newton for the circuits benchmarked. Improvements to the convergence of the linear inner loop of the NWR algorithm are discussed. >
Common Law and Statute Law in US Federal Administrative Law

By and large the law of judicial review in the United States appears to be statutory and it is understood that way by most lawyers in the U.S. Scratch below the surface, however, and the federal courts in the U.S. may not actually behave all that differently than court systems with an openly acknowledged common law tradition in administrative law. Although the US federal courts ostensibly apply the Administrative Procedure Act, in many ways they behave like common law courts, creating administrative law based on principles and policies that may or may not be consistent with the language, structure and history of the APA and other relevant provisions. Although in some areas, the Supreme Court has required a statutory focus, in other areas it has not, and the Court has not provided or even attempted to provide a principled justification for its continued use of administrative common law or a method for choosing between a statutory or common law method in any particular doctrinal area.
Numerical Simulation of Two- and Three-Dimensional Circulation Control Problems

The flows about 2-D and 3-D bluff trailing edge circulation control (CC) airfoils are computed using steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methods. The 2-D foil is the NCCR 1510-7067 elliptical CC airfoil with circular and logarithmic spiral trailing edge geometries. The free stream Reynolds number, based on chord, is 5.45 × 10 5 , with a free stream Mach number of 0.12. For the circular trailing edge the slot height, blowing rate and angle of attack are varied, while for the logarithmic spiral only the blowing rate is varied. The 3-D foil is a semi-span wing with an elliptical cross section. It is run with a chord-based Reynolds number of 2 × 10 6 and two blowing rates. The 2-D flows are computed using the compressible, segregated solver, Fluent. 2-D results show that the full-Reynolds stress turbulence model (FRSM) predicts the correct jet detachment behavior for the circular trailing edge although the integrated lift forces are consistently underpredicted. The coanda jet detachment point for the logarithmic spiral trailing edge is predicted correctly for a lower blowing rate, but as blowing rate increases, the jet does not detach until it has wrapped around to the pressure side. We show additional 2-D results using mesh refinement via grid adaption and isotropic eddy viscosity turbulence models. The 3-D simulations use the incompressible segregated Fluent solver applying the k −ω SST turbulence model. Results show a slight attachment of the the coanda jet on the pressure side, but the results are generally encouraging.
A 0.5V 20fJ/conversion-step rail-to-rail SAR ADC with programmable time-delayed control units for low-power biomedical application

We report a 0.5V 20fJ/c-s 8bit rail-to-rail SAR ADC realized in 0.25μm technology in a small area of 0.041mm2. For the low-power operation, voltage-scalable single-clock (LVS) bootstrap circuitry and a programmable time-delayed control unit have been proposed and implemented. The measured FOM is 20fJ/c-s at 31.25 kS/s with SNDR of 45.14 dB. The proposed ADC can boost the input range to extend its full-scale range above the rail by one bit without any additional hardware.
Tax Cuts And Interest Rate Cuts: An Empirical Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of Fiscal And Monetary Policy

Can expansionary fiscal or monetary policy stimulate the U.S. economy in light of recent events? Using an Error-Correction-Vectorautoregression, we examine the relative effectiveness of both types of governmental stabilization policy. Unlike previous studies, we use a more general error correction vectorautoregression (ECM) approach. Our focus is on determining the relative explanatory power of measures of monetary policy (M2 and the Federal Funds Rate) and fiscal policy (marginal income tax rates and government spending) in explaining movements in consumption, investment, and output. Results suggest that monetary policy is relatively more powerful than fiscal policy.
The Poisson aggregation process

Abstract In this paper we introduce and analyze the Poisson Aggregation Process (PAP): a stochastic model in which a random collection of random balls is stacked over a general metric space. The scattering of the balls’ centers follows a general Poisson process over the metric space, and the balls’ radii are independent and identically distributed random variables governed by a general distribution. For each point of the metric space, the PAP counts the number of balls that are stacked over it. The PAP model is a highly versatile spatial counterpart of the temporal M/G/∞ model in queueing theory. The surface of the moon, scarred by circular meteor-impact craters, exemplifies the PAP model in two dimensions: the PAP counts the number of meteor-impacts that any given moon-surface point sustained. A comprehensive analysis of the PAP is presented, and the closed-form results established include: general statistics, stationary statistics, short-range and long-range dependencies, a Central Limit Theorem, an Extreme Limit Theorem, and fractality.
Performance of Wild and Laboratory-Reared Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): A Comparison between Foliage and Artificial Diet

The effects of long-term mass rearing of laboratory insects on ecologically relevant traits is an important consideration when applying research conclusions to wild populations or developing management strategies. Laboratory strains of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), an invasive forest pest in North America, have been continuously reared since 1967. Selection on these strains has enhanced a variety of traits, resulting in faster development, shorter diapause, and greater fecundity. As in many mass-reared insects, laboratory strains of the gypsy moth are also reared exclusively on artificial diets that lack much of the phytochemical and nutritional complexity associated with natural foliage. We tested for differences in growth and development of wild gypsy moth populations from across the invasive range in comparison to laboratory strains when reared on artificial diet and a preferred foliage host species, northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.). Overall, caterpillars reared on foliage had higher survival and faster development rates, with smaller differences among populations. When reared on artificial diet, laboratory strains had the highest performance as expected. The response from the wild populations was mixed, with two populations performing poorly on artificial diet and another performing nearly as well as the laboratory strains. Performance on diet was enhanced when larvae received cubed portions changed regularly, as opposed to filled cups. Understanding these relationships between food source and population performance is important for informing studies that examine population comparisons using wild and laboratory-reared strains.
The many colors of algebra: The impact of equity focused teaching upon student learning and engagement

The number of students who leave U.S. schools mathematically underprepared has prompted widespread concern. Low achieving students, many of whom have been turned off mathematics, are often placed in low tracks and given remedial, skills-oriented work. This study examines a different approach wherein heterogeneous groups of students were given responsibility and agency and asked to engage in a range of mathematical practices collaboratively. The teaching intervention, which was introduced in the first paper, took place as part of a summer class on algebra, and it gave students the opportunity to participate with mathematics in changed ways. This paper will report evidence that the vast majority responded with increased engagement, achievement, and enjoyment. The students chose collaboration and agency as critical to their improved relationships with mathematics.
Effect of Notch on the Failure Response of Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Composites

The focus of this paper is to examine the effect of notch on the failure response of an oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) under both room temperature and elevated temperature. The CMC is made of aluminosilicate matrix reinforced by 3M Nextel TM 610 alumina fibers which are woven into an eight-harness satin weave (8HSW) preform. Uniaxial tensile tests were carried out on both un-notched and single-edge-notched specimens of two different lay-ups, (0/90)s and (45/0/-45/0)s, using a hydraulically activated load frame. For high-temperature tests, a two-zone hot rail box furnace was mounted between the hydraulic grips to precisely control the temperature at 1500 F . Two novel digital image correlation (DIC) techniques were utilized to achieve full-field strain measurements at elevated temperature. A lamina-level constitutive model was developed for a single 8HSW CMC ply, including both pre-peak nonlinear response and post-peak softening. A secantmodulus approach was employed to model the pre-peak nonlinear evolution based upon the experimental result on the un-notched tension tests, while the post-peak softening was modeled using the smeared crack approach (SCA). Using the material properties measured from the un-notched tensile tests, the proposed computational model is able to predict the failure strength and strain localization in a notched specimen.
Containerization Method for Logistic Cost Reduction Based on Closed-Loop Supply Chain Model

Logistics cost is an important contributor to the overall cost in a supply chain system. By using collapsible containers, the frequency of return freight can be reduced and the return of containers can be optimized, leading to potential logistic cost savings. However, the dynamic behavior of container flows due to demand, inventory, storage, and repair requirements make it difficult to accurately analyze container system performance. An accurate estimation of this collapsible container usage impact is of great importance for decision-making.This paper describes the development of a mathematical model of the container dynamic flow system by using the collapsible containers. A continuous time, discrete space Markov process is used for stochastic scenario. The model determines the total cost savings, based on the collapsible rate, the number of collapsible containers, the performance of the factory and the supplier and the transportation environment. The presented mathematical formulation enables the evaluation of the system performance. A case study of collapsible container supply chain system demonstrates the advantages of this methodology. In addition, a simulation model of this stochastic system is presented to verify the mathematical model. Simulation tests are conducted to demonstrate the potential logistics cost savings in the closed-loop supply chain system.Copyright © 2015 by ASME and General Motors
The assassination of John F. Kennedy: revisiting the medical data.

Doubt continues to surround the assassination of President Kennedy to this day. Unfortunately, the controversy was not diminished by the multiple commissions and panels that were convened to investigate it. This was in large part because these various panels continued to propagate much of the confusion and lack of precision that plagued the initial medical reports, and introduced some new confusion of their own. Much of this controversy was driven by incomplete information, poor documentation and analysis, and the puzzling decision to withhold key medical evidence both from investigators and the public. However, the preponderance of evidence does show that the single-shooter, three-bullet theory is plausible both medically and scientifically. Language: en
Bathochromic and Hyperchromic Effects of Aluminum Salt Complexation by Anthocyanins from Edible Sources for Blue Color Development

Use of artificial food colorants has declined due to health concerns and consumer demand, making natural alternatives a high demand. The effects of Al(3+) salt on food source anthocyanins were evaluated with the objective to better understand blue color development of metalloanthocyanins. This is one of the first known studies to evaluate the effects of food source anthocyanin structures, including acylation, with chelation of aluminum. Cyanidin and delphinidin derivatives from different plants were treated with factorial excess of Al(3+) in pH 3-6 and evaluated by spectrophotometry and colorimetry over 28 days. Anthocyanin concentration, salt ratio, and pH determined final color and intensity. Pyrogallol moieties on delphinidin showed furthest bathochromic shifts, whereas acylation promoted higher chroma. Blue color developed at lower pH when acylated anthocyanins reacted with Al(3+); hue ∼270 occurred with acylated delphinidin at pH ≥ 2.5. Highest chelate stability was found with AlCl3100-500× anthocyanin concentration. This investigation showed anthocyanin-metal chelation can produce a variety of intense violet to blue colors under acidic pH with potential for food use.
KAP About AIDS Among Migrant Workers in Jiande City

OBJECTIVE This investigation goal understood the city migrant workers prevent the knowledge,the manner to the AIDS and grasp the national related policy the present situation,the discussion migrant workers AIDS health education effective way. METHODS Adopts the group sampling method,makes face-to-face the questionnaire survey to the migrant workers 500 people. RESULTS Investigation crowd mostly is the male,the male and female proprtion is 1∶0.27,the migrant worker prevent AIDS knowledge knowing rate to belower,has the dread to the AIDS virus infection. But 90% above migrant worker pay attention to the AIDS,they like obtaining the information of AIDS channel are the television,propagandize the display window and launch the AIDS health education. CONCLUSIONS Fully the way which loved using the populace,instantaneously the place which concentrates in the migrant worker launch the AIDS health education,control the AIDS by the high danger crowd the key which disseminates to the common crowd.
323 PERFORMANCE OF COMORBIDITY MEASURES FOR PREDICTION OF MORTALITY AND STROKE OUTCOMES IN A COMMUNITY-DWELLING, HYPERTENSIVE, MEDICAID POPULATION.

Background The Charlson Index (CI) is commonly used in outcome studies to adjust for patient comorbid conditions but has not been specifically validated for use in studies of hypertension. Previous studies have primarily assessed the validity of the CI in predicting mortality but not stroke incidence, another critical outcome for hypertensive individuals. The present study9s purpose was to validate CI for death and stroke outcomes in a cohort of hypertensive patients and to compare CI performance to that of four alternative comorbidity indices assessing prior cardiovascular events (CVD), traditional stroke-risk factors (CVA), health care utilization (HCU), and medication utilization (MU) respectively. Methods This retrospective cohort study identified 49,479 Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) enrollees aged 18 to 64 with chronic, drug-treated hypertension who met strict eligibility criteria for a 2-year baseline period and a 1- to 5-year follow-up period from 1994 to 2000. Comorbidity measures were calculated for each participant both at baseline and for the 6-month period prior to event or study conclusion. Modified CI scores were calculated using hospital-discharge and outpatient-visit International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes. Use of CI score was compared with the use of CVD, CVA, HCU, and MU, controlling for demographic variables in Cox proportional hazards models. Five models using baseline data compared the comorbidity measures for each of the two outcomes. Similar models were also compared, using follow-up data for the period prior to event or study conclusion. Results Models using baseline, time-independent data gave similar results to those of models using follow-up, time-dependent data. Whether baseline or follow-up data were employed, the model using the modified CI had the smallest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value among 5 models for death outcome. However, when assessing risk of stroke, the model using MU had the smallest AIC value whether baseline or follow-up data were employed. Conclusions This study indicates that the modified CI is a valid tool in assessing comorbidity and predicting mortality in patients with hypertension. However, an index of MU incorporating measures of medication-variety exposure, regimen complexity, adherence, and thiazide-medication exposure was better than the modified CI was in predicting stroke in such patients.
ACUMEN: Activity-Centric Crowd Authoring Using Influence Maps

Heterogeneity in virtual crowds is crucial for many applications, including visual effects, games, and security simulations. Nevertheless, tweaking the behavior parameters of a character to achieve crowd heterogeneity is frequently hard. In particular, it is typically unclear how tuning some non-intuitive parameters at the agent level will eventually affect both the microscopic or macroscopic scale of the crowd. This paper proposes an activity-centric framework for authoring functional, heterogeneous virtual crowds in semantically meaningful environments. The specification of locations as environmental attractors and agent desires are used to compute "influence maps", which allow the emergence of heterogeneous behaviors in a large virtual crowd in a complex scene. The same framework can also facilitate the authoring of complex group behaviors, such as following behaviors or families, by treating moving agents as attractors. Accompanying results demonstrate the framework's potential by authoring crowds in different environments. The experiments highlight the ability to easily orchestrate purposeful, heterogeneous crowd activities both at a macroscopic and microscopic level with minimal parameter tuning.
Spontaneous Regression of a Monoclonal Proliferation of Large Granular Lymphocytes Associated With Reversal of Anemia and Neutropenia

A 43-year-old male with a phenotypically homogeneous, expanded subset of T cells presented in 1981 with anemia and neutropenia. The surface antigen phenotype of 99% of the peripheral blood lymphocytes was T3+, T8+, T4-, and they were morphologically large granular lymphocytes (LGL). The same cells comprised 37% of the marrow nucleated cells. Eight months after he presented, the peripheral blood T8+, LGL diminished spontaneously, and the anemia and neutropenia completely resolved. The patient remains hematologically normal as of October 1984. To determine if the T8+, LGL represented a clonal expansion, DNA from peripheral blood lymphocytes collected and cryopreserved when the patient was neutropenic and anemic, and when he was hematologically normal, was analyzed for clonal T-cell antigen receptor gene rearrangements. Using Southern blot analysis, a clonal DNA rearrangement was demonstrated, and this clone diminished but was still demonstrable in peripheral blood lymphocytes collected in 1984. The above observations implicate the expanded T8+, LGL in the pathogenesis of the neutropenia and anemia, yet the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated.
Geochemical evolution of a mid-miocene synextensional volcanic complex: The Dolan Springs volcanic field, northwestern Arizona

The Dolan Springs volcanic field (DSV), of northwestern Arizona, is dominated by andesite and basaltic-andesite flows and breccias, with minor amounts of basalt, rhyolite, and ash-flow tuff. Geochemistry is used here as a tool to evaluate the roles and contributions of the lithospheric and asthenospheric mantles to magmatism related to Miocene extension in the Colorado River extension corridor (CREC). The majority of synextensional volcanic rocks in the DSV are geochemically similar to regional trends, but rare tholeiitic basalts erupted near the end of extension. The tholeiites have trace element signatures similar to ocean island basalt (OIB), but have isotopic values indicative of a source in the lithosphere. The tholeiites represent the endpoint in a progressive decrease in the depth of lithospheric melting (22-8 Ma) that occurs just prior to the onset of asthenospheric volcanism at 6 Ma. Using geochemical arguments, models are presented here for trace element stratification in the lithospheric mantle and magma genesis in the CREC.
THE MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS GOVERNED BY SEMI-MARKOV SHOCK MODELS

Abstract. Consider a system whose failure is due to damage caused from a sequence of randomly occurring shocks. The purpose of this paper is to consider the optimal replacement policy for the maintenance of such a system whose cumulative damage process is semi-Markovian. The semi-Markov property allows for both the time between shocks and the damage due to the next shock to be dependent on the present cumulative damage level.
Changes in Provider Prescribing Patterns After Implementation of an Emergency Department Prescription Opioid Policy.

Abstract Background Prescription opioid-associated abuse and overdose is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Opioid prescriptions generated from emergency departments (EDs) nationwide have increased dramatically over the past 20 years, and opioid-related overdose deaths have become an epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Objective Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of implementing a prescription policy for opioids on overall opioid prescribing patterns in a hospital ED. Methods The ED provider group of an academic, non-university–affiliated urban hospital with 23,000 annual patient visits agreed to opioid prescribing guidelines for chronic pain with the goal of limiting prescriptions that may be used for abuse or diversion. These guidelines were instituted in the ED through collaborative staff meetings and educational and training sessions. We used the electronic medical record to analyze the number and type of opioid discharge prescriptions during the study period from 2006–2014, before and after the prescribing guidelines were instituted in the ED. Results The number of patients discharged with a prescription for opioids decreased 39.6% (25.7% to 15.6%; absolute decrease 10.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.6–10.7; p Conclusions Implementation of an ED prescription opioid policy was associated with a significant reduction in total opioid prescriptions and in the number of pills per prescription.
Computer-Controlled Environmental Test Systems: Criteria for Selection, Installation, and Maintenance

Applications for presently marketed, new computer-controlled environmental test systems are suggested. It is shown that capital costs of these systems follow an exponential cost function curve that levels out as additional applications are implemented. Some test laboratory organization changes are recommended in terms of new personnel requirements, and facility modification are considered in support of a computer-controlled test system. Software for computer-controlled test systems are discussed, and control loop speed constraints are defined for real-time control functions. Suitable input and output devices and memory storage device tradeoffs are also considered.
Abstract 3362: PBRM1 regulates the transcription of cell adhesion genes in ccRCC

Advances in parallel sequencing have facilitated the recent identification of Polybromo-1 (PBRM1), a component of the PBAF (Polybromo-associated-BRG1- or BRM-associated factors) chromatin remodeling complex, as the second most frequently mutated gene in clear-cell renal cell Carcinoma (ccRCC). While several studies have described the diversity of PBRM1 mutations in ccRCC and established the mutation of PBRM1 as a “driver” of ccRCC carcinogenesis, little is known about the biological significance of PBRM1. With the intent of shedding light on the mechanistic roles of PBRM1, we have employed Next Generation Sequencing to delineate the transcriptional profile of cellular models of ccRCC with or without PBRM1 expression and identified genes associated with cell adhesion to be regulated by PBRM1 in 2D monolayer cultures. Since 2D cultures lack the architectural complexities to support studies pertaining to cellular adhesion, we evaluated the role of PBRM1 in 3D culture on Basement Membrane Matrix to provide a physiologically relevant analysis of gene expression and the resulting cellular phenotype. The results showed that of the 97 cell adhesion genes identified to be upregulated by PBRM1 in 2D cultures, 45 were also upregulated in 3D cultures and a subset of 32/45 genes underwent increased gene expression in 3D with respect to 2D cultures. The gene expression profile of candidate genes were verified by qPCR and Western Blotting. Mining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) publicly available data, we were able to correlate the gene expression profiles of cell adhesion genes identified in 3D cultures with those of ccRCC patients bearing at least 1 copy of the PBRM1 gene. Furthermore, we performed a PBRM1-ChIP-seq to map the genome-wide targets of PBRM1 and revealed the association of PBRM1 occupancy at proximal regulatory regions of 8/45 cell adhesion genes. All of these taken together, indicate a role for PBRM1 in regulating the gene expression of cell adhesion genes which act as important players in cellular morphogenesis and responsiveness to changes in the external environment. Disruption of cell adhesion is believed to affect signal transduction and pave the way facilitating metastasis in neoplastic cells. Currently we are investigating the effect of loss-of-PBRM1 on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and metastasis in ccRCC. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Basudev Chowdhury. PBRM1 regulates the transcription of cell adhesion genes in ccRCC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3362. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3362
Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model to Address Drunkorexia among College Students.

Background: The many consequences related to alcohol consumption among college students are well documented. Drunkorexia, a relatively new term and area of research, is characterized by skipping me...
When the Fed Speaks: Arguments, Emotions, and the Microfoundations of Institutions:

This study investigates what happens when a prominent leader explicitly reaffirms the taken-for-granted assumptions underlying an institution. While such efforts are usually made to reinforce the i...
Learning from a Trial Stopped by a Data and Safety Monitoring Board

One of the reasons we conduct clinical trials to test specific aspects of patient care is to be sure that the interventions we do benefit patients. As clinicians, we are well aware that the outcome...
Projective Algebraic Geometry II: Regular Functions, Local Rings, Morphisms

Let V ⊂ ℙ k N be a quasi-projective variety and let p = I h (V) be the homogeneous prime ideal of V. Let S = k[Y 0, ⋯, Y N ] and let S(V) = S/p be the homogeneous coordinate ring of V. S(V) is a graded integral domain.
An intersectional analysis of LGBTQ online media coverage of the Pulse nightclub shooting victims

This study illustrates the radical potential of intersectionality to offer a more deeply critical analysis of hierarchies in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities. The ...
Intrinsic Characterization of Affine Algebraic Cones

I am deeply touched that I was asked to give an address at this conference in honor of my distinguished colleague Yozo Matsushima. We have been here together at Notre Dame for a long time. With deep regret we see you return to your native land. I am sure I speak in the name of all, when I say “Yozo we wish you well”. We will always remember you and we hope we can have you back here occasionally or for longer. Mathematics knows no bounds; it spans over all nationalities and continents and within this community of mathematicians we are still united.
Simple Neural Networks

All the classification and regression procedures we have seen till now assume that a reasonable set of features is available. If the procedure didn’t work well, we needed to use domain knowledge, problem insight, or sheer luck to obtain more features. A neural network offers an alternative option: learn to make good features from the original signal. A neural network is made up of units. Each accepts a set of inputs and a set of parameters, and produces a number which is a non-linear function of the inputs and the parameters. It is straightforward to produce a k way classifier out of k units.
Site and stand characteristics related to white pine blister rust in high-elevation forests of Southern Idaho and Western Wyoming.

Successful infection of white pine species by white pine blister rust (WPBR) is contingent upon environmental conditions that are favorable to the spread and development of Cronartium ribicola . Site and stand factors related to this process have been studied elsewhere within the distribution of the disease, but few studies have concentrated on the high-elevation white pine forests of southern Idaho and western Wyoming. We found that mean summer precipitation, average tree diameter, and elevation were the most important variables in 3 logistic regression models of WPBR presence and intensity. The models were tested on a randomly chosen portion of our data set. The model with 9 variables correctly predicted categories of low-, moderate-, and high-disease incidence in 79% of cases. The 2 models with fewer variables had lower predictive efficiencies but were more parsimonious and generally easy to measure. The ability to use easily measured or remotely sensed site and stand characteristics to predict WPBR spread or intensification could be an important asset to land managers who need to decide where to focus disease mitigation efforts and predict disease effects on water quality, wildlife habitat, recreation potential, and other land-management activities.
Alcohol use and binge drinking among U.S. men, pregnant and non-pregnant women ages 18-44: 2002-2017.

Abstract Background Drinking during pregnancy dropped sharply in the U.S. in the 1980s. More recent time trends in adult drinking and binge drinking in men, non-pregnant and pregnant women have not been directly compared. Methods Using logistic regression and National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2002–2017 data on any drinking and 2002–2014 data on binge drinking, trends in men, non-pregnant and pregnant women were compared. Analyses of any drinking included 470,309 participants (221,344 men; 236,197 non-pregnant women; 12,768 pregnant women); of binge drinking, 379,379 participants (178,869 men; 189,923 non-pregnant women; 10,587 pregnant women). Results In all participants, drinking decreased (62.2%–60.3%). Among adults ages 18–20, drinking decreased in men, non-pregnant women, and pregnant women (−18.4%; −11.1%; −5.3%), as did binge drinking (−11.8%; −5.6%; −3.7%). Among adults ages 21–44, drinking increased in non-pregnant women (+2.3%), and decreased in men and pregnant women (−2.6% and -3.3%), while binge drinking increased in non-pregnant women (+2.7%), but not in pregnant women (−1.8%) or men (0.0%). Conclusions Drinking increased in U.S. women ages 21–44, but not those who were pregnant. Increases in women and continuing high rates in men indicate the need for better public health efforts. Divergent trends in men, non-pregnant, and pregnant women ages 21–44 suggest differential influences on drinking. Continued low rates in pregnant women are encouraging, but maintaining public health messages about drinking during pregnancy and innovative efforts to prevent such drinking are needed. Different results in ages 18–20 and 21–44 highlight the importance of developmental stages in drinking.
Analysis of iodine nutrition in residents of coastal and inland areas of Jiangsu Province

Objective To master iodine intake ways of children in Yancheng (coastal) and Zhenjiang(inland) cities, analyze their urinary iodine difference and provide solid evidence for adjustment of salt iodine and adequate iodine intake level of local residents. Methods Totally 50% counties were randomly selected in Yancheng and Zhenjiang cities and 5 towns were sampled in each county in 2014, local water iodine, domestic salt iodine, local eating habits and urine iodine of children 8 - 10 years old were investigated, and the influences of different iodine intake ways on urine iodine level were analyzed. Results The median of water iodine was 4.76 μg/L in Zhenjiang (n = 40) and 50.80 μg/L in Yancheng (n = 50), the difference was statisticelly significant in two cities (Z = 6.93,P 0.05). Totally 1 200 urine samples were tested, the urine iodine level of Zhenjiang got higher results(265.83 μg/L,n = 450) than that of Yancheng (182.15 μg/L,n = 750, Z = 12.18,P < 0.05). The ratio of water iodine intake/salt iodine intake was about 1∶4 in Yancheng and 1∶50 in Zhenjiang, while residents in Zhenjiang got 21% of daily iodine through extra ways. Eating habits like eating out did not have significant impact on urine iodine. Conclusions Based on the water iodine level, Yancheng is considered to be a appropriate iodine level area while Zhenjiang is a lack region. However, Zhenjiang has a higher urine iodine level than Yancheng, which is more than adequate to the recommendation. Salt iodine is a main iodine source in both cities. In iodine appropriate and deficiency areas, eating habits and food choices may play a more important role than geochemical factors in iodine intakes among residents. Key words: Urine; Water; Salts; Eating habits; Iodine
Intrapersonal and interpersonal pathways linking 21st birthday celebration beliefs, intentions, and drinking behavior.

Abstract In the United States, turning 21 often involves heavy drinking and high rates of alcohol-related consequences. Friends are an important source of social influence on young adult drinking, including during 21st birthdays. However, research is needed to investigate the specific pathways through which this interpersonal influence occurs. Data were drawn from a larger intervention study focused on reducing 21st birthday drinking. Using data from 166 celebrant and friend dyads (N = 332 individuals), we prospectively examined relations among each person’s beliefs about 21st birthday celebrations, drinking intentions for the celebrant, and celebrants’ estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC) on their 21st birthdays. Path analyses evaluated the impact of celebrant and friend beliefs on their own report of celebrant intentions, each other’s report of celebrant intentions, and celebrant eBAC, as well as the mediating role of each individual’s report of celebrant intentions. Results revealed significant indirect effects of each individual’s beliefs on celebrant eBAC via their own report of celebrant 21st birthday drinking intentions. Friend beliefs also predicted celebrant eBAC via celebrant drinking intentions, beyond the effect of celebrant beliefs. Importantly, celebrant eBAC was as strongly predicted by friend 21st birthday celebration beliefs as they were by their own beliefs. Results highlight multiple pathways through which friends influence 21st birthday drinking and reveal that friend influence is not constrained to the celebration, but begins in advance of the event by shaping celebrants’ drinking intentions. Findings highlight key directions for future work leveraging friends as intervention agents to reduce drinking related to this high-risk event.
Optimal Operation Strategy of Multi-energy System

Multiple energy system could meet the needs of the user through different energy conversion ways. So if the load level is constant, the operating state of energy system could be different to meet different demand. By the analysis of energy flow of system, it can be known that the degrees of freedom come from the dispatch point of energy flow. Therefore, the dispatch factors and the input energy flows could be considered as the independent variables, and make a comprehensive evaluation criterion which considered the energy efficiency, economy and emission, as the optimization goal. The operation of the multi-energy flow system has been optimized. Through case analysis, the proposed optimal energy flow operation strategy was verified and analysed.
Epitaxial High-Yield Intrinsic and Te-Doped Dilute Nitride GaAsSbN Nanowire Heterostructure and Ensemble Photodetector Application

Band gap engineering of GaAsSbN nanowires (NWs) grown by Ga-assisted molecular beam epitaxy and demonstration of a Te-doped axial GaAsSbN NW-based Schottky barrier photodetector on p-Si (111) in th...