cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combined polymer and microbubble drag reduction on a large flat plate

Drag-reduction experiments with combined injection of high-molecular-weight long-chained polymers and microbubbles were conducted on a 3.1 m long flat plate model in the 1.22 m diameter water tunnel at the Applied Research Laboratory of the Pennsylvania State University. Combined gas injection upstream of polymer injection produced, over a wide range of test conditions, higher levels of drag reduction than those obtained from the independent injection of polymer or microbubbles alone. These increased levels of drag reduction with combined injection were often greater than the product of the drag reductions obtained by the independent constituents, defined as synergy. We speculate that the synergy is a result of the gas-layer-induced extension of the polymer-alone initial diffusion zone in combination with the increased drag reduction by microbubbles. This increased length of the initial zone layer, consistent with high drag reduction, can significantly increase the persistence of the drag reduction and may improve the outlook for practical application.
Re-Examining the Bulge Test: Methods for Improving Accuracy and Reliability

Since its first application to thin films in the 1950's, the bulge test has had a prominent place in the field of thin film mechanical properties. The major appeal of the technique is that it is analogous to the familiar uniaxial tension test, which is commonly applied to bulk materials. At the same time, it avoids the sample tearing and alignment problems associated with micro-tensile tests. Unfortunately, bulge test results have been sometimes controversial and difficult to reproduce. In this paper we address possible causes for mese inconsistencies and describe a method by which the bulge test technique can be made to produce accurate and reliable results.
Two Separate Interfaces between the Voltage Sensor and Pore Are Required for the Function of Voltage-Dependent K+ Channels

Voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) channels gate open in response to the membrane voltage. To further our understanding of how cell membrane voltage regulates the opening of a Kv channel, we have studied the protein interfaces that attach the voltage-sensor domains to the pore. In the crystal structure, three physical interfaces exist. Only two of these consist of amino acids that are co-evolved across the interface between voltage sensor and pore according to statistical coupling analysis of 360 Kv channel sequences. A first co-evolved interface is formed by the S4-S5 linkers (one from each of four voltage sensors), which form a cuff surrounding the S6-lined pore opening at the intracellular surface. The crystal structure and published mutational studies support the hypothesis that the S4-S5 linkers convert voltage-sensor motions directly into gate opening and closing. A second co-evolved interface forms a small contact surface between S1 of the voltage sensor and the pore helix near the extracellular surface. We demonstrate through mutagenesis that this interface is necessary for the function and/or structure of two different Kv channels. This second interface is well positioned to act as a second anchor point between the voltage sensor and the pore, thus allowing efficient transmission of conformational changes to the pore's gate.
Crystal growth kinetics of nanocrystalline aluminum prepared by mechanical attrition in nylon media

Grain growth in nanocrystalline (nc) aluminum with an initial grain sizes of 22 and 40 nm produced by mechanical attrition using stainless steel and nylon media, respectively, was studied through X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and electron microscopy. Twograin growth regimes are observed for aluminum milled in both nylon and stainless steel media. Grain growth occurred above T/TM of 0.72 and 0.83 for samples milled in stainless steel and nylon, respectively. The enhanced stability of Al grain size milled in nylon is attributed to the nylon impurity (phase). © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
187 Things You Should Know about the War of 1812. By Donald R. Hickey. (Baltimore, MD: Maryland Historical Society, 2012. Pp. vii, 170. $15.00.)

The War of 1812, often termed the “Second War of Independence,” remains overshadowed by other conflicts in American history. Even its two‐hundredth anniversary draws far less attention than the con...
Nontraditional Families and Childhood Progress Through School

I use U.S. census data to perform the first large-sample, nationally representative tests of outcomes for children raised by same-sex couples. The results show that children of same-sex couples are as likely to make normal progress through school as the children of most other family structures. Heterosexual married couples are the family type whose children have the lowest rates of grade retention, but the advantage of heterosexual married couples is mostly due to their higher socioeconomic status. Children of all family types (including children of same-sex couples) are far more likely to make normal progress through school than are children living in group quarters (such as orphanages and shelters).
Geographic location tags on digital images

We describe an end-to-end system that capitalizes on geographic location tags for digital photographs. The World Wide Media eXchange (WWMX) database indexes large collections of image media by several pieces of metadata including timestamp, owner, and critically, location stamp. The location where a photo was shot is important because it says much about its semantic content, while being relatively easy to acquire, index, and search.The process of building, browsing, and writing applications for such a database raises issues that have heretofore been un- addressed in either the multimedia or the GIS community. This paper brings all of these issues together, explores different options, and offers novel solutions where necessary. Topics include acquisition of location tags for image media, data structures for location tags on photos, database optimization for location-tagged image media, and an intuitive UI for browsing a massive location-tagged image database. We end by describing an application built on top of the WWMX, a lightweight travelogue-authoring tool that automatically creates appropriate context maps for a slideshow of location-tagged photographs.
Vitamin D Levels and Markers of Inflammation and Metabolism in HIV-Infected Individuals on Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy.

Abstract Data on vitamin D insufficiency as a cause of inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals are conflicting. We examined the relationships between levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and biomarkers of inflammation and metabolism in stored blood samples from a prospective trial of vitamin D repletion. Blood samples from HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/ml enrolled in a prospective study were analyzed for 25(OH)D levels, a broad panel of cytokines, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, D-dimer, adiponectin, leptin, and insulin. Correlations between markers and 25(OH)D levels were determined. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum test was used to compare markers between individuals 25(OH)D insufficient and sufficient at baseline and before and after repletion among those who were insufficient and repleted to ≥30 ng/ml after 12 weeks. Of 106 subjects with stored plasma [66 with 25(OH)D <30 ng/ml and 40 ≥ 30 ng/ml], the median age was 50, the ...
Abstract 642: GPR30-Mediated Relaxation of Mesenteric Resistance Arteries is Diminished in Males and Aging Females

We previously reported that chronic activation of estrogen receptor GPR30 by the selective agonist G-1 decreases blood pressure in ovariectomized hypertensive mRen2.Lewis rats but not male littermates. Furthermore, acute G-1 relaxes female mesenteric resistance arteries via both endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Because of the lack of a blood pressure-lowering effect by G-1 in males and because aging may influence estrogen receptor expression, we hypothesized that GPR30-dependent vasodilation was reduced in males and older females. Mesenteric vessels (∼200 μm I.D.) from 15 wk Lewis and mRen2.Lewis males and 52 wk Lewis females were mounted on a wire myograph and preconstricted with 10 μM phenylephrine before assessing the response to increasing concentrations of 17β-estradiol or G-1 (0.001-3 μM). At the highest concentration, 17β-estradiol vasodilation was greater in 15 wk Lewis females (62±8%, n=5) and mRen2.Lewis females (57±9%, n=6) than age-matched Lewis males (33±7%, n=5, P 0.05). In aged females, vasorelaxation was also significantly blunted in response to 17β-estradiol (34±6%, n=5, P
Hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase: Linking pathogenic effector CD4+ TH2 cells to proeosinophilic inflammation in patients with gastrointestinal allergic disorders

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are characterized as gastrointestinal disorders associated with overproduction of local TH2 cytokines, including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. 1 Although recent studies have identified multiple hematopoietic cell types to be involved in adverse allergic immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract, the primary cellular sources of TH2 cytokines and their interactions in the pathogenesis of EGIDs remain elusive. Mechanistically, IL-4 secretion results in immunoglobulin class-switching to IgE in B cells and induction of alternatively activated macrophages. Production of IL-5 promotes the development, function, and survival of eosinophils, and IL-13 induces dysregulated expression of epithelial cell–derived genes, including eotaxin 3, desmoglein-1, and LRRC31, which have been shown to be involved in eosinophil recruitment and esophageal epithelial barrier functions. In addition, epithelial cell–derived TH2-promoting cytokines, including thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IL-25, and IL-33, are likely to be potential mediators involved in the induction of gastrointestinal allergic diseases.
GaAs MESFET comparators for high speed Analog-to-Digital conversion

A novel GaAs MESFET comparator for high speed and medium resolution ADC is described. These comparators do not require any reference voltages. Threshold levels are built into comparators themselves. The com parators and coding logic for flash converter type 2and 3-bit ADC were designed and fabricated in monolithic form. The ICs were operated at an effective sampling rate of 1.0 GHz. A two-stage comparator design will improve the sensitivity and provide 4-bit ADC resolution. Sample-and-hold circuits are being developed at various laboratories. Master-slave flip-flops can be used for latches. Therefore, a single-chip monolithic 3or 4-bit GaAs FET ADC for gigahertz sampling rate operation can be fabricated in the near future. Further work is required to study the errors and temperature effects before incorporating these ADCs into real systems.
Bridging the Science-Practice Gap in Obesity Treatment

The number of putative causes of obesity continues to increase at a rapid rate. As science identifies novel causes of obesity, innovations in the treatment of obesity also evolve. These innovations have important implications for clinical practice; however, a gap exists between research and the clinical application of research. Practical considerations about how to address this gap between research and practice are discussed.
Protecting uninfested packages from attack by Cadra cautella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) with the parasitic wasp Venturia canescens (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Numbers of almond moths, Cadra cautella (Walker), infesting small kraftpaper bags in 44.7-m3 rooms with and without the hymenopterous parasite Venturia canescens (Gravenhorst) were determined. Bags contained 100 g of cornmeal and were either open, folded, or heat-sealed (taped). Significantly fewer bags of each type were infested by C. cautella dispersing from adjacent infested food debris when V. canescens was present. Numbers of moth larvae in the open, folded, and taped bags were also significantly reduced when the parasites were present. Benefits of making the bags insect-tight were obvious; numbers of infested, taped bags were significantly less than numbers of infested, open bags from both the rooms with and without parasites. In addition, numbers of larvae in infested, taped bags were significantly less than those recovered from open bags from rooms with and without parasites.
Engaged Ethnography Under Communist Rule: Sociology, Solidarity, and Poland

Fieldwork in 1980s Poland led to the later realization that engaged ethnography—study of the vernacular to clarify the interactions of power, justice, and normative goods—may be a less distinctive method under communist rule. It was also more possible before the digital revolution.
The Disappearance of Independence in Textbook Coverage of Asch’s Social Pressure Experiments

Asch’s classic social pressure experiments are discussed in almost all introductory and social psychology textbooks. However, the results of these experiments have been shown to be misrepresented in textbooks. An analysis of textbooks from 1953 to 1984 revealed that although most of the responses on critical trials were independent correct ones, textbooks have increasingly over time emphasized the minority conformity responding and deemphasized the majority independent responding. An analysis of 20 introductory psychology textbooks and 10 introductory social psychology textbooks revealed that this distorted coverage has not only persisted but increased over the past 30 years. Given the entrenchment of such coverage in current texts, a suggestion for how to address this distorted coverage without major text revision is provided.
Natural and induced sex ratio changes in populations of thelytokous Muscidifurax uniraptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)

Sex ratios in thelytokous Muscidifurax uniraptor Kogan and Legner from Puerto Rico were observed to change within a period of 3 months from predominantly female to predominantly male after 16 years in culture. Subsequently, the acquisition of new cultures from the field showed a similar change. Scheduling host presentation on alternate days skewed the sex ratio back toward females. The appearance of high numbers of males in thelytokous populations may signal an arrhenotokous cycle, as shown for one other species. The dynamics of M. uniraptor with its hosts in Puerto Rico may produce sex ratios closer to 50:50 during such a reproductive phase. The results prove the need to examine virgin females of newly acquired parasitic Hymenoptera cultures for thelytoky as phenotypically such cultures, judged by sex ratio alone, may appear arrhenotokous.
What Galileo Saw: Imagining the Scientific Revolution

Lawrence Lipking, Chester D. Tripp Professor of Humanities, Emeritus, at Northwestern University, opens his book with a question: what exactly did Galileo see when he looked through his spyglass? L...
Developmental Changes in the Relationship Between Grammar and the Lexicon.

How does abstract structure emerge during language learning? On some accounts, children’s early syntax emerges from direct generalizations from particular lexical items, while on others, syntactic structure is acquired independently and follows its own timetable. Progress on differentiating these views requires detailed developmental data. Using parental reports of vocabulary and grammar abilities, previous analyses have shown that early syntactic abstraction strongly depends on the growth of the lexicon, providing support for lexicalist and emergentist theories. Leveraging a large cross-linguistic dataset, we replicate and extend these findings, demonstrating similar patterns in each of four languages. Moreover, the power of our dataset reveals that there are measurable effects of age over and above those attributable to vocabulary size, and that these effects are greater for aspects of language ability more closely tied to syntax than morphology. These findings suggest non-lexical contributions to the growth of syntactic abstraction that all theories must address.
International Coalition of Library Consortia Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information: “Update No. 1” and Reactions from the Scholarly Community

Abstract In December 2001, the International Coalition of Library Consortia issued an update to its March 1998 “Statement of Current Perspective and Preferred Practices for the Selection and Purchase of Electronic Information.” New developments in e-journal licensing reflect issues that either encourage or hinder growth in e-journal access. Pricing and purchasing models, usage statistics, usability of electronic journals, and archiving concerns are the major points addressed in the statement and in reactions from the serials community. This article reprints the December 2001 update, with commentary first from Ann Okerson, Yale University Library, “Is It the Price, or Is It the Pricing Model?” From HARRASSOWITZ, Knut Dorn, Danny Jones, and Katharina Klemperer share “A Subscription Agent's View” and remind us of key services that agencies provide. “A Middleman's View to ICOLC's Update No. 1” is the concluding response by Dan Tonkery (EBSCO), who adds to the agency perspective by issuing challenges for communication and provides a reality check for libraries, intermediaries, and publishers. Serials Review 2003; 29:3–10.
Stiffness and strength of bone in osteoporotic patients treated with varying durations of oral bisphosphonates.

Apparent modulus and failure stress of trabecular bone structure from 45 women with osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates for varying durations were studied using finite element analyses and statistical modeling. Following adjustments for patient age and bone volume, increasing bisphosphonate treatment duration for up to 7.3 years was associated with treatment–time-dependent increases in bone apparent modulus and failure stress. Treatment durations exceeding 7.3 years were associated with time-dependent decreases in apparent modulus and failure stress from the peak values observed. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between bisphosphonate (BP) treatment duration and human bone quality. This study quantified changes in the apparent modulus and failure stress of trabecular bone biopsied from patients with osteoporosis who were treated with BPs for widely varying durations. Forty-five iliac crest bone samples were obtained from women with osteoporosis who were continuously treated with oral BPs for varying periods of up to 16 years. Micro-CT imaging was used to develop three-dimensional virtual models of the trabecular bone from these samples. Apparent modulus and failure stress of these virtual models were determined using finite element analyses (FEA). Polynomial regression and cubic splines, adjusted for relevant (age and BV/TV) covariates, were used to statistically model the data and quantify the relationships between BP treatment duration and apparent modulus or failure stress. Second-order polynomial models were needed to relate apparent modulus or failure stress to BP treatment duration. These models showed that these bone quality parameters (a) increased with increasing BP treatment duration up to approximately 7.3 years, (b) reached a maximum at this (~7.3 years) time, and then (c) declined with BP treatment durations exceeding ~7.3 years. A similar result was obtained by modeling with cubic splines. Changes in FEA-derived apparent stiffness and failure stress are attributable to changes in trabecular bone structure, which in turn are related to the duration of BP treatment. These relationships are evident even after adjustments are made in the statistical models for changes in age and BV/TV. According to these models, increases in trabecular bone apparent stiffness and failure stress linked to BPs cease and appear to reverse after approximately 7.3 years of treatment. Conclusions regarding optimal BP therapy duration await study of additional bone quality parameters.
Capital Punishment in Precolonial African Society

Prior to colonialism, African societies varied widely as to the use of the death penalty, the manner in which capital cases were tried, and the ritual process of execution. Qur’anic principles of justice and retribution tended to impose some uniformity across Islamic Africa, but elsewhere the use of the death penalty was highly contingent on traditional views of death, burial, and the afterlife. In strongly centralized societies a ruler, as representative of the spiritual world, often possessed strong powers of discretion or mercy. Decentralized societies tended to use systems of compensation or traditional punishments such as banishment or ostracism. Precolonial criminal justice remains relevant because it continues to influence public opinion on the death penalty and may provide a restorative model for transitional post-conflict nations.
Atypical numerical effects in stability simulations of large power systems

In stability simulations of large power systems, numerical effects that clearly depend on the numerical solution but somewhat contradict the existing paradigm of numerical integration (“atypical effects”) are not unusual. The paper considers relevant features of the power system mathematical model and related aspects of the numerical solution. Presented is a collection of effects revealed in simulations with real large power system databases. Examples of the effects are a non-monotonic behavior of the solution and unexpected transients developing after the dynamic response to a disturbance seems to have damped out. The paper outlines driving forces and discusses some mechanisms of atypical effects. A thorough assessment of the sensitivity of simulation results to solution options, especially in critical cases, is recommended for power system planning and operation studies.
Roger Y. Tsien 1952-2016.

Roger Tsien left us on August 24. His untimely passing has saddened and shocked the scientific community. Roger literally and figuratively brightened our world, illuminated the dark matter of biology, and forever changed our view of the interface of chemistry and biology.
MRI, Retrieval Analysis, and Histologic Evaluation of Adverse Local Tissue Reaction in Metal-on-Polyethylene Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The severity and location of adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) seen in metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty (THA) is not well described. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent a revision THA using our biomechanics database. We included all patients who underwent revision surgery for the diagnosis of ALTR with THA implants that had modularity solely at the head-neck junction and excluded patients with implant modularity at sites other than the head-neck junction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated by a fellowship-trained radiologist who specializes in evaluating metal artifact reducing MRI sequences to quantify the ALTR lesions. Histology was evaluated for findings of ALTR using the Campbell score. Results We identified 11 patients in the database. Eight patients had an MRI ALTR grade of severe and 7 did based on the histology score. The mean synovial volume was 218,658 mm 3 (range 23,461-451,435 mm 3 ) with a mean maximal synovial thickness of 15.3 mm (range 3-34.3 mm). A disruptive infiltration of the abductors due to pseudocapsule invasion was seen in 67% of the patients with 3 not having abductor involvement. Mean preoperative cobalt and chromium levels were 5.4 ppb (range 1-12.3 ppb) and 1.1 ppb (range 0.6-2.4 ppb), respectively. Conclusion Patients with ALTR from head-neck junction corrosion in metal-on-polyethylene THA may present with large pseudotumors that have previously been under appreciated. Mean preoperative serum cobalt and chromium ion levels remained relatively low, and MRI was an effective way to characterize the size and location of these lesions.
Skin depigmentation associated with toceranib phosphate in a dog

Background Drug-induced depigmentation is frequently observed in humans undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, whereas it is not reported in dogs. The skin depigmentation can occur after the first week of treatment and it is reversible within a few weeks after drug discontinuation. Objectives To report the clinical and histopathological features of an episode of cutaneous adverse drug reaction associated with short term administration of toceranib phosphate. Case report An 11-year-old intact male Bernese mountain dog was presented for investigation of a subcutaneous mast cell tumour (MCT) including treatment options. The major abnormality on physical examination was a 7.5 × 10 cm subcutaneous mass located cranial to the left shoulder joint consistent with a MCT. Toceranib phosphate therapy was initiated. Fourteen days after initiating treatment, the dog presented with skin erosions near the lateral canthus of the left eye. Three weeks later there were multiple skin lesions characterized by alopecia and depigmentation involving left and right eyelids; leukotrichia of the periorbital areas and depigmentation of the nasal planum and all paw pads. Histopathological findings were nonspecific; they were supportive of vitiligo. Resolution of skin lesions was observed after stopping the toceranib phosphate therapy. Conclusion and clinical importance Based on the gross lesions, histopathological features before and after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, and Naranjo score, this case was considered to be consistent with cutaneous adverse drug effects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing the clinical and histopathological features of presumed drug-induced skin depigmentation in a dog receiving toceranib phosphate.
Design of Dynamic Legged Robots

Animals exhibit remarkable locomotion capabilities across land, sea, and air in every corner of the world. On land, legged morphologies have evolved to manifest magnificent mobility over a wide range of surfaces. From the ability to use footholds to negotiate a challenging mountain pass, to the capacity for running on a sandy beach, the adaptability afforded through legs owes its prominence as the biologically preferred method for ground transportation. Inspired by these achievements in nature, robotics engineers have strived for decades to achieve similar dynamic locomotion capabilities in legged machines. Learning from animals' compliant structures and ways of utilizing them, engineers have developed numerous novel mechanisms that allow for more dynamic, more efficient legged systems. These newly emerging robotic systems possess distinguishing mechanical characteristics in contrast to manufacturing robots in factories and pave the way for a new era of mobile robots to serve our society. Realizing the full capabilities of these new legged robots is a multi-factorial research problem, requiring coordinated advances in design, control, perception, state estimation, navigation and other areas. This review article concentrates particularly on the mechanical design of legged robots, with the aim to inform both future advances in novel mechanisms as well as the coupled problems described above. Essential technological components considered in mechanical design are discussed through historical review. Emerging design paradigms are then presented, followed by perspectives on their future applications.
The exploration of nonlinear elasticity and its efficient parameterization for crystalline materials

Abstract Conventional approaches to analyzing the very large coherency strains that can occur during solid-state phase transformations are founded in linear elasticity and rely on infinitesimal strain metrics. Despite this, there are many technologically important examples where misfit strains of multi-phase mixtures are very large during their synthesis and/or application. In this paper, we present a framework for constructing strain-energy expressions and stress-strain relationships beyond the linear-elastic limit for crystalline solids. This approach utilizes group theoretical concepts to minimize both the number of free parameters in the strain-energy expression and amount of first-principles training data required to parameterize strain-energy models that are invariant to all crystal symmetries. Within this framework, the strain-energy and elastic stiffness can be described to high accuracy in terms of a set of conventional symmetry-adapted finite strain metrics that we define independent of crystal symmetry. As an illustration, we use first-principles electronic structure data to parameterize strain energy polynomials and employ them to explore the strain-energy surfaces of HCP Zr and Mg, as well as several important Zr-H and Mg-Nd phases that are known to precipitate coherently within the HCP matrices of Zr and Mg.
Preparation, Electro-Optics, and Applications of Stressed Liquid Crystals

This paper is aimed at the development of the detailed procedure describing how to produce and characterize stressed liquid crystals, a class of promising electro-optical materials characterized by a giant phase modulation and fast response.
Decentralized chassis control with guaranteed performance: A lyapunov approach

This paper presents a Lyapunov-based method for verification and synthesis of decentralized chassis control systems. The method provides performance guarantees without exposing the control algorithms of each agent. We use a Lyapunov derivative condition to guarantee stability and set invariance of the closed-loop system. Agents are asked to exchange polynomials that represent the influence of the control actions on the system dynamics, while the control algorithms are kept secret. Dual decomposition is used to ensure that the solution converges and is equivalent to that of a centralized solution.
Strategies for Finding and Evaluating Information about Personal Finance Topics: The Role of Government Information

In this paper, we present work-in-progress results from the stimulated recall portion of a U.S.-based lab study that investigated the influence of financial knowledge and cognitive abilities on the search performance, relevance assessments, and mental workload of adults searching the Internet for personal finance topics. Participants were asked to retrospectively think aloud while viewing screen recordings of one of their search tasks. Qualitative, inductive coding was applied to transcribed interviews. An early theme about government websites and information emerged in the data analysis and that is the topic of this paper. For all three tasks, participants prioritized and valued information from U.S. government websites over that of commercial websites, which seems to contradict recent national surveys indicating low levels of trust in government information sources and the government in general. Our findings suggest that for certain topics, especially those associated with high levels of uncertainty, people might resort to more basic search and evaluation behaviors.
High-resolution multi-component distributed acoustic sensing

Distributed acoustic sensing uses an optical fibre together with an interrogator unit to perform strain measurements. The usage of distributed acoustic sensing in geophysics is attractive due to its dense spatial sampling and low operation cost if the optical fibre is freely accessible. In the borehole environment, optical fibres for distributed acoustic sensing are often readily available as a part of other sensing tools, such as for temperature and pressure. Although the distributed acoustic sensing system promises great potential for reservoir monitoring and surface seismic acquisition, the single axial strain measurement of distributed acoustic sensing along the fibre is inadequate to fully characterise the different wave modes, thus making reservoir characterisation challenging. We propose an acquisition system using five equally spaced helical optical fibres and a straight optical fibre to obtain six different strain projections. This system allows us to reconstruct all components of the 3D strain tensor at any location along the fibre. Analysing the condition number associated with the geometry of the optical fibre, we can systematically search for the optimum design parameters for our configuration. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method to successful reconstruction of the full strain tensor from elastic wavefields of arbitrary complexity.
Mental State Assessment and Validation Using Personalized Physiological Biometrics

Mental state monitoring is a critical component of current and future human-machine interfaces, including semi-autonomous driving and flying, air traffic control, decision aids, training systems, and will soon be integrated into ubiquitous products like cell phones and laptops. Current mental state assessment approaches supply quantitative measures, but their only frame of reference is generic population-level ranges. What is needed are physiological biometrics that are validated in the context of task performance of individuals. Using curated intake experiments, we are able to generate personalized models of three key biometrics as useful indicators of mental state; namely, mental fatigue, stress, and attention. We demonstrate improvements to existing approaches through the introduction of new features. Furthermore, addressing the current limitations in assessing the efficacy of biometrics for individual subjects, we propose and employ a multi-level validation scheme for the biometric models by means of k-fold cross-validation for discrete classification and regression testing for continuous prediction. The paper not only provides a unified pipeline for extracting a comprehensive mental state evaluation from a parsimonious set of sensors (only EEG and ECG), but also demonstrates the use of validation techniques in the absence of empirical data. Furthermore, as an example of the application of these models to novel situations, we evaluate the significance of correlations of personalized biometrics to the dynamic fluctuations of accuracy and reaction time on an unrelated threat detection task using a permutation test. Our results provide a path toward integrating biometrics into augmented human-machine interfaces in a judicious way that can help to maximize task performance.
Prevention paradox: Medical students are less inclined to prescribe HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis for patients in highest need

Introduction Despite healthcare providers' growing awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), prescription rates remain low. PrEP is an efficacious HIV prevention strategy recommended for use with condoms but still protective in their absence. Concern about the impact of PrEP on condom use and other risk behaviour is, nonetheless, among the barriers to prescription commonly reported. To understand the implications of this concern for PrEP access, we examined how medical students' willingness to prescribe PrEP varied by patients' condom use and partnering practices. We also assessed the perceived acceptability of various reasons for condom discontinuation with PrEP. Methods An online survey was distributed to 854 medical students in the Northeastern US in 2015. Participants (n = 111) were surveyed about their willingness to prescribe PrEP for each of six male patients who systematically differed in their reported condom use (sustained use, sustained nonuse, or discontinuation with PrEP) and partnering practices (single male partner with untreated HIV or multiple male partners of unknown HIV status). Participants also reported perceived acceptability of four reasons for condom discontinuation: pleasure, sexual functioning, intimacy, and conception. Results Willingness to prescribe PrEP was inconsistent with patient risk: When the patient used condoms and planned to sustain condom use, most participants were willing to prescribe PrEP - 93% if the patient had a single partner and 86% if the patient had multiple partners. Fewer were willing to prescribe if the patient did not use condoms and planned to sustain nonuse (53% and 45%, respectively) or used condoms but planned to discontinue use (27% and 28%). Significantly fewer participants were willing to prescribe for a patient with multiple partners versus a single partner when the patient reported sustained condom use or sustained condom nonuse. The number of participants who were willing to prescribe was similarly low for a patient with multiple partners versus a single partner when the patient reported that he planned to discontinue condom use. More participants accepted a patient discontinuing condoms for conception (69%) than for intimacy (23%), pleasure (14%), or sexual functioning (13%). Conclusion Medical students' clinical judgments were misaligned with patient risk and suggest misconceptions or personal values may undermine provision of optimal HIV prevention services.
On the Eigenvalues of the Lax Operator for the Matrix-valued AKNS System

We consider the eigenvalues of the matrix AKNS system and establish bounds on the location of eigenvalues and criteria for the nonexistence of eigenvalues. We also identify properties of the system which guarantee that eigenvalues cannot lie on the imaginary axis or can only lie on the imaginary axis. Moreover, we study the deficiency indices of the underlying non-selfadjoint differential operator.
The utility of prescreening for hepatitis A in military recruits prior to vaccination.

The U.S. Army administers the hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination for prophylaxis against HAV infection. There is little comparative data as to whether prescreening for previous HAV infection before immunization is less costly than universal vaccination. We designed a study to determine the prevalence of previous HAV infection in U.S. Army recruits and then perform a cost analysis. The cost analysis compared selective vaccination versus universal vaccination. Basic demographic information, including age, gender, geographic origin, and ethnicity, were collected after which patients were tested for HAV antibodies. A total of 1,332 individuals was prospectively enrolled with 183 individuals (13.74%) having evidence of previous HAV infection. Minority recruits were found to have a higher prevalence than Caucasian recruits (p = 0.0451. The cost analysis demonstrates that vaccination without prescreening was the least costly of two vaccination strategies for this cohort. To achieve current vaccination goals, all U.S. military recruits should be vaccinated without evaluation for previous HAV immunity.
Collaborative Governance: Lessons for Europe from U.S. Electricity Restructuring

Nothing in any modern society is more important than an adequate supply of electricity. Market design may be as important as physical choices in assuring efficient, fair and environmentally sensitive distribution of this increasingly scarce resource. Both the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) have been engaging in restructuring their electricity industries in order to improve market designs. The EU is considering a new group of proposals put forth after extensive study by the EU Commission, known as the "third package." This article contrasts the path chosen in this and previous legislative projects with the direction taken in the US. The EU Commission proposals depend on command and control regulation to monitor the inevitable discriminatory and anti-competitive elements in this industry. The US may have found a better way. The US industry, with the encouragement of federal regulatory authorities, has shifted to a model know in US administrative law as "collaborative governance." Collaborative governance relies on joint public/private problem solving; it concentrates on broad participation, inclusion of all the stakeholders, and transparency to assure public regarding performance. This article examines the problems identified by the EU Commission in terms of the US collaborative governance approach. Its goal is to generate a transatlantic dialogue, a dialogue that might prove useful to energy policymakers throughout the world.
Deviation, Risk, and Error Measures

In statistical decision theory, uncertainty inherent in a random variable X is often translated into although related but not the same notions of error, deviation (dispersion), and risk revolving around the standard deviation σ(X).
Medications to treat cocaine use disorders: current options.

Purpose of reviewCocaine is a highly addictive substance with serious medical and mental health consequences. Despite these concerns, there are no food and drug administration-approved medications for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD). Although many medication-assisted treatments (MATs) ha
The Second Amendment and Cyber Weapons: Constitutional Relevance of Digital Gun Rights

In the future, the United States government can seek to limit the ownership of cyber weapons. The question is whether the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution gives a right to bear and own military-grade cyber weapons. The dual-use nature of cyber arms undermines the government's argument on this point.
Understanding Interpersonal and Organizational Dynamics Among Providers Responding to Crisis

Patient rescue occurs in phases: recognizing the problem, communicating the concern, and treating the complication. To help improve rescue, we sought to understand facilitators and barriers to managing postoperative complications. We used a criterion-based sample from a large academic medical center. Semistructured interviews (n = 57) were conducted, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis and consensus coding was performed using NVivo 11. We used a framework matrix approach to synthesize our coding and identify themes that facilitate or impede rescue. Clinicians identified root causes for delays in care, such as recognizing patient deterioration, knowing whom to contact and when, and reaching the correct decision-making provider. This study identified significant variation in communication processes across providers caring for surgical patients. Targeted interventions aimed at improving and standardizing these aspects of communication may significantly influence the ability to effectively identify and escalate care for postoperative complications.
On the origin of alkali feldspar megacrysts in granitoids: the case against textural coarsening

Alkali feldspar megacrysts (up to 20 cm in length) are common in granitoids, but their origin has been a matter of continued debate. In particular, the relative role of various magmatic and subsolidus processes has proven difficult to assess given the protracted crystallization history of these megacrysts. Textural coarsening (also known as Ostwald ripening) has been invoked to explain the extraordinarily large sizes of these feldspar megacrysts. While coarsening is a thermodynamically spontaneous process, it is important to evaluate the timescales in which it operates during magmatic evolution. In this work, we consider theories of coarsening of a second phase in the melt in binary systems to evaluate if coarsening can explain the origin of alkali feldspar megacrysts in granitoids. The theories explored are all approximate and somewhat incomplete; however, all of them predict the same basic kinetic equation for the coarsening process. Calculation of the fundamental rate constant controlling the coarsening processes requires determination of parameters that are not particularly well constrained for minerals in silicate melts. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that diffusion rates are the main control on the rate constant for coarsening. Using a range of rate constants calculated using suitable parameters for silicate magmatic systems, we show that coarsening in silicate magmas cannot lead to crystals larger than tens of µm on timescales relevant for igneous processes. The timescales required to generate millimeter to centimeter crystals by coarsening are so prohibitively large that the weaknesses of the existing kinetic theories becomes unimportant, and the idea of generating megacrysts via textural coarsening can be conclusively abandoned. The origin of feldspar megacrysts probably results from the interplay between nucleation and growth rates in magmas, a problem that has not been dealt in detail in the literature.
The application of the perfluorocarbon liquid/plastic film capacitor technology to repetitive discharge pulse power systems

A joint program has been initiated between the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Sandia National Laboratories to evaluate and refine the Sandia perfluorocarbon/plastic film capacitor technology for application in repetitively operated, pulse discharge, energy storage service. The goal of this effort is continuous operation to 100 Hz with lifetimes approaching 108-109 charge-discharge cycles at 99.99 percent reliability and at the highest energy density possible. This program will apply the Sandia technology and high-quality capacitor fabrication capability, along with the Los Alamos special test facilities and theoretical modeling capability, to the satisfaction of this evolving need.
Why Are ACL Injury Prevention Programs Not Being Implemented More Widely

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are extremely common and lead to devastating consequences including recovery time and time away from sport, risks of surgery for patients who elect to undergo ACL reconstruction, and increased risk of osteoarthritis of the knee. There is now significant evidence demonstrating that the risk of this injury can be dramatically decreased by doing an exercise program emphasizing core strength, balance, proprioception, and safe movement patterns. Despite the medical evidence that has accumulated, these programs are generally not widely used in most places in the world.
Reframing Photovoice: Building on the Method to Develop More Equitable and Responsive Research Practices:

An increasing focus on health equity across a number of health disciplines is generating more consistent prioritizations of trauma-informed approaches, cultural responsiveness, and community engagement. These foci have heightened interest in photovoice as a participatory research method-particularly in research among vulnerable populations or related to sensitive topics. Photovoice's ballooning popularity can be traced in part to the alignment of its aims and practices with broad health equity goals; at the same time, its singular status reveals a lack of similarly creative, adaptive methods for use in vulnerable or sensitive contexts. In addition, photovoice is not without its concerning limitations, and its increasing usage warrants not only caution, but responsive innovation. To that end, this article draws on the extensive photovoice literature, as well as on the author's own work at the intersections of public health and the arts, to offer an overview of four photovoice limitations and related concerns. It then highlights the method's untapped potential by identifying under-researched qualities in need of development-noting these as opportunities to learn from (and further adapt) the photovoice method. Finally, the article pulls limitations and benefits together to frame photovoice as a basis for the continued innovation, study, and development of more equitable approaches to health research and practice.