cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel robust optimal filter design method and new transition band analysis

The optimal finite impulse response (FIR) filter design has been prevalent in science and engineering over many decades due to its guaranteed stability and a wide variety of applications, especially for telecommunication transmission systems. The equiripple-filter and eigen-filter designs are two commonly-used signal processing paradigms. However, when the filter length gets large or the required transition bandwidth becomes very small, the ill-behaved spectra of the equiripple and eigen filters emerge, including excess ripples in the passband/stopband and overshoot in the transition band. In this paper, we introduce a new filter design criterion based on the smoothness measure and present several new metrics to quantify the robustness of an arbitrary filter design method. According to our new analysis, our proposed new robust optimal filter design scheme outperforms other existing filter design techniques.
The PLT rotating pumped limiter

Abstract A limiter with a specially contoured front face and the ability to rotate during tokamak discharges has been installed in a PLT pump duct. These features have been selected to handle the unique particle removal and heat load requirements of ICRF heating and lower-hybrid current-drive experiments. The limiter has been conditioned and commissioned in an ion-beam test stand by irradiation with 1 MW power, 200 ms duration beams of 40 keV hydrogen ions. Operation in PLT during ohmic discharges has proven the ability of the limiter to reduce localized heating caused by energetic electron bombardment and to remove about 2% of the ions lost to the PLT walls and limiters.
A standardized system for evoking masseteric silent periods with decreased variance

Summary Masseteric silent periods have been evoked in a group of normal subjects under a standardized system and under nonstandardized conditions. In the designed system, head position, electrode placement, bite force, tap force, direction of tap, and surface zone of tap force delivery were controlled. Analysis of data confirmed the hypothesis that standardization of the procedure for eliciting the silent period results in measurements of duration with decreased standard deviations and variances. In the present study, under the standardized system the SPD range of standard deviations was between 1.37 and 3.68 (mean 2.97) and the range of variances was between 1.89 and 13.54 (mean 8.85). The recorded low variability suggests a high degree of reproducibility of the system. High reproducibility and low variability of measurements are necessary if an accurate measure of silent period duration is to be achieved and used in the interpretation of diagnostic findings for craniomandibular disorders.
Compiling abstract specifications into concrete systems: bringing order to the cloud

Currently, there are important limitations in the abstractions that support creating and managing services in a cloud-based IT system. As a result, cloud users must choose between managing the low-level details of their cloud services directly (as in IaaS), which is time-consuming and error-prone, and turning over significant parts of this management to their cloud provider (in SaaS or PaaS), which is less flexible and more difficult to tailor to user needs. To alleviate this situation we propose a high-level abstraction called the requirement model for defining cloud-based IT systems. It captures important aspects of a system's structure, such as service dependencies, without introducing low-level details such as operating systems or application configurations. The requirement model separates the cloud customer's concern of what the system does, from the system engineer's concern of how to implement it. In addition, we present a "compilation" process that automatically translates a requirement model into a concrete system based on pre-defined and reusable knowledge units. When combined, the requirement model and the compilation process enable repeatable deployment of cloud-based systems, more reliable system management, and the ability to implement the same requirement in different ways and on multiple cloud platforms. We demonstrate the practicality of this approach in the ANCOR (Automated eNterprise network COmpileR) framework, which generates concrete, cloud-based systems based on a specific requirement model. Our current implementation targets OpenStack and uses Puppet to configure the cloud instances, although the framework will also support other cloud platforms and configuration management solutions.
Relationships between clinical severity of hyperthyroidism and results of thyroid function tests.

A quantitative clinical severity score was derived by rating the most important symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism on a seven-point scale, weighting the items on the basis of their clinical importance, and combining the weighted ratings to get a single score. In 53 hyperthyroid patients correlations between the clinical severity score and 9 test variables ranged from 0.15 to 0.61. The highest correlations of clinical severity were with the thyroidal clearance of I131 (0.61), the 3-hour thyroidal I131 uptake (0.59), the rate of uptake of I131 dose by the gland (0.57), and the basal metabolic rate (0.44). Correlations with the chemically determined serum protein-bound iodine level, 24-hour thyroidal I131 uptake, serum cholesterol level, serum protein-bound I131 level, and conversion ratio were 0.30 or less in decreasing order. The best linear combination of all 9 tests for purposes of predicting clinical severity raised the correlation to only 0.74. Two tests alone, the thyroidal I131 clearance and the B...
Editorial Comment: Unilateral Visual Loss in a Previously Healthy 15-Year-Old Girl: Monosymptomatic Neuromyelitis Optica?

validated in larger future studies and specifically in the pediatric population in this instance. These recent revisions did include pediatric demyelinating disease experts, and specific studies will be underway investigating the validity of such revised criteria in the pediatric spectrum of the disease. What does deserve mention is the specificity and sensitivity of AQP4-IgG testing. As outlined in the article and described previously, 3 the specificity of AQP4-IgG testing is high compared with the sensitivity, although the latter has improved over the years with more sensitive detection methodology. There are multiple commercial assays available and in this case report, it is described that the “qualitative NMO-IgG” testing was positive. At the same 66th AAN Annual meeting, the large experience at the Mayo clinic laboratories reviewed the current updated sensitivities and specificities of the available most specific assays. Based on their study, some of the assays have lower specificity (in this abstract the lowest was 95% specificity) compared with others 4 ; this study was designed to specifically address the issue of potential false-positive results. This issue has deserved mention in prior reports as well, 3 including the ones suggesting treatment with immunosuppressive medications in the setting of AQP-4 positivity with single clinical events. 5 In practice, these instances are rare, but it always should deserve the attention of the treating clinician that no test is infallible. With increasing screening for NMO, this would result in a total increase in cases of false-positive findings, and caution should be taken with the interpretation of this. In case there are any concerns, the recommendations would be to assure that other detection methodologies confirm the results. With the knowledge that NMO can be a severe relapsing disease associated with significant morbidity and even mortality and that the associated optic neuritis or transverse myelitis or both can be devastating, and given the fact that studies have shown conversion rate and relapse rate to be significantly higher in seropositive patients, the authors describe the clinical dilemma of whether to initiate treatment in this clinical scenario. Full counseling of the family should take place regarding all the concerns associated with long-term immunosuppressive therapy. Currently, no large
Characterization and sequence analysis of the lsg (LOS synthesis genes) locus from Haemophilus influenzae type b

Analysis of the lsg (LOS synthesis genes) cluster in Escherichia coli strain K12 and mutations in the lsg locus in Haemophilus influenzae type b indicated the presence of 3 regions responsible for sequential modifications of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sequencing of the lsg region yielded 7,435 bp that encompassed 7 complete and 1 partial open reading frames (ORFs 1-8). The predicted product of ORF1 had homology to the consensus sequence of cytochrome b proteins (21% identity, 51% similarity) and to other transmembrane proteins. The products of ORF5 and ORF6 share overall 23% identity and 49% similarity with each other. The ORF6 protein had high homology with the product of ORF275 of the E. coli rfb gene cluster (40% identity, 58% similarity), whose function is not known. Multiple sequence alignment of the ORF5 and ORF6 proteins with the RfbB, RfbJ and RfbX proteins revealed conserved motifs over the N-terminal half region of all these proteins. The products of ORF7 and ORF8 are homologous with Azot...
Volcanic Hazard or Economic Destitution: Hard Choices in Baños, Ecuador

In 1999, the entire population of tourism-dependent Banos, Ecuador, some 16,000 people, was evacuated in anticipation of a violent eruption of Mount Tungurahua. Subsequently, many areas in the risk zone experienced heavy ash falls, lahars, and landslides, although no cataclysmic events occurred. Many small rural communities were also evacuated. While these communities became impacted by the hazard, Banos avoided most direct effects. Conditions for all evacuees were grim, and their conditions compounded because Ecuador was simultaneously undergoing profound economic and political crises. Absent livelihood alternatives, community leaders from Banos organized a return to their town even though it remained under an evacuation order. An aggressive campaign brought tourists and more residents back and Banos revived economically; however, this was achieved at the cost of hazard awareness among both groups, tourists and residents, and public safety became compromised.
Classification of Distributed Data Using Topic Modeling and Maximum Variation Sampling

From a management perspective, understanding the information that exists on a network and how it is distributed provides a critical advantage. This work explores the use of topic modeling as an approach to automatically determine the classes of information that exist on an organization's network, and then use the resultant topics as centroid vectors for the classification of individual documents in order to understand the distribution of information topics across the enterprise network. The approach is tested using the 20 Newsgroups dataset.
Contemporary-Classical Sequential Loop Design with Parameter Uncertainty

*† Standard sequential loop closure design based on Evans root migration concepts is a well accepted, insightful and effective technique for meeting nominal performance objectives and traditional gain-phase stability margin requirements. Unfortunately, assessment of closedloop variations resulting from parameter error is a post-process, implying an iterative design-assess-redesign procedure is necessary if variations are found unacceptable. Further, the modern parameter uncertainty assessment framework is often inconsistent, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with the redesign task. Specifically, the parameter uncertainty assessment variables are not readily apparent in the sequential loop design framework, and these variables provide little guidance for the redesign strategy. Therefore, expanding the root migration sequential loop design methodology to directly incorporate the parameter uncertainty framework is explored. A sequential loop closure design procedure is enhanced to include closed-loop transfer function polynomials as a function of parameter uncertainty in such away that allows uncertainty root locus plots to be carried along in successive design steps. This graphical information facilitates insight into key closed-loop poles and zeros and system variables that influence parameter robustness properties. The engineer can evaluate and tune traditional stability and performance metrics simultaneously with newer parameter uncertainty metrics at each design step leading to the final overall multivariable control system.
MECHANISMS IN POLITICAL PROCESSES

Ostensibly theoretical disputes in political science often involve competing approaches to explanation, including skepticism, covering law arguments, reconstructions of propensities, system models, and explanations featuring causal mechanisms. Mechanism- and process-based accounts, including cognitive, environmental, and relational effects, deserve more attention than they have received in recent political science. Analyses of democratization illustrate these points.
Recursive model optimization using ICP and free moving 3D data acquisition

We describe a recursive multiresolution algorithm that reconstructs high-resolution and high-accuracy 3D images from low-resolution sparse range images or profiles. The method starts by creating a rough, partial, and potentially distorted estimate of the model of the object from an initial subset of sparse range data; then, using ICP algorithms, it recursively improves and refines the model by adding new range information. In parallel, real-time tracking of the object is performed in order to allow the laser scan to be automatically centered on the object. The end result is the creation of a high-resolution and accurate 3D model of a free-floating object, and real-time tracking of its position. Examples of the method are presented when the object and the 3D camera are moving freely with respect to each other. The system provides high accuracy hand-held laser scanning that does not require complex and costly mechanical scanning apparatus or external positioning devices.
Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Brief Overview of the NSABP Experience and Some Thoughts on Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

When the first trials evaluating postoperative adjuvant therapy for the treatment of primary breast cancer were being designed in the early 1970s, it was considered a prerequisite that the drugs employed be those which proved to be of benefit in patients with advanced disease. Similarly, when embarking upon trials to evaluate the concept of neoadjuvant therapy (preoperative) it seems entirely appropriate that the therapies considered for use be those which have demonstrated an advantage when used postoperatively. In fact, the question still remains in the minds of many as to whether postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy has resulted in a benefit and, if so, in what patients. Of course, there remains the possibility, but unlikely, that nonadvantageous postoperative therapies might be beneficial in the neoadjuvant setting. Nonetheless, logic would dictate that as a starting point regimens of proven worth be employed.
Impact of Boarding Pediatric Psychiatric Patients on a Medical Ward

Background And Objectives: Psychiatric disorders account for an increasing number of pediatric hospitalizations. Due to lack of psychiatric beds, patients on involuntary psychiatric holds may be admitted to medical units. Our objectives were to evaluate the rate of admission of psychiatric patients to a medical unit, psychiatric care provided, and estimated cost of care. Methods: The study involved retrospective chart review of all patients on involuntary psychiatric holds presenting to 1 pediatric emergency department from July 2009 to December 2010. We determined the rate of admission to a medical unit, the rate of counseling or psychiatric medication administration, and the estimated cost of nonmedical admissions (boarding) of patients on the medical unit. Results: A total of 555 (50.1%) of 1108 patients on involuntary psychiatric holds were admitted to the pediatric medical unit. The majority (523 [94.2%]) were admitted for boarding because no psychiatric bed was available. Thirty-two (6.1%) patients admitted for isolated psychiatric reasons had counseling documented, and 105 (20.1%) received psychiatric medications. Patients admitted to an affiliated psychiatric hospital were significantly more likely to receive counseling and medications. Psychiatric patients were boarded in medical beds for 1169 days at an estimated cost of $2 232 790 or $4269 per patient over the 18-month period. Conclusions: We found high admission rates of patients on involuntary psychiatric holds to a pediatric medical unit with little psychiatric treatment in 1 hospital. Further research in other centers is required to determine the extent of the issue. Future studies of longer term outcomes (including readmission rates and assessments of functioning) are needed.
Attentional processes and their remediation in children treated for cancer: a literature review and the development of a therapeutic approach.

It is now generally accepted that central nervous system treatments for childhood cancer can result in significant cognitive impairment, most commonly in the areas of attention/concentration. We review the literature on attentional and neurocognitive deficits in this population, and also efforts to remediate attentional deficits in other brain injured populations. It was our goal to develop an innovative, psychologically based outpatient rehabilitation program that would improve dysfunctional attentional processes and associated neuropsychological deficits. The characteristics of this program and a pilot study of its effectiveness are described. Participants were 31 off-therapy cancer survivors with documented attention deficits. Twenty-one completed the cognitive remediation program (CRP) and 10 served as comparisons. All participants completed a test of vigilance attention, 2 tests with an attentional component, and an arithmetic academic achievement measure. When the scores of the 2 groups were compared, the CRP group exhibited statistically significant improvement on all attentional measures. In contrast, the comparison group did not manifest any significant changes. Neither group demonstrated statistically significant changes on the arithmetic achievement test. We believe that the CRP has potential for improving attention/concentration, but generalization to academic achievement remains unproven. Phase 3 clinical trials and the documentation of long-term treatment gains are needed. Furthermore, it will be necessary to demonstrate the ecological validity of the CRP. With these caveats, this therapeutic approach may be helpful in other populations of cognitively impaired children and young adults, such as patients who have suffered traumatic brain injury. (JINS, 2002, 8, 115–124.)
How to deal with benign hilar or interlobar lymphadenopathy during video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy—case report series

Lymphadenopathy is commonly encountered in thoracic surgery, and can present a spectrum of challenges to the surgeon and operating team. In what follows, we provide our approach to lymph nodes that complicate video-assisted lobectomy.
Embedding New Technologies and Extending Time Horizons in Input-Output Analysis

Input-output analysts are often confronted with requests for impacts assessments for economic shocks that stretch uncomfortably the assumptions of standard input-output modeling. this paper presents an approach to confronting a subset of these challenges straightforwardly in a way that ameliorates some of the more restrictive input-output assumptions, maintains the inter-industry detail of the input-output model, and enhances the representation of certain economic behaviors without the additional complexities of moving the more complex CGE or conjoined econometric input-output models. We conclude with the observation that direct changes to the IO framework most often necessitate further modifications requiring additional behavioral assumptions and decisions on the part of the modeler.
Case Reports of Two Unusual Donor Site Complications of the Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap and Literature Review

The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF), once considered a workhorse flap for head and neck reconstruction, is still used for a wide range of head and neck reconstruction in the era of microvascular free tissue transfer flap (MFTF) for many reasons including low donor site morbidity. Numerous studies have reported the flap-related complications of PMMF in depth but have seldom discussed the donor site complications in detail. This article reports 2 unusual donor site complications and reviews the published data on general donor site complications resulting from PMMF use.
Some Unexplored Supervisory Behaviors and Their Influence on Salespeople's Role Clarity, Specific Self- Esteem, Job Satisfaction, and Motivation:

The author investigates the influence of four unexplored supervisory behaviors on salespeople: arbitrary and punitive behavior, contingent approving behavior, upward-influencing behavior, and achie...
Molecular Cooling Fan: Factors for Optimization of Heat Dissipation Devices and Applications

A molecular cooling fan (MF) is a nanocomposite coating technology, where the quantized lattice motions in nanomaterials are assembled to absorb heat from the heat source, promote to higher vibration states, and emit excess energy by radiation. Using a factorial design technique, seven factors were investigated to optimize MF cooling performance and efficiency. The results show that a MF coating prepared with 8 nm sized multiwalled carbon nanotubes can cool down 4 °C lower than that assembled with 50–80 nm due to higher activity of lattice motions. The MF makes equilibrium temperature cool down by 10 and 20 °C at input operation voltages of 35 and 55 V on the same heat dissipation unit (HDU). Using the optimal factors, a MF coating was applied on commercial HDUs. The results demonstrated that molecular fan action can reduce the size and mass of the heat-sink module, offering a low cost LED light unit.
Transferable Next-Generation Force Fields from Simple Liquids to Complex Materials

ConspectusMolecular simulations have had a transformative impact on chemists’ understanding of the structure and dynamics of molecular systems. Simulations can both explain and predict chemical phenomena, and they provide a unique bridge between the microscopic and macroscopic regimes. The input for such simulations is the intermolecular interactions, which then determine the forces on the constituent atoms and therefore the time evolution and equilibrium properties of the system. However, in practice, accuracy and reliability are often limited by the fidelity of the description of those very same interactions, most typically embodied approximately in mathematical form in what are known as force fields.Force fields most often utilize conceptually simple functional forms that have been parametrized to reproduce existing experimental gas phase or bulk data. Yet, reliance on empirical parametrization can sometimes introduce limitations with respect to novel chemical systems or uncontrolled errors when moving...
Power Density Assessment of Variable Volume Batch Reactors for Hydrogen Production with Dynamically Modulated Liquid Fuel Introduction

A new concept of a dynamically controlled reactor, which combines the variable volume operation of CHAMP (CO2/H2 Active Membrane Piston) with direct injection of liquid fuel of DDIR (Direct Droplet Impingement Reactor), is introduced and analyzed with the primary goal of identifying conditions for the highest volumetric power (hydrogen yield) density. In the proposed CHAMP-DDIR, a liquid fuel mixture is pulsed-injected onto the heated catalyst surface for rapid flash volatilization and on-the-spot reaction, and a hydrogen selective membrane is collocated with the catalyst to reduce the diffusion distance for hydrogen transport from the reaction zone to the separation site. Uniquely, CHAMP-DDIR allows dynamic variation of the reactor volume to optimally control the residence time and reactor conditions (pressure and temperature), thus improving both the reaction and separation processes. Idealized CHAMP-DDIR simulations, without heat and mass transfer limitations in the reactor volume, are used to determin...
Model-Free vs. Model-Based Confidence Intervals

The problem of confidence interval construction in nonparametric regression via the bootstrap is revisited. When a an additive model holds true, the usual residual bootstrap is available but it often leads to confidence interval under-coverage; the case is made that this under-coverage can be partially corrected using predictive—as opposed to fitted—residuals for resampling. Furthermore, it has been unclear to date if a bootstrap approach is feasible in the absence of an additive model. The main thrust of this paper is to show how the transformation approach (Chap. 4) in the related setting of prediction intervals can be found useful in order to construct bootstrap confidence intervals without an additive model.
Surgical versus percutaneous removal of the intra-aortic balloon.

In order to determine the best method for removal of the percutaneous intra-aortic balloon (IAB), we divided 38 patients into two groups. The IAB was removed percutaneously in Group I and surgically in Group II. There were two hemorrhagic and four thrombotic complications sufficiently severe to necessitate vascular surgical intervention in Group I. There were no vascular complications in Group II (p
Ethanol and hepatocellular injury

Hepatocellular injury that results from chronic alcohol abuse may be a consequence of (1) augmented viremia in hepatitis C virus; (2) the carcinogenic effect of DNA, which results from the combination of alcohol-induced CYP2E1 and ingestion of low levels of carcinogenic compounds or choline deficiency; (3) differential proliferation of hepatocytes versus nonparenchymal cells during injury, regeneration, and repair; (4) alteration of the regenerative response of hepatocytes in response to agonists, which stimulate the cell cycle through membrane signal transduction-nuclear pathways; (5) Kupffer cell activation by endotoxin, which generates cytokines that signal hepatocellular programmed cell death (apoptosis) through signal transduction mechanisms; or (6) dietary and immune mechanisms (i.e., formation of neoantigens).
Predictors of health-related quality of life over time among pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Background Advances in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have contributed to increased survival for pediatric patients. However, there are inconsistent findings regarding the impact of HSCT on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes for children. This study aimed to establish trajectories of HRQOL following HSCT and identify predictors of the HRQOL course. Procedure Ninety caregivers of a child who received HSCT (mean age = 6.42 years) for various oncologic, immunologic, and metabolic conditions completed questionnaires regarding family psychosocial functioning and child HRQOL at the time of discharge from HSCT and follow-up HRQOL at four additional time points. Results There was a significant change in overall HRQOL in 3 months postdischarge, with the greatest improvement in physical functioning. Caregiver stress and social support, and child psychosocial problems predicted changes in HRQOL over time. Conclusions These results point to potentially modifiable factors that are related to the course of HRQOL following HSCT, and interventions aimed at these factors should be implemented.
The Limits of Political Representation

A representation is always a selective and limited reproduction of the thing represented, an idea captured in the metaphor of a map. What is left out of a representation is as important as what is included. A specifically political conception of representation implies limits to the scope of that conception, the nature and character of the represented constituency, and the relationship between constituent and representative, irrespective of variations in institutional design and practice. The limits of political representation reflect normative commitments; consequently, a focus on those limits is central to an evaluation of representative practices. While it is important to look beyond familiar institutional forms, excessively inclusive descriptions of “representative,” “constituency,” or “representation” deprive those conceptions of their substantive content. The limits of political representation are not defects to be overcome by an ever-expanding definition of representation, they are an essential focus in the normative or empirical analysis of representative institutions and practices.
Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Autonomic Function

Over the course of the development of deep brain stimulation (DBS) into a well-established therapy for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, its utility as a potential treatment for autonomic dysfunction has emerged. Dysfunction of autonomic processes is common in neurological diseases. Depending on the specific target in the brain, DBS has been shown to raise or lower blood pressure, normalize the baroreflex, to alter the caliber of bronchioles, and eliminate hyperhidrosis, all through modulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It has also been shown to improve cortical control of the bladder, directly induce or inhibit the micturition reflex, and to improve deglutition and gastric emptying. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the relevant available studies describing these effects of DBS on autonomic function, which vary greatly in character and magnitude with respect to stimulation target.
Cisplatin DNA damage and repair maps of the human genome at single-nucleotide resolution

Cisplatin is a major anticancer drug that kills cancer cells by damaging their DNA. Cancer cells cope with the drug by removal of the damages with nucleotide excision repair. We have developed methods to measure cisplatin adduct formation and its repair at single-nucleotide resolution. “Damage-seq” relies on the replication-blocking properties of the bulky base lesions to precisely map their location. “XR-seq” independently maps the removal of these damages by capturing and sequencing the excised oligomer released during repair. The damage and repair maps we generated reveal that damage distribution is essentially uniform and is dictated mostly by the underlying sequence. In contrast, cisplatin repair is heterogeneous in the genome and is affected by multiple factors including transcription and chromatin states. Thus, the overall effect of damages in the genome is primarily driven not by damage formation but by the repair efficiency. The combination of the Damage-seq and XR-seq methods has the potential for developing novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
Approaching Knowledge Management Through the Lens of the Knowledge Life Cycle: a Case Study Investigation

More organizational leaders are recognizing that their greatest competitive advantage is the knowledge base of their employees and for organizations to thrive knowledge management (KM) systems need to be in place that encourage the natural interplay and flow of tacit and explicit knowledge. Approaching KM through the lens of the knowledge life cycle allows for the design and development of KM solutions that are systemic and address the dynamic nature of organizational knowledge. In this paper we provide a review of the literature regarding how organizational knowledge may be studied and propose a methodological framework for investigating the knowledge life cycle. To illustrate the framework we present a recent case study in which it was successfully used. This framework is intended to be useful to learning and performance improvement professionals who work in organizational KM as well as to researchers who wish to conduct further research in this area.
Demography and International Relations: Economics, Politics, Sociology, and Conflict

This chapter argues that looking at politics and particularly IR through a demographic prism allows for the analysis of the fundamental structures of society. Kugler links demographic structures and changes to key dynamics in IR in ways unaccounted for in standard International Political Economy and economic models. In particular, he reveals links to national economic growth and instability; the rise and fall of regions; and civil war. Demographic dynamics are also directly connected to unrest that generates democratic movements or conflicts as observable throughout the Middle East and much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Managerial Judging and Judicial Plea Negotiations: Further Evidence

This is a companion report to our article, “The Invisible Revolution in Plea Bargaining: Managerial Judging and Judicial Participation in Negotiations,” 95 Texas Law Review 325 (2016), available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=2796296. Based on field interviews with judges and attorneys in ten different states, we documented new procedures in state courts that involve judges routinely in the settlement of criminal cases. We learned of grant-funded problem-solving sessions, multi-case conferences where other lawyers chime in, settlement dockets with retired judges, full-blown felony mediation with defendant and victims, and more. In this companion report, we make publicly available some additional quotations from our field interviews, adding depth to our description and evaluation of judicial negotiation practices. The additional evidence from our interviews includes further examples and exceptions that we did not publish in the original article. This report ends with an appendix describing our methodology in assembling this interview data.
Effect of an Interfacial Layer on Electron Tunneling through Atomically Thin Al2O3 Tunnel Barriers.

Electron tunneling through high-quality, atomically thin dielectric films can provide a critical enabling technology for future microelectronics, bringing enhanced quantum coherent transport, fast speed, small size, and high energy efficiency. A fundamental challenge is in controlling the interface between the dielectric and device electrodes. An interfacial layer (IL) will contain defects and introduce defects in the dielectric film grown atop, preventing electron tunneling through the formation of shorts. In this work, we present the first systematic investigation of the IL in Al2O3 dielectric films of 1–6 A’s in thickness on an Al electrode. We integrated several advanced approaches: molecular dynamics to simulate IL formation, in situ high vacuum sputtering atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize Al2O3 on Al films, and in situ ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling spectroscopy to probe the electron tunneling through the Al2O3. The IL had a profound effect on electron tunneling. We observed a reduced...
Introduction; or‚ What You Will

Biographers deliberately produce a marketable account of subjects intended to intrigue readers. In order to do so, they manipulate information and make conscientious decisions about what material to include and how to package it, often not only to ensure sales but also to promote a political agenda. This is all the more true when treating some of the most controversial women writers of the long nineteenth century. This introductory chapter to Biographical Misrepresentations delineates this theory and summarizes the chapters that follow it in their expose of distorted portraits of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, Mary Wollstonecraft, Mary Hays, Sydney Owenson, Letitia Elizabeth Landon, Felicia Hemans, Harriet Martineau, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Caroline Norton, Elizabeth Gaskell, Charlotte Bronte, Lady Florence Dixie, George Eliot, and Edith Simcox.
Oesophagus: A new candidate for the progenitor cell of Barrett metaplasia.

At the squamocolumnar junction of mice and humans,a new study has identified a unique population of transitional basal cells that express molecular markers of both oesophageal stratified squamous epithelium and gastrointestinal columnar epithelium. These transitional basal cells are an attractive candidate for the cell of origin for Barrett oesophagus.
Interpretive Guidance and Financial Reporting Costs: Evidence from Audit Fees

We examine the effect of interpretive accounting guidance on a direct and observable cost of financial reporting: audit fees. Many contend that U.S. GAAP has too much interpretive guidance, making it complex and difficult to assimilate. This effect would lead to higher audit effort and higher fees. However, specific guidance could both lower litigation risk and increase audit efficiency by reducing the need for auditors to continually deliberate complicated accounting issues across engagements. These effects would lead to lower audit fees. Overall, using both levels and changes regressions, we find that interpretive accounting guidance is associated with higher audit fees. However, this effect is smallest for firms facing the highest ex-ante litigation risk. Finally, we examine whether increased audit fees persist and find that the audit fee effect disappears by the third year after the interpretive guidance becomes effective. Overall, we find no evidence that interpretive guidance decreases audit costs.
Effects of Turbulence on Fish Swimming in Aquaculture

The role of turbulence in aquaculture facilities is a multi-faceted, largely unexplored, and potentially important topic in understanding the energetics and behavior of rearing fishes. Here, we review some common principles of turbulent flow and discuss methods to measure and describe them. Flows that display chaotic and wide fluctuations in velocity can repel fishes, while flows that have a component of predictability can attract fishes. We reveal how fish in turbulence can save energy by using two distinct, though not mutually exclusive mechanisms; flow refuging (exploiting regions of reduced flow) and vortex capture (harnessing the energy of discrete vortices). We summarize the energetics of fish holding station in turbulent flows around a cylinder from recent work. Turbulent flows can also create instabilities that negatively affect fishes, such as reducing critical swimming speed and increasing oxygen consumption. Our aim is to discuss aspects of turbulence from key lab and field experiments which may prove productive if applied to aquaculture systems.
Physical Education and Children with CHARGE Syndrome: Research to Practice.

IntroductionChildren with CHARGE syndrome often experience significantly delayed motor development, which affects their performance in many motor skills and physical activities. The purpose of this...
Plasma Sputter Deposition Systems: Plasma Generation, Basic Physics and Characterization

Plasmas are widely used as the source for ion-bombardment based techniques for etching, film deposition and surface modification. The production of processing-scale plasmas is discussed, as well as sputtering and sputter deposition processes. Magnetron sputtering is characterized by high deposition fluxes which can alter the local gas dynamics of the discharge. Magnetron sputtering has been extended to reactive sputter deposition, and has led to the development of unbalanced magnetron technology for higher bias levels. In addition, filtered or collimated sputter deposition has found useful applications in the microelectronics field for lining and filling trenches or vias.
Experience-guided attention: Uniform and implicit

Frequently finding a visual search target in one region of space induces a spatial attentional bias toward that region. Past studies on this effect typically tested fewer than 20 participants. The small sample prevents an investigation of two properties of learning: visual field uniformity and role of explicit awareness. Pooling data from multiple studies, here we examined location probability learning from ~120,000 visual search trials across 420 participants. Participants performed a serial search task. Unbeknownst to them, the target was disproportionately likely to appear in one visual quadrant. Location probability learning (LPL) was measured as the difference in reaction time to targets in the high-probability “rich” quadrant and the low-probability “sparse” quadrants. Results showed a lack of visual field effect. LPL was equivalent for “rich” quadrant in the upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. Learning did not induce a hotspot diagonal to the “rich” quadrant. To the contrary, RT was the longest in the diagonal quadrant. Recognition rate of the “rich” quadrant was above chance. However, recognition accuracy was unrelated to the size of LPL. Implicit learning induces visual-field-independent changes in spatial attention.
Reinforcement Learning Exploration Algorithms for Energy Harvesting Communications Systems

Prolonging the lifetime, and maximizing the throughput are important factors in designing an efficient communications system, especially for energy harvesting-based systems. In this work, the problem of maximizing the throughput of point-to- point energy harvesting communications system, while prolonging its lifetime is investigated. This work considers more real communications system, where this system does not have a priori knowledge about the environment. This system consists of a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter is equipped with an infinite buffer to store data, and energy harvesting capability to harvest renewable energy and store it in a finite battery. The problem of finding an efficient power allocation policy is formulated as a reinforcement learning problem. Two different exploration algorithms are used, which are the convergence- based and the epsilon-greedy algorithms. The first algorithm uses the action-value function convergence error and the exploration time threshold to balance between exploration and exploitation. On the other hand, the second algorithm tries to achieve balancing through the exploration probability (i.e. epsilon). Simulation results show that the convergence-based algorithm outperforms the epsilon-greedy algorithm. Then, the effects of the parameters of each algorithm are investigated.
Abnormal Biomechanics at 6 Months Are Associated With Cartilage Degeneration at 3 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose To investigate the changes in landing biomechanics over a 3-year period and their correlation with cartilage degenerative changes in the medial tibiofemoral joint of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using magnetic resonance T1ρ mapping. Methods Thirty-one anterior cruciate ligament–injured patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the injured knee before ACLR and 3 years after ACLR, as well as biomechanical analysis of a drop-landing task at 6 months and 3 years after ACLR. Sixteen healthy individuals were recruited and underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging and biomechanical assessment during a drop-landing task. T1ρ cartilage relaxation times were calculated for the medial femur and tibia. Results ACLR patients exhibited increased peak vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), VGRF impulse, peak knee flexion moment (KFM), and KFM impulse from 6 months to 3 years (P Conclusions The results of this longitudinal study show that landing biomechanics are altered after ACLR but biomechanical abnormalities tend to recover at 3 years after ACLR. Differences in lower-extremity mechanics during a landing task at 6 months may be associated with cartilage degeneration at 3 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction. Level of Evidence Level II, prospective trial.
Promiscuous terpene synthases from Prunella vulgaris highlight the importance of substrate and compartment switching in terpene synthase evolution

The mint family (Lamiaceae) is well documented as a rich source of terpene natural products. More than 200 diterpene skeletons have been reported from mints, but biosynthetic pathways are known for just a few of these. We crossreferenced chemotaxonomic data with publicly available transcriptomes to select common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) and its highly unusual vulgarisin diterpenoids as a case study for exploring the origins of diterpene skeletal diversity in Lamiaceae. Four terpene synthases (TPS) from the TPS-a subfamily, including two localised to the plastid, were cloned and functionally characterised. Previous examples of TPS-a enzymes from Lamiaceae were cytosolic and reported to act on the 15-carbon farnesyl diphosphate. Plastidial TPS-a enzymes using the 20-carbon geranylgeranyl diphosphate are known from other plant families, having apparently arisen independently in each family. All four new enzymes were found to be active on multiple prenyl-diphosphate substrates with different chain lengths and stereochemistries. One of the new enzymes catalysed the cyclisation of geranylgeranyl diphosphate into 11-hydroxy vulgarisane, the likely biosynthetic precursor of the vulgarisins. We uncovered the pathway to a rare diterpene skeleton. Our results support an emerging paradigm of substrate and compartment switching as important aspects of TPS evolution and diversification.
Effects of Co-occurring Species Present in Swine Lagoons on Adsorption of Copper on Eggshell

There is a significant interest in mitigating copper from swine lagoons. Adsorptive removal of copper using eggshells was proposed to be an effective approach. Most of the previous research on the adsorption of copper was focused on single and binary metals. However, in swine lagoons, copper always co-occurs with acetate, ammonia, and zinc. Hence, in this research, adsorption of copper (0–150 mg L−1) on eggshells was studied in the presence of different concentrations (low, medium, and high) of acetate (250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1) ammonia (250, 500, and 1000 mg L−1), and zinc (25, 50, and 100 mg L−1), for the first time. Results indicated that at highest concentrations, adsorption was negatively affected (< 20%) by acetate and zinc. Ammonia, however, was found to enhance copper adsorption (30%) presumably by formation of ternary complexes. Considering their easy availability, eggshells appear to be promising and a practical solution for copper abatement in lagoons.
Acoustic Features of Transfeminine Voices and Perceptions of Voice Femininity.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between acoustic measures of transfeminine voices and both self- and listener ratings of voice femininity. Connected speech samples were collected from 12 transfeminine individuals (M = 36.3 years, SD = 10.6 years) and a control group of five cisgender (cis) women and five cis men (M = 35.3 years, SD = 13.3 years). The acoustic measures of fundamental frequency (fo), fo variation, formant frequencies, and vocal intensity were calculated from these samples. Transfeminine speakers rated their own voices on a five-point scale of voice femininity. Twenty inexperienced listeners heard an excerpt of each speech sample and rated the voices on the same five-point scale of voice femininity. Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the relationships between the acoustic variables and ratings of voice femininity. Significant positive correlations were found between fo and both self-ratings (r = 0.712, P = 0.009) and listener ratings of voice femininity (r = 0.513, P
Watershed delineation on a hexagonal mesh grid

Abstract Spatial discretization is the cornerstone of all spatially-distributed numerical simulations including watershed hydrology. Traditional square grid spatial discretization has several limitations including inability to represent adjacency uniformly. In this study, we developed a watershed delineation model (HexWatershed) based on the hexagon grid spatial discretization. We applied this model to two different types of watershed in the US and we evaluated its performance against the traditional method. The comparisons show that the hexagon grid spatial discretization exhibits many advantages over the tradition method. We propose that spatially distributed hydrologic simulations should consider using a hexagon grid spatial discretization.