cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance enhancement of avionics systems

Many studies on managing obsolescence and refreshing technology concentrate on replacing hardware to improve the performance of legacy systems. In contrast, this author's research has concentrated on the development of methods that can significantly enhance the performance of legacy systems while requiring few or no hardware modifications. If hardware replacement is allowed, these methods can be leveraged to further improve the upgraded systems. The methods can be characterized either as algorithmic or architectural methods. Algorithmic methods include techniques such as new data compression routines. A previous paper by this author and a fellow researcher presented data compression routines that are suitable for implementation on legacy MIL-STD-1553 data buses. As expected, these routines were shown to increase the communication throughput. What may be less obvious is that they also increased the time available to perform computation. Architectural techniques include repartitioning of software functions and/or communications to free system resources. This presents these and other methods for increasing the performance of legacy avionics systems. The same techniques can also be applied to improve the design of new systems.
Romantic democracy and the rhetoric of heroic citizenship

This paper examines the rhetorical construction of contemporary democratic citizenship by detailing the narrative style and recurrent themes which constitute the ideal citizen as a “representative character” of contemporary American democracy. Central to the rhetorical form is the portrayal of the ordinary citizen as a “hero” of democracy. The rhetoric of heroic citizenship creates a series of contrasts that works to effectively displace a more collective, deliberative, and political understanding of democratic citizenship.
DOCSIS IP-Video Bypass Architecture (DIBA), an Architecture for IPTV over Cable

As with other video service providers, the cable industry is anticipating IP-video and IPTV, and plans to deliver these over the DOCSISTM (data over cable service interface specification) protocol that cable modems use. The delivery of IP video services will lead to a tremendous increase in DOCSIS traffic, higher IP bandwidth provisioning, and a lessening of the reliance on traditional, non-IP digital video. Indeed, DOCSIS 3.0 was developed with multiple downstream channels to the cable modems, in part, for the delivery of IP video services. The Modular CMTS separated the downstream modulators (EdgeQAMs) from the CMTS core to allow scaling of the number of downstream channels, mainly for IP video. However, there is an economic issue in play, namely that digital video bandwidth is still only a fraction of the cost of the IP / DOCSIS bandwidth that would supplant it. The DOCSIS IP-video Bypass Architecture (DIBA) mitigates this problem by exploiting the repetitiveness of video packets. IP-video is made to follow the same path as digital video, but still emerge with correct DOCSIS encapsulation. DIBA promises IP-video at cost parity with digital video.
Performance evaluation of solar photovoltaic arrays including shadow effects using neural network

This paper proposes a neural network based approach to estimating the maximum possible output power of a solar photovoltaic array under the non-uniform shadow conditions at a given geographic location. Taking the solar irradiation levels, the ambient temperature, and the Sun's position angles as inputs, a multilayer feed-forward neural network estimates the output power of the solar photovoltaic array. Training data for the neural network is generated by conducting a series of experiments on a shaded solar panel at different hours of a day for several days. After training the neural network, its accuracy and generalization properties are verified on test data. It is found that the neural network, which is an approximation of the actual shading function, is able to estimate the maximum possible output power of the solar PV arrays accurately. Further, the network is able to estimate the maximum output power for field data and gives rise to the possibility that the proposed approach can be used for making decision regarding the installation of solar PV arrays in the field.
The eRHIC Project

The eRHIC project plans to expand Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) with a high-intensity electron beam. Building on the exciting discoveries of RHIC, CERN, HERA and others, eRHIC will break new ground in collider luminosity and will push the frontiers of knowledge in nucleon and nuclear structure and in spin physics. The varied eRHIC physics programme and the proposed machine design will be presented and discussed.
Purification of a specific inhibitor of reverse transcriptase from human placenta.

Human placental extracts contain a factor which specifically and reversibly inhibits the reverse transcriptase of mammalian retroviruses. This placental inhibitor has been partially purified and characterized. It elutes at 0.1–0.2 M phosphate on hydroxyapatite chromatography and can be further purified by phosphocellulose chromatography where it elutes at 0.4 M KCl. By these purification procedures, specific activities of 40–70,000 units of inhibitor per mg of protein were obtained. The size of the inhibitor is about 60–65,000 daltons as estimated by velocity sedimentation. The inhibitor purified by these techniques selectively inhibits the activity of purified reverse transcriptase from Rauscher murine leukemia virus and baboon endogenous virus. It is substantially less active against the reverse transcriptase of avian myeloblastosis virus. The specificity of this inhibitor for mammalian enzymes and particularly for the human placental reverse transcriptase suggests that it plays a role in the regulation of DNA synthesis in human placental development.
An authenticate processing for the information system in Industrial Technology Research Institute

A technique for storing, processing, and transmitting highly sensitive information over a computer network in the Industrial Technology Research Institute's application system is described. Both secrecy information and user passwords for accessing this information are encrypted by using the public key cryptosystem of the RSA (River-Shamir-Adleman) scheme and El Gamal public key cryptosystem. Based on the special characteristics of this system where the development system and product system are located in different computers, the concept of the digital signature is used to let authorized users execute authentication programs and extract information. >
Scaling up microbial fuel cells and other bioelectrochemical systems

Scientific research has advanced on different microbial fuel cell (MFC) technologies in the laboratory at an amazing pace, with power densities having reached over 1 kW/m3 (reactor volume) and to 6.9 W/m2 (anode area) under optimal conditions. The main challenge is to bring these technologies out of the laboratory and engineer practical systems for bioenergy production at larger scales. Recent advances in new types of electrodes, a better understanding of the impact of membranes and separators on performance of these systems, and results from several new pilot-scale tests are all good indicators that commercialization of the technology could be possible within a few years. Some of the newest advances and future challenges are reviewed here with respect to practical applications of these MFCs for renewable energy production and other applications.
Autoregulation of transformer-2 alternative splicing is necessary for normal male fertility in Drosophila.

In the male germline of Drosophila the transformer-2 protein is required for differential splicing of pre-mRNAs from the exuperantia and att genes and autoregulates alternative splicing of its own pre-mRNA. Autoregulation of TRA-2 splicing results in production of two mRNAs that differ by the splicing/retention of the M1 intron and encode functionally distinct protein isoforms. Splicing of the intron produces an mRNA encoding TRA-2 226 , which is necessary and sufficient for both male fertility and regulation of downstream target RNAs. When the intron is retained, an mRNA is produced encoding TRA-2 179 , a protein with no known function. We have previously shown that repression of M1 splicing is dependent on TRA-2 226 , suggesting that this protein quantitatively limits its own expression through a negative feedback mechanism at the level of splicing. Here we examine this idea, by testing the effect that variations in the level of tra-2 expression have on the splicing of M1 and on male fertility. Consistent with our hypothesis, we observe that as tra-2 gene dosage is increased, smaller proportions of TRA-2 226 mRNA are produced, limiting expression of this isoform. Feedback regulation is critical for male fertility, since it is significantly decreased by a transgene in which repression of M1 splicing cannot occur and TRA-2 226 mRNA is constitutively produced. The effect of this transgene becomes more severe as its dosage is increased, indicating that fertility is sensitive to an excess of TRA-2 226 . Our results suggest that autoregulation of TRA-2 226 expression in male germ cells is necessary for normal spermatogenesis.
A One-Man Show: Glioblastoma Constructs Its Own Niche

It is now well recognized that tumor initiation and progression relies on dynamic interactions between tumor cells and so-called “normal” cells within the tumor microenvironment, much like the star of a show depends on his supporting actors to put on a good performance. Among these normal cells, endothelial cells were the first specified to be required for progression, which led to Folkman’s hypothesis that targeting a tumor’s vasculature could halt tumor growth. Antiangiogenic therapies have yet to live up to their promise, however, in part because of the remarkable plasticity displayed by tumors in terms of how they interact with their microenvironment. In essence, tumors practice improv; they have no need for a script. It turns out that in some instances, tumors may not need supporting actors, either. Not because they are unnecessary, but because the tumor is able to play multiple roles. This was shown first when Maniotis et al. described “vasculogenic mimicry”: the ability of tumor cells to form tubes that anastomose to the vascular supply and sustain the tumor. Now, Cheng and colleagues demonstrate that glioblastoma (GBM)–initiating cells can differentiate into vascular pericytes that stabilize tumor vessels and leave them less susceptible to antiangiogenic therapies. The authors isolated human GBM-initiating cells from a number of different surgical specimens and transplanted them into mice. A subset of these cells localized to the microvasculature and expressed a suite of pericyte markers. Lineage tracing and in situ hybridization confirmed that they phenotypically and functionally behaved as pericytes while retaining the characteristic genetic lesions of the tumor. Notably, introduction of a suicide gene driven specifically by a pericyte gene promoter revealed that selectively ablating GBM-derived pericytes inhibited tumor growth and delayed depletion of neurological function significantly. This study provides additional motivation for the development of combinatorial therapeutic regimens that simultaneously target the tumor and its microenvironment in order to delay progression of a fatal tumor such as GBM. Given that tumor cells are able to play multiple roles, the targets may be one and the same. L. Cheng et al. , Glioblastoma stem cells generate vascular pericytes to support vessel function and tumor growth. Cell 153 , 139–152 (2013). [[abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674%2813%2900210-9
Inheriting the values of a profession

win a spot in Mass General’s surgical residency. As a resident in surgery and later a fellow in cardiac surgery, he was known to arrive at 3 AM to prepare for his clinical responsibilities. Even decades later, his contemporaries---many of them now senior surgical staff at Mass General---still speak of how he always prioritized the care of the patient, and how he never left work unfinished for his colleagues. As students, we came to learn that no obstacle, medical or personal, ever drove Dr McCabe to feel sorry for himself. Feeling sorry was not an option, because feeling sorry would not help any patients, and feeling sorry would not make his multiple sclerosis fade. Thus, he possessed a quintessential doctor’s skill---the ability to look reality straight in the eye, and then confront that reality with decisiveness. His humility meant that he never underestimated the difficulties in confronting the realities of medical training and clinical care. He told us a story about trying to spend time with his daughter and wife at the beach during a precious day off in surgical residency. Exhausted and sleep-deprived, he fell asleep behind a sand dune, and his wife could not find him for hours. While reiterating the significance of doctors’ obligations to patients, he also acknowledged that the personal challenges in fulfilling those obligations would be tremendous. He was able to express both the absolute importance of confronting challenges while never minimizing the difficulties those tasks entailed.
MicroRNA-150 regulates mobilization and migration of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells by targeting Cxcr4

The interaction between chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, plays an important role in stem cell mobilization and migration in ischemic tissues. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of stem cell function and are involved in regulation of stem cell survival and differentiation to adopt different cell lineages. In this study, we show that ischemia inhibits the expression of miR-150 in BM-derived mononuclear cells (MNC) and activates its target Cxcr4 gene. Our results show that miR-150/CXCR4 cascade enhances MNC mobilization and migration. By using mouse acute myocardial infarction (MI) model, we found that MNCs in peripheral blood (PB) were increased significantly at day 5 after AMI as compared to control group and the number of CXCR4 positive MNCs both in bone marrow (BM) and PB was also markedly increased after MI. Analysis by microarray-based miRNA profiling and real-time PCR revealed that the expression of miR-150 which targets Cxcr4 gene as predicted was significantly downregulated in BM-MNCs after MI. Abrogation of miR-150 markedly increased CXCR4 protein expression suggesting its target gene. To show that miR-150 regulates MNC mobilization, knockdown of miR-150 in BM-MNCs by specific antisense inhibitor resulted in their higher migration ability in vitro as compared to scramble-transfected MNCs. Furthermore, in vivo BM transplantation of MNCs lacking miR-150 expression by lentiviral vector into the irradiated wild type mice resulted in the increased number of MNCs in PB after AMI as compared to control. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ischemia mobilizes BM stem cells via miR-150/CXCR4 dependent mechanism and miR-150 may be a novel therapeutic target for stem cell migration to the ischemic tissue for neovascularization and repair.
Iterative Image Enhancement Procedure With Dynamic Range Constraints

An extension to image processing of Van Cittert's iterative restoration technique for one-dimensional data is presented. A particular advantage of the algorithm given here is the ability to satisfy amplitude constraints. It is useful for presentation of high dynamic range imagery in a limited display environment.
Computational Challenges in Determining an Optimal Design for an Experiment

In this paper we present some computationally challenging problems for finding an optimum design in an experiment. We consider the problem of finding an optimum design when one model from a set of possible models would describe the data better than other models in the set but we do not know this model a priori. We also consider the robustness of optimum designs under a model when some observations are unavailable.
The Dynamics of Histone Modifications During Aging

Abstract Aging is a biologic process characterized by a progressive loss of functionality leading to increased sensitivity to pathology. As more knowledge is gained through the study of the epigenome, we are quickly realizing that dramatic changes in the chromatin fiber accompany the aging process. Since most studies correlate changes in histone density or modifications with the aging process, distinguishing between driver and passenger events remains challenging. In this chapter, we will discuss how changes in histone density, histone variants, and histone modifications either drive or accompany the aging process. We will also discuss how the DNA damage response and cellular senescence link histone modifications to aging phenotypes. Finally, we will discuss the contribution of histone modifications in progeria. Overall, we hypothesize that through their direct involvement in age-related phenotypes, histone modifications may represent an intriguing therapeutic target for the treatment of premature and normal aging.
Application of Acoustics in Air Pollution Problems

An analysis is made of the displacement and attenuation in a acoustic field with suspended particles to provide the theoretical basis of the experimental determination of the size and concentration of the particles in air pollution. The theory is valid for a particle larger than the mean free path of both components of the mixture and is compared favorably with the existing experimental data. The result shows that a pollution counter could be designed using acoustic properties.
Glucose suppresses superoxide generation in normal neutrophils : interference in phospholipase D activation

In neutrophils, N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) stimulates a respiratory burst with subsequent generation of superoxide anion (O2-.) by NADPH oxidase. Signal transduction involved in this process includes FMLP receptor stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis with formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis with formation of phosphatidic acid. Generation of these second messengers would lead to activation of NADPH oxidase and generation of O2-.. Neutrophils from diabetic subjects and normal neutrophils exposed to glucose have diminished ability to activate the respiratory burst in response to various agonists. The mechanism of this suppression remains unknown. We report herein that treatment of neutrophils with 15 and 50 mM glucose significantly suppresses the O2-. formation in response to receptor-mediated stimulation. The decreased O2-. generation is associated with marked inhibition of phospholipase D (PLD) activity, with limited hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine and formation of phosphatidic acid. Sorbitol (50 mM), a nonmetabolizable sugar with a similar osmotic effect, has no influence on O2-. generation or PLD activation. The 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced O2-. generation as well as PLD activation are unaffected by glucose. Furthermore, the intracellular Ca2+ transient in response to FMLP is not influenced by glucose. Taken together, these data suggest that glucose differentially interferes with activation of PLD but not phospholipase C. And, the fact that PMA-induced activation of PLD is not altered by glucose further suggests that a protein kinase C independent step leading to the activation of PLD may be altered by glucose.
Goblet Cells: Physiology and Pharmacology

In healthy individuals, mucus plays a major role in lung defense by ensnaring the particulates and pathogens contained in the > 85001 of air inspired each day. These mucus—particulate complexes are propelled by incessantly beating cilia to the glottis over the luminal surface of epithelium lining the airways, and are cleared from the airways by swallowing. The principal component of mucus is the high molecular weight glycoconjugate (HMWG) mucin, which is secreted by goblet cells in the superficial epithelium and by mucous cells in the submucosal glands. In the obstructive pulmonary diseases (OPD, including asthma, and the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases [COPD] cystic fibrosis [CF], chronic bronchitis and emphysema; see ref [1] for a concise and informative review of lung diseases), both the mucociliary clearance and the respiratory functions of the lung may be compromised by hyperproduction of mucus which restricts airflow and/or plugs the airways [2]. The various diseases in the OPD family have different causes and are characterized by different inflammatory conditions, but mucus hyperproduction, which presents a major challenge to the patient and the attending physician, is a principal characteristic of them all.
Optimal stimulus scheduling for active estimation of evoked brain networks.

Objective. We consider the problem of optimal probing to learn connections in an evoked dynamic network. Such a network, in which each edge measures an input–output relationship between sites in sensor/actuator-space, is relevant to emerging applications in neural mapping and neural connectivity estimation. Approach. We show that the problem of scheduling nodes to a probe (i.e., stimulate) amounts to a problem of optimal sensor scheduling. Main results. By formulating the evoked network in state-space, we show that the solution to the greedy probing strategy has a convenient form and, under certain conditions, is optimal over a finite horizon. We adopt an expectation maximization technique to update the state-space parameters in an online fashion and demonstrate the efficacy of the overall approach in a series of detailed numerical examples. Significance. The proposed method provides a principled means to actively probe time-varying connections in neuronal networks. The overall method can be implemented in real time and is particularly well-suited to applications in stimulation-based cortical mapping in which the underlying network dynamics are changing over time.
High Performance Ultrathin GaAs Solar Cells Enabled with Heterogeneously Integrated Dielectric Periodic Nanostructures

Due to their favorable materials properties including direct bandgap and high electron mobilities, epitaxially grown III–V compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) provide unmatched performance over silicon in solar energy harvesting. Nonetheless, their large-scale deployment in terrestrial photovoltaics remains challenging mainly due to the high cost of growing device quality epitaxial materials. In this regard, reducing the thickness of constituent active materials under appropriate light management schemes is a conceptually viable option to lower the cost of GaAs solar cells. Here, we present a type of high efficiency, ultrathin GaAs solar cell that incorporates bifacial photon management enabled by techniques of transfer printing to maximize the absorption and photovoltaic performance without compromising the optimized electronic configuration of planar devices. Nanoimprint lithography and dry etching of titanium dioxide (TiO2) deposited directly on the window layer of GaAs solar cells ...
Seasonal Changes in Brown Fat and Pelage in Southern Short-Tailed Shrews

We examined cellular changes in interscapular brown adipose tissue and pelage characteristics in Blarina carolinensis collected throughout the year in eastern Virginia. Cellular volume occupied by mitochondria and maximum mitochondrial size were significantly greater in the brown adipose tissue of winter shrews than in summer shrews. Lipid droplets occupied greater volume and were larger in shrews in summer than winter shrews. There were no seasonal differences in hair density; Type I and Type II guard hairs were significantly longer in winter than summer by a factor of 1.3. Woolly hairs were 1.2 times longer in winter than summer, a non-significant difference.
Study of a new pasty propellant multi-purpose rocket motor

A new method for pulse rocket motor designing is proposed in this paper, on basis of analyzing flow, heat transfer, ignition, combustion and extinction of a kind of nonNewtonian pasty propellant, in which oxidizer and fuel are mixed homogeneously. The new motor is of the advantage of solid propellant rocket motor and liquid propellant rocket motor both. This kind of pulse rocket motor is also thrust adjustable. Moreover, because propellant is ignited by combustion chamber surplus heat, no additional ignition energy is needed. The key technology of this new method is the designing of the re-ignitable igniter. A 2D flow and heat transfer model of propellant inside the reignitable igniter is established, control equations are solved numerically. Temperature distribution of propellant inside re-ignitable igniter during its flow to combustion chamber is obtained, in conjunction with a simple ignition criterion. Relationship among igniter temperature, igniter length, igniter diameter and drive pressure are also obtained. A set of prototype test apparatus is also built for multi-pulse firing. Some seven operation pulses are obtained, each lasts about five seconds, time interval among each pulse is about two second. * Associate Professor, The Fourth Academy of China Aerospace Corporation. ALAA member. + Professor and President, The Fourth Academy of China Aerospace Corporation. Copyright © 1998 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved. Nomenclature A section area of the tube k consistency coefficient L length of igniter tube P drive pressure m mass n propellant flow exponent Q propellant flow mass rate R radius of igniter tube r propellant burning rate T temperature Tig propellant ignition temperature t time tid ignition delay time tf propellant flow time u velocity x, y Catherine coordinate P propellant density /I heat conduct coefficient T shear stress T] propellant viscous coefficient u dynamic viscous coefficient
The Immigration Dilemma

Time after time, American legal principles have suffered deformations, and often resurface in reformed legislation, transformed by the experience. New generations come to power and question or forget what wisdom was gained. Concerns about culture, competition, or safety resurface. As legal professionals, we must look beyond the rhetoric and closely inspect the “criminal” charges against immigrants when their crimes derive directly from their efforts to survive. It is true that entering without inspection or overstaying a legally issued visa violates federal immigration law, but civil penalties punish these civil violations. In addition, the Constitution affords legal options and due process to all people regardless of documentation.
Statin and Metformin Use Prolongs Survival in Patients With Resectable Pancreatic Cancer.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of statin and metformin therapy on disease outcome for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).MethodsThis retrospective study included 171 PDAC patients who underwent surgical resection at the Stanford Cancer Institute betw
Planning for Sustainability in Small Municipalities The Influence of Interest Groups, Growth Patterns, and Institutional Characteristics

How and why small municipalities promote sustainability through planning efforts is poorly understood. We analyzed ordinances in 451 Maine municipalities and tested theories of policy adoption using regression analysis.We found that smaller communities do adopt programs that contribute to sustainability relevant to their scale and context. In line with the political market theory, we found that municipalities with strong environmental interests, higher growth, and more formal governments were more likely to adopt these policies. Consideration of context and capacity in planning for sustainability will help planners better identify and benefit from collaboration, training, and outreach opportunities.
Internal (Annular) and Compressible External (Flat Plate) Turbulent Flow Heat Transfer Correlations.

Here we provide a discussion regarding the applicability of a family of traditional heat transfer correlation based models for several (unit level) heat transfer problems associated with flight heat transfer estimates and internal flow heat transfer associated with an experimental simulation design (Dobranich 2014). Variability between semi-empirical free-flight models suggests relative differences for heat transfer coefficients on the order of 10%, while the internal annular flow behavior is larger with differences on the order of 20%. We emphasize that these expressions are strictly valid only for the geometries they have been derived for e.g. the fully developed annular flow or simple external flow problems. Though, the application of flat plate skin friction estimate to cylindrical bodies is a traditional procedure to estimate skin friction and heat transfer, an over-prediction bias is often observed using these approximations for missile type bodies. As a correction for this over-estimate trend, we discuss a simple scaling reduction factor for flat plate turbulent skin friction and heat transfer solutions (correlations) applied to blunt bodies of revolution at zero angle of attack. The method estimates the ratio between axisymmetric and 2-d stagnation point heat transfer skin friction and Stanton number solution expressions for sub-turbulent Reynolds numbersmore » %3C1x10 4 . This factor is assumed to also directly influence the flat plate results applied to the cylindrical portion of the flow and the flat plate correlations are modified by« less
Deficits and Surpluses Forever

For a long time many economists, including notably myself, have predicted that the pattern of large current account deficits and surpluses that emerged in the mid-1980s would prove unfinanceable on a sustained basis. In 1987 this prediction appeared to be coming true. The world’s central banks had to finance a large proportion of the US current account deficit (1), and despite this the dollar fell sharply.
Multiple-Valued Logic and Complex-Valued Neural Networks

In classical multiple-valued logic its values are encoded by integers. This complicates the use of multiple-valued logic as a basic model, which can be utilized in an artificial neuron, because the values of k-valued logic encoded by integers 0, 1, 2, ..., k are not normalized. To overcome this obstacle, it was suggested to encode the values of k-valued logic by complex numbers located on the unit circle, namely by the kth roots of unity. It is described in the paper how this model of multiple-valued logic over the field of complex numbers was suggested and how it was used to develop a multi-valued neuron (MVN). Then it is considered how a feedforward neural network based on MVN—a multilayer neural network with multi-valued neurons (MLMVN) was designed and its derivative-free learning algorithm based on the error-correction learning rule was presented. Different applications of MLMVN, which outperforms many other machine learning tools in terms of learning speed and generalization capability are also observed.
SMASH-MASH delta-sigma modulator using noise-shaping quantizers

In this paper, a new multi-loop delta-sigma modulator is proposed. The proposed modulator combines the use or digital filters in a multi-stage noise-shaping (MASH) structure with an in-loop digital addition or Sturdy-MASH (SMASH) modulators. This structure works with any types or modulator loops and quantizers and integrates exceptionally well with noise-shaping quantizers where the traditional SMASH Tails. Furthermore, the proposed modulator relaxes the critical analog/digital matching problem or the MASH modulators while providing excellent stability. Simulation results and mathematical analysis are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness or the proposed structure.
Soleus Muscle Herniation With Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound Correlation in a Female Long-Distance Runner: A Case Report

Abstract This is a case of a 40-year-old female endurance athlete with right leg pain while running. A comprehensive workup revealed a fascial defect with soleus muscle herniation. Although historically in many practice settings magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic imaging modality of choice for suspected muscle herniation through the fascia, the use of ultrasound is increasing because of lower cost, ease of access, and dynamic evaluation. To the authors' knowledge, there has not been a direct comparison between the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging versus ultrasound in determining the size or location of a soleus muscle herniation. Level of Evidence Not applicable.
Toward entrepreneurial pedagogies: Rethinking professional networking as knowledge making

This paper offers initial suggestions for teaching professional social networking as a technical communication practice. Our guidelines build from recent qualitative research analyzing the networking relationships, practices, and technologies that support technical communication entrepreneurship. This research demonstrated how technical communication entrepreneurs perceive networking to be steeped in learning and sharing knowledge across professional and personal social fields. Based on what was learned from participants, we offer a model for and guidelines toward teaching networking as connected to knowledge sharing and building. This paper next offers an example assignment sequence from a master's level technical communication course focused on online information design. Through research and theory building, we suggest that instructors and students should understand professional social networking as a multilayered practice of learning and sharing collective knowledge.
Ranking Law Schools, 2015: Student Aptitude, Employment Outcome, and Law Review Citations

This essay builds on a paper released last year that ranked law schools on three variables: the median LSAT of entering students of the most recent class, the most recently available employment outcome for each school’s graduates, and citations to each school’s main law reviews over the past eight years. This paper updates that study with LSAT median data for the class entering in fall 2014, employment data for the class graduating in 2014 ten months after graduation, and the most recent law review citation data for 2007 through 2014. It studies 195 ABA approved law schools.In addition to using more recent data, this study changes the method of combining those data. Where the last paper used simple ranks for each variable and averaged them, this study has a more granular approach to the data. It converts each school’s median LSAT score and the percentage of students employed in full-time, permanent, JD-required jobs ten months after graduation (excluding school-funded positions and solo practitioners) to standard scores. In addition, given the dramatic differences in number of law review citations among schools, it employs a common log transformation of law review citations and then converts the transformed scores to standard scores. The paper combines the first two scores to provide a two-variable ranking, and then combines all three variables to provide a three-variable ranking. The paper reports average scores for the three-variable ranking, thus permitting examination of how close schools are to each other. It also ranks the 195 ABA-approved law schools in the United States (excluding the three schools in Puerto Rico) that U.S. News included in its rankings released in March 2015. And it compares the new, two- and three- variable rankings to the U.S. News provided ranks in March 2015. It identifies the schools that improve and decline the most with the new rankings.
Medical Modeling for Precision Ulna Reconstruction Using a Microvascular Fibula Free Flap.

BACKGROUND Despite the growing use of medical modeling in other surgical specialties, its utilization in extremity reconstruction has remained limited. METHODS We present the application of medical modeling for ulna reconstruction using a microvascular fibula free flap. RESULTS Following a motor vehicle accident, the patient suffered segmental loss of the right radius and ulna with concomitant forearm soft tissue and muscle loss. Using medical modeling, imaging from the unaffected contralateral forearm and lower extremity was used to plan a reconstruction that restored the anatomic length and orientation of the ulna. Accurate ulna length was recreated from the contralateral ulna, which served as a template. CONCLUSIONS Cutting guides for the osteotomies on both the fibula and ulna maximized surface contact at the native ulna and fibula junction to aid in osseous healing of the fibula flap, stabilized the fibula orientation on the ulna, and allowed for lag screw placement for additional fixation.
Sisters in Social Justice: Do Counselors and Social Workers Advocate Differently?

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to explore a panel of experts’ opinions concerning potential features distinguishing social justice advocacy in counseling from social work. The experts in the area of social justice counseling came to consensus on issues concerning social justice and professional identity. The panelists concluded that distinguishing the two professions is counterproductive to the mission of helping professions. Several expert responses addressed the integration of social justice advocacy into the professional identity of counseling, including use of professional guidelines and education strategies.
Associations of coagulation factors IX and XI levels with incident coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke: the REGARDS study

Essentials Coagulation factors (F) IX and XI have been implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We studied associations of FIX and FXI with incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Higher FIX antigen was associated with incident CHD risk in blacks but not whites. Higher levels of FIX antigen may be a CHD risk factor among blacks. SummaryBackground Recent studies have suggested the importance of coagulation factor IX and FXI in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Objectives To determine whether basal levels of FIX or FXI antigen were associated with the risk of incident coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic stroke. Patients/Methods The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study recruited 30 239 participants across the contiguous USA between 2003 and 2007. In a case–cohort study within REGARDS, FIX and FXI antigen were measured in participants with incident CHD (n = 609), in participants with incident ischemic stroke (n = 538), and in a cohort random sample (n = 1038). Hazard ratios (HRs) for CHD and ischemic stroke risk were estimated with Cox models per standard deviation higher FIX or FXI level, adjusted for CVD risk factors. Results In models adjusting for CHD risk factors, higher FIX levels were associated with incident CHD risk (HR 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.40) and the relationship of higher FXI levels was slightly weaker (HR 1.15; 95% CI 0.97–1.36). When stratified by race, the HR of FIX was higher in blacks (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.10–1.75) than in whites (HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.86–1.31). After adjustment for stroke risk factors, there was no longer an association of FIX levels with ischemic stroke, whereas the association of FXI levels with ischemic stroke was slightly attenuated. Conclusions Higher FIX antigen levels were associated with incident CHD in blacks but not in whites. FIX levels may increase CHD risk among blacks.
Boolean Kalman Filter with correlated observation noise

This paper is concerned with optimal estimation of the state of a Boolean dynamical systems observed through correlated noisy Boolean measurements. The optimal Minimum Mean-Square Error (MMSE) state estimator for general Partially-Observed Boolean Dynamical Systems (POBDS) can be computed via the Boolean Kalman Filter (BKF). However, thus far in the literature only the case of white observation noise has been considered. In this paper, we develop the optimal MMSE filter for a class of POBDS with correlated Boolean measurements. The performance of the proposed method is subsequently investigated using the p53-MDM2 negative feedback loop genetic network model.
Introduction to Special Issue on the Best Papers from KDD 2016

This issue contains the best papers from the ACM KDD Conference 2016. As is customary at KDD, special issue papers are invited only from the research track. The top-ranked papers from the KDD 2016 conference are included in this issue. This issue contains a total of six articles, which are from different areas of data mining. A brief description of these articles is also provided in this article.
Association of Practice-Level Social and Medical Risk With Performance in the Medicare Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier Program.

Importance Medicare recently launched the Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier (PVBM) Program, a mandatory pay-for-performance program for physician practices. Little is known about performance by practices that serve socially or medically high-risk patients. Objective To compare performance in the PVBM Program by practice characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional observational study using PVBM Program data for payments made in 2015 based on performance of large US physician practices caring for fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries in 2013. Exposures High social risk (defined as practices in the top quartile of proportion of patients dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid) and high medical risk (defined as practices in the top quartile of mean Hierarchical Condition Category risk score among fee-for-service beneficiaries). Main Outcomes and Measures Quality and cost z scores based on a composite of individual measures. Higher z scores reflect better performance on quality; lower scores, better performance on costs. Results Among 899 physician practices with 5 189 880 beneficiaries, 547 practices were categorized as low risk (neither high social nor high medical risk) (mean, 7909 beneficiaries; mean, 320 clinicians), 128 were high medical risk only (mean, 3675 beneficiaries; mean, 370 clinicians), 102 were high social risk only (mean, 1635 beneficiaries; mean, 284 clinicians), and 122 were high medical and social risk (mean, 1858 beneficiaries; mean, 269 clinicians). Practices categorized as low risk performed the best on the composite quality score ( z score, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.09 to 0.28]) compared with each of the practices categorized as high risk (high medical risk only: z score, −0.55 [95% CI, −0.77 to −0.32]; high social risk only: z score, −0.86 [95% CI, −1.17 to −0.54]; and high medical and social risk: −0.78 [95% CI, −1.04 to −0.51]) ( P z score, −0.52 [95% CI, −0.71 to −0.33]), low risk had the next best cost score ( z score, −0.18 [95% CI, −0.25 to −0.10]), then high medical and social risk ( z score, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.23 to 0.57]), and then high medical risk only ( z score, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.65 to 0.99]) ( P Conclusions and Relevance During the first year of the Medicare Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier Program, physician practices that served more socially high-risk patients had lower quality and lower costs, and practices that served more medically high-risk patients had lower quality and higher costs.
DACDI (Define, Audit, Correlate, Disclose, and Improve) framework to address cyber-manufacturing attacks and intrusions

Abstract Cyber-Manufacturing Systems (CMS) is a vision for advanced manufacturing where physical components are fully integrated with computational processes via computer networks and the Internet. Despite of many benefits that CMS ushers in, realizing it is not possible without addressing emerging security issues in CMS. Among various attack incidents reported in manufacturing, the cyber-physical attacks are least understood – yet can lead to grave consequences. The need for understanding intrusion detection in CMS and developing an effective intrusion detection system is critical for the success deployment of CMS. Five-step cyber-physical intrusion detection framework has been developed.
Cerebral blood flow velocity and autoregulation in paediatric patients following a global hypoxic-ischaemic insult

Abstract Aim To describe the cerebral blood flow velocity pattern and investigate cerebral autoregulation using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) following a global hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) event in children. Methods This was a prospective, observational study in a quaternary-level paediatric intensive care unit. Intubated children, newborn to 17 years admitted to the PICU following HI injury (asphyxia, drowning, cardiac arrest) were eligible for inclusion. TCD was performed daily until post-injury day 8, discharge, or death, whichever occurred earliest. Results Twenty-six patients were enrolled. Median age was 3 years (0.33, 11.75), initial pH 6.95, and initial lactate 5.4. Median post-resuscitation Glasgow Coma Score was 3T. Across the entire cohort, cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) was near normal on day 1. Flow velocity increased to a maximum median value of 1.4 standard deviations above normal on day 3 and slowly downtrended back to baseline by the end of the study period. Median Paediatric Extended Version of the Glasgow Outcome Score was 4 at three months. No patient in the favourable outcome group had extreme CBFV on day one, and only one patient in the favourable group had extreme CBFV on PID 2. In contrast, 38% of patients in the unfavourable group had extreme CBFV on PID 1 (p=.039 compared to frequency in favourable group), and 55% had extreme CBFV on PID 2 (p = .023 compared to frequency in favourable group). No patient had consistently intact cerebral autoregulation throughout the study period. Conclusions Following a HI event, patients with favourable neurologic outcomes had flow velocity near normal whereas unfavourable outcomes had more extreme flow velocity. Intermittently intact cerebral autoregulation was more frequently seen in those with favourable neurologic outcomes though return to the autoregulatory baseline appears delayed.
Are high school graduates technologically ready for post-secondary education?

A research study was conducted to identify general computer literacy skills needed for all students at the college level, to assess the computer literacy skills of incoming college freshmen, and to determine if a need exists for a general computer literacy/skills course for all undergraduate students. This study surveyed faculty members at four-year, public institutions in Missouri to determine their opinions of what technology skills are important for all students to be academically successful. The study also examined technology skills of students entering post-secondary education. The information obtained through this study provided documented evidence to assist in determining if a general education course in computer literacy is still needed or if students graduating from high school are computer literate and possess the technology skills necessary to be successful in their post-secondary studies.
Second-Order Processes

There exists a large class of engineering and physics problems whose solutions require only the knowledge of the first two moments and some very general properties of a second-order random process (see Definition 1.5.8). This chapter is concerned with some key properties of complex-valued second-order random processes.
Access to Computational Chemistry for Community Colleges via WebMO

The use of computational molecular modeling to enhance the teaching of chemical concepts is becoming commonplace. Incorporation of this technique into the curriculum, however, typically requires fi...