cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packet level modeling and simulation of real-time ethernet protocols for smart grids

Recently the communication network for power systems becomes one of the major focus in the development and deployment of smart grids. Particularly, how to validate if a real-time network can fulfill the strict requirements on communications, in a few ms or hundreds of μs? The basic approach is by precise simulations of the underneath communication network! However, the time requirements from distributed power applications cannot be met by the general data networks. There are no methods and tools available for such simulations, including the common network simulators OPNET and NS-2, due to the difficulty of simulating different time granularities. In this paper, we propose a simulation method for the modeling and operation of the protocols. First, we analyze the modeling and simulation of real-time Ethernet protocols that are widely used for connecting the most critical and fast response devices in smart grids. Second, we simulate the packet level performance of the real-time Ethernet. Third, we implement the modules for the protocol in the OPNET simulator. As an example, we model and simulate the EtherCAT, a real-time Ethernet protocol. Our extensive simulation results have demonstrated that the proposed methods are accurate and effective in modeling and simulating the packet-level performance of the real-time Ethernets. The methods can be also implemented in other tools to validate the timing critical devices in smart grids, such as super fast protections.
Doppler Cloud Radar Derived Drop Size Distributions in Liquid Water Stratus Clouds

A cloud particle size retrieval algorithm that uses radar reflectivity factor and Doppler velocity obtained by a 35-GHz Doppler radar and liquid water path estimated from microwave radiometer radiance measurements is developed to infer the size distribution of stratus cloud particles. Assuming a constant, but unknown, number concentration with height, the algorithm retrieves the number concentration and vertical profiles of liquid water content and particle effective radius. A novel aspect of the retrieval is that it depends upon an estimated particle median radius vertical profile that is derived from a statistical model that relates size to variations in particle vertical velocity; the model posits that the median particle radius is proportional to the fourth root of the particle velocity variance if the radii of particles in a parcel of zero vertical velocity is neglected. The performance of the retrieval is evaluated using data from two stratus case study days 1.5 and 8.0 h in temporal extent. Aircraft in situ microphysical measurements were available on one of the two days and the retrieved number concentrations and effective radii are consistent with them. The retrieved liquid water content and effective radius increase with height for both stratus cases, which agree with earlier studies. Error analyses suggest that the error in the liquid water content vanishes and the magnitudes of the fractional error in the effective radius and shortwave extinction coefficient computed from retrieved cloud particle size distributions are half of the magnitudes of the fractional error in the estimated cloud particle median radius if the fractional error in the median radius is constant with height.
Tetracycline and Doxycycline Inhibit Pleural Fluid Metalloproteinases: A Possible Mechanism for Chemical Pleurodesis

We hypothesized that inhibition of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) accounts for a portion of the pleural fibrosis and adhesions of tetracycline pleurodesis. MMPs recently have been described in pleural fluid from patients with both exudative and transudative effusions. Since tetracyclines are recognized inhibitors of other metalloproteinases, we investigated their inhibitory capacity in pleural fluid. High concentrations of several different tetracyclines reduced MMP activity of pleural fluid by more than 75 percent. Lower concentrations (≤1 mg/ml) had only modest inhibitory effects. High concentration of of tetracyclines also inhibited cell synthesis of MMPs, in vitro , but other measures of vital cell function were also impaired. We conclude that tetracyclines are effective inhibitors of MMP activity in pleural fluid and may also reduce synthesis of MMPs via non specific cell injury. These data suggest a possible mechanism to account for tetracycline pleurodesis; ie , an inhibition of MMP activity in pleural fluid.
Mediators, moderators, and evidence-based explanation: comment on Blatt et al.

The article by Blatt et al. (Blatt, Zuroff, Hawley, & Auerbach, 2010) summarizes some of the major components of a comprehensive research program that includes a theory of personality organization,...
Comparison of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy with virtual chromoendoscopy for classification of colon polyps.

Background & Aims Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) allows in vivo imaging of tissue at micron resolution. Virtual chromoendoscopy systems, such as Fujinon intelligent color enhancement and narrow band imaging, also have potential to differentiate neoplastic colorectal lesions. The accuracy of these systems in clinical practice is, however, unknown. Our primary aim was to compare sensitivity and specificity of pCLE to virtual chromoendoscopy for classification of colorectal polyps using histopathology as a gold standard. A secondary aim was to compare sensitivity and specificity of pCLE to virtual chromoendoscopy using a modified gold standard that assumed that all polyps ≥10 mm had malignant potential and were considered neoplastic or high risk. Methods Patients underwent colonoscopy using high-resolution colonoscopes. The surface pit pattern was determined with NBI or FICE in all patients. Confocal images were recorded and subsequently analyzed offline, blinded to the endoscopic characteristics and histopathology. Each polyp was diagnosed as benign or neoplastic based on confocal features according to modified Mainz criteria. Results A total of 119 polyps (81 neoplastic, 38 hyperplastic) from 75 patients was assessed. The pCLE had higher sensitivity compared to virtual chromoendoscopy when considering histopathology as gold standard (91% vs 77%; P = .010) and modified gold standard (88% vs 76%; P = .037). There was no statistically significant difference in specificity between pCLE and virtual chromoendoscopy when considering histopathology or modified gold standard. Conclusions Confocal endomicroscopy demonstrated higher sensitivity with similar specificity in classification of colorectal polyps. These new methods may replace the need for ex vivo histological confirmation of small polyps, but further studies are warranted.
Using the Concrete–Representational–Abstract Sequence to Teach Subtraction With Regrouping to Students at Risk for Failure

This study investigated the effects of the concrete—representational—abstract (CRA) instructional sequence on the subtraction performance of students identified as at-risk for mathematics failure. Although the CRA sequence has been demonstrated as effective for teaching a variety of mathematical skills and processes its effects when used to teach subtraction with regrouping have not been studied. This study examined the effects of CRA instruction on elementary students’ fluency in computing subtraction problems with regrouping in the tens place as well as regrouping in both the tens and hundreds places. The study also investigated the effects of CRA instruction on students’ maintenance of regrouping skills. A multiple probe across students with embedded changing behaviors design was employed. A functional relation between CRA instruction and subtraction with regrouping was demonstrated across all students. The results and their implications are discussed further.
Immersion in desktop virtual reality

This paper explores techniques for evaluating and improving immersion in Desktop Virtual Reality (VR). Three experiments are reported which extend findings on immersion in VR reported by Pausch et al. [9]. In the current experiments, a visual search paradigm was used to examine navigation in Desktop VR both with and without navigational aids. Pausch et al. found that non-head tracked users took significantly longer than predicted when the search target was absent, which was interpreted as indicative of a loss of sense of immersion. Our first experiment extended the Pausch et al. experiment to a desktop display. Our findings differ in that search times matched prediction when the target was absent, indicating that the Pausch et al. study does not transfer to Desktop VR. In the second and third experiments, our visual search task was performed while navigating a set of 3D hallways. We introduce a new navigation aid called Peripheral L.enses, intended to provide simulated peripheral vision. Informal studies suggested that Peripheral Lenses decrease search time, indicating an enhanced sense of immersion in Desktop VR. However, formal studies contradict that, demonstrating the importance of formal usability studies in the development of user interface software. We also gained evidence that visual attention findings transfer to Desktop VR.
Mechanism divergence in microbial rhodopsins

A fundamental design principle of microbial rhodopsins is that they share the same basic light-induced conversion between two conformers. Alternate access of the Schiff base to the outside and to the cytoplasm in the outwardly open "E" conformer and cytoplasmically open "C" conformer, respectively, combined with appropriate timing of pKa changes controlling Schiff base proton release and uptake make the proton path through the pumps vectorial. Phototaxis receptors in prokaryotes, sensory rhodopsins I and II, have evolved new chemical processes not found in their proton pump ancestors, to alter the consequences of the conformational change or modify the change itself. Like proton pumps, sensory rhodopsin II undergoes a photoinduced E→C transition, with the C conformer a transient intermediate in the photocycle. In contrast, one light-sensor (sensory rhodopsin I bound to its transducer HtrI) exists in the dark as the C conformer and undergoes a light-induced C→E transition, with the E conformer a transient photocycle intermediate. Current results indicate that algal phototaxis receptors channelrhodopsins undergo redirected Schiff base proton transfers and a modified E→C transition which, contrary to the proton pumps and other sensory rhodopsins, is not accompanied by the closure of the external half-channel. The article will review our current understanding of how the shared basic structure and chemistry of microbial rhodopsins have been modified during evolution to create diverse molecular functions: light-driven ion transport and photosensory signaling by protein-protein interaction and light-gated ion channel activity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Retinal Proteins - You can teach an old dog new tricks.
NeuroQuest: A comprehensive tool for large scale neural data processing and analysis

Analysis of neural data recorded with implantable microelectrode arrays poses a significant challenge to the neuroscience and the neural engineering communities. The numerous signal processing and analysis steps need to be performed in order to extract the affluent amount of information in these data to understand their correlation with observed behavior. This paper summarizes our most recent effort to develop a comprehensive neural signal processing and data analysis software that incorporates standard analysis tools in addition to our in-house advanced tools. The software, referred to herein as NeuroQuest®, is implemented using MATLAB. It has been extensively tested on simulated and experimental neural data and will be disseminated to the community in the short term.
Radiorésistance en relation avec l'activation d'oncogène

Despite considerable research over the past three decades, the factors that control the response of human tumors to radiation remain poorly understood. Normal human cell strains studied in vitro show a rather narrow range in radiosensitiv ity (1), whereas human tumor cells vary considerably in their sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of radiation (2,3). Cells from some types of tumors such as soft tissue sarcomas are quite radiosensitive in vitro while a number of cell lines established from various human tumors including squamous cell carcinomas are unusually radioresistant, well beyond the range observed in normal cells (3). The reasons for this variation are not known. Mutations in a number of different oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes have been associated with different types of human cancer. Two observations have suggested a possible role for such genes in the sensitivity of cells to killing by ionizing radiation. First, certain human diploid fibroblast cell strains transformed by the SV-40 virus were found to be less radiosensitive than their non-transformed counterparts. Second, evidence has been presented that transfection of rodent cells with an activated ras oncogene may render these cells more resistant to killing by radiation (4,5). We have studied these two phenomena systematically in normal human diploid fibroblasts, as well as in two human tumor cell lines. Three human diploid cell strains were transfected with an activated Ha-ras oncogene (EJ ras) or the SV-40 T-antigen (6). Multiple clones were isolated from each strain and examined for their sensitivity to x-irradiation in vitro, as well as for morphological alterations, immortalization and tumorigenicity in nude mice. Cells transfected with the activated ras oncogene alone showed no morphological alterations nor significant changes in radiosensitiv ity. Clones expressing SV-40 T-antigen, on the other hand, were significantly radioresistant as compared with their parental cells or clones tranfected with the neo gene only. This radioresistant phenotype persisted in post-crisis, immortalized cell lines. These data suggest that expression of the SV-40 T-antigen but not activated Ha-ras plays a significant role in the radiosensitivity of human diploid cells. The radioresistant phenotype was not related to the enhanced level of genetic instability seen in pre-crisis and newly immortalized cells, nor to the process of immortalizati on itself.
Education and Commercialization: Raising Awareness and Making Wise Decisions

We are living in a world of commercialization—everything has a price tag and conspicuous consumption appears to be the way of the western world. The media and politicians remind us that our educational system must prepare our students to be competitive in a global economy. To discuss commercialization in education, we must place it in the current social and economic context. “...The organization of the school, as it is presently constructed, institutionalizes consumer materialism” (Boyles, 1998, p. 4). One result has been a growth in the number and types of partnerships between schools and corporations. We may disagree whether this is the way things should be, but it is the way they currently are, and this presents a challenging conundrum for educators.
Prior exercise increases phosphorylation of Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) in rat skeletal muscle

The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the increased glucose transport (GT) found immediately postexercise (IPEX) or 4 h postexercise (4hPEX) is accompanied by increased phosphoryl...
Coupling occupancy information with HVAC energy simulation: a systematic review of simulation programs

Adjusting for occupancy, when controlling an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, is an important way to realize demand-driven control and improve energy efficiency in buildings. Energy simulation is an efficient way to examine the effects of occupancy on a building's energy consumption and a cost-effective and non-intrusive solution to test occupancy-based HVAC control strategies. However, more than one hundred building energy simulation programs are used in research and practice, and large discrepancies exist in simulated results when different simulation programs are used to model the same building under same conditions. This paper evaluates different methods and sequences of coupling occupancy information with building HVAC energy simulation. A systematic review is conducted to analyze five energy simulation programs, including DOE-2, EnergyPlus, IES-VE, ESP-r, and TRNSYS, from the following five perspectives of heat transfer and balance, load calculation, occupancy-HVAC system connection, HVAC system modeling, and HVAC system simulation process.
Review article: Three new complementing second language acquisition textbooks

Three new textbooks in second language acquisition (SLA) differ in their aims. Saville-Troike (2006) offers a concise introductory text with an interdisciplinary approach. De Bot, Lowie and Verspoor (2005) provide a more comprehensive and more advanced introductory text with excerpts from the scholarly literature. Sanz (2005) presents an edited volume representing research in various subfields within an information-processing approach to SLA. All three offer valuable material for instructors to draw on, and they complement one another in interesting ways.
OscR, a New Osmolarity-Responsive Regulator in Vibrio cholerae

Cholera, a debilitating enteric disease of humans, is characterized by massive diarrhea that is frequently lethal when untreated. Typically arising from ingestion of contaminated drinking water, the disease is caused by toxigenic strains of the gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae through their colonization of the small intestine and production of cholera toxin (CT), an enterotoxin (5, 15). The bacterium occurs in coastal, bay, and estuarine waters and in association with aquatic plankton as an autochthonous member of aquatic microbial communities. Along with other environmental factors, salinity is thought to govern the distribution of V. cholerae in aquatic environments and consequently might play a key role in the incidence and seasonal occurrence of the disease (2, 3, 7-11, 16, 17, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31, 34). Understanding how the bacterium adapts to changes in salinity in its transitions between aquatic habitats, sources of drinking water, and the human intestine may therefore provide critical insight into the interrelated issues of the environmental dynamics of the bacterium and its pathogenic interactions with humans. In this issue, Shikuma and Yildiz (29) report a transcript profiling approach leading to identification of V. cholerae genes differentially regulated by salinity (osmolarity). Their identification and analysis of salinity-responsive genes, and in particular the identification of a new osmolarity-responsive regulator, OscR, open up new territory on how V. cholerae copes with and responds adaptively to changes in salinity during its transitions between the environment and the human intestine.
Design Strategy for Scale-Up of Physical Vapor Deposition of Cu(InGa) Se2 on Flexible Substrates

It has been observed that scale-up of the Cu(InGa)Se2 Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) onto flexible substrates to wide webs and long runtimes will lead to unacceptable film qualities due to issues associated with the thermal characteristics of the source-boats and the effect of melt level reduction with time. These issues are the subject of the present paper. The difficulties encountered with the design of the sources presently in operation are addressed, and new designs are proposed that resolve the problem of thickness and composition uniformity over wider substrates (~12 inches). Simulation results are presented comparing the old source design with the proposed new one for a 12-inch wide substrate. It is shown that improved film thickness uniformity and hence composition uniformity is achieved with the proposed designs, and material utilization can be improved by an appropriate choice of system design parameters such as nozzle-to-substrate distance.
A Comparison of Methods to Determine K in a Shallow Coastal Aquifer

Five methods (tidal damping, tracer, slug, permeameter, and grain-size analysis) for the determination of hydraulic conductivity (K) were compared in both upland and shoreline regions of a sandy outwash aquifer adjacent to a shallow coastal embayment. The 7 m tracer test and tidal damping methods appeared to determine in situ K over sufficient horizontal scales to integrate the spatial variability of K within the aquifer, with the tracer test giving the most reproducible K estimates for the upland, 109 m/d. The tidal K measurements were similar to the tracer results, 106 m/d, integrating K over greater distances (30 to 85 m), but were highly variable due to the large aquifer storativity, small tidal amplitude, and irregular tides. The smaller scale methods yielded lower upland K estimates with the lowest value from permeameters, 29 m/d, only about one-third of the other four methods. Estimates of upland K by both grain-size and slug tests were comparable, 86 m/d and 71 m/d, respectively. However, the K derived from grain-size methods was dependent not only upon the sediment but on the method selected, with consistently higher values of K generated by the Hazen equation than the Krumbein and Monk equation. Verification by in situ tests may be useful in removing this bias. Significant differences in K were found between shoreline and upland regions, though the relative magnitude of the difference was not constant: among the four methods where comparative measurements were possible, shoreline K ranged from 42% to 75% of upland values. Slug tests yielded the largest differences, 30 m/d and 71 m/d, with permeameter, 18 m/d and 24 m/d, the lowest. The lower K of shoreline sediments appears to be the result of processes associated with coastal embayments and should be addressed in the measurement and modeling of coastal ground-water discharge.
Mulching Effects and Nitrogen Application on the Performance of Zea mays L: Crop Growth and Nutrient Accumulation

Maize is an agronomic cereal species that is sensitive to nutrient applications, especially nitrogen. Field experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and mulching using dried weeds on maize growth and nutrient accumulation. The study was located in the Research Farm of the Agricultural Science Education Unit of the Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria ((latitude 5 0 46’N and longitude 6 0 5’E). The experiment consist of eight (8) treatments (i) control (ii) 40kgNha -1 (iii) 80kgNha -1 (iv) 120kgNha -1 (v) 4.5t ha -1 Panicum maximum + 40kgNha -1 (vi) 4.5t ha -1 Pueraria phaseoloides + 40kgNha -1 (vii) 4.5t ha -1 Eleusine indica + 40kgNha -1 (viii) 4.5t ha -1 Stylosanthes gracilis + 40kgNha -1 . The treatments were replicated three times. From research results, the combination of Pueraria phaseoloides with 40kgNha -1 showed higher maize plant height, foliage development attributes, shoot dry matter, crop growth indices and nutrient uptake compared to other combinations, while only nitrogen application of 120kgNha -1 recorded the highest in all the treatments. It can be concluded based on the results in this study, that legume based weeds as mulch can be supplemented with nitrogen to improve maize growth.
Variance-reduced simulation of lattice discrete-time Markov chains with applications in reaction networks

We propose an algorithm to accelerate Monte Carlo simulation for a broad class of stochastic processes. Specifically, the class of countable-state, discrete-time Markov chains driven by additive Poisson noise, or lattice discrete-time Markov chains. In particular, this class includes simulation of reaction networks via the tau-leaping algorithm. To produce the speedup, we simulate pairs of fair-draw trajectories that are negatively correlated. Thus, when averaged, these paths produce an unbiased Monte Carlo estimator that has reduced variance and, therefore, reduced error. Numerical results for three example systems included in this work demonstrate two to four orders of magnitude reduction of mean-square error. The numerical examples were chosen to illustrate different application areas and levels of system complexity. The areas are: gene expression (affine state-dependent rates), aerosol particle coagulation with emission and human immunodeficiency virus infection (both with nonlinear state-dependent rates). Our algorithm views the system dynamics as a "black-box", i.e., we only require control of pseudorandom number generator inputs. As a result, typical codes can be retrofitted with our algorithm using only minor changes. We prove several analytical results. Among these, we characterize the relationship of covariances between paths in the general nonlinear state-dependent intensity rates case, and we prove variance reduction of mean estimators in the special case of affine intensity rates.
Absolute glare factor and relative glare factor based metric: Predicting and quantifying levels of daylight glare in office space

Abstract Extensive human subject research was performed to develop a daylight glare analysis methodology that correlates the Absolute Glare Factor (AGF) and the Relative Glare Factor (RGF). Literature reviews compared existing luminance thresholds developed by different research groups. More than 450 subjective data and visual scenes have been collected and analyzed to develop a new method. A HDR image analysis tool was developed in MATLAB to calculate luminance values and detect potential glare sources in digitally captured glare scenes. It was determined that using the human eye’s field of view (FOV) improves the discomfort glare evaluation performance. Luminance and glare ratio thresholds were defined in statistical analysis software. In addition to the newly defined luminance and contrast thresholds for different office task types, an AGF- and RGF-based glare equation was developed to evaluate and report perceived glare levels. AGF and RGF dominant zones were displayed on a scatter plot graph to visually explain which glare factor is more dominant to cause discomfort glare. This overall approach can help users to understand a cause of daylight glare and find solutions to avoid glare issues, which would ensure occupant’s visual comfort in buildings.
Hospitalizations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Vaccine-Preventable Infections in the First 2 Years After Pediatric Liver Transplant

Objectives To examine in liver transplant recipients at centers participating in the Pediatric Health Information System dataset the number of hospitalizations for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and vaccine-preventable infections (VPIs) in the first 2 years after transplantation, morbidity and mortality associated with these hospitalizations, and costs associated with these hospitalizations. Study design A retrospective cohort study of patients International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Data were collected on clinical care, outcomes, and costs during these hospitalizations. Results There were 2554 liver transplant recipients identified; 415 patients (16.3%) had 544 cases of RSV/VPIs. RSV, rotavirus, and influenza were the most common infections resulting in hospitalization. Ninety-two patients (3.6%) had RSV/VPI during their transplant hospitalization. Transplant hospitalizations complicated by RSV/VPI were longer (44 days vs. 21 days; P P = .02), and were more expensive ($259 697 vs. $190 860; P P P = .04) as predictors of a hospitalization for RSV. Conclusions VPIs occurred in 1 of 6 liver transplant recipients in the first 2 years post-transplant, a significantly higher rate than in the general pediatric population. These hospitalizations had substantial morbidity, mortality, and costs, demonstrating the importance of vaccinating patients before transplantation.
Storm Water Data 10-27-2016 for Upload to State Database.

In the California Industrial General Permit (IGP) 2014-0057-DWQ for storm water monitoring, effective July 1, 2015, there are 21 contaminants that have been assigned NAL (Numeric Action Level) values, both annual and instantaneous. For annual NALs, an exceedance occurs when the average of all analytical results from all samples taken at a facility during a reporting year for a given parameter exceeds an annual NAL value listed in Table 2 of the General Permit. For instantaneous maximum NALs, an exceedance occurs when two or more analytical results from samples taken for any parameter within a reporting year exceed the instantaneous maximum NAL value (for TSS and O&G), or are outside of the instantaneous maximum NAL range (for pH) listed in Table 2. Table 2 is attached here for your review.
Making and becoming the Undocumented and the Illegal: Discourses of immigration and American higher education policy

This paper discursively analyzes the public conversation around immigration as it intra-sects with state and federal policy, particularly in relation to higher education. I take in-state resident tuition policy as a departure point for an interpretive effort to explain how “undocumented” and “illegal” subject positions are produced through intra-secting policy texts, popular journalism, and presidential campaigns. I illustrate how the ethics produced through this policy regime act pedagogically, mediating understandings of students becoming reified into “undocumented” and/or “illegal” identities. I pay special attention to the discursive productions made available from policy texts, both state-based (e.g., CA Dream Act) and federal (e.g., DACA), highlighting the use of discourse analysis in the interrogation of social policy.
Low Dimensional String-like Relaxation Underpins Superionic Conduction in Fluorites and Related Structures.

Among the superionic conductors that show a Faraday transition – the continuous increase in the ionic conductivity over a range of temperatures – the fluorite structures have enjoyed incisive examinations over the past four decades; yet the fundamental nature of superionicity has remained largely inconclusive. Departing from the traditional quasi-static defect framework, we provide weighty evidence for string-like dynamical structures that govern the fast ion conduction process in fluorites. We show that lower temperatures encourage the growth of longer but slowly relaxing strings and vice-versa – a direct manifestation of heterogeneous dynamics. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity is inversely correlated to the lifetime of the ions that participate in the strings and not explicitly to the ion population. Our analysis methodology, which resolves a long-standing disagreement on defect structures and the mechanism of ionic transport in fcc fluorite structures, is well-positioned to describe the dynamics of low dimensional conduction in a larger class of superionic conductors.
Surgery Through a Human Factors and Ergonomics Lens

This chapter explores the history and several dominant theories from human factor engineering science and practice. It illustrates how the discipline evolved from aviation accidents in the 1940s, through industrial safety challenges in the 1960s, to consumer products in the 1980s and onwards. Some of the hidden challenges with automation are introduced, illustrating surprises that can occur as a result, and more up-to-date approaches to the integration of human and machine. The importance of design on human performance is discussed, both in terms of user acceptance of new devices and with respect to key design heuristics, with an example of how design can create threats for healthcare staff as well as patients. Three complementary models of human cognition in complex systems are then described—situational awareness, naturalistic decision making, and distributed cognition—which illustrate different approaches to understanding how humans make decisions within different work contexts. Finally, performance-shaping factors are discussed, and a model presented of how threats and errors within the system of surgery can accumulate to create more serious problems that can eventually lead to an adverse event.
Autonomous control of a high-frequency distributed power system

This paper delineates a mechanism to attain decentralized control of a high-frequency distributed power system (HFDPS) based on local observation and/or estimation at the source and load ends. An acceptable dynamic performance of the independent control eliminates/reduces the need for high-speed communication (that typically needs to be high because of HF power transfer) between the source- and load-end controllers. This provides practically complete autonomy for the HFDPS. To verify the dynamic performance of the control scheme, start-up, transient and steady-state results have been provided.
Sensitivity of Parameters and Loop Structures

Sensitivity analysis, which can be performed even before embarking on an extensive empirical time series study, provides a powerful technique for assessing the impact of specific initial values of the state variables, table functions, and the impact of changing parameters of the model on the behavior of the system. The assessment of initial values and table functions has been described elsewhere, especially in Chapters 4 and 5 in Volume 1. The current chapter will emphasize assessing the sensitivity of parameter values that can serve as leverage points for changing policies. Indeed, once leverage points are found, the modeler will then know which parameters must be estimated with a great deal of precision, as opposed to other parameter values that have little effect on the behavior of the system and therefore may not require extensive time and effort in obtaining precise estimates. Note that performing a sensitivity analysis on the model provides information about how robust the system is to changes in policy. If a particular policy is found to positively affect the problem under study, one can use the Policy Parameter Sensitivity test to see the range of movement one has in making the change.
BEOL compatible 2D layered materials as ultra-thin diffusion barriers for Cu interconnect technology

Diffusion barriers based on Ta and Ti related materials have been used in Cu interconnect technology to mitigate Cu diffusion into damascene structures. Along with the scaling of VLSI circuits, Cu interconnects scaling is demanded as well. To maximize the Cu volume in its trench for lower line resistance, the thickness of the diffusion barrier should be reduced accordingly. However, conventional barrier materials lose their capabilities of blocking Cu diffusion as their thicknesses are reduced below ∼3nm, as illustrated in Fig. 1(a), which can result in malfunctioning of integrated circuits. In this work, 2D layered materials, which have the potential to be scaled below sub-1 nm, are explored as alternative diffusion barriers. In addition, the resistivity of the Cu/2D barrier hybrid is also studied. Furthermore, back-end-of-line (BEOL)-compatible graphene directly grown on a low-k dielectric is demonstrated, indicating the feasibility of introducing 2D materials into interconnect technology.
Globally Tight Bounds for Almost Differentiable Functions over Polytopes with Application to Tolerance Analysis

It is well known that many decisions can be formulated as optimization problems. This paper presents a simple alternative approach to solving linearly constrained global optimization problems with almost differentiable objective functions. The unified approach is accomplished by converting the constrained optimization problem to an unconstrained optimization problem through a parametric representation of its feasible region. The proposed algorithm has the following features: it is a general-purpose algorithm; i.e., it employs one common treatment for all cases; it guarantees global optimization in each case, unlike other general-purpose, local optimization algorithms; it has simplicity because it is intuitive and requires only first order derivative (gradient); and it provides useful information for sensitivity analysis. The algorithm and its applications to tolerance analysis are presented in the context of numerical problems.
Extracting broadband optical properties from uniform optical phantoms using an integrating sphere and inverse adding-doubling

In tissue optics, it is important to measure the wavelength-dependent scattering, absorption and anisotropy coefficients of tissues to describe interactions of light with such turbid media. Here, we use the inverse adding-doubling (IAD) technique coupled to measurements acquired using an integrating sphere (IS). The IS system provides a method to acquire highly accurate measurements for the total reflectance and transmittance for thin turbid samples. The IAD is an iterative technique that uses a numerical solver to radiative transport capable of fitting a set of measured reflectance and transmittance values and thereby yield optical absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of thin samples. We test the validity and performance of the IS/IAD system by obtaining measurements on a set of liquid phantoms prepared with controlled absorption and scattering properties. We explore sources of errors and discuss how the the accuracy these techniques may be improved. We demonstrate that the IAD/IS technique allows the accurate recovery of chromophore spectral properties.
Human Images and Blurring Boundaries. The Pueblo Body in Cosmological Context: Rock Art, Murals and Ceremonial Figures

Images of the human form can be analysed for what they reveal about social roles, hierarchy, and other identities, as well as culturally determined perceptions about humanity's relationships to the natural environment and supernatural realm. It is proposed that the portrayal of the multitudinous human subjects related to religious ideology and practice in Rio Grande Tradition and Navajo rock art focuses on the interconnectedness of all things, deflecting meaning away from human beings as prime subjects as seen in Western religious art. Rather, informed by ethnographic data, the Native American abstracted, costumed forms, along with conflated human/animal subjects, define humanity's intimate link to the cosmos, and their added attributes evoke the supernatural strengths of other living beings, along with animated entities such as rain-clouds and the sun. These images themselves are perceived as active agents, attracting the pictured forces, sanctifying place and facilitating communication with resident spirits. What is pictured on stone extends to the performative dimensions of ethnographic contexts, thereby blurring the boundaries between the ceremonial participants, the representations and the animistic cosmos.
Instantaneous trajectory planning for redundant manipulator in the presence of obstacles

~ I L ~ L I I f . ~ . Manipulators presently used in the industry usually have a minimum number of joints required to accomplish their tasks. In general, six joints are used. Intuitively, manipulators with six joints axe adequate to execute most given tasks. However, because of obstacles in the maxfipulator working environment and the existence of singular configurations of the manipulators, six joints may not be sui~cient. As a consequence, manipulators with more than six joints, i.e. klnematlcally redundazxt manipulators, are proposed to solve these problems.
Developing Efficient Random Flight Searches in Bounded Domains

We develop a new method for computing the parameters defining an efficient random flight for searchers that are constrained to search in a bounded domain. Using concepts from observations of animal foraging behavior, we define a random search plan that provides an optimally efficient search in terms of coverage relative to the constraints of random motion in the bounded domain. In contrast to the previous studies, our method directly accounts for the change to the behavior that occurs for bounded flights. In addition, we show how to modify the resulting random flight parameters to account for the effects of multiple searchers in the same region. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of this random search strategy.
PI3K/mTOR inhibition potentiates and extends palbociclib activity in anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Despite its low incidence, it accounts for a disproportionate number of thyroid cancer-related deaths, because of its resistance to current therapeutic approaches. Novel actionable targets are urgently needed to prolong patient survival and increase their quality of life. Loss and mutation of the RB1 tumor suppressor are rare events in ATC, which suggests that therapies directed at inhibiting the cyclin D/CDK4 complexes, responsible for RB phosphorylation and inactivation, might be effective in this tumor type. In fact, we found that the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, strongly inhibits proliferation in all the RB1 wild type ATC cell lines tested. Efficacy was also observed in vivo, in a xenograft model. However, ATC cells rapidly developed resistance to palbociclib. Resistance was associated with increased levels of cyclin D1 and D3. To counter cyclin D overexpression, we tested the effect of combining palbociclib with the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, omipalisib. Combined treatment synergistically reduced cell proliferation, even in cell lines that do not carry PI3K-activating mutations. More importantly, low-dose combination was dramatically effective in inhibiting tumor growth in a xenograft model. Thus, combined PI3K/mTOR and CDK4/6 inhibition is a highly promising novel approach for the treatment of aggressive, therapy-resistant thyroid cancer.
Wider connections for El Niño

Data from Europe in 1940–42, and simulations of severe El Nino events, suggest that the effects of such events can be unexpectedly far-reaching. The stratosphere could be a key player in this behaviour.
Homoleptic Aryl Complexes of Uranium (IV)

The synthesis and characterization of sterically unencumbered homoleptic organouranium aryl complexes containing U-C σ-bonds has been of interest to the chemical community for over 70 years. Reported herein are the first structurally characterized, sterically unencumbered homoleptic uranium (IV) aryl-ate species of the form [U(Ar)6 ]2- (Ar=Ph, p-tolyl, p-Cl-Ph). Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopy and computational studies provide insight into electronic structure and bonding interactions in the U-C σ-bond across this series of complexes. Overall, these studies solve a decades-long challenge in synthetic uranium chemistry, enabling new insight into electronic structure and bonding in organouranium complexes.
Recent developments in asymmetric catalytic addition to CN bonds

Abstract Methods for enantioselective C–C bond constructions via additions to imines and related compounds are reviewed, with an emphasis on the most recent efforts involving asymmetric catalysis. Selected seminal examples are provided in order to place the recent developments in context.
Humor in the Courtroom: Is There a Place?

Is there a place for humor in the courtroom? This Practice Tips article will examine this question and discuss how appropriate, low-key humor can be of benefit to particular parties in particular cases.Some lawyers may say that the trial of a civil or criminal case is serious business. They may say that there is absolutely no place for levity in such somber proceedings. I disagree. Appropriate humor during otherwise boring and especially time-consuming protracted litigation can play an important role in your ability to persuade the jury (a) that you are a human being, (b), provide a counter-balancing context in the appropriate type of case in which everyone can share a laugh, (c) break the tension or the ice at timely moments, and (d) be useful for other tactical reasons.
The Efficacy of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD Related to Military Sexual Trauma in Veterans: A Review

Women currently comprise 12% of the total number of service personnel who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Presently, 15% of active duty personnel, 17% of National Guard personnel, and 20% of new recruits are female. The number of female veterans utilizing the Veterans Health Administration has more than doubled, from 159,000 to 337,000 from 2000-2011 and is expected to double again within the next decade. Similar overall numbers of female and male service members report experiencing military sexual trauma (MST). Prevalence rates vary by study where 20 to 68% of female service members and 1% to 6% of male service members have experienced MST. Many of these service members subsequently develop mental health issues and are diagnosed with conditions related to MST.Purpose: The purpose of this review was to summarize outcome studies examining Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to Military Sexual Trauma.Methods: The informational databases that were utilized for the current review were ERIC (EBSCO), ERIC (ProQuest), Google Scholar, and PsycINFO. The dates for literature inclusion was from 2010 to March of 2019. The literature search was initiated in March and was terminated in April of 2019.Results: The results indicated that CPT is an effective intervention for the reduction of MST related PTSD symptoms, including negative cognitions, compared to Present-Centered Therapy (PCT). Additionally, at 6-month post-treatment follow-up symptom reduction was stable. Results were mixed for CPT associated with quality of life and exposure to child Sexual abuse (CSA). Veterans who self-identified as African-American and Caucasian female veterans experienced significant reductions in PTSD symptomology with no differences between groups.Discussion: All studies included in the review resulted in significant reductions in PTSD but four of five also suffered from treatment fidelity in the CPT treatment condition. Researchers chose to exclude participant data from the therapists who did not adhere to CPT protocol resulting in a reduction of statistical power in these studies. The final study included in the review administered multiple treatment modalities concurrently.
Longitudinal patterns of cost and utilization of medicare beneficiaries with bladder cancer.

Abstract Background Bladder cancer (BC) is highly prevalent and costly. This study documented cost and use of services for BC care and for other (non-BC) care received over a 15-year follow-up period by a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with BC in 1998. Methods Data came from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program linked to Medicare claims. Medicare claims provided data on diagnoses, services provided, and Medicare Parts A and B payments. Cost was actual Medicare payments to providers inflated to 2018 US$. Cost and utilization were BC-related if the claim contained a BC diagnosis code. Otherwise, costs were for “other care.” For utilization, we grouped Part B-covered services into 6 mutually-exclusive categories. Utilization rates were ratios of the count of claims in a particular category during a follow-up year divided by the number of beneficiaries with BC surviving to year-end. Results Cumulatively over 15-years, for all stages combined, total BC-related cost per BC beneficiary was $42,011 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): $42,405–$43,417); other care cost was about twice this number. Cumulative total BC-related cost of 15-year BC survivors for all stages was $43,770 (CI: $39,068–$48,522), intensity of BC-related care was highest during the first year following BC diagnosis, falling substantially thereafter. After follow-up year 5, there were few statistically significant changes in BC-related utilization. Utilization of other care remained constant during follow-up or increased. Conclusions Substantial costs were incurred for non-BC care. While increasing BC survivorship is an important objective, non-BC care would remain a burden to Medicare.
Is Ellen DeGeneres a “DeGenerate?”: How TV’s First Out Lesbian Connects to Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage:

This study examines media treatment of Ellen DeGeneres over a 26-year period, focusing on how she served as a surrogate for the same-sex marriage debate during that time. The study suggests that co...