cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Role of Neurodiagnostic Informatics in Integrated Neurological and Mental Health Care

Mental, neurological, and neurodevelopmental (MNN) disorders impose an enormous burden of disease globally. Many MNN disorders follow a developmental trajectory. Thus, defining symptoms of MNN disorders may be conceived as the end product of a long developmental process. Many pharmaceutical therapies are aimed at the end symptoms, essentially attempting to reverse pathological brain function that has developed over a long time. A new paradigm is needed to leverage the developmental trajectory of MNN disorders, based on measuring brain function through the life span. Electroencephalography (EEG) is ideally suited for this task. New developments in several fields, including consumer EEG hardware, ubiquitous access to the Internet and electronic health records, and nonlinear mathematics to extract information from physiological signals have converged to enable new approaches to integrating EEG into routine health care. Research continues to demonstrate that EEG analysis can be used to discover digital biomarkers for a wide range of MNN disorders, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia and dementias, and likely many others. When EEG-derived information about brain function is stored with an electronic health record, clinical decision support software may use these data to detect atypical brain development in the earliest stages, thus opening a potential window for early intervention. These developments create an opportunity for neurodiagnostics to merge with biomedical informatics to create clinical tools for monitoring brain function through the life span. Advanced professionals with neurodiagnostics and biomedical informatics skills and training are needed to lead the way in this emerging field.
Big Data under Obama and Trump: The Data-Fueled U.S. Presidency

The much-heralded use of data, analytics, and evidence-based decisions marks the U.S. presidency, wherein many processes and decisions are structured by the analysis of data. An approach with historical precedent, reliance on data was prominent under Obama, and is even under Trump, despite signals to the contrary. This article examines three cases from the Obama era: microtargeting in electoral campaigns, performance management in government, and signature drone strikes employed by the national security apparatus. It also reflects on the early Trump administration. The processes described are highly dependent on data, technically big data in two instances. The article examines the cases both on their own terms and in the context of a critical lens that directs attention to the political economy of the data. The analysis helps unpack the allure of data and analytics as well as the challenges in structuring an environment with a measured approach to data and big data, which would examine both their potential and drawback.
Captures of Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Adults Affected by the Presence of Volunteer Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is a key potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) pest that has the ability to vector the plant pathogenic bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (Lso), the putative causal agent of zebra chip disease of potato. The insect primarily feeds and completes its life cycle on Solanaceous crops and weeds; however, in the Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, B. cockerelli has been found in association with crops such as maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum spp), both belonging to the Poaceae family. We hypothesize that this is due to the presence of volunteer potato; in this region, the potato crop is in a 3-yr rotation with either maize or wheat. Consequently, we evaluated potato, maize, wheat, maize + volunteer potato, wheat + volunteer potato on captures of B. cockerelli adults in a 2-year field experiment using an inverted leaf blower and yellow sticky cards. Data collected in this study confirms that B. cockerelli has an affinity for potato, although, B. cockerelli could be found in maize and wheat mainly when volunteer potatoes were present. In addition, B. cockerelli counts varied depending if using inverted leaf blower or yellow sticky cards. Knowing that B. cockerelli is found in fields where volunteer potatoes are present, it should be taken into consideration for large-scale potato psyllid management.
Public Interest Comment on Hedge Fund Investor Qualifications - The Definition of Accredited Investor in Certain Private Investment Vehicles

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeks public comment on proposed rules raising the level of personal wealth required for individuals to qualify to purchase securities offered by certain private investment funds commonly referred to as hedge funds. The SEC's new requirement for individuals would limit hedge funds only to those investors who already have $2.5 million in investments, reducing those able to invest by 85 percent. The SEC's proposed rules harm investors by reducing their ability to decrease overall portfolio risk through purchasing hedge fund securities. Hedge funds are primarily a tool for risk management and risk reduction, not beating general market returns. During the 2000 to 2002 bear market, the S&P 500 had an average annual loss of 15.5 percent and the NASDAQ Composite Index likewise lost 10.6 percent annually. The average annual return for hedge funds during the same period was a gain of approximately 2.5 percent. Even though hedge funds are private investment vehicles not subject to the SEC's system of registration and disclosure, there is enough public information about them for a substantial portion of investors to make informed decisions. The SEC can better promote the goals of investor protection, efficiency and capital formation by: (1) revising the proposed rules to substantially reduce any net worth, income and/or value of investments required to purchase the securities of hedge funds; (2) amending applicable rules to permit all investors to purchase the securities of hedge funds registered with the Commission or some other regulatory body; and (3) studying how the policies of other countries that allow investors greater access to hedge funds affect investor protection, competition, efficiency, and capital formation.
The New Physiology

The pace quickened with the search for the most scientifically comprehensive and all-encompassing explanations of life. Inspired by the new discoveries in chemistry and physics, two opposing schools arose to explain biological function, the iatrochemists (all is chemistry), and the iatrophysicists (all is physics).
Retrospective Analysis of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection and Monochloramine Disinfection of Municipal Drinking Water in Michigan

ABSTRACT Infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are primarily acquired from environmental sources, including exposure to municipally treated drinking water. Higher levels of NTM have been reported in drinking water disinfected with monochloramine than in that disinfected with chlorine. However, the relationships between water treatment practices and NTM infection are unclear. The objective of this study was to examine a possible relationship between residual disinfectant used for municipal drinking water treatment (monochloramine or chlorine) and NTM infection. We retrospectively reviewed NTM diagnostic tests performed at a single health care center during a 15-year period. Information on municipal water treatment practices, including disinfectant and primary source water type, was obtained for 140 cities. Based on a logistic regression model, municipal drinking water disinfection with monochloramine compared to chlorine was not associated with NTM infection (P = 0.24). An additional model variable examining water source showed that the likelihood of having an NTM infection was 1.46 times higher for patients residing in cities with drinking water derived from surface water than for those residing in cities with drinking water derived from groundwater (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 2.08; P = 0.04). In an inverse propensity score weighted regression, monochloramine disinfection was also not associated with NTM infection. A moderate effect on NTM infection rates was observed in the weighted regression for municipal drinking water derived from surface water, though the results were not statistically significant (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.69; P = 0.17). IMPORTANCE Infections by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) result in significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. NTM are primarily acquired from environmental sources, including exposure to municipally treated drinking water. Higher levels of NTM have been reported in drinking water disinfected with monochloramine than in drinking water disinfected with chlorine. Our results suggest that municipal drinking water disinfection with monochloramine compared to chlorine is not associated with higher risk of NTM infection. This is important given that regulations that limit drinking water concentrations of disinfection by-products, which are formed primarily when chlorine disinfection is used, incentivize drinking water utilities to change from chlorine disinfection to monochloramine disinfection.
Vibration Alert Bracelet for Notification of the Visually and Hearing Impaired

This paper presents the prototype of an electronic vibration bracelet designed to help the visually and hearing impaired to receive and send emergency alerts. The bracelet has two basic functions. The first function is to receive a wireless signal and respond with a vibration to alert the user. The second function is implemented by pushing one button of the bracelet to send an emergency signal. We report testing on a prototype system formed by a mobile application and two bracelets. The bracelets and the application form a complete system intended to be used in retirement apartment communities. However, the system is flexible and could be expanded to add new features or to serve as a research platform for gait analysis and location services. The medical and professional potential of the proposed system is that it offers a simple, modular, and cost-effective alternative to all the existing medical devices with similar functionality currently on the market. The proposed system has an educational potential as well: it can be used as a starting point for capstone projects and demonstration purposes in schools to attract students to STEM disciplines.
Complexes formed with integrin-α5 and KCNB1 potassium channel wild type or epilepsy-susceptibility variants modulate cellular plasticity via Ras and Akt signaling.

Voltage-gated potassium (K+) channel subfamily B member 1 (KCNB1, Kv2.1) and integrin-α5 form macromolecular complexes—named integrin-α5-KCNB1 complexes (IKCs)—in the human brain, but their functio...
Investigating Tumor Heterogeneity in Mouse Models

Cancer arises from a single cell through a series of acquired mutations and epigenetic alterations. Tumors gradually develop into a complex tissue comprised of phenotypically heterogeneous cancer c...
The determination of appropriate coefficient indices for inter-rater reliability: Using classroom observation instruments as fidelity measures in large-scale randomized research

Abstract In this study, we address an under-studied challenge related to the accurate use and reporting of coefficient indices for inter-rater reliability (IRR) of classroom observation instruments used to measure fidelity of implementation (FOI) in educational programs serving the needs of English learners. Through empirical data obtained from a randomized controlled trial, we confirmed the existence of kappa paradox. We further determined that Gwet’s AC1 was a robust index for a multiple-dimension-multi-response protocol with nominal data and intraclass correlation was most appropriate for a Likert-rating scale with ordinal data and multiple raters. We highlight the misuse of indices in the literature and call for a careful consideration of robust indices critical to ensure accuracy of observational data and FOI.
Same Game New Rules: What is the Impact of the 2018 UNOS Heart Allocation Change?

Purpose The 2018 UNOS heart allocation policy shifted priority from patients supported with durable devices to those with temporary mechanical support. We sought to quantify the implications of this change including impact on wait times, hospital bed utilization and use of mechanical circulatory support devices. Methods This study was a retrospective review of 32 consecutive patients who underwent heart transplantation at a single center between October 2017 and May 2019. Patient charts were reviewed for information regarding preoperative characteristics, operative data, and perioperative characteristics. Univariate analysis compared demographics and outcomes before and after the October 2018 policy change. Results There were 16 patients each in the pre and post policy-change groups. Patients did not differ significantly in their demographic profiles. Significant differences were noted, however, in the time on transplant list with median days of 166 before vs. 18.5 after policy change (p= .017), and in the presence of preoperative temporary support (12.5% vs. 68.75%, p= .011). Prior to the allocation change most heart transplant patients were admitted from home on the day of transplant (9/16 vs. 6/16), while afterwards the average preoperative length of stay was 14.7 days with the majority of these days as ICU status (11.06). Operative times were shorter (593 vs. 685 median minute, p= .0026) in the post allocation change group. There was no difference in operating room blood transfusions, postoperative outcomes, or postoperative length of stay between the groups. Conclusion This study suggests that following the 2018 policy change, patients who received heart transplants experienced shorter waitlist times, longer preoperative hospital stays, and had an increased use of temporary mechanical assist devices. This shift to a resource intensive inpatient management strategy has implications that will require further evaluation.
Clinical and imaging features in adult patients with bone marrow haemophagocytosis with and without haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a single-institution experience.

AIM To evaluate clinical, laboratory, imaging findings, and outcomes of adult patients with bone marrow haemophagocytosis (BMH) who meet the diagnostic criteria for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) with those who do not meet the criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A pathology database search was performed from 2009 to 2019 to identify adult patients with BMH. Electronic medical records of 41 patients were reviewed to distinguish those who fulfil the HLH-2004 diagnostic guidelines, which identified 22 patients (11 men; mean age, 53.5 years) who met the criteria (HLH+) and 19 patients (13 men; mean age, 54.7 years) who did not meet the criteria (HLH-). Multi-modality imaging was reviewed to record imaging features. Clinical, laboratory, imaging findings, and outcomes were compared between the two groups using Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Malignancy (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) was the major trigger for both groups. 86% of HLH+ and 31% of HLH– patients presented with fever. Compared to the HLH– group, the HLH+ group exhibited higher serum ferritin, triglycerides, and lower fibrinogen levels (p CONCLUSION Malignancy is the major trigger for BMH in both HLH+ and HLH– groups. HLH+ and HLH– groups have similar imaging manifestations or clinical outcomes. Therefore, presence of BMH alone is correlated with high morbidity and mortality.
Improving Food Security Screening at Well Child Visits

Background: Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain access to nutritious food. The effects of food insecurity are detrimental for all, but especially for children given its vast and long-term consequences. Up to 16 million (21%) of US children are affected, and California is ranked 19th in the nation with a child food insecurity rate of 12.5%. Identifying these individuals and intervening expeditiously is crucial as children of food-insecure households are lacking more than just food: they are more likely to become ill, iron deficient, and obese. They are at …
Unseen Policies: Trump’s Little-Known Immigration Rules as Executive Power Grab

Throughout the Trump presidency, immigration “horror stories” have riveted Americans and people across the globe. Over the past four years, splashy headlines highlighted the United States government’s dehumanization and penalization of immigrants, from travel bans to family separation to the Wall. These stories not only captured public attention, but also masked less sensational but unjust executive rules that allowed the Trump administration to overhaul the immigration landscape and maximize executive power without changing a single immigration statute. Unseen policies of expanded enforcement, partisan immigration court controls, strategic administrative precedents, and tightened regulations have all been part of the Trump administration’s complex web of practical and legal barriers for immigrants. This Article argues that President Trump and his administration have successfully exploited the power delegated to the executive branch in part by advancing policies that are out of the public view and which take delegated powers to unprecedented levels. Within the humanitarian, enforcement, and bureaucratic realms, the administration’s “unseen policies” impact the day-to-day lives of immigrants, transform the operation of our immigration system, and undermine the rule of law. The Article explores the detrimental impact of under-the-radar executive changes in these categories and offers broad solutions. Ultimately, to return to the rule of law and establish a humane immigration system, lawyers and policy makers of the Biden administration and beyond must identify and strategize around these quotidian, unseen policies as well as the well-known challenges.
Polymeric Nanocomposite Membranes for Water Filtration

The entire world is facing with a severe dilemma of water pollution which is mainly concerned with the chemical and biological contaminants that have endangered the quality of drinking water. The Membrane separation technology is vastly acknowledged as an advanced process for water filtration and purification, having the potential to alleviate global matter of contention of freshwater scarcity. Various nanofillers have been used by many in water purification. This methodology has been accepted as feasible and active to produce a multifunctional nanocomposite membrane i.e. membranes with higher performance along with their synergistic effects of organic polymer matrix and inorganic nanomaterials for water and wastewater treatment. Recently, inorganic nanofillers such as inorganic metal oxides (SiO2, TiO2, ZnO, Ag, etc.), carbon based (CNT, GO) and mixed nanoparticles (SiO2-TiO2, GO-TiO2, GO-SiO2, etc.) have been extensively used to prepare polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite membranes with desired properties for water purification. This review aims to highlight the performance of nanofiller incorporated PVDF membranes and the novel strategies explored for fabrication of the PVDF nanocomposite membrane to cater to the current requirements and expectations of water purification performances.
The wildland-anthropic interface raster data of the Italy-France maritime cooperation area (Sardinia, Corsica, Tuscany, Liguria, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur).

Abstract We applied a geographical information system analysis to reclassify and characterize anthropic buildings based on structure density and area covered, land type, and proximity to wildlands able to originate intense wildfires and spot fires. The methodology was carried out in the 93,000 km2 Italy-France Maritime cooperation area (which includes the Regions of Sardinia, Tuscany, and Liguria, in Italy, and Corsica, and Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, in France). We produced a 100-m raster dataset that characterizes and maps medium-high anthropic presence, wildland-anthropic areas, dispersed anthropic areas, and non-anthropic zones, in the whole study area. The study allowed to highlight variations in wildland anthropic interfaces among and within Regions as a function of anthropic presence and types and the surrounding wildlands. The spatial dataset provided with this work represents a valuable contribution to support landscape and urban planning and inform strategies to limit wildfire impacts nearby anthropic areas.
High-Risk Outreach for COVID-19 Mortality Reduction in an Indigenous Community.

Indigenous populations have been disproportionally affected by COVID-19, particularly those in rural and remote locations. Their unique environments and risk factors demand an equally unique public health response. Our rural Native American community experienced one of the highest prevalence outbreaks in the world, and we developed an aggressive management strategy that appears to have had a considerable effect on mortality reduction. The results have implications far beyond pandemic response, and have reframed how our community addresses several complicated health challenges. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print October 14, 2021:e1-e3. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306472).
Noninvasive neuromodulation and rehabilitation to promote functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will focus on the use of clinically accessible neuromodulatory approaches for functional restoration in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). RECENT FINDINGS Functional restoration is a primary rehabilitation priority for individuals with SCI. High-tech neuromodulatory modalities have been used in laboratory settings to improve hand and walking function as well as to reduce spasticity and pain in persons with SCI. However, the cost, limited accessibility, and required expertise are prohibitive for clinical applicability of these high-tech modalities. Recent literature indicates that noninvasive and clinically accessible approaches targeting supraspinal, spinal, and peripheral neural structures can modulate neural excitability. Although a limited number of studies have examined the use of these approaches for functional restoration and amelioration of secondary complications in SCI, early evidence investigating their efficacy when combined with training is encouraging. SUMMARY Larger sample studies addressing both biomarker identification and dosing are crucial next steps in the field of neurorehabilitation research before novel noninvasive stimulation approaches can be incorporated into standard clinical practice.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Mass Excision

Abstract Introduction: Minimally invasive, robot-assisted, laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissections (RPLNDs) using a low-abdominal approach are commonly performed at the Naval Medical Ce...
Mobilizing a Market Ethnic Segmentation and Investor Recruitment into the Nairobi Securities Exchange

This study examines how actors from diverse and competing social groups can come to identify as members of a common market rather than as agents of their discrete social groups. Using data on new-i...
A circuit for synchronizing external stimuli and events to the pulse sequence of a clinical magnetic resonance scanner

Interfacing experiments to a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner which require synchronization with an imaging pulse sequence can be challenging unless access to a trigger-out is available. We present a simple, alternative approach to synchronize an experiment to a scanner using an external trigger to drive the scanner through the peripheral optical pulse rate monitor and cardiac trigger available on most clinical imagers. A trigger circuit and pulse rate monitor interface are described for applying a stimulus in the form of a pulsed voltage to a sample at a specific time in a spin-echo, echo planar imaging sequence. The apparatus and approach could be used for many other types and numbers of experimental stimuli or events. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 44B: 50–52, 2014
Memory Alloreactive B Cells and Alloantibodies Prevent Anti-CD154-Mediated Allograft Acceptance

The impact of memory B cells and alloantibodies on the ability to induce transplantation tolerance has not been elucidated. We have developed a murine heart transplant model that isolates the contributions of functional memory B cells from memory T cells in allograft rejection. Memory 3-83 B cells with dual specificity for H-2K k and H-2K b were generated in 3-83 Igi BCR knockin (BALB/c background) mice by the transplantation of C3H (H-2K k ) hearts in the absence of immunosuppression. To test the effect of functional memory 3-83 B cells, C3H-primed 3-83 Igi recipients were challenged with C57BL/6 hearts (H-2K b ) at 60–90 days post-C3H heart transplant and treated with anti-CD154 mAbs. Despite immunosuppression, the C57BL/6 hearts were acutely rejected within 10–13 days and graft rejection was associated with increased frequencies of C57BL/6-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells. Histology revealed significant numbers of infiltrating T cells, consistent with acute T cell-mediated rejection. The resistance to tolerance induction was dependent on the synergistic effects of memory 3-83 B cells and alloantibodies, whereas memory T cells are not necessary. We conclude that the combined effects of functional memory B cells and alloantibodies prevent anti-CD154-mediated graft acceptance by facilitating the CD40-CD154-independent activation of alloreactive T cells. This study provides insight into the potential ability of memory B cells and alloantibodies to prevent anti-CD154-mediated graft acceptance.
Evaluating the effect of pelagic zooplankton community composition and density on larval walleye (Sander vitreus) growth with a bioenergetic-based foraging model

We developed a bioenergetic-based foraging model to evaluate how the composition of the pelagic zooplankton community influences the growth of zooplanktivorous larval walleye (Sander vitreus). Our ...
The Four Boxes of Gendered Sexuality: A Lesson Plan for Teaching About the History and Effects of Gendered Sexuality

Why might intelligent, assertive females overlook sweet, caring guys, choosing instead to date males whose traditional masculinity makes them popular with other powerful males but who treat females and “weaker” males poorly? This lesson provides a structure for, reflection on, and critique of contemporary gender stereotypes. Students explore the history and effects of gendered sexuality, which begin at birth and continue until death. Gendered sexuality refers to the ways in which we experience our sexuality based on the interaction of our biological sex and gender socialization. The story told in this lesson illuminates how expectations for males and females are based on an historical and cultural legacy that all too often goes unexamined. We describe this legacy as an historically constructed pair of binaries, called the Four Boxes of Gendered Sexuality: Good Girl vs. Bad Girl and Tough Guy vs. Sweet Guy. Educators may use this lesson to assist a range of populations in understanding where these expectat...
A Novel Approach to Monitor Nonstationary Dynamics in Physiological Signals: Application to Blood Pressure, Pulse Oximeter, and Respiratory Data

We propose a parametric time-varying (TV) algorithm which utilizes sinusoids as the basis functions which are then projected onto sets of Legendre and Walsh functions for the purpose of monitoring nonstationary dynamics. The proposed algorithm is a general-purpose algorithm that has the potential to be widely applicable to various physiological signals, but is especially well-suited for tracking blood pressure (BP), pulse oximeter, and respiratory signals, as they all exhibit periodic oscillations with TV dynamics. The proposed algorithm’s efficacy was verified using both simulation examples and application to experimental data from all of the above-mentioned sources. Our results show that the method can: (1) accurately monitor abrupt frequency changes even when the data are contaminated with significant noise, (2) accurately monitor the BP and pulse oximeter signals, and (3) provide accurate estimation of respiratory rates derived directly from pulse oximeter recordings.
Complement receptor type 2 (CR2/CD21) as a central link between innate and acquired immunity

Summary The complement system is activated by many molecules, including several important proteins of the innate immune system, that results in the covalent linkage of C3 activation fragments to Ag and/or Ab. Receptors for C3 activation fragments, especially CD21, play central roles in linking the B lymphocyte adaptive immune system to the complement system. CD21 deficient mice demonstrate pronounced immune defects. These defects are apparent because CD21 plays an important role in the activation of B lymphocytes, FDC, and likely T lymphocytes in vivo. Manipulation of CD21 activities by either blocking the binding of ligands to CD21, or targeting Ags to this receptor in vaccination strategies, are currently being explored as options to regulate several human immune responses. The regulation of immune responses through these and other strategies will likely further define the pivotal role CD21 plays in connecting innate to acquired immunity.
Limiting Distributions for Continuous State Markov Voting Models

This paper proves the existence of a stationary distribution for a class of Markov voting models. We assume that alternatives to replace the current status quo arise probabilistically, with the probability distribution at time t+1 having support set equal to the set of alternatives that defeat, according to some voting rule, the current status quo at time t. When preferences are based on Euclidean distance, it is shown that for a wide class of voting rules, a limiting distribution exists. For the special case of majority rule, not only does a limiting distribution always exist, but we obtain bounds for the concentration of the limiting distribution around a centrally located set. The implications are that under Markov voting models, small deviations from the conditions for a core point will still leave the limiting distribution quite concentrated around a generalized median point. Even though the majority relation is totally cyclic in such situations, our results show that such chaos is not probabilistically significant.
Identification of nonlinear parameters for reduced order models

Abstract Constructing nonlinear structural dynamic models is a goal for numerous research and development organizations. Such a predictive capability is required in the development of advanced, high-performance aircraft structures. Specifically, the ability to predict the response of complex structures to engine induced and aero acoustic loading has long been a United States Air Force (USAF) goal. Sonic fatigue has plagued the USAF since the advent and adoption of the turbine engine. While the problem has historically been a maintenance one, predicting the dynamic response is crucial for future aerospace vehicles. Decades have been spent investigating the dynamic response and untimely failure of aircraft structures, yet little work has been accomplished towards developing practical nonlinear prediction methods. Further, the last decade has witnessed an appreciable amount of work in the area of nonlinear parameter identification. This paper outlines a unique and important extension of a recently introduced nonlinear identification method: Nonlinear Identification through Feedback of the Outputs (NIFO). The novel extension allows for a ready means of identifying nonlinear parameters in reduced order space using experimental data. The nonlinear parameters are then used in the assembly of reduced order models, thus providing researchers with a means of conducting predictive studies prior to expensive and questionable experimental efforts. This paper details both an analytical and experimental study conducted on a well-characterized clamped–clamped beam subjected to broadband random loading. Amplitude dependent, constant stiffness parameters were successfully identified for a multiple-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) nonlinear reduced order model. The nonlinear coefficients identified from the analytical scenario compare well with previously published studies of the beam. Nonlinear parameters were also successfully identified from the raw experimental data. Finally, a MDOF nonlinear reduced order model, constructed from experimental data, was used to predict the experimental response of the beam to other loading conditions. Beam response spectra and average displacement values from the prediction model also compare well with the experimental results.
Abundant protein-containing particles in the sea

The interaction of bactena with particulate organic matter has implications for organic matter cycling and bacterial ecology in the ocean. Until recently, the focus has been on 'classical' particles visible by unaided eye (marine snow) or light rnicroscopy. Recent discovenes of several new types of abundant particles, from sub-micrometer to sub-manne snow, are changing our ideas of the physical and chermcal nature of the particle field with which pelagic bactena interact. Previous workers have discovered polysacchande-contain~ng (Alcian Blue stainable) transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) ranging from 3 to 100s of micrometers. Looklng for additional components of the submanne snow particle field, we took into considerat~on that since protein is a major component of biogenic organic matter, protelnaceous particles might also be abundant and important in bacteriaparticle interactions. We stalned seawater with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 (CBB), a protein stain, to reveal light to dark blue stained particles similar in shapes and size range to TEP. In samples filtered on Nuclepore f~lters, Coomassie Stained Particles (CSP) appeared globular, sheetor string-like, whlle stalnlng unf~ltered water revealed 3-dimens~onal cloud-like shapes as well. Whether CSP are in fact TEP which also contain protein was tested by staining parallel samples with Alcian Blue and CBB (double stainlng a single sample was not possible since both dyes stain blue). CSP were 3 to 13 times more numerous and had up to 2 orders of magnitude greater area than TEP. Thus, while TEP and CSP may overlap, most CSP were distinct from TEP. Treatment of samples with Pronase E decreased CSP abundance and area by 78% and 96% respectively, confirming the proteinaceous nature of CSPs. The CSP abundance in coastal waters was 10' to 10"-l, and their area was 102 to 10" mm2 I-'; both generally decreased with depth. Small particles were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude more abundant than large particles. Double staining with CBB and a fluorescent nucleic acid stain, DAPI, revealed that 20 to 40 % of CSP were colonized by bacteria. Since they contain protein, CSP may serve as a N source for bacteria and other organisms, and t h e ~ r production and utilization, which we did not study, may influence the flux and cycling of nitrogen in pelagic ecosystems.
Ultra-broad Bandwidth Ultrasound Detector Using Imprinted Polymer Microring Resonator

A novel ultra-broad bandwidth ultrasound detector is demonstrated using imprinted polymer microring, with flat frequency response up to ~350 MHz at -3dB. A record high sub-3µm axial resolution in ultrasound/photoacoustic imaging applications is demonstrated.
Spatially adaptive denoising based on nonstationary correlation assumption

Earlier techniques used for noise filtering were global filters based on the assumption of a stationary image model. Although the stationarity assumption enables the use of the Fast Fourier transform (FFT)-based algorithm, such filters tend to oversmooth edges where stationarity is not satisfied. Recently, various noise smoothing algorithms based on the nonstationary image model have been proposed to overcome this problem. In most conventional nonstationary image models, however, pixels are assumed to be uncorrelated to each other in order not to increase a computational burden too much. As a result, some detailed information is lost in the filtered results. We propose a computationally feasible adaptive noise smoothing algorithm that considers the nonstationary correlation characteristics of images. We assume that an image has a nonstationary mean and can be segmented into subimages that have individually different stationary correlations. Taking advantage of the special structure of the covariance matrix that results from the proposed image model, we derive a computationally efficient FFT-based adaptive linear minimum mean-square-error filter for cases of signal uncorrelated additive, multiplicative, and film-grain noises. The justification for the proposed image model is presented, and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated experimentally.
Multiplexed Gas Sensing with arrayed SOI microring resonators

We report a compact resonator-based integrated optical sensor for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) with high resolution. On-chip reference is used to compensate for environmental effects and laser instabilities for high accuracy.
Long-Evans rats acquire operant self-administration of 20% ethanol without sucrose fading.

A major obstacle in the development of new medications for the treatment of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) has been the lack of preclinical, oral ethanol consumption paradigms that elicit high consumption. We have previously shown that rats exposed to 20% ethanol intermittently in a two-bottle choice paradigm will consume two times more ethanol than those given continuous access without the use of water deprivation or sucrose fading (5–6 g/kg every 24 h vs 2–3 g/kg every 24 h, respectively). In this study, we have adapted the model to an operant self-administration paradigm. Long-Evans rats were given access to 20% ethanol in overnight sessions on one of two schedules: (1) intermittent (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) or (2) daily (Monday through Friday). With the progression of the overnight sessions, both groups showed a steady escalation in drinking (3–6 g/kg every 14 h) without the use of a sucrose-fading procedure. Following the acquisition phase, the 20% ethanol groups consumed significantly more ethanol than did animals trained to consume 10% ethanol with a sucrose fade (1.5 vs 0.7 g/kg every 30 min) and reached significantly higher blood ethanol concentrations. In addition, training history (20% ethanol vs 10% ethanol with sucrose fade) had a significant effect on the subsequent self-administration of higher concentrations of ethanol. Administration of the pharmacological stressor yohimbine following extinction caused a significant reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior. Both 20% ethanol models show promise and are amenable to the study of maintenance, motivation, and reinstatement. Furthermore, training animals to lever press for ethanol without the use of sucrose fading removes a potential confound from self-administration studies.
Evaluating the Performance of Visual Steering Commands for User-Guided Pareto Frontier Sampling During Trade Space Exploration

Trade space exploration is a promising decision-making paradigm that provides a visual and more intuitive means for formulating, adjusting, and ultimately solving design optimization problems. This is achieved by combining multi-dimensional data visualization techniques with visual steering commands to allow designers to “steer” the optimization process while searching for the best, or Pareto optimal, designs. In this paper, we compare the performance of different combinations of visual steering commands implemented by two users to a multi-objective genetic algorithm that is executed “blindly” on the same problem with no human intervention. The results indicate that the visual steering commands — regardless of the combination in which they are invoked — provide a 4x–7x increase in the number of Pareto solutions that are obtained when the human is “in-the-loop” during the optimization process. As such, this study provides the first empirical evidence of the benefits of interactive visualization-based strategies to support engineering design optimization and decision-making. Future work is also discussed.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The role of the perioral reflex in lip motor control for speech.

Abstract The analysis of spinal and brainstem reflexes has been shown to be a useful method of quantifying the various inputs to motoneuron pools involved in voluntary motor control. This work is selectively reviewed as a background to a discussion of the role of the perioral reflex in lip motor control for speech. Data on the sensorimotor innervation of the lips and the static and dynamic properties of the perioral reflex are presented in support of the notions that (1) perioral reflex analysis provides a viable technique for analyzing brainstem excitability changes underlying lip muscle contraction for speech, and (2) the perioral reflex loop is an important functional element in lip motor control for speech.
Predictability of Sea Surface Temperature and Sea Level Pressure Anomalies over the North Pacific Ocean

Abstract Nonseasonal variability of sea level pressure (SLP) and sea surface temperature (SST) in the mid-latitude North Pacific Ocean is examined. The objective is examination of the basic scales of the variability and determination of possible causal connections which might allow prediction of short-term climatic (time scales between a month and a year) variability. Using empirical orthogonal function descriptions of the spatial structure, it is found that SLP variability is concentrated in a few large-scale modes but has a nearly white frequency spectrum. SST variability is spatially complex (being spread over many spatial modes, some of which have small-scale changes) but is dominated by low-frequency changes. The use of linear statistical estimators to examine predictability is discussed and the importance of limiting the number of candidate data used in a correlation starch is underscored. Using linear statistical predictors, it is found that (A) SST anomalies can be predicted from SST observations ...
MicroRNAs tell an evo–devo story

MicroRNAs have crucial regulatory roles at the post-transcriptional level and are emerging as key players in the development of the nervous system in many species. In this Opinion article, Kosik discusses how these non-coding transcripts could drive evolutionary change.
FT-ScaLAPACK: correcting soft errors on-line for ScaLAPACK cholesky, QR, and LU factorization routines

It is well known that soft errors in linear algebra operations can be detected off-line at the end of the computation using algorithm-based fault tolerance (ABFT). However, traditional ABFT usually cannot correct errors in Cholesky, QR, and LU factorizations because any error in one matrix element will be propagated to many other matrix elements and hence cause too many errors to correct. Although, recently, tremendous progresses have been made to correct errors in LU and QR factorizations, these new techniques correct errors off-line at the end of the computation after errors propagated and accumulated, which significantly complicates the error correction process and introduces at least quadratically increasing overhead as the number of errors increases. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of FT-ScaLAPACK, a fault tolerant version ScaLAPACK that is able to detect, locate, and correct errors in Cholesky, QR, and LU factorizations on-line in the middle of the computation in a timely manner before the errors propagate and accumulate. FT-ScaLAPACK has been validated with thousands of cores on Stampede at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. Experimental results demonstrate that FT-ScaLAPACK is able to achieve comparable performance and scalability with the original ScaLAPACK.
Leadership and Cooperation in Groups

Two major types of motivation underlie the ability of leaders to gain cooperation in groups. First is the desire of people to gain rewards and avoid punishments. Leaders can tap into such motivations to the extent that they control resources and/or instruments of surveillance and sanctioning. Second is people's internal attitudes and values, which shape what people want or feel they ought to do. Leaders can draw on these internal motivations by appealing to or creating attitudes and values. Both strategies influence behavior, but there are clear advantages to leadership based on connecting to people's attitudes and values. In particular, people voluntarily follow leaders who engage their internal motivations.
Mixed-dimension interaction in virtual environments

In this paper, we present a study to show that matching the dimensionality of interaction techniques with the dimensional demands of the task results in an interface that facilitates superior performance on interaction tasks without sacrificing performance on 2D tasks in favor of 3D tasks and vice versa. We describe the concept of dimensional congruence and how to identify the dimensional characteristics of a task so that appropriate interaction techniques can be applied. We constructed a prototypical application in a Virtual Environment Enclosure (VEE) using a hand-held device to show how this might be done in this type of apparatus. We then describe a study that evaluates both 2D and 3D tasks as performed using typical 2D and 3D interaction techniques. Results show that an appropriate mix of 2D and 3D interaction techniques is preferred over exclusive use of one or the other. The challenge lies not in selecting independent interaction techniques for specific tasks, but rather in constructing an overall interface that mixes 2D and 3D interactions appropriately.
Nuclear charge dependent interactions in the 1 p shell

A shell model analysis of the isobaric mass multiplets in the $1p$ shell shows that the isotensor charge dependent contribution (the coefficient of ${T}_{z}^{2}$ in the multiplet relationship) is, in all cases save one, underestimated when only electromagnetic interactions [including ${(\frac{v}{c})}^{2}$ corrections, vacuum polarization, the effect of short range correlations, and finite neutron and proton size] are considered. Furthermore, the discrepancy is nearly twice as large for the seniority zero levels as for the higher seniority states, indicative of the omission of a short range charge dependent interaction. Since the free nucleon-nucleon scattering data indicate that the ($\mathrm{np}$) interaction is \ensuremath{\sim}2% more attractive than the ($\mathrm{nn}$), the effect of including such a charge dependent nuclear interaction on this coefficient is examined. When a Yukawa potential with range given by the $\ensuremath{\pi}$-meson Compton wavelength is taken for this potential it is found that theory and experiment can be brought into much better agreement.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE Shell model calculation of isotensor coefficient in mass-multiplet relationship. $1p$ shell studied; need for isotensor nucleon-nucleon interaction demonstrated.
One octarepeate expansion to the human prion protein alters both the Zn2+ and Cu2+ coordination environments within the octarepeate domain.

The influence of a single octarepeat expansion on the CuII and ZnII coordination environments within the octarepeat domain of the human prion protein is examined. Using X-ray absorption spectroscop...