cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extention and validation of a hybrid particle-finite element method for hypervelocity impact simulation

The hybrid particle-finite element method of Fahrenthold and Horban [1], developed for the simulation of hypervelocity impact problems, has been extended to include new formulations of the particle-element kinematics, additional constitutive models, and an improved numerical implementation. The extended formulation has been validated in three dimensional simulations of published impact experiments. The test cases demonstrate good agreement with experiment, good parallel speedup, and numerical convergence of the simulation results.
A maximum power point tracking algorithm for photovoltaic applications

The voltage and current characteristic of a photovoltaic (PV) cell is highly nonlinear and operating a PV cell for maximum power transfer has been a challenge for a long time. Several techniques have been proposed to estimate and track the maximum power point (MPP) in order to improve the overall efficiency of a PV panel. A strategic use of the mean value theorem permits obtaining an analytical expression for a point that lies in a close neighborhood of the true MPP. But hitherto, an exact solution in closed form for the MPP is not published. This problem can be formulated analytically as a constrained optimization, which can be solved using the Lagrange method. This method results in a system of simultaneous nonlinear equations. Solving them directly is quite difficult. However, we can employ a recursive algorithm to yield a reasonably good solution. In graphical terms, suppose the voltage current characteristic and the constant power contours are plotted on the same voltage current plane, the point of tangency between the device characteristic and the constant power contours is the sought for MPP. It is subject to change with the incident irradiation and temperature and hence the algorithm that attempts to maintain the MPP should be adaptive in nature and is supposed to have fast convergence and the least misadjustment. There are two parts in its implementation. First, one needs to estimate the MPP. The second task is to have a DC-DC converter to match the given load to the MPP thus obtained. Availability of power electronics circuits made it possible to design efficient converters. In this paper although we do not show the results from a real circuit, we use MATLAB to obtain the MPP and a buck-boost converter to match the load. Under varying conditions of load resistance and irradiance we demonstrate MPP tracking in case of a commercially available solar panel MSX-60. The power electronics circuit is simulated by PSIM software.
The mast cell in normal human bronchus and lung.

Mast cells from the human bronchial mucosa and submucosa have a similar appearance to mast cells found elsewhere in humans. The most prominent feature is the intercellular granules which can be divided into two types on the basis of their substructure. Type 2 granules contain concentrically arranged lamella membranes which in cross section have the appearance of a scroll, but in longitudinal section appear cylindrical. Mast cells are uncommon in the mucosa but plentiful in the submucosa.
Principal-Teacher Interactions in Instructionally Effective and Ordinary Elementary Schools

The principal in the more effective school talked with teachers more often, was concerned for them, had high expectations, and was more supportive.
Detection of cellular immunity derangements in chronic gastritis by a skin window test.

An autologous “skin window test,” used lately for the study of cellular immunity in cancer, was applied here successfully to 54 patients with upper-gastrointestinal ailments, 48 of whom had a coexistent fundic and/or antral chronic gastritis of varying severity. The diagnoses of gastritis were made by multiple fiber-gastroscopic biopsies. The ether-alcohol-fixed cryostat sections of fundic and antral biopsies were mounted on cover slides and placed on small cutaneous abrasions of the forearm of the same patients for 24–28 hr. The exudates on cover slides and on imprints of the abrasions were read blindly for the mononuclear cell response according to criteria set for this test by Black and Leis (10). A positive reaction was obtained in 8 of the 54 patients using autologous fundic mucosal biopsy. An autologous antral mucosal biopsy gave positive reaction in only 2 of the 26 of the patients in whom it was used. The positive yield of this autologous skin window test in chronic advanced fundic gastritis was somewhat higher than that obtained by other authors using lymphocytes blast transformation or macrophages migration inhibition testin vitro. It was much higher than the yield obtained by others who used skin testsin vivo, with homologous or heterologous gastric mucosal extracts as antigens. The autologous skin window is safe in regard to possible transmission of hepatitis. Its applicability for detection of cellular immunity derangement in chronic gastritis carries promise.
Advances in Bioactive Hydrogels to Probe and Direct Cell Fate

Advanced cell culture techniques are increasingly needed to better understand basic cell physiology, predict in vivo response, and engineer de novo functional tissue substitutes. Toward this concept, hydrogels have emerged as biomimetic in vitro culture systems that allow cells to be grown in or on user-defined microenvironments that recapitulate many critical aspects of native tissue. Hydrogel biofunctionality can be engineered predictably and precisely via the tailorability of the hydrogel’s chemical and mechanical properties, each of which directly influences cell fate. In this review, we highlight state-of-the-art hydrogel platforms that have been used to assay and define cell behavior, placing an emphasis on recent directions in systems that offer dynamic control of material properties in time and space. We review current understanding of cell-material interactions in 2D and discuss recent and future efforts, as well as challenges, in extending this work to 3D. Ultimately, advances in hydrogel culture systems, synthetic approaches, and biological assays that can be performed in 3D are providing new opportunities to recapitulate fully the native cell niche.
Locking and Deadlock Detection in Distributed Data Bases

This paper descrbes two protocols for the detection of deadlocks in distributed data bases–a hierarchically organized one and a distributed one. A graph model which depicts the state of execution of all transactions in the system is used by both protocols. A cycle in this graph is a necessary and sufficient condition for a deadlock to exist. Nevertheless, neither protocol requires that the global graph be built and maintained in order for deadlocks to be detected. In the case of the hierarchical protocol, the communications cost can be optimized if the topology of the hierarachy is appropriately chosen.
Trajectories of Gait Speed Predict Mortality in Well-Functioning Older Adults: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

GAIT speed is a simple yet important clinical marker of current health and well-being and is a powerful predictor of mortality in older adults (1–4). As such, gait speed has been proposed as a “vital sign” of overall health and well-being. Similar to other vital signs, gait speed changes with aging. Previous studies have reported that gait speed is relatively stable up to age 65, declines 1% per year from age 65 to 69, and further declines to 4% per year for adults older than 80 years (5,6). Nevertheless, there is substantial variation in the rate of decline across individuals. At present, it is unclear whether change in gait speed follows distinct trajectories with aging and if unique factors distinguish older adults who experience more rapid decline from those with gradual decline. One method to quantify patterns of change in gait speed is to identify unique trajectory groups rather than describe the average change across an entire sample. This approach allows assessment of risk factors for different trajectory groups as well as examination of trajectories in relation to other health outcomes. Examining trajectories of gait speed in older adults is important as underlying patterns of change precede absolute values of gait speed (7). At present, the association of these trajectories on mortality in older adults is unclear. Previous studies have shown that initial gait speed, or “baseline” gait speed, is a strong predictor of survival in older adults with walking 0.1 m/s faster being associated with a 12% increase in survival (4). Nevertheless, it is unknown whether underlying rates of decline (ie, trajectories) rather than one’s initial gait speed is associated with higher risk of mortality. Clarifying this issue is important since it would provide insights into the etiology of mortality in older adults. The purpose of this study was to describe trajectories of gait speed in older adults, evaluate potential correlates of trajectories, and examine the risk of all-cause mortality associated with different trajectory patterns. We employed a group-based semiparametric mixture model to describe the trajectories of gait speed for a period of 8 years in initially well-functioning older adults using data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. Additionally, we examined the added risk of mortality associated with trajectories of gait speed over baseline gait speed.
The reliability, precision and clinically meaningful change of walking assessments in multiple sclerosis.

Background:Assessing walking impairment in those with multiple sclerosis (MS) is common, however little is known about the reliability, precision and clinically important change of walking outcomes...
Characterization of Transmission Properties of 3M LF120C Plastic Optical Light Guide

Transmission studies of 3M optical light guide, type LF120C with nominal 12.6 mm core diameter, were performed to characterize the material for use in hybrid solar lighting applications, in particular for the transport of sunlight from a collector to discrete lighting fixtures (luminaires). The light guide properties studied included: total transmission (in lumens) per unit length, transmission as a function of input angle and wavelength, transmission as a function of bend radius, and transmission through two bends. The preliminary value for total transmission is 96.6% per meter. Angular input begins to drop significantly at angles greater than 25 degrees. Wavelength transmission has significant minima at about 643 and 750 mm. Losses through bends are much greater for light input at large angles. In addition to the data compilations and detailed summaries of measurement findings, the measurement system and error sources are described.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Behavioral interactions between invading and endemic lagomorphs: Implications for conser ving a declining species

Abstract New England cottontails Sylvilagus transitionalis were the only rabbits indigenous to the extreme northeast portion of the United States. However, following massive introductions that began in the 1930s, eastern cottontails S. floridanus expanded their range into this region. Concurrent to the range expansion by eastern cottontails, the abundance and distribution of New England cottontails declined. Because these two species utilize similar habitats, competition has been suggested as an explanation for the decline of S. transitionalis. To test this hypothesis, we examined the dominance relationship between these two rabbits in confined areas, and evaluated interference competition in large enclosures where cover and food were manipulated to create good and poor sites. New England cottontails were dominant in 42% of the behavior dyads where there was a clear winner. No differences were detected in habitat selection trials. These results do not support the hypothesis that interference competition has affected the decline of New England cottontails. However, we suggest that scramble competition for disturbance patches of habitat may be influential in determining the distributions of these rabbits in New England. Populations of S. transitionalis may be sustained by maintaining occupied patches of early-successional habitat (10–25 years post disturbance) rather than attempting to restock habitats occupied by S. floridanus.
Pain, Anxiety, and Cooperativeness in Children with Cerebral Palsy After Rhizotomy: Changes Throughout Rehabilitation

Assessed pain, anxiety, physical functioning, and cooperativeness in 32 children with spastic cerebral palsy. This is the first study to assess children throughout rehabilitation following selective posterior rhizotomy. Results of the Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress and observer Likert ratings confirmed the hypothesis that children's pain and anxiety decrease over time. Children's physical functioning and cooperativeness improve over time. No significant correlation was found between pain and changes in physical functioning. Cognitive impairment, parental involvement, and children's pain behaviors explained 77% and 56% of the variance in two forms of cooperativeness. Research and clinical implications are discussed, and special considerations regarding pain assessment and management in this population are addressed.
State Regulators and Pragmatic Federalism in the United States, 1889–1945

State regulators played a large part in constructing the American regulatory system from the late nineteenth century to the midtwentieth. They faced an adversary relationship not only with businesses but also, beginning with passage of the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887, with national regulators. Shaping a process of “pragmatic federalism,” the state regulators forged a cooperative regulatory regime in which they and national regulators controlled the nations's railroads. In the 1930s and 1940s, state regulators extended the cooperative approach to numerous other regulated industries. These findings challenge the argument that the Shreveport case ended meaningful state regulation and suggest that the rise of big government included a continued commitment to the federalist framework of the U.S. Constitution, at least to the mid-twentieth century.
Simulating transportation practices in multi-indenture multi-echelon (MIME) systems

Military supply chains encompass a complicated network of customers and suppliers, and deal with a wide variety of items. Demand inside the network is generated at the unit level at a specific base. The demand from the bases is aggregated to military service depots, which comprise the wholesale level in the network. The many layers of the supply chain often result in unnecessary cost and delay times, as well as low network reliability. Better integration between the multiple levels of the supply chain may be achieved through the effective utilization of transportation modes and criterion. In this paper, we present a simulation for quantifying the effect of transportation options (i.e. truckload shipping, less-than-truckload shipping, transshipments, and express air shipping) on shipping costs and operational availability.
Compressing a long range dependent renewal process

Analysis of variable bit-rate video data has shown that long range dependence persists across a wide variety of codecs. While codecs are generally lossy, one may conjecture, as a partial explanation for this fact, that there exist information sources for which any lossless code results in a bit-rate process that eventually dominates a long range dependent random process. We prove this to be true for discrete time long range dependent renewal processes under a mild technical assumption.
Boundary Conditions on Unconscious Thought in Complex Decision Making

Should individuals delegate thinking about complex choice problems to the unconscious? We tested two boundary conditions on this suggestion. First, we found that in a decision environment similar to those studied previously, self-paced conscious thought and unconscious thought had similar advantages over conscious thought constrained to a long fixed time interval in terms of identifying the option with the highest number of positive outcomes. Second, we found that self-paced conscious thought performed better than unconscious thought in a second decision environment where performance depended to a greater extent on magnitudes of the attributes. Thus, we argue that it is critical to take into account the interaction of forms of processing with task demands (choice environments) when considering how to approach complex choice problems.
The prevalence of self-harm behaviors among a sample of gastric surgery candidates

Abstract Objective The surgical treatment of obesity is becoming increasingly popular; yet, little is known about the self-harm characteristics and adjunctive self-regulation difficulties of those seeking such surgery. In the literature, one study has explored presurgery suicide attempts and several studies have explored the prevalence of postsurgical completed suicides. However, beyond suicide attempts and completions, little is known about the broader self-harm/self-regulation profiles of these patients. In this study, we examined the prevalence of 22 such behaviors among a sample of gastric surgery candidates. Method Using a cross-sectional approach, we examined 121 surgical candidates for 22 self-reported self-harm and self-regulatory behaviors. Results The studied behaviors with the highest prevalence rates in this cohort were sexual promiscuity (22.3%), torturing oneself with self-defeating thoughts (20.7%), alcohol abuse (19.0%), and engaging in emotionally abusive relationships (16.5%). With regard to suicide attempts, 9.1% of participants acknowledged a history and 9.1% reported past overdoses. Conclusions These data suggest that (a) adjunctive self-regulatory difficulties may affect a substantial minority of individuals who are seeking gastric surgery for obesity (e.g., promiscuity and alcohol abuse), and (b) the anticipated prevalence rate for past suicide attempts in this population appears to be approximately 10%.
Voluntary Causal Disclosures: Tendencies and Capital Market Reaction

In this study, we provide empirical evidence on whether voluntarily disclosed causal attributions made in management earnings forecasts are credible by investigating the conditions under which such attributions are made and the extent to which security price responses are associated with attribution existence. We find that causal attributions are more likely to be made when forecast news is bad (relative to good), and that the type of attribution made is more likely to be external (internal) for bad (good) forecast news. Incorporating the existence and type of attribution into models that explain announcement period three-day cumulative abnormal returns yields significant effects for attribution incidence and type after controlling for unexpected earnings and forecast type (e.g., point, range, etc.). Consistent with the idea that attributions enhance the credibility or precision of management forecasts, attribution disclosure enhances price reactions per dollar of unexpected earnings conveyed in a management forecast.
Virtual Cultivation: Online Worlds, Offline Perceptions

The first longitudinal, controlled experiment of a video game explored the presence of cultivation effects due to play. Over the course of 1 month, participants in an online game changed their perceptions of real-world dangers. However, these dangers only corresponded to events and situations found in the game world, not other real-world crimes. This targeted finding is at odds with the broader spreading activation postulated by some cultivation researchers. The results, their implications for theory, and the study of games are discussed.
Adapting handwriting recognition for applications in algebra learning

In this paper we report the progress of our ongoing project exploring the adaptation of handwriting recognition-based interfaces for applications in intelligent tutoring systems for students learning algebra equation-solving. The research is motivated by the hypothesis that handwriting as an input modality may be able to provide significant advantages over typing in the mathematics learning domain. We review the literature of existing handwriting systems for mathematic applications and evaluations of handwriting recognition accuracy. We describe our approach and report results to date in exploring the use of handwriting recognition in interfaces for math learning, from both a technical and a pedagogical perspective. We have found that handwriting input can provide benefits to students learning math, and continue to pursue further technical and pedagogical enhancements.
Abstract 19099: The Fractional Excretion of Urea is Substantially Altered by Diuretics in Heart Failure Patients: Implications for its Use in the Evaluation of Worsening Renal Function

Background: In the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), significant renal dysfunction (RD) is a common both at presentation and during treatment. The fractional excretion of urea (FeUrea) is often recommended to differentiate “pre-renal” from intrinsic RD in patients receiving diuretics. However, the intra-renal physiology regulating urea reabsorption theoretically should be affected by high dose loop diuretics which are commonly utilized in ADHF. Methods: Heart failure patients presenting to the Yale Transition Care Clinic who received treatment with loop diuretics were enrolled (n=64). Urine was collected at baseline and 60-90 minutes following administration of loop diuretics. Possible AKI was defined as a presenting serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dl above the lowest outpatient level in the prior 12 months. Results: Overall, 75.9% of the cohort had an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m^2 and 66.7% met criteria for possible AKI. As would be expected in a sodium avid HF popu...
Atomic/Molecular-Level Simulations of Laser–Materials Interactions

Molecular/atomic-level computer modeling of laser–materials interactions is playing an increasingly important role in the investigation of complex and highly nonequilibrium processes involved in short-pulse laser processing and surface modification. This chapter provides an overview of recent progress in the development of computational methods for simulation of laser interactions with organic materials and metals. The capabilities, advantages, and limitations of the molecular dynamics simulation technique are discussed and illustrated by representative examples. The results obtained in the investigations of the laser-induced generation and accumulation of crystal defects, mechanisms of laser melting, photomechanical effects, and spallation, as well as phase explosion and massive material removal from the target (ablation) are outlined and related to the irradiation conditions and properties of the target material. The implications of the computational predictions for practical applications, as well as for the theoretical description of the laser-induced processes are discussed.
Energy-optimal path planning by stochastic dynamically orthogonal level-set optimization

Abstract A stochastic optimization methodology is formulated for computing energy-optimal paths from among time-optimal paths of autonomous vehicles navigating in a dynamic flow field. Based on partial differential equations, the methodology rigorously leverages the level-set equation that governs time-optimal reachability fronts for a given relative vehicle-speed function. To set up the energy optimization, the relative vehicle-speed and headings are considered to be stochastic and new stochastic Dynamically Orthogonal (DO) level-set equations are derived. Their solution provides the distribution of time-optimal reachability fronts and corresponding distribution of time-optimal paths. An optimization is then performed on the vehicle’s energy-time joint distribution to select the energy-optimal paths for each arrival time, among all stochastic time-optimal paths for that arrival time. Numerical schemes to solve the reduced stochastic DO level-set equations are obtained, and accuracy and efficiency considerations are discussed. These reduced equations are first shown to be efficient at solving the governing stochastic level-sets, in part by comparisons with direct Monte Carlo simulations. To validate the methodology and illustrate its accuracy, comparisons with semi-analytical energy-optimal path solutions are then completed. In particular, we consider the energy-optimal crossing of a canonical steady front and set up its semi-analytical solution using a energy-time nested nonlinear double-optimization scheme. We then showcase the inner workings and nuances of the energy-optimal path planning, considering different mission scenarios. Finally, we study and discuss results of energy-optimal missions in a wind-driven barotropic quasi-geostrophic double-gyre ocean circulation.
Abstract 3086: Safety of Induced Hypertension in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Suboptimal Recanalization after Endovascular Thrombolysis.

Background: Induced hypertension is feasible, likely safe and can improve neurologic deficits in patients who are not candidates for thrombolysis. The safety of inducing hypertension in post-thrombolytic patients with suboptimal recanalization after endovascular thrombolysis is not currently known. Objective: To determine the feasibility and safety of inducing hypertension in patients in the acute post thrombolytic phase. Methods: We analyzed retrospectively collected data from a database of patients who presented with acute ischemic stroke and who received endovascular treatment with or without intravenous (IV) r-tPA . Patients with suboptimal recanalization after endovascular thrombolysis underwent induction of hypertension (systolic blood pressure [SBP] target 140-180 mmHg) for a 24 hour period after an immediate post-procedure CT scan did not demonstrate any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We determined the rate of symptomatic ICH (sICH), and outcome based on modified Rankin score (mRS) at the time of discharge and compared these data to those observed in patients with non-induced hypertension and normotension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the odds ratio of neurological worsening and/or death after adjusting for initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and success of hypertension induction, which was defined as a sustained mean BP of ≥ 30% above the admission BP over the first 24 hours. Results: A total of 16 patients (12%, mean age 66) underwent post-thrombolytic induced hypertension among 138 patients who were treated with endovascular treatment. The mean age (± standard deviation [SD]) of treated patients was 68 (± 15.3) years and 52 (46%) were women. Hypertension was induced using intravenous phenylephrine or norepinephrine infusion in 9 and 7 patients, respectively. The mean (±SD) increase in SBP was 140 (±16.4) mmHg. In multivariate analysis, patients with post-thrombolytic induced hypertension had similar risk of sICH (odds ratio [OR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11-8.55) and similar discharge mRS (OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.50-6.84). Conclusion: There was no observed increase in sICH or poor outcomes associated with induced hypertension in patients with suboptimal recanalization after endovascular thrombolysis supporting safety. Further trials directed towards assessing efficacy of this approach are needed.
TESTING INFERENCES ABOUT MICRO-EVOLUTIONARY PROCESSES BY MEANS OF SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION ANALYSIS.

We generated numerous simulated gene-frequency surfaces subjected to 200 generations of isolation by distance with, in some cases, added migration or selection. From these surfaces we assembled six data sets comprising from 12 to 15 independent allele-frequency surfaces, to simulate biologically plausible population samples. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether spatial autocorrelation analysis will correctly infer the microevolutionary processes involved in each data set. The correspondence between the simulated processes and the inferences made concerning them is close for five of the six data sets. Errors in inference occurred when the effect of migration was weak, due to low gene frequency differential or low migration strength; when selection was weak and against a background with a complex pattern; and when a random process- isolation by distance-was the only one acting. Spatial correlograms proved more sensitive to detecting trends than inspection of gene-frequency surfaces by the human eye. Joint interpretation of the correlograms and their clusters proved most reliable in leading to the correct inference. The inspection and clustering of surfaces were useful for determining directional components. Because this method relies on common patterns across loci, as many gene frequencies as feasible should be used. We recommend spatial autocorrelation analysis for the detection of microevolutionary processes in natural populations.
Characterization of Pulsed Supersonic Cvd System For Diamond Growth

An ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition system using pulsed, supersonic jets of halogenated hydrocarbon precursors has been constructed with the intention of growing diamond thin films. Experimental results from this system should determine whether the hyperthermal activation of precursors improves the carbon incorporation efficiency of film growth. The jets, produced by commercially available pulsed valves, were characterized with a fast ionization gauge. Parameters such as valve backing pressure and the pulse width were varied to optimize material flux and avoid the formation of boundary layers above the substrate that could reduce the kinetic energy of the precursors.
Issue-oriented hackathons as material participation

In recent years, intensive design and development events known as hackathons have become increasingly common. Issue-oriented hackathons are a subset of this trend that bring together ad hoc groups under the auspices of conceiving and prototyping technologies to address social conditions and concerns. In this article, we present ethnographic accounts of a set of issue-oriented hackathons that took place in the United States between 2012 and 2013, in order to explore how these events structure and express emerging forms of participation. Specifically, we propose that issue-oriented hackathons are sites of experimental material participation.
Flame atomic absorption spectrometry for detection of strontium in strontium-rich food

Objective:To establish the air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of strontium-rich foods strontium content.Methods:Dry ashing of the sample pre-treatment in order to EDTA-surfactant co-sensitizer,using a neutral flame determination of strontium content of the EDTA-surfactant,mixed gases,ions interfere with the elimination of lanthanum nitrate consumption testing of the determination.Results:When the EDTA-polyethylene glycol octyl phenyl ether(OP) exist,the determination of strontium sensitivity increases by 60%,while with EDTA,lanthanum nitrate as a protective agent,deionization agent,release agent can co-exist elements in the sample to eliminate interference.The linear range of 0~10.0 μg/ml,the detection limit of 0.02 μg/ml,the relative standard deviation of 4.0%~6.5%,recovery is 92%~105%.Three kinds of national standard substances for the determination of measured values are consistent with the true value.Conclusion:This method is simple,sensitive,accurate.
Nuclear Localization and Mutation of β-Catenin in Medulloblastomas

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene, a member of the Wingless/Wnt signal transduction pathway, has been implicated in the development of medulloblastomas in Turcot's syndrome. beta-catenin also functions in this highly conserved signaling pathway and is instrumental in growth and development. Mutations in either APC or beta-catenin can stabilize beta-catenin protein. Stabilized beta-catenin complexes with Tcf/Lef transcription factors and moves from the cytoplasm into the nucleus where it regulates the transcription of c-Myc and other genes. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin therefore implies activation of the signaling pathway. We have analyzed the subcellular localization of beta-catenin in 51 sporadic medulloblastomas and in 1 medulloblastoma arising in a patient with Turcot's syndrome. Nuclear beta-catenin staining was present in 9 of the sporadic tumors (18%) and in the 1 medulloblastoma from a Turcot's patient. The remaining 41 cases did not show nuclear staining. This confirms earlier observations that Wingless/Wnt signaling is involved in a subset of sporadic medulloblastomas. We also examined 48 glial and meningeal CNS tumors, all of which were negative for nuclear beta-catenin. Exon 3 of beta-catenin was sequenced in 6 of the 9 sporadic medulloblastomas with nuclear beta-catenin staining. Five of the 6 tumors sequenced had mutations affecting highly conserved beta-catenin phosphorylation sites involved in protein stability. These data suggest a simple immunohistochemical method to screen for beta-catenin mutations in medulloblastomas.
Predictability, Compensation, and Excessive Functions

Accessible and predictable times; natural and predictable processes; Doob-Meyer decomposition; quasi-left-continuity; compensation of random measures; excessive and superharmonic functions; additive functionals as compensators; Riesz decomposition
On ‘good sex’ and other dangerous ideas: women narrate their joyous and happy sexual encounters

AbstractExisting studies of women’s sexual happiness and pleasure most often centre on sexual satisfaction, orgasm, and sexual dysfunction, largely failing to allow women to narrate their own experiences. With the recent release of the first drug to ‘treat’ women’s waning libidos a qualitative examination of women’s notion of ‘good sex’ is more pressing and urgent than ever. We need to extend feminist critiques of power, control, patriarchy and agency to the study of women’s sexuality and sexual happiness. Using semi-structured interviews with 20 women from a 2014 community sample collected in a large southwestern US city, we analyse women’s descriptions of and definitions of ‘good sex’ (as defined by respondents), as well as their experiences of sexual encounters that felt joyous and happy. Analysis revealed four themes in women’s descriptions of good, happy and joyous sex: (1) Physical pleasure, wanting and orgasm; (2) Emotional connection and relationship satisfaction; (3) Comfort and naturalness; (4) ...
The Next Decade of Big Data in Ecosystem Science

Ecosystem scientists will increasingly be called on to inform forecasts and define uncertainty about how changing planet conditions affect human well-being. We should be prepared to leverage the best tools available, including big data. Use of the term ‘big data’ implies an approach that includes capacity to aggregate, search, cross-reference, and mine large volumes of data to generate new understanding that can inform decision-making about emergent properties of complex systems. Although big-data approaches are not a panacea, there are large-scale environmental questions for which big data are well suited, even necessary. Ecosystems are complex biophysical systems that are not easily defined by any one data type, location, or time. Understanding complex ecosystem properties is data intensive along axes of volume (size of data), velocity (frequency of data), and variety (diversity of data types). Ecosystem scientists have employed impressive technology for generating high-frequency, large-volume data streams. Yet important challenges remain in both theoretical and infrastructural development to support visualization and analysis of large and diverse data. The way forward includes greater support for network science approaches, and for development of big-data infrastructure that includes capacity for visualization and analysis of integrated data products. Likewise, a new paradigm of cross-disciplinary training and professional evaluation is needed to increase the human capital to fully exploit big-data analytics in a way that is sustainable and adaptable to emerging disciplinary needs.
S100A12 Induced in the Epidermis by Reduced Hydration Activates Dermal Fibroblasts and Causes Dermal Fibrosis

Disruption of the barrier function of skin increases transepidermal water loss and up-regulates inflammatory pathways in the epidermis. Consequently, sustained expression of proinflammatory cytokines from the epidermis is associated with dermal scarring. We found increased expression of S100A12 in the epidermis of human hypertrophic and keloid scar. Exposing a stratified keratinocyte culture to a reduced-hydration environment increased the expression and secretion of S100A12 by nearly 70%, which in turn activated dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Direct treatment of fibroblasts with conditioned medium collected from stratified keratinocyte culture under reduced-hydration conditions activated fibroblasts, shown by up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin, pro-collagen 1, and F-actin expression. However, this fibroblast activation was not found when S100A12 was knocked down by RNA interference in keratinocytes. Pharmacological blockade of S100A12 receptors, RAGE, or TLR4 inhibited S100A12-induced fibroblast activation. Local delivery of S100A12 resulted in a marked hypertrophic scar formation in a validated rabbit hypertrophic scar model compared with saline control. Our findings indicate that S100A12 functions as a proinflammatory cytokine and suggest that S100A12 is a potential therapeutic target for dermal scarring.
La − binding energies by analysis of its photodetachment spectra

This study reinterprets an earlier experimental photoelectron kinetic energy spectrum of the negative ion of lanthanum [A. M. Covington, D. Calabrese, J. S. Thompson, and T. J. Kvale, J. Phys. B 31, L855 (1998)] by carrying out relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) photodetachment calculations. The results confirm the earlier RCI calculation for the electron affinity of lanthanum (0.545 eV) [S. M. O'Malley and D. R. Beck, Phys. Rev. A 79, 012511 (2009)] and revise it to a slightly larger value of 0.550 eV, thus modifying the experimental interpretation of $0.47\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$ eV. The calculation also yields the binding energies of the other thirteen bound states of ${\mathrm{La}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. Good agreement has been found when these energies are compared to the results of a recent experimental study on ${\mathrm{La}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ [C. W. Walter, N. D. Gibson, D. J. Matyas, C. T. Crocker, K. A. Dungan, B. R. Matola, and J. Rohl\'en, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 063001 (2014)]. Finally, our analysis confirms the transition energy for the potential laser cooling transition of ${}^{3}{F}_{2}^{e}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{}^{3}{D}_{1}^{o}$ in ${\mathrm{La}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$.
On frequency offset estimation errors in coherent detection over equalized ISI channels

This paper applies a novel analysis technique to examine the impact of frequency offset estimation errors on a single-carrier system equipped with a pilot (or preamble) sequence to estimate the frequency offset and the channel and operating over an ISI channel. The analysis shows that when certain conditions are achieved, the equalizer output is a heterodyned version of the equalizer output when no frequency offset is present. This observation motivated the inclusion of a PLL to track out the frequency offset at the equalizer output. As a byproduct of the analysis, a criterion defining “frequency offset optimized” pilot sequences was developed. Simulation results using QPSK show that a 1 dB loss in BER performance occurs when the frequency offset error is 0:002 cycles/symbol. This was contrasted with a purely feedforward approach that required a more complex frequency offset estimator whose error is three orders of magnitude smaller. The example demonstrates how the addition of a relatively simple PLL at the equalizer output can relax the strict performance requirements of the frequency offset estimator.
The serotonin-like actions of some hallucinogens on a molluscan heart

Algumas substâncias psicodelicas representando diferentes classes de alucinogenios mimetizam mais a acao da serotonina do que as catecolaminas no coracao isolado de Mercenaria mercenaria.
Greeting and Response: Predicting Participation from the Call Opening

Although researchers have used phone surveys for decades, the lack of an accurate picture of the call opening reduces our ability to train interviewers to succeed. Sample members decide about participation quickly. We predict participation using the earliest moments of the call; to do this, we analyze matched pairs of acceptances and declinations from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study using a case-control design and conditional logistic regression. We focus on components of the first speaking turns: acoustic-prosodic components and interviewer’s actions. The sample member’s “hello” is external to the causal processes within the call and may carry information about the propensity to respond. As predicted by Pillet-Shore (2012), we find that when the pitch span of the sample member’s “hello” is greater the odds of participation are higher, but in contradiction to her prediction, the (less reliably measured) pitch pattern of the greeting does not predict participation. The structure of actions in the interviewer’s first turn has a large impact. The large majority of calls in our analysis begin with either an “efficient” or “canonical” turn. In an efficient first turn, the interviewer delays identifying themselves (and thereby suggesting the purpose of the call) until they are sure they are speaking to the sample member, with the resulting efficiency that they introduce themselves only once. In a canonical turn, the interviewer introduces themselves and asks to speak to the sample member, but risks having to introduce themselves twice if the answerer is not the sample member. The odds of participation are substantially and significantly lower for an efficient turn compared to a canonical turn. It appears that how interviewers handle identification in their first turn has consequences for participation; an analysis of actions could facilitate experiments to design first interviewer turns for different target populations, study designs, and calling technologies.
Next Generation Xeon Server Package Architecture

Abstract Semiconductor industry is moving towards more and more integration to provide more functionality and add value to the processor, thereby enabling better user experience. This integration can come in 3 categories: On-die integration, On-package integration, and On-board integration. On-board integration is the typical method being used for several generations and on-die and on-package integration architectures are getting more focus due to better performance and reduced power. The key vector to enable on-die/package architectures is reduced cost and maximum features for a given substrate and socket form factor. Silicon features are also moving at a faster pace compared to the board technology. This paper details a novel package (PoINT) architecture as well as the key technology challenges that were resolved to successfully enable this architecture.
RNA Selection by PIWI Proteins.

Gene regulation by PIWI–piRNA complexes is determined by the selection of cognate target RNAs by PIWI–piRNA. What are the mechanisms for this selection? There is a rigorous multistep control in identifying target RNAs by PIWI–piRNA structures, and RNA helicases play a potentially crucial role in this process.
Rise of a new elite in rural China and its characteristics

As it became clear in China that economic reforms were there to stay, more people became involved in commercial activities, including many local cadres, as they realized how they could profit in private business. Rural elites are emerging not only in the economic field but also in the cultural and social fields. The relations of the new elites with local authorities vary from province to province. The new elites may differ from the state in their interests, but may cooperate closely for the time being, although as they mature they will become more independent and harder to control politically. And once a large political crisis occurs they will replace party organizations and assume local leadership.
Chapter 11 First Price Independent Private Values Auctions

Publisher Summary The first price sealed bid auction is the market institution in which the high bidder acquires ownership of the auctioned item and pays a price equal to the amount of the highest bid. This market institution is distinguished from the second price sealed bid auction in which the high bidder obtains the auctioned item and pays an amount equal to the second highest bid. Bids in sealed bid auctions are often literally sealed in envelopes but need not be; the essential distinction is from a real time auction in which the time at which bids are submitted during the auction is an essential feature of the market institution. This chapter presents experimental tests, using independent private values, of the consistency of bidding behavior in the first price auction with three nested Nash equilibrium bidding models. The reported tests have various implications for the three nested models. Depending on which test is used, data for only 0–10% of the subjects are consistent with the risk neutral model. This conclusion is the same regardless of whether one conducts the tests with market prices, individual subjects' bids and values, or subjects' expected foregone earnings. Tests with individual subjects' bids and values indicate that data for about 48% of the subjects are consistent with the constant relative risk averse model and data for almost all subjects are consistent with the log-concave model.
Activation Cross Sections for 66Zn(n,p)66Cu

Cross sections for the 66Zn(n,p)66Cu reaction have been measured in the 4.2- to 10-MeV energy range using conventional activation techniques. This work provides results for an energy region where n...
Modeling and Animation of Wastewater Disposal in the Ocean Environment

DisPatch, a graphically oriented interactive computer program, has been designed to model the far-field transport of wastewater discharge in the ocean environment Implemented on a microcomputer, DisPatch features high-resolution graphics, menus, and dialog boxes to facilitate user input of boundary conditions in such a way as to be accessible to a large audience of potential users. The DisPatch model is developed from the application of the advection-dispersion equation to a horizontally homogeneous, vertically averaged, turbulent velocity field representing the ocean environment in which a “patch” of discharged wastewater is presumed to travel. Designed to accept either average values or a stochastically generated set of values for initial dilution and trapping height, DisPatch displays the path of each discharge event onscreen as an animation of calculated patch position and dimension. Results are presented in the form of an elevation view of contaminant impact at a user-defined impact zone.