cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical control techniques applied in micro-grid

At present, the centralized control and decentralised control are adopted in micro-grid. In order to send command information from master controller to slave controller, centralized control must have a high bandwidth communication channel, which is not suitable to execute the peer-to-peer and plug-play control. And when a new micro-source is interconnected to the micro-grid, the master controller will have to adjust all the micro-source once more. Decentralised control is operated using only local information, but, because without reference from the global pattern, the global optimal performance can't be guaranteed as firmly as with global controllers. In this paper, a novel hierarchical control for micro-grid is proposed, this control method still have a certain degree of decentralisation but also keep a degree of centralization through a higher level control layer that controls lower level units. The hierarchical control is mainly consisted of three control levels: primary control, secondary control and tertiary control. Experimental results are provided to show the feasibility of the hierarchical control method.
Paleomagnetic dating of postglacial sediment, offshore Lake Superior, Minnesota-Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Abstract Four gravity cores and two piston cores obtained from offshore regions of Lake Superior were analyzed for variations in geomagnetic declination and inclination in natural remanent magnetization (NRM). Sedimentation rates in offshore Lake Superior ( 20 cm 1000 yr . ) are much slower than in Great Lakes environments where paleomagnetic dating has been applied before (typically > 1 m 1000 yr . ). Five of the six cores could be correlated on the basis of declination, and four of the six could be correlated on the basis of inclination. Absolute-age assignment to declination events, by correlation to a radiocarbon-dated core from Lake St.Croix, Minnesota, tentatively shows that sedimentation rates in Lake Superior have changed from relatively fast, to relatively slow, to intermediate values in postglacial times.
Vicarious Learning And Inferential Accuracy in Adoption Processes

We develop a model of inferential vicarious learning that explicates how firms can learn whether to adopt a practice whose value varies across organizations. We first theorize how firms can infer this variation from samples of adopters, nonadopters, abandoners, and nonabandoners. Surprisingly, incomplete samples may allow more accurate inferences than complete ones. We then propose how firms, equipped with an understanding of the variation, can select referent organizations that differ from those identified in previous research.
Parietal-cell antibodies in patients with duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer.

Abstract Circulating parietal-cell antibodies in patients with duodenal ulcer were found to be in the lower range of normal. In a group of patients who had undergone subtotal gastrectomy, the range was still quite low. In a group of patients with gastric carcinoma the range was also no higher than normal. About 70% of patients with gastric carcinoma have gastritis, whereas in duodenal-ulcer patients after subtotal gastrectomy about 60% may be expected to have gastritis. Our investigation suggests that in persons who can form parietal-cell antibodies the development of antibody is secondary to gastritis.
Diversity of terrestrial avifauna in response to distance from the shoreline of the Salton Sea

Large aquatic bodies influence surrounding terrestrial ecosystems by providing water and nutrients. In arid landscapes, the increased primary productivity that results may greatly enhance vertebrate biodiversity. The Salton Sea, a large saline lake in the Colorado Desert of southern California, provides nutrients in the form of hundreds of thousands of dead fish carcasses, brine flies, and chemical compounds through windborne salt sea spray. We performed point counts for landbirds and shorebirds monthly or every other month between March 2001 and February 2002 across a sampling grid of 35 points along the west edge of Salton Sea. We found that avian diversity (numbers of species and numbers per species) was dependent on proximity to the Sea. Diversity was at a maximum nearest the shore, and was significantly lower away from the Sea's edge, at all surveyed distances up to 1 km from the shore. Cover by the dominant shrubs on the study site also corresponded to proximity to the water's edge. Whereas one may hypothesize that the avian diversity patterns are caused by these differences in vegetation structure, our data did not support this. Future studies should further investigate this potential correlation between vegetation and bird patterns. Until more is understood about the relationship between elevated avian diversity and the physical environment of the land-shore interface, our results suggest that the Sea's surface be stabilized near its present level. Future management schemes at the Salton Sea that include reductions of water sources should be carefully analyzed, so as to not jeopardize the terrestrial avifauna at this unique ecosystem.
Acute Effects of Embolizing Systemic-to-Pulmonary Arterial Collaterals on Blood Flow in Patients With Superior Cavopulmonary Connections A Pilot Study

Background—The significance and optimal treatment of systemic-to-pulmonary arterial collateral (SPC) vessels in single ventricle patients are poorly understood. The acute efficacy of SPC embolization has not been demonstrated in a quantifiable fashion. We sought to assess the acute efficacy of SPC embolization on blood flow as quantified by phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and hypothesized that embolization acutely decreases SPC flow and increases systemic blood flow (QS). Methods and Results—Six superior cavopulmonary connection patients underwent SPC flow quantification by phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging, including quantification of superior and inferior caval, total pulmonary artery, total pulmonary vein, ascending and descending aortic flows (QSVC, QIVC, QPA, QPV, QAo, and QDao, respectively), both immediately before and after cardiac catheterization with coil and particle embolization of angiographically evident SPC vessels. All studies were performed under a single anesthetic. Aft...
Semianalytical Solutions for Radial Dispersion in a Three‐Layer Leaky Aquifer System

Waste water injected into aquifers bounded by aquitards can potentially leak into the aquitards and eventually reach other layers. Based on the mathematical framework of an earlier model, the current study deals with steady-state and transient solutions for solute transport from an injection well into a three-layer leaky aquifer system consisting of a pumped and an unpumped aquifer separated by an aquitard. Solutes are assumed to be transported by horizontal advection within the pumped aquifer, by advection and dispersion in a vertical flow field in the aquitard, and by molecular diffusion under hydrostatic conditions in the unpumped aquifers. Proper leaky aquifer well hydraulics are used to describe the ground-water flow fields in the model, and radioactive (biological) decay and linear isotherm adsorption are considered. This model study shows that adsorption in the pumped aquifer has an overall retardation effect on solute movement in the whole system. Adsorption in the aquitard does not significantly affect solute movement in the pumped aquifer. Type curves are prepared to indicate whether the unpumped aquifer would be contaminated by the injection into the pumped aquifer. Pumping rate is an important hydraulic factor determining the leakage conditions of an aquifer (in addition to some hydrogeological conditions of the systems). Analytical solutions are obtained for steady-state conditions. For transient conditions, however, only semianalytical solutions can be determined by numerically inverting the solutions of the model in the Laplace transform domain.
TUMOR-TARGETED GENE DELIVERY USING POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)-MODIFIED GELATIN NANOPARTICLES: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES

To develop safe and effective systemically administered nonviral gene therapy vectors for solid tumors, DNA-containing poly(ethylene glycol)-modified (PEGylated) gelatin nanoparticles were fabricated and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Reporter plasmid DNA encoding for β-galactosidase (pCMV-β) was encapsulated in gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles using a water-ethanol solvent displacement method under controlled pH and temperature. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in culture were transfected with the pCMV-β in the control and nanoparticle formulations. Periodically, the expression of β-galactosidase in the cells was measured quantitatively using an enzymatic assay for the conversion of o-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (ONPG) to o-nitrophenol (ONP). Qualitative expression of β-galactosidase in LLC cells was observed by staining with 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-d-galactopyranoside (X-gal). Additionally, the plasmid DNA-encapsulated gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles were administered intravenously (i.v.) and intratumorally (i.t.) to LLC-bearing female C57BL/6J mice. At various time points postadministration, the animals were sacrificed and transgene expression in the tumor and liver was determined quantitatively by the ONPG to ONP enzymatic conversion assay and qualitatively by X-gal staining. Almost 100% of the pCMV-β was encapsulated in gelatin and PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles (mean diameter 200 nm) at 0.5% (w/w) concentration. PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles efficiently transfected the LLC cells and the β-galactosidase expression, as measured by the ONPG to ONP enzymatic conversion assay at 420 nm absorbance, increased starting from 12 h until 96 h post-transfection. The efficient expression of LLC cells was also evident by the X-gal staining method that shows blue color formation. The in vivo studies showed significant expression of β-galactosidase in the tumor following administration of DNA-containing PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles to LLC-bearing mice by both i.v. and i.t. routes. Following i.v. administration of pCMV-β in PEGylated gelatin nanoparticles, for instance, the absorbance at 420 nm per gram of tumor increased from 0.60 after 12 h to 0.85 after 96 h of transfection. After i.t. administration, the absorbance values increased from 0.90 after 12 h to almost 1.4 after 96 h. The in vitro and in vivo results of this study clearly show that a long-circulating, biocompatible and biodegradable, DNA-encapsulating nanoparticulate system would be highly desirable for systemic delivery of genetic constructs to solid tumors.
Self‐Expression and Self‐Control

It is often said that people are ‘not themselves’ when they are in situations which rob them of their self-control. Strangely, these are also circumstances in which people are often said to be most fully themselves. This paper investigates the pictures of the self behind these two truisms, and the relation between them. Harry Frankfurt’s work represents the first truism, and standard objections to his work the second. Each of these approaches is found to capture one independent and widely employed picture of the self. The connection each draws between being oneself and flourishing, however, suggests a point of contact between them. This point of contact is used to develop a third view of being oneself which integrates the insights of the other two.
Dual Luciferase Assay System for Rapid Assessment of Gene Expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A new reporter system has been developed for quantifying gene expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The system relies on two different reporter genes, Renilla and firefly luciferase, to evaluate regulated gene expression. The gene encoding Renilla luciferase is fused to a constitutive promoter (PGK1 or SPT15) and integrated into the yeast genome at the CAN1 locus as a control for normalizing the assay. The firefly luciferase gene is fused to the test promoter and integrated into the yeast genome at the ura3 or leu2 locus. The dual luciferase assay is performed by sequentially measuring the firefly and Renilla luciferase activities of the same sample, with the results expressed as the ratio of firefly to Renilla luciferase activity (Fluc/Rluc). The yeast dual luciferase reporter (DLR) was characterized and shown to be very efficient, requiring approximately 1 minute to complete each assay, and has proven to yield data that accurately and reproducibly reflect promoter activity. A series of integrating plasmids were generated that contain either the firefly or Renilla luciferase gene preceded by a multicloning region in two different orientations and the three reading frames to make possible the generation of translational fusions. Additionally, each set of plasmids contains either the URA3 or LEU2 marker for genetic selection in yeast. A series of S288C-based yeast strains, including a two-hybrid strain, were developed to facilitate the use of the yeast DLR assay. This assay can be readily adapted to a high-throughput platform for studies requiring numerous measurements.
A taxonomic approach to real-time mass customization

Our focus herein is on developing an effective taxonomy for the simultaneous and real-time management of supply and demand chains. More specifically, the taxonomy is developed in terms of its underpinning components and its research foci. Interestingly, our taxonomic approach highlights a very critical research area at which both supply and demand are flexible, thus manageable. Simultaneous management of supply and demand chains sets the stage for mass customization which is concerned with meeting the needs of an individualized customer market. Simultaneous and real-time management of supply and demand chains, in turn, set the stage for real-time mass customization. The benefits of real-time mass customization cannot be over-stated as products and services become indistinguishable and are co-produced in real-time, resulting in an overwhelming competitive economic advantage.
Refining existing theories of program comprehension during maintenance for concurrent software

While the sources of complexity in the initial design and verification of multi-threaded software systems are well-documented, less is known of the issues specific to the maintenance of these systems. The literature contains a number of observational studies of programmers performing maintenance, conducted in the context of sequential software and designed to investigate the factors and behaviors that lead to success. To help fill the gap in knowledge in the area of concurrent software maintenance, we conducted a study that refines the findings of two prior studies, those of Littman et al. and of Vessey, to address issues and obstacles that arise in the understanding of concurrent software. We validated these refinements by observing programmers performing corrective maintenance on a small but complex multi-threaded server program.
Source/Drain Technology for Nanoscale MIS Field Effect Devices

Source/drain junction technology is one of the relatively less pursued areas, and, thereby, can be viewed as a remaining opportunity where both performance improvement of nanoscale MISFET and also possible contribution toward foot print scale down would be achieved by aggressive investigation both experimentally and theoretically with possible involvement of new materials.
N-Methylmesoporphyrin IX Fluorescence As A Reporter Of Strand Orientation In Guanine Quadruplexes

Guanine quadruplexes (GQ) are four‐stranded DNA structures formed by guanine‐rich DNA sequences. The formation of GQs inhibits cancer cell growth, although the detection of GQs in vivo has proven difficult, in part because of their structural diversity. The development of GQ‐selective fluorescent reporters would enhance our ability to quantify the number and location of GQs, ultimately advancing biological studies of quadruplex relevance and function. N‐methylmesoporphyrin IX (NMM) interacts selectively with parallel‐stranded GQs; in addition, its fluorescence is sensitive to the presence of DNA, making this ligand a possible candidate for a quadruplex probe. In the present study, we investigated the effect of DNA secondary structure on NMM fluorescence. We found that NMM fluorescence increases by about 60‐fold in the presence of parallel‐stranded GQs and by about 40‐fold in the presence of hybrid GQs. Antiparallel GQs lead to lower than 10‐fold increases in NMM fluorescence. Single‐stranded DNA, duplex, or i‐motif, induce no change in NMM fluorescence. We conclude that NMM shows promise as a ‘turn‐on’ fluorescent probe for detecting quadruplex structures, as well as for differentiating them on the basis of strand orientation.
Propulsion system design of electric and hybrid vehicles

There is a growing interest in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles due to environmental concerns. Efforts are directed toward developing an improved propulsion system for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles applications. This paper is aimed at developing the system design philosophies of electric and hybrid vehicle propulsion systems. The vehicles' dynamics are studied in an attempt to find an optimal torque-speed profile for the electric propulsion system. This study reveals that the vehicles' operational constraints, such as initial acceleration and grade, can be met with minimum power rating if the power train can be operated mostly in the constant power region. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the importance of the constant power operation. Operation of several candidate motors in the constant power region are also examined. Their behaviors are compared and conclusions are made.
Consciousness as Integrated Information: a Provisional Manifesto

The integrated information theory (IIT) starts from phenomenology and makes use of thought experi- ments to claim that consciousness is integrated information. Specifically: (i) the quantity of consciousness corresponds to the amount of integrated information generated by a complex of elements; (ii) the quality of experience is spec- ified by the set of informational relationships generated within that complex. Integrated information () is defined as the amount of information generated by a complex of elements, above and beyond the information generated by its parts. Qualia space (Q) is a space where each axis represents a possible state of the complex, each point is a probability distribution of its states, and arrows between points represent the informational relationships among its elements generated by causal mechanisms (connections). Together, the set of informational relationships within a complex constitute a shape in Q that completely and univo- cally specifies a particular experience. Several observations concerning the neural substrate of consciousness fall natu- rally into place within the IIT framework. Among them are the association of consciousness with certain neural systems rather than with others; the fact that neural processes un- derlying consciousness can influence or be influenced by neural processes that remain unconscious; the reduction of consciousness during dreamless sleep and generalized sei- zures; and the distinct role of different cortical architectures in affecting the quality of experience. Equating conscious- ness with integrated information carries several implications for our view of nature.
Item-Level RFID in a Retail Supply Chain With Stock-Out-Based Substitution

In this paper, we present a model to help evaluate the impact of an introduction of item-level radio-frequency identification (RFID) in a retail environment where stock-out-based substitution is common. There are two main thrust areas in this work. First, we examine the impact of RFID in a centralized setting where retailer and manufacturer are one entity. This thrust area is concerned with evaluating the profitability of RFID and exploring which product properties favor an RFID implementation. Second, we examine the impact of RFID in a decentralized setting, where retailer and manufacturer independently maximize their profits. We investigate the problem of sharing the costs of RFID, from both the perspective of tag costs and fixed costs. Our research shows that the presence of substitution at the shelf plays a major role in determining the expected benefits of an RFID implementation, as well as in determining the optimal allocation of these benefits among retailer and manufacturer. It is therefore critically important that decision makers make strong efforts to correctly account for subsitution effects when evaluating potential item-level RFID implementations in the retail sector.
Reduced channel morphological response to urbanization in a flood-dominated humid tropical environment

Urbanization through the addition of impervious cover can alter catchment hydrology, often resulting in increased peak flows during floods. This phenomenon and the resulting impact on stream channel morphology is well documented in temperate climatic regions, but not well documented in the humid tropics where urbanization is rapidly occurring. This study investigates the long-term effects of urbanization on channel morphology in the humid sub-tropical region of Puerto Rico, an area characterized by frequent high-magnitude flows, and steep coarse-grained rivers. Grain size, low-flow channel roughness, and the hydraulic geometry of streams across a land-use gradient that ranges from pristine forest to high density urbanized catchments are compared. In areas that have been urbanized for several decades changes in channel features were measurable, but were smaller than those reported for comparable temperate streams. Decades of development has resulted in increased fine sediment and anthropogenic debris in urbanized catchments. Materials of anthropogenic origin comprise an average of 6% of the bed material in streams with catchments with 15% or greater impervious cover. At-a-station hydraulic geometry shows that velocity makes up a larger component of discharge for rural channels, while depth contributes a larger component of discharge in urban catchments. The average bank-full cross-sectional area of urbanized reaches was 1.5 times larger than comparable forested reaches, and less than the world average increase of 2.5. On average, stream width at bank-full height did not change with urbanization while the world average increase is 1.5 times. Overall, this study indicates that the morphologic changes that occur in response to urban runoff are less in channels that are already subject to frequent large magnitude storms. Furthermore, this study suggests that developing regions in the humid tropics shouldn't rely on temperate analogues to determine the magnitude of impact of urbanization on stream morphology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of immediate enteral feeding on trauma patients with an open abdomen: protection from nosocomial infections.

Background Damage-control laparotomy has become increasingly common after operative resuscitation of severe hemorrhagic shock after injury. Despite increased use, uncertainty exists about the safety and timing of enteral nutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and effect of immediate enteral nutrition. Study Design Data were obtained from a multicenter prospective cohort study evaluating clinical outcomes in adults with hemorrhagic shock after injury and were limited to patients with an open abdomen and no hollow viscus injury. The immediate enteral nutrition cohort was defined as initiation of enteral feeds within 36 hours after acute resuscitation completion. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with immediate enteral nutrition. Results One hundred subjects met inclusion criteria; 32 immediate enteral nutrition and 68 nonimmediate enteral nutrition. Nearly all patients underwent fascial closure (93.8% immediate enteral nutrition versus 94.1% nonimmediate enteral nutrition), with an average closure day of 6.47 ± 0.83 with immediate enteral nutrition and 8.55 ± 0.85 with nonimmediate enteral nutrition (p = 0.129). No significant difference in multiorgan dyfunction syndrome, length of ventilator days, ICU days, hospital days, or mortality was seen between groups. The rate of pneumonia was significantly different: 14 (43.8%) in immediate enteral nutrition and 49 (72.1%) in nonimmediate enteral nutrition (p = 0.008). Immediate enteral nutrition remained independently associated with a reduction in pneumonia within our stepwise regression (odds ratio=0.32; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.79). Conclusions Immediate enteral nutrition after damage control appears safe, with no effect on abdominal closure rate. In addition, the reduction in pneumonia associated with immediate enteral nutrition suggests a tangible benefit. Immediate enteral nutrition should be considered in patients with open abdomens after severe trauma.
Drug-Eluting Stenting for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: Are We Ready to Replace Bypass Surgery?⁎

It has been five years since our last editorial in the Journal regarding the role of stenting in the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease. In the intervening time, the landscape of coronary stenting has changed dramatically. In particular, the advent of drug-eluting stents (DES
The Effect of K-Distributed Clutter on Trackability

In the field of target tracking, a tremendous amount of work has been done on designing and implementing algorithms. However, much less work has been performed on analyzing whether, for a given target in a given environment, tracking is possible at all. Our recent work developed a framework to answer just that. But the only clutter amplitude model it could process was Rayleigh. On the other hand, the K-distribution, much heavier-tailed than Rayleigh, has recently been posited to more accurately describe “real” sonar clutter. In this paper, we incorporate K-distributed clutter into the trackability framework, and the differences are significant. We find we answer the question, “When tracking a target, does using amplitude actually help?”
Calling Institutions of Higher Education to Join the Quest for Social Justice and Peace

cycle by moving away from a focus on consumerism and competition and toward a focus on love and wisdom, encouraging students to learn to see each other as connected by their common humanity. Tony Jenkins highlights the significance of cultivating the imagination and fostering critical inquiry in responding to and preventing acts of violence. He calls for the inclusion of peace education in teacher-training programs for the purpose of developing such skills. William Shorr then directs our attention to the teaching/ research method of critical exploration as a tool for peace education. He recounts the personal and professional dilemmas he faced as a citizen and teacher working to create a space for class discussions about the impending war in Iraq in 2003. Linda Brion-Meisels, Steven Brion-Meisels, and Catherine Hoffman draw on their experience as peace educators and community organizers to present a framework for creating and maintaining peaceable schools and communities that connects the personal, professional, and political aspects of peace and justice. Finally, Adria Scharf and Ram Bhagat share their experience of using artistic performance and expression to transcend cultural boundaries and empower youth in Richmond, Virginia — a city whose schools and neighborhoods are wracked by violence. Applying arts-based methodologies, they demonstrate how educators can reach out to youth who may not respond to more conventional forms of intervention and instill in them the foundations for peace and leadership. It will take time for our nation to fully respond to and understand the Virginia Tech incident and similar acts of violence, but we offer these essays to spark and continue conversations about how to create a culture of peace in educational settings. We dedicate this collection to those who perished on April 16th, and to the students, families, faculty, and staff of Virginia Tech with whom we stand in solidarity as they work to heal and rebuild their community.
Seismic Resilience of Transportation Networks with Deteriorating Components

AbstractPerformance assessment of a transportation network is naturally a complicated problem. This is mainly due to the fact that such a spatially distributed network is subjected to a variety of natural hazards and environmental stressors while it consists of a range of components with different ages. Among various components of a transportation network, bridges are known to be the most important but vulnerable components. Previous efforts to investigate the functionality of transportation networks, especially after earthquake events, have proven that damage to highway bridges may directly cause a major degradation in the functionality of the entire network. Considering the extensive socioeconomic consequences of network disruptions, the main focus of the current study is on the seismic resilience assessment of highway bridge networks exposed to deterioration processes. While this study provides a comprehensive computational framework to include several sources of uncertainty that must be taken into acc...
Micro architected porous material with high strength and controllable stiffness

This paper reports the engineering of large area cellular solids with controllable stiffness and specific strengths up to 230 MPa/(Mg/m3), which is stronger than most high strength alloys including 4143 steel and Ti-6Al-4V. The high strength arises from the size-based strengthening of the nm-sized struts. The cellular solid's porosity can be varied from 30 to 90% to control the specific stiffness from 4–20 GPa/(Mg/m3). The cellular solid's regular microporous architecture and self-assembly based fabrication allow nanometer to micrometer control over the hierarchical geometry and chemistry, which enable large area materials with high strength and controllable stiffness.
A Bridge Over Troubled Water: The Second Amendment Guarantee for the Previously Mentally Institutionalized

In District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago, Ill., the Supreme Court established that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right guaranteed to all Americans. In 2014, using these opinions as a basis for its opinion, the Sixth Circuit became one of the first circuits to strike down a federal firearm control law in the post-Heller Era. In Tyler v. Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Dep’t., the Sixth Circuit struck down the federal firearm prohibition on the previously mentally institutionalized because it failed to satisfy a strict scrutiny standard of review. The Tyler court, in applying strict scrutiny, became the first circuit to apply such standard to federal firearm laws and added fuel to the debate over who should be able to possess firearms. While this debate is not new, the holding in Tyler has again made many question Congress’s existing gun regulations. One of these regulations — and the subject of this Article — is a class-based prohibition that groups the mentally ill and the previously mentally institutionalized together. This prohibition treats these two classes as one, when in reality not all the previously mentally institutionalized are still currently mentally ill and should not have their right to keep and bear arms severely restricted.In light of the Tyler opinion, this Article is the first to take an in-depth look at the prohibition on the previously mentally institutionalized, showing why the prohibition is currently unconstitutional. This Article shows that the prohibition cannot be supported by history or by public policy and subjects the prohibition to all three levels of judicial scrutiny, showing that regardless of the tested used the prohibition is unconstitutional. This Article recommends that to alleviate the current unconstitutional prohibition, Congress should reinstate the federal relief-from-disabilities program that was originally enacted with the prohibition 1968 and has since lost funding.
Robotic-guided sacro-pelvic fixation using S2 alar-iliac screws: feasibility and accuracy

To review our experience with robotic guided S2-alar iliac (S2AI) screw placement. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent S2AI fixation with robotic guidance. Screw placement and deviation from the preoperative plan were assessed by fusing preoperative CT (with the planned S2AI screws) to postoperative CT. The software’s measurement tool was used to compare the planned vs. actual screw placements in axial and lateral views, at entry point to the S2 pedicle and at a 30 mm depth at the screws’ mid-shaft, in a resolution of 0.1 mm. Medical charts were reviewed for technical issues and intra-operative complications. 35 S2AI screws were reviewed in 18 patients. The patients’ mean age was 60 years. No intra-operative complications that related to the placement of S2AI screws were reported and robotic guidance was successful in all 35 screws. Post-operative CT scans showed that all trajectories were accurate. No violations of the iliac cortex or breaches of the anterior sacrum were noted. At the entry point, the screw deviated from the pre-operative plan by 3.0 ± 2.2 mm in the axial plane and 1.8 ± 1.6 mm in the lateral plane. At 30 mm depth, the screw deviated from the pre-operative plan by 2.1 ± 1.3 mm in the axial plane and 1.2 ± 1.1 mm in the lateral plane. Robotic guided S2AI screw placement is feasible and accurate. No screw malpositions or complications that related to the placement of S2AI screws occurred in this series. Larger studies are needed to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of robotic guided sacral-pelvic fixation.
Urban Planning in New York City after 9/11

The attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11 changed urban planning in New York City, with repercussions elsewhere, but in ways that continued a direction in which it was evolving even before that date. This chapter outlines the process and enumerates the directions of change.
Docosahexaenoic Acid and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Abstract Administration of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) is a biologically plausible, yet clinically untested, candidate therapeutic strategy to prevent or blunt neurologic disability after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The biologic plausibility of n-3 PUFAs rests on evidence that supports at least three putative mechanisms of neuroprotection after TBI. First, n-3 PUFA supplementation may address an acquired or existing n-3 PUFA deficiency which, if present, could impair recovery from TBI. Second, enzymatic and nonenzymatic metabolism of n-3 PUFAs may yield derivatives that modulate neuroinflammation after TBI. Third, n-3 PUFA supplementation may blunt oxidative injury after TBI via a free-radical scavenging mechanism. This chapter reviews the current state of bench and clinical research in this area and identifies potential future avenues of investigation.
The impact of implicit collective leadership theories on the emergence and effectiveness of leadership networks in teams

Abstract Leadership in today's high-performing teams is a relational process best understood from a multilevel emergent perspective. Implicit theories of leadership and followership play an important role in predicting leader emergence in more traditional hierarchical structures, but are inadequate for understanding and predicting leadership as networks in teams, as they do not consider the complex dynamics of leading and following activities inherent in such structures. To address this theoretical gap, we propose the concept of Implicit Leadership Network Theories (ILNTs) that integrates implicit leadership and followership theories with contemporary social network perspectives of leadership in teams to predict the shape and structure of leadership network emergence and subsequent team outcomes. More specifically, we propose that the combination of team member self-ILNTs (i.e., expectations regarding one's own role within a leadership network) and network-ILNTs (i.e., expectations regarding the prototypical team leadership structure) will shape the emergence and effectiveness of leadership in teams. We describe several prototypical team configurations of ILNTs and discuss implications for future research and human resource management.
1965–1975: A miracle decade for DRC

In the early days, the Device Research Conference (DRC) has played a seminal role in the initial announcement of breakthroughs that led to new and improved devices and chips found in today's semiconductor market menu. I will briefly cite personal and collegial examples of compound semiconductor breakthroughs that occurred during what I view as the miracle decade of 1965–1975. I cite this era because during it, the following electronic and photonic devices first appeared either at the DRC or in related journals: the invention development high efficiency, Si doped, IR emitting GaAs LEDs, the first working devices based on the AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction (HJ), e.g. AlGaAs HBTs, AlGaAs lasers, AlGaAs LEDs, cw AlGaAs lasers, state-of-the-art AlGaAs/GaAs high efficiency solar cells, and semiconductor lift which is used in the current state of the art single junction AlGaAs/GaAs solar cell. All of these were first realized via liquid phase epitaxy (LPE). The impact of these breakthroughs later led to the high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), GaInP based red and yellow LEDs and GaN based blue-green, blue, UV, and white emitting LEDs, and blue lasers. Along the way the AlGaAs/GaAs HJ and the GaN HJ has produced three Nobel Prizes: the 1998 prize for the quantum Hall Effect to Laughlin, Stormer and Tsui; half of the 2000 HJ prize to Kroemer and Alferov; the 2014 prize for blue LEDs to Akasaki, Amano, and Nakamura. HJ technology has found its way into Si based HBTs using germanium. And there are even reports of quantum wire structures employing HJs! Finally, as a former DRC program committee member, I would like to close with the following observation. The era of breakthrough device results that are likely to have a high impact is probably behind us. In its place is the ongoing search for innovations in wires and new 2-D materials and films, i.e fishing trips. This is currently mostly in the realm of materials science and engineering. With this in mind I encourage the current program committees to lower the bar and seek out early, provisional, and possibly interesting device results in this new era with the understanding that they may not be of lasting importance.
AB1132 Higher rates of obesity and associations with poorer clinical status in patients with RA, OA and SLE: a cross-sectional study from routine care

Background Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic rheumatic diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), obesity is associated with increased comorbidities, higher medical costs, disease activity, and poorer physical function 1 . In OA, obesity is a risk factor for both incidence and progression, and has a negative impact on outcomes 2 . In systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), obesity is associated with more severe renal involvement, lower quality of life, and increased cardiovascular risk 3 . Objectives To assess associations of obesity with patient self-report multidimensional health assessment questionnaire (MDHAQ) scores and physician global assessments in patients with RA, OA and SLE seen in routine care. Methods All patients at one academic center complete a MDHAQ, which includes a 0–10 scale for physical function (FN), 0–10 visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain (PN) and patient global assessment (PATGL), compiled into a 0–30 RAPID3, as well as scales for fatigue, depression, and demographic data. Physicians complete a VAS for patient global (DOCGL). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from the medical record as weight (kg)/ height (meters) 2 . Patients were classified by BMI as normal (18.5–25), overweight (25–30), or obese (>30) according to the WHO guidelines. Demographic and clinical MDHAQ data were compared in the 3 diagnostic groups according to BMI groups using ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results 396 patients with RA, 425 with OA, and 306 with SLE were studied. Obesity was reported by 40% of RA and SLE patients, and 59% of OA patients, a higher percentage than matched individuals in the general population in the same region (30.8%). Obesity was higher in African-American patients (48% in RA, 70% in OA, and 53% in SLE). Education level, gender, and age did not differ significantly across the groups. Obesity was associated with poorer physical function, poorer patient global and higher pain in all 3 diagnostic groups, with higher depression scores in OA and SLE (Table). DOCGL was significantly higher only in OA (data not shown). Conclusions Obesity is more prevalent in patients with rheumatic diseases compared with the general population. Obese patients had poorer status on most MDHAQ scores, particularly physical function and pain. Obesity is an important comorbidity in patients with rheumatic diseases. References J Rheumatol 2015, 42(12):2261–2269. Obes Rev 2014, 15(7):578–586. Autoimmunity Reviews 2014;13: 981–1000. Disclosure of Interest I. Castrejon: None declared, N. Shakoor: None declared, J. Block: None declared, T. Pincus Shareholder of: Health Report Services, Inc
Living With Life-Threatening Illness. By Kenneth J. Doka: Lexington Books, 1993, 284 pages, $19.95

(1995). Living With Life-Threatening Illness. By Kenneth J. Doka. The Hospice Journal: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 65-70.
Some Pitfalls in Statistical Downscaling of Future Climate

AbstractStatistical downscaling (SD) is commonly used to provide information for the assessment of climate change impacts. Using as input the output from large-scale dynamical climate models and observation-based data products, SD aims to provide a finer grain of detail and to mitigate systematic biases. It is generally recognized as providing added value. However, one of the key assumptions of SD is that the relationships used to train the method during a historical period are unchanged in the future, in the face of climate change. The validity of this assumption is typically quite difficult to assess in the normal course of analysis, as observations of future climate are lacking. We approach this problem using a “perfect model” experimental design in which high-resolution dynamical climate model output is used as a surrogate for both past and future observations.We find that while SD in general adds considerable value, in certain well-defined circumstances it can produce highly erroneous results. Furthe...
The Fourier Transform

The transition from Fourier Series which were introduced in Chapter 2, to the Fourier Transform is similar to the transition from the dot product to the inner product. When dealing with functions, the question became “How many samples of the function are sufficient to approximate, accurately, the dot product that would be used to compare vectors?”. The answer is that the safe way to make sure you have enough samples is to not sample, but rather use the integral, or inner product, instead of the dot product. That way convergence issues are not an issue, and everything was certain, while preserving the geometry of the dot product.
Role of cytochrome P450 2B sequence variation and gene copy number in facilitating dietary specialization in mammalian herbivores.

Theory postulates that dietary specialization in mammalian herbivores is enabled by a specialized set of liver enzymes that process the high concentrations of similar plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) in the diets of specialists. To investigate whether qualitative and quantitative differences in detoxification mechanisms distinguish dietary specialists from generalists, we compared the sequence diversity and gene copy number of detoxification enzymes in two woodrat species: a generalist, the white-throated woodrat (Neotoma albigula) and a juniper specialist, Stephens' woodrat (N. stephensi). We focused on enzymes in the cytochrome P450 subfamily 2B (CYP2B), because previous research suggests this subfamily plays a key role in the processing of PSMs. For both woodrat species, we obtained and sequenced CYP2B cDNA, generated CYP2B phylogenies, estimated CYP2B gene copy number and created a homology model of the active site. We found that the specialist possessed on average ~5 more CYP2B gene copies than the generalist, but the specialist's CYP2B sequences were less diverse. Phylogenetic analysis of putative CYP2B homologs resolved woodrat species as reciprocally monophyletic and suggested evolutionary convergence of distinct homologs on similar key amino acid residues in both species. Homology modelling of the CYP2B enzyme suggests that interspecific differences in substrate preference and function likely result from amino acid differences in the enzyme active site. The characteristics of CYP2B in the specialist, that is greater gene copy number coupled with less sequence variation, are consistent with specialization to a narrow range of dietary toxins.
DISC: Describing Infections of the Spine treated with Ceftaroline.

Abstract Objectives Infections of the spine lead to considerable morbidity and a high cost to the global healthcare system. Currently, evidence for using ceftaroline, an advanced-generation cephalosporin active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in spine infections is limited. Methods Describing Infections of the Spine treated with Ceftaroline (DISC) is a multicentre, retrospective, cohort study that evaluated ceftaroline for treating spine infections. Patients were included if they were aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with a spine infection and treated with ceftaroline for ≥28 days. A control group was identified with the same inclusion criteria as the study population except they were treated with a comparator antibiotic for ≥28 days. Results Thirty-seven patients were included each in the ceftaroline and control groups. MRSA was the most commonly identified pathogen. With no differences between groups in age, sex, race or co-morbidities (with the exception of chronic kidney disease), treatment with ceftaroline led to similar clinical success compared with the control group. Multivariate regression analysis did not show a significant difference between the two groups in terms of clinical success after controlling for other covariates (adjusted odds ratio = 1.49; P = 0.711). More patients who received ceftaroline were discharged to an extended-care or rehabilitation facility than home compared with controls (81% vs. 54%, respectively; P = 0.024). Side effects and toxicities were rare, including one case of eosinophilic pneumonia in the ceftaroline group. Conclusions Ceftaroline appears to be a safe and effective therapy for infections of the spine, including from MRSA.
Beyond the Sendai indicators: Application of a cascading risk lens for the improvement of loss data indicators for slow-onset hazards and small-scale disasters

Abstract The implementation of the Sendai Framework offers an opportunity for expanding the global application of standardized loss accounting systems for recording disaster impacts. However, the Sendai indicators and existing global disaster databases offer limited utility in achieving the aims of the Sendai Framework through the creation of a knowledge base relevant for informed risk reduction strategies in varied hazard and vulnerability contexts. Using cascading analyses and systems thinking, this paper explores new approaches for improving methodologies for loss and damage data. It focuses on the subset of small-scale disasters and slow-onset hazards, and demonstrates how a systems approach to cascading risk can improve the utility of disaster databases from reactive and static measures of economic loss, to tools for assessing risk and vulnerability across temporal and spatial scales.