cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the adaptive local tomographic reconstruction using the MLS-ART and the convolution back-projection (CBP) technique

In this paper, an indirect adaptive image reconstruction technique using the conventional convolution backprojection (CBP) algorithm for local tomography was first described. Then a comparison between the direct adaptive multi-level scheme algebraic reconstruction technique (AMLS-ART) previously proposed by the author and the indirect adaptive CBP (ACBP) technique proposed in this study was made. The ACBP may be made in the following four steps: (1) Do image reconstruction using the initially acquired full projections; (2) Re-project the reconstructed image to the angles where the truncated projections were acquired; (3) Merge the re-projected projections with the truncated projections in the truncated regions and (4) Reconstruct the image using both the full and the merged projections. We found that the ACBP technique did provide much improved image quality and less truncation artifacts comparing to either using the truncated projections or full projections alone. However, comparing to AMLS-ART, the ACBP technique not only need longer reconstruction time because of the reprojection and merging operations, but the image quality was also less satisfactory, especially when the total number of projections is limited. The ACBP technique can hardly be used for dynamic adaptive local tomography.
Illegible Black death, legible White pain: denied media, mourning, and mobilization in an era of "post-racial" gun violence

Gun violence is a daily reality; mass shootings, from suburban enclaves to inner city parks, are commonplace. Yet, all violence, all death, all lives, and all gun shootings are not treated equal. This essay examines the ways that anti-Black racism and White privilege (White supremacy) infect discussions of gun violence. In examining a series of incidents, and the broader media/political discourse, this article concludes that race and space overdetermine who is afforded the rights of safety and security, and where violence is normalized, expected, and therefore nothing to worry about. Race, space, and class affect the legality and illegibility of gun violence. Language: en
Synchronisation, Commitment und Recovery in Offenen Systemen

Unter Offenen Systemen versteht man Rechnersysteme, die aufgrund der gegenseitigen Befolgung einer Menge von Normen in der Lage sind, untereinander Informationen auszutauschen. Die Normen fur Offene Systeme basieren auf einem Architekturmodell, das unter dem Namen Referenzmodell fur ‘Open Systems Interconnection’ (Abk. OSI) bekannt ist. Dieses Modell soll den fur eine planvolle Entwicklung von Standards notwendigen Rahmen liefern.
Quantitative study of fluctuation effects by fast lattice Monte Carlo simulations. VI. Phase behavior of incompressible symmetric binary homopolymer blends

Abstract We reported the first Monte Carlo study of incompressible symmetric binary homopolymer blends. Using fast lattice Monte Carlo simulations (Q. Wang, Soft Matter 5 (2009) 4564–4567) in a semi-grand-canonical ensemble with the cooperative motion algorithm generalized in our previous work (P. Zhang, Q. Wang, J. Phys. Chem. B 118 (2014) 12059–12067) and the finite-size scaling theory, we studied the critical properties of incompressible symmetric blends on the hexagonal lattice. We also used the replica-exchange scheme to greatly improve our sampling, and the multiple histogram reweighting technique to accurately locate the critical point. Instead of the self- and mutual-avoiding walk chain model and the nearest-neighbor interaction used in conventional lattice simulations, here we adopt the model system with multiple occupancy of lattice sites and the Kronecker δ -function interaction, which is the lattice counterpart of the standard model of incompressible bin00ary homopolymer blends used in continuum polymer field theories. This enables direct comparisons between our simulation results and mean-field (Flory-Huggins) predictions without any parameter-fitting (e.g., to determine the Flory-Huggins χ -parameter). The effects of system fluctuations/correlations on the critical point and phase diagram of incompressible symmetric blends are therefore quantitatively and unambiguously revealed in this work.
Mercury removal in the gold-cyanide process

In the gold-cyanide process (GCP), the cyanide anions act to solubilize the gold and silver present in the ore. However, mercury is also solubilized in the process. The resulting mercury and cyanide-rich effluent is a serious health and environmental problem. Until now, there has been no known mercury treatment available that could be used effectively in the pH ∼10 solutions. Recently, however, the author developed a new chelate ligand that can be used to precipitate Hg from NaCN solutions at this pH level. On an actual sample taken from an active gold mine, the chelate selectively reduced the mercury level from 34.5 to 0. 008 ppm within 15 minutes. Importantly, the gold and silver levels remained unchanged throughout this process. Thus, the environmental impact of Hg released by the GCP can be drastically reduced. Moreover, with a mercury treatment technology now available, it may be possible to change, or reinvent, the entire GCP process.
Geometric Programming for Design Equation Development and Cost/Profit Optimization (with illustrative case study problems and solutions), Third Edition

Geometric Programming is used for cost minimization, profit maximization, obtaining cost ratios, and the development of generalized design equations for the primal variables. The early pioneers of geometric programming—Zener, Duffin, Peterson, Beightler, Wilde, and Phillips—played important roles in its development. Five new case studies have been added to the third edition. There are five major sections: (1) Introduction, History and Theoretical Fundamentals; (2) Cost Minimization Applications with Zero Degrees of Difficulty; (3) Profit Maximization Applications with Zero Degrees of Difficulty; (4) Applications with Positive Degrees of Difficulty; and (5) Summary, Future Directions, and Geometric Programming Theses & Dissertations Titles. The various solution techniques presented are the constrained derivative approach, condensation of terms approach, dimensional analysis approach, and transformed dual approach. A primary goal of this work is to have readers develop more case studies and new solution techniques to further the application of geometric programming.
Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis: can one algorithm fit all?

Early detection of cystic fibrosis (CF) allows for better nutrition in affected children and this has been demonstrated to be associated with better health outcomes [1,2]. Because of the chance for...
A Comparison of Size Structure, Age, and Growth of Red Snapper from Artificial and Natural Habitats in the Western Gulf of Mexico

AbstractRed Snapper Lutjanus campechanus support economically important fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and have been classified as overfished since the first stock assessment was conducted in 1988. Although the stock is now showing signs of recovery, management could benefit from a better understanding of regional or even habitat-level differences in stock demographics, as these dynamics ultimately determine overall stock productivity. From 2012 to 2014, we used a fishery-independent vertical line survey to assess Red Snapper relative abundance, size and age structure, and growth parameters at standing oil and gas platforms, decommissioned platform artificial reefs, and natural banks in the western GOM. We captured 1,170 Red Snapper ranging from 275 to 855 mm TL. Vertical line CPUE data showed no differences among the three habitat types. Ages determined for 1,143 individuals ranged from 2 to 30 years; however, most (90%) were younger than age 8. Size and age frequencies revealed that natural banks...
Android malware detection using permission analysis

Android applications are widely used by millions of users to perform many different activities. However, many applications have been reported to be malware performing activities not matching with their expected behaviors (e.g., sending SMS message to premium numbers). The existing relevant approaches that identify these applications (malware detection technique) suffer from performance issues where the occurrence of false negatives (FN) remain high. These approaches are not scalable and provides little flexibility to query based on a set of suspicious permission to identify a set of highly relevant known anomalous applications to examine further. This paper proposes a new approach to reduce the number of apps that must be sandboxed in order to determine if they are malicious. We first examine the source of applications to identify list of permissions and find a set of highly close and relevant applications from a given set. The identified most relevant application category's permission is then checked to find if there is significant overlapping or not to identify an application as suspected anomalous. We apply Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) to identify malware application. Our initial evaluation results suggest that the proposed approach can identify malware applications accurately.
Endocannabinoids increase matrix metalloproteinase-9 in human bronchial epithelial cells via cannabinoid receptor signaling and p42/p44 MAP kinase

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 1141 Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells often elevate endocannabinoid production. To assess the role of endocannabinoids on lung epithelium and the pathogenesis of NSCLC, we utilize an in vitro model. In a non-transformed human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) line, cannabinoids concomitantly induce matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its enzymatic product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In lung cancer models, PGE2 has been linked to enhanced secretion of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes, which promote tumor invasion and metastasis by degrading the extracellular matrix. Additionally, in others systems, signaling through p42/p44 MAPK can elevate MMP9 secretion. Here we report the relative contribution of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, PGE2, and p42/p44 MAPK in MMP9 induction by cannabinoids in HBECs. Methods: HBEC cells were cultured in serum free media and treated with one of three cannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG, or methanadamide) for 24 h. Culture supernatants were collected for PGE2 and MMP9 determination. Anandamide treated cell lysates were collected for western and RT-PCR analysis. Zymograms were performed with the culture media for MMP9 activity assay. To determine the role of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in MMP9 induction, HBEC cells were incubated with the CB1 antagonist, SR141716, or the CB2 antagonist, SR144528, for 1 hr before addition of anandamide. The COX2 inhibitor, SC52836, was employed to evaluate the role of increased COX2/PGE2 in anandamide-mediated MMP9 production. Results: All tested cannabinoids, anandamide, 2-AG, and methanandamide, increased PGE2 production to varying degrees, however only anandamide and methanadamide enhanced MMP9 secretion. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of COX2 had no effect on MMP9 secretion in HBECs exposed to anandamide. Real time PCR indicates that anandamide up-regulates the CB2 receptor in HBECs, and CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists prevent MMP9 induction by anandamide. Anandamide treatment triggers activation of Erk phosphorylation in HBEC cells. In addition, the p42/44 inhibitor, PD98059, abrogates anandamide-mediated induction of MMP9. Conclusions: While, certain endocannabinoids concomitantly increase PGE2 and MMP9 production, and PGE2 has been linked to MMP9 expression in other models, our results demonstrate that PGE2 is not responsible for increased in MMP9 secretion in HBECs exposed to anandamide. Instead, anandamide elevates MMP9 through cannabinoid receptors, via p42/p44 MAPK. Our results indicate that MMP9 and COX-2 may be independently regulated in lung epithelial cells. This information may be useful for designing novel strategies for combined therapy or prevention of NSCLC.
Identification, transmission and genomic characterization of a new member of the family Caulimoviridae causing a flower distortion disease of Rudbeckia hirta.

Abstract A disease of Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan), characterized by severe flower deformation, was observed in Minnesota during 2010–2016. A previously undescribed virus species, named Rudbeckia flower distortion virus (RuFDV, family Caulimoviridae, genus unassigned), was determined to be the causal agent of the disease. Symptoms induced by RuFDV infection resemble those characteristic of phytoplasma-induced diseases, but no phytoplasmas were detected in RuFDV-infected R. hirta. The virus, and the disease were transmitted readily by mechanical inoculation and by the aphid Myzus persicae, but only to R. hirta. Virions of RuFDV are icosahedral, 42–45 nm in diameter, and contain a circular 8222 bp dsDNA genome containing seven open reading frames (ORFs). The ORFs 2–6 have 28–52% amino acid sequence identity to the movement protein (MP), coat protein (CP), aspartic protease (AP), reverse transcriptase (RT) and RNase H, and translational transactivator (TA) domains of known caulimoviruses. The two remaining ORFs (1 and 7) have no significant amino acid sequence similarity to known viruses. Although the RuFDV ORF 6 is significantly truncated relative to those of other known caulimoviruses, neither this nor the concomitant absence of characteristic virus-encoded cytoplasmic inclusion bodies appears to adversely affect aphid transmission of this virus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the sequence of the RT region revealed no close relationship to known members of the family Caulimoviridae. Based on sequence similarity, genome organization and phylogenetic relatedness, RuFDV appears to be distinct from any currently recognized taxonomic grouping in the family Caulimoviridae.
3-ent (resilient, intelligent, and efficient) medium access control for full-duplex, jamming-aware, directional airborne networks

Abstract A novel medium access control (MAC) scheme is designed for the airborne networks with the following features: (1) Long-distance links , where the radio propagation delay cannot be ignored; (2) Use of nodes equipped with multi-beam antennas that can communicate on their multiple beams concurrently; (3) Full-duplex communication so that nodes can simultaneously send and receive data on its beams. Our MAC design has 3- ent properties (i.e., it is efficient, resilient , and intelligent ). It achieves throughput- efficient communication through the integration of full duplex traffic control and multi-beam data forwarding. It is resilient to jamming attacks through the encoding of traffic in each beam. And, it uses the intelligent traffic prediction so that each beam can better prepare for communication based on the prediction of traffic and neighbor movement.
Spoken Word Recognition: Historical Roots, Current Theoretical Issues, and Some New Directions

The most distinctive hallmark of human spoken word recognition (SWR) is its perceptual robustness to the presence of acoustic variability in the transmission and reception of the talker’s linguistic message. Normal-hearing listeners adapt rapidly with little apparent effort to many different sources of variability in the speech signal and their immediate listening environment. Sensory processing and early encoding of speech into lexical representations are critical for robust SWR. However, audibility and sensory processing are not sufficient to account for the robust nature of SWR, especially under degraded listening conditions. In this chapter, we describe the historical roots of the field, present a selective review of the principle theoretical issues, and then consider several contemporary models of SWR. We conclude by identifying promising new directions and future challenges, including the perception of foreign accented speech, SWR by deaf children with cochlear implants, bilinguals, and older adults.
Democracy and police violence

Are police agencies less likely to use torture in democracies than in non-democracies? Much empirical research has shown that democracies are less likely to engage in torture in general, but most o...
Yes-associated protein (YAP) in pancreatic cancer: at the epicenter of a targetable signaling network associated with patient survival

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is generally a fatal disease with no efficacious treatment modalities. Elucidation of signaling mechanisms that will lead to the identification of novel targets for therapy and chemoprevention is urgently needed. Here, we review the role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain-containing Transcriptional co-Activator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in the development of PDAC. These oncogenic proteins are at the center of a signaling network that involves multiple upstream signals and downstream YAP-regulated genes. We also discuss the clinical significance of the YAP signaling network in PDAC using a recently published interactive open-access database (www.proteinatlas.org/pathology) that allows genome-wide exploration of the impact of individual proteins on survival outcomes. Multiple YAP/TEAD-regulated genes, including AJUBA, ANLN, AREG, ARHGAP29, AURKA, BUB1, CCND1, CDK6, CXCL5, EDN2, DKK1, FOSL1,FOXM1, HBEGF, IGFBP2, JAG1, NOTCH2, RHAMM, RRM2, SERP1, and ZWILCH, are associated with unfavorable survival of PDAC patients. Similarly, components of AP-1 that synergize with YAP (FOSL1), growth factors (TGFα, EPEG, and HBEGF), a specific integrin (ITGA2), heptahelical receptors (P2Y2R, GPR87) and an inhibitor of the Hippo pathway (MUC1), all of which stimulate YAP activity, are associated with unfavorable survival of PDAC patients. By contrast, YAP inhibitory pathways (STRAD/LKB-1/AMPK, PKA/LATS, and TSC/mTORC1) indicate a favorable prognosis. These associations emphasize that the YAP signaling network correlates with poor survival of pancreatic cancer patients. We conclude that the YAP pathway is a major determinant of clinical aggressiveness in PDAC patients and a target for therapeutic and preventive strategies in this disease.
2008 Alexander S. Nadas Lecture—Repaired, Not Cured

A large number of patients with congenital cardiac disease have a repaired but not cured malformation. Although some mild cardiac defects may heal spontaneously, others persist or progress with advancing age. Among those with a major or complex defect repaired by interventional and/or surgical procedures, few are cured. Whereas major cardiac defects often occur as an isolated anomaly, many patients have serious extracardiac congenital defects, systemic syndromes, genetic abnormalities, or other handicaps. In caring for the patient, the pediatric cardiologist, in addition to directing cardiac therapy, is often called upon to coordinate the diverse care, plan, and guide for the patient’s future. It is a chronic disorder often recognized in the fetus, proceeding through infancy, childhood, and into adulthood, thus requiring long-term care. The medical and surgical therapy is usually provided by subspecialist colleagues within the field. However, delivery of appropriate, comprehensive, and optimal care requires a “quarterback” cardiologist concerned with diverse, frequently inevitable issues, such as prematurity, nutrition, growth, or genetic screening. Important concomitant problems may be related to associated extracardiac anomalies, exercise capacity, school, health or life insurance, employment, pregnancy, and family life. A primary care physician might be uncomfortable advising on many of these issues and the responsibility falls to the cardiologist. Anticipated medical advances may further impact the care and require yet greater coordination of services and close empathetic attention. These changes may include further cardiologist subspecialization, primary care provided by nurse clinicians, fetal cardiac intervention, increase in regionalization of specialty care, or more complex laboratory procedures—all not infrequently replacing the careful medical history and physical examination.
Cognitive Readiness for Complex Team Performance

Researchers have recently begun to articulate factors associated with cognitive readiness. For the most part, these efforts have focused on individual performance. However, it is apparent that many modern tasks require workers to perform as part of a team. This may impose additional cognitive readiness demands. This chapter extends the work on cognitive readiness to the area of team performance. The authors describe a set of candidate skills that may indicate cognitive readiness for teamwork.
Current Connections between Brains and Machines

It will eventually be technically feasible for human minds to migrate into artificial brains. You may think “Thank you very much, but I’ll stay in my nice, natural human body.” However, the personal decision of an individual human mind on whether to venture out of its human brain and into an artificial brain is not the main issue here. The real question is whether society should allow such migrations.
Brain-Robot Interface Application in Achievement Motivation for Obesity Avoidance

The paper reports on application of Brain-Robot Interface to an obesity avoidance effort. The method addresses motivation for achievement. This is a new application of Brain-Robot Interface, and the result is encouraging.
Innovation leadership: Best-practice recommendations for promoting employee creativity, voice, and knowledge sharing

Abstract Innovation—the implementation of creative ideas—is one of the most important factors of competitive advantage in 21st century organizations. Yet, leaders do not always encourage employee behaviors that are critical for innovation. We integrate existing literature on the critical factors that serve as antecedents of innovation, including employee voice and knowledge sharing, which in turn lead to creativity and innovation. Based on existing empirical research, we offer evidence-based recommendations for managers to become innovation leaders by: (1) developing the right group norms, (2) designing teams strategically, (3) managing interactions with those outside the team, (4) showing support as a leader, (5) displaying organizational support, and (6) using performance management effectively.
Abstract 95: Exceeding Personalized Blood Pressure Targets After Endovascular Stroke Therapy is Associated With Hemorrhagic Transformation and Worse Functional Outcome

Background: Effective blood pressure (BP) management after endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) is critical for maintaining optimal cerebral perfusion and to protect the brain from hyperperfusion. A s...
Recent increases in depressive symptoms among US adolescents: trends from 1991 to 2018

Mental health problems and mental health related mortality have increased among adolescents, particularly girls. These trends have implications for etiology and prevention and suggest new and emerging risk factors in need of attention. The present study estimated age, period, and cohort effects in depressive symptoms among US nationally representative samples of school attending adolescents from 1991 to 2018. Data are drawn from 1991 to 2018 Monitoring the Future yearly cross-sectional surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students (N = 1,260,159). Depressive symptoms measured with four questions that had consistent wording and data collection procedures across all 28 years. Age–period–cohort effects estimated using the hierarchical age–period–cohort models. Among girls, depressive symptoms decreased from 1991 to 2011, then reversed course, peaking in 2018; these increases reflected primarily period effects, which compared to the mean of all periods showed a gradual increase starting in 2012 and peaked in 2018 (estimate = 1.15, p < 0.01). Cohort effects were minimal, indicating that increases are observed across all age groups. Among boys, trends were similar although the extent of the increase is less marked compared to girls; there was a declining cohort effect among recently born cohorts, suggesting that increases in depressive symptoms among boys are slower for younger boys compared to older boys in recent years. Trends were generally similar by race/ethnicity and parental education, with a positive cohort effect for Hispanic girls born 1999–2004. Depressive symptoms are increasing among teens, especially among girls, consistent with increases in depression and suicide. Population variation in psychiatric disorder symptoms highlight the importance of current environmental determinants of psychiatric disorder risk, and provide evidence of emerging risk factors that may be shaping a new and concerning trend in adolescent mental health.
Formulation and development of lipid nanoparticle antifungal packaging films to control postharvest disease

Abstract Postharvest loss is a major problem in the produce industry. It is important to find alternative solutions to minimize waste. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical, physical, and antifungal properties of packaging films loaded with active essential oil compounds (EOC) in the form of liquid lipid nanodroplets and solid lipid nanoparticles. Food-grade emulsions with sub-micron droplets were used to encapsulate cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and thymol using liquid (refined coconut oil) and solid (hydrogenated palm oil) carrier oils and incorporated into pullulan packaging systems. Emulsion-doped active films were characterized for their tensile strength, moisture content, color, and antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria spp., and Aspergillus niger. The tensile strength values of active films were similar (P > 0.05) to control films without emulsions. Overall active packaging films presented good elasticity and ductility. The control formulations showed no antifungal activity. All active films exhibited significant (P
The Sum of its Parts: How Supreme Court Justices Disparately Shape Attention to Their Opinions

Objective While studies frequently examine the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court as an institution, little is known about how individual justices influence attention to their opinions. We investigate whether inherent differences in the majority opinions of individual justices result in certain justices being systematically more influential than their peers. Methods We advance a theory in which Supreme Court adoption of prior opinions is influenced by factors that relate to the identity of the authoring justice. To test these propositions, we explore the universe of the Supreme Court's signed majority opinions from 1986 to 2000. Results We find that intricate tendencies in opinion writing vary systematically by justice in key dimensions relating to their opinions. We also discover that differences among the justices exert an asymmetric impact on citation and adherence to precedent. Conclusion The findings offer important theoretical and normative implications toward a better understanding of the impact of Supreme Court justices on attentiveness to precedent and doctrinal development.
Understanding Disability Biases in Undergraduate Rehabilitation Students: An Exploratory Study:

Shaping and cultivating positive attitudes toward people with disabilities is an important task for all programs that prepare future rehabilitation practitioners. So too, is identifying potentially...
La inﬂuencia del humanismo integral de Jacques Maritain en Caritas in veritate

espanolLa mas reciente actualizacion de la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, la enciclica Caritas in veritate, pretende retomar y actualizar las ensenanzas de Pablo VI desde el concepto de desarrollo humano integral. Para una correcta comprension de la genesis del texto, se hace imprescindible aludir a la ﬁgura del ﬁlosofo frances Jacques Maritain (1882–1973), cuyo Humanismo integral inﬂuyo de modo decisivo en el papado de Pablo VI. Nuestro proposito en este articulo es doble: por una parte, nos planteamos mostrar la intensa inﬂuencia de Maritain en la evolucion conceptual de la DSI desde Pablo VI, con especial atencion a Caritas in veritate. Por otra, y a la luz interpretativa del humanismo integral de Maritain, trataremos de desentranar algunas de las claves de comprension de la enciclica, especialmente en lo relativo a una de sus mas genuinas propuestas: el don y la gratuidad como pedagogia de la fraternidad. EnglishOne of the most recent actua-lizations of Catholic Social Thought is the Encyclical letter Caritas in veritate, which aims to re–take and actualize the teachings from Pope Paul VI, focusing them through the concept of integral human development. To understand the origins of this text, it’s needed to mention the French philosopher Jacques Maritain (1882–1973), whose Integral humanism made a very intensive influence on Paul VI. In this paper, we aim a double purpose: first, to show Maritain’s influence in the concept of integral human development’sevolution and, second, to contribute to a better understanding of Caritas in veritate, specially through one of it’s key issues: gift and gratuity as fraternity pedagogy. francaisLa derniere mise a jour de la doc-trine sociale de l’eglise, l’encyclique Caritas in veritate, a la pretention de revenir sur et de mettre au jour les enseignements de Paul VI sur le concept de developpement humain integral. Pour une correcte comprehension de la genese du texte, il est essentiel de se referer a la figure du philosophe Francais Jacques Maritain (1882–1973), dont son «humanisme integral» a influence de facon significative la papaute de Paul VI. Notre objectif dans cet article est double: d’une part, nous essayons de montrer la forte influence de Maritain dans l’evolution conceptuelle de la DSI de Paul VI, avec une attention particuliere a Caritas in veritate; d’autre part, l’interpre-tation a la lumiere de l’humanisme integral de Maritain doit nous servir pour eclaircir certaines des cles de comprehension de l’en-cyclique, en particulier en ce qui concerne l’une de ses propositions plus originales: le don et la gratuite comme moyens pour la pedagogie de la fraternite
“The Honeymoon of German Philosophy”: Nietzsche and German Idealism

The German-born philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was both strongly influenced by and, eventually, deeply skeptical of the tradition of German Idealism. Despite his initially positive reception of Kantian idealism, Nietzsche determined in his mature writings that Kant’s idealism, like Plato’s before it, was implicated in the perpetuation of a dangerous, decadent “myth” or “fable,” on the strength of which the world of becoming has been deemed inhospitable to the task of sustaining a meaningful human existence.
Vision and Deep Learning-Based Algorithms to Detect and Quantify Cracks on Concrete Surfaces from UAV Videos

Immediate assessment of structural integrity of important civil infrastructures, like bridges, hospitals, or dams, is of utmost importance after natural disasters. Currently, inspection is performed manually by engineers who look for local damages and their extent on significant locations of the structure to understand its implication on its global stability. However, the whole process is time-consuming and prone to human errors. Due to their size and extent, some regions of civil structures are hard to gain access for manual inspection. In such situations, a vision-based system of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) programmed with Artificial Intelligence algorithms may be an effective alternative to carry out a health assessment of civil infrastructures in a timely manner. This paper proposes a framework of achieving the above-mentioned goal using computer vision and deep learning algorithms for detection of cracks on the concrete surface from its image by carrying out image segmentation of pixels, i.e., classification of pixels in an image of the concrete surface and whether it belongs to cracks or not. The image segmentation or dense pixel level classification is carried out using a deep neural network architecture named U-Net. Further, morphological operations on the segmented images result in dense measurements of crack geometry, like length, width, area, and crack orientation for individual cracks present in the image. The efficacy and robustness of the proposed method as a viable real-life application was validated by carrying out a laboratory experiment of a four-point bending test on an 8-foot-long concrete beam of which the video is recorded using a camera mounted on a UAV-based, as well as a still ground-based, video camera. Detection, quantification, and localization of damage on a civil infrastructure using the proposed framework can directly be used in the prognosis of the structure's ability to withstand service loads.
Least squares identification of linear sway-yaw manoeuvring coefficients and drag-area parameters of ships:

The purpose of this paper is to present a simple least squares technique for identifying a ship’s linear sway-yaw manoeuvring coefficients and drag-area parameters in current and wind, using measur...
Entropy, Statistical Thermodynamics and Stochastic Processes

The undeniable appeal of statistical mechanics has led to numerous attempts to extend its tools to processes and problems outside the realm of molecules and physical particles. However, no formal theory exists to guide us on the application of statistical mechanics outside physics and chemistry. In this talk I will show that the basic elements of statistical mechanics are universal to generic stochastic processes. The theory views a stochastic process as a network of chemical reactions. We begin with a finite sample of the the event space at time zero and construct all possible future paths based on the transformations that are possible under the rules of the stochastic process. We define the ensemble of states that can be reached in a fixed number of steps from the initial state (feasible space), define its probability and formulate its master equation. We show that when the size of the initial sample increases indefinitely (asymptotic limit), the feasible space becomes continuous but its probability distribution converges to discrete points that represent thermodynamic phases. If only one phase is present the ensemble is represented by its most probable distribution. We work out the calculus of the most probable distribution in the asymptotic limit, identify the functional whose maximization produces that distribution and express the most probable distribution in terms of a partition function and its derivatives. We analyze four problems under this theory: (a) random walk, (b) binary clustering (c) binary fragmentation and (d) equilibrium exchange, and give examples of phase splitting in these systems.
Hybridization between native and invasive Nymphoides species in the United States

The presence of hybrid genotypes resulting from the mating of native and invasive species poses numerous problems to invasive species managers, including initial difficulty in hybrid detection, unpredictable ecological impacts to recipient ecosystems, and variability in response to management actions. We conducted a molecular study of internal transcribed spacer sequences to determine whether hybridization has occurred between the North American macrophyte Nymphoides aquatica and the invasive N. cristata where their distributions overlap in the southeastern United States (US). A hybrid N. aquatica × N. cristata population was detected within Lake Moultrie, in South Carolina. Given the broad geographic overlap in the distributions of N. aquatica and N. cristata in the southeastern US, and previously documented hybridization between the natives N. aquatica and N. cordata, additional monitoring for hybrid populations throughout the introduced range is strongly suggested. At a minimum, hybrid monitoring should take place in the nine counties of three states where both species are documented. Here, we discuss next steps to better characterize genetic diversity within hybrid Nymphoides populations and the potential management implications.
Hot deformation behavior of an industrially cast large grained low density austenitic steel

Abstract Hot compression testing was performed on specimens of an Fe–30Mn–9Al–1Si-0.9C-0.5Mo wt.% low density steel which were extracted from an industrial casting with large grain size (320 ± 50 μm). Grain boundaries act as nucleation sites for dynamic recrystallization in the present material and the large grain size results in fewer nucleation sites, which delays dynamic recrystallization to larger strains and/or higher temperatures and causes higher rates of work hardening relative to similar materials but with smaller grain sizes. A relatively high activation energy for hot deformation of 470 ± 90 kJ mol−1 was determined from a Zener-Hollomon analysis of the flow stresses at different temperatures and strain rates, attributed in part to the large grain size.
The Rapids Simulator: A Testbed for Evaluating Scheduling, Allocation and Fault-Recovery Algorithms in Distributed Real-Time Systems

Embedded parallel and distributed computing systems for real-time applications are becoming commonplace. Many such real-time applications are life-critical and require extensive fault-tolerance capabilities in order to ensure very high reliability. At the same time, cost, power, weight, and volume constraints require that any introduced redundancy must be efficiently used. Thus, failure-recovery strategies must be implemented to allow the system to most efficiently manage its resources in the presence of one or more failures, while attempting to continue the execution of the current tasks so as to not miss any deadlines. We have developed such a resource-management algorithm, which selects the optimal failure recovery procedure to be employed when a processor failure is detected. Further, in order to test this and other possible recovery algorithms, we have developed the RAPIDS simulator testbed. This paper describes the testbed, and shows how it provides a framework in which to simulate distributed real-time systems. In addition we describe how RAPIDS allows the user to validate fault recovery algorithms.
Reattachment of surface array proteins to Campylobacter fetus cells

Campylobacter fetus strains may be of serotype A or B, a property associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure. Wild-type C. fetus strains contain surface array proteins (S-layer proteins) that may be extracted in water and that are critical for virulence. To explore the relationship of S-layer proteins to other surface components, we reattached S-layer proteins onto S- template cells generated by spontaneous mutation or by serial extractions of S+ cells with water. Reattachment occurred in the presence of divalent (Ba2+, Ca2+, Co2+, and Mg2+) but not monovalent (H+, NH4+, Na+, K+) or trivalent (Fe3+) cations. The 98-, 125-, 127-, and 149-kDa S-layer proteins isolated from strains containing type A LPS (type A S-layer protein) all reattached to S- template cells containing type A LPS (type A cells) but not to type B cells. The 98-kDa type B S-layer protein reattached to SAP- type B cells but not to type A cells. Recombinant 98-kDa type A S-layer protein and its truncated amino-terminal 65- and 50-kDa segments expressed in Escherichia coli retained the full and specific determinants for attachment. S-layer protein and purified homologous but not heterologous LPS in the presence of calcium produced insoluble complexes. By quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the S-layer protein copy number per C. fetus cell was determined to be approximately 10(5). In conclusion, C. fetus cells are encapsulated by a large number of S-layer protein molecules which may be specifically attached through the N-terminal half of the molecule to LPS in the presence of divalent cations. Images
The effect of climate change on ozone depletion through changes in stratospheric water vapour

Several studies have predicted substantial increases in Arctic ozone depletion due to the stratospheric cooling induced by increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. But climate change may additionally influence Arctic ozone depletion through changes in the water vapor cycle. Here we investigate this possibility by combining predictions of tropical tropopause temperatures from a general circulation model with results from a one-dimensional radiative convective model, recent progress in understanding the stratospheric water vapor budget, modelling of heterogeneous reaction rates and the results of a general circulation model on the radiative effect of increased water vapor. Whereas most of the stratosphere will cool as greenhouse-gas concentrations increase, the tropical tropopause may become warmer, resulting in an increase of the mean saturation mixing ratio of water vapor and hence an increased transport of water vapor from the troposphere to the stratosphere. Stratospheric water vapor concentration in the polar regions determines both the critical temperature below which heterogeneous reactions on cold aerosols become important (the mechanism driving enhanced ozone depletion) and the temperature of the Arctic vortex itself. Our results indicate that ozone loss in the later winter and spring Arctic vortex depends critically on water vapor variations which are forced by sea surface temperature changes in the tropics. This potentially important effect has not been taken into account in previous scenarios of Arctic ozone loss under climate change conditions.
Interfacial tension studies on mercury in reacting systems

A new method has been described for controlling the rate of formation of drops in the drop-weight method for the determination of surface tension and interfacial tension with mercury as one of the phases. Interfacial tension of mercury has been measured in systems containing (a) hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide in carbon, tetrachloride solution, (b) sulphur in carbon tetrachloride solution, (c) potassium mercuric iodide in aqueous solution, and (d) potassium mercuric cyanide in aqueous solution. Certain interesting features of the results obtained, are discussed.
Applications of fractal modeling to cell image analysis

A method of estimating fractal dimension using mathematical morphology is derived and is applied to cell image analysis. The authors' goal was to assess the possibility of using fractal-based pattern recognition to do segmentation and classification. Preliminary results indicate that, by utilizing the fractal dimension property, the cells can be automatically classified as labeled or unlabeled cells. >
Employers' readiness for the mother-friendly workplace: An elicitation study

Currently over half of mothers of infants under 1-year-old are in the workforce in the United States. These women face challenges to continue breastfeeding when they return to work 3 to 6 months post-partum. This study explored the perspectives of employers on mother-friendly environments to assess their readiness to provide breastfeeding accommodation using the elicitation under the theory of planned behaviour. Researchers conducted phone/in-person interviews with a convenient sample of 20 human resource managers from companies that had 500 or more employees in the New York metropolitan area in 2009. Content analyses identified the common concepts that represent underlying beliefs of the constructs of the theory. The demography of the participants is 40% male and 80% White, with mean ages of 34.3±8.5 years. 'Happy employees' and 'high retention rate and improved loyalty' were the most frequently mentioned (95%) benefits to the company (behavioural beliefs). Supporters of a mother-friendly environment (normative beliefs) in the workplace included 'mothers and expectant mothers (70%)', and 'managers supervising women and new mothers (55%)'. Most frequently mentioned company drawbacks (control beliefs) were 'not cost effective (65%)' and 'time consuming (65%)', followed by 'perception of special favours for some (50%)'. Workplace breastfeeding promotion efforts can be successful by reinforcing positive beliefs and addressing the challenges associated with implementation of breastfeeding accommodation through education and other incentives such as recognition of model companies and tax breaks. The identified beliefs provide a basis for the development of a quantitative instrument to study workplace breastfeeding support further.
P-2e-ratios approaching 4 in isolated chloroplasts.

Abstract P/2e- ratios over 3 have been observed in isolated spinach chloroplasts with the use of low concentrations of ferricyanide and benzoquinone as the terminal electron acceptors.
Scotched on the ROCs.

In the last four years an active debate has been conducted in this journal about single-parameter ROC curves and methods for correcting curves that have been subjected to verification bias. The major discussants in this debate have produced these three commentaries on a study recently published in MDM. As a researcher I conclude that Diamond's single-parameter ROC, while conceptually attractive and easy to use, is not free from the verification bias that can be found in many diagnostic assessment studies. As Editor I judge that enough space has been devoted to this problem for the time being. Let the scientific community sort through the material already presented on this topic. May it lead to clinical studies wherein single- parameter ROCs can be profitably applied.—JRB
Beyond resistance and nationalism: local history and the case of Afaq Khoja

Kashgar's seventeenth-century ruler-saint, Afaq Khoja, is remarkable for the amount of historical writing he has inspired, both outside and within Chinese Turkestan. His reputation among Uyghur historians is one of the few aspects of local Uyghur historical knowledge production that has attracted the attention of foreign scholars. In this essay the author uses the now-familiar example of Afaq Khoja's reputation to show that much of what is distinctive about local Uyghur approaches to history has been so little understood as to be missed even in this often-discussed case. This article describes how the local historical appropriation of Afaq's reputation, particularly the recording of narratives about Afaq in writing, began as a typical product of the Naqshbandi maqāmāt tradition, was reshaped into Kashgarian local history in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and then reshaped again as an ethno-national history beginning in the 1930s, culminating in the publication of the popular historical nove...
Methamphetamine-induced increase in striatal NF-κB DNA-binding activity is attenuated in superoxide dismutase transgenic mice

Methamphetamine injection (x4 with 2-h interval) caused dose-dependent activation of striatal NF-kappaB activity. Striatal NF-kappaB binding increased significantly at 1-3 h after the last injection of methamphetamine (10 mg/kg, i.p. x4). This induction of striatal NF-kappaB activity was significantly attenuated in Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase transgenic mice in a gene dosage-dependent fashion. The present results suggest that reactive oxygen species generated by methamphetamine injections can activate striatal NF-kappaB DNA-binding during this drug-induced toxic process.