cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How resident unprofessional behavior is identified and managed: a program director survey

Objective To determine how unprofessional behavior by residents is identified/ managed within residency programs, and under what conditions concerns are communicated to potential employers. Study Design A web-based survey was emailed to 241 directors of US obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. Results 141 program directors (PDs) responded (58%). 84% of PDs indicated that problems with professionalism most commonly come to their attention through personal communication. Methods of addressing the problem included expression of expectation of improvement (95%), psychological counseling (68%), placing resident on probation (59%), and dismissal (30%). The majority of PDs felt remediation was not completely successful. All PDs are willing to communicate professionalism concerns to potential employers, but 42% provide this information only if asked. Conclusion Resident unprofessional behavior is a common problem for program directors, and remediation is challenging. PDs are willing to express concerns to potential employers, but a significant percentage indicate concerns only if asked.
HIV-Related Malignancies: Community-Based Study using Linkage of Cancer Registry and HIV Registry Data:

For people immunosuppressed by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), we expect an increase in cancer incidence similar to that documented in transplant patients. We examined the cancer spectrum in an HIV-infected cohort, specifically malignancies not currently associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), in relation to the general population. Cancer incidence data for residents of Harris County, Texas, diagnosed between 1975 and 1994, were linked to HIV/AIDS registry data by Soundex code and date of birth to identify malignancies in an HIV-infected cohort of 14,986 persons. Incidence of cancer in this cohort was compared to the general population by standardized incidence ratio (SIR) analysis. From the HIV-infected cohort, 2289 persons (15%) were identified as having one or more malignancies, with 97% occurring in males. The linkage alone identified 29.5% of the malignancies, of which only 28.7% were diagnosed in males. Adjusting for age, HIV-infected men and women had incidences of cancer that were 16.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 16.1-17.3] and 2.9 (95% CI 2.3-3.7) times that expected for the general population of Harris County, Texas. Besides Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cervix cancer and brain lymphoma, non-AIDS related malignancies of Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-melanotic skin cancer in males and colon cancer in females, exhibited significant SIRs of 5.6 (95% CI 3.6-8.4), 6.9 (95% CI 4.8-9.5) and 4.0 (95% CI 1.1-10.2). Increased incidences of lung, prostate and breast malignancies were not seen in this HIV cohort. Persons infected with HIV appear to be at increased risk for the non-AIDS related malignancies, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-melanotic skin cancer in males and colon cancer in females.
Efficient Implementation of High-Order Spectral Volume Method for Multidimensional Conservation Laws on Unstructured Grids

An efficient implementation of the high-order spectral volume (SV) method is presented for multidimensional conservation laws on unstructured grids. In the SV method, each simplex grid cell is called a spectral volume (SV), and the SV is further subdivided into polygonal (2D), or polyhedral (3D) control volumes (CVs) to support high-order data reconstructions. In the traditional implementation, Gauss quadrature formulas are used to approximate the flux integrals on all faces. In the new approach, a near optimal nodal set is selected and used to reconstruct a high-order polynomial approximation for the flux vector, and then the flux integrals on the internal faces are computed analytically, without the need for Gauss quadrature formulas. This gives a great advantage over the traditional SV method in efficiency and ease of implementation. For SV interfaces, a quadrature free approach is compared with the Gauss quadrature approach to further evaluate the accuracy and efficiency. A simplified treatment of curved boundaries is also presented that avoids the need to store a separate reconstruction for each boundary cell. Fundamental properties of the new SV implementation are studied and high-order accuracy is demonstrated for linear and nonlinear advection equations, and the Euler equations. Several well-known inviscid flow test cases are utilized to show the effectiveness of the simplified curved boundary representation.
Effects of cholinesterase inhibitors and metyrapone on wandering and pupation in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract Eserine, BW 284c51 and neostigmine inhibit larval cholinesterase activity in vitro . Injection of eserine, neostigmine or metyrapone into feeding fifth instar larve had no effect on the normal onset of wandering. Eserine injection during the prepupal stage interfered with the development of the pupa.
Teacher Evaluation as a Policy Target for Improved Student Learning: A Fifty-State Review of Statute and Regulatory Action since NCLB

This paper reports on the analysis of state statutes and department of education regulations in fifty states for changes in teacher evaluation in use since the passage of No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. We asked what the policy activity for teacher evaluation is in state statutes and department of education regulations, how these changes in statutes and regulations might affect the practice of teacher evaluation, and what were the implications for instructional supervision from these policy actions. Teacher evaluation statutes and department of education regulations provided the data for this study, using archival records from each state's legislature and education departments that were placed into a comparison matrix based on criteria developed from the National Governors Association (NGA) goals for school reform (Goldrick, 2002). Data were analyzed deductively in terms of these criteria for underlying theories of action (Malen, 2005), trends, and likely effects on teacher evaluation and implications for supervision. The majority of states adopted many of the NGA strategies, asserted oversight and involvement in local teacher evaluation practices, decreased the frequency of veteran teacher evaluation, and increased the types of data used in evaluation. Whether or not the changes in teacher evaluation will improve student learning in the long run remains to be seen.
Applications of statistical condition estimation to the solution of linear systems

SUMMARY This paper discusses some applications of statistical condition estimation (SCE) to the problem of solving linear systems. Specifically, triangular and bidiagonal matrices are studied in some detail as typical of structured matrices. Such a structure, when properly respected, leads to condition estimates that are much less conservative compared with traditional non-statistical methods of condition estimation. Some examples of linear systems and Sylvester equations are presented. Vandermonde and Cauchy matrices are also studied as representative of linear systems with large condition numbers that can nonetheless be solved accurately. SCE reflects this. Moreover, SCE when applied to solving very large linear systems by iterative solvers, including conjugate gradient and multigrid methods, performs equally well and various examples are given to illustrate the performance. SCE for solving large linear systems with direct methods, such as methods for semi-separable structures, are also investigated. In all cases, the advantages of using SCE are manifold: ease of use, efficiency, and reliability. Copyright q 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecological–economic assessment of a sediment‐producing stream behind lower granite dam on the lower snake river, USA

Field investigations and simulation modelling studies were conducted on an agriculturally perturbed watershed draining into the regulated Lower Clearwater–Snake Rivers of Idaho and Washington. Ecological–economic analyses were conducted to develop an integrated systems framework to assess the impacts of alternative farming practices on sustainable farming, sediment erosion and stream health on Tom Beall Creek, with ecological implications and consequences to Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to spatially delineate field boundaries, soil types, drainage patterns and erosion rates. An AGNPS (agricultural nonpoint source) pollution model was interfaced with the GIS to project water quality impacts of land use in the watershed. The AGNPS model was integrated with a mixed integer linear programming model (MIP) to facilitate modelling cost effectiveness on land as it related to eroded soil entering the receiving streams. Biological health assessment was performed using benthic macroinvertebrates. The biological condition of Tom Beall Creek was rated as slightly and moderately impaired for 1992 and 1993, respectively. A wheat–pea rotation under conventional tillage and cross-slope farming had the highest weighted average on-site erosion damage of $20 per ha; the lowest damage was $3.63 per ha using a wheat–barley–fallow rotation with reduced tillage and divided slopes. Simulating a ‘no programme’ policy scenario, the MIP model showed the dramatic impact of the current farm programme with conservation compliance in the region of highly erodible land and high participation rate in the government farm programme. Under current farming practices and > 50 yr spring runoff event, it was estimated that nearly 5000 t of suspended solids would be exported from the Tom Beall watershed. During low flow years, less than 200 t were exported. Sedimentation in Tom Beall Creek is the most debilitating environmental factor impacting the aquatic biota. High erosion rates from all of the anthropogenically impacted streams above Lower Granite Dam tend to shorten the productive storage life of the reservoir, alter the hydroelectric power generating capacity and interfere with the ecological food web and biodiversity. Although the implementation of better conservation practices in anthropogenically disturbed watersheds will not eliminate watershed erosion, it will reduce the frequency and the amounts of sediment dredged from reservoirs in the future, and will reduce on-site and off-site costs of erosion and sediment damage.
Underwater robotics: out of the research laboratory and into the field

The development of two new classes of commercial underwater robotic vehicles-deep diving work-class remotely operated vehicles and survey-class autonomous vehicles-is being driven by the needs of deep water oil production and deep ocean telecommunication cable operations. The paper presents a survey of the present state and future directions of commercial underwater robotics, examines principal technical challenges, and outlines new enabling technologies for commercial underwater robotic vehicles.
The integrated teaching and learning lab

The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado (CU) is in the sixth year of a college-wide reform initiative that models the real world of engineering where skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership, as well as the ability and self-confidence to define and solve open-ended problems, are demanded. The engineering curriculum for the next century must be relevant to the lives of students and the needs of society. To better meet tomorrow's challenges, we have expanded our teaching methods to exploit teaming, active and group learning, and project-based design and problem-solving experiences. We have learned to value integration in addition to specialization and have come to understand that creating a seamless K-16 partnership is vital to our engineering mission and society.
LV volume quantification via spatiotemporal analysis of real-time 3-D echocardiography

This paper presents a method of four-dimensional (4-D) (3-D+Time) space-frequency analysis for directional denoising and enhancement of real-time three-dimensional (RT3D) ultrasound and quantitative measures in diagnostic cardiac ultrasound. Expansion of echocardiographic volumes is performed with complex exponential wavelet-like basis functions called brushlets. These functions offer good localization in time and frequency and decompose a signal into distinct patterns of oriented harmonics, which are invariant to intensity and contrast range. Deformable-model segmentation is carried out on denoised data after thresholding of transform coefficients. This process attenuates speckle noise while preserving cardiac structure location. The superiority of 4-D over 3-D analysis for decorrelating additive white noise and multiplicative speckle noise on a 4-D phantom volume expanding in time is demonstrated. Quantitative validation, computed for contours and volumes, is performed on in vitro balloon phantoms. Clinical applications of this spatiotemporal analysis tool are reported for six patient cases providing measures of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction.
A double-plate finite-element model for the impact-induced delamination problem

Abstract A double-plate model is proposed to simulate a composite laminate with impact-induced delamination. Mindlin plate finite elements with large deflection have been employed to calculate stress and strain fields. On the basis of the modified crack closure method, a general expression for the strain energy release rate at the delamination front is derived. The proposed model was first evaluated by using an isotropic double cantilever beam. It is shown that this model is simple and computationally efficient. Subsequently, the present model was employed to predict impact-induced delamination in composite laminates and was compared with experimental results. The effect of shear cracks in the lamina adjacent to the delamination is discussed. The similarities between delaminations produced by different impact loads is identified and investigated by the use of the double-plate model.
The effects of horse riding simulation exercise on muscle activation and limits of stability in the elderly.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of horse riding simulation (HRS) on balance and trunk muscle activation as well as to provide evidence of the therapeutic benefits of the exercise. Thirty elderly subjects were recruited from a medical care hospital and randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group performed the HRS exercise for 20 min, 5 times a week, for 8 weeks, and conventional therapy was also provided as usual. The muscle activation and limits of stability (LOS) were measured. The LOS significantly increased in the HRS group ( p p > 0.05). The activation of all muscles significantly increased in the HRS group. However, in the control group, the muscle activations of the lateral low-back (external oblique and quadratus lumborum) and gluteus medius (GM) significantly decreased, and there was no significant difference in other muscles. After the intervention, the LOS and all muscle activations significantly increased in the HRS group compared with the control group. The results suggest that the HRS exercise is effective for reducing the overall risk of falling in the elderly. Thus, it is believed that horse riding exercise would help to increase dynamic stability and to prevent elderly people from falling.
Building New Marshes and Estuaries in Coastal Louisiana Through Controlled Sedimentation: ABSTRACT

Coastal Louisiana wetlands are a product of Mississippi River delta building that has occurred over a period of 3,000-5,000 years. The building processes were very nearly balanced. In modern times man's use of the area (flood control, navigation improvement, exploitation of petroleum and other minerals, road building, etc.) has seriously altered the natural balance. As a result, overbank flooding has been virtually eliminated and river flow is confined to channels discharging into the outer shelf area. Most transported sediment is now deposited in the deep Gulf of Mexico or along the continental shelf. Saltwater encroachment in the deltaic estuaries has been detrimental to fauna and flora. Even though considerable sediment deposition has resulted from the historic Atchafa aya River diversion and growth of subdeltas, comparative map studies indicate a net land loss rate of 16.5 sq mi/year during the last 25-30 years. Land loss is only one symptom of general environmental deterioration. A dynamic management plan is necessary for better utilization of combined freshwater discharge-dissolved solid and transported sediment input of the Mississippi River. Controlled flow into estuaries will reduce salinity encroachment and supply needed nutrients. Large areas of new marshland and estuarine habitat can be built by controlled subdelta diversion. Studies of natural subdeltas indicate that these systems are amenable to environmental management; salinities and sediment deposition may be manipulated to enhance desired conditions. End_of_Article - Last_Page 339------------
Consciousness as a state of matter

Abstract We examine the hypothesis that consciousness can be understood as a state of matter, “perceptronium”, with distinctive information processing abilities. We explore four basic principles that may distinguish conscious matter from other physical systems such as solids, liquids and gases: the information, integration, independence and dynamics principles. If such principles can identify conscious entities, then they can help solve the quantum factorization problem: why do conscious observers like us perceive the particular Hilbert space factorization corresponding to classical space (rather than Fourier space, say), and more generally, why do we perceive the world around us as a dynamic hierarchy of objects that are strongly integrated and relatively independent? Tensor factorization of matrices is found to play a central role, and our technical results include a theorem about Hamiltonian separability (defined using Hilbert–Schmidt superoperators) being maximized in the energy eigenbasis. Our approach generalizes Giulio Tononi’s integrated information framework for neural-network-based consciousness to arbitrary quantum systems, and we find interesting links to error-correcting codes, condensed matter criticality, and the Quantum Darwinism program, as well as an interesting connection between the emergence of consciousness and the emergence of time.
Genome-wide analysis reveals distinct substrate specificities of Rrp6, Dis3, and core exosome subunits.

The RNA processing exosome complex was originally defined as an evolutionarily conserved multisubunit complex of ribonucleases responsible for the processing and/or turnover of stable RNAs. The exosome complex is also involved in the surveillance of mRNAs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm, including nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) targets. The detailed mechanisms for how individual exosome subunits participate in each of these RNA metabolic pathways remains unclear. Here, we use RNAi to deplete exosome subunits, the exonucleases Rrp6 and Dis3, and an exosome cofactor in Drosophila melanogaster S2 tissue culture cells and assay the effects on global mRNA levels using gene expression microarrays. Consistent with the RNA degradative activities ascribed to the exosome, most mRNAs are increased. Notably, these stabilized mRNAs possess 39 untranslated regions that are longer than the representative transcriptomic average. Moreover, our results reveal substantial differences in the pools of affected mRNAs for each depleted subunit. For example, ;25% of the affected transcripts in Rrp6 depleted cells represent NMD substrates. While the affected mRNAs were dissimilar, they encode proteins that function in similar cellular pathways. We conclude that individual exosome subunits are largely functionally independent at the transcript level, but are interdependent on a transcriptomic level.
Polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents in the venous and arterial system: angiographic and pathologic findings in a swine model.

Abstract Background Although polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is now used as a covering in a wide variety of vascular stents, little is known about the resultant pathologic and angiographic changes in the arterial and venous system after stent deployment. Methods Atrium PTFE-covered stents were deployed in the abdominal aorta and the inferior vena cava (IVC) of two Yorkshire pigs. Angiograms were performed after deployment and at recatheterization. A complete histopathological exam was performed after sacrifice, and angiographic and histology findings were then compared between the two types of blood vessels. Results The arterial stents demonstrated no stenosis on angiography and minimal in-stent intimal proliferation by histopathology. A uniform layer of neointima coated the inside of the stent by 1 month with no obvious thrombus formation. In contrast, the venous stents demonstrated angiographic evidence of significant in-stent stenosis of variable degrees and the histology showed increased intimal hyperplasia with fibrin deposition. PTFE from both the arterial and venous stents had variable amounts of tissue ingrowth with cells observed to be growing into and through the PTFE fibers. Conclusions Atrium PTFE-covered stents have excellent short-term angiography and histopathology in the arterial system, while stents in the venous system developed rapid in-stent intimal hyperplasia. PTFE fibers from both types of vasculature permitted cells to grow through and within them.
Arthroscopically Enhanced "Miniapproach" to Rotator Cuff Repair

The results of rotator cuff repair through a lateral deltoid splitting approach combined with arthroscopic subacromial decompression are presented in 18 patients with an average followup of 46 months. Sixteen patients (88%) scored good or excellent on the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale. Pain scores improved from an average of 1.6 to 7.6. Function scores improved from 2.5 to 8.4. Two patients had poor results; both had workers' compensation cases pending. One patient with a poor result had 2 complications: superficial infection and failure of repair that required reoperation. No other complications were encountered. Seventeen patients (94%) were satisfied with their results. This surgical technique, when used for patients with chronic impingement and rotator cuff tear, provides acceptable clinical results with minimal morbidity.
Disparities in Smoking Cessation Between African Americans and Whites: 1990–2000

Objectives. We examined disparities in smoking cessation rates between African Americans and Whites from 1990 through 2000. Methods. We performed an analysis of smoking cessation with data from the National Health Interview Surveys of 30,660 African American and 209,828 Whites, 18 to 64 years old, with adjustment for covariates in multiple logistic regression models. Results. Whites were significantly more likely than African Americans to be former smokers, and this disparity in the quit ratio persisted from 1990 through 2000. After adjustment for covariates, disparities were substantially reduced especially among women. Among former smoker, African Americans were significantly more likely than Whites to have quit successfully within the past 10 years. Conclusion. Statistical adjustment for covariates reduces African American-White disparities in quit ratios, and recent cessation patterns suggest possible future reductions in disparities.
Tracing the fate of carbon and the atmospheric evolution of Mars

The climate of Mars likely evolved from a warmer, wetter early state to the cold, arid current state. However, no solutions for this evolution have previously been found to satisfy the observed geological features and isotopic measurements of the atmosphere. Here we show that a family of solutions exist, invoking no missing reservoirs or loss processes. Escape of carbon via CO photodissociation and sputtering enriches heavy carbon (^(13)C) in the Martian atmosphere, partially compensated by moderate carbonate precipitation. The current atmospheric ^(13)C/^(12)C and rock and soil carbonate measurements indicate an early atmosphere with a surface pressure <1 bar. Only scenarios with large amounts of carbonate formation in open lakes permit higher values up to 1.8 bar. The evolutionary scenarios are fully testable with data from the MAVEN mission and further studies of the isotopic composition of carbonate in the Martian rock record through time.
Identification of Female Cells in Postcoital Penile Swabs Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

Traditionally, the finding of semen, that is, spermatozoa and acid phosphatase, in cervicovaginal specimens has been considered the laboratory evidence needed to prove recent sexual contact. Recent research with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has shown that in the absence of semen, male epithelial and inflammatory cells can be found within the female genital tract. A striking paucity of literature exists pertaining to the examination of the penis of an alleged assailant for potential evidence indicative of sexual assault. The current study uses FISH to analyzepostcoital swabs of the penis for such laboratory evidence. A male and female volunteer couple consented to participate in this study. Following coitus, the male partner presented to one of the investigators for penile swabbing. Swabs were taken at varying postcoital intervals (1-24 hours) subsequent to 10 coital episodes. The male participant was instructed not to shower following coitus, but to otherwise go about daily activities until specimen collection. To obtain each sample, 4 sterile cotton-tipped applicators were slightly moistened in sterile saline and swabbed along the length of the penile shaft and around the base of the penis. From the swabs, 3 air-dried slides were prepared, coded, and blinded. As controls, swabs were taken from the buccal surfaces of both volunteers. Multicolor FISH was performed using dual X- and Y-chromosome probes, and slides were counterstained with 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Cells were easily visualized under a fluorescent microscope, but only cells with 2 nonoverlapping fluorescent signals were counted. Fluorescence in situ hybridization is highly sensitive and specific, and the dual probes easily distinguished between male and female cells. Female cells were identified on smears from every penile swab over the entire 1- to 24-hour postcoital interval. The FISH technique, previously successful in identifying male cells within the female genital tract, may also be employed on penile swabs. Once the presence of female cells is confirmed by FISH, the identity of the female can be confirmed by DNA analysis. Potentially, with such current molecular analyses, both the assailant and the victim can be positively identified.
HIV/AIDS Employees, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Their Impact on Small Business

This article examines the AIDS epidemic and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as they impact on small businesses. A recent Supreme Court ruling provides extensive ADA protection for employees with HIV/AIDS. New therapies now allow HIV/AIDS victims to live longer and many want to work. Because some stereotypes about the disease exist, many small businesses are unaware that the ADA protects these employees and may violate their civil rights. The article examines this ADA protection and provides a sample policy for small businesses.
Investigation on Plexin Rho GTPase Binding Domain (RBD) Binding with Small Rho GTPases Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Plexins are a family of single pass transmembrane receptors with 9 family members: plexin-A1-4, B1-3, C1 and D1. Plexins receive the guidance cues of semaphoring ligands on the outside of the cell and transmit their signal through the lipid membrane. Because of their function, plexins can regulate cell migration and targeting processes, for example by controlling axon and blood vessel guidance. Misfunction of plexin enables serious diseases, including cancer metastasis.Up to now, it is believed that the binding of small Rho GTPases with the Rho GTPase Binding Domain (RBD) of plexin is necessary to the function of plexin. At the meanwhile, the same RBD can bind with different small Rho GTPases, such as Rac1 and Rnd1 GTPase, and different RBDs such plexin-A1-RBD, plexin-A2-RBD, plexin-B1-RBD, can bind with the same GTPase. Thus understanding the structure and dynamics of the free and bound forms of RBD and GTPases can help to understand the signal transduction processes of plexin.In this project, the complexes of RBDs bound with Rac1/Rnd1 GTPases, and the free form of RBDs and GTPases were investigated using miscrosecond length all atom molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that RBDs experience more structural changes than Rho-GTPases during the binding process. Different RBDs showed different structure fluctuation dependences on regions when binding with small Rho GTPases. Calculating the backbone dihedral angle covariance matrix, all the RBDs in the free states have similar correlations to their bound states, but the Rac1 GTPase in the free states has less correlations than their bound states. Mapping the highly correlated residues to the structure, it was expected that plexin-A1-RBD, plexin-B1-RBD, and plexin-A2-RBD all having similar signal pathways, but different key residues taking the role in the process.
Start-up and Scale-up of a Novel Form of Colony Governance

This paper analyzes the transitions and adaptive capabilities of a novel form of governance for remote space colonies. Stochastic Democracy is the moniker for this governing system, which was first released to the public at SPACE 2010. That paper explored the evolution over time of a closed system (colony ship), comparing Stochasticism against three other common forms of governance. Implicit in that study was the pre-establishment of a responsibility hierarchy, and ignored in that study was a change in the population sufficient to re-organize. In any new, large-scale, substantially self-contained population there should exist an efficient and orderly assignment of responsible persons to lead and manage. Should the population grow or shrink substantially, the hierarchical structure must needs adapt. Questions answered herein are derived from numerical studies of the duration required for start-up, tolerance of voluntary opting-out, and the ability to scale-up across multiple orders of magnitude. Analyses of these results are used to modify and improve the rules (or bylaws) of Stochastic Democracy, a listing of which is included.
Matrices, Operators, Null Sets

Originally this chapter was to bridge the discussion of Chapters 6 and 7 on differential forms and the applications in Chapter 9 of differential forms to matrix problems made by James. As the book has grown, material on matrix decompositions, Section 8.1, and an inventory of problems, Section 8.5, has accumulated. This material has been found to be needed by most chapters of the book. Likewise the problems in Chapter 4 on sets of measure zero, although basic, did not cover the needed basics, and Section 8.4 has evolved. The complicated subject of canonical correlations has been segregated into Section 8.2. And under the disguise of being infinite dimensional matrices, Section 8.3 covers some operator theory and some results on Hilbert space valued Gaussian random variables, a subject related to contemporary literature on estimation.
Human-Like Rewards to Train a Reinforcement Learning Controller for Planar Arm Movement

High-level spinal cord injury (SCI) in humans causes paralysis below the neck. Functional electrical stimulation (FES) technology applies electrical current to nerves and muscles to restore movement, and controllers for upper extremity FES neuroprostheses calculate stimulation patterns to produce desired arm movement. However, currently available FES controllers have yet to restore natural movements. Reinforcement learning (RL) is a reward-driven control technique; it can employ user-generated rewards, and human preferences can be used in training. To test this concept with FES, we conducted simulation experiments using computer-generated “pseudo-human” rewards. Rewards with varying properties were used with an actor-critic RL controller for a planar two-degree-of-freedom biomechanical human arm model performing reaching movements. Results demonstrate that sparse, delayed pseudo-human rewards permit stable and effective RL controller learning. The frequency of reward is proportional to learning success, and human-scale sparse rewards permit greater learning than exclusively automated rewards. Diversity of training task sets did not affect learning. Long-term stability of trained controllers was observed. Using human-generated rewards to train RL controllers for upper-extremity FES systems may be useful. Our findings represent progress toward achieving human–machine teaming in control of upper-extremity FES systems for more natural arm movements based on human user preferences and RL algorithm learning capabilities.
The Vesical Sphincter Electromyogram in Children With Normal and Abnormal Voiding Patterns

Abstract Recording the vesical sphincter electromyogram clarifies abnormal patterns of voiding in children. Since the electromyogram patterns in children with normal voiding patterns have not yet been evaluated, we recorded the sphincter electromyograms during voiding of 39 children with normal voiding patterns. These normal electromyograms were compared to those recorded in 86 children with abnormal voiding patterns. Each of the 39 children with a normal voiding pattern demonstrated synergy of the vesical sphincter during voiding. Of the 86 children with an abnormal voiding pattern 69 per cent demonstrated synergy and 31 per cent demonstrated dyssynergia of the vesical sphincter during voiding. Of the children with dyssynergia 89 per cent were girls and only 11 per cent were boys. Sphincter dyssynergia was demonstrated only by children with an abnormal pattern of voiding and those with a history of a normal pattern of voiding demonstrated only sphincter synergy (p less than 0.005). The electromyographic diagnoses of vesical sphincter synergy and dyssynergia obtained by surface electrode recordings correlated with the clinical voiding patterns of the children.
Behavioral Profiles Associated with Objective Sleep Duration in Young Children with Insomnia Symptoms.

Based on previous studies reporting on the association of objective sleep duration and physiologic changes (i.e., increased cortisol) in children, we examined the role of objective sleep duration on differentiating behavioral profiles in children with insomnia symptoms. Seven hundred children (ages 5–12, 47.8% male) from the Penn State Child Cohort underwent a nine-hour polysomnography and parent completed Pediatric Behavior Scale. Insomnia symptoms were defined as parent report of difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, sleep disordered breathing as an AHI of ≥1, and objective short sleep duration as a total sleep time < 7.7 h. Children with insomnia symptoms demonstrated more overall behavioral problems than controls. Significant interactions between insomnia symptoms and objective sleep duration on scores of externalizing behaviors, mood variability and school problems were found. Profile analyses showed that children with insomnia symptoms and normal sleep duration were associated with clinically elevated externalizing behaviors, inattention, mood variability, and school problems, while children with insomnia and short sleep duration were associated with an overall elevated profile in which internalizing behaviors were more prominent. Childhood insomnia symptoms are associated with a wide array of behavioral problems, for which objective sleep duration is useful in differentiating behavioral profiles. Children with insomnia symptoms and normal sleep duration had a behavioral profile consistent with limit-setting and rule-breaking behaviors, while children with insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration had a behavioral profile more consistent with internalizing behaviors resembling that of psychophysiological disorders.
Characterization of post-fire streamflow response across western US watersheds

This research investigates the impact of wildfires on watershed flow regimes, specifically focusing on evaluation of fire events within specified hydroclimatic regions in the western United States. Information on fire events and watershed characteristics were collected through federal and state-level databases and streamflow data were collected from U.S. Geological Survey stream gages. Eighty two watersheds were identified with at least ten years of continuous pre-fire daily streamflow records and five years of continuous post-fire daily flow records. For each watershed, percent change in annual runoff ratio, low-flows, high-flows, peak flows, number of zero flow days, baseflow index, and Richards-Baker flashiness index were calculated using pre- and post-fire periods. The gathered watersheds were divided into nine regions or clusters through k-means clustering and regression models were produced for watersheds grouped by total area burned. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) was used to determine the accuracy of the resulting models. Results show that low flows, high flows, and peak flows increase significantly in the first two years following a wildfire and decrease over time. Relative response was utilized to scale response variables with respective percent area of watershed burned in order to compare regional differences in watershed response. Watersheds in Cluster 9 (eastern CA, western NV, OR) typically demonstrate a negative relative post-fire response, in that when scaling response to area burned, a slight negative response is observed in flow regimes. Most other watersheds show a positive mean relative response. In addition, regression models show limited correlation between percent watershed burned and streamflow response, implying that other watershed factors strongly influence response.
Loss of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression delays mammary tumorigenesis and reduces localized inflammation in the C3(1)/SV40Tag triple negative breast cancer model

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) has been implicated as a major modulator in the progression of mammary tumorigenesis, largely due to its ability to recruit macrophages to the tumor microenvironment. Macrophages are key mediators in the connection between inflammation and cancer progression and have been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis. Thus, MCP-1 may be a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory and difficult-to-treat cancers such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We examined the effect of MCP-1 depletion on mammary tumorigenesis in a model of TNBC. Tumor measurements were conducted weekly (until 22 weeks of age) and at sacrifice (23 weeks of age) in female C3(1)/SV40Tag and C3(1)/SV40Tag MCP-1 deficient mice to determine tumor numbers and tumorvolumes. Histopathological scoring was performed at 12 weeks of age and 23 weeks of age. Gene expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory mediators were measured in the mammary gland and tumor microenvironment at sacrifice. As expected, MCP-1 depletion resulted in decreased tumorigenesis, indicated by reduced primary tumor volume and multiplicity, and a delay in tumor progression represented by histopathological scoring (12 weeks of age). Deficiency in MCP-1 significantly downregulated expression of macrophage markers in the mammary gland (Mertk and CD64) and the tumor microenvironment (CD64), and also reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines in the mammary gland (TNFα and IL-1β) and the tumor microenvironment (IL-6). These data support the hypothesis that MCP-1 expression contributes to increased tumorigenesis in a model of TNBC via recruitment of macrophages and subsequent increase in inflammatory mediators.
A rare cause of pulmonary edema in the postoperative period

With the increasing longevity of the population, the annual rates of hip arthroplasties performed have been steadily increasing over the past decade. Given the presence of medical comorbidities in the older patients, the peri-operative care of these individuals requires multi-specialty care, now more than ever. Hip arthroplasty is generally well tolerated, with early mortality after the procedure being <1%. Bone cement implantation syndrome (BCIS) is an entity that is occasionally encountered during or after the surgery. It is characterized by hypoxemia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest leading to death, in severe cases. We report a case of a middle-aged female who developed refractory hypotension and pulmonary edema while undergoing hemiarthroplasty for a pathological femoral neck fracture and experienced cardiac arrest in the immediate postoperative period. Critical care physicians must familiarize themselves with promptly diagnosing and managing BCIS.
Technical and Human Factors Hinder Medusahead Control in Northern Utah

On the Ground • We used social-science methods to study how social, economic, technical, and institutional factors have influenced medusahead control near Paradise, Utah, over the past 25 years. In general, control efforts have struggled. Each of the four factors can assume some responsibility for this outcome. • Low and uncertain funding for both research and outreach, however, has been the major constraint overall. • Research needs more funding to identify a reliable, cost-effective control program. Outreach then will have a message that landowners are eager to hear. Effective control methods can also promote improved weed law enforcement and the stability of state funding lines in support of weed management. • Weed control, however, is also a shared responsibility. Landowners must be willing to make changes in grazing management that complement the application of new technology. “Silver bullet” technical solutions are unrealistic. • Outreach needs more funding to support weed coordinators who can effectively work with the public. Today'’s weed coordinator needs strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills. Recruiting and retaining such talent requires a commitment to higher levels of compensation than has been the norm. • Despite the high socioeconomic diversity of landowners here, many have shared values on the importance of noxious weed control and the need for community collaboration. We also discovered that only 40 of 1,329 total landowners controlled 80% of all acreage, and 37 of these had never been engaged in formal weed-control efforts. This all represents untapped outreach opportunities, while the latter also illustrates the need for a targeted stakeholder analysis at the beginning of any weed-control project. • Ultimately, research and outreach institutions must tackle funding gaps and build professional capacity to promote improved medusahead control.
Plant Detection of Pathogens

Plant defense against microorganisms consists of a variety of preformed barriers and dynamic responses. Numerous secondary metabolites are present in sufficient concentrations to be toxic and useful as chemical barriers. Structural materials, such as the cuticle and cell walls, are effective as physical barriers to invasion. Preformed barriers require no plant response to be effective deterrents to colonization by microorganisms. Plants can, however, also respond defensively to the presence of some microorganisms. These active responses encompass a complex of strategies to minimize the impact of the invading microorganism. But, active defenses must be triggered to be effective.
Trajectories of the relationships of physical activity with body composition changes in older men: the MrOS study

Excess adiposity gains and significant lean mass loss may be risk factors for chronic disease in old age. Long-term patterns of change in physical activity (PA) and their influence on body composition decline during aging has not been characterized. We evaluated the interrelationships of PA and body composition at the outset and over longitudinal follow-up to changes in older men. Self-reported PA by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), clinic body weight, and whole-body lean mass (LM) and fat mass, by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were assessed in 5964 community-dwelling men aged ≥65 years at baseline (2000–2002) and at two subsequent clinic visits up until March 2009 (an average 4.6 and 6.9 years later). Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) identified patterns of change in PA and body composition variables. Relationships of PA and body composition changes were then assessed. GBTM identified three discrete trajectory patterns, all with declining PA, associated primarily with initial PA levelshigh-activity (7.2% of men), moderate-activity (50.0%), and low-activity (42.8%). In separate models, GBTM identified eight discrete total weight change groups, five fat mass change groups, and six LM change groups. Joint trajectory modeling by PA and body composition group illustrated significant declines in total weight and LM, whereas fat mass levels were relatively unchanged among high-activity and low-activity-declining groups, and significantly increased in the moderate-activity-declining group. Although patterns of change in PA and body composition were identified, groups were primarily differentiated by initial PA or body composition rather than by distinct trajectories of change in these variables.
A New Genus of Andean Mimallonidae (Mimallonoidea), with the Descriptions of Four New Species

Isoscella, gen. n., is newly described in the family Mimallonidae with Isoscella ventana, comb. n. (Dognin, 1897), as its type species, transferring this taxon from Psychocampa Grote & Robinson, 1866. We describe and figure the female of I. ventana for the first time. Our investigation into this species resulted in the recognition of the following new species: I. ecuadoriana, sp. n., from Ecuador, I. leva, sp. n., from Peru and Bolivia, I. peigleri, sp. n., from Colombia and Ecuador, and I. andina, sp. n., from Ecuador and Peru. Both sexes of all species are figured, along with their genitalia. Finally, we discuss the potential close relatives of Isoscella.
Template growth of Au, Ni and Ni–Au nanoclusters on hexagonal boron nitride/Rh(111): a combined STM, TPD and AES study

The template growth of Au, Ni, and Ni–Au bimetallic nanoclusters on hexagonal boron nitride/Rh(111), i.e. h-BN/Rh(111), was investigated via scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), temperature programmed-desorption (TPD), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). STM study shows that template growth of Au clusters on h-BN/Rh(111) forms mainly well-dispersed monolayer clusters. In contrast, Ni forms large multilayer clusters showing a relatively high diffusivity on h-BN/Rh(111) substrate. Ni–Au bimetallic clusters are effectively formed first by Au deposition followed by Ni deposition, with the Au clusters functioning as nucleation sites for the subsequently deposited Ni. Further structural analysis was carried out via TPD and AES. The resulting TPD and AES data show the surface composition and charge transfer between Au and Ni of the bimetallic clusters. These results suggest that the h-BN/Rh(111) substrate represents a unique candidate for supporting Ni–Au bimetallic clusters in further catalytic reactions.
"Resource Allocation, Real Options, and Competitive Advantage: A Behavioral Approach"

This paper develops a realistic real option theory of resource allocation decisions in strategic factor markets. We build on extant financial and managerial theories, real option theories of decisi...
Substrate-driven chemotactic assembly in an enzyme cascade.

Enzymes that form a metabolic pathway in which the product of one enzyme is the substrate for the next have now been shown to associate through a process of sequential, directed chemotactic movement. The extent of enzyme migration is proportional to the exposure time to the substrate gradient.