cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Design of Polyelectrolytes Using Monte Carlo Simulations

Monte Carlo calculations were performed to simulate ion diffusion through polymer matrices. The parameters can be chosen so that a broad range of polymer electrolytes can be modeled. The focus of the present study is optimizing conductivity in polyelectrolytes. A dynamic bond percolation model was extended to include local harmonic motion of covalently bound anions in polyelectrolyte systems. Local motion of these anions facilitates cation escape from potential wells, and thus, improves overall conductivity, while maintaining a cation transference number of one, Simulations show that ion correlation has a significant effect on diffusion. Inereasing the temperature or the dielectric constant of the medium reduces the dependence on ion interaction, while increasing the density of ions in the polymer matrix increases the dependence. At high densities, physical blocking significantly interferes with diffusion at all temperatures. The cation conductivity was found to maximize at a lower density in polyelectrolytes than in polymer-salt complexes.
The ASTER polar cloud mask

This research is concerned with the problem of producing polar cloud masks for satellite imagery. The results presented are for Thematic Mapper (TM) data from the northern and southern polar regions, however, the techniques discussed will be applied to ASTER data when it becomes available. A series of classification techniques have been implemented and tested, the most promising of which is a neural network classifier. To use a neural network classifier, the pixels in the data must be transformed into feature vectors, some of which are used for training the network and the remainder of which are reserved for testing the final system. The first challenge is the identification of pure pixel samples from the imagery. The Interactive Visual Image Classification System (IVICS) was developed specifically for this project to make this task simpler for the human expert. After labeling the pixels, the feature vectors are generated. One hundred and forty potential vector elements, consisting of linear and nonlinear combinations of the satellite channel data, have been identified. Because smaller input vectors reduce the difficulty of training and can improve classification accuracy, the set of potential vector elements must be reduced. Two techniques have been tested: a histogram-based selection method and a fuzzy logic method. Both have proven effective for this task. Although the polar region is the only area considered in this work, a system that can produce cloud masks for all areas of the globe will be required. Thus, speed, extensibility, and flexibility requirements must be added to the accuracy constraint. To achieve these goals, a two-stage classification approach is used. The first stage uses a series of static and adaptive thresholds derived from statistical analysis of the polar scenes to reduce the set of possible classes to which a pixel may be assigned, once a cluster of classes has been selected, a neural network trained to distinguish between the classes in the cluster is used to make the ultimate classification.
Multi-resolution Exploration in Continuous Spaces

The essence of exploration is acting to try to decrease uncertainty. We propose a new methodology for representing uncertainty in continuous-state control problems. Our approach, multi-resolution exploration (MRE), uses a hierarchical mapping to identify regions of the state space that would benefit from additional samples. We demonstrate MRE's broad utility by using it to speed up learning in a prototypical model-based and value-based reinforcement-learning method. Empirical results show that MRE improves upon state-of-the-art exploration approaches.
High-level vs low-level parallel programming for scientific computing

Summary form only given, as follows. This talk briefly reviews some of the most popular high-level and low-level parallel programming languages used for scientific computing. We will report our experiences of using these languages in our research and compare the performance of several parallel scientific equation solvers implemented in different parallel languages. Major features and comparisons of these languages will be discussed. Some insights into when and where these languages should be used will be provided.
Evolution of digital images

The ability to create art is a uniquely human endeavor. Throughout history, humans have used paintings, drawings, songs, stories, and other art forms to communicate important ideas or events and to entertain. The advent of computers gave rise to a new medium for art. Computer generated art work has become popular in the entertainment and education industries. The paper uses genetic algorithms (GAs) to automatically evolve a set of unique digital images according to a predetermined set of criteria. By monitoring and automatically evaluating geometric features in images, the work reported in the paper intends to evolve interesting images with a variety of geometric features without the need for human intervention.
Where to provide support for efficient multicasting in irregular networks: network interface or switch?

Recent research has proposed methods for enhancing the performance of multicast in networks with irregular topologies. These methods fall into two broad categories: (a) network interface (NI) based schemes that make use of enhanced functionality of the software/firmware running at the NI processor; and (b) switch-based methods that use enhancements to the switch architecture to support hardware multicast. However it is not clear how these methods compare to each other and when it makes sense to use one over the other. In order to answer such questions, we perform a number of simulation experiments to compare the performance of three efficient multicasting schemes: an NI-based multicasting scheme that uses a k-binomial tree, a switch-based multicasting scheme that uses path-based multidestination worms, and a switch-based multicasting scheme that uses a single tree-based multidestination worm. We first study the performance of the three schemes for single multicast traffic while changing a number of system parameters one at a time to isolate their impact. We then study the performance of these schemes under increasing multicast load. Our results show that the switch-based multicasting scheme using a single tree-based multidestination worm performs the best among the three schemes. However the NI-based multicasting scheme is capable of delivering high performance compared to the switch-based multicast using path-based worms especially when the software overhead at the network interface is less than half of the overhead at the host. We therefore conclude that support for multicast at the NI is an important first step to improving multicast performance. However; there is still considerable gain that can be achieved by supporting hardware multicast in switches. Finally, while supporting such hardware multicast, it is better to support schemes that can achieve multicast in one phase.
The French Thorn: Rival Explorers in the Spanish Sea, 1682-1762

For almost two centuries following Columbus's discovery of America, Spain held undisputed mastery in the Gulf of Mexico, an exclusive Spanish sea into which few foreigners dared venture. In 1682, that mastery was challenged by the French explorer La Salle, reaching the Gulf from Canada via the Mississippi River. La Salle's encroachment served on the Spaniards a twofold notice: exploration of the northern Gulf region had been too long neglected, and claims to unoccupied territory would not be honored. There followed eighty years of territorial rivalry during which Spain and France alternated from symbiotic alliance to actual warfare. The French presence served repeatedly as a spur to Spanish exploration and settlement of the coastal region from Tampico to peninsular Florida. France, meanwhile, sought expansion on either side of its Mississippi wedge, deftly driven between the Spanish claims east and west, until a third rival, the English, terminated the French tenure in America. "The French Thorn"--sequel to Weddle's "Spanish Sea"--is more than a history of exploration rivalry. In artful prose the author recreates the drama and pathos of La Salle; the vitality of Iberville and Escandon; and the dash and daring of Saint-Denis. He takes the reader on venturesome sea voyages in wooden ships; across the coastal plains with colorful Spanish entradas; and up pristine rivers with the French voyageurs. Reproductions of twenty French and Spanish maps from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries enhance Weddle's information. Well-documented and readable, "The French Thorn" will appeal to anyone interested in this time and place in history, from the formal historian to the exploration enthusiast.
Flammability of Polymer-Clay and Polymer-Silica Nanocomposites

A comprehensive discussion on the flammability of organic-inorganic nano-composites is presented based on different fire testing methods. Based on various flammability tests, reduced peak heat release rate, an increased oxygen index, and an enhanced thermal stability were observed, while faster burning rates were found when the nanocomposites underwent horizontal and vertical burning tests. Moreover, it has also been found that when traditional flame-retardant additives were added to the nanocomposites, less additive was required to achieve the same level of flame retardancy.
"Figuring" Bidirectional Home and School Connections along the Biliteracy Continuum.

This article centers on the significant practices identified by bilingual teachers who participated in Proyecto Bilingue, a specialized master’s degree program. The notion of bidirectional theory of bilingual pedagogy and the theoretical construct of the continua of biliteracy are utilized to illustrate how the teachers centered home and school connections in their curriculum. Specific analysis is done on the ways the teachers create spaces of authoring for themselves, for students, and for their families and communities. These authoring spaces served to elevate the status of bilingual education, bilingual teachers, bilingual learners, and the Spanish language. Sustaining dynamic exchange flows through bidirectional intent between home and school can have profound impact in social and academic outcomes.
Self-esteem of prisoners committing directly versus indirectly destructive crimes.

62 prisoners from a county jail and a state forensic hospital, having committed 12 types of crimes, were administered the Coopersmith Self-esteem Questionnaire and a biographical form. Self-esteem scores were compared across three classifications of destructiveness of criminal acts. A significant difference was found between self-esteem scores for those prisoners who were indirectly destructive to others and those prisoners who were directly destructive to others or to themselves. Also, prisoners who were on work release and/or in psychology classes tended to have higher self-esteem. No causality was inferred between the instruction in psychology and work-release programs and higher levels of prisoners' self-esteem. Language: en
Logical process size in parallel simulations

Most existing synchronization protocols require that the simulation application be partitioned and mapped to logical processes to make it suitable for parallel execution. Assuming the simulation models some number of physical components, an important design question is how many components should be mapped to each logical process? This is a nontrivial question because logical process "size" affects the efficiency of the synchronization protocol, load balance, and approach for implementing shared state variables, as well as the efficiency of the event processing loop within the parallel simulator. This question is studied in the context of a Time Warp-based parallel simulator. Results of two experimental studies are described that compare the performance of parallel simulators using different logical process sizes. One study uses synthetic workloads; the other uses an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. These results show that the choice of logical process size can have a significant effect on performance, and the optimal size depends on model size, the number of available processors, and detailed semantics of the model itself.
SCANNING SQUID MICROSCOPY

The scanning SQUID microscope (SSM) is a powerful tool for imaging magnetic fields above sample surfaces. It has the advantage of high sensitivity and bandwidth and the disadvantages of relatively modest spatial resolution and the requirement of a cooled SQUID sensor. We describe the various implementations of this type of instrument and discuss a number of applications, including magnetic imaging of short circuits in integrated circuits, corrosion currents in aluminum, and trapped flux in superconductors.
Assessing mHealth: Opportunities and Barriers to Patient Engagement

mHealth—the practice of medicine and public health through the use of mobile devices—presents an opportunity to revolutionize the health care system both in the U.S. and globally. Cell phones, tablet computers, and other wireless devices all play a role in shaping mHealth. mHealth is often presented as a low-cost option for increasing communication between patients and providers, including the sharing of data—also referred to as patient health information (PHI)—and the integration of monitoring devices to achieve broad population health benefits and the potential to decrease or mitigate rising health care costs.1 There is currently limited evidence about how well and under what circumstances mobile phones (and other mobile/wireless devices) compare with or enhance current means to improve health and health care.2 Despite a lack of robust empirical evidence, a number of programs throughout the world and the United States have embraced the mobile device as a platform to engage and educate patients, especially in populations where medical afflictions occur in disparate proportion to the rest of society. These programs, which use short message service (SMS or texting) to share information, are only now being assessed for efficacy in reaching certain disparate populations and for how they can be integrated into the contemporary health care system. A number of polices are already in place to engage and reduce disparities and some of these provide important opportunities to leverage the power of mHealth to achieve their objectives. However, as technologies continue to rapidly evolve, policymakers, clinicians, and academics are lagging further behind the technology curve in assessing the potential of these new technologies to reduce disparities through increased empowerment via education or engagement and improved health outcomes. International mHealth development has focused primarily on engaging rural populations through cellular phones. Mobile devices provide the ability to share information quickly and without the need for additional robust infrastructure. In addition, mobile technologies promise to allow for more care in rural communities through communication with remote providers and through education of the layperson on basic care
Linguistic Change in Endangered Dialects: The Case of Alternation between "Avoir" and "Etre" in Vermont French.

The present study examines the pattern of the variation of the auxiliary avoir and etre in the passe compose tense in Vermont French in 22 adult speakers who migrated from Quebec or are first-generation Franco-Americans. The purpose of the study is to determine if the process of replacement of etre by avoir in progress in Canadian French is also taking place in Vermont and which linguistic and social constraints influence this linguistic change. Results of the study reveal that the process of replacement of etre by avoir is also taking place in Vermont, and that it is significantly favored by the presence of a main verb that has a transitive homonym and by the presence of a low-frequency main verb. The fact that social factors do not significantly influence this replacement indicates a later stage of linguistic change, supporting patterns found in the literature of language death.
Empirical analysis of the effect of phosphorus limitation on algal food quality for freshwater zooplankton

Herbivorous zooplankton production is often constrained by algal food quality, and variation in algal food quality has been attributed to its phosphorus (P) content. To test the hypothesis that mineral P limitation is an important constraint on freshwater herbivorous zooplankton production, we conducted a quantitative analysis of published data on lake seston carbon to phosphorus (C : P) ratios and daphnid growth responses to P-limited algal diets. Our summary of 276 observations of mean lake seston C : P ratios showed 38% exceeded a critical threshold of 300, above which daphnid production is often predicted to be limited by algal P content. Our analysis of 91 observations of daphnid growth responses to nutrient-limited algal diets indicates the true daphnid critical threshold lies within the range of 225‐375. Algal food quality is consistently reduced at algal C : P ratios above 300; however, the predicted reduction in algal food quality with P limitation is greater than the observed reduction at critical thresholds ,390. Mineral P limitation of Daphnia production may be quite strong in some lakes; however, the production of most zooplankton taxa would not be expected to be limited by mineral P in a large proportion of lakes. After correcting for the algal C : P ratio, large differences in food quality were found between the major algal taxa, with diatoms and cryptophytes high food quality, chlorophytes intermediate food quality, and small ingestible cyanophytes very low food quality. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that shifts in algal community composition similar to those seen during seasonal succession or across lake trophic state gradients explained four times more variability in daphnid growth rates across a range of seston C : P ratios representative of natural lakes. Overall these results tend to support the mineral P limitation hypothesis for daphnids, but they also suggest other factors will be the primary determinants of algal food quality for most zooplankters in most lakes.
Variation-Oriented Engineering (VOE): Enhancing Reusability of SOA-based Solutions

Software service organizations typically develop custom solutions from scratch in each project engagement. This is not a scalable proposition, since it depends too heavily on labor alone. Rather, creating and reusing software "assets" is more scalable and profitable. One prevalent approach to building software solutions is to use service-oriented architecture (SOA) to compose software services to support business processes. In this context, the key to reusing assets is to support the right mechanisms to incrementally refine existing software services as well as business processes. In this paper, we propose a set of mechanisms called Variation-Oriented Engineering (VOE) to support this incremental refinement. VOE is a comprehensive formal approach for modeling end-to-end variability in SOA-based solutions for the purpose of enhancing reusability. We illustrate our approach on a realistic example from the insurance domain, via a prototype implementation.
The Health Sector in Developing Countries: Problems for the 1990s and Beyond

In this review we assess the extent to which programmatic and intellectual emphasis on CCD problems should remain as an appropriate focus in the decade of the 1990s and beyond. To summarize our conclusions we believe that more attention will need to be paid to the problems of postepidemiologic transition environments; that within the pretransition environment relatively more attention needs to be paid to concerns of adults; and that the passage of large fractions of the population of many countries through the transition will impose additional problems in providing continued attention to the health needs of pretransition population subgroups. Several important programmatic shifts are likely to follow from shifts of emphasis toward adults and toward posttransition needs. The nature (and perhaps primacy) of primary prevention will markedly change. Different personnel skills and mixes of facilities will be required. Far more concern for cost containment cost effectiveness and selectivity will need to be shown. To underpin these programmatic shifts parallel changes and developments in research on health issues in developing countries will be needed. (excerpt)
Urokinase/Urokinase Receptor-Mediated Signaling in Cancer

Experimental oncogenic transformation or in spontaneous human cancers, mitogenesis and expression of fibrinolytic components such as urokinase (uPA), its receptor (uPAR), and its major inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibtor-1 (PAI-1) or -2 (PAI-2) are activated by common signaling mechanisms. In tumor cells of mesenchymal or epithelial origin uPA, uPAR, and PAIs or metallo-proteinases (MMPs) are overexpressed and these molecules are implicated in tumor invasion or metastasis. Oncogenic stimuli constitutively activate extracellular-regulated kinases (Erk1/2) and NH2-Jun-kinase (Jnk). Tumor or transformed cells typically overexpress uPA and uPAR and show increased activation of the above signaling modules. These signaling intermediaries are involved in the expression of uPA and uPAR as well as mitogenesis, neoplastic growth and metaststic spread and tissue remodeling as occurs in the pathogenesis of neoplasia.
Prolactin augments progesterone-dependent uteroglobin gene expression by modulating promoter-binding proteins.

The sequence-specific binding of endometrial nuclear proteins to uteroglobin 200 (UG200) (-194/+9), the 203-base pair 5'-flanking region of the rabbit uteroglobin gene, and UG99 (-170/-85), a subfragment of UG200, was compared with gel shift assays. PRL + progesterone treatment of estrous rabbits produced a 6- to 7-fold increase in the primary shift compared to progesterone alone. PRL + progesterone treatment of long-term ovariectomized rabbits increased the primary shift 60% over progesterone alone, which increased the primary shift 30-fold over similarly treated estrous rabbits. The primary shift was eliminated when rabbits were treated with progesterone + estradiol benzoate (E2Bz). Changes in the steady state levels of UG mRNA paralleled changes in the intensity of the primary gel shift. Southwestern blotting revealed four proteins from progesterone-dominated endometrial nuclei that bind UG200. PRL pretreatment produced a 3- to 12-fold increase in each of the proteins. Protein binding was eliminated by...
Heterogeneous Multi-Robot Localization in Unknown 3D Space

This paper presents a self-localization strategy for a team of heterogeneous mobile robots including ground mobile robots of various sizes and wall-climbing robots. These robots are equipped with various visual sensors, such as miniature webcams, omnidirectional cameras, and PTZ cameras. As the core of this work, a formation of four-robot team is constructed to operate in a 3D space, e.g., moving on ground, climbing on walls and clinging to ceilings. The four robots could dynamically localize themselves asynchronously by employing cooperative vision techniques. Three of them on the ground mutually view each other and determine their relative poses with 6 degrees of freedom (DOFs). A wall-climbing robot, which significantly extends the work space of the robot team to 3D, is at a vantage point (e.g., on the ceiling) such that it can see all the three teammates, thus determining its own location and orientation. The four-robot formation theory and algorithms are presented, and experimental results with both simulated and real image data are provided to demonstrate the feasibility of this formation. Two 3D localization and control strategies are designed for applications such as search and rescue and surveillance in 3D urban environments where robots must be deployed in a full 3D space
Chitosan and Protein Coatings Affect Yield, Moisture Loss, and Lipid Oxidation of Pink Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) Fillets During Frozen Storage

The effects of chitosan (CH1 = 1% and CH2 = 2% solution), egg albumin (EA), soy protein concentrate (SPC), pink salmon protein powder (PSP), and arrowtooth flounder protein powder (AFP) as edible coatings on quality of skinless pink salmon fillets were evaluated during 3 mo frozen storage. Coating with 2% chitosan (CH2) resulted in significantly higher yield than coating with PSP and AFP. The thaw yield of salmon fillets coated with CH2 was higher than those of the control and fillets coated with AFP. The noncoated, CH1-, and CH2-coated fillets had similar drip loss (0.4% to 1.2%), which was lower than those observed for PSP- and AFP-coated fillets. All fillet samples had similar cook yield (84.2% to 88.8%). The fillet coated with CH1, CH2, SPC, and EA had significantly higher (P 0.05) effects of coating on a*, b*, and whiteness values for cooked fillets after 3 mo frozen storage.
Perturbation of Copper Substitutional Defect Concentrations in CdS/CdTe Heterojunction Solar Cell Devices

The efficacy of implementing terrestrial-based photovoltaics is dictated by trade-offs in device performance, cost, and reliability. Presently, the highest efficiency polycrystalline CdS/CdTe superstrate solar cells utilize back contacts containing copper as an intentional dopant. Accelerated stress data correlates copper diffusion from this contact with performance degradation. Degradation at the device level exhibits two characteristic modes that are influenced by CdTe surface treatments prior to contacting. Rapid degradation associated with a rapidly decreasing open-circuit voltage can occur in cases where processing favors stoichiometric CdTe surfaces. Slower degradation associated with roll-over is typified by treatments favoring the presence of Te at the back contact. The chemical composition and extent of Te-rich contact interfaces is revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Deep-level transient spectroscopy of NP etched and non-etched devices show Te-rich conditions are necessary for the detection of deep-acceptor CuCd defect levels at (Ev +0.28 to 0.34 eV). Low keV cathodoluminescence measurements show that these defects can be found localized at the back surface of CdS/CdTe devices.
Microwave spectral taxonomy: A semi-automated combination of chirped-pulse and cavity Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy

Because of its structural specificity, rotational spectroscopy has great potential as an analytical tool for characterizing the chemical composition of complex gas mixtures. However, disentangling the individual molecular constituents of a rotational spectrum, especially if many of the lines are entirely new or unknown, remains challenging. In this paper, we describe an empirical approach that combines the complementary strengths of two techniques, broadband chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and narrowband cavity Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy, to characterize and assign lines. This procedure, called microwave spectral taxonomy, involves acquiring a broadband rotational spectrum of a rich mixture, categorizing individual lines based on their relative intensities under series of assays, and finally, linking rotational transitions of individual chemical compounds within each category using double resonance techniques. The power of this procedure is demonstrated for two test cases: a stable molecule with a rich spectrum, 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde, and products formed in an electrical discharge through a dilute mixture of C2H2 and CS2, in which spectral taxonomy has enabled the identification of propynethial, HC(S)CCH.
An investigation of the role of transcellular ion currents in morphogenesis ofGriffithsia pacifica Kylin

Transcellular ion currents are thought to play a role in the induction and maintenance of localized growth in plant cells. In the marine red algaGriffithsia pacifica, two types of cells elongate by localized tip growth, rhizoidal and repair shoot cells. The pattern of growth and morphogenesis in these cells can be altered by environmental and hormonal parameters. We examined the role of localized currents in four developmental processes inG. pacifica: 1. normal elongation of rhizoids, 2. the phototropic response of rhizoids, 3. the re-initiation of growth in dark-starved rhizoids, and 4. morphogenesis of repair shoot cells in the presence and absence of rhodomorphin, an endogenous hormone which regulates growth of these cells.
Quantifying head impacts in collegiate lacrosse

Background:Concussion and repetitive head impact in sports has increased interest and concern for clinicians, scientists, and athletes. Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States, but the burden of head impact in lacrosse is unknown.Purpose:The goal of this pilot study was to quantify head impact associated with practicing and playing collegiate lacrosse while subjects were fitted with wearable accelerometers.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:In a single year, a collegiate cohort of 14 women’s and 15 men’s lacrosse players wore mastoid-patch accelerometers to measure the frequency and severity of head impacts during official practices and games. Average impact severity, mean number of impacts, and cumulative acceleration were evaluated, stratified by sport and event type.Results:Men’s and women’s collegiate lacrosse players did not significantly differ in the number of head impacts received during games (11.5 for men vs 9.2 for women) or practices (3.1 vs 3.1). Men’s lacr...
How can vascular surgery survive capitated care

The basic differences between fee-for-service and capitated care are characterized and how they are likely to impact the practicing vascular surgeon are explored. Likely practice scenarios under capitated care are given. If the potential problems associated with using primary care "gate keeper" physicians materialize, secondary "carveouts" by vascular specialists may prove feasible. The alternative, particularly in large patient care consortiums, is to educate gatekeepers with efficient management algorythms in exchange for appropriate referrals. In spite of demonstrable flaws and abuses, capitated, managed care is likely to persist in some form, as an effective way to control spiraling health care costs. Therefore, vascular surgeons need to be prepared to compete under such systems. The major keys to success are efficient use of diagnostic tests, applying conservative, cost conscious indications for intervention, and efficient use of hospital resources (judged by lengths of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital and readmissions under the same diagnosis). In addition to developing better practice profiles, in these and standard mortality and morbity parameters, vascular surgeons need to create or join an efficient practice environment, with a minimum number of efficient personnel and teaching and research costs tightly controlled. To negotiate contracts effectively, vascular surgeons must know their costs, of delivering care on a per capita basis in their environment, adjusted for specific (eg, working or retired) patient populations. Outcomes and cost comparisons and other management research must vie for attention with new technology and basic research.
Forensic Report Writing

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses various guidelines concerning forensic reports writing, highlighting their unique features, and their importance of mental health professionals. There are many instances in which mental health professionals do not have the opportunity to testify. In these cases, the written report is the only means by which the expert's opinion is made available to the court. Given the purpose of forensic evaluations, the report must address the psycho legal issues relevant to the case. Often the issues that must be addressed are spelled out in relevant state or federal law. Though it is important that forensic reports address psycho legal issues, it is equally important that forensic examiners not take over the role of the court by pronouncing on the ultimate legal issue. The content and structure of forensic reports may vary according to the referral question, the preference of the referring agent, and the professional's style, but several core features should appear in most forensic reports.
Forward Sensitivity Method: Scalar Case

In this chapter, using a simple deterministic nonlinear, scalar model, we derive the dynamics of evolution of the first-order and second-order forward sensitivities of the solution or model forecast with respect to control (the initial condition and parameters).
True Time Delay Beam Steering/Shaping Phased Array Antenna System for Plasma Diagnostics

An electronically controlled beam focusing/ defocusing Phased Array Antenna (PAA) system is proposed for use in Microwave Imaging Reflectometry (MIR) systems, which are being developed to measure plasma density fluctuations. The design, construction and performance of a Ka-band 1times8 true time delay E-plane beam scanning and broadening phased array system based on piezoelectric transducer controlled delay line technology using antipodal elliptically-tapered slot antennas are presented. The beam is steered from -21degto +24degand the 3 dB beamwidth is widened by about 10deg, the latter being the requirement for the target MIR system.
Self-healing analog/RF circuits

Process variation is the most critical issue for the nanoscale analog and radiofrequency integrated circuits (ICs). There are many traditional techniques to mitigate the process variations problems which are mainly based on some form of static approach. However, as the traditional over-design technique becomes impractical, on-chip self-healing which is a dynamic approach has emerged as a promising methodology to address the variability issue. The key idea of self-healing is to actively monitor the post-manufacturing circuit performance metrics and then adaptively adjust a number of tuning knobs, such as bias voltage, in order to meet the given performance specifications. This chapter discusses the self-healing mechanism based analog and radio-frequency ICs.
Optimal, Nanodefect Configurations via Strain-Mediated Assembly for Optimized Vortex-Pinning in Superconducting Wires from 5K-77K

Engineered nanoscale defects within REBa2Cu3O7-δ based coated conductors are of great interest for enhancing vortex-pinning, especially in high-applied magnetic fields. We have conducted extensive research to optimize vortex-pinning and enhance Jc via controlled introduction of various types of nanoscale defects. This paper provides a summary on how density, morphology, and composition of these engineered nanoscale defects affects vortex-pinning in different field and angular regimes in the temperature regime of 5K-77K. It is shown that certain nanodefect configurations that provide the best performance at high-operating temperatures also result in the optimal properties with record values of the critical current density and the pinning force at low operating temperatures and high-applied magnetic fields.
Do fluctuations in positive affective and physical feeling states predict physical activity and sedentary time

Abstract Objectives Higher levels of positive affect and feelings of energy are associated with greater physical activity (PA) and lower sedentary time (ST). However, whether fluctuations in these feelings contribute to the regulation of these behaviors is unclear. This study examined the extent to which subject-level variability (i.e., degree of intraindividual variability) in positive affect and feeling energetic predicted participants’ overall levels of PA and ST. Design This analysis combined data from four ecological momentary assessment (EMA) studies (agerange: 8–73 years) with ambulatory monitoring via waist-worn accelerometry (N = 661). Methods Positive affect and energy were assessed through EMA several times per day across 4–7 days. Accelerometer data was used to create the following behavioral outcomes: (1) meeting MVPA guidelines (children: 60 minutes/day, adults: 30 minutes/day) and (2) minutes of ST per hour of accelerometer wear. A two-stage analytic approach was used to test the study aim. In the first stage, mixed-effects location scale modeling decomposed mean levels and variability in positive affect and energy. In the second stage, a linear or logistic regression (depending on whether the outcome was continuous or dichotomous, respectively) was tested to investigate associations between subject-level mean and variability in EMA ratings and the behavioral outcome. Results Greater subject-level variability but not subject-level mean of feeling energetic was associated with lower odds of meeting MVPA guidelines (β = −0.43, p Conclusions Fluctuations in physical feeling states may deplete self-regulatory resources involved in planning and implementing PA behavior. Alternatively, being more physically active may stabilize one's perceived energy levels.
Comparing Approaches to Mobile Depression Assessment for Measurement-Based Care: Prospective Study.

Background: To inform measurement-based care, practice guidelines suggest routine symptom monitoring, often on a weekly or monthly basis. Increasingly, patient-provider contacts occur remotely (eg, by telephone and Web-based portals), and mobile health tools can now monitor depressed mood daily or more frequently. However, the reliability and utility of daily ratings are unclear. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between a daily depressive symptom measure and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the most widely adopted depression self-report measure, and compare how well these 2 assessment methods predict patient outcomes. Methods: A total of 547 individuals completed smartphone-based measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) modified for daily administration, the PHQ-9, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. Multilevel factor analyses evaluated the reliability of latent depression based on the PHQ-2 (for repeated measures) between weeks 2 and 4 and its correlation with the PHQ-9 at week 4. Regression models predicted week 8 depressive symptoms and disability ratings with daily PHQ-2 and PHQ-9. Results: The daily PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 are highly reliable (range: 0.80-0.88) and highly correlated (r=.80). Findings were robust across demographic groups (age, gender, and ethnic minority status). Daily PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 were comparable in predicting week 8 disability and were independent predictors of week 8 depressive symptoms and disability, though the unique contribution of the PHQ-2 was small in magnitude. Conclusions: Daily completion of the PHQ-2 is a reasonable proxy for the PHQ-9 and is comparable to the PHQ-9 in predicting future outcomes. Mobile assessment methods offer researchers and clinicians reliable and valid new methods for depression assessment that may be leveraged for measurement-based depression care.
The Deformation and Break-Up of Single Drops in Shear Fields

A liquid drop of viscosity λμand volume V is placed in another fluid of viscosity μ with which it is immiscible. When the external fluid is sheared, the initially spherical drop will deform and may in some cases, break into several fragments. It is desired to compute the deformation of this drop and the conditions under which it will break. This subject is of considerable fundamental interest in fluid mechanics as an example of a free-boundary problem and as a prototype for flow-induced deformation of a variety of flexible bodies such as red blood cells, macromolecules, flocs, elastic particles, etc. It is also closely related to dispersion processes in commercial blenders and mechanical emulsifiers where one is often required to estimate the maximum drop size of the dispersed phase for a given power input, or conversely to estimate the power that is required in order to insure that all the drops of the dispersed phase remain below a given maximum size.
What to Expect from Expected Kneser-Ney Smoothing.

Kneser-Ney smoothing on expected counts was proposed recently in Zhang et al. 2014. In this paper we revisit this technique and suggest a number of optimizations and extensions. We then analyze its performance in several practical speech recognition scenarios that depend on fractional sample counts, such as training on uncertain data, language model adaptation and Word-Phrase-Entity models. We show that the proposed approach to smoothing outperforms known alternatives by a significant margin.
Increasing Intrinsic Motivation of Programming Students: Towards Fix and Play Educational Games

This research investigates a novel approach to teach programming using educational games. The objective of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of educational games on learning computer programming. In particular, we are examining whether allowing students to manipulate the underlying code of the educational games will increase their intrinsic motivation.
Midwest pharmacists' familiarity, experience, and willingness to provide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV

Introduction Pharmacist provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) through collaborative practice agreements with physicians could expand access to people at risk for HIV. We characterized pharmacists’ familiarity with and willingness to provide PrEP services in Nebraska and Iowa. Methods An invitation to complete an 18-question survey was emailed to 1,140 pharmacists in Nebraska and Iowa in June and July of 2016. Descriptive analyses and Pearson chi-square tests were used to determine to what extent demographics, familiarity and experience were associated with respondent willingness to provide PrEP. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared ages and years of experience between groups of respondents. Results One hundred forty pharmacists (12.3%) responded. Less than half were familiar with the use of PrEP (42%) or the CDC guidelines for its use (25%). Respondents who were older (p = .015) and in practice longer (p = .005) were less likely to be familiar with PrEP. Overall, 54% indicated they were fairly or very likely to provide PrEP services as part of a collaborative practice agreement and after additional training. While familiarity with PrEP use or guidelines did not affect respondents’ willingness to provide PrEP, respondents were more likely to provide PrEP with prior experience counseling HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (OR 2.43; p = 0.023) or PrEP (OR 4.67; p = 0.013), and with prior HIV-related continuing education (OR 2.77; p = 0.032). Conclusions Pharmacist respondents in Nebraska and Iowa had limited familiarity and experience with PrEP, but most indicated willingness to provide PrEP through collaborative practice agreements after additional training. Provision of PrEP-focused continuing education may lead to increased willingness to participate in PrEP programs.
Impact of Obesity on Acyclovir-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

Background Obesity is a major medical issue nationally, with rates continually increasing. In obese patients, minimal data exist for appropriate dosing of acyclovir to decrease the rates of nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated with acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods A retrospective case-control of patients who received intravenous acyclovir for >48 hours at the University of Mississippi Medical Center over a 4-year period were evaluated to elucidate the prevalence of acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Additionally, risk factors for the development of nephrotoxicity, including the effect of obesity and dosing strategy, were assessed. Results One hundred fifteen patients were included in the study. A total of 24 (21%) patients developed nephrotoxicity after acyclovir exposure and were in the Risk (9.6%), Injury (4.3%), and Failure (7%) categories, defined by the RIFLE criteria. Neither acyclovir dosage, fluid status, nor baseline characteristics, other than obesity, varied between those who developed nephrotoxicity vs those who did not. Independent predictors of nephrotoxicity were obesity (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-8.67) and receipt of vancomycin (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 1.57-14.25). No differences in vancomycin dosing or concentrations were observed between the patients who developed nephrotoxicity and those who did not. Conclusions In this study, nephrotoxicity occurred in 21% of patients receiving acyclovir. Concomitant vancomycin receipt and obesity led to higher rates of toxicity. Efforts should be made to target obese patients on acyclovir plus vancomycin and discontinue therapy in patients not warranting antiviral coverage to minimize chances of toxicity.
Dialectic Dialogue: Reflections on Adopting a Dialectic Stance.

ABSTRACTA multiplicity of perspectives and methods are necessary to investigate the complexities of human development and educational institutions. However, many would-be MM researchers still have questions about how to conceptualize and conduct MM research. Taking a dialectic stance, or mixing research approaches to suit the demands of a research problem, is one way to integrate multiple perspectives from conception to conclusions in a MM research study. In this spirit, we engage in a meta-dialogue focused on our use of the dialectic stance in our dissertations. Using an autoethnographic approach we now call ‘dialectic dialogue’, we analytically and reflectively reexamine our respective research processes to investigate, individually and collaboratively, how taking a dialectic stance influenced the paradigms, methodologies, and methods of our MM dissertations. Three verbal and artistic metaphors for our experience emerged from our discussion: feeling boxed in, getting lucky, and radical commitment. Each ...
Catchment classification in a transboundary river using runoff and sub-basin characteristics

ABSTRACTTransboundary rivers that run through separate water management jurisdictions with distinct hydrological characteristics sometimes experience competitive water usage. A system of classifica...
Hadroproduction of Massive Lepton Pairs and QCD

A survey is presented of some current issues of interest in attempts to describe the production of massive lepton pairs in had-ronic collisions at high energies. I concentrate on the interpretation of data in terms of the parton model and on predictions derived from quantum-chromodynamics (QCD), their reliability and their confrontation with experiment. Among topics treated are the connection with deep-inelastic lepton scattering, universality of structure functions, and the behavior of cross-sections as a function of transverse momentum.