cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid exploration of pipelined processors through automatic generation of synthesizable RTL models

As embedded systems continue to face increasingly higher performance requirements, deeply pipelined processor architectures are being employed to meet desired system performance. System architects critically need modeling techniques to rapidly explore and evaluate candidate architectures based on area, power, and performance constraints. We present an exploration framework for pipelined processors. We use the EXPRESSION Architecture Description Language (ADL) to capture a wide spectrum of processor architectures. The ADL has been used to enable performance driven exploration by generating a software toolkit from the ADL specification. In this paper, we present a functional abstraction technique to automatically generate synthesizable RTL from the ADL specification. Automatic generation of RTL enables rapid exploration of candidate architectures under given design constraints such as area, clock frequency, power, and performance. Our exploration results demonstrate the power of reuse in composing heterogeneous architectures using functional abstraction primitives allowing for a reduction in the time for specification and exploration by at least an order of magnitude.
Effect of Zr/Ti stoichiometry ratio on the ferroelectric properties of sol-gel derived PZT films

A series of sol-gel-derived PZT (lead zirconate titanate) films with Zr:Ti ratios of 100:0, 94:6, 80:20, 65:35, 53:47, 35:65, 20:80, and 0:100 was prepared on platinized Si wafers. The precursor chemistries were based on lead acetate and Zr/Ti alkoxides containing the appropriate amounts of cations in the required stoichiometries. Excess PbO was incorporated to compensate for PbO loss during processing. Films were fired to 700 degrees C where they were all single-phase perovskite as determined by XRD (X-ray diffraction). Microlithography was performed to obtain Pt-PZT-Pt monolithic capacitors with 130- mu m by 130- mu m electrode pads. The ferroelectric properties on these pads were measured along with the leakage characteristics. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the PZT films were found to be highly dependent on composition and processing conditions. >
Proton cyclotron waves at Mars: Exosphere structure and evidence for a fast neutral disk

[1] Mars is an unmagnetized planet whose hydrogen exosphere extends into the solar wind, creating proton cyclotron waves. Mars Global Surveyor data reveal the occurrence of waves to be extensive and often intermittent at large distance, indicating that the exosphere is time varying or non-spherical. When the region of wave occurrence is examined in a magnetic-electric coordinate system, a strong asymmetry in the occurrence of these waves is seen in the direction of the interplanetary electric field. The extensive, yet asymmetric and intermittent, occurrence of waves can be understood if, after protons are first picked up near Mars, the ions are neutralized by charge exchange and transported across field lines to distant regions, allowing the pickup process to extend far from Mars on only one side of the planet. Thus the exosphere of Mars appears to extend in a disk of fast hydrogen atoms both downstream and to the side of Mars in the direction of the interplanetary electric field.
Simultaneous Linear Equations

In order to establish notation, we begin by describing the most general system of simultaneous linear equations. Explanations and many examples come immediately afterward. Let m and n be positive integers, and let us consider the following system of m equations in n variables x1, x2 . . . , xn: Open image in new window The coefficients a11, a12, and so on, are distinguished by double subscripts, the first giving the equation number, and the second indicating the variable being multiplied. We shall refer to b1, . . . , bm as the constants of system (1). All coefficients and constants are assumed to be real numbers, as are the values sought for the variables x1, . . . , xn.
Brown v. Board of Education: The Legacy Continues, The Struggle Continues

On the occasion of its Golden Anniversary, Brown v. Board of Education has been described by lawyers, historians, educators, and journalists as perhaps the most important civil-rights decision of the twentieth century. Without dispute, the decision holds a prominent place in American education law. The open question, however, is whether American education and American courts will ever fully embrace the vision of those, like Thurgood Marshall, who saw Brown's true promise.
Geographic variation in the response of Culex pipiens life history traits to temperature

Climate change is predicted to alter the transmission of many vector-borne pathogens. The quantitative impact of climate change is usually estimated by measuring the temperature-performance relationships for a single population of vectors, and then mapping this relationship across a range of temperatures or locations. However, life history traits of different populations often differ significantly. Specifically, performance across a range of temperatures is likely to vary due to local adaptation to temperature and other factors. This variation can cause spatial variation in pathogen transmission and will influence the impact of climate change on the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. We quantified variation in life history traits for four populations of Culex pipiens (Linnaeus) mosquitoes. The populations were distributed along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients in the eastern United States that spanned ~3 °C in mean summer temperature, which is similar to the magnitude of global warming expected in the next 3–5 decades. We measured larval and adult survival, development rate, and biting rate at six temperatures between 16 and 35 °C, in a common garden experiment. Temperature had strong and consistent non-linear effects on all four life history traits for all four populations. Adult female development time decreased monotonically with increasing temperature, with the largest decrease at cold temperatures. Daily juvenile and adult female survival also decreased with increasing temperature, but the largest decrease occurred at higher temperatures. There was significant among-population variation in the thermal response curves for the four life history traits across the four populations, with larval survival, adult survival, and development rate varying up to 45, 79, and 84 % among populations, respectively. However, variation was not correlated with local temperatures and thus did not support the local thermal adaptation hypothesis. These results suggest that the impact of climate change on vector-borne disease will be more variable than previous predictions, and our data provide an estimate of this uncertainty. In addition, the variation among populations that we observed will shape the response of vectors to changing climates.
Patriarchal Accommodations Women's Mobility and Policies of Gender Difference from Urban Iran to Migrant Mexico

This paper begins from a paradox. In the 1980s and 1990s, women became increasingly mobile, especially in the developing world. Scholars generally attribute this shift to global economic pressure or to the spread of (Western) gender egalitarianism. Yet, in some places, women gained mobility just as local institutions extended policies excluding them or segregating them from men. Here, we look at two such cases: first, how women of Tehran, Iran, became the majority of bus riders just as the city segregated public transportation, and second, how women in the rural, Mexican village of San Pedro came to predominate among emigrants to the United States, even as they were excluded from participating in village politics. We use what we call “linked ethnographies” to put these two cases into dialogue. While attending to the particularities of each site, we find that in both, women gained mobility through the very policies that appeared to confine or exclude them. We call these policies “patriarchal accommodations.” They were patriarchal, because they enshrined formal gender difference associated with male dominance. They were accommodations, because they adapted existing standards of “appropriate” masculinity and femininity to global economic pressure, enabling women to work, study, and consume. We argue that patriarchal accommodations may facilitate women’s entry into the public sphere, particularly in non-Western regimes.
Electing to Play MTV’s Fantasy Election and Changes in Political Engagement Through Gameplay

In 2012, MTV explored a new approach to voter engagement through “Fantasy Election.” The game had players draft candidates in the congressional and presidential elections onto personal teams in order to compete for points and prizes, which were distributed based not only on the candidates’ actions but also when players themselves took action to become better informed and involved during the campaign. In the end, Fantasy Election drew over 10,000 active participants. This article scrutinizes the design and effect of the game by using data from MTV’s exit survey of Fantasy Election users to explore whether and how games can be used to encourage voter engagement. By considering the self-reported motivations of players, and a broader discussion of the role of play, competition and reward in fostering political and civic participation, we consider how gamification strategies have ambivalent effects on developing a more informed and cooperative civil society.
Designing Hydrolytic Zinc Metalloenzymes

Zinc is an essential element required for the function of more than 300 enzymes spanning all classes. Despite years of dedicated study, questions regarding the connections between primary and secondary metal ligands and protein structure and function remain unanswered, despite numerous mechanistic, structural, biochemical, and synthetic model studies. Protein design is a powerful strategy for reproducing native metal sites that may be applied to answering some of these questions and subsequently generating novel zinc enzymes. From examination of the earliest design studies introducing simple Zn(II)-binding sites into de novo and natural protein scaffolds to current studies involving the preparation of efficient hydrolytic zinc sites, it is increasingly likely that protein design will achieve reaction rates previously thought possible only for native enzymes. This Current Topic will review the design and redesign of Zn(II)-binding sites in de novo-designed proteins and native protein scaffolds toward the p...
Ileus is a predictor of local infection in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Abstract Background & objectives Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Gut barrier dysfunction has been shown to increase the risk of bacterial translocation from the gut into the pancreatic bed. The primary aim of the study is to evaluate if ileus, a clinical marker of gut barrier dysfunction, can predict the development of IPN. Methods A retrospective cohort study of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) was conducted from 2000 to 2014. Ileus was defined as ≥2 of the following criteria: nausea/vomiting; inability to tolerate a diet, absence of flatus, abdominal distension and features of ileus on imaging. Extensive necrosis was defined as >30% nonenhancing pancreatic parenchyma on contrast-enhanced CT. Multivariable cox proportional hazard analysis was used to evaluate known and potential predictors of IPN. Results 142 patients were identified with NP, 61 with IPN and 81 with sterile necrosis. In comparison to a diagnosis of ileus documented in the medical chart, the ileus criteria had a sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of 100%, 93%, 78% and 100%, respectively. On multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis, ileus [HR:2.6; 95%CI:1.4–4.9] and extensive necrosis [HR:2.8; 95%CI:1.3–5.8] were independently associated with the development of IPN while there was no association with bacteremia [HR:1.09; 95%CI:0.6–2.1]. Conclusion Ileus in NP can be accurately defined using surgical criteria. Ileus is independently associated with the future development of IPN. Further studies will be needed to determine if ileus can serve as a clinical marker to direct therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of IPN.
SU-F-J-67: Dosimetric Changes During Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer Patients with Atelectasis

Purpose: Large geometric changes which occur during thoracic radiotherapy alter normal anatomy and target position and may induce clinically important dose changes. This study investigates variation of organ-at-risk (OAR) dose caused by atelectasis resolution during radiotherapy. Methods: 3D IMRT treatment plans were obtained for 14 non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Dose of the clinical plan was recalculated on a baseline scan in which lung was collapsed and on a midtreatment scan in which lung re-aeration had occurred. The changes in OAR doses were compared between the two time points. RTOG-0617 and inhouse dose-volume constraints were chosen for investigation and included spinal cord, esophagus, heart, and healthy lung. Results: 17 dose metrics were evaluated. The mean (SD) of change in mean lung dose, from baseline to mid-treatment (average taken across all patients), was 0.2 Gy (2.2 Gy) and ranged from −3.2 Gy to 6.0 Gy. 50% of patients experienced relative changes in mean lung dose of greater than 5% of baseline value. The mean (SD) of changes in heart V40, V45, and V60 were 3.2% (3.4%), 3.0% (2.9%), and 1.4% (2.1%), respectively, and were significant for the study cohort (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p=0.0107 for V40, p=0.0052 for V45, and p= 0.0353 for V60. Ranges in changes of Heart V40, V45, and V60 were −1.9% to 8.6%, −1.7% to 7.5%, and −2.1% to 4.5%, respectively. The mean (SD) of changes in Esophagus PRV Dmean and V60 were 0.3 Gy (3.3 Gy) and 0.8% (7.7%), respectively, and ranged from −4.8 Gy to 6.8 Gy for Dmean and −15.2% to 14.6% for V60. Conclusion: Patients with atelectasis present at the start of radiotherapy experience significant increases in heart dose. Substantial increases in mean lung dose also occur in a subset of patients. This work supported by the National Cancer Institute of National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01CA166119. Disclosures: Phillips Medical systems (Hugo, Weiss), National Institutes of Health (Hugo, Weiss, Christensen), and Roger Koch (Christensen) support, UpToDate (Weiss) royalties, and Varian Medical Systems (Hugo, Weiss) license. No potential conflicts of interest.
Rapid sea-level rise from a West Antarctic ice-sheet collapse: a short-term perspective

Will worldwide sea level soon rise rapidly because of a shrinkage of the West Antarctic ice sheet (WAIS)? Here I give a personal perspective of that probability. The crucial question is not whether large changes in ice mass can occur, but how likely it is that a large, rapid change, say a several-fold increase in the 20th-century rate of about 2 mm a-1, will occur in the next century or two from a West Antarctic cause. Twenty years ago Weertman proposed that a marine ice sheet is inherently unstable. But Weertman’s analysis was based on a simple model of a marine ice sheet that did not include fast-flowing, wet-based ice streams, which are now known to dominate the grounded ice sheet. Modern analyses do not definitively determine just how ice streams affect the stability of the WAIS, but it can at least be said that there is no compelling theoretical reason to expect a rapid rise in sea level from the WAIS triggered by ice-shelf thinning. Of the three main ice-drainage systems in the WAIS, the one that flows into Pine Island Bay might be a particularly likely site for accelerated flow since there is no ice shelf to restrain the inflowing ice streams, yet measurements show that this system is not significantly out of mass balance. If the “Ross Embayment” system, which has undergone several sudden glacial reorganizations in the last thousand years, were unstable one might expect a history of large changes in the total outflow of ice into the Ross Ice Shelf, yet the total outflow in the “Ross Embayment” has remained relatively unchanged despite the large internal perturbations, a fact that, points to a stable, not an unstable, system. Study of the third major drainage from the WAIS, into the Ronne Ice Shelf, also suggests that there is no gross discordance between the present velocity vectors and flow tracers in the ice shelf, although the evidence is limited. In the light of the evidence for recent stability, it is difficult to see how climate warming (whether anthropogenic or natural) could trigger a collapse of the WAIS in the next century or two. Thus, I believe that a rapid rise in sea level in the next century or two from a West Antarctic cause could only occur if a natural (not induced) collapse of the WAIS were imminent. Based on a concept of pseudo-random collapse once per major glacial cycle, I estimate the chances of that to be on the order of one in a thousand.
Retrospective Cohort Study of 207 Cases of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated with Surgical Treatment

Objectives:Describe the clinical characteristics, image findings, and outcomes of patients with juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) of the knee. To our knowledge, this is the largest single-s...
Quantitative Perfusion Analysis of First-Pass Contrast Enhancement Kinetics: Application to MRI of Myocardial Perfusion in Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose Perfusion analysis from first-pass contrast enhancement kinetics requires modeling tissue contrast exchange. This study presents a new approach for numerical implementation of the tissue homogeneity model, incorporating flexible distance steps along the capillary (NTHf). Methods The proposed NTHf model considers contrast exchange in fluid packets flowing along the capillary, incorporating flexible distance steps, thus allowing more efficient and stable calculations of the transit of tracer through the tissue. We prospectively studied 8 patients (62 ± 13 years old) with suspected CAD, who underwent first-pass perfusion CMR imaging at rest and stress prior to angiography. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) were estimated using both the NTHf and the conventional adiabatic approximation of the TH models. Coronary artery lesions detected at angiography were clinically assigned to one of three categories of stenosis severity (‘insignificant’, ‘mild to moderate’ and ‘severe’) and related to corresponding myocardial territories. Results The mean MBF (ml/g/min) at rest/stress and MPRI were 0.80 ± 0.33/1.25 ± 0.45 and 1.68 ± 0.54 in the insignificant regions, 0.74 ± 0.21/1.09 ± 0.28 and 1.54 ± 0.46 in the mild to moderate regions, and 0.79 ± 0.28/0.63 ± 0.34 and 0.85 ± 0.48 in the severe regions, respectively. The correlation coefficients of MBFs at rest/stress and MPRI between the NTHf and AATH models were r = 0.97/0.93 and r = 0.91, respectively. Conclusions The proposed NTHf model allows efficient quantitative analysis of the transit of tracer through tissue, particularly at higher flow. Results of initial application to MRI of myocardial perfusion in CAD are encouraging.
Determination of optimal size and depth of discharge for battery energy storage in standalone microgrids

Battery energy storage (BES) has a critical role in standalone microgrids to improve reliability and reduce operation costs. Two major factors affecting the economic viability of integrating a BES to a microgrid are its investment cost and lifetime. The BES investment cost greatly depends on its size, while the BES lifetime, which can be defined as the total number of charge/discharge cycles that it can perform, depends on how deep the battery is discharged each time. Therefore, it is imperative to determine both the BES optimal size and depth of discharge when integrating BES to a microgrid. This paper presents a standalone microgrid expansion model with the ability of determining the optimal BES that minimize the microgrid expansion cost. The BES long-term investment and short-term operation models, as well as complicated constraints relating the charge/discharge schedules to the BES lifetime, are further developed and formulated. A mixed integer programming approach is used to formulate the microgrid expansion problem. Numerical simulations on a test standalone microgrid are performed to validate the proposed models.
Big Data in context and robustness against heterogeneity

Abstract The phrase Big Data has generated substantial current discussion within and outside of the field of statistics. Some personal observations about this phenomenon are discussed. One contribution is to put this set of ideas into a larger historical context. Another is to point out the related important concept of robustness against data heterogeneity , and some earlier methods which had that property, and also to discuss a number of interesting open problems motivated by this concept.
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is biologically distinct from its B lymphoblastic (B-ALL) counterpart and shows different kinetic patterns of disease response. Although very similar regimens are used to treat T-ALL and B-ALL, distinctions in response to different elements of therapy have been observed. Similar to B-ALL, the key prognostic determinant in T-ALL is minimal residual disease (MRD) response. Unlike B-ALL, other factors including age, white blood cell count at diagnosis, and genetics of the ALL blasts are not independently prognostic when MRD response is included. Recent insights into T-ALL biology, using modern genomic techniques, have identified a number of recurrent lesions that can be grouped into several targetable pathways, including Notch, Jak/Stat, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and MAPK. With contemporary chemotherapy, outcomes for de novo T-ALL have steadily improved and now approach those observed in B-ALL, with approximately 85% 5-year event-free survival. Unfortunately, salvage has remained poor, with less than 25% event-free and overall survival rates for relapsed disease. Thus, current efforts are focused on preventing relapse by augmenting therapy for high-risk patients, sparing toxicity in favorable subsets and developing new approaches for the treatment of recurrent disease.
Non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease is associated with high total and out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures

Previous studies have documented the high costs of non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) but out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures remain poorly explored. This study described total direct and out-of-pocket expenditures for adults with non-dialysis dependent CKD and compared expenditures with those for cancer or stroke. This study used data from the 2011–2013 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a national survey of healthcare expenditures in the U.S. population. Expenditures were determined for adults with the following chronic diseases: CKD defined by 585 ICD9 codes (n = 52), cancer (colon, breast or bronchus/lung) (n = 870), or stroke (n = 1104). These represent adults who were aware of their conditions or visited a healthcare provider for the condition during the study period. Generalized linear models were used to estimate the marginal effects of CKD, cancer or stroke on adjusted expenditures compared to adults without CKD, cancer or stroke (n = 72,241) while controlling for demographics and co-morbidities and incorporating the sample weights of the complex survey design. The mean age for group with CKD, cancer or stroke was 65.5, 66.1, and 68.2 years, respectively, while mean age for group without CKD, cancer or stroke was 47.8 years. Median values of total direct and out of pocket healthcare expenditures ranged from as high as $12,877 (Interquartile Range [IQR] $5031-$19,710) and $1439 ($688–$2732), respectively, with CKD, to as low as $1189 (IQR $196-$4388) and $226 (IQR $20-$764) in the group without CKD, cancer or stroke. After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, the adjusted difference in total direct healthcare expenditures was $4746 (95% CI $1775-$7718) for CKD, $8608 (95% CI $6167-$11,049) for cancer and $5992 (95% CI $4208-$7775) for stroke vs. group without CKD, cancer or stroke. Adjusted difference in out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures was highest for adults with CKD ($760; 95% CI 0-$1745) and was larger than difference noted for cancer ($419; 95% CI 158–679) or stroke ($246; 95% CI 87–406) relative to group without CKD, cancer or stroke. Total and out of pocket health expenditures for adults with non-dialysis dependent CKD are high and may be equal to or higher than expenditures incurred by adults with cancer or stroke.
Stabilization of the Dynamic System of Elasticity by Nonlinear Boundary Feedback

Uniform stabilization for the system of isotropic linear elasticity is established using nonlinear velocity feedback via traction forces on the boundary. Through the use of sharp trace regularity results and a nonlinear compactness/uniqueness argument, a proof is derived without imposition of strong geometric restrictions on the controlled portion of the boundary, thus extending the original work of Lagnese [8].
Effects of dietary carbohydrate on 1,5-anhydroglucitol in a population without diabetes: results from the OmniCarb trial.

Aims To characterize the determinants of 1,5-anhydroglucitol in people without diabetes and to determine the effects of dietary changes in amount and type of carbohydrate on 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels. Methods We conducted an ancillary study to a completed, randomized clinical trial in overweight and obese adults without diabetes (N=159). Using a crossover design, participants were fed each one of four diets in turn for 5 weeks, with 2-week washout periods inbetween. The four diets were: high glycaemic index (≥65) with high proportion of carbohydrate (58% kcal) (GC); low glycaemic index (GI≤45) with low proportion of carbohydrate (40% kcal) (gc); low glycaemic index with high proportion of carbohydrate (gC); and high glycaemic index with low proportion of carbohydrate (Gc). Plasma 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels were measured at baseline and after each feeding period. Results At baseline, participants had a mean age of 53 years (53% women, 52% non-Hispanic black, 50% obese). Their mean fasting glucose and 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels were 97 mg/dl (5.4 mmol/l) and 18.6 μg/mL (113.3 μmol/l), respectively. Compared with baseline, each of the four diets reduced 1,5-anhydroglucitol by a range of –2.4 to –3.7 μg/mL (–14.6 to –22.5 μmol/l); all P <0.001). Reducing either glycaemic index or proportion of carbohydrate lowered 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels. These effects were additive, such that reducing both glycaemic index and proportion of carbohydrates decreased 1,5-anhydroglucitol by –1.31 μg/mL [–1.63, –0.99; P<0.001 or –8.0 (–9.9, –6.0) μmol/l]. Furthermore, these effects were confirmed in a subgroup of participants with 12-h glucose monitoring and no documented hyperglycaemia (fasting glucose <160 mg/dl or 8.9 mmol/l). Conclusions Both type and amount of dietary carbohydrate affect 1,5-anhydroglucitol plasma concentrations in adults without diabetes. This finding contradicts the long-standing notion that 1,5-anhydroglucitol remains at constant concentrations in the blood in the absence of hyperglycaemic excursions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Insights About the Nature of Law from History

When analytical jurisprudents answer the question “What is Law?” typically they presuppose the state law model, then abstract from this to identify essential features of law. In this essay, I use a genealogical approach. Rather than abstract from current intuitions about law, I trace backwards and look for antecedents and variations, examining law in different social-political groupings, from hunter gatherers, to chiefdoms, to early states, to empires, to transnational law. In contrast to the static conception of law produced by analytical jurisprudents, this approach presents law as a social construction that changes over time as society becomes more complex, taking on different forms and functions in different social settings. I combine functionalist perspectives and critical perspectives to present the beneficial and oppressive aspects of law. What results is a dynamic, multidimensional vision of law as a social institution informed by anthropology, archaeology, sociology, history, and political science.
Assessing freeze tolerance in St. Augustinegrass: II. acclimation treatment effects

The adaptation of St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum [Walt.] Kuntze) in the transitional climatic zone of the United States is limited due to a lack of sufficient freeze tolerance. Lab-based freeze testing provides plant breeders with a reliable method for evaluating freeze tolerance. However, in developing protocols for freeze testing it is important to account for the underlying mechanisms that affect freeze tolerance. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of cold acclimation and deacclimation on nine St. Augustinegrass genotypes ranging in their levels of freeze tolerance. Results indicated that accounting for all levels of acclimation provided excellent genotype separation across freezing temperatures (− 3 and − 4 °C) and supports the hypothesis that the inclusion of acclimation response offers the best overall assessment of freeze tolerance. Genotypes with the highest known field winter survival had also the highest improved freeze tolerance upon cold-acclimation. Other genotypes did not respond to cold-acclimation which resulted in poor survival and recovery rates. Conversely, a significant loss of freeze tolerance was identified when plants were subjected to deacclimation events suggesting that St. Augustinegrass can be negatively affected by rapid temperature changes in the transitional climatic zone leading to increased sensitivity to winterkill. Overall, this study provides preliminary information regarding the complex relationships within and between mechanisms affecting freeze tolerance in St. Augustinegrass. Moreover, results presented here should aid in the development of protocols for selection of freeze tolerant breeding materials under controlled environmental conditions.
Targets without tolerances: improper evaluation of medical personnel

Background: Mandated assessment of medical personnel by comparing individual performance averages to external targets is standard practice in many health care systems. This method of assessment uses only raw or adjusted averages without considering the associated variation. Failure to correctly incorporate variation in the assessment of medical personnel results in evaluations which are neither accurate nor fair with respect to assessing personnel performance. Methods: Accepted statistical methods for process evaluation and quality control, including regression, control charts, and adjusted means comparisons will be used to analyze hospital length of stay (LOS) patient data for the period between January and October 2010 for 12 physicians in the Cardiothoracic Surgery service line at the Cleveland Clinic. Results: The analysis and interpretation of physician performance data using both targets and tolerances results in physician performance ratings which differ significantly from performance ratings based only on targets. Conclusions: Failure to include variation when assessing medical personnel performance results in a system of ranking, rewarding, and punishing based primarily on blind chance instead of one based on actual personnel performance.
The impact of wave energy converter arrays on wave-induced forcing in the surf zone

Abstract An alternative metric for assessing nearshore hydrodynamic impact due to Wave Energy Converter (WEC) arrays is presented that is based on the modeled changes in alongshore radiation stress gradients in the lee of the array. The metric is developed using a previously observed relationship between measured radiation stresses and alongshore current magnitudes. Next, a parametric study is conducted using the spectral model SWAN to analyze the nearshore impact of different WEC array designs. A realistic range of array configurations, locations, and incident wave conditions are examined and conditions that generate alongshore radiation stress gradients exceeding a chosen impact threshold on a uniform beach are identified. Finally, the methodology is applied to two permitted WEC test sites to assess the applicability of the results to sites with more realistic bathymetries. For these sites, the overall trends seen in the changes in wave height, direction, and radiation stress gradients in the lee of the array are similar to those seen in the parametric study. However, interactions between the wave field and real bathymetry induce additional alongshore variability in wave-induced forcing. Results indicate that array-induced changes can exceed the natural variability up to 15% of the time with certain array designs and locations.
Wafer scale BN on sapphire substrates for improved graphene transport.

Wafer scale (2”) BN grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on sapphire was examined as a weakly interacting dielectric substrate for graphene, demonstrating improved transport properties over conventional sapphire and SiO2/Si substrates. Chemical vapor deposition grown graphene was transferred to BN/sapphire substrates for evaluation of more than 30 samples using Raman and Hall effects measurements. A more than 2x increase in Hall mobility and 10x reduction in sheet carrier density was measured for graphene on BN/sapphire compared to sapphire substrates. Through control of the MOCVD process, BN films with roughness ranging from 1 nm were grown and used to study the effects of substrate roughness on graphene transport. Arrays of graphene field effect transistors were fabricated on 2” BN/sapphire substrates demonstrating scalability and device performance enhancement.
Trade-offs between larval survival and adult ornament development depend on predator regime in a territorial dragonfly

Trade-offs between juvenile survival and the development of sexually selected traits can cause ontogenetic conflict between life stages that constrains adaptive evolution. However, the potential for ecological interactions to alter the presence or strength of these trade-offs remains largely unexplored. Antagonistic selection over the accumulation and storage of resources could be one common cause of environment-specific trade-offs between life stages: higher condition may simultaneously enhance adult ornament development and increase juvenile vulnerability to predators. We tested this hypothesis in an ornamented dragonfly (Pachydiplax longipennis). Higher larval body condition indeed enhanced the initial development of its intrasexually selected wing coloration, but was opposed by viability selection in the presence of large aeshnid predators. In contrast, viability selection did not oppose larval body condition in pools when aeshnids were absent, and was not affected when we manipulated cannibalism risk. Trade-offs between larval survival and ornament development, mediated through the conflicting effects of body condition, therefore occurred only under high predation risk. We additionally characterized how body condition influences several traits associated with predator avoidance. Although body condition did not affect burst distance, it did increase larval abdomen size, potentially making larvae easier targets for aeshnid predators. As high body condition similarly increases vulnerability to predators in many other animals, predator-mediated costs of juvenile resource accumulation could be a common, environment-specific limitation on the elaboration of sexually selected traits.
Awarded Best Student Paper! -- Improving Storage System Availability with D-GRAID

We present the design, implementation, and evaluation of D-GRAID, a gracefully-degrading and quickly-recovering RAID storage array. D-GRAID ensures that most files within the file system remain available even when an unexpectedly high number of faults occur. D-GRAID also recovers from failures quickly, restoring only live file system data to a hot spare. Both graceful degradation and live-block recovery are implemented in a prototype SCSI-based storage system underneath unmodified file systems, demonstrating that powerful "file-system like" functionality can be implemented behind a narrow block-based interface.
Hypoxia inhibits expression of eNOS via transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms

Normal blood vessel tone is maintained by a balance of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators produced by endothelial cells in the vasculature. Nitric oxide (NO) is a potent vasodilator that causes vascular smooth muscle cell relaxation by elevating intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels. The physiological mechanisms regulating NO production in the vasculature are not completely understood. We report here that production of this vasodilator by vascular endothelial cells can be significantly suppressed by hypoxia. Exposing human endothelial cells to low PO2 results in 40-60% reduction in the steady-state mRNA levels of endothelial constitutive NO synthase (eNOS), the major enzyme responsible for NO production in these cells. The lower levels of eNOS mRNA result from decreased transcription of the gene as well as reduced message stability. In endothelial-smooth muscle cell co-culture experiments, hypoxic endothelial cells stimulated significantly less cGMP production by smooth muscle cells than the corresponding normoxic controls. This inhibitory effect of hypoxia on NOS production by endothelial cells occurs after 24 h of hypoxia and persists for at least 48 h. These new findings suggest that hypoxia might cause changes in blood vessel tone through compound mechanisms: by increasing the production of endothelium-derived vasoconstrictors and, as shown here, by suppressing the production of vasodilators like NO.
Initiation and regulation of transcription in coliphage lambda.

This chapter is an extended and updated but largely unreferenced summary of previous reviews (18–22). It discusses the transcriptional controls active during development of the bacteriophage λ. This phage provides a model system which permits critical study of the detailed mechanisms regulating gene expression.
Reproduction of RNA Bacteriophages

Studies on virus replication have been greatly facilitated by the discovery in 1961 of a small RNA-containing bacteriophage (Loeb and Zinder, 1961). The RNA coliphage represents a biological system uniquely reduced to its simplest form. Unlike all other bacterial viruses, the RNA phage does not contain DNA, but rather RNA as its sole genetic material. As a consequence, the RNA must serve a dual function both as a template for nucleic acid synthesis and as a messenger for virus-specific protein synthesis. Due to the size of the genome and the limited number (three) of gene products, it has been possible to elucidate the biological processes of replication and translation as well as the mechanisms by which these events are controlled. Over the past several years, considerable progress has been made in this respect, and though by no means complete, our knowledge of the RNA bacteriophage has become quite extensive. We have attempted to summarize below some of the more recent contributions toward our understanding of the molecular biology of virus replication.
Transmitter Timing Optimization in Digital Simulcast Networks

In this paper we analyze effects of differential delay of simulcast signals on an FSK receiver. Laboratory and field tests indicate that a significant deterioration in performance occurs when participating signals have similar amplitudes. FM clicks are observed at the symbol edges. Several improvement techniques are considered, and the emphasis is put on the transmitter timing optimization. A new algorithm is proposed for calculating the average differential delay over the whole multitransmitter simulcast area weighed by a user population density distribution. Effect of the signal transmission delays is investigated, and significant gains are found when the transmitters have widely different antenna heights. The proposed technique can be used to optimize the transmitter network layout.
Defining Behavioral Pattern for Historical Buildings in Izmir, Turkey

Izmir is one of the major western Anatolian cities in Turkey. Due to its prime location and its port, Izmir has become one of the busiest trade centers since the Ottoman Era. Additionally, its unique urban features have led the way for the city to host some of the most important civilizations throughout history. There are many important historical buildings sustained damages due to experienced earthquakes over the years. Currently, the historical buildings are under threat due to the high seismicity of the region. The frequency of earthquakes and the poor seismic performance of historic buildings in the past necessitate the seismic risk assessment of this historical buildings. Such assessment is also a necessity for the proper restoration and renovation of historic buildings in the city. This research provides an investigation of the historical building profile located in the historical Kemeralti district of Izmir, Turkey. Historical mosques have been investigated in site investigations via Rapid Visual Inspection Method. Base Scores and Critical-Benchmark Scores were determined based on-site investigations. Final score has been found out by using these two achieved scores. The scores were given in tables within a correlation of each other in the study. Based on site investigation, a behavioral pattern is defined for historical buildings in Izmir, Turkey.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Reduce Firearm Violence

Many states have adopted risk-based, preemptive gun removal laws to reduce gun violence. In this column, the authors describe the general structure of these laws, consider arguments for and against...
Proceedings of the forty-sixth annual ACM symposium on Theory of computing

The papers in this volume were presented at the Forty-Sixth Annual ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing (STOC 2014), held in New York, New York, June 1-3, 2014. The Symposium was sponsored by the ACM Special Interest Group on Algorithms and Computation Theory (SIGACT). On May 31, the day before STOC, there was a program of workshops organized by Kunal Talwar and Chris Umans; the workshops were on Recent Advances on the "Lovasz Local Lemma", "Efficient Distribution Estimation", and "Coping with Intractability in Unsupervised Learning". The conference was also the site for the Turing Award Lectures of Shafi Goldwasser and Silvio Micali.
Community-Delivered Heated Hatha Yoga as a Treatment for Depressive Symptoms: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study.

Abstract Objectives: There are no known studies of concurrent exposure to high temperature and yoga for the treatment of depression. This study explored acceptability and feasibility of heated (Bik...
'They got a project mentality’: Theorizing neighborhood dis-identification and the paradox of belonging through the lens of ‘the Ghetto’.

In a housing project in a small college town on the American East coast, a project that residents call ‘the Ghetto’, city administrators, social workers and politicians alike have often argued that housing projects offer living conditions that are not beneficial to the residents because, in a causal argument, they do not care about their community. Caring about the community is associated in public discourse and urban studies alike with positive identifications, and positive identifications with a sense of belonging, and sense of belonging with community. Based on long-term ethnographic research, this paper aims to critically discuss the question of how, on a meta-theoretical level, sense of belonging, community and positive identifications with a place are connected, showing that such connections are less obvious than sometimes suggested. Drawing on fieldwork on discourses of dis-identification and distancing in daily routines that constitute de-facto community as urban practice, this paper argues that first, sense of belonging and identification develops in an individual agents’ perspective, whereas community is relational and collective. This contrast explains the paradox of belonging: people say that others have ‘a project mentality’ and that they themselves do not ‘belong’ in the projects. Yet at the same time much of their networks and daily interactions consist of doing community locally. Second, this paper argues that usual explanations of simple stigma coping strategies - discursive constructions of dis-identification as a way of stigma - may play some role but do not suffice as a full explanation.
Efficient Distributed DSO Auction with Linearized Grid Constraints

This research describes an approach to implement a bi-level decentralized auction mechanism in transactive energy markets. At the lower level, a set of aggregators obtain energy demands of prosumers in their vicinity. The upper level is realized by the DSO, which maximizes the total utilities of all prosumers while maintaining prosumer privacy. The underlying constrained optimization problem is solved using the augmented Lagrangian method. Simulation results indicate that aggregators with higher demands and lower generations are charged at relatively higher rates. Furthermore, as aggregators that are further away from the DSO tend to constrain the grid more, their prosumers are also associated with higher energy costs.
Non-linear neoclassical model for poloidal asymmetries in tokamak pedestals: diamagnetic and radial effects included

Stronger impurity density in-out poloidal asymmetries than predicted by the most comprehensive neoclassical models have been measured in several tokamaks around the world during the last decade, calling into question the reduction of turbulence by sheared radial electric fields in H-mode tokamak pedestals. However, these pioneering theories neglect the impurity diamagnetic drift, or fail to retain it self-consistently; while recent measurements indicate that it can be of the same order as the ExB drift. We have developed the first self-consistent theoretical model retaining the impurity diamagnetic flow and the two-dimensional features it implies due to its associated non-negligible radial flow divergence. It successfully explains collisionally the experimental impurity density, temperature and radial electric field in-out asymmetries; thus making them consistent with H-mode pedestal turbulence reduction.
Design of a Growing Robot Inspired by Plant Growth

A novel design concept of expandable robotic arm inspired by plant growth is presented. The robot can construct its own structure by converting a type of fluidized material into a rigid structure at its growing point. The robot can extend its structure in multiple directions, and move through a winding space to reach a point, which is otherwise difficult to access. The robot with the rigid structure can also bear a significant load, has a plate to attach an end-effector, and can transport an object. The robot satisfies three key functional requirements that are characteristic to plant growth. First, the robot is capable of transporting structural materials to its growing point. Second, the robot is capable of transforming the material into a rigid structure. Third, it is capable of steering its growing point so that it is expanded in a desired direction. A proof-of concept prototype is then presented that consists of a special sprocket chain that can be switched between flexible/fluidized and rigid states, a winch that can pull/transport the chain, and a steering system to direct the growing direction. Unlike plants, this growing robot can retract its extended body, and can extend in a different direction. The prototype demonstrates that it meets all the functional requirements, and that it can make sharp turns and move through obstacles.