Using Markov Models of Fault Growth Physics and Environmental Stresses to Optimize Control Actions

A generalized Markov chain representation of fault dynamics is presented for the case that available modeling of fault growth physics and future environmental stresses can be represented by two independent stochastic process models. A contrived but representatively challenging example will be presented and analyzed, in which uncertainty in the modeling of fault growth physics is represented by a uniformly distributed dice throwing process, and a discrete random walk is used to represent uncertain modeling of future exogenous loading demands to be placed on the system. A finite horizon dynamic programming algorithm is used to solve for an optimal control policy over a finite time window for the case that stochastic models representing physics of failure and future environmental stresses are known, and the states of both stochastic processes are observable by implemented control routines. The fundamental limitations of optimization performed in the presence of uncertain modeling information are examined by comparing the outcomes obtained from simulations of an optimizing control policy with the outcomes that would be achievable if all modeling uncertainties were removed from the system

An Addition to the Known List of Ohio Mammals

Author Institution: Cleveland Museum of Natural Histor

Impact of Professional Student Mentored Research Fellowship on Medical Education and Academic Medicine Career Path

CONTEXT: This study explores the long-term impact of the Professional Student Mentored Research Fellowship (PSMRF) program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine (UKCOM) on medical students\u27 research productivity and career paths. METHODS: Demographic characteristics, academic profiles, number of publications and residency placements from 2007 to 2012 were used to assess 119 PSMRF graduates against a comparison cohort of 898 UKCOM (non-PSMRF) students. RESULTS: PSMRF students had higher MCAT scores at admission (31.5 ± 0.6 vs. 30.6 ± 0.2, p = 0.007) and achieved higher USMLE Step 1 scores (228 ± 4.2 vs. 223 ± 1.5, p = 0.03) than comparison group. PSMRF students were more likely to publish PubMed-indexed papers (36.7% vs. 17.9%, p \u3c 0.0001), achieve AOA status (19.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.0002) and match to top 25 US News and World Report residency programs (23.4% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.008). A greater proportion of PSMRF fellows matched to top tier competitive specialties (23% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.07), however this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The PSMRF program shows a significant increase in enrollment, as well as positive associations with indicators of success in medical school and subsequent quality of residency program

First Hybrid Magnet for Neutron Scattering at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin

Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin HZB operates two large scale facilities the research reactor BER 2 and the syn chrotron source for soft X rays BESSY 2. This year HZB s neu tron instrument suite around BER 2 has been strengthened by a unique high magnetic field facility for neutron scattering. Its main components are the High Field Magnet HFM , which is the most powerful dc magnet for neutron scattering worldwide, and the Extreme Environment Di ffractometer EXED , which is a dedicated neutron instrument for time of flight technique. The hybrid magnet system is projected according to the special geo metric constraints of analyzing samples by neutron scattering in a high field magnet. Following our past experience, only steady state fields are adequate to achieve the goals of the project. In particular, inelastic scattering studies would virtually be excluded when using pulsed magnets. The new series connected hybrid magnet with a horizontal field orientation was designed and constructed in collaboration with the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory NHMFL , Tallahassee, FL, USA. With a set consisting of a su perconducting cable in conduit coil and different resistive coils of conical shape, maximum fields between 26 31 T are possible with cooling power between 4 and 8 MW for the resistive part. A series of commissioning activities of the magnet components and the technical infrastructure systems 20 kA power supply, water cooling, and 4 K Helium refrigerator was completed at HZB. The maximum field achieved with a 4 MW resistive coil was 26

Frequency of neoplasia in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

A patient population admitted to the hospital for either SLE or RA was surveyed for the subsequent development of neoplasms. The frequency of neoplasm in SLE patients appeared to be exaggerated, whereas the frequency of subsequent neoplasm in rheumatoid patients was unexpectedly low. A paucity of nephritis in the SLE group was noted. Further reports are encouraged so that the magnitude of the risk of malignancy developing with immunosuppressive therapy can be more precisely ascertained.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/37730/1/1780190605_ftp.pd

The effects of trauma on intimate relationships: A qualitative study with clinical couples

Research has traditionally focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced trauma directly but has overlooked the impact of trauma on victims' families. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have begun to examine how individual exposure to traumatic events affects the spouses or partners, children, and professional helpers of trauma survivors. The current study examines qualitative interview data from 17 individuals, analyzed using a retroductive methodology to identify how intimate relationships are affected when there is a history of trauma exposure. The following primary themes were identified: increased communication, decreased communication, increased cohesion/connection, decreased cohesion/connection, increased understanding, decreased understanding, sexual intimacy problems, symptoms of relationship distress, support from partner, and relationship resources. Areas for future research and clinical implications are identified

The commodification of human reproductive materials.

This essay develops a framework for thinking about the moral basis for the commnodification of human reproductive nmaterials. It argues that selling and buyinlg gametes and genes is morally acceptable although there should not be a market for zygotes, embryos, or genomes. Also a market in gametes and genes shouild be regutlated in order to address concerns about the adverse social consequences of conmmodification. Originally published Journal of Medical Ethics, Vol. 24, No. 6, Dec 199