cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An ultra-lightweight L-band digital Lobe-Differencing Correlation Radiometer (LDCR) for airborne UAV SSS mapping

One of the most critical of environmental parameters yet to be adequately measured is sea surface salinity, which impacts major ocean circulation and a number of biological oceanic processes. We discuss here the design of a new digital radiometer system to address the issues surrounding the accurate mapping of sea surface brightness temperatures at L-band with high spatial and temporal resolution, and suitable for deployment on small long endurance UAVs. The lobe-differencing correlation radiometer employs a highly stable design and digital processing using demonstrated techniques for anthropogenic radio frequency interference mitigation.
Evaluation of Hard Tissue Replacement Composite Graft Material as a Ridge Preservation/Augmentation Material in Conjunction with Immediate Hydroxyapatite‐Coated Dental Implants

Background: Immediate placement of dental implants (DI) in fresh extraction sockets is associated with remaining voids around the DI and often a partial dehiscence or thin facial alveolar plate. Bone replacement grafts are often used to correct these problems. This study evaluated the use of a layered composite of PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate), PHEMA (poly-hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate), and calcium hydroxide grafts (HTR) as a ridge preservation/ augmentation material used in conjunction with an immediate DI placement technique. Methods: Twenty-three patients requiring 1 or 2 extractions that were treatment planned for immediate DI placement received 4.0 or 3.25 mm diameter hydroxyapatite-coated cylindrical implants in the extraction sockets. HTR was used to fill the remaining socket void and enhance the facial ridge width. A collagen hemostatic was placed to cover the DI sites, flaps released, and primary closure attempted with sutures. DI uncovering was performed at about 6 months. Measurements were tak...
Cytoskeletal linkers: New MAPs for old destinations

A new isoform of the actin-neurofilament linker protein BPAG has been found that binds to and stabilizes axonal microtubules. This and other newly identified microtubule-associated proteins are likely to be just the tip of an iceberg of multifunctional proteins that stabilize and crosslink cytoskeletal filament networks.
Analysis of expert reasoning in hardware diagnosis

Abstract We present an analysis of expert reasoning in the domain of computer hardware diagnosis. The methods used in the study include directed interviews, observation and techniques of protocol analysis. The task investigated was the diagnosis of a complex piece of computer hardware. The initial symptoms are usually insufficient to determine the cause of a fault, requiring the acquisition of more data. Many thousands of pieces of data may be sought, but there is only enough time to obtain a few. We found that the experts use strategies to focus and obtain only the most relevant of this data. In addition, they use models of the hardware containing the diagnostically useful information. The strategies used are both powerful and efficient. Although they are specialized and save time and effort in performing the task, they are also general enough to apply to the majority of the problems encountered, including novel faults. As a test of these ideas, a prototype expert system was implemented. It is a model of problem solving and serves as a test of the adequacy of the knowledge described to perform diagnosis.
Validity Study of the Thinking Styles Inventory.

this article examines the psychometric properties of the 104-item thinking Styles inventory ( tSi; Sternberg & Wagner, 1992) using responses from 789 students from 4 high schools in Connecticut. twelve of the 13 subscales identified in mental self-government (MSG) theory (Sternberg, 1988, 1997) were included in all analy- ses. Both subscale- and item-level confirmatory factor analysis failed to confirm the theory-proposed 5-factor structure as well as 3 other structural models identified in previous studies. Post hoc item-level exploratory factory analysis and subscale score reli - ability analysis resulted in the omission of 64 original items due to weak psychometric properties. thirty-two original items were retained, comprising 5 subscales, liberal/ Progressive, External, Hierarchic, Judicial, and legislative/Self- reliant, largely con - sistent with those identified in MSG theory. implications of the results are discussed. Although by no means a new area of research in the field of education or psychology, the study of intellectual (cognitive, thinking, learn -
LONG‐TERM POTENTIAL FOR IMPRINTING IN DUCKS AND CHICKENS

In the first of five experiments, three of four adult ducks who had been reared in visual isolation gradually developed strong approach responses towards a moving panel of colored lights. Experiment 2 provided evidence that the ducks' approach response reflected the same sort of social attachment that is typically formed to moving objects by newly hatched ducklings. Experiment 3 revealed that the fourth duck would not approach the moving stimulus even after additional exposure to it, but would approach a conspecific after group housing had been enforced for seven days. In Experiment 4, none of five adult chickens who had been reared in visual isolation developed approach responses towards the moving stimulus, even though in Experiment 5, newly hatched chicks approached the stimulus quite readily. Taken together, these findings (a) indicate that ducks retain the ability to form filial-type attachments to novel objects throughout their lives, and (b) offer preliminary evidence that chickens do not retain this ability into adulthood.
Simple numerical simulation of strain measurement

By adopting the basic principle of the reflection (and transmission) of a plane polarized electromagnetic wave incident normal to a stack of films of alternating refractive index, a simple numerical code was written to simulate the maximum reflectivity (transmittivity) of a fiber optic Bragg grating corresponding to various non-uniform strain conditions including photo-elastic effect in certain cases.
Sulfatide-Mediated Activation of Type II Natural Killer T Cells Prevents Hepatic Ischemic Reperfusion Injury In Mice

Background & Aims Hepatic ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication of liver transplantation and resectional hepatic surgeries. Natural killer T (NKT) cells predominate in liver, where they recognize lipid antigens bound to CD1d molecules. Type I NKT cells use a semi-invariant T-cell receptor and react with α-galactosylceramide; type II NKT cells use diverse T-cell receptors. Some type II NKT cells recognize the self-glycolipid sulfatide. It is not clear whether or how these distinct NKT cell subsets mediate hepatocellular damage after IRI. Methods We examined the roles of type I and type II NKT cells in mice with partial hepatic, warm ischemia, and reperfusion injury. Results Mice that lack type I NKT cells ( Jα18−/− ) were protected from hepatic IRI, indicated by reduced hepatocellular necrosis and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase. Sulfatide-mediated activation of type II NKT cells reduced interferon-γ secretion by type I NKT cells and prevented IRI. Protection from hepatic IRI by sulfatide-mediated inactivation of type I NKT cells was associated with significant reductions in hepatic recruitment of myeloid cell subsets, especially the CD11b + Gr-1 int , Gr-1 – , and NK cells. Conclusions In mice, subsets of NKT cells have opposing roles in hepatic IRI: type I NKT cells promote injury whereas sulfatide-reactive type II NKT cells protect against injury. CD1d activation of NKT cells is conserved from mice to human beings, so strategies to modify these processes might be developed to treat patients with hepatic reperfusion injury.
Antianaerobic Activity of Sulopenem Compared to Six Other Agents

Agar dilution MIC methodology was used to compare the activity of sulopenem with those of amoxicillin/clavulanate, ampicillin/sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem, clindamycin, and metronidazole against 431 anaerobes. Overall, MIC 50 / 90 values were as follows: sulopenem, 0.25/1.0 μg/ml; amoxicillin/clavulanate, 0.5/2.0 μg/ml; ampicillin/sulbactam, 0.5/4.0 μg/ml; piperacillin/tazobactam, 0.25/8.0 μg/ml; imipenem, 0.06/1.0 μg/ml; clindamycin, 0.25/16.0 μg/ml; and metronidazole, 1.0/4.0 μg/ml.
The “Village” Model: A Consumer-Driven Approach for Aging in Place

Purpose of the Study: This study examines the characteristics of the “Village” model, an innovative consumer-driven approach that aims to promote aging in place through a combination of member supports, service referrals, and consumer engagement. Design and Methods: Thirty of 42 fully operational Villages completed 2 surveys. One survey examined Villages’ member characteristics, membership types, and fee structures. An additional survey collected information about organizational mission, goals, methods of operation, funding sources, challenges, and older adults’ roles. Results: Villages provide a variety of support services designed to help members age in place, meet service needs, and promote health and quality of life. Most Villages operate relatively autonomously, relying primarily on member fees and donations. Village members typically are highly involved in organizational development and oversight and provide services to other members in almost half of the Villages. Members predominantly are aged 65 years or older, White, non-Hispanic, homeowners, and have care needs that are slightly lower than those of the elderly U.S. population overall. Implications: Villages are a promising model for addressing service needs among middle-class seniors who seek to age in their own homes and communities. Financial sustainability is apt to be a challenge unless Villages secure more stable sources of funding. Organizational sustainability may be promoted through affiliations with social service agencies and other sources of technical and financial assis tance. Future evaluation is needed regarding the impact of Villages on elders’ ability to age in place as well as the long-term sustainability of the Village model.
Reply-A Note on PERT Assumptions

Littlefield and Randolph Littlefield, T. K., Jr., P. H. Randolph. 1987. Another note on PERT times. Management Sci.33 1357-1359. present the historical derivation of the PERT equations. A second derivation is possible, however, using a different set of assumptions.
Maximal global snapshot with concurrent initiators

In a distributed system multiple nodes may initiate snapshot collection concurrently. In this paper we present a global snapshot collection algorithm that combines the information collected by each initiator. This generates a maximal, consistent global snapshot that is more recent than the snapshot collected by any initiator. Global snapshots are used to establish checkpoints for recovery from node failures. A maximal snapshot implies that the amount of computation lost during roll-back after node failures, is minimized. We also present an efficient information dissemination strategy that nodes can employ to exchange snapshot information with each other. >
Specialized Video and Physiological Data Coding System for Remote Monitoring

Patient monitoring via video and physiological data recording can now be performed outside hospitals. This procedure, usually performed in a prolonged manner, generates a considerable amount of data, which calls for efficient ways for archiving and transmission. In this work, we present a specialized system to code the video and the physiological data recorded from a patient, aiming at a reduced bandwidth requirement compared to the conventional methods. We've developed an object-based approach to coding the monitoring video. By applying two change detection methods, we decompose a video frame into three video object planes (VOPs) representing the background, the stationary foreground and the moving foreground. These VOPs are coded at different frame rates, leading to a reduced overall bit rate. For coding the physiological data (using electroencephalogram, i.e. EEG, as an example), we present an effective solution by using a combination of the lifting scheme and the SPIHT algorithm. This approach is featured with a wavelet-quantization algorithm that enables a scalable transmission. The feasibility of this proposed system is demonstrated by our experimental results.
The Development and Initial Validation of Scales to Assess Attitudes Toward Multiple Role Planning

A 50-item instrument was developed to assess attitudes toward multiple role planning. Instrument development was prompted by current social expectations that women participate fully in both career and family roles and the desire to investigate how women anticipate such role involvement. The reliability and validity of the five Attitudes Toward Multiple Role Planning (ATMRP; Weitzman, 1992) scales were investigated using a cross-sectional sample of 925 female high school (n = 177), undergraduate (n = 394), and graduate (n = 354) students. Four of the five scales demonstrated strong reliability, and confirmatory factor analyses fit a four-factor model to the data (goodness-of-fit [GFI] = .94). Validity analyses confirmed hypothesized expectations of differences in multiple role planning among groups varying in proximity to multiple role involvement and by compatibility of work—family plans. The ATMRP scales can be used to supplement research that examines how women negotiate the career-family interface.
Enhanced performance of plasmid DNA polyplexes stabilized by a combination of core hydrophobicity and surface PEGylation

Nonviral gene therapy has high potential for safely promoting tissue restoration and for treating various genetic diseases. One current limitation is that conventional transfection reagents such as polyethylenimine (PEI) form electrostatically stabilized plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplexes with poor colloidal stability. In this study, a library of poly(ethylene glycol-b-(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate)) [poly(EG-b-(DMAEMA-co-BMA))] polymers were synthesized and screened for improved colloidal stability and nucleic acid transfection following lyophilization. When added to pDNA in the appropriate pH buffer, the DMAEMA moieties initiate formation of electrostatic polyplexes that are internally stabilized by hydrophobic interactions of the core BMA blocks and sterically stabilized against aggregation by a PEG corona. The BMA content was varied from 0% to 60% in the second polymer block in order to optimally tune the balance of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in the polyplex core, and polymers with 40 and 50 mol% BMA achieved the highest transfection efficiency. Diblock copolymers were more stable than PEI in physiologic buffers. Consequently, diblock copolymer polyplexes aggregated more slowly and followed a reaction-limited colloidal aggregation model, while fast aggregation of PEI polyplexes was governed by a diffusion-limited model. Polymers with 40% BMA did not aggregate significantly after lyophilization and produced up to 20-fold higher transfection efficiency than PEI polyplexes both before and after lyophilization. Furthermore, poly(EG-b-(DMAEMA-co-BMA)) polyplexes exhibited pH-dependent membrane disruption in a red blood cell hemolysis assay and endosomal escape as observed by confocal microscopy. Lyophilized polyplexes made with the lead candidate diblock copolymer (40% BMA) also successfully transfected cells in vitro following incorporation into gas-foamed polymeric scaffolds. In summary, the enhanced colloidal stability, endosomal escape, and resultant high transfection efficiency of poly(EG-b-(DMAEMA-co-BMA))–pDNA polyplexes underscores their potential utility both for local delivery from scaffolds as well as systemic, intravenous delivery.
The Nile River Basin

The Nile River basin is one of the transboundary river basins that is in the forefront of water resource challenges of the century. As the basin’s population is growing, water demand is increasing. Focus on basin hydrology, climate change, and water management is critically needed. The Blue Nile subbasin is relatively more efficient in generating runoff contributing most of the flow to the Nile compared to the White Nile. This makes flows susceptible to changes in the watershed. The basin’s high rate of population growth is putting stress on natural resources including water. In 25 years, the population of the 11 Nile countries is projected to reach 726 million. A 64 % increase in water demand is projected in the Nile basin countries without factoring increase in per capita water demand. The link between river and watershed is becoming vivid as demand for water and power grows and becomes a source of conflict.
TMAO Is Both a Biomarker and a Renal Toxin

In 2011, Hazen and colleagues1 made the seminal discovery that 3 metabolites of dietary phosphatidylcholine (choline, trimethylamine N-oxide [TMAO] and betaine) predicted risk for cardiovascular disease in an independent large clinical cohort. They also demonstrated that supplementing the diet with choline or TMAO promoted atherosclerosis in a mouse model.1 The gut flora was shown to be required for the production of TMAO, and when the gut flora was suppressed, dietary choline–enhanced atherosclerosis was inhibited.1 Article, see p 448 The robustness of TMAO derived from choline in dietary phosphatidylcholine as a predictor of cardiovascular risk was subsequently confirmed in a larger cohort.2,3 It was also demonstrated that l-carnitine, a constituent of red meat, was another excellent substrate for gut flora to produce TMA, which was then converted to TMAO.4 More recently, it was shown that after l-carnitine ingestion, γ-butyrobetaine is produced as an intermediary metabolite by gut bacteria at a rate ≈1000-fold higher than the formation of TMA and in mice is converted into TMA and TMAO and accelerates atherosclerosis.5 Other studies demonstrated that TMAO predicted risk in patients with heart failure.6 Patients with heart failure with high TMAO levels had increased long-term mortality independent of …
Finding rules to search for events within images

Image Processing is used to compare and analyze images for characteristics that the human eye could not perceive unaided. It is the alteration or manipulation of images that have been captured by a digital recording device. Image Processing can be used to modify or improve the image by changing its size, color, contrast and brightness, or to compare and analyze images for characteristics that the human eye could not perceive unaided.
TREATMENT OF VESICOURETERIC REFLUX: RESULTS AFTER 3 YEARS IN A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Between 1982 and 1986, 96 children with nonobstructive vesicoureteric reflux were treated in a prospective study. There were 134 refluxing ureters. Results are reported after a follow-up period of 3 years in 94 children with 130 refluxing ureters. Initially all children with reflux grade III or less had antibiotic treatment only. Those with reflux grade IV were randomized for antibiotic treatment alone versus surgery plus antibiotic treatment, while the primary treatment of reflux grade V was reimplantation. In 84 ureters treated by antibiotics alone, reflux disappeared in 52 cases and in 18 ureters the reflux was reduced. In 49 ureters treated by reimplantation, reflux was cured in 39 cases and no severe ureteric obstruction was seen. Conservative management of reflux grade IV was less successful than surgery. The results of conservative, nonsurgical treatment of reflux grade I to III are satisfactory, but for grades IV and V reflux surgery should be the treatment of choice, provided that detrusor instability can be excluded.
Work experiences on MTurk

Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is an online marketplace for work, where Requesters post Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs) for Workers to complete for varying compensation. Past research has focused on the quality and generalizability of social and behavioral science research conducted using MTurk as a source of research participants. However, MTurk and other crowdsourcing platforms also exemplify trends toward extremely short-term contract work. We apply principles of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology to investigate MTurk Worker job satisfaction, information sharing, and turnover. We also report the top best and worst Requester behaviors (e.g., building a relationship, unfair pay) that affect Worker satisfaction. Worker satisfaction was consistently negatively related to turnover as expected, indicating that this traditional variable operates similarly in the MTurk work context. However, few of the traditional predictors of job satisfaction were significant, signifying that new operational definitions or entirely new variables may be needed in order to adequately understand the experiences of crowdsourced workers. Coworker friendships consistently predicted information sharing among Workers. The findings of this study are useful for understanding the experiences of crowdsourced workers from the perspective of I-O psychology, as well as for researchers using MTurk as a recruitment tool. We studied the work experiences of MTurk Workers.Job satisfaction consistently predicted turnover.However, few traditional predictors of job satisfaction were significant.New definitions or constructs may be needed to study this work experience.We also report the top best and worst practices for MTurk Requesters.
Working, but poor: The good life in rural America?

A secure job that pays above-poverty wages is a fundamental economic underpinning of a good life, but one that is absent or precarious for many workers in the rural United States. This paper examines the link between work and poverty in rural America, drawing comparisons over time and in relation to national averages and conditions in urban areas. Using data from the 2001 to 2014 Current Population Surveys, we address three analytic objectives. First, we track changes in the share of poor householders in work, and compare the prevalence of work between the rural and urban poor. Second, we estimate trends in the share of rural and urban workers who are poor, and highlight key social and demographic differentials. Third and finally, we estimate a series of logistic regression models to assess whether and to what extent rural-urban and temporal differences can be explained by the composition of the workforce and changes therein. Results show that an increasing share of the rural poor are out of work, and that the risk of poverty among those who are employed has also increased. While some of the longstanding rural disadvantage appears to have moderated in recent years, these changes are largely due to declining conditions in urban areas. Overall, our results support pessimistic conclusions about the economic status of rural America's workforce, and the ability of rural American's to meet the basic requisites of the good life through work.
Reproducibility in High Performance Computing

Ensuring reliability and reproducibility in computational research raises unique challenges in the supercomputing context. Specialized architectures, extensive and customized software, and complex workflows all raise barriers to transparency, while established concepts such as Validation, Verification, and Uncertainty Quantification point ways forward. The topic has attracted national attention: President Obama's July 29 2015 Executive Order "Creating a National Strategic Computing Initiative" includes accessibility and workflow capture as objectives; an XSEDE14 workshop released a report "Standing Together for Reproducibility in Large-Scale Computing"; on May 5 2015 ACM Transactions in Mathematical Software released a "Replicated Computational Results Initiative"; and this conference is host to a new workshop "Numerical Reproducibility at Exascale", to name but a few examples. In this context I will outline a research agenda to establish reproducibility and reliability as a cornerstone of scientific computing.
Screening and analysis of asymptomatic diabetes and prediabetes population in community

Objective To acquire the information of asymptomatic diabetes and prediabetes population in community,providing the basis for the strategy research on the prevention and control of diabetes. Methods Screening used"fasting plasma glucose( FPG) plus plasma glucose- 2 h after the 75 g oral glucose tolerance( 2h PG) "method. Diagnosis of asymptomatic diabetes and prediabetes were accorded with the WHO diagnostic criteria. Results 915 subjects were diagnosed as asymptomatic diabetes out from the 10 508 citizens aged 20 years old in communities,the prevalent rate was 8. 71%. 2 010 subjects were diagnosed as prediabetes. The prevalent rate was 19. 13%. There are statistical significance for the differences of DM between the groups divided by age 45( P 0. 01). Also,there are statistical significance for the differences of prediabetes according to gender( P 0. 01). Conclusion The screening of diabetes among community citizens in Ningbo suggests a higher level of asymptomatic diabetes above the provincial average level,which was coming to be a public health issue which we should pay more attention to.
Concurrent chemoradiation therapy in cervical cancer with para-aortic lymph node involvement

Objective : This study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic results and complications after concurrent chemoradiation therapy and to investigate the prognostic factors for cervical cancer with para-aortic lymph node involvement. Methods : From May 1999 to August 2005, thirty eight patients with cervical cancer, treated by combined platinum base chemotherapy and extended field radiation therapy in Gachon University Gil medical center. All patients were diagnosed as paraaortic lymphnode involvement with imaging studies. The radiation dose of external beam was 34.2-64.4 Gy to whole pelvis and 32.4-59.4 Gy to paraaortic area. Cisplatin based chemotherapy was done simultaneously. We evaluated the prognostic factors such as stage, tumor size, inguinal and supraclavicular lymphnode status, and radiation doses. Results : Median follow-up period is 34 months (7-85 months). The 3 year overall and disease free survival rates were 63.6% and 56.4%, respectively. There was no case of recurrence after 3 years of treatment. In 2 patients, the treatment was not completed because of Grade III or IV gastroenteral complications; abdominal pain and diarrhea. Grade III or IV hematologic complications were occurred in fifteen patients, but all patients were recovered without serious complications. We could not find any significant prognostic factors in this study. Conclusion : Concurrent chemoradiation therapy for cervical cancer with paraaortic lymph node involvement is well tolerable and effective treatment.
Fatigue and Flexural Behavior of Reinforced-Concrete Beams Strengthened with Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix

AbstractThe need for repair and rehabilitation is a crucial issue today in order to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network. One of the most recent innovative composite materials that has been proposed to the market is a fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) strengthening system. This system consists of two components: a structural reinforcement mesh and a cementitious matrix. The structural reinforcement mesh consists of a polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (or PBO) fiber composite, while the cementitious matrix is a nontoxic grout system based on portland cement with a low dosage of dry polymers. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the fatigue resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with FRCM under fatigue loading and postfatigue flexural strength to failure. The second aim was to investigate the durability performance of the FRCM after exposure to environmental conditioning including temperature, moisture, and sustained stress. All of the beam specimens exam...
Non-Conventional Community Values of Water

This chapter attends to the significance of water as it relates to spirituality, highlighting the meaning that various cultures assign to water and rites for which this natural resource is used. It is apparent that a majority of people worldwide place utmost importance on the organic or inherent value of water as it relates to spirituality. We argue that this is a value that should be incorporated into water development planning. The Eastern beliefs we include are Jainism, Hinduism, Chinese traditional religion (including Taoism), Buddhism, and Shinto. Regarding Western spiritual beliefs, we reflect on Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and other spiritual and ecologically oriented thought as addressed by Zoroastrianism and the Baha’i faith. We also discuss ecological-based spirituality as embraced by some Native American and African groups.
Can We Predict Discharge Status After Total Joint Arthroplasty? A Calculator to Predict Home Discharge

Abstract Background Postoperative discharge to a skilled nursing facility after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is associated with increased costs, complications, and readmission. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for discharge to a location other than home to build a calculator to predict discharge disposition after TJA. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2011 to 2013 to identify patients who underwent primary total hip or total knee arthroplasty. Risk factors were compared between patients discharging home vs a facility. Predictors of facility discharge were converted to discrete values to develop a simple numerical calculator. Results After primary TJA, patients discharged to a facility were typically older (70.9 vs 64.3, P P P Conclusion In patients undergoing TJA, advanced age, elevated ASA class, and functionally dependent status before surgery strongly predicted facility discharge. Given that facility discharge imposes a significant cost and morbidity burden after TJA, patients, surgeons, and hospitals may use this simple calculator to target this susceptible patient population.
Interference from Cellular Telephones in the Electroencephalogram

ABSTRACT:Cellular telephones are becoming increasingly common; their small size and portability means that they may be unrevealed when a patient has an EEG. They contain radio-frequency receivers and transmitters, and may produce EEG artifacts by several mechanisms. We have ascertained three patterns of EEG artifact that may be generated by cellular telephones: an “autonomous registration” artifact that may occur with the telephone turned on, but not otherwise being used, and “sending” and “receiving” artifacts which may be seen with use of the cellular telephone. The artifacts have a characteristic appearance. Awareness of these artifacts should prompt the technologist to determine if a cellular telephone is present in or near the recording room.
Parallel Interacting Multiple Model-Based Human Motion Prediction for Motion Planning of Companion Robots

We propose in this paper an autonomous motion planning framework for companion robots to accompany humans in a socially desirable manner, which takes safety and comfort requirements into account. The overall framework consists of two parts: first, a novel parallel interacting multiple model-unscented Kalman filter (PIMM-UKF) approach is developed to simultaneously estimate human motion states and model mismatch, and then systematically predict the position and velocity of the human for a finite horizon. Second, based on the predicted human states, a nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) technique is utilized for the robot motion planning. The simulation results have demonstrated the superior performance in prediction using the PIMM-UKF approach. The effectiveness of the MPC planner is also shown by successfully facilitating the socially desirable companion behavior.
Comparison of the BD MAX MRSA XT to the Cepheid™ Xpert® MRSA assay for the molecular detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from nasal swabs.

Abstract Introduction Variation in MRSA genotypes may affect the sensitivity of molecular assays to detect this organism. Methods We compared 2 commonly used screening assays, the Cepheid™ Xpert® MRSA and the BD MAX™ MRSA XT on consecutively obtained nasal swabs from 479 subjects. Specimens giving discordant results were subjected to additional microbiologic and molecular testing. Results Six hundred forty-two (97.6%) of the 658 test results were concordant. Of the 16 discordant results from 12 subjects, additional results suggested that 9 (60%) of the 15 MRSA XT assays were likely correct, and 6 (40%) of the 15 Xpert® assays were likely correct. One discordant result could not be resolved. A mecA dropout and novel mec right-extremity junction (MREJ) sites led to false-positive and negative results by Xpert®. Conclusion While both assays performed well, continued vigilance is needed to monitor for Staphylococcus aureus with novel MREJ sites, mecA dropouts, and mecC, leading to inaccurate results in screening assays.
Interphase mechanical behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer exposed to cyclic loading

Abstract A micro-/nano-scale technique is presented for characterizing early stage damage formation on un-sized individual carbon fibers as well as embedded carbon fibers exposed to cyclic loads. Nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy were used to study the local mechanical properties and morphology of composite constituents before and after cyclic loading. Samples were of the type: 1) un-sized individual carbon fiber and 2) carbon fibers embedded in an epoxy matrix. Contributions from the structural compliance were isolated from the indentations in order to track variations in interphase properties due to global fatigue. When tested in the radial direction, the fiber shell was found to be approximately 50% stiffer than the fiber core. Indentations on fibers within a composite cycled to 100% of fatigue life revealed a compliance effect of roughly 5 GPa with respect to fibers within a control composite. The experimental results are compared to a finite element analysis model in order to help understand the mechanical influence of the interphase in the presence of the elastically-mismatched fibers and matrix. The work is a first step toward understanding damage precursor formation in individual microfibers and composite interphase regions; the work is expected to enable multiscale composite modeling efforts as well as the development of future self-sensing materials.
119 Original research

Statement of Purpose In this research, we assess the implementation of domestic violence-related firearm restrictions by local justice system actors, and determine factors that influence successful or unsuccessful surrender or removal. The restrictions under study are state laws prohibiting those under domestic violence restraining orders or those convicted of violent misdemeanour crimes from possessing firearms, and state laws specifying that prohibited individuals must relinquish their firearms for the duration of their prohibition. Methods/Approach We conducted a cross-case comparative analysis of multiple local jurisdictions throughout the United States that represented a range of domestic violence restraining order firearm restriction laws and violent misdemeanour firearm restriction laws and enforcement strategies. Sabatier’s theory of public policy implementation frames and informs this research. Key informant interviews were conducted with judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement officers and domestic violence victim advocates. The interviews were transcribed and double-coded for reliability. Additionally, we examined relevant documents and processes, and data from administrative records related to the enforcement of firearm restrictions for each jurisdiction. Results will be presented, including discussions of the implications of the results. Significance and contributions to injury and violence prevention science Multiple studies have analysed the impact of domestic violence-related firearm laws on domestic violence outcomes, but few have investigated the implementation of these laws. Use of the case study method will allow us to gain a rich understanding of how selected jurisdictions view and interpret the laws, the contexts in which the laws are enforced, and mechanisms and procedures associated with enforcement. The case studies are designed to create depth of understanding in selected sites and will inform theory for future research.
Diagnosis and Management of Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency refers to inadequate production of cortisol to meet the demands of a major physiologic stress. Adrenal insufficiency can be primary, due to intrinsic adrenal disease, or central, as a component of hypopituitarism with adrenocorticotropin deficiency. Basal hormone testing establishes the diagnosis and distinguishes primary from central disease for the majority of cases, and dynamic testing is reserved when basal testing results are equivocal. The management of acute adrenal crisis focuses on volume repletion, sustained glucocorticoid exposure, and identification of a precipitating cause. Chronic therapy attempts to approximate physiologic replacement of glucocorticoid and, for primary adrenal insufficiency, also mineralocorticoid. Overtreatment can cause iatrogenic Cushing syndrome, and undertreatment during intercurrent illness can be life-threatening. Sick day rules, education, and medical alert identification are essential to avoid catastrophic adrenal crises, but fatal events occur even in educated patients despite taking the best precautions. In this article, we emphasize the approach to the patient to establish or to exclude the diagnosis and principles of acute and chronic therapy.
High speed disconnect switch with piezoelectric actuator for medium voltage direct current grids

With the future adoption of intermittent sources of power generation and the need for dynamic and reconfigurable power systems, a shift in power system design leans towards power electronics based, fault current limited distribution systems. Design requirements for breakers will focus on fast operation to handle dynamic changes, rather than breaking large magnitude fault currents, as in conventional breakers. High-speed disconnect switches are expected to play a vital role in future DC shipboard power systems. Previous work on an NSF funded project resulted in the development of a 200 A, 15 kV fast mechanical disconnect switch for AC applications. This paper explores the use of the same type of technology for DC power systems, describes the differences and identifies the research and development work needed to make the technology fit for shipboard applications.
Framing fracking: private property, common resources, and regimes of governance

In this policy ethnography we examine the discourse related to unconventional natural gas development in western Pennsylvania in order to illuminate expressions of political power in attempts to manufacture consent. We focus on the overlapping spheres of influence between the state and capital to dissect techniques of governance as they operate at the level of civil society. Data collection from fieldwork and discourse analysis, particularly focused on discourse about recent legislation to regulate the booming natural gas industry in Pennsylvania, reveals the ways in which industry proponents attempt to corral public opinion to the goal of extracting and amassing capital. We analyze how industry actors try to gain and draw from the authority and approval of the state in those efforts. In turn, the state uses its socially sanctioned authority to reframe water, land, air, community, health, and self around a paradigm that interprets those as sources of profit. This case study examines how, under neoliberalism, the state organizes knowledge on the topic of fracking such that the balance of power shifts further out of democratic reach. Key Words: capital, discourse analysis, ethnography, fracking, Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania Act 13, governance
Who Are the Online Extremists Among Us? Sociodemographic Characteristics, Social Networking, and Online Experiences of Those Who Produce Online Hate Materials

Abstract What are the factors associated with the production of online hate material? Past research has focused on attributes associated with seeing and being targeted by online hate material, but we know surprisingly little about the creators of such material. This study seeks to address this gap in the knowledge, using a random sample of Americans, aged 15–36. Descriptive results indicate that nearly one-fifth of our sample reported producing online material that others would likely interpret as hateful or degrading. We utilize a logistic regression to understand more about these individuals. Results indicate that men are significantly more likely than women to produce online hate material. This fits with the broader pattern of men being more apt to engage in deviant and criminal behaviors, both online and offline. Other results show that the use of particular social networking sites, such as Reddit, Tumblr, and general messaging boards, is positively related to the dissemination of hate material online...
Code — modulated beamforming for mobile distributed array

We propose a novel Code — Modulated Beamforming (COMB) technique for swarm array (SA) communication with its destination. RF signal at each mobile element is coded with independent random code before sent out. At the destination, the signals are received with an UWB antenna and a single receiver. After decoding and demultiplexing, the recovered digitized baseband multi-channel signals are sent to beamformer for array processing. The advantages of the proposed COMB technique are blind search and robustness against mobile element positioning error and vibration.
Efficient and Scalable Precision Genome Editing in Staphylococcus aureus through Conditional Recombineering and CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Counterselection

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen, but studies of the organism have suffered from the lack of a robust tool set for its genetic and genomic manipulation. Here we report the development of a system for the facile and high-throughput genomic engineering of S. aureus using single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligonucleotide recombineering coupled with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated counterselection. We identify recombinase EF2132, derived from Enterococcus faecalis, as being capable of integrating single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides into the S. aureus genome. We found that EF2132 can readily mediate recombineering across multiple characterized strains (3 of 3 tested) and primary clinical isolates (6 of 6 tested), typically yielding thousands of recombinants per transformation. Surprisingly, we also found that some S. aureus strains are naturally recombinogenic at measurable frequencies when oligonucleotides are introduced by electroporation, even without exogenous recombinase expression. We construct a temperature-sensitive, two-vector system which enables conditional recombineering and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated counterselection in S. aureus without permanently introducing exogenous genetic material or unintended genetic lesions. We demonstrate the ability of this system to efficiently and precisely engineer point mutations and large single-gene deletions in the S. aureus genome and to yield highly enriched populations of engineered recombinants even in the absence of an externally selectable phenotype. By virtue of utilizing inexpensive, commercially synthesized synthetic DNA oligonucleotides as substrates for recombineering and counterselection, this system provides a scalable, versatile, precise, inexpensive, and generally useful tool for producing isogenic strains in S. aureus which will enable the high-throughput functional assessment of genome variation and gene function across multiple strain backgrounds. IMPORTANCE Engineering genetic changes in bacteria is critical to understanding the function of particular genes or mutations but is currently a laborious and technically challenging process to perform for the important human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In an effort to develop methods which are rapid, easy, scalable, versatile, and inexpensive, here we describe a system for incorporating synthetic, mutagenic DNA molecules into the S. aureus genome and for eliminating cells that lack the engineered mutation. This method allows efficient, precise, and high-throughput genetic engineering of S. aureus strains and will facilitate studies seeking to address a variety of issues about the function of particular genes and specific mutations.
Marsarchaeota are an aerobic archaeal lineage abundant in geothermal iron oxide microbial mats.

The discovery of archaeal lineages is critical to our understanding of the universal tree of life and evolutionary history of the Earth. Geochemically diverse thermal environments in Yellowstone National Park provide unprecedented opportunities for studying archaea in habitats that may represent analogues of early Earth. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a phylum-level archaeal lineage proposed and herein referred to as the ‘Marsarchaeota’, after the red planet. The Marsarchaeota contains at least two major subgroups prevalent in acidic, microaerobic geothermal Fe(III) oxide microbial mats across a temperature range from ~50–80 °C. Metagenomics, single-cell sequencing, enrichment culturing and in situ transcriptional analyses reveal their biogeochemical role as facultative aerobic chemoorganotrophs that may also mediate the reduction of Fe(III). Phylogenomic analyses of replicate assemblies corresponding to two groups of Marsarchaeota indicate that they branch between the Crenarchaeota and all other major archaeal lineages. Transcriptomic analyses of several Fe(III) oxide mat communities reveal that these organisms were actively transcribing two different terminal oxidase complexes in situ and genes comprising an F420-dependent butanal catabolism. The broad distribution of Marsarchaeota in geothermal, microaerobic Fe(III) oxide mats suggests that similar habitat types probably played an important role in the evolution of archaea. A combination of metagenome, single-cell and transcriptome sequencing, enrichment cultures and microscopy of geothermal environments in Yellowstone National Park leads to the discovery of a new archaeal lineage, the Marsarchaeota.
Telomere metabolism and DNA damage response

Genomic stability is maintained by telomeres, the end terminal DNA protein structures that protect chromosomes from fusion or degradation. Telomeres are essential for the proper maintenance of chromosomes and may play a role in aging, cancer and several other diseases. Shortening or loss of telomeric DNA repeats or altered telomere chromatin structure is correlated with telomere dysfunction such as chromosome end-to-end associations/telomere fusions that could lead to gene amplification and genomic instability. The DNA structure at the end of telomeres is distinguished from DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in order to avoid nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ), which requires unique, higher order nucleoprotein structure. Telomeres are attached to the nuclear matrix and have a specific chromatin structure. Whether this special structure is maintained by specific chromatin changes is yet to be thoroughly investigated. Altered telomere chromatin structure has been linked to defective DNA damage response (DDR), and eukaryotic cells utilize the DDR mechanisms of proficient DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoints in order to maintain genomic stability. Studies of the DNA damage response has lead to the identification of sensors and transducers which constitute a hierarchical signaling paradigm for the transduction of the initial damage signal to numerous downstream effectors, some of which have a role in both genomic stability and telomere metabolism. This review will summarize the factors involved in telomere maintenance and the influence of such factors on the DNA damage response.