cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magnetism of the (TMTSF)2X Family of Organic Conductors

Abstract The magnetic properties of the (TMTSF)2X series of conductors have been studied using magnetic susceptibility, electron spin resonance and both CW and pulsed NMR measurements. The results imply the existence of a spin-density-wave ground state, at ambient pressure, in at least the PF6 −, AsF6 − and SbF6 − salts. The amplitude of the SDW, the exchange interaction, the anisotropy energy and the single particle gap are extracted from the experimental data.
A Cooperative Distributed Approach to Multi-Agent Eulerian Network Control: Application to Air Traffic Management ∗

Based on an Eulerian network model, air traffic flow in the National Airspace System is optimized using second order adjoint methods for hyperbolic PDEs. Multiple airlines with independent cost structures are added to previous work on air traffic flow modeling and optimization. A cooperative, distributed solution methodology is proposed that allows airlines to keep cost information private by distributing the computational workload between the airlines while ensuring efficient outcomes. The Nash Bargaining Solution is presented as a possible solution concept, and a distributed method for its calculation is presented. I. Introduction Management of today’s National Airspace System (NAS) has become an extremely complicated task. Pilots and controllers must continuously manage numerous complex subsystems and adapt to frequent changes in traffic flow, spacing and routing caused by variable weather conditions and other network delays. Specifically, the national Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC) is responsible for continuously updating decisions concerning traffic flow to maximize network throughput. The current methodology is based on a sophisticated set of rules described in playbooks that have been developed through years of controller experience. This procedure is neither automated nor optimal, and requires constant human intervention to allow the system to operate. Airlines are an integral element of the NAS and are developing more and more advanced methods of aircraft management, as supervised by Airline Operations Centers (AOCs). Their stake in aircraft flow decisions is quite high, as their profitability is directly tied to on-time performance, and significant costs are incurred by flight delays, cancellations and rerouting. Furthermore, their preferences change dynamically, based on highly variable parameters such as aircraft load factor and percentage of connecting passengers per flight. Unfortunately, airlines are currently only able to affect decisions over a small part of the network flow problem, by swapping slots with their own aircraft and deciding which flights to delay when required. For smooth flow of their aircraft over the NAS network, the airlines must rely on the savvy and equity of the ATCSCC controllers who attempt to minimize schedule disruption while not necessarily minimizing incurred costs. This need not be the case. Consider a futuristic scenario for the NAS, where airlines cooperate with each other in a distributed manner, supervised by the FAA, to dynamically reroute and reschedule flights based on restrictions imposed by weather conditions and network delays in such a manner that their individual profits are maximized, while all safety requirements are met and the airspace is used efficiently. In sucha scenario, real-time collaboration amongst the airlines will drive the efficient use of resources by incorporating airline specific preferences between routes into the flow optimization and ultimately, the passenger will be better served.
Low-Voltage CMOS Temperature Sensor Design Using Schottky Diode-Based References

This paper presents the design of a fully differential sigma-delta temperature sensor using Schottky diode-based current references as a replacement for the traditional PN junction diode-based current references. This sensor was designed using the AMI 0.5um process through the MOSIS fabrication organization, and the chip performance will be evaluated and compared to the simulated results. The use of the Schottky diode and differential current sensing in the sigma-delta-type sensor allows for lower voltage operation and better noise performance.
Four species of noctuid moths degrade sex pheromone by a common antennal metabolic pathway.

Z-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z-9-14:OAc) is a component in the female sex pheromones of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner), fall armyworm, Spodopte...
Building disaster-resilient families, communities, and businesses

The United States is experiencing an increase in the severity of critical incidents. Extension agents play a significant role in enabling families, communities, and businesses to sustain themselves through these catastrophic events. A substantial body of scientific knowledge is available to guide Extension efforts in enhancing local sustainability. The literature indicates that our nation must adopt a strategy of continuous, sustainable hazards mitigation.
Field Assessment of Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Demography on Corn

Biotype E green bugs from populations maintained either on Corn, Zea mays L., or grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench., were studied to determine their ability to use Corn as a host in the field. Two Corn germplasm accessions (‘Antigua’ and OH-45), two commercial Corn hybrids (AGRIPRO-AP670and ASGROW/OS GOLD-2570), one susceptible grain sorghum (NC+630x), and two resistant sorghums (PI264453 and PI266965) were used. Daily mortality and fecundity schedules were measured, and demographic statistics were calculated. In general, longevity was greater for Corn-reared than for sorghum-reared greenbugs. All life history measures indicated that green bugs did as well on ‘Antigua’ Corn as on sorghum. However, of 64 greenbugs tested on OH-45 and ASGROW/OS GOLD-2570, only 1 and 6, respectively, survived to adulthood. Development time was significantly longer on OH-45, AGRIPRO-AP670, and ASGROW/OS GOLD-2570 for the first, second, and third instars, but not the fourth. This supports early greenhouse studies suggesting that green bugs can physiologically adapt to a new host. These results indicate that greenbugs can develop and reproduce to some extent on commercial Corn hybrids in the field, but not as well as suggested by greenhouse studies.
Investigating the impact of peer feedback in foreign language writing

ABSTRACTThe present quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the impact of trained and untrained peer feedback on students’ written comment types and writing quality. Significant differences were found in terms of comment types provided: trained students provided a significantly higher number of comments focused on organization and content (global aspects) than untrained students, who provided a significantly higher number of comments based on grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation (local aspects) than trained students. However, the results of the study showed no differences in terms of increased writing quality between the trained and untrained groups, with both groups showing significantly higher writing quality in the final draft as compared to the first draft.
Miniaturized Technologies for Enhancement of Motor Plasticity.

The idea that the damaged brain can functionally reorganize itself ⎯ so when one part fails, there lies the possibility for another to substitute ⎯ is an exciting discovery of the twentieth century. We now know that motor circuits once presumed to be hardwired are not, and motor-skill learning, exercise, and even mental rehearsal of motor tasks can turn genes on or off to shape brain architecture, function and, consequently, behavior. This is a very significant alteration from our previously static view of the brain, and has profound implications for the rescue of function after a motor injury. Presentation of the right cues, applied in relevant spatiotemporal geometries, is required to awaken the dormant plastic forces essential for repair. The focus of this review is to highlight some of the recent progress in neural interfaces designed to harness motor plasticity, and the role of miniaturization in development of strategies that engage diverse elements of the neuronal machinery to synergistically facilitate recovery of function after motor damage.
Papillary intraperitoneal neoplasia resembling ovarian carcinoma after removal of benign ovaries

Ovarian cancer continues to be a major cause of death in women since there are no reliable screening methods and because symptoms usually do not appear until the disease has progressed to Stage III or IV, when the chances of cure are very poor. Prophylactic oophorectomy is being considered by some physicians for any woman undergoing hysterectomy after age 40-45. Even with the removal of benign ovaries, intraperitoneal carcinomatosis histologically resembling ovarian cancer can occur. This article describes a case of primary papillary intraperitoneal neoplasia resembling serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary which presented two years after removal of benign ovaries.
Relationships Between Lightning and Convective Turbulence

Total lightning has been shown to correlate well with thunderstorm dynamics. Thus, correlations may exist between in-cloud convective turbulence and total lightning activity. Over the continental United States, the NEXRAD Turbulence Detection Algorithm (NTDA) provides three-dimensional (3D) fields of in-cloud Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR), which is a quantitative measure of turbulence. Comprehensive total lightning measurements are available in some regions of the United States such as in Northern Colorado and New Mexico. Herein, investigations of the temporal and spatial relationships of 3D total lightning and NTDA EDR measurements for non-severe single cell thunderstorms in New Mexico and severe storms in Colorado are described. Results suggest that the occurrence of moderate or greater turbulence at upper levels of storms is related to storm total lightning flash rate, though exact relationships depend on the storm type. Areas of moderate and greater turbulence are also observed to coincide with the footprint of horizontal lightning flash extents. Time series show that lighter turbulence begins to occur prior to lightning initiation in the storms and also extends past the storm’s lightning activity. Furthermore, trends of storm total moderate or greater turbulence are correlated to storm total lightning flash rate and extent. These observations are consistent with other recent studies by the authors and others that suggest that total lightning may be useful in diagnosing areas of potentially hazardous atmospheric turbulence. With the expected advent of geostationary satellite based lightning mapping in the next few years, possible relationships between lightning and turbulence characteristics might provide useful information to aviation users, particularly in oceanic or remote areas where ground-based Doppler weather radar observations are unavailable.
Use of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Eyes of Children

OCT has found its niche within virtually all ophthalmic subspecialties, be it glaucoma, retina/vitreous, or anterior segment. OCT’s role in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric eye disease continues to evolve. Monumental gains have been made in our understanding of various physiologic principles and pathological processes as a result of this relatively new technology. While not intended to be an exhaustive catalogue of the opportunities afforded by OCT, this chapter should provide the well-rounded pediatric ophthalmologist with the appropriate framework to better appreciate this new technology and its role in pediatric eye disease.
Recreational Demand of Visits to the Gulf Coast Region

Economist commonly use recreational demand models to estimate benefits visitors receive from consumption of a specific site. These models also capture impacts of recreational activities consumed and help to determine the value consumers place on the factors that influence their choice to visit a site. Households spend leisure time pursuing a variety of recreational activities. Policy makers need accurate estimates of the benefits and costs of actions that affect the quality and quantity of available recreation activities. The travel cost method (TCM) is a commonly used estimation method. The model estimates that the number of trips to a site are assumed to be related to travel cost incurred getting to the site, time traveling to and from the site along with time spent at the site, as well as other demographic and/or locational variables (Parsons, 2003). Survey sampling is the most common method used to gather information on visitors to a specific area and what types of amenities these visitors are consuming. The data collected from the surveys is used to estimate recreational trip demand for sites.
Sex-Specific Neurodevelopmental Programming by Placental Insulin Receptors on Stress Reactivity and Sensorimotor Gating

Abstract Background Diabetes, obesity, and overweight are prevalent pregnancy complications that predispose offspring to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Although male individuals are three to four times more likely than female individuals to develop these disorders, the mechanisms driving the sex specificity of disease vulnerability remain unclear. Because defective placental insulin receptor (InsR) signaling is a hallmark of pregnancy metabolic dysfunction, we hypothesized that it may be an important contributor and novel mechanistic link to sex-specific neurodevelopmental changes underlying disease risk. Methods We used Cre/loxP transgenic mice to conditionally target InsRs in fetally derived placental trophoblasts. Adult offspring were evaluated for effects of placental trophoblast-specific InsR deficiency on stress sensitivity, cognitive function, sensorimotor gating, and prefrontal cortical transcriptional reprogramming. To evaluate molecular mechanisms driving sex-specific outcomes, we assessed genome-wide expression profiles in the placenta and fetal brain. Results Male, but not female, mice with placental trophoblast-specific InsR deficiency showed a significantly increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress response and impaired sensorimotor gating, phenotypic effects that were associated with dysregulated nucleotide metabolic processes in the male prefrontal cortex. Within the placenta, InsR deficiency elicited changes in gene expression, predominantly in male mice, reflecting potential shifts in vasculature, amino acid transport, serotonin homeostasis, and mitochondrial function. These placental disruptions were associated with altered gene expression profiles in the male fetal brain and suggested delayed cortical development. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate the novel role of placental InsRs in sex-specific neurodevelopment and reveal a potential mechanism for neurodevelopmental disorder risk in pregnancies complicated by maternal metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity.
Hedonic Housing Theory — A Machine Learning Investigation

The hedonic pricing theory suggests that house is a differ-entiated commodity, whose value depends on its hetero-geneous characteristics. Application of the theory has been well implemented using OLS Regression. Our study investigates this econometric concept using machine learning algorithms. An improved pricing will benefit buyers, sellers, investors, banks and real estate professionals. Normality test for the experiment was done using Chi-Square Quantile-Quantile plot and Henze-Zirkler's Multivariate Normality Test. Statistical relationship was based on correlation matrix, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett tests. Support Vector Regression (SVR), K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) and Principal Component Re-gression (PCR) were used as learning algorithms. Per-formance comparison of the learning algorithms was done using spearman's rho correlation coefficient. The performance of the model showed that PCR has a slight edge over SVR and K-NN. Also, the study validated the suitability and substitutability of PCR, SVR and K-NN in the implementation of the hedonic pricing theory.
A Multidisciplinary Care Management Program for Patients with Sickle Cell Syndromes Significantly Reduces Health Care Resource Utilization.

The Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Grady Memorial Hospital was established in 1985 to provide primary care and 24 hour acute care to patients with sickle cell syndromes with the goals of providing better patient care. The Center is equipped with an acute care center with 12 observation beds, a clinic area with 6 exam rooms, a waiting room, a multimedia teaching center for patients, and support offices. The initial experience showed very high outpatient and inpatient utilization by a small number of patients. In 1990, to address this problem, a comprehensive care program was instituted. The multidisciplinary care management program involving physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinic assistants, social workers, psychologists, secretarial support and a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist addresses patients’ medical, social, psychological and vocational needs. Outcome analysis of the impact of this program is based on demographics, disease-specific characteristics, outpatient visit frequency, and admission data contained in a clinical database. This analysis shows that the program significantly reduced acute care visits and hospital admissions. In the five year period from 1985–1989, prior to the multidisciplinary program, there were 1152 acute care visits per 100 patients/year and 137 admissions per 100 patients/year. In the five year period following institution of the multidisciplinary management program, acute care visits were reduced to 355 acute care visits per 100 patients/year and 61 hospital admissions per 100 patients/year. These results were durable for the next decade (Table 1). Major factors in this reduction were departure of 24 patients with greater than 52 visits a year and a similar reduction in acute visits and hospitalizations in 166 patients that continued as active patients. A care facility dedicated to acute and ongoing management of patients with sickle cell syndromes is necessary, but not sufficient to improve their health outcomes. A multidisciplinary care program that addresses the medical, social and psychological needs of these patients is required to reduce health care utilization. In conclusion, this data demonstrates a dramatic decrease in hospital health resource utilization with the establishment of a multidisciplinary care management approach in a disease-specific comprehensive center. This model is effective for sickle cell syndromes; a chronic disease characterized by acute exacerbations, and could be considered in other similar diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and chest pain.
Aesthetics of the Nasal Dorsum: Proportions, Light, and Shadow

Due to its central location, the nose plays a prominent role in facial aesthetics. As tastes have shifted and techniques have advanced, the accepted "ideal" appearance and proportions of the nose have evolved over time. By assessing the aesthetics of the nasal dorsum through the use of lines and angles, one can more precisely elucidate a goal for the patient's postoperative nasal shape, which should, in turn, guide the surgeon to execute specific operative maneuvers needed to achieve that contour. In assessing the aesthetics of the nasal dorsum, practitioners calculate and observe aspects such as the paired dorsal aesthetic lines, the nasofrontal angle, and the nasofacial angle. There is also additional consideration given to nasal tip position as this must fit harmoniously with the shape of the dorsum. In contrast to the established aesthetic lines and angles, using nasal geometric polygons for the aesthetic evaluation and development of operative goals in rhinoplasty has recently been described in the literature. Constructed ideals, in the form of proportions, lines, and angles, should be used with caution, as there are many factors to consider in the aesthetic analysis of the nasal dorsum, including ethnic differences, and subjective and changing views of beauty.
X-ray Emission Spectroscopy of Biomimetic Mn Coordination Complexes.

Understanding the function of Mn ions in biological and chemical redox catalysis requires precise knowledge of their electronic structure. X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is an emerging technique with a growing application to biological and biomimetic systems. Here, we report an improved, cost-effective spectrometer used to analyze two biomimetic coordination compounds, [MnIV(OH)2(Me2EBC)]2+ and [MnIV(O)(OH)(Me2EBC)]+, the second of which contains a key MnIV═O structural fragment. Despite having the same formal oxidation state (MnIV) and tetradentate ligands, XES spectra from these two compounds demonstrate different electronic structures. Experimental measurements and DFT calculations yield different localized spin densities for the two complexes resulting from MnIV–OH conversion to MnIV═O. The relevance of the observed spectroscopic changes is discussed for applications in analyzing complex biological systems such as photosystem II. A model of the S3 intermediate state of photosystem II containing a M...
Mass Configuration with Confirmation in Tactical Networks

In this paper we present the design and evaluation of efficient and reliable confirmation-based mass configuration protocols (cMCONF) for wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs). Confirmation based MCONF - proposed as MCONF-Mode B in our earlier work - enables mass configuration changes in a MANET while obtaining feedback information from nodes using a classic flooding approach. In this paper, we propose and evaluate three versions of cMCONF that collect feedback information from the network (confirmation of successful configuration change) more efficiently than classic flooding: (a) multi-parent Destination Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DODAG) based cMCONF (m-DODAG-cMCONF), (b) single-parent DODAG based cMCONF (s-DODAG-cMCONF) and (c) Unicast based cMCONF. The proposed protocols improve the efficiency and reliability performance of the confirmation process of MCONF-Mode B operation. We evaluate the performance of the proposed protocols in terms of reliability and message redundancy by emulating MANETs on Common Open Research Emulator (CORE). From these emulations, we observe that m-DODAG-cMCONF provides an excellent tradeoff between reliability and message complexity across different network sizes and mobility scenarios.
Vascular and dopaminergic contributors to mild parkinsonian signs in older adults

Objective Mild parkinsonian signs (MPS) are an underappreciated neurologic condition in older adults; we assessed associations of MPS with measures of dopaminergic (catechol-O-methyltransferase [COMT] genotype, an indicator of synaptic dopamine levels) and vascular (white matter hyperintensities [WMH], an indicator of cerebral small vessel disease) factors. Methods In a cohort of older adults (mean age 82.6 years [SD 2.6]; 58.0% female; 38.8% black), we assessed cross-sectional associations of WMH volume and COMT Val158Met (rs4680) genotype (n = 35 Met/Met, n = 180 Val carriers) with MPS by regression models adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. Interactions between WMH and COMT were assessed and analyses were repeated stratified by COMT genotype (Met/Met related to higher synaptic dopamine vs Val carriers related to lower synaptic dopamine). Results MPS was present in 42.3% of our sample. WMH (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.27) but not COMT (Met/Met compared to Val carrier: OR 0.62, CI 0.27–1.42) was related to MPS. There was a significant interaction between WMH and COMT ( p = 0.03). Stratified analyses reveled a strong association between WMH and MPS among COMT Val carriers (OR 1.23, CI 1.09–1.38), but not for Met/Met (OR 0.68, CI 0.45–1.02), independent of covariates. Conclusions WMH had a direct relation with MPS. In contrast, COMT was not associated with MPS, but it did modify the effect of WMH on MPS. The dopaminergic system may provide compensation for the effects of WMH on MPS. These findings suggest that MPS has a vascular rather than dopaminergic origin in older adults, but both factors are important in MPS manifestation.
Direct observation of nucleic acid binding dynamics by the telomerase essential N-terminal domain

Telomerase is a specialized enzyme that maintains telomere length by adding DNA repeats to chromosome ends. The catalytic protein subunit of telomerase utilizes the integral telomerase RNA to direct telomere DNA synthesis. The telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain is required for enzyme function; however, the precise mechanism of the TEN domain during catalysis is not known. We report a single-molecule study of dynamic TEN-induced conformational changes in its nucleic acid substrates. The TEN domain from the yeast Candida parapsilosis (Cp) exhibits a strong binding preference for double-stranded nucleic acids, with particularly high affinity for an RNA-DNA hybrid mimicking the template-product complex. Surprisingly, the telomere DNA repeat sequence from C. parapsilosis forms a DNA hairpin that also binds CpTEN with high affinity. Mutations to several residues in a putative nucleic acid-binding patch of CpTEN significantly reduced its affinity to the RNA-DNA hybrid and telomere DNA hairpin. Substitution of comparable residues in the related Candida albicans TEN domain caused telomere maintenance defects in vivo and decreased primer extension activity in vitro. Collectively, our results support a working model in which dynamic interactions with telomere DNA and the template-product hybrid underlie the functional requirement for the TEN domain during the telomerase catalytic cycle.
Thoracic paravertebral block versus thoracic epidural analgesia for post-operative pain control in open pancreatic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Study objective The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of bilateral ultrasound guided thoracic paravertebral catheters to a thoracic epidural after open pancreatic surgery. Design This was a prospective non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting Academic hospital operating room, postoperative recovery area, and ward. Patients 53 patients aged 18 and above who had open pancreatic surgery. Interventions Patients received either bilateral thoracic paravertebral block at T8 with an infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine or thoracic epidural analgesia at T7/8 with an infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine with hydromorphone 6 μg/mL. Measurements Pain scores, opioid use, length of recovery room and hospital stay, adverse events, and incidence of nausea and vomiting. Main results There was no difference in baseline demographics between the two groups. There were no significant differences in pain scores between the two groups in each of the first five days after surgery. There was no difference in length of stay nor nausea and vomiting. There was significantly less modality related adverse events in the paravertebral group compared to the epidural group (p = 0.02). Conclusions The use of thoracic paravertebral catheters provided comparable analgesia and less modality related adverse events when compared to a thoracic epidural in patients undergoing open pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Multispectral and Biogeochemical Evaluation for Possible Smelter and Power Plant Emission Effects on Trees in a Missouri Conservation Area and Illinois Nature Preserve

Stack emission and deposition of heavy metals from industrial sites continues to be an environmental concern, and the effects of it on particular ecosystems need to be further investigated. This ha...
Block Copolymer Adhesive Studies

The thermal and dynamic mechanical behaviors of triblock copolymers with a styrene/isoprene/styrene architecture were investigated in order to understand their adhesive properties. Both copolymer free films and films bonding together two titanium alloy plates were found to have thermal and mechanical response that was strongly dependent on joint preparation. Microphase separation in the melts of these triblock materials was felt to contribute to the observed phenomena; namely, the presence of residual stresses in thin films which had been cooled while under high pressure.
Soft Agar Colony Formation Assay for in Vitro Chemotherapy Sensitivity Testing of Human Renal Cell Carcinoma: Mayo Clinic Experience

Two hundred six different samples of human renal carcinoma were tested for in vitro chemotherapy sensitivity using a soft agar colony formation assay similar to that originally described by Salmon and colleagues. Eighty of 159 (50 per cent) evaluable tumor tests showed colony formation in vitro and gave clinical drug sensitivity information. Two-thirds of tumors were resistant to all drugs tested, despite a median number of drugs tested per tumor of 14.5. Five tumors (6 per cent) were remarkably sensitive to numerous anticancer drugs in vitro. The most active drugs found in vitro were teniposide, actinomycin D, bleomycin, hydroxyurea, mitoguanazone dihydrochloride, mitomycin C and L-alanosine. Fourteen other drugs tested showed low in vitro cytotoxicity.
Keeping Pace with Nanotechnology: A Proposal for a New Approach to Environmental Accountability

The rapid growth of the nanotechnology industry that challenges traditional governance structures also calls for new approaches to accountability. Using a broader range of accountability mechanisms could help avoid adverse effects of the evolving technologies, foster public confidence in nanotechnology, and encourage the development of new, beneficial technologies. In this Article, the author illustrates some of the tools of environmental accountability that may be employed in the context of nanotechnology. The article discusses how traditional accountability mechanisms already inherent in the federal environmental statutes may be applied, emphasizes the need for flexibility in permitting, encourages broader public involvement, greater public access to information, the use of voluntary accountability programs, and expansion of industry self-regulation. The author concludes by suggesting the creation of a Nanotechnology Council to bring stakeholders together to address accountability issues.
Seasonal shifts in sex ratios of fledgling American kestrels (Falco sparverius paulus): The Early Bird Hypothesis

We document a seasonal shift in the sex ratios of broods produced by resident southeastern American kestrels (Falco sparverius paulus) breeding in nest boxes in Florida. Early in the breeding season, most biased broods were biased towards males, whereas later in the season, most biased broods were biased towards females. Computer-simulated broods subjected to sex-biased egg and/or nestling mortality demonstrate that it is possible that differential mortality produced the pattern of bias that we observed. However, these simulations do not exclude the possibility that female kestrels were manipulating the primary sex ratio of the broods. We present evidence that this sex ratio shift is adaptive: for males we detected breeding as yearlings, all had fledged early the previous season. No such relationship between season and the probability of breeding as a yearling was found for females. We propose the Early Bird Hypothesis as the ecological basis for the advantage of fledg ing early in males. We hypothesize that pre-emptive competition among post-fledging, dispersing males for breeding sites confers an advantage to males fledged early in the season. This hypothesis may explain why a non-migratory population of the Eurasian kestrel (F. tinnunculus) and non-migratory American kestrels breeding in Florida (F. s. paulus) exhibit this seasonal shift in sex ratios, whereas migratory American kestrels (F. s. sparverius) breeding in Saskatchewan, Canada, do not. We discuss the relevance of the Early Bird Hypothesis for other animal species.
An innovative design of a hybrid chain coding algorithm for bi-level image compression using an agent-based modeling approach

Abstract In this article, the researcher introduces a hybrid chain code for shape encoding, as well as lossless and lossy bi-level image compression. The lossless and lossy mechanisms primarily depend on agent movements in a virtual world and are inspired by many agent-based models, including the Paths model, the Bacteria Food Hunt model, the Kermack–McKendrick model, and the Ant Colony model. These models influence the present technique in three main ways: the movements of agents in a virtual world, the directions of movements, and the paths where agents walk. The agent movements are designed, tracked, and analyzed to take advantage of the arithmetic coding algorithm used to compress the series of movements encountered by the agents in the system. For the lossless mechanism, seven movements are designed to capture all the possible directions of an agent and to provide more space savings after being encoded using the arithmetic coding method. The lossy mechanism incorporates the seven movements in the lossless algorithm along with extra modes, which allow certain agent movements to provide further reduction. Additionally, two extra movements that lead to more substitutions are employed in the lossless and lossy mechanisms. The empirical outcomes show that the present approach for bi-level image compression is robust and that compression ratios are much higher than those obtained by other methods, including JBIG1 and JBIG2, which are international standards in bi-level image compression. Additionally, a series of paired-samples t-tests reveals that the differences between the current algorithms’ results and the outcomes from all the other approaches are statistically significant.
Generating Appropriate Responses to Inappropriate Robot Commands

This paper describes early work at the intersection of robot ethics and natural language generation investigating two overarching questions: (1) how might current language generation algorithms generate utterances with unintended implications or otherwise accidentally alter the ecosystem of human norms, and (2) how can we design future language systems such that they purposefully influence the human normative ecosystem as productively as possible.
A Rapid Power Flow Analysis Method After UHVDC Fault Considering the Control Strategy of Automatic Equipment

The unbalanced power caused by ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) fault may lead to the overload of transmission section or violation of busbar voltage in local power grid. In serious cases, it may lead to cascading faults or large-scale blackout. In order to accurately simulate the power flow distribution after large-scale power shortage and determine the validity of disposal strategy dealing with serious fault, a rapid power flow analysis method after fault considering the control strategy of automatic equipment is proposed in this paper. Considering the influences of automatic equipment to power grid operation situation on different time scales, the control strategy of power system stability control devices, the primary frequency control, automatic generation control (AGC) and automatic voltage control (AVC) is simulated. The active power of the generator and load at each stage is determined. The active power of transmission section and voltage of busbars under large-scale unbalanced power can be determined rapidly for the disposal strategy optimization. Simulation results based on actual power grid show the effectiveness and viability of the method.
Effect of the deformation dependent permittivity on the actuation of a pre-stretched circular dielectric actuator

Abstract Experiments have shown that under large deformation, the permittivity of some dielectric elastomers demonstrates significant deformation dependent behavior. In this paper, we theoretically analyze the effect of this behavior on the actuation of a circular actuator made of a dielectric elastomer, VHB 4910. The dependency of permittivity on deformation is considered through the equations of state. The equilibrium equations of the actuator are solved by MATLAB. The electromechanical instability, loss of tension and dielectric breakdown of the actuator during the actuation process under different pre-stretch levels are discussed. It is found that the dependency of permittivity on deformation can effectively suppress the electromechanical instability of the actuator at low pre-stretch levels. At high pre-stretch levels, however, it lowers the maximum stretch the actuator can achieve. Compared to the case of a constant permittivity, the deformation-dependent effect results in higher voltage needed to achieve the same actuated stretch, and this discrepancy in voltage increases as the pre-stretch increases. Furthermore, it is found that the maximum achievable stretch and the corresponding voltage show a strong dependence on factor c in the permittivity-stretch relation, while the stretch at the onset of loss of tension is independent of c.
Evaluating Invasive EEG Implantations with Structural Imaging Data and Functional Scalp EEG Recordings from Epilepsy Patients

Seizures in patients with medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) cannot be controlled with drugs. For focal MRE, seizures originate in the epileptogenic zone (EZ), which is the minimum amount of cortex that must be treated to be seizure free. Localizing the EZ is often a laborious process wherein clinicians first inspect scalp EEG recordings during several seizure events, and then formulate an implantation plan for subsequent invasive monitoring. The goal of implantation is to place electrodes into the brain region covering the EZ. Then, during invasive monitoring, clinicians visually inspect intracranial EEG recordings to more precisely localize the EZ. Finally, the EZ is then surgically ablated, removed or treated with electrical stimulation. Unfortunately success rates average at 50%. Such grim outcomes call for analytical assistance in creating more accurate implantation plans from scalp EEG. In this paper, we introduce a method that combines imaging data (CT and MRI scans) with scalp EEG to derive an implantation distribution. Specifically, scalp EEG data recorded over a seizure event is converted into a time-gamma frequency map, which is then processed to derive a spectrally annotated implantation distribution (SAID). The SAID represents a distribution of gamma power in each of eight cortical lobe/hemisphere partitions. We applied this method to 4 MRE patients who underwent treatment, and found that the SAID distribution overlapped more with clinical implantations in success cases than in failed cases. These preliminary findings suggest that the SAID may help in improving EZ localization accuracy and surgical outcomes.
Optimizing contraceptive access for women undergoing bariatric surgery

With the dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity, there is a corresponding increase in surgical procedures to treat obesity. Reproductive aged women (18-45 years old) undergo half of the bariatric surgical procedures performed in the United States each year. These women experience profound physiologic changes in response to bariatric surgery, including dramatic changes in reproductive function. Current guidelines recommend delaying attempts at conception for 12-24 months after bariatric surgery during the time of most profound weight loss. Despite these recommendations, many women report unprotected intercourse during this time, and many use less efficacious contraceptive options. Herein, we address contraceptive considerations in women of reproductive age who undergo bariatric surgery and opportunities to maximize a multidisciplinary surgical approach to optimize their overall health.
Fusion of high B-value diffusion-weighted and T2-weighted MR images increases sensitivity for identification of extraprostatic disease in prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate whether fusion of high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) increases radiologists' ability to detect pathologic features responsible for upstaging in prostate cancer patients prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). Basic procedures This was a retrospective study including 103 patients who underwent RP and a prostate MRI performed at 3T. High b-value DWI and T2WI were fused and interpreted by three radiologists with different degrees of experience. Prior to and after fusion, readers answered questionnaires about cancer presence, extraprostatic extension (EPE), seminal vesicle (SV) invasion, lymph node (LN) involvement, and reader confidence. Pathology reports served as the reference standard. Main findings High b-value DWI-T2WI fusion increased sensitivity for detection of EPE from 65.6% to 77.4% (p Principal conclusions Fusion overlay of high b-value DWI and T2WI increases sensitivity for detection of extraprostatic disease resulting in upstaging at the time of RP.
Seasonal impact on cognitive performance when socioeconomic environments desynchronise with natural environments: evidence from college students' academic performance

A rich literature has documented the prevalence of seasonal patterns in human behaviours, the evidence on humans' cognitive seasonality, however, is rare. We investigate longitudinal data for students of a business school in North America and find that students systematically outperform in fall semesters than spring semesters, supporting the seasonal rhythms of human cognition. Further examinations reveal that the ambient temperature plays a dominant role over photoperiod for this seasonality, consistent with the evolutionary theory that humans' cognition is compromised by an energy deficit due to increased energetic demand in the process of thermoregulation, owing to humans' incomplete acclimatisation to the coldness compared to the darkness. We also address the potential energetic competition between humans' emotional and cognitive activities that may exacerbate seasonal cognitive fluctuations. Our results provide empirical evidence and shed light on the study of human cognition along with the increasing desynchronisation between socioeconomic and natural environments.
Analysis of the Regulatory Science Applied to a Single Portfolio of Eight Biosimilar Product Approvals by Four Key Regulatory Authorities

Slow uptake of biosimilars in some regions is often attributed to a lack of knowledge combined with concerns about safety and efficacy. To alleviate physician and patient apprehensions, regulatory reviews from four major regulatory authorities (RAs) (European Medicines Agency, US Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada, and Japan Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Authority) across a portfolio of eight biosimilars were analyzed to provide insight into RA review focus and approach. RA queries were evaluated in an unbiased and systematic manner by major classification (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls [CMC], nonclinical, clinical or regulatory) and then via detailed sub-classification. There was a consistent, predominant focus on CMC from all RAs. The review focus based on sub-classification of clinical and regulatory queries was influenced by molecular complexity, with significant differences between categories (monoclonal antibody or protein) in the distribution of query topics; specifically, bioanalytical (p = 0.023), comparative safety and efficacy (p = 0.023), and statutory (including the justification of extrapolation) (p = 0.00033). Each biosimilar had a distinct distribution of clinical query topics, tailored to product-specific data. This analysis elucidated areas of heightened RA interest, and validated their application of regulatory science in the evaluation of biosimilar safety and efficacy.
Effect of Blueberry Consumption on Mood States in Men With Type 2 Diabetes

Objectives The study investigated the effects of blueberry consumption for 8 weeks on subjective mood states in men with type 2 diabetes.
Sorption of Water and Electrolytes, and Mucosal Structure, in Niacin Deficiency

Summary Tests of the sorption of water, sodium and potassium were done before, during, and after niacin deficiency in 6 dogs with chronic fistulous loops of the duodenum or ileum. Parallel determinations of the sorption of glucose and sodium and a study of the structure of the mucosa were made in 2 additional dogs with chronic loops before and during niacin deficiency. The rate of movement of water, sodium and potassium from intestine to blood (insorption) was the primary factor altered in this deficiency. This rate declined to such a degree that it became less than the rate of movement from blood to intestine (exsorption); during deficiency, as a result, a net gain of water, sodium and potassium occurred in the luminal contents (enterosorption). Concomitant with these findings; diarrhea was observed. Absorption of glucose closely paralleled insorption of sodium. During the deficiency, absorption of glucose decreased considerably but its enterosorption did not occur. Treatment of the deficiency state with niacin restored absorption of water and sodium from most of the loops, but the efficiency did not return to control levels. Treatment was more effective in improving sorptive rates in the ileum than it was in the duodenum. During niacin deficiency, the epithelial lining of the duodenal and Real loops changed from the normal regular columnar type to a disordered low cuboidal type associated with nuclear proliferation. Clubbing of villi was also present during the deficiency.
Effect of redox environment on the in vitro and in vivo folding of RTEM-1 beta-lactamase and Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase

The oxidative folding mechanisms of two Escherichia coli periplasmic proteins, alkaline phosphatase and RTEM-1 beta-lactamase, have been examined in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to eukaryotic proteins, which require a relatively reducing environment for optimal folding rates, both alkaline phosphatase and beta-lactamase fold fastest under very oxidizing conditions. For example, bovine pancreatic ribonuclease exhibits an optimal folding rate in a redox buffer consisting of 1 mM GSH and 0.2 mM GSSG (Lyles, M. M., and Gilbert, H. F. (1991) Biochemistry 30, 613-619); however, both E. coli alkaline phosphatase and beta-lactamase exhibit optimal in vitro folding rates at low concentrations of GSH (
Energy management of virtual memory on diskless devices

In a pervasive computing environment, applications are able to run across different platforms with significantly different resources. Such platforms range from high-performance desktops to handheld PDAs. This chapter discusses a compiler approach to reduce the energy consumption of a diskless device where the swap space is provided by a remotely mounted file system accessible via a wire, less connection. Predicting swapping events at compile time allows effective energy management of a PDA's wireless communication component such as a 802.11 or Bluetooth card.The compiler activates and de-activates the communication card based on compile-time knowledge of the past and future memory footprint of an application. In contrast to OS techniques, the compiler can better predict future program behavior, and can change this behavior through program transformations that enable additional optimizations.A prototype compilation system EELRM has been implemented as part of the SUIF2 compiler infrastructure. Preliminary experiments based on the SimpleScalar simulation toolset and three numerical programs indicate the potential benefits of the new technique.