cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rank minimization approach to trajectory (in)validation

This paper addresses the problem of establishing whether two vector time sequences could have been generated by the same (unknown) linear time invariant system, possibly affected by bounded model uncertainty and measurement noise. This problem arises in multiple contexts, including, among others, behavioral systems model (in)validation, determining the minimum number of models needed to cover the set of operating points of a piecewise-linear plant and in several computer vision and image processing problems. The main result of the paper shows that this problem can be reduced to a rank-minimization form and efficiently solved by using recently proposed convex relaxations. These results are illustrated with both a theoretical example and two non-trivial computer vision problems: activity recognition in video sequences and textured image classification.
An experimental study of the insulated dipole antenna immersed in a conducting medium

The driving-point admittance and the amplitude and phase distributions of the current referred to the driving-point were measured for an insulated cylindrical antenna immersed in a conducting medium. The ratio \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0} of the conducting medium was varied from \sigma/\omega\epsilon_{r}\epsilon_{0}= 0.036 to 8.8, a range which includes a variety of media such as poor insulators, the ionosphere, plasmas, dry earth, wet earth, lake water and sea water. The antenna height \beta h in radians was varied from \beta h=0.1 through \beta h=2\pi at intervals of 0.1. The thickness of the insulator was varied from b/a = 1.25 to b/a = 12.0 where a is the radius of the antenna and b the radius of the insulator. Measurements have also been made of the admittance, current and phase distributions along an insulated antenna with a conductive top load, that is, one whose tip is in direct contact with the conducting medium. It is found that when the tip of the antenna is in direct contact with the conducting medium, the current increases almost linearly as the end of the antenna is approached. This is quite unlike the decaying sinusoidal distribution on the completely insulated antenna. In a general sense, the experimental results are in fair agreement with an approximate theoretical expression for the admittance of an insulated antenna immersed in a highly conducting solution. The approximate theory is based on the driving-point admittance of a coaxial line whose outer conductor is imperfectly conducting and infinite in extent.
Market-Based Collaborations for Autonomous Operations of Unmanned Air Vehicles

UAVs are a key element of the U. S. Armys vision for Force Transformation. UAVs will be employed in large numbers per Future Combat System (FCS) Unit of Action (UoA). This necessitates a multi-UAV level of autonomous collaboration behavior capability that meets RSTA and other mission needs of the FCS UoAs. The Autonomous Collaborative Mission Systems (ACMS) is an extensible architecture and behavioral planning / collaborative approach to achieve this level of capability. We present a market-based approach that we developed as the main mechanism for autonomous collaboration in the ACMS. To enable flexible collaboration among a variety of heterogeneous unmanned vehicles for a broad range of missions, this market-based collaboration approach adopts a two-stage task specification and negotiation process that can accommodate different mission planning and task allocation strategies. We describe our market-based approach, its main features, and the collaboration protocol in this article
Histopathologic Characteristics of Choroidal Melanoma in Eyes Enucleated After Iodine 125 Brachytherapy in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study

Objective To describe the histopathologic findings in eyes with uveal melanoma that had secondary enucleation after failed brachytherapy plaque treatment. Methods Histopathologic findings in eyes that had secondary enucleation after plaque radiation therapy in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS) were reported on a standardized data form. The findings were compared with eyes that had primary enucleation for uveal melanoma. Results Seventy-five eyes that had secondary enucleation were studied. Compared with primary enucleations, tumors in the irradiated eyes had lower mitotic activity, a smaller proportion of histologically intact tumor, more inflammation, more fibrosis, and more vascular damage within the tumor. In addition, compared with primary enucleations, eyes previously irradiated had a higher frequency of retinal invasion by the tumor and greater damage to the retinal vasculature, consistent with radiation retinopathy; neovascularization of the iris; and vitreous hemorrhage. Tumor growth or extrascleral extension was confirmed histopathologically in 25 of 42 eyes (60%) enucleated because of a reported failure of local control. Conclusions Eyes with secondary enucleation after brachytherapy differ histopathologically from eyes with primary enucleation for uveal melanoma. These histopathologic differences may be due to the effects of radiation, tissue conditions related to plaque failure, and, in some cases, tumor growth. In 40% of eyes enucleated because of suspected failure of local control, increased tumor size could not be histologically confirmed.
What is the evidence for a causal link between hygiene and infections

Summary Even in an era in which access to personal "cleanliness" and a public health infrastructure are readily available in developed countries, illnesses associated with day care centres and homes continue to be a problem. The inhabitants of less developed countries, on the other hand, must contend with an inadequate public health infrastructure, lack of education programmes, and economic limitations in obtaining hygiene products. Therefore, less developed countries carry a greater burden of morbidity and mortality from infectious illnesses. The objective of this review is to examine and assess the epidemiological evidence for a causal relation between hygiene practices and infections. The Medline database was searched from January 1980 to June 2001 and studies were included if the outcome(s) was infection or symptoms of infection, and if the independent variable(s) was one or more hygiene measures. The strength of the association as measured by the relative reduction in risk of illness was appreciable and generally greater than 20%. Despite methodological strengths and limitations of the studies assessed, the weight of evidence collectively suggests that personal and environmental hygiene reduces the spread of infection. The results from this review demonstrate that there is a continued, measurable, positive effect of personal and community hygiene on infections.
Literal versus extended symbolic messages and advertising effectiveness: The moderating role of need for cognition

The authors classify an advertisement as an extended symbolic message (ESM) when the ad's subject and message are presented in a nonliteral format. The study compares the advertising effectiveness of the ESM with that of a literally equivalent message (LEM) when the ESM contains either a salient cue (Experiment 1) or subtle cue (Experiment 2) to a nonliteral interpretation. The results indicate that the audience's need for cognition moderates the effectiveness of the ESM. In comparison with an LEM, exposure to the ESM that contained a salient cue resulted in fewer counterarguments and a more favorable attitude toward the ad and brand among high-NFC subjects in experiment 1. These results were replicated in experiment 2 among high-NFC subjects who successfully comprehended the non-literal subject of the ESM that contained a subtle cue. The implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contributions of the Active and Passive Components of the Cytoskeletal Prestress to Stiffening of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Airway smooth muscle cells exhibit stiffening during contractile activation. This stiffening may be interpreted as a result of the stabilizing influence of the mechanical prestress stored within the cytoskeleton (CSK). However, in vivo, airway smooth muscle cells contract while simultaneously experiencing breathing-induced stretching. Excessive stretching of cells could cause actin–myosin crosslinks, and possibly other cytoskeletal filaments, to break, thereby leading to dissipation of the prestress and inhibition of further cell stiffening. The aim of this study is to investigate the stiffening behavior of individual human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells exposed to a combination of substrate stretching, contractile activation and relaxation. We treated cultured HASM cells with either contractile (histamine) or relaxing (DBcAMP) pharmacological agonists and used magnetic cytometry technique to investigate the stiffening behavior of these cells during uniform substrate stretching (0–30%). Cells that were not treated, as well as those treated with histamine, exhibited increasing stiffening during stretching up to 20% of substrate strain, with additional stiffening becoming inhibited for substrate strains of 20–30%. In contrast, in cells treated with DBcAMP, stretching produced moderate but continuous stiffening with increasing substrate strain. These results indicate that both active and passive components of the prestress contribute to cell stiffening. We also observed that cells permeabilized with saponin exhibited stiffening at low levels (<10%) of substrate stretching, similar to non-permeabilized cells, but not at high levels (10–30%) of stretching, where stiffening was inhibited. These data suggest that at low levels of substrate strains the relative contributions of ion channel activation as well as actin and focal adhesion remodeling are less important for stiffening than passive distension of the CSK. Taken together, our results suggest that both the active and passive components of the cytoskeletal prestress contribute to the stiffening behavior of HASM cells under physiological conditions, but that at high levels of cellular distensions there is a possible tradeoff between these two components with the contribution from the passive component becoming increasingly more important.
Tissue engineering the origins of life

Advances in drug discovery have dramatically improved the chances of survival for millions of children suffering from cancer. However, the benefits of these drugs are not without consequences. In addition to the harsh side effects incurred during treatment, toxic effects of drugs and radiation on female sex organs can lead to long-term problems with fertility, premature menopause, and impairment of the production of important hormones required for tissue maintenance. Currently, an experimental therapy involves removal of a patient’s ovarian tissue prior to chemotherapy and subsequent transplantation back into the same patient. Although this method has restored fertility in cancer survivors, the risk of reintroducing cancerous tissue is high. To address these challenges, Laronda et al . developed a strategy to engineer an ovarian system that could restore systemic hormone regulation without the use of potentially cancerous tissue or cells. Indeed, the authors found evidence of cancerous cells in ovarian tissue obtained from leukemia patients, highlighting the need for an approach that avoids the patient’s own tissues. The team instead removed cells from human and bovine ovarian tissue while retaining the tissue extracellular matrix in a process known as decellularization. Ovarian cells from mice organized into ovarian tissue-like structures when seeded on the scaffolds, including follicle-like patterns and steroid blebs. When transplanted into prepubescent ovariectomized mice, the engineered tissues initiated puberty, as demonstrated by the presence of normal serum hormone levels as well as vaginal opening, a secondary sex characteristic. Amazingly, one engineered graft supported maturation of a follicle containing an oocyte. This technology is still in its infancy, as its clinical translation would rely on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to fully circumvent the introduction of potentially cancerous cells. Nonetheless, this study establishes proof-of-concept and adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the promise of tissue-engineered organs. M. M. Laronda et al ., Initiation of puberty in mice following decellularized ovary transplant. Biomaterials 50 , 20–29 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014296121500068X
Pericarditis in the newborn.

A review of the literature has revealed 9 instances of pericarditis in fetuses and newborn infants less than 2 days of age. In only 2 of these are the histologic findings available. We have reported the macroscopic and microscopic findings in 2 additional patients with pericarditis, 1 of whom was a premature stillborn fetus. The second patient was a full-term infant who lived for 4 days and who manifested sufficient evidence of cardiac dysfunction to warrant electrocardiographic studies.
Potential of Two Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Suppression of Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar, Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Life Stages in Northern Climates

Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar, is a major pest of pome and stone fruits in North America. We evaluated the potential efficacy of two entomopathogenic nematode species for suppression of plum curculio in northern regions, targeting life stages that reside in soil during spring and summer. A strain of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora isolated from soil infested with plum curculio in northern Utah and a commercially available strain of Steinernema feltiae known to tolerate cool temperatures were tested in the laboratory against three life stages of plum curculio. Bioassays used the southern strain of plum curculio because availability of the northern strain from the field was inadequate. H. bacteriophora was more virulent than S. feltiae to all plum curculio life stages. Adults and pupae were more susceptible than larvae. Temperature bioassays were conducted with a surrogate host: last instars of Galleria mellonella. The two nematodes exhibited different, but overlapping, thermal activity ranges. Both s...
Beta-Blocking Drugs and Coronary Heart Disease

Since the development of beta-adrenergic blocking agents over 30 years ago, they have been established as an important therapeutic modality in the treatment of coronary heart disease. This article reviews the role of beta-blockers in the treatment of hypertension, angina, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure. A number of multicenter studies indicate that beta-blockers have an important effect in decreasing morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension and appear to have a relatively increased importance in elderly patients with hypertension. Although their long-term effects on the mortality of angina pectoris have not been fully investigated, investigations indicate that, compared with other drugs, beta-adrenergic blocking agents significantly decrease the frequency and duration of angina pectoris. The largest use of these drugs has been examined in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Two major trials, the Norwegian Timolol Trial and the Beta Blocker Heart Attack Trial, confirm the long-term benefit in patients following acute myocardial infarction. Their use in heart failure is under close investigation following a series of preliminary studies suggesting they may decrease mortality risk. Although the tolerability of these drugs has been questioned, careful examination of clinical trials indicate that they are relatively well tolerated. These observations emphasize the importance of beta-adrenergic blocking agents in hypertension, angina, and acute myocardial infarction and speak to a wider clinical use of these drugs.
Coastwide Labs: Product and Strategy Redesign in Commercial Cleaning Products

This is a minicase, one of 10 in a set of short cases written to illustrate the business benefits companies realize through adopting sustainable business strategies. The Coastwide Labs minicase traces the development of a successful sustainability strategy implemented by an industrial and commercial cleaning products company.
Bowlers’ Performances in 2013 Champions Trophy

Cricket is becoming a fashionable team game throughout the world. One day internationals (ODI) have been able to bring more and more spectators to the cricket ground, due to the nature of its’ format. Among the ODI tournaments, the Champions trophy takes a significant place, as it is the second largest tournament after the global event of cricket world cup. This paper investigates the performances of the bowlers who appeared in the 2013 Champions trophy. The main aim of this study is to identify the bowlers’ characteristics which impact their performances. The kernel resampling technique (KRT) is implemented to analyze the collected sample (N=41) of the bowlers who played the Champions trophy in 2013. Findings of this study reveal that the bowlers’ prior economy rate and the height have influenced the performance significantly, while the handedness and the bowling style have not shown a statistical significance on their performances.
Developing a more robust approach to global supply chain information systems in a turbulent world

A global supply chain comprises producers, consumers, distributors, and retailers who may span trans-national boundaries. This paper reviews literature on global supply chains and offers recommendations about the key characteristics of a robust global supply chain information system. Issues related to standards diffusion at an international level are also discussed in light of the network effect theory. A review of an automotive supply chain case study (MOSS) has been presented to highlight the new approach to the effective use of inter-organizational information systems (IOS). Emphasis is laid on an industry standards approach that is non-proprietary and increasingly web-based.
Emotional Design in Digital Media for Learning

Most models of multimedia learning focus primarily on cognitive factors and do not sufficiently consider the impact of affect on learning. However, recent research has shown that the emotional design of multimedia learning material can induce positive emotions in learners that in turn facilitate comprehension and transfer ( Um, Plass, Hayward, & Homer, 2012 ). Other research has investigated which design factors (e.g., shape, color) can induce emotions in multimedia learning ( Plass, Heidig, Hayward, Homer & Um, 2014 ). Recent advances in affective neuroscience and emotion research confirmed that the human mind is continuously emotional ( Izard, 2009 ; Lewis, 2005 ; Tucker, 2007 ). That is, cognition and emotion are inherently interconnected. This interconnectedness is an essential aspect of the complexity of human consciousness. An important quality of this interconnectedness is that emotional activity enables and sustains cognitive activity, including mechanisms that are central to learning, such as attention and memory ( Tucker, 2007 ). Based on our own research and that of others, we propose in this chapter a model integrating cognitive and affective aspects of learning with digital media that will allow us to derive questions for future research in this area. The model combines elements of Pekrun’s (2000) Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotions; Picard’s (1997) Affective Computing approach; Izard’s (2007) Differential Emotions Theory; and Moreno and Mayer’s (2007) Cognitive Affective Theory of Multimedia Learning. Our integrative approach to cognition and emotion is an important step for making designs of multimedia learning more compatible with the real-life complexity of how the human mind functions and changes. In this chapter, implications of this approach for the design and research involving digital learning environments are discussed, such as simulations, games, and virtual worlds.
Description and Biology of Typhlodromus persianus, n. sp., from Iran, with Notes on T. kettanehi (Acari: Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae)

Typhlodromus persianus , n. sp., collected from citrus foliage in Iran, is described and figured. Both spider mites and pollen were satisfactory foods for development and reproduction. Relative humidities above 50% were required for hatching of a high percentage of eggs. A redescription and new collection data are given for T. kettanehi Dosse.
The effect of explosive blast loading on human neuroblastoma cells.

Diagnosis of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury is challenging because brain tissue damage progresses slowly and is not readily detectable by conventional imaging techniques. We have developed a novel in vitro model to study primary blast loading on dissociated neurons using nitroamine explosives such as those used on the battlefield. Human neuroblastoma cells were exposed to single and triple 50-psi explosive blasts and single 100-psi blasts. Changes in membrane permeability and oxidative stress showed a significant increase for the single and triple 100-psi blast conditions compared with single 50-psi blast and controls.
Influence of Formamidines on Reproduction in Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Formamidine effects on Tetranychus urticae Koch reproduction included inhibition of fecundity and egg hatch, stimulation of fecundity and hatch, and delayed oviposition and hatch. These actions of formamidines varied with the compound, its concentration, and post treatment interval. Correlation analyses indicated that a strong relationship existed between effects of formamidines on fecundity, egg hatch, and reproductive potential, whereas only weak associations were found between these parameters and formamidine-induced mortality.
The Kress Library of Business and Economics

This monograph is another in a bibliographical series designed to call attention to accessible major repositories of business history source materials, describing both the basic collections and recent acquisitions.
Micro-Actuators for Control of Delta Wing with Sharp Leading Edge

Low speed wind tunnel measurements were conducted with a 0.4 m span 57.3° sweep delta wing with a sharp leading edge. Rectangular leading edge flaps ranging in width from 1.5 mm to 3 mm were used to generate and control separation vortices over the suction side of the delta wing. The flaps were inclined from an angle perpendicular to the pressure side through 180°. The purpose of the measurements is to assess the potential of using small leading edge flaps on a sharp edge delta for roll control. Static tests measured the force and moment generated by the deflection of the flaps. Flow visualization illustrated the resulting change in the vortex origin. The maximum resultant torque is about half as large as results from rounded leading edge experiments, but provides similar control at high angles of attack.
Precision decay rate calculations in quantum field theory

Tunneling in quantum field theory is worth understanding properly, not least because it controls the long-term fate of our Universe. There are, however, a number of features of tunneling rate calculations which lack a desirable transparency, such as the necessity of analytic continuation, the appropriateness of using an effective instead of classical potential, and the sensitivity to short-distance physics. This paper attempts to review in pedagogical detail the physical origin of tunneling and its connection to the path integral. Both the traditional potential-deformation method and a recent, more direct, propagator-based method are discussed. Some new insights from using approximate semiclassical solutions are presented. In addition, we explore the sensitivity of the lifetime of our Universe to short-distance physics, such as quantum gravity, emphasizing a number of important subtleties.
Applying Terzaghi's Method of Slope Characterization to the Recognition of Holocene Land Slippage

Abstract During site investigations, engineering geologists are expected to recognize landslides, both active and dormant. Those without substantial experience evaluating the evolution of geomorphic features associated with localized mass wasting often mischaracterize site conditions. Karl Terzaghi suggested seven steps in characterizing natural hillslopes, including (1) a literature review, (2) site reconnaissance, (3) a program of subsurface exploration, (4) preparation of sketches and diagrams illustrating the essential features, (5) preparation of a preliminary geology report, (6) observation and mapping of geologic structures exposed during excavation for construction, and (7) development of contingency plans for anticipated variations in old landslide features. Based on our interpretation of Terzaghi's original principles, we review some of the most common interpretive problems with nomenclature of landslide features, describe common mistakes in characterizing old landslides, and present technical approaches that often aid in the recognition of old landslide features. A wide variance in geological terms exists for describing landslides, and various terms have been applied to the same features by workers in different areas, which often leads to confusion. Some of these terms include nomenclature such as slip surfaces, alluvial fans, colluvium, and slope creep. Active surficial landslides are relatively easy to recognize when they are well exposed. Although these features tend to become obscured with time, anomalous, hummocky topography often provide key recognition features of a slope's geomorphic evolution. Deeper-seated bedrock landslides can be more difficult to recognize because their features become increasingly mollified with time. These features can often be identified by anomalous geomorphic features, such as isolated saddles or anomalous/discontinuous benches. These features are some of the best locations to excavate borings or exploratory trenches. Well-placed trenches across headscarp grabens can provide more detailed structure of old landslides and are usually a cost-effective approach. Additional subsurface exploration can often be employed to characterize landslides. Small diameter borings are usually employed for geotechnical investigations but can easily be applied to landslides, depending on the mean particle size diameter (D50). Downhole logging of large diameter holes is the best method to evaluate complex subsurface conditions, such as dormant bedrock landslides.
Pixelating Administrative Common Law in Mortgage Bankers

In Perez v. Mortgage Bankers, the Supreme Court struck down a rule of administrative common law on the grounds that it was inconsistent with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). But instead of simply respecting Congress’s deliberate choices, the Court continues to weigh policy considerations. The Court shows no sign of relinquishing its self-appointed position as arbiter of what is good and bad, wise and unwise in administrative law. This Forum Essay argues that the Court should take a step back and recognize the overarching problems with administrative common law: its lack of connection to public deliberation; its heightened separation of powers and public accountability concerns; and its lack of foresight about the practical implications of common law doctrine. In Mortgage Bankers, the Court should have taken the opportunity to admonish the lower courts to focus their interpretation of the APA on the public deliberation inherent in the Act itself and to avoid creating rules of administrative common law that exceed the boundaries of the APA. Instead, the Court implicitly reaffirmed that it takes a functional approach to interpreting the APA; it addressed on the merits a deference doctrine that may not comport with the APA without even acknowledging that tension; and it invited the lower courts to continue to use administrative common law as a sort of constitutional avoidance doctrine unmoored from the public deliberation inherent in the APA itself.
SHIP Inhibits Growth Factor-mediated K562 Cells Proliferation and Its PKB/Akt Activation

【Objective】 To explore the inhibitory effects of SHIP on IL-3 stimulated K562 cell proliferation, and to elucidate the mechanism of SHIP functioning on K562 cells. 【Methods】 pReceiver-Lv31-FIV and pReceiver-Lv31-SHIP plasmids were transfected into K562 cells, and the K562 cells were cultured with IL-3. Phosphorylated Akt of K562 cells was examined by Western blot. The proliferation of K562 cells transfected with SHIP or empty vector were examined. The apoptosis of K562 cells was examined by TUNEL and Western blot. 【Results】 74.6% GFP positive cells were obtained in SHIP group, 3.26% in FIV group (P 0.05). SHIP protein inhibited the colony formation retroviral vector SHIP-FIV transfected K562 cells. The antiproliferative rate in K562 / FIV (3.26%) was significantly lower than that in K562 / SHIP cells (26.42%); the colony formation capacity of K562 decreased after transfected with SHIP (IL-3+K562 / SHIP group 60.3 ± 6.6 vs IL-3-K562 / FIV group 91.7 ± 4.2, P 0.05). An increase in the cells with morphologic features of apoptosis was also proved by TUNEL in SHIP-expressing cells. Western blot analysis showed SHIP down-regulated expression of pro-caspase-3. The level of phosphorylated Akt was decreased after stimulated by IL-3 for 1 h, and almost disappeared after stimulated for 24 h. The effect of IL-3 on K562 cell proliferation was inhibited by the transfected wild-type SHIP gene. The phosphorylated Akt in K562 cells were inhibited by the transfected SHIP gene at different time points. 【Conclusion】 SHIP is a negative regulator of IL-3-mediate PKB activation and K562 cell survival.
Research on the Technology of 10 kV Overhead Line Lightning Protection Treatment in Dongguan Guangdong

The fault caused by lightning striking in 10 kV overhead line fault accounting for a large proportion.With the increase of insulating process,lightning line-broken accidents problem has become more and more serious.So it is necessary to make further research in the technology of 10kV overhead line lightning protection treatment,and so as to improve the power supply reliability.By taking 10kV overhead line of Dongguan as the research object,the lightning protection is based on lightning disturbance.The technology and economy evaluation of lightning protection measures are analyzed,the advantages and disadvantages lightning protection measures are pointed out.According to different purpose,pertinent lightning protection treatment principles are proposed.
On the use of the radiometer formula for atmospheric attenuation measurements at GHz frequencies

Radiometry offers the possibility to measure slant-path attenuation through the radiometer formula. But lack of a clear method to obtain an accurate estimate of the effective medium temperature (Tmr) and limited experimental characterization has contributed to uncertainty it is use. This contribution examined the use of the radiometer formula with measurements of brightness temperature, attenuation, and therefore Tmr, for many attenuating rain events made with the Sun-switching method. Monte-Carlo simulations were used to calculate the radiometer response for scattering atmospheres including finite rain cells. Data and analysis showed that use of the clear air Tmr provided a satisfactory estimate of attenuation statistics to over 10 dB.
Nondestructive Materials Characterization

In materials production industries it has become increasingly evident that nondestructive techniques are required in order to monitor and control as many stages in the manufacturing process as possible. Ideally it would be desirable to have nondestructive measurement techniques which are capable of monitoring the production process; the material stability during transport, storage, and fabrication; and the rate of degradation of materials during their in-service life. Although, historically, nondestructive techniques have been used to detect flaws in a qualitative manner, in recent years increased attention has been given to the development of more sophisticated techniques for the quantitative nondestructive characterization of materials in order to assure that the devices and structures fabricated from these materials function properly and safely throughout their intended service life. Several such innovative nondestructive materials characterization techniques are described in the present paper. Finally, some comments will be made with regard to the role to be played by nondestructive materials characterization in the manufacture of advanced materials in the 21st century.
A Systematic Approach to the Design of Space-Time Block Coded MIMO Systems

We propose a systematic process for designing a MIMO system with an arbitrary number of transmitting and receiving antennas, and evaluate (through simulation) the performance improvements that can be attained by employing our design. We present a general formula that can be readily used to determine the rate (i.e., the ratio of the number of symbols transmitted over the number of symbol intervals required) of systems that employ our design.
Libertarian Punishment Theory and Unjust Enrichment

What is the proper punishment from the perspective of the libertarian philosophy? More specifically, in what way, if at all, may a thief benefit from his robbery? The present essay attempts to wrestle with these challenging questions.
The Uniform Adoption Act: Reporter's Ruminations

The debates surrounding adoption law reform are manifestations of profound contradictions in American society about the meaning of "family" and the ways different kinds of families are authenticated. The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) was perhaps insufficiently aware of these contradictions when, at the dawn of the 1990s, it embarked on what turned out to be the arduous, at times bitterly divisive, task of drafting a comprehensive, preferably uniform, adoption act. Given the many laws and policies that impede the formation of adoptive families, the Uniform Adoption Act (UAA) promulgated by NCCUSL in 1994 and endorsed by the ABA in 1995 contains a thorough yet flexible set of rules and procedures intended to reduce these impediments. The Act assiduously protects the interests of all parties, and most of all, of minor children in need of secure and permanent ties to the people who are actually committed to and capable of parenting them. Adoption has long been regarded as a "perfect solution" for other wise parentless children, birth parents unable to raise their biological children, adoptive parents unable to have biological offspring but eager to have and raise children, and government entities hoping to shift the public costs of caring for dependent children to the private realm. Much empirical research substantiates the successful outcomes for children
Changing the Mechanism for CO2 Hydrogenation Using Solvent‐Dependent Thermodynamics

A critical scientific challenge for utilization of CO2 is the development of catalyst systems that function in water and use inexpensive and environmentally friendly reagents. We have used thermodynamic insights to predict and demonstrate that the HCoI (dmpe)2 catalyst system, previously described for use in organic solvents, can hydrogenate CO2 to formate in water with bicarbonate as the only added reagent. Replacing tetrahydrofuran as the solvent with water changes the mechanism for catalysis by altering the thermodynamics for hydride transfer to CO2 from a key dihydride intermediate. The need for a strong organic base was eliminated by performing catalysis in water owing to the change in mechanism. These studies demonstrate that the solvent plays a pivotal role in determining the reaction thermodynamics and thereby catalytic mechanism and activity.
WISCA SDR network

In this paper, the WISCA Software Defined Radio (SDR) Network platform are presented. The WISCA SDR Network provides the user with a highly configurable and flexible algorithm development platform to conduct wireless communication research. Each node in the network utilizes Ettus Research USRP (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) technology for the radio frequency front end, along with the industry standard MATLAB algorithm development environment for baseband processing. As a result, the WISCA SDR network allows the user to develop and test new concepts quickly. It demonstrates the flexibility of this system by providing a couple of examples involving message forwarding, carrier sensing and a joint radar-communications system. To help improve and further develop the system, the WISCA SDR Network will be released as an open source project.
Synthesis of water-degradable silica nanoparticles from carbamate-containing bridged silsesquioxane precursor

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) are attractive for applications for the delivery of drugs and as imaging agents due to their ease of synthesis and scale up, robust structure, and controllable size and composition. Degradability is one important factor that limits biomedical applications of SNPs. With this in mind, we designed, prepared and characterized novel hydrolysable organosilica nanoparticles (ICPTES-Sorbitol SNPs). These particles were prepared by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane with a bridged sorbitol-based silsesquioxane precursor containing carbamate linkages. The non-porous spherical ICPTES-Sorbitol SNPs became porous after they were placed in an aqueous environment as a result of the hydrolysis of carbamate bonds and were completely degraded upon prolonged exposure to water. The rate of degradation depended on the pH of the solution, with nanoparticles degrading slower at pH 2 than at pH 4 or pH 7. The degradation was demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen desorption analysis and solution analytical techniques such as ICP-MS and molybdenum blue assay, which was also used to follow the dissolution of ICPTES-Sorbitol SNPs.
Hypertension among adults living in Haiti: An integrative review.

Aims and objectives To determine what is known about hypertension among adults living in Haiti. Background Hypertension is the leading cause of morbidity, the identified cause of heart failure in 45% of patients and is associated with more than 70% of cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions in Haiti. Design An integrative review of the literature. Methods Searching four databases from 2007 to 2018, Whittemore and Knafl's method was used to review the literature. Three nurse researchers independently reviewed and appraised each publication applying the Johns Hopkins Evidence-based Practice Appraisal tool. Results Eight publications were identified and appraised for level and quality of evidence. The synthesis of the literature yielded common themes of (i) high prevalence of hypertension among adults living in rural areas, (ii) public health challenges, (iii) lack of knowledge and awareness of hypertension and (iv) barriers to effective treatment. Conclusion Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease in Haiti that is understudied and warrants attention. To better serve this vulnerable population, culturally tailored prevention strategies and disease management programmes are recommended. Relevance to clinical practice There is a lack of quality evidence to guide nurses in the management of hypertension for this vulnerable population. Identification of barriers to effective treatment among this underserved population will assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying best possible practices for patient care in clinical settings across Haiti.
Exploring differences in creativity across academic majors for high-ability college students

Many current theories and models include creativity as a component of giftedness, conceptualizing the construct in numerous ways that complement giftedness. Variations in creativity have also been ...
Lift Disturbance Cancellation with Rapid-Flap Actuation

Mitigation of vertical aerodynamic disturbances by means of a simple mechanical flap is investigated experimentally. A wall-to-wall NACA 0006 wing is bisected about the midchord for a 50%-chord fla...
Breast Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment

An accurate estimation of breast cancer risk is essential in guiding clinical management for women at all levels of risk. The goal of providing the appropriate clinical management is to increase survival in high-risk women and decrease cost and complications in low-risk women. Women can be at high risk of developing breast cancer based on benign disease (like ADH and LCIS) as well as family history of cancer. While the former is determined by the surgeon, the genetic counselor is essential in using the family history to distinguish those at high risk for breast cancer.
Teacher perceptions of immersion professional development experiences emphasizing language-focused content instruction

The knowledge and pedagogies needed for immersion classrooms are unique and complex. Although there is a growing body of research on immersion pedagogy, there is a dearth of research on professional development (PD) experiences that positively impact immersion teacher practices. This paper focuses on exploring immersion teacher perceptions of PD experiences in the area of language-focused content instruction that have a positive impact on their teaching. The theoretical framework guiding the study is “communities of practice” (CoP) (Wenger, 1998), and survey and focus group data were analyzed in relation to Wenger’s four realms of CoP (community, practice, meaning, and identity). Findings revealed specific features of high impact assignments and PD experiences. The paper concludes with implications for designing meaningful and effective PD experiences for immersion educators and others who teach in CBI settings.
What real progress has metaphysics made since the time of Kant? Kant and the metaphysics of grounding

This paper argues that, despite appearances to the contrary, Kant and contemporary analytic metaphysicians are interested in the same kind of metaphysical dependence relation that finds application in a range of contexts and that is today commonly referred to as grounding. It also argues that comparing and contrasting Kant’s and contemporary metaphysicians’ accounts of this relation proves useful for both Kant scholarship and for contemporary metaphysics. The analyses provided by contemporary metaphysicians can be used to shed light on Kant’s understanding of what a real conditioning relation is, while Kant’s perspective on the practice and goals of metaphysics sheds light on several claims and issues at home in the contemporary debate.
Muscle Gain after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Creation: Time Course and Prognostic Implications for Survival in Cirrhosis

Abstract Purpose To examine the association of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation with muscle gains and patient mortality, and to identify the timeframe of these changes. Materials and Methods Patients with cirrhosis undergoing TIPS creation with available abdominal computed tomography before and after TIPS from 2004–2015 were included (n = 76). The primary indications for TIPS included refractory ascites (52.6%) or variceal bleeding (47.4%). Axial truncal muscle area and attenuation were measured at the L4 level using free-hand region of interest technique, and pre- and post-TIPS values were compared. The association of TIPS-related muscle changes with mortality was evaluated using Cox multiple regression. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations of baseline muscle area and clinical variables with post-TIPS changes. Results TIPS creation was associated with significant increases in psoas, paraspinal, and total muscle areas (P Conclusions TIPS creation was strongly associated with truncal muscle gains and attenuation in patients with cirrhosis. Maximal muscle gain occurred within 6 months after TIPS creation. TIPS-related increased muscle mass was independently associated with lower patient mortality.
Brownian Dynamics Controlled by Phase Gradients

We demonstrate the effect of random forces induced by phase gradients on the dynamics of small particles. We show that subdiffusive regimes could be controlled by the topological charge of an external optical field. © 2019 The Author(s)
Teaching Video NeuroImages: A patient with Holmes tremor due to demyelinating lesion of the inferior cerebellar peduncle.

A 60-year-old woman with a several year decline in gait and cognition developed a Holmes tremor in the weeks prior to presentation (video). Her right arm tremor predated the left arm tremor. She had no neurologic evaluation prior this presentation. MRI brain revealed lesions disseminated in time and space (figure 1) and CSF analysis revealed oligoclonal bands, confirming the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.1 We implicate a lesion in the left inferior cerebellar peduncle (ICP) with associated fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity in the contralateral inferior olivary nucleus in the pathogenesis of the left-sided rest, postural, and action tremor (figure 2). Lesions of the cerebellar circuits, including cerebello-thalamic and cerebello-olivary circuits, can manifest as a Holmes tremor.2 Our case of Holmes tremor due to an ICP lesion completes the discourse between Drs. Albin and Savoiardo3 in 1998.
Stochastic Differential Games with Multiple Modes and a Small Parameter

Abstract Two persons stochastic differential games with multiple modes where the system is driven by a wideband noise is considered. The state of the system at time t is given by a pair (x e(t), θe(t)), where θe(t) takes values in S = {1, 2,…, N} and e is a small parameter. The discrete component θe(t) describes various modes of the system. The continuous component x e(t) is governed by a “controlled process” with drift vector which depends on the discrete component θe (t). Thus, the state of the system, x e(t), switches from one random path to another at random times as the mode θe(t) changes. The discrete component θe (t) is a “controlled Markov chain” with transition rate matrix depending on the continuous component. Both zero-sum and nonzero-sum games will be considered. In a zero-sum game, player I is trying to maximize certain expected payoff over his/her admissible strategies, where as player II is trying to minimize the same over his/her admissible strategies. This kind of game typically occurs in...