cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trimmed KL Divergence between Gaussian Mixtures for Robust Unsupervised Acoustic Anomaly Detection

Abstract In previous work [1], we presented several implementations ofacoustic anomaly detection by training a model on purely nor-mal data and estimating the divergence between it and otherinput. Here, we reformulate the problem in an unsupervisedframework and allow for anomalous contamination of the train-ing data. Wefocus exclusively on methods employing Gaussianmixture models (GMMs) since they are often used in speechprocessing systems. After analyzing what caused the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence between GMMs to break down in theface of training contamination, we came up with a promisingsolution. By trimming one quarter of the most divergent Gaus-sians from the mixture model, we signiﬁcantly outperformedthe untrimmed approximation for contamination levels of 10%and above, reducing the equal error rate from 33.8% to 6.4% at33% contamination. The performance of the trimmed KL di-vergence showed no signiﬁcant dependence on the investigatedcontamination levels. Index Terms : anomaly detection, speech activity detection,unsupervised learning, Kullback-Leibler divergence.
It'll Break Your Heart Every Time: Flood v. Kuhn , (Baseball) Romanticism and the Fallibility of Courts

The recent blockbuster 42 romanticizes the role of major league baseball in the civil rights movement. But Jackie Robinson’s shattering of the color line in 1947 represented only the first step in the game’s evolution. With considerably less fanfare, Curt Flood took the next step. Flood’s ill-fated challenge to the infamous reserve clause landed him before the United States Supreme Court in 1972. It’ll Break Your Heart Every Time casts new light on Flood’s underappreciated legal struggle by presenting a meta-meditation on his lawsuit, the fallibility of judges and the power of the National Pastime’s grand mythology. When the Supreme Court’s infamous decision in Flood v. Kuhn, 407 U.S. 258 (1972), is cited for any one proposition, it is not for its key holding — the reaffirmation of baseball’s antitrust exemption. Rather, it has become exhibit A for the risks of slavish adherence to stare decisis. In the four decades since its pronouncement, the holding has never been completely overruled — either by the Supreme Court or Congress. And while the decision itself has received widespread condemnation elsewhere, legal, economic and policy analysts have generally failed to appreciate a critical first-order question about the case: how it happened and whether, in other circumstances, it could happen again. This Essay address these issues by examining the profound role of the National Pastime’s mythology and its spell-binding romanticism in the making of bad law. In the process, the Essay also raises broader jurisprudential questions about the nature of legal reasoning and the powerful lure of epistemological narratives, particularly in the struggle for civil rights.
A reconsidering chronos: Chronistic criticism and the first ‘Iraqi national calendar

ABSTRACTChronos is a traditionally marginalized term in rhetorical studies. Historically paired with kairos, chronos is commonly taken to refer to chronology, empty, homogenous, and external time. ...
GATA/Heme Multi-Omics Reveals a Trace Metal-Dependent Erythrocyte Developmental Mechanism

Abstract By functioning as an enzyme cofactor, hemoglobin component and gene regulator, heme is vital for life. One mode of heme-regulated transcription involves amplifying the activity of GATA-1, a key determinant of erythrocyte differentiation. To discover biological consequences of the metal cofactor-transcription factor mechanism, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to delete intron 1 and 8 GATA motifs in Alas2, encoding the rate-limiting enzyme in heme biosynthesis, in erythroid precursor G1E-ER-GATA-1 cells (Tanimura et al., 2016, EMBO Rep.). These cells stably express a b-estradiol-activated allele encoding the estrogen receptor hormone binding domain fused to GATA-1. The GATA motif mutations abrogated GATA-1-mediated activation of Alas2 and decreased heme ~30 fold. We merged GATA-1/heme-regulated sectors of the proteome and transcriptome. This analysis revealed a GATA-1/heme circuit involving hemoglobin subunits, ubiquitination components, and proteins not implicated in erythrocyte biology, including the zinc exporter Slc30a1. Slc30a1 and the zinc importer Slc39a8 were the most highly expressed zinc transporters in G1E-ER-GATA-1 cells. Both were GATA-1-activated, and Slc30a1, but not Slc39a8, expression declined in heme-deficient Alas2-intronic mutant cells. We tested whether the zinc transporter genes Slc30a1 and Slc39a8 that share GATA-1 regulation and differ in heme regulation are controlled similarly in primary cells. Lineage-depleted hematopoietic precursors from murine fetal livers were cultured for 72 hours, and flow cytometry was used to isolate cells based on erythroid surface markers. Whereas Slc30a1 expression increased 5.7-fold upon differentiation, Slc39a8 increased 4.6-fold during the initial phase, but was downregulated 8.7-fold thereafter. To quantify intracellular zinc levels, we used the fluorescent zinc indicator FluoZin-3. The FluoZin-3 signal increased during early maturation and decreased thereafter, as predicted by the zinc transporter switch, in which expression of the zinc exporter and importer was sustained and decreased, respectively, during terminal differentiation. We demonstrated that the zinc transporter switch occurs in a primary human erythroblast culture system. Intracellular zinc rises during initial erythroid maturation, followed by a steep decline during terminal differentiation. The heme biosynthesis inhibitor succinylacetone reduced SLC30A1 expression 2.8-fold (p To test whether reconfiguring the mechanism governing intracellular zinc impacts differentiation and to elucidate Slc30a1 and Slc39a8 function, we developed multiple shRNAs and used them in loss-of-function studies with lineage-negative hematopoietic precursors from murine fetal livers (E14.5). Slc39a8 downregulation decreased intracellular zinc levels in immature erythroblasts. We also used the zinc chelator TPEN to reduce zinc in immature erythroblasts. TPEN reduced intracellular zinc and considerably decreased the live cell population (p Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Use of fragmented reservoir habitats by larval fish assemblages across years with contrasting hydrological conditions

Sedimentation in aging reservoirs generally reduces fish habitat quality and quantity, often isolating coves and pools from the main body of the reservoir. In some cases, however, habitat fragments created by sediment deposition in the river-reservoir interface zone support high fish diversity, and they could potentially replicate features of nursery habitats in natural river floodplains if they are regularly connected to the greater river-reservoir. We examined the structure of larval fish assemblages in fragmented coves and pools within the transitional zone of an aging reservoir (Lake Texoma) over 2 years with contrasting hydrological conditions (dry year with low connectivity versus wet year with high connectivity to the main body of the reservoir). We found that larval assemblage structure varied spatially across the two river arms of the reservoir and temporally across the dry and wet year. In both years, assemblages were dominated by Dorosoma species and Menidia beryllina, taxa considered habitat generalists. The abundance of other taxa, particularly Lepomis, Pomoxis, and Morone species, increased with greater habitat connectivity in the wet year. Many taxa considered dependent upon riverine or floodplain habitats were collected during the wet year at sites where they had not been collected in the dry, low-connectivity year. Our results suggest that these fragmented habitats can provide nursery habitats for a variety of fish taxa, but that the structure of larval assemblages using them varies widely based on hydrological connectivity.
Trauma and Psychosis

Now that we have searched for evidence of genes that cause schizophrenia and other mental illnesses and come up empty-handed, we direct our attention to the psychogenic causes of mental illness and find a mountain of evidence linking these conditions to childhood sexual abuse and just about every other category of adverse childhood experiences. The fact that these conditions have their roots in psychological and social factors suggests that they might best be treated on a psychological and social level, a matter we take up in the next four chapters. This chapter features my interviews with John Read, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of East London, and with Miriam, a survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder at the age of fourteen, and who endured decades of harm at the hands of the psychiatric profession.
Active environments: Relational ontologies of landscape at the ancient Maya city of Aventura, Belize:

A holistic and relational approach to landscape amplifies understandings of the complexities of human–environment relationships. This article examines ecological and social aspects of landscape at ...
17 Beta Estradiol

Abstract 17-beta Estradiol (estradiol) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries during the reproductive lifespan and is responsible for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and maintenance of the female reproductive tract. Estradiol acts via binding to specific receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. Two nuclear estrogen receptors and one membrane receptor have been identified. Estradiol is used therapeutically in several conditions in which endogenous estradiol is reduced. Estradiol is also commonly used as a component of the oral contraceptive pill and in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women for the treatment of symptoms related to menopause.
Comparison of simulated and measured light emission spectra from solid state incandescent light emitting devices

In this paper, the light emission phenomena over solid-state incandescent light emitting devices have been modelled based on Planck’s law of blackbody radiation. The emission spectra from the thermal excitation of nano-resistors with and without inclusion of an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film filter is simulated and compared with those measured from actual devices. The simulated emission spectra are further utilized to study the light characteristics for SSI-LED with ITO, a-Si and polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin film filters.
Measurement Properties of the Oswestry Disability Index in Recipients of Lumbar Spine Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN This is an observational study on the measurement properties of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 1.0. OBJECTIVES To (1) determine the construct validity of the tool, specifically structural validity; (2) analyze the criterion validity of the tool, specifically concurrent validity against proxy measures of pain, function, and quality of life and predictive validity of each item to proxy measures of disability; and (3) reliability of the tool, specifically internal consistency. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA We endeavored to investigate the measurement properties of the ODI on a spine surgery population to test the assumption that a more disabled population may influence the properties of the tool. METHODS Data were pulled from the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) Spine Registry. A total of 57,199 participants who underwent primary or revision lumbar spine surgeries were included. Structural validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, concurrent validity, predictive validity by odds ratios, and internal consistency by Cronbach alpha. The Visual Analog Scale for back pain, two standard open questions, and the EuroQol 5 Dimension/Visual Analogue Scale were included as proxy measures of pain, function, and quality of life, respectively. Hospital readmission, return to operating room for treatment and revision surgery (all within 30 days) were included as proxy measures of disability to assess the predictive validity of each ODI item. RESULTS The ODI demonstrated a two-factor structural solution, which explained 54.9% of the total variance. Fair internal consistency (0.74-0.77), and fair criterion validity (concurrent) and significant findings with predictive validity (P < 0.01) substantiated the use of each item of the ODI as well as the summary score and ODI thresholds. CONCLUSIONS Our study lends value to a burgeoning repository of evidence that suggests the ODI is a useful tool for capturing outcomes in clinical practice. We recommend its continued use in clinical practice.Level of Evidence: 4.
Asymptotics for the Covariance of the Airy2 Process

In this paper we compute some of the higher order terms in the asymptotic be- havior of the two point function P(A2(0) ≤ s1, A2(t) ≤ s2), extending the previous work of Adler and van Moerbeke (arXiv:math.PR/0302329; Ann. Probab. 33, 1326-1361, 2005 )a nd Widom (J. Stat. Phys. 115, 1129-1134, 2004). We prove that it is possible to represent any order asymptotic approximation as a polynomial and integrals of the Painleve II function q and its derivative q � . Further, for up to tenth order we give this asymptotic approximation as a linear combination of the Tracy-Widom GUE density function f2 and its derivatives. As a corollary to this, the asymptotic covariance is expressed up to tenth order in terms of the moments of the Tracy-Widom GUE distribution.
Accelerating computational analyses of low velocity impact and compression after impact of laminated composite materials

Abstract Computational time can be significantly reduced in the analysis of low velocity impact (LVI) and compression after impact (CAI) response of composite materials with the method proposed in this paper. Because of the complexity of the problem and the necessity to capture the damage details with sufficient fidelity, existing computational models usually take days to run even on high performance computing (HPC) clusters. A framework to reduce computational time by adopting a smart mesh paradigm, an efficient modeling strategy, and a damage state transferring algorithm between the LVI and CAI meshes is proposed. The model is validated against the LVI and CAI experimental results of a [45/−45/0/45/−45/90/45/−45/45/−45]s T800s/3900-2B laminate with impact energy below the barely visible impact damage (BVID) limit. Compared to prior computational models, the computational time of the new approach leads to a 67% reduction, while correctly capturing damage patterns and accurately predicting compressive strength after impact.
Self-disclosure is associated with adrenocortical attunement between new acquaintances.

Abstract Adrenocortical attunement—similarity in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity—has been well-documented in close relationships (e.g., between romantic partners, parents and children, and close friends). However, little is known about adrenocortical attunement during early relationship formation. In the current study, we examine dyadic adrenocortical attunement during a guided conversation in which two new acquaintances (N = 140 people, 70 dyads), who were university students or adults in the community, answered questions about themselves. Dyads were randomly assigned to answer questions designed to elicit dyad members to reveal a high or low amount of personal information (i.e., to self-disclose at high or low levels). We collected saliva samples (assayed for cortisol) before and after the conversation, and we coded behavioral self-disclosure—the extent to which people revealed their thoughts, feelings, and facts about themselves—during the conversation. As expected, dyads who were assigned to ask and answer high self-disclosure questions disclosed more than those assigned to ask and answer low self-disclosure questions. In addition, greater self-disclosure during the conversation was associated with greater similarity in cortisol change—that is, dyad members who revealed more about themselves experienced more similar cortisol changes in response to their conversation. This work reveals one social process through which adrenocortical attunement occurs during early relationship formation, and, in doing so, describes how our physiological functioning is linked to those around us—even people we have just met.
Complex Profiles of Cerebrovascular Disease Pathologies in the Aging Brain and Their Relationship With Cognitive Decline

Background and Purpose: Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) pathologies including vessel disease (atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy) and tissue injury (macroinfarcts an...
Access to space for technology validation missions: exploring possibilities of suborbital flight

Space technology experiments and validation missions share a common dilemma with the aerospace community in general: the high cost of access to space. Whether the experiment is a so-called university cubesat, a technology experiment, or a NASA New Millennium Program (NMP) technology validation mission, the access to space approach must be scaled appropriately: a cubesat might fly as one of a number of cubesats that negotiate a flight on an experimental vehicle; a technology experiment might do the same; a NASA flight validation might partner with another NASA or Air Force experimental mission. But are there other options, and what are the benefits of one approach over another? What are the limitations of one approach over another? How can one assess the viability for a particular experiment? How does one go about acquiring such a space access? What experiments originally considered for space-flight might be validated instead in a suborbital environment? New vehicles, most notably unmanned aerial vehicles, are pushing existing capability to higher and higher altitudes and longer duration flights. Reliable suborbital flights and long-used balloon flights can now be applied to new, different payloads as the technology needs change over time. So what are the similarities and differences between the space and suborbital flights? Where are these programs managed, and with what capabilities both existing (proven) and new? This guide is written for the space experimenter seeking an understanding of the issues which drive a large part of the design of a space experiment - the method of access to space. Since this is, indeed, rocket science, this guide can only serve as a starting point for the reader. The range of suborbital capabilities is so broad - flights cover an altitude range from 3 km to 1400 km, the payload weight from 1 to 3600 kg, the flight time from 5 min to more than 100 days, and the cost from few thousand to tens of millions of dollars - that further research and data is required. This paper can only point the way to the start of an assessment. With the range of flight possibilities so broad (a dilemma of too many parameters and too many unknowns), two constraints are established to provide a reference for discussion: (1) Earth science measurements are presented as an example of the range of space flight needs as they can apply to the suborbital regime. (2) A sample set of space technologies is considered in the suborbital regime. With these constraints in place, a framework is established to compare and contrast these different suborbital options.
Board Structure and Composition

Board structure refers to whether the chief executive officer (CEO) concurrently serves as chairperson of the board of directors. Board composition refers to the relative proportions of inside (management) and outside directors. While these two board configurations are most salient in the corporate context (i.e., firms whose stock is publicly traded), private firms, too, rely on boards of directors to enhance firm effectiveness. Keywords: board structure; board composition
Criteria for Evaluating the Legitimacy of Corporate Social Responsibility

The goal of this paper is to provide a general discussion about the legitimacy of corporate social responsibility. Given that social responsibility projects entail costs, it is not always obvious under what precise conditions managers will have a responsibility to engage in activities primarily designed to promote societal goals. In this paper we discuss four distinct criteria for evaluating the legitimacy of corporate projects for institutionalizing social responsibility: (1) local knowledge (2) level of responsibility (3) shared consensus, and (4) relationship to financial performance. We conclude our discussion by noting that in those cases where the firm possesses knowledge about a specific problem and its solution, is directly responsible for causing harm, where a shared consensus among all relevant stakeholders exists, and financial performance will be enhanced, social responsibility projects are ideal. Obviously, no program will meet all of the criteria. In fact, our model specifically suggests that there is often a trade-off between the first three criteria and the last. For example, in those situations where the corporation directly imposes harm on third parties, and where a high degree of consensus exists among all stakeholders, there is little need to link the social responsibility program to financial performance. By contrast, as the corporation seeks proactive solutions to problems which are only incidental to the corporation, and where little consensus exists, the predicted relationship to financial performance becomes more crucial. By formally examining the trade-offs among these four criteria we more fully understand the complex relationship between social responsibility and financial impacts.
ACUTE BENIGN PERICARDITIS IN CHILDHOOD: COMPARISONS WITH RHEUMATIC PERICARDITIS, AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ACTH AND CORTISONE

Six cases of acute benign pericarditis in childhood have been studied. The importance in childhood of the differentiation of acute benign pericarditis from acute rheumatic pericarditis has been emphasized and demonstrated by a comparison of the clinical findings and subsequent courses in patients with these two types of pericardial involvement. The results of treatment of acute primary pericarditis with the hormones ACTH and cortisone are presented and discussed. Some negative findings in the study of the etiology of this disease are presented.
Antibodies to MHC Class I Induce Autoimmunity: Role in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Rejection

Alloimmunity to mismatched donor HLA-Ags and autoimmunity to self-Ags have been hypothesized to play an important role in immunopathogenesis of chronic rejection of transplanted organs. However, it is not known what role, if any, alloimmune response plays in inducing autoimmunity. To test whether Ab-developed posttransplantation to mismatched donor MHC induces autoimmunity and chronic rejection, we developed a murine model wherein anti-MHC class I Abs or control (C1.18.4/anti-keratin) were administered intrabronchially into native lungs. Animals receiving anti-MHC class I, but not control Abs, developed marked cellular infiltration around vessels and bronchiole of lung by day 15, followed by epithelial hyperplasia, fibrosis, and occlusion of the distal airways similar to chronic rejection following human lung transplantation. Lungs of mice receiving anti-MHC class I showed increased expression of chemokines, their receptors, and growth factors, and induced IL-17 as well as de novo Abs to self-Ags, K-α1 tubulin, and collagen V. IL-17 neutralization by anti-IL-17 resulted in reduction of autoantibody and lesions induced by anti-MHC class I Abs. Thus, our results indicate that Abs to donor MHC can induce autoimmunity, mediated by IL-17, which plays a pivotal role in chronic rejection postlung transplantation. Therefore, approaches to prevent autoimmunity should be considered for the treatment of chronic rejection postlung transplantation.
Host range and community structure of avian nest parasites in the genus Philornis (Diptera: Muscidae) on the island of Trinidad

Parasite host range can be influenced by physiological, behavioral, and ecological factors. Combining data sets on host–parasite associations with phylogenetic information of the hosts and the parasites involved can generate evolutionary hypotheses about the selective forces shaping host range. Here, we analyzed associations between the nest-parasitic flies in the genus Philornis and their host birds on Trinidad. Four of ten Philornis species were only reared from one species of bird. Of the parasite species with more than one host bird species, P. falsificus was the least specific and P. deceptivus the most specific attacking only Passeriformes. Philornis flies in Trinidad thus include both specialists and generalists, with varying degrees of specificity within the generalists. We used three quantities to more formally compare the host range of Philornis flies: the number of bird species attacked by each species of Philornis, a phylogenetically informed host specificity index (Poulin and Mouillot's STD), and a branch length-based STD. We then assessed the phylogenetic signal of these measures of host range for 29 bird species. None of these measures showed significant phylogenetic signal, suggesting that clades of Philornis did not differ significantly in their ability to exploit hosts. We also calculated two quantities of parasite species load for the birds – the parasite species richness, and a variant of the STD index based on nodes rather than on taxonomic levels – and assessed the signal of these measures on the bird phylogeny. We did not find significant phylogenetic signal for the parasite species load or the node-based STD index. Finally, we calculated the parasite associations for all bird pairs using the Jaccard index and regressed these similarity values against the number of nodes in the phylogeny separating bird pairs. This analysis showed that Philornis on Trinidad tend to feed on closely related bird species more often than expected by chance.
5‐HT1B receptors in nucleus accumbens efferents enhance both rewarding and aversive effects of cocaine

Whether serotonin-1B (5-HT 1B ) receptor activation enhances or diminishes the reinforcing properties of psychostimulants remains unclear. We have previously shown that increased expression of 5-HT 1B receptors in nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell neurons sensitized rats to the locomotor-stimulating and rewarding properties of cocaine. In this study we further examined the contribution of 5-HT 1B receptors on the effect of cocaine under conditions intended to selectively influence either conditioned place preference or avoidance (CPP or CPA, respectively). Viral-mediated gene transfer techniques were used to overexpress 5-HT 1B receptors in medial NAcc shell medium spiny neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area. Animals were then conditioned to associate place cues with the effects of either a low (5 mg/kg) or moderately high (20 mg/kg) dosage of cocaine immediately or 45 min after intraperitoneal cocaine administration. Animals with increased 5-HT 1B expression showed cocaine-induced CPP immediately after administration of the low 5 mg/kg dose of cocaine, but a CPA 45 min after administration of the high 20 mg/kg dose. Control animals showed no preference at the 5 mg/kg dose and a significant preference at 20 mg/kg. Given this, we believe that increased 5-HT 1B receptor activation in NAcc shell projection neurons intensifies both the rewarding and negative properties of cocaine use.
The Value of Achievements

: This article gives an account of what makes achievements valuable. Although the natural thought is that achievements are valuable because of the product, such as a cure for cancer or a work of art, I argue that the value of the product of an achievement is not sufficient to account for its overall value. Rather, I argue that achievements are valuable in virtue of their difficulty. I propose a new perfectionist theory of value that acknowledges the will as a characteristic human capacity, and thus holds that the exercise of the will, and therefore difficulty, is intrinsically valuable.
Mathematics of f electrons

Abstract Unexpected simplifications in the theory of the atomic f shell are commonplace. They usually take the form of matrix elements of physical operators that exhibit relationships that go beyond what would be expected on the basis of the Wigner–Eckart theorem. The general problem is discussed from several viewpoints. Kramers' spin invariants and the use of octonions lead to various interesting connections, but do not seem to bring a solution to the central problem any closer. The quark model is applied to a study of two sets of fractional parentage coefficients. Applications of the Lie group F 4 to the analysis of part of the spin-other-orbit interaction suggest other areas for future work. The usefulness of drawing correspondences between antiHermitian operators that possess the same group labels as Hermitian operators of physical interest is explored.
Monte Carlo modelling of energy deposition in trabecular bone

This study includes the design and testing of a program that creates quadric-based geometric models of the trabecular region, designed specifically for use with the 2005 version of the Monte Carlo radiation transport code PENELOPE. Our model was tested, by comparison with published data, in two aspects: the distributions of path lengths throughout the geometry and absorbed fraction values from the monoenergetic emission of electrons from within our geometry. In both comparisons, our results show a close agreement with published methods.
Are baseball players paid their marginal products

Previous researchers found that baseball players under the reserve clause had been paid considerably less than their contributions to club revenues. We ask, has the new contractual system of free agency and final-offer arbitration brought baseball salaries into line with marginal revenue products? Using public data for the 1986 and 1987 seasons, our basic answer is yes, major league salaries generally coincide with estimated marginal revenue products, though significant deviations exist. Experienced players are paid in accord with their productivity; young players, however, are paid less than their marginal revenue product, on average. This result is closely related to the market structure within baseball.
Integrating Recent Land Cover Mapping Efforts to Update the National Gap Analysis Program's Species Habitat Map

Abstract. Over the past decade, great progress has been made to develop national extent land cover mapping products to address natural resource issues. One of the core products of the GAP Program is range-wide species distribution models for nearly 2000 terrestrial vertebrate species in the U.S. We rely on deductive modeling of habitat affinities using these products to create models of habitat availability. That approach requires that we have a thematically rich and ecologically meaningful map legend to support the modeling effort. In this work, we tested the integration of the Multi-Resolution Landscape Characterization Consortium's National Land Cover Database 2011 and LANDFIRE's Disturbance Products to update the 2001 National GAP Vegetation Dataset to reflect 2011 conditions. The revised product can then be used to update the species models. We tested the update approach in three geographic areas (Northeast, Southeast, and Interior Northwest). We used the NLCD product to identify areas where the cover type mapped in 2011 was different from what was in the 2001 land cover map. We used Google Earth and ArcGIS base maps as reference imagery in order to label areas identified as "changed" to the appropriate class from our map legend. Areas mapped as urban or water in the 2011 NLCD map that were mapped differently in the 2001 GAP map were accepted without further validation and recoded to the corresponding GAP class. We used LANDFIRE's Disturbance products to identify changes that are the result of recent disturbance and to inform the reassignment of areas to their updated thematic label. We ran species habitat models for three species including Lewis's Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) and the White-tailed Jack Rabbit (Lepus townsendii) and Brown Headed nuthatch (Sitta pusilla). For each of three vertebrate species we found important differences in the amount and location of suitable habitat between the 2001 and 2011 habitat maps. Specifically, Brown headed nuthatch habitat in 2011 was −14% of the 2001 modeled habitat, whereas Lewis's Woodpecker increased by 4%. The white-tailed jack rabbit (Lepus townsendii) had a net change of −1% (11% decline, 10% gain). For that species we found the updates related to opening of forest due to burning and regenerating shrubs following harvest to be the locally important main transitions. In the Southeast updates related to timber management and urbanization are locally important.
Emotion, Confidence, Perception and Expectation Case of Mathematics

Students’ concerns about mathematics can significantly affect their ability to learn the subject. In particular, their anxieties and attitudes can greatly affect how they perceive their own mathematical competence, and in return, this may make them reluctant to pursue mathematical studies. Many researchers believe in the role of active learning environments in reshaping students’ perception of and emotions about mathematics. This paper reports the results of an investigation on the effect of one such environment. As a result of being exposed to an active learning environment, a group of 21 cohort students showed opinion changes from a pre- to post-survey statements significantly on emotion and noticeably on confidence and perception statements. There was, however, no statistically significant change observed on the opinions of a group of 41 traditional students.
Attachment style and conflict resolution skills predicting technology use in relationship dissolution

Differences in attachment styles and conflict resolution skills may exist for those who choose to initiate or who receive relationship dissolution mediated by technology. 304 college students (F=178, M=126) completed an online questionnaire about their demographics, relationship status, attachment styles, and conflict resolution skills. Text messaging was the most common form of technology to initiate or receive a breakup. Greater attachment anxiety predicted being the recipient of a technology-mediated dissolution. Positive attitudes towards conflict resolution predicted having initiated a breakup via technology. There were no significant differences in attachment styles or conflict resolution skills for those using text messaging to receive or initiate conflict resolution.
Glycolipids of cell surfaces: isolation of specific sugar sequences using carbohydrate-binding proteins.

Abstract Proteins that bind carbohydrates can be used to isolate specific sugar sequences from complex mixtures. Free sialyloligosaccharides or sialyloligosaccharides released from gangliosides by ozonolysis and alkaline fragmentation are labeled at their reducing ends by reduction with NaB[ 3 H] 4 . After partial separation by column chromatography, oligosaccharide fractions are tested for binding to anti-sialyloligosaccharide antibodies [Smith, D. F., and Ginsburg, V. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255 , 55–59] and cholera toxin by a nitrocellulose filter assay. Oligosaccharides bound by the proteins can be eluted from the filters and further characterized. The method can be used to isolate and identify carbohydrate ligands of cell surfaces.
A conservation-tillage, cover-cropping strategy and economic analysis for creamer potato production

A two-year experiment was conducted at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), MD, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Kentland Agricultural Research Farm (KARF), VA, to evaluate potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production of 32- to 57-mm-size-range tubers (referred to hereafter as creamers) in a conservation-tillage, cover-cropping strategy. The experiments used a split-plot design in which the main-plots were cover crop treatments and the sub-plots were different potato selections. Main plot treatments included rye (Secale cereale L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L.), rape (Brassica napus L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), rye/crimson clover mixture, rape/crimson clover mixture, bare soil/raised beds, and bare soil/flat beds (control). Potato selections tested were B1145-2, B1491-5, and B1492-12 in 2000 and B1145-2, B1102-3, and B0811-4 in 2001. Yields in the conservation-tillage treatments were equal to or better than those in the bare soil/flat bed control with few exceptions. Large-sized tubers (<57 mm) in almost all cases remained below 6% of total marketable yield even when the tubers were harvested late. Delayed harvest did not reduce creamer-sized yields nor did it increase yield of large-sized tubers. Economic analysis shows that net returns from some conservation-tillage treatments are equal to or higher than the conventional-tillage strategy and confirms the viability of the conservation-tillage, cover-cropping strategy. Furthermore, the conservation-tillage strategy in many cases allows timely planting using machinery in the wet soils of Maryland and Virginia during the narrow window of spring potato planting time, whereas the conventional tillage strategy does not offer this advantage.
Colonial Cuisine: Food in British Nigeria, 1900-1914

This article uses food as a window on the British colonization of Northern Nigeria between 1900 and 1914. It examines how Britons consumed food in the material and social contexts of colonialism an...
Fabrication and In-Vitro Characterization of Three-Dimensional Composite Scaffolds by Robocasting for Biomedical Applications

The development of novel biodegradable scaffolds for the treatment of bone and cartilage defects is the subject of intense research. A successful scaffold will guide cell-attachment, proliferation and tissue regeneration. The objective of this study is to use freeform fabrication (robocasting) for the preparation of porous hybrid organic/inorganic materials with a well controlled architecture and porosity. Polymer/hydroxyapatite (HA) pastes with ceramic contents ranging between 0 to 70 wt. % are prepared by mixing ceramic powders with a solution of the polymer in methylene chloride. Two different polymers are studied: polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL). During the compression tests, the scaffolds show an elasto-plastic behavior with large plastic yielding and do not fail in a brittle manner. The mechanical response is anisotropic and depends significantly on the ceramic content and the type of polymer.
Effect of Ultraviolet B Radiation on S-100 Protein Antigen in Epidermal Langerhans Cells

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation has been shown to induce significant alterations in both function and surface antigen expression of epidermal Langerhans cells (ELC). In this study we investigated the effect of UVB radiation on ELC marker S-100 protein antigen (S-100 Ag) which is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of human ELC. A total of 34 sites on 31 volunteers were exposed to a MED (minimal erythema dose) of UVB and biopsied at various times up to 7 days after irradiation. Skin from 9 noninjured and 7 slice-wounded subjects served as controls. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase staining technique was used to identify S-100 Ag in sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue, and the numbers of stained suprabasal dendritic cells were then counted over a 200 basal cell length of interfollicular epidermis. Noninjured skin had 3.56 ± 3.01 cells, whereas slice-wounded skin had elevated numbers (> 10.0 cells) at 1, 24, and 48 h after injury. Following UVB irradiation, a significant (p
Real-Time Synthetic Aperture Radar Data Processing For Space Applications

Range and azimuth correlation in the time domain using current state-of-the-art CCD LSI technology provides a potentially practical means of achieving real-time pipeline processing of SAR images for future space missions. The proposed range correlator approach, using already demonstrated CCD transversal filtering techniques, will require very little power: less than 10 watts per Seasat-type 20-km processing module. The azimuth correlator architecture is considerably more demanding since it requires a large number of parallel chips (1020 for a Seasat-type 20-km module) to achieve a real-time processing capability.
Storage and separation applications of nanoporous metal–organic frameworks

This Highlight explores the progress and perspective in studies of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of nanoporous materials, particularly suited for storage and separation applications related to energy utilization and environmental remediation. Since the discovery of the first MOF compound, hundreds of different MOFs have been developed and reported. MOFs are generally synthesized by self-assembly of metal ions/clusters as coordination centers and organic ligands as linkers. They possess intriguing chemical and physical properties and are structurally tunable, thermally stable and mechanically sound. MOFs are increasingly proving to be a superior class of materials for state-of-the-art applications in crystal engineering, chemistry, and materials science. In this Highlight, we present general routes for MOFs synthesis, discuss reticular design of their pore structures, and show some of their remarkable applications, especially in the areas of storage and separation.
Ion cyclotron harmonic resonances driven by ion ring‐beam distributions

Enhanced magnetic fluctuations with frequencies peaking at the ion cyclotron frequency and its harmonics have been observed at Comet Halley and also in the upstream regions of planetary bow shocks. It is thought that these waves are generated at comets by pickup ions that are unstable to the generation of waves at harmonics of the ion cyclotron wave number. In the spacecraft frame of reference these waves are observed as harmonics of the ion cyclotron frequency. In this report, it is shown that the ring-beam distributions of pickup ions observed in the cometary environment are capable of generating these waves if the beam speed component of the distribution (parallel to the ambient magnetic field) is much larger than the ring speed (perpendicular to the magnetic field). As the ring speed increases relative to the beam speed, other instabilities occur at the same wave number which have even larger growth rates. These additional instabilities do not lead to generation of harmonics.
Tropical niche conservatism and the species richness gradient of North American butterflies

ABSTRACTAim We explore the potential role of the ‘tropical conservatism hypothesis’in explaining the butterﬂy species richness gradient in North America. Itsapplicability can be derived from the tropical origin of butterﬂies and thepresumed difﬁculties in evolving the cold tolerance required to permit thecolonization and permanent occupation of the temperate zone.Location North America.Methods Digitized range maps for butterﬂy species north of Mexico were usedto map richness for all species, species with distributions north of the Tropic ofCapricorn (Extratropicals), and species that also occupy the tropics (Tropicals).A phylogeny resolved to subfamily was used to map the geographical pattern ofmean root distance, a metric of the evolutionary development of assemblages.Regression models and general linear models examined environmental correlatesof overall richness and for Extratropicals vs. Tropicals, patterns in summer vs.winter, and patterns in northern vs. southern North America.Results Species in more basal subfamilies dominate the south, whereas morederived clades occupy the north. There is also a ‘latitudinal’ richness gradient inCanada/Alaska, whereas in the conterminous USA richness primarily varieslongitudinally. Overall richness is associated with broad- and mesoscaletemperature gradients. The richness of Tropicals is strongly associated withtemperature and distance from winter population sources. The richness ofExtratropicals in the north is most strongly correlated with the pattern of glacialretreat since the more recent Ice Age, whereas in the south, richness is positivelyassociated with the range of temperatures in mountains and the presence offorests but is negatively correlated with the broad-scale temperature gradient.Main conclusions The tropical conservatism hypothesis provides a possibleexplanation for the complex structure of the species richness gradient. TheCanada/Alaska fauna comprises temperate, boreal and tundra species that arenevertheless constrained by cold climates and limited vegetation, coupled withpossible post-Pleistocene recolonization lags. In the USA tropical species areconstrained by temperature in winter as well as recolonization distancesin summer, whereas temperate-zone groups are richer in cooler climates inmountains and forests, where winter conditions are more suitable for diapause.The evolution of cold tolerance is key to both the evolutionary and ecologicalpatterns.KeywordsButterﬂies, cold tolerance, diapause, diversity gradients, latitudinal gradients,niche conservatism, North America, Rhopalocera, species richness gradients,tropical conservatism hypothesis.
SU-GG-AUD-05: Segmented Crystalline Scintillating Detectors for Radiotherapy Imaging: A Monte Carlo Investigation of Swank Factor

Purpose: A systematic theoretical investigation of Swank factor for thick, segmented crystalline scintillating detectors is reported. The Swank noise, originating from variation in the x‐ray‐to‐photon conversion gain, degrades the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) performance of radiotherapyimagers. Therefore, it is of great interest to examine the Swank factor, in particular the optical Swank factor, as a function of various detector design parameters. Method and Materials: Swank factor was investigated using a recently implemented Monte Carlo package (MANTIS) that simulates both radiation and optical transport. The radiation and optical Swank factors were examined using a 6 MV photon beam as a function of various parameters, such as the material and thickness of the scintillator, the element‐to‐element pitch of the detector, as well as the material and thickness of the septal wall separating detector elements. Moreover, the optical Swank factor was examined as a function of the optical properties of the scintillator, top reflector and septal wall. Results:Radiation Swank factor improved when thicker scintillators or higher density septal walls were employed. The optical Swank factor dropped dramatically when the scintillator surfaces facing the walls were not polished. Moreover, the results indicate that septal walls must be highly reflective, as the optical Swank factor was found to drop sharply with decreasing septal wall reflectivity, even for a relatively clear scintillator. Furthermore, the optical Swank factor was also strongly affected by the thickness, absorption and scattering of the scintillator, and modestly affected by the reflectivity of the top reflector. Conclusion: Simulation of radiation and optical transport in segmented scintillating detectors provides the means to examine properties that are critically important to performance, such as optical Swank factor. It is strongly anticipated that such studies will greatly assist in the design of detectors exhibiting very high DQE.
Quantile functions for multivariate analysis: Approaches and applications

Despite the absence of a natural ordering of Euclidean space for dimensions greater than one, the effort to define vector-valued quantile functions for multivariate distributions has generated several approaches. To support greater discrimination in comparing, selecting and using such functions, we introduce relevant criteria, including a notion of "median-oriented quantile function". On this basis we compare recent quantile approaches and several multivariate versions of trimmed mean and interquartile range. We also discuss a univariate "generalized quantile" approach that enables particular features of multivariate distributions, for example scale and kurtosis, to be studied by two-dimensional plots. Methods based on statistical depth functions are found to be especially attractive for quantile-based multivariate inference.