cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B101: Garlic consumption and colorectal cancer risk in the CPS-II Nutrition Cohort

Background: The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research considers a role for garlic in colorectal cancer prevention to be “probable”. This conclusion is based on supportive preclinical evidence and pooled analyses of high vs low consumption from two prospective cohort (RR=0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.96) and five case control (RR=0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.98) studies. The two prospective studies included Methods: In 1999, 43,025 male and 57,043 female participants in the Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-II Nutrition Cohort with no history of cancer completed food frequency questionnaires in which frequency of garlic consumption was assessed. Garlic supplement use was assessed in 2001. Participants were followed for incident colorectal cancer through mid-2007 via biennial questionnaires and cases were verified by medical record abstraction or linkage to state tumor registries. Cox proportional hazards regression methods were used to estimate hazard rate ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Potential non-dietary and dietary confounders included in the models were age, history of endoscopy, NSAID use, recreational physical activity, body mass index, smoking, HRT use (women), red and processed meat consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption and total calcium intake. Results: Incident colorectal cancer was verified in 595 men and 559 women. Five percent of participants reported garlic consumption (1 clove or 4 shakes) 1 or more times per day in 1999, and in 2001, and 5% reported currently using garlic supplements. Dietary garlic consumption was not related to colorectal cancer risk in men. Among women, compared to consumers of dietary garlic less than once per month, never consumption of garlic was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (RR=0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.96); similarly, regular consumption of garlic was associated with a lower risk of incident colorectal cancer (HR1time/wk=0.80, 95% CI 0.60–1.07; HR2–4times/wk=0.65, 95% CI=0.48–0.87; HR5–6times/wk=0.61, 95% CI=0.40–0.94 and HR1+times/day=0.72, 95% CI 0.47–1.10). Garlic supplement use (current use at least once/week vs never) was not related to colorectal cancer risk in men or women. These associations did not vary by colorectal sub-site, BMI or HRT use (among women). Conclusion: This study does not support the hypothesis that garlic intake or supplement use reduces colorectal cancer risk in men, but suggests an inverse association with greater dietary intake among women who consume garlic. The reasons for different associations by sex, and for lower risk in female non-consumers are unclear and deserve further study. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2011;4(10 Suppl):B101.
(Robust) Edge-based semidefinite programming relaxation of sensor network localization

Recently Wang, Zheng, Boyd, and Ye (SIAM J Optim 19:655–673, 2008) proposed a further relaxation of the semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxation of the sensor network localization problem, named edge-based SDP (ESDP). In simulation, the ESDP is solved much faster by interior-point method than SDP relaxation, and the solutions found are comparable or better in approximation accuracy. We study some key properties of the ESDP relaxation, showing that, when distances are exact, zero individual trace is not only sufficient, but also necessary for a sensor to be correctly positioned by an interior solution. We also show via an example that, when distances are inexact, zero individual trace is insufficient for a sensor to be accurately positioned by an interior solution. We then propose a noise-aware robust version of ESDP relaxation for which small individual trace is necessary and sufficient for a sensor to be accurately positioned by a certain analytic center solution, assuming the noise level is sufficiently small. For this analytic center solution, the position error for each sensor is shown to be in the order of the square root of its trace. Lastly, we propose a log-barrier penalty coordinate gradient descent method to find such an analytic center solution. In simulation, this method is much faster than interior-point method for solving ESDP, and the solutions found are comparable in approximation accuracy. Moreover, the method can distribute its computation over the sensors via local communication, making it practical for positioning and tracking in real time.
Accuracy of ST/heart rate index in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

The accuracy of ST/heart rate (ST HR) index was evaluated in patients presenting for exercise electrocardiography with suspected coronary disease. In all, 420 patients (235 men and 185 women) with normal electrocardiograms at rest underwent exercise testing, followed within 3 months by coronary angiography. The sensitivity and specificity for standard ST criteria (greater than or equal to 1 mm horizontal or downsloping depression) were 48% (78 of 162) and 81% (208 of 258), respectively. An ST HR-index threshold of 1.86 microV/beta/min had the exact same specificity with a sensitivity of 44% (71 of 162; p = not significant). Consideration of greater than or equal to 1.5 mm upsloping depression had no significant impact on the aforementioned results. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, sex, symptoms, cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, qualitative ST slope, rate-pressure product, METs achieved and exercise angina were evaluated with and without ST HR index and ST depression. According to this analysis, age, sex, symptoms and ST slope were good predictors of presence or absence of disease. Neither ST HR index nor ST depression had significance in the multivariate analysis. However, when a separate analysis was performed in men and women, the 2 quantitative ST variables showed significance in men, but not in women. Comparisons of discriminative accuracy using receiver-operating characteristic curves demonstrated differences between men and women, but no difference between ST HR index and ST depression. Therefore, concerning questions of coronary disease diagnosis, consideration of ST HR index was not better than standard ST criteria, and added nothing to multivariate analysis of other available variables.
A study of thermophoretic transport in a reacting flow with application to external chemical vapor deposition processes

Abstract A study has been made of the flow, heat and mass transfer with chemical reactions and thermophoretic transport with application to external chemical vapor deposition processes. The system includes a jet that is emerging from a burner containing fuel (methane), oxygen, nitrogen and silicon tetrachloride which react and form silica soot particles. The flow impinges on a disk which serves as the target for the depositing material. The motion of the particles is determined from the combined effects of thermophoresis, buoyancy and the forced flow leaving the burner. The governing conservation equations, which include the effects of buoyancy, variable properties, chemical reactions and thermophoretic transport have been solved numerically. The effects of the burner location and the disk diameter on particle deposition are studied. The local and average particle deposition, the variation of the deposition efficiency and the heat flux are determined over a range of values of the parameters.
Up-regulation of endothelial cell binding proteins/receptors for complement component C1q by inflammatory cytokines.

Abstract Endothelial cells express a variety of receptor systems involved in humoral defense, including receptors for the collagen-like and globular domains of the complement component C1q, designated cC1qR and gC1qR, respectively. In the present study a microvascular endothelial cell line was used to test the hypothesis that expression of these C1q-binding proteins may be affected by vascular inflammatory reactions. The results demonstrate that the expression of both cC1qR and gC1qR by bone marrow vascular endothelial cells is up-regulated by inflammatory mediators, interferon–γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and lipopolysaccharide (Escherichia coli , 055:B5) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. cC1qR and gC1qR expression increased significantly (P
SPACRCAN in the developing retina and pineal gland of the rat: spatial and temporal pattern of gene expression and protein synthesis.

SPACRCAN is a hyaluronan-binding proteoglycan that is present in the pineal gland and interphotoreceptor matrix of the retina. Here, we evaluate the pattern of SPACRCAN gene expression and protein appearance during retinal and pineal gland development in the rat. In situ hybridization histochemistry with SPACRCAN riboprobes indicates that hybridization signals are first evident in the retina over developing photoreceptor cells at embryonic day 16 (E16) and in the pineal gland at E21. Immunocytochemistry using a SPACRCAN antibody shows localization of SPACRCAN protein in the developing interphotoreceptor matrix by Postnatal day 5 (P5) and in the pineal gland by P6. These studies suggest that SPACRCAN mRNA expression may occur substantially earlier than the time when SPACRCAN protein is detectable in both the retina and the pineal gland. The period of retinal histogenesis when SPACRCAN is detected first is coincident with the time photoreceptors begin to extend from the outer retinal surface, suggesting that SPACRCAN may participate in the maturation and maintenance of the light-sensitive photoreceptor outer segment. J. Comp. Neurol. 435:354–365, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Shape coexistence inBr71and the question of the ground-state spin ofKr71

When the $N=Z$ line approaches the proton dripline above $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$ an increasing distortion of mirror symmetry is expected as the proton-rich partner becomes marginally bound. Urkedal and Hamamoto have considered $^{71}\mathrm{Kr}$ and suggest the distortion could lead to a different ground-state spin to its mirror partner $^{71}\mathrm{Br}$, based on the reinterpretation of a \ensuremath{\beta}-decay measurement. This would be a unique situation in $T=1/2$ nuclei. We have performed a new in-beam spectroscopic measurement of $^{71}\mathrm{Br}$, following the $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$($^{40}\mathrm{Ca}$,2\ensuremath{\alpha}p) reaction at 160 MeV and using Gammasphere. Many new states have been found, with candidates for eight Nilsson bandheads below 1 MeV. Cross-linking decays tightly constrain most of the angular momentum assignments. The $^{71}\mathrm{Kr}$ \ensuremath{\beta}-decay data, seen in the light of this new information on $^{71}\mathrm{Br}$, support the original ground-state assignment of $^{71}\mathrm{Kr}$ as ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=5/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, as would be normally expected for the mirror partner of ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=5/{2}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ $^{71}\mathrm{Br}$.
Peaceful and Sustainable Development? Middle-Management Entrepreneurship and Transnational Competence in China

With deeper integration into the global economy and expanded penetration by multinational firms and other nonChinese actors following accession to the WTO, skills in bureaucratic entrepreneurship are not likely to be sufficient by themselves to bring about China’s sustainable development. In today’s interdependent and highly competitive trade, economic-cooperation, and resource-limited environment, sustainable development requires that subnational managers also possess transnational competence in collaborating with, negotiating with, and transforming foreign counterparts. However, survey research among Chinese executives based in Shanghai revealed that only a small proportion of the reporting current and future managers recognized the growing importance for China of an interculturally competent workforce. Without increased attention to enhancing the transnational competence of government and state-enterprise managers, peaceful and ecologically sound development will be difficult to sustain given the demands of multinational production chains, global resource constraints, and the challenges involved in managing transnational relations in the interest of China’s long-term economic progress.
Tendon repair is compromised in a high fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Introduction The obesity epidemic has resulted in a large increase in type 2 diabetes (T2D). While some secondary complications of T2D are well recognized and their cellular and molecular mechanisms are defined, the impact of T2D on the musculoskeletal system is less understood. Clinical evidence suggests that tendon strength and repair are compromised. Here, a mouse model of obesity and T2D recapitulates the deleterious effects of this condition on tendon repair. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice at 5 weeks of age were placed on a high fat (HF)(60% kcal) or low fat (10% kcal) diet for 12 weeks. The flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon was then injured by puncturing it with a beveled needle. Progression of FDL tendon healing was assessed through biomechanical and histological analysis at 0, 7, 14 and 28 days post-injury. Results HF-fed mice displayed increased body weight and elevated fasting glucose levels, both consistent with T2D. No differences in biomechanical properties of the uninjured FDL tendon were observed after 12 weeks on HF versus lean diets, but decreased maximum force in uninjured tendons from HF-fed mice was observed at 24 weeks. Following puncture injury, tendons from HF-fed mice displayed impaired biomechanical properties at day 28 post injury. In support of defective repair in the HF-fed mice, histological examination of the injury site showed a smaller area of repair and lower cell content in the repair area of HF-fed mice. Insulin receptors were expressed in most cells at the injury site regardless of diet. Discussion The HF-diet mouse model of obesity and T2D reproduces the impaired tendon healing that is observed in this patient population. The exact mechanism is unknown, but we hypothesize that a cellular defect, perhaps involving insulin resistance, leads to decreased proliferation or recruitment to the injury site, and ultimately contributes to defective tendon healing.
Has Wittgenstein Been Misunderstood by Wittgensteinian Philosophers of Religion

The appropriate application of Wittgenstein's thought to problems in the philosophy of religion has long been debated. A body of emerging scholarship argues that the philosophers of religion who pioneered this application are guilty of having misunderstood and distorted Wittgenstein's thought. This paper seeks to counter these charges by arguing that they generally depend on either construals of Wittgenstein's thought that are themselves implausible or misreadings of the philosophers against whom they are levied. Special attention is given to accusations of fideism, quietism, expressivism, and positivism, as well as to the work of Phillips, Winch, and Rhees.
Identification and isolation of mouse type II cells on the basis of intrinsic expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein

The unique morphology and cell-specific expression of surfactant genes have been used to identify and isolate alveolar type II epithelial cells. Because these attributes can change during lung injury, a novel method was developed for detecting and isolating mouse type II cells on the basis of transgenic expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP). A line of transgenic mice was created in which EGFP was targeted to type II cells under control of the human surfactant protein (SP)-C promoter. Green fluorescent cells that colocalized by immunostaining with endogenous pro-SP-C were scattered throughout the parenchyma. EGFP was not detected in Clara cell secretory protein-expressing airway epithelial cells or other nonlung tissues. Pro-SP-C immunostaining diminished in lungs exposed to hyperoxia, consistent with decreased expression and secretion of intracellular precursor protein. In contrast, type II cells could still be identified by their intrinsic green fluorescence, because EGFP is not secreted. Type II cells could also be purified from single-cell suspensions of lung homogenates using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Less than 1% of presorted cells exhibited green fluorescence compared with >95% of the sorted population. As expected for type II cells, ultrastructural analysis revealed that the sorted cells contained numerous lamellar bodies. SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C mRNAs were detected in the sorted population, but T1alpha and CD31 (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule) were not, indicating enrichment of type II epithelial cells. This method will be invaluable for detecting and isolating mouse type II cells under a variety of experimental conditions.
Method to improve transmission system voltage stability

The purpose of this design project is to investigate the impact of triac controlled series capacitors (TCSC) on transmission system operation, and specifically upon transmission system voltage stability. Increased electrical loads and higher inter-utility power transfers, coupled with fewer additions to the transmission system have resulted in increased potential for voltage instability. However, advances in power electronics and in system state estimation offer the potential to increase system stability margins without having to build new transmission lines. In this design project, the authors test a method for improving power system voltage stability through the use of a TCSC. The project includes a low voltage (120 V) model of a transmission system and a prototype controller. >
SUPPRESSION OF COLLAGEN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS USING AN ANGIOGENESIS INHIBITOR,AGM-1470, AND A MICROTUBULE STABILIZER, TAXOL

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a T-cell-dependent rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that is induced by injection of collagen type II in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Neovascularization within the synovium is a prominent feature of CIA and RA. The novel angiogenesis inhibitor AGM-1470 and the microtubule-stabilizing agent Taxol represent two new classes of agents with specific mechanisms of action. AGM-1470 inhibits fibroblast growth factor-induced stimulation of endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell proliferation, and capillary tube formation, resulting in effective suppression of new blood vessel formation. By enhancing microtubule polymerization, Taxol interferes with normal microtubule function in cell mitosis, migration, chemotaxis, and intracellular transport. Using a suppression protocol in established CIA, the effects of AGM-1470 and Taxol as single agents and in combination were evaluated. Combination therapy significantly reduced clinical arthritis compared to control rats (P < 0.00001). The combination therapy group also experienced earlier and significantly greater reduction of clinical arthritis compared to either single agent-treated groups (P < 0.05). Blinded radiographic scores at the end of the study demonstrated less soft tissue swelling and joint destruction using combination therapy than either single agent. This is the first use of AGM-1470 and Taxol in combination therapy. Further study of agents with distinct mechanisms of action may lead to more effective treatment options in chronic inflammatory arthritis and to a better understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of pannus formation.
There is no valid record of cliff chipmunk ( Tamias dorsalis ) in the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico

A report of the cliff chipmunk (Tamias dorsalis) from the Sandia Mountains, New Mexico, was erroneous. The capture location of the specimen was actually the Rio Puerco drainage in Sandoval County. There are no records of the cliff chipmunk from the Sandia Mountains or elsewhere east of the Rio Grande.
Is Vincent Ostrom's Democratic Administration and New Public Management at odds in East Africa's Public Administration?

Throughout the 1990s and in the new millennium, East African government implemented numerous public administrative reforms. In most cases, the reforms were related to the broader Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) or simply framed as a part of the New Public Management (NPM) paradigm. Research on administrative reforms in East Africa paid little attention to Ostrom and other theorists of the public choice persuasion, whose ideas shaped the emerging reform ethos. Against the background of East Africa, this paper explores the odds existing between administrative practices and reforms and the underlying theoretical perspectives as was described in Ostrom's work. The conclusion is simple; democratic administration is at odds with NPM in many developing countries.
Thermochemistry of inorganic sulfur compounds V. Peroxymonosulfate revisited: standard molar enthalpies of formation of KHSO5·H2O(cr), KHSO5(cr), and HSO5−(aq)☆

Abstract The enthalpy of reaction of pure KHSO5·H2O with HI(aq) has been determined calorimetrically. This result has been combined with auxiliary enthalpy-of-solution measurements to yield the standard molar enthalpy of formation: ΔfHmo(KHSO5·H2O, cr, 298.15 K) = −(1359.88±0.57) kJ·mol−1. The standard molar enthalpies of solution in water of KHSO5·H2O and KHSO5 have also been measured: ΔslnHmo(KHSO5·H2O, cr, 298.15 K) = (46.24±0.34) kJ·mol−1, ΔslnHmo(KHSO5, cr, 298.15 K) = (33.68±0.24) kJ·mol−1. From these results, ΔfHmo(HSO5−, aq) with standard molality mo = 1 mol·kg−1, has been calculated to be −(775.64±0.68) kJ·mol−1. The standard potential for the aqueous half-reaction: HSO5− + 2H+ + 2e− = HSO4− + H2O, is estimated to be (1.85±0.03) V. Also reported are ΔfHmo(KHSO5, cr, 298.15 K) = −(1061.49±0.71) kJ·mol−1; the molar enthalpy of dehydration at 298.15 K for the reaction: KHSO5·H2O(cr) = KHSO5(cr) + H2O(l), ΔfHmo = (12.56±0.42) kJ·mol−1; and the equilibrium H2O(g) vapor pressure at 298.15 K for the dehydration reaction: KHSO5·H2O(cr) = KHSO5(cr) + H2O(g), p p o = (7.1±1.0) × 10 −3 . Taking po = 101325 Pa, the vapor pressure is (720±100) Pa.
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Optic Nerve Head and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (An AOS Thesis)

Purpose: To demonstrate that video-rate spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) can qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) glaucomatous structural changes. To correlate quantitative SDOCT parameters with disc photography and visual fields. Methods: SDOCT images from 4 glaucoma eyes (4 patients) with varying stages of open-angle glaucoma (ie, early, moderate, late) were qualitatively contrasted with 2 age-matched normal eyes (2 patients). Of 61 other consecutive patients recruited in an institutional setting, 53 eyes (33 patients) met inclusion/exclusion criteria for quantitative studies. Images were obtained using two experimental SDOCT systems, one utilizing a superluminescent diode and the other a titanium:sapphire laser source, with axial resolutions of about 6 µm and 3 µm, respectively. Results: Classic glaucomatous ONH and RNFL structural changes were seen in SDOCT images. An SDOCT reference plane 139 µm above the retinal pigment epithelium yielded cup-disc ratios that best correlated with masked physician disc photography cup-disc ratio assessments. The minimum distance band, a novel SDOCT neuroretinal rim parameter, showed good correlation with physician cup-disc ratio assessments, visual field mean deviation, and pattern standard deviation (P values range, .0003-.024). RNFL and retinal thickness maps correlated well with disc photography and visual field testing. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this thesis presents the first comprehensive qualitative and quantitative evaluation of SDOCT images of the ONH and RNFL in glaucoma. This pilot study provides basis for developing more automated quantitative SDOCT-specific glaucoma algorithms needed for future prospective multicenter national trials. Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc 2009;107:254-281
Detecting Genetic Introgression: High Levels of Intersubspecific Recombination Found in Xylella fastidiosa in Brazil

Documenting the role of novel mutation versus homologous recombination in bacterial evolution, and especially in the invasion of new hosts, is central to understanding the long-term dynamics of pathogenic bacteria. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to study this issue in Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca from Brazil, a bacterium causing citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) and coffee leaf scorch (CLS). All 55 citrus isolates typed (plus one coffee isolate) defined three similar sequence types (STs) dominated by ST11 (85%), while the remaining 22 coffee isolates defined two STs, mainly ST16 (74%). This low level of variation masked unusually large allelic differences (>1% divergence with no intermediates) at five loci (leuA, petC, malF, cysG, and holC). We developed an introgression test to detect whether these large differences were due to introgression via homologous recombination from another X. fastidiosa subspecies. Using additional sequencing around these loci, we established that the seven randomly chosen MLST targets contained seven regions of introgression totaling 2,172 bp of 4,161 bp (52%), only 409 bp (10%) of which were detected by other recombination tests. This high level of introgression suggests the hypothesis that X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca became pathogenic on citrus and coffee (crops cultivated in Brazil for several hundred years) only recently after it gained genetic variation via intersubspecific recombination, facilitating a switch from native hosts. A candidate donor is the subspecies infecting plum in the region since 1935 (possibly X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex). This hypothesis predicts that nonrecombinant native X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca (not yet isolated) does not cause disease in citrus or coffee.
ICAM-1–Dependent Homotypic Aggregates Regulate CD8 T Cell Effector Function and Differentiation during T Cell Activation

A hallmark of T cell activation in vitro and in vivo is the clustering of T cells with each other via interaction of the LFA-1 integrin with ICAM-1. The functional significance of these homotypic aggregates in regulating T cell function remains unknown. We used an APC-free in vitro activation system to demonstrate that stimulation of purified naive CD8 T cells results in enhanced expression of ICAM-1 on T cells that is sustained by the inflammatory cytokine IL-12 and associated with robust T cell aggregates. ICAM-1-deficient CD8 T cells proliferate normally but demonstrate a striking failure to aggregate. Interestingly, loss of ICAM-1 expression results in elevated levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B, as well as enhanced cytotoxicity. Similar results were obtained when anti-LFA-1 Ab was used to block the clustering of wild-type T cells. ICAM-1 ligation is not required for IFN-γ regulation, as clustering of ICAM-1-deficient CD8 T cells with wild-type T cells reduces IFN-γ expression. Analysis using a fluorescent reporter that monitors TCR signal strength indicates that T cell clustering limits T cell exposure to Ag during activation. Furthermore, T cell clustering promotes the upregulation of the CTLA-4 inhibitory receptor and the downregulation of eomesodermin, which controls effector molecule expression. Activation of ICAM-1-deficient CD8 T cells in vivo results in an enhanced percentage of KLRG-1(+) T cells indicative of short-lived effectors. These results suggest that T cell clustering represents a mechanism that allows continued proliferation but regulates T cell effector function and differentiation.
Space-filling curves: Their generation and their application to bandwidth reduction

This paper introduces a class of finite-state algorithms which characterize self-similar space-filling curves. The curves enable one to continuously map a line onto an N -dimensional cube, and find application in compressing the bandwidth of arbitrary waveforms. The bandwidth compression is effected in return for an increased susceptibility of the signal to perturbations. The algorithms are represented in a diagrammatic form which enables one to convert the N coordinates of a point in a cube into a single number representing the distance along a space-filling curve, or vice-versa, merely by visual inspection. The diagrams are always finite in size and may be constructed by following a rather simple numerical procedure.
Streamwise Evolution of Statistical Events in a Model Wind-Turbine Array

Hot-wire anemometry data, obtained from a wind-tunnel experiment containing a $$3 \times 3$$ model wind-turbine array, are used to conditionally average the Reynolds stresses. Nine profiles at the centreline behind the array are analyzed to characterize the turbulent velocity statistics of the wake flow. Quadrant analysis yields statistical events occurring in the wake of the wind farm where quadrants 2 and 4 produce ejections and sweeps, respectively. The scaled difference between these two events is expressed via the $$\Delta R_{0}$$ parameter and is based on the $$\Delta S_{0}$$ quantity as introduced by M. R. Raupach (J Fluid Mech 108:363–382, 1981). $$\Delta R_{0}$$ attains a maximum value at hub height and changes sign near the top of the rotor. The ratio of quadrant events of upward momentum flux to those of the downward flux, known as the exuberance, is examined and reveals the effect of root vortices persisting to eight rotor diameters downstream. These events are then associated with the triple correlation term present in the turbulent kinetic energy equation of the fluctuations where it is found that ejections play the dual role of entraining mean kinetic energy while convecting turbulent kinetic energy out of the turbine canopy. The development of these various quantities possesses significance in closure models, and is assessed in light of wake remediation, energy transport and power fluctuations, where it is found that the maximum fluctuation is about $$30\%$$ of the mean power produced.
Conditional spectrum-based ground motion selection. Part II: Intensity-based assessments and evaluation of alternative target spectra

SUMMARY In a companion paper, an overview and problem definition was presented for ground motion selection on the basis of the conditional spectrum (CS), to perform risk-based assessments (which estimate the annual rate of exceeding a specified structural response amplitude) for a 20-story reinforced concrete frame structure. Here, the methodology is repeated for intensity-based assessments (which estimate structural response for ground motions with a specified intensity level) to determine the effect of conditioning period. Additionally, intensity-based and risk-based assessments are evaluated for two other possible target spectra, specifically the uniform hazard spectrum (UHS) and the conditional mean spectrum (CMS, without variability).It is demonstrated for the structure considered that the choice of conditioning period in the CS can substantially impact structural response estimates in an intensity-based assessment. When used for intensity-based assessments, the UHS typically results in equal or higher median estimates of structural response than the CS; the CMS results in similar median estimates of structural response compared with the CS but exhibits lower dispersion because of the omission of variability. The choice of target spectrum is then evaluated for risk-based assessments, showing that the UHS results in overestimation of structural response hazard, whereas the CMS results in underestimation. Additional analyses are completed for other structures to confirm the generality of the conclusions here. These findings have potentially important implications both for the intensity-based seismic assessments using the CS in future building codes and the risk-based seismic assessments typically used in performance-based earthquake engineering applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha calculus in clinical trials: considerations and commentary for the new millennium

Regardless of whether a statistician believes in letting a data set speak for itself through nominal p-values or believes in strict alpha conservation, the interpretation of experiments which are negative for the primary endpoint but positive for secondary endpoints is the source of some angst. The purpose of this paper is to apply the notion of prospective alpha allocation in clinical trials to this difficult circumstance. An argument is presented for differentiating between the alpha for the experiment ('experimental alpha' or alpha(E)) and the alpha for the primary endpoint (primary alpha, or alpha(P)) and notation is presented which succinctly describes the findings of a clinical trial in terms of its conclusions. Capping alpha(E) at 0.10 and alpha(P) at 0.05 conserves sample size and preserves consistency with the strength of evidence for the primary endpoint of clinical trials. In addition, a case is presented for the well defined circumstances in which a trial which did not reject the null hypothesis for the primary endpoint but does reject the null hypothesis for at least one of the secondary endpoints may be considered positive in a manner consistent with conservative alpha management.
Practical parallel and concurrent programming

Multicore computers are now the norm. Taking advantage of these multiple cores entails parallel and concurrent programming. There is therefore a pressing need for courses that teach effective programming on multicore architectures. We believe that such courses should emphasize high-level abstractions for performance and correctness and be supported by tools.This paper presents a set of freely available course materials for parallel and concurrent programming, along with a testing tool for performance and correctness concerns called Alpaca (A Lovely Parallelism And Concurrency Analyzer). These course materials can be used for a comprehensive parallel and concurrent programming course, a la carte throughout an existing curriculum, or as starting points for graduate special topics courses. We also discuss tradeoffs we made in terms of what to include in course materials.
Why blog? (then and now): exploring the motivations for blogging by popular American political bloggers

Despite the impact that influential American political bloggers have had on public policies and the mainstream media agenda in recent years, very little research is currently available on the most widely read political bloggers. Through a survey of 66 top American political bloggers, the present study examines this elite group by analyzing their initial and current motivations for blogging as well as their online and offline behaviors. The findings demonstrate that nearly all motivations for blogging have increased over time, with the most substantial increases occurring in extrinsic motivations. The results also reveal a significant association between extrinsic motivations and blogger online and offline political participation. This study demonstrates that future research on political blogs needs to look beyond blog readers and blog content and investigate the influential political bloggers themselves.
Subcutaneous primitive neuroectodermal tumour in the abdominal wall of a child: long-term survival after local excision

Tumours of the peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour/Ewing's sarcoma (PNET/ES) family can rarely occur as primary lesions within the skin and subcutis. We present a case of subcutaneous PNET within the abdominal wall of a 33-month-old child. Histologically it was a small round cell tumour that marked strongly for CD99 and displayed ultrastructual evidence of neural differentiation. The tumour was completely excised, but due to an initial misdiagnosis no adjuvant therapy was given. Despite this, the patient is well without evidence of disease 10 years and 3 months after surgery. A review of similar cases reveals not all patients are as fortunate, suggesting combination therapy, including chemotherapy, is still the best treatment for these tumours, even when small and superficial. Our report therefore highlights the importance of recognising PNET/ES in the skin and subcutis so appropriate therapy can be administered.
Mixing Models, Colors and Thermal Emissions

Color and spectral observations are important for understanding the taxonomy, composition, formation conditions and evolutionary history of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). Colors or spectra do not, however, uniquely constrain the compositions of these objects, as we demonstrate using simple spectral mixing models. We show that thermal flux observations at 70 µm (or any wavelength near or beyond the peak of the object’s emission) are much less sensitive to details of how the materials are combined. Coupling reflectance and thermal observations of TNOs will help remove much of the ambiguity intrinsic to color and spectral data.
Temperature Control as an Alternative to Ethylene Dibromide Fumigation for the Control of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Papaya

Data are presented for the thermal stresses which induce mortality in eggs and larvae of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel. Thermal treatment of the fruit, including exposure to microwave radiation and a hot water dip, resulted in mortality at the probit 9 level for egg-infested papaya fruit.
Design, modeling, and implementation of a 30-kW piezoelectric pulse generator

The design and modeling of a high power piezoelectric pulse generator is presented and discussed. The piezoelectric element produces a transient voltage pulse when mechanically compressed. This investigation presents a theoretical description of the pulse generator as well as methods to implement it in a computer model. The computer model of the pulse generator can be separated in two functional parts-the mechanical model and the electrical model. The two models are linked by the electromechanical constants of the piezoelectric material. Additionally, this investigation presents techniques used to model the diagnostic system that measures the generator output. Finally, two experiments (i.e., piezoelectric projectile and bench test) have been performed on the piezoelectric pulse generator to compare the results with the computer model. The piezoelectric material used in this investigation is barium titanate. In the first experiment, the experimental results and the simulation results are not in good agreement due to the problem with the diagnostic system. Experimentally, the peak current, peak power, and power density are 58.2 A, 28.4 kW, and 517 kW/cm/sup 3/, respectively. The second experiment gives the results that are very well agreed with the computer model with the bench test diagnostics system. Experimentally, the peak current, peak power and power density are 36 A, 15.6 kW, and 96.7 kW/cm/sup 3/, respectively.
Three Classes of Nuclear Import Signals Bind to Plant Nuclei

Three nuclear localization signals (NLS), including an unusual Mat alpha 2-like NLS from maize (Zea mays) R, were found to compete for binding to plant nuclei. In addition, the authentic yeast Mat alpha 2 NLS, which does not function in mammals, was shown to function in plants in vivo. Our results indicate that plants possess a site at the nuclear pore complex that recognizes the three known classes of NLSs.
Computation and Dynamical Models of Mind

Van Gelder (1995) has recently spearheaded a movement to challenge the dominance of connectionist and classicist models in cognitive science. The dynamical conception of cognition is van Gelder‘s replacement for the computation bound paradigms provided by connectionism and classicism. He relies on the Watt governor to fulfill the role of a dynamicist Turing machine and claims that the Motivational Oscillatory Theory (MOT) provides a sound empirical basis for dynamicism. In other words, the Watt governor is to be the theoretical exemplar of the class of systems necessary for cognition and MOT is an empirical instantiation of that class. However, I shall argue that neither the Watt governor nor MOT successfully fulfill these prescribed roles. This failure, along with van Gelder‘s peculiar use of the concept of computation and his struggle with representationalism, prevent him from providing a convincing alternative to current cognitive theories.
In Vivo Efficacy of PI3K Pathway Signaling Inhibition for Philadelphia Chromosome-Like Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract The Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-like subtype of B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) comprises approximately 15% of high-risk ALL, has a kinase-activated gene expression profile similar to that of BCR-ABL1-rearranged ALL, and is associated with a variety of mutations and gene fusions known or predicted to activate oncogenic signal transduction. Children and adults with Ph-like ALL have a very high risk of relapse and poor survival when treated with conventional chemotherapy. Others and we have previously observed constitutive activation of cytokine receptor signaling in Ph-like ALL, particularly of the JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways (Tasian et al., Blood 2012). Preclinical and early clinical studies of JAK inhibition in childhood ALL are in progress. However, the functional role of aberrant PI3K pathway signaling has not been previously investigated in Ph-like ALL. The clinical efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and its analogues has proven suboptimal in various solid and hematologic malignancies, at least in part due to upregulation of Akt signaling, a known sequela of signal transduction inhibitor (STI) monotherapy and a common resistance mechanism. We hypothesized that newer-generation STIs that target multiple PI3K pathway signaling proteins or that selectively inhibit PI3K isoforms may result in superior inhibition of leukemia proliferation and minimize upregulation of alternate signaling pathways. We used patient-derived xenotransplantation models to determine the effects of PI3K pathway STIs upon NOD-SCID-γ-null (NSG) mice well-engrafted with de novo (n = 3) or relapsed (n = 1) childhood Ph-like ALL specimens with JAK2 mutations and/or CRLF2 alterations (Maude et al., Blood 2012). Specifically, we tested the PI3Kα inhibitor BYL719 (30 mg/kg/day), the PI3Kδ inhibitor CAL101 (idelalisib; 30 mg/kg/day), the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PKI587 (10 mg/kg/day), and the TORC1/TORC2 inhibitor AZD2014 (20 mg/kg/day) to identify the most efficacious PI3K pathway inhibitor(s). Initial pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that mice treated with each of the four STIs for 72 hours demonstrated potent in vivo inhibition of relevant phosphoproteins in comparison to vehicle-treated mice as measured by phosphoflow cytometric analyses of gated human ALL cells within murine spleens. In particular, both BYL719 and CAL101 treatments resulted in marked inhibition of phosphorylated (p) PI3K, mTOR, S6, and AktS473 via comparison of median fluorescent intensities for STI- vs. vehicle-treated groups with the Mann-Whitney test (p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Heterogeneity, Legislative History, and the Cost of Litigation: A Brief Comment On Bruhl's 'Hierarchy and Heterogeneity'

Should lower federal courts rely on legislative history as a source of interpretive authority in statutory cases? And, should the answer to that question depend on a different weighing of factors than answering the same question as to the United States Supreme Court? These are two of the normative questions that Aaron-Andrew Bruhl raises in his recent Cornell Law Review article, “Hierarchy and Heterogeneity: How to Read a Statute in a Lower Court." In addressing these questions, Bruhl argues that, “[s]tatutory interpretation is a court-specific activity that should differ according to the institutional circumstances of the interpreting court." He points to three kinds of differences among courts: “(1) the court’s place in the hierarchical structure of appellate review, (2) the court’s technical capacity and resources and, (3) the court’s democratic pedigree." Building on these three differences, Bruhl tentatively sketches out an argument that lower federal courts, “should be extremely wary of delving into legislative history." In particular, one factor Bruhl focuses on is the resource disparities that, “make the use of legislative history more problematic the lower one goes in the legal hierarchy."In this brief Comment, I make two points. First, to weigh the merits of Bruhl’s ideas, we need to know the answer to the descriptive question that parallels the normative one: Are the lower federal courts in fact using legislative history? Second, if one of the principal arguments that “hierarchy” matters is that courts at different levels have different decisional capacities, (such as resource differences), Bruhl’s argument depends, at some level, on empirical assumptions about the actual costs of both researching legislative history and litigation, generally.
Removing runtime overhead for optimized object queries

Powerful optimizations of object queries can lead to reduced asymptotic running times. However, such queries are often used in dynamic languages, and the required generality of the optimizations in handling a dynamic language can lead to significant runtime overhead as well as significantly increased code size. This paper studies combinations of optimizations for reducing this runtime overhead and code size. We describe two new optimizations --- counting elimination and result set elimination, their effectiveness when combined with inlining and when using specialized data structures, and additional optimizations enabled by type analysis and alias analysis. The two new optimizations are enabled by the high-level nature of queries, even though they are difficult and not supported by general compiler optimizations. We have run a variety of benchmarks, including distributed algorithms and benchmarks from prior best systems, obtaining a speedup of up to 56% and code size reduction of up to 37%.
Cenozoic Climatic Variation Recorded by Quartz and Clay Minerals in North Pacific Sediments

Clay mineral and quartz contents of sediments from two western North Pacific DSDP sites record a history of paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic conditions of the last 65 million years. DSDP Site 436 has recorded an eolian signal of terrigenous material that was transported from Asia. The relatively small range of variation in quartz content indicates that the source of sediment was consistent during the Cenozoic. At DSDP Site 578, the temporal variation of quartz and clay mineral contents in sediments prior to 15MYBP are grossly similar to those recorded in Site 436. However, anomalously low quartz content and accumulation in the bulk sediment since the middle Miocene suggests that the eolian signal at Site 578 was complicated by bottom-current sediment transport.
Compressional and shear wave velocities of ringwoodite γ-Mg2SiO4 to 12 GPa

Compressional and shear wave velocities of ringwoodite (γ-Mg 2 SiO 4 ) were measured on a polycrystalline specimen to 12 GPa at room temperature using ultrasonic interferometry techniques. Velocity measurements at ambient conditions yielded V p = 9.86(3) and V s = 5.78(2) km/s. Finite strain analysis of the high pressure velocity data yields K = 185(2) GPa, G = 120(1) GPa, K ’ = 4.5(2), and G ’ = 1.5(1) for the elastic moduli and their pressure derivatives, respectively. The velocities and elastic moduli at ambient conditions are indistinguishable from aggregate properties of polycrystalline ringwoodite calculated using single crystal elastic constants ( C ij ). Comparison of the current results on pressure derivatives of bulk and shear moduli with previous acoustic data on iron free ringwoodite to 3 GPa and iron bearing sample to 16 GPa indicated that the discrepancy can be explained by the pressure range of the experiments rather than iron content. Current results suggest that ringwoodite and wadsleyite posses very similar pressure dependence in elastic properties to the transition zone depth. In a pyrolite mantle with 1400 °C adiabatic foot temperature, the wadsleyite to ringwoodite phase transition is characterized as a seismic reflector spreading about 20 km in width with a density jump of 2.1% and impedance jumps of 2.4% and 3.1% for P and S waves near 520 km depth, which is consistent with seismic observations in long period data.