cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deconvolution of Variable-Rate Reservoir Performance Data Using B-Splines

This work presents the development, validation and application of a novel deconvolution method based on B-splines for analyzing variable-rate reservoir performance data. Variable-rate deconvolution is a mathematically unstable problem which has been under investigation by many researchers over the last 35 years. While many deconvolution methods have been developed, few of these methods perform well in practice - and the importance of variable-rate deconvolution is increasing due to applications of permanent downhole gauges and large-scale processing/analysis of production data. Under these circumstances, our objective is to create a robust and practical tool which can tolerate reasonable variability and relatively large errors in rate and pressure data without generating instability in the deconvolution process. We propose representing the derivative of unknown unit rate drawdown pressure as a weighted sum of Bsplines (with logarithmically distributed knots). We then apply the convolution theorem in the Laplace domain with the input rate and obtain the sensitivities of the pressure response with respect to individual B-splines after numerical inversion of the Laplace transform. The sensitivity matrix is then used in a regularized least-squares procedure to obtain the unknown coefficients of the B-spline representation of the unit rate response or the well testing pressure derivative function. We have also implemented a physically sound regularization scheme into our deconvolution procedure for handling higher levels of noise and systematic errors. We validate our method with synthetic examples generated with and without errors. The new method can recover the unit rate drawdown pressure response and its derivative to a considerable extent, even when high levels of noise are present in both the rate and pressure observations. We also demonstrate the use of regularization and provide examples of under and over-regularization, and we discuss procedures for ensuring proper regularization. Upon validation, we then demonstrate our deconvolution method using a variety of field cases. Ultimately, the results of our new variable-rate deconvolution technique suggest that this technique has a broad applicability in pressure transient/production data analysis. The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate that the combined approach of B-splines, Laplace domain convolution, least-squares error reduction, and regularization are innovative and robust; therefore, the proposed technique has potential utility in the analysis and interpretation of reservoir performance data.
Language and Theology: Some Critical Notes

There has been much talk in religious circles about the condition of theology. It is frequently charged that its language is no longer viable; and thus, if for no other reason, the theologian must seek a more contemporary idiom. Furthermore, with the need expressed over and over again for new translations of everything old, we seem to reinforce our claim that all of theology must be continually re-translated too. But words are one thing and concepts perhaps another. With the great enthusiasm today for a certain kind of linguistic study on the part of students of the Bible and with what looks like a strong growing interest in linguistic philosophy, there are bound to be a few confusions generated. These notes are intended to head them off.
Monomer volume fraction profiles in pH responsive planar polyelectrolyte brushes

Spatial dependencies of monomer volume fraction profiles of pH responsive polyelectrolyte brushes were investigated using field theories and neutron reflectivity experiments. In particular, planar polyelectrolyte brushes in good solvent were studied and direct comparisons between predictions of the theories and experimental measurements are presented. The comparisons between the theories and the experimental data reveal that solvent entropy and ion-pairs resulting from adsorption of counterions from the added salt play key roles in affecting the monomer distribution and must be taken into account in modeling polyelectrolyte brushes. Furthermore, the utility of this physics-based approach based on these theories for the prediction and interpretation of neutron reflectivity profiles in the context of pH responsive planar polyelectrolyte brushes such as polybasic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and polyacidic poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) brushes is demonstrated. The approach provides a quantitative way of estimating molecular weights of the polymers polymerized using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 956–964
Lost and Found: Hoa Hakananai'a and the Orongo "Doorpost"

The provenance of the Orongo “doorpost” before its removal from Rapa Nui in 1917 is established relative to the collection history of the basalt statue Hoa Hakananai‘a, removed in 1868. Both objects were collected from the same secondary site context at Orongo during a “liminal” period in Rapanui history, when traditional social bonds were tenuous and colonials and collectors regarded Rapanui objects as curios or trade objects. Impromptu Rapanui performances reinforced community identity and re-assimilated both objects into an innovated context before they were removed from Rapa Nui forever.
Behavior of Rubber Hydrocarbon in a Molecular Still

Abstract Some investigators believe that rubber consists of associated molecules, and others accept Staudinger's view that long-chain molecules are formed by polymerization. Pummerer, Andriessen and Gundel have obtained a molecular weight as low as 600. Meyer and Mark believe that it is approximately 5,000, although they calculated on the basis of osmotic pressures values as high as 350,000. They, as well as Pummerer, consider that rubber is an associated colloid and that high molecular weights are caused by aggregates, sometimes called micelles. Staudinger, however, considers that the long-chain rubber molecule itself has a molecular weight of 200,000 or even 350,000, and that products with lower values, which may be formed in rubber, result from degradation. if the molecules are small it might be possible to distil them if their vapor pressure could be sufficiently increased, but none would distil without decomposition if the molecules are very large. Because the vapor pressure of rubber below its decom...
Single dimension chromatographic separation of thyroxin and triiodothyronine.

SummaryA method is described by which iodine-containing amino acids, including thyroxin and triiodothyronine can be adequately separated by single dimension chromatography. Physiological quantities of labelled thyroxin and triiodothyronine have been added to serum, extracted with butanol and separated by this method.
Congo Red as an Ultraviolet Protectant for the Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus

The addition of Congo red provided significant ultraviolet (UV) protection for the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Even at 0.10%, Congo red enhanced UV persistence and the effect was concentration dependent. At a 1.0% concentration of the dye, 100% of the original viral activity remained after 60 min of exposure to UV radiation.
Tunable plasticity in amorphous silicon carbide films.

Plasticity plays a crucial role in the mechanical behavior of engineering materials. For instance, energy dissipation during plastic deformation is vital to the sufficient fracture resistance of engineering materials. Thus, the lack of plasticity in brittle hybrid organic–inorganic glasses (hybrid glasses) often results in a low fracture resistance and has been a significant challenge for their integration and applications. Here, we demonstrate that hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide films, a class of hybrid glasses, can exhibit a plasticity that is even tunable by controlling their molecular structure and thereby leads to an increased and adjustable fracture resistance in the films. We decouple the plasticity contribution from the fracture resistance of the films by estimating the “work-of-fracture” using a mean-field approach, which provides some insight into a potential connection between the onset of plasticity in the films and the well-known rigidity percolation threshold.
Coal flash pyrolysis: 5. Pyrolysis in an atmosphere of methane

Abstract Flash pyrolysis of coal at temperatures above 700°C and in the presence of methane produces substantially more ethylene and other low molecular weight hydrocarbons than are produced by pyrolysis of coal in the presence of nitrogen alone. Evidence is presented to show that the increase is due to pyrolysis of the methane quite independently of the coal, except with the possible catalysis by the coal, coke or mineral matter in the coal ash. This is contrary to recent reports in the literature.
Trajectory tracking control for robotic manipulators endowed with feedforward and neural networks

To deal with the trajectory tracking control of robotic manipulators,a feedforward and neural network compensator based control strategy were prensented.In this scheme,neural network compensaor and feeforward compensaor were integrated in addition to PD controller.Firstly,a linear model was constructed from the expermential datum.The parameters of PD controller and feedforward conpensator could be designed by this linear model.Then a neural network compenstor was intrduced to deal with the modelling error between the linear model and the real model.The proposed control sheme needed only the input and output data without building the complex dynamic model of the robotic manipulator.The advantage of PD controller and good control performance could be preserved at the same time.Finally,the proposed control scheme was applied to a robotic manipulator.Experimental results demonstrates that the addressed control strategy can easily be implemented and the control precision of the robotic manipulator is guaranteed.
Immunotherapy of Melanoma

The host antitumor immune response in patients with advanced melanoma is compromised with a bias towards tumor immune tolerance and a tumor microenvironment that facilitates disease survival and progression. Overcoming tumor-induced immune suppression has been one of the most significant advances in cancer therapy, making a cure an ever closer and achievable goal. Immunotherapeutic strategies in melanoma have been built upon the immunomodulatory qualities and the early successes of interferon-α in the melanoma adjuvant setting and interleukin-2 in the treatment of inoperable advanced melanoma. The recent advances in the field of immune checkpoint modulation and the unprecedented clinical activity in advanced melanoma opened the doors for novel agents and combinations that may potently overcome tumor tolerogenic mechanisms. Recent data with immune anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 monoclonal antibodies have moved the clinical management of advanced melanoma into a new era, an era of long-term survival and potential cures.
Estimation of the error distribution in a varying coefficient regression model

AbstractThis paper deals with the estimation of the error distribution function in a varying coefficient regression model. We propose two estimators and study their asymptotic properties by obtaining uniform stochastic expansions. The first estimator is a residual-based empirical distribution function. We study this estimator when the varying coefficients are estimated by under-smoothed local quadratic smoothers. Our second estimator which exploits the fact that the error distribution has mean zero is a weighted residual-based empirical distribution whose weights are chosen to achieve the mean zero property using empirical likelihood methods. The second estimator improves on the first estimator. Bootstrap confidence bands based on the two estimators are also discussed.
Narrative Review of Vitamin D and Its Specific Impact on Balance Capacity in Older Adults

Introduction and Aims: Falls injuries among older adults, a widespread well-established contributor to high disability levels, excess morbidity and mortality rates, have many causes. This review examines the association between vitamin D levels and postural stability or balance control—a fairly consistent predictor of falls among older adults. Materials and Method: All relevant English language peer reviewed research publications detailing the relationship between vitamin D levels and balance control among the elderly were sought. Key words included “Vitamin D and Balance or Postural Control.” Databases used were Academic Search Complete, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Analysis showed no consistent association to exist between the key variables of interest examined-indeed, despite years of study, there as many positive studies as negative studies, regardless of study design. Conclusion: More research is needed to support the use of vitamin D supplementation for purposes of improving balance capacity among older adults. Geriatric clinicians can however, expect this form of intervention to be more protective then not against falls injuries among those with both concomitant vitamin D deficiencies and poor balance control.
Leptomeningeal Contrast Enhancement is Associated with Development of Gray Matter Atrophy Over 5 Years in Multiple Sclerosis (S41.006)

Objectives: To investigate whether leptomeningeal contrast enhancement (LM CE) is associated with development of gray matter (GM) atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Background: LM CE has been recently described with elevated frequency in patients with MS. LM CE may be associated with increased GM pathology, however the relationship between the two is unknown. Methods: We followed 51 MS patients (28 relapsing-remitting, RR and 23 secondary-progressive, SP) over a period of 5 years. Subjects were assessed at baseline and at follow-up on the same 3T scanner. Presence and frequency of LM CE was assessed at the follow-up using 3D fluid-attenuated inversion recovery post-contrast scans obtained 10 min after single dose of gadolinium injection. The percentage change in whole brain, GM and cortical volumes was measured on 3D T1 images. T2 and T1-lesion volume (LV) changes were also calculated. The MRI differences between subjects with and without LM CE were evaluated over 5 years. We also explored the association between number of LM CE foci and evolution of MRI volume measures. Results: The mean number of LM CE foci was 2.4 and the median was 1.0. MS patients with LM CE showed higher rate of GM (-3.3[percnt] vs.1.4[percnt], p=0.015) and cortical (-3.2[percnt] vs. 1.2[percnt], p=0.012) volume loss when compared to subjects without LM CE, while there was only a trend for the whole brain volume (-3.6[percnt] vs. 2.2[percnt], p=0.088). The GM volume loss was more evident in SP compared to RR MS subjects with LM CE. There was a significant association between change in T1-LV over 5 years and higher number of LM CE foci (r=0.61, p=0.011). Conclusions: MS patients with LM CE developed more severe GM and cortical atrophy compared to those without over 5 years. Increased frequency of LM CE foci is associated with increased accumulation of T1-LV. Disclosure: Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, Novartis, Claret Medical Inc., and Genzyme Corporation as a speaker and/or consultant. Dr. Ramasamy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gandhi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chandra has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hagemeier has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bergsland has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hojnacki has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono, Biogen, Genzyme/Sanofi, Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Teva Neurosciences, EMD Serono, Pfizer, Novartis, Genzyme & Sanofi, Mylan, and Acorda.
Local background estimation and the replacement target model

We investigate the detection of opaque targets in cluttered multi/hyper-spectral imagery, using a local background estimation model. Unlike transparent "additive-model" targets (like gas-phase plumes), these are solid "replacement-model" targets, which means that the observed spectrum is a linear combination of the target signature and the background signature. Pixels with stronger targets are associated with correspondingly weaker backgrounds, and background estimators can over-estimate the background in a target pixel. In particular, "subtracting the background" (which generalizes the usual notion of subtracting the mean) to produce a residual image can actually have deleterious effect. We examine an adaptive partial background subtraction scheme, and evaluate its utility for the detection of replacement-model targets.
Modeling, optimization and control of an austenitization furnace for achieving target product toughness and minimizing energy use☆

Abstract Quench hardening is the process of heating finished or pre-finished steel parts to a specific temperature in order to reach a phase transformation of steel to austenite (austenitization) followed by quenching in oil, water or brine to induce desired metallurgical properties. During this process, both macroscopic quantities such as temperature and heat duty and microscopic variables, such as austenite grain size, determine the quality of the quenched product. In this paper, we propose a novel model-based approach for optimizing the energy input to an austenitization furnace system by capturing the essential physics at both the aforementioned length scales. The model predicts the energy consumption of the system, the part temperature distribution and the austenite grain size distribution as a function of the processing time and processing conditions. An optimization scheme is proposed to minimize the furnace energy consumption without compromising the part heating requirements and product quality.
Fading premiums: The effect of light rail on residential property values in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Abstract This study uses property-level repeat sales transaction data to test for the presence of a premium for single-family homes within half a mile of stations on the METRO Blue Line in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the premium for station proximity varies substantially depending on control group and period definitions for “after” light rail. Using homes in the rest of Minneapolis as controls yields growing positive premiums from proximity to light rail stations, while using homes in neighborhoods similar to those near stations yield smaller premiums that fade to zero over time.
Psychometric properties of a modified moral injury questionnaire in a military population

Moral injury (MI) results from perpetration of or exposure to distressing events, known as morally injurious events (MIEs), that challenge moral beliefs and values. Due to the type of involvement in recent military conflicts, many veterans report MIEs that may cause dissonance and, in turn, MI. Although two existing measures assess MIEs, neither currently assesses the defining characteristics of MI (i.e., guilt, shame, difficulty forgiving self and others, and withdrawal). The present study reports the initial psychometric test of a modified version (Robbins, Kelley, Hamrick, Bravo, & White, 2017) of the Moral Injury Questionnaire - Military version (MIQ-M; Currier, Holland, Drescher, & Foy, 2015) in a sample of 328 military personnel (e.g., veterans, National Guard/reservists, active duty members). The MIQ-M was modified to assess both MIEs and the defining characteristics of MI. Exploratory factor analyses suggested a three-factor model of MIEs consisting of Atrocities of war, Psychological consequences of war, and Leadership failure or betrayal. The modified MIQ-M factors were correlated with defining characteristics of MI. In addition, each MIE factor and associated defining characteristics of MI were positively correlated with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as substance use. The modified MIQ-M is a reliable measure of MI that is comprised of three subscales that are associated with, but distinct from, mental health outcomes. Although findings are promising, further research evaluating the applicability of the modified MIQ-M in clinical settings is required to establish construct validity of the defining characteristics and secondary manifestations of MI.
The Safety and Utility of Phenobarbital Use for the Treatment of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in the Medical Intensive Care Unit

Background:Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is a common reason for admission to a medical intensive care unit (MICU) and requires significant hospital resource utilization. Benzodiazepines are fir...
Rhetorical Validity: An Analysis of Three Perspectives on the Justification of Rhetorical Argument

Arguments function to justify rather than to verify their claims. This essay reviews attributes common to rhetorical argument, proposes a definition of rhetorical validity as “pragmatic justificati...
Physiologic and Neurobiologic Mechanisms in Arteriosclerosis

Substantial bodies of emerging evidence indicate that hormonal functions are regulated by the central nervous system. For example, the neuronal and hormonal information generated by the pancreatic islets and other metabolic units that contribute to nutrient homeostasis are monitored and regulated by higher brain centers. New methods for tracing neuroanatomical circuits have been able to specify the route taken within the peripheral and central nervous systems by visceral afferent fibers and the manner by which those primary visceral afferent target neurons are connected with other functionally defined levels of central integration. In some cases, though only a minority at best, these circuits can be attributed to specific neurotransmitters; in other major routes, in which visceral afferent and efferent information is also processed, the transmitter substances remain undefined. These circuits established for the rodent central nervous system have yet to be confirmed in primate brains or man, but general principles of comparative neuroanatomy suggest that major divergences will probably be in small details of microstructure. Many of the peripheral neuropeptides may also exert CNS selective effects, which can modify or antagonize the normal blood-born signals for insulin or glucagon secretion apart from direct actions on blood pressure, movement, or body temperature. The role of the CNS in the elicitation of diabetes-like imbalances of glucose and hormone levels can also be a direct result of central manipulations, and specifically the syndrome of stress hyperglycemia can acutely simulate the physiological changes seen in diabetes mellitus of adult onset.
Proceedings of the ACM SIGPLAN 6th Workshop on Programming Languages and Analysis for Security

The ACM SIGPLAN 6th Workshop on Programming Languages and Analysis for Security(PLAS) was held on June 5, 2011 as a satellite event of PLDI 2011 in San Jose, California, USA. The call for papers attracted 18 submissions, of which five full papers and three position papers were selected for presentation at the workshop and inclusion in these proceedings. The workshop also featured invited talks by Ulfar Erlingsson of Google and Dawn Song of University of California, Berkeley.
Breathing in Exercising Quadrupeds

Recently, Bramble and Jenkins (1993) advanced a novel mechanism for pulmonary ventilation in exercising dogs. They proposed that locomotory-driven oscillations of the diaphragm, rather than active diaphragmatic contractions per se, were responsible for airflow generation during high frequency breathing in exercising dogs. They based this tenet on (1) the observation of strict locomotory:respiratory coupling ratios in dogs exercising on the treadmill (2:1) as well as upon (2) cineradiographic analysis of diaphragmatic silhouettes in exercising dogs. Using kinematic profiles - in which the rate of diaphragmatic displacements were calculated as a function of locomotion - they concluded that the function of the primary muscle of inspiration, the diaphragm, was to modulate locomotory-induced movements of the viscera, rather than to actively produce the intrathoracic pressure changes required for ventilation. Unfortunately, conclusions of diaphragmatic physiological activity - contracting or relaxing - were based upon cineradiography and lacked confirmatory electromyographic (EMG) or sonomicrometry measurements.
Coyote (Canis latrans) use of marine resources in coastal California: A new behavior relative to their recent ancestors:

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are known to consume marine foods, but the importance and persistence of marine subsidies to coyotes is unknown. Recent access to a marine subsidy, especially if gained foll...
A quantitative analysis of calcareous nannofossils across a late oligocene paleolatitudinal transect of the North Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Samples from six ocean drilling sites were analyzed quantitatively across a paleolatitude transect of the North Atlantic Ocean to determine the paleolatitudinal distribution of calcareous nannofossils in the late Oligocene and the effects of that distribution on biostratigraphic resolution. Quantitative methodology utilized a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), Nannofossil Temperature Index (NTI), and Shannon Index (H) to examine the paleoenvironmental gradients which exerted the most control over the distribution of species and their abundances. The DCA produced two axes which explain 82% of the data matrix. The DCA1 explaining 57% of the variance significantly correlates with the NTI suggesting that thermal controls were the most important factor in the paleoceanographic distribution of nannofossils. The DCA2 explained 25% of the variance and significantly correlates with the percent abundance of the taxon Reticulofenestra minuta as well as the Shannon Index, suggesting that surface water productivity was an important secondary control. The characteristics of the nannofossil assemblage distributions indicate the existence of a well-developed latitudinal diversity gradient in the late Oligocene of the North Atlantic. Based on the loss of biostratigraphic index taxa in higher paleolatitudes the primary limiter on biostratigraphic resolution for the late Oligocene North Atlantic is sea surface temperature, particularly cold-water regimes.
The overjustification effect

After reviewing the literature on overjustification (defined as any situation in which an external reinforcer is tied to an activity that would have been performed without that reinforcer), it was concluded that reattribution cannot adequately account for response decrements following the removal of reinforcers. An alternative explanation was proposed involving the concept of “reward contrast,” in which it is argued that individuals compare their actual or expected outcomes following a response with previous outcomes. When this comparison is favorable, the response is strengthened; when unfavorable, the response is weakened. Based upon the notion of reward contrast, an experiment was performed in which 16 albino rats were permitted to wheel-run for 33 days. After 11 acquisition and 5 baseline days, rats in the experimental group were reinforced for running at their baseline rate, while control rats continued to run for no reinforcement. Following 5 days of reinforcement, experimental animals were put into extinction. As hypothesized, albino rats displayed typical over-justification effects during extinction. As also hypothesized, these effects were temporary, with a gradual return to baseline over repeated extinction trials.
The Vanishing of the ‘Rule of Law’

We explain the eclipse of the ‘rule of law’ by putting it into a larger history of law in general and a specific history of jurisprudence as it was transformed in the twentieth century by legal positivists such as Kelsen, Hart, and Raz. Fuller emerges as the main voice against Kelsen and Hart. Fuller elaborated the threat of positivism and managerialism within the American context, challenged the positivist inability to give an adequate account of norms in the works of Kelsen and Hart, and gave an early expression of what became Oakeshott’s adverbial account of the ‘rule of law’ in a civil association.
Neutrino Vertex Reconstruction in South Pole Ice

Reconstruction of potential ultra-high-energy (UHE) neutrino events at the Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) is complicated by the variable index of refraction of South Pole ice, leading to curved radio signal paths from the interaction vertex. Using a spline table framework for fast raytracing approximation, we perform a GPU-accelerated interferometric reconstruction of the event vertex. We also demonstrate how use of both direct and reflected/refracted radio signals can allow reconstruction of the distance to the interaction vertex, an important step towards neutrino energy reconstruction.
Modeling of Sub-Millimeter Wave Coplanar Waveguide Graphene Switches

We present a theoretical study on the performance of graphene-loaded coplanar waveguide switches for 5G and beyond applications. Therefore, we exploit the tunable properties of graphene to device cost-effective, large-scale, broadband sub-millimeter-wave switches. Given the sheet impedance of biased and unbiased graphene monolayers, the model provides the optimum switching ratio with respect to insertion loss, characteristic impedance of transmission line, and graphene geometry. Using measured graphene sheet resistance, we compute the optimum switching performance for series and shunt single- pole-single-though sub-millimeter-wave (220-330 GHz) switches.
Anticipatory Baseline Pupil Diameter Is Sensitive to Differences in Hearing Thresholds

Task-evoked changes in pupil dilation have long been used as a physiological index of cognitive effort. Unlike this response, that is measured during or after an experimental trial, the baseline pupil dilation (BPD) is a measure taken prior to an experimental trial. As such, it is considered to reflect an individual's arousal level in anticipation of an experimental trial. We report data for 68 participants, ages 18 to 89, whose hearing acuity ranged from normal hearing to a moderate hearing loss, tested over a series 160 trials on an auditory sentence comprehension task. Results showed that BPDs progressively declined over the course of the experimental trials, with participants with poorer pure tone detection thresholds showing a steeper rate of decline than those with better thresholds. Data showed this slope difference to be due to participants with poorer hearing having larger BPDs than those with better hearing at the start of the experiment, but with their BPDs approaching that of the better hearing participants by the end of the 160 trials. A finding of increasing response accuracy over trials was seen as inconsistent with a fatigue or reduced task engagement account of the diminishing BPDs. Rather, the present results imply BPD as reflecting a heightened arousal level in poorer-hearing participants in anticipation of a task that demands accurate speech perception, a concern that dissipates over trials with task success. These data taken with others suggest that the baseline pupillary response may not reflect a single construct.
Ventricular tachycardia recorded in a competitive swimmer using Confirm Rx™ loop recorder

Conventional ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring is limited in its ability to provide rapid diagnosis of arrhythmias in athletes participating in water or high-intensity sports. This case report is of a 17-year-old female competitive swimmer who underwent loop recorder implantation with Confirm Rx™ ICM 3500 (Abbott, Minneapolis, MN) to monitor for arrhythmias during swimming. The purpose of this case report is to describe the utility of implantable loop recorders in arrhythmia diagnosis and symptom evaluation in water sport athletes.
Diagnostic Evaluation of Pulmonary Embolism During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The rapid emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the risk–benefit calculus of many activities, including the practice of medicine. COVID-19 is caused by a single-strand RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2, belonging to the Coronaviridae family. The virus is known to infect the upper respiratory tract
Relationship between cognitive functioning, mood, and other patient factors on quality of life in metastatic brain cancer.

Objective Neurocognitive functioning (NCF), mood disturbances, physical functioning, and social support all share a relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, investigations into these relationships have not been conducted in persons with brain metastases (BM). Patients and methods Ninety-three newly diagnosed persons with BM were administered various cognitive batteries. Data were collected across a wide range of categories (ie, cognitive, demographic, disease/treatment, mood, social support, physical functioning). The Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment (FACT) scale was used to measure HRQOL. Results Mood and physical function correlated with lower HRQOL in every measured domain. Verbal learning and memory correlated with every FACT subscale except emotional quality of life. Social support also correlated with several HRQOL domains. Stepwise linear regression revealed that mood predicted general well-being and several FACT subscales, including physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. Social support and physical health were predictive of general well-being. Verbal learning and memory predicted cognitive well-being. Conclusion HRQOL is a complex construct affected by numerous variables. In particular, mood, physical functioning, and learning and memory were important predictors of HRQOL, and clinicians are encouraged to obtain information in these areas during baseline assessments in persons with BM.
Contribution of MnROAD Research to Improvements in Concrete Pavement Technology from 1994–2019:

By the late 1980s several states, including Minnesota, began to wonder if American Association of State Highway Official (AASHO) based asphalt and concrete pavement designs were still valid, given ...
Trust in the Justice System as an Institution

This paper contemplates the state of drift in the public’s feeling and trust in the justice system that has the authority to interpret the law using the World Values Survey data from 1981 to 2013. This study will show that the trust in the justice system as an institution has changed over time and over geographic region. Citizens trust judges when they feel they get a good return on their tax dollars and when the rule of law is upheld such that liberties they hold dear are preserved. While involvement per person varies, the justice systems rulings can still be measured and experienced. News of legislation rather than interpretation and application of the law creates a perception of inferior performance on the part of the courts. The purpose of the judicial system is to preserve the liberties and rights of citizens. This is carried out through processes that achieve outcomes from various court hierarchical structures that help citizens to seek justice, that deter citizens from engaging in unlawful activities, and that provide constraints regarding the treatment of other citizens. By leveraging the World Values Survey data, this study shows trends in trust over time in the justice system across generations and geographies.
Long-term effects of pre-adoptive risk on emotional and behavioral functioning in children adopted from foster care.

Abstract Background Children adopted from foster care are at heightened risk for emotional and behavioral challenges, potentially due to early trauma exposure and related risk factors. Research has demonstrated that adoptees with greater pre-adoptive risk exhibit higher rates of internalizing and externalizing problems across childhood and into adulthood. However, these studies have been limited by their use of individual risk factors or sum scores of cumulative risk and their measurement of internalizing and externalizing behaviors separately. Objective The current study aimed to examine effects of pre-adoptive risk on long-term functioning in children adopted from foster care. Method In a longitudinally-followed sample of 82 adoptees, we utilized latent growth curve modeling to examine effects of two latent indices of pre-adoptive risk, postnatal (i.e., trauma-related) risk and prenatal risk (not including prenatal substance exposure, since it was nearly ubiquitous in this sample), on adoptee internalizing, externalizing, and latent scores of dysregulation across childhood. Additionally, in three separate models, we tested whether baseline levels and change across childhood in internalizing, externalizing, and dysregulation mediated effects of prenatal and postnatal risk on adolescent/young-adult functioning. Results Greater postnatal risk, but not prenatal risk, predicted higher levels of internalizing and dysregulation across childhood. However, only dysregulation mediated the effect of postnatal risk on adolescent/young-adult functioning. Conclusions These results are consistent with prior research evidencing long-term effects of postnatal pre-adoptive risk, but not prenatal risk, in adoptees. Furthermore, they suggest that trauma exposure in this population may result in a profile of broad dysregulation that increases risk for maladjustment into adulthood.
Novel Preoperative Patient-centered Surgical Wellness Program Impacts Length of Stay Following Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM We created a novel, preoperative wellness program (WP) that promotes recovery. This study assessed its impact on patient outcomes after pancreatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) and distal pancreatectomies (DP) performed from 2015 to 2018 were reviewed using our institutional NSQIP database. Patients in the WP had their medical conditions optimized and were provided with the following: chlorhexidine, topical mupirocin, incentive spirometer, and immune-nutrition supplements. RESULTS Out of a total of 669 pancreatectomy patients (411 PD, 258 DP), 308 were enrolled in the WP (188 PD, 120 DP). In the PD subgroup, on multivariable analysis (MVA), the WP patients had shorter lengths of hospital stay (LOS) (12 vs. 10 days, p<0.001). On MVA, WP patients had less post-op transfusion (20 vs. 10%, p=0.027). For the combined groups on MVA, LOS continued to be significant (OR=0.89, 95%CI=0.82-0.97, p<0.007). CONCLUSION A preoperative patient centered WP may reduce the length of stay.
Exploring cold regions autonomous operations

Abstract The US Army must update its vehicle fleet to be better equipped for potential future military conflicts in northern climates (US Army, 2017). This process involves considering manned, optionally manned, and unmanned vehicles as viable options in the future. Optionally manned and unmanned vehicles in the armed forces have substantial benefits because they can operate without direct driver input or are able to perform missions deemed too dangerous for troops. Optionally manned vehicles allow the driver to shift some, or all, focus away from the task of driving the vehicle. In some cases, these autonomous vehicles may perform better than a human driver by rapidly sensing and reacting to terrain changes. Onboard sensing and decision making are equally applicable to both fully autonomous and teleoperated vehicles. This work will focus on the terrain sensing, waypoint navigation, and teleoperation potential of an optionally manned or unmanned vehicle. Results from a vehicle demonstration on two different terrain conditions will provide the basis for additional terrain sensing and autonomous vehicle development work in the coming year.
Factors Affecting Dilation Interval in Patients With Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis-Associated Subglottic and Glottic Stenosis

ObjectiveSubglottic stenosis (SGS) is a known complication of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). We investigated the impact of medical and surgical interventions on the surgical dilation inter...
The AIG Bailout

Table of ContentsI. Introduction 944II. AIG's Operations 945A. Overview 945B. Credit Default Swap Primer 947C. AIG's Credit Default Swap Business 952III. AIG's Collapse 959A. Credit Default Swaps on Multi-Sector Collateralized Debt Obligations 959B. Securities Lending Program 961C. Inability to Access Capital Markets and Credit Downgrade 962IV. The Bailout 963A. Initial Bailout 964B. Additional Lifelines 968C. Bailout Restructuring I 969D. Bailout Restructuring II 972E. Grand Total 974F. Legal Issues 976G. Why the Bailout? 977V. The (Lack of) Regulation of Credit Default Swaps 983A. Regulatory Gap 983B. Regulatory Reform 989VI. Conclusion 990I. IntroductionOn February 28, 2008, American International Group, Inc. (AIG), then the largest insurance company in the United States,1 announced 2007 earnings of $6.20 billion or $2.39 per share.2 Its stock closed that day at $50.15 per share.3 Less than seven months later, however, AIG was on the verge of bankruptcy and had to be rescued by the United States government through an $85 billion loan.4 Government aid has since grown to $182.5 billion,5 and as recently as June 2009 AIG's stock traded at less than $1.00 per share.6AIG's collapse was caused largely by its $526 billion portfolio of credit default swaps (CDSs), a type of credit derivative widely used by financial institutions but, up until recently, largely unknown by the general public.7 AIG's troubles have been covered extensively by the media but are difficult to comprehend fully because of the esoteric financial instruments involved. Thus, this Article weaves explanations of CDSs, asset-backed securities, securitization, tranching, and collateralized debt obligations into a detailed and systematic account and analysis of what went wrong at AIG and why the government bailed it out. A thorough understanding of these events is important because of the unprecedented size of the bailout and attendant calls for increased regulation of CDSs.Part II provides a brief overview of AIG' s operations, a primer on CDSs, and analysis of AIG's CDS activities. Part III explains how AIG's CDS business pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy by draining it of cash. Part IV details the terms of the government bailout (including its two restructurings), explores why it was undertaken, and questions its necessity. Part V describes the regulatory gap exploited by AIG and offers some thoughts on regulatory reform. …
The Ultra-High-Energy Source MGRO J1908+06

The TeV gamma-ray source MGRO J1908+06 is one of the highest-energy sources known, with observed emission by the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory extending well past 100 TeV. The source exhibits both energy-dependent morphology and a spatially-dependent spectral index. The emission is likely to be dominantly leptonic, and associated with the radio-quiet PSR J1907+0602. However, one-population models do not describe the data well; a second particle population is needed to explain the shape of the spectral energy distribution at the highest energies. This component can be well-described by either leptonic or hadronic hypotheses. We discuss this feature and implications for detection by multi-wavelength and multi-messenger experiments.
A Transposable Element Containing Genes for Increased Nodulation Competitiveness and a Plasmid Partitioning Locus for Stabilization of Large Hup-Containing Cosmids in Rhizobium and Sinorhizobium

Efforts to improve inoculant strains in current use face two challenges. First, the improved strain must be able to effectively compete for nodulation with indigenous strains of nodulating bacteria. Secondly, to be agriculturally useful the improved strains must be able to maintain stable expression of their newly acquired phenotypes outside of the laboratory. To this end, we have constructed a transposable element containing the tfx region, which has been shown to confer increased competitiveness of inoculant strains through production of the antibiotic trifolitoxin (TFX); and the par locus, which ensures proper partitioning and stable maintenance of plasmids carrying this locus. The 7.1-kb tfx region from Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain T24 and the 3.2-kb par locus from broad host range plasmid RK2 were cloned into Tn3Gus, a transposon that preferentially targets plasmids. A transposon that contains par alone was also constructed. Using these transposons (Tn3PAR and Tn3TFXPAR), we have conferred plasmid stability and trifolitoxin production to a broad host range plasmid, pHU52, which contains the entire uptake hydrogenase region from Bradyrhizobium japonicum.
A parallel data management system for large-scale NASA datasets

The past decade has experienced a phenomenal growth in the amount of data and resultant information generated by NASA's operations and research projects. A key application is the reprocessing problem which has been identified to require data management capabilities beyond those available today (PRAT93). The Intelligent Information Fusion (IIF) system (ROEL91) is an ongoing NASA project which has similar requirements. Deriving our understanding of NASA's future data management needs based on the above, this paper describes an approach to using parallel computer systems (processor and I/O architectures) to develop an efficient parallel database management system to address the needs. Specifically, we propose to investigate issues in low-level record organizations and management, complex query processing, and query compilation and scheduling.
Thermal Protection Materials: Development, Characterization and Evaluation

Thermal protection materials and systems (TPS) are used to protect space vehicles from the heat experienced during entry into an atmosphere. The application for these materials is very specialized as are the materials. They must have specific properties to withstand conditions during specific entries. There is no one-size-fits-all TPS as the conditions experienced by a material are very dependent upon the atmosphere, the entry speed, the size and shape of the vehicle, and the location on the vehicle. However, all TPS must be reliable and efficient to ensure mission safety, that is to protect the vehicle while ensuring that payload is maximized. Types of TPS will be reviewed in relation to types of missions and applications. Both reusable and ablative materials will be discussed. Approaches to characterizing and evaluating these materials will be presented. The role of heritage versus new materials will be described.