cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloud computing in tactical environments

Ground personnel at the tactical edge often lack data and analytics that would increase their effectiveness. To address this problem, this work investigates methods to deploy cloud computing capabilities in tactical environments. Our approach is to identify representative applications and to design a system that spans the software/hardware stack to support such applications while optimizing the use of scarce resources. This paper presents our high-level design and the results of initial experiments that indicate the validity of our approach.
10 Well-Being: Bisexuality and Mental and Physical Health

This chapter explores the interlocking effects of bi-invisibility, monosexism, and binegativity, and how the resulting lack of social support networks contributes to the mental and physical health problems experienced by some bisexual individuals. Further, this chapter will explore practical considerations for mental health practitioners treating bisexual individuals. Because research indicates that sexual minorities, including bisexual individuals, are more likely to seek mental health services than heterosexual individuals, it is imperative that mental health practitioners educate themselves regarding the issues faced by sexual minority individuals in general and bisexual individuals in particular, and consider these issues when determining an overall treatment approach. Specifically, it is essential for mental health practitioners to understand that bisexual individuals encounter additional challenges that are unique to their identities. Aggregated research from the relatively small number of available studies expressly evaluating the mental health of bisexual individuals indicates they are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, substance use issues, and higher rates of attempted suicide than monosexual (the privileging of heterosexuality and homosexuality) individuals. The objectives of this chapter are to: (i) identify the unique mental and physical health challenges faced by bisexual individuals and (ii) discuss how mental health services can be tailored to better meet the needs of bisexual individuals. This chapter examines the impact of bi-invisibility, monosexism, binegativity, the stress associated with the coming-out process, violence, and sexual health on mental health outcomes. This chapter also addresses the importance of practitioners assessing their own attitudes and unconscious biases, the factors practitioners should consider when evaluating bisexual clients, case management approaches, the status of education and training in the area of bisexuality, and the importance of advocacy.
University employees' preparedness for natural hazards and incidents of mass violence: An application of the extended parallel process model

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine previous disaster impact, threat perception, self-efficacy, and gender as predictors of university employees’ preparedness for natural hazards and incidents of mass violence. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with faculty and staff members (N = 410) at a medium-sized university located in the southern United States. Drawing from the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM), a moderated mediation model was hypothesized and partially supported. For natural hazards, past experience and gender had direct effects on perceived susceptibility, but perceived susceptibility did not mediate the effect of past disaster experience on preparedness behavior, nor did past disaster experience have a significant direct effect. However, both self-efficacy and disaster impact had direct effects on preparedness behavior, and self-efficacy further moderated the effect of disaster impact. For incidents of mass violence, perceived susceptibility significantly mediated the effect of past experience on preparedness behavior, when self-efficacy was high and employees were female. As with natural hazards, past experience and gender had significant direct effects on perceived susceptibility. Self-efficacy also had a significant direct effect on preparedness behavior. These results support EPPM theory in that threat messages and perceptions correspond to increased preparedness behavior when paired with self-efficacy for responding to disasters. Therefore, it is recommended that educational institutions employ disaster preparedness programs that focus on educating employees about cultivating accurate threat perceptions and building their confidence in responding to disasters.
Long-term continuous N-carbamylglutamate treatment in frequently decompensated propionic acidemia: a case report.

Propionic acidemia is a rare autosomal recessive inherited metabolic disorder that can inhibit the synthesis of N-acetylglutamate, the obligatory activator in urea synthesis, leading to hyperammonemia. N-carbamylglutamate ameliorates hyperammonemia in decompensated propionic acidemia. The effects of long-term continuous N-acetylglutamate administration in such patients are unknown. We report our clinical experience with continuous administration of N-acetylglutamate for 6 years in a patient with propionic acidemia frequently presenting with hyperammonemia. A male Caucasian patient with frequently decompensated propionic acidemia and hyperammonemia was admitted 78 times for acute attacks during the first 9 years of his life. Continuous daily treatment with oral N-carbamylglutamate 100 mg/kg (50 mg/kg after 6 months) was initiated. During 6 years of treatment, he had a significant decrease in his mean plasma ammonia levels (75.7 μmol/L vs. 140.3 μmol/L before N-carbamylglutamate therapy, p < 0.005 [normal range 50–80 μmol/L]) and fewer acute episodes (two in 6 years). Our results suggest a benefit of N-acetylglutamate administration outside the emergency setting. If this observation is confirmed, future studies should aim to optimize the dosage and explore effects of the dosage requirements on other drugs and on protein tolerance.
Real-Time PCR to Detect α-1 Antitrypsin S and Z Alleles in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue.

Background: α-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with incomplete penetrance that can cause pulmonary and liver disease. Multiple methods are available to determine A1AT genotype using peripheral blood specimens, but none are validated to detect A1AT alleles in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. Methods: A real-time PCR assay was validated to detect the SERPINA1 S and Z alleles (NM_000295.4: c.863A>T, p.E288V and c.1096G>A, p.E366K, respectively) in FFPE liver tissue using allele-specific dual hybridization probes and melting curve analysis. Validation experiments were performed on genomic DNA samples (n = 11) with A1AT genotypes previously determined by orthogonal methods. Results: The S and Z allele assays accurately genotyped all FFPE validation specimens that had a threshold cycle Conclusions: Poor PCR amplification because of low nucleic acid concentration in small biopsy specimens and time-dependent degradation in specimens stored for extended periods were the most common reasons for assay failure. The ability to determine A1AT genotype from archived surgical pathology specimens can facilitate research on the role of A1AT globules in liver disease.
Efficient Reconstruction of Elastic Stiffnesses in Isotropic and Anisotropic Plates

Because composite materials are often used in safety critical applications, such as in aerospace, it is desirable to have a quick and reliable confirmation of their material properties. The aim of this paper is to introduce the idea of inferring elastic and/or viscoelastic material properties from plate wave measurements with a minimum amount of data. Material characterization of anisotropic materials has been a focus point of research for many years. A good review of this literature can be found in a recent review article [1]. Rokhlin and collaborators [2–4] have also studied this problem extensively, using propagation characteristics and the transmission coefficient to reconstruct elastic properties. The advantage of reconstructing the stiffnesses from the zeros of the transmission coefficient lies the the fact that in contrast to the zeros of the reflection coefficient the transmission coefficient zeros are independent of the fluid properties. A drawback of this method is that the plate must be accessible from both sides.
Polyamine regulatory pathways as pharmacologic targets in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Decades of studies in animal models and in humans with pulmonary artery hypertension have left little doubt that the processes culminating in hyper­tensive pulmonary vascular remodeling and sustained increases in pulmonary vascular resistance are complex. Modulations in phenotype, proliferative state, and survival of multiple lung vascular cell populations, changes in the local milieu of growth and differentiation factors, and alterations in the extracellular connective tissue environment all seem to contribute to the pathogenesis of the disorder. From a pharmacologic vantage point, identifying which of these is the most suitable target is challenging. Our studies are predicated on the concept that pathways “distal” in the signaling cascades - upon which multiple stimuli dictating vascular cell structure and function converge - might be effective drug targets in PAH. In this regard, we found that the polyamines, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, a family of low molecular weight organic cations required for cell growth and differentiation, along with their biosynthetic pathways and transmembrane transporters, are altered in rational animal models of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this article, we summarize these data incriminating polyamines and their regulatory pathways in hypertensive pulmonary vascular disease and advance the contention that polyamine synthesis inhibitors and transport blockers should indeed be considered for clinical trials in human pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Measuring in Vivo Translocation of Reduced Organic Carbon Compounds from Endosymbiotic Algae to Hydra

To measure the movement of materials from autotrophic endosymbionts to their heterotrophic hosts. The usual approach is to label the autotroph by exposing the intact association (i.e., the green hydra) to 14CO2 and then to assay the heterotroph for the appearance of fixed 14C (Cernichiari et al., 1969; Eisenstadt, 1971; Smith, 1974).
Teacher-Facilitated Microcomputer Activities: Enhancing Social Play and Affect in Young Children with Disabilities

When young children with disabilities are unable to participate in learning experiences with their peers, they often lose critical opportunities to develop and practice many of the social and acade...
World Sheet Commuting beta-gamma CFT and Non-Relativistic StringTheories

We construct a sigma model in two dimensions with Galilean symmetry in flat target space similar to the sigma model of the critical string theory with Lorentz symmetry in 10 flat spacetime dimensions. This is motivated by the works of Gomis and Ooguri[1] and Danielsson et. al.[2, 3]. Our theory is much simpler than their theory and does not assume a compact coordinate. This non-relativistic string theory has a bosonic matter {beta}{gamma} CFT with the conformal weight of {beta} as 1. It is natural to identify time as a linear combination of {gamma} and {bar {gamma}} through an explicit realization of the Galilean boost symmetry. The angle between {gamma} and {bar {gamma}} parametrizes one parameter family of selection sectors. These selection sectors are responsible for having a non-relativistic dispersion relation without a nontrivial topology in the non-relativistic setup, which is one of the major differences from the previous works[1, 2, 3]. This simple theory is the non-relativistic analogue of the critical string theory, and there are many different avenues ahead to be investigated. We mention a possible consistent generalization of this theory with different conformal weights for the {beta}{gamma} CFT. We also mention supersymmetric generalizations of these theories.
Study on public debt management systems and results of a survey on solutions used by debt management offices

A debt management system is the backbone of any sovereign debt management office. A robust, well-functioning and user-friendly system allows governments to strengthen their debt management environment. This study aims to contribute to the literature on (i) the essential requirements of a debt management system, (ii) the selection criteria for software that fits the system modernization and integration needs of a debt management office, and (iii) how the solutions currently used by governments meet those requirements. It also contains the results of a survey that shows the current landscape of solutions used by a sample of debt management offices from 31 countries. The target audience is emerging and developing countries that seek to strengthen the information technology platform they use for debt management. The study concludes that it is fundamental for a debt management system to meet the debt management office's evolving needs, while at the same time differentiating among functions and coverage that are mandatory, relevant, and desirable. This differentiation provides a helpful guide for debt managers deciding between building a tailored debt management system from scratch or purchasing an off-the-shelf system. The survey results suggest that current systems can handle the critical functions and instruments of debt management offices. However, if the nature of respondents' debt portfolios evolves over time, system limitations may present challenges. One clear takeaway is that debt managers should consider the ability of their debt management system to interact with external (for example, financial management information system) information technology platforms as an essential characteristic of their information ecosystem.
Fatty Acid Synthase as a biomarker in prostate cancer: a high-throughput quantitative image analysis

3650 Background: Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN) overexpression, highest in androgen-independent bone metastatic disease, confers a metabolic growth advantage to prostate cancer. Recently Orlistat has been co-crystallized with the FASN thioesterase domain while it exerts a significant anti-tumor activity. Furthermore, additional drugs targeting FASN activity are on the clinical horizon. Thus, objective quantitative analysis of FASN expression in tissues utilizing robust scoring methodologies may have significant clinical implications. Design: We performed immunohistochemistry for FASN on a large (n=314 men) well-annotated prostate tissue database arrayed in tissue microarray (TMA) format, with median follow-up of 10 years. The expression levels of FASN were scored semi-quantitatively for Intensity (I) and Quantity (Q) by 2 pathologists, using TMA-J software and a variety of scoring permutations were generated. In parallel, the same regions of interest were analyzed using an automated imaging system. Results: High FASN scores were associated with a more aggressive disease at surgery, including high pre-surgery PSA, Gleason ≥ 7, high T and N (p 0.65, p
Cancer immunotherapy with check point inhibitor can cause autoimmune adverse events due to loss of Treg homeostasis

Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) can facilitate immune evasion by tumor cells by dampening anti-tumor immunity. Reduced Teff/Treg ratio and enhanced Treg functional activity have been observed in patients suffering from different types of cancers, and attenuated Treg numbers/functions can serve as prognostic indicators. Normally, Tregs play an essential role in the maintenance of immune tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. The most common immune checkpoint blockers (ICB) targeting co-inhibitory receptors such as anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab and tremelimumab) and anti-PD1 (pembrolizumab and nivolumab)/anti-PD-L1 (atezolizumab) have achieved unprecedented success in cancer treatment by facilitating an effective anti-tumor immune response, at least in part, by blocking Treg mediated immunosuppression. While ICBs have shown remarkable success in cancer immunotherapy, immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) arising from ICB have forced consideration of ways to maintain immune homeostasis post ICB treatment. Preclinical models of IRAEs have shown a negative correlation between Treg numbers and IRAEs. Therefore, understanding the "ying-yang" role of Tregs in the regulation of autoimmunity and anti-tumor immunity is critical to provoking an effective anti-tumor response while maintaining immune homeostasis. Studies aimed at developing effective approaches to minimize IRAEs without compromising anti-tumor immunity are underway. Herein, we discuss 1) the critical role of key co-inhibitory receptors on Treg homeostasis and tumor tolerance; 2) how co-receptor blockade by cancer immunotherapy can lead to autoimmune adverse events; and 3) recently emerging management strategies to minimize autoimmune adverse events arising from ICB.
Tractable Stochastic Predictive Control for Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes with Time-Joint Chance Constraints

In this paper, we describe a stochastic model predictive control algorithm for finite-space partially observable Markov decision process problems with time-joint chance constraints. We discuss theoretical properties of the algorithm, including an approach to its recursive feasibility. An example representing path planning for an autonomous car is considered to illustrate the computational tractability of the algorithm.
Low Power Digital Temperature Sensor Using Modified Inverter Interlaced Cascaded Delay Cell

Sensing temperature for localizing hot spots provides additional observability in modern integrated circuits. A digital temperature sensor with modified inverter interlaced cascaded delay cells (IICDCs) is presented in this paper. Temperature is sensed using a temperature-to-pulse generator that produces pulse with an XOR gate and a temperature dependent delay line with the modified IICDCs. A D flip-flop based T flip-flop is used to produce a pulse which is used as the input signal of the delay line, and the inverted input signal is used to reduce the offset of the temperature sensor. The output of the temperature-to-pulse generator is applied to a time-to-digital converter (TDC) to achieve digital codes of the sensed temperature. By using the modified IICDCs, it is possible to consume lower power than the conventional approach using the inverter-based delay lines. The temperature sensor is designed with 180 nm CMOS technology and 1.8 V supply voltage. This temperature sensor circuit consumes $323.64 \mu \mathrm{W}$ and monitors $20^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $110^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ with a good linearity.
Simultaneous Capture and Detumble of a Resident Space Object by a Free-Flying Spacecraft-Manipulator System.

A maneuver to capture and detumble an orbiting space object using a chaser spacecraft equipped with a robotic manipulator is presented. In the proposed maneuver, the capture and detumble objectives are integrated into a unified set of terminal constraints. Terminal constraints on the end-effector’s position and velocity ensure a successful capture, and a terminal constraint on the chaser’s momenta ensures a post-capture chaser-target system with zero angular momentum. The manipulator motion required to achieve a smooth, impact-free grasp is gradually stopped after capture, equalizing the momenta across all bodies, rigidly connecting the two vehicles, and completing the detumble of the newly formed chaser-target system without further actuation. To guide this maneuver, an optimization-based approach that enforces the capture and detumble terminal constraints, avoids collisions, and satisfies actuation limits is used. The solution to the guidance problem is obtained by solving a collection of convex programming problems, making the proposed guidance approach suitable for onboard implementation and real-time use. This simultaneous capture and detumble maneuver is evaluated through numerical simulations and hardware-in-the-loop experiments. Videos of the numerically simulated and experimentally demonstrated maneuvers are included as supplementary material.
Testing the Limits: Theoretical Psychology Re-envisioned in Light of Boundary-Pushing Trends in Theoretical Physics, Philosophy of Biology, and Philosophy of Psychology

The call to re-envision theoretical psychology comes after more than a half century of theorists’ efforts to re-envision psychological science. Especially prominent is persistent critique of mainstream psychology’s deployment of the ontological and epistemic templates of the natural sciences, in theorists’ multifaceted mission to replace that metatheoretical grounding with one deemed properly suited (or indigenous) to a thoroughgoing psychological science of lived experience. Despite anticipated objection, I call for consideration of boundary-pushing trends and challenges in the natural sciences, especially in theory and philosophy of physics, with an eye toward inspiring theoretical psychologists and mainstream psychologists anew. I also draw attention to the use of relevant findings of mainstream psychological scientists by philosophers of psychology who ask traditional philosophical questions nonetheless. This use mirrors the use of relevant findings of biological scientists by philosophers of biology within the burgeoning field of biophilosophy, in which I find an apt analogue to what I herein call “psycphilosophy.” By adopting a more mutual, relational attitude toward disciplines that have heretofore been dismissed, theoretical psychologists may attain a better position from which to make more constructive and productive contact with mainstream psychological scientists—contact that may facilitate the impact on the mainstream that has to date eluded theorists.
Dynamically Stable 3D Quadrupedal Walking with Multi-Domain Hybrid System Models and Virtual Constraint Controllers

Hybrid systems theory has become a powerful approach for designing feedback controllers that achieve dynamically stable bipedal locomotion, both formally and in practice. This paper presents an analytical framework 1) to address multi-domain hybrid models of quadruped robots with high degrees of freedom, and 2) to systematically design nonlinear controllers that asymptotically stabilize periodic orbits of these sophisticated models. A family of parameterized virtual constraint controllers is proposed for continuous-time domains of quadruped locomotion to regulate holonomic and nonholonomic outputs. The properties of the Poincare return map for the full-order and closed-loop hybrid system are studied to investigate the asymptotic stabilization problem of dynamic gaits. An iterative optimization algorithm involving linear and bilinear matrix inequalities is then employed to choose stabilizing virtual constraint parameters. The paper numerically evaluates the analytical results on a simulation model of an advanced 3D quadruped robot, called GR Vision 60, with 36 state variables and 12 control inputs. An optimal amble gait of the robot is designed utilizing the FROST toolkit. The power of the analytical framework is finally illustrated through designing a set of stabilizing virtual constraint controllers with 180 controller parameters.
On clitic placement and gradience of strength of FP in Western Ibero-Romance

Abstract Old (Medieval and Classical) Spanish permitted finite enclisis and as such is classified as a strong-F language, as are many archaic varieties of Romance languages. Notable about Old Spanish is that, prior to the 1500s, interpolation arrangements were acceptable and rather common, as is still the case of Galician and some dialects of Portuguese. However, from the 1500s onward, interpolation in Old Spanish was no longer productive, much like modern Asturian. This is evidence that the “strong-weak” dichotomy of FP is insufficient to explain the situation of the languages. I argue that the strength of FP should be described as not only “weak” or “strong,” but instead on a gradient scale to distinguish languages that permit a range of possible clitic arrangements.
Integrating the Value of Electricity Resilience in Energy Planning and Operations Decisions

Recent increase in the number of natural disasters resulting in widespread, long-duration, and costly outages have brought the energy system resilience to the forefront. As system owners and operators seek to improve the system resilience, they often find it challenging to assess the costs and benefits of resilience investments. Costs are fairly well understood and measured, but benefits are less so. There are many resilience metrics that attempt to measure resilience benefit, but the existing methods for calculating metrics and incorporating value of resilience in energy decisions are not easily executed. To address this, we developed a method for modeling the value of resilience that is flexible and scalable across multiple types of models. This article describes a framework for incorporating duration-dependent customer damage functions (CDFs) into grid- and campus-scale planning and operations models. In two case studies, we consider how the duration-dependent value of resilience influences the investment and operation decisions. We find that in both cases, knowledge of the value of lost load provides opportunities to reduce the lifecycle cost of energy through adjusted investment or operational decisions. The primary contribution of this research is to integrate the duration-dependent value of resilience in energy decisions. This study will be useful to grid operators interested in reducing the value of customer losses during grid outages, as well as campus or site owners evaluating resilience investments.
Type of Donor in the Setting of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Does Not Significantly Affect Overall Survival in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a disease of high mortality and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) is frequently indicated for its curative potential. However, access can be limited by availability of HLA-matched donors, comorbidities, and performance status. Recently, half-match (haploidentical) donors and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) have increasingly been used to alleviate limitations. The objective of this study is to compare outcomes between different types of donors (matched-sibling (MSD) vs matched-unrelated (MUD) vs haploidentical (HI) and to investigate the role of conditioning for patients with AML. Methods In this single-center retrospective study, 253 AML patients receiving first allo-HCT between 2013-2018 were included. Baseline characteristics were collected and the primary outcome of overall survival was evaluated with Kaplan Meier survival analysis and hazard ratios using cox regression models. Baseline difference between these groups were significant for mean age of donor [53.0 years (MSD), 34.8 (HI), 27.8 (MUD); p Results Two-year survival amongst groups stratified by type of donor was not significantly different with 44.0% for MSD (95% CI: 30.4 to 57.6), 53.8% for MUD (95% CI: 44.4 to 63.2), and 53.5% for HI (95% CI: 38.6 to 70.0). When patients were stratified by conditioning type, differences in overall survival were also not statistically significant. Conclusion In this cohort of adult patients with AML, receiving an allo-HCT. Overall survival outcomes were not different between different donor types. This data is consistent with other recent reports demonstrating similar outcomes with haploidentical transplants when compared to matched-donor transplant.
“A League That Shall Not End till Thames and Rhine Leave off to Run”: Dreams of an Anglo-German Protestant Empire

The ceremony of the marriage between Elizabeth Stuart, James’s only daughter, and the German Elector Prince Frederick V took place on February 14, 1613. It was a lavish affair, the most extravagant of James’s reign and according to a recent monograph devoted to the marriage, “the pinnacle of Protestant European festival” (Smart and Wade, “The Palatine Wedding of 1613,” 21). In all, the masques, fireworks, and feigned sea-battles commissioned by the court to commemorate the union cost over 93,000 pounds, nearly bankrupting the monarchy. The celebrations lasted for five days in London and were extended for months on the couple’s parade through Protestant lands and back to Heidelberg.
Sex differences and effects of the estrous stage on hippocampal-prefrontal theta communications.

Effective communication between the mammalian hippocampus and neocortex is essential to certain cognitive-behavioral tasks critical to survival in a changing environment. Notably, functional synchrony between local field potentials (LFPs) of the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) within the theta band (4-12 Hz) underlies innate avoidance behavior during approach-avoidance conflict tasks in male rodents. However, the physiology of vHPC-mPFC communications in females remains unestablished. Furthermore, little is known about how mPFC subdivisions functionally interact in the theta band with hippocampal subdivisions in both sexes in the absence of task demand. Given the established roles of biological sex and gonadal hormone status on innate avoidance behaviors and neuronal excitability, here, we characterize the effects of biological sex and female estrous stage on hippocampal-prefrontal (HPC-mPFC) theta signaling in freely moving female and male rats. LFPs from vHPC, dorsal hippocampus (dHPC), mPFC-prelimbic (PrL), and mPFC-infralimbic (IL) were simultaneously recorded during spontaneous exploration of a familiar arena. Data suggest that theta phase and power in vHPC preferentially synchronize with PrL; conversely, dHPC and IL preferentially synchronize. Males displayed greater vHPC-PrL theta synchrony than females, despite similar regional frequency band power and inter-regional coherence. Additionally, several significant estrous-linked changes in HPC-mPFC theta dynamics were observed. These findings support the hypothesis that HPC-mPFC theta signaling is sensitive to both biological sex and female estrous stage. These findings establish novel research avenues concerning sex as a biological variable and effects of gonadal hormone status on HPC-mPFC network activity as it pertains to threat evaluation biomarkers.
Why Participate in Peer Review

The scholarly publishing enterprise is currently undergoing a "crisis," likely exacerbated by the global pandemic, in which peer reviewers are increasingly less available to perform reviews at the same time the flow of submitted manuscripts has not subsided. This editorial considers possible reasons why scholars might decline to participate in the peer review process, including the lack of compensation for this time-consuming and effort-laden service activity; questions about the fairness, validity, and efficacy of peer review; a commonly experienced dearth of training in peer review skills; and the fact that a lack of diversity in the sciences, academia, and the professions is reflected in the makeup of scholarly publishing leadership such that peer review is not necessarily conducted by one's "peers." Potential considerations are also offered on the other side of the ledger. These include the benefits that accrue to our own scholarship and publishing acumen when we review the work of others; the value of peer review to the quality of our journals and the excellence of our field; the positive contributions that thoughtful and educative reviews can make to the work of our colleagues; recent initiatives designed to increase representativeness, reduce bias, and guard against conflicts of interest in the peer reviewing process; the availability of guides and tutorials to assist emerging scholars to develop the relevant skills and acumen; and the ways in which peer reviewing can set the stage for professional growth and entry into leadership positions in the field of scholarly publishing.
A Path Forward: Promoting Microbial-Based Methods in the Control of Invasive Plant Species

In this review, we discuss the unrealized potential of incorporating plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions into invasive plant management strategies. While the development of this as a viable strategy is in its infancy, we argue that incorporation of microbial components into management plans should be a priority and has great potential for diversifying sustainable control options. We advocate for increased research into microbial-mediated phytochemical production, microbial controls to reduce the competitiveness of invasive plants, microbial-mediated increases of herbicidal tolerance of native plants, and to facilitate increased pathogenicity of plant pathogens of invasive plants.
The sociocultural ontogenesis of international students’ use of pragmatic strategies in ELF academic communication: Two contrasting case studies

Abstract Previous empirical studies have demonstrated that speakers of English as a lingua franca (ELF) display flexible use of various pragmatic strategies (PSs) to support effective communication. However, to date few studies have investigated PSs usage from the perspective of individual ELF speakers. Supported by a Vygotskian Sociocultural ontogenetic view on lingua franca pragmatics, this paper offers two qualitative case studies exploring the use of PSs by first-year international students as they navigated ELF-mediated group-work in a multilingual classroom at an internationalized university. Research questions include: a. what PSs did the students employ to facilitate effective ELF group-work? b. how might the students' enactments of PSs relate to their experiences of using ELF beyond this multilingual classroom? Analyses of classroom discourse data revealed distinct patterns of PSs usage: One participant's use of strategies was proactive-oriented in types and function, whereas for the other these strategies tended to be oriented toward remedying current communicative problems. Further ontogenetic analysis of interview data suggests that the differences between the two students' PSs deployment in classroom ELF academic interactions may be mediated by their contrasting prior ELF-related experiences and perceptions beyond the immediate classroom context. These findings indicate significant individual variation in speakers' pragmatic behaviors during ELF negotiations and point to the sociocultural-historical origins of lingua franca pragmatic competence.
Balancing Security and Usability of Zero-interaction Pairing and Authentication for the Internet-of-Things

The dramatic increase in the number of connected and Internet-of-Things devices today has called for more usable authentication methods to establish a secure connection among a large number of spatially dispersed devices with minimal or no human involvement. Recently, zero-interaction pairing and authentication (ZIPA) has emerged as a promising solution to this challenge, and researchers have devised various techniques to exploit different entropy sources to generate keys and set up secure connections. While prior works have successfully shown the potential of ZIPA, the focus has been placed mainly on exploring new sensing modalities, but barely on optimizing the underlying signal processing that is crucial for balancing security and usability. In this paper, as a first step towards the systematic design optimization of the signal processing pipeline of ZIPA techniques, we propose a generic key reconciliation framework that determines the proper reconciliation parameter based on a user-given authentication range. We analyze and compare the two most commonly used reconciliation schemes in terms of security and usability to select the better scheme with the best parameters to set the balance between them and estimate the computation overhead.
Tool-box or toy-box? Hard obscurantism in economic modeling

“Hard obscurantism” is a species of the genus scholarly obscurantism. A rough intensional definition of hard obscurantism is that models and procedures become ends in themselves, dissociated from their explanatory functions. In the present article, I exemplify and criticize hard obscurantism by examining the writings of eminent economists and political scientists.
The Development and Regulation of Expressed Rhythmicity in Infants

Circadian rhythms are endogenously generated rhythms with a period length of about 24-hrs. Evidence gathered over the past decade indicates that the circadian timing system develops prenatally and the suprachiasmatic nuclei, the site of a circadian clock, is present by mid-gestation in primates. Recent evidence also shows that the circadian system of primate infants is responsive to light at very premature stages and that low intensity lighting can regulate the developing clock. After birth, there is progressive maturation of the circadian system outputs, with pronounced rhythms in sleep-wake and hormone secretion generally developing after two months of age. Showing the importance of photic regulation of circadian phase in infants, exposure of premature infants to low-intensity cycled lighting results in the early establishment of rest-activity patterns that are in phase with the 24-hour light-dark cycle. With the continued elucidation of circadian system development and influences on human physiology and illness, it is anticipated that consideration of circadian biology will become an increasingly important component of neonatal care
Status of urban wood-waste and their potential use for sustainable bioenergy in Mississippi

Abstract Urban wood-waste is an inexpensive but underutilized feedstock for wood-based bioenergy. It includes wooden pallets and shipping containers, wood volumes in construction and demolition debris, railroad ties, given away or disposed volumes of logging residues and wood products from primary and secondary mill processing facilities. So far, little is known about the generation of urban wood-waste and current methods of disposal in Mississippi. A survey was conducted in spring 2013 to estimate the recoverable volumes of urban wood-waste for potential use in bioenergy. Results suggested that more than 321,000 tons of urban wood-waste were recoverable in Mississippi. More than 75 percent recoverable volumes were obtained from rubbish sites. Econometric analysis suggested that waste collection facilities collecting higher volumes of wood-waste and under private ownership were more likely to recover. The wood-waste recoveries in a collection facility with seasonal variation in input were 41 percent higher than others. The available urban waste feedstock was not sufficient to operate a large sized bioenergy industry independently. However, since per unit costs are relatively smaller in urban wood-waste, it can become an important supplemental feedstock to using logging residues or small-diameter trees for bioenergy generation in Mississippi. This study provided quantifiable estimates of urban wood-waste and their potential use for bioenergy production in Mississippi and other neighboring states.
INSTANTANEOUS HEAT TRANSFER OVER THE PISTON OF A MOTORED DIRECT INJECTION-TYPE DIESEL ENGINE

In the tests described, the instantaneous heat transfer through the piston was measured in a motored direct injection-type diesel engine. The engine piston was equipped with a fast-response thermocouple on the surface and at a specified distance below the surface thermocouple at a number of locations. In order to record and process the measurement of temperature and cylinder pressure, a personal computer (PC)-based data acquisition system was connected to the probes. The results of the experiment are discussed and compared to the previous results and the predictions made by others. The measured heat flux/engine speed relationship agreed with previous results, although the measurements at various positions and at a range of intake manifold pressures did not check with prior predictions. The discrepancies could be attributed to different engine and operation conditions used. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 865952.
Silicon carbide for MEMS and NEMS - an overview

Silicon carbide has long been known for its excellent mechanical, electrical and chemical properties, making it a leading material for microfabricated sensors and actuators designed for environments too harsh for Si-based devices. However many of the properties that make SiC attractive for harsh environment applications make it a challenging material to micromachine. Recent advances in deposition and patterning technologies have enabled the fabrication of 3C-SiC micro- and nanoelectromechanical devices with a level of sophistication comparable with Si devices. This paper presents a review of select advances used in the fabrication of SiC MEMS and NEMS structures.
Publication misrepresentation among neurosurgery residency applicants: an increasing problem

OBJECT Misrepresentation of scholarly achievements is a recognized phenomenon, well documented in numerous fields, yet the accuracy of reporting remains dependent on the honor principle. Therefore, honest self-reporting is of paramount importance to maintain scientific integrity in neurosurgery. The authors had observed a trend toward increasing numbers of publications among applicants for neurosurgery residency at Vanderbilt University and undertook this study to determine whether this change was a result of increased academic productivity, inflated reporting, or both. They also aimed to identify application variables associated with inaccurate citations. METHODS The authors retrospectively reviewed the residency applications submitted to their neurosurgery department in 2006 (n = 148) and 2012 (n = 194). The applications from 2006 were made via SF Match and those from 2012 were made using the Electronic Residency Application Service. Publications reported as "accepted" or "in press" were verified via online search of Google Scholar, PubMed, journal websites, and direct journal contact. Works were considered misrepresented if they did not exist, incorrectly listed the applicant as first author, or were incorrectly listed as peer reviewed or published in a printed journal rather than an online only or non-peer-reviewed publication. Demographic data were collected, including applicant sex, medical school ranking and country, advanced degrees, Alpha Omega Alpha membership, and USMLE Step 1 score. Zero-inflated negative binomial regression was used to identify predictors of misrepresentation. RESULTS Using univariate analysis, between 2006 and 2012 the percentage of applicants reporting published works increased significantly (47% vs 97%, p < 0.001). However, the percentage of applicants with misrepresentations (33% vs 45%) also increased. In 2012, applicants with a greater total of reported works (p < 0.001) and applicants from unranked US medical schools (those not ranked by US News & World Report) were more likely to have erroneous citations (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of legitimate and misrepresented scholarly works reported by applicants to the authors' neurosurgery residency program increased during the past 6 years. Misrepresentation is more common in applicants from unranked US medical schools and those with a greater number of reported works on their application. This trend is concerning in a profession where trustworthiness is vital. To preserve integrity in the field, programs should consider verifying citations prior to submitting their rank lists.
La justificación de la pena

La aproximacion tradicional al problema de la justificacion de la pena adolece de una exagerada estrechez axiologica. La preocupacion central ha siempre girado en torno a si la pena en esta o aquella ocasion es permitida o no. No hay duda de que este es un problema importante, pero no es el unico problema. Penas que es permisible imponer pueden ser indecentes o repugnantes – y el analisis de estas importantes caracteristicas es imposible dentro de la estrecha aproximacion tradicional. Palabras clave: Pena, retribucionismo, consecuencialismo, axiologia, normatividad, etica. Abstract: The traditional approach to the problem of the justification of punishment suffers from an exaggerated axiological narrowness. The central concern has always surrounded the question as to whether or not a certain punishment is permissible. There is no doubt that this is an important problem, although it is not the only problem. Punishments that we may be permitted in inflicting can also be indecent or repugnant – and the analysis of these important characteristics is impossible from the perspective afforded by the overly narrow traditional approach. Keywords: Punishment, retributivism, consequentialism, axiology, normativity, ethics.
Spectral and spatial processing techniques for improved ultrasonic imaging of materials

As with other detection methods, ultrasonic non-destructive testing techniques are limited in their ability to differentiate the signal of interest from the background noise. Detection of targets is particularly difficult when the noise resulting from the unwanted stationary reflectors (i.e. grains in metals, clutter in radar, and speckle in laser) becomes significant. This type of noise is coherent and its effects cannot be reduced effectively by conventional techniques such as time averaging.
Performance Enhancement of a Haptic Arm Exoskeleton

A high-quality haptic interface is typically characterized by low apparent inertia and damping, high structural stiffness, minimal backlash, and absence of mechanical singularities in the workspace. In addition to these specifications, exoskeleton haptic interface design involves consideration of space and weight limitations, workspace requirements, and the kinematic constraints placed on the device by the human arm. In this paper, the authors present the redesign of an existing five degree-of-freedom haptic arm exoskeleton. The redesign efforts focus primarily on ensuring smooth operation of the exoskeleton’s moving parts to minimize backlash, reducing cost and build time by simplifying the design, and increasing the torque output while continuing to use electric actuators for ease of control. The accompanying computer control system was developed in parallel with the mechanical redesign effort. The newly redesigned exoskeleton presented is capable of providing kinesthetic feedback to the joints of the lower arm and wrist of the operator, and will be used in future work for robot-assisted rehabilitation and training.
Aggressive behavior: An alternative model of resting heart rate and sensation seeking

Low resting heart rate is a well-replicated biological correlate of aggression, and sensation seeking is frequently cited as the underlying causal explanation. However, little empirical evidence supports this mediating relationship. Furthermore, the biosocial model of violence and social push theory suggest sensation seeking may moderate the relationship between heart rate and aggression. In a sample of 128 college students (82.0% White; 73.4% female), the current study tested a moderation model as an alternative relationship between resting heart rate and sensation seeking in regard to aggression. Overall, the findings partially supported an interaction effect, whereby the relationship between heart rate and aggression was moderated by sensation seeking. Specifically, the oft-noted relationship between low resting heart rate and increased aggression was found, but only for individuals with low levels of sensation seeking. If replication supports this finding, the results may better inform prevention and intervention work.
Siglecs take a TOLL on inflammation: deciphering the Hsp70 riddle.

The manuscript by Fong et al (2015) in this issue of The EMBO Journal addresses an ongoing question in immunology: are extracellular HSPs endogenous inflammatory signals or are they in fact built‐in inhibitors of those same functions? In a highly original series of experiments, they identify novel Hsp70 receptors in monocytes as members of the Siglec family. Even more significantly, two Siglec family members transmitted divergent responses to Hsp70, with Siglec‐5 dampening inflammation while Siglec‐14 triggering the inflammatory cascade. These findings therefore go some way in addressing the open question: is Hsp70 pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory and leaving us with the answer yes.