cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitonic effects in 2D semiconductors: Path Integral Monte Carlo approach

One of the most striking features of novel 2D semiconductors (e.g., transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers or phosphorene) is a strong Coulomb interaction between charge carriers resulting in large excitonic effects. In particular, this leads to the formation of multi-carrier bound states upon photoexcitation (e.g., excitons, trions and biexcitons), which could remain stable at near-room temperatures and contribute significantly to optical properties of such materials. In the present work we have used the Path Integral Monte Carlo methodology to numerically study properties of multi-carrier bound states in 2D semiconductors. Specifically, we have accurately investigated and tabulated the dependence of single exciton, trion and biexciton binding energies on the strength of dielectric screening, including the limiting cases of very strong and very weak screening. The results of this work are potentially useful in the analysis of experimental data and benchmarking of theoretical and computational models.
SEPARATION OF ALUMINUM PHOSPHATE MINERALS FROM KAOLINITE BY SELECTIVE SOLUTION

Abstract: Wavellite, crandallite, and millisite are completely dissolved by boiling samples for 20 minutes with 1+1 hydrochloric acid; only 1 percent of the aluminum present in kaolinite is dissolved. This method of decomposition can therefore be used for differentiating the aluminum present in wavellite, crandallite, and millisite form that in kaolinite in samples from the aluminum phosphate zone. This method should prove valuable in prospecting and benefication studies.
Patterns of Emergency Department Use Among Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents With Differing Levels of Dementia Severity.

Abstract Objectives To describe emergency department (ED) utilization among long-stay nursing home residents with different levels of dementia severity. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Public Health System. Participants A total of 4491 older adults (age 65 years and older) who were long-stay nursing home residents. Measurements Patient demographics, dementia severity, comorbidities, ED visits, ED disposition decisions, and discharge diagnoses. Results Forty-seven percent of all long-stay nursing home residents experienced at least 1 transfer to the ED over the course of a year. At their first ED transfer, 36.4% of the participants were admitted to the hospital, whereas 63.1% of those who visited the ED were not. The median time to first ED visit for the participants with advanced stage dementia was 258 days, whereas it was 250 days for the participants with early to moderate stage dementia and 202 days for the participants with no dementia ( P = .0034). Multivariate proportional hazard modeling showed that age, race, number of comorbidities, number of hospitalizations in the year prior, and do not resuscitate status all significantly influenced participants' time to first ED visit ( P P = .66), years in nursing home before qualification ( P = .46), and gender ( P = .36) lost their significance. Conclusions This study confirms high rates of transfer of long-stay nursing home residents, with nearly one-half of the participants experiencing at least 1 ED visit over the course of a year. Although dementia severity is not a predictor of time to ED use in our analyses, other factors that influence ED use are readily identifiable. Nursing home providers should be aware of these factors when developing strategies that meet patient care goals and avoid transfer from the nursing home to the ED.
Histologic and clinical follow-up of thyroid fine-needle aspirates in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND Although fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has an important role in evaluating thyroid nodules in adults, there is little published information regarding its utility in the pediatric population. METHODS A retrospective analysis of thyroid FNAs for patients who were 18 years old or younger at 2 institutions was conducted. Aspirates were retrospectively categorized with the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. These diagnoses were then correlated with either final histopathology or clinical follow-up. RESULTS A total of 186 thyroid FNA samples from 154 patients (122 females and 32 males), who ranged in age from 9 months to 18 years (median, 16 years; mean, 14 years), were identified. FNA was performed to evaluate 1 to 3 nodules for each patient. Aspirates were classified as follows: nondiagnostic (n = 27), benign (n = 114), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS; n = 21), follicular neoplasm (FN; n = 8), suspicious for malignancy (n = 3), and malignant (n = 13). Sixty-one samples had a histologic correlation, 68 were followed clinically for ≥2 years, and 57 either had no follow-up or were followed for <2 years. For statistical purposes, FNA diagnoses of suspicious and malignant were considered positive, and benign lesions were considered negative. The accuracy was 99%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 100%, respectively. The risk of malignancy, not including papillary microcarcinoma, was 2% for benign aspirates, 21% for AUS, 57% for FN, and 100% for suspicious or malignant aspirates. CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrates that FNA is a sensitive and highly specific modality for evaluating thyroid nodules in pediatric patients. Each diagnostic category can facilitate communication and guide appropriate management. Cancer Cytopathol 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis and Characterization of Transition-Metal Zintl Phases: K10NbInAs6 and K9Nb2As6

The two title compounds were prepared by direct reactions of the corresponding elements at high temperature. The structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction: K10NbInAs6, monoclinic, P21/n, Z = 2, a = 9.107(1) A, b = 8.2878(8) A, c = 15.139(1) A, β = 91.112(9)°; K9Nb2As6, monoclinic, P21/c, Z = 2, a = 9.348(1) A, b = 9.113(1) A, c = 12.798(1) A, β = 95.98(1)°. They contain isolated dimers made of edge-sharing tetrahedra of [NbAs4] and [InAs4] in the former, NbInAs610-, and only [NbAs4] in the latter, Nb2As69-. Magnetic measurements show that K10NbInAs6 is diamagnetic, i.e., a d0 transition-metal Zintl phase, while K9Nb2As6 exhibits a Curie−Weiss behavior consistent with the presence of one unpaired electron. The latter defines K9Nb2As6 as a mixed-valence (presumably of type III) transition-metal Zintl phase, only the third example of such phases.
INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE IN ADULT MICE WITH SUBCELLULAR SPLEEN FRACTIONS.

SummarySubcellular fractions of C57BL/1 adult male mouse spleen were prepared by homogenization and centrifugation, and administered to prospective skin graft recipients, adult female C57BL/1 animals. Two fractions induced tolerance in a majority of the animals: a particulate fraction and a microsome fraction. Neither “Tris” extraction of the particulate fraction nor RNASE treatment of the microsome fraction affected the rate of tolerance induction significantly.
Pd-Catalyzed Enantioselective C–H Iodination: Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Diarylmethylamines

An enantioselective C–H iodination reaction using a mono-N-benzoyl-protected amino acid has been developed for the synthesis of chiral diarylmethylamines. The reaction uses iodine as the sole oxidant and proceeds at ambient temperature and under air.
Tempo and mode in deep-sea benthic ecology; punctuated equilibrium revisited

The deep-sea floor is traditionally perceived as a habitat where low food flux and sluggish bottom currents force life to proceed at slow, steady rates. In this view, benthic community structure is controlled by equilibrium processes, such as extreme levels of habitat partitioning, made possible by remarkable ecosystem stability. A number of recent discoveries indicate, however, that endogenous disturbances may be relatively frequent, and that pulses of food reach the seafloor from the upper ocean. The biological processes driven by these events can be highly variable in space and time, exhibiting disequilibrium dynamics
Detection of Channels In Seismic Images Using the Steerable Pyramid

Channels have always been important geologic features in the exploration for oil and gas. With 3-D seismic data they can often be mapped easily on time or depth slices. In other situations they can be difficult to detect, due to structural complexity or other factors. There are a number of image-processing algorithms that can be used to enhance linear features such as channels in 3-D seismic volumes. One way involves the use of steerable pyramid filters to partition a seismic image in terms of scale and orientation. Features can then be characterized according to dimensionality and direction using the partitioned image. Here, we explain our implementation of the steerable pyramid in 2-D and 3-D, and show how it can be used to enhance image features. Examples of channel enhancement on synthetic seismic images demonstrate the efficacy of this processing.
Charge Delocalization in Self-Assembled Mixed-Valence Aromatic Cation Radicals

The spontaneous assembly of aromatic cation radicals (D+•) with their neutral counterpart (D) affords dimer cation radicals (D2+•). The intermolecular dimeric cation radicals are readily characterized by the appearance of an intervalence charge-resonance transition in the NIR region of their electronic spectra and by ESR spectroscopy. The X-ray crystal structure analysis and DFT calculations of a representative dimer cation radical (i.e., the octamethylbiphenylene dimer cation radical) have established that a hole (or single positive charge) is completely delocalized over both aromatic moieties. The energetics and the geometrical considerations for the formation of dimer cation radicals is deliberated with the aid of a series of cyclophane-like bichromophoric donors with drastically varied interplanar angles between the cofacially arranged aryl moieties. X-ray crystallography of a number of mixed-valence cation radicals derived from monochromophoric benzenoid donors established that they generally assembl...
Representation of the Mechanical Damping Possessed by Rubberlike Materials and Structures

Discussed in detail is the manner in which the damping possessed by rubberlike materials and structures experiencing sinusoidal vibration may be represented by the ratio of the imaginary to the real part of a complex elastic modulus. Examples are given of the way in which the damping possessed by low‐ and high‐damping rubbers depends on frequency. Equations that predict the response to vibration of such distributed systems as damped rods and beams, and a simple structure comprised of two damped beams and a lumped element of mass are derived; and representative computation of input impedance and transmissibility are presented.
New limit on Lorentz and CPT violation for neutrons

We use a K-3He co-magnetometer to constrain neutron spin coupling to a Lorentz and CPT violating background field arising in many models of quantum gravity, |bn|<3.7×10−33 GeV, improving previous limit by a factor of 30.
Distributive Decisions in Education: Goals, Trade-Offs, and Feasibility Constraints.

Educators, policymakers, and citizens face questions of how to allocate scarce resources in the pursuit of competing goals for children and youth. Our goal in this article is to provide decision-ma...
On the Complexity of Duplication-Transfer-Loss Reconciliation with Non-Binary Gene Trees

Duplication-Transfer-Loss (DTL) reconciliation has emerged as a powerful technique for studying gene family evolution in the presence of horizontal gene transfer. DTL reconciliation takes as input a gene family phylogeny and the corresponding species phylogeny, and reconciles the two by postulating speciation, gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and gene loss events. Efficient algorithms exist for finding optimal DTL reconciliations when the gene tree is binary. However, gene trees are frequently non-binary. With such non-binary gene trees, the reconciliation problem seeks to find a binary resolution of the gene tree that minimizes the reconciliation cost. Given the prevalence of non-binary gene trees, many efficient algorithms have been developed for this problem in the context of the simpler Duplication-Loss (DL) reconciliation model. Yet, no efficient algorithms exist for DTL reconciliation with non-binary gene trees and the complexity of the problem remains unknown. In this work, we resolve this open question by showing that the problem is, in fact, NP-hard. Our reduction applies to both the dated and undated formulations of DTL reconciliation. By resolving this long-standing open problem, this work will spur the development of both exact and heuristic algorithms for this important problem.
Oxo-rhenium catalyzed reductive coupling and deoxygenation of alcohols

Representative benzylic, allylic and α-keto alcohols are deoxygenated to alkanes and/or reductively coupled to alkane dimers by reaction with PPh3 catalyzed by (PPh3)2ReIO2 (1). The newly discovered catalytic reductive coupling reaction is a rare C-C bond-forming transformation of alcohols.
Who Is Accountable for the Milestones

In today’s graduate medical education environment, many program directors feel that their time and energy are nearly exhausted by serving the interests of accrediting agencies, not trainees.
In Search of Value in Cancer Care: What Resources Are Available to Practicing Oncologists?

One of the more difficult topics to discuss concerning the ethics of healthcare is distributive justice—the fair distribution of benefits, risks, and costs.
Calcium antagonists and the kidney: implications for renal protection.

Since the introduction of calcium antagonists over two decades ago, attention has focused on their beneficial effects in the management of symptomatic coronary artery disease, and on their ability to lower blood pressure. During the past decade, it has become apparent that this class of drugs also has beneficial effects on the kidney (1-4). The purpose of this brief review is to consider the potential salutary therapeutic applications of calcium antagonists on renal hemodynamics and on renal excretory function.
Reduction or prevention of aspirin-induced occult gastrointestinal blood loss in man.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the occult gastrointestinal blood loss produced by aspirin administered in the form of conventional tablets may be reduced or prevented by using aspirin in solutions. Fifty-seven healthy subiects received 2.6 or 3.9 Gm. of aspirin daily for 8 day periods. Blood loss in the feces was determined by the Cr51 method. The average daily blood loss was 0.5 ml. during drug-free control periods and 3 ml. above control values when aspirin tablets were taken. After calcium-aspirin solution with low buffer capacity and a calcium-sodium-aspirin solution with medium buffer capacity, average daily blood loss was 48 and 32 per cent of that produced by aspirin tablets. Highly buffered sodium-aspirin solutions, with or without acetaminophen and caffeine, caused no bleeding. Thus, aspirininduced occult gastrointestinal blood loss may be reduced significantly or prevented by administering the drug in a solution of sufficient buffer capacity to reduce appreciably the acidity of gastric fluids. Since aspirin in solution not only causes little or no bleeding but also is more rapidly absorbed and yields higher drug concentrations in the plasma than do tablets, it is concluded that aspirin-induced gastrointestinal bleeding is a local rather than a systemic effect under the experimental conditions.
Resolving complex structural genomic rearrangements using a randomized approach

Complex chromosomal rearrangements are structural genomic alterations involving multiple instances of deletions, duplications, inversions, or translocations that co-occur either on the same chromosome or represent different overlapping events on homologous chromosomes. We present SVelter, an algorithm that identifies regions of the genome suspected to harbor a complex event and then resolves the structure by iteratively rearranging the local genome structure, in a randomized fashion, with each structure scored against characteristics of the observed sequencing data. SVelter is able to accurately reconstruct complex chromosomal rearrangements when compared to well-characterized genomes that have been deeply sequenced with both short and long reads.
Solar cycle variability in mean thermospheric composition and temperature induced by atmospheric tides

In this paper we demonstrate that dissipation of upward propagating tides produces significant changes in the mean temperature of the thermosphere, ranging from +19 K at solar minimum to −15 K at solar maximum in the equatorial region. Our methodology consists of measuring the differential response of the thermosphere-ionosphere-electrodynamics general circulation model (TIE-GCM) under solar minimum and solar maximum conditions to constant tidal forcing at its 97 km lower boundary, as specified by the observationally based Climatological Tidal Model of the Thermosphere. Diagnosis of the model reveals that these changes are mainly driven by 5.3 μm nitric oxide (NO) cooling, which more efficiently cools the thermosphere at solar maximum. The main role of the tides is to modify the mean molecular oxygen densities ([O2]) through tidal-induced advective transport, which then lead to changes in NO densities through oxygen-nitrogen chemistry. Through tidal-induced changes in temperature and O, O2, and N2 densities, effects on the ionosphere are also quite substantial; tidal-induced modifications to zonal-mean F region peak electron densities (NmF2) are of order −10% at solar maximum and −30% at solar minimum in the equatorial region. Our results introduce an additional consideration when attributing long-term changes in thermospheric temperature and electron densities to CO2 cooling effects alone; that is, dissipation of upward propagating tides may constitute an additional element of global change in the ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) system.
A Parameterized Geometric Magnetic Field Calibration Method for Vehicles with Moving Masses with Applications to Underwater Gliders

The accuracy of magnetic measurements performed by autonomous vehicles is often limited by the presence of moving ferrous masses. This work presents a parameterized ellipsoid field calibration method for magnetic measurements in the sensor frame. In this manner, the ellipsoidal calibration coefficients are dependent on the locations of the moving masses. The parameterized calibration method is evaluated through field trials with an autonomous underwater glider equipped with a low power precision fluxgate sensor. A first set of field trials were performed in the East Arm of Bonne Bay, Newfoundland, in December 2013. During these trials, a series of calibration profiles with the mass shifting and ballast mechanisms at different locations were performed before and after the survey portion of the trials. Further trials were performed in the Labrador Sea in July 2014 with two reduced sets of calibration runs. The nominal ellipsoidal coefficients were extracted using the full set of measurements from a set of calibration profiles and used as the initial conditions for the polynomials, which define each parameterized coefficient. These polynomials as well as the sensor misalignment matrix were then optimized using a gradient descent solver, which minimizes both the total magnetic field difference and the vertical magnetic field variance between the modeled and measured values. Including the vertical field in this manner allows for convergence in spite of severe limitations on the platform's motion and for computation of the vehicle's magnetic heading.
A Unified Approach to Estimating Demand and Welfare

The measurement of price changes, economic welfare, and demand parameters is currently based on three disjoint approaches: macroeconomic models derived from time-invariant utility functions, microeconomic estimation based on time-varying utility (demand) systems, and actual price and real output data constructed using formulas that differ from either approach. The inconsistencies are so deep that the same assumptions that form the foundation of demand-system estimation can be used to prove that standard price indexes are incorrect, and the assumptions underlying standard exact and superlative price indexes invalidate demand-system estimation. In other words, we show that extant micro and macro welfare estimates are biased and inconsistent with each other as well as the data. We develop a unified approach to demand and price measurement that exactly rationalizes observed micro data on prices and expenditure shares while permitting exact aggregation and meaningful macro comparisons of welfare over time. We show that all standard price indexes are special cases of our approach for particular values of the elasticity of substitution, constant preferences for each good, and a constant set of goods. In contrast to these standard index numbers, our approach allows us to compute changes in the cost of living that take into account both changes in the preferences for individual goods and the entry and exit of goods over time. Using barcode data for the U.S. consumer goods industry, we show that allowing for the entry and exit of products, changing preferences for individual goods, and a value for the elasticity of substitution estimated from the data yields substantially different conclusions for changes in the cost of living from standard index numbers.
Timing Game-Based Practice in a Reading Comprehension Strategy Tutor

Game-based practice within Intelligent Tutoring Systems ITSs can be optimized by examining how properties of practice activities influence learning outcomes and motivation. In the current study, we manipulated when game-based practice was available to students. All students ni¾ź=i¾ź149 first completed lesson videos in iSTART-2, an ITS focusing on reading comprehension strategies. They then practiced with iSTART-2 for two 2-hour sessions. Students' first session was either in a game or nongame practice environment. In the second session, they either switched to the alternate environment or remained in the same environment. Students' comprehension was tested at pretest and posttest, and motivational measures were collected. Overall, students' comprehension increased from pretest to posttest. Effect sizes of the pretest to posttest gain suggested that switching from the game to nongame environment was least effective, while switching from a nongame to game environment or remaining in the game environment was more effective. However, these differences between the practice conditions were not statistically significant, either on comprehension or motivation measures, suggesting that for iSTART-2, the timing of game-based practice availability does not substantially impact students' experience in the system.
Evolutionary mechanisms for smart on-board adaptive sensing applied to the MECA electrometer

In-situ exploration as required for example by missions to comets and planets with unknown environmental conditions, has recently been approached with new ideas, such as the use of biology-inspired mechanisms for hardware sensor adaptation. The application of evolution-inspired formalisms to hardware design and self-configuration lead to the concept of evolvable hardware (EHW). EHW refers to self-reconfiguration of electronic hardware by evolutionary/genetic reconfiguration mechanisms. In this paper we describe the initial development of efficient mechanisms for smart on-board adaptive sensing, adaptively controlling the reconfigurable pre-processing analog electronics using evolvable hardware, which will lead to higher quality, lean data
LEADED EYEGLASSES SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE RADIATION EXPOSURE OF THE SURGEON'S EYES DURING ACQUISITION OF TYPICAL FLUOROSCOPIC VIEWS OF THE HIP AND PELVIS

Introduction Radiation exposure to the eye causes cataracts. Few orthopaedists wear leaded glasses when using fluoroscopy despite regulatory limits for maximum annual eye exposure. Methods Using anthropomorphic patient and surgeon phantoms, radiation dose at the surgeon phantom9s lens was measured with and without leaded glasses during fluroscopic acquisition of 16 common pelvic and hip views. The magnitude of lens dose reduction was calculated by dividing the unprotected dose by the dose measured behind leaded glasses. Results The unprotected lens dose varied considerably among the different views, ranging from 0 μRem for a single obturator oblique pelvic view, to 257 μRem for a single lateral sacral view with the image intensifier opposite the surgeon. On average, use of leaded glassess reduced radiation to the surgeon phantom9s eye by 90%. The greatest reduction was seen with a crosstable lateral radiograph of the hip (22 μRem unprotected lens dose vs. 1 μRem with leaded glasses). Conclusions The use of leaded glasses could permit an orthopaedist to perform up to 10 times more cases before reaching the annual limit of 20 mSv (20 mSv = 2×10 6 mRem). A large number of images are often required during a single operative procedure and varies greatly between cases. The number of cases which a surgeon can safely perform without leaded glasses is dependent on the number and type of images, and location of the surgeon with respect to the image intensifier.
Extracellular matrix regenerative graft attenuates the negative impact of polypropylene prolapse mesh on vagina in rhesus macaque.

Background The use of wide pore lightweight polypropylene mesh to improve anatomical outcomes in the surgical repair of prolapse has been hampered by mesh complications. One of the prototype prolapse meshes has been found to negatively impact the vagina by inducing a decrease in smooth muscle volume and contractility and the degradation of key structural proteins (collagen and elastin), resulting in vaginal degeneration. Recently, bioscaffolds derived from extracellular matrix have been used to mediate tissue regeneration and have been widely adopted in tissue engineering applications. Objective Here we aimed to: (1) define whether augmentation of a polypropylene prolapse mesh with an extracellular matrix regenerative graft in a primate sacrocolpopexy model could mitigate the degenerative changes; and (2) determine the impact of the extracellular matrix graft on vagina when implanted alone. Study Design A polypropylene-extracellular matrix composite graft (n = 9) and a 6-layered extracellular matrix graft alone (n = 8) were implanted in 17 middle-aged parous rhesus macaques via sacrocolpopexy and compared to historical data obtained from sham (n = 12) and the polypropylene mesh (n = 12) implanted by the same method. Vaginal function was measured in passive (ball-burst test) and active (smooth muscle contractility) mechanical tests. Vaginal histomorphologic/biochemical assessments included hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome staining, immunofluorescent labeling of α-smooth muscle actin and apoptotic cells, measurement of total collagen, collagen subtypes (ratio III/I), mature elastin, and sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Statistical analyses included 1-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, and appropriate post-hoc tests. Results The host inflammatory response in the composite mesh-implanted vagina was reduced compared to that following implantation with the polypropylene mesh alone. The increase in apoptotic cells observed with the polypropylene mesh was blunted in the composite (overall P P = .011). Multilayered extracellular matrix graft alone showed overall comparable values to sham in aspects of the biomechanical, histomorphologic, or biochemical endpoints of the vagina. The increased collagen subtype ratio III/I with the extracellular matrix graft alone ( P = .033 compared to sham) is consistent with an ongoing active remodeling response. Conclusion Mesh augmentation with a regenerative extracellular matrix graft attenuated the negative impact of polypropylene mesh on the vagina. Application of the extracellular matrix graft alone had no measurable negative effects suggesting that the benefits of this extracellular matrix graft occur when used without a permanent material. Future studies will focus on understanding mechanisms.
Coordinated packet-level protection with a corruption model for robust video transmission

In this work, each packet is associated with a varying degree of significance based on the impact of its loss, which is estimated with a corruption model. For a compressed video stream, initial and propagation errors are first described by the macroblock (MB)-based corruption model by taking into account error concealment, temporal dependency, and loop filtering. Next, at the packet-level, a corruption model using the relative priority index (RPI) is constructed by integrating MB-based models. Furthermore, the effect of multiple-packet loss is analyzed and the associated RPI is calculated to improve the model accuracy at a higher packet loss rate. With the RPI-based corruption model for each packet, coordinated delivery of packetized video over QoS networks is investigated. Finally, a per-packet optimization framework with unequal error protection (UEP) is realized to consider both end-to-end video performance and pricing. The performance of the proposed solution is verified with intensive simulations.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Extrusions are phagocytosed and promote Chlamydia survival within macrophages.

The precise strategies that intracellular pathogens use to exit host cells have a direct impact on their ability to disseminate within a host, transmit to new hosts, and engage or avoid immune responses. The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis exits the host cell by two distinct exit strategies, lysis and extrusion. The defining characteristics of extrusions, and advantages gained by Chlamydia within this unique double-membrane structure, are not well understood. Here, we define extrusions as being largely devoid of host organelles, comprised mostly of Chlamydia elementary bodies, and containing phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the extrusion membrane. Extrusions also served as transient, intracellular-like niches for enhanced Chlamydia survival outside the host cell. In addition to enhanced extracellular survival, we report the key discovery that chlamydial extrusions are phagocytosed by primary bone marrow-derived macrophages, after which they provide a protective microenvironment for Chlamydia. Extrusion-derived Chlamydia staved off macrophage-based killing and culminated in the release of infectious elementary bodies from the macrophage. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which C. trachomatis extrusions serve as “trojan horses” for bacteria, by exploiting macrophages as vehicles for dissemination, immune evasion, and potentially transmission.
Alteration in the Collagen Content of the Human Uterus During Pregnancy and Post Partum Involution

The physiological resorption of collagen during recovery from experimental cirrhosis was demonstrated in 1947 (1). Factors which influence the deposition and disappearance of collagen in experimental cirrhosis, as well as the phenomenon of the regression of scar tissue, were examined subsequently (2, 3). A striking resorption of collagen from the rat uterus following parturition was described by Harkness and Harkness in 1954 (4). Later these authors (5), and Harkness and Moralee (6), suggested that the post partum uterus is especially suitable for investigation of the physiological dissolution and catabolism of endogenous collagen. The present study was undertaken to determine the alterations in the nature and content of collagen occurring in the myometrium of the human uterus during pregnancy and the post partum involutionary period.
Does Local Religiosity Affect Organizational Risk-taking? Evidence from the Hedge Fund Industry

Abstract We examine the impact of local religious beliefs on organizational risk-taking behaviors using hedge funds as a new and unique setting. We find robust evidence that local religiosity is significantly negatively related to both total and idiosyncratic volatilities of hedge funds during 1996–2013. This relation is primarily driven by semi-directional funds, reversed for directional funds, and nonexistent for non-directional funds. Consistent with the local preference channel, the impact of local religiosity on risk-taking is only pronounced among funds for which local managers and investors are economically more important, namely young and small funds. Further, hedge funds located in more religious counties tend to hold less risky stocks and diversify their stock portfolios across industries, thus contributing to lower hedge fund risk-taking. Overall, our evidence suggests that local culture, in particular religiosity, may motivate hedge fund managers to reduce risk.
From piezoelectric sensor to measuring system

In 1959, Hans Conrad Sonderegger established Kistler Instrumente AG in Switzerland. In 1957, Walter P. Kistler and Hans Conrad Sonderegger had already founded Kistler Instrument Corp. in the USA and Hans Conrad Sonderegger had established Kistler Instruments in Switzerland. In 1958, Kistler launched the first universal miniature pressure sensor. In the years that followed Kistler set milestones in the field of sensor technology with its innovations and expanded its global presence. In 2009, its jubilee year, Kistler is adding the new KiBox, the mobile in-vehicle combustion analysis system, to its range of products.
Real-time implementation of multiagent-based game theory reverse auction model for microgrid market operation

This paper presents a real-time implementation of multi-agent based game theory reverse auction model for microgrid market operation featuring conventional and renewable distributed energy resources (DER). Studies were conducted for a grid connected microgrid consisting of a synchronous generator, two inverter-based generation units and a combined load. The Multi-agent based platform was applied to monitoring, controlling and per-forming the reverse auction process of the DER. A competitive game-theory reverse auction model was investigated to schedule the DER unit commitment with hour-ahead market approach for the twenty-four hours of the day. The proposed methodology was realistically implemented and operated at Florida International University, Smart Grid Test system. The investigation shows that the proposed algorithm and the industrial based hardware structure can be implemented in existing electric utility grid as new assets of the system are added.
Secure Cascade Channel Synthesis

We consider the problem of generating correlated random variables in a distributed fashion, where communication is constrained to a cascade network. The first node in the cascade observes an i.i.d. sequence $X^{n}$ locally before initiating communication along the cascade. All nodes share bits of common randomness that are independent of $X^{n}$ . We consider secure synthesis—random variables produced by the system appear to be appropriately correlated and i.i.d. even to an eavesdropper who is cognizant of the communication transmissions. We characterize the optimal tradeoff between the amount of common randomness used and the required rates of communication. We find that not only does common randomness help, its usage exceeds the communication rate requirements. The most efficient scheme is based on a superposition codebook, with the first node selecting messages for all downstream nodes. We also provide a fleeting view of related problems, demonstrating how the optimal rate region may shrink or expand.
Budget Adjustments and Spending Patterns: A Transaction-Cycle View

ABSTRACT: Organizational- and departmental-level budgeting suffer from various shortcomings, such as asymmetric ratcheting. In this regard, we theorize, and propose, budgeting at the transaction-cycle level for effective budget designs. The transaction-cycle level budget requires management justification for resource assignment to business processes, often spanning multiple departments. The transaction-cycle typology consists of five cycles: production, expenditure, financial, revenue, and human-resources. In order to distinguish among transaction cycles, we use their relative positions within the value chain and technology content in their business processes. As a proof-of-concept, we develop theoretical arguments for asymmetric ratcheting in operating budgets at the transaction-cycle level in hospitals, and empirically examine this phenomenon using longitudinal archival data. Our hypotheses examine budgetary responses to overspending and underspending variances in operating budgets for fixed and variabl...
Non-neutral responses to money supply shocks when consumption and leisure are Pareto substitutes

To a greater extent than is often stressed in existing literature, preference assumptions affect responses to money shocks in equilibrium monetary models. Temporary money shocks can have persistent real effects if the marginal utility of leisure is a decreasing function of consumption, where leisure is measured as time endowment less market labor effort, and consumption refers to market produced goods. This condition is an empirically supported implication of home production models. Though not theoretically necessary for supporting the existence of short run real effects, the presence of distortionary taxes and endogenous productivity can have significant quantitative effects on responses to temporary money supply shocks.
Logarithmic-time updates and queries in probabilistic networks

Traditional databases commonly support efficient query and update procedures that operate in time which is sublinear in the size of the database. Our goal in this paper is to take a first step toward dynamic reasoning in probabilistic databases with comparable efficiency. We propose a dynamic data structure that supports efficient algorithms for updating and querying singly connected Bayesian networks. In the conventional algorithm, new evidence is absorbed in time O(1) and queries are processed in time O(N), where N is the size of the network. We propose an algorithm which, after a preprocessing phase, allows us to answer queries in time O(log N) at the expense of O(log N) time per evidence absorption. The usefulness of sub-linear processing time manifests itself in applications requiring (near) real-time response over large probabilistic databases. We briefly discuss a potential application of dynamic probabilistic reasoning in computational biology.
Information Aggregation and P-Hacking

This paper studies the interplay between information aggregation and p-hacking in the context of predicting stock returns. The standard information-aggregation techniques exacerbate p-hacking by in...
Formation of solidification patterns in aggregation models.

Generalizations of the diffusion-limited aggregation model are considered in order to simulate pattern formation during solidification. The two-dimensional clusters grown on a seed particle are initially circular but at later stages the process crosses over into dendritic growth. The effects of an anisotropic surface tension are studied by assuming that the sticking probability of the particles depends on the local orientation of the interface. Directional solidification is simulated by the deposition of particles undergoing biased random walks. Linearly stable patterns are generated if the basic features of the directional solidification experiments are taken into account. The resulting patterns are very similar to those observed experimentally.
Sea of Storms: A History of Hurricanes in the Greater Caribbean from Columbus to Katrina. By Stuart B. Schwartz. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2015. Pp. xxi, 439. $35.00.)

The phrase “natural catastrophe” is an oxymoron. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and great storms are all part of nature; and on geological time scales, they are as normal as breathing is to us. T...
Estrogen receptor-dependent attenuation of hypoxia-induced changes in the lung genome of pulmonary hypertension rats

17β-estradiol (E2) exerts complex and context-dependent effects in pulmonary hypertension. In hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH), E2 attenuates lung vascular remodeling through estrogen r...
Electric utility regulation under enhanced renewable energy integration and distributed generation

The economic environment for electric utilities is changing in the United States given increased penetration of distributed generation and limited rooms for sales growth. This paper reviews the recent development of relevant policies in the United States and their economic impacts. This review indicates both challenges and opportunities in improving the policies to enhance distributed generation, and in finding the directions in which electric utility regulation should be reformed.
Problem reduction, renormalization, and memory

We present methods for the reduction of the complexity of computational problems, both time-dependent and stationary, together with connections to renormalization, scaling, and irreversible statistical mechanics. Most of the methods have been presented before; what is new here is the common framework which relates the several constructions to each other and to methods of theoretical physics, as well as the analysis of the approximate reductions for time-dependent problems. The key conclusions are: (i) in time dependent problems, it is not in general legitimate to average equations without taking into account memory effects and noise; (ii) mathematical tools developed in physics for carrying out renormalization group transformations yield effective block Monte Carlo methods; (iii) the Mori–Zwanzig formalism, which in principle yields exact reduction methods but is often hard to use, can be tamed by approximation; and (iv) more generally, problem reduction is a search for hidden similarities.
Indoor office wideband penetration loss measurements at 73 GHz

This paper presents millimeter wave (mmWave) penetration loss measurements and analysis at 73 GHz using a wideband sliding correlator channel sounder in an indoor office environment. Penetration loss was measured using a carefully controlled measurement setup for many common indoor building materials such as glass doors, glass windows, closet doors, steel doors, and whiteboard writing walls. Measurements were conducted using narrowbeam transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) horn antennas that were boresight-aligned with a test material between the antennas. Overall, 21 different locations were measured for 6 different materials such that the same type of material was tested in at least two locations in order to characterize the effect of penetration loss for materials with similar composition. As shown here, attenuation through common materials ranged between 0.8 dB/cm and 9.9 dB/cm for co-polarized antennas, while cross-polarized antennas exhibited similar attenuation for most materials, but up to 23.4 dB/cm of attenuation for others. The penetration loss results presented here are useful for site-specific planning tools that will model indoor mmWave networks, without the need for expensive measurement campaigns.
Unified Mechanism for Positive- and Negative-Bias Temperature Instability in GaN MOSFETs

We present a comprehensive study of bias temperature instability (BTI) in GaN MOSFETs under moderate positive and negative gate bias stress. We investigate the evolution of threshold voltage ( ${\rm {V_T}})$ , maximum transconductance ( ${\rm {g_{m,max}}})$ , and subthreshold swing (S). Our results show a universal continuous, symmetrical, and reversible ${\rm {V_T}}$ shift and ${\rm {g_{m, max}}}$ change as gate stress voltage ( $\text {V}_{{{\text {GS},\text {stress}}}})$ increases from −5 to 5V at room temperature. The time evolution of ${\rm {V_T}}$ is well described by a power law model. The voltage dependence, time dependence, and temperature dependence of our results suggest that for moderate gate bias stress, positive BTI and negative BTI are due to a single reversible mechanism. This is electron trapping/detrapping in preexisting oxide traps that form a defect band very close to the GaN/oxide interface and extend in energy beyond the conduction band edge of GaN and below the Fermi level at the channel surface at 0 V.
The NOESY Jigsaw: Automated protein secondary structure and main-chain assignment from sparse, unassigned NMR data

High-throughput, data-directed computational protocols for Structural Genomics (or Proteomics) are required in order to evaluate the protein products of genes for structure and function at rates comparable to current gene-sequencing technology. This paper presents the JIGSAW algorithm, a novel high-throughput, automated approach to protein structure characterization with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). JIGSAW applies graph algorithms and probabilistic reasoning techniques, enforcing first-principles consistency rules in order to overcome a 5-10% signal-to-noise ratio. It consists of two main components: (1) graph-based secondary structure pattern identification in unassigned heteronuclear NMR data, and (2) assignment of spectral peaks by probabilistic alignment of identified secondary structure elements against the primary sequence. Deferring assignment eliminates the bottleneck faced by traditional approaches, which begin by correlating peaks among dozens of experiments. JIGSAW utilizes only four experiments, none of which requires 13C-labeled protein, thus dramatically reducing both the amount and expense of wet lab molecular biology and the total spectrometer time. Results for three test proteins demonstrate that JIGSAW correctly identifies 79-100% of alpha-helical and 46-65% of beta-sheet NOE connectivities and correctly aligns 33-100% of secondary structure elements. JIGSAW is very fast, running in minutes on a Pentium-class Linux workstation. This approach yields quick and reasonably accurate (as opposed to the traditional slow and extremely accurate) structure calculations. It could be useful for quick structural assays to speed data to the biologist early in an investigation and could in principle be applied in an automation-like fashion to a large fraction of the proteome.
Rule-Based Traversability Indices for Multi-Scale Terrain Assessment

Abstract This paper presents novel measures of terrain traversability at three different scales of resolution; namely Local, Regional, and Global Traversability Indices. The Local Traversability Index is related by a set of linguistic rules to local obstacles and surface softness, measured by on-board sensors mounted on the robot. The rule-based Regional Traversability Index is computed from the terrain roughness and slope that are extracted from video images obtained by on-board cameras. The Global Traversability Index is obtained from the terrain topographic map, and is based on the natural or man-made surface features such as mountains and craters. Each traversability index is represented by four fuzzy sets with the linguistic labels {POOR, LOW, MODERATE, HIGH}, corresponding to surfaces that are unsafe, moderately-unsafe, moderately-safe, or safe for traversal, respectively 1 .