cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping photovoltaic performance with nanoscale resolution

Photo-conductive AFM spectroscopy (‘pcAFMs’) is proposed as a high-resolution approach for investigating nanostructured photovoltaics, uniquely providing nanoscale maps of photovoltaic (PV) performance parameters such as the short circuit current, open circuit voltage, maximum power, or fill factor. The method is demonstrated with a stack of 21 images acquired during in situ illumination of micropatterned polycrystalline CdTe/CdS, providing more than 42,000 I/V curves spatially separated by ~5 nm. For these CdTe/CdS microcells, the calculated photoconduction ranges from 0 to 700 picoSiemens (pS) upon illumination with ~1.6 suns, depending on location and biasing conditions. Mean short circuit currents of 2 pA, maximum powers of 0.5 pW, and fill factors of 30% are determined. The mean voltage at which the detected photocurrent is zero is determined to be 0.7 V. Significantly, enhancements and reductions in these more commonly macroscopic PV performance metrics are observed to correlate with certain grains and grain boundaries, and are confirmed to be independent of topography. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the benefits of nanoscale resolved PV functional measurements, reiterate the importance of microstructural control down to the nanoscale for 'PV devices, and provide a widely applicable new approach for directly investigating PV materials.
Vascular Ultrasound and Noninvasive Physiological Testing for Peripheral Arterial Disease: Are These Tests Being Overused?

Abstract Purpose To examine recent trends in the use of duplex ultrasound and noninvasive physiologic tests (NPTs) for determining the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods Medicare Part B databases for 2001-2013 were used. The two Current Procedural Terminology, version four codes for duplex ultrasound of lower-extremity arteries, and the three codes for NPTs of extremity arteries were selected. Procedure volumes of both types of examinations were determined, and utilization rates per 100,000 beneficiaries were calculated. Medicare specialty codes were used to determine what proportions were performed by the major specialty groups involved in these examinations: surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists, and primary care physicians (PCPs). Results Between 2001 and 2010 (the peak year), the total utilization rates per 100,000 of duplex ultrasound and NPTs increased by 94% and 84%, respectively. During the ensuing three years, small declines occurred in both. In 2013, utilization rates of both types of tests were far higher than they had been in 2001 (88% higher for duplex ultrasound; 63% higher for NPTs). From 2001 to 2013, use of duplex ultrasound increased 235% among cardiologists, 90% among surgeons, 76% among radiologists, and 53% among PCPs. Utilization rates of NPTs among surgeons were already high in 2001 and increased an additional 23% by 2013. The NPT utilization rates increased 180% among PCPs, 179% among cardiologists, and 61% among radiologists. Conclusions During a period when little growth occurred in the incidence of PAD, sharp growth occurred in testing for the disease.
Due Diligence in International Mergers and Acquisitions

In a cross-border acquisition of a target entity, due diligence requires advance analysis of the target, its tax attributes and history, and its organizational structure. An appropriate acquisition structure must be identified, and the planning does not stop with the acquisition.
Patterns of frugivory and energetic condition in Nearctic landbirds during Autumn migration

Many species of Nearctic landbirds exhibit behavioral plasticity during migration, presumably to compensate for energetic demands of migratory flight. At Block Island, Rhode Island, a northern temperate site, I quantified the extent of one form of behavioral plasticity in Nearctic landbirds: dietary expansion from breeding season insectivory to high levels of frugivory during autumn. I also measured changes in energetic condition of migrants using recapture methods and diurnal regressions of mass change. Based on analyses of 1,568 fecal samples collected from 1993-1995, frugivory during migration was frequent within many species, extensive within individual birds, and widespread among taxa. Migratory species ranged from strict insectivory in the Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) to 96% fruit by volume in the fecal samples of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (Pheucticus ludovicianus). Nine of 17 recaptured species demonstrated mass gains between first and last recapture. Only the Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) gained significant mass within a single day, suggesting that the site was suitable for migratory mass gain if a species remained longer than one day. Highly omnivorous species, with greater than one-third of the diet as fruit, gained significantly more mass while on Block Island than did strict insectivores, i.e., species with less than one-third of the diet as fruit. Insectivorous species on average declined in energetic condition during stopover. The extent of frugivory for a species was positively correlated with average change in energetic condition and fat score per day, suggesting that frugivory allowed species to gain mass more efficiently and extensively than exclusive insectivory. I conclude that frugivory in Nearctic landbirds is far more extensive during migration than previously thought, and that dietary plasticity may be an adaptation to energetic demands of migratory flights.
Subgrid simulations of reacting two-phase shear layers

A two-phase subgrid combustion model has been developed for large-eddy simulations (LES). This approach includes a more fundamental treatment of the effects of the final stages of droplet vaporization, molecular diffusion, chemical reactions and small scale turbulent mixing than other LES closure techniques. In the present approach, the liquid droplets are tracked using the Lagrangian approach up to a pre-specified cut-off size. The phase change of the droplets both larger and smaller than the cut-off size and the subsequent mixing of the evaporated fuel with the oxidizer are modeled within the subgrid using an Eulerian two-phase model. It is shown here that the present approach gives consistently better results for both infinite and finite-rate kinetics in turbulent mixing layer even when the cut-off is increased. In contrast, conventional LES under similar conditions result in significant error when the cut-off size is increased. Finally, as a prelude to the study reacting sprays in realistic gas turbine combustors, a spatially evolving co-axial spray configuration is simulated using a new parallel LES version of the present model. Results are analyzed and discussed to demonstrate the new capability that has been developed.
Influence of Wind Tunnel Walls on Cavity Acoustic Resonances

Flow-acoustic resonances leading to high unsteady pressure levels may occur in flow past cavities. The long-standing semi-empirical model of Rossiter, and a more complete theoretical model recently developed by the authors, both predict the existence of several resonance frequencies. The unsteady pressure spectra measured in experiments typically also contain several resonance peaks, consistent in nature with the theory. However, in wind-tunnel experiments where the cavity is embedded in one of the wind-tunnel walls, the pressure spectrum may shift to the case of a single dominant frequency, sometimes quite abruptly and only for a narrow range of flow speeds. In the present paper, we develop a modified theoretical prediction method that explicitly accounts for the presence of windtunnel walls. The cross-stream eigenmodes play a central role in the theory. We show that, in the frequency (or Mach number) band where a higher-order eigenmode is cut-on in the tunnel-cavity section, but cut-o in the upstream and downstream tunnel sections, the nearly-trapped nature of the acoustic field causes a dramatic increase in the growth rate for the global flow-acoustic resonance mode. This provides an explanation for the dominant mode behavior that has been observed in experiments.
The Keresan Holy Rollers: An Adaptation to American Individualism

Our surviving record of innovations prior to 1800 comes mainly from the urban centers of that time-Philadelphia, Boston and New York. Emphasis in culture innovation was placed on activities associated with myth and belief, particularly on religion and publication. Government was stressed. In the nineteenth century, New York and Boston shared prominence with new secondary centers such as San Francisco and Washington, D. C. Emphasis shifted to production, commerce, associations and social relations. The twentieth century has been marked by the greater concentration of innovations in New York and its immediate environs. Washington and San Francisco have remained as secondary centers. The great emphasis of this century has been on economics and technology, specifically on the technological aspects of transportation and information. Because there is no other lar,e collection of dated innovations in many activities that may be used to test the consistency of Kane's approach, this summary is offered simply as an interpretation of American culture history.8 American culture appears to be characterized by significant differences in the amounts and sorts of innovations that have arisen in various places and periods. This study has demonstrated the usefulness of dated materials for describing culture centers and emphases.
Benefits of Storage Control for Wind Power Producers in Power Markets

We consider a wind power producer (WPP) participating in a dynamically evolving two settlement power market. We study the utility of energy storage for a WPP in maximizing its expected profit. With random wind and price processes, the optimal forward contract and storage charging/discharging decisions are formulated as solutions of an infinite horizon stochastic optimal control problem. For the asymptotically small storage capacity regime, we precisely characterize the maximum profit increase brought by utilizing energy storage. We prove that, in this regime, an optimal policy uses storage to compensate for power delivery shortfall/surplus in real time, without changing the forward contracts from the optimal ones in the absence of energy storage. This policy also serves as an approximately optimal policy for the case of relatively small storage capacity. We also design a policy based on model predictive control (MPC) that is approximately optimal for general storage capacities. We numerically evaluate the developed policies for wind and price processes with representative statistics from real world data. It is observed that, as expected, the simple small storage approximation policy performs closely to the optimum when storage is relatively small, while the more complex stochastic MPC policy performs better for larger storage capacities.
Talking about university library information service

This article has carried on the elaboration to the university library's information service's content and ways,and put forward the questions existed in the information service.
Conversion of Nuclear Waste to Molten Glass: Cold‐Cap Reactions in Crucible Tests

The feed-to-glass conversion, which comprises complex chemical reactions and phase transitions, occurs in the cold cap during nuclear waste vitrification. Here, to investigate the conversion process, we analyzed heat-treated samples of a simulated high-level waste feed using X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, leaching tests, and residual anion analysis. Feed dehydration, gas evolution, and borate phase formation occurred at temperatures below 700°C before the emerging glass-forming melt was completely connected. Above 700°C, intermediate aluminosilicate phases and quartz particles gradually dissolved in the continuous borosilicate melt, which expanded with transient foam. Finally, knowledge of the chemistry and physics of feed-to-glass conversion will help us control the conversion path by changing the melter feed makeup to maximize the glass production rate.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE RETINAL VESSELS. III. VASCULAR-GLIAL RELATIONSHIPS.

Three types of cells form the perivascular glia: Muller cells, and two types of astrocytes. The Muller cytoplasm surrounds the major portion of the capillary walls in all layers, with occasional contributions from thn accessory glia. The large arteries and veins are ensheathed by glial cytoplasm derived equally from Muller cells and accessory glia. Through out its length, the Muller cell cytoplasm contains glycogenlike particles, numerous fibers, and smooth-surfaced vesicles. The perivascular Muller cell basement membranes merge with the adventitial ground substance of the vessel walls, without forming a perivascular space. Vessels which lack an adventitia, such as small arterioles, venules, and capillaries, show a fusion of the Muller cell basement membrane with that of adjacent smooth muscle cells, pericytes, or endothelial cells. The two astrocytic glial cells are as follows: a. A fibrous branching type, chiefly found on the walls of large arteries. The cytoplasm contains few organelles and a mat of fine fibrils in the perinuclear region. Some cytoplasmic extensions contain many fibrils whereas others contain few. b. A type with few branchings, a diffusely fibrillar cytoplasm, considerable rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, and many mitochondria, chiefly found near vein and capillary walls.
Antifungal ME1111 in vitro human onychopharmacokinetics.

This study determined ME1111 onychopharmacokinetics and possible topical antifungals' clinical efficacy in human great toenails using an in vitro finite dose model. ME1111 topical formulations in 1, 5, 10 or 15% for 3 days observation and 1, 5 or 10% for 14 days observation, respectively, were used to determine ME1111 penetration rate and transungual kinetics. ME1111 concentrations in the deeper nail (ventral/intermediate layers) and a cotton pad/nail bed, were several orders of magnitude greater than MIC90 and MFC90 for three major dermatophytes. ME1111 concentrations 3 days after a single and 14 days after multiple dosing of 10% formulation were 253 and 7991 μg/g nail, respectively, and superior to those of 8% ciclopirox control. ME1111 concentration (μg equivalent/cm3) in the cotton pad following 10% ME1111 multiple applications increased linearly throughout the 336 h experiment and was significantly greater than that of 8% ciclopirox. Flux rate of ME1111 averaged as 50.9 μg/cm3/day, which was ca. two orders of magnitude greater than the MIC90 values. The novel antifungal ME1111 penetrated well into human nail plate and its concentrations in the deeper nail and cotton pad after application of 10% formulation were significantly greater than those of ciclopirox.
Do Family Responsibilities and a Clinical Versus Research Faculty Position Affect Satisfaction with Career and Work-Life Balance for Medical School Faculty?

Abstract Background: Balancing career and family obligations poses challenges to medical school faculty and contributes to dissatisfaction and attrition from academics. We examined the relationship between family setting and responsibilities, rank, and career and work–life satisfaction for faculty in a large U.S. medical school. Methods: Baseline faculty surveys were analyzed from the first year of a 4-year National Institutes of Health–funded study to evaluate awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and use of family friendly policies and career satisfaction. The study focus was on the impact of family responsibilities and characteristics of the faculty position (rank, clinical vs. nonclinical, and academic series) in multivariate comparisons between primary predictors and outcomes of interest. Results: Both clinical and family responsibilities for children under 18 play a major and interacting role in satisfaction with career and work–life balance. Clinical faculty respondents without children at home reported...
HYPOTHESIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TIMING OF THE CLOCK

Organisms are rhythmic with periods that are of the same length as the natural ocean tides, days, months, and years. When one experimentally deprives the organism of all obvious environmental clues, which reflect these cycles and finds that the rhythms persist, it is concluded that the organisms must have some internal, biochemical timer that measures these periods. This might be readily rationalized. Living things have been evolving for millions of years in a rhythmic environment and they might have generated, as an adaptive feature for predicting the occurrence of favorable and unfavorable times, the ability to measure these periods on their own. Contrasting with this view is the external timer hypothesis. Proponents of this hypothesis are agnostics who question whether the conditions are truly constant for the organism. They are aware that many parameters of the physical environment that undergo daily, tidal, monthly, and annual variations are still pervading the constant conditions as well as the organisms themselves.
`Not hard to sway': a case study of student engagement in two large engineering classes

ABSTRACTAlthough engineering education research has empirically validated the effectiveness of active learning in improving student learning over traditional lecture-based methods, the adoption of active learning in classrooms has been slow. One of the greatest reported barriers is student resistance towards engagement in active learning exercises. This paper argues that the level of student engagement in active learning classrooms is an interplay of social and physical classroom characteristics. Using classroom observations and instructor interviews, this study describes the influence of the interaction of student response systems and classroom layout on student engagement in two large active-learning-based engineering classrooms. The findings suggest that the use of different student response systems in combination with cluster-style seating arrangements can increase student engagement in large classrooms.
Regenerating Waste to Energy: A Scenario-Based Assessment of Lagos, Nigeria

This study uses scenario-based approaches to assess the regenerative capacity of transforming organic wastes into electric power for the City of Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos represents a rapidly growing city with a population of 21 million in a developing country where serious shortages are experienced in producing sufficient electric power. As in many developing countries, rapid urbanization has lead to mismanagement of solid waste disposal, illegal deposal methods, issues in landfill infrastructure, and inefficiencies in developing recycling industries and other regenerative systems. This paper examines the feasibility of regenerating organic waste into electricity by projecting the volume of methane gas that could have been harvested in two closed landfills and one still operating landfill. The analysis applies the United States Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Gas Emissions Model (U.S. EPA LandGEM) and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models to measure waste to methane gas generation by developing data on organic waste capture, landfill physical characteristics and factors for methane production, and the quality of waste management. Utilizing existing conversion models, the methane gas amounts are assessed in terms of potential electricity generation. The study also projected the waste-to-energy production of three new proposed landfills in Lagos from 2017 to 2050 and found that methane-produced electricity could meet the later energy demands of the city.
Sandoz v. Amgen: Why Current Interpretation of the Biologic Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 is Flawed and Jeopardizes Future Competition

The generic drug industry is shifting towards biosimilars. In the coming years, first-generation blockbuster biologic drugs will come off patent protection. However, unlike the small-molecule chemical drug market where exact generic copies can be produced, the complexity of large-molecule biologic drugs makes exact replicates impossible. As a result, biologic copies aim to be as similar as possible to their blockbuster counterparts – thus, the name: biosimilars. The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA) regulates biosimilar approval.Submarine patents threaten the development of biosimilars. These types of patents are a product of manipulative continuation practices by the applicant, and can result in patent issuance more than a decade after the filing date. Submarine patents are meant to surprise an industry and preclude competition. While some believe submarine patents are a thing of the past, a pending case before the Federal Circuit shows they are not. In Sandoz v. Amgen, the Federal Circuit’s interpretation of the BPCIA will determine what litigation strategies are available to biosimilar makers to combat submarine patents. This is the first case to arise in the biosimilar industry. The issue is one of pure statutory interpretation: does the BPCIA bar a biosimilar maker from filing a declaratory judgment (DJ) action before submitting an application for approval.This article argues that the BPCIA does not preclude pre-application DJ actions. In addition, the article posits that pre-application DJ actions are an important tool in the fight against submarine patents and will enhance competition. The biosimilar industry is fast approaching and the legal community must take notice. This article seeks to further that conversation.
The Transcription Regulator Krüppel-Like Factor 4 and Its Dual Roles of Oncogene in Glioblastoma and Tumor Suppressor in Neuroblastoma.

The Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) gene is located on chromosome 9q31. All of the currently known 17 KLF transcription regulators that have similarity with members of the specificity protein family are distinctly characterized by the Cys2/His2 zinc finger motifs at their carboxyl terminals for preferential binding to the GC/GT box or the CACCC element of the gene promoter and enhancer regions. KLF4 is a transcriptional regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, emphasizing its importance in diagnosis and prognosis of particular tumors. KLF4 has been implicated in tumor progression as well as in tumor suppression, depending on tumor types and contexts. Different studies so far strongly suggest that KLF4 acts as an oncogene in glioblastoma, which is the most malignant and prevalent brain tumor in human adult. It is now well established that the presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) in glioblastoma causes therapy resistance and progressive growth of the tumor. Because KLF4 is one of the key stemness factors in GSCs, it is likely that KLF4 contributes significantly to the survival of GSCs and the recurrence of glioblastoma. On the other hand, recent studies show that KLF4 can act as a tumor suppressor in human malignant neuroblastoma, which is a deadly tumor mostly in children, by inhibiting the cell cycle and activating the cell differentiation and death pathways. Our increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the contrasting roles of KLF4 in glioblastoma and neuroblastoma is useful for superior diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of these tumors of the nervous system.
Looking back: A quantitative review of the Journal of Management History, 1995-1999

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the early direction and maturation of the Journal of Management History (JOMH), evaluate the lasting impact of this primary work and identify implications of findings of this paper for future developments in the study of management history. This article provides a review of the first five years (1995-1999) of the JOMH. Design/methodology/approach – Articles published in the JOMH between the years of 1995 and 1999 were reviewed, and unifying thematic categories were developed. Two independent raters, then, sorted the articles into their respective categories. After agreement was established, general trends in the JOMH’s early direction and focus were considered. Lasting impact was evaluated using citations in Google Scholar by category and year. Similarities among the most cited articles during this period are discussed. Findings – The early years of the JOMH were characterized by shifts in contributions from various management and public administration perspectives, a transition from an early emphasis on historical individuals to a broader focus on topics and ideas and a balance between describing historical accounts (i.e. retelling or recording historical events and individuals) and historical analysis (i.e. considering the influence of historical events and ideas on future events and modern perspectives). The most influential early contributions to the JOMH were articles that focused on the histories of specific management concepts, an approach that is still important and relevant today. Originality/value – This review provides insights into the development and maturation of the JOMH following its formation.
Invited) First Principles Studies of Nitrogen Electrochemistry and the Electrocatalytic Properties of Ultrathin (hydroxy)Oxide Films

Advances in the theoretical understanding of interfacial electrochemistry have, over the past decade, permitted the extension of periodic Density Functional Theory studies, which have traditionally been applied to probe chemistry at gas/solid interfaces, to electrochemical systems where potential-dependent structural and chemical phase transformations occur at liquid/solid interfaces. Indeed, such techniques have been employed to study a surprisingly wide class of electrochemical processes, ranging from electrocatalysis to corrosion. In this talk, we will discuss how these strategies can be applied to predict the detailed, atomic-scale properties of monolayer (hydroxy)oxide base metal films on precious metal and precious metal alloy substrates as a function of applied potential. We will describe the analysis of Moire patterns, variable oxidation states, and three-phase boundaries of these films, and we will demonstrate how these results may be used to predict the shape and oxidation states of supported two-dimensional nanoislands as a function of electrochemical conditions. We will next discuss how the three-phase boundaries may promote hydrogen evolution rates in alkaline environments, and we will close with some perspectives on the possibilities for electrocatalyst design offered by these systems. If time permits, we will also discuss a new approach, based on a combination of DFT and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, that permits direct simulation of polarization curves as a function of sweep rate and that rigorously predicts intrinsic reaction pathways for both electroreduction of nitrates and NO in acidic environments.
What is a regional trainee representative? A personal perspective of a pilot role within the East Midlands

Dental trainees have an important role to play in quality assuring training programmes. Local education and training boards (LETBs) actively encourage trainee engagement through structured feedback, which acts as a valuable source of critical appraisal. This is designed to support the structure of training programmes and influences its quality and content. In 2014, East Midlands LETB appointed a regional trainee representative to collate, present and promote dental foundation and core trainee issues to the Dental School Board, as well as highlight their accomplishments and achievements. The pilot brief given was to evolve the post to better support trainees and quality manage the various feedback pathways. This allowed for further research into the existing trainee representative posts across the East Midlands, and highlighted the specific and unique benefits of having regional trainee representation to be the overarching voice on the LETB. This article sets out the framework of responsibilities of a regional trainee representative, contrasts it with established representative posts (regionally and nationally), and advocates why dental schools should appoint to these positions to promote the voices of their trainees. It will also explain the advantages of being a representative, as well as highlight some of the challenges, in the hope that it encourages the next generation to consider applying for these roles.
The Elements of Euclid

The word geometry literally means earth measurement. When geometry was developed by the ancients of various cultures, it was probably for earth measurement, that is, surveying. In mathematics today, geometry generally refers to the study of curves and surfaces. Different branches of geometry—differential geometry, algebraic geometry, geometric analysis—are distinguished in part by the objects of study and in part by the different sets of tools brought to bear upon the objects of study. In differential geometry, for example, the objects are curves and surfaces in complex space and the tools arise largely from differential calculus. Algebraic geometry is the study of objects that can be described using rational functions and the tools arise typically, but not always, from modern algebra.
Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma as Solitary Subcentimeter Polypoid Gastric Mucosal Lesions: Clinicopathologic Analysis of Five Cases

Background The stomach is an uncommon site for metastatic carcinoma. Approximately 6% of renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) may metastasize to the stomach. The majority of the reported metastatic RCCs in the stomach presented as large masses or ulcers greater than a centimeter in size. It is very rare to encounter metastatic RCC as a solitary small polypoid gastric mucosal lesion. Methods In this study, we collected surgical pathology cases of gastric metastasis from RCC that measured 1.0 cm or less at the time of endoscopy. The clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed. Results Five patients with subcentimeter metastatic RCC involving the gastric mucosa were identified. The clinical presentation for upper endoscopic examination was non-specific. Two of the five patients did not have a known history of RCC. In the three patients with a previous history of RCC, the interval from primary RCC diagnosis to the detection of gastric mucosal metastasis was 5, 6, and 10 years, respectively. Endoscopically, all the lesions were solitary, ranging in size from 0.4 to 1 cm. Histologically, all five cases were of the clear cell type consisting of a bland clear cell proliferation within the lamina propria. Although the tumor cells were relatively bland, the presence of clear cytoplasm, nuclear membrane irregularity, occasional enlarged hyperchromatic atypical nuclei, and destructive growth in the center of the lesion should promote immunohistochemical workup. Immunohistochemically, the RCC cells exhibited at least patchy immunoreactivity for cytokeratin and RCC markers. In two cases, there were many CD68 positive foamy histiocytes intermingled with the tumor cells. Conclusion Metastatic RCC can rarely present as subcentimeter polypoid gastric mucosal lesions. The remote or unknown history of RCC, the non-specific endoscopic appearance, and the bland histological features may lead to a potential diagnostic pitfall. It is of importance to raise the awareness of such an unusual presentation of metastatic RCC in the stomach and to include metastatic RCC in the differential diagnosis for gastric mucosal polyps with clear cell morphology.
Jane Jacobs and the limits to experience

Abstract This paper builds on two of the author's earlier pieces, and argues that Jane Jacob's most celebrated book was at its roots a form of NIMBYism and was thus regressive—the antithesis of any model of justice. The first half of the paper situates Jacobs in the now-familiar struggle with Robert Moses but also the bigger picture of redevelopment in mid-century Manhattan. The second half revolves around three aspects of Jacobs' approach to cities; the first is her focus on individual actors, the second a libertarian stance which argues that government was the problem, never the solution, and the third was a claim for universal principles (regarding, for instance, density and land-use), although these were not based upon any empirical evidence. In short, it is argued that while Jacobs was an admirable individual whose struggles have remained inspirational, it is a mistake to attempt to recycle her views in any type of urban design and to use her principles of neighborhood life as a model for how cities should evolve in the future. This is especially true of any considerations of how cities can be transformed into places that are more just.
Counting three-line Latin rectangles

A k × n Latin rectangle is a k × n array of numbers such that (i) each row is a permutation of [n] = {1, 2, . . . , n} and (ii) each column contains distinct entries. If the first row is 12 · · ·n, the Latin rectangle is said to be reduced. Since the number k × n Latin rectangles is clearly n! times the number of reduced k× n Latin rectangles, we shall henceforth consider only reduced Latin rectangles. It is known [7, exercise 4.5.10, p. 288; solution, p. 507] that the number of (reduced) 3 × n Latin rectangles is the coefficient of x/n! in e ∞ ∑
Temporal mesial sclerosis syndrome in epilepsy

Mesial temporal sclerosis is a frequent cause of epilepsy. Patients with mesial temporal sclerosis usually have an early brain insult, a febrile convulsion in most cases, and a seizure free interval of variable duration. This is followed by complex partial seizures with stereotypic semiology. Histological analysis of the hippocampal formation demonstrates a well defined pattern of cell loss and axonal proliferation. This pattern indicates selective cell vulnerability to the excitotoxic process that causes mesial temporal sclerosis, and synaptic and axonal reorganization, which are involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Epilepsy associated with mesial temporal sclerosis is not a static process, neurons in this region of the temporal lobe are physiologically and biochemically active, participating in the pathophysiology of the disease by facilitating the recurrence of seizures. There are no pathognomonic findings in mesial temporal sclerosis, but its confident diagnosis can be achieved by convergence of different lines of evidence, including clinical, morphological, and functional findings. Complex partial seizures are often resistant to antiepileptic medication, while surgical resection of the epileptic focus provides seizure freedom in a large number of patients.
Inferential complexity control for model-based abduction

We describe a technique for speeding up inference for model-based abduction tasks that trades off inference time and/or space for the fraction of queries correctly answered. We compile a knowledge base (for which inference may be intractable) into a set of rules that cover the most likely queries using simple criteria that do not entail extensive knowledge engineering effort, such as subset-minimal or most probable query-responses. We demonstrate this approach on the abduction task of model-based diagnosis, and show that this approach can predictably produce order-of-magnitude reductions in time and memory requirements for abductive tasks in which the queries have skewed distributions; for example, in diagnosis the faults are skewed towards being highly unlikely.
The significance of BCL6 abnormalities on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

e19005Background: The clinical course of CLL is variable but can be predicted in part by recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities. BCL6 functions as a transcriptional repressor during germinal center fo...
The Association Between Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Sexual Aggression Perpetration Among Men Arrested for Domestic Violence

Sexual aggression perpetrated by men with a history of domestic violence (DV) occurs at higher rates compared to men without a history of DV. Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) has been related to se...
Prediction of condition-specific regulatory maps in Arabidopsis using integrated genomic data

Recent advances in genomic technologies have generated large-scale protein-DNA interaction data and open chromatic regions for multiple plant species. To predict condition specific gene regulatory networks using these data, we developed the Condition Specific Regulatory network inference engine (ConSReg), which combines heterogeneous genomic data using sparse linear model followed by feature selection and stability selection to select key regulatory genes. Using Arabidopsis as a model system, we constructed maps of gene regulation under more than 50 experimental conditions including abiotic stresses, cell type-specific expression, and stress responses in individual cell types. Our results show that ConSReg accurately predicted gene expressions (average auROC of 0.84) across multiple testing datasets. We found that, (1) including open chromatin information from ATAC-seq data significantly improves the performance of ConSReg across all tested datasets; (2) choice of negative training samples and length of promoter regions are two key factors that affect model performance. We applied ConSReg to Arabidopsis single cell RNA-seq data of two root cell types (endodermis and cortex) and identified five regulators in two root cell types. Four out of the five regulators have additional experimental evidence to support their roles in regulating gene expression in Arabidopsis roots. By comparing regulatory maps in abiotic stress responses and cell type-specific experiments, we revealed that transcription factors that regulate tissue levels abiotic stresses tend to also regulate stress responses in individual cell types in plants.
“Why Do We Have Different Skins Anyway?”: Exploring Race in Literature with Preschool Children

In this article, the author argues that young children are capable of and competent in discussing topics of race. Sharing picture books with racial narratives with young children is a way to help t...
Botulinum neurotoxins A, B, C, E, and F preferentially enter cultured human motor neurons compared to other cultured human neuronal populations

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons can be exquisitely sensitive to botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), exceeding sensitivity of the traditionally used mouse bioassay. In this report, four defined hiPSC-derived neuronal populations including primarily GABAergic, glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and motor neurons were examined for BoNT/A, B, C, D, E, and F sensitivity. The data indicate that sensitivity varies markedly for the BoNTs tested. Motor neurons are significantly more sensitive than other neuron types for all BoNTs except BoNT/D. Examination of SNARE protein levels and BoNT-specific cell surface protein receptors reveals few differences between the cell types except greater expression levels of the receptor protein SV2C and synapsin-IIa in motor neurons. This indicates that differential toxicity of BoNTs for motor neurons compared to other neuronal cell types involves multiple mechanisms.
Autoradiographic determination of local cerebral glucose metabolism: physiological and pathological studies.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the physiological and pathological studies in autoradiographic determination of local cerebral glucose metabolism. A number of factors influence the resolution of autoradiography. These include section thickness, film emulsion type, thickness of anti-abrasive coat on the emulsion, power of the isotope, and movement of tracer during section preparation. However, studies indicate that the film is not the resolution-limiting factor; the images on a variety of films are similar although some films produce a grainier image than do other films. It did not address the loss in resolution because of any diffusion of the isotope prior to the production of the autoradiogram. By examining autoradiograms from brain sections in a similar manner to the analysis of the grating images, Gallistel and Nichols conclude that the diffusion of the isotope may be the resolution-limiting factor as the sharpest transition they found in their brain images was a factor of 6 less steep than the transitions in the images of the gratings. The very sharp images obtained with 3 H-labeled 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography using dipping emulsions, in which the tissue is not thawed suggest that diffusion may occur during the thawing process. The development of the ‘ 14 C’ deoxyglucose technique for the measurement of local cerebral glucose metabolism has provided a powerful tool for understanding the functional organization of the central nervous system and the derangements that occur in pathological states.
Landmark Placement for Cooperative Localization and Routing of Unmanned Vehicles

A majority of the routing algorithms for unmanned vehicles rely on Global Positioning System (GPS) information for localization. However, disruption of GPS signals, by intention or otherwise, can render these algorithms ineffective. Known landmark information can aid localization in GPS-denied environments and cooperative localization can add more benefits to multiple vehicles. As resource constraints usually exist in practical applications, this article provides a way to optimally place additional landmarks to aid cooperative localization. Specifically, given a fleet of vehicles, a set of targets and a set of pre-planned paths for each of the vehicles, we aim to optimally place landmarks such that each of the vehicles can estimate its position and orientation by obtaining relative measurement information from at least two landmarks, and the landmark placement cost is minimized. Based on the relative position measurement graph, an integer linear program and its relaxations are presented. The performance of the proposed methodology is evaluated and compared through extensive simulation results.
Instantaneous Bandwidth Expansion Using Software Defined Radios

An increase in instantaneous bandwidth without the use of custom designed equipment is desirable for nearly every application involving a receiver. Current bandwidth expansion methods focus on custom designed solutions along with known transmitted signals to aid in the bandwidth expansion. These methods also focus on sub-band collections one after the other, which is useless with non-Wide Sense Stationary (WSS) applications that vary over time. This paper explores a method to combine multiple simultaneous Software Defined Radio (SDR) collections to achieve instantaneous bandwidth expansion through both Matlab simulations and hardware testing.
Shrinking lakes, air pollution, and human health: Evidence from California's Salton Sea.

Abstract Due to increased water withdrawals and ongoing climate change, many inland lakes around the world are shrinking and dry lake beds can be significant sources of particulate matter air pollution. Using a natural experiment provided by the shrinking Salton Sea in California, this paper shows that each one-foot drop in lake elevation is associated with a 0.28 μg/m3 (2.6%) increase in PM2.5 concentrations. IV model results then show that Salton Sea-induced changes in PM2.5 over 1998–2014 led to increases in respiratory mortality of 1.4/yr.–15.6/yr. in the counties surrounding the lake, generating $13.2–$147.3 million in annual health costs.
Educating for Social Justice through Activist-Oriented Sites

Combining the concepts of critical service learning (Mitchell, 2008) with antioppressive pedagogies (Kumashiro, 2002) highlight the importance of using community service learning sites aimed toward positive social change. How sites are structured and how students are positioned influence what students learn from the experience. Using ethnographic methods, I analyze experiences of college service learners working with a labor union to illustrate how activist-oriented organizations are fundamental to providing critical spaces of learning and social change.
Nanodiscs and Mass Spectrometry: Making Membranes Fly.

Abstract Cells are surrounded by a protective lipid bilayer membrane, and membrane proteins in the bilayer control the flow of chemicals, information, and energy across this barrier. Many therapeutics target membrane proteins, and some directly target the lipid membrane itself. However, interactions within biological membranes are challenging to study due to their heterogeneity and insolubility. Mass spectrometry (MS) has become a powerful technique for studying membrane proteins, especially how membrane proteins interact with their surrounding lipid environment. Although detergent micelles are the most common membrane mimetic, nanodiscs are emerging as a promising platform for MS. Nanodiscs, nanoscale lipid bilayers encircled by two scaffold proteins, provide a controllable lipid bilayer for solubilizing membrane proteins. This Young Scientist Perspective focuses on native MS of intact nanodiscs and highlights the unique experiments enabled by making membranes fly, including studying membrane protein-lipid interactions and exploring the specificity of fragile transmembrane peptide complexes. It will also explore current challenges and future perspectives for interfacing nanodiscs with MS.
Effect of graphene on the mechanochemical activation of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were exposed to mechanochemical activation, with and without equimolar amounts of graphene nanoparticles, for time periods ranging from 0 to 12 h. Their structural and magnetic properties were detailed from Mӧssbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. The Mӧssbauer spectrum corresponding to the unmilled cobalt ferrite powder was analyzed using 2 sextets, corresponding to the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of ferrites. The rest of the spectra was deconvoluted using an additional quadrupole-split doublet, with an abundance close to 30% and was assigned to superparamagnetic particles. Moreover, the spectra corresponding to milling with graphene at the longest times needed a third sextet, which could be assigned to iron carbide. The degree of inversion was determined from the Mӧssbauer spectra and found to decrease with milling time, both for the set with and that without graphene. The canting angle was derived and studied as function of the ball milling time for both sets of samples. Hysteresis loops were recorded at 5 K in an applied magnetic field of 5 T and was found to exhibit a wasp-waist shape. Magnetization was plotted as function of temperature in the range 5–300 K with an applied magnetic field of 200 Oe using zero-field-cooling-field-cooling (ZFC-FC) measurements. These made it possible to determine the blocking temperature of the samples. Our data exhibit new characteristics of the cobalt ferrite nanopowders milled with and without graphene nanoparticles.
Robustness of baryon acoustic oscillation constraints for early-Universe modifications of Λ CDM cosmology

Baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) provide a robust standard ruler and can be used to constrain the expansion history of the Universe at low redshift. Standard BAO analyses return a model-independent measurement of the expansion rate and the comoving angular diameter distance as a function of redshift, normalized by the sound horizon at radiation drag. However, this methodology relies on anisotropic distance distortions of a fixed, precomputed template (obtained in a given fiducial cosmology) in order to fit the observations. Therefore, it may be possible that extensions to the consensus $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ add contributions to the BAO feature that cannot be captured by the template fitting. We perform mock BAO fits to power spectra computed assuming cosmological models that modify the growth of perturbations prior to recombination in order to test the robustness of the standard BAO analysis. We find no significant bias in the BAO analysis for the models under study ($\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ with a free effective number of relativistic species, early dark energy, and a model with interactions between neutrinos and a fraction of the dark matter), even for cases that do not provide a good fit to Planck measurements of the cosmic microwave background power spectra. This result supports the use of the standard BAO analysis and its measurements to perform cosmological parameter inference and to constrain exotic models. In addition, we provide a methodology to reproduce our study for different models and surveys, as well as discuss different options to handle eventual biases in the BAO measurements.