cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Frontlines: Making Decisions in Chinese Civil Environmental Lawsuits

This article looks at forty-two decisions in civil pollution cases in China as a window onto judges’ political logic and the accompanying implications for environmental enforcement. The starting point is a typology of judicial decision making in one-party states based on two dimensions of decisions: the degree of legal formality (e.g., how closely judges adhere to the letter of the law) and individual autonomy (e.g., judges’ power to make decisions in individual cases). Mapping pollution decisions onto this typology highlights shifting judicial strategy. While Chinese judges typically comply with instructions when the political pressure is dialed up, a combination of shifting incentives, uncertainty about the law, and political ambiguity can also allow de facto discretion in low-profile, run-of-the-mill cases. Everyday cases tend to cluster under the rubric of “rough justice” in which judges weigh competing political priorities and aim for a livable compromise that dents but upholds the status quo. This sample of cases also shows judges occasionally innovating at the margins by offering new legal interpretations or validating new types of claims. Although Chinese courts remain weak tools for environmental protection, limited innovation suggests that they can help nudge along local incremental social change.
Analytic Formulation for Kinematics, Statics, and Shape Restoration of Multibackbone Continuum Robots Via Elliptic Integrals

This paper presents a novel and unified analytic formulation for kinematics, statics, and shape restoration of multiple-backbone continuum robots. These robots achieve actuation redundancy by independently pulling and pushing three backbones to carry out a bending motion of two-degrees-of-freedom (DoF). A solution framework based on constraints of geometric compatibility and static equilibrium is derived using elliptic integrals. This framework allows the investigation of the effects of different external loads and actuation redundancy resolutions on the shape variations in these continuum robots. The simulation and experimental validation results show that these continuum robots bend into an exact circular shape for one particular actuation resolution. This provides a proof to the ubiquitously accepted circular-shape assumption in deriving kinematics for continuum robots. The shape variations due to various actuation redundancy resolutions are also investigated. The simulation results show that these continuum robots have the ability to redistribute loads among their backbones without introducing significant shape variations. A strategy for partially restoring the shape of the externally loaded continuum robots is proposed. The simulation results show that either the tip orientation or the tip position can be successfully restored.
Analysis of the characteristics of solar oscillation modes in active regions

We analyze the characteristics of high-degree solar acoustic modes in the vicinity of magnetic active regions and compare with those of magnetically quiet regions at the same latitude and at nearly the same time. We applied ring-diagram analysis to GONG+ and MDI data, using the 13-parameter mode-fitting model of Basu & Antia [1]. We explore the correlations of variations in mode frequencies, amplitudes, widths, and asymmetries with the total magnetic flux of the analyzed regions.
NANDFlashSim: Intrinsic latency variation aware NAND flash memory system modeling and simulation at microarchitecture level

As NAND flash memory becomes popular in diverse areas ranging from embedded systems to high performance computing, exposing and understanding flash memory's performance, energy consumption, and reliability becomes increasingly important. Moreover, with an increasing trend towards multiple-die, multiple-plane architectures and high speed interfaces, high performance NAND flash memory systems are expected to continue to scale. This scaling should further reduce costs and thereby widen proliferation of devices based on the technology. However, when designing NAND flash-based devices, making decisions about the optimal system configuration is non-trivial because NAND flash is sensitive to a large number of parameters, and some parameters exhibit significant latency variations. Such parameters include varying architectures such as multi-die and multi-plane, and a host of factors that affect performance, energy consumption, diverse node technology, and reliability. Unfortunately, there are no public domain tools for high-fidelity, microarchitecture level NAND flash memory simulation in existence to assist with making such decisions. Therefore, we introduce NANDFlashSim; a latency variation-aware, detailed, and highly configurable NAND flash simulation model. NANDFlashSim implements a detailed timing model for operations in sixteen state-of-the-art NAND flash operation mode combinations. In addition, NANDFlashSim models energies and reliability of NAND flash memory based on statistics. From our comprehensive experiments using NANDFlashSim, we found that 1) most read cases were unable to leverage the highly-parallel internal architecture of NAND flash regardless of the NAND flash operation mode, 2) the main source of this performance bottleneck is I/O bus activity, not NAND flash activity itself, 3) multi-level-cell NAND flash provides lower I/O bus resource contention than single-level-cell NAND flash, but the resource contention becomes a serious problem as the number of die increases, and 4) preference to employ many dies rather than to employ many planes promises better performance in disk-friendly real workloads. The simulator can be downloaded from http://www.cse.psu.edu/~mqj5086/nfs.
Accountability Demands and the Auditor’s Evidence Search Strategy: The Influence of Reviewer Preferences and the Nature of the Response (Belief vs. Action)

This study examines differences in auditors’ search behaviors associated with the preferences of audit management (reviewer preferences) and the nature of the required response (belief versus action) in the context of an accounts receivable collectibility review. I find that auditors facing reviewers who expressed concern about auditors spending time specifically looking for evidence inconsistent with explanations provided by the client (credence preference) examined fewer evidence items and followed a more client-prompted search (i.e., a search for evidence that follows directly from the client’s explanation) than those facing reviewers who expressed concern about auditors’ ready acceptance of client explanations without adequate justification (skepticism preference) and those facing reviewers who expressed no specific concern (unknown preference). Further, auditors in the action conditions examined fewer evidence items and spent less time per evidence item than those in the judgment conditions. Additional analyses also indicate that auditors who were held accountable to a reviewer with an unknown preference generally responded as if the reviewer maintained a skepticism preference.
The flow linear dichroism of DNA: comparison with the bead-spring theory.

The flow linear dichroism if T7 bacteriophage DNA has been obtained as a function of velocity gradient in neutral aqueous solutions containing 0.15M Na+ or K+. The data are compared with the hydrodynamic bead-spring theory of Rouse and Zimm using currently available spectroscopy, structural, and hydrodynamic parameters. Good agreement between theoretical and experimental isocline angle behavior is found. The magnitude of the measured linear dichroism is not in exact agreement with theory when presently accepted stiffness and optical parameters are used. Agreement is improved either by assuming a shorter persistence length or a less negative value for the limiting dichroism of DNA.
A Theoretical Note on the Relationship between Documented and Undocumented Migration

Undocumented migration is a (inferior) substitute to documented migration. Hence, policies affecting documented migration also affect undocumented migration. This paper explores this relationship from a theoretical perspective. The implications of this exploration are that lax enforcement of visa rules and national borders, combined with a very long waiting line (small annual quotas) for immigrant visas, can make illegal immigration a preferred option over legal immigration or, more generally, that for policy purposes all types of migrations should be regarded as interdependent. Therefore, policies aimed solely at, say, undocumented immigration will generally be less effective than an integrated policy approach.
Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Regulation of Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 Production by Staphylococcus aureus MN8

The production of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) by Staphylococcus aureus MN8 exposed to a range of oxygen concentrations (0 to 21% [vol/vol]) was examined in batch and thin-film cultures. The response of S. aureus to this range of oxygen concentrations was studied in the absence and in the presence of 7% (vol/vol) carbon dioxide. In the absence of carbon dioxide, TSST-1 production in batch cultures increased from negligible levels in the presence of oxygen concentrations of 1% or less to 500 ng/ml in the presence of 2% oxygen and then decreased to 70 ng/ml or less in the presence of oxygen concentrations of 6% and higher. In the presence of carbon dioxide, however, toxin production increased from negligible levels in the presence of 1% oxygen to 1,900 ng/ml in the presence of 21% oxygen. In thin-film cultures, TSST-1 production increased from nearly undetectable levels under anaerobic conditions to 1 and 10 μg/ml under 21% oxygen in the absence and presence of carbon dioxide, respectively. This study demonstrates the controlling effects of both oxygen and carbon dioxide on TSST-1 production.
DIVERGENT CORRELATIONS OF CIRCULATING DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE AND TESTOSTERONE WITH INSULIN LEVELS AND INSULIN RECEPTOR BINDING

We evaluated the insulin response to a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and in vitro insulin binding to erythrocytes (RBC) in 26 women from 3 groups: Group NW, normal women (n = 11); Group DS, women (n = 9) with elevated serum DHEAS concentrations, greater than 400 micrograms/dl (greater than 10.84 mumol/L); and Group IR, women (n = 6) with elevated basal plasma insulin concentrations (IRI). There was a significant linear correlation between the area under the insulin response curve (IRI-AUC) and serum testosterone (T) (r = 0.78, p = 0.0001). Using stepwise multiple linear regression, IRI-AUC was characterized as a function of both serum T and DHEAS; positively with T and negatively with DHEAS. In vitro (n = 17), there was a positive correlation between RBC-insulin binding and serum DHEAS (r = 0.54, p = 0.029) and a negative correlation between RBC-binding and T (r = -0.57, p = 0.017). We conclude that DHEAS may enhance insulin binding and action and that DHEAS and T have divergent functional relationships with IRI. DHEAS and T may therefore exert opposing effects on insulin secretion and action.
Carving from Ray-Tracing Constraints: IRT-Carving

We present a new algorithm for improving an available (conservative) estimate of the shape of an object using constraints from ray-tracing. In particular, we exploit incoherences between the lit portions of the object - detected on a set of acquired images - and the shadows that the current estimate casts on itself. Whenever a contradiction is found the current estimate is modified in order to remove the inconsistency. Sufficient conditions for the correctness of the algorithm and a discussion of their validity are provided. Finally, we describe a simple implementation of the method and present some preliminary experimental results from computer simulations.
Holiday Statistics for Parallel Lane Surveys

Simple closed-form solutions for the statistics of coverage gaps (holidays) associated with parallel lane surveys are derived. In particular, theoretical results for mean holiday area, mean holiday dimensions, and frequency of encounter of random holidays are presented. For verification, the latter are compared with the results of computer simulations of first-order Markov processes.
Two-dimensional heat transfer through complex-shaped composite materials. Part I: Literature Review and Model Development

The energy equation describing two-dimensional transient heat transfer in a composite medium is solved numerically in order to predict the temperature profiles inside the curing composite material as a function of time. The model includes a heat generation term due to exothermic chemical reactions, several types of boundary conditions, thermal properties dependent on both temperature and direction, and dynamic boundary movement due to compaction. This paper addresses the physical and chemical phenomena associated with composite materials processing. A literature review of the published mathematical models is presented. The proposed model is then developed, and the discretization and solution techniques are outlined.
Maculation Pattern in the Subgenus Protesilaus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). 1. the Development of Wing Pattern in Papilio agesilaus fortis

Analysis of maculation pattern in P. a. fortis (Rothschild & Jordan) at 22°C has shown 2 related but temporarally separated elements in pattern formation. The 1st period, of 5 days duration, results in the development of the scale pattern by 2 successive periods of mitotic divisions of the hypodermis proceeding from the base of the wing to the margin. A pigmentless scale pattern is apparent by Day 6. Addition of tyrosine at this time induces an essentially complete pattern. The 2nd period, of 13 days duration, is concerned with the maturation, pigmentation, and chitinization of the scales. Four pigment fields are described. The 1st field to appear is the white matrix field. The appearance of the white field is followed by the deposition of pigment in red bands and patches (2nd pigment field). The 3rd field to be determined is the yellow or buff marginal spots. Tbe 2nd and 3rd fields are limited to the hindwing. Deposition of brown pigment (4th pigment field) begins by day 13 and proceeds from the base of the wing. Wing development, pigmentation, and chitinization are completed by the 18th day of pupal life.
Viral evolution of hepatitis C in injection drug users.

Summary. Injection drug users represent the largest cohort of patients with established hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as well as the group that is at highest risk for new infections. Most published studies have focused on the clinical consequences of established HCV infection and have not examined the consequences of new infection. The aim of the current study was to measure the virological consequences of HCV in patients with ongoing injection drug use that might pose a risk for new and/or for superinfection with additional strains of HCV. We examined the following groups: (a) those with resolved HCV infection with ongoing injection drug use, (b) those with chronic infection who continued to inject and (c) those with chronic infection who no longer injected. Our study demonstrated a spectrum of responses. The majority of patients appeared to be ‘protected’ from new infection. None of six patients with resolved infection had detectable HCV RNA by quantitative or qualitative PCR when followed for 1 year. Similarly, despite ongoing injection drug use, no patient with persistent infection had a ‘switch’ in HCV genotype indicative of possible superinfection. Virological analysis of HCV quasispecies to detect possible infection with new variants of HCV in patients with apparently ‘stable’ infection, indicated divergence of virus over time, divergence that was unrelated to injection drug behaviour. Thus, patients with ongoing or prior HCV infection appear to develop immunity that protects against further infection with HCV despite repeated exposure.
Experiments in using a theorem prover to prove and develop geometrical theorems in computer vision

A geometrical theorem prover based on algebraic techniques has been used to prove and derive theorems in computer vision. The results show that theorems relevant to persepective viewing and the properties of shadows can be proven, including some which contain inequalities. Deriving theorems by stating incomplete hypotheses and letting the prover suggest the missing constraints can provide valuable new insights into vision probiems. However, there is no guarantee that the suggestions made by the proof algorithm are interpretable in terms of primitive geometric concepts.
High-frequency CMUT arrays for high-resolution medical imaging

The paper describes high-frequency 1D CMUT arrays designed and fabricated for use in electronically scanned high-resolution ultrasonic imaging systems. Two different designs of 64-element linear CMUT arrays are presented. A single element in each array is connected to a single-channel custom front-end integrated circuit for pulse-echo operation. The first design has a resonant frequency of 43 MHz in air, and operates at 30 MHz in immersion. The second design exhibits a resonant frequency of 60 MHz in air, and operates at 45 MHz in immersion. Experimental results are compared to simulation results obtained from the equivalent circuit model and nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis; a good agreement is observed between these results. The paper also briefly discusses the effects of the area fill factor on the frequency characteristics of CMUTs, which reveals that the transducer active area should be maximized to obtain a wideband response at high frequencies.
Expression of decay accelerating factor in endometrial adenocarcinoma is inversely related to the stage of tumor.

PROBLEM: Decay accelerating factor (DAF) is implicated in protection of cell membrane from toxicity of complement. In this study, we investigated a hypothesis that DAF is up-regulated in the endometrial adenocarcinoma, which could increase potential of malignant cells to escape destruction by complement. METHODS: DAF density was evaluated in endometrial biopsies of patients with adenocarcinoma at various stages and compared with ten endometrial biopsies from non-malignant patients at the proliferative phase. RESULTS: DAF expression in normal proliferative endometrium varied between 1 and 30%. While DAF density in patients with stage I cancer was in the range 56 98% (mean 78%), stage III values varied from 28 to 16% (mean 21%), P <0.05, DAF density in the well-differentiated Ishikawa cell line was two-fold higher than in metastatic cell line AN3CA. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are consistent with a hypothesis that endometrial adenocarcinoma of early stage that is exposed to complement attack may up-regulate DAF to protect malignant cells from complement lysis.
Constrained Motion Interpolation with Distance Constraints

We present a novel constraint-based motion interpolation algorithm to improve the performance of local planners in sample-based motion planning. Given two free-space configurations of a robot, our algorithm computes a one-dimensional trajectory subject to distance constraints between the closest features of the robot and the obstacles.We derive simple and closed form solutions to compute a path that guarantees no collisions between these closest features. The resulting local planner is fast and can improve the performance of sample-based planners with no changes to the underlying sampling strategy. In practice, we observe speedups on benchmarks for rigid robots with narrow passages.
Composites design and manufacturing assistant

The extent of knowledge required to perform the task of recommending composite processes and materials is often beyond the expertise of many novice engineers. A research effort that incorporates integration of a materials and processing knowledge base and a model–based reasoning system to aid an engineer in the selection and critique of composite materials and processes is–known as Composites Design and Manufacturing Assistant (CDMA) and is designed for producibility analysis. The knowledge base is object–oriented in order to encapsulate composite material properties and behaviours thus allowing paradigms which reflect the real–world concepts in a straightforward manner. The model–based reasoning component identifies and verifies compatibility between engineering applications and potential composite materials and processes. A truth maintenance system is used to record information about inferences and dependencies so conclusions may be linked with the reasons behind them. The seamless integration of these systems yields a concurrent engineering system to assist designers in selecting appropriate composite materials and associated manufacturing processes.
An Evaluation of Three Approaches Using Hurst Estimation to Differentiate Between Normal and Abnormal HRV

In this study, three different approaches using seven Hurst estimators to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) are evaluated. Herein, normal sinus rhythm and arrhythmia will be referred to as normal and abnormal HRV, respectively. The Hurst parameter is estimated using the following methods: aggregated variance, absolute value, box periodogram, difference variance, Higuchi, Peng, and rescaled range [1,2]. In this paper, the three approaches used are total time series estimation, cumulative window estimation, and sliding window estimation. These approaches were influenced by previous studies [3–5]. In all three approaches, bilateral results indicate that both normal and abnormal HRV data exhibit long range dependence (LRD), when H > 0.5 [6,7]. However, normal HRV data displayed a noticeably higher amount of LRD. In this novel study, the results display further potential research avenues using Hurst parameter estimation to analyze HRV data to differentiate between normal and abnormal HRV.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Returning Home and Making a Living: Employment Strategies of Return Migrants to Rural U.S. Communities

This research focuses on return migration to rural areas in the United States and documents strategies that return migrants use for securing employment. Rural labor markets, due to their small size, limited diversity, and lower wage scale, can be challenging for people looking to make a living. To understand how these labor market constraints affect rural return migration, we draw on over 300 semi-structured interviews with stayers, outmigrants and return migrants. Conversations, conducted at 10- to 30-year high school reunions in geographically isolated rural U.S. communities, affirm the well-known challenges and significant barriers to employment in small towns. However, additional interviews with community and business leaders also document employers' difficulties in filling skilled work positions. Return migrants take on jobs both in the public and private sector, but quite a few carve niches through self-employment, mostly in service sectors. We also encountered a small number of return migrants who started internet-based businesses or otherwise worked remotely. A reoccurring theme highlights how return migrants accept career sacrifices in order to raise their children in a familiar, small-town environment. We conclude that return migrants can be a boost to the economic and social vitality of rural communities and that communities should make efforts to both attract and retain them. Keywords: return migration, rural communities, rural labor markets, employment, geographic isolation, United States
Management of airway obstruction in children with infectious mononucleosis.

Airway obstruction in the child with infectious mononucleosis is a rare but extremely serious complication. Tracheostomy, tonsillectomy, and corticosteroids have been used in the management of this problem. We propose a conservative but successful regimen of intravenous hydration, corticosteroid therapy, and placement of a nasopharyngeal airway to deal with this problem.
Visual disembedding and locus of control as variables associated with high school football injuries.

Although visual perceptual characteristics may be important in physical injury of athletes, only one study was located which reported an association between visual perception and football injuries (Pargman, 1976). The present study estimated the correlations among visual perception, locus of control, and injuries of high school football players. Measure of Visual Disembedding, which measures an individual's ability to hold a configuration in mind despite distraction; Rotrer's Internal-External Locus of Control, a selfreport of an individual's "average" locus of control; and Dahlhauser's Football Locus of Control, designed to be a more specific measure of injury-producing behavior, were sent to the head football coaches of 21 senior high schools, randomly selected from the 19761977 Tennessee State Secondary Association directory. The coaches randomly selected 20 of the 1976 varsity football players to participate. Eleven coaches returned the packets, and of the 220 returned, 200 forms were complete. Multiple regression and one-way analysis of variance with N = 200, P < .05, df = 1/198 were used to test the hypothesis. A significant interaction was obtained between visual disembedding and times injured ( P = 33.00) and times disabled (F = 59.00). Ms and SDs were for uninjured 108, 1.79; for disabled 277, 2.15. As errors on visual disembedding increased tirncs injured ( r = .38) and disabled ( r = .48) decreased. A significant interaction was obtained between Dahlhauser's scale and times i,njured ( I . ' = 7.00) and times disabled (F = 94.00). Ms and SDs were, for injured 27, 1.9; for disabled 388, 2.0. As the score on Dahlhauser's scale decreased, times injured ( r = .19) and disabled ( r = .56) decreased. There was no correlation between times injured and disabled. Chi-squared indicated a significant difference between the type of football shoe worn by a player and times injured and disabled. Players wearing steel dears were injured and disab!ed more often from the waist down than were players wearing rubber cleats ( X e a = 22, P < .05). Data show fewer injuries for football players with independent visual perception and internal locus of control.
Determining nanocapillary geometry from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a variable topology network circuit model.

Solid-state nanopores and nanocapillaries find increasing use in a variety of applications including DNA sequencing, synthetic nanopores, next-generation membranes for water purification, and other nanofluidic structures. This paper develops the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to determine the geometry of nanocapillaries. A network equivalent circuit element is derived to include the effects of the capacitive double layer inside the nanocapillaries as well as the influence of varying nanocapillary radius. This variable topology function is similar to the finite Warburg impedance in certain limits. Analytical expressions for several different nanocapillary shapes are derived. The functions are evaluated to determine how the impedance signals will change with different nanocapillary aspect ratios and different degrees of constriction or inflation at the capillary center. Next, the complex impedance spectrum of a nanocapillary array membrane is measured at varying concentrations of electrolyte ...
Composition of Essential Oil from the Aerial Part of Schizonepeta tenuifolia

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Benth.) Briq.of Labiatae family is widely used as a key components of traditional Chinese medicine in China.The compositions of essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaf,stem and fascicled flower (spike) of Schizonepeta tenuifolia were identified using GC/MS.The leaf oil comprised of 23 components,while the stem and spike oil contained 29 and 26 components,respectively.The constituents and their level of contents in essential oil extracted from the leaf and spike were similar with the major components of (1) monoterpenes:menthone (15.09% from leaf and 14.51% from spike),(2) (+)-pulegone (29.26% from leaf and 31.36% from spike) and (3) sesquiterpene:α-humulene (17.09% from leaf and 5.00% from spike).The stem oil contains a higher content of ethyl esters [ethyl-(E)-9-hexadecenoate,11.92%;ethyl isovalerate 9.38%] and a lower level of monoterpenes (menthone of 4.15% and (+)-pulegone of 7.68%) than the leaf and spike oil.
Accounting For Patients’ Socioeconomic Status Does Not Change Hospital Readmission Rates

There is an active public debate about whether patients’ socioeconomic status should be included in the readmission measures used to determine penalties in Medicare’s Hospital Readmissions Reductio...
Testing Schumpeterian Hypothesis with Data from a Developing Country: R&D Investment and Size of Firms in Thailand

Even though the Schumpeterian hypotheses have been tested for several decades, there are very limited numbers of studies using data from developing countries. Existing literatures on developing countries tend to concentrate on some particular countries. This study provides another test of Schumpeterian hypotheses using data of Thai firms. The results partly support the Schumpeterian hypotheses. The study shows that firm size affects the decision to undertake R&D. However, upon firms undertaking R&D, R&D intensity does not increase disproportionately with the size of the firms, all else constant. Moreover, the skilled work forces are relatively more important for firms undertaking R&D than the financial aspects. These findings are essential for the improvement of current policy regarding R&D in Thailand.
The long-run vanity of Prudhoe Bay

Abstract Upon the completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1977, Alaskan oil production surged, peaking in 1988. From 1988 onward, Alaskan oil production steadily declined. The temporal characteristics of the Alaskan oil boom make for an ideal case study of the economic effects of resource booms more generally. The boom generated significant short-run economic gains that were quickly diluted by inward migration. In the long run though, the income gains may have turned into losses. These results are robust to using a variety of comparison units, including a synthetic control.
A tool for evaluating patients with knee injury.

The article is part of the "Point-of-Care Guides" series and provides an evidence-based encounter form for use with patients who present with knee injury.
Carbon Nanotube Yarn and Sheet Antennas

Abstract The application of carbon nanotube (CNT) materials to produce lightweight, flexible and durable RF antenna designs is explored through simulation, fabrication and measurement of a variety of CNT thread and sheet antenna designs. The conductivity and current distribution for a dipole antenna constructed from CNT thread/rope are simulated using Hallen's integral equation for a thin wire applied to the Method of Moments. An aperture-coupled patch antenna composed of CNT sheet material is fabricated, measured and compared with a standard copper patch antenna. Finally, a meshed patch antenna composed of interwoven CNT threads is developed and simulated as a concept for a multifunctional communications antenna and reactive gas sensor.
AN ELASTO-PLASTIC FINITE ELEMENT STUDY OF DISPLACEMENT-CONTROLLED FRETTING IN A PLANE-STRAIN CYLINDRICAL CONTACT

This work presents a finite element study of a 2D plane strain fretting model of a half cylinder in contact with a flat block under oscillatory tangential loading. The two bodies are deformable and are set to the same material properties (specifically steel), however, because the results are normalized, they can characterize a range of contact scales (micro to macro), and are applicable for ductile material pairs that behave in an elastic-perfectly plastic manner. Different coefficients of friction (COFs) are used in the interface. This work finds that the edges of the contacting areas experience large von-Mises stresses along with significant residual plastic strains, while pileup could also appear there when the COFs are sufficiently large. In addition, junction growth is investigated, showing a magnitude that increases with the COF, while the rate of growth stabilization decreases with the COF. The fretting loop (caused by the tangential force during the fretting motion) for the initial few cycles of loading is generated, and it compares well with reported experimental results. The effects of boundary conditions are also discussed where a pre-stressed compressed block is found to improve (i.e., reduce) the magnitude of the plastic strain compared to an unstressed block.
High-throughput density functional calculations to optimize properties and interfacial chemistry of piezoelectric materials

High-throughput density functional theory calculations are conducted to search through 1572 $AB{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ compounds to find a potential replacement material for lead zirconate titanate (PZT) that exhibits the same excellent piezoelectric properties as PZT and lacks both its use of the toxic element lead (Pb) and the formation of secondary alloy phases with platinum (Pt) electrodes. The first screening criterion employed a search through the Materials Project database to find $A\ensuremath{-}B$ combinations that do not form ternary compounds with Pt. The second screening criterion aimed to eliminate potential candidates through first-principles calculations of their electronic structure, in which compounds with a band gap of 0.25 eV or higher were retained. Third, thermodynamic stability calculations were used to compare the candidates in a Pt environment to compounds already calculated to be stable within the Materials Project. Formation energies below or equal to 100 meV/atom were considered to be thermodynamically stable. The fourth screening criterion employed lattice misfit to identify those candidate perovskites that have low misfit with the Pt electrode and high misfit of potential secondary phases that can be formed when Pt alloys with the different $A$ and $B$ components. To aid in the final analysis, dynamic stability calculations were used to determine those perovskites that have dynamic instabilities that favor the ferroelectric distortion. Analysis of the data finds three perovskites warranting further investigation: $\mathrm{CsNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}, \mathrm{RbNb}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, and $\mathrm{CsTa}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$.
Dynamic Demographics: Lessons from a Large-Scale Census of Performative Possibilities in Games

While much popular discussion of representation in games exists, there is very little rigorously collected data available from which to draw direct conclusions. In this study, we set out to address this gap by performing a census of playable characters across a large sample of contemporary games. We gathered data from 200 games including independently published ("indie") games and so-called "AAA" titles from large publishers. While our initial analysis yielded some insight into the landscape of playable characters, it also highlighted the contingent, negotiated, and interpretive nature of representation in games. This led to additional analysis that emphasized the ways in which this negotiation manifests in research in the methods and metrics used to quantify representation. We argue that researchers studying representation in games need to treat it as a possibility space for a multitude of potential interpretations rather than a singular, measurable, phenomenon.
Wideband transskull refocusing of ultrasound beams using dual-mode ultrasound arrays: Ex vivo results

Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is capable of providing subtherapeutic and therapeutic ablative treatments for a variety of brain disorders. A major challenge towards widespread use of tFUS-based therapies stems from the complexity of the skull that could result in severe loss of focusing gain. Using extensive hydrophone scan measurements in plain water as well as transskull, we have documented a range of tFUS beam distortions for a variety of target points and access angles. In this paper, we present quantitative measurements of tFUS distortions due to skull aberrations at different operating frequencies. In addition, refocusing results for a variety of target points at different frequencies within the transducer bandwidth are presented in terms of improvement in focusing gain. Dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) prototype (64 elements, concave with 40-mm radius of curvature) was used. Skull samples were extracted from animal subjects that have undergone tFUS treatments using the DMUA prototype were utilized. Experiments were performed at a set of 31 discrete frequencies in the range 2.0 MHz–5.0 MHz. A needle hydrophone was used to measure the pressure waveforms at the target locations. The element transmission efficiency varied as a function of frequency in a nonmonotonic manner with a range of 5–15 dB variation for the different target points. The array focusing gain also varied nonmonotonically suggesting the need for broadband refocusing.Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is capable of providing subtherapeutic and therapeutic ablative treatments for a variety of brain disorders. A major challenge towards widespread use of tFUS-based therapies stems from the complexity of the skull that could result in severe loss of focusing gain. Using extensive hydrophone scan measurements in plain water as well as transskull, we have documented a range of tFUS beam distortions for a variety of target points and access angles. In this paper, we present quantitative measurements of tFUS distortions due to skull aberrations at different operating frequencies. In addition, refocusing results for a variety of target points at different frequencies within the transducer bandwidth are presented in terms of improvement in focusing gain. Dual-mode ultrasound array (DMUA) prototype (64 elements, concave with 40-mm radius of curvature) was used. Skull samples were extracted from animal subjects that have undergone tFUS treatments using the DMUA prototype were...
Automation and Problem Solving in Human-Machine Systems

Humans interact with systems in an enormous variety of ways. First of all we design systems. Systems are products. These systems may be targeted byproducts such as an office automation systems, or may be total service systems, such as a system for an airline, or a flight booking system, or a mixture of the two. Processes are designed to meet products. Processes are product-lined and are driven by systems management considerations. Humans interact with respect to all of these. In a similar way, humans use systems and they interact with them at different levels. An office automation system, again, is a product, and it is used in a process type of fashion, because it is used to assist in such things as, for example, the processing of airline flight reservations. Then these processes are used in a systems management approach. Again, the process refer to all three levels. Therefore, humans interact with complex systems at the level of product, the level of process and at the level of systems management.
Spinal cord injury trends in the United States, 1972–2017

Introduction/Background This cross-sectional analysis of longitudinal data was conducted to document demographic and clinical characteristics of newly injured and prevalent population with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States. Material and method 32.727 people with traumatic SCI who received initial hospital care from one of the 30 SCI Model Systems Centers since the early 1970s were included in the analyses with data on demographic, injury and medical characteristics, and psychosocial wellbeing obtained during the initial hospitalization and at year 1, 5, and every 5 years after injury through 2017. Results Age at injury has increased from 29 years in the 1970s to 42 years currently. This aging phenomenon was noted for all sexes, races, and etiologies except acts of violence. Although vehicular crashes continue to be the leading cause of SCI overall, injuries due to falls have increased over time particularly among those aged 46 years and older. Injuries resulting in tetraplegia are increasing while neurologically complete injuries are decreasing. Lengths of stay in the acute hospital and rehabilitation unit have declined. About 30% of persons with SCI are re-hospitalized during any given year following injury. Diseases of the genitourinary system are the leading cause of re-hospitalization. Mortality rates are significantly higher during the first year after injury. The life expectancy has improved but remain significantly below life expectancies of persons without SCI. The causes of death that have the greatest impact on reduced life expectancy over the last 5 decades are pneumonia and septicemia. Conclusion Study findings call for geriatrics expertise in the care for SCI and also highlights the need for a multi-dimensional risk assessment and intervention to reduce falls and SCI in older adults. Within the prevalent population, those who survive many years typically will have less severe injuries, high levels of independence and overall good health.
Abstract 5108: The role of H2afy in normal and malignant hematopoiesis

Mutations in the spliceosome gene U2AF1 are found in 11% of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a common hematologic malignancy, and at lower frequencies in some solid cancers. We have shown that expression of a common U2AF1 mutant, U2AF1(S34F), causes altered pre-mRNA splicing and abnormal hematopoiesis in mice, including reduced white blood cell counts (WBC) and B-cells, which are phenotypes similar to patients with MDS. We consistently find that expression of mutant U2AF1 results in reduced RNA expression of H2AFY1.1, a splice isoform of H2AFY, in patient samples and mouse hematopoietic cells. H2AFY (also known as macroH2A1) is a histone H2A variant implicated in transcriptional gene regulation, development, and tumorigenesis. This gene encodes two splice isoforms, H2AFY1.1 and H2AFY1.2. Expression of the H2AFY1.1 isoform is also reduced in several solid cancers. We hypothesize that reduced H2AFY1.1 expression contributes to abnormal hematopoiesis induced by mutant U2AF1(S34F). We first characterized hematopoiesis in adult constitutive H2afy knock-out mice (lacking both H2afy1.1 and H2afy1.2 isoforms). We transplanted bone marrow cells from H2afy+/+ or H2afy-/- mice into lethally irradiated congenic recipients to study the hematopoietic cell-intrinsic effects of H2afy loss. At 6 weeks post-transplant, recipients of H2afy-/- bone marrow cells compared to recipients of H2afy+/+ cells exhibited a marked reduction in WBC (5.0 vs. 9.1 K cells/µL, respectively, p Citation Format: Sanghyun Kim, Monique Chavez, Cara Shirai, Matt Walter. The role of H2afy in normal and malignant hematopoiesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5108.
Atlastins remodel the endoplasmic reticulum for selective autophagy

Specific receptors are required for the autophagic degradation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), known as ER-phagy. However, little is known about how the ER is remodeled and separated for packaging into autophagosomes. We developed two ER-phagy–specific reporter systems and found that Atlastins are key positive effectors and also targets of ER-phagy. Atlastins are ER-resident GTPases involved in ER membrane morphology, and Atlastin-depleted cells have decreased ER-phagy under starvation conditions. Atlastin’s role in ER-phagy requires a functional GTPase domain and proper ER localization, both of which are also involved in ER architecture. The three Atlastin family members functionally compensate for one another during ER-phagy and may form heteromeric complexes with one another. We further find that Atlastins act downstream of the FAM134B ER-phagy receptor, such that depletion of Atlastins represses ER-autophagy induced by the overexpression of FAM134B. We propose that during ER-phagy, Atlastins remodel ER membrane to separate pieces of FAM134B-marked ER for efficient autophagosomal engulfment.
CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR IMMUNE THERAPY: Systemic Indications and Ophthalmic Side Effects.

Purpose:To review immune checkpoint inhibitor indications and ophthalmic side effects.Methods:A literature review was performed using a PubMed search for publications between 1990 and 2017.Results:Immune checkpoint inhibitors are designed to treat system malignancies by targeting one of three ligand
A dicyanobenzoquinone based cathode material for rechargeable lithium and sodium ion batteries

Organic quinone materials offer a sustainable approach for electric energy storage, however, their intrinsic electrical insulation and dissolution into the electrolyte during cycling have hampered their wide applications. To tackle these two issues, we have synthesized a novel organic cathode material by anchoring a quinone compound, 2,3-dicyano-p-benzoquinone (DCBQ) with a high redox potential of 3.37 V vs. Li/Li+, onto carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (CNTs-DCBQ) through a facile ‘‘grafting to’’ method. The elaborate combination of excellent electron conductivity and large surface area of CNTs and stable and reversible redox reaction of DCBQ enables CNTs-DCBQ to deliver high reversible capacities of 206.9 and 175.8 mA h g−1 at a current density of 10 mA g−1 and also remarkable capacities of 110.2 and 82.1 mA h g−1 at a higher current density of 200 mA g−1 with a capacity retention approaching 100% after 1000 cycles for lithium and sodium ion batteries, respectively.
Housing Market Microstructure: What is a Competing House?

Abstract Housing market microstructure focuses on how neighborhood market conditions affect prices and liquidity. In this paper, we test alternative empirical microstructure models in which substit...
Key factors for implementing mindfulness-based burnout interventions in surgery.

Abstract Background Burnout and distress are widespread issues in surgical training. While effective interventions are slowly coming to light, little has been published regarding the sustainable implementation of such interventions, including the critical need to identify barriers and enablers. Methods Enhanced Stress Resilience Training (ESRT), a mindfulness-based cognitive intervention for surgical trainees, was delivered and studied on three separate occasions. For each, focus groups, field notes, surveys and interviews were collected involving leadership, administrators and participants. Thematic analysis was used in each instance, and across instances, to explore concepts and themes, which were used to identify critical influences effecting implementation. Results Culture (surrounding the intervention), infrastructure (supporting the intervention) and adaptability (of the intervention) were repeatedly critical influences, guiding iterative adaptation of the intervention, and resulting in sustainability across groups and over time. Conclusions Identifying critical influences on intervention feasibility and acceptability can guide intervention refinement and shift sustainable implementation barriers to become enablers, as was the case at our institution. This approach may be useful in other settings.