cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical capacity of a biometric channel under the constraint of global PCA and ICA encoding

The ability of practical biometric systems to recognize a large number of subjects is constrained by a variety of factors that include a choice of a source encoding technique, quality of images, complexity and variability of underlying patterns and of collected data. Given a source encoding technique, the remaining factors can be attributed to distortions due to a biometric recognition channel. In this work, we define empirical mutual information and recognition rate and evaluate empirical recognition capacity of biometric systems under the constraint of two global encoding techniques: principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA). The empirical capacity of biometric systems is numerically evaluated as a point of intersection of the empirical mutual information rate curve plotted as a function of the recognition rate and the diagonal line bisecting the first quadrant. The developed methodology is applied to find the empirical capacity of different recognition channels formed during acquisition of different iris and face databases.
Horseshoe crab phylogeny and independent colonizations of fresh water: ecological invasion as a driver for morphological innovation

Xiphosurids are an archaic group of aquatic chelicerate arthropods, generally known by the colloquial misnomer of ‘horseshoe crabs’. Known from marine environments as far back as the early Ordovician, horseshoe crabs are generally considered ‘living fossils’ – descendants of a bradytelic lineage exhibiting little morphological or ecological variation throughout geological time. However, xiphosurids are known from freshwater sediments in the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic; furthermore, the contention that xiphosurids show little morphological variation has never been tested empirically. Attempts to test this are hampered by the lack of a modern phylogenetic framework with which to explore different evolutionary scenarios. Here, I present a phylogenetic analysis of Xiphosurida and explore patterns of morphospace and environmental occupation of the group throughout the Phanerozoic. Xiphosurids are shown to have invaded non-marine environments independently at least five times throughout their evolutionary history, twice resulting in the radiation of major clades – bellinurines and austrolimulids – that occupied novel regions of morphospace. These clades show a convergent ecological pattern of differentiation, speciation and subsequent extinction. Horseshoe crabs are shown to have a more dynamic and complex evolutionary history than previously supposed, with the extant species representing only a fraction of the group's past ecological and morphological diversity.
LIPID RESERVES OF MIGRANT SHOREBIRDS DURING SPRING IN PLAYAS OF THE SOUTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Abstract Inland-migrating shorebirds rely on wetlands as stopover sites to replenish nutrient reserves. Because wetlands are spatially and temporally dynamic, shorebirds may accumulate highly variable lipid reserves. We compared lipid reserves among four shorebird species (American Avocets [Recurvirostra americana], Long-billed Dowitchers [Limnodromus scolopaceus], Least Sandpipers [Calidris minutilla], and Western Sandpipers [C. mauri]) collected from playa wetlands in the southern Great Plains during spring 1993 and 1994. Because playas are ephemeral, we had the opportunity to examine the influence of a variable environment (a wet year and a dry year) on lipid reserves. Additionally, we examined the influence of different migration distances and strategies, and body sizes on lipid reserves. Western Sandpipers had the highest lipid reserves (41%–50%) and Dowitchers had the lowest reserves (18%). Least and Western Sandpipers had 7%–9% higher lipid reserves in the wet year than dry year. Thus, small-bodied...
The distribution of cutaneous metastases correlates with local immunologic milieu

Background Metastases to the skin are found with increased frequency at certain sites, such as the scalp, but the biological factors that influence this distribution are not understood. Objective We aimed to compare the proportional frequency of metastases at various cutaneous locations with the immunologic microenvironments at those sites. Methods We retrospectively identified all biopsy specimens of cutaneous metastases diagnosed at our institution from 1991 to 2014 (n = 1984) and mapped their anatomic distribution while controlling for regional surface area. Using a separate, mapped cohort of normal-appearing skin samples (n = 140), we measured the density of regulatory T cells, CD4 + effector T cells, and CD8 + T cells by flow cytometry. Results Per unit surface area, cutaneous metastases arise most commonly on the head and neck, followed by the trunk, upper extremities, and lower extremities, respectively. Sites with more frequent metastases tend to contain a greater density of regulatory T cells and a lower proportion of CD8 + T cells ( P Limitations Immunologic factors were only assessed in control tissue and were not measured from patients with metastatic disease in this correlative single-center study. Conclusion The distribution of cutaneous metastases follows the distribution of regulatory and effector T cells in skin. Further studies are required to prove a mechanistic association between local immunologic factors and the development of cutaneous metastases.
The Marvel Experiment

The Marvel experiment was conducted at the Nevada Test Site in a horizontal, air-filled tunnel 1 m in diameter and 122 m long, 176 m below the surface. A 2.2kt nuclear device was detonated at one e...
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Projections From the Dorsal Raphe to the Nucleus Accumbens Are Regulated by Neuromedin U

Abstract Background Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide enriched in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh), a brain region associated with reward. While NMU and its receptor, NMU receptor 2 (NMUR2), have been studied for the ability to regulate food reward, NMU has not been studied in the context of drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine). Furthermore, the neuroanatomical pathways that express NMUR2 and its ultrastructural localization are unknown. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the synaptic localization of NMUR2 in the NAcSh and characterize which neurons express this receptor ( n = 17). The functional outcome of NMU on NMUR2 was examined using microdialysis ( n = 16). The behavioral effects of NMU microinjection directly to the NAcSh were investigated using cocaine-evoked locomotion ( n = 93). The specific effects of NMUR2 knockdown on cocaine-evoked locomotion were evaluated using viral-mediated RNA interference ( n = 40). Results NMUR2 is localized to presynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acidergic nerve terminals in the NAcSh originating from the dorsal raphe nucleus. Furthermore, NMU microinjection to the NAcSh decreased local gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations. Next, we evaluated the effects of NMU microinjection on behavioral sensitization to cocaine. When repeatedly administered throughout the sensitization regimen, NMU attenuated cocaine-evoked hyperactivity. Additionally, small hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of presynaptic NMUR2 in the NAcSh using a retrograde viral vector potentiated cocaine sensitization. Conclusions Together, these data reveal that NMUR2 modulates a novel gamma-aminobutyric acidergic pathway from the dorsal raphe nucleus to the NAcSh to influence behavioral responses to cocaine.
Reproduction and Feeding Behavior of Delphastus pusillus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a Predator of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

The development, feeding behavior, fecundity, and longevity of Delphastus Pusillus (LeConte) on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was studied in the laboratory at 28 ±3°C. Developmental time from oviposition to eclosion was 21.0 d. Longevity of adults was 60.5 d for females and 44.8 d for males. Larval and adult beetles fed on all stages of whitefly. The number of prey consumed by adult beetles decreased with increasing age and size of prey; i.e., 167.1 eggs or 11.6 early fourth instars per day. Handling time increased with stage of whitefly, from 31.3 s for eggs to 377.7 s for early fourth instars. Beetle larvae began feeding upon hatching and consumed a mean of 977.5 eggs before pupating. Mated females laid eggs only when reared on diets containing whitefly eggs. When reared exclusively on a diet of eggs, beetles laid 3.0 eggs per day. Mean lifetime egg production was 183.2. Predation on B. tabaci eggs and beetle oviposition was also observed in a greenhouse; mean prey consumption was 51% greater and mean daily oviposition by females was 103% higher than in the laboratory. Between 100 and 150 whitefly eggs per day were required to initiate and sustain oviposition in the laboratory and the greenhouse. The need for large numbers of whitefly eggs in the diet suggests D. pusillus will maintain itself without augmentation only in large populations of B. tabaci .
Characterizing the spatial distribution of multiple pollutants and populations at risk in Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract Background Exposure metrics that identify spatial contrasts in multipollutant air quality are needed to better understand multipollutant geographies and health effects from air pollution. Our aim is to improve understanding of: (1) long-term spatial distributions of multiple pollutants; and (2) demographic characteristics of populations residing within areas of differing air quality. Methods We obtained average concentrations for ten air pollutants (p = 10) across a 12 km grid (n = 253) covering Atlanta, Georgia for 2002–2008. We apply a self-organizing map (SOM) to our data to derive multipollutant patterns observed across our grid and classify locations under their most similar pattern (i.e, multipollutant spatial type (MST)). Finally, we geographically map classifications to delineate regions of similar multipollutant characteristics and characterize associated demographics. Results We found six MSTs well describe our data, with profiles highlighting a range of combinations, from locations experiencing generally clean air to locations experiencing conditions that were relatively dirty. Mapping MSTs highlighted that downtown areas were dominated by primary pollution and that suburban areas experienced relatively higher levels of secondary pollution. Demographics show the largest proportion of the overall population resided in downtown locations experiencing higher levels of primary pollution. Moreover, higher proportions of nonwhites and children in poverty reside in these areas when compared to suburban populations that resided in areas exhibiting relatively lower pollution. Conclusion Our approach reveals the nature and spatial distribution of differential pollutant combinations across urban environments and provides helpful insights for identifying spatial exposure and demographic contrasts for future health studies.
Photo-orthotropic-elasticity

A method of producing transparent model materials for photo-orthotropic-elastic studies is presented. This material fabricated from glass fibers and a modified polyester matrix exhibits continuous relatively smooth fringe patterns which are linearly related to the state of stress. As such, the heterogenous material can be treated as a homogenous medium with orthotropic properties.
The Application of CNC Cycle Time Sample and Controls

In order to monitor and adjust the CNC cycle time to meet the market demand of engines,we developed the Application of CNC Cycle Time Sample and Controls system with the tool of LabVIEW and OPC software.The system had been implemented half a years ago and it do provide lots of useful data for adjusting cycle time,predictive and preventative maintenance.This system can be implemented in the machining line,especially in the plant with a lot of machining tools.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol injection in healthy volunteers

Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics,pharmacodynamics and bioequivalence of propofol medium and long chain fat emulsion injection in Chinese healthy volunteers.Methods Thirty-six Chinese healthy male volunteers were involved in the randomized cross-over study.Each subject received a single dose of 2 mg·kg-1 propofol or reference formulation.The plasma concentrations of propofol were determined by HPLC.Bispectrial index(BIS) was the main endpoint.Results The propofol belonged to three-compartment open model in vivo.After a single dose of propofol or reference formulation,the pharmacokinetics parameters of propofol were as follows:tmax were(0.05±0.02),(0.06±0.02) h;cmax were(3.59±2.36),(2.57±1.42) mg·L-1;MRT0-∞ were(1.21±0.39),(1.34±0.55) h;AUC0-∞ were(0.70±0.18),(0.64±0.17) mg·h·L-1 for propofol and reference formulation,respectively.The plasma concentration of profotol increased,and the BIS decreased with tmin-BIS were(3.31±0.71),(3.39±0.64) min,respectively.The relative bioavailability of propofol to reference formulation was F=(114.63±41.08) %.The 90%CI of cmax,AUClast,AUC0-∞ were 113.2%-156.6%,106.1%-119.2% and 100.7%-117.5%. Conclusion The two formulations were bioequivalent.
Career Intentions and Experiences of Pre- and In-Service Female Band Teachers:

The purpose of this study was to examine pre- and in-service female band teachers’ perspectives regarding their experiences in realizing their professional goals. Domains guiding this inquiry included (a) gaining entry into the profession of band teaching, (b) navigating the profession, and (c) gender issues. Findings from this multiple case study indicated that numerous outside factors affected the career paths of the participants, resulting in all of the women pursuing elementary, middle, or multi–grade level jobs. These factors included (a) the positions available at the time of the initial job search, (b) family responsibilities, (c) the perceived time commitment thought to accompany high school band teaching positions, and (d) the desire to witness musical and social growth in students. Some of the participants believed the band profession was increasingly welcoming to women; however, several of the participants reported challenges of being a woman in band teaching. These challenges included the stru...
Ribosome-based quality control of mRNA and nascent peptides

Quality control processes are widespread and play essential roles in detecting defective molecules and removing them in order to maintain organismal fitness. Aberrant messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, unless properly managed, pose a significant hurdle to cellular proteostasis. Often mRNAs harbor premature stop codons, possess structures that present a block to the translational machinery, or lack stop codons entirely. In eukaryotes, the three cytoplasmic mRNA-surveillance processes, nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), no-go decay (NGD), and nonstop decay (NSD), evolved to cope with these aberrant mRNAs, respectively. Nonstop mRNAs and mRNAs that inhibit translation elongation are especially problematic as they sequester valuable ribosomes from the translating ribosome pool. As a result, in addition to RNA degradation, NSD and NGD are intimately coupled to ribosome rescue in all domains of life. Furthermore, protein products produced from all three classes of defective mRNAs are more likely to malfunction. It is not surprising then that these truncated nascent protein products are subject to degradation. Over the past few years, many studies have begun to document a central role for the ribosome in initiating the RNA and protein quality control processes. The ribosome appears to be responsible for recognizing the target mRNAs as well as for recruiting the factors required to carry out the processes of ribosome rescue and nascent protein decay. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1366. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1366 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Using foraging ecology to elucidate the role of species interactions in two contrasting mixed-species flock systems in northeastern Peru

ABSTRACT Mixed-species flocks are formed on the basis of both positive and negative species interactions. We use foraging behavior in two different flock types to interpret the extent to which core species minimize niche overlap to reflect negative interactions. We also use the foraging behavior of alarm-calling species to infer whether their behavior is consistent with predictions for species that accrue benefits by associating with other flocking species. The foraging patterns of core species in tierra firme flocks show large differences with respect to foraging maneuvers and substrates, a finding that is consistent with niche theory. In igapo (a blackwater seasonally inundated forest), only the alarm-calling species show differences in foraging patterns among core flock members. We also show that alarm-calling species in different sites show different patterns of association with other flocking species: one species, Thamnomanes saturninus, shows no strong tendency to associate with any other species in...
Multivariate bias adjusted tapered predictive process models

Abstract We extend prior work on multivariate “low-rank” methods for the analysis of large multivariate spatial datasets. “Low-rank” methods usually operate on lower-dimensional subspaces and induce biases in the residual variance component as a result of over-smoothing or model mis-specification. Our current work attempts to characterize these biases, demonstrates their presence as a systemic phenomena, and explores remedial models without incurring computational costs. Our methodological contribution lies in the development of the multivariate tapered predictive process model that accounts for spatial correlations among multivariate components by the recently proposed multivariate matern correlation kernel. Both the proposed framework and the multivariate tapered predictive process model using linear model co-regionalization (LMC) (Sang et al., 2011) have been found to rectify bias in parameter estimation. We also prove novel theoretical results comparing smoothness properties of multivariate tapered predictive process models and classes of low rank models, including predictive processes. Finally, we illustrate our work using synthetic experiments as well as an application to forestry.
Tuning the gap of lead-based halide perovskites by introducing superalkali species at the cationic sites of ABX3-type structure.

We study with scalar relativistic density functional theory (DFT) calculations the effect of changes in the ionicity of the bonding mechanism and charge donation on the structure and electronic properties of new lead halide perovskites which show promising performance in optoelectronic applications as long-wave infrared detectors and thermoelectrics. Our results provide evidence that the band gap of these compounds can be tuned upon the introduction of appropriate superalkali moieties at the cationic A-sites in the CsPbI3-type structure. The computed band gap is 0.36 eV (direct) and 0.41 eV (indirect) for [Li3O]PbI3 and [Li3S]PbI3, respectively. By changing the chemical environment in the Pb-halide perovskite structure, we see drastic changes in the shape of both valence and conduction bands, as compared to CsPbI3. Introducing superalkali cations produces extra electronic states close to the Fermi level which arise from the formation of delocalized energy states, where a strong hybridization is identified between Pb and Li s-states near the top of the valence band. This can promote the hole mobility and increase the exciton diffusion length at longer wavelengths. Berry phase calculations show rather significant spontaneous polarization of 34 and 15 μC cm−2 along the x-axis in both [Li3O]PbI3 and [Li3S]PbI3, indicative of ferroelectric behavior.
Library as Safe Haven: Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery

This serviceable manual, Library as Safe Haven: Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery , provides a common-sense overview of the methods used to prepare any library for a variety of worst case scenarios.
Import, Barter and Trade, and the Natural Resources of the Pacific Islands

This chapter reviews the impact of non-native species, including those brought first by the Lapita people of the Pacific as they colonized islands and moved breadfruit taro, pigs, dogs, chickens and Pacific rats with them. The ecological effects of those imports were later overshadowed by exchanges with European and American visitors that permanently altered the island landscape. The Tahitian exchange is the best known of these interactions, and was emblematic of the broad and lasting impact on native life, land and culture, with each side working for its own purposes. The importation of European domestic animals and plants, as well as the accidental introduction of new rats and microbes was a prelude for later importation of alien snakes, and other invasive species. In addition, trade between east and west altered the economy of the tropical Pacific islands, extirpating or diminishing natural resources ranging from sandalwood forests on land to whales at sea.
Case 24: A Respiratory Dilemma During a Transjugular Intrahepatic Porto-Systemic Shunt (TIPSS) Procedure

A 54-year-old man (55 kg) with a history of alcohol abuse and hepatitis is scheduled for a transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt (TIPSS) in the x-ray suite. He has received sclerotherapy for variceal bleeding but recurrent bleeding has ensued. He has no other major complaints. His INR is 1.1. A radial arterial line is placed preoperatively together with a 16 G. IV in his hand. Noninvasive monitors are placed, and general anesthesia is induced with etomidate, fentanyl, and vecuronium. After the endotracheal tube (ETT) is placed in the trachea, anesthesia is maintained with 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen with isoflurane 0.8%. Bilateral air entry is confirmed and the end tidal CO2 is 32 mmHG. The end tidal CO2 trace looks normal. The ETT is secured. The room is darkened as is routine in these cases. The operator (radiologist) is in close proximity to the patient’s head, where he is placing a central line in the internal jugular vein so that he can place the shunt in the portal venous system. With the x-ray machine on the other side of the head, you have no access to the airway or feel for pulses in the head or arms (the latter being tucked along the side of the patient). Thirty minutes into the case, there is a sudden marked increase in the peak inspiratory pressure from 28 to 42 cm H2O. All other parameters are within normal limits. You suspect right endobronchial intubation, but you are prevented from listening to the right side of the chest because it is made sterile and covered by sterile drapes. You are reluctant to pull the ETT back since you really do not know if there is right endobronchial intubation.
Challenges facing the benign hematology physician-scientist workforce: identifying issues of recruitment and retention.

Research conducted by investigators in the field of benign hematology has been and continues to be impactful, as basic hematologic scientific discovery has been readily translated to health research. Physician-scientists are critical to the advancement of health sciences, but the size and
Coronary interventions: Thrombus Aspiration, Pros and Cons

Coronary thrombus is often present in acute ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) and complicates coronary revascularization. Thrombus increases the technical complexity of coronary stenting and can embolize downstream during PCI, resulting in macro- and microvascular obstruction. In the late 1990s, thrombectomy devices were first tested as adjunctive therapy to primary PCI in STEMI patients. Early trials suggested that aspiration thrombectomy (AT) improved surrogate and clinical endpoints. However, subsequent larger trials and meta-analyses of AT found no mortality benefit and possibly an increased incidence of stroke. The future of AT is uncertain, although it seems likely that it will continue to be used selectively but not routinely by interventionists.
The Effects of Formulation Variables on the Stability of Freeze-Dried Human Growth Hormone

Formulation often has a dramatic effect on degradation of proteins during the freeze-drying process as well as impacting on the "shelf-life" stability of the freeze-dried product. This research presents the results of a formulation optimization study of the "in-process" and shelf-life stability of freeze-dried human growth hormone (hGH). Chemical decomposition via methionine oxidation and deamidation of asparagine residues as well as irreversible aggregation were characterized by HPLC assay methodology. In-process degradation and stability of low moisture freeze-dried solids were studied at 25 and 40 degrees C in a nominal nitrogen headspace (approximately 0.5% O2). Formulation variables included pH, level of salts, and the nature of the lyoprotectant. Studies of the effect of shear on aggregation in solutions indicated that shear comparable to that experienced during filtration does not induce aggregation. Irreversible changes in hGH during the freeze-drying process were minimal, but chemical decomposition via methionine oxidation and asparagine deamidation and aggregation did occur on storage of the freeze-dried solid. Decomposition via methionine oxidation was significant. A combination of mannitol and glycine, where the glycine remains amorphous, provided the greatest protection against decomposition and aggregation. It is postulated that an excipient system that remains at least partially amorphous is necessary for stabilization. However, the observation that dextran 40 formulations showed poor stability toward aggregation demonstrates that an amorphous excipient system is not a sufficient condition for stability. Stability of the solid was optimal when produced from solutions in the pH range, 7-7.5, with severe aggregation being observed at high pH. The level of sodium phosphate buffer affected stability of the solid, although this relationship was complex. Freeze-drying in the presence of NaCl produced severe aggregation and precipitation during the freeze-drying process as well as acceleration of oxidation and/or deamidation.
Susceptibility to ozone-induced inflammation. I. Genetic control of the response to subacute exposure.

We demonstrated previously that C57BL/6J (B6) inbred mice are susceptible and C3H/HeJ (C3) mice are resistant to airway inflammation that is induced by acute (3 h) exposure to 2 parts per million (...
Syntheses and evaluation of substituted aromatic hydroxamates and hydroxamic acids that target Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Abstract Tuberculosis (TB) continues to remain one of the most threatening diseases in the world. With the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains, the need to develop new therapies is dire. The syntheses of a focused library of hydroxamates and hydroxamic acids is described, as well as anti-TB activity in the microplate alamar blue assay (MABA). A number of compounds exhibited good activity against Mtb , with notable compounds exhibiting MIC values in the range of 20–0.71 μM. This work suggests that both hydroxamates and their free acids may be incorporated into more complex scaffolds and serve as potential leads for the development of anti-TB agents.
Utilizing V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flaps for vulvar reconstruction.

Abstract Objectives We aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients who underwent vulvectomy with subsequent V Y fasciocutaneous flap reconstruction. Methods All medical records of all patients who underwent vulvectomies with V Y fasciocutaneous flap reconstruction from January 2007 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient clinical and surgical data, demographics, and outcomes were abstracted. Results Of the 27 patients, 42 flaps were transferred. A simple vulvectomy was performed in 8 (30%) patients, partial radical vulvectomy in 15 (56%), and radical vulvectomy in 4 (15%). The median area of defect was 30 cm2. Minor wound separations occurred in 9 patients (33%). Infectious complications occurred in 4 patients (15%); this included urinary tract infections in 2 (50%), postoperative fevers in 2 (50%), and sepsis in 1 (25%) patient with a UTI. There were no instances of flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, or wound infections. Black race was more likely to be associated with an infectious complication with 3 (75%) patients, compared to white race with 1 (4%) patient (p Y fasciocutaneous flap infectious complications or minor wound separations. Conclusions The use of a V Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap for vulvar reconstruction is safe and associated with mostly minor complications. Infectious complications were more frequently associated with diabetes, black race, and HIV.
SDN Node Selection for Inter-AS TE

The growth of Software Defined Networking (SDN) has made it appealing for Internet service providers to incorporate SDN into their existing legacy networks. This has led to the idea of incrementally introducing SDN elements into the existing legacy infrastructure. Transitioning to such a hybrid SDN network is no small task by itself, and requires carefully planning which nodes in the legacy network can take on the role of SDN elements. The focus of this paper is to identify a set of candidate nodes in an Autonomous System (AS) that can be upgraded to SDN nodes with the objective of minimizing the maximum link utilization at the inter-AS links of the service provider. To this end, we first introduce the SDN node selection problem. Due to its intractability, we propose different greedy heuristics to help select the SDN nodes and show that by selecting the right set of candidate SDN nodes, a small fraction of SDN nodes help achieve a significant reduction in link utilization.
A revision of the spider genus Anemesia (Araneae, Cyrtaucheniidae)

The Central Asian spider genus Anemesia Pocock, 1895 is rediagnosed and revised. The genus was found to contain 14 species: ♂♀ A. andreevae sp. nov. (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan); ♂♀ A. birulai (Spassky, 1937) (Turkmenistan); ♂♀ A. castanea sp. nov.; ♂♀ A. incana Zonstein, 2001, ♂♀ A. infumata sp. nov.; ♂♀ A. infuscata sp. nov.; ♂♀ A. karatauvi (Andreeva, 1968) (all Tajikistan); ♂ A. koponeni Marusik, Zamani & Mirshamsi, 2014 (Iran); ♂♀ A. oxiana sp. nov.; ♂♀ A. pallida sp. nov.; ♂ A. parvula sp. nov. (all Tajikistan); ♂♀ A. pococki sp. nov. (Turkmenistan); ♂♀ A. sogdiana sp. nov. (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan) and ♂♀ A. tubifex (Pocock, 1889), the type species (Afghanistan, Turkmenistan). Nine species are newly described; others are redescribed from types and/or conspecific material. Males of A. tubifex and females of A. birulai , hitherto unknown, are described for the first time. Data on the variability, relationships, distribution, and ecology of all considered species are provided.
Effect of delayed harvest on contamination of pearl millet grain with mycotoxin-producing fungi and mycotoxins

The response to delayed harvest of fungal and mycotoxin contamination of grain of the pearl millet hybrid HGM 100 was examined in 1992 and 1993. Samples of grain were assayed from seven plantings at locations near Tifton, Georgia, USA. Grain was harvested at 30, 40, and 50 days after anthesis and evaluated for infection byFusarium species andAspergillus flavus, and mycotoxin contamination. Mean isolation frequencies ofF. semitectum (35.6%) andF. chlamydosporum (17.2%) increased linearly with delayed harvest.Fusarium moniliforme andF. equisiti were infrequently isolated (<0.5%) and did not increase in the grain when harvest was delayed. Low mean concentrations of zearalenone (0.17 ppm), nivalenol (0.42 ppm), and deoxynivalenol (0.01 ppm) were detected but were not affected by delayed harvest. Isolation frequencies ofF. chlamydosporum andF. equiseti were correlated (P=0.07) with levels of nivalenol.Aspergillus flavus was not isolated from the grain, and aflatoxin concentrations averaged 1.9 ppb.
Shifting the power dynamics in the Creative Writing workshop: assessing an instructor as participant model

This article addresses the ‘instructor as participant’ model of the Creative Writing workshop. Though versions of this model have been addressed in Creative Writing theory, the model itself remains...
Acetabulum Two Column Fractures

Two column fractures of the acetabulum are complex injuries requiring careful assessment evaluation and planning. Good knowledge of surgical approaches is essential for optimum outcomes. These injuries should be manages in specialised centers with dedicated pelvic and acetabulum surgical teams. In this section, variations on a theme will be presented as there is a massive spectrum of injuries that involve two columns of the acertabulum.
Dual Haldane sphere and quantized band geometry in chiral multifold fermions

We show that the chiral multifold fermions present a dual Haldane sphere problem in momentum space. Owing to the Berry monopole at the degenerate point, a dual Landau level emerges in the trace of quantum metric, with which a quantized geometric invariant is defined through a surface integration. We further demonstrate potential manifestations in the measurable, physical observables. With a lower bound derived for the finite spread of Wannier functions, anomalous phase coherence is identified accordingly for the flat band superconductivity. We briefly comment on the stability of these results under perturbations. Potential experimental probes of the quantum metric are also discussed.
Generating Robust Parallel Programs via Model Driven Prediction of Compiler Optimizations for Non-determinism

Execution orders in parallel programs are governed by non-determinism and can vary substantially across different executions even on the same input. Thus, a highly non-deterministic program can exhibit rare execution orders never observed during testing. It is desirable to reduce non-determinism to suppress corner case behavior in production cycle (making the execution robust or bug-free) and increase non-determinism for reproducing bugs in the development cycle. Performance-wise different optimization levels (e.g. from O0 to O3) are enabled during development , however, non-determinism-wise, developers have no way to select right compiler optimization level in order to increase non-determinism for debugging or to decrease it for robustness. The major source of non-determinism is the underlying execution model, primarily determined by the processor architecture and the operating system (OS). Architectural artifacts such as cache misses and TLB misses characterize and shape the non-determinism. In this work, we seek to capture such sources of non-determinism through an architectural model based on hardware performance counters and use the model for predicting the appropriate compiler optimization level for generating a robust parallel program, which has minimal non-determinism in production. As a side effect, the generated model also allows maximizing non-determinism for debugging purposes. We demonstrate our technique on the PARSEC benchmark suite, and among other results show that the generated robust program decreases non-deterministic behavior up to 66.48%, and as a practical measure we also show that a known race condition plus randomly injected ones are rendered benign in the robust parallel program generated by our framework.
Monte Carlo Solution of High Electric Field Hole Transport Processes in Avalanche Amorphous Selenium

Amorphous selenium lacks the structural long-range order present in crystalline solids. However, the stark similarity in the short-range order that exists across its allotropic forms, augmented with a shift to non-activated extended-state transport at high electric fields beyond the onset of impact ionization, allowed us to perform this theoretical study, which describes the high-field extended-state hole transport processes in amorphous selenium by modeling the band-transport lattice theory of its crystalline counterpart trigonal selenium. An in-house bulk Monte Carlo algorithm is employed to solve the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation, providing microscopic insight to carrier trajectories and relaxation dynamics of these non-equilibrium "hot" holes in extended states. The extended-state hole-phonon interaction and the lack of long-range order in the amorphous phase is modeled as individual scattering processes, namely acoustic, polar and non-polar optical phonons, disorder and dipole scattering, and impact ionization gain, which is modeled using a power law Keldysh fit. We have used a non-parabolic approximation to the density functional theory calculated valence band density of states. To validate our transport model, we calculate and compare our time of flight mobility, impact ionization gain, ensemble energy and velocity, and high field hole energy distributions with experimental findings. We reached the conclusion that hot holes drift around in the direction perpendicular to the applied electric field and are subject to frequent acceleration/deceleration caused by the presence of high phonon, disorder, and impurity scattering. This leads to a certain determinism in the otherwise stochastic impact ionization phenomenon, as usually seen in elemental crystalline solids.
Hyperparameter Optimization Is Deceiving Us, and How to Stop It

Recent empirical work shows that inconsistent results, based on choice of hyperparameter optimization (HPO) configuration, are a widespread problem in ML research. When comparing two algorithms J and K, searching one subspace can yield the conclusion that J outperforms K, whereas searching another can entail the opposite. In short, the way we choose hyperparameters can deceive us. We provide a theoretical complement to this prior work, arguing that, to avoid such deception, the process of drawing conclusions from HPO should be made more rigorous. We call this process epistemic hyperparameter optimization (EHPO), and put forth a logical framework to capture its semantics and how it can lead to inconsistent conclusions about performance. Our framework enables us to prove EHPO methods that are guaranteed to be defended against deception. We demonstrate its utility by proving and empirically validating a defended variant of random search.
Gripping a Kitchen Knife on the Cutting Board

Despite more than three decades of grasping research, many tools in our everyday life still pose a serious challenge for a robotic hand to grip. The level of dexterity for such a maneuver is surprisingly "high" that its execution may require a combination of closed loop controls and finger gaits. This paper studies the task of an anthropomorphic hand driven by a robotic arm to pick up and firmly hold a kitchen knife initially resting on the cutting board. In the first phase, the hand grasps the knife’s handle at two antipodal points and then pivots it about the knife’s point in contact with the board to leverage the latter’s support. Desired contact forces exerted by the two holding soft fingers are calculated and used for dynamic control of both the hand and the arm. In the second phase, a sequence of gaits for all the five fingers is performed quasi-statically to reach a power grasp on the knife’s handle, which remains still during the period. Simulation has been performed using models of the Shadow Hand and the UR10 Arm.
Designing chemically selective liquid crystalline materials that respond to oxidizing gases

Computational methods can provide first-principles insights into the thermochemistry and kinetics of reactions at interfaces, but this capability has not been widely leveraged to design soft materials that respond selectively to chemical species. Here we address this opportunity by demonstrating the design of micrometer-thick liquid crystalline films supported on metal-perchlorate surfaces that exhibit selective orientational responses to targeted oxidizing gases. Initial electronic structure calculations predicted Mn2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ to be promising candidate surface binding sites that (1) coordinate with nitrile-containing mesogens to orient liquid crystal (LC) phases and (2) undergo redox-triggered reactions upon exposure to humid O3 leading to a change in the strength of binding of the nitrile group to the surface. These initial predictions were validated by experimental observations of orientational transitions of nitrile-containing LCs upon exposure to air containing parts-per-billion concentrations of O3. Additional first-principles calculations of reaction free energies of metal salts and oxidizing gases predicted that the same set of metal cations, if patterned on surfaces at distinct spatial locations, would provide LC responses that allow Cl2 and O3 to be distinguished while not responding to environmental oxidants such as O2 and NO2. Experimental results are provided to support this prediction, and X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the experimentally observed LC responses can be understood in terms of the relative thermodynamic driving force for formation of MnO2, CoOOH, or NiOOH from the corresponding metal cation binding sites in the presence of humid O3 and Cl2.
A day of reckoning for the white academy: reframing success for African American women in STEM

This paper is in dialogue with Danielle Ferguson and Catherine Martin-Dunlop’s paper, Uncovering stories of resilience among successful African American women in STEM. The purpose of this article is to extend conversations on Black women in STEM, focusing on radical transformations of STEM by centering (and normalizing) their voices and experiences. Understanding the necessity of taking a critical perspective toward unpacking the lived experiences of Black women in STEM, we seek resistance and justice, moving beyond the notion of coping that promotes individual reform. To foster critical perspectives, we offer resistance frameworks that disrupt mainstream positionings of Black women.
Antenna Reflections in Shared-Antenna In-Band Full-Duplex Systems : (Invited Paper)

As opposed to multiple-antenna solutions, in-band full-duplex (IBFD) systems can utilize a shared antenna for signal transmission and reception to reduce the device form factor. These single-antenna designs, however, must additionally consider the self-interference (SI) that is generated by antenna impedance-mismatch reflections. This paper investigates the effect of different antenna loads and transmission line lengths for commercially-available magnetic circulator and omnidirectional antenna components operating between 2 and 6 GHz. The results indicate that both the load impedance and the distance between the antenna and interface device can drastically impact the composite SI frequency-selectivity, which influences the overall IBFD system bandwidth.
The nature of creative development

CONTENTS} I. }Introduction. II. }Creative Interests and Conceptions of Creative Interests. III. }The Development of Creative Interests. IV. }Intrinsic Sources of Interest. V. }Extrinsic and Strategic Factors in the Development of Creative Interests. VI. }Kinds of Creative Interests. VII. }The Distinctiveness and Breadth of Creative Interests. VIII. }Resonances and Connections. IX. }Creative Responses. X. }Exploration of Creative Interests and Creativity Generation Creative XI. }The Role of Conceptions of Creative Interests and Associated Values and Principles in Guidance Management of Creative Development at the Meta-Level. XII. }Creativity in Projects. XIII. }Multiple Interests. XIV. }Patterns of Creative Development: Patterns of Projects Projects and Interests. XV. }Patterns of Creative Development: Evolution of Interests and Sequences of Interests. XVI. }Difficulties in Creative Development. XVII. }Creative Development and Linkages of Cultural Transmission Modeling Cultural Development. Epilogue: Modeling Individuals in Social Systems. Bibliography Index
Being Angry Revealed as Self-Deceptive Protest

This chapter begins with four examples of being angry, and then characterizes an empirical phenomenological research method through which I developed a descriptive structure of being angry. A discussion of some personal and societal implications focuses on several aspects of being angry, namely, its being a self-deceptive, self-righteous protest against being demeaned and blocked in being who one is trying to be. I chose to emphasize these particular features of the overall structure in order to counter our culture’s promotion of anger as being a natural force that we can only contain, dissipate, release, or discharge.
Ouabain-sensitive component of brown fat thermogenesis.

The study discussed was undertaken to quantify the amount of energy utilized by the ouabain-sensitive Na(+)-K(+) membrane pump during the norepinephrine-induced thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue. The data obtained indicate that the observed inhibition of the catecholamine-induced increase in brown fat thermogenesis by ouabain does not reflect an inhibition of cyclic AMP synthesis.
The effects of yohimbine plus L-arginine glutamate on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with sexual arousal disorder.

This study examined the effects of the nitric oxide-precursor L-arginine combined with the α2-blocker yohimbine on subjective and physiological sexual arousal in postmenopausal women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. Twenty-four women participated in three treatment sessions in which self-report and physiological (vaginal photoplethysmograph) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either L-arginine glutamate (6 g) plus yohimbine HCl (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or placebo, using a randomized, double-blind, three-way cross-over design. Sexual responses were measured at approximately 30, 60, and 90 min postdrug administration. The combined oral administration of L-arginine glutamate and yohimbine substantially increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film at 60 min postdrug administration compared with placebo. Subjective reports of sexual arousal were significantly increased with exposure to the erotic stimuli but did not differ significantly between treatment groups.
Resource allocation scheme for orthogonal frequency division multiple access networks based on cooperative game theory

Cooperative game theory can be applied to orthogonal frequency division multiple access OFDMA networks for fair resource allocation. In this work, we consider a comprehensive cross-layer framework including physical and medium access control layer requirements. We apply two cooperative games, nontransferable utility NTU game and transferable utility TU game, to provide fairness in OFDMA networks. In NTU game, fairness is achieved by defining appropriate objective function, whereas in TU game, fairness is provided by forming the appropriate network structure. For NTU game, we analyze the Nash bargaining solution as a solution of NTU game taking into account channel state information and queue state information. In a TU game, we show that coalition among subcarriers to jointly provide rate requirements leads to better performance in terms of power consumption. The subcarrier's payoff is determined according to the amount of payoff which that subcarrier brings to the coalition by its participation. We show that although NTU and TU games are modeled as rate adaptive and margin adaptive problems, respectively, both solutions provide a fair distribution of resources with minimum fairness index of 0.8. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.