cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PlantMiRNAPred: efficient classification of real and pseudo plant pre-miRNAs.

Motivation: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a set of short (21–24 nt) non-coding RNAs that play significant roles as post-transcriptional regulators in animals and plants. While some existing methods use comparative genomic approaches to identify plant precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs), others are based on the complementarity characteristics between miRNAs and their target mRNAs sequences. However, they can only identify the homologous miRNAs or the limited complementary miRNAs. Furthermore, since the plant premiRNAs are quite different from the animal pre-miRNAs, all the ab initio methods for animals cannot be applied to plants. Therefore, it is essential to develop a method based on machine learning to classify real plant pre-miRNAs and pseudo genome hairpins. Results: A novel classification method based on support vector machine (SVM) is proposed specifically for predicting plant pre-miRNAs. To make efficient prediction, we extract the pseudo hairpin sequences from the protein coding sequences of Arabidopsis thaliana and Glycine max, respectively. These pseudo pre-miRNAs are extracted in this study for the first time. A set of informative features are selected to improve the classification accuracy. The training samples are selected according to their distributions in the high-dimensional sample space. Our classifier PlantMiRNAPred achieves >90% accuracy on the plant datasets from eight plant species, including A.thaliana, Oryza sativa, Populus trichocarpa, Physcomitrella patens, Medicago truncatula, Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays and G.max. The superior performance of the proposed classifier can be attributed to the extracted plant pseudo pre-miRNAs, the selected training dataset and the carefully selected features. The ability of PlantMiRNAPred to discern real and pseudo pre-miRNAs provides a viable method for discovering new nonhomologous plant pre-miRNAs. Availability: The web service of PlantMiRNAPred, the training datasets, the testing datasets and the selected features are freely available at http://nclab.hit.edu.cn/PlantMiRNAPred/.
Prognosis and biology in esthesioneuroblastoma: the emerging role of Hyams grading system

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a sinonasal tumor with distinct clinicopathologic features, multiple facets, and a spectrum of behavior. Characterization of this disease is challenging, and clinically, several staging systems have been used with no consensus on a single scheme. Recently, the Hyams histological grading system has emerged as a promising prognostication tool that offers an added value to stage. This review addresses prognosis and biology in esthesioneuroblastoma. More specifically, we sought to present a critical appraisal on the value of each of these stratification systems, stage vs. grade, in identifying risk groups and guiding management.
Inferences from referred clinical cases of osteochondritis dissecans

Summary This report relates to cases of osteochondritis dissecans from my surgical case records. Two categories of OCD were recognised: (1) those showing clinical and radiographic signs, and (2) those showing clinical without radiographic (but arthroscopic) signs. Case material examined included OCD in 318 tarsocrural joints in 225 horses, 261 femoropatellar joints in 161 horses, 170 fetlock joints in 71 horses, and 49 shoulder joints in 43 horses. In 64 tarsocrural joints, other lesions accompanied the OCD lesion including articular cartilage fibrillation (31 joints) and degenerate or eroded articular cartilage (24 joints). In 13 joints, lesions of OCD were present at arthroscopy without being identified by radiographic examination. There was discrepancy in the radiographic demonstration of lateral trochlear ridge lesions and their arthroscopic manifestations. Lesions in femoropatellar joints were divided into three grades and it was common for the arthroscopic lesion to be of a higher grade than the radiographic lesion. Lesions on the medial trochlear ridge with no radiographic manifestations and where the separated articular cartilage was the same thickness as normal articular cartilage were recognised commonly. In the shoulder, the humeral head alone was involved in 12 joints, the glenoid alone in 11 and both humeral head and glenoid were involved in 26 joints. Osteochondritis dissecans of the dorsal aspect of the distal metacarpus and metatarsus was divided into type I, II and III lesions. Type I lesions usually resolved with conservative treatment but type II lesions did not. Based on the arthroscopic findings of these cases, it is noted that instances do occur where there is no thickening of the cartilage, which is inconsistent with previous statements regarding pathogenesis. Breed predispositions were apparent (Standardbred in the hocks, Thoroughbred in the femoropatellar, and metacarpophalangeal/ metatarsophalangeal joints, Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred in the shoulder). The consistent location of lesions within the joint (very close to the limits of articulation) suggests that physical factors may be involved in the pathogenesis. The frequent bilateral nature of lesions in the femoropatellar and tarsocrural joints (and quadrilateral nature in the fetlock joint) while infrequently involving different joints is consistent with a ‘window of vulnerability’ in the endochondral ossification of that specific joint when an environmental insult occurs.
Representing Children, Representing What?: Critical Reflections on Lawyering for Children

This article sets forth some critical observations about the role of children's attorneys in reinforcing and challenging sociolegal norms, particularly those norms that are not child-driven or child-centered. More concretely, it critically explores the role of children's lawyers in promoting the individual and systemic interests of their youthful constituents, most of whom receive lawyers because they are caught in systems that predominately serve poor children and children of color. The article first reflects on the indeterminacy and contingency of the category of children, checking our natural tendencies to idealize children and childhood. The second section describes the children's bar, examining its legalistic approach to children's problems and their solutions, which contemplate children in isolation from their families and communities. The third section notes the decline in children's well-being, despite the growth of a children's bar, and sketches five thematic observations that might account for this anomaly and raise questions regarding the utility of children's lawyers and the roles that they might occupy. These observations relate to the multiple gulfs between children and attorneys, and the limitations of rights-based advocacy, particularly for clients who do not have the authority to define justice in their own terms. The final section explores how children's attorneys are beginning to critically assess their dominance and their approaches to the legal representation of children, and to develop methods to ensure that the child's viewpoint is expressed.
On Machinability Study and Process Optimization in Face Milling of Some Alloys with Indexable Copy Face Mill Inserts

Abstract Hard-to-cut materials such as stainless steels and nickel-based super alloys are widely applied in different critical areas, e.g. , aerospace and automotive components and chemical plants. Complex parts used in these areas are machined by indexable copy face mills with round inserts. This work aims to apply such inserts for studying machinability and process cost optimization during face milling of several hard alloys including stainless steel SS 403cb+, Inconel 718, and Inconel 625 with indexable copy face mills. Machining experiments on these alloys are performed at different cutting speed and feed rate combinations, and machinability is studied in terms of tool life and wear, material removal rate, cutting forces, and force coefficients. The extended Taylor's tool life model that includes both the cutting speed and feed rate are used to determine the model coefficients. Using standard cost optimization model, process parameters are optimized considering the trade-off between material removal rate and tool life. The coefficients estimated for the extended Taylor's tool life model are also validated. Findings reveal that machinability of Inconel 625 is poorest among the three alloy materials considered. Also, machining cost is found to be about 5 and 6 folds for Inconel 718 and Inconel 625, respectively, as compared to that for SS403cb+ when considering a fixed volume to be removed at the optimized speed and feed combinations of each material.
Estimating Dispersion Coefficients in Estuaries

Estuarine dispersion coefficients have been determined from steady state salinity profiles. The salinity gradients can be determined from profiles at various stages of the tide or may be averaged over time intervals. Without the steady state assumption, the dispersion coefficient \ID\dL\N, can be determined by an equation. One weakness of this equation lies in the determination of ΔC/ΔX, which varies within the tidal cycle. A method is developed herein which reduces this weakness.
Comment on Bergstrom

This comment on a 2002 article by Theodore Bergstrom in the Journal of Economic Perspectives argues that group or multilevel selection in haystack models does not require assortative mating. If the various subgroups into which the population periodically divides are sufficiently small, random variation will assure that some groups have more altruists than others, and these groups will have more surviving offspring than others. Under conditions in which the subgroups are periodically repooled into a larger population, it is possible for altruists to increase over time in the general population even though they are declining (or not increasing) at all times in every subgroup.
Another Piece in the Fibrotic Puzzle: TSLP as a Novel Ligand for Fibrocyte Activation

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) has emerged as an important cytokine in the pathogenesis of nonallergic diseases, especially in diseases that include fibrosis. It has been shown to be upregulated in both cutaneous and lung fibrotic conditions. Shin et al. report that TSLP may also play a role in the pathogenesis of keloids. The main mechanism of TSLP profibrotic effects is not as yet fully understood, although the data suggest that it involves collagen production through transforming growth factor-β, at least in the case of dermal fibroblasts. The authors also report that TSLP is able to activate fibrocytes, probably by inducing stromal cell-derived factor-1 (also termed CXCL12), one of its main ligands. These findings support the concept that TSLP plays a role in the development of fibrosis, and they should lead to mechanistic studies on TSLP profibrotic signaling.
Can Carey answer Quine

In order to defend her claim that the concept object is biologically determined, Carey must answer Quine's gavagai argument, which purports to show that mastery of any concept with determinate reference presupposes a substantial repertoire of logical concepts. I maintain that the gavagai argument withstands the experimental data that Carey provides, but that it yields to an a priori argument.
Treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other causes.

Introduction and purpose Surgical treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other causes can be difficult and treatment approaches may vary. The purpose of this discussion is to present surgical treatment options for the management of vertical deviations secondary to other causes including dissociated vertical deviation, primary inferior oblique overaction, superior oblique overaction, and nonspecific eccentric gaze hypertropia with diplopia. Results Surgical treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other causes is beneficial to patients. Treatment approaches may vary depending upon patient circumstances and surgeon preference. Side effects and complications from surgery to manage these conditions can occur but are usually of minor significance and not vision threatening. Conclusions Treatment of vertical deviations secondary to other causes is effective and results usually satisfactory.
Prevalence of diarrhea among brucellosis patients in acute period

Objective To examine the prevalence of diarrhea symptom among diagnosed brucellosis patients in acute period and to explore the causes of diarrhea in the patients.Methods Totally 311 acute brucellosis patients were recruited in Liaoning province and routine stool examination and pathogen isolation of stool samples were conducted in the patients.Experimental treatment was carried out for the patients based on the results of laboratory detection.Results Of all the patients,only one had acute diarrhea;the patient was positive for Brucella antibody but negative for Brucella isolation and had abnormal red blood cell count(RBC)and white blood cell count(WBC)and positive result for Salmonella isolation of stool sample.The case was cured after specific treatment for Salmonella enteritis.Conclusion Brucella infection does not induce diarrhea in brucellosis patients and enteritis caused by other diarrheal pathogens may be the cause of complicated diarrhea among patients with acute brucellosis reported by researchers.
Decreasing auditory Simon effects across reaction time distributions

The Simon effect for left-right visual stimuli previously has been shown to decrease across the reaction time (RT) distribution. This decrease has been attributed to automatic activation of the corresponding response, which then dissipates over time. In contrast, for left-right tone stimuli, the Simon effect has not been found to decrease across the RT distribution but instead tends to increase. It has been proposed that automatic activation occurs through visuomotor information transmission, whereas the auditory Simon effect reflects cognitive coding interference and not automatic activation. In 4 experiments, we examined distributions of the auditory Simon effect for RT, percentage error (PE), and an inverse efficiency score [IES = RT/(1 - PE)] as a function of tone frequency and duration to determine whether the activation-dissipation account is also applicable to auditory stimuli. Consistent decreasing functions were found for the RT Simon effect distribution with short-duration tones of low frequency and for the PE and IES Simon effect distributions for all durations and frequency sets. Together, these findings provide robust evidence that left and right auditory stimuli also produce decreasing Simon effect distribution functions suggestive of automatic activation and dissipation of the corresponding response.
Meclofenomate inhibition of UV-induced erythema--a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Systemic intradermal and topical inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis have been shown to decrease the intensity delay the onset of erythema produced with a single exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. We studied the effect of single and multiple doses of meclofenomate on erythema induced by single and multiple doses of UV light. Thirty Caucasian subjects took either meclofenomate 100 mg t.i.d. or matching placebo for 5 days, crossing over to the alternative for 5 more days after a 2-day washout period. A statistical analysis was made of erythema response immediately prior to the study and then on 8 successive days during the study. Analysis of single and multiple exposure data revealed a statistically significant inhibition of erythema from meclofenomate therapy as compared with placebo.
DNA Zip Codes in Herpesvirus Genomes

The genomes of 39 herpesviruses were examined for the presence of DNA zip codes, sequence elements found in yeast to be involved in gene localization to the nuclear periphery and transcriptional memory. Tests were carried out with three different zip codes and with viruses in all three subfamilies of the Herpesviridae. All genomes were found to have have at least three zip codes with 30 the most observed. Zip codes in many alphaherpesviruses and in human cytomegalovirus were found to be symmetrically arranged within the S genome segment, a region that inverts actively during virus replication. This suggests zip codes may be involved in the segment inversion process. Zip codes located in 16 alphaherpesvirus promoters were examined separately from those in other locations. The genes most likely to have a zip code containing promoter were found to be those encoding glycoprotein B and transcription factor ICP4. Of the two, zip codes associated with ICP4 are of particular interest as their ability to mediate transcriptional memory is well-suited for a role in reactivation of alphaherpesviruses from the latent state.
The Boy and the Deer: A Zuni Tale

ABSTRACTA recently collected Zuni tale is presented in translation, together with explanatory notes and comments and a brief discussion of the difficulties of translation and of the rendition of an oral form in writing. Zuni reactions to the story are given.
Alternate Vessel Approaches to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been found to be non-inferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with high operative risk and superior to medical treatment in patients who are deemed inoperable. However, about 30 % of patients screened for this intervention are not candidates for TAVR via the preferred transfemoral route due to severe peripheral arterial disease and/or body habitus. In these patients, alternative access routes must be considered. These include the transapical, transaortic, transcarotid, trans-subclavian, and most recently transcaval approaches. The route of alternative access is based on the decision of the dedicated multispecialty heart valve team, upon review of patient variables. This approach leads to optimal outcomes in these challenging, often very comorbid patients. As data emerge about the outcomes of each alternative access route, we foresee more specific patient allocation algorithms to be instituted to guide clinical decision-making. The properties and suitability of different valve and delivery systems for alternative access will also be an intriguing area of research as new valves are continuously developed.
Ethical Aspects of tDCS Use in Neuropsychiatry and the Risk of Misuse

There is growing enthusiasm about the potential of tDCS to be of value to clinical treatment and cognitive enhancement in neuropsychiatry. Yet despite its promise, the use of tDCS in clinical and nonclinical contexts faces several scientific and ethical challenges, which must be considered to protect against unanticipated or even adverse effects on individuals and groups in society. Scientific challenges include the lack of precise understanding of tDCS mechanisms, the present unreliability of predictions for the magnitude and nature of an individual’s response to stimulation, the need for tDCS research to better capture dynamic effects in highly heterogeneous populations in whom comorbid diagnoses and the concurrent use of (multiple) medications may interact independently and interactively to affect tDCS response. Ethical challenges include issues of safety, character, justice, and autonomy. These considerations prompt a need to anticipate the trajectories of current and potential future use of tDCS both within and outside of clinical contexts, as there are likely to be evolving social and cultural consequences of tDCS use within neuropsychiatry. Likewise, neuroethical consequences from nonclinically oriented tDCS use are likely to have an impact on the way tDCS is used—and sought out—in clinical contexts. The accessibility of tDCS and its likelihood for broad use outside of medical contexts make it especially important to consider the promises, potential perils, and likely trajectories of tDCS use in multiple contexts from the outset. In this chapter, we reflect upon the way that the present degree of scientific understanding of tDCS motivates, justifies, and sometimes cautions against tDCS use.
PARALLEL DECOMPOSITION OF MULTICOMMODITY FLOW PROBLEMS USING COERCION METHODS

ABSTRACT We study the parallel implementation of a decomposition algorithm based on coercion functions, for the multicommodity network flow problem. Alternative designs for the parallel implementation of the algorithm are proposed. We then proceed to develop analytical models for the performance of the algorithm when implemented in parallel. Finally, computational results with the parallel implementation of the algorithm on a CRAY Y-MP are used to validate the models. The algorithm achieves modest speedups, and it solves efficiently some very large problems from a military logistics application.
A Retrospective Case Series of Carbon Fiber Plate Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

Distal fibula fractures represent a common problem in orthopaedics. When fibula fractures require operative fixation, implants are typically made from stainless steel or titanium alloys. Carbon fiber implants have been used elsewhere in orthopaedics for years, and their advantages include a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone, biocompatibility, increased fatigue strength, and radiolucency. This study hypothesized that carbon fiber plates would provide similar outcomes for ankle fracture fixation as titanium and steel implants. A retrospective chart review was performed of 30 patients who underwent fibular open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The main outcomes assessed were postoperative union rate and complication rate. The nonunion or failure rate for carbon fiber plates was 4% (1/24), and the union rate was 96% (23/24). The mean follow-up time was 20 months, and the complication rate was 8% (2/24). Carbon fiber plates are a viable alternative to metal plates in ankle fracture fixation, demonstrating union and complication rates comparable to those of traditional fixation techniques. Their theoretical advantages and similar cost make them an attractive implant choice for ORIF of the fibula. However, further studies are needed for extended follow-up and inclusion of larger patient cohorts. Levels of evidence Level IV: Retrospective Case series.
Chapter 8. Bending the Curve and Closing the Gap: Climate Justice and Public Health

Climate change is projected to cause widespread and serious harm to public health and the environment upon which life depends, unraveling many of the health and social gains of the last century. The burden of harm will fall disproportionately on the poorest communities, both in the U.S. and globally, raising urgent issues of “climate justice”. In contrast, strategies for climate action, including those of an institutional, and cultural nature, have the potential to improve quality of life for everyone. This chapter examines the social dimensions of building carbon neutral societies, with an emphasis on producing behavioral shifts, among both the most and the least advantaged populations. In support of Bending the Curve solutions 2 and 3, the case studies offered in this chapter rely not only on innovations in technology and policy, but innovations in attitudinal and behavioral change as well, focused on coordinated public communication and education (Solution 2), as well as new platforms for collaborating, where leaders across sectors can convene to tackle concrete problems (Solution 3).
Collision avoidance for unmanned aircraft using coordination tables

The safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the airspace requires reliable systems to keep aircraft separated. Unmanned aircraft will likely have to use horizontal maneuvers, in contrast with manned aircraft collision avoidance systems, which use only vertical maneuvers. Coordination of horizontal maneuvers is much less straightforward than vertical maneuvers because in some situations it is better for both aircraft to maneuver in the same direction and in other situations it is better to maneuver in opposite directions. This paper uses dynamic programming to generate a coordination scheme that is represented as a lookup table. Different aircraft that may have different collision avoidance systems can use this table to produce complementary maneuvers. The robustness of the table to various policies is measured in terms of safety and efficiency. The empirical results suggest that a coordination table can improve safety for encounters involving different collision avoidance systems.
Nonresidential fathers with children in foster care: A descriptive study in the United States

This study used the data from 64 nonresidential fathers who had their children placed in foster care to describe their characteristics. The survey included questions about demographic background and personal challenges, the father's involvement with his child in foster care, the father's relationship with the mother, barriers to the father's involvement, and the relationship with child welfare agencies and workers. The average age of the participants was about 39 years, and the majority of them were African American. About 70% of the fathers reported low levels of education. Almost 69% of fathers reported frequent face-to-face contact with their children. On average, the participants were arrested 2.6 times, and it ranged from 0 to 34. More research is necessary to learn more about these fathers, develop programs to help them become a viable source for permanency option, and become more involved in their children's lives.
Spatiotemporal hydrogel biomaterials for regenerative medicine

Hydrogels mimic many of the physical properties of soft tissue and are widely used biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Synthetic hydrogels have been developed to recapitulate many of the healthy and diseased states of native tissues and can be used as a cell scaffold to study the effect of matricellular interactions in vitro. However, these matrices often fail to capture the dynamic and heterogenous nature of the in vivo environment, which varies spatially and during events such as development and disease. To address this deficiency, a variety of manufacturing and processing techniques are being adapted to the biomaterials setting. Among these, photochemistry is particularly well suited because these reactions can be performed in precise three-dimensional space and at specific moments in time. This spatiotemporal control over chemical reactions can also be performed over a range of cell- and tissue-relevant length scales with reactions that proceed efficiently and harmlessly at ambient conditions. This review will focus on the use of photochemical reactions to create dynamic hydrogel environments, and how these dynamic environments are being used to investigate and direct cell behavior.
Prognosis of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer affected by statistical method of assessment.

476 Prognosis and impact of prognostic factors are standardly assessed with respectively, Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards. We hypothesized that there might be substantive differences in prognosis for the same patients, if different statistical methods were used, e.g. Boag log-normal, Kaplan-Meier, Cox, and log-normal survival analysis. A cohort of 244 limited-stage small-cell lung cancer patients accrued between 1981 and 1998, followed to the end of February, 2002 was used to compare 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-specific survival obtained with the four methods. The lack of events after 1966 days precluded comparison after 5-years. Surgical resection, hemoglobin level, lymph node involvement, and sup vena cava obstruction all had significant prognostic effects. Prognosis assessed by the methods differed by 0-6% at 1 year; 0-25% at 3 years; and 0-12% at 5 years. Apparent prognosis for patients was influenced by the statistical method of assessment.
Trends in Florida's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program registration and utilization: Implications for increasing voluntary use.

Objective: Effective use of state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) to track controlled substance prescribing and dispensing may help mitigate the current opioid crisis. Our objective was to examine trends in registration for and use of Florida's PDMP by physicians and pharmacists, from 2013 to 2016. We discuss implications for PDMP uptake and policy. Design: Key measures, such as cumulative number of registrants per license type and monthly utilization intensity, are presented. A time series forecasting approach was used to (1) model the monthly count of new PDMP registrants and users from January 2013 to December 2016 and (2) estimate cumulative registration totals after 1 year. Setting: Florida. Results: As of November 2016, there were 16,498 physicians (representing 31 percent of Drug Enforcement Administration licensees) and 17,241 pharmacists registered with the PDMP, representing 21 and 57 percent of professional licensees, respectively. Of note, the PDMP's designation as a “specialized registry” for electronic medical record “meaningful use” criteria led to a nearly sevenfold increase in physician registrations in a single month. In November 2016, pharmacists displayed a higher past-month PDMP utilization rate (52.2 percent vs 30.1 percent), while physicians displayed a higher past-month PDMP utilization intensity (58.1 vs. 36.1 queries per user). Approximately 25,000 physicians and 31,000 pharmacists must register by the end of 2017 to meet national policy goals. Conclusion: PDMP registration among physicians and pharmacists is limited, and the use of the PDMP among registrants is more limited still. Our findings suggest that Florida will not meet national policy goals for registrants by the end of 2017, although new initiatives may alter this trend. Allowing the PDMP to help prescribers meet other professional needs, such as “meaningful use” or similar efforts, may be effective in increasing PDMP use.
Locomotion and transitional procedures for a hexapod-quadcopter robot

A novel hexapod-quadcopter robot was developed with multicopter flight hardware directly embedded in the hexapod legs. This paper discusses the locomotion implementations for walking and flying in addition to transitional procedures necessary to switch between these two modes of operation. The algorithms were programmed using Robot Operating System on the 3D printed robot and tested to verify feasibility and performance.
Looking into the day-to-day process of victim safety planning

Although safety planning is a widely recommended intervention for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, there has been limited research on the safety planning process, content, context or effectiveness. This study builds on prior research to increase the understanding of safety planning in every day practice through focus group discussions with domestic violence and sexual assault advocates from a variety of settings. Five focus groups with 37 participants from a variety of settings discussed typical safety planning strategies and addressing the complexity of safety in challenging situations. Six main themes emerged with regard to typical safety planning strategies. Additionally, discussions revealed there are no widely accepted protocols or evidence-based strategies regarding how to assess and handle common but risky situations. Lastly, results indicate that risks are multi-layered and impacted by resources available to victims as well as civil or criminal justice system procedures, policies and victim status. It is essential that evidence based best practices and protocols be developed for safety planning for a number of high risk situations along with ongoing training, supervision and support. Future research is needed to examine whether, and how, safety planning best practices and protocols should differ depending on agency setting or delivery mode (e.g., hotline, case management, counseling) and geographic context.
Optimal morphing – augmented dynamic soaring maneuvers for unmanned air vehicle capable of span and sweep morphologies

Abstract This paper investigates autonomous dynamic soaring maneuvers for a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (sUAV) having the capability to morph. Dynamic soaring for UAVs have mostly been confined in literature to fixed configurations. In order to analyze the extent to which dynamic soaring is influenced by different morphologies, an innovative concept of integrating dynamic soaring with morphing capabilities is introduced. Moreover, optimal soaring trajectories are generated for two basic wing morphologies: variable sweep and variable span. Three-dimensional point-mass UAV equations of motion and nonlinear wind gradient profile are used to model the flight dynamics. Parametric characterization of the key performance parameters is performed to determine the optimal platform configuration during various phases of the maneuver. Results presented in this paper indicate 15% lesser required wind shear by the proposed span morphology and 14% lesser required wind shear by the proposed sweep morphology, in comparison to their respective fixed wing counterparts. This shows that the morphing UAV can perform dynamic soaring in an environment, where fixed configuration UAVs might not, because of lesser available wind shears. Apart from this, span morphology reduced drag by 15%, lift requirement by 11% and angle of attack requirement by 20%, whereas increased the maximum velocity by 6.2%, normalized energies by 9% and improved loitering parameters (approximately 10%), in comparison to fixed span configurations. Similarly, sweep morphology guaranteed 20% drag reduction, 16% lesser angle of attack requirement and improved loitering performance over the fixed sweep configurations. The results achieved from this study strongly support the idea of integrating dynamic soaring with morphing capabilities and its potential benefits.
Using time-to-event analysis to identify preconception and prenatal predictors of child protective services contact

Abstract We examined preconception and prenatal predictors of time to first child protective services (CPS) contact among Alaska children. Data were from the Alaska Longitudinal Child Abuse and Neglect Linkage (ALCANLink) project, a population-representative data source linking 2009–2011 Alaska Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data with administrative data sources through 2015. We examined the incidence CPS contact using the Kaplan-Meier method and predictors of CPS contact using Cox proportional hazards regression. Using data from the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend and Child Death Review, we censored children who emigrated out-of-state or died during the study period. Significant predictors included low socioeconomic status (HR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.68, 2.96), maternal smoking during pregnancy (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.55, 2.24), unmarried maternal marital status (HR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.31, 1.99), urban residence (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.32, 1.92), lower maternal education (HR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.24, 1.92), maternal experience of intimate partner violence in the 12 months before childbirth(HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.01, 1.74), Alaska Native/American Indian race (HR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.15, 1.71), a greater number of living children (HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.13, 1.29), a greater number of stressful life eventsin the 12 months before childbirth (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.11, 1.21), and younger maternal age at childbirth (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93, 0.97). Use of multiple linked data sources and time-to-event analysis methods adds to the growing literature regarding predictors of CPS contact. Results suggest that assessing for and addressing clinical, social, and environmental indicators during the prenatal period may aid prevention efforts in mitigating family need for involvement with CPS.
Pathophysiology of Uterine Myomas and Its Clinical Implications

Uterine leiomyomas or, as frequently called, fibroids or myomas, are the most common solid pelvic tumors of the genital tract in women. Because of their frequency and bothersome symptomatology, they represent an onerous condition for women that often need to be dealt with medically. The majority of symptomatic women may require surgical treatment, as most medical approaches available at present, have not been completely successful, particularly in the long term. The pathophysiology of these tumors needs to be carefully reviewed and understood by physicians caring for women afflicted with this condition, in order to provide the best therapeutic option. This chapter will summarize the important factors involved in the pathophysiology of these tumors.
Hands-On Software Engineering Project

The difference between the real world and academia can be significant. Some efforts to bridge this gap come from projects that simulate real world problems in a controlled learning environment. The expectations that arise in these settings are not just to deliver a product or service by some arbitrary deadlines, but for the student to engross themselves in the processes and activities, and to learn and hone skills that are highly marketable. To do this, students need to provide honest and constructive feedback for other students, the group, and themselves.
Nailfold Capillary Morphology in Alzheimer's Disease Dementia.

Background Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is highly comorbid with Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet its role is not entirely understood. Nailfold video capillaroscopy (NVC) is a noninvasive method of live imaging the capillaries near the fingernail's cuticle and may help to describe further vascular contributions to AD. Objective To examine finger nailfold capillary morphology using NVC in subjects with AD dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal cognition (NC). Methods We evaluated nailfold capillary hemorrhages, avascular zones ≥100 microns, and degree of tortuosity in 28 NC, 15 MCI, and 18 AD dementia subjects using NVC. Tortuosity was measured with a semi-quantitative rating scale. To assess the relation between nailfold capillary morphological features and diagnostic grouping, univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to the data. Results 56% of subjects with AD dementia compared to 14% with NC and 13% with MCI displayed moderate to severe tortuosity. Greater severity of tortuosity was associated with 10.6-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4, 46.2; p = 0.0018) and 7.4-fold (95% CI: 1.3, 41.3; p = 0.023) increased odds of AD dementia relative to NC and MCI, respectively, after adjusting for multiple covariates. Conclusion Greater nailfold capillary tortuosity was found in participants with AD dementia compared to those with MCI or NC. These data provide preliminary evidence of a systemic microvasculopathy in AD that may be noninvasively and inexpensively evaluated through NVC.
The Boltzmann Equation

We are concerned with experiments in which the effects of collisions must be treated on an equal basis with the effects of external fields. Hence, we cannot simply add a collisional damping term to Newton’s equations of motion for a single particle. Instead, we take the 1872 equation of Ludwig Edward Boltzmann (1844–1906) as the fundamental kinetic equation for an ion swarm.
Electronic and Steric Control of n→π* Interactions: Stabilization of the α-Helix Conformation without a Hydrogen Bond.

The preferred conformations of peptides and proteins are dependent on local interactions that bias the conformational ensemble. The n→π* interaction between consecutive carbonyls promotes compact conformations, including the α-helix and polyproline II helix. In order to further understand the n→π* interaction and to develop methods to promote defined conformational preferences through acyl N-capping motifs, a series of peptides was synthesized in which the electronic and steric properties of the acyl group were modified. Using NMR spectroscopy, van't Hoff analysis of enthalpies, X-ray crystallography, and computational investigations, we observed that more electron-rich donor carbonyls (pivaloyl, iso-butyryl, propionyl) promote stronger n→π* interactions and more compact conformations than acetyl or less electron-rich donor carbonyls (methoxyacetyl, fluoroacetyl, formyl). X-ray crystallography indicates a strong, electronically tunable preference for the α-helix conformation, as observed directly on the φ and ψ torsion angles. Electron-donating acyl groups promote the α-helical conformation, even in the absence of the hydrogen bonding that stabilizes the α-helix. In contrast, electron-withdrawing acyl groups led to more extended conformations. More sterically demanding groups can promote trans amide bonds independent of the electronic effect on n→π* interactions. Chloroacetyl groups additionally promote n→π* interactions through the interaction of the chlorine lone pair with the proximal carbonyl π*. These data provide additional support for an important role of n→π* interactions in the conformational ensemble of disordered or unfolded proteins. Moreover, this work suggests that readily incorporated acyl N-capping motifs that modulate n→π* interactions may be employed rationally to promote conformational biases in peptides, with potential applications in molecular design and medicinal chemistry.
Torque Ripple Minimization in Interior Permanent Magnet Machines Using Axial Pole Shaping

This paper compares the torque ripple produced by a commercial industrial interior permanent magnet machine (IPMM) when it employs traditional radial pole shaping, and skewing, to a proposed axial pole shaping technique. The new technique adjusts the flux concentration on the rotor surface along the axial direction to effectively minimize torque ripple. The proposed technique has been implemented in a commercial IPMM and the design was optimized using the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. The performance of all the techniques was simulated using the finite element (FE) method. The results show that the proposed technique can greatly reduce torque ripple with minimum average torque compensation compared to other conventional techniques. The FE simulations were validated experimentally through a variety of tests in which the measurements show good agreement with the predicted performance.
Development of a Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop Platform for Microgrid Distributed Control Applications

Microgrids (MGs) are ideally suited for distributed control solutions. However, implementation and validation of the developed distributed control algorithms are quite challenging. In this paper we propose a Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) platform for MG distributed control applications that satisfy the requirements of IEEE Std. 2030.7 for MG control systems. We describe two main features of the proposed platform: 1) a software platform that enables the implementation of control algorithms that have been developed analytically and 2) a real-time MG testbed that replicates practical MG operation environment by using real-time communication network and grid solutions. Implementation and validation of a distributed MG synchronization operation control strategy are used to demonstrate the performance of the proposed CHIL platform.
Automatisierungstechnologien für große CFK-Strukturen der Luftfahrt

Manuelle Legearbeiten fur grose CFK-Strukturen sind sehr zeitaufwendig und von der individuellen Leistungsfahigkeit der Mitarbeiter abhangig. Deshalb haben sich einige Automatisierungstechnologien entwickelt. Nachdem das Tapelegen und die Fiber Placement Technologie in den letzten Jahren das automatisierte Ablegen von grosen Strukturen ermoglicht haben, ist nun ein Bedarf an Optimierungen und weiterer Automatisierung notwendig, um langfristig eine rentable Serienproduktion zu ermoglichen.
Dissolution of Low Enriched Uranium from Experimental Breeder Reactor-II Fuel

ABSTRACTA dissolution flowsheet for the Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) ingots generated at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) from the electrochemical processing of the EBR-II fuel was demonstrated at the laboratory scale. Dissolution experiments were performed using samples of the LEU and a carbon steel can and an integrated experiment was performed in which an Al 1100 alloy was dissolved as a surrogate for Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF) followed by the dissolution of samples of the LEU and carbon steel can to demonstrate the complete flowsheet. The flowsheet allows the dissolution of a SNF batch in an H-Canyon dissolver using existing flowsheets followed by the dissolution of nominally 75 kg of LEU in the 6.4D dissolver or 45 kg of LEU in the 6.1D dissolver which were recovered from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II (EBR-II) fuel. In the demonstration experiment, the rate of dissolution of the LEU metal was significantly slower than the dissolution rate of the Al 1100 alloy (4.7 versus 27 mg/min/cm2) which pro...
Bile Duct Injury due to Drug Induced Liver Injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) can present with a variable clinical and pathological phenotype and can be classified using liver enzymes as hepatocellular, cholestatic, or a mixed pattern. The cholestatic pattern has been considered amongst the spectrum of direct liver damage at the microscopic level, but recently, bile duct injury, as a manifestation of DILI, has emerged as a distinct entity, and this review examines several examples of biliary tract abnormalities due to DILI from a clinical, radiologic, and pathologic perspective. Case series and reports have emerged over the last few years of drugs causing cholangiographic changes or direct injury to the intra- and extra-hepatic biliary tree, such as ketamine and several chemotherapy agents. The DILI Network (DILIN) in the USA has published their experience of cases with vanishing bile duct syndrome on histology and sclerosing cholangitis-like changes seen on cholangiography. The pathogenesis of these changes is unclear but it appears that this type of injury is more severe and more likely to lead to a chronic injury with increased mortality than other cases of DILI. Bile duct injury due to DILI is an increasingly recognized entity and imaging of the biliary tree in conjunction with liver biopsy should be considered in patients with severe cholestatic DILI.
Outcomes Associated With Stage 2 Pressure Injuries Among Surgical Critical Care Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a serious problem among critical care patients. Although most hospital-acquired pressure injuries are stage 2 (partial-thickness skin loss with exposed dermis), no studies have examined outcomes of stage 2 pressure injuries among critical care patients. Objectives To examine outcomes of stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries among critical care patients and identify factors associated with nonhealing stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Methods Electronic health record data were used to identify surgical critical care patients with stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries at a level I trauma center. Univariate Cox regressions were used to identify factors associated with healed stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Results Of 6376 surgical critical care patients, 298 (4.7%) developed stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries; complete data were available for 253 patients. Of these 253 patients, 160 (63%) had unhealed pressure injuries at hospital discharge. Factors inversely related to the presence of a healed hospital-acquired pressure injury were older age (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P = .003), elevated serum lactate (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.96; P = .01), elevated serum creatinine (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; P = .02), and lower oxygenation (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41-1.00; P = .05). Conclusions Stage 2 hospital-acquired pressure injuries were not healed at discharge in 63% of the patients in our sample. Nurses should be especially vigilant in treating pressure injury patients who are older, have altered oxygenation or perfusion (elevated serum lactate level or decreased oxygenation), or have evidence of renal compromise.
Accuracy and repeatability of smartphone sensors for measuring shank-to-vertical angle.

Background:Assessments of human movement are clinically important. However, accurate measurements are often unavailable due to the need for expensive equipment or intensive processing. For orthotis...