cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apples and oranges: comparing schedule- and contention-based medium access control

Comparison of schedule and contention based MAC protocols is made difficult by their fundamental differences in approach to medium access control. This paper provides a way in which to analyze and compare MAC protocols regardless of their underlying allocation strategy. To that end a framework is developed in which the persistence of any protocol, contention- or schedule-based, can be measured. The framework is used to measure and compare the persistence levels of two prototypical contention- and schedule-based MACs, IEEE 802.11 and Scheduled p-Persistence. An ideal persistence that provides lexicographically max-min fair access to the channel is characterized, and used as a bandwidth allocation scheme. In addition to reducing the unfairness, simulations employing the ideal persistence values show increased throughput and decreased delay and drop rate when compared to either Scheduled p-Persistence or IEEE 802.11.
1H‐ and 13C‐nmr studies on caffeine and its interaction with nucleic acids

The relative orientation of caffeine in stacks formed by self-association in aqueous solution has been evaluated by both 1H- and 13C-nmr spectroscopy. The data, which were interpreted through the calculation of ring-current and atomic diamagnetic anisotropic effects of the caffeine molecule, suggest two caffeine bases may stack in a nearly orthogonal manner. The interactions between caffeine and adenylyl-3′,5′-adenosine, polyadenylic acid, and ribo-(A-A-G-C-U-U)2 helix were also studied by nmr at different caffeine/base ratios and at varying temperatures. The results show that caffeine tends to stack on the top of the terminal purine bases or to insert (the single-stranded) or to intercalate (the double-stranded) between purine bases.
Trefoil Factor 2 Requires Na/H Exchanger 2 Activity to Enhance Mouse Gastric Epithelial Repair

Trefoil factor (TFF) peptides are pivotal for gastric restitution after surface epithelial damage, but TFF cellular targets that promote cell migration are poorly understood. Conversely, Na/H exchangers (NHE) are often implicated in cellular migration but have a controversial role in gastric restitution. Using intravital microscopy to create microscopic lesions in the mouse gastric surface epithelium and directly measure epithelial restitution, we evaluated whether TFFs and NHE isoforms share a common pathway to promote epithelial repair. Blocking Na/H exchange (luminal 10 μm 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl) amiloride or 25 μm HOE694) slows restitution 72–83% in wild-type or NHE1−/− mice. In contrast, HOE694 has no effect on the intrinsically defective gastric restitution in NHE2−/− mice or TFF2−/− mice. In TFF2−/− mice, NHE2 protein is reduced 23%, NHE2 remains localized to apical membranes of surface epithelium, and NHE1 protein amount or localization is unchanged. The action of topical rat TFF3 to accelerate restitution in TFF2−/− mice was inhibited by AMD3100 (CXCR4 receptor antagonist). Furthermore, rat TFF3 did not rescue restitution when NHE2 was inhibited [TFF2−/− mice +HOE694, or NHE2−/− mice]. HOE694 had no effect on pH at the juxtamucosal surface before or after damage. We conclude that functional NHE2, but not NHE1, is essential for mouse gastric epithelial restitution and that TFFs activate epithelial repair via NHE2.
Multi-scale iterative techniques and adaptive mesh refinement for flow in porous media

Multi-component flow in porous media involves localized phenomena that could be due to several features, such as concentration fronts, wells or geometry of the media. Our approach to treating the localized phenomena is to use high-resolution discretization methods in combination with adaptive mesh refinement (AMR). The purpose of AMR is to concentrate the computational work near the regions of interest in the flow. When properly designed, AMR can significantly reduce the computational effort required to obtain a desired level of accuracy in the simulation. Necessarily, AMR requires appropriate techniques for communication between length scales in a hierarchy. The selection of appropriate scaling rules as well as computationally efficient data structures is essential to the success of the overall method. However, the emphasis here is on the development of efficient techniques for solving linear systems that arise in the numerical discretization of an elliptic equation for the incompressible pressure field. In this paper, the combined AMR technique has been applied to a two-component single-phase model for miscible flooding. Numerical results are discussed in one-dimensional and two-dimensional.
Factor mobility and the general equilibrium model of production

Abstract The two-sector production model is generalized to accommodate any degree of mobility in the two factors. The model provides a convenient framework for exploring the manner in which factor mobilities interact with factor intensities in resolving a number of basic issues in neoclassical trade theory. Particular emphasis is placed on determining the importance of absolute mobility when the two factors are equally mobile, and of the size of the mobility differential when factor intensities are equal across sectors.
Portfolio effects in knowledge acquisition from inter-firm alliances

This study reveals the knowledge outcomes of technologically diverse alliance portfolios. We find that technological diversity of the alliance portfolio has an inverted U-shaped relationship with k...
Spatially-resolved high-resolution spectroscopy of Venus 1. Variations of CO2, CO, HF, and HCl at the cloud tops

Abstract Variations of the upper cloud boundary and the CO, HF, and HCl mixing ratios were observed using the CSHELL spectrograph at NASA IRTF. The observations were made in three sessions (October 2007, January 2009, and June 2009) at early morning and late afternoon on Venus in the latitude range of ±60°. CO 2 lines at 2.25 μm reveal variations of the cloud aerosol density (∼25%) and scale height near 65 km. The measured reflectivity of Venus at low latitudes is 0.7 at 2.25 μm and 0.028 at 3.66 μm, and the effective CO 2 column density is smaller at 3.66 μm than those at 2.25 μm by a factor of 4. This agrees with the almost conservative multiple scattering at 2.25 μm and single scattering in the almost black aerosol at 3.66 μm. The expected difference is just a factor of (1 − g ) −1 = 4, where g = 0.75 is the scattering asymmetry factor for Venus’ clouds. The observed CO mixing ratio is 52 ± 4 ppm near 08:00 and 40 ± 4 ppm near 16:30 at 68 km, and the higher ratio in the morning may be caused by extension of the CO morningside bulge to the cloud tops. The observed weak limb brightening in CO indicates an increase of the CO mixing ratio with altitude. HF is constant at 3.5 ± 0.2 ppb at 68 km in both morningside and afternoon observations and in the latitude range ±60°. Therefore the observations do not favor a bulge of HF, though HF is lighter than CO. Probably a source in the upper atmosphere facilitates the bulge formation. The recent measurements of HCl near 70 km are controversial (0.1 and 0.74 ppm) and require either a strong sink or a strong source of HCl in the clouds. The HCl lines of the (2-0) band are blended by the solar and telluric lines. Therefore we observed the P8 lines of the (1-0) band at 3.44 μm. These lines are spectrally clean and result in the HCl mixing ratio of 0.40 ± 0.03 ppm at 74 km. HCl does not vary with latitude within ±60°. Our observations support a uniformly mixed HCl throughout the Venus atmosphere.
Reduced-state maximum-likelihood sequence detection for magnetic recording channels

This paper is focused on the design of partial response equalized channels and maximum-likelihood sequence detection for high density magnetic recording systems. Methods for designing linearly equalized partial response channels are presented and applied to a Lorentzian model for the magnetic recording channel. Reduced-state maximum-likelihood sequence detection methods are employed for the partial response equalized channels and the error rate performances of the detectors are evaluated.
Dual Cyclin-Binding Domains Are Required for p107 To Function as a Kinase Inhibitor

The retinoblastoma (pRB) family of proteins includes three proteins known to suppress growth of mammalian cells. Previously we had found that growth suppression by two of these proteins, p107 and p130, could result from the inhibition of associated cyclin-dependent kinases (cdks). One important unresolved issue, however, is the mechanism through which inhibition occurs. Here we present in vivo and in vitro evidence to suggest that p107 is a bona fide inhibitor of both cyclin A-cdk2 and cyclin E-cdk2 that exhibits an inhibitory constant (Ki) comparable to that of the cdk inhibitor p21/WAF1. In contrast, pRB is unable to inhibit cdks. Further reminiscent of p21, a second cyclin-binding site was mapped to the amino-terminal portions of p107 and p130. This amino-terminal domain is capable of inhibiting cyclin-cdk2 complexes, although it is not a potent substrate for these kinases. In contrast, a carboxy-terminal fragment of p107 that contains the previously identified cyclin-binding domain serves as an excellent kinase substrate although it is unable to inhibit either kinase. Clustered point mutations suggest that the amino-terminal domain is functionally important for cyclin binding and growth suppression. Moreover, peptides spanning the cyclin-binding region are capable of interfering with p107 binding to cyclin-cdk2 complexes and kinase inhibition. Our ability to distinguish between p107 and p130 as inhibitors rather than simple substrates suggests that these proteins may represent true inhibitors of cdks.
Evaluation of methods for detecting ecological effects from genetically engineered microorganisms and microbial pest control agents in terrestrial systems

This report summarizes and evaluates research from several laboratories that deals with the detection of ecological effects induced through exposure of microbes or plants to genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) and microbial pest control agents (MPCAs). Some 27 potential endpoints for measuring effects have been studied. Perturbations induced by GEMs have been detected in about one-half of these endpoints. Detectable effects have been recorded for over half of the 16 species of bacteria and fungi studied. The effects caused by GEMs and MPCAs include inhibition of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi growing on Douglas fir seedling roots, depression in plant root and shoot growth, inhibition of predatory soil protozoa, accumulation of a toxic metabolite during biodegradation that inhibits soil fungi, increased microbial community respiration due to rapid lignin breakdown in soil, and the displacement of a broad group of gram-negative bacteria that inhabit the root surface of cereal crops. These effects were usually, but not always, of short duration. However, some of the changes were irreversible during the observation time of days, weeks, or in one case, months.
Heavy water: a simple solution to increasing the brightness of fluorescent proteins in super-resolution imaging

Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PA-FPs) are widely used in live single-molecule super-resolution imaging but emit substantially fewer photons than organic dyes do. Herein, we show that in heavy water (D2O) instead of H2O, common PA-FPs emit 26–54% more photons, effectively improving the localization precision in super-resolution imaging.
Pharmaceutical stabilization of mast cells attenuates experimental atherogenesis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice

Mast cells (MCs) contribute to atherogenesis by releasing pro-inflammatory mediators to activate vascular cells and other inflammatory cells. This study examined whether MC activation or stabilization affects diet-induced atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (Ldlr(-/-)) mice. When Ldlr(-/-) mice consumed an atherogenic diet for 3 or 6 months, MC activation with compound 48/80 (C48/80) increased aortic arch intima and total lesion areas, and plasma total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels, whereas MC stabilization with cromolyn reduced these parameters. There were significant differences in arch intima and total lesion areas, and plasma total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels between C48/80-treated and cromolyn-treated mice. To examine a therapeutic application of cromolyn in atherosclerosis, we fed Ldlr(-/-) mice an atherogenic diet for 3 months followed by giving mice cromolyn for additional 3 months. Cromolyn did not affect aortic arch intima area, but significantly reduced lipid deposition in the thoracic-abdominal aortas. In aortic arches, however, cromolyn treatment significantly reduced lesion contents of Mac-3(+) macrophages, CD4(+) T cells, activated MCs, and lesion cell proliferation. While plasma total cholesterol and LDL levels increased and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased from 3 months to 6 months of an atherogenic diet, cromolyn treatment decreased significantly plasma total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels and increased HDL levels above those of 3-month time point. These observations demonstrate that MC stabilization reduces lesion inflammation, ameliorates plasma lipid profiles, and may serve as a potential therapy for this cardiovascular disease.
Stress and Adaptation Among Families of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth: Research Challenges.

Abstract As research has accumulated on gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) youth, more attention is being directed to their families. Research on the families of GLB youth is limited, although several studies have identified parental reactions to learning their offspring is GLB, and others have attempted to discover patterns of responses within families. Some problems with current research on the families of GLB youth are identified. A human development model is described which can help direct future research efforts.
Operating characteristics of a centrifugal extractor

The operating characteristics of a Podbielniak model 5,000 centrifugal extractor, having a combined-stream capacity of 450 cc./min. at 5,000 rev./min. and a rotor holdup of 529 cc., were investigated. Variables studied were density difference, rotor speed, light-liquid-out pressure, flow rates, holdup, and number of stages. A technique for holdup determination that comprises displacing either phase in the extractor with the other phase is described and experimentally demonstrated. An equation useful in predicting flooding limits is verified. It is suggested that the effective values of the rotor dimensions in this equation be determined by the behavior of the extractor. A relationship among number of stages, light-liquid-out pressure, and flow-rate ratio is demonstrated by extracting boric acid from isoamyl alcohol with water. With only a few runs this relationship should permit one to map in a family of curves for a particular system and thus rapidly to estimate optimum operating conditions. A procedure is outlined for applying the methods to other systems using similar extractors. First the constants in an equation are estimated from holdup measurements in order to predict flooding limits. Then a few extraction runs are made to estimate optimum operating conditions.
Understanding Noise Mechanism in Small Grain Size Perpendicular Thin Film Media

One of the myths of today's perpendicular thin film media is that there is no noticeable gain in medium signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as grain size reduces below 8 nm. A recent experimental study shows that intergranular exchange coupling exhibits an exponential dependence of the oxide grain boundary thickness for the thickness below 1 nanometer. In this paper, we present a systematic micromagnetic modeling analysis regarding the effect of spatially random intergranular exchange coupling due to the variation in grain boundary thickness. As oxide boundary becomes sufficiently thin in small grain size media, a distribution in the grain boundary thickness is found to cost significant SNR loss according to simulation results.
A user-friendly simulation program for teaching power system operations

This paper describes a user-friendly power simulation program for teaching power system operations and control. The motivation for the development of the program is to provide students with a simple and useable tool for gaining an intuitive feel for power system operations. This Microsoft Windows based program simulates power system operation over a specified time period (of typically several hours to a day). Students dynamically interact with the simulated system through various windows, including a one-line display. The use of data files and option windows allows the program to simulate a wide variety of different power systems and operating problems. Efficient programming results in a modest program size of just 450 k, allowing for easy distribution to students.
CHARACTERIZING LARGE-SCALE HPC APPLICATIONS THROUGH TRACE EXTRAPOLATION

The analysis and understanding of large-scale application behavior is critical for effectively utilizing existing HPC resources and making design decisions for upcoming systems. In this work we utilize the information about the behavior of an MPI application at a series of smaller core counts to characterize its behavior at a much larger core count. Our methodology first captures the application's behavior via a set of features that are important for both performance and energy (cache hit rates, floating point intensity, ILP, etc.). We then find the best statistical fit from among a set of canonical functions in terms of how these features change across a series of small core counts. The models for a given feature can then be utilized to generate an extrapolated trace of the application at scale. The accuracy of the extrapolated traces is evaluated by calculating the error of the extrapolated trace relative to an actual trace for two large-scale applications, UH3D and SPECFEM3D. The accuracy of the fully extrapolated traces is further evaluated by comparing the results of building performance models using both the extrapolated trace along with an actual trace in order to predict application performance. For these two full-scale HPC applications, performance models built using the extrapolated traces predicted the runtime with absolute relative errors of less than 5%.
Fighting for Standing or Standing to Fight

Thirty years ago Ned Lebow told me that political psychology could make its main contribution not by explaining deviations from rationality, but by developing its own independent theory. I was skep...
Unmasking the impact of gender on inflammatory bowel disease

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These conditions are characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea and at times, rectal bleeding, as well as numerous extraintestinal manifestations. A recent estimate of the prevalence of UC in Olmstead County (MN, USA), was 229/100,000, while the prevalence of CD was 133/100,000 [1,2]. The two conditions combined affect approximately 1 million people in the USA. The peak onset of both UC and CD occurs between 20 and 40 years, with a second peak between 50 and 80 years in CD. Although CD and UC generally have a similar incidence in men and women, some studies suggest a slight male predominance in UC and a slight female predominance in CD [1,2]. Very little is known about the effect of sex on the pathophysiology, long-term outcome, associated symptoms or medication response in IBD. The studies that have shown sex differences in IBD suggest that unmasking further differences will contribute to better therapy and understanding of the disease. Since IBD affects women in their reproductive years, special consideration of issues involving body image, sexual function, contraception and pregnancy are of particular importance. In this issue of Women’s Health, Dr Sunanda Kane summarizes these important sex-specific issues in women with IBD [3]. Studies show increased concerns of women compared with men who have IBD, including a poor body image, a feeling of isolation and problems with pregnancy. Absent or infrequent intercourse is common in women with CD, occurring in 24% of 50 women compared with 4% of age-matched controls, in a study by Moody and
Examining Electrostatic Influences on Base-Flipping: A Comparison of TIP3P and GB Solvent Models

Recently, it was demonstrated that implicit solvent models were capable of generating stable B-form DNA structures. Specifically, generalized Born (GB) implicit solvent models have improved regarding the solvation of conformational sampling of DNA (1,2). Here, we examine the performance of the GBSW and GBMV models in CHARMM for characterizing base flipping free energy profiles of undamaged and damaged DNA bases. Umbrella sampling of the base flipping process was performed for the bases cytosine, uracil and xanthine. The umbrella sampling simulations were carried-out with both explicit (TIP3P) and implicit (GB) solvent in orderto establish the impact of the solvent model on base flipping. Overall, base flipping potential of mean force (PMF) profiles generated with GB solvent resulted in a greater free energy differ- ence of flipping than profiles generated with TIP3P. One of the significant differences between implicit and explicit solvent models is the approximation of solute-solvent interactions in implicit solvent models. We calculated electrostatic interaction energies between explicit water molecules and the base targeted for flipping. These interaction energies were calculated over the base flipping reaction coordinate to illustrate the sta- bilizing effect of the explicit water molecules on the flipped-out state. It is known that nucleic base pairhydrogen bonds alsoinfluenced the freeenergy offlipping since these favorable interactions must be broken in order for a base to flip-out of the helix. The Watson-Crick base pair hydrogen bond fractions were calculated over the umbrella sampling simulation windows in order to determine the effect of base pair interactions on the base flipping free energy. It is shown that interaction energies between the flip- ping base and explicit water molecules are responsible for the lower base flipping free energy difference in the explicit solvent PMF profiles.
Sample complexity bounds for iterative stochastic policy optimization

This paper is concerned with robustness analysis of decision making under uncertainty. We consider a class of iterative stochastic policy optimization problems and analyze the resulting expected performance for each newly updated policy at each iteration. In particular, we employ concentration-of-measure inequalities to compute future expected cost and probability of constraint violation using empirical runs. A novel inequality bound is derived that accounts for the possibly unbounded change-of-measure likelihood ratio resulting from iterative policy adaptation. The bound serves as a high-confidence certificate for providing future performance or safety guarantees. The approach is illustrated with a simple robot control scenario and initial steps towards applications to challenging aerial vehicle navigation problems are presented.
Should Video Games Be Included in the Learning Process

Over the last two decades, video games have increasingly become an essential part of the ways of playing and learning. In this paper, we discuss the claim that video games should be included in the learning process based on the argument that video games have educational features, attract students, increase their motivation to study, and help students to use their knowledge in practice. Video games provide an opportunity for fun and effective repetitive practice for children. Traditional learning often fails to generate student interest in what they are studying in class. This lack of interest can result in ineffective learning as, in these cases, students are simply performing in the classroom but do not acquire knowledge. Students need special motivation, which can be provided by video games. However, play video games may also be associated with some negative behaviors such as addiction, hyperactivity, attention problems, and impulsiveness. We discuss the specific ways video games may support learning processes as an attractive way of delivering information and serving knowledge acquisition in the new media era.
Recognition of U1 and U2 small nuclear RNAs can be altered by a 5-amino-acid segment in the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) B" protein and through interactions with U2 snRNP-A' protein.

We have investigated the sequence elements influencing RNA recognition in two closely related small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP) proteins, U1 snRNP-A and U2 snRNP-B". A 5-amino-acid segment in the RNA-binding domain of the U2 snRNP-B" protein was found to confer U2 RNA recognition when substituted into the corresponding position in the U1 snRNP-A protein. In addition, B", but not A, was found to require the U2 snRNP-A' protein as an accessory factor for high-affinity binding to U2 RNA. The pentamer segment in B" that conferred U2 RNA recognition was not sufficient to allow the A' enhancement of U2 RNA binding by B", thus implicating other sequences in this protein-protein interaction. Sequence elements involved in these interactions have been localized to variable loops of the RNA-binding domain as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (D. Hoffman, C.C. Query, B. Golden, S.W. White, and J.D. Keene, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, in press). These findings suggest a role for accessory proteins in the formation of RNP complexes and pinpoint amino acid sequences that affect the specificity of RNA recognition in two members of a large family of proteins involved in RNA processing.
Hydration of the fat-free body mass in children and adults: implications for body composition assessment

Previous studies have shown that children have a higher aqueous fraction of the fat-free body mass (FFM) than young adults. In older adults, methodological differences among studies limit evaluatio...
A Double FFT Procedure to Improve the Sensitivity of a Tunable Diode Laser Open Path Spectrometer for Sensing Local Atmospheric Gas Concentrations on Mars

A double FFT procedure is developed to improve the sensitivity of a spectrometer to measure atmospheric gases. Simulations show the DFFT reduces the effects of 1/f noise and increase the sensitivity of the measurement.
Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Historical and Evidence-Based Perspective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, polyarticular, inflammatory, and destructive autoimmune disease. Although the precise cause, definitive cure, and ultimate prevention of RA are as yet unknown, remarkable progress has been achieved in understanding this disease that has resulted in improved medical treatment. Genetic determinants of RA have been identified, and smoking is now established as an environmental risk factor. The appearance of autoantibodies in the preclinical phase of RA has provided new clues to pathogenesis. Autoantibodies to citrulline-containing proteins (ACPA) are directed at antigens that have undergone posttranslational modification involving enzymatic conversion of arginine to citrulline. These antibodies, which are highly specific to RA, are useful diagnostically and are likely important in inflammation and destruction of joints. In synovial tissue, multiple cell types—including T lymphocytes, myeloid cells, and synovial fibroblasts—interact to foster joint inflammation, synovial hyperplasia, and invasion of the cartilage and bone. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play key roles in coordinating and amplifying these processes. Recent advances in understanding RA provide a foundation for new efforts to cure or prevent this condition.
State-owned Enterprise Reform

Reforming SOEs poses a major challenge to the governments in formerly centrally planned economies. In China, while almost all other aspects of economic reform (including price management, commodity and factor markets, taxation, investment financing, trade regime, foreign exchange system, etc.) have achieved significant progress over the past 20 years, the chronic performance problem of SOEs remains the government’s biggest headache. Various schemes designed to improve the incentive and performance of SOEs, such as the revenue retention system, the corporate income tax system, the contract responsibility system, and the shareholding system were experimented with and later widely adopted, but the performance of SOEs has in general continued to deteriorate relative to the non-state sector. Between 1978 and 1997, the SOEs’ share in total industrial output fell from 78 per cent to 27 per cent (see Table 6.1).1 Along with the relatively low output growth rate, the SOEs’ financial performance declined steadily. In 1997, 46 per cent of SOEs were operating at a loss, and the number of employees in these enterprises accounted for 41 per cent of total SOE employees (State Statistical Bureau, 1997b).
Der Ingenieur als Förderer der Volksbildung

Unser Vaterland ist an den Grenzen im, Westen und Osten seit uber 15 Monaten von einem Kampf umtobt, wie ihn die Weltgeschichte vorher nicht kannte. Millionen-Heere stehen sich mit den vollendetsten technischen Ausrustungen gegenuber und noch1 immer bringen Wissenschaft und Technik Erfindungen hervor, die den Massenmord und die Massenverletzung der Kampfer fordern. Gleichzeitig mit diesem Waffenkampf zu Land, Wasser und in der Luft geht ein Wirtschaftskampf Hand in Hand. Durch Unterbindung der Zufuhren und Verbot der Ausfuhren, suchten uns die Gegner auszuhungern und die technisch notwendigen Mittel fur den Waffenkampf zu entziehen. Anderseits suchen wieder Wissenschaft und Technik die Kampfeswunden in einer geradezu zu Herzen gehenden Weise zu lindern. Allerdings spielt dabei der Zweck, moglichst viele der im Kampf Verletzten wieder an die Front zu bringen, neben der reinen Menschlichkeit eine Hauptrolle. Es klingt fast unglaublich, wenn man hort, das 90 vH der nach Millionen zahlenden Verwundeten soweit hergestellt werden, um sie wieder militarisch dienstfahig, um sie zu neuem Kampf an die Front senden zu konnen und das es voraussichtlich gelingt, von den verbleibenden Militardienstuntauglichen (10 vH) den grosten Teil, namlich etwa 8/10, erwerbsfahig zu machen. Aber auch fur den Ersatz der uns durch Sperrung der Einfuhr mangelnden Stoffe sind Wissenschaft und Technik erfolgreich tatig. Wir kommen heute mit unsern Eigenerzeugnissen fur die Ernahrung und fur die Bedurfnisse des Heeres aus.
Convex Incentives and Tail Risk-Taking

This paper examines how convexity in incentives affects tail risks across and within different types of investment funds. The literature has documented different forms of convexity that a fund manager faces: discounts in closed-end funds, tournaments and fund flow-performance relation in open-end funds, and high-water mark provisions in hedge funds. Sorting funds by the degree of convexity and comparing skewness between the group with the most convexity and the group with the least convexity, we conclude that convexity affects fund tail risks. This result suggests that both implicit and explicit convexities provide incentives for fund managers to take systematic and idiosyncratic bets with tail risks.
Updates and review of neoplastic paediatric neuropathology

Abstract Tumours of the central nervous system are the second most common type of malignancy in the paediatric population, after haematopoietic malignancies. With the 2016 edition of the WHO Classification of the Tumours of the Central Nervous System (CNS), a diagnostic approach to paediatric CNS malignancies has been adopted, which increasingly incorporates molecular parameters, as well as histologic features. This classification system represents a major restructuring of many paediatric central nervous system tumours. This review aims to highlight the areas in the WHO 2016 classification system that have undergone the greatest changes in paediatric tumours of the central nervous system, as well as to review the key histologic and clinical components of these entities. The greatest changes in classification were adopted in embryonal tumours and paediatric diffuse midline gliomas with histone H3 mutations, while low grade astrocytic and glioneuronal tumours also underwent important grading changes.
Race and ethnicity and preconception folic acid supplement use among pregnant women in Georgia, PRAMS 2009 to 2011

Background The United States Public Health Service recommends that all women of reproductive age consume 400 μg of folic acid daily to prevent major neural tube defects. Hispanics have the highest prevalence of neural tube defects compared with other race/ethnic groups. We studied prevalence of preconception folic acid supplement use, and its association with race/ethnicity among pregnant women in Georgia. Methods Using state-wide population-based data from 2009 to 2011 Georgia Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, we examined the prevalence of preconception folic acid supplement use among pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years. We conducted multivariable logistic regression and estimated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to examine the association between race/ethnicity and supplemental folic acid use among study participants. Results Overall, 25% of all participants reported taking folic acid supplements daily before conception. Only 21% of Hispanic women reported preconception folic acid supplement use. Hispanic women were twice as likely to not take folic acid supplements (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–3.40) compared with non-Hispanic whites, after controlling for maternal age, parity, pregnancy intention, knowledge that folic acid prevents birth defects, and preconception smoking and exercise. Conclusion Hispanics are a growing population in the United States with an expected 14 million women of child-bearing age by 2020, and the prevalence of preconception folic acid supplement use is low in this group with a high risk of neural tube defects. Promotion of voluntarily fortified corn masa flour can lower neural tube defects in Hispanics. Mandatory corn masa fortification will be a more effective public health policy.Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploration of Using Antisense Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)-cell Penetrating Peptide (CPP) as a Novel Bactericide against Fire Blight Pathogen Erwinia amylovora.

Erwinia amylovora is a Gram-negative bacterial plant pathogen in the family Enterobacteriaceae and is the causal agent of fire blight, a devastating disease of apple and pear. Fire blight is traditionally managed by the application of the antibiotic streptomycin during bloom, but this strategy has been challenged by the development and spread of streptomycin resistance. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective, specific, and sustainable control alternatives for fire blight. Antisense antimicrobials are oligomers of nucleic acid homologs with antisense sequence of essential genes in bacteria. The binding of these molecules to the mRNA of essential genes can result in translational repression and antimicrobial effect. Here, we explored the possibility of developing antisense antimicrobials against E. amylovora and using these compounds in fire blight control. We determined that a 10-nucleotide oligomer of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) targeting the start codon region of an essential gene acpP is able to cause complete growth inhibition of E. amylovora. We found that conjugation of cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to PNA is essential for the antimicrobial effect, with CPP1 [(KFF)3K] being the most effective against E. amylovora. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of anti-acpP-CPP1 (2.5 µM) is comparable to the MIC of streptomycin (2 µM). Examination of the antimicrobial mechanisms demonstrated that anti-acpP-CPP1 caused dose-dependent reduction of acpP mRNA in E. amylovora upon treatment and resulted in cell death (bactericidal effect). Anti-acpP-CPP1 (100 µM) is able to effectively limit the pathogen growth on stigmas of apple flowers, although less effective than streptomycin. Finally, unlike streptomycin that does not display any specificity in inhibiting pathogen growth, anti-acpP-CPP1 has more specific antimicrobial effect against E. amylovora. In summary, we demonstrated that PNA-CPP can cause an effective, specific antimicrobial effect against E. amylovora and may provide the basis for a novel approach for fire blight control.
Perception of Welsh vowel contrasts by Welsh-Spanish bilinguals in Argentina

This study investigates the perception of Welsh vowel contrasts by Welsh-Spanish bilinguals. A two-alternative forced choice perception task elicited subjects’ reliance on vowel tenseness and duration in the identification of ambiguous Welsh vowels. Results demonstrate no effect of order of acquisition on speakers’ reliance on duration (over vowel quality) as a cue to vowel identity in Welsh. This supports past work demonstrating that speakers of a language which lacks a given contrast perceptually rely on the most salient phonetic dimension of that contrast in an L2. Results were also atypical: language dominance outweighed a predicted age of acquisition effect on speakers adaptation to L2 phonetic cues.
Distribution and habitat associations of the California moray (Gymnothorax mordax) within Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, California

While kelp forests are some of the best-surveyed ecosystems in California, information on cryptic inhabitants and their role within the community are lacking. Kelp itself provides overall structure to the habitat; however the rocky reef to which the kelp attaches is known to provide additional structure for cryptic species. Gymnothorax mordax, the California moray, is an elusive predatory species that is considered abundant in the waters around Catalina Island. However, no life history data exists for this species. We examined habitat composition, relative abundance, size pattern distributions, and biomass of G. mordax within Two Harbors, Catalina Island. Habitats were sampled using a combination of baited trap collection and transect surveys using SCUBA. A total of 462 G. mordax were captured, primarily in shallow (< 10 m) waters. Individuals of G. mordax were associated with mostly boulder and cobble substrates. Measurements of relative abundance and density indicate that G. mordax is more prevalent than reported in previous studies. We also discovered that the 6 trapping sites from which all morays were collected, differed in size structuring and density while the relatively high biomass did not change across sites. In general, southern facing sites exhibited higher densities of morays, while northern facing sites showed more size structuring. We show how the structural complexity of the rocky reef habitat in an already diverse kelp forest ecosystem, can support a high biomass of a cryptic elongate predatory fish.
Pathogenesis of Corticotropic Tumors

Subcellular molecular mechanisms underlying ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas remain elusive. Genetic and acquired animal and cell models have provided insights into corticotroph cell tumorigenesis, including cell cycle abnormalities and aberrant glucocorticoid feedback mechanisms. Novel peptide therapies targeting somatostatin and/or dopamine (D2) receptors and emerging microRNA studies may shed light on additional cellular pathways that regulate tumoral corticotroph cell function.
Ocular counterrolling in response to static and dynamic tilting: Implications for human otolith function

Nineteen subjects underwent rotation about the naso-occipital axis to examine ocular counterrolling (OCR) responses in both dynamic and static conditions. Dynamic rotation consisted of tilt to 90 degrees right and left at constant velocity of 3 degrees /s, with acceleration at 0.2 degrees /s(2). Static rotation (stepwise tilting) consisted of one minute at steps 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees, 60 degrees, 30 degrees to each side. OCR amplitudes at each of the above head tilts in dynamic vs. static tilt showed highly significant differences, with dynamic tilt exceeding that of static. Although OCR disconjugacy was greater in static than dynamic in most subjects, that difference was not statistically significant. Possible explanations for the disparity in the responses to dynamic and static tilt in humans lie in vestibular experiments leading to the conclusion that the otolith membrane in cats moves not as a unit, but rather in patches (28). This is supported by work showing the otolith membrane in bullfrogs does not move en bloc (1). In addition, hair cell responses are found to be amplified during motion as compared to the responses during static positioning (20). Functionally, it is suggested that the otolith system may perform better in moving than in static conditions.
Outcomes and Economic Benefits of Penn State Extension's Dining With Diabetes Program.

INTRODUCTION Many diabetes education programs address the problem of diabetes, but little attention is given to the economic impact of such programs. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of a community-based education program in improving diabetes-related lifestyle behaviors and biomarkers and ascertain the economic benefits of the program for adults aged 18 years or older with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or no diagnosis of diabetes in Pennsylvania. METHODS From October 2012 through June 2015, Pennsylvania State University Extension's Dining with Diabetes program collected data on 2,738 adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and adult family members without diabetes. The program consisted of 4 weekly 2-hour classes and a follow-up class conducted 3 months after the fourth 2-hour class. In the initial class and the follow-up class, participants completed a lifestyle questionnaire and their hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure were measured. Economic benefit was calculated as the medical expenditure cost savings resulting from program participation. RESULTS At 3-month follow-up, a significant number of participants had improved their lifestyle behaviors (diet and physical activity), had reductions in hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure, and improved their diabetes status. The Dining with Diabetes program had a 5-year benefit-cost ratio of 2.49 to 3.35. CONCLUSION Participants who completed the Dining with Diabetes program had significant improvements in diabetes-related biomarkers and lifestyle behaviors. If the Dining with Diabetes program were extended to half of the 1.3 million people living with diabetes in Pennsylvania and if they had similar improvements, the 1-year benefit to the state would be approximately $195 million, assuming a conservative 15% decrease in direct medical costs.
Development of a Novel Dynamic Simulink Model of the GT-MHR Core

A dynamic model of the Gas Turbine-Modular Helium Reactor core has been developed using the Simulink simulation program. The Simulink model utilizes a space-independent neutronics (point-kinetics) ...
Salivary response to esophageal acid in normal subjects and patients with reflux esophagitis

We studied the effect of esophageal acid perfusion on salivation in patients with reflux esophagitis and in normal subjects. Serial 10-min saliva collections were obtained by expectoration during perfusion of the esophagus with water, and then 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) for 50 min or 0.01 N HCl (pH 2.1) for 120 min. Within 1-5 min of beginning 0.1 N HCl perfusion, all 8 patients with esophagitis developed heartburn accompanied by an increase in saliva flow. By the time the severity of heartburn required discontinuation of HCl perfusion (10-40 min), saliva flow had increased nearly fourfold. With 0.1 N HCl perfusion, 8 of 10 volunteers developed mild heartburn after 22 +/- 3 min (mean +/- SE), whereas 0.01 N HCl induced heartburn in 6 of 10 volunteers after 57 +/- 12 min of perfusion. Saliva flow increased concurrently with the onset of heartburn and doubled in those volunteers who developed heartburn. Saliva flow did not change in those volunteers who were without heartburn. We conclude that esophageal acid perfusion unaccompanied by heartburn does not affect salivation. However, saliva flow increases concurrently with the onset of heartburn, a phenomenon called "water brash" when clinically evident. The increased saliva flow that accompanies heartburn may act as an endogenous antacid that serves as a protective response to symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux.
Managed Care, Hospital Characteristics, and Inpatient Utilization for Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased levels of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality.1 Managed care is a strategy intended to reduce healthcare costs2 but no research exists on the effects of managed care on SCD patients. In this study, we examine the impact of managed care and hospital characteristics on utilization of inpatient care for SCD.
Single-molecule Imaging of Metallic Nanostructures on a Plasmonic Metal Grating Superlens

The diffraction limit of light microscopes is a critical hurdle to free nanoscale imaging and analysis from bulky, expensive systems and complex analyses. We present a plasmonic grating substrate that extends light microscope image resolution in both fluorescence and brightfield modes. Enhanced spatial resolution was demonstrated by distinguishing between triangular nanoprisms and cubic nanocages with an epifluorescence microscope without the need for mathematical reconstruction. Nanoparticles were further analyzed by blinking localization microscopy, ground state depletion, and Airyscanning. Size and shape determined by these analyses compared well with values by electron microscopy. Using machine learning to predict particle orientation from detected signals and improve grating design may further improve this technique. Finally, single molecule blinking was visualized by smartphone camera, making superresolution observations readily available to a much wider audience.
Circadian spontaneous bioluminescent glow and flashing ofGonyaulax polyedra

A new, fully computerized method for the measurement and analysis of dinoflagellate bioluminescence has been developed and applied to the spontaneous light emission ofGonyaulax polyedra. This light emission consists of a low-level steady glow, and occasional superimposed flashes. The instrumentation distinguishes the two components and records them separately; both exhibit circadian rhythmicity. In this paper we describe the method in detail, and show results for flashing and glow measured under light: dark cycles and under constant light of different intensities. Under constant dim light at 19°C, both rhythms exhibit two peaks during a circadian cycle; the minor ones occur approximately nine hours before the major ones. Under these conditions the major flashing peak occurs early during the subjective night, and the major glow peak at the end, about nine hours later. However, the relative phase angle between glow and flashing peaks varies with light intensity, being as little as 220 min (3.7 h) in the dark under light-dark entrained conditions, to as much as 700 min (11.7 h) in dim light under free-running conditions. The ambient light intensity also affects differentially the amount of light emitted in the two modes of spontaneous luminescence. These results suggest that the controls for the two processes must at some point diverge.
A Distribution System Test Feeder for DER Integration Studies

The modern power system is undergoing a rapid transformation from centralized generation to distributed generation. The distributed generation consists of a large number of small distributed energy resource (DER) based generators with stochastic power output connected at different geographic locations throughout the feeder. Therefore, the operation of the future distribution grid requires novel control strategies to ensure reliable and optimum operation. This paper presents a modified IEEE 34 bus feeder test case with over 100% DER penetration. The test case includes eight PV plants with volt-var control, two switched capacitor banks, two regulators and a battery bank. The distribution feeder test case allows for benchmarking the performance of different feeder control strategies and to conduct other DER integration studies.