cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Work In Progress - building MatBot - a platform for freshman robotics with use throughout the engineering curriculum

We intend to develop a unique "platform for education" that will be developed initially for the George Fox University freshmen engineering sequence and will enable our students to utilize a familiar platform in future engineering courses, providing for a cohesive design experience throughout the curriculum. Building on the foundation provided by the TekBot - Oregon State University's "Platform for Learning," we are developing MatBot. MatBot development is driven by two fundamental principles: 1) autonomous system control via Matlab and 2) independent module control. This Work-in- Progress describes the development philosophy of MatBot and the migration from controlling a robot arm to an autonomous platform such as a MatBot car. Currently, the MatBot controller board, sensor board, and motor driver board have been developed and tested. These systems communicate via a CAN interface and have been successful in controlling the robot arm. We are currently designing different controller options and will be developing an autonomous vehicle controllable via Matlab.
Some Practical Considerations Regarding Horizontal Resolution in the First Generation of Operational Convection-Allowing NWP

Abstract During the 2005 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment two different high-resolution configurations of the Weather Research and Forecasting-Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) model were used to produce 30-h forecasts 5 days a week for a total of 7 weeks. These configurations used the same physical parameterizations and the same input dataset for the initial and boundary conditions, differing primarily in their spatial resolution. The first set of runs used 4-km horizontal grid spacing with 35 vertical levels while the second used 2-km grid spacing and 51 vertical levels. Output from these daily forecasts is analyzed to assess the numerical forecast sensitivity to spatial resolution in the upper end of the convection-allowing range of grid spacing. The focus is on the central United States and the time period 18–30 h after model initialization. The analysis is based on a combination of visual comparison, systematic subjective verification conducted during the Spring Experiment, and objectiv...
Sampling-based resolution-complete safety falsification of linear hybrid systems

In this paper, we consider a class of analysis problems for control systems, aimed at safety falsification, i.e., checking whether a controlled trajectory exists that violates a given safety property. We introduce a notion of resolution completeness for safety falsification, and present a resolution-complete algorithm applicable to discrete- time LTI hybrid systems. The algorithm is based on deterministic incremental search procedures, building feasible trajectories exploring the reachable set at increasing resolution levels. Given a target resolution, the algorithm terminates either with a trajectory that violates the safety specification, or proves that no input within a certain class exists that violates the specification.
Implantatspezifische Zugänge: Activ-L

Das Activ-L-Implantat (B. Braun/Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Deutschland) ermoglicht einen minimalinvasiven endoprothetischen Bandscheibenersatz der Lendenwirbelsaule (LWS). Verankerung mittels Spikes, Keel oder einer Kombination aufgrund seines modularen Designs moglich. Translation in begrenztem Ausmas durch ein UHMWPEInlay moglich. Fruhe klinische Ergebnisse sind mit bereits etablierten Implantatkonzepten vergleichbar. Restauration der Funktion des lumbalen Bewegungssegments mit anhaltender Schmerzreduktion und normaler Belastbarkeit. Rasche klinische Reintegration des Patienten in Berufs- und Privatleben. Gescheiterte konservative Behandlung bei nachgewiesener Bandscheibendegeneration eines oder mehrerer Bewegungssegmente und Ausschluss einer nicht diskogenen Schmerzursache. Spondylitiden und Diszitiden des Segmentes, Frakturen, Wirbelkorpermetastasen, Z. n. Fusionsoperationen, Osteoporose, metabolische Knochenerkrankungen, schwere Allgemeinerkrankungen, allgemeine Kontraindikationen, die gegen einen abdominellen Eingriff sprechen, unklare lumbale Schmerzzustande. Minimalinvasiver ventraler Zugang zur Lendenwirbelsaule, Darstellen der ventralen Zirkumferenz des Segmentes, Ausraumen des Zwischenwirbelraumes, Hohenbestimmung mit dem Probeimplantat, Festlegung, ob Keel- oder Spike-Verankerung individuell fur jede Endplatte, Implantation der Prothese in der Mittellinie, Rontgenkontrollen, Wundverschluss. Mobilisation 6 Stunden postoperativ, stabilisierende Physiotherapie ab der 3. Woche postoperativ. Veroffentlichte klinische und radiologische Ergebnisse decken sich mit den bereits publizierten Ergebnissen der Literatur fur andere Prothesentypen. Publizierte Ergebnisse von In-vitro-Untersuchungen des Polyethylenabriebs zeigen einen signifikant niedrigeren Abrieb als bei vergleichbaren Implantattypen, was unter Umstanden am Testverfahren liegen kann.
Developing collaborative data use through professional learning communities: Early lessons from Delaware

Abstract In 2010–2011 the Delaware Department of Education (DE DOE) mandated that all grade or subject area teachers have 90 min weekly to engage in professional learning communities (PLC) in which collaborative data use was the central activity. The purpose of this research is to learn from the early implementation experiences of four elementary schools in two districts, with particular attention to whether and how schools’ implementation fostered collaborative use of data. Findings suggest the mandate resulted in the establishment of scheduled collaborative time and teachers’ collaborative use of data in all schools. However, the nature of collaborative work and the ways in which data were employed varied in ways that relate to key school and district differences.
Continuous-wave ultraviolet laser action in strongly scattering Nd-doped alumina

We report electrically pumped, cw laser action near 405 nm from Nd3+-doped δ-alumina nanopowders. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stimulated emission from the high-lying F2-excited states, achieved through feedback from strong elastic scattering of light over transport path lengths shorter than half a wavelength.
SAR automatic target recognition using maximum likelihood template-based classifiers

A review of several recently-developed maximum likelihood template-based automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms for extended targets in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery data is presented. The algorithms are based on 'gradient' peaks, 'ceiling' peaks, edges, corners, shadows, and rectangular-fits. A weight-based Bayesian maximum likelihood scheme to combine multiple template-based classifiers is presented. The feature weights are derived from prior recognition accuracies, i.e., confidence levels, achieved by individual template-based classifiers. Application of feature-based weights instead of target specific feature-based weights reduces the resulting ATR accuracy by only a small amount. Preliminary results indicate that (1) the ceiling peaks provide the most target-discriminating power, (2) inclusion of more target-discriminating features leads to higher classification accuracy. Dempster-Shaffer rule of combination is suggested as a potential alternative to the implemented Bayesian decision theory approach to resolve conflicting reports from multiple template-based classifiers.
The "Mindset Evolution" of Television Production Specialists in Distance Education

The purpose of this study is to examine the process by which, during the development of distance education television programs, technical specialists move from focusing solely on technical aspects of the production to include in their considerations an appreciation for content. The sample consists of 12 full-time television production specialists from American universities. All participants had at least one year's experience producing live, interactive, video-based educational programs at their respective institutions. None, however, had previous experience with distance education, nor did any have a background in education. Qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, observation, and concept maps, were used to collect data during the study. Findings from this study show that television production specialists undergo a change of "mindset" over time as they design and develop more distance education programming. They come to view themselves more as distance education producers. This mindset change occured as they altered their criteria for judging the quality of their work and as they became aware of the primacy of content over "form," the needs of the audience, and the relationship between the instructor and students. Cette etude se penche sur le processus selon lequel les techniciens specialises debordent de leur role purement technique de production de programmes televises d'education a distance pour s'interesser au contenu des programmes. Douze techniciens de universites americaines ont ete etudies. Tous les participants occupaient un emploi a plein temps et avaient au moins une annee d'experience dans la production de programmes pedagogiques interactifs, diffuses en direct. Les participants n'avaient, par contre, ni experience en education a distance, ni formation pedagogique. Les donnees ont ete recueillies a l'aide de methodes qualitatives, telles que des entrevues semi-dirigees, des sessions d'observation et des schemas conceptuels. Les resultats obtenus demontrent que, plus les specialistes de productions televisees concoivent et realisent des programmes d'education a distance, plus leur attitude mentale change, de sorte qu'ils en viennent a se considerer comme des realisateurs dans ce domaine. Ce changement d'attitude se produit a mesure que les specialistes modifient la facon dont ils evaluent la qualite de leur travail, lorsqu'ils commencent a prendre conscience de l'importance du contenu d'un programme plutot que de sa forme, ainsi que des besoins du public et du rapport entre l'instructeur et ses etudiants.
Combined Receiver-Function and Surface Wave Phase-Velocity Inversion Using a Niching Genetic Algorithm: Application to Patagonia

A combined inversion of body wave receiver functions and Rayleigh wave phase velocities using a niching genetic algorithm (NGA) increases the unique- ness of the solution over separate inversions and also facilitates explicit parameteri- zation of layer thickness in the model space. This parameterization requires fewer layers and a priori constraints for modeling more complex structures than traditional linearized inversion. NGAs solve for a suite of locally optimal solutions in addition to isolating the globally optimal solution by using an evolutionary paradigm. This nonlinear examination of the error space provides an opportunity to examine trade- off within the model space. The method, when applied to synthetic data, locates interfaces within 2 km of the test structure and identifies appropriate structure and velocity. Applying this method to data from a deployment of five broadband stations in Chilean Patagonia yields a regional model of crustal structure that is consistent with the geological history of the region. Sediment thickness is inversely proportional to crustal thickness, with sediment thicknesses reaching more than 4 km, where the crustal thickness thins to 28 km. This is consistent with previous geological studies, which suggests that the Rocas Verdes basin in western Patagonia formed by crustal thinning, isostatic compensation, and subsequent sedimentation.
PERSPECTIVES ON FIFTY YEARS OF GHANAIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY

This paper seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate on African methodology—sources, issues, methods, challenges—by presenting a Ghanaian case study, for, whereas there are a number of broad overviews of African methodology, some of which include surveys of regions such as eastern or southern Africa, as well as countries like Nigeria and Senegal, a study specifically devoted to examining historical production in Ghana is yet to be essayed. This paper, however, shares common concerns with African historiography in general in terms of the quest for distinctly African constructions of history as well as the manifold ways in which African historical production might be made to relate more effectively to local contexts.In a recent contribution to a volume dedicated to honoring Bethwell Ogot, David William Cohen (2001:53) echoed a call which was by no means new but which still has relevance for African historical production today as it did in the 1960s. Emphasizing the need for African voices, he asserted that “…there are realms of knowledge and programs of knowledge production outside the academy, and outside the field situation, that might be understood and drawn upon to work at the reconstruction of the African past.” It is in this light that this piece was originally prepared in connection with Ghana's fiftieth independence anniversary in 2007.Ghana has had a long span of historical writing dating back several centuries, but a tradition of Ghanaian historiography is only about 50 years old, as is the case with the development of national historiographies throughout much of Africa.
The U.S. Military-Industrial Complex is Circumstantially Unethical

Business ethicists should examine not only business practices but whether a particular type of business is even prima facie ethical. To illustrate how this might be done I here examine the contemporary U.S. defense industry. In the past the U.S. military has engaged in missions that arguably satisfied the just war self-defense rationale, thereby implying that its suppliers of equipment and services were ethical as well. Some recent U.S. military missions, however, arguably fail the self-defense rationale. At issue, then, is whether a business supporting these latter missions may not be circumstantially unethical. No it is not, say defense industry advocates, for two principal reasons. For one, this business benefits society at large in numerous ways. And, for another, the organizer of these military missions is a superpower which by its very nature is not subject to the ethical constraints of the self-defense rationale. I dispute both reasons, argue against the second, and conclude that the U.S. military-industrial complex (MIC) is circumstantially unethical.
The new political infamy and the sacrilege of feminism

: This essay is about women being crucial to the constitution of the state and the construction of the ideal of the nation. It argues that the role of actual women as reproducers of the nation and as iconic representations of mythological figures at the helm of nation building is bound up with a certain psychical fantasy of woman. It argues further that Women in Black and other political activist groups have developed embodied feminist politics that not only bring the feminine body into public view during wartime but also undermine the place of the good woman as the reproducer of the nation who mourns only for the lost soldiers of her people.
Mössbauer effect in SnTe - GeTe alloys☆

Abstract The Mossbauer effect for 119 Sn in SnTe-5% GeTe and SnTe-10% GeTe has been studied from 5°K to 250°K. Contrary to previous results for SnTe-10% GeTe we observe no soft mode behavior in the recoil-free fraction for either alloy.
Vortex dynamics in perfect fluids

I review the current status of a problem, relevant to both plasma physics and ordinary fluid mechanics, namely the long-time behaviour of solutions of the perfect fluid equations. In two space dimensions, thanks in particular to the work of D. Montgomery, the situation is now quite clear, since one expects the formation at long times of large vortices in a background of potential flow. In three dimensions, the situation is blurred, although its understanding is a central issue for fully developped turbulence. I present some new estimates for a possible scenario of self-similar blow up of solutions of 3D Euler. That turns out to be a rather subtle question, if one tries to stay consistent with the conservation of circulation and of energy.
Iris crypts: Multi-scale detection and shape-based matching

This paper presents an improved framework for iris crypt detection and matching that outperforms both previous methods and manual annotations. The system uses a multi-scale pyramid architecture to detect feature candidates before they are further examined and optimized by heuristic-based methods. The dissimilarity between irises are measured by a two-stage matcher in the simple to complex order. The first stage estimates the global dissimilarity and rejects the majority of unmatching candidates. The surviving pairs are matched by local dissimilarities between each crypt pair using shape descriptors. The proposed framework showed significant performance improvement in both identification and verification context.
Construction of an MUC-1 promoter driven, conditionally replicating adenovirus that expresses the sodium iodide symporter for gene therapy of breast cancer

Introduction The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) directs the uptake and concentration of iodide in thyroid cells. This in turn allows radioiodine imaging and therapy for thyroid cancer. To extend the use of NIS-mediated radioiodine therapy to other types of cancer, we successfully transferred and expressed the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) gene in prostate, colon, and breast cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro by using nonreplicating adenoviral vectors. Methods To improve virotherapy efficiency, we developed a conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd) in which the transcriptional cassette RSV promoter-human NIScDNA-bGH polyA was also inserted at the E3 region. The E1a gene is driven by the tumor-specific promoter MUC-1 in the CRAd Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS. Results In vitro infection of the MUC-1-positive breast cell line T47D resulted in virus replication, cytolysis, and release of infective viral particles. Conversely, the MUC-1-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was refractory to the viral cytopathic effect and did not support viral replication. The data indicate that Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS activity is stringently restricted to MUC-1-positive cancer cells. Radioiodine uptake was readily measurable in T47 cells infected with Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS 24 hours after infection, thus confirming NIS expression before viral-induced cell death. Conclusions This construct may allow multimodal therapy, combining virotherapy with radioiodine therapy to be developed as a novel treatment for breast and other MUC1-overexpressing cancers.
ChIP-Seq Analysis of the σE Regulon of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Reveals New Genes Implicated in Heat Shock and Oxidative Stress Response

The alternative sigma factor σE functions to maintain bacterial homeostasis and membrane integrity in response to extracytoplasmic stress by regulating thousands of genes both directly and indirectly. The transcriptional regulatory network governed by σE in Salmonella and E. coli has been examined using microarray, however a genome-wide analysis of σE–binding sites in Salmonella has not yet been reported. We infected macrophages with Salmonella Typhimurium over a select time course. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq), 31 σE–binding sites were identified. Seventeen sites were new, which included outer membrane proteins, a quorum-sensing protein, a cell division factor, and a signal transduction modulator. The consensus sequence identified for σE in vivo binding was similar to the one previously reported, except for a conserved G and A between the -35 and -10 regions. One third of the σE–binding sites did not contain the consensus sequence, suggesting there may be alternative mechanisms by which σE modulates transcription. By dissecting direct and indirect modes of σE-mediated regulation, we found that σE activates gene expression through recognition of both canonical and reversed consensus sequence. New σE regulated genes (greA, luxS, ompA and ompX) are shown to be involved in heat shock and oxidative stress responses.
Role of Micro Finance and Financial Inclusion

Microfinance sector has covered a long journey from micro savings to micro credit and then to micro enterprises and now entered the field of micro insurance, micro remittance, micro pension and micro livelihood. This gradual and evolutionary growth process has given a great boost to the rural poor in India to reach reasonable economic, social and cultural empowerment, leading to better life of participating households. Financial institutions in the country have been playing a leading role in the microfinance programme for nearly two decades now. They have joined hands proactively with informal delivery channels to give microfinance sector the necessary momentum. During the current year too, microfinance has registered an impressive expansion at the grass root level. The micro finance is agenda for empowering poor women. Micro enterprises are an integral part of planned strategy for securing balanced development of the economy of the poor women. Rural women’s participation in agro-based activities is much more than what statistics reveal. This is mainly due to the fact that most of the work done by the women at farm and home is disguised as daily chores. Mechanization and easy availability of labour provide more time to energetic women to engage themselves in self-employment or entrepreneur ventures. Rural women are having human and non-human resources to take up an enterprise need one an innovative mind and motivation. Entrepreneurship is the only solution to the growing employment among rural youth. It helps to generate employment for a number of people within their own social system. This is more beneficial for women in rural areas as it enables them to add to the family income while taking care of their own home and livestock centred task. Rural women possess abundant resources to take up enterprises. She has the benefit of easy availability of arm and livestock based raw materials and other resources. Hence, she can effectively undertake both the production and processing oriented enterprises. Entrepreneurship development among rural women helps to enhance their personal capabilities and increase decision-making status in the family and society as a whole.
The role of after-school programs in the lives of inner-city children: a study of the "urban youth network".

A study of a network of agency centers located in eight of Chicago's most deprived neighborhoods reveals a great deal about inner-city children and the difficulties of reaching them and holding their attendance. It also points up sharply the funding and staffing necessary to enable the centers to realize their potential for services to these children. Language: en
Midrash in Jewish Children's Literature

The term midrash has a specific meaning and a broader one. Specifically, midrash refers to the post Talmudic body of writings (post-500 C.E.) such as Midrash Rabbah and Pirke de-Rabi Eliezer. In broader terms, midrash has come to mean a Jewish story that explains, clarifies, or elaborates on an event or passage in the Torah. There are many stories in midrasnhic sources that are appropriate and valuable to retell for children. A retelling of the story "Solomon and the Demon King," for instance, can captivate a fifth grader today who plays computer games and rides a skateboard, just as much as it did a shtetl boy who walked barefoot to beder and learned to chant Talmudic passages at age four. Rabbinic stories are not old and outdated, but alive and timeless. Within these stories, children can find heroic individuals just as brave and daring as the current ones who sport masks and capes and fancy weaponry-people like Rabbi Johanan ben Zaikai and Rabbi Akiva. But these rabbinic heroes provide something many of the television heroes do not-moral and ethical values as a basis for action.
Tradition, Modernity and Future of Civilization

Since time immemorial mankind has been striving for a better quality of life and living. For that our ancestors had played a cardinal role toward its attainment for future generation. Over the ages philosophers, academicians, saints, public functionaries, and people working for well being of society occupied to device such structure and theme which can be instrumental for better living of the civilized world. In this context this essay explores the issues of Indian tradition, its modern approach and its future in days to come.
First Ranked First to Serve: Strategic Agents in a Service Contest

We model a service provider whose agents endogenously determine their participation and performance level. This paper is motivated by two-sided marketplaces and work-from-home call centers, which crowdsource incoming demand to a pool of agents. The agents are ranked in a prespecified number of priority classes based on their relative performance. Higher performers are more utilized and agents' idle time is not compensated. We study which priority class structure creates the best incentives for agents' participation and performance. We show that the optimal design of such a “service contest” is often coarse, namely, it contains only a few priority classes. Discarding available information on agents' relative rankings, or, deploying coarser priority classes, can paradoxically provide higher incentives for agents' participation and performance.
Perceived Stigma of Postpartum Depression Symptoms in Low-Risk First-Time Parents: Gender Differences in a Dual-Pathway Model

Although postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms are fairly common among new mothers and fathers, new parents still perceive a stigma associated with having the “baby blues.” Research has extensively examined the role of perceived stigma on help-seeking for clinical PPD, but little is known about the process of perceived stigma in new parents. We examined the role of perceived stigma in postpartum depressive symptoms using the dual-pathway model (Mickelson and Williams 2008). Specifically, we tested whether internalized stigma would influence PPD symptoms through parenting efficacy, whereas experienced stigma would influence PPD symptoms through indirect support-seeking. We also examined whether the internalized pathway was stronger for fathers while mothers would utilize both pathways. Using longitudinal data from a community sample of first-time parents in the United States, we found parenting efficacy was a mediator between internalized stigma and PPD symptoms for mothers and experienced stigma and PPD symptoms for fathers; indirect support-seeking was only a cross-sectional mediator for mothers between internalized stigma and PPD symptoms. Understanding how new mothers and fathers perceive the stigma attached to PPD symptoms and the process by which it impacts symptom reporting can help to improve interventions aimed at new parents.
The Relationship Between Cancer Survivors’ Socioeconomic Status and Reports of Follow-up Care Discussions with Providers

Socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer survivors are less likely to have adequate follow-up care. In this study, we examined whether socioeconomically disadvantaged survivors are at risk for not having follow-up care discussions with providers, a critical determinant of access to follow-up care and desirable health outcomes. Using the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement, we used a binary logit model with sample weights to examine associations between 1320 cancer survivors' socioeconomic status (SES) and reports of follow-up care discussions with providers, controlling for clinical and demographic characteristics. The multivariable model indicated survivors with incomes ≤200 % Federal Poverty Level (FPL) had a lower probability of reporting a follow-up care discussion than survivors with incomes >400 % FPL (p 0.05). Socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer survivors are at risk for not having follow-up care discussions with providers, particularly those who report lower income and education. The development of educational interventions targeting provider communication with socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer survivors, and survivors' understanding of the benefits of follow-up care discussions, may promote access to these services. Future research assessing mechanisms underlying relationships between survivors' SES indicators and reports of follow-up care discussions with providers is also warranted.
Arithmetic Mirror Symmetry

This expository paper is based on my lecture at the Borel memory conference. Our main purpose was to explore possible mirror relations between the arithmetic of a Calabi-Yau hypersurface and the arithmetic of its mirror. Through the study of some concrete examples, we discover that there are at least two types of mirror relations between the zeta function of a Calabi-Yau variety and the zeta function of its mirror. The aim of this note is to explain these relations.
Reduction of Adenosine Triphosphate in Eggs of Fuller Rose Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Induced by Lethal Temperature and Methyl Bromide

The concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in relation to the viability of Fuller rose beetle, Asynonychus godmani Crotch, eggs was determined with the firefly, Photinljs pyralis (L.), bioluminescent assay. ATP concentrations decreased significantly when eggs were killed by freezing, hot water, or methyl bromide fumigation. Two hours after eggs were frozen in liquid nitrogen, the ATP concentration was only 5% that of unfrozen, live eggs. The ATP concentration decreased logarithmically for the first 30 min after freezing; the ATP half-life was estimated to be 12.9 min. ATP concentrations in eggs killed by a 3-min dip in 55°C water dropped 40% 2 h after treatment. In eggs fumigated for 2 h with 80 g/m3 methyl bromide, the ATP concentration did not decrease for 8 h following treatment. However, after 24 h, ATP concentrations were 50% less than the nonfumigated eggs. The Fuller rose beetle eggs killed by all three treatments contained significantly less ATP than live eggs 24 h following treatment. Thus, the results suggest that the firefly bioluminescent ATP assay could serve as a rapid screening method for ascertaining Fuller rose beetle egg viability.
Characterization of exchange-labeled saxitoxin and the origin of linear uptake by excitable tissue.

Tritium-labeled saxitoxin, which binds saturably to the sodium channels of excitable tissue, also is taken up linearly. Some of the linear uptake seems to represent intracellular uptake of tritiated water. However, the main component of linear uptake is of true toxin and not of radioactive impurity. It results from an accumulation of the divalent toxin in the immediate vicinity of the axonal (and other cell) membranes because of the fixed negative charges on them. A new and general method for determining the radiochemical purity of the exchange-labeled tritiated saxitoxin is described. The temperature dependence of the kinetics of loss of the label from the methylene hydrogens of carbon 12 of labeled saxitoxin is also reported.
The Ghostwriter Writes No More Narrative Logotherapy and the Mystery of My Namesake

This narrative articulates the advantages of long-term autoethnographic logotherapy. I explore how the practice of long-term autoethnographic logotherapy led me to the point where I was prepared for my father’s death, and how that allowed me to let him go before he actually died. I propose that long-term personal narrative and autoethnographic writing are not merely a form of therapy and healing. Rather, it is a practice aligned with existential psychologist Victor Frankl’s conception of logotherapy, literally “healing through meaning.” Using vignettes, I interrogate canonical narratives about father–son relationships, especially focusing on troubled relationships, and examine standard notions of bereavement.
Converting HVAC to HVDC grids: A novel switched conductor HVDC scheme

This paper proposes a novel HVDC concept using a switched conductor scheme by converting AC circuits into DC to increase transmission capacity by 73.6%. The switched conductor HVDC scheme (SC-HVDC) modifies a thyristor based bipolar HVDC scheme and utilizes two additional active valves to achieve better utilization of the conducting circuit. Detailed analysis and calculation have proved this scheme very efficient in utilization of semiconductor devices and transformer equipment. PSCAD study has verified the feasibility of the SC-HVDC scheme. Comparison of SC-HVDC with HVAC transmission, bi-polar HVDC and tri-polar HVDC transmission technologies concludes that the switched conductor HVDC scheme has high power transfer capability, high equipment utilization, and simple control.
Case 27: A Motorcycle Accident with Neck Injury

A 28 year old, 70 kg, 6 ft 1 in., male arrives in the emergency room (ER). He has fallen off his motorbike. You are called to come and assess him for general anesthesia as an abdominal tap has revealed free blood in the peritoneum.
Families Matter: Social Support and Mental Health Trajectories Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth

Purpose Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adolescents are at greater risk for mental health problems than their heterosexual peers, in part due to victimization. Social support, particularly from families, has been identified as an important promotive factor. However, little is known about how LGBT youth experience multiple forms of support or how early support predicts mental health across adolescence and into young adulthood.
Nuclear detection using Higher-Order topic modeling

In this paper, a novel approach to topic modeling based on the Higher Order Learning framework, Higher-Order Latent Dirichlet Allocation (HO-LDA), is applied to a critical issue in homeland security, nuclear detection. In addition, this research strives to improve topic models in the ‘real time’ environment of online learning. In total, seventeen different nuclear radioisotopes are classified, and performance of Higher-Order versus traditional techniques is evaluated. This project employs LDA and HO-LDA on a nuclear detection numeric dataset to gain a topic decomposition of instances. These learned topics are then used as features in a traditional supervised classification algorithm. In essence, the LDA or HO-LDA topic assignments are used as features in supervised learning algorithms that predict the class (isotope), treating LDA or HO-LDA as a feature space transform. Using Topic Modeling on numeric nuclear detection data is cutting edge, as to our knowledge this has never been done before on a nuclear detection dataset. Two methods of feature transformation are evaluated, including Multinomial Feature Creation and Maximum Channel Value Feature Creation. Results demonstrate further evidence that Higher Order Learning techniques can be usefully applied in topic modeling applied to nuclear detection.
Logarithmic complexity dynamics formulation for computed torque control of articulated multibody systems

Abstract Divide-and-Conquer Algorithm is extended and integrated with the method of Computed Torque Control (CTC) to model and control fully-actuated multibody systems. CTC uses inverse and forward dynamics to control a multibody problem. This may impose unnecessary computational cost on the simulation if the corresponding equations are not formed and solved wisely. Additionally, this technique mainly uses the dynamic equations formulated based on the minimum number of joint coordinates. Herein, the Generalized Divide-and-Conquer Algorithm (GDCA) with the capability of accommodating both spatial and generalized forces is used to efficiently form the forward dynamic equations. Furthermore, a new mathematical formulation is generated to adjust the inverse-GDCA containing a redundant set of spatial and generalized coordinates with the joint-coordinate-based inverse dynamics utilized in CTC. Both GDCA and iGDCA apply a series of assembly and disassembly passes to form and solve the forward and inverse dynamic equations without generating the mass and Jacobian matrices of the entire system. This paper also addresses the challenges which may appear in controlling fully-actuated multibody systems with kinematic loops. The GDCA-based CTC is then equipped with popular control techniques such as PID, pole-placement-based state feedback, and linear quadratic regulator, and used to control selected multibody systems.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography and Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Objective To determine whether intraoperative measures of right ventricular (RV) function using transesophageal echocardiography are associated with subsequent RV failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Design Retrospective, nonrandomized, observational study. Setting Single tertiary-level, university-affiliated hospital. Participants The study comprised 100 patients with systolic heart failure undergoing elective LVAD implantation. Interventions Transesophageal echocardiographic images before and after cardiopulmonary bypass were analyzed to quantify RV function using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S'), fractional area change (FAC), RV global longitudinal strain, and RV free wall strain. A chart review was performed to determine which patients subsequently developed RV failure (right ventricular assist device placement or prolonged inotrope requirement ≥14 days). Measurements and Main Results Nineteen patients (19%) subsequently developed RV failure. Postbypass FAC was the only measure of RV function that distinguished between the RV failure and non-RV failure groups (21.2% v 26.5%; p = 0.04). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of an abnormal RV FAC ( Conclusion Intraoperative measures of RV function such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular systolic velocity, and RV strain were not associated with RV failure after LVAD implantation. Decreased postbypass FAC was significantly associated with RV failure but showed poor discrimination.
Ascension Health and Workplace Spirituality: Strong Foundation, Sustainable Future

This chapter shares the story of Ascension Health in order to offer an example of one company that has continuously integrated spirituality into its work and its workplaces successfully and with commitment. That story begins with religious sisters in the seventeenth-century France, follows the sisters to America in the nineteenth century, comes under our current name with the merging of two health Systems in 1999, and continues today with dedicated teams of lay and religious leading health-care ministry in more than 1,400 locations in 21 states and the District of Columbia under the Ascension Health banner. Our organization is the largest Catholic nonprofit health-care System in the United States, with more than 121,000 associates. Throughout the change and growth necessary for this trajectory, spirituality has undergirded both the proVision of healthcare and the commitment and care of associates.
Linear Differential Systems

The goal of this chapter is to develop the formalism of linear Pfaffian differential systems in a form that will facilitate the computation of examples.
Co-diagnoses of spondylolysis and femoroacetabular impingement: a case series of adolescent athletes.

Locating the source of lumbopelvic–hip pain requires the consideration of multiple clinical pathways. Although low back pain has an incidence of 50% in the adolescent population, the pathophysiology in this population typically differs from that of other age groups. Dynamic mechanical impairments of the hip, such as femoroacetabular impingement, may contribute to the pathogenesis of adolescent low back pain. Eight adolescent male athletes who presented to a single provider with a primary complaint of low back pain with hip pain or motion loss on exam and were ultimately diagnosed with lumbar spondylolysis and dynamic mechanical hip issues between 2009 and 2011 were included. The age at spondylolysis diagnosis ranged from 15 to 19 years (mean ± standard deviation: 16.3 ± 1.3 years). Seven patients had cam-type impingement, whereas one presented with pincer-type impingement. All patients demonstrated either decreased internal rotation at 90 degrees of hip flexion and neutral abduction or pain on the Flexion Adduction Internal Rotation test on at least one of hip. All eight patients were treated initially with 6 weeks of physical therapy consisting of attempted restoration of hip motion and the graduated progression of hip and spine stabilization exercises. Five patients (62.5%) returned to sport at an average of 11.2 weeks (range: 6–16 weeks). For three patients (37.5%), hip pain and motion loss persisted, thus requiring surgery. All subjects had symptoms for at least 6 weeks, with 6 months as the longest duration. This report is the first documented series of adolescent athletes with co-diagnoses of spondylolysis and femoroacetabular impingement. Study Information: This retrospective case series was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Hospital for Special Surgery.
Coaxial Electrospinning Formation of Complex Polymer Fibers and their Applications

The formation of fibers by electrospinning has experienced explosive growth in the past decade, recently reaching 4,000 publications and 1,500 patents per year. This impressive growth of interest is due to the ability to form fibers with a variety of materials, which lend themselves to a large and rapidly expanding set of applications. In particular, coaxial electrospinning, which forms fibers with multiple core-sheath layers from different materials in a single step, enables the combination of properties in a single fiber that are not found in nature in a single material. This article is a detailed review of coaxial electrospinning: basic mechanisms, early history and current status, and an in-depth discussion of various applications (biomedical, environmental, sensors, energy, catalysis, textiles). We aim to provide readers who are currently involved in certain aspects of coaxial electrospinning research an appreciation of other applications and of current results.
Breaking News: Media Coverage and the Growth of Terrorist Organizations

Terrorist organizations are proliferating and growing in lethality worldwide. To combat the proliferation of terror organizations calls for insights from organizational research. Drawing on the ins...
Complex phase structure of the meson-baryon $T$-matrix

The full complex phase structure of the meson-baryon reaction amplitude in coupled channels approach is investigated, including also the photon-baryon channel. The result may be viewed as a generalization of the well-known Watson's theorem. Furthermore, the complex phase structure is exhibited for the pole and nonpole parts of the reaction amplitude in such a way that it will serve as a convenient common starting point for constructing models with different levels of approximation, in particular, for building isobar models where the basic properties of the $S$-matrix can be maintained. Such models should be useful, especially, in coupled multichannel calculations, where a large amount of experimental data are considered in resonance analyses, a situation encountered in modern baryon spectroscopy. In particular, it is shown that the unitarity of the pole part of the $T$-matrix arises automatically from the dressing mechanism inherent in the basic scattering equation. This implies that no separate conditions are required for making this part of the amplitude unitary as it has been done in some of the existing isobar models.
Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer of 126 cases

Objective To study the feasibility of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision(TME) for low rectal cancer.Methods Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision was performed in 126 patients with low rectal cancer according to TME principle.Results The operation time was 95 - 180 min,with an average time of ( 117 ± 21 ) min,the amount of bleeding 50 - 200 ml,with an average amount of (90 ± 27 ) ml.2 - 3 days after surgery,gastrointestinal function was restored.Hospital stay was 6 - 14 days,with an average of (8 ± 2)days.Four cases converted to open surgery,the conversion rate for laparotomy was 3.2％.The proportion of sphincter-preserving operation was 95.24％ (120/126).No instant or delayed injury of ureters,large bleeding in front of sacrum and other operation-related severe complications happened intra-and after operation.Conclusion Laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer is safe and feasible. Key words: Low rectal cancer; Total mesorectal excision; Laparoscope surgery
Pulsed triple frequency modulation for frequency stabilization and control of two lasers to an optical cavity

We present a method to stabilize two lasers to an optical cavity using pulsed triple frequency modulation. The setup allows simultaneous Pound–Drever–Hall stabilization, as well as independent frequency control, while removing interference terms that limit the frequency scan range and allowing for smaller modulation depths. A review of single, dual, and triple frequency modulation is also presented in addition to a discussion of how to effectively turn pulsed triple frequency modulation into independent dual frequency modulation for each laser. This method would increase the scan range to half the free spectral range.
Multi-pulse solitary waves in a fourth-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Abstract In the present work, we consider the existence and spectral stability of multi-pulse solitary wave solutions to a nonlinear Schrodinger equation with both fourth and second-order dispersion terms. We first give a criterion for the existence of a single solitary wave solution in terms of the coefficients of the dispersion terms, and then show that a discrete family of multi-pulse solutions exists which is characterized by the distances between the individual pulses. We then reduce the spectral stability problem for these multi-pulses to computing the determinant of a matrix which is, to leading order, block diagonal. Under additional assumptions, which can be verified numerically and are sufficient to prove orbital stability of the primary solitary wave, we show that all multi-pulses are spectrally unstable. Numerical computations for the spectra of double pulses are presented which are in good agreement with our analytical results. Results of timestepping simulations are also provided to characterize the nature of these instabilities.
Physical Activity and Attitudes Toward Exercise in People With Axial and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis.

Objective To evaluate physical activity and attitudes toward exercise among people with axial (ax-) and peripheral (p-) spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods Using baseline information from an ongoing, longitudinal, prospective SpA cohort study (n = 264), self-reported attitudes and beliefs toward exercise were assessed using questionnaires. Total metabolic equivalent (MET) hours of self-reported physical activity per week, time spent in activities, and activity levels were calculated from the Nurses’ Health Study Physical Activity Questionnaire II (NHSPAQ II). Adjusted multivariable linear models estimated the relationship between physical activity and disease status (axial vs peripheral). Results Regardless of predominant anatomic distribution of disease, most participants were well-educated, non-Hispanic White men. Approximately 40% met the US Department of Health and Human Services physical activity recommendations. Positive attitudes, beliefs, and perceived benefits toward exercise were similar by anatomic distribution of disease. Despite similar MET h/week, participants with axial disease had greater concerns regarding discomfort and joint injuries than those with peripheral disease. Compared to those with pSpA (n = 201), participants with axSpA (n = 63) spent less time engaging in light and moderate activities (adjusted β in light activity: –1.94 min/week, 95% CI –2.96 to –0.93; adjusted β in moderate activity: –1.05 min/week, 95% CI –2.12 to 0.02). Conclusion Participants with axSpA had greater concerns regarding discomfort and injuries from exercise than those with pSpA. Although no differences in time spent in vigorous activities were observed, participants with axSpA spent less time than those with pSpA in light to moderate activities.