cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A product formula for certain Littlewood---Richardson coefficients for Jack and Macdonald polynomials

Jack polynomials generalize several classical families of symmetric polynomials, including Schur polynomials, and are further generalized by Macdonald polynomials. In 1989, Richard Stanley conjectured that if the Littlewood---Richardson coefficient for a triple of Schur polynomials is 1, then the corresponding coefficient for Jack polynomials can be expressed as a product of weighted hooks of the Young diagrams associated with the partitions indexing the coefficient. We prove a special case of this conjecture in which the partitions indexing the Littlewood---Richardson coefficient have at most three parts. We also show that this result extends to Macdonald polynomials.
Progesterone Metabolites Produced by Cytochrome P450 3A Modulate Uterine Contractility in a Murine Model

Objective:We seek to characterize the effect of progesterone metabolites on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractility.Study Design:Spontaneous contractility was studied in mouse uterine horns after treatment with progesterone, 2α-hydroxyprogesterone, 6β-hydroxyprogesterone (6β-OHP), 16α-hydroxyprogesterone (16α-OHP), or 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) at 10−9 to 10−6 mol/L. Uterine horns were exposed to progestins (10−6 mol/L), followed by increasing concentrations of oxytocin (1-100 nmol/L) to study oxytocin-induced contractility. Contraction parameters were compared for each progestin and matched vehicle control using repeated measures 2-way analysis of variance. In vitro metabolism of progesterone by recombinant cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) microsomes (3A5, 3A5, and 3A7) identified major metabolites.Results:Oxytocin-induced contractile frequency was decreased by 16α-OHP (P = .03) and increased by 6β-OHP (P = .05). Progesterone and 17-OHPC decreased oxytocin-induced contractile forc...
An implementation of a computer simulation system

The field of discrete simulation of computer systems has been the subject of much criticism, particularly with respect to the amount of time required to construct programming models from a system design. Reduction of this lead time is a step toward easing the task of simulating large, discrete systems. A class of models called evaluation nets has previously been defined and is alleged to be useful in reducing the amount of time required to build the simulation program from the system design [1, 2]. An implementation of those models now exists at the University of Colorado, and experimentation into their usefulness is underway. Detailed documentation of the work is available [3].
Seeing the unseen network: inferring hidden social ties from respondent-driven sampling

Learning about the social structure of hidden and hard-to-reach populations — such as drug users and sex workers — is a major goal of epidemiological and public health research on risk behaviors and disease prevention. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a peer-referral process widely used by many health organizations, where research subjects recruit other subjects from their social network. In such surveys, researchers observe who recruited whom, along with the time of recruitment and the total number of acquaintances (network degree) of respondents. However, due to privacy concerns, the identities of acquaintances are not disclosed. In this work, we show how to reconstruct the underlying network structure through which the subjects are recruited. We formulate the dynamics of RDS as a continuous-time diffusion process over the underlying graph and derive the likelihood of the recruitment time series under an arbitrary inter-recruitment time distribution. We develop an efficient stochastic optimization algorithm called RENDER (REspoNdent-Driven nEtwork Reconstruction) that finds the network that best explains the collected data. We support our analytical results through an exhaustive set of experiments on both synthetic and real data.
Robust control of burst suppression for medical coma.

Objective Medical coma is an anesthetic-induced state of brain inactivation, manifest in the electroencephalogram by burst suppression. Feedback control can be used to regulate burst suppression, however, previous designs have not been robust. Robust control design is critical under real-world operating conditions, subject to substantial pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameter uncertainty and unpredictable external disturbances. We sought to develop a robust closed-loop anesthesia delivery (CLAD) system to control medical coma. Approach We developed a robust CLAD system to control the burst suppression probability (BSP). We developed a novel BSP tracking algorithm based on realistic models of propofol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We also developed a practical method for estimating patient-specific pharmacodynamics parameters. Finally, we synthesized a robust proportional integral controller. Using a factorial design spanning patient age, mass, height, and gender, we tested whether the system performed within clinically acceptable limits. Throughout all experiments we subjected the system to disturbances, simulating treatment of refractory status epilepticus in a real-world intensive care unit environment. Main results In 5400 simulations, CLAD behavior remained within specifications. Transient behavior after a step in target BSP from 0.2 to 0.8 exhibited a rise time (the median (min, max)) of 1.4 [1.1, 1.9] min; settling time, 7.8 [4.2, 9.0] min; and percent overshoot of 9.6 [2.3, 10.8]%. Under steady state conditions the CLAD system exhibited a median error of 0.1 [-0.5, 0.9]%; inaccuracy of 1.8 [0.9, 3.4]%; oscillation index of 1.8 [0.9, 3.4]%; and maximum instantaneous propofol dose of 4.3 [2.1, 10.5] mg kg(-1). The maximum hourly propofol dose was 4.3 [2.1, 10.3] mg kg(-1) h(-1). Performance fell within clinically acceptable limits for all measures. Significance A CLAD system designed using robust control theory achieves clinically acceptable performance in the presence of realistic unmodeled disturbances and in spite of realistic model uncertainty, while maintaining infusion rates within acceptable safety limits.
Direct Regioselective γ-Amination of Enones

Carbonyl compounds bearing a γ-amino group are valuable pharmacologically active targets. Regioselective γ-C–N bond formation is achieved with simple enone substrates through controlled dienolate reactivity toward azodicarboxylate electrophiles. The amination reaction occurs readily with sterically demanding nucleophiles and is stereoselective.
Filters, Analog/Digital

Along with amplification, filtering is one of the most basic steps of signal acquisition. Filters are designed to attenuate unwanted frequencies in the recorded signal or highlight certain frequency ranges. Filter types consist of low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters. Analog filters are implemented using resistors, capacitors, and instrumentation amplifiers. Digital filters achieve the same frequency-selective abilities via software after signals have been acquired using analog-to-digital converters. Filters are ordinarily used to eliminate artifacts or focus attention on physiologically relevant portions of the frequency spectrum.
Equilibrium Wage and Dismissal Processes

I develop and estimate an equilibrium model of the labor market in which inefficient employees are systematically eliminated from the sector of the market characterized by asymmetric information and moral hazard. Systematic selection on the distribution of productivity characteristics produces wage sequences that are increasing in tenure for employees never previously terminated even in the absence of long-term contracting between employees and individual firms. I provide sufficient conditions for there to exist a unique termination-contract type of equilibrium, and I estimate the equilibrium model using microlevel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth panel.
Resummation of electroweak Sudakov logarithms for real radiation

Using the known resummation of virtual corrections together with knowledge of the leading-log structure of real radiation in a parton shower, we derive analytic expressions for the resummed real radiation after they have been integrated over all of phase space. Performing a numerical analysis for both the 13 TeV LHC and a 100 TeV pp collider, we show that resummation of the real corrections is at least as important as resummation of the virtual corrections, and that this resummation has a sizable effect for partonic center of mass energies exceeding $$ \sqrt{s}=\mathcal{O} $$ (few TeV). For partonic center of mass energies $$ \sqrt{s}\gtrsim 10 $$ TeV, which can be reached at a 100 TeV collider, resummation becomes an O(1) effect and needs to be included even for rough estimates of the cross-sections.
The phase transition in VO2 probed using x-ray, visible and infrared radiations

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a model system that has been used to understand closely occurring multiband electronic (Mott) and structural (Peierls) transitions for over half a century due to continued scientific and technological interests. Among the many techniques used to study VO2, the most frequently used involve electromagnetic radiation as a probe. Understanding of the distinct physical information provided by different probing radiations is incomplete, mostly owing to the complicated nature of the phase transitions. Here, we use transmission of spatially averaged infrared (λ = 1.5 μm) and visible (λ = 500 nm) radiations followed by spectroscopy and nanoscale imaging using x-rays (λ = 2.25–2.38 nm) to probe the same VO2 sample while controlling the ambient temperature across its hysteretic phase transitions and monitoring its electrical resistance. We directly observed nanoscale puddles of distinct electronic and structural compositions during the transition. The two main results are that, during both heating and cooling, the transition of infrared and visible transmission occurs at significantly lower temperatures than the Mott transition, and the electronic (Mott) transition occurs before the structural (Peierls) transition in temperature. We use our data to provide insights into possible microphysical origins of the different transition characteristics. We highlight that it is important to understand these effects because small changes in the nature of the probe can yield quantitatively, and even qualitatively, different results when applied to a non-trivial multiband phase transition. Our results guide more judicious use of probe type and interpretation of the resulting data.
FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS IN SOIL COMPACTION

Knowledge of soil compaction and the relation of soil compaction to the cropping system are important inputs for effective management of soil physical condition to improve crop production. The desired degree of compaction depends on the intended purpose; for example, the requirements for traction and mobility are quite different from those for infiltration and root propagation. Much information has been learned in the last two decades with regard to soil compaction behavior and its implications for crop production. However, significant knowledge gaps exist in the description and modeling of soil compaction behavior, in relating soil compaction behavior to agronomic responses (biological and physical) and to conservation of soil and water resources, and in describing and modeling other aspects of soil compaction so that management decisions can be made in production agriculture and conservation of natural resources. A description of the necessary coupling of the engineering mechanics aspects of soil compaction to the agronomic aspects of crop production is emphasized. Research challenges are described which must be pursued in order to provide the knowledge and models that are needed as tools in the management of compaction in soil-machine-plant systems.
Norbenzomorphan Framework as a Novel Scaffold for Generating Sigma 2 Receptor/PGRMC1 Subtype-Selective Ligands

A novel structural class with high affinity and subtype selectivity for the sigma 2 receptor has been discovered. Preliminary structure-affinity relationship data are presented showing that 8-substituted 1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methanobenzazepine (norbenzomorphan) derivatives elicit modest to high selectivity for the sigma 2 over the sigma 1 receptor subtype. Indeed, piperazine analogue 8-(4-(3-ethoxy-3-oxopropyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,5-methanobenzazepine-2-carboxylate (SAS-1121) is 574-fold selective for the sigma 2 over the sigma 1 receptor, thereby establishing it as one of the more subtype-selective sigma 2 binding ligands reported to date. Emerging evidence has implicated the sigma 2 receptor in multiple health disorders, so the drug-like characteristics of many of the selective sigma 2 receptor ligands disclosed herein, coupled with their structural similarity to frameworks found in known drugs, suggest that norbenzomorphan analogues may be promising candidates for further development into drug leads.
Scalable, Metal- and Additive-Free, Photoinduced Borylation of Haloarenes and Quaternary Arylammonium Salts

We report herein a simple, metal- and additive-free, photoinduced borylation of haloarenes, including electron-rich fluoroarenes, as well as arylammonium salts directly to boronic acids. This borylation method has a broad scope and functional group tolerance. We show that it can be further extended to boronic esters and carried out on gram scale as well as under flow conditions.
Tissue-specific tagging of endogenous loci in Drosophila melanogaster

Fluorescent protein tags have revolutionized cell and developmental biology, and in combination with binary expression systems they enable diverse tissue-specific studies of protein function. However these binary expression systems often do not recapitulate endogenous protein expression levels, localization, binding partners and/or developmental windows of gene expression. To address these limitations, we have developed a method called T-STEP (tissue-specific tagging of endogenous proteins) that allows endogenous loci to be tagged in a tissue specific manner. T-STEP uses a combination of efficient CRISPR/Cas9-enhanced gene targeting and tissue-specific recombinase-mediated tag swapping to temporally and spatially label endogenous proteins. We have employed this method to GFP tag OCRL (a phosphoinositide-5-phosphatase in the endocytic pathway) and Vps35 (a Parkinson's disease-implicated component of the endosomal retromer complex) in diverse Drosophila tissues including neurons, glia, muscles and hemocytes. Selective tagging of endogenous proteins allows, for the first time, cell type-specific live imaging and proteomics in complex tissues.
The measurement of social presence in an online learning environment

Presentation of a tool to measure social presence and privacy in a Computer Mediated Communication (CMC).
Estimating Learning Effects: A Short-Time Fourier Transform Regression Model for MEG Source Localization.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has a high temporal resolution well-suited for studying perceptual learning. However, to identify where learning happens in the brain, one needs to apply source localization techniques to project MEG sensor data into brain space. Previous source localization methods, such as the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) method by Gramfort et al. [6] produced intriguing results, but they were not designed to incorporate trial-by-trial learning effects. Here we modify the approach in [6] to produce an STFT-based source localization method (STFT-R) that includes an additional regression of the STFT components on covariates such as the behavioral learning curve. We also exploit a hierarchical \(L_{21}\) penalty to induce structured sparsity of STFT components and to emphasize signals from regions of interest (ROIs) that are selected according to prior knowledge. In reconstructing the ROI source signals from simulated data, STFT-R achieved smaller errors than a two-step method using the popular minimum-norm estimate (MNE), and in a real-world human learning experiment, STFT-R yielded more interpretable results about what time-frequency components of the ROI signals were correlated with learning.
Perfect Structure on the Edge of Chaos

We construct trapdoor permutations based on sub-exponential indistinguishability obfuscation and one-way functions, thereby providing the first candidate that is not based on the hardness of factoring. Our construction shows that even highly structured primitives, such as trapdoor permutations, can be potentially based on hardness assumptions with noisy structures such as those used in candidate constructions of indistinguishability obfuscation. It also suggest a possible way to construct trapdoor permutations that resist quantum attacks, and that their hardness may be based on problems outside the complexity class $$\text{ SZK } $$ i¾?-- indeed, while factoring-based candidates do not possess such security, future constructions of indistinguishability obfuscation might. As a corollary, we eliminate the need to assume trapdoor permutations and injective one-way function in many recent constructions based on indistinguishability obfuscation.
Distributed Noise-Shaping Quantization: I. Beta Duals of Finite Frames and Near-Optimal Quantization of Random Measurements

This paper introduces a new algorithm for the so-called “analysis problem” in quantization of finite frame representations that provides a near-optimal solution in the case of random measurements. The main contributions include the development of a general quantization framework called distributed noise shaping and, in particular, beta duals of frames, as well as the performance analysis of beta duals in both deterministic and probabilistic settings. It is shown that for random frames, using beta duals results in near-optimally accurate reconstructions with respect to both the frame redundancy and the number of levels at which the frame coefficients are quantized. More specifically, for any frame E of m vectors in $$\mathbb {R}^k$$ except possibly from a subset of Gaussian measure exponentially small in m and for any number $$L \ge 2$$ of quantization levels per measurement to be used to encode the unit ball in $$\mathbb {R}^k$$ , there is an algorithmic quantization scheme and a dual frame together that guarantee a reconstruction error of at most $$\sqrt{k}L^{-(1-\eta )m/k}$$ , where $$\eta $$ can be arbitrarily small for sufficiently large problems. Additional features of the proposed algorithm include low computational cost and parallel implementability.
"Liquidity requirements, liquidity choice and financial stability"*

Abstract We study a modification of the Diamond and Dybvig (1983) model in which the bank may hold a liquid asset, some depositors see sunspots that could lead them to run, and all depositors have incomplete information about the bank's ability to survive a run. The incomplete information means that the bank is not automatically incentivized to always hold enough liquid assets to survive runs. Regulation similar to the liquidity coverage ratio and the net stable funding ratio (that are soon be implemented) can change the bank's incentives so that runs are less likely. Optimal regulation would not mimic these rules.
Over-The-Counter Emergency Contraception for all Ages: How Has Recent Policy Change Influenced Adolescent Providers’ Practice?

To assess awareness and impact of current over-the counter emergency contraception (EC) policies among adolescent providers in pediatrics family and emergency medicine.
Promoting Empowerment Among LGBTQ Youth: A Social Justice Youth Development Approach

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) youth are a population with a unique set of service needs. Existing research on effective service methods with LGBTQ youth is limited. Youth empowerment holds potential as an approach that can impact well-being among youth who face discrimination. The current study explores the relationship between the social justice youth development framework (Ginwright and James, New Directions Youth Dev 96:27–46, 2002) and youth empowerment in a sample of LGBTQ youth. Multiple regression analysis of data collected through a community-based youth program identified critical consciousness and community engagement as significant predictors of empowerment. Findings suggest that programs that promote these factors among LGBTQ youth using the social justice youth development framework may enhance empowerment thereby increasing other aspects of well-being.
Drilled Shaft Design and Load Testing in Florida Intermediate Geomaterial and Weak Limestone

This case study summarizes the design, construction, load testing, and integrity testing of nonredundant drilled shafts for a bridge project in northwest Florida. The subsurface profile consisted mainly of calcareous sandy and silty clay (marl and marlstone) interfingered with limestone and cemented sand layers. The results of unconfined compression tests revealed significant variability in strength, with strata within the depth of interest holding strength properties that fall within the generally accepted range of cohesive intermediate geomaterial. This paper discusses local geology, geotechnical investigation, design, construction, load testing, and site-specific correlations. Important aspects of the project, including the use of the shaft inspection device to examine the cleanliness of the bottom of the shafts, Osterberg cell load testing, and the site-specific correlations developed from the results, as well as integrity testing with cross-hole sonic logging and a thermal integrity profiler, are pre...
Viruses are a dominant driver of protein adaptation in mammals.

When an environmental change occurs, species are able to adapt in response due to mutations in their DNA. Although these mutations occur randomly, by chance some of them make the organism better suited to their new environment. These are known as adaptive mutations. In the past ten years, evolutionary biologists have discovered a large number of adaptive mutations in a wide variety of locations in the genome – the complete set of DNA – of humans and other mammals. The fact that adaptive mutations are so pervasive is puzzling. What kind of environmental pressure could possibly drive so much adaptation in so many parts of the genome? Viruses are ideal suspects since they are always present, ever-changing and interact with many different locations of the genome. However, only a few mammalian genes had been studied to see whether they adapt to the presence of viruses. By studying thousands of proteins whose genetic sequence is conserved in all mammalian species, Enard et al. now suggest that viruses explain a substantial part of the total adaptation observed in the genomes of humans and other mammals. For instance, as much as one third of the adaptive mutations that affect human proteins seem to have occurred in response to viruses. So far, Enard et al. have only studied old adaptations that occurred millions of years ago in humans and other mammals. Further studies will investigate how much of the recent adaptation in the human genome can also be explained by the arms race against viruses.
Speeding, Punishment, and Recidivism – Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design

AbstractThis paper estimates the effects of temporary driver’s license suspensions on driving behavior. A little-known rule in the German traffic penalty schedule maintains that drivers who commit ...
Effects of electroshock convulsions on chronic decorticated cats.

Summary(1) The effects of single and repeated convulsions induced by electroshock were observed in 6 chronic decorticated cats. (2) The seizures were characterized by a posture of general semiflexion with small amplitude rapid rhythmic movements of the limbs, jaws and facial musculature, interrupted by one or more short quiescent periods, terminating in running movements after which a more prolonged quiescent phase preceded recovery. Apnea occurred during the seizures and was followed by transitory hyperpnea. (3) Body temperature and pulse rate were not affected significantly. Righting reflexes returned a few minutes after each seizure. Licking reflexes were abolished for from 1 to 3 1/2 hours after each convulsion in 3 preparations. Sham rage in response to a non-nociceptive stimulus was unaffected or enhanced temporarily after each electroshock convulsion. Sham rage responses (chiefly facio-vocal) to nociceptive pressure stimuli applied to the tail were markedly reduced or abolished for from 1 to 2% hou...
Photoionization of Fe 7 + from the ground and metastable states

The $B$-spline Breit-Pauli $R$-matrix method is used to investigate the photoionization of ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{7+}$ from the ground and metastable states in the energy region from ionization thresholds to 172 eV. The present calculations were designed to resolve the large discrepancies between recent measurements and available theoretical results. The multiconfiguration Hartree-Fock method in connection with $B$-spline expansions is employed for an accurate representation of the initial- and final-state wave functions. The close-coupling expansion includes 99 fine-structure levels of the residual ${\mathrm{Fe}}^{8+}$ ion in the energy region up to $3{s}^{2}3{p}^{5}4s$ states. It includes levels of the $3{s}^{2}3{p}^{6},3{s}^{2}3{p}^{5}3d,3{s}^{2}3{p}^{5}4s$, and $3s3{p}^{6}3d$ configurations and some levels of the $3{s}^{2}3{p}^{4}3{d}^{2}$ configuration which lie in the energy region under investigation. The present photoionization cross sections in the length and velocity formulations exhibit excellent agreement. The present photoionization cross sections agree well with the Breit-Pauli $R$-matrix calculation by Sossah et al. and the TOPbase data in the magnitude of the background nonresonant cross sections but show somewhat richer resonance structures, which qualitatively agree with the measurements. The calculated cross sections, however, are several times lower than the measured cross sections, depending upon the photon energy. The cross sections for photoionization of metastable states were found to have approximately the same magnitude as the cross sections for photoionization of the ground state, thereby the presence of metastable states in the ion beam may not be the reason for the enhancement of the measured cross sections.
Trader Survival: Evidence from the Energy Futures Markets

This study analyzes the adaptation of traders and the determinants of trader survival during a period of changing market structures. Our unique sample of transactions level data covers the introduction of electronic trading in the NYMEX energy futures market. The results show that most floor traders adapted to the side-by-side electronic and open outcry trading, although trader attrition increased and the profitability of surviving traders declined dramatically. It is also found that trading profits, trader experience and sophistication, and dual trading have a positive effect on the probability of trader survival. Scalpers are less likely to exit trading in pure open outcry trading, but are more likely to fail than traders who hold open positions longer in side-by-side trading. Finally, traders trading in multiple energy futures markets and those who use both the exchange floor and electronic trading appear to have a survival advantage in side-by-side trading. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 32:809–836, 2012
Guest-induced emergent properties in Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline nanoporous materials comprised of organic electron donors linked to metal ions by strong coordination bonds. Applications such as gas storage and separations are currently receiving considerable attention, but if the unique properties of MOFs could be extended to electronics, magnetics, and photonics, the impact on material science would greatly increase. Recently, we obtained "emergent properties," such as electronic conductivity and energy transfer, by infiltrating MOF pores with "guest" molecules that interact with the framework electronic structure. In this Perspective, we define a path to emergent properties based on the Guest@MOF concept, using zinc-carboxylate and copper-paddlewheel MOFs for illustration. Energy transfer and light harvesting are discussed for zinc carboxylate frameworks infiltrated with triplet-scavenging organometallic compounds and thiophene- and fullerene-infiltrated MOF-177. In addition, we discuss the mechanism of charge transport in TCNQ-infiltrated HKUST-1, the first MOF with electrical conductivity approaching conducting organic polymers. These examples show that guest molecules in MOF pores should be considered not merely as impurities or analytes to be sensed but also as an important aspect of rational design.
Relation of Water Vapor Permeability of Elastomers to Molecular Structure

Abstract This communication is a quantitative correlation of water vapor permeability of nonpolar elastomers with molecular structure. Permeability of physical blends and of composite layers of elastomers are also discussed. Permeability—Elastomer Structure.—Steric hindrance and unsaturation influence water vapor permeability of elastomers. The low permeability of isobutylene—isoprene (butyl) rubber is attributed to the presence of bulky methyl groups in its isobutylene component. The high unsaturation in isoprene and butadiene is blamed for the high permeability of natural rubber and styrene butadiene rubber. Hence, permeability should be correlated quantitatively with a factor which can evaluate and combine these two structural parameters. Defining the factors A and B to express the relative molar concentrations of unsaturated and steric groups in the average monomer unit of elastomers as (unsaturation) A=1+x/X (steric groups) B=1+y/Y
Nonlinear Unsteady Aerodynamic Modeling Using Wind-Tunnel and Computational Data

Extensions to conventional aircraft aerodynamic models are required to adequately predict responses when nonlinear unsteady flight regimes are encountered, especially at high incidence angles and under maneuvering conditions. For a number of reasons, such as loss of control, both military and civilian aircraft may extend beyond normal and benign aerodynamic flight conditions. In addition, military applications may require controlled flight beyond the normal envelope, and civilian flight may require adequate recovery or prevention methods from these adverse conditions. These requirements have led to the development of more general aerodynamic modeling methods and provided the impetus for researchers to improve analytical and experimental techniques and the degree of collaboration between them. In addition to more general mathematical model structures, dynamic test methods have been designed to provide sufficient information to allow model identification. This paper summarizes research to develop a modeling...
Modeling the near-wake of a vertical-axis cross-flow turbine with 2-D and 3-D RANS

The near-wake of a vertical-axis cross-flow turbine was modeled numerically via blade-resolved k–ω shear stress transport (SST) and Spalart–Allmaras Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) models in two and three dimensions. The results for each case were compared with the experimental measurements of the turbine shaft power, overall streamwise rotor drag, mean velocity, turbulence kinetic energy, and momentum transport terms in the near-wake at one diameter downstream. It was shown that 2-D simulations overpredict turbine loading and do not resolve mean vertical momentum transport, which plays an important role in the near-wake's momentum balance. The 3-D simulations fared better at predicting performance, with the Spalart–Allmaras model predictions being closest to the experiments. The SST model more accurately predicted the turbulence kinetic energy, while the Spalart–Allmaras model more closely matched the momentum transport terms in the near-wake. These results show the potential of blade-resolved RAN...
Three-body systems in pionless effective field theory

Investigations of three-body nuclear systems using pionless effective field theory (EFTπ) are reviewed. The history of EFTπ in nd and pd scattering is briefly discussed and emphasis put on the use of strict perturbative techniques. In addition renormalization issues appearing in pd scattering are also presented. Bound state calculations are addressed and new perturbative techniques for describing them are highlighted. Three-body breakup observables in nd scattering are also considered and the utility of EFTπ for addressing them.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Cerebral Ischemia

Positron emission tomography (PET) uniquely allows the in vivo regional measurement of several important physiologic parameters in living humans, including cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism. PET studies have advanced our understanding of normal human brain physiology and, as detailed in this article, our understanding of human cerebrovascular pathophysiology. This article focuses on knowledge gained from PET regarding acute ischemic stroke and chronic oligemia from arterial occlusive disease. Knowledge of the responses of the brain and its vasculature to ischemia and oligemia is growing more important with the increasing availability of CT and MR perfusion techniques.
DO STEM TAPER MICROGROOVES INFLUENCE TAPER CORROSION IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY? A RETRIEVAL STUDY

Introduction Previous studies of retrieved CoCr alloy femoral heads have identified imprinting of the stem taper surface features onto the interior head bore, leading researchers to hypothesize that stem taper microgrooves may influence taper corrosion. However, little is known about the role of stem taper surface morphology on the magnitude of in vivo corrosion damage. We designed a matched cohort retrieval study to examine this issue. Methods From a multi-institutional retrieval collection of over 3,000 THAs, 120 femoral head-stem pairs were analyzed for evidence of fretting and corrosion using a visual scoring technique based on the severity and extent of fretting and corrosion damage observed at the taper. A matched cohort design was used in which 60 CoCr head-stem pairs with a smooth stem taper were matched with 60 CoCr head-stem pairs having a micro-grooved surface, based on implantation time, flexural rigidity, apparent length of taper engagement, and head size. This study was adequately powered to detect a difference of 0.5 in corrosion scores between the two cohorts, with a power of 82% and 95% confidence. Both cohorts included CoCr and Ti-6-4 alloy femoral stems. A high precision roundness machine (Talyrond 585, Taylor Hobson, UK) was used to measure surface morphology and categorize the stem tapers into smooth vs. micro-grooved categories. Fretting and corrosion damage at the head/neck junction was characterized using a modified semi-quantitative adapted from the Goldberg method by three independent observers. This method separated corrosion damage into four visually determined categories: minimal, mild, moderate and severe damage. Results Mild to severe damage (Fretting Corrosion Score ≥ 2) was observed in 75% of the 120 CoCr femoral heads (78% of the heads mated with micro-grooved stems (47/60), Fig. 1A) and 72% of the heads mated with smooth stems (43/60, Fig 1B). Fretting and corrosion damage was not significantly different between the two cohorts when evaluated at the CoCr femoral head bore (p =0.105, Mann Whitney test, Fig. 2A) or the male stem tapers (p =0.428, Fig. 2B). No implant or patient factors were associated with fretting corrosion; corrosion scores were not significantly associated with stem alloy in the two cohorts (p=0.669, Mann-Whitney test). Discussion The results of this matched cohort retrieval study do not support the hypothesis that taper surfaces with micro-grooved stems exhibit increased in vivo fretting corrosion. We accounted for implant, patient, and clinical factors that may influence in vivo taper corrosion with the matched cohort design and by post hoc statistical analyses. However, this study is limited by the semi-quantitative method used for evaluating damage in these components. Therefore, additional research will be necessary to quantify the volume of metal release from these two cohorts. To view tables/figures, please contact authors directly.
Informational Lobbying and Legislative Voting

I analyze a model of interest group influence on legislative voting through information transmission. The model shows how interest groups may craft different messages to target different winning coalitions in order to influence the outcome. If access to legislators is costly, then interest groups prefer to coordinate with allied legislators by providing them with information that helps them to persuade less sympathetic legislators. The model reconciles informational theories of lobbying with empirical evidence suggesting that interest groups predominantly lobby those who already agree with them. The model also makes new predictions about the welfare effects of interest group influence: From an ex ante perspective, informational lobbying negatively affects the welfare of legislators. The results highlight the need for more theories of persuasion that take collective choice institutions into account.
The Effect of Vibrissae on Subjective and Objective Measures of Nasal Obstruction

BackgroundNasal congestion and/or obstruction represents a prevalent and extensively studied problem. No published research exists that describes the impact of nasal hair (vibrissae) on nasal obstr...
Patching Holes in the Chlamydomonas Genome

The Chlamydomonas genome has been sequenced, assembled, and annotated to produce a rich resource for genetics and molecular biology in this well-studied model organism. However, the current reference genome contains ∼1000 blocks of unknown sequence (‘N-islands’), which are frequently placed in introns of annotated gene models. We developed a strategy to search for previously unknown exons hidden within such blocks, and determine the sequence, and exon/intron boundaries, of such exons. These methods are based on assembly and alignment of short cDNA and genomic DNA reads, completely independent of prior reference assembly or annotation. Our evidence indicates that a substantial proportion of the annotated intronic N-islands contain hidden exons. For most of these, our algorithm recovers full exonic sequence with associated splice junctions and exon-adjacent intronic sequence. These new exons represent de novo sequence generally present nowhere in the assembled genome, and the added sequence improves evolutionary conservation of the predicted encoded peptides.
Varicocelectomy as Therapy in Male Infertility: A Study of 504 Cases

Over a ten-year period, surgical correction of varicocele was performed on 504 selected subfertile men. They were followed up for at least one year after surgery. Semen quality was improved in 71% and 55% of the wives became pregnant. Statistically, the results were better in terms of semen quality improvement and pregnancy for patients who had preoperative sperm counts over 10 million/ml (88% improved, 68% pregnancy rate) than for patients who had preoperative sperm counts of less than 10 million/ml (33% improved, 23% pregnancy rate). The empirical use of postoperative human chorionic gonadotropin therapy in this latter group improved results significantly (56% improved, 44% pregnancy rate).
Geriatrics Evaluation and Management in the Veterans Administration-An Historical Perspective.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment, defined as an interdisciplinary assessment and development of an overall plan of treatment and follow-up, has become a fundamental part of clinical geriatric care. Since the 1970s, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has encouraged the development of geriatric evaluation and management programs. Evolution of geriatric evaluation and management has occurred over time and many VA medical centers have transferred inpatient geriatric evaluation programs to long-term care Community Living Centers, home, and outpatient settings. Availability of geriatric resources and trained personnel across the continuum of care as well as administrative collaboration between care components are critical to the successful implementation of geriatric services. Facilities may need to prioritize their resources and utilize the most effective and relevant elements of geriatric evaluation and management according to patient population needs, available space, resources, and institutional priorities. New risk assessment tools derived from the VA’s experience in geriatric evaluation may be useful for targeting services for other high-risk populations.
Watching a Procedure Evolve: Sequential Findings From the TVT Registry

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has rapidly expanded in the United States and worldwide. The approval of the first 2 TAVR prostheses in the United States is based on data from randomized trials showing survival rates superior to conservative medical therapy in nonoperable patients [(1,
Inherent bandwidth limits in semiconductor lasers due to distributed microwave effects

Modulation bandwidths as high as 30 GHz have recently been demonstrated in strained quantum well lasers.1 The deleterious effects of carrier transport and electrical parasitics are well understood2-3 and lasers with bandwidths greater than 30 GHz are feasible.
MR imaging of the breast.

SUMMARY The results of clinical investigation suggest that MR imaging can provide clinically important information that cannot be obtained with conventional imaging methods, and that this modality will, in the future, be an invaluable adjunctive breast imaging tool just as breast ultrasound is today. MR imaging appears to be the most accurate method for the detection of implant failure, and although it is the most costly of the available implant imaging techniques, it may be the study of choice when there is a question of implant integrity that cannot be answered with conventional methods. MR imaging as a method to detect, diagnose, and stage breast cancer remains in the investigational stage. The specificity of MR imaging appears limited because of the overlap in the enhancement kinetics and morphologic appearance of benign and malignant lesions. In selected cases, the identification of certain morphologic features, such as internal septations or the absence of enhancement, may be used to classify a lesion as benign, offering an alternative to percutaneous or excisional biopsy. MR imaging appears to be very sensitive for the visualization of both invasive carcinoma and DCIS. Perhaps most important, MR imaging can detect invasive and noninvasive breast carcinoma that is both mammographically and clinically occult, offering the potential for more accurate breast cancer staging and optimized treatment planning. MR imaging is emerging as perhaps the most promising imaging modality for breast cancer detection to date. Published results, however, are from studies with relatively small numbers of patients. The results of these studies should be validated in a large-scale clinical trial before MR imaging is implemented clinically, outside of research set tings. This type of clinical investigation is needed to define the technical requirements for optimal imaging, to define interpretation criteria, to develop accurate MR imaging–guided localization and biopsy systems, to define the clinical indications for which MR imaging should be used as an adjunct to conventional imaging methods, and to address the issue of cost-effectiveness. One such trial, an international, multi-institutional study funded by the National Cancer Institute, is presently underway.
If You Want My Advice: Status Motives and Audit Consultations About Accounting Estimates

ABSTRACT Effective consultation is critical for improving the audit of estimates. In an experiment where audit managers acted as consultants to other auditors, we examine conditions in which consultants either recommend estimates that differ substantially from advice-seekers' assessments (contrariness) or recommend narrower reasonable ranges of estimates (precision). Psychology theory argues that both of these attributes can improve estimates. We examine whether these attributes depend on consultants' status motives, that is, the desire to gain respect from or power over others. We find that active status motives lead consultants with higher specialized knowledge to provide recommendations that are less contrary, but more precise. However, consultants increase precision by tightening range bounds in a manner that is not counter to management's preference and thus unlikely to prompt the audit team to challenge the estimate. We also find that higher consultant decision authority constrains precision. Our findings suggest limits to consultation's potential effectiveness in improving estimates. For instance, our findings suggest that firms and standard setters direct consultants to focus scrutiny on the range bound that is most likely to constrain management opportunism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Overview of results from the STAR experiment at RHIC.

The Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider (RHIC) provides Au+Au collisions at energies up to {radical}s{sub NN} = 200 GeV. STAR experiment was designed and constructed to investigate the behavior of strongly interacting matter at high energy density. An overview of some of the recent results from the STAR collaboration is given.
Tough on young offenders : harmful or helpful?

How harshly should society punish young lawbreakers in order to prevent or reduce their criminal activity in the future? Through a fuzzy regression discontinuity design, we shed light on the question by exploiting two quasi-natural experiments stemming to compare outcomes from relatively harsh or rehabilitative criminal incarceration practices involving young offenders in the 1980’s in England and Wales. According to our local linear regression estimates, young offenders exposed to the harsher youth facilities are 20.7 percent more likely to recidivate in the nine years subsequent to their custody, and they commit on average 2.84 offences more than offenders who experienced prison. Moreover, they are more likely to commit violent offences, thefts, burglaries and robberies. On the contrary, offenders who were sent to the more rehabilitative youth facilities are less likely to reoffend in the future when compared to offenders sent to prison. We conclude that it is effective to keep young offenders separate from their older peers in prison, but only when they are held in institutions that are not solely focused on punishment.
Ultrafast angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of quantum materials

Techniques in time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy have facilitated a number of recent advances in the study of quantum materials. We review developments in this field related to the study of incoherent nonequilibrium electron dynamics, the analysis of interactions between electrons and collective excitations, the exploration of dressed-state physics, and the illumination of unoccupied band structure. Future prospects are also discussed.