cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic gain and gain degradation modulated by excitation pulse width in a semiconducting conjugated polymer

Abstract We have previously reported that substantially higher optical gain values can be achieved in the conjugated polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) through use of transient excitation conditions. In the present paper, we report on a systematic investigation of this behavior to elucidate the physical mechanisms involved, which enables us to distinguish between the fundamental intrinsic gain and an excitation induced degraded gain. Using pump laser pulses having temporal widths longer and shorter than the photoluminescence (PL) decay time of MEH-PPV, both quasi-steady-state (QSS) and transient excitation regimes are explored in our encapsulated waveguide heterostructures [Si(1 0 0)/SiO2/MEH-PPV/poly(methyl methacrylate)]. Under transient excitation (25 ps pump pulses), extremely large optical gain is observed, reaching a value of 700 cm−1 at a maximum pump energy density of 85 µJ/cm2. However, under QSS conditions (8 ns pulses), considerably lower gain coefficients are achieved with a maximum of ∼130 cm−1 at an energy density of 2,000 µJ/cm2; this factor of 5 decrease in optical gain performance is observed at the same excitation density as that for transient excitation using ps pulses. We have also employed unencapsulated waveguide structures [Si(1 0 0)/SiO2/MEH-PPV/air], which allows us to achieve additional insight on gain degradation under QSS conditions. It is clear that the gain measured under transient conditions is more representative of the intrinsic gain whereas that determined in the QSS regime is degraded by defect-mediated dissociation of emissive states due to localized thermal and oxidative damage to the films. It is in the QSS regime in which most optical gain measurements to date have been performed. These results suggest that further optimization of MEH-PPV – and most likely other conjugated polymers – as a robust optical gain medium can be achieved by consideration of the excitation pulse width.
A test for Y-linked additive and epistatic effects on surviving bacterial infections in Drosophila melanogaster

Y and W chromosomes offer a theoretically powerful way for sexual dimorphism to evolve. Consistent with this possibility, Drosophila melanogaster Y-chromosomes can influence gene regulation throughout the genome; particularly immune-related genes. In order for Y-linked regulatory variation (YRV) to contribute to adaptive evolution it must be comprised of additive genetic variance, such that variable Ys induce consistent phenotypic effects within the local gene pool. We assessed the potential for Y-chromosomes to adaptively shape gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial defense by introgressing Ys across multiple genetic haplotypes from the same population. We found no Y-linked additive effects on immune phenotypes, suggesting a restricted role for the Y to facilitate dimorphic evolution. We did find, however, a large magnitude Y by background interaction that induced rank order reversals of Y-effects across the backgrounds (i.e. sign epistasis). Thus, Y-chromosome effects appeared consistent within backgrounds, but highly variable among backgrounds. This large sign epistatic effect could constrain monomorphic selection in both sexes, considering that autosomal alleles under selection must spend half of their time in a male background where relative fitness values are altered. If the pattern described here is consistent for other traits or within other XY (or ZW) systems, then YRV may represent a universal constraint to autosomal trait evolution. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Failures of State Insurance Regulation

This is the text of the ALI Early Career Scholars Medal address delivered at the American Law Institute's 94th annual meeting in Washington D.C., on May 24, 2017. The central argument of the speech is that many of the assumptions on which state insurance regulation is premised are outdated or simply wrong. As a result, much of the current system of insurance regulation in the United States is obsolete, ineffective, and inefficient.
Treatment of Glioma in the 21st Century: An Exciting Decade of Postsurgical Treatment Advances in the Molecular Era

The past decade has brought about major changes in the way we classify and have begun to approach patients with high-grade glioma. As we trend toward personalized medicine, we are now able to utilize the molecular characteristics of each individual's tumor in order to tailor their treatment, particularly if the patient is elderly or has a poor performance status at baseline. We address the state of the practice as of 2016 in regard to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and tumor-treating fields. The goal of this review is to enhance readers' understanding of the nuances that are allowing clinicians to tailor the treatment of high-grade glioma more specifically.
Distinguished Scholars Invited Essay: Becoming a Good Sport and a Better Performer: A Social Information Processing View of Authentic Leadership:

Drawing on social information processing theory, this study investigates the mechanisms by which authentic leadership affects subordinate task performance through subordinate attitudes and behavior...
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are rare, but can be impactful for patients. Some GI processes are directly related to RA, whereas others may be sequelae of treatment or caused by concomitant autoimmune diseases. This article discusses the role of the GI tract in RA pathogenesis; the presentation, epidemiology, and diagnosis of RA-related GI manifestations; concomitant GI autoimmune diseases that may affect those with RA; and GI side effects of RA treatment. The importance of appropriately considering conditions unrelated to RA in the differential diagnosis when evaluating new GI symptoms in patients with RA is noted.
Failing up: How failure in a game environment promotes learning through discourse

Abstract In many video games, failure can be an indicator that you are, in some way, progressing (Juul, 2013). This is often through challenging content which may take multiple attempts to complete. In education failure can also be seen as an underpinning of learning. In this study, we investigate the influence of failure on thinking skills in an educational video game. We analyze gameplay patterns and surrounding discourse of 88 middle school students playing Virulent, an educational game designed to teach virology to investigate the role of level failures in learning. Participants were separated into groups of 3–4 to roleplay as scientists and engaged in discussions on how to stop a virus while playing Virulent. To investigate the role of failure in learning in our camp, gameplay data were analyzed for patterns in player level failures while discourse around level failures was analyzed for the development of sense making. The current work presents analyses showing that a higher number of failures before initial success at levels across the game predict greater learning gains than time on task measures. This finding is then tied to discourse that shows that after encountering failures, players were often led to group discussions on relevant game mechanics with embedded virology content. This suggests that initial failures at educational game levels may help initiate collaborative discourse that promotes understanding of the program learning goals. These findings are discussed through the lens of productive failure (Kapur, 2008) and implications for educational game design are explored.
Surface Interactions Between Viruses and Clay Minerals and Microbes: Mechanisms and Implications

ABSTRACT The mechanisms and sites of adsorption and binding of phages T1 and T7 of Escherichia coli, of reovirus type 3, and of herpesvirus hominis type 1 to montmorillonite (M) and kaolinite (K) were influenced by the characteristics of the clays (primarily by their cation exchange capacity and the ratio of the number of negatively-to positively-charged sites), the types and amounts of cations that were predominant on the exchange complexes and in the ambient solution, the characteristics of the viruses, and the presence of organics and other viruses. The viruses were protected by the clays, especially by M, against abiological inactivation by temperature and chemicals, but viruses bound to the clays were capable of infecting host cells. Adsorption of the coliphages to yeasts and bacteria, including actinomycetes and the host bacteria, was significantly less than to M and K. These observations have implications for the retention, movement, and persistence of viruses in soils, sediments, and particulate-laden waters.
Injuries and Fatalities in All-Terrain Vehicle Crashes

All-terrain vehicles (ATV) are gasoline-powered vehicles with a bicycle-like seat for the rider and handle bars for steering. They have large soft tires designed to provide optimal traction in the irregular terrain encountered in off-road conditions. Although compared to road traffic accidents involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians, ATV crash victims constitute a relatively small group of trauma victims, the forensic expert should be aware of the specific problems which can be encountered in ATV crashes. This chapter gives an overview over the characteristics of ATV and typical injury patterns resulting from ATV crashes.
Reappraisal of the structure for the alkaloid buddamin from buddleya davidii

Abstract The structure of the alkaloid buddamin, isolated from Buddleya davidii cannot be correct, based upon the reported spectral data. An alternate structure is proposed, which also suggests that buddamin is an artifact of the isolation procedure.
Highly Concentrated WC Reinforced Ag Matrix Nanocomposite Manufactured by Molten Salt Assisted Stir Casting

Abstract This work for the first time demonstrates that Silver (Ag) -Tungsten Carbide (WC) nanocomposite can be successfully manufactured using molten salt assisted stir casting. By a nanoparticle self-dispersion mechanism, the nanocomposite is with a homogeneous dispersion of high-volume nanoparticles and free of porosity and contamination. The grain size reduced from a few millimeters to 200 nanometers and the Vickers hardness of the nanocomposite is enhanced over 200%, much higher than previous research on Ag matrix composite. This scalable manufacturing method provides a new pathway for the production of metallic nanocomposites for widespread applications.
Expansion of the Liver Donor Supply Through Greater Use of Split-Liver Transplantation: Identifying Optimal Recipients.

The increased use of split-liver transplantation (SLT) represents a strategy to increase the supply of organs. Although outcomes after SLT and whole liver transplantation (WLT) are similar on average among pediatric recipients, we hypothesized that the relationship between graft type and outcomes may vary depending on patient, donor, and surgical characteristics. We evaluated graft survival among pediatric ( 50 years, recipient weight 8 hours. In an analysis that explored whether these characteristics modified the relationship between graft type and graft loss, many characteristics associated with loss actually had similar outcomes regardless of graft type, including weight <10 kg, acute hepatic necrosis, autoimmune diseases, and tumor. In contrast, several subgroups had worse outcomes when SLT was used, including recipient weight 10-35 kg, non-biliary atresia cholestasis, and metabolic disease. Allocation score, share type, or CIT did not modify risk of graft type and graft failure. Although one might anticipate that individuals with higher rates of graft loss would be worse candidates for SLT, data suggest that these patients actually have similar rates of graft loss. These findings can guide surgical decision making and may support policy changes that promote the increased use of SLT for specific pediatric recipients.
Diagnostic Potential & the Interactive Dynamics of the Colorectal Cancer Virome

Viruses are associated with many human cancers, largely due to their mutagenic and functionally manipulative abilities. Despite this, cancer microbiome studies have almost exclusively focused on bacteria instead of viruses. We began evaluating the cancer virome by focusing on colorectal cancer, a primary cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, and a cancer linked to altered colonic bacterial community compositions while the virome role remains unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene, whole shotgun metagenomic, and purified virus metagenomic sequencing of stool to evaluate the differences in human colorectal cancer virus and bacterial community composition. Through random forest modeling we identified differences in the healthy and colorectal cancer virome. The cancer-associated virome consisted primarily of temperate bacteriophages that were also predicted to be bacteria-virus community network hubs. These results provide foundational evidence that bacteriophage communities are associated with colorectal cancer and likely impact cancer progression by altering the bacterial host communities.
Research on the Mechanism of Affecting the Transmission Capability of HVDC Connected to Weak AC System Considering STATCOM

With the power consumption increasing of the West-to-East project year by year, the power flow of long transmission lines changes greatly and rapidly under different operation mode, leading the system voltage regulation becoming more difficult. China Southern Power Grid faces operation problems of HVDC feeding weak AC systems decided by the actual structural characteristics in the power grid. Static synchronous compensator(STATCOM) is an important method to improve the characteristic of the operation in weak AC systems which has been applied to many electric substations and converter stations. The mechanism of STATCOM affecting the weak system connected to the inverter of HVDC is studied in this paper based on modeling and analytic solution. Firstly, the DC and AC system model including STATCOM are built, and the unique solution of the model is solved. Then the mechanism of affecting the transmission capability of HVDC connected to weak ac system considering STATCOM or not is analyzed in detail. And the quantitative calculation method of DC power transmission limit considering STATCOM is proposed. At last, the accuracy and effectiveness of the mechanism studied in this paper are verified in the simulations of one actual region model built in the PSCAD/EMTDC programme.
Recommendence and Fashionsence: Online Fashion Advisor for Offline Experience

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques has become prevalent with almost all e-commerce sites. Following the trend, today's Fashion recommender systems are no exception, which widely use AI for catering to multiple use-cases. [3][4]. However this is still quite far from replicating the personalized shopping experience in a fashion store. Through this paper and demonstration we try and replicate the offline experience in an online world by using a Natural Language chatbot powered by multiple deep learning models. Athena, the personal shopping adviser in the presented system enables user interaction in natural language via a web-browser based application (extensible to a mobile application). The application is powered by two underlying machine learning components - Recommendence and Fashionsence. The recommendation system Recommendence is an ensemble of deep learning based and graph based collaborative filtering recommenders and is able to provide personalized fashion recommendations to the users. The Fashionsence component is a deep learning based model which can learn a fashion sense from online, trend and stylist data to recommend a trending fashionable set of items from the product inventory. This entire system is integrated via an orchestrating layer.
Genetic susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity

Abstract Introduction Aminoglycosides are a well-known clinically relevant antibiotic family used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals and can produce toxic side effects. Aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss (HL) has been shown to have a genetic susceptibility. Mitochondrial DNA mutations have been implicated in inherited and acquired hearing impairment. Objective Literature review of genetic mutations associated with aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. Methods PubMed was accessed from 1993 to 2017 using the search terms “aminoglycoside, genetic, ototoxicity, hearing loss”. Exclusion criteria consisted of a literature in a language other than English, uncompleted or ongoing studies, literature with non-hearing related diseases, literature on ototoxicity due to cisplatin/carboplatin based chemotherapy, literature on ototoxicity from loop diuretics, animal studies, literature studying oto-protective agents, and literature without documented aminoglycoside exposure. Results 108 articles were originally identified, and 25 articles were included in our review. Mitochondrial 12S rRNA mutations were identified in all 25 studies in a total of 220 patients. Eight studies identified A1555G mutation as primary genetic factor underlying HL in cases of aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity. The next most common mutation identified was C1494T. Discussion Mitochondrial 12s rRNA mutation A1555G was present in American, Chinese, Arab-Israeli, Spanish and Mongolian ethnicities. All mutations leading to aminoglycoside ototoxicity were mitochondrial mutations. Conclusions Consideration of preexisting genetic defects may be valuable in treatments involving aminoglycosides. In particular populations such as those of Chinese origin, clinicians should continue to consider the increased susceptibility to aminoglycosides.
The Case of Styllou Christofi: Criminal Insanity As a Defense In Court [University of Central Oklahoma]

Criminal insanity as a defense continues to be an expulatory plea. The law enforcement and the courts in London have dealt with information reported regarding violent people during 1954. It focuses on the case of Christofi Styllou and her crime committed in 1952, her incarceration from 1952 through her trial, and execution in 1954. The research for this project focuses on court rulings relating to the determination of behaviors, either identified as understanding the difference between having a psychological disorder or defined as criminally insane. In the U.S., the Durham Rule applies, which means that a jury could determine whether the defendant had a mental diagnosis, or whether he or she could be charged guilty by insanity. This precedent does not apply to the UK. Nonetheless, in the U.K., multiple acts of legislation relating to criminal insanity passed between 1800 and 1954. Three vital legislative acts passed before the Christofi hearings, including the Capital Punishment Act of 1868, Criminal Lunacy Act of 1884 section 2 (4), and the Mental Deficiency Act 1913
Impact of 12-Month Smartphone Breathing Meditation Program upon Systolic Blood Pressure among Non-Medicated Stage 1 Hypertensive Adults.

(1) Background: Hypertension (HTN) affects ~50% of adults and is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease. In 2017, the SPRINT trial outcomes led to lowering of HTN cutoffs by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA). The Joint National Committee (JNC8) and National High BP Education Program recommend that lifestyle modifications be used as first-line HTN treatment. Chronic stress is a risk factor for HTN and cardiovascular disease. A recently completed 12 month randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a breathing meditation smart phone app (Tension Tamer, TT) involving JNC8 designated pre-HTN adults provided an opportunity to examine its impact upon individuals now classified as having stage 1 HTN. The TT app captures continuous real-time heart rate (HR) from a user’s fingertip placed over a video camera lens during sessions. Users receive immediate feedback graphs after each session, showing their HR changes. They also receive motivational and social reinforcement SMS text messages the following day based upon levels of adherence. We conducted ancillary analyses of a 2-arm, 12-month, small-scale efficacy RCT among a subgroup of our total sample of participants, who are now classified as having stage 1 non-medicated systolic HTN. Primary outcome was change in resting systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes were change in resting diastolic blood pressure, adherence to the TT protocol, and perceived stress levels. (2) Methods: 30 adults (mean age: 45.0 years; 15 males; 16 White; 14 Black) with ACC/AHA 2017 defined systolic HTN (130–139 mmHg) on 3 consecutive sessions (mean SBP: 132.6 mmHg) were randomly assigned to TT or lifestyle education program delivered via smartphone (SPCTL). Each group received a twice-daily dosage schedule of TT or walking (month 1: 15 min; months 2 and 3: 10 min; months 4–12: 5 min). (3) Results: Mixed modeling results revealed a significant group x time effect for SBP (p<.01). The TT group showed greater SBP reductions at months 3 (−8.0 vs. −1.9), 6 (−10.0 vs. −0.7), and 12: (−11.6 vs. −0.4 mmHg; all p-values <0.04). (4) Conclusion: The TT app was beneficial in reducing SBP levels among adults with stage 1 systolic HTN. The TT app may be a promising, scalable first-line tactic for stage 1 HTN. Preparations are underway for an efficacy RCT involving uncontrolled stage 1 HTN patients.
The Nihilisms of Our Time

The final chapter summarizes how Rorty’s pragmatism helps to show how the malaise of nihilism can be outgrown in modernity. It also discusses the implications and limits of this reading and suggests other avenues for reflecting about our modern spiritual life.
Reversible myelosuppression suspected to be secondary to linezolid in a cat with infected subcutaneous ureteral bypass systems.

Case summaryA 5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for a multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium urinary tract infection within its bilateral subcutaneous ureteral bypass...
Association Between Patient Education Videos and Knowledge of Radiation Treatment.

Purpose Patient knowledge of radiation therapy (RT) before consult is typically limited, with many having misconceptions or fears. There exists a need to improve patient education in RT. Our purpose was to study the impact of patient education videos on patient-reported knowledge of RT, anxiety/fear, and satisfaction. Methods and Materials At our institution, we created 2 RT educational videos: a general RT video and a breast cancer–specific video. Patients presenting for breast RT who agreed to participate (n = 107) were randomly assigned to receive a link to the videos (video group; n = 58) or not (no-video group; n = 49) before consultation. Pre- and postconsult surveys were administered assessing patient-reported measures on a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results Patients in the video group reported significantly higher levels of confidence in their knowledge of radiation side effects, with 45.6.% at least somewhat confident versus 21.3% in the no-video group (P = .009; median on a 5-point Likert-type scale, 2 [interquartile range {IQR}, 2-3] versus 2 [IQR, 1-2], respectively [P = .012]). There was a trend toward higher knowledge of the radiation treatment process in the video group (median, 3 [IQR, 2-3] versus 2 [IQR, 2-3] for no-video group; P = .064). There were no significant differences in preconsult anxiety or fear between the groups, but of those who were assigned videos, 46.8% reported decreased anxiety afterward, and 66.0% felt more comfortable coming to a consult. While those in the no-video group hypothesized that a video would be helpful (median, 3; IQR, 3-4), those in the video group found them to be very helpful in real life (median, 4; IQR, 45; P = .0009). After the consult, all patients in both groups were satisfied. Conclusions Patient education videos increase patient-reported knowledge of RT and are found to be very helpful.
Scalable image reconstruction in optical tomography using deep priors

Two features desired in 3D optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithm are the ability to reduce imaging artifacts and to do fast processing of large data volumes. Traditional iterative algorithms are impractical in this context due to their heavy computational and memory requirements. We propose and experimentally validate a novel scalable iterative mini-batch algorithm (SIMBA) for fast and high-quality optical tomographic imaging. SIMBA enables high-quality imaging by combining two complementary information sources: the physics of the imaging system characterized by its forward model and the imaging prior characterized by a denoising deep neural net. SIMBA easily scales to very large 3D tomographic datasets by processing only a small subset of measurements at each iteration. We validate SIMBA on intensity diffraction tomography (IDT). Our results show that SIMBA can significantly reduce the computational burden of 3D image formation without sacrificing the imaging quality.
Full-Scale AASHTO Type II Girders Prestressed with Stainless Steel Strands

Abstract Stainless steel strands are a new technology and option available for the bridge industry. They have high corrosion resistance, which will result in more durable and low-maintenance concre...
IEEE 802.11 as a passive sensor for crowd density counting in closed areas

Crowd density counting obtained popularity in recent years with COVID-19 and the social separation constraints that have to be enforced in public areas. Many methods and techniques can be utilized for crowd density counting. However, these techniques depend on expensive equipment and massive deployment of different sensors in the targeted area. In this work, a simple crowd density counting framework based on measuring the received signal strength (RSS) of IEEE802.11, known as, WIFI in closed areas is leveraged. An access point (AP) and a Raspberry PI kit has been located in a closed area to harvest the RSS value when people pass through the area. K-NN machine learning algorithm has been trained with different features extracted from the RSS to predict the number of people in the area. Finally, an Android smartphone App has been written to monitor the counted number to enforce the counting constraint in the closed areas. The model has been deployed in the engineering faculty. Our results show that K-NN with RSS features for passively crowd density counting achieved 88% accuracy. However, this accuracy dropped to 75% with people running scenario.
Application of deep learning models in nonlinear detail map prediction in pansharpening

Abstract This paper provides a deep learning-based approximation of the MultiSpectral Band Intensity component by considering the joint multiplication of adjacent spectral channels. This calculation is conducted as part of a component substitution approach for the fusion of PANchromatic and MultiSpectral images in remote sensing. After calculating the band-dependent intensity elements, a deep learning model is trained to learn the nonlinear relationship between the PAN image and its nonlinear intensity elements. Low Resolution MultiSpectral bands are then fed into a trained network to achieve a high resolution MultiSpectral band estimation. Experiments performed on three datasets indicate that the established deep learning estimation methodology offers better performance compared to current approaches based on a number of objective metrics.
Methyl bromide vacuum fumigation of California USA in-shell walnuts packaged in fiberboard cartons

Abstract Postharvest vacuum fumigation with methyl bromide (MB) was approved by Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), Republic of Korea, to control codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), infesting 23-kg bags of in-shell walnuts (Juglans regia). Consistent with the approved parameters, in-shell walnuts with nut meat temperature (T) of 15.4 ± 0.2 °C (grand mean ± 2 SD; x ‾ GM ± 2spooled) were packaged in sealed fiberboard cartons, loaded to 53% (v/v) chamber capacity, and fumigated in triplicate trials involving a single 63-carton pallet, with each lasting 4 h following the application of 56 mg L−1 MB at ca. 13.3 KPa (100 mmHg). MB concentrations were measured at four different locations over the course of each fumigation, respective Ct exposures were calculated, and the relative distribution of fumigant was evaluated. Exposures were maintained ≥ ca. 75 mg L−1 h in all cases, resulting in Ct exposures sufficient to control codling moth. A single 18-pallet confirmatory trial involving sealed fiberboard cartons was then conducted at a commercial facility, gas measurements were taken as above, and a minimum Ct of 117 mg L−1 h was observed. A kinetic model of MB sorption was used to demonstrate congruence across all trials, thereby supporting the reproducibility, scalability, and efficacy of this treatment, regardless if the in-shell walnuts are packaged in 23-kg bags or sealed fiberboard cartons.
Advancing our understanding of cultural heterogeneity with unsupervised machine learning

Abstract National boundaries and country averages are commonly used as delimiters and proxies for culture. By doing so, not enough attention is paid to cultural heterogeneity within and overlays between countries. Deploying a Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) as an unsupervised machine learning technique on 106,382 individual-level survey data from 66 countries, this article identifies distinct worldwide cultural prototypes, isolates dominantly occurring prototypes within countries, and uses them to calculate cultural core values. It also provides new measures for within-country cultural heterogeneity, between-country cultural differences, and cultural isolation. The results not only show the usefulness of machine learning algorithms in inductive international business research, but also have managerial relevance for international marketing and management.
Contribution of linear and nonlinear mechanisms to predictive motion estimation

Successful behavior relies on the ability to use information obtained from past experience to predict what is likely to occur in the future. A salient example of predictive encoding comes from the vertebrate retina, where neural circuits encode information that can be used to estimate the trajectory of a moving object. Predictive computations should be a general property of sensory systems, but the features needed to identify these computations across neural systems are not well understood. Here, we identify several properties of predictive computations in the primate retina that likely generalize across sensory systems. These features include calculating the derivative of incoming signals, sparse signal integration, and delayed response suppression. These findings provide a deeper understanding of how the brain carries out predictive computations and identify features that can be used to recognize these computations throughout the brain.
Behavior bounding: toward effective comparisons of agents & humans

In this paper, we examine methods for comparing human and agent behavior. The results of such a comparison can be used to validate a computer model of human behavior, score a Turning test, or guide an intelligent tutoring system. We introduce behavior bounding, an automated model-based approach for behavior comparison. We identify how this approach can be used with both human and agent behavior. We demonstrate that it requires minimal human effort to use, and that it is efficient when working with complex agents. Finally, we show empirical results indicating that this approach is effective at identifying behavioral problems in certain types of agents and that it has superior performance when compared against two benchmarks.
The population genetics of parthenogenetic strains of Drosophila mercatorum : I. One locus model and statistics.

A one locus model has been developed to describe parthenogenetic populations restoring diploidy by central fusion, terminal fusion and gamete duplication. It was found that in the absence of selection all populations become homozygous. With selection, however, it is possible to maintain heterozygotes and homozygotes. The conditions required to yield such an equilibrium are a function of (1) the proportions of the various diploid restoring mechanisms (2) linkage to the kinetochore and (3) the intensity of selection. The model was then used to derive one-generation likelihood functions. These likelihoods were used in deriving estimation procedures for the frequency of gamete duplication which is important in forming isogenic lines and for the probability of a heterozygous female giving rise to a heterozygous zygoid. Next, n-generation likelihood functions with and without selection were calculated. These were used to estimate the selection coefficient and to derive two tests of the hypothesis of no selection versus the hypothesis of selection. The first test is a locally best test in the vicinity of no selection, and the second an "odds" for the hypotheses using a prior distribution on the selection coefficient.
Multistatic, synthetic aperture tracking of bottom objects by AUV networks

In a joint effort between the NATO Undersea Research Center (NURC) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) the SWAMSI'11 experiment demonstrated the viability of multi-static sonar tracking techniques for seabed and sub-seabed targets. Although multistatic tracking requires some complexity to implement, it offers several advantages over mono-static tracking. By detecting the backscattered energy at the monostatic and several bi-static angles simultaneously, the probabilities of both target detection and target classification are improved. This is especially useful for detecting targets with minimal backscatter profiles. Furthermore, this arrangement allows us to arbitrarily vary the bistatic angle, which is useful for detecting targets with differing amounts of reflected energy at various bistatic angles. We discuss the preliminary results of analyzing the data collected during this experiment.
Can management be taught?: If so, what should management education curricula include and how should the process be approached?

The topic whether management skills are communicable has been the topic of scholars' debates and broad examination through literature in the last decades. However, there is less literature focusing on solutions for successful management education. This paper, not only takes up a position that management can be taught and learned, but also examines how the learning process is approached. The paper discusses characteristics of successful management educators and determine their impacts on management development. The paper determines the qualities and skills that modern managers must develop, especially in this time of globalization and rapid change in the business world. It suggests educating managers in “soft skills” such as interpersonal and intrapersonal skills and not merely concentrating on the “hard skills”, such as analytical skills. Additionally in this work, the need for managers with international exposure and cross‐cultural experience is emphasized. Finally, a proposal for management education curricula is tabled and address the issue of limits of management education is addresed.
Mix induced by single shock passage through a material interface

The interaction of a single shock with a wavy interface results in the development of a Richtmyer-Meshkov instability. While in the case of a smoothly accelerated system, the growth of the perturbation has been shown to reach an asymptotic value, in the case of an impulsive acceleration, the growth rate has been postulated to depend on the variance of the initial perturbation. A systematic study of the sensitivity of mix to initial conditions using the LAM code does not support this assumption. Simulations performed in a 2D geometry also provide information on the Mach number dependence of mix and initial energy coupling between shock and instability.
Chapter 7 Intracellular Chemical Activity of Potassium in Toad Urinary Bladder

Publisher Summary Intracellular recording with K + -selective microelectrodes helps to clarify the relationship between potassium accumulation and transepithelial transport of sodium. This chapter describes the quantitative significance of the possible impalement-induced loss of intracellular potassium. The intracellular chemical activity of potassium within the urinary epithelium of toad and frog bladder has been reported to be surprisingly low. The intracellular contents of potassium and chloride are thought to exchange far more slowly across the apical than across the basolateral plasma membrane; therefore, changes in the potassium and chloride concentrations of the mucosal media bathing voltage-clamped tissue are not likely to affect the corresponding intracellular activities seriously. Previous measurements of changes in intracellular potassium activity, associated with inhibition of active sodium transport, have suggested that cellular potassium accumulation and the net sodium transport across toad urinary bladder proceed by two different transfer mechanisms. Although the measurements performed were of potassium activity and short circuit current, a number of considerations indicate that the results reflect a true dissociation of transepithelial sodium transport and cellular potassium accumulation.
Anti-hyperlipidemic actions of synthetic nordihydroguaiaretic acid analogs (767.1)

Previous studies have shown that creosote bush-derived NDGA exerts beneficial actions on the key components of the Metabolic Syndrome including dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance (IR) in several relevant rodent models. Here we screened several synthetic analogs of NDGA with selective modification of the aromatic groups of NDGA and tested their efficacy against hepatic lipid metabolism in a high-fructose fed (HFrD) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Oral gavaging of HFrD-fed SD rats for 4 days with NDGA analogs 1 and 2 (100 mg/kg, q.d.) suppressed the hepatic TG content, whereas treatment of rats with NDGA analogs 2, 3 and 4, like NDGA, decreased the plasma TG levels by 70-75%. QRT-PCR measurements demonstrated that among the NDGA analogs 1, 2 and 4, analog 4 was most effective in inhibiting the mRNA levels of genes and transcription factors involved in lipogenesis, while all three analogs almost equally inhibited the genes involved in TG synthesis. Unlike...
Capturing the Commons: Devising Institutions to Manage the Maine Lobster Industry

Capturing the Commons: Devising Institutions to Manage the Maine Lobster Industry. James M. Acheson. Lebanon, NH: University Press of New England, 2003. 264 pp.
Boil, Boil, Toil and Trouble: a critical look at the controversy over Roald Dahl's The Witches

Recognized by the American Library Association and The New York Times as one of the best children’s books of 1983, and winning the Whitbread Award and the Federation of Children’s Books Group Award in the UK, The Witches has invoked controversy among readers and reviewers since its publication. It is also one of the most frequently challenged books in the US and UK. With its use of crude humor, violence, fantastical witches, and fast-paced plot, The Witches quickly captivated and still captivates a child audience. Unfortunately, this magnitude of child-popularity attracted the attention of adults who, for the same reasons, rebuked the content of the book. In this paradigm of child versus adult sentiment, Dahl’s creation engages and encourages a young generation to read, while also promoting child dissention and negative stereotypes through his anti-authority mantra and his disillusioned portrayal of female witches.
Hydrophobicity as a driver of MHC class I antigen processing

The forces that drive conversion of nascent protein to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted peptides remain unknown. We explored the fundamental property of overt hydrophobicity as such a driver. Relocation of a membrane glycoprotein to the cytosol via signal sequence ablation resulted in rapid processing of nascent protein not because of the misfolded luminal domain but because of the unembedded transmembrane (TM) domain, which serves as a dose-dependent degradation motif. Dislocation of the TM domain during the natural process of endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) similarly accelerated peptide production, but in the context of markedly prolonged processing that included nonnascent species. These insights into intracellular proteolytic pathways and their selective contributions to MHC class I-restricted peptide supply, may point to new approaches in rational vaccine design.
Shiga toxin 2-induced intestinal pathology in infant rabbits is A-subunit dependent and responsive to the tyrosine kinase and potential ZAK inhibitor imatinib

Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a major cause of food-borne illness worldwide. However, a consensus regarding the role Shiga toxins play in the onset of diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis is lacking. One of the obstacles to understanding the role of Shiga toxins to STEC-mediated intestinal pathology is a deficit in small animal models that perfectly mimic human disease. Infant rabbits have been previously used to study STEC and/or Shiga toxin-mediated intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. We demonstrate using infant rabbits that Shiga toxin-mediated intestinal damage requires A-subunit activity, and like the human colon, that of the infant rabbit expresses the Shiga toxin receptor Gb3. We also demonstrate that Shiga toxin treatment of the infant rabbit results in apoptosis and activation of p38 within colonic tissues. Finally we demonstrate that the infant rabbit model may be used to test candidate therapeutics against Shiga toxin-mediated intestinal damage. While the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and the ZAK inhibitor DHP-2 were ineffective at preventing Shiga toxin-mediated damage to the colon, pretreatment of infant rabbits with the drug imatinib resulted in a decrease of Shiga toxin-mediated heterophil infiltration of the colon. Therefore we propose that this model may be useful in elucidating mechanisms by which Shiga toxins could contribute to intestinal damage in the human.
Coping with Family Conflict and Economic Strain: The Adolescent Perspective

This study tested two models of family economic problems and adolescent psychological adjustment. Using adolescents’ survey data and information regarding school lunch program enrollment, the associations among family SES, perceived economic strain, family conflict, and coping responses were examined in a sample of 364 adolescents from rural New England. Two theoretical models were tested using structural equation modeling — one tested coping as a mediator of the stress – psychopathology relation and the other tested coping as a moderator. Results revealed that family economic hardship was related to aggression and anxiety/depression primarily through two proximal stressors: perceived economic strain and conflict among family members. Family conflict partially mediated the relation between economic strain and adolescent adjustment, and coping further mediated the relation between family conflict and adjustment. These analyses identified two types of coping that were associated with fewer anxiety/depression and aggression problems in the face of these stressors — primary and secondary control coping. Although primary and secondary control coping were associated with fewer adjustment problems, youth who were experiencing higher amounts of stress tended to use less of these potentially helpful coping strategies and used more of the potentially detrimental disengagement coping. The models did not differ according to the age or gender of the adolescents, nor whether they lived with two parents or fewer. No support was found for coping as a moderator of stress. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research involving coping with economic stressors are reviewed.
Ferritin and increased vs upper reference interval tibc saturation to identify increased iron stores in African Americans

Abstract Background Increased serum ferritin (SF) in combination with increased total iron binding capacity saturation (TS) in the upper reference internal was evaluated to identify African Americans with increased iron stores. Methods Among 16,856 primary care-based African Americans screened at Howard University Field Center of the Hereditary Hemochromatosis and Iron Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study, 142 with SF > 500 µg/l women or > 700 µg/l men and increased TS (> 45% women or > 50% men; main study) and 146 with similar ferritin increases and upper reference interval TS (30–45% women or 35–50% men; ancillary study) were offered clinical evaluation to confirm increased SF and identify the cause. Results Repeat SF remained increased in 83% of 92 participants with increased TS initially (main study) vs 58% of 64 with upper reference interval TS initially (ancillary study) (P = 0.0002). These persistent SF increases were associated with blood transfusions (treatment for sickle cell disease) in 20% of 76 main study and 11% of 37 ancillary study participants (P = 0.4). Ninety percent of participants with persistent non-transfusional increased SF in the main study and 85% in the ancillary study had alanine-aminotransferase, aspartate-aminotransferase, C-reactive protein and/or hemoglobin values outside of the reference interval. Increased iron stores were documented by phlebotomy or liver biopsy in 4 of 7 main study and 2 of 2 ancillary study participants with persistent non-transfusional increase in SF. Conclusion Increased iron stores occur in African Americans with increased SF in combination with either increased or upper reference interval TS. Limiting clinical evaluation to only those individuals with both increased SF and increased TS will miss individuals with increased iron stores.
Anderson localization in a two-dimensional random gap model

Abstract We study the properties of the spinor wavefunction in a strongly disordered environment on a two-dimensional lattice. By employing a transfer-matrix calculation we find that there is a transition from delocalized to localized states at a critical value of the disorder strength. We prove that there exists an Anderson localized phase with exponentially decaying correlations for sufficiently strong scattering. Our results indicate that suppressed backscattering is not sufficient to prevent Anderson localization of surface states in topological insulators.
Multimedia data delivery using network delay modeling

Most multimedia systems are by nature distributed. Stored digital media applications such as video-on-demand involve many separate clients and servers; communication applications such as videoconferencing involve users in distinct geographic locations. The retrieval of multimedia data for these applications across computer networks must be done in a timely fashion to accommodate end-to-end delay constraints, buffer space limitations, and inter-media synchronization. In this paper, we present a mechanism called thelimited a priori (LAP) scheduler which manages the retrieval of distributed multimedia data using network delay modeling. The LAP scheduler determines network load changes and estimates packet delay using a dynamic filtering algorithm. We show the bounds of accuracy for this technique and describe its suitability with respect to digital media traffic across a general-purpose network.