cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EMA: A process model of appraisal dynamics

A computational model of emotion must explain both the rapid dynamics of some emotional reactions as well as the slower responses that follow deliberation. This is often addressed by positing multiple levels of appraisal processes such as fast pattern directed vs. slower deliberative appraisals. In our view, this confuses appraisal with inference. Rather, we argue for a single and automatic appraisal process that operates over a person's interpretation of their relationship to the environment. Dynamics arise from perceptual and inferential processes operating on this interpretation (including deliberative and reactive processes). This article discusses current developments in a computational model of emotion processes and illustrates how a single-level model of appraisal obviates a multi-level approach within the context of modeling a naturalistic emotional situation.
New Spectral Canonical Realizations for Time-Varying Linear Systems using a Unified Eigenvalue Concept

In this paper, two new spectra? canonical relizations are developed for the class of time-varying Scalar Linear Dynamical Systems (SLDS) of the form: y(n)+? n (t)y(n-1)+...+? 2 (t)?+ ? 1 (t)y=s(t)u(n)+s n (t)u(n-1)+...+ s 2 (t)u?+s 1 (t)u, and the class of completely controllable time-varying Vector Linear Dynamical Systems (VLDS) of the form: x?=A(t)x+b(t)u, y=C(t)x+d(t)u, where A(t), b(t), C(t) and d(t) are, respectively, n×n, n×1, m×n and m×1 matrices; y, x, are vectors of dimension m, n, respectively; and u is a scalar. These new spectral canonical realizations are based on a recently established unified eigenvalue concept, spectral canonical forms and canonical coordinate transformations for matrices over a differential ring. Therefore, they are natural extensions and unifications of the well-known canonical realizations traditionally used for time-invariant SLDS and VLDS using the conventional (time-invariant) eigenvalues. The new results presented here have important applications in the areas of analysis, synthesis, controller design, simulations and implementation for time-varying linear systems.
Modeling of charge transfer by surface acoustic waves in a monolithic metal/ZnO/SiO 2 /Si system

This paper discusses modeling of minority-carrier charge transfer by surface acoustic waves (SAW's). An idealized, structure independent model which includes the mechanism of carrier diffusion is described and definitions of charge-transfer efficiency and charge capacity analogous to those of a conventional charge-coupled device are introduced and developed. The model is used to predict the fundamental upper limit performance of the device in the absence of surface-state trapping and bulk recombination generation. The parameters of the model are evaluated for the monolithic metal/ZnO/SiO 2 /Si system, and the model is used to predict charge distributions and charge capacity for surface wave frequencies in the range of 40 MHz to 2 GHz. At high frequencies, the predicted device performance is found to be limited by carrier diffusion and the SiO 2 thickness.
New submicron HBT IC technology demonstrates ultra-fast, low-power integrated circuits

A new submicron HBT-based integrated circuit technology has been developed to fabricate transistors as small as 0.2 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ emitter geometry. Using this novel process approach we have been able to reduce our minimum device geometry by a factor of more than ten, and reduce the metallization pitch by a factor of two compared to our baseline process. At the same time, the device RF performance improved by a factor of two. Submicron heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) fabricated with this process exhibited f/sub T/ and f/sub max/ values greater than 165 and 140 GHz, respectively, and dc current gain of over 50. We have also demonstrated several circuits using submicron HBT's in this new IC technology. In particular, a latching comparator circuit which is a key building block of analog-to-digital converters, performed at 40 GHz. It exhibited three times the speed, one-third the dc power, and one-third the chip size of a similar circuit in our baseline process. A single-chip, PLL-based clock and data recovery circuit was fully functional at 4 GHz with a power supply voltage of 2.5 V. It consumed a total dc power of 50 mW, including input and output buffers.
Octreotide for the Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient with a HeartWare Left Ventricular Assist Device

HeartWare is a third generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD), widely used for the management of advanced heart failure patients. These devices are frequently associated with a significant risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The data for the management of patients with LVAD presenting with GI bleeding is limited. We describe a 56-year-old lady, recipient of a HeartWare device, who experienced recurrent GI bleeding and was successfully managed with subcutaneous (SC) formulations of octreotide.
Examining the Nature and Significance of Leadership in Government Organizations

Though the mainstream organizational literature has advanced in the last 20 years with the integration of transformational and distributed leadership theories, as well as genuine attempts at comprehensive models, the public sector literature has lagged, especially in utilizing large-scale empirical studies. This study takes advantage of a very large government data set to test the utility of one of the best known theories, the “full range” leadership theory of Bernard Bass. It addresses three important research questions: How inclusive is Bass’s operational definition of leadership? How much of an impact do Bass’s leadership competencies have on follower satisfaction? Finally, how important is transformational leadership compared to transactional leadership in government settings? The results indicate that Bass’s broad definition of leadership comes quite close to capturing what federal employees perceive to be effective leadership. The relationship between good leadership in an organization and follower satisfaction is also presented as an important outcome in the federal government. Finally, both transactional and transformational leadership are perceived as important in the federal government, although transformational leadership is considered slightly more important even after shifting one important factor, individualized consideration, back to the transactional model.
The energetic costs of fighting in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus L

The cost of performing an agonistic behavior, or tactic, will have consequences for an individual's rate of cost accrual, the tactic's evolutionary stability if used as an assessment signal, and its pattern of use in the behavioral choreography of a contest. Few studies have attempted to quantify the costs of fighting, particularly with regard to energy expenditure. Flow-through respirometry revealed that house cricket males can expend energy at relatively high rates when fighting (more than eight times resting levels) depending on the particular tactic performed. Acoustic signalling (striduladon) constituted the least costly of seven measured agonistic tactics, while wrestling with an opponent, the most energetically costly tactic, consumed oxygen at a net rate more than 40 times that of striduladon. Low-cost tactics are used by opponents more frequently than more costly tactics, providing evidence for an escalating tactical convention based on energetic costs. The moderate energetic cost of some tactics suggests they may function as reliable signals in the assessment of wrestling ability. Net energy costs per contest increased linearly with contest duration for both contest winners and losers, but winners tended to expend more energy per contest than losers. The likely fitness effects of energy expended while fighting are discussed. The results of this study indicate that energy expenditure is an important cost shaping contest strategies in Achtta dtmtstxau.
DW-MRI as a Predictive Biomarker of Radiosensitization of GBM through Targeted Inhibition of Checkpoint Kinases

PURPOSE: The inherent treatment resistance of glioblastoma (GBM) can involve multiple mechanisms including checkpoint kinase (Chk1/2)-mediated increased DNA repair capability, which can attenuate the effects of genotoxic chemotherapies and radiation. The goal of this study was to evaluate diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) as a biomarker for Chk1/2 inhibitors in combination with radiation for enhancement of treatment efficacy in GBM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We evaluated a specific small molecule inhibitor of Chk1/2, AZD7762, in combination with radiation using in vitro human cell lines and in vivo using a genetically engineered GBM mouse model. DW-MRI and T1-contrast MRI were used to follow treatment effects on intracranial tumor cellularity and growth rates, respectively. RESULTS: AZD7762 inhibited clonal proliferation in a panel of GBM cell lines and increased radiosensitivity in p53-mutated GBM cell lines to a greater extent compared to p53 wild-type cells. In vivo efficacy of AZD7762 demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on GBM tumor growth rate and a reduction in tumor cellularity based on DW-MRI scans along with enhancement of radiation efficacy. CONCLUSION: DW-MRI was found to be a useful imaging biomarker for the detection of radiosensitization through inhibition of checkpoint kinases. Chk1/2 inhibition resulted in antiproliferative activity, prevention of DNA damage-induced repair, and radiosensitization in preclinical GBM tumor models, both in vitro and in vivo. The effects were found to be maximal in p53-mutated GBM cells. These results provide the rationale for integration of DW-MRI in clinical translation of Chk1/2 inhibition with radiation for the treatment of GBM.
Buccal mucosal grafts: lessons learned from an 8-year experience.

Purpose: We evaluated our 8-year experience with buccal mucosal grafts in complex hypospadias and epispadias repair.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 29 patients in whom a total of 30 buccal mucosal grafts were placed as part of urethral reconstruction between 1991 and 1999. At surgery 16 tubes and 14 onlays were constructed and 24 of 30 repairs involved the meatus. All patients were followed at least 6 months postoperatively (median 5.3 years). Beginning in 1995 meatal design was enlarged to a racquet handle shape and patients were asked to perform meatal self-dilation for 6 months postoperatively.Results: Complications developed in 17 of our 30 cases (57%) and reoperation was done in 10 (33%). All complications were evident by 11 months postoperatively except 1 that presented as recurrent stricture disease at 3 years. Complications developed in 5 and 12 of 15 patients who underwent surgery between 1995 and 1999, and before 1995, respectively (p = 0.027). No patient has had meatal stenosi...
Transparent emitter contact HBT's for direct optical injection locking of oscillators

Direct optical injection locking and tuning of high frequency oscillators made with GaAs-AlGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) have been investigated. A new HBT technology using transparent indium-tin-oxide (ITO) emitter contacts for convenient optical access has been developed. Optical injection locking and tuning experiments have been performed on 6 GHz HBT oscillators. A locking range up to 2.5 MHz, and a tuning range up to 25 MHz have been measured with the injection of optical RF power at 30 dB below the oscillator power level. >
K-means Clustering for Multispectral Images Using Floating-Point Divide

Many signal processing algorithms can be accelerated using reconfigurable hardware. To achieve a good speedup compared to running software on a general purpose processor, fine-grained control over the bitwidth of each component in the datapath is desired. This goal can be achieved by using NU's variable precision floating-point library. To analyze the usefulness of the floating-point divide unit, we incorporate it into our previous implementation of the Kmeans clustering algorithm applied to multispectral satellite images. With the lack of a floating-point divide hardware implementation, the mean updating step in each iteration of the K-means algorithm had to be moved to the host computer for calculation. The new means calculated on the host then had to be moved back to the FPGA board for the next iteration of the algorithm. This added data transfer overhead between the host and the FPGA board. In this work, we use the new fp div module to implement the mean updating step in FPGA hardware. This greatly reduces the communication overhead between host and FPGA board and further accelerates run time. The Kmeans clustering example illustrates the use of the fp div, fix2float and float2fix modules seamlessly assembled together in a real application. It is the first implementation that has the complete K-means computation done in FPGA hardware. Our results show that the hardware implementation achieves a speedup of over 2150x for core computation time and about 11x for total run time including data transfer time. They also show that the divide in FPGA hardware is 100 times faster than in software. Moreover, implementing divide in the FPGA frees the host to work on other tasks concurrently with K-means clustering, thus providing further speedup by allowing the image analyst to exploit this coarse grained parallelism.
Quantification of Effects of Global Ischemia on Dynamics of Ventricular Fibrillation in Isolated Rabbit Heart

Background—Ventricular fibrillation (VF) leads to global ischemia of the heart. After 1 to 2 minutes of onset, the VF rate decreases and appears more organized. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of no-flow global ischemia on nonlinear wave dynamics and establish the mechanism of ischemia-induced slowing of the VF rate. Methods and Results—Activation patterns of VF in the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart were studied with the use of 2 protocols: (1) 15 minutes of no-flow global ischemia followed by reperfusion (n=7) and (2) decreased excitability induced by perfusion with 5 μmol/L of tetrodotoxin (TTX) followed by washout (n=3). Video imaging (≈7500 pixels per frame; 240 frames per second) with a voltage-sensitive dye, ECG, and signal processing (fast Fourier transform) were used for analysis. The dominant frequency of VF decreased from 13.5±1.3 during control to 9.3±1.4 Hz at 5 minutes of global ischemia (P<0.02). The dominant frequency decreased from 13.9±1.1 during control to 7...
Biventricular Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy in a Patient Presenting with New Onset Seizure: Case Report

Ventricular noncompaction (VNC) of the myocardium is a rare genetic cardiomyopathy caused by a disorder during endocardial morphogenesis and could be accompanied by life-threatening complications. The major clinical manifestations of VNC are heart failure, arrhythmias, and embolic events. The left ventricle is the most commonly reported affected site, but a few cases of right ventricular involvement have also been reported. We report a case of biventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in a 31-year-old woman presenting with a new onset seizure. On the second day of her telemetry-monitored hospitalization, she suffered a witnessed ventricular fibrillation arrest requiring emergency direct-current cardioversion and induced hypothermia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed isolated left ventricular (LV) noncompaction and depressed LV systolic function. Subsequent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed both left and right ventricular noncompaction. This unusual presentation highlights the importance of a complete and thorough evaluation of patients even when presenting with apparently noncardiac symptom(s).
Translating “Nondiabetic” A1C Levels to Clinical Practice: The Art of Medicine

It is well recognized that there is a significant delay from the time clinical research findings are first reported and when the results become an integral part of clinical care. With the understanding that the prevalence and incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and that the resulting complications are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality, the need for more rapid clinical translation of research findings for diabetes could not be greater. Specifically, a large amount of clinical research data has been reported in the recent past that is of great interest to the provider caring for individuals with diabetes. Much of the emphasis for research has been devoted to understanding the contribution of hyperglycemia and its treatment on macrovascular disease. For example, within the last decade, we have not only recognized the pivotal role that chronic hyperglycemia, as assessed with A1C levels, contributes to the development of microvascular complications, but we have recognized the importance of glycemia in contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1,2). Observations from large-scale prospective trials over the last couple of years have reported that in high-risk subjects, intensive therapy to lower A1C levels below suggested targets may not be beneficial or may increase mortality (3–5). However, as observed from these studies, we also learned that certain subsets of patients with type 2 diabetes may actually benefit from intensive glycemic control (3). The most recent analysis, reported in May 2010, has now suggested that mortality may actually be greater for those who maintain a higher A1C level despite attempts at intensive glycemic management …
A crystal to rigged configuration bijection and the filling map for type D4(3)

Abstract We give a bijection Φ from rigged configurations to a tensor product of Kirillov–Reshetikhin crystals of the form B r , 1 and B 1 , s in type D 4 ( 3 ) . We show that the cocharge statistic is sent to the energy statistic for tensor products ⨂ i = 1 N B r i , 1 and ⨂ i = 1 N B 1 , s i . We extend this bijection to a single B r , s , show that it preserves statistics, and obtain the so-called Kirillov–Reshetikhin tableaux model for B r , s . Additionally, we show that Φ commutes with the virtualization map and that B 1 , s is naturally a virtual crystal in type D 4 ( 1 ) , thus defining an affine crystal structure on rigged configurations corresponding to B 1 , s .
A whole-arm tactile display system

This work presents a new tactile display device for relaying contact information to locations along the human arm. The system is intended to facilitate teleoperation of whole-arm manipulation tasks, such remotely controlling a humanoid robot to grasp and lift large objects. The system consists of a set of five tactors, each a foam-covered paddle 42 × 48 mm. These tactors are brought into contact with the skin of the user's arm by small DC motors under computer control. The tactors are mounted on frames which are readily mounted to the upper and lower arm using Velcro straps. User tests demonstrate that the system can effectively convey contact information to the user. The benefits of this haptic display modality are evaluated in comparison with degraded visual information to estimate the resolution limits of the system.
Switchable Materials for Smart Windows

This article reviews the basic principles of and recent developments in electrochromic, photochromic, and thermochromic materials for applications in smart windows. Compared with current static windows, smart windows can dynamically modulate the transmittance of solar irradiation based on weather conditions and personal preferences, thus simultaneously improving building energy efficiency and indoor human comfort. Although some smart windows are commercially available, their widespread implementation has not yet been realized. Recent advances in nanostructured materials provide new opportunities for next-generation smart window technology owing to their unique structure-property relations. Nanomaterials can provide enhanced coloration efficiency, faster switching kinetics, and longer lifetime. In addition, their compatibility with solution processing enables low-cost and high-throughput fabrication. This review also discusses the importance of dual-band modulation of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light, as nearly 50% of solar energy lies in the NIR region. Some latest results show that solution-processable nanostructured systems can selectively modulate the NIR light without affecting the visible transmittance, thus reducing energy consumption by air conditioning, heating, and artificial lighting.
Uncovering Effective Strategies for Hearing Loss Prevention

Occupational health agencies, researchers and policy makers have recognized the need for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce or prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. While many workplaces comply with legal or obligatory requirements and implement recommended interventions, few publications exist documenting the effectiveness of these actions. Additionally, some workplaces have discovered through their own processes, novel ways to reduce the risk of injury. Peer-reviewed information on the effectiveness of the many strategies and approaches currently in use could help correct weaknesses, or further encourage their adoption and expansion. The evaluation of intervention effectiveness would certainly contribute to improved worker health and safety. This need is particularly relevant regarding noise exposure in the workplace and hearing loss prevention interventions. In a 2006 review of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hearing Loss Research Program, the independent National Academies of Sciences recommended that NIOSH place greater emphasis on identifying the effectiveness of hearing loss prevention measures on the basis of outcomes that are as closely related as possible to reducing noise exposure and work related hearing loss (http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11721). NIOSH used two different approaches to address that recommendation: the first one was to conduct research, including broad systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions to prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss. The second was to create an award program, the Safe-In-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award™, to identify and honor excellent real-world examples of noise control and other hearing loss prevention practices and innovations.
The Van Allen Probes Power System Launch and Early Mission Performance

The Van Allen Probes are twin NASA spacecraft that were launched August 30, 2012, into lapping highly elliptical earth orbits. The twin spacecraft will operate within the Van Allen radiation belts throughout their two-year mission. The Van Allen Probes are sponsored by NASA’s Living With a Star (LWS) Program. The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory designed, fabricated, and operates the twin spacecraft for NASA. The power systems of the twin spacecraft are identical. A direct energy transfer topology was selected for the power system. The loads are connected directly to the eight-cell Lithium Ion battery. The solar panels consist of triple junction cells. The design average power of each spacecraft is about 350 Watts, nominal 28.8 volt bus. A single 50 AH Lithium Ion battery is used to support the spacecraft loads during launch and eclipse periods. The battery charge control is performed using constant current/constant voltage taper charging. The two Van Allen Probes are performing as designed. This paper will describe the power system launch and early mission performance results.
A Nano-Transistor Based on Gate-Induced Thermal Switching

A nanoscale device consisting of a metal nanowire, a dielectric, and a gate is proposed. A combination of quantum and thermal stochastic effects enables the device to have multiple functionalities, serving alternately as a transistor, a variable resistor, or a simple resistive element with changeable I-V characteristics. By manipulating the gate voltage, stochastic transitions between different conducting states of the nanowire can be induced, with a switching time as short as picoseconds. With an appropriate choice of dielectric, the transconductance of the device can significantly exceed the conductance quantum, a remarkable figure of merit for a device at this lengthscale.
Myelomeningocele: The Medical Aspects

The author reviews the recent advances in treatment and care for children with myelomeningocele that have offered new hope for survival and success. While careful attention must be given to technical areas, the author stresses the basics of health care and of human interactions as the primary areas in which the pediatrician can make the largest contribution.
Letter to Richard Pearce in Response to "Pynchon's Endings"

First I should ask you to excuse this letter, which I have little or no business writing, not being a literary scholar of any sort. But I guess I have a bit of Moses Herzog in me, mentally composing letters to people in misguided attempts to improve the world, and sometimes I even send them.
Aerobic stability and in vitro fiber digestibility of microbially inoculated corn and sorghum silages.

Silage deteriorates readily when exposed to air, resulting in DM losses. Inoculation of silage with lactic acid bacteria may aid fermentation, but effects on aerobic stability are unclear. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of commercial bacterial inoculants on aerobic stability and in vitro fiber digestibility of silage. Corn (Zea mays L.; Exp. 1) or sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench; Exp. 2) forage (30% DM) was inoculated (1.1 x 10(5) colony forming units/g of fresh forage) with lactic acid bacteria (Pioneer brand 1174 on corn, Pioneer brand 1129 on sorghum) or bacterial inoculant plus an antifungal agent (potassium sorbate at .5 mg/g of fresh forage) and ensiled in 19-L microsilos. Corn was ensiled for 40 or 186 d and sorghum was ensiled for 30 or 160 d (five microsilos per treatment per ensiling time combination). Silages were exposed to air for 7 to 9 d after opening, and temperature was monitored daily. Water-soluble carbohydrates, pH, NDF, ADF, and in vitro digestibility of NDF and ADF were determined before and after ensiling and on exposed silages. Inoculation reduced (P .05) between uninoculated and inoculated silages. Inoculant treatment did not affect (P > .05) concentrations or digestibility of NDF in corn; however, NDF and ADF concentration and in vitro digestibility of NDF increased (P < .05) with time of ensiling in sorghum silage, and in vitro ADF digestibility increased (P < .05) with time of ensiling in corn silage.
Learning from Growth Theory

Economic growth theory provides two types of lessons: one by identifying the key determinants of growth and the other by empirical verification of theory. The first shows which sources and determinants are important and why. The second shows various pitfalls in some of the theories. Here we attempt a historical overview of growth theory and its broad social and economic implications. We discuss only those contributions which have relevance to modern economic growth characterized by market based systems undergoing technological change and worldwide competition. In our view these contributions in growth theory are most important for countries like India which is entering the phase of a “new economy.” This new economy is driven by high growth in the information technology (IT) sector and new economic reforms, which favor rapid growth in foreign direct investment and joint ventures in R&D networks.
Justice Scalia: Affirmative or Negative?

This short essay, part of an online symposium on Justice Scalia, assesses Scalia’s contributions to constitutional theory, especially the theory of constitutional interpretation. Drawing on some recent biographies, I argue that Scalia repeatedly deployed a rhetorical strategy known as preemptive argument. A preemptive argument attempts to occupy the argumentative terrain so that counter-arguments cannot get off the ground. Scalia made two preemptive moves that were highly influential – that original public meaning was sharply different from original intent and that the debate between contending positions in constitutional interpretation is best characterized as originalism versus nonoriginalism. I contend that both moves had a deleterious impact on the progress of American constitutional theory. I conclude with some thoughts on why Scalia often seemed so negative on the progress of American constitutionalism in general.
Toward formant synthesis with articulatory controls

This paper describes some recent advances in. formant synthesis of speech. Formant synthesis is based on an acoustic representation of speech-sound production in terms of sources of sound and filtering of these sources by the vocal tract. An extension of this source-filter model introduces a set of higher-level control parameters that specify how the subglottal pressure, the laryngeal configuration and state, and the vocal-tract configuration change with time during an utterance. A set of mapping relations derives the lower-level acoustic parameters from the higher-level quasi-articulatory parameters. Synthesis of the segmental, syllabic, and prosodic aspects of an utterance with this more compact set of higher-level parameters is illustrated with examples. Some advantages of this approach to formant synthesis are described.
Effect of Lumbar Progressive Resistance Exercise on Lumbar Muscular Strength and Core Muscular Endurance in Soldiers

ABSTRACTObjectives: Low back pain is common, costly, and disabling for active duty military personnel and veterans. The evidence is unclear on which management approaches are most effective. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of lumbar extensor high-intensity progressive resistance exercise (HIPRE) training versus control on improving lumbar extension muscular strength and core muscular endurance in soldiers. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with active duty U.S. Army Soldiers (n = 582) in combat medic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Soldiers were randomized by platoon to receive the experimental intervention (lumbar extensor HIPRE training, n = 298) or control intervention (core stabilization exercise training, n = 284) at one set, one time per week, for 11 weeks. Lumbar extension muscular strength and core muscular endurance were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results: At 11-week follow-up, lumbar extension muscular strength was 9.7% gr...
Equipment, Setup, and Troubleshooting for Basic and Advanced Urodynamics

Urodynamics (UDS) is a set of functional tests of the lower urinary tract and is used to aid in the diagnosis of voiding disorders. Multiple options for UDS equipment exist with the main categories being simple (single-channel) versus complex (multichannel) UDS. Other variations include types of catheters used, fluid-based versus air systems, addition of fluoroscopy for video-UDS, software, and data storage. All of these considerations, in addition to the fact that the acquisition of urodynamics equipment can be costly, make it imperative that the clinician have some basic knowledge and understanding of the options available for UDS equipment. Furthermore, insight into the most efficient setup and how to troubleshoot common problems is invaluable for the clinician preparing to perform UDS in the office. The primary aim of this chapter is to provide the clinician with information that will be helpful when choosing urodynamics equipment appropriate for his/her practice, basic instruction on how to set up the urodynamics system, and guidelines for troubleshooting equipment-related problems.
Ontology as Critique: On Jean-Luc Nancy’s Inoperative Community

The following paper addresses itself to the question of ontology in the work of Jean-Luc Nancy. In so doing it attempts to read Nancy’s ontological project as a project of the deconstruction of structural forms of political violence. To this end, Nancy’s notion of “inoperative community” is brought into dialogue with Benjamin in order to show how, in Nancy’s work, ontology operates not as the refusal of critique, but as its very condition.
Design and Control of a Dual-Probe Atomic Force Microscope

Current atomic force microscopes (AFMs) support single-probe operation, in which one nanosized tip enables versatile operations such as surface imaging, nanomanipulation, and nanomanufacturing to be performed, although one at a time. Some AFM operations involve switching between imaging and the operational mode, which is cumbersome, challenging, and limiting, particularly when different probe geometries are preferred for each mode. This paper presents a new dual-probe atomic force microscope (DP-AFM) that has two independent probes operating in a common workspace. Such a setup enables two AFM operations to be carried out simultaneously. For instance, one probe can be used to image, while the other probe performs one of the many tip-based processes. The hardware and software design involved in developing the DP-AFM is discussed in detail. Furthermore, to demonstrate the capability of dual-probe arrangement, a controller is developed for real-time plowing depth control, where one probe is used to plow the surface, while the other is used to image the plow profile, thus enabling real-time feedback control of the AFM plow process. Experimental results show that the plow depth can be regulated with nanometer-level accuracy.
Density Functional Theory and the Basis Set Truncation Problem with Correlation Consistent Basis Sets: Elephant in the Room or Mouse in the Closet?

Two recent papers in this journal called into question the suitability of the correlation consistent basis sets for density functional theory (DFT) calculations, because the sets were designed for correlated methods such as configuration interaction, perturbation theory, and coupled cluster theory. These papers focused on the ability of the correlation consistent and other basis sets to reproduce total energies, atomization energies, and dipole moments obtained from “quasi-exact” multiwavelet results. Undesirably large errors were observed for the correlation consistent basis sets. One of the papers argued that basis sets specifically optimized for DFT methods were “essential” for obtaining high accuracy. In this work we re-examined the performance of the correlation consistent basis sets by resolving problems with the previous calculations and by making more appropriate basis set choices for the alkali and alkaline-earth metals and second-row elements. When this is done, the statistical errors with respe...
Toward a Solution of the Active Target Defense Differential Game

A novel pursuit-evasion differential game involving three agents is considered. An Attacker missile is pursuing a Target aircraft. The Target aircraft is aided by a Defender missile launched by, say, the wingman, to intercept the Attacker before it reaches the Target aircraft. Thus, a team is formed by the Target and the Defender which cooperate to maximize the separation between the Target aircraft and the point where the Attacker missile is intercepted by the Defender missile, while at the same time the Attacker tries to minimize said distance. A long-range Beyond Visual Range engagement which is in line with current CONcepts of OPeration is envisaged, and it is therefore assumed that the players have simple motion kinematics a la Isaacs. Also, the speed of the Attacker is equal to the speed of the Defender and the latter is interested in point capture. It is also assumed that at all time the Attacker is aware of the Defender’s position, i.e., it is a perfect information game. The analytic/closed-form solution of the target defense pursuit-evasion differential game delineates the state space region where the Attacker can reach the Target without being intercepted by the Defender, thus disposing of the Game of Kind. The target defense Game of Degree is played in the remaining state space. The analytic solution of the Game of Degree yields the agents’ optimal state feedback strategies, that is, the instantaneous heading angles for the Target and the Defender team to maximize the terminal separation between Target and Attacker at the instant of interception of the Attacker by the Defender, and also the instantaneous optimal heading for the Attacker to minimize said separation. Their calculation hinges on the real-time solution of a quartic equation. In this paper we contribute to the solution of a differential game with three states—an additional example to the, admittedly small, repertoire of pursuit-evasion differential games in 3-D which can be solved in closed form.
Bio-Inspired Design of a Multi-scale Pass Band Frequency Sensor Using Local Resonance Phenomena

With growing interest in nanotechnology, the manufacturing industries for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (NEMS) are constantly thriving towards extraordinary precision in the machining and etching tools. It is a common practice, during manufacturing, a set of instructions are provided to a manufacturing tool, by actuating them at certain frequencies to perform their respective tasks. Every different task (e.g. cutting nano-channels, drilling micro-holes, nano-welding etc.) has unique instruction with unique frequency input. In such cases, other than the desired frequencies, remaining possible frequencies in the system needs to be filtered or stopped. It is extremely challenging to avoid system noises electronically and select or actuate specific frequencies. Hence, in a noisy environment (e.g. fluctuation of temperature, external vibration etc.) it is extremely difficult to provide a unique frequency to a tool to perform a task precisely without having an uncertainty. In this study, we intend to propose a mechanical model to precisely sense, pass and actuate desired frequencies and filter unwanted input frequencies, which in turn will result a mechanical pass band sensor. Traditionally researches are interested in stopping undesired frequencies to pass desired frequencies through local resonance phenomena. However, if only certain frequencies are required, it is extremely difficult to filter all unnecessary frequencies by creating frequency band gaps. Hence, in this effort, bio-inspired logistic, adopting local resonator physics is employed by extracting the benefit of unique frequency sensing, mechanically. Human cochlea senses only sonic (20 Hz to 20 kHz) frequencies by filtering all other frequencies in the environment. Basilar membrane is the principal component of the human cochlea with logarithmically decreasing stiffness from its basal to apical end. Basilar membrane composed of series of thin micro beams attached to each other, where each beam holds unique bending rigidity and hence, capable of resonating at a particular sonic frequency. Similarly, in this study, to replicate the functionality of a basilar membrane, a discrete mass-in-mass (DMM) metamaterial model is proposed while using a complete different physics of local resonance. It is hypothesized that, systematic arrangement of such DMM cells can select of band of frequencies, predictively.
Why is the new Family so Familiar

Next to the individual, family has been regarded as the most important element of society, and like the individual it has always been treated as the most intimate and private space in culture. In contemporary cultural theory and cultural texts, for instance, regardless of the conceptual frames deployed, family is always assumed to be a space like no other. For instance, in Marsha Norman’s (1983) play ’night, Mother the main character, Jessie, includes her mother, and only her mother, in her suicide by telling her that she will kill herself that night, and in doing so asserts her will by choosing who will be her family in this final moment of her life.
Therapeutic Potential of Adipose Stem Cells

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have gained attention in the fields of stem cells regenerative medicine due to their multifaceted therapeutic capabilities. Promising preclinical evidence of ASCs has supported the substantial interest in the use of these cells as therapy for human disease. ASCs are an adult stem cell resident in adipose tissue with the potential to differentiation along mesenchymal lineages. They also are known to be recruited to sites of inflammation where they exhibit strong immunomodulatory capabilities to promote wound healing and regeneration. ASCs can be isolated from adipose tissue at a relatively high yield compared to their mesenchymal cell counterparts: bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Like BM-MSCs, ASCs are easily culture expanded and have a reduced immunogenicity or are perhaps immune privileged, making them attractive options for cellular therapy. Additionally, the heterogeneous cellular product obtained after digestion of adipose tissue, called the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), contains ASCs and several populations of stromal and immune cells. Both the SVF and culture expanded ASCs have the potential to be therapeutic in various diseases. This review will focus on the preclinical and clinical evidence of SVF and ASCs, which make them potential candidates for therapy in regenerative medicine and inflammatory disease processes.
Functional Graphenic Materials, Graphene Oxide, and Graphene as Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Insufficient bone regeneration is a complex problem affecting millions, and treatment would benefit from a complex material that recapitulates the properties of native bone. No current tissue-engineered scaffold can capture all of the properties of healthy bone. Graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and functional graphenic materials (FGMs) have a variety of interesting properties that make them promising foundations on which to craft sophisticated, biomimetic, osteoinductive, synthetic scaffolds for bone regeneration. GO has shown promise in the osteoinduction of stem cells, especially when coupled with growth factors. Additionally, FGMs have tunable surface chemistry and mechanical properties, as well as periodic long-range order, making this class of materials a promising candidate for regeneration of hard tissues. Strategies for controlling and modifying the surface chemistry of graphenic materials have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, providing access to new FGMs with distinct implications in biomaterials and medicine. In this review, we discuss promising emerging strategies for the use of graphenic materials in bone regeneration, with a focus on biomimetic and bioinstructive FGMs. The regeneration of bone is an interdisciplinary medical, scientific, and engineering challenge. While small fractures heal spontaneously into adulthood, larger injuries and deformities require surgical correction. Currently, grafts or metallic prosthetics are the standard of care, but both suffer limitations. Graphene, graphene oxide, and functional graphenic materials comprise a class of materials that can be derived from graphite (pencil lead) and offer a plethora of promising properties including long-range order, mechanical stability, and autodegradability that make them promising scaffold materials for bone regeneration.
Blood–Bone Axis and Bone Marrow Microenvironment

The function of the bone marrow is to coordinate hematopoiesis, i.e., the continuous production of mature blood cells throughout life. Hematopoiesis often is envisioned as a pyramidal/hierarchical process with the least differentiated cells, i.e., those of greatest maturation potential at the top, hierarchically speaking, and cells that have undergone terminal differentiation at the bottom. The two major lineages of terminally differentiated blood cells are those derived from the myeloid and lymphoid progenitors. Myeloid cells include red blood cells, platelets, and cells that provide cellular immunity, e.g., macrophages and granulocytes. Lymphoid cells comprise T, B, and natural killer cells, and play a major role in coordinating humoral immunity.
Solution of the non-classical linear Boltzmann equation for transport in multidimensional stochastic media

Abstract The non-classical linear Boltzmann equation (NCLBE) is a recently developed framework based on non-classical transport theory for modeling the expected value of particle flux in an arbitrary stochastic medium. Provided with a non-classical cross-section for a given statistical description of a medium, any transport problem in that medium may be solved. Previous work has been limited in the types of material variability considered and has not explicitly introduced finite boundaries and sources. In this work the solution approach for the NCLBE in multidimensional media with finite boundaries is outlined. The discrete ordinates method with an implicit discretization of the pathlength variable is used to leverage sweeping methods for the transport operator. In addition, several convenient approximations for non-classical cross-sections are introduced based on existing theories of stochastic media. The solution approach is verified against random realizations of a Gaussian process medium in a square enclosure.
Comparative Analysis of Blockchain-based Smart Contracts for Solar Electricity Exchanges

With the advent of blockchain technology and the increasing penetration of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems, a new opportunity for energy trading through smart contracts has emerged. Challenges arise in such transactive markets to ensure individual rationality, incentive compatibility, budget balance, and economic efficiency during the auction process. This paper presents a comparative analysis of different smart contracts for solar electricity exchange in terms of market demand and supply metrics. Auction mechanisms considered in this paper are discriminatory and uniform k-Double Auction (k-DA). A simulation case study of 100 participants in a microgrid is presented using typical residential load and solar PV generation profiles. Results indicate that the discriminatory k-DA mechanism has the highest average percentage of contracts cleared and quantity traded during the period of excess solar energy generation, regardless of the level of PV penetration.
Interpretations of Slope Through Written and Verbal Interactions Between a Student and Her Tutors in Algebra 1

There is an ongoing need to support students’ learning of linear functions, and the study of slope makes up a foundational component of this learning. We applied techniques from systemic functional linguistics to document the meanings that were established through spoken interaction between a student and her tutors during discussions of slope. We found that, while fraction notation gave the student and tutors a common reference point to discuss slope, it also masked important differences in how the student interpreted slope compared to her tutors. The findings of this analysis imply the need not only to attend to how students quantify slope, but also whether students recognize slope as an attribute of a line.
Trevor kletz & sam mannan guest perspective on process safety early warning signals noticed, but management doesn't act adequately or not at all: A brief analysis and direction of possible improvement.

Abstract History has taught us that quite disastrous events with much human loss, injuries and asset damage could have been prevented or at least mitigated, if top management had recognized early warning signals in some form as urgent and had decided to take timely preventative measures. It turns out to be a rather common phenomenon in various sectors of life and some process industry examples are presented. The problem is further analyzed from a leadership point of view, from organizational structure and culture aspect, and what modern technology developments can help to improve the situation. Research in the latter directions is encouraged.