cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Cramer's rule for solving dense linear systems

The utility industry relies heavily on load flow modeling to design and manage public power systems. The speed and computational complexity of these models depends largely on the technique used to solve large scale linear systems. State-of-the-art software packages are predominantly founded on Gaussian elimination techniques (e.g. LU decomposition). Although such solutions lend themselves to parallel implementation, they require extensive communication overhead and non-uniform load distribution, often limiting their scalability. This paper presents a highly-parallelizable framework for solving large-scale linear systems by means of a novel utilization of Cramer's rule. While the latter is often perceived to be impractical when considered for large systems, it is shown that the algorithm proposed has an O(N3) complexity with pragmatic forward and backward stability. Moreover, minimal communication overhead between parallel processors is imposed. Most importantly, from the perspective of load-balancing across parallel nodes, the workload is inherently uniform throughout the process, thereby overcoming the drawbacks of existing schemes. Empirical results are provided to substantiate the stated accuracy and computational complexity claims.
Selective Attention in Associative Learning. Review ofThe Psychology of Associative Learning,by D. R. Shanks

Abstract D. R. Shanks is Reader in Experimental Psychology at University College London. He received his Ph.D. in 1985 from the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge. He was a Research Scientist at the Medical Research Council's Applied Psychology Unit from 1985 to 1990 and was awarded the Experimental Psychology Society Prize in 1993. His primary research interests are human learning and memory, and he is the editor (with Holyoak and Medin) ofCausal Learning(Academic Press, Vol. 34 ofThe Psychology of Learning and Motivation). John K. Kruschke is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and a member of the Cognitive Science faculty at Indiana University. His primary research interests are associative learning and connectionist models.
Genetics of Structural Hair Disorders

The identification of causative genes carries the promise of new and innovative therapeutic strategies for both inherited and acquired hair disorders. Moreover, the delineation of the relationships between similar phenotypes, resulting from mutations affecting seemingly distinct regulatory pathways, paves the way to improved diagnosis and treatment. Finally, understanding the biological processes governing HF development and maintenance may have implications for more general disease processes in the skin, such as inflammation and cancer.
Desulfurization of coal: the microbial solution

Abstract Pollution from coal combustion is the largest problem in the current use of coal and the biggest constraint on the increased use of coal. Sulfurous emissions from the combustion of coal are cited as the leading contributor to acid rain. No cost-effective technology exists for the pre-combustion desulfurization of coal, but biotechnology may provide a solution.
Restoration of the LH secretory response in desensitized gonadotropes

Abstract The time-dependent recovery of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) responsiveness in desensitized gonadotropes was examined under conditions of altered membrane fluidity and GnRH exposure. Cultured pituitary cells were treated for 3 h with GnRH (10−9 M; to provoke homologous desensitization) or vehicle alone (controls). When cells were washed and immediately rechallenged for 3 h with GnRH, gonadotrope responsiveness (assessed by luteinizing hormone (LH) release) was significantly lower in GnRH-pretreated cells than controls. If gonadotropes were allowed to recover in medium alone, membrane fluidity agents 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)-ethyl-8-(cis-2-n-octylcyclopropyl)-octanoate (A2C; 10−4 M) or cis-vaccenic acid (CVA; 0.5 mM) or a low dose of GnRH (10−10 M) for up to 48 h prior to rechallenging with GnRH, responsiveness in all cases was significantly lower in GnRH-pretreated cells than controls. However, if cells were treated with either A2C or CVA in the presence of GnRH (10−10 M) during the recovery period, gonadotrope responsiveness to a subsequent challenge with GnRH was partially restored by 24 h; by 48 h no differences in the LH secretory response to GnRH was detected between GnRH-pretreated cells and controls. The possibility that restoration of the GnRH receptor-linked Ca2+ channel is associated with recovery of the desensitized gonadotrope was also examined. Identical protocols to those described above were used except that the functional integrity of the Ca2+ channel was assessed by measuring LH release in response to increasing doses of maitotoxin (MTX; a specific Ca2+ channel activator). Again, GnRH-pretreated cells were significantly less responsive to MTX than controls when allowed to recover for 48 h in medium alone, A2C (10−4 M) or GnRH (10-10 M). However, allowing cells to recover for 48 h under a condition of increased membrane fluidity and basal GnRH levels completely restored the MTX-stimulated LH secretory response in GnRH-pretreated gonadotropes. Taken together, these studies suggest that the physical state of the gonadotrope plasma membrane together with the appropriate hormonal milieu provide an important environment for the gonadotrope to recover from desensitization. Additionally, our results suggest that functional recovery of the GnRH-linked Ca2+ channel may play a requisite role in restoring GnRH responsiveness to the desensitized gonadotrope.
Do NALP5 antibodies correlate with hypoparathyroidism in patients with APS-1?

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder detected in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1); however, a parathyroid-specific autoantibody has not yet been identified. Alimohammadi et al. have screened a human parathyroid complementary DNA library with serum samples from patients with APS-1 and detected NACHT leucine-rich-repeat protein 5 (NALP5) immunoreactivity in 49% of patients with APS-1-associated hypoparathyroidism. When measured with a novel fluid-phase radioimmunoassay, these autoantibodies were found to be highly specific for the hypoparathyroid component of APS-1. In addition, NALP5 was predominantly expressed in the parathyroid gland. In this Practice Point commentary, I discuss the mechanistic and diagnostic implications of this finding for patients with APS-1. The natural history of NALP5 autoantibody expression in relation to the development of hypoparathyroidism is currently unclear. Furthermore, the positive and negative predictive value of NALP5 autoantibodies for the prediction of hypoparathyroidism among patients with APS-1 still needs to be defined.
Inclusion Body Hepatitis in Gambel's Quail (Callipepla gambelii)

An acute necrotizing hepatitis in 1- to 3-wk-old Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) caused by an adenovirus is described. The infection caused high mortality in captive raised, orphan chicks at two wildlife rehabilitation facilities in Arizona (USA). Gross lesions varied from pale livers to multiple, pinpoint, white foci scattered throughout the livers. Microscopically, scattered foci of hepatocellular necrosis were present. Intact hepatocytes at the periphery of necrotic foci had eosinophilic and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies.
Fibrosarcoma: a review and update.

Adult fibrosarcoma, defined by the World Health Organization as a ‘malignant neoplasm composed of fibroblasts with variable collagen production and, in classical cases, a “herringbone” architecture’, is a very rare soft tissue sarcoma. Once considered the most common adult sarcoma, the incidence of adult fibrosarcoma has declined dramatically over the past several decades. This is due to (i) evolution in the classification of soft tissue tumours (ii) recognition of clinically, morphologically and genetically distinctive subtypes of fibrosarcoma and (iii) increased understanding of the many other mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal tumours that may mimic fibrosarcoma. This review article will summarize the current state of our knowledge about strictly defined adult fibrosarcoma and discuss important entities in its differential diagnosis, including various fibrosarcoma variants, monophasic synovial sarcoma and other potential mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal mimics.
The influence of fiber reinforcement of composites on shear bond strengths to enamel

Abstract Statement of Problem. Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) are used in direct intra-oral applications as periodontal splints and chairside tooth replacement by bonding them to etched enamel with resin adhesives and composites. There is little information regarding the effect of FRC on the shear bond strength of composite to etched enamel. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resin preimpregnated and non-preimpregnated fiber-reinforced composites on enamel to composite shear bond strength (SBS). Material and Methods. Specimen groups (n = 12) consisted of a control (composite with no fiber reinforcement), Ribbond, Splint-It Unidirectional, Splint-It Woven, and Connect, which were bonded to 37% phosphoric acid etched Prime and Bond NT adhesive-treated bovine enamel surfaces on a bed of Tetric Flow composite. Specimens were thermocycled 1000 times between 5° and 55°C and loaded on a universal testing machine in shear at a linear increasing load until fracture (MPa). The fractured surfaces of the debonded specimens were evaluated to determine the nature of the fracture with a light binocular microscope (×10). Shear bond strength data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Kuels tests ( P Results. Mean MPa ± SD for the test groups were as follows: Control, 15.6 ± 2.4; Splint-It Unidirectional, 15.3 ± 2.4; Splint-It Woven, 16.5 ± 1.8; Connect, 18.8 ± 1.5; and Ribbond, 15.8 ± 2.2. The Connect FRC group had significantly higher ( P Conclusion. Within the limitations of this study, no differences in SBS were observed with the addition of 3 of the 4 FRCs compared to composite without FRC, with the exception of the Connect product which provided significantly higher SBS values. (J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:388-93.)
Follicular development in a 7-day versus 4-day hormone-free interval with an oral contraceptive containing 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone acetate

Abstract Background Combined oral contraceptive (COC) formulations with 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE) have a greater incidence of ovarian hormone production and follicular development, which can be managed by shortening the number of hormone-free days per COC cycle. This study evaluates differences in follicular development during a 7-day versus 4-day hormone-free interval in a COC regimen with 20 mcg EE and 1 mg norethindrone acetate. Study Design Forty-one healthy women were randomized in an open-label fashion to this formulation in either a 24/4 or a 21/7 day regimen for three cycles. Estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and inhibin B were measured daily from Cycle 2, Day 21 to Cycle 3, Day 3 and on Day 7 of Cycle 3. Follicular diameter and Hoogland score were calculated on Cycle 2, Days 21, 24 and 28 and Cycle 3, Days 3 and 7. Results Sixty-six percent of subjects in the 21/7 group and 70% of the subjects in the 24/4 group developed a follicle greater than 10 mm diameter. Ovarian steroid hormone levels, Hoogland scores and bleeding patterns were not statistically significant between the groups. Conclusion In contrast to prior studies, this analysis suggests no difference in follicle development or bleeding patterns among women receiving a 21/7 or 24/4 regimen of a 20-mcg EE/1-mg norethindrone acetate COC.
Surface Reconstruction Through Sequential Tracking

The early implementation of the Fpipolar-Plane Image Anal- ysis depth measuring technique demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of the approach, but was developed for a re- stricted camera geometry. To enhance the applicability of the approach, we have developed a generalization of the analy- sis that a) enables varying view direction, b) operates sequentially, while the sensor is in motion. and c) provides spatially- coherent descriptions of observed olojects. To achieve this generalization it was necessary to develop an explicit description of the evolution of images over time. This evolution produces two-dimensional manifolds in space-time - these represent explicitly both the spatial and temporal structure of the ternporally-evolving imagery, and we term them spatiotemppral surfaces. A battery of linear sequential filters operates on these surfaces, Cracking and estimating parameters of features in the scene. The product of the analysis is a set of evolving three-dimensional contours describing the three-dimensional contours in the scene.
PUD-LRU: An Erase-Efficient Write Buffer Management Algorithm for Flash Memory SSD

Flash memory SSDs pose a well-known challenge, that is, the erase-before-write problem. Researchers try to solve this inherent problem from two different angles by either designing sophisticated Flash Translation Layer (FTL) schemes to postpone and minimize erasures or designing flash-aware buffer management algorithms to absorb unnecessary erasures. Our experimental results show that buffer management inside SSD is necessary and indispensable. Further, based on our observation that TPC and some server workloads have strong temporal locality, this paper proposes a new flash-aware write-buffer management algorithm, called PUD-aware LRU algorithm (PUD-LRU), based on the Predicted average Update Distance (PUD) as the key block replacement criterion on top of log-block FTL schemes. The main idea of PUD-LRU is to differentiate blocks and judiciously destage blocks based on their frequency and recency so as to avoid the unnecessary erasures due to repetitive updates. To take advantage of the characteristics of log-block FTL and increase the erase efficiency, PUD-LRU maximizes the number of valid pages in the destaged block in each erase operation. Our trace-driven experimental results show that the PUD-LRU algorithm can reduce the number of erasures of the state-of-the-art buffer management algorithm BPLRU by up to 42%, and average response time by up to 56%, while reducing the two measures of the state-of-the-art page-mapping FTL scheme DFTL by up to 73% and 75%, respectively.
Anatomy and Biology: Two Complementary Sides of Breast Cancer Prognostication

represent the weighted and transformed average of two separate risk predictions from Cox models derived independently from each data set. The primary prediction end point was 10-year risk of distant recurrence, and the models were compared by using the likelihood ratio test. This statistical test is used to compare the fit of two predictionmodels,onewithallvariablesincludedandanotherwithreduced number of variables. The test is based on the likelihood ratio, which indicates how many times more likely the observed data are in one model than the other. As one might expect, by combining partially independentclinicalandmolecularvariables,theRSPChadsignificantlybetterfit,indicatinggreaterprognosticvalue,thandidRSor a clinical model including tumor size, grade, and age alone. However, the average risk of distant recurrence was not statistically significantly different for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk cohorts defined by RS and RSPC. For example, the average risk of 10-year distant recurrence for the low-risk cohort defined by RS was 5.9% (95% CI, 4.0% to 7.8%), whereas it was 6.5% (95%CI, 4.5% to 8.5) for the low-risk group defined by RSPC. These results suggest that, although the average predicted risk by risk group is similar, the two models classify individual patients differently and the individual outcomes are more accurately predicted by the RSPC, as indicated by the significantly better fit of that model. Indeed, RSPC classified more patients as having low risk (64% v 54%) and fewer patients as having intermediate risk (18% v 27%) than did RS alone. The largest discordance in risk assignment occurred in small (1 cm), low-grade tumors for which RSPC tendedtoassignlowerriskthanRSandinlarger(3cm),high-grade
Stalking the Endangered CAT: A Queueing Analysis of Congestion at Automatic Teller Machines

A study to determine customer service standards for the automatic teller machines ATM's of a large retail bank led to the formulation and calibration of a finite waiting room M/M/c/K queueing model. The model suggested that the percentage of lost customers be adopted as the service standard instead of line wait. The new standard was applied against existing transaction reports to identify those congested ATM facilities that could best profit from additional machines and lobby space. The magnitude of the increased business at the upgraded facilities partly confirmed the model's hypothesis that substantial numbers of customers had indeed been balking.
Increased life span due to calorie restriction in respiratory-deficient yeast.

A model for replicative life span extension by calorie restriction (CR) in yeast has been proposed whereby reduced glucose in the growth medium leads to activation of the NAD+–dependent histone deacetylase Sir2. One mechanism proposed for this putative activation of Sir2 is that CR enhances the rate of respiration, in turn leading to altered levels of NAD+ or NADH, and ultimately resulting in enhanced Sir2 activity. An alternative mechanism has been proposed in which CR decreases levels of the Sir2 inhibitor nicotinamide through increased expression of the gene coding for nicotinamidase, PNC1. We have previously reported that life span extension by CR is not dependent on Sir2 in the long-lived BY4742 strain background. Here we have determined the requirement for respiration and the effect of nicotinamide levels on life span extension by CR. We find that CR confers robust life span extension in respiratory-deficient cells independent of strain background, and moreover, suppresses the premature mortality associated with loss of mitochondrial DNA in the short-lived PSY316 strain. Addition of nicotinamide to the medium dramatically shortens the life span of wild type cells, due to inhibition of Sir2. However, even in cells lacking both Sir2 and the replication fork block protein Fob1, nicotinamide partially prevents life span extension by CR. These findings (1) demonstrate that respiration is not required for the longevity benefits of CR in yeast, (2) show that nicotinamide inhibits life span extension by CR through a Sir2-independent mechanism, and (3) suggest that CR acts through a conserved, Sir2-independent mechanism in both PSY316 and BY4742.
Jordan homomorphisms of rings

The primary aim of this paper is to study mappings J of rings that are additive and that satisfy the conditions $$ {\left( {{a^2}} \right)^J} = {\left( {{a^J}} \right)^2},\;{\left( {aba} \right)^J} = {a^J}{b^J}{a^J} $$ (1) Such mappings will be called Jordan homomorphisms. If the additive groups admit the operator 1/2 in the sense that 2x = a has a unique solution (1/2)a for every a, then conditions (1) are equivalent to the simpler condition $$ {\left( {ab} \right)^J} + {\left( {ba} \right)^J} = {a^J}{b^J} + {b^J}{a^J} $$ (2) Mappings satisfying (2) were first considered by Ancochea [1], [2](1). The modification to (1) is essentially due to Kaplansky [13]. Its purpose is to obviate the necessity of imposing any restriction on the additive groups of the rings under consideration.
Multifactor efficiency in data envelopment analysis with an application to urban hospitals.

A perennial difficulty in measuring hospital efficiency, and one with important policy implications, is how to compare teaching versus non-teaching hospitals. This problem reflects a broader methodological concern in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), which is the comparison of specialist and non-specialist Decision-Making Units (DMUs). This paper presents a new performance measure in DEA, termed multifactor efficiency, which represents an average partial factor productivity index summed over all output–input ratios. We apply this technique to measure the performance of 27 large, urban hospitals, including 13 teaching hospitals. These results were reviewed and validated by a panel of health care experts, and multifactor efficiency was shown to offer several benefits that enhance and complement existing performance measures in DEA.
Does defective volume sensation contribute to detrusor underactivity

Aims The urodynamic finding of detrusor underactivity (DU) in neurologically intact unobstructed patients may relate to impaired volume sensations rather than detrusor contractile defects. We hypothesized that DU patients would demonstrate higher volumes but similar wall stress at sensation thresholds, and similar voiding contractility, compared to other groups. Methods Chart review of urodynamic studies in neurologically normal, nonobstructed symptomatic patients. Urodynamic studies having the primary findings of DU, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), detrusor overactivity (DO), and increased sensations without detrusor overactivity (IS) were abstracted. Age, gender, and pressure/volume data associated with sensations and voiding parameters were collected. Wall stress at sensations was calculated. Urodynamic variables at standard sensations and progression across standard sensations were compared among the four groups. Results Fifty-one urodynamic studies were analyzed for comparison. Mean age did not differ between groups. The DU group was predominantly male versus the other groups. DU, SUI, and DO had higher volume thresholds for strong desire than did IS. DU and DO demonstrated higher wall stress at strong desire than did IS and SUI. Watts factor was not significantly different between groups, however, DU had a smaller voided volumes and a higher post-void residuals. Conclusion Increased volume and wall stress at strong desire, and similar contractility but the smaller voided volumes and elevated PVRs in DU suggest that diminished central sensitivity to volume afferent activity contributes to DU in nonobstructed, non-neurogenic symptomatic patients. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:752–756, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of patterned recording medium using ion beam proximity lithography

We describe the lithographic structuring of large-area patterned medium samples with sub-50 nm features using ion beam proximity lithography (IBPL). The quality of the patterns formed in IBPL system is primarily limited by the quality of the stencil masks. Hence, the emphasis of this work has been to develop a reliable mask fabrication process that can achieve a size uniformity that is suitable for patterned media. We have developed a mask fabrication approach that incorporates palladium as a hard mask for transferring the lithography pattern through a silicon nitride membrane. A conformal gold coating allows for further reduction of the mask features without a significant increase in the feature size variation. An average standard deviation of 3 nm and 5 nm was measured during various steps of the stencil mask fabrication and after printing using IBPL in PMMA resist, respectively. Patterned medium prototypes with features ranging from 40 nm to 300 nm have been fabricated and magnetic properties measured. A 6-12 fold increase in coercivity was measured for multilayer samples after patterning. Ion irradiation of patterned multilayer samples was also studied as a means to control magnetic anisotropy as well as to evaluate possible ion irradiation damage involved in ion-beam proximity lithography patterning. Patterned multilayer samples show a decrease in coercivity from 11 kOe for as-patterned to 0.3 kOe for 800 muC/cm2 and suggests that ion irradiation can be an integral part of bit patterned medium fabrication for anisotropy control.
Idempotents and Landweber exactness in brave new algebra

We explain how idempotents in homotopy groups give rise to splittings of homotopy categories of modules over commutative S-algebras, and we observe that there are naturally occurring equivariant examples involving idempotents in Burnside rings. We then give a version of the Landweber exact functor theorem that applies to MU-modules. In 1997, not long after [6] was written, I gave an April Fool’s talk on how to prove that BP is an E1 ring spectrum or equivalently, in the language of [6], a commutative S-algebra. Unfortunately, the problem of whether or not BP is an E1 ring spectrum remains open. However, two interesting remarks emerged and will be presented here. One concerns splittings along idempotents and the other concerns the Landweber exact functor theorem. One of the nicest things in [6] is its one line proof that KO and KU are commutative S-algebras. This is an application of the following theorem [6, VIII.2.2], or rather the special case that follows. Theorem 1. Let R be a cell commutative S-algebra, A be a cell commutative Ralgebra, and M be a cell R-module. Then the BousÞeld localization i : A A! AM of A at M can be constructed as the inclusion of a subcomplex in a cell commutative R-algebra. In particular, the commutative R-algebra AM is a commutative S-algebra by neglect of structure.
Simultaneous measurement of temperature and pressure with cascaded extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer and intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer sensors

This paper presents an approach for simultaneous measurement of temperature and pressure using miniaturized fiber inline sensors. The approach utilizes the cascaded optical fiber inline intrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer and extrinsic Fabry–Perot interferometer as temperature and pressure sensing elements, respectively. A CO2 laser was used to create a loss between them to balance their reflection power levels. The multiplexed signals were demodulated using a Fast Fourier transform-based wavelength tracking method. Experimental results showed that the sensing system could measure temperature and pressure unambiguously in a pressure range of 0 to 6.895×105 Pa and a temperature range from 20°C to 700°C.
Preparing clinical-grade myeloid dendritic cells by electroporation-mediated transfection of in vitro amplified tumor-derived mRNA and safety testing in stage IV malignant melanoma

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been used as vaccines in clinical trials of immunotherapy of cancer and other diseases. Nonetheless, progress towards the use of DCs in the clinic has been slow due in part to the absence of standard methods for DC preparation and exposure to disease-associated antigens. Because different ex vivo exposure methods can affect DC phenotype and function differently, we studied whether electroporation-mediated transfection (electrotransfection) of myeloid DCs with in vitro expanded RNA isolated from tumor tissue might be feasible as a standard physical method in the preparation of clinical-grade DC vaccines. We prepared immature DCs (IDCs) from CD14+ cells isolated from leukapheresis products and extracted total RNA from freshly resected melanoma tissue. We reversely transcribed the RNA while attaching a T7 promoter to the products that we subsequently amplified by PCR. We transcribed the amplified cDNA in vitro and introduced the expanded RNA into IDCs by electroporation followed by DC maturation and cryopreservation. Isolated and expanded mRNA was analyzed for the presence of melanoma-associated tumor antigens gp100, tyrosinase or MART1. To test product safety, we injected five million DCs subcutaneously at three-week intervals for up to four injections into six patients suffering from stage IV malignant melanoma. Three preparations contained all three transcripts, one isolate contained tyrosinase and gp100 and one contained none. Electrotransfection of DCs did not affect viability and phenotype of fresh mature DCs. However, post-thaw viability was lower (69 ± 12 percent) in comparison to non-electroporated cells (82 ± 12 percent; p = 0.001). No patient exhibited grade 3 or 4 toxicity upon DC injections. Standardized preparation of viable clinical-grade DCs transfected with tumor-derived and in vitro amplified mRNA is feasible and their administration is safe.
Statistical Characterization of Zonal and Meridional Ocean Wind Stress

Four years of ocean vector wind data are used to evaluate statistics of wind stress over the ocean. Raw swath wind stresses derived from the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) are compared with five different global gridded wind products, including products based on scatterometer observations, meteorological analysis winds from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, and reanalysis winds from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Buoy winds from a limited number of sites in the Pacific Ocean are also considered. Probability density functions (PDFs) computed for latitudinal bands show that mean wind stresses for the six global products are largely in agreement, while variances differ substantially, by a factor of 2 or more, with swath wind stresses indicating highest variances for meridional winds and for zonal winds outside the Tropics. Higher moments of the PDFs also differ. Kurtoses are large for all wind products, implying that PDFs are not Gaussian. None of the available gridded products fully captures the range of extreme wind events seen in the raw swath data. Frequency spectra for the five gridded products agree with frequency spectra from swath data at low frequencies, but spectral slopes differ at higher frequencies, particularly for frequencies greater than 100 cycles per year (cpy), which are poorly resolved by a single scatterometer. In the frequency range between 10 and 90 cpy that is resolved by the scatterometer, spectra derived from swath data are flatter than spectra from gridded products and are judged to be flatter than 2/3 at all latitudes.
Nonlinear Wave Interactions in Compressible Turbulence

Nonlinear wave interactions in compressible turbulence are considered within the framework of a successive-approximation procedure. To first approximation, an equi-partition between the total energy contents of the kinetic and potential parts of the longitudinal compressible mode over long times is indicated, in agreement with the DNS result of Sarkar et al. (1991).
Simulation Training in Self-Regulated Learning: Investigating the Effects of Dual Feedback on Dynamic Decision-Making Tasks

Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) is a popular concept in the research area of the education. However, most researchers who have studied SRL focus on the theoretical aspects of metacognition or the educational application such as children’s learning and academic performance. The purpose of this research is to investigate the SRL effects of dual feedback (retrospective confident judgments and task performances) in a dynamic task environment. A human-in-the-loop simulation experiment was conducted to collect real-time task performance data from participants and compared the self-regulated learning effects between different feedback conditions. We found that an improvement in the accuracy of their performance prediction might promote an increase in their situation awareness on dynamic decision-making tasks. This research will contribute design faster and more effective training algorism to inexperienced operators in the computer simulation training environment.
Ermittlung Von Schraubenkräften Bei Abgaskrümmern

Die Schraubverbindungen zwischen Abgaskrummer und Zylinderkopf mussen so ausgelegt sein, dass sich einerseits der Abgaskrummer bei hohen Abgastemperaturen ausdehnen kann, andererseits muss jedoch die fur die Dichtigkeit erforderliche Flachenpressung sichergestellt sein. Tenneco hat ein neues Messsystem entwickelt, mit dem sich die Schraubenkrafte zeit- und kostensparend ermitteln lassen. Durch statistische Methoden kann anschliesend eine hinreichend sichere Aussage uber die Krafte bei Schraubverbindungen mit definierten Anzugsmomenten getroffen werden.
Evaluation of elastic modulation gains in microsoft's optical backbone in North America

We study Q-factor and its variation in Microsoft's backbone network carrying live traffic. We find that a capacity gain of at least 70% is achievable via elastic modulation.
Optical quantification of label-free DNA

The designed gold nanoparticle dimer is employed to quantify label-free DNA. By using hyperspectral dark field spectroscopy, the measurement of characteristic spectra shows versatile quantification of label-free DNA up to atto molar concentration.
Placental Immunity. 1. A Method of Determining Dosage of Placental Globulin in Measles Prophylaxis

Conclusions1. By comparing the titre of diphtheria antitoxin of maternal blood and the globulin extracted from a placenta one may arrive at equivalents which are also equivalent in measles prophylaxis. This offers a method of measuring dosage of placental globulin extract. Ten experiments performed indicate that this, with the exception cited, is true. 2. The measles antibody and diphtheria antitoxin are both contained in the globulin fraction as extracted. 3. Globulin extract when properly applied as to dosage and conditions of exposure is effective in measles prophylaxis.
Effect of antipyretics on the length of hospital stay of pediatric patients with bacterial infections

Antipyretic use in pediatric patients with uncomplicated bacterial infections was characterized, and the effect of such therapy on the length of hospital stay of these patients was studied. Study patients were divided into six groups of 30 patients. Patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, staphylococcal cellulitis, or H. influenzae meningitis receiving at least two antipyretic doses were compared with their counterparts receiving one or no antipyretic doses. Of the total 299 antipyretic doses administered, 284 were acetaminophen. Patients with H. influenzae meningitis received a mean of 4.57 doses per patient, which was significantly greater than the other study groups (p less than 0.05). In contrast, patients with staphylococcal cellulitis received the highest mean dose of 12.51 mg/kg of acetaminophen. There appeared to be a relationship between the admitting temperature and the mean length of hospital stay; higher admitting temperatures were correlated with increased length of stay. Analysis of covariance for the different study groups indicated no significant difference in length of hospital stay (p greater than 0.05).
Analysis of Problems and Its Countermeasures of Modern Service Development in Beijing CBD

At present Beijing CBD is in the transition from planning period to construction management period and from industrial planning period to industrial formation period.Its increasingly urgent to exert its commercial function and develop modern service industry.Beijing will promote 7 key functional areas building including Beijing commercial center area in order to make the Capital as China's important financial center and modern service industrial assemble area which will attract multinational headquarters and local headquarters,develop modern service industry,foster international finance industry.This article studied the present situation of the modern service industrial development of Beijing CBD and put forward some countermeasures and suggestions on the bases of the existing problems.
Mozart's Music of Friends: Social Interplay in the Chamber Works

In 1829 Goethe famously described the string quartet as 'a conversation among four intelligent people'. Inspired by this metaphor, Edward Klorman's study draws on a wide variety of documentary and iconographic sources to explore Mozart's chamber works as 'the music of friends'. Illuminating the meanings and historical foundations of comparisons between chamber music and social interplay, Klorman infuses the analysis of sonata form and phrase rhythm with a performer's sensibility. He develops a new analytical method called multiple agency that interprets the various players within an ensemble as participants in stylized social intercourse - characters capable of surprising, seducing, outwitting, and even deceiving one another musically. This book is accompanied by online resources that include original recordings performed by the author and other musicians, as well as video analyses that invite the reader to experience the interplay in time, as if from within the ensemble.
The Clinical Assessment of Ejection Fraction and Hemodynamics in Congestive Heart Failure

The worldwide incidence and prevalence of congestive heart failure is rising and the clinical assessment of ejection fraction and hemodynamics predictive of patient outcomes is important for the treatment, management, and education of patients. The evaluation of congestive heart failure should include a thorough medical history, physical exam, auscultative findings, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide, a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram, and an echocardiogram. A diagnosis of congestive heart failure should differentiate between systolic and diastolic heart failure based on an ejection fraction above or below 40 %. Patients with congestive heart failure should be managed with medications and specialized interventions according to the ACCF/AHA Heart Failure Guidelines and Staging. Decisions regarding treatment and management should also take into account the clinical variables most predictive of patient outcomes; including left ventricular ejection fraction, the presence of an S3 gallop, elevated B-type natriuretic protein, reduced hemoglobin levels, persistently elevated troponin levels, and a VO2 level above 14 ml/kg/min. However, more research is necessary to accurately predict the diagnosis and prognosis of congestive heart failure.
Student Voice From a Turnaround Urban High School An Account of Students With and Without Dis/Abilities Leading Resistance Against Accountability Reform

The Every Student Succeeds Act redefines the priorities of our nation’s education system. Prior to its passage, turnaround strategies advanced solutions for low-performing schools. Research literature examining how these reforms impacted the schooling experiences of students attending these schools is lacking. We present the results of a qualitative case study of a reconstituted urban school in the Southwest United States, providing the perspectives of 10 students with dis/abilities and the effects accountability reform efforts had on their high school experience. Three expressed needs and desires were identified: (a) a positive school identity, (b) stability, and (c) to be recognized and heard.
Firearm Ownership Among Military Veterans With PTSD: A Profile of Demographic and Psychosocial Correlates

ABSTRACTPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that disproportionately affects military veterans, is associated with heightened rates of aggression and suicide. Although experience with firearms is common among this population, virtually nothing is known regarding who is more likely to own a firearm and whether firearm ownership is differentially associated with psychological and behavioral risk factors among veterans with PTSD. Of 465 veterans (79% male) entering PTSD treatment, 28% owned a firearm (median number of firearms among owners = 3, range = 1–40). Firearm owners reported higher income were less likely to be unemployed, and were more likely to be male, Caucasian, married, and living in permanent housing. Ownership was associated with higher combat exposure and driving aggression, yet lower rates of childhood and military sexual trauma, suicidal ideation, and incarceration. Ownership was not associated with previous suicide attempt, arrest history, number of traumas experienced, PTSD ...
An on-chip, interconnect capacitance characterization method with sub-femto-farad resolution

A simple, accurate method of measuring interconnect capacitances is presented. The test structure has excellent resolution, needs only DC measurements, and is compact enough for scribe-line implementation. These qualities make it suitable for measurement-based, interconnect capacitance characterization in a comparable fashion to current characterization efforts for MOSFET devices. The entire characterization scheme is demonstrated for a production 0.5 /spl mu/m, three-level metal technology. The method not only provides an accurate assessment of actual capacitance variation but provides valuable feedback on the variability of physical parameters such as interlevel dielectric (ILD) thickness and drawn width reductions for process control as well.
Debating Our Way Toward Stronger Thinking

Teachers often find it challenging to incorporate higher order thinking skills in ways that both inspire student interest and allow for meaningful differentiation. Structured debate is an activity ...
Abstract 310: 17-β Estradiol Treatment Prevents Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in VCD-Treated Menopausal Female Mice, Independent of Renal T Lymphocyte Infiltration

T lymphocytes are required for the development of Angiotensin II (Ang II) hypertension in male mice. Cycling female mice are protected against Ang II hypertension, and inducing ovarian failure (menopause) eliminates this protection. We have previously shown that female Rag-1 -/- mice with adoptively transferred T cells have significantly reduced renal T cell infiltration compared to males. Therefore, we hypothesized that an increase in renal T cell infiltration underlies the genesis of hypertension in menopausal female mice. 10 week old C57Bl/6 female mice received ip VCD injections for 20 consecutive days to induce ovarian failure. Cyclicity was monitored daily via vaginal cytology. Once in menopause, an osmotic minipump was implanted, releasing Ang II (800ng/kg/min) for 14 days. In a subset of mice, a 17-β estradiol pellet (0.1mg) was implanted subcutaneously. Upon harvest, T cell infiltration was measured via flow cytometry. Baseline blood pressure was similar among all groups. Ang II infusion elicited a significantly greater increase in MAP in menopausal mice compared to cycling control (Ang Δ11±10mmHg vs Meno/Ang Δ32±6, p 2 Δ5±2mmHg). Despite elevated MAP, there was no significant increase in renal CD3 + , CD4 + or CD8 + T lymphocyte infiltration in Meno/Ang group vs control. However, 17-β estradiol replacement decreased IL-2 renal mRNA expression (0.45±0.13 fold), and increased IL-10 expression (2.41±0.73 fold) compared to Ang II-treated menopausal mice. Ang II induced glomerular hypertrophy in all groups, independent of hormonal status (Control 2156±54μm 2 vs. Ang 3970±383*μm 2 vs. Meno/Ang 3729±51*μm 2 vs. Meno/E 2 /Ang 3505±71*μm 2 , *p
Essential roles of Caspase-3 in facilitating Myc-induced genetic instability and carcinogenesis

Healthy cells can become cancerous if their DNA is damaged and not repaired properly, leading to changes in the DNA known as mutations. The cells tend to accumulate more and more mutations – a phenomenon known as genomic instability – as they transition into cancer cells. A protein called Myc is known to promote genomic instability and contributes to many types of cancers. However, high levels of Myc proteins in a cell can also activate proteins that trigger a process called apoptosis, which makes the cell commit suicide. This role does not appear to fit with the cancer-promoting properties of Myc because apoptosis is generally thought to protect against cancer by helping to remove damaged cells from the body. Two of the proteins that Myc activates are known as caspase-3 and endonuclease G. In healthy cells, caspase-3 triggers a series of events that lead to apoptosis, while endonuclease G cuts up DNA in preparation for cell death. However, it is not known how these proteins affect the cancer-promoting properties of Myc. Here, Cartwright, Liu et al. used a gene editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9 to examine how these apoptosis proteins affect the ability of Myc to promote cancer. Increasing the production of Myc in healthy human mammary cells transformed these cells into breast cancer cells that were capable of forming tumors when injected into mice. However, in cells that could not make caspase-3 or endonuclease G, increasing the production of Myc did not lead to the cells becoming cancerous. Further experiments show that when Myc levels are high, the activation of caspase-3 and endonuclease G is not sufficient to kill the cells. As a result, endonuclease G causes damage to the DNA and promotes genomic instability. Future studies may focus on understanding exactly how and when the apoptosis proteins can contribute to cancer growth. With this knowledge, it may be possible to prevent or treat Myc-driven cancers by changing how these apoptosis proteins behave.
Do rising temperatures always increase forest productivity? Interacting effects of temperature, precipitation, cloudiness and soil texture on tree species growth and competition.

Abstract Forest landscape models (FLM) are increasingly used to project the effects of climate change on forested landscapes, yet most use phenomenological approaches with untested assumptions about future forest dynamics. We used a FLM that relies on first principles to mechanistically simulate growth (LANDIS-II with PnET-Succession) to systematically explore how landscapes composed of tree species with various life history traits respond to individual climate and abiotic drivers. Moderate temperature rise (+3 °C) concurrent with rising CO 2 concentration increased net photosynthesis of cohorts, but decreased biomass production because of increased maintenance respiration costs. However, an increase of 6 °C decreased both photosynthesis and biomass production, regardless of species optimal temperature. Increasing precipitation generally increased photosynthesis and biomass. Reduced cloudiness had a positive effect on photosynthesis and biomass, but much less than the other treatment factors. Our study informs expectations for the outcome of modeling studies that project forest futures under climate change.
Role of the inflammasome-related cytokines Il-1 and Il-18 during infection with murine coronavirus

The inflammasome, a cytosolic protein complex that mediates the processing and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, is one of the first responders during viral infection. The cytokines secreted following inflammasome activation, which include IL-1 and IL-18, regulate cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system, guiding the subsequent immune responses. In this study, we used murine coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), infection of the central nervous system and liver to assess of the role of the inflammasome and its related cytokines on pathogenesis and host defense during viral infection. Mice lacking all inflammasome signaling due to the absence of caspase-1 and -11 were more vulnerable to infection, with poor survival and elevated viral replication compared to wild-type mice. Mice lacking IL-1 signaling experienced elevated viral replication but similar survival compared to wild-type controls. In the absence of IL-18, mice had elevated viral replication and poor survival, and this protective effect of IL-18 was found to be due to promotion of interferon gamma production in αβ T cells. These data suggest that inflammasome signaling is largely protective during murine coronavirus infection, in large part due to the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-18.