cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal rearrangements as barriers to genetic homogenization between archaic and modern humans

Chromosomal rearrangements, which shuffle DNA throughout the genome, are an important source of divergence across taxa. Using a paired-end read approach with Illumina sequence data for archaic humans, I identify changes in genome structure that occurred recently in human evolution. Hundreds of rearrangements indicate genomic trafficking between the sex chromosomes and autosomes, raising the possibility of sex-specific changes. Additionally, genes adjacent to genome structure changes in Neanderthals are associated with testis-specific expression, consistent with evolutionary theory that new genes commonly form with expression in the testes. I identify one case of new-gene creation through transposition from the Y chromosome to chromosome 10 that combines the 5'-end of the testis-specific gene Fank1 with previously untranscribed sequence. This new transcript experienced copy number expansion in archaic genomes, indicating rapid genomic change. Among rearrangements identified in Neanderthals, 13% are transposition of selfish genetic elements, whereas 32% appear to be ectopic exchange between repeats. In Denisovan, the pattern is similar but numbers are significantly higher with 18% of rearrangements reflecting transposition and 40% ectopic exchange between distantly related repeats. There is an excess of divergent rearrangements relative to polymorphism in Denisovan, which might result from nonuniform rates of mutation, possibly reflecting a burst of transposable element activity in the lineage that led to Denisovan. Finally, loci containing genome structure changes show diminished rates of introgression from Neanderthals into modern humans, consistent with the hypothesis that rearrangements serve as barriers to gene flow during hybridization. Together, these results suggest that this previously unidentified source of genomic variation has important biological consequences in human evolution.
A new energy decomposition scheme for molecular interactions within the Hartree‐Fock approximation

A new method is proposed for the analysis of components of molecular interaction energy within the Hartree-Fock approximation. The Hartree-Fock molecular orbitals of the isolated molecules are used as the basis for the construction of Fock matrix of the supermolecule. Then certain blocks of this matrix are set to zero subject to specify boundary conditions of the supermolecule molecular orbitals, and the resultant matrix is diagonalized iteratively to obtain the desired energy components. This method can be considered as an extension of our previous method, but has an advantage in the explicit definition of the charge transfer energy, placing it on an equal footing with the exchange and polarization terms. The new method is compared with existing perturbation methods, and is also applied to the energy and electron density decomposition of (H2O)2.
Comparative studies of guinea pig and bovine myelin basic proteins. Partial characterization of chemically derived fragments and their encephalitogenic activities in Lewis rats.

— Guinea pig and bovine myelin basic proteins were chemically cleaved at the carboxyl peptide bonds of methionyl and tryptophanyl residues to yield several fragments. Comparison of the bovine fragment consisting of the first 20 residues of the protein with the corresponding guinea pig fragment showed that the latter differs in containing histidine and glycine (one residue of each), an additional threonyl residue, and one fewer alanyl residues. Comparison of the bovine fragment consisting of the C-terminal 54 residues of the protein (residues 117-170) with the corresponding guinea pig fragment showed that the latter differs in containing one fewer histidyl and leucyl residues and an additional phenylalanyl residue. Tests of encephalitogenic activity in Lewis rats showed that these two fragments from both species were much less active, on a molar basis, than the uncleaved protein. On the other hand, examination of the bovine fragments consisting of residues 1-116 and 21-116 and the corresponding fragments obtained from the guinea pig protein revealed activity at least as high as that of the respective uncleaved proteins.
New reports of nuclear DNA content for 407 vascular plant taxa from the United States.

† Background and Aims The amount of DNA in an unreplicated haploid nuclear genome (C-value) ranges over several orders of magnitude among plant species and represents a key metric for comparing plant genomes. To extend previously published datasets on plant nuclear content and to characterize the DNA content of many species present in one region of North America, flow cytometry was used to estimate C-values of woody and herbaceous species collected in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA. † Methods A total of 674 samples and vouchers were collected from locations across Wisconsin and Michigan, USA. From these, C-value estimates were obtained for 514 species, subspecies and varieties of vascular plants. Nuclei were extracted from samples of these species in one of two buffers, stained with the fluorochrome propidium iodide, and an Accuri C-6 flow cytometer was used to measure fluorescence peaks relative to those of an internal standard. Replicate extractions, coefficients of variation and comparisons to published C-values in the same and related species were used to confirm the accuracy and reliability of our results. † Key Results and Conclusions Prime C-values for 407 taxa are provided for which no published data exist, including 390 angiosperms, two gymnosperms, ten monilophytes and five lycophytes. Non-prime reports for 107 additional taxa are also provided. The prime values represent new reports for 129 genera and five families (of 303 genera and 97 families sampled). New family C-value maxima or minima are reported for Betulaceae, Ericaceae, Ranunculaceae and Sapindaceae. These data provide the basis for phylogenetic analyses of C-value variation and future analyses of how C-values covary with other functional traits.
The Structure of Farmers’ Perceptions of Ground Water Pollution

Data from a 1992 Georgia Farm Practices survey Humphrey* are used to examine the structure of farmers’ perceptions of ground w;tcr pollution and their s~pport of regulations to protect ground water. Estimates of the influence of farm and farmer characteristics on pollution perceptions and support for pollution control were computed using a multiple-indicator model. Results show that the willingness to change farm practices to protect ground water is positively related to how an operator perceives the seriousness of the pollution problem. Regulatory policies that negatively affect farmers’ income are likely to be opposed by farmers. Agricultural activity can adversely affect ground water quality through the leaching of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides (Keeney). At the same time ground water is a source of drinking water for almost 50 percent of the U,S. population, with over 90 percent of rural households drinking water from underground sources (Sarnat, et al; Walker and Hoehn). Further, nearly one-fourth of the U.S. population relies on ground water pumped from areas with a significant chemical use (Lee and Nielsen). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U SEPA) revealed that more than 50 percent of the nation’s wells contain traces of nitrate (Rahm), The survey, which was conducted in 1988-89, collected data from 1,300 wells in all 50 states. The survey results showed 19 million people are exposed to nitrates in wells with 1.5 million facing nitrate concentrations above the 10 parts per million (ppm) contamination level. The survey also found that 85 million additional people are exposed to nitrates in their community water systems, with three million experiencing nitrates over 10 ppm. Although only about 1.2 percent of the nation’s community wells and 2.4 percent of its rural wells contain nitrates m amounts above the Federal maximum contaminant level the percentage is high in some parts of the country. For example, out of 19 I rural drinking wells tested in southern Michigan, 34 percent exceeded the maximum contaminant level (Vitosh). In Massachusetts, more than 1 IO public wells have been closed (Sarnat, et al).
The association between cigarette smoking and DSM-IV nicotine dependence among first year college students

Aims: This study was undertaken to evaluate the association between cigarette smoking behavior and DSM-IV nicotine dependence. Design: Drawing on a sample of first year college students selected for representation across a continuum of smoking behavior, current DSM-IV nicotine dependence criteria were assessed among participants reporting any smoking in the preceding week on a web-based survey protocol. Logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic analyses were used to estimate the overall concordance between smoking and DSM-IV nicotine dependence. Findings: Relationships were supported between both quantity and frequency of smoking in the past week and DSM-IV nicotine dependence showing higher prevalence of dependence at higher levels of use (p < 0.05). While the highest prevalence of nicotine dependence was seen among those reporting the most frequent and heavy smoking, a substantial number of participants reporting daily and/or heavy smoking did not meet criteria for nicotine dependence. Conversely, nicotine dependence was seen among a subgroup of participants reporting relatively low levels of non-daily smoking. Diagnostic concordance was found to be moderate for both quantity and frequency and was not improved by combining information from these two indices. Conclusions: Aside from confirming DSM-IV nicotine dependence at relatively low levels of smoking, these results may be used to inform research aimed at identifying samples of nicotine dependent youth across the range of smoking levels.
Multipoint correlation functions for continuous-time random walk models of anomalous diffusion.

Recursive relations are developed for computing the multipoint correlation functions of a particle undergoing a biased continuous-time random walk CTRW in an external potential. Two- and three-point correlation functions are calculated for waiting-time distributions with an anomalous power-law profile t ��1 ,0 1, on intermediate time scales with a crossover to an exponential long time decay. Comparison of the CTRW with the Brownian harmonic oscillator model Gaussian process illustrates how higher-order correlation functions may be used to distinguish between dynamical models that have the same two-point correlation function.
Mesoscopic Modeling of Multiphysicochemical Transport Phenomena in Porous Media

We present our recent progress on mesoscopic modeling of multiphysicochemical transport phenomena in porous media based on the lattice Boltzmann method. Simulation examples include injection of CO2...
Growth, feed conversion, fillet proximate composition and resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus (Lesueur), and their reciprocal F1 hybrids fed 25% and 45% protein diets.

Juvenile channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), blue catfish, I. furcatus (Lesueur), and their reciprocal Fl hybrids were fed practical diets containing 25% and 45% protein during a 10-week trial to determine the effects of genotype, dietary protein level and genotype X diet interactions on growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), fillet proximate composition and resistance to the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri. Rankings of genotypes (best to worst) for absolute weight gain, percentage weight gain and FCR were: channel, channel female X blue male, blue, and blue female X channel male for the 25% protein diet; and channel, channel X blue, blue X channel, and blue for the 45% diet. Diet did not affect growth or FCR of channel catfish, but growth and FCR were better for blue catfish and both hybrids fed the 25% diet compared to those fed the 45% diet. Channel catfish additive genetic and maternal effects were favourable, and heterosis was negative for growth and FCR. After adjusting for effects of fish size, genotype had no effect on fillet composition. Fillet protein was higher for all genotypes, and fillet lipid was lower for blue catfish and hybrids fed the 45% diet than for fish fed the 25% diet. Genotype X diet interactions observed for growth, FCR and fillet lipid appeared to be a result of poor palatability of the 45% diet to blue catfish and hybrids. Survival (76-93%) and antibody levels (0.10-0.24 OD) after exposure to E. ictaluri at the end of the feeding trial were not affected by genotype or diet. Hybridization of blue catfish and channel catfish would not be an effective method for improving the traits measured for the fish strains and diets used in this study.
An Eye Toward Effective Enforcement: A Technical-Comparative Approach to the Drafting Negotiations

The unprecedented level of civil society participation that took place in the drafting of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) constitutes a major key to its success -- laying a solid foundation for the much longer and harder process of implementation ahead. This piece addresses how one civil society organization -- Disability Rights International (DRI) -- approached the negotiation process. Part I explains the strategic approach DRI adopted, highlighting its methodology, the guiding principles it embraced, and the resulting strategies of engagement it pursued. Part II turns to some of the key substantive issues DRI focused on in its interventions and advocacy before the Ad Hoc Committee. Part III concludes with a brief reflection on the CRPD, the ultimate efficacy of DRI's approach, and the road ahead.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Basic and Advanced Life Support (BLS, ALS) Self-Training Systems (STS) for Paramedical and Medical Personnel

Resuscitation and acute respiratory care must be taught to all personnel involved in the management of everyday emergencies and mass casualties. Personnel range from the lay public to physician specialists. In deciding who should be taught what and how one must consider the limitations of learning ability of trainees and of resources. Mouth-to-mouth ventilation can be learned by laymen merely from viewing pictures, but better with manikin practice to perfection. CPR steps A-B-C can be effectively taught to non-physicians including laymen with instructor-coached manikin practice to perfection. but also with self-practice coached by audiotape, and to some extent even by frequent film viewing only without manikin practice. In 1972, A. Laerdal invented a CPR steps A-B-C self-training system consisting of a recording manikin, flipcharts and the coaching audiotape. We added a demonstration film to be shown before manikin practice.
Integrating sport psychology within a high-performance team: Potential stakeholders, micropolitics, and culture

ABSTRACTHigh-performance teams of various sport science professionals working together to enhance performance are becoming commonplace in elite sport. Sport psychology professionals who desire to work within these groups, often referred to as high-performance teams, need to be prepared for the demands of a team-based performance enhancement setting. This article addresses the important factors to consider when integrating sport psychology within a high-performance team. The potential stakeholders are discussed, as are micropolitics and culture. The article closes with implications to assist in the ease of integrating sport psychology within a high-performance team.
Factors Affecting Spatial Resolution for Compositional Analysis in Stem

This paper discusses the application of the scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to the detection of segregation at interfaces via the monitoring of X-rays generated when the incident electrons interact with the segregant. Issues of spatial resolution and minimum detectable concentration are discussed. Specific examples, emphasizing the importance of probe size, sample thickness, and sample orientation, are presented.
Preparation and biocompatibility of novel polar-nonpolar networks: I. Synthesis, characterization and histological-bacterial analysis of mixed polytetrahydrofuran-polyisobutylene networks

Mixed polar-nonpolar urethane networks have been prepared by crosslinking various mixtures of polyisobutylene diols (HO-PIB-OH) and polar polytetrahydrofuran diols (HO-PTHF-OH) with stoichiometric quantities of a triisocyanate. Essentially complete crosslinking was demonstrated by very low (<4%) sol fractions in benzene and THF. The mixed networks were biocompatible and had less tissue response than pure PIB as evaluated by bacterial and histological analysis after 11 weeks of implantation at the following sites: dorsal neck muscle, abdominal cavity and near the abdominal aorta.
High-Mileage Light-Duty Fleet Vehicle Emissions: Their Potentially Overlooked Importance

State and local agencies in the United States use activity-based computer models to estimate mobile source emissions for inventories. These models generally assume that vehicle activity levels are uniform across all of the vehicle emission level classifications using the same age-adjusted travel fractions. Recent fuel-specific emission measurements from the SeaTac Airport, Los Angeles, and multi-year measurements in the Chicago area suggest that some high-mileage fleets are responsible for a disproportionate share of the fleet’s emissions. Hybrid taxis at the airport show large increases in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, and oxide of nitrogen emissions in their fourth year when compared to similar vehicles from the general population. Ammonia emissions from the airport shuttle vans indicate that catalyst reduction capability begins to wane after 5–6 years, 3 times faster than is observed in the general population, indicating accelerated aging. In Chicago, the observed, on-road taxi fleet also had significa...
Passivity and Dissipativity Analysis of a System and its Approximation

In this paper, we consider the following problem: what passivity properties can be inferred for a system by studying only an approximate mathematical model for it. Our results show that an excess of passivity (whether in the form of input strictly passive, output strictly passive or very strictly passive) in the approximate model guarantees a certain passivity index for the system, provided that the norm of the error between the approximate and the true models is sufficiently small in a suitably defined sense. Further, we consider (Q, S, R)-dissipative systems and show that (Q, S, R)-dissipativity has a similar robustness property, even though the supply rates for the system and its approximation may be different. These results may be particularly useful if either the approximate model is much easier to analyze, or if the precise system model is unknown. We illustrate the results by considering particular approximation methods, e.g., model reduction, discretization, quantization, and linearization around an equilibrium point.
Identification for Sildenafil and Its Metabolins by HPLC - MS

This paper introduces an analytical system to detect the prohibited drug in functional food- Sildenafil by HPLC - MS, from chromatographic filtration to validation by mass spectrum. Meanwhile it also does some researches on sildenafil' s metabolins by mass spectrum and draws some possible metabolin' s structure.
The influence of distributed generation for power energy quality of Ningxia Power Grid

Analyzes power energy quality problems appearing in Ningxia distributed generation(DG) system,points out the existing problems,puts forward feasible plan to get rid of the distributed generation technology influence on power energy quality of the power grid.
Interethnic conflict and the potential dangers of cross-group ties

Bridging social ties is thought to reduce the likelihood of interethnic violence. This logic has motivated countless development projects and international programs seeking to forge cross-group tie...
Grey wolf optimization based sense and avoid algorithm for UAV path planning in uncertain environment using a Bayesian framework

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs), which have been popular in the military context, have recently attracted attention of many researchers because of their potential civilian applications. However, before UAVs can fly in civilian airspace, they need to be able to navigate safely to its goal while maintaining separation with other manned and unmanned aircraft during the transit. Algorithms for autonomous navigation of UAVs require access to accurate information about the state of the environment in order to perform well. However, this information is oftentimes uncertain and dynamically changing. In this paper, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) is proposed to find the optimal UAV trajectory in presence of moving obstacles, referred to as Intruder Aircrafts (IAs), with unknown trajectories. The solution uses an efficient Bayesian formalism with a notion of cell weighting based on Distance Based Value Function (DBVF). The assumption is that the UAV is equipped with the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and is provided with the position of IAs either via the ADS-B or ground-based radar. However, future trajectories of the IAs are unknown to the UAV. The proposed method has been verified using simulations performed on multiple scenarios. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in solving the trajectory planning problem of the UAVs.
A taxonomy of artificial intelligence approaches for adaptive distributed real-time embedded systems

Distributed real-time embedded (DRE) software systems such as are used to manage critical large-scale infrastructure are important systems to target for increased functionality and resiliency. DRE systems that can adapt to changes in the environment and/or changes in available resources are more robust to unexpected changes and extend both the systems' utility and lifespan. Artificial intelligence techniques are used for adaptation of software systems in general. However, they must meet certain requirements to be appropriate for use with DRE systems. Any artificial intelligence (AI) technique used in an adaptive DRE system should produce consistent results across a distributed system, operate in bounded time, make decisions autonomously, and gracefully handle and learn from previously unencountered environments. This paper surveys a variety of AI techniques, providing a brief overview of each method, evaluating how each technique fits the requirements of an adaptive DRE system, and recognizing the gaps in each technique's ability to meet all of these requirements. Our results show that there is not one single AI technique in our survey that is a perfect fit for adaptive DRE systems, although some techniques address more of these requirements than others.
Using Google Sheets to Determine Mortgage Information

Google Sheets, a spreadsheet software similar to Microsoft’s Excel software, is available to anyone who has a Gmail account. Gmail is available for free by Google and allows users to have access to Google’s Drive, which contains Google Sheets. With very little programming, one can compute many different aspects of a mortgage, given knowledge of three out of the four possible mortgage inputs (i.e., loan amount, monthly payment, maturity, interest rate). It does not matter which three inputs are supplied—the spreadsheet will produce the missing fourth item.
Posttransplant Immunological Monitoring by Elisa: HLA-Specific IgG Antibodies are Associated with Early and Late Graft Loss Events

Approximately 40–50% of cadaver kidney transplant recipients undergo acute rejection episodes in the first 6 months after transplant, despite induction therapy with antilymphocyte antibody and triple immunosuppression with CsA, AZA and prednisone. About 30% of these acute rejections are irreversible, even after OKT3 therapy. This poor graft survival has been associated with evidence of acute vascular rejection (AVR) on biopsies. The most common cause of renal allograft failure, after the first year posttransplant, is chronic rejection (CR). The responsible factors of CR may be many and are unknown, but CR is likely to be, at least in part, immune mediated.
Rigorous Reachability Analysis and Domain Decomposition of Taylor Models

We present mathematically rigorous computational methods for the transport of large domains through ODEs with the goal of making rigorous statements about their long term evolution. Of particular interest are determination of locations of attractors, reachability of certain sets, and proof of non-reachability of others. The methods are based on Taylor model verified integrators for the propagation of large domains, and heavily rely on automatic domain decomposition for accuracy. We illustrate the behavior and performance of these methods using several commonly studied dynamical systems.
How Good Intentions Contributed to Bad Outcomes: The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis that exists today developed over the past 30 years. The reasons for this are many. Good intentions to improve pain and suffering led to increased prescribing of opioids, which contributed to misuse of opioids and even death. Following the publication of a short letter to the editor in a major medical journal declaring that those with chronic pain who received opioids rarely became addicted, prescriber attitude toward opioid use changed. Opioids were no longer reserved for treatment of acute pain or terminal pain conditions but now were used to treat any pain condition. Governing agencies began to evaluate doctors and hospitals on their control of patients' pain. Ultimately, reimbursement became tied to patients' perception of pain control. As a result, increasing amounts of opioids were prescribed, which led to dependence. When this occurred, patients sought more in the form of opioid prescriptions from providers or from illegal sources. Illegal, unregulated sources of opioids are now a factor in the increasing death rate from opioid overdoses. Stopping the opioid crisis will require the engagement of all, including health care providers, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, and federal and state government agencies.
Fossil Fuels, Planetary Boundaries, and the Earth System

The decline in resource quality, measured in part by falling energy returns on investment, is a serious problem for our futures in and of itself. Access to fossil fuels has given many of us a far more comfortable life. Cellular phones are a ubiquitous possession, even among the world’s poor. Fossil-derived energy has lifted the burden of heavy manual labor. Most Americans now work in offices and access electronic media at will. These feats would be impossible in the absence of electricity. Many people complain vociferously about how difficult commercial airline travel is these days with late flights, extra baggage charges, no food, and cramped seating. But imagine crossing the country in a Conestoga wagon. As an exercise, try thinking about the energy that is embodied in your day-to-day consumption patterns. Not surprisingly, people are reluctant to do without the goods they have acquired and become used to. When environmental educator Ray Bowdish, speaking at a recent symposium, asked his students what they could simply not give up, a frequent answer was «my truck!»
Location corrections through differential networks (LOCD-IN)

Many modern personal devices (cell phones, tablet computer, smart watches, etc.) contain embedded GNSS receivers capable of determining their position with a typical error of around 8–20 meters. Recent improvements to the software and hardware of these devices have given access to the raw GNSS data allowing developers the ability to manipulate and refine the computation of the position solution produced by the embedded GNSS receiver. This paper discusses the implementation of networked differential ground stations in an effort to reduce the error of a GNSS receiver on a mobile device and describe the improvement obtained.
The new geometry of climate governance

ABSTRACTScholars and practitioners have focused in recent years on the potential for achieving cooperation in small “clubs” of countries. While solutions to global climate change will eventually re...
Cross-Ratios in Projective and Affine Planes

In this chapter, the concepts of cross-ratio and harmonic position in Moufang planes are discussed, generalizing classical concepts for desarguesian planes. Beginning with algebraic, rather than geometrical formulations of these concepts, we study the group of harmonicity preserving permutations of the points on a line in a Moufang plane. The main result is a generalization of von Staudt’s theorem relating this group to the group of projectivities of the line. A substantial portion of this exposition is devoted to the resolution of algebraic difficulties which arise when the classical results are reinterpreted in a plane coordinatized by a properly alternative, rather than associative, division ring.
Lymphocyte Transformation in Vitro in Response to Mitogens and Antigens

Publisher Summary The in vitro transformation of human lymphocytes can be induced by four different types of stimulants: first, the nonspecific mitogens, which include the plant lectins and certain microbial products; second, the specific antigens that stimulate lymphocytes from presensitized donors, third, allogeneic lymphocytes; and fourth, anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. This chapter describes the nonspecific mitogens and the specific antigens that stimulate lymphocytes from presensitized donors. The ability of the mammalian lymphocyte to respond to the extracts of several plants and to microbial metabolites by undergoing mitotic proliferation is a distinctive characteristic that reflects both the immunological status and the immune potential of the whole organism. Lymphocyte transformation is measured by the incorporation of radioactive thymidine into the DNA of dividing cells. The rate and amount of isotope incorporated, expressed as counts per minute (cpm), is a reflection of the strength of response and is directly related to the number of cells responding. The chapter discusses lymphocyte transformation in relation to the proliferative response as measured by the rate of incorporation of radioactive thymidine.
Research into the factors influencing survival in aircraft accidents

The factors influencing survival in aircraft accidents can be classified into configurational, environmental, procedural or behavioural. New methodologies which have been developed in order to simulate emergency behaviour are introduced. A series of experimental programmes in which the new behavioural techniques are applied to configurational, environmental and procedural changes in the cabin are described. The results suggest that the techniques provide the behavioural and statistical data required for the assessment of design options or safety procedures for use in aircraft emergencies.
High power single mode VCSEL operation with photo-active current channeling

Proposed on-axis current channeling through the use of photoactive layer(s) in vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) cavities counteracts hole burning and allows single mode operation at high currents. The photoactive layers act as variable resistivity screens whose radial 'aperture' is controlled by the light itself, providing an efficient feedback for mode control. Absorption of a small fraction of the light intensity suffices for significant on-axis current peaking with minimum efficiency loss and optical mode distortion. Fabrication is implemented during the molecular beam epitaxy phase without wafer post-processing, as for oxide apertures.
Book review: Designing Autonomous Agents Theory and Practice from Biology to Engineering and Back Edited by Pattie Maes (MIT Press, 1991)

Over two decades ago, Herbert Simon argued that a physical symbol system (PSS) has the necessary and sufficient means for general intelligent action [12, 13]. A PSS consists of (i) a set of symbolic expressions from old ones and (ii) operational definitions of expressions such that some expressions cause a system to affect external objects and other expressions cause a system to carry out internal processes. The PSS hypothesis holds that both human and computer systems are PSSs and, therefore, that computer science is an empirical inquiry into the nature of intelligence. As evidence, Simon offered that computer systems already exhibits some degree of intelligence. Today, computer systems that can play a good game of chess and perform tasks in well-structured, predictable environments are relatively mature. Importantly thought, the PSS hypothesis implies that a computer system could exhibit intelligent behavior comparable to that of humans in the everyday world. If a computer system could be designed to execute a real world task such as Go to the Market, we would have made a long stride towards explaining intelligence of the sort that we see in humans. The PSS hypothesis has provided a license and a framework for pursuing research in this direction.
The Negative Binomial Process with Applications to Reliability

The negative binomial distribution is frequently used as an alternative to the Poisson distribution for count data. One interpretation of the negative binomial distribution is that it is a compound Poisson distribution with means chosen at random from a..
Soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall. Results of surgical resection.

Primary soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall are uncommon, and data concerning treatment and results are sparse. Most studies have categorized these tumors as truncal sarcomas and inferred a poor prognosis. To assess the results of surgical treatment, we reviewed our 40-year experience. Methods: Records of 189 patients admitted to our institution from 1948 to 1988 were reviewed. Pathologic material was available for review in the 149 cases (79%) that comprise this report. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, with comparisons by log-rank analysis and significance defined as p
Phase-shift based expansions for material and frequency dependence of scattering and of radiation forces

When considering the scattering of sound and radiation forces for spheres, it has historically been helpful to gain a good understanding of situations lacking dissipation. In that case the linear acoustic scattering by spheres is characterized by real partial-wave phase shifts. At low frequencies it is possible to obtain simple expansions showing the dependence of each phase shift on material properties and on frequency [P. L. Marston and L. Zhang, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 141, 3042–3049 (2017); P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142, 1167–1170 (2017); P. L. Marston, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142, 3358–3361 (2017)]. Those expansions can then be used to describe the frequency and material dependence of scattering and radiation forces for standing and traveling waves at low frequencies beyond the usual Rayleigh-scattering approximation. While spherical Bessel and Hankel functions are used in the derivation, the final expansion coefficients are expressed using algebraic functions. The derivation of the simplified series expansion for the radiation force in the traveling wave case is subtler than the standing wave case. Well-known limiting expressions are recovered in both cases. Some applications to spheres in acoustic beams are also known. [Work supported by ONR.]
Lying in Bed: An Analysis of Deceptive Affectionate Messages During Sexual Activity in Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships

Guided by affection exchange theory, the present study examined the associations among deceptive affectionate messages (DAMs) during sexual activity and duration of post-sex affectionate behavior, ...
Chapter 27. Pharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics

Publisher Summary This chapter analyzes different phenomena of importance in pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and biopharmaceutics. The phenomenon of drug dissolution, diffusion, and interaction continue to be of paramount importance in the overall picture of drug absorption by the body. Dissolution rates of benzoic acid in surfactant solutions were much less than those anticipated on the basis of solubilization data. The ratios of these dissolution rates in the surfactant solution to those in pure solvent were found to be much greater under static conditions than those under stirred conditions, suggesting a difference in the dissolution mechanism. Dissolution rates of benzocaine were determined in water and polysorbate using both the propeller-driven stirrer and the rotating disc method providing a unique method for distinguishing dissolution mechanisms. The data in the above study confirmed the fact that the rotating disc model rather than the diffusion layer model is operative under stirred conditions and that the Danckwert's model is operative under static conditions. The quantification of the distributions of acute doses of a drug and its metabolites in the multi-compartmental complex organism and its rates of metabolism and excretion are also discussed in the chapter.
In-State Resident Tuition Policies and the Self-Rated Health of High-School-Aged and College-Aged Mexican Noncitizen Immigrants, Their Families, and the Latina/o Community

Research on state-level immigration policies and health in the United States is limited. In this article Stephanie Potochnick, Sarah May, and Lisa Flores address the gap in research on state-level ...
Functional Electrical Stimulation Capability Maps

We introduce capability maps visualizing the abilities of the arm of a person with a cervical spinal cord injury activated by functional electrical stimulation (FES). We map the arm’s workspace at different wrist positions using a person-specific arm model based on force data gathered during interactions with a robot. We describe four maps: 1) a map of the maximum force the person can produce in one direction, 2) a map of wrist configurations that FES can hold against gravity and other passive forces, 3) a map of the maximum force the person can apply in all directions, and 4) a map of the directions the arm can move with FES. To demonstrate these maps we applied electrical stimulation to nine muscle groups of a person with high tetraplegia, measured the resulting force with a robot attached to the person’s wrist, created a Gaussian process regression model relating the forces to the wrist positions, and used this model to create the four capability maps. The results are 2D images displaying the arm’s force production and movement capabilities for a person with high tetraplegia as a function of wrist position. As these maps predict functional benefits of specific interventions, they can reduce risk in developing new interventions to restore function to people with whole-arm paralysis.
Disparities in Modes and Content of Civic Engagement: An Analysis Using Data from the Current Population Survey

Objective We describe disparities in civic engagement along two axes: the modal, describing the extent to which civic engagement is structured, and its content, describing the extent to which civic engagement has partisan objectives. Accordingly, this structure creates four domains of civic engagement: associational–partisan (e.g., voting), social–partisan (e.g., boycotting), associational–civic (e.g., participating in parent–teacher organizations), and social–civic (e.g., talking with neighbors). Method Using data from the Current Population Survey and item response theory methods, we generate civic engagement scores in each of these domains for as many as 35,618 U.S. respondents. Results and Conclusions Similar to prior studies, income and educational attainment are associated with large disparities in civic engagement across all domains. However, in contrast to prior studies, young Americans are not outpacing older Americans in social–partisan engagement; rather, older Americans are more engaged in every sector of engagement we measure.
The Promise of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases

The goal of our review is to describe the rationale for immunotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM), the current landscape of clinical trials for this disease process, and possible future directions based on anticipated results. Immune checkpoint inhibition has shown efficacy in the treatment of several solid tumor brain metastases (i.e., melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer), but data specific to BCBM is relatively sparse. Preclinical studies in BCBM have illustrated a lower immune content in the brain microenvironment measured by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in brain metastases compared to primary tumors. Yet, improved outcomes are associated with higher TIL content in the BCBM, and strategies to understand and alter the complex brain immune microenvironment are needed. Based on observations in the non-breast cancer setting and early results in advanced breast cancer, it is likely that novel, strategic combination immunotherapy strategies will be needed to yield meaningful outcomes for BCBM patients. Some exciting concepts underway include novel immunotherapy combinations, concurrent stereotactic radiosurgery, bi-specific antibody armed activated T cells, and HER2-chimeric antigen receptor T cells for leptomeningeal disease.
STMC: Statistical Model Checker with Stratified and Antithetic Sampling

Open image in new window is a statistical model checker that uses antithetic and stratified sampling techniques to reduce the number of samples and, hence, the amount of time required before making a decision. The tool is capable of statistically verifying any black-box probabilistic system that Open image in new window can simulate, against probabilistic bounds on any property that Open image in new window can evaluate over individual executions of the system. We have evaluated our tool on many examples and compared it with both symbolic and statistical algorithms. When the number of strata is large, our algorithms reduced the number of samples more than 3 times on average. Furthermore, being a statistical model checker makes Open image in new window able to verify models that are well beyond the reach of current symbolic model checkers. On large systems (up to \(10^{14}\) states) Open image in new window was able to check 100% of benchmark systems, compared to existing symbolic methods in Open image in new window , which only succeeded on 13% of systems. The tool, installation instructions, benchmarks, and scripts for running the benchmarks are all available online as open source.
A distribution-free joint monitoring scheme for location and scale using individual observations

Recent advances in data acquisition and storage technologies have permitted the rapid collection of data over time at a relatively low cost. The implication of these advances to modern quality engi...
Improving Image-Based Plant Disease Classification With Generative Adversarial Network Under Limited Training Set.

Traditionally, plant disease recognition has mainly been done visually by human. It is often biased, time-consuming, and laborious. Machine learning methods based on plant leave images have been proposed to improve the disease recognition process. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been adopted and proven to be very effective. Despite the good classification accuracy achieved by CNNs, the issue of limited training data remains. In most cases, the training dataset is often small due to significant effort in data collection and annotation. In this case, CNN methods tend to have the overfitting problem. In this paper, Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (WGAN-GP) is combined with label smoothing regularization (LSR) to improve the prediction accuracy and address the overfitting problem under limited training data. Experiments show that the proposed WGAN-GP enhanced classification method can improve the overall classification accuracy of plant diseases by 24.4% as compared to 20.2% using classic data augmentation and 22% using synthetic samples without LSR.
The Roles of Radiology in Anatomy Education

Incorporating medical imaging into anatomy courses can increase both short- and long-term retention of anatomical concepts while adding a clinically oriented focus to instruction. Thoughtful incorporation of medical imaging into specific parts of the anatomy curriculum can enhance course objectives. There are many medical imaging modalities, each of which has different indications based on tissue type and anatomical concepts it best conveys. Images for use in the course can be obtained either by working with institutional radiology faculty or through online resources, both free and subscription-based. Lectures, small groups, tableside dissections, cases, and online modules are the most popular methods of incorporating medical imaging in anatomy education. Collaboration with radiologists to teach and develop imaging materials is recommended for optimal integration of medical imaging into anatomy courses. This chapter is designed to allow the medical imaging novice to bring medical imaging into a medical anatomy course, from start to finish.
Evaluating Harmonic Diversity of Solar Farms Using Equivalent Current Sources in EMTP-RV

This paper demonstrates the application of current source models (CSMs) in EMTP-RV to study the interaction of harmonic currents from inverter-based solar farms with the grid. The CSM represents the harmonic current injections of a solar farm at the high voltage side of its transformer. This work also investigates the diversity of current harmonic profiles of multiple solar farms, which arises due to the varying generation levels and distinct locations of solar farms. The CSMs emulate the behavior of solar farms using data from known current harmonic spectra and the phase angle of the inverter bus voltage obtained from a steady-state load flow simulation. The process is explained using two different network simulation models in which the CSMs operate along with conventional generator plants. The results of the harmonic current distortion are shown for two cases at 230-kV with PV-controlled generator plants.
Effectiveness of VR Head Mounted Displays in Professional Training: A Systematic Review

Over the past decade, virtual reality (VR) has re-emerged as a popular technology trend. This is mainly due to the recent investments from technology companies that are improving VR systems while increasing consumer access and interest. Amongst many applications of VR, one area that is particularly promising is for pedagogy. The immersive, experiential learning offered by VR provides new training and learning opportunities driven by the latest versions of affordable, highly immersive and easy to use head mounted display (HMD) systems. VR has been tested as a tool for training across diverse settings with varying levels of success in the past. However, there is a lack of recent review studies that investigates the effectiveness, advantages, limitations, and feasibility of using VR HMDs in training. This review aims to investigate the extent to which VR applications are useful in training, specifically for professional skill and safety training contexts. In this paper, we present the results from a systematic review of the effectiveness of VR-based simulation training from the past 30 years. As a secondary aim, the methodological trends of application and practical challenges of implementing VR in training curriculum were also assessed. The results suggest that there is generally high acceptance amongst trainees for VR-based training regardless of the technology limitations, usability challenges and cybersickness. There is evidence that VR is useful for training cognitive skills, such as spatial memory, learning and remembering procedures and psychomotor skills. VR is also found to be a good alternative where on the job training is either impossible or unsafe to implement. However, many training effectiveness studies reviewed lack experimental robustness due to limited study participants and questionable assessment methods. These results map out the current known strengths and weaknesses of VR HMDs and provide insight into required future research areas as the new era of VR HMD’s evolve.