cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deformation characteristics of circular RAINBOW actuators

Thin-plate theory, an energy-based Rayleigh-Ritz approach, which uses approximations to the deformation field, and the inclusion of geometric nonlinearities in the strain-displacement relations are used to develop an analysis to study the manufactured shape of circular piezoceramic RAINBOW actuators. The analysis predicts that the manufactured shape will be domelike or cylindrical. Which shape occurs is predicted to depend on the radius to thickness ratio of the original piezoceramic wafer used to make the actuator and the thickness of the reduced layer relative to the unreduced layer. The analysis is also used to predict the quasi-static (no inertia effects) shape change of the wafer due to actuation of the unreduced layer for voltages to 1.5 MV m-1. For these levels of voltage, the actuator response is very close to being linear with applied voltage, a factor that has advantages when dynamic effects are being considered.
How sensitive is executive compensation to organizational size

Prior empirical research has documented a large cross-sectional correlation between the level of executive pay and firm size. In contrast, this paper examines the association between percentage changes in executive compensation and percentage changes in organizational size. We analyze compensation and size data for executives at several levels of the corporate hierarchy for a sample of 303 firms. Our results indicate that the correlation between compensation and size is much smaller, although still statistically significant, in changes than in levels. This suggests that changes in an executive's compensation are not primarily driven by changes in organizational size.
Probabilistic visual learning for object representation

We present an unsupervised technique for visual learning, which is based on density estimation in high-dimensional spaces using an eigenspace decomposition. Two types of density estimates are derived for modeling the training data: a multivariate Gaussian (for unimodal distributions) and a mixture-of-Gaussians model (for multimodal distributions). Those probability densities are then used to formulate a maximum-likelihood estimation framework for visual search and target detection for automatic object recognition and coding. Our learning technique is applied to the probabilistic visual modeling, detection, recognition, and coding of human faces and nonrigid objects, such as hands.
Bang-bang control for type-2 systems

A sampled-data, bang-bang control algorithm developed for a double integrator plant is extended to higher-order plants with two integrators. In the case where nonintegrator dynamics are considered unmodeled, the robustness of the control algorithm is analyzed. In the case where nonintegrator dynamics are modeled, the control algorithm design procedure is generalized to incorporate the additional dynamics. Both approaches are examined through the design and simulation of a steering controller for an autonomous ground vehicle.
Vacuum microsystems for energy conversion and other applications

Silicon gyroscopes and resonators have motivated rapid progress in techniques for wafer-level, high-quality vacuum encapsulation. This paper reviews recent developments in this technology and describes how it provides a foundation for new microsystem applications that involve electron transport across vacuum gaps. Thermionic energy converters, as well as the recently reported photon-enhanced thermionic energy converter, involve vacuum encapsulation of microcathode arrays. These devices pose a variety of material and process challenges, due to their high operating temperatures. A second promising application is aimed at efficient generation and processing of signals in the THz region, by means of resonant-cavity vacuum oscillators.
Impact of CCV Requirements on Flight Control System Design

The advent of Controlled Configured Vehicle (CCV) design approaches has imposed severe reliability and fault tolerance requirements on aircraft flight control and supporting systems. This paper establishes the requirements for, and develops the configuration of, an integrated fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system suitable for an unstable CCV fighter/attack aircraft design. The hydraulic and electric power systems are an integral part of the design problem, since their functions are essential to safety of flight. A three-channel FBW system configuration was chosen as optimum. The system features in-line monitored active/on-line secondary actuators, skewed rate gyros, triplex digital computers, accelerometers, and pilot input transducers. I. Introduction T HE advent of Controlled Configured Vehicle (CCV) design approaches has imposed severe reliability and fault-tolerance requirements on aircraft flight control and supporting systems. The objective of the study reported in this paper was to establish the requirements for, and to develop the configuration of, an integrated fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system suitable for an unstable CCV fighter/attack aircraft design. The sensor, computer, and actuator subsystems were addressed, as well as the hydraulic and electric power sources. The hydraulic and electric power systems are an integral part of the design problem, since their functions are essential to safety of flight. Several advanced fighter/attack aircraft designs were examined to establish generic characteristics and mission requirements. A typical control surface complement was selected and multimode control law requirements were formulated. This enabled determination of the flight control system design requirements, including flight safety, mission reliability, and failure tolerance. The study approach was twofold. First, several design tradeoffs were performed to examine specific details of the system design for which the optimal approach was not well established. These investigations examined the following areas: 1) hydraulic system configuration, 2) electric power system configuration, 3) self-test/in-line monitoring considerations, and 4) command (secondary) actuator approach. Upon completion of the design tradeoffs, an overall FBW system configuration study was performed. It investigated redundancy requirements, cross-strapping/voting locations, and cost-weight-power tradeoffs. A significant aspect of this paper is that it examines the applicability of the various redundancy techniques to each subsystem of a FBW system. A blend of these techniques, different for each subsystem, was found to achieve the optimum FBW system configuration.
Approximation algorithms for a heterogeneous Multiple Depot Hamiltonian Path Problem

In this article, we present the first approximation algorithm for a routing problem that is frequently encountered in the motion planning of Unmanned Vehicles (UVs). The considered problem is a variant of a Multiple Depot-Terminal Hamiltonian Path Problem and is stated as follows: There is a collection of m UVs equipped with different sensors on-board and there are n targets to be visited by them collectively. There are restrictions on the targets of the following type: (1) A target may be visited by any UV, (2) a target must be visited only by a subset of UVs (with appropriate on-board sensor) and (3) a target may not be visited by a subset of UVs (as the set of on-board sensors on the UV may not be suitable for viewing the targets). The UVs are otherwise identical from the viewpoint of dynamic constraints on their motion and hence, the cost of traveling from a target A to a target B is the same for all vehicles. We will assume that triangle inequality is satisfied by the cost associated with travel, i.e., it is cheaper to travel from a target A to a target B directly than to go via an intermediate target C. The UVs may possibly start from different locations (referred to as depots) and are not required to return to the depot. While there are different objectives that can be considered for this problem, we consider the total cost of travel of all the UVs as an objective to be minimized. The problem considered in this article is a generalized version of single depot-terminal Hamiltonian Path Problem and is NP-hard.
Probing Vibrational Anisotropy with Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy

A NRVS single-crystal study (NRVS=nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopy) has provided detailed information on the in-plane modes of nitrosyl iron porphyrinate [Fe(oep)(NO)] (see picture; oep=octaethylporphyrin). The axial nitrosyl ligand controls the direction of the in-plane iron motion.
Prophylactic clip closure reduced the risk of delayed postpolypectomy hemorrhage: Experience in 277 clipped large sessile or flat colorectal lesions and 247 control lesions

Background Endoscopic resection of large colorectal lesions is associated with high complication rates. Objective To evaluate the effect of prophylactic clip closure of polypectomy sites after resection of large (≥2 cm) sessile and flat colorectal lesions. Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients and Interventions Patients with lesions 2 cm or larger who underwent EMR performed by using low-power coagulation current between January 2000 and February 2012. Beginning in June 2006, polypectomy sites were prophylactically closed with clips when possible. Patients had telephone follow-up at 30 days or later to track complications. Main Outcome Measurements Delayed hemorrhage, postpolypectomy syndrome, and perforation. Results There were 524 lesions 2 cm or larger in 463 patients, of which 247 (47.1%) were not clipped, 52 (9.9%) were partially clipped, and 225 (42.9%) were fully clipped. There were 31 delayed hemorrhages, 2 perforations, and 6 cases of postpolypectomy syndrome. The delayed hemorrhage rate was 9.7% in the not clipped group versus 1.8% in the fully clipped group. Multivariate analysis showed that not clipping (odds ratio [OR] 6.0; 95% CI, 2.0-18.5), location proximal to the splenic flexure (OR 2.9; 95% CI, 1.05-8.1), and polyp size (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7 for each 10-mm increase in size) were associated with delayed bleeding. Limitation Retrospective design. Conclusions Prophylactic clipping of resection sites after endoscopic removal of large (≥2 cm) colorectal lesions using low-power coagulation current reduced the risk of delayed postpolypectomy hemorrhage. A randomized, prospective trial of clipping large polypectomy sites is warranted.
Magnetic resonance elastography of liver.

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) assesses tissue stiffness in vivo by imaging propagating shear waves through the tissues and processing the wave information. MRE is a robust technology with excellent technical success; is applicable in almost all patients and body habitus; and has excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and interobserver agreement for assessing liver stiffness. It is currently the most accurate noninvasive technique for detection and staging of liver fibrosis and has the potential to replace liver biopsy. This article describes the principles and technique of MRE, current clinical applications, and emerging clinical indications.
Determinants of Utilization and Expenditures for Episodes of Ambulatory Physical Therapy Among Adults

Background Comprehensive information on determinants and patterns of use and spending for ambulatory physical therapy services is needed to inform health planning and policy decisions. Most research in the literature on this topic is limited to specific payers, age groups, and conditions. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with the resource intensity of physical therapy episodes for adults in the United States as measured by number of visits and expenses per visit. Design This study was a secondary analysis of longitudinal survey data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) panels 9, 10, and 11. Methods An analytic file was created based on data from the longitudinal data files for 3 MEPS panels and the annual office-based and hospital outpatient event files. A total of 1,377 episodes of physical therapy care were identified. Variation in both the total number of visits per episode and expenses per visit was examined by fitting regression models to evaluate the effects of selected independent variables classified into 4 categories: episode-level variables, demographic characteristics, geographic variables, and health status indicators. Results Average total expenses per episode (in 2007 dollars) were $1,184 (median=$651), with an average number of visits per episode of 9.6 (median=6.0) and average expenses per visit of $130 (median=$95). Significant variation by geographic characteristics, sex, and one comorbid condition (high blood pressure) was found in the number of visits model. In the expenditures model, expenses per visit were associated with age/insurance coverage, setting (hospital outpatient versus office based), primary condition category, and mental health status. Limitations Limitations include limited sample sizes of physical therapy users and lack of detailed clinical information. Conclusions Variability in the resource intensity of physical therapy episodes is influenced to some degree by nonclinical variables.
Wave-equation migration velocity analysis with time-shift imaging

Wave-equation migration velocity analysis is a technique designed to extract and update velocity information from migrated images. The velocity model is updated through the process of optimizing the coherence of images migrated with the known background velocity model. The capacity for handling multi-pathing of the technique makes it appropriate in complex subsurface regions characterized by strong velocity variation. Wave-equation migration velocity analysis operates by establishing a linear relation between a slowness perturbation and a corresponding image perturbation. The linear relationship and the corresponding linearized operator are derived from conventional extrapolation operators and the linearized operator inherits the main properties of frequency-domain wavefield extrapolation. A key step in the implementation is to design an appropriate procedure for constructing an image perturbation relative to a reference image that represents the difference between the current image and a true, or more correct image of the subsurface geology. The target of the inversion is to minimize such an image perturbation by optimizing the velocity model. Using time-shift common-image gathers, one can characterize the imperfections of migrated images by defining the focusing error as the shift of the focus of reflections along the time-shift axis. The focusing error is then transformed into an image perturbation by focusing analysis under the linear approximation. As the focusing error is caused by the incorrect velocity model, the resulting image perturbation can be considered as a mapping of the velocity model error in the image space. Such an approach for constructing the image perturbation is computationally efficient and simple to implement. The technique also provides a new alternative for using focusing information in wavefield-based velocity model building. Synthetic examples demonstrate the successful application of our method to a layered model and a subsalt velocity update problem.
THE T POUCH: AN ORTHOTOPIC ILEAL NEOBLADDER INCORPORATING A SEROSAL LINED ILEAL ANTIREFLUX TECHNIQUE

AbstractPurpose: At our institution the Kock ileal neobladder has been the primary form of urinary diversion after cystectomy. The few associated complications are primarily related to the intussuscepted antireflux afferent limb, including stones, stenosis and extussusception of the afferent nipple. We present a novel orthotopic ileal neobladder, the T pouch, with an innovative antireflux technique designed to prevent complications of the intussuscepted afferent nipple.Material and Methods: From November 1996 through August 1997, 40 patients an average of 67 years old underwent construction of an orthotopic ileal neobladder (T pouch). Mean followup is 10.5 months (range 8 to 14). The T pouch incorporates an antireflux mechanism using a serosal lined ileal tunnel technique. Urinary reflux is prevented without ileal intussusception and with complete preservation of the blood supply to the afferent ileal segment. Followup in all cases includes clinical and functional results, and radiographic evaluation of t...
Precipitation Recycling over the Central United States Diagnosed from the GEOS-1 Data Assimilation System

Abstract Precipitation recycling has been computed for 15 yr of reanalysis data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1) Data Assimilation System using monthly mean hydrological data and a bulk diagnostic recycling model. This study focuses on the central United States and the extreme summers of 1988 (drought) and 1993 (flood). It is found that the 1988 summer recycling ratio is larger than that of 1993, and that the 1988 recycling ratio is much larger than average. The 1993 recycling ratio was less than average during the summer, but it was larger than average during the springtime, when the soil was being primed for flooding. In addition, the magnitude of summertime recycled precipitation was smaller than average in both 1988 and 1993. During the summer of 1993, the extremely large moisture transport dominates evaporation as the source of water for the extreme summer precipitation. The diagnosed recycling data show that the recycled precipitation is ...
Relationship of Provider and Practice Volume to Performance Measure Adherence for Coronary Artery Disease, Heart Failure, and Atrial Fibrillation Results From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry

Background—There is a reported association between high clinical volume and improved outcomes. Whether this relationship is true for outpatients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. Methods and Results—Using the PINNACLE Registry (2009–2012), average monthly provider and practice volumes were calculated for CAD, HF, and AF. Adherence with 4 American Heart Association CAD, 2 HF, and 1 AF performance measure were assessed at the most recent encounter for each patient. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between provider and practice volume and performance on eligible quality measures. Data incorporated patients from 1094 providers at 71 practices (practice level analyses n=654 535; provider level analyses n=529 938). Median monthly provider volumes were 79 (interquartile range [IQR], 51–117) for CAD, 27 (16–45) for HF, and 37 (24–54) for AF. Median monthly practice volumes were 923 (IQR, 476–1455) for C...
A Retrospective Study of EPA's Rules Setting Best Available Technology Limits For Toxic Discharges to Water Under the Clean Water Act

Under the Clean Water Act, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to establish standards limiting water toxics discharges from industrial plants. This paper examines the effect of EPA’s 1998 Pulp and Paper Cluster Rule on the discharge of toxics to the waters of the United States. Our estimates suggest that mills covered by the water limits in the rule achieved little or no additional reduction in water toxics discharges in response to publication of the final rule as compared to mills not subject to the water discharge limits of the rule. This paper also offers some recommendations for improving both ex ante and future retrospective analyses.
Abstract P108: Assessing Utility of Drug-Eluting Stents in Coronary Patients Aged 85 Years and Older

Background: Very old (VO) adults (≥85 years) are intrinsically susceptible to coronary heart disease (CHD) and are often treated with coronary stents. While current evidence supports use of drug-eluting stents (DES), generalizability to VO remains controversial, especially given high age-associated bleeding risks from long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. Methods: We identified all VO CHD patients who received stents between April 1, 2003 and September 30, 2006 at all non-federal hospitals in Massachusetts (MA) (N=1619), and completed 2-year follow-up on the entire cohort. Patients were classified as DES-treated if stents were all drug-eluting and BMS-treated if stents were all bare-metal (those receiving DES and BMS were excluded). Mortality rates were determined from vital statistics records. New myocardial infarction (MI) and subsequent bleeding (requiring hospitalization) were determined using ICD-9 codes. Repeat target vessel revascularization (TVR) was determined from the MA database. Risk-adjusted cumulative incidence was estimated using propensity score matching based on 57 clinical, procedural, hospital, and insurance variables. Results: During the study period, 1145 and 474 VO patients received DES and BMS respectively. Unadjusted 2-year mortality rates were 23.8% vs. 35.0% (DES vs. BMS, p<0.0001). Risk-adjusted (propensity score matching [665 DES:343 BMS]) 2-year DES vs. BMS rates were 25.4% vs. 32.4% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51, 0.93; p=0.01) for mortality and 9.8 vs.16.9% (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35, 0.76; p=0.001) for MI. Risk-adjusted 2-year rates of bleeding (13.6% vs. 12.5%, HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73, 1.59; p=0.72) and TVR (5.7% vs. 8.7%, HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.38, 1.02; p=0.06) were similar in patients treated with DES vs. BMS. Conclusions: In a large, unrestricted, state dataset of VO CHD patients with mandated follow-up, DES were associated with reduced 2-year mortality and MI compared with a matched BMS subset, without an increased hazard of bleeding.
Primary Immunoprevention: The Great Unmet Need for Controlling Breast Cancer.

Perhaps we can now hope that primary immunoprevention of cancers that are engaged as people age may receive the attention, support, and legitimacy that will soon result in similar breakthrough stature.
The Borrelia burgdorferi CheY3 response regulator is essential for chemotaxis and completion of its natural infection cycle.

Borrelia burgdorferi possesses a sophisticated and complex chemotaxis system, but how the organism utilizes this system in its natural enzootic life cycle is poorly understood. Of the three CheY chemotaxis response regulators in B. burgdorferi, we found that only deletion of cheY3 resulted in an altered motility and significantly reduced chemotaxis phenotype. Although ΔcheY3 maintained normal densities in unfed ticks, their numbers were significantly reduced in fed ticks compared with the parental or cheY3-complemented spirochetes. Importantly, mice fed upon by the ΔcheY3-infected ticks did not develop a persistent infection. Intravital confocal microscopy analyses discovered that the ΔcheY3 spirochetes were motile within skin, but appeared unable to reverse direction and perform the characteristic backward-forward motility displayed by the parental strain. Subsequently, the ΔcheY3 became 'trapped' in the skin matrix within days of inoculation, were cleared from the skin needle-inoculation site within 96 h post-injection and did not disseminate to distant tissues. Interestingly, although ΔcheY3 cells were cleared within 96 h post-injection, this attenuated infection elicited significant levels of B. burgdorferi-specific IgM and IgG. Taken together, these data demonstrate that cheY3-mediated chemotaxis is crucial for motility, dissemination and viability of the spirochete both within and between mice and ticks.
Organic Rankine cycle performance evaluation and thermoeconomic assessment with various applications part II: Economic assessment aspect

Abstract Exploration and utilization of the waste or renewable energy become more and more important for power generation in organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems in recent decades. In this study the economic assessment under different ORC configurations has been investigated for working fluids for different applications with the assumption that the net power output remains constant. A lower condensing temperature or a higher evaporating pressure can lead to a lower specific cost per kilowatt hour. With the heat source domain increased from the geothermal application to the high temperature solar/biomass application, the operating evaporating pressure can be extended and a lower specific cost per kilowatt hour can be achieved within the appropriate pressure region. In general, the ORC with internal heat exchanger (IHX) has the close specific cost to the baseline ORC due to the additional cost of the IHX for the low heat source domains. With the heat source scale lifted to the high level, a decrease of specific cost per kilowatt hour up to 10% for the cycle with IHX compared with that of the baseline cycle. The specific cost per kilowatt hour for the reheat ORC is the highest among the current ORC configurations, while the regenerative ORC can achieve the lowest specific cost, with approximately 5–10% specific cost reduction from the baseline for various applications, whose economic benefits indicate it can be a promising alternative for ORC applications. In addition, the effect of IHX effectiveness, reheat pressure and regenerative intermediate pressure on the economic assessment has been revealed to outline the economic merits of ORC systems.
Blurring Boundaries, Continuing Change: The Next 50 Years of Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract In this paper, we examine the roots, current state of affairs, and potential future of research in intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). After describing recent controversies in intellectual disabilities, we note ways in which specific historical strands continue to influence IDD research. To examine current IDD studies, we first document how, over the past 10–15years, the field has increased in its numbers of published articles as well as inaugurated many new journals, each featuring research on a particular issue (eg, policy, health, mental health) or subpopulation (eg, autism, neurodevelopmental disorders). Juxtaposing Routh and Schroeder's (2003) earlier history of IDD research to presentations at the Gatlinburg Conference from 2001 to 2015, we identify the field's major areas of work, including those topics that have increased and those that have declined in prominence over the past 15 years. We end by highlighting trends for future research, as we attempt to foreshadow the next 50 years of research in IDD.
Predictability of Strong Motions from the Northridge, California, Earthquake

Abstract The composite source model for generating synthetic strong ground motions is tested for its ability to predict the statistical characteristics of Northridge accelerograms recorded in or adjacent to the San Fernando valley. The general problem is prediction of strong motions at a site of engineering interest with sufficient realism to be useful for engineering applications. The strongest test of any proposed method is a blind prediction. For this study, a completely blind test was not possible. Our objective was to use only a preliminary description of fault geometry and magnitude and previously published velocity models and, without iteration to improve the quality of fit, to evaluate the differences between predicted and observed accelerograms. The parameters that we predict are peak acceleration, peak velocity, peak displacement, Fourier spectra at seven frequencies, and pseudorelative velocity response (5% damping) at seven periods. Our results are given for 14 stations. For the horizontal components, these parameters are all predicted with a maximum bias of under 50% and an average bias of observations exceeding predictions by 6%. For peak acceleration and some response spectral periods, the bias for this model is smaller than at least some regressions, when applied to this specific earthquake. On the vertical component, the maximum bias is a factor of 2, and the average gives predictions exceeding observations by 25%. Standard deviations of the common logarithm of the ratio of observed-to-predicted parameters are typically about 0.3, which is perhaps 50% greater than the standard deviations typical of regressions but comparable to standard deviations of observations from this earthquake compared to regressions. In the future, it is likely that, in some cases, traditional regressions will be replaced with synthetic calculations of some type, such as the method used here. Based on the results of this study, the amount of progress that has been made in obtaining that goal is very encouraging.
Visualising the health of communities: Using Photovoice as a pedagogical tool in the college classroom:

Objective:To describe the use of Photovoice as a pedagogical tool to promote experiential learning and critical dialogue among participants on an undergraduate community health course.Design:A desc...
Unipotent elements in small characteristic, IV

We consider the variety of nilpotent elements in the dual of the Lie algebra of a reductive group over an algebraically closed field. We propose a definition of a partition of this variety into locally closed smooth subvarieties indexed by the unipotent classes in the corresponding group over the complex numbers. We obtain explicit results in types A, C and D.
Emergency Department Trauma: The Immediate Aftermath of Motor Vehicle Collisions

Publisher Summary A large proportion of individuals injured in a motor vehicle collision (MVC) require the services of emergency department (ED) professionals. Injuries being seen in the ED range from relatively minor to severe with a high threat to life and limb. Physical, psychological and social consequences of MVC injury need to be assessed and addressed with the initial focus on the primary and secondary survey that is embedded in a more holistic assessment. This chapter allows the reader to accompany emergency services staff from the site of the collision to the emergency department, providing informed recommendations regarding health care decisions that are to be made at different points on this journey. There is an emphasis on the assessment and management of psychological reactions occurring in response MVC, the associated injuries, and the emergency department procedures employed to manage such injuries. The psychological reactions that may be experienced in the immediate aftermath of an MVC are varied and multiple; however, the psychological reactions are those that suggest extreme stress.
A biologically-inspired intelligent controller for distributed velocity control of multiple electro-hydraulic servo-systems

In this paper, the problem of distributed velocity control of multiple Electro-Hydraulic Servo-Systems (EHSS) in presence of uncertain flow nonlinearities, internal frictions and noises is investigated. A biologically-inspired intelligent controller based on a computational model of emotional learning inspired from mammalian limbic system is presented. This methodology, called as Brain Emotional Learning Based Intelligent Controller (BELBIC), enhances the distributed velocity control of multiple EHSS by adding multi-objective properties. Combining the reinforcement learning capabilities of BELBIC with distributed velocity control of multiple EHSS, makes it a very promising method, especially while dealing with uncertain flow nonlinearities, internal frictions and noises and system uncertainties. Furthermore, the developed methodology is suitable for real-time implementation due to its low computational complexity and reinforcement learning capabilities. Eventually, the effectiveness of the developed biologically-inspired intelligent approach is demonstrated through numerical simulation of distributed velocity control of multiple EHSS.
Are Christians Obliged not to Forgive? A Response to Martin (1997):

In contrast to the prevailing wisdom of many Christian and secular psychologists, biblical studies scholar T. Martin (1997) claims that a Christian has an obligation not to forgive an unrepentant o...
Seasonal feeding ecology of co-existing native and invasive benthic fish along a nearshore to offshore gradient in Lake Michigan

Relative abundance, diet composition and feeding strategy were determined for three benthic fish, the native deepwater sculpin Myoxocephalus thompsonii (Girard, 1851) and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus (Richardson, 1836), and the invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814), along a nearshore to offshore gradient in southeastern Lake Michigan during March–December 2010, 2015, and 2016. Round goby were most abundant in the nearshore ( 75 m). Despite a large degree of spatial separation, some species did overlap, with slimy and deepwater sculpin occurring in sympatry throughout the year in the offshore and transitional zones, and round goby overlapping with both sculpin species seasonally in the transitional zone. Deepwater sculpin exhibited specialization on Mysis diluviana in all depth regions. Slimy sculpin in the offshore reduced diet overlap with deepwater sculpin by specializing on fish eggs during spring and fall, whereas in the transitional depth zone, there was considerable overlap between sculpin species due to the high importance of Mysis in diets. The invasive round goby had a mixed diet, with some diet overlap with native sculpin, especially slimy sculpin, in the transitional zone. In the nearshore zone, round goby displayed a generalized diet with many prey contributing to the diet, but the average contribution of any prey was generally low. Spatial separation and variable feeding strategies help reduce, but not eliminate shared resource use amongst these benthic fish in Lake Michigan.
Evaluating the Scientific Impact of XSEDE

We use the bibliometrics approach to evaluate the scientific impact of XSEDE. By utilizing publication data from various sources, e.g., ISI Web of Science and Microsoft Academic Graph, we calculate the impact metrics of XSEDE publications and show how they compare with non-XSEDE publication from the same field of study, or non-XSEDE peers from the same journal issue. We explain the dataset and data soruces involved and how we retrieved, cleaned, and curated millions of related publication entries. We then introduce the metrics we used for evaluation and comparison, and the methods used to calculate them. Detailed analysis results of Field Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and the peers comparison will be presented and discussed. We also explain how the same approaches could be used to evaluate publications from a similar organization or institute, to demonstrate the general applicability of the present evaluation approach providing impact even beyond XSEDE.
Isolation of averufin from a mutant of Aspergillus parasiticus impaired in aflatoxin biosynthesis

Abstract A mutant of Aspergillus parasiticus impaired in aflatoxin biosynthesis was shown to accumulate large amounts of the polyhydroxyanthraquinone averufin (C20H16O7). The possible relationship between averufin and aflatoxin biosynthesis is discussed.
Migratory flight of insect pests within a year-round distribution: European corn borer as a case study

Abstract Insect migratory flight differs fundamentally from most other kinds of flight behavior, in that it is non-appetitive. The adult is not searching for anything, and migratory flight is not terminated by encounters with potential resources. Many insect pests of agricultural crops are long-distance migrants, moving from lower latitudes where they overwinter to higher latitudes in the spring to exploit superabundant, but seasonally ephemeral, host crops. The migratory nature of these pests is somewhat easy to recognize because of their sudden appearance in areas where they had been absent only a day or two earlier. Many other serious pests survive hostile winter conditions by diapausing, and therefore do not require migration to move between overwintering and breeding ranges. Yet there is evidence of migratory behavior engaged in by several pest species that inhabit high latitudes year-round. In these cases, the consequences of migratory flight are not immediately noticeable at the population level, because migration takes place for the most part within their larger year-round distribution. Nevertheless, the potential population-level consequences can be quite important in the contexts of pest management and insect resistance management. As a case study, I review the evidence for migratory flight behavior by individual European corn borer adults, and discuss the importance of understanding it. The kind of migratory behavior posited for pest species inhabiting a permanent distribution may be more common than we realize.
A Rapid and Highly Efficient Method for the Isolation, Purification, and Passaging of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold considerable promise for future biomedical applications. However, the generation, isolation, and establishment of an iPSC line still presents many challenges. In this study, we describe a simple yet highly efficient two-step method for the isolation, purification, and passaging of human iPSC lines that utilizes commercially available reagents. The first step adapts iPSCs to single cell culture and passage, promoting survival and self-renewal; the second step enables the isolation and purification of bona fide iPSCs from a mixed population using column-based positive selection of cells expressing pluripotency markers such as TRA-1-60. Using this method, we were able to purify iPSCs from cell preparations containing differentiated or unreprogrammed cells, and even to isolate iPSC lines directly from derivation plates. The iPSC lines generated by this method maintained their pluripotency and genomic stability, as demonstrated by trilineage differentiation and karyotype analysis. The method presented here could be adopted for high-throughput isolation and expansion of iPSC lines and facilitate the widespread use of iPSCs in future applications.
Critical event studies: approaches to research

Researchers planning to critically study events may, for obvious reasons, encounter quite a bit of resistance from the producers and power brokers of costly, public events. Perhaps this explains wh...
Effect of pressure-dilatation on energy spectrum evolution in compressible turbulence

The effect of internal-kinetic energy exchange on transient spectral energy transfer in compressible turbulence is investigated. We derive the spectral evolution equations for kinetic energy and pressure fields to highlight the key mechanisms that affect the turbulence spectral evolution. Direct numerical simulations of decaying isotropic turbulence are performed from solenoidal, dilatational, and mixed velocity initial conditions. It is shown that internal-kinetic energy exchange arising due to pressure-dilatation renders the dilatational kinetic energy amplitudes at large scales of motion to be oscillatory. The oscillatory behavior of amplitude diminishes with increasing wavenumber. The dilatational energy spectrum also exhibits a wider range of scales due to its inherent tendency to form shocks. The findings are expected to lead to an improved understanding of energy dynamics in high-speed compressible flows.The effect of internal-kinetic energy exchange on transient spectral energy transfer in compressible turbulence is investigated. We derive the spectral evolution equations for kinetic energy and pressure fields to highlight the key mechanisms that affect the turbulence spectral evolution. Direct numerical simulations of decaying isotropic turbulence are performed from solenoidal, dilatational, and mixed velocity initial conditions. It is shown that internal-kinetic energy exchange arising due to pressure-dilatation renders the dilatational kinetic energy amplitudes at large scales of motion to be oscillatory. The oscillatory behavior of amplitude diminishes with increasing wavenumber. The dilatational energy spectrum also exhibits a wider range of scales due to its inherent tendency to form shocks. The findings are expected to lead to an improved understanding of energy dynamics in high-speed compressible flows.
A Pilot Study of the PD-1 Targeting Agent AMP-224 Used With Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract Background The prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is poor. We assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the anti-programmed cell death 1 fusion protein AMP-224 in combination with low-dose cyclophosphamide and stereotactic body radiation (SBRT) treatment in patients with mCRC refractory to standard chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Fifteen patients were enrolled. Six received SBRT 8 Gy on day 0 (dose level 1), whereas 9 received 8 Gy on days −2 to day 0. All received cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m2 intravenously (I.V.) on day 0. On day 1, both groups received AMP-224 10 mg/kg I.V., repeated every 2 weeks for a total of 6 doses. Primary end points were feasibility and safety. Results Ten (67%) patients completed 6 doses of AMP-224; 5 patients (33%) discontinued treatment because of disease progression. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed; 9 patients (60%) experienced treatment-related adverse events, all Grade 1 or 2. No objective response was noted; 3 patients (20%) had stable disease. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.8 months) and 6.0 months (95% CI, 2.8-9.6 months), respectively. M2 macrophage polarization was present in the pretreatment tumor biopsy samples, but not post-treatment samples. Conclusion AMP-224 in combination with SBRT and low-dose cyclophosphamide was well tolerated, however, no significant clinical benefit was observed in patients with mCRC.
Engaging the human operator: a review of the theoretical support for the vigilance decrement and a discussion of practical applications

Vigilance, or the ability to sustain attention for extended periods of time, has been of interest to the human factors and ergonomics community for 70 years. During this time, several theories have...
Mechanisms for ballistic block ejection during the 2016–2017 shallow submarine eruption of Bogoslof volcano, Alaska

Ejection of ballistic blocks was a characteristic feature of the 2016–2017 Bogoslof eruption. High-resolution satellite images acquired throughout the duration of the 9-month long eruptive period permitted the recognition and mapping of ballistic blocks on the surface of Bogoslof Island. Many of the satellite images recorded the accumulation of ballistic material over several individual eruptive events, but a few images recorded the effects of a single event. The nonuniform spatial distribution of blocks suggests that some of the eruption columns were inclined. Ballistic trajectories were estimated using the Eject! model and indicate that accumulation of blocks on Bogoslof Island required launch angles of 45–80° and initial velocities of 50–100 ms−1 to reproduce observed travel distances. The amount of ballistic fallout observed in satellite data indicates that there must have been a shallow submarine source of rock within the conduit/upper edifice system. Dense, accidental cryptodome trachyandesite, and juvenile basalt to trachybasalt scoria make up the bulk of the surface ejecta. Abundant accidental fragments and inclined eruption columns point to periodic vent-wall collapse and jetting around edges of temporarily blocked vents as the likely cause of ballistic ejection.
Low earth orbit sounder retrieval products at geostationary earth orbit spatial and temporal scales

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Atmospheric and Oceanic Science) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Does low level laser therapy has effects on inflammatory biomarkers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-13 in osteoarthritis of rat models—a systemic review and meta-analysis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and is considered as the most common cause of pain and disability. To the best of our knowledge, it is generally observed that there is a lack of evidence on the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on inflammatory cytokines in OA. The present review aims to appraise the current evidence of efffects of LLLT on inflammatory cytokines in OA of the knee. Medical databases such as Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, PEDro CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane register, and Google reference were searched from its inception to June 2019. Articles that meet the inclusion criteria: subjects (animals-Wistar rats) induced with OA; rats with age group of 50-90 days; weight of 150-300 g; finding the effects of LLLT; reporting inflammatory cytokines; and articles written in English were included. The reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the primary studies. Data of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-13 were extracted for analysis. The Q (x2) test and I2 statistics analysis were performed to find the heterogeneity evaluation. Standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to synthesize the data. Two hundred eleven potential articles were identified and 186 articles were excluded based on the selection criteria. The rest of the 25 articles were read and 8 articles were selected for further study. From the study, it is observed that the laser therapy group had mild to moderate improvement than control group in IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-13 (IL-1β; SMD 1.21 [95% CI - 0.278, 2.704], TNF-α; SMD 5.19 [95% CI 2.413, 7.961], and MMP-13 SMD - 1.45 [95% CI - 5.121, 2.211]), while IL-6 [SMD 3.11 (95% CI 0.662, 5.549] did not show any considerable improvement after laser therapy. The present review provides the evidence of LLLT-dependent reduction of IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-13, and its ability to modulate proliferation of inflammatory cells, which makes LLLT a suitable treatment for OA. Though the included studies showed a high heterogeneity in treatment parameter, the beneficial effect of LLLT on changes in inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, seems to be unaffected.
Observational constraints on gauge field production in axion inflation

Models of axion inflation are particularly interesting since they provide a natural justification for the flatness of the potential over a super-Planckian distance, namely the approximate shift-symmetry of the inflaton. In addition, most of the observational consequences are directly related to this symmetry and hence are correlated. Large tensor modes can be accompanied by the observable effects of a the shift-symmetric coupling F to a gauge field. During inflation this coupling leads to a copious production of gauge quanta and consequently a very distinct modification of the primordial curvature perturbations. In this work we compare these predictions with observations. We find that the leading constraint on the model comes from the CMB power spectrum when considering both WMAP 7-year and ACT data. The bispectrum generated by the non-Gaussian inverse-decay of the gauge field leads to a comparable but slightly weaker constraint. There is also a constraint from μ-distortion using TRIS plus COBE/FIRAS data, but it is much weaker. Finally we comment on a generalization of the model to massive gauge fields. When the mass is generated by some light Higgs field, observably large local non-Gaussianity can be produced.
A Pretty Queer Thing: Thinking Queerly About Teachers’ Gender and Sexual Diversity–Focused Professional Learning:

Studying educators’ processes of learning to queer their practice has prompted us to think differently about our own praxis as teacher educators. Thinking differently has meant bringing the assumpt...