cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models and finite element techniques for blood flow simulation

Recent advances in the area of computational analysis of blood flow devices are presented. Flow simulation techniques relevant to blood pump design based on stabilized finite element formulations and a deforming-mesh space–time approach are outlined, and the results are compared with experimentally-obtained data for a rotary blood pump. Flow prediction is augmented by a strain-based morphology-tensor numerical model capable of quantifying mechanical blood damage. For more accurate representation of blood constitutive behavior, a stabilized finite element formulation for viscoelastic fluids of Oldroyd-B type is also under development. Taken together, this collection of numerical techniques has the potential of significantly improving predictive capabilities of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) during the development stage of blood flow devices.
Development of Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Preclinical Findings and Clinical Relevance

The most common genetic abnormality in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the deletion or mutation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene. This gene encodes a component of a cullin-based E3 ligase that attaches multiple ubiquitin chains to hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α resulting in their destabilization and degradation in the proteasome. The degradation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α requires the prior hydroxylation of specific prolines within a central domain of these proteins. In the setting of hypoxia, HIF prolyl hydroxylation and therefore ubiquitylation are impaired, resulting in HIF accumulation. The functional loss of the VHL gene common in RCC mimics hypoxia by blocking the degradation of HIF-1α and HIF-2α. This pseudohypoxic state results in the enhanced expression of HIF-dependent genes, including that of the angiogenesis factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The overproduction of VEGF by RCC leads to an abundant microvasculature that may be uniquely VEGF-dependent and therefore sensitive to drugs that block signaling through the dominant VEGF receptor, VEGFR2. When used as first-line therapy in RCC patients, drugs that target either VEGF or VEGFR2 are associated with a progression-free survival (PFS) of nearly 1 year. Despite these encouraging results, however, the overwhelming majority of RCC patients ultimately develop resistance to these drugs. This chapter reviews several of the mechanisms by which RCC is thought to escape from VEGF-targeted therapies. Many of the proposed mechanisms of acquired resistance involve the increased production by the tumor cells of factors capable of compensating for the loss of VEGF signaling. Other mechanisms involve the production of cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases by tumor-associated fibroblasts and infiltrating bone marrow-derived myeloid cells. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of agents that could be used in combination with VEGF-targeted therapies in an effort to thwart the development of resistance.
B2B relationship calculus: quantifying resource effects in service-dominant logic

Increasingly, knowledgeable business-to-business (B2B) customers and evolving customer needs are leading to seismic shifts in vendor–client interactions. Across industries, sellers are changing their business models from a simple goods orientation to a hybrid goods–services model, placing greater emphasis on delivering complete customer solutions. In such an environment, companies must find ways to prioritize investments in resource development. The service-dominant (S-D) logic framework offers significant insights into this challenge; however, these effects have not been tested quantitatively. This study addresses that gap, examining the influence of various seller resources on buyer satisfaction. An empirical analysis of buying organizations that purchased and implemented business intelligence systems finds that “augmented” operant resources that the buyers ascribe to the software’s sellers—resources that go above and beyond expectations—are the most significant predictors of both successful technology assimilation and overall customer relationship quality. In particular, an augmented operant resource reflecting a seller’s ability to see value creation opportunities from the buyer’s perspective (value mindset) has up to three times the effect on relationship satisfaction as “core” operant resources such as product-specific expertise or basic interpersonal service skills. These results can help sellers prioritize resource investments.
Handling Methods and Facilities to Reduce Stress on Cattle

A combination of well trained handlers and properly designed facilities will reduce stress on cattle and improve both handling efficiency and productivity of cattle. Solid sides on both the single file chute and the squeeze chute will facilitate cattle movement and reduce lunging at the headgate. To reduce balking, distractions which impede cattle movement must be eliminated from handling facilities. Some of the most common distractions which make cattle balk in a chute are: a jiggling chain hanging in a chute, shiny reflections on metal, puddles, shadows, seeing a visible person and a high pitched noise. Cattle should be moved into the handling facility in small groups and the crowd pen should be filled only half to three-quarters full.
Novel photonic materials for advanced imaging applications

Some of the exciting potential applications of nonlinear optics include quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum imaging, all-optical switching, optical power limiting, and nonlinear optical image processing. However, the implementation of these applications has historically been held back by the limited availability of materials with the required properties of large optical nonlinearity combined with high optical transparency and high resistance to laser damage. Several strategies have traditionally been exploited in an attempt to create new materials with more desirable optical properties. These strategies include the synthesis of new chemical compounds with intrinsically large optical response, the use of quantum coherence techniques to more efficiently utilize the nonlinear response present in a given material, and the creation of composite materials that can combine the desirable characteristics of two or more constituent materials to create a new material with tailored optical properties. Of particular interest is the hope of developing artificial materials and structures with optical properties fundamentally unlike those of naturally occurring materials. Some of the exotic characteristics these devices can be expected to display include ultra-slow and superluminal group velocities of propagation, enhanced optical nonlinearities, and large dispersion with a controllable magnitude and sign.
Cluster-and-connect: A more realistic model for the electric power network topology

Generating synthetic network graphs that capture key topological and electrical characteristics of real-world electric power systems is important in aiding widespread and accurate analysis of these systems. Classical statistical models of graphs, such as small-world networks or Erdos-Renyi graphs, are unable to generate synthetic graphs that accurately represent the topology of real electric power networks — they do not appropriately capture the highly dense local connectivity and clustering as well as sparse long-haul links observed in electric power network graphs. This paper presents a model that parametrizes these unique topological properties of electric power networks and introduces a new Cluster-and-Connect algorithm to generate synthetic networks using these parameters. Using a uniform set of metrics proposed in the literature, the accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated by comparing the synthetic models generated for specific real electric power network graphs.
Manipulating Magnetic Plasmon Propagation in Metallic Nanocluster Networks

Neighboring fused heptamers can support magnetic plasmons due to the generation of antiphase ring currents in the metallic nanoclusters. In this paper, we use such artificial plasmonic molecules as basic elements to construct low-loss plasmonic waveguides and devices. These magnetic plasmon-based complexes exhibit waveguiding functionalities including plasmon steering over large-angle bends, splitting at intersections, and Mach–Zehnder interference between consecutive Y-splitters. Our findings provide a strategy for circumventing significant challenges in the miniaturization and high-density integration of optical circuits in integrated optics, allowing for the development of ultracompact plasmonic networks for practical applications.
The Penn seroflocculation reaction in cancer diagnosis.

Conclusion(1) The Penn-Hall seroflocculation test was not found to be a satisfactory cancer selective procedure. Although it was seldom positive in normal individuals (5% of 129), it wras positive in only 43% (96 of 241) of cancerous patients. Incidence of false positive results in 1608 non-cancerous patients was 19%. If patients with allergy, arthritis, acute tuberculosis or syphilis, temperature over 99.6°F and those with trauma, surgery or blood transfusion in prior 10 days were omitted as Penn and Hall suggested, the false positive results and the correct positive results were equally reduced by about 6%. (2) Positive results were more frequent among patients who had elevated blood sedimentation rates or who had inflammatory disease processes. As we evaluated, it is highly improbable that the reaction is cancer specific, a finding agreeing with the results of other investigators(3,4,5,6).
Equations for a filtration of sheets and the variety of singular elements of a complex semisimple Lie algebra

This paper connects results on Amitsur–Levitski identities for simple Lie algebras, ideals in Borel subalgebras, commutative Lie subalgebras in simple Lie algebras, filtration of sheets, and recent work with Nolan Wallach on the variety of singular elements in a complex semisimple Lie algebra.
Inhibition of interleukin 3 and colony-stimulating factor 1-stimulated marrow cell proliferation by pertussis toxin

Pertussis toxin (PT) catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of several guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins that are involved in the transduction of cell surface receptor-mediated signals. Involvement of such G-proteins in regulation of hematopoiesis by two growth factors, colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and interleukin 3 (IL 3), was investigated using pertussis toxin. Continuous or pulse exposure of murine bone marrow cells to pertussis toxin inhibited CSF-1 or IL 3-induced colony formation by approximately 50%. Pertussis toxin inhibition was also demonstrated against partially separated marrow from 5-fluorouracil-treated mice. The toxin effect was blocked by heating (95 degrees C for 30 minutes), by antitoxin antibody and was not associated with increased cAMP levels in target cells. In experiments with murine marrow, toxin-mediated inhibition appeared to involve predominantly the macrophage lineage. IL 3 stimulation of proliferation of the murine marrow-derived factor-dependent cell line FDC-P1, as measured by 3H-TdR incorporation, and CSF-1 stimulation of pure populations of murine bone marrow derived macrophages, as measured by DNA content and cell number, was also inhibited. Analysis of the effects of pertussis toxin on the growth of single cells stimulated by IL 3 demonstrated that this inhibition involved a decreased growth rate rather than a toxic ablation of cells. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated FDC-P1 cells and was able to abrogate the PT inhibition of IL 3 stimulation of these cells, suggesting but not establishing that IL 3 may mediate its proliferative effects through activating protein kinase C.
DREs Over Complex Domains

In this chapter, we will introduce P.J. Davis’s result regarding the construction of DREs over complex domains (see [15]). From Green’s theorem, by using Schwarz functions, a double integral of an analytic function over a complex domain can be reduced to a contour integral. A subsequent application of the radius theory to the contour integral yields a DRE for the double integral. Since for any given harmonic function there always exists an analytic function the real part of which is the given harmonic function, a DRE for an analytic function leads to a DRE for the corresponding harmonic function. In Section 1, we will discuss the general method for constructing this type of DRE. Section 2 will give applications of the DRE in constructing quadrature formulas. In Section 3, we try to find (if possible) regions over which some given DREs and/or quadrature formulas of double integrals hold. Section 4 will discuss some additional topics on DREs over complex domains such as the construction of a Schwarz function regular in a slit region and applications of DREs in Fourier expansion.
Origin of the Myeloma Stem Cell

Abstract SCI-4 Increasing evidence suggest that most human cancers consist of phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous cell types. Moreover, in some tumors, phenotypic-functional relationships exist and the capacity for clonogenic growth and self-renewal may be restricted to specific cell types. In multiple myeloma, malignant plasma cells make up the vast majority of tumor cells, phenotypically characterize the disease, and are responsible for clinical symptoms. However, myeloma plasma cells also appear terminally differentiated similar to their normal counterparts and incapable of long-term proliferation. Similar to other laboratories, we have identified minor populations of B cells that share the identical immunoglobulin gene rearrangements as the malignant plasma cells in most myeloma patients. We have further studied the functional capacity of these clonotypic B cells and found that they have ability to produce ectopic tumor growth both in vitro and in immunodeficient mice that can recapitulate human disease.1,2 Moreover, these cells are relatively resistant to several agents currently used to treat multiple myeloma suggesting that they have the capacity to persist following treatment and are responsible for tumor regrowth and disease relapse. In order to inhibit these drug resistant cancer stem cells, we have studied cellular pathways that regulate the self-renewal of normal adult stem cells and found that several, including the developmental pathway Hedgehog, are potential therapeutic targets.3 Finally, as these concepts are translated to the clinic, several challenges have emerged including the ability to detect activity against myeloma stem cells that make up only a minority of the overall tumor burden.4 To this end, we have begun to develop biomarker strategies to serially quantify myeloma stem cells in patients undergoing treatment and will examine their utility as clinical endpoints. 1. Matsui W, Huff CA, Wang Q, et al. Characterization of clonogenic multiple myeloma cells. Blood. 2004;103:2332–2336. 2. Matsui W, Wang Q, Barber JP, et al. Clonogenic Multiple Myeloma Progenitors, Stem Cell Properties, and Drug Resistance. Cancer Research. 2008;68:190–197. 3. Peacock CD, Wang Q, Gesell GS, et al. Hedgehog signaling maintains a tumor stem cell compartment in multiple myeloma. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA. 2007;104:4048–4053. 4. Huff CA, Matsui W, Smith BD, Jones RJ. The paradox of response and survival in cancer therapeutics. Blood. 2006;107:431–434. Disclosures: Matsui:Pfizer: Consultancy; Bristol-Meyers Squibb: Consultancy; Infinity Phamaceuticals: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Geron Corporation: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Rituximab in multiple myeloma.
Autoinspection and Permitting With a PV Utility Interface (PUI) for Residential Plug-and-Play Solar Photovoltaic Unit

Renewable energy resources are becoming popular with mass adoption in residential and commercial applications because of gradual cost reduction along with continuous technical advancements. Photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the biggest players of renewable energy installations although soft costs remain as the major barrier for higher penetration of PV systems. To address the cost challenges, a plug-and-play (PnP) system for a quick, low-cost installation is proposed and designed. The method is much less invasive and labor intensive than the traditional installation methods. This paper presents the PnP electrical system, with emphasis on the controls, software, and system-level communications within the system. A PV utility interface circuit has been developed for automated electrical safety checks and authentication for the PnP PV system. A data protocol has been used to deal with the master–slave controller setup in the system. This research has the potential to reduce the residential PV system price by $0.6/W.
Integrating Research and Practice: Looking Back:

The ProblemThe divide between research and practice has long been recognized by both scholars and practitioners in multiple applied fields, including our field of human resource development (HRD). Significant amount of energy has been devoted to identify ways to bridge the gap, yet the divide has remained noticeably wide. Developing scholar-practitioners is considered a viable solution, yet how to prepare them is not quite so clear.The SolutionThis issue provides an actionable plan by drawing upon the firsthand experiences and real-life examples from those who have successfully crossed the two worlds. By focusing on the how-to, this issue provides a tool box for multiple parties.The StakeholdersThree groups of stakeholders will benefit directly from this issue, scholar-practitioners, practitioners seeking scholarly practice, and scholars desiring to ground their research in practice. This issue will also benefit organizations, intermediaries, and HRD as an applied field.
RESPIRATION AND PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI MEMBRANE-ENVELOPE FRAGMENTS : II. Effects of Fatty Acids and Albumin on Respiration

Fatty acids inhibited the ability of Escherichia coli membrane-envelope fragments to catalyze the oxidation of succinate and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (NADH) and also inhibited the response of the Clark oxygen electrode to nonenzymatic oxygen uptake. In all cases, unsaturated fatty acids were much more inhibitory than saturated fatty acids. Albumin afforded complete protection from inhibition in the nonenzymatic oxygen-uptake experiments but only partial protection for the respiratory activities of the membrane fragments. The succinoxidase activity was totally inhibited by bovine serum albumin at concentrations that inhibited succinate dehydrogenase only slightly and NADH oxidase not at all. The E. coli acellular preparation showed no dehydrogenase or oxidase activity for any of the fatty acids under a variety of conditions. These conditions included variations of pH, concentration of fatty acids, and the presence or absence of albumin, CoA, ATP, NAD, cysteine, succinate, and carnitine. It thus appears that E. coli grown in the absence of fatty acid can not use fatty acids as an energy source.
Mapping acidic mine waste with seasonal airborne hyperspectral imagery at varying spatial scales

Airborne imaging spectrometer (also known as hyperspectral) remote sensing has been widely used to characterize mineralogy on mine waste surfaces, which is useful for predicting potential sources of acidity and metal leaching. The most successful applications employ fine spatial resolution—20-m pixels or smaller. Future satellite imaging spectrometer sensors are proposed to provide coarser spatial resolution—30- to 60-m pixels. This study examined the ability to map minerals related to acid mine drainage with visible to shortwave infrared hyperspectral imagery at varying spatial scales (2-, 15-, 30-, 60-m pixels) at the Leviathan mine Superfund site, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. Mineral maps were produced using spectral angle mapper and matched filtering algorithms. The 15-m images provided comparable maps to the 2-m images. The 30- and 60-m images lost the ability to identify smaller features; however, they were still able to identify high- and low-priority remediation zones at least 75 m in width. Based on our results, we believe 30-m spatial resolution on a satellite hyperspectral sensor will be sufficient for identifying hazardous surfaces at larger mine waste sites and provide important reconnaissance information that can help prioritize detailed ground-based studies.
Platform Selection Under Performance Loss Constraints in Optimal Design of Product Families

Designing a family of product variants that share some components usually entails a performance loss relative to the individually optimized variants due to the commonality constraints. Choosing com ...
Use of a next-generation multi-durometer long guide sheath for triaxial access in flow diversion: experience in 95 consecutive cases

Background Intracranial access techniques in modern neurointerventions have shifted towards more robust access platforms. The long guide sheath is one of the building blocks of triaxial systems used in intracranial embolizations. Here we present our experience with the AXS Infinity LS long sheath in the triaxial platform for the implantation of the Pipeline embolization device (PED). Methods We retrospectively identified patients who underwent PED Flex treatment with the AXS Infinity LS at a single institution. Procedural data collected included parent artery tortuosity, patient demographics, vasodilator use, aneurysm characteristics, equipment utilized, and catheter-related complications. Results A total of 95 cases were completed using the AXS Infinity LS for the triaxial platform foundation in PED Flex treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Mean patient age was 56.2±12.2 years (range 21–86). Average aneurysm size was 6.9±6.2 mm (range 1–38). There were 89 anterior circulation cases (94%) and 6 posterior circulation cases (6%). Significant cervical ICA tortuosity was present in 11/89 (12%) and moderate to severe cavernous ICA tortuosity was present in 29/89 (33%). Mean fluoroscopy time was 40.0±19.8 min. In 14/95 cases (15%), vasospasm prophylaxis or treatment with intra-arterial verapamil infusion was performed. Catheter access-related complications included asymptomatic iatrogenic dissection in one case (1%) from the distal intracranial catheter and groin hematoma in one case (1%). No parent vessel wall abnormalities were visualized in the region of the Infinity long sheath on final control angiography in all 95 cases. Conclusion The AXS Infinity LS is the newest long guide sheath available for modern neurointerventional procedures. We have shown its utility in augmenting the triaxial access platform in PED Flex cases by providing enhanced distal tip trackability with added support in the aortic arch and proximal great vessels.
Phase‐sensitive B1 mapping: Effects of relaxation and RF spoiling

Purpose To develop a phase-based B1 mapping technique accounting for the effects of imperfect RF spoiling and magnetization relaxation. Theory and methods The technique is based on a multi-gradient-echo sequence with 2 successive orthogonal radiofrequency (RF) excitation pulses followed by the train of gradient echoes measurements. We have derived a theoretical expression relating the MR signal phase produced by the 2 successive RF pulses to the B1 field and B0 -related frequency shift. The expression takes into account effects of imperfections of RF spoiling and T1 and T2* relaxations. Results Our computer simulations and experiments revealed that imperfections of RF spoiling cause significant errors in B1 mapping if not accounted for. By accounting for these effects along with effects of magnetization relaxation and frequency shift, we demonstrated the high accuracy of our approach. The technique has been tested on spherical phantoms and a healthy volunteer. Conclusion In this paper, we have proposed, implemented, and demonstrated the accuracy of a new phase-based technique for fast and robust B1 mapping based on the measured MR signal phase, frequency, and relaxation. Because imperfect RF spoiling effects are accounted for, this technique can be applied with short TRs and therefore substantially reduces the scan time. Magn Reson Med 80:101-111, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Past-Year Treatment Utilization Among Individuals Meeting DSM-5 PTSD Criteria: Results From a Nationally Representative Sample

Objective:Little is known regarding treatment utilization among individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods:Data were analyzed from the third wave of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative sample using DSM-5 criteria.Results:Factors related to increased odds of PTSD treatment utilization for individuals meeting lifetime criteria included some college education versus less than a high school degree (odds ratio [OR]=3.17), having health insurance versus no insurance (OR=2.86), having a comorbid phobia disorder versus not having a phobia disorder (OR=1.36), and greater PTSD symptom count (OR=1.11). Older age (OR=.40), identifying as black or Asian versus white non-Hispanic (OR=.70 and OR=.28, respectively), and greater social functioning (OR=.98) were associated with decreased odds of PTSD treatment utilization.Conclusions:Results highlight factors that may be useful in identifying population subgroups with PTSD...
Structure–property relationships of polymer-grafted nanospheres for designing advanced nanocomposites

Abstract Polymer-grafted nanoparticles are an important component of many classes of polymer nanocomposites. Here, we review the structure of polymer brushes on spherical nanoparticle surfaces and discuss how that structure influences the properties of polymer grafted nanoparticles (PGNP). We focus on the various structural relationships of polymer grafted nanoparticles and the several conformational regimes that emerge in grafted systems. Finally, we detail several specific applications of PGNP either in polymer nanocomposites or single particle systems, focusing on how the brush structure in particular enables the various applications. Due to the inherently interdisciplinary nature of the polymer nanocomposite field, such applications range from those in biological science to materials engineering, lubrication, and topics in separations.
High temperature superconductivity in distinct phases of amorphous B-doped Q-carbon

Distinct phases of B-doped Q-carbon are formed when B-doped and undoped diamond tetrahedra are packed randomly after nanosecond laser melting and quenching of carbon. By changing the ratio of doped to undoped tetrahedra, distinct phases of B-doped Q-carbon with concentration varying from 5.0% to 50.0% can be created. We have synthesized three distinct phases of amorphous B-doped Q-carbon, which exhibit high-temperature superconductivity following the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer mechanism. The first phase (QB1) has a B-concentration ∼17 at. % (Tc = 37 K), the second phase (QB2) has a B-concentration ∼27 at. % (Tc = 55 K), and the third phase (QB3) has a B-concentration ∼45 at. % (Tc expected over 100 K). From geometrical modeling, we derive that QB1 consists of randomly packed tetrahedra, where one out of every three tetrahedra contains a B atom in the center which is sp3 bonded to four carbon atoms with a concentration of 16.6 at. %. QB2 consists of randomly packed tetrahedra, where one out of every two tet...
Evaluating off-label uses of acetazolamide

Purpose Current off-label uses of acetazolamide in hospitalized patients are reviewed. Summary Acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor typically used for indications including epilepsy, glaucoma, edema, and altitude sickness but it may be prescribed in hospitalized patients for off-label indications. It inhibits carbonic anhydrase, which leads to reduced hydrogen ion secretion in the proximal renal tubule, resulting in increased bicarbonate and cation excretion and causing urinary alkalization and diuresis. In addition, acetazolamide decreases the production of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and aqueous humor, reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) and intraocular pressure. This allows acetazolamide to be used for treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension and elevated ICP due to CSF leaks to avoid invasive procedures. It is a sulfonamide derivative, with dosages ranging from 250 to 4,000 mg daily divided every 6–12 hours. The plasma half-life is 4–8 hours, though the pharmacologic effects of acetazolamide last longer. Acetazolamide is highly protein bound and primarily eliminated by the kidneys, so administration should not be more frequent than every 12 hours if creatinine clearance is less than 50 mL/min. Limited literature exists describing the optimal patients to receive acetazolamide therapy. Conclusion The potential benefits of acetazolamide include ventilator weaning for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, avoidance of invasive procedures in patients with a CSF leak or elevated ICP, and prevention of high-dose methotrexate toxicity and contrast-induced nephropathy. Uncertainty remains regarding the selection of patients who would best benefit from acetazolamide use.
COUPLING IN UAV COOPERATIVE CONTROL

This chapter addresses complexity and coupling issues in cooperative decision and control of distributed autonomous UAV teams. Hierarchical decomposition is implemented where team vehicles are allocated to subteams using set partition theory. Results are presented for single assignment and multiple assignment using network flow and auction algorithms. Various methods for computing tours of multiple assignments are addressed. Simulation results are presented for wide area search munitions where complexity and coupling are incrementally addressed in the decision system, yielding improved team performance.
USE OF CMAC NEURAL NETWORKS IN REINFORCEMENT SELF-LEARNING CONTROL

This paper presents a technique that integrates the Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (CMAC) into a self-learning control scheme developed by Barto et al. The modified technique has the learned information distributively stored. This prevents the waste of memory on useless states and reduces the memory size. The capability of information interpolation helps improve the learning speed.
Classification of Low Velocity Impact Using Spiral Sensing Technique

In this paper, the non-linear elastodynamics of a flat plate subjected to a low velocity foreign body impact is studied experimentally. The work is based on a central hypothesis that in addition to identifying the impact locations, the material properties of the foreign objects can be classified using acousto-ultrasonic signals. A novel cluster of thin piezoelectric sensors is proposed and a carefully formulated dominant frequency approach is studied to investigate the nonlinearities. Such nonlinearities with their highest resolution are quantified with the proposed Theodorus spiral configuration of the sensors (TSSC). It is found that the frequency and speed of the guided wave generated in the plate can be quantized based on the impactor's relationship with the plate, i.e. the wave speed and the impactor's mechanical properties are coupled. In this work, in order to characterize the impact location and mechanical properties of impactors, nonlinear transient phenomenon is empirically studied to decouple the understanding using the dominant frequency band (DFB) and lag coefficients of the acousto-ultrasonic signals through TSSC. Next the understanding was correlated with the elastic modulus of the impactor to predict transmitted force histories.
Angiogenetic effect and mechanism of LPA on the pathological human synoviocyte from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction/Background Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a natural form of phospholipids contained in platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is often used in treating osteoarthritis. Abnormal synovial fluid production is related to osteoarthritis, which may due to dysregulated vascular permeability mediated by synoviocytes related angiogenesis factors expression. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPA on the angiogenic factors expression in synoviocytes from normal and osteoarthritis tissue. Material and method Primary culture of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (HFLS) from normal (N) and osteoarthritis (OA) tissue and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used in this study. The expression patterns of LPA receptors on HFLS-N and HFLS-OA were determined by qRT-PCR. The effect of LPA on the angiogenetic capability was evaluated by determining the effect of conditioned medium from LPA treated HFLS-N and HFLS-OA on HUVEC endothelial cell permeability and tube formation assays. Specific LPA modulated angiogenetic factors were screened by angiogenesis protein array and confirmed by ELISA. The role of specific angiogenesis protein was confirmed by recombinant protein. Results The expression levels of LPA specific receptors between HFLS-N and HFLS-OA are different. LPA may enhance the angiogenesis effect of HFLS-N but not in HFLS-OA on endothelial cell permeability and tube formation on the matrix gel. Meanwhile, the LPA activated angiogenesis related factors MMP-9, IGFBP-1 and Prolactin are at least partly involved in promoting the angiogenetic capability of HFLS-N. Conclusion HFLS-OA may lose the ability to express MMP-9, IGFBP-1 and Prolactin. The clinical significances of MMP-9, IGFBP-1 and Prolactin need further investigations.
e FESTA: Ensemble Feature Exploration with Surface Density Estimates

We propose surface density estimate (SDE) to model the spatial distribution of surface features—isosurfaces, ridge surfaces, and streamsurfaces—in 3D ensemble simulation data. The inputs of SDE computation are surface features represented as polygon meshes, and no field datasets are required (e.g., scalar fields or vector fields). The SDE is defined as the kernel density estimate of the infinite set of points on the input surfaces and is approximated by accumulating the surface densities of triangular patches. We also propose an algorithm to guide the selection of a proper kernel bandwidth for SDE computation. An e nsemble F eature E xploration method based on S urface densi T y Estim A tes ( e FESTA) is then proposed to extract and visualize the major trends of ensemble surface features. For an ensemble of surface features, each surface is first transformed into a density field based on its contribution to the SDE, and the resulting density fields are organized into a hierarchical representation based on the pairwise distances between them. The hierarchical representation is then used to guide visual exploration of the density fields as well as the underlying surface features. We demonstrate the application of our method using isosurface in ensemble scalar fields, Lagrangian coherent structures in uncertain unsteady flows, and streamsurfaces in ensemble fluid flows.
Spin Transport of Excitons

We report on observation of the spin transport of spatially indirect excitons in GaAs/AlGaAs coupled quantum wells (CQW). Exciton spin transport over substantial distances, up to several micrometers in the present work, is achieved due to orders of magnitude enhancement of the exciton spin relaxation time in CQW with respect to conventional quantum wells.
Preventing conscientious objection in medicine from running amok: a defense of reasonable accommodation.

A US Department of Health and Human Services Final Rule, Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care (2019), and a proposed bill in the British House of Lords, the Conscientious Objection (Medical Activities) Bill (2017), may well warrant a concern that—to borrow a phrase Daniel Callahan applied to self-determination—conscientious objection in health care has “run amok.” Insofar as there are no significant constraints or limitations on accommodation, both rules endorse an approach that is aptly designated “conscience absolutism.” There are two common strategies to counter conscience absolutism and prevent conscientious objection in medicine from running amok. One, non-toleration, is to decline to accommodate physicians who refuse to provide legal, professionally accepted, clinically appropriate medical services within the scope of their clinical competence. The other, compromise or reasonable accommodation, is to impose constraints on accommodation. Several arguments for non-toleration are critically analyzed, and I argue that none warrants its acceptance. I maintain that non-toleration is an excessively blunt instrument to prevent conscientious objection in medicine from running amok. Instead, I defend a more nuanced contextual approach that includes constraints on accommodation.
The Southern Cities: Urban Archaeology in Pacific Guatemala and Eastern Soconusco, Mexico

Recent research is shedding light on the long and precocious urban tradition of the Pacific coastal rim of southeastern Mesoamerica, from eastern Soconusco, Mexico, to Escuintla, Guatemala. The available data provide a basis to discuss variations in urban shape and functions, and to a lesser extent, urban life and meaning at Formative and Classic cities, plus brief mention of Late Postclassic cities. Pacific coastal cities are larger and earlier than previously thought, and their investigation is relevant for comparative studies that aim to understand the variability of ancient urban societies in Mesoamerica and beyond.
Quantifying the effect of posterior spinal instrumentation on the MRI signal of adjacent intervertebral discs.

Ex vivo porcine imaging study. Quantitatively evaluate change in MRI signal at the discs caudal to spinal fusion instrumentation. Individuals who receive posterior spinal instrumentation are at risk of developing accelerated disc degeneration at adjacent levels. Degeneration is associated with a loss of biochemical composition and mechanical integrity of the disc, which can be noninvasively assessed through quantitative T2* (qT2*) MRI techniques. However, qT2* is sensitive to magnetic susceptibility introduced by metal. Nine ex vivo porcine lumbar specimens were imaged with 3 T MRI. Fast spin-echo T2-weighted (T2w) images and gradient-echo qT2* maps were acquired, both without and with posterior spinal fusion instrumentation. Average T2* relaxation times of the nuclei pulposi (NP) were measured at the adjacent and sub-adjacent discs and measurements were compared using t tests before and after instrumentation. The size of the signal void and metal artifact were determined (modified ASTM F2119-07) within the vertebral body and spinal cord for both MRI sequences. The relationship between T2* signal loss and distance from the instrumentation was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation. There was no significant difference between adjacent and sub-adjacent NP T2* relaxation time prior to instrumentation (p = 0.86). Following instrumentation, there was a significant decrease in the T2* relaxation time at the adjacent NP (average = 20%, p = 0.02), and no significant difference at the sub-adjacent NP (average = − 3%, p = 0.30). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between signal loss and distance to disc (r = − 0.61, p < 0.01). Spinal fusion instrumentation interferes with T2* relaxation time measurements at the adjacent disc but not at the sub-adjacent discs. However, there is sufficient signal at the adjacent disc to quantify changes in the T2* relaxation time following spinal fusion. Hence, baseline MRI scan following spinal fusion surgery are required to interpret and track changes in disc health at the caudal discs. N/A.
Next-generation battery research and development: Non-politicized science at the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research

Abstract Research on the politicization of science often highlights the role of the media or the effects of the public's prior beliefs. Less prominent are case studies addressing the direct communications from scientists working on a narrowly defined project. This paper introduces for consideration the United States Department of Energy-funded Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), which fuses together basic research, battery design, and pathways to market. The central point is to assess whether, given its proximity to the climate change issue, JCESR's research has been politicized. Based on the results from interviews, observations, measures of public interest, and a survey of scientists working at JCESR, it is concluded that JCESR's next-generation battery research has avoided politicization and even thrived. This is attributed in part to bipartisan support among policy makers, the absence of any ideology-based impacts on beliefs about energy storage, and a perception among key actors that next-generation battery technology is not a pressing threat. JCESR also presents a collective ability to protect its scientific credibility while enhancing its political relevance. JCESR's battery storage research and development has been effectively buffered from the volatility of climate change.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation as a Solution for Nerve Pain.

Learning objectives After reading this article, the participants should be able to: 1. List current nonsurgical and surgical strategies for addressing postamputation neuroma pain and discuss their limitations. 2. Summarize the indications and rationale for targeted muscle reinnervation. 3. Develop an operative plan for targeted muscle reinnervation in an acute or delayed fashion for upper and lower extremity amputations. 4. Propose a management algorithm for treatment of symptomatic neuromas in an intact limb. 5. Discuss the risk of neuroma development after primary revision digital amputation or secondary surgery for a digital neuroma. 6. Compare and contrast targeted muscle reinnervation to the historical gold standard neuroma treatment of excision and burying the involved nerve in muscle, bone, or vein graft. 7. Interpret and discuss the evidence that targeted muscle reinnervation improves postamputation neuroma and phantom pain when performed either acutely or in a delayed fashion to treat existing pain. Summary Symptomatic injured nerves resulting from amputations, extremity trauma, or prior surgery are common and can decrease patient quality of life, thus necessitating an effective strategy for management. Targeted muscle reinnervation is a modern surgical strategy for prevention and treatment of neuroma pain that promotes nerve regeneration and healing rather than neuroma formation. Targeted muscle reinnervation involves the transfer of cut peripheral nerves to small motor nerves of adjacent, newly denervated segments of muscle and can be easily performed without specialized equipment. Targeted muscle reinnervation strategies exist for both upper and lower extremity amputations and for symptomatic neuromas of intact limbs. Targeted muscle reinnervation has been shown in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to result in lower neuroma and phantom pain when compared to the historical gold standard of burying cut nerves in muscle.
Metal Abundances and Ionization in Quasar Intrinsic Absorbers

This paper provides a general reference for deriving the ionizations and metal abundances for absorption-line clouds in photoionization equilibrium with a QSO spectrum. The results include a quantitative assessment of the theoretical uncertainties and firm lower limits on the metallicities when no ionization constraints are available. The calculations applied to the best available column densities for QSO intrinsic absorbers support previous studies; there is strong evidence for super-solar metallicities in broad absorption line (BAL) and at least some "associated" (za ≈ ze) absorption regions. Even in cases where the level of ionization is unknown (e.g., when only H I and C IV lines are measured), firm lower limits on the metal abundances (C/H) imply Z Z☉ for typical BALs and some za ≈ ze absorbers. These results support the independent evidence for high metallicities in QSO broad emission line regions. I argue that high gas-phase abundances, up to ~10 Z☉, can be expected in QSOs because of the normal enrichment by stars in the cores of young, massive ( 1011 M☉) galaxies. The measured column densities in intrinsic absorbers also indicate that the gas is usually optically thin in the H I Lyman continuum out to energies above at least the C IV and N V ionization edges (i.e., 100 eV). The column density ratios often require a range of ionization states in the same absorber. Neighboring za ≈ ze systems (having similar redshifts and often blended spectroscopically) also usually require different ionizations or metal abundances. If the abundances are similar in neighboring systems, their ionization parameters must sometimes differ by more than an order of magnitude, requiring a significant range of densities and/or distances from the ionizing QSO. These results, and the overall levels of ionization, are not consistent with single-zone models of the UV line and X-ray continuum ("warm") absorbers.
Bermudagrass Establishment on Infertile Soil: Growth and Phosphorus Losses with Poultry Litter Ash and Triple Superphosphate

Lower solubility of P in poultry litter ash (PLA) than conventional P fertilizers such as triple superphosphate (TSP) may reduce P losses in drainage and runoff, however, lower P solubility may red...
Association between pregestational diabetes and mortality among appropriate-for-gestational age birthweight infants.

Existing studies have shown that pregestational diabetes is a significant risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. However, it is unclear, whether pregestational diabetes and neonatal birthweight th...
Sonographic Clues in Suspicion of Compartment Syndrome in a Lower Extremities Venous Study: A Case Study:

Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside an enclosed muscle space in the body. The dangerously high pressure in compartment syndrome impedes the flow of blood to and fro...
On optical properties and scintillation performance of emerging Ga2O3: Crystal growth, emission mechanisms and doping strategies

Abstract As an emerging ultra-wide bandgap compound semiconductor, Ga2O3 has attracted rapidly growing interest due to its unique physical properties for harsh condition applications. Compared to Ga2O3 ’s electrical-characteristic based uses, such as power electronics, photodetectors and solar cells, a much less explored area for Ga 2O3 is its promising optical properties and its related scintillation capabilities. Undoped Ga2O3 is a strong scintillator with excellent scintillation characteristics such as fast decay constants and encouraging light yield which is comparable to that of the classic Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) scintillator. The scintillation capability of Ga2O3 can be precisely tuned via a series of approaches including systematic crystal growth control, post-growth annealing, targeted doping, and optimization of operation temperature. Here we summarize exciting progress of Ga2O3 scintillators which have been pursued over the past few years. Our efforts cover a series of growth techniques of Ga2O3 materials as well as discussion of emission mechanisms. Furthermore we dedicate a targeted portion toward the doping strategies to improve the performance of Ga2O3 . A detailed analysis is provided to compare the impact of different dopants . Through these efforts, we hope to provide useful perspectives to help accelerate the development of high performance Ga 2O3 scintillators.
Experimental Demonstration for a Power Scalable Coherent Vector Beam in a Turbulent Environment

This paper presents an approach for generating power scalable vector beams. These beams are created with a coherent combination in the RCP and LCP OAM basis encoded with data. The results show resistance to turbulence in free space propagation under a 16-QAM CE-OFDM encoding scheme.