cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revealing the fog-of-war: A visualization-directed, uncertainty-aware approach for exploring high-dimensional data

Dimensionality Reduction (DR) is a crucial tool to facilitate high-dimensional data analysis. As the volume and the variety of features used to describe a phenomenon keeps increasing, DR has become not only desirable but paramount. However, DR can result in unreliable depictions of data. The uncertainties involved in DR may stem from the selection of methods, parameter configurations, and the constraints imposed by the user. To address these uncertainties, various means of DR quality assessment have been proposed in the literature. Nevertheless, how to optimize the trade-off between the quantification efficiency and accuracy is yet to be further studied. The purpose of this paper is to present a general technique, in the context of visual analytics, to support efficient uncertainty-aware high-dimensional data exploration. We model the uncertainty based on how well neighborhood geometries are preserved during DR. We employ approximated nearest neighbor (ANN) search algorithms to speed up the quantification process with marginal decrease in accuracy. We then visualize the quantified uncertainties in the form of augmented scatter plot. We test our technique with three real world datasets against several well-known DR techniques, and discuss possible underlying causes that lead to certain embedding patterns. Our results show that our approach is effective and beneficial for both DR assessment and user-centered data exploration.
A Review of Two-Phase Flow Instabilities

The main objective of this paper is to sum up the experimental and theoretical work carried out by the authors and their groups over a period of several years, demonstrating and explaining three different types of two-phase flow oscillations, namely, density-wave type, pressure-drop type oscillations and thermal oscillations, encountered in various boiling flow channel systems.
Atomic-scale photonic hybrids for mid-infrared and terahertz nanophotonics

The field of nanophotonics focuses on the ability to confine light to nanoscale dimensions, typically much smaller than the wavelength of light. The goal is to develop light-based technologies that are impossible with traditional optics. Subdiffractional confinement can be achieved using either surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) or surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs). SPPs can provide a gate-tunable, broad-bandwidth response, but suffer from high optical losses; whereas SPhPs offer a relatively low-loss, crystal-dependent optical response, but only over a narrow spectral range, with limited opportunities for active tunability. Here, motivated by the recent results from monolayer graphene and multilayer hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures, we discuss the potential of electromagnetic hybrids--materials incorporating mixtures of SPPs and SPhPs--for overcoming the limitations of the individual polaritons. Furthermore, we also propose a new type of atomic-scale hybrid--the crystalline hybrid--where mixtures of two or more atomic-scale (∼3 nm or less) polar dielectric materials lead to the creation of a new material resulting from hybridized optic phonon behaviour of the constituents, potentially allowing direct control over the dielectric function. These atomic-scale hybrids expand the toolkit of materials for mid-infrared to terahertz nanophotonics and could enable the creation of novel actively tunable, yet low-loss optics at the nanoscale.
Tagging of the Southern Pine Beetle with Phosphorus 32

A radioisotope-tagging technique for tracing the dispersal of the southern pine beetle from one host tree to another proved satisfactory in laboratory and field-cage tests. Phosphorus 32 (32P) was applied in an aqueous glycerine suspension to the bark before beetles emerged. Emerging beetles picked up and carried the radio-tag, and left the major portion in the pitch tube of the new host bolt.
UNDERUTILIZATION OF STATIN THERAPY AFTER A CARDIOVASCULAR EVENT OR DIABETES DIAGNOSIS IN THREE REAL-WORLD DATA SYSTEMS

US guidelines recommend use of statins for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We estimated the use of statins after an atherosclerotic CVD event or a diagnosis of T2DM in two commercial claims databases, MarketScan and Optum, and a 5% sample of Medicare
Laboratory Preparation and Evaluation of a Novel Water Breakthrough Control Foaming Agent

Several high performance water breakthrough control foaming agents were developed based on a series of screening experiments. Laboratory evaluation of the performance of the foaming agent was conducted at varying temperatures, water salinities and oil saturations. The foaming agents can be used in reservoirs having temperatures less than 55 ℃,and in water having salinities less than 7000 mg/L. One of the foaming agents, WT-1, was insensitive to the change in salinities. When water salinity was higher than 8000 mg/L, foam volume decreased, while the foam stability was increased. The foaming agent produced effective sealing when oil saturation was less than 20%.
Maseria Vespertilionis n.g., n.sp. (dorylaimina : muspiceidae), a Nematode from Nearctic Bats (Vespertilionidae)

Maseria vespertilionis n. g., n. sp. (Dorylaimina : Muspiceidae) is described from nearctic bats (Vespertilionidae). In addition to the type host, Eptesicus fuscus (P. de Beauvois), in Oregon, M. vespertiUonis was recorded from Myotis volans (Allen) in Oregon, and from M. luci-fugus (Le Conte) in Oregon and Alaska. The nematode was found only in subcutaneous tissues near the plantar surface of the rear feet of the host. The genus Maseria is distinguished from other genera in Muspiceidae by various morphological characteristics, among which the presence of a Demanian system is important. The lesions produced in the feet of the host are described, and other biological characteristics of the nematode are discussed.
Equation-free analysis of a dynamically evolving multigraph

In order to illustrate the adaptation of traditional continuum numerical techniques to the study of complex network systems, we use the equation-free framework to analyze a dynamically evolving multigraph. This approach is based on coupling short intervals of direct dynamic network simulation with appropriately-defined lifting and restriction operators, mapping the detailed network description to suitable macroscopic (coarse-grained) variables and back. This enables the acceleration of direct simulations through Coarse Projective Integration (CPI), as well as the identification of coarse stationary states via a Newton-GMRES method. We also demonstrate the use of data-mining, both linear (principal component analysis, PCA) and nonlinear (diffusion maps, DMAPS) to determine good macroscopic variables (observables) through which one can coarse-grain the model. These results suggest methods for decreasing simulation times of dynamic real-world systems such as epidemiological network models. Additionally, the data-mining techniques could be applied to a diverse class of problems to search for a succint, low-dimensional description of the system in a small number of variables.
Statistical Mechanics of Chaotic Maps

We give now a more precise formulation of some of the ideas mentioned in the first chapter. The basic tools needed for a statistical mechanics approach to chaotic dynamics are given. Resonances are discussed by considering the various types of correlation decay in mixing systems.
A dual hit of HIV-1 plus IVDU on Pulmonary vascular remodeling

I Drug Use (IVDU) has been found to be one of the major risk factors for HIV-infection in the HIV Related Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (HRPAH) patients. Our previous findings showing enhanced pulmonary vascular remodeling in HIVinfected lung tissues from IV heroin and/or cocaine abusers indicates that IVDU and HIV-1 potentially act in concert to cause pulmonary arteriopathy. Our study of lung tissues from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected morphine treated macaques (VM) demonstrated significant pulmonary vascular remodeling when compared with either the SIV-infected or un-infected morphine treated groups. Furthermore, the endothelial cells (ECs) lining the vessels showing medial hypertrophy or initial stage intimal lesions in lung sections from VM macaques demonstrated an increase in positivity for both TUNEL and Ki67. This observation was supported by cell culture studies demonstrating enhanced apoptosis followed by enhanced proliferation of apoptotic resistant endothelial cells upon simultaneous treatment with HIV-Tat and morphine compared to either treatment alone. However, what causes the polarization of endothelial cells from apoptosis to apoptosis resistant hyper-proliferative state is not clear. In light of the emerging realization of cross talk between autophagy and apoptosis is controlling the cell death and cell-survival, we examined autophagy in ECs exposed to Tat and morphine. Our findings indicate that morphine in combination with viral protein(s) results in the synergistic induction of autophagy of pulmonary ECs that may be involved in switching of apoptotic cells to apoptosis resistant proliferative ECs. This may have led to the increase in the severity of angio-proliferative remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature that was observed on SIV/HIV-infection in the presence of opioids.
Discovering patterns in social networks with graph matching algorithms

Social media data are amenable to representation by directed graphs. A node represents an entity in the social network such as a person, organization, location, or event. A link between two nodes represents a relationship such as communication, participation, or financial support. When stored in a database, these graphs can be searched and analyzed for occurrences of various subgraph patterns of nodes and links. This paper describes an interactive visual interface for constructing subgraph patterns called the Graph Matching Toolkit (GMT). GMT searches for subgraph patterns using the Truncated Search Tree (TruST) graph matching algorithm. GMT enables an analyst to draw a subgraph pattern and assign labels to nodes and links using a mouse and drop-down menus. GMT then executes the TruST algorithm to find subgraph pattern occurrences within the directed graph. Preliminary results using GMT to analyze a simulated collection of text communications containing a terrorist plot are reported.
A placebo-controlled Bayesian dose finding design based on continuous reassessment method with application to stroke research

Traditional dose-finding designs do not require assignment of patients to a control group. Motivated by SHRINC (Safety of Pioglitazone for hematoma resolution in intracerebral hemorrhage), we developed a placebo-controlled dose-finding study to identify the maximum tolerated dose for pioglitazone in stroke patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. We designed an extension of the continuous reassessment method that allowed to incorporate information from the control group (i.e., the standard of care), and utilized it to determine the maximum tolerated dose in the SHRINC trial. We evaluated the operating characteristics of our design by conducting extensive simulation studies. Our findings from the simulation studies demonstrate that our proposed design is robust and performs well. By estimating the toxicity rate in the control group, we were able to obtain more accurate information about the natural history of the disease and identify appropriate dose for the next phase of this study. The proposed design provides a tool to incorporate the information from the control group into the dose-finding framework for trials with similar objectives.
Missing heritability and where to find it.

A report on the 11th Genomics of Rare Disease meeting held at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK, 5–7 April, 2017.
Some Recent Algorithms for Finding the Nucleolus of Structured Cooperative Games

Nucleolus is one of the fundamental solution concepts in cooperative game theory. There has been considerable progress in locating the nucleolus in the last three years. The paper motivates through examples how the recent algorithms work efficiently for certain structured class of coperative games. Though the data of a cooperative game grows exponentially in size with the number of players, assignment games, and balanced connected games, grow only polynomially in size, on the number of players. The algorithm for assignment games is based on an efficient graph theoretic algorithm which counts the longest paths to each vertex and trimming of cycles to quickly arrive at the lexicographic geometric centre. Connected games are solved by the technique of feasible direction, initiated in the assignment case. The sellers market corner of the core for assignment games has its counterpart, the lexmin vertex in balanced connected games. Nucleolus has also been characterized via a set of anxioms based on subgame consistency. This is exploited for standard tree games to arrive at an efficient and intuitively explainable algorithm. Improvements on the pivoting manipulations to locate coalitions with constant excess are possible and the paper initially discusses such an algorithm at the beginning.
High-Performance Steel Structures: Recent Research

Publisher Summary High-performance steel is defined as steel that has the combined characteristics of high strength, good ductility, high toughness, good weldability, and fabricability. These are the properties essential for successful construction of high-performance structures in a civil infrastructure system. For exposed structures, such as bridges and ships, good corrosion resistance is also necessary. From metallurgical composition and processing point of view, yield strength of above 450 MPa is considered as high strength. The fracture toughness, weldability, and formability of the steels should be significantly better than those of the conventional steels. Microalloyed steels with low carbon content, high manganese levels, and microalloy carbide and nitride formers have been available for sometime in construction of structures that require high strength, high fracture toughness, and good weldability. The low-carbon, age-hardenable steels have gained increasing usage in shipbuilding, heavy-vehicle manufacturing, and offshore structure construction because of their excellent weldability and fracture toughness. These steels have become known as high-strength low alloy steels, although their total alloy content is generally around four percent.
On Being (In)Disciplined

Research has shown that there is a fundamental contradiction at the heart of the creative process—in that creativity requires both deep disciplinary knowledge and the ability to break disciplinary boundaries. Transdisciplinary thinking, we argue, offers a set of meta-level skills that help people transfer information creatively from one domain to another. A transdisciplinary approach towards creativity has significant implications for how we incorporate creativity in classroom contexts. We introduce the notion of (in)disciplined learning as a way to address the problem of generic, content-neutral approaches to incorporating creativity in educational contexts. Educators need to understand that creativity happens in a discipline or context; while acknowledging that, at the same time it is “indisciplined,” i.e., cuts across disciplinary boundaries through divergent thinking and imagination.
Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Anemia on Admission Are Associated with Poor Outcomes in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

Background: Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are highly morbid infections often requiring critical care and transfusion support. We explored a large 2-year experience from a regional trauma center with a dedicated soft tissue service (STS) in an attempt to identify factors in current care with potential for improving outcomes for these critically ill patients. Methods: New adult (>17 years) STS admissions, 2008–2009, were identified from the Trauma Registry. Patient records were extracted and assessed via descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Mortality among 253 eligible primary admissions was 8.3% overall and 10.3% for those with an admission diagnosis of NSTI. No significant differences in wound characteristics, use of VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) dressing or hyperbaric oxygen, or wound microbiology emerged between survivors and nonsurvivors. Median time to first debridement was 5 h (interquartile range, 2–21 h). Multivariable modeling indicated association of worse outcome (death or discharge to chronic/rehab care) with age >60 years [odds ratio (OR), 3.82; P P = 0.03), increasing number of transfusions (OR, 1.09; P P = 0.005), preexisting diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.20; P = 0.001), and low admission hemoglobin (OR, 0.80; P = 0.004). Conclusions: Mortality was less than previously reported. Number of transfusions and anemia at admission emerged as risk factors for poor outcomes. Future research should focus on the effects of transfusion on NSTI outcomes, on potentially confounding factors, and on whether a restrictive transfusion strategy reduces mortality.
Competitive inhibition of zidovudine clearance by probenecid during continuous coadministration

The pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in the rabbit were studied during coadministration of probenecid at two infusion rates. Each animal (n = 6) served as its own control during an initial 8-hr infusion of zidovudine. In the second 8-hr infusion period, probenecid was coadministered with zidovudine. Urine samples were collected by bladder flush hourly for 19 hr. Plasma samples were taken at the midpoint of the urine collection interval and at predetermined intervals for 3 hr postinfusion. Plasma concentrations of zidovudine reached steady state during control periods but showed incomplete attainment of steady state during the infusions of probenecid at the higher rate. Total and renal clearance of zidovudine were reduced by 24.0 ± 4.0 and 20.7 ± 15%, respectively, during low-dose probenecid treatment and 48.9 ± 7.4 and 55.7 ± 3.4%, respectively, with high-dose probenecid treatment. Plasma probenecid concentrations during low-dose and high-dose infusion were 56.9 ± 12 and 248 ± 42 µg/ml. Postinfusion data showed that the zidovudine terminal half-life during high-dose probenecid treatment was longer than that with low-dose probenecid treatment (58.2 ± 4.6 vs 39.0 ± 9.1 min). The volume of distribution of zidovudine also decreased (1.76 ± 0.27 vs 1.10 ± 0.095 L/kg) as a result of probenecid coadministration. The results are consistent with competitive inhibition of renal and nonrenal clearances. A drug interaction model relating zidovudine clearances to plasma probenecid concentrations was derived. Michaelis-type constants for probenecid inhibition of zidovudine renal and nonrenal clearances were 73 and 55 µg/ml, respectively. The maximum proportion of AZT's renal clearance subject to inhibition is significantly greater (72%) than that of the nonrenal clearance (54%) and agrees closely with the fraction not filtered.
Methodologies for teaching sprite sheet programming techniques

"Sprite sheet" programming is an important topic that should be discussed in a game programming curriculum, yet the academia often overlooks this topic. This article addresses this issue discusses several basic techniques of "sprite sheet" programming including sample codes written in C++, C#, Java, and JavaScript.
Precision Control of CRISPR-Cas9 Using Small Molecules and Light

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas system is an adaptive immune system of bacteria that has furnished several RNA-guided DNA endonucleases (e.g., Cas9) that are revolutionizing the field of genome engineering. Cas9 is being used to effect genomic alterations as well as in gene drives, where a particular trait may be propagated through a targeted species population over several generations. The ease of targeting catalytically impaired Cas9 to any genomic loci has led to development of technologies for base editing, chromatin imaging and modeling, epigenetic editing, and gene regulation. Unsurprisingly, Cas9 is being developed for numerous applications in biotechnology and biomedical research and as a gene therapy agent for multiple pathologies. There is a need for precise control of Cas9 activity over several dimensions, including those of dose, time, and space in these applications. Such precision controls, which are required of therapeutic agents, are particularly i...
Learning dispatching rules using random forest in flexible job shop scheduling problems

In this paper, we address the flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) with release times for minimising the total weighted tardiness by learning dispatching rules from schedules. We propose a r...
Resilient Information Architecture Platform for the Smart Grid: A Novel Open-Source Platform for Microgrid Control

Microgrids are seen as an effective way to achieve reliable, resilient, and efficient operation of the power distribution system. Core functions of the microgrid control system are defined by the IEEE Standard 2030.7; however, the algorithms that realize these functions are not standardized, and are a topic of research. Furthermore, the corresponding controller hardware, operating system, and communication system to implement these functions vary significantly from one implementation to the next. In this article, we introduce an open-source platform, resilient information architecture platform for the smart grid (RIAPS), ideally suited for implementing and deploying distributed microgrid control algorithms. RIAPS provides a design-time tool suite for development and deployment of distributed microgrid control algorithms. With support from a number of run-time platform services, developed algorithms can be easily implemented and deployed into real microgrids. To demonstrate the unique features of RIAPS, we propose and implement a distributed microgrid secondary control algorithm capable of synchronized and proportional compensation of voltage unbalance using distributed generators. Test results show the effectiveness of the proposed control and the salient features of the RIAPS platform.
Development of bovine serum albumin-based resins for additive manufacturing via vat photopolymerization

Bio-sourced and biodegradable polymers for additive manufacturing could enable the rapid fabrication of parts for a broad spectrum of applications ranging from healthcare to aerospace. Herein, we report a resin for vat photopolymerization based on the protein, bovine serum albumin, using a commercially available laser-scanning stereolithographic apparatus (SLA) printer. Methacrylated bovine serum albumin (MA-BSA) was synthesized and formulated into aqueous resins that were used to print complex 3D objects with a resolution comparable to a commercially available resin. The MA-BSA resins were characterized by rheometry to determine the viscosity and the cure rate, as both parameters can ultimately be used to predict the printability of the resin. In the first step of patterning these materials, the MA-BSA resin was 3D printed, and in the second step, the printed construct was thermally cured to denature the globular protein and increase the intermolecular noncovalent interactions. These resins are expected to be compatible with other vat photopolymerization processes, including digital light projection (DLP) and continuous liquid interface production (CLIP).
Narrative Approach to Goals of Care Discussions: Assessing the Use of the 3-Act Model in the Clinical Setting.

Abstract Context The 3-Act Model is an innovative narrative approach to goals of care (GOC) discussions centered on patients' unique stories. Previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the 3-Act Model training in enhancing trainees' skills objectively in role-plays with standardized patients. This study moves beyond the classroom to the clinical setting to assess whether learners preferred this approach, believed it to be clinically effective, and demonstrated proficiency objectively. Objective Our primary objective was to describe internal medicine interns' preferred approach to leading GOC discussions and their view of its efficacy, before vs. after training. Our secondary objective was to assess the proficiency of interns in leading GOC discussions with hospitalized patients. Methods We sent online surveys to a cohort of 22 interns both before (pretest) and mid-year after (posttest) training in the 3-Act Model. In addition, trainers objectively assessed GOC discussions led by a subset of trainees in the inpatient setting using a previously described rubric congruent with the 3-Act Model. Results In the posttest survey, many more interns reported using a narrative approach to GOC discussions most often (pretest, 1 of 22 [5%] vs. posttest, 16 of 18 [89%]). The percentage of interns reporting their preferred approach worked “very well” or “extremely well” increased from pretest to posttest (32%–89%, P = 0.002). Trainers assessed 13 completed GOC discussions led by 4 trainees (18% of original cohort) in the hospital setting and found all 13 to be proficient. Conclusion The vast majority of interns reported preferential use and effectiveness of the 3-Act Model several months after training, and trainers found a subset to be proficient in GOC discussions with hospitalized patients. This study contributes evidence that training in the 3-Act Model positively impacted intern behavior in the clinical setting.
Charge States of Ne and Ar Ions Scattered to Large Angles by Ar Atoms for Collision Energies up to 3.0 MeV

The impact parameter dependence of inner-shell excitations in single heavy ion-atom collisions can be determined from the final charge state of the scattered ion as a function of the scattering angle and collision energy. In our work, the final charge states for 0.15 MeV to 1.5 MeV Ne+ ion-projectiles scattered through angles from 1–20° by Ar atoms have been measured. Similar measurements for the Ar+-Ar system from 0.5 to 1.0 MeV, and for the Ar++-Ar system at 3.0 MeV, were made. When the average charge state, m, of the scattered ions is plotted as a function of the product Eoθ of the incident ion-energy and the scattering angle for these systems, m is observed to increase by one or two units for specific values of Eoθ. Because Eoθ is closely related to Ro, the distance of closest approach for the collision, these increases are indicative of inner-shell vacancies being produced through molecular orbital interaction.
Analysis of Axial Temperature Variation Effect on the Performance of Five-Phase Permanent Magnet assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor

This paper presents the impact of magnet axial temperature variation on the electromagnetic performance of a five-phase permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PMaSynRM). The torque performance, manet demagnetization, vibration, and control of permanent magnet (PM) machines are highly dependent on the PM temperature variation. Commonly, in machine control, an average radial magnet temperature is estimated and used, while the temperature variation along the axial direction is assumed as uniform. However, in practice, the magnet axial temperature variation is not uniform, and it can lead to unbalance magnetization, localized magnet hot-spot, increase in torque ripple, and machine noise. These effects can be even more crucial in the high-speed and high-power density machine. In this study, the non-uniform PM axial temperature distribution has been estimated by using a novel axial thermal model adopting the finite volume method (FVM). Furthermore, its effects on the machine performance, especially back EMF, radial force, and torque ripple, have been investigated using the 3-D FEA model. The estimated and simulated results have been validated by an innovative wireless experimental setup.
A HIGH-RESOLUTION STUDY OF NONTHERMAL RADIO AND X-RAY EMISSION FROM SNR G347.3-0.5

G347.3-0.5 is one of three shell-type supernova remnants in the Galaxy whose X-ray spectrum is dominated by nonthermal emission. This puts G347.3-0.5 in the small, but growing class of SNRs for which the X-ray emission reveals directly the presence of extremely energetic electrons accelerated by the SNR shock. We have obtained new high-resolution X-ray and radio data on G347.3-0.5 using the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) respectively. The bright northwestern peak of the SNR seen in ROSAT and ASCA images is resolved with Chandra into bright filaments and fainter diffuse emission. These features show good correspondence with the radio morphological structure, providing strong evidence that the same population of electrons is responsible for the synchrotron emission in both bands in this part of the remnant. Spectral index information from both observations is presented. We found significant difference in photon index value between bright and faint regions of the SNR shell. Spectral properties of these regions support the notion that efficient particle acceleration is occurring in the bright SNR filaments. We report the detection of linear radio polarization towards the SNR, which is most ordered at the northwestern shell where particle acceleration is presumably occurring. Using our new Chandra and ATCA data we model the broad-band emission from G347.3-0.5 with the synchrotron and inverse Compton mechanisms and discuss the conditions under which this is a plausible scenario. Subject headings: acceleration of particles — cosmic rays — radiation mechanisms: nonthermal — supernova remnants: individual: G347.3-0.5 — X-rays: general
Biochemical evidence accumulates across neurons to drive a network-level eruption.

Summary Neural network computations are usually assumed to emerge from patterns of fast electrical activity. Challenging this view, we show that a male fly’s decision to persist in mating hinges on a biochemical computation that enables processing over minutes to hours. Each neuron in a recurrent network contains slightly different internal molecular estimates of mating progress. Protein kinase A (PKA) activity contrasts this internal measurement with input from the other neurons to represent accumulated evidence that the goal of the network has been achieved. When consensus is reached, PKA pushes the network toward a large-scale and synchronized burst of calcium influx that we call an eruption. Eruptions transform continuous deliberation within the network into an all-or-nothing output, after which the male will no longer sacrifice his life to continue mating. Here, biochemical activity, invisible to most large-scale recording techniques, is the key computational currency directing behavior and motivational state.
Analyse de l'impact économique des actes de terrorisme: Avancées et conclusions méthodologiques récentes

La securite nationale releve de la responsabilite fondamentale des Etats, mais elle est aussi de caractere intangible. Que peut apporter une analyse economique a cet egard? Dans ce domaine, l’analyse couts-avantages a rarement ete utilisee parce que les avantages sont ambigus et assimilables a des biens publics. Notre groupe, au Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism (CREATE) de l’Universite de Californie du Sud, s’est attache a approfondir et appliquer l’analyse d’impact economique pour decrire les pertes previsibles dans diverses hypotheses d’attentats terroristes. L’innovation, dans nos travaux, tient a la dimension territoriale que nous avons ajoutee a des modeles intersectoriels operationnels. Dans un souci de plausibilite, les scenarios d’attentats terroristes doivent comporter des precisions geographiques.
Exploring the Utility Versus Intrusiveness of Dynamic Audience Selection on Facebook

In contrast to existing, static audience controls that map poorly onto users' ideal audiences on social networking sites, dynamic audience selection (DAS) controls can make intelligent inferences to help users select their ideal audience given context and content. But does this potential utility outweigh its potential intrusiveness? We surveyed 250 participants to model users' ideal versus their chosen audiences with static controls and found a significant misalignment, suggesting that DAS might provide utility. We then designed a sensitizing prototype that allowed users to select audiences based on personal attributes, content, or context constraints. We evaluated DAS vis-a-vis Facebook's existing audience selection controls through a counterbalanced summative evaluation. We found that DAS's expressiveness, customizability, and scalability made participants feel more confident about the content they shared on Facebook. However, low transparency, distrust in algorithmic inferences, and the emergence of privacy-violating side channels made participants find the prototype unreliable or intrusive. We discuss factors that affected this trade-off between DAS's utility and intrusiveness and synthesize design implications for future audience selection tools.
An underactuated wearable arm-swing rehabilitator for gait training

This paper presents the design concept and fabricated prototype of a device that swings the arms for use in gait rehabilitation. The device is designed to be used in conjunction with a body-weight-support treadmill. The device is backdrivable, wearable, capable of assisting the user's arm swing in the sagittal plane, and has unhindered kinematics in the remaining unactuated degrees of freedom. Tests are performed to validate the shoulder-angle prediction equations based on the non-collocated motor-angle sensor measurements, to validate the device's ability to provide adequate torque to induce arm-swing in a passive user, and to investigate whether or not the user's active involvement can be determined by examining sensor data. The results show that the device does provide sufficient torque to move the arms with a factor of safety, but that the model-based shoulder-angle estimates obtained from the motor measurements have non-negligible error with the current prototype. It is shown that the controlled device generates low RMS tracking error and is able to diagnose user-assistance level (i.e., if the user is passive or actively assisting arm swing) online by observing shoulder-angle amplitudes and peak motor torques.
Effect of wheat and high-moisture sorghum grain fed singly and in combination on ruminal fermentation, solid and liquid flow, site and extent of digestion and feeding performance of cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to determine how varying the proportion of wheat (W) and high-moisture sorghum grain (SG) in 80% grain dies would affect ruminal fermentation, liquid and solid flow, site and extent of digestion (Exp. 1) and feeding performance of cattle (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, three ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulated steers (average weight 295 kg), fed at 1.54% of body weight, were used in a six-period crossover design. Treatments were: W, 50W:50SG (W:SG) and SG. Increasing wheat level decreased ruminal pH, molar proportion of acetate, and acetate:propionate ratio (P less than .05) and increased (P less than .05) L-lactate concentration, molar proportions of propionate and valerate and total volatile fatty acid concentration. Ruminal liquid dilution and outflow rates were faster (P less than .05) and retention time was shorter (P less than .05) for the W diet. Duodenal and ileal liquid flow increased (P less than .05), and solid flow decreased (P less than .05), as dietary level of wheat increased. Apparent ruminal digestion (% of intake) of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) was greater (P less than .01) with the wheat-containing diets. Intestinal DM and OM digestion (percent of intake) was higher (P less than .05) with the SG and W:SG diets. Ruminal, small intestine, large intestine and total tract starch digestion (percent of intake) was 93.5, 5.6, .7, 99.8, 71.5, 20.4, 5.7, 97.6; and 48.0, 32.5, 10.5, 91.0 with the W, W:SG and SG diets, respectively. In Exp. 2, group-fed (24 pens) steers (avg initial weight 341 kg) were fed ad libitum once daily for 121 d. Treatments were: W, 67W:33SG, 33W:67SG and SG. Rates of gain (kg/d) with the W (1.32), 67W:37SG (1.33) and 33W:67SG (1.30) diets were similar (P greater than .05), but faster (P less than .05) than those with the SG diet (1.16). Feed intake was lower (P less than .01) with the W and 67W:33SG diets, but the wheat-containing diets were utilized more efficiently (P less than .01). Increasing the proportion of wheat in sorghum grain feedlot diets improved cattle performance by optimizing ruminal and post-ruminal digestion.
Buckling of Stiffener and Elastic Sheet Combinations Under Pure Bending

Stiffened sheet covering, for example in seaplane hulls, may be subjected to bending moments that produce compressive bending stress in the unsupported stiffener areas. The critical value of bending moment is desired a t which stiffeners of open section will buckle torsionally. The present solution introduces the effect of the elastic bending properties of the sheet into the stiffener buckling problem. The stiffener now carries a portion of the total moment plus a compressive force that is equal to the tensile force in the sheet. The expression for the elastic moments transmitted from the sheet is obtained by a linear treatment of the actually nonlinear problem. Adding to the problems treated by Wagner and Kappus, Goodier, in those problems considered by him, finds the critical loads or moments as the solutions of algebraic equations derived from the differential equations of the problem. In the present problem the sheet-bending deflection is expressed in the Levy type Fourier form, which avoids the differential equation in the variational problem and introduces a transcendental term into an otherwise algebraic equation. Trial-and-error solution is indicated to obtain the critical value of bending moment.
Complex source extension of UTD for analyzing large reflector antennas

A new uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for a fully three dimensional arbitrary curved wedge, when the illumination is an electromagnetic complex source beam is developed from the uniform asymptotic solution to appropriate canonical problems. This general development is then utilized for the analysis of large reflector antennas by expanding the reflector feed illumination in terms of a convergent complex source beam expansion. Each complex source beam in the expansion then reflects and diffracts from the metallic reflector via the uniform geometrical theory of edge diffraction for complex source beams. The field radiated by the reflector at any near or far zone observation point is given essentially in closed form via a superposition of the scattering of each complex source beam by the reflector. Only those complex source beams which strongly illuminate the reflector surface are retained. Moreover, for a given observation point only a few of those beams contribute significantly while others are ignorable, thus making this approach very efficient. The present method is more accurate than that which is commonly based on the time consuming numerical evaluation of the physical optics integral approximation for calculating the radiation fields of large reflector antennas.
Disruption of the primary fouling sequence on fiber glass-reinforced plastic submerged in the marine environment.

Fiber glass-reinforced plastic immersed in an experimental estuarine mesocosm fouled at estimated rates of 0.5, 5.5, and 18.8 ng (wet weight) mm−2 day−1 over days 0 to 2, 2 to 6, and 6 to 14, respectively. Protists, dominated by diatoms, which developed between days 3 and 6 and covered 90% of the undisturbed surface in 2 weeks, were effectively removed by twice-weekly brushing of the surface to maintain an immature 3-day bacterial film which covered 12% or less of the surface and had a biomass 3 orders of magnitude smaller than surfaces with 2 weeks9 unrestricted fouling. Direct brushing of the fiber glass-reinforced plastic tank walls of experimental estuarine mesocosms minimized the “wall effect” by keeping a surface that maintained a low biomass of a slowly accumulating bacterial film rather than a surface which supported the more rapid accumulation of protists which in turn may induce the settlement of invertebrates and macrophytes. Images
Temporal diversification of Central American cichlids

Cichlid fishes are classic examples of adaptive radiation because of their putative tendency to explosively diversify after invading novel environments. To examine whether ecological opportunity increased diversification (speciation minus extinction) early in a species-rich cichlid radiation, we determined if Heroine cichlids experienced a burst of diversification following their invasion of Central America. We first reconstructed the Heroine phylogeny and determined the basal node to use as the root of Central American Heroine diversification. We then examined the influence of incomplete taxon sampling on this group's diversification patterns. First, we added missing species randomly to the phylogeny and assessed deviations from a constant rate of lineage accumulation. Using a range of species numbers, we failed to recover significant deviations from a pure-birth process and found little support for an early burst of diversification. Then, we examined patterns of lineage accumulation as nodes were increasingly truncated. We assumed that as we removed more recently diverged lineages that sampling would become more complete thereby increasing the power to detect deviations from a pure-birth model. However, truncation of nodes provided even less support for an early burst of diversification. Contrary to expectations, our analyses suggest Heroine cichlids did not undergo a burst of diversification when they invaded from South America. Throughout their history in Central America, Heroine cichlids appear to have diversified at a constant rate.
Interdiffusion studies for HfSixOy and ZrSixOy on Si

Metal incorporation into silicon substrates, and thermal stability of alternate gate dielectric candidates HfSixOy and ZrSixOy films after aggressive thermal annealing are reported. Considerable Zr incorporation is observed after furnace and rapid thermal annealing. No detectible Hf incorporation is observed for HfSixOy films annealed with the same conditions as the ZrSixOy films. Sputter deposited Hf silicate films showed superior thermal stability compared with chemical vapor deposited Zr silicate films. An alternate approach to obtain sub-nm resolution depth profiling of impurities in Si is also reported. Device performance associated with Zr incorporation into the channel is also discussed.
Transforming the System with One Small Change? An Idea for Debate

Gardner, Levy and Fierlbeck offer a thought-provoking plan for turning Canada's currently unproductive and obstructive model of fiscal federalism into an effective tool for leveraging substantive change in the country's healthcare systems and enhancing their ability to provide effective care at acceptable cost. However, what is presented as a straightforward solution actually requires a complicated and highly demanding set of interlocking transformations. The author of this commentary is not convinced that these can all be achieved within a politically realistic timeframe and without significant new resources.
Species-specific properties and more narrow reductive strategies

Dans le contexte des variations et permutations de la theorie de type-identite, l'A. examine les problemes poses par la strategie restreinte de reduction actuelle, problemes qui, dans une large mesure, ont ete peu ou quasiment pas percus
A broad view of glutamate spillover

Glutamate released from one synapse can act at neighboring synapses. A new report shows that such 'spillover' enables synapses to cooperate in activating mutual neighbors.
Circadian Clock Action Spectrum in a Photoperiodic Moth

A circadian rhythm of egg hatching in the moth Pectinophora gossypiella can be initiated with a brief light pulse. The action spectrum for this effect has a peak in the blue and near ultraviolet region of the spectrum with a sharp cutoff above 500 nanometers and a more gradual cutoff below 390 nanometers.
Effects of Diet and Organic Fertilization on Water Quality and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Populations in Ponds Used to Culture Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

ABSTRACT Effects of three diets: (1) complete diet; (2) supplemental diet (vitamin and mineral supplements not added); and (3) the supplemental diet with an adjunct organic fertilization regimen (using distiller's dried grains with solubles [DDGS]) on benthic macroinvertebrate populations and water quality in experimental ponds used to culture freshwater prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii were investigated. Benthic samples were taken from deep (1.5 m) and shallow (1.0 m) areas of each of nine 0.02-ha ponds every three weeks, using a 0.09-m2 Ekman dredge. The abundance of gastro-pods, oligochaetes, total non-insects, chironomids, total dipterans, total insects, and total macroinvertebrates was significantly higher (P <0.05) in ponds receiving the complete diet, possibly due to lower predatory pressure by prawns or direct benefits of micronutri-ents. Total macroinvertebrate abundance was significantly decreased (P <0.05) in ponds receiving supplemental diet (with and without organic fertilization), possibly ...
Equivalence of the Likelihood Ratio Processor, the Maximum Signal-to-Noise Ratio Filter, and the Wiener Filter

It is shown that for the problem of detecting a nonfluctuating target in Gaussian noise, three common optimality criteria lead to identical multichannel filter designs.
Market Design and Human Trading Behavior in Electricity Markets

This paper is based on a series of controlled experiments in the trading of wholesale electricity that expands substantially the scope of experimental research programs reported previously. The experiments employed cash motivated students and rented computer laboratory facilities of the University of Arizona. The primary objective of these experiments was to compare two alternative institutional arrangements for the trading of electric power. As in the California markets the first employed day-ahead sealed bid trading of energy for all periods in the subsequent day; the second employed simultaneous continuous double auctions for bilateral trading of energy up to the hour before delivery. In each the energy market was supplemented by a reserve market and an hour-ahead adjustment market for real-time pricing. All trading was executed on a nine-node network with limited transmission capacity. Eight nodes were control areas, with one large wholesale generator company and one large distribution company residen...
Hard truths for strategic change: Dilemmas of implementing affirmative action

Abstract This paper addresses some of the obstacles and dilemmas we face as we attempt to influence the ways in which affirmative action gets implemented in our universities. General obstacles to implementation discussed include: external initiation and regulation of the program, conflict of program goals with other organizational goals, the often overlooked distinction between stated and real goals, powerless organizational placement of the Affirmative Action Office, general resistance to a program dealing with sexism and racism, and the lack of self interest in the program on the part of many of those in powerful organizational positions. Two dilemmas for our influence attempts are then presented. The first is, how do we respond to the multiple goals of our organizations, especially when they appear to conflict with affirmative action? The second is how do we define our objectives clearly and straight-forwardly enough so that they can be achieved, while we avoid alienating potential allies? These dilemmas are discussed, with the understanding that there are no ‘right’ resolutions, but that resolution must be done within the context of our overarching goal and our own organizational realities.