cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of quantum efficiency and optical enhancement in amorphous Si p–i–n solar cells

The effect of i-layer thickness, tin oxide texture, and back reflector (BR) on optical enhancement has been systematically studied in a series of 20 a-Si p–i–n solar cells. The internal quantum efficiency has been analyzed by a simple model based on the work of Schade and Smith. The enhancement of optical absorption is characterized by m, a wavelength-dependent fitting parameter representing the increase in optical pathlength relative to the i-layer thickness d. Solar cells with an Al BR have negligible optical enhancement, with m < 1.5, consistent with large parasitic absorption at the Al/Si interface as reported by others. Solar cells on highly textured SnO2 with ZnO/Al or ZnO/Ag BR have peak values of m ∼ 3–4, with ZnO/Ag having slightly larger values than ZnO/Al. It was found that m has a strong dependence on the product αd, and that maximum values of m increase with reflectivity of the BR. It is shown that a major source of parasitic absorption loss at long wavelengths is light trapping in the textured SnO2 front contact. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compliance Measured Fracture Toughness of Mortar and Fiber Reinforced Mortar

Contoured double cantilever beams 610 mm (24 in.) long were tested to measure the fracture parameters of plain and fiber reinforced mortar. The crack extension, the crack opening displacement (COD) and the crack opening of the cantilever's arms at the loading points were experimentally recorded in function of applied loads. The unloading-reloading technique was used to measure the compliance of the specimens. Slow crack growth was observed and the specimens experienced a permanent deformation at unloading. The permanent deformation was significant and increased linearly with crack extension for plain mortar and at a faster rate for fiber reinforced mortar. Specimens' compliances measured with and without the effect of the permanent deformation are compared and are shown to be substantially different. It is observed that the apparent critical stress intensity factor of plain mortar stabilizes at a crack extension of about 203 mm (8 in.) but no stabilization is observed for fiber reinforced specimens. One of the significant findings of this study is that cracks in mortar start propagating when their opening angle reaches a critical value called the critical crack opening angle (COA) regardless of their length.
Genetic Dissection of Salicylic Acid-Mediated Defense Signaling Networks in Arabidopsis

Properly coordinated defense signaling networks are critical for the fitness of plants. One hub of the defense networks is centered on salicylic acid (SA), which plays a key role in activating disease resistance in plants. However, while a number of genes are known to affect SA-mediated defense, relatively little is known about how these gene interact genetically with each other. Here we exploited the unique defense-sensitized Arabidopsis mutant accelerated cell death (acd) 6-1 to dissect functional relationships among key components in the SA hub. We show that while enhanced disease susceptibility (eds) 1-2 and phytoalexin deficient (pad) 4-1 suppressed acd6-1–conferred small size, cell death, and defense phenotypes, a combination of these two mutations did not incur additive suppression. This suggests that EDS1 and PAD4 act in the same signaling pathway. To further evaluate genetic interactions among SA regulators, we constructed 10 pairwise crosses in the acd6-1 background among mutants defective in: SA INDUCTION-DEFICIENT 2 for SA biosynthesis; AGD2-LIKE DEFENSE 1, EDS5, and PAD4 for SA accumulation; and NONEXPRESSOR OF PR GENES 1 for SA signaling. Systematic analysis of the triple mutants based on their suppression of acd6-1–conferred phenotypes revealed complex and interactive genetic relationships among the tested SA genes. Our results suggest a more comprehensive view of the gene networks governing SA function and provide a framework for further interrogation of the important roles of SA and possibly other signaling molecules in regulating plant disease resistance.
Output Targets and Transcriptional Regulation by a Cyclic Dimeric GMP-Responsive Circuit in the Vibrio parahaemolyticus Scr Network

The Vibrio parahaemolyticus Scr system modulates decisions pertinent to surface colonization by affecting the cellular level of cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP). In this work, we explore the scope and mechanism of this regulation. Transcriptome comparison of ΔscrABC and wild-type strains revealed expression differences with respect to ∼100 genes. Elevated c-di-GMP repressed genes in the surface-sensing regulon, including those encoding the lateral flagellar and type III secretion systems and N-acetylglucosamine-binding protein GpbA while inducing genes encoding other cell surface molecules and capsular polysaccharide. The transcription of a few regulatory genes was also affected, and the role of one was characterized. Mutations in cpsQ suppressed the sticky phenotype of scr mutants. cpsQ encodes one of four V. parahaemolyticus homologs in the CsgD/VpsT family, members of which have been implicated in c-di-GMP signaling. Here, we demonstrate that CpsQ is a c-di-GMP-binding protein. By using a combination of mutant and reporter analyses, CpsQ was found to be the direct, positive regulator of cpsA transcription. This c-di-GMP-responsive regulatory circuit could be reconstituted in Escherichia coli, where a low level of this nucleotide diminished the stability of CpsQ. The molecular interplay of additional known cps regulators was defined by establishing that CpsS, another CsgD family member, repressed cpsR, and the transcription factor CpsR activated cpsQ. Thus, we are developing a connectivity map of the Scr decision-making network with respect to its wiring and output strategies for colonizing surfaces and interaction with hosts; in doing so, we have isolated and reproduced a c-di-GMP-sensitive regulatory module in the circuit.
Acceleration Stress Effects on Pilot Performance and Dynamic Response

Several brief studies were conducted to assess the effects of a wide range of acceleration environments, varying from zero gravity to high sustained accelerations, on pilot performance and dynamic response. The results indicated that the control performance decrements observed at high sustained accelerations were attributable to decreased pilot gains and corresponding reductions in open-loop system crossover frequency. Limited results for extreme vibratory accelerations suggested that performance deterioration was associated with a reduction in pilot lead equalization (and a corresponding reduction in open-loop crossover). Under short-term weightless conditions, performance in a simulated control task was appreciably poorer than under comparable 1 g conditions for one of two sets of simulated vehicle dynamics investigated. The reason was attributed primarily to increased pilot excitation of the vehicle's lightly damped short-period mode. Soviet data, available from Voskhod flights, indicated that cosmonauts did not perform as well in a simulated control system as during ground training sessions.
Organizational Newc(ust)omers: Applying Organizational Newcomer Assimilation Concepts to Customer Information Seeking and Service Outcomes

The process through which customers resolve uncertainty regarding their participative role in service transactions may be similar to the process that organizational newcomers experience as they gai...
Motivating communication in children with autism.

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss motivation to communicate with others as a pivotal treatment goal in the habilitation of autism. Once motivation to attempt to communicate with others is improved, a marked melioration occurs not only in language directly, but also in a number of other symptoms of autism (R. Koegel & Frea, 1993; R. Koegel, L. Koegel, & Surratt, 1993). Such attainment of widespread changes is especially important, because individuals diagnosed as having autism exhibit a wide variety of behavioral excesses and deficits when compared to children who are developing typically. These abnormalities usually include qualitative deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, lack of reciprocal social interaction, and excessive disruptive and self-stimulatory behavior. Other behaviors that may be apparent are flattened, excessive, or otherwise inappropriate affect, self-injurious behavior, a preference for sameness in the environment, and isolated areas of exceptional performance (also termed savant skills).
Establishing Conditioned Place Preference in Typically Developing Children

Date Presented 4/16/2015 Conditioned place preference (CPP) is used to probe differences in reward, motivation, and aversion in children. This is the first attempt to establish CPP in children, and it will help us to understand social and affective processing in children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.
Opportunistic Message Broadcasting in Campus Environments

In this paper, we propose an infrastructure- independent opportunistic mobile social networking strategy for efficient message broadcasting in campus environments. Specifically, we focus on the application scenario of university campuses. In our model, the students' smart-phones forward messages to each other. The messages are created spontaneously as independent events in various places of the campus. The events can be either urgent security alerts or private announcements to the students currently on the campus. Our proposed state- based campus routing (SCR) protocol is based on the idle and active states of the students in indoor and outdoor places. The proposed model is analyzed through extensive network simulations using mobility datasets collected from students on University of Milano and University of Cambridge campuses. The opportunistic network model and the SCR protocol are compared with epidemic, epidemic with TTS (Times To Send), PROPHET, and random routing protocols. The message delivery performance of SCR is close to Epidemic and PROPHET while SCR reduces the amount of message transmissions.
Characterization of 17 novel microsatellite loci in the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) via 454 pyrosequencing

We used 454 pyrosequencing to characterize 17 novel microsatellite loci from the Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ), using samples from an invasive population in the US state of Florida. These markers were screened for variation in 40 individuals from the City of Cape Coral. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.18 to 0.73 (mean ± SE = 0.46 ± 0.06) and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 4 (mean ± SE = 2.5 ± 0.2). Preliminary genotyping of samples from populations in West Palm Beach and Homestead revealed two loci ( Mon6 and Mon15 ) that are monomorphic in Cape Coral, but polymorphic in these other two populations. We found no statistical departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or evidence of null alleles. However, there was statistical evidence for genotypic disequilibrium between Mon1-Mon14 and Mon3-Mon8 . BLASTn searches of NCBI’s nr/nt database identified four microsatellites containing 454 fragments that exhibit substantial sequence similarity to loci in other reptilian genomes, suggesting these markers should be prioritized by researchers interested in cross-amplification in other varanids. The resources we have developed will enable investigations of the population genetic dynamics of invasive Nile monitors in Florida and may facilitate studies within this species native range.
Calculations of the Effects of Substituents on the Conformations of Pbzt and Pbo Model Compounds

Semiempirical energy calculations have been used to investigate the conformational properties of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT) and poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) having various substituents on the phenyl ring. Substituents considered included methyl, ethyl, t-butyl, hydroxyl, phenyl, and benzthiazole groups. The torsional potential for rotation about the backbone bond joining the phenylene and heterocyclic rings has a significant influence on the conformational energies. X-ray structure data and results of semiempirical molecular orbital calculations were used to determine this critical parameter. The results show that most substituents have surprisingly little influence on the conformations of the molecules. In most cases, the substituent causes a rotation of the backbone rings away from coplanarity, but once the steric interactions are relieved, there is considerable latitude for further rotation. The substituents most effective in locking the molecules into specific conformations were hydroxyl and t-butyl, due, respectively, to the prospect for hydrogen bonding, and non-planarity. In most cases, the conformational freedom is such that packing considerations could significantly influence the conformations of the materials in the solid state.
Abstract biological systems as sequential machines: III. Some algebraic aspects

Using the relationship between (M,R) and sequential machines developed in previous work, it is shown that the totality of (M,R) which can be formed over a given categoryA itself forms a category in a natural fashion.
Controlled radical polymerization of anthracene-containing methacrylate copolymers for stimuli-responsive materials

Novel reversible networks utilizing photodimerization of crosslinkable anthracene groups and thermal dissociation were investigated. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization yielded well-defined copolymers with 9-anthrylmethyl methacrylate (AMMA) and other alkyl methacrylates such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) having different AMMA compositions. Well-controlled block copolymerization of AMMA and alkyl methacrylates was also successfully accomplished using a trithiocarbonate-terminated poly(alkyl methacrylate) macro-chain transfer agent. The anthracene-containing copolymers showed reversibility via crosslinking based on photodimerization with ultraviolet irradiation and subsequent thermal dissociation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2302–2311
Polybasic Electrolytes and Colloid Osmotic Pressure of Plasma, Serum and Bovine Serum Albumin Solution.∗

ConclusionIt has been shown that several materials causing pulmonary edema in isolated dog lungs under constant perfusion conditions have no significant effect on the plasma colloid osmotic pressure when added in concentrations slightly above those expected in clinical use. Therefore, an effect on the colloid osmotic pressure seems highly unlikely as part of the mechanism in production of pulmonary edema by basic dyes and polybasic macromolecular substances.
Implications of Inattentional Blindness for "Enactive'' Theories of Consciousness

Mack and Rock show evidence that no consciousperception occurs without a prior attentiveact. Subjects already executing attention taskstend to neglect visible elements extraneous tothe attentional task, apparently lacking evenbetter-than-chance ``implicit perception,''except in certain cases where the unattendedstimulus is a meaningful word or has uniquepre-tuned salience similar to that ofmeaningful words. This is highly consistentwith ``enactive'' notions that consciousnessrequires selective attention viaemotional subcortical and limbic motivationalactivation as it influences anterior attentionmechanisms. Occipital activation withoutconsciousness suggests that motivated search,enacted through the organism's subcorticalmotivational functions, is needed beforevisual stimulation engenders consciousness.This enactive view – that searching for,rather than receiving or processing input isthe basis of consciousness – was slow ingaining acceptance lacking empirical evidenceof this kind, combined with thestimulus-response assumption that brain eventssubserving perceptual consciousness must resultfrom transformation of perceptual input ratherthan from the organism's self-regulatedactivity as manifested through subcorticalactivity. Implicit perception occurring withword priming is ``paradoxical'' according to Mackand Rock, suggesting late selection forattention after extensive unconsciousprocessing, while most trials involvingnonverbal rather than verbal images mightsuggest earlier selection, sinceunattended objects are unseen, apparently evenimplicitly. This paper argues that anteriorand subcortical motivational mechanisms play animportant role in early selection; posteriormechanisms then unconsciously enhance signals;if data survive early gating andcorticothalamic enhancement, then still furtheranterior-limbic loops motivatedlyactivate ``image schemas'' resonating withposterior nonconscious processing; at thatpoint, consciousness occurs.
The role of platelet microvesicles in intercellular communication

In recent years, there has been exponential growth in the interest in microvesicles, which is reflected by the number of publications. Initially referred to as "platelet dust" by Peter Wolf in 1967, platelet microvesicles (PMV) are now recognized as important mediators of intercellular communication. There are examples of PMV exerting physiological effects on almost all hematological and vascular cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, T-cells, endothelium cells, and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). PMV can exert these effects by multiple methods: extracellular signaling through receptors, transfer of surface molecules, and delivery of intracellular contents including miRNA. Recent work suggests a complex environment in which cellular contents are being shared multi-directionally between multiple cell types. This review will focus on the communicative properties of PMV.
Hospital Impact After a Chemical Spill That Compromised the Potable Water Supply: West Virginia, January 2014.

In January 2014, a chemical spill of 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol and propylene glycol phenyl ethers contaminated the potable water supply of approximately 300,000 West Virginia residents. To understand the spill’s impact on hospital operations, we surveyed representatives from 10 hospitals in the affected area during January 2014. We found that the spill-related loss of potable water affected many aspects of hospital patient care (eg, surgery, endoscopy, hemodialysis, and infection control of Clostridium difficile). Hospital emergency preparedness planning could be enhanced by specifying alternative sources of potable water sufficient for hemodialysis, C. difficile infection control, and hospital processing and cleaning needs (in addition to drinking water). (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:621–624)
Controlling Leaky Waves With 1-D Cascaded Metasurfaces

A simple metasurface topology is presented which can spatially control the amplitude, phase, and polarization of leaky-wave modes. Using this technique, the tailoring of radiation patterns, including polarization, is demonstrated. The metasurfaces are modeled as full-tensor electric sheet admittances separated by dielectric layers, backed by a ground plane. These structures can be fabricated simply by stacking patterned metallic sheets. Such metasurfaces have been previously designed to control electromagnetic wavefronts incident from free space. In contrast, this communication presents a theoretical study on their application in synthesizing leaky-wave radiation patterns.
JiTT in CS 1 and CS 2

Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) uses preparatory exercises and assignments for students to prepare for an upcoming class. These submissions then inform the instructor for "just in time" adjustments to that day's class Activities. One component of JiTT is questions that direct students' attention to the upcoming topic. These questions have proven useful in CS 1 and CS 2, to encourage student use of the text, and to prepare them for class.
cGMP mediates short- and long-term modulation of excitability in a decision-making neuron in Aplysia.

Abstract In elementary neural circuits, changes in excitability can have a strong impact in the expression of a given behavior. One example is provided by B51, a neuron with decision-making properties in the feeding neural circuit of the mollusk Aplysia . The excitability of B51 is bidirectionally modulated by external and internal stimuli in a manner that is consistent with the corresponding induced changes in feeding behavior. For example, in operant reward learning, which up-regulates feeding, B51 excitability is increased via a cAMP-dependent mechanism. Conversely, following training protocols with aversive stimuli, which down-regulate feeding, B51 excitability is decreased. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that B51 decreased excitability may be mediated by another cyclic nucleotide, cGMP. Our results revealed that iontophoretic injection of cGMP was capable of inducing both short-term (45 min) and long-term (24 h) reduction of B51 excitability. We next investigated which biochemical trigger could increase cGMP cytosolic levels. The neurotransmitter nitric oxide was found to decrease B51 excitability through the activation of the soluble guanylyl cyclase. These findings indicate that a cGMP-dependent pathway modulates B51 excitability in a manner opposite of cAMP, indicating that distinct cyclic-nucleotide pathways bidirectionally regulate the excitability of a decision-making neuron.
A game design approach to CS2

In this paper, an approach to teaching CS2 is described that involves discussing principles of game design with students before designing and implementing a game as a series of programming projects. At the beginning of the term, students are divided into small groups and asked to make a low-fidelity prototype for a game. Students then play each other's games and vote for the one they most want to implement as a class. The winning game then becomes the basis for the course projects. Evaluation of this approach to CS2 has been quite positive, with students indicating that they find it to be fun and engaging, and that the games provide a context for understanding course concepts that may be difficult to grasp otherwise.
Modeling Illness and Recovery with Nonlinear Dynamics

People like simple explanations, even if they are wrong or misleading. The single-cause model is the simplest epidemiological logic: “If condition X exists, then Y has an elevated likelihood of occurrence.” By implication, “If X is removed, Y does not happen.” The limitations of the reasoning become apparent when research reports pile up. By the early 1980s we had the popular quip, “Everything causes cancer,” which was indicative that something was wrong with our information about cancer. By 1990 public service messages were convincing the general public that cigarette smoking caused everything, and by implication if tobacco were to disappear, so would the major causes of death. However, even though tobacco consumption in the USA in 2006 had dropped to 38 % of its 1967 level [1] (Fig. 9.1) and users dropped from 26 % of the adult population in 1991 to 20.5 % in 2006, healthcare costs have skyrocketed during the same period, and cancer incidence rates have dropped by only a small amount [2] (Fig. 9.2), which might be attributed to medical advances instead.
Phreatic Surface Location after Drawdown

To determine the stability of an earth embankment following rapid drawdown, it is necessary to locate the phreatic surface. Using a finite difference technique, the partial differential equation governing unsteady flow in porous media has been solved for various conditions. Curves and equations are presented for locating the phreatic surface in the pervious shell of an embankment with a vertical impervious core, resting on an impervious foundation. The embankment may be constructed with any slope angle. The phreatic surface may be located following instantaneous drawdown, or during and after drawdown proceeding at a constant rate. Calculations using these curves and equations are compared with the results of viscous flow-model studies.
REGULATION OF BILE ACID SYNTHESIS

Bile acids are important physiological agents required for disposal of cholesterol and absorption of vitamins and fats. Bile acids are synthesized from cholesterol in the liver. Enterohepatic circulation of bile acids is very efficient and plays an important physiological role in lipid absorption and secretion, and regulation of bile acid biosynthesis and cholesterol homeostasis. Conversion of cholesterol to bile acids requires 15 different enzymatic steps. Four cytochrome P450 enzymes play important roles in bile acid biosynthesis. The classic bile acid biosynthesis pathway starts with modification of the sterol ring and followed by side chain cleavage reactions to synthesize cholic acid (CA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), the primary bile acids in most species. The first and rate-limiting enzyme in this pathway is cholesterol 7alpha -hydroxylase, a microsomal cytochrome P450, CYP7A. Another microsomal cytochrome P450 sterol 12alpha-hydroxylase (CYP12) is required for the synthesis of cholic acid. Mitochondrial cytochrome P450 sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27) catalyzes sterol side chain oxidation to convert C27 sterol to C24 bile acids. An alternative bile acid biosynthesis pathway (acidic) has been known for sometime but only recently has attracted much attention. In this pathway, side chain oxidation precedes modification of the sterol ring. Mitochondrial sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27) catalyzes the first reaction and followed by 7alpha-hydroxylation catalyzed by a microsomal oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7B). Recent advances in purification and cloning of these major enzymes in the pathways have led to better understanding the molecular basis of regulation of bile acid synthesis and physiological role of the alternative pathways.
Increasing Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Climate: The Transient Response

The chapter by Gilchrist in this volume has dealt with the equilibrium response of the climate system to specified increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration. In reality, of course, the CO2 concentration is a changing function of time and an equilibrium response is never likely to be realized. In this chapter, therefore, we consider how the system might respond under the influence of time-dependent, or transient, climatic forcing. In particular we examine the role that the oceans are expected to play in delaying the attainment of a given level of warming in the atmosphere.
The Teach Back Project: A System-wide Evidence Based Practice Implementation.

Abstract Purpose Teach-back is an evidence-based strategy identified as a cornerstone intervention for improving communication during healthcare encounters. Evidence supports the use of teach back with patients and families to improve understanding of discharge instructions and supporting self-management. There is significant evidence that staff do not routinely use teach-back while communicating with patients and families. Design and Methods This evidence-based practice project examined the impact of a brief educational intervention for a multidisciplinary staff on knowledge of health literacy and the use of teach-back during patient-education. Clinical staff working at a 290 bed Magnet® designated Midwest pediatric healthcare organization attended a 45–60 min, standardized, instructor led interactive teaching session about the impact of low health literacy, the use of open ended questions and how to use teach-back with patients and families. Pre and post education surveys, and a one-year sustainability survey were administered. Results Over 300 multidisciplinary team members (including acute care, emergency room, and surgical nurses, dieticians, respiratory care practitioners and occupational and physical therapists) participated in the education and surveys. Both nurses and non-nurses demonstrated increased knowledge of the teach-back process and reported high rates of clarifying information and correcting misunderstandings when using teach back with patients and families. Qualitative data revealed clarifications are often about medications and skill-based treatments. Conclusions and Practice Implications Teach-back is a valuable strategy that can improve the safety and quality of health care and supports the National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.
Student Success as a Social Problem

In the United States of America, a significant proportion of the age-cohort enroll in higher education but only about one-half of students who start a degree program graduate. Given low completion ...
Co-targeting mTORC and EGFR signaling as a therapeutic strategy in HNSCC.

e17509Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are frequently altered along the PI3K/AKT/mTORC signaling axis leading to development of therapeutics targeting this pathway. Despi...
Low temperature annealing of metals with electrical wind force effects

Abstract Conventional annealing is a slow, high temperature process that involves heating atoms uniformly, i.e., in both defective and crystalline regions. This study explores an electrical alternative for energy efficiency, where moderate current density is used to generate electron wind force that produces the same outcome as the thermal annealing process. We demonstrate this on a zirconium alloy using in-situ electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and juxtaposing the results with that from thermal annealing. Contrary to common belief that resistive heating is the dominant factor, we show that 5 × 104 A/cm2 current density can anneal the material in less than 15 min at only 135 °C. The resulting microstructure is essentially the same as that obtained with 600 °C processing for 360 min. We propose that unlike temperature, the electron wind force specifically targets the defective regions, which leads to unprecedented time and energy efficiency. This hypothesis was investigated with molecular dynamics simulation that implements mechanical equivalent of electron wind force to provide the atomistic insights on defect annihilation and grain growth.
Multicomponent Coupled Cluster Singles and Doubles Theory within the Nuclear-Electronic Orbital Framework.

The nuclear-electronic orbital (NEO) method treats all electrons and specified nuclei, typically protons, quantum mechanically on the same level with molecular orbital techniques. This approach dir...
Experimental Design Principles to Choose the Number of Monte Carlo Replicates for Stochastic Ecological Models

Abstract Ecologists often rely on computer models as virtual laboratories to evaluate alternative theories, make predictions, perform scenario analysis, and to aid in decision-making. The application of ecological models can have real-world consequences that drive ecological theory development and science-based decision and policy-making, so it is imperative that the conclusions drawn from ecological models have a strong, credible quantitative basis. In particular it is important to establish whether any predicted change in a model output has ecological and statistical significance. Ecological models may include stochastic components, using probability distributions to represent some modeled processes. An individual run of a stochastic ecological model is a random draw from an infinitely large population, requiring replicate simulations to estimate the distribution of model outcomes. An important consideration is the number of Monte Carlo replicates necessary to draw useful conclusions from the model analysis. A simple framework is presented that borrows from well-understood techniques for experimental design, including confidence interval estimation and sample size power analysis. The desired precision of interval estimates for model prediction, or the minimum desired detectable effect size between scenarios, is established by the researcher in the context of the model objectives and the ecological system. The number of replicates required to achieve that level of precision or detectable effect is computed given an estimate of the variability in the model outcomes of interest. If the number of replicates is computationally prohibitive, then the expected precision or detectable effect for that sample size should be reported. An example is given for a stochastic model of fire spread integrated with an eco-hydrological model.
Academics without borders

Games research is a growing interdisciplinary field. As with many interdisciplinary fields, early career faculty often confront many questions concerning the tenure process and evaluation of their interdisciplinary work. While there have been several publications on guidelines or best practices for evaluating interdisciplinary research, addressing Tenure and Promotion policies and processes for faculty as well as units and chairs, none specifically discusses tenure and promotion practices and guidelines for games research. Wardrip---Fruin and Mateas, in a report dating back to 2014 [17], outlined some challenges and recommendations for supporting work within the area of computational media. This report was the first to unpack some issues faced by computational media researchers with some recommendations to the community, funding agencies and institutions, to support this growing and evolving research area. However, this report did not target the tenure and promotion process, specifically. Now that the community is maturing with many faculty already undergoing or have undergone tenure and promotion, more publications and discussions are needed to support the diverse nature of this research area and its junior faculty. This workshop is then a first step to address this issue within the community. This article contributes to this discussion by outlining previous publications' recommendations and guidelines for inter-disciplinary research that are also applicable to the games research area. Additionally, the article also outlines specific unique aspects for games research with some take-aways of challenges and action items that we can take as a community to address these challenges.
High concentration Ce3+ doped BaF2 transparent ceramics

Abstract BaF2 transparent ceramics with high Ce3+ dopant concentration were prepared by a high vacuum hot pressing technique. The highest Ce3+ doping concentration obtained was 50 at.%. For the first time, the BaCeF5 transparent ceramic was reported. As seen under Scanning Electronic Microscopy, all ceramic samples had an average grain size of
Governing the Commons: A FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS OF SELF-ORGANIZING AND SELF-GOVERNING CPRs

In Chapter 1, I discussed three models that are used to justify the policy recommendation that external governmental authorities should impose solutions on individuals who jointly use CPRs: Hardin's tragedy of the commons, the prisoner's dilemma game, and Mancur Olson's logic of collective action. All three models lead to the prediction that those using such resources will not cooperate so as to achieve collective benefits. Further, individuals are perceived as being trapped in a static situation, unable to change the rules affecting their incentives. The cases presented in this study are from a universe of relatively small scale CPRs (the largest involves about 15,000 appropriators), each located within a single country. The appropriators in these cases are heavily dependent on a flow of scarce resource units for economic returns. The cases illustrate that some, but not all, appropriators in these settings solve what are thought to be second-order dilemmas to provide their own institutions. Various institutional arrangements are devised to accomplish these results. Marketable rights to the flow of resource units were developed in Alicante and in three of the California groundwater cases, but the resource systems themselves did not become private property. Forms of public instrumentalities were also used in the California groundwater cases and several other cases, but none of the success cases involved direct regulation by a centralized authority. Most of the institutional arrangements used in the success stories were rich mixtures of public and private instrumentalities. If this study does nothing more than shatter the convictions of many policy analysts that the only way to solve CPR problems is for external authorities to impose full private property rights or centralized regulation, it will have accomplished one major purpose. At the same time, no claim is made that institutional arrangements supplied by appropriators, rather than by external authorities, will achieve optimal solutions. The Mojave case clearly illustrates this point. But the survival, over long periods of time, of the resources described in Chapters 3 and 4, as well as the institutions for governing those resources, is testimony to the achievement of at least a minimal level of “solution.” This study has an additional purpose beyond challenging the presumption that universal institutional panaceas must be imposd by external authorities to solve smaller-scale, but still complex, uncertain, and difficult, problems.
Probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction combined with canalicular stenosis

Objective To evaluate the effect of probing in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction combined with canalicular stenosis in children.Methods The probing,irrigating and fluorescein dye disappearance test(FDDT) were performed in 29 eyes of 27 cases with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction combined with canalicular stenosis (study group) and 30 eyes of 23 cases with simple nasolacrimal duct obstruction (control group),FDDT experiment and irrigation were applicated to evaluate effect of probing of lacrimal passage for nasolacrimal duct and lacrimal canalicular obstruction.Results In the study group,there were 13 cases (14 eyes) with infferior lacrimal duct and 14 cases (15 eyes) with superior the obstruction of lacrimal canaliculus,The nasolacrimal duct obstruction was patent in 26 eyes (89.7％) from study group and 27 eyes(90.0％) in control group,There were no statistical difference between the two groups.x2 =0.002,P =0.965 (＞ 0.05),In the study group,the canalicular stenosis was cleared in 11eyes(37.9％) compared with the control group,FDDT in the study group was lower at level 0,higher at level 1 ～2,x2 =7.096,P =0.029.The superior canaliculus was blocked in 11 eyes (4 eyes with FDDT level 0,6 eyes with FDDT level 1,1 eye with FDDT level 2),and the lower canaliculus was blocked in 11 eyes (1 eye with FDDT level 0,3 eyes with FDDT level 1,2 eyes with FDDT level 2) in 17 cases with patent nasolacrimal duct and blocked canaliculus.Conclusion Probing can first be effectively used in therapeutic applications in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with lacrimal canaliculus obstruction in children,if there is one normal lacrimal canaliculus.The therapeutic effect is better in patient with simple nasolacrimal duct obstruction than in that combined with canalicular stenosis,and the superior or lower canaliculus candrainage tear effectively. Key words: Probing, duct, nasolacrimal; Obstruction, congenital, nasolacrimal duct; Stenosis,canaliculus, lacrimal
Model predictive control for supervising multiple rooftop unit economizers to fully leverage free cooling energy resource

Abstract “Free cooling” with cool outside air can meet or reduce a building’s cooling loads in an energy efficient manner when conditions are favorable. For rooftop air conditioning units (RTUs), this is achieved with air-side economizers that are integrated with the packaged RTU. However, current RTU economizers are independently controlled at the unit level and may not fully leverage the free resource for economic benefit especially when multiple units serve a common zone of a building, such as in retail stores. That is, the independent control of multiple RTUs could lead to some units operating with mechanical cooling even when the outdoor air temperature or enthalpy is low enough to meet the load with economizer cooling. This paper presents a model-predictive control (MPC) approach to optimally supervise multiple RTUs in order to fully utilize the free cooling resource. The algorithm is applied to the evaluation of the energy savings potential for a case study building served by four identical RTUs under various climate zones over a cooling season.
Broadband asymmetric transmission via angle-induced chirality enhancement in split ring resonators

Asymmetric Transmission (AT) allows direction-sensitive control of electromagnetic waves that is highly desirable in optical and microwave communication applications. In this paper, an angle-induced chirality enhancement approach is proposed through the introduction of angled splits in a split ring resonator based unit cell. This design approach, which enhances electromagnetic cross coupling, has been analytically and experimentally validated, yielding efficient and broadband AT operation with 27.1% fractional bandwidth from 14.8 GHz to 19.4 GHz. The AT magnitude of greater than 80% and transmission efficiency of 90% are achieved across the 4.6 GHz bandwidth. These results when compared with recently published designs depict that the presented metasurface exhibits the most broadband AT in a bi-layered configuration with the thinnest reported form factor of 0.78 mm in the microwave regime. The underlying physics of AT operation has been illustrated through analysis of surface currents and electric field distributions. More importantly, new insights into the effects of optical activity on the AT magnitude are presented. The proposed ultra-thin metasurface, operating in K and Ku bands, finds its application as a polarization-control device for modern radar and satellite communication systems.
Exposure to Difference on Facebook, Trust, and Political Knowledge

Building off of literatures in the areas of network heterogeneity, oppositional networks, cross-cutting exposure, incidental information exposure, and trust, we suggested that Facebook networks cha...
Location of reflux in the saphenous vein does not affect outcomes of vein ablation.

Abstract Background Varicose veins are commonly caused by valvular reflux in the saphenous vein. Most insurance companies will approve venous ablation (VA) for the treatment of junctional reflux only and will deny coverage for symptomatic patients with significant nonjunctional reflux of the saphenous vein at the deep system. The present study compared the outcomes of VA for patients with junctional reflux and patients with nonjunctional reflux. Methods A retrospective, single-center review of consecutive patients who had undergone VA using radiofrequency in an outpatient office was performed from 2012 to 2016. The patients' electronic medical records were reviewed for the characteristics, imaging findings, and outcomes. A telephone survey inquiring about the intensity of symptoms using a numeric rating scale of 0 to 10 before and after treatment was also conducted, with higher number correlating with increasing symptom severity. Patients were grouped according to the location of reflux, either at the saphenofemoral–saphenopopliteal junction or below the junction (nonjunctional). The patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Clinical success was defined by symptom improvement or resolution. Technical success was defined by vein closure on duplex ultrasonography. Results A total of 265 patients (224 with junctional reflux [84.5%] and 41 with nonjunctional reflux [15.5%]) had undergone VA of 343 veins. The mean patient age was 58.8 ± 15 years. No differences in age, sex, or race were present between the two groups. Patients with junctional reflux were significantly more likely to have undergone bilateral treatment (33.3% vs 12.2%; P = .006). No difference was found in CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) class, laterality, or type of vein treated. On ultrasonography, the veins with junctional reflux had significantly larger diameters (5.8 ± 2.1 mm vs 4.8 ± 1.8 mm; P = .004). However, the veins with nonjunctional reflux had a longer reflux time (5.5 ± 0.6 seconds vs 4 ± 1.7 seconds; P Conclusions Junctional reflux in the saphenous vein is more likely to be bilateral compared with nonjunctional reflux. The location of reflux did not affect patient presentation or outcomes after VA.
OncotypeDx scores according to race/ethnicity and age in a diverse cohort of breast cancer patients.

e12512Background: Breast cancer incidence and mortality rate differ across racial/ethnic populations in the US, but little is known about the relationship between Oncotype DX scores and race/ethnic...
Connected After Care: Youth Characteristics, Policy, and Programs Associated With Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth With Foster Care Histories:

Recent federal laws and state policies reflect the government’s investment in improving education and employment outcomes for youth with foster care histories. However, little research has assessed...
A heteroepitaxial architecture for rare-earth quantum light-matter interconnects

Quantum nanophotonics interfacing optical photons with coherent atomic spins have the potential to revolutionize secure communications, ultra-scale sensing, distributed quantum computing, and enhanced metrology, but currently lack scalable material and device platform necessary for building robust quantum light-matter interfaces. The trivalent rare-earth ion such as erbium (Er3+) is a promising candidate for quantum interfaces because of its narrow optical transition as well as a long spin coherence time. Here, we present an epitaxial Er3+:Y2O3 on silicon platform for scalable quantum light-matter interconnect, enabling efficient spin-photon interfaces based on individual rare-earth qubits and quantum transduction via ensembles of ions.
An Artin Braid Group Representation of Knitting Machine State with Applications to Validation and Optimization of Fabrication Plans

Industrial knitting machines create fabric by manipulating loops held on hundreds of needles. A core problem in pattern making for these machines is transfer planning – coming up with a sequence of low-level operations that move loops to the appropriate needles so that knitting through those loops produces the correct final structure. Since each loop is connected to the larger piece in progress, transfer plans must account for not only loop position, but the way strands of yarn tangle around each other.We present the first complete, discrete representation of the machine’s loop-tangling process. Our representation combines a braid from the Artin Braid Group with an array of explicit loop positions to fully capture loop crossings. By storing braids in the Symmetric Normal Form, states can be quickly compared and updated incrementally with machine operations. This representation can be used to verify the equivalence of transfer operations, providing an important tool in optimizing knit manufacturing.We improve on prior work in transfer planning algorithms, which can only solve certain subclasses of problems and are frequently suboptimal in terms of fabrication time, by introducing a novel A* search heuristic and state-collapsing mechanism, which we show finds optimal transfer plans for a large benchmark set of small transfer planning problems.
A Survey of Classification Techniques for Microarray Data Analysis

With the recent advance of biomedical technology, a lot of ‘OMIC’ data from genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic domain can now be collected quickly and cheaply. One such technology is the microarray technology which allows researchers to gather information on expressions of thousands of genes all at the same time. With the large amount of data, a new problem surfaces – how to extract useful information from them. Data mining and machine learning techniques have been applied in many computer applications for some time. It would be natural to use some of these techniques to assist in drawing inference from the volume of information gathered through microarray experiments. This chapter is a survey of common classification techniques and related methods to increase their accuracies for microarray analysis based on data mining methodology. Publicly available datasets are used to evaluate their performance.