cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic rotorcraft and perch-and-stare: sensing landing zones and handling obscurants

Perch and stare is a maneuver where a vehicle flies to an overhead vantage point to provide a user with improved tactical information. This may include landing on rooftops, flying from rooftop to rooftop, or to windowsills all while carrying cameras or other intelligence gathering sensors. Miniature rotorcraft are ideal surveillance platforms, especially for perch and stare maneuvers because of their unique ability to take off and land vertically. Minimal vehicle size and weight also greatly enhance portability. Real world environmental influences such as fog, smoke, wind and cluttered or moving landing areas greatly complicate perch and stare maneuvers. This paper describes the application of optic flow and ultrasonic range finding sensors to increase miniature robotic rotorcraft autonomy for perch and stare maneuvers, especially in degraded environments
Applying morphological filters to acoustic broadband correlograms

An acoustic broadband correlogram, a two-dimensional display over time of the cross-correlation of signals received by a two-sensor system, is often used to detect targets close to the sensor system. Often, the correlogram is cluttered by the strong interference generated by distant and yet strong sources. These strong interferers appear in the form of dark vertical and nearly-vertical lines in the broadband correlogram and hinder the detection of nearby targets. This paper presents an automatic target detection system for broadband acoustic correlograms designed to take into account the interference from strong sources. The system consists of three parts: (1) a pre-processing stage, (2) a Delay Curve Hough Transform (DCHT) and (3) an onion peeling process. The pre-processing stage consists of a morphological filter (the rolling arc) and a linear histogram stretching process to improve the contrast of the morphologically filtered correlogram. The modified Hough Transform, based on the assumption that the target moves with constant velocity, is designed to detect delay curves in the broadband correlograms. Finally, the onion peeling process is an iterative process that sequentially removes the strongest detected delay curve from the correlogram and feeds the modified correlogram back to the Hough Transform to detect the next strongest delay curve.
Adaptive MAC Protocol for QoS support in UWB-based Wireless Networks

In this paper we propose an adaptive MAC protocol that provides QoS support for multimedia applications in UWB-based wireless networks. The proposed protocol accounts for the UWB unique characteristics while considering the QoS requirements. The resource allocation algorithm of the proposed protocol assigns the transmission parameters (data rate and power) to nodes in the network based on the current traffic conditions. We present a thorough performance evaluation of the proposed protocol in terms of throughput, admission ratio, energy consumption and delay. The proposed protocol is studied for different system loads and traffic distributions.
Incidence of Phytophthora Root Rot of Fraser Fir in North Carolina and Sensitivity of Isolates of Phytophthora cinnamomi to Metalaxyl

ABSTRACT A survey of Fraser fir Christmas trees in North Carolina for incidence of Phytophthora root rot was conducted during 1997 and 1998. Field sites (7- to 13-year-old trees) and nursery transplant beds (4- to 5-year-old trees) selected at random were surveyed based on foliar symptoms of Phytophthora root rot. Field sites were surveyed with a random transect method (>3,000 trees/field) or by counting all trees (<3,000 trees/field). Overall, incidence of Phytophthora root rot averaged 9% over the 58 field sites sampled, with a range of 0 to 75%. No relationship was found between number of years Fraser fir had been planted in the field site and disease incidence. Disease incidence did not increase as field sites were rotated through second or third crops of Fraser fir. Phytophthora spp. were recovered from 1.8% of asymptomatic trees sampled from 58 field sites across the state. P. cinnamomi accounted for 91% of the Phytophthora isolates recovered. In nursery transplant beds where a systematic sampling p...
Dynamic Ethernet Link Shutdown for Energy Conservation on Ethernet Links

Recent studies of network traffic utilization on campus networks have shown that data networks remain heavily under-utilized. Yet currently there is little attempt to save energy on network interfaces by using the low power modes available in Ethernet transceivers during periods of inactivity or low utilization. In this paper we design and evaluate a dynamic ethernet link shutdown (DELS) algorithm that utilizes current technology leading to significant benefits in energy savings with little noticeable impact on packet loss or delay. The algorithm uses buffer occupancy, the behavior of previous packet arrival times and a configurable maximum bounded delay to make sleeping decisions. The scheme was evaluated using simulations with inputs generated using a synthetic traffic generator for smooth and bursty traffic. The results show that the percentage of total time that a link can be shut down can be anywhere from 80% to 60% for traffic loads up to 5%.
An LSA implementation against parallel texts in French and English

This paper presents the results of applying the Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) methodology to a small collection of parallel texts in French and English. The goal of the analysis was to determine what the methodology might reveal regarding the difficulty level of either the machine-translation (MT) task or the text-alignment (TA) task.In a perfectly parallel corpus where the texts are exactly aligned, it is expected that the word distributions between the two languages be perfectly symmetrical. Where they are symmetrical, the difficulty level of the machine-translation or the text-alignment task should be low. The results of this analysis show that even in a perfectly aligned corpus, the word distributions between the two languages deviate and because they do, LSA may contribute much to our understanding of the difficulty of the MT and TA tasks.
Divergence penalty for image regularization

This paper discusses a new roughness penalty for use in estimation problems including image estimation problems. It is one of a new class of penalty functions for use in estimation and image regularization that has recently been proposed. These functions penalize the discrepancy between an image and a shifted version of itself; here the discrepancy measure is the I-divergence. This penalty is closely related to a penalty used for density estimation that was introduced by Good and Gaskins (1971). Roughness penalty methods form an attractive alternative to Markov random field priors, achieving many of the same properties including the introduction of neighborhood structures. An example of the use of this new penalty for radar imaging using real radar data has been examined. >
The Relational Generation of Workplace Inequalities

In this article, I outline a dynamic, relational theory of workplace inequalities. I begin with the basic model offered by Charles Tilly in Durable Inequality that categorical distinctions, such as gender or education, are mapped, exaggerated, and naturalized within organizational divisions of labor. This argument is attractive in the generality and simplicity of its causal account, yet fairly weak in specifying (1) core organizational processes, (2) the micro-foundations and interactions that generate inequalities, and (3) the potential of intersectional dynamics to disrupt the durability of categorical inequalities. I offer an integrated interactional-organizational-institutional perspective on the relational processes that generate inequalities.
Energy efficient Ethernet encodings

The energy efficiency of network elements is becoming more prominent, with growing concern for Internet power consumption and heat dissipation in datacenters and communications closets. Previous work has looked at energy efficient wireless topologies, network nodes, routers, and protocols. In considering a fresh redesign of the Internet datacenter for energy efficiency, we believe that energy efficient encodings are worthy of study. In this work, we re-examine the choice of Ethernet encoding, develop an associated energy model, evaluate current encodings, and propose new encodings. We found that simpler encodings are more energy efficient, with power savings of around 20% for the best encoding. Our work represents a first step in re-examining the established assumptions and practices of the PHY level of the network stack with respect to energy.
Insights into the different dioxygen activation pathways of methane and toluene monooxygenase hydroxylases

The methane and toluene monooxygenase hydroxylases (MMOH and TMOH, respectively) have almost identical active sites, yet the physical and chemical properties of their oxygenated intermediates, designated P*, H(peroxo), Q, and Q* in MMOH and ToMOH(peroxo) in a subclass of TMOH, ToMOH, are substantially different. We review and compare the structural differences in the vicinity of the active sites of these enzymes and discuss which changes could give rise to the different behavior of H(peroxo) and Q. In particular, analysis of multiple crystal structures reveals that T213 in MMOH and the analogous T201 in TMOH, located in the immediate vicinity of the active site, have different rotatory configurations. We study the rotational energy profiles of these threonine residues with the use of molecular mechanics (MM) and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) computational methods and put forward a hypothesis according to which T213 and T201 play an important role in the formation of different types of peroxodiiron(III) species in MMOH and ToMOH. The hypothesis is indirectly supported by the QM/MM calculations of the peroxodiiron(III) models of ToMOH and the theoretically computed Mossbauer spectra. It also helps explain the formation of two distinct peroxodiiron(III) species in the T201S mutant of ToMOH. Additionally, a role for the ToMOD regulatory protein, which is essential for intermediate formation and protein functioning in the ToMO system, is advanced. We find that the low quadrupole splitting parameter in the Mossbauer spectrum observed for a ToMOH(peroxo) intermediate can be explained by protonation of the peroxo moiety, possibly stabilized by the T201 residue. Finally, similarities between the oxygen activation mechanisms of the monooxygenases and cytochrome P450 are discussed.
Fryns Syndrome: Neurologic Findings in a Survivor

Fryns syndrome, a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome associated with diaphragmatic defects, craniofacial dysmorphism, distal digital hypoplasia, and neurologic abnormalities, was first described ...
Testing Bioenergetics Models under Feeding Regimes That Elicit Compensatory Growth

Abstract We tested bioenergetics model predictions of fish growth and food consumption under feeding regimes that elicited compensatory growth (CG) responses and for control fish fed ad libitum daily. Three treatment groups of seven juvenile hybrid sunfish (F1 hybrid of female green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus × male bluegill L. macrochirus) received repeating cycles of no feeding and refeeding; fixed no-feed periods of either 2, 4, or 14 d distinguished the treatment groups. The no-feed periods induced CG and were immediately followed by days of ad libitum refeeding. The refeeding periods for each treatment group were continued until the group's mean daily consumption no longer exceeded that of the controls, after which another no-feed period began. Bioenergetics model predictions of cumulative consumption and fish weight in 105-d experiments were not significantly different from observed values in the control group (2–3% model error). However, the model underestimated cumulative consumption (18–25%) and o...
Endovascular Treatment of a Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm with a Stent Graft: Report of Two Cases

Two patients with hemoptysis secondary to pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm were treated by endovascular placement of stent grafts. Aneurysms were effectively excluded and hemoptysis stopped. Stent grafts were occluded in both patients. However, endovascular treatment of the pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm with a stent graft is a safe alternative to coil embolization or surgery.
Women Chairs in Psychiatry: A Collective Reflection

This article describes the experiences of women chairs in psychiatry. All women chairs in psychiatry were contacted by the author to share their personal experiences as chair. Seven out of 10 chairs accepted the invitation. A similar invitation was extended to a few female and male academics. Women in chair positions come from smaller schools and departments, have clinical and educational backgrounds, have fewer grants than their male counterparts, and are more likely to be recruited from within. Most of the women did not aspire to be chair, but after an initial adjustment period, they felt their job to be less stressful. Mentors played a role in the careers of some, but not all women chairs.
Quality of Runoff from Minnesota peatlands. I: A characterization

The likelihood of expanded use of Minnesota's 3 million hectares of peatlands prompted the state to initiate a hydrologic study to characterize these groundwater-linked systems. Determining the quality of stream flow from these peatlands was an integral part of the study. Peatlands could be differentiated either on the basis of stream flow quality or on soil-vegetation characteristics. The quality of stream flow from 45 undisturbed peatlands was characterized by collecting samples five times in 1979-1980 and analyzing them for 27 water quality characteristics. Runoff pH, specific conductance, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium were used to classify the peatlands as bog, transition, or fen. Bog runoff was lower (..cap alpha.. = 0.05) in pH, calcium, sodium, manganese, and ammonia nitrogen than fen runoff, but was higher in acidity, color, aluminum, humic and fulvic acid, and chemical oxygen demand than fen runoff. Bogs had more fibric peat of a lower pH than fens; fens exhibited tall woody shrubs which were virtually absent on bogs. 5 references, 3 figures, 3 tables.
An automated system to mount cryo-cooled protein crystals on a synchrotron beamline, using compact sample cassettes and a small-scale robot

An automated system for mounting and dismounting pre-frozen crystals has been implemented at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL). It is based on a small industrial robot and compact cylindrical cassettes, each holding up to 96 crystals mounted on Hampton Research sample pins. For easy shipping and storage, the cassette fits inside several popular dry-shippers and long-term storage Dewars. A dispensing Dewar holds up to three cassettes in liquid nitrogen adjacent to the beamline goniometer. The robot uses a permanent magnet tool to extract samples from, and insert samples into a cassette, and a cryo-tong tool to transfer them to and from the beamline goniometer. The system is simple, with few moving parts, reliable in operation and convenient to use.
Interpretation of Enhanced Integrated Water Vapor Bands Associated with Extratropical Cyclones: Their Formation and Connection to Tropical Moisture

Abstract Trajectory analysis using a weather prediction model is performed for five cases to interpret the formation of enhanced bands of vertically integrated water vapor (IWV) in the central and eastern Pacific that are frequently seen in satellite images from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager. The connection of these enhanced bands with poleward water vapor transport from the Tropics is also examined. It is shown that the leading end of the enhanced IWV bands (defined as the most eastward and poleward end) is the manifestation of moisture convergence in the warm conveyor belt associated with extratropical cyclones, while the bands away from the leading end result mainly from moisture convergence along the trailing cold fronts. There is evidence that some enhanced IWV bands may be associated with a direct poleward transport of tropical moisture along the IWV bands from the Tropics all the way to the extratropics. The trajectory analysis, together with the seasonal mean sea level pressure analysis, ind...
Use of the Simple Infiltrated Microstructure Polarization Loss Estimation (SIMPLE) model to describe the performance of nano-composite solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Nano-composite Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ (SSC)–Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC) and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (LSCF)–GDC Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) cathodes with various infiltrate loading levels were prepared through multiple nitrate solution infiltrations into porous GDC ionic conducting (IC) scaffolds. Microstructural analyses indicated that the average SSC and average LSCF hemispherical particle radii remained roughly constant, at 25 nm, across multiple infiltration–gelation–firing sequences. Comparisons between symmetric cell polarization resistance measurements and Simple Infiltrated Microstructure Polarization Loss Estimation (SIMPLE) model predictions showed that the SIMPLE model was able to predict the performance of heavily infiltrated SSC–GDC and LSCF–GDC cathodes with accuracies better than 55% and 70%, respectively (without the use of fitting parameters). Poor electronic conduction between mixed ionic electronic conducting (MIEC) infiltrate particles was found in lightly infiltrated cathodes. Since these electronic conduction losses were not accounted for by the SIMPLE model, larger discrepancies between the SIMPLE-model-predicted and measured polarization resistances were observed for lightly infiltrated cathodes. This work demonstrates that the SIMPLE model can be used to quickly determine the lowest possible polarization resistance of a variety of infiltrated MIEC on IC nano-composite cathodes (NCC's) when the NCC microstructure and an experimentally-applicable set of intrinsic MIEC oxygen surface resistances and IC bulk oxygen conductivities are known. Currently, this model is the only one capable of predicting the polarization resistance of heavily infiltrated MIEC on IC NCC's as a function of temperature, cathode thickness, nano-particle size, porosity, and composition.
Shell-free Biomass and Population Dynamics of Dreissenids in Offshore Lake Michigan, 2001–2003

ABSTRACT The USGS-Great Lakes Science Center has collected dreissenid mussels annually from Lake Michigan since zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) became a significant portion of the bottom-trawl catch in 1999. For this study, we investigated dreissenid distribution, body mass, and recruitment at different depths in Lake Michigan during 2001–2003. The highest densities of dreissenid biomass were observed from depths of 27 to 46 m. The biomass of quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) increased exponentially during 2001–2003, while that of zebra mussels did not change significantly. Body mass (standardized for a given shell length) of both species was lowest from depths of 27 to 37m, highest from 55 to 64 m, and declined linearly at deeper depths during 2001–2003. Recruitment in 2003, as characterized by the proportion of mussels < 11 mm in the catch, varied with depth and lake region. For quagga mussels, recruitment declined linearly with depth, and was highest in northern Lake Michigan. For zebra mussels,...
VARIATION IN ANT POPULATIONS WITH ELEVATION, TREE COVER, AND FIRE IN A PINYON-JUNIPER–DOMINATED WATERSHED

Climate change and fire suppression have facilitated expansion of pinyon-juniper woodlands into sagebrush-steppe ecosystems of the Great Basin, USA, resulting in a loss of biological diversity. To assess the effects of using prescribed fire in restoration efforts, ant abundance, species richness, and composition were examined pre- and post-burn along the elevation and tree cover gradients encompassed by a pinyon-juniper woodland in a central Nevada watershed. Ants were sampled using pitfall traps in 6 sites for the elevation study and in 2 sites for the tree cover study, representing paired burn and control sites in a randomized block design. Vegetation and ground cover variables were also sampled to determine how variation in ant populations was correlated with differences in vegetation and ground cover. Ant species richness remained unchanged for all treatments. Tree cover had no significant effect on ant populations. Significantly more ants were trapped after the burn treatment on burn plots. Variation in ant populations was not directly correlated with any of the vegetation or ground cover variables. According to ANOVA and multivariate analyses, elevation had the greatest effect on changes in ant communities, likely due to increased moisture availability. Our results suggest that management for conservation of sagebrush-steppe ecosystems in this and similar watersheds should include a range of elevations to ensure maximum ant species diversity.
ECG Diagnosis: Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.

Joel t levis, MD, PhD, faceP, faaeM, is a Senior Emergency Medicine Physician at the Santa Clara Medical Center, and Clinical Instructor of Emergency Medicine (Surgery) at Stanford University. He is the Medical Director for the Foothill College Paramedic Program in Los Altos, CA. E-mail: joel.levis@kp.org. Figure 1. 12-lead ECG from a man with a history of atrial fibrillation and dilated cardiomyopathy, age 43 years, with palpitations and shortness of breath. Demonstrates a wide-complex, regular tachycardia with a ventricular rate of 200 beats/minute, consistent with probable monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Evaluating emergency preparedness and impact of a hurricane sandy in pediatric patients with diabetes

Natural disasters have always been associated with significant adverse events including medical and mental health problems. Children with chronic disease such has diabetes have also been believed to be affected to a greater extent by any natural disaster. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare emergency preparedness post-disaster and post-traumatic stress effects of Hurricane Sandy in affected and relatively unaffected populations. The study was conducted between February and July 2013. A total of 142 families caring for children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) who attended clinics were recruited from hospitals in Bronx, NY (control) and in NJ (affected) by Hurricane Sandy. Subjects were recruited to participate in a survey 3–6 months after the hurricane. Data on demographics, glycemic control and insulin regimens were collected. Families were surveyed for socio-economic status (SES), using Hollingshead questionnaire, general and diabetes preparedness and the Hurricane Related Traumatic Experiences (HURTE) questionnaire was used to evaluate for symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Ninety-five percent of families reported to be generally well to moderately prepared for the hurricane and 83 % reported to be very well prepared with regards to their child’s diabetes during the disaster. There was no difference between the sites for preparedness for the disaster, age or gender. There was a trend toward significance (p < 0.06) in New Jersey subjects as to a greater psychological impact from the hurricane. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with lower SES (p < 0.008). Most importantly, SES was unrelated to preparedness for diabetes management during the hurricane. Despite low SES, families were generally well to moderately prepared for hurricane. In children with diabetes, interventional studies should be designed and implemented so that glycemic control remains unaffected, following any major disaster.
Diet of Mother and Vitamin B12 Content of Tissues of Infant Rats

SummaryThe amount of vit. B12 in the liver, spleen and heart of 28-day-old rats was approximately doubled when a source of vit. B12 was added to the diet of the mothers. The diet of the mother had no important effect on the vit. B12 content of the kidney. In general the kidney and spleen contained slightly more vit. B12 than liver. The heart contained a relatively small amount of vit. B12 in comparison to other tissues.
Effect of Cold Storage on Mechanical Properties of Aorta

Aortic allografts have been widely used in treatments of congenital heart diseases with satisfactory clinical outcomes. They were usually cryopreserved and stored for surgical use. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of cold storage on mechanical properties of aorta, since the compliance mismatch was one important factor associated with the complication after graft surgery. The segments of porcine descending aorta were divided into two groups: the fresh samples which were tested within 24 hours after harvesting served as control group, and frozen samples which were stored in −20°C for 7 days and then thawed. The uniaxial tension tests along circumferential direction and indentation tests were conducted. The average incremental elastic moduli within each stretch range were obtained from the experimental data obtained during tension tests, and the elastic moduli were also calculated by fitting the force-indentation depth data to Hertz model when the tissue was stretched at 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6. In addition, the average incremental elastic moduli of both fresh and frozen aortic tissue along axial direction were also obtained by using uniaxial tension tests. The comparison showed that cold storage definitely increased the average incremental elastic modulus of the aortic tissue along circumferential direction; however, the difference is not significant for the elastic moduli along axial direction.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
CHROMOSOMAL VARIATION IN THE PLAINS WOODRAT: GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF THREE CHROMOSOMAL MORPHS.

Neotoma micropus ranges over most of the western two-thirds of Texas, the northeastern corner of Mexico, most of New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma (Hall and Kelson, 1959). An extensive chromosomal polymorphism has been reported in this species (Baker and Mascarello, 1969; Baker et al., 1970). Using regular karyotypic techniques (without banding), this polymorphism was found to consist of variation in the morphology of one pair of large autosomes. The morphology of this pair varied as follows: (1) both as acrocentrics (Morph I), (2) one as an acrocentric, the other a larger submetacentric (Morph II), or (3) both as large submetacentrics (Morph III). Mascarello and Warner (1974) examined C-band and G-band preparations from seventeen specimens of N. micropus and found that both an inversion and deletion within a block of constitutive heterochromatin are responsible for this polymorphism. Banded preparations showed the system to be a bit more complex than that described above. In fact, a fourth type of chromosome arrangement was noted in which there were two biarmed chromosomes. However, one (a subtelocentric) had a distinctly shorter second arm than the other (a submetacentric). None of the banded preparations were found to be homozygous for the subtelocentric condition. In addition to not being visible in regular karotypic preparations, the very short
20 PREGNANCY OUTCOMES IN WOMEN WITH THE G1691A FACTOR V LEIDEN AND PROTHROMBIN G20210A MUTATIONS

In 81 women referred for diagnosis-therapy of atherothrombotic and endocrine disorders, and found to be heterozygous (n = 49) or homozygous (n = 3) for the G1691A Factor V Leiden mutation (FV), or heterozygous (n = 29) for the G20210A prothrombin gene mutation (PTG), and having ≥ 1 pregnancy, our specific aim was to assess relationships of familial thrombophilia to previous pregnancy outcomes. The 52 women with FV (1 black, 43 white, 8 other, 47 ± 13 years old) had 164 pregnancies with 114 live births (70%) and 50 miscarriages (30%). The 29 women with PTG (1 black, 28 white, 51 ± 15 years old) had 64 pregnancies with 50 live births (83%) and 10 miscarriages (17%). In 130 normal control women referred for diagnosis-therapy of atherosclerotic and endocrine disorders, having wild-type normal FV and PTG, there were 125 pregnancies with 110 live births and 13 miscarriages (10.4%). The miscarriage rate in women with FV (30%) was 3 times higher (p
Heat Transport in Geologic Media: What We Can Learn in the Laboratory

Based on a study of a variety of minerals of the feldspar and the pyroxene groups, it is suggested that lamellar structures with a spacing of the order of tens of A are responsible for the low thermal conductivity observed in these minerals above 100 K.
Racial Discrimination and HIV-related Risk Behaviors in Southeast Louisiana

Objectives We examined the relationship between cumulative experiences of racial discrimination and HIV-related risk taking, and whether these relationships are mediated through alcohol use among African Americans in semi-rural southeast Louisiana. Methods Participants (N = 214) reported on experiences of discrimination, HIV sexual risk-taking, history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), and health behaviors including alcohol use in the previous 90 days. Experiences of discrimination (scaled both by frequency of occurrence and situational counts) as a predictor of a sexual risk composite score as well as a history of STI was assessed using multivariate linear and logistic regression, respectively, including tests for mediation by alcohol use. Results Discrimination was common in this cohort, with respondents confirming their experience on average 7 of the 9 potential situations and on more than 34 separate occasions. After adjustment, discrimination was significantly associated with increasing sexual risk-taking and lifetime history of STI when measured either by frequency of occurrence or number of situations, although there was no evidence that these relationships were mediated through alcohol use. Conclusions Cumulative experiences of discrimination may play a significant role in sexual risk behavior and consequently increase vulnerability to HIV and other STIs.
Anaphylaxis to IVIG

Anaphylactic reactions are a known complication in some IgA-deficient patients receiving blood or plasma transfusions. It is of particular interest that anaphylaxis has been observed in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who are receiving intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG), and in that, although these patients have an impaired response to common vaccines, they retain the ability to produce autoantibodies. In this study, we review IgA antibodies (both IgG- and IgE-mediated reactions) in patients with CVID and hypogammaglobulinemia, anaphylaxis in antibody immunodeficient patients receiving IVIG, and proposed mechanisms of desensitization and prevention of anaphylactic reactions in immunodeficient patients receiving IVIG. We summarize and assess the 23 case reports documented in the literature that have described anaphylactic reactions in immunodeficient patients receiving IVIG since 1962 until currently, and make a comparison of their immunoglobulin levels, IgG anti-IgA, IgE anti-IgA, concentration of IVIG, IgA content in IVIG, method used to detect antibodies, length of treatment, and any subsequent tolerated treatment documented.
Application of a Coupled Digital Image Correlation and Discrete Element Method Approach to Model Low Temperature Asphalt Concrete Fracture

The transportation industry has become increasingly focused on thermal cracking in asphalt concrete. As such, fracture tests such as a single-edge notched beam test have become the norm. The most important output from this type of test is the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) based fracture energy, but it only takes into account the applied load and displacement at a discrete location on the test specimen. Full field displacement evaluation such as digital image correlation (DIC) and advanced material models used in discrete element modeling (DEM) provide further avenues to characterize the complex fracture process associated with asphalt mixtures. An ongoing research study couples DEM with DIC displacement fields to study the Mode I response of asphalt concrete in the beam fracture test. Previous research studies defined local properties to match the global load-CMOD behavior using elastic contact bonds. However, improved property calibration is possible through the optimized use of DIC displacement fields and viscoelastic DEM traction-separation laws. Research findings in the proposed work demonstrate the applicability of the DIC-DEM optimization scheme.
CLEAVAGE AND AGENCY

It's a complicated war. William Finnegan, A Complicated War Neither side necessarily acted on principle. It was the old case of tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee – naked rivalry for the spoils of local office. Between factions in some municipalities, a long enmity had existed. It was only to be expected that if the faction in office found itself ranged on the side of collaboration, the faction out of office would loudly condemn its adversary and proclaim its devotion to resistance. Elmer Lear, The Japanese Occupation of the Philippines, Leyte, 1941–1945 Up to this point, my focus has been on how armed actors use violence as an instrument of coercion. Although violence aims primarily to deter defection, it also serves additional goals and generates several externalities. In this chapter, I explore an additional dimension of violence: its role as a resource for mobilization at the local level. Examining how actors at the center are linked with action on the ground, and how cleavages as elocuted in national-level discourse are connected with local conflicts that often have little in common with them, brings up some important implications for our general understanding of civil wars. I begin with an oft-noted but poorly understood puzzle: conflicts and violence “on the ground” often seem more related to local issues rather than the “master cleavage” that drives the civil war at the national level. This is the case despite the fact that local cleavages are usually framed in the discursive terminology of the master cleavage.
Polybios von Megalopolis

Im Jahre 169 v. Chr. Hipparchos (d. h. zweithochster Amtstrager) des Achaischen Bundes; 168 v. Chr. nach der Schlacht von Pydna Deportation nach Rom (bis 150); Lehrer des jungeren Scipio Africanus und Augenzeuge der Zerstorung Karthagos 146 v. Chr.; nach 146 Tatigkeit zur Erleichterung der Lage der Griechen unter romischer Herrschaft.
Inferring Intent for Novice Human-in-the-Loop Iterative Learning Control

This paper studies human-in-the-loop iterative learning control for output-trajectory tracking of linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. Note that knowledge of the intended output is necessary to ascertain the tracking error and find the corrective input needed to reduce the error at each iteration step. In human-in-the-loop systems, the controller does not have direct access to the intended output, and therefore, the tracking error needs to be inferred from human actions. A challenge, however, in inferring the intent and the tracking error is that the human-response dynamics affects the relation between the tracking error (known to the human) and the resulting human action. The main contribution of this paper is to infer the tracking error by inverting a model of the human response and using it for iteratively controlling general LTI systems. This is enabled by modifying the controlled-system dynamics perceived by the human to be of a form for which the human-response model is known. An advantage of the proposed approach is that output tracking is achieved in spite of (potentially) imperfect corrective actions of the novice human user. Results of human-in-the-loop tracking experiments with nine human subjects show that the proposed approach can estimate the human intent (to within 97% accuracy). Moreover, the iterative approach substantially reduces the tracking error (about 93%) when compared with the tracking error achieved by the human alone.
A gene network regulated by the transcription factor VGLL3 as a promoter of sex-biased autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases affect 7.5% of the US population, and they are among the leading causes of death and disability. A notable feature of many autoimmune diseases is their greater prevalence in females than in males, but the underlying mechanisms of this have remained unclear. Through the use of high-resolution global transcriptome analyses, we demonstrated a female-biased molecular signature associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease and linked this to extensive sex-dependent co-expression networks. This signature was independent of biological age and sex-hormone regulation and was regulated by the transcription factor VGLL3, which also had a strong female-biased expression. On a genome-wide level, VGLL3-regulated genes had a strong association with multiple autoimmune diseases, including lupus, scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome, and had a prominent transcriptomic overlap with inflammatory processes in cutaneous lupus. These results identified a VGLL3-regulated network as a previously unknown inflammatory pathway that promotes female-biased autoimmunity. They demonstrate the importance of studying immunological processes in females and males separately and suggest new avenues for therapeutic development.
Rapid identification of a new gene influencing low amylose content in rice landraces (Oryza sativa L.) using genome-wide association study with specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing.

Starch is the major component of milled rice, and amylose content (AC) affects eating quality. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) data was performed for AC on a core collection of 419 rice landraces. Using the compressed mixed linear method based on the Q+K model, we identified a new gene, LAC6 (Chr6: 5.65–6.04 Mb), associated with AC in the low amylose content panel. The LAC6 candidate gene was detected by qRT-PCR in rice panicles. Results indicate that LOC_Os06g11130 was up-regulated, and LOC_Os06g11340 was significantly down-regulated, making it most likely a key candidate gene of LAC6. In conclusion, the findings provide a certain theoretiacal basis of molecular biology for genetic improvement of AC in rice and rice quality variety breeding.
Targeting Unconscionable Prescription-Drug Prices — Maryland’s Anti–Price-Gouging Law

A new state law authorizes Maryland’s attorney general to prosecute firms that engage in price increases in noncompetitive off-patent–drug markets that are dramatic enough to “shock the conscience” of any reasonable consumer.
Identifying discordance between senior physicians and trainees on the root cause of ED revisits

Objective Analysis of 72-hour ED revisits is a common emergency medicine quality assurance (QA) practice. Our aim was to compare the perceived root cause for 72-hour ED revisits between senior physicians (attendings) and trainees. We proposed that discordance in perception of why the revisit occurred would guide improvements in 72-hour revisits QA and elucidate innovative educational opportunities. Methods Questionnaire-based observational study conducted in an urban academic paediatric ED. Treating attendings and trainees independently completed questionnaires on revisit cases. The primary outcome was the revisit’s perceived root cause, dichotomised into ‘potential medical deficiency’ or ‘not potential medical deficiency’. Discordance between provider pairs was measured, stratified by revisit disposition. Results During the study period, 31 630 patients were treated in the ED, 559 returned within 72 hours and 218 met inclusion criteria for paired analysis. The proportion of cases assigned ‘potential medical deficiency’ by the attending and trainee was 13% and 9%, respectively. Discordance in the dichotomised root cause between attendings and trainees was 17% (38/218, 95% CI 12% to 22%). Revisit cases requiring admission revealed attending-trainee discordance of 25% (23/92, 95% CI 16% to 34%). Conclusions Attendings and trainees frequently disagree on whether a potential medical deficiency was the root cause for an ED revisit, with more disagreement noted for cases requiring admission. These findings support the premise that there may be opportunities to improve 72-hour revisits QA systems through trainee integration. Finally, reuniting attending-trainee pairs around revisit cases may be a novel educational opportunity.
Dermoid Cyst of the Prepontine Cistern and Meckel's Cave: Illustrative Case and Systematic Review

Objective Dermoid cysts are benign, congenital malformations that account for ∼0.5% of intracranial neoplasms. The authors describe a 42-year-old female with a prepontine dermoid cyst who underwent apparent gross total resection (GTR) but experienced cyst recurrence. To date, very few cases of prepontine dermoid cysts have been reported. The prevalent region where these cysts are located can be difficult to determine. In addition, the authors systematically review the literature to characterize the clinical presentation, anatomical distribution, and surgical outcomes of intracranial dermoid cysts. Design Systematic review. Setting/Participants PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Main Outcome Measures Extent of resection, symptom improvement, and recurrence rates. Results A total of 69 patients with intracranial dermoid cysts were identified. Three (4.3%) intracranial dermoid cysts were located in the prepontine cistern. The average age of patients was 33.3 years. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (52.2%) and visual disturbances (33.3%). Intracranial dermoid cysts were distributed similarly throughout the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae (29.0%, 36.2%, and 29.0%, respectively). GTR was achieved in 42.0% of cases. Thirty-four (49.3%) patients experienced symptom resolution. Recurrence rate was 5.8% at a mean follow-up of 2.1 years. Conclusions Intracranial dermoid cysts most often present as headaches and visual disturbances. Intracranial dermoid cysts were found in the anterior, middle, and posterior cranial fossae at similar frequencies but with clear predilections for the Sylvian fissure, sellar region, and cerebellar vermis. Outcomes following surgical excision of intracranial dermoid cysts are generally favorable despite moderate rates of GTR.
Dynamics of electrostatic inchworm motors for silicon microrobots

We present work on characterizing the speed of electrostatic actuators for applications in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based microrobotics. The actuators are based on electrostatic gap closers working in an inchworm motor configuration and fabricated in silicon. Measurements are taken using sidewall contacts on the gap stops of our devices. We have shown that our electrostatic gap closers can operate over a full cycle within 57μs, corresponding to an operational frequency of 17.5kHz. Using similar electrical sidewall contact measurements in the motors, we can measure the speed of the motor shuttles. By operating the gap closing actuators at 8kHz the inchworm motor shuttle can approach speeds over 30mm/s, over 6 times what has been previously reported using optical measurements.
The Effects of Avatars' Age on Older Adults' Self-Disclosure and Trust

Abstract Older adults are increasingly interacting with other people online via virtual avatars, yet little is known about how avatars affect older adults' behavior. This study examines how interac...
TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL CONSIDERATIONS IN MEASURING ESTUARINE WATER FLUXES

North Inlet, South Carolina, a tidal estuary with little fresh water input, is the site for a multi-year ecological field study of seasonal water and material fluxes between the coastal ocean and the estuary/salt marsh system. Large tidal currents and small residual fluxes make it difficult to determine budgets with confidence. In addition to large temporal flux variations, estuarine cross-sections exhibit systematic lateral residual current reversals, a surprising find in an estuary classified as well mixed. These tidally-driven circulation features introduce large spatial variations which must be accounted for in field sampling programs. An experiment was undertaken to select an optimum sampling density and rate for discharge measurements in a 320 m wide estuarine cross-section. We found that simultaneous velocity measurements at meter intervals from surface to bottom, at three locations across the section, every 1.5 lunar hours, for at least one tidal cycle, was acceptable. Also, simultaneous discharge measurements, at two cross-sections along the same channel, yielded residual fluxes that could not be separated statistically. This lends more credence to the technique of calculating material fluxes from simultaneous, cross-sectional velocity and concentration measurements.
End-of-life inventory control of aircraft spare parts under performance based logistics

Abstract We consider an inventory control problem of aircraft spare parts during the end-of-life (EOL) phase of fleet operations. For these spare parts, demand rates vary with the diminishing number of operational aircraft, as the aircraft retire out of service. As aircraft approach to the EOL phase, managing the spare parts supply chain becomes more challenging and costly. Before entering the EOL period, the aircraft manufacturer typically requires its customers to place final purchase orders for spare parts for the remaining lifetime of the aircraft. For this problem, we present an algorithm that computes the optimal final order size of components under a budget constraint. By modeling the remaining part inventory as a continuous-time Markov chain, we develop analytical solutions using differential equations for single and two-item cases. After observing numerical difficulty for the multi-item case, we employ a simulation-optimization with a gradient search method. The algorithm finds the spares requirement of aircraft components during the EOL period with aircraft availability which serves as a useful performance metric during the spare part supply chain management under a performance-based logistics (PBL) environment.
Group Identification in Crowded Environments Using Proximity Sensing

Children and elderly separating from their family members is a common phenomenon, especially in crowded environments. In order to avoid this problem, places like Disney World and pilgrimage officials have developed systems like wearable tags to determine groups or families. These tags require information about families to be entered manually, either by the users or the facility organizers. The information, if correct, can then be used to help identify and locate a lost person’s group. Manually entering information is inefficient, and usually leads to either long waiting times during entry, or partial information entry within the tags. In this paper, we propose a system that uses proximity sensing to determine groups and families without any input or interaction with the user. In our system, each user is given a wearable device that keeps track of it’s neighbors using bluetooth transmissions. The system then uses this proximity data to predict cliques that represent family members.
Negotiating on Our Terms: Harnessing the Collective Power of the Consortium to Transform the Journal Subscription Model

Libraries have been dealing with chronic, unsustainable journal pricing for many years. In response to this issue, the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), the academic library consortium of Virgini...
Procedure for calculating hull girder ultimate strength of ship structures

Hull girder ultimate strength is one of the most important aspects for the strength assessment of ship structures. The fundamental aspects in the structural assessment of hull girder strength are the buckling and ultimate strength behaviors of the plate panels, stiffened panels and the hull girder. In this paper, the focus is to describe a procedure for calculating the ultimate strength of ship structures, considering failure modes of plating, stiffened panels and the hull girder. The nonlinear stress-stain relationship is illustrated, with sensitivities of load-end shortening curve studied. Case studies, compared with real damage data and other methods, are presented as verification to the proposed procedure.