cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultimate Dynamic Spectrum Allocation via User-Central Wireless Systems

Current wireless systems are called vendor-central systems because, users should subscribe to a service provider (vendor) and receive the service through the spectrum assigned to that vendor at all times. Vendorcentral systems suffer from low utility performance defined in terms of spectrum efficiency, blocking rate, and revenue. Variety dynamic channel allocation schemes have been proposed to address the weak utility performance of vendor-central systems.In this work, a futuristic user-central wireless system architecture that leads to an ultimate freedom in channel allocation will be introduced. This architecture is implemented based on the capabilities of cognitive radios. In user-central systems, a user has the freedom of receiving the service through an optimum vendor at any time instance and geographical location. The optimum vendor is selected by an intelligent mobile based on parameters such as the vendor signal power, channel availability, congestion rate, cost-per-second, and quality-of-service. We propose that vendors form a vendor area network (VAN) controlled by an inter-vendor mobile registration center (MRC). This paper discusses the system’s structure, call procedure, and utility performance benefits attained by this system.
Preliminary RANS Simulations and Experimental Study of a Simplified Tractor/Trailer Geometry

Preliminary results are presented for Steady-state Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations of the flow in the empty wind tunnel. Also presented are the experimental results of flow visualization over the simplified tractor/trailer geometry conducted at Auburn University. The simulations of the empty wind tunnel are carried out to determine the position of the simplified tractor/trailer geometry in the test section of the wind tunnel relative to the test section floor. It is observed from the computational simulations that the boundary layer thickness on the test section floor at the beginning of the test section is 0.3 inches and at the position where the trailer ends is 0.9 inches. The computational results of the empty wind tunnel are compared with the experimental data for validation. The comparisons include the boundary layer properties on the test section floor and the flow angularity calculations at the beginning of the test section. Some preliminary experiments were conducted on the simplified tractor/trailer geometry placed in the wind tunnel. A symmetric flow pattern moving outward from the center of the model is observed on the front side of the tractor. As the flow accelerated past the corner, it is observed that the flow undergoes laminar separation followed by a turbulent reattachment. Flow on the top of the tractor and also the trailer was observed to be smooth.
Thermal hyperalgesia assessment for rats after spinal cord injury: developing a valid and useful pain index.

Abstract Background context Ongoing research to understand the mechanism behind pain is heavily dependent on animal testing. However, unlike humans, animal subjects cannot directly communicate with researchers to express the degree of pain they are experiencing. Therefore, measuring the presence of pain in animal studies is based on behavioral tests. The use of arbitrary values for determining the presence of pain in animal studies is an oversimplification of a complex and cortically dependent process. Purpose The purpose of the present study was to identify a statistically supported latency time indicator that can be used as an accurate index for hyperalgesia to thermal stimuli in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to T9 contusive spinal cord injury (SCI). Study design A statistical analysis of latency of withdrawal from stimulus-mediated spinal reflex in 979 Sprague-Dawley rats that had been subjected to a T9 contusive SCI was performed. Methods This is a retrospective review of a large research database derived from a series of studies performed evaluating thermal hyperalgesia in rats after SCI. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a T9 contusive SCI and were tested for withdrawal latency from a heat stimulus. Assessment was done preinjury and on Postinjury Days 21, 28, 35, and 42 of the chronic phase of injury via a plantar withdrawal test. Results The baseline test results of the 979 rats showed a significant resemblance to the normal distribution. The observed change in withdrawal showed mean latency drops of 0.42 second (standard error of the mean [SEM], 0.18; p=.026), 0.57 second (SEM, 0.19; p=.004), 0.63 second (SEM, 0.19; p=.002), and 0.69 second (SEM, 0.19; p=.0003). The standard deviation from the mean at all four postsurgical assessments was between 2.8 and 2.9 seconds. Conclusions Interpretation of withdrawal latency times as a marker for thermal hyperalgesia must be based on an appreciation for the normal distribution of pain scores. Recognizing that withdrawal latency is normally distributed both before and after injury allows for rational assignment of animals to groups designated as hyperalgesic and nonhyperalgesic. Two point nine seconds faster than the mean latency time is a statistically reliable indicator of thermal hyperalgesia in Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to contusive SCI. Repeated testing of animals to establish the presence or absence of thermal hyperalgesia beyond 21 days is not necessary in the absence of intervention.
14-3-3 Proteins Act as Negative Regulators of the Mitotic Inducer Cdc25 in Xenopus Egg Extracts

Cdc25, the dual-specificity phosphatase that dephosphorylates the Cdc2-cyclin B complex at mitosis, is highly regulated during the cell cycle. In Xenopus egg extracts, Cdc25 is associated with two isoforms of the 14-3-3 protein. Cdc25 is complexed primarily with 14-3-3epsilon and to a lesser extent with 14-3-3zeta . The association of these 14-3-3 proteins with Cdc25 varies dramatically during the cell cycle: binding is high during interphase but virtually absent at mitosis. Interaction with 14-3-3 is mediated by phosphorylation of Xenopus Cdc25 at Ser-287, which resides in a consensus 14-3-3 binding site. Recombinant Cdc25 with a point mutation at this residue (Cdc25-S287A) is incapable of binding to 14-3-3. Addition of the Cdc25-S287A mutant to Xenopus egg extracts accelerates mitosis and overrides checkpoint-mediated arrests of mitotic entry due to the presence of unreplicated and damaged DNA. These findings indicate that 14-3-3 proteins act as negative regulators of Cdc25 in controlling the G2-M transition.
Clarence E. Ayres and the Legacy of German Idealism

. Based on the Clarence E. Ayres (1891-1972) papers at the University of Texas, this study traces the continuity among thinkers such as Kant, Hegel, Veblen, Dewey, and Ayres; the latter was a leading institutional economist following Veblen's death. Publicly acknowledging his intellectual debt to Veblen and Dewey, Ayres drew from these men some idealistic assumptions as well as the historicism that is implicit in his technological determinism or instrumental theory of knowledge. Thorstein Veblen and John Dewey owed a great deal to the philosophical tradition of idealism, regardless of the devotion to naturalism in their systems. The origins of Ayres's technological theory of value are found in Veblen and Dewey writings and back of them the legacy of German idealism. The vital link was a mutual acceptance that freedom was expressed in a cultural and historical form, realized in human activity. It was a process.
Imagery enhancement to meteorological collection platform

The Army research laboratory (ARL) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico is developing a new weather information gathering resource to provide the Army with the capability to gather meteorological data from battlefield areas that are data sparse. This new resource deemed DAMTA (disposable, air-droppable, meteorological tower array) will consist of multiple individual meteorological towers which will be dispersed over selected battlefield locations by helicopter. They will collect and transmit weather data such as wind direction, wind speed, humidity, barometric pressure and temperature for up to 30 days. The authors received $100K to investigate the inclusion of imagery sensors on the DAMTA to enable users to see near real-time, remote images of the sky and horizon to assist in gathering weather information for mission planning. The project involved purchase, testing, analysis and selection of the best available off-the-shelf imagery sensors (cameras) to be integrated with the DAMTA.
FDTD calculations for nonlinear lumped loads

Transient currents for a wire antenna with a nonlinear diode load are calculated directly using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods. In the FDTD cell that contains the load, a nonlinear equation is solved at each time step. As a test case the transient current in a long dipole antenna with a nonlinear load excited by a pulsed plane wave is computed. The results agree well with both calculated and measured results previously published. The approach given allows the time step to be set at the Courant limit and can be applied to scattering from targets with nonlinear loads and materials, to nonlinear harmonic generation, and to propagation through nonlinear materials. >
Empirical treatment of febrile neutropenia: evolution of current therapeutic approaches

Administration of empirical antibiotic therapy is now standard practice in the management of febrile neutropenia, but there has been considerable debate about the selection of an efficacious empirical antimicrobial regimen over the past 2 decades. A variety of approaches, including both monotherapeutic and multidrug regimens, have been demonstrated to be effective, although no one regimen has been proven to be superior to another. Changes in the epidemiology of infectious organisms and the growing emergence of highly drug-resistant strains make it necessary to continually reevaluate the therapeutic options. Fortunately, the number of therapeutic options has also been broadening as new antimicrobial agents, including third-generation cephalosporins and carbapenem antibiotics such as imipenem and meropenem, become available. Optimal management is directed by the findings of a clinical evaluation of the patient as well as an awareness of institutional patterns of infection and susceptibility of likely infecting organisms.
Developments in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy: Application to radiation oncology

Nuclear magnetic resonance techniques have advanced to the point where functional, physiologic, and biochemical information may be obtained from patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of tissue water can be used to measure perfusion and diffusion with submillimeter resolution. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be applied to the assessment of tissue metabolites that contain protons, phosphorus, fluorine, or other nuclei. The combination of imaging and spectroscopy technologies has lead to spectroscopic imaging techniques that are capable of mapping proton metabolites at resolutions as small as 0.25 cm 3 within the time constraints of a clinical imaging study. This article provides a brief review of magnetic resonance techniques for imaging of tissue physiological function and addresses possible applications in the realm of radiation oncology.
Combined 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of bicuculline‐induced seizures in vivo

Using a 1.89-Tesla spectrometer, 1H and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were acquired from the brains of paralyzed rabbits ventilated with 30% oxygen in nitrous oxide. Intracellular pH and changes in lactate concentration in the cerebrum were monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance methods during and after bicuculline-induced seizures, together with the electroencephalogram, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure. During seizures lasting more than an hour, cerebral intracellular pH became acidic, the cerebral lactate level rose rapidly, and both changes persisted as long as 2 hours without signs of recovery. After less prolonged seizures, lactate elevations were no less persistent, despite nearly complete recovery of intracellular pH and the electroencephalogram.
Optimal discharge placement in plasma-assisted combustion of a methane jet in cross flow

Repetitively pulsed, nonequilibrium plasma discharges are studied for their ability to ignite and stabilize methane jet flames in cross flow air. The placement of the discharge is surveyed to optimize the flame duty cycle (stability). We find that flame ignition is not achieved when the discharge is located in the potential core region of the fuel jet or on the windward side of the most upstream part of the near field of the jet. A low (but nonzero) duty cycle is seen when the discharge is placed on the leeward side of the upstream near-field region. A high duty cycle (up to unity) is seen for discharge placement on both the leeward and windward sides of the downstream part of the near field. These results confirm that the effectiveness of the nonequilibrium discharge in stabilizing this flame depends on its placement in the complex scalar and velocity field. The mixture fraction at the discharge placement is characterized by plasma-induced breakdown spectroscopy (PIBS). The ratio of emission intensity of the CN band at 388 nm to the N2 band at 337 nm is used to map the local equivalence ratio in the flow. We find that the methane mixture fraction at optimal discharge placements is lower than that where the flame resides in non-discharge-stabilized diffusion flames and is equal to that found in plasma-assisted methane jets in coflow air. Planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) imaging of CH radicals is carried out to qualitatively understand the structure of the ignition flame kernel. The plasma discharge and flame base are spatially separated, suggesting that the discharge is a steady supplier of reactive species but not an instantaneous flame ignition source.
A performance analysis of the iSCSI protocol

Fibre channel has long dominated the realm of storage area networks (SAN's). However, with increased development and refining, iSCSI is fast becoming an equal contender which is causing many companies to reconsider how future storage networks shall be implemented. In addition to reduced costs and a unified network infrastructure, iSCSI allows for the deployment of storage networks over a commodity internet. Moreover there are inexpensive software implementations of the iSCSI protocol that may provide compelling platforms for iSCSI deployment. This paper discusses findings of a performance study on the iSCSI protocol in four different configurations. The first two consist of iSCSI in a more commercial setting, where specialized hardware is used for the iSCSI target and two different configurations are examined for the initiator. These results are contrasted with the performance of fibre channel in a similar setting. The second two configurations focus on iSCSI deployed purely in software in both SAN and WAN environments. The performance results indicate that the iSCSI protocol can be severely limited by the implementation. This is due to either inefficient handling of the underlying network, or to not using sufficient system resources to take advantage of a network.
Benign Jaw Lesions

There are both odontogenic and nonodontogenic benign lesions in the maxilla and mandible. These lesions may have similar imaging features, and the key radiographic features are presented to help the clinician narrow the differential diagnosis and plan patient treatment. Both intraoral and panoramic radiographs and advanced imaging features are useful in assessing the benign lesions of the jaws. The location, margins, internal contents, and effects of the lesions on adjacent structures are important features in diagnosing the lesions.
Bringing gesture recognition to all devices

Existing gesture-recognition systems consume significant power and computational resources that limit how they may be used in low-end devices. We introduce AllSee, the first gesture-recognition system that can operate on a range of computing devices including those with no batteries. AllSee consumes three to four orders of magnitude lower power than state-of-the-art systems and can enable always-on gesture recognition for smartphones and tablets. It extracts gesture information from existing wireless signals (e.g., TV transmissions), but does not incur the power and computational overheads of prior wireless approaches. We build AllSee prototypes that can recognize gestures on RFID tags and power-harvesting sensors. We also integrate our hardware with an off-the-shelf Nexus S phone and demonstrate gesture recognition in through-the-pocket scenarios. Our results show that AllSee achieves classification accuracies as high as 97% over a set of eight gestures.
Education for Life during the AIDS Pandemic

6 gay men who recognized the medical psychological social legal and economic consequences of the AIDS epidemic in New York City founded the Gay Mens Health Crisis (GMHC) in 1981. It now serves >2000 persons with AIDS or AIDS related complex who belong to 1 or more high risk population groups e.g. intravenous (IV) drug users but the majority of clients are gay or bisexual men. GMHC provides individual and group counseling recreation financial advocacy and legal and ombudsman services. It also distributes comprehensive and scientifically accurate information to educate high risk groups health care providers and the general public so as to prevent the spread of the AIDS virus (HIV) and to destroy the barriers set up by misinformation and fear. For example HIV is not transmitted by casual contact e.g. kissing hugging and shaking hands. The most effective ways of reducing transmission of HIV include avoiding infected blood semen and vaginal fluid exchanges or not sharing contaminated needles syringes and other IV drug items. 2 safe sex practices consist of using intact latex condoms during vaginal oral and anal sex and preferably the man should ejaculate outside these cavities. GMHC disseminates this information via existing networks that extend to every neighborhood and ethnic community in the city e.g. libraries. "Medical Answers about AIDS" and "Legal Answers to AIDS" are 2 of 35 GMHC publications that address the variety of issues affecting the AIDS community. GMHC also publishes information in Spanish and chinese. GMHCs Hotline provides yet another means of disseminating AIDS information. Other services include the AIDS Professional Education Program a cable television program and the AIDS Prevention Program.
Efferent neurons and suspected interneurons in S-1 vibrissa cortex of the awake rabbit : receptive fields and axonal properties

1. The behavioral tractability of the rabbit was exploited and enabled, in the fully awake state, receptive-field analysis of antidromically identified efferent neurons within the vibrissa represen...
A PETRI NET BASED APPROACH FOR AGV DISPATCH SCHEDULING AND FLEET SIZE DETERMINATION

Abstract In machine job shops with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) as mean of transportation of job parts, it's usually hard to determine the optimal fleet size of AGVs for achieving a desired performance. In this paper a heuristic AGV dispatching algorithm is constructed based on the concept of ideal pipeline and Petri Net theory to balance the job part scheduling and AGV dispatching that minimize the number of AGVs for achieving zero idle time of the machine. The problem is formulated as polynomial equations owing to the mathematical property of Petri Net and since obtaining the optimal solution is computationally difficult, a way to circumvent the difficulty is necessary for the real application of the algorithm. A heuristic dispatching algorithm that schedules the dispatch of AGVs on a selected window basis is used to reduce the computation time and makes the dispatching algorithm capable of real time implementation.
Finding a Comparison Group: Is Online Crowdsourcing a Viable Option?.

This article explores the viability of online crowdsourcing for creating matched-comparison groups. This exploratory study compares survey results from a randomized control group to survey results from a matched-comparison group created from Amazon.com’s MTurk crowdsourcing service to determine their comparability. Study findings indicate that online crowdsourcing, a process that allows access to many participants to complete specific tasks, is a potentially viable resource for evaluation designs where access to comparison groups, large budgets, and/or time are limited. The article highlights the strengths and limitations of the online crowdsourcing approach and describes ways that it could potentially be used in evaluation practice.
Preference of Twolined Spittlebug for Ilex Species, Hybrids and Cultivars

Abstract Preference of twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), for holly species and cultivars was evaluated in the laboratory using detached leaf assays. Field evaluations of spittlebug preference confirmed the high level of susceptibility of holly taxa with Ilex cassine L. or I. opaca Ait. parentage. Taxa observed in the field were rated as highly preferred (10 taxa), moderately (15 taxa), slightly (49), or not preferred (63) based on number of spittlebugs found infesting plants and degree of damage apparent during the two-year study. Increased production and use of pest-resistant plant material reduces the need for pesticide use and provides a good foundation for integrated pest management efforts.
Congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation with massive prostatic hemorrhage: a case report.

AbstractCongenital arteriovenous malformations in the true pelvis are extremely rare: only 7 cases have been described in male patients. We report on a patient who presented with massive hemorrhage after transrectal prostatic biopsy and transurethral resection of the prostate. Diagnosis was established by means of magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed by arteriography. Our attempt at management by embolization and subsequent surgical ligation is described. A literature review and discussion of arteriovenous anomalies are presented.
The United States and the European Pillar in the 1970s and 1980s: Concluding Assessment

During the 1970s and 1980s, the United States did little to encourage strengthening European Political Cooperation as a pillar in the transatlantic relationship and often projected attitudes and conducted policies that indirectly discouraged it. As the case studies have shown, earlier American complaints that it did not have a European partner with whom to negotiate were gradually replaced by a pattern of irritation over European responses when it was able to speak with one voice. Moreover, having only indirect access to epc deliberations (via Gymnich-type consultations), the United States became wary of the growing political weight of a collective European body with which it had but limited influence. Regular US—epc consultations did develop as an adjunct to the traditional bilateral and multilateral patterns of Atlantic diplomacy. Yet the American interest in these consultations was primarily to influence the character of the European position that would eventually emerge, rather than to reinforce the epc structure itself as a collective body speaking and acting for Europe. Hence, the American tendency was to emphasise bilateral contacts with individual European governments and multilateral consultations in the Alliance — both of which provided larger and more differentiated scope for US influence on European policies.
Effect of D609 on the expression of GADD45β protein: Potential inhibitory role in the growth of glioblastoma cancer stem like cells

GADD45β (Growth Arrest and DNA Damage inducible protein) is a stress activated protein which plays an important role in regulating apoptosis, proliferation, DNA repair and potentially may have a role in cancer. In this study we examined the role of anti-oxidative stress on the expression of GADD45β in glioma stem-like cells (GSC). We show that patient derived GSCs have high survival in the absence of exogenous growth factors. Addition of D609 (Tricyclodecan-9-yl-xanthogenate), a known anti-oxidative compound, to GSCs reduced the cellular ATP content with significant effects observed when GSCs were cultured in growth factor free medium. D609 exposure also resulted in a decrease in the protein and an increase in mRNA of GADD45β with a concomitant decline in the survival of cells. However, under similar conditions the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase (stress activated MAP kinase), a downstream target of GADD45β, was significantly enhanced in response to D609. Therefore it appears that GADD45β might play a role in glioma stem cell survival and that p38 MAP kinase may not be directly activated by GADD45β. Together these observations suggest that anti-oxidative compounds like D609 can target GADD45β which may be one strategy to curtail the growth of glioma stem like cells.
Recognition of Megakaryocyte-Specific T-Antigen By Macrophages Negatively Regulates Platelet Production in Bone Marrow

Abstract Glycosylation defects have been associated with low platelet counts. Six genes encoding sialyltransferases (ST), ST3gal1 to 6, that synthesize an α2,3 sialic acid (SA) linkage have been identified in the mammalian genome, and deletion of St3gal1 and St3gal4 genes has been associated with macrothrombocytopenia in mice. Despite the similarity in transferring SA in a α2,3-linkage to terminal galactose residues, St3gal1 and St3gal4 sialylate distinct glycans: St3gal1 is associated with core 1 O-glycan Galβ1,3GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr expression, also known as tumor-associated or Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (T-antigen), whereas St3gal4 sialylates lactosaminyl Galβ1,4GlcNAc N-glycans. It has been previously shown that St3gal4-null platelets are cleared by the hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor, causing severe thrombocytopenia in these mice. Herein, we generated St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice specifically lacking ST3Gal1 in the megakaryocyte (MK) lineage to investigate the detailed mechanisms of macrothrombocytopenia associated with St3gal1 deficiency. Both St3gal1loxP/PF4+ circulating platelets and bone marrow (BM) MKs had increased T-antigen expression, compared to control, as evidenced by peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding. As expected, other blood cell lineages had no increase in T-antigen expression. Blood platelet counts were reduced by ~50% and platelets were enlarged in St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice, compared to control, despite a virtually indistinguishable platelet clearance. BM MK numbers were normal despite the observed thrombocytopenia, BM MK colony forming units (CFUs) were reduced and in vitro proplatelet production was normal in St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice, suggesting that extrinsic factors in the St3gal1loxP/PF4+ BM environment affected platelet production. We hypothesize that recognition of the T-antigen epitope on MKs mediate phagocytosis by macrophages. Macrophages in St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice had increased expression of CD68 (macrosialin), indicative of an activated macrophage state. Flow cytometric analysis of BM derived macrophages of St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice showed an increased population of resolving M2-type macrophages, which are normally involved in apoptotic cell clearance. Additionally, St3gal1loxP/PF4+ BM smears revealed increased hemophagocytosis, as evidenced by May-Grunwald/Giemsa, indicative of an unspecific increase in phagocytic macrophages. Macrophage ablation by in vivo injection of clodronate-encapsulated liposomes significantly reduced the numbers of activated macrophages in St3gal1loxP/PF4+ mice, thereby normalizing blood platelet counts and size. Taken together data show the contrasting effects of different SA loss on platelet homeostasis: Platelets lacking α2,3-linked SA on N-glycans have increased platelet clearance, whereas a lack of α2,3-linked on O-glycans do not affect platelet half-life, but cause defective thrombopoiesis in MKs. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
How to Account for Equality

Efforts to compare and rank distributions from the egalitarian perspective have, I think curiously, failed to take into account equality as a positive, robust good. Larry Temkin’s painstaking work on egalitarianism exemplifies the oversight. In Inequality (1993), Temkin looks exclusively at inequality in his effort to measure and compare the value of various distributive possibilities. I argue that a complete picture of the egalitarian’s perspective, or a complete account of what matters when comparing and ranking worlds in terms of inequality or equality, ought to consider the degree of positive equality in each world, not just the degree of inequality. My primary aim in this paper is to determine what makes one world better than another with respect to equality as a robust good. Building on and expanding Temkin’s approach, I take steps to work out how we might measure and compare instances of equality, and I identify complications that arise when we try to do so.
Influence of Charge Density on Host–Guest Interactions within Amphiphilic Polymer Assemblies in Apolar Media

The effects of charge density on supramolecular host–guest interactions between peptides and reverse micelles are studied using an amphiphilic random copolymer scaffold. While our classical understanding of polyvalent electrostatic interactions suggests that the binding capacity should increase with charge density, our results indicate that this correlation does not necessarily hold within the nanoscale environment of reverse micelles. Using four series of different polymers, we show that peptide binding efficiency depends on the presence of an optimum charge density inside the reverse micelles. Interestingly, the distribution of charges does not have a significant effect on binding. Reverse micelle stability at high charge densities can be regained by tuning the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance of the polymer, yet an optimal density dependence remains. Our findings improve our understanding of host–guest chemistry in confined aqueous environments.
A gallium arsenide nonlinear platform on silicon

A nonlinear platform using gallium arsenide (GaAs) waveguides cladded with SiO 2 has been demonstrated on silicon substrates. It is suitable for efficient nonlinear applications. Second harmonic generation (SHG) with record-high efficiency of 38, 000% W−1 cm−2 has been achieved.
Polarization Dependence of Nanostructure Formation in Transparent Solids

We demonstrate how the polarization of light controls the geometry of nanostructures formed by ultrashort laser pulses in fused quartz.
The Applied Linguist and the Foreign Language Teacher: Can They Talk to Each Other?.

Applied linguists invent their domain of inquiry as much as they investigate it and so do language teachers. Several factors make true intellectual dialogue between them difficult. The paper reviews briefly the reasons for the emergence of a discourse problem in language study and then examines the nature of this problem and suggests ways in which applied linguists and foreign language teachers can engage in intellectual dialogue. It is argued that applied linguists and language teachers can understand one another by engaging together in an intellectual exploration of the historical and social forces that have shaped their respective discourses. Ultimately what is important for each to understand is not the different answers they give but the different questions they ask.
Metastatic breast cancer: current management options and future directions

Although fewer than 10 % of patients are initially diagnosed with distant metastasis, most patients who present with Stage II or III primary breast cancer, and many of those who present with Stage I, eventually develop distant metastatic disease. The natural history of metastatic breast cancer is quite heterogenous, with some patients demonstrating a rapid and precipitous dissemination and death from multiorgan failure within a year of the first evidence of distant disease, while others live in apparent symbiosis with their neoplasm, alternating periods of slow progression and stability for many years. Older clinical reports have shown that even in the absence of effective systemic treatment, a small fraction of patients survive for 10, 15, and even longer years [1].
Characterization of Passive Wireless Electrocardiogram Acquisition in Adult Zebrafish

Zebrafish have been demonstrated as an ideal vertebrate model system for a wide range of bio-studies. Along with conventional approaches, monitoring and analysis of zebrafish electrocardiogram (ECG) have been utilized for cardio-physiolog-ical screening and elucidation. However, existing approaches involving the use of anesthesia failed to provide intrinsic ECG signals. In this work, we propose and characterize wireless power transfer (WPT) via inductive coupling to power an ECG zebrafish implant and a backscattering mechanism for data communication. The inductive link was realized using the solenoid configuration to resolve misalignment issues. Power transfer efficiency (PTE) was characterized and test data were successfully obtained in different practical scenario. Therefore, we speculate our approach would pave the way for continuous ECG monitoring of freely-swimming zebrafish without disrupting their normal activities, supporting various biological investigations.
Pain, Placebos, and the Benefits of Disclosure

In “Telling the Truth About Pain”, Gligorov (2018) makes a convincing case that how an individual thinks about pain—her expectation of it, her prior experiences with it, her focus, and so on—can af...
Periodic Continued Fractions Via a Proof Without Words

An infinite simple continued fraction is an expression of the form [a0,a1,a2,a3,…]=a0+1a1+1a2+1a3+⋯ where a0 is an integer and a1, a2, a3, … are positive integers. When a block of ak’s repeats over...
Factors associated with depression and anxiety in children with intellectual disabilities

Background Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk for depression and anxiety disorders; however, there is a paucity of research that pertains to associative factors for these mental health disorders in this population. The objective of this investigation was to determine factors associated with depression and anxiety problems in children with ID. Methods Children 6-17 years with ID (n = 423; 63% male) from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health were included in this cross-sectional study. Outcome measures included depression and anxiety problems. Predictor variables included sociodemographics, ID severity, co-morbid conditions (autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), physical factors (i.e. physical activity, sleep duration and pain) and social factors (e.g. participation in activities and bully victimisation). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between all factors and depression and/or anxiety problems among children with ID. Results The prevalence of depression and/or anxiety problems was 35.4%. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic race was associated with lower odds [odds ratio (OR), 0.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1-0.8] of depression and/or anxiety problems. After adjusting for race, co-morbid conditions, and physical and social factors, autism spectrum disorders (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.1-10.1), Down syndrome (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.5-14.3), pain (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 2.9-17.1) and bully victimisation (OR 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0-5.3) were each associated with depression and/or anxiety problems. Conclusions The present study identified both treatable and modifiable, as well as unmodifiable, factors associated with depression and/or anxiety problems in children with ID.
Using a segregated flow model to forecast production of oil, gas, and water in shale oil plays

Abstract Application of a segregated-flow assumption to a physics-based flow model simplifies decline analysis for multi-phase fluid production. The segregated flow model assumes that, during production, oil and water can be treated as taking different flow paths from the matrix to the hydrofracture network. This simplifies forecasting production of both the oil and water phases. Subsurface and reservoir property data for horizontal fractured wells are limited. As a consequence, attempts to estimate decline curves and ultimate recoveries utilizing full-physics, multiphase reservoir simulations are poorly constrained. In contrast, robust production forecasts can be made using a simple, physics-based model based on scaling laws. In this study, analysis of production decline has been carried out on 10,000 Permian basin, 12,000 Bakken and Three Forks, and 10,000 Eagle Ford oil wells. Additionally, 5000 Eagle Ford and 1000 Permian shale gas wells were analyzed. The approach enables estimation of the time to boundary-dominated flow and drainage volume for each well. In addition, the ultimate recoveries of oil, gas, and water were estimated. These can be used to compare wells drilled using different technologies or in different formations, plays, and geographic locations. Physics-based, segregated-flow models are broadly applicable to analysis of production from tight oil reservoirs. Empirical observations show that flow can be treated as segregated, where water and oil follow independent paths to the wellbore. Therefore, this model can be used to perform reliable, fast, automated decline analysis for tight oil fields.
An estimate of the hurricane's intensity from radar data using hyperbolic-logarithmic approximation

ABSTRACTBy exploring the hyperbolic-logarithmic spiral (HLS) model of a streamline in a tropical cyclone (TC), maximum wind speeds in hurricane Irma (AL112017) were estimated using its rainband rad...
An information network flow approach for measuring functional connectivity and predicting behavior

INTRODUCTION Connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) is a recently developed machine-learning-based framework to predict individual differences in behavior from functional brain connectivity (FC). In these models, FC was operationalized as Pearson's correlation between brain regions' fMRI time courses. However, Pearson's correlation is limited since it only captures linear relationships. We developed a more generalized metric of FC based on information flow. This measure represents FC by abstracting the brain as a flow network of nodes that send bits of information to each other, where bits are quantified through an information theory statistic called transfer entropy. METHODS With a sample of individuals performing a sustained attention task and resting during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (n = 25), we use the CPM framework to build machine-learning models that predict attention from FC patterns measured with information flow. Models trained on n - 1 participants' task-based patterns were applied to an unseen individual's resting-state pattern to predict task performance. For further validation, we applied our model to two independent datasets that included resting-state fMRI data and a measure of attention (Attention Network Task performance [n = 41] and stop-signal task performance [n = 72]). RESULTS Our model significantly predicted individual differences in attention task performance across three different datasets. CONCLUSIONS Information flow may be a useful complement to Pearson's correlation as a measure of FC because of its advantages for nonlinear analysis and network structure characterization.
Local Regulation of Charitable Solicitation

Most discussions of the policy context for nonprofits in the United States focus on federal or state restrictions. Fundraising charities, however, must comply not only with myriad state requirements but an uncertain number of local requirements as well. Based on a survey of the largest cities in the United States, I find that all of these cities have some restrictions on charitable solicitation. Several of the cities also impose extensive registration requirements and other restrictions. These findings highlight the need for nonprofits to be aware of local regulation of their activities.
THE COASTAL SOILS OF SAUDI ARABIA

Maps showing the pattern of distribution of soils in Saudi Arabia have not been compiled. From data on local development projects and studies of analogous areas, Aridisols and Entisols are the dominant orders of soils occurring in the country but their general location and extent are not known. Some of these soils have good potential for production of adapted crops. Soil surveys should be conducted for locating, planning, and managing new areas for agricultural production.
Novel function acquired by the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito D7 salivary protein enhances blood feeding on mammals

Abstract Adult female mosquitoes require a vertebrate blood meal to develop eggs and continue their life cycle. During blood feeding, mosquito saliva is injected at the bite site to facilitate blood meal acquisition through anti-hemostatic compounds that counteract blood clotting, platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction and host immune responses. D7 proteins are among the most abundant components of the salivary glands of several blood feeding insects. They are members of a family of proteins that have evolved through gene duplication events to encode D7 proteins of several lengths. Here, we examine the ligand binding specificity and physiological relevance of two D7 long proteins, CxD7L1 and CxD7L2, from Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, the vector of medical and veterinary diseases such as filariasis, avian malaria, and West Nile virus infections. CxD7L1 and CxD7L2 were assayed by microcalorimetry for binding of potential host ligands involved in hemostasis, including bioactive lipids, biogenic amines, and nucleotides/nucleosides. CxD7L2 binds serotonin, histamine, and epinephrine with high affinity as well as the thromboxane A2 analog U-46619 and several cysteinyl leukotrienes, as previously described for other D7 proteins. CxD7L1 does not bind any of the ligands that are bound by CxD7L2. Unexpectedly, CxD7L1 exhibited high affinity for adenine nucleotides and nucleosides, a binding capacity not reported in any D7 family member. We solved the crystal structure of CxD7L1 in complex with bound ADP to 1.97 A resolution. The binding pocket for ADP is located between the two domains of CxD7L1, whereas all known D7s bind ligands either within the N-terminal or the C-terminal domains. We demonstrated that these two CxD7 long proteins inhibit human platelet aggregation in ex vivo experiments. CxD7L1 and CxD7L2 help blood feeding in mosquitoes by scavenging host molecules that promote vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, itch, and pain at the bite site. The novel ADP-binding function acquired by CxD7L1 evolved to enhance blood feeding in mammals where ADP plays a key role in platelet aggregation.
Quantifying the polymerization dynamics of plant cortical microtubules using kymograph analysis.

Abstract The plant cortical microtubule array is a dynamic structure that confers cell shape and enables plants to alter their growth and development in response to internal and external cues. Cells use a variety of microtubule regulatory proteins to spatially and temporally modulate the intrinsic polymerization dynamics of cortical microtubules to arrange them into specific configurations and to reshape arrays to adapt to changing conditions. To obtain mechanistic insight into how particular microtubule regulatory proteins mediate the dynamic (re)structuring of cortical microtubule arrays, we need to measure their effect on the dynamics of cortical microtubules. In this chapter, we describe new ImageJ plugins to generate kymographs from time-lapse images and to analyze them to measure the parameters that quantitatively describe cortical microtubule dynamics.
Improved V 2 Constant On-Time Control with State- Trajectory Control

Voltage regulator for smartphone microprocessor applications, such as CPU and GPU, need to meet stringent load transient requirements. A popular variable-frequency control for voltage regulator application is the Constant On-Time (COT) control due to its high light-load efficiency and high bandwidth design to achieve fast transient. In addition, the V2 COT control naturally has a very high bandwidth to achieve fast transient response. However, during fast load transient demands of the microprocessors, it is possible for V2 COT control to lose control for a period of time. As a result, the output voltage of the voltage regulator will not only have a large undershoot but also a ringback, which significantly increases settling time before control is regained. The best transient response is a single-cycle response, which can be achieved using time-optimal and near time-optimal control methods. Prior arts to realize time-optimal and near time-optimal control involve complicated algorithm which need to be digitally calculated and implemented. In this paper, an analog method to achieve a single-cycle response by improving V2 COT control using state-trajectory control is proposed.
COVID-19 highlights the need for servicer access to a government-backed liquidity facility

The fundamental differences between the structure of the market for government mortgages, pooled into Ginnie Mae securities, and the market for government sponsored enterprises (GSE) mortgages are at the heart of the constraints that impact the servicing of government loans. This is exacerbated by the higher-risk profile of Ginnie Mae borrowers and heavy concentration of non-banks in the Ginnie space. The pandemic and the subsequent passage of the CARES Act demonstrated the need for a federal liquidity facility for non-banks. This is a more pressing issue in the Ginnie Mae market, with potential systemic implications for the mortgage market. This article explains these issues in detail, concludes that a federal liquidity for non-banks is necessary, and discusses two options, one for the current crisis and another for the future: a COVID-19 liquidity facility at the Federal Reserve, and in the long run, federal home loan Bank (FHLB) membership for non-banks to allow for access to FHLB advances. TOPICS:Financial crises and financial market history, MBS and residential mortgage loans, real estate Key Findings • Due to differences in market structures, servicing Ginnie Mae mortgages puts more strain on servicers than servicing GSE mortgages. • The Ginnie Mae segment is exposed to both a higher-risk borrower profile and a much larger concentration of non-banks, which have no source of government liquidity. • There is a need for a government-backed liquidity facility for non-banks.
Molecular water detected on the sunlit Moon by SOFIA

Widespread hydration was detected on the lunar surface through observations of a characteristic absorption feature at 3 µm by three independent spacecraft1–3. Whether the hydration is molecular water (H2O) or other hydroxyl (OH) compounds is unknown and there are no established methods to distinguish the two using the 3 µm band4. However, a fundamental vibration of molecular water produces a spectral signature at 6 µm that is not shared by other hydroxyl compounds5. Here, we present observations of the Moon at 6 µm using the NASA/DLR Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Observations reveal a 6 µm emission feature at high lunar latitudes due to the presence of molecular water on the lunar surface. On the basis of the strength of the 6 µm band, we estimate abundances of about 100 to 400 µg g−1 H2O. We find that the distribution of water over the small latitude range is a result of local geology and is probably not a global phenomenon. Lastly, we suggest that a majority of the water we detect must be stored within glasses or in voids between grains sheltered from the harsh lunar environment, allowing the water to remain on the lunar surface. The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) looked at the Moon in the 6 µm wavelength region and found a signature of molecular water, distinguishing it from other forms of hydration. The authors estimate water abundances between 100 and 400 µg g−1 at high latitudes, trapped within impact glasses or possibly in between grains.