cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Compact, Repetitive, 500kV, 500 J, Marx Generator

The electrical characteristics and design features of a low inductance, compact, 500 kV, 500 J, 10 Hz repetition rate, Marx generator are discussed. While benefiting from the large energy density of mica capacitors, 4 mica capacitors were utilized in parallel per stage, keeping the parasitic inductance per stage low. Including the spark- gap switches, a stage inductance of 55 nH was measured, which translates with 100 nF capacitance per stage to ~18.5 Omega characteristic Marx impedance. Using solely inductors, ~1 mH each, as charging elements instead of resistors enabled charging the Marx within less than 100 ms with little charging losses. The pulse width of the Marx into a matched resistive load is about 200 ns with 50 ns rise-time. Repetitive HPM generation with the Marx directly driving a small Vircator has been verified. The Marx is fitted into a tube with 30 cm diameter and a total length of 0.7 m. We discuss the Marx operation at up to 21 kV charging voltage per stage, with repetition rates of up to 10 Hz in burst mode primarily into resistive loads. A lumped circuit description of the Marx is also given, closely matching the experimental results.
The Anthropology of Radio Fields

This review surveys a resurgent ethnographic interest in radio media in order to identify the contours and potentials of an emergent anthropology of radio. We first locate such scholarship in relation to long-standing questions about the nature and power of technological mediation, as well as voice, sound, and aurality. This allows us to reveal how conceptualizations of a singular ontology of radio often implicitly underwrite most accounts of its social power. Finally, we draw attention to how recent but rarely consolidated anthropological efforts to engage ethnographically with radio technology and its sensorial affordances require critically rethinking the relationships among radio, ontology, and mediation. In doing so, this review advances a new working definition of radio: not as an old medium on the verge of obsolescence, but as a vibrant domain for acoustically resignifying the ontological that merits sustained ethnographic exploration.
A predictive, size-dependent continuum model for dense granular flows

Dense granular materials display a complicated set of flow properties, which differentiate them from ordinary fluids. Despite their ubiquity, no model has been developed that captures or predicts the complexities of granular flow, posing an obstacle in industrial and geophysical applications. Here we propose a 3D constitutive model for well-developed, dense granular flows aimed at filling this need. The key ingredient of the theory is a grain-size-dependent nonlocal rheology—inspired by efforts for emulsions—in which flow at a point is affected by the local stress as well as the flow in neighboring material. The microscopic physical basis for this approach borrows from recent principles in soft glassy rheology. The size-dependence is captured using a single material parameter, and the resulting model is able to quantitatively describe dense granular flows in an array of different geometries. Of particular importance, it passes the stringent test of capturing all aspects of the highly nontrivial flows observed in split-bottom cells—a geometry that has resisted modeling efforts for nearly a decade. A key benefit of the model is its simple-to-implement and highly predictive final form, as needed for many real-world applications.
Anger and asymmetrical frontal cortical activity: Evidence for an anger–withdrawal relationship

Anger has been associated with relative left frontal cortical activity, reflecting its approach (vs. withdrawal) motivational tendency. However, there may be contexts in which anger is associated with withdrawal motivation and, hence, relative right frontal cortical activity. Based on past research, we hypothesised that for some individuals, interracial interactions may be one such context, as societal pressure to be politically correct dictates that anger should not be expressed. Thus, in the context of an interracial interaction, the experience of anger may coincide with a desire to withdraw from the situation. Cortical activity was measured while White participants anticipated an interracial interaction. Consistent with expectations, self-reported anger was associated with relative right frontal cortical activity. In general, the motivational correlates of anger may be partially determined by the specific attributes of the person and the social context in which anger occurs.
EXAMINATION OF RESPONSE OF A SKEWED STEEL BRIDGE SUPERSTRUCTURE DURING DECK PLACEMENT

The response of a 74.45-m (244-ft 0-in.) skewed bridge to the placement of the concrete deck was monitored to compare measured and predicted behavior. This comparison was completed to (a) determine theoretical deflections and rotations with analytical models for comparison to actual deformations monitored during construction; (b) compare the results of various levels of analysis to determine the adequacy of the methods; and (c) examine variations on the concrete placement sequence to determine the most efficient deck placement methods. Two levels of analysis were used to achieve the objectives. Level 1 was a two-dimensional finite element grillage model analyzed with STAAD/Pro. Level 2 was a three-dimensional finite element model analyzed with SAP2000. These studies are discussed and findings are presented.
Bose–Einstein condensation transition studies for atoms confined in Laguerre–Gaussian laser modes

Abstract Multiply-connected traps for cold, neutral atoms fix vortex cores of quantum gases. Laguerre–Gaussian laser modes are ideal for such traps due to their phase stability. We report theoretical calculations of the Bose–Einstein condensation transition properties and thermal characteristics of neutral atoms trapped in multiply connected geometries formed by Laguerre–Gaussian (LG p l ) beams. Specifically, we consider atoms confined to the anti-node of a LG 0 1 laser mode detuned to the red of an atomic resonance frequency, and those confined in the node of a blue-detuned LG 1 1 beam. We compare the results of using the full potential to those approximating the potential minimum with a simple harmonic oscillator potential. We find that deviations between calculations of the full potential and the simple harmonic oscillator can be up to 3%–8% for trap parameters consistent with typical experiments.
The Methyl Bromide Ban: Economic Impacts on the California Strawberry Industry

California strawberry production accounts for 18% of total methyl bromide use in U.S. agriculture. Under the Montreal Protocol, methyl bromide was slated to be banned in the United States in 2005. A critical use exemption was obtained for U.S. agriculture for 2005 and 2006, but the phaseout of methyl bromide continues. We examine the ban's effects on the California strawberry industry, and on individual production regions in the state. Under the most likely scenario, industry revenue will decline by 6–17% due to the ban. The effects will differ by region, due to seasonal differences in demand and production, and the possibility of increased foreign competition.
IP interpretation in environmental investigations

The induced polarization (IP) response of rocks and soils is a function of lithology and fluid conductivity. IP measurements are sensitive to the low‐frequency capacitive properties of rocks and soils, which are controlled by diffusion polarization mechanisms operating at the grain‐fluid interface. IP interpretation typically is in terms of the conventional field IP parameters: chargeability, percentage frequency effect, and phase angle. These parameters are dependent upon both surface polarization mechanisms and bulk (volumetric) conduction mechanisms. Consequently, they afford a poor quantification of surface polarization processes of interest to the field geophysicist. A parameter that quantifies the magnitude of surface polarization is the normalized chargeability, defined as the chargeability divided by the resistivity magnitude. This parameter is proportional to the quadrature conductivity measured in the complex resistivity method. For nonmetallic minerals, the quadrature conductivity and normalize...
Cognition-sensitive design and user modeling for syntax-directed editors

Syntax-directed editors were created with the intent of aiding in and improving the programming process. Despite their potential, they have not been successful, as evidenced by limited use. In general, they are perceived as being too difficult to use and the benefits of their use are outweighed by the difficulties.We believe that the cognitive styles and skills of the users have been ignored in the design process. In this paper we present some of our initial results which show that cognitive styles vary over a significant spectrum and that their consideration in the design of a syntax-directed editor will result in an intelligent tool that will be right for the cognitive skills and expertise of an individual user. In turn, an approach to design that takes cognitive variation into account would support the construction of syntax-directed editors which are successfully used.
Microsatellite DNA markers for delineating population structure and kinship among the endangered Kirtland’s warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii)

We document the isolation and characterization of 23 microsatellite DNA markers for the endangered Kirtland’s warbler ( Dendroica kirtlandii ), a Nearctic/Neotropical migrant passerine. This suite of markers revealed moderate to high levels of allelic diversity (averaging 7.7 alleles per locus) and heterozygosity (averaging 72%). Genotypic frequencies at 22 of 23 (95%) markers conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations, and no linkage disequilibrium was observed in blood samples taken from 14 warblers found on the wintering grounds in the Bahamas archipelago. Multilocus genotypes resulting from this suite of markers should reduce the amount of resources required for initiating new genetic studies assessing breeding structure, parentage, demographics, and individual-level ecological interactions for D. kirtlandii .
Evaluating the value of collaboration systems in collocated teams: A longitudinal analysis

Distributed work structure has increased the importance of group work. Consequently, the usage of collaboration systems that support group work has increased exponentially. However, limited research exists on why collocated group members use collaborative system and how their perceptions about the system change from project initiation to project completion. The study proposes resource management support, coordination support, and evaluation support as key aspects based on which collocated users form beliefs about collaboration system value. Based on technology acceptance model and expectancy disconfirmation theory, we propose a model that examines the evolution of user beliefs from pre to post-adoption stage. Further, we argue that users may engage in different information processing strategies as part of the belief change process. The research model was examined based on longitudinal data collected from student groups working on a software application development project over a three month period. The results show that users deemed all features to be valuable at the pre-adoption stage. However, at the post-adoption stage evaluation support was the only factor that had a direct influence on collaboration system usefulness. While the impact of other support factors was mediated through the confirmation process. Further, users engaged in high information processing in revising their beliefs about collaboration system features, when they experienced a high level of dissonance. On the contrary, a dual information processing approach was visible in the context of support features that required adjustment or update to beliefs from pre to post-adoption stage. The study provides three core areas around which designers can structure collaboration system features to make it more useful. It also provides theoretical insights into the process through which user cognitions about collaboration system value change over time.
Order-Sensitive XML Query Processing over Relational Sources: An Algebraic Approach

The XML data is order-sensitive. The order problem, that is how ordered XML documents and order-sensitive queries over it can be efficiently supported when mapped into the unordered relational data model, has not yet been adequately addressed. In this paper, we present a general approach for supporting order-sensitive XQuery-to-SQL translation that works irrespective of the chosen XML-to-relational data mapping and the selected order-encoding method. Our approach, called XSOT, utilizes an order-aware XML algebra representation. We propose order-sensitive rewriting rules at the algebraic level to eliminate the dependency of the order determining operators on the implicit XML view order. Furthermore, we introduce a series of order-sensitive optimization steps to transform the XML algebra tree for the purpose of efficient SQL translation. Lastly, we utilize a template-based approach using SQL-99 order features to generate SQL statements.
Radiative transfer in a free-electron atmosphere

The equations of radiative transfer for an electron-scattering atmosphere, as developed by Chandrasekhar, are solved using Case’s method of singular eigensolutions. The eigenfunctions of the set of coupled transport equations have been found. There are two discrete eigenvectors and two linearly independent, degenerate, singular, continuum eigensolutions. These eigenvectors are shown to form a complete basis set for the expansion of arbitrary two-component vectors defined on the half-range. In addition, all of the necessary adjoint functions have been developed so that all expansion coefficients can be obtained by taking scalar products. As an example of the method, the Milne problem is solved and explicit results are obtained for the two components of the polarized radiation field at
Swimming styles in Jurassic ichthyosaurs

ABSTRACT Postcranial axial anatomy of six Jurassic ichthyosaurs is described and used to define a generalized pattern of regional anatomy with four structural units (neck, trunk, tail stock, fluke). Functional interpretation of each unit predicts a generalized swimming mode that used a laterally compressed, laterally oscillating caudal fluke as the propulsive organ. Fluke displacement was accomplished by the undulation of a dorsoventrally compressed posterior tail stock acting on a stabilized anterior tail stock. The trunk was largely uninvolved in locomotion. Osteological predictors of postcranial flexibility in living aquatic axial locomotors are reviewed and used to identify the existence of a range of swimming styles within this generalized pattern among surveyed ichthyosaurs.
Impression Management: An Observational Study Linking Audience Characteristics with Verbal Self-Presentations

This study used direct observation to investigate the relationship between audience characteristics and the verbal self-presentational behaviors of 34 school principals. The results revealed that the principals presented themselves differently with high- and low-status, familiar and unfamiliar, and internal and external audiences. Differences in the principals' self-presentations during dyadic and group interactions were also observed. The implications of these findings for research on impression management behaviors and management theory are considered.
Measurement of Translucency of Porcelain Bodies

Two methods for evaluating absorption coefficients of porcelain bodies in the visible wavelength range were proposed and applied to Japanese porcelain. The comparative merits of the methods were discussed. Apparent absorption coefficients could be obtained more precisely than conventional ones by measuring the transmittances for different sample thicknesses. Variations in translucency due to compositional change of the porcelain bodies could be explained quantitatively using these coefficients. The scattering and absorption coefficients of bodies were calculated from their reflectances and transmittances using the Kubelka-Munk equations. The accuracy of these coefficients was lower than that of the apparent absorption coefficient because of difficulties in the transmittance measurements. Nevertheless these coefficients were very useful for understanding the optical properties of porcelain bodies. The relationship between the reflectance and scattering coefficient of bodies was also discussed.
Prospects for treatment of free radical-mediated tissue injury

Toxic metabolites of oxygen are generated normally by aerobic metabolism in cells and this generation can significantly increase in certain pathologic conditions. When endogenous antioxidant defense capabilities are exceeded by this oxidant flux, tissue injury occurs. This process can be intercepted pharmacologically at different levels with agents that scavenge reactive oxygen metabolites, block their generation, or enhance endogenous antioxidant capabilities. In many situations, such as the treatment of post-ischaemic reperfusion injury, efficacy of antioxidant is related primarily to the proportionate magnitude of the total injury sustained that is due to an antioxidant mechanism. This approach has shown great promise in animal models of clinical problems and has been tested successfully in early, controlled clinical trials.
Modeling Consumer Intentions to use a Service Category

Services marketers are particularly interested in influencing consumer choice at the service provider level (i.e., the service brand level). However, a consumer's service brand decision may consist of a hierarchical progression of decisions in which each subsequent decision further constrains the consumer's choice set to a more manageable level. Thus, it is sometimes a mistake for marketers of services to ignore consumer decisions to use a service category (Onkvisit and Shaw 1989).
Further research on the activity of ribonucleases in the blood and urine of patients suffering from proliferative hemocytopathia.

1. A simple quantitative method (based on McCarty’s method) of measuring the RN-ase activity in urine and blood is presented. 2. The RN-ase activity was examined in the blood and urine of patients suffering from chronic granulocytic leukemia, myeloblastic leukemia, lymphatic leukemia, granulocytopenia, lymphogranulomatosis, and in cases of infectious disease with an increased leukocytosis. 3. The RN-ase activity in the urine is increased in chronic granulocytic leukemia, while the RN-ase activity in the blood serum remains unchanged. In other diseases, in spite of an increased or decreased leukocytosis, no essential changes in the RN-ase activity in the urine and blood serum have been observed, which indicates that there is no close relationship between the number of leukocytes in the peripheral blood and the RN-ase activity in the 24-hour sample of urine.
The Emphasis on Love

Shelley’s belief in the human mind’s responsibility to know and to build upon the things of nature is, as we have seen, unmistakably evident. That this responsibility is not merely a facet of the human condition, without basis or specific origin, has already several times been suggested. And in Shelley’s view the ground of the mind’s necessity to interact with natural things is love. Intellectual pursuits separated from love, he holds, are isolating as well as destructive endeavours — just as love separated from intellect is vapid sentimentality or else mere passion. To fulfil its ultimate purpose, then, thought must manifest itself in love, as also, conversely, to be a potent force in life, love must be the embodiment and culminating form of thought.
Gangliocytic paraganglioma treated with ampullectomy, A case report.

Background Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare, and typically benign neuroendocrine neoplasms usually found in the second portion of the duodenum. Though recurrence is rare, metastatic cases have been noted. A standardized treatment has not been determined. An endoscopic resection can be carried out, unless metastasis has been noted. We present the case of a patient who underwent an ampullectomy, with successful removal of the tumor, and no recurrence on follow-up.
Ewing sarcoma family of tumors in children younger than 10 years of age

Aim Few data exist regarding the clinical characteristics and outcome of young children with Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT). Methods We reviewed the records of ESFT patients at our institution younger than 10 years of age at diagnosis. Results Forty-two patients were identified. Median age was 6.4 years (range 0.6–9.5 years). Most patients had T2 (>5 cm) tumors (n = 31; 74%). Most common primary site was the extremity (n = 17; 41%). Seven patients (17%) had metastasis at diagnosis. For local tumor control, 20 patients had surgery only, 13 had radiation therapy only, and 6 had surgery plus radiation. Surgical margin status was negative in 19 patients (73%). Median follow-up was 4.7 years (range 0.7–29.7 years), and 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) estimates were 67% (95% CI: 53–84%) and 82% (95% CI: 71–95%), respectively. Metastasis at presentation was the only significant predictor for decreased RFS (P = 0.008) and OS (P = 0.01). A trend was seen for T2 tumors with worse OS (P = 0.09). Conclusion Patients younger than 10 years of age with ESFT may have a better OS than older patients, but further study of a homogeneously treated larger cohort is needed.
Examining trait self-control and communication patterns in romantic couples using the actor-partner interaction model

Abstract High self-control is associated with positive relationship outcomes. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between self-control and communication patterns between romantic partners. Dyadic data analyses revealed main effects of actor and partner self-control on mutually constructive communication and demand/withdraw. Additionally, an interaction between actor and partner self-control was related to mutual avoidance. These findings suggest self-control may be related to better communication abilities within relationships, providing one potential explanation for the association of self-control with better relationship outcomes.
GaN HEMTs for millimeter-wavelength power amplifiers

As GaN-based amplifier technology is garnering interest due to its inclusion into major proposed DoD systems, we look to extend the operating frequency and scale the output power of the technology to the millimeter-wavelength (MMW) regime (30–300 GHz). Enabling power performance in this frequency range not only entails geometric device scaling, but also requires novel heterostructure and device design to facilitate simultaneous high frequency response and high operating voltage. In this regard, it cannot be assumed that the reliability of previous frequency nodes will extend into the MMW regime. In this talk, an overview of the challenges and tradeoffs of scaling GaN-based devices will be presented as well as a look into NRL's approach to MMW GaN HEMT design including initial reliability data at 40 GHz.
Ground control monitoring of retreat room–and–pillar mine in Central Appalachia

Abstract In order to study pillar and overburden response to retreat mining, a ground control program was conducted at a Central Appalachian Mine. The program consisted of several monitoring methods including a seismic monitoring system, borehole pressure cells in the pillars, and time-lapse photogrammetry of the pillar ribs. Two parallel geophone arrays were installed, one on each side of the panel with the sensors mounted 3 m into the roof. A total of fourteen geophones recorded more than 5000 events during the panel retreat. A MIDAS datalogger was used to record pressure from borehole pressure cells (BPCs) located in two adjacent pillars that were not mined during retreat. A series of photographs were taken of the pillars that had the BPCs as the face approached so that deformation of the entire rib could be monitored using photogrammetry. Results showed that pillar stability and cave development were as expected. The BPCs showed an increase in loading when the face was 115 m inby and a clear onset of the forward abutment at 30 m. The photogrammetry results displayed pillar deformation corresponding to the increased loading. The microseismic monitoring results showed the overburden caving inby the face, again as expected. The significance of these results lies in two points, (1) we can quantify the safe manner in which this mine is conducting retreating operations, and (2) we can use volumetric technologies (photogrammetry and microseismic) to monitor entire volumes of the mine in addition to the traditional point-location geotechnical measurements (BPCs).
The Expression Signature of Androgen Receptor Splice Variants and Their Distinctive Transcriptional Activities in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

In a normal male genome, the androgen receptor (AR) mRNA and ­protein is encoded by the single-copy androgen receptor (AR) gene located on the X chromosome. With the decoding of AR splice variants (AR-Vs) in prostate cancer, the diversity and complexity of transcribed AR sequences and the distinctive functional properties of their protein products began to be appreciated. The expression signature of AR-Vs has been characterized to some extent mainly in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), in which AR transcripts are almost always overexpressed, with or without involving genomic rearrangement of the AR gene locus. A recent tiling microarray study using CRPC specimens revealed an expression signature consisting of AR-Vs that are constitutive active, conditionally active, or inactive as transcription factors. Two constitutively active AR-Vs, AR-V7 and ARV567ES, have been characterized in more details in the context of AR-directed CRPC therapies. Suppression of canonical ligand-dependent AR-FL signaling may lead to an adaptive increase of these two AR-Vs. However, endogenously induced AR-Vs may not be sufficient to “rescue” the suppressed AR-FL signaling. Instead, AR-Vs may direct distinct transcriptional programs featured by genes involved in cell cycle progression. Therefore, in CRPC tumors subjected to AR-directed therapies, an adaptive shift toward AR-V-directed transcriptional programs may occur, and this shift may signify the emergence of therapeutic resistance. Future investigations focusing on clinical validation of this concept are necessary and will facilitate clinical development of novel therapies to overcome this putative resistance mechanism.
Communication flows and the durability of a transnational social field

We draw on unique data on communication flows between migrants and non-migrants in a bi-national, cross-border social network to test competing theories of the process of social incorporation. While advocates of the assimilation perspective argue that social incorporation is largely a one-way street, a recent literature on immigrant transnationalism challenges this view by arguing that changes in communication technologies and reductions in travel costs have made it possible for migrants to retain meaningful connections to their origin communities. In the context of this debate, we argue that communication flows-as measured by a combination of the number of social ties and the frequency of communication with them-provide an empirical test of the potential durability of cross-border networks. In our analysis, we find mixed support for both transnationalism and assimilation: while the classic assimilation perspective is correct that the strength of migrants' ties to origin attenuates as time in the destination increases, we also find evidence of a striking persistence in cross-border communication that is reinvigorated by migrant return visits, consistent with an attenuated view of transnationalism.
Epidemiological characterizations, pathogen spectrum and molecular characteristics of Coxsackievirus A16 from patients with HFMD in Yantai, Shandong, China between 2011 and 2015.

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characterizations and pathogen spectrum of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in Yantai City, Shandong Province, China, during 2011–2015, and t...
Abstract 4517: A CRISPR approach to monitoring hypoxia-inducible proteins in real-time

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A) regulates expression of genes implicated in various aspects of oncogenesis, including angiogenesis, cell survival, metastasis, and glucose metabolism. Overexpression or hypoxia-induced stabilization of HIF1A has been associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients, making HIF1A and its associated pathway a high-profile target for anticancer therapies. We sought to develop a live-cell assay to monitor abundance of endogenous HIF1A and HIF1A-inducible proteins that could be used to identify potent and specific inhibitors of the hypoxia signaling pathway. To accomplish this goal, mammalian cell lines were edited by CRISPR using a Cas9:crRNA ribonucleoprotein complex with a single-stranded oligonucleotide donor DNA to introduce the HiBiT tag at the C-terminus of HIF1A and a number of known hypoxia-inducible proteins, including BNIP3, ANKRD37, HILDPA and KLF10. The 11 amino acid HiBiT peptide and its complementing 18 kDa polypeptide, known as LgBiT, spontaneously reconstitute into an active luciferase derived from the NanoLuc enzyme. Co-expression of LgBiT in edited cells, followed by addition of the cell-permeable luciferase substrate, leads to generation of a bright, steady luminescent signal that directly correlates with abundance of the HiBiT fusion. The edited cells were treated with several known modulators of the HIF1A signaling pathway, and changes in the abundance of the protein fusions were followed in real-time by monitoring luminescence. The HiBiT tag was also used to validate size and subcellular localization of the fusion proteins using bioluminescence imaging and antibody-free blotting. As expected, all tested compounds induced HIF1A accumulation. However, the downstream targets of HIF1A generated differing response to the chemical modulators, warranting further investigation into the modes by which these compounds act. By coupling the speed and efficiency of CRISPR-mediated editing with the small size and brightness of HiBiT, it was possible to generate a live-cell assay to monitor abundance of proteins along the HIF1A pathway. This assay could easily be adapted to screen for compound-induced effects on protein levels of HIF1A, as well as HIF1A- induced changes in expression patterns. Citation Format: Marie K. Schwinn, Thomas Machleidt, Brock F. Binkowski, Christopher T. Eggers, Keith V. Wood. A CRISPR approach to monitoring hypoxia-inducible proteins in real-time [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4517. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4517
Multitouch touchscreen using reverberant lamb waves

Touchscreen sensors are widely used in many devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc. There are many different types of modalities that enable sensing the touch. The dominant technologies on the market are the capacitive, resistive, acoustic or ultrasound, and optical touch systems. None of these technologies are perfect and each has some advantages and disadvantages. Capacitive touch technologies are the most common in the industry. However, hardware complexity, high manufacturing cost, and high power consumption have impeded their feasibility for certain applications such as larger screens. Acoustic/ultrasound technologies due to their simplicity, ease of manufacturing, and low cost have been identified as suitable alternatives for a wide spectrum of applications. However, lack of robustness and multi-touch capability have made them fall short as competitive technologies. We present design, analysis, and implementation of an ultrasonic touchscreen system that utilizes interaction of transient Lamb waves with objects in contact with the screen. It attempts to improve on the existing ultrasound technologies, with the potential of addressing some of the weaknesses of the dominant technologies, such as the capacitive or resistive ones. Compared with the existing ultrasonic and acoustic modalities, among other advantages, it provides the capability of detecting several simultaneous touch points and also a more robust performance.
Severe mental illness and firearm access: Is violence really the danger?

Abstract In response to a spate of mass shootings, national debate over the root of America's gun violence epidemic has centered on mental illness. Consequently, calls have been made to legislatively restrict firearm access among individuals with mental illness to reduce gun violence. While there is a link between mental illness and suicide, a dearth of empirical evidence exists to inform public policy on the link between firearm access and mental illness. The current study addresses this gap by exploring the nature of firearm-related risk among disordered individuals as compared to others from the same communities. We examined a subsample of the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, including 255 recently discharged psychiatric patients and 490 census-matched community residents. We conducted binomial logistic regressions to explore the impact of firearm access and patient status on violence and suicidality. In total, 15.3% reported firearm access, 23.5% violence, and 21.5% suicidality. Multivariate analyses revealed that, in the context of firearm access, patients were no more likely to perpetrate violence (OR = 0.588; 95% CI = 0.196–1.764) but were significantly more likely to report suicidality (OR = 4.690; 95% CI = 1.147–19.172). These results indicate that firearms constitute a serious risk factor for suicide, not violence, for disordered individuals. Thus, legislative efforts to reduce firearm-related risk among disordered individuals should focus on self-harm, not violence. Moreover, claims that mental illness is a principal cause of gun violence may reduce help-seeking among individuals at high risk for suicide. Researchers should devote further attention to addressing these claims empirically.
Implementing a competency-based information technology curriculum: challenges and opportunities

ACM and IEEE Computer Society released new curriculum guidelines for baccalaureate degree programs in Information Technology, also known as the IT2017 report. Built on the foundation of the first ACM/IEEE IT2008 report, the new report, published in December 2017, stands out by its focus on employer-informed competencies that IT graduates should have in order to meet technological challenges of the workplace in the next decade. This poster highlights elements of the IT2017 curricular framework that help academic departments apply a competency-based approach to IT program development. Although competencies are prevalent in many areas of professional practice, placing competencies at the center of IT curriculum development requires rethinking of how we design learning environments in which students achieve IT competencies. In this poster I present some challenges with implementing the IT2017 curricular framework and discuss opportunities for turning the IT2017 report into a living document that learns from IT programs' implementation experiences.
The Next Generation Challenge: Incorporating the Local Government Managers of the Future

Generational change in government employment presents numerical, attitudinal, and organizational challenges. There are more impending retirements in government than in the economy generally, and th...
Fixed and Stationary ω —Words and ω —Languages

Explicit representations of the ω-words that are fixed (resp., stationary) relative to a function h: A -→ A* are given. A procedure is provided for constructing a concise expression for the fixed (resp., stationary) ω -language of such an h. The equivalence problem for fixed (resp., stationary) ω-languages of functions h & k: A -→ A* is shown to be decidable. The fundamental tool for this latter procedure is the recently developed algorithm of K. Culik II & T. Harju for deciding the ω -sequence equivalence problem.
Sensors for Bioprocess Monitoring and Control

The need for robust sensors for bioprocess monitoring leading to effective control strategies is well recognized by biochemical engineers. Firstly, the ability to monitor on-line cell mass concentrations has been the goal of many re¬searchers. Secondly, the added complexity of many fermentation media contain¬ing suspended solids renders the cell concentration measurement in situ in a fermenter even more challenging. Lastly, the ability to differentiate the total cell mass from the viable fraction in situ could lead to some very exciting on-line control and optimization strategies.
Anatomy of the poliovirus internal ribosome entry site

The positive strand genomic RNAs of picornaviruses present several unique structural features to the metabolic machinery of a eukaryotic cell. Such features include the absence of a 5’ terminal m7G cap group that is usually required for efficient translation, the presence of a small protein (VPg) covalently attached to the 5’ end of the viral RNA, an unusually long (600-1200 nts) stretch of 5’ noncoding region (5’ NCR) sequences upstream of the initiator AUG, the arrangement of these 5’ NCR sequences into extensive and complex secondary and tertiary structures, and the presence of multiple AUG codons upstream of the initiator AUG that may place limitations on the ability of cytoplasmic ribosomes to “scan” these sequences prior to selecting the correct initiation codon used for protein synthesis. Compelling evidence for internal entry of ribosomes and RNA- protein interactions at internal sites within the 5’ NCR of picornavirus RNAs came from in vitro and cell culture translation studies using dicistronic mRNAs for poliovirus (Pelletier and Sonenberg 1988, 1989), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV; Jang et al. 1988, 1989; Molla et al. 1992), foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV; Belsham and Brangwyn 1990) and hepatitis A virus (HAV; Glass et al. 1993; Brown et al. 1994).
Modeling oil saturation evolution in residual oil zones: Implications for CO2 EOR and sequestration

Abstract Residual oil zones (ROZs) are extensively developed in carbonate formations in the Permian Basin, West Texas. These ROZs have the potential both for economically-viable CO2 enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) and for significant volumes of associated CO2 sequestration. The accepted model for ROZ formation is based on the hydrodynamic effects of tectonically-controlled increased water flow in aquifers at the base of oil fields. The nature of this process is modelled using a commercial reservoir simulator in this work. These simulations explore the effects of strength of aquifer flow, flow direction, and capillary pressure on the nature and distribution of oil saturations in ROZs. A special emphasis was on understanding the impact of heterogeneity of capillary pressures in ROZ reservoirs. These factors determine the thickness of ROZs, the magnitude of oil saturation, and the slope of water-oil contacts. Understanding the magnitude of oil saturation and how it varies within ROZs is important in determining reserves, and evaluating both EOR and sequestration potential. The geometry of ROZs are established slowly, especially for small regional water fluxes, however oil saturations achieve almost steady states in relatively short time scales. The simulated oil saturation profiles found in this study are in reasonable agreement with the measured profile published for the San Andres Seminole Unit's ROZ. The results support the plausibility of the hydrodynamic model, but do not rule out other models for the origin of ROZs.
Advancing Health Policy Using a Geographic Approach

Geraghty reflects on the long history of analysis of interactions between place and health and explains that forward-thinking organizations can leverage geographic information systems to allocate resources, budget, support policies, improve equity, defend decisions, and improve operational efficiency. She introduces the reader to three key questions: What is where? Why is it there? and Why do I care? Geraghty offers a use case that highlights the breadth of geographic capabilities and value, providing multiple examples. Finally, she offers insights into deploying a geographic information system with considerations of resources and planning that will increase the likelihood of successful implementation. Given the importance of geography in people’s lives, she demonstrates the value of understanding and embracing what geographic tools can bring to health policymaking.
Diagnostic imaging: an essential tool in the successful management of canine dystocia.

Dystocia is relatively common in dogs, with an incidence of approximately 5 per cent of parturitions.1 The incidence of dystocia is highly variable between breeds, but it is extremely high for brachycephalic breeds, especially bulldogs.2 Because neonatal mortality can be high (upwards of 20 per cent in some cases), many breeders choose an elective caesarean section to help mitigate the risk to the pups.3 However, in all breeds, dystocia remains a common reason for evaluation at primary emergency care facilities, and caesarean section is often recommended to resolve these cases. Dystocia can be due to either fetal or maternal factors. The most common reason for dystocia in all breeds appears to be uterine inertia – the failure for the uterus to appropriately contract. The exact aetiology of this condition is unknown, but associations have been made with a lack of circulating oxytocin, elevated progesterone, hypocalcaemia and genetics.4 In the case of brachycephalic breeds, a large head in relation to a narrow pelvis appears to be the main reason for obstructive dystocia. Recent computed tomography studies of bulldogs showed an overall shorter pelvis and pelvic canal and a narrower pelvic outlet, which are likely to contribute to the high risk of dystocia found in this breed.5 Veterinary management in cases of dystocia may include medical treatment and/or surgical intervention. The decision to perform a caesarean section may be influenced …
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Breast in Surgical Planning

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has changed the landscape of breast disease diagnosis and management, and it has been incorporated into treatment algorithms according to evidence-based consensus guidelines [1–3]. In oncology, the ability to biopsy a finding seen only on MRI has been a significant advancement in the field [4–7]. Preoperatively, MRI has the ability to detect breast disease occult on other imaging modalities as well as additional sites of disease within the ipsilateral or contralateral breast, assess treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and guide preoperative needle localization. Breast MRI also has high sensitivity for the evaluation of residual disease post-lumpectomy with positive surgical margins and the evaluation of recurrent disease [8–12]. Other more controversial and emerging uses for MRI in the preoperative setting include axillary staging and aiding in the planning of reconstructive procedures.
Skene's Gland Leiomyoma

Background: Vulvar masses are a relatively common complaint that may cause women of all ages to seek gynecologic care. Masses may arise in various vulvar glands including Bartholin's, Gartner's, an...
Active Voltage Clamping of Series Connected 1.2kV SiC MOSFETs for Solid State Circuit Breaker Application

SiC based Solid State Circuit Breakers (SSCBs) have recently entered into the market at the low voltage end of the network, and their adoption is slowly moving upstream as higher voltage offerings mature. Unavailability of commercial medium voltage SiC devices and their low current handling capability and high dv/dt hinder medium voltage SSCB designs. However, series connection of low voltage devices can meet the required voltage level if dynamic and static voltage balancing is possible. In this paper, an active voltage clamping method is proposed to achieve balanced dynamic turn-off voltage sharing between cascaded devices (CREE 1.2kV/30A SiC MOSFETs). Also, this method minimizes the number of components, overall switching losses and delay time by avoiding bulky and expensive RC snubbers. Different possible reasons behind dynamic voltage unbalancing and the proposed balancing technique have been verified in the LTspice simulation software. In addition, experimental results have been carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Exploring the relationships between nonprofit management education and career impact: Scale development and comparison

We address the lack of scales for studying the effectiveness of nonprofit management education (NME), by using responses from 62 MBA graduates who had completed an experiential nonprofit governance...
Annals On Call - Surge Modeling for COVID-19.

In this episode of Annals On Call, Dr. Centor discusses COVID-19 pandemic surge models with Dr. John Wong from Tufts University.
Borrelia burgdorferi spatiotemporal regulation of transcriptional regulator bosR and decorin binding protein during murine infection

Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is an inflammatory multistage infection, consisting of localized, disseminated, and persistent disease stages, impacting several organ systems through poorly defined gene regulation mechanisms. The purpose of this study is to further characterize the spatiotemporal transcriptional regulation of B. burgdorferi during mammalian infection of borrelial oxidative stress regulator (bosR) and decorin binding protein (dbpBA) by utilizing bioluminescent B. burgdorferi reporter strains and in vivo imaging. Fluctuating borrelial load was also monitored and used for normalization to evaluate expression levels. bosR transcription is driven by two promoters, Pbb0648 and PbosR, and we focused on the native promoter. bosR expression is low relative to the robustly expressed dbpBA throughout infection. In distal tissues, bosR was the highest in the heart during in the first week whereas dbpBA was readily detectable at all time points with each tissue displaying a distinct expression pattern. This data suggests bosR may have a role in heart colonization and the induction of dbpBA indicates a RpoS independent transcriptional regulation occurring in the mammalian cycle of pathogenesis. These finding demonstrate that B. burgdorferi engages unknown genetic mechanisms to uniquely respond to mammalian tissue environments and/or changing host response over time.
Myasthenia Gravis and Pregnancy.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with bimodal age of presentation, occurring in young women of reproductive age and at an older age in men. Occasionally, MG is diagnosed during pregnancy. Management of MG includes symptomatic treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressive therapy for controlling the disease activity. Treatment of MG in women of reproductive age, who may be contemplating pregnancy, requires discussion regarding the choice of medication as well as the understanding of risks/adverse effects involved with various treatments. During the peripartum period, it is essential to ensure careful monitoring of the disease state along with the well-being of the mother and fetus and to coordinate neonatal monitoring overseen by a multidisciplinary team comprising a high-risk maternal fetal medicine specialist, a neurologist familiar with these complex issues, and a neonatologist.