cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interacting multiple model road curvature estimation

Accurate road curvature estimation is essential to many drive assistance systems and active safety systems, such as curve speed warning, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance. To improve the overall performance of road curvature estimation and path prediction, we proposed an interacting multiple model (structure) approach in curvature filtering, so that the curvature estimates for straight road and pure arc can be more accurate while the transitional curvature change between straight and constant radius curve can still be accounted for.
Marker rescue of the host range restriction defects of modified vaccinia virus Ankara

The severely attenuated and host range (HR) restricted modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) was derived by >500 passages in chick embryo fibroblasts, during which multiple deletions and mutations occurred. To determine the basis of the HR defect, we prepared cosmids from the parental vaccinia virus Ankara genome and transfected them into nonpermissive monkey BS-C-1 cells that had been infected with MVA. Recombinant viruses that formed macroscopic plaques were detected after transfections with DNA segments that mapped near the left end of the viral genome. Plaque-forming viruses, generated by transfections with four individual cosmids and one pair of minimally overlapping cosmids, were purified, and their HRs were evaluated in BS-C-1 cells, rabbit RK-13 cells, and human HeLa, MRC-5, and A549 cells. The acquisition of the K1L and SPI-1 HR genes and the repair of large deletions were determined by polymerase chain reaction or pulse-field gel electrophoresis of NotI restriction enzyme digests of genomic DNA. The following results indicated the presence of previously unrecognized vaccinia virus HR genes: (1) the major mutations that restrict HR are within the left end of the MVA genome because the phenotypes of some recombinants approached that of the parental virus, (2) acquisition of the K1L gene correlated with the ability of recombinant viruses to propagate in RK-13 cells but did not enhance replication in human or monkey cell lines, (3) acquisition of the SPI-1 gene correlated with virus propagation in A549 cells but not with the extent of virus spread in monkey or other human cell lines, (4) there are at least two impaired HR genes because rescue occurred with nonoverlapping or minimally overlapping cosmids and recombinant viruses with intermediate HRs were isolated, and (5) at least one of the new HR genes did not map within any of the major deletions because the size of the left terminal NotI fragment was not appreciably altered in some recombinant viruses.
What is to be done

The overriding question in contemporary philosophy is as follows: We now have a reasonably well-established conception of the basic structure of the universe. But it is not at all easy to reconcile the basic facts we have come to know with a certain conception we have of ourselves, derived in part from our cultural inheritance but mostly from our own experience. Various aspects of this question are examined, concerning consciousness, intentionality, language, rationality, free will, society and institutions, politics, and ethics.
On the trace Raman scattering cross sections of benzene C6H6, C6D6, and 13C6H6 in the gas phase☆

Abstract We have measured the absolute Raman trace scattering cross sections of benzene C 6 H 6 and of its isotopic derivatives C 6 D 6 and 3 C 6 H 6 in the gas phase in order to check for deviations from the double harmonic approximation. Because of the difficulties in working with condensable vapors, we discuss in some detail the effort taken to minimize sources of error in the experimental methods. The measured cross sections for the three isotopic species are consistent within the double harmonic approximation, as demonstrated by their transformation to a set of isotopically invariant intensity parameters. A comparison with previous measurements and ab initio calculations is also given.
Excellence and Relevance

I am honored and grateful to stand before you today. In the time I have with you today, I want to make several key points. These include rewarding a diversity of excellence among our members, developing preceptors as integral to the quality of the education we offer, a conspicuous acknowledgement
Transcriptome mapping of pAR060302, a blaCMY-2-positive broad-host-range IncA/C plasmid

The multidrug resistance-encoding plasmids belonging to the IncA/C incompatibility group have recently emerged among Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica strains in the United States. These plasmids have a unique genetic structure compared to other enterobacterial plasmid types, a broad host range, and a propensity to acquire large numbers of antimicrobial resistance genes via their accessory regions. Using E. coli strain DH5α harboring the prototype IncA/C plasmid pAR060302, we sought to define the baseline transcriptome of IncA/C plasmids under laboratory growth and in the face of selective pressure. The effects of ampicillin, florfenicol, or streptomycin exposure were compared to those on cells left untreated at logarithmic phase using Illumina platform-based RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Under growth in Luria-Bertani broth lacking antibiotics, much of the backbone of pAR060302 was transcriptionally inactive, including its putative transfer regions. A few plasmid backbone genes of interest were highly transcribed, including genes of a putative toxin-antitoxin system and an H-NS-like transcriptional regulator. In contrast, numerous genes within the accessory regions of pAR060302 were highly transcribed, including the resistance genes floR, bla(CMY-2), aadA, and aacA. Treatment with ampicillin or streptomycin resulted in no genes being differentially expressed compared to controls lacking antibiotics, suggesting that many of the resistance-associated genes are not differentially expressed due to exposure to these antibiotics. In contrast, florfenicol treatment resulted in the upregulation of floR and numerous chromosomal genes. Overall, the transcriptome mapping of pAR060302 suggests that it mitigates the fitness costs of carrying resistance-associated genes through global regulation with its transcriptional regulators.
Partisan Politics, Divided Government, and the Economy

This book develops an integrated approach to understanding the American economy and national elections. Economic policy is generally seen as the result of a compromise between the President and Congress. Because Democrats and Republicans usually maintain polarised preferences on policy, middle-of-the-road voters seek to balance the President by reinforcing in Congress the party not holding the White House. This balancing leads, always, to relatively moderate policies and, frequently, to divided government. The authors outline the rational partisan business cycle, where Republican administrations begin with recessions, and Democratic ones with expansions, and the midterm cycle, where the President's party loses votes in the midterm congressional election. The book argues that both cycles are the result of uncertainty about the outcome of presidential elections. Other topics covered include retrospective voting on the economy, coat-tails, and incumbency advantage.
PCR cloning of a repeated DNA fragment from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell X chromosomes and mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Hamster chromosome-specific DNA sequences were amplified by primer directed DNA amplification using mixed base oligo-nucleotides in an arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR) protocol. The template DNA was comprised of approximately 3000 Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO) chromosomes enriched by flow sorting from a human × hamster hybrid cell line. Labeling of the PCR product pool and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated preferential binding to the distal long arm of the CHO X chromosome. The PCR products were cloned, labeled by PCR and hybridized to metaphase spreads. Clones containing highly reiterated DNA were identified by FISH and sequenced. Here, we present the sequence and chromosomal location of one of the repeat clones that maps close to the secondary constriction on the long arm of the CHO X chromosome, pCAT2066–24.
Conceptualizing Legitimacy, Measuring Legitimating Beliefs:

Legitimacy is a concept meant to capture the beliefs that bolster willing obedience. The authors model legitimacy as a sense of obligation or willingness to obey authorities (value-based legitimacy) that then translates into actual compliance with governmental regulations and laws (behavioral legitimacy). The focus is on the factors that elicit this sense of obligation and willingness to comply in a way that supports rational-legal authority. The framework posits that legitimacy has two antecedent conditions: trustworthiness of government and procedural justice. Using African survey data, the authors model the relationship between the existence of a relatively effective, fair, and trustworthy government and beliefs that government deserves deference to its rules. The authors find considerable evidence of a link between the extent of the trustworthiness of government and procedural justice and citizens’ willingness to defer to the police, courts, and tax department in a wide range of African societies.
Temperament and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function in healthy adults

Summary Background Traits such as behavioral inhibition and neuroticism have been linked to the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, a manifestation of the stress response, is often seen in major depression and has also been demonstrated in animals and humans with inhibited temperaments. A recent study found HPA hyperactivity in adults with high levels of neuroticism. The present study investigated associations of temperament and HPA function in 31 healthy adults. Methods and materials Subjects completed diagnostic interviews, questionnaires, and the dexamethasone-/corticotropin-releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test. Temperament was assessed using the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). Results Novelty Seeking was inversely related to plasma cortisol concentrations in the Dex/CRH test. Harm Avoidance and Reward Dependence were not significantly associated with cortisol responses in the Dex/CRH test. The results were not accounted for by psychiatric symptoms or a history of stress or childhood maltreatment. Conclusions These findings are consistent with previous reports associating temperament factors with HPA axis hyperactivity. Further work is needed to replicate these observations and determine whether HPA axis dysfunction might account for some of the previously reported association of personality factors with mood and anxiety disorders.
Acute Onset of Pancreatitis with Concomitant Use of Tenofovir and Didanosine

OBJECTIVETo report a case of pancreatitis associated with the combined use of didanosine and tenofovir.Case SummaryA 51-year-old white man with HIV was initiated on antiretroviral therapy with didanosine 250 mg/day, tenofovir 300 mg/day, lamivudine 300 mg/day, stavudine 60 mg/day, and efavirenz 600 mg/day. Didanosine was prescribed at a reduced dosage due to the known interaction with tenofovir. Despite this dosage adjustment, the patient developed acute pancreatitis 10 weeks after antiretrovirals were initiated. Pancreatitis resolved spontaneously after antiretroviral discontinuation.DISCUSSIONOur report of didanosine-induced pancreatitis secondary to concurrent use with tenofovir is the third reported case that utilized a reduced didanosine dosage. Five previous pancreatitis reports have been described using full-strength didanosine with tenofovir. The exact mechanism of action for this interaction is unknown. Utilizing the Naranjo probability scale to assess causality, a possible adverse drug reaction ...
Engagement, Disengagement and Obstruction: Jesus’ Defense Strategies in Mark’s Trial and Execution Scenes (14.53-64; 15.1-39)

This culturally cued literary study of Mark’s trial and execution scenes (14.53-64; 15.1-39) argues that Jesus does not passively acquiesce in the injustice that is perpetrated against him, as is the usual view of commentators on these narratives. Instead, Jesus alternately engages in and resists the judicial proceedings in which he becomes embroiled. Initially, he welcomes and participates in the proceedings before the Jewish council and, subsequently, before Pilate. He disengages, however, when the prosecution dissolves into a series of false allegations established by perjured testimony. Once the verdict is rendered, Jesus actively obstructs the discharge of the sentence by refusing to carry his cross as required and balking at being paraded to Golgotha.
Experiencing and Communicating Romantic Jealousy: Questioning the Investment Model

Though researchers have investigated individual aspects of Rusbult's (1980) Investment Model of relational commitment in association with romantic jealousy, previous research had not employed the model as a theoretical framework for understanding variations in jealousy experience and expression within dating partnerships. Thus, the current research examined commitment, satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment in association with cognitive and emotional jealousy experience, and forms of jealousy expression. Mixed findings were observed for the bivariate associations between the investment model and jealousy variables. Further, the mediational role of commitment as specified by the investment model was not helpful in understanding jealousy experience and jealousy expression processes, with the sole exception of integrative communication. Implications for the study of romantic jealousy and the investment model are discussed in light of these findings.
Debating the Issues: A Tool for Augmenting Critical Thinking Skills of Marketing Students

The case for enhancing critical thinking as an integral part of the marketing curriculum through the debate process is presented. Linkages between critical thinking, debate, and the marketing curricula are examined in the context of desired student outcomes and learning skills. The role of the professor in planning and facilitating the debate is then discussed. Adapting formal debate procedures and formats to the marketing curriculum are considered. The criteria for selection, a process for choice, sources, and examples of actual issues are discussed with suggestions for preparing students for the debate process. Finally, guidelines for evaluation are generated for recognizing critical thinking through the debate experience.
Expectation-based versus potential-aware automated abstraction in imperfect information games: an experimental comparison using poker

Automated abstraction algorithms for sequential imperfect information games have recently emerged as a key component in developing competitive game theory-based agents. The existing literature has not investigated the relative performance of different abstraction algorithms. Instead, agents whose construction has used automated abstraction have only been compared under confounding effects: different granularities of abstraction and equilibrium-finding algorithms that yield different accuracies when solving the abstracted game. This paper provides the first systematic evaluation of abstraction algorithms. Two families of algorithms have been proposed. The distinguishing feature is the measure used to evaluate the strategic similarity between game states. One algorithm uses the probability of winning as the similarity measure. The other uses a potential-aware similarity measure based on probability distributions over future states. We conduct experiments on Rhode Island Hold'em poker. We compare the algorithms against each other, against optimal play, and against each agent's nemesis. We also compare them based on the resulting game's value. Interestingly, for very coarse abstractions the expectation-based algorithm is better, but for moderately coarse and fine abstractions the potential-aware approach is superior. Furthermore, agents constructed using the expectation-based approach are highly exploitable beyond what their performance against the game's optimal strategy would suggest.
Forsaking God: a theological argument for Christian lamentation

In this essay I argue that lament, as the primary liturgical witness to divine absence in times of human need, functions in worship as a discipline of negation and disruption through which what might be termed the God of glory – the God installed by liturgical gestures of ‘praise’ – is opposed and denied, in effect forsaking God by clinging to God's promise over and against God. To spell out this argument, I turn first to Psalm 22, then to the choreography of Holy Week, contending that in proper Christian worship and life, the doxology of triumph (‘hosanna’) is transformed via lamentation into an eschatological form of praise (‘hallelujah’).
Intra-aneurysmal flow rates are reduced by two flow diverters: an experiment using tomographic particle image velocimetry in an aneurysm model

Background Limitations on treating large, giant, and wide-necked aneurysms with coiling have made flow diverters a promising alternative to current practice by supporting reconstruction of the parent artery. Objective To assess the changes to fluid dynamics within an aneurysm by studying two different endoluminal flow diverters on a simple aneurysm model, using tomographic particle image velocimetry to determine which device would better minimize fluid flow into an aneurysm and observe any significant changes in aneurysm fluid structures. Methods Steady velocity fields of the model9s aneurysm dome and neck were measured at three inlet velocities (18, 39, and 59 cm/s) for two flow diverter diameters with different porosities and compared against a baseline case with no flow diverter. Results In the baseline case a large vortex was present inside the dome for all flow rates. However, both devices eliminated this main vortex at all flow rates and reduced the peak aneurysmal velocities by about 90%. A strong correlation between flow diverter porosity and flow reduction was found. In each case the inflow to the aneurysm shifted from the distal neck to the mid- or proximal neck after flow diverter placement. Conclusions Even with this relatively simple experimental setup, we were able to observe the major flow field changes, which occurred immediately after the deployment of each flow diverter. Limitations of the study included a simplified geometry and steady-state flow. Constraints included model making and limited availability of flow diverters.
Bayesian Sensitivity Analysis and Uncertainty Integration for Robust Optimization

This paper presents a comprehensive methodology that combines uncertainty quantification, uncertainty propagation, and design optimization using a Bayesian framework. The epistemic uncertainty due to input data uncertainty is considered. Two types of uncertainty models for input variables and/or their distribution parameters are addressed: 1) uncertainty modeled as family of distributions, and 2) uncertainty modeled as interval data. A Bayesian approach is adopted to update the uncertainty models, where the likelihood functions are constructed using limited experimental data. Global sensitivity analysis, which previously only considered aleatory inputs in the context of probabilistic representation, is extended in this paper to quantify the contributions of both aleatory and epistemic uncertainty sources for multioutput problems using an auxiliary variable approach. Gaussian process surrogate modeling is employed to replace the expensive physics models and improve the computational efficiency. A previousl...
Extending the Range of Questioning in Family Studies Through Ideas From the Exact Sciences

This article argues that the scope and depth of understanding in the field of family studies would be advanced if some theoretical questioning were at a higher level of abstraction. A way to achieve this is to shift some of the focus of questioning from individuals to social relationships. The potential benefits of 3 concepts drawn from the exact sciences—attractors, nonlinearity, and chaos—are discussed in turn to demonstrate that their metaphorical use can lead to new questions about process that may advance theoretical understanding of the institutions of the family and marriage.
Oxygen Ion Diffusion in Single‐Crystal and PoIycrystaIIine Yttrium Iron Garnet

The oxygen ion self-diffusion coefficient was determined for single-crystal and polycrystalline yttrium iron garnet (Y3Fe5O12). The rate of exchange between oxygen gas enriched with the stable isotope 18O and solid yttrium iron garnet was measured. Oxygen ion diffusion rates were found to be the same in single-crystal and 8μ polycrystalline Y3Fe5O12 between 1100° and 1400°C. This is in contrast to previous measurements of anion diffusion in several alkali halides and in AI2O3 where a strong dependence of diffusion rates on the presence of grain boundaries was found. Enhancing oxidation rates in dense, reduced yttrium iron garnet at low temperature by minimizing the final fired grain size in the sintering process does not appear to be possible on the basis of the results obtained in this investigation. The temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient of oxygen measured at 100 torr can be represented by D= 0.40 exp (-65.4/RT) cm2 per second.
Effects of regional slope on viscous flows: a preliminary study of lava terrace emplacement at submarine volcanic rift zones

To understand how large submarine lava terraces form and why they are not commonly observed on land, we developed an isoviscous gravity flow model on an inclined surface to simulate the evolution and emplacement of lava flows under submarine conditions. By solving this preliminary model using a finite difference method, we are able to quantify how lava viscosity, pre-existing topographic slope, effusion rate, and lava volume affect meso-scale lava morphology. Our simulations show that, in general, high lava viscosity, gentle regional slope, and low effusion rate favor the formation of large terraces, but environmental conditions also play an important role. A gravity flow spreads more slowly underwater than subaerially. We also conclude that for low viscosity basaltic lava, the cooling of the lava body is one of the most critical factors that affect its shape. This study shows that the isoviscous model, though oversimplified, provides a quantitative tool to relate lava morphology to eruption characteristics. To gain a better understanding of the controls on submarine lava terrace formation, future models must take into account the temporal and spatial variation of lava viscosity, especially the effects of a brittle outer shell.
Risk of venous thromboembolism after shoulder arthroplasty in the Medicare population

Background Chemoprophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is considered standard of care after lower but not after upper extremity arthroplasty. Medicare claims data were analyzed to determine the national incidence of symptomatic VTE after shoulder arthroplasty during the index surgical admission and after discharge. Methods Incidence of VTE was compared between shoulder arthroplasty and lower extremity arthroplasty, and patient-specific risk factors for pulmonary embolism were determined for shoulder arthroplasty. Finally, the incidence of surgical site bleeding was determined for each type of procedure. Results VTE complications occurred in 1.2% of lower extremity and 0.53% of shoulder arthroplasties. Patient factors that were associated with an increased risk of VTE included a principal diagnosis of fracture, history of VTE, cardiac arrhythmia, presence of a metastatic tumor, coagulopathy, congestive heart failure, alcohol abuse, and obesity. Adjusted rates of VTE were generally higher for lower extremity compared with shoulder arthroplasties. Prevalence of readmission for VTE was higher for shoulder hemiarthroplasty than for total shoulder arthroplasty. Wound hematoma rates were similar between shoulder and lower extremity procedures. Conclusions VTE rates after shoulder arthroplasty were generally lower than those after lower extremity arthroplasty. We believe that the risk of bleeding combined with the lower rates of VTE with existing lower rates of chemoprophylaxis does not warrant the routine use of anticoagulation. Use of mechanical prophylaxis combined with aspirin may be sufficient for shoulder arthroplasty patients who are not at increased risk of VTE. Chemoprophylaxis with agents other than aspirin may be warranted in patients with a demonstrated risk of VTE.
Sample-sort simulated annealing

A simulated annealing (SA) algorithm called Sample-Sort that is artificially extended across an array of samplers is proposed. The sequence of temperatures for a serial SA algorithm is replaced with an array of samplers operating at static temperatures and the single stochastic sampler is replaced with a set of samplers. The set of samplers uses a biased generator to sample the same distribution of a serial SA algorithm to maintain the same convergence property. Sample-Sort was compared to SA by applying both to a set of global optimization problems and found to be comparable if the number of iterations per sampler was sufficient. If the evaluation phase dominates the computational requirements, Sample-Sort could take advantage of parallel processing.
Interference channels with source/destination cooperation

In most wireless communication networks, nodes are fitted with radios that can both transmit and receive. This sets up the possibility of cooperation among the nodes. To study the role of cooperation in interference management, we consider a two-user linear deterministic interference channel where the source/destination nodes can both talk and listen. We focus on the symmetric channel with nodes operating in full-duplex. We characterize the sum capacity exactly. This reveals a reciprocity between the cases where the sources cooperate and the destinations cooperate.
Antifactor Xa levels versus activated partial thromboplastin time for monitoring unfractionated heparin.

Intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) remains an important therapeutic agent, particularly in the inpatient setting, for anticoagulation. Historically, the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) has been the primary laboratory test used to monitor and adjust UFH. The aPTT test has evolved since the 1950s, and the historical goal range of 1.5–2.5 times the control aPTT, which first gained favor in the 1970s, has fallen out of favor due to a high degree of variability in aPTT readings from one laboratory to another, and even from one reagent to another. As a result, it is now recommended that the aPTT goal range be based on a corresponding heparin concentration of 0.2–0.4 unit/ml by protamine titration or 0.3–0.7 unit/ml by antifactor Xa assay. Given that several biologic factors can influence the aPTT independent of the effects of UFH, many institutions have transitioned to monitoring heparin with antifactor Xa levels, rather than the aPTT. Clinical data from the last 10–20 years have begun to show that a conversion from aPTT to antifactor Xa monitoring may offer a smoother dose-response curve, such that levels remain more stable, requiring fewer blood samples and dosage adjustments. Given the minimal increased acquisition cost of the antifactor Xa reagents, it can be argued that the antifactor Xa is a cost-effective method for monitoring UFH. In this review, we discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of the aPTT, antifactor Xa, and protamine titration tests, and provide a clinical framework to guide practitioners who are seeking to optimize UFH monitoring within their own institutions.
Integrating knowledge across the engineering curriculum

Graduating engineers are expected to have obtained an understanding of their discipline by the time they graduate. Although the body of knowledge representing the discipline is actually an integrated whole, the students have learned these concepts, by necessity, in separate courses. The hope is that students will integrate the concepts learned in these separate courses into an integrated understanding of the discipline. If this integration does not happen, the result can be an impoverished understanding of the concepts and an inability to use concepts on demand. At the Center for Engineering Learning and Teaching, we are developing an innovative program to respond to these issues. The goal of the program is to help students (1) identify concepts of the discipline they are learning, (2) link these concepts into an integrated understanding of the discipline, (3) determine which concepts represent the core of the discipline, and (4) communicate this understanding to themselves and others. In a pilot version of the program to be completed in the fall of 1999, we will work with Civil and Environmental Engineering students as they develop concept maps and web pages to accomplish these goals. In this paper, we describe the theoretical and practical motivations for the program, identify the principles guiding the design of the program, and sketch out a possible implementation.
Yellow fever vaccine: An updated assessment of advanced age as a risk factor for serious adverse events

Since 1996, the scientific community has become aware of 14 reports of yellow fever vaccine (YEL)-associated viscerotropic disease (YEL-AVD) cases and four reports of YEL-associated neurotropic disease (YEL-AND) worldwide, changing our understanding of the risks of the vaccine. Based on 722 adverse event reports after YEL submitted to the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System in 1990-2002, we updated the estimates of the age-adjusted reporting rates of serious adverse events, YEL-AVD and YEL-AND. We found that the reporting rates of serious adverse events were significantly higher among vaccinees aged > or =60 years than among those 19-29 years of age (reporting rate ratio = 5.9, 95% CI 1.6-22.2). Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease. For elderly travelers, the risk for severe illness and death due to yellow fever infection should be balanced against the risk of a serious adverse event due to YEL.
Transition phase classification and prediction

Most programs are repetitive, where similar behavior can be seen at different execution times. Proposed on-line systems automatically group these similar intervals of execution into phases, where the intervals in a phase have homogeneous behavior and similar resource requirements. These systems are driven by algorithms that dynamically classify intervals of execution into phases and predict phase changes. In this paper, we examine several improvements to dynamic phase classification and prediction. The first improvement is to appropriately deal with phase transitions. This modification identifies phase transitions for what they are, instead of classifying them into a new phase, which increases phase prediction accuracy. We also describe an adaptive system that dynamically adjusts classification thresholds and splits phases with poor homogeneity. This modification increases the homogeneity of the hardware metrics across the intervals in each phase. We improve phase prediction accuracy by applying confidence to phase prediction, and we develop architectures that can accurately predict the outcome of the next phase change, and the length of the next phase.
CRYPTIC HOST SPECIFICITY OF AN AVIAN SKIN MITE (EPIDERMOPTIDAE) VECTORED BY LOUSEFLIES (HIPPOBOSCIDAE) ASSOCIATED WITH TWO ENDEMIC GALÁPAGOS BIRD SPECIES

Host specificity of vectors is an important but understudied force shaping parasite evolution and the relationship between hosts and parasites. Low vector specificity may allow a vectored parasite to invade new host species, whereas high specificity of vectors may reduce the host range of the parasite and favor specialization. The ‘generalist’ and widely distributed avian skin mite Myialges caulotoon Speiser (Acari: Epidermoptidae) is unusual because females require an insect vector to complete their life cycle. Myialges caulotoon was previously reported from 2 lousefly (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) species, Olfersia sordida and Icosta nigra, parasitizing flightless cormorants (Phalacrocorax harrisi) and Galapagos hawks (Buteo galapagoensis), respectively, within the Galapagos Islands. This is a surprising distribution, given that the 2 lousefly species involved are relatively host-specific. Mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed 2 reciprocally monophyletic Myialges clades that sorted out perfectly with respect ...
Spiral Cracking Around a Strained Cylindrical Inclusion in a Brittle Material and Implications for Vias in Integrated Circuits

Abstract : The practice of forming paths of electrical conductivity in an insulation material by filling cylindrical holes with molten metal can result in high residual stresses when the metal cools. Residual stress is greatest near the metal-insulator interface, and stress relaxation by means of de-adhesion is possible. Another failure mode that poses greater practical difficulties is the growth of cracks along paths which spiral away from the interface into the brittle material. Such cracks may occur singly or in pairs, and their lengths can be sufficiently great to provide links with adjacent conduction paths. Such cracks are considered from the fracture mechanics point of view. The residual stress field is relaxed by the growth of spiral cracks which are modeled as continuous distribution of dislocations. It is assumed that these cracks grow so that the stress state on the prospective fracture plane just ahead of the crack tip is purely tensile. The paths are determined by means of an incremental numerical procedure. Reliability of integrated circuits is concerned with the predictable sustained performance of some electronic function. Even though the capacity for carrying mechanical loads may not be relevant to this function, failures of devices are commonly due to mechanical effects. These failures are driven by residual stresses arising from fabrication processes, often carried out at elevated temperature and involving combinations of materials with very different thermal properties and mechanical properties. The fracture problem studied here is of this kind.
Toxoplasma gondii Triggers Granulocyte-Dependent Cytokine-Mediated Lethal Shock in d-Galactosamine-Sensitized Mice

To investigate the capacity of Toxoplasma gondii to induce cytokine-mediated toxicity, we employed a murine model of lethal shock in which hypersensitivity to microbial toxins is induced by d-galactosamine (d-Gal). Animals injected with d-Gal and tachyzoite lysate died within 12 to 24 h, whereas administration of d-Gal or lysate alone was nonlethal. Analyses of plasma cytokines revealed peaks of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha and interleukin-12 (IL-12) 1 and 3 to 5 h after injection, respectively, and gradually rising levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) continuing until death. Nitric oxide (NO) levels in serum paralleled IFN-γ production. Transaminase assays revealed elevated levels of liver-associated enzymes in sera of lethally injected mice, indicating severe hepatic damage. Depletion of IL-12, TNF, IFN-γ, and NO rescued mice from the lethal effect of antigen (Ag) and d-Gal. T-cell-deficient animals remained sensitive to d-Gal and lysate, suggesting that T lymphocytes do not contribute to the response. Nevertheless, monoclonal antibody (MAb)-mediated granulocyte depletion completely abrogated d-Gal- and Ag-induced mortality and accompanying liver pathology. Finally, mice acutely infected with T. gondii displayed highly elevated NO and liver enzyme levels in serum immediately prior to death, and administration of anti-TNF MAb prolonged survival by approximately 24 h. Our results demonstrate that T. gondii induces lethal inflammatory cytokine shock in d-Gal-sensitized animals and suggest that a similar pathology may contribute to manifestations of acute toxoplasmosis.
Solvability of Linear and Quasilinear Elliptic Boundary Value Problems via the A-Proper Mapping Theory

ABSTRACT In this paper we use the theory of A-proper mappings and their uniform limits to obtain in a simple way general variational approximation-solvability and/or existence theorems for quasilinear elliptic BVProblems in divergence form of order 2m. In Section 1 we first show how our simple approach is used to obtain constructive solvability of linear elliptic equations under a somewhat different definition of strong ellipticity condition which allows us to dispense with the usage of the Garding inequality. In view of this, the same approach is also used in Section 2 to establish the constructive solvability of nonlinear BVProblems when the leading part satisfies a nonlinear version of the strong ellipticity condition used here. This result is then used to establish a new existence result (see Theorem 2.3) for a not necessarily coercive quasilinear elliptic BVProblem which properly includes earlier results of Visik, Browder, Pohožayev, Leray and Lions and others. In Section 3 some special cases of our ...
Effort, Performance, and Conscientiousness: An Agency Theory Perspective

The authors examine the moderating effects of conscientiousness on the relationships between agency controls and effort and agency controls and task performance. Results show that less conscientious individuals appear to increase effort through incentive alignment and monitoring, whereas conscientious individuals do not shirk with or without agency controls. Furthermore, results show that less conscientious individuals increase task performance through incentive alignment, but not through monitoring. The study confirms that motivation to act opportunistically differs between individuals unlike what is assumed by agency theory. Also, incentive alignment may be more effective than monitoring when attempting to align principal and agent interests.
Removing pedestrians from Google street view images

Since the introduction of Google Street View, a part of Google Maps, vehicles equipped with roof-mounted mobile cameras have methodically captured street-level images of entire cities. The worldwide Street View coverage spans over 10 countries in four different continents. This service is freely available to anyone with an internet connection. While this is seen as a valuable service, the images are taken in public spaces, so they also contain license plates, faces, and other information information deemed sensitive from a privacy standpoint. Privacy concerns have been expressed by many, in particular in European countries. As a result, Google has introduced a system that automatically blurs faces in Street View images. However, many identifiable features still remain on the un-blurred person. In this paper, we propose an automatic method to remove entire pedestrians from Street View images in urban scenes. The resulting holes are filled in with data from neighboring views. A compositing method for creating “ghost-free” mosaics is used to minimize the introduction of artifacts. This yields Street View images as if the pedestrians had never been there. We present promising results on a set of images from cities around the world.
A closed-loop wireless homecage for optogenetic stimulation experiments

This paper presents a smart EnerCage-homecage (HC) system for optogenetic stimulation, equipped with magnetic resonance based wireless power transmission (WPT), closed-loop power control, and data communication via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). The proposed system is encompassed with four rectangular slanted overlapping high-Q resonators and a wire-wound driver coil, all tuned at 13.56 MHz. An optical headstage is implemented capable of driving 4 micro light-emitting diodes (μ-LEDs) based on stimulation commands received via the BLE link on-the-fly, while being wirelessly powered in a closed-loop fashion. Measurements show that the entire headstage unit was provided with up to 51 mW throughout the homecage up to the maximum elevation of 10 cm, while the transmitter (Tx) power consumption changed from 1.5 W to 2.1 W (overall η, 2.4–3.4%).
Some Issues in Ice Mechanics

Ice mechanical behavior is time-dependent, as has been known for many decades. But in many references, the attempt is made to use time-independent plasticity theory. The relevant analytical approach that accounts for time is viscoelastic theory. The need for this approach is made quite essential by study of microstructural changes that occur in ice under high stresses. In no case does there appear to be a clear yield condition, with flow occurring after a certain threshold value. Furthermore, the microstructural changes occurring under stress result in a highly significant enhancement of the creep rates. This results in a spatially varying viscoelastic response that is a function of prior stress history. The ice response is then a function of position resulting in a microstucturally modified layer in the region where compressive stress is applied. This can be deep or highly localized, depending on the loading rate. The most promising approach is that based on damage mechanics combined with viscoelasticity, using the thermodynamics of irreversible processes.Ice is also prone to fracture, especially at high loading rates and under high stresses. This is basic to the notion of scale effect. Fracture processes are also time-dependent in viscoelastic materials, a phenomenon that needs to be explored further. Furthermore, failure often will take place in a random fashion, depending on the distribution of flaws in ice. This indicates strongly that a theory based on “weakest-link” hypotheses and probability theory is appropriate.Finally, some aspects relevant to practical data analysis are discussed. These include measurement uncertainties of Molikpaq data, and geometric approximations of ice features, e.g. ridges as uniform beams.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
THE SYMMETRY OF CORRELATED SELECTION RESPONSES IN ADAPTIVE EVOLUTION: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY USING DROSOPHILA

The relationship between the processes of density-dependent and age-specific selection has been investigated by examining a common phenotype, urea resistance, which has apparently evolved in response to each of these selection mechanisms. Twenty populations that have experienced differing levels of age-specific selection show dif- ferences in egg-to-adult viability in environments with high levels of urea. Among this group of populations, it appears that resistance to urea is correlated with longevity, but not development time. Ten populations kept at extreme larval densities for many generations also show responses to urea: those kept at high larval densities appear to be most resistant to urea. However, these populations show no differences in adult longevity. An additional five populations were selected directly for urea resistance by adding this compound to the larval food environment. Again, there was a strong response to this artificial selection, with urea resistance increasing dramatically, but these populations showed no response in adult longevity or resistance to crowding when compared to five control populations. There is clearly no simple relationship between longevity and larval urea resistance. It may be that age-specific and density-dependent selection induce similar changes in this phenotype, but do so through different genetic and physiological pathways. We suggest that these data are not consistent with the view of constant and symmetric genetic variance-covariance matrices. These data support a more prominent role for observations of evolutionary trajectories rather than static measurements of genetic components of variance.
Silk Spinning as an Escape Mechanism in Hydropsyche orris Larvae following Removal from Water (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae)

When submerged tree limbs, with nets and retreats of Hydropsyche orris Ross, were removed from the water and began to dry, the larvae attached silk to the limb surface and lowered themselves by spinning additional silk. This escape mechanism would be important for survival in the event of subsiding water levels.
Induced earthquake magnitudes are as large as (statistically) expected

A major question for the hazard posed by injection-induced seismicity is how large induced earthquakes can be. Are their maximum magnitudes determined by injection parameters or by tectonics? Deterministic limits on induced earthquake magnitudes have been proposed based on the size of the reservoir or the volume of fluid injected. However, if induced earthquakes occur on tectonic faults oriented favorably with respect to the tectonic stress field, then they may be limited only by the regional tectonics and connectivity of the fault network. In this study, we show that the largest magnitudes observed at fluid injection sites are consistent with the sampling statistics of the Gutenberg-Richter distribution for tectonic earthquakes, assuming no upper magnitude bound. The data pass three specific tests: (1) the largest observed earthquake at each site scales with the log of the total number of induced earthquakes, (2) the order of occurrence of the largest event is random within the induced sequence, and (3) the injected volume controls the total number of earthquakes rather than the total seismic moment. All three tests point to an injection control on earthquake nucleation but a tectonic control on earthquake magnitude. Given that the largest observed earthquakes are exactly as large as expected from the sampling statistics, we should not conclude that these are the largest earthquakes possible. Instead, the results imply that induced earthquake magnitudes should be treated with the same maximum magnitude bound that is currently used to treat seismic hazard from tectonic earthquakes.
Basic thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transformations

The field of phase transitions is rich and vast, and continues to grow. This text covers parts of the field relevant to materials physics, but many concepts and tools of phase transitions in materials are used elsewhere in the larger field of phase transitions. Likewise, new methods from the larger field are now being applied to studies of materials. Part I of the book covers essential topics of free energy, phase diagrams, diffusion, nucleation, and a few classic phase transformations that have been part of the historical backbone of materials science. In essence, the topics in Part I are the thermodynamics of how atoms prefer to be arranged when brought together at various temperatures, and how the processes of atom movements control the rates and even the structures that are formed during phase transformations. The topics in Part I are largely traditional ones, but formulating the development in terms of statistical mechanics and in terms of the kinetic master equation allows more rigor for some topics, and makes it easier to incorporate a higher level of detail from Part II into descriptions of phase transitions in Parts III and IV.